Tuesday, September 7, 2010

When in Rome, Do Something FORBIDDEN!

by Anna Campbell

I first had the great pleasure of meeting today's guest, Christina Phillips, at the Romance Novelists' Association Conference in Leicester in the U.K. in 2004. We were the lone Aussies (well, Christina was born in the U.K. but currently lives in beautiful Perth, Western Australia) and immediately formed a bond. We've stayed in touch since, although sadly because Perth is on the other side of a huge continent, we haven't actually met up again until this year at the Romance Writers of Australia conference in Sydney. When I was so happy to give Christina a big hug and congratulate her on her fabulous debut sale to Berkley.

I've read Christina's FORBIDDEN, a very hot and emotionall complex tale of the love between a Roman commander and a Druid Priestess in Roman-occupied Britain. Nothing like a couple of small impediments in the way of a couple's happiness, snork! It's fantastic and I highly recommend it!

You can find out more about Christina and her books at her website: http://www.christinaphillips.com/

And watch out for her next release CAPTIVE in February, 2011!

And don't forget if you click on the cover of FORBIDDEN, it takes you right to Amazon! Or you can order Christina's book post free to anywhere in the world from The Book Depository in the U.K. http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780425238080/Forbidden


Welcome, Christina! As you know, I was utterly blown away by your debut historical romance for Berkley, FORBIDDEN. Congratulations! Can you tell us a little about this story?

Thanks, Anna! I was so happy you enjoyed FORBIDDEN!

The story is set in AD 50 Britannia. My heroine, Carys, is a Druid princess and acolyte of the Goddess of Wisdom, Cerridwen. As the Roman Legions sweep through her beloved land, she and the rest of her clan escape into a magical enclave and are waiting for a sign from their gods before they attack their enemy. They were only supposed to remain there for a short time to rebuild their defences, but their High Druid has other plans.

My hero, Maximus, is a Roman Centurion, a patrician and loyal to his Emperor and Rome. When he discovers Carys spying on his bathing ritual (a scene I quite enjoyed writing!!!) he’s instantly captivated. Who is this woman, and why hasn’t she been seen in any of the villages the Legion has vanquished?

Maximus has been charged by his Emperor to eliminate all Druids. And Carys has sworn to rid her land of the barbarous invaders. Yet despite everything that conspires against them they are irresistibly drawn to each other.

Well, just between you and me and the doorpost, I enjoyed READING that scene of him bathing! In the lair, we love call stories. Will you share yours with us?

I’d love to! I love call stories too. I’d been writing for nine years when, at the encouragement of my CPs, I wrote my very first erotic romance. It was very short, very dark – and it sold to a small press. I was so excited by this – OMG a real live editor loves my writing! – that I decided to write a full length erotic romance.

FORBIDDEN took me nine months to write, I queried twelve agents, and a day to the month later my agent offered representation (not that I’m obsessive or anything but she actually offered representation at 11.30 pm on a Friday night and I didn’t sleep at ALL that weekend!!) Three months later we had a two book deal from Berkley Heat.

FORBIDDEN is set in Roman-occupied Britain. This is an unusual (while fascinating) setting, to say the least! Can you tell us a little about the rewards and challenges of writing in such a non-Romancelandia time period?

For me, the rewards of writing in this time period come from the mystery that surrounds the whole Druid culture. While I researched and used known fact as much as possible there are still huge gaps in our knowledge. So I improvised and wove a world where the goddess culture still predominated and women held equal status to men.

The biggest challenge was the setting and the time period. I knew that even before I started writing the book, but this book was one of those that I just couldn’t ignore. I had to tell Maximus and Carys’s story even though I knew it could be very difficult to place in the market. Thankfully I not only found an awesome agent who loves my world as much as I do, but also an amazing editor who believes in my Roman/Druid stories as well.

FORBIDDEN is hotter than July in Florida (yeah, I went to the RWA conference and I cooked!). I’d love to know how you approached the love scenes and how you kept the sensual and dramatic tension so taut while your hero and heroine were so…uh, busy!

I look at the love scenes as emotionally charged action scenes, essential for the growth of my hero and heroine as well as ratcheting up the tension in the overall plot. Although they may be getting naked physically – getting down to the action! – it’s really about what’s happening to their emotions, their pre-conceived convictions and in the case of Maximus and Carys, the prejudices they’ve held their entire lives about each other’s culture and heritage. So I don’t really approach the love scenes in a different way than I approach any other scene in the book. I do tend to write in a sensual manner in any case and I find the sensuality naturally heightens and heats up when my hero and heroine get, um, busy!!!

