BLOG TOUR: Ignite by Lily Paradis

 Author Interview: 5 Questions with Lily Paradis

Q1. Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to write Ignite.

A. I think you'll see a lot of me in Lauren. She's 21. I was 21 when I wrote this book. She does stupid things sometimes. She's selfish. I do stupid things, and I'm selfish a lot of the time. I didn't consciously model her after myself, but I think my own voice crept in there involuntarily. It was a challenge to make her relatable even through her major flaws.

IGNITE was inspired by two events. The first was what happened to me when I went to the DMV to get my new license when I turned 21. The second was that I nannied for a family of three children over a span of a few days, and I started to wonder what it would be like if that was my life. It all just kind of came together from there!

Q2. How did you come up with the title, and how does it relate to the story?

A. I have a weird thing about titles. I like strong, one-worded titles that make you wonder why the book is called what it's called. That's why I write them in all capital letters. IGNITE came to me when I watched someone struggle to start their car, and then later a lighter. Sarah Hansen put the definition on the cover and I think that helps a little bit with figuring it out. I don't want to give anything away, but the characters are all stuck in some way, and they just need something to "ignite" them and get them moving and productive in their lives. Or maybe, someone. I think we all have those moments, and I hope readers find it relatable. If you look on the tumblr inspiration page, you'll see a beautiful gif of a lighter being lit. That, along with the contrast against the snowy setting in the novel and Dean's concept that Lauren is in "Siberia", led me to call it IGNITE. I know it may not seem the most fitting to some, but I can't imagine calling it anything else.

Q3. Do you have a favorite scene from the book?

A. Strangely, my favorite scene is when Lauren has to go get Callie from the principal's office. It may be a weird scene, since seemingly nothing important happens, but that situation and Callie's actions are hilarious to me.

Another favorite is when Lauren is waking up in the hospital and is still a bit loopy. That, and the airplane scene with her and Dean were fun to write.

Q4. What are some of your favorite books and authors that have inspired you to become a writer?

A. None of these books will make any sense because IGNITE isn't the same genre, but my future books are! 

Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen by Garth Nix, and Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.

Q5. Tell us a little about Arclight?  What can we expect to learn from Dean’s POV?  Is this a sequel that picks up where Lauren's story left off or does it encompass the same time frame as Lauren's story? When will it be released and what other writing projects do you have in the works?

A. ARCLIGHT, thus far, is a collection of scenes from Dean's childhood and his POV of certain scenes in IGNITE. I do have events for a sequel planned, but Dean's perspective may take up an entire book all on its own. I do have a lot of pieces from his childhood that show you why he is the way he is with Lauren, and how he got to be such a part of her father's life. I kept a lot of it very vague in IGNITE on purpose. This is Indie Publishing. If I tried to do that traditionally, it wouldn't fly. But Lauren isn't an all-knowing character, so why would the audience get to know everything if she doesn't? I thought it would be interesting to have to get the other pieces of the story from him, just like she eventually will. It's frustrating. Lauren's frustrated, so the readers should be too. During the events of IGNITE, a lot of traumatic events happened, so she didn't quite have the time to seriously question him, and ask about his past. She was too busy focusing on the kids and how she would figure out her future. In ARCLIGHT, we get to see these things, and I hope it'll be an "aha" moment for a lot of readers. It kind of was for me as I was writing it, if that makes any sense. That was a long winded answer, but I hope it makes you want to read ARCLIGHT to get the rest of the story! P.S., That title is something that also relates to IGNITE, and more to Dean. If you google the definition of the word, it might give you some clues. I'm hoping it will release early to mid 2015, as I'm planning on releasing VOLITION first. 

I have a lot of different projects in the works, and Tate McKenna in VOLITION is possibly my favorite narrator I have ever written and will write. I also have EQUILIBRIUM in the editing stages, which is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel that I wrote a couple of years ago. They're all very diverse, so I hope that readers will like the cross-genre novels!

Thanks Lily and congratulations on the release of your first book!

Lily is 22 and recently graduated from the University of Colorado where she earned a degree in English Literature. She lives with her family and loves reading, running, and hiking. Although she’s a Colorado native, New York City is her favorite place in the world and fosters her borderline unhealthy obsession with the Empire State Building and F. Scott Fitzgerald. IGNITE is her debut novel.




Book Review: Ignite Lily Paradis

3.5 Stars

What starts as a random day at the DMV for 21 year old college student Lauren Annabelle Lindsey turns into the day that changes her life and puts her on a completely different path. Not only does she run into a hunk of a man she will later meet as Dean Powell, but she’s given the news that she’s now the legal guardian of her step-mother’s three children.

Lauren quickly becomes aware that Dean is not just some stranger also getting his license renewed. He is actually the older brother and legal guardian to his teenage sister, her step-sister’s best friend, and has close ties to the family she has barely known.

There is a strong emphasis on fate as a theme of the novel and quite a few fairy tale references. Aside from a jerk move he pulls during a ski trip, Dean is quite the prince. He’s great with the kids, has limitless funds, and is there whenever Lauren needs him.

The story itself is engaging.  Lauren has to negotiate her new “parent” role to her step-siblings and her interactions with them add greatly to everyone’s character development.  Those scenes feel very real as the three children each react to her differently, and she finds she must bond with them in different ways.

Dean and Lauren develop a quick and endearing friendship. I appreciated that it wasn’t insta-love or insta-lust. They really work at a relationship and help each other open up. Dean is a friend at a time when Lauren really needs one.

