Welcome Guest Blogger Carrie Weaver, and Special Guest, Royce McIntyre!
When fellow Superromance author Kay Stockham and I were talking recently, we realized the heroes in our new releases spent time in the same German hospital. What a coincidence, huh? And both sustained serious injuries. Since Kay is blogging here on Cigar tomorrow, we thought we’d bring the guys together to ask each other a few questions. The first installment is today, the second is on Friday.
For those intrepid souls who venture a comment on the blog today, I’ll be raffling an autographed copy of A Chance Worth Taking to one lucky winner. I understand you must be registered at Cigars to be eligible to win. FYI, A Chance Worth Taking is the Harlequin NASCAR(tm)Series prequel to Temporary Nanny. Kay will be drawing a name from those who post a comment on Friday – the winner will receive a terrific early holiday present, an autographed copy of A Christmas To Remember.
So, without further ado, I’ll introduce Royce McIntyrefrom Temporary Nanny and Beau Buchanan
from A Christmas To Remember
Royce 
and 
Beau (aka Jack) are in a bar, preparing to play a game of darts, since most guys have a hard time sitting and talking about touchy-feely stuff with absolute strangers...
“Hey, Beau. Glad I'm not the only one roped into doing this thing. Carrie's persistent, you get me?"
"Kay, too. Let's just get it over with so we can get off the hot seat."
Royce, aware of the many readers following their every move and word, smirked. "Okay, so, I hear we spent time in the same hospital in Germany. How the hell did you end up there?”
"Suicide bomber. And for the record, the name's Jack, not Beau."
"But I thought Carrie said--"
"Yeah, so did I. But it's not. Kay had a little twist up her sleeve when she wrote the story and it turns out, my name's Jack. Jack Brody."
“Okaay. I'm guessing you weren't ready for that one, am I right?"
Jack glared at him.
"And I guess we both have explosive personalities.” Royce chuckled at his own bad joke. “See I wound up in that German hospital thanks to an explosion in Russia. I am, I mean, I was a welder by trade. Damn good one as a matter of fact. But there was a propane leak, I smelled gas and couldn’t clear out fast enough. Gas...welding sparks...need I say more? I thought for sure my ex-wife had accurately predicted my death, ya know? But it just turned out to be death of life as I knew it. Had to give up the expat lifestyle. And there isn’t much demand for a one-handed welder.”
He picked up a dart and rolled it between his thumb and forefinger. Sighting up the bullseye, he tossed the dart, but it fell just shy of the middle. “I have this new temporary gig though – as nanny to a ten year-old kid. I never saw that one coming, either. Do the authors have a clue what they do to us?” He turned to Jack. “You look like you healed up okay, though. How’d you luck out and keep all your fingers and toes?”
Jack sighed wearily as he gathered up the darts and found his spot to begin his turn. "I wasn't the one closest to the bomb. My buddy, Beau, was. We looked a lot alike. Twins, almost, even though we weren't."
"Wouldn't the dog tags have taken care of the problem?"
"Not in this case. Long story short, when I woke up and didn't remember anything, they sent me home with Beau's father. My real family thinks I'm dead, and I should probably leave it that way, but... can't put my old man through more than he's already been through. What about you?" Jack smiled for the readers and lifted his hand in a short wave. "Let's spit this out and get out of here," he murmured under his breath just loud enough for Royce to hear. "They're eyein' the two of us like fresh water in the desert."
He turned back to the dart board. "What's it been like since you've been back in the States? I hear your ex-wife’s dating some NASCAR guy. Scoring tickets to the Cup races would be nice, but how does a guy handle the ex making it with a bigshot?”
Royce winced. Not because he was sensitive about the question, but because Jack’s dart hit the bullseye. He was damn good. Jack rose in his estimation even more a few minutes later as he gathered up his darts without gloating over his skill.
Taking his place, Royce readied to throw. But the dart slipped from his hand and rolled on the floor. He gave Jack a quick glance to see if he’d noticed.
Jack pretended he hadn’t.
“To be honest, I’m kind of relieved Tess is seeing someone. We’ve been divorced since my son, Michael, was a little kid. While I was in and out of the country, Tess worked her butt off to raise a good kid. She deserves to be happy. And it kind of eases my mind. It’s just a little complicated since the guy owns the team where my son is a NASCAR driver. So how about you? Now that you remember, what's next? You ever get married? Got any kids?”
To Be Continued on Friday....
Welcome Carrie, Royce, and Jack!
