Author Interview: USA Today Best Selling Author, Elizabeth Reyes

USA Today Best Selling Author, Elizabeth Reyes is here today.  Woot!  I can't even explain how excited I am to do this interview.  If you're a fan like me and want to follow all the hype surrounding ABEL, check out the tour schedule at As the Pages Turn..    And if you missed my review of ABEL, check it out here.  Please welcome Elizabeth Reyes!

Author Bio: USA Today Bestselling Author, Elizabeth Reyes continues to answer to her calling on a daily basis. Since releasing her debut novel Forever Mine (Moreno Brothers #1) in 2010 she has now published 9 full length novels total and fast at work on the next. The excitement her Moreno Brothers, 5th Street, and Fate series have garnered has far exceeded her wildest dreams. It is with as much excitement that she'll continue to put out books related to these series as well as introduce brand new ones very soon.

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

Website I Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads I Pinterest

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. 

Abel excerpt on GoodReads

Get your copy of Abel here:

Amazon  **  B&N  **  iBookstore

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.

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HUGE Thanks to Elizabeth for doing this interview and Ing from As the Pages Turn.  This has been awesome!!!! 

Mina B.

Book Review: Abel by Elizabeth Reyes

Get your ringside tickets to Abel, USA Today Best Selling Author, Elizabeth Reyes' fourth book in the 5th Street Series.  Reyes is by far one of the hottest new adult contemporary romance novelists right now.  She seriously is one of my top ten favorite authors.  Want to know what I think about, Abel?  In short...it's an absolute knockout!

Abel's Back Cover:  
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.

Click here for an excerpt of Abel on GoodReads!  

My thoughts:  Abel Ayala is the rising boxing star, poised to take his heavyweight career to super stardom. All he needs to do is slake his lust for an older, sexy divorcee, Nellie Gamboa and bide his time before he can claim his heavyweight title. He's known as Aweless Ayala for his bold and unshakable demeanor and at this point, nothing will stop his rise to the top. Well a few things shake him, but nothing as much as the lovable Nellie.

If you know anything about the series, then you know by the time Abel and Nellie finally hooked up, it was like we all needed a cigarette. LOL! Interesting enough their "no-strings" relationship continues and goes from the intense hot affair to a budding relationship, broaching topics like trust, love, age and of course the relentless paparazzi. I've always been a fan of Reyes Moreno Brothers series. ALWAYS. So when she started the 5th Street Series, it wasn't a stretch for me to enjoy this series as well. But I have to be honest...Abel just might be my new favorite. It's that good.

Reyes opens a window into these character's lives that keeps you begging for more. If you like your new adult romance lit spiced with hot men, undying friendship, love and a whole lotta sexy, then bet all your money on Abel! Abel was a 5 for me.

Get your copy here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DVP0UBA

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/abel-elizabeth-reyes/1116240988?ean=2940045154055
iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/abel-5th-street-4/id679748966?mt=11

Reyes will be here on August 21st for a Q&A with me.  *squeals with excitement*  Want to know more about the Abel and the 5th Street series...come back and bring your friends!

TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY

Elizabeth 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.  

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Whew! *fanning myself* Even blogging about Abel gets me hot! ;)

Mina B.

Cover Reveal: Mina Lobo's That Fatal Kiss

Goth babe, Mina Lobo, will be launching That Fatal Kiss this Fall, Tuesday, September 24!  Woot!  And from the looks of the cover...YOWZERS...this book is hot, Hot, HOT!  Go Mina!

Here's a brief synopsis of That Fatal Kiss by Mina Lobo: 


Feared by mortals for his inexorable power, and loathed by his fellow Greek gods for the same, Hades rules the Underworld alone. A stark eternity looms before him until he discovers Persephone. Struck by the youthful goddess’ beauty, kindness, and spirit, he must have her. But Hades believes Persephone could never love him, and so he conspires with his powerful brother, Zeus, to take her by force.

Persephone too seeks a mate but her possessive mother, the goddess Demeter, frustrates her husband hunting. Then Hades abducts Persephone, tearing her away from the Upperworld she loves to reign with him in the dank depths below. Though outraged, Persephone cannot deny the desire ignited within her by the dark lord’s touch. And even as she hopes that Demeter will unearth her, Persephone aches to surrender to the heat in Hades’ immortal soul.

That Fatal Kiss Excerpt:

“Enough,” Hades said, closing the distance between them. “I have taken you with your father’s consent, as custom allows. You are in my kingdom, under my rule, and if you have any care for your continued well-being, you will get into my bed. Now.” And with the removal of the pins that held together the black cloth about his waist, he stood naked before her.

The anger warming Persephone clashed with another fire that roared to life within her. She choked on a breath and turned her face from him. “Be warned; I will resist you with the full force of my being, through violent means, if necessary.”

