Thursday, May 24, 2012

Friday Fun: Meet Author Allison Merritt + Giveaway!


Please help me welcome the talented ALLISON MERRITT to the blog today! Allison writes wonderful, adventurous Historicals!! My favorite!
You can find Allison on FACEBOOK or on TWITTER
Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for an e-copy of THE TREASURE HUNTER'S LADY!
Thanks for being here today, Allison.
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Do you have critique partners?
I have a couple of very fantastic critique partners. They're both published. One went the self-publishing route and her vampire paranromal romances are so well-crafted, she puts me to shame. The other writes romantic suspense and her characters are to die for. Plus, I have awesome beta readers as well. I sure can't overlook them.
If you could time travel would you go forward or backward?
I'd go backward. I'd love to see the world during the Depression Era and around WWII. The people back then were so hard working and they didn't have the technology we have. It would be interesting to see how life was so simple in some ways and so difficult in others.
Favorite romance movie?
Overboard. I know the premise of the movie--Kurt Russell conning Goldie Hawn because she was such a cow to him is kind of creepy--but it's a great progressive romance. You have to admire Kurt for at least making a go of marriage when he starts to fall in love with her.
Do you believe in love at first sight or just lust at first sight?
I do believe in love at first sight. It seems like to me that there are some people you connect with instantly. I felt like that when I met my husband. Out of the guys I dated, he was the only one that I really wanted to get to know.
Tropical or European vacation?
Tropical. I went to Grand Cayman with my mom the year I graduated from college. We swam with the stingrays at Stingray City. It was amazing. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?
Not to worry! Chances are no one I know will end up in one, but certain elemnts might. I always say I'd hate to ruin a good novel by modeling a character after someone I don't like. But people watching is an important tool and it can sure lead to some good ideas for writing.
Blurb:
For years, Romy Farrington traveled at her world-famous archeologist father's side, exploring new lands and uncovering ancient secrets. It was everything she ever wanted, until a near-fatal encounter with hostile natives forced her and her father into a life of retirement in Boston and an undesired advance into proper society.

Everything changes again when she's saved from an accident by a brash Texan in a back alley. Abel Courte may act like a care-free cowboy, but he's harboring a secret—he's searching for the Diamond of Uktena, a legendary jewel that can cure any disease known to man. He needs information Romy's father has in order to get to the jewel. When he traces the origin of the Diamond to Dakota Territory, he sets off to claim the treasure, only to find the archeologist's fiery redheaded daughter stuck to him like a bug in sap.

In a race against time, Romy and Abel must learn to trust each other as they undertake a cross-country journey that will expose them to lands uncharted by white men, a deadly battle against the fearsome creature in possession of the Diamond and a fight to return to civilization where they might make the greatest discovery of all—love. 

