INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY ~ JULIE ANN WALKER -- IN RIDES TROUBLE

~ GIVEAWAY DETAILS AT END OF POST ~

Hello Lovelies! Today I am excited to have two very interesting people with me to talk about their story and have some fun. In Julie Anne Walker’s newest series, Black Knights, Inc., we get to meet some very interesting men and one woman who work at a motorcycle shop in Chicago. It’s a front for an elite special ops team that takes jobs the government doesn’t want. They are highly trained men with a military past and have mad skills—in as well as out of the bedroom.


Here is a little blurb from Goodreads about the newest release, In Rides Trouble.





Release Date: September 4, 2012
Book Two, Black Knights

 Rebel with a Cause...

Becky "Rebel" Reichert never actually goes looking for trouble. It just has a tendency to find her. Like the day Frank Knight showed up at her door, wanting to use her motorcycle shop as a cover for his elite special ops team. But Becky prides herself on being able to hang with the big boys-she can weld, drive, and shoot just as well as any of them.

Man with a Mission...

Munitions, missiles, and mayhem are Frank's way of life. The last thing the ex-SEAL wants is for one brash blonde to come within fifty feet of anything that goes boom. Yet it's just his rotten luck when she ends up in a hostage situation at sea. Come hell or high water, he will get her back-whether she says she needs him or not.



We meet Frank and Becky in the first book, Hell On Wheels, where they verbally spar with one another, and one can feel the sexual tension that’s thicker than the San Francisco fog. I must admit, these two had me very interested in seeing just how their future would work out.



CS: So **points to two chairs**, why don’t you both get comfortable, and have a seat. Would you care for anything to drink? OJ, coffee, milk? **looks slyly at Frank and Becky while digging for bowl under desk** Or would you rather have a Dum Dum? I even have Root Beer flavor.

Becky: **slugs Frank in shoulder and snickers**

Frank: **rubs shoulder and frowns**

Becky: Don't let that glower fool you. He wants it.

Frank: **shrugs and reaches for Root Beer Dum Dum, stuffs it in shirt pocket**

Becky: See! I told ya! The man has absolutely no control when-

Frank: **interrupting** That's not what you said last night.

Becky: Shh! This is a professional interview, you big dillhole. Try to keep your head out of the gutter for five seconds, will you? **feigns a scowl, but corner of mouth twitches**



CS: Okay, Frank, this first question is for you. How did you get into motorcycles? I know that Becky here has always been a little grease monkey growing up. What is your story? And what is your dream bike? Have you asked Becky to design one for you?

Frank: **looks over at Becky and winks** I got into bikes when I was a teenager and yearned for the freedom of my own ride but couldn't afford a car. My junior year in high school, I bought an old 1982 Honda CBX for three-hundred bucks, wrestled it back into fairly good working order, and, from then on, I was hooked. The wind in my hair, the open road... There's just something about it.

Becky: **rolls in lips, eyes thinning slyly** Yeah, that. And he knows how could he looks in leather and biker boots.

Frank: Can't help what God gave me.

Becky: Pfft. Answer the rest of her question, Mr. Universe.

Frank: **hooks an arm around Becky's neck, pulling her over for a loud, smacking kiss**

Becky: ** laughs happily**

Frank: As for my dream bike. It's sitting right outside. If you stroll over to the window, you'll see Boss Hog parked by the curb. I came up with the general theme, pearlescent white paint, lots of chrome... but Becky's the one who put all the extras on that really make it stand out. That intricate dual exhaust was her, the chrome studs in the leather on the seat was her. Basically, she took my simple idea and ran wild with it. It's a gorgeous bike. All her bikes are gorgeous bikes.

Becky: Aw, thanks, babe.

Frank: **winks, looking well-satisfied and proud**



CS: Becky, have the dynamics in your relationship with the men of Black Knights changed since your involvement with Frank? Do the men constantly tease Frank about being “chained down” by a woman?

Frank: **growls**

Becky: **fights a grin** Oh, the Knights like to give both of us a hard time. If we kiss? Guaranteed someone's making a gagging noise. And, I swear, they absolutely delight in banging on our bedroom door in the morning, yelling, "If the bed's not rockin', you best bet we come knockin'!" It's like living in a fraternity house sometimes. But I wouldn't change it.



CS: Frank, tell us a little bit more about Zoelner. Do you think he’ll ever join you guys in the future as a member of Black Knights?

Frank: **face suddenly wiped clean like a chalkboard** I've asked him. Now, it's up to him.

Becky: He'll join us. I just have a feeling...



CS: Either one of you can answer this next one. In book one, Dan loses his wife and he is obviously having a hard time dealing with his grief. How far do you think you’ll let this go (his drinking) before you step in and help him. Or will you step in?

Becky: **glances at Frank, expression sad**

Frank: **shakes head** Dan's wrestling with a lot of demons right now. And I'm of the school of thought that a man has to work through his own shit... er... his own stuff in his own way and time. But that being said, if he doesn't pull himself up by the bootstraps soon, we're going to have to do something."

