United By Books is pleased to have Deborah Cooke on the blog today so we can learn more about her amazing books........
1 ~ Can you please share with us a little about yourself?
I’ve always loved stories, so it makes perfect sense that I’ve become a writer. I sold my first book, a medieval romance called THE ROMANCE OF THE ROSE, in 1992. It was published under the pseudonym Claire Delacroix and since then, I’ve published almost fifty romance novels in a variety of sub-genres, under the names Claire Delacroix, Claire Cross and Deborah Cooke. I’ve included fantasy or magical elements in my historical romances and I like to write linked books. My current Claire Delacroix series, The True Love Brides, is medieval and began with THE RENEGADE’S HEART, which features a hero who has been held captive by the Fae. The heroine is mortal and needs to break the spell to win his love forever.( http://www.delacroix.net/trhX.html ) My Deborah Cooke Dragonfire series is linked paranormal romances set in the here and now, featuring dragon shape shifter heroes.http://www.deborahcooke.co/dragonfire.html
There’s also a spin-off paranormal YA trilogy featuring Zoë, the only female dragon shifter, and her coming of age as the new Wyvern of her kind. As the only female Pyr, Zoë should have special powers that develop at puberty. When we meet her at the beginning of The Dragon Diaries, she’s pretty frustrated, but when things start to happen dragon-style, they happen FAST! http://www.deborahcooke.com/dragondiaries.html
2 ~ Please tell us a little about your newest release ?
EMBER’S KISS is the eighth Dragonfire novel. In this series, the good dragon shape shifters (thePyr) are locked in a final battle against the evil dragon shape shifters (the Slayers) for control of the Earth. Each tells the next increment of the story of that battle, but also is a paranormal romance. The Pyr live very long lives but aren’t immortal. Each Pyr has one chance in his lifetime to have a son - when he meets the human woman who can conceive his child, the two of them experience a firestorm. Sparks literally fly between them, so the firestorm can’t be missed. The firestorm also ignites a desire that burns hotter the longer it’s denied - and it can be felt by all of the dragon shifters in the world, good and evil. The firestorm’s sparks die when the relationship is consummated and that child is conceived. So, these books are action-packed and fast-paced - the hero not only has to seduce the heroine, but convince her to have his son, explain the deal with the sparks and the dragon thing, and defend her from evil Slayers, too.
The challenge with an ongoing series is keeping each story distinctive. This year, I decided to feature some outsider Pyr. In January, in FLASHFIRE, we met Lorenzo, who had no desire to be a dragon shifter. He even had found an ancient spell that would get rid of the dragon side of his nature, which sounded like a great plan to him. Lucky for us, he had his firestorm with Cassie, and by the end of that, he had not only allied with the Pyr but decided that being a dragon had its upside. This month, in EMBER’S KISS, we meet another outsider Pyr. Brandon is a surfer on the cusp of going pro. He doesn’t know much of anything about his dragon nature because he associates it with his father, whom he despises. This lack of knowledge is why he’s been targeted by the evil Slayer Chen, who intends to enchant Brandon, steal his energy, then kill him. Fortunately for Brandon (and for us!) he has his firestorm with Liz right before his chance at the big time. Liz is the first of my heroines in Dragonfire to have paranormal powers of her own, so it’s only when she and Brandon work together - along with the Pyr who offer their help - that Chen’s plan can be defeated.
3~ Would you like to share an excerpt with us today?
There’s one right here: http://www.deborahcooke.com/emberX.html
4~ What's in store next for your readers?
Next, we’re going to follow Drake and the Dragon’s Tooth Warriors on their adventures. They claimed the third darkfire crystal from Lorenzo in FLASHFIRE and have been missing ever since. The truth is that the crystal has taken them to some strange and unusual places, testing their desires, fulfilling its own destiny and making some of their dreams come true. There will be three novellas and each one will be a romance in itself - they’ll be digital-first releases in the new year, then will be bundled together into a digital and print anthology.
5~ What's the weirdest thing you've ever done in the name of research?
Hmm. I’m not sure I’ve done anything weird in the name of research. (Or maybe I just don’t think any kind of research is weird.)
6~ What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
I read all kinds of stories but when I look at my keeper shelf, it seems that I prefer stories with some fantasy or mystical elements and stories that are very atmospheric. I like to feel as if I’m walking through the adventure right alongside the protagonist.
