Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Character Interview with Kat Latham + Giveaway!


WELCOME TO THE BLOG, KAT! :) 




Kat Latham writes sexy contemporary romance, including the London Legends rugby series.
She’s a California girl who moved to Europe the day after graduating from UCLA, ditching her tank tops for raincoats. She spent several years teaching English in Prague followed by several more working for a humanitarian organization in London. She now lives with her British husband and baby girl in a small town in the rural Netherlands surrounded by miles and miles of green pasture, canals and Shetland ponies. Kat’s slowly adjusting to life in a place where bicycles and cows seem to outnumber people.

With degrees in English lit and human rights, she loves reading and writing stories that reflect the depth, humor and emotion of real life. She’s been fortunate enough to win some contests, including the Golden Pen and Ignite the Flame, though her Mom is most proud of Kat winning the sex-scene contest, Between the Sheets.

Through her British husband (Dr Smarty Pants, PhD), Kat’s gained a keen appreciation for rugby, cricket, and the sound of a pucka English accent saying words ending in ‘-er’. He inspired her to write a series about hot rugby players with incredibly sexy voices. The first in the series, Knowing the Score, was published by Carina Press in summer 2013.

Kat’s other career involves writing and editing for charities, and she’s had the privilege of traveling to Kenya, Ethiopia and Northern Ireland to write about the heroic people helping their communities survive poverty, inequality and hunger.


When she’s not traveling, reading or writing, Kat can be found sharing overly personal things on her blog, Twitter and Facebook.




Where to Find Kat:







London Legends Interview
Present: Spencer & Caitlyn, Liam & Tess, Matt & Libby



Kame: Hi everyone, thank you for taking time to be with us at TBQ's Book Palace today.  I must confess my rugby knowledge is limited to hanging out with the team in college, I don’t know particulars about the game or the time of year it’s played, so am I taking you all away from training, do you have a game coming up or is this off-season?

Matt: The season started in September, and we’ve got a match on Saturday. But we’ll always make time for you, Kame. You’re one of our favorites. *winks*

K: Why thank you Matt – and you all are some my favorites too… So Liam how is the team looking this year?

Liam: I’m really excited our team this year. We’ve got some great young talent, plus the decades of experience our scrum-half Ash Trenton brings. I’d have to say we’re unbeatable.

K: Tess what is your take on the team this year?

Tess: Far be it from me to disagree with my beloved in public—

Liam: *coughs loudly*

Tess:but—

Liam: I knew it.

Tess: I think they’ve got their work cut out for them. No offense to Matt, who’s done a brilliant job stepping up into the fullback position, but they’re all missing their teammate Hardy, and I think everyone’s nervous about Ash Trenton’s retirement, which really has to be coming soon because he’s getting quite old.

Liam: Please don’t quote her on that, Kame.

K: Oh Liam I am sure Tess is not saying anything that your true fans have not been discussing in the pubs. *high 5’s Tess* 
Spencer and Matt you have women in your lives who knew very little about the sport when you met them, how was that?

Matt: A total relief. If Libby had followed rugby, she would’ve figured out how rubbish my career was. Somehow I managed to get her to fall in love with me before she knew how much effort she would have to make to straighten me out.

Spencer: Caitlyn’s lack of rugby knowledge ended up being good for me, too. Have you ever tried to teach someone rugby? There’s a lot of touching involved. At least, there was when I taught Caitlyn how to play.

K: There you go Spencer good point – and Caitlyn’s ignorance turns into her gain -
All three of you fell in love with women who have careers vastly different than yours, they aren’t in the public eye.  Each of these women seemed to settle you down and I think in all cases when they came into your life you started to play better.  Is that a fair statement?

*All look at Tess*

Tess: *sarcastic* Cheers, everyone. Let’s bring up my little scandal again, shall we?

Matt: Well, I for one certainly started playing better. You might say that Libby’s belief in me took my career to new heights. My life changed completely once she tempted me into her cockpit.

Libby: *eye roll* Awful, Matt. Awful.

K: That really was awful….Matt it must be great to have the comfort of Libby flying the plane to away games.

Matt: I don’t like getting all sentimental, but knowing she’s in control makes it much easier for me to get on a plane. It’s easy to say you trust someone with your life, but I feel like I prove that to Libby every time I fly without panicking.

Libby: *squeezes Matt’s hand* That’s so lovely. You’re forgiven for the cockpit joke.

Matt: Then can I make one about the Mile High—

Libby: No.
K: *giggles*

With Libby flying the plane it also means you get to bring Princess along, is she good about flying?

Matt: She’s a hell of a lot better than me.

Liam: *laughs* Mate, it’s impossible to be worse than you.

K: Caitlyn and Tess what have you been up to lately?

Caitlyn: I had a year off work for maternity leave, and I recently went back. My job’s a bit more desk-bound now. I still travel overseas to oversee my aid agency’s programs, but I won’t be going to disaster zones for two months at a time anymore. At least, not till Lily’s much, much older.

