Featured Author Friday featuring Kelly Elliott

Let me start by saying that I was hooked just after the first few pages. The characters became my friends, I laughed, cried and yelled when they did. This story sucked me in, it was so beyond well written that I felt like I was right along side of them. How could you pass up a book that has love, loss, suspense, drama and not to forget sexy passionate men!!! If this book ever becomes a movie, we are in for a killer soundtrack!!

Kelly, you are a doll! Thank you so much for letting me interview you, and I cannot wait to work with you again!!

Can you describe the Wanted Series in 20 words?

A story of true love overcoming anything. Oh wow…six words…you’d think for the author I’d have something better than that but that’s what I think of when I think of Wanted. 

How did you come up with the concept for Wanted which was the start of the series?

Listening to the song Wanted by Hunter Hayes. The story just kind of popped in my head. 

Did you think that this series would be so popular after Wanted?

No…never in my wildest dreams did I think it would take off like it has. I’m very thankful and blessed. 

Describe a typical day when you are writing. Do you have any pre-writing rituals?

I do! I listen to a certain song first…then I usually have a diet coke, sweet tea or a water sitting right next to me before I can write. I try to write when my daughter is in school but I find myself wanting to write all day long

Do you have any plans for a book signing event?

I do. I have a number of signings coming up. Only one left for this year. The Indie Mashup in Springdale Arkansas. All the signings I’m signed up for are listed on my blog www.authorkellyelliott.blogspot.com

Any plans for another project?

Yes! I’m planning a prequel to the Wanted series which will be grams and gramps story. I have a new series coming out with the first book, Broken due out in November. Then a few more ideas up my sleeve.

What came first, the characters or the concept for the story?

The concept 

If Wanted became a movie, who would your dream cast be? 

Gunner – Gary Taylor 

Ellie – Jessica Stroup

Jeff – Jessie Pavelka

Ari – Ashley Greene

Josh - Maxwell Zagorski

Heather – Julianne Hough

Do you ever read the reviews about your books? If so, do you pay attention to any negative reviews or let them influence your writing?

I try not to read the reviews to often but I do have someone I trust who reads them for me and forwards the ones that have constructive criticism as well as some good ones. Those I do pay attention to but the down right hateful ones…no…I don’t pay any attention to those.

Do you have a favorite author? 

Ohh I have a few of them Jennifer Probst, Frank Peretti, R.L. Mathewson, Molly McAdams…the list goes on!

What are your favorite top 3 books that you would recommend?

Wow…that is a hard one….

1.  Pride and Prejudice (cause it’s my favorite)

2.  The Marriage Bargain (cause it’s the first book that made me really swoon)

3.  Any Neighbor From Hell book (Cause I laugh my ass off when I read them)

What book, if any, are you reading now?

Let’s see…I’m in the middle of Stealing Harper and after that I want to start Emerge

Do you prefer to read traditional books or e-books?

I love the feel of a real book in my hands but I love e-readers…I love being able to get the book that second and the fact it remembers where I left off

Out of the books that you have read, which character couple would you like to invite over for dinner and why?

Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy …I’m a huge history buff and since it’s my favorite book it seems like the best choice. 

If you could work with any author, who would it be?

Jane Austen, but since she died in 1817 that won’t happen. I’m not sure. I’d be honored honestly to work with any number of talented authors out there today. 

What inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always wanted to write. Since I was in high school. I guess I just needed that one moment of courage to sit down and start typing.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Write for you and no one else. It’s your story to tell so tell it how you see it in your mind. Take your time with the story and just let it come naturally. 

What are you top 5 most important things in your life?

1. God

2. My husband

3. My daughter

4. My family

5. My friends

Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

Yep. I have two tattoos, one is of a cross with a heart in the middle with the verse “My strength come from the Lord” Psalm 121

The other is the word Wanted with an infinity symbol, a daisy, an angle wing and I’m about to add the fourth symbol for the fourth book, Cherished.

What do you do for fun, besides writing?

I love to go hiking, spend time with my husband and daughter and re-arrange the kitchen just throw the husband and spawn off every now and then. 

Do you have any vices?

LOL! I’m sure I have a few but one is I take my shoes off right in the middle of a door way…drives my husband nuts. 

What was the last thing you googled?

