Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Guest Author: Thea Harrison - Dragon Bound

Contest now closed.

Winner: The random numbers have spoken and the winner is Kam Luen. Congratulations!  An email is on the way to you.

I'm delighted to host Thea Harrison on the blog today. I absolutely adored her debut paranormal romance, Dragon Bound (out now), when I read it for a quote last year. Since then, I've also read an early copy of the next book in the series, Storm's Heart, and fallen in love all over again.

Thea has several excerpts available on her website that you can check out. She's also giving away a copy of Dragon Bound to a commenter on this blog (Goodreads readers, swing by and enter on the main blog). Enter by 10 pm Thursday 5th May, New Zealand time, to go in the draw. 

Please welcome Thea to the blog everyone!

Thea Harrison

I was thrilled when Nalini approached me and asked if I would write a guest blog for her, but because I classify myself as “blog challenged” I asked her for a little guidance about what to focus on.  She wrote back quickly with a few ideas.  How did Dragon Bound come to be? What do I love about the hero and heroine? Why did I decide to write a paranormal romance? What great questions!

Dragon Bound came into being when the economy hit the skids.  My job was not going well.  I worked for a nonprofit, and a large part of my responsibility was to research grant opportunities and write grants.  Large grant making institutions that we had relied upon for funding for our programs were rerouting money to go to urgent needs like foodbanks. 

Not only that, but their financial portfolios were suffering huge losses.  One program officer told me their charitable trust was “fortunate” that they had lost only a third of their assets.  I found myself in the unfortunate position of having to recommend the termination of my own job to my boss.  As I was phased down, like so many others, I began to job search… and I decided it was also a perfect opportunity to try my hand at writing again.

Years ago I had published sixteen Harlequin Presents titles under the name Amanda Carpenter.  Single parenthood and school pulled me away from writing, and I always knew I wanted to return to it someday when the opportunity presented itself.  Images and ideas had floated around in the back of my mind for years.  I fiddled with a project or two but could never really get it off the ground.  When I finally sat down to write Dragon Bound, I knew the story would be a paranormal romance.  I had been reading science fiction and fantasy all my life.  Writing a paranormal romance seemed the perfect match for me, as it combined romance, which I had also read and written for years, with the fantasy elements I loved so well.

When I started Dragon Bound, the story exploded onto the page.  I had a complete draft written in 44 days.  I giggled and snorted the whole time I was writing it.  If anyone had witnessed me as I worked, I’m sure they would have thought I was a total nut-job.  The hero and heroine, Dragos and Pia, kept surprising me.  When I say that something “fell out of Pia’s mouth” that’s exactly how it felt inside—what she said was as much of a surprise to me as it was to her.  And Dragos simply didn’t have any of the normal brakes we humans have on our behavior.  They were a constant delight, and I loved every minute of it.

I was also putting out hundreds of job applications during the worst of the recession.  As discouraging as the job hunt was, I found revising the story as enjoyable as writing the rough draft.  I went through the query process in searching for an agent, approached seventeen agencies, had several nibbles of interest, and ended up with my wonderful agent Amy Boggs at the Donald Maass Literary Agency.  Together we ironed out more wrinkles in the manuscript, and she began the submission process.

Other aspects of my life continued to be increasingly painful.  Congress had stalled on passing an emergency extension on unemployment. I had exhausted all of my resources. I kept telling myself, wow, this could be like one of those stories where someone with $2 in their pocket wins the lottery.  Something good has got to happen sometime.

Then something good did indeed happen.  In March, 2010, Amy called with a multi-book offer from Berkley, and the Elder Races series was born!  Following the release of Dragon Bound on May 3rd is Storm’s Heart on August 2nd and Serpent’s Kiss on October 4th.  As for me, I’m feeling like I won the lottery and I’m still mopping my brow!

And if I can just emit a high-pitched fan-girl squee for a moment, Nalini is one of my favorite authors!  I was very excited when she invited me to guest blog.  Nalini, thank you very much for having me!  It’s been a pleasure.

So who are your favorite authors, and why?  Do any of them make you laugh out loud?  I would love to give away a signed copy of Dragon Bound to someone who comments!

Contest now closed.

119 comments :

Kristi said...

Nalini is one of my favorites! (Duh!) I am also really liking JR Ward (I'm waiting to read her 3rd book in the Brotherhood series!).

I've read 3 recommendations of your book and I CAN NOT WAIT to read it. I would love to win it here!

nix said...

Hi Thea! Obviously I'm a fan of Nalini, because she creates such wonderful alpha males and I love the psy-changeling world. The whole concept of the psy facinates me...I'm itching for the next one. I also adore Larissa Ione, who writes the Demonica series. The world building within her work is so intricate yet so interesting...it's hard not to get sucked in!

Raonaid Luckwell said...

Nalini is also a favorite of mine. She won me instantly with the Pys-Changeling and the Guild Hunters.

Larissa Ione because her heroines are all so tough and her characters do make me giggle.

Sherrilyn Kenyon because she puts humor in her stories and the characters are larger than life.

Am putting your book in the Too Buy List.

CC said...

Hello! :)

One of my favorite authors is Juliet Marillier. I've read all her books and she always manages to "capture" me and make me invested in her characters... I laugh, cry and get angry with them.

Nalini, of course, is awesome too! :) I'm eagerly awaiting "Kiss of Snow"!

Heather said...

