Must-read romances: 'Guardian,' The Electric Series

Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.

Guardian by A.J. Messenger

I'm a sucker for an angel story. Young Adult author A.J. Messenger starts a trilogy with Guardian. All the elements are in place with a high school setting, the good vs. bad people, along with the angels, the here and now, the past/future, and the in-between. Within this everyday world is a great cast of characters who bring life to the story — a feat that couldn't be done without Messenger's distinctive literary style and voice. From the ordinary comes the extraordinary, where one's character and motives are tested. Where what one wants and what one needs may not co-exist; where duty and love are in conflict. Messenger writes an emotional, tender love story about possibilities.

AN INTERVIEW WITH A.J. MESSENGER

Michelle: What inspired you to write Guardian?

A.J.: I had a lot of ideas for books running through my mind for years and one day everything sort of coalesced and I started writing and Guardian poured out. I've always loved romance books and movies so I knew whatever I wrote would include romance. I also had it in my mind that if I wrote a paranormal romance I would have the heroine react as I imagine a real person in the real world would if they were told something fantastical by their love interest. When Alexander (the hero in the book) tells Declan (the heroine) the truth about himself, I aimed to make her response realistic. On a side note, I also wanted to include a character with Asperger's. I have a son with Asperger's and I've read a number of books with Aspie characters that didn't ring true to my experience with my son and his friends (which is understandable since every person with Asperger's is different). I wanted to create a character (Finn, who is Declan's best friend in the book) that was a more reflective composite of my experience — to show the heart behind some of the stereotypes. Declan regards some of Finn's quirkiness as his greatest strengths. Sometimes it's just a matter of perspective.

Michelle: Do you believe in angels or divine messengers?

A.J.: Good question! I believe there is a lot we don't know about the universe and our place in it. When you think about the history of human knowledge and what we believed in the past and what we know (and still don't know), I find it incredibly interesting. When the atom was discovered it was thought to be the smallest form of matter until it was split, revealing protons, neutrons, and electrons. Then quarks were discovered and recently the Higgs boson, or "God particle." When you read about things like particle physics, string theory, and quantum mechanics, it makes you realize how much we have yet to discover and understand. On a personal level, I'd like to believe that the people we love who pass on stay connected to us in some way. I've experienced that with family members who have passed on.

Michelle: What can readers look forward to after Guardian?

A.J.: There is much more to come with Declan and Alexander's story. Guardian is the first book in a trilogy and books two and three (titled Fallen and Revelation) will be out within the next few months if all goes as planned. I'm hard at work on them now. From the start, I had the idea for all three books to tell the complete tale. Each book is a full story without cliffhangers, but the overarching story goes on. Readers can check my website at www.ajmessenger.com for updates. I also want to take this opportunity to say "Thank You!" to everyone who has read Guardian and wants to see what's next for Declan and Alexander. I hope you enjoy the next two books that bring their story full circle!

Michelle: Thanks, A.J. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Electric Series by Casey Harvell

What it's about (courtesy of the author):

Kat tries to save mankind from an ever-growing number of threats. Besides the insane General from the Midwest, there's also the original nanobot infection, the question of where all the infected are and now the fear of nuclear meltdowns at power plants across the abandoned East coast.

Kat's personal life crashes and burns along with half of the nation. She struggles across the country to find her friends and it's no easy feat with Carch hot on her tail. They make a horrifying discovery, a game changer- and not one in their favor. Kat tries so hard, but will it be enough? You'll only find out by getting Shocked!

Why you should read it: Welcome to The Electric Series with Charged: Reboot (book one) and Shocked (book two) by Casey Harvell. This Young Adult tale of adventure, friendship and romance starts on a gradual climb toward an apocalyptic disaster. Once the ball starts rolling, the pace maintains at a steady clip with bad guys coming after the good guys — fun and suspenseful with a young heroine, Kat, who is ready to lead the way to survival.

The books are not really stand-alone stories. A quick summary at the beginning of Shocked will get the reader to the launch point for the story's continuation. With this unique premise of nanobot technology gone awry, it's easy to get excited about what comes next. Stay tuned.

