My Interview With: Terran Vosstien, aka StarLight (HEARTFAST, HEARTCRYSTAL)

LM: Thanks to this little interstellar communications device left behind by Master Hunter, I am delighted to be able to interview his wife, Terran Vosstien, also known as StarLight. Hello, Star! Thank you so much for being here today!

SL: You’re welcome. I take it you’ve already interviewed Hunter, since you’re talking to me through the comm link. How did he like the photo I sent for him? Did he notice it?

LM: Oh, most definitely. I'm pretty sure he's going to say something to you when he gets back home.

SL: (laughs) I wouldn't doubt that.

LM: I have a confession to make. You have one hot husband!

SL: I have to agree with you there.

LM: If I may ask, how are you feeling? Are you completely healed?

SL: Dr. Perlakian says I am, although there are times I’ll move the wrong way, and I’ll feel a twinge. When you’ve been through something like that, you never can fully recover. Your life is permanently changed.

LM: I can understand. Speaking of life, I’ve had several people ask me about how you learned about your powers. I know it’s a very uncomfortable topic for you, and that in your past you’ve suffered a very traumatic experience. If you prefer not to answer, I will respect that.

SL: At this time I would prefer not to answer. I’m finally able to open up to Udo and tell him, and Dr. Perlakian says that I’m beginning to heal emotionally because of it. I know we’ve talked about doing a third book...

LM: Tentatively entitled HeartStorm.

SL: I like that title. It’s very apropos. Anyway, I think I’ll be ready to tell you about my childhood, and why I ended up spending four years wandering through the universe before I hooked up with the Guardians.

LM: Oooh! I’m looking forward to it. But if I may ask, personally, I wondered how you found out you could survive in space without oxygen?

SL: (light laughter) I have no problem answering that one. I was flying one day... actually, I was sun dancing, and I kept rising higher and higher in the sky. I was so absorbed in the sunlight, I totally lost track of how far up I was. I didn’t feel giddy or dizzy from lack of oxygen, either. There was nothing to warn me. Next thing I knew, I was in space.

LM: Well, thank you so much for speaking with us. I know your time is limited.

SL: I am delighted you asked! Just wait until the other Guardians hear about this. You just know they’ll be hacked they weren’t asked, too. (laughs)

LM: (laughs) Maybe next time. Thanks again, StarLight.

SL: You're welcome. Good night, Linda.

My Interview With: Udo Vosstien, aka Master Hunter (HEARTFAST, HEARTCRYSTAL)

LM: With me in the studio today is Udo Vosstien, also known as Master Hunter, the hero in my books HeartFast and HeartCrystal. What a surprise! Welcome, Udo!

MH: Thank you, Linda, and thank you for the invitation. I'm glad I was able to make it. (nervous laugh) That's an interesting photo you've posted.

LM: I never expected you to show up in person. (laughs) You sort of popped in from out of nowhere. By the way, blame StarLight for the photo.

MH: (laughs) I should have known Terran had something to do with it. No, Provoker and I were on an assignment in this quadrant, and I thought why not just show up and surprise you? It was a straight shot, but my time is limited.

LM: Speaking of Provoker, how are things between you and him?

MH: There are times we all rub each other wrong, but in the long run we're Guardians. I trust him with my life. I trust Terran's life with him, just as he trusts us to risk our necks to save his butt. (laughs)

LM: How is reconstruction coming along on Guardian headquarters?

MH: Slow. Deceiver told the bigwigs to concentrate their rebuilding efforts on getting the city rejuvenated first. The people need to feel safe again, and the quickest way to do that is to get things back to normal, or feeling normal, as soon as possible. Our headquarters is adequate for the moment. We can get calls for our help, and we can reply to them. The rest like the training facilities and labs and all can wait.

LM: If you don't mind me getting a little personal, is the honeymoon still going strong with StarLight?

MH: (looks around) Did Star send you something other than photos? (laughs) Let's just say life is never dull. Terran is an incredible, brave, beautiful, and loving woman. I feel blessed every day we're together.