Becky: He just needs a little more time.

Frank: **nods** Maybe...



CS: Okay, let’s get a little less serious folks and have some fun. Becky, you go first. Describe your co-worker Ozzie in three words.

Becky: **chuckles** Brilliant, Irreverent, and Total-Pain-In-The-Ass. I know that was more than three words, but that last description should count as one. A big one. The most accurate one. Ha!

Frank: **nods** She's right.



CS: Frank, what would you do if Snake, aka Jake, were to get involved again with your sister? What would say to him?

Frank: Depending on what his intentions were... ** eyes narrowing** I'd either welcome him with open arms, or make sure he doesn't walk right for a month.

Becky: He's very protective of Shell.

Frank: The woman needs protecting. She's had a hell of a lot of knocks on the chin in her life.

Becky: Yeah, and I'll say it again, you're very protective of Shell.

Frank: **shrugs** Comes with the territory. Big brother and all...



CS: Who would you say is the most serious of the group. Besides you, Frank. **eyes the man with a big smile*

Frank: Mac.

Becky: He means Bryan "Mac" McMillan. He's our resident ex-FBI agent, and I don't think I've ever seen the man smile.

Frank: Still waters run deep.

Becky: **glances at Frank, frowning** You know something about the guy that I don't?

Frank: **shrugs**

Becky: Ugh. **rolls eyes** Always with the boys' club.



CS: And this is for the both of you. Describe Julie Ann in just 5 words.

Frank: **crosses arms** Slave-driver.

Becky: **socks him in shoulder again** She's just driven. She wants to get all of our stories told.

Frank: That's what I just said, the woman's a slave-driver. Constantly at the keyboard.

Becky: **sighs** Julie Ann Walker is driven, ambitious, and because of that, a probably bit over-caffeinated.

Frank: Now, that last one I'll agree with.



CS: Is she difficult to work with? And tell me one thing about Julie Ann that nobody knows about.

Frank: She asks too many damn questions. Always trying to pick apart our motivations for doing things.

Becky: **shakes head** In case it's not obvious, those two have a love/hate relationship. Julie Ann loves to put us in angst-y situations, and Frank hates that. But as for something you don't know about her? Well... **slides Frank a sly look** She once told me she wrote a sex scene that involved me and Frank and a lollipop, but her editor cut it out.

CS: Double Damn…that shit, er…that scene needs to be written on her web page. Or even better, mailed to me. She knows my email now, so I better **ahem** see something soon, Jules…and I know you are listening to every word outside the door there. We.Will. Talk. ***crosses arms over breasts and scowls at door***


Frank: **perks up** She did?

Becky: **wiggles eyebrows**

Frank: Well, maybe she's not so bad after all.



CS: Lastly, Frank—have you forgiven or had words with Angel about his behavior toward Becky in In Rides Trouble. He seemed to love pushing your buttons.

Frank: Nah. He was just trying to look out for my girl. So I've forgiven him.

Becky: Oh, how magnanimous of you, Frank. **laughs exasperatedly**


CS: Thank you so much for showing up today. I hope you had fun. Please come by soon and visit whenever you want. Just, next time, bring Rock with you. His little sexy Cajun self is so cute.

Becky: Ha! I'll tell him you said that.

Frank: Thanks for having us here, ma'am. **pushes significant bulk up from chair and extends hand to Becky** Come on, woman. I've got plans for you.

Becky: **wiggles eyebrows at CS and follows Frank from room**


CS:  Sigh, yet another scene that I must read. That Frank has moves like Jagger. **Glances up to see if Becky is indeed out of earshot. That woman would sooooo kick my ass if she heard that.

Links for author:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

  Links to purchase book   Amazon / B & N    

  For a chance to win a copy of Julie Ann Walker's book--just leave a comment (along with your email address) and let me know what you are currently reading. Also, are you loving it/hating it...I need some good book recs, people!    Rules of Giveaway   *Open to US Residents Only. *Must leave a comment along with email address *Follow CS Maxwell ~ Where's My Muse *Winner will be picked via Random.org and selection will be Saturday, September 29th.  

AWESOME BOOK GIVEAWAY~ FEVER BY JOAN SWAN

Okay followers ~ You have seen and heard me gasp, pant, and moan about this great cover AND I have written a review about this book as well.

I totally LOVED IT!!!

**Giveaway of Fever by author Joan Swan-see rules at bottom of post.

Q & A with Joan Swan

I’d like to welcome author Joan Swan to my blog today! She is celebrating her upcoming release of her debut novel, FEVER. ***throws cyber confetti*** 

Fever is to be released February 28, 2012

Hello, Joan—pull up a chair and get comfy. And no wisecracks about my Hello Kitty pj’s—they are very comfortable. You might have to push a few (hundreds) books to the side to make it to my desk.


First off, I have made a fresh pot of coffee. But if you’re not a java fan, I have diet Pepsi, milk, or Patron in the freezer. Care for anything?


