Character Interview with Sarah M. Anderson!

WELCOME BACK TO THE BLOG, SARAH! :)

Award-winning author Sarah M. Anderson may live east of the Mississippi River, but her heart lies out west on the Great Plains. With a lifelong love of horses and two history teachers for parents, it wasn't long before her characters found themselves out in South Dakota among the Lakota Sioux.  She loves to put people from two different worlds into new situations and to see how their backgrounds and cultures take them someplace they never thought they’d go.

When not helping out at school or walking her rescue dogs, Sarah spends her days having conversations with imaginary cowboys and American Indians, all of which is surprisingly well-tolerated by her wonderful husband and son. You can learn more about Sarah at www.sarahmanderson.com.

Where to Find Sarah:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

TheBookQueen: Today we have Sarah on the blog talking about THE NANNY PLAN, her newest Harlequin Desire release. To celebrate, Kame and I will be interviewing Nate and Trish.

Welcome to the blog, you two! Kame and I both enjoyed reading your story. 

Alright, I’ll let Kame start out.

Interview: Emmy Curtis + Giveaway!

WELCOME TO THE BLOG, EMMY! :) 

Emmy Curtis is an editor and a romance writer. An ex-pat Brit, she quells her homesickness with Cadbury Flakes and Fray Bentos pies. She's lived in London, Paris and New York, and has settled for the time being, in North Carolina. When not writing, Emmy loves to travel with her military husband and take long walks with their Lab. All things considered, her life is chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny. And if you get that reference...well, she already considers you kin.

Where to Find Emmy:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

TheBookQueen: Hi Emmy! Kame and I are taking turns today; she has a few questions about your books, which she loves, and I'm asking random fun questions. Are you ready? :)

Kame + TBQ Interview: Hayden Braeburn!

WELCOME TO THE BLOG, HAYDEN!

A Virginia native, Hayden Braeburn now finds herself among the bluegrass and rolling hills of Kentucky. Married to her own (former) Marine, and mother to two incredible children, she toils at a day job she actually loves, writing whenever she has a free minute.

Where to Find Hayden:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

 

~ * ~  * ~ * ~ * ~

Kame: Hi Hayden, thank you so much for letting me ask you a few questions about The Everetts of Tyler! 

These books are so closely tied; even having the same scene in one book to another but from a different perspective.  I especially liked Mason’s wedding from different perspectives. I think after I finish book 3 – I am going to have to read all three one after another. Did you always have it planned this way – or did the books evolved this way? 

 

Hayden: When I planned the series, I knew they would be closely tied, but I didn't know Dance and Fight would run so concurrently.  The series is blocked out, but sometimes characters send me in a direction I hadn't planned, with something I hadn't dreamed when I was writing the outlines.

K: Are we going to see scenes from Dance with Me and Fight For Me from Caleb’s perspective in his book? 

H: There is are a couple planned shared scenes from Fight For Me in Live For Me, one being the opening scene of Live and another the epilogue scene of Fight when Dylan notices Haleigh and Caleb in the hallway.

K: Are you a big “Dancing with the Stars” fan?  Why have Kat a ballroom a dancer? 

H: Hahaha.  I am not a religious fan by any means, but I did have the show on in the background when I was working on something else and the first line from Dance With Me popped in my head.

 

K: Most romance books end with the engagement, focusing on that as the Happily Ever After. Dance With Me starts with the engagement.  Did you think that was risky; worried readers would miss the falling in love part? 

H: Honestly, when I started writing Dance With Me it was supposed to be a short story for a contest, so I started in the middle of a scene and a relationship.  As I was writing the book, I was so involved with the story itself, I didn't really think about the lack of the falling in love part until I had several reviews-- some praising the originality and others essentially missing the beginning.  I will admit that I have plans to go back and reedit and revise Dance, and there is a good shot a little more of Mason and Kat's love story will be included. 

 

K: That sounds great – I would love to read the reedit and see if you take it in a new direction.

 I have reviewed both books here on TBQ's Book Palace – but I want to be vague to avoid spoilers for people who haven’t gotten Dance With Me off their TBR pile. The intense situation Mason goes through was something I have never read in a romance before. What kind of research did you do so that you got his character's emotional state accurate?

