Prince Hafiz's Only Vice by Susanna Carr - Interview and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Susanna will be awarding a $50 Amazon.com e-mail gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I enjoy reading and writing sexy contemporary romances for many reasons. I want to read about people falling in love within my world. I like following along the lives of characters who I can relate to. And while I will read contemporary romances in every heat level, my stories tend to be sensual. The storylines I come up with have a lot to do with the sexual component in a relationship.

What research is required?

I created Rudaynah, the desert kingdom setting in PRINCE HAFIZ'S ONLY VICE. However, I still needed to learn a little about the Middle Eastern culture. I can make some of it up because the country is fictional, but I still need to learn how the history and the environment of that region influenced the food, clothing, customs, language and home life. I also had to research weddings for a few of the scenes. There are many ceremonial customs that I needed to understand and use in my story.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

My hero and heroine reminded me to take risks in a relationship. Lacey took a giant leap of faith when she walked away from everything she knew to be with Hafiz. It didn't work out the way she had hoped but she learned a lot about herself and what she wanted in life. Hafiz took a risk by showing his true self to Lacey. He revealed his darkest secrets and lowest moments even when he had not forgiven himself for his past choices.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I am very superstitious about my writing. I won't tell anyone what the story is about until it has been accepted for publication. Every time I've given a sneak peek--the hooks, an unedited excerpt, or even the names of the characters--I jinx the story. I've learned my lesson.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I start out with an outline of the book. Making an outline can take quite a lot of time because I add details about each scene. The story doesn't always follow the outline but I like having a sense of where the story is going and what will happen next.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A stack of papers that need to be filed, a huge tea mug filled with English Breakfast decaf tea, and a baby name book.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

My next book comes out February 2015. LET THEM TALK is a novella collection about three women who start a risque book club in a small, conservative town. They try out what they've learned in their reading material with unexpected results.

This book is a Harlequin Blaze. That means it’s a little more focused on the sexual part of the romantic relationship. It's also lighthearted compared to PRINCE HAFIZ'S ONLY VICE.

Do you have a question for our readers?

What kind of contemporary romances do you prefer? Sweet? Sexy? Erotic? Funny? Emotional?

What a royal wants…

Prince Hafiz devotes his days to his people and his nights to indulging his desires with his stunning American mistress, Lacey Maxwell. But duty requires him to marry a "suitable" bride.

In her deepest secret fantasies, Lacey naively hopes to one day wear Hafiz's ring, until her dreams are shattered and he chooses someone else.

Faced with the reality of a passionless union, Hafiz realizes the years spent with Lacey have done nothing to slake his hunger for her. Instead he's determined to turn his only vice into a virtue for the sake of his country…and each other!

Enjoy an excerpt:

Lacey stared at the engagement announcement. Her mind refused to comprehend the words. "Marry?" she whispered. Her wild gaze flew to Hafiz's harsh face. "You're getting married?"

She waited in agony as he rose to his full height. He looked very tall and intimidating. Almost like a stranger.

Lacey didn't realize she was holding her breath until he answered. "Yes."

The single word sent her universe into a spiral. "I don't…I don't…." She stared at the headline again, but the pain was too raw, too intense.

Her hands shook as the rage and something close to fear swirled inside her. Fear of losing everything. Pure anger at the thought of Hafiz with another woman. The fury threatened to overpower her. She wanted to scream at the injustice and claw at something. Stake her claim. Hafiz belonged to her.

"You have been with another woman." She couldn't believe it. "All this time, you were with someone else."

Hafiz's eyes narrowed at the accusation. "No. You have been the only woman in my life since I met you in St. Louis a year ago."

She was the only woman, and yet he was going to marry another? "Then how are you…I don't understand."

He braced his feet a shoulders' width apart and clasped his hands behind his back, preparing for battle. "I met the bride today and she agreed."

Lacey's mouth gaped open. "You just met her?" She snatched the flicker of hope and held on tight. "So, it's an arranged marriage."

Hafiz let out a bark of humorless laughter. "Of course."

"Then, what's the problem?" She moved slowly as she stood. Her arms and legs felt limp and shaky. "Say that you won't get married."

He looked away. "I can't." Regret tinged his voice.

About the Author:Susanna Carr is an award-winning author known for her contemporary romances. Readers throughout the world find Susanna's stories a delightful escape that has often helped them through difficult times. Reviewers frequently describe her work as "fun", "sexy" and "a must read." When she isn't writing or spending time with her family in the Pacific Northwest, Susanna enjoys reading romance and connecting with readers online.

Website: susannacarr.com
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Susanna-Carr/242944799620
Twitter: twitter.com/susannacarr
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/22371.Susanna_Carr

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