Kristina Knight: Rust City Featured Author

 

Welcome to your introduction to some of the fantastic authors who will be joining us in a few short days eeeeee!! for the conference. Today I'm showcasing 

Kristina Knight

Hi Kristina, can you give us a bit of an introduction?

Hey, everyone! I'm Kristina Knight, and I write contemporary romance. Right now I'm in the middle of releasing my Billionaire Cowboys Trilogy (What the Bachelor Gets, What the Heiress Wants and What the Gambler Risks). The books feature three brothers, raised on a ranch outside Las Vegas, three feisty heroines...and (natch!) Las Vegas!

Ooo, cowboys AND Vegas? that's kind of new, isn't it?  Neat! Ok, Kristina, let's talk about RustCity!

1. Fill in the blank: "I used to be really good at Spanish , but these days I'm pretty rusty."  Oui, moi aussi!  no, wait a minute...

2. Eminem or Aretha? Explain.

oooh...I'm going to go with Aretha, because any time her songs come on the radio I find myself singing along. I do like *some* of Eminem's music, but I have to be in the right mood for it.

3. Choose One:
Vernors
Faygo
I'm confused. And not from around here.
Sunkist!

Excellent choice!

4. What are you looking forward to most at the RustCity conference? Meeting readers! This will be my first reader conference, and I'm really excited to chat and be silly and talk books! Me too! it's going to be so much fun!


5. What is an off-the-cuff association you have with Michigan, Detroit, or Troy? That it's filled with cars and car manufacturers.  Seems about right...


6. Your latest work of fiction features a wealthy industrialist and an R&B singer. What's the first sentence? She always knew this city would be the death of her career.

What's it about? It's about a wealthy industrialist who buys a Las Vegas resort, and fills it with aging pop stars. And, of course, one of those pop stars has a secret, and he's going to fall for her!  That is a really neat concept!  I'm curious what you mean by "aging," lol -- like they break 25  30?

7. And finally, would you like to participate in the Alpha Heroes Five Words Fiction Game?

Yes please!

Fantastic!  You agreed to write the ending for Curve and Hook, which is no mean feat!  The world-building rules are: set in contemporary times, with no magic or paranormal elements. Have fun! Your challenge words are:  

Passion, Sweater, Ants, Watermelon, Scared

Part One, by Shelly Bell
Part Two, by Josie Kerr
Part Three, by MK Schiller
Part Four, by Rue Allyn
Part Five, by Vanessa Knight
Part Six, by Elizabeth Harmon
Part 7 by Lita Lawson  
Part 8 by Marianne Wieland
Part 9 by Teri Anne Stanley
Part 10, by Robin Nadler

Part 11:

His fingers gently circled her wrist, turning it so that she could see the letters there. He traced the L, O, and V.

"What does it mean?" he asked, the timbre of his voice making her insides clench.

"What does it matter?" What mattered was that his lies were the ants covering the watermelon at the picnic, destroying everything between them from that moment eating cheeseburgers to that night in her bed. She didn't want to be scared of her feelings for this man, but how could she be anything but? She pulled her arm, but Hunter's grip tightened.

"It matters to me."

"Everyone knows tattoos don't mean anything except that at some point, the wearer of the tattoo got blitzed enough to leave her inhibitions behind and mark the occasion."

Hunter released her wrist. "For anyone but you, maybe."

She shifted uncomfortably, and then picked up her sweater from the sofa. She'd been stone cold sober, not that he needed to know that. "What does that mean?" she asked, trying to turn his words around on him.

"It means that you take responsibility for your actions. You always have." He took the hem of his shirt in his hands and pulled it over his head. Tattooed numbers on the inside of his left bicep caught her attention. Maddie couldn't resist reaching out and turning his arm so that she could see it more clearly.

Her breath caught, and her heart squeezed.

*April 1, 2010.*

April Fool's Day. The day she'd finally let go of her inhibitions, and let Hunter into her life. Into her bedroom. The day that branded her a fool for life because while he'd wanted sex, she'd wanted love.

"What does this mean?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"Everything," he said. He took her wrist in his hand, his thumb caressing the letters once more. "It's the day I stopped caring what anyone else thought about me. It's the day I grew up. And it's the day I lost the most important person in my life."

"Hunter, don't-" Maddie shook her head. She should walk away. Maddie knew she should turn around and walk away. She'd gotten over Hunter once before. She wasn't sure she could get over him again. Then again, she knew she couldn't just walk away. "Look closer," she said, holding up her arm.

He traced his fingertip over the bold, black lines, and then his gaze shot to hers when he felt another outline. Hunter looked more carefully at her wrist, and she knew he was finally seeing the whole tattoo. The bold, black LOV, along with the white, cursive line of the E. "April 1, 2010. Those are the letters and numbers that make up the E." She took a breath. This was where she might very well lose him before she ever caught him. She pointed to each letter as she she said, "Longing. One of a Kind. Vulnerable. Everything."

He twined their fingers together. "Everything?"

She nodded. "Everything for me started on April first."

"Then I guess it's good we're starting the rest of everything today, too." He pressed his forehead to hers. "Happy April Fool's Day, Maddie."

"Happy rest of our lives, Hunter," she said.

THE END

*wild applause*  Sometimes the simplest is the best. Only I think I need to change the title now to "Fools In Love" -- What do we think?? Thanks so much for playing, Kristina!  If you're craving more about Kristina, here are some resources for you:


Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police--no, she wasn't a troublemaker, she was a journalist. Her career took her all over the United States, writing about everything from a serial killer's capture to the National Finals Rodeo. Along the way, she found her very own Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots and an abiding love for romance novels. And just like the characters from her favorite books, she's living her own happily ever after. Kristina writes sassy contemporary romance novels; her books have appeared on Kindle Best Seller Lists. She loves hearing from readers, so drop her a line!

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Google+ | Amazon Author Page

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Registration is now open for #RustCity16!

Be sure to keep up with all things Rust City 2016, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook |Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

Robin Nadler: Rust City Featured Author

 

Welcome to your introduction to some of the fantastic authors who will be joining us for the conference next week. Today I'm showcasing 

ROBIN NADLER

Hi Robin! How did you get into writing what you write?

I love romance. What can I say? I'm a sucker for true love. I decided a long time ago that I wanted to showcase a unique kind of romance. I wanted those who seemed unlovable to be my heroes. I write a series where my main characters are beautiful, intelligent, passionate and damaged. It may seem cliché, but they are everyday people. They are doctors and teachers and soldiers. They are mothers and fathers and survivors. They inspire and I am so proud to write them. I created my main heroine as an HIV positive obstetrician and that, in itself, is one of my favorite creations. I want to show that what we go through in life is only one part of us, but it doesn't define us. We are all amazing individuals.
That is an impressive mission statement. Beautiful, really!  Ok, Robin, let's talk about RustCity!

1. Fill in the blank: "I used to be really good at singing , but these days I'm pretty rusty." I'm only allowed to sing alone in the shower or the car...

