Baby, It’s Hot Outside: A Christmas Down Under
Multi-Authored
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance
Bronwen Evans Author
Publication date: October 31st 2021
Synopsis: Baby it’s Hot Outside – A Christmas Down Under Seasonal Summer Multi-Author Novella Collection 100% pure SUMMER Christmas. Come Down Under for a hot and steamy SUMMER festive season. Escape those winter blues with 12 summer Christmas novellas. A fabulous collection of sexy Down Under summer Christmas romances. Hot sun and hotter men, friends to lovers, reunion stories and more. Come visit a world of hot, sultry kisses and long, lazy days in the sun. It’s Christmas Down Under and just another day at the beach! Join USA Today bestselling author, Bronwen Evans with ten of her fellow Australasian authors. Warm your heart, and maybe a little bit more, too, with 11 never before published sexy novellas of Down Under lovin’ in the Christmas sun. Only 11 – aren’t there 12? There are! The 12th story is a collaboration between the 11 authors in this boxed set. Each author is writing a chapter of THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS. • Twelve standalone novellas (never before published) • 99c Pre-Order Price rising to $4.99 week of release • Only available until the end of January 2022 – get your copy today!
100% pure SUMMER Christmas.
Come Down Under for a hot and steamy SUMMER festive season.
Escape those winter blues with 12 summer Christmas novellas.
A fabulous collection of sexy Down Under summer Christmas romances. Hot sun and hotter men, friends to lovers, reunion stories and more. Come visit a world of hot, sultry kisses and long, lazy days in the sun. It’s Christmas Down Under and just another day at the beach!
Join USA Today bestselling author, Bronwen Evans with ten of her fellow Australasian authors. Warm your heart, and maybe a little bit more, too, with 11 never before published sexy novellas of Down Under lovin’ in the Christmas sun. Only 11 – aren’t there 12? There are! The 12th story is a collaboration between the 11 authors in this boxed set. Each author is writing a chapter of THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
Twelve standalone novellas (never before published)
99c Pre-Order Price rising to $4.99 week of release Only available until the end of January 2022.
The Week Before Christmas – All authors in the box set…. Excerpt
Ryan had been a vet for a while now. He’d thought he’d seen it all when it came to the mayhem animals could create. It turned out these puppies, even at eight weeks old, were advanced players in the game of chaos.
Oscar’s spaceship themed bean bag had met its match with puppy teeth, and the filling was now scattered all over the wooden dining room floor. Shelby’s row of pot plants along the hearth of the disused fireplace in the lounge had also definitely come off second best after their puppy encounter, with dirt tipped all over the carpet.
Shelby extracted one puppy from behind the television where it had been happily chewing on cable. Holding the squirming bundle close to her chest, she walked back to the laundry.
He was scanning the room to locate the other offenders when one trotted in from the hallway carrying something in its mouth.
“What have you got there, little buddy?” He caught the puppy and gently pried the plastic object out of its mouth. His brow furrowed. What was it? One of Oscar’s toys? It was the shape of a dolphin but appeared to be battery operated. He pressed the button and the tip of the dolphin’s snout suddenly vibrated.
Oh shit. He suddenly realized exactly what the object was.
He raised his gaze to Shelby, who’d just come back into the room and was staring at the object in his hand. He couldn’t help letting a chuckle escape at her expression. It was an exact mirror of her face when he and Paul had convinced her to watch Nightmare on Elm Street when they were teenagers.
She closed the distance between them and all but snatched it out of his hand.
“It was a gag gift from Amanda,” she said.
His chuckles had simmered down to a smirk, but there was no way he could wipe that off his face right now. “Sure it was.”
God, she was beautiful even when she was embarrassed. Cheeks flushed, the blush spreading down her neck, turning her creamy skin a light pink.
“They must have got into the storage boxes in my wardrobe,” she said as she retreated down the hallway.
“I’d disinfect that if I were you,” he called after her, still not able to disguise the amusement in his voice.
So, that had been mildly hilarious. Was it really a gag gift that she’d held on to? Or something she used to enjoy herself on a lonely night?
Okay, he wasn’t going to let his imagination drift too far down this line. It wouldn’t be good for his sanity. Or the tightness of his pants.
Shelby, coming back into the room with a cloth, trod on some of the tiny balls—now coated with oil—from Oscar’s bean bag, and started to slip.
And then he was on his feet, catching Shelby just as she stumbled, his arms bracing her shoulders as her hands flew to his waist to help her regain her balance.
For a few seconds, they both breathed hard, still clinging to each other.
