special guest today is Liz Crowe – a fellow Rebel Ink Press author – and she’s with several other folks too. She has a taste of her new series and has bee kind enough to jump on the hot seat so let’s take a bite out of her!
How did you get started writing?
I wrote a long novel full of mistakes, POV Switches, passive voice and emotion 3 years ago. After a few rounds of rejections I got real and joined some writer loops, took a couple of online classes and started my Brewing passion series (Breathless Press). Haven’t looked back since.
What inspires you the most?
Real life and the “what if?” moment.
Are you lucky enough to write full time or do you have 
another job?
I’m lucky enough to love my “other job” as owner/marketing director of my own brewery.
If you could do any other job – what would it be?
Can’t think of a thing. But I would take about 10 more hours a day to do them both.
What genre/s do you write in?
Contemporary erotic romance. I’ve done m/f (Brewing Passion Series including a “choose your own romance” with The Tap Room novel), m/f/m ménage (Vegas Miracle), m/m (Blue Cruise), BDSM (Tulip Princess and hopefully a new one that I can’t talk about yet), “cougar” (Turkish Delights and Player Conference).
What’s another genre you’d love to try writing?
I’m going to try my hand at a time travel paranormal at some point this year.
What do your friends and family think about your writing?
They think it’s cool, if a bit time consuming, keeping me from being the uber organized super mom I used to be.
What’s the biggest misconception about being a writer?
That “anyone can do it” or that it is easy.
What do you love and hate most about writing?
I love the creative process and hate it at the same time. I get consumed by stories, utterly, and have to spend hours at a time getting them out of my head and onto the paper/screen to the detriment of most other things like, um, laundry, clean house, that sort of thing.
What are you currently working on and what’s coming up for you?
The Realtors: Life in the House Lane is my Major Project releasing in 3 consecutive months starting January 31.
Blurbs:
The Realtors: Life in the House Lane
Love is an easy word to use, a hard one to demonstrate, and sometimes impossible to trust.
The Realtors is a sweeping epic, encompassing over ten years in the lives of two people who know how to love with their bodies, how to please and get pleasure, to control and be controlled. When it comes to the deeper meaning of the one word they both need, backgrounds and personalities get in the way and while their physical connection sizzles they continue to disappoint one another emotionally.
Jack Gordon has it all–money, success, a string of women–but with a deep longing for something more. When he thinks he finds it with Sara Jane Thornton, his world is never the same again. Sara releases his natural Dom, a side of him he’d thought buried out of frustration and unhappiness. Sara knows a true submissive must trust implicitly, something she cannot associate with him, no matter how many times she tries, and he fails.
With a rich cast of secondary characters, including a young man who presents a near-perfect foil to Jack’s intensity, and who falls hard for Sara; The Realtors series is a romantic saga with an emphasis contemporary life and love, with a healthy dose of white-hot eroticism. Modern, busy, driven characters living lives of purpose and real-time stress, seek the ever-elusive and highly coveted combination –a friend, lover and trusted advisor who will be there for the long haul.
Floor Time (The Realtors – Book 1):
Jack Gordon is Ann Arbor’s most delectable bachelor. At age thirty-five, he’s made millions as a top-selling Ann Arbor real estate broker and has the right connections to close a deal by any means necessary. With his rugged good looks and compelling personality, he has a virtual black book most men would kill for and he uses it often, never settling for one woman for very long.
While his D/s past remains buried, exactly where he wants it, an undercurrent of boredom and dissatisfaction runs through his life now. Disastrous experience years earlier made him swear off the whole scene, but the more Jack suppresses his natural Dom, the more his frustration grows.
Sara Thornton, just a rookie in the field, has fast-tracked herself to the top of the Ann Arbor real estate market. Her life evolves into a disciplined and focused routine, exactly what she wants. However, as her career takes off, the fulfillment she seeks remains inexplicably out of reach. The one thing she knows for sure, she will not join the Jack Gordon groupies in her company, no matter how tempting that might seem.
A chance encounter, then a difficult transaction, throw Jack and Sara together and the sparks fly high and hot and often. Forced to confront the compulsions that gain momentum with each sizzling encounter, their relationship seems to spiral out of control until Jack finally admits what he needs, and shows Sara what she’s been missing.
