MEET HERO: Davison Berkeley from BREATHLESS FOR HIM by Sofia Tate

  

Welcome to RWA/NYC’s Hero Blog Tour.

 

We are interviewing Heroes from New York’s Romance Authors.  You met their Leading Ladies last month.  We know you’ll fall in love with each of these heroes.  We did! 

 

 

 

 

Q:  We have to know – boxers or briefs?

Next question, please.

 

Q:  Where do you work and what kind of car do you drive?

I am the head of my family's company, Berkeley Holdings. I own a Maybach.

 

Q:  Tell us your story.

Before I met Allegra, my life was cold and empty. And then when she entered it, everything changed. I'd never met anyone like her before. She did her best trying to avoid me and put me off, but I always get what I want. And what I wanted was Allegra Orsini. But then I messed up, and only by some miracle, she let me back into her life. Then we faced several obstacles that threatened to keep us apart, but we overcame them, and I will never be apart from her again.

 

Q:  What was the first thing you noticed about the Heroine?

I actually heard Allegra first. She was humming "O Mio Babbino Caro," an opera aria. And then when I saw her gorgeous face, with her cocoa brown eyes and lush lips, I was done.

 

Q:  Describe her looks.

I call her Venus, my goddess. Enough said.

 

Q:  Is the Heroine a sweetheart or a vixen? Does she help or hinder you?

She is both-the perfect combination. She never hinders me. She helps me by always making me want to be a better man.

 

Q:  Do you believe in Happy Ever After or Happy Right Now?

Before I met Allegra, it was Happy For Now. But ever since I've known her, it's Happily Ever After without a single doubt.

 

Q:  Describe your author.  

Sofia Tate grew up in Maplewood, NJ, the oldest of three children in a bilingual family. She was raised on 70s disaster films and 80s British New Wave music and classic tv miniseries. Her love for reading started when she received a set of Judy Blume books from her aunt when she was ten. She discovered erotic romance thanks to Charlotte Featherstone. She loves both writing and reading erotic romance. She graduated from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY, with a degree in International Studies and a minor in Italian. She also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Adelphi University. She has lived in London and Prague. Sofia currently resides in New York City.♥

  

 

MEET HERO: John André, British Army Officer

   

Welcome to RWA/NYC’s Hero Blog Tour.

**Spoiler Alert** This hero is an actual historical figure.  If you’re hooked on the AMC drama series TURN and don’t want to know the fate of one of the historical characters, do not read any further! But if I’ve piqued your interest, read on.

John André – The Controversial Hero
by Lisbeth Eng


Major John André, a British army officer during the American Revolution, was a beloved hero to his country, though a villain to many Americans.  Serving as Adjutant General to the army, he was a favorite aide of the Commander-in-Chief of British forces in America, General Sir Henry Clinton, and headed his intelligence service.

André is forever linked to the most despised traitor in American history, General Benedict Arnold. Embittered by petty grievances and reprimanded by General Washington for dubious business dealings as military commander in Philadelphia, Arnold sought out the British for gold. He demanded the equivalent of one million dollars in today’s money in exchange for betraying West Point, a crucial military fortification, to the British. After petitioning Washington for command of the fort, Arnold schemed to deliver the plans of West Point to the enemy. This would hand the British an important strategic advantage, and perhaps ensure victory for the Crown.

André and Arnold began a correspondence, through coded messages and go-betweens, to negotiate terms for the betrayal. Beyond his exorbitant monetary demands, Arnold wanted to retain his rank as general, but in the British army. The two met in secret on the shore of the Hudson River near the coveted fortress. Fatally for André, the British vessel, which delivered him to the rendezvous and was to return him to the safety of New York, was fired upon by the Americans and forced to sail away without him. André was now compelled to return to his post by passing through enemy lines, disguised as a civilian, with the plans to the fort tucked into his boot. Before reaching the safety of British-held territory, he was captured by suspicious American militiamen, searched and delivered to Continental commanders.

When Arnold got wind of the capture, he fled, just ahead of the pursuing Americans who now realized his duplicity. André alone was left to face the consequences. A military court found him guilty of being a spy and sentenced him to hang.

