Please note: the giveaway is now closed. Winner will be announced shortly.
Please join me in welcoming award-winning author (and good friend) Beth Kery, who is here to talk about her upcoming book, Release.
I’m so thrilled Beth is able to drop by, and cannot wait to get my hands on Release when it arrives in bookstores February 2nd. I’m a big fan of Beth’s writing– and in addition to being incredibly talented, she gets extra bonus points for using Chicago as the setting for many of her books. Here’s a little more about Release:
His need for her was so absolute, he agreed to share her with another man in order to possess her.
Genny loved her husband Max, but something was missing—a sexual charge that was instead ignited by his business partner, Sean. He was ruggedly handsome, with a heart-stopping smile and a slow, sexy New Orleans drawl that made Genny weak. The more time they spent together, the stronger the attraction between them became and when her husband offered to share her with Sean for one intoxicating night, both Genny and Sean were too tempted to refuse.
That night in the company penthouse, Max and Sean showed Genny the heights of ecstasy. But it was Sean who scored her very spirit, and one-on-one, they were red hot. But as Genny learns, there’s a price to pay for such impulsive pleasure. What began as a night of forbidden desire spirals into a whirlpool of murder, sensual submission, secrets, and a scorching passion that threatens to consume everyone it touches.
An excerpt of Release can be found here.
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Beth has offered to give away a signed copy of Release to one lucky winner who leaves a comment below. And here she is to tell us even more about the book:
Julie: Hi Beth! I’m really looking forward to Release. How is it different from your previous books?
Beth: I used flashbacks a lot in Release. The book itself takes place in the present, but the sexual tension, romance and danger all come from a pivotal event that took place three years ago. Well, pivotal events, I should say: an impulsive ménage a trois and the murder that followed. It was fun, but tricky, at times, to do the present, build up tension, and then flash back to an illuminating event from the past. It gave me whole new respect for people who use the method. It’s a little like doing a 3-D puzzle versus a flat one.
Julie: What was your biggest challenge in writing Release?
Beth: The writing process itself was pretty smooth for this one. What was a challenge was that I got a call from my agent asking if I’d do a super quick proposal for a slot that had opened at Berkley. I came up with the concept for Release in about four days—in loose synopsis form. It’s a fairly complicated plot, so it made for some sleepless, brain-churning nights. Luckily, I have a friend from high school who is in military intelligence. He gave me invaluable insight into Sean’s background and the private intel firm that he owns.
Julie: Your hero and heroine of Release—Genny and Sean: which one would be more fun for you—Beth Kery—to hang out with?
Beth: I’d have to go with Sean, just so I could hear his N’ Awlin’s drawl. He looks awesome in jeans (and even better out of them) and he makes great muffuletta. Seriously, the reason I like Sean so much is that he’s one of those people who had it rough as a kid. Really rough. He was practically born fighting for the right to survive. He doesn’t think he deserves the woman he loves—Genny. But he also figures he’s flawed, because he’s so stubborn that he’ll go against all the odds in order to have her. It’s a twist in a character I’ve never done before, and it endeared me to Sean. He feels undeserving, but that doesn’t stop him from staring fate in the eye, flipping her off, and taking this one beautiful thing in his life. In possessing Genny, he essentially affirms his right to happiness as a human being.
Julie: What are you most afraid of?
Beth: Falling. I have terrible dreams about falling…down elevator shafts, out of a plane, stuff like that. As a result, I’m not so fond of heights, either.
Julie: What would you like people to remember about you as a writer?
Beth: Deep emotion, great sex and a love story that lingers in the mind.
Julie: Give us a quick look at your next book. I know it presented some challenges for you.
Beth: The next novel I have coming out is with Samhain. It will initially be in ebook format, and then will go into trade paperback. It was a challenge for me because it’s a vampire book. I actually love the genre, but have shied away from it because it’s been done so much. I conquered my fear by putting my own special twist on it. I’m really interested in humans as energy beings…auras, things like that. So I made my Princes of the Underground both vampires of lore and energy/lifeforce suckers.
Oh. And they’re not really vampires.
Here is a bit about Velvet Cataclysm, Princes of the Underground, Book 1. It comes out May 4 from Samhain.
In his battle to resist, he found the impossible. His soul.
Christina Astor’s telepathic ability is an asset in her job as a psychiatric social worker. What’s driving her crazy, though, is her elusive, gorgeous landlord. She senses that Saint Sevliss wants her with an all-consuming hunger that’s somehow…different. Just how different becomes all too clear when his dangerous world collides with hers.
For centuries, Saint’s kind have been called vampire and werewolf. Even soulless. But their true nature remains a mystery. Bound by a magical mandate to control his bloodthirsty clone, Teslar, at all costs, Saint will do anything to keep Christina away. She infuses his gray universe with life and color, but his world—and his need—would destroy her.
