I’m back in the saddle for 2013, and I’ve got a wonderful guest author to help kick the year off right. She’s Juliana Stone, and she writes exciting paranormal romance and sexy contemporary romance. Her League of Guardians books got great reviews, and RT Book Reviews called her “a rising star.” I would definitely agree with that designation!
But Juliana is here today to talk about her new contemporary romance, so let’s get right to it.
You have a new contemporary romance out. Whatโs it about?
I do! COLLIDE is book 2 in my Barker Triplets series, following the first, OFFSIDE. The books are based on a set of triplets, Bobbi Jo, Billie Jo, and Betty Jo, and as an aside these girls were named in honor of my real-life cousins, who in turn were named after a television show that my auntie loved, Petticoat Junction! Book 1 dealt with Billie, a female hot shot hockey player, and COLLIDE is Bobbi’s story. It’s about the mistakes we make when we’re young, second chances, redemption and love. It’s also about the explosive chemistry between Bobbi and Shane Gallagher the ex-con who returns home and the man who broke her heart when they were young and foolish.
Small town contemporary romance is so popular these days. Why do you think they hold so much appeal?
I’m not sure, I think that contemporary romances in general are making a big comeback–whether they’re small town, or set in the city etc. As for the why of it? I think that in some way most of us are living our lives going one hundred miles an hour. We’re over-worked, over-stressed and with all the doom and gloom on the the news most of us just want an escape into something that will make us happy. Make us smile. Make us root for a happily-ever-after. I think the emotions behind contemporary romances are what draw the readers in and they don’t have to wade through the world building that you find in say, urban fantasy or paranormal romance. They’re getting the meat and bones–the love and emotion–the connections.
But hey, what do I know? LOL.
You also write paranormal romance. Are they darker and/or sexier than your contemporaries?
Yes, I have seven paranormal romances published with Avon–The Jaguar Warriors and The League of Guardians. I can’t lie. They’re dark and sometimes twisty and very sexy. They’re all about life and death and the constant battle between good and evil. In my world, no one is what they seem and because I enjoy all sorts of creatures, there are no limitations. These books have shapeshifters–jaguars, werewolves, etc. There are also, sorcerers, witches, demons, angels, hellhounds, vampires, gargoyles…you name it! I love to write about it! The League books are an offshoot of the Jaguar Warriors and several characters crossover.
You sing in a rock band with your hubby? Does that part of your life sometimes creep into your writing?
I love music. It’s always been a huge part of my life and in fact, I met my husband when I, as a young woman, was touring Canada fronting an all girl rock band. He was the guitarist for a band from Montreal and their truck broke down in a northern town where I was playing…we met because of it and well, we just stayed together! It runs in the family. My grandfather, my father–all were musicians and it’s carried over to my kids. My son’s band made it to the top 200 of Canada’s Got Talent, and this from kids who are only 16-17! So, as you can see music is huge in my house and it has crossed over to my writing. I have a new series debuting from Sourcebooks this coming April, The Bad Boys of Crystal Lake, and the first book, The Summer He Came Home features a rocker, Cain Black who is, to me, the love child of Jon Bon Jovi and Nikki Sixx (if that were possible).
Vanessa, here. Awesome interview, Juliana – thank you! Readers, Juliana is giving away the first book in her Barker Triplet Series, Offside. For a chance to win, simply tell us what your favorite romance genre is. One person who comments will win Juliana’s wonderful and sexy romance!
And don’t forget to check out Juliana’s website for excerpts and updates, and also visit her on facebook.
I don’t really have a favorite genre – I guess it depends on my mood since I love contemporaries, historicals, comedies and para-normal romances! But I guess if they are all part of a series, it makes them doubly better!
Good point, Ada!
Series are great, but man, the wait can be torture sometimes!
I don’t have a favorite. I love to read them all. I just ussually pick one depending on what kind of mood I’m in and go from there.
That’s how I choose too, Lori.
I will read right across the board with my Romance, but Historical Romance claims my heart. It gives me something more in the way of the times and the etiquette.
Mary, I bet you can guess that historical romance is one of my favorite genres, too!
