An Interview with Tara Kingston

Please help me welcome Tara Kingston to my blog today. Tara will be giving away a $5 giftcard to one lucky commentor so be sure and leave her a comment.

claimedbythecaptain_msr-1_2Tell us about yourself.

Hi Cindy! Thanks for having me as a guest today. I’m a Southern girl, Virginia born and bred, but now, I’m living in a small northwestern Pennsylvania town in a restored Victorian on a lovely, tranquil creek. I’m the mother of two sons, and we count our German Shepherd, Lucy, and Jinxie, a fluffy furball of a cat as the family matriarch and princess, respectively. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love to read and write stories of feisty heroines and adventure.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be, and why?

At this point in my life, I’d live right here in the mountains of Pennsylvania. I love being so close to nature, and my husband and I are both into outdoor recreation. Most weekends, you can find us hiking, canoeing, or relaxing by the creek with a good book.

Have you had other careers before becoming a writer?

I’m proud to say I’ve been a classroom teacher and a librarian, the second most ideal job for anyone who loves books as much as I do.

Are you a full time writer or do you have a “day job”?

At present, I’m devoting my time to writing.

Do you have other talents? Or is there a talent you don’t have that you wish you did?

I have some musical ability. I can play the piano, but sadly I can’t sing a note. I’d love to learn how to play the guitar. But the talent I most wish I possessed was culinary skill. My sons believe I use the smoke alarm as a kitchen timer.

How did you get started writing?

I’ve been writing stories as long as I can remember, but I didn’t begin to seriously pursue publication until I discovered my local Romance Writers of America chapter. Being with a group of talented writers who generously shared their knowledge and skill was a blessing. Then I joined an online RWA chapter for writers of historical romance and found even more encouragement and camaraderie among a group of lovers of history and romance.

claimedbythespymaster_msr-1_2What genres do you write in and why?

I write Historical Romance, Historical Romantic Suspense, and Steampunk with a touch of the paranormal. I wrote my first contemporary, a paranormal romantic comedy, last year. Love Potion #7 is a steamy love story that blends Bewitched with a classic battle of the sexes.

How many books have you written?

Six that have been published, and three that are in process.

Tell us about your current series/WIP.

My current Work in Progress is an enemies-to-lovers story, the first in a series of romantic thrillers set in a Victorian London where vampires have risen to power. Battled by a heroine reminiscent of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Princess Leia, the vampires bring in an American bounty hunter to bring her in. The hired gun is determined to claim the bounty, until fate and his heart intervene.

I’m also getting ready to relaunch a series of Civil War-era historical romances revolving around the daring spies on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. The Secrets and Spies series will be rereleased this summer with hot new covers and abundant adventure, intrigue, and passion.

What is your favorite part of writing?

I love getting to know my characters, especially my heroes. It’s wonderful to conjure the men of your dreams through the written word.

How does your family feel about your writing career?

They’re very supportive. My husband has prepared many a meal while I’m hunched over my laptop, tapping out a story. He’s the best!

lovepotion7_msr-1_2Love Potion #7 Blurb:

Chelsea York is a witch on a mission. Quarterback Jake Wilder’s broken one heart too many, and Chelsea’s out to give the legendary passer a taste of his own medicine. She calls upon the city’s resident spellcaster to conjure the perfect brew for her task, Love Potion #7.

Jake Wilder left the game of football for the quiet of his hometown, but he hasn’t left fame behind. When a bewitching bookstore owner engages him in a sensuous battle of the sexes, he decides to teach the woman he believes to be a gold digger why she shouldn’t play with fire.

With seduction as their mission, both set out to become the victor in their sexual play. But they both get in over their heads when struck with desire neither can deny. And surrendering to the pleasure of temptation will lead them to discover how some passions are more potent than any spell.

Excerpt:

“To be honest, I really just wanted to get you to myself.”

The wolf’s slow smile signaled a warning. Too late. He caught her hand in his and pulled her to him. Close, so close. His clean scent swept over her like a wind-driven squall. She shouldn’t like this. She needed to reject him, not melt into his embrace. But she clung to him as though she was the one who’d been bewitched.

His mouth brushed her lips, as unhurried as his smile. A gentle sweep against her flesh, tantalizing with its sweet promise of far more decadent caresses to come.