H: I actually spent a lot of time online reading the accounts of victims of situations similar to his.  The problem with turning a situation around-- what happens to Mason happens much more often to women, or at least is reported more often-- is that I have heard more than once that Mason wasn't manly enough in dealing with his feelings, and he was perhaps a little too realistic and not very alpha. 

K: Cassie insists on taking care of Dylan.  Was it out of duty; a way to repay the person who saved her brother’s life or guilt as she was friends with Priscilla, did she recognize her attraction Dylan? 

H: A little of both.  She definitely felt responsible for him being hurt with her accidental betrayal of Mason, so that was the overlying reason, but she might have just wanted him in her space-- although I'm sure she would've never admitted it at the time.

K: Cassie’s ordeal was intense too – I can see the two couples bonding over these experiences – are Cassie and Kat, and Mason and Dylan becoming great friends?

H: Dylan is protective of his family, and Cassie's family is his by extension.  While Mason and Dylan don't always agree on how to get things done, they are becoming good friends.  Kat and Cassie have different circles of friends, but after Cassidy let go of her guilt, she and Kat have made great strides as well.

K: Your new book Live For Me is Caleb’s story.  He is an emergency room Doctor.  The teaser scene I read is actually a scene from Fight For Me from Caleb’s perspective.  

H: This ties back to the series being incredibly interconnected.  I knew when I started writing Haleigh when she appeared in Fight For Me that she had a rich back story and deserved the love of a good man.  Caleb really has no baggage—he grew up privileged, has a career he loves, and a family he adores— yet, he is drawn to the angel with a steel spine he sees in Haleigh.  They've been fun to write. 

K: I see Dylan as all alpha male with teddy bear tendencies.  Dylan is a protective man – do we see him being more protective of Haleigh of Caleb’s book?  Do we get to see him as a Dad? 

H: We will get to see him being protective toward Haleigh, definitely.  He noticed her tendencies in Fight and plays a role in Live For Me, and in helping her trust men.  I don't think we'll get to see him with a baby until either the end of Live or in the fourth book, though.

 

K: There is a fourth Everett – do we have another book to look forward to? 

H: Yes!  Camryn's story is slated for the fall.  The blurb:

Ache For Me (The Everetts of Tyler, Book 4)

Camryn Everett is broken. After a disastrous affair with her director leaves her both jobless and homeless, she’s come home to Tyler to lick her wounds. Desperate for the audiences she left behind in New York, she takes a job singing at a nightclub and slowly puts herself back together.

Carter Jamieson can’t believe his friend’s kid sister is home and so breathtakingly… sexy. Ashamed of his runaway thoughts, he buries himself in his work and lusts from afar, until a chance meeting changes everything.

 

Can Cam convince Carter to give in to the smoldering passion between them, while at the same time proving to herself she’s worthy of such an incredible man?

Kame: Wow – sign me up to read book 4! Thank you so much Hayden for giving us a peek into the Everetts of Tyler. I look forward to reading Live For Me.

 

Hayden: Thank you so much for having me, and for such thoughtful questions!

SPEED ROUND:

Chocolate OR Vanilla ice cream?

Vanilla (but with chocolate syrup and whipped cream)

 

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

 

Reading a steamy romance novel OR a suspense-filled mystery?
Why not a steamy suspense?  I love a steamy novel, but it has to have a plot.

 

If you had to choose, which would you rather have an affair with: a sexy highlander OR a devilishly handsome English lord?
That's a toughie, but I gotta go with the Highlander.

 

Hot summer days OR cold winter nights?
Cold winter nights-- all the better to snuggle!

 

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?
I'd love a log cabin in the woods, so mountain it is.

 

If you could live in any time period, past or future, which one would it be?
I'd love to live in the (hopefully very near) future where everyone is equal, able to love whomever they want with no interference and where there are cures for the world's diseases.  (Wow, and now I sound like Miss America-- I'd also like world peace and puppies for everyone!)

 

Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan?
A cover grabs your attention, a blurb drags you in.  While I love covers, a pretty picture with a so-so story doesn't work for me.

