Thursday, April 1, 2010

Kay Thomas' BULLETPROOF return to the Lair.

interview with Suzanne

Kay Thomas writes "bulletproof" romantic thrillers for Harlequin Intrigue. Her debut novel BETTER THAN BULLETPROOF (January 2009) is a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Nominee for Best First Series Romance. Her second book BULLETPROOF TEXAS was published in April 2009. And her third release, BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD, will hit store shelves April 13th as part of Intrigue's Bodyguard of the Month Series. Please help me welcome author Kay Thomas, one of my good friends back to the Bandit Lair.

Suz: BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD is the third book in your Bulletproof series and part of the "Bodyguard of the month" collection from Harlequin Intrigue. Can you give our readers a little bit about the book?

Kay: The story is about a young, widowed mother who is forced to help with a casino robbery on the Mississippi coast when her three-year-old son is kidnapped by `guests' staying at her bed and breakfast. Her only hope is an undercover cop with a troubled past who must choose between saving his career and saving her child.

Suz, wiping the drool from my mouth: Man I love the cover of BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD! Your heroes have been strong men caught in a situation where they needed to take control of things. How does Marcus North deal with the situation he finds himself in?


Kay: Marcus is an undercover cop. In the past he has been badly burned trying to maintain his cover and protect the innocents he meets through work. He's promised himself never to let that happen again.

Cally Burnett is completely different from his usual contacts and he hates the fact that she and her son Harris could become collateral damage in the robbery that is being planned. Soon Marcus is bending, then breaking his own rules to protect them. Keeping his cover becomes more and more difficult and before it's over he'll have to choose.

Suz: How does Marcus meet the heroine, Cally Burnett?

Kay: He is a guest at her bed & breakfast as part of his undercover casino bodyguard assignment.

Excerpt:

"You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Burnett. How long have you lived here?"

"A little over eight years." She looked up from the registration book. "This was my husband's family home. His great-grandfather built it at the turn of the century."

"Oh, so it doesn't date back to the Civil War."

"No," she laughed softly. "Although I'm afraid the Chamber of Commerce wishes it did. They wanted to suggest that perhaps William Faulkner slept here. But the sad fact is nothing of historic significance has ever occurred at River Trace."

"Except raising the Burnett family of course."

Her dimples reappeared.

"So do you and your husband run the bed and breakfast?"

Again, her smile faltered. "No, my husband died almost four years ago. I run River Trace myself with the help of Bay and Luella Wiggins."

Now it was Marcus's turn to wince. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

She shook her head and looked back down at the paperwork. "That's all right. It...it happens all the time." She stopped writing to look up at him directly. "I know you don't know what to say."

Marcus nodded gratefully, feeling that he was definitely losing his social skills. He wondered what had happened to the husband.

As if reading his thoughts, Harris piped up, "Daddy dwowned...but not in bathtub."

Cally gaped at the child in shocked surprise. Marcus groaned. No wonder his earlier comment about drowning had caused such an unusual reaction.

"That's right, honey." She recovered herself and held him close as she patted his back and looked into his eyes.

"He lives in heaven with angels."

"Um-hmm," she murmured, still staring into the boy's face.

"Lulu says so. Bay, too."

"That's right, baby. That's right." She gazed at Harris a moment longer continuing to cuddle him and a took a deep breath. He laid his head on her shoulder.

Marcus shifted on his feet, uncomfortable with his eavesdropping. It usually wouldn't bother him, but in this case, it was extraordinarily awkward.

She seemed to sense his discomfort. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize he knew what that meant. I mean we've talked about it, but..." She stopped, blushed a deep pink, clearly at a loss for words.

"That's all right. I'm sorry about what I said earlier." Her forehead creased, "About?"

"About...the tub."

"Oh," she nodded. "You must be wondering after all this."

Her hand fluttered about Harris's back but her voice was cool and composed. "My husband was in a boating accident. He was duck-hunting and putting out decoys when the boat capsized. His waders filled with water and he drowned." "I'm terribly sorry."

"I am, too." She sighed. "But life goes on." She looked at the little boy in her arms and gave him a squeeze. "Here's the proof."

Harris giggled sleepily.

"Let me show you to your room. It's right up these steps."

Marcus followed her to the grand staircase. Their feet were silent on the carpeted steps.

"Your room was originally an attic when the house was built. At one time it was a nursery. Now it's definitely the most secluded spot at River Trace."

