Soldier Jameson Hunter faces the battle of his life, winning the heart of Charlotte Mackenzie, widowed mother of a young recruit…

Please welcome author Tamara Hoffa
Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three grown children, two grandchildren, 3 dogs and 2 cats. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since. At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandson’s in her lap. Tamara is a reviewer, a professional reader and can now add author to her repertoire. Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.

Tamara was kind enough to answer a few questions so we could get to know her better:

Are you Married? kids? pets?
I have been married for over thirty year to the love of my life. We met in high school. We have three beautiful children, two grandchildren, two cats and at the moment, thirteen dogs! We have a little of four week old puppies (nine of them) along with our four dogs. So we have a houseful!


What/who/ How did you get started writing? 
I wrote in high school, I was a member of the creative writing club and wrote tons of angsty teenage poetry. Then, I didn’t start writing again until last year. I saw an ad for a short story contest, my husband had been encouraging me to “write a book” I didn’t think I was ready for that, but I thought, a short story? That I can do. So I entered the contest and received a contract to publish. (I know I have been so blessed, don’t hate me)


Do you want to thank one person in particular for giving that extra push? 
My husband, Michael. He always had faith in me. More faith then I had in myself.


How many books did you attempt before you were published? 
As I said, I have been truly lucky. The first book I submitted was published, and I received a contract on my second submission also.


Do you have any MUST haves to write? Food, drink or time? 
My only MUST have if coffee. I am a true coffeeholic!


Which novel is your favorite of your books? 
The one I’m writing now! Whichever one that is at the time. I fall in love with my characters. Heart of a Soldier will always be special to me, because it was my first. But, the one I am working on now, is very special to me also. My son has Asperger’s Syndrome and my current WIP features a woman with an A.S. child. It is NOT my son’s story, but it is close to my heart.


Who is your favorite character? 
Hmm, that’s a hard question. You would think it would be a hero or heroine, but my favorite is actually Bethany. Charlie’s best friend in Heart of a Soldier. She is just a hoot!


How many books do you have in the work now?
Three

For your next book, What is the name and when is the release date? 
Roping Love, another short contemporary romance is scheduled for release in May of 2013


What inspired you write this book? 
My two best friends both have sons in the military. Talking to them about their fears and concerns, and their enormous pride, inspired Heart of a Soldier.


Do you like writing hot romance scenes? 
I love it! I get to live out all my fantasies. I know some writers say “the steamy stuff” is hard to write, but it actually is the easiest part of the writing process for me.


Do you have plans for another new book/series? I am currently working on two novellas. A Special Kind of Love, and a Paranormal Romance that will be the first book in a new series that my best friend Beverly Ovalle and I are writing together. The series will be called Windy City Dragons.

What is the 1st book you remember reading and falling in love with? 
Pepper’s Way, by Kay Hooper. I read it (cough) Thirty some years ago and I still remember it. I actually found a copy of it in a used book store a couple of years ago  and I had to buy it.


Who is yourfavorite author? 
Favorite series? I have so many. I couldn’t possibly pick just one. I love Sherrelyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Larissa Ione, Catherine Mann, Maya Banks, Lori Foster, Lauren Dane, I could go on and on. Series romances are my favorites, I love the continuing characters and story lines. DarkHunters, Sons of Destiny, Red God’s of Midnight are a few of my “go to” series.
 

What is your favorite quote?
 “ I carry this thing between us, like a weight. A good weight, in my pocket. I reach out and hold it from time to time like a wonderful secret. I will always have that. I will never feel this way about another woman, ever. My heart will be yours forever, no matter who shares your bed, no matter whose children you bear. I’m here.” He tapped her chest. “And you’re here.” He tapped his own.” 

Do you have a favorite book cover? 
Heart of a Soldier. My daughter Cat Hoffa is the artist, so I may be a bit biased.


Naughtiest book you ever read?
Just Gotta Say, by Laura Kaye


Favorite color? 
Green


Tell us something no one knows. 
Well, I’m pretty much an open book, so I’m sure some people know most everything about me. But a fun fact , my youngest grandson, Aiden (2) calls me “sunshine”  I would always say “Hi sunshine” when I saw him and he picked it up

Thanks so much for having me here today Kelly! And congratulations on you upcoming Blogoversary.

Find Tamara Hoffa here: