Donahue, Tina

PERSONAL: Female.

ADDRESSES: Agent—c/o Author Mail, Brava, 850 3rd Ave., New York, NY 10022. E-mail—tina@tinadonahue.com.

CAREER: Writer and editor. Former newspaper editor; worked in story direction for a production company; former public relations director for a literary agency; managing editor for a global business document concern. Has also worked as a professional model.

WRITINGS:

ROMANTIC FICTION

Lady Love, Kensington (New York, NY), 1999. Once in a Blue Moon, Kensington (New York, NY), 1999.

Take a Chance, Kensington (New York, NY), 1999.

Force of Nature, Kensington (New York, NY), 2000.

O'Toole's Promise, Kensington (New York, NY), 2000.

Take My Breath Away, Brava (New York, NY), 2005.

Close to Perfect, Brava (New York, NY), 2005.

Contributor of romantic novellas to anthologies, including "Finally and Forever" in Irish Eyes, Kensington (New York, NY), 2002; and "Let the Games Begin" in "Wicked" Women on Top, Brava/Kensington (New York, NY), 2005.

SIDELIGHTS: Romantic fiction author Tina Donahue was asked in an interview posted on the Fallen Angel Reviews Web site when she began writing. Donahue replied: "When I was nine years old. I not only wrote my own stories, but I illustrated them, then went around the neighborhood selling my work for whatever I could get (most of the time that was loose change and an occasional cookie!)" Donahue has since led a successful career writing historical and erotic romance novels such as Once in a Blue Moon, Force of Nature, and O'Toole's Promise.

Donahue is also the author of romance novellas; "Finally and Forever" is published in the collection Irish Eyes and "Let the Games Begin" is published in the collection "Wicked" Women on Top. While Irish Eyes showcases stories written about Irish women, "Wicked" Women on Top is a collection of sexually-charged tales. Reviewers applauded both anthologies. Megan Kalan, writing in Booklist, called Irish Eyes "enchanting" and noted that it is "full of courageous women, heartfelt romance, and the magic of Ireland." Likewise, Romantic Times Book Club Online critic Tanya Kacik maintained that Donahue's contribution to "Wicked" Women on Top, is "a fabulously fresh and funny story."

In 2005 Donahue published two novels, Take My Breath Away and Close to Perfect. In Take My Breath Away, protagonist Cole Ryder is an ex-Marine and a director filming his next movie on Thaddeus Leigh's private island. In order to navigate the unfamiliar island, Cole seeks help from Ariel Leigh, a rainforest expert who also happens to be Thaddeus's niece. Thaddeus tells Cole that he may not become romantically involved with his niece, but Cole is drawn, regardless, to Ariel's strength and beauty. When Ariel suggests that the script be changed in order to feature a heroine, Cole will only do so if they act out the script together during their three days alone in the jungle. Critics offered mixed responses to the novel; Brenda Ramsbacher, writing in Reviewer's Bookwatch, felt that although "Donahue does an excellent job of moving the story along from one point to another … those who want a speedy race to the end will be disappointed." However, Kris Alice, in a review posted on the A Romance Review Web site, pointed out that with "unusual, uncluttered, fun and with an exotic locale and a heady sexual tension" the novel is "sure to please, tease and entertain." Susan Mitchell, reviewing Take My Breath Away for the Romantic Times Book Club Online, came to a similar conclusion: "Sexy, witty dialogue and a provocative, erotic plot make Donahue's latest a steamy delight."

In Close to Perfect, the paparazzi obtain nude photographs of rich, attractive real-estate mogul Josh Wyatt. Due to this invasion of privacy, Josh feels he needs protection, both from photographers and from the women who, after viewing the tabloid photographs, have begun to stalk him. He hires former police officer Tess Franklin, who must pose as his girlfriend in order to repel the other women. Tess and Josh are attracted to each other from their first meeting, and the sexual tension between the characters "will have readers sighing in ecstasy," according to a review posted on A Romance Review Web site. The same reviewer called Donahue a "fantastic writer." Other critics held similar opinions of Close to Perfect. Harriet Klausner, in a review posted on the Best Reviews Web site, noted that "readers will enjoy this fun romp," and Shelley Mosley, writing in Booklist, pointed out that the novel is "laced with humor and ongoing jokes," and called it "fluffy, frothy, fancy-free fun."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Booklist, March 15, 2005, Megan Kalan, review of Irish Eyes, p. 1217; April 15, 2005, Shelley Mosley, review of Take My Breath Away, p. 1436; November 15, 2005, Shelley Mosley, review of Close to Perfect, p. 31.

Reviewer's Bookwatch, May, 2005, Brenda Ramsbacher, review of Take My Breath Away.

ONLINE

Best Reviews, http://thebestreviews.com/ (November 15, 2005), Harriet Klausner, review of Close to Perfect.

Fallen Angel Reviews, http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/ (May 5, 2005), Jaymi, author interview.

A Romance Review, http://www.aromancereview.com/ (April 10, 2006), Kris Alice, review of Take My Breath Away; (April 10, 2006), review of Close to Perfect.

Romantic Times Book Club Online, http://www.romantictimes.com/ (April 10, 2006), Tanya Kacik, review of "Wicked" Women on Top; (April 10, 2006), Susan Mitchell, review of Take My Breath Away; (April 10, 2006), Jennifer Madsen, review of Close to Perfect.