Can you give us a glimpse into your working day?

After the school run, shopping and the usual boring chores (which I do my best to put off until the last possible moment) I go into the spare bedroom which is now my official office *happy sigh*. Checking emails is an obsession and I need to get that out of the way before I can even think of opening my current document. This is not always a good move since I often get caught up in riveting online conversations and before I know it, it’s lunch time (but don’t tell anyone!) I tend to give myself lots of short term deadlines, i.e. five pages a day, finish chapter xx by the weekend, and so long as I meet them I seem to muddle through OK!

Do you have any advice for unpublished writers?

Not advice as such. Every writer’s path is different. But one thing I’d like to share about my own journey is this – sometimes trying something completely different can be the turning point. Eleven years ago I started out by targeting Harlequin Mills and Boon Presents, was told by a lovely editor my voice fit the Romance line, but still couldn’t sell. I then tried chick lit and then paranormal romance. It wasn’t until I attempted the one sub-genre I always maintained I would *never* write (because it was far too hard!) – erotic romance – that everything fell into place. And of course you have to enjoy it – happily I discovered I absolutely *adore* writing about hot sexy warriors!!

Christina, it's been fascinating getting a glimpse at your debut book and your writing life. Thanks for swinging by today!

Thanks so much for having me in the Lair today, Anna! It’s been so much fun. I’d love to give away a signed copy of FORBIDDEN to one commenter. Which is your favourite unusual historical time and setting? What kind of smoky, sexy warrior is your secret fantasy – and who would you love to see play that warrior in a movie? (See what I did there – brought the conversation round to hot guys again!!!)Thanks a bunch!!!!!

Hot guys? That always gets the gals talking (and the cabana boys blushing!). Good luck, people!

111 comments:

Fedora said...

Wow... sorry, all those visuals left me a bit speechless, Christina! Lovely to meet you and learn about your Forbidden!

Fedora said...

I love the sounds of your debut! Does the second book pick up with Maximus and Carys, or with a new couple?

As for my favorite historical time/setting, I'm pretty easy--I get pulled into loving the one I'm currently reading. I do have a fondness for ancient Asia though--I haven't read as many set in early China, Japan, or any of those countries, and I think there's plenty of gorgeous stuff to be explored :)

Christina Phillips said...

Hi flchen1! Thanks for stopping by! I love those visuals. Sometimes I think I love them a bit too much!!!

Christina Phillips said...

flchen1, CAPTIVE continues the story of Carys's best friend from book 1, Morwyn. The book starts six months after FORBIDDEN ends, and we do get to visit with Carys and Maximus again :-)

I so agree about there being so many gorgeous eras and locations to be explored, I love being swept away into a new and exciting world!

Fedora said...

Ooh, I'll definitely be adding Forbidden to my TBB, and will be looking forward to Captive, too! I love connected stories, especially ones that give me a glimpse of the characters we've met previously! Yay!

Sara Hantz said...

As one of Christina's crit partners I can tell you, this is the most amazing book ever. And so's the next one coming out next year.

I also note that Christina failed to mention the extensive msn conversations we have, that seem to be about everything but writing!!!!!

Christina Phillips said...

flchen1, I love connected stories too, and funnily enough originally I didn't have any intention of Carys and Maximus being in book 2. But they had other ideas!!!

Christina Phillips said...

Sara, you're making me blush!!!

Hmm, well maybe we don't talk much about writing on MSN but I think discussing hot warriors and muscled biceps comes under the heading of "Research"!!!

Barbara E. said...

Forbidden sounds like a fabulous story and I'm looking forward to reading it.

I don't really have a favorite historical time and setting. I've enjoyed books set in a lot of different time periods and all kinds of settings. As long as they have a good story and great characters, I'll enjoy them. I'd love to see Clive Owen play a medieval warrior, complete with leather armor and long sword.

Jane said...

Welcome Christina,
Congrats on your debut release and the book deal with Berkley. I've always been fascinated with the culture, customs, architecture and political intrigue during Ancient Egypt. I just watch the first season of "Spartacus" and Andy Whitfield would be great in any historical role.

