Author Interview: Virna DePaul + Giveaway

Filed in Giveaways , Interview , The Danger Lover , Virna DePaul Posted on September 23, 2011 @ 6:00 am 36 comments

BLI is delighted to welcome back Virna DePaul today who is here to celebrate the upcoming release of Chosen By Fate the second novel in her Para-Ops series. Virna is a former prosecutor who writes about flawed individuals who find redemption through courage and love. Chosen By Blood, the first novel in her Para-Ops series was released to rave reviews on May 3, 2011. Chosen By Fate will hit the stands on October 4, 2011. The Para-Ops series is published by Berkley Sensation. Virna has been a very busy lady this year and in addition to her Berkley Publications her stellar Harlequin Romantic Suspense novel Dangerous to Her was published on August 23, 2011.

Lea: Virna! Welcome back to BLI, so delighted you are able to join us again. 😉

Virna: It’s always a pleasure to hang out with you and your readers. Thanks so much for having me!

Lea: Since you were here previously and discussed your writing process I’m going to cut right to the chase and ask some questions about Chosen By Fate, along with a question thrown in about Dangerous to Her. 😉

What can we expect of Chosen By Fate?

Virna: Chosen By Fate starts off right where Chosen By Blood left off. Chapter One begins immediately after the Para-Ops team returns from North Korea, with Caleb O’Flare trying to rescue FBI Director Kyle Mahone. Chosen By Fate has lots of action, but it is more focused on the romance, the relationship between Wraith and Caleb. What started out as an intense attraction between the two in the first book develops into something passionate yet deeply emotional. Wraith fights her feelings for Caleb because she’d never wanted anyone more and her whole existence has been about pain and loss. But despite his own issues, Caleb is steadfast and true. He gives Wraith the strength to take what’s hers.

Lea: Wraith is one of the more complex and fascinating paranormal creatures I’ve read. Among the Otherborn races in your stories wraiths are an anomaly, no one knows how they came to be, there is a lack of understanding regarding their physiology. Essentially they are the walking dead, but they have regenerative abilities. They are intelligent and have feelings, and fears no memory of who they were before becoming a wraith, and all of this is compounded by the fact they feel pain when a human touches them. The thing is, Wraith has an almost palpable self loathing and has turned to pain during the 10 years of her existence, on top of that she has endured torture and betrayal. Can you tell us a little about Wraith’s appearance and her complexities?

Wraith can’t hide what she is. Her blue-tinged skin, white hair, and hazy eyes exude “walking dead.” She can’t see colors, sees things (like trees) in a deadened state even when they are flourishing, and can’t be killed by any known means. She’s a freak by both human and Otherborn standards, but instead of cowering in a corner, she capitalizes on shock value by wearing skintight leather and four-inch blue stilettos, cursing a blue streak, and never letting anyone close. Despite her best efforts, however, Caleb sees more to her than she wants him to. As Caleb recognizes, Wraith is “a heinous bitch, yes, but one whose attitude and mouth was designed to hide something textured and complex…”

Lea: Wraith is a kickass heroine, tough as nails with an ATTITUDE but she is also quite vulnerable isn’t she Virna?

Virna: Wraith is definitely vulnerable, but she’s great at hiding it. She’s lived her entire existence feeling pain and being isolated from others, and she thinks this is her fate. She abides by the theory that if you never allow yourself to get close to someone or feel pleasure, you can’t miss him or it when it’s gone. Joining the Para-Ops team gives Wraith her first taste of truly “belonging” somewhere, and this is what enables Caleb to get past her natural defenses.

 

Lea: Caleb O’Flare, is a psychic shaman, a human with extraordinary abilities. He is special forces trained having fought in the war. (He is also a major hottie!) Caleb has his own demons related to the loss of his best friend who was a male feline during the war. He blames himself for the horrific events surrounding his friend’s death. Caleb is tough and strong, but as a healer he is bound to ease suffering, not cause pain. Would you be willing to share more about Caleb’s background with readers?

Virna: Caleb is a special hero for me. He’s not quite as alpha as Knox or Dex because he shows his emotions more easily. He’s the good-looking charmer with a lazy smile and fast wit that hides his inner pain. He’s half-Irish and half-Native American, a shaman healer, and capable of hearing the “Great Song” and walking the Otherworld. As an army medic, he’s seen the ravages of war and his greatest hope was promoting peace. Caleb has an ability to determine if someone is telling the truth, but when the US government asked him to participate during the torture of a prisoner of war, he refused. The prisoner ended up dying and only later did he learn it was his friend, Elijah, the feline prince. Caleb went into a deep depression, drinking too much and hiding from the world. But then Kyle Mahone showed up, offering him a position on the Para-Ops team. Interestingly enough, while every other member of the team bargained for something, Caleb joined the team with no specific consideration in mind. Instead, he takes Mahone’s IOU, and ultimately uses it not for himself but for the benefit of someone else.

