Wow, that was a lively list! LOL And congrats on the Bantam series -- more Seals, woo! :)

Scenes in Africa... that sounds wonderful -- which part? My friend went there, to South Africa, and loved it.

I do enjoy books with military characters because I enjoy action-oriented books -- I like strong people doing strong things, though I also enjoy a complex plot and lots going on besides a romance. One of the reasons I like Suz Brockmann's books, and it sounds like yours are following in that tradition. :)

Happy to have you here! :) Mega-hot cover on that Blaze, btw!

Sam

Hi, Steph -

I also like loss of control themes, because I think that delves deeply into a character's psyche...those stories we tell ourselves to function in the world. When they disappear, or get shattered...great angst, conflict, and motivation! BTW, your fave swears are mine, too! ;)

Margaret

The Harlequin editing thing is so random... I don't think I have had "God" "Jesus Christ" etc edited out, and I have had a few "fucks" including one in a love scene, and I've seen plenty of them in other Blazes but I did have "pussy" edited out, and the worst was when I wanted to say someone had been "fucked over" and the copyedit or whoever changed it to "screwed over" and it was like NO -- there is no such phrase as "screwed over" and luckily they changed it -- but I have never had any of the "blasphemes" taken out, and yet I know a lot of people who have... who can say? But yes, must be refreshing in mainstream not to have to deal with that -- I hope I get to find out, though on average, I don't think I have my characters curse all too much... just when they need to, LOL.

Sam

I just read a book with a navy seal as the main charater and loved it. It made me want to go get a other one with a military man, there is just something about them. I pretty much am open to any type of book, as long as it sounds good I will read it. The only types of books I couldn't get into are the ones like Angels and Demons. They just don't get my interest. I love a good mystery. I'm always trying to find new mystery writers. It is like after you read one author you start to get a feel for there writing and can guess who the killer is. I like to be surprised at the end. I like books with a little bit of danger in it. But all in all I just love to read. It is the time I get to escape from reality.

I'm loving seeing you guys over here on Cigars!

First off, LOVE your cover. That is one YUMMY torso. :)

Second, oddly, most of my books have characters with commitment issues. LOL! I loved how you not only know your facets, you know why your books have them. I can't even figure out why I fold my clothes the way I do.

Then again, I don't really fold my clothes these days, lol.
Dee

My very first Blaze was Coming Undone and it is still my absolute favorite!!! What can I say I love a good military man story!!

Kendra

I like stories where people are trying to maintain control, too. There's just something about a sensual tight ass that keeps me reading, if you know what I mean.

I'll be picking up your March Blaze for sure!

Steph -

I popped over from Writeminded to say "Hi!" and don't include me in the drawing because I've already downloaded Beyond His Control and loved it! I just want to whole heartedly agree that there can never be enough men who can save the world and get the girl at the same time. You write a mean Navy Seal!

I think you don't see the humor in your stories because you have such a deep sense of who your characters are and to you they're just being themselves in every situation you write. As the reader, we get the pleasure of enjoying their immature petty moments, some stress induced ranting, some very appropriate and some unnecessary for alpha male posturing and great abs - always great abs! I find a lot of humor in your stories but that comes because you remain very true to your characters.

Your list is dead on - although I can't recall any strange names or a character name that even registered unusual. Which is the long way of me saying I like the stories with military heroes and I completely get being not being able to give up control. Other then that - it's paranormal - vampires - exorcists - hunters - slayers - all good night time fun. So for me, you're an author that fills both needs.

It makes the characters so much more real. I absolutely love it when I come across cursing in Blazes and I will literally "woo hoo" out loud because I'd much rather read an honest to goodness vulgar outburst than one downplayed with milder wording. When I'm pissed (or even when I'm talking normally...I've got a potty mouth LOL!), I let it rip and I think characters should be given that liberty, too. And in Blaze...um, if we can use frank words for genitalia (two specific 'c' words come to mind), why can't we curse like sailors?

Whew...soapbox moment there. Sorry! :)

Anyway, I prefer books with strong, aggressive heroes, heroines who are far from perfect, and hot, burn-your-fingers-on-the-pages sex. That's why I love Blaze so much! :)

And, Steph, you have no idea how happy I am that March is near. I have been waiting for Justin's story FOREVER!! :) Risking It All is one of my favorite Blazes (man I find myself saying that a lot on here!) and I fell head over heels in love with Cash. Can't wait to do the same with Justin!

I like all kinds of books such as ones with wounded heroes or heroines, romantic suspense, romances where friends turn to lovers, heroes who are tough guys like cops, firefighters or soldiers. I can go on and on.

Hi, Stephanie! That's another gorgeous cover to drool over :)

I do love a good military romance (there something so appealing about those uniforms, and all that carefully buttoned down power that's oh-so-incredible when loosed!) I also love friends-to-lovers stories, and am a sucker for reunions.

Africa? That sounds so exotic to me, and I do love stories set where I might otherwise never have a chance to go!

Thanks for the fun get-to-know-you today!

Hi Steph! Just have to say, "SEALS!!!" Can't wait to read the new one!

LOVED this list!!!

I like all types of themes and read everything romance, but one of my all-time faves that will get me to buy a book every time is the friends-to-lovers theme.

Hi Stephanie,
I loved your first two SEAL books. I absolutely agree with your statement about the word fuck. It's such a powerful word, yet it can be used in jest too. It might not always be appropriate, but sometimes all you need is that one word. Have you ever been on a safari, visited the Serengeti or Victoria Falls? I've always wanted to do those things.

I'm a sucker for Cinderella stories, friends to lovers and mistaken identities. And if I can get it all in one story - yipee!

-Tasha

That is a fabulous list! I am so impressed that you recognize the reoccurring themes and points in your books *g* My list would be more like, hmm, there is a hero and a heroine. hmm... well, thats it. I'm so NOT good at analyzing anything, but especially my own work.

I love the tribute you include in your writing to both your daughter and your husband - what a wonderful gift to your family :)

I enjoy military, cowboy and law enforcement themes.
I also use the same swear words you use.

Hi Stephanie - It's interesting to learn your top 10 about your books. I haven't read any of your books, but the sound of it sounds great especially when they're about Navy Seals. :) I will have to add them to my list to check it out. I like reading action-related, adventure, and on the beach or water-related. I also agree with Maureen mentioned about the wounded heros/heroines.

I like your list, especially 1, 6 and 8! No nerdy heroes for me, only gorgeous alpha males...
I've read your first "Coming Undone",loved it, and now I've to find "Risking It All" before I can grab this one. But it will be on my TBBlist, you can be sure of that!

Opposite - very different careers/activities from each other and/or personality types to some extent. Keeps things interesting yet balanced. Does that make sense? And sometimes I just want to get right into the story/relationship so a couples that already knew each other before the first page is exactly what I'm looking for!

I love me some Military Men!!! :)