2. Eminem or Aretha? Explain.

Both? I mean sometimes I need some Eminem lyrics to truly express what I'm feeling. There are days you just need to get it all out and there is nobody better at doing that. Mostly, Aretha is my go to artist because she is strong, passionate and eloquent. Both speak to different moods and I don't know that I would be happy to let either one go from my ipod. I feel like the way you're talking about Eminem is the way you talk about the heroes you write. :-)

3. Choose One:
Vernors
Faygo
I'm confused. And not from around here.

4. What are you looking forward to most at the RustCity conference? Meeting everyone! I love meeting readers and talking about what they love and what they want to read. I am always looking for inspiration and I can't think of a better place than surrounded by people who love to read romance. So are you saying that conference attendees might find themselves in one of your future books??

5. What is an off-the-cuff association you have with Michigan, Detroit, or Troy?
Home, sports, snow and beauty. That's lovely.

6. Your latest work of fiction features a wealthy industrialist and an R&B singer. What's the first sentence? Reaching her hand across his hard, naked body reminded her of the mistake she made the night before; the beautiful, handsome, incredibly flexible mistake which now lay in her bed.

Optional: What's it about? Beautiful industrialist is saved from drowning by handsome R&B singer. He helps her home and they have a night to remember, only to part the next day with no plans to meet again. Fate brings them together years later and nothing is as it seems.

7. And finally, would you like to participate in the Alpha Heroes Five Words Fiction Game?  Yes please!

Most excellent!  You chose to write for the contemporary story, Curve and Hook. The world-building rules are: set in contemporary times, with no magic or paranormal elements. It's not required to be a romance (but it's definitely been going that way!). Have fun! Your challenge words are:   Stomach, caterpillar, radio, run, anxiety

Part One, by Shelly Bell
Part Two, by Josie Kerr
Part Three, by MK Schiller
Part Four, by Rue Allyn
Part Five, by Vanessa Knight
Part Six, by Elizabeth Harmon
Part 7 by Lita Lawson  
Part 8 by Marianne Wieland
Part 9, by Teri Anne Stanley 

Part 10:

“Maddie, where are you going?” Hunter asked as he watched Maddie tuck her shirt back into her skirt and smooth her hair as best she could.

“I don’t believe you,” she said, fighting the anxiety that was building in her stomach.

“Why would I lie?” he asked and willed his nether region to calm the fuck down.

“Why would you lie? You lied all through high school! You ran every time I tried to talk to you. You took what you wanted and left me like I was garbage, so why wouldn’t you do it again?” her eyes flamed at him and he could see and feel the remnants of the deep hurt he caused her.

“I was a stupid teenager and I was wrong,” Hunter said as he suddenly felt the deep need to hold her in his arms and make her believe he was telling the truth. He just needed her to believe in him. He had fucked up so much of his life due to pride and he never, ever thought he would get a chance to make it right.

“She said she was my friend. Why would she do something like this?” Maddie asked softly, more to herself than Hunter.

“To hurt me. She’s a fucking psycho. I’ll pull up my copy of the police report and you can see for yourself,” he said and looked through his phone.

“But it hurt me more,” she said to herself.

He held put his phone and she looked at it. There was a picture of Jenna in handcuffs and the report validated everything Hunter said was true.

Maddie wrapped her arms around her waist and sat down on the chair in the room.

“Do you believe me?” he asked as he knelt in front of her, his hands on her knees.

She nodded, her eyes tracing the cheesy caterpillar wallpaper in the small room and her strong demeanor beginning to fade. She could hear the song that was playing on the radio the night he held her in his arms. She remembered every moment of that night, the burning sensation when he entered her and then the slow pleasure that came over her body as he lovingly and sensually became one with her, thrusting over and over until they both gave in to the passion that engulfed them. Had she been so easy to forget? To hurt? To lose?

She stared at him and her heart spoke.

“Am I that easy to betray? Has nothing changed in all these years?” she asked him, her brilliant blue eyes full of hurt.

“No,” he said softly as he took her hand in his. “Hurting you has haunted me every day since we stopped talking. It is the first thing I think of and the biggest regret of my life.”

She took a deep breath and composed herself before standing up.

“I need to go,” she said.

“Maddie, please don’t leave. This was meant to be. We were meant to get another chance,” he said, suddenly feeling like this one of the moments that could change everything.

“It wasn’t meant to be. It was organized by someone I trusted and it was cruel and hateful. I need to know why. I need to talk to her.”

Hunter nodded and walked to face her, his hand cupping her cheek.

“Before you leave, answer me one question.”

Maddie met his gaze and waited.

I really like where this is going. It's been a really fun story all this way. Thanks so much for playing, Robin. Any suggestions for readers who want to find you?

My pleasure, Nicola! I would love for people to check out my books! I have 21 books available in my series and 3 stand alone romances. You can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or check out my blog.  Find me on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.  Thank you!

That's quite a backlist, Robin! I am definitely looking forward to exploring it!

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Reader Registration is still open for #RustCity16!

Be sure to keep up with all things Rust City 2016, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook |Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

Teri Anne Stanley: Rust City Featured Author

 

 Welcome to your introduction to some of the fantastic authors who are already signed up for the conference. It's a DOUBLE PLAY today, with Marianne this morning and now: 

Teri Anne Stanley

Hi Teri! Welcome to Alpha Heroes! Can you tell us a little about your writing?

Hi Nicola! I write sassy, sexy contemporary romance. My most recent release is Accidentally in Love with the Biker, part of Entangled's What Happens in Vegas series, about a children's bookstore owner and a sexy motorcycle designer at a romance conference in Vegas. Hijinks ensue. Next up is A Shot with You, the second of my Bourbon Boys series (first is Drunk On You, about a bourbon distiller and the daughter of a tequileria owner. It's flammable. Whew!

Those sound really good! -- great titles, especially.  Ok, Teri, let's talk about RustCity!

1. Fill in the blank: "I used to be really good at cooking , but these days I'm pretty rusty." Who wants to cook when you could be reading a book??

2. Eminem or Aretha? Explain.

Aretha. She makes me feel like a natural woman.  I see what you did there.  Good answer!

3. Choose One:
Vernors
Faygo
I'm confused. And not from around here.

4. What are you looking forward to most at the RustCity conference? Meeting readers and other authors! Love books and finding new books!  Get ready for your TBR list to blow up....

5. What is an off-the-cuff association you have with Michigan, Detroit, or Troy?  
KISS.
Buzz Lightyear talking about golf.
And it's got the top end of I-75, which I've always lived really, really close to.

6. Your latest work of fiction features a wealthy industrialist and an R&B singer. What's the first sentence?

"Seriously, Dude. Just hire my sister on a temporary basis. What do you have to lose?" 

David scratched his head. "Credibility? I'm not sure that bringing Beyonce's twin sister as my assistant is going to convince the Swiss to go in to business with me." 

"She'll be great. I promise. I'll even convince her to wear a skirt that covers her ass."

