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