exclusive

The Detective’s Pleasure by Christa Tomlinson : Release Day Exclusive Interview and Giveaway

February 11, 2016 by Denise

Officer Ryan Bennett: He’s pursuing his dream of being promoted to Houston’s elite SWAT team with a single mindedness that won’t accept any outcome but success. But that’s not all he dreams of. Ryan wants more than a coveted position on SWAT. He wants to be owned by a strong Dominant. To give himself up to a Dom who will make him shudder with pleasure beneath a firm yet loving hand. Unfortunately, Ryan has had nothing but failure in that part of his life. Now, he’s hidden that dream away from everyone, including himself. And he refuses to let anyone close enough to see what he truly wants, and who he truly is.

Detective Sam Roberts: Cool and calm, Detective Sam Roberts is good at reading people. That’s why he sees past the hard layer of arrogance surrounding Ryan Bennett to the hurt submissive hiding beneath. He wants to help Ryan, even though the stubborn young man resists him. But Sam isn’t one to back down from a challenge. He’s determined to help Ryan embrace the soft, giving nature of his submissive side. Sam knows he can do it. What he doesn’t know is just how far they’ll both have to go in order to make that happen.

Five-ish good questions with Christa Tomlinson (I know…its’ not Friday, but I like to pretend every day is Friday!)

(A sometimes feature on Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy)

Let’s start with serious: The Sergeant was a HUGE book, it really hit so many people’s must read list, and I know people who have re-read it multiple times (not just me!). How difficult is it to try to follow up book 1 with another book that must be read.

Very difficult! I actually had a bit of a crisis because I was so concerned about trying to follow The Sergeant. I didn’t realize for a long time just how loved Logan and Clay were. But when I did, it hit me that I had a lot to live up to for Ryan and Sam. As I was writing their story I tried to force them to be like Logan and Clay. Ha! That didn’t work. When I finally let Ryan and Sam be themselves, their story unfolded and I fell in love with them.

What is your vision of what Ryan and Sam look like? Do you have celebrity inspirations/crushes for these two characters?

Ryan is young and average height but in really good shape. He has pale blonde hair and gray eyes. My celebrity crushes for him were Ryan Harrison from Queer as Folk and Chord Overstreet from Glee. Sam is my big, tall Texan. He’s a brunette with denim blue eyes and a low beard. Sam is relaxed and easy going with a naturally lean body and a slow Texas drawl. So of course Matthew McConaughey was my inspiration for him.

The cover of The Detective’s Pleasure is clearly Ryan. Tell us the significance of the cover for you, and how it relates to the story.

I love the cover for TDP. It was done by Jay Aheer and out of all the covers she’s done for me so far, it’s my favorite. Capturing the tone of a book is very important in the cover. I’m not ashamed to admit that I write some moody, angsty shit. The darkness and shadows of this cover really convey that tone. I also love the pose of the model. He looks so vulnerable with his lashes lowered and the slight pout on his mouth. It makes me want to cry for Ryan. Excuse me while I get emotional…

Sex scenes are not easy to write. And if writing is your full time gig, life sometimes gets in the way. What is your “method” to “get in the mood” to write a sex scene? How do you deal with it all?

Oh, sex scenes. I think it’s hilarious that I’m good at writing them when I’m such an introverted and modest geek. To get ready to write them I have to have music. No way I could write anything sexy while listening to my dogs wrestling or the garbage truck racing over the speed bumps behind my house as LOUD AS POSSIBLE. Listening to music helps block all that out and I always choose a song that helps set the tone for the scene I’m writing. If I want a soft, sweet scene, I go with Ed Sheeran Kiss Me. For passionate sexy times I like Sail by AWOLNATION. And for anything emotionally rough and turbulent, Marilyn Manson Tainted Love is my go to. Of course, going back and polishing a sex scene is another matter altogether. I normally end up doing it like this because I’m so embarrassed reading what I wrote:

Now, for the fun one. You call me to bail you out of jail. Oh, who are we kidding, you would be my call to bail ME out of jail…so what three things would you bring me? 🙂

Haha! Well, number one is pants. Because I don’t know what went down, but I’m sure you somehow lost your pants. A bottle of wine in case you need a little Hair of the Dog and of course the cash to bail you out. So keep it to a misdemeanor. I hate going into the bank and the ATMs only allow you to take so much out.