Sweat Equity (The Realtors – Book 2):
Jack Gordon thought he’d finally made it. He had a wildly successful career, money in the bank and even returned to his life as Dom, putting an end to a string of unfulfilling sexual encounters. Now that he’s made the ultimate commitment to Sara Thornton, he believes all is right in their world. However, a series of misunderstandings and a dose of self-fulfilling prophesy bring his perfectly crafted house of cards tumbling down around him, forcing him to confront lingering misgivings about marriage and trust. Could those be the only two things he can never achieve?
Sara struggles with her intense need for Jack and her desire for less volatility in her busy life, two goals which appear to be mutually exclusive. Although willing to put in the time and emotional effort to make their relationship work, she finds it futile and frustrating, littered with clashes thanks to near-identical personalities and temperaments. Given Sara’s history, easing back into the comfortable status quo becomes easier than fighting a war with the one person who should be her safe haven. But will the easier choice satisfy her the way only Jack can? Is her “war” one that comes from without or within?
Buffeted by circumstance, temptation and distraction, Jack and Sara’s tenuous relationship crumbles, sparking a continuous quest for the ever elusive: trust, love and acceptance. By the time they rebuild a foundation for renewal, fate has other plans. This leaves them both reeling, once again questioning their destiny.
Closing Costs (The Realtors – Book 3):
Love conquers all? Not likely, according to Sara Thornton. She’s spent eight years coming to terms with the new parameters of her life while resigning herself to the idea that “happily ever afters” are best left to fairytales. Sales manager for her successful real estate office and juggling an added element of responsibility she never thought she’d face, Sara continues to struggle with the men in her life. Love, for her, has only meant hurt, broken trust and anger; all of which she’s completely banished from her life, so she claims.
Jack Gordon has come a long way since his earlier days of obsession with Sara. As the general manager of Stewart Realty, his own level of responsibility for the well-being of others has ramped up. He’s even honed his caretaking skills, now that he has someone who loves him unconditionally.
Continuing to invest effort and rebuild their relationship, he and Sara grow close as friends. Despite this, his ultimate question remains unanswered; the one he keeps asking, no matter how many times she says no. Sara isn’t prepared for the keen focus of his need–to have her back, once and for all. Her stubborn resistance nearly rips both lives apart
The epic conclusion to The Realtors series, Closing Costs brings Jack and Sara truly full circle. Proving that the heat of lust and obsession; the need for control and to be mastered in many areas of life can lead to love —surprising you when you least expect it – if you will only allow it.
What experiences have you had working with your publisher/s?
Very positive in most cases. I’m a newbie, pure and simple and lucked into a couple of amazingly professional editors right off the bat. I’m helping launch a new publisher’s erotic line of fiction with The Realtors which has been an amazing experience. Tri –Destiny Publishing takes all forms of fiction but with their “Sizzlin’” line they are reaching out for any and all forms of erotic romance.
What is the one most difficult aspect of getting out there in writing? Learning how NOT to take rejection personally. Pick it up, dust it off (re-read, polish again) and send it back out somewhere else. With all the publishers out there you will find a home for it.
How do you see the industry in two years/five years
2 years, not much will change but in 5 I think we will see more and more folks abandoning the “book” and embracing the “e” part.
What do you like and dislike about the e-publishing business?
I dislike and like the same thing: the plethora of publishers make it easy to get published, really. It also means there is an awful lot of dreck out there, getting in the way of the better stuff.
If you could suggest anything to your publisher/s – what would it be?
Use Amazon’s “toolbox” a little better. There are way to discount, offer freebies temporarily that can boost sales for backlists.
What type of marketing has helped you the most?
Frankly, keeping a handle on the market itself through research and being a near-constant voice on blogs both as a poster and commenter. FB/Twitter helps but it’s just peripheral.
Some fun questions…
Do you write to music and if so, to what? ALWAYS. I have 4 or 5 Pandora stations depending on my mood. Avett Bros is playing now….
What type of movies do you enjoy and hate? I love Romantic Comedies and well developed dramas. I despise horror movies.
Do you have a ritual with writing? Not really, unless you count becoming so absorbed in it my kids have to wave a hand in front of my face to remind me they are home/need food.
Who is your favorite character you’ve written and why?
So far, honestly, it’s Jack Gordon, the hero of The Realtors series. I love super alphas with flaws (hence my love for the Black Dagger Brotherhood I guess). Jack is deliciously conflicted, super successful, all the good stuff and all the bad rolled into one. His heroine is similarly flawed but together, they try (and try) to make it work. I won’t reveal how successful they ultimately are.
What’s something you can’t live without for writing?
Coffee and booze
Favorite color and does it suit your personality and why? Red.
