An Interview with New York Times Bestselling Author, Anna Banks

Not only is Anna Banks one of the funniest, sweetest, and kindest authors I have ever had the privilege of meeting, she is one of the most extraordinary human beings I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, period.

Back in May, I met Anna Banks at the spring Fierce Reads event at the Vero Beach Book Center, along with Katie Finn (a.k.a. Morgan Matson), Lindsay Smith, and Marie Rutkoski.

She charmed the audience with her wit, made sure each and every fan received the attention they desired, and left a lasting impression on dedicated fans. (Not to mention some new fans as well!)

Because of Anna's kindness, I built up the courage to ask her, one of my all-time favorite authors, if she would honor The Literary Connoisseur with an interview, and she said yes.

So without further ado, may I introduce the sensational Anna Banks!

The Literary Connoisseur: Hello, Anna! Thank you so much for stopping by The Literary Connoisseur and answering some questions about your life as an author, your work, and yourself. If you're ready, let's begin! Tell us a bit about yourself and your books. 

Anna Banks: Hi! Thanks for having me! Here are a few things you should know about me: I enjoy pranking/scaring people. Even strangers. It's an illness. I grew up in a town called Niceville. For real. My home office has a NYC theme. I shop for pajamas more often than I shop for real clothes. I increased my life insurance after I bought a pair of high heels. As for my books, don't read them if you don't like/understand sarcasm. Seriously, they're not for you. Also, there will always be romance in them. I can't halp it. I've written The Syrena Legacy series, which includes OF POSEIDON, OF TRITON, and OF NEPTUNE. My next YA novel JOYRIDE will be released in June 2015. I also write adult fiction (again, sarcasm and romance included) under the name Anna Scarlett. My novel DEGREES OF WRONG is out now, and it's....well, it's really good. If I do say so myself.

The Literary Connoisseur: Have you always known that you wanted to be a writer? What made you feel passionate about writing? 

Anna Banks: I've always been *good* at writing, like in school and stuff, but I didn't really consider that I could make a living from it. What made me passionate about it was when I was writing DEGREES OF WRONG in my spare time, and someone told me (someone who hadn't even read it!) that I would never be able to get published and make it as a writer. Telling me I can't do something is the best way to get me to do it. Ever since, I set out to prove that I COULD do it.

The Literary Connoisseur: Many authors have said that their characters "speak" to them, and tell them their story. Do your characters speak to you? 

Anna Banks: My characters don't shut up. It's honestly a tad embarrassing sometimes, because when they're talking to me I will zone out of a conversation, miss a turn while driving, or put the milk in the cabinet and the cereal in the fridge. I've gotten so distracted that I actually went to a psychiatrist to determine if I was schizophrenic; turns out I was just a normal writer.

The Literary Connoisseur: Which of your characters from the Syrena Legacy has been your favorite to write so far? Emma? Galen? Toraf, perhaps? 

Anna Banks: I think my readers will understand when I say that my favorite character is Toraf/Rayna together. Toraf wouldn't be the same without Rayna, and Rayna wouldn't be the same without Toraf. They make each other who they are.

The Literary Connoisseur: You write romantic books under your pen name, Anna Scarlett, and you write your Syrena Young Adult series as Anna Banks. Which of the genres has been more fun to write? 

Anna Banks: I have to admit, I enjoyed writing DEGREES OF WRONG as Anna Scarlett because it was so much fun to put my feisty main character Elyse into so many awkward situations. Plus she has a horrendous temper, which is always excessively fun to write! :)

The Literary Connoisseur: Your plot and characters for Of Poseidon are unlike most Young Adult books and series out there. What drew you to write about the Syrena? 

Anna Banks: I was writing a documentary once about the giant squid. Up until 2005, scientists thought the giant squid (you know, the ones we see in paintings or drawings with its tentacles wrapped around ships, dragging them under?) was a legend or myth, mere fishermen's lore. But in 2005, one washed up on shore, and so all the scientists were like, "Um, we were wrong. Sorry." It got me thinking, what else could be out there? Mermaids have been a myth for as long as history has been recorded. Even Christopher Columbus documented a mermaid sighting in his journal on the way to the Americas. So I set out to prove that scientifically, mermaids could exist. And a story unfolded from there.