I love Nalini, of course, I also like Delilah Devlin, Charlene Teglia, Gena Showalter...there are too many to name.

Jazzmon said...

I am going to look up and try a sample of Dragon Bound on my kindle right now. Okay did that and am ordering right now.

Yummy Alpha Dragons......

Kris said...

Hello :) great post! I have heard such great things from others who have read your book already, I cannot wait to read it. I have many fav authors, Nalini definitely being one of them. Also Lauren Dane, Lorelei James, Maya Banks, Susan Donovan, Linda Howard, Robin D. Owens and Suzanne Brockmann to name a few more. THanks for posting and for the giveaway :)

GautierGumbo said...

Nalini is hands down my favorite, although I also love Dara Joy. She also has had publishing problems that i really hope will soon be over (theres nothing worse than waiting YEARS for the next book in a series!) I really like the paranormal romances and look out for new authors every chance I get. My guitly pleasure in a world filled with to much reality! I would love to read your new books!

Betty said...

Hi Thea! Thanks for the great post. I have a LOT of authors i love, one of which is, of course, Nalini. My favs are usually the ones who can make me laugh. Especially if they can make me do it in public with people staring at me LOL. Good authors for that are Carly Phillips, Janet Evanovich, and Mary Janice Davidson to name a few. I'd love to read your book and add you to my list of favorite authors :)

littlestlinguist said...

Oh there are so many wonderful authors and so little time to read. Obviously I love Nalini's books. :) I'm also a huge fan of Karen Marie Moning's fever series, Anne Bishop's Black Jewels Trilogy, Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments, and Kristin Cashore's Graceling series. Oh, and Stephenie Meyer's "The Host". They all have such wonderful characters and really draw you into the story. I keep seeing Dragon Bound pop up on all my favorite websites as one to check out. My semester ends in less than a week and summer is looking awfully bright! :D Thanks for blogging Thea!

Thea Harrison said...

Hi everybody! I'm so excited to be here, and I love all the authors recs. I'm writing down some I haven't read before... Thank you so much for your interest, and I hope you enjoy Dragon Bound!
All the best,
Thea Harrison

Anonymous said...

My fav authors include Larissa Ione, JR Ward, and Gena Showalter to name a few..but there are so many good ones out there..it's hard to choose!

Thanks for te giveaway ;)

Katie
Katiewalthall AT ymail DOT com

Regina Shiderly said...

Hi Thea! I just wanted to drop in and say I think your novel sounds awesome! I can't wait to get a copy for myself and read!

Ruth A. said...

I am finding so many great new authors. Nicole Peeler and Jaye Wells and MollyHarper are my favorite.

Anonymous said...

Hi Thea,

I've read your blurb for dragon bound and think that I will really enjoy it.

Favourite authors - a lot! Nalini Singh, Ilona andrews, Mercedes Lackey, Anne Mccaffrey Terry pratchett, Juliet Marillier, Terry Brooks, Anne Bishop, Lynsay Sands Keri Arthur, Patricia Briggs, Robin Hobb, Jayne Castle to name a few.

Of these Mercedes Lackey, Terry Pratchett are Lynsay Sands are probably the authors that I'm most likely to laugh out loud with ;)

Kate

DeAnna said...

Nalini is one of my favorites. I also love Kresley Cole, JR Ward, Jeanine Frost, Laura Wright, Lara Adrian and Sharie Kohler..

I cant wait to read Dragon Bound :)

Johanna R Jochum said...

I read many genres of romance including PNR. I love to laugh so some of my favorite authors in paranormal are Molly Harper, Dakota Cassidy, Michelle Bardsley, Michelle Rowan, Mary Janice Davidson, Ashlyn Chase, Kerrelyn Sparks, Katie MacAlister and Christine Warren. Just to name a few. I have not read Nalini yet but her books are on my wish list! Thanks for sharing with us today! I really want to read Dragon Bound! Sounds awesome!!!!

evjochum[AT]aol[DOT]com

Keisha Talley said...

One of my favorite authors is Nora Roberts love her series that involve magic they always have me cracking up

Your book sounds really good

laura said...

Hi Thea! I'm looking forward to reading Dragon Bound. It sounds wonderful! Of course, Nalini Singh is one of my favorite authors. She's an extremely gifted writer.

Thea, I have a feeling you are going to be on everyone's "must have" list with this series.

Sharon said...

Hi,

I love Nalini's books of course, but a good snicker or a chuckle is always a good thing when reading. I really enjoy Lynsay Sands, Victoria Laurie and Nora Roberts. I have a special affections for dragons so I can't wait to read your book.

Knicole said...

Like so many of the others I love Nalini and JR Ward. Congrats on the new book you have a great publisher. I love trying new authors through Berkley Sensation and your reviews at Amazon.com. Look great!

lindsey hutchison @ United By Books said...

Nalini~psy-changeling, lora leigh~ i love the breeds but all her books rock, christine feehan~ dark series and leopard, christine warren~the others, jacquelyn frank~nightwalkers,lara adrian~midnight breeds, cynthia eden and shelly laurenston sorry once i get on books i cant stop and i can keep going cause i cant pick just one cause each author new or my favs brings a new thing to the table that make me swoon, laugh sometimes cry. its all bout how you connect with the characters they write and how they touch your heart.before i write more cause i could go on for hours ill stop now lol

Steph said...

Dragon Bound sounds really amazing. I've already ordered it and I'm just waiting for it to arrive, I can't wait to read it!!

