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Interview with C. Hope Clark, author of Edisto Stranger

What can you tell us about your new release, Edisto Stranger?

The fourth in the Edisto Island Mysteries, Edisto Stranger was probably the most difficult of the books to write for me. Police Chief Callie Jean Morgan has experienced a lot of loss in coming to Edisto Beach and assuming the role of police chief. She almost sees herself as the buffer between crime and her beloved tourist community, but it's taking a toll. The weight of all she's experienced made it difficult for me to motivate her through the pain, which in essence made the story a better one through the struggle. Readers of the series have also been wanting to see more of her son, so this story brings the college kids forefront since I set it during spring break at the beach. Throw in her mentor disappearing, her son turning against her, and a big name in town wanting to get rid of her, she has a lot on her plate. She's a borderline alcoholic, and that plays into the story as well. The story is a true test of what Callie is made of. With the juxtaposition of a bucolic beach against death and crime, the book seems to work.

Who is your favorite fictional character from literature?

I love the stereotypical noir sleuth like Sam Spade, but in contemporary literature, I'm fondest of Pierce Quincy of Lisa Gardner's FBI Profiler Series. A close second is Jack Reacher of Lee Child's books. Having grown up military, I appreciate a lot of where Reacher is from, and I love his no nonsense methods. I get bored with soft books, in case that wasn't clear. LOL

What books are currently on your nightstand?

There are 25 on the nightstand and who knows how many on the Kindle. These are the highest on the list:

  • The Charm School by Nelson DeMille (currently reading)
  • Pork City by Howard Browne (love this old author)
  • Halo for Satan by Howard Browne
  • The Distant Echo by Val McDermid
  • Fractured by Karin Slaughter
  • A Lowcountry Heart by Pat Conroy
  • Try Fear by James Scott Bell
  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Lee Harper
  • Stories and Early Novels by Raymond Chandler

You are hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

Nail Gaiman, Stephen King, Lisa Gardner - Not that I read much Gaiman or am intrigued with King, but I love what they stand for in the literary world and how they look at life. I've always wanted to meet Lisa Gardner who I hear is quite personable. So why not throw them together. I'd love to write as a compilation of the three.

BAM. You're a superhero. What's your superpower?

Sometimes I think immortality because I have so many stories I want to write, but I also sense that would be a greedy choice I would live to regret. So, I think I would like the ability to understand and speak any language and love to better understand other cultures.

What's a typical day like for you?

I work at home, writing full-time, rising when I awaken, no alarm clock. With a place a ways out from town, I have a garden and chickens, so a fresh breakfast is a must for me. If I could eat one meal a day, it would be breakfast with eggs. I often eat it in front of a recorded mystery of some sort, whether movie or TV series. Then to work for 2-3 hours. Then the gym, running errands, or gardening unless I'm on deadline, then I take mini-breaks maybe walking the dogs, but keep on writing. An early dinner around five, then work. I often finish my day with a recorded mystery (currently watching the Justified series), and if I'm not sleepy, then back to work. I work seven days a week with my least work day being Saturday, and strive to get in 40-50 hours per week at the keyboard. My husband is my strongest ally. He fixes my breakfast, and he lets me read aloud to him to edit, which we often do on the back porch in the evening, overlooking the lake, sometimes with bourbon in hand and sharing a cigar. He's my sounding board when I'm plotting a new book and my technical adviser of sorts since he's a retired federal agent.

What scene in Edisto Stranger was your favorite to write?

The last two chapters which involved Stan, her mentor. I adore writing the last 3-4 chapters of a book. They are the easiest and most satisfying writing for me.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

“Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ~Howard Thurman

We procrastinate too much and expend too much energy trying to be who others want us to be.

 

 

C. Hope Clark is the author of the new book Edisto Stranger

Connect with C. Hope Clark:
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Books To Read If You Like Rachel Van Dyken

Rachel Van Dyken is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances. Offering everything from super steamy, to new adult and even paranormal romance, Rachel Van Dyken has a book that appeals to all romance lovers. Some of her popular series include Curious Liaisons, The Bachelors of Arizona, The Bet Series and The Dark Ones Saga. If you want a new romance to fall in love with, check out these books to read if you like Rachel Van Dyken.

Books To Read If You Like Rachel Van Dyken



Train Wreck

Elise Faber

Release Date: May 31, 2017

As the daughter of a famed film producer, Pepper O’Brien is Hollywood royalty. But her life isn't what you'd expect. Unfortunately for her, the old adage is true: money can’t buy everything—including grace, true love, or the ability to not screw up every single opportunity her life has brought her. To try and rid herself of this bad luck, she moves across country. But as usual, her life has other plans. Derek Cashette is her former teenage crush and friend of her older brother. He is determined to salvage the train wreck of her life and Pepper is determined not to let him.

