Giveaway, Interview, and Review of Don't Close Your Eyes (Texas Justice #1) by Christie Craig

Coming to a bookstore near you August 28, 2018 : 

'Don’t Close Your Eyes' by Christie Craig 

In this dark and dangerous Texas small town, Annie Lakes’ nightmares come alive when a cold case from her past reveals family secrets that put her life in jeopardy.

Annie Lakes has had the same recurring nightmare for years. Her heart pounding in her chest. A panicked voice, begging her to run faster. Her own bloodcurdling scream. But now Annie is starting to realize it’s more than just a bad dream. She’s starting to remember things about the night her cousin Jenny disappeared all those years ago. Things that make her believe her family was involved—and what they’re hiding is much worse than she ever imagined. But she can’t unravel this alone. She needs someone she can trust, someone like sexy Detective Mark Sutton ….

Mark has seen enough—too much—to assume that Annie’s story is a dead end. It turns out that her family is hiding some killer secrets. A long time ago, Annie was just an innocent little girl who saw something she shouldn’t. Now she’s a target, and Mark’s running out of time to protect the woman he’s starting to fall for. But how does Mark face off against a murderer who just may be someone Annie loves?

Christie Craig

Christie Craig is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-nine books. She is an Alabama native, a motivational speaker, and a writing teacher, who currently hangs her hat in Texas. When she’s not writing romance, she’s traveling, sipping wine, or penning bestselling young adult novels as C.C. Hunter. For more info on Christie and her books, please visit ChristieCraig.com.

Forever Summer Reading Q&A with Christie Craig

What was the last romance series that you binge read?

C.C.: Lori Wilde’s Cupid Texas series.

What's your favorite summer drink?

C.C.: Lemonade if it’s early. Red wine or a frozen margarita with a salted rim if it’s after five.   And it’s always after five somewhere, right?

Where do you and your family like to travel to during the summer?

C.C.: I’m a beach person. I love being close to the sand and waves. Almost every year we plan a beach escape. Some years, it just to Galveston or one of the Texas Gulf Coast places. But whenever possible, we like heading to California. We love Ventura. There’s a hotel that we’ve been going to for years. They have balconies that overlook the ocean. We always sleep with the doors open so I can hear the waves all night long. Then we can walk to their little downtown area, or right down the beach and have dinner at one of the many nice restaurants there.

What's your go-to accessory in the warm weather?

C.C.: A hat. I’ll admit I’m a baseball cap wearer. It keeps the sun out of my eyes and it’s easy to tuck my hair up inside if it gets too hot or windy.

If the main characters in your newest book booked a trip, where would they go?

C.C.: A fishing trip. Mark my character in Don’t Close Your Eyes, loves to fish. It’s sort of his yoga.  He loves being outside, the sun reflecting off of the water, and forgetting some of the painful cases he’s worked. And I’ll admit it, I love to fish, too. My hubby says when I fish, I fish hard. You’ll never see me put my pole down. Nope I’ve got it in my hands waiting for that tug on the fishing line. I can see Mark taking Annie fishing. I’m not sure she’d bait her own hook, but I’m sure Mark would do it for her. He’s just that kind of guy.

Title: Don't Close Your Eyes (Texas Justice)
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
Series: Texas Justice (Book 1)
Format: Paperback; 480 pages
Publisher: Forever (August 28, 2018)
ISBN-10: 1538711591
ISBN-13: 978-1538711590
Author's Website: http://www.christie-craig.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Annie Lakes had the same recurring nightmare for years. She's seen psychiatrists about it. She's asked her mom a million times if what she'd dreamt had ever happened, but her answer is no. Yet when Annie goes to the funeral of her uncle from her mom's side, a memory sparks making her believe her dream is, in fact, a partially suppressed memory. She can't let go of the feeling that she may have witnessed a murder....

Mark Sutton is a homicide detective who takes his job seriously. His specialty is solving missing children cases, and he's very good at it. Whether a new or cold case, he has the uncanny ability to zero in on the important little details that others have missed and solve the crime. With each case, however, he feels he loses a little piece of his soul. When Annie Lakes seeks him out and reveals she believes she may have witnessed a murder as a child, he's not sure what to think. Could she be a few fries short of a happy meal or did she actually witness something? After doing a little digging, he's determined to find out.

This is the first book of the Texas Justice series by Christie Craig, and, I believe, Ms. Craig's first venture into the foray of romantic suspense. Her previous books were lighthearted romances heavy  on the humor. While the element of humor still permeates the essence of this novel, it takes a back seat to the suspense. While I adore her other romances, I very much enjoyed this change of writing style and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Annie is a teacher whose life has been haunted by a tragedy that may or may not have actually happened. While at first glance her story may seem a little out there, she actually is looking at everything very logically and with a level head. She seeks Mark out because she needs answers and she knows he can find them. She's admired the handsome young detective for some time, never having gotten up the courage to introduce herself. Being on the Anniston police force, Mark's well known in town, but Annie has observed him over the past several months at the coffee shop that both he and she frequent. She knows he has a good heart and cares.

Mark has some emotional baggage of his own which stems from the tragic death of his sister. It's her death that inspired him to become a detective, and he's made it his mission to try to save and/or avenge as many missing children as he can. It's his way of doing penance for failing to protect his own sister years ago. There are two disappearances that detective Mark Sutton needs to solve in this book, and he'll need to sift through all the information that's been collected to solve them.