When an attack reveals the true power of Christina’s gift, one thing is certain—Teslar won’t rest in his underground labyrinth until he possesses her, body and soul…
Julie: Wow– sounds really intriguing! Please give us a paragraph or two from your writing of which you are particularly proud. Why do you like this portion?
Beth: I believe I like this little part in Release so much because it seems simple, but it highlights Sean’s uncontrived masculine charm and his pure love for Genny. Besides, there’s something about a man remembering such a small, intimate detail about a woman after all those years that encapsulates the poignancy of romance.
“Look what they had at the market, girl. That’ll cheer you up. I won’t say a word if you eat every one of ’em while you’re all snuggled up out there on the couch, either.”
Genevieve paused in the process of withdrawing some romaine lettuce. Her eyes leapt up to meet Sean’s. He wore a crooked grin as he watched her, his blue eyes lambent and warm. She hastily took the bag of gourmet bing cherry chocolates and set it on the counter, averting her gaze.
She didn’t know what to say. He knew they were her favorite treat, knew she craved them whenever she was a little blue. She’d once told him how she occasionally bought the treats and ate a whole bag of them while she read a trashy novel in bed. She recalled how he’d been fascinated by her revelation of that small intimacy.
The fact that he’d remembered—the repetition of that benign, personal secret in his husky voice—made her lose her already unsteady emotional footing. It had struck her as sweet. Precise. Intensely sexy.
So Sean-like.
* * *
Julie: Thank you for joining us, Beth! I can’t wait to read Release.
Beth: It’s my pleasure, Julie. Best of luck with Something About You! I think it’s going to be a blockbuster.
Please note: Beth’s giveaway will remain open until 10pm CST on Friday, February 5th. Good luck!
And don’t forget about the Something About You contest, where you can enter to win a $100 gift card to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Borders. Details here.
Hi Beth and Julie!
WOW! “Release” is made to order with a twist. A hot and intriguing romance . . . my favorite kind! And, of course, who could resist a hero with a sexy “N’ Awlins” accent?
You can bet I’ll be reading Beth Kerry’s “Release” on Tuesday, Feb. 2!
And, on March 2, I’ll be reading Julie’s “Something About You”!
Thanks for sharing your time and talents today!
Hi Beth and Julie:
This is a great interview.
I have to say, for this reader, your emotionally charged romance stories, linger in my mind. In fact your books are keepers that I pick up again and again.
Please don’t enter me Julie, I’ve already read and reviewed “Release”, it is awesome. I think I’m going through withdrawals. lol
Best to you both..
Lea
Great interview and I’m very much looking forward to Release! I like the use of flashbacks and find that it draws you into the book even more. And you’ll do great with your vamps Beth, I have complete faith in you and look forward to that series too.
I enjoyed your interview very much and I would love to read your book. It sounds wonderful. Romance, suspense, mystery, what more could you want.
Hi Beth and Julie!!
Great interview! I have to agree with Lea, your writing is amazing and it does pull the reader in and makes us want so much more!! I feel a real connection to your characters when I read your books!!
Hi, Can’t wait to read Release, Beth.
Beth,
I’ve read a couple of your earlier books, and really enjoyed them. Can’t wait to read this one! Best of luck.
Julie, thanks so much for having me! For those of you who are interested, Julie and I gave each other the exact same interview. (If you didn’t read Julie’s interview last week, you can see it here: http://www.bethkery.com/2010/01/25/julie-james-is-here/) 🙂
Hi Anne! I sure hope you enjoy Release. If you like a N’Awlin’s drawl, I suspect you’ll like Sean quite a bit.
Hey, Lea. Jeez, thanks. 🙂
Joder–thanks for the vote of confidence. That means a lot.
Hey there, Linda! Release does have it’s fair share of sex, secrets and danger. It was a lot of fun to write.
Hi Dani! I hope you enjoy Release. It has some Chi-town moments in it, for sure.
I always love it when the author delves into the emotions of the characters because as a reader that really grabs me. The elements that you deal with as a writer will work great with your vampire story.
Just two more days…that is what I keep reminding myself. I can wait two days before I drive to the other side of town, hit the bookstore and buy Release! Longest two days of my life…it is killing me! 🙂
This book is at the top of my WANT list! Looking forward to reading it. My question is: It seems like Paradise Rules just came out, now Release, then your next book May 4. Do you write that fast or is it just marketing that decides the timing?
Hi Julie & Beth
Beth, I know I told you already how smooth you are at changing past & present as well as character POVs. I like the 3D analogy. The passion & emotion in Release were incredible as was the story line. Sean is one of my fave characters for the reasons you listed & the way he calls her “girl” gives me shivers. Happy “Release” week.
Julie
Don’t enter me & I’m so looking forward to March 2 for SAY.
