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Interview with Victoria Woods, Author of Uncontrolled (Power Series Book 4)

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Uncontrolled?

I had always wanted to write a story about Shyam’s playboy brother, Jai Sethi, ever since I started the Power Series. I wanted to make Jai’s story a two-parter, ending with a cliffhanger for the first book (Control). Uncontrolled picks up right where Control left off and opens with a bang—literally.

If you woke up in the world of The Power Series, what is the first thing you would do?

I would have Zayn make me a latte (inside joke from Uncontrolled!) while Jai organized my emails and Shyam went through my itinerary for the day. A girl can only wish…  

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

I think Jai and Claire would have a joint theme song: La Belle et le Bad Boy (The Beauty and the Bad Boy) by MC Solaar. The title describes them perfectly.

What are your ideal reading conditions? Set the scene for us.

I love reading in bed on my phone, late into the night. Before I know it, it’s 3 A.M., and I need to be up in three hours. I always curse myself for staying up so late and swear to never to do it again, only to repeat it all over again the next night. Vicious cycle!

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

I shouldn’t want him. He’s a monster. Because of him, my sister and I became prisoners. He shows no mercy to anyone…that is…except to me. I became his toy, and somehow, he became my obsession. As much as I try to resist, my body begs for his touch. Falling in love with the devil has never felt so good. (The Boss by Penelope Sky)

What romantic couple from literature makes you swoon? Which one is over-hyped?

Jane Eyre & Mr. Rochester will always be my favorite couple. Not to mention the tropes: age gap, nanny/employer, and brooding alpha/fierce female lead!

I’m not so sure I’ve read a book with an over-hyped couple. I’m usually really picky about what I read and rarely choose books with characters that I don’t identify with or plot lines that I don’t enjoy.

Where did you write Uncontrolled?

My favorite writing spot is at my dining room table. It’s not glamorous, but I produce my best work when I’m most comfortable. I usually have a good show or movie on in the background, tons of snacks within arm’s reach, and copious amounts of coffee available.  

What's the best writing advice you've ever received?

“Remember why you started.” Every time I feel discouraged, I just remember why I started writing in the first place and it usually resets my attitude and sharpens my focus.  

Victoria Woods is the author of the new book Uncontrolled (Power Series Book 4)

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Interview with Sarah Stuart, Author of Shattered Lives

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Shattered Lives?

I had written eight romantic suspense novels, and all of them included crime, but the reader never knew “whodunit” until the end. Shattered Lives allowed me to reveal the motivation of a psychopathic serial killer at the start, so the reader is aware who he is targeting and why the woman has no idea she’s in danger.  

If you woke up in the world of Shattered Lives, what is the first thing you would do?

Close and lock all the windows and doors.  

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

Estranged sisters, Annie and Mary, fight for the love of one man – Edwin, their cousin. Their rivalry ignites passions, jealousies, family feuds, and deep hatreds already sparked by religious intolerance rife in Victorian England. Edwin loves them both, but can there be any winners?

What are your ideal reading conditions? Set the scene for us.

I read on my kindle, and I do it anywhere I have to wait, from the hairdressers to a hospital waiting room. “Is Sarah here?” said twice, might get my attention.

Where did you write Shattered Lives?

I wrote Shattered Lives mostly sitting on the bed with my laptop. It’s quiet, and there’s plenty of room if I need reference books handy.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

  • DCI Gerald Croft – Can I Get a Witness
  • Ralph Thyme – Am I Evil
  • Olivia Sophia – I Don’t Want to Be a Bride
  • Mark Nicholl – Take a Chance on Me

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading Shattered Lives what would it be?

Legal and moral justice aren’t always the same thing.

Sarah Stuart is the author of the new book Shattered Lives

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The Story Behind Perfect Grump by Nicole Snow

By Nicole Snow

Office love, enemies-to-lovers, and a fiery connection between two total opposites. All the fiercest romance feels are here and waiting to grab you by the hand. I'm a firm believer in taking old tropes for a fresh new spin, and my latest book, Perfect Grump, gave me a wonderful opportunity to live my best writerly life in an original way.

What's different? Reese Halle begins our story as a company driver for Nicholas Brandt, the ultimate bosshole. There are a thousand lovely assistant-boss romances out there (and I've written a few of them myself using that structure), but throwing them together in brutal Chicago traffic and forced proximity gives hatred, passion, and an unbelievable love a unique chance to spark. And sparks lead to an unforgettable burn for these two heart-worn characters. The battle is on against their own pasts, their present, and toward an unexpectedly intense attraction to the very end.