Tess: I’m finally discovering how fun work can be. I’m working for my cousin’s eco-travel company, and I’ve been able to visit Spain and Morocco. Finally, some of the heat I rarely get in London.

K: My husband is a huge baseball fan. I will confess when we got married the only thing I understood about baseball was if you ran around the bases and got to home plate without getting out it was a run; now I have a thirteen year old son who lives and breathes baseball. Caitlyn and Libby have you learned the game (rugby)?

Libby: Well, I grew up knowing the basics. My father’s a rugby supporter, but I spent part of my youth on a Royal Air Force base on a tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic, so we never went to any matches. Still, being British, it’s probably easier for me to pick up the rules than it is for Caitlyn.

Caitlyn: Yeah, I’m learning more and more. I still don’t understand a lot of the finer details, but I definitely enjoy watching the games—unless someone makes Spencer bleed. That upsets me.

K: Caitlyn, Tess and Libby do you get recognized around town, do rugby supporters know you?

Libby: Never. A lot of rugby fans don’t even recognize Matt.

Matt: Cheers, babe.

Tess: I sometimes get recognized, but not because I’m with Liam. We don’t need to talk about that, though.

Caitlyn: Rugby players’ wives and girlfriends usually keep a low profile. That’s one thing I’ve learned about the sport—we’re just everyday women trying to make a living and build our families. We’re not like stereotypical footballers’ wives, always shopping.

Matt: That’s because we don’t get paid like footballers do. We can’t afford high-maintenance women.

Libby: That was a compliment, right?

Matt: Absolutely.

K: I need to ask as it has been on my mind since I finished Tempting The Player how are Hardy and Chloe?

*uncomfortable silence*

Liam: They’re coping the best they can. It’ll be a long, rough road for them, but they’re part of the Legends family and always will be. We’re supporting them any way we can.

K: Please let them know that we at TBQ and all Kat’s fan’s keep them in our thoughts and hope they find more peace in each day.

Liam: We will, Kame. I know that’ll mean a lot to them.

K: Okay switching topics - so men what sport completely baffles you?

Spencer: Snooker. *sees Kame’s confusion* I guess it’s a little like billiards or pool but with different rules. You shoot balls into pockets on a table. That’s really all I can tell you, except it’s popular here in Britain. Don’t ask me to explain why.

Liam: For me it’s darts.

Matt: Bowling. Does that count as a sport?

K: Here in the USA yes it does – there are a few different types. We have amateur leagues and big tournaments are even televised.

Spencer: Like snooker in the UK.

K: Here is a question for all of you what are you watching on television besides rugby?

*glance at each other*

Spencer: *looks confused* What else is there?

K: Not even the American Football game that the NFL brings to England every year? I guess with how physical rugby is I can’t blame you for not finding something as exciting.
Liam: I actually quite like American football. And there are more and more NFL matches coming to London. If they weren’t during rugby season, I’d go watch one.
Spencer: I have to admit, I’m a tiny bit jealous at how easily those American football matches fill Wembley. Legends stadium is usually full, but it’s much smaller. I’d kill for the NFL’s audiences.
K: Before we close TBQ has questions she likes to ask all our guests in closing – so here are some speed round questions for you – please every one feel free to give an answer…

SPEED ROUND:

A day at the beach OR a day hiking/biking?
Liam: *throws a sexy hot look at Tess* Hiking, no contest.

Tess: Definitely. Or cycling, if my bike doesn’t get munched by a black cab.


Hot summer days OR cold winter nights?
Spencer: We’re all Londoners, so we’ll complain about both equally.


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, near the ocean so you can hear the sound of the waves?
Libby: Close to an airport so I can get to cities, beaches and mountains no matter where I live.

Matt: Anywhere far, far from an airport so I don’t have to think about planes.


If you could live in any time period, past or future, which one would it be?
Caitlyn: Ooh! This one’s for me. Spencer and I live in a wonderfully historic part of London called Wapping. It was the hub of London’s shipping industry during the Empire, but it was badly bombed during the Blitz. I’d go back to the Victorian age and see it in its full glory.


Quick—name the one food that you cannot live without?
Matt: All the foods.

And finally, can you each tell us a unique/wacky/fun thing about yourself:

Matt: Other than Libby, my best mate is a teacup Chihuahua.

Libby: I’ve clocked thousands of flight hours but I haven’t got a driving license.

Tess: I used to have a sexy photo of Liam’s teammate hanging in my kitchen.

Liam: I won the Rugby World Cup.

Spencer: I could've won the World Cup if my daughter had better timing.

Caitlyn: I was bitten by a pit viper when I was building toilets in displacement camps after the tsunami.

Matt: You win.

Kame: Wow – I agree Caitlyn wins.

This has been brilliant!  I am just thrilled to have had this time with all of you. Good luck on your next game – and if I don’t see you in the Christmas novella – Unwrapping Her Perfect Match – I wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas holidays!