What I loved about this story is that Mark and Annie evolve as individuals as the story unfolds. They both are haunted by their past and each helps the other work through them. While their relationship starts out rather bumpy, it slowly turns into something neither expected nor can deny.

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. It was a nice blend of romance, suspense, and mystery. The chemistry between Mark and Annie was intense and unmistakable. There were plenty of unexpected twists and turns to keep one's interest. I liked watching the mystery of it all unfurl while seeing these two get to know one another. While I had hoped for a connection between the two cases, I liked the parallels between them. They were so similar, yet so different at the same time.  On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. I eagerly await the next book, and look forward to seeing what Ms Craig has in store for the next installment.

The Cop Who Stole Christmas (Tall, Hot & Texan, #2) by Christie Craig

Title: The Cop Who Stole Christmas (Tall, Hot & Texan)
Series: Tall, Hot & Texan
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Comedy
Paperback: 206 pages
Publisher: Christie Craig (December 10, 2013)
ISBN-10: 099102060X
ISBN-13: 978-0991020607
Author's Website: http://www.christie-craig.com/
Notes: Received a copy from the author.

Have you ever said something because you're mad and then wished you could take it back?

Savanna Edwards by all accounts is having a very bad day. It started out with Santa stealing (okay, repossessing) her car, her joking with friends about murdering her ex and tying a bow on his cheating appendage, then finding her ex dead and wrapped with a bow--as specified--on her kitchen floor. While she'd been mad about her ex refinance the car she'd been awarded in the divorce, she hadn't truly wanted him dead. Now the prime suspect in the crime, can she clear her name?

 Detective Mark Donaldson has noticed his neighbor many times and has more than once considered going over and introducing himself. He doesn't, however, feel getting involved with a neighbor is a smart thing to do. When she comes over asking for his help in stopping the repossessing of her car, he can't really do much to help her. When she comes to him for help when she finds her ex dead in her kitchen, that's another matter. Staying uninvolved is no longer an option.

This is the second book of the Tall, Hot & Texan series by Christie Craig. If you haven't read 'Gotcha!', the first in the series, you really should. It's free right now for a limited time for both Nook and Kindle. It's a great way to introduce yourself to the series and to the author, Christie Craig.

Savanna has been dealt a bad hand. She lost her mother and marriage on the same day. She'd come home from the hospital to tell her husband the news of her mother's passing only to find him in bed with his assistant. That had been two years ago and while she'd gotten over him, she still hadn't gotten over her fear of commitment. To utterly give your heart over to someone and have faith they won't tear it to shreads had kept her from looking for love again or even dating. It was an experience she never wishes to repeat.  

Mark is not at all what he first seems. Savanna's first impression of him is that he's a cocky jerk who can't be bothered. Not too surprising, as he's had women attempt to use him for personal gain--what they thought his badge could do for them among other things--in the past. The experiences have left him a touch cynical and relationship shy. While he gives off an indifferent air, he truly isn't. He's been secretly crushing on his neighbor for quite some time.  

What I enjoyed about this story is how circumstances brought these two together. Had events not played out as they had, they may never have met or gotten to know each other. Additionally, I loved how I didn't figure out who did it before the ending. When the villain was revealed, I did a head smack and laughed at myself for not seeing it. This was a fun, sexy, humorous, and smartly written read that I gave 4 out of 5 roses. My only fault is that I wish the story had lasted longer. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earns a STEAM rating - too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of the series:

Giveaway and Q & A - Blame It On Texas by Christie Craig

Meet Christie Craig

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

Website

New York Times bestselling author Christie Craig grew up in Alabama where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and regularly rescued potential princes, in the form of bullfrogs, from her brothers. Today, she's still fascinated with lightning bugs and mostly wears shoes, but focuses on rescuing mammals and hasn't kissed a frog in years. She now lives in Texas with her four rescued cats, one dog--who has a bad habit of eating furniture--a son, and a prince of a husband who swears he's not, and never was a frog.

If Christie isn't writing, she's reading or just enjoying laughter with her friends and family. As a freelance writer, Christie also writes nonfiction books, including the humorous self-help/book Wild, Wicked & Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You're in a Romance Novel, as well as paranormal young adult romances under the pen name C.C. Hunter.

 Q&A with Christie Craig

Lisarenee:   Thank you so much for joining us today, Christie. I love the humor in your books. Do you enjoy writing all those fun and hilarious scenes as much as we do reading them?

CC: First, thanks so much for having me here at your Seduced by a Book blog. Bloggers are the greatest. Now to answer your question . . .

Honestly, if I had a dollar for every time I’m busy in my office and my hubby calls out from the kitchen, “What’s so funny?” I’d be a rich woman. Here's the thing, though. I love to laugh. Laughter is a constant in the Craig household. I come from a family of jokesters and storytellers. We laughed when things were good, and we laughed even harder when times were stressful. And I’ve carried on that tradition in my own family. What's more, I’ve given this trait to all my characters. Laughter is healthy, it’s my coping mechanism. And I personally believe that falling in love should be fun. Yes, I might keep a reader on the edge of their seat, toss in a little murder, and all my characters have a ton of baggage to deal with, but they all know how to laugh through the tough times.

