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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Guest Post with Author Shana Galen and Giveaway

Please give a warm welcome to the awesome Shana Galen  Shana is for sure one of my favorite authors and one of my most favorite people and she has stopped by to chat all about Winn, her hero from her newest release, True Spies.

Shana Galen is the author of fast-paced adventurous Regency historicals, including the Lord and Lady Spy Series, the Jewels of the Ton Series, as well as the Sons of the Revolution Trilogy. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time, and is working on more regency romance novels! She’s happily married to the Ultimate Sportsfan and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

Places to find Shana:

Why Winn Should Be Your New Book Boyfriend

I’ll admit I’m not the most faithful of book girlfriends. I tend to fall in love with whatever yummy hero I’m reading about at the moment. Recent book boyfriends include Reece from Sophie Jordan’s upcoming Foreplay, Max from Sabrina Jeffries new What The Duke Desires, and Finn from Julie Garwood’s Hotshot. And, of course, there are my old flames—Jamie from the Outlander series and Rourke from the In Death series.

But I have to say that I’d dump every single one of these heroes (okay, maybe not Rourke) for my latest hero, Winn. Roll your eyes if you will. I know, I know. I have to say that because I’m the author of Winn’s book, True Spies. You’re right to be skeptical. There are a lot of worthy book boyfriends out there. Why give your heart to Winn?

He’s a Spy…a Really, Really Good Spy

How can you not love a hero who’s a spy? I mean, sure, he’s gone a lot saving the world and all that, but then you have time to read and visit your other book boyfriends. Plus, Winn isn’t just any spy. He’s a spy for the elite Barbican group. Even the other spies admire Winn (aka Baron).

He was a tall man with a broad chest and brown hair that had need of shears. The man was obviously a good operative. If he hadn’t been, he would be dead by now, because such an imposing man would make an easy target. Adrian studied him further, noting Baron had large hands that could probably crush a man’s head between them, and long legs that could outrun most pursuers. Baron was known for his unconventional tactics. Adrian wasn’t sure what that meant, but judging by the discussion they were having, he thought he might soon find out.

Sounds like a pretty good book boyfriend candidate, right? I don’t know about you, but I could be pretty happy with a tall, broad, strong spy for a book boyfriend.

He’s a Father

I know this isn’t the usual sort of criteria for a book boyfriend. On the other hand, who doesn’t melt when they see a man who’s also a great dad? Winn hasn’t been the best dad (the whole saving the world thing got in the way), but he’s trying to make up for his past absences with his daughters now.

“I am the princess,” Georgie was saying, “and Caroline is the pirate.”

“Really?” Winn lifted his fork. “I would have thought you the pirate and your sister the princess. After all, Caro is so gentle and demure.”

Both Caro and Georgie laughed. “I think I will make the better pirate,” Caro said, finally finding her tongue. “But you shall have to ask Mother for her opinion.”

“Why is that?” Winn said, his gaze meeting Elinor’s across the table. She gripped her hands in her lap to keep the flash of heat from rising. Oh, where was her immunity now? Was his look intentional? She had to remember it meant nothing. He didn’t want her. She wished she had this same effortless flare of attraction for Mr. Trollope. He obviously wanted her.

“B-because you never see our plays,” Caro said, glancing at her mother a little uncertainly.

Elinor stepped in, hating to see her daughter flounder, especially when Winn should know very well what she meant. “Caroline means to say, we know you are a busy man and undoubtedly have plans this evening.”

“No.” He bit into a potato.

“No?” Elinor said with a frown.

“I have no plans. I am entirely at your disposal this evening.”

“Really?” Georgie said, her face all but glowing. “You will watch the play?”

“I wouldn’t miss it. In fact, I am at your disposal tomorrow as well. I will be home all day.”

I love a dad who can be playful and fun with his children. A dad who can also give his kids the most valuable thing he has—his time and attention.

He’s a Protector

I don’t know about you, but I like a guy who can make me feel safe. A guy who can protect me, if the need arises. Winn is definitely the protective type. He might even be a little overprotective of his wife Elinor. But that just makes him all the cuter.

“Once you go in,” Winn said, “I’ll move to the rear of the building. There’s less chance I’ll be spotted there, and more shadows. If Blue is able to join me, I’ll station him in this position. Do not worry about me. Just get out, if need be. I will find you.”

Elinor nodded. She was shaking with nerves and tension, but Winn’s words calmed her. He would find her. She was not alone in this. There was something comforting in knowing he would be only steps away.

“If you do not emerge in four hours,” Winn said, “four exactly, I am coming for you.” As if to emphasize his words, low-pitched church bells clanged ominously in the distance.

