An Interview With Kristi Jun

 

Thank you for the opportunity to be a guest on your blog today!

 

Today I’m thrilled to have Kristi Jun, the author of Enemy’s Kiss with me in the Blue Rose Writing Room.

 

Can you tell us how long you have been writing?

I have been writing since I was in 5th grade. I finished my first book with intent to publish while I was attending graduate school. From there, I finished two more books and submitted my work to agents/editors. Enemy’s Kiss took second place in the historical category for the Emily Award and first place for Great Expectations. I received full requests from multiple agents and an editor at Penguin.

 

Like many writers, I have stacks of rejections letters. Writing is hard work, but I love it. 

 

What is one place you absolutely want to visit before you die?

This is very hard. Well, if I had to pick one place, I would choose Africa. I hear people say it’s like another world there. I would love to experience the wild and the Bushmen living in southern Africa.

 

Why did you choose to write in this genre? Have you ever written any other genre? Do you plan on doing so in the future?

I fell in love with historical romance when I was in high school. I was hooked. I love the sensibility of the period, the ceremony and chivalry. There is a sense of traditions that I can connect with as well. I plan on branching out into Romantic Suspense and Contemporary Romance in the future.

What historical figure do you wish you could have met?

You might be able to guess. Yep, it’s Jane Austin.

 

What are you most proud of about your writing?

Everything. English is my second language. I came here when I was in 4th grade. I struggled in school for many years and it took me a long time to learn how to write and convey my ideas succinctly.

 

Writing fiction is hard. Plotting is hard. Characterization is hard. Writing within the framework of the genre is hard. It’s all hard and I overcome my struggles by writing and doing it every day even when I don’t feel like it. 

 

How do you respond to negative reviews?

Honestly, no one wants negative reviews. But I respect the opinion of others, as I would expect them to do so with my opinion. Not everyone will like the kind of stories I write, and that is okay.

 

What’s one new thing you’d like to try?

I want to live in a different county, maybe in London.

 

What is something you are determined to do?

To live today and not wait for tomorrow. This was something my dad, who was a Zen monk, use to often say to me before he passed.

 

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Everything passes. Nothing remains. Understand this, loosen your grip and find serenity.”  ~ Lama Surya Das

 

Tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself.

I love Star Trek, Dr. Who, and Downton Abbey. I can literally watch reruns for hours and hours and hours….

 

Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!

 

Favorite Disney Character? Mickey Mouse

Favorite Fruit? Honeydew

Favorite Hero? Thor (LOVE HIM)

Favorite Eye Color? Grey

Best Vacation Destination? Fiji

Food you can’t stand? Blue Cheese

What annoys you? Waking up in the morning

Coffee, tea, or something else? Just coffee and more coffee, please

Nightgown or Jammies? Jammies

Prefer dogs or cats? Dogs

 

 

Kristi Jun resides in Southern California with an infinitely patient husband and a beautiful quirky son. If she isn’t conjuring up another Happily Ever After, she can be found searching the web for all things English, watching reruns of Star Trek (new and old), Dr. Who, and Downton Abbey. She LOVES to hear from her readers!

 

Enemy’s Kiss

 

She gave up her future for justice…

 

Emma Willoughby had an idyllic life until her parents were murdered and her world, as she knew it, came undone. She sacrificed everything and even accepted a marriage proposal from a man she thinks knows the identity of the killer. Unfortunately, he is murdered before she’s able to discover the truth. Now the Crown claims a mission to Tibet will bring the answers she seeks. The trouble is, the man who has been assigned to protect her, a man she’d once deceived, is an arrogant spy who wants nothing to do with her.

 

He lived a lie to protect his family…

Michael Whitfield left home nearly a decade ago, but when his childhood friend is murdered and accused of high treason, he is determined to clear his name and his killer be brought to justice no matter the cost, even if it meant accompanying the woman who turned out to be nothing more than a heartless viper. But as their mission takes twisted turns and reveals a sinister plot that threatens both their lives and the lives of the innocent, his admiration for her grows and sparks between them once again ignite. But can he trust his heart to a woman whose history holds nothing but lies? 

 

 

Enjoy an excerpt from Enemy’s Kiss

 

Finding the strength, Emma pulled away from the door, walked up the stairs, and stepped into her room, biting back the hot emotions igniting again with new purpose. She had no room for tears, no room for— 

A cold blade drew up to her neck and her breath snagged in her throat. Her hands gripped the culprit’s solid arm and her chin tilted up as the cold knife pressed on her neck.

“Afraid?” A chilling yet familiar voice taunted.