Lea: Caleb wants Wraith as his lover and she wants him but given her physiology and his ethics it makes for an interesting dilemma for the hero and heroine of this novel, doesn’t it?

Virna: I think it does. Wraith longs for touch and connection but being touched causes her pain. She sees pain as her punishment in life, so she actively seeks it out. Caleb is a healer who blames himself for the torture and death of his best friend; the last thing he wants is to cause anyone pain, let alone someone he cares for. What they both come to learn is that pleasure and pain go hand-in-hand, and that love means giving and receiving all that we are, the good and the bad.

Lea: Dex (a werebeast), & Lucy (a mage / feline) have major secondary roles in Chosen By Fate. I really like Dex, he is quite an enigma, I’m quite intrigued to learn his secrets and more about the were’s and where Dex fits in? We learned a little about Dex in Chosen By Blood, he is an outcast is he not?

Virna: Yes, Dex is a werebeast, half werewolf and half human, a creature that is rejected by his own kind for being “less than.” They are often referred to as “pets” or “whipped dogs” since they are generally weaker than full-blooded werewolves. Dex used to ride with a biker gang of werebeasts, called the Ferals, but broke from the gang after he killed one of its members. We know he was abandoned by his family and sent to live at a school for cast-off werebeasts, that he and the other boys were abused at the school, and that he joined the Para-Ops team for one purpose—to get revenge on this grandfather. Dex is hard-edged and a loner, but as we see in Chosen By Fate, he is giving and loyal to those he cares about, including Lucy. I’m writing Dex’s story, Chosen By Sin, right now, and although I’m putting him through the wringer, I can’t wait to see this wounded bad boy get his happy ending.

Lea: The suspense subplot of Chosen By Fate involves the felines, and you develop and expand the physiology and social order of these beings. What exactly are the felines Virna? They have an actual monarchy don’t they?

Virna: Yes, vamps and felines are ruled by their respective Kings and Queens. Unlike werewolves and werebeasts, felines and the half-breed werecats are not shapeshifters, nor do they have a longer lifespan than humans. On the other hand, felines are very protective of their half-breeds. As a whole, the cat breeds are very family-oriented and known for their highly intelligent yet down-to-earth natures. They are very sexual. Cat breeds go into a sexual heat that lasts seven days, then ebbs for seven days before starting again. Although felines generally embrace their sexuality, it becomes evident in Chosen By Fate that their sexuality is also a source of pain for them. In many ways, it controls who they are and what they do. Feline opponents argue this makes them dangerous. Some felines are desperate to reclaim their independence and find a cure for the heat. Lucy Talob, the Para-Ops team’s feline mage, falls into this latter category.

Lea: Please tell me there will be more books in the Para-Ops series, and if so whose book will be next? Do you have a title?

Virna: I’m planning at least four books in total for the series, so I can get Dex and Lucy’s books out after Chosen By Fate. Dex’s story, Chosen By Sin, is next. I’m also introducing some new intriguing characters (including a dragon shifter) that may get their own stories, as well. Depends on how much time readers are willing to spend with us!

Lea: WOOT! Well, this reader can’t wait for Dex’s and Lucy’s books. 😉

Okay, Dangerous to Her is a thrilling romantic suspense with a reacquainted lovers theme. There is also a secret baby in this story. Please tell us about this book and hero Dom Jeffries and heroine Mattie Nolan.

Virna: Dangerous To Her, my debut novel with Harlequin Romantic Suspense, came out at the end of August 2011. In the story, Dom Jeffries is a burned out undercover cop who is out to avenge his best friend’s death. He goes under cover as a bailiff to investigate a judge and ends up reuniting with court reporter Mattie Nolan, his college girlfriend. Dom broke things off with Mattie because she couldn’t accept his dangerous career choice, but what he didn’t know was she was pregnant at the time with his daughter. The story explores not just the relationship between the hero and heroine, but brothers and sisters, friends, parents and children, etc. I think the book balances intrigue and action with an emotional love story and readers have responded well to the “twist” at the end.

Lea: As I mentioned to you before, I would love to read Mattie’s brother Tony’s story. (Hint, hint – lol)

What can fans expect next from the desk of Virna DePaul?

