We have a winner! Shelley Bagby, it's your lucky day! The random number generator has chosen you, so please send me your details to claim your prize! Thanks everyone for stopping by, and keep checking back for more blog contests.
I finished a book last week and sent it to my editor. I always feel a little bit like a dog that's been straining against a chain and suddenly finds the chain has broken and she's free to run. I don't know where to run or what to do, so I zigzag a bit. I clean my office, make notes for other stories, open up old manuscripts and wonder if they can be saved. I go to the grocery store, do some laundry, and meet friends for lunch. I lollygag a bit, but I always have it in the back of my head that I have more work to do. The work is never, ever done when you write for a living.
One of the things I love to do, however, is read. I always buy way too many books with the hope that I'll read them all on my short break. I never do, but the nice thing about books is they don't expire. Happy sigh. Lately, I've been thinking back to the wonderful days I spent at the beach reading books. When I lived in Hawaii, every day was a beach day if you wanted it to be. Mr. Harris and I would load up the Jeep with chairs, towels, cooler, umbrella, sunscreen, and books. For me, lots of books.
I once spent about a week reading T. H. Lawrence's The Seven Pillars of Wisdom at the beach. There's still sand in the book when I open it now. I love that. Of course I didn't always read giant tomes like Lawrence. I also read plenty of romances and other literature. One of my best memories of Hawaii is all that beach reading. I sat in the shade whenever possible and read book after book. It was glorious, with the sparkling ocean, the green Ko'olau Mountains in the background, the sound of the surf, the white clouds scudding overhead, and the company of friends who also sat and read.
In fact, little aside, but the beach in Hawaii is where I reconnected with the Presents line after not having read it for a few years. I'd just met Jane Porter and thought she was so smart and articulate that I had to read her books. I bought her latest Harlequin and dived in. And then I went and bought more. Presents are great beach reads!
This summer, I have my own beach read for you. Captive But Forbidden is a July release from Harlequin Presents. It's full of all the passion and emotion you've come to expect from the line, but there's also a bit of a twist. The heroine is the newly-elected president of her tiny nation. When there are threats against Veronica St. Germaine's life, she needs a better bodyguard than the official ones she has already. That's where Raj Vala comes in. He's tall, dark, handsome, rich, and just as arrogant and powerful as you want a Presents hero to be. And he's not about to take any crap from Veronica.
The sparks are sparky. The sex is hot. Stuff happens.
I loved writing this book, with my half-Indian ex-Special Forces hero and a heroine who used to be a very, very bad girl. I keep hearing from readers that it's different, that it's not what they were expecting. I like that! I call this book my special snowflake book, and it is. I hope you'll give it a try! Read it on the beach. Or by the pool. Or even in the comfort of your home. If you've already read and enjoyed the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Barnes & Noble (or both!).
And now, to help at least one of you have a nice beachy time, I'll give away one copy of Captive But Forbidden today, along with a beach towel, a tote, a pair of flip flops, some goodies from me, and a $5 Starbucks card (so you can get an icy latte on the way to the beach/pool!). Leave a comment to be entered to win. I'll announce a winner on Friday. 🙂
Lynn, you’re an author after my own heart! I just submitted my m.s. to my agent last week, too — my heroine also works in politics. I had doubts that I could pull this off; do readers relate to women in such lofty positions and high-powered careers? You’ve given me hope that they can and do. “Captive But Forbidden” sounds like just my cuppa! 😀
@Melissa: Hi, Melissa! Well, I do have my worries about this book in the marketplace, I have to admit. The politics isn’t a big part of the story (it can’t be in only 50K words), but she is the president and it does play a part. I hope readers enjoy it! Fingers crossed. 🙂
@Lynn Raye Harris:
As with your story, I don’t focus on politics insofar that they drive the plot, but my H is a Chief of Staff. I can’t wait to see how you crafted this novel — as well as see what your readers thought of it. Personally? I love a gal in charge. I think that “Scandal’s” Olivia Pope might get readers amped about super-strong female characters in positions of power. 🙂
A bad-girl in the past woman president *and* a half-indian hero…am so getting this book…
@Sri: I couldn’t just step a little out of the box — I had to step way, way out! 🙂 I hope you like it.
Hi Lynn,
Fabulous post! I love the way you are able to create such diffirent characters for us. I already love your books so much but knowing that your able to dream up and surpize us with a new different book and approach to chacters is simply stunning.
Thank you for sharing you post with us and dishing about your book and for the simply brilliant contest the prizes sound absolutely wonderful.
Desere
Great to see a mixed-raced hero. An someone who is mixed race I’ve always thought we dont see enough mixed race characters. And a heroine who is president of her own nation! Double win!:)
@Sophie: Hi, Sophie! I agree about the mixed race characters! That’s why I really loved writing Raj. I didn’t feel comfortable enough making him full Indian, because I don’t know that culture as well as I should to do it, so I compromised. And I think he’s perfect the way he is! 🙂
@Desere: Thank you, Desere! I’m so glad you enjoy my books! 🙂
@Lynn Raye Harris: Your welcome Lynn and it is not really that I enjoy your books it is more like I cannot live without them !
@Desere Steenberg: You are the best! 🙂
Sounds like a fun story – Lynn
@Cyn Bagley: Thanks, Cyn!
