TQ: Welcome back to The Qwillery!
Claire: Thanks for having me! I really love being here!
TQ: Immortal Protector was published on the 13th. Tell us something about Immortal Protector that is not in the novella description.
Claire: I’ll share two somethings. A) For those of you who’ve been knocking on my door about Tane – you’ll see him quite frequently. B) More secrets, questions, and possibilities unfold than originally presented, and there’s a particular knight at the end who took me by surprise… and I’m becoming significantly attached to him. He might have a story to tell in the near future.
TQ: Next up is Immortal Trust (Curse of the Templars 3) on March 26th. Tell us something about Immortal Trust that is not in the novel description.
Claire: Oh, gosh… Now this is harder. Because there’s so much going on and so many things I don’t want to spoil. How about setting – that’s a little safer. :-) It states we’re in Ornes, France, but you’ll also get to visit the Paris catacombs, which hold a really nasty secret. Character-wise, Gareth is present here, and there’s a major hint dropped to the next story coming down the pipe if you pay attention to the sub plot.
TQ: Tell us about one character (villain or hero) who has been the most difficult to write in the series so far. Include a secret about him or her that they would not want us to know!
Claire: Declan is the most challenging character to write, simply because of the secretive nature of what’s going on with his role in the plot. And because of that – see how I hedge! – I can’t tell you things that he wouldn’t want you to know. His past dictates his present, his present dictates his future. Is he on the archangels’ side? Is he on Azazel’s? That’s what makes him really hard. I can’t push him too far in any one direction or things get really messed up. So I often find myself really taking time to think through *every darned word* that is used when he makes an appearance.
Uh-oh, I hear Merrick roaring about something. Hm. Maybe I better go check that out. Seems like something’s up.
TQ: Oh no! We're going to take a break since Merrick wants Claire's attention now... in the middle of the interview! Without any additional Templar interference, Claire will be back on March 30th to answer a few more questions. Stay tuned...
About The Curse of the Templars
Immortal Protector
The Curse of the Templars 2.5
Tor Books, March 13, 2013
eBook, 132 pages
After the brutal murder of his seraph, Iain Donnelly's salvation is eternally lost. Damned to become a dark knight of Azazel, he can no longer embrace his immortal purpose as a Templar Knight. When the archangels send him on Sabbatical to find his faith once more, his quest leads him straight into the forbidden arms of a Benedictine Sister, whom Azazel is threatening. But this woman arouses far more than his protective instincts. He wants her as he's wanted no other woman, and he's willing to provoke the archangels’ fury to keep her safe.
Catherine Grady has devoted herself to the fellowship of faith and forged a path of eternal dedication to a higher calling. But when a traffic accident forces her to accept Iain's aid, she discovers that her chosen path is not what her heart craves. Iain awakens a buried yearning to be needed and loved in a way her broken childhood denied her. As she struggles to reconcile her desires, she stumbles into the truth about her heritage, ancient secrets, and unholy danger. Iain's immortality is all that can protect her.
For Iain, it's an impossible choice. The archangels have decreed if he walks away from the Templar, they will reclaim his soul. Yet returning to the Order only guarantees his inevitable death…
Immortal Surrender
The Curse of the Templars 2
Tor Books, September 25, 2012
Mass Market Paperback and eBook, 448 pages
Farran de Clare, loyal member of the cursed Knights Templar, wants nothing to do with predestined mates. Even the Almighty won’t turn him into a fool again—he’d rather sacrifice his soul. Yet in the scientist Noelle Keane, a devout atheist, Farran meets the seraph designed for him.
Ordered by the archangel Gabriel to protect Noelle, the possessor of a sacred relic that could give Azazel incredible power, Farran swears to do his duty—but in name only. Fighting an attraction that grows with each day, he’s determined that he’ll never pledge himself to her.
As they war over her future, their mutual passion ignites a conflict far more damning. But before Noelle will agree to eternity with him, she demands the ultimate sacrifice – his heart.
Immortal Hope
The Curse of the Templars 1
Tor Books, January 3, 2012
Mass Market Paperback and eBook, 368 pages
Centuries ago, Templar knights defied the archangels and unearthed the copper scroll that revealed the locations of the gates to hell. Cursed for their forbidden act, they now roam the earth, protecting mankind from evil. But darkness stalks them, and battles they fight bring them ever closer to eternal damnation. One promise remains to give them salvation—the return of the seraphs.
Embittered by his purpose, Merrick du Loire must honor an ancient pact and bring peace to his cousin’s soul, releasing him from the clutches of their enemy. When he stumbles upon history professor Anne MacPherson, he discovers that she possesses a sacred artifact that marks her as a seraph. Duty demands he set aside his personal quest and locate the knight she’s fated to heal. As Merrick struggles with conflicting oaths, Anne arouses buried hope and sparks forbidden desire that challenges everything he’s sworn to uphold.
Anne has six weeks to complete her thesis on the Knights Templar. When Merrick takes her to the Templar stronghold, he presents her with all she needs—and awakens a soul-deep ache that he alone can soothe. Yet loving Merrick comes with a price. If she admits she is destined for him, her gift of foresight predicts his death.
And coming on March 26th:
Immortal Trust
The Curse of the Templars 3
Tor Books, March 26, 2013
Mass Market Paperback and eBook, 448 pages
When archaeologist Chloe Broussard accepts the contract to lead a dig in Ornes, France, she has no idea she will uncover the Veil of Veronica. When she does, she discovers a danger far greater than the demonic presence stalking her at night. Azazel wants her, as well as the Veronica, and his chosen minion is her brother. Her hope lies with immortal Templar Knight Lucan. Her life depends on oaths she knows nothing about.
For countless centuries, Lucan of Seacourt has lived with the knowledge that his brother killed their family. Now, as Azazel’s darkness eats away at his soul, old betrayal stirs suspicion. He trusts no one. Not even the seraph who can heal his dying spirit.
With the fate of the Almighty hanging in the balance, Lucan must find faith in something more terrifying than the dark lord’s creations. He must learn to believe his heart.
About Claire
She is an active member of Romance Writers of America, and her local RWA chapters, Heartland Romance Authors, Midwest Romance Writers, and North Texas Romance Writers of America.
Claire lives in Missouri with her two sons, and too-many horses, cats, and dogs. In her “free” time, she enjoys cooking, winning at Rummy, studying Ancient Civilizations, and spending quiet moments with her family, including the critters. She credits her success to her family's constant support and endless patience.
To learn more about Claire, visit her on the web at www.claireashgrove.com, or www.toristclaire.com. You can also connect with her via Facebook, and Twitter.
I loved the first two and cannot wait to read Lucan's story! With each one I think it can't get any better then comes the next one and it proves me wrong. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the releases!
Great interview! I have not yet read this series, but it looks intriguing! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new and upcoming releases, Claire!