 

Steamy Novella OR Sweet Novel?
Depends on the mood.  I will usually pick steam, though.

 

Quick—name the one food that you cannot live without?
Is coffee a food? (Of course!)

 

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

 

• I am actually a gemologist in real life, and spend my days writing appraisals and buying diamonds.  (Terrible life, lemme tell ya!)
• I am a trained vocalist, and was in five choirs and All-State Chorus my senior year of high school.  I thought about heading to Nashville instead of college, but I think my parents would've murdered me had I given up my scholarship!

• I am a nerd!  It's not glamorous, but it's true.  Trivia is anything but trivial, and I am regularly asked how to spell something or to work out the math on pretty much anything at work.  Oh, and my daughter refuses to do her math homework until I get home to help.

 

 

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

 

Hayden: I tend to write short novels, but I know that's not everyone's preference.  Does length influence purchasing/reading when choosing a book, or do you choose solely on story?

 

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Live For Me by Hayden Braeburn

Publication Date: April 30th, 2013  Date changed, TBA

Series: The Everetts of Tyler, 3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

Haleigh Carlisle doesn’t exist, or didn’t six months ago. On the run from her past, she and her daughter Georgia end up in Tyler when Haleigh lands a job at Aylesford Memorial Hospital.

 

Caleb Everett may not have time to date, but that doesn’t stop him from noticing the new, leggy, blonde physical therapist. Making time in his schedule for the skittish woman is hard, but making a place in his heart is easy.

 

When Haleigh’s past comes back to haunt her, can Caleb live with the secrets she’s been hiding?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Buy*:
 

Sorry, no buy links up yet!
 

More Info:

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

 

 

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

Thanks for stopping by today Hayden! :) What a great interview, Kame, I *really* need to read this series.

 

 

Don't forget Hayden's question:

 

I tend to write short novels, but I know that's not everyone's preference. Does length influence purchasing/reading when choosing a book, or do you choose solely on story?

 

 

 

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!



Kame + TBQ Interview: Julie Ann Walker + Giveaway!

 I pointed Kame towards JAW's books last year. Now, I haven't read any of them yet, mind you, but I had heard many great things about them, I knew I wanted to read them myself, and they were romantic suspense, which Kame was looking for at the time. Now, a few months later and she's not only read all of the books in the series, but decided she wanted to interview Julie, too! :)

 

 

WELCOME TO THE BLOG, JULIE!:) 

 

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Black Knights Inc. romantic suspense series. She is prone to spouting movie quotes and song lyrics. She'll never say no to sharing a glass of wine or going for a long walk. She prefers impromptu travel over the scheduled kind, and she takes her coffee with milk. You can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission. Look for the first three books in her fast-paced series: Hell On Wheels (August 2012) In Rides Trouble (September 2012) and Rev It Up (October 2012).

 

 

 

  

Where to Find Julie:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Kame:  Hi Julie, I can’t tell you how excited I am that you have agreed to stop by and answer a few questions about your Black Knights Series.  It is like nothing I have ever read before.  I am so thankful that The Book Queen suggested Hell On Wheels to me. I never would have picked it out myself but now I am hooked!

Julie:  Thank you so much for having me on today.  What a pleasure!  And a shout-out to The Book Queen as well.  Because, hey… I love me some free publicity.  LOL!

K:  How did this series form in your writers mind? Why mix motorcycles and covert operations?

J:  I always knew I wanted to write romantic suspense.  For me, that particular sub-genre embodies all the things I love in a good book: action, adventure, mystery, romance...  And because of the time I'd spent volunteering at the USO (United Service Organization), because I'd worked with soldiers, seen the sacrifices they make, witnessed their courage and honor and duty, I felt compelled to write military themed romantic suspense.  Of course, every great series needs a hook, right?  And there were many military romances out there.  So I asked myself one simple question… How can I make the gun-toting, washboard-bellied, man in uniform even hotter?  And the answer that came to me?  Give him a leather jacket and a few tattoos, then put him on a badass bike.  Voila!  Black Knights Inc. was born.       

