Day 15 (11 Days to Smugglivus and counting)
Who: Lisa Shearin, bestselling author of the fantasy adventure series starring the unstoppable Raine Benares and the cause of all her troubles, the dratted stone the Saghred. We loved both of Lisa’s books so much that we asked her for an interview, and of course had to have her over for Smugglivus! Lisa not only is a wonderful author, but she runs a great blog and really makes an effort to connect with her readers–we highly recommend you stop on over to check out her books and her website.
Recent Work: Lisa’s debut novel, Magic Lost, Trouble Found was released in 2007 and made a huge splash with fans of fantasy and romance alike. This year her second Raine Benares novel, Armed & Magical was released and became a national bestseller! You can read our reviews of both books here.
Lisa’s third book, The Trouble With Demons will be released in 2009. For her Smugglivus contribution, Lisa has given us an exclusive snippet from her new book!
Without further ado, please sit back and enjoy this hilarious scene starring Raine, Piaras, and Talon!
__________
Smugglivus Snippet from The Trouble with Demons
Knowledge about demons came in three varieties: legend, rumor, and fact.
Demonologists knew the facts; the rest of us floundered with legends and rumors; none of them were pleasant, and each of them was more gruesome than the one before. The rumor that would probably be making the rounds on campus within the hour—if it wasn’t already—would have nothing to do with fact, and everything to do with horny college students looking for an excuse. Whether demons liking virgins was fact or fiction didn’t matter. I’d be willing to bet that the number of virgins among Mid’s student population was suddenly going to skyrocket. And every last one of those kids would be desperate to lose their apparently forgotten virginity as quickly as possible to ensure protection against the demons. I wondered what new pickup lines they’d be using. Help me; I’m a virgin.
With the impending increase in fake virgins, I was really glad I’d already secured the help of the real thing.
I think.
Piaras still wasn’t happy about his role in our little expedition. And I didn’t think his opinion was going to change anytime soon. Especially since Talon had already heard the one about demons and virgins.
Talon’s grin was full of fang. “Well, I’m safe,” he was telling Piaras. “I’m probably one of the safest people on this island. Hell, I’m probably demon repellant.” His grin broadened. “Are you safe?”
It was obvious that Piaras didn’t want to answer that question. “Not exactly,” he finally said.
“Piaras, either you’re safe or you’re not. There’s no gray area here. Which is it?”
I’d listened long enough. “Everyone is safe. Regardless. The island is crawling with armed Guardians. Everyone will be safe.”
Talon’s grin never wavered. “But are you sure of that?”
“Yes.”
“Absolutely positive?”
I glared at him.
“When there’s a danger, shouldn’t you take every precaution?” he asked innocently, his aqua eyes wide.
I added a growl to go with the glare.
“I’ll be helping Raine,” Piaras said between clenched teeth.
“Helping?”
“Because I’m . . .” Piaras really didn’t want to say the word.
“’Not safe?” Talon said helpfully, grinning from ear to pointed ear.
“No, I’m not safe!” Piaras snapped. He turned on me. “Now everyone’s going to know!”
Talon snorted. “Everyone already does.”
Piaras actually snarled at me.
Talon clapped him on the back. “Not a problem. I know some ladies who can get you safe real quick. Though if you’re looking for a freebie, you and Katelyn could help each other out. She’s definitely not safe.”
Piaras blushed scarlet. I smacked Talon in the back of the head.
Topic closed.
__________
The Trouble With Demons hits stores on April 28, 2009. You can pre-order your copy at Amazon.com now!
And that’s not all! Lisa has graciously provided us with a Raine Benares goodiebag giveaway–ONE lucky winner will receive autographed copies of both Magic Lost, Trouble Found and Armed and Magical, as well as postcards, bookmarks, and magnets of MLTF, A&M, and TTWD.
The contest is open to everyone, and will run until Saturday, December 20 at midnight (Pacific Standard Time). To enter, just leave a comment! And for the heck of it–let us know who your favorite character is, and/or who you’re rooting for: Team Tam, or Team Mychael (or Talon, or Sarad Nukpana, or whoever!)
72 Comments
Lexie
December 15, 2008 at 1:01 amFirst Comment! (i’m so not winning now XD) But I’m gonna show my support!