7~ What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Many readers don’t realize that I also write as Claire Delacroix and that I have written as Claire Cross. I’ve written medieval romances as Claire Delacroix - in fact, one of those medievals, THE BEAUTY BRIDE, is currently a free read if you’d like to give it a try. (The excerpt and links are right here: http://www.delacroix.net/tbbX.html ) As Claire Delacroix, I also wrote the Prometheus Project, a trilogy of paranormal romances set in a dystopian future and featuring fallen angel heroes. There’s another novella in that series coming out this fall called “No Halo Required”. This is Tupperman’s story and he finally gets his HEA. More info on that right here: http://www.delacroix.net/nohaloX.html As Claire Cross, I wrote four time travel romances, all of which have been republished as Claire Delacroix books ( http://www.delacroix.net/ttravels.html ) I also wrote four contemporary romances as Claire Cross - the Coxwell series has been republished as Deborah Cooke books and the links are here: http://www.deborahcooke.com/coxwells.html
8~ What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I knit. I cook. I like to garden. And I read, of course!
9~ Describe yourself in three words?
Intuitive, analytical, creative.
10~ What are three major dreams or goals you would love to happen in the future ?
I have so many stories that I want to write - I keep rearranging the order of what I’ll do first! I want to finish the Dragonfire series as it’splanned right now, then I’d like to write an historical Dragonfire trilogy. I’d also like to write a play. I know the story I want to tell, but am learning about the structure of plays before I dive into that. Finally, I would love to see one (or more!) of my books made into a movie, but I’ll leave the writing of that script to the pros.
11~ How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
After the squealing and bouncing stopped, we went out for a nice dinner.
12~ What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
The dragon fight scenes in the Dragonfire books aren’t hard to write exactly, but I do have to go over them repeatedly. I need to ensure that I have the colours right on all the dragons who are participating, and that I account for the position of each one throughout the fight. I need to make sure that I mix things up a bit and don’t repeat a tactic or use something like breathing fire too often. I want these scenes to be tightly written and intense, so I spend a lot of time on them, particularly compared to how long they end up being.
13~ Is there anything special you would like to say to your readers while we have you here today?
Thank you for reading my books! And please stop by my blog on November 1 - there will be a post about my plans for the future Dragonfire, so you’ll learn what’s coming in 2013. Here’s the permalink, although it won’t go live until November 1. http://www.delacroix.net/wordpress/?p=430
Deborah Cooke has always been
fascinated with dragons, although she has never understood why they have to be
the bad guys. She has an honours degree in history, with a focus on
medieval studies. She is an avid reader of medieval vernacular literature, fairy
tales and fantasy novels, and has written over forty romance novels and
novellas. She has also been published under the names Claire
Cross and ClaireDelacroix.
Deborah makes her home in Canada
with her husband. When she isn't writing, she can be found knitting, sewing or
hunting for vintage patterns.
Connect with Deborah:
DRAGONFIRE Series
Kiss of Fire (Dragonfire #1)
One kiss can change the course of destiny...
For millennia, the shape-shifting dragon warriors known as thePyr have commanded the four elements and guarded the earth's treasures. But now the final reckoning between the Pyr, who count humans among the earth's treasures, and the Slayers, who would eradicate both humans and the Pyr who protect them, is about to begin...
When Sara Keegan decides to settle down and run her quirky aunt's New Age bookstore, she's not looking for adventure. She doesn't believe in fate or the magic of the tarot-but when she's saved from a vicious attack by a man who has the ability to turn into a fire-breathing dragon, she questions whether she's losing her mind-or about to lose her heart...
Quinn Tyrrell has long been distrustful of his fellow Pyr and a self-reliant loner. So when he feels the firestorm that signals his destined mate, he's determined to protect and possess Sara, regardless of the cost to himself. Then Sara's true destiny is revealed-and Quinn realizes he must risk everything- even Sara's love-to fulfill their entwined fates...
But it now: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books A Million / Chapters Indigo / IndieBound / Powells
One kiss can change the course of destiny...
