Lyncee Shillard
1. I hear you have pets in your novels. Tell us about them.
I do. I love animals–all animals. Even those that aren’t meant to be pets. I feel it’s really important that animals are allowed to “be.” For example, if you love cats, go to the local shelter and adopt one; don’t smuggle a tiger cub out of the jungle. My books reflect this message.
In my latest release romance adventure–Taking A Risk (available at https://books2read.com/u/3npgqe)–is all about this message.
Blurb: If Leigh Ronaldson is one thing, it’s predictable. What’s wrong with having a routine? Apparently, it makes her boring or so her ex-boyfriend claimed as he dumped her. And her best friend agrees.
She decides to prove them wrong and books an extreme adventure in Ecuador. The hiking, kayaking, and camping she signed up for. She didn’t plan on the hot guide who by just looking at her made her squirm with desire and definitely not the drug cartel who wants them dead.
Nick Greco’s golden rule is never to touch a client. NEVER. But rules can’t be broken. Regardless of how hard he is.
Once the local drug cartel starts hunting them, he knows it will take all his skill to get out of the Amazon jungle alive. And if your life is hanging in the balance, even golden rules can be broken…
My Christmas romance–The Christmas Reunion (available at https://books2read.com/u/mVBJEM)–is set on an animal rescue reserve. So it’s a mix of pets and wild life that has rescued.
Blurb: Five years ago, Joleigh Nelson turned her back on the only man she’d ever love to save her father and unborn son’s lives. Now that man may be the only one who can save her home, the New Forks animal reserve.
Spencer Thompkin has spent the last five years in an emotional wasteland. Unable to let anyone in after Joleigh disappeared without a word. On a routine foreclosure of an animal reserve, he finds not only Joleigh but a son he never knew about.
Can he get over the feelings of betrayal and help Joleigh save her home–the animal reserve? Or will the heartless lawyer part of him prevail leaving Joleigh homeless and without her son?
A Christmas Reunion may not even be enough to save the animal reserve and restore their love.
In my Halloween romance suspense–Murder and Treats (available at https://books2read.com/u/3nYk7B)–there is pet hamster that is a strong secondary character…that is key in solving keeping Lila alive. Mr. Bosworth is cute but don’t let that fool you.
Blurb: Lila Maxwell is coaxed into attending All Treats, a Halloween speed dating event by her best friend. Instead of the soul mate promised, one Halloween ghoul after another appears at her door until Cowboy Bill.
Jax Carlson has spent the last year focusing all of his attention on starting his own business. Hiring Lila Maxell over the Internet as his project manager was the final piece to his prefect plan. Set to open for business in three days, Jax plans on spending a couple of days on his boat relaxing. However, his friend Erik has a different idea–a speed dating Halloween party.
Jax has spent the night plotting the best revenge possible for Erik until Sally opens the door. The woman dressed in the pale lavender Harem costume ignites a fire that Jax thought was impossible without the aid of his formulated dating list.
After a night of mind-blowing sex, Lila sneaks out before they exchange real names, believing it was no more than a one-night stand.
Lila’s first day is full of surprises, the biggest being Cowboy Bill is actually her new boss, Jax Carlson. She thinks keeping her hormones in check while convincing Jax that love doesn’t follow a formula is complication enough until she learns the participants of the All Treats speed dating event are being killed.
My upcoming release–Ethan–has a little yorkie with a BIG attitude.
2. Why did you add pets to your stories?
I think they are amazing characters! They have their own personality, love unconditionally (as a romance writer, how can you NOT use that?), and are an excellent way to reveal your hero/heroine’s personality. Pets make great sounding boards for my characters (and me. My dog–Gunther–is my main planning partner 😊)
I’m a dog person (allergies sort of has determined this). Writing is a solo thing and the great thing about Gunther is that he’s silent, yet there. He’s also a venting source (most of my characters use their pets, their friend’s pets, or the jungle animals for this.)
When we aren’t writing, we enjoy long walks on the beach…even in the winter.
3. What other romances have you written?
I have written a couple paranormal suspense. A Mermaid’s Wish (no animals in this at all, which is weird for me), available at https://books2read.com/u/4AYAeA
Treasure Hunt (a pirate paranormal–no pets but a magical Siberian Tiger named Esmeralda), available at https://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Hunt-Lyncee-Shillard-ebook/dp/B003K16VFY/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1579915138&refinements=p_27%3ALyncee+Shillard&s=digital-text&sr=1-3&text=Lyncee+Shillard
5. How do you promote your books?
One of the key promotions is Charity Sunday and other animal organizations. For example, I donate a part of my sales from Treasure Hunt to a big cat rescue located in Wisconsin. (Esmeralda was based on Memphis.)