At the top of the second flight, Cally turned left and led him past several rooms toward the back of the house. Her hair had come out of its pins and was trailing halfway down her back in ringlets. Marcus watched as Harris opened and closed his fists around one of the curls.

The outline of her bra strap was clearly visible through the wet shirt. It was lacey, pink and distracting the hell out of him. She turned right and paused at another landing.

"I thought since you were going to be here a while, this would give you more privacy. You have your own bath and there's another stairway here if you prefer. It was originally a servants' stairway. And if you've had a really long day..." She didn't finish the sentence as she pointed toward the antique one-man elevator.

"It still works?" he asked.

Cally nodded, opened a door and led him up a narrow stairwell. He could see how the location would have been perfect for a child's nursery.

"We just finished getting it all together today."

Marcus stepped up into the room behind her. She crossed another oriental rug and sat Harris down on a wide window seat. As she leaned over to close the window, he got an unexpected but rather spectacular view of her butt in the water-soaked jeans. Her wet shirt had ridden up and he could see a line of milky-white skin along her back.

He caught himself staring, imagining the view under different circumstances. If she turned around without picking up the boy first, he'd get a peek at the latest Victoria's Secret had to offer. With a jolt he realized he wasn't paying attention to a word she was saying.

"…we painted earlier this week, but I wanted to make sure the smell was completely gone."
Marcus took in a gulp of air, attempting to clear the erotic images forming in his head. "Hmm.
All I smell is ah…flowers?"

"Yes." Cally smiled, completely unaware of where his thoughts had been. "That would be the potpourri." She nodded at a silver bowl on the captain's desk to his right.

"The bathroom's through here." She pointed toward the small hallway to his left; straight ahead was a queen-sized bed flanked by small antique tables. "We just moved the armoire in today."

He reassessed her as he took in the large cabinetry opposite the window. "You moved that yourself? Up those stairs?" He studied her slim build and tried to imagine her lifting the heavy antique. Even with a man helping her, it was a formidable job.

"Well, Bay and I did. I couldn't have done it on my own. I can't imagine doing any of this without the Wigginses. You'll meet him and Luella tomorrow. River Trace simply couldn't run without them. They're amazing."

"I'd say so." He mentally struggled to get focused again.

"Let's see. I need to get you more towels, and you need a brandy decanter." She ticked the items off on her fingers.

"Excuse me?"

"It's a gift when you check in. Our special label. Homemade peach brandy. Not to be missed."

She stared straight at him—open and friendly, but it wasn't a come-on. He knew that.
Facing him, she wasn't holding the kid. Marcus locked his eyes on hers and willed himself not to look below her neck at that transparent shirt.

"Now…what else. Oh, yes. Since you're up three stories here, the fire marshal insists I tell you how to get out in case the stairway is blocked during a fire." She headed for the window seat.
Marcus swallowed hard when she bent over to pick up Harris and lifted the lid on the built-in seat. Her shirt rode up again revealing more of that creamy skin that he was suddenly very curious to touch.

"There's a ladder here," she said over her shoulder.

She reached for the jumble of metal and rope, and he realized he was staring again. He was going to get busted if he didn't stop. He reached around her, accidentally brushing against her shoulder.

"Sorry," he muttered.

She startled. "Thank you," she murmured, stepping aside. "You attach it by those handles to the window and then you can ease down to the roof."

"Where do I go from there?" he asked, keeping his voice as neutral as possible. Touching her had been a bad idea, a really bad idea.

Cally turned to look at him with a sober face and sparkling eyes. "You jump."

He barked a laugh.

"Actually, you shimmy down to that sunroof on the second floor, and you jump."

"Does every room have one of these?"

“Oh, no. Yours is special. It's the only one on the third floor. There are two staircases up to the second floor and a window in every bedroom. The fire marshal figures if worse comes to worst everyone else can get out."

Obviously she was struggling to keep a straight face.

"I see."

"River Trace is the only residence to be converted to an inn in the county. The fire marshal had never done this before. I'm afraid he went a bit overboard. We barely talked him out of a sprinkler system. But I feel confident you will be safe during your stay."

The dimples were back.


"I think the worst thing that would happen if you had to jump is a broken leg."

"Hmm. We'll hope it doesn't come to that."

"Absolutely." A man could get lost in a smile like hers. Harris yawned widely as Marcus shut the ladder back into the window seat. "Someone is getting sleepy."

