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Cat Johnson Braves Doll Lil’s Word Association Challenge!

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I’m back from vacation and ready to get down and dirty finding new free and amazingly bargained books for you! But first this week I have something special. I convinced super hot and crazy talented …

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Paperback Proust and Giveaway: Authors Ilona and Gordon Andrews

Submitted by on May 19, 2011 – 6:13 am55 Comments

Ilona Andrews is the pen name used by urban fantasy novelist Ilona and her spouse Gordon. They write urban fantasy, an odd hybrid of a genre that includes elements of mystery, fantasy, and horror. Their stories are set in a modern setting that has a touch of paranormal to it: shapeshifters, werewolves, vampires, necromancers, and an occasional pagan god. Right now they are working mainly on two different series: Kate Daniels, a modern sword-and-sorcery set in a post-apocalyptic world where magic came back in a big way and ruined things, and The Edge, a romantic urban fantasy set in a no-man’s land between our world and a parallel dimension of magic. Visit their website to find out more!

They’ve managed to escape it for over a year, but no more! With the release of the latest (book 5) in the Kate Daniels Series, Magic Slays just around the corner – mark your calendars May 31 – we finally managed to get Ilona and Gordon to go through the ringer – The Paperback Proust *insert dramatic music here* and in honor of the occasion there’s also a giveaway – one brand new copy of Magic Slays for one lucky follower! So, lets get to it!

What are your favorite qualities in a man?

I: My favorite quality in a man is dependability. I want someone that I can rely on and someone who want run away when we’re in trouble.

The quality you desire in a man?

I: Sense of humor would be great.

What is your favorite quality in a woman?

G: Sense of humor and intelligence; the first is required to put up with me, the second to compensate for my own lack thereof. Also I have no common sense, so it’s better if she does.

The quality you desire in a woman?

G: When I was younger, they just needed to say yes. Lucky for me Ilona did, to the whole life together thing. Ilona is serious, smart and hard working, things I did not know I wanted before we met but now know I desperately needed.

What is your main fault?

I: I have a terrible tempter.

G: I am lazy, stubborn and think that I am always right. Also, I fear I may not be as funny as I think I am.

What is your favorite occupation?

I: Writer.

G: Sailor, soldier or student, those all were fun.

What is your idea of happiness?

I: A happy healthy family, a fulfilling career, and no dog accidents in the house. :)

G: Being able to have enough and not worry about things. Also when our kids are older we want to be able to help them, life is tough when you’re young and on your own. We don’t want them to struggle as much as we did.

What is your chief characteristic?

G: I think that I am kind and funny but also lazy and stubborn.

What you appreciate the most in your friends?

G: Loyalty, honesty and discretion. We are not perfect and if you hang around with us for any period of time you will see some strange stuff, and I don’t want to see any of it blogged about. We also need to be told when were out of line or going too far. Friends should be able to tell you when you’re full of crap or agree to disagree about things.

What is your idea of misery?

G: Working a job you hate for all your life and then wondering what might have been if you had tried something else. Maybe it is the same as staying in a relationship that you know isn’t right.

I: Gordon pretty much said it.

What would be your greatest misfortune?

G: Losing Ilona or the girls, that would be awful. I would just move to Thailand and drink myself to death like Nic Cage in “Leaving Las Vegas” except with nicer beaches.

If not yourself, who would you be?

G: OMG I would be Gerard Butler, that guys is amazing. He is handsome, can act and sing as well. It is not fair.

Where would you like to live?

G: Somewhere warm and exotic like Tahiti or Greece. Have you seen “Mama Mia”, somewhere like that.

Who are your favorite heroes/heroines in fiction?

G: Flash Gordon, Conan, Thudarr, Kamandi, John Stark, Robert B. Parker’s Spenser, David Gemmell’s Nogusta and Druss. Steve Perry’s (not the Journey guy) Emile Khadaji who I admire immensely. Perry’s Matador series is as amazing as it is underrated.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

G: Johnny Cash, Clint Eastwood, my Uncle Gene, who raised me and reminds me of both of the previously mentioned individuals. The late Pat Tillman who quit the NFL to join the military after 9/11.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

G: I have two honorable discharges from two branches of the military and most of my bits and pieces. Seriously though, I am most proud of my daughters who are so smart, funny and pretty that is scares me a little. Plus, we make an ok living doing what we like and that ain’t bad.

