Guest: Renee Vincent + Book Giveaway!

Today our special guest is Renee Vincent. Welcome, Renee! Please tell us about yourself.

I am an author with a passionate interest in Irish and Norse history. I live in the rolling hills of Kentucky with my husband and two children on a beautiful secluded farm of horses and hay fields.

When I am not writing, I love to spend my time on the back of a horse, whether with my family or with my friends. There is nothing like feeling the sunlight on your face, the wind in your hair, and the power of the animal beneath you as you enjoy the beautiful scenery. Seeing the world from a saddle is, by far, the best view and the best therapy for a heavy heart or a troubled mind. My therapist's name, or my horse's, rather, is  "Statues Suddenly Lucky", a full-blooded Tennessee Walker, and of course, he goes by the name of Lucky for short.

I am a sucker for a good cup of coffee (lots of cream and sugar...and whipped cream if I can get my hands on it), great conversation, and a lilting Irish accent. I love to read and I can't resist watching great epic historical movies.


Q: Your cover is beautiful! Please tell us about The Fall of Rain. Do you have a review you could share with us?
A:  Here’s the blurb for The Fall of Rain:
Leif Dæganssen, an archeologist from Norway, is determined to trace back his Scandinavian roots as far as the Dark Ages and find proof of their existence on the Emerald Isle. After several years of living off the west coast of Ireland, he finally uncovers an ancient artifact—an intricately decorated chest with pagan carvings—buried beneath the very porch of his coastal cottage. Knowing it only confirms the presence of a glorified Norse-influenced settlement on Inis Mór, he’s determined to establish a link between himself and those who once inhabited the rugged isle.

For as long as she can remember, Lorraine O’Connor has had dreams of a Norse warrior kissing her. And even though she’s never fully understood the reason for her vivid subconscious imagination, she welcomes the meaningless and wanton pleasure of being in a Viking’s protective embrace—until the day she meets that brazen Northman on an impulsive vacation trip to Ireland.

Though blindsided by the relevance of her dreams and the strange familiarity of the man within them, Lorraine can’t help but feel a deep-seated intimacy toward Leif. And the more she gets to know him, the more she’s convinced they’ve shared a life together in a time long forgotten.

Are the clues to their ancestral past hidden within the contents of the chest or buried deep within their hearts?

Reviews:
"I know for myself I enjoyed the first two books very much. So much so, that I was excited for the third book to come out. Little did I know what book three really had in store for me. OMG doesn’t even cover it. This is my absolute most favorite book of this series. Where the first two take place deep in the past, book three finds us in the present time. How does that work, you may be asking . . . well, I would have never thought it possible until I read it for myself. Taking present time activities and adding in flashbacks from centuries past, this book offers the reader everything; drama, romance, comedy and even mystery. People and things aren’t always what they seem. In fact, you may walk away from this book never looking at that moment of déjà vu the same again. Maybe, just maybe when something feels right . . .we should remember, just who are we to question it? If you enjoy historical romances and love a story with men you would love to sink your teeth into, this is your series to get lost in. Not an ounce of disappointment to found in the pages of these books."
~ Rose That Rules All - MAGNIFICENT! ~ Romancing The Book ~ Read more >>>