Congrats on the GR, Fedora.

Christina Phillips said...

Barbara E - oh yes!!! I can just see my darling Clive playing a medieval warrior. I can be his damsel in distress!!! (I'm a bit obsessed with Clive!!)

Anna Campbell said...

Fedora, this blog is certainly a visual feast, isn't it? Snork! Congrats on the rooster!

And you asked, exactly the question I wanted to. Christina, please tell us about the next book. And what are you working on now?

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Sara, great to see you here! And another fan of the fabulous Forbidden too!

Anna Campbell said...

Barbara, can I sit next to you when we watch Clive in his warrior mode? Yum!

Anna Campbell said...

Jane, I think ancient Egypt would be a fantastic setting too. I read a couple years ago - Dawn of Desire was one, I think! Lots of intrigue and passion!

Christina Phillips said...

Thanks, Jane!!

Ancient Egypt fascinates me too. I really want to watch Spartacus, but missed the first episode out here, so think I'll have to catch up on DVD!

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Anna!! thank you for that lovely introduction today!

CAPTIVE begins when Morwyn decides to join up with the rebels fighting the Roman invaders. But instead she's captured by the enemy "whose animal charms and chiseled body will test her conviction... and make it harder to kill him." (love that bit! It's part of the back cover copy :-) )

The hero, Bren, however, far from being an enemy is undercover in the Roman Legion for his Briton king. He also possesses a tortured soul and has gone through hell. I love him so much :-)

Christina Phillips said...

Anna, I've just finished the first book in a potential new series and am waiting to hear back from my agent on that. I've also a couple of outlines for new books in the Forbidden series, and have everything crossed they get the go-ahead!!!

Christina Phillips said...

Anna, I can see Clive is very popular in the Lair!!! I will have to keep a close watch on him!!

Christina Phillips said...

Anna, it's very strange why I waited so long before I decided to write historical romance. You've just reminded me that when I was 14 I wrote a very passionate story set in Ancient Egypt! Can't remember what happened now, but knowing how much I loved unhappy endings back then I'm sure it couldn't have ended well!!!

US Military Wife said...

WOW! Love all those movies and Hot Men! My faves are the big block buster history action adventure types
Rome, Tudors, Spartacus, 300, Robin Hood, Gladiator, Brave Heart, Kingdom of Heaven I could go on!
One of my Fave historical time settings is where there are sword fights!
I look forward to reading your books!
April

Christina Phillips said...

April, I love all those movies, although I've yet to watch Spartacus.

I'm quite partial to the Duke of Suffolk in The Tudors, and give me two hot warriors with swords and I'm a very happy girl!!

Cathleen Ross said...

I love Roman Empire and the outposts that they went to. Can't go past Clive Owen. He was wonderful as a Tudor lover.

Christina Phillips said...

Cathleen, Clive was gorgeous as Sir Walter Raleigh, I could've watched him all day in those sumptuous outfits and of course his sword!!

Annie West said...

Christina,
It's lovely to see you in the lair and CONGRATULATIONS on your first book! I love the sound of it - must get my hands on a copy. And all this talk of hot men bathing...love it! Thanks for the lovely photos too. I'm really looking forward to reading both your books.

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Annie! Thank you so much for the congratulations. The bathing scene was fun to write. My heroine thought it was a lot of fun, too!!!

Kim in Baltimore said...

Aloha! As far are unusual heroes and settings, I would defer to Hawaii history. King Kamehameha the Great(1758 –1819) would be a riveting hero as he faced many challenges since birth to fulfill a prophecy that he would unite the Hawaiian Islands. He was fierce but loyal. Brutal but compassionate.

I would recommend Sean Kaawa to play King Kamehameha - he was fabulous as Duke Kahanamoku (the surfing legend) in a locally produced film, The Ride, http://www.thirdreefpictures.com/.

Robyn Aldridge said...

Christina,
I've read the 'tasty fruits' you've used in your opening of "Forbidden". And...
Well, I'll just have to acquire a copy if I'm to grab that carrot you've dangled. Nooooo! Maybe I should've reworded that. Not writing erotica here, but I won't fiddle - with words - any more.
All the best with your first sale set in AD50.
Robyn Aldridge

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Kim! Thanks for stopping by! King Kamehameha the Great sounds a fabulous hero - and I looked on the link you left and *wow*!!! I am totally wanting to see Sean Kaawa in the role as the king!