LM: You sound like a man hopelessly in love.

MH: The last thing I expected when I joined the Guardians was to find the other half of my heart.

LM: Okay, I know you're needing to be off, but I have one last question. What's next for you and Terran? Are you planning on raising a family at Guardian headquarters?

MH: Terran and I have discussed this. We plan to remain Guardians, in spite of the risk factors involved. Our fellow Guardians are delighted we're staying and raising a family among them. Only the future knows what will come, and how far we'll be blessed.

LM: Well, thank you again for taking the time to transport over here to answer a few questions. It was a delight to see you again!

MH: You're welcome, Linda. Anytime.

Super Review for HEARTFAST!

The Guardians were sixteen people with unusual super powers who had taken an oath to protect the planets of their sector. Because of their super powers, and the great danger they underwent in their work, the Guardians had never been forced to participate in other customs of their planet, such as the Handfast. Each month, the Handfast required twenty couples to “marry” and take an oath to create a child within a year. But this time, two of the guardians, StarLight and Master Hunter, were chosen to become Handfasted, causing an uproar among the population and the rest of the Guardians. How would this affect Star and Hunter’s ability to do their physically dangerous work? And how would they react to this government-mandated mating?

When I started this book, I was very interested in seeing how the author had managed to mix standard science fiction with the comic book concept of super heroes. Though I thought the beginning of the story was a bit stilted and slow to get going, by the time I got a couple of chapters in, I was caught up in the action and in the lives of the characters. Star and Hunter are two sympathetic protagonists, and the reader quickly comes to care about them and their happiness. The love scenes are very erotic and romantically satisfying. For those of you who enjoy a science fiction romance, I think you will enjoy this one as much as I did.


Rating: 4 angels
Reviewed by: Jean

Dear Linda: Regarding HeartFast and HeartCrystal

I'm getting emails coming in from reviewers and readers asking about a third sequel, or at least a book 3, to the HeartFast/HeartCrystal series.

Insofar, here are some of the "loose threads" people are wanting to see "tied up" (no real spoilers below):

* The son.

* The daughter's powers.

* How they raise two kids with out-of-control powers.

* The pirates. How they stop them.

* Commander's relationship with Devorah. How that comes about. (This one was mentioned several times.)

* The kid who looked through the window in the first novel and swore he would become a Guardian.

* Destiny and her predictions. What's her story? Her background with the large silver eyes.

* And what about the details of Star's background? What lead to her leaving home? When did she know she had powers?

* And more background on the Guardians. How did they get started?


Dang it! Now you've got me to thinking! LOL! Don't be surprised if you see something pop up soon in my WIP section on my website, or on this blog.

(Thanks to Jo for the nudge. Or is that a thwack with a rolled-up newspaper? LOL!)

5 Cherries for HEARTCRYSTAL!

In this fantastic follow-up to HeartFast, Ms. Mooney once again takes us into the fascinating world of Star Light, Master Hunter and the Guardians.

First, I want to say that this is a wonderful sequel or companion story for HeartFast, and while HeartCrystal can stand alone, it does reveal and refer to events that happened in HeartFast as it provides background for the characters. So to gain a better understanding of the characters, what they have experienced, and the world that they live in it might be best to read HeartFast first unless you don’t mind a few spoilers.

As a whole, I loved HeartCrystal and its touching story. We once again meet Star and Hunter and get to see how they are adjusting to married life while honeymooning and dealing with their job. It is a big adjustment to both of them as they are both still dealing with some traumatic events and what it means to be married and do their job as Guardians. I really enjoyed watching as they deal with all the changes that married life has brought them.

Star in particular has a lot to adjust to as she isn’t used to having a family. It was interesting to see how she deals with Hunter’s family as they and Hunter try to make her feel at ease and loved. Her hesitancy is obvious as the story progresses and you can’t help but feel for her. Hunter still worries about Star and it is touching to see his concern and love for her. The two share an obvious bond and passion that is very touching.

