Mr. Burns: Monica Burns and she writes erotic historical and paranormal romance.
Mr. Burns: Since 1986 I’ve been in the IT industry. I’ve worked in the private and public sectors, and currently I work for the State of Virginia. I’m the household geek and my wife calls me Tim Allen a lot because of all the home repairs I’ve been doing over the past 25 years. I even grunt while doing the work. When I can, I play golf and my wife was very kind to me in 2008 when she presented me with a round of golf at Pebble Beach while she was doing her conference thing in San Francisco.
Mr. Burns: I smiled at her and said hi while stocking at Kroger. She then started coming through my check-out line and after 6 (NINE! Monica interjects) months I got the nerve to ask her out. She was the first girlfriend I had that could carry a decent conversation, very intelligent, not afraid to speak her mind, and I just knew I could stop looking for anyone else.
Mr. Burns: Unfortunately, I wasn’t with her when she got the call from her agent, but I know I was very thrilled for her and I am still very proud of her accomplishments.
Mr. Burns: I’d say B
Mr. Burns: She might disagree but I think I was Prince Charming. We had dinner, went to a movie and then we went back to her apartment. She will deny it, but she kissed me goodnight and when I left she thought she wouldn’t see me again. (There he goes again with that ridiculous story about who kissed who, when)
Mr. Burns: Golf ball. I love to play and watch it. If I die first, I will be cremated, and she has to figure out how to spread my ashes over Augusta National’s Amen Corner (where the Masters are played).
Mr. Burns: I guess since I first met her in 1983 but more so when she really got serious about writing in 2002. Being married to a romance author is not what the guys at my office think it is. Where she gets some of her ideas is beyond me. I have pointed out places in her books to her, and she says NO!!!
I do a lot of the household chores so she can write, but her stress level can get really high. When a wife is under a deadline, take the kids and run far away. No joke, run fast and far. The slightest noise or simplest question (What do you want for dinner?) and she blames you for losing train of thought.
Mr. Burns: At the office I just smile and grin. But our friends know it’s not me, and I am ok with that.
Mr. Burns: She says I’m most like Garrick who’s the hero in her book Pleasure Me. He’s younger than the heroine Ruth. I happen to be almost five years younger than she is. But if I were older, my heart probably couldn’t handle the stress.
Mr. Burns: Well, she’s got two books coming out soon. Love’s Portrait, which is a reissue of one her older books, will be available sometime in September. She’s got info on her website somewhere (NOT somewhere, Monica interjects *banging head on desk* HERE ).
She couldn’t make up her mind which one she wanted me to tell you about, so I picked Inferno’s Kiss because the guy on the cover carries a sword, and I know how much she loves swords (She collects them. I’ve no idea where she gets that from either.) She said this is the third book in her paranormal series. I know she won a big award for the last one. She was really excited about it. Got two pyramid trophies and a couple of pins to add to her shelf.
Inferno’s Kiss by Monica Burns
Book 3 in The Order of the Sicari series
Penguin/Berkley
ISBN – 978-0425243145
Coming October 2011
The laws of desire…
Dante Condellaire, heir apparent to the Sicari Lords, knows that being a true leader means sacrifice. For Dante it was relinquishing all erotic pleasures. But he never expected his willpower to be tested so fiercely by Cleopatra Vorenus, expert assassin of the Order, and daughter of the man he is positioned to succeed.
The rules of battle…
Cleo prefers working alone—until she meets Dante who shares her goal: to destroy a Praetorian stronghold where Sicari women are imprisoned for devious purposes. Bringing the mission off without a hitch pumps up more than their resolve. It sets off a sexual spark too combustible to ignore.
Are all made to be broken.
As their attraction flares like an inferno, the stakes are raised. So are the risks. Before the mission is over, Dante and Cleo will be plunged into a dangerous conspiracy where a traitor threatens the very foundation of the Order, as well as the fiery bond between Dante and Cleo—warriors and lovers now torn between duty and desire.