Oooo, you have diet Pepsi? I love you!


**Pours fresh cup for myself—heavy on the Hazelnut and Splenda. *splash of whiskey—don’t judge me, people. It’s been a rough week.



1. In your acknowledgements in your debut novel, FEVER, you state that the journey to publication took ten years? Can you tell us a little bit about that process (and quite frankly, you scared the bejeezus out of my husband—10 YEARS?!—as I am working on my own manuscript)?


Yes, it’s been quite a trek. The short version is this:


I was a voracious reader and came to a point where I had exhausted all my favorite author’s works, including their backlists. For a while, I ventured into new authors, and quickly devoured their work. Then I found myself dredging. Although I wasn’t as picky a reader then as I am now, I was still required solid plot and consistent characters. When I simply ran out of satisfying reads, I started to write. Not because I thought I could do better. Not because I had any thought of being published. Just to pass the time until something new came out.


But it only took a few chapters before I realized I was hooked. That I loved creating stories more than reading what someone else had created.


From that point on, I wrote. And I studied craft. And I wrote some more.


I sold eight years and nine manuscripts later. And now, ten years after starting, Fever releases.



2. What made you decide to pick an escaped convict as a romantic hero?


I can’t really say I picked him. I think he picked me.


Fever developed from one little “What if..?” stemming from my own daily real life circumstances. I’ve been a sonographer for twenty years and one of the hospitals where I worked gained a huge prisoner clientele over a year’s time span. I went from scanning two or three prisoners a week to scanning five to eight prisoners every single morning. I spent half my day surrounded by guards and inmates. The more I understand their routines and procedures, the more clearly I recognized how easily something could go wrong with something as simple as one tip off from someone inside the hospital to a prisoner’s family member or one officer off his game that day.


Many, many times I was left in dangerous situations with prisoners that should have never been allowed to exist. I was lucky, nothing ever happened. But that didn’t keep me from thinking, “What if…?”


3. I know that you have three books planned so far for this series. Will there be more? What can you tell us about the next two books, INFERNO and BLAZE?

Oooo, well, I’ll give you a little exclusive treat, Trish. I recently received the back cover copy of BLAZE, which ROCKS! And I’ll share it with you here:

The hotter they come, the harder they fall…


With a man like him, every mission becomes personal…


Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. She needs to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.


Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again…

INFERNO is my heartbreaker. Jessica Fury and Quaid Legend were newlyweds when their hazmat firefighting team stumbled upon an illegal chemical stash in a government warehouse set aflame, and the explosion took Quaid’s life. Or so they thought.



But in BLAZE, the team uncovers evidence that Quaid has been held as a prisoner in a secret military laboratory. Jessica utilizes her scrying abilities to help find and free Quaid only to discover that all the experimental testing he’s undergone over the years has wiped his mind clean, and he has no memory of her.


While Jessica has to decide if she can truly put the Quaid she married to rest and love the new man Quaid has become, Quaid has to learn to trust these strangers with only memories of deceit and abuse.


But they don’t have the luxury of time, because the scientists who developed Quaid’s clustered paranormal abilities into a powerful military aide are on an all-out mission to retrieve what they consider an extremely valuable weapon.


With their past shadowed and their future threatened, Jessica and Quaid face the ultimate battles of freedom—one for life, one for love.




Now, let’s have a few fun questions. I hate to be all serious all the time. Seriously, who can maintain that kind of demeanor 24/7?


1. When writing Teague (who is super hunky, BTW) who did you picture in your mind? And the model on the cover—who is he? He reminds me a bit of Jed Hill.

Oh, yes, Jed is Jaci Burton’s bootball guy – he is…amazing.


Actually, I’m very visual, so I always choose an image or images of someone to represent my hero and heroine in my head. It helps me with description.


For Teague, I chose an image that was a little darker and rougher than Jed.

I saw a magazine ad with David Beckham. He was portrayed as a boxer in an unzipped black sweat jacket, nothing underneath, hood up. It was perfect. I lost the photo, but here are a couple of images with a similar “look”.

2. What were the last 5 books you’ve read?

THE ROGUE PIRATE’S BRIDE by Shana Galen

ENRAPTURED by Elisabeth Naughton
THE PRIEST’S GRAVEYARD by Ted Dekker
THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern
THE DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness

3. Who are your top three favorite authors?


Heh, you almost got me on that one, Trish. Almost!


4. What one book do you think is a MUST READ for romance readers?

You mean besides mine?

Pfff..that's a given woman....

Honestly, I don’t think there is any one MUST. Romance is such a huge genre with so many so many talented voices and approaches and styles. It’s just too individual a choice.

5. Favorite fictional romance Alpha hero?


My Lord, Trish – do you torture everyone like this or am I just lucky?

Heehee...torture is my specialty, Joan...


