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Saturday, October 1, 2016

Characters from BELOVED ENEMY by Hywela Lyn

Today we have two special guests. Kerry Marchant and Cat Kincaid from Hywela Lyn's BELOVED ENEMY.

Diane: Please introduce yourself for those who haven’t met you in your author’s other books.

Kerry: Good morning, may I say what a pleasure it is to be here with you today. I am Kerry Marchant, the second in command of the starship Destiny.

You want to know more about me? I suppose many people would describe me as a loner. I don’t make friends easily and I have learnt to depend on myself and not to rely on anyone else. However the crew of the Destiny and I have come to know each other very well after nearly ten Earth years in space, facing many perils together. I am not very good at showing my feelings, but I would do anything to protect them if they were in danger.

He turns to Cat:

Hello, I’m Cat Kincaid. I’d just crash landed my escape vehicle when I came across Kerry. And this is Shifter (she indicates the large animal lying at her feet, which slowly seems to disappear in front of their gracious hostess).

(Cat laughs softly) Oh, don’t worry about him, he has a knack of blending into his surroundings. He’s still there, just hiding. He’s a chameleopard. Kerry calls him a wolf but he’s really more related to the cat family. He’s much friendlier than he looks – when you can see him, that is.

Diane: Tell us about your family.

Kerry: I have no recollection of my father and my mother died when I was very young. I was raised by an Aunt and her partner. They did not treat me particularly well and eventually sent me to the Formal State Centre for Education. It was the best thing that could have happened to me. I met Jon Quinlan there and we became friends, a friendship which has continued into childhood. Eventually we realized our childhood dream of building a great exploratory starship, the Destiny. I suppose you could say that the crew of the Destiny are the nearest thing to a family I have ever known.

Cat: For a long time Shifter was the only family I had. My sister left home shortly after my father left us, and my mother died several years ago. I suppose you could say Kerry is my family now, and of course, like Kerry, the crew of the Destiny.

Diane: How did your upbringing influence who you are today?

It taught me to rely on myself and to fight for what is rightly mine. My experiences with my Aunt, and later on, with a woman who tried to steal the Destiny meant that for a long time I kept my distance from most of the women I met and believed them to be devious and untrustworthy. (He flashes a rare smile at Diane.) Present company excepted, of course – and naturally there were other exceptions, one of our ship’s medical officers, Zeldra, and our ecologist, Laitha. (There is a long pause and a distant, far away expression crosses his face) and…Jess—but that is a different story.

Cat: And me I should hope! She turns and gazes at Kerry with a stern look that quickly gives way to one of affection.

(Kerry takes her hand, his expression serious.) Of course. I would trust you with my life – now. But it was not always the case, I don’t think either of us trusted the other at the start.

Diane: What was your first thought when you met the Kerry, Cat?

Cat: (Grinning wryly.) My intention was to kill him – I thought I had a good reason at the time. However we were forced to face a hostile planet and dangerous situations together, and I began to suspect that I might be mistaken about him. I shouldn’t really say this in front of him, but he is very charismatic, as well as being too good looking for his own good, and although he could be sarcastic and a bit patronizing, I can give as good as I get, and we gradually formed a grudging respect for each other. 

Diane: Kerry - what was your first thought when you met Cat?

Again that flashing smile crosses Kerry’s face. My first thought was that she was about to kill me—since she was leaning over me with a knife in her hand. Once we got over our initial mistrust of each other however, I realized that she was not only very attractive, but extremely brave, strong, and independent as well as being a very capable fighter. She also seemed to share my own rather dry sense of humour, when she wasn’t actually trying to kill me, that is.

Diane: Why did you fall her?

Why does anyone fall in love? It was certainly the last thing on my mind – my main concern was to get off that wretched planet. However we were forced to work together and I realized that in fact we made a good team. The more I got to know Cat—the real Cat, the one she tried so hard to hide, the more attracted to her I became, despite my determination not to allow myself to get too close to her, and never being quite sure which side she was on. There was something about her that called to something in me, and ignited a spark which I thought had long since died, a spark that became a flame so strong, I would have given up anything for her, even my life.

Diane: Why did you fall for Kerry?

Cat: (Blushing ever so slightly) You mean aside from those mesmerizing blue eyes and devastating smile? I’m not sure. I grew to admire him as a person, his strength of character, his intellect—we just seemed to have a connection and much as I tried to fight it eventually I had to admit that I’d fallen in love. He means everything to me now, and I couldn’t imagine us being apart.

Diane: How would you spend a free day?

A free day? Away from the Destiny you mean? I would take one of the ship’s ferry craft and show Cat a beautiful paradise planet I know, in the Andromeda system. It is completely unspoiled and sparsely populated. I won’t say any more though, as I have sworn to keep its precise co-ordinates a secret--but I could not think of a more perfect location for romantic break for two people who have only recently discovered  are in love! His mouth twitches at the corners and he looks straight into Diane’s eyes. Did I really say that? I do not normally show my feelings so openly, especially to someone I have only just met. However, love makes fools of us all, as someone once said, and now I would not have it any other way. Cat is my love, my life, and I could not imagine a future without her.

