Good morning, my friends. *Headdesk* I've been so busy this week, do forgive me. I forgot to tell you all I have an author guest on my main blog: author Brynna Curry, author of Paranormal romance and romantic suspense, is my guest.
Please welcome
Brynna Curry. Author of sweet and steamy romances, she is a full-time mom and wife, a southern girl, ;) a contest judge occasionally, a part-time reviewer for the You Gotta Read Reviews site, review editor for Apollo’s Lyre, and the creator of the Elemental Magic series. She’s taken time out of her very busy schedule to chat with us this week.
Thanks for being here, Brynna, why don’t you start by telling my readers a little about yourself?
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| Brynna Curry |
Brynna Curry: I was born in Russellville, Alabama, but we moved around all over the south. Always the new kid, I was smart, but very shy and didn’t make friends easily. We finally landed in Haleyville, Alabama, after my parents divorced, where I graduated high school. I married my high school sweetheart Jackie and we settled in the rural area of Haleyville near Bear Creek (where he was from) with our son and two daughters.
I write paranormal romance and romantic suspense and the dense forests and rolling countryside make a great back drop for my work. It’s a quiet life here. Always very green in the summer with all the trees on the property and this time of year changing leaves are something not to be missed. It also means all sorts of critters and snakes to deal with too. Deer, bobcats, raccoons and possum are a regular sight around here.
What can you share about your
Elemental Magic series with our readers who may not be familiar with it?
Brynna: Elemental Magic follows the Corrigans, a family of Irish hereditary witches who unknowingly are the key to unlocking an ancient curse.
What inspired the series?
Brynna: I had a weird dream the night before I started writing Earth Enchanted. In that shadowy realm of sleep, I saw Briella Farrell, the healer who cast the spell in the beginning of Earth Enchanted. Sadly, this scene was cut in editing which made for a lot of confusion at first, but I was able to add bits and pieces throughout the other books until readers were finally able to discover what actually happened to make Arianne do the things she did. That dream inspired three of the books in the series. To Take up the Sword and Fire’s Ice were fan inspired.
Fan inspired? How awesome! :) Now that
Fire’s Ice is out, what can curious fans expect from you next?
Brynna: Fire marks the end of Elemental Magic but not my time with those characters. I have three series planned and in progress. The Shadows of Seven series will follow the Corrigan’s children, beginning with Allaina’s story. Highland Magic will follow Devin and Arianne’s (Fire’s Ice) children Vaughn, Cian, and Grayson. In order to keep the timeline consistent within the story world, HM will pick up after the last Shadow book. You can read more about these wips here. http://shadowsofsevenseries.blogspot.com/
A third unrelated series, Triple Star Ranch, makes my return to contemporary romantic suspense with Tempting Taylor. While Seven takes place all over the country and in the near future, Triple Star is set in Shady Creek, Alabama, a fictional town which mirrors the rural town where I live.
http://www.brynnacurry.com/p/triple-star-ranch-series.html
If you weren’t a writer, what career might you have pursued instead?
Brynna: I would want to be a federal agent or a police detective. Weird, huh?
It’s definitely a more action-packed career than writing, I’d think.
But it ties right into your Romantic suspense titles, I’ve no doubt. Do you have any advice for aspiring Romance authors?
Brynna: Read everything you can find in the genre you want to write. See what sells and not just in print. Starting out with e-books can be a great way to gain a fan base and network with others who love to write. Take your time with your manuscript and polish it to a shine. Find a good critique partner and always do your research. Have patience and a thick skin. Never stop trying to learn something new and always pay it forward. Be that person who reaches out to help others.
Good advice, and not just in writing. Thanks so much for spending your
time with us, Brynna. Is there anything else you’d like to share with
our readers before we go? Can you give us a taste of your work?
Sure
Fire’s Ice (Elemental Magic #5)
Brynna Curry
Author: Brynna Curry
Genre: Romance/Paranormal
ISBN: 9781616503956
Length: Novella
Word Count: 25,000
ePub Page Count: 83
Publication Date: June 18, 2012
Cover art by: Renee Rocco
Formats: pdf, epub, mobi, html
Series: Elemental Magic Book 5
Blurb:
Ultimate power, or endless love?
Born the son of a Scottish laird a thousand years ago, but now trapped by his cousin’s spell, Devin McLoch has seen countless battles and death. The erstwhile thief has turned away from darker pursuits to lead a life of peace, protecting those he loves and considers part of his clan.
However, there is one woman he can never forget, who must be given a chance to change, to accept her heart and his.
Arianne Farrell is just as dangerous and intoxicating as her power. Imprisoned in an ancient stone dance more than a thousand years ago, her only chance at freedom from the spell is through love—a love she denied. When Devin asks for her aid to save another from imminent death, she realizes there is more at stake than just her freedom or her heart.