Katie B said...

Ilona Andrews and Lois McMaster Bujold and Tamora Pierce definitely top my list of favorite authors (I'm waiting to reading Kiss of Snow by Nalini, too, so I keep checking this blog hoping to hear more about it...). Some of them definitely make me laugh out loud. Ilona Andrews' books have such silly quotes sometimes, and the main character Kate gets into such situations or she gets all snarky sometimes, it's just so hard not to laugh. Pierce's and Bujold's books tend to make me laugh for different reasons. They already have a really well established set of characters and events, so when I catch references to other beloved characters or past stories, it makes me laugh a lot. Well, and Miles gets himself into lots of situations, too.

Heather Scarboro said...

I am so excite about this book and really want to win it! I love when boks make me laugh or emit any type of emotion. Those are the best and always end up on my re-read stack. One sure fire author that always gets a laugh is Janet Evanovich with her Stephanie Plum series. Shelley Laurentons books both her shifter and dragon series always gets me cracking too!

heather.scarboro AT gmail DOT com

Sabrina said...

Sounds like a great book...I will have to pick it up!

YzhaBella's BookShelf said...

One of my favorite authors is Charlain Harries. In the Southern Vampire Series, Harris has created such an unlikely cast of characters that while some will have you raising a brow and wondering what the heck she was thinking, others will bring you side-splitting laughter and some really quirky, but very cool, situations!

Thanks
Kate (aka YzhaBella's BookShelf)
mleger0546]@]rogers DOT com

Katie B said...

Oops. I forgot why to say why they were my favorite authors. Ummm...well, Tamora Pierce's books I stole from my older sisters and haven't stopped reading them, and I really like how there's many strong female characters in her stories. Also, as a crafty person, I enjoy her descriptions of how everyday activities can be magical (in the Circle of Magic series).

I was first introduced to Bujold's books thru Cordelia's Honor, which snuck under my radar because it had a romantic plotline. Later, I became interested in the Miles books despite the militaryism and politics of them, and have enjoyed the different ideas explored in the books, and enjoyed getting so much detail about this captivating character growing up, and some of the medical issues that Miles deals with resonated with my life, so that was good to find an author putting a (sci-fi) character through hard stuff that real people deal with.

Magic Bites was given to me as a gift (my parentals figured if it was the first book in a brand new series, I couldn't have read it yet) and Kate's character (and the romantic tensions) have kept me reading. These books don't relate to my life as much as the Miles books, but I really love them. Probably because they make me laugh a lot, maybe because the characters feel real to me, I'm not sure why these books stuck, but I'm always glad to find new favorite authors. (Especially since authors seem to publish books less frequently after achieving some measure of success. Which, I mean, it's a good thing I guess. I don't trust authors who can publish a book a month. But the ever increasing gaps give me lots of time to add more authors to my 'favorite' shelf)

Camille said...

Hi Thea *waves*

Aside from Nalini of course, and I'm sure from all the good things I've heard about Dragon Bound yourself-I'm a huge Ilona Andrews, Karen Chance, Patricia Briggs, Patrick Rothfuss, Anne Bishop & Diana Gabaldon fan to name a few (this is one of those questions that really, I could write a book, or several haha, for an answer).

Yes they all all have humor in their stories but they don't necessarily write funny stories lol Sometimes it's a dry comment in a serious situation or maybe it's the situation that's funny and the h/h hasn't realised it yet!

Anonymous said...

My favorite authors are Nalini, Christine Feehan, and Lora Leigh. All of these authors write with emotion, you can feel it when you are reading it. They also make me laugh. My favorite book of all time is Christine's Dark Celebration. The antics they get into is just too funny. If you need a lift read that.
Sabrina Rautio Rautio38@aol.com

DT said...

Love Nalini's books and am in the middle of rereading the psy-changling series to get ready for Kiss Of Snow :)
Also love JR Ward, Gena Showalter, Larissa Ione and Kresley Cole (Nix cracks me up every time!)
Loving Jessica Andersen's Nightkeeper series and Sherrilyon Kenyon's Dark Hunters too.
I'd love to read Dragon Bound, the blurbs, and reviews I've read are convincing me to give it a try (and I'm a hard sell when it comes to trying a new author :)

Fiona said...

Thea - welcome to Nalini's blog :D

Ahhh the list of favourites is very, very long for me. Nalini, Lora Leigh, JR Ward, Christine Feehan, Ilona Andrews, Mark del Franco, Karen Chance, etc. The difficulty given how much I read :) is that there are not enough authors publishing the books I love to read to keep me busy with my head buried in a book 24/7/365 ... okay that's not REALLY true - my TBR pile is taller than I am ... but nonetheless you have jumped straight to the top of that pile along with Nalini and Lora and Christine. I absolutely LOVED Dragos and Pia - I laughed and laughed at various points in the novel - I would say more but don't want to spoil it for folks on here who haven't yet read it ... Can't wait for Trick's and Taigo's story. I love how FUNNY these characters are, the gryphons remind me a lot of JR Ward's Brothers in terms of their relationship with Pia and Tricks and with each other. Look forward to many more Elder Race stories beyond this year :D (hint, hint to your publisher)

Anonymous said...

One of my favorite authors that makes me laugh out loud is Ilona Andrews. The dialogue is effortlessly and naturally funny. I also love Kresley Cole's style of writing because her characters say really funny, outrageous things. What I love about both of them is that they both make references to my favorite movies.

