Blog Tour: Interview with Kelsey Browning + Giveaway!

WELCOME TO THE BLOG, KELSEY! :) 

Kelsey Browning writes sass kickin’ love stories full of hot heroes, saucy heroines and spicy romance. Originally from a Texas town smaller than the ones she writes about, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights series and The Granny Series. Give her a shout at Kelsey@KelseyBrowning.com or drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com. For info on her upcoming releases, subscribe to her Sass Kickin’ News.

Where to Find Kelsey:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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The_Book_Queen: Hi Kelsey! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Kelsey: I’m a native Texan, began writing seriously in 2007 while I was living in the Middle East and think raspberries ruin perfectly yummy chocolate.

TBQ: Your debut, Personal Assets, kicks off your Texas Nights series. Can you tell us a little bit about this book, and why readers are going to love it?

K: I *hope* readers will love it because it’s totally small-town Texas, but without the standard-issue cowboys. My heroes tend to be blue-collar, or if they’re not, they can still swing a hammer with the best of them :-). I think readers who like steamy love scenes (think Ruthie Knox) and a touch of humor (think Jill Shalvis) will be attracted to Personal Assets and the rest of the Texas Nights series.

TBQ: Oooh, Shalvis and Knox? I'm in! :D 

Why do Cameron and Allie belong together?

K: Because Cameron has been taking care of the people he cares about his entire life, yet to win Allie, he has to respect that she can stand on her own two feet. He needs to learn how to take that step back. And Allie needs to know that a man can have her back without trying to take over her life.

TBQ: Great, now I want to read PA even more! :) I love a strong heroine like that.

When writing each novel, do you listen to certain songs, like a playlist for the story? If so, what was the playlist for Personal Assets?

K: Yes! I have a playlist for each book and play it over and over (and over) again. Eventually, I no longer hear the words, but listening to it always puts me in the frame of mine to write. (In fact, I’m listening to it as I edit this interview :-)) The Personal Assets playlist includes:

“Too Bad” by Nickelback

“One More Night” by Maroon 5

“Ragtop Cadillac” by Lonestar

“You Wreck Me” by Tom Petty

“Old New Town” by Tim McGraw

“Someday” by Nickelback

“Baboom/Mama Said” by The Vaughan Brothers

“Does Your Daddy Know About Me” by Lonestar

“Six Foot Town” by Big and Rich

“Walk Like A Man” by Tim McGraw

“Fight For All The Wrong Reasons” by Nickelback

“Respect” by Aretha Franklin

“Power of a Woman” by Lee Brice

 

TBQ: Oooh, a few I don't know, and a few I already love! 

In 5 words or less, describe Allie for us. And let's not forget Cameron--what's he like?

K: Allie: determined to be wild, but slightly vulnerable. (Sorry - a little long!) Cameron: sexy mechanic with a responsibility complex.

TBQ: Damn, you're determined to have me reading this book before I finish editing the post, aren't you? :) 

Do you have a favorite part from Personal Assets? (If spoilers are involved, you can be vague.)

K: Probably the scene where Cameron and Allie go parking at the old drive-in but never get to finish what they started :-).

TBQ: Tease! LOL

I know we all hate this question, author and reader alike. :) But I have to ask: What are a few of your favorite books and/or authors?

K: Oh, how much space and time do I have? Adrienne Giordano and Tracey Devlyn - two of my critique partners. Nancy Naigle, who I’m co-writing The Granny Series with. Jill Shalvis, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Tamara Morgan, Jax Garren. Believe me, I could go on and on!

TBQ: All good choices!

We've all fallen for a hero (or two, or three, or....ahem). Tell us one hero that you've fallen for---who is he and what drew you to him?

K: I loved the vampire Jackson Foss in Laurie London’s Tempted in Blood. He’s tortured by his need for human energy and thinks he’s no better than his next “fling.” But the heroine accepts him, bad boy flaws and all, and in turn, Jackson learns to accept himself.

TBQ: I have Tempted in Blood in my pile right now, actually! :) 

What's next-- Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming releases or WIP?