Thank you, Denise! This was fun.

Christa

**You can find more on The Detective’s Pleasure here.**

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We are giving away three arcs for The Detective’s Pleasure. Comment on this blog post with your favorite sexy song, what you would write to, if you could. 🙂

THIRDS Character Spotlight: Seb and Hudson, A TCO Exclusive

February 3, 2016 by Denise

We are so excited here at Two Chicks Obsessed! All week, in honor of Catch a Tiger by the Tail by Charlie Cochet, releasing Friday February 5th, we will have character spotlights for your. We have asked Dex and Sloane, Cael and Ash, Seb and Hudson, Letty and Rosa, and of course Calvin and Ethan Hobbs, five questions, and you are going to love their answers. So, sit back, grab a dainty mug of tea, and enjoy today’s Q&A with Seb and Hudson.

Seb & Hudson

TCO: What’s your guilty pleasure?

Seb: Photography. A lot of people are surprised by that. They think because I’m a tiger Therian, and a Defense agent that I don’t have an eye for that sort of thing, but I do. I love taking pictures of life’s moments. Of the beauty around us.

Hudson: He really is very talented. As for me…. You won’t discuss this with anyone, correct? It’s um, well, you see…

Seb: Celebrity gossip magazines.

Hudson: Thank you, Sebastian. I was getting to it.

Seb: You should have seen him and my mom when they got together. It was adorable. The way they’d huddle over a gossip magazine with cups of tea.

Hudson: Next question, please.

TCO: Pick your poison (beverage of choice)

Seb: I’m content with just beer. Nothing fancy.

Hudson: I much prefer a nice cup of tea or coffee to alcohol, but on occasion I will indulge in a cocktail or two.

Seb: He’s as bad as Dex.

Hudson: What are you saying?

Seb: That you’re not very good at holding your liquor.

Hudson: Preposterous! I do perfectly all right, thank you very much.

Seb: You do, huh? Should we discuss the time you had a couple of shots of Goldschlager and I had to chase you through Times Square as you sang songs from Rocky Horror Picture Show because you wanted everyone to know what a wonderful and naughty musical it was.

Hudson: I recall no such evening.

Seb: How very convenient.

Hudson: Say “naughty” again.

Seb: Shut it, mister.

TCO: Workout of choice

Hudson: I don’t work out as much or as often as my teammates, but then the requirements for our positions are vastly different. I work out once a day in Sparta. When I need to blow off some steam, I do some boxing.

Seb: He’s got a mean right hook.

Hudson: Which you taught me.

Seb: I did. Don’t let that sweet, handsome face fool you. Underneath his calm, posh exterior lies the ferocity of a wildcat.

Hudson: Bollocks.

Seb: I love it when you get all flustered and curse.

Hudson: Next question if you don’t mind.

TCO: Pick a weapon-only one

Hudson: I detest weapons. My weapon is my intellect. I’m a doctor. Of course, those who end up on my table are beyond my help, but my skills come in helping them find justice. In helping those who cared about them find closure. When I can, I volunteer with the THIRDS outreach program which means lending a hand and providing care for those without the means to get it elsewhere.

Seb: He’s really something isn’t he?

Hudson: Yes, well, it’s your turn I believe.

Seb: Always so modest. For me, it’s whatever’s available. I don’t like to rely on solely one skill. That way there’s less of a chance for you to get caught off guard.

As always, there is tons of extra goodies at ThirdsHQ. Don’t forget to preorder Catch a Tiger by the Tail, here. And if you haven’t read this fantastic series, please don’t hesitate, grab Hell & High Water, . I promise you won’t regret it!!!

