About the book:
She’s Fascinated by Wolves—But They are Obsessed With Her
Tessa Anderson doesn’t know why wolves are attracted to her, and she certainly doesn’t know that werewolves exist. Now she’s being stalked—but is her stalker a wolf or man? And who is the gorgeous stranger whose life she saved, who now swears he’ll protect her?He’s an Alpha Without a Pack, Facing a Deadly Enemy
Hunter Greymore is a lupus garou, a grey werewolf. His pack has abandoned him after losing their homes in a raging wildfire. When he encounters Tessa, he’s alone and injured, but he quickly realizes the danger to her is much worse than anything threatening him…
In his attempts to shiled her from harm, Hunter discovers that Tessa entices him beyond endurance… it’s only a matter of time before his wild nature can no longer be restrained…
About the author:
A retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, award-winning author Terry Spear has an MBA from Monmouth College. An eclectic writer, she dabbles in the paranormal as well as writing historical and true life stories for both teen and adult audiences. Spear lives in Crawford, Texas. Her 2008 Sourcebooks Casablanca release, Heart of the Wolf was named a Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly. Destiny of the Wolf and To Tempt the Wolf are in stores now, and more are on the way: The Legend of the White Wolf (February 2010) and Seduction of the Wolf (August 2010). Terry can be found online at her website, terryspear.com.
drey's thoughts:
Oh, Tessa. Her brother's found guilty of murder. The new neighbors are antagonistic. Someone's stalking her and breaking into her home. And she finds a nearly-dead hunk lying on the beach. It's storming out, so she revives him and brings him home to recuperate; then lets him stay because he can't remember who he is. In return, he promises to try to help her find evidence to free her brother.
Little do they know of the danger ahead. A murderer who doesn't want to be found. Strange wolves hanging out in the area. Treasure hunters skulking around. Her new neighbors are missing. And her house is broken into. Again.
To Tempt the Wolf is one part romance, and one part murder-mystery. There's quite a cast of characters to keep track of, every one of them with a part to play in this action-packed read from Terry Spear.
Terry shares some thoughts on expectations:
ExpectationsThank you, Terry, for taking the time to put together such a lovely guest post!
By Terry Spear
Thanks so much Drey for having me today at Drey’s Library!
A co-worker was telling me how she expected the author to do some things in a book that she didn’t do, which my co-worker felt were essential to make a really good story. Which gave me the idea for this article on expectations.
Years ago when I went to the movies with my family, whenever I saw the lion roar in the opening, I figured it was a gladiator movie, or some other kind of epic adventure. I grew to expect this. And when the movie was a contemporary comedy, I was terribly disappointed.
Have you ever ordered a drink, an ice tea and sipped it only to find it’s a soft drink? Or a soft drink of one kind and the waiter brought you something else? Or drank a hot drink and found it ice cold? Or thought the meal you had ordered was mild, but when you took that first bite, it bit back?
Did you ever take a class where everyone said the teacher was unbelievably easy or hard and you found just the opposite? Or the weatherman predicted 90 per cent chance of rain and nary a drop was to be found?
Ever had friends rave about a movie or restaurant and you thought the movie or food was the worst you’d ever tried?
Yep, expectations. Good or bad, we all have them.
Ever think that your friend or family member is going to say one thing but comes out with something completely different? Or that everyone was going to wear black to the party, so you did too in an attempt not to stand out, but everyone wore something different and you really stood out?
Every minute of the day, we expect something. That we will go to work and arrive there safely and on time. That the day will go reasonably well, except if we expect otherwise. That when we go to classes or church, no one will be sitting in “our” seat.
When our expectation isn’t met, what happens then? Sometimes, we’re pleasantly surprised. Sometimes, terribly disappointed. Rattled. Feel out-of-sorts.
So in my werewolf books I try to ensure my readers will get what they expect—sexy romance, adventure, mystery, suspense, and always a dash of subtle humor. Also that the werewolf world will be reasonably realistic.
My co-workers laugh at me about this. How can a werewolf world be in the least bit realistic? In my world, it can be. :)
And of course, everyone probably has expectations of what a werewolf story would be like. No matter how much I talked to my mother about my werewolf romances, she continued to feed me ideas for my werewolf horror stories. :)
“No, Mom,” I’d remind her. “The hero is a hunky, sexy alpha male and loveable in his own way. Not a monster. It is a ROMANCE. Not a horror story.”