I actually just started the first book last night and only got a chapter in before I fell asleep so I’m not sure what team I’m on yet 🙂
lexie.cenni (@) gmail.com
Caffey
December 15, 2008 at 2:55 amI didn’t know of these books! So great to meet you Lisa!! I started reading fantasy romance in ebooks then a couple of fantasy books in print and have been determined to find more but so didn’t know where to go from there with the shelf full of books in the stores. That’s so much why I enjoy finding new authors to read through blogs and sites. I will be checking out her site for sure. I have to say, I love these covers, I’m already imagining the heroine. I was smiling through reading this, the humor is good! I’m looking forward to finding out who my favorite will be. I’d love to be in the contest, thanks.
KMont
December 15, 2008 at 3:23 amTeams? I love it lol!!
I think I’m on Team Tam. Without giving too much away, he’s the obvious bad boy and soooo sexy whenever he and Raine are near. Plus they have the hardest conflict between them to overcome. Whallah – instant romantic tension. Go Team Tam! 😀
And no need to enter me in the contest, I have both books. Loving the second one; if only I’d sit down and finish a book now. Well, ones I’ve already had going anyway.
LOVED the excerpt. Thanks for sharing, Lisa!
Wendy
December 15, 2008 at 4:06 amHi, Lisa!
I haven’t read your books yet but I definitely gotta read them after reading that excerpt!
Great post! 🙂
macbeaner
December 15, 2008 at 4:43 amWow. Sounds like I have another series to add to my wish list!
Lisa Shearin
December 15, 2008 at 4:55 amThank you, everyone! And thank you Thea & Ana — you sure know how to make an author feel loved. ; )
Lisa
Yunaleska
December 15, 2008 at 4:59 amYay! (I started the vote for a Pieras extract :D) It doesn’t disappoint!
Team Mychael 🙂 And, also Team Phaelan. Not that he’s much to do with Raine as her cousin, but I do really like him! He’s very cool 🙂
Tam – he can be useful, but I don’t trust him as far as I can throw. (I’m not athletic in any way).
Margaret
December 15, 2008 at 5:08 amI was thrilled to see an exceprt from the next book. I love her books, and I am looking forward to the next one. Its a day after my brithday , but I’m still considering it to be a birthday present. 🙂
I’m on team Tam. Bad boys are just so much fun.
Janicu
December 15, 2008 at 6:02 amI’m putting my name down for this contest. I really want to read this series -a few friends have reced it to me, so I know I will read it one day, but so far I’ve been “visiting” the books at the bookstore. About the teams – I have no idea since I haven’t read the books yet!
Becki
December 15, 2008 at 6:47 amI think I’m Team Tam, but it’s a really hard decision! Mychael’s pretty awesome, too!
Thank’s for the excerpt, and your blog, Lisa. I follow it every day!
Ashley
December 15, 2008 at 7:02 amI’m the same as the comment above me. I think I’m Team Tam, but Mychael’s so awesome too. I’m usually just torn between the two of them. Like Raine. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. 🙂
katayoun
December 15, 2008 at 7:17 amthe snippet! and the reviews sound fun. i love fantasy with a dash of romance. can’t say for sure which one i am rooting for as i haven’t read any of the books, but i do have a soft spot for bad boys and so right now i am on tam’s side.
M.
December 15, 2008 at 7:52 amFantasy adventure sounds like a great mix. And mondo points for covers without anonymous manchests! Yay for emphasis on a great heroine!
I’m not familiar with these books so I’ll speculate that they contain strange animal creatures, and support the team that has the weirdest one.
Carolyn Jean
December 15, 2008 at 7:57 amCongratulations, Lisa, on the huge success of Armed and Magical!! And thanks for that fun excerpt.
Lisa Shearin
December 15, 2008 at 8:04 amI’m having fun reading all the comments. ; )
For those of you who haven’t read the books but want to, be sure to email me when you’ve finished. I always love to hear what readers think.
And “M” to respond to your post: nope, no strange animal creatures, though there are a couple of magically constructed ones with one heck of an appetite for mages. ; )
Tiah
December 15, 2008 at 8:08 amOh me, pick me! ;0)
Janell
December 15, 2008 at 8:35 amI’d love to win this give away. I like Team Tam.
Mary
December 15, 2008 at 8:43 amOK Lisa,
Not fair, I WANT book NOW…..
