Rise of a Queen By Chanta Rand ~ INTERVIEW ~ GIVEAWAY

Rise of a Queen

By Chanta Rand

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Interview:

Crystal: Today I am thrilled to Welcome Chanta Rand to visit with us. Welcome Chanta! I'm so happy to have you here today. Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today?

Chanta: I'm a multi-published author of over 15 books. I have an addiction to stilettos and an obsession with zombies. I love watching musicals, epic adventures, and old black & white films. I think all of these traits have somehow made their way into most of my novels. I grew up on a military base overseas where books quickly became my best friends. I would be lost without them. 

Crystal:  What are you currently working on?

Chanta: I like working on multiple projects. When I get stumped on one or I need a change of pace, I work on the other. I'm currently working on a short story about a girl who gets trapped inside a comic book. It's an idea that I've had in my warped mind for a few years. Once inside, she's transported to an alternate universe where she has to fight prehistoric creatures or be killed. 

The second thing I'm working on is a steamy contemporary romance where a woman who grew up as an ugly duckling in a small town has to go home for her mother's funeral. Only she's turned into a beautiful swan, and the guy who ignored her as a teenager can't stop drooling over her now.

Crystal:  Where did you come up with the idea for for either your current release or your current WIP?

Chanta: I love studying about ancient civilizations. While researching for an historical romance I was working on that centered around the Moors of Spain, I came across the three powerful kingdoms of ancient Africa (Ghana, Mali & Songhay). I simply could not pass up the opportunity to write about these glorious civilizations that had so much wealth even their dogs wore gold dog collars!

Crystal:  Do you have a favorite snack that like to munch on while writing? If so would you mind sharing what it is with us?

Chanta: I'm so weird when it comes to food. I doubt you would like any of my snacks. I don't eat any GMOs or any white foods (sugar, rice, flour, etc.). GMOs are genetically modified foods. So, when I get my "munch-on" it's probably pretty boring to most folks. Most of the time when I want a quick snack, I eat trail mix I've mixed ahead of time. It's just a sandwich bag of chopped walnuts, pecans, almond slivers, dried cranberries, and dried blueberries. All natural and delicious. 

Crystal:  When you are not busy writing wonderful stories to keep us lucky readers entertained, what do you like to do? Do you have a hobby?

Chanta: I love collecting comic books and attending Comic Cons. I'm a Walking Dead fan, so anything zombie related gets my attention pretty darn fast. I also love traveling with my husband. When we're chillin' on top of the lido deck is when I get some of my best ideas! 

Crystal: Do you have a favorite background noise you like to having going while you write (TV, Music, kids playing)?

Chanta: I'm EASILY distracted so it's best not to have anything on when I'm writing. If I listen to music, I'll start thinking about the group or the song playing, and then I'll start Googling music facts or lyrics. If the TV is on HGTV or even the news, I'm riveted to the screen. Once, my niece was watching the Disney Channel and Toy Story came on. Before I knew it, I was hooked! And now Toy Story 2 and 3 have been made. Seriously, what is an author supposed to do? 

Crystal:   Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share with us? 

Excerpt from Too Hot to Handle:

Later, Jewell set up a wine tasting in Mason’s massive kitchen. He watched her pull several bottles of wine from a portable cooler. He leaned against the long kitchen counter.  “I prefer beer.”

“Too bad. These wines are all from Portia’s father’s private stock. You’ll get to taste a number of flavors to see what you like best.”

Mason waited as she poured the first glass for him. Then, he raised the glass to his lips, prepared to swallow the red liquid in one gulp. 

“Wait! You can’t just chug this like you’re at a frat party,” Jewell warned.  “Wine should be savored, not guzzled.  You swirl it ever so gently in the bottom of your glass, making sure to keep your fingers below the stem.”  She demonstrated.  “That way, you won’t heat the wine with the warmth of your fingertips.”

“It’s already warm,” Mason grumbled.  

“After you swirl it, you sniff it to ascertain the bouquet. This gives a clue to the freshness.”

“Portia wouldn’t serve anything that wasn’t fresh.”

“You might find yourself somewhere where Portia is not serving the wine.” 

He shook his head.  “Can’t imagine having wine anywhere else.”

Jewell gave him an impatient glare.  “Jeez, just drink it already.” 