The Literary Connoisseur: What has been your biggest achievement as an author so far? 

Anna Banks: Hands down, it was when OF TRITON made the NYT Bestsellers list. I cried and cried. I was on book tour when I found out, checking into our hotel before an event that evening. When I got the email I just started bawling. The other authors, my publicist, and some other guests checking in thought something terrible had happened, like my whole family just died in a plane crash or something. But I couldn't help but cry. It was my dream for a long time.

Also, I was pretty freaking excited when Mad Hatter Entertainment acquired rights to make The Syrena Legacy series into a movie. :)

The Literary Connoisseur: Early on this year, you went on a tour with Katie Finn (also known as Morgan Matson), Lindsay Smith, and Marie Rutkoski as part of the Spring Fierce Reads Tour! What was your favorite part of the tour? 

Anna Banks: Ugh, there are so many good times to choose from. I will say that with all tours, my favorite part is meeting/connecting with fans and readers. You're my people! :) But to be specific...We were once stuck at the airport because of a canceled flight and we were all tired and bored. I had an app on my phone where you take a picture of yourself and the app will turn you into a zombie. We entertained ourselves and irritated other waiting passengers for a solid hour with this.

Also, at one tour stop, a blogger asked how we felt about diversity in YA. I was so proud that this subject is really spreading, and that people are really taking notice of its importance and relevance.

The Literary Connoisseur: Is there any exciting news or upcoming announcements you would like your fans, and future fans of yours, to know? 

Anna Banks: The cover to my upcoming YA novel JOYRIDE (releasing June 2015) will be revealed in a few weeks, and I'm really excited about it! I can't wait for you guys to read this one. It's Bonnie and Clyde meets a Latina Pretty in Pink.

The Literary Connoisseur: Are you currently working on any new projects? 

Anna Banks: I'm working on NEMESIS, a YA fantasy based on ancient Egypt. Hot prince, clever princess turned slave, a plague, and impending war. What's not to like? :)

(From left to right: Katie Finn and her book, Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend, Anna Banks and her copy of Of Neptune, Lindsay Smith and her book, Sekret, and Marie Rutkoski with her book, The Winner's Curse.)

My review for Anna Banks' Of Poseidon

  We've all gotten into the Young Adult paranormal romances that have loved us, had us fall in love with them, used us, and abused us (in the very best ways a book can abuse us), and we all admit that we're hopelessly addicted to them.
  Girl meets boy, boy sees girl, they fall in love, but there is something keeping them apart...
  One of them is a paranormal creature that cannot fall in love with a human! (The best part of the paranormal romance in my humble opinion.)
  But Of Poseidon by Anna Banks is unlike these others... It is a real "fish out of water" story. Almost literally.
  The Syrena Legacy is about mermaids.
  Although Galen, his sister, and his best friend do not like to be called mermaids, they are in fact not mermaids, they are Syrena.
  Emma, our main character, bumps into Galen (literally) on her trip to Florida and cannot stop thinking about him. After Galen recovers from being semi-attacked by Emma, he starts to think about her non-stop as well. But Galen is not the only mysterious being in this new and budding romance... Emma is showing some clear signs of Syrena as well, but nobody has ever seen anything like it before.
  This book is HILARIOUS! I laughed so hard at times, I almost cried! Emma is completely 100% normal. She trips, she falls, she says embarrassing things in front of gorgeous guys, and she's basically like every single normal teenage girl I know. (No typical stereotypes, thank you very much, Anna Banks!)
  Galen is beyond charming, and Anna Banks' secondary characters are the most lovable characters in the bunch!
  Of Poseidon is such a charming read. It's funny, witty, adorable, goofy, and I loved every bit of it!
  Also... If (when) you read Of Poseidon, make sure you have book two (Of Triton) and book three (Of Neptune) right near you. I didn't, because it hadn't come out yet, and it's been killing me ever since!
  These books are so worth a marathon read. Read them straight though, on vacation, near the water, with a floofy summer drink near you, because I cannot imagine anything quite as blissful.