So another thing to expect in my books is a Happily Ever After. Guaranteed.
I’m sure all writers strive for twists and turns in their stories that do the unexpected, but with the result that the reader is happily hooked to keep reading. So with that, we attempt to keep the reader guessing. And then the unexpected is truly entertaining.
So if you’ve never read an urban fantasy romance, or a werewolf romance, now is the time to give some a try. You might be pleasantly surprised! And if you do read them, hope you’ll try mine, too. :)
Again, thanks, Drey, for having me.
Terry Spear
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male.”
Giveaway!!
Sourcebooks is very generous with this giveaway, so pay attention! ONE winner will win a copy of To Tempt the Wolf for you... IN ADDITION, they will also win one copy of Heart of the Wolf, and one copy of Destiny of the Wolf. How's that for a prize pack? Many thanks to Danielle for the generosity.
Rules:
-- Contest is open to US and Canada residents, no PO Boxes please!
-- To enter, comment and share: Werewolves, loup garou, lupus garou, whatever else they're called--Do you prefer 'em REALLY large and scary à la Underworld, or larger-than-a-normal-wolf and furry à la Kitty?
-- For an extra entry, comment and share: What, if any, expectations do you have when it comes to shapeshifter stories? Me--I expect them to be "real"; or as real as you can get when people can change into another form, anyway. =)
-- Follow for 1 extra entry.
-- Share for 2 extra entries (let me know what & where, please).
-- Do it all before 6:00 pm CST September 6th. Good luck!
Challenges: 100+, Pub
Tour stops:
8/17: Star-Crossed Romance
8/20: Fresh Fiction
8/25: Night Owl Romance
8/27: Cindy’s Love of Books
8/31: Rhi Reading
9/2: Scribe Vibe
9/3: Yankee Romance Reviewers
9/4: Horror and Fantasy Book Review
9/7: Love Romance Passion
9/8: Fang-tastic Books
9/9: Books and Needlepoint
9/10: A Journey of Books
9/14: Morbid Romantic
9/17: Romance Reader at Heart’s Novel Thoughts Blog
98 comments:
Thanks so much for having me here today, and for Sourcebooks, thanks Danielle, for making this all happen, and for giving away the first 3 books in the series to a lucky commenter! :)
I've never really read a werewolf story before (unless you count Professor Lupin in Harry Potter) so I'd prefer them furry a la kitty.
As for shapeshifters, again not a regular genre choice for me so I'd also want those as real as can be.
This book sounds really good to me even though it's not my typical fare.
melacan at hotmail dot com
This is a new genre to me so I don't really have an opinion here. But, I would like to win this prize pack so I can get acquainted with the wolf pack!
+1 I am a current follower
kkhaas AT bellsouth DOT net
There is a whole wide magical world you are missing if you haven't stepped foot into the paranormal realm.
It's amazing stuff and these authors really use their imaginations to create wonderful characters and fantastical worlds!
I adore shape-shifter stories! Can't get enough of them. For me, I like them better when they're big and cuddly, not big and scary, but I'll take them anyway I can get them. I love all things paranormal and enjoy your books so much. Thanks, Terry!
Terry--
What I love about paranormal romances and urban fantasies is that it allows us to explore the question about who the real monsters are. Does fur or a nice set of fangs always translate as evil or even heroic? Or just because someone is human, does that mean he's less capable of true evil? Not likely. Often the bad guys and the heroes have a lot in common, the saving grace being that the heroes (whatever they look like) still have the capacity to feel, to love, and possess a strong sense of honor that they live by.
I personally like werewolves of both kinds--it's what's inside that counts for me.
Alexis
Give me hunky, sexy, and a touch feral. Yum.
I adore paranormal romance. When it comes to were's I want them to retain some of their animalistic traits as humans and some of their human traits as animals. I think it represents their dual nature. I prefer them to take the form of the animal too, not just the half man/half beast we see too often in films and literature. Just my two cents worth.
Thanks, Pam and Karen, for dropping by!
