Interview with C.C. Koen author of Intensity with a review and giveaway too!

 

About this Author:

C.C. Koen writes contemporary romance with a twist. An avid reader who enjoys mystery and suspense, her stories will never be what you expect. Determined to find adventure in her dreams and life, she enjoys skydiving, sailing and any activity that challenges her. Teacher by day, romance writer at night produce an active imagination that comes to life in her writing. Intensity is her debut novel.

  

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads 

I was able to question her and this is what she shared with me: 

If you weren’t an author, what would you expend your passion on? I’m a teacher during the day so I get to use my creativity every day.

Which of your characters are your favorite to write? the easiest? the hardest? the most fun?

In my debut novel, Intensity, Serena and Linc were both my favorite. I enjoyed the creative writing process so much. It is fascinating to get in the “mind” of your characters and imagine all the emotions and actions they would.

What are you working on next and when can we expect it to be out? I have two novels I’m working on for 2015. Unlikely Allies will be released summer 2015. Serenity, the sequel to Intensity will be released fall 2015. I can't wait for fall! :D

What is a trait, characteristic, feature, quality, attribute, idiosyncrasy, mannerism, peculiarity, or quirk that is unique to you? Quirk- I pick at the skin around my nails. It is a very BAD habit. I do it when I’m bored or nervous. Most of the time I don’t even realize I am.

What food can't you live without? I’m a meat and potatoes kind of girl. So either of those (e.g., steak and French fries) I hear you but I crave a baked potato with steak. :D

Which books have been on your tbr shelf the longest? Ha! I have been in a slump lately since any free time I have has been spent writing. As for a TBR, I don’t have any, because I read everything I purchase and only buy when I have time to read. Wow! I wish I could say that. I have an extensive TBR list that keeps growing.

What type of music do you listen to? I love all types of music. I’ve been listening to Rihanna radio on Pandora for the past year and love the intense beats and R & B.

If you suddenly had two free hours, how would you spend them? I’d probably reread some of my favorite novels. I’ve been doing that recently when I have time rather than buying new releases. When I start reading, I don’t like to stop. When I’m in writing mode it isn’t good to be distracted.  

What is your favorite sport? I love hockey. To play or watch?

What is your favorite favorite splurge? Hmm, this is a tough one for me because I’ve been on a put money into savings crunch. The thing I spend the most money on though is books. :D I certainly understand that!

How do you prefer to communicate ( in person, texting, email, or phone)? Since I use email all the time, I’d choose that. I think that I do as well.

 

What is your least favorite thing to do? Get up and go to work. I love my job, but getting up and going is the bummer part. I’m a home body and enjoy working from the comfort of home instead.

What is the most useful gadget ever created? Wow! I’d have to say cell phone. Everyone has one.  

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Intensity

by C.C. Koen

Purchase Links: 

Amazon
   

B&N * Kobo

  

Smashwords

BLURB: 

What would you do to improve your life?

Twenty-one-year-old Serena Thomas is faced with a tough decision. Unable to get ahead of debt and loneliness since her grandmother’s death she finds a new job, placing the sheltered virgin in an underground escort business. She tells herself it’s just a temporary life choice, but destiny has a different plan. She meets a mysterious and gorgeous man, who happens to be her new boss. Will Serena fit in or will she be left all alone again?

Lincoln (aka: Linc) Jefferson has an unusual life. He established The Lounge, an exclusive escort club for very personal reasons. A place where the women say who, when, and what type of sex they’re willing to have. The escorts possess all the power and the money. It’s a business Linc guards at all costs. Trying to maintain the secrecy is a constant challenge and one that’s tested when he enters into a relationship with Serena. She tempts him unlike any woman, even though he’s surrounded by beauty on a daily basis. The more time they spend together the harder it is for him to keep his secrets. Will Serena stand by his side or will she abandon him?

Sparks and passion fly, taking these two on a journey neither could have expected.

 

Excerpt:

I turned toward the frameless picture windows lining the entire exterior wall and was presented with a breathtaking, unobstructed view of the harbor. Smack dab in the middle, behind an antique mahogany desk, stood the tallest, most impressive man I’d ever seen. The black suit he wore matched the surroundings, professional and sleek. The top three buttons on his white shirt undone, dark sprigs of hair peeked through and begged for my attention.

As I got closer, his eyes scanned me from head, to chest, to hips and up and down my long legs at least three times, resting on my ruby-red tiptoes.

Ha! Two could play at that game. Using the exact pace he did, I snapped mental pictures of every God given, Mr. Universe muscle. A wavy black ponytail, pulled tight at the nape, crested his wide shoulders and dipped to mid-chest, bringing my journey to a momentary pause. A taut dress shirt molded to his pecs became an instant favorite and preference I didn’t know I had. As I gravitated lower, the desk impeded my view, coming to rest at his waist and a nondescript silver belt buckle. My eyes drifted back up, wishing I could see more, but his tailored jacket without a hint of lint on it kept him hidden. Still, from what I could take in, the man had sin engraved all over him.

I stopped in front of his desk and realized my earlier assessment of him had been right. My six five in heels, shrunk to five feet the way he towered over me by several inches. “Linc?” The wispiness of my voice made me cringe. Way to go, Serena.

His answer, one sharp nod. In the corners around each eye, little wrinkles appeared as he took another long journey over my body. Knees locked together, I tried hard not to fidget. “I’m Serena. Mylaynee said my interview was at twelve thirty. I’m a little early. I didn’t mean to interrupt if you were in the middle of something.” Damn, there I went, rambling. Yeah, that would have him eating out of my hands.

Linc rounded the desk, coming toe to toe.

"You’re a virgin."

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My Thoughts:

I am so beyond in love with this author's talent! I am very, very, very eager to read the next book, Serenity.

Serena is an extremely hard working, beautiful, loyal, caring, twenty one year old virgin. She works three jobs just to try and make ends meet. She recently lost someone dear to her and is doing her all to hang on to her house and pay overdue bills. At one of her jobs she meets a lady who invites her to get a better paying job.

When things get harder for her she decides to see about the job and that my friend is where she meets Linc.

He runs the business that she interviews with. OMG! The sparks of that first meeting were so intense!

I loved Serena's character and Linc was pretty great too, mostly. ;-)

I just had one or two minor problems with a certain woman with double B's. I wanted an encounter to be explained and I was left wanting. :-( I need to know what really went on!

This book threw me for a couple of loops which is always a great reading experience. There was so much emotion, romance, and chemistry it was off the charts! I don't want to say too much but I loved it and I want to share!

I will say that this hero, Linc, is completely different from what I expected in the best of ways. He is sweet, patient, caring, and understanding. His only downfall are the secrets that he keeps.

I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. It was an all encompassing reading feast and while I was beyond satisfied with this entree, I am also eager for the next course. It was so very good that even though I am full, I can't wait to have more. I had a very hard time believing that this is the author's debut work. It was fantastic and I am hooked.

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