When Coralee Whitmore, a reporter for the fashionable London ladies’ gazette, Heart to Heart, learns that her sister’s death has been dismissed as a suicide, she vows to uncover the truth. Suspecting the notorious Earl of Tremaine was Laurel’s lover--and the father of her illegitimate child--Corrie infiltrates Castle Tremaine, posing as the abandoned, destitute wife of the earl’s distant cousin. ...

interviewed by Romance Designs

HEART OF FIRE is Book 2 in the Heart Trilogy which started with HEART OF HONOR. Can you tell us where this book picks up?

HEART OF FIRE is Coralee Whitmore’s story.  She is the society editor of the London ladies’ gazette, Heart to Heart, as well as being Krista Hart’s best friend.  It begins not long after Krista is married to Leif, the hero of the first book in the trilogy.

Can this book be read as a stand alone book or would you recommend reading the first book first?

My books generally stand alone and this one perhaps even more than most.  It is always fun to go back and read the first book in the series, but certainly is not a must.

Please introduce readers to the heroine, Coralee Whitmore. 

As I said, Coralee is the society editor for Heart to Heart.  She is a little wild, a little reckless, but she is also extremely loyal to her family and friends.  When her sister is accused of committing suicide and taking her infant son to the grave with her, Coralee is determined to prove her innocence.  Corrie believes Laurel was murdered and she will got to any lengths to find the man who killed her.

Your book takes place in 1844. How difficult was it to portray a woman reporter in this time period?

I think because Corrie was working at a women’s magazine, it was less of a stretch.  There were a number of gazettes being published at the time and Coralee loved to write so it was only natural she find some sort of outlet for her interest.  

The notorious Earl of Tremaine was not at all what Coralee expected when she first met him. Please describe Tremaine to our readers.

Grayson Forsythe, Earl of Tremaine, never wanted the title and fortune he received when his brother died.  He was in the army at the time and felt that he belonged there.  Gray is a bit of an individualist--on their first meeting, Corrie thinks he looks more like a highwayman than an earl.  Gray’s wife died several years earlier and rumor has it, the earl may have been responsible.  He is eaten up with guilt that he wasn’t able to save his young wife from drowning and is determined to remain distant from women--until he meets Letty Moss, the role Coralee has assumed in order to get into Gray’s house.

Coralee’s half-sister has died from an apparent suicide and sets the stage for why Coralee decides to impersonate an impoverished relative to gain entry to Tremaine’s home.  How did you come up with the premise for the story? Did you have a specific inspiration that you could share with us?

Actually, it was a concept I had been playing around with for some time.  I have no idea where the original notion came from.  Sometime, I know, but in this case it just sort of sneaked into my brain and lurked there for several years, until I had to spit it out.

Tremaine is suffering from his own loss. How does this bring the characters together?

In the beginning, Gray’s loss actually keeps him apart from the heroine.  But Letty is so sweet, unpretentious, and non-threatening, Gray finds himself being more and more drawn to her.  Unfortunately, the Letty that Corrie portrays isn’t the person she truly is.

Trust is a major factor in any successful relationship. How do you feel these two characters grow this bond throughout the story? 

Conviction, honesty, and determination are qualities that belong to Corrie.  Gray is drawn to those are qualities, which are important to him as well.  Once he realizes that both Letty and Corrie share a number of the same qualities, even though on the surface they seem extremely different, he come to trust and love her.

This story is quite passionate. How do you decide what character traits you should bring to the forefront to both a hero and a heroine to make this come across successfully?

As I begin to write a book, I think of the hero and heroine as a couple and  about what qualities in each would appeal to the other.  Sometimes opposites attract, sometimes couple fall in love who have a great deal in common.  In this story, both were of a passionate nature, which completely suited the other partner.

What will the next book in the trilogy be called and can you tell us briefly about it?

The final book in the trilogy is Heart of Courage and it is Thor Draugr’s story.  Thor is Leif’s brother and also a Viking from an undiscovered island.  Thor is a good bit rougher as a hero than the very sophisticated and jaded Gray.   His nemesis is Lindsey Graham, who has taken Corrie’s place as editor of the gazette.

You write both romantic suspense and historicals. Where can we expect your focus to lie in the coming year?

Coming up June 1 is a romantic suspense, Season of Strangers, the final book in my paranormal series.  This is a wild ride--perhaps not for everyone, but I am hoping readers will find Julie and Patrick’s story different and interesting--certainly it won’t be like any other book they have read. 

What other books can we expect from you in the year to come?

After Season of Strangers, Heart of Courage will be out, the third in the Heart Trilogy, Thor’s story.  After that, a new historical trilogy.  I hope readers will watch for all of them!

What was the last movie you saw in the theatre? Did you enjoy it?

I love movies.  Unfortunately, living 35 miles from the nearest theater (a 70 mile round trip), I don’t get to the show that often.  I watch lots on TV though, love the Lifetime Channel movies.  Rent a lot.  We have a big TV so enjoyed Transformers.  Last film I saw in town was...I honestly can’t remember!  Will be heading south soon, though, and close to town there, so get to go to the movies a lot.  Can’t wait! 

What are your holiday plans? 

Christmas dinner here in Montana--white Christmas we hope.  Then heading to the beach in California till spring.

Where can readers find out about your upcoming appearances and learn about any new books?

Best place is my website www.katbooks.com.  I hope readers will sign up for my newsletter--short messages telling readers about my upcoming books.  And I always answer my e-mails.  

To learn more about this fascinating author and the Heart Trilogy, be sure to visit Kats's website at: http://www.katbooks.com/