K:  The Black Knight compound is impressive, complete with underground tunnel (which I just love when they use that!). I just imagine this huge building with extensive grounds, additional buildings and massive concrete walls. How did this place develop as you were writing? Do you have the whole compound all mapped out or are you adding parts as you write new book?

J:  Thank you!  I love the BKI compound, too.  It's almost a character in and of itself, am I right?  All big and imposing and secretive… just like I like my men. *grins and wiggles eyebrows*  But to answer your question, as with most aspects of my writing, the concept was 90% complete before I ever sat down to put the words and descriptions on the page.  However, I'll be the first to admit that the remaining 10% is where all the fun is.  Because it's the little details that reveal themselves to me in each new book that I find exhilarating.  I liken it to my husband.  We've been married almost fifteen years.  I think I know everything about him.  Then he'll say something, or do something that totally surprises me - in a good way - and for a moment I get that zing of excitement.  Like we're dating again.  Like we're still, after all these years, learning new and fascinating things about each other.   

K:  You have quiet the cast of characters, and some of them are characters!  They all have such diverse backgrounds and style. Your attention to detail with them is amazing; Snake being a surfer dude complete with the lingo, and Frank’s love of Dum Dum lollipops. Was it important to you that Black Knights be a very diverse group – or did they just “grow” into a diverse group?

J:  You know, this sort of harkens back to my earlier answer about the little details being where all the fun is.  I didn't want my heroes or heroines to be cookie-cutter characters, pushed along by the plot.  I wanted them to push the plot, shove it forward with all their eccentricities and foibles, their strengths and weaknesses, their individual charisma.  Of course, if you're writing character-driven books, then those characters better be one hell of an interesting bunch.  So to answer your question, yeah, it was definitely important to me that they be diverse from the very beginning.   

K:  We haven’t seen as much of Ghost since he married Ali.  At the end of Rev It Up two couples are engaged. Is being married going to change them?

J:  Well, of course!  Doesn't marriage change us all?  LOL!  You'll see a bit more of Ghost in Thrill Ride, debuting April 2nd, and you'll certainly notice a few changes in him.  But that's all I'm going to say… No spoilers! ;-)   

K:  If you don’t plan on writing a wedding scene in a future book, how about a short novella of Frank’s wedding? Just a suggestion as I can see little Franklin will make a great ring bearer, and the wedding will have its own Black Knight style.

J:  I would love to write a wedding scene.  And I could definitely see one making its way into a plot at some point.  As for a novella?  That'd be up to my publisher.  And right now they're pushing me to keep pumping out full length books.  Bunch of slave drivers…  No, no.  Just kidding, Leah! ß That's my editor. ;-)    

K:  You have some pretty graphic scenes; Grigg and Ghost’s last moments together and Snake’s final fight scene come to mind. I can’t imagine writing them.  How did you research those situations, and are they hard to write?

J:  Truthfully, most of my research is done after I've already written the scenes.  I go on the internet or call my acquaintances in the medical field to see if the injuries my characters have sustained are, indeed, survivable, what the recovery time would be, stuff like that…  And yes, I do find them difficult to write.  I'm usually so immersed in my characters' heads that I'm experiencing the pain and trauma with them.  Perhaps that's why those scenes are so descriptive…

K: I can see your books appealing to men; and actually if you changed the covers and took them out of the romance section I bet even more would read them – as they have so much intense action, motorcycles and fantastic dialogue. (I have suggested your series to The Romance Man). Have you heard from many male readers?

J:  I do have male readers.  They're certainly fewer and farther between than my female readers, but they're there.  One of my favorite pieces of fan mail came from a male reader who picked up Hell On Wheels thinking it was a straight thriller.  He said, quote, "I was surprised to discover it was as much a bodice-ripper as it was an action/adventure novel.  Pleasantly surprised.  And now I'm wondering why all authors don't include great emotional upheaval and torrid sex scenes in their books because, damn, that stuff is good."  I mean, seriously, how awesome is that?  I converted a man, a skeptical man at that, into a romance reader!    

K:  So what is on the horizon for the Black Knights?  Can we expect many more installments to come?

