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What can you tell us about your new release, Dirty Filthy Rich Men?

Dirty Filthy Rich Men is a book I’ve been dying to write for years. It’s inspired by a play, later made into a couple of movies, called Sabrina. (The play is Sabrina Faire.) This version, though, is darker and sexier than the script you might remember. She’s had a crush on Weston for as long as she can remember, but it’s his best friend Donovan who unexpectedly finds a place in her heart…

You can read the beginning of Sabrina’s story for free right now in Dirty Filthy Rich Boys.

Who or what inspired you to become an author?

There’s never been a time where I haven’t loved stories. I started telling them in song form. I made them up about my dolls, I made them up about my friends, I made them up about strangers on the street. Actually, I still do the last two. I was a musical theater major in college, and it taught me so much about the art of telling a story that it felt natural to move in the direction of full length novels.

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

I really love non-fiction. For one thing, it’s fascinating to learn more about how our brains work, and ways to “hack” productivity. Plus, it’s easier for me to read non-fiction when I’m deep in the romance writing cave. I like to keep the story in my head separate from other people’s stories on the page. Recently I've read Everybody Lies and Essentialism: The disciplined pursuit of less. Both are fabulous reads.

What is a typical day like for you?

One long blur of words, kids, puppies, coffee, and rolling on the floor in frustration. Plus naps. I love naps.

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

If I were invisible, I could see if all my favorite celebrity couples were having the kind of sex I imagine they are. Is that inappropriate? I write steamy romance. I think this should be expected.

What’s in your Netflix queue?

The Untold History of the United States, an Oliver Stone documentary series, has been blowing my mind. I’ve learned so much. And you know I’m always watching Shameless, Walking Dead, and Game of Thrones with my husband.

What scene in Dirty Filthy Rich Men was your favorite to write?

When Sabrina comes face-to-face with Donovan again for the first time in ten years… I felt all of her emotions as she realized nothing was over--not by a long shot.

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

I really love Mother Teresa's quote about humility: “If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.” I like to practice knowing who I am. I like to strive to be someone who doesn't need praise and can't be hurt by criticism. I'm far from it, but I'm working on it.

Laurelin Paige is the author of the new book Dirty Filthy Rich Men. 

Connect with Laurelin:
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What can you tell us about your new release, The Ruler?

The Ruler takes place in a future where women rule the world and masculinity is a dirty word. It’s really a clash between ideology and gender roles when the two insanely intelligent and strong main characters face off. Khan is the ruthless ruler of the Men of the North who call themselves the last free men, and Pearl is one of the wise council women in the new world order. What I like about this book is the honest and raw dialogue between them and how two otherwise powerful and confident people can be lost when it comes to navigating their unwanted sexual attraction.

What's the last book you read?

“It had to be you” by Susan Elizabeth Philips. Her books are always guaranteed to provide a good plot and excellent dialogue.

Who is your favorite couple from literature?

There are so many, but I would have to say Uma and Aidan from my book “The Feisty Slave.” I just have a very special relationship with that book and that couple.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

That I don’t have a commute and that I can work from home at my own pace.

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

A defense lawyer – but I only wanted innocent clients.

How do you like to spend a rainy day?

Rainy days are some of my favorite days, which is lucky because I live in Seattle. I hike with my dog in the woods and write my books until my kids are out of school. I’m an avid reader and lucky enough to be married to my best friend, so I’m never bored.

What scene in The Ruler was your favorite to write?

That’s difficult since I have many favorite scenes, but if I can only pick one it would be an extremely powerful scene between Khan and his brother Magni. It’s raw and heart gripping but love that these two alpha males show an emotional range that is rare in romance books.

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

“Done is better than perfect!” I think too many authors strive for the perfect book, but it’s an illusion. I’m happy to deliver the best I can at this time in my life.

Elin Peer is the author of the new book The Ruler. 

Connect with Elin:
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What can you tell us about your new release, Traitor in Her Arms?

Traitor in Her Arms is a take-off on the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, except it tells the stories of the women in the Pimpernel’s league. Viscountess Gabrielle McCullough is the heroine of this book, and she’s been forced to steal to pay off her dead husband’s disreputable creditors. But then she’s approached by the Scarlet Pimpernel, who asks her to go to Paris and “steal” a woman and her child out of a French prison before the woman is guillotined. On the way to France Gabrielle meets an old friend, Ramsey, Earl of Sedgwick, but she has reason to be concerned that he’s not really her friend. She’s attracted to him, and he seems to feel the same, but she’s never really sure whether he’s an ally or the enemy.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

The Secret by Julie Garwood

The Wind and the Sea by Marsha Canham

The Sexual Politics of Meat by Carol Adams

Who is your favorite couple from literature?

It has to be Eve Dallas and Roarke, the characters from JD Robb’s In Death series. I love how they support each other, even when they’re at each other’s throats.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

I like being alone and being in control. In my books, I can make anything I want happen. Since I don’t get to run the world, I like running it in my books.

What's a typical day like for you?

I get up about 4:30, take the dog out, run with my running partners, then get my daughter to school. Then I write or revise until I meet my goal for the day and then tackle administrative stuff until 3 when I pick my daughter up and shuttle her to after school activities. Then I make dinner, walk the dog again, put my daughter to bed, and check on emails. Pretty glamorous, I know.