I would love to read this book.
@Happy Chinadoll: Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
I just want to say that I really enjoy reading your books. I love to read because it gives me a chance to visit many places, because when I read I always imagine my self in the book. It’s great that you went totally out of your box and wrote something way different then what you normally write. It keeps us readers on our toes. We never know what to expect. Just want to say keep up the good work and keep up the writing your doing a wonderful job.
@Crystal Newman: Aw, Crystal, thank you! You have made my day! So glad you enjoy my books. 🙂 And that’s what I love about reading too — being a part of a different world for a while! It’s so much better than only watching movies!
This is an exciting romance that has that special Lynn Raye Harris ingredient of thrills, intrigue and mystery. There is also a touch of international espionage. The sexual tension between them just sizzles. The chemistry between Raj and Veronica is irresistible and overwhelming, forcing them into each others’ arms.
@Nas: …and I loved it! Thank you Lynn for bringing such fantastic stories which enthralls us!
@Nas: Thank you, Nas! 🙂
This book sounds awesome! I’m going to Mexico Friday with about 30 high school graduates. I need a reward. I don’t know how much fun I’m going to have. Please give me something to look forward to! Thanks!
@Shelley Bagby: LOL, Shelley! You are a brave woman. 🙂
I’d love to read that story, as I’m married to an Indian, living in India too. Unfortunately, I missed this book when it came out on my side of the world. I enjoy your books anyway, but this one is especially interesting for me.
@maria perry mohan (@gaelikaa): Hi, Maria! Thanks for stopping by. I believe I owe you a copy of this book already, so send me your details and I’ll get one out to you. 🙂 I am a bit apprehensive about you reading it, as you will catch all my mistakes, but I hope you enjoy it anyway!
Lynne I am in awe of your writing skills and I know you did a lot of research for this work. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about India, it is that no two people and situations are alike here, as in the rest of the world, so I’m not about to turn all critical. If anything, I appreciate that an international writer has set a novel out here. That’s the truth. Besides, your hero is an American anyway, even if he’s a P.I.O (Person of Indian Origin) so I don’t think there’s any danger of mistakes.
Can’t wait to read this! Thank you.
@maria perry mohan (@gaelikaa): Thank you, Maria! I appreciate all your kind words. 🙂
Hi Lynn Raye,
Sounds as if you had truly enjoyable beach time. I’m ready to grab my book, lawn chair, glass of ice tea, & find a shady spot. Also, book sounds awesome! Enjoy your down time while you have it.
@Ginger aka Robertsonreads: Hi, Ginger! I do miss those Hawaii beach days, sigh. I’ll just have to go to the pool and pretend! 😉
You said, “I keep hearing from readers that it’s different, that it’s not what they were expecting. I like that!” It’s different, eh? I like that too!
Please count me in. I would love to check this one out.
@Laney4: It is different, Laney! 🙂 I didn’t necessarily set out to make it so, but it wound up that way.
I love your new book. There is not too many books about mixed race. I’m glad that you wrote a story about one.
@Kai W.: Hi, Kai! I loved writing this book, so I hope you will enjoy it! 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
hi lynn. very nice blog, interest in your book. im read alots of harlequinn. and you say bout the story and the sex is hot. . well i think is very good read for next holiday. . trip with my family.
thanks.
@cecil: Hi, Cecil! It is definitely a holiday read! 🙂
Hi Lynne wow what a unique story ! Can’t wait to read it!
@Aretha zhen: Hi, Aretha! I hope you enjoy this story! Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Hi, this is an awesome giveaway. The book sounds great, I’d love to read it. And others gifts that you offered are awesome too.
Thank u for this giveaway 🙂
@Amel Armeliana: Hi, Amel! You are welcome for the giveaway. I love sending things to my readers! I try to hold little contests here and there — but I need to do it more frequently! 🙂
Lynn! I love the beach and I need to keep up my hard-earned tab aka chillin on the beach in direct sunlight for a few hours. I’m not orange. LOL
@Insane Hussein: LOL! I’m glad you aren’t orange. 😉
I’m trying to think of something intelligent and witty to say but when I think of this hero I just have this jaw dropped drool thing happening.
@Fiona Marsden: Aw, thanks, Fiona! 🙂
I love a strong heroine so naturally, I gravitate toward stories like Captive But Forbidden. Adding a hot alpha hero to foil a strong-willed heroine is my idea of the perfect book. I can’t wait to read it! Unfortunately, I am nowhere near the beach, so I will have to grab my sunglasses and a cool drink and use my imagination.
@Erin K.: Hi, Erin! Well, sunglasses and a cool drink totally work! 🙂
The hot, sexy hero sounds right up my alley!
I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks for creating us another great read!
@Stephanie: Thanks, Stephanie! I heart you. 🙂
Congrats to the winner and thank you Lynn for the great contest.
Rats!! As they say, “If you snooze, you lose!” I check in once and awhile on the website, but I totally missed the contest. Best wishes to the winner even though I’m jealous. Since I burn like a lobster, maybe there will be a future contest–with hot chocolate and mittens? : ) Just kidding! Thanks Lynne, for all your posts. Sometimes as I struggle to keep writing and silence my own mean, inner-critic, your posts are just what I need! Best wishes and I’ll be watching for your book on my Nook!