Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Interview & Giveaway with Love at Stake author Kerrelyn Sparks

I am very excited to have author Kerrelyn Sparks joining me today for an interview!

Kerrelyn SparksWelcome Kerreyln!
Thank you for inviting me!

You write a fantastic paranormal romance series about vampires and shifters called Love at Stake. For someone who isn’t familiar with the series how would you describe it to them?
Basically, they are romantic comedies, so they appeal to anyone who loves to laugh. The last thing I want to do is bore the readers, so you can expect some suspense and adventure, along with some sizzling hot romance. To see if the series is your cup of tea, please visit my website, www.kerrelynsparks.com where you can read excerpts from each book.

Was there anything specific that inspired the series?
You mean like bills to pay? LOL I’ve always loved the funny vampire movies (like the ones with George Hamilton and Leslie Nielson), but I also loved the sexy, mysterious vampire hero like Frank Langella. If I could just mix the two together, funny and sexy, it would be the perfect world for me. So I imagined a sexy, suave, mysterious vampire—Roman Draganesti—then I imagined the silliest thing that could happen to him. Losing his fangs? Or better yet, just one fang, so he would be in danger of being a lopsided eater for all eternity! And so, the first book in the series, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, was born.

Vampire Mine, the highly anticipated story featuring the Scottish vampire Connor, was released yesterday. Can you tell us a little bit about what we can expect in this installment?
Everyone who has been following the series knows that Connor has some serious issues. But no one knows why. For the first hundred pages or so while I was writing, I kept thinking “Sheesh, Connor, get a grip!” And he would respond, “Sod off.” He was a tough hero to crack, and I knew it would take a really special heroine to get past his rock-hard defenses to touch his heart. Marielle was perfect for him, and when he finally succumbed, he fell hard and fast.

Thing your heroine, Marielle, would never be caught dead saying:
Marielle, as an angel, is all about love and hope, so she would never say something like “Give up,” or “You’re not worthy of love.”

Each book in the series features one main couple, is there a character or couple that was harder to write then the others? If so who and why?
Not really harder, just different. I would say that Heather was probably the easiest heroine for me to write because she has so much in common with me. I’m a Texan and former high school teacher like her, and I was also a single divorced mom with a young child like her. You would think that a character like Vanda (in your face and angry) would be more difficult for me to write, but I really enjoyed all the yelling and throwing furniture. I guess there was a hidden spark of anger in me that enjoyed being set free. And there was a part of me that enjoyed being Caitlyn and traveling to exotic places and being loved by a were-panther. I’ve enjoyed being in the shoes (and beds) of all the heroines. And the heroes—I fall in love with all of them. I’m terribly fickle that way.


How do you come up with the right hero/heroine for your characters? Is there a process or do they just come to you while writing?
In some cases, like Phil and Vanda, I already have two characters made up, and their chemistry is already highly inflammable. But for the most part, I have a lonesome hero who needs a heroine, so I design one who will be perfect for him. I ask myself what does the hero want more than anything in the world? What does he really need? What is he the most afraid of? Then I ask the same questions about the heroine. Then I ask myself—what can the heroine give him that he needs desperately and no one else can give him? And vice versa, what can the hero give her that no one else can?

Do you have anything you are working on now that you can share with us?
I just finished revisions on book 11, titled Sexiest Vampire Alive. The hero is Gregori, and a heroine is currently top secret. The book will go on sale September 27th, 2011.

You’re running off to Gretna Green in Scotland, which of your vampires are you running off with?
LOL, I would probably pick Connor.

Quickies:
Night Owl or Early Bird? Night owl
Dog Ears or Bookmarks? bookmarks
Hot or Flirty? flirty
Vampire or Werewolf? Grr, that’s a tough one. Vampires.
Angels or Demons? Angels. Assuming the demon is truly demonic.
Coffee or Tea? Tea

Thank you, Kerrelyn, for taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by! Do you have any last comments or words for our readers?
Thank you for all the support! Please visit me on my website forum or on Facebook or follow me on Twitter! I love to hear from readers! And good luck on winning a signed copy of How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire!

_____________________________________
Giveaway Time!


Kerrelyn has graciously offered a signed copy of How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, the first novel in her Love at Stake series, to one lucky reader!

To enter, just answer this question: If you were running off to Gretna Green to get married to one of your favorite book boyfriends (or girlfriend), who would it be?

Open Internationally! Giveaway will end at 11:59 pm on April 13th. One winner will be chosen using random.org and contacted via email so please make sure to leave your email address with your comment. Winner will then have 48 hours to respond before a new one is chosen.
Good Luck!

