Today I'm turning my blog over to Erin Nicholas, who I interviewed about her novel "Anything You Want," which is the 1st book in Anything & Everything Series!!I will say, I'm sorry, because I have been sick this week so I haven't been able to finish reading "Anything You Want" yet. So, I don't have a review for it yet BUT my review will be posted within the next few days! Sorry again but I hope you'll enjoy this fun interview with Erin!
-- EDIT on June 12th 2012 -- Check out my review for this novel here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2012/06/made-grade-anything-everything-series.html
ALSO -- Be sure to comment on this post to be able to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from May 28 - June 25, 2012]
My Q&A with Erin Nicholas :
Jess : What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?
Erin : My parents were, and still are, avid readers. My mom is a romance reader—and started me off with Julie Garwood and LaVyrle Spencer in my teens. My dad is a sci-fi/fantasy reader and made sure I read the "Chronicles of Narnia," "The Lord of the Rings" and C. S. Lewis growing up, among others.
Jess : What appeals to you when writing a romance novel?
Erin : I love creating the characters. Figuring out what makes them tick, making them into people readers will care about, finding ways to challenge them and then bring them together is fun and truly what I look forward to the most.
Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least to invite to dinner, from which book and why?
Erin : Wow, interesting question! Honestly, I would most like to have all the guys from my Bradford books over together. They’re pretty funny all together! Least? Hmm... honestly, I like all my characters! Maybe Adam, my hero in "No Matter What." He’s pretty intense and intimidating until he really likes you (though I would expect him to like me!).Jess : Tell us about your Anything & Everything Series.
Erin : "Anything You Want" is the story of Sabrina, a singer/songwriter who four years ago left home to pursue her dream. That dream hasn’t turned out quite the way she expected and now she has to think for two. Her unexpected pregnancy forces her to come home to make a life for her baby. Her plan to make her own way is seriously derailed though by two men, Luke—the guy who’s been in love with her since childhood—and Marc, his brother and best friend. Luke’s heart’s been broken by her before but he still steps up and offers to marry her and take care of the baby. Marc, on the other hand, dislikes her intensely, mostly because of the hurt she’s caused Luke in the past. So, he’s determined to keep the two of them apart. In the process, he realizes that he’s not just attracted to her, but he actually likes and then respects her. And soon it’s too much to resist... for both of them.Jess : What is the most romantic thing one of your characters, from "Anything You Want," said or did?
Erin : Marc has many great moments. I think what makes those moments even better is that he’s trying really hard not to even like Sabrina, not to mention fall in love with her. But she keeps surprising him—and he admits it. One of my favorite romantic moments is when Marc continues to believe in Sabrina’s dream even when she’s given it up.
Jess : If "Anything You Want" was to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?
Erin : I love this question! For Sabrina, I would cast Sarah Shahi and for Marc, Joshua Jackson would be perfect!
Jess : Which usually comes first for you, the character(s) story or the idea for the novel?
Erin : I’ve had it happen both ways, honestly. Probably more often it’s a character in a specific situation that then leads me to ask more about who this person is and why, which leads to questions about what would challenge them most, what they want most, and who is the best person to help make them into who they’re meant to be.
Jess : In regards to your most recent novel, if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?
Erin : No, I don’t think so. I really try not to look back, but only ahead. There are things I learn though, that carry over into future books for sure!
Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?
Erin : I’ve written ten full novels. Seven are published and the other three are contracted. It’s so hard to pick a favorite! There are things I love about all of them! One of my favorites is "Just Like That," the second of the Bradford series. I love Sam. He’s my favorite hero in a lot of ways :)Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?
Erin : Always :) I’m really excited about the Bradfords project I have coming out this year. In mid-July we’re releasing a free short story about the Bradfords that readers met in my original Bradfords triology. A week later, book four in that series, "Just For Fun" will be released and book five, "Just A Kiss" will come out in late October!Here’s a peek at "Just For Fun" :
“I need your help. And you owe me.”
“You need my help?” He faced her fully for the first time. He’d been avoiding it because he knew the moment he looked into her eyes, he’d feel like he’d been punched in the stomach.
He was right.
She was stunning. She had auburn hair that fell to her mid-back when it was down.
She had a killer body with generous breasts and curvy hips, enough for a man to have something to hold onto. But her legs were long and toned and her butt was tight.
She just should have been a stripper. It wasn’t fair to humankind to not share every glorious inch.
She had a red-head’s pale, creamy skin, but there hadn’t been a freckle in site. At least as far as he could tell. The lighting in the elevator had been good, but he hadn’t gotten her completely undressed. Just enough.
