Interview & Giveaway: "Kade's Dark Embrace" by Kym Grosso

I'm happy to welcome Kym Grosso to Romance Book Junkies today for a interview and giveaway. 

Author Interview Questions

I know you get asked this question over and over but can you tell us a little about yourself? Maybe something juicy. ;)

  

Thanks so much for having me here today at Romance Book Junkies.  I am so excited to have the opportunity to visit with you and your readers.

I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two children and our dog, Ace and guinea pig, Cheddar. My hobbies include spending time with my kids, autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba and traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains.  I’m hopelessly addicted to my Kindle and take it just about everywhere with me, from the gym to the beach.  And while I do enjoy a great non-fiction book or mystery every now and then, I’m a big fan of romance novels. 

As for something “juicy”, my husband and I love going to New Orleans on romantic getaways; we try to make it down there every other year or so.  I enjoy walking on Bourbon Street, drinking a hurricane at the famous Pat O’Brien’s and attempting to dance to Zydeco music while watching a live band. Every visit, I always do a little shopping in the French Market and stop to eat beignets at Café du Monde, which are nothing short of heavenly.

Each New Orleans trip, we try to do a tour of some kind.  So far we’ve gone on the Steamboat cruise/tour on the Mississippi, the Voodoo & Cemetery tour and the Haunted History night tour, which was pretty scary.  The last time we were down there, it was Halloween.  My husband and I dressed up in costumes and went to huge vampire ball.  It was amazing!

When did you first start writing? Are you a full time author or do you do it on the side?

 

I developed a late interest in writing after my son was diagnosed with autism, and I started advocating on his behalf. Three years ago, I started my own website, AutismInRealLife.com and now blog and write articles about autism for PsychologyToday.com.

As far as writing romance, I actually started writing a book about autism, but I had a block on where to go with it.  I love, love, love reading paranormal romances.  So I decided to write a paranormal romance, and I wrote Kade’s Dark Embrace last winter.

I’m a full-time stay-at-home mom and writer. 

Do you have an author that has really inspired you?

There are so many great authors out there; it’s difficult to pick just one.  If I had to narrow it down, I would say JR Ward.  Her stories pull you in and won’t let you go.  I can remember reading all of her books over the course of a month, one after another, and thinking, ‘this should be an HBO series’.  I literally was up all night reading her books.  She creates a new world in which there are traditions, culture and intrigue that is so realistic, you feel you are there in their world.  You find yourself emotionally tied to fictitious characters because her writing makes you feel like they are real people.

A really great indie writer who inspired me to write a book is Tina Folsom.  Her books are phenomenal, and she is a terrific writer.

How long does it normally take you to write an average book or your last book?

I finished writing my book within a couple of months.  But then it took a couple of more months to get edited, beta read and proofread.  All in all, it takes about four to six months.

What do you think makes a story great?

I know that everyone seems to have a different opinion on this topic, but for me, I like romance books where there is both a strong heroine and hero and also some kind of a suspenseful storyline.  I also think characters need to have believable chemistry, something that is so fierce that it drives the reader to root for them to be together. 

I do believe in love at first sight, or maybe I should say lust at first sight, but I do like a good emotional build up before the couple jumps in with both feet and makes love.  Within a great story, there is usually drama or suspense, and hopefully the story keeps you guessing until the end “who did it” or “how the characters will resolve their problem”.  My favorite books are the ones where I am up all night, just telling myself that I will read one more chapter, because I have to find out what happens at the end. 

Can you describe your book "Kade’s Dark Embrace" in one sentence?

That’s a tough question.  I tend to be a little long winded or long written. J If given one sentence, this is what I’d say:

Kade’s Dark Embrace is a fast paced, erotic paranormal romance; a page-turning thriller for paranormal romance lovers!

Have you done lots of research for your books or do the stories just come to you?

I try to research the history of the time period or location for each character and then weave the historical facts with fiction. For example, the backstory about the existence of a person called the “White Witch” in Jamaica is based on true story. My husband and I toured her mansion in Jamaica, and it is supposedly haunted.  Many of the locations in Philadelphia and New Orleans are very much real as well.  In the end, no matter the reality of the people or locations, it is all imaginary and fictitious.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on Luca’s Magic Embrace, which is due out fall 2012.  Luca is finally going to find love! J  I also continually write articles about autism related topics on PsychologyToday.com.

Can you tell us about some of your prior achievements?

I have written and published several articles on autism, both online and in print.  Raising my son and daughter have been and continue to be my greatest achievements.  J 

Is there anything that I didn't cover that you would like to talk about or say to your potential readers?

 

I would just like to thank Romance Book Junkies for hosting me today on my book tour.  I really enjoyed the opportunity to do an interview with you and hopefully will be back again this fall with Luca’s book.  Thanks so much for having me! J

Just for fun:

Hardback or Paperback?   Paperback
Dog ears or Bookmarks?  I know I shouldn’t do this to books, but I have to go with Dog ears.
YA novels or Adult novels? Adult novels
Library or Bookstore? Both, I like to buy, lend and borrow my books.
Reading glasses or No glasses?  No glasses….yet.
Snack while reading or No snacks?  No snacks.
Beach or Mountain? I am definitely a beach girl. J  My husband prefers the mountains so we do love going out west to ski when we get the opportunity.
Vampire or Werewolf? Vampire!
Hot or Flirty? Hot
Movie 1st or Book 1st? Movie 1st
Contemporary or Historical?  Contemporary
Page-Turner or Tear Jerker? Page-Turner…. I love a good thriller.

Kade's Dark Embrace

By Kym Grosso

Blurb:

After a series of girls are ritualistically murdered on the cold streets of Philadelphia, seasoned detective, Sydney Willows, is forced to work with sexy, alpha vampire, Kade Issacson. While working the case, Sydney finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kade, fighting the passion she feels towards him. Kade, determined to solve the case and mete out justice, is captivated by the independent, fiery detective. As he attempts to protect her from a very real murderer, Kade grows concerned that the beautiful, but very human detective, could easily end up dead should she tangle with supernatural forces that are beyond her control.

The investigation leads them into a dark and dangerous world, deep in the heart of New Orleans, where together, they search for the perpetrators of the Voodoo killings. Sydney soon becomes the target of the killer and ends up fighting for her life and love in the Big Easy. If she makes it out alive, will she give into the intoxicating desire she feels for Kade?

74,000 Words, Novel Length, Spicy Romance

Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kades-dark-embrace-kym-grosso/1109739440?ean=2940014168847

All Romance Books:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-kade039sdarkembrace-857327-139.html

book trailer for Kade's Dark Embrace  http://youtu.be/_GsJRUi1fww

Kade's Dark Embrace is my debut paranormal romance novel. I have also written and published several articles about autism. I developed a late interest in writing after my son was diagnosed with autism and started advocating on his behalf. Three years ago, I started my own website, www.AutismInRealLife.com and now blog and write articles for PsychologyToday.com.

I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two children and our dog, Ace. My hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba and traveling. New Orleans is one of our favorite places to visit with its rich culture and unique cuisine. But we also love traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains.

I love reading mysteries, romances and about all things vampires, werewolves and other supernaturals. I hope readers enjoy Kade's Dark Embrace. I have already started writing the next book in the series, about Luca, due out Fall 2012.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KymGrossoBooks

Twitter: @KymGrosso

Website: www.AutismInRealLife.com

Psychology Today Blog: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/autism-in-real-life

 Kym has graciously donated a ebook copy of her book "Kade's Dark Embrace" for a giveaway. The only mandatory entry is to leave a meaningful comment and fill out the rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway