Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Salute to Veterans Day with Cat Johnson, Delilah Devlin, JM Madden, & Sharon Hamilton

With me today for the Salute to Veterans event are 4 of the talented authors who are included in the box set 
UNIFORM DESIRES
Cat Johnson, Delilah Devlin, JM Madden, and Sharon Hamilton. 

They were each asked the question....

Why do you write Military Romance? 

Cat Johnson 

I initially began writing military romance because I enjoyed reading it. My motivation changed once I began to correspond regularly with active duty military. Now I write military romance because these heroes inspire me. I want to tell the stories of the boots on the ground--the tankers and infantrymen and wingers, even if it is a fictionalized spin on reality.

Delilah Devlin

First, I’d like to thank Kallypso for hosting this event! It means a lot to me, personally, that people take the time to salute our veterans. After all, I am one.

I won’t say when I served—a girl likes to maintain certain secrets (her age, the number of lovers she’s had, her jeans size...)—but I did serve fourteen years in the Regular Army and another seven in the National Guard. Which, I suppose, makes it strange that I have written so few military-related stories. I was a communications officer and was assigned to posts in Germany and the Middle East. I’m a veteran based on the months I spent in the Middle East during the Gulf War. If ever you want to hear some very funny tales, buy me a drink or a cup of coffee and I’ll tell you all about them, but I prefer not to write about them. Strange, I know.

The story I wrote for the boxed set of military-themed stories, Uniform Desires, has an ex-marine hero who’s still serving his country, but from inside the DEA. And he’s still very much a hero while he does his best to keep the heroine and himself alive while they run from some very pissed-off and well-armed criminals.

While I don’t write many military-themed stories, I do draw on my memories of the men I served with to make my heroes as real as I can. They aren’t perfect men and don’t always make the right moves or decisions, but they will lay everything on the line for what they believe and for the people they love.

JM Madden

Well, I had the idea of writing vets for a long time, and a lot of it was sparked by newspaper articles and blog posts about soldiers being left behind by their significant others. That truly broke my heart. These men (and women) were going out and waging war, then coming home to empty houses. Some of those soldiers had been ‘combat modified’, and their families just couldn’t cope with the way of life they were suddenly thrust into. So, many of them walked out, leaving their injured spouses behind. It just seemed so wrong.

Several years before that, a relative cheated on her husband while he was on a year-long deployment to Iraq, and my sense of outrage just boiled over.

It took me years to start the series, though, because I didn’t feel like I would do the men justice, and I needed to. I couldn’t go out with a half-assed story, so I dug my heels in and made it the very best series it could be.

So far, I think I’ve accomplished that. I get so many letters and emails from people who have been touched by my Marines, and that is truly the greatest pay-off an author can receive; recognition from the readers that they’ve been affected by our words. It’s what I strive for in every book I put out.

My men are not ‘fixed’ by the end of the book. They will still be in a wheelchair and they’ll still walk with limps, talk with stutters, struggle with day-to-day tasks, but they will have found a partner in the struggle.

Every life challenge is better faced with a significant other, right? And love? Always love…

Sharon Hamilton 

I started writing Navy SEAL Romances when I first sat down with a bunch of young recruits who had just made it through Hell Week. They were hunched over, walking like crab-like creatures, arms and legs spread out due to the chafing from wearing clothes, including boots and socks without changing for 6 days straight. And, although they hadn't had more than 45 minutes of rest during those 6 days, they were hungry as Hell.


I looked at those boys, some of whom actually had broken limbs and bloody wounds, a couple of black eyes and bald spots on the tops of their heads from carrying those rubber boats, and what I saw there was courage and determination unlike I had ever seen before. You don't get to be a SEAL by being a sissy or doing it the easy way. And that's why their motto is "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday."


Six New York Times, USA Today and National Bestselling Authors combine their love of hot military romance, weaving tales of super alpha heroes and the women who love them. They love hard. They love intensely, like everything else in life they do. This is intended as a toe-curling, knee-wobbling read not for the faint of heart as we learn about heroes who put their lives on the line every day.Infatuation by USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder
To prove her love and save her man, she has to go above and beyond the call of duty

SEAL's Honor by award-winning author Elle James
Two Navy SEALs jeopardize their lives and hearts in a battle-torn land when they vie for the love of one sexy Night Stalker helicopter pilot

SEAL the Deal by national bestselling author Sharon Hamilton
A SEAL's nightmare of a promise given at his sister's deathbed gives him the woman of his dreams

Dangerous Liaison by national bestselling author Delilah Devlin
A pampered travel agent escapes through the jungle with an undercover DEA agent when a drug lord mistakes her for a rival's daughter

Her Forever Hero by bestselling author JM Madden
When the boss's pregnant, unwed daughter needs rescuing, disabled Marine Grafton Parks proves he's still a hero

Cinderella Liberty by NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Cat Johnson
A weekend liberty leads to unexpected passion between a Marine and his best friend's sister, but he must survive seven months in Afghanistan to get back to her


Cat Johnson

Cat Johnson is a NY Times & USA Today bestselling author writing contemporary romance in genres including military and cowboy.  A self-proclaimed promo 'ho, she is known for her creative marketing and research practices. Consequently, Cat has sponsored bull riding rodeo cowboys, owns an entire collection of cowboy boots and camouflage shoes for book signings and a fair number of her consultants wear combat or cowboy boots for a living. She writes both full length and shorter works and is currently contracted with Kensington and Samhain.