Well that is super-hooky! Love it!

7. And finally, would you like to participate in the Alpha Heroes Five Words Fiction Game?  Yes please!

Hurray!  You chose to write for the contemporary story, Curve and Hook. The world-building rules are: set in contemporary times, with no magic or paranormal elements. It's not required to be a romance (but it's definitely been going that way!). Have fun! Your challenge words are:  Jinx, Feather, Quicken, Tulip, and Ladder.

Part One, by Shelly Bell
Part Two, by Josie Kerr
Part Three, by MK Schiller
Part Four, by Rue Allyn
Part Five, by Vanessa Knight
Part Six, by Elizabeth Harmon
Part 7 by Lita Lawson  
Part 8 by Marianne Wieland

Part 9:

While Hunter feathered kisses over Maddie’s fevered skin, she felt her body quickening, a feeling she hadn’t had in years, not since…not since the last time they’d been together, all those years ago.

He muttered filthy, dirty comments to her as he touched her everywhere, which only served to increase her need for him. And yet…and yet there was something tickling the back of her mind, something she was supposed to be dealing with instead of making out with the only man she’d ever wanted.

“Stop!” she pushed him away.

“What? What’s wrong?” Hunter backed away, breathing hard.

“What about Jenna?”

“Who?” He tugged at his ear in confusion.

“Jenna? Your girlfriend? My ex-friend?”

“Oh, hell.” He laughed bitterly. “I knew she would jinx this somehow.”

“Why is this funny?”

“Jenna’s not my girlfriend. I barely know her. I met her in a bar a few days ago, and she started yammering on about her friend coming to visit, and how much she wanted to have a hot boyfriend on her arm, you know, to make her friend feel like a loser.”

Maddie stared.

Hunter continued. “I turned her down. I told her I wasn’t interested. But she stalked me. She came to my hotel, stole a ladder from the maintenance office, and climbed into my room. She was waiting on my bed, naked, with a tulip in her teeth when I got back that night. I took one look at her, and called the police. When she left, she said she’d get back at me. She’d find the one woman who would totally wreck me. I guess she did.”

He stared at Maddie, who now wanted nothing more than to run to the nearest bar and order a tall, strong drink.

I knew that Jenna chick was bad news, alright!

I get extra credit for pulling together the most contradictory plot ever, right? Hee!

Yes, that's the beauty of coming in near the end! so many threads! You did an amazing job. Thanks so much for playing! Find more from Teri here:  Website |  Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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Reader registration is still open for #RustCity16!

Be sure to keep up with all things Rust City 2016, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook |Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

Marianne Wieland: Rust City Featured Author

 

Welcome to your introduction to some of the fantastic authors who will be joining us at the conference. Today I'm showcasing 

MARIANNE WIELAND

Hi Marianne! can you tell us a little about yourself and your work?

Hi Nicola! I have been writing most of my life. Mostly plays and musicals, but didn't think about being published until last year. An idea came to me to write about owning a restaurant and my first book, Mountain Mama: My Heart for Jill, was born. It was released in January of this year and is the first in a six book series. I am currently writing the second book, Mountain Mama: Gerard's Descent. It will be released later in the year. I am also writing the first volume of a book of short stories called Moments in Time.... It was inspired by my very first boyfriend whom I have not seen in forty plus years. We met up on facebook and he asked me the question, "Do you remember what song was playing when we shared our first kiss?" I did not remember, but he did.Heck, we were only thirteen and fourteen years old! Thus, the story First Kiss was written and I have received awesome reviews on it. The book will consist of different genres of short stories from romance, comedy, spiritual, bizarre, and maybe pets. It should be released later in the year as well.

That sounds so interesting! Short stories have traditionally been a tough sell, but I think that ebooks have changed that. But moving on, let's talk about RustCity!

1. Fill in the blank: "I used to be really good at singing , but these days I'm pretty rusty." Hmmm. Rumor has it that karoake might happen at the conference.  Good to know who has the skilz...

2. Eminem or Aretha? Explain.
Aretha!! Hands down. Her songs are classic from her younger years until today. Eminem? I'm not really into rap.  I think that's completely fair.

3. Choose One:
Vernors
Faygo
I'm confused. And not from around here.
Caffeine Free Diet Coke

4. What are you looking forward to most at the RustCity conference? Being near Detroit! I have never been there in the twenty-five years I have lived here. But, seriously, I am looking forward to meeting other authors who have been writing for awhile. Learning new things, finding new books to read, experiences that may lead to more short stories for my book, and getting out of the house for something fun and educational. It's going to be so much fun! I can't wait.

5. What is an off-the-cuff association you have with Michigan, Detroit, or Troy?
I was brought to Michigan by my second husband who is from Bellevue. He promptly left me for a nineteen year old! I stayed and have been here for twenty-five years now. Wow, that's quite a story! His loss is Michigan's gain, clearly.

6. Your latest work of fiction features a wealthy industrialist and an R&B singer. What's the first sentence? How in the name of all that is Holy, did she end up here, sitting at the bus stop with nothing but the contents of her desk? Seriously. All she had said to her boss was that she thought the singer he admired was lip syncing. Yikes, now that's a boss from hell!

What's it about? Possibly a short story about the contrast between a stuck up, wealthy millionaire and a down to earth Rhythm and Blues singer that was a former employee of his.  Interesting! Great twist!

7. And finally, would you like to participate in the Alpha Heroes Five Words Fiction Game?  Yes Please!  

Fantastic!  You chose to write for the contemporary story, Curve and Hook. The world-building rules are: set in contemporary times, with no magic or paranormal elements. It's not required to be a romance. Have fun! Your challenge words are:  Laundry, Carnival, Trend, Tire, and Marble

Part One, by Shelly Bell
Part Two, by Josie Kerr
Part Three, by MK Schiller
Part Four, by Rue Allyn
Part Five, by Vanessa Knight
Part Six, by Elizabeth Harmon
Part 7 by Lita Lawson  

Part 8 by Marianne Wieland

Maddie was strolling back from the snack bar with her glass of iced tea when she spotted him over at the rental car stand. For a brief moment, she wondered if he was following her. She refused to entertain that thought any longer than necessary. Her brain would have to be made of marble for her to even think of seeking him out for any further conversation. Mad. Mad as a hatter, she said to herself as she found her feet moving in his general direction.

“Hello, again, Hunter,” she said in her low sexy voice.

Slowly he turned around to see the most stunning young woman he had ever had the pleasure to feel against him. Skin against skin. Lips and tongues tangling together in a rush of heat and teenage hormones that he had only known with her. She was so beautiful. But then, to him, she always had been. There was a time when he thought he would never tire of looking at her lovely face, her full breasts, her round bottom, and those legs. He’d had those legs wrapped around him so tight…

“Sir,” said the rental car attendant. “Do you want the keys to the car you just rented?”