Harris was snuggling into her chest and clutching one of her ringlets. "Yes, I'd better put him to bed. I'll be glad to get you something after I get him down."

She was looking at Marcus again with those incredibly blue eyes, totally oblivious of the effect she was having.

"What would you like? A snack of some kind? Or I can fix you a sandwich? Whatever you want."

She had no idea what she'd just said. Marcus swallowed. God, he didn't usually get turned on by unintentional double entendres. "A sandwich would be great if it's not too much trouble. But
there's no hurry. I realize you'll have your hands full for the next few minutes."

"It's no problem at all. I'll just put Harris to bed and bring up your sandwich. And those towels and that brandy." She started toward the stairs before turning back. "How does roast beef on whole wheat sound?"

"Delicious."

"It'll be about fifteen minutes."

Downstairs the deep gong of the doorbell echoed through the house.

"That'll be my other guests. Let's make that thirty minutes on the sandwich?"

"No problem."

Cally nodded and headed down the steps. When the door closed, Marcus's smile faded. He looked around the room, taking in the rich red walls and antique four-poster.

This was not the set-up he'd been expecting. Oh, it was quite a place all right. But it was not the proper way for this to go down. What in hell was he going to do about the widow and the kid?

Suz: BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD takes place in Mississippi. Is there any particular reason you decided to use this setting for this book?

Kay, (smiling that shy southern belle smile of hers): I'm from Mississippi and my family still lives in and around the Delta. The original idea for BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD was based on the first riverboat casino ever built in the state in the early 90's. My big brother Tim gave me the idea and it all started over dinner one night with the words, "Kay, I've got a story for you?"

He has just gotten back from a long road trip with a friend who had worked as a security guard in that first riverboat casino located in Tunica. Tim's friend had some hair-raising tales about those early months the casino was open, before there was an infrastructure in the county to handle the huge influx of cash and people to the area. The casino was reported to be the most profitable per square foot in history, and the guards spent the first eighteen months worrying they'd be robbed blind because they didn't have all the backups they needed.

There's a bed & breakfast featured in the book based on my grandmother's house that I grew up next door to in Clarksdale.
















This was the first manuscript I ever finished, but it's gone through multiple revisions and rewrites since I first wrote "the end" ten years ago. Three years after I finished the original draft, that house my great grandfather built in 1900 burned. Thankfully no one was hurt. Even though the property was no longer in the family, three generations had lived there. In BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD, the house that held so many wonderful memories for us lives again.


For story purposes I moved my grandmother's house (the B & B), the casino, and the timeline to present day South Mississippi.


Suz: One of the things I like about your books is the sense of urgency and desperation you put your characters in. Is there a way to balance that with the sexual tension needed in a romance?


Kay: I love to write compressed timelines with a ticking clock. (As a writer this keeps me focused on making every scene count.)

For me that combination keeps the suspense tighter and the characters slightly off balance. Their emotions are "rawer," much closer to the surface. My hero and heroine don't have time to dissect their feelings (like we do in real life). They simply react and respond to circumstances around them. When I get bogged down in writing a scene or even in plotting, I usually find it's because my characters are "sitting and thinking" versus acting.

That lack of time for the characters to analyze the relationship, combined with the ticking clock is what I believe keeps the sexual tension building. For the reader, my hope is this "urgency" keeps one turning the pages and wanting to find out what happens next.

Suz: What's next for you and your Bulletproof series?

Kay: The next book is due to my editors at Intrigue in September with a release date for 2011. It's tentatively titled BULLETPROOF HEARTS. The story is about a woman who discovers her brother's hit and run accident was actually murder and she could be next if she doesn't accept help from a mysterious stranger. I'm almost through the first draft but I'm a multi-drafter, so the plotting is still very much in process. If anyone is interested in my week-by-week progress, they can check out my facebook fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/KayThomasWrites. I chat about lots of different things - books, current movies, publishing- including what I'm working on right then. I also post deleted scenes from previous novels and give away books and gift cards from time to time.

Kay: This book features a fictional B & B. I adore bed & breakfasts and used to think I wanted to run one until I realized that:
1) I loathe doing laundry and housekeeping chores in general. And
2) it's considered an exotic breakfast at our house if I cook scrambled eggs & toast. No, this is probably not a career I should consider.

