Today's Special - - Juliana Stone

PJ here.  It's my pleasure to welcome Juliana Stone to the blog today.  I discovered Juliana with the publication of her debut paranormal romance and have eagerly awaited each subsequent book she's written. She writes dark paranormal romance, is venturing into contemporary romance with the release of her new book, OFFSIDE and also writes young adult novels as Julie Blackstone.  Describing herself as an "80's geek," Juliana indulges her passion for music by singing in a band in which her husband plays guitar.  A Canadian, Juliana also has a passion for hockey and that passion figures prominently in her new book.  But I'll let her tell you about that.  

You can find out more about Juliana and her books at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.  Please give Juliana a warm Romance Dish welcome!

Hey all!  I’m so happy to be here talking about my very first contemporary romance, OFFSIDE, because this book involves more than a few of my favorite things.  Romance.  Sports.  Hunky, gorgeous men, and heroines who are strong, likable and yet, kick ass!

Some of you may know me from my paranormal romances, The Jaguar Warriors and The League of Guardians series, but last year I decided to spread my wings so to speak and I wrote a few contemporary romances.  The Summer He Came Home releases next April, from Sourcebooks, and is the first in my new Bad Boys of Crystal Lake series.  The hero, Cain is a yummy rock star. Truthfully, I had so much fun writing that first book, I wrote a second and decided to self-publish The Barker Triplets, as a way to let my paranormal readers try my contemporary voice!

So, The Barker Triplets, Billie-Jo, Bobbi-Jo, and Betty-Jo (as an aside, these girls are named after my cousins J )  are an interesting bunch, and I decided that my first book would be about Billie, a hot shot female hockey player!  Basically, Billie has represented her country in the Olympics, and has played professional hockey in a men’s league in Europe.  She suffered a career ending concussion and finds herself back home at loose ends, with no plans and a chip on her shoulder.  She decides to sign up for a Friday Night Hockey league, which only has men, and is met by a lot of resistance.

 

I can tell you all, that these events were inspired by two women who did just that in the small town I live in. These ladies are still playing today, though, the men did change the sign up rules, to specify it as a men’s league instead of hockey league.

I had a blast writing this book, developing the relationships between the family members, the sisters and I was able to combine my love of hockey, something that I’ve enjoyed my entire life.  I come from a hockey family.  My brothers played.  I played.  My friends.  My son. I love everything about the game, the physical aspect especially.  And adding a dash of romance into this forum?  Win for me!

To celebrate the release of OFFSIDE, I’ll award one commentator your choice of a kindle copy of OFFSIDE, OR an advanced reader copy of THE SUMMER HE CAME HOME!  All you have to do is tell me what your favorite sport is and why!