Q: What inspired this story?
A:  The credit would have to be given to my little sister, Lindsey, who passed away in 2005. She was the only one who read the first chapter of Raeliksen (Book 1 of The Emerald Isle Trilogy.) Her inspirational words of “finish it” months before she died led me to complete the whole story and then some. Her encouragement had helped me more than she ever probably thought possible.
Q: Why do you write romance?
A:  It’s a genre I dearly love. I read only romance and they always say to write what you know. Consequently, writing heartwarming love stories comes very easy to me. If I didn’t write, I don’t know what I’d do with all these great stories in my head.
Q: Why did you choose your setting and why was it perfect for your book?
A:  I chose my setting of Ireland because it’s a place I feel most at home with.  Most of my research into the Viking era led me to this magical land, when the courageous men of the North stepped foot on the beautiful isle and intermarried with many of the Irish king’s daughters. I had always been intrigued by this time period in history and the brave men who ventured out on their longships with only a dream and the stars to guide them.
Q: Which of your characters is most like you? And why?
A:  Lorraine O’Connor from The Fall of Rain is me to a T. The things she likes (i.e. the specific way she enjoys her coffee, the car she drives, the farm she lives on etc.) and the personality she bears, are all pieces of myself. Those who know me, should recognize the subtle character traits in the story and, honestly, it was so much fun to inadvertently put myself into the thick of the plot.
Q: Did you choose the title of your book and if so how did you do it?
A:  Yes. This title (along with the heroine’s name) came to me on the day of my grandmother’s funeral.  She had told the family once that her nickname growing up was Rain (short for Lorraine) and since my story takes place in Ireland, the play on words for the title was ideal. My search for the perfect title, which helped to put closure to my Emerald Isle Trilogy, had ended on that fateful morning.
Q: Where is your favorite place in the world?
A: Ireland first. Norway second. I’ve not been to either, but have hopes to go to the Emerald Isle in the very near future. I’ll keep you all posted. haha
Q: Please tell us about your other books.
A: The first in the trilogy is Raeliksen. It begins with the love story of a Norse warrior who’s in love with an Irish princess. The second book, Mac Liam, introduces the reader to an Irish hunter, also in love with the same heroine. Both books show how much the heroes love this VERY lucky woman, but The Fall of Rain, lets the reader know just how far a man in love is willing to go for that woman, even if it means sacrificing everything for her. The Fall of Rain will bring the reader full circle, and leave them with an utter feeling of content. It’s a love triangle, I swear, no romance fan should miss out on.
Q: What’s next for you?
A:  I am currently writing the first book in another series called the Warrior Saga series. The hero is the older brother of Daegan Raeliksen, by the name of Gustaf, and the heroine, Aesa, is a fiery redhead he’s fallen in love with as he’s avenged his father’s murder. Gustaf was a character I introduced in Mac Liam and he’s gotten a lot of fan mail on the subject of his story. The book is called The Temperate Warrior and since I aim to please my readers, I felt compelled to give them a story they’ve begged for.
I’ll be giving away an ebook copy of any one of my backlist (Raeliksen, Mac Liam, Silent Partner – winner’s choice.) Please remember to leave your email address with your comment so we can contact you if you win. Thanks!
To buy The Fall of Rain please click below.
Amazon print
Kindle
Nook
Turquoise Morning Press
All Romance eBooks
Smashwords
Bookstrand

Places to find Renee Vincent

Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Deep In The Heart Romance

Thank you, Renee, for being our guest!

37 comments:

Callie said...

The book sounds great. Best of luck with it.

Vonda Sinclair said...

Thanks for being our guest today, Renee!

Everyone, please remember to leave some form of your email address to enter (so we can contact you.) Thanks!

Shelley B said...

The book sounds awesome. The cover is beautiful!
srbagby50@gmail.com

K.E. Saxon, Author said...

This book sounds awesome. I love the premise. Definitely going in my TBR list! Great post, and Happy Holidays to you!

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Waving, Renee and Vonda. Great to have to friends together to talk to today. I absolutely love the cover on your three books. It just says 'read me' when you see it.

Best of luck, Renee, on lots of sales on this book and continued sales on the great series.

Hugs!

Amber said...

The book sounds great!! I love the cover.
amberpreer(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Hi Renee and Vonda! Great interview.

Renee, this book sound really good and the cover is gorgeous. I can't wait this series.

jenalang(at)live(dot)com

Renee Vincent said...

Thank you so much ladies for coming to see me today! It's been such a pleasure being here and I am super excited that you all are interested in my trilogy.

Best of luck to you all in the contest! And Merry Christmas!

Kirsten Lynn said...

Renee and Vonda, great interview!

It was wonderful to see your family's influence on your stories, Renee. Hope you have great success with the series and keep those great reviews coming!

--Kirsten

Ally Broadfield said...

I'm adding this book to my must read list. Thanks for the insight into how and why you wrote it.

derekd said...

Nice interview ladies. After reading the first book in the series, I'm looking forward to reading the next two.

Good luck with sales, Renee.

shihanderekatyahoodotcom

Sarah J. McNeal said...

I loved MacLiam but I think Fall of Rain is going to be even better and I look forward to reading it. Great interview, Renee.

ann alba said...

book sound right up my ally :-)
I love the cover so adding it to my TBB list.
alba47@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Wonderful blog...can't wait to check out Renee's newest!

tess@tessstjohn.com

Teresa Reasor said...

Since I've read the other books in the trilogy, you know I'll have to read this one too. I know it's going to be a hit.
So pleased for you!!!
I think all your books have a little piece of you in each.
Teresa Reasor

Teresa K. said...

Renee,

I'm so proud of you. I told you so much of yourself are in your books. And you just proved my theory by admitting Lorraine is so much like you.lol
I got your number girlfriend. I can't wait to read this one and Silent Partner. Love you ladyjane
Congrats on the rave reviews for the Fall Of Rain.

Teresa K.
tcwgrlup41(at)yahoodotcom

BJ Scott said...

The book sounds fantastic and I have added it to my must buy list.

Pat McDermott said...

I'm in the middle of Raeliksen and enjoying it tremendously. Looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy. Renee, I hope to meet you in a pub in Ireland one of these days. Congrats on your latest release!

pat@patmcdermott.net

Marianne Stephens said...