AN INTERVIEW WITH CASEY

Michelle: Tell us about The Electric Series.

Casey: Kat was an average girl. She lives in the Northeast, which is all abuzz (along with the rest of the country) with new medical strides in nanotechnology. Kat and her best friend, Brie, finally get a gig for their band when someone crossed wires on Kat's guitar. The resulting explosion sends tens of thousands of volts of electricity into her. Doctors are baffled by Kat's seemingly minor injuries, but it only takes her a few days to notice that things about her change.

Just as Kat discloses the information to her best friend and boyfriend, all hell breaks loose. The nanobots (which work on an atomic-sized level) have somehow reprogrammed themselves and are infecting everything they come in contact with: people, animals, land, buildings, water —even the air. There's no escape and all they can do is run.

When they're cornered in the woods by the infection, Kat instinctively raises her hands and the entire group is shocked to find that her energy obliterates the infection. Kat has the power to save the world, but the odds are stacked against her. How can one girl save the world? You'll only find out by getting Charged. ;) You can check out the book trailer for The Electric Series here and always find the latest info on my books on my website, caseyharvell.com.

Michelle: Did you use any real-life settings or happenings for your brainstorming?

Casey: The way Kat came into being (besides having the pretty girl's name I never got to use being the mom of two boys) is this weird thing that happens to me constantly. It's random and I'm sure it's not just me — but my imagination took it and ran. Almost every time I go out after dark a streetlight goes out above me. Every stinking time ... add to that watching my hubby play the BioShock video games and BOOM! A girl who becomes charged with electricity — who can control it. Awesome.

Michelle: What is your brand?

Casey: I write romance. I love zombies. I desperately wanted to write an apocalypse but wanted to do something that hadn't been done before. Kat was easy — it was finding something to tie into her plot cohesively that took some doing. After a lot of searching I discovered something called The Grey-Goo Theory. Kat's apocalypse as born.

Michelle: What are some qualities that your readers love about your writing or stories?

Casey: The feedback I've gotten for all of my books (including this series) has been relatively positive (I won't lie — you can't win them all which is fine and expected.) My readers love my characters. I also strive to do something new whenever possible. I've been a reader since a child (a hard-core reader) so I take my favorite parts of reading and try to cut out the stuff I don't like and turn my crazypants imagination into something others can enjoy too. The reviews speak for themselves. <3

Michelle: Thanks, Casey. Good luck with the series.

LET'S MEET GOLDEN HEART FINALISTS

Introducing … Kristi Ann Hunter

About Kristi (courtesy of the author):Kristi Ann Hunter has always loved stories and the power of words. She wrote her first short stories as a teenager and began writing novels four years ago. In addition to being a Golden Heart finalist (for My Lord Valet in the Inspirational category), she is also a finalist in the historical romance category of American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis contest and winner of last year's Maggie Award from the Georgia Romance Writers.

She and other inspirational Regency writers blog at RegencyReflections.com.

Her favorite books, movies, and media moments can be found along with her personal blog at KristiAnnHunter.com.

Michelle: What is your brand for the stories you pen?

Kristi: Let me tell you a story … because I think stories have power. Fables, parables, and tales have long been used to impart wisdom and teach lessons as well as entertain. I've discovered some amazing things about myself while reading stories. Immersing yourself in someone else's life — even if it's fictional — lets you see things differently. Whether or not my readers gather profound insight from my writing, I like the idea of letting them escape into another world for a few hours.

Michelle: What are a few groups (or critique partners) that have played a significant role in your writing career or development?

Kristi: Oh, so many! When I first started taking my writing seriously, I thought I could do it all on my own. I thought I knew enough. I couldn't have been more wrong.

My local RWA chapter (Georgia Romance Writers), my local ACFW chapter (ACFW North Georgia), and my fellow Regency Reflections authors have been amazing sources of knowledge, critique, and support.