Her startlingly bright green eyes could have easily been mistaken for contact lenses but they were real. They’d looked at him as if he could give her the world. Which had been exactly what he’d wanted her to think that first night. That was supposed to be their last night as well.
She wasn’t looking at him like she thought he was a big shot hero right now. He was dressed, as usual, in a pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt. His tennis shoes had seen better days, which made them his favorite shoes. They’d just come off a twelve hour shift and he had some stubble going and knew his eyes were bloodshot from the lack of sleep he’d had last night.
He looked nothing like the man she’d met five weeks ago.
He did look great in a tux.
“Believe me, I’m not thrilled about it either,” she said referring to needing his help. “But, as unbelievable as this may sound, I need your sophistication and,” she looked him up and down in obvious doubt, “charm.”
There was a moment of shocked silence and Dooley braced himself.
Then his friends let loose with three equally delighted and loud whoops of laughter.
Sophistication and charm were not adjectives most people would assign him.
But Sugar—well, she’d seen his best side for sure. The side he’d almost forgotten he had.
Dammit, it had been fun.
Suddenly Kevin Campbell, another of his friends, bumped into her. Sam and Mac had shoved him forward.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, with the goofy grin that always had girls making goo-goo eyes at him.
“This is the best we can offer in the sophistication and charm department,” Mac said, slapping Kevin on the shoulder. “There are no promises here either, but he goes to church and eats with utensils.”
Dooley rolled his eyes. He deserved all of this. Had any of his friends been on the receiving end of the gorgeous red-head’s attention he would have been doing the same exact thing.
He had to get her out of here.
But before he could tell her that, she turned and looked Kevin up and down. “The next time I need to pray or have dinner I’ll keep him in mind. What I need right now, though, I need from him.” She pointed at Dooley.
Mac, Sam and Kevin’s eyebrows went up in unison. “You sure?” Sam asked.
“Oh, yeah.” She said it in a husky, seductive voice that had Dooley’s blood pumping harder.
There were only three things she knew he was good at: dressing up, playing Blackjack and giving her orgasms.
“You need my help?” He faced her fully for the first time. He’d been avoiding it because he knew the moment he looked into her eyes, he’d feel like he’d been punched in the stomach.
He was right.
She was stunning. She had auburn hair that fell to her mid-back when it was down.
She had a killer body with generous breasts and curvy hips, enough for a man to have something to hold onto. But her legs were long and toned and her butt was tight.
She just should have been a stripper. It wasn’t fair to humankind to not share every glorious inch.
She had a red-head’s pale, creamy skin, but there hadn’t been a freckle in site. At least as far as he could tell. The lighting in the elevator had been good, but he hadn’t gotten her completely undressed. Just enough.
Her startlingly bright green eyes could have easily been mistaken for contact lenses but they were real. They’d looked at him as if he could give her the world. Which had been exactly what he’d wanted her to think that first night. That was supposed to be their last night as well.
She wasn’t looking at him like she thought he was a big shot hero right now. He was dressed, as usual, in a pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt. His tennis shoes had seen better days, which made them his favorite shoes. They’d just come off a twelve hour shift and he had some stubble going and knew his eyes were bloodshot from the lack of sleep he’d had last night.
He looked nothing like the man she’d met five weeks ago.
He did look great in a tux.
“Believe me, I’m not thrilled about it either,” she said referring to needing his help. “But, as unbelievable as this may sound, I need your sophistication and,” she looked him up and down in obvious doubt, “charm.”
There was a moment of shocked silence and Dooley braced himself.
Then his friends let loose with three equally delighted and loud whoops of laughter.
Sophistication and charm were not adjectives most people would assign him.
But Sugar—well, she’d seen his best side for sure. The side he’d almost forgotten he had.
Dammit, it had been fun.
Suddenly Kevin Campbell, another of his friends, bumped into her. Sam and Mac had shoved him forward.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, with the goofy grin that always had girls making goo-goo eyes at him.
“This is the best we can offer in the sophistication and charm department,” Mac said, slapping Kevin on the shoulder. “There are no promises here either, but he goes to church and eats with utensils.”
Dooley rolled his eyes. He deserved all of this. Had any of his friends been on the receiving end of the gorgeous red-head’s attention he would have been doing the same exact thing.
He had to get her out of here.
But before he could tell her that, she turned and looked Kevin up and down. “The next time I need to pray or have dinner I’ll keep him in mind. What I need right now, though, I need from him.” She pointed at Dooley.
Mac, Sam and Kevin’s eyebrows went up in unison. “You sure?” Sam asked.
“Oh, yeah.” She said it in a husky, seductive voice that had Dooley’s blood pumping harder.
