Wednesday, May 8, 2013

TVBT: BABY STETSON by Nikki Lynn Barrett, Interview, Review and Giveaway @tastybooktours #giveaway


Giveaway
 
Nikki is hosting a Tour Wide Giveaway for
A $20.00 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
Enter Rafflecopter Giveaway Below
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In small Texas towns, strangers come and go...
Left in a Stetson hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive parents, she's never lacked for love...only the knowledge of her past.

By day she works the Inn, but by night...Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good...stable, until new guests blew into town.

Some strangers come with secrets and lies.
Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn't matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony's Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery.

Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery's ignited within, he's intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn't want Avery to know. Each time they're near the other things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie. But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.
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Sizzlin Sneak Peak 
 
 
“Wow.  This is a nice kitchen,” Lucas said, closing the door behind him.

 

Avery faced him.  “You like to cook?”

 

“Oh yeah.  I learned at a young age that I had to take care of myself, so I taught myself to cook.  Now it’s something I enjoy.”

 

“Are you good at it?”

 

“I’m good at a lot of things, Avery.”  Lucas closed the gap between them.

 

Too close, too close!

 

She couldn’t back up anymore, though.  Behind her was the counter.  Her back was already pressed up against it.  Lucas looked at her like he wanted to devour her.

 
“Lucas...”

 

“I know I need to stay away from you, Avery.  All I want is one kiss.  I’ve got to taste you.  Tell me no, right now, and I’ll back away.”

 

Lucas pressed his body to hers.  He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her to him.  His face, only inches from hers, lowered.  “Tell me now, Avery.  Because if you don’t, I’m going to kiss you.”

 

Don’t!  No!  Yes!  Do it!  No!

 

She couldn’t get the words out.  All she could think about were Lucas’s lips, mere inches from hers, sexy, tempting, inviting.  Avery opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out.

 

“I’m not supposed to be so attracted to you, Avery,” Lucas whispered, then his lips crashed down on hers.

 

He cupped her face, pulling her into his kiss.  She didn’t even have time to decipher what that comment meant.  Avery tilted her head upward, responding to his kiss.  She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders as her fingers dug into them.  Holy hell, this man could kiss.  The deep urgency of his kisses drove her mad.

 

“Lucas,” she muttered against his lips.  His touch was lethal.  It wasn’t supposed to feel this good.  Or amazing.  Or sensational.  Avery wasn’t supposed to react to him this way.  She didn’t even know this man!  Oh, but she knew his gaze, so intent on her, and she was fixated on him.

 

“Yes, Avery?”

 

He trailed kisses along her neck now.  Desire burned within, igniting quickly.  His lips were back on hers now.  He darted his tongue out, touching the corners of Avery’s lips, pushing his way in gently.  Avery opened for him, needing another taste.  Lucas’s erection pressed into her, only making her want him more.  She lost all senses, other than to kiss him.  Lucas hoisted her up, still pressing her against the counter.  Avery squealed and wrapped her legs around him.  More fiery kisses came next.  His tongue was gentle, daring, inquiring.

 

“Avery.”  He moaned against her lips, nipping lightly.  “I want to take you to-”

 