EXCERPT:
Romy’s eyes locked on Abel's necklace. “What's that around your neck? A fossil of some sort?”
His hand flew to the pendant and stuffed it back down his collar. “Nothing.”
“As someone who's seen a lot of nothing, I can tell you without a doubt it's something. Full of secrets, aren't we, Abel?”
Blue eyes widened then narrowed, as she looked between him and the maps he'd lifted out of the drawer. Her coyness fell away like leaves in the fall. “You're a treasure hunter. You found out that Papa is going to search for the Diamond of Uktena, but you plan to steal it first.”
“Why would I want to steal a—” He gave up the pretense. “First of all, it isn't stealing if it isn't in anyone's possession. Second, I'm not a treasure hunter.”
“It is stealing if you're going to sell a priceless artifact to the highest bidder on the black market.”
Abel frowned. “I don't need a lecture from some little chit whose daddy is the biggest treasure hunter in the world.”
Romy poked a finger into his chest. “Take it back. He's an archeologist and an adventurer. When he finds valuables he turns them over to the proper authorities.”
He pushed her finger away. “I'll bet you a thousand dollars he's not going to do it this time.”
Her eyes narrowed into slits, half-hidden behind a thick fringe of lashes. “You're wrong.”
“It would be the biggest discovery of our time. Of any time. It's no mere gem, no ornament to put on a shelf.”
“I have some knowledge of the Diamond,” she defended.
The admission was too nonchalant. Had mere curiosity led her to follow him?
He patted the fang inside his shirt. “I doubt anyone could put a price on its worth, but there are those willing to try.”
She stared at him dubiously. “Because it's supposed to come from a mythical serpent?”
He debated telling her. It wouldn't benefit Romy to know what he was doing. After tonight it was unlikely he'd see her again.
“Ask your father. He might know more than I do. I have to leave now. I'd appreciate it if you kept our little rendezvous quiet.”
He snatched up the papers, flashed a grin and started for the door. The rustle of skirts alerted him that she was right behind him, but he didn't slow down. Not until a cold metal barrel pressed against the center of his neck.
“Stay where you are.”
Romy's voice was hard and all business. Abel raised his hands. She drew the gun back and came around to face him. The pistol was no little thing, not the type a dainty female would carry for protection. Romy was a woman of many facets, like the fabled Diamond.
“I can't give you the fang.”
“I have the feeling it's an intricate detail in your mission, Mr. Courte.”
He sighed. “I don't know for certain.”
“Tell me what you do know.”
“The fang is solid proof that Uktena exists.”
She frowned. “And who is Uktena exactly?”
“Uktena isn't your typical serpent. Rumor has it that this sparkly rock stuck in its forehead can bring power and riches to whoever wields it. Better still, the Diamond cures illnesses. Any disease you can think of.”

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13 comments:

  1. Jen, beautiful interview!
    Allison, SO COOL to see you here!! And I'm TOTALLY in love with the guy on your cover!

    This book looks awesome! I can't wait to read it!

    XO,
    C

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  2. I enjoyed the interview and excerpt. The book sounds intriguing.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  3. Hi Allison, I like Overboard too. I like how the Goldie Hawn character grows from being self-absorbed to putting others first. It's a great example of character growth. Great blurb and excerpt.

    Katherineg425@yahoo.com

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  4. Good interview but currently, the Facebook link to ALLISON MERRITT's page isn't working. Also, "paranormal" under Do you have critique partners? is misspelled as "paranromal." Sorry, just the copyeditor in me. It's a curse, unless I'm on the clock getting paid, then it's a blessing. Best wishes and happy Friday, Sydney

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  5. Hi Allison,

    I too am a fan of Overboard. I'm amazed by how people can change for the better when you upset the circumstances around them.

    Story with treasure hunting fascinate me and yours sounds like a good one. Congrats and all the best with your writing career.

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  6. Thanks ladies, glad you're liking the blurb. And the guy on the cover is such a hottie.

    Thanks for having me, Jennifer!

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  7. Allison~

    Great interview and I love the premise of your story. Lara Croft meets.....a really sexy cowboy. LOL Sorry, but the only movie I can think of right now with ubber sexy cowboy(s) is Brokeback Mountain. Somehow I don't think THAT premise applies to TREASURE HUNTER'S LADY.

    Congratulations on the release and best of luck with your sales!

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  8. Overboard--I forgot about that movie! I loved it! In fact, I would like to watch it again.

    No need to enter me in the giveaway--I own a copy of Treasure Hunter's Lady. It is an amazing book--the characters and the story are fantastic!

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  9. *Gulp* Visit the Depression Era? That'd be a tough one. Between wars and lack of . . . everything, how that generation survived speaks volumes about self-preservation. Instead, I'll join you for the tropical getaway, and bring a copy of Treasure Hunter's Lady with me. That way I can pepper you with questions on how you came up with your ideas! LOL Best wishes to you, Allison!

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  10. One of the things that comes to mind when I think about the Depression is the story my mom told me about how my great-grandma paid for her washing machine with her gold teeth. When I think gold teeth, I think Johnny Depp. I mean, who has gold teeth? Much less buying appliances with them?! I wonder if she pulled them herself? :D

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  11. Thanks for being here today, Allison!! :)

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  12. Great interview and excerpt! And I love the cover :-)

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  13. Very awesome blurb and excerpt. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

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