Elinor swallowed, dismayed to find her throat seemed to be blocked by a large lump.

Winn took her by the shoulders, and even through the thick wool of her mantle, she could feel the warmth of his hands. “You do not have to do this. You can still change your mind.”

“I want to do this,” she told him, pushing down that lump in her throat until it thudded into her belly and rested there, heavy as a boulder.

He sighed, seeming resigned, and she reached out and stroked his cheek. She had always been the one seeking comfort, and now she felt a little dizzy at the change in their stations. “I will be fine, Winn. I know what I am doing.” Perhaps if she said that enough, she would begin to believe it.

“No, you don’t, but I love that you rush in anyway.”

Elinor blinked. This was the closest he had ever come to telling her he loved her. Loving something about her was not the same as loving her, but it was better than nothing.

“And I love that you will stand and protect me,” she answered after a pause. “Just think of the stories we will have to tell our grandchildren.”

“Just remember, you need to live so we might have the chance to meet those grandchildren.”

She nodded. “Point taken.” The clock clanged its last, the bell reverberating through the night. “I suppose that is my cue,” she said.

“Yes.”

She took a breath and stepped away from him. “I will see you in four hours.” She turned away and started for the appointed house, but before she could take more than a step, she was spun back around and enveloped in Winn’s warm embrace.

So that’s my case for Winn as your next book boyfriend. On second thought, perhaps I’ll keep him for myself. Who are your favorite book boyfriends? One person who comments will win a copy of Winn and Elinor’s book True Spies.



Warning! This agent’s secret identity—and his heart—have been compromised!

Winslow, an elite spy in Regency England, has managed to keep his identity secret from everyone—including his beloved wife Elinor. But his success with these covert affairs has taken a toll on their marriage, leaving Elinor to entertain the idea of a secret liaison with a rakish spy. She believes she will finally have the danger and excitement her marriage has never afforded her—until things get too dangerous, and she ends up being kidnapped. In this world of intrigue, Elinor discovers that no one is who they seem to be—not even her own husband.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | iTunes |
Click for info.



Check out what's up for grabs.


Up For Grabs:

To Enter: 
  • Please answer Shana's question: Who are your favorite book boyfriends?
  • Please fill out the Rafflecopter form.

Good Luck! 

Special thanks to the Shana Galen for sponsoring this giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

63 comments :

  1. I love them all and the hero in my latest read will be my current book BF! Right now I just finished and thoroughly enjoyed Shana Galen's When You Give a Duke a Diamond" and so it's William, the Duke of Pelham!

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    1. mrsshurkra, I have to say William (Will) is one of my faves too!

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  2. I love this series. Can't wait to read the next book.

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  3. I love quite a lot... William is pretty good from When you give a duke a diamond.. so is Adrian from Lord and lady spy.... I also love Roarke from JD Robb.

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  4. I fell in love with Cam Rohan from "Mine Till Midnight" and also Adrian, from "Lord and Lady Spy". I've lots of other "book boyfriends" but way too many to mention.

    I want to read "True Spies" so very, very badly.

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    1. I love Cam too, Diane. Great choice! Good luck!

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  5. My long-time book boyfriend is Jamie from OUTLANDER... but I always have a flirtation with any current book hero!

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  6. Usually it's whoever I'm reading about at the moment. I'm easy that way. lol But, my most favorite are Cage York, Christian Grey, Gideon Cross, Gavin Blake and Cash Davenport.

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    1. Marcy, I know some of those guys. Nice choices!

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  7. I have soooo many book boyfriends from across adult fiction to YA literature! Christian Grey to Raphael from Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series to Po from Graceling. :) Thanks for the giveaway! True Spies sounds really exciting, and I love the cover!

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  8. Oh boy, do I ever have a ton of book boyfriends! To choose just one would be way too difficult, but I think I'll narrow it down to a few. Colin Sandhurst from Tessa Dare's "One week to be Wicked"; Colin Mandland from Cathy Maxwell's "The Seduction of an English Lady"; Cam Rohan from Lisa Kleypas' "Mine til Midnight"; and Cade Byron from Tracy Anne Warren's "Tempted by his Kiss"....just to name a few!!

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    1. Those are great, Sandy. Cam is becoming a favorite!

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  9. My favorites are Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series, Christoff Langford from Shana Abe's "The Smoke Thief", Alexi Romanov and Dr. Ethan Walsh from Lori Austin's Once Upon a Time in the West series.

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  10. Oh, I am the same as you. Very fickle. A cover or great line can turn my heart to a new book boyfriend in a moment. haha

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  11. Anton from the Wolf Tales Series by Kate Douglas.