He took the keys and mumbled something appropriate. He hoped. He saw a bit of a smile trying to escape Maddie’s full, pouty lips. He saw the tip of her tongue wet her bottom lip and felt such a carnival of emotion spring forth all at once. But emotion wasn’t all that was trying to spring forth.

They both started to speak at the same time causing the tension to ease a little.

“You first,” she said.

“Maddie.” Hunter took a deep breath. “I know I hurt you in school. I have no excuse except to say I caved in to peer pressure. Followed the trend of the time. I was weak. A coward. I know I threw away any chance I might have had with you like you were last week’s laundry.”

Maddie saw the pain reflected in his eyes and realized his attempt at an apology was sincere and she made a decision she hoped she wouldn’t live to regret.

“Come with me.” She didn’t wait for an answer. She took his hand and led him to the small lounge she had passed that was reserved for nursing mothers. As soon as the door closed, they both dropped what they had been carrying and came together as heat overtook them. She pushed him against the wall, running her hands up his chest and into his hair.

He was on fire. He managed to switch positions with her so that she was against the wall. He was deep kissing her, his hands undoing her shirt and releasing her breasts into his hands, then his lips.

Finally! You know these two have been leading up to this moment! I love her carpe diem spirit -- though I do think that he should've had to grovel a bit more.  We should discuss this over adult beverages at the con!  In the meantime, where can fans of your work find you?

Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this adventure, Nicola! See you soon in Rust City!  My website is here.  I'm pretty active on Facebook, and Mountain Mama: My Heart for Jill has its own Facebook page here.

=====================================  

Reader Registration is still open for #RustCity16!

Be sure to keep up with all things Rust City 2016, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook |Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

Lita Lawson: Rust City Featured Author

Welcome to your introduction to some of the fantastic authors who are already signed up for the conference. Today I'm showcasing

Lita Lawson

I write contemporary romance which feature alpha males (love them, can't get enough of them!) My most recent release is Candidate For Love, and I am working on several books at the moment. One will be part a boxed set, my first ever, and more steamy than I normally write. I have two other books I'm working one, one features a firefighter and the other a prince!

Wow, that's quite a jump! I look forward to hearing more about this variety at the conference. Oh hey, the conference! let's talk about RustCity!

1. Fill in the blank: "I used to be really good at shorthand , but these days I'm pretty rusty." Now that's an answer I haven't gotten before! shorthand is truly a dying art.

2. Eminem or Aretha? Explain.  Aretha. R-E-S-P-E-C-T .  Yup. Can't argue with that.

3. Choose One:
Vernors
Faygo
I'm confused. And not from around here.
Coke

4. What are you looking forward to most at the RustCity conference? Connecting with new readers and the other authors at the signing.   The signing is definitely shaping up to be a highlight!

5. What is an off-the-cuff association you have with Michigan, Detroit, or Troy? I'm from Ohio...need I say more on the college football rivalry?  Well... you might need to say more. I think that the overlap between booknerds and sports fans might be a little narrower than the general population...

6. Your latest work of fiction features a wealthy industrialist and an R&B singer. What's the first sentence? Raine needed a refuge, and the only person who could keep the paparazzi at bay was her old flame, mega-millionaire Troy Steele. OK, I could not come up with a better Detroit-hero name than Troy Steele if I worked on it for a year. You win! 

Optional: What's it about? Raine needs space away from rabid fans and paparazzi always hounding her after her voice froze up on stage. Would hiding out in her former lovers mansion be the refuge she need, or would being near him again make her more vulnerable.

7. And finally, would you like to participate in the Alpha Heroes Five Words Fiction Game?

I'd love to!

Wonderful! You chose to write for the contemporary story, Hook and Curve. The world-building rules are: set in contemporary times, with no magic or paranormal elements. It's not required to be a romance. Have fun! Your challenge words are:  Lantern, tangle, kitten, ocean, mushroom.


Part One, by Shelly Bell
Part Two, by Josie Kerr
Part Three, by MK Schiller
Part Four, by Rue Allyn
Part Five, by Vanessa Knight
Part Six, by Elizabeth Harmon

Part 7 by Lita Lawson

Hunter woke slowly to the sound of thunder. It didn’t do much for his throbbing headache. The good news was he had signed the boxer known to millions simply as “Lantern”. The bad news was they had celebrated with too many shots of tequila.

He slid his legs out from the tangle of sheets. Sitting up, he grabbed his cell phone and scrolled through his messages. One was from his airline notifying him his flight had been delayed. Well, luck was on his side in that regard since he needed time to grab a quick shower, pack and check out of the hotel. Not to mention swallow several aspirin to keep his headache from mushrooming.

In the shower, his mind drifted to thoughts of Maddie. Smelling her perfume and seeing her last night after all the years was a sucker punch to his heart. And it was a big reason he’d had so many celebratory tequila shots with his new client.

She had lost so much weight he hadn’t recognized her right away. The dark curls surrounding her face had shielded her eyes from him. But then he caught her familiar gaze, the same he remembered from all those years ago. the gaze that tortured him in many of his dreams, demanding he drown in his ocean of guilt.

Maddie, how she must hate him.

They had goofed off together until they were older, when they’d shared those first awkward moments of sexual awakening. She’d practically purred like a kitten afterward, so happy to be with him. But he had been conflicted. He wanted her, but he didn’t want her. As a jock, he wasn’t supposed to date a girl like Maddie. It didn’t matter how funny or smart or giving she was, she was overweight. Jocks were supposed to date the popular, attractive, thin girls. None of them were near as interesting as Maddie. But like most teenagers trying to fit in, he let peer pressure get the better of him. In order to keep his popular status, he knew he had to forsake Maddie. Like an ass, he’d never gone back to her eager embrace again.

Maddie had deserved better.

There were so many times he wanted to reach out to her high school. He wanted to grab her hand in the hallway, but yet didn’t want anyone else to see that. Hunter knew that was wrong. He couldn’t do that to her. Treat her like a dirty little secret. So he never reached out. Never called. Never stopped by her house to explain, apologize, grovel. For her forgiveness until her infectious laugh forgave him. Frustration at how he handled things back then ate him up off and on over the years. This morning was no different.

Turning off the shower, he shook her from his thoughts. He had to pack and get to the airport and hope his flight wasn’t cancelled.

Ooo, very nice job on the angsty backstory! This hero has some groveling to do, methinks.  Thanks so much for joining me on Alpha Heroes today, Lita!  Where else can my adoring public find you, besides, of course, Troy Michigan from August 12-14?

My pleasure, Nicola! Please check out my books at my Amazon Author Page, come like me on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

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Reader registration is still open for #RustCity16!

 

Be sure to keep up with all things Rust City 2016, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook |Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

Elizabeth Harmon: Rust City Featured Author

Welcome to your early-bird peek at some of the fantastic authors who are already signed up for the conference. Today I'm showcasing

 

ELIZABETH HARMON!

Hi Elizabeth, can you tell us a little about yourself and your work?

