Please join me in giving a warm BLI welcome to Vivian Arend who has delighted readers with her numerous contemporary and paranormal erotic romance novels. Vivian’s most recent contemporary publication is Turn It Up, the second story in her Turner Twins series. Vivian also has written a new series of paranormal erotic short stories Pacific Passion, the first book Stormchild is now available in e-format, Stormy Seduction will be available April 12th, and Silent Storm, on May 17th from Samhain Publishing.

Lea: Welcome to Book Lovers Viv, it such a pleasure to chat with you today!

Thank you for inviting me to drop in!

Viv can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

Viv: I am a voracious reader, who has become an obsessive writer, and I’m currently traveling in a 24’ camper with my hubby and 15 yo daughter. We left our 17 yo son in Canada to start college. Such mean parents…

Hmm, that would be the main thing to tell you—we have traveled a lot over the years. From Alaska and the Yukon down to Mexico and places in Europe. And it’s been the roughing it kind of travel, ie hiking, backpacking, whitewater rafting. Makes great research for story settings now.

Describe a typical day of writing? Are you a planner or pantser?

Viv: Lol! See above note re: current living conditions. My typical means something different from day to day. I do keep an up to date chart so I know what’s next on the agenda, whether it’s revisions on a book, edits or writing something brand new. I’m currently planning about a year in advance, which means what I’m writing this month will be out in March 2012.

I started out as a pantser, but now that I have books planned farther ahead of time with my publisher, I’ve had to plot a bit more. I call my version ‘plotsing’…which means I know my destination but I’m always surprised at the route the characters take to get there.

What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real Book Lover?

Viv: I don’t think it’s simply the volume of books a person reads. Think of those piles of books you had to read for some classes in school—people read them because they had to. For me, a book lover is someone who takes a little bit of ‘something’ from every book. Maybe a lesson, a ‘no way will I ever be as stupid as that heroine…’ or even just an immense sense of satisfaction in having traveled somewhere through the pages of the book.

Book lovers immerse themselves in the experience.

What can we expect of your Pacific Passion series?

Viv: This is your visit to the Inside Passages of the Pacific Coast of Canada. Yes, it’s a mystical world, so there are some things I took poetic license with, but the experiences of kayaking, and sailing, of the voice of the ocean and the whispers of the wind—they’re here along with a story of destiny.

The People of the Sea (water shifters) and the People of the Air (all sorts of birds of prey) live in two very different settings but because of prophecy and fate, their worlds connect. And connect Matt and Laurin in ways they never imagined possible.

These elements have no desire to be tamed…

Pacific Passion, Book 1

As the new traveling doctor for the Pacific Inside Passage settlements, Matthew Jentry balances dual roles for his water-shifter people—caring for their health as a human-trained physician, and for their spiritual needs as a shaman.

Distractions of the female kind are not on his agenda, but his magical bloodline makes him a target for every marriage-minded woman within range. There’s something about the mysterious Laurin Marshall, though, that he finds far too enticing. It’s just as well that it’s time for him to move on.

Laurin thought she had perfected her guise as a mild-mannered teacher, but the sexual fireworks she and Matt touch off are threatening to blow her cover out of the water. Luckily it’s time for her to catch the boat to her next assignment.

When she discovers she’ll be sailing with Matt, she realizes there’s only one thing more dangerous than their unforgettable one-night stand—being trapped with him on a boat that gives “riding out the storm” a whole new meaning…

Warning: Contains strong sexual currents and powerful waves of desire that break down inhibitions. Recommended only for those able to navigate through extremely steamy situations, on land and at sea.

Excerpt

I’ve read Stormchild and enjoyed the first part of Matt and Laurin’s smoking hawt story very much. I liked the way you introduced these lovers who are shifters with unique talents and laid the foundation with respect to their heritage. You seem to enjoy writing paranormal romances involving shifters, any particular reason why you are drawn to pen stories about these paranormal beings?

Viv: Once you’ve had an experience in these settings—like sitting on the shores of a remote wilderness of a northern Yukon lake, or paddling the hidden bays of a tiny Pacific Island—the impossible becomes far more possible. Wolf shifters have to exist, the magical become more obviously part of our world. We might not see it clearly in our everyday cars/ televisions/ internet-filled days, but it’s very much there when you’re lost in the bush.

It’s also a great excuse for me to keep talking to my imaginary friends. 😉

Sensual water shifters meet volatile air shifters—there’s a storm coming.

Pacific Passion, Book 2

As morning-afters go, this one is looking pretty bright. Both air shifter Laurin Marshal and water shifter/shaman Matthew Jentry are aware, though, that trouble won’t be long in coming. And they’re right—before they’ve barely begun to work out the details of their mystical bond, the People of the Air find them to challenge Laurin’s right to choose Matt as her mate.

Fending off Laurin’s would-be suitors is easier than Matt anticipated, but there’s another dilemma still to face. His own people. Laurin is just beginning to trust that his heart and body are completely hers, a radical change after she’s spent the past two years alone and on the run. What will happen when his skittish, innocent partner encounters the playful, sensual—even lusty—ways of the Otter Clan?

Especially since they are arriving at the peak of the traditional summer solstice fertility rituals. And tradition demands they be the main attraction…

Warning: Incoming extreme passion yielding one otherworldly adventure. Don’t let the book length fool you—there’s enough heat in this story to challenge global warming. Four plus two equals one ceremony so explosive it may throw the earth off its axis.