Check back every day this week, as we bring you more character spotlights!

THIRDS Character Spotlight: Cael and Ash, A TCO Exclusive

February 2, 2016 by Denise

We are so excited here at Two Chicks Obsessed! All week, in honor of Catch a Tiger by the Tail by Charlie Cochet, releasing Friday February 5th, we will have character spotlights for your. We have asked Dex and Sloane, Cael and Ash, Seb and Hudson, Letty and Rosa, and of course Calvin and Ethan Hobbs, five questions, and you are going to love their answers. So, sit back, grab a cup mug of hot cocoa, and enjoy today’s Q&A with Ash Keeler and Cael Maddock.

Cael & Ash

TCO: What’s your guilty pleasure?

Cael: Cooking shows. I get so sucked into them. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but these shows are just so much fun. Sometimes it gets really intense. I’m not a big sports guy, but I imagine what I feel while watching some of these shows is what people like when watching a sports game. I have been known to yell at the screen.

Ash: I don’t feel guilty about anything. If I want to do it, I do.

Cael: What about baking?

Ash: Thanks for outing me, sweetheart.

Cael: Um, I hate to break it to you, but everyone knows you bake.

Ash: When you say everyone….

Cael: I mean everyone. Even Jonah from accounting knows you bake.

Ash: How?!

Cael: Um, you baked pies for Thanksgiving remember? My brother was there, and we both know he’s the worst gossip ever. You outed yourself.

Ash: Seems to be a habit of mine as of late.

Cael: You’re so cute.

Ash: Thanks. Yeah, I bake. Happy now? Move onto the next damn question.

TCO: Pick your poison (beverage of choice)

Cael: I’m not really a big alcohol drinker, though I can hold my liquor way better than my brother. My drink of choice is probably hot chocolate. Sugary drinks aren’t too good for me either. Not just health-wise, but they make me kind of hyper.

Ash: kind of? Shall we discuss the Mochaccino incident?

Cael: That wasn’t my fault. I thought it was my hot chocolate. I didn’t know it was Dex’s bucket of triple heart palpitation espresso. I could hear color!

Ash: My poison of choice is whatever I’m in the mood for at the time. Don’t care. Except Guinness. It’s like drinking tar. Oh, and fruity shit. Alcopops and that nonsense. Cocktails with pieces of fruit. If I want fruit, I’ll have a damn apple. Don’t stick that shit in my drink.

TCO: Sinful snack

Cael: Cookies! I love cookies. Doesn’t matter what kind. I love baking them, decorating them, and eating them. So good.

Ash: Sweet stuff. Pies, cake, that sort of thing. I don’t eat it all that often, but I enjoy it. Baking is therapeutic for me, so I tend to bake stuff, maybe keep one thing for myself, and give the rest to Cael. He usually gives it to his brother, or takes it into the office. If I ever need to get rid of anything I baked, it just needs to find a way into Dex’s hands. The guy’s like a human vacuum cleaner when it comes to food. Don’t know where the hell it all goes. Probably to his head.

TCO: Workout of choice

Cael: Running. I love running. I’ll do the treadmill, but I love running outdoors. The wind in my face, music in my ears, and nothing but me and the great outdoors. It’s so freeing.

Ash: Anything where I get to inflict pain on some jackass. There’s always some rookie agent at work who thinks he can take me down, or someone who wants to prove how hard they are. I toy with them a bit before showing them how stupid they were for getting into the ring with me. Close quarter combat is my preference.

TCO: Pick a weapon-only one

Cael: I don’t like weapons. At least not ones that shoot. I prefer using my skills as a recon agent. My expertise is technology, so that’s what I prefer to fight with. Sometimes the best solution is one that doesn’t involve a body count.

Ash: Where’s the fun in that?

Cael: Very funny.

Ash: You’re so cute when you pout like that. I’m kidding. You’re right.

Cael: Of course I’m right. I’m always right.

