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

Luxure, is the first book in my new series, The Cardinal Brotherhood. It is my passion project and Lux has become like a member of the family in my household! We discuss him as if he were standing in front of us. His thoughts, feelings, and emotions Estranged from his brothers, Lux has been roaming the Earth for a thousand years, biding his time until he can avenge the murder of his mate. Once upon a time, he was Lucifer’s second in command, and the most revered warrior of the Underworld. Presumed dead, he’s been lying in wait, readying himself for revenge.

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

I have an eclectic book collection—from Pride and Prejudice, Moby Dick, and Dracula, to Twilight, The Time Traveler’s Wife, and anything that piques my interest. Maybe the most surprising would be Arnold Schwarzenegger’s autobiography, Total Recall.

Who are your literary heroes working today? Why do you admire them?

Stephen King is a huge role model for me. His career span alone is incredible. When you look at the number of books he’s had turned into movies or T.V. series, it becomes glaringly evident that he understands his craft in a way very few writers do. I try to live by his quote, If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that!

What books do you find yourself returning to again and again?

I’ve read Wuthering Heights at least five times! There are Post-it notes and red pen in the margins on almost every page. Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens is another one of my favorites. As much as the female lead drove me insane, Kellan Kyle enraptured me in a way no other hero has. His vulnerability while maintaining an alpha personality was so endearing to me.

What's on your writing desk?

Four million red pens for when I get harsh on my manuscripts! Also, I have a Lego Titanic my son built for me. We share an obsession for all things relating to the majestic ocean liner. I love that we have such an intriguing common interest to share.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a librarian. I’ve always loved the smell of books and the feel of an unfamiliar paperback in my hands. I’ve helped in my kids’ school library for the past two years, and the librarian follows my work even though it makes me blush!

What scene in Luxure was your favorite to write?

This is a tough question because Luxure is a real labor of love. I poured my heart and soul into every word of this book, and lost myself in a world of my own creation. Paranormal affords another level of freedom as a writer. I’m not bound by the constraints of humanity—only by my own imagination. If I had to pick just one, I would have to say the final scene with Lux and Sirena. Writing her progression in the story and establishing such a strong female lead was exhilarating.

Sienna Parks is the author of the new book Luxure. 

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What can you tell us about your new release, Knocked Up and Punished?

Knocked Up and Punished is the third installment in my series of Knocked Up books. Each of them are standalones, but this book has a cameo appearance from Leo and Lysa (the hero and heroine from Knocked Up by the Master). Compared to the previous two books, I really felt like Knocked Up and Punished managed to stay with what made the first two so fun and dirty, but it also has some very unique elements that let it stand out on its own as well. What's the best book you've ever read?

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

Oddly enough, it was The Picture of Dorian Gray. I was always very shy in school, and on a whim I started reading that book at the beginning of senior year. I forget exactly what the words were, but something in the book just made me come to a realization that time was fleeting and I wouldn't have forever. It was such a strange and wonderful moment, like I had been in a daze for years without realizing it, and at that moment I just snapped out of it. I told myself I was going to introduce myself to this guy in my English class I had a crush on... So I did, and now it's over ten years later and we're married with two kids!

What fictional literary world would you most like to visit?

Call me a dork, but 100% I'd be sipping some butterbeer in the Harry Potter world. I would just lay on the greens outside Hogwarts and drink it all in every single day. Siggghhhhh. I wish.

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

I'd want to talk to Harry Potter (hardly literary, I know) and ask him why the heck he went with Ginny! Why Ginny!? There was barely any chemistry there. Ugh!

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

Tennis for sure! I used to coach tennis when I taught high school and I still play several times a week. I absolutely love it.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was really little because I loved animals. But I actually got a job as a vet tech after college and hated it. I love animals when they are healthy and happy, but I guess I'm too weak to see them in pain and suffering, which is when you see a lot of them working at a vet.

What scene in Knocked Up and Punished was your favorite to write?

I love the opening scene. Something about insta-lust and insta-love just really calls to me. I know it's silly on some levels and seems kind of beyond-belief, but I really enjoy writing it in a way that to me feels believable--just creating characters and moments that come together so perfectly that you can believe the fantasy and dive in. That's what really excited me in writing romance. I want to make the fantasy seem real, because we all need a little more fantasy in our lives.

Penelope Bloom is the author of the new book Knocked Up and Punished. 

Connect with Penelope:
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What can you tell us about your new release, Second Chance Hero?

Second Chance Hero was the easiest book for me to write, mostly because of my love for baseball and passion for romance. I wanted to write in the genre I love to read, so I started plotting out the story. It didn’t hurt that my favorite team was having one heck of a year and let’s say I was inspired.

Second Chance Hero is all about redemption. Zach and Lacey dated in college, but their relationship came with an expiration date—graduation. Signed with a major baseball team, Zach knew failing wasn’t an option, and he had to concentrate on his career. Five years later, they meet at a post-game press conference. One look at Lacey is all it takes for Zach to realize he made the biggest mistake of his life. Now, he wants her back. The only thing is, Lacey wants nothing to do with him. But here’s the catch, Zach ALWAYS gets what he wants. Will he this time?

What or who inspired you to become an author?

When my daughter was a teenager, I would read the books she brought home. I have always enjoyed reading young adult books and shared the same interest as my daughter. One particular book, she never finished because she did not like the content. Curious, I started reading it and was shocked at the content myself. I remember telling my daughter that I would write her better stories. I had no idea I would develop this passion for writing. Of course, once I finished the trilogy for her, I switched to writing the genre I love to read—romance.

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

Anyone who knows me at all will know I love the romance genre. So when they look at my bookshelf, they may be surprised to see my secret stash of Stephen King books. Especially the book It. My fear of clowns would make people question why the book is anywhere near my residence. But in my high school days, I read quite a few of his novels. Everyone needs to have a good, scary novel to freak them out.

Who is your favorite couple from literature?

I’m going to pull from recent years and go with Jackie and Lucas from Tammara Webber’s Breakable. I loved their connection right from the beginning. Sigh, just thinking about them makes me smile.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

Plotting a story is one of my favorite things about writing. I love to be able to start with an idea and watch it unfold into a full-fledged story. Character development, along with world-building, has to be my favorite things to do.

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

I know I should pick someone who can give me great insight, but I would LOVE to meet John Cusack. He is actually who I pictured as the detective in my young adult trilogy. My crush began when I watched Sixteen Candles. His role was minor, but he was so cute. Plus, he is a Cub’s fan! Double win!

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

I know I should pick someone who can give me great insight, but I would LOVE to meet John Cusack. He is actually who I pictured as the detective in my young adult trilogy. My crush began when I watched Sixteen Candles. His role was minor, but he was so cute. Plus, he is a Cub’s fan! Double win!

What scene in Second Chance Hero was your favorite to write?

There were many scenes I loved writing in Second Chance Hero, but the opening scene was my most favorite. Lacey had to cover Zach’s post-game press conference, and she really didn’t want to be there. After all, it was the first time in five years for her to see him. A lot of conflicting emotions swirled through her, which I found exciting to write. I love conveying the characters emotions, and hopefully, the reader can experience some of their turmoil as well.

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

About fifteen years ago, I was at the bookstore looking for stocking stuffers for my children. On a bookmark, a shortened quote, “Never, never, never quit” from Winston Churchill stood out to me. Needless to say, each child received that bookmark, and I have repeatedly reminded them of his words. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t live by that motto myself.

Kimberly Readnour is the author of the new book Second Chance Hero. 

Connect with Kimberly:
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