Interview & Giveaway: Joan Swan

Okay y’all! I have an amazing guest here for you today! I am having a fan SQUEE moment! I absolutely adore this lady. I don’t know her personally except through e-mail and twitter, but she is so awesome. When I found out she had a book coming out, I knew I had to read it. You know how you “see” an author and you just know the book has potential? Yeah. Well, Joan gots da goods! I was super lucky to be able to read and review her debut novel FEVER You can read my review by clicking here. FEVER is the first book in the Phoenix Rising series. I could gush all over myself about how phenomenal this debut book was, but I’ll leave the explanations to Joan. Did I mention it was a debut? DEBUT people! Joan Swan is one to watch! Watch her!  *ahem* *clears throat* Sorry bout that. I get excited over reads I lurve. How about I just turn it over to Joan now?

**JOAN  SWAN**

**BIOGRAPHY**

Joan Swan is a triple RWA® Golden Heart finalist and writes sexy romantic suspense with a paranormal twist.  Her debut novel with Kensington Brava, FEVER, released February 28, 2012.  Her second novel, BLAZE, follows in October, 2012.

 In her day job, she works as a sonographer for one of the top ten medical facilities in the nation and lives on the California central coast in beautiful wine country with her husband and two daughters.

**INTERVIEW**

Welcome, Joan! Tell us a little about your current release Fever.

Fever is the first in the Phoenix Rising series.  Teague Creek is a man with special powers who’s been wrongly convicted of murder and escapes by abducting an innocent women.  He plans on trading the woman for the one person he wants most in the world—his daughter—and fleeing the country, but the woman turns out to be someone he didn’t expect.  And while trust and attraction grows between them, the cops close in, but they’re not the only ones looking for Teague.  The undercover black ops who put Teague in prison to begin with has discovered he’s escaped and if they reach him before the cops, they’ll silence Teague permanently.  And they won’t leave any witnesses. 

Well, Teague and Alyssa just might have something to say about that. Any upcoming projects you would like to tell us about? *coughs* Blaze, perhaps? Or Mitch’s story? I. Wants. Mitch’s. Story. *nods*

What is it about Mitch?  He seems to be the resident favorite?

Luke’s book is next.  It releases September 25^th.  This book is really intense, face-paced and hot.  It’s a deeper look at the conspiracy, increases the stakes for the team and it’s the reunion story of two very tortured characters.  In Blaze we meet more of the team and see them interact as a family.

Here is the blurb for Blaze:

The hotter they come, the harder they fall…

With a man like him, every mission becomes personal…

Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. She needs to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.

Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again…

*narrows eyes* Mitch is hot! End of story. And then there is the mystery and the complete ability to take care of anything – like ANYTHING. Did I mention he’s hot? So, How do you keep in contact with your readers (Twitter, FB, etc.)?

I’m on Facebook with two different accounts (shhhh, don’t tell!).  I also have two Twitter accounts; one for author/personal things and one for announcements of any book related giveaways I come across.  Of course I have my blog and email. 

I have to admit, the last month, life seems to continue to get busier and busier and I don’t “get out” socially as much as I used to.

My links:  Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*zips lips* Your secret is safe with me. *nods* How in the name of all that is holy do you keep everything that you write in your books straight? Fever has so many twists and turns, I have no idea how you kept track of it all.

Um…is that a trick question?  Cause…I don’t have an answer…

Awe … You don’t have a paranormal ability too? I was hping for some awesomesauce author magical ability answer. *pouts* What is your favorite thing about FEVER?

I think my favorite part of Fever is when Alyssa starts a house on fire with her brother, Teague and Luke inside.  She’s so totally confident and competent.  Always under control.  Strong.  Smart.  Capable.  Then…she finds herself in a situation that is totally beyond her and she has to act.  In acting, she goes overboard and chaos ensues.  I just loved letting Alyssa screw up – big time.

What is an average day like for you?

