Interview of Author Nikki Lynn Barrett

Today I'm pleased to present an interview of romance author, Nikki Lynn Barrett.

Latest Book: Baby Stetson - Love and Music in Texas, Book One
Buy Links:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo


BIO:
Nikki Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She's an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade. The Secret Santa Wishing Well is her debut book. You can visit Nikki's site at: www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com for more information. She is working on her next book. Nikki would love to hear from readers. Email her at nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com


Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: For Baby Stetson, I'd have to say Lucas. He has so much character growth from the kind of cold, distant man he was in the beginning of the book, the loving man he becomes at the end. He's been jaded and shut off from emotions for so long, but there is something about Avery that brings out the better man in him. He connects with her on a deeper level than just a very strong physical attraction. Though their situations are still very different, they both had an abandonment in their past that affects them. Lucas took a much darker path, so he learns a lot from Avery and how she's dealt with her own. I loved writing him and how he slowly begins to open his mind up to the possibility of love and happiness.

Q: What hobby do you enjoy when not writing?
A: There's quite a few! I mean other than reading and blogging...I love singing, writing songs, photography, especially of weather. And as of lately, jewelry making. My mom and I have recently bonded over jewelry and have been creating quite a few things. We're still trying to get our business off the ground, and with different, hectic schedules at the moment, it's hard to get together, but it's been very fun.

Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: I'd have to say channeling emotion. I've always been an over emotional person, and now I know how to put that to good use, lol. I put that in the stories with the characters!

Q: What part of the book is the hardest for you? Why?
A: It's between the love scene or the beginning of the story.

The love scene, well, because how do I keep writing them to be different and exciting? Ha!

The beginning, because it's not always the easiest to start the book at the perfect place.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you “head write”?
A: No. As I start to think of my characters, I get a pretty clear Idea of what they look like. With Baby Stetson, while I was writing, I started to search the stock sites to find the perfect couple for the cover to help even more. I had an easier time liking photos for Avery, but Lucas was much more difficult. I like to search for photos in the beginning or middle of the story so that I can use that description in the book and seal the image in my mind.

Q: You’re on a remote island with a handsome man, a computer, and a “mysterious” source of electricity to power your computer. What do you do?
A: Hmm, maybe I should make sure all my books I want are on my computer....just in case...

LOL. Umm...The man would be Keith Urban.We could work on the Love and Music in Texas CD soundtrack...oh yes! Beach time, singing...with Keith Urban? Yup, I'm all in. When we do leave?

Tell us where to find you.
www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett
https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor
@Stormgoddess925 on Twitter



BLURB:
In small Texas towns, strangers come and go...

Left in a Stetson hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive parents, she's never lacked for love...only the knowledge of her past.

By day she works the Inn, but by night...Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good...stable, until new guests blew into town.

Some strangers come with secrets and lies.

Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn't matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony's Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery.

Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery's ignited within, he's intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn't want Avery to know.

Each time they're near the other things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie.

But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.


EXCERPT:
"This is a nice kitchen,” Lucas said, closing the door behind him.

Avery faced him.

"You like to cook?"

"Oh yeah. I learned at a young age that I had to take care of myself, so I taught myself to cook. Now it's something I enjoy.

"Are you good at it?"

"I'm good at a lot of things, Avery. Lucas closed the gap between them.

Too close, too close!

She couldn't back up anymore, though. Behind her was the counter. Her back was already pressed up against it.  Lucas looked at her like he wanted to devour her.

"Lucas..."

"I know I need to stay away from you, Avery. All I want is one kiss. I've got to taste you. Tell me no, right now, and I'll back away."

Lucas pressed his body to hers. He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her to him. His face, only inches from hers, lowered.

"Tell me now, Avery. Because if you don't, I'm going to kiss you."

Don't! Yes! No! Do it! No!

She couldn't get the words out. All she could think about were Lucas's lips, mere inches from hers, sexy, tempting, inviting.  Avery opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out.

"I'm not supposed to be so attracted to you, Avery," Lucas whispered, then his lips crashed down on hers.

He cupped her face, pulling her into his kiss. She didn't even have time to decipher what that comment meant. Avery tilted her head upward, responding to his kiss. She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders as her fingers dug into them. Holy hell, this man could kiss. The deep urgency of his kisses drove her mad.