Hey Beth! Great interview – I really enjoy reading your books! Daring Time is my favourite 🙂
Hi, Beth,
What a coincidence that I’m reading on the web and I have a box of chocolate covered cherries beside me.
Hi Host–Daring Time is a personal favorite as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Amelia–LOL. Nice! Nothing like browsing the web and eating chocolate.
The cherries featured in RELEASE (and mentioned above) are a thinly disguised personal favorite: the dried black cherries coated in chocolate and a thin layer or crisp candy from Harry and David. Sean uses them in a way in RELEASE that I don’t think Harry and David would sanction in their catalogue. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Amelia!
Leni–thanks so much. I hope so!
Amy–I can’t wait to hear what you think. Although nervous, too.
Patti–I do write relatively quick. It amazes me to meet different authors and recognize the difference in our process. I’m fast for some, slow for others. Thank you for the comment, Patti.
Mary–I think I’ve likely admitted elsewhere that I am infatuated with Harry Connick Jr. All the males in my life roll their eyes when I squeal over him, but my husband still sweetly buys me all his C.D.’s. I don’t think Sean is anything like Harry, except I did give him the voice…
🙂
Congrats on the new release, Beth. I’m looking forward to reading “Release.”
I love all your books Beth! Can’t wait to get my hands on Release!
I am in love with this cover. Please count me in.
hey Beth!!!
I am very much looking forward to reading this book! You write amazing things!
Thanks Julie for have Beth here!!
Great interview, Ladies! Congrats on your new book! I am so looking forward to reading it. Please enter my name in the contest to win it!
this book sounds soo soo awesome congrats on your release and on urs as well Julie awesome interview!
Being from Chicago, I love it when books are set there. We don’t get a lot of books set in our great city.
thanks for the chance
Great interview.I love Beth’s books.I can’t wait to read Release.
Book sounds really great. Hope it does well for you!
Terrific interview Julie and Beth!
What is muffuletta?? I love the idea of a flawed hero determined to fight for the one beautiful thing in his life. And that line – ” staring fate in the eye, flipping her off…” – that was awesome!!!
The book premise is wonderful – I can’t wait to read it!
Fi
I am new to Beth’s books but definitely count me in the highly interested category, will have to check them out on my next book run. Good luck on the new release!
I’m sooo want to read “Release”. the book just sounds GREAT !
I’d love to enter this contest! Thanks!
Great interview! This book has been on my wish list since the first time I read about it!
Another awesome interview Beth. You pointed out one of the things I loved most about Sean – the fact that he never forgot anything that Genny told him. He was so enamoured of her that he remembered the most innane things as well as how she felt and tasted. 🙂
With all the furore over ebooks and paperbacks etc how do you feel about your next novel coming out in ebook first?
so very hot whoo
congrats on the book
cant wiat love the cover
Hello all! Thanks for stopping by. I always feel like I have just a few promo things to do to get ready for a book to come out, but those ‘few things’ seem to turn into days of stuff. lol.
Hi Sarah–Thanks for the question. 🙂
I actually started out in ebook publishing, and I continue to support the industry. I don’t look at it as either ebooks or print books. I read both and I write for both. There are many advantages to print, and the same is true for ebooks. I’m thrilled Velvet Cataclysm will come out first in ebook. Samhain Publishing is a quality company, one I’m proud to be part of.
Hi Beth and Julie!
Beth, I’ve been in love with your writing since devouring Wicked Burn. I bought it the night before a conference and had to stay up all night in order to finish it. : )
It’s nice to meet you Beth!
I enjoyed reading your interview. Release sounds like a great book and one that I’d like to read.
All the best! 🙂
Wow, interesting answer – Thanks Beth x
I want this book soooo bad!
Congrats Beth 🙂
Jackie–thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed WB. 🙂
Paula–It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. Have a good one!
Hi Beth and Julie! Great post – and congratulations on your new book, Beth! I’m very excited about Release. I recently got Wicked Burn.
I’m fascinated by the premise of this book – can’t wait to get my hands on it! And gah – I hate dreams where you’re falling and then jolted “awake.” So stressful.
Great interview! Congrats on the new book release!
the book sounds good!
It sounds lke a great book. I would love to win a copy!
Hi Beth!
congrats on the release 😀 I can’t wait to get my hands on this book – it’s on top of my to-read list and I will order it soon!
have a great day,
Ina
Hi Beth, nice to see you here and congrats on your book. 🙂
Woohoo, Beth! Thanks for the lovely interview, Julie! Release sounds like it’s going to be another intense, emotional, involving story, just like your others! Looking forward to picking it up, and your new vamps series sounds like a good one, too!
Hi all. Julie thanks so much for having me here. And thanks to all the commenters. I hope you enjoy RELEASE if you do end up getting it.
Good weekend to you all!