Lisarenee: I imagine writing a story is a little like baring your soul to others. It's like giving your readers a front row seat to yourself--your humor, your wit, etc. Have you ever second guessed something you've put in a novel or been nervous about how something will be received?

CC: I’ve often compared writing to standing naked in front of a crowd. Maybe it's not this way with all writers, but for me, all my best kept secrets are exposed in my books. From what I find seductive in a man to my morals. To the food I love, to the kind of off-colored jokes I find funny, and to how I might kill someone if I really decide to go there. Sure, it’s fiction, but when something is pulled from a person’s imagination, you can bet there are some elements of truth in it. And yes, for some authors those truths are not so evident in their personality. I was once told by an Australian bookseller that she is often disappointed with she meets authors, because, by reading an author’s work, she begins to picture that author’s personality. Then when she meets them, some don’t fit the bookseller’s personal image of them. However, she told me I didn’t disappoint her. I was just exactly what she thought I was. And considering the crazy things I write about—like dead guys in porta potties, dogs that pass gas, characters playing strip scrabble—I thought that was pretty darn scary. LOL.

Lisarenee: What is your favorite part of writing a book? Is it completing it and letting it go, coming up with the idea and seeing it make its way to print, or something else entirely?

CC: My favorite part of writing is getting that first draft down on paper, not worrying about spelling or grammar. When the story seems to flow from my fingertips and I’m in that creative zone where the ideas, the funny dialogue just start spilling out of me, it's like magic. It's the greatest feeling in the world, too. I guess you say that my favorite part is the storytelling.

Lisarenee: What is the hardest thing about being a writer? Is it deadlines, negative reviews, keeping your stories 'fresh' and fun, etc or does it come easily to you?

CC: Now, deadlines can be stressful. But I can usually deal with those. Negative reviews? I can’t lie; in the beginning of my career, they stung. But I have since learned that reading is selective. It’s sort of like ice cream. Some people only love vanilla, and wouldn’t think about touching a banana sundae flavor. Not everyone will enjoy my flavor of books and that’s okay. But, the hardest part about being a writer, for me? Well, if storytelling is my favorite part, the hardest thing would be polishing the story. Getting those words perfect is like pulling teeth without the laughing gas. I’m dyslexic, and writing perfect copy is hard. I leave out words, get words backwards. I know how to spell for the most part, but when I write, I sometimes use the wrong word, like "right" for "write." Or I will leave out one letter in the word and I just can’t see those mistakes when I proofread my work. I have critique partners who help me. But sometimes I’ll tweak a manuscript and send it in without having them look at my last minute tweaks. And I have gotten in trouble. Before I was published, I entered contest and in one of those I had written a perfectly good sentence. He looked down at his bloody shirt. My hero, a cop on the run, had been shot and beat up and was hiding behind a shed at my heroine’s house. And he’d been there for several hours. The mistake I made was to leave out one letter. The "r" out of shirt. Let’s just say the comments were very interesting from the judges. i.e. So he had internal injuries, too, huh? LOL.

Lisarenee: One of the things I noticed on your website that surprised me was to learn you have dyslexia. I tried to access the link to the video on your website, but it didn't work. What would your advice be to anyone who would like to attempt a career as an author who might be dyslexic or have a similar condition that might hamper their writing? My daughter has an auditory processing disorder and I am always trying to find new ways of encouraging her that she can overcome anything associated with it. I usually tell her that she may never be a spelling bee champion, but she shouldn't let that keep her from writing.

CC: Sorry the link isn’t working. I need to take that off. It was supposed to be up forever and the paper changed their mind and I can’t get them to respond to me about getting a copy. Please tell your daughter and anyone out there to not let their disabilities hinder them from doing whatever they want. Does it mean it will be harder? Probably. But it didn’t stop me and it shouldn’t stop anyone. I seriously believe that I didn’t achieve my success in spite of the dyslexia, but in large part, I achieved success because of it. Most dyslexics are very intuitive and I believe this helped me write emotional characters. I think a person with disabilities can sometimes have gifts. She might be very creative, or have a real knack at writing emotions. She doesn’t have to spell to be a writer!!! Storytelling is so much more important. She can get help proofing her stories. If she’s a gifted storyteller, she can help other writers with the art of storytelling and plotting and they can help her with her typos and misspellings. Never, ever give up. It was my motto, it wasn’t always easy, but it was so worth it. I recently hit the New York Times and the USA Today best-sellers lists—not bad for girl who can’t spell "shirt." LOL.

Thanks again for inviting me here to your blog. If your readers want to know more about me and my books, they can find information at my website, www.Christie-Craig.com. For a little taste of my Hotter in Texas series, watch the video below. I hope you enjoy!

CC

Lisarenee: Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to join us. 

Blame It On Texas
by Christie Craig

Book Synopsis:
Zoe Adams has always been content with her quiet nights at home, watching TV alone-until her life turns into a real-life episode of Unsolved Mystery Hunters. The story of a kidnapped girl triggers unexplained memories, and Zoe is dead-set on figuring out why. Her search leads her to one of the Lone Star State's richest families-and to sexy PI Tyler Lopez.