What a treat, but no, no, no, fellas, no slipping away... you're ours for the day -- two days in fact, so you might as well get a beer and settle in. Even if it is 9am. ;)
I'm sure readers here have tons of questions...
Royce, I was very touched by Temporary Nanny, having been a single mom myself. I admire that you faced up to your issues and became the hero we all love reading about -- but how about things with you son, Michael -- do we find out more about that in another book?
Sam
Royce is Back
Hey, Sam, thanks for the welcome. I thought for a long time I'd lost Michael for good. I just didn't clue in to what was important until it was almost too late. Ya know what I mean? When I woke up in a German hospital, not recognizing Michael almost killed me. How could the kid have grown into a man when I wasn't looking?! He had a crap load of resentments against me -- all understandable. Didn't make it any easier for me to swallow, though, but I tried to be patient. Michael's now dating a great gal who has a son and I hope someday Carrie will see her way clear to give him his own happily-ever-after. She has this weird idea she needs a publishing contract to do that. Writers are a strange breed, ya know?
Royce
Hi all
Hi, everyone! Royce, you're only taking potshots at me because your book is complete. You guys have no idea the trials and tribulations authors go through in order to bring your hunky selves to life.
I just thought I'd clarify that Michael McIntyre's story is partially told in A Chance Worth Taking. It's a difficult time in Michael's life as he makes that tough journey from boy to man, all while facing the challenges of becoming a top NASCAR driver. ACWT is actually the prequel to Temporary Nanny. There was one of those scheduling snafus that Royce wouldn't understand and TN was released a few weeks before ACWT. Sooo...I'd recommend reading ACWT first.
Carrie
Touching base here
Sam, Carrie, Kay and all the heroes of course...what a great idea you all have had. I just got my copy of Temporary Nanny signed by Carrie on Tuesday. Now I have to carve out time to sit and read. Can't wait to see how Kay's hero ended up in the same hospital. And Carrie, I love that you did Michael's story already. That way we can get the whole family picture without having to wait.
Keep those heroes stepping up to the plate to do what's right by their kids, ladies.
Well, I'm off to contemplate what the first of November means in my busy monthly planner.
Roz
Hi, Roz
Thanks for stopping by, Roz! And I'm with you -- nothing more attractive than a man who steps up to the plate where his children are concerned. Of course, Royce took a little longer to do that than some....
Carrie
Royce Defends Himself
Hey, I can't just let Carrie's last comment slide. I always took care of Michael financially. Never forgot a birthday or Christmas. Made sure to spend time with him when I was in the good old U.S. of A. I just wasn't there for the day to day stuff that I now realize is so important. So I give single moms like my ex-wife, Tess, and my new boss, Katy Garner, a lot of credit.
Royce
Hello, boys!
*sigh* We can't take those two anywhere. Like it's a trial to be admired by hoards of women, eh?
Hi Carrie, Sam and everyone else! Yes, please ask questions. Loads of questions. The more we keep the boys occupied with questions about their significant others, the more likely they are to have some sense talked into them. Fire away!
Kay--still on Jack's back ;)
Kay Stockham
Montana Skies, Harlequin Superromance, Jan '07
His Perfect Woman, Harlequin Superromance, June 2007
Untitled (Jack Brody's Story), Harlequin Superromance, November 2007
Coming 2008 ~ The Tulanes of Tennessee!
Want to win fabulous prizes
Hee
Must be fun being on Jack's back... heh. ;)
Sam
Jack's Back
You could say that! :)
Kay Stockham
Montana Skies, Harlequin Superromance, Jan '07
His Perfect Woman, Harlequin Superromance, June 2007
Untitled (Jack Brody's Story), Harlequin Superromance, November 2007
Coming 2008 ~ The Tulanes of Tennessee!
Want to win fabulous prizes
I love it!
What a fun blog!!! DH keeps wondering why I'm giggling. :-) I'll try to think of a good question.
Bring On The Questions
Thanks for stopping in, Cathy W! I'm glad you're enjoying Royce and Jack being put through their paces. Feel free to let those questions fly -- keeps the guys on their toes! ;-)
Carrie
Waahhhh...
Just to let everyone know, my powerbrick is dying -- so this computer will be dead in an hour or so... I'm going to use that time to get my proposal in today...
There's another laptop here I can try later that could be networked (I think it's on the wireless...) and so maybe I'll be back, but if not... that's why I'll be pretty gone for a bit, at least until tonight or tomorrow...)
See you, hopefully sooner than later...
Sam
Hi!
Interesting discussion.
Hi, Minna!