I figured out that what I really enjoyed was staying in a B & B vs the whole concept of running one.
So my question to you is: What's your favorite thing about staying in a bed & breakfast?
If you could, would you like to run one? Why or why not?

Suz: Kay will be giving away a copy of BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD to one lucky commenter. Kay, anything else you'd like to share with our readers and friends?

Kay: To celebrate the release I have a Bulletproof Sighting Contest called "Feeling Lucky?" that's currently underway. Spot my April Intrigue, BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD, on store shelves or in your mailbox and be eligible to win a gift card to Barnes & Noble for $15, $10 or $5. Details are at my website. www.kaythomas.net


Trailer for BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xFM59fprfg

60 comments:

limecello said...

Hi Kay :D

limecello said...

Kay, your Bulletproof series sounds great! I read other harlequin lines, but am thinking about starting Intrigues as well :)
I'm so sorry the house burned down - but how lovely you got to revisit it in the writing.
Congratulations on your upcoming release!

Helen said...

Congrats lime have fun with him

Great interview Ladies and fantastic excerpt. I really love the sound of this series and I have not read any of the Harlequin Intrigue books either but I gotta say I really need to get these books.

I have never stayed in a B&B but haver heard wonderful things about them and as for running one sorry I don't think I would like to I am the same as you Kay to much housework and cooking I need lots of time to read and relax LOL.

Did you get to see How To Tame A Dragon yet Kay? my grandson and I really loved it.

Have Fun
Helen

Jane said...

Hi Kay,
Congrats on the upcoming release. I've never had an opportunity to stay at a bed and breakfast, but I would love to someday. I think it would be fun to run a B&B. One of the characters in "The Gilmore Girls" owned a B&B and it was so beautiful.

Congrats on the GR, Lime.

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Limecello

Congrats on the Golden Rooster!
I agree, there are so many good lines at Harlequin, it is hard to get to them all. ("So many books…so little time") I think you’ll enjoy Intrigues. Um…I may be a tiny bit biased though ; )

Yes, I had a great time revisiting my grandmother’s house in the writing. It became even more special after the fire.

Kay Thomas said...

Hey Helen,

Great to see you again!
I’m glad you like the sound of the series!

I thought from my other visits we were kindred spirits. Your comments about cooking, cleaning and reading convinced me! : )

Yes, I have seen How to Tame a Dragon and I LOVED it. So did my son. Gerard Butler and Craig Ferguson together as Vikings….they were awesome!

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Jane!

Thanks for the congratulations. I confess I have never seen the Gilmore Girls and I have heard so many people talk about it. You’ve piqued my curiosity now with talking about the B & B featured in the show. I’m going to have to look for reruns (or the DVDs).

Laurie G said...

B&B's are like staying at home when you're away from home! The people who run them are usually very friendly and outgoing...sharing recipes and always encouraging you to relax and explore their home. The one we stayed at provided meals with extra yummy treats, special desserts, cookies, and muffins. They also had lots of beautiful flowers in the rooms and outside. The rooms all had antique furniture and the proprietor always had stories to tell about the place's past history.

We had a wonderful experience!! It was a bit pricey but worth every penny!
I wouldn't want to own one as I prefer my privacy. Plus, I get stressed out when I have to cook for a crowd.

Your book sounds wonderful. I like the tie to your family.

johnslake at usa dot com

Minna said...

I have never stayed in a B&B and I really wouldn't want to run one. I'm way too lazy for that.

Gillian Layne said...

Hi Kay! I'm a big fan of the previous Bulletproof books, and can't wait to read this one. Harlequin Intrigue are one-sitting reads; there's too much action to stop reading.

I'd love to open a bed/breakfast. I'd be imagining all sorts of things that probably weren't true about my guests, and I could write off housecleaning services as a business expense. Bliss! :)

Addison said...

Kay:

Wonderful to see you in the Lair again! I am SO anxious to get my hands on this book (and whoa, is that cover YUMMY!!)

I am laughing at your comments about running a B&B....I've had similar thoughts. It sounds like a wonderful thing to do....until you think about laundry x the number of rooms - ugh! That totally kills the fun factor! :-)

Happy Friday!
Addison

Pamela Stone said...

Hi Kay. Your book sounds fantastic. Will have to get my hands on a copy.

We are of like minds on the B&B They are romantic and cool to stay in, but being neither a morning person nor a cook, not sure how well running one would work out for me.

Lori Wilde said...

