Friday, February 21, 2014

The Ransom Pre-release Party Week 2!

Welcome to the Pre-release party for The Ransom!!
Last week's winner, chosen by Random.org, is EMMA! Congratulations Emma!!
I'm giving away another copy next Friday, so don't forget to comment on today's post. 

Every Friday through March 7th, I'll be posting something about the book and characters and giving away a free copy of The Ransom (either e-book or print) to one lucky winner. All you have to do is read through the post and answer the question I pose at the end. Simple, eh?

For those of you who haven't read my Legacy of the King's Pirates series (What are you waiting for? Just kidding)  you won't be lost. Though some characters from the series are mentioned in this story, it is really a stand-alone.

If you haven't already, sign up for my newsletter on the right hand side of this blog. ONLY newsletter subscribers receive the first word of SPECIAL PRICES, FREE BOOKS, and NEW RELEASES! 


Port Royal, Jamaica 1692

Living in a city deemed the wickedest in the world is no easy task for Miss Juliana Dutton. To make matters worse, with an ailing father and a drunken fool for a brother, she is forced to take over the running of the family business in order to survive. When a meddlesome suitor threatens to discover her secret and cast them all onto the streets, she agrees to a spurious engagement with the town buffoon, Lord Munthrope. She only hopes the man is trustworthy.

The Pirate Earl, Alexander Hyde, son of the infamous Captain Edmund Merrick Hyde, is the most feared pirate in Port Royal. Disillusioned with the religion of his parents and the pleasures of the world, Alex staves off his emptiness by leading a dual life to hide his deepest secrets.

A long-time enemy is out to destroy Alex and take Juliana for his own. Struggling to maintain her faith in the Divine, Juliana faces her problems bravely, but the harder she tries, the more it seems everything is working against her. Unwittingly, she and her weak fiancĂ© become entangled in the hostility between  the Pirate Earl and his enemy, while even more dangerous forces are rising up to destroy them all.


Allow me to present to you the hero

Alexander Edward Hyde, Lord Munthrope


What can I say? Alex is a hunk. I modeled him after the actor, Chris Hemsworth. Need I say more? He’s 25, tall, built, with coal black hair and indigo eyes. But it isn’t his looks that command respect, it’s his confidence, his demeanor, and his intelligence. Not to mention his skill with a cutlass. Sent to Port Royal as a preacher at age 20, Alex gave up on God after tragedy struck, threw off the religious shackles of his youth, and plunged into a life of debauchery. Soon, his skill and wit made him the most feared pirate in Port Royal, the Pirate Earl. But even that success left Alex empty. He longs for a father’s approval, a man who was absent most of Alex’s childhood, “saving the lost”. Consequently, Alex is mad at God—if He even exists—for stealing his father away. His new life’s philosophy is eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die. In fact, Alex welcomes death. At least in the grave he wouldn’t feel the emptiness clawing away at his insides anymore. That is, until he meets the enchanting Juliana Dutton.

Strengths: Charming, Intelligent, Skilled, Successful, Courageous, Kind, Honorable
Weaknesses: Proud, Pessimistic, Volatile, Bitter, Sad, Empty, filled with Shame
Quirks:  Alex runs his thumb and forefinger down the sides of his mouth when he is thinking—a unique gesture that may give his true identity away.

Inspiration: Alex is an odd mixture of the character types of King, Bad Boy, and Wounded Hero.  He really isn’t a bad boy, though he behaves like one some of the time. He wants to be king of his world and manages to elevate himself to a position of great power, but inside he still longs for the approval of his father. And, though he had loving, Godly parents, he is deeply wounded by their long absences in his childhood. He feels abandoned by not only by them, but by God Himself, if the Almighty even exists. Alex has come to doubt many things, especially the very meaning of life.  Alex is the kind of man who wears the crusty hard exterior of a villain but who inside is a man of honor and character and goodness. Who wouldn’t love a man like that?

Question: 
Alex is not your typical romance novel hero. What about Alex intrigues you? What about him are you looking forward to experiencing in the book ?

Leave your answer, along with your email address.  (Print copies only available in the US. E-book copies everywhere).

