Patsy Collins isn't a Crazed Stalker, and other Fun Facts

Today I have Patsy Collins here. If you aren't familiar with Patsy, you should be. She's a fun, witty romance writer and blogger. You can find out more about her on her website. 

Patsy has a new book out called Firestarter and it sounds wonderful. But before we get to that, a little Q&A with Patsy:

1. Alice in Firestarter has a fireman fantasy, (which I'm thinking many women can relate to.) There's just something about servicemen. Do you prefer firemen, cops, or military men yourself? (I'm actually married to a former Marine who is also a fireman.)

All the nice girls love a sailor, don't we?

My husband was in the Royal Navy when we met. Formal naval uniforms are very smart and that look really suits him. So did the No. 8s trousers (working uniform, rather than ceremonial), especially when I followed him up stairs. *sigh*

I should perhaps explain that I wasn't a crazed stalker who stowed away on frigates; we worked together. I had a really sensible civilian job in a finance department and he needed to sweet talk someone in my department into signing off on the photographic equipment he needed, so that worked out very well for me.

Not that I have anything against firemen. Especially if, like Hamish, they're nice to animals, can cook and are pretty good at massage. Obviously he's good at the whole rescuing people from burning buildings part and has muscular thighs. *sighs again* (though not quite as much over my character as my lovely husband)

2. It sounds like Alice's family is also a big part of the story. I love reading about family dynamics. Who was your favorite family member to write about, and how do they add complications to Alice's story? 

Yes, her family are important, both to Alice and the story. Her parents are both lovely, though her dad is perhaps just a touch obsessive about his hobbies which include making the worst wine never to kill anyone.

My favourite though has to be Alice's big sister Kate. She was so much fun to write about that I'm considering giving her a book to herself. Kate is very fond of her sister and wants what's best for her. That is, what's best according to Kate.

Alice's steady boyfriend, Tony, is altogether too dull, according to Kate. Eggs on plates is a daft idea, according to Kate (to be fair I agree). Daring red dresses are a sensible choice, according to Kate. Hot sex with members of the emergency services is also an excellent idea. Trouble is Kate doesn't keep these opinions to herself and doesn't often let people avoid following her advice. Generally it's Alice who's her target, but Kate isn't opposed to helping others, even complete strangers in changing rooms.

Then there's the calender thing, all that rubbish over ring sizes and the way she reacts when Tony claims to be innocent of making the hoax calls. Basically Kate herself is a complication for Alice.

3. And just for fun, when writing or reading romances what's your steamy drink of choice? Tea, coffee, cider, or hot chocolate? 

When writing, it's tea. I do about a paragraph to the cup if you include editing. Actually it's tea for reading to, usually. I drink a lot of tea.

And now for a little more about the book! (Which looks awesome, by the way.)

Alice has a fantasy. It starts with being rescued by a hunky fireman, involves the kiss of life and ends in him not needing his uniform. At the New Forest Show, Alice is offered an innocent version of her dream. Reluctantly she turns down fireman Hamish's invitation. 

Despite Alice's blameless behaviour, boyfriend Tony's obsessive jealousy kicks in. Hamish wants to take Tony's place, but a hoaxer ensures Alice already sees far too much of Hampshire Fire Service. The threat of an explosive sprout surprise, her mum's baking, sister Kate's mind boggling pep talks and the peculiar behaviour of Alice's boss Miles provide distractions. 

Is Alice really in danger? What is Kate up to? Can Hamish possibly be as perfect as he seems? It takes Alice masses of wonderful food, disgusting wine, smelly mud, red footed crows and steamy Welsh passion, but she finds the answers. And rethinks her fantasy.

You can buy Firestarter on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

and add it to your TBR list on Goodreads.