Contact Links:

Delilah Devlin
Delilah Devlin is an award-winning author of erotic romance with a rapidly expanding reputation for writing edgy stories with complex characters. Ms. Devlin has published over a hundred twenty stories with Atria/Strebor, Avon, Berkley, Black Lace, Cleis Press, Ellora’s Cave, Kensington, Kindle, Montlake Romance, Running Press, and Samhain Publishing. Read more about Delilah at www.delilahdevlin.com.


JM Madden
Terminally addicted to romances, thanks to finding her aunt's stash of 'Harlequin Presents' years ago during a sleepover, J.M. Madden loves any and all good love stories. Most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes.

J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, trying to perfect her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde, and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time now. She always has several projects in the works and loves to hear from readers.

Contact JM-
Twitter- @authorjmmadden

Sharon Hamilton
Sharon’s award-winning almost-erotic Navy SEAL stories of the SEAL Brotherhood, have consistently made best sellers lists and review sites. Her characters follow a spicy road to redemption through passion and true love.

Her Golden Vampires of Tuscany are not like any vamps you’ve read before, since they don’t have to go to ground and can walk around in the full light of the sun.
Her Guardian Angels struggle with the human charges they are sent to save, often escaping their vanilla world of Heaven for the brief human one. You won’t find any of these beings in any Sunday school class.

She lives in Sonoma County, California with her husband, and two Dobermans. A lifelong organic gardener, when she’s not writing, she’s getting vera vera dirty in the mud, or wandering Farmer’s Markets looking for new Heirloom varieties of vegetables and flowers..

Contact Links:


Contest Information:

For this giveaway we have 4 separate winners. Just fill out the rafflecopter AND comment below and tell us if you know of someone who is or has been in the military and what branch of the military there served in. First names only please for confidentiality reasons. 

31 comments:

  1. I can't wait to read these books. Some of my fav authors here and I am sure the others will be favs after reading their books.

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    1. Daronda! Thanks for dropping by! I hope you will pick up a copy. We've been getting great reviews, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

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  2. While I am surrounded by wonderful men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in the Armed Forces, my favorite Veteran is my Hubby. He has devoted himself to personally reaching out to other Vets with PTSD, that may have "fallen through the cracks" of the system, as he had for many years.

    It is gratifying, and humbling, to see such an honorable, strong, loving man wrap another Vet in his warmth and provide comfort that only someone who has walked a similar path may understand.

    I thank all of the authors who have written deeply emotional, intelligent suspenseful and smexy stories about our troops and Veterans, and brought continued awareness to their needs.

    ~Michelle
    mmmazuros at yahoo dot com

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  3. Congrats on the new release ladies!! I love the cover y'all chose and cannot wait to begin reading!!

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  4. Congrats to all the wonderful authors. I had this on Pre-Order and am now the proud owner of these books by these amazing authors. Thank you.

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  5. Ah, Michelle, you made me tear up! I have a buddy who is former Marine and he does the same thing, tugs wounded men under his wing. I admire him for that hugely. Your husband sounds like a true hero to me.
    Daronda, you'll love them all!
    Rana, isn't he sexy? That was an easy vote, picking him.

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  6. I can't wait to read these books!

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  7. What a great collection! I can't wait to read them!!

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  8. My favorite veteran would have to be my grandpa. He served in World War II and received a purple heart! He has been gone for over 20 years now...but we all miss the history he shared with us in his stories. Thanks for the giveaway and what a GREAT way to honor veterans!

    crcoordinator[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  9. Remember to use the arrows to see what else is on the rafflecopter. Delilah Devlin has donated a very pretty blue and white bracelet, Sharon Hamilton has a set of dog tags, a red 'Remember our men and women in the military' bracelet and books, and I've got a red, white and blue basket with a book and swag inside! Open to international readers!

