Get Lost with Geri Krotow! ***GIVEAWAY***

Hi everyone!  I'm thrilled to welcome Geri Krotow to the blog today.  This is her second release with Harlequin Romantic Suspense, and it's the second time we've shared a release month! :)  I know you'll enjoy her books as much as I do, so sit back, relax, and get to know Geri!

A U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Naval Intelligence Officer, Geri left her Naval career to pursue a writing career. She has travelled the world, living in such far-flung places as Whidbey Island, Washington State and Moscow, Russia. Geri enjoys creating love stories that stand the test of time, and with settings that she has personally experienced. She's lived it, now she writes it!

Wedding Takedown

Harlequin Romantic Suspense

Florist Kayla Paruso has been hired to decorate the mayor’s daughter’s wedding, but when she witnesses the murder of the mayor’s top aide, rumors of corruption—even a cult connection—swirl through the town. Could the mayor really be involved? Luckily the SVPD offers Kayla the very best protection: Detective Rio Ortego. Who just happens to be the last guy Kayla dated. With the wedding fast approaching, Kayla’s the perfect person to pry into the mayor’s dangerous secrets, but Rio won’t hear of it. And as their old attraction reignites, Rio’s cop instincts clash with his need to safeguard the woman he’s falling in love with all over again…

Check out an excerpt!

And now for the good stuff :)

Lara: How often to you get lost in a story?

Geri: Reading, daily. Being a voracious reader is a prerequisite for any writer, and this

is especially true of fiction writers. I try to read at least one to two romance genre 

stories each week, and I read a lot of stories outside our genre, too.

Lara: What three things are, at this moment, in your heroine’s purse, satchel, reticule, weapons belt

or amulet bag (whatever she carries)?

Geri: I’m working on a proposal for a new series (still top-secret!) and my heroine has

wet wipes, lip gloss and her phone. [Lara: I like it!  Sounds very practical!]

Lara: Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?

Geri: I can only write to silence or classical music, no vocals. I have a playlist for my WIP

that I listen to in order to get into the hearts of my hero and heroine, but I can’t listen to

it when I’m putting words on the page. I really believe that the transfer of words from 

our muse through our brain, through the heart, and onto the page, is sacred. I don’t want

it mucked up with outside influences.

Lara: What do you do to unwind and relax?

Geri: Walk my dog with my hero of over thirty years, yoga, knit, bake, garden. I’ve

recently rediscovered the joy of going to the movies now that we’re empty nesters.

Lara: What is your hero’s “kryptonite” – in other words, what will bring him instantly to his knees?

Geri: The heroine’s welfare—if she’s in danger of being hurt emotionally or physically,

he can’t focus on anything else but fixing it for her. Whether she needs him to help or

not! [Lara: Awww!]

Lara: What one thing about your hero drives his heroine crazy? And what one thing about your 

heroine drives her hero nuts?

Geri: In Wedding Takedown, Kayla struggles with Rio’s stubborn thinking—he won’t do anything, to include committing to her, if he feels it’s detrimental to her. He makes up 

her mind for her—which Kayla can’t stand! [Lara: That would bug me, too!]

Lara: What drew you to write in the genre(s) you do?

Geri: Romance is what shows up on the page for me. I like the resolution of it, the 

guaranteed happily-ever-after-for-today. And I love that in romance I have the freedom 

to put life’s most devastating conflicts and events into the story, and show that love will overcome. Always.

Lara: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?

Geri: Take a break and go out for lunch or a movie. Go to the cosmetic store and get a 

new lipstick or blush. Anything to get out of my head and experience what’s been going 

on outside of my writing cave!

Lara: What are the next five books on your ‘to be read’ pile?

Geri: Too many to mention, seriously! And your book, Lara. You are so talented! [Lara:
You're so sweet! :)  Thank you!]

Lara’s:  What has been your most rewarding publishing moment?