Virna: There’s a good chance Chosen By Sin, Dex Hunt’s novel, will be out before the new year!

In addition, I’m finishing up my debut romantic suspense novel, Shades Of Desire, with HQN. The book comes out June 2012 and is the first in a series about “SIG,” the California Department of Justice’s elite Special Investigations Group. These law enforcement officers are the “best of the best,” helping other departments solve crimes across the state. In Shades Of Desire, the heroine, a world-famous photographer, takes a picture she shouldn’t have just before she goes blind; in the story, she must grapple with her new disability and her attraction to the hero, a homicide detective, as well as help him stop a killer who soon puts her in his sights. The next book in the series, tentatively titled Shades Of Temptation, comes out October of 2012, and focuses on other SIG characters introduced in Book 1.

My next Harlequin Romantic Suspense comes out in May 2012, and is about a woman and her former crush, a homicide detective, who reopens the investigation of her mother’s murder; the detective is the same man who caused the heroine and her mother to fight just before her mother was murdered, obviously leaving the heroine with unresolved guilt about her feelings for the hero.

Lea: Oh! I’m so delighted to hear that Chosen by Sin will be out so soon. Your new HQN novels sound simply awesome, congratulations Virna!

Can you summarize Chosen by Fate for us twitterstyle (in 140 characters or less)?

Virna:

A sexy, smart-mouthed ghost who feels pain whenever she’s touched & a human psychic healer learn that pleasure & love are worth any risk

Lea: Now can you tell us 3 reasons why people should read Chosen By Fate and Dangerous to Her?

Virna:

  • The heroes are sexy and strong enough to give their women the gentleness they deserve.
  • The heroines are complex and strong enough to fight for those they love.
  • There’s lots of action to keep you on your toes and just as much romance and emotion to touch your heart.

Virna, thank you so much again for joining us at Book Lovers today. I for one am a committed fan. 😉

Virna: I can’t thank you enough for your enthusiasm and support. I love that your reviews and interviews have such depth. You’re the best kind of reader an author can hope for!

Well, thank you for your kind words Virna and for sharing your wonderful stories with us! 🙂

Where to find Virna:

Website
Twitter
Facebook

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Virna has generously offered a copy of Chosen By Blood & a swag package including Chosen By Blood and Chosen By Fate Trading Cards to one lucky commenter!

All you have to do is leave a meaningful comment about the interview.
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

This giveaway is open worldwide!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, October 8, 2011; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

 

Photobucket

About Lea


Lea is an animal loving, tree hugging vegetarian who lives in Toronto, Canada with her family, which includes three dogs. She is a prolific reader and has been blogging and reviewing since 2008. Lea is a contributor at the USA Today HEA Blog and an active member at Goodreads.

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36 Comments

Join the Discussion
  • Ifrah September 23, 2011 at 6:19 am

    werewolves, vamps, dharmires, felines, shapeshifters, mages and wraiths; a shaman; a special FBI All in one book ????? !!! This sounds like a GREAT read .Loving the character descriptions of Wraith and Caleb.Great interview!
    After reading your interview I have added your books to my TBR pile.

    and Thank you for this give-away ! <3
    Best,
    Ifrah

    starlight023(at)hotmail(dot)com

  • Virginia C September 23, 2011 at 6:44 am

    Hi, Virna! Your "Para-Ops" series is seriously sensational : ) Fascinating, unique characters and and intriguing involving story lines. I can't wait to read about the dragon shifter–I love dragons! Your Harlequin & HQN Romantic Suspense reads sound fabulous. Girl, you "got it goin' on" in multiple genres–great fun!

    US Resident, Follower, Subscriber

    gcwhiskas at aol dot com

  • Tanya September 23, 2011 at 7:41 am

    These books sound GREAT! Sounds like there is action, romance, werewolves, vamps everything anyone could want. These are definetly now on my TBR list. Thanks for the great interview and introducing me to a new author.