6. Are you planning on buying your real life hero anything for Valentines? (Yes...I know...it's past Valentines...but interview was before the V-Day )


My hubby and I have been married over twenty years and make a point of doing special things for each other on a regular basis, so we typically forgo the showy days once a year.

The combination of his job in the early years and my job now, we spend a lot of time apart, so every day we’re together is a special day for us.

Awww...that is just so damn sweet. And I know what you mean about your hubby's job taking precious time away from the fam. Mine travels a ton, too.

7. Okay, in this round, tell us how you like your romance book heroes:


1. Undies or commando?


Boxer briefs – sexy

Uh....mine would be commando --cause it lessens the time to the good stuff!


2. Tatts or without?


Tasteful tatts are always welcome.

I'm with you on that one...don't like a completely covered mural...but a few strategically placed tatts are HAWT!


3. Dark and dirty or Fun and flirty?


There’s a time and place for both. Variety as the spice of life and all that.

I totes agree...although I am always up for a little dirtiness :)


4. Mr. GQ or Mr. Low-riding Levi’s that superbly caress a firm ass?

Again, so many days in the year…why restrict a man to one look?

I totally agree...but I am a sucker for jeans...faded, holey...tight or loose...I'm not picky :) Plus, they won't stay on too long :)


5. Lastly, are you a cover HOOR? Are you swayed by a rockin’ sex, er six-pack on a book cover?

Abso-freaking-lutely!

**cackles with glee...Cover HOORS unite!

Okay, I lied--- What questions are you never asked, but wish you were asked on these blog interviews?

Oh, let’s see…


If I were planning to escape from humanity and plant myself on a deserted island, which would it be? (not that the idea EVER crossed my mind…)


If I were going to give one of my two children away, which would it be and why?


(not that I’ve EVER contemplated that idea…)


How many licks DOES it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll pop?


(now that one, I have always wanted to know…)

GAH--Have you ever read Olivia Cunning's Back Stage Pass? What Trey can do with a Cherry sucker is just down right naughty and delish--You must check it out, J!

Joan, thank you sooooo much for stopping by and drinking with me (snort). Next time, I swear, I’ll buy.

Okay---Now for the goodies!  I have 1 copy of Fever to give away.  
Whoops-my bad--I am giving away 2 COPIES of FEVER!!

My rules are simple---just follow my blog--and leave me a comment telling me the last book you read that you truly enjoyed every second reading!!!!!!!

Comments will be accepted through the weekend and winner will be chose via Random.org. Winner  Winners will be announced Monday, February 27, 2012

Book giveaway is open to US Residents only.

**SPECIAL Giveaway by Joan Swan**

Go to Go Swan' s website for a chance to win a Nook or a Kindle Fire--YOUR CHOICE--leaving a comment on my blog will make you eligible for a chance at this AWESOME giveaway. Just fill out the info on her Rafflecopter.

Joan's Links:

Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

BAM

Author Bio:

Joan Swan is a triple RWA® Golden Heart finalist and writes sexy romantic suspense with a paranormal twist. Her debut novel with Kensington Brava, FEVER, releases February 28, 2012. Her second novel, BLAZE, follows in October, 2012. In her day job, she works as a sonographer for one of the top ten medical facilities in the nation and lives on the California central coast in beautiful wine country with her husband and two daughters.

Book Blurb:

When Dr. Alyssa Foster is taken hostage by a prison inmate, she knows she's in deep trouble. Not just because Teague Creek is desperate for freedom, but because the moment his fingers brush against her skin, Alyssa feels a razor-sharp pang of need...

A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose. At least Teague doesn't, until his escape plan develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives, he can only give her lies, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever...

Joan is currently touring and stopping by at different blogs to promote her debut release...

Month of February 

2/24: Ramblings from This Chick

2/25: 7 Scribes

2/27: Literal Addiction Live Chat

2/28: Author Suzanne Johnson’s Blog, Preternatura, Fever Review

2/29: Get Lost in a Story

2/29: Romance Novel News

Click on above banner for the rest of the tour dates and great chances to win some really cool prizes!

Book Review and Interview with the FAB-OO C.L. Parker ~ Author of Cataclysm.

Q & A Interview with C.L. Parker

Hello, peeps!

Today, I am interviewing the fabulous and funny C.L. Parker on my blog as part of her Virtual Blog Tour.

I have to tell you—C.L. is mah girl.  She is the peanut butter to my jelly- The yen to my yang- The Mork to my Mindy.

Let’s start off with a history lesson: 

I met C.L. via the internet over 2 years ago, and we had a spark-instant connection. It was like we shared the same brain. The love of writing and reading brought us together and we have been like BFF’s since that fateful moment.

C.L.: Don’t listen to her. She’s lying. Seriously, she’s forcing me to do this with blackmail, but if I ever get those compromising photos back from her, I am so going to stomp her ass.

C.S.: HAH--You have to catch me first--and, er...I think the compromising photos were of me at that bar, remember? 