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Sugar, We're Going Down

M.H. Soars

Release Date: March 20, 2017

When they met, it was hate at first sight. Oliver was arrogant and Saylor was cold hearted. At least that's what they thought of each other. Then they kissed. A life altering, earth shattering, nuclear kiss. They knew anything between them would be explosive and without hope for a happily ever after. So they vowed to forget, they tried to stay away. But now with their best friends' wedding approaching, all bets are off.

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Ruthless Kiss

Amelia Wilde

Release Date: June 6, 2017

My real estate empire is my life. I’ve got properties on almost every continent, and I’m not interested in distractions from building a massive empire. Women are necessary but fleeting—I don’t have time to remember their names before they’re out of my bed and out of my life. Except for Isabella Gabriel. From the second she walked into my office, past my shouting secretary, I know there was something about her.

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Dangerous Hearts

K.K. Allen

Release Date: May 18, 2017

Lyric Cassidy knows a thing or two about bad boy rock stars with raspy vocals. In fact, her heart was just played by one. So when she takes an assignment as road manager for the world famous rock star, Wolf, she's prepared to take him on, full suit of heart-armor intact. Sharing a tour bus, neither of them are prepared for the miles of road ahead and the fierce attraction they feel toward one another.

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In the Heir

Ruth Cardello

Release Date: May 23, 2017

Ever since she was a girl, Alisha Coventry considered Spencer and his sister Rachelle the family she didn’t have. When Spencer asks for her help, Alisha has no problem becoming his fake fiancée—until she meets Spencer’s sexy older brother Brett. The chemistry between them is undeniable—forbidden—but as their relationship deepens, Brett is determined to have her.

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Shacking Up

Helena Hunting

Release Date: May 15, 2017

Ruby Scott is months behind on rent and can’t seem to land a steady job. She has one chance to turn things around with a big audition. But instead of getting her big break, she gets sick as a dog and completely bombs it in the most humiliating fashion. All thanks to a mysterious, gorgeous guy who kissed—and then coughed on—her at a party the night before.

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New Book Releases Week of June 6

June is here and you know what that means? Reading as many books as you can out in the sunshine! This week we have some enthralling new mystery reads from popular authors like C. Hope Clark, John Grisham, Kendra Elliot and Stuart Woods. For those looking for a little romance, you can check out the latest from bestselling authors Amelia Wilde, Elise Faber, M.H. Soars and Carrie An Ryan. There's also a brand new literary fiction release from debut author Amy Sargent Swank that we love, as well as a new novel from New York Times Bestseller Sarah Dessen! See the full list of new book releases below. Enjoy!


Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Romance


Literary Fiction

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The Buzziest Books of May

May was an amazing month for book lovers with so many new releases to choose from. Across all genres, there were some spectacular books that enthralled us from cover to cover and we couldn’t put them down. While it was difficult to narrow this list down to only ten titles, here are our choices for the buzziest books of May! Happy reading!

The Buzziest Books of May


 

Into The Water

Paula Hawkins

Release Date: May 2, 2017

From the author of the #1 New York Times Bestselling novel, The Girl on the Train, comes a new addictive story of psychological suspense that explores the deceptiveness of emotion and memory. A single mother has been found dead at the bottom of the river. The same fate was met by a teenage girl earlier that summer. They are not the first women to be lost in these dark waters, but their deaths have dredged up long submerged secrets.

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Beneath a Scarlet Sky

Mark Sullivan

Release Date: May 1, 2017

Pino Lella wants nothing to do with the war or the Nazis. He’s a normal Italian teenager—obsessed with music, food, and girls—but his days of innocence are numbered. When his family home in Milan is destroyed by Allied bombs, Pino joins an underground railroad helping Jews escape over the Alps, and falls for Anna, a beautiful widow six years his senior.

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16th Seduction

James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Release Date: May 1, 2017

Lindsay Boxer is learning to love again. After the picture-perfect world she shared with her husband, Joe, and their beautiful young daughter shattered under the weight of Joe's double life, Lindsay is determined to put the pieces back together. But before she can welcome Joe back with open arms, their beloved hometown of San Francisco faces a threat unlike any the city--or the country--has ever seen.