Congratulations on your release! I'm looking forward to reading it. =)

kirstynrenee said...

My favorites are Kresley Cole, Gena Showalter, Larissa Ione, and of course Nalini Singh!

kylie said...

What a wonderful turn of events for you, Thea! I can only imagine what how you looked giggling as you completed your first draft. Anyway, like others here, Nalini is one of my abso fave authors. Other auto buys for me include JR Ward, KM Moning (Fever Series only), Marjorie Liu, because they have the wonderful ability of world building without sacrificing character development. And they're plain awesome storytellers!

Erika said...

I love Nalini Singh, obviously. I enjoy romances with great plots, not just the main couples ups and downs. I also enjoy Christina Dodd and Christine Feehan. I enjoy series.

Eboni-Rai said...

I enjoy many of the authors mentioned, but unfortunately I read like a dervish (3-4 books a week)! So while I wait for my favorite's next adventure I try new authors & I'm looking forward to your debut :)

Madhura said...

Kresley Cole for funny stuff and Nalini for emotional. Although I shouldn't like Cole's female leads on paper, I gotta say, they are really funny.

Can't wait to read your book!

Julie Rowe said...

Just finished reading Dragon Bound on my Kindle and LOVED it! I'll be preordering the next two books so I get them downloaded the second they're availible.

Your writing grabbed me with the same sort of choke hold as Nalini's, Patricia Briggs' and Elizabeth Moon's has on me. Can't wait for more and I really hope your publisher has been smart enough to sign you for more books!

Diane M. said...

Nalani of course since I love the Guild Hunters plus Shelley Laurenston.

elizabeth said...

I have so many authors that I have read forever. But now I have many new ones to add. Just a few are Nalini Singh, JR Ward, Alexis Morgan, Lynsay Sands, Shayla Black and Kerrelyn Sparks. Each one write great stories, filled with laughter and sadness at times.

Megan@Riverina Romantics said...

The one author that always makes me laugh out load is Janet Evanovich. Her Stephanie Plum series is hilarious!

This book looks awesome! Thanks for the giveaway!

Mandy said...

what a great blog. its very inspiring. my all time fav writers at the moment are, chloe neill, patricia briggs, katie macalister, kathy love, jill mansell. goodluck with the series!

Cassie said...

Nalini is one of my favs (obviously) plus Ilona Andrews, J.D Robb and Patricia Briggs. :) looking foward to picking up Dragon Bound.

Jen said...

Some of my favorite authors are Nalini Singh, Larissa Ione, J R Ward, Jeaniene Frost, J D Robb, Kresley Cole. I would love to win.

Kanan said...

I love paranormal books and I'll definitely check out your book.

Deb830 said...

Hi Thea! Thank you for the wonderful blog and thank you Nalini for introducing me to another new author. I normally read paranormal romance and some of my favorite authors are: Nalini (of course), Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter, Lora Leigh, Lara Adrian, Christine Feehan, and many many more. Congrats on your new release, Dragon Bound. I look forward to reading it.

deb ;0)

DeeCee said...

Nalini, G.A. Aiken/Shelly Laurenston, Patricia Briggs and Pamela Clare...all addictive as heck!

Anonymous said...

My favorite authors are probably Nalini and Lisa Kleypas, because of their characters and the amazing romance stories they write.

Also, don't enter me in the contest - I just wanted to say that I got my copy of Dragon Bound today and just finished it. I absolutely loved it!

-Sarah M.

Patricia said...

Wow, I love Guest Authors! :)

My favorite authors are, next to Nalini Singh, Richelle Mead, Rachel Vincent, Julie James, J.R. Ward and so on. Despite my "I-don't-like-romantic-comedies"-attitude, I have to admit that I enjoy those, too, lately.
But a few months earlier, my answer'd have been: If a book makes me cry like a baby, I know it's a good one and my favorite authors are capable of writing such books. Plus, I love e.g. Nalini's worldbuilding. :) Actually, both criteria still apply, although now I like a good laugh, too. So much, in fact, that the book doesn't need much melodrama (and oh my, I love melodrama -sigh-). Another important point is the character development, which is the reason why I love Kim Harrison so much. :)

I'd love to read books of you, Ms. Harrison. Even if I hadn't read some very good reviews, the fact that you are featured here is a big "BUY OR BORROW (or win, haha) THIS BOOK"-banner.

Plus, this sentences: "When I say that something “fell out of Pia’s mouth” that’s exactly how it felt inside—what she said was as much of a surprise to me as it was to her." make me want to read the book right now.. -sigh-

Patricia, urbanreading at hotmail dot de

Diane said...

I love reading Linda Howard, Nora Roberts, Nalini of course, Chloe Neill. Each and everyone of them has made me laugh, get angry, question and cry at some point.

JJadziaDax said...

How sweet of you Nalani, and what a lovely story of your book deal Thea. So far I love the book :) and I have to ask will Quentin get a story? He stole away the beginning (I'm a sucker for a person who helps a friend in need). Looking forward to the others :)

JJadziaDax said...

Oh oops favourites are Nalani especially her angel books, and Lara Adrian. I like many more but they are a cut above the rest for romance. Since you are a scifi fantasy fan I'll add Octavia Butler all time fav.

emmad said...

just went and added Dragon Bound to my wishlist :)

Good on you for sticking it out. I'm a firm believer in people making their own luck which you did. Look forward to reading your series

emmad said...