Geri’s GOTTA ANSWER:   Besides “the call” back in May of 2006 (I was living in Belgium and had just cut my hair super-short, it was a beautiful spring and the scent of flowers 
floated into the kitchen as I answered the phone in our 200 year old home), it’s been 
signing and working with my agent, Emily Sylvan Kim. And of course, each time I sell 
another story or series, and when I finish a book. Having said all of the above, nothing 
beats when a reader not only says they enjoyed my story but make an incredible 
observation about a character that I didn’t even realize I’d put there…that’s story magic.

Where can you find Geri?

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Pintrest

Blogs

What's next for you?

Silver Valley Book #3, Title TBD (I’m partial to At Risk).

What about previous releases?

Her Christmas Protector, Silver Valley PD Book #1.

GIVEAWAY ALERT!  Geri is offering a copy of Her Christmas Protector to one of 

the commenters!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, Geri!  I look forward to reading this one! :)

Celebrate the Holidays with Geri Krotow and a Giveaway!

The books: Navy Christmas and Navy Joy (novella in Coming Home for Christmas)

Publisher: Harlequin Superromance and Harlequin Anthology

ISBN: 978-0373608836, ISBN-13: 978-0373838042

Navy Christmas

Commander Jonas Scott got through his tough deployment by thinking about his family home on Whidbey Island. The same home his deceased stepmother, Dottie, had promised him. His Navy Homecoming turns sour when he discovers Dottie left his house to a stranger named Serena Delgado.

Serena, an Army widow with a young son, is fixing up her house. But as Christmas approaches and she gets to know Jonas, Dottie’s plan becomes clear. It wasn’t about fixing up the house—it was about fixing up Serena and Jonas!

Navy Joy

Chief Petty Officer Ian Cairne arrives stateside for Christmas with a four-legged friend: his late buddy's military service dog. Fortunately, the beautiful town vet Wendi Cooper is willing to take this odd couple into her home—and her heart.

Read an excerpt here!

Meet Geri!

I'm a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and served for nine years as an Intelligence Officer before I resigned to chase my dream of writing full-time (also, to chase my kids full-time as well!). I served as a Navy spouse for 27 years and while I draw so much from our exotic travels, I'm happy to be settled in Central PA with my husband, dog, parrot and college kids.

Thanks for joining us today, Geri!

Thanks for having me here, Lara! It's an honor.

Lara: How often to you get lost in a story?

Geri: Every time I sit down at the keyboard! And while I'm walking, gardening, knitting, cooking, doing laundry…characters are always showing up in my mind and begging to be put on the page.

Lara: What drew you to write in the genre(s) you do?

Geri: I love writing the HEA after the heroine and hero have gone through some serious character growth, and a lot of conflict/emotional struggle. So romance is a natural fit for me. But I also love the thrill of suspense and the legacy of history, so my World War II stories (parallel plots with my contemporaries) are a joy to write. I think I might have a horror story or two in me, as well, but I don't think that genre would appreciate my HEA which is a must for me.

Lara: Where do you read and how often?

Geri: At night, every night, in bed. Is there any other way to fall asleep? [Lara: Not for me!]

Lara: Is there a “Blooper” in your story (it may have been changed before printing)?

Geri: It's the same bloopers in all of my stories--I often get eye colors mixed up. I'm focused on my character's emotional development; physical characteristics sometimes get mixed up.

Lara: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

Geri: Maybe it's because I write contemporary (and WWII), but I do enjoy getting lost in a well written historical romance. Regency is a favorite, but any period will do. I do read across all genres and sub genres, however, and my favorite story is one with a good dose of thrilling suspense.

Lara: What was the first story you remember writing?

Geri: In 2nd grade I did my own illustrated version of One Fish Two Fish Three Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss. I loved stapling papers together and making my own books. [Lara: Very creative!]

Lara: Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why?

Geri: This is easy with Navy Christmas--Charles Dempsey, the WWII Navy sailor who is fictional, but his name is real. His granddaughter won a fundraiser I participated in for POW-MIA Families and I couldn't be prouder to have written a real hero into my WWII subplot. In the book I have Charles survive the Bataan Death March--I'd be so honored to have one of those survivors to dinner. [Lara: What a great fundraiser!]

Lara: What is your hero’s “kryptonite” – in other words, what will bring him instantly to his knees?