Book                                ebook

          

To purchase the other two books in the Syrena Legacy:

Book                                ebook

          

Book                                ebook

          

Anna Banks

Anna Banks is a young adult author whose primary goal is to entertain smart, funny gals like herself. You can expect her works to be centered around a love story, freckled with humor, and seasoned with sarcasm.

Anna grew up in a small town called Niceville (yes, really) in the Florida Panhandle. She now lives with her husband and daughter close to her hometown. The youngest of seven children, she was spoiled beyond comprehension growing up. Before she started writing, Anna worked as a banker and a waitress. She loves old movies, fried chicken, and Simon Cowell, but loathes exercise, licorice, and haters.

She also spews sarcastic, romantic fiction under pen name Anna Scarlett.

For more on Anna Banks, check out her website here!

Her Facebook page here!

Follow her on Twitter here!

An Interview with New York Times Bestselling Author, Jennifer L. Armentrout

I am pleased to say that after venturing on my first ever trip to Book Bash this past May, I had the complete honor of meeting the incredible Jennifer Armentrout (also known as J. Lynn). When I told her that it was my Bloggerversary that day, because of course Book Bash had to be on the exact day my blog turned a year old, Ms Armentrout wrote in my book wishing me a happy blog anniversary. She is amazing.

Not only was she beyond charming and sweet in person, a few months later when I asked her if she would possibly honor my blog with an interview, she said yes.

She is one of the busiest authors I know, and she said yes!

Please enjoy my interview with New York Times Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout!

(Jennifer with The Little Connoisseur)

The Literary Connoisseur: Ms Armentrout, thank you so much for stopping by The Literary Connoisseur and answering a few questions about your life as an author. If you're ready, let's begin. Have you always known that you wanted to be a writer? 

Jennifer Armentrout: Yes, I've always known that I wanted to be a writer.  I would sit in all my classes in high school and write short stories instead of paying attention.

The Literary Connoisseur: Many authors say that their characters "speak" to them and tell them their stories, which inspires them to write their books in the first place. Do your characters "speak" to you?   

Jennifer Armentrout: I feel a connection with all of my characters and their stories.  If I don't feel that connection, then I feel like something is missing and I know that I'm going in the wrong direction with the character or the story.

The Literary Connoisseur: Which of your books has been your favorite to write? 

Jennifer Armentrout: If I have to chose one, I would probably say Wait for You. 

(SIDE NOTE) 

A synopsis of J. Lynn's Wait for You: 

Some things are worth waiting for . . .

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at that fateful Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. What she never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she's building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing . . .

Cameron Hamilton is six feet, three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, com-plete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make Avery want things she believed had been irrevocably stolen from her. Getting involved with him is dangerous. Yet ignoring the simmering tension that sparks between them—and brings out a side of her she never knew existed—is impossible.

Some things shouldn't be kept quiet . . .

But when Avery starts receiving threatening e-mails and phone calls, she's forced to face a past she wants to keep buried and acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. If the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface with one less scar? And will Cam be there to help her?

And some things are worth fighting for . . . 

The Literary Connoisseur: What would you like to tell your fans-to-be (fans who have yet to discover your work)?  

Jennifer Armentrout: All of my books are heavy on the romance because I love writing the romantic and sexy scenes.

The Literary Connoisseur: Are you currently working on any new projects/have you any new and exciting releases that you would like your fans to know about?  

Jennifer Armentrout: I'm currently working on Scorched which features Tanner and Andrea who are characters from Frigid.

About Jennifer Armentrout:

# 1 New York Times and International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.

She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

For more on Jennifer Armentrout, check out her website here! 


Like her on Facebook here!


Follow her on Twitter here!