There is some suspension of disbelief needed in regards to questions Lauren doesn’t ask and dots she doesn’t connect. How did her step-mother die? Why was she chosen to be their guardian?  How did Dean come to know her family?  While I enjoyed the intrigue aspect to this story, and there will be another book, Archlight, told via Dean’s point of view to supply details that are missing from Ignite, there were still just a few too many questions left unanswered.  There is no cliffhanger though. The ending offers a HFN—a promise of the future.

One thing that is missing is the consummation of their relationship. The romantic “content” seems geared more towards the young adult audience as there is little intimate physical contact between Dean and Lauren (forehead kisses aside).  That being said, if you prefer a clean romantic story then Ignite is highly recommended. However, if you are looking for a big steam factor, you may find the 'romance' lukewarm. 

Check it out at the following:

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Coming later this Fall to BN.com and iBooks 

BOOK REVIEW: 3:AM Kisses by Addison Moore

On Campus Today at Whitney Briggs University in North Carolina. Take a course in colorful descriptions, euphemisms, and innuendo.  Can you describe anatomy as lively as author Addison Moore?...

3:AM Kisses (3:AM Kisses series) by Addison Moore

A

(Grades will be given in lieu of stars for these titles)

When Baya Brighton shows up on campus for her first year at Whitney Briggs University, stacks of her father’s books weighing her down like bricks, she isn’t planning on flashing her boobs to hot senior and fellow co-ed Bryson Edwards. (Yes, Baya just modernized the term book-bosomed.) Baya also isn’t expecting that the first campus hottie she lays eyes on is her brother’s best friend, roommate, and fellow man whore.

As if “nipplegate” isn’t embarrassing enough for Baya, she soon discovers the big brother who she always looked up to is the biggest man whore on campus, competing with Bryson for the most notches on the door jam.  Cole is so wrapped up in his own sex marathons that he is blind to the fact that his sister isn’t a kid anymore and treats her…well like a bossy jerk of a big brother who wants her playing with doll houses, not his horny roommate.

Baya is sweet, innocent, and naïve at times.  Left alone to make her own way on campus, it is Bryson that befriends her and helps her out the most. Bryson is cute, flirty, tattooed, tanned, and a little troubled. Or at least he’s carrying around guilt that’s keeping him from accepting a real relationship and falling in love.

“Oh sweetie…if you spent the night in my room there wouldn't be a whole hell of a lot of sleeping going on.” —Bryson

While this may be about Baya’s new college experiences, as a coming of age story Bryson is the one who really finds himself, going from a cocky boy-slut to a caring and committed boyfriend. He finds in Baya the girl that makes him want to give up all his meaningless sexual conquests and the type of girl he’s ready to take home to his family.

Can Baya stand to live with her sex-fiend roommate? Or will she have to lug those books across campus for a new abode?  Can Cole get his tree trunk out of the sorority girls and treat his sister like an adult? Will Bryson get the invite to the "Baya loses her virginity party?" Or will others who don’t want them together keep them apart?  Do these co-eds ever go to class? J

Told via Baya and Bryson’s alternating point of view it is filled with cute euphemisms and colorful metaphors. Baya’s bubbly personality and creative descriptions make the story lively. 

“Bryson Edwards has a beam between his legs. An Olympic sized balance beam, and I half-expect to see an entire string of gymnasts burst into the room with team USA leotards on and break out into a routine over it.” —Baya

While there is some more serious drama towards the climax of the story and a little touch of mystery regarding the details of Bryson’s past, for the most part it’s a fun and light-hearted read. That’s not to say there aren’t some ewww moments in the beginning in regards to Bryson’s extra curricular activities. It takes a little bit for Bryson to clean up his act.  But Baya is patient and smitten with him. The story delivers an HEA with future details about the couple in subsequent books, Winter Kisses, Sugar Kisses, and Whiskey Kisses, featuring their friends, family, and co-eds continue this series.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Nikki Faye

Available Now! Sold 

Five Questions with Nikki Faye

 Q1. Sold and the companion books focus on sex trafficking. How did you decide to tackle this topic and what would you want readers to take away from reading it from an awareness perspective?

A. I have always had a passion for great love stories.  I feel that with any love, great or small you have to go through fire and pain to get through to the other side.  With that said I have also been in an abusive relationship before, physical, sexual, and emotional.  It's why I have a passion for this, I've lived through some of what my characters do.  I am also a hopeless romantic.  :)

Q2. Revenge is a prominent theme. Can you tell us a little more about Chase’s plans and how they have changed? How has revenge changed him?

A. Okay so he was out for blood, out to kill Michael.  This anger and rage had consumed him for so long, it was the only prominent stable aspect in his life.  His father was taken from him, he is a lost and hurt man, (even though he wont admit to that).  But after seeing Emma, and what she goes through, and more importantly realizing that she's innocent in this, she did nothing to cause this, his view changes.  It happens in stages.  He falls madly in love with her.

Q3. What was the hardest thing about writing some of the grittier scenes?

A. Oh gosh, revisiting some of my past.  Writing it, thinking about it.  While writing a lot of those scenes I have my ever present husband there to support me.  He's my rock.  He keeps me sane.

Q4. What was your favorite part about writing Sold?

A. I love Sold; honestly I think it might be my favorite by far.  Reason being Chase is so broken, so lost, and hurting.  And Emma can't fix him, but she shows him the light, and the truth in herself, and he mends his broken heart and soul.  I just love Chase :)

Q5. What can readers expect with future writing projects and ones in the works? 