Geri: In Navy Christmas, Jonas's Kryptonite is definitely family legacy. The fact that Serena, who's inherited the house he'd planned to make his home, wants to keep the house true to its history is a draw for Jonas. Along with the hot chemistry they share!

Lara: Can you tell us about a real-life hero you’ve met?

Geri: Hands down the greatest hero I know is my husband. He gets embarrassed when I talk about it, but he's a true war hero and a wonderful husband and father to our kids.

Lara: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?

Geri: Both! I was a tea drinker exclusively until I turned 40--we moved to Italy and lived there for 2 years. I got hooked on cappuccinos because the espresso has less caffeine than American coffee and low acidity (really, look it up). I make my own almond milk cappuccinos in the morning and switch to tea as the writing day wears on. At night I enjoy a cup of ginger or peppermint tea. [Lara: That sounds lovely!]

Lara’s GOTTA ASK What inspires you daily?

Geri’s GOTTA ANSWER:   The men and women in uniform who serve us daily, at home and across the globe. Now that I'm writing a new series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense that I've based on my local area, I have a renewed appreciation for the daily sacrifices of our emergency responders (police, firemen, EMTs) who put it on the line with each call. [Lara: Can't wait to read your new books!]

Where can you find Geri?

Contact her 

Her website

Facebook 

Twitter 

Goodreads 

Pintrest 

Blogs 

What's next?

My next releases will be in 2015. In August, Navy Justice, #5 of the Whidbey Island Series, will release, and I expect my first Harlequin Romantic Suspense, #1 of the Silver Valley Series, to be released, title and date TBA.

What are some previous releases?

******GIVEAWAY ALERT******

Geri is giving away a copy of Navy Christmas and a custom ornament/bookmark to one lucky winner! (North America only)

Geri wants to know: Who's your favorite military romance heroine?

Please leave an email address for notification. Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the post. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address. 

Get Lost with Geri Krotow & Navy Rules

Navy Rules

A navy man. A hero. A father?

Wounded during a military rescue, Commander Max Ford returns to a naval base on Whidbey Island to recover. And part of his treatment involves working with a therapy dog. Max is surprised to learn that the dog's owner is Winnie Armstrong, widow of his closest friend. She and Max were close in those months following her husband's death. But they drifted apart, until that one night two years ago. The night friendship turned to passion… Now he's even more shocked to learn that Winnie has been keeping a secret from him. A baby girl. His daughter. It's even more important he heal so he can be a part of his child's life—and Winnie's. Because all the attraction that pulled them together that one night is still there… only stronger.

Harlequin SuperRomance

ISBN-10: 0373717865 • ISBN-13: 978-0373717866

GET LOST IN A STORY READERS, IT'S MY PRIVILEGE TO WELCOME GERI KROTOW WHO I MET AND AMIRED OH, GOSH, TEN YEARS AGO, AND ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT SHE'S BEEN UP TO....WELL, TURNS OUT I MUST HAVE HAD MY HEAD IN THE SAND. NAVY RULES IS GERI'S FOURTH BOOK!  I'M SO PLEASED TO RECONNECT.  PLEASE WELCOME GERI KROTOW.

Hi, Geri, welcome to Get Lost in a Story. 

Donnell, thank you and all the great writers at Get Lost in a Story for having me. It’s an honor!

DONNELL:  Do you prefer the big city or a small town?

GERI: In between, for sure! We lived in Moscow, Russia for two years and I can’t tell you how happy I am to be settled in a suburb in central PA.  But I do love cities—I was just in New York promoting NAVY RULES at Book Expo America and it was exhilarating to drive and walk in the city. I’m not afraid to drive in big cities after living all over the U.S. and Europe. I’ve driven in far worse places than NYC!

DONNELL:  Mountains or ocean?

GERI: Both! Washington State, namely, Whidbey Island, was a great place to live because each day I saw water and snow-capped mountains. But when it comes down to it, as much as I love the ocean and the beach, I need to have trees. Trees are nature’s way of giving us hugs.

DONNELL:  What will readers find compelling about your hero?

