Thank you, Mandi, for having me back at Smexy books today to chat about my new release from Berkley Heat, Captive. I’m very happy to be here!
I write hot historical romances set during the first century AD, with sexy warrior heroes and magical Druid heroines.
In the world of Forbidden, my Druids worship the goddess culture and magic is interwoven into their everyday lives. But with the invasion of the Romans their entire way of life is in danger of vanishing forever.
Trained in sensuality, a Druid priestess finds herself falling for the wrong man—the warrior who’s taken her prisoner…
When I started writing Captive, my second ancient historical romance set in my Roman/Druid world the heroine, Morwyn, is not only recovering from the realization that the man she once loved brutally betrayed his own people, but has also turned her back on her Druidic heritage. She needed her own happy ending and I couldn’t wait to find out how her relationship with her lover from Forbidden progressed.
And that’s when I hit a brick wall. No matter which way I looked at it, the story just wouldn’t work. And it was then I realized—Morwyn hadn’t yet met her hero.
I was a bit shocked, mainly because I had a soft spot for Gawain, Morwyn’s lover in Forbidden. He was a hot, sexy warrior—but it just wasn’t clicking. I was even more shocked by the time I finished writing the first couple of pages of Captive and discovered Gawain’s fate—how could I treat my characters so badly?! But six months had gone by between Forbidden and Captive and events had, quite clearly, progressed without me!
And then Bren appeared. Tough, emotionally crippled and completely unprepared for a woman like Morwyn in his life, he’s existed in a shadowy world for the last three years. He’s all but forgotten what it’s like to smile, never mind laugh, and although keeping Morwyn screws with all his plans he can’t leave her behind.
Bren is the most tortured hero I’ve written so far, and his wounded soul haunted me. Because of events in his past he’s not only taken on the identity of a man he utterly despises, but has constructed a tough shell around his heart. To the outside world he’s a cold bastard and it’s only when Morwyn enters his life that his façade begins to crack.
My heart melted. Here was her hero. The last man she should find attractive, let alone intriguing, and yet she can’t help herself. She believes him to be her bitterest enemy and yet his ingrained sense of honor claims her reluctant respect. And, before long, claims a great deal more…
She is a prisoner of her sworn enemy – and her own desire…
Having lost her faith when Roman invaders destroyed life as she knew it, Morwyn took a vow of celibacy to spite her goddess. But before she can join up with the rebels, she’s captured by a Gaul mercenary whose animal charms and chiseled body will test her conviction… and make it harder to kill him.
Bren, pledged to the true Briton king, has spent three years undercover in the Roman Legion. So when his own unit attacks and brutalizes a fiery Celtic beauty, he saves her the only way he can – by claiming her as his prisoner. But unlike his men, Bren would never take the woman by force, no matter how obviously she burns for his touch.
As they near Roman headquarters, Morwyn resolves to honor her vow of celibacy – but if the Gaul were to ravage her, could she be blamed for enjoying his body? With just a hint of seduction, sooner or later the Gaul will succumb to his exquisite captive…
Read Chapter One of Captive (Over 18s only, please!)
Forbidden
He was a master of seduction – but no match for the magical allure of the woman he wanted most…
Read Chapter One of Forbidden (Over 18s only, please!)
I’d love to give away a copy of either Forbidden or Captive to one lucky commenter – contest open worldwide wherever The Book Depository delivers. Just leave a comment or let me know if you could travel back in time which era would you choose, and who would you take with you as your fantasy date?
Thanks Christina! Contest open through February 26.
Ohhhh I heard so many good things about these books. Even though I have to admit in highschool history lectures I always was on teh Greek side. *wink*
If I could go back in time I would grab Ewan McGregor (cuz everyone needs a Jedi Master) and enjoy some R&R in Athen around 350 BC. And please can we take modern plumbing with us?
Both books sound exciting! I would go back to Roman times when the Empire was in flux. Lots of action and excitement. I've been crushing on Karl Urban lately so I would have to take him along. ;)
StacieDM
user1123 AT comcast DOT net
Both books sound ah-mah-zing!!!