P.S. This book is not yet available in stores. Release date is the first week of March!

Thanks for joining the party!! Come back next week and play What will the heroine say next??


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44 comments:

  1. Thanks for this lovely giveaway, MaryLu!

    What intrigues me about Alex ? Easy - wounded hero, tough outside, hurting inside, and with heart of gold. People like him know what pain is - and if and when they can learn to trust again, they are very mature, as they fought in the "war" and overcomed it. Then they are able to understand others better as well - and help them !

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  2. I love a hero like that! One that has endured pain that makes them hard on the outside but has a heart of gold on the inside. I would say that this type of hero is my favorite kind! Really looking forward to reading the book!

    And I'm looking forward to Alex's crusty exterior falling away and seeing his beautiful interior! But most of all I'm looking forward to Him getting right with God!

    Thank you for the opportunity to enter the competition.

    estephen81@fsmail.net

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  3. Fri Feb 21st,
    "Morning, MaryLu."
    Yes ... unbelievably, I too am intrigued with Alex's weaknesses ... and most excited to learn how and if he returns back to God. "Volatile, sad, bitter, empty, filled with shame" .... I'd say a lot of us could identify with these weaknesses at some point in our lives. "Hopefully" .... he will learn to 'let go' .... and 'let God'.
    Take care, and, God Bless, In Him, Brenda

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  4. I find it intriguing that he is hurt and only God can fill that void or past hurts.

    I am looking forward to when he returns his life back to God.
    Thanks for the giveaways.

    -Janella
    arieljo12(at) hotmail (dot) com

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  5. Congrats to Emma!!
    This is such a great pre-release party, MaryLu, really enjoying learning about the characters/behind the scenes info :)
    What intrigues me about Alex is that he's not the typical romantic hero, that there's much more to him than he seems. With a character like that, the heroine will have to see past his exterior (and anyone else he gets close to) in order to soften his heart and get his attention. That's what makes him special, he really is different although he comes across as hard core/so tough. I really believe those are the types of people God pursues with a passion because they don't play games with their faith once they have it.
    The story sounds amazing, really looking forward to reading this one :)
    Blessings to you MaryLu and to all the entrants!
    Kara
    wman4jcATaolDOTcom

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  6. I find him intriguing because he has faults and weakness... I love that about your characters! :) And it doesn't hurt that he's dark and handsome lol! Can't wait to read the book!!!

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    1. I can't wait to read about Alex b/c he seems so REAL. He's well-respected and feared, but he's not perfect. He makes mistakes and is human. I'm so excited to read this book, it sounds GREAT!
      Nicole
      stinefamily3(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. Alex is like my favorite cookie...a bit crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside! He's a man's man. Love that picture!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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  9. I am intrigued by the fact that Alex is a wounded man. He seems to be tough on the outside but really just a lost boy in need of love on the inside. I am looking forward to reading about how God uses Juliana to lead Alex back to Him and to show him the love he's longing for. Super excited to read the book!

    Thanks,
    Jennifer
    jennybug52@hotmail.com

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  10. I've come across a lot of PK's through the years (pastor's kids) who are at both ends of the spectrum: either on fire for God or totally turned away from Him. Lots of issues there regarding parental love/abandonment---I think that's the interesting dynamic that you'll be exploring with Alex. I look forward to seeing how he realizes God loves him more than any earthly parent/person ever could.
    garfsgirl [at] hotmail [dot] com

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  12. I find Alex intriguing. Sounds like he has lot of issues. His crisis of faith sounds like something everyone goes through to an extent. I hope he realizes that he should be looking to his heavenly father for guidance and love. Thank you for sharing and the opportunity to win.
    eppersonkatrina(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  13. What intrigues me most about Alex? Hmmm...his hunkiness (is that a word?) for one thing, the haunting, aloof look on his face, and the fact that he's a pirate. Nuf said! lol

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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  14. Alex reminds me a little bit of Percy, the hero of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Alex plays the fop, but also has a hidden identity. From your description, it sounds like he is like that a lot. Raised in a Christian home, but turns his back on God. Wants his father's approval, but it doing the very thing that his father won't approve. Bitter and angry, but also kind and wounded deep inside. I love that about a character! I can't wait until this book comes out!
    triciagmingerink@juno.com

