Tuesday, January 12, 2010

From Booming Jets to the Bossman's Baby

posted by Nancy

Today we welcome RITA winner Catherine Mann for her first appearance in the Lair. Cathy writes both military and corporate romance, and she'll chat with us today about both.

Welcome, Catherine! What's the Dark Ops series, and what inspired you to write it?

The “Dark Ops” novels feature a squadron of top secret test pilots. They’re cutting edge in creating the latest technology. When all other options fail, these aviation pioneers are tapped to try out the latest “toys” from their arsenal!

Who are the hero and heroine of Renegade, and what keeps them apart?

RENEGADE features flyboy Mason Randolph and civilian cop Jill Walczak. Jill knows all about Mason’s heart-breaker rep and wants no part of him. Until he mysteriously lands in the section of Area 51 she’s slated to guard, leaving her no choice but to get upclose and personal when they’re quarantined together.

What bigger challenge do the characters face?

With a serial killer on the loose targeting people connected to the military, Jill and Mason must pool their resources and resist their attraction – especially when the murderer targets Mason.

Can we have a look inside the book?

From Chapter 1 of RENEGADE by Catherine Mann

Set up:In the middle of testing a new hypersonic jet, Tech Sergeant Mason Randolph was forced to parachute out over the desert…

Mason lay on the gritty sand, stunned. No harm in lying still for a few and rejoicing in the fact he would live to fly and make love again. There wasn’t any need to rush out of here just yet. He wasn’t in enemy territory.

Although he didn’t have a clue exactly what piece of the Nevada desert he currently occupied. His tracking device would bring help though. Rescue would show up in an hour or so. Maybe by then he could stand up without whimpering like a baby.

He shrugged free of his parachute and LPU one miserable groan at a time. Already he could feel the bruises rising to the surface. He would probably resemble a Smurf by morning, but at least he still had all his limbs, and no bones rattled around inside him that he could tell.

His teeth chattered, though. From the freezing cold of a winter desert night, or from shock? Either way he needed to get moving. He pushed to his feet, stumbling for a second before the horizon stopped bobbling.

A siren wailed in the distance. Already? Perhaps this flight experience wouldn’t suck so much after all.

He blinked to clear his eyesight. Twin beams of light stretched ahead of a Ford F-150, blinding him the closer the vehicle approached. He shielded his eyes with one hand and waved his other arm. Ouch.

A loudspeaker squeaked and crackled to life. “Get back down on the ground. Lay flat on your stomach,” a tinny voice ordered. “If you move at all, you will be shot.”

What the hell? Had he landed in some survivalist kook’s farm?

But that wouldn’t explain the siren. He must have drifted into restricted territory, not surprising since they flew many of their secret test missions in secured areas. The truck screeched to halt and someone wearing cammo stepped out. A flashlight held at shoulder level kept him from seeing the face, but he could discern an M4 carbine at hip level well enough.

He shouted, “Don’t shoot. I’m not armed, and I’m not resisting.”

“Stay on the ground,” the voice behind the light barked.

A female voice?

Okay, so much for his PC rating today. He’d assumed the security cop was a male, not that it made any difference one way or the other. He respected the power of that M4.

Mason flattened his belly to the desert floor, arms extended over his head. A knee plowed deep in the small of his back. If he didn’t have a bruised kidney before, he sure did now.

A cold muzzle pressed against his skull. All right, then. The knee didn’t hurt so much after all.

“Hands behind you, nice and slow.” The lady cop’s husky voice heated his neck. “So, flyboy, do you want to tell me what you’re doing out here in Area 51?

You have a special knowledge of military life. Could you tell us how that weaves its way into your fiction?

My husband is an air force aviator who has worked extensively with flight tests. He’s a great resource for brainstorming and he always reads my books to check for accuracy. Although he’s been known to raise an eyebrow when I roll out my favorite phrase, “I know it’s not probable, but is it possible?”

How did you and your husband meet?

My hubby Rob has been a bit of a character himself, right from the start. I met Rob when going to visit my future brother-in-law at the Citadel Military College. As I was walking up to the battalion, there was a tall, dark haired cadet standing guard – picking his teeth with his sword. Suddenly he went still, turned his head slightly to look at me. Wowsa, those blue eyes of his twinkled! He stood up straight, sheathed his sword and started toward me. Before he reached me, some other cadets approached. (It was still an all male college then and females were a most welcome sight. ;-) Rob pushed past those other cadets and said, “You can’t have her. She’s mine. I’ve got dibs.” He proposed to me 10 days later… and here we still are together 23 years, 4 children and 9 moves later.


Along with the Dark Ops series, you're also writing for Silhouette Desire, with The Bossman's Baby Scandal out this month. What's the book about?

