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RT brings you an exclusive first look at Lisa Renee Jones' upcoming novel, The Legend of Michael. We go beyond the back cover blurb with the author who shares how her fascination with Area 51 inspired her new paranormal Zodius series. And don't miss the giveaway at the end of her message!
***
Thank you so much for the opportunity to talk about The Legend of Michael, my May 2011 Sourcebooks release. The Legend of Michael is book 1 of the Zodius series. Book two will release in November 2011.
I’ve always found Area 51 intriguing, and often found myself reading one conspiracy theory or another about what really happens inside that top secret military base. The fact that the government barely acknowledges Area 51 exists, and for many years denied it all together, only makes it all the more interesting to me.
So, one day, I started thinking that the soldiers who work there must be the Special Forces of the Special Forces. After all, if rumors have it right, Area 51 is involved with alien technology. So, of course, my mind starting chasing an idea. What if the government decided to create Super Soldiers aka Jean Claude Van Damn in “Universal Soldier” – back when that man exuded all kinds of hotness we couldn’t get enough of? Hot Super Soldiers. Oh yeah. That’s what I’m talking about! That sounded pretty darn good to me, and my imagination went wild. What if the government injected our Special Forces guys with alien DNA? Well, what evolved from that question in my mind was a classic story off good versus evil -- twin brothers divided in battle. One wants to take over humanity and one is fight to protect humanity.
A few of you might remember the “Underground Guardians” from back in my early writing days with Ellora’s Cave. For those of you who have emailed me, even after years have passed since the last release, and asked if there will be another story in the Guardians series– thank you! And the answer to that question is both yes and no... No there will be no more Guardians but…The Zodius series is a re-invention of the Guardians—not really a spinoff, thus the term re-invention. The Zodius series is a new and improved, more developed world, centered around a premise I love, and started working with when I was writing the Guardian. So yes, the basic premise of hot super soldiers and Area 51 that began with the Guardians certainly exists in this new Zodius series, but now that I am a more mature writer, I wanted to do some things differently. So I sat down and rolled my sleeves up and with my soldiers on my mind I thought – BE ALL YOU CAN BE. I’m pretty darn excited about where that took me, and I hope readers will be as well.
The first book, as I mentioned, is the The Legend of Michael. Michael is the ultimate Alpha male, a hero who will risk his life to save the world. He is a hero who is guarded, wounded, and in need of saving even as he is saving everyone else, though you’d never convince Michael he needs saving, nor that he can be brought to his knees. Not until he meets Cassandra Powell.
- Lisa Renee Jones
Lisa Renee Jones' The Legend of Michael is scheduled to be released on May 1st, 2011.
GIVEAWAY ALERT: Five lucky readers will win ADVANCED READER COPIES of The Legend of Michael to enter leave a comment on this blog about why you like your heroes (and heroines) to be warriors. Or email your comment here with your US mailing address and the subject line "Lisa Renee Jones' The Legend of Michael Giveaway". The winners will be notified on April 12th.
BLOG UPDATE 4/12/2011: And the Winners are ... Lisa Lav, Kera, Brenda C., Ilona F. and Connie T.!
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heroes
Submitted by Jessie Patterson (not verified) on April 11, 2011 - 8:09pm.
I like my heroes and heroines as warriors because it's inspirational. It makes me want to be stronger and fiercer.
Strong Heroes
Submitted by Marlene Breakfield (not verified) on April 7, 2011 - 10:35pm.
I like my heroes to be strong and protective, but I want the heroines to be able to hold their own, as well.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love a tough hero, one who
Submitted by Jolene A. (not verified) on April 5, 2011 - 5:51pm.
I love a tough hero, one who can stand on their own and aren't afraid to fight for what they want. Same with my heroine. I don't want her to be weak and a pushover, I want her to be able to go toe to toe with the hero.
Only Alpha's Will Do!
Submitted by Artemis on April 3, 2011 - 10:32am.
I am a USMC Veteran, married to a USMC Veteran. Nothing less that a warrior will do for me. No other type of hero would be able to handle me!
YAY
Submitted by Lisa Lav (not verified) on April 1, 2011 - 8:51pm.