I love your horse's name...great therapist! Riding sounds like a wonderful way to forget your worries and spend time with nature.
Good luck with all your books!

Renee Vincent said...

You all are just the best! Sorry I wasn't here yesterday in the evenign to get to these comments...we had my daughter's Christmas pageant to go to.

I am so happy to see all of you here. What a wonderful surprise and a great turn out for Fierce Romance!

BTW, BJ Scott....I am reading your book right now. I went to bed reading it last night on my kindle and I'm LOVING it!!!

Good luck to you all in the contest!

Janie Emaus said...

Beautiful cover!

Margaret said...

Lovely interview, Renee. No need to enter me, I already own your entire backlist. :)

Alexa said...

Great interview!

Chrisbails said...

This book sounds fantastic. This is also a new author for me. I love to read and always looking for new books and authors to check out. Thanks for the chance to win. I love the cover of this book, the girl is gorgeous.
christinebails@yahoo.com

Cherie Marks said...

Okay, this trilogy is definitely on my TBR list. Those covers are gorgeous.

authorcheriemarks (at) gmail (dot) com

Renee Vincent said...

What a great group you all are! I am so loving all this company! (I'm a super-duper "people person" if you haven't guessed by now.)

Thank you so much for visiting with me and reading about the entire trilogy.

I wish you all the best of luck in this contest!

Marilyn ~ wiggiemd said...

Great interview Renee and Vonda!

Nice to read a few new things about you, Renee that I didn't know. I thought Rain was you just from your extended excerpt that I read of The Fall of Rain. It made me wonder enough I was going to ask. Glad it's in the interview!

Love the blog site Vonda!

hugs!
Mare

Marilyn ~ wiggiemd said...

Ops forgot my email address:

wiggiemd@gmail.com

A.W. McQueen said...

You know what I am going to say to you Renee. Finish the Temperate Warrior OR YOUR GONNA GET IT.

Probably with lots of sugar and whip cream. Boy, THAT doesn't sound suggestive. But knowing me, you know I am referring to withholding coffee from you until you finish. LOL

When I read the book I really got that you infused yourself in Rain. And as usual you made me cry. From your opening dedication to the last word on the page.

It truly is a stellar book. Good luck to whomever wins today!

Renee Vincent said...

I can't believe you thought the heroine was just like me from the excerpt post at RBRU. It was...but I didn't think anyone could tell unless you practically lived with me. Perhaps we are kindred souls, Mare?

Good luck in the giveaway!

Renee Vincent said...

Lizzie, first let me say you freakin entertain me to no end! I had to laugh at your post. Thanks for making me laugh out loud.

Second, today is the first day in a long time that I was able to write a little on The Temperate Warrior. It felt so good....
I'm hoping over the Christmas break to get a whole lot more writing finished since I will not be online as much. (You know....taking time off to be with family and all) So that includes my Norse family as well...Gustaf, Jorgen, Snorri, Aesa...

I cannot wait for you to read this one! He is so much like Daegan, only better in his own way! I promise Lizzie....I am writing as fast as I can. Please do not withhold coffee from me. haha

Anonymous said...

I can hardly wait to read this book. It sounds awesome!
mom1248@att.net

A.W. McQueen said...

I can't withhold anything from you Renee. I love you too much honey.

In fact...I think I actually love you even more than your Norse family.

But don't tell them that! And you are killing me telling me he is so much like Daegan. You know I loooovvveee him. Sigh...*stupid dreamy look on my face*

Sarah Hoss said...

I love this. You have to posting these excerpts. I'm not done with Mac Liam yet and I want to jump ahead. LOL.....

I am loving this series. It is taking me longer to read because I decided to go and buy the books instead of having them on my computer. Sorry for being behind.

BUT--- I am LOVING it!!!!

Renee Vincent said...

I forgive you Sarah, though I'm not sure what's to forgive. I too prefer to have the print books if I can get my hands on them but sometimes I break down and buy it on the kindle so I can read right NOW!

You just finish that Mac Liam like you intended. NO JUMPING AHEAD, you here? haha

Renee Vincent said...

Thank you so much Patsy! I cannot wait for you to read this series either! Good luck to you!

And Lizzie, sorry to make you get that stupid dreamy look on your face, but it's true. Since they are brothers, it would only make sense that he is like Daegan, though I must admit he is a bit more rough around the edges. Worry not though, he definitely has that Raelik charm. *wink*

Renee Vincent said...

I've used Random.org to draw the winner and the winner is...........................
Chistine Bails!

Congratulations! You just won your choice of my back list! (sending an email your way, darlin!)
Merry Christmas to you!!!!