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Cheater's Regret

Rachel Van Dyken

Release Date: May 23, 2017

Everything was going great for Austin Rogers. She dreamed of domestic bliss with the love of her life. But then he cheated on her. And dumped her – as if the whole thing was her fault. To help restore her sanity and maintain a little pride, she decides to get revenge… Thatch Holloway is a plastic surgeon straight our of residency, he knows he just ruined the best thing that ever happened to him. He’s not over Austin. And she’s not over him.

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Lord of Shadows

Cassandra Clare

Release Date: May 23, 2017

The sequel to the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling Lady Midnight. Emma Carstairs has finally avenged her parents. She thought she’d be at peace. But she is anything but calm. Torn between her desire for her parabatai Julian and her desire to protect him from the brutal consequences of parabatai relationships, she has begun dating his brother, Mark. But Mark has spent the past five years trapped in Faerie; can he ever truly be a Shadowhunter again?

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Gwendy's Button Box

Stephen King & Richard Chizmar

Release Date: May 16, 2017

Journey back to Castle Rock again in this chilling new novella by Stephen King, bestselling author of The Bazaar of Bad Dreams, and Richard Chizmar, award-winning author of A Long December. The little town of Castle Rock, Maine has witnessed some strange events and unusual visitors over the years, but there is one story that has never been told... until now.

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Phoenix

Mark Dawson

Release Date: May 16, 2017

Beatrix Rose has a knack for making the British government’s problems go away. When the assassin is sent to Venezuela to track down a missing scientist, she meets a contact who knows the lay of the land: none other than John Milton. All proceeds from the sale of Phoenix go to fund breast cancer treatment.

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Theft by Finding

David Sedaris

Release Date: May 30, 2017

For forty years, David Sedaris has kept a diary in which he records everything that captures his attention-overheard comments, salacious gossip, soap opera plot twists, secrets confided by total strangers. These observations are the source code for his finest work, and through them he has honed his cunning, surprising sentences.

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Allie and Bea

Catherine Ryan Hyde

Release Date: May 23, 2017

Bea has barely been scraping by since her husband died. After falling for a telephone scam, she loses everything and is forced to abandon her trailer. With only two-thirds of a tank in her old van, she heads toward the Pacific Ocean with her cat—on a mission to reclaim what’s rightfully hers, even if it means making others pay for what she lost.

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Say You're Sorry

Melinda Leigh

Release Date: May 16, 2017

After the devastating loss of her husband in Iraq, Morgan Dane returns to Scarlet Falls, seeking the comfort of her hometown. Now, surrounded by family, she’s finally found peace and a promising career opportunity—until her babysitter is killed and her neighbor asks her to defend his son, Nick, who stands accused of the murder.

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Interview with Tess Oliver, author of Wingman

What can you tell us about your new release, Wingman?

Fynn and his dog Boone roll into a town that has been ravaged by tragedy. And their arrival is the catalyst to start a long needed healing, especially for a girl named Ella.

What's the last book you read?

I just finished reading My Cousin, Rachel by Daphne du Maurier. I love her books. They are always so mysterious and gothic.

Which books would we be surprised to find on your shelves?

Well, I've got the usual suspects, the Austen books, the Bronte books, the Tess Oliver books (grins) a lot of romance, of course and Harry Potter, naturally. I'd say the surprising stuff would be the non-fiction books about Pirates and the Victorian Underground. Two subjects that interest me.

You are hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

Fun question. Mark Twain ( I hear he's a hoot), J.K Rowling and of course, Jane Austen (boy would I love to pick her brain).

What's a typical day like for you?

I taught school for many years, but I have a very different life now, thanks to my books. I wake up early to feed my horses and goats. Then I sit with my coffee and read my favorite news blogs to make sure the world hasn't imploded yet. I write in one hour sessions. I can't sit for longer than that. In between writing, I exercise and do chores around the house. My kids are grown and out of the house, (unless you count my husband) so It gives me plenty of time to brainstorm characters, plots and scenes. It's a charmed life!

BAM. You're a superhero. What's your superpower?

I would want the power to save all the mistreated and abused animals in the world.

What scene in Wingman was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write is always the one where the two main characters meet.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Don't take yourself too seriously and laugh a lot.

 

 

Tess Oliver is the author of the new book Wingman. 

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Interview with Kym Grosso, author of Jake

What can you tell us about your new release, Jake?