She glanced up at him, making no attempt to retreat from his arms. “Thank you.”
“No problem.” He couldn’t tear his eyes away from hers. Their gazes remained locked tight.
Kiss her. Kiss her. Kiss her. A voice rose in his mind. He couldn’t tell from what part of him the voice was loudest.
What part of him wanted Shelby the most? The part that wanted to take care of her, love her, be a dad to Oscar, protect her from anything bad that could ever happen…
We will be running a fabulous contest of guess who wrote what chapter!
We are running a contest for this box set.
You can win a Kindle Fire HD and a collection of stories…
https://www.bronwenevans.com/contest-time-baby-its-hot-outside-romance-collection-99c/ Twelve perfect indulgences to get you in the Christmas spirit:
ANNA FOXKIRK – The Worst Noelle
ANNIE SEATON – Her Christmas Star
BRONWEN EVANS – Fast Track To Love
JACQUELINE LEE – Unrequited Love
JAYNE KINGSLEY – Twelve Days Of Christmas
KENDRA DELUGAR – Something In The Water
KRIS PEARSON – Summer Santa
MEGAN MAYFAIR – The Season For Second Chances
RAY COLLET – Home For Christmas
SOFIA GREY – A Christmas Retreat (Falling For The Colonel’s Daughter)
SUSANNE BELLAMY – Red Dirt
Christmas COLLABORATION – The Week Before Christmas – A collaborative novella with a chapter from each of the authors in this box set.
Clockwork Igni
(Angelbound Origins, #9)
by Christina Bauer
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
September 21st 2021
As Queen of Antrum, I rule an underground realm of demon hunters who love finding new caves. Hey, it’s boring down here; I’m glad they all have a hobby. Per usual, I try to act interested about their latest discovery, but all I hear is blah blah blah new cavern blah blah blah Forbidden Tombs blah blah blah massive bronze pyramids blah blah blah creepy ticking sounds. It’s a little odd, but I’m not worried.
My bad.
Suddenly, the Forbidden Tombs burst through the ground in my home realm of Purgatory. Bronze pyramids smash through abandoned buildings and highways, making rush hour a nightmare. Even worse, the metal structures attract tiny lightning bolts called igni, which are my very special supernatural buddies. Within minutes, every last igni gets stolen away.
Now. I’m. Pissed.
Whoever hides inside those pyramids? Time to dust off your mummies and shine up your sarcophagi. Because my husband, Lincoln, and I are breaking in and kicking ass.
Angelbound Origins In which Myla Lewis kicks ass and takes names. Nuff said. 1. Angelbound
2. Scala
3. Acca
4. Thrax
5. The Dark Lands
6. The Brutal Time
7. Armageddon
8. Quasi Redux
9. Clockwork Igni
Did you need to self-publish on e-books before a publisher took you up? I don’t see traditional publishing as a real goal for myself anymore. I know how to make a living as-is… That’s a big deal and I don’t want to screw with it 🙂
Does writing provide sufficient income to live on? And how long did it take before this happened? There’s a Facebook group called 20 Books to 50K which has a lot of detail on this. They’re like an online support system! I don’t use this model, but I’m currently self-sufficient at about 40 books.
What is the funniest thing that happened to you on a book tour? I brought along costumed characters from my book and had them talk up shoppers. Fun! See pic below.
Which author had the most influence on your writing? Your writing style? Your writing genre? The answer to all three: JRR Tolkien!
In your opinion who is the funniest author now writing? Can I list myself? Oops, I just did.
Christina Bauer, author (far right) does a book signing with two of her characters.
Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates
Grave Watch
Soul Reader, #3
by Annie Anderson
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Publication date: September 28th 2021
Meeting long-lost siblings should be awesome, right? Well, when you happen to be on the wrong side of the law and have every intention of staying there, having a cop for a sister isn’t exactly ideal. And teaming up with said sister? Well, that is just the cherry on top of the craptastic pie that has been my life. But when our brother decides to attack us head on, banding together is the least of our problems. Because in our family? Being the hunter also means being the hunted.
Meet Sloane. Blood sucker. Rogue killer. Soul eater. But this huntress is about to be among the hunted. The third book in the Soul Reader series is here!
Excerpt
Simon wiped at his leaking eyes before striding across the grass and pulling me up by my biceps. “He gave you an hour and we’ve wasted enough of it. You have to get ready.”
Dumbstruck, I allowed him to pull me by the forearm back to the house.
“Clem, get their leathers ready,” he called over his shoulder as we crunched over broken glass and fallen books.