Hi, Minna! Welcome to the discussion!
Carrie
Hi Minna!
Hello again!
I had to step out for a hair appointment and just made it back. Jack, stop snickering. You spend more time there than I do. He soooo likes his military cut. Get's the ladies' attention, you know?
Thanks for stopping by and keep those questions coming!
Royce, I'm going to be blunt and I hope you don't mind. You know how much I LOVE flawed heroes. You've had to learn how to do a lot of things one-handed. What kind of research did Carrie do to get your character right? (And stop giving her such a hard time, she gave you a happy ending!)
Kay
Kay Stockham
Montana Skies, Harlequin Superromance, Jan '07
His Perfect Woman, Harlequin Superromance, June 2007
Untitled (Jack Brody's Story), Harlequin Superromance, November 2007
Coming 2008 ~ The Tulanes of Tennessee!
Want to win fabulous prizes
Wow! This is great!!
It's seldom we have two hunks--I mean guys--stop by to blog with us!
This is a question for the two of you. Complete this thought: When I woke up in hospital I thought, Damn! I never did... What? What was the one thing you thought you'd left uncompleted?
And have you completed it yet?
Both of you having come so close to death, what is the "little" thing you no longer take for granted?
Royce, now that you appreciate all the day to day things that are involved in raising a child, if you were to have another, would you want to be more involved in the daily raising?
Jack, I'm sorry I won't be around tomorrow to hear more about your tale.
In my own getting to know my child better, my son who left home at 19 has returned at 23. He's been with us a week but he flies out at the buttcrack o'dawn on Sat so I'm spending tomorrow with him.
So, again, welcome guys! Hey, you might want to convince some of your other guy friends to stop by on occasion!
Cheers,
ani
Ani
Hey Ani,
Actually, I can't answer that question. When I woke up in the hospital, I didn't remember anything. Not even my own name. I found a picture on the bed that had my name and the man sleeping nearby in it and got four like everyone else. It wasn't until I kept screwing up and not doing the things that Beau did that P--er, Barry figured things out. Even then he didn't tell me though. Figured it would be too much.
As to now, what I'd like to do? Get Marley to forgive me. That's number one. And I have to contact my father and tell him I'm alive. It's not easy coming back from the dead, especially when you're not wanted.
Jack
Royce Gets Touchy-Feely
Hey, Ani, great to "see" ya here. I have soft spot in my heart for mothers who give their all for their sons.
When I woke up in that hospital, my first thoughts was, 'Who is that man standing there with tears in his eyes? He looks a lot like...Michael.' But the Michael I remember was ten years old and wanting to ride every ride twice at Disneyland. Sure, I'd seen him since, but somehow he stayed ten to me.
I had a lot of pretty dark thoughts after that, mostly about losing my left hand -- thank God I'm right-handed. Wondering how I was gonna make a living since I'd been a welder all my life. Wondering if I was still me and what that meant. Pretty heavy stuff for a man of action. And later, I wondered if my injury would be a turn-off to women. I'd never had any problem in that regard before, but everything had changed. Fortunately, I've met a great woman and she seems to like me just the way I am. She has a great kid, too, and as his stand-in nanny we spend a lot of time doing the things I missed with Michael. Makes me feel bad sometimes and I know Michael resented the hell out of it at first.
Okay, touchy-feely time out! I'm gonna turn it over to Carrie for a minute....
Royce
Carrie's note: The Internet is a wonderful resource and that's where I researched Royce's injury and recovery.
One handed
Hey Royce:
Thanks for answering my questions.
My first boyfriend (when I was still in HS) had lost his left hand due to an accident. It never bothered me in the least.
Usually I'd hold his right hand (his left was missing) but I'd been known to hold his "hook" too.
He was not summed up by a missing hand and I'm sure you're not either.
Now his throwing me over for some brunette hussy...well, some things are still unforgiveable!!
ani
Hmmm... wondering where all of our Cigars folks are today???
Come out whereever you are!
I think a lot of folks are west coast and non-US, so I hope they don't miss out on this fun opportunity...
I thought Royce was such an original hero (yes, I'm fawning a little, because he's so sexy...), but seriously, I love an older man who's had a chance to grow and learn and make mistakes, and it was such an intense reading experience, because I have no love lost for absentee fathers, so it took a lot for me to see your POV, Royce, but you won me over. We all screw up, and we all deserve the chance to make it right. Carrie did a great job helping you through those tough times, and the love scenes were, well... yummy. ;)
Supers have such original, unique heroes -- it's why I love the line, among other things...
