Tuesday, April 8, 2014

[Blog Tour]: Interview with Rebecca Zanetti + Giveaway!




WELCOME TO THE BLOG, REBECCA! :) 



USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day--or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.




Where to Find Rebecca:

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TheBookQueen: Hi Rebecca! Welcome to blog – can I offer you anything to drink?




Rebecca: Yes, thank you so much!  It’s morning still, so perhaps some green tea?  If I’m here after four, let’s open wine.



TBQ: *grabs tea* Well, you know what they say, it's 5 (er, 4) o'clock somewhere . . . :D 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?  

R: Sure!  I live in the Pacific NW with my hubby, two kids, two dogs, and a crazy cat.  We’re in the process of moving houses right now to my dream home, and the move is, ah, a pain.  I can’t find my favorite coffee cup, although I have somehow found tons of lost socks.  I think the insane cat has been hiding them.



TBQ: *smirk* I have such a cat myself, so I'm sure that's true. That would explain all the mysterious holes in all my socks. Though how she is getting *into* my sock drawer and than back out without leaving any evidence baffles me . . . 

Your latest release, Rising Assets,  came out in March – congrats! Can you tell us a little bit about this book, and why readers are going to love it?

R: Absolutely!  RISING ASSETS is a best friends to lovers story set in a small Montana town where everybody not only knows everyone else’s business but feels just fine getting involved in private matters.  In fact, there are no private matters.  So, when Colton Freeze starts to fall for his best friend, Melanie Jacoby, the town creates a bet on when they’ll actually get together.  This is the third book in the series.  In the first two books, Colton’s older brothers find their own sexy happily ever afters.



TBQ: *nods* I'm from a small town, so I know how that goes! LOL

Melanie and Colton have a friends-with-benefits relationship going on in this book. But why do they belong together?

R: Ooooh – great question.  Why does anybody belong with anybody?  When I think about it, both Colton and Melanie see and know the real person behind the public persona we all have.  They know each other’s hidden hopes and fears, and they know each other’s quirks.  When somebody knows your quirks and still loves you?  Yeah.  Romance there.



TBQ: Whether we're talking fiction or real life, I think that's a great lesson -- the one that loves you is the one that knows the real you and STILL loves you, quirks and all! :)

Was it difficult to change their relationship from friends to something more?

R: It was a little difficult, because when you’ve known somebody forever, it is a risk to take because you may lose that friendship.  Plus, as a woman, how tough would it be to let a guy who’s known you for years see you naked?  No matter how confident you are…it’s still something to think about.  J  Also, there’s also that terrible possibility that reality won’t be as great as fantasy.  Although I can promise that the reality of these two explodes beyond fantasy.



TBQ: Oh, I believe you, there's no disappointment in their bedroom! 

In 5 words or less, describe Melanie for us. And let's not forget Colton—what's he like?

R: Melanie: Tough, vulnerable, stubborn, sweet, intelligent
Colron: Genius, sexy, strong, conscientious, dominant



TBQ: Oooh, I am sure the sparks fly with those two! :) 

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


R: My favorite part is usually the first kiss.  I love a good first kiss!




His mouth was on hers before she finished saying his name. Heat and power slammed from the kiss, and her mind swam.

Fire lashed through her so quickly her knees weakened. Her nipples scraped his chest, and lava consumed her. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she fell into the storm created by a man much more dangerous than she'd known.

She kissed him back, her body alive, her mind shutting down.

There was nothing but the whirlwind of impossible need cascading around them, through her, into her, beyond her.

The kiss was hard, angry, and more passionate than she could've dreamed.

Many times, they'd come close to kissing, but one of them had always backed away. With a grin, or a joke, they'd escaped ever taking the chance. The one thing Melanie knew for sure was if Colton ever kissed her, if he ever showed her that side of him, there'd be no turning back. Ever.

As he released her mouth to pin her with a dark gaze, there was no question he knew it, too.

Determination filtered through his eyes, and his jaw firmed. Something new and intriguing fluttered alive in her abdomen. Satisfaction lifted his lips as her eyes widened.

Holy crap. Colton Freeze didn't want to turn back.





TBQ: *thud* Oh wow. Yeah, that's definitely quite a first kiss -- I approve! :) 

How about a few quick facts or behind-the-scenes info on RA?

R: Sure!  I actually headed over to the eastern part of Montana, somewhere close to where the imaginary Maverick County would be.  Large mountains, dangerous storms, cowboys in boots…everywhere.  I love Big Sky Country!



TBQ: I've always wanted to visit Montana. Perhaps I'll have to make a trip soon; find my own Colton! :)

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


R: Absolutely.  Here’s a quick playlist:

More Than Miles – Brantley Gilbert

You Look Good in My Shirt – Keith Urban

That’s My Kind of Night – Luke Bryan

Colder Weather – Zac Brown Band

A Woman Like You – Lee Brice




TBQ: I have to admit, I had to look most of those up on YouTube. Which, of course, lead to hours spent listening instead of doing things like, oh, I don't know, reviews and laundry . . . Oops. :) 

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?

R: I love to read, so this is an easy one.  Well, it’s difficult only naming a few.  I really like Nora Roberts, Janet Evanovich, Robin Covington, Laura Kaye, and Cynthia Eden.  Anything they write works for me.  I really like J.D. Robb’s Death series as well.