A. Okay so I revealed on my author page my new series (President Series) and it's quite naughty ;) But don't fear. Club Threshold isn't even close to being done.  So we have Taken and Bound (Taken 2 and Sold 2) Coming this October.  You might ask why so long?  Well I'm still writing it.  I take a lot of time to write, a lot of brainstorming and analyzing my work. Then we will return to Submitting to my Master, Club Threshold Book 2.  It picks up right after Club 1.  It’s really intense and a graphic read.  That'll come out in November. And immediately following will be Forever Sean (Novella Series). There will be 2-3 novellas on his story.  They are EXTREMELY intense.

*All books are 18+ Adult Dark Erotic Romance with mature content/sensitive subject matter. 

SOLD

Chase wants revenge for the murder of his father. He intends to get it by breaking the killer’s daughter, Emma.

After being taken and trained, Emma doesn't know what to think or feel, whether to submit or fight. 

Both find more than what they were looking for, but will it be taken away from them?

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Book Description: 

My name is Chase. I have been watching and waiting for this day for over seven years. Since my father was murdered my life was surrounded by her. I took comfort in the fact that soon I would be able to make him hurt just as he has hurt me. I would be able to make him beg as I begged him all those years ago when he was standing behind my dad with a gun to his head. 

I was a young man then. I hadn't decided what I wanted to do with my life yet. I didn't know where I wanted to go, but I did want to go. I wanted to escape. But watching my father as he was murdered before my eyes changed everything. Now I am motivated by revenge. I was out to make him pay. He would pay through her. 

I would make her my slave. She would pay the sins that her father Michael James Lippman committed. She would bow to my will. She would do whatever I ask of her. I planned on using her until she was broken beyond repair. 

I planned on breaking her and then tossing her out to hurt him even more. To pour more salt in his wounds. What I hadn't planned on was falling irrevocably and madly in love with her. I hadn't planned on her changing everything, but she did. I found my escape; in her.  

Emma:
All my life I wanted to belong. 
I wanted to get away from my drunken mother. 
And my asshole of a father. 
I've lived a privileged life, one that I've tried to hide from. 
All it has gotten me is heartache. 
I left on a trip to find myself. 
I was taken, blindfolded, beaten, and sold. 
My story doesn't end there. 
Now I belong. 
To him. 
Unwillingly. 
He says he will own me, own my body, soul and mind. 
This is my story. It isn't a fairy tale. It's the fucked up mess of my life, and the man who owns me. He has demons of his own that he fights. He lives a privileged life but it wasn't always that way. He's been living in his own hell. And I've introduced him into mine. He says he's broken. I am the piece to his puzzle. The puzzle that is his life. 
I wont give up without a fight. I wont give in. 
I want my freedom, I want my life. 
What if I come to discover that what I've been searching for is him? He can heal my soul, fill me, break me and make me new again. He is my true Nightmare. I don't need to sleep to see him.

Also by Nikki Faye:

Master of Passion (Club Threshold Book 1) 

What happens when you put a battered and terrified woman on the run with a troubled and determined Master? A love story of a lifetime is born. 

Meet Layla... I could tell you that it all worked out. I could tell you that in the end I made peace with my life and the events that took place before that dreadful day. A day that in my dreams had been the happiest in my life. Our wedding day was the day Kevin, my love, my life, my friend, and my husband died. In him a monster was born. I could tell you that it wasn’t that bad, but that would be a lie. It was horrible. Every day I woke to new fears; and every night I was thankful for the few hours of peace from him. He made my life hell. I thought it was his mission. If I had only known what was really going on. That he was suffering from his own hell. He brought me into his, and changed me. I was no longer the innocent and naive Layla he married. I became a fighter, and for that I am thankful.
Kevin....  Layla had been the light of my life from the time I was a young man. She was the one person that kept me going. After I left my family, faked my death, and killed my brother Josh, I thought I would be free. I wasn’t. I was still haunted by him, my own father. The things he did… you wouldn’t want to know. Layla kept me centered. I thought if I could just see her one more time; if I could just hold her once more. Problem is when I left she was just a little girl, and now years later it has turned into an obsession. I want her, I want to mark her body with my pain, make her feel what I feel, so then we can feel together. It’s good she doesn’t remember me. I am going warp every one of her happily ever after fantasies. The girl never chooses the villain, but she will if she thinks I am the hero.
Josh...  Losing my brother had been the most painful event of my life, or so I thought. I didn’t count on her showing up. I figured she had disappeared along with our life from Sacramento. I hadn’t counted on seeing her again, the girl who has haunted my dreams all my life. The one thing I know I can’t have. I can’t be trusted. I made one wrong decision, and for that Jamie died. I killed my brother Jamie by not following my instincts; I stayed in the house a minute too long. He came back for me. He came to save me and he died. She will die too if I can’t save her. 

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Taken (Taken #1)

Silvia 

Kevin took me from my life to make Layla pay. That morning when Master J found me I was beyond recognizable. I had survived a severe beating by the hands of Kevin, and his whip. Master J tried to fix me, but instead I broke him. How do two broken people that have everything weighing against them survive? I cant tell you the answer, I still don't know. I do know that was the day I began living. Before I was just existing, but with Jason I began living. 

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Get All Three Titles in One!

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And Coming this Fall...

Taken and Bound (Taken 2 and Sold 2) (October 2014)

Submitting to Him, My Master (Club Threshold #2) (October/November 2014)

Forever Sean (Releases immediately following Submitting to Him)

Plus a new series will begin in October. Here’s a teaser:  

Breaking All The Rules...With the President

The way his hazel eyes sear me, cut through every wall I've had. He shreds every thought of discovery. The question that's been plaguing me all this time is on the tip of my tongue.

"Don't ruin the moment Macy, just enjoy being here, with me. Feel me touching your back."

He leans in close, close enough for me to feel his erection demanding release from his pants.

"Feel my breath on your neck. Feel my kisses on your neck."

He begins to kiss and nibble my neck. His lips slowly travel to my collar bone. My nipples harden at the thought of his mouth suckling them. He's done this before, most likely with his wife. I tense up. He senses it.

"Don't Macy, just relax. Don't think." That's difficult for me until he slips his hand under my skirt. His hand feels amazing traveling up my leg. The anticipation of the act is making my heart beat like crazy.

He looks down at me. His smile, his panty wetting smile, it gets me every time. "Obey me Macy."

I have but one answer for him. "Yes Mr. President."  

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Nazarea Andrews

5 Questions with Author Nazarea Andrews

Q1. What was your inspiration for creating the University of Branton and setting a series around it?

A. My hometown, which was very small and plays more heavily on the setting of book two, Beautiful Broken, and my college. Which was small and beautiful and where I fell in love with my husband.
College and a small town influenced me and made me the person I am. Both are hugely important to me and have a special place in my heart, even now that I live in a big city and I'm years past college. Branton allowed me to go back to that, briefly. 

Q2. Did you ever have a teacher/professor like Atticus?  How did your own university experience compared to Avery’s at UB?

A. Ha!!! No. Atticus, amazing as he is, was very much my imagination.  Avery had a very normal college experience, until Atticus threw her for a loop. I didn't. I left school early, worked several jobs between classes and never partied. But I loved my college experience.

Q3. Atticus and Dane are best friends but they have rather different personalities? If you were in a character in one of your books, which one would you be more attracted to/who is more your type and why?

A. Dane.  In a book, anyway. Dane is rough and rude and oh my god, I love him. He's also broken and furious and hurting. He's a MESS.
Atticus? Atti is the boy that Dane was, after he's sorted himself out. He still has his sharp edges and mess moments. But he's got his shit together for the most part. And in real life, who wouldn't want to be with that?

Q4. Avery is a great female character—she’s smart, organized, and determined. Can you give us any more background about how you created her character?  What are your favorite qualities about her?

A. Her determination. I love love how she's so intent on what she wants. I'm that way. The problem is that sometimes we're so focused on that we miss what's right in front of us. Avery needs to learn that. 

Q5. Will we ever get another book with Atticus and Avery as the main characters? I know they make appearances in later books, but any plans for them to have a second story? A second pirate book that Atticus writes and they research together? A wedding? Kids? 

A. Haha, well. Maybe. If you read Sweet Ruin and Fractured Perfection (Oct 2015) you definitely get their next chapters. We might see novellas in the future. Maybe. :)

Thanks Nazarea! A novella with Atti and Avery would be great for their fans! We’ll keep our fingers crossed.  Keep us updated on the release of Fractured Perfection too.  

Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.

Connect with her via her website, blog, Twitter, or Facebook. 

BOOK REVIEW: This Love by Nazarea Andrews

The campus tour of back-to-school escapes stops today in Louisiana at the University of Branton. Topics covered in this course include romance with your professor and sex on the beach. Can you get an A+ like this book?

Author interview with Nazarea Andrews to follow... 

This Love (University of Branton Book 1) by Nazarea Andrews

A+

(Grades will be given in lieu of stars for these titles)

Atticus Grimes is one sexy, young history professor in need of a research assistant for his book on pirates. Oh yeah, that’s hot. Where were those classes when I was an undergrad?

Avery Emili is college student in need of some cash to attend her sister’s Jamaican wedding.

Both have been burned by love. But the sparks fly when Avery takes a summer job helping him with his book.

It starts out with a lot of sexual tension till Avery and Atticus can’t deny their attraction to each other any longer. (Who knew shopping for office supplies and apartments could be so exhilarating?)

 “She moans, a soft needy noise. It drives me crazy. My mouth opens on her neck, tracing a path with my tongue. She moans, her arm coming up as her fingers tangle in my hair. One of my hands splays across her stomach, and it takes every ounce of willpower to not slide lower. ‘Tell me to stop, Avery,’ I whisper, nibbling at her ear.”

The chemistry between them is amazing; I was rooting for them right off the bat. Both are great characters. Avery is smart and down to earth. Atticus is a tad bit of a bad boy which makes him sexy and alluring.

Their relationship is not without obstacles, aside from the professor/student dynamics. Atticus’s best friend, arrogant lawyer Dane, doesn't like her. His ex wants him back. And her ex might just be waiting for her at her sister’s wedding.

In addition to researching pirates, there’s also a steamy trip to the Big Easy as well as a few heated confrontations at the wedding in Jamaica. Yes, there is plenty of excitement to keep readers hanging on the edge as Atti and Avery struggle with the expiration date on their fling and the more serious feelings they have for each other.

Despite all the odds stacked against them, the end still delivers a resolution to their problems along with a HEA. I liked how Atticus and Avery overcame the odds to be together. The story is told via Atticus and Avery’s alternating point of view.  Secondary characters (Dane and Atticus’s sister, Scout) continue their own story in the second book, Beautiful Broken, with Avery and Atticus making brief appearances.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Lyla Payne

5 Questions with Author Lyla Payne

Q1. Before we discuss the Whitman University books, let me ask about your newest projects. You have two new mystery/suspense ghost stories that came out this year. How does that genre compare to the new adult genre? What are the differences and challenges in writing for both?

A. The new books, Not Quite Dead and NotQuite Cold, are similar to the new adult books in that they're centered around a 25 year old woman who has a long way to go in figuring out who she is and what she wants out of her life. They're different from the Whitman books in that the main plot centers around a mystery (brought on by a haunting) and the romance, while part of the story, is not the entire story.

They both have challenges and payoffs! I love writing both kinds of stories, but helping new adult branch out into other genres is something I love being a part of.