J:  Of course!  As I stated earlier, Thrill Ride debuts April 2nd.  That's the story of the ragin' Cajun, Rock Babineaux , and Vanessa Cordero, BKI's spunky communications specialist.  It's set mostly in the jungles of Costa Rica, and it is steam-my… even if I do say so myself.  Then Born Wild hits shelves in November.  You'll finally find out what all the fuss is between Wild Bill and Eve.  I can't wait to hear what readers think!   

Kame:  I can’t wait to read your next book!  Thank you so much Julie for stopping by. Readers if you haven’t checked out one of Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knight Series you are missing out on a great read, something that is definitely not like anything I have read before.  I wish you continued success Julie, and I will continue reading as long as you continue writing!

Julie: Thank you again for inviting me on today. What a blast!

SPEED ROUND:

TBQ: Now it's my turn! :)

Chocolate OR Vanilla ice cream?

Hands down, it's chocolate.  Unless I can cover the vanilla ice cream in chocolate syrup.  Then the choice is a lot harder! ;-)

 

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

Secluded island all the way, baby.  I like adventure if you can't tell from reading my novels. LOL!

 

Reading a steamy romance novel OR a suspense-filled mystery?

Ooh, this is a tough one.  Can a totally cop-out and say both?  I love steamy romances, but I love a good mystery, too.  Which is probably why I write romantic suspense; it combines both, right?  ;-D

 

If you had to choose, which would you rather have an affair with: a sexy highlander OR a devilishly handsome English lord?

Sexy highlander all the way.  A good brogue does naughty things to my blood pressure. (Hehe---yes, it does that with mine, too! :D)

 

Hot summer days OR cold winter nights?

I. HATE. WINTER!  Does that answer your question.  LOL!

 

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?

Dangit!  Why do you keep making me choose?  I want both!  I want the hustle and bustle of the city apartment during the week followed by a country house where I can unwind on the weekends.  Wow!  I don't want much, do I?  ;-)  (It's perfectly okay to be "greedy" like that! :D)

 

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

I'm a total sci-fi girl, so the future it is!  How exciting would it be to see what the world is like two hundred years from now?

 

Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan?

I never buy a book by the cover alone.  It HAS to have a good blurb.  I need to know what kind of story I'm in for.  Does that make me a control freak?

 

Steamy Novella OR Sweet Novel?

I'm not much for shorter stories.  As a reader, I like the emotional journey between the hero and heroine to be long and drawn out.  So, I'd have to go with a sweet novel.

 

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

Coffee.  That's a food, right?  Because, if you're like me, you make it so strong that sometimes you almost have to chew it.  LOL!

 

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

• I hope to visit 100 countries before I die.  It's my bucket list.  So far I've visited forty-two. (Dannng girl!)
• I'm obsessed with mayonnaise.  I think it's delicious.  I would eat it on everything if it didn't adversely affect my waistline.  I think it's my grandmother's English blood coming out in me. 
• My degree is in advanced mathematics.  How's that for a strange background for a romance writer? 

 

 

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

 

 Julie:

I’m all about the ‘mash-up’ in romance. Obviously. Black Knights Inc. heroes are a ‘mash-up’ of military studs and motorcycle-riding bad boys. So, out of pure curiosity, what kind of ‘mash-ups’ do you like to see in romance?

 

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Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (April 2, 2013)
Series: Black Knights, Inc. (4)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won't Back Down

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist
very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight…

 

Where to Buy*:

 Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK | ARe

More Info:

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Previous Books:
Hell on Wheels (1) --- Kame's Review
In Rides Trouble (2) --- Kame's Review
Rev It Up (3) --- Kame's Review

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 

 

 

Julie's going to give away ONE signed copy of Thrill Ride! Open to US and Canada shipping only.

 

 

How to Enter:

 

• Leave a comment below answering Julie's question (or asking one of your own!).
• Please leave either your email, Twitter/Facebook/GoodReads handle, or some way to contact you. This makes it easier to get ah old of you if you win! If, however, you are not comfortable doing this, that's okay--just be sure to check back when the winner is announced! (Note: Even if I don't announce it on the blog, I always announce the winner on Twitter and Facebook!)

 

 

 

 

Giveaway ends April 10th! Winner will be picked by Random.org and announced on the 11th. Good Luck!