WARNING: Two stubborn sexy wizards using magic with no bounds, scorching love
scenes, and happy ever after. Ever play with fire?
Excerpt #2 –
General audience
Arianne felt Devin’s power ripple on the wind, buffeting against hers as he crossed the threshold of the standing stones. He didn’t bother with the ceremony of asking permission to cross the circle. His eyes skimmed over her, heating her skin with just his gaze.
“You came.” Oh, how she wanted to run into his arms and cling to him. Why was he just standing there?
He frowned and crossed his arms over a wide muscled chest hidden in a black shirt. “I need your help, Ari.”
There was a sense of urgency in his step and desperation in his voice when he spoke. He hadn’t come for her. Nothing he could have said would have surprised her more. “I beg your pardon?”
“I don’t have time for games, Ari. I need your help.”
“The child is ill? Allaina told me.”
“What?”
“She visits me. I’ve been teaching her about healing herbs.”
“I see. That makes things easier. Do you know what a phoenix is?”
“I am looking at one. An extraordinarily powerful witch with fire magic. I may not be as skilled as my sister was, but I know a great many things Brie never took the time to learn about lore and truth in myth.”
“Raine Roarke is a phoenix. She’s three and her powers are emerging early. Allie and I can’t bind them any longer and she’s too young to control them on her own.”
“Allie said as much.” Her heart jerked hard in her chest. Her niece, Sorca, had been only half that age when she had last seen her. Regardless of the hate she felt for her sister, she hadn’t been able to scorn the child, and loved her dearly. “The fevers have started?”
“Yes.”
She saw the grief in his eyes, the ache he felt for the child and her parents. How could she turn him down? Perhaps the truth would be kinder than a lie that wouldn’t come true. “The child will die, then. What can I do that you cannot?”
“You can drain her excess magic. Link with her as you did to steal Briella’s powers.”
“I had reasons for what I did. And you would be the resident expert on the subject of thievery.” She bristled.
“I’m not trying to judge you. My past isn’t the issue here and neither is yours. Would it work?”
“I suppose, but it would be a temporary solution at best.”
“And more than anyone else can do to help her right now.”
“You are forgetting one vital truth. I cannot leave the circle. My sister’s beloved demon saw to that. I would have to go to the child. And even then, the link might not save her and could kill both of us.”
“Agree to help Raine and I will free you from your prison.”
“And then what? Send me back here after a taste of what I’ve lost?”
“No. That would be beyond cruel. I think you’d find Scotland much more pleasant.”
“Where in Scotland?”
“I want you to stay with me at Glen McLoch, Ari. I want you with me. There is a circle scorched in fire and blood surrounding the castle. As long as you are within that line, you’ll be free to do as you please if your actions don’t harm others.”
“So I’d merely exchange one prison for another, then.”
“Until another way is found.”
“I turned down your offer once.”
“I would give everything I have, do whatever in my power to save that child, Ari. Understand? Whatever you want, it is yours. Anything.”
“Dangerous words, lover.”
“I mean them. I don’t give my word lightly.”
“The Corrigans fear me because of the legend. They might turn you away if you show up with me on their doorstep. “She turned her back on him, crossed her arms to stave off a shiver. She was afraid. Afraid of how they would treat her. And how would she be able to give him up when it was time for her to return? There would be no happily-ever-afters for her.
Devin’s hands rested lightly on her bare shoulders. Rough, not smooth or pampered. “No one will harm you, Ari. I protect what is mine.”
Turning under his hands, Ari touched his cheek and looked deep into those tawny eyes. Searching them for the answer, she asked, “And am I yours, then?”
He smiled. “You’ve always been mine.”
Excerpt #1 – (Steamy)
Dark, rich chocolate colored
bedding echoed the tile framing the fireplace. Dainty furniture, curved
legs and soft cushions, yet the poster bed was large and sturdy. She’d
seen it before while she visited his dreams. Definitely Devin’s room.
And remembering didn’t help the ache snaking through her body.
Walking
into the en suite, the first thing to catch her eyes was the
floor-to-ceiling mirror covering one wall. Arianne studied her
reflection. Her long, dark curls were mussed and tangled around a pale
face. Her lips were pink and just a bit swollen from Devin’s kiss. The
only thing she wore was a long white shirt. Sniffing the collar, she
smelled the crisp, clean fragrance clinging to the material. His shirt,
not conjured. Devin didn’t wear cologne, but the scent of his soap
always stayed with her. He must have changed her clothes. What else had
she missed?
Because I love you. Men were ever a puzzle.
Still, hadn’t she known? The dreams they shared had changed over time,
slow and sweet instead of hot and fierce. A softness came over his face
each night she visited his sleep, the same one she had seen this
morning. Just that look was enough to have her quaking inside.