Ash: Well…. For the sake of not sleeping alone tonight, let’s go with yes. Yes, you’re always right, sweetheart.

Cael: Thank you. I love how we see eye to eye.

Ash: More like eye to top of head, on account of you being so adorably small.

Cael: It’s like you want to sleep on your own tonight.

Ash: Sorry. Right. My weapon of choice is my body.

Cael: Ooh, that sounds naughty.

Ash: That’s not what I meant, but hold onto that thought for later. I meant weapons are unreliable. If you’ve honed your skills as a fighter, you can achieve great things. Taking down an opponent with my technique, is far more rewarding than just shooting at them. I like to think of myself as more of a warrior than anything else.

Check back every day this week, as we bring you more character spotlights!

THIRDS Character Spotlights: Dex and Sloane, A TCO Exclusive

February 1, 2016 by Denise

We are so excited here at Two Chicks Obsessed! All week, in honor of Catch a Tiger by the Tail by Charlie Cochet, releasing Friday February 5th, we will have character spotlights for your. We have asked Dex and Sloane, Cael and Ash, Seb and Hudson, Letty and Rosa, and of course Calvin and Ethan Hobbs, five questions, and you are going to love their answers. So, sit back, grab a HUGE mug of coffee, and enjoy today’s Q&A with Dex and Sloane.

Dex & Sloane

TCO: What’s your guilty pleasure?

Dex: I don’t really have any guilty pleasures because when I want something, I just have at it. I mean, really. Life’s too short.

Sloane: Yeah, he has at it, and then I’m the bad guy for making him work it off.

Dex: But I love it when you make me sweat, babe.

Sloane: I don’t think this is that kind of interview.

Dex: Sloane’s guilty pleasure is empanadas. You should see him. It’s like catnip.

Sloane: That is true. They are so good.

Dex: You have a little, a bit of um, drool on the corner of your mouth.

Sloane: Shut up. I do not.

Dex: You’re right. My bad.

TCO: Pick your poison (beverage of choice)

Dex: Coffee. All. The. Coffee. If it’s alcohol, anything. Sadly, I’m not too big on the hard stuff.

Sloane: Which means pretty much all alcohol. He’s a lightweight.

Dex: Babe, seriously. How can you do me like that? Speaking of do me—

Sloane: Stop. Just… behave yourself.

Dex: Ha! It’s like you don’t know me.

Sloane: I’m not really into anything fancy. I’m usually good with a beer.

TCO: Sinful snack

Dex: Anything with cheese. I love cheese. Oh, and gummy bears. But not with cheese. That’s just gross. Isn’t it? Hm, yeah, I think that would be gross. Unless it was a gummy bear made of cheese! Oh, but then it wouldn’t be called gummy would it?

Sloane: You had another triple shot of espresso in your coffee didn’t you? I’m pretty sure I said one shot.

Dex: One shot. Pardon me while I laugh haughtily. For those who couldn’t hear me, I just laughed haughtily.

Sloane: This is every day.

Dex: And you love it.

Sloane: I do.

TCO: Workout of choice

Dex: Sexy-times.

Sloane: That’s not what the question meant.

Dex: Well it should be. I mean what better work out is there? All your muscles get worked out, and—

Sloane: Okay, we should move onto the next question. Oh, and my answer is weights.

Dex: Like my weight. You’re very good at lifting my weight.

Sloane: I can’t take you anywhere.

TCO: Pick a weapon-only one

Dex: My charm. It’s… disarming. See what I did there, babe?
Sloane: Unfortunately. For me, I’m going to say when I’m in my Therian form, my claws.

Dex: You’re wrong.
Sloane: Am I now?
Dex: Yep. Your weapon is your sexiness.
Sloane: Aw. You want something don’t you?
Dex: Can we stop by the bakery on the way home? They have new donuts.
Sloane: Why are you asking me? You know even if I say no, that you’ve had far too much sugar today, you’ll just make that face, and see! There it is. That face, and the lip thing. Fine. Let’s go get your donuts.
Dex: Woohoo!