PreOrder Links
The Book Depository (International readers/free shipping)
Amazon
B&N
Books-A-Million
Excerpt Link
Read the first three chapters of Inferno’s Kiss
Bio
An award-winning author of erotic romance, Monica Burns penned her first short romance story at the age of nine when she selected the pseudonym she uses today. From the days when she hid her stories from her sisters to her first completed full-length manuscript, she always believed in her dream despite rejections and setbacks. A workaholic wife and mother, Monica believes it’s possible for the good guy to win if they work hard enough.
Picture – http://www.monicaburns.com/images/My%20Photos/MonicaBurnsC09.jpg
Connect with Monica:
WEBSITE
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Newsletter/Info Group
GIVEAWAY: Will be giving away a copy of Assassin’s Honor and Assassin’s Heart – Open to International, but limited to countries The Book Depository ships to.
RULES:
To win you must:
1. Ask a question or leave a comment below—We’re men. We can take it. 🙂 Remember: the more you comment, the greater your chances at winning the GRAND PRIZE.
2. You MUST be a follower/subscriber of Lila DiPasqua’s blog (through Google Friend Connect).
3. Must be at least 18 years of age.
4. Winner will be selected at random on SUNDAY.
Ways to increase your odds at winning are found at the very bottom of this blog.
Mr. DiPasqua: This is a wonderful couple. Let’s hear your responses to Mr. Burns, folks! 🙂
Don’t count me in this giveaway as i already have both of those books which i loved!
Whoo Hoo fantastic answers again Mr Burns I gotta say i have read Pleasure Me and loved it
Have Fun
Helen
I’ve not had the pleasure as yet but have made a note to add Monica Burns to my TBR pile ;o)
I’m so thankful for the Book Depository site, great place to try out new reading material ;o)
BTW the covers look amazing!
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Great interview Mr. Burns.I love Monica’s books and haven’t yet read the Sicari series. They are definitely o my TRL. Amazing cover.
Carol L
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ooops, forgot to mention I’m a GFC follower under Lucky47
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Carol L
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What a sweet love story, every couple should have one and you two do.
Glad you did this interview, your wife is a new author for me that I just had to add to my TBR list!
Thanks for the chance to win, her series sounds great!
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Hi everyone, the man of the house will pop in later. At the moment, he’s still in bed. He ALWAYS sleeps late whenever he can. Our daughters have inherited their Dad’s habit. I’m the little sleep, workaholic one in the family.
Thanks to Lila for having the RH here today. Elizabeth, Helen and Carol, thanks for reading.
BiteMeAsh I hope you’ll get to try my books in the future.
Hmm, “torn between duty and desire”? That’s my kind of book! Can’t wait to read it 🙂
Thank you for the chance to win 🙂
I’m a GCF follower as mikki-mano 🙂
Another great interview. I just have to share my Masters Golf knowledge here with Mr. Burns. Did you know that “Amen Corner” (holes 11, 12 and 13 for those not “in the know”) was named in 1958 by Herbert Wind of Sports Illustrated after the jazz record “Shoutin’ in that Amen Corner”. Amen Corner, as I’m sure you already know Mr. Burns, highlights the point in the course where the most exciting golf takes place.I have a pretty recent (this year) interest in golf and although I still don’t really understand it all, I couldn’t resist showing off just a… Read more »
Wow, you must have seen a lot of changes in your industry over the years.I am not familiar with where all the places golf tournaments are played other than Augusta and in Charlotte where I live. Every year Wachovia, now Wells Fargo, donates money to the schools, and the kids and parents help out with keeping the grounds clean for all of the spectators. I think my boys like it because there have been quite of few basketball and football players there either watching or playing. Do you get the opportunity to watch any golf tournaments in person?As far as… Read more »
Hello, Mr. Burns! “Smile and Grin” is the best answer. Keeps ’em wondering ; ) I am a great fan of Mrs. Burns, and she I and both share memories of Roanoke and other VA sites. I live in the Alleghany Highlands, and Roanoke is our “big city”. Mrs. B. has been very kind in visiting my guest blogs around the web. Would you say that your passion for golf is equal to Monica’s love of writing? Does she understand your pursuit of golfing, and do you enjoy reading as much as she enjoys being an author? US Resident, GFC… Read more »
TO Ora, I have been to 3 golf tournaments in my life. The most recent one was 12 years ago in Williamsburg. Yes I know very sad.