You tell me.
If you had to use a food or drink to entice your love, what would it be and how would you use it?
A dark Russian Imperial Stout that I would pour into brandy snifters, and then down his throat, slowly, kissing him so I could taste it too.
What’s your favorite seduction song? You Can Leave Your Hat On…while I strip.
What would you consider to be the most romantic place on earth and why?
Paris France. Been there three times, and walking the streets, sipping wine, enjoying the art, all of it—turns me on like nothing else (see: Midnight in Paris the Woody Allen movie with Owen 
Wilson—guess as cynical as I pretend to be, I’m a sappy romantic at heart, huh?)
What character would play you in a movie?
I think by character you mean actor and I would have Julia Roberts play me no contest.
What male star do you consider the hottest and why?
Depends. I’m a fan of George Clooney, Daniel Craig AND the new hotties like Channing Tatum and Bradley Cooper.
Are you afraid of the dark? Nope just spiders eating me in the dark.
Favorite family tradition? Thanksgiving which we celebrate at Churchill Downs in Louisville, all dressed up with delicious food and bourbon and horse racing.
What level of YOU do you bring into your writing? Probably too much…
White chocolate or dark chocolate? dark
Victoria’s Secret or Old Navy? Victoria’s Secret AND Banana Republic thanks
The Beach or the Mountains? BEACH
Plain or chunky peanut butter? Chunky
Favorite Pizza Pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers
Red or black? red
Soft or hard? Hard(er)
Candy Kisses or Twizzlers?
Neither. Reeces Pieces.
Kinky or romantic? Both thanks.
EXCEPRTS FROM FLOOR TIME, RELEASING JANUARY 31.
(PG AND XXX)
PG Excerpt:
“Ok, we finished the inspection and there are some issues, as you might expect.” Sara closed her eyes prepared for an earful.
“I don’t doubt it.”
Jack seemed quieter than usual, not filling the phone line with his usual poor me, why can’t you control your people bullshit. Her suspicions grew, wondering if he was messing with her, trying to catch her off guard somehow.
“Well, um, I’ll get back with you, probably tonight, with our conditions for contingency removal.”
“That’s fine. By now I’m used to getting screamed at by her anyway.” A deep sigh filled Sara’s ears. “Let’s hold this one together, shall we,” he finally asked. “I can’t take much more of this seller.”
“Fine, talk soon. She hung up without letting him respond.
Sara put her hands on the steering wheel before starting her car, trying to control her shakes. Why did she let him get to her anyway? Hell, he was just a guy for crying out loud. All guys were complete assholes as far as she was concerned.
Focus, Sara, focus. You’ve been fine since Adam, no need to fall back into this game with anyone now, much less a guy like Jack.
Jack leaned back in his chair after she hung up on him once again. He stared up at the familiar ceiling of his office, sighed, and stretched his arms over his head. His mind drifted back, as it had so many times, to the moment he’d first laid eyes on Sara Jane Thornton.
His assistant Jason stuck his head in the door, nearly making Jack dump himself backward onto the floor. His eyes sprung open erasing the image of Sara’s deep green gaze—and gorgeous tight ass—from 
his mind.
“Jack,” Jason fiddled with his earpiece. “She’s calling again—where are you this time?”
He groaned. “Fucking-A, why can’t the woman take a hint?”
He had gone a lot of years able to escape serious commitment. The one time he’d allowed himself that luxury he had got bitten on the ass so hard he’d been reluctant to sit much since. The fact that the ass-biter had been his first foray into a Dom/sub relationship had made her betrayal that much worse for his ego. Now, he’d miscalculated once again; had severely misread the blonde woman’s motives.
Jason shrugged, already taking the next call. He’d been Jack’s assistant for ten years, and was used to his boss’ love life. He’d proven himself invaluable more than once, deflecting one woman or another. Plus, he was a spot-on, licensed assistant when it came to the business of real estate. Jack leaned into his keyboard, ignoring Jason again. The young man waved a hand in front of his face.
“Dude, what the hell am I supposed to tell her?”
“Tell her I joined the Peace Corps, moved to Outer Mongolia and am unavailable for the next ten years. Christ, I don’t know. That’s why I hired you; make some shit up.”
“I’m on it,” Jason turned and moved down the hallway towards his office, already making excuses.
Jason was worth his weight in salary. He’d come up with something. He always did. For about the millionth time that week, Jack wished he’d never, ever met the crazy blonde client.