GERI:  That he was a hero for the heroine, Winnie, long before they ever dreamt of romantic involvement with each other. He was her CACO, the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer, who never left her side when her first husband, also a Naval Aviator, died in the line of duty. Now he’s back from war, injured, and more heroic than ever—he continues on in spite of his war experiences.

DONNELL:  What was something surprising you learned about your heroine while writing her?

GERI: How much she’d grown from the time her first husband was killed to the present, where she’s faced with the chance at a more mature, full-bodied love with a man who is truly her match.

DONNELL:  What’s in your refrigerator right now?

GERI:  A handful of blueberries I wish someone would finish so that I can recycle the container, soy milk, soy creamer, organic half-and-half, diet coke, grape jelly, turkey bacon, salsa.

DONNELL:  What movie will you watch time after time?

GERI: The Thomas Crowne Affair, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, You’ve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, Notorious (and anything with Cary Grant). Have they figured out how to bring Cary Grant back to life in this era?

DONNELL:  What proud moment that stands out in your life?

GERI: Watching my children achieve whatever goals they’ve set out to—learning a piece for orchestra, getting accepted into that favorite college, discovering what they’re really good at.

DONNELL:  Are you superstitious?

GERI:  I shouldn’t be, but yes I am. I still won’t open an umbrella inside.

DONNELL:  When you’re not writing what is something you like to do?

GERI: Knit! Drink coffee or tea. Knit. Play with my dog. Garden, a bit. Bake.

DONNELL:  Would you call yourself organized?

GERI: In a disorganized manner—I can find whatever you ask me for. It may look nuts as it’s in a basket instead of a labeled box, but I know where it is. Except for anything in the garage (the black hole of the Krotow house since we moved back to the States one year ago. I will get to it…)

DONNELL:  What tradition has been handed down in your family?

GERI:  Favorite meals on your birthday. Loving our grouchy yellow-naped amazon parrot.

DONNELL:  What is your favorite outdoor activity? 

Geri: Walking, running, biking, reading, knitting, working—I like to write my word count on the patio when I can (today it’s raining so I’m at my desk).

DONNELL:  If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be?

GERI: Interesting question as I made a list a while back of who I’d like to meet. I’ve met the U.S. President, Vice President, Secretary of State, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger, thanks to my husband’s last posting at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia. One person on the list I’ve yet to meet and sincerely hope I do in this lifetime is Stephen King. Just to say “thanks.”

DONNELL: Who is the dog on your cover of Navy Rules?

GERI:  The dog is modeled after my dog, Misha. We rescued Misha, a German Shepherd mix, in Moscow, after our beloved black lab-mix passed away from natural causes. Misha means “Michael” in Russian, in fact, it’s the nickname, more along the lines of “Mike” or “Mikey.” Misha is a joy, most days, in our lives. He’s readily adapted to our parrot of 24 years, which makes us believe the parrot gave Misha a nice “kiss” on his snout to let him know who’s boss in the family, no matter the size. The Navy Pilot on the cover bears a passing resemblance to my husband. My hubby is more handsome.

NOW IT’S GERI'S TURN TO ASK READERS A QUESTION.  

GERI:  What’s the most recent book you’ve read that still sticks with you? For me it’s Stephen King’s The Dark Tower Series. I’m still finishing it up.

Geri Krotow will be giving away a free copy of NAVY RULES.

Geri Krotow graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy back when women were still a novelty in the Brigade. She served for nine years as a Naval Intelligence Officer, during which time she deployed all around the world to include the North Pole and South America. Geri earned her Master’s Degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, Ca. Geri left active duty to pursue her writing dream and to be the anchor of the Navy family she and her Navy pilot family had started. Geri has served as a Navy Wife for 27 years, which ends this week!

Geri Krotow is an award-winning author. NAVY RULES is her fourth book and the first in her Whidbey Island series, published by Harlequin Superromance. Please find her on Facebook, both a personal and author page, Twitter, and at her website/blog www.gerikrotow.com.

Note: Offer void where prohibited. GIFT CARD will be mailed to North America addresses only. International drawing for E-Book. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW us on Twitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us on Facebook to keep up with all our guest authors and their prizes. Join us on Friday when Teresa Roberson will be Alexa’s guest. ~ Donnell