Welcome, Lori! We are so glad to have you here on HerStoryCalls. Please checkout Lori’s newest release, Destiny’s Awakening, and perhaps win your very own copy!

Bio: Lori’s love of reading has transcended to include penning her own tales of romance. She is experimenting with writing in several different genres, including paranormal – a definite favorite. “There is just so much you can do when you step outside the known world,” she explains “and creating a paranormal story allows you to take yourself and your readers anywhere your imagination wants to go!”

Destiny’s Awakening is Lori’s first foray into the “Tales of the Fey” paranormal romance trilogy. Visit her website at www.loricorsentino.com and follow her on Twitter @LoriCorsentino and on Facebook.com/LoriCorsentino. Also check out her blog weekly for a Manic Monday, Wicked Writer Wednesday, or Favorite Friday entry.

Take it away, Lori, and thanks again for coming on HerstoryCalls! You’re such a delight.

Thank you, Summer.

As a reader, I always wondered how authors developed their characters. In the books I truly enjoyed, the characters seemed to walk of the page, sit down next to me, and tell me their story. As I read, I would find myself associating with the heroine and falling in love with the hero. I would root for both of them to overcome their trials and would sigh with relief and satisfaction at the happily ever after. As a romantic, that’s what I love.

Destiny’s Awakening, my first novel in the Tales of the Fey trilogy, is filled with interesting characters. Each of them introduced themselves to me at different times during my writing journey.

Alexander, my hero, was first. He walked right in one morning and started telling me all about how he was waiting for his love, The One, to awaken him. And could I please get a move on, because he had things to do, namely capturing an evil Wizard and stopping an inter-world war.

Evelyn came soon afterwards. I was working with my critique group at the time when she finally noticed I’d been calling for her. She strode over and immediately introduced herself, saying, “Hello. I’m Evelyn. Evelyn Wright. But you can call me Evie.” Looking over my shoulder she watched me write notes. “What are you doing?” she asked.

My villain, Claudius came sometime in between. He’s a truly twisted individual that is like a breath of fresh air to write. I know that sounds odd, but it’s true. Having such a character truly lets you open up and write with no boundaries.

I love that!

I’ve discovered that Evie is a true study of contrasts. She’s hesitant, even suspicious at first, but once she embraces something, she gives it her all. She is strong, independent, and willful, except of course when has a weaker moment and needs to be held and comforted and surrounded by love. I loved Evie’s her quips and one-liners. She made me laugh out loud at times. What a pleasure she was to write!

Alexander, on the other hand, is strong, steadfast, and true. He’s hard working and not above getting his hands dirty. He’s loyal to his people and does whatever it takes to protect those who he considers his, namely Evelyn and his two sisters, Annora and Analiese. He’s also regal, arrogant, and haughty, but what else would you expect from a Prince? So, I supposed in his own way, he’s also a study of contrasts.

Getting my hero and heroine together was quite interesting. I had a basic idea of where I wanted to go, and what I wanted to so, and once I put it in motion, they just picked everything up and ran off with it! It’s been quite an interesting ride, with many twists and turns. Claudius caused a lot of mayhem and chaos, and made things quite interesting for all involved.

Destiny’s Awakening is the beginning of something magical for me, and hopefully for all those that read these tales. I hope the characters of this first book touch my reader’s hearts as much as they did mine.

Enjoy! Lori

P.S. I’m please to give away some swag including an eBook or print copy of Destiny’s Awakening to one lucky commenter!

Here’s an excerpt for your enjoyment!

“You have heard the story of Claudius?” At Evie’s confirming grunt, he continued. “Things will become difficult for us with him preparing to spread his mischief.”

“Sorry.” She needed to get her bearings. It was time to talk about his world. “Where is here?”

“Here is Sha’Mir, my realm.” Alexander’s voice changed again, this time it was infused with pride.

“Sha-meer,” Evie repeated. “That’s beautiful! Is it what you call your world?”

“No. Sha’Mir is my realm. It is a city-state in Ma’hir’ra, my world.”

“Oh, that’s right.” Evie answered. “Reggie did say that. What do you call my world?”

“Ga’el’ania.”

“Nice.” She propped her chin on her hand, giving him her full attention. “I like the way you say it.”

“Thank you.” His good humor was back, evidenced by the appearance of the tiny dimple. It immediately drew her attention and tempted her. He may not be trying, but he was still seducing her. At this rate, she’d be on her back, legs in the air in less than ten minutes. She shook her head, in obvious need of a distraction. A vocabulary lesson on Shameerize words and pronunciation might fit the bill.

“So my world is called Goll-an-eeya,” Evie parroted. At his affirmation she tried it again. “Goll-an-eeya.”

Alexander inclined his head, indicating his approval. “Very good.”

Although pleased with the first lesson, Evie was getting wound up again. Damn quickening stuff, she bet. She was never this mercurial. The intense pull between them made her crazy. He was attractive, kind, and seemed to be gentle. She loved the combination. He was also arrogant, imperious and haughty. She wasn’t so fond of those traits. They raised her hackles and pissed her off. No wonder she was confused. On the one hand, she was attracted to him. On the other, she wanted to smack him. What was it about Mr. Hottie Prince that drew her to him so strongly?

Thank you again, Lori, for joining us!

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