    BookcaseTanya@gmail.com

  • Kanya September 23, 2011 at 8:05 am

    Virna DePaul was already on my TBR List, but now she's on top of it! I love complex heroes and heroines, so I can't wait to read Caleb and Wraith's story!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Kanya 🙂
    kanyachhetATyahooDOTca

  • Stella (Ex Libris) September 23, 2011 at 8:17 am

    I have to confess that although I have stumbled upon Virna's covers previously I haven'T heard more about her series so this interview was 2quite enlightening and made me definitely want to check out the series, thank you Lea for making me add another series to my precariously high TBR pile ;-p lol

    Virna your novels sound incredibly original and unique, and I can't wait to read them! Congrats on the release! 😀

  • Jason September 23, 2011 at 9:54 am

    Sounds like your series has a lot going on with mixing military and supernatural story lines, I'd love to see how you handle that.

    thanks!

    jason [at] jasonkivela [dot] com

  • Audra September 23, 2011 at 11:01 am

    I want to read Wraith's story-please enter me into the giveaway
    audie@wickerness.com

  • Virna DePaul September 23, 2011 at 11:06 am

    Lea, you rock! Thank you for having me here and for all your support! 🙂

    Ifrah – Thank you for adding me to your TBR. Yes, lots of different creatures and suspense going on, but hoping readers connect in some way to them all. 🙂

    Virginia C- Thanks you for your kind words!! My dragon shifter, Cyrus Mead, is growing on me by leaps and bounds. I definitely see him having his own story!

    Tanya – Yay! Glad you find the series interesting-sounding. Thanks for adding me to your TBR.

    Kanya – I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for giving me a try!!

    Stella (Ex Libris) – There are so many great books out there!! Thanks for adding me to your list. 🙂

    Jason, I really love the combination of romance and action. I hope you'll agree I balance them well! Thanks for stopping by!

  • janhvi September 23, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    Thanks for the interview!I always love a story with action and romance and I like to read about strong complex heroines as well!
    Please count me in for the giveaway!

    Janhvi
    justjanhvi at gmail dot com

  • Victoria September 23, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    Thanks for the interview. I'm not entering, I own Chosen By Blood. Just want to wish you more success 🙂

    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

  • Estella September 23, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    Your books sound great! I love the idea of a dragon shifter.

    kissinoak at frontier dot com

  • Jen B. September 23, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    I loved Chosen By Blood. I was so stoked that Wraith is the second book. And now I know Dex and Lucy get book 3 and maybe before year end! Squee!!! I, for one, vote for you to expand this universe and give the readers quite a few more stories. I REALLY want Kyle to get his HEA. I think he deserves it. I just have to know, are you planning to have any of the couple have kids? With all of the mixing and matching going on, it could be interesting!
    jepebATverizonDOTnet

  • Barbara E. September 23, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    The Para-Ops series sounds like fantastic books and I'm looking forward to reading them. I like lots of action and when it's mixed with paranormal elements, that's all the better.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

  • Anonymous September 23, 2011 at 8:01 pm

    It's an odd coincidence that the current book I'm reading also has a wraith in it. Do you suppose wraiths are the new angels – which were the new vampires…? Or possibly there are lots of paranormals to write and read about!

    After reading the interview I'm highly motivated to read Chosen by Blood and then move on to Chosen by Fate. I'm also astounded by how many books and series Virna DePaul is writing.

    Mickie T
    mdturett at juno dot com

  • Diane September 23, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    I absolutely loved Chosen by Blood and can't wait for Chosen by Fate; it has it all: vampires, werewolves, wraiths, a hero and heroine and a very good suspense story.

    dsadler53 at yahoo dot ca

  • Bethany C. September 23, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    Wow, with so many projects you must be writing up a storm! Free time much?!

    b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com

  • Tore September 24, 2011 at 8:39 am

    I love reading about different paranormal creatures in one book. It makes the book more interesting. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

  • Mary G September 24, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Awesome interview ladies.

  • JenM September 24, 2011 at 9:52 am

    I've had Chosen by Blood on my wishlist since it came out. I love the premise and Chosen by Fate sounds just as interesting. Wraith sounds like a great heroine. Best wishes on the success of your books.

    jen at delux dot com

  • Sullivan McPig September 24, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    I'm still not sure if this would be a series for me. It sounds too 'real life' for me, but maybe I'm mistaken.

  • Sheree September 25, 2011 at 1:23 am

    Can't wait for Dex's story!!

    ironss [at] gmail [dot] com

  • Yto September 25, 2011 at 6:39 am

    whoa that seems like a complicated world. it draws me in. there are so many beings. and i like it that the women aren't shy and submissive, but strong and know what they want. also the love story between wraith and caleb is interesting to me. the whole not-touching-thing is making me curious.

    witchvela at web dot de

  • Vojalyn September 25, 2011 at 7:38 am

    I haven't read Chosen by Blood, but it sounds really interesting. I love when a story is full with action, supernatural creatures and romance… oh yeah, romance is a fundamental part of a book for me 🙂
    And the covers are extremly eye-catching and make me want to read them 😛 So thank you for the great interview and the giveaway!

    mikki-mano@hotmail.com

  • Rain Maiden September 25, 2011 at 10:23 am

    I have Chosen by Blood on my wish list. I'm always on the hunt to find new author's work. Love reading books that have paranormal elements in them and can create a mini vacation for me. Thanks for the giveaway!

    jnmt3@hotmail.com

  • Marie-Claude September 25, 2011 at 10:33 am

    First time I heard about this serie!!!Look different from other paranormal book. I would like to read it!!!

