Lyssa Layne's Blog, page 18
July 12, 2014
Saturday Morning Characters: Rosemary Spelling from Murderous Lies by Chantel Rhondeau
Welcome to another edition of Saturday Morning Characters! Today we’ll get to know Rosemary Spelling from Murderous Lies by Chantel Rhondeau.
Introduction to Rosemary from Chantel Rhondeau
Hi Chantel! Thanks for visiting with me today. Please tell me a little bit about Rosemary Spelling.
I’ve been writing for the last eight years, but started publishing two years ago when I found my true writing love—Romantic Suspense! Rosemary Spelling is the heroine of my new release, Murderous Lies. Her story came to me in a dream and she had such a strong voice, she just wouldn’t let me go, even though I had books that should have been written before hers.
Tell us more about Murderous Lies.
Rosemary has to face Max, the man she has always believed murdered her sister, when he is exonerated and released from prison. Her heart is in conflict, because Max is also her ex-fiancé and the only man she’s ever really loved. When her life is threatened, the police believe Max is back up to his old tricks, but Rose questions that. Max is determined to find the real killer and win her back.
Do you relate to Rosemary? If so, how?
Rose is very strong and practical, probably more so than I am. She works hard to do what needs to be done. I really admire her.
Is Rosemary based off someone you know in real life?
I take character traits that I see in people and also a lot of traits from myself, but my characters are never based on any one person.
In real life, would you and Rosemary hang out?
I like Rose, but she’s much too busy trying to take care of her mother and keep her life from falling apart to hang out. I do think we’d be friends, though.
What would you two discuss over drinks?
Cats. Rose’s furry little friend is the only character I’ve ever had based on a real-life ‘person.’ Gizmo is my cat in real life and my writing buddy, and he’s Rose’s best friend in the book.
Why do you love this character?
I love Rose’s determination to keep pushing forward no matter the odds stacked against her.
Anything else we need to know about her?
Before her sister’s murder, Rose had plans to become a music teacher. She had to give that dream up when her mom had a mental breakdown, but she still plays the piano beautifully.
Interview with Rosemary Spelling
Hi Rosemary! We’ll start off easy with your favorites. Tell us your favorite and why:
Color- White – it is clean and uncomplicated
Food- Well, Max made me delicious orange chicken. I love anything, really, that isn’t a crappy frozen meal.
Drink- I mostly drink water, but I love an occasional beer.
Subject in school- Music, definitely. I wanted to be a music teacher, but that dream died with my sister.
Where did you grow up?
A cute little house on the lake in Clarkston, Oregon. My life seemed so magical as a kid and teenager. When Mom had her mental breakdown and burned it to the ground, I had to move into a place that isn’t so nice.
Tell us about your family…
My baby sister was a brat, but I loved her dearly. I’m the one who found her body, and it still haunts me. I miss her. Dad couldn’t handle the stress and flaked out, got himself a new family. It’s just Mom and I now. I had to put her in an institution so that I can work without worrying about her hurting herself while I’m gone, but I keep hoping one day she will snap out of her delusions.
How did your last relationship end?
Max is my only real relationship. After he was arrested for Sage’s murder, I never spoke to him again until he showed back up at town.
Tell us your thoughts on love.
I want all those things, I really do. But I don’t have time for anything but work right now. Luckily, my cat snuggles with me every night, so I’m not too lonely.
Is it true you were going to break off your engagement to Max in order to go to college?
Yes, it’s true. Stupid, right? As a teenager, I thought getting out of Clarkston and following my dreams was more important than love. I feel horrible for hurting Max—when he first came back to town, I told him the truth and it crushed him.
Thanks Rosemary and Chantel for stopping by today! For a limited time, Murderous Lies is on sale for only 99 cents!
Be sure to stay in touch with Chantel and read Rosemary’s story on the following connections:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Chantel-Rhondeau/e/B008ZSM1KQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
KOBO: http://bit.ly/1i32rym
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1p786Uq
Apple iBooks: http://bit.ly/UEU9SR
All Romance eReads: http://bit.ly/1qZf11n
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1qngtgs
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SMFGlS
Website: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com
Cyber Stalk on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ChantelRhondeau
Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChantelRhondeau
Check out all Chantel’s available titles: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com/p/my-available-titles.html
July 10, 2014
Love is a Fire Blog Tour Giveaways!
