interview

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Marie Force featuring her novels Treading Water, Maid for Love and Fatal Affair


Marie Force is the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author of more than 25 contemporary romances, including The McCarthys of Gansett Island Series, the Fatal Series, the Treading Water Series and numerous stand-alone books. Her new series, Green Mountain Series, is coming in in 2014. While her husband was in the Navy, Marie lived in Spain, Maryland and Florida, and she is now settled in her home state of Rhode Island. She is the mother of two teenagers and two feisty dogs, Brandy and Louie. Subscribe to updates from Marie about new books and other news at http://marieforce.com/. Follow her on Twitter @marieforce. And on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor. Join one of her many reader groups! View the list athttp://marieforce.com/connect/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.


1. Can you describe your write style in one sentence?

Straightforward, sexy contemporary romance with hot men, strong women and fun settings.

2. What are your top 5 books

Since I read a MILLION books, it’s hard to narrow it down to five, so I’ll tell you a few authors I’ve enjoyed lately: Sarah Mayberry, Sylvia Day, Jamie McGuire and my all-time favorite, go-to comfort read author is Lisa Kleypas.

3. If you were not writing what would you be doing?

Reading! LOL!

4. If you had to give up all but one of the following what would you keep. Facebook, Twitter, your phone or your laptop?

Laptop so I can still write.

5. Lastly, if you had to recommend one author other than yourself who would it be and why?

Lisa Kleypas. I love just about everything she has ever written, with the exception of the newer books that have a paranormal element, which I don’t read.

Book 1 in the Treading Water Series 
Love is the last thing on Jack Harrington’s mind when he sets out to meet Andi Walsh’s flight. Recently back to work after spending more than a year tending to his comatose wife, Jack is focused on getting through each day and caring for his three daughters. However, the moment he sets eyes on Andrea Walsh, the interior designer who has come to decorate the hotel his company is building in Newport, Rhode Island, Jack begins to wonder if Andi might be his second chance. After a disastrous marriage, Andi, single mom to a hearing-impaired son, isn’t exactly looking for love, either, but that’s what she finds with Jack. The two embark on a long-distance relationship fraught with challenges as they balance the needs of their children and dueling careers while Jack continues to care for his wife, Clare. Just when Jack thinks his life is once again settled, he is confronted with a new challenge that tests him in ways he never could’ve imagined, leaving him to wonder if “happily ever after” is in the cards for him.
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Book 1 in the McCarthys of Gansett Island Series

Maddie Chester is determined to leave her hometown of Gansett Island, a place that has brought her only bad memories and ugly rumors. Then she’s knocked off her bike on the way to her housekeeping job at McCarthy’s Resort Hotel by Gansett’s “favorite son,” Mac McCarthy. He’s back in town to help his father with preparations to sell the family resort and has no intention of staying long. When Mac accidentally sends Maddie flying over the handlebars, badly injuring her, he moves in to nurse her back to health and help care for her young son. He soon realizes his plans for a hit-and-run visit to the island are in serious jeopardy, and he just may be “maid” for love.
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Book 1 in the Fatal Series

Washington, D.C., Metro Police Detective Sergeant Sam Holland 

needs a big win to salvage her career—and her confidence—after a disastrous investigation. The perfect opportunity arises when Senator John O’Connor is found brutally murdered in his bed, and Sam is assigned to the case. Matters get complicated when Sam has to team up with Nick Cappuano, O’Connor’s friend and chief of staff…and the man Sam had a memorable one-night stand with years earlier. Their sexual chemistry still sizzles, and Sam has to fight to stay focused on the case. Sleeping with a material witness is another mistake she can’t afford——especially when the bodies keep piling up.

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Get Fatal Affair Book 1, The Fatal Series FREE
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UPCOMING RELEASE 
Fatal Mistake, Book 6, The Fatal Series
Available June 17 – Pre-order Now!
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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Liliana Hart Featuring her latest novel Kill Shot (released May 14th, 2013)


Liliana Hart is a bestselling and award-winning author in both the mystery and romance genres. After starting her first novel her freshman year of college, she immediately became addicted to writing and knew she’d found what she was meant to do with her life. She has no idea why she majored in music.

Liliana is an avid reader and a believer in all things romance. Her books are filled with witty dialogue, steamy sex, and the all-important happily-ever-afters her romantic soul craves. Since self-publishing in June of 2011, she’s sold more than half a million ebooks all over the world. She lives in Texas with her husband and four children, and they occasionally let her meet her deadlines.
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Goodreads:

1. Can you describe your writing style in one sentence?

Fast-paced with lots of chemistry.

2. What are your top 5 books?

1.) OUTLANDER-Diana Gabaldon

2.) LIGHTNING-Dean Koontz

3.) ICE STORM-Anne Stuart

4.) PEARL ISLAND-Elizabeth Lowell

5.) RHAPSODY-Elizabeth Haydon

3. If you were not writing what would you be doing?

I can’t imagine not writing, so I really have no idea what I’d be doing instead. Probably teaching music like I was before I started writing and reading every book I could get my hands on.

4. If you had to give up all but one of the following what would you keep. Facebook, Twitter, your phone or your laptop?

My laptop. Definitely. As long as I can write I’m in good shape. Though living without the phone would be pretty hard.

5. Lastly, if you had to recommend one author other than yourself whowould it be and why?

Diana Gabaldon for sure. I can’t think of anyone else who can tell a story like she does. I recommend her to everyone and sometimes give out copies of her books just because they’re so great. 