TBQ: Oh, I see some authors I need to bump up my to-read list now! :) And who can resist a good NR book?

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?

R: I think we’re talking about imaginary or fictional heroes here, so that’s an easy one right now.  I’m all crazy for Dean Winchester from Supernatural.  He’s a wounded hero, probably an anti-hero.  I like how lost he is while trying to save the world, and I love how he’ll sacrifice everything for his brother.  He’s the type of hero you want to save, even knowing that chances are he’ll break your heart.  But there’s always that tiny chance that you can actually save the guy…and he deserves it.



TBQ: I have not yet watched Supernatural, but I think I need to change that!

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

R: Now that Rising Assets has been released, I’d like to dive into book 4 of the Maverick Montana series, which will feature the mysterious Hawk and Dawn Freeze.  As for releases, BLIND FAITH, a book in the Sin Brothers series, will be released on May 6th.  Also, TAMED, a novella in the Dark Protector series, will come out on May 15th.




SPEED ROUND:

A day on a secluded island OR a day at the spa?
Oh come on!  Can I say both?  :) (But of course!)


Which would you rather have an affair with: a sexy highlander OR a devilishly handsome English lord?
Definitely a sexy highlander.  Give me the guy with the sword and powerful thighs. (Hehe!)


Hot summer days OR cold winter nights?
Cold winter nights – inside by the fire with my hottie of a hubby. (Lucky, lucky girl!)


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?
Nestled in the mountains.  We’re moving right now to my dream house, and it’s on a mountain overlooking a lake and a bunch of other mountains. (Again, lucky girl!)


If you could live in any time period, past or future, which one would it be?
Definitely the future.  I want to see what happens next.


Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan?
Cover lover.  I’d rather see the guy. (Me, too . . .)


Steamy Novella OR Sweet Novel? (aka, Quickie or Slow Build Up?)
Steamy novella – definitely.  Give me the good stuff.


Quick—name the one food that you cannot live without?
Tea


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


  •  I have trouble writing if I’m not wearing thick, comfy socks
  •  I’m a Trekie
  • When I read and/or write, I don’t see words.  Just images.



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


Rebecca: Thank you for having me over – these questions were a lot of fun.  I do wonder what your readers like about a cowboy, if they had to name just one characteristic.  Just one.  J


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Rising Assets by Rebecca Zanetti
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen (March 31, 2014) 
Series: Maverick Montana, 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Friends with benefits was never the plan…

Melanie Jacobs is in trouble. With three jobs—including running her ranch—and dwindling funds, she’s exhausted. Not to mention desperately trying to hide a secret. Unfortunately, her best friend Colton Freeze knows all too well that’s something is going on, and he won’t give up until he knows exactly what he needs to fix.

Then Colton learns the truth—that Melanie’s future happiness rests in the fickle hands of fate, and her chances for having a family are shrinking with every passing day. Her only comfort is Colton, but when a heated argument between them turns into an even hotter kiss, the boundaries of their friendship are erased, leaving only a scorching-hot hunger for more.

Every kiss—every touch—is a stolen pleasure. But will their new friends-with-sexy-benefits arrangement bring them closer together, or destroy everything they once shared?



Where to Buy*:
More Info:


Follow Brazen Books:

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a Rafflecopter giveaway







Thanks for stopping by today, Rebecca! Although I don't envy you the mess of moving, I do envy that you've found not only your dream home in the mountains but a hunky hubby, too! :) I cannot wait to read your books, contemporary and paranormal. I have heard such great things about them all! 

Pst-- remember, Rising Assets is only $0.99 right now!

So, have you read Rebecca's books? Do you have a favorite? Do you like the friends-to-lovers troupe? 

And, don't forget Rebecca's Question:

Why do you like cowboys? 

What is their number one 

characteristic that makes you swoon?




Enjoy!


Until Next Time,

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  *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!

12 comments :

Amber Hughes said...

I love author interviews. This was great! I recently read and really enjoyed Rising Assets. It was my first read of Rebecca's and I will definitely be getting books 1 & 2 of this series. Really looking forward to Hawk & Dawn's story too!

The_Book_Queen said...

I'm glad you liked our interview!


Enjoy,
Danielle

Lily B said...

wonderful interview love the sound of her books and the small town charm :D

Book Lovin' Mamas said...

Amazing interview! Loved finding out more about Colton and Melanie. I read Rising Assets in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I love best friends that become more. =) Colton definitely won me over in RA!

The_Book_Queen said...

Oooh, now that makes me want to read it even more! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Glad to hear -- I have that series on my list, too! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

It's hard to resist small town charm, isn't it?

NovaReylin said...

Whew! Great interview but that short excerpt of that kiss... wow! Is it hot in here? ... Haven't read her stuff yet but I'm going to now! Fabulous post! Thanks for sharing :D

The_Book_Queen said...

Hehe, after that kiss alone, I'm anxious to read Rebecca's books, too!

Ann Lorz said...

Great interview! I love the cover!

Adria @ Adria's Romance Review said...

Great interview ladies! I actually am a huge fan of Rebecca's Sin Brothers series and I just read (and reviewed) Tamed for another blog and I really enjoyed it!

Anna@herding cats&burning soup said...

I so can't wait to read this one! I really don't envy the moving but aw moving into your dream home is awesome.