Next week is the Love is a Fire Blog Tour and I have some awesome prizes to give away. You’ll be sure to want to check back daily for more chances to win or maybe even some random prizes! Here’s what’s up for grabs:
5 e-books of Love is a Fire
Love is a Fire
1 e-book of I Call Him Brady by K.S. Thomas
1 e-book of Razor’s Edge by Racquel Reck
1 e-book of choice of Melissa Keir’s
(choices include: Second Time’s a Charm, Three’s a Crowd, or Protecting His Wolfe)
1 e-book of Taming Romeo by Rachelle Ayala
Sprouts and Sprockets is donating $10 gift card to their shop
Allison at Creations by Accident is donating this Firefighter’s Charm Br acelet
Joslyn from Made with Love is donating this beautiful pearl bracelet
Jessi from PineWind is donating this gorgeous champagne wire-wrapped pearl rings.
Tiffani from Yellow Chick Designs is donating one set of these coffee magnets.
Lindsay from donated this pair of anchor earrings
AND the coolest prize of all, naming rights of one of the characters in the sequel Burst Into Flame!
July 9, 2014
Ten Year Crush Cover Reveal by Toshia Slade
Fellow indie author, and my new friend, Toshia Slade has wrote an awesome story about love that’s meant to be. Lucky me, I’ve already got to read it and I’m telling you now that you MUST add it to your to-read shelf. Today is her big cover real for her book Ten Year Crush so without further ado…
Title: Ten Year CrushAuthor: Toshia SladeCover Design: Pixel Mischief Design
Expected Release Date: August 2014
SYNOPSIS
Sometimes a crush can break you.
When Gabby Murphy landed in her brother’s best friend’s lap her whole world
shifted.
But after years of watching Cam go through women her heart can’t take anymore.
Now in college, she’s finally ready to get on with her life. Her new boyfriend
is the perfect man to squash her craving for Cam. But her boyfriend has an
addiction, an obsession that Gabby soon finds out he can’t let go.
Some cravings last forever.
When Camron Taylor received a thump to the head, he couldn’t help but adore
Gabby. When she grows from cute kid to desirable woman his imagination goes to
places it shouldn’t. Afraid of ruining friendships he pushes her away. Until
something seems off with her new boyfriend.
The past isn’t always left there.
Cam is the savior she’s always needed. Gabby is the woman he’s always coveted.
When past mistakes come back with a vengeance will their love be strong enough
to fight it? Or will the past keep them apart?
ADD TO GOODREADS
AUTHOR BIO
Toshia resides in Nicholasville, Kentucky with her husband, son, a dog, and a cat. Growing up in the small area known as Poosey she was a tom-boy and country girl at heart. At nineteen she married her husband, and then at twenty-one was blessed with a beautiful baby boy. She’s been a stay-at-home mom since he was born, enjoying watching her son grow up.
Now, five years later, she is an avid reader and known in the book world as a reviewer. She is currently running a group for another author on Facebook. It was there, in that group, that she found the strength and courage to write her own book. Always having a love for writing, she finally said. “I can do this, I can write my own book and share the stories that are in my head.” She’s gearing up to release her first book Ten Year Crush.
AUTHOR LINKS
GOODREADS
GIVEAWAY
July 8, 2014
Love is a Fire Blog Tour Coming Next Week!
I’m happy to announce that next week I’ll be partnering with many book lovers in part of the Love is a Fire Book Blog Tour! You’ll be able to find excerpts, author interviews, and I’m most excited about the character interviews! Who wants more Katy and Nick? I know I sure do!
Plus I’ll have lots of giveaways from the awesome ladies of Etsy, K.S. Thomas, Racquel Reck, Melissa Keir, and Rachelle Ayala. There will be ONE amazing giveaway that you’ll all be fighting over! Check back next week to vsiit with the blogs on tour and enter for a chance at the awesome prizes. Oh and during the tour (July 14-20) Love is a Fire will be available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for only 99 cents!
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, July 14
Tuesday, July 15
Multitaskingmommas Book Reviews
Wednesday, July 16
Thursday, July 17
Friday, July 18
Saturday, July 19
Sunday, July 20
July 5, 2014
Saturday Morning Characters: Bipp from Secrets of the Elders
Good Saturday Morning! Today we’ll be meeting Bipp from David Matthew Almond‘s novel Secrets of the Elders. Today is a day of first! It’s my first male author to participate in Saturday Morning Characters AND my first time to interview a gnome!
Introduction to Bipp from David Matthew Almond
Hi there David and welcome to Saturday Morning Characters! Tell us a little bit about yourself and Bipp who I’m excited to meet.
‘ello there! I am and have always been an avid reader of all genres. If it is good I will give it a whirl. Since I was little I have wanted to write stories, there has always been that unyielding itch below the surface that keeps bubbling up again and begging to be scratched. As generally happens, life got in the way and I spent the last 19 years working in IT and then running restaurants with ever growing responsibility and shrinking time. The last several years I committed to making the time to write and it has been the most fulfilling experience of my life.
Bipp is one of the supporting characters in Secrets of the Elders. He is a three foot tall gnome engineer who is lost in the wilds after a series of unfortunate circumstances. However, this works out to his favor, as he meets the human who will become his best friend, Logan Walker.
Sounds interesting, tell me more about Secrets of the Elders.
Secrets of the Elders is a tale of awakenings more than anything else. The story is an epic fantasy about two brothers who are set on a perilous journey to warn the capitol of an impending attack, only to find out the dangerous truth about their existence in Vanidriell. The entire story takes place inside the planet of Acadia, where humanity was forced to flee, after the jotnar invasion on the surface over two and a half centuries before.
I know he’s a gnome, but do you relate to Bipp?
Bipp is a relatable little gnome. He is funny, enjoying everything life has to offer, and loyal to a fault. He’s not much like me. Where I see dark clouds, Bipp sees rain for the flowers.
Is this character based off someone you know in real life?
What do you mean? He is based off himself, Bilfrillbipp Bobblefuzz, but his friend’s call him Bipp for short. He is a gnome engineer from the town of Dudje that I met traveling the wilds of Vanidriell.
In real life, would you hang out with this character?
Me and Bipp actually hang out quite a bit between books. He is a riot to have a couple drinks with, though he does partake a bit too much at times. When you pop in the pub, he is the gnome you are sure to find dancing a jig on the bar with a pint in one hand and a ham “sammich” in the other.
Why do you love this character?
It is kind of hard not to love Bipp, he’s just so damned hilarious to me. Whenever I am writing a scene, he tends to pop up with the most random actions. For me as a writer, he is the one character I just cannot control! Oh… here he comes now. David holds a finger up to his lips, winking with a smirk as Bipp enters the room. The gnome has done his level best to clean up for the interview. He is wearing a grey tunic and brown wool breeches, with shiny polished and buckled black leather boots that come up to his stubby knees. His mane of silver-grey hair has been neatly combed into a wavy point, leaving him with an almost Elvis impersonator style, signs that the gnome used a bit too much hair gel in the dressing room. He even combed his thick overgrown silver sideburns and eyebrows neatly in place. Bipp shuffles into his seat with a wide grin, he looks as if he is going to explode from the excitement of being interviewed by Lyssa, who stares at the nervous gnome with amusement laced around her infectious smile. With a soft giggle he hands Lyssa a crooked, white, sun daisy that looks as though it had been carried around a bit too long.
Interview with Bipp
Hi Bipp, is it okay if I call you Bipp? I don’t think I can pronounce your full name!
Name’s Bilfrillbipp Bobblefuzz! I am the head of the Dudje engineer’s guild, specializing in all things mechanical. Lately I find myself adventuring through the ruins of Ul’kor with my new pal Logan. Never did think I’d be one for such things, but it sure does get my heart pumping! Plus, there is no way I am leaving my pal Logan out there all alone to figure out what those Elder’s in Fal are really up to.
I’ve never interview a gnome before so you’ll have to forgive me but can you tell me some of your favorites?
Word- Garbanzo! It’s funny on the tongue isn’t it? Say it with me, garbanzo, garrr-ban-zooo! Bipp chuckles to himself, rubbing his oversized bulbous nose.
Color- Red, and not cause of those funny hats you human folk think we all wear! It just reminds me of the crimson lilies that grow in my da’s mushroom garden, makes me smile.