Grace Meredith is the CIA’s most deadly assassin. Too bad she’s gone off the grid and become a mercenary for hire. After the death of her daughter by a sniper’s bullet, Grace can no longer stomach the demands of agency life or keep herself from blaming the only man she’s ever loved. Her mind and body are fragile, and she knows she’s just a step away from breaking down completely.

Gabe Brennan holds the weight of the world on his shoulders. As one of the most brilliant black ops agents the CIA has ever employed, he knows it’s no one’s fault but his own that his child was gunned down in cold blood. He might not have been able to save his daughter, but he’s determined to save his wife. He only has to find her first.

Sexual tension crackles between Gabe and Grace from the moment they’re reunited, but between the man who is hunting them, a secret that’s been buried for eighty years, and a turbulent past—the odds are stacked against them.



AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Christine Brae featuring her debut novel The Light in the Wound

1.Can you describe your write style in one sentence?
Brief, casual and to the point.

2. What are your top 5 books
The Opportunist, One Day, Gabriel’s Inferno, Gabriel’s Rapture, How to Kill a Rockstar, Binding Arbitration

3. If you were not writing what would you be doing?
Getting my butt off my chair and working out more

4. If you had to give up all but one of the following what would you keep. Facebook, Twitter, your phone or your laptop? My phone

5. Lastly, if you had to recommend one author other than yourself who would it be and why? Tarryn Fisher, she’s incredibly smart, intensely dark and refreshingly genuine.



Affected by her parents’ highly publicized broken marriage, Isabel grows up isolated and alone with a resolve never to fall in love and repeat their mistakes. When Jesse Cain enters her life, she falls hopelessly in love with him and every sadness she’s ever felt is washed away by his intensity and passion. But people change as they grow up and things can never stay the same forever. Can Jesse and Isabel fight for what they have enough to stay together? Who says you can’t hold on to your first love? Will a second love ever be enough to make you forget?

(special thanks to Lindsay Sparkes for the banners & teaser designs)

Twitter: @christinebrae

Author Spotlight: K. Bromberg featuring her newest novel Driven (Author Fast Five, Excerpt and Giveaways)

RELEASE DATE: MAY 14TH
Predictable, structured, and disciplined. That’s Rylee Thomas to a tee. A woman willing to do anything to help “her boys,” the abused and traumatized young orphans that her nonprofit cares for. That’s the only reason she accepts the impromptu bet from an intriguing stranger after finding herself in an unexpected predicament during her company’s fundraiser.
The stranger wagers that she’ll agree to a date with him by the night’s end or he’ll donate a hefty sum toward her nonprofit’s new project. Sexual chemistry be damned, Rylee swears that resisting him won’t be a problem. In fact, winning for her is about more than just the money; She welcomes the chance to knock his rampant ego down a notch. And all of this happens before she knows that this irresistible yet exasperating stranger is Colton Donavan.
Yes, that Colton Donavan.
A woman who never goes back on her word, what’s Rylee to do when Colton pulls a fast one and wins the bet? She thought she’d do anything for ‘her boys,” but a date with the philandering racecar driver? That’s a line she’s not willing to cross.
Even though sparks fly, Rylee quickly smothers them. Colton is arrogant, impudent, achingly handsome, and famous for his no-strings-attached attitude toward the women that regularly throw themselves at him. He’s too big of a risk for Rylee, whose heart is still healing from a great loss.
Rylee’s defiance both intrigues and challenges Colton. She can’t possibly be immune to his charms. He hasn’t met a woman yet who is. Her continuous rejections drive him crazy until he finds Rylee’s weakness: he will donate the rest of the funding for her nonprofit’s new facilities, but only if she works with him on it. She must escort him to every event, every meeting, everything involving the project. Anything to force Rylee’s hand. Because more than anything, Colton wants Rylee in his bed, and he’s a man who always gets what he wants.
Rylee discovers that there’s so much more to Colton than the public, bad-boy persona he projects. Colton discovers that Rylee is getting under his skin—and closer to discovering the secrets that haunt his memories—something he ever expected. But when Colton finally gets what he wants, it just might be too much for the both of them.

He sits up and kisses me forcefully, his tongue plunging between my parted lips, his hands pressing my body to him possessively. I grow dizzy wanting more of everything from him.

“I. Want. You. So. Much. Rylee.” He pants between kisses down my neck. I bring my hands to his face, fingers touching coarse whiskers, and draw his head up to meet my eyes. “You’re addictive.”

“I know,” I whisper, telling him with my eyes I understand the depth of that desire. That I feel it too. The muscle in his jaw tenses momentarily before he crushes his mouth to mine, the connection between us a necessity like air.

“Ride me,” he pants. Such a simple command really but it’s the way he says it—as if the sun won’t rise in the morning if I don’t—that has me pulling back. I stare into his eyes, so hypnotizing, so intense, and so full of desire I wouldn’t deny him even if I could.

So I begin to move, surrendering myself to him. Again.

1. Can you describe your write style in one sentence?
My writing style is outlined, organized, and heavily edited with a whole lot of spontaneity thrown in.

2. What are your top 5 books
In no particular order – at this moment because they always change…

1. This Man/Beneath This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas
2. The Mighty Storm by Samantha Towle
3. Easy by Tamara Webber
4. Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
5. Thoughtless/Effortless/Reckless by S.C. Stephens

Can I keep going? There are way too many that I can’t add if I only get 5 like anything from Sydney Sheldon (odd considering the choices above), Nora Roberts, Olivia Cunning, Jaci Burton….see, the list goes on and on… 

3. If you were not writing what would you be doing?
Potty training my two year old. J No seriously I’d be doing my day job as a bookkeeper. 

4. If you had to give up all but one of the following what would you keep. Facebook, Twitter, your phone or your laptop?
I’d keep my laptop…hands down.

