Yvette Hines's Blog

 Hello SASSE Readers, let’s welcome Harper Ashe to our SASSE World. Pull up a chair and tell me if you prefer tea or coffee for our little chat.
Harper: Thanks for having me! Coffee would be great.
SASSE: Tell the readers a little about yourself. How did you get into writing? Have you always thought you would be a romance writer?
Harper: My dad is a writer, and I first realized I had inherited his writing talent when I landed a gig as co-author of my high school newspaper’s gossip column. Eventually, I settled into a career as a corporate copywriter, which allowed me to really hone my creative writing skills. Although I’ve dreamed of writing romantic fiction ever since I started reading it, working full-time while raising a family didn’t leave much time for that pursuit. But a couple years ago, when I saw some of my writing colleagues finding success with self-publishing, I began studying how to write and publish romance. That’s when I realized my dream might become a reality.
SASSE: What was the first romance book you ever read? What did you think? What was your first impression of the genre?
Harper: Even as a pre-teen, I was a voracious reader who devoured fiction. I was a huge fan of Judy Blume back I the day. (Yes, I really am THAT old.) But it wasn’t until my 20s, when a good friend loaned me a historical romance by Kathleen Woodiwiss, that I became hooked on the genre. I can’t remember the title of that book, but I can remember the feeling of being pulled into that exciting, romantic world and completely losing myself until I reached the very last page of the story. After that, reading romance became my obsession. I read historical and contemporary romance, chick-lit, and Harlequins by the armload.  
SASSE:  Can you explain to the readers about the Sweet Curves Harper: I was invited to contribute a story to a romantic comedy anthology that some of my writing colleagues were putting together, which is how the first book in the series, Sweet for You, came to be. My daughter is pretty curvy and has a great sense of humor, so I wanted to create a female character that was kind of like her: feisty, determined, and worthy of love, even though she isn’t a size 6. That’s how Abby came to life. When the story was well-received, I decided to write Abby’s sister’s story. With that second book, Sweet for Him, a BBW romance series was born.
SASSE: Are each one of the stories in the series a standalone? Or will reader need to start at the first one to understand what is going on?
Harper: Yes! Each novella in the Sweet Curves series is a complete, standalone story with a happy ending. While there is some character crossover and all the stories share the same world, they don’t need to be read in any particular order.
SASSE: Bring us into the world of your latest release Sweet for Him. Introduce the readers to Rob and Claire.
Harper: Sweet for Him is a feel-good story with a second chance romance theme. Our curvy heroine, Claire, is feeling kind of lost in life. When her sister Abby marries billionaire Stephen Blake and asks Claire to housesit during her honeymoon, she jumps at the chance to escape from her mundane life for a while. Claire plans to spend her month-long stay at the Blake mansion figuring out her future. What she doesn't expect is to come face-to-face with Rob, the high school hunk who broke her heart.
Our hero, Rob, is a high-end remodel contractor who caters to the rich and famous. He’s the kind of guy you can bring home to mom: smart, successful, and incredibly handsome. But Rob’s life is pretty much all work and no play. Until he starts a kitchen and bath remodel project at the Blake mansion. That's when he comes face-to-face with Claire, the curvy girl who got away.
Being under the same roof for an entire month won't be easy for Claire and Rob, especially since he still oozes charm and sex appeal and she's cuter and curvier than ever. When their memories of the past spark fireworks in the present, they will need to decide whether to risk everything for a second chance at love.
SASSE: What was the most emotional challenging scene to write in the book?  Do you normally find yourself getting emotional while you write; crying, screaming…sighing?
Harper: Since Sweet for Him is a light, sweet romance, my biggest challenge was adding emotional elements without making the story too heavy. I think the hardest scene to write was the skinny dipping encounter because I wanted to demonstrate the steamy chemistry between Claire and Rob without being overly explicit. Several readers have told me that it’s their favorite scene in the book, which makes me feel like I nailed it!
When writing, I’m definitely a crier. I keep a full box of tissues on my desk at all times because writing romance brings on the waterworks! When I’m in the writing zone, I feel every emotion that my characters experience. I smile at their revelations, cringe when they do something embarrassing, and get tingly all over when their passions are sparked. When writing the final scenes that lead my hero and heroine to their happy ending, I know I’m on track if I bawl like a baby.
SASSE: If you could write in any genre that you have never written in before what would it be?
Harper: Oh boy, that’s an easy one. I would love to write historical romance! Scottish, Regency, Old West, you name it. Someday, I hope I have the time to do the research needed to dip my pen in the past. For now, though, I’ve got half a dozen stories in my contemporary and paranormal pipelines, including the third book in my Sweet Curves series: Sweet for Her.
SASSE: Thank you Harper, this has been just delightful to sit back with you and learn a little more about you and your story.
Learn more about Ms. Ashe
Harper Ashe writes the kind of romance she loves to read: usually sweet, sometimes spicy, always delicious. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her handsome husband, almost-grown children, and a very naughty cat.
            Website: www.harperashe.com
            FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHarperAshe
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Other books in the Sweet Curves series.  Learn More about it.
 