They broke apart as the sound of loud voices neared.  Lucas put her down quickly and backed away from her.

~~~~~
 
 
Baby Stetson
Love and Music in Texas #1
Nikki Lynn Barrett
Released March 19th, 2013
ebook
Gifted by: Tasty Book Tours
Reviewed by: Lisa
 
 
 
BABY STETSON is sweet, heart-warming and an all-around a nice read!  Nikki Lynn shows true writing potential with her sophomore release, and I can see that with a little trimming, her talent can really shine. 

With me being a HUGE fan of the show NASHVILLE, I have been diggin on these Country Singer Romances lately, and BABY STETSON has the perfect mix of Romance, Suspense and Drama to make for a fun read for any fan of the show. 

Avery, our heroine, is a pint sized spark plug, with a little sass in her step, and boy is she gonna need it after getting involved in some Full On Soap Drama!!  And with Lucas, as her sexy leading man, yeah..maybe we should try to get a show made out of it!

I will be honest and say that at times it was a bit lengthy, and I would have liked more dialogue between the characters, but other than that, I really did enjoy the read and if you are looking for a Country Queen, a Broody Hero and some Soap Channel Drama...well...I'd say ya need to grab up BABY STETSON!
 
 
 
 
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Q&A with Nikki
 
 
I am so excited to have Nikki Lynn Barrett, author of BABY STETSON, here hanging out with me today!  Nikki is not only an author, but a Storm Goddess and a Songstress....
 
A Tasty Read: So TWO published books....can you tell us a bit about them?
 
Nikki Lynn Barrett: First, I want to say thank you so much for having me on your blog today! It's very appreciated.
 
Two, yes, two! I still shiver with excitement as I think of myself as a published author. It's a pretty neat dream to be living, that's for sure.
 
My debut book was The Secret Santa Wishing Well. I wanted to write a Christmas story, as I love the holidays and love holiday books and movies.  I wrote the first draft of 38,000 words in about six weeks, only writing three days a week. The story just came to me so easily.  Grueling revisions and about 16,000 words later, the story was ready.
 
I wanted a story about a man who was a bit jaded about the holidays, and how a child could help to lift his spirits.  When I created Jacob, I fell in love with him instantly. He's a good guy, but he's hurting, and his spirit has been shattered.  I loved the connection I created between Jacob and six year old Ben, which ultimately led Jacob to Cheyenne,  Ben's mom.
 
It's one of those books that is emotional, sweet, funny, and tender. Kind of like a lifetime or Hallmark movie. (And yes, I have had a few people tell me it would be awesome for TSSWW to be a Hallmark or Lifetime movie, lol)   That story has made an impact on readers.  It never made a bestseller list or made me six figures, but I'll never forget the way readers responded to that book. 
 
Now, for Baby Stetson...I had a blast writing this book! There is instant chemistry between Avery and Lucas, and I was surprised at a few of the events that unfolded in the story.  It's my fifth completed novel, and my longest to date. The first draft finished at just over 96,000.  I still can't get enough of Avery and Lucas. Their passion, their chemistry, and their deeper connection just grabbed me and their story flowed.  It's the start of the Love and Music in Texas series, and I never thought I'd write a series, but there it is.  That means I can write more of two of my favorite characters :)  It's along the same lines as Secret Santa- emotional, funny, full of family and love.
 
I feel great that my muse is back on track and that I could write stories that readers are enjoying.


ATR: How to you juggle, Mom, Reader, Reviewer, Writer, Wife? 
 
Nikki: It's a crazy, wild ride, but it helps that I have support. I write while my son is in preschool. He's gone for the morning, so I use that time to write. As for reader and reviewer, well I am a very fast reader. Always have been. I read at night, or lately, during the day when I take my son out in the backyard to play. He has a glider swing that he will spend hours on, singing and laughing, so I sit on the swing and read and listen to his laughing.  I work on my blogs at night too.  My husband is very supportive, so he gives me that extra time to write or blog when I need it. He'll take Little man out for some fun. Plus, my husband is just as crazy as me, with zillions of ideas and projects, so he understands my spinning world  of activities.