"Lucas," she muttered against his lips. His touch was lethal. It wasn't supposed to feel this good. Or amazing. Or sensational. Avery wasn't supposed to react to him this way. She didn't even know this man! Oh, but she knew his gaze, so intent on her, and she was fixated on him.

"Yes, Avery?"

He trailed kisses along her neck now. Desire burned within, igniting quickly. His lips were back on hers now. He darted his tongue out, touching the corners of Avery's lips, pushing his way in gently. Avery opened for him, needing another taste. Lucas's erection pressed into her, only making her want him more. She lost all senses, other than to kiss him. Lucas hoisted her up, still pressing her against the counter. Avery squealed and wrapped her legs around him. More fiery kisses came next. His tongue was gentle, daring, inquiring. He moaned against her lips, nipping lightly. "I want to take you to-"

They broke apart as the sound of loud voices neared. Lucas put her down quickly and backed away from her.

"Oh shit." Avery giggled, heart thundering in her chest, and blood roaring in her ears. That was close. Had anyone come in to see them, especially her parents... She'd never live it down. Need pooled within her, but the distraction was probably a good thing, otherwise she didn't know what would have happened next. She could almost picture what they might have- No, no. She wouldn't have let things go that far, not here!

The fact that she had to convince herself of that meant that she very well might have given herself to Lucas, right then and there. What was wrong with her? She never lost that much sense, not for anything or anyone. Emotions heightened, she fidgeted with her hair, smoothing it back and straightening her clothes as if nothing happened. Lucas still stared at her, that look of lust in his eyes, and smiled. "Well, that was fun," he teased. If he was trying to ease the tension, it worked. Avery laughed out loud. Inside, she wasn't. How could she lose control like that?


Anything else you'd like to add?
Add this book to your goodreads list!
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17341981-baby-stetson


Other books by Nikki Lynn Barrett
The Secret Santa Wishing Well
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16159845-the-secret-santa-wishing-well


Thanks so much for having me here today!

Where is the romance?

  Okay, I’m on my soapbox, revisiting a topic that is always simmering near the surface for me—the belief of television producers that there can be no happy romance in their shows.. Call me  crazy but where has the romance gone in today's shows? The good feeling? The “Oh, I love this show” feeling? I don’t know about everyone else but when I watch a television series and a couple has really great chemistry I want them together and I want them happy. I want to feel the love!!!  

In an ensemble series with a large cast and the story line basically about the lives of the people involved, I want one couple that’s the anchor. One couple that is sold despite everything. That you can always depend on no matter what.

I’m a romance writer right? So I want the romance! However small it might be.

Yet television seems to have this wild notion that if you don’t constantly break people up you’re not creating “conflict.” Maybe that’s because they don’t know how to write “conflict.” Or maybe it’s because they think the only way to keep the viewers coming back is to give them a weekly dose of angst.

Ahem: check out Castle. They are doing it very very well.

Now I’m not saying every show has to have a romance. Some, like the police procedurals, aren’t even built around romance. But if they introduce couples and their private lives are only peripheral to the show, then why can’t they be happy? In love?

Oh, yeah, I know, I know,  couples fight in real life and they deal with problems. That’s okay if it’s not too intrusive. But if you want to watch “real life” then tune into lone of he gazillion reality shows. Or take a look at life around you. Lord knows there’s enough angst and “conflict” to go around.

When I watch television I want escapist entertainment. I want to feel good. I want a break from the trash I deal with every day.

And what’s the argument when shows get complaints about splitting up key couples or not putting them together when the chemistry between them is son strong is about ignites the screen? The Moonlighting Curse. When David and Maddie got together the show tanked. Jumped the shark. Well, hell. Moonlighting was a long, long time ago and I’d like to think writers have learned a lot since then about how to do it right. How to make it work.

I must have every book written by the Dell Shannon, the queen of police procedurals. The story of the crime and the police department was primary but she skillfully wove in the personal stories of the detectives. And guess what? They didn’t break up, or if they did it was instantly resolved. They didn’t do things to hurt each other. Although I’m sure she didn’t think of it this way, her books had “strong romantic elements”.