Excerpt

I wanted to talk about your contemporary work as well. As mentioned, your most recent publication, the second in your Turner Twins series Turn It Up was released February 8th, and was in the top 10 of the Samhain bestseller list (congratulations). I really loved this story (the review is posted here at BLI), that has a friends to lovers theme, as well as being a May/September romance. Can you talk a little about Max and Natasha and their special story?

Viv: Max has been in love with Tasha forever, but she’s always turned him down, mainly because of the difference in their ages. Now that she’s given up on men altogether, but not on the idea of becoming a mom, she’s mortified to discover she spills the beans about her plans for artificial insemination to Max after her final drinking fling.

His response? He proposes.

I knew certain points that had to be in the book–Max’s age, that there was a baby involved—and that made writing their love story a little like solving a puzzle. And baby jokes? Example: dealing with pregnancy? Sorry, if you’ve never experienced it, you’ll miss a few of the little inside jokes but I couldn’t leave them out. That being said, I think Maxwell (nom nom nom) alone makes the story. I love him to pieces. 😉

I loved Max too. 😉

Turn It Up is actually a prequel to the first book in the series Turn It On, which is Max’s sister Maxine’s story. Many of us who read books published by Samhain enjoy the “Warnings” placed under the synopsis. The warning for “Turn It On” is:

“Realistic multiple orgasm sex scenes, men getting in touch with their emotions, brothers being—well—brothers, and a very tempting back porch swing…you have been warned.”

Okay, you’ve got my attention Viv, please tell us about Turn It On? lol

Viv: As you said, this book released first, and it all started from a single scene. I saw a couple laughing at each other, one at the top the other at the bottom of an elaborate staircase, when the phone rings and the heroine panics. I had to write the story to find out why!

Maxine is naïve in some ways, but rich in knowing what being a family means. Even as Ryan teaches her some interesting (and hot) lessons, she has a thing or two to teach him as well. Through both of these books The Turner family dances in and out like any good oversized clan—making life for the characters great and tough by turns.

Will there be more books in either of the series we’ve talked about today? What is next on your schedule? I noticed on your website you have a very busy year ahead. 🙂

Viv: Readers are teasing me to write another book in the Turner Twins series to answer their questions regarding one secondary character. I keep telling them it’s Turner TWINS, but they don’t seem to care if the duo of books becomes more—so maybe.

The main items on my schedule involve other series though—I do love writing ‘the next thing’. In this case, that means in July book 2 in the Xtreme Adventures will be out—remember that camping/wilderness experience I talked about? Rising, Freestyle (rock climbing) is the contemporary follow-up to Falling, Freestyle (skiing).

Then three newish series will be starting:

Bandicoot Cove (contemporary) is a red-hot anthology I wrote with my Aussie friends Lexxie Couper and Jess Dee. My contribution, Paradise Found, will be out in August along with a free-read jointly written by us all.

In September a new set of wolfies begin. Takhini Wolves is a series set in Whitehorse, and the first book, Black Gold, tells Shaun Stevens’ story, who readers will recognize from the Granite Lake Wolves.

And finally, in November, I’m very pleased to be re-releasing book 1 in the Six Pack Ranch series. Rocky Mountain Heat and Rocky Mountain Haven will be out in new expanded formats, followed by a brand new Rocky Mountain Hope.

So lots in both paranormal and contemporary to enjoy, all with Samhain Publishing.

Now can you tell us 3 reasons why people should read your books?

Viv: Oooh, I love this. Sure!

1. Guaranteed HEA. End readers—you never have to worry about the ending NOT being happy. Granted, there might be some twists along the way, but I write romance, and -I- want to be happy at the end. Which means you should be too.
2. I’m a wimp. 😛 This means that even if my stories touch on tough issues, and face it, life hands us some pretty stinky choices at times, I don’t write dark. There’re a lot of lighthearted moments, places to make you smile. I hope at the end of reading one of my books, you’re happy/more relaxed/entertained.
3. A chance to see new sights. Can’t go to the Yukon right now? Would you like to visit the Pacific Coast? I love the places I’ve visited/lived over the years, from small towns in Alberta to canoeing down the Yukon River. I try to let you see these places, even for a moment or two.
3.5 (Sneaking on more in… 😉 Shhh, I write them hot. ‘nough said.

Vivian thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us today, it’s been a pleasure!

Viv: It’s been great to visit. And I hope your readers will let me know what they think of Pacific Passion series, and Matt and Laurin’s route to their HEA.

In the meantime, a question for you. What is your favorite continuing series, ie…same heroine/hero in consecutive books? I need to read a few more. 😉

Where to find Vivian:

Website
Twitter
Facebook

~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Viv has generously offered three e-book copies of Stormchild to three lucky commenters!

*Please note this is an e-book giveaway, thank you!*

All you have to do is answer Viv’s question noted above.
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

This giveaway is open worldwide!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, April 9, 2011; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

About Lea

Lea is an animal loving, tree hugging vegetarian who lives in Toronto, Canada with her family, which includes three dogs. She is a prolific reader and has been blogging and reviewing since 2008. Lea is a contributor at the USA Today HEA Blog and an active member at Goodreads.

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