The house looked no better than it had a week ago after our little invasion, and I had to wonder how many times it had broken apart and been put back together by magic over the years. Simon muttered to himself for a second before picking through the debris, yanking me behind him to the staircase. An irritated trill pulled my gaze to my feet, and an angry set of glowing green eyes pierced me with an annoyed glare. Simon yanked me again, and Isis wound around his feet nearly tripping him.
“Damn and blast, Isis. It’s not my fault you went and hid under the bed. The whole bloody house was going to fall on us, you mangy feline, and you can’t die.”
She couldn’t? Well, that was new information—and sort of comforting if I was being honest. The world without a little skeleton kitty in it seemed just a bit awful to me. I pulled my arm out of Simon’s hold and picked up the bone cat, cuddling her in my arms as I continued following him up the stairs.
“Did evil Simon leave you behind, my sweet girl. What a bad daddy.” Scratching at her nonexistent fur, I smiled evilly when Simon shot me a look over his shoulder as he muttered something about children these days.
AUTHOR BIO:
Annie Anderson is a military wife and United States Air Force veteran. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she is a southern girl at heart, but has lived all over the US and abroad. As soon as the military stops moving her family around, she’ll settle on a state, but for now she enjoys being a nomad with her husband, two daughters, an old man of a dog, and a young pup that makes life… interesting.
More Than the Game
by Jenni Bara
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publication date: September 14th 2021
Trending on social media is her nightmare.
Beth Evans, former Olympic golden girl, known for a national scandal and daughter of a rising political star, is more than happy to stay out of the spotlight, living life as a normal single mom in a small Jersey town. The last thing Beth needs is Twitter’s favorite bad boy–Marc Demoda–walking into her life to stir things up.
Marc lives for the three b’s; baseball, bars, and ball bunnies, until the unthinkable happened. An accident destroys his shoulder and his career, leaving him desperate to get back in the game. Too bad no one hires notorious bad boys to coach. With his reputation on life support, Marc finds his saving grace might be the feisty blonde he can’t get out of his head.
When pictures of Beth and Marc’s chance encounter blow up on Twitter, they strike a deal to avoid further scandals and fix their image. But even in the harsh public spotlight, their fake relationship begins to feel real. Beth’s growing feelings for Marc have her questioning if she can permanently handle the limelight, just as Marc wonders if Beth might mean more than the game.
Can you tell your readers something about why you chose this particular topic to write about?
My job is heavy and rarely do I see a happy ending – so the happily ever after of romance is a great escape to balance that. And I think if you add in some laughs along the way it makes people feel good.
What appealed to you about it?
The lightness which is the opposite of most things in life. Real life is heavy enough for me, I want something that makes me laugh and ends up happily ever after.
Why do you think it is different and your approach is unique?
With More than the Game, using social media to help drive the story was different and appealed to readers. They love seeing the tweets getting a peak at things sometimes the characters didn’t even know yet.
How long do you think about a topic before deciding to write about it?
I don’t really think about a topic and decide to write about it. Its more the characters just start yapping in my ear and will not stop. The start telling me about who they are and the crazy weird thing that happened to them which becomes the meet cute. And the more I try to ignore them the louder they yell their story at me. Is this not normal? Does this not happen to everyone? LOL
Do you have a set of notes or a note book where you write down topics that appeal before making a decision as to which topic this time?
No I’m weird and plot things out in my head. I get a general idea of the characters where the story is going. And then I just sit down and write it.
How long does it take to research a topic before you write?
So I research probably way more than I need to write my story. For example, my second book I need some farm knowledge – I spent waaaaay to much time learning about equipment and field rotation. But I like to have a working knowledge that the character would have even if I use almost none of it for the book. It helps me get to know my characters better.
And for this book?
I was lucky enough to know a pitching coach in MLB for this book. He answered a lot of questions for me and talked me through a lot of stuff. He also let me talk to a few pitchers and it helped a lot to get in Marc’s head space.
What resources do you use? In general and for the last book that you wrote?
I mean I start with google, but talking to people is the best. Find someone who does it and ask them ALLLLLL the questions.
How helpful do you find authority figures such as the police, medics etc when you say you want to write about them?
I do know a few police officers, a few firefighters, some emt, etc. They would be helpful but I haven’t gotten to write a story using them yet.
How many times have you been rejected before your first novel was accepted or before this book was accepted?
Oh man. So many. And yet not nearly as many as I’ve heard others have gone through. I queried 25 agents total with this book. I had two offers of representation. And both women were super helpful and detailed when I asked so many questions.
