Wednesday, October 28, 2009

IMHO Welcomes Kimberly Killion


Award-winning author Kimberly Killion writes sexy Medieval romances for Zebra Books. Her debut book, HER ONE DESIRE, was a RITA® nominee, and her second book, HIGHLAND DRAGON, went into a second printing before release. Kimberly's gorgeous, dramatic novels have the sweep and intensity of Hannah Howell's megaselling Scottish romances.

Although an artist by profession, Kimberly traded her paintbrush for a pen about ten years ago. After writing and illustrating a mystical world of fairies, she began to explore the realm of romance novels. Currently, she works part-time as a college instructor in St. Louis, Missouri, where she brings her passion for words and the arts into the grueling boredom of lectures to spark the lives of hundreds of young minds.

Kimberly will put her newest release, HIGHLAND DRAGON, into the "Love is Scary!" tote bag for one lucky winner to take home.

Here's a taste of the story:

A desire that defies all limits…

and a love that was meant to be…

Scotland 1502. Akira Neish has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan's laird. To the clan’s children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch—and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.

Calin MacLeod has kept Akira's secrets and to avenge his father, the sensual young laird must marry her. He is more than a match for the fiery nature of the woman he adores. Yet the passion they share—and truths that can no longer remain hidden—could rip all of Scotland apart...

Romantic Times Magazine calls Kimberly's work "fascinating…well-crafted romance. The appeal of Killion's characters comes from their honor, intelligence and humanity."

You can visit Kimberly Killion’s website for contests, excerpts and more: http://www.kimberlykillion.com/.

IMHO: In the meantime, Kimberly, tell us: do you agree with our theme? In other words, is love really scary for your Scottish hunks and lovely lasses?

KK: You’re damn right “Love is Scary!”

That’s what makes it so exciting! That’s why romance sells! Because everyone has been in love and everyone has been hurt by it. But it’s exciting…

Ever hear people talk about the crazy things they did in high school? They don’t reminisce about an assignment they had in history. They say things like, “Remember when we got busted by the cops and our parents had to get us out of jail?” and “Do you remember when James got drunk and ran straight into that lake?” and “I can’t believe that bottle cap popped out of the toaster the next day when mom put her bread in.” (ok…so we had a few parties growing up. :c))

Why do we recall those incidents over any other? Because they were scary-exciting. Just like starting a new romance. You have the new boyfriend smell. He’s funny, handsome, a gentleman…too good to be true. And that’s the part that is scary. We’ve all been hurt. We all remember the boy who broke our heart when we were young. It’s those types of memories that authors used to ramp up the internal conflict of their characters. Not only do we have to tell the story, we also have to know what it was in the hero or heroine’s past that prevent them from jumping into a relationship. More often than naught, it is because they have loved and lost and they have no desire to repeat the pain.

Such is the case with Akira Kinnon. (That’s right…I’m stepping into promo mode…) Just when the heroine in my October release, HIGHLAND DRAGON, opens her heart up to her new husband, this happens:
A Snippet

MEETING THE MISTRESS...
A woman emerging from the woodland caught Akira’s eye.
The courtyard was vacant, so she donned a cordial smile and awaited her acquaintance. Akira thought she'd been introduced to everyone, but evidently not. This woman was not one who would be easily forgotten. Floating over the lush foliage of the knoll, the woman glowed beneath the fading sun. Beauty and grace surrounded her every step. Flowing pale blond hair bounced at her waist. A slim figure curved neatly into slender hips under a plain ivory gown. No jewels graced her bodice or her neck, nor did she wear a plaid, but the woman carried herself with the dignity of a noble. As she stepped even closer, Akira was mesmerized by the perfection of her face. High cheekbones pointed to a mouth most men would betray their country for. Then Akira looked into a pair of silver eyes. Not a blemish of color hid in the flecks. Foreboding crawled up her spine. Immediately, Akira felt uncomfortable in her presence.
The woman embraced her in a cold hug. When she spoke, her teeth sparkled. “You must be Calin’s new wife. ’Tis such an honor to finally meet you.”
“I am Akira. And ye are?”
The woman’s smile broadened when she brushed her long blond locks over her shoulder. “I am the laird’s mistress, Catriona.”
*********************
IMHO: Whoa--sounds to me like the laird better be scared! Folks, check out the video for Kimberly's award-winning novel, HIGHLAND DRAGON, released Oct. 6 from Zebra books. And be sure to leave Kimberly a comment. For a chance to win her novel, one of my historical romances, and at least one of our other guests' books, as well as a $20 gift certificate from Amazon.com, tell her what you either love or hate about Halloween. On October 31, 2009, I will announce the winning entries drawn at random from all eligible participants (US addresses only, please). The winners will have until November 5, 2009, to claim their prize. Remember, check out my contest rules page if you want the scoop on how to win!