Tyler has sworn off women, especially redheads with killer curves who poke their noses into his clients' private lives. Still, he can't deny the attraction any more than he can deny that some of Zoe's crazy story makes sense. But when she becomes a hit man's target, this cold case starts heating up. Suddenly, Tyler will do anything to protect Zoe-even risk his heart.

Giveaway

I am giving away 3 copies of 'Blame It On Texas' by Christie Craig (One per winner/per household)

Rules to be eligible for giveaway:

1. Only residents of the US who are 18 years of age or older are eligible. 

2. Please leave either your email address or a link to your Goodreads profile so I may get in contact with you to get your mailing address. No P.O. Boxes, please. 
3. You must be a follower of my blog, if you aren't already.

Winners will be randomly chosen. Books will be sent directly from publisher. Giveaway ends August 30th,  midnight Eastern time. Winners will be posted on my blog and notified by email or message posted to them via Goodreads. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The very talented C.C. Hunter talks about her new book Whispers at Moonrise. In stores today!

In stores today:

Whispers at Moonrise by C.C. Hunter

To see my 4 1/2 rose review CLICK HERE

The breathtaking fourth installment of the New York Times bestselling Shadow Falls series from author C. C. Hunter...Whispers at Moonrise.

Shadow Falls Camp is back in session with the most explosive installment yet. A shocking new threat will rock Shadow Falls—changing it forever and altering Kylie’s journey in ways she never imagined.

Even at a camp for supernatural teens, Kylie Galen has never been normal. Not only can she see ghosts, but she doesn’t seem to belong to any one species—she exhibits traits from them all. As Kylie struggles to unlock the secrets of her identity, she begins to worry that Lucas will never be able to accept her for what she is, and what she isn’t…a werewolf. With his pack standing in their way, Kylie finds herself turning more and more to Derek, the only person in her life who’s willing to accept the impossible.

As if life isn’t hard enough, she starts getting visits from the ghost of Holiday, her closest confidante. Trouble is, Holiday isn’t dead…not yet anyway. Now Kylie must race to save one of her own from an unseen danger before it’s too late—all while trying to stop her relationship with Lucas from slipping away forever. In a world of constant confusion, there’s only one thing Kylie knows for sure. Change is inevitable and all things must come to an end…maybe even her time at Shadow Falls.

Watch the book trailer:

Ten Things You’ll Learn from Whispers at Moonrise 

1) Kicking your boyfriend’s father’s butt might not be good for the relationship.

2) Sometimes following your heart means breaking some rules.

3) Getting trapped in a grave with three dead girls is not a walk in the park.

4) Your parents breaking up sucks. Your mom having a boyfriend, and kissing him in front of you, sucks BIG TIME.

5) When your boyfriend says one thing, but does another, what do you believe? His actions or his words?

6) You can’t always protect the ones you love. Sometimes the only way to protect them is to tell them the truth—even if it hurts.

7) When you are in love, you usually want to talk a lot more about your boyfriend than your girlfriends care to hear.

8) You shouldn’t mess with magic if you don’t know what you’re doing. Especially when someone could end up sterile.

9) Sometimes it is the little choices we make, and not the big ones, that define who we are.

10) Be careful what you wish for or you might end up turning a bright shade of red in the boys’ bathroom.

The Interview:

C.C. Hunter

To check out C.C.'s website CLICK HERE

To follow C.C. on Twitter CLICK HERE 

To follow C.C. on Facebook CLICK HERE

Lisarenee: The big question I have is since you announced that Chosen at Nightfall is to be your last and final book of the Shadow Falls series, is there any possibility of a spin-off series in the near
future? After all Shadow Falls is a place and if Kylie were to move somewhere else.... Well, you get what I'm hoping for. :)

CC: I won’t ever say never. And I can’t tell you how hard it is to write this final book. It reminds me of when I moved away from my childhood home and knew I was going to miss all my hometown buddies. And while I would love to come back to Shadow Falls sometimes, right now, what I can tell you is that I have already sold my next series and it’s not about Kylie or anyone at Shadow Falls. However, I think my readers will find all the things they love about Shadow Falls in the new series: a unique paranormal world, characters you can easily fall in love with, a book about friendships, hot guys, lots of emotion, and tons of laughter.

Lisarenee: You originally started writing romances under the pen name Christie Craig, but used a different pen name, CC Hunter, when you decided to write a young adult series. What do you think of all the romance writers lately using their current pen names when they start writing young adult books? Granted, times have changed and more adults, such as myself, are starting to read more and more young adult books, but do you think a separation a little more distinct than just young adult or adult fiction is needed when a romance writer decides to delve into the writing of young adult books? I would think it might make the initial switch a little harder, but I'm curious what your initial reasons were for changing your pen name, and if you were to have waited to start your series until the present time, would you still have written the books under a different name from the one you use for romance?

CC: That is a very good question. And one that is hard to answer. I think each author, and perhaps each publisher, might have a different opinion. When I first sold my series to St. Martin’s Griffin, my editor gave me the option of using my real name. However, she said since my other books were romantic comedies and while my humor was going to come into play in the Shadow Falls books, she didn’t see them being marketed as humor, so she suggested I go with a pen name. I decided to go with her thoughts on the matter. Now, from the very beginning they marketed C.C. Hunter as. . . . a pen name for the award-winning author, Christie Craig. It was never a secret. Even in my bio on the website, I state that I write humorous romantic suspense novels under my real name, Christie Craig. Yet, I do not advertize my romances on the C.C. Hunter site because I know that some of my audience are too young to read romance novels. Yet, I do advertize my YA books to my Christie Craig fans.