Nothing had stopped Jason Reagert from making his own millions. And now that he was securely ensconced at Maddox Communications, he was determined to become an even bigger success. Then startling news broke and Jason—along with everyone else—discovered he had gotten heiress Lauren Presley pregnant. He couldn't afford even a whiff of scandal, so he proposed to his lover of one night. Surely she'd agree to a lifetime of convenience, if only for the baby's sake



How do you juggle writing two different types of projects that appear on shelves so close together?


A dear author friend Merline Lovelace once told me that writing different subgenres can really help keep the writing fresh and fun. I totally agree! I also feel the two subgenres help strengthen each other – my Silhouette Desires help me hone the romance elements and the romantic suspense help me pump up that page turning edge even when nobody’s shooting!

What's next for you?

I’ve got a blessedly busy few years coming up! I recently signed on for two more air force books with Berkley Sensation. I’m working with Sourcebooks to develop a new military trilogy. And I have a royal trilogy coming up with Silhouette Desire, all three released within a month of each other. FMI on the upcoming books and contests, check out my website and/or sign up for my newsletter at http://catherinemann.com

Many thanks for inviting me to visit with the Romance Bandits! Y’all rock!!!

Catherine is giving away two copies signed of Defender, the first book in the Dark Ops series (which I've read and which is fabulous). So tell us: What's your favorite romance or romantic story in which technology plays a big role? Who's your favorite military couple in books, films, or life? Do you have a favorite pilot hero or heroine, either in fiction or in real life?

112 comments:

Jane said...

Hi Catherine,
Congrats on the new release. I love military romances. I really loved the hero and heroine in Merline Lovelace's Cleo North trilogy. Cleo was a former Air Force Office of Special Investigations Agent and the hero, Major Jack Donovan is an active agent in the OSI. I do have a soft sport for Maverick in Top Gun.

Helen said...

Congrats again Jane he must have really enjoyed being with you yesterday.

Hi Catherine, and welcome to the lair thanks Nancy for inviting Catherine along so as we can get to know her.

Your books sound really good and boy are you ever going to be busy I love the idea of lots of books off hand I can't think of any military books that I have read I have read a few historicals about soldiers returning from Waterloo and loved them Anne Gracies writes a great returned hero story and there have been a few others as well.

And I love some of the old John Wayne war movies and of course like Jane I have a soft spot for Maverick in Top Gun and Richard Gere in An Officer and a Gentleman Yumo.

Congrats on the release Catherins

Have Fun
Helen

Helen said...

I forgot to say I love that photo of you and your Hubby and what a wonderful story on how you met

Have Fun
Helen

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Cathy! (Waving madly!) Great to see you here - wecome to the Lair - and thanks to Nancy for enticing such a wonderful author into our midst!

As you know from our long ago chats on eharl, I've been a huge fan of yours since your Intimate Moments days. I read your Special Ops series (Code of Honour, Blaze of Glory and On Target) back to back over Christmas - I know, I'm way behind on my TBR pile! I have the current trilogy lined up and ready to go too - when Renegade arrives.

You, Merline and Suz continue to be my favourites (and Lindsay McKenna's old Morgan's Mercenaries series). Hard to pick a fave character - as they're all so great. But, in the series I just read, Bobby 'Postal' Ruznick, from Blaze of Glory, stole my heart. Such a wonderfully complex character. *happy sigh*

Like Helen, I'm a huge fan of Top Gun and Officer and a Gentleman!

MJFredrick said...

I have to go all fan-girl here. You have been one of my favorite authors since you wrote for Intimate Moments. I'm so happy you have another military book out!

Wendy said...

Hi, Catherine!

Congrats on the new release! I so need to read more military romance! I'm not sure if it's really military or not because the hero's a spy and it's mostly detectives, and such but Shannon McKenna's Behind Closed Doors! OMG, I love that book!! That's the only one I can think of right now..

I can't wait to read your books!

Gillian Layne said...

"Blue Smoke and Murder" by Elizabeth Lowell came to mind, as far as technology. I just loved that book. And I'm reading Linda Howard's "Up Close and Dangerous", the hero is a pilot and they've just crashed in the mountains. I'm so cold when I read it. :)

This was a great interview! I'm off to explore the website.

Nancy said...

Jane, congrats on the rooster! I loved Top Gun, too. One of my favorite TV shows was JAG, which featured fighter pilots from time to time.

A trilogy, eh? I'll have to look out for that. I love series with recurring characters.

Nancy said...

Helen, John Wayne was bit at our house when I was growing up. My folks liked him in anything, but I think they especially liked The Sands of Iwo Jima.

Some of my favorite Regencies have heroes who fought Napoleon. I think Mary Jo Putney had a series a while back featuring heroes who'd been in the war.

And of course, Sebastian St. Cyr fought on the Peninsula.

Nancy said...

Anna, after I read Hotshot and Defender, I went out and hunted up Catherine's IMs, and they were great.

Nancy said...

Hi, MJ--

Thanks for stopping by!

Nancy said...

Wendy, I love your dandelion picture. What's Behind Closed Doors about?

Nancy said...

Gillian, glad you liked the interview! What is Blue Smoke and murder about--what's the techno angle?

A survival story, huh? Those are always fun. In a gut-wrenching, mortal peril kind of way. :-)

Cybercliper said...

Hi Catherine....love the story on how you met your guy! Being an Air Force veteran myself and from Eastern KY originally my hero will always be real life alpha Chuck Yeager. So naturally one of my favorite movies is The Right Stuff. I would have liked to have seen that small part of the movie where Chuck and his wife were stationed in the desert spun out into something much bigger. Chuck lived a facinating life and gave much to flying and air warfare.

Nancy said...

Cybercliper, I love The Right Stuff. I think you'd told us you were a veteran, but I'd forgotten you were Air Force. Cool!

Maureen said...

Congratulations on your new books and projects Catherine. I can't really think of any technological type romances although I'm sure I have read them.

Linda Henderson said...

I enjoy Lindsay McKenna's, Merline Lovelace's, and your old SIM books. Who doesn't love a man in uniform, and if it's the woman in uniform, that's good too. I used to watch JAG all the time and now I watch NCIS. Love that show. I also enjoyed An Officer And A Gentleman, Top Gun and Independence Day. Loved the toys they used in that movie.

KJ Howe said...

Cathy, I had the pleasure of meeting you a few years ago at an RT conference and your warmth and charisma has stayed with me ever since. Congrats on all your success!

Loved the story of how you and your husband met.

I'd like to ask your opinion on the direction of romantic suspense in the coming years.

Susan Sey said...

Good morning, Catherine!

Congrats on the new release! I love a good military romance, & I picked up one of yours after you very kindly took some time to chat with me at Berkley's cocktail party last summer. It was On Target & I loved it. I'll be looking forward to Renegade!

As for military romances we love, I have admit to glomming all Suzanne Brockman's Navy SEAL books once I discovered her. While she used to be a must-read for me, though, lately I've found the stories lacking focus. Too many characters or something, & the romance suffers.

Which is why I'm so thrilled to have discovered your Dark Ops books! I'll be glomming your backlist next, so thanks!

P.S. I love it that your husband was picking his with WITH A SWORD when you met him. Nothing says danger like an enormous, lethal toothpick. :-)

Hellie Sinclair said...

I love that! "I know it's not probable, but is it possible?" *LOL* I can just imagine the look on his face. *LOL*

Not exactly a big fan of technology (though I love contemporaries), but if I had to say...I really loved Independence Day (which I realize wasn't a romance novel). I loved the two romance plots: one with a man who can't make a commitment out of fear of ruining his career (et al) and one about a man who never stopped loving his wife, even after she left to take the job in D.C. Plus I had a big crush on Jeff Goldblum: he makes geeky very sexy, I think.

Catherine Mann said...

Good morning! So awesome to see all these comments here this morning! I just sent my oldest daughter back to college and am looking forward to settling in to a quiet morning with my computer. (Y'all can help keep me from crying over missing her!)

Jane - I'm a HUGE Merline Lovelace fan too! And what a gracious lady she is as well. It's a delight to get to know someone in person and find they are every bit as nice as you'd hoped.

BTW - I have a soft spot in my heart for Top Gun too. My hubby and I went to see that movei on our first date. Of course he'd already seen it so many times he knew all the words. Luckily we were in a matinee with only 1 other person, so it was okay my hubby spoke through the whole film! LOL!

Catherine Mann said...

Hi Helen!

Thanks for the welcome! What's the name of the Anne Gracies book? I'll have to give it a look. I read historicals as well.... probably 1 historical for every 2 or 3 contemporaries. I like to toss a paranormal in every now and again too. Mixing it up keeps it fresh for me. :-)

Now John Wayne - that's a MAN!! My all time favorite movie of his is THE QUIET MAN. Hubby and I watch it at least once a year. "You can go a walkin' and a talkin'.... but noooooo patty figners...." (Okay, obviously you have to have seen the movie to get the line. ;-)

Thanks again for the welcome and the book rec!

Wendy said...

Hi, Nancy! Behind Closed Doors is about Seth, a surveillance expert, who starts spying on the secretary of this business man who is suspected of killing a friend of his but then he falls for the girl and it's very suspenseful with really sexy scenes! :)

Catherine Mann said...