TJB





29 comments:

Patricia Barraclough said...

What a terrible thing to happen. Yes I realize it is fiction and needs conflict and pain, but ouch.
Nice interview. (I didn't have parties like that in High School.)
Good luck with the release. It sounds like an interesting read.

KELLY FITZPATRICK said...

Beautiful cover! Nice interview.

Kimberly Killion said...

Good morning!
I just wanted to thank TJ for having me on IMHO...*Thanks*

Hello Patricia! If you didn't have "those" kind of parties, then your parents were the lucky ones. I'll just say my mom started dying her hair at an young age. LOL

Hi Kelly! Kensington does a great job on their covers. And even some of the newer books coming out are starting new trends.
Thanks for stopping by.

CrystalGB said...

Great interview. Highland Dragon sounds good. What I like about Halloween is how excited the kids get to go trick or treating.

throuthehaze said...

I loved the snippet! Great interview.

Raelena
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

throuthehaze said...

oops forgot to add what I love about Halloween. Well, for starters I love that it is in Fall (best season ever). I also think it is fun to dress up and I love to see everyone's costumes.

jcp said...

I hate when people take their babies out in costume for halloween (And I'm not referring to just going to Grandma's or the neighbors...) An infant doesn't eat candy. it's too cold to have your baby outside anyway!!

Anonymous said...

Another one for my TBR list! I can't resist a highland tale!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Ahh, those parties... As a mother, I shouldn't be sighing in fond memory, should I?

TJ, no need to enter me, as always. I'm dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail. I've got this posted at Win a Book.

kalynnick said...

what I love Halloween is the candy!

kalynnick AT yahoo DOT com

Elisa Beatty said...

I'm looking forward to reading your books, after all the wonderful things I've been hearing about them from the Ruby Slippered Sisters.

I do love Halloween--the idea of spirits roaming loose for one night of the year, and regular folks getting to go out and roam too, in whatever guise they please. Crunching fall leaves underfoot helps...we even get a few of those in California.

cheryl c said...

I have looked forward to your second book, Kimberly, ever since I read HER ONE DESIRE. I loved that book, and I was so impressed that it was your debut novel.

HIGHLAND DRAGON sounds like another winner. That is a wonderful book trailer, and now I am completely hooked!

I love the Halloween decorations and the candy. What I hate is that we no longer get trick-or-treaters at our house.

castings at mindspring dot com

Anonymous said...

What a lovely cover and intriquing story!!

Halloween...I love it...love the kids that come door to door, love how my kids (especially my son) used to get so excited about the whole thing! Carmel apple and popcorn balls were always a highlight!!!

Tessy

Kimberly Killion said...

Hey, ya'll...I went MIA for a while. Got lost in my WIP. :)

Let me get caught up...

CrystalGB, are you following me. LOL Good luck snagging the book.

Raelena, thanks for stopping by. Fall is my favorite season as well. I just drove through Kansas and the trees were breathtaking.

jcp said...
I hate when people take their babies out in costume...
I agree. They don't get it and they only end up getting sick.

Dyockman said...
I can't resist a highland tale!...
You and me both. Gotta love those men in kilts! Weeee

Susan Helene Gottfried said...
Ahh, those parties...
A woman after my own heart. Being rebellious made me more creative. LOL And thanks for posting the blog. :)

kalynnick said...
what I love Halloween is the candy!
Ditto that sista! I live in a rural area. I might get 2 trick-or-treaters, but I've got a huge bag of treats. *wiggles brows*

Elisa Beatty,
The Gwynnie is my biggest cheerleader. I love her. Are you entering the GH this year?