I really like the heros to be warriors ... not so much the heroines but there are exceptions! There is nothing like a manly hunk to drift away into a book with!!! *le sigh*
Warrior heroes are so much
Submitted by lizzy1022 on April 1, 2011 - 10:34am.
Warrior heroes are so much fun. They are so male, full of instincs, strong,drop dead gorgeous. It makes the stories way more interesting, i think.
replies
Submitted by Lisa Renee Jones on March 31, 2011 - 3:07pm.
Sorry if I'm slow responding folks. I'm having issues with my computer hanging when I try to reply. But I'm reading your responses and enjoying them! Thank you all for stopping by!
LRJ ARC Giveaway - Warrior Heroes
Submitted by Kera (not verified) on March 31, 2011 - 1:08pm.
Warrior heroes have a code of honor and chivalrous instincts toward their lady I don't always see in other, regular heroes. I like the fighting, the power and the over the top gallantry portrayed in warrior books.
Congrats on your new release Lisa!
Kera (US address)
Giveaway
Submitted by Candy Gorcsi (not verified) on March 31, 2011 - 11:36am.
It's only open to the US, but congrats on your success anyway!!
The Legend of Michael Giveaway
Submitted by Brenda C. (not verified) on March 31, 2011 - 10:31am.
When fantasizing about the perfect man, most women want someone strong, protective, courageous, loyal, sensitive and willing to fight for all that is good! And if he is hot on top of all that, he is darn near perfect! I think my favorite warriors are Navy Seals, Special Forces and cowboys!!!!
The Legend of Michael
Submitted by Jo Ann Weiler (not verified) on March 31, 2011 - 9:01am.
I love an Alpha Hero or Heroine because they are not afraid to show that behind the protectiveness, courage, strength, and nobility is LOVE. Love for their fellow man/woman, Love for their country, Love for which ever cause they are fighting for, Love for whomever they are protecting....it all comes back to Love.
The Legend of Michael ARC
Submitted by Beth M. (not verified) on March 31, 2011 - 8:27am.
I like my heros and heroines to be warriors because there are always bullies and bad guys to be vanquished. We don't often get a chance to best the bullies we meet in our lives so it is great to read about warriors that are strong, powerful and not afraid to prevail and triumph over evil.
Lisa Renee Jones - The Legend of Michael Giveaway
Submitted by maria63303 on March 31, 2011 - 8:07am.
Why I like my hero/heroine to be a warrior:
I think the reason that I like the hero/heroine to be a warrior is that it shows they have a tremendous amount of integrity and will pursue what they consider is the right thing. Warriors don't always have to be physically fighting- a true warrior knows that while you may win a physical battle to really win the war you have to win the mental war. I always think of people in our own history who have been the quiet warriors because they didn't physically fight but won their war through other means:
Martin Luther King - he didn't advocate violence but brought about tremendous change in our country
Mother Theresa- yes there is still a tremendous amount of poverty in India but she really made a lot of people sit up and take notice and helped to make some tremendous changes
Eleanor Roosevelt- she was committed to the cause of children and was a huge push behind Unicef and what the U.N. does today towards helping the worlds poorest children
Anyway, that's what I think:)
The Legend of Michael Giveaway
Submitted by rock7roll on March 31, 2011 - 8:00am.
Who wouldn't want a sexy hero. Every girl fantasy to want a sexy, sensitive, strong and protective man. My husband has always been my hero.
The Legend of Michael Giveaway
Submitted by rock7roll on March 31, 2011 - 7:59am.
Who wouldn't want a sexy hero. Every girl fantasy to want a sexy, sensitive, strong and protective man. My husband has always been my hero.
Warriors
Submitted by Barbara Elness (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 10:33pm.
Warriors are darned sexy, that's why. They fight for what's right, are easy on the eyes, and are protective of those weaker than them.
Lisa Renee Jones' The Legend of Michael Giveaway
Submitted by Jami Gold (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 8:46pm.
Warriors are willing to fight for what they believe in, whether that be an ideology, a group/country, a family, or a lover. Who wouldn't want someone to fight for them? :)
Warriors
Submitted by shelbysmom (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 8:24pm.
Warriors are strong, but they are also smart because they understrand strategy.
The Legend of Michael
Submitted by Betty Breithaupt (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 6:49pm.
Strong heroes are what makes books of this genre great and Michael looks like he fills the bill. I kow this is going to be a terrific book to add to my collection of your books.