Opps author recommendation, well you obviously already read Nalini :D, to add would be Patrica Briggs, Ilona Andrews, Lauren Dane, Moria Rogers

Oh and heaps more that I just can't think of the correct spelling of the top of my head lol

Anna said...

Hi Thea. I enjoyed reading your blog. As for favorite authors, I enjoy Nalini Singh, J.R. Ward, Kresley Cole, Patricia Briggs, and Larissa Ione for world-building and romance.

Also love Ilona Andrews, Jeaniene Frost, Jennifer Estep, and Eve Silver for the action, snark, and yummy heroes.

On the steamy side, there's Shelly Laurenston/G.A. Aiken, Carolyn Jewel, and Lora Leigh for their paranormal heroes/heroines.

Gosh! I could on and on. There are still my favorite contemporary and historical romance authors like Jo Goodman, Elizabeth Hoyt, Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, Pamela Clare, and Maya Banks, . But I will stop here. LOL

Jennifer said...

I love Nalini's psy-changling series. Another of my favorites is MaryJanice Davidson's Jennifer Scales series. I tend to read mostly paranormal books that are also humorous. In the scales series the main character (Jennifer Scales) has such a sarcastic personality that it reminds me of myself. She begins with not being too close to her mother but grows closer and closer to her with each book of the series. I admire that about her since I am not too close with my own mother but hope that someday maybe I can find the closeness that Ms Scales has with her mom. I would love to read your books Thea! It sounds like it would be right up my alley! Thanks for giving a copy away to one of us dear contestants!

Ren said...

Hi Thea, thanks for stopping by! :)
I hear so many praises for your book and can't wait to read Dragon Bound.

My favorite authors? Well, one is Nalini Singh herself of course. Do I sometime said I read her Guild Hunter again and again? This series is so addictive ;)

And then there are Larissa Ione, Gena Showalter, Kerrelyn Sparks, Kresley Cole, Shelly Laurenston,and many more. Most of all author make me laugh with their stories, and sometimes make me cry and thinking about the story :)

I hope after read Dragon Bound, you will be one of my favorite authors too, Thea ^_^

Stephanie M said...

Nalini is one of my favorites. I also love Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Kerrelyn Sparks, Kim Harrison, Anya Bast, Gena Showalter, and Larissa Ione. I love all the twists in the books and the fact that the relationships between the characters are really devloped so that you fall in love with them.

smccar1 at hotmail dot com

LaniM said...

Hi Thea - I loved your blog! I'm always amazed how when people seem to be at their lowest point something happens to change their life (for the better of course!) :)

My fav authors are: Nalini Singh, JR Ward, Lara Adrian, Suzanne Brockmann, Lorelei James, Cherise Sinclair, J.L. Langley, Joey W. Hill, Lora Leigh, Maya Banks... I really could go on!!

Thanks for the competition too. Looking forward to checking out Dragon Bound.

Jill B said...

J.R. Ward, Kresley Cole and C.L. Wilson are just a few of my favorites. And also, of course, Nalini Singh who is a golden goddess.
These authors write very different books, but they all have the ability to combine incredibly imaginative and detailed world building with characters that you fall in love with.
From the recommendations I've read it sounds like as soon as I get my hands on a copy of your book, I'll be falling in love all over again. I can't wait to read it and I would LOVE to win a copy!

Anonymous said...

Ilona Andrews. Nalini Singh. Janna Nickerson(I really reccommend her. Her first book was a senior project in high school and she now has four books out. She is a Montana writer and not well known outside the state.) Michelle Sagera.
I, unfortuantly, have never heard of you before. I looked up your books and read all good reviews. You are now on my 'to read' list.

brenda said...

Nalini, Kresley Cole, and Ilona Andrews are some of my favourite urban fantasy authors :) Julie James' contemporaries have me laughing out a lot too! For historical romances I love Loretta Chase, Lisa Kleypas and Julia Quinn. I can't wait to read your book! Will definitely be getting it somehow :)

Blodeuedd said...

If open worldwide then I am in!

Fav authors, well the one that always makes me laugh is Janet Evanovich and a woman have to laugh :) But authors that I love include Patricia Briggs, who even managed to make me cry. Robert Jordan, because i just love fantasy :)

Amyra said...

Hi Thea! Obviously I love Nalini, she's really great and her Psy-Changeling series is magic! I also love JR Ward, because the Brother are HOT, Jeaniene Frost for her humor and Karen Moning, because she weave a plot like no one.
I would love to win and read your book!

flowerlady said...

Hi,

Almost all the authors i love have already been mentioned but a few that have made me laugh out loud is Shelley Laurenston(I wanna be able to say that funny),Janet Evanovich(rib cracking funny). For the must inventive name callling funny Lorna Freeman!

Now am gonna go to amazon and see the release date for you book(i never win)

Congrats on the release of you books!

Mervi said...

Besides Nalini some of my favorite authors are Diana Gabaldon, Ursula K. Le Guin and Laura Kinsale and many many others.

Your books sound very interesting. Can't wait to dive in. Thank You for this introduction!

Kaetrin said...

There are some big name author and bloggers saying wonderful things about this book. I can't wait o read it! Best wishes for ++ sales Thea!!

Lois said...

Thea, I'll have to read your book because beinging recommended by Nalini tells me it's a good/great read. I started reading HER books on a recommendation from one of Christine Feehan's books and I have never ever been disappointed!

