Thursday, November 5, 2015

Character Interview: Rise of a Queen by @ChantaRand


Character Interview


How did you first meet your writer?
First, allow me introduce myself. My name is Rafan. I’m the commander of the Sanhaja army in medieval Africa. My clan is considered one of the largest Berber confederations of North Africa. There are some who call us savages, but we are merely protecting our territory. Our fierce military enables us to control the trade routes traveled by Muslim merchants carrying valuable salt and gold.
I first met my author while she was researching a historical romance she’d begun writing about the Moors (African Berbers) in ancient Spain. Between you and I, she is a female who is easily distracted. One day, she got off on a tangent while reading about Timbuktu. That led her to discover the three most powerful kingdoms in Africa at the time, Ghana, Mali, and Songhay. I am certain she plans to finish her Moorish book later, but my personality was too strong to stay behind. I demanded she bring me to life! And she did. 


What are your favorite scenes in your book: the action, the dialog or the romance?
Surely, you jest. I am a virile, hot-blooded male. So of course, my favorite scenes are those filled with passion, arousal, and lovemaking. I am a skilled lover, not afraid to show the heroine, Nabeela, precisely how much pleasure I can bring her. Yet I will confess, the scenes featuring my exemplary fighting skills are also certain to create a few heart-stopping moments for any reader. If you want to know more, you’ll have to secure a copy for yourself. 



Did you have a hard time convincing your author to write any particular scenes for you?
Yes. I am a warrior by nature. Battle is in my blood. Time and time again, my author tried to unearth my compassion. I have been hardened by too much death and destruction. I was not willing to show the weaker side of myself. We struggled at the beginning when I wanted to kill the heroine’s grandfather, but my author wisely stopped me from doing so. However, I did get my hands bloody in other chapters—she could not stop me from decapitating my enemy. So, I suppose I cannot complain. 


Do you infiltrate your writer’s dreams?
No. However, I did infiltrate Nabeela’s dreams on many occasions. I haunted her with memories of the passion we shared. Once she had a taste of me, she could not forget about me. Eventually, I wore her resolve down. I’ve bested many enemies in battle, but she was my toughest conquest yet. 


Would you be interested in a sequel, if your writer was so inclined?
Indeed, I leap at the chance to be part of a sequel. There are some loose ends I’d like tied up. Marriage has made me softer than old leather. I am eager for more action.  Thankfully, my author has already begun work on a sequel. 


What is your greatest fear?
Fear? Your impudence is astounding. I am a blood-thirsty warrior-turned-king. I fear no one and nothing. My first duty is to my wife, and then my child, and then my people. I am a fair and honorable ruler, but those who cross me shall see the dark monster unleashed. 


What do you wear when you go to sleep?
During the day (when not in my armor), I wear sumptuous fabrics of silks and velvet. Gold jewelry drips from my neck, wrists and ears. There is no doubt I am royalty. Yet in the privacy of my bedchambers, when I lay my head upon my goose down feather pillow each night, I sleep naked—like every other citizen. Not only am I most comfortable that way, but this also affords me unencumbered access to my lovely wife, who is also sleeping naked beside me. Nothing stems my hunger from wanting to ravish her body—not even sleep. 


What do you find most appealing in women?
I have sampled women of all shapes and sizes, but I am most attracted to flawless skin, ample curves, and breasts the size of cassava melons. I’m accustomed to willing females who eagerly rush to accommodate me. In the past, I’ve been satisfied with that power. But Nabeela, with her smooth mahogany skin and dark, penetrating eyes refuses to submit to me. I admit I am fascinated by her fiery spirit and stunning looks. She’s captured my attention and held my passions hostage. Now, I think of nothing but burying myself inside her. 


What do you like most about where you live?
I like everything about the Kingdom of Ghana, from the abundant gold and spicy foods to the lush landscapes and powerful military. The only thorns in my side are the greedy and corrupt Soninke. They took control of our stronghold in the city of Awdaghust, going behind our backs to cut off our source of income.  But soon, the Sanhaja will join forces with the mighty Almoravids and we will take back control of our city once and for all.  


Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo, what would it be and where? If not, what if you had to?
What is this thing called a tattoo? The tribes of ancient Ghana practice ritual scarifcation. For men, scars are marks of courage, a testament to their bravery. I have several cut into intricate designs on my back and shoulders. The artist used sharp rocks and blade tips to create the desired effect. 



Thanks again for visiting with us today !!!!
Good. I must take my leave. I have tarried far too long here. My duties as king require me to preside over the citizen’s daily disputes now. Perhaps you will see me again soon in a sequel. Inshallah (God willing).



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Rise of a Queen
By Chanta Rand
Pre Order your copy now for only $.99. This price is only for Pre Orders and will end on November 22nd. So hurry and pre order your copy now for this amazing price. 


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A dead husband. An unconsummated marriage. She needs an heir. Any man will do.
1061 AD. A sprawling empire rich in gold, resources, and military might dominates West Africa. It’s The Kingdom of Ghana, and it’s at the height of its power.
Twenty-year old Nabeela is grappling with her own power struggle. In order to save her younger sister from their step-brother’s clutches, Nabeela agrees to marry a repulsive African prince and bear him an heir. However, her plans are waylaid when tragedy strikes on her wedding night—her new husband dies—without consummating their marriage.
She must find a replacement to impregnate her immediately. Any man will do—including a drunken soldier her servants find naked taking a bath in a neighboring village. Nabeela holds him captive and coerces him into having sex with her—stealing the one thing he can never get back—his seed.
What she doesn’t know is the soldier is Rafan, Commander of a warring tribe’s royal army, and one of her family’s arch enemies. Eager for revenge, Rafan tracks her down once he’s released. But when these two reunite, they realize their lust for each other is far greater than their disdain.
Enamored by Nabeela’s beauty and bravery, Rafan makes her an offer of marriage, and the promise to help her become queen. He convinces her that they are stronger allies than enemies. Even though they share a commitment to unite, there are others who are determined to destroy them and their plans, including the one person Nabeela would have never suspected. In the end, she’s is forced to choose between her passion and her ambition.


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Buy Link:   Amazon  


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 Author Info: Chanta Jefferson Rand is an Emma Award winning Debut Author of the Year, a multi-published, best-selling author of sizzling-hot romance, and the former host of The Chanta Rand Show. An avid reader of all genres, she stepped onto the scene in 2010 with her first published historical romance, Pharaoh's Desire. 

Chanta is a history junkie, a Walking Dead fan, and a recovering shoe addict. She never met a stiletto she didn't like! If you still want more, check her out at www.ChantaRand.com or email her at Chanta@chantarand.com.

 

Remember: You can't expect any sizzle...if you don't turn up the heat!  

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