Thank you so much Ilona and Gordon!
Magic Slays will be hitting a bookstore shelf near you on
May 31 2011!
Now for our followers – want a chance to win a copy of Magic Slays?
Just answer this question: You are in a life threatening apocalypse type situation and you can choose two characters from the Edge or Kate Daniels series to be with you as you try to save yourself… who do you choose? Make it interesting!
Winner will be chosen randomly on June 4th and announced in our June 5th Week in Review Post
Giveaway is open to international followers
Paperback Dolls is made up of women from different parts of the world, with different backgrounds, different tastes and beliefs that were brought together through a love of reading. We like to think of ourselves as a cyber version of "The View" that focuses on books, authors, and reading. We are proof positive that one common love can unite the most opposite of people and form lasting friendships that introduce other ways of life and perspectives to each other.
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55 Comments »

  • leisa says:

    I would love to become a fan…Thank you

    Reply to this comment »
  • says:

    Awesome interview!

    I would choose Jim, because who doesn't want a panther to have their back??? Head of Security and all around badass! Yup. I want him on my team!

    And of course Dolittle. The chances of getting hurt in an apocalypse are 90%! Who better to take care of injuries than Dolittle. Plus, I could ask him all sorts of stories about his past…

    Reply to this comment »
  • Miranda Grissom says:

    Fabulous interview!! Apocalypse hmmm…I'm thinking I would want Kate and Curran because they are both such fierce characters willing to fight for what is right and the people they love :)

    Reply to this comment »
  • Bamafever says:

    I would want Mahon and Curran. Between the Lion King and the Great Bear nothing could get to you. LOL I didnt pick Kate because of course if Curran is there she will be also.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Bamafever says:

    This is My favorite authors. I love the Kate Daniels series and The Edge world buildding is fabtastic. If you havent read them Hurry!!!!!!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Patricia says:

    I would want Rose and Declan from The Edge simply because it is my favorite book. I like Rose's spirit and how she protects her familyi haven't read any of the Magic series yet but they are on my TBR list.

    Reply to this comment »
  • AmyC ~ says:

    How is it, I havent read these? I would still like to be entered into the contest….Always on the lookout for new characters to love.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Tori says:

    Hmmm…hard one. I would pick Andrea and Kate because between the two of them stabbing and shooting-I'd be safe. Plus, they are so funny together, the downtime would be hilarious.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Ren says:

    I'm not read Kate Daniels , but already read for The Edge. So my pick is William and Declan. Two hot men, one big bad wolf , one a bad ass fighter. I can't ask more ;)

    sawamura_foxman AT yahoo DOT com

    Reply to this comment »
  • Anonymous says:

    I would want Curran (strength, skill and eye candy) and Aunt B (smart, diplomatic and I'd bet money she has some interesting tricks up her sleeve).
    Email: annamulligan AT hotmail DOT com

    Reply to this comment »
  • Midnightlily says:

    The first answer is easy.. Curran Lennart. Not only is he the Lord of the Beasts, able to kick some serious ass, but he is also my favourite literary crush. Seriously. *sigh* and let us not forget *swoon* and *drool*.

    The second choice was difficult. I knew straight away I wouldn't want Kate, too much competition for me. But three made it into my final considerations; Derek, Doolittle and Andrea. In the end I would pick Doolittle, purely for the reason that he could patch me up if I were injured… It is an apocalypse after all.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Day says:

    Big thanks to Ilona and Andrew for answering our questions! They are simply the best!!!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Kristina says:

    Curran and Declan (sorry Rose and Kate), but I would love to have those 2 men all to myself :) and they can kick some major ass!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Holly says:

    I'd love to have Kate or Cerise but Curran and William all the way!