Hi Nicola! I am a contemporary romance author who loves to write and read romances that are just a bit different. My latest release "Getting It Back," came out in April. It's the third book in my Red Hot Russians sports romance series which features sexy and swoon-worthy Russian figure skater heroes. My debut novel Pairing Off is a 2016 Romance Writers of America RITA Finalist for Best First Book.   Congratulations on the RITA! And wow, who doesn't love figure skaters? Hmmmph, those *thighs*...

Ok, Elizabeth, let's talk about RustCity!

1. Fill in the blank: "I used to be really good at doing the splits , but these days I'm pretty rusty." Pretty sure I can't remember a time when I could do the splits...

2. Eminem or Aretha? Explain.
Aretha, please. She's the queen of soul, and has so many great songs.  Can't really argue with that!

3. Choose One:
Vernors
Faygo
I'm confused. And not from around here.

4. What are you looking forward to most at the RustCity conference? Meeting readers and other authors. Well, that's perfect, since that's the main plan!

5. What is an off-the-cuff association you have with Michigan, Detroit, or Troy?
Love, love, love the Petoskey area! My husband and I have stayed at the Perry Hotel a couple of times, and I even found a Petoskey stone, which I still have. Someday, when I become fabulously wealthy romance novelist, I plan to buy a quaint 27-room Victorian summer cottage in Bayview. :) Well that was a pretty cool little sidetrip down Google Alley for me. For anyone else in the dark: Petoskey Stones. When you buy that cottage, I'll come visit!

6. Your latest work of fiction features a wealthy industrialist and an R&B singer. What's the first sentence?
Sylvester Elliot's sweet voice soared above the down 'n dirty throb of bass and drums. The rhythm was tight, but not as tight as his half-naked body as he moved across the stage. Cassandra licked her lips. The man sang like an angel, but the way he moved would make the devil blush.

What's it about?
Overachiever Cassandra Heath's dying father chose her to lead his billion-dollar corporation. It's the career she's been groomed for all her life... but is she about to throw it all away for the love of the wrong man?
Ooo, I like it! I kind of want her to be an arrogant alpha who gets brought to her knees for the first time by the love of a good man.

7. And finally, would you like to participate in the Alpha Heroes Five Words Fiction Game?  Absolutely!

Fantastic! You chose to work on our Contemporary story, Hook and Curve (or possibly Curve and Hook?), which is shaping up to be a reunion romance between Maddie, a formerly-curvy romance writer, and Hunter, a booking agent for MMA fighters. They have a past... but do they have a future?

The world-building rules are: set in contemporary times, with no magic or paranormal elements. It's not required to be a romance. Have fun! Your challenge words are:  balloon, slipper, hot dog, scotch, nap

Part One, by Shelly Bell
Part Two, by Josie Kerr
Part Three, by MK Schiller
Part Four, by Rue Allyn
Part Five, by Vanessa Knight

Part 6:

Jenna took forever to answer her phone, and Maddie kicked off her painful stilettos. Why couldn’t her SpongeBob slippers be considered fashionably acceptable footwear? And where the heck was Jenna? It was ten in the morning, and her friend owned a souvenir shop in downtown Detroit. Was there a crazed demand on “Mad 4 Motown” balloons this early?

Maddie hoped she wouldn’t have to leave a message, as she wanted the element of surprise on her side. When Jenna answered, breathless, Maddie pounced. “How did you know Hunter Allen would be at McGreevey’s last night?”

“Uhh…good morning to you too, Maddie. Having a rough day already?”

She sighed. “I’m stuck at the airport. Everything is grounded because of weather problems.”

“But it’s---“

“Elsewhere,” Maddie snapped. She didn’t want to talk about thunderstorms, she wanted answers. “But sitting here gave me time to think, and it hit me, that running into Hunter last night was too much of a coincidence. You insisted on going to that particular bar. You told me to take an afternoon nap to rest up for a big night, coached me on being sexy, and when we got there, bought me Scotch for courage. You also made yourself scarce when Hunter showed up. You must have known!”

“Hey, it was luck. You know, the Universe was on your side!”

“No,” Maddie said. “There’s more to it. What’s going on, Jenna?”

In the pause the followed, Maddie stroked the tattoo on her wrist. LOV and a date. So far, it was the only anniversary she and Hunter shared, though she doubted he even remembered. Jenna’s subdued voice brought her back to the moment. “Yes, I knew he would be there.”

Maddie’s chest hitched and her stomach rolled, the smell of roasting hot dogs from the nearby food court, made her vaguely nauseous. How could Jenna have known? She wasn’t part of Maddie’s high school years. They’d been neighbors in New York, before Jenna moved back here to run her family’s business. And while Maddie had told her a little about Hunter—at least the significance of the tattoo—she’d not shared much else, including Hunter’s name. Heart pounding, and breath shallow, she asked, “How?”

Jenna’s answer was barely more than a whisper. “Because we’ve been dating for the last three months.”

I never did trust Jenna! What the actual heck?

Hah, right? you never know about those secondary characters.  See you in August at #RustCity16!

Can't wait! and thanks so much for playing!  Meanwhile, here are a few places around the web you can find more from Elizabeth:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | Goodreads Author Page | Goodreads Book Page | BookBub | BookLikes | Blog | Amazon Author Page

Book Links for Getting It Back: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | Kobo

=====================================
 

Reader Registration is still open for #RustCity16!

Be sure to keep up with all things Rust City 2016, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook |Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

Vanessa Knight: Rust City Featured Author

Welcome to your early-bird peek at some of the fantastic authors who are already signed up for the conference. Today I'm showcasing

Vanessa Knight!

Hi Vanessa! Can you tell us a little about your work?

 

Hi Nicola! I have always enjoyed writing and once I found romance, that was it. I was addicted. It's only fitting that I when I started writing, I'd gravitate toward stories with a strong romantic element. I write contemporary romance with a dash of humor and splash of snark.
Personally, I think almost everything is better with a *liberal* splash of snark.

Ok, Vanessa, let's talk about RustCity!

1. Fill in the blank: "I used to be really good at singing , but these days I'm pretty rusty." You do know, there's a rumor about karaoke at RustCity--or possibly I'm just starting one...

2. Eminem or Aretha? Explain.

Aretha. Eminem is great but you can't help but love Aretha. The songs stay with you. Her voice just resonates within you.

3. Choose One:
Vernors
Faygo
I'm confused. And not from around here.

4. What are you looking forward to most at the RustCity conference?

There's so much I'm looking forward to when I visit. I hear that I have to visit the Summerset Collection Mall. I'm all for a trip to the mall. I've also been told that I haven't experienced BBQ until I've had Slows BBQ. I'm a Chicagoan. We love BBQ and I can't wait to ""officially"" experience it.

I'm looking forward to meeting all the fans and learning new things in the workshops.
BBQ, the mall, and learning stuff! doesn't get much better than that.