Food- Yes please! David shakes his head at Bipp, who blushes slightly and shuffles in his seat. Oh sorry, I thought you were offering. Nothing finer than my Aunt Tilly’s honeyed ham, makes me drool just to think about. I brought some for you as a gift, it’s in the dressing room. Better watch that assistant of yours though, I saw him eyeing it something fierce before I came in here.
Drink- Scrum! Five pints a night is sure to keep you healthy!
Subject in school- Hmmm… it is hard to choose, I loved university, some of the best years those were. If I had to choose between ancient lore, linguistics, mechanical engineering, trap mastery, mining for dummies, Acadian script or… Bipp stops speaking, lost in thought running over all the subjects he has mastered over the years. David gives him a little nudge and the gnome blinks, snapping out of his reverie and scratches his round nose again with a sheepish grin. What was the question again?
Why did your last relationship end?
That would be Ambrosia Quikle. Ah, she was a lovely lass, fair skinned and sharp as a whip. Was about all she could take finding me passed out in the turnip beds behind her apartment for the umpteenth time. I always thought if I only made those last couple steps it wouldn’t have ended but… eh you know how it goes, the one that got away.
Thanks Bipp and David for stopping by! I can now officially say that I’ve interviewed and met a gnome. I might even go out for a drink with these guys! Be sure to check out David’s book Secrets from the Elders and follow him on all his media channels:
Website: http://www.davidmatthewalmond.com
Blog: http://www.davidmatthewalmond.com/under-the-almond-tree
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/davidmatthewalmond
Twitter: @DavidMAlmond
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22433642-secrets-of-the-elders
Purchase links: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KSFZSU4
Win an autographed copy of the Science Fiction Fantasy epic adventure, Secrets of the Elders, Chronicles of Acadia Book 1. David is running the contest from 6/6/14 to 7/6/14. Submit your entry on Goodreads today! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22433642-secrets-of-the-elders
More about David’s book…
After their peaceful village, Riverbell, is raided by the foul monstrous skex, brothers Logan and Corbin Walker find themselves caught in a race against time, desperate to warn the capitol before the deadly skex arrive to wreak the same havoc upon the unsuspecting people of Fal.
Never could they imagine, that this would only be the very beginning of their unforgettable journey, when Logan is suddenly exiled from the kingdom for a crime he did not commit. On the run, doggedly avoiding his own brother, sent to pursue the wanted criminal, can Logan Walker possibly hope to stay free long enough to unravel the Secrets of the Elders?
And So the Fourth Age of Acadia begins…
The World of Acadia
Ages long past, forced to abandon the surface, mankind descended inside the core of their planet, fleeing an impending xenocide at the hands of the mighty Jotnar invaders and settling a new homeland among the deep forests in the wide caverns of Vanidriell, under the light of the Great Crystal Baetylus.
June 28, 2014
Saturday Morning Characters: Caroline Carlisle from Trails in the Sand by P.C. Zick
Good Saturday morning! Today we’re going to meet Caroline Carlisle from Trails of in the Sand by P.C. Zick. 
Introduction to Caroline Carlisle from P.C. Zick
Good morning Ms. Zick! Please, in your words, give us a brief summary of your book.
