Author Larissa Lyons has stopped by to chat with us. She has graciously answered my nosy questions about her professional life. She also discusses her latest release, a Christmas Regency, Miss Isabella Thaws a Frosty Lord, which hit virtual book shelves this week.
Kathy: Ms. Lyons, you have had some rather interesting careers including clown, tax analyst, and pig castrator. How did you end up with such an eclectic job history?
Ms. Lyons: Umm…ADD? (Attention deficit disorder!) 🙂 All my life, I’ve had multiple interests and projects going on. (Maybe that’s why Mr. Lyons and I also have a multiple-cat household??)
Kathy: What prompted you to become an author? How long you have been writing?
Ms. Lyons: Since I was a teenager, I’ve had two dreams. One was to be published; the other was to belly dance in public. I’ll let you conclude which one I’ve accomplished…
My first writing attempt was a sci-fi romance I started typing after watching Genie Francis (from General Hospital’s Luke & Laura fame) star as a perfume magnate named Tyger. That story didn’t evolve much beyond a few pages but I started writing again in 2000 and writing seriously in 2004.
Kathy: You have published novels in various genres and time periods. How did you branch out into writing such a variety of genres and time periods?
Ms. Lyons: Uh-oh. Here’s where I blame those multiple interests. I always seem to have several books on my nightstand that I’m reading concurrently and I enjoy most every genre of romance except suspense. I think my reading habits spilled over into my writing habits…
Kathy: Do you prefer one genre or time period over another? If so, why?
Ms. Lyons: Aye. I confess, at heart I’m a Regency girl through and through. There’s just something about the witty banter in which the lords and ladies aired their vocabulary that appeals to me. That and the devilishly attractive way the men angled their sideburns. [Oops! I can’t say “sideburns”; that word wasn’t in use until the 1880s.] Angled their side whiskers. 🙂
Kathy: Is there another genre you are considering writing? One you will never write?
Ms. Lyons: I actually have a techno-Regency on my list of “to finish” projects. It’s a combination of steampunk and technology/sci-fi and traditional Regency. But it’s been on the drawing board for a while and will likely stay there a bit longer. I’d like to return to my Regency shapeshifters first.
Something I’ll never write? Hmm…that’s got to be suspense or a thriller. When I read, I want to feel good inside—I don’t like being anxious and unable to trust my hero.
Kathy: Can you tell us a little bit about Miss Isabella Thaws a Frosty Lord?
Ms. Lyons: Ah, Miss Isabella. I do believe this story has the distinction of being my favorite of all my current releases. (Deceived by Desire, which we’ll be giving away a print copy of, is a close second!)
Isabella is blind and has a tyrant for a father, one who’s overly concerned with what others will think of his “defective” daughter so he keeps her stashed away. But she eagerly escapes the cranky clunch just before Christmas when her closest friend invites Isabella to a winter house party.
Isabella soon becomes the focus of a bossy earl’s attention. Bossy until he realizes she cannot see and he admits something about her captivates him. Of course, being a holiday story, there’s lots of mistletoe our resourceful Lord Frostwood puts to good use. 🙂
Kathy: What projects are you currently working on? What does your publishing schedule for 2012 look like at this point?
Ms. Lyons: I have two Regencies in the works for 2012—a sequel to the spicy hot Lady Scandal that’s available now and a historical romance about a strong hero who fears he’s weak because he stutters. Readers can learn more about both stories by visiting my website, LarissaLyons.com.
Kathy: I have enjoyed chatting with you today. Is there anything else you would like to share with us before you go?
Ms. Lyons: Talking about books and writing is one of my favorite things (well, along with petting cats, watching James Bond films, eating brownies…) so I really thank you for the chance to share about my stories. I try to write books that make me smile, and maybe laugh, but that always leave me feeling happy. I wish a wonderful, joy-filled holiday season to you and your readers!
Larissa (who needs to pry three sleeping cats off the laundry so she can fold it before Mr. Lyons gets home and wants the bed back…)
Kathy: Ms. Lyons, congratulations on your upcoming release and thank you so much for visiting with us today. Feel free to drop by anytime you happen to be in the neighborhood.
Title: Miss Isabella Thaws a Frosty Lord by Larissa Lyons
Publisher: Literary Madness
Genre: Historical, Regency, Romance
Length: Novella (37,000 words)
Summary:
Dominated by her father’s rigid ways since a twist of fate stole her sight, Isabella uses the magic of Christmas to steal away for an adventure of her own when invited to join friends for the holidays. Oh, how she adores Christmastime!
How he abhors Christmastime! Lord Frostwood lives up to his name, freezing out everyone since a childhood tragedy hardened his heart. Everyone, that is, until a spirited wench falls at his feet and proceeds to warm his cold existence, thanks to some strategically placed mistletoe and their resulting Christmas kisses.
This is an extended novella of 37,000 words. Heat Level is warm.
Read my review of Miss Isabella Thaws a Frosty Lord HERE
Contest? Did I hear someone say contest?? Ms. Lyons is giving away a print copy of her Regency lion shapeshifter novel:
Title: Deceived by Desire by Larissa Lyons
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Historical, Erotic, Romance, Paranormal
Length: 252 pages
Summary:
A whore without any whoring credentials? Laney’s convinced she can pretend well enough, after all, she’s pretended to be a mistress for years.
Cursed into the form of a lion without nightly sex, Nash Hammond wants only two things—his wenches wild and willing, and his liquor strong and smooth. What he doesn’t need is a virgin! Only problem is, Nash develops an affinity for the deceitful Laney—the “whore” who gives a man reason to hope.
Reader Advisory: Includes multi-gender spanking and lots of growling.
To enter the Friday Feature PRINT book Giveaway:
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It’s that easy! The winner will be announced Monday December 19.
