Interview with Nina G. Jones, Author of Strapped, Review, and Giveaway

I had the opportunity to interview the author of Strapped, Nina G. Jones. 

She wanted to share the following:

What part of writing do you find the most challenging? most enjoyable? 
I really love writing, and in a way the most challenging parts are also the most enjoyable for me. The most technically challenging part is carving out time to write. I don’t like to squeeze in a few minutes here or there. When I write I completely become engulfed in the work and do marathon sessions, often times, writing 5000 words in one sitting. This means I go through very productive spurts, and then a week or two of downtime to recharge my creative juices.

The most enjoyable part of writing for me is when my characters surprise me. I usually go into a chapter or section of a book with an outline of certain plot points I must accomplish. However, how the characters get there or what they say to each other is often unplanned until I sit down and start typing. When I come up for air, I can be just as surprised as a reader would be when coming across that chapter for the first time.

What are you working on and when can we expect it to be out?
I am currently working on the sequel to Strapped. It is slated to be released in early 2014. I post updates on my Facebook page and blog. :D Yay!!!!

Beef, chicken, pork, or vegetarian? Yes!

Hardback, paperback, ebook or audio book? I mostly read ebooks for instant gratification and shelf space savings, but there is nothing like the feeling of bending back the cover while digging your nose into a riveting paperback novel.

Which books have been on your tbr shelf the longest? Gone Girl has been sitting there a while! Sometimes when I really want to read a book, counterintuitively I wait a while because I know I won’t be able to do anything else productive until I finish. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

Are you more likely to wear a skirt or pants? Dresses are my fav because they are effortless and forgiving all in one article of clothing. However, I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, so pants must be in full rotation during the Winter months.

What type of music do you listen to? I listen to it all. I look to connect with a song, and that usually has very little to do with genre. I rely heavily on music to set the tone for me when I write.

I imagine scenes I write as movie scenes and then listen to a song I believe would fit in the soundtrack. I’ve posted some of the songs that inspired Strapped on my blog.

Night or Day? Night.

What is your favorite sport? Yikes. I have never thought about that. I don’t have a particular passion for a single sport. I love watching the Olympics because of the inherent variety.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Unsolicited advice. I am very introspective and chances are I already have thought about what you just told me, but I have already made a conscious decision not to go that route. Plus, there are certain people I go to when I need an opinion, they know who they are, and they know I am not to proud to ask for their help.

Homebody or social butterfly? Homebody.

What is your favorite season? favorite holiday? Summer. Halloween, but lately Thanksgiving has been stealing the show (nomnomnomnom).

What are you most thankful for? Becoming an Indie author has been an interesting journey and what surprised me most has been all the support I received from friends and family. Writing the book is only the beginning and I am very thankful that throughout the entire process people have stepped up to help me in unexpected ways. Now that the book is out there, people who have read it an enjoyed it have reached out to me, and I appreciate their support so much as well and it motivates me to make book 2 something they can really enjoy.

Special shoutout to my hubby who has been a great source of encouragement throughout this process!

Nina G. Jones was born and raised in Bronx, NY and currently resides in Milwaukee, WI with her husband and two crazy Boxers.

She is the author of Strapped, and is currently working on the sequel for Strapped, slated to be released in early 2014.

Nina lives a pretty wholesome life, but is fascinated with the dark side of things. She loves watching true crime TV shows and it creeps her husband out to no end. Nina has a degree in Psychology and uses her characters as a vehicle to explore the human psyche.

She also totally gets it if you want to throw your Kindle at her when you reach the end of Strapped, but please let her know so she has a chance to duck.


Website * Facebook * Twitter



      


Purchase Links:  

Amazon * B&N   

ARe * Kobo  


BLURB:

By all appearances, Shyla Ball has an enviable life: a loyal boyfriend, a great job, and family that loves her. She doesn't realize how deeply unsatisfied she is until she has an embarrassing encounter with a handsome stranger at a coffee shop.

Taylor Holden, a successful businessman, takes a sudden special interest in her and offers her a job she cannot refuse. Soon after, she learns there is much more to this intensely private man than meets the eye. He is hiding many painful secrets, including why it is that he has seemingly plucked her out of obscurity for such a lucrative position. Her "perfect" world is turned upside down by her infatuation towards Taylor and in just a couple of months, her life looks nothing like it did before. While she is frightened by the changes she sees in herself, she cannot resist the lure of Taylor Holden.

As Shyla slowly gains Taylor's trust, she learns of his complex history and how it has molded him into the person he has become. When elements of Taylor's secret past resurface and threaten to destroy them, Shyla finds out there may be more to Taylor's story than even he is aware of.

Strapped is a story of passion, manipulation, obsession, and family secrets.


Excerpt:

There is a knock on the door. I put on a plush robe and let in the server. He rolls in a table full of dishes of various sizes covered with stainless steel domes. When the server leaves, I begin lifting the lids, each one feels like a little present. Champagne and strawberries, a plate of asparagus, such a curious shape asparagus has, chocolate truffles, chocolate dipped banana and chocolate covered cherries. The largest platter, I save for last. It is a huge steak, with a knife stuck in it and pinkish juices pooling around the meat. The carnal spread feels like a gastronomical form of foreplay. I have lost some weight due to my new busy schedule so I welcome the indulgence. The first bite of steak melts in my mouth and I let out a moan to express its deliciousness. I sample everything on the table; all the contrasting flavors explode in my mouth. The sweet and sour strawberries make me think of him that first morning, shirtless and sweaty, pursing his lips around the red fruit. The sweet bubbles of the champagne tickle my throat. It’s not long before I am full, and I sit there with a smile on my face, beyond satisfied.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


My Thoughts:

Strapped is an adult only read. It was intense. I'd say this could go on your WTRAFS (What to read after Fifty Shades) list.

Shyla seems to have it all but is just existing and not really living or being happy. She realizes this after accidentally spilling coffee on a handsome hottie.

This handsome hottie isn't just a run of the mill man. He is the very private, obscenely rich, Taylor Holden. He always gets what he wants and he has just set his sights on Shyla.

There were no dull moments in Strapped. I did have a few small issues with both of these characters. Shyla is in a relationship when she starts to feel things for Taylor but doesn't tell her boyfriend right away. I hate when people do that in real life and in books. Taylor isn't any better. He likes to play mind games with people and keeps secrets.

On the other hand, he is extremely giving and generous to a fault so I couldn't help but like him. Also, Shyla does feel bad about possibly hurting Rick her boyfriend. It is not like she is heartless.

This book has some BDSM, a moody hero with lots of secrets, a few sweet scenes, and too many twists to keep track of. :-)

Oh, did I mention there was a cliff hanger ending? It was a real thriller! The great news is that the next book may be out early next year!

If you are looking for a suspenseful and sexy book to read, you should give this one a go.

I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. While there were a few things about each character that I didn't care for, I really got hooked on this story and I am extra anxious to read the second book.    

If this book sounds good to you and you'd like an extra chance to win it or a different book, leave a comment. Don't forget to enter it in the Comment Incentive Giveaway Rafflecopter. The link can be found at the top of the page!