Monday, April 6, 2015

[Book Tour] Dangerous Love by Kara Leigh Miller and Jody Holford #Interview


Dangerous Love by Kara Leigh Miller and Jody Holford
Anaiah Romance



Blurb:
He’s fighting to forget his past while she struggles to remember hers...

Doctor Josh Parker lives with guilt about his wife’s death every day.
He believes himself incapable of ever loving again, but when a
mysterious woman arrives in the Emergency Room, brutally beaten and
left for dead, he starts to feel something he hasn’t felt in far too long:
hope.

Alessandra Matthews has no memory of the events that led to her being
hospitalized. Worse, she has no idea who hurt her or why. Although she’s
uncertain of who she is, she is fully aware of one thing -- she’s falling
for her doctor.

Sometimes, what you don’t know can kill you...

As Josh and Alessa work to solve the mystery surrounding her past, she
soon realizes just how much danger she’s really in, but Josh refuses to
let her face the darkness of her memories alone. With each of them
struggling to put their pasts behind them, theirs is a DANGEROUS LOVE.


Release Date:
March 3, 2015


Book Links:
What sparked your interest in becoming a romance writer?

JODY: I’ve always loved romance. When I was growing up, my mom used to always buy True Story magazine and I’d read them. It never occurred to me to become a romance writer until I started trying to submit my children’s books to agents. When I started actively seeking publication, ideas unfolded and the most natural fit felt like romance. I love happily ever after. I love that moment in a book that makes your stomach dip. When I started writing more, I wanted to write those moments.

KARA: Originally, my go-to genres were mysteries and horror -- Stephen King, Dean Koontz, James Patterson, etc. So, naturally, when I started my own writing career, I aimed to emulate them. And I failed miserably. lol. No matter how hard I tried, my stories were always heavy on the romance. I took this as a sign and decided to try my hand at a romance novel. But first, I bought a LOT of them and read up in the genre. I’ve been hooked ever since. I couldn’t imagine writing anything else now.

Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?

JODY: I don’t plan them all out. Characters tend to jump into my stories. I’ll know who the key players are, what they want, where they come from and what baggage they are bringing with them. But others sometimes find their way in as the story unfolds. Sometimes the characters that you never knew were going to appear steal the show.

KARA: I usually have a basic idea of who my characters are -- name, age, profession, physical description -- but beyond that, they develop as I write. I am so NOT a planner. At all. For anything. Except doctor’s appointments. I plan for those. But my characters? Nope. They totally rule the roost. I do as they say, when they say.

What type of book have you always wanted to write?

JODY: One that matters. One that makes people smile and feel good. I think I’m writing the books I’ve always wanted to write. Between co-authoring and writing independently, I’m getting a chance to tell the stories that get stuck in my head.

KARA: I’ve always wanted to write a book that takes place around a cause near and dear to my heart: Pit bulls. I know. It sounds kind of corny. lol. But I own two pit bulls. They are so gentle and are so misunderstood. I’d love to write a romance centered around a couple who are as passionate for this breed of dog that I am. Maybe the hero and heroine could both be working at a rescue center or something.

What’s the last movie you watched and loved?

JODY: Oh my goodness! I was just going to say I watched the Avengers not long ago and really liked it and then I glanced ahead and Kara wrote that too! But, I’m also going to add that I love sports movies. So, if the Blind Side, For Love of the Game, The Rookie, or Remember the Titans are on, I’m watching. And I should add, I play no sports whatsoever. Unless sleep is a sport.

KARA: Wow. This is a hard one. I’m a huge movie buff, and love just about everything I watch. But if I had to pick one, it would have to be The Avengers. There’s just so much to love about that movie, and I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am for the second one coming out soon!

What is your favorite scene in your new release?

JODY: I’m really happy with our book. One scene that matters to me a lot though is when Josh and Alessa are on their date. Learning what is and isn’t okay in Christian romance was a learning curve for me but I think it made me stronger at getting emotions on the page. So, when they’re at the aquarium, it’s very sensual and sweet. They don’t actually kiss, but the romantic tension between them is very strong and genuine. I love that they have that much chemistry between them, that they’re learning the other person, and that they forget themselves now and again because they’re so focused on each other.

KARA: Another tough question! lol. I love every scene in this book, but there is one that really stands out in my mind. This specific scene was crystal clear to me very early on in the writing process. I could close my eyes and see it playing out. After Alessa is released from the hospital, she’s sitting outside on a bench, it’s pouring rain, and Josh approaches. It was so emotional, and I think one of the reasons I love it so much is because it’s the first time Josh truly puts himself out there since his wife’s death years prior. Both he and Alessa are taking a huge chance -- on each other and themselves. It’s very powerful.