Looking Back at Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

  Every time my dad travels out of the country, I ask him for one souvenir: I want a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (or Sorcerer's Stone, if you're American) in whatever language that country speaks. After about three trips or so, and very generous friends sending me copies of the book from their home country, I now own about thirty copies of the first Harry Potter book.
  Of course I'll never read them. They're way too precious to me. In fact, the copies I read, and the copies my mom read to me when I was five years old are too precious as well. They're first edition hard covers--there is no way I could even think about bringing those out in public and risk losing them, dropping Tandoori Chicken on them, or getting caught in a thunderstorm. (I would then have to stick them under my shirt and run frantically to my car).
  I need a set of the series to bend, crease, stroke when I read nerve-wracking scenes, get tears on when my favorite characters die all over again, get tears on when I read a happy scene, get tears on when something remotely emotional happens, and to love and abuse.
  I need paperbacks.
  When I knew I was going to reread my favorite series in the entire world every October starting this year, I knew I would need a set I could read annually and only take out when the leaves started to change color and Halloween decorations were put out on Walmart's shelves.
  I found a set that suited my reread perfectly (that my dad still doesn't realize is missing from his bedroom), and I set them up on my bookshelves, in order, and awaited October 1st.
  I was ready.
  Well, I was ready up until October 1st. On September 30th, like a bride with cold feet the night before her wedding, I became extremely nervous. Was I prepared to get back into Harry's story? Was I okay with rereading my favorite characters' death scenes AGAIN, even after I'd suffered so much already? Was I fully ready to commit myself to this kind of relationship again? Was I ready to laugh, cry, bang my fists against a table, sob into a pillow, scream out in rage, and be completely and entirely overwhelmed with the happiness of being back home?
  Of course I was.
  Just like that bride with cold feet the night before her wedding, I knew it would be worth it.
  On October 1st, I picked up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and was welcomed home.
  For only about a paragraph or two. Before I could fully be sucked into the story again, I started crying. Hard. All of the emotions from the book releases, movie releases, final book and movie releases, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening, the music, and the previous reads of the story came rushing back to me like a giant tidal wave sucking me under.
  The second try was a bit more successful. I think I read about two more paragraphs that time. Then the tears came back again, and I had to take a break.
  Thankfully my third try was the most successful because as I type this, I am on book four, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I've only cried six times throughout the four books, so this is progress!
  It's difficult to explain the importance of Harry Potter. I guess when you grow up with Harry, like I did, you can't imagine your life without him. Harry taught me love, friendship, loyalty, strength, and that good conquers evil, always. But what magic does Harry hold over adults who come across him later in life and fall in love? It just goes to show that the Harry Potter series is not just a children's series. The books are not just for children. They teach people of all ages the importance of life.
  You don't need to be a witch or a wizard to fall in love with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, because the Harry Potter series proves that magic is found everywhere, and can be cast by anyone.
  Reading is pure magic, and so is Harry Potter. Put them together, and you'll have the most epic reading experience of your life.
  I've come to a lot (A LOT) or realizations during my reread. Over the past few years, I've only been able to watch and rewatch the Harry Potter movies over and over and over again. I've become so used to Dan, Emma, and Rupert's Harry, Hermione, and Ron, the music, the filmography, insignificant details (or details I thought were insignificant), and Harrypottadidyouputyournameinthegobletoffiya?! I've forgotten everything that made me fall in love with Harry Potter in the first place.
  I've fallen in love with Quidditch again. I've fallen in love with Dumbledore again. I sympathize with Hermione. I despise Draco all over again. I want to grab Snape by his greasy head and shout in his face, "WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SUCH A JERK FACE, BUT I KIND OF UNDERSTAND YOUR PAIN!" I want to knock Peeves out of the air with a Quidditch club every time he tattles on Harry. I want to press my mouth against my book's pages and scream a warning to the characters every time I know something bad is going to happen. I do a double take every time something bad happens that I don't remember happening. I grit my teeth in anger when Volde-...You-Know-Who- does something disgustingly menacing. And most of all, I live Harry's pain.
  The one thing I've realized the most during my reread is how strong Harry truly is. The pain he goes through (emotionally, mentally, and physically) is excruciating, and J.K. Rowling ensures that you feel just as sad and hurt as Harry does. Believe me, she is really good at making her readers feel emotions.
  This reread is bringing out so many new feelings in me. The one that trumps all is euphoria. The extreme happiness and giddiness of being back with Harry. Of being back home.
  I never reread books. Ever. I yearn to read new stories and develop new opinions on authors and books. Rereading the Harry Potter series isn't just a reread, though. It's returning back to Hogwarts on September 1st (or in my case, one month later in October). It's visiting old friends. Returning to Harry is returning home.
  So! I look forward to what new revelations the rest of my reread brings. This first annual reread has done me good, so I know my experiment was a success. Sorry everyone, from now on, my Octobers will be booked with Harry.