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  12. When it comes to book boyfriends, I can be a little fickle. I tend to love the hero I'm reading about at the time. That being said, I have 2 historical romance book boyfriends that always stay at the top of my list. Sebastian St. Vincent, from Lisa Kleypas' The Devil in Winter, is tops. I've loved him for years. A *very* close 2nd is Warrick Fitzhugh from Shana's If You Give A Rake A Ruby. Thinking about either of these heroes is sure to make me swoon!

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    1. Michelle, I also love Sebastian, and I am honored to have Warrick high on your list!

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  13. Well, I fall a little bit in love with so many of the heroes in the romances I read! Two recent favorites have been Adrian from Joanna Bourne's THE BLACK HAWK and Cade from Julie James' LOVE IRRESISTIBLY.

    BTW, I loved LORD AND LADY SPY, so I am looking forward to reading TRUE SPIES!

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    1. Thanks, Cheryl. THE BLACK HAWK was one of my favorite books.

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  14. I love the ultimate bad boy, Jerricho Barron from KMM's fever series.

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    1. Juliana, the bad boys always make the best boyfriends!

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  15. i adore the men from jennifer ashleys' highlander series

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  16. Vishous from BDB, Rourke from In Death series, Acheron from Dark hunter series and many more.

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    1. Theresa, great choices, but I don't know Vishous or BDB. Elaborate?

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  17. I am very fickle about my book boyfriends as well. Shana, I love all your heroes. I can tell my newest one will be Winn. I am currently reading Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow and love Geoffrey Wentworth.

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    1. Cathy, Sweet Enemy was a fabulous book. Thanks for mentioning mine too!

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  18. Congratulations on the new release. I have the first book in my TBR pile and have to move it up. I like spying as a backdrop to a romance book. As far as your question, there are so many: Jack Audley from The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn; any Jule James hero; and Lisa Kleypas' heroes, Sebastian, Cam, & Kev.

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    1. Great heroes. Excited to be moved up on the TBR pile!

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  19. Usually for me it is from whichever book I am reading at the time.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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    1. Thanks, Natasha. I tend to be the same way with my book boyfriends.

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  20. I have too many but I love Devil from Devil's Bride, Leo Hathaway from Married by Morning, William from When You Give a Duke a Diamond, Cameron Mackenzie from The Many Sins of Lord Cameron and so much more.

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  21. I have so many, it's usually the current hero of the story I'm reading. One I particularly liked recently though is Julie Anne Long's Colin Eversea. I'm very partial to cheeky rogues.

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  22. Christian Grey, "50 Shades of Grey", Kelon Donavon, "Running Wild", and Bones, Night Huntress series.

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  23. My latest book boyfriends are Joey Manzetti from Cheryl Brook's Undeniable, the hot, slightly kinky rising rock star/composer. And Tyler Longfoot from Samanthe Beck's Private Practice. Each book I read gives me a new BB but these stuck! Thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. I haven't read private practice, but I love rock star heroes!

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  24. LOL... I'm also a fickle one cuz I always love the one I'm reading at the time. But I have to say Adrian from Lord and Lady Spy is very high on my list :) Thanks for sharing and congrats to Shana on the new release!

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  25. Love your books Shana (my fav is Lord n Lady Spy)& I can't wait to read this. I have to admit to having many. The mark of a well written book to me is that I fall for the hero & wish to be the heroine :)

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    1. I agree 100%, Linda. If I fall for the hero, the book is a winner.

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  26. Right now it's Jon Snow from the series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE by George RR Martin.

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    1. I haven't read that one, Mary. Game of Thrones series, right?

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  27. I love the strong, stubborn alphas who then realize they cannot be without their heroine.

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  28. I have many favorite book boyfriends :)

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    1. That's the sign of a true romance reader, Olga!

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  29. Well, Shana, like a lot of your commenters, I tend to like most of my book boyfriends--if I like the story (and the author who wrote it). Jamie Fraser has oft been mentioned and he is one I have loved and thought of--a lot. I also liked Iain of The MacKinnon's Bride by Tanya Anne Crosby and Lane Williams of Betting on Love by Jan Scarbrough (new contemporary author I like a lot). I think I just love romances and a terrific romantic hero, tortured or not, dark or light. jdh2690@gmail.com

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    1. Janice, we share some of the same boyfriends. Like you, I'm definitely in the mood for tortured heroes one day and funny ones the next.

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  30. I still love Roarke from In Death series!!

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  31. I really like the Sherbrooke brothers from Catherine Coulter's series.

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    1. Oh, LilMissMolly, I read those books so long ago but still remember those brothers!

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  32. I don't have any that really stand out at the moment. I don't really consider them boyfriends although some of those heroes can be real sweethearts when I'm reading about them.
    Thanks :0)
    Lori

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