Q2. Tell us a little bit about the fictional Whitman University as the setting for the series?  Was it based on the university you attended? How does it compare?

A. I did attend a private school in Texas so there are definitely similarities! The kids at Whitman University are a little more well off and high profile than most of the kids I attended school with, but I think the general atmosphere of fun loving and excess are applicable. I wanted Whitman University to be a safe place for the kinds of characters I wanted to have to be themselves, to not be judged for having so much money, and be able to accept that even with money and notoriety, it's still possible to have problems. Even if they're, you know, rich kid problems. ;)

Q3. Let’s talk about the characters in the first two books of the series, Broken at Love and By Referral Only. Between the girls, Emilie and Ruby who are both strong female characters, which one would you say you are more like? Do they have traits that you see in yourself? And for the boys, Quinn and Cole, who would you have been more attracted to in college?

A. That's an interesting question! I think that in a lot of ways, Emilie is an ideal. She's the girl we all wish we could be--confident enough in what we want and what's right that we don't let anyone else's behavior or opinions sway our minds. People call her weak sometimes, but in my head she's one of the strongest characters I've ever written--maybe even unnaturally so. Ruby, on the other hand, is a very real girl with very real insecurities and very real ways of coping with them. I have things in common with them both, but I would say I'm more like Ruby, and strive to be more like Emilie.

Oh, the boys. I'd love to tell you I was mature enough in college to see the beauty of a loyal, steady boy like Cole (and I mean, I obviously never met one with an accent and a kilt, boo), but I definitely would have been more attracted to a Quinn.

Q4. So I thought Ruby’s rating system was actually pretty creative (brilliant) and…um informative for girls on the dating scene (although perhaps not accurate in Cole’s case). What was your inspiration for that idea/plot? Have you heard from any college readers that have tried to put a system in place at their own university?

A. I came up with the idea for a rating system with one of my critique partners who works at a university! We were just kind of joking around, tossing ludicrous ideas back and forth at one another, and thought this one was hilarious. Then we fought over who got to keep it, but ended up agreeing that Ruby might be the only one who could pull it off. I haven't heard from any of my readers who mentioned putting it into place at their college, but I did read an article shortly after the book came out about a similar rating system that was uncovered at a University - I wish I could remember which one!

Q5. Be My Downfall and Staying on Top are the next two titles in the Whitman University series. Can you tell us a little about them? And any plans for additional Whitman U books?

A. I'd love to! Be My Downfall is my favorite book in the series (don't tell the others!) and follows Toby Wright, the Senator's son that we met in Broken at Love, and Whitman's resident party girl, Kennedy Gilbert. Kennedy has a past full of dark secrets, and even though she keeps a lock on that door, Toby somehow manages to blunder through anyway. His own issues flare up in her presence, but the chemistry between them is insistent. He wants to save her but if there's one thing anyone who has ever loved an addict knows for sure, it's that people can only save themselves. It's the darkest, grittiest book in the series but it also has, in my opinion, the biggest reward.

Staying On Top is a lighter installment, and follows Blair Paddington and tennis star Sam Bradford on an impromptu trip across the world. Her father is a con man and swindled Sam out of millions of dollars--Sam thinks Blair wants to help him get it back, but in reality her father has tasked her with getting access to the rest of the star's accounts. They learn to trust each other, even when they shouldn't, and in the end Blair has to decide if she cares enough to stand up to the one man who has always kept her in line.

There IS going to be a fifth installment! It's called Living the Dream, and will be dually narrated by Sebastian Blair and...Audra Stuart! I don't want to give away too much of the story at the moment, but I can say that some Save the Date cards have gone out in the mail... #WhitmanUWedding Also, you can preorder it on iBooks!

Thank you so much Lyla!  We'll definitely be reading the rest of the series and looking out for #5!

Lyla Payne has been publishing New Adult romance novels for a little over a year, starting with Broken at Love and continuing with the rest of the Whitman University series. She loves telling stories, discovering the little reasons people fall in love, and uncovering hidden truths in the world around us - past and present. In her spare time she cuddles her two dogs, pretends to enjoy exercising so that she can eat as much Chipotle as she wants, and harbors a deep and abiding hope that Zac Efron likes older women. She loves reading, of course, along with movies, traveling, and Irish whiskey. Lyla's hard at work, ALWAYS, and hopes to bring you more Whitman University antics and at least one more Lowcountry ghost tale before the end of the year.

Lyla Payne is represented by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

If you want to know more, please visit her at http://lylapayne.com

If you're a fan of Young Adult fiction--science fiction or otherwise--please check out her work that's published under the name Trisha Leigh. http://trishaleigh.com

Follow Lyla Payne at the following:

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Buy Links for Not Quite Dead:

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BOOK REVIEW: By Referral Only by Lyla Payne

Still hanging on campus with the Whitman U crew, and it's time to rate the boys...

By Referral Only (Whitman University Book 2) by Lyla Payne

A

(Grades will be given in lieu of stars for these titles)

Does your beau stop in the middle for a snack break? Never get started in the first place? Leave you doing a walk of unsatisfied shame? Well Whitney Brigs theater major, Ruby Cotton has developed just the web site to voice your dissatisfaction.

Yep, that’s right. Ruby has enlisted the help of a computer science geek to help her set up a grading site on the male population at Whitney Brigs. Too many of her female friends have been left disappointed by lack-luster bedroom performances and Ruby’s out to make the spoiled boys at Whitney Brigs shape up and work for their dates.