C.S.: ( Focus--and get back on track,lol) We had the insanely great luck to go to NYC last June as part of the RWA Convention.  Although it was our first face-to-face, there was no awkward moment, no uncomfortable silence. We clicked.  And we had the time of our life.

C.L.: I’m pretty sure she felt me up in my sleep. Just sayin’, I know I don’t sleep in the nude, and I’m pretty sure I didn’t strip my panties off in my sleep, so… yeah.

C.S.:  Okay, I have to warn you people--when C.L. and I get together? Yeah--we tend to go off on wild tangents--so forgive us, lol.  And thank GAWD, we had 2 beds in the room. And YOU felt me up first, in Central Park...***digs in compromising photos for proof***

Now, I have the opportunity to pimp by gal-pal and ask her a few vital questions, as well as some naughty fun ones. ***Rubs hands together and cackles like a pack a day smoker.***

C.L.: See? Told you she’s blackmailing me, even pimping me out. I’ll probably get bitch slapped once this interview is done for spilling the goods, but that’s a win for me anyway because I like it rough. Got one over on her, didn’t I? This happens quite often. *waggles brows and gives a knowing wink*

C.S.: Welcome, C.L. **gestures to a chair to sit down **Make yourself at home. I am, of course taking totes advantage of this being on the blog-I am in my flannels and sans bra/makeup. **Whew thank God the peeps at home are missing me in all my glory. I just wish I had some pink bunny slippers to wear for Gabe….

C.L.: Oh! We were supposed to wear clothes? When you said it was a bare all interview, I assumed you wanted me nekked. Oopsie! *there’s an odd sound coming from the chair as she sits* I swear that wasn’t me breaking wind; that was just my bare ass shifting on this nice, plush leather chair you’ve provided for me. I was out of baby oil. *blush* *grabs a doily from the table and tries, in vain, to cover herself* Tehee! *smacks C.S.’s hands away* Yes, they’re real! Yeesh. Moving on…

C.S.: (chokes on coffee and tries to catch breath.) **AHEM** We’re here to talk about your new release, Cataclysm. But in order for it to make sense, you should first read, Supernova. This is a paranormal series about fate or destiny. For those who haven’t read Supernova, can you give us a quick synopsis? (You can also check out my review here.) I will provide cover photo here of first book.

C.L.: Um, I’m pretty sure you promised there’d be shots of Patron. You holdin’ out, or what?

C.S.:  **(mutters under breath about demanding authors and thinking they are all that--while hitting the liquor cabinet for a bottle from her secret stash)

C.L.: That’s more like it. Body shot? I mean, since I’m already naked and all … No? *shrugs* Have it your way. I give great body shots. *downs a shot sans chaser and motions for a refill*

Okay … In Supernova, we meet our heroine, Kerrigan Cruz. Kerrigan is just learning about a gift that’s been handed down from generation to generation of women in her family. She’s a Guardian of the Light, charged with the ability to protect a person’s right to free will, which affects their destiny and ultimately, their fate. When her grandmother, Availia, passes away, Kerrigan inherits her estate, including the Cruz family home in St. Augustine, Florida. There, she finds her grammy had taken in a stranger, Dominic Grayson. Dominic is an acoustic guitar playing, Spanish speaking (although he has no Spanish heritage), tattooed thug for hire. And he has a secret of his own that he’s trying to keep from Kerrigan while also trying to train her to use her gift with the sparse amount of direction Availia left him. Boy meets girl, and the sparks fly. Lots of UST (unresolved sexual tension) that is most certainly resolved by the end of the book. Somehow, during that resolution, Kerrigan learns that part of her responsibility as a Guardian is to find a way to protect Dominic from Sinclair Davis. Sinclair practices black magic and is attempting to rip Dominic’s soul from his body so that his deceased father, Drake (also Sinclair’s soul mate), can inhabit it. Oh, I should mention that Sinclair used to be Dominic’s girlfriend, but turns out she had just drugged him to believe he was in love with her. Sounds convoluted, but that’s a quick rundown.

C.S.: That is A LOT to take in, but yeah--that pretty much sums it up. And you did it beautifully, BTW.

Of course I know how this story started-and I remember how we spent HOURS talking about the hero of this story, Dominic. ***fans self*** But could you sexplain---er, explain, how the idea of Supernova came about?   Insert pic of Dominic

C.L.: *shaking my head* You dirty, dirty whore. Freudian slip, much? Pass the shamwow, unless you really want to have to explain to your husband why you had to send this chair out to the cleaners.

Anyway, I’ve been a daydreamer for as long as I can remember and have often found myself wondering how my life might have turned out differently if I had chosen different paths. I knew I wanted to write paranormal romance, but I also wanted to break out with a new concept. What’s awesome is that I didn’t have to spend a lot of time contemplating what to write because once I’d started thinking about destiny, free will, and fate, this story just sort of took on a life of its own.

C.S.: As a writer, sometimes the characters ‘argue’ or ‘fight’ how the story is being written. Did you find this to be the case with Dom? What happens when a character doesn’t work the way you want them to? Let’s start with the hero of your first book, Dominic Grayson.

