I’m so thrilled to have my good friend Monica Burns featured on the blog today. Monica is a fabulous, award-winning historical and erotic romance writer. She’s also a hard-working woman and a real survivor of everything that life can throw in your way. I have tons of admiration for her, both as a woman and as a writer.
One of Monica’s most popular books was Kismet, which won the 2010 CAPA Award for Best Erotic Historical Romance from The Romance Studio. Monica is very thrilled that, come Feb. 7, Kismet will be available in mass market format. If you never got a chance to read it, this is very good news!
Here are some of the many accolades that the book has received:
“… romance akin to a Johanna Lindsey classic. Relax and enjoy the sizzling show…
“I was hooked and spent the whole day reading this sizzling, sensual, engrossing tale.”
— Barbara Vey, Publisher’s Weekly – Beyond Her Book
And here’s the blurb for Kismet:
It was a gamble she was born to make…
Raised in a brothel at a young age, Allegra Synnford quickly learned that survival meant taking charge of her destiny. Now, a renowned courtesan skilled in the pleasures of the flesh, she chooses her lovers carefully—vowing never to be vulnerable to any one man. Until a mesmerizing Sheikh strips that control from her…
With a man who wasn’t used to losing.
Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh has been hiding from his past for a long time, but not enough to forget how another courtesan made him abandon his life as the Viscount Newcastle. It’s why the yearnings this dangerous temptress ignites within him are so troubling. Worse, thoughts of Allegra pervade every fantasy, threatening to undermine his cover. With old enemies circling, experience tells him he must resist her charms at all cost. In fact, he’s betting on it. That’s a risky wager when it comes to a woman of pleasure. But Allegra has her own reasons for playing games…with a man who can’t afford to lose.
What happens between them is Kismet…
I read this book when it first came out, and I can tell you that it’s passionate, emotional, and very sexy. I’m so thrilled that Monica now has the opportunity to reach new readers with her mass market release. Be sure to stop by Monica’s website for all the details, including an excerpt, a book trailer, and the buy links.
Like many authors these days, Monica is also moving into the world of indie publishing. She currently has a wonderful novella out called Love’s Portrait.
Gorgeous, eh? Here’s the blurb for Love’s Portrait:
When Julia Westgard commissions a nude portrait of herself, the painting is much more than a rebellious act. It’s an attempt to regain her self-worth after years of a loveless, repressive marriage to her late husband. But the private portrait puts her directly in the path of Morgan St. Claire, one of the Marlborough Set’s most notorious seducers. A man who doesn’t take no for an answer.
From the first moment Morgan sees Julia’s portrait, he’s determined to have her. But the woman he meets is a far cry from the image on canvas. What starts out as a simple exercise in seduction quickly evolves into a quest to reveal the true Julia. With each sensual encounter, he employs every erotic weapon at his disposal in hopes of making Julia see she really is the woman in Love’s Portrait.
So romantic! Again, please visit Monica’s website for all the details.
For my readers today, Monica is graciously giving away a copy of Kismet. Since I’m featuring a historical writer today, let’s stick with something close to that. What’s your favorite historical movie or TV show? Did you fall in love with Col. Brandon in Emma Thompson’s Sense & Sensibility, or do you prefer a series like Downton Abbey? Tell all to have a chance to win a copy of Monica’s book!
Monica, I love your books, I found them by accident one day at Borders when I noticed the name KISMET on the shelf. I guess my eyes were drawn to it because I have a Vizsla named Kismet. I went home and looked on Amazon to see if there was a kindle edition and I found several so I bought them all!!
Thanks for the hours of great entertainment!
Tracey
I agree with every word, Tracey!
Tracey,
Thank you so much for your compliment, and it’s ALWAYS such a pleasure to hear someone loves my books. Makes me realize it’s worth all the blood on the keyboard. 😀 ANd I love my iPad as an eReader. I have an older Kindle, but couldn’t read it easily on the monochrome screen. Thank you again for your support.
Love you Vanessa!
I would love to read KISMET thank you. I adore Col. Brandon. Alan Rickman is brilliant. I also enjoy watching Downton Abbey. The glimpse above & below stairs fascinates.
Yes, I’m loving Downton Abbey too.
I’m loving Anna and Bates’s story line. She’s a spunky little thing! I love her character.
I would have to say my favorite historical movie is Gone With The Wind…though I liked the book better. But, I find myself watching it every time it’s on. Kismet sounds like a really good read…I LOVED the excerpt and can’t wait to read MORE. The title itself is an attention nabber! 🙂
Barbara, GWTW is my stepmother’s favorite movie. It is wonderful, but I’m such a sap – I hate that there’s no HEA!
Barbara, so glad you enjoyed the excerpt. I try to give readers a good taste of my books so they have a good idea whether or not they’re going to enjoy the read.