During the week, my days start out at McDonalds where I write for several hours, followed by errands and more writing and writing related tasks at home.  I pick up my daughter at 3pm and write more around her various afternoon/evening activities.  Then I generally…you guessed it…write in the evening.

Fridays I make the 4 hr drive to my day job, stopping off at Panera at the halfway point to write for an hour.  I usually only have the energy to check my email before collapsing Friday night.

Saturdays I write before and after work.

Sundays I write before work and make the 4 hr trek back home, then usually write before I fall asleep.

Then I start the process all over again.

Doesn’t that sound fun?  Come on, you know you all want to be writers!

So what you are saying is it is all glamorous and sparkles? Check. What’s next for Joan Swan? *whispers* I’d venture to guess … hmmm … sleep? When do you sleep, woman?

Sleep is highly overrated (I have to say that…or I’d cry). *sniffles for you*

I have an Indie romantic suspense, INTIMATE  ENEMIES, coming out in April.  This story is a 2x Golden Heart finalist and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with readers.

Of course, BLAZE release is coming up in late September, and I hope I’ll be able to announce the continuation of the series with Kensington soon.

Nothing would make me happier! *chants* Mitch, Mitch, Mitch! *grins* You have given a lot of credit to several people who “helped” you through this entire process that is Fever. One person intrigued me: Elisabeth Naughton. I have no doubt that she was instrumental in your journey, especially in creating Mitch. *whispers* By the way, please tell her I lurve her for creating Mitch. *nods*  How important would you say it is for a writer to have someone like Ms. Naughton involved in the writing process in some capacity?

Critical.  She’s probably the “how” in keeping track of all those twists and turns you mentioned earlier.  Without a solid, trusted critique partner for an author to bounce ideas off of, vent with and turn to when things get tough, I can’t imagine how any author could stay happy, productive and successful.

See? I knew there was a special way you kept track of it all. What is one thing you cut from the book that either you wish you had left in, or readers would like to hear about?

Fever had an alternate ending.  When I sold the manuscript, it was with the agreement that I would rewrite the second half of the book.  My editor felt the tension in the first version of the book waned at the midway point and made suggestions for rewrites.  The new version of Fever is far better than the old and making the changes made me a far stronger writer.

Interesting. You seem like a quirky kind of gal. Any special quirks or habits when writing?

I like to write best lying in bed.  I can’t write with the television on, but I can write with music playing in my ears.  I don’t write well when my husband is in the room.  I’m an anxious writer – need to have distractions to break from those really tense moments in a manuscript.

I don’t think I would write well with DH lurking either. The pressure! ACK! How do you celebrate when you finish a novel?

I don’t.  I’m not much of a celebration type person. I tend to enjoy the process more than reaching the end point – at least when it comes to writing.  When I want to do something, I do it.  When I want something, I get it.  I work those types of things into everyday when it fits instead of waiting for that finish point.

Well, I think you do – sort of. You let others celebrate in your stead. For example peeps, Joan has a fantabulous vacation getaway going on right now. The entry is CRAZY easy! All you have to do is sign up. Easy peazy! Click here to check it out! AND there is one vacation for each coast! California, or Florida! You’ve got nothing to lose! Get over there – but WAIT until the end of the interview if you please. It’s bad manners to walk out in the middle of an interview after all. *nods* What are you reading now? Any favorites you tend to go back to?

I’m reading Victoria Dahl’s Lead Me On now. (Audio book for those long drives).  I tend to go back to a few books that fascinated me during the original read and I want to relive the story or spend time with the characters again.  So far, those have been in the thriller genre I enjoy—What the Night Knows, Dean Koontz and the Georgia series by Karin Slaughter.

You lack in restful times yet you read thrillers? How interesting! I haven’t read a lot of thrillers. I’ll have to check those authors out. Do you have any other hobbies or interests besides writing?

I used to…but I can’t remember what they were.  And I’ve changed so much, I’m not sure if they’d be the same now if I were to get time and go back to them.