There were only three things she knew he was good at: dressing up, playing Blackjack and giving her orgasms.
Jess : What book are you reading now? How do you like it so far?
Erin : I’m currently reading Jennifer Bernard’s "Hot For Fireman." And yes! Definitely liking it so far! Sexy, fireman hero—what’s not to like?!
About the Author :Erin Nicholas is the author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, flawed heroines, sex with food and happily ever afters. She does not like to write dark moments, synopses or bios. You can find Erin on the web at www.ErinNicholas.com, www.ninenaughtynovelists.blogspot.com, on Twitter (http://twitter.com/ErinNicholas) and even on Facebook (when necessary).
Author's Book Description :- Suppose the solution to all your problems is the one thing you never wanted...
It figures the one time Sabrina Cassidy is determined to do the responsible thing, karma kicks in. After four years on the road chasing her musical dream, she's stranded six hours from home with no money, a ruined credit history—and morning sickness.
Out of options, she swallows her legendary independent streak and calls the only person who won't hang up on her. Luke, the man she left behind.
Marc Sterling's first instinct is to protect his business partner and best friend from another broken heart. That means letting her think she's talking to Luke, then finding a way to send her in the opposite direction.
When he shows up at her hotel room, there's something in the air beside their customary insults. Sure, her rebellious attitude, smart mouth—and purple panties—still drive him crazy, but now it's a different kind of crazy. The kind that has him driving her home instead of to the nearest airport.
And when Luke offers to solve all her problems if she'll only say "I do", Marc realizes he's just crazy enough—about her—to forget whose heart he wanted to protect.
Warning: Contains two people who don't like each other very much, a Toyota that can't quite handle the road trip home, and a spontaneous proposal. Or two. Or three. And foreplay with—what else—pie filling.
Book Excerpt :
That wasn’t going to fly. If he didn’t want to fight with her now, he soon would.
She reached out and grabbed the closest thing, a can of apple pie filling. She scooped out a handful and flung it at him, hitting him directly in the center of the chest.
He froze, the rolling pin gripped in his hands.
When he didn’t react further than that, she took another handful and threw it. It hit him on the front of his right shoulder.
He put the rolling pin down and finally looked up her. There was a dangerous glint in his eyes as he began unbuttoning his shirt. “That’s how you want to do this?”
Her heart was pounding and she was sure it was from anger. It had to be anger.
But as more and more of his chest was revealed she knew that lie wasn’t going to make it much further. He shrugged out of the shirt entirely a moment later and her heart rate kicked into high gear.
Wow. He was muscled and broad, skin tanned with light hair gracing his pecs and stomach. She wanted to touch it. All of it. With her tongue.
This was bad.
He started toward her. She backed up. “How I want to do what?”
“Get me naked.”
“I...don’t...” But she couldn’t quite get the lie out. She did want him naked. Bad.
Giveaway!! :
- A $25 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour
- A choice of an eBook from her backlist to one commenter at every stop
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Find Erin Nicholas :
I'd invite all the guys from the Bradford books over for dinner too. A great interview thank you.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thanks! =0)
DeleteThanks for the great interview. Love the casting. Thanks for the excerpts. Books sound amazing.
ReplyDeletee.balinski(at)att(dot)net
I'm glad you liked it ... so far I'm really enjoying the book!
DeleteInteresting to learn how many romance writers are well versed in fantasy and sci-fi...I don't know what the correlation is, but it's cool.
ReplyDeletevitajex(at)aol(dot)com
I know what you mean.. =0)
DeleteNo problem! =0)
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this interview. It was really interesting to see how an author thinks about his story.
ReplyDeleteThanks! If you check out my review of this novel that I posted today check out where I talked about the Author's Novel Extras ... as I think you love the links to Erin's blog posts about this novel as much as I did! =0)
DeleteI love Sarah Shahi in Fairly Legal. I'm intrigued if she's your vision of who would play her...and I love Joshua Jackson in Fringe! I'm glad that you chose actors I recognize (LOL). Do you watch Fairly Legal? I think they have her a bit too flighty this season. They have to tone that down. PLUS, I hope she ends up with Justin. I like him!
ReplyDeletecatherinelee100 at gmail dot com
I have to say that I have loved everything that I have read by Erin Nicholas, and can't wait to read more from her. Congrats on the blog tour!
ReplyDeletemanning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
I have a copy of this latest book waiting to be read. I promise I'll get to it very soon!
ReplyDeleteSo Erin, you talked about your early reading influences from your parents. Does the writer pick the genre or does the genre pick the writer? What do you think?