60 comments:

  1. I would run away with Jace Wayland from the Mortal Instruments. I love his sense of humour.

    Clarissa Pereira
    claroxide@yahoo.co.in

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  2. i would run away with Vald hands down [sorry Bones] :]

    quimbayai@hotmail.com

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  3. Jean-Luc!
    danisherrie@gmail.com

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  4. Thats a tough it's be tween Robbie & Conner I'll go with Conner I do like a challege & I do my best under pressure LOL I fell in love with Love at Stakes from the first book I got 2 of my Daughters hook to we tend to like about the same sort of stories so we share books we've been waiting for this book so we can get our fix : )

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  5. Raphael! from Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh ^_^

    sawamura_foxman@yahoo.com

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  6. I would run away with Carlos <3
    He is just my ubber favourite at the moment >3<

    n.perschon@gmx.at

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  7. It's a tie between Eric Northman & Barrons. Both hot, sexy & dangerous!

    Jessica

    takingitonebookatatime@yahoo.com

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  8. I would run away with Connor. I guess I've read way too many Brontë books so I've got attracted to brooding man. Also (I haven't read Vampire Mine yet, so I'm not sure about what I'll say next) Connor seems to understand pretty well how painful love can be. I had wonderful boyfriends but even so. love can be too bloody painful, so I would want someone who wouldn't take that lightly. All that and the fact he's a total alpha male... who can resist that.

    Camila Caminha

    <camilacaminha@gmail.com

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  9. I would probably pick Angus, but I have to admit that I am a little scared that Emma will catch us!

    Love this series! Working hard on VAMPIRE MINE, so far loving it, not that that surprises me! LOL

    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  10. I think that I would run away with Zsadist from the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

    rootml1@hotmail.com

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  11. There are so many to choose from I think I'd run away with Roman, just really love the character he's also turned into such a family man.
    Jennifer321@att.net

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  12. Curran from Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. I love his alpha male attitude.

    I love this series and cannot until I can go to the bookstore to get Vampire Mine!

    smccar1 at hotmail dot com

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  13. That's a real difficult questions with because of so many great guys. I would have to say Mikhael Dubrinsky.

    I'm looking forward to reading Vampire Mine.

    rjofus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. Oh my... I have my faves from each series and I have to only choose one?

    Well, darn it... I'm going to run with Strider from Lords of the Underworld.

    darn that was a hard decision

    m.hoffard@mchsi.com

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  15. I think I'd choose Ian! He's such a cutie!
    I finished Vampire Mine this morning at 2:30 am! Loved it!
    Teresa
    teresadmartin@sbcglobal.net

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  16. Dimitri from Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. Yum!


    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

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  17. Great interview.I have not read this series yet.Thanks for the chance to win the first book.
    I'd run off with Bones. Yum :)
    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

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  18. <3<3 EDWARD <3<3


    kerrileah@sbcglobal.net

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  19. I already have the Kindle version of this so don't enter me. But I just had to answer...

    Bones. Oh what I would do to him... or let him do to me! Mmm... chapter 32... I'm just saying.

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  20. What a hard choice.

    I think my first choice would have to be Micah from the Anita Blake Series. I love that wereleopard!!

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  21. Jean-luc! Sorry Heather!!!! LOL!

    evjochum[AT]aol[DOT]com

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  22. I think I would go with Jessie from the Mediator Series by Meg Cabot

    katie_tp@yahoo(dot)com

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  23. I would run away with Edward Cullen from Twilight. I think he is so handsome. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read your books. They sound very good. Tore923@aol.com

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  24. I have this big crush on Illium from the guild hunter series so evidently it would have to be him.

    bookflamereviews@gmail.com

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  25. Oh, I think it would have to be Barrons from the Fever series for me... *shiver*

    Thank you for the chance to win this book. I've been meaning to read it!
    E-mail: mrsaubergine1@gmail.com

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  26. Caught in the middle between choosing Acheron from Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon and my man Connor from Ms Sparks Love at Stakes latest release - both are to die for and see Connor got his HEA with an Angel - ME *lol*

    Thanks Kerrelyn.

    ((hugs)) Rita from South Africa

    bitemeash(at)gmail(dot)com

    ps. hope this message gets through

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  27. I would definitely run away with Roman! (sorry Shanna)

    ldosch@aol.com

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  28. I would run away with Ian (sorry Toni) or maybe Eric Northman. I'd pick Bones, but he and Cat are so perfect together I'd hate to break them up!

    Just came home from work to find Vampire Mine waiting for me! Gonna start reading now...

    syltim@aol.com

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  29. My choice would be Nicholas Stafford from A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR by Jude Deveraux

    monagarg@yahoo.com

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  30. I really enjoyed this interview and it's great getting to know a bit more about this series! These books are now on my TBR for sure, so thanks for the chance to win the first book in the series!