If I had it to do over again, I think I would do the same thing. Not because I’m trying to hide what I write, but because I think it is a marketing tool. I have a huge crossover from my older C.C. Hunter fans to my Christie Craig fans, but I still have those who read only paranormal or only humorous romantic suspense. If one of those got confused and bought a book with the different genre, they might be disappointed. SO the different pen names is merely a marketing tool that lets the readers know what type of book they are reading.

Lisarenee: When you first started writing the Shadow Falls series, did you already know what you planned to have Kylie be? In the first book, you hinted she could be a demigod or the child of one. Did your plans for Kylie change as the series developed?

CC: Nothing changed. However, you just discovered my secret. I’m not a plotter. I really do write to discover the story just as my readers read to learn the story. Would you believe that I’m working on the last book and I’m still going back and forth over whom Kylie will choose, Lucas or Derek? And when I first started writing the story, I didn’t know who the ghost was in the first book. . To me, writing books is very much like getting to know someone. You don’t meet someone and in one, two or three weeks get to know them. It take weeks, months, and sometimes years before you really know what makes someone tick. While I always have a handle on the moral character of a character, I don’t know everything they will face during the course of the story. And the characterization of real and fictional people will depend a lot on what lessons he/she learns through the course of the story. So while my plans don’t change, sometimes my characters become smarter, more frightened, or more aware of different issues as the story unfolds.

Lisarenee: In Born at Midnight we learned Kylie was born at midnight as were all the kids at Shadow Falls camp. In later books we learn not all supernaturals are born at midnight. What is the main difference between those born at midnight and those not? Is it that distinction that makes them more likely to be good or bad? From her run in with Roberto (aka Red) we learned even those who are bad can be saved. Their fate is not set in stone.

CC: Yes, in the Shadow Falls world it is commonly believed that anyone born past midnight has a higher percentage chance of becoming evil. My goal in showing that scene was to exhibit that just like in real life there are exceptions to every rule. And sometimes our preconceived notions have a strong influence on what shapes people and circumstances. For example, Lucas wants to change the world’s view that all supernaturals raised by rogues are bad. In real life our world and our view of things are constantly changing, and fiction should reflect this.

Lisarenee: Besides being a chameleon, Kylie is a Protector. From what we know of her father, he was one as well. Can you tell us a little more about Protectors? Is a supernatural born a Protector? Is it a status they can loose once they are one? Since they are so rare, I was curious if an individual needed a combination of qualities in order to be one?

CC: Yes, Kylie is a chameleon and a protector and supernaturals are born protectors. It is not something they choose to be or something they grow up to be. However, most protectors don’t exhibit their gifts until they are in their late teens or early twenties, as it was with Kylie’s father. They can be any type of supernatural. But it is believed that only those who are foreseen to have great moral character and standards are chosen to be protectors. It is one of the highest gifts a person can have in the supernatural world. And there are very few protectors. As a matter of fact, Kylie’s father is the first known Chameleon to be born a protector. However, a protector does not always pass on the gift of being a protector. As a matter of fact, Kylie is the first who is believed to have possibly inherited the gift.

When I write, I want my characters and my world to reflect that of the real world. The talents and gifts a person is born with in the real world are baffling. Some people are simply born to play the piano, others are simply born to be the whiz kids. I created the whole protector gift because I wanted Kylie to be extra special, but I needed her to be vulnerable, too. It was important for her to need other people to be the best she can be. In a way, the thing that saves Kylie and those she cares about is that magical thing called love, as well as the basic respect for her fellow man. In a way, I think this is the basic truth about life. Love and respect is what makes us better humans. It is the ingredients of what makes a real life hero.

Lisarenee: Thanks CC for taking the time to answer my questions C.C.

CC: Thanks so much for having me here today. You asked some very intriguing questions. 

On sale today, Whispers at Moonrise

Nook eBook Giveaway of Murder, Mayhem and Mama by Christie Craig

BEING A MAMA IS HARD. BUT THE JOB’S EVEN TOUGHER WHEN YOU’RE DEAD… 

Cali McKay’s mama isn’t ready to pass over to the “other side” yet. Her unlucky-in-love daughter needs her now more than ever. Before Mama can chain-smoke her way to heaven, she’s gotta make sure Cali’s ex deadbeat boyfriend doesn’t get her daughter killed.

GRIEF SUCKS. LOVE HEALS… 

Cali lost her mom to cancer. Detective Brit Lowell, lost his partner to murder. Now he’s in the mood to take down some dirtbags and Cali’s ex just happens to be a dirtbag leaving a trail of dead bodies behind him. Can Brit trust this beautiful woman to help take down her ex? Can Cali look past this sexy cop’s hard exterior to trust him with her heart? Can life get any crazier when Mama starts meddling from the grave? Only one thing is for sure–none of it will matter, unless they catch a killer before the killer catches them.

FIRST TIME AVAILABLE IN WIDE RELEASE! 