Sam
I am here... from Canada...
I am here... from Canada... thanx for blogging and holding a contest!!
I read both books but must
I read both books but must admit I liked TEMPORARY NANNY better by a tiny bit. I think it is absolutely amazing what a person can learn to do when faced with the loss of a limb.
Guys quit giving Kay and Carrie such a hard time. Where would you be if not for them? Someplace off in the place that doesn't exist.
Ellen
Ellen, not the way to a guy's heart! Just kiddin', sweetheart. Royce is a nice guy so it's okay to like him more. ;) But how about you come over here so we can talk a bit by ourselves? No, Royce, not you. You go over there and flirt with those ladies, me an' Ellen need a moment.
Jack
Jack I am old enough to be
Jack I am old enough to be your mother so watch what you say. Ok now what was it you wanted?
On the side directed at whatever fiend makes up the captcha -- I hate you!!!!
Just tryin' to see if I
Just tryin' to see if I could change your mind, sweetheart. You're a fiesty one, aren't you? ;)
Jack
Jack I grew up with two
Jack I grew up with two brothers - one older, one younger. I had to learn to take care of myself around them. I also taught teenagers for 35 yrears.
Flirt
Not a problem, Jack, I'd be happy to flirt with the ladies. You won at darts but I win with the ladies. Who's the chump? ;-)
Sam, I'm glad I won you over. There are a lot of things in my life I'm not proud of, but I'm on my way to doing a lot better.
Ellen, of course you liked TN better! My ex, Tess, ended up with an okay guy in ACWT. But I'm definitely better looking.
But I'm a horrible typist, so ladies, please forgive my typos and grammar errors.
Royce
Royce Has An Appointment
I'm going to have to borrow Royce for several hours -- I have an appointment and unfortunately he has to go along. We'll both be back to check in this evening, though. 8-)
Maybe you can torture, er, ask Jack a few questions while we're gone....
Carrie
Just saying hey
This is Luke from Texas Bluff (Feb - Book #5 Texas Hold 'Em Series)and I just stopped in to say hey to Royce and Jack. My friends and I were in the hot seat last month and let me tell you it was tough. So hang in there and try not to squirm. These ladies can ask some pointed questions like who's the best lover. That'll make you gulp your beer.
Do you guys want to take a stab at that one? And try not to brag.
See ya between the pages and believe me I like it better there.
Now come on Luke you and the
Now come on Luke you and the rest of the guys held up your side just fine and all of you survived the hard questions and you know you really enjoyed it. Jake's book came yesterday and as soon as I finish the book I'm reading I'm going to read his.
Hey guys!
Jake here, from the Wild Bunch, Texas Hold 'em series. Dang, am I glad you guys have taken up the gauntlet. Royce, Jack/Beau -- you have my sympathy. The ladies on these boards aske all kinda questions and make references to things I'm not sure I want to hear...like how Luke looks in his jeans.
So, have at it guys and if you need some help, well...I'm sure the rest of the Wild Bunch will be glad to shake it up with you.
In case they're too shy to come out again, my author wants to throw out a question.
Yeah, for a guy who doesn't like to talk much, Jake, you kinda do. Anywho, Linda here, and since the ladies were all inclined to know more about the poker playing guys last month, I bet they want to know more about Royce and Jack--the important stuff. Like which of you is the tallest? The better looking? The most sensitive? Has the most money? Okay...I'm shallow, what can I say. But I can only look at you, so it's harmless. Right?
Happy trails, buddies.
Linda
Linda Style
GOING FOR BROKE, 12/07
www.LindaStyle.com
This is a really fun blog,
This is a really fun blog, Carrie!
Wow
Hi, Royce and Jack (and Carrie and Kay!)--
What a neat blog today! I'm enjoying some of the other NASCAR titles and am looking forward to reading this and Temporary Nanny, and A Christmas to Remember also sounds terrific--always fun to meet the heroes :)
Sorry--have to run off; must enjoy driving the kids around to things before they suddenly become old enough to drive themselves!
Fedora
Hi Fedora!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Yes, I know exactly what you mean. Mom's taxi fits very well, eh? ;)
Great to see you all today! I'm on my way out as well. I just heard ACTR is on our local Wal-Mart's shelves. Great excuse to go out to eat and have some fun with the fam. :)
Have a great night and I'll see you tomorrow when the interview continues!
Kay Stockham
Montana Skies, Harlequin Superromance, Jan '07
His Perfect Woman, Harlequin Superromance, June 2007
Untitled (Jack Brody's Story), Harlequin Superromance, November 2007
Coming 2008 ~ The Tulanes of Tennessee!