As for the title for the story, it comes from a fascinating concept or legend involving crystals that act as a sort of “perfect mate” indicator when the right couple finds the right crystal. Star and Hunter’s crystal is particularly special and plays a big part in this touching story. I really enjoyed this whole aspect of the story and how it ties into a major plotline, a plotline that came as a big surprise to me.

Once again, the author definitely knows how to blindside the reader, as well as pull at the heartstrings, as events occur that I never saw coming. I don’t wish to spoil anything, but the events really touched me and I definitely shed a tear or two. This was an emotional read filled with breathtaking events and adventures that captivated me. Each page seemed to bring something new and I loved how characters and events were interconnected and everything made sense. The author did a wonderful job of weaving everything together without confusing the reader.

I also really enjoyed the secondary characters of the story…mainly Star and Hunter’s fellow Guardians. They were all unique and fascinating and I could sense some potential for some more books as I’d love to see more of them.

Ms. Mooney is a talented author and I look forward to reading more of her work. So if you enjoy touching futuristic romances with wonderful characters and exciting plots, then you might want to read this one.

Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by: Lilac
Whipped Cream Erotic Reviews
http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2009/03/heartcrystal-by-linda-mooney.html?zx=3da05f59900f4b63

HEARTCRYSTAL is Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's NUMBER ONE BEST SELLER!

Linda,

Congratulations! Your book HEARTCRYSTAL is the Number One Bestseller at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid for the month of March, 2009!

HEARTCRYSTAL will be carried on the WCPT Home Page all month during March as the WCPT Bestseller, and be permanently “red lettered” with our other past Bestsellers at the site. It will also be featured in the WCPT newsletter as the Bestseller and at other third party places.

HEARTCRYSTAL is your seventh consecutive NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER with WCPT, an amazing and unrivaled achievement, and a tremendous vote of confidence from your readers!

Again, congratulations from all of us at Whiskey Creek Press!


Debra Womack, Executive Editor and Publisher
Jan Janssen, WCPT Executive Editor
Steven Womack

Please Vote! HEARTFAST is up for Best Book!

Your story "­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­HeartFast" was reviewed by us this week and is up for Best Book honor this weekend (voting runs from Saturday, 2/28, through Sunday, 3/1). We thought you might like to know. You can find the information here on Saturday:

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/recentrev.htm

Please vote for me! :D Thank you!

5 Cherries for HEARTFAST!

HeartFast
by Linda Mooney
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Futuristic
Length: Full
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Lilac

With HeartFast, the author has created a world filled with fascinating characters and a premise that I found highly entertaining.

I was intrigued from the very first moment of this futuristic story as two of the elite sixteen Guardians, who are defenders of the planet who also have special powers, find themselves forced into a mating bond thanks to a law and lottery requiring a couple to procreate. Friends and coworkers, Star and Hunter find themselves in an interesting predicament as they must follow the law. It was interesting to watch them deal with the changes that came their way because of the circumstances beyond their control.

Star is a strong female character who is very much a survivor. An outcast due to her special abilities, she has finally found a place with the Guardians and fears losing that spot due to the changes that her situation with Hunter have caused. I really felt for this character and couldn’t help but be touched by all that she goes through during this emotional story…and there are definitely some emotional parts so have those hankies handy while reading.

Hunter, the hero of the story, is also a strong character who has a few secrets of his own that come to light as the story progresses. He fascinated me and I longed to know more about this strong and serious man who is very much a protector. Star definitely brings out the best in Hunter and it is interesting to watch his transformation as the bond between he and Star grows stronger.

And while the lottery might have brought this couple together, it was evident that they already had a strong connection and I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if not for the lottery. This is something that I loved about the story. The fact that the couple had a prior relationship made the transition from friends/coworkers to lovers go smoothly and make sense as things must progress rather quickly thanks to the Handfast Law. Star and Hunter share a bond with one another and it is wonderful to watch their relationship blossom as they grow closer with one another.