For millennia, the shape-shifting dragon warriors known as thePyr have commanded the four elements and guarded the earth's treasures. But now the final reckoning between the Pyr, who count humans among the earth's treasures, and the Slayers, who would eradicate both humans and the Pyr who protect them, is about to begin...
When Sara Keegan decides to settle down and run her quirky aunt's New Age bookstore, she's not looking for adventure. She doesn't believe in fate or the magic of the tarot-but when she's saved from a vicious attack by a man who has the ability to turn into a fire-breathing dragon, she questions whether she's losing her mind-or about to lose her heart...
Quinn Tyrrell has long been distrustful of his fellow Pyr and a self-reliant loner. So when he feels the firestorm that signals his destined mate, he's determined to protect and possess Sara, regardless of the cost to himself. Then Sara's true destiny is revealed-and Quinn realizes he must risk everything- even Sara's love-to fulfill their entwined fates...
But it now: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books A Million / Chapters Indigo / IndieBound / Powells
One act of passion can save the world...
Scientist Alexandra Madison was on the verge of unveiling an invention that would change the world. Then her partner was murdered, their lab was burned, and their prototype was destroyed. While Alex is in the hospital recovering from burns suffered in the fire, recurring dragon-haunted nightmares threaten to land her in the psychiatric ward, but she knows she has to escape to her lab to rebuild the Green Machine.
Handsome, daring, and impulsive, Donovan Shea is more than willing to do his part in the Pyr/Slayer war. Assigned to protect Alex, Donovan is shocked when her presence ignites his firestorm. He has no desire for a destined mate, but Alex's intelligence and determination inspire him to join the fight to save her invention. With the Slayers closing in, Donovan knows he would surrender his life for Alex...and lose his heart to possess her.
Buy it now: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books A Million / Chapters Indigo / IndieBound / Powells
One foretold love deserves a second chance...
Haunted by dreams of a lover who takes the form of a mythical dragon, Eileen Grosvenor searches for the truth. She never expects to find a real dragon shape shifter, let alone one who awakens her passion and ignites memories of her own forgotten past.
Erik Sorensson is focused on leading the Pyr to triumph overtheSlayers, even if it costs him his life. When an ancient relic that can turn the tide of the battle reveals itself, Erik knows he has to retrieve it from Eileen's possession. But when he tries to do so, he's shocked by an incredible firestorm that compels him to confront the truth about Eileen's identity. Her presence reminds him of mistakes he's determined not to repeat, and Erik is forced to make a choice: duty or love.
Only by unlocking the secrets of the past can Erik and Eileen fulfill the final prophecy of the Pyr. Can they face their deepest fears and claim their destined love in time to defeat the Slayers?
Buy it now : Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books A Million / Chapters Indigo / IndieBound / Powells
A kiss can melt the coldest heart...
The mysterious Dragon's Blood Elixir gives immortality to Magnus, the Pyr's greatest enemy, and his minions. The Pyr must destroy this source of power, and outcast Delaney vows to complete the quest himself. Delaney was exiled because of his dangerous impulses, and success in eliminating the Elixir will either redeem him or end his suffering.
But his plans don't take into account his sudden firestorm - or fiery Ginger Sinclair. The firestorm revitalizes Delaney, restoring him to his old self. And when Ginger learns about Delaney's mission, she realizes she cannot resist a strong man with a noble agenda.
Buy it now: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books A Million / Chapters Indigo / IndieBound / Powells
One man's mission ignites one woman's fire...
Niall Talbot has volunteered to hunt down and destroy all the remaining shadow dragons - who were weakened by the destruction of the Dragon's Blood Elixir - before they can wreak more havoc. Among them is his dead twin brother, making Niall's mission not only dangerous but personal.
Tattoo artist Rox believes the world is a canvas to be made more beautiful. An unconventional spirit who isn't afraid of anything, she doesn't even flinch when a shape-shifting dragon warrior suddenly appears on her doorstep. And as a woman who follows her heart in matters of passion, she makes the perfect mate for a firestorm with Niall...
Buy it now: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books A Million / Chapters Indigo /IndieBound / Powells
For one woman, he will risk more than his life...
Rafferty Powell has exchanged challenge coins with his arch-nemesis Magnus Montmorency, and their next battle will be their last. But Rafferty never expected to meet a woman whose desire for Magnus’ downfall matches his own—and whose presence sparks Rafferty’s long-awaited firestorm.