Anna!!!!!!! So good to hear from you! Did you know I just started a new thread over at eHarlequin? It's called "Catherine's Mannly Men." We chat mostly about the heroes we love and why we love them. Once a month I have a guest author who talks a bit more in depth about the types of heroes readers will find in the line she writes for. It's great fun to visit about heroes and call it "work"!! ;-)

Ahhhh.... Bobby..... while I know authors aren't supposed to pick favs, he sure is one who "spoke" to me from the minute I started writing his book. (Danny was a another who talked to me from the computer screen - on occassion, he even winked.)

I'm writing a hero for Silhouette Desire right now who's really grabbing hold of my heart... Keep an ear out for Duarte in the fall!

Thanks again for the note - so good catching up with you!

Donna MacMeans said...

Look at you! All nestled in the sand! You know, Cathy, if you were still in Ohio, you'd still be surrounded by white - but it would be cold and wet (grin).

Love the sound of your books - but then, I always have! Thanks for joining us in the lair today.

Catherine Mann said...

MJ - Comments like yours totally make my day!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!! I hope you enjoy RENEGADE - I had a wicked good time visiting a different sort of locale like Area 51.

And since you're a fan of military... I do have 5 more military books under contract for two different publishers. (As well as 5 more Silhouette Desires... I'm happily busy!)

I've recently updated my website (yummy heroes!) My webdesigner did a super job at capturing the look I wanted while making it VERY easy to update so I can post the latest info the second I hear. I'll be posting updates about the upcoming books frequently.

I'm also planning to add youtube clips to the book pages soon, sharing trivia about each story. Hopefully I'll get that started within the next coupel of weeks.

Here's my website link if anyone wants to check out more info, excerpts, etc.... There's also a "Fun Stuff" page full of family photos and other stuff.... http://catherinemann.com

Thanks again, MJ, and happy reading!

Catherine Mann said...

Hi Wendy! I'll have to check out the Shannon McKenna book - SPY GAME w/Robert Redford and Brad Pitt is a fav movie of mine. I do so love a good undercover agent thriller. I got Kindle for Christmas and have been shamelessly loading it up with books. :-)

Catherine Mann said...

Hi Gillian! Glad to hear you enjoyed the interview! :::Smooches::: And Linda Howard sure does write some intense and yummy heroes, doesn't she?!

Catherine Mann said...

:::::waving::::: Hi Nancy!!! Thanks again for the invitation to visit! What an awesome, awesome group you have here. I'll definitely be checking this site out often. Y'all rock!! :-)

Catherine Mann said...

Cybercliper....Hey, do you remember that image in THE RIGHT STUFF where Chuck Yeager is walking through the desert, smoking crashed aircraft behind him, his face is covered in soot and his parachute is dragging... that's the image I carried in my head while I was writing RENEGADE!

The "Dark Ops" book focus on test aviators (pilots, navigators, loadmasters, fligth engineers.) They all strap their butts into the plane trying out things we can't even imagine.... It blows my mind... and scares me more than a little sometimes since that's what my hubby specializes in. He's been a great help in brainstorming my military books. Two decades after meeting him, my heart still kicks up an extra beat when he walks in the room. ;-)

Catherine Mann said...

Hey there, Maureen! Thanks for the welcome! What kind of books do you enjoy? Kids and I went to see SHERLOCK HOLMES movie a week ago, and I was really intrigued by how technology played such a intricate part in a historical setting. Really cool! (Plus, RDJ was HOT!)

Catherine Mann said...

Hey Linda! I gotta confess we're TV junkies around here. We keep the TV running with old reruns of shows like NCIS, CSI, Law & Order, and lately we've been watching Bones too. Love, love, love a good mystery. (Okay, and we also watch Top Chef, H***'s Kitchen, and Pitbulls & Parolees.:-)

Catherine Mann said...

Kim! Great to see you here! That would have been RT in St. Louis, right? I had such a lovely time there. (Orlanda was great fun too!)

You asked about the direction of romantic suspense... Hmmm.... Everything I've been hearing at conferences from book industry professionals indicates that romantic suspense is here to stay. It seems we've seen some ups and downs and ups again w/historicals and paranormals, and while RS over the years may have bobbles, overall the readership seems to be there.

Now, again, that's just my opinion based on snippets I've heard here and there. And of course I HOPE it's true since I love to read and write the genre. :-)

Does that answer your question?

Catherine Mann said...

I have to run a couple of errands but will be back shortly to pick up where I left off in the conversation! Great visiting with y'all!!! Cheers!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Morning, Catherine! What a pleasure it is to have you visiting us here in the Lair! Uhm, you didn't happen to bring any of those flyboys with you, did you? :)

Seriously, your books sound great, and I'm sure my teetering TBR is going to grow some more!

Where all have you lived in your travels with your husband?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Susan said:Nothing says danger like an enormous, lethal toothpick....OMGGGGGGGG...you didn't just say that! And my mind didn't go directly to the gutter!!

cait045 said...

