Author Monica Corwin
Here’s a little about the book:
Heart and Souls follows church detective Constance Grace as she hunts a con man stealing women’s souls.
In the late 21st century, scientists created a serum that gave every person nine lives, also known as souls. Flush with expendable life, Earth collapsed into war and anarchy, leaving the Catholic Church to step in and take control. In a world where the stealing of souls is big business, it takes people like Constance Grace, detective in the Soul Theft Division, to hunt the criminals down and strip them of their remaining souls.
When social-climbing con man, Noah Hannock, plunks himself on the church’s radar, he becomes Constance’s problem. With a brand new partner, Mikon Cross and seven of her nine given souls remaining, Connie has to enter high society under a too-familiar alias to tempt Noah into her web.
While the chemistry between Connie and Mikon is scorching hot, the reality is they don’t trust each other. Each with their own secrets to protect, the hunt for Noah Hannock threatens them both. The only way they can survive is if they learn to lay themselves—heart and souls—on the line for each other.
Excerpt:
He watched as she pulled her unruly mane up into a messy bun on top of her head. Every time he saw her do it, he couldn’t help but think it was a move specifically designed by women to turn men on. The pale skin of her delicate neck was now on full display, as were her toned shoulders and biceps. Usually he liked his women soft, and while Connie did have softness here and there, mostly she was made up of backbone, hard-toned muscles, and coffee.
“Stop being a creeper,” she said, breaking the spell.
He looked up. She was giving him a pointed look with an eyebrow arched. Somehow he had forgotten himself and sat staring at her. Will this night never end?
“Sorry, I was zoning out,” he said.
“Yeah, on my tits.”
“Really, I wasn’t staring at them. I was just thinking.”
“Uh-huh.”
There was no talking to her. He climbed up and went to his own bed. She was right, but he wasn’t going to admit it. He’d have to hear about it for the next year otherwise. “How are you feeling?” he asked after a few moments of silence.
“Still a little messed up from the drug, but, not terrible,” she said.
“That’s good.” He could tell she wasn’t saying it all though. She sat on top of her comforter, shoulders slumped, as she rocked ever so slightly back and forth. There was no way he could let her stay like that all night. If she was to be tortured then he could at least bear some of the burden.
He got up and walked over to her, moved behind her on the bed, and circled his arms around her upper body. She didn’t move, didn’t even breath, for a few seconds. It was a huge relief when she sagged into him, allowing him to hug her more comfortably.
The intensity with which his heart leapt and battered against his ribcage was astounding. If heaven and hell could merge it would live in such a moment. Her scent engulfed him, consumed him, and made him think of all the things he knew he shouldn’t. It was a shock when he realized she was guarding her thoughts to him. Not effectively, but she was making an attempt to ease his discomfort.
“Here,” he said, shifting his legs open so she could lean back into him and stretch out as well.
Such an unlikely pair they made. Only having met a month ago and now here they were in a gilded hotel room, holding each other gently. He would never have imagined a moment like this between them when they first met. Father Reynolds wouldn’t have either.
Constance turned to face him, and he watched helplessly as she slipped her tongue out and wet her lips.
“I’m going to kiss you, Mikon, unless you stop me,” she whispered, only inches away from his mouth.
Buy Link
Author Interview:
please tell us a little bit about your current projects?
I’m kind of in a mix of things. Marketing for this release: Heart and Souls. Then I am writing a first draft of the second book in this series while working on edits for another book called On a Red Horse. So lot’s of paranormal goodness coming down the pipe.
When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?
The first time someone accepted a piece I submitted. Before it was sort of a hobby and something silly and fun to pass the time. After that I dove head in and started to really apply myself in becoming a better writer and getting more work out there.
Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?
If you want to be a writer, write.
Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you?
There is no such thing. My ‘perfect’ hero is an imperfect hero. I want him to have battle scars and unshaved face. I want him to have attitude and sarcasm issues and just all together be maybe a little curmudgeounous. I love to write challenging heroines and that’s the sort of man they often fall for.
What are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or collections?
I do actually…typewriters. I have a large collection (almost 20 now) and I often clean and fix them as they come through my home. It’s a technical hobby that lets me get out of my head.
What has been your biggest adventure to date?
My solo trip to London. I went there to just jump into an adventure and it was so fun. I loved every second I got to spend across the pond.
If your fairy godmother waved her wand and whisked you away to the location of your choice, which place would you choose, and why?
I would want to go to maybe early Autumn Paris. I love Europe and I have yet to see Paris but I am dying to. I’d love to spend a season there writing away, eating pastry, and drinking wine.
When it comes to food, are you the adventurous type who will try anything once, or do you prefer to stick to tried and true foods and recipes?
I will try anything outside of the meat realm. If it’s a vegetable of some sort, load me up and I’ll give it a go. I barely eat beef and chicken so I am not adventurous in that aspect.
What is the one modern convenience that you cannot do without?
My phone. I moved recently and realized I can not live without phone service. It’s terrible.
What is this romance writer’s idea of the “ideal romantic evening”?
An ideal romantic evening…hmm…I think wine, cuddled on the couch watching the snow fall while he reads to me something fun like The Count of Monte Cristo. I love a man who loves books and that sounds like the perfect romantic evening.
How do you describe yourself? How would your family and friends describe you?
Myself: Insane. My mind often requires explaining to people. My family and friends: Reserved. Because I often have to explain things I don’t say much because it takes a lot of work.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Tomato soup and grilled cheese.
What is your favorite season? What do you love about it?
Autumn. I love the colors, the leaves, the crisp air, the wood-smoke smell. I love everything about Fall.
What project are you working on next?
After I clear the two things I’m working on now I think I’m going to write something fun and faustian.
Any place we can find you in person or on the net this month or next?
All over the net. Check out my events page to see where I’ll be popping by. http://www.monicacorwin.com/p/events.html
About the Author:
Monica Corwin is an outspoken writer who believes romance is for everyone no matter their preferences. Displaced in Central Pennsylvania, Monica Corwin attempts to spend her days writing away in her home by the river. In reality she chases around a tod- dler and writes when she can. In her free time she drinks entirely too much coffee and collects tomes on King Arthur. Monica Corwin has over thirteen published works from publishers such as Crimson Romance and Cleis Press. You can find her on the web at www.monicacorwin.com. She is also on Twitter @Monica_Corwin and Facebook.