Oh I don’t think you want to know…it was for a book I’m writing. Let’s just say if my computer ever gets confiscated somebody better let them know I’m an author

If you could describe yourself in 5 words what would they be?

Someone who cares about others

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Slow drivers

Where was the last place someone spotted you and asked for an autograph?

In Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel…that was kind of neat I’m not gonna lie

Thank you so much for the interview! Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?

Just how much I love them and that none of this would be possible without their support. I’m truly blessed with the most wonderful readers.

 

Social Media Links:

Twitter - author_kelly 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/kellyelliottauthor

Website  - www.authorkellyelliott.blogspot.com

Check out my review 

Purchase Wanted

Book Review: Wanted by Kelly Elliot

Wanted by Kelly Elliot

503 pages 
Published December 28th 2012
Available on Amazon.com

My Rating: 5 Stars

Did you ever have someone tell you that "you will never be wanted" or "you will never be loved"?
Growing up Ellie was constantly reminded by her mother that she will never be wanted or loved. Ellie was ready to give up on men after Ryan broke her heart, then she met Gunner. Gunner was her brothers best friend and they had an instant connection. Gunner constantly had this urge to protect her, show her how she should be treated and make her feel that love is possible. 

Goodreads.com description:

Verbally abused by her mother for years, 18 year old Ellie Johnson always believed she would never be loved or wanted by anyone. She focused all of her attention on her grades and getting into the University of Texas to start a new life away from her mother. The last thing Ellie expected was to fall in love with Gunner Mathews, a starting linebacker for the University of Texas football team and not to mention, her brothers best friend. Gunner only had two passions in life, football and his grandfather’s ranch, until he falls for his best friends little sister. He will stop at nothing to show Ellie how much he wants her, even if it means he has to move faster than she would like. Gunner knows they are meant to be together forever, but Ellie keeps denying her feelings out of fear of being hurt again. Every time he gets close to winning her love, something pushes her away again. Will Ellie ever be able to let go of the past and let him into her heart and will Gunner be patient enough to wait for her? What will it take for them to realize they are all each other have ever WANTED?

 This book has a great sound track:

• Christina Aguilera "Fighter"
• Colblie Caillat "Oxygen"
• Eminem "Til I Collapse"
• Gym Class Heroes "The Fighter" 
• Tim McGraw "Truck Yeah"
• Colbie Caillat "Fallin' For You"
• Taylor Swift "Begin Again"
• Carrie Underwood "Blow Away"
• Jason Mraz "I Won't Give Up"
• Ne-Yo "Let Me Love You"
• Taylor Swifts "Fearless"
• Christina Aguilera "Your Body"
• Britney Spears "I'm a Slave For You"
• Brantly Gilbert "Fall Into Me"
• Christina Aguilera "Shut Up"
• Colbie Caillat " Realize"
• Nickelback "Trying Not to Love You"
• Usher "Hot Tottie"
• Zac Brwon Band "Goodbye In Her Eyes"
• Usher "Yeah"
• Rascal Flatts "What Hurts the Most" 
• Christina Aguilera "Dirrty"
• Vince Gill "Whenever You Come Around" 
• Rascal Flatts "Banjo"
• Randy Houser "How Country Feels"
• Lady Antebellum "Just a Kiss"
• Maroon 5 "One More Night"
• Luke Bryan "Drunk On You"
• Christina Aguilera "Just a Fool"
• Colbie Caillat "Fearless"
• Daughtry's "Life After You"
• Kenny Chesney "You Saved Me"
• Daughtry "September"
• Flo Rida "I Cry"
• Miranda Lambert "Over You"
• Rascal Flatts "Come Wake Me Up"
• Blake Shelton "God Gave Me You"
• Colbie Caillat "Magic"
• Colbie Caillat "Stay With Me"
•  Kenny Chesney "Me and You"
• Hunter Hayes "Wanted"
• Kenny Chesney "I Lost It"

My favorite quotes:

"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I'm possible" - the great Audrey Hepburn

"Ellie, I have never in my life....ever sweetheart..... Experienced these feelings that I have for you. You walk into a room and I have to catch my breath at the sight of you. You flash your beautiful smile at me and there's not a damn thing in this world that I wouldn't do for you. Your laugh moves through my body like a jolt of electricity. Your eyes captivate mine; your lips bring me to my knees. I want to know every part of you Ellie. I'm just as confused by these feelings as you sweetheart, but I want you to know something, I'll never push you or give up on us, I promise you that. Please Ellie, please just let me in. Let me prove to you how much I want to be with you."