Just like many of today’s shows, like Grey’s Anatomy. I watch shows like Flashpoint, where poor Ed has to decide between his job and his family. Why? It’s not even close to being primary to the show. Or Hawaii 5-0, where Danny and Rachel are finally getting back together and she’s pregnant with his child and he ditches her at the airport. Why? It’s not germane to the story line.

So if this bothers you like it bothers me, let me know. Let the producers know. Maybe they’ll take pity on me.

Meanwhile check out my latest releases at Amazon and Barnes&Noble and come visit me at www.desireeholt.com and desiremeonly.com

My Love For Opening Scenes in the 1st Place

For the past two months, I've featured some of my favorite openings from a few memorable books I've read throughout the years. And can you believe, I've found some more?

After searching through my kindle, I couldn't help but share a few attention-grabbing paragraphs and/or lines from several amazing authors I've read recently. I hope you enjoy them!

Sinful

By Sharon Page:

He had caught gangs of murderers in the stews off Whitechapel High Street. Arrested opium dealers in seedy brothels near London docks. But in all the years he had worked for Bow Street as a Runner, Trevelyan Foxton had never been required to investigate in a more foreign and intimidating place.

His Magick Touch

By Kimberly Killion:

The bastard was finally going to kill her.

Touch

By Julie Destry:

It was midnight dark in the room - the kind of blackness that was almost, but not quite, absolute. It wrapped a sense of privacy around her, the same as she'd done with the complimentary satin robe. Anonymity. Such a strange concept for a woman used to being in the spotlight.

Written in Blood

By Elaina Lee:

A strong curl of anxiety bunched in Lyndi Crisdean's stomach. Three days wasn't long enough to recover from what she'd done. Yet, the choice was out of her control. Either she returned to work today, or she turned in her resignation. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the button to her law firm's floor. Defense attorneys didn't get the luxury of guilt.

I'd also love to know some of your favorites too. So, at the end of this post in the comments section, please feel free to let me know what opening paragraphs have caught your attention. It means so much to me to see your smiling faces show up in the comments section so I'll thank you all ahead of time for doing so!

Renee Vincent
http://www.reneevincent.com/

Oh, and by the way, I am also blogging at Sweet N Sexy Divas  where I feature hot snippets from authors whose heroes weren't afraid to be a little soulful, sappy, or even suggestive when it came to the heroine. I'd love for you to hop on over and visit me.

Have a great week!

Guest Blog: Melissa Keir: Mothers and Sons

With Mother’s Day happening this month, I decided to share about why I feel parent/child relationships are important and why I include them in my books.

Just as fathers and daughters have a special bond, so do mothers and sons. I’m fortunate to have one of each. My daughter is a lot like me, driven and a type-A personality. She knows what she wants and goes after it fill throttle. I’m very proud of her dedication and hard work. We are close and good friends, but it is the relationship with my son which always amazes me.

My son is very different than my daughter but I’m just as proud of him. He plans his life around a balance of work and play. He is more laid back on the surface but worries a great deal about other people and how he impacts them. At eighteen he started his own IRA in order to make sure that he was ready for retirement. Mind you, he had only had one job so far at a local retail store. Each day he calls me when he is on his way home from work or college so that I don’t worry and shares his thoughts about his day. He constantly makes sure that I’m okay financially, emotionally, and physically. It is those feelings that we each have to take care of each other that makes our relationship truly exceptional.

Because of my relationship with my son, I incorporated two little boys for the the main character of Second Time’s the Charm and the sequel, Three’s a Crowd. Lissa would do anything for those boys. One of my favorite scene in the story is the one where Lissa is getting ready for her best friend, Chloe’s son’s birthday party. The goofy accident that happens is exactly what could have happened in my own house. While the nose accident is completely made up, all too often for my taste, my son had quite a few accidents over the years. Each time, I ended up seeing a unique strength in my son.

When my son was younger we used to spend a couple of minutes before bedtime, laying in his bed and talking about his fears, feelings, and dreams. That time was the most precious time for me. It helped established the close relationship we have. My children are a huge part of my life and made me who I am. It’s that connection that I hope to convey in my stories. After all, being a parent is a lifetime job and one I’m very proud of.