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  15. I look forward to seeing how Alex comes to love and trust God eventually. Having gotten so far away from his Christian upbringing and God, it will probably take a slow chipping away at the life he has created to make him ready for a new life in Christ. It is difficult for me to think of someone as being a man of honor and character and goodness who is living a life of debauchery. All those traits couldn't co-exist in a human being in my opinion. You either serve God or Satan, not both. I guess I'll see how it turns out. :)

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

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  16. I am looking forward to seeing how he reacts to Juliana. While he will probably just think she is a pretty face at first. I look forward to seeing how he changes as a person, and owns his mistakes but gives God his future. So excited!
    Thanks!
    Rachel Reeves
    rmreeves10@yahoo.com

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  17. Congratulations MaryLu on your new book! I can't wait to read it.

    Alex sounds like a man who is searching, not only for his father's love but God's as well even if he doesn't recognize it. Hence the tough outside shell he shows to everyone but a softness inside he hides from others, even himself. It will be interesting to see how God brings him back to God.
    Blessings, Tina
    tfrice@comcast.net

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  18. I look forward to reading Ransom. What intrigues me is Alex ,and I would love to see him turn his life over to God and stop being so mad at him. I would love to see him trust God.
    Thanks and Blessings
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. LOL Diana Flowers !!! Another lover of bad boys !! Where is Julie Lessman when you need her....Jules, don't you just love Alex ? Hubba Hubba lol Diana, did you know it was Julie who got me hooked on Marylu's books and well now here I am Top Woman in the Motley Crew ! Yo Ho here we go, together you and me, Marylu's Motley Crew Pirates and ME !!!!! Um Captian, you do know I have to take some time off (virtually) this fall to fill my role in Surprized by Love for Jules...new wardrobe , but it can still be on the showy side but classy for that... Probably have to change my tone and deminer a tad to be Linda Marie Finn, did you see my feather Boa ? smile wink... Jules, I was here first and I get first dibs on Alex !!!!
    but I have a feeling that Diana here, she is going to give us a run for our money ! I have to get this book you know...A Must Read folks, don't miss it !!!! Check out my review of Book 2 from yesterdays post on my blog. http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com this is a have to have series !!!!!
    No one can live without Marylu's and Julies books on the bedstand !!!!
    Arrhhh Right Captian !!!!
    Linda
    aka Top Woman
    you know how to reach me Captain...smile

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  20. What intrigues me is the fact he still seeks and wants his fathers acceptance. This makes him very real and human for me as my hubby struggles with acceptance with his parents. I can't wait to read how he deals with it. My parents always loved us and accepted us for who we were. That isn't true of all parents. I'd like my hubby to realize that their acceptance isn't required...so I'll be interested to see how that plays out in the novel. Love non perfect main characters, BTW.

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  22. What I see when I see Alex is that he is a protecter and that he is also trying to find a wife but also is trying to earn his fathers trust.
    oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

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  23. Interesting he's a mixture of different character types; find out his story

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  24. MaryLu now that you have that painted that picture in my mind of Alex EVERYTHING about him intrigues me. lol I think the fact that he is man on the run from God intrigues me the most because I know that when he decides to stop running he will be a mighty man of GOD! I can't wait see how this plays out. :-)

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  25. Yay! I am so excited to have won! Thanks so much for this giveaway, MaryLu!

    I love the idea that even though he had a godly upbringing, he still doubts. I think we often times think that having a godly upbringing automatically means that a person will be a Christian. And while I am sure he is saved by the end of the book (since this is Christian romance after all) it is still nice. I get sick of the perfect characters with perfect upbringings and perfect faith. :)

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  26. I think Alex is intriguing 'cause he is charming, but also has issues he must deal with. I think he will deal with them effectively and get in a right relationship with God as well as his Dad.
    Thanks for the giveaway; can't wait to read this!
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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  27. Wow. What fun to read through your comments! You all actually read my post! LOL. I love all your thoughts about Alex. He has turned out to be one of my all-time favorite characters. Thanks so much for coming by and for your interest in this book. You all made my day. :-) God Bless!