André was more than a military man; he was a poet, musician, actor and artist and was loved by his colleagues. His commander, General Clinton, was crushed by his death, and a grateful King George III ordered a memorial to André erected in Westminster Abbey.

What makes André’s story poignantly tragic and compelling is his character, and the remarkable relationship he developed with his captors. In the days between his arrest and execution, the American officers who guarded him were impressed by his civility, candor and bravery. Major Benjamin Tallmadge, Washington’s chief of intelligence, declared that had André “been tried by a court of ladies, he is so genteel, handsome and polite a young gentleman that I am confident they would have acquitted him.”

Witnesses who attended the execution testified to his courage and composure. Moments before he fixed the hangman’s noose around his own neck, André called Tallmadge forward and they warmly shook hands. Tallmadge would later write in his memoirs, “I became so deeply attached to Major André that I can remember no instance where my affections were so fully absorbed in any man.” Even Washington, whose hand shook when he signed the death warrant, conceded that André was “more unfortunate than criminal, an accomplished man and gallant officer.”

André remains a controversial figure. There is no denying that he acted as a spy, by disguising himself in civilian clothes within enemy lines and carrying incriminating documents. His connection with Arnold’s treason will forever taint his reputation on this side of the Atlantic. Some historians consider him an arrogant, manipulative and calculating schemer, motivated more by ambition than by a sense of duty to his king.

It is difficult to judge the motivations and character of a historical figure from the distance of over 230 years. I am no historian, though I contend, from the research I’ve done, that André was an honorable man, motivated by patriotism and the chance for military acclaim. Colonel Alexander Hamilton’s words perhaps sum up the feelings of the Americans who got to know André and regretted his death. "Never perhaps did any man suffer death with more justice, or deserve it less."

Young, handsome and brave, André exemplified the classical romantic hero. One witness described his execution as “a tragical scene of the deepest interest,” his grave at the foot of the gallows “consecrated by the tears of thousands.” Remarkably, those were the tears of his enemies.♥

Lisbeth Eng writes historical romance and loves doing research. Her World War II romance, IN THE ARMS OF THE ENEMY, is available in paperback and e-book at Amazon, B&N and other online booksellers. Her current work-in-progress is a romance set during the American Revolution.  Please visit her at www.lisbetheng.com.

MEET HERO: Randy Jones from SWEET JAZZ by Ursula Renée

Welcome to RWA/NYC’s Hero Blog Tour.

 

We are interviewing Heroes from New York’s Romance Authors.  You met their Leading Ladies last month.  We know you’ll fall in love with each of these heroes.  We did! 

 

Ursula: Eli, this is Randy’s interview, why are you here?

Eli: Florence said she had so much fun sitting in on Cass’s interview, I figured, why not?

Ursula: Randy?

Randy: It’s all right. Eli’s cool.

Ursula: Okay, then let’s begin. People want to know, what type of underwear do you prefer? Loose or fitted?

Eli: Um…that’s more information than I wanted to know.

Randy: That’s more information than I care to share. That’s reserved for a sassy gal.

Ursula: Then, how about something tamer? Where do you work and what kind of car do you drive?

Randy: I play sax at The Big House and I don’t own car.

Eli: Man, I was thinking about selling mine. You interested?

Randy: I wouldn’t have much use for it. You know, with Cass’s fear of cars.

Eli: She’s been off the farm for six years and hasn’t gotten use to ‘em. What happens if she goes back down south?

Randy: I guess she’ll go back to the mule and wagon.

Ursula: Umm, fellas…Cass had her turn in the spotlight. This is supposed to be about you, Randy. So, tell us your story.

Randy: Two cats tryin’ to play a prank on me sent me own to a coloreds only club to audition. The prank backfired when Cass spoke up for me and I got the gig. Unfortunately, not everyone at The Big House was as welcoming.

Eli:I don’t know how you put up with those jokers.

Randy: My desire to play the sax is strong. Besides, after I get involved with Cass, I have another incentive to stay.

Eli: And, you don’t find it hard dealing with those who don’t like you hanging around a colored woman?