Liam: Cheers, Kame. That Christmas novella is our teammate John Sheldon’s story, but he falls for Tess’s sister so you’ll see me and Tess sharing some big news. Personally, I think Kat fancies me. She just can’t stop writing about me.

Matt: She obviously fancies me too, because I play a crucial role in helping John cop off with *clears throat at a glare from Tess* I mean, fall in love with Gwen.

LibbyDidn't you nearly break them up?

Matt: Let’s not dwell on that part. Anyway, thanks for the opportunity to chat, Kame. Happy Christmas!





Unwrapping Her Perfect Match by Kat Latham
Publisher: Kat Latham (November 11, 2014)
Series: London Legends, 3.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance

’Twas a week before Christmas, and at the auction house…

At six foot one, Gwen Chambers has felt like a giant her whole life. She’s a calm, capable nurse saving lives in a busy London hospital, but healthy men give her heart palpitations. When larger-than-life rugby player “Little” John Sheldon convinces her to bid on him in his team’s fundraising auction, she discovers how pleasurable heart palpitations can be.

A rugby player was stirring, with desire no one could douse…

John has wanted Gwen since he first saw her, but when he’s injured in a match just before Christmas he suddenly needs her too. Not only can the sexy nurse help him recover, but she might be able to help him look after his daughter—a shy ten-year-old who speaks only French.

But will it be a Happy Christmas for all, and for all a good night?

From decorating the Christmas tree to ice skating at the Tower of London, Gwen helps father and daughter open up and bond with each other—and she bonds right along with them. But when John’s agent calls with a life-changing offer, Gwen has to decide how far she’s willing to go for her perfect match. Will their first Noël also be their last? 



Where to Buy*:
More Info:


Reviews of Latham's Previous Books:

Knowing the Score (#1) -- Kame
Playing it Close (#2) -- Kame
Tempting the Player (#3) -- Kame





Prizes:
  • Kat is offering up ONE ecopy of either Knowing the Score or Playing It Close.
  • I'm offering up ONE ecopy of ANY of Kat's current release.

That's TWO winners! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Thanks for stopping by everyone, and thank you to Kame for the great interview. I really must read this series. :D

Caitlyn told us she wants to see Wapping, London in the Victorian time. 


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



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!
*Note: I do not claim the images used above; they were all found via Google search. If you own the rights to one of the pictures and wish to have it taken down, please contact me.

25 comments :

Lorelei's Lit Lair said...

Great interview! As to the place,hmm, I'd say the 1920's, around the year my grandmother was born, she's a wonderful woman and would have loved to see what it was like to be raised during those years. Thanks for the chance to win!

The_Book_Queen said...

I agree -- the 20s would be very interesting! :)

Quinn Fforde said...

That was fun! I would love to go back in time and see the Beatles in concert.

Shannon Cusick said...

I am a huge historical romance fan. I love reading about the Victorian era when women dressed so regally and the men dressed like they were kings. I would love to go to that era.

Robin Driscoll said...

I think I'd chose the Victorian era as well.

The_Book_Queen said...

That would be a one-of-a-kind experience, wouldn't it? :)

The_Book_Queen said...

That would be a lovely time to visit! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

A popular choice! :D

Pat Egan Fordyce said...

Great interview! Somehow I didn't know about this series / author!!! Where have I been? Thanks Kame great job!

Marcy Shuler said...

I'd love to visit the Medieval period, especially in Scotland. Kilted warrior men and living in a castle. ;) But I'm too fond of soap and medicine to want to live there long term. LOL

The_Book_Queen said...

YES -- on both accounts! Visiting would be nice, but only if somehow the men could be clean while we were there. :D

The_Book_Queen said...

Kame always finds great gems, doesn't she? :)

Erin F said...

I've always had a fascination for ancient Egypt :) Thanks for sharing and congrats to Kat on her newest release!

Sophia Rose said...

That was a fun interview, Kame! I got to read Tess & Liam's story, but these others sound great too.


Hmm, I would travel to Scotland during the time of the clans, Renaissance Italy or even Tang Dynasty China, but only travel not live. I need my creature comforts.

dholcomb1 said...

I've always loved the Regency period in England. A lot of changes in a short period of time.



Denise

The_Book_Queen said...

Oh, me, too! That would such a fascinating time to visit!

The_Book_Queen said...

:) Yes to all your choices! And don't worry, just a visit, we won't make you stay stranded in the past.

The_Book_Queen said...

Ah, the Regency -- such pretty gowns, and, like you said, so many things changing. That would a lovely time to visit!

Cheryl Hastings said...

What a fun interview!

Glenda said...

Fun interview! What a great way to get to meet characters from multiple books!

bn100 said...

future

The_Book_Queen said...

Thanks for stopping by, Cheryl!

The_Book_Queen said...

Kame has a talent for doing these interviews, so I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

That would be interesting -- hopefully there's nothing too crazy going on in the future, right?

Justine said...

I would want to see the future in a century or two.