Mary
Catherine J Gardner
December 15, 2008 at 8:51 amI haven’t read the books yet so I am yet to pick my team 😉
Thea
December 15, 2008 at 9:21 amThanks so much again Lisa for the great excerpt. I myself am firmly on Team Tam :p For the reasons Kmont mention–you gotta love the sexy bad boy. Although, Mychael does have his charm too…it’s a good thing when you can like both sides of a love triangle.
I love Talon as well and cannot wait to read more of him in this upcoming book. Is it April yet?
Lana
December 15, 2008 at 9:40 amI haven’t read the books yet. (I’m on a book-buying hiatus before the holidays.) But I’m really excited about them – I’m a HUGE fan of fun romantic fantasy!
Angiegirl
December 15, 2008 at 9:51 amThis is great. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but I’m looking forward to jumping in. So far they remind me a bit of Moira Moore’s Hero series (a very good thing).
Megan D.
December 15, 2008 at 10:02 amGood stuff, as always, Lisa. You make it harder and harder to wait for TTWD!
I’m Team Mychael, btw. Team Phaelan as well; too bad he’s your cousin, Raine
dan-phi
December 15, 2008 at 10:08 amI haven’t read the books, but based on the excerpt they sound like a lot of fun. And not knowing the characters, I’d have to vote for Team Tam, ’cause it’s the most fun to say.
Kelly
December 15, 2008 at 11:20 amI’ve been wanting to read these for some time so I would love to win. Can’t say which team I’d pick.
Simone
December 15, 2008 at 11:55 amdear god talon RULES! thank you lisa for creating such an awesome character! Piaras, sweety, it’s ok, i’m not safe either, i still love you. my favorite boy characters are Talon, Piaras, Tam, Phaelen, Mychael in NO ORDER AT ALL, they really are all close to equal in my heart, and change order regularly , raine of course is my fav girl.
I’m not sure who I want Raine to be with, I thought of polygamy but Tam and Mychael would kill each other T-T. it’s to early to pick. We have a good idea of what tam is capable of *and he is my favorite of the two*, but the mychael hints are really interesting so i won’t say who I want until mychael steps up his game… and we see how Uncle Ryn reacts to them. *evil snicker*
Lisa Shearin
December 15, 2008 at 12:04 pmSimone, Talon pretty much created himself — at least if you asked him he’d take all the credit. ; )
And in The Trouble with Demons, Mychael definitely “steps up his game,” but then, so does Tam — and the consequences of both are most unexpected. It even surprised me. ; )
works4me
December 15, 2008 at 12:54 pmI’ve read both books and am eagerly awaiting more.
Team Mychael!!!!! Sexy, strong, one of the good guys but with a hidden past. Besides, he declared martial law for Raine. Talk about the big romantic gesture! 🙂
Cherity
December 15, 2008 at 1:06 pmTotally Team Mychael… I think…you know, it changes. Occasionally I root for Tam.
Anyway, I’m making my way through these books for the second time. They’re way fun.
Kris
December 15, 2008 at 1:41 pmThis is such a fun series; I’m loving it.
I already have the books so don’t need to be entered into the contest, but wanted to cast my vote for bad boys Tam and Phaelan.
Thanks heaps for the excerpt.
DanielleS
December 15, 2008 at 2:44 pmZOMG TEAM TAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i thought i was like the only person in the WORLD who read that book. i only read the first one though 🙂 PLEASE PLEASE PICK ME I NEVER WIN ANYTHING!!!! man now i sound like a whiney brat…hmm…i find myself not caring…
PLEASE!!!!
Heather Jones
December 15, 2008 at 3:16 pmI just couldn’t put the first two books down they were absolutely fantastic! I’m busy wishing my week away now to get my eyes on those first chapters of the next book. I’m sure Raine is just loving the attention from Tam and Mychael, I know I would be. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Thanks Lisa, keep them coming! Kind regards, Heather 🙂
Lisa Shearin
December 15, 2008 at 3:39 pmThank you, ladies! It doesn’t matter what team you’re on — Tam or Mychael — there’s PLENTY in The Trouble with Demons to keep you happy. Steam and sizzle for everyone. ; )
Emily
December 15, 2008 at 4:18 pmI have read both novels so much that I can quote passages. Just love love love them. As a woman who has been interested in fantasy for some time now, it’s so refreshing to have a series where the hero is a 30-something female. Did I mention that I love this series?
