Fallen Angel Reviews would like to welcome author, Tina Donahue. Tina’s title, Let the Games Begin, is in the Brava anthology, Wicked Women on Top.


Welcome to FAR, Tina. Please tell us a little about yourself.

Gladly. I’m a multi-published novelist in the contemporary and historical romance lines. At the beginning of my professional writing career, I was the editor of an award-winning Midwestern newspaper, after which I moved to California and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company (my work was broadcast on CBS-TV). Next, I served as the public relations director for a California literary agency, and I’m now the Managing Editor for a global business document concern. I’ve also modeled professionally, appearing on billboards throughout the nation.

When did you start writing?

When I was nine years old. I not only wrote my own stories, but I illustrated them, then went around the neighborhood selling my work for whatever I could get (most of the time that was loose change and an occasional cookie!). My biggest bestseller (12 copies) was Dimples the Adventurous Flea.

What was the first story you ever wrote?

That would be The Musical World of the Fa La La’s when I was nine – not a bestseller like Dimples the Adventurous Flea, but definitely a keeper.

Take My Breath Away, comes out in May 2005, can we get a sneak peak?

You bet.

In Take My Breath Away: As a Marine-turned Hollywood director, Cole Ryder’s faced with many challenges, but none like this. To research his latest film, he’s spending three full days (and nights) in a lush, tropical paradise with sensual survival expert Ariel Leigh, and – according to her protective, wealthy uncle – Cole is not to seduce her, romance her, or in any way touch her. . .not even when she oh-so-casually removes her shirt to show him how it can be used to trap fish. . .not even when she oh-so-uninhibitedly bathes under a waterfall. . .not even when her unexpected kisses and playful pillow talk just beg him to take her in his arms under a canopy of stars.

Describe a typical workday for you.

Brutal. . .but rewarding!! I typically wake up at 4 a.m. (yes, 4!) to write my torrid romances before going to my day job where I oversee hundreds of freelance editors that write business documents. During lunch and after dinner, I switch gears back to my sexy romances, which often continue into my dreams.

Tell your fans something about you they would never guess.

Well, I did pilot a single-engine Cessna aircraft in my daredevil past and never, ever crashed into anything.

You writing encompasses more than one genre. Do you like to read this level of variety as well?

Absolutely. I love thrillers and crime novels (Lawrence Sanders and Elmore Leonard are two of my favorite authors), horror (you go Stephen King and Dean Koontz!), mainstream (loved The Handmaid’s Tale and anything by Hilma Wolitzer), and gothic (V.C. Andrews early work – Flowers in the Attic).

You find yourself stranded on a desert island, what things could you not survive without?

My cell, email, IM, popcorn, a way to get the Food Channel (Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals rocks!), directions to the nearest discount mall, and availability to research material (via Google) for my next romance.

What can fans expect to see from you next?

My next single title Brava Close to Perfect has a publication date of January 2006. As with Take My Breath Away and Let the Games Begin (Wicked Women on Top) Close to Perfect is sultry, fun, and most of all – very romantic with a strong, beguiling heroine and a sexy bad boy hero.

Has being published changed you at all? If so, how?

I’ve become an expert at multi-tasking and getting very little sleep. However, I do get recognized in bookstores, especially as I point out my newest title to patrons.

Of all things you have accomplished, is there one accomplishment you are most proud of?

My first sale. I began to write romances in 1998 and within six months of trying this genre, I sold my first romantic comedy (Lady Love). This novel was purchased within a week of sending it to my publisher – whew – talk about fast-paced! It continues to generate positive fan mail from around the world.

Wicked Women on Top is your latest release, please tell us a about it.

My contribution to this anthology is the lead story – Let the Games Begin. Briefly: Former shy bookworm Tiffany Taylor has always wanted Nick Marlow, not that he ever noticed. Now, with a controlling interest in Nick's Las Vegas casino and a new sultry look to match, Tiffany's got his full attention. But Nick has no intention of giving up his area of expertise, gaming, to Tiffany. Instead, he presents a wager: They'll play strip poker for control...but if he wins, he wants a night of passion-nothing forbidden, nothing held back. As clothes and inhibitions are shed, a sizzling game of temptation begins, and all bets are off...

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I plan to move into erotic historical romance, again, while continuing with my sultry, fun, contemporary romances as well – and any other genre that will please my fans.

Thank you Tina, for being here with us today. For more information on Tina Donahue and her books, visit her website.


Interviewed by: Jaymi