This book sounds great. My favorite officer movies is Top Gun and Officer and a Gentlemen. They are great ones I can watch over and over again.

Wendy said...

Catherine!! Luck you! I SO want an e-reader bad! Check out Behind Closed Doors, it's REALLY good. I think I've seen that movie!

limecello said...

Hi Catherine! Thanks for visiting with us today! I just read your newest category romance and enjoyed it very much - can't wait to get my hands on your other books!

As for those questions... hmm... Well, a book with lots of technology that comes to mind is Hot Shot by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Really like that one - especially because it's so different.
My favorite military couple? O_o Er... can it be former military? Most the books I read seem to feature those heroes. But actually, The Soldier by Rhonda Nelson was great- and has a hero currently in the military.
Favorite pilot hero? Those are more rare- or I can't think of as many... I'll go with Superb and Sexy by Jill Shalvis. :)
Also I love Amy J Fetzer's books - lots of military heroes there.

Unknown said...

Congrats Jane on the GR!

Hi Catherine, great post! Like Helen my mind is drawing a blank on military heros right now, although I have read some in the past and really enjoyed the books. Lately I have been on my historicals and mysteries!

Musings by Mimmi said...

Oh, for technology, it's hands down the In Death series by JD Robb/Nora. I just WANT all those really cool gadgets!!
Hmm...military series? I have a few, but one of my favorites right now is Stephanie Tylers SEALS, and Marliss Melton's SEALs series...and I love Cherry Adair's T FLAC, imaginary though it might be. There are just SO many, I love to read about military heros, agents, cops, etc. And Cathy ~~ I love your Special Ops series...I'm a junkie on these kinds of books, what can I say??
What a wonderful story about you and hubby ~~ and gorgeous pic!! Thank you for sharing!!

Susan Sey said...

Suz wrote (in reference to the phrase 'enormous, lethal toothpick'): OMGGGGGGGG...you didn't just say that! And my mind didn't go directly to the gutter!!

Suz, you crack me up. I confess I had no thought of double entendres when I wrote it, but now that you mention it...maybe my subconscious has a naughty streak. :-)

Minna said...

My favorite military couple? Hmm. I just can't think of one right of the bat really. But I think it would have to be some couple from Merline Lovelace's books.

Nancy said...

Hi, Maureen--Thanks for stopping by!

Nancy said...

Linda, Independence Day is big here in the Lair! As you may know, lots of us love movies where stuff goes boom.

I also watch NCIS and try to catch JAG when it's on.

Nancy said...

Hi, Kim--Isn't that a great first meeting story?

I'm also curious as to where things are headed.

Nancy said...

Ms.Hellion, I think Independence Day was a movie that expanded Jeff Goldblum's fan base. He really was very romantic in that movie.

Plus, of course, lots of stuff went boom. *g*

Nancy said...

Wendy, thanks for the info on Behind Closed Doors. It sounds like a fun book.

Nancy said...

Catherine wrote: I'm writing a hero for Silhouette Desire right now who's really grabbing hold of my heart... Keep an ear out for Duarte in the fall!

Now, that's a tantalizing hint. Can you give us a teeny, tiny bit more?

Nancy said...

Catherine, I just saw your message to me. We're thrilled that you came and happy you're having a good time.

Nancy said...

Suz! You've made poor Sven blush.

Nancy said...

Hi, Cait--Lots of Top Gun fans around here today! Thanks for stopping by.

Catherine Mann said...

Hi Susan! Wasn't the Berkley cocktail party lovely? They did such a nice job with that - I had a great time visiting. Am already looking forward to the RWA convention in Nashville this summer!

"Lethal toothpick" - too funny! I'm gonna have to share that with my hubby. ;-)

Thanks bunches for looking up my backlist! Am so pleased to hear that On Target hooked you in for more!!!! Happy reading!!

Nancy said...

Hi, Limecello--What's the Jill Shalvis about?

Nancy said...

Hi, Virginia--thanks for stopping in!

Nancy said...

Hi, Melissa--Yeah, I want Eve Dallas's gadgets, too. Way seriously cool!

Nancy said...

Hi, Minna--Good to see you!

Catherine Mann said...

Hey there, Ms. Hellion! (Love your name, by the way! Are you by any chance related to my oldest son?!)

I loooooove Jeff G. in Law & Order: Criminal Intent! Have you watched him in the series? He's just so, so cool. Something about those eyes. ;-)

Catherine Mann said...

Hey there, Donna! Please do send along my best to all my Ohio pals - I miss you all. And I even missed the snow over Christmas. :-) Actually, it's been mighty darn chilly down here in FL.... all the way into the 20s with chill factor close to 0. I've never seen people layer so many windbreakers and sweaters to try and make one good coat!