His large, unyielding hands encircled the soft flesh of her upper arms as he said, “If you must. Though your surrender to me would prove more satisfying to us both.”

You can find Mina Lobo below:

Blog: Some Dark Romantic
Facebook: mina.lobo.1
Twitter: @GothMomLite
GothMomLite Will Tumblr For Ya

How beautiful is this book cover? Hot, huh? I know. The steam from the cover has to be from the pages, right? You know it!

Mina B.

IWSG: Can you feel it?

Insecure Writers Support Group for August is here. Special thanks to Alex for creating and hosting this monthly meme.  I also want to thank Alex's co-hosts M. Pax, Karen Walker, and Melissa Maygrove.

Last month was a challenging one.  I'd like to have the month over to do a redo, please.  Can I borrow someone's time machine?  That would be great.  In short, my kids got lice of all things and gave it to me.  In the summer, no less!  Wahoo!  #goodtimes.  That left me mostly worrying about nit-combing, cleaning, washing multiple times until my hands were raw and my brain was addled.  By the end of week one, I felt like a Chimpanzee mother, fine-tooth-combing her young for bugs, much like the picture here.  You can't imagine what one goes through when lice happens.  If you want to read an informative and quite hilarious post about Lice, Lice, Lice, yeah (80's song reference) ...check out Elise Fallson's post.  With back to school on the horizon, you'll may want may find this post an invaluable resource.  I did. :)

  
So, you may be asking what does this have to with IWSG?  Well, nothing can derogate your writing mojo and security like a good case head lice.  *scratches head*  

Head lice aside, I finally got rid of those pesky bugs and just in time for our family vacation.  Yes, we writers have to have those every now and then.  We ended up heading to Orlando, which is a few hours away from me and took the kids to Universal.  One of the best parts of the trip was the Harry Potter experience.  In a word: awesome!  Hanging with the fam gave me fantastic memories and a great perspective that helped tamper down my insecurities for July.  As I was leaving HP land, I took a picture of this poster that Universal sported to cover up their construction mess.  When I read it, I spoke to me.  

Can you feel it too?

Be honest...did your head itch while reading this post?

Mina B.

Author Interview: Kirsten Weiss, author of The Infernal Detective

Hey there! Author, Kirsten Weiss recently launched Book #4, in the Riga Hayworth Series, The Infernal Detective.  I had a chance to chat with her about her latest so gather around and get the inside info about this hot paranormal romance series.

Please welcome, Kirsten!

Mina:  I understand this is Book 4 in your series and it’s a stand alone, can you tell us a bit about the series and about Riga.

Kirsten: Riga Hayworth is a metaphysical detective who looks almost identical to the forties actress, Rita Hayworth – and this is something of a mixed blessing. Her magic goes haywire, and over the course of the books she struggles to figure out what’s changed, and how to deal with it. Her familiar, a stone gargoyle named Brigitte, has lots of opinions on the matter. But Riga, who’s a bit stubborn, is trying to forge her own path.

Mina:  Oh, I love Rita Hayworth too. What an icon! And the story sounds amazingly hip & different. What other new paranormal mystery/urban fantasy would you compare your novel to?

Kirsten:  Hm… Tough question. It’s a bit different from the other books I’ve read in the genre, with young witches or wizards finding their way. Riga is in her early forties, so she’s a bit world weary, and doesn’t take any garbage. This makes her really fun to write.

Mina: What age range would you suggest to read this book or the series?

Kirsten: Probably twenty and up. There’s some violence, but it’s not gratuitous. And I’m fairly coy with the sex scenes. I’d probably give the series a PG-13 rating.

Mina: What is the one thing about yourself that you want your readers to know?

Kirsten: I spent over twelve years living and working in developing countries, where I saw some really crazy situations. They tend to find their way into my book, details changed to protect the guilty!

Mina:  What authors inspired you to write?

Kirsten: Carolyn Keene, who doesn’t really exist, but she’s the name of the collective that wrote the original Nancy Drew series. I was reading them when I was five, and they made a big impact on me. Initially, I wanted to be a girl detective, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that wasn’t feasible and I quickly landed on being a mystery writer.

Mina: LOL. That's cute. What other novels are you writing?

Kirsten: I’m working on Book five of the Riga Hayworth series, as well as a new paranormal mystery series featuring Rocky Bridges, a female security consultant. I’m also working on a steampunk YA.

Mina: Cool & I love steampunk. Hey, I always like to ask this next question. What’s your favorite recipe? 

Kirsten: My youngest sister invented an amazing coconut and cinnamon-chip scone recipe. I think it’s the only recipe she’s ever invented, but it is fantastic. Hm… Maybe I’ll make some this weekend!

Mina: Tell us the last book you read.

Kirsten: Plague Nation by Dana Fredsti. It’s the sequel to the zombie thriller, Plague Town. Dana is in my Sisters in Crime writing group and she’s a great writer and a remarkable person.