Sexy, handsome men like Grant Whittaker rarely walked through the doors of the middle school where Dr. Kelly Riley worked as an Asst. Principal. In her mind, staring at him was justified. When she learns that he’s a local politician running for office and practicing his oratory skills on her students she’s interested. But when she discovers her son is gay and her lover is running on a conservative ticket, she makes the only decision she feels she can and leaves Grant behind.

Former professional football player Grant Whittaker wasn’t accustomed to women correcting him or dismissing him either. Both things happen within five minutes of meeting the stunning Dr. Riley. After she agrees to go on a date with him, he knows she is the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. But she disappears without explanation. The next time he sees her, his emotions churn out of control and he says hurtful things, pushing them further apart.
Grant and Kelly are both thrown mega-sized curve balls and must come to grips with a new way of looking at life if they are to hold their families together. Sometimes accepting what you cannot change is more than a poem, or a few scattered words, it’s a decree. There comes a time when Letting Go is all you can do, to free yourself to love.

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Learn More About Mrs. Knowles
Erosa loves the written word. There are very few things she had rather do than read a fascinating tale, or tell one. She did say few. She also believe love is color blind. Most of her stories reflect that belief.
Everywhere she went she see something that titillates her and gets her wondering if she can use it as material. Romance makes the world go around. She cannot imagine life without it. As a writer, she endeavor to bring some happiness to both her characters and her readers.

"Thanks for taking the time to check out my stories." Erosa Knowles

Hello SASSE Readers, let’s welcome Ambrielle Kirk to our SASSE World. Pull up a chair and tell me if you prefer tea or coffee for our little chat.
Ambrielle: Either coffee or tea will work for me. I'm a big fan of both. Coffee revs me up in the morning and also gives me that push I need to start writing or doing administrative tasks related to indie publishing. I drink tea as a way to wind down after a long day and sometimes when the day gets a little stressful and I just need time out to think a situation or plot point through. Tea is soothing and the hot herbal aroma is nice to curl up in bed with.
SASSE: Tell the readers a little about yourself. How did you get into writing? Have you always thought you would be a romance writer?
Ambrielle: Well, I write multicultural romance under the pen name Ambrielle Kirk. Like many other writers, I started reading avidly at a young age. In my pre-teens, I began reading contemporary romances. I skipped young adult romance stories as I'm not sure they were as readily available as they are today. It's been over a decade since I picked up a pencil and began writing my first romance on college-ruled notebooks. I wish I could remember what led me to write a story other than I wanted to tell my own HEA with my own set of characters who looked just like I did. I often cross genres in my stories but the romance aspect is usually a big element for me. I never thought about a career in writing when I was younger. I've always wanted to be an accountant. I feel blessed to be able to pursue my career path in accounting, but my passion is to be able to write fiction exclusively.
SASSE: What was the first romance book you ever read? What did you think? What was your first impression of the genre?
Ambrielle: Wow! I wish I could remember that detail, but once I discovered that I could have my own library card and access to unlimited books I read and checked out books like there was absolutely no tomorrow. I was in love with reading a good happily ever after. I guess I can say that my first impression was I could relate to the romance aspect of the story, but the books were missing main characters of color.
SASSE:  Can you explain to the readers about the Rugged Riders Series? How did you come up with this series, what it is about?
Ambrielle: My ideas for stories come from small aspects of my life or things that I've observed in other's lives.
SASSE: Are each one of the stories in the series a standalone? Or will reader need to start at the first one to understand what is going on?
Ambrielle:  Rugged Riders series stories are connected because of the link between the heroes, which is the biker club they're in. Each hero and heroine has his or her own goals and motivations. References are often made from book to book, so it may be in the reader's best interest to start at the first one to avoid spoilers.
SASSE: Bring us into the world of your latest release Taken by Temptation. Introduce the readers to Trent and Zaira.
Ambrielle: We get a glimpse of both Trent and Zaira in the first book Driven by Desire. Zaira is the best friend of the heroine in the first book and coincidentally Trent is the best friend of the hero. However Trent and Zaira met each other long before the couple did in the first book. In fact, Trent and Zaira were friends who kept dancing around this blatant attraction to each other. Trent wants to remain loyal to his brotherhood and Zaira's father, and Zaira has issues with Trent's gambling addiction and his interest in one-night stands. Trent's in love with Zaira, but he'll have a hell of time convincing her that he's a changed man.
SASSE: What was the most emotional challenging scene to write in the book?  Do you normal find yourself getting emotional while you write; crying, screaming…sighing?
Ambrielle: The most emotional scene for me was when Trent finally comes clean about his past life. It's always been hard for him to talk about the fact that he was homeless, living on streets, and came from a broken home. The second most emotional scene of the book was probably the turning point when Zaira felt betrayed. I can't really give much away though.
SASSE: If you could write in any genre that you have never written in before what would it be?
Ambrielle: It would be something along the lines of a science fiction or fantasy. I really enjoy world building and paranormal romance is my favorite genre. There's something empowering about creating your own rules, boundaries, and limits and applying them to a fictional world.
SASSE: Thank you, Ambrielle, this has been just delightful to sit back with you and learn a little more about you and your story.
Multi-published author Ambrielle Kirk writes diverse, edgy and seductive romance: multicultural erotic, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. As a bestselling author in several sub-genres, she's 2012 Swirl Award winner and 2014 Romance of Novel Excellence (RONE) Award nominee in the paranormal categories. She's a PAN member of RWA, FF&P RWA, and co-founder and treasurer of CIM RWA.
She loves weaving tales where undying love is the main element. When she's not writing, she's plotting. When she's not writing or plotting, she's reading. Her reading and writing tastes varies between anything from alpha bad boys and billionaires to vampires and shifters. She's a thirty-something year old wife, mother, book hoarder, 90s music fan, earl grey tea drinker, dark roast coffee fiend, platform and stiletto shoe collector, Keurig lover, and martial arts/action movie fanatic.
Connect with Ambrielle:

            Website: http://ambriellekirk.com             Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmbrielleKirk
            FB Author Page (if you have one): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmbrielleKirk

           
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Driven by Desire (Rugged Riders, Book 1)

Interracial Historical Romance
 SASSE: Tell the readers a little about yourself. How did you get into writing? Have you always thought you would be a romance writer? Sienna: Writing has pretty much been ingrained in me from the first day I learned to pick up and hold a pencil. I escaped into books as a young girl so telling stories was just the natural progression. I entered the publishing business after big publishing houses dismissed my taste and writing style in multicultural romances. The rest is history!SASSE: What was the first romance book you ever read? What did you think? What was your first impression of the genre?Sienna: I don’t remember the first. I remember the book that was on the fringe of romance that I read which defined me as an author. Chances by Jackie Collins introduced me to Lucky Santiago. Oh boy! I’ve never been the same. SASSE:  Can you explain to the readers about the The Wild Ones? Will it be a series? Can the readers expect more I/R stories from you in the historical Wild West?Sienna: I love westerns. There are very few historical romances in the IR genre set after the Civil War. I wanted to take that leap. I’m talking saloon girls, bandits, outlaws, Native Americans and freed slaves. The book takes you to a time period where we owned our destiny despite what the history books say. And it’s sexy, funny, shocking, and endearing. I reached into my bag of treats and tapped into my writing persona that created novellas like Harmony and Buttercup. I crave the unexplored. So it’s my risk to take. Not everyone will love this story but I guarantee everyone will walk away with a ‘thirst’ for different storytelling by us. As an author I will continue to tread water as I strive to create from my imagination.SASSE: Bring us into the world of your latest release NICADEMUS. Introduce the readers to Annabelle and Jeremiah.Sienna: Annabelle is a young woman who never knew slavery. Her parents escaped slavery to ensure she grew up free. They died when she was a child. This story is one year after the civil war and Annabelle lives in a town known as Nicademus founded by freed slaves, and those on the fringe of acceptable society. In the unexplored West towns like this did exist. Annabelle stumbles on an outlaw near death. She initially wants to help him. But she learns soon after that his past sorrows of lost parents to the cruelty of the world is like hers. And it changes her. Jeremiah is a confederate soldier who returns from the war to find that his family is dead and robbed of everything. He seeks vengeance and by doing so brings an old enemy to the town of Nicademus. He joins the fight to save the town and falls for Annabelle in the process. SASSE: What was the most emotional challenging scene to write in the book? Sienna: The ending with Jeremiah and Annabelle is realistic in my opinion.  It’s not a Happily Ever After but a Happy For Now kind of ending. I wanted to show the complexity and fragility of falling in love during that time period with a person the world said you should not be with. It was hard to write because it makes you reflect on how hard life’s rewards were for people of color, and how many sacrifices our foremothers had to make. SASSE: If you could write in any genre that you have never written in before what would it be? Sienna: Horror! One day! One day!  Sienna Mynx is your naughty-author of Contemporary, and Historical Multicultural Romance. Her dramatic tales of forbidden love are for readers that love the bad boys but desire to be the women to tame them. Variety is the spice of life, and each Sienna Mynx tale reflects the diversity that continues to remain colorblind. Sienna currently has 32 published books, as an indie author under her publishing company The Divas Pen LLC. A current resident of Georgia, Sienna Mynx has emerged into the e-publishing scene with spicy uncompromising tales of decadence.             Website: http://thedivaspen.com                     Twitter: @SiennaMynx            FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/425298174168156/Get your copy of Nicademus today!AmazonBarnes and NobleKoboSmashwordsAll Romance eBooks   
 
 
 
 

As readers who have seen, bought and read several boxedsets with multiple authors, I'm sure you wonder, how did the author chose their particular story? or why did this author decide to do a box set? or What's the purpose?. Well, I'm bringing you those answers.

Today, I (Author Di Topaz) present to you, Yvette Hines, the author of "Sieged by Rym" in Scandalous Heroes...

I have the distinct pleasure to introduce the woman of the day. She was born in San Diego, CA and later moved to the Tidewater area. So, yes she has lived coast to coast. We met while attending College in Southern VA. We spent hours reading and laughing; at ourselves mostly. You see Yvette spends most of her time blazing the sheets. Now get you minds out of the gutter there will be plenty of time for that later. She believes that every woman should have a determined hero that is on the prowl and discover they were designed for love. A man in her life bold enough to steal the bride, because he knew he had to have and to hold her. Eventually finding themselves taking the marriage clause. I know that seems slightly sinful but the fire and desire they would share, would be as sweet as cinnamon buns with sensual chocolate. In the end her hero would continue over the years to pleasure his queen keeping her SASSE for life! It is with great pleasure to introduce to some and present to others Yvette Hines
They picked the wrong warrior cat to abduct. Rym never liked being ordered about so when he discovers his freedom is weighed against his agreement to breed with Krysteena, he practically purrs at the chance to prove to the beauty who’s truly in charge and escape.
 
