Thursday, July 21, 2011

Juliana Stone (Interview & Giveaway)

Juliana StoneToday I have the wonderful pleasure of welcoming rock star and author Juliana Stone to Reading Between the Wines for an interview! Juliana pens the wonderfully delicious Jaguar Warriors trilogy, which follows the lives of three jaguar shifter brothers and is full of danger and romance. His Darkest Hunger was published in March of 2010 and was the debut of the series, the second installment, His Darkest Embrace, was published that following October and her newest release, His Darkest Salvation, will be released July 26th, 2011. You can check out my reviews on each of these novels by clicking on the titles!

Hi, Juliana, thank you so much for joining us today!
Very happy to be here Crystal!  And I’ve got my glass of wine ready too!

Fantastic! Can you please start off with telling us a little something about yourself?
Well, I’m a Canadian and am lucky enough to be surrounded by a wonderful family, incredible friends and I have the most adorable golden retriever and a little devil cat!  I love music, writing, baseball and hockey!

For someone who was unfamiliar with your dark & sexy Jaguar Warriors, how would you describe the series to them?
I would say that the Castille brothers are complex alpha males who will do whatever it takes to get the job done.  The world I’ve created has all sorts of otherworld creatures which I love—I don’t focus solely on shifters—though my jaguars are at the heart of this three book story arc.  There is the end of the world and all that to deal with!

His Darkest Salvation Official CoverAt the end of His Darkest Embrace, Julian Castille and Declan O’Hara were thrown into Hell, leaving their fate unknown; which brings us to His Darkest Salvation. What can we look forward to seeing in your upcoming release?
His Darkest Salvation pretty much ties up most of the loose ends that began with His Darkest Hunger.  Julian and Declan are very much changed after being in Hell for six months.  They’re not puppies and rainbows (not that they ever were) but this book shows a huge transformation in regards to Julian.  Cormac is dealt with, a lot of characters from the previous books make appearances and while the trilogy wraps up, new questions arise.

At the start of the series Julian was a bit of an outsider; a business man, not sharing the marks of a warrior like his brother’s Jaxon and Jagger, and rebelling against his animal side. But as the series progressed Julian grew into a formidable opponent and someone his brothers valued at their side. Can you share with us a little of his growth process? Has his character developed the way you originally planned it at the beginning? And what can we still expect to see from him?
Julian was such a tortured soul.  He’s always been the conflicted brother but had been very good at hiding it.  Where his brothers were fully embraced by their Jaguar heritage, Julian loathed it. He liked being in control…polished…and was a formidable businessman.
But as he became involved with Jaxon’s quest to find the answers about Libby’s kidnapping, he started to change.  To evolve and bits of his jaguar heritage started to bleed through.

Now tell us a about the heroine of your story, Jaden DaCosta. Unbeknownst to Julian, Jaden is actually mated to him and not very happy about it. What about Jaden and her story do you think will draw readers to her?
Jaden was a wonderful character to write.  She’s strong and kickass but not afraid of her feminine side—and she hides a lot of pain.  I think her conflict with her family—her brothers and father is pretty intense. Her father has already broken her heart and though he’s a real nasty piece of work, it’s still her father, ya know and then she has to deal with Julian…a man she can’t forget and one who pushes a lot of her buttons.

His Darkest Embrace OfficialWhat is one thing Jaden would never be caught dead saying or doing?
I don’t think you’d ever catch Jaden kicking back watching “The Bachelor” and twittering about it!

No, I could not picture her ever doing that! LoL Besides the fact that Jaden’s jaguar calls to Julian’s, what about Julian and Jaden individually make them drawn to each other? Why do you think readers will fall in love with them as a couple?
They’re both headstrong alpha types who have a lot of issues between them, but I think because of each of their circumstances readers will be rooting heavily for an HEAJulian can be an ass for sure, but when put in context to what he’s been through it’s certainly understandable…while Jaden is more than a match for him in every way.

