Interview and Giveaway with Tess Hilaire

I am thrilled to have author Tess Hilaire with me today! She is the author of the fantastic new paranormal romance novel Deliver Me From Darkness (review here). She was kind enough to stop by today and answer a couple of questions for me. Her publisher, Sourcebooks, was also generous enough to offer up two copies of her book, Deliver Me from Darkness, for me to giveaway. So make sure you read all the way to the end for contest details.

A Bookworm’s Haven (ABWH): Can you tell us a little bit about Deliver Me from Darkness for those who might not have read it?

Tess Hilaire (TH): Deliver Me from Darkness, is about one Paladin’s struggle for his humanity, and the one woman who can save him from the darkness he believes to be his eternal destiny. Our hero, Roland, is a “fallen” Paladin. Ninety-four years ago he was turned vampire and has lived his life in exile and darkness since. Believing his soul lost, he doesn’t think himself worthy of the title Paladin anymore or of love; his only goal is to hold onto the last shreds of his humanity. Until one day when Karissa—the woman meant to be his soul mate is delivered to his door and all his vows of honor are challenged.

ABWH: I have heard of Paladin warriors before, but not in the way you describe them in your book. Where did you get the inspiration for your mythology?

TH: I’ve always been fascinated with the crusades, the knights, the vast battles and the clash of cultures. It was a horrific time in world history and one filled with causes both noble and evil. There was so much going on—political, economic, religious power plays—so when I went searching for inspiration and stumbled upon The Song of Roland I knew I’d found the basis of my mythos. The song itself is embroiled in political and personal intrigue and doesn’t paint the players as angelic visages or infallible warriors, but it did have something interesting. It’s the first mention of the twelve Paladin, twelve religious warriors: a number representative of King Authors round table, and the number of disciples in Christian scripture. I thought what if these men had been in this battle, not as a product of political or cultural intolerance of the time but of their own mission? What if they were taking orders directly from a higher power, their goal to keep religious artifacts (a coveted prize often at the foundation of the Crusades) out of the hands of true evil? More than that, what if my Paladins were volunteer angels come down from Heaven to protect His children from Lucifer’s evil army? And so my mythos was born

ABWH: Do you have a favorite scene from Delver Me from Darkness? I personally loved the scene in the cabin for many reason, but I don’t want to be too spoilerly and ruin the fun for people who have not read it yet.

TH: I have lots of favorite scenes, some that didn’t even make it into the final book (like the one of Valin right before he’s sent out to track Karissa down. Sigh.) But if I had to pick one? I think I’d have to go with the first kiss as, to me, this is really the point where the fledgling bond between Karissa and Roland stands up and squawks, demanding they feed their mutual desire.

ABWH: If Deliver Me from Darkness became a movie who would your dream cast for Karissa and Roland be?

TH: Well, since Karissa describes Roland as Collin Farrell goes Goth, I guess we’ll go with him. Besides, he does the glare from under those brows darn well. Karissa is harder, but I’d probably go with Keira Knightely. She has this feminine yet tough edge to her that I think is perfect for Karissa, though the make up artists will have to add the dash of freckles.

ABWH: Do you have an overall idea of where this story will go or what couples will be featured next? I am personally hoping for Valin and Gabriella, hehe. *keeps fingers crossed*

TH: I love Valin and Gabby too. They were really fun characters to write as they just kind of took over the page. In fact, I had to chain them up a few times and force them back into the sidelines. Terrible, right? That said…. It’s Logan who’s going to be tortured next. But yes, I already have ideas for a few more couples out there

ABWH: On your website you talk about writing to escape New York winters. Is that how you initially started or have you always wanted to be a writer?

TH: When I was a little girl I knew I either wanted to be a vet or a writer. After some really bad poems and a failed attempt at a children’s book about cats (kinda similar to the warriors books actually… darn, think of the missed opportunity) I decided to go for treating the cats instead. I went to college, got my degree in biology, worked for both a large and small animal vet, and decided I couldn’t do it. Not because of the pets, but some of the owners. I’m too soft and would have brought the hard luck cases home when they wouldn’t treat them. Anyway with that path cut off, recently married, and stuck in a small town in the cold north, my options were pretty limited. I took a series of jack of all trade jobs while I decided what to do with myself now. These jobs allowed way too much time for my imagination to go a roaming again. And, well, you can see where it led me.