"My beautiful, beautiful girl...I hate to see you cry, it cuts me to the bone. I just want you to be happy baby."

"But let me tell you, when you find that one girl….. you’ll know it in an instant. You won’t want to just get in her panties and then leave her. Her eyes will hold your eyes captive, and she’ll take the air out your lungs with just a smile. Her laugh, well shit……. her laugh will drive you mad and you will try to do everything under the sun to hear it as much as you can. Her tears will rip your heart out, especially if you caused ‘em. Just the sound of her voice will drive you mad. When you find that girl boys, you found love. Not lust….but true love. You’ll have found the girl who you’ll spend the rest of your life loving, taking care of and just trying to make her so goddamn happy that you would gladly die doing it.”

Saved (Wanted #2)

Published April 4th 2013

Available on Amazon.com

My review coming soon.... 

Goodreads.com Description:

Arianna and Jefferson’s love is true but will it be enough? Ari who comes from a loving home with a family who has had more than their share of difficulties, is faced with possibly losing the love of her life. All she dreams of is growing old and having children with Jeff, but a family history and a conniving Rebecca could shatter that dream. Trying to support Jeff and cope with all the truths and possibilities of her own destiny may prove to be more than one person can handle.

Jeff’s dream is to raise horses on his ranch in Mason with the only women who has ever filled his heart and soul. But he’s running the risk of losing her by trying to be the man he knows he should be by taking on his responsibilities. He’s completely bewitched by the passionate and always outspoken Ari, but needs to do right for the child that could possibly be his.

Despite all the odds stacked against them can their relationship be…..SAVED?

Faithful (Wanted #3)

August 13th 2013

My review coming soon....

Goodreads.com description:

No matter how faithful love can be…it takes only one moment to change it all.
After Heather Lambert’s parents died in a tragic car accident her senior year of high school, she refuses to let anyone into her heart for fear of being hurt again. Focusing only on school to follow her dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher, the last thing Heather intends to do is fall in love with Josh Hayes.


Josh knows the moment he lays eyes on Heather that she is the one he’s been waiting for. During months of obstacles and denied feelings, he is rejected by her time and time again.

When he finally wins her love, Josh and Heather start planning their future together…until Heather receives one bit of news she never wanted to hear again.


There has been a car accident.


Josh wakes up with no memory of Heather, and his ex-girlfriend, Victoria, is his nurse. Heather must decide if she’ll risk being hurt again and fight for the one man she loves with all her heart.


Will Josh remember Heather when she needs him the most? Or will Victoria take advantage of this opportunity, pushing Heather away from Josh for good?


Faithful is the third book in the Wanted series by Kelly Elliott.

Have you read any of these books?
Do you have a review that you would like to share?
Do you have a favorite quote? 
Send them to me and I would be happy to share them on my next review.

Branded is on SALE!!!!!

This story has such an amazing storyline! Imagine a future where there is no president, there is a commander. He is a very powerful and sadistic man. He created this prison strictly for sinners who have been branded with their mark. This is a story of a young girl named Lexi Hamilton and how false accusations landed her here and her struggle to survive in this godforsaken hole. Lexi was taken by the guards one night because she was accused of a sin. She was forced to live in this twisted society where there are no rules for sinners. The guards can do anything they please except for one thing......if a guard falls in love with a sinner they have committed the ultimate sin and the price the pay is DEATH.

Lexi has her own personal guard Cole, who is assigned to protect her no matter the cost. Even in a place as dark and evil as the hole Lexi finds love, friendship and strength.

I loved this book! Action, excitement, anger, lust, passion, sorrow and strength. There are many 

twists at the end of this story along with a killer cliffhanger for an ending.

Purchase Branded here:

http://astore.amazon.com/rensget03-20/detail/B00DOPHK56

Read Book Review here:

 http://renesgetaway.blogspot.com/2013/08/branded.html

Abi and Missy's Page:

http://www.abiandmissy.com/branded-99-sale-and-a-reveal-of-two-cole-pictures-from-out-shoot/

Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki!!!!