Catherine Mann said...

Hi Suzanne! I've always got a flyboy handy. ;-) Today's zipper suited sky god is "Smooth" - the hero from RENEGADE, of course!

And in answer to your question, my hubby and I have lived in South Carolina, California (two places), Michigan, North Dakota, Louisiana, Alabama, Ohio, and Florida. My sister's husband is an Army Chaplain and they just got orders to Germany. I'm already planning my trips over to see her!

Joan said...

I echo your rep for graciousness Cathy as you certainly were to this newbie writer back in New Orleans....a while ago.

The toothpick was cool but what brought girly goosebumps to me was the way your DH stalked over and called dibs on you. How did you feel?

Sigh.

Military heroes? You gotta love Izzy Zanella from Suz's Troubleshooter's series. Boy tries SO hard to do the right thing (mostly) and gets kicked down...and gets right back up.

Can't wait to read the new title!

Catherine Mann said...

Cait - Ahhhh.... Officer and a Gentleman.... just love that moment when Richard Geer is doing pushups in the mud and he's shouting "I ain't gonna quit!" That moment of transition where he finally admits, "I've got nowhere else to go" and then he becomes the real man we'd hoped he could be.... dreamy sigh.... what a fabulous moment!

Another warrior movie fav moment of mind is in THE GLADIATOR when Russell Crowe is alone in his tent and he has the little figure that represent his wife and son cradled in the palm of his hand, and he says, "I live only to hold you again." OMG, my heart melts! :-)

Catherine Mann said...

Lime - I absolutely adore anything Jill Shalvis writes! She's just so darn amazing!!!

Speaking of Jill..... surely there's something of hers I misse dthat I could add to my new Kindle. ;-)

Catherine Mann said...

Virginia - So pleased to hear you've enjoyed my books in the past! Thank you!!

Speaking of mysteries, have you read Lisa Gardner's THE NEIGHBOR? I read it this past weekend and it was amazing! Couldn't put it down!

Catherine Mann said...

Hi Minna! Thanks for stopping by to post! Merline sure does create some great couples. :-)

Catherine Mann said...

Melissa - You've got an awesome list of writers there! They sure do keep the shelves stocked with super military and agent heroes. With my hubby's profession, I just can't help but have a soft spot for those kinds of heroes. I'm having fun taking those alpha qualities and the inherent honor of these guys and layering that into my Silhouette Desire heroes. I just love a good old emotion driven romance!

Catherine Mann said...

Hey there, Joan! Wasn't the New Orleans conference awesome?! I keep trying to convince one of my kids to go to college in southern Louisiana so I'll have an excuse to zip over that way more often. ;)

And you asked how I felt when my hubby said the "I've got dibs" part...hmmm... honestly, I was just so focused on his blue eyes I hardly remember the rest. He has the most mesmerizing light in his eyes sometimes and it was definitely shining that night. All four of our children inherited his blue eyes. :-)

Joan said...

It was awesome, Cathy. It was my first! I stammered out more than once...I...uh, I write romance.

It's become a WHOLE lot easier now
:-)

Oh, I also forgot to share my favorite hero pilot...Cpt. Chesley Sullenberger!!!! They've been replaying the events from his miraculous landing on the Hudson and I tear up everytime! Go Sully!

Catherine Mann said...

Nancy asked about the Silhouette Desire hero I mention - Duarte. I have a new series coming out this fall from Silhouette Desire. It's about a royal family from off the coast of Spain - their father was deposed in a coup and their mother was assassinated. Their father then built a fortress on an island off the coast of Florida to isloate and protect his three sons. Once his three sons turned 18, they broke free of the stifling isolation. Each one left all money behind and made his way in the US under an assumed name. Now, years later, their cover has been blown. People are suddenly learning that all this time, they had a prince living right next door....

Antonio, Duarte and Carlos will be landing on shelves this fall. :-)

Catherine Mann said...

Joan - Great, great mention of Sully!! He's such a great hero - his humbleness throughout the whole aftermath was touching. It's evident all the training and skill and strength that came together for him in those few horrific minutes. Thank goodness for people like him!!

Catherine Mann said...

A few things to pass along if you're interested.... I posted a blog last week over on the Romance Roll Call blog. It's hosted by an active duty female officer who wanted to share her love of military romance novels. My blog has more family pics on it. :-)

There are also blogs by Cindy Gerard, Lindsay McKenna and Marliss Melton.... Here's a link:

http://romancerollcall.com/

Catherine Mann said...

I think I responded to everyone's notes... If I missed something or didn't quite answer your question, please do pipe up again!!