Would you recommend self-publishing and building an audience before approaching a publisher? If so, what benefits do you see that it might have for the aspiring novelist?
So neither self nor traditional publishing is wrong or not real. Its more about what you want. Both have pros and cons and both are A LOT of work. I think too many people think I’ll just self-publish because it is easier, that is not true. You have no help and have to wade through the mind field of the industry without back up. And if you don’t do it correctly and check the boxes rarely, are you successful. I also think people wrongly assume if you traditionally publish the publishers do the work for you. No – you still have to edit; you still have to Market- A LOT. I think if you are an author looking to publish a book, you need to do your research and look into both option and understand what you are getting into before you decide which route you want to go.
Does writing provide sufficient income to live on? And how long did it take before this happened? Right now for me – no – it doesn’t. Might it in the future. We will see.
What is the funniest thing that happened to you on a book tour?
Or what is the funniest thing that has happened to you when writing / researching a book?
What do you read when you are ill in bed?
I’m a mom – do we get to be in bed when we are ill??? Man I’m definitely going to tell my kids they’ve been withholding sick days from me. LOL. No seriously when I’m down I always pick up anything by Susan Elizabeth Philips. Her stories are my favorite medicine.
What is your favourite genre?
Romance – contemporary especially if it can make me laugh.
If you could recommend a living author – who would it be?
Susan Elizabeth Philips is my favorite.
Which author had the most influence on your writing? Your writing style? Your writing genre?Susan Elizabeth Philips. The first book I ever read by her—It had to be You—hooked me to romance forever.Her perfect balance of laughter and real-life issues grips your heart while make everyone in the room look at you like your nuts for laughing out loud over a book. My job is heavy and rarely do I see a happy ending – so the happily ever after of romance is a great escape to balance that.
In your opinion who is the funniest author now writing?
I really love Max Monroe for a laugh. That duo cracks me up pretty much every time.
Have you ever tried to imitate another author’s style? And if so, why?
Not really. I have way of telling a story whether verbally or on paper that is very me. However there are plenty of authors that I think do a great job of balance the art of laughs with creating relatable characters that the reader can connect with and I hope to do that as well.
What have you done with the things you wrote when in school?
Lost them. LOL. I’m one of those people who doesn’t hang on to stuff.
Do you have any pets?
Yes
If so, what are they?
We have a Cat – who flips between sweet as sugar and mean as a snake depending on her mood. So basically – I have a normal cat. And then we have paint turtles that my son hatched from eggs eights years ago.
And what are they called?
The cat’s name is Jags. The turtles are named after the seven dwarfs but don’t ask me which is which only my son can tell them apart (and really I think he just makes it up)
Do they help you write? Eg our cats like to sit on my desk/computer and play with my mouse.
No but Jags does sit with me a lot.
What is the funniest thing they have done while you are writing?
Mostly she and Andy (my three year old) spend time terrorizing each other. One minute Jags is scared of Andy the next Andy is scared of Jags. Like ping pong balls.
Which of your books / series are you most proud of?
I don’t know yet.
What, in your life, are you most proud of doing?
My kids are and always will be my greatest accomplishment and what I am the most proud of in life.
Do you have an unusual hobby?
Writing was my unusual hobby. Now its because more of a job. Still adjusting to that. lol
Which is your favourite place to visit? Do you incorporate it into your books?
We have a family house on the coast of Maine. The house is called Poppy’s Point. And it is my favorite place. One of the Evans brothers’ story will take place in Maine. I’m having so much fun with that one. I’m not sure if it’s the setting or Luke. Because he is one of my beta readers favorite characters.
If you could be any fictional character, which would you be? And why?
Belle from Beauty and the Beast because I want to live in a castle with a MASSIVE library.
If you could choose to live in another country/town – which would you choose? And why?
I’d move to the coast. Any coast, I just want to be on the water. I’ve heard that control freaks should live by the water just to be reminded that the tide comes in and out everyday without there in put or okay and life still goes on. Not that I’m a control freak or anything.
What would you take on a desert island to read if you could only take 3 books?
I find this to be a mean question I get three? The Bible. One of Susan Elizabeth Philips books. And some book that teaches me all the skill I need to survive on a desert island because without that I wouldn’t make it long.
Do you people watch to find characters for your books? How do you do this?
My husband always calls it nosey because I do listen and watch people around me all the time. Conversation, mannerism. We will be out to dinner and the conversation of the people in the booth behind me has my full attention. It makes my hubby crazy.