C.L.: Aw, jeez … Dominic? Can I first say that I love writing from his POV the most? There’s something about being inside his head that does things to mah girlie bits. *shivers* Dominic actually doesn’t give me a hard time. I wish he did. Get it? “Hard time” … buahahaha! Anywho … Let me be quite frank here: I don’t force my characters, or even try to force them, to do anything they don’t want to do. Plain and simple: I write what they show me. My characters and I have a good working relationship like that. Dominic is sort of stand-offish with outsiders, but only because he’s had to be so guarded for his entire life. The one I usually have an issue with is Gabe, and only because he’s a scene stealer. Sassy bitch always thinks he needs to be in the spotlight. *shaking my head*

C.S.:  Uh, yeah--Gabe IS in a class all by himself--but we'll get to him later, boo. Tell us a little bit about Kerrigan. Who inspired you for the heroine? (Insert pic of Kerrigan).

C.L.: What!? Kerrigan doesn’t do heroin! Ohhh, you said “heroine” with an ‘e’… gotcha. I really love Nina Dobrev’s take on Elaina from Vampire Diaries. The way she portrays that character, so unlike the personality I garnered from the books, is exquisite and would be the bang on how I see Kerrigan. And I never realized that until Supernova was well underway. I have to say that Kerrigan doesn’t play the victim though. She grows stronger as the story develops further, even though I really didn’t like her weaknesses in the beginning. I was so proud of her in Cataclysm. She took charge in more ways than one.

C.S.: Now that we know more of the back-story of Supernova, what can the readers expect in the second book, Cataclysm?  (Insert pic of cover of book.)

C.L.: Cataclysm is, of course, the continuation of where we left off in Supernova. By the end of Supernova, Dominic and Kerrigan still haven’t found a cure to his curse. Only in Cataclysm, it gets worse for Dominic. Now, he’s starting to fade in and out, and there’s this fear that he’ll simply fade away completely. So the clock’s a’tickin’. Add to that the fact that Drake is back and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. My favorite line from Dominic in Supernova is, “My demons are my own, and not a day goes by that they don’t haunt me.” In Cataclysm, he’s forced to face those demons. There are also a whole slew of other obstacles that get thrown at him, and it becomes a real test of his endurance. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to pull him out of my head and just hug him like there’s no tomorrow – and then maybe cop a feel. Hey, the man is packing … don’t judge me.

We also have the introduction of two new characters, Colton and Andrew Dickens. Colton is Dominic’s little brother, and Andrew (Drew) is … well, he’s competition. Dominic has a field day with this and there’s testosterone flying all over the damn place.

C.S.: Tell us how you came up with the titles of your series. What do the titles mean in reflection of that particular story?

C.L.: Good googly-moogly, you ask hard questions! I’m not nearly drunk enough for all this, but I’ll give it a go.

C.S.: **pours two fingers of Patron in C.L.'s glass and smiles devilishly** 

Supernova is the explosion of a star. My thought process is that a star gives off a bright light, which coincides with the gift of the Light, and the explosion is a representation of how these characters’ lives, as they knew them, got turned upside down and inside out.

Cataclysm is a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval and demolition; an event that brings great changes. Without giving anything away for those who haven’t yet read this one, I’ll just say that you’ll completely understand once you have.

Nexus is simply a common connection; the point where two ends meet. Basically, this will be the book that shows the reader why Dominic and Kerrigan were destined to cross paths in the first place. It’s the one where everything will come to a head, and I’ll just leave it at that.

C.S.: I have been reading the reviews, and there are some fans out there of one of your secondary characters, Gabe. There is also such a love/hate relationship regarding him. I personally, think he is hysterical. Some of the outrageous things he says, has me choking on fluids. (**note, Do NOT read while drinking coffee**) How did the creation of Gabe come about-and how do you think he is pivotal as a secondary character?

C.L.: Ah, Gabe … Yes, there’s definitely a love/hate relationship regarding him, although I have to say the majority seems to really adore him. Some of his fans would even like to see a little m/m starring our diva. But, ew! That would be like writing one of my sisters in a steamy love scene, and that ain’t about to happen. LOL!

I’ve always wanted a gay BFF, and having found none (not that I was actively looking), I guess I just sort of created one in my head. I know it sounds stupid, but he makes me laugh so damn hard, and I love to laugh almost more than I love sex. Almost. I get these weird looks from people all the time, and it’s because I can see and hear his reaction to random things at the most random times. He is very much real to me, and I heart him hardcore!! Love him or leave him, it really doesn’t matter. He is who he is, and he makes no excuses for it, so I won’t either.

In terms of the saga, Gabe is the comic relief. He takes a particularly tense situation and puts a lighter spin on it. Plus, you’ve got to love his unyielding loyalty to his friends. He’s fierce and passionate when it comes to protecting the ones he loves, even if it’s from themselves.

