AAD Author Spotlight & Giveaway: Stacey Kennedy

"Witty characters, dominant men, danger, action, romance and hot sex―oh my!"  You'll find that tag line on Stacey Kennedy's website and it's what you can expect when you crack open one of her books.  Please help me welcome her to the blog today.

Jen: My first book of yours was Supernaturally Kissed, which I really enjoyed. Would you tell new readers a bit about the Frostbite series?

Stacey: Simply put, it’s about a woman who has the gift to see ghosts, and has been given the task to help them crossover. This doesn’t always come easy since Tess is pulled into the police force and has to solve cold cases. Things get even more crazy when Kipp—a ghost—enters her life, and not only is she trying to solve his case, but she’s trying to fight the attraction between them. Lots of fun!

Jen: Can you give us any hints about what's coming in Demonically Tempted?

Stacey: Answers and lots of them! I enjoy reading reviews of Supernaturally Kissed and hearing all the theories people have about what will happen next. I always planned to make book two give all the answers to questions in Supernaturally Kissed, and that’s exactly what happened. But doesn’t life always get difficult and when one question is answered, another one appears.

Demonically Tempted shifts a bit more into fantasy, which will lead into the next two books in the series. Tess starts to learn more of her abilities and just all the trouble that comes along with that. Poor Tess, things are never easy for her!

Jen: These aren't too racy, sexually. But some of your other books are a bit more erotic. Tell me about your process for writing some of your hotter love scene.

Stacey: Two things – depth and frank language. That’s the only difference between my urban fantasy romances and erotic romances. The scenes are always HOT, but in erotic romance you lengthen them. Every single detail is shown, each sexy moment, visuals, feelings, sensations, and body parts are given those naughty. LOL!

Jen: What about BDSM? Did you have to do a lot of research to portray this kind of relationship?

Stacey: Honestly, BDSM is the hardest thing for me to write. It’s getting easier as time goes on because I learn more. And yes, I have to do lots of research since I don’t live the lifestyle.

Making the transition to write BDSM wasn’t a huge leap for me because I tend to write dominate men, so it was pretty natural. But there’s so much to know about the lifestyle. Do I get it wrong? All the time. But I have a fantastic critique partner who knows more about BDSM than I do and always guides my way.

I’ll admit too that it’s the most draining. I’ve just written a 90K BDSM erotic romance, Sweet Submissive, and after that story I was done in for a few weeks. My brain was complete mush! They tend to be very emotional, character driven stories and that can be exhausting to write. But the outcome is awesome and I can hardly wait to get this story out there.

Jen: BDSM romance is getting alot of press these days with the whole 50 Shades hoopla in the media. Is there anything you feel like the talking heads (like Dr Drew) are getting wrong --or something you would like to clarify as an author in the genre?

Stacey: Yes, I’ve seen the buzz and read 50 Shades because of it. Loved it, by the way! You know, I can understand where Dr. Drew is coming from. He’s allowed his opinion. But the truth is what two consenting adults do in their personal life isn’t anyone else’s concern. BDSM isn’t for everyone and that’s why the stories come with warning labels.

Truth is, I love writing BDSM because of the emotional element that comes in this kind of lifestyle. I find it sexy and playing on the sensations a submissive feels makes even my cheeks warm. So while I think it’s acceptable for someone to have an opinion, it really drives me to the moon when I see things like, this book is wrong, or this book is terrible. While it might not be for everyone, there are readers and people like me who love taking time out of their busy, screaming kids day, and sit down with a naughty book to get my blood pumping!

My rule is if you don’t like something, don’t read it and leave it to the rest of us who do!

Jen: The first in your Magic and Mayhem series is coming soon, right?  What can you tell us about Werewolves Be Damned?

Stacey:  WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED is actually not coming out until Summer 2013 because it’s going mass market. So, while it seems like forever from now, I’m sure it’ll be here before I know it.

This series started out as ebooks published with Liquid Silver Books, The Magical Sword series. They were short novels, but I’ve rewritten the books and now they’re full lengths. Honestly, I don’t even recognize them anymore, and that just makes it more fantastic because they’ve developed into stories I never dreamed possible. I’ve always had a soft spot for these books because they were the first ones I’d ever written, and now I’m just floored by the outcome. My editor has taken my babies and brought out the best in them. It’s really exciting and I can hardly wait for them to release.

Click here to learn more --or check out the trailer below:

Jen: Any chance we can score a little snippet?

Stacey: It’s still in edits so I can’t share too much because who knows if it’ll remain in the book, but here’s a little sneak peek!

I’d come to my willow for as long as I could remember. I’d never seen a wolf in this forest before. And when had wolves become so bold to approach a human? Unless this one was rabid or starving…in which case, my odds of survival were looking less likely.

I scooted further along the grass, but was stopped when my back pressed against the trunk of my willow. “Dear God, the time to help me would be now.”

The wolf stopped a foot in front of me and sniffed the air. His dark eyes studied me. No fear held in their depths. Wet dog mixed with a rich aftershave filled my nostrils.

“I’m scary. I’m big. Get out of here,” I screamed and waved my arms in the air to frighten him.

He shook his head.

I stared, mouth agape.

“Did you just…answer me?”

He nodded.

What. In. The. Hell?

“How can you understand me, you’re a wolf. Oh my god, did you just shrug?”

He bared his teeth.

Jen: What is your favorite kind of supernatural and why?

Stacey: I love them all. Really, I do! Each supernatural is fun to write in its own way. I enjoy writing witches because of the magical element, but I also love writing werewolves. There’s just something so special about the mate bond that tugs at my heart.

Jen: Who is your favorite character created by another author?

Stacey: Jeaniene Frost’s, Vlad. I adore him, lust over him, and want him as my own!! He has a certain “something” that speaks to the very woman in me. I love his humor, but then he has this strength that makes me drool! Yes, Vlad is my book crush!

Jen: Do you get to make it to many fan/ author events?

Stacey: Sadly, no. I have two small children who keep me on my toes, so making long trips to the U.S. just doesn’t happen as often as I’d like. And that’s why I’m so excited to go to AAD. It’s my first conference, so yeah…I’m thrilled to be going! Plus, it’s in New Orleans and I’ve always wanted to go there so that just ROCKS!

Jen: What are you looking forward to most from AAD in New Orleans?

Stacey: Everything single darn thing! The tours, chatting with other authors, meeting all my book blogger friends…and the party! I love to have fun, so if there is fun happening, I’ll be there!

Jen: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me. I can't wait to meet you in New Orleans... it's going to be a blast!

Stacey: Thanks for the chat! I’m really looking forward to meeting you too!!

Stacey is giving away a copy of Supernaturally Kissed.  To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  To learn more about Stacey Kennedy, you can check out her website or follow her on Twitter.  


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