‘Forbidden’ launch party, sexy warriors – and book giveaway!
September 2, 2010
As promised I have a sizzling hot guest author today (or rather her book is!) It’s Christina Phillips, whose debut novel for Berkley Heat (a big US imprint) is out this week. I’ve ‘known’ Christina online for a few years now and while she lives Downunder, she’s an honorary Brit – her books are set in Ancient Wales. You can win a copy of Forbidden by commenting on the blog and letting us know your idea of a sexy warrior – just a warning, the books are very racy so you need to be over 18 to enter.
Forbidden!
He was a master of seduction – but no match for the magical allure of the woman he wanted most…
Carys knew from the moment she first spied on Maximus in his naked barbarian glory that he was a dangerous Roman centurion – his taut, battle-scarred flesh marking him as a fearless warrior. But her desire for him was as undeniable as it was illicit.
Charged by his emperor to eliminate a clan of powerful Druids in Britain, Maximus never expects his mission to be thwarted by the clan’s ethereal princess, Carys, his daring voyeur. Falling under her spell, he doesn’t realize her true heritage – until he captures her heart as well as her body.
As Carys’s loyalties are twisted, and freedom is no longer her single-minded obsession, an avenging former lover threatens to crush Maximus’s people into oblivion. Now Carys and Maximus must overcome the devastation of war and face the ultimate sacrifice if their forbidden love is to survive.
Excerpt (Over 18 Only)
Forbidden is the first book in a new erotic historical series of magical heroines and sexy warriors. My hero, Maximus, is a Roman Centurion, a patrician and loyal to his Emperor and Rome. When he discovers his heroine, Carys (who’s been spying on his bathing rituals for the last three months!!) he’s instantly captivated. Who is this woman and why hasn’t she been seen in any of the villages the Legion has vanquished?
Carys is, in fact, a Druid princess and acolyte of the Goddess of Wisdom, Cerridwen. She and the rest of her clan of Druids escaped into a magical enclave before the Romans invaded, and are waiting for a sign from their gods before they attack their enemy. But despite knowing this Roman would strike her dead if he knew who – what – she is, Carys can’t stop thinking about him.
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.
Do you enjoy reading romances set in more unusual times and/or settings? Which warrior (from history/romance novel/movies or the actor himself!!!) sets your pulses pounding? 🙂 I’d love to giveaway a copy of Forbidden to one commenter and as always I’m open to discovering a new hot warrior to add to my *ahem* research files!!!
To give you some ideas, Christina supplied me with some pics of sexy screen warriors but I’ve found one of my own. It’s Goran Visnjic as Spartacus.
Posted by Phillipa @ 4:08 am | Leave a Comment
Christina Phillips Says:
Thanks for having me over today, Phillipa! And Goran Visnjic – yum, very nice! Will definitely add him to the eye-candy folder!!!
Phillipa Says:
A pleasure, Christina
Charlotte Says:
How about Ioan Gruffudd and Hugh Dancy from King Arthur?
http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Film/Pix/gallery/2004/07/26/arthyuererererwetwweet1.jpg
http://www.austinchronicle.com/binary/186c/filmlist.kingarthur.jpg
Phillipa Says:
Charlotte, Is that the Clive owen version – didn’t know Hugh Dancy was in it too. 🙂
Nell Dixon Says:
Congratulations on the release, Christina – it sounds a fabulous read!
Angela Says:
Hmmm my sexy warrior is tall and rugged, with soulful eyes.
He’s handsome but unaware of it. Women watch him with interest but his only interest is in me.
He’s very strong – I can trace my fingers over his muscles feeling his might, yet when he holds me in his arms it’s with such tenderness as though I’m a fragile butterfly.
His mind is quick. He’s logical and resourceful earning him respect from the men, yet romantic and chivalrous making me the envy of the other women.
I watch him lead his men into battle. See him proud and courageous discussing strategy, and then he turns, his eyes find me and there is pure love shining in them and I know he will return to me.
Christina Phillips Says:
Charlotte, thank you for those links! Very nice :-)Wasn’t Hugh Dancy Sir Galahad? I especially love the second link to my darling Clive!! I’m a little obsessed with him 🙂
Christina Phillips Says:
Thank you, Nell!!
Christina Phillips Says:
OMG Angela, I’m fanning myself at your gorgeous sexy warrior. I love your description of him, now all I need to know is where can I find him? 🙂
Angela Says:
Think he’s a cross between Achilles, Lancelot, Spartacus et al but with a very generous helping of my fiancé!!!! 🙂
Christina Phillips Says:
Angela, you’re a very lucky woman! 🙂
Sj Says:
Tall (well taller than me), dark, exotic, brown eyes (I have a thing for brown eyes), gorgeous but unaware of it, perhaps even a little insecure.
Two of the most gorgeous hunks on the planet for your viewing pleasure: TJ Ramini and Doug Rao (who’s a real sweetie too…)
http://www.tjramini.net/index.php?supermode=gallery_view&previewm=1&a=TJ_Ramini&image=091102042240_img_2450.jpg&screenres=1366-768
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3974595328/nm0710542
Becky Says:
Christina, when I think of what I would want in my warrior I come up with a combination of Connor MacLeod from Highlander and the male vampires in J. R. Ward’s ‘Black Dagger Brotherhood’ series. Meld the two together and you get the perfect warrior. 😀
Christina Phillips Says:
Becky, that combination sounds irresistible! Especially with that sexy Scottish accent!!
Phillipa Says:
Loving all the suggestions. keep ’em coming… and did you know ARTHUR is back on BBC One this Saturday.
Debs Says:
I love the sound of this book, especially the hero. Very tempting. Good luck to Christina.
Christina Phillips Says:
Thanks, Deb! I’m a bit biased, but Maximus is a gorgeous warrior hero 🙂
Suzanne Says:
Maximus/Russell Crowe, and Clive Owen King Arthur. Both great movies, and men. 🙂
Christina Phillips Says:
Suzanne, oh YES! I love my darling Clive in anything but he does look exceptionally stunning when in warrior mode!!!
Amanda Says:
Great interview and Phillipa how exciting about your books coming out in the US. That is so cool!!!
I’m going to say Gerry from 300. There was just something about him that I liked but for the life of me I can’t remember what – oh, wait, my husband has just reminded me that it was his INSANE body – hehehe!!! Oh and of course Christina’s very own Maximus, who I might love a little bit too much!!!
Phillipa Says:
Amanda – I still haven’t seen 300 tho we have it on DVD or Gladiator. I’m too squamish though I do want to watch both. 🙂
Christina Phillips Says:
Haha Amanda, I’m glad your husband reminded you what it is about Gerry you liked!!!
Phillipa, 300 is very bloodthirsty and gruesome *but* in a strange, surreal kind of way!
Amanda Says:
Phillipa – if you can ignore the gore there are quite literally 300 incredibly half-dressed spartan warriors for you to enjoy!!!!!!!
Phillipa Says:
^Thanks everyone for joining in – and congrats to Angela for winning the book. 🙂