Was there a memorable or really emotional scene that stood out for you while writing His Darkest Salvation?
There are a couple.  One is the first time Jaden and Julian have sex.  He’s dealing with the fact that half of his soul is missing…he’s dead inside and even though he knows he’s not exactly a nice guy he can’t help it.  She’s dealing with the fact that she’s mated to man who doesn’t want her and yet the animal that lives inside each of them, recognizes the mating bond.  I wanted that particular scene to show just how empty sex without love is…and I think I did it.  I felt bad for both of them, though I think this is where the relationship really starts to change.

Do you have a special process while writing your novels, or any kind of rituals that you do?
Nope, not really.  I’m becoming much more of a plotter than I used to be. I’ve too many characters that pop up in several books.  But as long as I have my laptop and total quiet I’m good to go.

His Darkes HungerWas there one character in this series that was harder to write than others? If so, who and why?
I wouldn’t say harder…just different.  One of my friends says that she thinks Declan is my favorite character…my editor says he ‘sounds’ the most like me which I find interesting.


Speaking of Declan, you know I cannot go without asking about my man! I first became obsessed with We first met Declan O’Hara in His Darkest Hunger and he, along with his father, has played an integral part throughout the series. In April of 2012 we will finally get to read Declan’s story in Wicked Road to Hell, which is the start of a new series for you, the League of Guardians. Can you share with us a just little tiny tidbit about Declan’s book (I may be begging here) and the new series?
I can’t say too much yet about Declan’s book…I will tell you that it takes place 2 years after the events at the end of His Darkest Salvation.  I can also tell you that Nico plays a key part as well!  As for Ana….well, you’ll have to wait and see! 

Here is the blurb for the League of Guardian Books:

         -For millennia the struggle between light and dark, the upper and lower realms, has been policed by a secret group of warriors culled from every fabric of existence.  They are both otherworld and human, male and female.  They are light and dark themselves, known to each other as the League of Guardians.  Their pledge, to protect the line between the two realms and make sure neither side grows too powerful.  If they fall, so shall the earth, the heavens and hell.  And there will be no more.


Sounds so good, I can't wait! 
What’s next for you?
Right now I’m busy writing 2 novella’s for League of Guardians as well as the second full length book in this series.  The first novella will release in February of 2012 and is tentatively entitled, Shades of Gray.  It will bridge the gap between the events that happened at the end of Salvation and expand a bit more on the world building.  My hero is a shapeshifting hellhound and I adore him! 
I think a lot of people are waiting for Declan’s book and you guys will all have to wait until April of 2012 to see what happens with him!  I can’t wait!  I can tell you all that I’ve gotten a peek at his cover and um, it’s very, very hot!

Thank you again, Juliana, for stopping by and congrats on your upcoming release and new series! I’m looking forward to it!
Thanks for having me!

Don't forget, Juliana is celebrating the 10 days leading up to the release of His Darkest Salvation over at her blog with fabulous giveaways everyday and an awesome grand prize! 



~*GIVEAWAY*~
                 Juliana is graciously offering signed copies of the first two novels in her Jaguar Warrior trilogy, His Darkest Hunger and His Darkest Embrace, to one lucky reader!                  To enter, just leave a meaningful comment about this interview or a question for Juliana below.                             Don't forget to include your email address so that we can contact you if you're a winner! Open internationally, giveaway will end at 11:59pm on August 4th. One winner will then be chosen at random and contacted via email, then given 48 hours to respond. Good luck!

45 comments:

  1. Hello! First time to your blog and it is full of smexy goodness ;)

    I've read all the Jaguar books too and I have to admit Declan has stolen my heart too. Of course I have a thing for men with magic . I will be waiting for those tasty snippets (are you listening Juliana?) Juliana posts on her site occasionally. You got to throw a girl a bone every once in a while if you want to keep her under the porch (I stole this joke from Ron White, one of my favorite comedians )

    Don't enter me in the contest, just wanted to stop by and show my support for a cool lady :)

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  2. I Love complex alpha males, and shifters to boot!!! how did i miss this series... it is definately something i will put on my list...and can not wait for Declan series...