ATR: In this field, the support of your family is huge!  Do you have a writing ritual?  Do you need to be in a certain room, or have music playing? 
 
Nikki: Our spare room in the house is being converted into a library (it's not finished. Time, money, etc has stopped us lol) My computer desk is in here ad this is where I write. I put my music on, so that I have something to get lost in, and just let the words flow.  I have to make sure I can drown out the distractions in the house. At least my son isn't home, but I do have extra people staying here that don't know when to be quiet.....

ATR: Quite...oh how I miss quite!  You readers may not know this, but you are a karaoke Queen, correct?  What is your "Go To"song?
 
Nikki: Me? Karaoke Queen? Well.....*Blushes*   I do love to sing. Like writing, it's a great release.  As for go-to song? It depends on my mood.  Sometimes I want to sing a song that is full of passion and emotion, sometimes I sing one that's sassy and sarcastic... While I listen to pretty much anything, when it comes to singing, my heart is in country music.
Now, as long as you don't throw tomatoes, or anything else at me....I guess I'll show you this video of me singing....an author had a 'singing' challenge on Facebook a few years ago, so I recorded myself and posted it.   Have you ever heard the song from Jo Dee Messina titled 'My Give a Damn's Busted?'
 
Just don't mind my goofy self or my messy background. The background has gotten cleaner and better....my goofy self....not so much....
 
 

ATR: Great voice!  Aside from music inspiration, who are some authors who inspire you?  
 
Nikki: Ooh, there are many!  Luanne Rice. I love her emotionally engaging stories.  Same for Diane Chamberlain.  Summer's Child is one of my FAVORITE stories from her!   Maya Banks....she was my introduction to erotic romance and totally changed my opinion about the genre..  Stephanie Bond- sassy, fun and enjoyable. Those are just a few!


ATR: What are you currently working on? 
 
Nikki: Right now I'm working on Love and Music in Texas, Book 2. This is Jameson and Melody's story.  I could totally get the hang of writing a series!
 
ATR: Thanks so much for stopping by today and hanging out!  Excited to see what you have in store for Jameson.
 
Keep in touch with Nikki
 
www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett
https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor
@Stormgoddess925 on Twitter
 
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21 comments:

Unknown said...

Good Ole' Boy Country Superstar :)

Unknown said...

Good ole country boy

Steph2012 said...

Bad boy rock star!

krg said...

Depends on the day! lol

Nikki said...

Hmm. Can't figure out on this one how to reply to each comment, sorry!

@LIsa- Love country superstars!

Yvonne- agreed!

Steph- I like a bad boy rockstar, too.

@ KRg- lol. Depends on the day, I like that!

Nikki said...

Thank you so much for hosting me today! I'm glad you enjoyed Baby Stetson. BTW, I'm a HUGE fan of the show Nashville, too! And it would be awesome for Baby Stetson to be a show, or movie. haha. :)

Ella Quinn - Romance Novelist said...

Great interview. I tweeted.

Maria D. said...

Loved the excerpt! Fun interview too - really liked the music video - good voice:)

I myself probably would go for the rock star just because that's what I've listened to most of my life:)

Good luck with the new release and the tour

Nikki said...

Thank you so much, Ella!

@Maria- that's one of my favorite excerpts from the book :)
Glad you liked the video, lol. Singing is calming for me.

I like rock stars, too, but I felt like the genre needed more country. I listen to everything, but found my heart in country music as a teenager.

Thanks for stopping by!

Di said...

Probably the Good Ole' Boy Country Superstar - as long as he truly is down to earth good guy.

Meghan said...

I LOVE me some country music so I would told choose good old country boy!!

Unknown said...

I love Good Ole Country Boy.

Kary said...

Congrats, Nikki! Great interview.

Nikki said...

Di, Meghan, Victoria- I love country too! :)

Kary- Thanks! Appreciate you coming by!

Liza O'Connor said...

No one has ever sung to me in a blog before. You've a love voice.

But it gives me an idea how to torture my blog followers.

Brenda said...

Nikki, WOW!!! You are amazing!

Nikki said...

@ Liza...you crack me up. :) Glad to be the first to blog sing to ya :)

@Brenda...awww...you say the nicest things :)

bn100 said...

Good Ole' Boy Country Superstar

Quilt Lady said...

Good Ole' country boy!

Quilt Lady said...

Sorry I forget to mention I entered under the name of Virginia

Unknown said...

hmmm probably rock star :)