Jake is the eighth full-length novel in my paranormal romance series, the Immortals of New Orleans. While I write each of my books so that they can be read standalone, many of my readers prefer to read them in order.  Jake Louvière is a sexy hero who has been featured as a secondary character in many of my other books.  He is an Alpha rising, finding his own pack and fighting to save a gorgeous, mysterious creature, who he soon discovers is his mate.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My son, Tyler, is the person who inspired me to become an author.  I developed a late interest in writing after my son was diagnosed with autism in 1999.  Several years ago, I started blogging about autism, published a few articles in magazines and journals and also wrote articles about autism on PsychologyToday.com.

I’d considered writing an autism book, but I had a serious block on where to go with it.  It was then that I decided that I’d take a break from writing about autism and try writing something fun and sexy.  In 2012, I published my first romance novel, Kade’s Dark Embrace.

Name a book that you feel has impacted your life significantly. Why was it so impactful?

I can’t say there is one specific book that has significantly impacted my life.  Rather, my love of reading romance novels, especially hot paranormal romance has impacted my writing.  There are so many great authors out there who I love reading; it’s difficult to pick just one.  If I had to narrow it down, I would say J.R. Ward.  Her stories literally pull you in and won’t let you go.  I can remember reading all of the books in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series over the course of a month, one after another, and thinking, ‘this should be a TV series’.  I literally was up all night reading.  The world she’s built is rich with traditions, culture and intrigue, and you find yourself emotionally tied to the characters.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

My favorite part about writing is dreaming up what scene comes next in my book and creating a different world with its own rules and characters.  In a paranormal romance, characters are open to all kinds of experiences that are only limited by the author’s imagination. They have supernatural gifts and talents, and the rules of game can be anything you want them to be.

If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?

I would have dinner with my mom. She was the most incredible person, and I miss her so much. I’d give anything to ask her advice and hear her laugh again.

Where is your happy place? Why does it bring you joy?

My kids are my world.  Every day they make me laugh and challenge me to be a better person.

What scene in Jake was your favorite to write?

You know, on any given day, I’d pick one of the hot sex scenes.  But for this book, I’d pick the scenes in New Orleans. I enjoy describing the architecture and food…I absolutely love that city.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

If there is one thing that raising a child with autism has taught me it is to never give up hope.  I think this applies to many situations in life.  You just never know what life will bring and even though you can’t always control what’s happening, you have to keep going.

 

 

Kym Grosso is the author of the new book Jake. 

Connect with Kym:
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 Twitter

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Books To Read If You Like Alexa Riley

Alexa Riley is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 Amazon Best Selling writing duo specializing in sexy books for all types of romance readers. These two married moms have a knack for creating a love story no matter what the genre. Whether it's Steamy, Paranormal or even New Adult, Alexa Riley grabs the attention of fans and always delivers a good time. If you are a fan of contemporary romance books then check out these books to read if you like Alexa Riley!

Books To Read If You Like Alexa Riley



Cheater's Regret

Rachel Van Dyken

Release Date: May 23, 2017

Everything was going great for Austin Rogers. She dreamed of domestic bliss with the love of her life. But then he cheated on her. And dumped her - as if the whole thing was her fault. To help restore her sanity and maintain a little pride, she decides to get revenge... Thatch Holloway is a plastic surgeon straight our of residency, he knows he just ruined the best thing that ever happened to him. He's not over Austin. And she's not over him.

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Jake

Kym Grosso

Release Date: May 30, 2017

Charismatic wolf Jake Louvière has alpha blood coursing through his veins. As his beast demands his rightful place within the Acadian Wolves, he's forced to make a tough decision: killing his alpha or leaving New Orleans forever. When a mysterious woman trespasses into the bayou, Jake is instinctively wary, but inexplicably drawn to her. But, as quickly as she appears, the dangerous beauty is kidnapped by a powerful vampire and Jake swears retribution against this old adversary.

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Mr. Fiancé

Lauren Landish

Release Date: May 19, 2017

Oliver Steele is tall, handsome, and as cocky as he is rich. With his good looks and charm, no one will suspect a thing. No one will believe our engagement is fake. But then he started taking things too far. The way he wraps his arms around me, the way he kisses me and presses his body up against mine. Sometimes I almost believe this is real.

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Wingman

Tess Oliver

Release Date: May 22, 2017

It had started like any other day in Butterfield. The townsfolk shuffled to their destinations, as always, dragging their broken hearts along behind them. And I pedaled my bicycle to the corner market to start my work day. They came out of nowhere. Two strangers, one tall with dark hair and a smile that could melt a frozen heart, and one with four white paws. Just a guy and his dog.