I so agree, B. Fox. I love urban fantasies and magical worlds. It all started when I was a little girl and read the classic fairy tales. LOL
Woohoo, thanks so much, Vicky!! I'm with you...love everything paranormal. And shapeshifters...two hunks in one. :)
Alexis, exactly! I show that in my stories...that in every species there is good and bad. :)
LOL, PJ, yum is right!!! Feral is good. :)
I so agree, Jen, and that's just the way I write mine! In both forms, they're beautiful.
Fabulous post, Terry! I love your werewolf hotties! And like someone else here said, I like the way you give them a few animal traits in human form and a few human traits in animal form.
Looks like a fabulous book Terry!!!
I'm a vampire lover, but werewolves can be yummy too! LOL
Good luck with the book...
Lisa :)
Thanks so much for commenting, Nicole! I'm working on Leidolf's story now...and he's hot. :)
Hi, Lisa, you'll have to check out Deadly Liaisons...for vampire lovers!!! It's coming in January. :)
Oh I hope i win - I'd love to read these books.
Werewolves: Depends if I'm looking for a romantic story - then I like lovable wrewolves, but if I won't gore - then give me a scary one!
I like warewolves to be huge and underworld scary...but at the same time..sexy.
dorcontest at gmail dot com
I prefer my shapeshifters very close to normal humans - more believable.
I shared on Facebook - see Clenna Lyons Emery #1
I shared on Facebook - see Clenna Lyons Emery #2
Terry's an excellent writer and I love all her books. My favorite term for the werewolves is le loup garou. Lovely interview--thanks for sharing.
I just found about you and I cannot wait to read your books, they sound awesome!
I love shapeshifter books and the variations between writers.
I love paranormal romances I have never read any of Terry's books but hope to soon.
+1 I like my shapeshifters to be a little of both - in most stories I have read they are a combo - they have to be fierce when needed and more human for the romance part.
+1 I expect some action/adventure and of course romance in paranomal romance books - not your typical cutsie romance but one with twists and turns and lots of action.
Glad to hear that you have a vampire book coming out as well - I just can't get enough of the paranormal romances so I was really excited to see this giveaway.
+1 I am a follower.
budletsmom at yahoo dot com
I love shapeshifter stories. Sometimes, I wish I can do that. I think Brad Pitt shapeshifted into a spider last night and tried to get into my bath with me. I killed him though. haha
dorcontest at gmail dot com
I follow.
dorcontest at gmail dot com
Clenna, mine are very realistic. You'll love them. The ones that are bad, are very bad. :) The ones that are good, are very hot. :)
Dor, these are like wolves when they shapeshift...but if you've ever peered into the eyes of a large wolf, his teeth bared and hackles raised...it can be very scary. LOL :)
Pamala, thanks so much for dropping by and commenting!!! :) I sooo appreciate that you love my stories!
Trblcmn--thanks!!! I agree...it's fun to see different takes on same themed stories by different authors. :)
Thank you for the blog! I love paranormals. The stories allow us to think outside the box. They lower social strictures as we know them and personify our fears and expectations in a new and challenging way. Personally I cannot get enough of them. Thanks again. I can't wait to try your books. Marlene C
Great giveaway.
I like shapeshitfer stories.I like my werewolves hunky,muscluar,with an edge of danger but can also get in touch with there softer side.
I like to read and see what different characteristic a writer can come up with for shapeshifters.
I'm a follower
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Budletsmom...you'll get all of the above! I do have subtle humor also...one of my critique partners, who's a retired English teacher, once said that my understated humor always sneaked up behind her. LOL :)
Dor, poor Brad Pitt. LOL
Thanks so much, Marlene. Hope you love them as much as I love writing them. :)
Elaing8--yes, without the softer side, the hunky guy is too harsh...flaws help to make them real...and loveable. Thanks!
Thank you for giving me that guaranteed Happily Ever After. I read cross genre, but I love knowing I can always go back to romance and all of its subgenres -- from paranormal to inspirational, from suspense to comedy -- and know that somehow, some way, the author will save me in the end.
DJ sent me over here. Said I might be interested. Great post. And I love werewolves. I write regency weres so I'm all for them being big and gorgeous and sexy. But I have to admit, I love the Underworld werewolves too.
And you know, Lon Chaney, Jr. was a really good looking man in his younger years and the Wolfman is still one of my all time favs. Too bad is didn't have a HEA.