For Taking a Risk, I plan on donating part of my sales to the Amazon Wildlife foundation. My pets have given me so much and ask so little in return that I really feel that is a small thing I can do.
I’d love to hear if any of your readers have a favorite animal charity.
[NOTE: Visitors can use this blog’s Comments section to let us know about your favorite animal charity.]
6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
I live in the cold Northern Michigan (the place of four seasons–they lie! It’s just different levels of winter) with my husband. Our children have begun their own adventures, and just as I got into the swing of empty nest, then my grandson came to live with us. Now I’m doing 8 again…they argue everything, just case you forgot. And I now remember why I eat doughnuts and drink vodka 😊
When I’m not hanging out with the 8-year-old, I’m writing, reading, crocheting, and making self-care products. I’m a planner babe and vodka wizard. I also enjoy taking pictures. I’m not claiming to have a talent; it’s just something I like to do.
Come and hang out with me…we will talk doughnuts, vodka, and planners…
Website: https://LynceeShillard.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lyncee
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LynceeS/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3344793.Lyncee_Shillard
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Lyncee-Shillard/e/B007WGBKYK/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1534257851&sr=8-1
Marcia James: Thank you, Lyncee, for stopping by my Go Pets! I look forward to reading your romantic novels!
READER INVITATION: Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Hi, Lyncee! Welcome to my blog. I think it’s wonderful that you’re not only adding animals to your books, but you’re donating some of your proceeds to pro-animal organizations. I look forward to reading your books!
Thanks for having me!
I have had pets in my home since 1981. Three of my four cats are rescues or re-homed, one from a shelter, one from a person who found her, and one from a lady who was dying. The fourth was picked by my housemate who got him from a friend. I love reading stories that include animals. My late husband gave me a poodle as a first-anniversary present in 1981 and I had to bring a Siamese cat the breeder had home, too.
Hi, Rachelle! It sounds like you have been a forever home for a lot of lucky pets! I think there’s a special place in heaven for people who rescue pets. 😉 Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. Happy Leap Month!
All our doggies are from shelters. I would love to volunteer or foster but I know I just couldn’t. I’d become the dog lady. I love cats they have such great personalities but my allergies aren’t a fan – sadly
Lyncee — I have the same allergies to cats. I would love to own a Maine Coon cat, but I wouldn’t survive the allergy symptoms.
I like having pets and animals included in stories. The way a character treats an animal tells you much about their character. I did not have a pet growing up, but we have made up for it since getting married. We have had about a dozen dogs as pets, and fostered litters of puppies for the local animal shelter for several years. We have had up to 4 dogs at a time (not counting the fosters), but are down to one now plus a peacock. We have had cats, rabbits, snakes, ferrets, chickens, rodents of all varieties, and fish. We have done rehab for wild animals also.
A peacock! that’s interesting, Patricia. Do you use the feathers for crafts?
Wow, Patricia! You’re amazing. 😉 You’ve helped so many animals along the way. I’m sure your local shelter/rescue group is thrilled to have a great volunteer like you. 😉 I heard peacocks are really loud, but I’ve never been around one. By the way, I agree with you about pets in books showing whether a character is worth rooting for. 😉 Have a great week!
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This is my dog comet. He is a rescue dog. When i first brought him home he ran away 2 times but came right back about 1/2 hour later. Then never ran away again.
What a handsome boy! I think because they are so loyal they feel the need to try to find their first family. Our dog in the pictures was so sad when we brought her home, we were worried if she would ‘pull’ out of it. But she did and is a wonderful pet
Hi, Ida! I agree with Lyncee. Comet is a handsome pup! 😉 It sounds like Comet settled in just fine and has found his forever home. Thanks for dropping by my blog. Happy Valentine’s Day!
I have 3 cats and 2 huskies. The (breeder dog has 1blue eye and 1 brown), so cute. Tks for the chance….susie s.
Hi! I love huskies. They are so unique! Sounds like you have a full house of cool pets. 😉 Thanks for stopping by my blog. Have a great day!
A husky has always been my dream dog… but it just hasn’t worked out yet. We live in Michigan and I just get soooo excited thinking about roaming the woods in winter with one!
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Congratulations, Patricia! You are the winner of my ebook. You get to choose which one you want from my list here: https://marciajames.net/books/ I will email you with more details. Have a great day!