When environmental writer Caroline Carlisle sets off to report on endangered sea turtles during the BP oil spill in 2010, the last thing she expects is to do is uncover family secrets. The long-kept secrets threaten to destroy her family, unless she can heal the hurts from a lifetime of lies. To make matters worse, Caroline’s love for her late sister’s husband, Simon, creates an uproar in a southern family already set on a collision course with its past. Using the BP oil spill timeline and facts as the backdrop, Trails in the Sand explores the fight to restore balance and peace, in nature and in a family, as both spiral toward disaster. The battle between wildlife conservation and the oil spill serves as an example of the conflicts plaguing one family whose secrets have remained hidden until Caroline learns more about her grandfather’s history and her mother’s trauma during her teenage years. As the sea turtle leaves trails leading to the nests laid in the sand, secret journals leave another type of trail for Caroline to follow. Trails in the Sand is set in the Panhandle of Florida and the east coast near St. Augustine. Florida’s Panhandle beaches, including St. George Island, off the coast near Apalachicola in the Gulf of Mexico, are home to hundreds of sea turtle nests each summer. When the oil spill threatens to come ashore on Florida’s Panhandle beaches, conservationists and wildlife managers join together in an historic effort to save the sea turtle eggs by moving them across the state to Cape Canaveral. As the oil from BP’s oil spill continues to spew forth into the Gulf of Mexico, urgency to save Florida wildlife mounts. It’s in this atmosphere that Caroline discovers the truth about her family as she writes stories about the rescue of the eggs. Do you relate to this character? Absolutely. I’ve been a reporter; I’ve loved someone from afar for a long time; and I worked with the state (Florida) on the rescue of sea turtle eggs from the Panhandle beaches. However, she’s much stronger than I’ve ever been. She’s smarter, too. I would say I created Caroline as the person I’d like to be. I recently received a review for Trails in the Sand where they said , “I was impressed by how Ms. Zick never portrayed Caroline in heroic terms, yet still managed to make her compelling and somebody we root for. . .” Is this character based off someone you know in real life? She’s a composite of several characters. That’s usually how I create most of my characters, and always, deep inside, there’s a bit of me. In real life, would you hang out with this character? Caroline and I would be great friends. We have a lot in common and we both would have plenty of “mother” stories to share from different perspectives. Caroline’s mother, Gladdy, is definitely a “southern belle” while mine’s a Yankee all the way. What would you two discuss over drinks? We’d discuss the crazy folks of Florida who we both have interviewed. And, of course, we’d discuss love. Why do you love Caroline? I love her intelligence and her ability to let comments roll off her back. She’s not as sensitive as I am, and I love learning from her. Anything else we need to know about her? In some ways, Caroline was the victim of verbal and mental child abuse. However, her father saved her from ever believing any of the nonsense her mother spouted.
Interview with Caroline Carlisle
Hi Caroline, please tell us a little bit about yourself. My name is Caroline Carlisle, and I grew up in Calico, Florida, which is in the northern part of the state. I attended college in St. Augustine and fell in love with the beaches, estuaries, and marshes. I’m a writer at heart, but to please my mother I majored in marine biology. I moved to the Everglades soon after my graduation from college where I fell in love with the “river of grass” and made it my home for twenty years. Let’s start off simple, tell me some of your favorites. Word- juxtaposition because it’s fun to say and to work it into a sentence Color-green and red – the color of the tomato plants my husband grows Food-anything grown by Simon in his vegetable garden because that’s where we first fell in love Drink-white wine or champagne because it’s a good cold drink for the hot Florida climate Subject in school- Creative writing was always my love along with anything to do with nature. I love writing about the things I see and experience while on the water Where did you grow up? In a small town in northern Florida. My grandparents raised their six children there and all of them stayed in Calico to raise their children. Tell us about your family… My mother is Gladys Stokley Carlisle. Her father was the town’s doctor—he had an office right inside their home. She had four older sisters and a brother near her age. The brother Alex drowned when Gladdy was sixteen, and she witnessed it. That set the course for her life and for mine as well as my sister Amy. Amy is five years older than me, and she and I never got along. Amy is an anorexic thanks to Momma. I’ve always been what Momma called “plump” but my father called “just right.” My father loved my mother for some crazy reason even though she treated him like crap. I married twice before finally marrying the love of my life. Simon and I married after my sister, his wife, died. I have four crazy aunts who were expert in keeping the family secrets. Why did your last relationship end? My second husband and I simply grew apart. We never really loved one another, but we liked the companionship and the independence. He was a sports writer traveling around the country, and my writing took me many places as well. Finally, he fell in love with someone who loved him back. It was an easy split with no hard feelings. What are your thoughts on love? I always loved Simon even though he was five years older than I was and groomed to marry my sister by Momma. They married just as I was graduating from high school. Simon stayed with her through her illness, and I stayed away. I never thought I’d be a mother, but life has a way of happening. I can’t say much more. You’ll just have to read Trails in the Sand to learn more! Thanks for taking the time to meet with me, Caroline! Stay in touch with Ms. Zick to find out what family secrets Caroline discovers. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, her website, her blog, or Goodreads. You can purchase your own copy of Trails in the Sand on Amazon.
June 24, 2014
Just One More Romance Facebook Takeover!!!