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Down & Dirty

Tracy Wolff

Release Date: May 23, 2017

Hitting that puddle with my car was my best play since winning the Super Bowl with a touchdown pass. Emerson Day has a sharp tongue and a red-hot temper, even with her soaking clothes plastered to her every curve. Now I know exactly what my next play will be: hire Emerson as my personal real-estate agent, save her job—and see if I can take her off the market.

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Pierce Me

Simone Sowood

Release Date: May 15, 2017

When Eloise walks into my tattoo parlor, she thinks she wants a new piercing. But I don't want to help her the way she thinks. The last time I saw her was seventh grade, when my life was falling apart. She has the same cute ponytail as back then, but the rest of her body has grown up.

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New Book Releases Week of May 30

May is almost over, but that doesn't mean the new book releases have slowed down! There are so many books this week by some blockbuster names in the industry. For anyone wanting a bit of romance in their life, you'll want to check out the latest from Tess Oliver, Kym Grosso, Nora Roberts and Brenda Novak. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense fans can grab a the latest from Clive Cussler and Heather Graham. There's also a new release from popular author Daniel Wallace and a rivetting memoir from David Sedaris. Check out all the new book releases below!


Romance

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense


Literary Fiction

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Interview with Simone Sowood, author of Pierce Me

What can you tell us about your new release, Pierce Me?

Pierce Me is the story of Gabe's childhood crush, who appears back in his life years later. Eloise wants to get a unique kind of piercing, and as much as Gabe wants to give her one, he has a better idea in mind. They have a past to overcome before they can find their happily ever after.

What's the last book you read?

Oh my goodness. I wish I could read more but instead all I seem to do is write. The last book I read was Dr Fake Fiance by Juliana Conners, but that was a couple of weeks ago. I think I'm due for an afternoon of snuggling on the couch and reading!

Who is your favorite couple from literature?

That seems to change every time I read a book! But today, my answer to that would be Drew and Emerie from Vi Keeland's Ego Maniac because who doesn't love a hero that would go through all of that for his son?

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest?

What would you want to ask them? Umm, do cover models count as literary? I really want the model from Pierce Me, Leon Scott. My first question would be "please can I touch those unreal abs?”

What's on your writing desk?

I write at my kitchen table, so all sorts of junk. Right now I can see glasses and mugs, a tv remote, vitamins, a stack of papers and the board game my daughters were playing last night. And a whole bunch of clutter I'm not prepared to admit to.

BAM. You're a superhero. What's your superpower?

I want to type at the speed of light! I have so many stories in my head that I need to get out.

What scene in Pierce Me was your favorite to write?

Easy, the scene where Eloise is first sitting in Gabe's tattoo parlor chair, and he's checking her for what type of piercing she can get. It's the first time they've seen each other since childhood, but she doesn't recognize him right away.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Not really. I guess if I did it would be keep on trucking. But that's not very sexy.

 

 

Simone Sowood is the author of the new book Pierce Me

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Interview with Lauren Landish, author of Mr. Fiancé

What can you tell us about your new release, Mr. Fiancé?

Mr. Fiancé is off-the-charts hot and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s a Fake-Marriage Romance. Mindy’s Mother is getting remarried, and Mindy’s taking along her Fake Fiancé, Oliver Steele, to visit for a week. Mindy sets some ground rules—essentially that she must be the one to initiate any intimacy in front of her family. Problem is, Oliver’s not good at following rules, and fake or not, he’s going to show everyone what’s his. They start to enjoy the game of tease just a bit too much and the line between real and fake starts to become a blur.

What books would we be surprised to find on your shelves?

I’m a huge fantasy fan so The Belgariad series by David Eddings and The Legend of Drizzt by R.A. Salvatore.

What's a typical day like for you?

My books really are my life right now. I get up, get some coffee, walk my dog, and then attempt to work on writing my current book. Usually, I end up procrastinating a lot. I’m not much of a morning person, but I’m stubborn and always try to work in the morning and afternoon.

Pretend you qualified for the Olympics. What sport would you compete in?

Oh, this is a hard one! I think if I had to choose, it would be either Ice Skating or Gymnastics. I love them both!

What scene in Mr. Fiancé was your favorite to write?

There’s a lot of fun moments in the book that I loved writing, but I think a favorite of mine was the heartfelt moment between all the girls in the book (Mindy, her sister, mother, and grandmother). It’s a tear-jerker, but it leaves you with hope.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

If it ain’t about me, gone on three!

 

 

Lauren Landish is the author of the new book Mr. Fiancé

Connect with Lauren:
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 Twitter

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