To see my review Click Here

 

 About Christie Craig

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Christie Craig, an Alabama native, is an award-winning, multi-published writer, multi-published photo journalist, motivational speaker, and writing teacher.. (In other words, she is a very talented and busy person.) Her non-fiction articles and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than fifty RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. Published by Silhouette in the 90s, she recently broke back into fiction in a big way, making four book sales in one day. Her non-fiction book, co-authored by Faye Hughes, released September 08, is The Everything Guide To Writing A Romance Novel and their second non-fiction book, a humorous self-help relationship book, Wild, Wicked and Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You Are in a Romance Novel was released in 2010. Craig also writes a young adult paranormal romance series, Shadow Falls, under the name C.C. Hunter which is published by St. Martins Press.

Thirteen things you'll learn from reading Murder, Mayhem and Mama:

1. Grief sucks.  Love heals.
2. Believe it or not, sometimes mama does know best.  Even when she’s dead.
3. Painting your toenails is equivalent to a happy pill.
4. Sometimes there’s a hell of lot more to our dreams than we think.
5. When a tough guy resorts to sniffing a girl’s sweater that she left behind, he might as well give up the bachelor pad, he’s on the road to falling in love.   
6. A guy who offers you a shoulder during a meltdown and doesn’t try to cop a feel, just may be a keeper.
7. When a guy says all he wants to do is sleep with you, he might not be talking sex, you might just be his answer to insomnia.  Then again, he’ll probably want sex when he’s had some sleep.
8. When all else fells, try saying the magic words:  please and thank you.  It’s a manner thing.
9. Be leery of opening your boyfriends medicine cabinet, it’s not just what you might find, but what might fall out and bounce right into the toilet.  Explaining how his 36 pack of condoms got wet could be embarrassing.
10. While being a better bitch isn’t something we should aspire to, learning to stand up for oneself is definitely goal worthy.
11. Sharing food off each other’s plate could lead to sharing a toothbrush.  And after that, all bets, and possibly the clothes, are coming off.
12. Bad habits die hard.  Then again, the sergeant general doesn’t say anything about smoking after you’re dead.  Just ask Mama.
13. Take a man’s favorite leather jacket, and he might offer you his heart to get it back.

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Giveaway

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Giveaway and Q&As with Jane Graves author of 'Heartstrings and Diamond Rings' and Christie Craig author of 'Don't Mess with Texas' (Closed)

Heartstrings and Diamond Rings by Jane Graves

He's the man of her dreams. . .
In a world full of frogs, Alison Carter is determined to find her prince. Maybe her dating past is more Titanic than Love Boat, but she's seen enough happy marriages to know that true love is possible. No matter what, she won't give up on happily-ever-after. If she can't find Mr. Right, she'll simply hire someone who can.

She just doesn't know it yet
When Brandon Scott inherits a successful matchmaking business, he thinks his prayers have been answered. Set up a few lonely ladies, collect the fee, how hard can it be? No one needs to know he's not really a professional matchmaker--especially not his first client, the beautiful, spirited Alison. Soon he's falling for her--and her dreams of kids and carpools. But Alison is getting close to figuring out his secret, and if she learns he's deceived her too, she'll walk right out the door, taking Brandon's heart with her. To read an excerpt Click Here

Don't Mess With Texas by Christie Craig

 

Nikki Hunt thought her night couldn't get worse when her no-good, cheating ex ditched her at dinner, sticking her with the bill. Then she found his body stuffed in the trunk of her car and lost her two-hundred-dollar meal all over his three-thousand-dollar suit. Now not only is Nikki nearly broke, she's a murder suspect.

Former cop turned PI, Dallas O'Connor knows what it's like to be unjustly accused. But one look at the sexy-though skittish-suspect tells him she couldn't hurt anyone. The lead detective, Dallas's own brother, has the wrong woman and Dallas hopes a little late-night "undercover" work will help him prove it . . .

 

 Q&A with Jane Graves

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Lisarenee: I know many things can inspire an author such as news stories, things they've overheard, etc. What inspired this particular book?  Was it just one thing or a set that sparked the initial idea?

Jane: After creating the character of Alison Carter, Heather Montgomery's best friend in Tall Tales and Wedding Veils, I knew one day I'd be writing her story. She's a funny, self-deprecating person who, in spite of the challenges she faces in the romance department, is still an eternal optimist, which makes her the kind of character readers might enjoy spending three or four hundred pages with. 

So then I had to start thinking about how she'd find her Mr. Right, since it had always been such a challenge for her. Just as Alison might, I brainstormed all the avenues—speed dating, blind dates, Internet dating—asking myself if there was a story there. And then I thought about matchmaking. My first inclination was to make the matchmaker a woman, but if there's anything I've learned as a writer, it's that I should never go with my first inclination. Then I thought, what if her matchmaker was the hero? There are all kinds of stories out there about women who are matchmakers for men, but I don't know that I've ever seen those roles reversed. So I came up with a plausible reason why a man might take on that profession and made that the premise for Heartstrings and Diamond Rings.

Lisarenee: What do feel are the most important traits for the male love interest to have in a romance novel, and how do you incorporate them into your books?

Jane: I think the single most important trait a hero should have is to be ultimately good at heart. Now, that can be masked in a number of different ways. He can be a bad boy who doesn't trust anyone. He can be a multimillionaire corporate kingpin who has no time for romance. He can be a man who's been burned by women before and refuses to take another chance on love. But in the end, they can either maintain the status quo, or they can accept the pain and fear they know they'll experience when all those protective layers are pulled away. By allowing their vulnerable hearts to be revealed, they've finally made themselves worth of the heroine's love.