ABWH: What types of books do you like to read in your free time? Are there any authors/series that you must have when they come out?

TH: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, YA (literary, Paranormal Romance, and Urban Fantasy), epic fantasy… shall I go on? I read it all. As for must haves… Oh, gee, this list could get big too. So, the highlights: Karen Marie Moning both highlander and fae series, Patricia Briggs, Illona Andrews, J.R. Ward, Sophie Jordan’s YA line, Erin Kellison’s Shadowman series, Patrick Rothfuss Name of the Wind series… to name a few

ABWH: What are some things that you have to have with you when you are writing?

TH: When I’m actually “creating.” As in completely new material with no outline (the idea stage) I need my iPod, my laptop, and a relatively quite house.

ABWH: Can you share what you are working on now?

TH: I recently turned in book two of The Paladin Warriors. Deliver Me from Temptation is Logan’s story and it was fun to watch this duty-bound warrior get knocked on his butt (literally) by love. I’m also plotting out the next few books in the series beyond that so, yes, if all goes well, you should get your Valin and Gabby story

ABWH: Thanks for being here today Tess! Is there anything that you would like to add?

TH: Other than a big thank you for having me? How about a little teaser of your favorite girl-vamp and Paladin….

Gabriella narrowed her gaze on the Paladin pacing a five-by-five swath out of the warehouse’s dirt floor. She recognized him as the Paladin who’d been with Curls in the alley last night. It was just as obvious he hadn’t placed her yet. Not surprising, she looked a lot different without the hooker getup and the man’s attention had been elsewhere at the time. Just as it was now.

The Paladin had been communicating with someone—she’d felt the brush of minds like an itch at the back of her head—and ended the conversation with a string of swear words that had even her cheeks heating. Or maybe that was the fact that he was blatantly naked and didn’t seem to give a damn. She wished she could say the same. But it would be untrue. The Paladin, and all his jangles, were more than fine.

He stopped pacing, his gaze making a direct hit on her scoping one. She resisted the urge to blush and turn her head away. So what? She’d been caught staring. A man dances around naked in front of a girl, he’s got to expect to be turned into eye candy. It took her a moment to realize there was no amusement in his gaze, only speculation.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“That was Logan. He’s another—”

“Pretty boy.” She scoffed. “Yeah, I know him.” The Paladin narrowed his eyes. She shrugged, or tried to. Her arms were burning from their twisted up angle. “He hangs with Roland. Our paths cross sometimes.”

He shook his head, chuckling.

“What’s so funny?”

“Senior is really not going to like that his son’s consorting with the enemy.”

Her lips curled back as she jerked at the manacles. Had the idiot not noticed that they were in a warehouse full of windows? A slight break in the storm outside and she would be just another pile of ash in this place. “Do I look like the fucking enemy?”

His gaze narrowed on her face, or more specifically her peeled back lips that exposed her fangs. He shrugged. “Well, yeah.”

DELIVER ME FROM DARKNESS BY TES HILAIRE – IN STORES FEBRUARY 2012

A STRANGER IN THE NIGHT…

He had once been a warrior of the Light, one of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he lives in darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up at his doorstep.

COMES KNOCKING ON THE DOOR…

She is light and bright and everything beautiful—despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can’t deny his heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daphne Award-winning author Tes Hilaire started creating whole new worlds to escape upstate New York’s harsh winters before finally fleeing to sultry North Carolina. Her stories are edgy, exciting, and bring a hint of dark fantasy to paranormal romance. And no one ever has to shovel snow. For more, visit www.teshilaire.com.

So now that you know all about Tess and Deliver Me from Darkness do you want your own copy? Well you should, because it is awesome! All you have to do to be entered to win is fill in the form below. It is open to US/Canadian residents only. The contest will run until midnight Friday March 2nd 2012. Want an extra entry? I will give you a bonus point if you tweet or link to this contest (Twitter, sidebar, facebook, etc.) and be sure to put the link in the form. I will use random.org to pick the winner. Good luck to everyone.

This contest is now closed.