I have exciting news! This Saturday, June 28, I will be taking over Just One More Romance’s Facebook page from 8:00-9:00PM EST. That’s 7PM for those of you in the Midwest. I’ll be discussing Love is a Fire and will answer any questions you may have. Katy, Nick, and maybe even Jesse will also stop by to say hello and answer a few questions. Plus there will also be opportunities to win a free copy of Love is a Fire and awesome gifts from some fabulous Etsy stores. I’ll give you a preview of some of the awesome prizes that’ll be up for grabs.
Melissa from Sprouts and Sprockets is donating 4 vintage bottlecap magnets.Bonnie from Rings by Bonnie is donating this gorgeous Fire and Ice Red Wire Wrapped Ring. 
Amy from Twisted Dreams Jewelry is donated this “I heart a firefighter” bottlecap keychain. I know I heart more than one firefighter, how about you?
Bridget from The Hester Collection is giving away toupe and brown bracelet. She does fantastic work and is super sweet!
OMG! I love these Maraschino Cherry glass heart earrings from Laura at Lacy Laura Gray.
The Garrity women would love wearing this bracelet from Allison at Creations by Accident.Joslyn from Made with Love is donating this beautiful pearl bracelet that will match Katy’s ring perfectly!
Joslyn is also donating this Firefighter Awareness bracelet. I could see all of the Garrity women wearing this.
Jessi from PineWind is donating three of these gorgeous champagne wire-wrapped pearl rings. Remind anyone of Katy?
Check back more giveaways are confirmed and show some lovely to these lovely ladies! I’ll see you all Saturday at 8PM EST on Just One More Romance’s Facebook page.
June 23, 2014
Meet My Main Characters Blog Tour
Today I am participating in the Meet My Main Characters Blog Tour. Michele M. Reynolds from Writer + Wilderness Girl Under It All invited me to participate so a big shout out to her! Today I’m going to tell you a bit about Jesse O’Neil, the main character from my upcoming book Burst Into Flame.
1) What is the name of your character? Is he fictional or a historic person?
Jesse O’Neil is totally fictional yet not historic.
2) When and where is the story set?
Jesse’s story is set in modern day New York City.
3) What should we know about him?
Jesse is an only child but his best buddy Nick Garrity is like his brother. He’s a total playboy and has never wanted to settle down until recently.
4) What is the main conflict? What messes up his life?
Jesse’s past is coming back to haunt him. He’s finally found a woman that he wants to settle down with but he has to get the past behind him before he loses her.
5) What is the personal goal of the character?
Get the girl!
6) Is there a working title for this novel?
The title is Burst Into Flame which comes from a quote by Albert Schweitzer.
“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”
-Albert Schweitzer
7) When can we expect the book to be published?
Hopefully by the end of this year! I know my Love is a Fire fans are anxious to find out what happens next so I’m busy working on it. The story was actually written before I published Love is a Fire so I’m in the revision, editing stage right now.
Be sure to tune in next week to find out more about characters from Raquel Reck!
June 21, 2014
Saturday Morning Characters: Morgan from Razor’s Edge by Racquel Reck
Good Saturday morning everyone! Today’s Saturday morning character is Morgan from Razor’s Edge by Racquel Reck.
Introduction to Morgan from Racquel Reck
Hi Racquel! Thanks for waking up this morning to do this interview. Tell me about yourself and Morgan from Razor’s Edge. FYI-I love the cover!
I’ve been writing my whole life but about five years ago I began to take it more seriously. I’ve written a total of ten unpublished novels and have a muse who is majorly hyperactive. But I decided to take a chance and self-publish my novel Razor’s Edge. It’s due to release this month on the 20th.
Morgan is a happy go lucky pothead on the outside but on the inside he deals with the death of his father and the abuse he received from his mother. He drowns himself in heavy metal music and strives to make it big to prove his mother wrong.
Sounds interesting, tell us more about the book.