5. Lastly, if you had to recommend one author other than yourself who would it be and why?
That’s a hard one seeing as there are so many great authors out there right now with different styles. She doesn’t write my genre but I’d say Colleen Hoover. Her stories tug at something inside of you and make you think about them days afterwards. I finished Hopeless a couple of weeks ago but I still think about it. I also like her story about how she started and now she’s been picked up by a major publisher…


K. Bromberg was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from University of California at San Diego with two bachelors—economics and political science—but always loved to write.

K. Bromberg remains in Southern California with her husband and their three young children. When not writing or working her day job, she can be found playing ninjas or power rangers with her son, fixing the hair of her oldest daughter’s American girl doll, trying to potty train her youngest daughter, or listening to any or all of them fight/whine at once. When she needs a break from the daily chaos, you can almost always find her with Kindle in hand, devouring the pages of a good book or mentally outlining her next set of characters.

Driven is K. Bromberg’s first published novel and the first book in “The Driven Trilogy.” 




Blog Tour: Give Me Love by Kate McCarthy Author Interview, Review and Giveaways

Evie Jamieson, a former wild child, is not only a headstrong, smart-mouthed trouble magnet; she is also a lead singer with a plan. That plan involves relocating her band; including her two best friend’s guitarist Henry and band manager Mac, to Sydney to kick off their dreams of hitting the big time.

Jared Valentine is the older brother of Evie’s best friend Mac and also the man determined to make Evie his. They strike up a long distance friendship which suits Evie because she’s determined to avoid the distraction of love, not only because it doesn’t fit in with her plan but because twice in the past it has left her for dead. Moving to Sydney however, has put her directly in Jared’s path and he has decided it’s the perfect opportunity to make his play.

Unfortunately Jared, co-owner in a business that ‘consults’ in dangerous hostage and kidnapping situations, makes an enemy who’s determined to enact revenge. When this enemy puts Evie in his sights, Jared not only has a fight on his hands to make her his own, but also to keep her alive.

Is accepting the love he’s so desperate to give worth the risk to both her heart…and her life?

1. Can you tell us something we don’t know about Kate?

I hate country music. Seriously. Put it on and I’ll punch you. Or lose the will to live.

2. When did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer?

23 November 1997.  Nah, lol. I don’t know. It’s something that has always been in the back of my mind.

3. Why do you feel you had to tell this story? Is there something in this book that is based on real life experience?

It was stuck in my head and if I didn’t get it out I swear I would’ve got a stomach ulcer.

God – I HOPE not! Okay, well maybe the friendships. I don’t know about other countries but in Australia we thrive on giving shit to our friends. It’s like our national motto or something. You don’t love your friends if you’re nice to them.

4. We have a lot of characters in the book. What was your inspiration in creating each one of them? Will the rest of the gang be getting their own book, too?

I think each character adds something to the story in their own personal way. Its shows that as people we all have friends who give us something different in our lives that we need. That was a little deep so I’ll just point out here that it’s only 9am so no I haven’t started drinking yet.

Absolutely.

The next book is Give Me Strength – Travis Valentine and Quinn Salisbury.

5. Do you write to music? Any songs that inspired the story of Jared and Evie?

Mostly the soundtrack of my book is my kids screaming at me. They are loud. Earphones are my friend.

Bleeding out by Imagine Dragons is the first song.

This Is What Makes Us Girls by Lana del Rey

Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran didn’t inspire the name of the book but I think it’s a really good perspective for Jared’s character.

6. Among all the books that you have read, which of these have significantly contributed to your writing style?

My book came out the complete opposite of how I expected it to so I have no idea. I just sat down and all that came out. The characters really took on a life of their own.

7. Name 3 authors you would love to collaborate with.

BJ Harvey, Tara Sivec, JD Nixon

8. Excluding your own, name 3 books you would recommend to your friends.

Little Town series by JD Nixon.

The Redhead series by Alice Clayton

BDB by JR Ward

Sorry, they are all series books. I love a good series.

9. If you could date any fictional character, who would it be and why?

Thor because he’s got a big hammer.

Let’s do our fast talk:

1. Coffee or tea? tea

2. Lights on / lights off? OFF – so off.

3. Boxers or briefs? (For your guy) boxer briefs

4. Favorite male body part? Back. I give good massage 😉 get your mind out of the gutter. Oh wait, that’s me.

5. Do you believe in love at first sight? No.

6. 3 things you never leave home without? (apart from keys, phone and money) shoes (I keep my toes wrapped – unless I’m wearing thongs, and by thongs I mean flip flops 😉 ), what else, umm, lip balm, clothes are always a good thing. Australia isn’t that liberal.

7. Sleep in or get up early? I have kids.

8. Ever slapped a guy? No. Sounds like fun though. Must try it some time.

9. 3 celebrity crushes? Chris Hemsworth, Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki (easiest question ever – thanks!)

10. Sex on the first date? Absolutely maybe sometimes depends – I mean, if it’s Chris Hemsworth I wouldn’t even wait for the date, just get down to the business thanks.

Any advice to give to aspiring writers? Yes, stay true to your writing style.

Any message to your followers? Thanks for reading my book. Buy the next one. Or else…

For a debut novel, I think Kate did an amazing job with this book. A great love story that has such interesting characters with powerful conflicts…conflict that keeps me turning pages, wondering what’s gonna happen next.
Lead singer of the aspiring band Jamieson, Evie is a woman with dark past and was too scared to invest her feelings because of that. Until she felt the connection with Jared and it was an intense attraction she knows she couldn’t resist that no matter how hard she tried to guard her feelings, she was blind-sided by his charms and agreed to a long distance relationship with him. But he wanted more…
Jared is the older brother of Evie’s best friend, Mac. A sexy as hell, swoon worthy, bad-ass guy who fell in love with Evie in an instant and will do everything to get her. Ohhhhh I love alpha male!!!  But he had some trust issues too.
“You think I don’t trust you? It’s everyone else I don’t trust. You gotta learn to put yourself in situations where people take advantage of you.”
But despite their individual issues and their push and pull relationship, together they create a great chemistry and a good rapport that resulted to some hot and sizzling bed scenes that will definitely put you over the edge. 
Kate was able to create a story that is realistic; characters that I can easily identify and empathize with; and scenes that kept me emotionally involved. 

“One day you’ll belong to me, Evie, and I’ll know everything about you.”


The story and the characters that are intertwined are just fantastic. I also loved how she was able to create such fun and interesting support characters who made significant contributions to the story. Its a fun book to read, (I am lauging my a** off for most of the parts) with just enough drama and angst to hold my interest to the very last page. The middle part of the book came a bit slow for me and felt there were some scenes which can be skipped. But as you move towards the end of the book, it turned out to something else… Kate redeemed herself with captivating scenes, hold-your-breath moments, a turbulent ride you will never forget.
If you are looking for a book with a great mix, then this is something you shouldn’t miss. Humor, drama, suspense, action and HOT HOT SCENES and not to mention, their cute, sexy Aussie accents you can almost hear while reading. Great job Kate! Now I can’t wait to read Travis and Quinn’s story.
~4 BLOODY STARS~
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Kate McCarthy grew up in a small town outside of Port Macquarie, Australia. Raised in a house just a short walk to the beach, Kate enjoyed the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere and friendships that come from being raised in a friendly, small town area. She now resides in Brisbane, Australia, a city in the state of Queensland where she works as an accountant, along with a sideline wedding cake business and her writing. She is married with two children, has two dogs and house in the suburbs, and a pile of friends and family dotted all over the country that help keep her sane. When she’s not busy running after naughty kids, filthy dogs, crunching numbers, piping buttercream and writing books, you can find her curled up in bed in the early hours of the morning reading new books and re-reading old favourites. Her favourite authors include (and are not limited to) J.R. Ward, Nalini Singh and JD Nixon. Her favourite books are the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward in which she longs to eventually join the brotherhood and change her name to Phierce Mutha. 



AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Theresa Rizzo featuring her novel He Belongs To Me

Theresa Rizzo is an award-winning author who writes emotional stories that explore the complexity of relationships and families through real-life trials. 

Born and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, she now lives outside of Boulder, Colorado with her husband of thirty years. She’s raised four wonderful children who are now scattered across the country.

Author Fast Five 

1. Can you describe your write style in one sentence?

I write emotional stories that explore the complexity of relationships and families through real-life trials.

2. What are your top 5 books?

Harry Potter by JK Rowling, is simply brilliant.
Hunger Game by Suzanne Collins is wonderful writing and so clever.
The Winner by David Baldacci, is suspenseful and he’s crafted an amazing villain
Nobody combines quirky characters and suspense better than Harlan Coben
Jodi Picoult is the master of crafting books that really put me in her character’s shoes and make me think about issues. As for romance books—I simply can’t choose. There are too many amazing ones.

3. If you were not writing what would you be doing?

I’d be renovating/ building houses. I LOVE houses with character.

4. If you had to give up all but one of the following what would you keep. Facebook, Twitter, your phone or your laptop?

Give up for how long? I’m still figuring out twitter—so that would be no big loss. I would go through FB withdrawal . . . but that’s okay since it’s email that is my big addiction. My phone? Landline or cell? I’m assuming you mean both. I can go without a phone, but my laptop? Nope. I use my laptop for email, internet, Skyping and writing. It’s almost an appendage. Nope gotta have my laptop. A smaller one would be nice, though <G>.

5. Lastly, if you had to recommend one author other than yourself  who would it be and why?

I think it’d have to be Lisa Kleypas. I love her contemporary series with the Texas Travis family. The characters really appealed to me, her writing is great and the stories were compelling and entertaining. I hated it when the series ended—which makes me wonder if I would have tired of it if she’d continued. Can a series run on too long, do you think?

Twitter: Theresa_Rizzo
LibraryThing:  Theresa_Rizzo

Catherine Boyd will do anything to regain custody of her young son . . . Even reconcile with the husband accused of killing their son’s twin.

Catherine graduates from college, eager to start a new life with her six-year-old son, Drew. But when she tries to bring him home, her parents refuse to relinquish control of the grandson they’d raised.

Wrongly accused of a horrible crime, Thomas Boyd has buried himself in his career, determined to forget his painful past and the family he lost. But now, five years later, Catherine is back, requesting his help to regain custody of their son — custody he thought she had.

Though older and wiser, when courtroom battles reveal lies and secrets and generations of pain, will Thomas and Catherine find more tragedy and loss, or will old wounds finally heal?

Release Date –June 15, 2013
Available for pre-order on Kobo Books

Let’s hear what others have to say about the book…

“Theresa Rizzo offers up a story of a family torn apart by secrets and lies, and a woman’s courageous journey to reclaim the truth. This is a perfect blend of suspense and romance, for readers who can’t resist a page-turner.” —-Susan Wiggs–#1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“This is a story that will command the attention of any parent, and probably everyone else, too. The courtroom battles are especially gripping, filled with twists and turns. Theresa Rizzo knows how to speak to the heart.” —–William Bernhardt-New York Times Bestselling Author

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Author Spotlight: Erin Noelle

Erin Noelle is the author of the Book Boyfriend series.  Book one Metamorphosis is out and coming soon is book two Ambrosia.