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

I really, really need to start this series! :) Thanks so much for stopping by today, Julie, and thanks for the wonderful interview questions, Kame! :D

 

Don't forget Julie's question:

  

 I’m all about the ‘mash-up’ in romance. Obviously. Black Knights Inc. heroes are a ‘mash-up’ of military studs and motorcycle-riding bad boys. So, out of pure curiosity, what kind of ‘mash-ups’ do you like to see in romance?

 

Hmm... Well, I'm open to many different kinds of mash-ups myself, but I'm always found of a Highlander Shifter. Yum! :D


 

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!

Kame + TBQ's Interview w/ S.L. Scott + Giveaway!

 Kame, who has been doing guest reviews here on TBQ's Book Palace for a few months now, recently reviewed, NATURALLY, CHARLIE. Today, Kame and I are interviewing the author, S.L.! 


WELCOME TO THE BLOG, S.L.! :) 

S.L. Scott is a former high-tech account manager with a journalism degree pursuing her passion for telling stories. She spends her days escaping into her characters and letting them lead her on their adventures.

Live music shows, harvesting jalapenos and eating homemade guacamole are her obsessions she calls hobbies.

Scott lives in the beautiful Texas Hill Country of Austin with her husband, two young sons, two Papillons and a bowl full of Sea Monkeys.

She welcomes your notes at sl@slscottauthor.com.

Where to Find :

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Kame: Hello SL, thank you so much for stopping by to answer a few questions about “Naturally, Charlie”.  I really loved the book.  I am not sure what my favorite part was, but I was drawn in right away by the idea of the two characters having the same name.  Loved the idea – I thought of a few other possibilities “Naturally Sam” (Samuel and Samantha), “Naturally Mel” (Melvin and Melanie) okay besides the obvious of those gender neutral names that are so the rage now, was it always Charlie? 

S.L: Thank you for having me. I love the other ones you came up with. For me, it was always Charlie. From the second the two characters appeared in my mind and thoughts the name was just always Charlie. It felt right from the beginning so I stuck with the name and it ended up being in the title also.

K: Boy and Girl Charlie taking point of view turns with the chapters was very interesting.  The symbols on the chapters were ingenious.  Was the change in POV always in the plot or did it evolve that way?

S.L: I actually love alternating point of views because it gives you that insight into the mind of the ‘other’ character. I want to know, what was he thinking when he first saw her, how did that feel to him, etc... So since this was written in first person, I included the different perspectives. Yes, it was always a part of this story, written with intention. It’s not back and forth every chapter though because sometimes we need more time with one of them to get the full story of a scenario.

K: Boy Charlie dated Girl Charlie’s friend Rachel.  Was this crucial to the plot?

S.L: Yes, and my prereaders and editors weren’t thrilled, but agreed that it was necessary. At the point when Charles goes on a date with Rachel, he’s letting his life happen. He eventually starts to stop waiting for his fate and starts to pursue his destiny. It also makes him more real in my opinion. Sometimes we go out with the wrong person, but we don’t know until we experience it. Those experiences help to shape our thoughts and alter our views in the future to narrow down more of what we are looking for in a partner.

K: The Charlies both suffered losses, and actually supported each other at the funerals.  I understand having characters suffer a similar situation and supporting each other, but why have them attend funerals together?

S.L: It was odd to me, but that was the first ‘scene’ that I ever had of them. It’s the beginning of chapter 5 and the entire story developed from it. I envisioned a man and a woman who share a name and had previously met briefly run into each other in a NYC park. They recognize each other and both are heading to a funeral – two different funerals. It’s a slightly awkward conversation given the circumstances, but there’s an attraction and something more. These two people are at low points in their lives and suddenly it feels like someone else understands what they’re going through.

My thought after having this scene play out in my head was ‘Can two people who meet under these circumstances build something more out of their relationship?’ I’m a romantic at heart, so I could see them accepting each other with their flaws and hurt hearts, share their tears, and bring each other into the other’s world without judgments or criticism. They could be friends and see how their relationship develops from this low point in life.