Mina: Do you have any advice to other authors?

Kirsten: Keep writing, and recognize that what you write will never be perfect and this provides you an opportunity, if you’ll allow it, to learn and grow.

Mina: Excellent advice! And now take a look at a snippet & a sample chapter of The Infernal Detective?

Riga checked her watch.
It was thirteen o’clock, and her feet hurt.

She’d never liked high heels, shouldn’t have worn the over-priced, strappy black pumps. Riga had been almost relieved when one of the heels snapped, relieved for the excuse to slip upstairs, relieved to escape.

A roar of laughter, punctuated by shattering glass. On the stairway, Riga winced, the relief evaporating. A week to the wedding and she’d already begun to feel proprietary about his things, their new lake house. But the crash was likely only a wine glass, and Donovan – they – could afford it…

Frowning, she looked again at her watch.
Nine forty-seven.
Riga rubbed her eyes. She had imagined the thirteen o’clock. It wasn’t an omen, a portent.

She limped up the steps, dangling the broken pump from one hand, the other hand grasping the hem of her gown, a sweep of formfitting black lace. She looked damn good in it, but the dress was a fraction too long for her five-foot-six form, and she’d been stumbling over the hem all night.

At the top of the steps, she walked down the wood-plank hallway to a tall door swagged with holly. She pressed her forehead against the wood, and released her hold on the dress. Riga shut her eyes. Inhaled the scent of Christmas garlands and wood polish.

Thirteen o’clock.
It had been a trick of the light, a trick of her brain.
It wasn’t magic. Not here. Not so close to her wedding.

The Infernal Detective Sample Chapter by Kirsten Weiss

You can find The Infernal Detective for via Amazon here. Kirsten can be found via her website and on twitter @RigaHayworth.
Mina B.

ISWG: Express Yourself

I'm back on track with Insecure Writers Support Group.  I missed last month due to work and family conflicts.  Special thanks to Alex for creating and hosting this monthly meme. I also want to thank Alex's co-hosts this month:  Nancy Thompson, Mark Koopmans and Heather Gardner - 

I won't bemoan the To Do list for my book for my IWSG post.  I'm getting there so I'm thankful for that.  For IWSG I decided to post something I saw on College Humor that had me rolling.  I thought I'd share with you to maybe lighten your day or mood.

8 New Punctuation Marks We Desperately Need
                         

 

Although they all are pretty darn funny, my favorite is the Mockwotation Marks.  Do you have a favorite?

Mina B.

Updates & Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop

Well I'm embarrassed that I've neglected to post and have ignored my friends this past month.  It couldn't be helped though.  Between work and family, life hit me in full force.  That said, I'll do my best to get back into the swing again this month.

Updates
JulNoWriMo:  First off, anyone participating in July Novel Writing Month?  I'm going to try but I fear I may be off to a bad start.  For those interested, that's a whopping 1600+ words per day.  Are my writer buddies up for the task?  Let me know if your in.

ISWG:  Insecure Writers Support Groups is scheduled for Wednesday so I'm looking forward to that.  I could use some support lately.  Keep your fingers crossed that my book releases this month.  I've had a heck of a time crossing all the items off on my self-pub To Do list so please bare with me.

Guest posts & author interviews:  If you're looking to promote your book and need some help, please drop me an email.  I'll be happy to work with you on a post.  My schedule won't allow me to review books though, but I can still promote authors.  :)

Giveaways:  Since I've been remiss with my blogging duties, I haven't given away any free sh** in some time, so without further delay, it's time for the...

Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop

Mary at Book Hounds and Kathy at I am a Reader Not a Writer  are hosting this year's Freedom hop.  *waves to the blogger babes*  Hi, girls.  Thanks for hosting one of my fav hops.

Summer is here and nothing's better than enjoying the summer months with a good book.  My free sh** fairy is on vaca so you'll have to be satisfied with a Amazon GC.  What can I say?  My fairy has turned into a lazy a** fairy. I'm giving away to one (1) lucky winner a free $10 Amazon gift card.  

To enter my Freedom to Read Hop...

You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form.

Extra entries:
+2 Like me on Facebook/AuthorMinaBurrows

+2 Adding me in  your circle on GooglePlus/MinaBurrows

+1 if you Retweet this on Twitter (limit 1 retweet)

Again, the giveaway starts at 12:01 AM EST on Tues. July 2nd and runs through July 9th midnight. Contest is open to International participants.

Check out who else is participating. Visit Book Hounds and Kathy at I am a Reader Not a Writer and hop on by.

Update:  Congrats to Jessica B. for winning the FRGH.  The winner was chosen by the reputable Random.org and has been notified via email.  They have 72 hours to respond.    

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Thanks for participating!  Happy 4th!

Mina B.