Since facing her own mortality, investigative reporter Melissa Smith has resolved to live without fear. She’s determined to make the seemingly untouchable Magnus pay for his role in ending her friend’s life – no matter the price to herself.
When her quest entwines with Rafferty’s, Melissa finds herself risking more than she ever thought possible. Because the heat between them unleashes the darkfire—an awesome force of Pyrlegend, one that won’t be sated until everything they know has been tested and remade.
Buy it now: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books A Million / Chapters Indigo / IndieBound / Powells
Flashfire (Dragonfire #7)
He's lost all hope...until she changes everything.
Master illusionist Lorenzo wants nothing to do with the Pyr. His dragon nature is just another secret to hide and another detail to juggle, like ensuring that each of his Las Vegas magic shows is a true spectacle. Until he feels the burn of his firestorm and his whole world shifts....
Cassie Redmond is tired of photographing celebrities. She wants to pursue her dream of serious photography—despite the lucrative offer for a shot of a dragon shifter. Las Vegas is the last place she wants to be, but Lorenzo arouses more than her curiosity when he shifts shape as the finale of his show. Instead of forcing him to reveal his secrets, Cassie gets swept away by this illusionist’s masterful touch.
Lorenzo wants to satisfy the firestorm and put it behind him. But Cassie is hard to forget—and he can’t ignore the dangerwhenSlayers target the mate Lorenzo didn’t believe he wanted...
Buy it now: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books A Million / Chapters Indigo / IndieBound / Powells
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Only one woman can persuade him to embrace his powers.
Brandon Merrick is determined to banish his shifter nature forever. The charismatic tattooed surfer is on the cusp of the ultimate challenge - to prove himself on the whitecaps of Hawaii and secure his future as a pro surfer. But his dragon isn't prepared to be tamed so easily...
One look at marine biologist Liz Barrett ignites the spark of the firestorm: Liz is his destined mate and his chance for happiness. While Brandon sees their first night together as just the beginning, his dragon seizes the upper hand. Awakening in the company of a raging dragon challenges Liz's ability to believe her own eyes. Can Brandon accept his inner beast in time to make it work with Liz?
Neither one realizes that Brandon is caught in an ancient Slayer's scheme to enslave him. When the deadly plot ignites, the very island will be at risk...and Brandon and his mate could be the ultimate sacrifice.
Buy it now: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books A Million / IndieBound /Powells
Deborah Cooke's Blog Tour for Ember's Kiss
Tour runs from September 24 - October 10
9/24 - RCJReZine Blog - http://rcjrezineblog.blogspot.com/
9/25 - Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies Oh My -http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy.blogspot.com/
9/26 - Books-n-Kisses - http://www.books-n-kisses.com/
The Reading Café - - http://thereadingcafe.com/
9/27 - All The Fun Starts After Dark -http://allthefunstartsafterdark.blogspot.com/
9/28 - Riverina Romantics -http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/
9/29 - Reading Between The Wines -http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/
9/30 - Book Lovin' Mamas -http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//
10/1 - My Keeper Shelf - http://mykeepershelf.blogspot.com/
10/2 - United By Books (Interview) -http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/
10/3 - Under The Covers (Interview) -http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspot.ca
10/4 - Book Monster / Literal Addiction -
Book Monster - http://bookmonsterreviews.blogspot.com/
Literal Addiction - http://www.literaladdiction.com/
10/5 - The Book Nympho -http://thebooknympho.blogspot.com/
10/6 - Book Reader Addicts -http://bookreaderaddictsgiveaways.blogspot.com/
10/7 - Cocktails & Books - http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/
10/8 - Paranormal Haven - - http://www.paranormalhaven.com/
10/9 - Grave Tells - http://gravetells.com/
10/10 - I Smell Sheep - http://www.ismellsheep.com/
********* GIVEAWAY *********
EMBER'S KISS Blog Tour Giveaway
Deborah will be giving away One AUTOGRAPHED copy of Ember's kiss to a winner in the US/Canada/UK/Australia
GRAND PRIZE:
There is a Grand Prize drawing of an autographed set of the DRAGONFIRE series, (that's all 8 Dragonfirenovels) over on Deborah's blog. To enter, click the link below:
EMBER'S KISS Blog Tour Giveaway
Deborah will be giving away One AUTOGRAPHED copy of Ember's kiss to a winner in the US/Canada/UK/Australia
GRAND PRIZE:
There is a Grand Prize drawing of an autographed set of the DRAGONFIRE series, (that's all 8 Dragonfirenovels) over on Deborah's blog. To enter, click the link below:
27 comments:
wow, i loved the interview.