Metamorphosis:
Scarlett MacGregor has lived a very sheltered life courtesy of her over-the-top controlling parents. Having never been to a co-ed party, much less on a date, Scarlett has relied on her books, her music, and living vicariously through her best friend Evie to keep her sanity as she’s patiently awaited her freedom from their rule.

When Scarlett and Evie go away to college, Scarlett quickly meets Ashton, Dylan, and later, Mason, and is thrown into a crash course of like, love, and lust. With Evie’s help, she must figure out the difference in the three and which one she wants before she ends up without any of them.

Metamorphosis is the story of Scarlett’s transformation from a young, naive girl to a strong, mature young woman and her search for self-discovery and true love.

Ambrosia:
Follow Scarlett, Mason, & Ash’s story as they continue their path of self-discovery and search for eternal love.  Coming soon!

Erin’s Fast Five:

1. Can you describe your write style in one sentence?

My writing style definitely falls in the new adult genre- stories about young adults discovering themselves and finding love through humor, angst, heartache, and passion.

2. What are your top 5 books

This is so hard!!
1. FSOG trilogy
2. Beautiful Disaster
3. Sea of Tranquility
4. Undeniable
5. Sinners on Tour series

3. If you were not writing what would you be doing?

Since I only write late at night or on the weekends, I’d be reading if I wasn’t writing.

4. If you had to give up all but one of the following what would you keep. Facebook, Twitter, your phone or your laptop?

I’m assuming if I pick my phone, I don’t get to use my FB and twitter apps? If not, I think I’d still choose my phone. There’s still something about hearing another persons voice that makes a conversation more intimate and meaningful.

5. Lastly, if you had to recommend one author other than yourself who would it be and why?

Colleen Hoover, without a doubt. There’s a reason her books top the charts ~ everything she puts out is butterflying amazing. I live her!

About Erin:

Erin Noelle is a Texas native, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. While earning her degree in History, she rediscovered her love for reading that was first instilled by her grandmother when she was a young child. A lover of happily-ever-afters, both historical and current, Erin is an avid reader of all romance novels. She has recently self-published her first novel, Metamorphosis, which hit both USA Today and Amazon best-selling lists, and is currently working on the sequel, Ambrosia, to be released later in 2013. Most nights you can find her cuddled up in bed with her husband, her Kindle in hand and a sporting event of some sorts on television. You can follow her on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/erin.noelle.98 and follow her on Twitter @enoelleauthor.

Pick up Metamorphosis TODAY:
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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT (Part 2): Interview with Syndra K. Shaw

LET’S GET TO KNOW SYNDRA!!!

1. Can you tell us something we don’t know about Syndra?

         I’m slightly allergic to lemons (or any citrus), but still have it in my tea. Go figure. 🙂 

2. When did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer? 

         I had a nanny who read to me when I was very small and I keenly remember being impressed with all  the letters on those pages. There were so many! And I found them all so pretty and fascinating and thought it would be just so wonderful to be that person putting those letters, those words, in that book.

3. So let’s talk about Mikalo’s Grace and Flame. Why do you feel you had to tell this story? Is there something in these books that is based on real life experience? 

        It might sound odd, but the story is really telling itself through me. It’s as if I sit back and just write, allowing them to take me where they want to go. But finding my courage and getting me to the keyboard took a couple years. And it was really through the constant, consistent pestering of a dear friend of mine, an American writer, that it happened at all. He really helped me find the strength to do this and still, to this day, urges me to continue even when I doubt myself. And, no, the story isn’t based on a real life experience. But how wonderful would it be if it was! 

4. What was your inspiration in creating the characters? Was it hard to create the complicated love story of Mikalo and Ronan?

        I saw them so clearly and heard them so strongly in my head that it wasn’t difficult at all to create them. I mean, the process isn’t easy. Any writer will tell you it’s a road filled with frustration and doubt. But the creation of Ronan and Mikalo is one of trust for me, i.e., trusting them to tell me who they are and what they’re doing and why. The difficulty comes in deciding what’ll go into what I’m writing now and what can wait and go into the next book. Mikalo and Ronan have such a story to tell and there’s a lot there!

5. Do you write to music? Any songs that inspired the story of the two?

        I do write to music, but it’s stuff that relies more on a driving beat and less on lyrics that could hook me in. It all becomes white noise to silence my very vocal, very loud inner critic, anyway. 🙂

6. Among all the books that you have read, which of these have significantly contributed to your writing style?

        In all honesty — and I’ve decided this is the best way to answer this question –, I love the historical biography writings of Allison Weir. The way she brings people to life and places them in an exciting, fully embraceable historical context is simply fascinating to me. I don’t know if I could ever do what she does. But the fact that she does do it and does it so well constantly inspires me in my own work.

7. Name 3 authors you would love to collaborate with.

         I love the kindness and spirit of Kelli Maine and the emotional bravery of Abbi Glines. But writing a book with my friend Jonathan Winn would be simply amazing. I don’t know how he does what he does, but I suspect working with him would give me a front row seat into finding the answer. But he writes in a different genre, so I doubt it’ll happen. 🙂 

8. Excluding your own, name 3 books you would recommend to your friends. 

         Oh my goodness, there really are so many to choose from. Seriously. I personally enjoyed Katie Ashley’s newest book “Music of the Heart” and Kelli Maine’s “Taken” was a great read. Such a great read. I also liked a debut novel by a new author, “Connected” by Kim Karr. Very good stuff.
9. If you could date any fictional character, who would it be and why?