Kay!

We're shelf mates darling! My book is out on the 13th too. I can't wait to get your book and I'll get one for my mother-in-law too. She loves your books.

Lori

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Laurie,

Thanks for stopping by. I love the "home away from home" feeling of bed and breakfasts, too. The unique furniture and history make it a fascinating experience, and of course the food! I can’t imagine cooking like that all the time, but I’m really grateful for the folks who do! : )

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Minna,

Goodmorning! It’s good to see you here again.
Yes, I’m with you. My laziness is why I decided running a B &B was not for me. The folks who run them have energy to spare. I wish I could “bottle” it. : )

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Good morning, everyone!

Lime, this makes two days in a row for you and that bird!

If you're just coming into the Harlequin Intrigue lines, Lime, I'm pretty sure Kay's Bulletproof books are an excellent place to start!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey, Helen!

I've never been to a B&B, either, but there is supposed to be a nice one between Dallas and Austin in a place called Waxahachee, (or as I liked to call it when I first moved to Texas, Who-chee-wahat-chee), that I'd love to go to someday.

By the way, which character in the movie did Gerard Butler do the voice over?

Kay Thomas said...

Hey there, Gillian!

Thanks so much for your kind words. They're music to a writer's ears. : )

Congrats to you on the Golden Heart final! That’s very exciting.

Hmmm……I hadn’t thought about hosting a bed & breakfast in terms of “inspiration” for writing my characters or the housecleaning as a tax break…but I’m really liking the idea. Now if I could just figure out the cooking piece??

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Jane!

What do you think would be the fun part of running a B&B? I'm pretty sure I could handle the cooking, but the housekeeping for people coming and going might make me crazy!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Kay!

You beat me to the Lair this morning!

I've always thought my grandparents old home in the mountains of Tennessee would make a lovely out-of-the-way place for a B&B. It's nestled on a hillside, with a babbling creek running just beside it, a river for trout fishermen or white water rafters to enjoy within walking distance, and the loveliest scenery. I've certainly loved staying there with my grandparents and now my two aunts.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Laurie!

You make B&B's sound like the best part of a road trip!

Plus, I get stressed out when I have to cook for a crowd....

This would be a piece of cake for me. Family dinner time around here rarely has less than 7 people!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Minna!

Do they have B&B's over there in Finland? Do they call them B&B's?

Kay Thomas said...

'Mornin Suz!

Well that was the funny thing about How to Tame Your Dragon. Gerard Butler's voice was coming out of this big burly Viking with a huge matty beard. Even as a cartoon character, it was not someone you'd ever in your wildest dreams imagine as Gerard Butler, even Gerard Butler "gone to seed." Okay, as I type that last sentence, I shudder. What a horrible thought: "Gerard Butler gone to seed." My mind just won't go there. : )

It was a really cute show though. One of the better animated ones I've seen lately.

Liz Lipperman said...

Hey, Suz and Kay. Great interview.
I love B&Bs, but no, I've never thought of running one. I have a friend who does and I can tell you, it's a big responsibility.

Kay, I loved your first two books and can't wait to get my hands on this next one. I'm already in love with the characters.

Happy Easter, guys.

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi Kay - hubba, hubba - Love that cover!

The story sounds wonderful. How cool that her brother provided the inspiration! I bet he's proud of that book as well.

I enjoy staying an B&Bs, especially historical type ones. It just feels so...adult and personalized. I could never run one, but I have friends that do. I know they enjoy the people they meet and delight in making their stay enjoyable.

Congrats on the GR, Limecello. With this glorious weather we're enjoying - I'm sure you'll have some outdoor activity planned for him.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Gillian!

I'm a big fan of the previous Bulletproof books, and can't wait to read this one...

Weren't the first two Bulletproof books great page turners? This one fits right in and I have to say, Marcus is a hero I could spend lots of time with! Yummo!

Kay Thomas said...

Hey Addison,

It’s great to see you here. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m thrilled with this cover. The art department at HQN captured my hero almost exactly as I’d imagined him.

Speaking of yummy looking heroes. I fell in love with Brody in WARRIOR ASCENDED and can’t wait for the next book in your Zodiac series.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Addison!!

I'm thinking a certain loft in NY might be a great place to spend some time...maybe as a B&B. Do you think Gerard might want to be a propioter someday?

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Pam!

Thanks for your kind words about my book. It’s good to see you here.