To Virgina C,
I would say that my passion for golf is almost as strong as her writing. I try to watch it every weekend and during the Masters I even tell family members to leave me alone while it is on. Sort of like when Monica is coming up on a deadline. Disturb her at your own risk.
To Virginia C,
With regards to reading, Monica definitely out reads me. I like to read ghost books (true stories).
Oh… another sweet romantic story. 🙂 Hmm.. you got to tell my husband that he needs to do more housework too. 🙂
To The BlogHore,
Thanks for the trivia on Amen Corner. As big as a fan I am, I did not know that. And yes, that is where a tournament is lost/won.
To Carol L,
Thanks. The interview was fun and I have to say this is my first blog. I do FB occasionally and I have a Twitter account but don’t use it.
To Helen,
Thanks. This was a first for me. Please keep reading her books. My goal is to be a kept man. 🙂
To BiteMeAsh,
Thanks for adding her to your list. You will not be sorry.
To Lexi,
Thank you. In this day and time, lasting 25 years does not happen that much. Although during deadlines, I want to be some place else. 🙂
Hi Mr. Burns! Great interview! Love the story of how you two met. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting your wife and, after reading your responses to today’s questions, it sounds like you two are a perfect match. It pleases my heart when the people who write the stories I love to read have their own happy ending. 🙂
I’m a long-time lover of golf who was never very good at playing the game but I make a great fan. Who’s your favorite player to follow on the PGA tour?
To May,
I do the cleaning because I am a neat freak. I just like things neat. Monica says I go overboard. When Monica goes on one of her trips, I do a big cleaning of her office because she will not let me in there any other time.
To PJ,
Thank you. 25 years of marriage so I guess we will stick it out for another 25 so we can get better gifts. :). My all time favorite golfer has to be Jack Nicklaus. Monica surprised me with a framed copy of a Sports Illustrated where Jack won his 6th Masters. Currently, I like following Phil Mickelson. Nice guy and appears to be a great family.
Hi Mr. Burns – What a wonderful love story, how you met. Sigh. Very romantic. I haven’t read your wife’s books yet but I’m putting Assassin’s Honour and Assassin’s Heart on my to-buy list!
I’m from right below Augusta. Locals avoid it like the plague during Master’s…what a mess.
I love your wifes books & have read the historicals and the Sicari’s. Looking forward to #3!
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To Carolyn,
Thanks for adding Monica to your bucket list and yes I guess meeting at Kroger can be romantic (beds of lettuce). 🙂
To Ivy,
I would love to be in that mess one time. I put my name in the hat for tickets for next year. Thanks for reading her books.
Very cute interview! Love how you guys met. Oh and you would get along great with my Hubby. He loves golf too. For the British open he was up at 5 am to watch. And he made fun of me and the Royal Wedding!
Ora, I’d say I’m the more persistent one, but the RH is strong and steady and has stuck by me through quite a bit of hell. I’m NOT easy to live with, am I sweetie. DO NOT ANSWER that or tonight you will regret it! Bwwwaahahahaha Virginia C *blush* thank you for being such a steadfast reader!! May – That housework trick takes a man who’s AR and a wife who knows that if she does it “wrong,” he’ll pick up the slack. Right honey?? I remember the last time I did laundry. He didn’t like the way I’d done… Read more »
To Sherie,
I do love golf but I also love my sleep. I’ll get up at 5 to play but not to watch and I remember making fun of Monica when she watched Princess Diana early in the morning.