    Thanks for the ground breaking interview and giveaway!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Audrey says:

    I think I'd like Jack (yes, Rose's little brother) for the help.
    Jack has self-confidence (if I remember well) and he can just go ahead and face whatever's out there… Which are things I have issues with.
    I have a tendency to think a lot before acting, which can be good but not when you face an emergency (which is when my brain crashes and I just stand there like an idiot).

    Reply to this comment »
  • Keisha says:

    I have not read the series so I can not say but I would love copy of the book

    Reply to this comment »
  • Readsalot81 says:

    I'd want Kate & Curran. Superior fighting skills plus they'd make me laugh. Bound to make life a little bit easier when you're around people that make you chuckle and are so obviously in love :o)

    Reply to this comment »
  • Noa says:

    Thank you so much to the wonderful Ilona and Gordon for once again visiting with the Dolls!

    I would pick Derek and Kate. Derek for his loyalty and because he's such a wonderful guy…and KAte because she rocks at surviving.

    I would have chosen Curran but Kate might kill me.

    Reply to this comment »
  • dani_nguyen says:

    I'd go with Andrea & Kate. I love those ladies and they know how to throw down.

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    daniellesaunders1984(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply to this comment »
  • Cherie says:

    I would have to have Kate and Curran how could you not they rock and kick ass and did I mention they rock

    Reply to this comment »
  • darch says:

    I would have Curran and Declan.
    Thanks.
    duygukavzak(at)gmail.com

    Reply to this comment »
  • Kendal says:

    I would have Kaldar and Doolittle. I could bet with Kaldar that we would win, and Doolittle could patch us all up.
    Thank you to Ilona and Gordon for this wonderful give away.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Serena says:

    Curran. I mean, he's a werelion who can pretty much kill/destroy/save the world. While I would normally choose Kate as my second person, I'd lose the chance to drool over Curran if she were there. I'd go with Jim – he's a spymaster/cat/hot. What's not to like?

    If those two were there, I bet they could find a way to transport me to their world to escape the coming apocalypse. ::grin:: Oh, if only.

    Love the giveaway;thx so much.

    Serena

    Reply to this comment »
  • Kate says:

    Have to say Kate and Curran. Sorry for the obvious answer.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Xiaonangua says:

    Only two choices? *sigh. Curran and Declan are the two clear top choices, but unfortunately ineligible men, so let's go with…

    1. Saiman (smart, ambitious, lecherous but we'll ignore that) for his multiple resources and self-guaranteed will to stay alive
    2. Doolittle (his honey-flavored tea will revive all ills)

    Reply to this comment »
  • Thank you for the interview and of course the giveaway.

    I can't decide between Kate and Curran so I'll have to choose both, they are quite capable in life threatening apocalypse type situations.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Julie says:

    I haven't read the books yet, but I hope that doesn't take me out of the running for the giveaway! I am always looking for my next favorite series, and it looks like this one could be it! Thanks for a great giveaway :)

    Reply to this comment »
  • Scoot says:

    I would choose Curran and William … as long as they could manage to survive being in the same radius without attacking/killing each other. I am pretty sure nothing could touch me with those two on my side. They can both kick anyone's trash that gets in our way and they each have great survival skills.

    I can't wait for this book to be released! Thanks for the great interview!

    seescootread[at]gmail[dot]com

    Reply to this comment »
  • D.F Jules says:

    In that kind of situation, I would so totally go with Kate, 'cause she's crazy enough to not believe that anything is impossible so we probably have a big chance of survival through sheer will alone, but she also has integrity so whatever she has to do, I can trust it's for good. And she's a good person to follow.

    Then for the second character is Dali, cause I think her knowledge of everything is vast and if we hit a problem that Kate can't solve, she can. And she can drive pretty fast. And even though she hates blood, she has the brass ivories to do what must be done.

    Those are the two characters I would need to survive.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Anna says:

    Ok an apocalypse who i choose?