Christina Phillips said...

Hahha, Robyn!! I'm so glad you enjoyed those tasty fruits. My dangling carrot worked :-)Thanks so much for the good wishes!

Kandy Shepherd said...

Christina, every time I see that gorgeous cover I want to start reading.
You're getting excellent reviews for FORBIDDEN which must be very pleasing.
This blog is the first time I've read about the storyline for CAPTIVE, it sounds equally--well I was going to say captivating but decided against it--exciting!

Cathleen Ross said...

I can't say I remember Clive Owen's sword, Christina, but I'm sure it was impressive.
Best
Cathleen

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Kandy! I'm thrilled with the reviews for FORBIDDEN :-) And oh, I do so love that cover. It looks even better in real life!! Although I must stop taking the books to bed!!!

So glad you like the sound of CAPTIVE as well!!

Christina Phillips said...

Heh, Cathleen! Yes, Clive's sword was very impressive. Not that I gave it more than a fleeting glance, you understand...

Kylie Griffin said...

Hi Christina & Anna!

Great interview - loved the Q&A about writing your love scenes, Christina. Never thought of it in those terms before but like the idea that I will from now on! :-)

Hmm, ancient time periods - a couple of them have been mentioned already so I think I'll go with anything prehistoric - think CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR prehistoric, any continent. The landscapes must have been rugged, breath-taking and dangerous all rolled into one back then. True survivalist mentalities and strong people.

As for fantasy, sexy warrior type - any one that wields a weapon, preferably while half naked (not practical but you did say fantasy! :-D ) and who would I get to play the role??? Hmm, maybe Karl Urban (from LOTR fame) or maybe Eric Bana, Sam Worthington (he did look good as Perseus in Clash of the Titans) or how about Christian Bale?

Better stop there or I'll be lost forever in that fantasy world.

Anna Sugden said...

Welcome to the Lair, Christina and huge congrats on your debut!

Yummy visuals *g* always a great way to start the day!

I love reading about different time periods - my own favourite is too modern for most publishers. I love the period between the two world wars (and including the wars). One day, I'll write some romances in that time period - even if they never get published!

Christine Wells said...

Christina, welcome to the lair!! And many congratulations on your success and of course on your debut. I love the premise of Forbidden and I'm looking forward to reading it. Hot Romans are a lair favourite, aren't they, Joanie?

Actually, I find it difficult to go past Clive Owen as a warrior. He's a manly man and there are all too few of those these days in movies, IMO!

Fedora, congrats on the rooster!

Helen said...

Well done Fedora have fun with him

Hi Christina

I do love the sound of this book I have been reading lots about it, I have already added it to my must have list and I can't believe that I missed meeting you at Coogee what a great weekend that was.

I love historicals with different settings and a warrior that is strong handsome and protective and with a sense of humour will win me over anytime and I love Hugh Jackman and I can see him as a great worrior.

Congrats on the release Christina I do look forward to reading this one. Thanks Anna for inviting Christina today

Have Fun
Helen

Unknown said...

Have a good day with GR Fedora

Love the cover of your book Christina and sounds exciting..... I love to read historical books especially regency period although I will read any period

All’sReads said...

Hi Christina and Anna! Thanks for a fascinating interview. Honestly I can't pick a favorite time or setting. It comes down, for me, to the connection between the characters. I am really looking forward to Forbidden! And I have a soft spot for Kevin McKidd ever since I watched him in the tv series Rome.

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Kylie!!

I LOVE Clan of the Cave Bear, I've read it so many times I've lost count. The world is truly breathtaking although I'm not sure I'd like to have actually lived in those times!!

As for half naked warrior heroes who wield their weapons, oh yes, I'm all over that!!!

Christina Phillips said...

Thank you Anna!!! I agree, yummy visuals are the best way to start the day :-)

I love reading books set between the wars, although now I think of it they're probably classed more as British 'sagas' rather than straight romances. But hopefully publishers will see there's a market for that era!

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Christine, thanks for the congrats!! And I can't help but agree with everything you said about Clive. A manly man, oh yes... he's a hot warrior that's for sure!!

Christina Phillips said...

Helen, I'm so sorry I missed meeting you at Coogee! I had a fabulous time and can't wait for next year's conference :-)

Ooh yes, I love an alpha hero who has a sense of humour, that's really important to me. Hugh Jackman would make the perfect warrior hero!

Thank you so much for the congrats!

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Barb! I do love my cover, I have a copy of it up on my wall for inspiration!! I like to ogle Maximus's biceps :-)

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Christina, Captive sounds fabulous! Can't wait!

Anna Campbell said...

April, I'm with you about the epics! Yum!

Anna Campbell said...

Cathleen, you'll love Forbidden!

Anna Campbell said...

Annie, great to see you here! Thanks for swinging by!

Anna Campbell said...

Kim, love the local Hawaiian spin on the idea of the historical epic. I think that would make a great movie!

Anna Campbell said...

Robyn, you always crack me up, you naughty wench, you!

Anna Campbell said...

Kandy, I was absolutely riveted by Forbidden. Can't wait for Captive!

Anna Campbell said...

Kylie, there was a movie of Clan of the Cave Bear, wasn't there? With Darryl Hannah? Or am I dreaming?

Anna Campbell said...

Anna, I can remember that inter-war period being really popular when I was younger. Although thinking about it, most of the books might have been British rather than American. Fascinating time in history.

Anna Campbell said...

Christine, I think hot Romans are, well...HOT!!!!

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Allison! I completely agree, the connection has to be strong and sizzling between the hero and heroine, whatever the time period. Kevin McKidd has been seen lurking :-) I'll lure him out later tonight!!!

Anna Campbell said...

Helen, you'll love Forbidden! Seriously, hot hero, great story, feisty heroine, lots of Roman derring do? What's not to like!!!!

Christina Phillips said...

Thanks, Anna! I do have a very soft spot for the hero of Captive :-)

Anna Campbell said...

Barb, it was really good fun to visit a world other than the Regency - although, like you, I love books set in the Regency!

Anna Campbell said...

Allison, I like Kevin McKidd too. There's a rather gory Mary Queen of Scots from the BBC where he plays Bothwell and he's AMAZING!!!!

Christina Phillips said...

Anna, I loved the Hawaii spin on the historical epic. And did you see those gorgeous surfers?

Christina Phillips said...

There was a movie of The Clan of the Cave Bear with Darryl Hannah. I was not a fan of it!!!

Christina Phillips said...

Ooh Anna, I'll have to track down that gory Mary Queen of Scots movie!!

Minna said...

Excuse me, while I wipe away some drool!
Favorite time: 19th century, when so many things started to change.

Back to the Future Tribute -- Back In Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8Rngy90Q14

Erin Grace said...

..did someone mention naked barbarians???? : )

Huge congratulations on your book, Christina! I hope it becomes NYT bestseller!

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Minna! The 19th century was an amazing time of change! I love the Back to the Future trilogy - unfortunately the YouTube isn't loading in for me at the moment but I'll go back later and see what they're doing! Thanks for posting the link!

Christina Phillips said...

Hey Erin! Yes, I think Maximus is still wandering around the Lair in his naked barbarian glory!!! Thank you so much for the congrats. I hope so too :-)

Laurie G said...

I like the Medieval/Camelot time period with castles, kings and queens, the knights of the Round Table, chivalry, honor and integrity, spiced up with treachery and betrayal. A primitive time with powerful men!

I could see... Russel Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Ewan MacGregor, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen... some of the other warriors from LOTR.

Sharon Archer said...

Oooo, fab blog, Christina and Anna - I lingered long over the pic... er article! I can see must take your research seriously, Christina, and have looked tirelessly to collect such an impressive display of Roman commanders!

FORBIDDEN sounds like an awesome read - on my TBB list!

Happy Launch Day!
:)
Sharon

Christina Phillips said...

Laurie I love the Medieval/Camelot times - I'm reading a Medieval at the moment and it is exactly that - a primitive time with powerful men!

Christina Phillips said...

Sharon, I do take my research very seriously! I spend hours perving - er - I mean studiously examining prospective hero material!!

traveler said...

This debut sounds wonderful. I have a favorite setting and time. This is definitely Renaissance Italy. The actor playing the role would be Patrick Stewart.

Christina Phillips said...

Hi traveler, thank you for your good wishes! I love Patrick Stewart and his accent! He would be fabulous as a Renaissance hero. I can just imagine him in that role!

Rebekah E. said...

Forbidden sounds like a great story. My favorite type of warrior to read about is usually a scottish one.

Cassondra said...

Hi Christina, and welcome to the lair!

WOOOHOOOOOOOO....huge Snoopy dances for you on your sale and release of these unusual books! So glad to see that when something is wonderful, no editor is going to say, "that time period doesn't sell." Because as a reader, I love a good story, no matter the time period.

I admit that I have not enjoyed the early 20th century stuff I've read. The exception is the bits and pieces of history Suz Brockmann weaves so cleverly into her SEALs series. She does a marvelous job and I love the way she makes it fit with her current story. The overlap is just wonderful.

I'm afraid I can't pick a favorite unusual time period. When it's done well, I always love it. So I'm no help with that question.

As to warriors....after Arthur, I don't much think you can beat Clive Owen. *drool*

Anna, thanks so much for bringing Christina and her wonderful books to us today!

Miranda Neville said...

Hi Christina. Anna told me about your book and I said it sounded just like the opera Norma. Anna said, well she doesn't actually end up killing her own children. And I had to agree that's usually a good thing in a romance novel. Anyway, it sounds terrific and I look forward to reading it.

I like any period when men get to wear leather mini skirts. Thank you for the photo from Troy! I'll take those guys.

Trish Milburn said...

Christina, this book sounds great. I remember seeing the cover somewhere recently and thinking it was very striking. Congrats on its release.

Anna, thanks for all the purty pictures. :)

Two of my favorite time periods are ones that have actually been popular in the past but have fallen a bit out of fashion -- Colonial and Western American-set stories. I also think it'd be interesting to read more set in Russia and China. I have a few titles on my TBR list in those settings and looking forward to reading them. I love finding books that are set in unusual settings and time periods.

Terri Osburn said...

Okay, those pictures were waaaaaaayyyyy too distracting. LOL! What were we talking about again?

Oh, Congrats on the debut, Christine. This sounds like the stories I used to read and almost can't find at all anymore. The time period you really can't find anymore (and I'm sure someone will tell me if there's something I've missed) is the early American settings. Either around the revolution or really before and after the civil war.

I grew up on these and the great frontier stories of Dorothy Garlock and Nan Ryan. I long for some of those hot steamboat gamblers to come back.

Anna Campbell said...

Minna, Christina came up with some pretty spectacular illustrations for her post, didn't she? Snort!

Anna Campbell said...

Erin, naked barbarians always help jog a party along! Thanks for swinging by!

Anna Campbell said...

Laurie, you had me at King Arthur! Great choice!

Anna Campbell said...

Hiya, Miss Sharon! I LOVED this book!

Anna Campbell said...

Traveler, I wish there were more books set in Renaissance Italy. Such a fascinating time!

Anna Campbell said...

Bek, hmmm, a naked barbarian Scotsman? I think I could cope with that!

Anna Campbell said...

Cassondra, thanks for swinging by! This book is such a great read - I agree with you, we should have access to great stories wherever they're set!

Anna Campbell said...

Miranda, I giggled at your Norma analogy! Yeah, definitely no children getting the chop in this one!

Anna Campbell said...

Trish, I ran a workshop on the weekend for aspiring writers and it was interesting to see their puzzlement when I told them the Americans aren't crazy about books about their own history! I have great fondness for a lot of older stories with American settings! But you rarely see that now.

Anna Campbell said...

Terri, another American historical fan? Great to meet you!

Anna Campbell said...

Karyn, there's something so manly about a Roman in a skirt, isn't there? Snort! Seriously, some of my fave movies are Roman epics! So glad to see Berkley taking a chance on a Roman historical.

catslady said...

The further back the more I seem to like it. Jean Auel's Earth's Children series is my all time favorite. I also enjoy warriors with swords lol. Christopher Lambert in Highlander is one of my favorite movies.

Donna MacMeans said...

Christina

This book sounds fabulous! Especially the idea of historical erotica- yum!

I think all settings are wonderful if the story is properly told. I'd like to see more set in Eygpt or the Carribean or ...heck even America. Anyplace other than a Western would be considered an unusual location these days.

Looking forward to settling in with Forbidden.

Anna Campbell said...

Catslady, Christopher L made a lovely Tarzan too! Interesting about the earlier the better for you.