Deborah is a new to me author an i cant wait to read all of her books.
thank you.
This series looks AMAZING!!! I can't wait to start reading it ;) Thank you so much for the giveaway!
sandersknc@yahoo.com
I absolutely LOVE the Dragonfire series! It's really fantastic. My very favorite series with dragons. I'm so looking forward to Ember's Kiss. Thanks, Deborah, for these amazing books!
lovey_20_81@hotmail.com
Thank you for hosting the tour and the very awesome giveaway! I love shifters and these dragons sound very sexy!
ehaney578 at aol dot com
You are seriously making me anticipate for the future dragonfire books and it's so long to wait for them!!
Raonaid at gmail dot com
Really wanna start this series...i have them all except this first one. Think I'm gonna have to but on kindle so i can read it.
andieleah78@gmail.com
Deb, Ok I've just marked my calendar because I will be on your blog on 11-1 to find out about the dragons in your life. Now I'm on pins and needles, just what I need.Thanks Pal :)
deb
Thanks for the great interview, blog tour, and giveaway. This book sounds fantastic. Can't wait to read it. Is there any genre you won't write?
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
So, there will be an ending to the series..bummer...although that gives you the freedom to start something new:)
I haven't read anything by this author yet. I intend to rectify the situation soon =)
Ooh! This series sound fantastic! I'm not sure how I have missed it for so long!
Thanks so much!
thanks for the great post and congrats to Deborah on the new release! I've had this series on my want list :)
I'm intrigued by the shape-shifting dragons!
Hi Everyone! Thanks for inviting me to visit UBB today. :-)
Questions, questions. This is the fun bit.
@Miriam - LOL Miriam. I think I've got enough books out there to keep you busy for a while! Happy reading.
@Tawnya! and @Raonaid Luckwell - did I tease you just enough?! Thanks for being Dragonfire fans.
LOL @Deb. You love it! ;-D
@Joanne - I like a lot of genres, it's true. I think, though, that inspirational romance might not be my thing. Otherwise, I like writing all kinds of romances.
@books4me - don't be too bummed. I don't think the dragons are going to leave me alone. I already have two spinoff series doodled on my desk.
@Cheryl S, @Elizabeth H, @andieleah, @Mina, @TexasBookLover, @erin and @Na- Thanks! I hope you like my dragons!
If Ember's Kiss was made into a movie, who would you pick to play the main characters?
I love the series...I would so love me Pyr of my own :)
I have lived dragons since I was little. Definitely adding this one to my wish list. What us your favorite genre to read?
mythic021@gmail.com
Nice interview. Sounds like a good series.
Very excited this is one I can enter!
I love this series, Rafferty's book has been my favourite so far.
Dragons... there's just something really sexy about the way Deborah writes them :)
mmcmichael79(at)googlemail(dot)com
This series is one of my favorites! It was what started my love for Dragons and how they act and revere life and things. Great stories with great romance. I can't wait to get my hands on Ember's Kiss. Keep up the amazing work!
stickiekittie [at] gmail [dot] com
I would love to read EMBER'S KISS thank you. It looks amazing.
This sounds like an awesome series and I would love to win. Thanks for having this giveaway.
kandj7299 at verizon dot net
Thanks for writing an amazing series. I can't wait to read Ember's Kiss.
kidsue99@yahoo.com
I love this series! Please keep writing. :)
By far the best dragon series I have ever read! Please never stop writing you are an amazing and gifted woman! I have read each book up to Ember's Kiss at least twice :) I love the detailed storyline you give each character and the romance is just out of this world! Absolutely Amazing!
Books look great, can't wait to read them. Thanks for introducing me to them.
magic5905 at embarqmail dot com
What a great giveaway. This book and series sound great. This is a new author for me. I love finding new to me authors.
My question is how many books are going to be in this series? Any other series in the works?
Thanks for the giveaway.
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