YAHOO GROUP APPRECIATION EVENT DAY 3 ~ DONNA GRANT

Today I have with us Donna Grant. She is an award winning author who writes amazing paranorma/historical romances. Her current series is the Dark Sword Series with book #5 releasing on August 30th. 


Danger Women Writing Blog/Yahoo Group

R: Thanks for joining us Donna. So glad you could make it. Tell us a little about yourself.


D: I was born and raised in Texas on the state line with Louisiana.  I've family in Cajun country, so I like   things spicy. :D  I have three cats and a long-haired Chihuahua who thinks she's a cat.  With two kids 
and a hubby, our house can get a little chaotic at times, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

R: Wow sounds like a handful. If you were not a writer what would you be?


D: After both kids had gone to school, I probably would have either went back to work as an   accountant or taken a job at the school so I could have summers off with them

R: Where do you get your ideas for your books?


D: Everywhere.  It could be a song, something I saw on TV, or even just reading a blurb about an upcoming movie.  It'll start me thinking and doing the "what if" thing that somehow morphs into ideas  for books and series.

R: Can you tell us a little about Shadow Highlander and the characters?


D: SHADOW HIGHLANDER is the fifth book in my historical/paranormal Dark Sword series.  It features Galen Shaw, a Highlander who happens to have a primeval god locked inside him which gives him immortality as well as special powers.  His heroine is Reaghan who feels as if there's something missing out of her life, as if she should be doing more than hiding with other Druids.  It doesn't help that she apparently has no magic.  Or does she?  Galen, as a Warrior can feel the magic of Druids, and he's convinced Reaghan has magic.  

The attraction between them is instant and consuming.  It doesn't take long for evil to find them, however, and Deirdre will stop at nothing to gain what she seeks.  Galen will have his powers as a Warrior tested as he struggles to keep Reaghan safe.  But Reaghan must make a difficult decision, one that could tear her away from Galen forever.

R: What was the hardest part about writing this book?

D: After writing UNTAMED HIGHLANDER which flowed so easily onto the pages and I had such chemistry between Hayden and Isla, I found that when I began SHADOW HIGHLANDER every word was like giving birth.  Some books are like this, but every day was a struggle.  It was only after I finished the book and did my read through that I didn't hate it as I thought I would.  I had many revisions, but to my delight, I was happy with what I turned into my editor.

R: Were there any deleted scenes that you wanted to keep in? 


D: My editor is awesome.  She's only once asked me to cut a scene out of a book, and it wasn't this one. :)

R: Without giving away too much, which of the already mentioned characters are going to have their own book?

D: Well, I've mentioned it before, so I can say that each Warrior will have his own book.  Broc's is next.  DARKEST HIGHLANDER will release January 31, 2012.

R: How to you cope with writers block?


D: There are days when I find my eyes looking out my window outside instead of at the screen and writing.  If it gets too bad, I'll play a few games on the computer, maybe take an early lunch break, or even take the dog outside and check the mail.  By the time I return, I can usually focus again.  But I might have to repeat that process several times throughout the day. :D

R: Are there any special things you need while writing and when do you normally write? 


D: I normally write in the morning.  I do my best work then.  I'm a schedule type of person, so when I stick to my schedule, everything gets done. :)

As for special needs for writing, I've written books since my first child was born, so I've learned to write in whatever type of environment I'm in.  Saying that, I do like to have music - soundtracks are my favorite.  

R: Are going to be attending any conventions in the 2011-2012 season?

D: I'll definitely be at RWA next year, but other than that I haven't confirmed anything.  There are several I'd like to go to, but it depends on deadlines.

Thanks so much for being here with us today Donna!!!

HE CAN FEEL HER MAGIC

Sent on a dangerous mission into the shadowy world of the Druids, Galen must find a powerful ancient relic to defeat the enemies of MacLeod Castle. But what he discovers is far more powerful—and far more dangerous. A Druid lass whose beauty is as spellbinding as any magic...

CAN HE FREE HER SOUL?

Reaghan is the most enchanting woman Galen has even met—and the most enigmatic. She alone is immune to his mind-reading gifts. He alone makes her feel safe and secure. But Reaghan holds a secret power deep inside her that could destroy them both. And if Galen hopes to hold this captivating woman in his arms every night, he must defeat the darkness that draws closer around her every day...

My Review:

This book was amazing. I have been learning about Galen for some time now and have always wondered what was going on with him. Well I found out and it all makes perfect sense now. When he meets Rheagan he knows immediately that he is attracted to her and she feels the same way. He is very reluctant to be with her because of his "gift" but he cannot fight the attraction any longer. When he finally does give in, he is given a very pleasant surprise.


Rheagan is a character that I grew to love. She is strong and vibrant. She knows she is "missing" something but can't figure it out and yet she keeps living her life to it's fullest every day. She is kind and compassionate and turns into a very determined women.  You can feel the need and passion just from reading the story.


What I loved most about this book is they didn't fight the attraction. They knew what they wanted and they took it. Instead of most of the story being about them getting together it was more about the big picture. I really liked that.


The story line was unique and intriguing and it kept me sucked in the whole time. Past and future characters all made appearances but it never took from the main ones, just enough to give you a glimpse of what is going on with them and where they are in their lives. There was a very good balance of passion, romance, suspense, and sadness that kept the book well rounded and complete. Ms Grant leaves you chomping at the bit for the next in the series. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a fantastic read.




I happily give this book 5 drinks!!!

Now for the contest!!! Donna is generously offering one commenter a copy of the 4th book in the series "Untamed Highlander" All you have to do is follow this blog and answer the question to be entered. Please leave your email address in the comment so I can contact you if you win. I will pick a winner on 9/16/11 and post here.


Read the excerpt and tell me what you think. Have you read the others in the series? 


Thanks for stopping by and good luck! Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the wonderful Caridad Piniero.


* US Residence Only
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