If I could go back in time I would choose my husband and we would go back to the 80's so my big ole hair would be in style again.
I would go back in time to steal Mr. Darcy away from Elizabeth! Haha ;-)
justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I would want to travel back to regency England. I would take Ian Sommerhalder as my date. :)
I would travel back to the American West, circa 1860-1890. Would take john Wayne as my date.
kisinoak at frontier dot com
Congrats on the new release, Christina. I wouldn't mind traveling back to ancient Rome and have Andy Whitfield as my fantasy date. I loved his portrayal as Spartacus and know he can keep us safe.
janie1215 AT excite DOT com
Thanks, SusiSunshine! I'd love to visit ancient Athens and love the thought of taking back a Jedi Master! Haha, I would definitely want to take some modern plumbing back with me too!!
Thanks, StacieDM! I think Karl Urban would be perfect back in Roman times, can just imagine him in the Roman regalia!!
Hi otobe5ft2, thank you! I must admit I'd probably choose my husband to go back in time with! Oh love the 80s, that's my era :-)
Hi Chelsea! Haha, Mr Darcy is gorgeous, especially Colin Firth as he walks out of that lake *swoon* !!
Hi Crystal! Ian Sommerhalder would make a fabulous Regency rake – he smolders so well I think!!
Hi Estella, I can't think of anyone better than John Wayne as a date in the American West!!
Thanks for the congrats, Jane! Ooh Andy Whitfield would be the perfect fantasy date in ancient Rome – would definitely feel safe with him!!
I think I would like to go to Folsom Prison to see Johnny Cash and make him my date.
Hi cook under the influence, great choice! Love his voice :-)
I would like to travel back to the mid to late 1800's American West. Not so much of a fantasy, but I would take my husband. That way I know I would be taken care of. He is one man who knows how to use his hands!
I've read FORBIDDEN, it was most excellent! Would love to put CAPTIVE on my bookshelf next!
Hi Artemis, thank you!! I'm so glad you enjoyed Forbidden :-) I must admit, despite my many fantasy lovers my husband is still always my #1 choice!!
Hello Christina, I've heard a lot of good things about your books! I love the cover of Captive.
I don't have a specific time era I would go back to, I would be open to all but preferably after they invented soap (LOL)! I'd have a tough time deciding who to take with me…
Thank you for the contest!
both these books sound so good…
I would want to go back to the high middle ages and my date would of course be Damon(Ian Sommerhalder) from vampire diaries.
bookflamereviews@gmail.com
I would go back to Roman times and see just what was going on in all those parties ;-)
smaccall @ comcast.net
Congrats on the new releases christina! I've heard great things about Forbidden, Captive sounds interesting too. I love historical romance with a touch of magic :)
regency England, and my fantasy date would be Kevin Durand.
Van
Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks so much, Lizzielvr! And LOL on the soap – I definitely agree, I do love my home comforts!!
Hi Book Flame, thank you! I reckon Ian Sommerhalder would make a gorgeous knight!!
Hi Sarah, haha yes, I'd love to see what went on at the parties, they sounded pretty racy!!
Thanks for the congrats, van_pham! I enjoyed weaving strands of magic into my books :-)Kevin Durand would make the perfect Regency date!!
He is handsome, huh? haha I remember seeing him in Legion as the angel Gabriel and I was like WHO IS THAT GUY!!! I just ordered Forbidden! :D
I'd go back to the 1800's sometime, and I'd have to find me a good strong man to take with me! Times were hard back then!
meredithfl at gmail dot com
Hey, thanks, van_pham! Hope you enjoy reading it!!
I haven't seen Legion yet – for a second I got confused with the movie Gabriel (which I have seen) :-) Fallen angels, yum!!!
Hi Meredith! I love the sound of a good strong man :-)
I lovveeeed Forbidden ad would love to read Captive. Keep up the good work Christina. I have read all your books so far except Captive and I truly enjoy your work.
jbax90@gmail.com
Hi J, thank you so much for letting me know! I'm so glad you enjoyed Forbidden!!