Anna Campbell said...

Donna, so glad you love the sound of Forbidden. I thought it was wonderful!

Pat Cochran said...

Thanks, Cassondra! I'm sitting
here tearing out my hair, trying
to find something I have read
that fits into the "conversation."
Never once thinking that my faves,
Susanne's Seals, are a perfect fit!
Then I read your comment & of course! That was my "duh" moment for the day. As to hot warriors, for me it's the "same ole": David Boreanaz, Adrian Paul, Sir Clive, & Aussie Hugh! Of course, if I had
a magic wand it would be Richard
Burton and Robert Goulet!! ( Be
still, my heart!)

Pat Cochran

Christina Phillips said...

Rebekah, I love Scottish heroes! That sexy accent is to die for!!!

Christina Phillips said...

Cassondra, thank you for the welcome and congrats! I'm so happy Berkley were willing to look at more unusual time periods, and I hope readers fall in love with the Forbidden world. As for Clive as Arthur *fans self* seriously, he was the only reason I watched the movie!!!

Christina Phillips said...

Hahaha, Miranda! No, Carys doesn't end up killing her children *lol* I don't think that would have got past my editor!!! Glad you like the guys from Troy. I aim to please :-)

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Trish! Thank you so much! The cover is amazing, not only did the artist capture Maximus and Carys exactly how I'd envisioned them, but I also think the misty forest background gives a hint of the mystical elements of the story.

I agree, it would be fantastic to have more historical romances set in Russia and China!

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Terri, thanks so much for the congrats! I remember reading lots of the early American set romances in the early eighties. I loved them, hot steamboat gamblers is a great description!

Christina Phillips said...

Karyn, thanks so much for your good wishes! And I sooo agree, there should be more spotlight on the Roman era. It's so full of juicy conflict!!!

Christina Phillips said...

catslady, I love Jean Auel's Earth's Children series. Can't wait for the final book to hit the shelves early next year!! And I agree, can't quite beat a hot warrior wielding a sword!!!

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Donna, thank you! I really enjoyed melding the erotic elements into the ancient world. And I'd love to see more set in Egypt and the Carribean - there's so much rich history and intriguing myths to explore in all cultures.

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Pat! Oh I would love a magic wand too. Richard Burton and his incomparable voice!! Sends shivers along my spine just thinking about it!! But I'm also very partial to Hugh Jackman (and some guy called Clive!!!)

Scorpio M. said...

Wow, I missed a big party here! =)

Favorite type of warrior is any man who exhibits great horsemanship while possibly wearing a kilt. LOL! That takes skills!

I'm not a big movie watcher so it's hard for me to come up with actor names...I'm not a Russell Crowe fan, sorry Aussies! I don't know, he just doesn't do it for me. Gerard Butler I like more =)

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Scorpio! Wow yes, I'm getting some happy visuals of a hot hero in a kilt riding a horse!! Gerard Butler is a great choice. It means less competition for me with my darling Clive!!!

Mel Teshco said...

Christina,
just wanted to stop by and give you another CONGRATS!!!
I sooo can't wait to read this book =)
A kilt, a sword, a horse between a hero's muscled thighs... need I say more?? (Aside from the heroine between the hero's thighs LOL)

Anonymous said...

I think I spent way too much time staring at those men in the photos...

Let me wipe the drool off my keyboard...

Congrats on your new release!

I like Roman-occupied Britain myself (watched too many shows on NatGeo, Discovery and the like). But I must say that I'm also partial to Hawaiian history. Kamehameha I would be a great hero to concentrate on (even the bit about his less than illustrious birth because his parents were only cousins instead of siblings). Plus, Captain Cook would show up, too.

And Clive Owen can play all the parts!

cories119[at]yahoo.com

Christina Phillips said...

Hahahah! Mel!! You must be a mind reader :-) Thank you so much for the congrats!!

Christina Phillips said...

cories, thank you so much for the congrats! And OMG!! I'm in warrior heaven at the thought of Clive Owen playing ALL the parts in that movie!!! He would sure need some stamina for that!!!

Deanna said...

I'm adding this one to my wish list on my Kindle.

When I was reading this blog, I also kept having visions of Russell Crowe in his Gladiator costume. *grin*

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Daz, thanks for stopping by! I absolutely agree, Russell Crowe was a fabulous gladiator!!