         I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time on this question. Actually left the house, went to a cafe with a small notebook and, espresso in hand, made a list, wrote the Whys of each choice, and then narrowed it down. And, as infuriating as it is, I’m left with my own Mikalo. There’s just so much about him that I adore and there’s so much that still frustrates me. He’s perfectly imperfect. Or imperfectly perfect. Something like that. I love how he doesn’t come as a complete package who just loves you, no questions asked. And I know that’s rare in this genre. You have to earn his love, but he’s there every step of the way loving you and encouraging you and wanting you to succeed because he loves you even more! And that accent. Oh my goodness, if you could hear that deep baritone whispering in my head, well, you’d be as distracted as I am sometimes. 😉

Let’s do our fast talk:

1. Coffee or tea? Both!

2. Lights on / lights off? Off.

3. Boxers or briefs? (For your guy) Neither, thank you. 🙂

4. Favorite male body part? Neck.

5. Do you believe in love at first sight? Oh yes.

6. 3 things you never leave home without? (apart from keys, phone and money) Wedding ring, lip moisturizer, small umbrella (it’s Paris where the weather changes on a dime)

7. Sleep in or get up early? Up early. Habit from boarding school.

8. Ever slapped a guy? Yes.

9. 3 celebrity crushes? Jean Dujardin, Gilles Lelouche, Ryan Gosling (those eyes of his make me want to do very bad things to him)

10. Sex on the first date? Yes, and I always blame the wine.

Any advice to give to aspiring writers?

          Don’t be an aspiring writer. Sit down, write, and be a writer. Embrace that title. Earn it. Good, bad, great, horrible, just write. Only way to move forward is to do it.
Any message to us, your fans?

          What can I say that completely encapsulates what I feel for my readers? There simply aren’t words. When life is tough, I think of you guys and that’s what gets me out of bed and to the keyboard. When I doubt myself, I think of you guys waiting to see what happens next with Mikalo and Ronan and that drives me to my keyboard. And when I just want to stop and give up because I forget people care and have an interest in what I do and what I write, I remember there are those who DO care and that gets me to my keyboard. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to do better than I did before and the support of my readers feed me and give me strength. Truly and sincerely, I write for you. All of you.

And lastly, if I put my magic mirror in front of you, what would you tell yourself right at this very moment?

           You are better than you think.


Thank you Syndra for doing this with us. 
Watch out for the Part Three of our Special Author Spotlight tomorrow. For the mean time, if you haven’t picked her books yet, here are the links…

         

WATCH OUT FOR THE LAST PART TOMORROW
WE’VE GOT A SNIP OF HER LATEST BOOK, MIKALO’S FATE
AND SOME GIVEAWAYS!


AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT (Part 2): Interview with R.K. Lilley and Mr. James Cavendish

PAM SITS DOWN WITH R.K. LILLEY 
AND JAMES CAVENDISH

Where: Las Vegas home of one of the MANY James Cavendish lavish properties.

What: Spending some quality time with the remarkably gifted R.K. Lilley and Mr. Beautiful while having lunch.

When: On the heels of her book three, Grounded, in the Up in the Air series and Lana we are all waiting with baited breath for Bad Things! What better way to spend the afternoon then with the creator and her muse.

_____________________________________________________________________________

TBA: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today! I have to say that I love it here but *leans in so only the three of them can hear* I would have performed a far better interview on a private jet on the way to a certain ranch. *blushes while looking away*

We order lunch and now it is time to jump in!

TBA: Ok well first I would like to thank you for an amazing series! *looking at R.K.* I couldn’t put the books down! I must say that James had me at first class seat 1A! Sorry James but you have to know that you are the dream…a total package! *sighs*

TBA: R.K. can you tell a little about how the series came to be and how *looking at James* we were lucky enough to have this man come into our lives?

R.K.: I wrote a story that had elements of everything that I absolutely adore about erotic romance. I would definitely say that it’s a guilty pleasure. It was sure as hell a guilty pleasure for me to write it. It’s angsty, dark, dramatic, passionate, and tells a heart-wrenching love story through some pretty spectacular, over the top, kinky sex. The setting was a fun little extra, and a sort of homage to my days as a first class flight attendant. James, unfortunately, is a figment of my imagination, but a very well-developed figment, and pieces of him do come from real life.

TBA: James, you really put yourself out there when it came to Bianca. What was it about her? You are powerful man and could have you pick of anyone. I know she is one hell of a Flight Attendant but what was it about her pre flight checks that sent you over the edge?

James: It isn’t any one thing that sent me over the edge…Is it trite to say that she’s perfect, and I knew it from the start? If you made me pick one single thing, though, I’d say it was her eyes. They’re ageless. They told me so much about her that she never had to say.

TBA: She is pretty special and so talented! That art work! I am going to have to pick up a piece before I leave this paradise! So where is the lovely Bianca today?

James: She and Stephan are having a besties day.

TBA: R.K. both James and Bianca are characters with dark pasts. They both have dealt with life events that no one should ever be subject to. At times did you find it hard to write their journey with such a heavy back story?

R.K.: I wouldn’t say it was hard for me. It’s a little therapeutic, to be honest. Getting that sort of thing out on paper is sort of a relief. Some of the events, though, did have some basis in reality, and having to get some of it okayed was awkward.

TBA: I loved that fact that the story wasn’t wrapped in a pretty bow. Real life is not pretty 100% of the time. It is the ugly that shows us who we really. James and Bianca showed up just how beautiful ugly can be!

R.K.: I like flawed characters. You’ll never see me writing about people without serious issues. I don’t relate to that. I don’t think many people do.