The story also contains a few secondary characters that enhance the story from the mysterious group of men who have a vested interest in Star and Hunter’s mating to Star and Hunter’s fellow Guardians. The Guardians truly fascinated me with their various special abilities and all of them practically scream for stories of their own. I would love to see more of them in the future.

As for the plot of the story, it progresses nicely and I enjoyed every minute of its fascinating premise and setting. I became lost in the story and didn’t want it to end. The stunning conclusion touched my heart and made me feel for all of the characters of the story. Everything from the characters to the setting to the plot comes together quite nicely making for one strong read.

From its action-packed beginning to it heart wrenching conclusion, HeartFast is an unforgettable story that I highly recommend.

http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2009/02/heartfast-by-linda-mooney.html

HeartCrystal, the sequel to HeartFast, is Now Available at Fictionwise and 30% Off!

HeartCrystal
(Sequel to HeartFast)
A Sensuously Erotic Sci-Fi Romance Novel
From Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

Is Now Available at Fictionwise, and 30% Off!
http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook80576.htm?cache

Blurb:
They were the Guardians. Sixteen special men and women with incredible powers, who had sworn their lives to the protection of their galaxy, while upholding the laws of their world.

For Dark Hunter and StarLight, it seemed the worst was over. With StarLight still recovering from her near-death experience with the Ombitra, they were ready to resume their lives as the first-ever married Guardian couple in history. Ready for a new life filled with love and extraordinary passion.

But there are unknown perils when working in outer space. There are dangers beyond description—unforeseeable events and catastrophes that can bring nightmares to any sane person.

They had sworn they would share a lifetime together.

The universe had other plans.

HeartCrystal is Now Available in Print!

HeartCrystal, the sequel to HeartFast, is now out in print!

You can get your copy at the Whiskey Creek Press Torrid website, or you can get a personally autographed copy from me! Just go to my website www.LindaMooney.com and use the secured site order form.

Whipped Cream Has Me Spotlighted Today!

I love Google Alerts! They just sent me this notice.
Whipped Cream is Spotlighting Whiskey Creek Press Torrid and HEARTFAST today!

http://whippedcream2archives.blogspot.com/2009/01/tuesday-spotlight-whiskey-creek-press.html

The Romance Studio Loved HEARTFAST

Guardians. A group of men and women with special powers and abilities. Their job is to protect the people of their world.

Because of a disastrous event in the past that resulted in sterilizing much of the past and present population, the governing body created the HandFast lottery. They have certain specifications they use to pick the couples and the ultimate result is for each woman to produce a child.

Because of the danger involved in their daily missions, the Guardians have been exempted from the HandFast. Not this year. Word is out that at least one of the Guardians is going to be named.

Surprise! Two of them are to be HandFasted to each other. Imagine the shock when StarLight aka Terrin DiLyric and Master Hunter aka Udo Vosstien find out they are one of the couples to be HandFasted.

Linda Mooney has created this fantastic world where superheroes are more than someone hiding their identity so they can go out and save the world. The Guardians are portrayed as being like regular people except they have special powers and abilities.

Star and Hunter are one of the best couples I've met this year. Star is a young woman from another planet who has not had the best of lives. Made to feel like a misfit because of her powers, she leaves her home world and eventually joins up with the Guardians. Still, she finds it hard to let any of her new teammates see her 'real' self.

Hunter grew up in a different world. He has two parents and one brother. He basically had as normal a childhood as a person possibly could have.

I loved watching these two come together and try to build a life together while still doing their jobs as Guardians. Hunter is so gentle yet firm with Star that it brought tears to my eyes.

Still, the main question is who entered Star & Hunter in the lottery in the first place and why? The answer may surprise you.

Reviewer: Diane Mason
January 12, 2009

HEARTFAST is Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's NUMBER ONE BEST SELLER!

Linda,

Congratulations! Your book HEARTFAST is the Number One Bestseller at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid for the month of January 2009, certainly a great way to start the new year!

HEARTFAST will again be carried on the WCPT Home Page all month as the Bestseller, and be permanently “red lettered” with our other, past Bestsellers at the site. HEARTFAST will also be featured in the WCPT newsletter as the Bestseller and at other third party places.

