Carys and Ava Interview Cathryn Cade

FIVE lucky commenters will win one of Cathyrn’s Hawaiian Heroes books.

Join us in welcoming Cathryn Cade to Guilty Pleasures.

Ava and Carys ask questions about the sexy Hawaiian Heroes series.

1. Are Daniel or David based on anyone in real life, and if not who/what inspired their Characters?

Great question, as I know some writers base their heroes on real life. The Ho’omalu brothers just sort of grew (and grew, lol) from my fantasies of the perfect, sexy Hawaiian for a young, single tourist to meet on a vacation on the Big Island. David, the hero of Walking in Fire is a big, mellow, smiling guy, until someone threatens what he holds dear. His older bro Daniel, the hero of Rolling in the Deep, is his opposite in many ways. He’s a moody, broody loner who longs for love, but is convinced he’ll have to settle for occasional sex. Until he meets the feisty Claire, of course. She’s come to Hawaii to be in David and Melia’s wedding, but when she lays her big blue eyes on a Hawaiian warrior straight from legend, she’ll do anything to end up in his arms. I had as much fun writing Claire as I did Daniel–she’s everything I wanted to be when I was in my early twenties, but was too SHY to be. She’s outspoken, feisty and honest about her sexuality. And she’s everything Daniel longs for and is convinced he shouldn’t have.

2. Is Bella going to join the family business and find a Love of her own soon?

Ooooh, I’m so glad you asked! I just finished Bella’s story.

3. Has it been hard writing about the Hawaiian culture without actually being a part of that culture?

Yes, but I had to write these stories. I would have had no peace otherwise. I can only hope that I’ve been respectful of the culture of the islands, and as accurate as possible. Library Journal gave their approval to the cultural details in Walking in Fire, and one of my beta readers is a long-time Hawaiian dweller, although not a native. I love the islands and the people, who truly exemplify the spirit of Aloha, so I’ve done a great deal of research and reading.

4. Did you ever worry that you made Daniel too much of a bad ass when David was so laid back?

Well, no. That was the fun of writing him. I write for me first. I have to, or no one, least of all me, would enjoy my books. I fall in love with every single one of my heroes–each one becomes my absolute favorite while I’m writing his story. And one of my favorite fantasies is the dangerous tough guy who can only be reformed by one special woman. Daniel is definitely bad-ass, but deep inside, he longs for keikis playing around him, and a strong, loving woman at his side.

5. Can we get a sneak peak at the next Hawaiian Heroes book? Who are we going to fall in love with next in this series? And have we met the woman/man who is going to rock the next heroes/heroines world?

Absolutely! Bella Moran is in for some huge, Ho’omalu style surprises when she returns to Hawaii for Melia’s wedding in Rolling in the Deep.

The surprises just keep coming when Bella returns again, on a business trip for her sporting goods company. Hawaiian Heroes III, Blooming in the Wild will debut November 6, 2012. I just got the gorgeous cover back, and can’t wait to show it off early this fall. The hero of the story is Joel Girand, an outdoor adventure specialist with his own TV show. He’s focused, intent on more adventure, more success for his show, more pretty women, and not about to settle down in one place, or with one wahine. Bella, who desires security and a home of her own more than anything, is torn not only by her desire for this rolling stone, but frightened by the strange … oh, darn it. I can’t tell you anymore yet. Stay tuned.

6. What is the one thing you have to have that makes your day a better day?

A new story to write. When I’m not writing, I’m fidgeting, eating waay too much chocolate, and being grouchy. Once a story begins to flow, I settle down and become a nice person again, lol. That, and I must exercise, or I get depressed–it’s the endorphins. An actual physical response, and so necessary for us ‘in-the-chair’ writers.

7. Did you get to visit the islands for research?

I am fortunate enough that I do get to, in fact it was on a visit there three years ago that my husband said, ‘You should write a story here!’ So he gets a lot of the credit for the Hawaiian Heroes. My husband and I visited Maui for our honeymoon, later with our boys, and for the last two years we’ve been to the Kona Coast of the Big Island, just the two of us. We love Kona, and when we’re not snorkeling, wandering the island, or trying out a new restaurant, we’re plotting how we can squeeze out a month there each spring instead of just a couple of weeks. We love the history of the islands as well as the dreamy, romantic ambience, so that’s how the legends worked their way into my stories. You can read Hawaiian legends online, and they are just charming, as is the art work that accompanies them.