Check back every day this week, as we bring you more character spotlights!

Never Too Late by Sloan Johnson : Exclusive Cover Reveal, Excerpt and Giveaway

January 26, 2016 by Denise

Dax: My life ended six years ago. No, really. I was dead on the side of the road following a gruesome motorcycle accident. From what I’ve been told, it’s only because of one stubborn man that I have another chance to make something of my life. I no longer hate him for screwing up what I thought I wanted. I want to thank him. NEED to tell him what his actions mean to me.

Now, I’m headed back to the town I’ve never set foot in even though it’s a huge part of my life. I’m not thrilled about that, but the job offers haven’t exactly been flowing in. They’ll probably think I’m crazy, because there’s no way I won’t be able to look at every guy I walk past, wondering if he’s the one who saved me.

Michael: My entire life, I wanted to save lives. I’d earned a full-ride scholarship and had been accepted to med schools across the country. I was so close to making those dreams a reality until the night I held a dying man in my arms. I’ve never been able to get the images of his lifeless body, caked in mud, out of my head. Even when the paramedics tried to take over saving him, I couldn’t let go. I never let go. Eventually, my guilt over not doing more cost me everything but my son. And now, I worry I’ll lose him if I don’t get it together.

I’ve often thought that if I could find him, maybe I could get some closure and finally get my life back on track. Now he’s here and I’m more of a mess than ever. Once the truth comes out, will he keep trying to save me or will he realize that it’s too late?

The doorbell rang and I rushed to the front of the house. When I opened the door, I was met with a smug looking Dax and a very sheepish looking son. “Lose something?” Dax asked as he pushed his way into the house.

“Jagger, did you go to Dax’s house without me?” I asked, crouching down to hug him. My entire body shook and I nearly lost my balance, but Dax reached down to steady me. I offered him a quick smile before turning my attention back to Jagger. “What do I have to do to get you to see how much it scares me when you do shit like that?”

“I just wanted to help you.” Jagger’s explanation was muffled as I cupped the back of his head, pressing his face into my shoulder. “You were worried you’d be late for work, so when you got dressed, I ran down to talk to Dax.”

A boulder settled in my stomach. My kid was once again running to my rescue. God, what type of parent was I? “That was nice of you to do, but you still can’t leave without me,” I reminded him, every bit of anger seeping out of my body. I wanted to be pissed at hell with him for what he did, but he wouldn’t understand that it was only because he’d scared me so damn much.

“We had a talk on the way back down here,” Dax told me. “Now, if what the kid says is right, you need to get your butt to work. He and I have big plans tonight, and you’d just be the third wheel.”

It may not have been his intention, but that cut deep. I hated knowing that I was getting ready to go deal with a bunch of drunks for the night while he stayed and took care of my son. Again, my job not his.

Sensing the drastic drop in my mood, Dax reached out a hand to help me up from the floor. “Hey, you know I didn’t mean anything by it,” he said softly once Jagger ran off to start pulling blocks out of the bins in the living room. “I know you’d rather be here with him, but that’s not possible. And kids don’t like changes in their routines, so I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure he has a good night. Plus, he told me he’s worried about your mom. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, she’s got a fever and a nasty cough. It’s probably nothing, but my dad wants to take her in to get checked,” I told him, even though I was still struggling to convince myself that it wasn’t anything serious. Somewhere along the way, I’d lost the ability to think rationally and I’d become convinced that everyone I dared to care about would leave me eventually. “Are you sure you don’t mind staying with him tonight? I know you already gave up most of your day for us.”

Without further ado…here is the delicious cover!

Preorder at Amazon

One commenter on this post will win a $10 Amazon gift card. Let Sloan know what you think about the cover!

Is Kindle Unlimited Screwing Authors?