Ruby’s own neglected lower parts want fellow actor Liam, not Scottish swimmer, Cole Stuart. Despite his blonde hair, green eyes, dimples, charming personality, and accent, Cole’s ratings on Ruby’s new “referral” website are terrible. But when Liam’s big “performance” is a dud, and Cole’s one chaste kiss during a Romeo and Juliet scene for her after-school kids theater is awe-inspiring it makes it hard to get him out of her mind.

 “Everyone knows you can’t wait to fall in love. It happens even if you don’t want it to, like in the Cinderella movies.”

 That little piece of wisdom comes from Caroline, Ruby’s ten year old acting student, but it leaves an impression.

Cole is attentive, chivalrous, adorable with his Scottish colloquialisms, and a big mystery. Oh yes, he’s totally swoon-worthy. He and Ruby have a great attraction to each other (that she fights), and the book (told from Ruby’s POV) moves along at a good pace.

While the story is for the most part a fun and light hearted read, there is plenty of depth to the characters. Though outwardly out-going, Ruby wrestles with self-esteem issues stemming from not being born into wealth like her fellow old and ancient money co-eds.  Yet hurt by love in the past, she’s not as different from Cole as she thinks.

Cole’s secret is a little heart-wrenching (all I’m gonna say so as not to spoil it). Its reveal is a pivotal point in their relationship and a great climax to the story. Emilie and Quinn from Broken at Love also appear, and if you enjoyed Quinn in the first book, he has some gem comments in this one too.

Are the girls rating the guys based solely on bedroom skills and sexual satisfaction or are they letting their feeling and relationship expectations get in the way? What secret is keeping Cole’s ratings low? Can he and Ruby let go of the issues they harbor? And will Ruby finally get to see Cole in his kilt?

The HEA is sweet, sexy, and superb! An amazing ending to this cute campus tale that raises the question of the different ways men and women view sex, dating, emotions, and relationships while showing how two new adults overcome their fears, doubts, insecurities, and pasts to succeed at love.

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BOOK REVIEW: Broken at Love by Lyla Payne

We’re spending the day at Whitman University in Florida with two new adult college stories both deserving an A and at a great price.*  Before we leave campus we’ll check in with author Lyla Payne for more details on what’s next for Whitman U.  

Broken at Love (Whitman University Book 1) by Lyla Payne

A

(Grades will be given in lieu of stars for these titles)

Quinn Rowland is a man scorned. His tennis career is over (a result of an injury), his girlfriend doesn’t think he’s good enough any more, and his family situation has left him with a ton of self loathing.  Down on his luck and feeling sorry for himself, Quinn channels his anger at the females of Whitman University via a bet with his twisted half-brother Sebastian. Through a rouse meeting at each tennis open party, Quinn must bed the selected girl, win her heart, and then dump her. And the score is on his side till Emilie Swanson comes along.

Emilie isn’t buying Quinn’s lines, but she’s also not convinced that there isn’t more substance to Quinn than parties, booze, and women. And when she pushes back, she might just manage to turn the game around on him.

Is Emilie in over her head? Will she let Quinn take her heart and end up broken like him?  Will either of them get the careers they want even when their fathers don’t support them? Or will Quinn succumb to Sebastian’s blackmail? Can Emilie save Quinn from his downward spiral?

Emilie is a strong, level-headed female character. She has guts and doesn't let a bunch of testosterone driven frat boys intimidate her.  For the most part she trusts her gut instincts, and yet at the same time leads with her heart. She’s someone you’d want in your corner as a trusted friend.

Quinn is more complex. He has a ton of issues, treats women like dogs, and yet still manages to ooze sex appeal and be the guy you root for to get his act together. And he needs a girl like Emilie to help him uncover if there is a real prince beneath the prick.

There’s plenty of chemistry, and they have some cute banter.

 “Following your moods is like watching a tennis match. Go away. Sleep with me. Go away. My head’s going to fall off.”

You'll definitely be left wondering 'will they or won’t they,' but the ending is sweet and shows the growth of both characters. Told via Emilie and Quinn’s alternating point of views, there’s the right amount of drama and a slightly sweep you off your feet style HEA. This is book #1 of the Whitman University series but can also be read as a stand-alone. The next book, By Referral Only, features Emilie's roommate, Ruby, who tackles grading the university boy's performances (and we're not talking on the tennis court or on stage).

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Mara Jacobs

5 Questions with Author Mara Jacobs

Q1.  Let’s talk a little about the Freshman Roommates Trilogy. What was your inspiration for this series of books? Has it drawn on your own college experiences/friendships?

A. I’d wanted to try writing a New Adult for a while now. I just love the angst of post/late teens. And by having them be freshman in college, you get that, but also a little coming of age as well. And I love best girlfriends, it seemed natural to make them roommates and have their friendship develop as the books went on.

I did take the situation of Lily teaching swimming lessons directly from my own experience. My first year at Michigan State, I gave swimming lessons a couple of afternoons a week to kids. And the steam room was heaven! Alas, no hottie in the bleachers looking on, though.

Q2. The first book, In Too Deep, is about Lily. The second is about Jane. Correct to assume the third is about Syd?  Is it still freshman year for the girls in the subsequent books? Any hints about the plots or teasers for the next two titles?

A. Yes, Syd gets the third book. Jane’s book takes place just a few weeks after In Too Deep finishes. And as of now, Syd’s story takes place almost concurrently as Jane’s story. So yes, all three roommates will have their stories told during their freshman year.

One teaser for Jane…the book starts out with her standing in her half sister’s wedding—the “deal” she made for Lily’s and Lucas’s sake. 

3. How much of a role will Lucas and Lily have in the follow-up books? Will we get to see how their relationship is fairing?