C.S.: The last book of the series, is titled, Nexus. When can we expect its release? Is there anything you can share with us on what to expect?

C.L.: Nexus is scheduled for release in September 2012. Tut, tut, tut, you sneaky little shit … to give away deets for Nexus would negate the cliffy at the end of Cataclysm, but good try ;) Okay, I can tell you that three new characters are introduced. And I suppose I can also tell you that one of them, in particular, is sinfully delicious. From what I understand from my pre-readers, his level of oh-my-gawd! surpasses even Dominic’s. *squirms in chair, making that squeaky sound again* Yes indeedy, oh-my-gawd is a fantastic description. *takes the doily from her lap and wipes the drool from her chin* Jeezus, there’s this one scene on the back of a motorcycle where … oopsie! Almost gave something away, didn’t I? See? I lose all sensibility when I think about him. Next question!

C.S.: ( **passes a towel over to C.L.  to protect the leather of her fave couch and gives her BFF the stink eye** ) AHEM-The series that you have written is paranormal. What draws you to write about this popular genre? Do you plan to branch out and write something different in the future?

C.L.: I think I write paranormal because I’m not normal. LOL! ( C. S. looks at her with a raised eyebrow and mouths "Duh")  I really think it’s because I have this wickedly vivid imagination, and I have to write what I see. It just so happens to be worlds and characters which are a bit fantastical.

Do I ever plan to branch out? Well, that depends on what stories begin to weave in this chaotic mind of mine. Who knows? I guess I’ll find out shortly before the rest of you. But that’s going to be a long way down the road because I already know the next series I’m writing, with at least seven books, will also be paranormal. And then the five that I believe will spin off from that … paranormal as well.

C.S.:  Sounds like you're going to be pretty busy.  Better buy some frozen dinners NOW for the kiddos. HAH! 

Now let’s get down to the naughty and fun questions, lol.  **AHEM** The sex scenes. Let’s just say, first off—this is an adult blog. So feel free to let it all out.

C.L.: Um, I’m naked. Pretty sure that is the very definition of letting it all out, unless you really are wanting me to break wind.

C.S.: Uh....that would be a big-fat NO.  And BTW? Whatever damage you do to my couch you will have cleaned, fixed, repaired--GOT IT? 

What I found so damn erotic about Dom and Kerr was the emotional connection they shared. How do you, as a writer, tackle writing a sex scene?  What schematics are important to you to convey when writing smexy times?  Do you feel like there is a fine line between what’s okay and what’s considered too much?

C.L.: *rubs hands together* I do love that whorish brain of yours.

C.S.: Why, thank you, boo boo--but then again, by dirty whorish brain can in no way equal or surpass yours.  (**almost gags on the bull shit that I'm spewing)

C.L.: How do I tackle a sex scene? Bah! You said “tackle” and “sex scene” together. LOL! Okay *gets serious* I’m going to remind you that I write what I see. The main thing that I feel is important to convey in a scene such as this are the emotions driving the scene. If it’s an angry scene, I want that desperation to dominate to be known. If it’s a sweet scene, I want that tenderness to seep into your hearts until it swells with the awwws and your eyes well up with tears.

I want my reader to feel that caress, kiss, nip, suck, and thrust. I want them to taste that kiss and the saltiness of his … skin. I want them to revel in the warmth of body heat, make their toes curl, squirm in their seats, and maybe even give them a go-to fantasy for their special alone time.

A fine line between what’s okay and what’s considered too much? Hell no! They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think the same can be said for smut. What’s too much for one or not enough for another will hit the perfect spot for someone else.

C.S.: Who are some of your favorite male heroes and why? And by the way? Hands off BONES! He is mine.

C.L.: Dammit all! You just had to get me going on this one, didn’t ya? Okay, if I must, I must. Hands down, and excluding my own characters, I find all of the following the most squirtastic:

I often imagine myself the juicy center of a BDB Rhage/Rehvenge sandwich. A beast and a barb? Well, you can’t exactly go wrong with that, now can you?

TREY! Oh my God, Trey from Olivia Cunning’s Sinners on Tour … him and those damn suckers … unf! Plus, he’s really naughty *waggles brows*

C.S.: Not to mention he swings BOTH ways--and I love his obssession w/ Bri.  **fans self** That little hot menage with him and Myrna? GAH--You remember? You were reading it at the hotel while we were in NYC--and THAT is probably why I had to hog tie you to the bed--didn't want you to be sneaking over to my side of the room, if ya know what I mean. **waggles eyebrows

Who’s next? Oh, yes … Jericho Barrons. He can make his effin’ cock grow at will! Hello!!??

C.S.:  I SO do not remember that scene well enough from KMM's Shadowfever. ***makes note to re-read scene and memorize for future instant slow-mo.

And you can have Bones, I already have. *snort* I’ll take Spade!!! The way he rolls his *insert unladylike curse* hips!! Denise MacGregor is not nearly woman enough for him. Period. End of sentence.