 
Di: Tell me how you came up with the plot for your story in the Scandalous Hero boxed set.
Yvette: I can get a romance idea from anything. Especially since I enjoy writing shifter stories. One of my close friends has two cats. They are clever and funny. One day we were laughing at something the cats were doing and I thought aloud, ‘Wouldn’t it be something if Remington (her male cat) was really a big cat from another planet cursed to be on earth? That truly he was a massive powerful, strong cat on his planet?' We laughed about it, but that night when I went to sleep a story was born. I do a lot of dream plotting. I guess my muse likes to work when I'm sleep.
Di: Is your story connected to a series you write?
Yvette: No. It is not. Even though I would hate for these two worlds to fade away. At the moment I have not conceived of a series…but don’t get my muse ,SHE, started, because in a blink she will have started some intergalactic sensual saga.
Di: What was the most challenging scene to write?
Yvette: The arena battle scene. I spent hours and days watching different gladiator type films…especially the fight scenes. I wanted it to be gripping but more importantly I wanted the sensuality. The hero and heroine in Sieged by Rym are not fighting to the death but fighting to have a life together that is balanced in mutual respect and power. They need to learn to give and take in that arena and admire each others strengths. Anytime there is a strong female in a story I think it is important that she doesn’t ‘dwarf’ the hero; that even as she is strong and determined he is not emasculated.
Di: Why did you choose to join the Scandalous Heroes boxed set with these 8 other authors?
Yvette: By now, since mine is the last interview, you have met all the other 8 authors (Aliyah Burke, Bridget Midway, Sienna Mynx, Erosa Knowles, Pepper Pace, Serenity King, Latrivia S. Nelson and Tiana Laveen). They are ladies I have known, watched and applauded for years. Even though a few of them I didn’t meet until last year. Not to say that there are not a lot more multicultural authors that I would not have stepped into a box set with, because there of many, but it was the right time and moment for this group. They all had a heart not only to present a gift to their readers, but to reach out to connect with new readers and on top of that support the other authors with them in the set. What more could I ask for? The best part about it was as I spoke with each author to ask them about coming together to show unity in the multicultural romance community NONE of them hesitated. Proving what I already knew about them.
Di: What do you want the readers/romance world to take away from the collection once they read it? 
Yvette: For the readers I want them to see that they don’t have to choose between authors. They can cheer, support and read all of us. There is no animosity between us, but unity. For the romance world I want authors to see and recognize the benefit of supporting other authors. Cross-promoting is not a bad word. It doesn’t diminish you to post, tweet, share or even gift your readers with a book by another author…it elevates you. I have two saying I use to fellow authors, ‘no one is greater than anyone else’ and ‘we rise and fall together’. What each authors does in the multicultural genre affects us all.
  ALPHAS, SHIFTERS, DOMS, BILLIONAIRES, BLUE COLLAR HUNKS AND URBAN HEROES: 9 BEST SELLING AUTHORS OF SENSUAL ROMANCE. Celebrity
SCANDALOUS HEROES COLLECTION GIVES READER THE KIND OF BAD BOYS WOMEN LOVE—This collection includes best sellers of USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Authors whose stories reflect the diversity of romance such as contemporary, mafia drama, urban lit, BDSM to paranormal and sci-fi. These authors have taken the time to pen new full length and original stories for the readers only found in this collection for a limited time. Collection stats: 1,857 pages/485,737 word count. Total retail value: $35.91
LADIES COME GET YOUR MEN! 18+
Buy now, this set is on sale for .99 for a limited time!AmazonKoboBarnes and Noble

As readers who have seen, bought and read several boxedsets with multiple authors, I'm sure you wonder, how did the author chose their particular story? or why did this author decide to do a box set? or What's the purpose?. Well, I'm bringing you those answers.
Today I present to you, Erosa Knowles, the author of "Double Trouble: Men of 3X CONstruction" in Scandalous Heroes...

If you know anything about Ms. Knowles writing...you know she is bold, confident and she loves to challenge writers to look at their preconceived views or address dark secrets of hurt or shame to learn to love again. I mean only a writer that daring would put together a series of heroes that are ex-cons. I'm sorry did I not say a SUCCESSFUL series? That's right. So, discover what this writer is all about.

