In 2014 she will take her next step in the exciting world of writing and publish her first traditionally published book with Simon & Schuster/Atria. But she will continue putting out self published books as well.
You can find Elizabeth Reyes at
Author Interview:
Mina B.: Abel, from the 5th Street Series marks your 10th published book total and I believe 4th book in the 5th Street Series. And WOW what a series. I love the way you tie in the entire boxing angle. Boxing is such a barbaric sport but somehow I’m a fan. Where did you get the inspiration for this series?
Elizabeth R.: I say that because this is such a unique group of male characters. Growing up in the East Los Angeles area and my family being huge fans of Cesar Chavez, Marquez and of course De La Jolla fight nights were a big deal. We'd have big gatherings and the TV rooms would be packed with family and friends hooping and hollering. I was a young girl so I never saw the barbaric thing I just thought it was fun to cheer for the favorite and quite honestly had a crush on De La Jolla. So I thought writing a series about a group of these sexy fighters would be exciting and it sure has been! =)
Mina B.: In the series you tackle hot topics like cougar-dating. The age difference with these characters is indeed a delicious topic. What type of feedback if any have you received about the 8 year age difference in the two?
Elizabeth R.: I've some great feedback! Many from women who happen to be married to younger men and wanted to thank me for telling a story about how this can really happen and showing that age is just a number. I've also received feedback from many who said they were going to shy away from reading because of the topic but were very pleasantly surprised when they decided to read.
Mina B.: We know you are a USA Today Best Selling Author among other great accomplishments. Can you tell us what award, accolade or accomplishment you want that would be the ultimate feather in your cap?
Elizabeth R.: Hmm when I started writing and publishing I had NO aspirations of receiving awards or getting traditionally published. I just wanted my stories out there and having people read and enjoy. I love hearing reaction to my stories. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled when I signed with Simon & Schuster or that wouldn't love to become a NY Times best seller at some point in my career. I think deep inside all writers secretly wish for that but quite honestly I couldn't be happier with my writing career as it is. As long as the stories keep coming and I can continue doing what I LOVE for a living I'm a happy camper just the way things are now!
Mina B.: Abel was such a tortured soul and we love that about him! Which book have you enjoyed writing the most in the series?
Elizabeth R.: This is always a tough question because I've poured my heart and soul into every single book I've written. So it's hard to choose a favorite. But I will say Abel's has by far been my steamiest to date. So that was fun. ;)
Mina B.: If you could be any character in one of your books, who would it be? Me? I’d be Valerie because I have a thing for Alex Moreno…*sigh*
Elizabeth R.: Another tough one but let's see. I think being around Manny and Max would be hilarious. I have quite of few of these in my family and it's always fun being around them so maybe Izzy.
Mina B.: What is one aspect about writing that you absolutely love?
Elizabeth R.: I love when the books write themselves. When I'm sitting here minding my own business writing the story as I thought it was going to unfold then bam! Out of nowhere this twist comes and even I sit up straight. "No way!" and then my fingers start typing furiously. It's very exciting! =)
Mina B.: Other than your wicked books, what do you think helped catapult your success?
Elizabeth R.: Well it didn't just happen overnight. I'm not one of these authors who wrote my first book and it skyrocketed to the top of the charts. It took some time to build the following of my awesome readers. So perseverance first and foremost and my tenacity and refusal to give up was a big part. In hindsight I'm glad it didn't happen overnight. Makes the journey all that more rewarding. =) But in the end, word of mouth I think is what ultimately has done it for me. So many of my wonderful readers have mentioned at some point getting their family and friends hooked on my books and I'm so incredibly grateful for that.
Mina B.: Can you tell us what’s in store for the series?
Elizabeth R.: There is more to come. Many have asked for Felix's story and it will be coming but I do have something very different in store for his book. I can't share just yet what that will be but it'll be something I've yet to do with ANY of my stories. Stay tuned! ;)
Mina B.: Can you tell the readers something new about your upcoming release, Abel?
Elizabeth R.: One thing I want to make clear is I've already done the age difference plot. So while Abel and Nellie's age difference will be mentioned it's not what the conflict in this story is about. Also while the blurb for the story mentions what these two will be dealing with that is also not the entire conflict. There will be other elements and story twists that will come into play. See my first answer to question number 6. This happened several times while writing Abel. So I'm hoping that like me, the readers will also sit up and say "No way!" =D
About Abel (5th Street, Book #4), by Elizabeth Reyes -- New Adult Contemporary Romance
SYNOPSIS
Coming off the worst divorce in the history of marriages, Nellie Gamboa’s looking to let loose and make up for years of neglect. When months of building sexual tension between her and the young hot boxing stud, Abel Ayala, finally peak, she makes him an offer no man would refuse. No promises. No demands. Just pure unrestrained passion.
Abel’s training for the biggest fight of his career. He has no time for a social life, much less a relationship. So this arrangement couldn't be more perfect. A beautiful woman asking him to help her alleviate her neglected desires—no strings attached. What more can he ask for?
As the lines between lust and something much deeper, begin to blur, Abel finds himself in an even bigger fight.
The fight to regain control of his now demanding heart.
Giveaway
Elizabeth Reyes is offering up (10) winners, signed copies of their choice of book, from her backlist which includes Abel as well. The giveaway is open internationally. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST 08/25/2013.
HUGE Thanks to Elizabeth for doing this interview and Ing from As the Pages Turn. This has been awesome!!!!
Mina B.