Last, but certainly not least, Reyes Farrow, aka Son of Satan, from our gal pal, Darynda Jones’, Charley Davidson series. Son. Of. Motherhumping. Satan!!! He’s smoking hot with wicked sex appeal. He is LITERALLY sin in skin, AND he’s tatted all over. Need I really say more?? I didn’t think so, but I will anyway … those tatts are the map to Hell, and I’m currently erecting pearly gates at the entrance of my hoohah … come to momma, Reyes! All who enter are granted a piece, erm … peace and eternal life.

C.S.:  ( I swear, boo boo--you made me spew my coffee AGAIN--and Reyes has to be shared, kay? Cause I .MUST.HAVE.HIM. Either that, or I'll have to cut you. Just sayin'. Don't make me call Darynda on you.

Now, What author(s) is/are your automatic go-to for reading sexy, hot, paranormal?

C.L.: JR Ward, aka The WARDen, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jeaniene Frost, Gena Showalter, Kresley Cole, Karen Marie Moning, and Larissa Ione – not that I actually get to do much reading, but I’ve dabbled in a couple of these, which isn’t the same as diddling, peeps! Get your mind out of the gutter. LOL! You said, “paranormal,” but I’m also going to throw in Olivia Cunning because, dayum, her entire books are one big smutfest!

C.S.: **Nods furiously in agreement with the last statement--eyes roll back in head and licking lips**

Let’s play a game. It’s simple. Just say if it’s a total turn-on or turn off. You can add other deets if you feel inclined. J

1. Facial Hair –

C.L.:  Turn on, but only if it’s well maintained and short. There’s just something about scruff on the inside of your … okay, I won’t go there. Next!

2. Back Hair

C.L.  – Ew! Gross! Really!!?? I would so wax that in his sleep! Maybe. If I can keep my gag reflex in check. That’s a big NO on that one!

3. Tattoos

C.L. – Yes, please!!! Sometimes it’s nice to have a picture on the canvas to trace … with your tongue. Speaking of, please post that pic you put on my Facebook wall here. People need to stare at it for as long as I have so that they, too, can pick out the smiley face.

C.S.:  NO worries, Mate---I have been staring at that pic so long, I have every line of ink memorized. Remind me to tell you after the interview about the dream I had last night about those wings.

4. Piercings

C.L.:  – Mmhmm … Wait, I guess I should say it depends on where it is and what type of accessory they’re using. I like most, but not all are a turn on. Like crazy huge spikes and gauges … um, no thank you. However, if it’s say, a bar through the head of his cock, well then that’s just a party on a stick. Buahaha!

Which do you prefer?

C.S.:  Although the thought of a peen piercing makes mah girly bits shrivel just a wee bit, I do wonder what it would feel like, ya know? But then again, what if it gets caught on something down there? I swear, my vajayjay would NEVER forgive me.

I do like a nipple hoop--maybe an eyebrow...nothing on the lips though. I am a firm believer in moderation and a little goes a long way--with the exception of cock. Little and cock are two words that should NEVER go together, know what I mean jelly bean?

5.  Kisses or hugs?

C.L.: Depends on my mood. Mostly kisses. Hey, it’s like a hug for the tongue.

6. Casual dresser or jeans and tee?

C.L.: Jeans and a tee – buttonfly jeans and a form-fitting tee. I haz a weakness for the buttonflies. Oh, and none of that saggy shit. I want those jeans to hug his package all around. Momma likey!

7. Vanilla or kink?

C.L.:  Kink, baby!! And please do throw in the dirty talk. LOVE dirty talk!! I mean, downright filthy!!

8. Missonary or Ride ‘em Cowgirl?

C.L.: Ride ‘em Cowgirl to start, and then dominating missionary to on your hands and knees to finish ;)

C.S.:  Demanding, much, boo? Hope your man has a shit-load of Viagra, BWAH!

9. Your man bare foot or shoed?

C.L.: Ugh, I hate ugly feet! But, if his feet are nice, oddly, that’s a turn on for me. Go figure.

C.S.: Huh...I knew you were a sick bitch, LOL.

10. Your man cooking dinner for you or going out to a restaurant?

C.L.: Cooking for me … while nekked! Okay, he can wear an apron, but only a manly looking one, and only until the heat has been killed. Wouldn’t want him to shish kebab dessert ;)

C.S.: Thanks for coming to play—and good luck with your Supernova Series. I love ya, boo. **air smooches**

C.L.: T’was mah pleasure! Now, can you help me out of this chair? My ass cheeks are sort of stuck to the leather, and it’s completely your fault, thanks to the whole favorite male heroes and all. And I think I’ll be taking the rest of that Patron. That’s sort of like gratuity, right?

C.S.: (mutters**I'm gonna have to get a new couch now, dammit) And hands off the liqour boo-Next time, at least wear some panties, I'm not made of money, ya know.

C.S.: Sorry for the vulgarity.....meh....no, not really. LOL.

 That was fun. Thanks for reading.