Blaine and Donald had no idea they have not one, but two sons from Belinda, the one woman who ever came between them. Seeing her again test family ties as they fight to rescue their son and reclaim the only woman they ever loved.
SASSE: Tell me how you came up with the plot for your story in the Scandalous Hero boxed set.
Erosa: I had readers asking for the twins story and I was hard pressed to write a story about Dominant Twins. I could not imagine how to make it a romance. Plus, how to split them up, when it had already been hinted in previous stories that they couldn’t be. I had a reader who lives the lifestyle as a submissive to her husband suggest they share the same woman. According to her, that was not taboo in BDSM. But making it a romantic, believable read was a challenge. Once I realized I needed to remain true to the previous story lines, I started seeking reasons why a woman would accept two men, why would she remain with them, and what kind of woman would she be? Inexplicable love of two men who were so similar it was impossible to separate them, and she would need to have a part of them both to keep them connected. That’s how I devised the plot for Double Trouble.
SASSE: Is your story connected to a series you write?
Erosa: The first book of The Men of 3X CONStruction launched in 2011 and there have been five books identified as Men of 3X CONStruction, and then Loving a Bad Boy was written and since Julio was a part of construction crew, his book is considered number six. Double Trouble is the seventh.
SASSE: What was the most challenging scene to write?
Erosa: The most challenging scene was the discovery that her son had left home with someone he knew despised her. I have kids and all I kept thinking was… don’t make this personal but if it were me… I had to tone it down and focus on her pain, the sense of betrayal, and the need for forgiveness. Kids are basically self-centered and as the adult, she (I) had to let it go.
SASSE: Why did you choose to join the Scandalous Heroes boxed set with these 8 other authors?
Erosa: I was honored when approached to be a part of the collection. I read all of the authors in the set and they are some of my favorites. I knew all of my readers would be super excited to join me in reading the other stories in this book. I thought it was important to make it happen.
SASSE: What do you want the readers/romance world to take away from the collection once they read it? 
Erosa: It’s my hope that every reader will pass on a copy to someone who does not read this genre to introduce them to Interracial romance. It is here to stay and should be celebrated. The stories showcase strong men and women falling in love, not matter what challenges fall their way, their love is the star that shines at the end of the story.
  ALPHAS, SHIFTERS, DOMS, BILLIONAIRES, BLUE COLLAR HUNKS AND URBAN HEROES: 9 BEST SELLING AUTHORS OF SENSUAL ROMANCE. Celebrity
SCANDALOUS HEROES COLLECTION GIVES READER THE KIND OF BAD BOYS WOMEN LOVE—This collection includes best sellers of USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Authors whose stories reflect the diversity of romance such as contemporary, mafia drama, urban lit, BDSM to paranormal and sci-fi. These authors have taken the time to pen new full length and original stories for the readers only found in this collection for a limited time. Collection stats: 1,857 pages/485,737 word count. Total retail value: $35.91
LADIES COME GET YOUR MEN! 18+
Buy now, this set is on sale for .99 for a limited time!AmazonKoboBarnes and Noble
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

As readers who have seen, bought and read several boxedsets with multiple authors, I'm sure you wonder, how did the author chose their particular story? or why did this author decide to do a box set? or What's the purpose?. Well, I'm bringing you those answers.
Today I present to you, Tiana Laveen, the author of "Tattooed Moon" in Scandalous Heroes...

Tiana is out of this world inventive and creative. I think that's why I enjoy her stories. She takes and idea and makes it not only delivers it but adds her own twist, making it paranormal...bordering on sci-fi because she is an original and masterful author. For example, when I say SAINT...readers say, 'he is out of this world'. Now, she delivers us a contemporary romance that is emotionally charged like it is nobodies business. Check out the interview and get to know Tiana yourself.

Julian Savant is a gifted tattoo artist, free spirit and business owner, who has set his keen eye upon conservative accountant, Milan Parker. When the two meet during a dark time in Milan’s life, they begin to draw from one another, painting their mutual attraction and desires cerebrally and in the flesh. Little does Milan know, Julian draws more than just her attention and skilled designs upon her body. As his needle works its way into both their hearts, they find fulfillment and healing in ways neither of them imagined.
 SASSE: Tell me how you came up with the plot for your story in the Scandalous Hero boxed set.

Tiana: I had been wanting to do a somewhat similar plot for awhile, but I hadn't gotten it all mapped out in my head. Then, after I had began writing it, unfortunately, my grandmother died. I was very close to her, and it was unexpected. I then used that as part of the plot and tried to turn my hurt into something positive. I put the feelings, emotions associated with the recent loss, into the story of the two main characters and the story came out completely differently than I had outlined. I liked the end result, though at times it was painful to write. It worked for this story though, it was better than my original outline in my opinion.
SASSE: Is your story connected to a series you write?

Tiana: No, it is not a part of a series. This is a standalone book.
SASSE: What was the most challenging scene to write?

Tiana: The most challenging scene to write was when Milan was lamenting over the death of her mother to Julian in his kitchen the morning after they'd made love. Another one that was difficult was when he was discussing the death of his son on their first date. I did not have that scene outlined that way. I just let the characters flow and speak to one another, and it simply happened, so I went with it. That scene was supposed to be a 'normal' first date with heightened attraction, but it transformed. Again, I pulled from real life tragedies and pain, and twisted them to fit with the lives of the characters so that it would be more authentic and something the readers could relate to. Almost everyone has lost someone they loved - people understand that. We all handle grief differently, but the pain is universal. I was already struggling due to death of my grandmother, literally worked on this book while in the hospital after she was declared deceased, so the 'reservoir' of insight was right there with me. I wrote the dedication a few hours after she passed away. The entire experience was surreal. I simply took advantage of it instead of allowing it to fester. I was alone in the hospital, at three in the morning, and I needed to 'do something' with myself so that I wouldn't break out in another crying jag or fit of anger. My emotions were all over the place and needed to be harnessed. I pulled out my laptop and continued to write.
SASSE: Did you have celebrity inspiration for your hero(s) and heroine?