He deepened the kiss. His tongue traced the seam of her lips, exploring, teasing, coaxing her to part for him. A ribbon of liquid heat curled in her belly. The edge of the desk seemed the only thing supporting her wobbly legs. His hands explored her, cupping her bottom, molding her to his torso. His arousal pressed to her belly, allowing no doubt of his body’s reaction to the delicious contact. Hunger stirred in her core. Hunger for this man. Hunger she couldn’t afford to feel.

One hand skimmed along her hip, possessive, brazen. Fingers curving over her fully clothed breast, he teased her flesh to life. Chelsea stifled a little moan, but a hint of her need broke through. Her nipple pebbled beneath his touch, and then, his skillful fingers released one button, then another, stealing beneath the fabric of her sensible blouse. Gentle, yet searing. Each moment of precious contact more delectable than the last. And still he kissed her, his tongue mating with hers in a subtle, sensual dance. The heat in her belly seeped through her body, and she melted to him. Tilting her hips to cradle the hard ridge of his erection, she spread her legs, welcoming the sweet pressure, craving more. Her hands curved over his biceps, rock hard beneath her fingertips, and she drank in the feel of him, the taste of him, the scent of him.
She wanted more.

Buy Links:

Love Potion #7
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Potion-Hex-Appeal-ebook/dp/B0091F0X5M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366647179&sr=1-1&keywords=love+potion+%237+tara+kingston

Ellora’s Cave:
http://www.ellorascave.com/love-potion-7.html

Claimed by the Captain

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Claimed-by-the-Captain-ebook/dp/B0056GR75Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366647032&sr=8-1&keywords=tara+kingston

Ellora’s Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/claimed-by-the-captain.html

Claimed by the Spymaster

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Claimed-by-the-Spymaster-ebook/dp/B005JDTC16/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1366647085&sr=8-2&keywords=tara+kingston

Ellora’s Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/claimed-by-the-spymaster.html

Website: http://www.tarakingston.com/

Bio:
A Southern girl transplanted to a small northwestern Pennsylvania town, Tara Kingston lives her own love story with her Navy Chief hero in a restored Victorian on a picturesque creek. The mother of two sons, Tara shares her home with Lucy, the German shepherd and family matriarch, and Jinxie, a fluffy furball of a cat who’s assumed the role of family princess. When she’s not writing, reading, or burning dinner, Tara can be found cycling, hiking, watching classic movies (and some not-so-classic flicks), and cheering on her favorite football team.

10 thoughts on “An Interview with Tara Kingston

  1. Tara,
    Thanks for the laugh about the fire alarm–an outloud laugh, BTW.

    Thank goodness for RWA, for motivating us into taking writing seriously. I go through genre phases but love reading historicals often. Just this weekend at a bookstore I picked up Gone With the Wind to reread the last pages. Sigh. Looking forward to the relaunch of your Civil-War era series.

    What have you found to be a great group for Steampunk writers or wannabe’s?

    -Kara

  2. Ooh, Tara! I have a couple of your titles on my TBR, and I can’t wait to get caught up with your backlist! Thanks for the interview–I love that you’re able to write full time now and that your husband is so wonderfully supportive! What a keeper! Does he read your stories?

    • My husband is very supportive, but he’s never read my stories. I think he’s afraid they’d make him blush 😉 Honestly, he’s not into fiction at all. He loves non-fiction, especially travel memoirs.

      Sorry it’s taken me a while to reply. I had to dash down to my home town unexpectedly to see my dad and was away from the computer. I really appreciate you leaving a comment and hope you enjoyed the interview.

  3. Tara, you’re a new Author for me but I can’t wait to read your books. I love the bit about your smoke alarm. lol
    Maybe that’s what my oldest daughter uses hers for. 🙂
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

    • Hi Carol,
      Seriously, I am not a good cook at all. I am too easily distracted by books – writing them or reading them 🙂

      Sorry it’s taken me a while to reply. I had to dash down to my home town unexpectedly to see my dad and was away from the computer. I really appreciate you leaving a comment.

  4. Hi Kara,
    Believe it or not, I’m in the Hearts through History chapter of RWA, and it’s a great place for Steampunk writers, since there’s alternate history. I don’t know what I’d do without the wonderful members of that group.

    Sorry it’s taken me a while to reply. I had to dash down to my home town unexpectedly to see my dad and was away from the computer. I really appreciate you leaving a comment and hope you enjoyed the interview. I’ll be sure to announce when my books are available. If you haven’t already, please follow me on Twitter @tarakingston115 and on Facebook.

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