Randy: Actually, it’s Cass fear of opening her heart that causes problems.

Ursula: What was your first impression of Cass?

Randy: I was wonderin’ what a kid was doin’ hangin’ out in a club.

Ursula: Why?

Randy: When she’d not on stage, Cass wears very modest dresses, socks and canvas shoes. She also prefers to wear her hair in two braids with ribbons. However, when she steps on stage, she’s a beauty.

Randy: Is the Cass a sweetheart or a vixen?

Eli: Cass is the sassiest woman you will ever meet.

Randy: There’s no arguing with that. However, despite her sass, she’s a sweetheart. She was in my corner from the moment I first stepped foot into The Big House.

Ursula: Do you believe in Happy Ever After or Happy Right Now?

Randy: I prefer the Happy Ever After, but with Cass, I can’t push things, else I’ll scare her off. Therefore, I’m learning to accept the Happy Right Now and wait ‘til she’s ready.

Ursula: Describe your author.

Randy: I won’t be like Cass and mention the author’s inability to carry a note.

Eli: Ummm…I think you just did.

Randy: Hmmm…I guess I did.

Ursula: Remember, I created you guys. Your future is in my hands.

Randy: In that case, I’ll mention that Ursula writes historical romances. She also enjoys photography, drawing and stone carving.♥
 

BOOK COVER FRIDAY: THE DRESSMAKER'S DUKE by Jess Russell

  

WELCOME TO BOOK COVER FRIDAYS!

Every week we bring you an exciting hot book cover from one of

New York's Leading Romance Authors. Enjoy!

 

 

THE DRESSMAKER'S DUKE

by Jess Russell

The Wild Rose Press

www.jessicarussell.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEET HERO: Sam Stewart from MURDER IN PARADISE by Carolyn Gibbs

 

Welcome to RWA/NYC’s Hero Blog Tour.

 

We are interviewing Heroes from New York’s Romance Authors.  You met their Leading Ladies last month.  We know you’ll fall in love with each of these heroes.  We did! 

 

Q: We have to know – boxers or briefs?

Is anything private anymore? If you must know, briefs.

 

Q: Where do you work and what kind of car do you drive?

I’m an author, I write thrillers and crime novels, and most recently romantic suspense with Claire Jenkins. I drive a BMW convertible.

 

Q: Have you ever posed for a Male Calendar? Would you? If so, what month would you be and why?

I’ve never posed for a calendar, just the thought makes me laugh. If I did it would have to be February, it’s short so I won’t be on display too long, and it’s cold so I can cover up. I don’t mind showing off for Claire, but everyone else shouldn’t get a freebie.

 

Q: Tell us your story.

While attending the Hawaii Writer’s Conference, my writing partner, Claire Jenkins comes across what she thinks is a murder scene. My first instinct is to protect Claire, which isn’t always as easy as it should be. To complicate matters, the suspect is a big fan of Claire’s and her friend Amy, and we wind up being invited by them to Maui. Claire and I pretend to be a couple in an attempt to get close to the suspect, and wind up sharing a hotel room. I’m not complaining one bit, just thinking about it brings a sly smile to my face. Lots of other things happen in this story, but for me, that’s one of my favorite moments.

 

Q: What was the first thing you noticed about the Heroine?

When I first met Claire, I think I would have to say it was her confidence, and the way she carried herself. And of course those beautiful brown eyes made me do a double take.

 

Q: Is the Heroine a sweetheart or a vixen? Does she help or hinder you?

Claire is definitely a sweetheart, but she often wants to do things her way and hates it when I try to keep things from her. But I’m trying to protect her. In the past, I lost someone that I loved because I wasn’t around to protect her when she needed me, and I’ll never forget it. I’m not going to let that happened to Claire.

 

Q: Do you believe in Happy Ever After or Happy Right Now?

As a thriller writer, I’m used to creating the happy right now ending, but in my own life I’m hoping Claire and I are heading towards a happy ever after.

 

Q: Who’s your favorite superhero – Captain America, Superman, Iron Man, Batman? 