Now, in the most perfect of ironies, thanks to Sara, he got to deal with her daily. Jack looked back at his computer screen. Images of Sara covered the monitor—from her real estate website and blog mostly. She had a real handle on using social networking, a pro at keeping fresh photos and testimonials from happy clients.
Jack ran a hand through his hair. Never in his adult life had he felt so attracted to a woman who had no apparent interest in him beyond professional. Now he got stuck dealing with a crazed bitch of a seller he’d been trying to ditch, just so he could stay in contact with the woman he’d give anything to get the time of day from. An alien state of affairs for Jack—not one he liked much. His phone buzzed.
Sara. He smiled and answered, already planning his next move.
X-Excerpt:
She turned away from him, hoping to marshal her strength and tell him to leave. As she made her way down the office hallway she knew by heart even in the darkness, she could smell him on her and knew at that moment, without a doubt, she would fuck him, right then in that office.
They had been building towards it for too long. Her brain knew to keep quiet; it would not be heard over her body’s clamor. Her baser need for him took over, and when he put a hand on her shirt and firmly tugged her back to him, she let him, shutting her eyes and praying she wasn’t making a huge mistake.
She started to turn but he grabbed her from behind.
“Don’t turn around,” he whispered. “Let me show you what happens next. Just leave it all to me.”
She relented and leaned back into his body. His lips claimed her neck. His hands rubbed both nipples at once. She bent her knees and moaned, raised her arms and put them behind her, around his head. He managed at some point to lose his expensive cufflinks and roll up his sleeves exposing tanned, strong forearms. He released each breast from their cup; caressed, rubbed, and pinched the aching, hard nubs of sensitive flesh. His lips and teeth remained on her damp skin.
She began to move, rubbing against the heat of his erection pressed against her back. He groaned, and increased attention to her nipples, continued to use his lips to caress the back of her neck. A small fire burned wherever he touched her. She imagined she could come against the seam of her jeans, the pressure of his straining zipper against her, both of his hands on her nipples and his mouth in her ear and on her neck.
“Mmm… I have been dreaming of doing this to you for weeks.” The words caused every nerve in her body to tingle. She closed her eyes.
He turned her around to face him, his hands on her upper arms. Before she could whimper about her poor lonely nipples he crushed his mouth on hers, pushing her up against the wall. Her left leg lifted and encircled his waist as her engorged clit begged for contact.
Oh my God, I am dry humping this grown man in my office.
He reached down and slowly unzipped her shorts, never removing his lips from the skin of her neck. He was muttering, something about “You smell exactly like I thought you would,” but she couldn’t be certain as her brain started fogging up like the inside of a car window, obscuring all rational thought.
Jack reached a hand down, brushed the outside of her panties. She moaned and leaned her head back against the wall. Sweat dripped slowly between her breasts as her breath caught in her throat. She sensed him grin against her skin as he leaned down to find the moisture and lap at it, his fingers lightly teasing her clit.
“Somebody is really happy to see me.” His voice had an edge to it she loved.
Sara realized that she was moving her hips, thrusting toward him as though drawn by a magnet. She started to reach down, needing to feel his flesh, but he grabbed her hands, lifted them up over her head, pinned her wrists against the wall.
“No, baby, let me. Just lean back and relax. I’m in charge.”
Everything in her struggled against him, tried to resist, but the firm grasp he kept on her wrists was one of the most erotic sensations she’d ever experienced. She bit her lip as Jack slid her shorts down. He reached inside her panties, forming two of his fingers and thumb into a delicious double stimulator. Slowly, he moved against her swollen nub and slipped into her pussy as his lips traveled from her mouth, to her neck.
He manipulated her and maintained his control, seemingly without much effort, still holding her wrists captive over her head. She started lifting off, becoming as light as air, reaching the edge of extreme pleasure, while part of her tried to maintain her control. The man she’d been dreaming about for months was there, touching her, holding her captive against her office wall, and his lips, dear God… Eyes closed, head and arms up against the wall, she finally gave in to the pure, shuddering pleasure of it. Ignoring how much further she’d be willing to go with him; her usual reservations abandoned in his arms.
Sizzlin’ Books (for autographed eBook copies in all formats (ePub and mobi) – no extra charge): http://www.sizzlinbooks.com/floor-time-the-realtor-series-book-1
Thank you so much for being here! What fun and yummy stuff. Good luck with the new trilogy!
Kisses xxx
Cassandre
Passion with a Dark and Dangerous Twist 
thanks for chatting with me Cass! YOU ROCK
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