Unknown said...

I love any chance to sink my teeth into a new author's work. I've seen loads of great feedback about your book and even if i don't win a copy, i'll be buying it anyway! I know your next one will do great just from the comments already on here, but All the best anyway x

Gail Leinweber said...

Favorite authors that have made me laugh out loud are Jennifer Crusie, Patricia Wrede, Phil & Kaja Foglio (of the Girl Genius comic), and an honorable mention to Linda Howard for To Die For.

SdyLion said...

I love to read and Thea your book sounds intriguing. Some of my favorite authors who also make me laugh out loud are Gena Showalter, Kresley Cole, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Larrisa Ione, and Nalini Singh. That's not all of them, but a select few to start. Good luck!

mic said...

I'm so impressed with authors like Nalini who can build worlds that are sustainable over 10 books and counting.
I love when authors can successfully combine sexy and funny like Janet Evanovich.
I fell for dragons in Katie MacAllister's series, so I'm definitely intrigued by Dragon Bound.
- mic

Cony said...

Hi,
Greetings from Germany.
Obviously I am a hughe fan of Mrs. Singh´s books. Beside hers I like J.R. Ward, Laurell K. Hamilton, Shelly Laurenston a.k.a. G.A. Aiken,
Bianca D´Arc, Dana Marie Bell.... Since I bought my first EBook Reader the list is growing and growing and growing. But I have to admit one of my favorits is, since a long long time, David Eddings.
Cony

Natasha said...

My list of favorite authors is quite long. So I'll limit myself to authors that make me laugh out loud :)
Shelly Laurenston and Susan Elizabeth Phillips come to mind.

On a side note, can't wait to read your book! I've heard a lot of good things about it!

CrystalGB said...

Hi Thea. Your book sounds great. Some of my favorite authors are Nalini, Sherrilyn Kenyon, JR Ward, Larissa Ione, Elizabeth Hoyt, Kat Martin,

Unknown said...

Nalini is of course one of my favourite authors, I love how her characters interact with one another; the characters really seem real. Another one of my favourite authors is Christine Feehan, again it's the world she buils in her books, the characters and the way they interact which make the book believable and so hard to put down, for laughs I read Shelly Laurenston, when I read one of her books I'm literally rolling on the floor I'm laughing that hard. I do have many more but this post would never end if I put them all down *grin*

Kitara said...

Nalini is one of my favorites of course, with Ilium being the nominee for lol moments. He's really going to get himself killed one day, or at least lose all his feathers again.

Another author would be Ilona Andrews because Kate + Curran = you cannot stop laughing and headache meds for Curran. :)

Manulifee said...

hi thea,

I am in! love dragons!!

Mane <3

Cali and Andy said...

I have ordered your book! I am excited to start reading it.

I like Nalini a great deal, of course. Other auto buys Laurenston/Aiken and Kresely Cole.

Not mentioned here yet is Robin Owens. I love the Celta Series and her talking animals are wonderful and funny.

ST said...

Hi Thea! I went to your website yesterday on Nalini's recommendation adn read the excerpts of Dragon Bound. Sounds like an exciting book. I have put on my list. :)

I am currently reading the second in The Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima. I am enjoying it.
I also just finished the last book in John Flanagan's Rangers Apprentice series. Highly recommend that series. It was so sad to say goodbye to the characters.

The book I am really waiting for - Kiss of Snow of course! :)

Jen said...

Read this, and then Amazon reviews...couldn't wait to see if I "might" win...bought it for my Kindle!
I only have two automatic buys: Nalini Singh (cannot wait for KoS) and Nora Roberts.

Jaansh said...

lI love reading - period! Romance, comedies, thrillers, historical and now paranormal. I really got into paranormal after reading the Twilight saga. I didn't go out searching, but I certainly found Nalini Singh and the Psy-Changeling world. Now there's no turning back. I'm into the Guild Hunter series as well and look for new authors she has recommended. Paranormal is new to me, but not just any one would do. The overlap between imagination and reality is the drawcard for me. I love your story. It's every bit as good as one of our favourite novels. Congratulations on living a dream.

Sarah O. said...

As far as making me laugh goes, my favorite author would have to be Jennifer Rardin. Can't seem to help it while reading one of her books:)

felinewyvern said...

For laugh outloud stories my favourite authors have to be Sandra Hill or Terry Pratchett.

Others on my favourites list are
Anne McCaffrey, Mercedes Lackey, Nalini Singh, Patricia Briggs, David Weber, Larissa Ione and many more. They all have one big thing in common, they write an interesting story that keeps me glued to the page :D

Thea Harrison said...

Thank you so much, again, everybody. *grin* I got even more great new authors to look up!

It's been wonderful to get a little acquainted with you all through reading your posts! I am grateful to Nalini for making this event happen.
Happy reading!
Thea

Hannah said...

Hi Thea.

Thanks For The Givaway. Nalini Singh Is My Favorite But Ive Read All Excerpts And I Would Love To Read Dragon Bound.

Id Recommend. Gena Showalter, Maggie Shayne, Patricia Briggs, And Another Favourite ---- Chloe Neill(Definitely This 1)...

Anonymous said...

Currently my favorite authors are Nalini (of course), Ilona Andrews, Lisa Kleypas, and Julie James, who always makes me laugh out loud. I've actually already read an advanced copy of a friend's of Dragon Bound and loved it. I'd love to win a copy of my own!