July 8, 2015 by Webby McGee

TCO Note:

At TCO, I wanted to give authors a platform to talk about things they want to talk about, in the event they would like to keep their name out of the “hubub”. I was asked if I would be willing to post this blog post anonymously, and I didn’t hesitate to say yes, in response to what has been a hot topic the last week or so. In this case, I agree with the author, as I think we will have to see how this plays out. However, as a reader, I find the opportunity to borrow the books from the authors that I love a positive one. I will likely continue to buy them upon release date, because I like having them right away. That doesn’t mean I won’t consider signing up for KU if and when the time is right, as long as the authors are paid fairly.

Published Author Blog Post:

Unless you’ve been living under a rock somewhere in Outer Mongolia for the past few weeks, you’ve likely heard about Amazon’s roll-out of a new payment system for Kindle Unlimited. It seems not a day has gone by since that announcement where there hasn’t been someone screaming about how unfair this system is to authors. My question is WHY is it unfair?

“Because there’s a good chance authors are going to get paid less than a penny per page!” some will scream. They’re right. Based on the numbers they gave for last month’s total pages read and the Global Fund they use to payout, authors would have made about .0058/page read.

“SEE! They’re screwing the authors!”

But are they? Yes, there are some authors who can’t live off what they’ll make based on this per page model. Some of them are brilliant authors who have mastered the craft of writing short stories. Interestingly enough, I’ve seen several of those authors say they’re not sweating the new KU policy. They don’t rely on borrows for their income.

The ones who are going to take the biggest hit are the ones who tossed up a bunch of crap and happily walked to the bank knowing that they made over a dollar per “qualified borrow” as long as someone turned past the first page or two. Trust me, they’re out there. And a lot of people unknowingly supported their methods by picking up ridiculous books they’d never buy, simply out of some morbid curiosity. When they couldn’t stomach more than a page or two, the author still got paid for the whole damn thing. Please don’t think I’m saying all or even most of the authors of shorts have done this. I’m just saying that the ones who did do this are the ones who “screwed” everyone else. Trust me, if Amazon knows whether someone reaches 10% of a book or not, they’ve known for a long time whether someone’s reading to the end or not.

Now, back to how authors are getting screwed… However Amazon is determining page count (which, from what I can tell seems to be how many screen pages the book is on their standard device display), one of my 2014 releases contains 358 Kindle Edition Normalized pages.

Using the .0058 number as an estimate, a borrow read from beginning to end will earn me about $2.07.

Using the Kindle Unlimited Payout for April, each borrow of the same book would have paid out $1.35. That’s about .003/KENP. Sounds to me like an pay raise under the new system!

“But what if they don’t read the entire book?” you ask… Well, that’s definitely a risk I have to take. On the other hand, if I’m truly putting out the best work I’m capable of, should I be thinking in terms of how quickly someone puts my book down and doesn’t finish it?

When I release books, I set the price at $2.99 as an introductory price. Once Amazon takes their cut, I’m left with about $2.04/copy. That winds up being about the same as I’ll look to make from books in Kindle Unlimited. But what if my book is longer and I still want to sell my books at the same price?

Quite simply, my royalty is going to stay the same, but my per page royalty goes down. Before you get all upset, NO, this has not been talked about by Amazon. When my most recent book released at $2.99, based on Amazon’s KENP, I earned about .0051/page. That winds up being about thirty cents LESS than what I would earn per borrow, provided that the reader reads it from beginning to end.

I guess what I’m trying to say is this… there are differing opinions when it comes to who’s getting screwed with Amazon’s new policy. If anything, I see this as being good for readers, because in the past two weeks, I’ve seen new titles flooding into the KU marketplace. Authors of full length novels who couldn’t take the 45% pay cut under the old model are now placing their books in the program as a way to reach new readers.

Only time will tell if the model is going to prove beneficial to all parties. Until then, remember that authors choose to put books on Kindle Unlimited. We commit to three months at a time, and can choose to not automatically renew that term. It would be nice if Amazon had given a warning on the changes that would allow those who didn’t want to participate under the new model time to bail, but they didn’t. But within three months, anyone who’s in there is there because they decided it was beneficial for their personal brand.