K: The second book in the Texas Nights series, Running the Red Light, releases in January. That’s Jamie (Cameron’s brother) and Roxanne’s story. Books three and four will also release in 2014! The first book in Nancy Naigle’s and my Granny Series, In For a Penny, will be out in early November. We describe it as The Golden Girls meets Dirty Harry. 

SPEED ROUND:

A day on a secluded island OR a day at the spa? 

A spa on an island. (This seems to be a popular answer...maybe I should change the question! LOL)

Reading a spicy romance novel OR a sweet “my-heart-skips-a-beat” one? 

Totally spicy!

Which would you rather have an affair with: a sexy highlander OR a devilishly handsome English lord? 

Highlander, hands down. (On second though, hands ON!) [Hehe... I like the way you think!]

Hot summer days OR cold winter nights? 

Cold winter nights. I once lived in a desert where I saw temps over 130 degrees. (*Shudders*...Please, don't give me nightmares!)

Where would your dream house be: in the city, where all the action is OR nestled in the mountain where you can enjoy the quiet and the wilderness? 

Mean question. I’d like one of both, but if forced to choose, would do the mountains. (One of both sounds like a good answer to me!)

If you could live in any time period, past or future, which one would it be? 

I’m kinda a present-day girl, but I’d pick the future - maybe a good 300-400 years from now. It would be a kick to see the technology people use then.

Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan? 

Cover lover

Steamy Novella OR Sweet Novel? (aka, Quickie or Slow Build Up?) 

Absolutely steamy.

Quick--name the one food that you cannot live without? 

Any source of carbs. 

And finally, tell us 3 unique/wacky/fun things about yourself:

I’ve tossed my cookies on every continent I’ve ever visited (and there have been several)

I once broke a 2 X 4 across my chest (not on purpose) and

I can’t sleep with the closet door open.

The_Book_Queen: Thanks so much for stopping by, Kelsey, and please know that you are welcome back anytime! Do you have any questions for our readers—something to spark a good discussion?

Kelsey: When you read Texas-set romances, do you expect only cowboys and ranches or do you like other types of Texas heroes as well? Any favorites?

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Personal Assets by Kelsey Browning 

Publisher: Carina Press (August 26, 2013) 
Series: Texas Nights, 1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sex therapist Allie Shelby has the professional credentials, but she could use a bit more practical experience. Finding the right man to bring out her inner bad girl is tough in a population-challenged Texas town. So when sinfully sexy Cameron Wright rolls back into Shelbyville, Allie wastes no time inviting him to join her in some hands-on research.

Cameron has come home to fulfill his dream of restoring classic cars. Back in high school, he knew the town princess, Allie Shelby, was way out of his league. Today he has even less in common with Allie, so he's shocked as hell when she propositions him. Still, he's only human, so he accepts her offer—and with each encounter, she shows him another, wilder side. Before long, he's thinking about more than just sex.

But while her personal life heats up, Allie's business is about to crash and burn. And she has to convince Cameron that she's one princess who's not looking for a prince to ride to her rescue.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | ARe | Publisher

More Info:

Add it on GoodReads | Find the Series

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Kelsey's doing two giveaways. First, a blog tour giveawathy, using the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AND a special giveaway for ONE lucky reader on TBQ's Book Palace!

ONE (1) eBook copy of Making the First Move by Reese Ryan - http://www.reeseryan.com/

E-book Giveaway open until August 26th. Winner will be picked via Random.org and announced on the 27th.  To make it easier to contact the winner, please leave some way to get a hold of you (email or Twitter/Facebook/GoodReads name). Good Luck! 

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Thanks for stopping by today, Kelsey! I'm seriously tempted to pick up Personal Assets RIGHT NOW and just forget about my TBR pile....It sounds great! 

Don't forget Kelsey's question:

When you read Texas-set romances, do you expect only cowboys and ranches or do you like other types of Texas heroes as well? Any favorites?

Enjoy!



Until Next Time,






  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!