Time for random fun! Salty or Sweet?

Sweet.  Always.  I am a romance writer, after all.

Alcoholic or Non-alcoholic?

I prefer alcoholic, but would rather eat my calories, so usually stick with non-alcoholic.

What is your favorite drink?

Diet Pepsi or Midori Margarita or Lemon Drop or…

Midori! Yum! Midori Sour & Midori Colada. What is your favorite holiday?

I actually don’t care for holidays.  *gasp*

Hey. No judgment here. They aren’t always call for celebration. Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

One Word at a Time ~ Me

Awe – you quoted yourself! Fabulous! Boxers or briefs?

Boxer Briefs

Everyone says that! E-reader or Paperback?

Audiobook

Oh! New answer! Well played! Men: Long hair or short hair?

Yes.

Ha! Do you have any hidden talents?

Plenty.  But if I told you they would no longer be hidden.

*whispers* The book marks! The book marks! Caffeine or Decaf?

Decaf? What’s the point?

I know, right? Thank you! Almond Joy or Mounds?

The one without coconut…whichever one that is.

*sounds buzzer* Wrong answer. They both have coconut. The correct answer is the one without almonds – or the milk chocolate versus dark chocolate. Crap. Now I am singing the flipping song. *la la la* Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t. Almond Joy’s got nuts, Mounds don’t. *grins* Flowers or chocolate?

Yes.

Correct! Random Thought:

I wish I could elicit the same emotion in others with my writing as I feel when I listen to good music.

Errr … you do. I was all over the emotions with FEVER. Though they do say you are your own worst critic. I know I am. Wow! Isn’t she fabulous?!?! I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little about Joan Swan! Now you have the chance to get to know a little about FEVER! Plus, there’s a giveaway at the end!

**FEVER**

 

**BOOK  BLURB**

Dr. Alyssa Foster will admit to a bad boy fetish…

But when she finds herself face to face with a convicted murderer with determination for freedom and an eye on her as his get out of jail free card, Alyssa knows she’s in deep trouble…. Not just because Teague Creek is a prisoner desperate for freedom, but because his every touch makes her desperate for more.

A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose…

Teague Creek has one shot at freedom, but his plan to escape with a hostage develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives who know of his strange abilities, he needs to avoid trouble, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever.

Buy links:  Amazon| Barnes & Noble | Booksamillion

**EXCERPT**

(adult content)

With a solid grasp on the girl’s upper arm, Teague dragged her into the shadows of an overhang outside the hospital.  The chilled air bathed his burning skin.  Inwardly, he took a moment to appreciate the sensation, grateful for the city’s distinctive evening mist. 

He pressed his back against cool brick building and pulled her in front of him for cover, focusing his mind to control the body heat that had winged out of his control.  Not a great start.  His heart knocked so hard and high in his chest, he thought it would choke him.  If he didn’t slow his breathing, he’d hyperventilate. 

Luckily, hardly anyone ventured to this side of the hospital but prison guards and inmates, and he and Taz were the last trip of the day.  He’d pulled every last favor he’d accumulated in prison to get right here, right now.

It amazed Teague how a city the size of San Francisco could have so many dead spaces where few people ever tread.  But when he’d started looking for them months ago during other outings, he’d been surprised to find them everywhere—walkways, alcoves, or alleys between soaring buildings, like the one they were in now.

In a side parking lot, the GTO’s engine rumbled to life.  Tires squealed. 

“Idiot,” Teague mumbled.  “Let’s just fucking advertise.”

The adrenaline raging through his body made him nauseous.  Or maybe it was the welt on the girl’s face that made him sick to his stomach.  Or the burns on her neck.  Or the blood trail. 

He couldn’t even remember her damn name.  Emma?  Anna?  Something sweet and passive, just the kind of woman Luke always seduced.  Only this woman was neither sweet nor passive, although she was a beauty.  A goddamned exotic Barbie-doll wet-dream beauty.  At least that part of Luke’s criteria hadn’t changed while Teague had been rotting in prison the last three years.