Book                                 ebook

          

The Cuckoo's Calling and The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith

  Who doesn't love a good murder mystery?
  Deep down, we all do, but no one loves a good mystery like Cormoran Strike, private investigator. Cormoran is a little down in the dumps after his fiance, the love of his life, cheated on him. He is left to pack his things and live in his office (which is possibly the most inconvenient place to live), but Cormoran's business is about to turn around when a super model's brother walks into his office and presents a case.
  His sister's suicide may in fact have been a murder.
  Cormoran figures he might as well take this case because a) he is incredibly intrigued by it, and b) he needs the money. With the help of his new secretary, Robin, Cormoran is quite unstoppable.
  He will find this young super model's murderer.
  Of course I loved this book. Of course I spent many a night flipping through The Cuckoo's Calling's pages as I anxiously awaited the answer to who killed this poor girl. Or was it only a suicide? Or was she coerced into falling to her death?
  That's what I wanted to find out!
  Of course I put the book down with a mixed reaction of "How did I not know?" "I kind of knew" and "I TOTALLY didn't see that coming!"
  That's what good books do to you, and my friends, this was a good book.
  If you're anything like me, you will absolutely fall head over heels in love with Cormoran and Robin. Their partnership is unbeatable, their chemistry is unlike any other, and together they form one of the most incredible partnerships in literary history.
  When I plan my fictional dinner party, these two are DEFINITELY invited. (Along with Lisbeth Salander, Mikael Blomkvist, Atticus Finch, Jane Eyre, Mr Rochester, Severus Snape, Professor Dumbledore, Augustus Waters, and more.)
  Which reminds me, The Cuckoo's Calling has a very Girl with the Dragon Tattoo feel to it. Irresistible intrigue, mystery, violence, action, and adventure that will leave you salivating for more.
  And that's where The Silkworm comes in.
  I won't spoil that plot for you, just in case you pick up The Cuckoo's Calling shortly after you finish reading this book review (which I implore you--please do), so I'll just skip to my thoughts on the book...
  The Silkworm is, in my opinion, just as amazing as The Cuckoo's Calling, if not better.
  These books are irresistible, but if there's one thing I regret, it is not reading them slower.
  When am I going to get book three??

Book                                ebook 

           

Book                                 ebook

          

An Interview with Harlequin Romance Author, Leigh Duncan

Before having the absolute pleasure of becoming acquainted with Ms Duncan, I am ashamed to say I had never picked up a Harlequin Romance novel. After all of the various of genres I have picked up in my time as a bookworm, I had yet to explore this new universe of literature.

  

I was missing out.

Ms Duncan approached me about reading her Glades County Cowboy books in exchange for honest reviews, and I was immediately smitten with her, and her work. Leigh Duncan and her books are truly spectacular.

Not only did I want to share the wealth and spread the joy of these books, I wanted to give an insight into the world of Harlequin Romances as well, so that any stereotypes could be debunked, and more eager readers may find the magic in these books. What better way to do that than to ask for help from an author?

In addition, I went back to Ms Duncan and asked if I may interview her to ask her a few questions about herself, her books, Harlequin, and her latest book, His Favorite Cowgirl. She agreed.