Or do you add some traits from your family and friends into your characters?
Its been pointed out that a lot of my heros have some of my husbands traits. But no I don’t purposely do this. However the support, love, annoyance, teasing, friendship, that the Evans family has, is something that comes from my own family.
What music – if any – do you think inspires you to write? Is it different for each novel or the same? Its different with each book and characters. Although I will hear an arrant song and add it to each novels playlist because each has a tone.
Do you write at home or away from home? If at home, what does your space look like? Are you a tidy person?
Mostly people would say I am a tidy person, my husband who is a total neat freak would say I am not. I write mostly at home, at the table or counter or on the sofa. I don’t have a space.
Do you keep a timeline and character traits pinned up on your wall? On post-its?
The funny answer is of course not these people exist in my mind how could I forget them!!! But really, I have a doc on my computer so I don’t forget stuff. Because its surprising hard to remember so many details especially after you are five or six books into a series.
Were you inspired by any folk stories? If so which ones? And what was it about them that inspired you?
No
Should monsters /criminals be given a second chance? Can they be reformed? What is the best type of prison for them? (you can include paranormals here)
I think anyone can be reformed if THEY want to be. But someone else cant want it for them, they have to want it for themselves.
Who is your favourite pirate and why?
I have nothing. . . . I cant think of a single pirate’s name. Does that make me boring? It’s probably the lack of tv and movies I watch.
Do you enjoy sailing? On a lake or the sea?
This is actually funny. My dad loves to sail. Always has. I get super sea sick. So does my brother Rob. We tried but we spent a lot of time green at the gils and my dad always felt it was unfair that he kids that got seasick. His grandkids have his back though.
Has the pandemic inspired you with any new stories to write? If so, what is the story premise? Not really. But it made me release how much I miss alone time. I don’t know when the last time I was alone, having all the kids and hubby at the house all the time, has been weird.
How many books did you write during Covid19/Lockdown?
I wrote and edited during Covid. But between having all four of my kids home 24-7 and dealing with work – which got busier during covid. It wasn’t an easy time.
If you were asked to write a family saga which century would you place it in?
The Evans series is a family saga and I picked now.
What about turning your best seller into a film or TV series – would you want to write the script or be on the production team?
If this ever happened – I’d want to be able to be including and maybe have some veto power in stuff but really thats not my strong suit. I do not watch any tv or movies, so I wouldn’t know how to do it right.
Do you prefer doctors or nurses as your hero/heroine? Why?
No preference, I come from a very medical family and if I picked one or had an opinion, I’m sure I’d hear about it for YEARS.
What about ‘snark’? is it good or bad?
It has it place, but I think it’s best used sparingly.
Is it easy to write humour?
I think it depends on the person. Some people force humor and its not funny. I’ve heard I write it well. But I don’t think anything about writing is hard. Editing – publishing – marketing – all that stuff is HARD. The actual writing is the fun part.
How easy is it to write a good sex scene? Or baking scene? And do you have to have experienced these things do you think, to write about them successfully?
Hmm Sex and Baking quite the combo. I think I’d write a crappy baking scene. But I’ve never tried to write one. So I guess maybe we’ll see in the future if I give it a go. Sex scenes can be tricky its almost like a game of taboo you need to get the point across without using any word too many times. But the key to a good sex scene is tension, you need to build it for the reader leading up to it.
A challenge: Write 500 or more words including in it at least two of the following statements and 1 of the words. And invent some new words to include in the story.
Feed me now or forever clear up when I poop in your shoe
Pink? I am a tutu wearing cat but never pink!
May your fur be rainbow coloured and your tail a feather
Poopalicious
Humphthingalong
Scatishly
oopsadaisytuttuttut
If my cat could talk it would say I was a …pain in her neck. You have no idea what it’s like to deal with an owner who spend half of her time in lala land. Her mind is mostly in the Evansverse with her imaginary friends and I have to remind her to feed me now or forever clean up when I poop in her shoes. It’s crazy to think it makes this human mad that I would even consider popping in the things she put on her stinky feet but she really yells when I do it. Doesn’t stop her from containing to sit and peck away at the keyboard instead of giving me my third meal most days. So, I end up sitting on her lap just to make sure she doesn’t forget to include fur babies in stories. To make it worse her first book included dogs! What does a dog have that a cat doesn’t? She said one time it’s because dogs don’t randomly sneak up and attack their owners’ feet, but I think she was annoyed that I left hair on her pants. Its not my fault I shed, and to be fair, my hair is much shorter than the hair she sheds everywhere she goes. And even if she doesn’t admit I know she loves it when I snuggle on her legs keeping her warm. Even if she still kicks me off her lap when one of the little people that rule the house yell from the bathroom that they need her help because they had a poopalicious poop and need wiping. The lengths cats have to go to deal with humans is just beyond me.
if you could be an animal which animal would you be? Give three reasons. You may NOT choose to be a dog or a cat.