Contest
Submitted by Debra Thomas (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 6:31pm.
Gotta have strong hero's and heroins. I like them like the men and women in my family.
I come from a long line of military person's and was raised to be as strong and stronger as I need to be.
The men in my life have always had a very strong sense of justice and are very protective of what they consider to be theirs.They love with their whole heart and won't anything get in their way.
I myself have no problem with this, though they would call me stubborn...lol
I pity the woman that decides she wants to be in my sons life. He was raised to be the same way and most girls these days just see them as being chauvanistic and domineering. You just have to have a strong backbone and let them know when enough is enough, without making them feel like you don't want them.
I have had fun over the years and I don't see that stopping anytime soon.
Military men
Submitted by Lisa Renee Jones on March 31, 2011 - 3:01pm.
Hi Debra-- Military families do breed strong women who know how to stand up for themselves. Those alpha men require it! But I love a man who stands up for those he loves!
Legend of Michael
Submitted by Janice Hussein (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 5:26pm.
I like strong heroes, because I like to admire the characters who I read about. And I like when they're warriors (and smart), because it's good to see the good guys kick a little bad-guy butt and/or outsmart them. Especially in this day and age when most of us can't do all that much to make much of a difference (or kick the "bad guys' butts), so it's great to read about characters who actively do.
contest
Submitted by Judy F (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 3:24pm.
I love my heroes to be strong yet with a softer side. Esp with those they love.
I am so looking forward to this book.
Contest answer
Submitted by Dawn R. (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 3:09pm.
I love my heroes/heriones to be independant and alpha but not border line egotistical. A little vulnerability to balance it out is perfect mix to me.
"Lisa Renee Jones' The Legend of Michael Giveaway"
Submitted by Teresa Kleeman (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 3:08pm.
I like for my hero's & herione's to be warriors, because in real life we are taught to survive. Because it's a doggy dog world. My father was a soldier and he taught all us girls to hunt, fish, do basic mechanic work. He said, "you never know when you have to use these skills. Always be prepared for situations".
My father didn't have any boys so he taught us girls to be self sufficient and to be able to handle any situation. Especially if we were ever threaten. He made sure we knew basic self defense. I feel we as human beings strive to survive so I like for my hero's & herione's to be a surviver, and the way by doing this is being a warrior and not cowering from anything. I don't me that you can't feel fear, but I think the fear causes us to want to survive at all cost. It can even make us be a take charge person. So instead of laying down and giving up. I'm going to be a warrior and fight to the end.
Teresa Kleeman
tcwgrlup41(at)yahoo dot com
2501 Greengate Dr.
Greensboro, NC 27406
Legend of Micheal
Submitted by Teresa Kleeman (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 3:11pm.
Lisa I meant to tell you the book sounds yummy, and congratulations on your new release. I wish you much success with it.
Teresa Kleeman
tcwgrlup41(at) yahoo dot com
Teresa
Submitted by Lisa Renee Jones on March 31, 2011 - 3:05pm.
Thank you Teresa and I lived in Greensboro for 4 years! I used to go to a place called WONGS on High Point road. LOVED. I heard it closed down. I'd love to do a book signing that way next year. I know lots of people in your neck of the woods.
Lisa Renee Jones' The Legend of Michael Giveaway
Submitted by Ashley Applebee (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 2:58pm.
I love my heroes to be warriors because Alpha Males are just damn sexy!! I LOVE them!! Legend of Michael looks like a great read and I can't wait for it to come out!!
Legend of Michael ARC Contest
Submitted by TJ Michaels (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 2:03pm.
I like my heroes to be warriors and alphas because I tend to write very strong heroines. These women are lawyers, scientists, executives, and sometimes warriors themselves. The male-to-female alpha tend to keep each other in balance while still letting them celebrate who and what they are.
The women get to be bad-ass yet feminine. And the warriors get to fulfil their need to protect. Not to mention warriors are just dead sexy! RAWR!
TJ
www.tjmichaels.com
RAWR!
Submitted by Lisa Renee Jones on March 30, 2011 - 2:13pm.
That's what I'm talking about TJ! And great to see you here! Thanks for stopping by!
Legend of Michael ARC Contest
Submitted by TJ Michaels (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 2:03pm.