    First if there is an apocalypse i don't probably have a house anymore so i need two people :

    1) Curran to keep me warm at night of course and hunting food (because in a apocalypse Wall Mart must be dead too), and kissed me when I am desperate because of the Apocalypse and ok I want Curran.( maybe repopulated the earth too but this is an completly another story )

    And 2) I take Andrea because sometimes just need a best friend to speak about Curran and apocalypse and sewy men still alive and gossip ( even during an Apocalypse there are always idiots who survive) and because she is a bad ass who can shoot anything and she will keep me alive. Girl Power!

    3) Did i mention Curran ? ;)

    Ok that was fun to think about, i almost wish for an apocalypse now ( 2012 maybe LOL ).

    Thanks for the giveaway and make it international :)

    Reply to this comment »
  • Buttercupchachi says:

    Hi, I would definitely want Curran cuz he's just plain AWESOME! For second choice it would be Declan, cuz his awesomeness rivals Curran's. I would definitely feel safe with these spectacular males. <3

    Reply to this comment »
  • Anne says:

    I'd have to say Kate and Curran. kate for her fighting abilities and magic (plus she takes a beating and keeps on going) and Curran for strength, fighting ability and his ability to use the pack.

    acm05atjuno.com

    Reply to this comment »
  • nuiteblanche says:

    I would just number 1 as Kate and number 2 as Jim. They are both survivalists and intelligent not particularly afraid of much!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Dovile says:

    I haven't yet read anything from the series, but I'd choose the sexiest guy with the coolest powers, of course!:)

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    Reply to this comment »
  • rachie203 says:

    Damn, hard choice. I'd go with Curran and Declan. Really, if there's going to be a apocalypse a girl needs some eye candy and good company. Not everyone will survive an apocalypse, but I'd do my best to make sure I at least had a good time!

    rachie203 [at] gmail [dot] com

    Reply to this comment »
  • Sunscented says:

    I'd hire Kate and Derrek. I wouldn't choose Curran because he'd be too busy protecting Kate. Derrek- he's already got a soft spot for helpless women and, compared to Kate, well… and Kate- I just remember how hard she worked to protect Saimin, even though she didn't agree with his choices, she still had enough pride in her job to give it her all. I know she'd keep my sorry non-magical butt alive.

    Sunscented AT gmail

    Reply to this comment »
  • Sooz says:

    I would pick William since he would know how to live in an apocolyptic world (and he is yummy!) and probably Derek because he would make us laugh and he's totally dependable.

    boodlerbeads at gmail dot com

    Reply to this comment »
  • Denise Z says:

    Love this series and have to say it would Curran – he is strong, enigmatic, and in my vision incredibly sexy! Hey I can alway pretend I am Kate. I also think I would like to know Jim better:) Thanks for the opportunity to win the giveaway.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Nikki says:

    I would pick Aunt B and Andrea because both are seemingly harmless women on appearance. Aunt B looks like your favorite Grandma and Andrea looks pretty and petite yet their looks are their greatest weapons. People would look at them and underestimate their ability to do damage and there lies my best advantage!

    kool(underscore)kitten2(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply to this comment »
  • I will take Derek Im young enough to not get called a cougar (LOL)

    but I love a boy wonder turned tortured hero.

    and Dolittle

    I pick him for two reasons. first he can keep me and derek health cause he is kick ass medic mage. Secondly I love his sense of humour and if I have a shit day then He will turn my frown upside down :P

    Reply to this comment »
  • marybelle says:

    Where have I been? After reading all the fabulous comments about the characters I WILL be chasing up the books from the Edge & Kate Daniels series. Thanks for the heads up.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Aik says:

    I haven't read these books before, sorry! But I'm going to choose the toughest good guys on my team.

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

    Reply to this comment »
  • Farscapegirl says:

    If major bad world-ending stuff were happening I'd want Kate with her sword, of course, and either Jim or Curran to have my back. Kate works really well with either and they could totally get me through anything. Be it zombie hoards, volcano eruptions…they would protect the human. The human being me :)

    Reply to this comment »
  • Rae M. says:

    Tough Choice! But because I am me and I am an injury magnet I'll have to go with Dolittle from Kate Daniels. And even though we haven't seen him fight I imagine he'd can be pretty fierce.

    And for my other choice I'd have to go with Rose from the Edge. Her flash would definitely come in handy.