8. How’s your writing process work? Methodical and organized, or organic and fluid allowing the story to grow as you write it? Do you already know how you’ll end it when you start your story?

I’m definitely a plotter–it saves me from writing drivel. The first thing I do is dash out a couple of important scenes that spring to my mind, (usually very sexy scenes, lol) then I outline the whole story. Next I write a deep character exploration for the heroine and hero, and the villain. What drives them? What do they desire more than anything, and what’s in their way? What’s going to be the conflict between them? I write the first draft, send it to my editor, then the second draft goes to my trusted beta readers. I do have brainstorms and diverge from the outline, so the story never looks like the synopsis I send my editor–thankfully she’s used to that. The final draft brings everything together. Then the story is published, and I wish desperately I’d included this or that detail. Never fails.

9. How many books are currently contracted for the Hawaiian Heroes series?

My fabulous editor at Samhain and I are playing this pretty loosely. She told me to see where the series takes me, and that’s what I’m doing. I can tell you there will be a Book 4, as I had a brainstorm for bringing together an unlikely couple. Their story will be hot and fun, as well as heart-wrenching in places.

I think there will be a couple of Free Reads starring secondary characters, as well, because readers tell me they love the Free Reads on my website, and I haven’t done any for Hawaii.

Beyond that, who knows? I’m happy to say I’m now writing full-time, so hope to bring many more red hot romances to life.

Thanks, Ava and Carys for these great questions. If readers want to know more, they can contact me here or through my website, Facebook page or Twitter.

And here’s a question for you, readers! If you could meet a Hawaiian Hero of your own, what special powers would you want them to have and why? Fun or serious, your choice.

Leave your answer here, and we’ll do a random drawing to give away 5 FREE copies of Walking in Fire or Rolling in the Deep – winners’ choice. Winners will be selected 8/7.

Aloha,
Cathryn

 

ROLLING IN THE DEEP (Hawaiian Heroes #2)
Desire as deep and dark as the sea…danger as close as a heartbeat.

Daniel Ho’omalu’s intimidating physique, tribal tattoos and mane of black braids frighten most women before they get close enough to discover he likes to play rough. Pile on his perilous vocation as one of a secret society of island guardians, and he’s painfully aware he may never find a mate.

One look at Daniel, and Claire Hunter knows she’s found the man of her sensual dreams. Without hesitation she sinks her teeth into the challenge of landing the big Hawaiian in her bed. But while he clearly wants her, he won’t bite back.

Daniel is certain the beautiful haole is too young and innocent to handle his dark sexual needs. Despite their determination to ignore each other, the island casts its spell, and in one explosive night, Daniel learns that Claire is more than a match for him in every way.

When Daniel must leave her side and dive to the depths of the sea to foil a gang of drug smugglers, Claire trusts that their powerful bond will bring her lover back safely to her arms. But his vow of honor to protect his people could be the one thing that breaks her heart.

Warning: Big, hot, tattooed Hawaiian hero who likes it rough-in bed and on the beach. Going deep takes on a whole new meaning in this tropical heat wave.

Carys’ ROLLING IN THE DEEP Review

 http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com/2012/07/review-rolling-in-the-deep-hawaiian-heroes-2-by-cathryn-cade.html

WALKING IN FIRE(Hawaiian Heroes #1)

Born to defend his people, he will sacrifice everything—for her.

Nawea Bay, a remote Hawaiian paradise, is just the haven Melia Carson needs to escape the chill of heartache. Instead, she finds herself swept up in a tropical heat wave, fueled by her unexpected attraction to a handsome native she meets on a snorkel tour.

He’s big, powerful, hot enough to melt her defenses—and he’s not all he seems. How else could he survive an injury that should have killed him…and why does she dream of him garbed in ancient native dress and wreathed in flames?

David “Malu” Ho’omalu is on the Big Island to find and destroy a cache of dangerous designer drugs before they can be sold to his people. Fending off amorous female tourists is part of the job, but one look in Melia’s blue eyes, and his instincts scream that she is his.

As Melia surrenders to the desire burning between them, she discovers more than a fiery heritage that defies modern logic. She discovers a man who would descend into the molten heart of the volcano to protect his island. And her…if she can find the strength to trust her heart to him.

Product Warnings
Hot, hot Hawaiian hero with volcanic passion on his mind. Better pack a heat-proof bikini for this island paradise.