As you read when they are at the funerals, the other one gets a glimpse of the reality each Charlie is living with. It strengthens their bond because they don’t have the baggage weighing them down. They support each other without want for themselves. They really are acting truly selfless as a support for the other during the funerals.

K: They are selfless, and become strong friends. I loved Boy and Girl Charlie’s friendship.  It seemed so easy to me. Was it important for them to have a platonic friendship?  This was my favorite part of their story – did you and your husband have a similar courtship?

S.L: I love that they are real friends first and for a long time. Yes, they want more, but they don’t want to risk what they do have. Their relationship forms naturally and that starts out as friends. They slip into a couple-dom of sorts without realizing it and then it’s just like the other was always a part of their lives. Their banter was easy and just flowed. They have quirky thoughts, especially girl Charlie, and they challenge each other. They actually crack me up and if it makes me laugh, I leave it in the story.

The two Charlies being friends first was pivotal to the story – it is the story in my opinion. They formed a deep bond that would carry them through anything. We read so many love at first sight stories and they have that too, but their circumstances dictated that they needed a friend in their lives when they met, not another lover. That’s what made their relationship special to each other.

It was love at first sight for my husband and me. Lol BUT, I will say we became very good friends during our courtship. He made me laugh and has a romantic side and we were both ready for love. His British accent didn’t hurt either. 

K: They need a friend not a lover – so true, love that! And British accents are wonderful!

I love when Boy and Girl Charlie talk about fate and destiny. Can you explain to readers the difference between fate and destiny?

S.L: Fate and Destiny evolved. You live your fate with no hand in the outcome. I feel like we play a part in creating our destiny. We make decisions that may lead us in a new direction that alters our fate. That’s what I like to believe.

K: New York City in my mind is another character in this book.  Could this story have happened in another big city, such as Boston, Chicago, Atlanta or Los Angeles?

S.L: It had to be a walking city, a city that is up all night and that offers diversity where different social classes, backgrounds, professions all have the opportunity to engage with each other. To me it was always New York City and I never imagined anywhere else. I’ve been to NYC and I could visualize exactly where the scenes were taking place and the vibe of the locations, the feelings the locations evoked in the characters.

So although technically, it probably could have taken place in say Boston or Chicago, NYC was the one that made the story what it is, made it right for this story to be told.

K: By the Way – I SOOO think you should really do a book signing at the bookstore mentioned in the book – I would be in line so fast!

S.L: That is a famous Barnes and Noble and would be an absolute dream come true to do a book signing there. Maybe put in a good word for me. hehe

K: Boy and Girl Charlie were friends of mine at the end of the book.  I would love to read more about them, in maybe Rachel’s story – any ideas for more books based in New York City so we can maybe see a glimpse at their happy life together?

S.L: It would be a lot of fun to explore more with these characters and the supporting characters in this book. I’ve had a few thoughts, but not a complete story. I wouldn’t write it unless it felt right to do so and I could do it justice.

Kame: Thank you so much SL for answering my questions.  I really enjoyed “Naturally, Charlie”.   Girl Charlie loved to bake as a way to relax, I do too maybe that is why I loved her so much, anyway I know you have a recipe for one of the cupcakes from the book, as a parting gift to our readers would you be willing to share it?

S.L: I’d love to share a cupcake recipe. I made this one for a book signing party a friend threw for me. See, I bring cupcakes to my own parties. Haha.

This cupcake is divine and you will not get enough of this frosting. You’ve been warned.

 

 

Margarita Cupcakes with Tequila Lime Frosting

1.5 cups all purpose flour

1.5 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter, room temperature, unsalted

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs, room temp

2 limes, zested and juiced

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk, room temp

1-2 TBSP tequila

Preheat oven to 325. Line tins with wrappers.

Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together. In bowl of your mixer, with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on med speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, stopping to scrape down as necessary. Mix in the lime zest, juices, and vanilla (may look curdled). With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Beat until just incorporated.

Divide into liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake 20ish minutes, but check around the 15-18 minute mark. Cupcakes should spring back when pressed and toothpick comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. Transfer pan to wire rack to cool. Poke holes in tops of cupcakes and drizzle with tequila. Let rest for about 5 minutes, then remove from pans and let cool completely.