I would be a fish. I love the water. To be able to be in the peaceful silence of the ocean every day is a dream. And to get to see what the ocean looks like when no humans are around is too cool to give up. Plus I’d love to see what its like to be a fish when the water get crazy in storm are they flipping around like crazy? Or do they not even notice? The questions that haunt me – lol
How many ‘packs’ should a hero have? Are 8 too many and what might a character lick off them? Why?
8 – 10 -12 the more the merrier. Haha. Maybe 12 is too many. Truthfully it depends on the character, one who works out should have a pack. One who doesn’t wont. My second book the guy doenst have any sort of pack. And that doesn’t make him any less sexy. I vote for licking coffee off of them. Because we all need more coffee in our life. 😊
What music inspires you? And which instrument is best for which scenes?
I play the piano so I use that in my second book. But all music inspires me.
AUTHOR BIO:
Jenni Bara lives in New Jersey working as a paralegal in family law, writing real-life unhappily ever-afters every day. In turn, she spends her free time with anything that keeps her laughing, including life with four kids, or five, if you count her husband. She is just starting her career as a romance author writing books with a great balance of life, love, and laughter.
Renovated: A Workplace Romance
Blake Brothers #1
Nikki Kiley
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publication date: August 5th 2021
They’ve been hired to remodel a mansion. Will they end up getting a room? Marisa Sanchez has grand designs for her future. After taking over her grandfather’s construction firm, the successful vlogger and civil engineer is about to take the next step with a new show on the Home Design Network. But she’s not pleased to find out she can only have the lucrative gig if she agrees to work with a handsome rival. Levi Chance takes the responsibility of providing for his brothers seriously. So when his biggest client asks him to come into the spotlight to co-host a new program, he reluctantly accepts. But he fears the pretty, camera-loving partner he’s been assigned might bring his top-notch reputation tumbling down if she can’t deliver the goods. Discovering her teammate is quite capable, Marisa battles her attraction to him as she ambitiously turns the project upside down. And the more Levi works with the smart Latina, the more he worries he’s about to push the “no sex” morality clause in their contract into forbidden territory. Will Marisa and Levi’s fixer-upper turn into a happily together forever? Renovated is the charming first book in the moving Chance Brothers contemporary romance series. If you like sparkling attractions, comedic moments, and steamy action, then you’ll love Nikki Kiley’s well-built romp.
Can you tell your readers something about why you chose this particular topic to write about? What appealed to you about it? Why do you think it is different and your approach is unique?
My fascination with home renovation began as a superfan of HGTV, Discovery, and E! Entertainment. I couldn’t help but imagine myself as the homeowner that needed to confront the various scenarios, budget, choices, the letdowns when things didn’t work out, and the joy of the final walk-through with the TV host. It’s corny; my husband and I would–and still do–watch the shows where the guests travel to foreign countries and choose between three different homes, and we’ll make a game of guessing which they decided, based on the future homeowner’s personalities. When the lockdown became our reality, I put my imagination to work on overdrive. I immersed myself in the behind-the-scenes of tv production companies and learned what happens in the production of Home Renovation shows and Home construction for TV. I had the idea of a protagonist, a mid-twenties Latina with the preparation, looks, and desire to make a name for herself in reality TV, focusing on home design. It was just a matter of getting it down on paper (or on my computer, haha)
How long do you think about a topic before deciding to write about it? Do you have a set of notes or a notebook where you write down topics that appeal before deciding as to which topic this time?
The idea behind Renovated percolated for close to a year. I dreamt of it, gave it shape, plotted in my mind until I could no longer fight the words that needed an outlet. I thought about the series, their future partners, tropes, and the misbeliefs. In each story I ask my characters, “Okay, what’s your issue? How are we going to find the one? Who will it be, and how can I create enough conflict to make it riveting”.
What resources do you use? In general, and for the last book that you wrote?
I started using excel spreadsheets, then I discovered PLOTTR (game changer), Scrivener(I’m probably using a tenth of its potential), Microsoft Word(when in the editing stage). I use a mix of Save the Cat and Gwen Hayes Romancing the Beat to outline. I’m 100% a plantser: I do very detailed outlines but swerve off the path when my characters develop a mind of their own and deviate from my storyline.