Lunch arrives and after a few moments of silence I have to ask the question that every single living breathing woman in the world wants to know!

TBA: James! *sitting my drink down I decide to go all in* The ranch, the horseback ride…where did you even come up with that idea! It was H.O.T! You gave new meaning to the sport of equestrian! *cheeks getting bright red*

James: Is that not normal? Perhaps I have a one-track mind, but the two things just seemed to go together for me…

TBA: Ok now that we have that out of the way James what’s next for you and Bianca? I must say that we love the way you love her!

James glances at R.K. It is not a particularly friendly look. “I guess you’ll have to ask this sadistic one over here. She has plans for us, and she’s been threatening to tell all of my secrets.”

R.K. smiles, unfazed. “I thought their story was done, but I was wrong. Currently I’m working on the first book in my series about Danika and Tristan. You’ll be seeing more of James and Bianca over the course of that series, and in ways you may not expect. And, down the road, you can expect a book told from the POV of James and Stephan. It will run parallel with the Up In The Air series, but also go beyond it, giving you a look into the after of Bianca, James, Stephan, and Javier. I can’t wait to write it!

TBA: Things get a little hot and heavy in the playroom, *laughing* ok well let me correct myself, its a lot of hot and heavy! James, would you care to share any of your secrets? *shaking head…did I just ask that*

James displays a rather sinister smile. “It takes time, a seriously filthy mind, and training to learn my secrets. Suffice it to say, don’t try these things at home, without the proper training.

TBA: Well I guess we could all take a page from your book Mr. Cavendish *winks* Can you blame a girl for asking? I mean Bianca is one lucky girl!!

Time for a change of topic…

TBA: I love the relationship between Bianca and Stephan! Friends are truly soul mates! The relationship between Bianca and Stephan proves that. Where do you find the inspiration for their friendship?

R.K: Stephan is my favorite. I don’t know if I’m supposed have favorites, but he’s it, and that’s because he does come from a lot of real life inspiration for me. He’s a combination of my own personal bestie, and the men I’ve known and adored who’ve been through some very similar struggles.

TBA: James you and Stephan are close now did you find it had to have another man in Bianca’s life? How did you deal with it?

James: I’ll admit that my first reaction was purely pragmatic. Being on Stephan’s good side meant getting closer to Bianca, and so I made sure to stay on his good side. However, Stephan is one of those people that it’s impossible not to love. And the way he’s been there for Bianca… Quite simply, I would do anything for him. He’s the best guy in the world.

TBA: I so love me some Stephan!! I must say that each and every character in your books is worthy of their own story. What do we have to look forward to after Bad Things? Who else will we have the pleasure of getting to know better?

R.K.: I will definitely be focusing on the novel from James and Stephan’s POV after I finish up the Bad Things series. And I will be releasing the second book in my urban fantasy series, hopefully sometime in September. After that, it’s up in the air:) I’d love to hear which characters you’d like to see more of!

After we finish our lunch I know our time is coming to an end. I could sit here forever! This is what happens when you fall in love with a book series! There is never enough! I thank both R.K. and James. Not wanting the day to end I make one last effort…

TBA: Thank you for taking this time with me and The Book Avenue! We truly love the books and are looking forward to many more! R.K. you rank at least 30,000 miles high in my book! So James…the day is still young how about some of that 5 star treatment? I am thinking spa day? *blushing as he flashes his million dollar smile*

COMING SOON… BAD THINGS

R.K. Lilley is the erotic romance author of the UP IN THE AIR series.

Book One: In Flight, Book Two: Mile High, Book Three: Grounded, and Lana, a novella, are all available now on Amazon. 
R.K. is currently working on her next series, Bad Things.

R.K. Lilley lives in Colorado with her husband and their two beautiful sons. She’s had a lot of interesting jobs, from being a first class flight attendant, to being a stablehand, but swears she never knew what hard work was until she had children. She’s been addicted to both reading and writing fiction since she can remember. She loves to travel, read, hike, paint, game, watch anime, and make the most of every single day. She is the author of the erotic romance novels In Flight, Mile High, and coming February 12, 2013, the conclusion to the Up In The Air trilogy, Grounded.

BLOG TOUR: Falling Into You by Jasinda Wilder Interview, Review, Book Trailer and Giveaways

Blurb:

I wasn’t always in love with Colton Calloway; I was in love with his younger brother, Kyle, first. Kyle was my first one true love, my first in every way.


Then, one stormy August night, he died, and the person I was died with him.


Colton didn’t teach me how to live. He didn’t heal the pain. He didn’t make it okay. He taught me how to hurt, how to not be okay, and, eventually, how to let go.

                         
 Buy from Amazon  | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Interview with Ms. Jasinda Wilder

Can you tell us something we don’t know about Jasinda?

I play the flute and the piano.

When did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer?

I published Preacher’s Son as something to do for fun and to see if I could actually sell any of them. Then I started writing Big Girls Do it Better as a cathartic journal entry (it is semi-autobiographical, but I’m not telling which parts!). When that turned into a series, I realized how much I loved writing. Then that sort of took off and found its audience, and the rest is history. 

So let’s talk about the book. Why do you feel you had to tell this story? Is there something in this book that is based on real life experience? 
I actually started with the title first, and tried a few other ideas to go with it. Then I remembered a friend of mine who went through something very much like Nell’s experience with Kyle’s death. That turned into an exploration of the effect such an experience would have on Nell. My friend did not react the same way as Nell, just FYI. She grieved and is doing okay, now.

What was your inspiration in creating the characters? Was it hard to do a story about 2 broken souls?