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  28. I'm assuming Alex changes during the course of the book. I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing how he comes to understand there is a God, one who loves him very much. I'd also like to see if he reconciles with his parents, especially his father, and forgives them for not being there when he was young.
    Thanks for giving away a copy of The Ransom.
    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  29. What I like about Alex is that he seems dark and mysterious. He hides behind a facade of villainy when he is actually just longing for a father's acceptance, approval and time. I'm looking forward to finding out how he discovers the truth that he actually does have two fathers that love him - for how could Captain Edmund Merrick Hyde not love his son and how could GOD not love one of His beloved children? I can't wait to read The Ransom, it sounds intriguing in every aspect!

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  30. Wow, no you really didn't need to say more after Chris Hemsworth; you had me!!! LOL! I'm looking forward to his coming to God . That is one of my favorite parts about a book, and my favorite part about these kinds of characters. When they finally realize that He is there and He's been there through it all. Oh yeah can't wait for that!!! He'll be all the more hunky!!!! LOL!!!!

    Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)

    amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com

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  31. I find Alex intriguing because he was a preacher who became a pirate. I wonder how Juliana is going to bring him back to God. Sounds like a great book. Love your character descriptions.
    bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  32. I find his issues with his father's absenteeism and demands and how Alex will deal with them and his relationship to God.

    godleyv [at]yahoo[dot]com

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  33. I like that Alex is strong on the outside but there is so much more to him, he is flawed. I am looking forward to how God will use Juliana to show Alex that he is loved and God can heal his brokenness.

    mafinnegan(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ~Melissa

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  34. I think what intrigues me about Alex is that he is Merrick's son but also what made him lose his faith in God. Another thing that intrigues me yet makes me love him already is that he does have a hard exterior but inside is a man of honor and character, and I can not wait for him to see the wonderful love of our Savior and return back to the Master. What great redemption!

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  35. I am excited to see how the Lord changes Alex from his Jekyll and "Hyde" self! It reminds me of how Christ brought perfect change in my own life when he redeemed beauty from ashes. I can't wait to read how Mary Lu brings to life the truths of redemption and sanctification through Alex. Thanks for another promising read!

    Tia
    tiaray(@)sbcglobal (dot)net

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  36. Yeah, I'm in love. I already know this book is going on my keeper shelf till death do us part. This hero sounds like he's going to leave his mark on many a heart. Without even one sentence of POV from him it's already evident he is a layered and unique hero, just like you said. I'm looking forward to watching him have a true encounter with God and experiencing the kind of freedom that only comes on the humbled knee of repentance before the Cross. Very few authors can orchestrate a conversion of their characters like you, MaryLu. That was one of the things that always stuck out to me from all your other novels too. And I have a feeling this hero is going to be my favorite, bumping his dad out of the top spot!! Lol, that sorta sounds creepy but you know what I mean ;-)

    Thank you so much for offering this giveaway!
    Blessings,
    Amanda ♥
    joycomethatdawn{at}gmail{dot}com

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  37. Hi, MaryLu!!

    What I find intriguing about Alex is his feeling a lack of attention, and approval from his father - because I identify with his situation. I know how I found my way back to God, and am anxious to see how he resolved his issues and found his way back!!

    Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of "The Ransom", MaryLu!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  38. What intrigues me? For starters, he's a hottie. And the son of a hottie. And a pirate. And the son of a pirate. :) Plus, he's in a "MaryLu Tyndall book", so you just can't go wrong there!
    Thanks!
    Callie
    genuinegagirl(at)gmail(dot)com

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  39. I'm looking forward to reading how Alex is able to pull off living 'dual lives'. He sounds kind of like Zorro...whimpy upper class by day, but a dashing and brave hero behind the mask. My interest is already peaked. Can't wait to read it and fingers crossed hopefully win it.

    aimmesser@yahoo.com

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  40. Other than the rugged and handsome looks, I like a hero with a wit. Such heroes make such interesting banters in stories. :-)

    bookgrace11(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  41. I am looking forward to see how he is able to pull the double life without being caught also the fact that the he was a preacher and how he hopefully ends up turning his life to god again!

    myra.brown@hotmail.com

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