Yes, you’re right! I think being a morning person is definitely required for running a B & B. So my new idea for getting character inspiration from the B & B guests might not work out so well. My muse is not a morning person either. Okay, back to the drawing board. : )

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Pam! Glad to see you popping into the Lair once more!

but being neither a morning person nor a cook, not sure how well running one would work out for me...

Now see, the key is to stay up all night, then once the guests leave for the day, snuggle into bed and sleep since no further cooking would be required until the next morning! Works for me!!

Kay Thomas said...

Hey Lori Wilde!

You're always such an encouragement to me! Thanks so much for stopping by and for introducing your mother in law to my books.

I’m tickled we’re “shelf mates” & I'm looking forward to THE TRUE LOVE QUILTING CLUB this month. Your series from Avon sounds wonderful.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Lori!!

Always a pleasure to have you drop by the Lair! I'm planning a trip to the old bookstore later this month and thought I might get your new book The True Love Quilting Club.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Liz Lipperman!!!!

So glad you popped into the Lair today.

Y'all, Liz is a friend from way back who is writing a cozy mystery series, (apparently I'm a big fan of these since our Kate started writing them!).

And why am I not surprised you love B&B's? I can see you staying at one on a road trip, no problem!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Donna!

Are there any B&B's close to Columbus? Although I do have my own B&B-L-D to stay at when I go home, (they call it Mom's!), but my kids might like to do that this summer if they travel up there.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Alas, I have to head to bed...work insists I be well rested before my shift starts, so y'all take good care of my friend Kay today!

Kay Thomas said...

Suz,

Your grandparents home in Tennessee sounds like an amazing place (and certainly an inspiration for a B & B.) Do you get there often to see your aunts now?

It sounds like the perfect out the way place to relax (and write.)

Louisa Cornell said...

He's back in your arms, Lime!

Hi Kay !!

I spent six years in Mississippi, in Hattiesburg and then in Gulfport and I really loved it. Haven't been back since Katrina, but my friends down there say it is definitely coming back.

I love a book with a ticking clock - makes you wonder what will happen next and HOW will they get out of it before time runs out!

I love a cozy B&B ! I've stayed in them all over the world. I think in foreign countries what I like the most is being close to the customs, food and lives of the every day people of a country. We stayed in one in the Transylvania area of Romania and in spite of being a bit cold (their idea of heat and MY idea of heat differed somewhat!) the food was fabulous and the old world atmosphere made for a truly memorable trip.

A B&B has all of the advantages of staying at home - small, homey, comforting and none of the disadvantages - laundry, cooking, cleaning!

Anna Sugden said...

Welcome back, Kay - delighted to have you back with us.

I'm a huge Intrigue fan - they're one of my favourites. I even have a requested sub in with them at the moment.

I love B&B's - when we were travelling in the US we always tried to stay in one of the B&B's recommended by Select Registry or Historic Inns so that we could enjoy the homey atmosphere, great breakfasts and snacks, fab hosts with great insider knowledge and excellent service.

Got loads of great B&B recommendations if anyone wants them!

I always thought I'd like to run a B&B, especially in my business days - but when we spoke with some of the owners and realised how much work was involved, we decided to just enjoy staying at them! Besides, I'm with you on the housekeeping side of things - though I don't mind cooking breakfasts *g*.

Kay Thomas said...

Liz!

It’s great to see you here. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words about my books. I’m glad you like Cally and Marcus. He is my favorite hero that I’ve written to date. I think because I knew him so well by the time I finished writing and rewriting this story. : )

I’m so excited about your book deal from Berkeley. DUCKS IN A ROW sounds amazing. I can hardly wait till next July.

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Donna!

Yes, my big brother is really excited about the book. Tim has been such an encouragement to me all along the path to publication. He believed this was possible before I did. And his believing in me, made me believe in myself.

Someone who loves you speaking encouragement into your life about your goals and dreams. I'm not sure there's anything else quite as powerful.

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Louisa,

Great to see you again! I didn’t realize you’d lived in Mississippi. I understand that the coastal areas of the state are coming back—some more slowly than others. It’s why I’m moved BODYGUARD further South, instead of keeping it in the Delta and North Mississippi. The post-Katrina setting definitely plays a part in the story.

A Transylvanian B&B- sounds remarkable. Talk about inspiration for stories! I might have to sleep with the lights on if I got too inspired. ; )

Minna said...