    Glassheart18ca@hotmail.com

  • Amy September 25, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    I love reading about felines because they are so sexy. I would never embrace that strong sexuality in real life but I would in my fantasies. Would love to read Virna's books!

    angeldream3[AT]gmail[DOT]com

  • Janel Mullins September 25, 2011 at 4:19 pm

    great interview and the book sounds great def want to read it!!!
    Janel Mullins
    mbermasjan@yahoo.com

  • Pam S (pams00) September 25, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    This was a great interview. Thanks so much for sharing!

    This sounds like a fantastic series and one I know I will thoroughly enjoy reading. I love all of the paranormals you have meshed together.

    pams00 @ aol.com

  • Aurian September 26, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Thank you for the interview, I enjoyed reading it, and learning more about your books. Your paranormal series sounds especially great, I love most books with magic and witches and such.

    auriansbooks at gmail dot com

  • Virna DePaul September 26, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    janhvi – Thanks for stopping by. Good luck with the giveaway!

    Victoria – Thanks so much!! I appreciate you stopping by!

    Estella – TY! I'm having fun with the character!

    Jen B. — So glad you loved CBB and feel invested with the characters. I won't forget about Mahone. And funny you should ask about kids… LOL 😀

    Barbara E. – I hope you find the books have the perfect amt of action/paranormal elements for you! Thanks for commenting.

    Mickie – I'm not sure about wraiths; I haven't read another book with one but they're definitely fascinating. Thank you for your interest in the books!

    Diane — Thank you for being a CBB fan!! Hope you love CBF just as much! 🙂

    Bethany C. – Free what??? No, seriously, there's such a long delay between writing the book and getting it published, so that helps!

    Tore and Mary G – THanks for stopping by!

    JenM – Thank you! I hope you get a chance to try the series! 🙂

    Sullivan McPig – It's based in the modern world with a twist and does deal with impt world issues, but I think it's got plenty of escapist elements. 😉 Thanks for stopping by.

    Sheree – Thank you! Dex is proving to be a challenge but we'll work it out! 🙂

    Yto – Yes, the not touching thing was a challenge but love will prevail, right? Thanks for your interest.

    Vojalyn – I love my covers! I really hope you'll find the books have a good balance of action, supernatural, and romance.

    Rain Maiden- Good luck with the give away and thanks for stopping by!

    Marie-Claude – I do think it's different and most think it's in a good way. Good luck! 🙂

    Amy – I agree, fantasy/fiction is all about exploring what we'd never do in real life. Glad the feline plot caught your eye!

    Janel Mullins, Pam S and Aurian – Glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for commenting!

  • Megan@Riverina Romantics September 26, 2011 at 4:32 pm

    I can't wait to read some of these books. I never knew about the Harlequin books!

    rootml1 AT hotmail DOT com

  • mbreakfield September 27, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    The world in this book sounds awesome. I love shapeshifters and want to learn more about the felines and the rest of this world. The cover rocks, too!
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

  • DANIELA September 27, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    Hi Virna
    the world you have created sounds very interesting. Paranormal creatures and special Ops? I'd love to win the first book of the series.
    I have a question, is the heroine based on someone you know or how did you create her?
    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Daniela.
    dany7578 at hotmail dot com

  • Virna DePaul September 29, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    Megan – I'm glad you're looking forward to reading my stories! Thank you!

    mbreakfield– I love my cover!! 🙂 Glad the shifters sound intriguing to you!

    Hi Daniela–the heroine came about because I wanted a character who was unique but also intriguing, a mixed-bag of traits and emotions. I just let my imagination go wild. Thanks for stopping by!

  • Chrizette October 1, 2011 at 10:35 am

    This is the part of the interview that spoke to me when Virna gave reasons to read her books:

    "The heroes are sexy and strong enough to give their women the gentleness they deserve."

    Just that sentence convinced me that I HAVE to read this book!!

    baychriz at gmail dot com

  • Anne R October 7, 2011 at 1:18 am

    I really love the types of paranormal characters you brought together for the Para-ops team, it opens the story up to such diverse options. THe more I read about this series, the faster it is moving up on my list. THanks

    Anne
    areeths at new dot rr dot com

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