A. Jane’s story is a little different because a good chunk of it will take place off campus. But Lily’s there, and we’ll see both she and Lucas a little bit.

Q4. Lucas and Lily are both such well developed characters. They showed how there is so much more to people than the stereotypes they are often given.  What would you say are Lucas’s greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses? 

A. First, thank you for thinking they are well developed!  I think Lucas’s greatest strength is his sense of responsibility. It took him a while to find it (which is part of growing up), but the way he watches out for his kid brother Andy I think shows how much he’s grown and is being responsible.

His weakness? Well, he did have a drug problem, but he turned that around. His weakness is probably his blind loyalty to Stick and his mother, which ended up getting him in trouble. He saw a way to help Stick and get back at the man who hurt his mother and he took it—even though he knew it was a stupid thing to do.

Q5. Same question regarding Lily’s strengths and weaknesses, and how do you think Lily would sum up her freshman year? What has she taken away from her college experience thus far?

A. I like Lily’s integrity. I think it comes through most when she knows she could see Lucas in secret even though she made the deal with her father not to. And Jane even semi-encourages her to, but she just can’t. Or won’t. That’s a defining moment for Lily. She didn’t know she had that kind of strength.

Her weakness is that she doesn’t – or didn’t – trust herself. She’s kind of passive too, because she’s never had to be more aggressive. She toughens up at the end, but Lily will always be the kind of person who lets things (and people) come to her versus going out and taking it. (like Jane—and Syd—would)  I think Lily would say she “found herself” her freshman year. Maybe even more so than she “found Lucas.” (though she’d think that was pretty good too!)  She also knows she needs to study more!

Thank you Mara for taking the time to talk to us about the new series. Looking forward to reading the next two books! 

Book #2 In Too Fast can be added to your Goodreads list now!

Mara Jacobs is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Worth series. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in advertising, Mara spent several years working at daily newspapers in advertising sales and production. This certainly prepared her for the world of deadlines! She writes mysteries with romance, thrillers with romance, and romances with…well, you get it. Forever a Yooper (someone who hails from Michigan's glorious Upper Peninsula), Mara now splits her time between the Copper Country, Las Vegas, and East Lansing, where she is better able to root on her beloved Spartans.

You can find out more about Mara’s books at www.marajacobs.com

BOOK REVIEW: In Too Deep by Mara Jacobs

Back on the college campus tour...Have you heard of Bribury College? If not, now is the time to enroll. The first book in the Freshman Roommates Trilogy set at this fictional elite school is available now and two more stories are to come. Let’s sit in on a lesson in love, growing up, and becoming your own person.

In Too Deep (Freshman Roommates Trilogy, Book 1) by Mara Jacobs

A

(Grades will be given in lieu of stars for these college titles)

Freshman, Lily Spaulding doesn’t believe in love at first sight. Or at least she doesn’t think so till her eyes land on tall, dark, and handsome Lucas Kade while she’s giving swimming lessons in the university pool.

Lily is instantly smitten. Lucas is a bit standoffish. Perhaps because of Lily’s lax supervision of her swimming students (Lily is distracted by Lucas’s good looks), or because he doesn’t think an elite college girl like Lily would need of a working-class boy like him.

Set at a prestigious college outside DC, Lily is at the school of her father’s choosing and with a roommate of his choosing. She has been raised in a privileged life and followed all the rules, but it’s the local boy from the other side of the tracks that catches her eye. Lucas is the big brother of one of her 6 year old swimming lesson students, Andy. Lucas is not like the other cookie-cutter elite rich boys at school and he comes with some baggage, but Lily only has eyes for him.

21 year old Lucas Kade doesn't believe in second chances. He has made some mistakes in his past, and he has some big responsibilities on his shoulders. But when almost 19 year old Lily is willing to see the real person and look beyond his troubles, he starts to reconsider. This is a sweet story that moves along at a great pace. I was 40% into it when I realized I hadn’t put it down since I started it.

The care-free elements of young adulthood are captured well—riding in cars with “bad boys,” hot dorm room hook-ups, and stolen “heated” moments told via the alternating first person point of views of Lily and Lucas.

"'I'm going to free all of that rolling around inside you Lily. And it will be mine.'"

Typical of his age, Lucas makes some immature “dick moves.” There is sufficient drama to keep the pages turning but at the same time the story is free of over-the-top angst, and there is no cheating/no one scheming to keep them apart. The obstacles they encounter are appropriate and realistic to what is going on in their lives and differences in their backgrounds. And yet, while they come from different backgrounds they are both just two young adults trying to make their own (and the right) choices while basically on their own for the first time in their lives. I liked how they didn’t keep secrets from each other; for the most part they were upfront and honest right from the start.

There are reveals to the reader along the way—what happened to Andy’s mom? What exactly does Stick’s “self-employed” job entail? Why must Lily “babysit” Jane? And a few other questions that I imagine will be explored in Jane’s book. There is no cliffhanger though. Lucas and Lily’s is a complete story with an HEA.

While this first book in the series focuses on Lily and Lucas, we meet Lily’s friends who will be the focus of the future books. Lily’s roommate, Jane is nothing plain, and Lucas’s buddy, Stick, is a colorful character. (I’m rooting for a pairing there despite their overt animosity towards each other.) The supporting characters are interesting and make this story just as much about friendship and loyalty as it is a very sweet and “steamy” romance. All the characters, even with their flaws, are very likable and mature. The book is about making hard choices, learning from your mistakes, but also about believing in love.

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CHARACTER INTERVIEW: 5 Questions with the Demon's Wings (and Axton) on the Hot Seat!

