Author Interview - Libby Waterford

Libby Waterford and I are both newbie authors over at Decadent Publishing. Her new release, Love Unlocked, is a romantic suspense set in California, and I've heard it packs quite a bit of heat. You can buy the book directly from the publisher, or at other major eBook retailers such as Amazon and B&N.

1. I'm a huge fan of the romantic suspense genre (my favorite writers are Linda Howard and Elizabeth Lowell). Are there any authors or books that helped inspire you to write Love Unlocked?

Some of my earliest favorites were romantic suspense such as Perfect by Judith McNaught, and lately I’ve gotten into Sandra Brown. I was a mystery lover before I discovered romance, but looking back, I see that my favorite mysteries were always ones that featured a key romance plot line.

2. I love Judith McNaught's books too! I didn't mention her since my favorite of hers is Paradise, so to me she's a contemporary romance author. We need to chat about her someday. Now, since you live in California, I can't help but ask--is the small-town in your book based on an actual place you've visited? Does the setting play a significant role in your book?

Chelsea, the small Central California town where most of Love Unlocked takes place, is loosely based on Cambria, California, a quaint town near San Simeon, which has gorgeous coastline and a really nice small town feel. The setting is important – it’s a link to Eve’s past before she became a thief, and it ties Hudson to a tragedy in his family, one of the reasons he continues to be unable to paint.

3. Why do you think dangerous situations lend themselves to romance (when it comes to fiction)? Is it the adrenaline rush?

I think life or death situations make it clear what’s really important to a person. Feelings come to the surface, and it becomes impossible to put off acting on your emotions if you might not get another chance. That’s why I think suspense elements added to romance can give the characters the kick they need to take things to the next level.

4. It's clear that Hudson has quite a few talents (painter, locksmith, etc.), yet I'm shallow enough to ask about his other assets. Physically speaking, what does he look like (please don't spare any details)?

I thought you’d never ask! Hudson’s tall, lean, and strong. He has the deliciously sensual hands of an artist, but because he can’t paint he’s been engaging a lot of physical labor lately, from working in the town’s community garden to helping his brother install security systems, so he’s strong and cut. Thanks to his German immigrant ancestor marrying a California girl with Mexican and Native American heritage, he’s got exotic good looks that make him more of a candidate for posing for paintings rather than painting them!

5. My, my, he does sound yummy. Now that you've made my imagination run amuck, I'll end the interview with this final question--How did you go about getting your first book published? Were there manuscripts you trunked along the way?

Great question! Love Unlocked was my seventh full-length manuscript, but the first I put out into the universe to see what would happen. Joining RWA and my local chapter, East Valley Authors, a few years ago was instrumental in getting me to pitch and submit Love Unlocked to Decadent, and I’m so glad I did.

Since Libby's book just came out, she's quite the busy lady. As such, I'll let her run off to her next engagement. For more information about the book and author, just scroll down. Comments are always much appreciated.

Love Unlocked

All she wants is a fresh start…

Retired art thief Eve Caplin traveled all the way from Paris to California looking for a fresh start in a small town. When she locks herself out of her home, she gets much more than she bargained for in Hudson Cleary, part-time locksmith and world famous artist. She wants to resist Hudson’s seductive pull, but can’t refuse his help when a man from her past blackmails her into stealing a ten million dollar painting. Not only does Hudson have access to the painting, he may hold the key to her damaged heart.

All he wants is her…

Hudson hasn’t picked up a paintbrush in two years. When he unlocks Eve Caplin’s door, the mysterious beauty arouses much more than just his creative impulses. He needs Eve in his studio and wants her in his bed. When he discovers danger closing in, he must decide how far over the line he’s willing to go to protect her. Will he lose his heart, his muse, and his freedom all in one unforgettable night?

About Libby Waterford

Libby Waterford writes California-set steamy contemporary romances. She’s currently Vice President of Communications for the East Valley Authors chapter of Romance Writers of America. She lives in Los Angeles, where she enjoys stair-walking, swimming and In-N-Out burgers, not necessarily in that order.

Blog: http://libbywaterford.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibbyWaterford
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LibbyWaterford
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7467799.Libby_Waterford

Author Interview - Eva Lefoy

I discovered during the nascent stages of my writing career how small the online world can be. My various encounters with Eva Lefoy are a great example. First we ran into each other on Absolute Write Forums, then we crossed paths on Twitter. We signed up for more or less the same blog hops, joined the Sci-fi Romance Brigade at around the same time, and now we're pub-buddies over at Decadent Publishing.

It helps that we both write short-but-hot reads, are fans of Star Trek, and occasionally give food a starring role in our stories. Eva is here today to chat about her novella Sweet Cravings, a BBW Foodie Romance that would make any girl's toes curl. You can buy the book directly from the publisher, or at other major eBook retailers such as Amazon and B&N.