His musky male scent propelled peculiar tingles up and down her spine. He lowered his free hand and slid into her bodice. She gasped when his fingers touched the tip of her breasts, heart racing with anticipation. With one flick of his hand, he pulled out a pen knife she’d hidden between the mounds of her bosoms before departing home. Before she could react he released her with a gentle shove, leaving several feet between them.

Their eyes met and her gaze swept the very tall length of him. She had forgotten how delicious he smelled. His stark blue eyes darkened and, for one single moment, she thought she caught a glimpse of lust brewing there.

Lust? Wrong. He despises you.

“Danger, Miss Willoughby, lurks everywhere.” Michael slid his knife back into the sheath tucked into his boot.

“Apparently so,” she whispered.

“I thought you were trained?” He tossed her knife on the settee.

“I am.” Her eyes swept his broad frame, the loose cravat about his neck.

“Really?” He walked around the room and tipped his head to look out the window, then back at her. “If that were the case, you would have had your knife about my neck. How many missions, exactly?”

She unlocked her gaze from his and turned to the window. She felt him approach, closer. Closer still. Her heart quickened. She dared not move.

“How many?”

One. But she was not about to give him the satisfaction. “I do not need to use physical force to accomplish my task.”

 “Ah yes, the good old game of seduction. A skill you’ve quite mastered, I think. I know this first hand.”

If only he knew the truth, he wouldn’t be so cruel. She felt him approach her from behind, his hand caressing the curve of her neck. Slowly snaking around, he pulled her to him, her back now against his firm chest. Heat flared inside her, wishing for the impossible.

 “That may work well with a target, especially when the poor soul is already in love with the spy charged to take him out, don’t you think?” he said.

She pulled away from him. “I did what I had to.”

“Listen well. You are an amateur at best and you will only end up rotting in the gutter if you persist.” He took several strides towards her, leaving barely a foot between them.

 “So you have come here to teach me a lesson? Is that it? I can assure you that there is nothing you can say or do to deter me from my goal.”

“No, I am not here to teach anyone a lesson. But I do need to know the extent of your capacity.”

“Now you know, so kindly get the bloody hell out of my house,” she warned. Walking over to the settee, she retrieved her knife and held it firmly in her hand.

He didn’t bat an eye at her blasphemy. She refused to let this man intimidate her under his scrutiny. She tipped her chin up and looked squarely at him.

 “Tell Lord Tomkin you want out and I’ll give you my word to deliver the message and find the killer.”

Typical male, thinking he would be her knight to save the day. No, it was her responsibility to find justice for her family and to keep him on task. “I will do no such thing. I will have my satisfaction of looking him in the eye when he is caught.”

His jaws twitched. “Then I suggest you prepare yourself because we will be entering a hostile territory in the middle of a bloody war. Gurkhas will not hesitate to slit your throat once they discover you.”

            “Gurkhas?” She tried to sound impassive, but her tone gave it away.

            “Nepalese mercenaries,” he said. “Quite unforgiving where the English are concerned. Lord Hastings is fighting a bloody war that no English cares a damn about.” He paused for her reaction. “And the Chinese military, well….that’s another matter altogether.”

            She’d deal with them once she was there. “Thank you for the cautionary advice. I am well prepared for miscreants that cross my path.”

“I don’t think you are,” he said carefully. “And that can be very dangerous for us both.”

She glared at him. “Since you seem to have everything figured out, what is your plan?”

            “My plan,” he said with a mocking tone, “is to stay alive.”

            “Is that supposed to frighten—”

            “This isn’t a game.”

            His gaze fixed on her lips and lingered, sending waves of heat through her body. She cursed herself for allowing this man to affect her. “I’m quite aware this isn’t a game, Mr.Whitfield.” Her tone belied her show of confidence. No doubt he could see her quaking skin and shivering nerves.

            He looked deep into her eyes. “Emma,” he said, his voice taking on a softer tone. “I need you to back away from this. I give you my word I’ll find the killer.”

Their gazes locked and she saw he meant what he said. “I can’t,” she said softly, shaking her head. “I won’t.”

            He backed away from her, his features hardening once more. “Then I only have one thing to say to you.”

            “And what would that be?” she said, curtly.

            “Be prepared,” he said, “for the hell you are about to enter.”

 

Here’s how you can contact Kristi.

 

www.KristiJun.com

http://twitter.com/KristiJunAuthor

http://www.facebook.com/KristiJun

http://www.pinterest.com/KristiJunAuthor/

 

 

 

 

Thanks again, Kristi Jun for joining me here today!

 

 

 

Buy links:

Amazon Buy Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Kristi-Jun/e/B00XM1DHKY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1