I think my favorite superhero would have to be Iron Man. Tony is a real man who’s the head of an empire, kind of like the characters I create. You know us writes love to live vicariously through our characters. ♥

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Carolyn Gibbs author of MURDER IN PARADISE, a romantic suspense from Secret Cravings Publishing, is a recovering news professional who’s worked on everything from perp walks to movie premieres. Her romances are steeped in realism, bringing two unlikely people together, usually kicking and screaming, into each other’s arms. Read more about her writing at www.carolyngibbsbooks.com.

 

MEET HERO: Paul Marion Keane from STARLING by Racheline Maltese & Erin McRae

  

Welcome to RWA/NYC’s Hero Blog Tour.

 

We are interviewing Heroes from New York’s Romance Authors.  You met their Leading “Ladies” last month.  We know you’ll fall in love with each of these heroes.  We did! 

 

Q:  We have to know – boxers or briefs?
Don’t y’all usually ask Alex these questions? Boxers.


Q:   Where do you work and what kind of car do you drive?
Los Angeles, land of failed dreams and porn. Actually, I write for TV. I drive a Ford Explorer.


Q:   Have you ever posed for a Male Calendar? Would you? If so, what month would you be and why?
No, no, no, nope, and no. Look, I work out a lot, but I’m a writer for a reason, and that’s happening never.


Q:  Tell us your story.
My boyfriend left me and took our dog because I’m a workaholic who wasn’t moving up the ranks of L.A. success fast enough. So now I’m obsessed with this production assistant Victor dragged out from behind the camera and onto the show I write for. He’s stunning, and he trusts me in some weird way I don’t get. Whenever everything about his fairytale life freaks him out, somehow he’s in my office… or lately, in my bed. I want him all to myself, but so does everyone in America.


Q:   What was the first thing you noticed about the “Heroine?”
Don’t do that, Alex gets sensitive about that. First thing I noticed was him sucking face with my intern and blocking the coffee machine. Not cool.


Q:  Describe his looks.
Very ginger, very freckled, bee-stung lips. And if I call him a twink, he’ll murder me.
 

Q:  Is the he a sweetheart or a vixen? Does he help or hinder you?

Yes. He’s all those things. I’d be a mess without him. Sometimes I’m a mess with him too, but we’re working on that.

 

 

Q:   Do you believe in Happy Ever After or Happy Right Now?

Both. The first one doesn’t mean anything without the second.

 

 

Q:  Who’s your favorite superhero – Captain America, Superman, Iron Man, Batman?

Like that I identify with, or like that I want to do? Because I’m totally Batman, but I’d roll over for that Iron Man charisma in a heartbeat.

 

 

Q:   Describe your author.

 Racheline Maltese and Erin McRae's first novel, STARLING, will be published on September 10, 2014; its sequel, DOVES, will be out January 21, 2015. Both are from Torquere Press. Their short story "Lake Effect" will also be a part of Torquere's June 2014 anthology, THEY DO. When not writing romance, Racheline is a frequent essayist on pop culture topics, while Erin applies her knowledge of international relations theory to their screen-based projects, because conflict drives narrative. You can find them at www.Avian30.com.♥

  

 

 

MEET HERO: Dr. Marcus Sandler from HONEY by Hope Tarr & Jenna Jameson

  

Welcome to RWA/NYC’s Hero Blog Tour.

 

We are interviewing Heroes from New York’s Romance Authors.  You met their Leading Ladies last month.  We know you’ll fall in love with each of these heroes.  We did! 

 

Q:  We have to know – boxers or briefs?
Boxers.


Q:   Where do you work and what kind of car do you drive?
I work in the ER of Bellevue Hospital Center in Manhattan. Like most native New Yorkers, I don’t own a car. I lease a rental when I need to drive outside the city.


Q:   Have you ever posed for a Male Calendar? Would you? If so, what month would you be and why?
Ladies, pul-ease. I am a respected and respectable physician—though I have been known to get my “Magic Mike” on a time or two—but only in the service of saving Honey.