Cheryl,
Thanks for the compliment on Her One Desire. I hope you get a chance to read Highland Dragon and let me know what you think of Calin and Akira's story.

Tessy,
Carmel apples are the poo!!! But what a mess in the hands of a 5 year old. LOL

The Scarf Princess said...

My favorite things about Halloween are the candy, the popcorn balls, the Rice Krispies treats, and the marathons of horror movies.

I don't like any of those naughty teenage shenanigans like t.p.ing trees/houses or terrorizing defenseless black cats.

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

Jane said...

Hi Kimberly,
I really enjoyed "Her One Desire." I love how festive Halloween is, the decorations and candy. I don't like the hijinks like the egg pelting.

Pat Cochran said...

Love the video, it's so classic a
presentation!

I love the smiles and the proud
youngsters in their costumes! It's
a fun day for them and I love to
see happy children. Temperatures
are usually 60-70 degrees here in
Houston and everyone has a great
time!

mrsshukra said...

I like seeing all the little kids trick or treating in their Halloween costumes, so cute!

By the way, Kimberly, I'll say it again... loved Her One Desire!!!! Looking forward to reading Highland Dragon!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Judy said...

Kimberly, I liked the video for your new book. What I like about Holloween is the parade in Anoka, Mn the Holloween capital of the world.

Kimberly Killion said...

Joder,
I don't do horror flicks! My idea of a scary movie is Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion. LOL

Hello Jane.
I'm glad you like my debut, Please let me know what you think of Highland Dragon if you pick it up. :)

Thanks Pat and Judy. I made the video myself so that means a lot to me.

Etirv said...
I'll say it again... loved Her One Desire!!!!
Awww, thanks!!! :)

Karen W. said...

Thanks for the interview! HIGHLAND DRAGON sounds really good, and I love the cover! :)

karenwitkowski AT aol(dot)com

Virginia C said...

Highland Dragon sounds wonderful! What I love about Halloween is the feeling of being a child again, being free and just having fun. The candy and other goodies add to the delight!

gcwhiskas at aol dot com

The Brunette Librarian said...

Hey Kimberly :) Happy to see you out in the blogosphere!! The book looks fabulous! Your first story was grand and I am excited to check out your new one.

Fabulous author photo too! Love your hair!

rachie2004 @ yahoo (d0t) com

Linda Henderson said...

I love Halloween, it is my favorite holiday. I have passed on my massive collection of Halloween decorations to my daughters for my grandkids to enjoy. I'm looking forward to seeing them in their costumes this weekend. I would love to win your book.

Carol L. said...

Hi Kimberley,
Loved the video and the music.
I also finished reading Highland Dragon and LOVED it !!Fantastic and filled with lots of passion.
What I love about Halloween is probably the little ones all dressed up and all the candy. :)

TJ Bennett said...

Hi, folks! My bad for not popping in last night and thanking Kimberly for her participation. Thank you, Kimberly!!

Now, IMHO readers, you can continue to leave your comments for Kim and our other guests, and tune in on Oct 31 for the announcement of our two tote bag winners and exactly what it is they won! I won't be able to get a picture of the totes up yet, as Deb Stover is still awaiting the release of her book, but rest assured the book will be in the tote for one of our lucky winners to receive.

And, of course, come back next Wednesday, and every Wednesday, to visit with Authors You Should Know. Next up, the fabulous historical author and RITA nominee SHERRY THOMAS.

Karen W. said...

OOPS - I forgot to answer the Halloween question. I love the candy and black cats! :)

Lyoness2009 said...

Fabulous interview today Kimberly. Can't wait for the new book! <3 Halloween! The candy, the costumes...it's just silly fun.

lyoness2009 AT hot mail **dot** com

Unknown said...

Hi, nice post!! I LUV Halloween!! I like everything about it. The candy is prob the BEST part!! I miss dressing my daughter to go out begging. I like seeing the little kids who come around for candy. DD and I bake and decorate cookies every year, yummm!! I think it's my 2nd fav holiday after Christmas. Thanks, Sue