Cathy M said...

My favorite author's that get me giggling are Shelly Laurenston, Janet Evanovich and recently, Jaye Well's, Sabina Kane series has got me laughing with her side kick demon.


caity_mack at yahoo dot com

Ina said...

one of my favorite authors is Ilona Andrews - I love both her series and could read them a thousand times :)
greetings, Ina

inale87 at gmx dot at

Anonymous said...

Lots and lots of favourites, Nalini (counting down the days till KOS), Joanna Bourne, Loretta Chase, Ilona Andrews and loads more.

Just read Dragon Bound. I say read - more like snarfed it down in one sitting - absolutely loved it and was sorry when it ended.

Really looking forward to Storm's Heart.

Alison said...

Congratulations on your success Thea. I will add your name to my TBR pile. The only author I can think of who hasn't been mentioned yet is Kelley Armstrong

Paula B. said...

Hi Thea! I'm actually almost done with Dragon Bound as I write this and I'm loving it. I can't wait for the next book. Thank you for writing a sexy, witty, and fun book!

Nalini is most definitely one of my favorite authors along with Ilona Andrews, Jeaniene Frost, Patricia Briggs, Karen Chance, Jim Butcher, Kresley Cole...I could go on forever. LOL

Christina said...

Hi Thea! Congratulations on the release!

My absolute top 2 authors are Nalini, and Kresley Cole. They are buy-day-of-release authors. Their characters, the world they create, are so realistic and lovely. With lots of laugh-out-loud moments (Nix comes to mind, the little scene stealer!)

Anonymous said...

I have so many favorite authors...Nalini, of course, Lara Adrian, Sherrilyn Kenyon, JR Ward, Laurell Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Shelly Laurenston/GA Aiken, Katie Macalister, Larissa Ione, and the list goes on and on. All of these authors are amazing writers and they have the ability to totally suck you into the world they have created. They all have comical aspects to their books, but I have to say that Laurenston/Aiken has made me laugh so much when reading her books. I get strange looks whenever I read her books in public.

Jennifer T said...

Like everyone else, I am a fan of Nalini's books. I also love Ilona Andrews, Anne Bishop, C.L. Wilson, J.D. Robb, Christine Feehan, and Patricia Briggs. I love these authors because of their strong female characters. I would love the chance to read your new series, it sounds interesting.

tamara said...

favorite authors : Nalini Singh, Anne Bishop (black jewels series), JR Ward, Patricia Briggs, Larissa Ione, Jeanine Frost and half a dozen others.

Exerpts from dragon bound make me want to read the rest of the book.

Candy said...

Nalini is one my favorites for sure. For me the way she makes her version of the world seem so beleiveable is one of the things I really enjoy in her books. The interesting characters she creates make you almost desperate to find out more about them. I also love that in a genre which can be very repetiive she manages to come up with unique ideas. I have never read anything as imaginative as Angels Blood.

Another favorite is J.D Robb. I love not only the core group of characters she has created but also trying to figure out the how, and the why of the murders in each book. I love how each book is its own seperate book but the relationships still manage to grow and change as the series progresses.

Both these authors use humour in their stories to help balance out the violence.

Chez said...

Hi Thea. Your book is creating a lot of buzz and I can't wait to read it ... you had me at dragons lol.

My favourites change depening on the mood, but my paranormalish favourites are Nalini Singh, Patricia Briggs, Anne Bishop, Karen Chance, Ilona Andrews, Lora Leigh, Lynn Viehl, Christine Feehan ..I could go on and on. If it's para and hot, I'm there.

Rachel498 said...

Thea, your book sounds awesome! I'm looking forward to reading it.

I have so many favorite authors, LOL. They are.. Nalini Singh(of course!), JR Ward, Karen Marie Moning, Richelle Mead, Larissa Ione, Gena Showalter, and CL Wilson.

What I love about these authors is that they can get me to care alot about their characters and they always come up with great plots + storylines. I also love that their books can make me cry and laugh :)

shortyal2008 said...

I love Nalini! Also really like Lorelei James and Lora Leigh...really don't have a favorite b/c I love pretty much everything! I can't wait to read your book. I've read the excerpts and it sounds really good!!!

thanks,
Alicia

shortyal2008(at)yahoo(dot)com

Wrayth Lethe said...

Nalini singh is definitely one of my favourite authors too (im not sucking up, i swears! XP ), but other laugh out loud fave authors are terry pratchett, ilona andrews, jeaniene frost and shelly laurenstone.

Your book seems like it would join those ranks and i cant wait to read it!!

Congrats too :)

rani said...

Hi Thea.
Ofcourse Nalini is one my favorites! I love her psy-changeling world. I'm also a great fan of C L Wilson, J R Ward and Nora Roberts.

Melissa said...

Thank you for posting! I am excited to read Dragon Bound now. Like so many others, I enjoy Ilona Andrews, Sherrilyn Kenyon & Molly Harper when I am looking for a fun read.

Roksana said...

Welcome Thea and I will keep an eye out for your novels (I am always looking for new Books)

I love and follow many Authors but and they are write amazing books that are sooooo different. Nalini being one, JR Ward, Richelle Mead, Kelley Armstrong, Patricia Briggs and few other.

Cant wait for Kiss of Snow!!!

Ginny said...

