Welcome fellow Harlequin Superromance author, Anna Sugden...

 Hi Anna! So happy to have you here today - it's been far too long since we've seen each other and I'm looking forward to catching up! Wishing you lots of success and sales with your latest release, A Perfect Catch - let's kick off with the questions...

1)   Did you set any goals for 2014?

 Yes, and no! I like to do something to broaden myself each year, but I don’t want to pressure myself either. So, I choose goals like making a recipe out of each one of our recipe books or learning at least two new skills. In 2014, I didn’t make the recipes goal but I did learn (finally!) how to crochet and also how to make jewellery. From a work perspective, I want to be able to write two Superromances a year and also do some extra short stories or novellas. Because I’m a slow writer (see Qn 2!), that’s quite challenging. Hopefully I’ll get there in 2015!

2)   How long does it take you to write a 50,000-60,000 (85,000) word manuscript? 

 Too long! J Technically, it takes about 6-7 months, but can take longer depending on what else is going on in my life.

3)   Tease us with a blurb/short except A Perfect Catch:

He's the perfect catch…for now! 

When it comes to romance, Tracy Hayden is not looking for a rematch. She's had epic passion—and problems!—with professional hockey player Ike Jelinek. Brilliant on skates and magic in bed, his too-traditional-for-her views were like a bucket of ice water on their affair. 

Then an injury takes Ike out of the game, and everything changes. Suddenly he needs her services-providing business—even though he once claimed it was their biggest problem. Tracy's determined to be professional, despite the sizzling attraction between them that won't go away. Maybe they need a second fling to fix that!

Excerpt:

Tracy had just reached Ike’s room when she heard him roar.

“I don’t need a freaking straw in my drink and I don’t want you to cut up my food.”

A young blonde volunteer in a striped uniform rushed past Tracy, her face flushed. “Perhaps you’ll have better luck with him.”

Tracy smiled sympathetically, then strode into the room. “Someone’s in a foul mood.”

“You’d be miserable, too, if you weren’t even al­lowed to use a freaking knife and fork,” he growled, crossing his arms awkwardly over his broad chest. The bandages that covered his arm from fingers to shoulder hampered his movement.

The flowery pastel-blue gown should have looked silly on such an obviously masculine body. Instead, it emphasized his honed chest and arms, making him look more manly, rather than less. But Ike didn’t need to know that.

Nor that he’d made her pulse skip. “Good job I’m here to give the staff a break from your charming personality.”

He narrowed his gaze. “Do not push me.”

“Seriously?” Tracy rolled her eyes. “That might work on a sweet young thing like that candy striper, but I’m immune.”

Ike’s green eyes turned fiery, challenging her to take him on.

She tamped down her body’s instant heated re­sponse. Besides, she shouldn’t tease a wounded man. Especially one whose pride probably hurt as much as his arm.

4)   Tell us about a new author you’ve recently discovered 

Hmm that’s a difficult one, because I find my reading time so limited when I’m writing. I deliberately don’t read anything in the same genre as I write - those sports romances are stacking up! - and I tend to stick with old favourites when I do get time to read. The last new author I discovered was actually one who has been around for a while. Dear friend, Anna Campbell, knows I love Western historicals and suggested I might like to read some Australian historicals. So, she put me on to Candace Proctor. I loved her books! Rich with detail and information, but also enthralling with satisfying romance. It was only when I came to find out what else she’d written that I realised she was actually one of my favourite authors, CS Harris!

5)   Name two romances you’ve read more than once

I have so many books on my TBR pile/mountain that I never read a book more than once. In fact, the only time I go back to a book is for work reasons eg I want to deconstruct an excellent book to see how the author structured the plot and character development. If I was to reread a book, I’d probably choose one by Nora Roberts (eg her three sisters trilogy or Chasing Fire) and Susan Mallery’s Falling For Gracie. I want you to know I struggled to only choose two authors, let alone two books! J

6)   Tell us about your first car

My first car was a Triumph Toledo, which my grandmother had owned but rarely driven. I called him Tommy and he was in pristine condition, despite being probably fifteen years old. Of course, once he was no longer garaged, he began to age quite quickly and he needed constant care. I passed him onto my sister, when I got my first company car.

7)   Tell us something you’ve lied about? 

Me? Lie? . Okay, I’ve lied about how much time I’ve spent playing computer games over the years. I have a love of adventure games and can get lost in trying to solve the problems for hours! I have to limit myself now and usually it’s a treat for achieving my word count. I just have to make sure I don’t lose track of time with that treat!

8)   Kissing in public? Yes or no?

Both. I don’t mind kissing in public; in fact I think it’s lovely to see people who look like they like each other come together in a kiss. But I do mind people going so far with that kiss that they need to get a room!

GIVEAWAY!! Anna is very kindly giving away a SIGNED copy of A PERFECT TRADE to one lucky commenter – add your questions and comments below for a chance to win!

Anna is waiting to chat!!