I'm heading out to the Humane Society for a bit.... I foster motherless puppies for the shelter until they're old enough to go up for adoption. Got a call this morning. I'll post pictures of the new furbabies on my facebook later tonight!

Cheers!

Anna Campbell said...

Jane, one chook for you! Congrats!

Nancy, you bring us the most interesting guests! What a great interview.

Catherine, welcome to the lair! I adored your story about meeting your husband. It made my romantic heart beat faster! How gorgeous is that? No wonder you write romance. Just saw on Facebook that you'd got a Top Pick from Romantic Times for THE BOSSMAN'S BABY SCANDAL. Congratulations! The stories sound absolutely wonderful! And so glad we've got lots more coming!

Catherine Mann said...

Thank you, Anna! I adore writing my Silhouette Desires - there's just something special about getting to focus totally and completely on a couple as they fall in love!! :-)

Beth Andrews said...

Welcome to the lair, Catherine! Your Dark Ops series sounds fabulous! I can't wait to read them *g*

I love military romances but haven't read one in way too long. Your series will be the perfect way to end that drought :-)

Lady_Graeye said...

Hi Catherine!
Congrats on your new release! Military guys are hot, hot, hot! I like a hunky guy like Jag! Tom Cruise as Maverick in Top Gun! An Officer and a Gentlemen with Richard Gere! I like any story with a Special Ops guy! Yum!

Christine Wells said...

Nancy, thanks for having Catherine on RB today. Hi Catherine, welcome to the lair! Wow, you are a very busy woman. I admire you for having so many projects on the go at once. Do you have any tips for juggling deadlines?

Hmm, favourite military man might be Charles Audley in Georgette Heyer's An Infamous Army, I think.

Deb said...

Hello, Catherine. Congrats on your new release.

My husband and I were big fans of JAG and now NCIS. (He's a Naval vet.) OOOH, David James Elliot (Harm) from JAG is so hot!

We also like any John Wayne movies, especially the military ones.

Note of interest: My stepson is based at MCAS Miramar where the movie "Top Gun" was filmed.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Drew, new name and new avatar? Cool!

Pat Cochran said...

Favorite romance: Code Name Series
by Christina Skye features genetic
enhancements to animals and humans,
super agency controller named Izzy, & Navy Seals with special training.

Favorite Military Couple: Jimmy
Stewart & June Allyson in Strategic
Air Command & The Glenn Miller Story.

Favorite Pilot Hero:(No,not Falcon
Heene, he missed the flight!)
Chesley Sullenberger, US Airways
pilot.

Pat Cochran

JV said...

I probably have many favorites. In film, I think my favorite, without doubt, is the combination of Richard Gere and Debra Winger in "An Officer and a Gentleman". In books, the only one I can think of at the moment, probably because of my movie favorite, is Maureen Child's An Officer and a Millionaire. Great book!

Renee Ryan said...

Hi Cathy,

Woohoooo, I'm a huge fan. I love your military romances. You're definitely an auto-buy for me. I loved your meet cute story with your hubby -- like it came out of a romance novel or something. No wonder you're so good at this.

I recently found a new author of military books -- Stephanie Tyler. Have you read her stuff yet?

Anyway...great interview!

~Renee~

Abbi said...

Catherine,

I just love how you met your husband. What a great story to tell.

When it comes to military, I have to say, my heart will always be with A-10 (Warthog) pilots. I served 4 years in the Air Force right out of high school and my first assignment was working for A-10 pilots. They took care of my like I was a little sister to the group.

I am also a fan of Tom Cruise in Top Gun.

I am definitely going to check out your books.

Abbi

Nancy said...

Hi, Anna C.--Glad you liked the interview. Isn't that a romantic story?

Nancy said...

Hi, Beth--These would, in fact, be a great way to end your drought. And they have plenty of boom for those who love it.

Nancy said...

Hi, Karyn/Drew--The Right Stuff was a great movie, wasn't it? I still watch it when it comes on TV.

Nancy said...

Lady Graeye, I love JAG, too. And I have a weakness for military heroes.

Nancy said...

Oooh, Christine, I'd forgotten about Charles Audley, and he's such a great character! He's Lord Worth's brother, from Regency Buck, right? That's one of my favorite Heyers.

Nancy said...

Catherine, thanks for the info on Duarte and his brothers. They sound wonderful!

Nancy said...

Hi, Deb--I'm another JAG fan, as I've said. My parents were in the Navy (before I was born), so I'm admittedly prejudiced.

Nancy said...

Pat, the Christina Skye books sound like a lot of fun. Captain Sullenberger really is a wonderful real-life hero, isn't he? Cool under pressure and unassuming.

Nancy said...

JV, another Officer and a Gentleman fan! You know, I've never seen that movie all the way through--only in snippets on TV. Clearly, I need to track it down!

Nancy said...