Tiana: No I didn't. In my mind, they were just regular people and I didn't have a model or celebrity in mind.
SASSE: Why did you choose to join the Scandalous Heroes boxed set with these 8 other authors?

Tiana: I was invited by my friend and sister author, Yvette Hines. They'd (the group of authors minus myself and Serenity King) had already gotten started, but she asked me if I was interested and I most certainly was. Some of the best authors in romance were already 'signed up' and I already knew the bulk of the women involved and understood that not only would I be giving our readers a present of sorts, but I'd be working with a group of gifted, talented women who have a love and respect for the craft. I was excited to be a part of this venture and the icing on the cake was knowing that many of our readers overlapped, and I'd been hearing through the rumor mill that they wanted us to collaborate. So for me, it was a no-brainer. I'd get to work with wonderful authors and give the readers something they've been wanting for quite some time.
SASSE: What do you want the readers/romance world to take away from the collection once they read it?

Tiana: I want the readers to take away whatever they personally need and desire. If they want an escape, then I want that wish to be granted. If they want romantic ideas, I want that to be obtained. If they want to learn more about themselves in the process, and simply disappear into 9 different worlds, then that is perfect to me. The only thing I can add to that is that I want the readers to understand that we did this from our heart. Our readers support us, they spread the word when we have new releases and encourage us. It is difficult being an indie author at times, though it is also very rewarding. We need the readers love and support. It is essential. So I want them to understand that we appreciate them, and that we created 9 unique books for the price that it is to let them know that, 'Hey, without you, there is no us - so here you go. You deserve this and then some.'

ALPHAS, SHIFTERS, DOMS, BILLIONAIRES, BLUE COLLAR HUNKS AND URBAN HEROES: 9 BEST SELLING AUTHORS OF SENSUAL ROMANCE. Celebrity
SCANDALOUS HEROES COLLECTION GIVES READER THE KIND OF BAD BOYS WOMEN LOVE—This collection includes best sellers of USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Authors whose stories reflect the diversity of romance such as contemporary, mafia drama, urban lit, BDSM to paranormal and sci-fi. These authors have taken the time to pen new full length and original stories for the readers only found in this collection for a limited time. Collection stats: 1,857 pages/485,737 word count. Total retail value: $35.91
LADIES COME GET YOUR MEN! 18+
Buy now, this set is on sale for .99 for a limited time!AmazonKoboBarnes and Noble 

As readers who have seen, bought and read several boxedsets with multiple authors, I'm sure you wonder, how did the author chose their particular story? or why did this author decide to do a box set? or What's the purpose?. Well, I'm bringing you those answers.
Today I present to you, Serenity King, the author of "The Wrath of Michael" in Scandalous Heroes...

Talk about an author that is sweet, kind, generous, dedicated to tell a deep heart felt story that is compelling and you have Ms. King. She gives just as must sincerity to her readers as she does to fellow authors. Just see for yourself.

Michael Alesi is not looking for anything other than a good time. He works hard and plays even harder. But after being summoned to the home of his cousin, Michael is blindsided by the feisty, Kendra Washington. Kendra is beautiful and sassy, and she seems to want nothing to do with Michael. That is fine with Michael—he doesn’t do relationships and he has plenty of business and social opportunities to keep him busy. Then he witnesses Kendra’s life being put in danger by a nasty crime. He comes to her rescue and, as he gets to know her, he decides that maybe a committed relationship isn’t so bad after all.
 
Just as they are feeling their way toward a relationship, a whirlwind of deadly events sends life spiraling out of control for both Michael and Kendra. Will they be able to find shelter in each other’s arms, or will the demons of both the past and the present keep them apart forever?
 
 
SASSE: Tell me how you came up with the plot for your story in the Scandalous Hero boxed set.
Serenity: The Wrath of Michael is actually the second story in The Alesi Men series. The plot for this story was devised out of some of the events that happened in the first story. I fell in love with Michael and his brother Nicco even though they weren't the main characters in the story. After writing A Tryst At Midnight I thought that Nicco’s story would be next. However, Michael’s character spoke to me in a way that I couldn’t ignore. Michael’s character in my mind is that quiet I will let you go but so far. However, step to me wrong; I will kill you and not look back. Lol.
 
SASSE: Is your story connected to a series you write?

Serenity: Yes. It is connected to The Alesi Men series. The first story in the series is called A Tryst At Midnightwhich features Piero and Adanna. Although, The Wrath of Michael is connected to a series it can also be read as a standalone.

SASSE: What was the most challenging scene to write?

Serenity: My story has a little bit of suspense in it. It is always hard to write a suspense scene without giving away who the culprits really are J. The scene when Kendra is at Michael’s house was difficult. A lot of things happen at that house and trying to tie it all together without giving too much away was a challenge.

SASSE: Did you have celebrity inspiration for your hero(s) and heroine?

Serenity: No, I didn’t. So far, I have never used celebrity inspiration for any of my stories. I get a thought in my head or I may see or witness something and a story develops from there. 

SASSE: Why did you choose to join the Scandalous Heroes boxed set with these 8 other authors?