How helpful do you find authority figures such as the police, medics, etc when you say you want to write about them? Is there a good way to approach them in your experience?
My experience has been very positive when asking professionals for feedback about their profession or even advice. One of the books in my series will be about a home stager that falls for one of the Chance brothers. I was fortunate that I knew in Miami a very successful home stager, my sister’s sister-in-law. I spent the day observing and asked numerous questions of everyone that worked the home staging process. People love sharing what they know, and if they love what they do, even more so.
I will say, “I am writing a book. Can I pick your brain for purely research purposes?” In my experience, thus far, people are flattered that you have an interest in their life or job and are more than happy to answer questions and share details about their profession.
If you need specialist knowledge to write a book, how do you obtain it? For instance, do you interview people? Go to the location? Use Google Earth? Apps?
I’ve googled so much during the lockdown. My book takes place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Miami, Florida. I know those places extremely well. For Tennessee, I googled for details. When things are a bit easier, I would love to go and visit Nashville to do some reconnaissance. My book is about the behind-the-scenes of the Home Renovation production company and the individuals that make up that world. Thank God for Google once again. There’s a lot on the internet, and It’s easy to fall through the research rabbit hole.
Did you need to self-publish on ebooks before a publisher took you up?
I chose to self-publish from the very beginning. I never entertained the idea of looking for a publisher. I wasn’t waiting for someone else to make my dreams of becoming a published author a reality.
Would you recommend self-publishing and building an audience before approaching a publisher? If so, what benefits do you see that it might have for the aspiring novelist?
I never entertained the thought of a publisher since I decided that I was going straight to Indie. But if I am blessed enough to garner an audience and am approached by a publishing house I would consider it. One thing people who aren’t in the industry hardly realize is that you have to put on a lot of hats with self-publishing. You are not only the writer, but you are also the advertiser, the researcher, etc.
I consider self-publishing and building an audience similar to the concept of the newsletter. It’s essential to make a connection with your readers, and at the end of the day, your fans belong to you, follow you, and will back your books.
What do you read when you are ill in bed?
When I am sick––which thankfully doesn’t happen very often––it’s Paranormal romance for me. I get to stretch my imagination and construct the author’s world-building in my mind. I forget that I’m sick for a while. I am a huge fan of Shelly Laurenston (Her shifter romances), Lora Leigh (Breed Series), and Laurann Dohner(New Species). Alpha Males that have animal DNA. Wait, there’s a pattern there somewhere.
What is your favorite genre?
Romance, Paranormal, Contemporary, Rom Com––all Steamy.
If you could recommend a living author – who would it be? A dead author?
Penny Reid, Roni Loren, Devney Perry, Shelly Laurensten, Vi Keeland, the list could go on and on. All of them are fabulous at their craft. I love their writing: clever writing, strong women, great conflict, and a guaranteed HEA or HFN.
In your opinion, who is the funniest author now writing?
Penny Reid – Winston Brothers Series
Pippa Grant is Rom-Com personified.
Have you ever tried to imitate another author’s style? And if so, why?
There are so many talented and fabulous authors. I just want to write my story in the best way possible. I know what’s good. We all know good writing and literature. But it’s when you are putting actual words on the screen that you realize how damn hard the process is.
Do you have any pets?
If so, what are they? I have a bullmastiff named Kira, the epitome of a gentle giant. She‘s even written into my book Renovated and will be the family dog in all the Chance Series.
And what are they called? Kira
Do they help you write? Kira sits with me all day. Until she wants food, to walk, water, or a treat, then she’s the boss.
What is the funniest thing they have done while you are writing? Kira just sleeps a lot. But at nine years old, she can do what she wants.
Which of your books are you most proud of?
Renovated is my first book, so I am partial to it. I am proud of the fact that I realized I could finish a book and get it published. I slew that monster, and now I’m on to the next.
What, in your life, are you most proud of doing?
On a personal level, raising my children to be two incredible young adults and my thirty-two years with my husband, on a professional level, passing my CPA exam and holding my book in paperback. Nothing says a published author more than having the evidence in your hand.
Do you have an unusual hobby? Is it related to the books you write? Or is it for relaxation? Is it dangerous/ adventurous/ requires travel?
I love to travel. I live in Puerto Rico. Therefore we have to travel by plane to get everywhere. There’s no getting in the car and traveling to the next state over. Learning about the world and experiencing their cultures is extremely important to me as an individual and family. Pre-pandemic, we traveled to South Africa and stayed on a reserve, traveled to Zimbabwe, sailed the Nile, and climbed Machu Picchu. Hopefully, one day we can all return to a normal where we can travel and visit without fear.