I like my heroes to be warriors and alphas because I tend to write very strong heroines. These women are lawyers, scientists, executives, and sometimes warriors themselves. The male-to-female alpha tend to keep each other in balance while still letting them celebrate who and what they are.
The women get to be bad-ass yet feminine. And the warriors get to fulfil their need to protect. Not to mention warriors are just dead sexy! RAWR!
TJ
www.tjmichaels.com
I can sum it up in three
Submitted by Ilona F (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 1:20pm.
I can sum it up in three words - Loyalty, Protectiveness and Courage. What more can anyone ask for from a hero?
:)
Submitted by Lisa Renee Jones on March 30, 2011 - 2:15pm.
I so agree. I think Michael is all of those things. I enjoyed writing him so much for those very reasons.
I like it when heroes and/or
Submitted by Tabatha B (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 1:07pm.
I like it when heroes and/or heroins are warriors because no matter what stands in their way they protect the ones they love, even when the one in their ways is themself. I love the passion and fire that you get from a warrior hero(ins) that you don't always get from your standard hero(ins).
Thanks for the Giveaway and Good Luck everyone.
The Legend of Michael
Submitted by lrwirum on March 30, 2011 - 12:53pm.
I think the reason I like the heroes and heroines to be warriors is that they will fight whatever and whoever they have to so that they make sure that the innocent are protected and kept safe. They will got to any lengths to protect those they care about and to get the job done.
Larena
I like heroes to be warriors
Submitted by CrystalGB816 (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 12:46pm.
I like heroes to be warriors because they are strong and protective and you know that they will defend the ones that they love.
Michael
Submitted by Connie T (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 12:26pm.
I like warrior heros because they're strong, protective, usually have a great set of values and know how to treat a woman. I'm married to a "warrior" and he is the best!
I can't wait to read Michael!
Michael
Submitted by Connie T (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 12:26pm.
I like warrior heros because they're strong, protective, usually have a great set of values and know how to treat a woman. I'm married to a "warrior" and he is the best!
I can't wait to read Michael!
Thank you Connie!
Submitted by Lisa Renee Jones on March 30, 2011 - 2:18pm.
I can't wait for Michael to release:)
I love my heros/herroines to
Submitted by Leagh C (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 12:16pm.
I love my heros/herroines to be warriors because it just gives them an edge. I have always liked a strong character both physically and mentally and both are required of a warrior.
OMG
Submitted by ann/alba (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 11:51am.
the cover man is gorgeous But not as hot as the story I bet..
Great treat thankyou.
Ann/alba
Cover
Submitted by Lisa Renee Jones on March 30, 2011 - 2:20pm.
Ana -- That is Jason Baca on the cover. It's fun that I recently talked with him and the cover model on one of my Blaze novels. The internet makes the publishing world so much smaller than it once was. And I sure think Michael is hot. He and Cassandra certainly burned up the pages while I was writing them. I'm eager to see if readers think that's the case when they read the book:)
The Legend of Michael Giveaway
Submitted by Kerry P (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 11:28am.
The true heroes of our everyday lives are those who, as we speak, are out there defending our rights & freedoms. So why not get lost in the fantasy of an "ultra" hero in the stories we love to get lost in?? I can honestly say I am a strong woman, who still likes the idea of the ultimate man defending me! *sigh*
BTW I love the cover! *drool*
The Legend of Michael Giveaway
Submitted by Jessica C. (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 11:12am.
Hero Warriors are so protective of their heroines. And what kind of girl would argue with that!
Thanks for the giveaway!
jcross719 at yahoo dot com
Michael
Submitted by TrustMe_2_Forget on March 30, 2011 - 11:08am.
It seems like I've been waiting forever for this book!
You and me both:)
Submitted by Lisa Renee Jones on March 30, 2011 - 2:17pm.
I feel like I've been waiting for Michael to hit shelves forever! I can't wait:) And thank you!!!
"Lisa Renee Jones' The Legend of Michael Giveaway
Submitted by Lisa Avila (not verified) on March 30, 2011 - 11:06am.
I like strong heroes and/or heroines, they should (and do) stand up for what is right or to defend the underdog, I love warriors who are true heroes, my favorites warriors are native american, cowboys or vikings.
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