She
found a bottle of bubble bath on the side of the tub. Thanks to Devin’s
dreams and Allie’s influence, she had knowledge of modern conveniences
such as indoor plumbing. Turning the faucet on hot, Arianne poured two
capfuls under the stream and let the water run until the big round tub
filled. Reluctantly, she unfastened the shirt buttons and let the
material fall away to the floor. Slipping into the frothy bubbles, she
sighed and let the reality of her situation sink in.
I
am finally out of that wretched circle. True enough, but she was still
in a prison of sorts. One with running water, walls, food that didn’t
taste like air, and a sexy male witch bent on driving her to
frustration. Not so bad, all things considered.
Being
trapped in the stone dance didn’t mean she hadn’t noticed changes in the
world around her for a thousand years. She tipped her feet out of the
water, waved toward them, and turned her toenails a bright fiery red.
Allie brought her little things from the modern world. Mostly books
filled with sweet love stories; more than a few of them brought a blush
to her cheeks. What would Ryan think of his daughter’s taste in novels?
Better not to head down that road. Allie had dreams of being a writer
like her aunt and uncle. If what she liked to read was any indication,
she’d write hot. Very hot. Speaking of hot, a soft tapping sounded at
the door. Her maddening laird had returned.
“Okay in there?” His voice sounded hesitant. “Breakfast is ready.”
Time to ruffle the phoenix’s feathers a bit. “There is no need to be shy, Devin. You can come in.”
*****
The sound of splashing water rippled past his ears. Temptress.
Knowing Ari was just on the other side of the door,
naked and wet, willing to succumb to every fantasy he could imagine, was
a torment in itself. All he had to do was accept her sultry invitation
and toss aside his plan. But she deserved a sweet slide into love, not
the wild, mad rush of pleasure he craved. One palm rested on the door of
its own volition, ready to comply. Not yet. Now, if only his traitorous
body would listen to his heart. “That depends, sweetheart.”
“Oh?” she called out from the other side. “On what?”
Devin chuckled at the line, but he just couldn’t resist teasing her. “What are you wearing?”
She laughed. “Bubbles. Lots of bubbles. Share them with me.”
He
saw it so clearly. Ari’s creamy skin peeking through the frothy
bubbles. Open, welcoming. Need clawed under the skin, screamed at him.
Why the hell not? Feeling a quiver of desire vibrate through his body,
he called her bluff. “And what would you have me do with those bubbles?
Hmm, Ari?”
“Oh, I am sure you could think of something.
Something deliciously wicked. I have shared your dreams. I know your
fantasies, Devin.”
Oh, you have no idea. His mind made up, Devin opened the door.
She
lay in his huge garden tub, feet propped up on the rim, eyes closed,
waterfall of black hair piled on top of her head. A soft smile graced
her face. So she was enjoying their teasing banter. “Have you changed
your mind and decided to join me?”
“Maybe.” No reason
he couldn’t push them both to the edge. Pulling the t-shirt over his
head, Devin tossed it into the corner. He laid his cellphone on the
sink–out of danger–kneeled by the edge of the tub and dipped one hand
into cooling water, using his magic to heat it.
“Mmm. Nice.”
He
let his voice drop to a whisper as he leaned close to her ear. “I want
to slick my hands over every inch of your skin until you shiver from the
heat.” His fingers found the back of her knee in the water and trailed
higher along the inside of her thigh. “And then…”
A soft “Devin” slipped from her lips as Arianne’s eyes flew open. “And then…”
Link to free sample:
http://www.lyricalpress.com/samples/brynnacurry_firesice.html
Reviews:
http://yougottaread.com/review-fires-ice-by-brynna-curry/ 5 stars
http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=9454 4 Ravens
http://justeroticromancereviews.com/book-review.cfm?bookID=988436285&reviewID=8895&sNav=nav03-02 4 Stars/2Flames
Before you scamper away Brynna’s giving away some goodies. Either a copy of the ebook of
To Take Up the Sword or a signed book slat. :) So, please leave Brynna a question or comment, with your email address so we can contact you if you win. We’ll choose the winner
next Wednesday (Feb. 13th).
Where can our readers learn more about you, Brynna?
Brynna: Your readers can visit me at
www.brynnacurry.com.
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brynna-Curry/123687767669232
Twitter: @BrynnaCurry
http://twitter.com/#!/brynnacurry
You can find my novels at:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Brynna-Curry/e/B0043WRLUS
B&N.com:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/brynna-curry
Sony:
http://ebookstore.sony.com/author/brynna-curry_135783
Thank you for spending your time with us today, Brynna! Best of luck to you with all your series. :)
Brynna: Thanks for allowing me to be here today!
Folks, we hope you enjoyed this little Q and A. Until next time...Keep Reading!