Okay, answering questions now:
Favorite character? *ponders* Probably Phaelan or Primari Nuru. Phaelan is hilarious and Primari Nuru is a study in complications.
Who do I want Raine to end up with? Tam. Which is odd for me because I usually go for the noble nice guy over the bad boy in love triangles. I think I favor Tam partly because he’s had a substantial friendship with Raine so while there are lust feelings between them there’s also more than just lust, and partly because, like Raine, I probably am in denial as to how bad Tam is.
I do already own both books (and Lisa’s signed them), so I suppose I probably shouldn’t enter the contest. But answering these questions was fun!
Patty
December 15, 2008 at 4:50 pmAna and Thea, I thrilled to see Lisa on your blog! Please don’t enter me in the contest; I already have her books.
I am firmly in the camp of….I’m not sure. I waiver just like Raine. When she’s with Mychael, I adore Mychael. He’s hero material. When she’s with Tam, I appreciate the history they have,the ease of their frienship, and the heat they generate. I’ll just have to wait and see! LOL
Eshani
December 15, 2008 at 4:58 pmHi Lisa,
Thanks for a great excerpt! I’m new to reading fantasy, so I haven’t tried your books yet, but they look fantastic. I can’t wait to try them, and then I can decide which team to root for 😉
Thanks for a great giveaway, and happy holidays..
Lisa Shearin
December 15, 2008 at 5:14 pmThank you Emily, Patty, and Eshani!
naida
December 15, 2008 at 5:55 pmI hadnt heard of these before, they sound good. cute covers!
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
Sarah
December 15, 2008 at 6:41 pmI love this series and can’t wait for the new one! I am definitely on team Mychael!
donnas
December 15, 2008 at 8:52 pmI havent read any of these books yet, so I dont know what team I will end up on. But I can say after reading that except I will definitely be finding out as soon as I can. These books sound great cant wait to get my hands and eyes on them.
silverhartgirl
December 15, 2008 at 8:59 pmI havent read these book yet but would love too
Karin
December 15, 2008 at 9:14 pmI wish I could say who my favorite character is, but I’ve not read any of the books yet. However, after reading about them, I definitely want to read them now.
Kristen
December 15, 2008 at 9:33 pmGreat contest! I haven’t read any of these yet (and therefore don’t have a favorite character) but they sound good.
Wileen
December 15, 2008 at 10:05 pmI have not read any of her books but have read some of the reviews and seen her books around. I definitely plan on reading her book some time soon. Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
Peta
December 16, 2008 at 12:07 amOoh – fab giveaway. Count me in please!
Lisa Shearin
December 16, 2008 at 4:29 amEveryone, thank you so much for dropping by and commenting — it was so much fun to read them all!
And for those of you who haven’t read my books yet, when you do be sure to email me (lisa@lisashearin.com) and let me know what you thought. I love hearing from my readers.
And thank you Thea and Ana for the wonderful Smugglivus present — you ladies are the best!
Lisa
miish
December 16, 2008 at 5:59 amLisa is a new face to me. But the books sound wonderful! Definitely added to me TBR list. So even if I don’t win I’ll still get them eventually, but it’d be a nice Christmas present to myself if I won (=
Christina
December 16, 2008 at 6:39 amTeam Piaras! He may be young now, but you’ll see. He’ll be all grown up in no time. 😉
orannia
December 16, 2008 at 11:17 amHI Lisa,
I'm embarrassed to say I haven't heard of your books before, but I really enjoyed the excerpt! Luckily my library has your first and second books (I *heart* my library) so I can catch up 🙂 Good luck with the release of the third book Lisa!
And thank you Ana & Thea for introducing me to another author…and increasing my TBR list 🙂
Lisa Shearin
December 16, 2008 at 11:47 amWelcome, Orannia! There are also sample chapters from my first two books on my website http://www.lisashearin.com, as well as some character “interviews” on the Fun Stuff to Read page on my site.
Drop by and visit. ; )
Lisa
Jacqueline
December 16, 2008 at 1:40 pmEee hee hee! Great snippet! I loved the first two books and can’t wait for the third!!