Which is your favorite place to visit? Do you incorporate it into your books?
I love Florida, and it plays a central figure in my book, the different cultures that make up the state’s personality are front and center in my book.
If you could be any fictional character, which would you be? And why?
When I was young, it was Nancy Drew. As I got older, it was Mrs. Marple. Then I read J D Robb__ Eve Dallas. I think I see another pattern forming. Funny, I love romance but see myself as Angela Fletcher of Murder She Wrote.
If you could choose to live in another country/town – which would you choose? And why?
Rome, Italy, or San Sebastian, Spain. I believe I’m motivated by the food in those countries. London, England because I’m a secret anglophile. But deep down inside, they would all be to visit. I love the United States and could not see myself living in any place other than here.
What music – if any – do you think inspires you to write? Is it different for each novel or the same?
I create a Spotify list for each book, within songs that inspire the trope. In Renovated, it’s a Puerto Rican girl raised in Miami, so my mix has many Spanish songs. I get into the zone, don’t even hear the words after a while. You can link the playlist here https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4oSpGIl0iONNoDY6NIqaMb?si=68e1f00b33704916.
Do you write at home or away from home? If at home, what does your space look like? Are you a tidy person? If away from home – where and why?
Since the lockdown and the pandemic have not been very conducive to coffee shop writing, I write at home.
I have a home office, but when the muse leaves me, it’s in bed from nine to midnight, just me and my laptop. My husband’s a saint and sleeps by my side while I write into the night.
Do you keep a timeline and character traits pinned up on your wall? On post-its? How do you remember important items about your characters like height, weight, coloring, likes and dislikes, etc.?
Plottr (not sponsored) has been instrumental in creating my timelines and character descriptions. I have now started using the Enneagram for character development. In Scrivner, I also keep a detailed character sheet that I transfered from Plottr, which I then add to.
Do you enjoy sailing? On a lake or the sea? And what about tall-masted ships- are they better than engines or?
I’m more of a motorboat person, I want to get to the endpoint, to start the trip and the fun fast. Not so much into the journey, more the destination. I wonder what that says about me.
Has the pandemic inspired you with any new stories to write? If so, what is the story premise?
The pandemic inspired me to finish my first book finally made me realize that life is too short not to acknowledge your deep-seated dreams.
Do you prefer doctors or nurses as your hero/heroine? Why?
I’ve been married to a doctor for over thirty years, and my daughter is studying medicine, so from a practical perspective, I have more input from them. Since he was a med student, I have been with my husband, and I have seen my daughter go through the same thing. Plus, my day job is running my husband’s office, and I’m a witness to the ins and outs of hospitals and patients.
But, on the other hand, writing a romance with a doctor as the protagonist is a bit difficult since I have first-hand experience of how little free time doctors have––especially when they are starting, so a hero/heroine that’s a nurse is a bit easier to make realistic (But I’ll have to research that premise since I really haven’t investigated that either)
What about ‘snark’? Is it good or bad?
I love reading snarky characters, but I have now realized how difficult they are to write because there is that fine line between snarky and being considered bitchy.
Is it easy to write humor?
Writing humor is not easy at all. It’s incredibly different from in-person humor, as you really have to have a mastery of writing to be able to look at every aspect of a scene to find the humor in the situation, then exploit it for all it’s worth.
How easy is it to write a good sex scene? And do you have to have experienced these things, do you think, to write about them successfully?
Ugh, I sweated the sex scenes. I’ve taken classes on creating sexual tension and writing sex scenes, read books and blogs. It was crucial for me to write them because I wanted to write the type of book I liked to read. I love books with steamy sex scenes, and I take my hat off to all those authors who make it look easy. I need to delve into all the senses, so much of the sex scene is mental, and you have to keep that constantly present in the execution of writing it. It’s what your characters are thinking, feeling, experiencing at the moment, all immortalized on the page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nikki Kiley is an aspiring author of Contemporary Romance. Since she was a young girl, she dreamt of writing stories that would entertain and move her readers, like she was and still is, by talented authors.
When not working the day job running a medical office, she spends hours crafting and writing stories about heroes and heroines earning their chance at love. She makes her home in Puerto Rico with her husband, two young adult children, and a gentle giant, the bull mastiff, Kira.
She loves the beach, her Nespresso maker, and cupcakes (S’more in particular).
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