Mr. Burns, do me a favor and go clone yourself. . . I want me a Mr. Burns you’re so awesome. Thanks so much for stopping by and doing the interview, and for the giveway! I’ve been trying like crazy to get my hands on your wifes books! I did get the chance to review her first book in this series but I got the book through a tour and it arrived the week I was moving so I could only read a bit of it before having to mail it out to the next person in line. Killed me!… Read more »
Monica,
I am reading ALL of the comments. You have to admit that your office is not discombobulated when you return and your desk is nice and clean. Not to mention, you are getting a nice new piece of furniture to house your promo stuff. Everyone at my office says you are very lucky to have me and yes I am lucky to. Now you can’t so no tonight. 🙂
To Jessica Rabbit,
Your comment makes my day, thanks. My initial reaction was way cool. I told the folks at the office and they (they guys) started saying how lucky I was. The women asked if the scenes were taken from our life. I have told both that I point to pages and say that would be fun and Monica’s response is NO! Still way cool. I got a trip to San Francisco because of her writing and a round at Pebble Beach. Not a bad life.
I love these husband interviews! they are so much fun. I happen to have met Monica and she is such a wonderful, kind person it’s no wonder her hubby fell in love with her. I also happen to enjoy her books very much!
oh yeah, and Mr. Burns you are one cool golfin and cleanin dude!
To krisgils33,
Cleaning is my middle name. Thanks. This is fun but don’t tell Monica. She is a fun and unique person and please keep reading. I have been painting and getting ready to install flooring and we need to pay for that.
Mr. Burns, I really enjoyed your interview and yours and Monica’s viewpoints on how you met and how your first date went. Congrats on being together for 25 years! How long did you date and how did you or she propose to the other one? I have never read any of Monica’s books yet, but will add her to my growing list.
Thanks for sharing your wedding photo! The story of how you met shows that persistence pays off. Now if I see a cute guy who works at the supermarket, I’m going to keep going to his checkout line LOL!
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To Cathy P,
Thanks. We have been married for 25 and in Nov. we will celebrate 28 years. The first time I proposed it was not that romantic and no ring. But the next time, nice dinner out at a small restaurant and when the salad arrived I asked if the ring would go with the salad.
She will be glad that you have added her to your list.
To Amy,
Yes persistence pays off. It only took me 6 + months to get the courage to ask her out.
Hi Mr. Burns, I really like how you and your wife met. It’s realistic and something I see happening to anyone if only they are brave enough to let their feelings known. I’m glad it worked for you =) It’s cute your wife refers to you as the “Tim Allen” in the house.
Cambonified(at)yaho(dot)com
To Na,
Here lately I have been Tim to much. I have pulled up the carpet in the family rm and dining rm. Both rooms are in the process of being painted and then laminate flooring. She want let me do the flooring just everything else. Next will be the carpet upstairs. Then I can work on the outside (new deck and mulch and shrubs) Monica really needs to sell more books.
Thanks for bringing my atttention to a new author. I had never heard of Monica Burns beofre today but her books seem like my kind of reads.
6 (or 9 depending on whose perspective) months? Wow, I applaud Monica’s persistence! But you have proven to be worth it, Mr. Burns! 🙂
Since you run off with the kids when she’s on deadline, do the kids like that? How about you?
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I loved you sharing with us today! I will be adding yet another book to my list! BTW love hot guys with big swords too! LOL! Thanks!
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Great interview Mr. Burns. I have so much respect for you when you said you helped with the house hold chores. A lot of men don’t do that.
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Great interview – reading the comments is such fun!!
Congratulations on 25 years of marriage – quite an accomplishment. Your wedding picture is beautiful.
My question for the RH’s has been to ask: What is the most romantic vacation that you and Monica have taken? Will she agree with you?
Monica, wishing you much success with Inferno’s Kiss!!
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Sorry everyone, Monica and I just spent 4 hour, yes 4 hours picking out laminate flooring, buying, loading and then unloading.
To Mandy B,
Thanks and I am sure you will love her books. I have read a few pages from a couple and the scenes that I read were good and steamy.
To Sheree,
Yes she says 9, I say six. Math is not her strong point, writing is. We have two kids (20 & 14). 20 can take care of herself since she is in college and only here a few months a year. We got passes for Busch Gardens and that way the youngest does not complain that much.