Serenity: Are you kidding?! Eight (8) FANTASTIC Authors asked me to join them in a box set, and I jumped at the chance. I have been a fan of most of these authors for a very long time, and some I’ve only known within that last year or so, but it feels as if I’ve known all of the authors much longer. Not only are they awesome writers, they are also incredible women. I really felt the sisterhood in this collaboration. I am still having a fan girl moment.

SASSE: What do you want the readers/romance world to take away from the collection once they read it?

Serenity: I want readers to take away from the collection that nine (9) authors came together, stepped outside of the box, and gave readers quality stories featuring interracial couples. So don’t be afraid to step out of the comfort zone and experience love to its fullest no matter what the race. I believe we accomplished that in this box set.





ALPHAS, SHIFTERS, DOMS, BILLIONAIRES, BLUE COLLAR HUNKS AND URBAN HEROES: 9 BEST SELLING AUTHORS OF SENSUAL ROMANCE. Celebrity
SCANDALOUS HEROES COLLECTION GIVES READER THE KIND OF BAD BOYS WOMEN LOVE—This collection includes best sellers of USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Authors whose stories reflect the diversity of romance such as contemporary, mafia drama, urban lit, BDSM to paranormal and sci-fi. These authors have taken the time to pen new full length and original stories for the readers only found in this collection for a limited time. Collection stats: 1,857 pages/485,737 word count. Total retail value: $35.91
LADIES COME GET YOUR MEN! 18+
Buy now, this set is on sale for .99 for a limited time!AmazonKoboBarnes and Noble

As readers who have seen, bought and read several boxedset with multiple authors, I'm sure you wonder, how did the author chose their particular story? or why did this author decide to do a boxset? or What's the purpose?. Well, I'm bringing you those answers.
Today I present to you, Pepper Pace, the author of "Everything is Everything" in Scandalous Heroes...

I am a literature major two times over...so when I think of those Harlem Renaissance writers like Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou and Chester Himes...I think of Pepper Pace embodying them in the modern times. Check her out and prove it to yourself.

In1977 Vanessa is 12 years old and lives just out of reach of the projects that both scare and entice her. It’s the year that she meets Scotty Tremont; 14 and one of the few white boys to live in the ghetto. Initially afraid that Scotty intends to beat her up because her cousin called him white trash, Vanessa soon learns that although Scotty is a ‘Trick Baby’ and will probably be a dope boy just like his brother, he’s somehow managed to be compassionate. Scotty is learning something as well; that his path has not been laid out before him and that Everything isn’t necessarily Everything. This 2 part series begins in the 70s where it explores the music, the style, the ghetto and Pepper Pace’s own twist on life and love.
  SASSE: Tell me how you came up with the plot for your story in the Scandalous Hero boxed set.  Pepper: My #1 Beta Reader and I were brainstorming and came up with the idea. I couldn't let it go and wrote the first chapter that very day. Everything is Everything is the title of a Donny Hathaway song and the story uses a lot of music, entertainment and language of the 70's...unfortunately I was unable to work the word 'groovy' into the story.
SASSE: Is your story connected to a series you write?

Pepper: This is part 1 of a 2 part novel. Part 2 will be released August 2014.SASSE: What was the most challegning scene to write?
Pepper: The hammer scene. My beta readers were conflicted about a kid using a hammer as a weapon. I wasn't. However, I do want everyone to know that there is a HEA in this story. I've had to promise that to several people!SASSE: Did you have celebrity inspiration for your hero(s) and heroine?
Pepper: My inspiration for this book were the authors of the 70s such as Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim. I was reading one of my favorites by Donald Goines called 'Black Girl Lost' and I wanted the same voice in my own story; simple, innocent but raw.SASSE: Why did you choose to join the Scandalous Heroes boxed set with these 8 other authors?

Pepper: Because Yvette Hines asked me to, lol. I'm relatively new on the scene and was honored to be asked to join the other authors. I didn't know Yvette or any of the other women but I've met them since and we clicked. Yvette didn't have to sell me, I was on board as soon as she asked.

SASSE: What do you want the readers/romance world to take away from the collection once they read it?

Aliyah: As an author of IR romance I am constantly reminded of how little people know of this genre. It's a shame because authors that write IR and multicultural also write within other genres such as Sci-fi, Contemporary, Paranormal, Young Adult, BDSM and Erotic--among just a few. I've read some of the best stories ever written by little known independent authors in this little known genre. My purpose for joining this project is to bring recognition to the IR genre. I would like EVERYONE to see that IR is dynamic and this genre will grow as long as we all help it to do so. I hope that you, our fans, will help us spread the word. A success for The Scandalous Heroes box set is a win for all AA and IR authors.



ALPHAS, SHIFTERS, DOMS, BILLIONAIRES, BLUE COLLAR HUNKS AND URBAN HEROES: 9 BEST SELLING AUTHORS OF SENSUAL ROMANCE. Celebrity
SCANDALOUS HEROES COLLECTION GIVES READER THE KIND OF BAD BOYS WOMEN LOVE—This collection includes best sellers of USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Authors whose stories reflect the diversity of romance such as contemporary, mafia drama, urban lit, BDSM to paranormal and sci-fi. These authors have taken the time to pen new full length and original stories for the readers only found in this collection for a limited time. Collection stats: 1,857 pages/485,737 word count. Total retail value: $35.91
LADIES COME GET YOUR MEN! 18+
Buy now, this set is on sale for .99 for a limited time!AmazonKoboBarnes and Noble

As readers who have seen, bought and read several boxedset with multiple authors, I'm sure you wonder, how did the author chose their particular story? or why did this author decide to do a boxseted set? or What's the purpose?. Well, I'm bringing you those answers.

