Book One of The Druid Chronicles Series Release Date - 1st August 2016 Book Length - 388 pages Available on - iBooks | Amazon | B&N | Kobo BLURB He was a master of seduction – but no match for the magical allure of the woman he wanted most Carys knew from the moment she first spied on Maximus in his naked barbarian glory that he was a dangerous Roman centurion – his taut, battle-scarred flesh marking him as a fearless warrior. But her desire for him was as undeniable as it was illicit. Charged by his emperor to eliminate a clan of powerful Druids in Britain, Maximus never expects his mission to be thwarted by the clan’s ethereal princess, Carys, his daring voyeur. Falling under her spell, he doesn’t realize her true heritage – until he captures her heart as well as her body. As Carys’ loyalties are twisted, and freedom is no longer her single-minded obsession, an avenging former lover threatens to crush Maximus’ people into oblivion. Now Carys and Maximus must overcome the devastation of war and face the ultimate sacrifice if their forbidden love is to survive. Previously published by Berkley Heat, Penguin US in 2010 Q&A with Christina Phillips I was lucky enough to interview the very talented Christina Phillips about the upcoming release of Forbidden, and about writing in general. Here is the interview below: Q1 - Forbidden is the first book in The Druid Chronicles Series, can you tell me a little about the Druid Series as a whole? The books are set in Britain during the first century AD, when the Romans invaded and were charged with eliminating Druids from the face of the Empire. These fearless warriors, used to tough campaigns, harsh conditions and primitive provinces, are brought to their knees by their intriguing heroines. Unfortunately for them, their heroines also happen to be powerful Druids who live in an equilateral society, worship the goddess culture and magic is an integral element of their lives. As the Romans advance with their superior technology, their own gods and patriarchal views, my heroines have to struggle against all the odds to preserve their way of life so their beliefs don’t vanish into the mists of time, lost forever to future generations. The ancient goddesses have no intention of fading quietly into the background, and will do anything to ensure their names linger on in the minds of their children. Caught between two worlds the heroes and heroines of The Druid Chronicles have to make seemingly impossible choices in the face of vindictive gods and opposing cultures if their forbidden love is to survive. Q2 - Set during the Roman Empire how did you go about researching that period in history? I grew up in England, surrounded by echoes of the Roman occupation, but never appreciated the rich history until I moved to Australia. As a child I learned about the Romans at school, so in a way they’ve always been a part of my life. I actually found one of the best resources for research are children’s books. They’re very straightforward and easy to understand, which is always a good thing! I also used the internet extensively and cross referenced everything I could. If I discovered contradictory information, then I’d go with whichever best suited my story. So, that was the Romans. It was a different matter when it came to the Druids. There’s virtually nothing on record about them, and the only contemporary sources are from the Romans who were obviously biased. But although they give accounts of the Druids bloodthirsty nature, they also mentioned their vast knowledge. With this in mind, my heroines took immediate advantage and wasted no time in introducing me to their mystical world which, not surprisingly, was very different to the prejudiced reports of Rome ☺ Q3 - Some scenes between Carys and Maximus are off-the-charts steamy. How do you manage to keep those elements fresh and exciting? I approach the steamy scenes in the same way I do every other scene, and that’s by being inside the characters heads and allowing their personalities to guide the way. So it’s by weaving in their thoughts and feelings, hopes and fears that make the scene unique to that particular couple. Q4 - You write contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance. Is it difficult to jump from one genre to another? And do you have a favourite? Strangely I don’t find it hard to jump from one genre to another. Before I was published I wrote short contemporary romance aimed at Harlequin Mills and Boon, and then I had a couple of short PNR/futuristic fantasy stories published with The Wild Rose Press. The idea for Forbidden came to me literally out of the blue, when a hot Roman centurion marched into my mind looking for his Druid princess when I was struggling with admin one night! I can’t say I really have a favourite genre since I love writing historical, PNR and contemporary romance. I enjoy stretching myself in different directions and trying new things and am generally up for a challenge ☺ Q5 - As a writer are you a plotter or a pantser? This is always a hot topic among writers. When I first started writing, I plotted out each chapter and had panic attacks if the book didn’t follow my outline exactly. After a few books (none of which will ever see the light of day!) my outlines became looser and vaguer. When the idea for Forbidden hit me, I barely wrote an outline at all. I just knew a few vital points that needed to happen—and had no clue how I’d manage to weave them into the story. As for the ending of Forbidden, I was writing it without knowing what was going to happen next, just like I was watching a movie unfolding. It was exciting but also terrifying, in case I didn’t manage to tie up everything that needed to be tied up! I would like to take this opportunity to thank Christina for taking the time to answer my questions and for providing such great answers! Find my review of FORBIDDEN below REVIEW
Carys has often secretly watched the man that comes to the waterfall, even though she knows that they can never meet. Wanting him will have to be enough, as their dangerous world would forever keep them apart. For Carys is a powerful Druid, forced to hide in the hills as the strength of the Roman Empire tries to destroy everything she holds dear. And the man who has stolen her breath is a Roman Soldier, born to conquer and take what he wants. But when Carys unexpectedly finds herself in his arms, he is everything she has ever dreamed of, and so different from what she thought a Roman would be. But he must never find out what she is... Maximus is captivated by Carys, his little wood nymph, as soon as he sets eyes on her. But as he gets to know her passion for her people, her stubbornness, and her intelligence, he falls even more deeply for her. Wanting to protect Carys, he is frustrated by her demands that she remain in the hills. But with a High Druid intent on taking Carys for himself, danger starts to close in around them. Will he be able to save the woman who has worked her way into his soul? And can they find a way to bridge the gap between opposing sides in this epic battle for love? FORBIDDEN by Christina Phillips is the first instalment in The Druid Chronicles Series. I was drawn to both of the main characters for their inner strength and determination to do what is right for their people, and their passionate need for each other. Their tale of forbidden love is effortlessly woven with historical detail and imagery to create a beautiful picture for the reader. Now be warned, this book is hot, with plenty of steamy scenes to raise your temperature!!! With danger from every side, this love story really got under my skin, and I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series. BOOK RATING - 📖📖📖📖 4+ Author Bio: Christina Phillips is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their family. She enjoys writing contemporary, historical and paranormal romance where the stories sizzle and the heroine brings her hero to his knees.! Christina is addicted to good coffee, expensive chocolate and bad boy heroes. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong. For more information: Website - christinaphillips.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/christinaphillips.author/?fref=ts Twitter - twitter.com/christinaPh_ *Book received from the author in exchange for an honest review Comments are closed.
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WelcomeHi fellow bookworms. My name is Linda and I'm a reviewer & blogger, wife & mother who loves all things books! Currently ReadingUPCOMING BLOG TOURS
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