Guest Blogger – Robin Covington
Jul 2, 2012 
Filed under: book recommendation, guest blogger
Welcome today’s guest, Robin Covington. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in while she shares a little about herself and her debut release, A Night of Southern Comfort. Then comment below for a chance to win a copy!
Robin, tell us about your latest release. A Night of Southern Comfort is a book about a one night stand that becomes so much more. Jack and Michaela are people who only allow themselves the lives they think they deserve—which isn’t much. When they finally allow themselves to want more, they get it all.
One night of passion…
Detective Jackson Cantrell never imagined that one night with an irresistible stranger would turn his life upside down. He’s spent years living in the shadows, but Dr. Michaela Roarke awakened a passion inside him he’d buried years ago.
He never expected the woman would turn out to be the governor’s daughter…and his next assignment. The governor blackmails Jackson to secretly watch over Michaela and protect her from a stalker, or kiss his dream job at the FBI good-bye. Swearing to keep things strictly professional, Jackson moves in with Michaela. Too bad his heart can’t keep the same promise.
But when the stalker’s attacks quickly escalate beyond mere photographs to bodily harm, Jackson must race to save Michaela’s life. And he’ll have to figure out how to keep her once she discovers his lie.
Tell us about one of your characters and how he or she developed in your imagination?
Dr. Michaela Roarke is the daughter of an ambitious and high-profile politician and she’s tired of living in the spotlight and under her father’s domineering thumb. This book is about her finally taking charge of her future and making it happen. She popped into my head after a conversation with the Main Man about how all of these celebrities who choose to live in the spotlight and their poor kids who are forced to live in it because of who their parents are. I wondered how far they would go to live their lives on their own terms and out of the shadow of their parents.
Is there a style or genre of writing that you haven’t tried yet but you’d like to explore?
Well, you know that I love male/male romance. It is my go-to genre to read for pleasure but I’ve never written it — I’m too intimidated. But, I’m thinking I might just have to try it in the future. I also am completely floored by steampunk – I don’t think I have the skill set for it. Wish I did, though. I wrote for many years before I tried m/m. I wrote several m/m/f stories first. And I love steampunk.
How do you make time in your life for writing?
I work full-time as an attorney, I’m married and have two young children. I write in the evenings after the kids are in bed and I spend time with the Main Man. I go into my writing cave at around 9:30 and write until midnight or so. I try to take care of my social media stuff during my lunch hour. I admire you for being able to write after a very full day of work and family time!
What do you like to read? Do you have some favorite authors?
I like a story that is steamy – it can be in any genre. But, I find that tend to go to male/male romance, romantic comedy, and contemporary. I do not care for overly angsty books—life is stressful enough. My favorite authors are Harper Fox, Jill Shalvis, Robin Kaye, Hank Edwards, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
If you decide to take a Saturday off, what are we likely to find you doing?
In the summer, I am at the pool with my kids. They have chlorine running through their veins! In the winter or spring, I’m usually at kid’s sports, the library, birthday parties etc. Add in the grocery story and laundry and that just about sums it up!
Choose six adjectives to describe yourself.
Chatty, sarcastic, musical, loyal, affectionate, and southern
Describe the perfect meal.
Fried chicken, North Caroline style BBQ, hot slaw (slaw with Tabasco sauce in it) hush puppes, French fries and sweet tea. (Note: the “southern” adjective listed above) I love your answer. I was raised on NC style BBQ and sweet tea!
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Vanialla soft serve ice cream with caramel sauce. I’m a classic type person. I have a lot of sweater sets in my closet.
What question haven’t I asked that you wish I had?
Is Elliott, VA – the town in my book – real? Yes, in part. I grew up in Danville, VA and went to college in Staunton, VA. Elliott and the people in the town are hybrids of all my life experiences and the people in my life. It was a labor of love to create the town.
A Night of Southern Comfort by Robin Covington
http://www.entangledpublishing.com/a-night-of-southern-comfort/
Blurb:
One night of passion…
Detective Jackson Cantrell never imagined that one night with an irresistible stranger would turn his life upside down. He’s spent years living in the shadows, but Dr. Michaela Roarke awakened a passion inside him he’d buried years ago.
He never expected the woman would turn out to be the governor’s daughter…and his next assignment. The governor blackmails Jackson to secretly watch over Michaela and protect her from a stalker, or kiss his dream job at the FBI good-bye. Swearing to keep things strictly professional, Jackson moves in with Michaela. Too bad his heart can’t keep the same promise.
But when the stalker’s attacks quickly escalate beyond mere photographs to bodily harm, Jackson must race to save Michaela’s life. And he’ll have to figure out how to keep her once she discovers his lie.
Excerpt:
Mr. Sex-on-a-Stick took his last shot and accepted the congratulatory thumps on the back from his friends. He didn’t smile in response, just quirked his full, sensual lips and turned to face her head-on with an expression full of hot promise. Catcalls and low whistles from his friends drifted across the crowded bar.