I confess I’m not huge GWTW lover, but then I’m not a fan of Jane Austen either (altho love the movies). I’m a heretic! LOL
Well, hello Monica! What a lovely name u have!;D LOL
I’ve been waiting for Kismet to be in print since I don’t really read ebooks. So, YAY!!!:D ..am so excited 🙂 ..I’ve heard great things about it! So, congrats :* ..and can’t wait to read it!=)
Vanessa: I love col. Brandon! I love THAT movie! Hugh Grant is just so damn cute 🙂 LOL
and my fave movie has to be Pride & Prejudice with Kiera Knightley and TV show (it’s a mini series but I saw it on TV so, it counts, right? ;)) has to be (and will always be) the BBC Pride & Prejudice with the fantabulous Colin Firth!<3 (see a patern?) LOL 😀
Thanks for the post :*
Happy Wednesday ladies 🙂
Hard not to love Jane Austen!
Hi back Monika, Right on the great names! 😉 While I love the movies related to Austen’s books, I don’t like her writing. But I do love Charlotte Bronte. My all-time fav romance is Jane Eyre! LOVE Mr. Rochester. Tortured hero. It’s why I write a lot of tortured heroes. 😀
Also, I LOVE that cover, Monica!!!
I’m a cover girl, you could say.. LOL ;D
yours is just.. WOW! 🙂
You know, when the cover first hit my inbox, I hate it. I just hated it. But I realize now that it’s the perfect cover for the book. Allegra looks EXACTLY in my head as she does on the book. Paul Marron looks good anywhere. LOL
My favorite historical
tv series was North & South….Patrick Swayze with a Southern accent was sooo hot.
Looking forwasrd to reading Kismet!
Oh, I’d forgotten that! What a great series!
That was a great series, although I love Elizabeth Gaskins’s North and South with Richard Armitage. Another man to *swoon* over
I have all the Jane Austin movies and love them and watch them over and over. I also used to religiously watch Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. I loved Sully!
Sully was pretty dreamy, wasn’t he?
Shelley, so who do you think is the better Darcy?? I put my money on MacFayden. There’s just something about his standoffish manner that still reveals a vulnerability he’s hiding from those who don’t know him well.
I loved Mel Gibson’s Braveheart! Blue face and all.
Braveheart was a fabulous movie!
It was a terrific movie. I love Scottish movies. Rob Roy is a good one too. LOVE Liam Neesum
i’m so excited with this book because the cover is paul marron ,lol, ofcourse i’m so excited with the story of this book and as i said i cant wait to grab this book in my hand
will buy this book for my birthday gift, that’s sound great 😉
I’m part of the Paul Marron fan club, Eli!
Eli, I’m thrilled that you want the book as a birthday gift to yourself. I’m honored, and yes, I know how much you love Paul. LOL
ups.. forget to answer the question, i love reading HR but so far i haven’t watch any historical movie, don’t know, i think i’m prefer book then movie ;(
Oh you must North and South Eli!! you must. Richard Armitage is to die for! The ending scene is amazingly beautiful and romantic
I’ve always loved movies like Braveheart and the old classics like Gone with the wind and the Jane Austen ones, but I just recently starting getting into the historical romance books. That time period just fascinates me. your book sounds really good. I’d love to read it! 🙂
-Amber
goodblinknpark@yahoo.com
We’re glad you joined the historical romance reading club, Amber!
Amber, like Vanessa said, well to the group. I think HR has a LOT to offer readers. Not only to you get transported out of your present day to day problems, but in a well-researched historical you get to learn about other cultures or time periods. I love history, so I do a lot of research for my HRs AND other books
Hi everyone!! The day job is wild today. First let me say I am SUCH a huge fan and admirer of VAnessa. She is such a calm, clear-headed thinker where I am impulsive and irrationally passionate. WE compliment each other! 😀 So thanks for having me here, doll. I love visiting.
Favorite historical flick is The Scarlet Pimpernel with Richard E. Grant A&E series. He IS the Scarlet Pimpernel. He’s exactly what I want in that character. He’s the sexiest Pimpernel evah!
As for Rickman. *swoon* *drooling* There isn’t anything that man does that I don’t just love him in. He’s got such a wide range of acting abilities and even when he’s a villain (Die Hard, Robin Hood) I adore him.
As for Downton Abbey, I’m totally HOOKED I love Hugh Bonneville. He’d deliciously yummy even if he’s a little stout! His voice alone in the bedroom would curl a woman’s toes! I’m a sucker for a great voice. Ok on to individual responses.
HI Monica! This is one I haven’t read and can’t wait to!! It sounds delicious! Vanessa the site looks amazing!! Thanks for sharing your valuable time with us Monica!!
Melanie!! Look at that awesome avatar!I’m glad you like the sound of Kismet and I hope you’ll try it out. 😀
I, of course, already own KISMET in trade size because it has Paul Marron on the cover. LOL.