    thanks for the give-a-way and congrats on the series itself

    seachele71@hotmail.com

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  3. Wow, these books sound awesome! Your a new to me author but I have had these books in my sight for awhile. I would love a chance to win one! BTW, I love the sexy covers!!! Thanks for sharing a great post today!

    evjochum[AT]aol[DOT]com

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  4. Congratulations on the upcoming release of His Darkest Salvation! Sad to say, you are a new-to-me author, but not for long! I'm really looking foward to reading this series and I'm adding these books to my TBR list.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    kacbooks at hotmail dot com

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  5. She lucked out in the covers department didn't she? Best Covers Evva!

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  6. Juliana's books sound great. I love shapeshifters. Amazing covers.
    CrystalGB
    Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  7. Thanks for sharing the interview and the giveaway. The covers are sexy and beautiful and the books sound really good.
    I love alpha heroes and heroines.
    I was intrigued that Julian doesn't know he is mated to Jaden. How did that happen?
    I am curious if the rock star background has any influence in Juliana's writing.
    mesreadsATgmail.com

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  8. This story reminds me a bit of Supernatural (tv show) when Dean was in hell for a period of time and it changed him into a darker personality. I'd love to read His Darkest Salvation and see how the experience of being in hell changes Declan and Julian. I love dark and tortured heroes :)

    angeldream3[AT]gmail[DOT]com

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  9. I absolutely love this series and I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. I can't wait to see more of Julian and Jaden. I love that Jaden is so feisty and is one kickass chick. I can't wait to see them get their HEA.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    iqb99@yahoo.com
    Danielle @Ramblings From This Chick

    PS. I can't wait for Declan's book. I love him!

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  10. hey there awesome interview. i cant believe i never got any of these books when i love shifters and make sure i buy every book that has them and the covers are freakin hot! they are def on my list and in my cart cause i want them bad after hearing you tell us a bit bout them.

    babydoll82959307(at)aol(dot)com

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  11. Hi Juliana!
    I have been reading paranormals for a while now but shapeshifters are still new to me. I may need to remedy that with your awesome jaguar warriors. I am definitely looking forward to check out your series soon =)

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. I love the covers and the excerpts from Good Reads! Shapeshifters are such a good topic for a novel, there's a lot to work with :) Thank you! edysicecreamlover18ATgmailDOTcom

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  13. Thanks for sharing the interview and the awesome giveaway! The covers are beautiful and the books sound really good.Your a new author to me but I'm definitely going to be reading these!

    ruby95660@yahoo.com

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  14. Great interview:)
    I love the covers of your books and they sound really good to read.
    Thank you for the chance to win one of them

    elliott2668(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  15. Juliana I would love to read your books in the new series. I love alpha males and shape shifter. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

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  16. I'm such a Juliana fan girl! Adore this series and simply haven't had a lot of time to read lately.

    Time will be made on the 26th (?) to read the next in this angsty series. The pain, heat and many misunderstandings suck you into a vortex of suspense that have you not eating or sleeping till you finish the book.

    Can't wait!!!

    Dana-vitch36

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  17. Great Interview and Giveaway. I think it is great that you will be writing about a hellhound. The last time I read about a hellhound the heroine had rescued it and somehow the hellhound bonded to her and protected her and if the hellhound died then she would die - it was a great story, so now I like hellhounds and will be looking forward to your future book on it.


    Would love to win
    mrsqueentutt@yahoo.com

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  18. Dang I forgot my wine! Oh well the interview and books summaries were great to read even with out it. Your a new author for me, glad you were featured on this blog! Your books sound very intriguing, and I love your cover art. This series has to go in my TBR list, here's hoping I will be able to cross them off soon! Thanks for a chance in your giveaway!

    eyesofblueice(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. I have to saly that I have not read any of these books but they are definately on my TBR list now. They sound really great and since all I seem to be interested in reading these days are paranormals, I would love to win these two books. Thank you so much.