Q:   Tell us your story.
I grew up in Spanish Harlem, one of four kids raised by our widowed mother. My mom is old school, strict but fair. You might even say she was my first hero. Through hard work and sacrifice, I got myself to college and later to medical school. I chose emergency medicine as my field because I felt it was where I could help the most, make the greatest impact in the real lives of real people. But the burnout rate among emergency medical personnel is high for good reason. The shit—stuff—you see blows your mind and sometimes your faith in your fellow man (and woman). For sure Honey Gladwell wasn’t the first victim of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) to end up on my exam table but, you know, there was something about her—the way she held herself despite the dire situation, the whip smart comebacks she came up with, the misguided loyalty and pride she so stubbornly hung onto—that had me seeing her as more than another case, another “victim.”


Q:   What was the first thing you noticed about the Heroine?
Her fractured wrist and blackened eye, unfortunately. You see, her married “boyfriend,” Drew Winterthur, hit the scotch too hard and ended up hitting Honey, too. Son-of-a-bitch did a real number on her. Her injuries landed her in my ER. That’s how we met. Once we did, I couldn’t seem to get her out of my head. I broke a bunch of rules, and possibly several laws, by showing up at her Park Avenue apartment to make sure she was okay, but I couldn’t stop myself. Something about her was—is—just so special. The rest, as they say, is history. ((grin))


Q:   Describe her looks.
She’s gorgeous, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. I’ve never known anyone like her before. She looks a lot like the legendary screen actress Audrey Hepburn—they both have brown hair, soulful brown eyes, and slender bodies. And of course the clothes and makeup and hairstyle all help. I mean, she really works it, goes all out to cultivate the resemblance. But what I call her “upside down” mouth makes her unique—and totally sexy. I just wish she’d spend a little more time being herself.


Q:   Is the Heroine a sweetheart or a vixen? Does she help or hinder you?
Honey is equal parts both, a sexy woman-child with a wild side. Fortunately the latter only comes out when we’re alone—or in a dark movie theater. ((blushes))


Q:   Do you believe in Happy Ever After or Happy Right Now?
I’d like to think Honey and I have HEA in our future but sometimes I’m not so sure. I know this much: I’m crazy about her. Flat out over the freakin’ moon in love. I just wish she’d let down some of those barriers she’s put up and be herself. How many times have I said, “Just be real with me, baby.” Really, it’s all I’ve ever asked. And yet…Sometimes I feel like she’s still playing a part—and maybe playing me, too. She’s definitely keeping some seriously heavy secrets from me.


Q:   Who’s your favorite superhero – Captain America, Superman, Iron Man, Batman?
Iron Man—what I could do with that suit, starting with sweeping Miss Honey straight off her dainty feet.


Q:   Describe your author.
Oh, Hope is cool. She cares about Honey almost as much as I do, which is why she keeps encouraging her to become her own person, including getting her GED and pursuing her passion, photography, rather than falling back into her previous pattern of relying solely on a man—even if that man is me. Hope’s the author of twenty-five novels including HONEY as well as a cofounder and current curator of Lady Jane’s Salon®, NYC’s first—and still only—monthly romance reading series, now in its sixth year. The Salon donates all its net proceeds to Win (formerly Women in Need), a great NYC based charity that helps disadvantaged women build positive, independent lives for themselves and their kids. Hope’s also the editor and publisher of Scribbling Women & the Real-Life Romance Heroes Who Love Them, a Chocolate for a Woman’s Soul styled charity anthology. All net sales are donated to—you guessed it—Win. You can find Hope online at www.HopeTarr.com. www.Facebook.com/HopeC.Tarr and www.Twitter.com/HopeTarr. ♥
  
 

MEET HERO: Michael Cross from MAFIA GIRL by Deborah Blumenthal

  

Welcome to RWA/NYC’s Hero Blog Tour.

 

We are interviewing Heroes from New York’s Romance Authors.  You met their Leading Ladies last month.  We know you’ll fall in love with each of these heroes.  We did! 

 

 

 

Q:  We have to know –boxers or briefs?

Briefs.


Q:  Where do you work and what kind of car do you drive?
I’m a cop. A Chevy Camaro


Q:  Have you ever posed for a Male Calendar?
Jesus, no. Would you? No. No. No.