GO TEAM MYCHAEL! 😀
Terri
December 16, 2008 at 3:19 pmLisa, I love your books and have read them several times waiting for the next one! I’m greedy and want both Mychael and Tam so I can’t choose a team. I think Phaelin is my favorite character, but it is a close call. They are all interesting and fun! I’m a NC girl too, and I’ll be watching for signings nearby when the new book comes out.
Lisa Shearin
December 16, 2008 at 3:22 pmThank you, Jacqueline & Terri!
orannia
December 16, 2008 at 5:19 pmThank you Lisa 🙂
azteclady
December 17, 2008 at 9:20 amI’m with Orannia… but now I’m putting them in my oh-my-gawd-it’s-long wish list.
Best of luck with the new one, Ms Shearin!
K.C. Shaw
December 17, 2008 at 9:38 amI can’t decide if I’m on Team Mychael or Team Tam. At the moment I’m leaning towards Tam, because dangerous is so very sexy (well, at a distance).
I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
Lisa Shearin
December 17, 2008 at 10:32 amThank you, azteclady & K.C.!
Candie
December 17, 2008 at 2:37 pmI love this series by Lisa Shearin. Her books have a great story, lots of action and relationships are great. Though I can’t wait for Raine to pick her team! I’m Team Mychael but am taking the perogative to change teams at any time 🙂
Tina
December 17, 2008 at 4:36 pmi am team Mychael..love these books
HipShaker
December 18, 2008 at 3:53 amI haven’t read any of these books so I can’t name a favorite character or pairing. It’s been in the back of my mind for awhile though that I should pick up this series so that’s why I’m entering this contest!
kfant2 AT yahoo DOT com
Faen
December 18, 2008 at 1:51 pmI actually just ran across this author last week when i was looking for new books to read. Alas, to my disappointment, my library doesn't carry her work. I'd love a chance to win her books and see how they are and if i'd want to buy more of her books in the future.
~Peace, Love, & Ink Poisoning~
Anita Yancey
December 18, 2008 at 3:50 pmI’m rooting for team Tam. Sounds like a great book. Would love to read it. Please enter me.
ayancey[at]dishmail[dot]net
Julie K. Trevelyan
December 19, 2008 at 5:30 pmOh, how fun–a contest AND a new series for me to read! I love it.
I don’t have a fave character, or team or whatever yet, as all I’ve read is the excerpt. But that was pretty darn funny, and I now look forward to reading the entire series. Count me as entered!
Brooke Reviews
December 19, 2008 at 9:15 pmI haven’t read any of this series yet, but it sounds good. 😀
Tanya
December 19, 2008 at 10:14 pmwow….I’m so hooked from this snippet of the 3rd installment. i must admit I have never read this series and now It’s a must in my book collection!
Pam P
December 20, 2008 at 2:24 amI now have the first one to read after discovering Lisa googling around one night, getting the rest now would sure be great. Thanks for putting up that great package, Lisa.
Debby
December 20, 2008 at 4:15 amWhat a great book! I have added it to my list. This is a wonderful way to learn about new authors. I have never read a book before but from what Ir ead, I vote for Team Tam.
Renee
December 20, 2008 at 10:08 amI’ve had this series on my radar, but haven’t gotten around to doing anything to learn more. Thank you, Ana and Thea for the post! (I loved the excerpt.)
And thanks, Lisa, for the great pkg!
FD
December 20, 2008 at 1:56 pmAh chalk me up for another Team Tam… don’t normally like the bad boys, but yanno, exceptions can be made!
I love the excerpt, Talon is such a brat. *snickering*
I’m very keen on this contest, as although I’ve read them both, I borrowed them to do so, and sadly, was forced (pried out of my greedy, grasping little hands) to give them back.
Amy
December 20, 2008 at 5:23 pmLisa’s books sound awesome. I’m on Team Hasn’t Had the Pleasure of Reading Lisa’s Books Yet. Hopefully that will change by Dec. 26, LOL!
Gotta thank Linnea Sinclair for sending me over here – how could I not have discovered this place sooner?!?!?
Thea
December 21, 2008 at 10:39 amThe contest is closed now, thanks to all who entered! The winner will be announced shortly.
Angiegirl
December 21, 2008 at 12:18 pmOkay, I’m just pages away from the end of MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND and, for the love–Team Tam. That is all.