1. Before we chat about Sweet Cravings, let's get a few rumors out of the way. Word on the street is that you have a sci-fi One-Night-Stand romance in the works. Are you at liberty to reveal any details?

Yes! My One-Night-Stand story Lover Enslaved: 24 Hours in Mumbai will be out January 31st and is currently in edits. The cover is pretty yummy and the story is pure M/M lovin’!

I also have a M/F science fiction romance called The Trouble with Memories that is coming out soon, and another M/F science fiction romance called Download My Love featuring a robot with a penis to die for, which is currently in edits. I also have  a new book with Shiloh Saddler called Perfect Ride. It's about a bull rider and a cowboy! Oddly enough, food only figures in the second of these stories – and it’s a food the heroine absolutely hates – canned fish.

2. Wow, someone's been busy. I once had a very interesting trip to Mumbai (where I ate "brain curry" at a road-side stall--not one of life's best decisions). That said, I'm looking forward to reading a book set there.  Now, let's discuss some sweeter dishes. Whenever I read the words "seduces," "whipped cream," "pastry chef," and "secret kitchen" all in one sentence, it gives me all sorts of ideas. Could you, *ahem*, provide some guidance as to how these elements come together in the proverbial mixing bowl that is Sweet Cravings?

Oh my yes. Whipped cream as you know is a rather tasty affair and for girls with more than one appetite – we know who we are! – we like to mix and match. Violet Cunningham, the heroine in Sweet Cravings, is slow to arrive at the food + men=hot sex party, but she quickly makes up for lost time. And Chef Max has a secret kitchen! It’s totally his own and he creates his hush-hush newest pastries in there before bringing them out to wow the hotel guests.

3. It's impossible for me to fantasize without specifics. I need details on Chef Max. Is he tall or shot? What color are his eyes? (And there's no need to limit your description to his driver's license...*nudge**nudge*)

I have a hard time describing my characters sometimes but Chef Max is a big man. He’s not a skinny guy, or one you’d describe as thin. Think more Guy Fieri but probably taller. He’s someone Violet would be more comfortable with, as women often don’t like to be with men half their size! I wouldn’t call him fat or portly but maybe robust and beefy. Mmm beefy.

4. Beefy is good. In fact, it's very good (makes a girl feel smaller by comparison). Okay, I've heard wild and interesting comments about the meal Violet and Chef Max share. Is it possible to reveal some of the items on the menu?

They end up on Violet’s kitchen floor! The recipe for this is pure hot lust. And they share it well together. Nobody goes hungry!

5. Now that you've made me super hungry (pun intended), I'll end the interview with this final question--How did you get your start as an author? We all seem to arrive at this point from different paths, so it's a fascinating topic.

I did some fiction writing early on, then switched to newspaper. I worked as a reporter for three years and it was a wild ride! After that, I headed for my first love – science fiction – and put out an anthology called Tentacles with Haley Whitehall and D. R. Larsson. We had a lot of fun doing it and are even planning Tentacles Volume II. On a lark I subbed a project I’d been working on to Decadent Publishing and got a contract. I continue to both self-publish and work with publishers. My focus right now is on a wolf-shifter series I’d like to write next year, and a regency historical for an upcoming author challenge due March 31st.

Since Eva is busy getting her new release out the door, I won't keep her. For more information about the book and author, just scroll down. Comments are always much appreciated.

Sweet Cravings

Riding the waves of a sugar high, Violet Cunningham seduces the town’s newest pastry chef, slathering him with whipped cream in his secret kitchen. But all that is made of sugar melts, and her brazenness vanishes soon after their tryst, leaving her battling old insecurities about her waistline and appetites, courtesy of her mother. Positive she’s only made a fool of herself, she’s mortified when her boss sends her back to sexy Chef Max’s kitchen and into the proverbial frying pan.

After a red-hot date, her chef disappears, and Violet’s emotions simmer to a boil, forcing her to confront the awful truth: there’s more to life than pastry.

About Eva Lefoy

Eva Lefoy writes and reads all kinds of romance, and is a certified Trekkie. She's also terribly addicted to chocolate, tea, and hiking. One of these days, she'll figure out the meaning of life, quit her job, and go travel the galaxy. Until then, she's writing down all her dirty thoughts for the sake of future explorers.

Blog: http://writery.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eva.lefoy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eva_lefoy

Blog Swap! - Author Interview - Joya Fields

Joya Fields and I both have brand new releases from Decadent Publishing, so we decided to trade blogs for the day--I'm interviewing her over here and she's interviewing me over at her blog. Joya's new release, Sidelined Afterlife, is an erotic paranormal/contemporary romance featuring a psychic, a ghost and an ER doctor. You can buy the book directly from our publisher, or at other major eBook retailers such as Amazon and B&N.