 

Tequila Lime Frosting

1 cup butter unsalted, cool but not cold

2 3/4 - 3 cups powdered sugar

1.5 TBSP freshly squeezed lime juice

1-2 TBSP tequila

pinch of salt

Beat butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar until incorporated and smooth. Scrape down sides and add lime juice, tequila, and salt. Mix until fluffy. Taste and see if it needs more tequila, add little by little... no more than a tsp at a time.

Frost cupcakes and then garnish with course sea salt and a lime wedge. You can do some without salt for those who don't like their margaritas salted. This is my friend, @JParkerWrites recipe. She is a baker and an author and shared her secret recipe with me so I could share it with you.
 

Thank you for the interview. I had a great time and enjoyed the questions.

XO,

S.

 

 

 

Kame: I am so making these cupcakes!  Thank you so much – SL – this has been a lot of fun!  Goodluck on your future books, I can’t wait to read them!

SPEED ROUND:

 

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

Ooooh, that’s a tough one. Let’s go with day on a secluded island. I love the beach.

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

Sweet ‘My-heart-skips-a-beat’ novel

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

These are tough questions. Lol I’m gonna go with a devilishly handsome English lord. (It's so hard to pick, isn't it? I'm usually greedy and go with "both" LOL)

Hot summer days OR cold winter nights?

HOT summer days for sure – no debate here.

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?

City. I’m a girl on the go. I like being near the action and/or in the center of it.

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

I’m attracted to the glamour of old Hollywood, so maybe the 1940’s or 1950’s. This answer would definitely change from day to day. lol

Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan?

Cover Lover.

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

Even though I can appreciate a good steamy read, I love angst and the slow build up.

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

• I was once a contestant in a Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum blowing contest. I was probably 7 years old.
 
• My first three crushes in life were (in this order): Winnie the Pooh, Speed Racer, and Ricky Schroeder.
 
• I once ran around the San Francisco 49ers end zone at Candlestick Park and did my version of a touchdown dance.

 

The_Book_Queen: Thanks so much for stopping by, S.L., and for sharing the yummy recipe! Please know that you are welcome back anytime! Do you have any questions for our readers—something to spark a good discussion? :)

S.L.: Thank you so much for having me on your site. It’s a really fantastic site and I’m truly honored.

Is your destiny created by following your heart or your head?

XO,

S.L.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Naturally, Charlie by S.L. Scott
Publisher:
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Twenty-five year old Charlotte “Charlie” Barrow is caught between her old life and the one she is beginning to build when she crosses paths with a handsome stranger on the subway. Not looking for romance, she closes her heart off to the possibilities of love. With a knack for mishaps, Charlie maintains her sense of humor while befriending the kind stranger who seems to be there at all the right times.

New York freelance writer, Charlie Adams, is forging his own path beyond the expectations of the society circles of his childhood. Rejecting family money, and fast-lane friends, he is snubbed by his family as he follows his own compass to a life more extraordinary.

Through a coincidence of events, they come to rely on each other for comfort. This is the tale of two Charlies learning to trust again while fighting their fates to create their own destiny.

Where to Buy*:

 Kindle | NOOK | ARe

More Info:

Add it on GoodReads! 

Read KAME'S Review! :)

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

S.L. Scott is giving away ONE e-copy of Naturally, Charlie!

 

Open INT.

 

How to Enter:

• Leave a comment below, answering S.L.'s question!
• Please leave some way to contact you (ie, email addy or Twitter handle). If you don't, it's sometimes hard to contact you if you when! But, if you don't feel comfortable doing this, then please be sure to check back once the winner's announced!

 

 

 

Giveaway ends Feb. 5th! Winner will be picked by Random.org and announced on the 6th. Good Luck!

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Thanks so much for stopping by today, S.L.! I really enjoyed reading your interview with Kame (and the recipe!), as well as the speed round Q's I sent. I cannot wait to read this one, I'm glad to hear that Kame loved it so much! :D

Thanks again Kame--you always come up with much better questions than I, for which, I think, our readers will be thankful for. LOL. :) 

Readers, don't forget to answer S.L.'s question

Is your destiny created by following your heart or your head?

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!