Q:  Tell us your story.
I’m on the Henry Hudson looking out for speeders and this Porsche flies by. I pull it over and ID the two hot girls, and my luck, the passenger is the daughter of the Don. Right. I look at her and she looks at me, her middle finger in the air when I ask for her ID and, you get the picture, our lives change forever after that because, I mean, it’s got to be destiny that the two of us met, right? And anyway, Gia doesn't understand no.


Q:  What was the first thing you noticed about the Heroine?
Her eyes. Or maybe her lips. Or her cleavage? You know, I can’t think straight when I’m around her.  She has blond/brown hair, falling just right over her shoulders. Eyes that don’t let go of you. Perfect skin, perfect body, actually perfect everything.


Q:  Is the Heroine a sweetheart or a vixen?
Oh definitely a vixen.


Q:  Does she help or hinder you?
Hinder.


Q:  Do you believe in Happy Ever After or Happy Right Now?
I’ll go with happy right now.


Q:  Who’s your favorite superhero – Captain America, Superman, Iron Man, Batman?
Sorry, no heroes in my life.


Q:  Describe your author.   
Deborah Blumenthal is the author of sixteen books, most of them for children. MAFIA GIRL is her third young adult novel. Before writing books, Blumenthal wrote beauty and health articles for The New York Times. ♥
  
 

MEET HERO: Einar from THE DARKENSS OF GLENGOWYN (Fire and Tears #2) by Isabo Kelly

  

Welcome to RWA/NYC’s Hero Blog Tour.

 

We are interviewing Heroes from New York’s Romance Authors.  You met their Leading Ladies last month.  We know you’ll fall in love with each of these heroes.  We did! 

 

Q:  We have to know – boxers or briefs?
Einar: My author had to clarify this question for me. The answer is none of the above.


Q:  Where do you work and what kind of car do you drive?
Einar: I’m the personal bodyguard to the king and queen of Glengowyn. And I ride a horse.


Q:  Have you ever posed for a Male Calendar? Would you? If so, what month would you be and why?
Einar: This required some more clarification from my author. She says I would be December because that’s the month with the longest night. I must agree with this assessment. Also, no I have never posed for any such thing and I’m not sure I would. But I do like my author’s choice of months.


Q:  Tell us your story.  
Einar: I’m dangerous. Very dangerous. And my king and queen value that, which is why I’m their personal bodyguard. I also have an affinity with the owls of Glengowyn, but that’s a side of me few pay attention to. At the end of the last goblin war, when I dared to attempt a relationship with the woman I’ve loved since the moment I saw her, my sovereigns ordered me to give her up. Two hundred years later, they’ve ordered me to escort her into the war-torn city of Sinnale. I’m best qualified to keep her safe, but the journey will be torture. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to uphold the sovereigns’ orders to keep my hands off Nuala. For Nuala, though, I would do anything. And if that means taking her into Sinnale and getting her back out safely, without giving in to my desire, I will do that.


Q:  What was the first thing you noticed about the Heroine?
Einar: Her eyes… I love her eyes. Because when she looks at me, she sees me, not the Darkness.


Q:  Describe her looks.
Einar: She’s beautiful, tall and willowy, but strong. Her eyes are a gorgeous green ringed by dark lashes. Her hair is silky and blond, long, tempting… And when she gets that wicked gleam in her eyes…there’s nothing in the world as delicious.


Q:  Is the Heroine a sweetheart or a vixen? Does she help or hinder you?
Einar:  Both sweetheart and vixen to me. For others… I have no idea and don’t really care. Except for the vixen part. I would care very much if she acted that way with another man. She’s always helped me. Always.


Q:  Do you believe in Happy Ever After or Happy Right Now?
Einar: I didn’t believe in either for a long time. Now…I would like to see Happily Ever After. If I’m allowed a future with Nuala, it will definitely be Happily Ever After.


Q:  Who’s your favorite superhero – Captain America, Superman, Iron Man, Batman?
Einar: After some discussion with my author, I think Batman and I would have the most in common and therefore get along best. But the others seem worthy heroes.