    If I was running off to get married to one of my favorite book boyfriends, it would, without a doubt, be Bones! He is definitely my fave hero from my fave books! :)

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. I would run away with Rhage from the BDB!! We would drive in his GTO and listen to "Dreamweaver" all night long!! LOL!! I already own How to marry a millionaire vampire, one of my favorites btw, so please do not enter me!! Just stopping by to say Hi!

    :) Kristin

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  32. Great contest! Thanks for th chance to win.

    If I was running away with anyone it'd be Acheron from Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. All that leather, all that hot goth--yummy!
    Now i just have to hope his wife and Simi aren't gonna come after me.....

    rachybee101@live.com.au

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  33. I would want it to be Raphael from Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series.

    angeldream3[at]gmail[dot]com

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  34. Definitely Bones! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Sara M
    sara_UFblog [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  35. It's so hard to pick just one. Can I have a menage? No seriously, I don't think any of my boys would play well with others, so I guess a menage is out of the question. If I have to pick just one, I'm picking Roarke from the In Death series, because not only does he have the face of an angel, he's rich as Croesus and a computer geek to boot.

    jen at delux dot com

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  36. Non-human would Eric Northman, human would be Roarke cause he would accept all my faults.

    acm05atjuno.com

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  37. I would run away with Barrons ! But don't think he knows how to run away lol

    parker182@hotmail.fr

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  38. Mmmmm. I choose zadist or Jean claud from Anita Blake.

    Hollybwright at comcastdotnet

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  39. Ian from Jeanine Frost's series, Quinn from Kerri Arthur's Jensen series, Connor or Jean Luc from Kerrelyn Sparks, and Lestat. Just because I still love him lol ;o)
    I loved the new book Kerrelyn! Can't wait to see who is Gregori's one and only lady!
    ~kris
    kwisbear11@hotmail.com

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  40. From this series...since the contest is about the Love at Stake series I would pick Conner with a close 2nd Ian.

    From any other series Bones!

    Thanks! mmafsmith(at)gmail(dot)com

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  41. Mr Darcy *sigh* I'm old fashioned ;-) !

    danaan at gmx dot at

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  42. Hi, Kerrelyn! :-) I love your books!
    And I would have to pick Connor, to! :-)

    justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  43. Who would I love to marry? Acheron from the Dark Hunter series or Wraith from the Demonica series or Maddox from the Lords series- I could go on here LOL oh yea - Eric from Sookie series :).

    vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. Micah from Anita Blake!

    lisasworldofbooks@charter.net

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  45. Wow! what a tough question!
    Tough because I love every single one of them:D they totally amazed me in different ways:)) but if I were to choose, i would go with Ian MacPhie:D

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  46. I would choose R. Mead's character Dimitri Belikov from Vampire Academy. (Sorry, my dearest Eric :D)

    dayenleah at gmail dot com

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  47. I want to get married to Mike of The Guardian...

    the_joe_files AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Sooooo hard to choose. At the moment I'm thinking Jack from the Nadia Stafford series by Kelley Armstrong. Though I'd be so sad to take him from Nadia so maybe Dimitri from VA. Or Seth from the Succubus series by Richelle Mead. So many good choices. XD

    jessicamariesutton@msn.com

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  49. I was going to say Mr.Darcy, but since Birgit up there beat me to it, I'm saying Mr.Thornton from North and South...oh marry me John! *sigh*

    jen7waters AT gmail DOT com

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  50. It would have to be Mr. Darcy. He has been my book boyfriend, crush since I was a teenager.
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Can I say one of the Weasley Twins? Lol, they are just too cute :)

    Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com

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  52. Ohh I'd have to agree with Curran :)

    Great interview

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  53. Thats a tough choice. I'm torn between Alcide from the Sookie Stackhouse series and Konrad from The Werewolf Upstairs.

    Jen
    Lratrandom@gmail.com

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  54. torned between Jace Wayland and Ethan Wate :) I love them both! I really can't choose!

    email: fallendream03(at)gmail(d0t)com

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  55. That is a hard one but right now I would pick Bones ! Great giveaway thank you!
    tishajean@ charter.net

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  56. I would run away with Aragorn from LOTR

    mk261274 at gmail dot com

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  57. I would definitely run away with Clay Danvers from Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series (gotta love those Alpha males).

    spettolij AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Who do you ask such difficult questions!? haha.

    Well, my heart (and blood) belongs and will only belong to Lestat.

    I'd to marry him once a year... for eternity~ XD

    Gian Faye
    mynameisgianfaye *at* gmail *dot* com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Oh this is hard. I'd prob run away with Roarke from JD Robb series.

    queen_tui AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Seth from the Succubus series by Richelle Mead. He's so sweet, and creative and hot. XD

    jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

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