Hi, Renee--What kinds of military books does Stephanie Tyler write?

Glad you liked the interview.

Nancy said...

Abbi, I think it's so cool that you were in the Air Force.

Glad you stopped by.

Renee Ryan said...

Hi Nancy,

Stephanie Tyler writes Navy SEAL books. There's a three-book series: HARD TO HOLD, TOO HOT TO HOLD, and HOLD ON TIGHT.

~Renee~

Nancy said...

Renee, thanks! Those sound interesting.

Catherine Mann said...

Beth - I'm so happy to hear you're going to re-up your military reads with my "Dark Ops" series! What a lovely, lovely compliment!!!! Please do drop me a note and let me know what you think of them.

Catherine Mann said...

Drew - Glad you enjoyed the story about how my hubby and I met! He's a character for sure. I could tell funny stories on him all day long. I knew when I met him that we could face anything life throws our way because he could always make me smile.

And yes, I agree Chuck Yeager is an intriguing figure in aviation history. He flew a number of his tests with a lesser know guy named Tex Johnston. My uncle married Tex's daughter. So I've heard quite a few cool Chuck and Tex stories! They were definitely men who really put their all on the line!!!

Catherine Mann said...

Lady Grayeye - I have to totally agree! I'm very partial to a man in uniform. Although I have to admit I enjoy my hubby in a crisp suit every now and again for a date night out. ;-)

Catherine Mann said...

Christine - Great question abotu writing pace! I think that's one of the most important things for writer career building. Be honest with yourself about your pace. Study your writing habits. For example I know it takes me just as long to write the first three chapters of a book as it does to write the whole rest of the story. Therefore, I take that into account when mapping out my writing plan. I plan for writing M-F, with page counts for the week. If by Friday, I've met my goal, I get the weekend off. If I do not meet my goal, then I have to catch up over the weekend. Knowing this also is good for my family - if they want me to cart them around or go to movies on the weekend, they need to respect my work time during the week.

I am very rigid about meeting deadlines. I have only asked for an extension once in 35 books. I asked for 1 extra week because we had to go to a family funeral out of state.

I have my weaknesses as a writer, without question, but I think it helps to know your strengths and play to those!

Good question, btw!

Catherine Mann said...

Back in a few minutes with more discussion.... I just got three six-week-old puppies from the shelter that I am fostering for two weeks until they're ready to go up for adoption. They all three need baths in a serious way!! They're tiny blond pomeranian chihuahua mixes. So, so sweet! Be back shortly....

Catherine Mann said...

Hey there! I'm back! Puppies are all clean and running happily around the house. They've discovered the big dog pillows and are LOOOOOOOVING to bounce around on them. ;-)

Deb - Thanks so much for the congrats on my latest book. :-) And how cool your stepson is at Miramar - it sure is gorgeous there!! Have you gotten to visit him there?

Catherine Mann said...

Hey there, Pat! Another Sully fan! Cool!! Thanks bunches for checking out my post. :-)

Nancy said...

Catherine, the puppies sound wonderful! And clean puppies are always better than dirty.

Catherine Mann said...

Hi JV! Maureen truly is an awesome author, isn't she?! Thanks for coming to hang out with me today!

Catherine Mann said...

Hey there, Renee! :::smooches::: my friend! You're the best!!

And fun that you shoudl mention Stephanie Tyler. I acutally haven't read her books yet, but she's next up on my TBR list once I reload my Kindle. Thanks for bringing up her work!

Catherine Mann said...

Hey there, Abbi! My husband is absolutely cheering that you brought up the A-10s. My hubby flew B-52s back before he went into test and he said the A-10s saved his butt big time on more than one occassion. Great plane!!!!!

Catherine Mann said...

Thanks again, folks, for all the fun posts! It's been a blast calling to mind fav military heroes in books and movies. I'll definitely be having sweet dreams tonight. ;-)

Will check back in later. For now, I'm off to play with the three puppies....

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Wow, I'm totally late to the party! Welcome Cathy! These books sound FAB!!! I had to LOL as well about the question to hubby "Is is possible?"

Can't tell you how many times I've asked that question....Grins.

Sorry I didn't make it over sooner.

Congrats Jane!

Catherine Mann said...

Hey there, Duchess! You're not late at all.... you made a fashionably delayed appearance. ;-) Thanks for the grins! I'm so glad my hubby is patient with my writer eccentricities!

Julie said...

For my military romance fix, I always turn to Suzanne Brockmann--she hasn't disappointed me yet! :)

I love the story of your first encounter with your husband (it made me laugh), thanks for sharing!

Catherine Mann said...

Hey there, Julie! Suz is amazing, isn't she?! I have so many favs of her books I can't even list them all. :-)

Thanks for stopping by to post!