Additionally, TODAY is the last day to enter Joya's Rafflecopter giveaway ($25 Gift card + cool prizes). I would embed it here, but SquareSpace and Rafflecopter seem to be mortal enemies and no number of seances  will get them to cooperate. As such, you can get to the giveaway by clicking on the link below:

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY 

1. Before we chat about this particular book, can you tell me a bit more about your Hauntings at Inner Harbor series? What ties them all together (I'm assuming ghosts?).

Thanks so much for having me today, Tara! What fun to do a blog swap. And congrats on your new release! You’re right. Hauntings at Inner Harbor series is tied together by ghosts, and it’s also tied together by the historic Baltimore apartment building where the characters in all three books reside. You see, like many buildings over 100 years old, this building is haunted. Especially the eighth floor for some reason. So each of the three books in this series (Hereafter, Altered Frequency, and Sidelined Afterlife), focus on one couple, and their specific experience. The characters cross over into the other books for quick little visits, but each book is a standalone.

2. So who's the "tall, dark and handsome" man on your cover? I feel we need to be introduced.

Hahaha! I agree! You should totally meet Harvey Stables in person one day. He is not only a hottie, he is genuinely friendly and kind. While writing Sidelined Afterlife, I envisioned Ian Somerhalder (from Vampire Diaries), but after meeting Harvey, I knew he’d be the perfect cover hunk.

3. I would never have thought to match a doctor with a psychic, but Hunter and Veronica seem perfect for each other. Is their's a case of "like minds get along" or "opposites attract"?

Such a GREAT question. I’m a big believer in “opposites attract.” My hubby and I are opposite in a lot of ways. As long as you are tied together by the big things like core values, each person can bring something new to the other one. For instance, Hunter is a skeptic of things he can’t see. He’s a man of science. But Veronica is a psychic-medium and knows there are things that can’t be seen with the normal human eye. Even though they’re opposite, they band together to help a ghost that needs them. Their core values are the same—helping others is important.

4. *Ahem* I can't help but notice your heat level rating is a 4. Here's a question from an author who consistently lands in "3" territory--what sort of naughty activities does an erotic romance include to warrant the higher rating?

Oh my gosh! You are so funny. Well, let’s see. To get a 4 heat level rating, I’d say add more sex, and different kinds of sex. Go ahead…experiment with different positions and styles. ☺ Let the heroine take the reins sometimes and see where she takes them.

5. *fans face* Let me just go ahead and shelve your book on my TBR pile. I'll file it on my tax returns as "research." Since I'm a newbie author, I have to ask: What's your secret to success? When you first started out, did you think you'd have this many books under your belt?

Awww, you are so sweet, Tara!! Thanks very much. I think my secret is the same secret as any other multi-published author: hard work. LOL. That’s the secret. Keep writing, as often as possible, keep learning the craft of writing and working to get it “right,” and join a critique group. Rejections are just little bumps in the road, so don’t let them get you down. Write, write, write. Revise, revise, revise. And be sure to have FUN! Thanks so very much for hosting me today! You ask REALLY great questions!!!

Since I know first hand how hectic Joya's schedule must be at the moment, I'll let her run off. Be sure to check out her blog to find an interview of your's truly. For more information about the book and author, just scroll down. Comments are always much appreciated.

Sidelined Afterlife

Psychic medium Veronica Matthews hates being able to communicate with the dead and the nearly departed. What good is it if she can’t lead the police to the victims of violent crimes before they die? But when her neighbor comes to her for help, she’s torn—until she understands that the ghost haunting him is more dangerous than any she’s encountered...

After losing his wife in a tragic accident, ER doctor Hunter Anderson’s only solace is his work and a ghost is jeopardizing that. Turning to his neighbor seems like his only choice, but spending time with the passionate woman, and her sassy attitude, might do more than save his life...

She can’t risk her heart. He’s afraid to love and lose again. Can a ghost help these two souls to live again?

About Joya Fields

Joya Fields has had over 100 stories and articles published in local and national magazines. Her debut novel, a romantic suspense, is a NJRW GOLDEN LEAF WINNER FOR BEST FIRST BOOK OF 2012 and was nominated for RT Book Reviews 2012 Indie Press/Self-Published Contemporary Romance award. Over the years, Joya has taught arts and crafts, worked in public relations, owned a daycare center, helped her children raise prize-winning 4-H livestock, competed in three marathons, and even spent a year as a Baltimore Colts cheerleader. Joya loves spending time with her high school sweetheart/husband of over twenty years, two very supportive children, and a pug who follows her everywhere.

Website: http://www.joyafields.com/index.html
Blog: http://joyafieldswriting.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyaFieldsAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoyaFields
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5395700.Joya_Fields