 

Featured Author Friday featuring Janice Baker - Promises, Promises

Author bio from goodreads.com:
Janice Baker likes to eat off fine china from the most expensive restaurants, wear the most expensive designer labels and drive the most luxurious cars. Just kidding! I am really your typical mom with two amazing daughters and a fabulous husband. Although I love my family very much, I really enjoy escaping to a fulfilled fantasy world I can create in my mind. Get away with me into my books and enjoy some time away from reality

Before we start, I would like to say that I loved reading Promises, Promises! I love a book filled with seduction, friendship, dominance, passion and love!! I cannot wait until the next book comes out!!!!

Can you describe Promises, Promises in 20 words? 

Desperately searching for love, Izzy escapes a man who abused her trust. Meeting Z, she overcomes her past, finding love.

How did you come up with the idea for Promises, Promises?

I read so many amazing books about BDSM relationships and I constantly wondered if there was possibly one guy out there who claimed to be a “Dom,” but was really just a jerk. I thought about what the submissive would be like if she wanted to leave her situation. 

And no, I’m not against BDSM relationships, if they’re between two consulting adults. I just wondered, like with any relationship, if something like this could have happened. 

Without giving away any spoilers, for those who have not read Promises, Promises, what was your favorite scene to write? 

That’s tough because I have several, but I would have to say my favorite overall is the ocean/thunderstorm scene. I actually woke and typed the scene with my eyes closed at 4am. Fun Fact: I actually wrote that scene from Z’s perspective. When I went to add the scene, I realized it was actually Izzy’s Chapter. I really tried several ways to leave the scene in Z’s perspective, but it just didn’t seem to flow. I went through and changed it to Izzy’s and wound up loving it even more!

Describe a typical day when you are writing. Do you have any pre-writing rituals? 

Nothing really comes to mind. Writing depends on my mood or time of day. I actually write most of my ideas or some key scenes when I first wake or sometimes they even wake me! I also have many new ideas when I’m driving or in the car line for school. When I “schedule” my writing time, it’s usually right after I drop the kids off at school or after they go to bed. I try to get them to bed early! 

Do you have any plans for a book signing event?

I currently do not have any book signings scheduled, but I am trying for Wicked Book Weekend, Book Bash or Naughty Mafia in 2014. I loved Book Bash when I attended as a reader. *raises hand high in the air* Fan Girl right here! I had a blast meeting all my favorite authors! I cannot wait to meet some of my readers one day!

Will there be a sequel? if so can you give us an idea of what to expect?

Yes, well, sort of. There will be a companion novel for Matt. Izzy and Z and all your favorite characters will still appear and their stories will weave in and out, but it will be Matt and Vanessa’s love story. 

I honestly had not expected to write one though. Promises, Promises was written as a standalone, but I had so many readers write to me asking for the other characters’ stories and the wheels started turning! 

Is there another book project that you are working on? Can you tell us a bit about it?

I do have another WIP (work in progress). I started writing it while Promises, Promises was being edited. I’m thrilled with it actually and cannot wait to share Jordan and Justin’s story. Snippet to come soon!

What came first, the characters or the concept for the story? 

The concept for the story actually came first for Promises, Promises. Izzy’s character and her situation stemmed from the actually concept/storyline. I had a lot of fun going outside of the norm. 

If Promises, Promises became a movie, who would your dream cast be?

Hmm, really a tough question! It’s tough because I never really “see” a whole face when I write about a character. It’s more the feeling I get from each one. Take Z for instance. If I had to pick an actor, it would be a young Brad Pitt, but more for his facial expressions in some of his earlier movies. Spy Game is one of my favorites, but more so because the way he smirks or gives that playful smile when his eyes light up. His lips. Dear God, his lips, right after he licks them! *fanning myself* I guess if I were to pick more from just “looks” of the image or the inspiration would be: 

Z: Young Brad Pitt

Izzy: Katheryn Winnick or Charlize Theron

Mel: Cameron Diaz or Kate Hudson

Flynn: Bradley Cooper or Patrick Dempsey

Clark: Ryan Reynolds (I’m thinking he could deliver Clark’s lines really well!)

Him: Ryan Merriman

Do you ever read the reviews about your books? If so, do you pay attention to any negative reviews or let them influence your writing?