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  10. My husband served for 22+ yrs, army 1st seg.. Joe, <3

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  11. My husband was in the British Army for 22 years, he did 2 tours of Northern Ireland in the 70s. But spent about 16 years in Germany, i was with him there for about13 years,did 2years in Berlin which is a marvellous city. Had this exciting anthology on pre order and ive just started it

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  12. My husband is a veteran of the first Gulf War and recently retired after serving 20 years in the Army. My daughter enlisted the same month that my husband retired and is now serving as a Combat MP. My son signed up last month to be a Combat Engineer. He ships next summer. The Army is my life, and I'm very proud of my husband and children.

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  13. I hadn't realised this book was out, thanks for the heads up and so many great authors. Just hopping over to Amazon to purchase it :-) Should be a great read.

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  14. I am reading the anthology now and love it so far. Congrats on the release! Thank you for the great giveaway.
    I always had a soft spot for the military, especially navy, my Father was in the Navy, so was my brother. And looks like the next generation will have another join in, his grandson wants to join too when he grows up.

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  15. My Aunt was in the Army and she traveled all over. Her son went to a school in Germany where she was stationed. But everywhere she went she would always bring back something from that country to her mother (my grandmother). When my grandmother passed, my aunt gave me the Korean Doll that she had brought to my grandmother cause she knew I loved it so well. My aunt retired from the Army, but has since passed... God bless her soul! <3

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  16. I love this series and can't wait to read this one!! My Grandpa and brother were both Army Airbourne, Stepdad was Navy, Uncles were Air Force and my Cousin is currently serving in the Coast Guard!

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  17. My friend Alicia is currently in the Navy and so is my niece Krystal. Both are strong women in many ways. So very intelligent! Looking forward to seeing what they can achieve in their hunt for success.

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  18. Wonderful books Ladies, thanks so much!! My father was in the Air Force served in the Korean Conflict, World War II and Vietnam so I grew up a military brat. I joined the Army and served as a court reporter. My grandson is looking into the Marines. I currently work with a lot of retired military personnel who all have my greatest respect.

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  19. My dad and most of my uncles served in either the Army, Navy, or Air Force during their 20's. My uncle Robert has already been notified that he is going to be on one of the first Honor Flights for the Vietnam Veterans. He is so looking forward to the trip. I know he's going to try and walk as much of it as he can but his legs are not in good shape. He spent 18 months in the hospital fighting to save his legs after a landmine went off on patrol during the Vietnam War.

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  20. My uncle Robin and my cousins Kym, Michael and Robin were/are all Australian Navy and my cousin Erin is a chopper pilot in the Australian Army (go girl!) My Grandad was a navigator in WWII to pilot/Aussie author Ivan Southall. Circumstances have meant I don't know my family well, but I know they're proud of what they do.

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  21. My grandma Mary - WWII Women's Army Corps
    My dad Miles - US Navy - Vietnam Era
    My grandfather Herbert - Coast Guard - WWII
    My great uncle Joe - Army - Korean War
    My great uncle Bill - Navy - WWII
    My great uncle Lari - Navy -WWII - KIA
    My best friend Mike - USMC
    Pen pal - Jim - USMC OEF/OIF/Desert Storm
    My great grandfather WWI - medal of honor
    Dear friend Jeff - Navy/Army - OEF

    My heart however aches for the loss of my first kiss... KIA in Iraq - January 2006 Mitch - US Army...

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  22. My son Jonathan is in the Navy, my brother, dad, 2 nephews and niece were all in Army, loving neighbors cover the Marines, Navy, and Army... Thanks for the great insight, Sharon's reason for writing about military was quite moving. lisagk(at)yahoo

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  23. I know, I know, I should be finishing up the continuation of Marc's story, but just had to take a peek in here. Thank you SO much for stopping by, sharing your stories about why you share THESE stories, and for paying tribute to the real-life heroes in our world.

    Delilah, thank you for your service!

    Thanks for debuting on my blog! Feel free to come back and visit any time!

    Kally

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  24. This is such a fabulous box set! And yes, a huge thank you to Delilah and all those who serve! What a blessing to us you all are! My dad served in the Army years ago, and I'm thankful he did also.

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  25. My husband is a veteran. He served 11 years in the army, and did 3 tours in Iraq.

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  26. My husband is still active duty in the US Navy. He is set to retire sometime next year. It has been a wild ride, and I would not change a thing.

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  27. My dad, father in law, uncle and grandfather all served with either the Navy or Army. My husband has a deep regret he never served however he serves our local government as a deputy sheriff for Monterey County. He could tell you some horror stories about our gang situation here and I worry about him out there every night. Thank you to the families that have served our country.

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  28. Ladies- I just finished reading your stories!!! I couldn't put them down! So so powerful! J.M. AMAZING story!!!!!!! xoxox

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  29. Both my mom and Dad served in World War II . They are both gone now but my dad was in the Army and my mom was in the WAF

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  30. My nephew is serving in the Canadian military as a medic, has done a tour in Afghanistan.

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