HEARTFAST is your fifth book with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid, and all five books have been Number One Bestsellers, an amazing achievement unmatched by any other Whiskey Creek Press author to date. You have developed a growing fan base with your writing efforts, never an easy accomplishment but always very valuable and rewarding. Well done!

Again, congratulations from all of us at Whiskey Creek Press!

Debra Womack, Executive Editor and Publisher
Jan Janssen, WCPT Executive Editor
Steven Womack

On the Tenth Day of Christmas...

Julie Robinson won from me...


Congratulations!

NEW! HEARTCRYSTAL, the sequel to HEARTFAST

NEW!
HeartCrystal
(Sequel to HeartFast)
A Sensuous Sci-Fi Romance Novel
by Linda Mooney
From Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=369

Blurb:

They were the Guardians. Sixteen special men and women with incredible powers, who had sworn their lives to the protection of their galaxy, while upholding the laws of their world.

For Dark Hunter and StarLight, it seemed the worst was over. With StarLight still recovering from her near-death experience with the Ombitra, they were ready to resume their lives as the first-ever married Guardian couple in history. Ready for a new life filled with love and extraordinary passion.

But there are unknown perils when working in outer space. There are dangers beyond description—unforeseeable events and catastrophes that can bring nightmares to any sane person.

They had sworn they would share a lifetime together.

The universe had other plans.

And right now you can get the first book, HEARTFAST, at Fictionwise at 25% Off! http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook76063.htm?cache

On the Third Day of Christmas...

Daun Ann Korty won from me...

Congratulations!

It's not too late to enter! Do it now! Just send me an email at Linda@LindaMooney.com and ask to be included!

Tidbits and Trivia

I thought I'd start a little something new on my blog, and title it Tidbits and Trivia. When I do, I'll tell you a little bit about what's going on with my books, how a story came about, what I included "for fun" in a story, and...well, tidbits and trivia! :D

This time around I want to tell you about my blue kiss picture, which I use as my avatar and icon on all my web places.

You know how the old adage says "one picture is worth a thousand words"? In this case, this picture was the inspiration for an entire book -- HEARTFAST. I couldn't get the expression of love and anticipation on their faces out of my head, so slowly the idea for HF came about. And you can "find" that picture in my story (if you've read the book, you know exactly where it is!)

A thousand words? More like 103,000.

And the winner is...

Congratulations to Debby236! She won a copy of HeartCrystal, which will debut at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid on Dec. 15th.

HeartCrystal is the sequel to HeartFast. For more info, check out my coming soon!

Mina Carter Does HEARTFAST

Wow! I mean, oh, wow! I so rarely get emails from fans. Rarer still from other authors. But yesterday I received an email from Mina Carter who bought HeartFast. And read it in one night - quite a feat considering the tome is 103K words.

She even blogged about it at http://mina-carter.com/?p=798.

You need to read it! The blog, I mean. Then, if you haven't read HeartFast, go get it and read it to see what she's talking about.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to visit Cloud 9. ;)

TODAY ONLY, IT'S A BOGO! AND YOU MAY STILL WIN!

Yes, you heard me! It's a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! Plus, your name will be entered into a drawing for a FREE COPY of HeartCrystal, the sequel to HeartFast, being released December 15th from WCPT!

If you buy HeartFast TODAY (Nov. 24th) send me a copy of the receipt (or forward proof of purchase) and the title of any one of my ebooks listed here, and I'll send you the PDF of that book FOR FREE!

Buy HeartFast today, and get your choice of another book FREE! Email proof of purchase to Linda@LindaMooney.com

Your name will also be entered into a drawing for a PDF copy of HeartCrystal, the sequel to HeartFast, which will be delivered to you when it's released on December 15th.

You can buy HeartFast at the Whiskey Creek Torrid website here, or on Fictionwise here.

Hurry! This offer IS ONLY GOOD FOR TODAY!