Monday, December 1, 2014

Landra Graf kicks off the 12 Days of Christmas

Cate: Yay, Landra Graf is here to spread some holiday cheer! Landra, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Landra: Thanks for hosting this awesome event, and what an honor to be on the launch pad. A little about me, I write sexy contemporary and historical erotic romance. I've had a couple releases in 2014, including my first book ever. So this whole year is has been like one big Christmas present.

Cate: Thanks for helping to get us in the spirit! What do you love most about Christmas?
Landra: It's hard to pick one thing, but if I have to... the emotions the holiday evokes. I'm very family and friend oriented, I love the sights, the sounds, and the good feelings from spending time with my family to baking cookies. I love curling up on the couch in front of the tree and cold weather blustering about outside.

Cate: Sounds perfect. Do you have a favorite memory of a Christmas past?
Landra: As a child Santa always brought me a Holiday Barbie for Christmas. One year it looked like Santa wasn't going to get it to me, there was a shortage of Holiday Barbie's. Yet miracle of miracles on Christmas morning the Barbie was there. When I got older I found out my grandmother located my prize two states away, this was before the time of Amazon and Ebay, and had my godfather drive one state over to get it from her and bring it to me in time for Christmas morning.

Cate: How sweet is that? If Santa could grant one wish, what would you ask for?
Landra: This is a hard one for me, but I'd wish for the money to buy my house and get it fixed up. To have the security of your house being completely paid for is something special, though I'm happy to have a roof over my head.

Cate: I hope Santa grants you your wish. What was the best gift you’ve ever received? What made it so special?
Landra: A ring and a question were the best gifts I ever received. Two Christmas's ago my husband proposed on Christmas day. It was a surprise and one of the best ones ever. Definitely a long time coming since it took him nearly thirteen years.

Cate: Any favorite Christmas recipes you’d care to share?
Landra: Ooh, Christmas recipes. My favorite thing to make is Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies. This is a classic recipe you can find on the Nestle Tollhouse website. My father made them with me as a child and I make them with my children. My daughter has already asked me if we're baking cookies for Christmas. I have some new recipes for butter cookies and sugar cookies I plan on trying.
Another favorite Christmas recipe for me is banana bread. My secret is to get it out of the pan five minutes after pulling the loaf out of the oven and seal it in a gallon size plastic storage bag so the top will get soft.

Cate: Mm, yummy. Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online.
Landra: My latest release, With This Kilt I Thee Bed, is a collection of short stories, each one about a hot highlander finding love in the most unlikely places. I've also featured a heroine in each story who has fallen from grace. No simpering misses in my book. Readers can purchase ebook versions at Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Allromanceebooks ~ Kobo

Cate: Love that title, lol Care to share a blurb or excerpt?
Landra: They’re not your traditional highlanders.

Rafe Gordon, Laird of Nairn, is searching for release from the nightmare of his wife’s passing. When Elsie, his daughter’s new governess, brings with her the temptation of passion and a less-than-perfect-past, Rafe must decide if love truly can conquer all.

Innes Gordon is looking for a good time. When that good time turns out to be the childhood-friend-turned-kept-woman Catriona, he finds himself torn between claiming her ‘til death do us part’ or simply sharing her with his twin.

Hamish Gordon is seeking a woman all his own. While his family’s home is invaded with nuptial ceremonies, Hamish is sent to patrol his older brother’s hunting grounds in search of a thief. Discovering his prey yields the biggest surprise — and Athdara needs his help as much as he needs hers.

Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Landra: A challenge to myself and originally a short story submission call for hot highlanders, which quickly escalated into some else.

Cate: Anything else you’d like to share?
Landra: My first erotic historical romance has been doing so well I'm planning another one. More highlanders, more challenging secondary characters and even some highwayman thrown in for good measure. The book should be out Summer of 2015.

Cate: Woot! Landra's playing Santa today! Comment for a chance to win a copy of With This Kilt I Thee Bed.
Landra: I'd say it's the perfect way to keep warm in the winter time or simply a quick read that will have you feeling jolly.

Cate: Thanks so much for launching the 12 Days of Christmas! Hope you have a jolly holly holiday!