    Fun question! And thanks for the awesome giveaway!

    Rae
    rachaelgwen(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply to this comment »
  • Lisa says:

    Hmmm… So many choices. I'd have to choose Dolittle because in an appocalypse a doctor would be so ridiculously useful.

    I'd love to pick Curran as my second choice but he's such a control freak I think I'd go nuts. Raphael and Kaldar always seem to come out on top, and Aunt B is just plain scary… but I think I'd go with Kate. Kate's awesome at surviving, loyal as all hell, and she will stop at nothing – stubborn to the end. Plus she's incredibly skilled with both pysical and magical fighting and has all sorts of knowledge crammed into her head. I have a feeling between Dolittle and Kate we'd all survive. :)

    Lisa
    pheonix_forever (at) hotmail (dot) com

    Reply to this comment »
  • I would choose Doolittle because he has common sense, and Nick because he doesn't. Hey, a crusader is good in the fight and Doolittle and myself could bandage his wounds as we left the killing field, but there is also the whole 'deadly undercover male' thing…I have a serious yen for those good guys alpha males, and Nick fits the criteria.

    wmnorun (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply to this comment »
  • Libby13 says:

    Don't enter me because I'm already getting 2 copies of this just wanted to say I thought this was a fantastic interview and my choices would be….
    Curran because really who doesn't want the god-killer on their side. Second choice was slightly trickier and I didn't want to be obvious and put Kate and Curran so going to choose Dali for her Crimson Jaws of Death! Plus I suspect Jim would have to tag along too…

    Reply to this comment »
  • Karen says:

    Wow only 2 people, thats really hard to choose from.
    The first one has to be Dolittle for obvious reasons, also he loves honey so at least we have something in common.
    The second would be Roland, ok I know he is a bad guy, but come one if he can survive centuries of mankind, wars, tides of magic and technology, surley he could survive this? I would probably need to collar his instincts so I wont get turned into some playtoy or lunch, but everyone needs a challenge every now and then.

    Reply to this comment »
  • luigigirlnz says:

    It's hard to pick just two as there are so many great characters! However I'd have to go with:

    Curran < - He IS the beast lord after all :P

    and

    Derek < - Despite his youth, he will never give up and will always protect and fight hard for those he sees as his to look-out for.

    I'm pretty sure Kate would show because of Curran, Jim would show because he's the head of security (and Curran would flatten him if anything happened to Kate) and Dali would probably head over too because she's a little bit nutty and who wouldn't want to see the Crimson Jaws of Death again????

    Reply to this comment »
  • Nikki Egerton says:

    What a cool giveaway.
    I would go with Curran and Mahon. I reckon I'd be pretty safe with these two on my side!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Kat says:

    Kate and Curran of course!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Lou-Lou Belle says:

    I would have to choose Samian and Dali.
    Samian because he always has a trick up his sleeve, and because of his interesting heritage and shape changing abilities he would likely come in handy (even if just as a bodyguard), and Dali because of he sweet temperament and abilty to cast nasty hexes. And also because she is a vegetarian, so if nothing else I know she wouldnt eat me ;)

    Reply to this comment »
  • Kitara says:

    I would choose Kate because she is not only able to kick serious butt, she's always concerned with protecting innocent bystanders, so I would have a pretty good chance of getting out of there alive.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Tina says:

    I would choose Curran and Jim. Curran because it would give me a chance to steal him from Kate (even in a life threatening situation, I still have my priorities straight :P) and Jim because, as the head of security, he would calmly handle the situation as I massively freaked out.

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    melodiousrevelry (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply to this comment »
  • I would choose Curran (can you see atrend here *winks* ;-D) and Derek. Curran because I want to enlighten him and make him realize I'm the one for him, I'm also a Leo and would love to scratch his muzzle and ears ;-p and Derek, well he is such a vute, loyal, idealist fan, would be great to have his undying loyalty and support :-)

    I always love the interviews you do with Ilona and Gordon! :-)

    Thank you for the great giveaway, yay, only a few more days!! yippee! :-D

    stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply to this comment »