Come on, handsome. Don’t let me strike out at my first real bar pickup.
The breath she didn’t realize she was holding whooshed out as he separated himself from his friends and headed over to her. His movements were precise, controlled, and deliciously predatory. He possessed the confident demeanor of either military or law enforcement. He definitely wasn’t a paper-pushing warlord or a politico. Years of experience trained her to spot those guys a mile away. No, his mask of control was one born of the need for survival, much like hers.
Okay, big boy. You let me peek behind yours and I’ll let you peek behind mine.
He stopped in front of her, his thigh brushing her leg and setting off a series of sparks underneath her skin. His chocolate brown eyes met hers, filled with the assurance of decadent possibilities.
Michaela opened her mouth and shut it again. Now that he was here, she had no idea what to say. What would Angelina do? Channel your inner Jolie.
She cleared her throat. The result was a sultry, sexy voice she didn’t know she possessed. “May I buy you a drink?”
He glanced at the glass in her hand and nodded.
“A Southern Comfort.” She spoke in the general direction of the bartender, unable to tear herself away from her companion. “Neat.”
He slid onto the stool next her, his leg still against hers and her temperature hovering near the boiling point. He leaned on the bar, creating their own intimate circle as the noise of the busy bar faded into the background. His lips curved into a slight smile.
“Is there something funny?”
“No. Not at all.” His deep voice rumbled in her ear, his warm breath grazed her cheek. “I didn’t take you for the whiskey type.”
“And what type am I?”
He leaned back, examining her ice-blue satin, strapless cocktail dress and matching Manolo Blahnik pumps. She squirmed in her seat as her body responded to the desire pulsing between them.
“Honestly?” He cocked his head. “You strike me as the chardonnay type. A proper drink for a proper lady.”
She laughed. Any other night, his description would have been close to the mark. “Whiskey’s a drink of control and power.” She took another sip and caught his stare over the rim of her glass.
“I see.” He lifted his glass and downed the contents, then turned his full attention back to her. “So…why are you drinking alone?”
“I’m not drinking alone. Now.” Michaela gestured toward his drink and ordered him another when he nodded.
“Okay, so you’re here…?”
“Celebrating my new life.”
“Aahhh.” He lifted his glass to her in salute. “Let me be the first to say that your ex-husband is an idiot.”
Bio:
On her fortieth birthday, Robin Covington decided that having a mid-life crisis and finding a boy-toy were far too tacky, so she delved a little deeper into the “bucket list” and pulled out the long-shelved dream of becoming an author. Now, she spends her time writing sizzling romance where the hero and heroine can’t keep their hands off each other.
She doesn’t miss the boy-toy at all.
Robin is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Washington Romance Writers, a faculty member at Romance University, a member of the Waterworld Mermaids, and a guest contributor to the Happy Ever After blog at USA Today.
Robin lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, brilliant children, and ginormous puppy. You can find Robin on her website, Facebook, and Twitter (@RobinCovington).
Robin Covington says:
Thanks for having me here today Silvia! I’m in such a good mood today that I’ll give away a copy of my book to a commenter!
On July 2, 2012 at 10:20 am
Sharon S says:
Hi Robin,
It was so nice to get to know more about you! I’m tired from just ready how busy your day is. LOL! Great “interview”. Congrats on the release of A Night of Southern Comfort.
Catch ya on FB,
Sharon
On July 2, 2012 at 10:46 am
Robin Covington says:
sharon – Thanks so much for stopping by! Luckily, I’ve never needed much sleep! ; )
See you on FB!
R
On July 2, 2012 at 1:38 pm
Jennifer Tanner says:
Robin,
Congratulations on your debut! I can’t wait to jump in and find out how Jackson tries to maintain a professional distance. 🙂
Best,
Jen
On July 2, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Robin Covington says:
Jen – Thnaks for stopping by. Hugs. I hope you like the book!
On July 2, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Tracy March says:
Fun interview, Robin. I love your answers, and now I am hungry! I have a tendency toward classic styles and tastes, too, with a trendy surprise thrown in to keep things interesting! Congratulations on the release of A NIGHT OF SOUTHERN COMFORT. It’s hot! 🙂
On July 2, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Robin Covington says:
Tracy- Thank you! I love that you have a “trendy surprise”!
On July 2, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Rita Oberlies says:
Great interview! I’ve never had hot slaw or hush puppies 😉 Growing up in Boston had definite disadvantages.
Congratulations on Southern Comfort, Robin!!!
On July 2, 2012 at 8:47 pm
Robin Covington says:
Thanks Rita!! Yes – you need to get some hot slaw and hush puppies. If you ever get to the DC area, I’ll try to hook you up! ; )
On July 2, 2012 at 9:41 pm
Taryn Elliott says:
Just stopping in–loved the interview. I gotta say, i’m a caramel girl too–esp the salted kind. LOL
I have already bought your book–so no need to add me to the giveaway.
On July 3, 2012 at 3:10 am