Razor’s Edge is a gritty, edgy contemporary romance about a rock star, and a tattoo artist. I tackle domestic violence and drug addiction in this book. Shay is trying to escape her ex-boyfriend’s abusive hold and provide a better life for her son. Morgan’s band just got signed and he’s trying to devote all his time and energy into his music so he can stick it to his mother. All the while he combats the visions of his father’s death and the abuse he received as a child. When they come together they couldn’t be more perfect but quickly find out just how different they are. She’s anti-drug and he’s all for smoking a little pot and when Shay’s ex is released from prison they are thrown into a whole other world of problems. Her ex wants his business back but that’s not the only thing he wants. Lies, manipulation and blackmail tear these two apart. Can they be put back together?
I have to warn readers. I portrayed my characters as real as possible. And when they are backed into a comer their morals slip and they become shameless at times. But I always leave with an HEA and do my best to make my characters redeemable.
So tell me, do you relate to any of your characters?
I always put a little of myself into my characters. I think doing it that way helps me hear the characters more. But not everything about them is me. Like Morgan’s a pothead, I’m not. But I share his love of music, it’s a big part of me. Shay sticks with a controlling abusive man, I would never allow that to happen to me, so when she wizens up I used my own strength to build her up.
I have seen too many of my friends and family with controlling abusive men. So when I wrote her character I used what they were thinking and what they went through to write her.
Morgan, the way his dad died in the story I had an uncle pass that same way. So with that aspect of his character I can relate.
Is Morgan based off someone you know in real life?
Morgan is made up of a few people I know in real life. My love of heavy metal music. The way he deals with his dad’s death is something my cousin went through when she was younger. His happy go lucky attitude comes from a friend of mine who I won’t name. And his protectiveness and how he acts in certain situations comes from my husband. I firmly believe that in order to make a good character you have to people watch and take bits and pieces from everyone’s personality that you like and don’t like and put them together. Kinda like creating a Frankenstein but in a positive way.
In real life would you hang out with Morgan?
I would totally hang out with Morgan. He funny, happy go lucky and smart. I can see us chilling out and listening to music. I can’t sing a lick but I wouldn’t mind having him sing to me. Aside from the screaming he really does have an awesome singing voice. And he’s super protective of his friends.
Where would you want him to take you on a date?
I don’t think I can date my own character. It’d be like dating my child. But if he weren’t my character and someone else wrote him I’d love for him to get me back stage passes at one of his concerts when on tour. Off tour, I’d like to try out snowboarding with him. He has a love for the winter sports.
Why do you love this character?
I’ve lived inside his head for almost a year and I can say that the thing I love most about him is his heart. His love for the people around him in general. He’s kind but he’s not a push over. There is a strong protective streak in him. He actually surprised me a few times with how he acted in certain situations. The situations and events in his past and how he overcame them is something to be admired.
Anything else we should know about Morgan before we meet him?
I don’t want to give too much away. Hum… How about his job? Before he was a rock star owned his own web design business. He still does actually, and he’s a penny pincher. Guess growing up poor did that to him. ;)
Interview with Morgan
*Morgan walks into the room. He’s wearing a black Five Finger Death Punch black T-shirt and black jeans. He smiles and it shines through his ice blue eyes.*
Hey, Lyssa.
*He holds out his hand and shakes mine. Then takes a seat on the couch. I fan myself trying to cool off from his hotness.*
Well, hello Morgan, it’s nice to finally meet you. Please tell me a little bit about yourself.
I hate talking about myself, but huh… Racquel will probably kill me off if I don’t comply. So…I’m the lead singer of the band Stones of Rage. Name sucks, I know, but the record label won’t let us change it.
*Laughing* I doubt Racquel would kill you off, I think she has a fondness for you. I’ll be gentle though so let’s start with some of your favorites.
Word?
Ambidextrous. It was the first long word I learned and I am.
Color?
Green. Is there a better color? Money, nature, Mariju—Never mind.
*He winks and smiles.*
I’ll stop there.
Food?
Nothing beats a juicy grilled steak.
*Rubs tummy*
Now you’re making me hungry.
Drink?
I’m a smoker not a drinker.
*His eyebrows raise and he smirks.*
You mean non-alcoholic? PowerAde or Gatorade. I like them both. I don’t exactly eat too healthy so I’ll get my nutrients where I can and they’re better than pop.
Subject in school?
Sh*&! Uh, do I have to answer this one? It might kill my image.
*He rubs a palm on a bobbing knee and looks toward the ceiling. Then looks at me and whispers.*
Math. Trig and Calculus were always my best subjects. Music was the thing I loved, though. I excelled in it.