He tasted the wine as Jewell instructed, and was surprised to find it was quite good.  After that, he tasted a Chardonnay, a Pinot Blanc, a Bordeaux, and a Merlot.  He found he liked red wine better than white.  And he liked sweet better than dry.  

He listened patiently as Jewell explained the difference between a sherry and a port.  His head was swimming.  “I’m never gonna be able to keep all this straight,” he complained.  “Why can’t we just have a beer?  The only thing I need to know is regular beer or light beer.”  

Jewell sighed.  “And here I thought you were a true beer connoisseur.” 

“I am!” 

“If you were, you would know there are over three hundred kinds of beers.”  She pursed her pretty lips.  “Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in the world.   And trust me, there’s more to it than just regular and light.”

“Are we finished here?  All this talk of beer is making me thirsty for one.” 

“One final taste test.” Jewell offered him the last glass of wine. “Your fiancée selected this particular Valpolicella to be served at the wedding. She has great taste in wine.  She’s spared no expense with this one.  Remember to sip, not gulp.”

Mason raised the glass to his lips again, and this time attempted to drain the contents, purposely ignoring Jewell’s advice.  Yet, no sooner than he’d tasted the liquid, he wanted to spit it out.  He spit in the sink instead.  “Disgusting.” 

He turned around to find Jewell’s mouth hanging open and her fists on her hips.  “No, that was disgusting.  I can’t believe you just spit in the sink.” 

“It was nasty.  What was I supposed to do?” 

“Swallow it!  Gentlemen do not spit.  It’s one of the worst things you can do—second only to scratching your nuts in public.” 

He reached inside the fridge for a beer to rinse the awful taste of wine from his mouth.  “Well, I hate it.  It tastes like ditch water.” 

She frowned.  “Tell that to your fiancée.” 

“Don’t worry.  I will.”  He wasn’t afraid of Portia, Vivienne, or any other woman. 

“But when you do, break it to her gently.  She’s planned this event for years.  Usually all the man has to do is show up.  Nobody expects a rowdy groom to actually give his opinion.  You go telling her this and she might self-destruct from the shock.” 

Crystal:  Thanks for visiting. It has been a pleasure having you visit today. Can you think of anything else you would like to share with us today?

Chanta: Thank you for having me and letting me into your life for a few minutes. Anyone who's interested in finding out more info and getting fabulous swag, can sign up for my newsletter on my website or through my facebook page, Author Chanta Rand. Take care, and happy reading! 

(note from Crystal... all those links may be found at the bottom of this post)

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Blurb:

A dead husband. An unconsummated marriage. She needs an heir. Any man will do.

1061 AD. A sprawling empire rich in gold, resources, and military might dominates West Africa. It’s The Kingdom of Ghana, and it’s at the height of its power.

Twenty-year old Nabeela is grappling with her own power struggle. In order to save her younger sister from their step-brother’s clutches, Nabeela agrees to marry a repulsive African prince and bear him an heir. However, her plans are waylaid when tragedy strikes on her wedding night—her new husband dies—without consummating their marriage.

She must find a replacement to impregnate her immediately. Any man will do—including a drunken soldier her servants find naked taking a bath in a neighboring village. Nabeela holds him captive and coerces him into having sex with her—stealing the one thing he can never get back—his seed.

What she doesn’t know is the soldier is Rafan, Commander of a warring tribe’s royal army, and one of her family’s arch enemies. Eager for revenge, Rafan tracks her down once he’s released. But when these two reunite, they realize their lust for each other is far greater than their disdain.

Enamored by Nabeela’s beauty and bravery, Rafan makes her an offer of marriage, and the promise to help her become queen. He convinces her that they are stronger allies than enemies. Even though they share a commitment to unite, there are others who are determined to destroy them and their plans, including the one person Nabeela would have never suspected. In the end, she’s is forced to choose between her passion and her ambition.

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Buy Links:

Amazon | 

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Author Info:

Chanta Jefferson Rand is an Emma Award winning Debut Author of the Year, a multi-published, best-selling author of sizzling-hot romance, and the former host of The Chanta Rand Show. An avid reader of all genres, she stepped onto the scene in 2010 with her first published historical romance, Pharaoh's Desire. 

Chanta is a history junkie, a Walking Dead fan, and a recovering shoe addict. She never met a stiletto she didn't like! If you still want more, check her out at www.ChantaRand.com or email her at Chanta@chantarand.com.



Remember: You can't expect any sizzle...if you don't turn up the heat!

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