The Demon's Wings guys and gals from Terri Anne Browning's The Rocker...Series were gracious enough to chat with Book-Bosomed Blog, clear up some lingering questions from their stories, and talk about their family lives. Here's what they had to say...

Q1. First on the hot seat is Emmie. Em—When Nik had “insomnia” during the Australian tour and you gave him massages in his hotel room, did you not realize the “effect” you had on him? Were you just innocently trying to help him as Nik thought or did you have an ulterior motive with the massage oils, ocean music, and nothing on but your t-shirt and panties? Was this an attempt to get him to notice you?  (This scene is such a gem in TRWHH/ “Sleep Aid?”)

Emmie: I won't lie. I was hoping that I would have an affect on him. I wanted to seduce him, but obviously I failed horribly. It wasn't until Nik and I were married that he confessed how wrong I was and how much he ached days afterwards. 

Interviewer pats Emmie on the shoulder and assures her it wasn't failure; she got her sweetie in the end.

Q2. Speaking of said Sweetie, the next question might embarrass Nik although I’m sure he looks cute when he blushes. This actually goes out to the rest of the guys though.  Axton, your voicemail to Nik the night you took Emmie to the hospital revealed that he’d made a few drunken confessions about his feelings before they ever admitted it to each other. (“What’s Wrong With Em?” in TRWHH). So my burning question is, what did Nik say? Who all knew? And did anyone realize that Emmie reciprocated those feelings?

Jesse: It was more than obvious to me that Emmie had feelings for Nik. And I'd always suspected that Nik was in just as deep as she was, if not deeper back then. But he never said anything to me. He was always careful around us when it came to his feelings for Em.

Shane: Yeah, we all pretty much knew how Emmie felt about Nik back then. She tried to hide it, but we've known her since she was five years old, so we've learned her tells pretty well. As for Nik, he was better at hiding it, but I still knew how he felt. Just wished he had gone about it all a little differently.

Drake: I don't remember much from back then. I was more worried about my next bottle of Jack than what was going on around me. But I did know that Emmie was in love with this jackass. But I was clueless about his feelings for Em until he surprised us all with her song.

Axton: I can't tell you about what he said to me on those drunken nights. Guy code. But I will tell you that their were nights that I hated him so much I wanted to just kill him and hide the body so that I could have a chance with Emmie, because I knew that as long as he was around I didn't stand a chance with Em. I'm glad that I didn't follow through or I wouldn't have Dallas. 

Interviewer thinks that was a smooth move on your part, Axton—“Guy code.”

Q3. *Clears throat* You’re off the hook about Nik, Axton, but now it’s your turn to do some explaining… Ax, Dallas believes that you had sex with Gabriella at a party the first night they met and that when she confronted you, you just laughed it off. (Prologue to TRWWM)  Did you really do that? Was that the old Axton? Or did Dallas misinterpret and you were laughing it off because you wouldn't do that?  Spill the beans on what went down that night.

Axton: I didn't sleep with Gabriella! I've never cheated on Dallas. Never. I laughed it off because the idea of cheating on Dallas even back then was ridiculous. I honestly didn't realize that she was so upset about it until she broke up with me a few months later. My girl is crazy, but I didn't realize she was THAT crazy. How could she possibly think that I would prefer Gabriella over her when I was already so deep that I was blind to any other chick? Maybe you should ask Liam what Gabriella was doing that night... 

Let the record show that Axton is innocent of all charges. Don’t worry Ax, we’ll put Liam on the hot seat after his book. We only singled you out because we love you. *winks innocently at Axton and hopes Dallas doesn’t take it the wrong way ;-)*

Q4. This question is for everyone. If Celebrity Wife Swap made an offer for two couples to appear on the show, who would be willing to participate? And which couples runs the most opposite households since that seems to be how the show likes to pair them up?  

Jesse: The most likely would be Emmie and Lana. Emmie balances work, kids, husband, family and friends like it's nothing. Lana? She's all over the place. Late for everything, can rarely remember anything these days without a list written on the back of her hand, and even then I'm pretty sure she forgets a few things.

Lana: (Glares at her brother-in-law) I have pregnancy brain, asshole.

Shane: I think it would be Layla and Harper. Harper is the career woman. She's the editor of on of the biggest Rock magazines in the world. And Layla is the stay at home super mother. Running after two little gorillas, keeping her house clean and cooking without a housekeeper. Both are awesome at what they do, but would they be able to handle what the other chick does all day long?  

Interviewer suspects that Jesse’s little “gorillas” would keep anyone on their toes.  Although I imagine Emmie could handle anything. Betting Nik would not be keen on doing a swap w/Axton and his wife.

Q5. So we've discussed marriage and households, for the last question let’s talk kids. Who are the stricter parents? Who are the most lax? How would you define your parenting styles and do you give each other advice?

Emmie: We never offer advice unless asked. It's kind of our code. But out of all of us, I think that I'm the strictest mom. I'm not sure what my parenting style is, but we have house rules that everyone has to follow or no special privileges. Time outs are warnings and grounding is something that I'm starting to incorporate now that Mia is getting older.  

Layla: I'm probably the most lax. With Lucy I don't have to worry about her getting into trouble. And the boys? Well, I'm a push over with them because they look and act like their father and I came so close to losing them. It's only been recently that I've started laying down rules and making sure that the boys follow them. 

Lana: I'm kind of a mixture of Emmie and Layla. Not because I'm a pushover with Neveah, but because she always runs to Drake when she wants to get her way and he overthrows whatever I've just done. She's rotten, but she has her daddy wrapped tight around her finger. 

Thanks gang and Terri Anne for sending you all over! Come back with the rest of OtherWorld once they've had a chance to tell their tales.