5. What is an off-the-cuff association you have with Michigan, Detroit, or Troy? Detroit Rock City, the Pistons

6. Your latest work of fiction features a wealthy industrialist and an R&B singer. What's the first sentence?

David Troughby couldn't dance to the hum of the cash counting machine, but the hiss and clatter of money streaming through the prongs was a rhythm he'd learned to love.

Very nice -- makes me think of the opening to Pink Floyd's Money.

7. And finally, would you like to participate in the Alpha Heroes Five Words Fiction Game?  Yes please!

 

Hurray! You chose to work on our Contemporary story, Hook and Curve (or possibly Curve and Hook?), which is shaping up to be a reunion romance between Maddie, a formerly-curvy romance writer, and Hunter, a booking agent for MMA fighters. They have a past... but do they have a future?

The world-building rules are: set in contemporary times, with no magic or paranormal elements. It's not required to be a romance. Have fun! Your challenge words are:

Administrative assistant (one word), Maui, shark, sun-streaked, lazy

 

Part One, by Shelly Bell
Part Two, by Josie Kerr
Part Three, by MK Schiller
Part Four, by Rue Allyn
Part Five:

Delayed. The word flashed red and bold the next morning, taunting Maddie as she tried to Jedi-mind-trick the board to change the status to on-time. Alas, Obi-Wan she was not, she wasn't even fit to be his Administrative Assistant. Her mind tricks were severely lacking. She kept watching as more flights changed from the on-time designation to delayed. At least they hadn't switched to cancelled. Yet.

Maddie looked out the floor to ceiling windows. Sunlight shimmied along the ripples in the glass, sun-streaked mini rainbows reflected on the red patterned floor. Her heels clicked as she walked away from the monitor and stood in front of the terminal counter.

“Good morning.” A woman in navy blue airline garb attempted a smile, her hair falling from the clip at the back of her head. “I'm sorry about the delay.”

“Morning. Any idea when they might let us fly out?”

“The weather is keeping all flights grounded.” They both looked out the window at the fluffy white clouds hovering against a bright blue sky. The question about the weather must have hung in Maddie’s eyes, because the attendant kept talking.

“There's a storm covering the Midwest and moving toward the eastern seaboard.” She cringed with a bit of pity pinching her eyes. “I'm not sure when or if they'll let anyone fly out today—maybe not even tomorrow. Do you want me to help you find a hotel room? I think they might be full, but we might be able to get lucky.”

Luck. That wasn’t a force Maddie was channeling these days. If she were lucky, she'd be on a plane far, far away from Hunter and all the drama of last night. Instead she was looking at a night or two on metal airline chairs. “No thanks. I'm sure the hotel rooms are booked.”

And she was sure she'd have a heck of a time finding a hotel room, which meant she’d have to call Jenna—which meant she might see him again.

Maddie made her way across the room and sat in the hard chair. Uncomfortable. Awful. But not nearly as bad as the alternative. She didn't want to think about Hunter, but after seeing him that's all that seemed to float in her brain. His hands. His lips. Everything about him was different, he wasn't that boy from long ago. He was a man now. A man that made all her lady parts clench.

Ugh! She slid down the chair and groaned as the arm rest dug into her side. There was no way she'd make it all night here. She wanted to be anywhere but here. Maybe Maui, drinking Mai Tais and spending a lazy day in the ocean. Of course, with her luck she'd end up as shark food.

Not that any of that mattered. Right now she was here and there was only one way to leave. Maddie pulled out her cell phone and clicked Jenna’s picture.

It was time to confront her past.

That was great! I love the details, like "pity pinching her eyes" and "jedi-mind-trick" as a verb. Thanks so much for playing, Vanessa! If you'd like to see more from Vanessa Knight, here are some places where you can find her -- other than Troy, Michigan in August, of course!

 

Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author page   |  Website


=====================================

Registration is now open for #RustCity16!

Be sure to keep up with all things Rust City 2016, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook |Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

Rue Allyn: Rust City Book Con Featured Author

#ConThu is back!  Welcome to your introduction to some of the fantastic authors who are already signed up for the Rust City Book Conference. Today I'm showcasing:

RUE ALLYN

Can you tell us a little about your work, Rue?

Hi! my newest historical romance will be released April 25, 2016. Knight Defender is the third installment in my Knight Chronicles. Set in the Scottish highlands of 1295 the story centers around Baron Raeb MacKai who is done allowing himself and everyone he loves to live in poverty and despair. His betrothal to a wealthy English heiress will solve a decade of problems. He will do everything necessary to defend his home and his country, but can he defend his heart? There's plenty of action, intrigue and most of all romance between two people who never planned to fall in love.

Ok, Rue, let's talk about RustCity!

1. Fill in the blank: "I used to be really good at house cleaning , but these days I'm pretty rusty." I can certainly relate to that, although I'm not sure I can say that I was ever actually good at it.

2. Eminem or Aretha? Explain.

Sorry, both or neither. I love all sorts of music, both Eminem and Aretha represent Detroit in very specific ways, ways that no one else could manage. If I must pick a hometown voice as a favorite, it would probably be Bob Seeger.
I love this answer!

3. Choose One:
Vernors
Faygo
I'm confused. And not from around here.


4. What are you looking forward to most at the RustCity conference? Readers! Readers! Readers! Readers! Readers!

5. What is an off-the-cuff association you have with Michigan, Detroit, or Troy?
I'm from the west side of the lower peninsula and I never expected to live in SE Michigan, let alone stay for more than 20 years. That's a long time! I feel the same way about Seattle.

6. Your latest work of fiction features a wealthy industrialist and an R'nB singer. What's the first sentence? I don't care which music industry bimbo is at my table, you'll invite her and her entourage to leave, or I'll have a chat with your boss and you'll be out of a job.

7. And finally, would you like to participate in the Alpha Heroes Five Words Fiction Game?  YES!!

YAY!! Your Mission: Write Part 4 of CURVE AND HOOK, using the challenge words:

Misty, Crazy, Liquor, Flex, Dark

(personally, I think you're getting off pretty easy there!  I'd have given you aardvark and tango, or something like that. )

Part One, by Shelly Bell

Part Two, by Josie Kerr

Part Three, by MK Schiller

Part Four:

“Eggs Benedict on sprouted, dark rye with a side of Beluga caviar and mimosas to wash it all down.” She named the most outrageous meal she could imagine. She knew what he was up to. He wanted a roll in the sack for old time’s sake but without any of the social dancing required to sweet talk her into it. Not only no, but hell no. She wasn’t that misty-eyed, lust-crazy teen any more. Sweet talk wouldn’t work either. She wasn’t about to fall into his arms just because he offered her breakfast. Sheesh, how cheap did he think she was?

“You’re kidding, right?”

She wasn’t, not really. She liked every food item she’d listed... just not all together at one meal.

“Nah.” She tossed back the last of the liquor in her glass and stood. “Doesn’t really matter if I’m serious or not. I have an early flight in the morning, and I must decline your generous invitation. Goodbye, Hunt.”

She opened he purse and took out a twenty to pay her tab. Hunt’s fingers closed over her wrist as she laid the bill on the bar. He’d always been quick.