Flirting Questions (Choose 5)

Which actor or book character do you have a crush on?
JODY: Can I only have one? In a book, I’d say Levi from the book Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. Actor? Hmm. I’m pretty crazy about Gabriel Macht right now. Suits is such a good show. And he looks really good in a suit.

KARA: I suppose I’m not allowed to chose a character from my own books, huh? lol. Okay, okay. Hmm… I’d have to say an actor I have a crush on would be Robert Downey, Jr. Not only is he really easy on the eyes, he’s overcome some really hard times in his life. He’s made poor choices, owned them, and worked hard to not repeat them. I think that alone makes him inspirational.

What’s an absolute no-no in a relationship?

JODY: Dishonesty of any kind. Trust takes a long time to earn and no time to lose. If you’re sharing your life with someone, you have to be able to trust them.

KARA: Abuse. Physical, emotional, verbal… It doesn’t matter. If your significant other hurts you or makes you feel bad about yourself, get out! Run, don’t walk. My first marriage was emotionally and verbally abusive, and while some think this isn’t “equal” abuse or as bad as physical abuse, it is. The person you’re with should love you, despite all your faults. They should make your life better, not worse. And they should never, ever make you feel like you don’t matter.

How did you meet your significant other?

JODY: Well...he worked at a gas station by my house and I often walked up and bought him, and some of the other guys that worked there, slurpees. That was when I was about 17. When I was 21, we started working at the same pub. He was a bartender and I was a waitress. We were friends and co-workers and then we were more. 

KARA: College. We were both attending the same business college. I was attending day classes while he attended night classes. One of the girls I became friends with (Kari) was kinda seeing this guy (Luke) who happened to work with my significant other at the time. I was just out of my divorce and feeling pretty down, so they played matchmaker. Eleven years later, and here we are!

What’s your idea of a perfect date?

JODY: Watching some of my favourite shows back to back, in pajamas, after my husband has brought home Greek food.

KARA: Dinner and a movie. I have a serious obsession with Ruby Tuesdays steak and salad bar. And our local theatre has the most comfortable seats ever! They’re RECLINERS! Like, serious, full-blown, leather recliners. They’re much nicer than my own chair at home. lol.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

JODY: I think you can feel an intense connection and bond immediately. Whether it’s love or just an awareness that this person is going to be in your life. That they matter. I love Ed Sheeran’s line “People fall in love in mysterious ways...maybe just the touch of a hand.” I believe that.

KARA: If you’d asked me this question years ago, my answer would’ve been no. But after meeting my husband, I’m a believer. I knew, hours after meeting him that he was different than anyone else, that he was truly my soul mate. God put him on earth just for me, and I’m grateful for him every single day.

Flirting Quickies: (Pick at least 10.)


Boxers or Briefs?
JODY: Boxers
KARA: Boxers

Planner or Panster?
JODY: Pantser
KARA: Pantser


Vanilla or chocolate?
JODY: Chocolate
KARA: Vanilla

Sweet or salty?
JODY: Sweet
KARA: Sweet

Sleep in or get up early?
JODY: Sleep in.
KARA: Sleep in

Cat or dog?
JODY: Penguin ← That’s not a choice, Jody! ;-P
KARA: Dog, specifically a Pit Bull
Twilight or Fifty Shades?
JODY: Twilight
KARA: Twilight
City or Country?
JODY: City
KARA: Country
Backpacking or luxury hotel?
JODY: LUXURY hotel
KARA: Luxury hotel
Christmas or Halloween?
JODY: Christmas

Author Bios:
Kara Leigh Miller: Kara lives in Upstate New York with her husband, three kids, three dogs, and three cats. When she's not busy writing romance novels that leave readers swooning, she's spending time with her family or attending one of her many writers groups. An active member of The Romance Writers of America and the CNY Writers Haven, Kara is also Managing Editor for Anaiah Press' Surge and Romance Imprints. She absolutely loves to hear from her fans and fellow authors, so feel free to drop her a line anytime!


Jody Holford: Jody lives in British Columbia with her husband and two daughters. She is a fan of Nora Roberts, Jill Shalvis, Rachel Gibson, and Rainbow Rowell. In reading and writing, she likes characters who are flawed, but driven toward the pursuit of love and happiness. In November 2013, she published A Not So Lonely Christmas with Foreward Literary. In December 2014, she published Forever Christmas through Kindle Direct.



Kara Leigh Miller


Jody Holford
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Authorjodyholford

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