(He stands and takes Diane’s hand in a formal handshake.) Thank you for the interview, it has been delightful to meet you, but we have to return to the Destiny – if Cat can persuade her tame wolf to re-materialize.


Cat: Goodbye, as Kerry says, we’ve really enjoyed meeting you and your readers. Come Shifter, time to go home.

Wow. What a couple. Let's learn about their story.

BLURB:

Cat Kincaid is obsessed with killing the man she believes is responsible for the torture and death of her sister, but when she eventually catches up with him, survival becomes a greater priority than revenge.

Kerry Marchant, haunted by memories, regret, and self-blame, shields himself from the pain of the past by committing himself totally to the starship, Destiny, of which he is part owner. However, the beautiful, red-haired woman who reminds him of his lost love, and who he suspects is working for a corrupt regime, represents a possible threat not only to the ship, but to his heart.

Marooned on an inhospitable planet, they need to work together to stay alive, fighting not only unknown assailants, but their growing attraction. But how can they learn to trust each other when he has vowed never to get close to a woman again, and she made a solemn pledge to destroy him?

EXCERPT:
(This takes place shortly after Cat and Kerry first meet, he has been shot and she tends to his wound.)

She put the tri-dee-viewer to her eyes again and scanned the area. “There’s no sign of life over there. They must all be dead or badly injured. They’d have shot at us again if they were still capable.”

“Unless they are waiting for us to show ourselves, so they can pick us off more easily,” Kerry said.

He made as if to stand, and in an instant, she drew her pistol.

“Like I said before, no sudden moves. Get up—slowly.”

“So you are making me a prisoner?”

“Not exactly, but I’m not stupid enough to take any risks.”

He rose to his feet, his gaze not leaving her gunhand. Several inches taller than her, broad shouldered and slim, he presented a commanding figure. His expression froze as his gaze homed in on the insignia on her breast pocket, his eyes like chips of blue ice.

“You work for the Union.”

“I work for myself.”

“Then why are you wearing the insignia of the Global Union of Earth and Allied Planets?”

“I have a license to requisition any enemy ship trespassing in the sectors of space over which they hold dominion.”

“A licensed pirate in the pay of the Global Union,” Kerry’s eyes showed outright contempt. She almost preferred the icy coolness.

“I prefer to think of myself as a freelancer—doing a service.”

His expression did not change, although he did change tack. “You could have left me to die—or just shot me. Why didn’t you?”

“Call it a personality flaw. I don’t like abandoning someone who’s wounded even to save my own skin. And I don’t kill in cold blood. If I have to shoot someone, I’d rather they were facing me with their eyes open.” Even if I did swear to leave their dead body for the Union to use in their hideous experiments. Keep it casual. Don’t let him guess what’s really in your mind.

To her amazement, he smiled the most devastating smile she’d ever seen, made even more remarkable because he didn’t look as if he did it very often.

“My own philosophy as it happens. It seems almost a pity we are on opposite sides.”

“Opposite sides?”

“I have no love for the Union. That puts us on opposite sides, even if you are just a pirate, doing their dirty work for them.”

She gave him her best withering look. “Fine. And just because I decided to save your hide, don’t get any ideas. We don’t have to like each other.”

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Bio
Hywela Lyn lives in a small village in England, with her long suffering husband Dave, although her heart remains in her native rural Wales, which inspired much of her writing.

Although most her writing tends to be futuristic, the worlds she creates are usually untainted by crowded cities and technology, embracing the beauty and wildness of nature. Her characters often have to fight the elements and the terrain itself. Her heroes are strong and courageous, but chivalrous and honourable–and of course, handsome and hunky. Her heroines are also strong and courageous, but retain their femininity and charm. However difficult the journey, love will always win in the end.

Her first novel, a futuristic romance released by the Wild Rose Press was followed by a sequel 'Children Of The Mist'. A third novel 'Beloved Enemy', released on 11th March 2016 continues what has now become a series known as 'The Destiny Trilogy'. Although some of the characters appear in the other books, each story is complete and can be read as a ‘stand alone’.

She is a member of The Romantic Novelists' Association (UK) and Chiltern Writers, her local writing group.

When she is not writing, she can usually be found enjoying the outdoors with her two horses and little ‘rescue’ dog - or just reading and eating chocolate!


61 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for featuring Cat and Kerry on your lovely blog!

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    1. My pleasure. So sorry it went up late. Thanks for being so understanding.

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  2. It is so good to be here, Diane, thank you for having us as your guests today. I must say the surroundings are perfect, we feel right at home here!

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    1. Kerry, it was a delight to meet you. Cat is a very lucky girl!

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  3. That goes for me too. It's so nice of you to interview us Diane, it's
    been lovely to meet you, and to know you enjoy writing science fiction romances!

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    1. You and Kerry are perfect for each other. Thank you for sharing your story with my readers.

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  5. I must say I can understand why she fell in love with him! :-) Good interview. I'm sure the book is even better. All the best!

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    1. *Sigh* I never thought I would feel this way about any man - but I love him so much, he makes me complete! Thank you so much for your kind wishes.