“I’ll get it,” he said and released her wrist.

Her gaze met his. “No thank you.”

He blinked those long lashes over his gray-blue eyes. “C’mon Maddie. For old time’s sake? I owe you. Back in high school I never had cash on me, and you always paid when we went out for burgers.”

The memory flashed before she could suppress it. The two of them in the local diner. Ketchup oozing down her chin from taking too big a bite. His finger flicking the juicy red condiment from her skin and into his mouth. Then his hand returning to her cheek. His palm flexing as if he didn’t quite know what to do with his hand or his feelings.

“I’m sorry, Maddie.”

The note of regret in his voice snapped her back to the present. One corner of her mouth kicked up. “You’ll have to tell me what for, if we ever meet again.”

She left the twenty, turned, and walked away, letting the party crowd swallow her from sight.

I like Maddie's style! Wonder what Hunter will do next? Thanks for hanging out and playing, Rue!

If you'd like more of Rue Allyn's fiction, you can find her at these locations:

Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

=====================================

Reader Registration is still open for #RustCity16!

Be sure to keep up with all things Rust City 2016, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook |Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

MK Schiller: Rust City Book Con Featured Author

 

HI THERE!
Conference Thursday is back, kicking off the third round in the Five Words Fiction game, and featuring another fabulous Rust City Book Con author.  Today, please welcome

MK Schiller!

Hi all, I'm MK Schiller. I write contemporary romance - a hopeless romantic in a hopelessly pragmatic world. I have a full time life and two busy teenagers, but in the dark of night, I sit by the warm glow of my computer monitor, and attempt to conjure up passionate heartwarming stories with plenty of humor. I started imagining stories in my head at a very young age. In fact, I got so good at it that friends asked me to create plots featuring them as the heroine and the object of their affection as the hero. We'd spend hours on the phone while I came up with a series of unrealistic, yet tender events, which led to a satisfying conclusion. You've heard of fan fiction... this was friend fiction. Even with that, it took many years to realize I could produce an actual full-length book that readers would enjoy. I try to make my stories humorous, realistic, with flawed but redeeming characters. I hope you enjoy my stories and always find The Happily Ever After in every endeavor. My most recent book, Unwanted Girl, is a multicultural romance between an East Indian girl and New York City author.

Friend fiction -- what a cool hobby!  Your friends must adore you. Would you believe I did a similar thing in high school? Except they weren't nice at all. Mostly I wrote little things mocking the teachers I didn't like. And I never showed them to anyone!  Ok, MK -- may I call you MK?-- let's talk about RustCity!

You can totally call me MK! Let's go!

1. Fill in the blank: "I used to be really good at Scrabble , but these days I'm pretty rusty." Ooo, I love Scrabble, but I don't like to play where everybody makes those parallel words with 4 or 5 two letter words? I am outclassed there.

2. Eminem or Aretha? Explain.

Hmm...interesting. Truth is, I love all types of music, but I'm partial to Eminem. Or actually, Kid Rock. I've actually been kicked out a Kid Rock concert before (shhh!). OK, wait. I'm trying to imagine what might get a person KICKED OUT from there... (you can tell me at the con, I'll take it to the grave, pinky swear).

3. Choose One:
Vernors
Faygo
I'm confused. And not from around here.

4. What are you looking forward to most at the RustCity conference? Getting to know other local authors and readers. I love talking about books and getting new recommendations too. Most of all, I'm so happy some of my pals are attending too.

5. Which is NOT an actual community in Michigan? (no googling!)
Bad Axe
Mullet Lake
Alpha
Hero
Colon
Kalamazoo
(The correct answer is "Hero." I got very tickled at some of the names, especially when I saw that "Alpha" was one!)

6. Your latest work of fiction features a wealthy industrialist and an R&B singer. What's the first sentence? "I was a confident, wealthy woman who could buy and sell him a million times over, but for whatever reason, Anthony's smooth buttery voice churned me into a giddy school girl. "

Optional: What's it about? Constance Malory, a rags to riches girl who found her fortune in publishing finally meets the one man who challenges her. Problem is, R & B singer, Sloan Monroe is not the kind of man to play second trumpet to the woman he loves. 

 (oooh...maybe I'll actually write this!) That would be so cool! One of my Five Words authors (Roselynn Cannes) for RUDCon last fall wrote a novella based on my prompt!

7. And finally, would you like to participate in the Alpha Heroes Five Words Fiction Game?  
Absolutely! I love the story. Thanks for creating this fun game!

Fantastic! this is round three in our contemporary story, which appears to be a reunion trope at the moment -- but anything could happen!  Your challenge words are:

romance, inky, letters, hodgepodge, breakfast

Part One, by Shelly Bell

Part Two, by Josie Kerr

Part Three:

CURVE AND HOOK*

“Hello Hunt.”

That clenched it. Only one girl had ever spoken that nickname.

“Maddie,” he replied in a raspy whisper. “It’s been a long time.”

She gave him a slow assessing look. “Time has been good to you.”

It had been good to her too, although Hunter always saw the beauty behind the mask of unruly curls and insecurities. Clearly, judging from the hungry looks men were throwing in her direction, everyone else could see it now too.

“Yes, time has been good to both of us,” he said, holding up his drink for a toast.

She clinked her glass against his. The sleeve of his shirt rode up. He noticed the three inky letters carved across her wrist – Lov. He wanted to ask the story of them, but he kept his curiosity in check. Maddie smiled brightly, but beneath that there lurked a veil of suspicion toward him.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

He shrugged as if he’d forgotten himself. “Signing up a fighter. I’m a manager.”

She took in the information. Perhaps remembering the scuffles he used to get into at North High. What she didn’t know was that most of them involved her in one way or another.

“Interesting.”

“And you, Maddie? Last I heard you left for Julliard.”

Her smile wavered. “Right, it didn’t work out the way I planned. I’m an author now.”

“Is there someone in your life?” His own question surprised him, especially since it was tinged with irrational jealousy.

Her eyes widened before she answered. “No. What about you?”

“You know me, Maddie.”

She took a sip from her glass. “Yes, I do.”

The regret in those words hung between them. But then she bit her bottom lip – a telltale sign of her lust. For the first time since the conversation started, Hunter relaxed. Maddie and he had always spoken the language of lust with great fluency. Time and regrets hadn’t changed that.

Hunter noticed for the first time her hands shook slightly. Despite the hodgepodge of memories flooding through him at this moment, there was one thing he knew for sure – Maddie had always had steady hands.

“So what do you write?” he asked, trying and failing, to go for casual.

“Romance novels.”

“That’s great.”

“Are we done with the awkward questions now?” There was the Maddie of his childhood, the no-nonsense girl some would call blunt and others insecure. For Hunter, she always fell between those two extremes. The girl he’d failed. The one he’d loved.