BLURB:
For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd.

Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family.

When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband?

Fairy tales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after.

BIO:
As a writer, Melissa likes to keep current on topics of interest in the world of writing. She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and EPIC. Melissa is always interested in improving her writing through classes and seminars. She also believes in helping other authors and features authors and their books on her blog.

Melissa doesn’t believe in down time. She’s always keeping busy. Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, an editor for a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature “happy endings” and is often found plotting her next story.

http://www.melissakeir.com
http://www.facebook.com/melissaakeir
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaKeir (fan page)
www.twitter/melissa_keir

Introducing The Ladies of Wild At Heart

Today I have the honor of sitting down with Angela Clayborn and Emma Nichols, co-heroines from Wild At Heart.

K:  Greetings ladies:)

A:  Hello again!

E:  Hi Kenzie:)  Thanks for having us back in better weather this time!

A:  It's not snowing this time, but the rain can stop anytime now.  I'm ready for more 80 degree weather.

K:  I hear you!  My son's playing baseball and we've already endured one rainy game, plus a few practices have been cancelled due to the weather.

Is everything still okay between you two?

A:  Definitely.  I think we're all happier now.  Wouldn't you say, Emma?

E:  Yeah. I like the new cover! I'm glad we're being-what did you call it?-re-released closer to our timeline.

K:  That's exactly what's happening.  I'm not going to bad-mouth anyone, so suffice it to say, things didn't work out the first time around, so I was graciously granted my rights back.  My new publisher is totally in love with you two, and fast-tracked it.

E:  I see.

K:  How's Brad?  I've tried to get him to talk to me, but he won't.

E:  I've kept him pretty busy:)  I'm also training him as a part-time stable hand.

K:  What about you, Angie?  Are you happy with the new cover and the re-release?

A:  I like the depiction of Indiana better on the other cover, but I'm happy with the new one.  It's more like a 'Little House on the Prairie' look.  And in case people don't remember, I can't believe I was in such denial about Steve.  I had started dating Brad because my friends thought he was perfect for me, but it just goes to show you can't force chemistry.

E:  And you and Steve definitely have it.  We went out to dinner last night before the rain arrived, and Steve couldn't keep his hands off of her.

A:  Well neither could you and Brad.

K:  I also want you both to know that your story will be available on Kindle the first week in June, and I'm going to be in Estes Park late July/early August, Emma, so I hope to present Nicky's manager with a signed cover flat.

E:  Cool; I know she'll like it!  Brad's getting me one so I can find that scene in Anny's book.

A:  Who's Anny?  And she wrote a book?

K:  Anny's a good friend of mine, Emma.  Contact me when you get your Kindle and I'll email Anny's website to you.  She's got a lot of other books you might like, plus I'll introduce you around to other wonderful e-books and authors.

E:  Awesome!  Thanks!

A:  I told Steve I wanted a Nook for my birthday.  After that controversy on Amazon a few years ago, I'll buy from somewhere else.

E:  They pulled the book, Angie....but I see your point.

K:  My books are on the Nook, so if you want to read them, either way is good.  Time's up ladies; I need to fix dinner for the family.  Thanks for coming by!

A:  Thanks for the yummy cookies!  I need your recipe.

E:  Don't tell Nora, but your chocolate chips are better than hers.

K:  Who do you think gave me the recipe?  I've improved on them, that's all.


Wild At Heart,
Available May 31st at Secret Cravings Publishing

I also have another book releasing this month, to my surprise!  

This is what happens when you have two publishers; sometimes the timing overlaps.  I never ever thought this would happen to me, but it did.  So indulge me a few more minutes of your time?  This book releases May 29th and you can pre-order it at Freya's Bower.   

Here's the blurb and a short excerpt.  Enjoy!

Blurb:
Austin Harmon is intrigued by his quiet, efficient new administrative assistant. Why does she have an obsession with her watch, and what does she do after hours?

Cara has put her social life on hold while caring for her elderly mother. But after her boss helps her through a crisis, she can't deny their attraction. Romance and Alzheimer's don't mix... or do they?

Excerpt:

Austin captured her once inside the darkened office and swung her into his arms for another kiss.  Her shoes hit the floor as she moaned, and felt his tongue slip past her teeth.

