(soft laugh) I can’t say I’m surprised. I can be a bit of a brat, and my sarcasm hasn’t won me any awards. I think it was the way I was brought up. I was rushed off to a child psychologist simply for having strong feelings. I love my mom, my stepdad, too. They’re just so anti-emotion. I’m not sure how else to describe them. They weren’t sure how to handle me and my moodiness. Even as an adult, I’m sure my mood swings and strong opinions can be annoying, but let’s face it; I’ve been through a lot. I came out of my coma with more than the ability to chat with animals, as if that wasn’t enough; I was impacted in too many ways to possibly share. And to put it bluntly, I’m not here to win a popularity contest, most days I’m just trying to survive and stay out of trouble. I’m sorry if you find me offensive, bitchy, or annoying; I’m really not trying to be any of those things on purpose. Bottom line, though, knowing that Zane sees me as a “good woman” is what really matters. I’ll never forget the first time he called me that. (deep sigh) His love makes me a better person everyday we’re together. So there’s still hope the haters will grow to like me too. (more soft laughter)
2. Your feelings about Zane were pretty mixed up throughout your story, tell us about that, if you don’t mind …
I really was confused, wasn’t I? My first major relationship ended so badly that I was terrified to get involved with another man, especially one who seemed so perfect. Zane is beyond gorgeous, he’s thoughtful, kind, charismatic, and he makes me feel like a princess. I guess I simply couldn’t believe he was for real. And if he was the real deal, why in the world would he want a mixed up, emotional woman like me? I guess my self esteem was suffering more than I care to admit. Then came the secrets. Big wolfy secrets. As a multi-cultural woman, I’m all for interracial relationships … but inter-species? I’ve definitely overcome that little concern. I love my werewolf. Now, anyway. I think at first I was confused because everything happened so fast. I’ve never been a big believer in love at first site, but when I saw Zane behind the wheel of that vintage Corvette, something clicked. And no matter how hard I tried to turn it off, the light (love) just kept shining brighter. Corny? Yes. But true. And the danger we faced together only served to strengthen our bond.
3. What about Valamir, the master vampire?
I’m sorry. I’m going to plead the fifth. Let’s just say my neck remembers all too well.
4. Your powers keep expanding, how are you dealing with all the changes?
I guess, under the circumstances, quite well. When my very first dog, Buddy Boy, drenched my face with his slimy tongue, following my coma catastrophe, I knew the life I’d known had died right along with me in that freezing swimming pool. I’ve read Stephen King’s Pet Cemetery (more than once), and agree with the premise that dead things just don’t come back to life “right.” I flat-lined on my fifteenth birthday, and remained in a coma for months after, but here I am. I can communicate with critters large and small, tame and wild, as well as, werewolves and their mutant counterparts. And I have an ability to detect other supernatural creatures. I’m like a radar detector for things that go bump in the night. The newer talents, I’m still working out the kinks. I’ll get back to you. If you go back through my story, I’ve highlighted their progression as they “appear.”
5. Anything you’d like to add?
Remember what you see isn’t all there is. And what you see might not be what you think you see. If that makes any sense. I know it does for me. Oh … if you think love won’t ever find you, think again. When you least expect it, love will come knocking. Like me, you too will have to decide if you want to open the door. In my case, with Zane, had I refused, he would have huffed and puffed and blown that door right off its hinges. He is, after all, one big, bad wolf. (happy laughter)
I Kissed a Dog
The Werewolves of the West Series
Book One
Carol Van Atta
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Cambridge Press US under the umbrella of Charles River Press (CRP)
ISBN: 1936185725
ISBN13: 9781936185726
ASIN: B009SV179U
Number of pages: 446
Cover Artist: Ann Falcone
Buy Links: Print, Kindle, Nook
Book Description:
Chloe Carpenter isn't like other women. She can communicate with animals. A gift she unwrapped following one of her frequent dances with death.
In her otherwise wacky life, she's finally found a semblance of sanity working at the Plum Beach Wildlife Park, where her unique talents can make life or death differences for the animals in her care. That semblance is shattered when a new veterinarian roars into the park in his spiffed up sports car and sets his golden gaze on her. If she had her way, he'd roar right back out.
Problem: He's her new coworker and he's saved her life twice - in the past twenty-four hours.
Zane Marshall, Enforcer for the Pacific Pack of purebred werewolves, has a job to do - figure out who or what is mutilating the young men of Plum Beach.
With orders to find the woman who talks to animals, he accepts a position working alongside the fiery Chloe Carpenter, a female who ignites his interest far more than he ever expected. Remarkably, she's the one elusive female with potential to bring meaning and passion to his empty existence.
Problem: She despises him.
Together, they're forced to unravel a mystery of supernatural proportions, a murderous mystery with eternal implications for everyone. In the process, they discover opposites really do attract.
Major Problem: Zane is pledged to another woman, and she'll do anything to keep him from Chloe.
Tour Wide Giveaway
- 3 ecopies of I Kissed a Dog by Carol Van Atta
- 1 print copy of I Kissed a Dog US Shipping Only
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About the Author:
Like most authors, Carol Van Atta is no stranger to the written word. She penned a short novel at age 12 (somewhat frighteningillustrations included, and lots of bunnies were involved), and had a creative writing piece published in her high school newspaper (about David Bowie's Diamond Dogs LP). Yes, she's an ex-80's chick.
Devouring books from numerous genres, Carol developed a deep thirst/hunger for more reading material, and could almost always be found with her nose in a book.
She has contributed to several popular inspirational anthologies and devotional books, and lives in the rainy wetland of Oregon with a terrifying teen (another in college) and a small zoo of animals. She is taking an undetermined hiatus away from inspirational writing to delve into her darker side. (Though you can check out her latest spiritual suspense novel, Soul Defenders). It is rumored that this genre-jumping occurred after Carol discovered too suspicious red marks on her neck, and experienced an unquenchable urge to howl at the moon.
Thank you so much for having me on your site. I appreciate the opportunity to share my new book,and upcoming series with your readers. Someone needs to sign up for the drawing, though. Right now the odds are pretty darn good!
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