    GFC follower: June M.
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  20. I think I'm missing out with these sexy shifters.I still need to read this series.I really enjoyed the interview and getting a little more info on the characters
    Thanks for the chance to win these books.
    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

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  21. I haven't read too many shifter series but I have been eyeing this series for awhile, I have to admit the covers is what first caught my attention.

    vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. WOW!!! You had me at "dark & sexy Jaguar Warriors". The series looks amazing.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  23. I haven't read any of the series as yet but they certainly sound worthwhile reads.

    One question for Juliana, do you actually play baseball and hockey or are you just a fan ?

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

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  24. I haven't read any of your books yet but I've got them on my to buy list. Your covers are awesome.

    sstrode at scrtc dot com

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  25. I've been waiting for the release of the third book to start this series as I like to read them back to back. I have read the Black Opal books and loved them. Any more coming out in that series?

    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

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  26. Thanks for the great interview. I haven't gotten to read this series yet, but reading about some of these characters makes me want to move them up to top of my list.

    Danni
    dannigv616AThotmailDOTcom

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  27. These certainly sound like more than the your typically shifter series. Half souls missing, thrown into hell...plus I am a sucker for the big cats. Gonna have to check these out! Very soon!

    Thanks!
    mmafsmith at gmial dot com

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  28. Hi Juliana! Congrats on your upcoming release! It was great getting to know you a bit through this interview because you would be a new-to-me author. But I now definitely have these Jaguar Warriors books on my radar and thanks for the giveaway :)

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

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  29. I love books with shapeshifters. Count me in!
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. I very much enjoyed this interview and I'm really looking forward to trying this series!

    justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  31. This is such a great series and the covers are awesome. I can't wait to read His Darkest Salvation!
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  32. @ Buddyt...thanks for asking! Yes I do play baseball with a bunch of my best friends. I used to play hockey long ago...now I enjoy watching my son play and rooting for the Montreal Canadians!

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  33. @Lisa, I've started the third Black Opal and hope to have it finished in the next few months. I've had other projects that I needed to finsih first, but yes, there will be more of the Black girls!

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  34. This was a great interview! I wasn't aware of this series before this and was pleased to sea a brief synopsis of the series and the world that the books take place in.

    rootml1 AT hotmail DOT com

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  35. Great interview. Congrats on the new release! Looking forward to reading your series.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  36. Yay! I'm so glad to hear we'll be getting more Nico. I thought he was great and I can't wait to read more about him :-)


    Stephanie G
    sgradel(at)gmail(dot)com

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  37. What a wonderful interview and giveaway opportunity. I have not read this series, but I love to read a good story with a strong woman who is not afraid to be a woman with an equally strong male counterpart. I look forward to reading your work. Happy release day :)

    dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com

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  38. I can't wait to read Julian's story (aside from his being Paul Marron on the cover, I have a soft spot for the eldest in a family)! I also can't wait to read Declan's and Ana's!

    ironss [at] gmail [dot] com

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  39. Wonderful interview! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Just wanted to know... how many book sare you plannig for this series?

    thanks!
    efender1@gmail.com

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  40. I too do NOT watch The Batchelor. Completely understand that answer. Thanks for the giveaway. lisagk(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  41. Wow! What an amazing interview! How could I have missed these books? They sound awesome! Thank you SO much for a great interview and giveaway :)

    jwitt33 at live dot com

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  42. A great interview and giveaway. I love Jaguar shifters and series books. I'll have to put these on my to buy list . Thanks for sharing Julianna and Congrats on your newest release. Count me in.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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  43. Great interview. I have never heard of these books but I would love to read them.
    klepard94@yahoo.com

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  44. Juliana: How many rewrites did it take to get to your final draft of the books?
    Email: cruz042@csusm.edu

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  45. I haven't read any of the Jaguar Warriors trilogy yet, but after this I definitely want to. From what you've said about the characters they sound really good, and interesting. All the changing and development of the characters throughout the series makes it seem even more awesome. Great interview! and thank you for the giveaway!

    jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com

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