Saturday, January 18, 2014

Tour Kick Off - Meet and Greet - The Lion's Embrace


Historical Romance
Date Published: 2/2013

Algiers, 1845
Arrogant, selfish and dangerous, Lucas Saintclair is everything Harriet Montague dislikes in a man. He is also the best guide in the whole of the Barbary States, the only man who can rescue her archaeologist father from the gang of Tuareg fighters that has kidnapped him. As Harriet embarks on a perilous journey across Algeria with Saintclair and Archibald Drake, her father’s most trusted friend, she discovers a bewitching but brutal land where nothing is what it seems. Who are these men intent on stealing her father’s ransom? What was her father hoping to find in Tuareg queen Tin Hinan’s tomb? Is Lucas Saintclair really as callous as he claims—or is he a man haunted by a past he cannot forgive? Dangerous passions engulf Harriet’s heart in the heat of the Sahara. Secrets of lost treasures, rebel fighters, and a sinister criminal brotherhood threaten her life and the life of the man she loves.
Does forever lie in the lion’s embrace?

#1 – Do You See Writing as a Career?

Writing full-time would be my dream career! I would like nothing better than spend all my time researching, plotting novels and 'talking' to my characters.

For now, however, because of work and family commitments writing has to wait until late in the evenings or the weekends, and I do find it very frustrating, especially when ideas, characters and words just seem to want to burst out of my mind and onto the page, or when, like right now, I have a lot of editing to do.

Maybe one day I will turn my passion into a career...

#2 – What was the Hardest Part of Your Writing Process?

There was nothing hard about the writing 'The Lion's Embrace'. In fact the whole process was a pleasure and I loved every minute of it, from the initial plotting of the novel, to the research into the historical and geographical background and the final edits.

The story takes place in Algeria in the 1840s. My hero Lucas Saintclair takes the heroin Harriet Montague across the country to the land of the Tuaregs in the Sahara to rescue her archaeologist father, who was abducted as he followed the trail leading to the tomb of a legendary queen.

During the six months it took me to complete the novel, I often felt that I was traveling with Lucas and Harriet, and encountering with them the striking landscapes, ancient legends and customs of that beautiful country.
 

#3 – Did you have any One Person Who Helped You Out with Your Writing Outside of Your Family?

I am very luck to have two special persons - two girlfriends of mine - who always the first to read my stories before I submit them. Their kindness and encouragements mean a lot to me.  

#4 – What is next for your writing?

I am in the process of completing two novels - a contemporary romantic suspense set in Provence, in the South of France, and a historical romance which is the third novel featuring a member of the Saintclair family and takes place in the far North of Scotland. My next projects are historical romances - one set in Corsica, and the others in France.
#5 – Do you have an addiction to reading as well as writing? If so, what are you currently reading?

I love reading! From historical fiction to romance, from thrillers to travel books and biographies, I am interested in many authors and genres and usually have several books on the go at the same time.

I am currently reading 'Dark Witch' by Nora Roberts, one of my favorite authors ever, a biography of Catherine de Medici and a travel guide about Corsica where my next historical romance is set.

DESCRIBE Your Book in 1 Tweet:

Arrogant & dangerous, Lucas Saintclair is the best guide in the Barbary States & the man Harriet Montague needs. Together they uncover lost treasures, deadly secrets & dangerous passions in the heat of the Sahara.

This or That?

#1 - iPd or Mp3?
Neither. I only have a cd player.

#2 – Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate.

#3 – Mashed Potatoes or French Fries?
French Fries, not surprising really since I am French!

#4 – Comedy or Drama?
Comedy, definitely!

#5 – Danielle Steel or Nicholas Sparks?
To the risk of sounding very odd, I must confess I haven't read anything by either of them.

#6 – Fantasy or Reality?
Reality. Nothing is better than seeing my children smile or hearing them laugh.

#7 – Call or Text?
Call. I hate texts.

#8 – Public School or Home School?
Home School.

#9 – Coffee or Hot Chocolate
Coffee, black, and lots of it.

#10 – eBook or Paperback?

Both are great, but I tend to read more eBooks these days.

Marie Laval

January 19 - Extraordinary Reads - Review
January 20 - Punya Reviews - Excerpt
January 21 -Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews - Excerpt
January 22 - A Life Through Books - Interview
January 23 - Mythical Books - Interview 
January 24 - Indie Authors You Want to Read - Excerpt
January 25 - Texas Book Nook - Guest Post
January 26 - Pure Jonel - Interview
January 26 - Desert Rose Reviews - Interview
January 27 - Shooting Stars Reviews - Excerpt
January 28 - XOXO Book Blog - Review
January 29 - Pieces of Whimsy - Guest Post
January 29 - Book Nerd - Review
January 30 - Queen of All She Reads - Excerpt
January 31 -RABT Reviews - Wrap Up

7 comments:

  1. I am delighted to be on tour with Reading Addiction and I hope you'll enjoy reading the interviews, the excerpts of The Lion's Embrace and the guest posts. I really look forward to reading your comments.

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  2. Hi Marie, As you know I've read the whole of The Lion's Embrace and recommended it in a five star review. I'm pleased to see you're going to be setting one in Corsica as I've never been there and it has a romantic aura. Good luck with it all. Anne stenhouse

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  3. Thank you so much for visiting Anne and for your great review of The Lion's Embrace. Yes, Corsica is next...I already have the title, the characters and the plot outline. Now I need time to write the story! I loved your Bella's Betrothal. Your review is next!

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  4. Marie, I enjoyed reading this interview. It seems we share a love of research and adventures in far off times and places. And I agree about talking to your characters - it's our 'other family' isn't it and spending time with them is like going on holiday. It will be great to have a story set in Corsica - such a wild and beautiful country that I visited 'en stop' many years ago. Good luck with your writing projects - you definitely have enough of them to occupy you as a full time writer.

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  5. Thank you so much for visiting and for your comment Beth. Yes, there aren't enough hours in the day, and night! I am looking forward to my 'Corsican adventure'. I just need time to write it now! It's another place I've never been too but it has always appealed to me. It looks wild and beautiful. Thanks again.

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  6. I loved The Lion's Embrace, Marie. I look forward to reading more about the Saintclair family - and in the wonderful Scottish setting! Best wishes for your tour!

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  7. Thank you very much for your comment Helena (and for retweeting my tweet!). As soon as I finish my Provence novel, I will get down to finishing the Scottish one (almost there), then it's off to Corsica. At least, that's the plan!

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