Today I present to you, Latrivia S. Nelson, the author of "Vasily's Revenge" in Scandalous Heroes...

Nobody does Russian mafia romance, like Latrivia. She has been gracing the literary world with the Medlov series for years and we are soooo grateful for it.

Vasily Kavlov is head of security for the most feared and revered Russian mafia organization in the free world, The Medlov Crime Family. A quiet henchmen with no family, no love life and unyielding loyalty to his bosses, the thirties something bad boy is all work and no play. However, his past quickly comes back to haunt him, when the woman he nearly gave his life for ten years ago is threatened once again by an old enemy. Going to Lilly Rasputin’s aid won’t just be a journey down memory lane, it’s also a jolt to the system when he learns that he’s the father to her child.

Will changing everything in his life, give him new lust for it? And can he trust a woman who was the cause of his near death before?
   
SASSE:Tell me how you came up with the plot for your story in the Scandalous Hero boxed set.
 
Latrivia:Since I introduced Vasily in Anatoly Medlov: Complete Reign, women have been begging me to write a story about him.  I wanted to be able to do just that, but I felt like prior to Saving Anya, people didn’t know enough about him to get a full understanding of how sexy he really could be.  Once we had gained momentum for the second generation of Medlov Men (Anatoly, Gabriel, Vasily and Boris), I felt as though we could present a story devoted strictly to him.    When I started the story, I was really excited. I wanted to introduce some other Russian bad boys, and Leo was all that I had dreamed of (bad, hot, crazy and killable).  LOL. I know I’m twisted, but I can’t write a book where my boys can’t draw blood.  So, we have to create polarizing characters and extreme situations.  
 
SASSE:Is your story connected to a series you write?  Latrivia:The Medlov Men will be a new series devoted to each character (Dmitry Medlov, Anatoly Medlov, Gabriel Medlov and Bodyguards Boris and Vasily).  They will all be short stories, but they are designed to give a contemporary look at each of our favorite men during the height of a serious relationship issue.  We know that they are mafia men, but I think that readers want a more personal look into the life and how they deal with family and life on a daily basis.
 
SASSE:What was the most challenging scene to write?
 
Latrivia:The most challenging scene to write was definitely the scene where Leo breaks out of Attica.  Don’t ask me why, but I found that entire scene to be exhausting.  It was funny.  It occurred to me that I was stressing out.  I had to run a few miles to get the endorphins pumping and then come back and finish.
 
SASSE:Did you have celebrity inspiration for your hero(s) and heroine?  Latrivia:For this particular book, I didn’t have a celebrity in mind.  However, I did do a fun video for fans to tell me who they would pick as their own Vasily.  I love the interaction that I have with fans.  They tell me what type of bad boy that they like, what they don’t have in their realities, so that I can make it a part of their fantasies.  After all, that’s the purpose of writing for me, to entertain my lovely readers.   SASSE:Why did you choose to join the Scandalous Heroes boxed set with these 8 other authors?  Latrivia:When I was approached, I was approached by a friend who is also one of the 9, so I did it because I’d never worked on a project with her, and I was excited about that.  However, the larger vision started to take shape as I realized what we were doing.  This is historic for our genre and it’s relevant to the need for women to control their own destinies.  As a small publisher, it has been an honor to host the ladies and as a writer, it has been a pleasure to work with them.    SASSE:What do you want the readers/romance world to take away from the collection once they read it?   Latrivia:I want readers to walk away feeling completely entertained.  This box set won’t cure cancer, end poverty or eradicate world hunger, but it will entertain you for hours.  It’s the best dollar that you’ll ever invest in a book.  It will take you away from your daily work, from the stresses of your daily life and from the heroics of just being a normal woman. You’ll get to enjoy all sorts of romantic interludes and have a few laughs and cries all for the low price of 99 cents.  And most importantly, you’ll do so with us: Yvette Hines, Sienna Mynx, Bridget Midway, Aliyah Burke, Pepper Pace, Tiana Laveen, Erosa Knowles, Serenity King and Latrivia Nelson. id you have celebrity inspiration for your hero(s) and heroine?
 

ALPHAS, SHIFTERS, DOMS, BILLIONAIRES, BLUE COLLAR HUNKS AND URBAN HEROES: 9 BEST SELLING AUTHORS OF SENSUAL ROMANCE. Celebrity
SCANDALOUS HEROES COLLECTION GIVES READER THE KIND OF BAD BOYS WOMEN LOVE—This collection includes best sellers of USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Authors whose stories reflect the diversity of romance such as contemporary, mafia drama, urban lit, BDSM to paranormal and sci-fi. These authors have taken the time to pen new full length and original stories for the readers only found in this collection for a limited time. Collection stats: 1,857 pages/485,737 word count. Total retail value: $35.91
LADIES COME GET YOUR MEN! 18+
Buy now, this set is on sale for .99 for a limited time!
Amazon
Kobo
Barnes and Noble