Lisarenee: Besides the two main characters having a great chemistry going on between them and a great story line, what other elements do you feel are important to creating a good romance?

Jane: First of all, I believe there's a difference between a good romance and a good romance novel. In real life, we avoid conflict from the beginning. We look for compatibility. A shared view of life. We want the road to be smooth and the sun to shine as we skip down the path to true love.

In contrast, a romance novel is filled with rocky roads and rainstorms. The early chapters of every book I've ever written were filled with conflict. As an author, it's my job to put two people together who seemingly are all wrong for each other, whether by personality, circumstance, or point of view. Then I have to peel away their layers to show that in spite of outward appearances, at heart they're compatible. In fact, there's no person on earth more suited for one than the other. They just don't know it yet. I throw obstacles at them and make then rise to the challenge before I even consider giving them their happily ever after.

So, to answer your question, to create a good romance, I fill the lives of the hero and heroine with character‑revealing conflict they have to overcome. That way, by the time they reach their happy ending, readers will feel as if they've earned it.

Lisarenee: What are some of the most rewarding things about being an author?

Jane: I can work in my jammies. I get wonderful emails from readers who tell me they love what I create. I travel to conferences where I get to spend days on end talking about my favorite subject—writing romance. I've met other authors from all over the world whom I count as some of my best friends today. And best of all, I get to make a living doing the thing I love the most.

Lisarenee:  What is the best thing a fan can do to express how much they loved one of your books? 

Jane: I love getting emails, and appreciate it so much when a reader takes the time to write to me. But if a reader truly wants to express how much she loves one of my books, she won't stop there. She'll also tell her friends. Her relatives. Her hairdresser. The clerk at the grocery store. The manager of the bookstore where she bought the book. Facebook friends. Twitter followers. Readers have no idea the power they have to influence the kinds of books that end up on the shelves. If you like a book, shout it out!

If you've ever watched America's Got Talent, you know that judge Howie Mandel is always telling people to never assume that a fabulous act will get through to the next round. "You have to VOTE," he tells them, "or this is the last time you'll see them!" Readers can do the same in their own way, by spreading the word about a book they love so sales will increase and that author's publisher will be moved to buy even more of her books.

Readers, you have the power. Spread the word! 

Lisarenee: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some of our questions.

A note from Jane Graves:

Plano, Texas is a perfect setting for my series because it's an exercise in contrast, just as my characters are. In West Plano, people live in McMansions, drive Lexus SUVs, drink a lot of Starbucks coffee, and play a lot of golf. West Plano is upper-class Texas living with a sprinkle of glitter and a swimming pool in every backyard. East Plano used to be home only to blue collar folks who live in fifty-year-old tract homes with pickup trucks out front. Then the light rail came through and connected Plano to downtown Dallas, and the old downtown area was revitalized with trendy condos, restaurants, and bars. East Plano is middle-class Texas living with a touch of urban cool.

Alison Carter from HEARTSTRINGS AND DIAMOND RINGS owns a condo in downtown Plano, while the hero of that book, Brandon Scott, lives in a Victorian house on the edge of downtown he inherited from his grandmother. Because of its diversity, Plano, Texas gives me a great opportunity to show who my characters are by where they choose to live.  

 Q&A with Christie Craig

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Lisarenee:  I know many things can inspire an author such as news stories, things they've overheard, etc. What inspired this particular book?  Was it just one thing or a set that sparked the initial idea?

Christie: Oh, great question. When I was just starting to think about a new proposal, I knew I wanted to write another trilogy similar to the Divorced & Desperate series I did at Dorchester, but about three men rather than three women. I had an idea to write about three PIs who were all ex-cops. I sort of pitched the idea to my agent, and her reply was . . . “You need a bigger hook.”

I think I told her something along the lines of…”I’m not a hooker. I’m a writer.” But that night I was watching the news about some cop being investigated and that’s when the idea hit… What if my cops didn’t just stop being cops, but were framed for a crime, were found guilty, and even went to jail before they were exonerated? They wouldn’t be just PIs, they would sort of be justice seekers for others. When I emailed her the idea, she called me and said something along the lines of, “I knew you were a hooker.”

Lisarenee: What do you feel are the most important traits for the male love interest to have in a romance novel, and how do you incorporate them into your books?

Christie: Hmm. Well, my heroes have to be able to laugh at themselves and at the crazy world we live in,because my books aregonna be filled with crazy things. I love heroes who are a tad alpha male, but go just below the skin and you see their vulnerability. All my heroes have a few scars that make them cautious about falling in love because there’s nothing like a vulnerable man to make a woman determined to show him that love is the only way. My heroes always have a secret or two, because every woman longs to be the one he’ll finally share his secrets with. They have a flaw that they are willing to correct for the right woman, and they have a flaw that the right woman will have to learn to live with because she loves him. My heroes are like real people in that they aren’t perfect, but darn if they aren’t close.

Lisarenee: Humor seems to be common in your books. Do you find that is an important thing to incorporate in a romance novel?