Hi Juliana! Hi Vanessa! Wonderful interview!
I’m a huge fan of Juliana’s awesome paranormal stories and am happily following her into her small-town contemporaries. Love your characters and your stories, Juliana! Do you have a timetable yet for the releases of your Bad Boys of Crystal Lake books? Will we get more than one book per year?
Vanessa, please don’t enter me in the giveaway. I already have a copy of OFFSIDE. Thanks!
PJ, my dear, thanks for stopping by!
PJ! hey! Nice to see you here! I”m so pumped about my Bad Boys! And sure, book 1, The Summer He Came Home, releases April 2nd, book 2, The Christmas He Loved Her, releases October 2013, and the third book, The Day He Kissed Her, is an April 2014 release! Thanks for asking!
My favorite is the para-normal romances. (I call them Fantasy dates.)
Love that, Teresa!
LOL, fantasy dates, I love it!
Hi Juliana and Vanessa,
I don’t have a favorite genre, because what I read is mostly a mood thing. It can happen that I read several paranormals in a row, but sometimes I switch the genre after each book.
Danny, I find my mood dictates a lot of my reading choices, too.
ditto!
I love to read historical, western, and contemporary. I have not tried paranormal yet, but only because I have so many books on my “to read” list. Thanks for having Juliana Stone on here… I was just looking for a new book read, and I think I will check one of her books out:)
Crystal, my TBR list is sky high!
Ah, I was sucked into Paranormal romance with Christine Feehan’s Dark Prince. After reading that book I was hooked! But Historical is my first love, mainly because it’s all my mom read!
I love historical and paranormal romance, but am starting to fall in love with contemporary romance.
Don’t enter me into the giveaway. Already have and read this awesome book. Loved Offside, but Collide was even better. The triplets are awesome and funny. The cast of characters is great. A definate must recommend series for everyone.
Thanks, Chris!
WOOT! So glad you loved them Chris! Next up will be my bad boys!
I read all genre. I just love to read. I read books and ebooks, too. I’m not fussy.
Mary, authors love readers like you!
My very favorite is historical’s, but for some reason I have been reading mostly contemporary romance books.
I love contemporary romance, Mary. It’s my favorite genre after historicals.
I love that so many readers are branching out!
paranormals
Juliana writes some great paranormals, bn100!
I’d have to say contemporary romance is my favorite. I love a good series- especially cowboy, military or sports related books. I have also been known to read a good historical romance on occasion. I have tried to stay away from paranormal, as I think it would open a vortex that would suck me in and then I would never, ever get my house clean. There are just SOOOO many books and only so much time this mother of 4 has to spare (although I view reading as a necessity and not a luxury). ๐
Necessity for me too, Heather!
I take a day now and again, stay in my pajamas and just READ, that’s it, read….
Contemporary is my favorite, especially series ones. I love to follow one character from one book into the next. Juliana Stone is a new author for me so will have to check her out for sure. Thanks Vanessa.
Thank you, Maxcine!
If I had to pick just one, I guess it would be contemporary romance. I do love all types though.
Sue, I love contemporary romance!
My fave romance genre is generally historical (Regency, Scotland, Western). My second choice is Paranormal. What a heady mix! ๐
Great mix, Janice!
I can’t choose between contemporary, historical and paranormal romances. I love reading all of them ๐
That’s great, Olga!
My favorite genre is PNR :). But I read it all. Thank you.
Thanks for joining us, Viki!
I’m guessing from reading most of these replies, that all of you love romance in general! Awesome!
I like both contemporary and historical romances. It’s refreshing to go from one to another.
I read them all! I have favourites in each genre. Right now, though, my favourite genre is contemporary.
I LOVE the cover for Collide, by the way. Ehhott. <33
WOOT! I have to confess to being REALLY happy when my cover artist sent me this!
M favorite genre is Historical Romance, but I read them all!!
I like all different types of genres but historical is my favorite.
My favorite genre has to be paranormal romance. Just give me a handsome vampire sinking in his fangs. I really love everything!
the first vampire I fell in love with was Lestat, god I loved Anne Rice
Basically, i read and love all type of romance. But if must pick one as favorite, it’ll be suspense