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    2. Yes, I have to admit the more I got to know Kerry as I was writing, the more I grew to love him myself! :)

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  6. What a great excerpt. I admire people who can create whole other worlds! Great job!

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    1. Thank you so much Kara, so glad you enjoyed the excerpt!

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    2. Hello Kara, delighted to see you!

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  7. Loved the interview. The book sounds awesome. Best of luck!

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    1. Hi Marissa, it's good to know you enjoyed our interview. We've loved being here!

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  8. I enjoyed the interview and excerpt. You have a great cover, too! Best wishes with your book -

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    1. Thank you for your kind comment, Ashantay, glad to hear you enjoyed our interview and it's so nice to meet you.

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, Ashantay, glad you liked the interview and excerpt - and the cover!. The cover artist was Rae Monet, and she gave me exactly what I asked for, including the two models for Kerry and Cat. I love it!

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  9. Loved the cover and the excerpt. Good luck with the release ��

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    1. Hello Nicole, so nice of you to stop by!

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    2. Hi Nicole, thanks for visiting - glad you liked the excerpt and cover. The Wild Rose Press has some of the greatest cover artists!

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  10. Love these character interviews! Sounds like a great book.
    Good luck and God's blessings
    PamT

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    1. Thank you so much Pamela, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview - I always enjoy character interviews as well. Thanks for the good wishes, and God's blessings back to you too.

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    2. Hello Pamela, It is so nice to meet you, thank you for visiting!

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  11. Fun interview! I love the idea of the chameleopard... although my mouth won't quite wrap around it to say it! Ka-mee-lep-ard??? Ka-me-leo-pard?? :-)

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  12. Hi Leah, glad you enjoyed the interview. It was fun and Diane is such a great hostess! Shifter is an amazing animal. You pronounce the word chameleopard Ka-me-leo-pard (You were right the second time.) I don't know if that's the right name for his species but it's what I called him when I first had him, because he looks a bit like a Terran leopard,but has the ability to merge into the background, like the chameleons of Earth. It's easier to just call him 'Shifter' though! Thanks so much for your comment.

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    1. Thanks for the compliment and for help pronouncing chameleopard. I love your picture.

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    2. Oh, thank you Diane, how kind. Kerry and I have really enjoyed being here with you.

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  13. Super-cool interview. I so admire those writers who can create "other worlds" and their inhabitants. Best wishes for continued success and I LOVE England!

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  14. Hi Susan, thanks so much for your lovely comment, so glad you enjoyed the interview, I have to say it's so much fun creating other worlds, one can really let one's imagination run free!

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  15. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words, Susan, and pleased you enjoyed our interview with Diane. It's good to meet you.

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  16. Wonderful characters, Hywela...thanks for sharing them with us...this one will definitely go on my TBR pile.

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  17. Thank you so much Lynn, I am glad you enjoyed meeting Kerry and Cat - and I hope you enjoy the book!

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  19. Hello Lynn, It's been a real pleasure to meet you and the other readers of this blog and to be able to share some of our story with you.
    (By the way, if you would like to see the video our author made this is the link - https://youtu.be/boaY_XBBm1s )

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  20. Sorry I'm late!! Excellent interview. Enjoyed getting to know your characters. Sounds like a great read!

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  21. Hi Alicia, thanks so much for stopping and your kind comment!

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  22. Hello Alicia, so nice to meet you. So glad you enjoyed the interview, Kerry and I had a great time too.

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  23. I absolutely loved this story! The surprise ending was a real interesting conclusion to an action packed love story. A SciFi Mr. and Mrs. Smith, with real animosity from the past, and a strange planet. These characters took me away with them!

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  24. Aw Thank you so much Mary, I am so glad you enjoyed Cat and Kerry's story! xxx

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  25. Well, good evening Mary, we are so pleased to see you here and delighted that you enjoyed hearing about the adventures of Cat and myself!

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  26. Great interview! Very exciting goings-on!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth!

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    2. Thank you Elizabeth, so glad you enjoyed the interview!

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  27. I'm late, but I wanted to pop in and say how much I enjoyed the interview and excerpt. What a dynamic couple and such an intense story. Well done!

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    1. Good morning, Alicia, I am so pleased you enjoyed the interview, Cat and I have had an amazing few days here!

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  28. LOVED the characters, strong and enticing, both make you want to read the book. Especially love Cat's responses. Nicely done.

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    1. Thank you for your kind comments, Brenda, it's such a pleasure to meet you!

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  29. Beautiful job, Lyn. Appealing characters...tension and subtle humor. Much success!

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  30. Thank you so much Brenda, I'm so glad you enjoyed meeting Cat and Kerry!

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    1. I see Lyn Blushing! Thank you for making our author's day!

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  31. Hi Hywela Lyn. Great interview. Loved learning more about your book.
    Sue B

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  32. Thank you so much Sue, I really appreciate all your support!

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  33. Thank you so much for visiting, Sue, and we're so glad you enjoyed the interview!

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  34. And a big thank you to Diane for making Cat and myself (and Hywela Lyn of course) so welcome. We really enjoyed it - anytime you fancy a quick trip on the Destiny, just let us know!

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