Great novels :)
I just bought the Temporary Nanny... Can't wait to read it!
I will check back tomorrow too :)
Oh, fun...
Good to see Luke and Jake here... and the Lindas, of course, ;)
Luke and Jake held up to our questioning well -- I think our bloggers have been rather easy on Jack and Royce compared to what you guys went through... I hope we'll come up with tougher questions tomorrow! How often do we have heroes to tortu--uh, I mean, talk to?
Sam :)
Just wanted to say how much
Just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed all the posts today. All the books sound good.
Royce Escaped!
Hey, ladies, I've finally escaped Carrie and her boring appointments! I'm glad to see some new names. Welcome, Nathalie, Estella, Fedora, Lily and Catslady! I always appreciate being surrounded by a group of gorgeous women.
And Luke and Jake, great to see you guys too. I've always figured Carrie's smart mouth was gonna get me into trouble one day. Guess turnabout is fair play and I'll answer some of those pesky questions.
First off, I'm the best lover, hands...I mean hand down. My physical therapist, Gus, agrees with Ani. He says I still have all the appendages that count to a woman. LOL. According to Katy Garner, the brain and the heart are the most important sex organs and I have both in spades. You Texas Hold 'Em guys like the card reference? ;-)
Seriously though, I'm a more sensitive, caring guy than before the explosion. I appreciate the little stuff more. I'm a nanny now for goshsakes -- it doesn't get much more sensitive than that! So to answer Linda's question, I beat Jack in the sensitivity department, too. Hell, the only thing Jack beats me at is darts and he cheats. Only kidding, Jack buddy. He's actually one helluva guy! Carrie can't wait to get her hands on his...book.
Kay, darlin', I'm sure your hair looks marvelous. See how sensitive I am to notice your new 'do?! Wow, where did that Texas twang come from? Must be Jake and Luke's influence. ;-)
Oh, and Carrie wanted me to remind you all about the raffle. She's pulling the name of one lucky person who posts a comment here, Thursday only. You have to be registered on Cigars to win. Carrie'll announce the winner when she stops in to heckle Jack on Friday.
Ani, your boyfriend was a fool to let a woman like you get away. And Fedora, intelligent women love romance and racing! Just don't set the minivan sideways in the turns, whatever you do. The school crossing guards take a dim view of that. I can tell you from experience.
Carrie's tapping her foot, telling me I've gotten way too accustomed to all this female attention. Have a good evening, ladies!
Royce
Royce you are a great
Royce you are a great guy answering those pesky questions for all the ladies. But you were already a great guy for taking on the job of nanny
Ellen
Right back atcha, Ellen. I may give you authors a hard time, but I have the deepest respect.
Carrie says I have to say nightie-nite. I'm not authorpecked. Really. I just like to give her the illusion of control every once in a while. ;-)
Royce
I thought it was "kid wrangler"?
I like that -- when you think about it, nanny is such a wussy word, even for women -- taking care of kids is tough work!
LOL
Sam
Kid Wrangler
You got that right, Sam! And to answer a few more of those earlier questions, I'm probably not the richest guy or even the tallest. But I can make a kick ass batch of Rice Krispies Treats. ;-)
Carrie says she'll post drawing results soon...the woman needs caffeine first. You don't want to know what she's like before caffeine.
Royce
A softer side!
I loved seeing Royce's softer side in TN! Now I need to find ACWT to see a little bit of Michael's story...hopefully Carrie will be able to give us his HEA!!
I looked for Jack's ACTR but the line comes out a little later in the month here for some reason. The local bookstore just got the October books out...But it'll be fun getting a sneak peek tomorrow!
Hey Luke and Jake...hope you guys are behaving yourself.
Chelle
Mr. Chelle
Hey, Chelle, Carrie tells me you have your own real-life cowboy hero. Thanks for taking a few moments away from that great guy to stop in.
Royce
And The Winner Is....
And the winner of an autographed copy of A Chance Worth Taking is...Ani! Ani, if you'll send your snail mail information to me at carrieauthor@aol.com, I'll get that right out. Congratulations, Ani!
Carrie
Yay!
Congrats, Ani! Enjoy!
YAY
YAHOOOO for Ani!!
Oh thank you, thank you!!
I was gone all day Friday and Sat with my son. What a treat to come back to!!
ACWT In The Mail
Ani, I sent out A Chance Worth Taking to you yesterday. Enjoy!
Carrie