I would dearly love to win these books!! As far as werewolves go, I'll take them in any way, shape or form. I find them interesting no matter what.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
The only expectations I have for shapeshifter stories is for the "shapes" to trasform as believably as possible.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
I am a follower of your blog.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
Well, while I am here...warm and fuzzy?
But Drey the real reason I came by is to say please come by BOOKIN' WITH BINGO as I have an award for you. Thank you!
http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/2009/08/thanks-to-libby-for-some-special-awards.html
I like my shapeshifter males alpha and hot. I don't really like the horror version of vamps or shifters, but I have watched horror movies featuring both. The best villains are the ones that you can feel a little sorry for. The ones that have a reason for what they do. Thanks for a great post!
Francesca Hawley
large & scary,,yeah,,would like a summer read..thx for contest
thehighflyer3(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'll go for "larger-than-a-normal-wolf and furry à la Kitty" !!!
nbmars AT yahoo DOT com
Hi Terry! :) Glad to see you and am looking forward to reading your newest book. I picked up Heart of the Wolf just last week at my local library and am enjoying it. :)
-- I kinda prefer my werewolves to be larger-than-a-normal-wolf and furry à la Kitty? :) Easier to imagine them coming to visit me!
-- For an extra entry --I expect them to have real dialogue...I hate when it's all woe's me and so fake...I know it's fiction but come on!!
-- I'm a follower!!
rachie2004 @ yahoo (dot) com
I follow you on Google Reader.
nbmars AT yahoo DOT com
I prefer a larger-than-a-normal-wolf
+! don't really have any expectations for shape shifter books. I haven't read many.
+1 I follow
chey127 at hotmail dot com
I prefer werewolves to be less scary.
When it comes to shapeshifters, I prefer them to be closer to real when they shift.
I am a follower.
Crystal816(at)hotmail(dot)com
Oh definitely larger-than-a-normal-wolf and furry à la Kitty, ha!
The book sounds really good! I love me some wolf romances! ;)
I definitely like my werewolves big and scary!
I don;t have a preference...I like them both. I loved Underworld. I found the story compelling, especially the head Lycan's. He wasn't that scary come to think of it. More of an intellectual wolf than a brut. But he could deal it out when the situation called for it.
Loved Heart of the Wolf. I read it last week and stayed up late two nights in a row reading. I liked Bella's charater a lot. She was strong, smart and sexy and had a great moral compass.
Thanks for the blog!
Shannon
soliwins at yahoo dot com
What I expect from shapeshifter stories is for the author to make me feel sympathetic to the character.
I'm a follower!
I Tweeted about the giveaway here
https://twitter.com/kdet62/status/3522745699
I like them larger than normal-furry a la Kitty.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I need to relate to them, so they must represent values that I can accept and root for.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I prefer them larger than a normal wolf but not overly huge.
I expect them to be real but have some super abilities like more strength.
Tweet
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2 Tweet
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Looks like a good book, please enter me into this drawing.
As for werewolves, I think the bigger the better.
Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com
I'm also a follower via Blogger.
Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com
I've also blogged about this giveaway here.
Thanks,
jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com
I like them large and scary, a touch of the wild even in human form. I also prefer them to shift to wolf form, not half human.
Ack, got behind on commenting! I've got a deadline Monday for Seduced by the Wolf, 5th book in the series, coming April...sooo...
Thanks to everyone who commented!!
I agree, Jessa! HEA is what I love to give. I like thrillers too, but I still want a HEA. I'm not into horror for the sake of horror. :)
Hmm, Francesca, that reminds me of Frankenstein, a monster with heart. But I agree. Even our villains have to have something that makes them loveable...just to round them out, to make them real.
Thanks, Rachie! Glad you're enjoying it!
Thanks, Shannon, I'm delighted you enjoyed Bella in Heart of the Wolf! I'm sure you'll love Destiny of the Wolf too, as Lelandi dives into her own adventure with a gray wolf pack. :)
Thanks to everyone, again, for posting! And thanks to Drey for inviting me!
Hi tatt3r! You posted when I was working on mine! :)
I agree with other posters... I loved Underworld, the 2nd movie particularly, the old world feel to it...I didn't care for everyone shooting everyone with bullets in the first movie. Both vampires and werewolves have bite...that's what makes them scary. Dragging out guns takes it into a shoot-em up story instead of what makes the two "species" special.
But I still much prefer wolves that look like wolves like you do.
They can crush bone...they don't need to be monsters to have the strength of a beast.But within their packs, loyalty, playfulness, taking care of their offspring...that makes them almost human. It's the combination that I enjoy creating.
i like them to be large and scary
follower
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
I've gotta go Underworld-style for the real scare!
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I don't think that I've read a "shapeshifting" story yet, so I'm not sure what I prefer. I'm looking forward to figuring it out, though!
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
How I like my werewolf depends on the story. Usually I read ones about werewolves furry ala kitty, but sometimes the Underworld types are more appropriate.
+1 What, if any, expectations do you have when it comes to shapeshifter stories? - I like them to be intriguing and interesting with a human element.
+1 follower
I prefer werewolves just the size of a dog like a rottweiler!
+1 When I read about shapeshifters, I really don't have expectations about the shapeshifter... just want a good love story!
+1 Follower!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
+1 For warewolve I perfer them to be larger than a normal wolf.
+1 For shapeshifter stories, I want the character to retain some of the wolf traits in their human form for example having a more agressive nature.
+1 Follower of yours
jen4777[at]hotmail.com
I would prefer larger-than-a-normal-wolf and furry à la Kitty.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(Dot)com
-- I think that werewolves would be somewhat large...they have a lot of muscle to fit into that frame after all. And who would be scared of a tiny version...I'd probably want to just pet it.
-- Any story written well will feel "real" to the reader. I think it's important that the reader be able to make the book their reality while they have it open in their lap.
-- I am a follower
I like your blog. I follow Terry, so I'm glad I followed her here, and now I'm following you.
Werewolves: I like them halfway between - not so scary they don't have hearts; not so cuddly they're not scary.
Shapeshifters: hidden, secret, and best of all when the author gives me a hint of the details, like where do the clothes go.
Please enter me! Sounds like a great read!
I like my shape shifters to large, but not too scary! LOL!
dcf_beth at verizon dot net
Please include me.
While I love the movie Underworld. I prefer my werewolves larger than a normal wolf and furry.
My expectations are nothing too outrageous. If this creature happened to really exist then I could believe that these stories actually could happen.
I am a follower.
I posted on the sidebar here: http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Wolves are beautiful, powerful, magical and mystical. They mate for life. Just what I am looking for in a hu-man! gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Definitely Underworld scary!
BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com
I guess I like my wolves big and scary - but wil humanity ala Kelley Armstrong or Patricia Briggs.
I follow
Don't care for underworld scary...
I like when the new shape is better than the original - definitely NOT the Hulk...
Follower
http://twitter.com/aitmama/status/3651604056
http://twitter.com/aitmama/status/3651604056
I definitely think they should be larger-than-a-normal-wolf and furry à la Kitty with a heart of gold to boot. ennsee72(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thanks!
Hi! Just posted about this on Win A Book. No need to enter me, Drey.
I prefer shifters to be more of the large wolf variety. I'm not a fan of the underworld type monsters. This sounds like a great book!
I am a follower of this blog.
rocket_kay at hotmail dot com
I do like the underworld type monsters!! this sounds great
and a great giveaway
thanks
wadesherry@hotmail dot com
For shapeshifter stories I always like my stories as real as they can get
thanks
wadesherry@hotmail dot com
i follow your blog
wadesherry@hotmail dot com
I think I would prefer furry a la kitty :-)
marielay@gmail.com
As far as shapeshifter stories -- I love fantasy so it doesn't have to be overly real for me to enjoy it.
marielay@gmail.com
I am a follower.
marielay@gmail.com
This book sounds awesome!! Thanks for this giveaway and please count me in.
I like really big, scary wolves.
chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com
When it comes to shapeshifters, I really have no preference. I love these types of books.
chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow your blog.
chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com
Tweet #1:
http://twitter.com/chinook92/status/3774048346
chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com
Tweet #2:
http://twitter.com/chinook92/status/3774048346
chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com
Hmmm werewolves. I would have to go with the bigger the better.
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I prefer "larger-than-a-normal-wolf and furry à la Kitty".
heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com
I follow your blog.
Werewolves are just one of my favorites. I try to read all that I can find.
jellybelly82158(at)gmail(dot)com
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