Patty Smith Hall, Lindi Patterson, Ane Mulligan, and Laurie Alice Eakes have encouraged me every time I thought of quitting. I think Patty has made it a personal mission to guide me to publication. She even gave me her bottle of Seekerville Sand that someone else gave her prior to her publication.

Hey, look. I think I just wrote an acceptance speech!

Michelle: Do you have a designated writing schedule?

Kristi: I have three young children and a husband that works for a church, so frequently my up is down and my schedule is anything but routine. My youngest is starting school this year which should help me find some time to focus.

Right now, I write whenever and wherever I can: on the porch while my kids play in the yard, in the car on the way to or from church (while the Hubs drove, of course), sitting on the floor next to the bed of a kid who had a nightmare. My most regular writing time is the two hours I claim while my youngest naps.

Michelle: Do you have three book recs for 2014?

Kristi:Dear Mr. Knightley by Katharine Reay. I think this book actually came out in 2013, but I read it this year and it's been all over the award nominations. As a lover of Regency and contemporary, this book was a lovely blend of the two, having a contemporary heroine lost in the words of books by authors such as Jane Austen.

A Lady's Honor by Laurie Alice Eakes. I am constantly amazed at Laurie Alice's ability to bring history to life and weave historic details into her books. Add that to romance, faith, and intrigue, and you've got yourself a great Inspirational Regency novel.

A Cowboy Unmatched by Karen Witemeyer. This novella is the conclusion of a great series by Karen. After rooting for the underdog little brother in books one and two, it was great to see him get a story that challenged him as a man. I'm a sucker for a good series and characters you can love and grow with from book to book.

Introducing … Sara Tompkins

About Sara (courtesy of the author):Sara Tompkins is the author of Better Than a Movie, a 2014 finalist for the Golden Heart (in the Inspirational category) and 2014 finalist for the Touched By Love Award from RWA's Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. An attorney, Sara spent several years working with refugees before trading in her job and her frequent-flier miles for the chance to stay home with her two girls. She now spends her days talking to her "imaginary friends," as she affectionately calls her characters, keeping her dachshunds from eating all the family socks, and shuttling her kids around in the minivan she swore she'd never buy.

Michelle: What/who inspired you to write?

Sara: I'm an avid fiction reader. I love snuggling up in bed and escaping into a great story. Nothing redeems a hard day like some good chick lit! I've struggled at times, though, to find what I crave: sweet and delicious romantic fiction with snappy dialogue and believable characters. The books I'd pick up were either too spicy — so graphic I'd squirm, or too sugary — as insubstantial as cotton candy. So in a flash of insanity, I decided to write a novel myself! It's been a fun but humbling journey. Playing critic is much less demanding than playing author.

Michelle: What inspirational/motivational messages get your creativity going?

Sara: The lessons God is teaching me in my own life inspire my fiction. I'm learning a lot about letting go of my need for control lately, and the main character of Better Than a Movie, my most recent manuscript, undergoes a similar journey. People also offer an endless supply of inspiration! One freelance editor told me that the behavior of one of my characters seemed too outlandish to be plausible. Funny thing was, I knew someone who behaved in exactly the same way! Sometimes reality is less believable than fiction.

Michelle: What amazing thing has happened in your life that you'd like to share?

Sara: Working with refugees who have fled persecution has, and continues to, amaze me. I find their resilience and faith astounding and inspiring. While I sleep comfortably in my warm bed tonight, millions of people worldwide are forced from their homes.

Michelle: Do you have three book recs for 2014?

Sara: I tend to read books months after their release so these aren't new, but still worth checking out!

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. I love how the romantic hero defies stereotypes. You can't help but root for him.

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. I'm not the first to recommend this can't-put-it-down delight!

A Perfect Proposal. I'm a big fan of several British authors, and Katie Fforde is one of my particular faves.

Michelle: Kristi and Sara, thank you very much for a peek into your worlds. Good luck with your careers.

Michelle Monkou celebrates her upcoming digital release in Evernight Publishing's Executive Assistant anthology, writing as Michelle Rhys. Her website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.