Q:  Describe your author.  
Einar: Isabo Kelly is a talented author who puts up with a lot from her cast of characters. She writes fantasy and science fiction romances, and lives in New York City with her husband, two sons and their dog—the dog needs more training and is lucky he’s cute. She tells me there’s more about my and Nuala’s story at her website www.isabokelly.com. And that you can find her on Twitter @IsaboKelly and Facebook www.facebook.com/IsaboKelly. ♥
  
 

MEET HERO: Sandy from THE SILENCE OF THE STARS by Kate McMurray

 

Welcome to RWA/NYC’s Hero Blog Tour.

 

We are interviewing Heroes from New York’s Romance Authors.  You met their Leading "Ladies "last month.  We know you’ll fall in love with each of these heroes.  We did! 

 

 

 

 

Hi, I’m Sandy. You may have met me in a book called THE STARS THAT TREMBLE, but my story is told in THE SILENCE OF THE STARS. Let's get this over with. 

 

 

Q:  We have to know – boxers or briefs?

Briefs, assuming I’m wearing anything. I spent over twelve years in the Army. Boxers don’t really go well under the uniform. I mean, that’s why the call it commando, you know?

 

 

Q:  Where do you work and what kind of car do you drive?

I work for my buddy Mike at his interior renovation firm. I run the Brooklyn branch of the company. I drive this fifteen-year-old green sedan that’s mostly rust and is held together by duct tape and prayers. I hate driving, so if I could scrap the car entirely I would, but first Brooklyn needs better intra-borough mass transit.

 

 

Q:  Have you ever posed for a Male Calendar?  Would you? If so, what month would you be and why?

Uh, that’s a negative. If you forced me at gunpoint, I’d pose for a month like July. Mike says he started calling me Sandy when we were kids because of my sunny good looks. So it’s not just a clever name. (My real name is Alexander. The only person who calls me that is my senile grandma, though, so don’t you dare!)

 

 

Q:  Tell us your story. 

I got hired to do the kitchen renovation for the hottest guy I had ever laid eyes on. Apparently that feeling was mutual. We got along like gangbusters. When we started dating, I wanted to keep it casual, but it soon became clear that Everett was put on this planet just for me. That worked out for me because I’ve always wanted a family, and at almost-forty, that was looking like it wouldn’t happen. But of course, we had a lot of nonsense to work out. My head isn’t screwed on quite right. Kind of a long story, but my last tour in Afghanistan didn’t go so well. I got hurt pretty bad, although after a bunch of surgeries, I’m good as new. At least on the outside.

 

 

Q:  What was the first thing you noticed about Everett?

Aside from the smoking body? Well, he’s got a little chin dimple. I’m a sucker for a chin dimple.

 

 

Q:  Describe his looks.

He’s on the tall side, kind of willowy, but substantial, too. He’s naturally thin, but a gym avoider. Brown hair, pretty eyes. He has really soft skin.

 

 

Q:  Is the Hero a sweetheart or a vixen?  Does he help or hinder you?

This question originally said “heroine” but I laughed picturing Everett as a sweetheart or a vixen, so I’m keeping it. He’s definitely more of a sweetheart, but he has a wicked streak and, let’s say a vivid imagination. He never hinders me in any way; if anything his presence in my life gave me the push I needed to finally seek help for my… issues.

 

 

Q:  Do you believe in Happy Ever After or Happy Right Now?

Ever after. We’re not married or anything, but I see us being together until death do we part.

 

 

Q:  Who’s your favorite superhero – Captain America, Superman, Iron Man, Batman? 

Batman, obviously. He’s got all those cool gadgets!

 

 

Q:  Describe your author. 

Kate McMurray is an award-winning author of gay romance and an unabashed romance fan. [Aren’t we all, honey?] When she’s not writing, she works as a nonfiction editor, dabbles in various crafts, plays the violin, and is maybe a tiny bit obsessed with baseball. [Baseball is the only sport. Go Yankees!] She’s currently serving as President of Rainbow Romance Writers, the LGBT romance chapter of Romance Writers of America. She lives in Brooklyn, NY. Visit her at www.katemcmurray.com. ♥