A mathematician, eh? Interesting…so is there a reason why you were drawn to music?
It’s always been a part of who I am. I don’t care if there’s a thousand people listening or no one. When I’m in the zone it’s just me and the music and…nothing else matters.
I bet your teacher must be proud of your success?
*His stiffens, blue eyes grow dark.*
If she were alive. And I really don’t care. This is for me not her.
Sorry didn’t mean to offend.
*His knee bobs again and he sighs.*
Sh#@. No, I’m sorry. Not your fault. My music coach wasn’t the greatest. Can we change the subject now?
Sure, tell me where you grew up?
Detroit. Actually a little neighborhood just outside of it, Brightmore. It was a ghetto back then and it’s even worse now.
Tell us about your family… mother, father–
*His posture stiffens*
Don’t really want to go there.
Siblings?
*He relaxes back into the couch.*
I have a brother. Actually, Logan’s more than that. I took care of him through his teen years. He’s five years younger and I help him take care of my niece, Dani, sometimes.
How did your last relationship end?
Never been in a relationship before. Too busy. Between Logan and his crap, my band and my business have sucked up my free time.
Are you with someone now?
*His blue eyes sparkle, and he has a megawatt grin on his face.*
I am seeing someone.
You realize that information is breaking the hearts of many, right?
Sorry, ladies.
So, tell us about her.
She has qualities I can’t help but admire. Like how she looks after her son. She’s so attentive to him and I never had that growing up. So, I guess that’s one of the best things about her.
You talk like you’re in love with her. Any plans to marry? Have kids?
*He shakes his head and laughs.*
Not sure what love feels like but I know she makes me happy and I’m crazy about her. I’m not rushing anything right now. I do like kids. Shay’s son is a funny little dude. I like hanging out with him when I have the time.
Are you nervous about your story being told?
Not really Racquel did a great job telling it. I guess in terms of us being out there? Yeah, a little. But I put myself out there every time I get on stage and I really don’t care what people think of my life anymore. If our story helps those going through the same problems, if it gives even one person the strength to leave a bad situation, then we’ve done our job.
Well thanks for coming by, Morgan. I’ve enjoyed our interview.
*Morgan stands and smiles.”
Thanks for having me. I need to put in some studio time today so I gotta leave quickly. But Check out the blurb and don’t forget Razor’s Edge comes out June 20th.
Razor’s Edge
Escaping the evil man of her past…
With a tattoo gun, Shay Kelly tries to color a better future for herself and her son. When her abusive ex is paroled this proves to be a difficult task. All her clients used to be his and he’s taking them back. But that’s not the only thing he wants.
Screaming his way to the top…
No one can change the visions of Morgan Desario’s past, or what he saw the night his dad died. Marijuana helps the pain his singing can’t numb. When his heavy metal band gets signed, he’s flying high. But fame and fortune do nothing to take away the humiliation he faces every time he gets stuck in a memory.
When their morals slip and their sins collide…
They share the same lifestyle, but couldn’t be more different. She’s anti-drug and he’s all for smoking pot. A night of passion bonds them together, but their connection is strained when their pasts are unleashed. On tour, Morgan’s sins flourish. At home, Shay’s morals bend. A sharp line separates what’s right and wrong that both are afraid to cross.
Will they be cut walking the Razor’s Edge?
Stay in touch with Racquel to find out if Morgan and Shay will make it. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, her website, or Goodreads. You can get your own copy of Razor’s Edge on Amazon.
June 17, 2014
Razor’s Edge by Racquel Reck
Razor’s Edge by Racquel Reck is being released June 20! You won’t want to miss it. I’ve started reading it and it’s a page turner with more action and steam the further you get into the story. I’ve got the inside scoop with the leading man Morgan. To find out more about him tune in to my Saturday Morning Characters Series this Saturday. Trust me, ladies, Morgan does not disappoint! I’ll get personal with the leading man of Stones of Rage. Leave me a comment to let me know why you’re attracted to the bad boy type. One winner will receive a signed paperback of Razor’s Edge. Contest is open until midnight, June 20th!
If you are interested in being a part of the Saturday Morning Characters Series, contact Lyssa at authorlyssalayne@gmail.com