The bright red, chain-shaped scars on her smooth, sun-kissed skin looked like a twisted S&M necklace.  He couldn’t stand the sight. 

You’re burning me.  The memory of the pain in her voice nagged.  None of this was her fault, aside from the fact she had lousy taste in boyfriends. 

Teague flexed the fingers of his free hand, took a slow, deep breath and focused.  He settled his fingertips over the burns at one side of her neck and slid them slowly across her fried skin.  She stiffened at his touch and strained against his hold.

          A sizzling current of mellow heat ebbed from his fingertips and melted into her flesh.  He knew the instant the relief registered by the way her spine softened and her eyelids drifted closed.  Her spidery black lashes curved against cheeks flushed bright and hot. Teague had the deepest urge to press his mouth to the corner of one eye and let her skin sizzle across his lips.

          He repressed the random thought just as he had with all such longings that surfaced during his years in prison.  The progression of his fingers transitioned the burnt tissues from chaffed, angry red to plump, irritated pink. 

So soft.  Even damaged, her skin was so incredibly soft.  How long had it been since he’d felt a woman’s skin against his?  Three years?  Four?  He’d lost count.  Something about touching her made his mind haze in a very dangerous way under the circumstances.  With her, under any circumstances.

          Sensations seemed to boomerang back at him from his touch.  Enticing currents drifted down his arm, through his chest and straight to his groin, pumping blood to a part of him that had no business being aroused.

          He steered his mind toward curling his fingers into his palm, stepping back, looking away.  But before he did, her head tilted, like she could barely hold it up, and her cheek eased to his shoulder.  Her body swayed, hips curved forward.  Their joined hands crushed between her soft pelvis and his aching dick.  A geyser of lust blasted up his chest and out his limbs.  He shuddered.  The muscles in his legs went lax.  Pleasure blurred the edges of his mind.

Weeee! I love this book so hard! You all have to check it out! I would go so far as to say that this could be the best debut book of the year! *nods* It’s my absolute favorite read of the year so far! But for one of you lucky ducks, Joan is offering a print copy of FEVER! All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. And as a bonus! Joan is running a bunch of other contests! You can enter to win a Kindle Fire simply by commenting and posting your comment link! How fantabulous is that? Click here for more details! Want to subscribe to Joan’s newsletter? Well the Giveaway Queen has a giveaway for that too! Click here for more info on the Newsletter giveaway! And for REVIEWERS! Have you reviewed FEVER? Do you plan to? YOU, yes, YOU have a contest going also! Click here for more information about reviewing FEVER! See? I told you she was fabulous! Now it is your turn! Comment away! Fill out the Rafflecopter form! And don’t forget to sign up for the vacation giveaways! Go forth and WIN young grasshoppers! And until next time … HAPPY READING!

**GIVEAWAY**

·         A print copy of FEVER, US/Canada shipping.

·         All comments are eligible for tour grand prize of either a COLOR NOOK or KINDLE FIRE. Enter: http://joanswan.com/giveaways/blog-tour-ereader/

**DA RULEZ**

One commenter will be drawn at random to receive a print copy of FEVER, by Joan Swan. Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest open to US and Canada. Reader’s Edyn and participating author are NOT responsible for lost or damaged items. Anyone may be disqualified at any time so be sure to follow directions to avoid disqualification. No substitutions allowed. Contest ends March 25th at midnight MST. That means you will have through the 24th to enter. When the clock strikes midnight on the 25th, the contest will be over. Winner will be contacted by e-mail. Winner will have 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen. Odds of wining depend on the number of entries received. Be forewarned! *serious face* Those who enter and do not follow the tasks properly will have their entries removed. *peers closer* Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I. Will. Check. Them. Not trying to be a pain. Sorry.

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