She's smart-mouthed, driven, and her shocking dilemma comes totally out of the blue. He's controlling, grumpy, and a hot mess with a wicked reputation—until he's called to play the hero. Their hearts are equal parts insufferable and inseparable from the moment they meet. Nick shows off a hilarious case of foot-in-mouth syndrome. Reese is having none of his antics. Together, they're a volatile chemistry experiment that blows open all the big questions in life worth asking. Oh, and there's also the whole forbidden workplace issue to confront when the sizzle becomes an inferno.

Complicated? Oh, yes. We all like it that way, right?

The romance novel is a dreamscape where true love is the journey, the final destination, and something to win. If you've read my other books, you know I'm unapologetically vicious to my characters. Their banter, misunderstandings, and downright painful blunders over each other's hearts will make you wince at times.

Nicole Snow is the author of the new book Perfect Grump

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Interview with Ernesto Lee, Author of Flawed Beauty

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Flawed Beauty?

Up until now, the bulk of my previous work has been concentrated on the development of my crime fiction series, The Dream Traveler, which I have thoroughly enjoyed writing. Although well-received by my readers, the mostly serious subject matter combined with elements of dream and time travel does at times stretch the boundaries of the notion of "suspension of disbelief". Nothing particularly wrong with that of course, but five volumes in, I felt ready to take a break to work on a more gritty, more realistic crime thriller overflowing with shock factor.  

If you woke up in the world of Flawed Beauty, what is the first thing you would do?

Ask for an immediate transfer. Failing that I would run and hide!  

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

The Burning Shore by Wilbur Smith. Born with the silverest of silver spoons in her mouth, the only life Centaine de Thiry has ever known is one of wealth, privilege and comfort. When the horrors of war steal away everything she holds dear, she embarks on a dangerous sea voyage to a distant and wild land in search of relatives she has never met. Torpedoed, the ship sinks, leaving Centaine to fight for her life first in the shark-infested seas and then in a scorched, barren, and burning desert. An epic story of survival, companionship, and love.

What are your ideal reading conditions? Set the scene for us.

A quiet room, a cup of coffee, my laptop, my notebooks, and the radio playing country music low in the background.

Where did you write Flawed Beauty?

I'm very much a creature of habit. I'm lucky to have a little office perfectly set up to write with a great desk and a comfy chair in my home. I'd say that 95% of Flawed Beauty was written in this office. 

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

Oh wow, that's a difficult question and not one I've ever been asked before, but for Detective Chief Inspector, Erin Blake it would have to be, Independent Women by Destiny's Child. It's a great fit for a strong woman successfully juggling raising two teens alone and heading a high-profile murder squad. The rest of the characters I will pass on for fear of giving anything away.  

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading Flawed Beauty what would it be?

Don't judge a book by it's cover and trust no one!  

Ernesto Lee is the author of the new book Flawed Beauty

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | August 31

Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including Ernesto Lee, Sarah Stuart, Jennifer Snow, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!



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New Romance Books to Read | August 31

Looking to fall in love with some new romance reads? You’ll adore these exciting new novels! This week you can get your hands on books by bestselling authors Nicole Snow, Elizabeth Stephens, Victoria Woods, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!



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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | August 31

Literary fiction readers are in for a treat. This week’s latest releases list is full of intriguing reads you won’t want to miss! The new releases list includes so many bestselling authors like Matt McMahon, Hilma Wolitzer, Richard Powers, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!



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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | August 31

Set off on an adventure to new worlds this week! This selection of new science fiction and fantasy books will surely please! Science Fiction fans should be excited about the latest from bestselling authors Kit Rocha, S. Qiouyi Lu, Pat Cadigan, William Gibson, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Brian Naslund, Jeffrey L. Kohanek, Michael Anderle, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!


Fantasy


Science Fiction


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New Young Adult Books to Read | August 31

Are you an avid reader of Young Adult books? This week you are in luck! With all of these new novels, you’re bound to find a new favorite book to add to your reading list. This week includes new novels from bestselling authors David Levithan, Nancy Springer, Stephanie Perkins, and many more. Enjoy your new young adult books. Happy reading!



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New Biography and Memoir Books to Read | August 31

Looking for some new biography and memoir books for your library? There are so many new releases this week that you’re bound to find a new favorite. You can pick up new books from Brian Dawkins, Tim Neverett, Andrew D. Kaufman, and many more. Enjoy your new biography and memoir books. Happy reading!



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