Cara struggled and tore her mouth from his.  “Wait. This can’t be happening.”



“Why not?  I’ve enjoyed the past two weeks of getting to know you.  I’d like to get to know you a little better, that’s all.”  Austin pulled her back and covered her mouth with his.



She hesitated a moment.  How long had it been since her last kiss?  It’d been two years since David had broken up with her, not understanding her responsibilities to her mother.  With a muffled groan, Cara tossed her purse to the floor and twined her arms around his neck.  Moisture pooled between her thighs as his tongue explored the corners of her mouth.  She eagerly returned the kiss, and was rewarded when one of Austin’s hands slid upwards to palm her breast.  Cara didn’t pull away; soon his cool fingers slid inside her bodice and nudged the lace of her bra aside.  She moaned when he rolled the nipple between two fingers and pressed herself closer to him.  Dimly in the background, she heard the vague tones of Bette Midler singing “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

“Wait. My phone’s ringing.  Austin,” she pleaded and forced herself to pull away.

“Can’t you ignore it?” He panted, reaching for her waist.

“I can’t.  This one is important.”  Cara stepped to the side and fumbled with the clasp with shaking hands.  Doreen wouldn’t have called unless something happened!  One look at the clock on the outside told her it was past ten o’clock.  “Hi, it’s Cara.”  She cleared her throat to sound normal.  “I’m sorry, Doreen, I just looked at the clock–What?”  She reached back for Austin’s hand to steady herself.  “Oh my god, which hospital?  Thanks.  I’ll be right there.”  She snapped her phone shut and whirled around.  “I have to go.”

“Wait a moment, Cara.  Hospital?  Let me go with you.”

Cara shook her head as she tried to shove her feet into her shoes.  “No, this is something I have to do.  It’s my responsibility.  Besides, you have guests.”  

Remember; you can pre-order this book here:) 

See you next month!

Guest Blog: Caridad Pineiro: Challenging Myself as an Author

Thank you for letting me visit to chat about my two new releases. As an author, I always strive to create something new for readers and to challenge myself as well. I hope that readers will definitely think I’m bringing something different with my two new novellas.

I have to confess that it was a challenge to create a romantic arc in so few pages. It was also tough to create a mystery plot in GHOST OF A CHANCE and a new shifter mythology in THE SHIFTER’S KISS in shorter works.

I set GHOST OF A CHANCE along the Jersey Shore and wrote a story where the mystery revolved around a murder/suicide that had happened during Prohibition. It was fun doing the research and working in facts about what happened along the Jersey Shore during those years. It was also a lot of fun to add not only the ghostly element to them, but the romance between true crime writer Tracy Gomez and sexy Peter, the lawyer who has put together the crew he hopes can solve the mystery.

To read an excerpt from GHOST OF A CHANCE, you can visit http://www.scribd.com/doc/124143411/ghost-of-a-chance-paranormal-mystery-e-novella

For THE SHIFTER’S KISS, I went for a totally different feel for the novella by choosing the San Blas Islands. The indigenous people there believe in shark gods who protect their islands and I used that to create a mythology about Nali, a shark-shifting goddess who is the last of her kind.

It became a very emotional story for me as I imagined how lonely Nali would be as the last one of her kind. It also upped the kind of sacrifice she would have to make to find and keep the man she came to love. It was a challenge working in the romance arc with the erotic story elements, but for me the romance has to be there otherwise the sexiness falls flat.


To read an excerpt from THE SHIFTER’S KISS, you can visit http://www.scribd.com/doc/126375941/THE-SHIFTER-S-KISS-Erotic-Paranormal-Romance-Novella

BIO:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and RITA® Finalist Caridad Pineiro wrote her first novel in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project – to write a book for a class lending library. Bitten by the writing bug, Caridad continued with her passion for the written word and in 1999, Caridad’s first novel was released. Over a decade later, Caridad is the author of nearly 40 published novels and novellas. When not writing, Caridad is an attorney, wife, and mother to an aspiring writer and fashionista. For more information, please visit www.caridad.com.

I hope you will enjoy reading the stories as much as I enjoyed writing them! Thank you, for letting me visit!