Nell and Colton are…all of us. They are everyone who has felt such pain that we have to take life one breath at time (wasn’t that a line in Sleepless in Seattle?) The inspiration for them was to explore the effects of their individual experiences, i.e. Nell’s refusal to grieve, Colton’s dyslexia and being alone in New York at seventeen. Was it hard? Yes. I came to think of them as real people, friends. To see them go through such terrible experiences was very hard. But we are all broken, in some way, aren’t we? And that, as I said at the beginning, is the inspiration.

There were a lot of good songs incorporated in the story, was it something planned or you just thought of it while writing it?

It wasn’t planned, actually. I’d been wanting to do a book with a playlist, since I’d read a few other great books with playlists or music incorporated into them. I always listen to music when I write and these songs inspired me.

Among all the books that you have read, which of these has significantly contributed to your writing style?

Oh god. All of them. Every book I read influence my writing style. One book may give me an idea for a character, another may influence my use of certain words or phrases. Bella Andre was one the first writers in my overall genre that I read, so I have to give her credit for inspiring me. I believe in the power of love to bring two people together and past any obstacle. I believe in the healing power of love, and the wonder that accompanies sex between two amazing people.

The book was out in just a few days and we have been receiving incredible feedback about it, did you ever expect that people would have such a warm reception over the book? How do you feel about it?

I never expected this kind of reception. I knew as I was writing, and after I read the first draft, that I had what seemed to me to be a powerful story that would likely touch a few people. I never, ever expected the amazing, overwhelming outpouring I’ve gotten.

Let’s do our fast talk:

• Coffee or tea? Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

• Lights on / lights off? ON! I gotta see my man.

• Boxers or briefs? (For your man) Yes! I like my man in boxer briefs.

• Favorite male body part? Do you have to ask? LOL!

• Do you believe in love at first sight? Hmmm. I believe that there can be an instant chemistry, a unique connection established immediately. I think real, true love has to be developed. You have to have trust and friendship and respect for there to be love.

• 3 things you never leave home without? (apart from keys, phone and money)
You said except keys phone and money, so I’m guessing that means my purse counts? What woman ever leaves home without a purse? Not this one. I almost always have mints or gum. The third thing? My husband. 

• Sleep in or get up early? Which do I do, or which do I wish for? I’d love to sleep in, but I’m up early. 
• Ever slapped a guy? Slapped, punched, kicked, broken pools cues and beer bottles over heads…Anna from Big Girls is a DJ, and that’s one of the autobiographical bits. I’ve had some crazy experiences. 
Any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Stop aspiring and start writing.

Any message to us, your fans?

I love you! You make this career so amazing.

And lastly, if I put my magic mirror in front of you, what would you tell yourself right at this very moment?

It’s only going to get better!

Jasinda Wilder has taught me a lot! I now know that some stories are made for at home reading and some are not to be read at 30,000 feet in the air. Especial not in first class beside a businessman who keeps asking if you are ok because you keep crying! I know now that the “ugly cry” is better left at home under the covers. Mostly she taught me that even in your darkest hour when you feel that you have nothing left you can always find the beauty of love. To say that this book rocked me to my core is an understatement!

“I can’t be fixed.”
“You’re committed to being broken forever?”
“Goddamit, Colton. Why are you doing this? You don’t know me.”
“I want to.” It’s the answer to both of her statements.”

Falling Into You follows the journey of Nell and her childhood best friend turned boyfriend Kyle. Life doesn’t always turn out as planned. In an instant tragedy rocks Nell’s world and it’s in that moment that Colton, Kyle’s older brother, shows her that she will survive the pain but Nell is not ready.

“I wanted nothing more than to climb into the box with him and quit breathing, find him in whatever came after life.”

Two years have passed and Nell is still living in the same brittle state, lost and still in pain. Meeting back up with Colton brings back old feelings and Nell finds herself fighting what feels right. With thoughts of pain and a life lived on barrowed time Nell begins a new journey to find the person that she wants to be. Colton shows her that she needs to allow herself to feel. That she has to deal with the pain.

“I want you to let yourself be broken. Let yourself hurt.”

As we see the story through both Nell and Colton eyes we are able to fully understand tragedy along with the healing power of love. Anything worth having is worth work for. Both Nell and Colton learn that love is a fine balance of joy and pain but falling into love is never easy.

“I’m not just falling in love with you, Nell. I’m falling into you. You’re an ocean, and I’m falling in, drowning in the depths of who you are. Like you said, it’s scary in a way, but it’s also the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced. You are the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Jasinda Wilder has done an amazing job of telling a story of sadness while still allowing you to see beauty. It sounds cliché but Jasinda words play out like a beautifully written song. The music becomes the forth character in this story. Emotions are best expressed through song. The playlist for this book is amazing (When you throw The Avett Brothers in the mix you can never go wrong). This book delivered so much with in its 223 pages and is a must read for anyone dealing with death. When the ones we love die it is hard to pick up the pieces. We move on by mourning their life but sometimes that isn’t enough. When your soul attaches to another you are permanently bound to each other and not even death can sever that bond. The hardest part of death is the living. Thank you Jasinda! Your words have moved me to tears and brought me back to joy and that is a gift I cherish!

5 STARS!!!! A MUST READ!!!!!!

Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women.

When she’s not writing, she’s probably shopping, baking, or reading.

Some of her favorite authors include Nora Roberts, JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Liliana Hart and Bella Andre.

She loves to travel and some of her favorite vacations spots are Las Vegas, New York City and Toledo, Ohio.

You can often find Jasinda drinking sweet red wine with frozen berries and eating a cupcake.