Does the mmpb version differ that much from the trade version (in cover or editing)?
Yes, we love Paul!
No, Kismet is the same book. They wouldn’t let me do any edits other than for typos. I found a couple of spots where the story could have been improved, but alas, no go. They sent back my changes and said they couldnt be made and for me to do over. *sigh* When I regain rights, then I can take another look in about another 5-7 years 😀
I adore Alan Rickman as Col. Brandon! I fell for him immediately. I also love most versions of Jane Eyre. I do have a crush on Michael Fassbender’s Mr. Rochester.
Love both, StacieD!
Stacie! Have you seen Tobey Stephen’s Mr. Rochester??? OMG he IS Rochester. His version he’s really, really cruel to her in the movie, just like in the book. WE KNOW why he’s cruel because he’s trying to avoid becoming involved, but Stephens is masterful in his performance. I’ve seen a lot of Jane Eyre movies, but the production with Stephens is superb! Try it, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Sense and sensibility with Emma Thompson is definately my favorite historical movie. LOVED it!!
Betty, I think I would have to agree with you. I will make a pitch for Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, for a close second.
I adore Emma Thompson. Never have understood why Brannaugh tossed such an intelligent woman aside. Men! And S&S is a great movie.
Monica, I absolutely love your stories. You make the characters come to life. Pleasure Me was the first book I read from you and ws so happy I did. I have become addictted to your books.
As far as historical movies, I love Ever After. I am a sucker for any retelling of Cinderella. And Angelica Houston made a wicked step mother.
As for tv series, I haven’t seen Downton Abbey yet, however I have been wanting to watch it on Netflix and thankfully on the PBS app I can watch season 2. Two series I have really gotten into is Game of Thrones and The Borgias. I can’t wait for spring.
Game of Thrones = awesome!
Ora, It’s such a delight to have someone say they love my books. Makes me keep on plugging away with the writing, even when I don’t feel like it. 😀
And isn’t Jeremy Irons splendid as the Pope. I’m looking forward to it as well!
I love all those BBC/Masterpiece stories. But I also love adventurous historicals Like Robin Hood.
Diane, the old Robin Hood with Errol Flynn was one of my favorite movies growing up.
Diane, I’m with Vanessa on the Errol Flynn version!! LOVE that movie. Still have it on VHS. Collector’s item in a few years. Did you know that Alan Hale was his best friend in real life? It’s why they made so many movies together.
I used to watch the BBC miniseries version of Pride & Prejudice almost every weekend. My mama thought I was insane. 😀 But it was so good!!
That is SUCH a great series, Julie! I’ve watched it dozens of times.
The BBC version of P&P is good, but I prefer MacFayden as Darcy. He’s distant, yet so vulnerable.
Hi Monica and Vanessa!
Please do not enter my name in giveaway, already have book! 🙂
Just wanted to tell Monica how much I enjoy reading her books, they’re awesome!
I will admit it’s your historical’s that have me. I can’t decide which book is the best….DANGEROUS, MIRAGE, OBESSION, PLEASURE ME, LOVE’S PORTRAIT or KISMET…LOL!! I have the six I could get my hands on and read them at least twice each. 🙂
Eagerly awaiting for your next historical.
Have a great day ladies!
Thank you for stopping by, Dalila!
Dalila! Oh WOW! That’s wasn’t just an ego boost, that was the whole gang putting me up on their shoulders and carrying me out of the stadium kind of feeling. Thank you. I’m so glad I’ve been able to entertain you.
As for next historical. I’m working on a proposal for Berkley. Hope to turn it in next week, if I can manage to stay off the phone with Vanessa. I chew her ear off in email AND the phone. LOL
WooHoo!!! Yipee!!
So happy to hear this little bit of news, yes, Berkley will LOVE it I’m sure.
Isn’t Vanessa sweet, I can see you and her talking and talking and talking……
Nice interview. I haven’t read either one of these yet, but I have read and LOVED her Sicari books!! My favorite historical series would have to be Spartacus! It’s VERY intense and a whole lot of umm….drama. 😉 Thanks for the giveaway!
Spartacus!! Yes! How could I forget that?
Tina, so glad to hear you enjoyed my Sicari heroes. There’s a lot of history in those books, so you might just find yourself enjoying Kismet. It’s not your usual type of historical. And since it’s mass market it’s going to be cheaper than the original trade paperback. To see if it interests you, read the first two chapters on my website. That will tell you whether or not you want to keep reading. 🙂
One of my favorites is The Trouble with Harry by Katie MacAlister. It was fun and I thought the children were delightful. Thanks for the post and contest. lisagk(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great interview! My favorite is also Spartacus.
robindpdx(at)yahoo(dot)com
Fun to think of, there are some great historical shows out there. My husband and I loved the series Rome and The Tudors (Henry Cavill!)
As for Kismet I must put that in my TBR list, how could I have missed it?! It sounds great!