Nalini is definitely on of my favorites (can't wait for Kiss of Snow!!) but I also love Kresley Cole. Your series sounds interesting, I'd love to try it!

WorderfulReno said...

Hmm, off the top of my head, Nalini, Kresley Cole, Larissa Ione, Linnea Sinclair and newcomer Sara Creasy. Your book sounds really great though and what a great 'the making-of' story. I wish you all the best!

Tiffany M. said...

I loved your post. Thank you for sharing your story. :)

I have many favorite authors, so I'll just put a few.

Nalini Singh because of her wonderful stories, engaging and emotional characters, and detailed world-building (I am a big fan of the world building).

Robin McKinley because I can dive into her writing and swim for a while. She has such lovely writing with great details.

Sarah Addison Allen because I can taste her words and they are good.

Courtney Milan because each book is amazing and emotional, and better than the previous one (which you don't believe is possible each time).

Annonymous... said...

definitely nalini singh, jr ward, christine feehan, karenmae moning, kresley cole, gena showalter and lots more... i am eagerly awaiting kiss of snow and d b reymolds' raphael, jabril.. the vampires of america series... someone recommended her.good luck everyone ... kam luen

cklmenon@gmail.com

Darcy Jo said...

Oh I have so many favorite authors! Where do I begin??

Well, with Sherrilyn Kenyon, Justine Davis, Nalini Singh, Karen Marie Moning, G.A. Aiken, and C.L. Wilson, I suppose. I love anything Sci-Fi or Fantasy that has a big, burly hero and a strong heroine. Throw in some comedy, and I'm sold!

I LOVE dragons--it's so hard to find good dragon series!--and I can't wait to read Dragon Bound!!

Sabina B said...

Nalini (of course) ;-), Lisa Sherin, Iliona Andrews, Stephanie Myers are some of my favorites. I confess, I "fell" over your website some time ago, and just WOW! The snippets you postet just left me wanting MORE :-)I can´t wait to read it, and I would LOVE to win a copy!

Anonymous said...

Hi Thea

When Nalini recommended your book I knew I had to read it so I downloaded a sample from the kindle store and began reading by the time I got to the end of the sample I immediately clicked the buy now button and spent all night reading. All I can say is I absolutely loved it and I can not wait for Heart Storm

Thanks Priya

Sammy said...

Hi Thea, great post and definitely an inspiring backstory to what you have been able to achieve under difficult circumstances and that you have been able to find success doing something you obviously love (big virtual high five your way).

Have just checked out the excerpts for Dragon Bound on your website and was immediately grabbed by the opening paragraph. Am always a sucker for a Dragon story and will be happy as soon as I can get a hold of a copy of Dragos and Pia’s story!


I think I first discovered that romance books could actually be funny (ha-ha funny I mean, not this-is-so-corny-its funny) when I read my first Jennifer Crusie novel: "Welcome to Temptation". I think I laugh more when it is character driven humour rather then situation driven but anything that makes you laugh has got to be a good thing. Shelly Laurenston is another author who I am currently cursing for giving me laugh lines – her dragon series as G.A Aiken is particularly good. Kresley Coles ‘Immortal After Dark’ series is also guaranteed to keep me smiling and I also enjoyed the early books from J.R Wards black dagger brotherhood series. Nalini – absolutely adore Nalini’s books – love the wit from Elena throughout the Guild Hunter series and just plain out love the PSY-changeling series – positively drooling in anticipation of Hawke and Siennas story.

Congratulations on the release of Dragon Bound and I am sure to be hanging out for the release of Storm's Heart later this year.

Ang from Oz said...

Ooooo! My book catalogue gave your book great reviews Thea! Thanks so much for the competition. Super duper cover art too!

Authors that make me laugh out lough are... Dakota Cassidy and MaryJanice Davidson. Fav authors to date are PC Cast, Nalini, Gena Showalter, Deborah Cooke, Robin D Owens... the list goes on and on and on!

Nalini Singh said...

Contest now closed.

Winner: The random numbers have spoken and the winner is Kam Luen. Congratulations! An email is on the way to you.

Annonymous... said...

omg.I am so thrilled to have won thea's book.Never won anything before...so pleasant surprise.Thank you nalini and thea...This is such a thrill...Cheers,kam luen, malaysia.

Unknown said...

Nalini Singh - LOVE Lucas & Dorian. And I get so involved I almost always am brought to tears.

Laurell K Hamilton - Micah & Nathaniel :) Funny, HOT, exciting.

Shelly Laurenston - she is LOL funny.

Toni Blake - her book "One Reckless Summer" is about perfect.

Emma Holly - the sexiest love scenes of anyone!

JR Ward - totally different characters - great interplay.

Stephenie Meyer - pulls you in and grips you. Can re-read her stories indefinitely.

I guess I didn't make the deadline, but still wanted to comment! :)

sweetkatie16 said...

I am very happy to hear about your good fortune!! It is not often you hear the good stories out of all of the bad during the recession. It gives me hope that no matter how hard or unjust life feels at the moment, one day I too may be able to follow my dream and write all of the stories in my head.

One day I hope everyone will be addicted to my books at least half as much as I am to Nalini's and perhaps yours as well. I am tempted to just buy your books right now to see if I am.

Thank you for the blog...I will admit to drooling over the book covers. You and Nalini sure do know how to pick the hot ones!!!

Katie

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the head's up on both Thea Harrison and Anne Gracie. I'm reading everything I can get my hands on for both of them right now.