Do they have B&B's over there in Finland? Do they call them B&B's?

Yeah, we have those, although it's fairly new thing around here and they are not called B&B's. They are called "bed and porridge", "bed and grub" or "breakfast accommodation".

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Anna,

It’s great to be here! I appreciate y'all having me back. Best of luck with your Intrigue proposal. Please keep me posted.

I have one of those Select Registry/Historic Inn books, too. You’re right. They’re wonderful for finding B&Bs with historic significance or particularly special surroundings. I got it when we stayed in a B & B in Vicksburg years ago. That’s what first “gave me the bug” to run one….a bug which apparently I’ve recovered from. : )

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Karyn,

Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt.

“snap and growl with toast”
Omigosh...I love it! Can I borrow that phrase? : )

Unknown said...

Hi Kay your new book sound fantastic, can't wait to read it! I have not read any of this series but I do love me some Intrigue's. They keep you on the edge of your seat and I love that!

I have never stayed in a B&B before but always wanted to!

Congrats on your new release!

Virginia C said...

Hi, Kay! I love your "Bulletproof" heroes! I have always wanted to own a small vineyard with an on grounds B&B and eatery. Marcus would be welcome any time--no reservations needed!

chey said...

Great interview!
Your bulletproof series sounds fantastic!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Blogger has struck again and Kay is having a bit of a difficulty posting replies, so please bear with her, and hopefully blogger will be kind to her in just a bit!

Pat Cochran said...

Welcome back, Kay!

No B&B ownership for me! Why? Let
me see: married and homemaking for
49 years (anniversary next week),
some 15 years helping Mother at
home as the eldest of nine, that's
64 years out of almost 74! Yep,
that's the reason why! Now I love
B&Bs and have stayed at a couple.
I enjoy the comforts without
having to provide them myself!

P. S. I love your series and have
been waiting for #3! Love the
cover!

Pat Cochran

Kay Thomas said...

Hi, I’m back. (Blogger let me back in.)

Hey Virginia,

Thanks so much. I’m thrilled to be writing for Intrigue. I think they have some terrific story lines. I love being kept on the edge of my seat, too.

Kay Thomas said...

Hello Virginia C,

I appreciate your kind words about my “Bulletproof” heroes. If you open that winery B & B, please let me know. I’ll be there!!

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Chey,

Suz made it fun. Thanks so much for finding this interesting. I appreciate your stopping by today!

Nancy said...

Hi, Kay--Welcome back! As a native southerner, I have a weakness for southern settings. This sounds wonderful, and I love the excerpt.

I share Limecello's regrets about the house. These old buildings are so vulnerable, and it's a shame to lose one.

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Denise,

Thanks for stopping by today. So glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Happy Easter to you and your family as well!

Kay Thomas said...

Hey Pat,

Great to see you again, too! And Happy Anniversary! Yes, I can absolutely see why B & B ownership is not something on your “to do” list! : )

Thanks so much for your kind words about the cover and my other books. It makes me ‘squee’ inside to hear that you have been waiting to read this one.

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Nancy,

Thanks for stopping by. Yes, it was sad to lose the house. I’m thrilled that I can share it with everyone in the book. I was able to stay very true to the original floor plans. That was a lot of fun.

Kay Thomas said...

Y’all, I’ve had such a great time today. I’ve got to leave now for Good Friday Services at church.

Thanks for your interest and encouragement about BULLETPROOF BODYGUARD. It’s always such a pleasure to be here in the Lair. Many thanks for having me.

Suz, thank you for arranging everything and making it so easy. (I’m completely spoiled from all the lovely cabana boys and I’ve realized the only way I’ll ever run a bed and breakfast is if you let me take a couple of them home with me to help with all those chores I don’t want to do?!)

My very best to all of you and yours this Easter Weekend.

Happy Reading and Bulletproof Hugs!

Kay Thomas
www.KayThomas.net

jo robertson said...

Hi, Kay, a hearty welcome back to the Lair. I love the premise of Bulletproof Bodyguard!

Becke Davis said...

Kay!! I almost forgot to stop by - can you tell it's Friday? I'm so excited to see you here. Kay is fabulous and so are her books!

Kay Thomas said...

Hi Jo! Hi Becke!

Thanks so much for stopping by and for your very kind words. Hope you are both having a wonderful holiday weekend.

Happy Easter!

Kay