Christie: Definitely. I mean, if a character shows up without a sense of humor, I boot him out, or turn him into a villain. I’m a firm believer that falling in love should be fun. What’s more, I think the road to love should be filled with heart-swelling, feel-good laughter. I know romance stories have to pull on the heartstrings and in my books you’ll find plenty of serious emotion. You’ll even find a suspense thread that might initiate a few heart palpitations of fear.

I know readers should worry and wonder if these two characters will overcome the conflicts and let’s face it, overcoming those conflicts isn’t always funny. But if there’s not a heck of lot of laughter somewhere down that road these characters have journeyed, why would they want to work out the problems to get to their Happily Ever After? I offer my readers a chance to laugh, to rekindle the joy that falling in love instills in us mere mortals.

Lisarenee: You wrote 'Wild, Wicked & Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You’re in a Romance Novel with Faye Hughes . I must confess I haven't read it yet. Can you share with us what a couple of your favorite ways to love like you're in a romance novel are?

Christie: Oh, absolutely. We had a blast writing Wild, Wicked and Wanton. The book really looks at all the internal problems that fictional heroines face and overcome in a romance novel. Funny thing is, these problems are the same ones women face in real life relationships. We covered everything from finding the right man to bad sex and how to deal with heartbreak.

The first chapter in the book: Keepers and Creepers: Heroines Recognize the Difference…Eventually, is about being cautious of the men you let in your life. Two tips I really liked in that chapter are:

1. If he’s keeping a secret, it’s a safe bet it won’t be anything good. (For example, in a romance novel, he’s probably a vampire; in real life, he’s probably married.)
2. Don’t confuse a mistake with a character flaw. (For example, everyone makes mistakes, but things like cheating on his first wife may be more of a character flaw that he’ll repeat with his second wife.)

In Chapter Five, Seduction and Sex 101: Why Romance Heroines Never Have to Fake an Orgasm, two of my favorite tips are:

1. Sex is a team sport. (Meaning both parties should be active participants.)
2. Focus on the most sensitive erogenous zone – your head. (Because being in the right frame of mind is essential for reaching the O.)

Lisarenee: What are some of the most rewarding things about being an author?"

Christie: Oh, goodness. How many things would you like? I could on and on about these.

1. Staying in my pajamas all day. (Seriously, bras are optional when you’re a writer.)
2. Getting paid to sit around and fantasize all day. (And the fantasies can range from romantic interludes to killing people.)
3. Having a legit reason for the voices I hear in my head. (Instead of thinking I’m crazy, everybody just thinks I’m talented.)
4. Being able to call all sorts of things research, from a road trip to fried pickles. I mean, if I want to try it, all I have to say is . . . “But sweetheart, it’s research for my book.” (Seriously, I’ve gotten good wine, even better chocolate, and some nice very romantic vacations by using that line.)

Christie: Thank you so much for having me here. I had a blast! I hope you enjoy Don’t Mess With Texas.

Lisarenee: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some of our questions.

Christie Craig presents: 15 Things you’ll learn from Don’t Mess With Texas that might surprise you

1. Never, ever feed a dog broccoli.

2. You might be surprised how the weight of a dead body in the trunk of your car can go unnoticed.

3. Don’t ever joke about killing your ex . . . in front of witnesses.

4. In the right situation, vomiting on someone can endear them to you.

5. When a good-looking detective steals your underwear, he may not be a pervert; he could just be looking for blood splatter evidence.

6. Some men think hospital gowns are sexy, especially when a breeze comes by and a detective already stole your underwear.

7. When your grandmother is getting more action than you are, something’s not right with that picture.

8. Bed bugs are nasty little creatures but they can come in handy when trying to get someone to fall back in love with you.

9. In the right set of circumstances, morphine can be an aphrodisiac.

10. The consumption of five cupcakes when your heart is hurting is not always a bad thing.

11. The way a couple shares an ice cream cone tell the viewing public if they’re sharing bodily fluids.

12. Nothing can bring all the unresolved issues to the surface in a romance more than finding a naked woman in your boyfriend’s bedroom.

13. The journey to fall in love isn’t all sweetness and light; it can also have its darker moments where you hurt like hell but it’s still a journey that makes life worth living.

14. Love can make you laugh so hard you pee in your pants, but it can also make you feel like as though a pit bull just used your heart as a chew toy.

15. Things really are hotter in Texas.
    
    Jane & Christie,
    
    Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and answering our questions.
    
    

    
    Sincerely,
    Lisarenee
    
    
    
    Giveaway is now closed.
    Winners are: 
    Mandy, Winnie, & Lisa Kay
    Congratulations!
    
    

    I’m giving away 3 sets of 2 books. The books included in each set are:
    1.  Heartstrings and Diamond Rings by Jane Graves  

    2.  Don't Mess With Texas by Christie Craig
    
    

    Rules to be eligible for giveaway:

    1. Only residents of the US or Canada are eligible. 

    2. Please leave either your email address or a link to your Goodreads profile so I may get in contact with you to get your mailing address. No P.O. Boxes, please. If uncomfortable about giving out such information on my blog, please feel free to email me your information at seducedbyabook@gmail.com.
    3. Become a follower of my blog, if you aren't already.

    
    

    Winners will be randomly chosen. Books will be sent directly from publisher. Giveaway ends September 25th,  midnight eastern time. Winners will be posted on my blog and notified by email or message posted to them via Goodreads. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. Good Luck!