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

My superpower would be the ability to go without sleep for days. Then I could watch all the TV shows and movies I never have time to watch and read all the books on my TBR pile.

What scene in Traitor in Her Arms was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write was when the heroine and hero, Gabrielle and Ramsey, arrive in Paris. They’re both British citizens masquerading as French citizens, and they’re attempting to enter Paris at the height of the Reign of Terror. I could imagine how scary it would be to wait in line for hours, never certain whether once you reached the soldiers you would be admitted or thrown into prison. To make matters worse, there is a problem when they reach the soldier at the gate. Gabrielle hasn’t quite pulled off her disguise.

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

Yes. It’s by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau: “When we make compassion our barometer, we don't settle for violence on a small scale. We aspire to kindness on a huge scale.”

Shana Galen is the author of the new book Traitor in Her Arms. 

Connect with Shana:
Author Website

 Twitter

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What can you tell us about your new release, Ready to Run?

It’s the first book in my brand new I DO, I DON’T series, which is sort of The Bachelor meets Runaway Bride. It’s centered around a reality TV show about 20 women trying to coax notorious “Runaway Grooms” down the aisle once and for all!

If Ready to Run is turned into a movie, who would you pick to play Jordan and Luke?

Jordan would absolutely be Malin Ackerman, but I never did think up a proper inspiration for Luke! It would have to be someone who seems a little serious on the outside, but then has a really great smile with laugh-lines

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I’ve always loved to read, always wanted to be an author, but it was a very kind, encouraging email from Kristan Higgins (one of my favorite authors) when I was first starting out that gave me the courage to go for it.

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

Nora Roberts, and I’d love to know how she plans out her trilogies! She’s such a master of complex world-building!

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

Oh gosh — I’m thoroughly non-sporty, both as a participant and as a spectator. I didn’t even know about the last Olympics until they were halfway over! I guess I’d say … one of the track events. I do like to run, albeit quite slowly!

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

An author. Dreams DO come true

What scene in Ready to Run was your favorite to write?

Anything with Simon! He’s the heroine’s BFF, and a total scene stealer (teaser below):

Simon lifted a finger in objection. “I resent that. I’ll have you know it’s been two and a half months since I last had relations.”

“Oh gosh, really? Here, hold the wheel while I cry on your behalf.”

Simon reached over, clucked under her chin. “Poor Jordie. How long has it been for you?” Eleven months and counting.

She pulled her phone out of the console and tossed it to him. “The GPS doesn’t know where the hell we are. Can you guide us there the old-fashioned way?”

“Oh sure. Let me just get my compass, lick my finger and stick it in the air …”

“Hey, you’re the one that insisted on buying cowboy boots for this little adventure. At least try to earn some country cred.”

Simon sighed dramatically, but he took the phone, zooming in and out on the map cursing until finally declaring, straight, for another thirty minutes, give or take a cow or twelve.

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

Current favorite is “Work hard in silence, and let your success be your noise.”

Lauren Layne is the author of the new book Ready to Run. 

Connect with Lauren:
Author Website

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What can you tell us about your new release, Rebel Love?

Some of my favorite stories to write are the ones where the two main characters knew each other growing up. Rebel Love jumps back and forth in time, to reveal relationships, dark secrets, tragedy and a kiss that pretty much changed everything.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My mother was a huge reader. When we were little she took us to the public library once a week, and my siblings and I would walk out with a pile of fresh new books to read. She inspired me to love books and writing.

Who is your favorite couple from literature?

Hmm, probably Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. It was hard not to love just how unsuited they were for each other and yet they were soul mates.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

Hands down it's coming up with the characters. I can't write a word until I've got them talking in my head and revealing all their quirks and personality traits.

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

My family and pets of course.  And a good strong cup of coffee doesn't hurt either.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

Either baking or biking or hiking. I guess the biking and hiking would help counteract the negative effects of baking.

What scene in Rebel Love was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the flashback scenes. Taking the characters back to their high school years was a lot of fun.

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

Mine has always been the well known adage of Do unto others ...  I believe strongly in generosity, kindness, honesty and treating people and animals right.

Tess Oliver is the author of the new book Rebel Love. 

Connect with Tess:
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 Twitter

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

Porter is the final installment of the Men of Lovibond Collection. I love all three of these characters so much. They’re southern and filthy-mouthed and just a cool trio of guys. They’re good people… the kind of friends I’d hang with anytime.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I had a specific book I wanted to read but couldn’t find it anywhere. So… I wrote it.

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

It must be four. Samantha Young, Amy Bartol, Rachel Higginson, and Shelly Crane.

What is a typical day like for you?

Looking at social media. Replying. Posting. Writing. Maybe I eat and maybe I see my family somewhere in there.

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

Disney World. It’s the happiest place on earth.

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

Time Travel.

What scene in Porter was your favorite to write?

Porter’s nephews were hiding under the bed and picked the “most inopportune time” to jump out and scare Porter and Frankee.

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

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don't hurt them. —Dalai Lama

Georgia Cates is the author of the new book Porter. 

Connect with Georgia:
Author Website

 Twitter

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