Whew! Yes, I actually do. I read all of them. Every single one. The good and the bad. When I read a negative review, I look for constructive criticism that might be able to help my future writing. I can’t please everyone, but if I did something that really irked several readers, I know that is something that can help me become a better writer. 

Do you have a favorite author?

Many! Again – very tough question. Umm, if I had to choose - I would have to say Sylvia Day. I met her at Book Bash. It was the end of the day and she just arrived from her tour in Australia and New Zealand late the previous evening. She had a HUGE blister on her finger from signing so many books. She was smiling and told me how much she loves to meet her readers, regardless of her blister. Not only does she write amazing books, she’s also a fabulous person. 

What are your favorite top 3 books that you would recommend?

Wow! You might as well ask me if I have a favorite child! Argh! Umm, ok. Well, I’d have to say Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You and Hunger Games.

What book, if any, are you reading now?

Well, I’m not supposed to be reading right now, I’m supposed to be writing. However, Olivia Cunning’s latest book just came out – Tell Me and I “might” be flipping through it “not reading!”

Do you prefer to read traditional books or e-books?

I LOVE my kindle app! I can read in the middle of the night if I want (which happens a LOT). I can read the books I love with the naughty covers in public and no one knows how dirty I can be! That being said, I do have to say I also LOVE my paperback books. It’s a toss-up between a brand new book with fresh pages (love that new book smell!) or a well-worn loved book. I guess I didn’t really answer the question! I prefer both, would have to be my “final” answer.

Out of the books that you have read, which character couple would you like to invite over for dinner and why?

*Evil Laugh* Probably, Kellan Kyle and Kierra. I would probably feel horrible because I would drool all over KK. 

If you could work with any author, who would it be?

K.A Linde. I would love to get inside her mind and figure out how she writes such great angst! I love her Avoiding series. Do you see why I couldn’t just pick 3 books to recommend? Can I also add the Avoiding series in there too?

What inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always had these characters in my head. I’ve had scenes play out, but never thought to write any down.  I would tell my husband about what I was thinking and I would go on and on about it. He probably is relieved that I’m not insane with these people running around in my head. One night he asked why I didn’t just go into the office, start typing and try to write a book. I thought he was crazy, but then when I told my best friend about it the next day, she told me to just try it out and see. I sent her 3 chapters and waited on pins and needles before she finally came back to me saying she wanted more! I was hooked after that!

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

While researching how to self-publish, my husband and I read that you should have 2-3 books lined up and ready to go before you release your first one. I wish I had followed that advice, but I was so anxious to get Promises, Promises out there! I have several that are close to being done, but when everyone loved Promises, Promises and asked for more, I jumped at writing the companion. Hindsight is always 20/20. 

What are you top 5 most important things in your life?

My children, my husband, friends, health and love

Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

I do. Sunshine for happiness on my right backside. It’s small. And I did it with a friend when I was 26. 

Do you have any fears?

Horror movies. I hate to be “scared.” Unfortunately, my husband has taught my daughter that. Now she jumps out of the closet and enjoys scaring the daylights out of me. She thinks it’s the greatest thing ever and my husband seems to get a kick out of it too. Me. Not so much.  

What do you do for fun, besides writing?

We live near the gulf, so the beach is my fun! My favorite is family sunset night. We meet friends with some drinks and enjoy family, friends and fantastic sunsets!

Do you have any vices?

Starbucks’ Skinny Mocha Café – Vente, please! Yep, just hit repeat!

What was the last thing you googled?

Gourmet meals. I’m definitely not a cook (just ask my husband!), but Izzy is. So I was looking up something awesome for her to whip up for the “gang!”

If you could describe yourself in 5 words what would they be?

Silly, Trusting, Loving, Patient & Understanding.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Mean people. I hate to sound cliché, but mean people really do suck. Keep your hate to yourselves and let the rest of us enjoy life. 

Where was the last place someone spotted you and asked for an autograph?

Well, that hasn’t happened yet, but I can guarantee I’ll be jumping up and down hugging the heck out of that poor soul! 

Thank you so much for the interview! Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?

I want to let all of my readers know that I absolutely love their kind words about my writing. I have never been so humbled in my entire life as to when a reader contacts me out of the blue to let me know how much they enjoyed Izzy and Z’s story or asking questions about future books. I truly do love hearing from every last one of you.

Read my review of Promises, Promises

Looking to purchase Promises, Promises