A strange uninvited desire to have her in his bed again throttled him like a stinging punch to the gut. It wasn’t possible. He was leaving tomorrow. But maybe, he could have her for just one night. The past may have destroyed their future, but could it give them a reprieve for one damn night? It wasn’t too much to ask...

Was it?

“Just one more question, Maddie. What do you like for breakfast?”

Smoooooooth, Hunt. Smooooooooth.  If you'd like more where this comes from, MK has provided a detailed list of resources, for whatever flavor of fiction addiction works best for you:


Website | FB author page | FB personal Page | Amazon Author page | Twitter | Goodreads author page |

Book Buy Links for Unwanted Girl:
Amazon US
Amazon UK 
Amazon Canada 
Amazon Australia  
Publisher’s site  
Goodreads 
Barnes and Noble
Kobo 
Google

*working title -- get it? she's Curve, with the size and the perfume, and he's Hook, on account of the fighter thing? Maybe? No? Got a better idea for a title? put it in the comments!

=====================================  

Registration is now open for #RustCity16!

Be sure to keep up with all things Rust City 2016, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook |Twitter | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

Josie Kerr: Rust City Book Con Featured Author

 

Happy New Year! We are back to #ConThu with Round Two of #RustCity16 author features! Today I'm showcasing:

 

Josie Kerr

Hey! I'm Josie Kerr and I write contemporary romance novels that are like my favorite barbecue sauce - hot and sweet. (Okay, that was *really* cheesy, even for me.) I published my first novel, A Bad Bit Nice, in September 2015, and the second in the Second Chance Neighbors series, The Best Ever, just released.

I want to add that Josie and I have been "internet friends" from chatting on a parenting discussion forum, as far back as pregnancy and toddler days. (My toddler is now in drivers' ed and scheduling college visits--eek!). I'm so thrilled to welcome Josie into Romlandia! But to get on with today's feature, let's talk about RustCity.

1. Fill in the blank: "I used to be really good at knitting , but these days I'm pretty rusty." Hmmm. Rusty knitting needles seems like a bad thing.

2. Eminem or Aretha? Explain.

Lordy, Do I have to choose? I could be totally contrary and say "Iggy Pop," but I'm not. I've loved Aretha Franklin since I saw her in "The Blues Brothers," singing in a diner in her pink houseslippers, so she'll always hold a place in my heart as one of the first singers that I liked because *I* liked her, not because my mother liked her.   Man, The Blues Brothers is one of my all-time favorite movies!

3. Choose One:
Vernors
Faygo
I'm confused. And not from around here.
Co-Cola ;)

4. What are you looking forward to most at the RustCity conference?

I'm really looking forward to talking with book lovers and other authors and just meeting people, even though they really kind of freak me out. I figure, though, that a lot of the participants are introverted, so we'll be introverts together! (I'm a very gregarious introvert, which means that I talk all the damn time but then generally come unglued when I get a bit of time to myself.)  
Yes, the book-con phenomenon of cramming a bunch of introverts together in an intensely social situation is a fascinating psychological experiment...

5. Which is NOT an actual community in Michigan? (no googling!)
Bad Axe
Mullet Lake
Alpha
Hero
Colon
Kalamazoo
(The correct answer is "Hero." I got very tickled at some of the names, especially when I saw that "Alpha" was one!)

6. Your latest work of fiction features a wealthy industrialist and an R & B singer. What's the first sentence?
Terence Garnette looked at the photograph of the supposed savior of 5G Shoes and wondered what in the hell his son was thinking.

What's it about?
Garnette Brothers Shoes needs a complete image overhaul if it's going to survive, and Terence Garnette, Junior knows that up-and-coming R&B singer Ami Fischer (no, not Amy Fisher) is The One. But first, Terence has to convince his father, his brothers, and Ami that she's the right person to be the face of 5G Footwear.

7. And finally, would you like to participate in the Alpha Heroes Five Words Fiction Game?

Yes! The contemp that Shelly started is right up my alley.

Awesome! Shelly left you these challenge words: Detroit, kiss, hotel, book, con

The story begins here.

Hunter needed a drink. Bad.

“Give me a Jim Beam, neat.”

Leave it to his cut-rate travel agent to get him a room in a hotel that was hosting some sort of book convention. He had never seen so many dumpy women in sensible shoes in his life. *God.*

Hunter downed his drink as soon as the bartender placed it in front of him, and then quickly ordered another. He just had to keep his eyes on the prize: tomorrow night he had to sign that fighter, or he was totally, completely, and utterly screwed. But tonight? Tonight he was going to drink himself into oblivion. Well, as far into oblivion as he could venture for under 100 bucks.

The woman next to him laughed and tossed her shiny black hair over her shoulder, and he caught a scent of something he hadn’t smelled in years: Curve. Curve was what *she* wore, the girl that stole his kisses backstage after the play; the girl that stole his virginity, the girl that stole his heart. The girl that he ultimately lost because he was a coward.

*Maddie.*

The heady, familiar scent wrapped around, plucking images from his memory: that shy smile, those unruly, outrageous sorrel curls, those beautiful curves stretched out under him in a twin bed.

He inhaled again. He had always wondered if she was sending a subliminal “fuck you” with her choice of perfume. Probably not. Maddie was way too sweet to do something like that, consciously or otherwise.

Curve Woman shifted on her bar stool and crossed her shapely legs. There was a time that Hunter would have been all over her like white on rice. But now? An entanglement, even for a single night, was the last thing he needed.

Curve Woman shifted in her seat again, but this time it was to groan and roll her eyes. “Oh, come on! ‘Detroit Rock City’? Really? Playing this song in this city is not ironic; it’s just lame.”

Hunter chuckled. “I completely agree. Looks like you need another drink,” he said, nodding at her empty glass. “What’re you having?”

*Oh, God, Maddie. You can do this. You’ve waited four years for this.*

“A Virgin’s Kiss.”

Hunter shook his head. *Where do they come up with the names of these drinks?* “Another Virgin’s Kiss for the pretty lady.”

After the bartender served her, Maddie smiled demurely at Hunter. “Thank you.”

She wrapped her lips around her straw and widened her eyes, just like Jenna said she should.

“You’re quite welcome.” He flashed that megawatt smile at her, but then frowned a bit as he looked closer at her. “I’m sorry, I know this sounds like a complete douche bag pick-up line, but do I know you?”

Maddie froze on the stool. *Did he…? Could he…?* She sucked almost half her drink down, stalling, trying to figure out what she was going to say, how she was going to play this.

Sensing her unease, he extended his hand. “I’m Hunter.”

Thanks Josie! I love the perfume element! (I have to apologize too, my template has a weird override thing in place so that I can't accommodate italics very well. One of these days I'll have to get around to fixing that...)  Anyway, can't wait to hang out with you in Detroit. Is the Virgin's Kiss a real drink? Will lightning strike me if I order one? For the answer to these questions and many more -- register for Rust City Book Conference! (links below)

Josie can be found on various places around the internet: website  | twitter | instagram: @authorjosiekerr | pinterest  | facebook  | Amazon.com 

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