So without further ado, an interview with Harlequin Romance author, Leigh Duncan!

The Literary Connoisseur: Hello, Leigh! Welcome to The Literary Connoisseur, and thank you so much for agreeing to do an interview! If you're ready, let's begin. Tell us a bit about yourself, your career as an author, and how you became an author. At what age did you start to write? 

Leigh Duncan: Rebecca, I’m soooo glad to be here! And congratulations on success of The Literary Connoisseur! I love the fresh insight your blog brings to today’s romantic fiction! 

As for myself, whew! When did I start to write? Almost as soon as I could hold a pencil. Seriously, I wrote my first romance in the second grade, and I’ve been an on-again/off-again writer ever since. In college, I studied Creative Writing. When my children were small, I focused on writing Children’s Literature. As they grew, I wrote a tongue-in-cheek column for a workout journal, sold a few pieces to the folks at Chicken Soup but, when I hit 40, I knew it was time to “get serious” if I was ever going to write a novel. My first attempts weren’t very good—they still hide under the bed with the dust bunnies. But I kept at it and sold to Harlequin American Romance in 2009. I’ve been writing for them ever since. 

The Literary Connoisseur: How does one become a Harlequin Romance author? 

Leigh Duncan: Each author for Harlequin has their own unique story. Mine started when a couple of published authors suggested I set aside the heavy, dark women’s fiction I’d been focusing on and try my hand at something a bit more light-hearted. As it turned out, I had an idea I’d been kicking around—about a young woman who transfers to Cocoa Beach just as a hurricane turns toward the East Coast...and the hunky police officer who forces one reluctant heroine to evacuate. I started to work on it. Once the manuscript was complete, I submitted it to Harlequin. We went through several revisions before they bought the book, but it was published in 2010 as The Officer’s Girl.Anyone who wants to write for Harlequin should check out the submission guidelines posted on the Harlequin website (www.Harlequin.com). Or enter Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write (SYTYCW) contest, which runs throughout October of each year. The grand prize includes a publishing contract. 

The Literary Connoisseur: Are there any stereotypes you would like to clear up about Harlequin Romances? 

Leigh Duncan: At book signings and author appearances, I often hear people say they don’t read Harlequin books because they’re “too spicy.” I tell them that, maybe, they haven’t found the right kind of Harlequin book. A lot of people don’t realize that there are many different “lines,” and each has a different focus. From vampires to exotic locales to historical romances—Harlequin offers a line of books to meet every readers’ preferences. For instance, I write for American Romance. Our books are heartwarming, family- and community-focused, emotional stories with lots and lots of cowboys. A reader who enjoys stories with a Christian theme should pick up one of the Love Inspired books. A reader who wants something with a little heat might want to give Blaze’s “fun, flirty and always steamy” books a try. 

The Literary Connoisseur: Which book (or books) of yours has been your favorite to write so far?

Leigh Duncan: I fall in love with the heroes and heroines in all of my books. That makes the book I’m working on right now my favorite. 

The Literary Connoisseur: What would you say is your favorite part about being a Harlequin Romance writer? 

Leigh Duncan: I don’t think I’ll ever get over the thrill of walking into a book store and seeing my name on the spine of a book. It’s the best feeling!

The Literary Connoisseur: Do you have a favorite place to sit and write? Outside? In a comfy sitting room, perhaps? 

Leigh Duncan: A couple of years ago, the ruckus caused by having college-aged kids at home seriously threatened some tight deadlines for NY Times best-selling author Roxanne St. Claire, Award-Winning Urban Fantasy author Kristen Painter, top-selling Erotic Romance author Lara Santiago and me. We had to find a quiet place to write! So, we started meeting at the library. There, we’d snag one of the tiny study rooms, turn off our cell phones, plug in our laptops. We set goals—everyone had to write 1,000 words before we took a lunch break. Another, longer session followed in the afternoon. The result—seriously improved word counts and a better chance of meeting our deadlines. But the room was t-i-n-y, windowless, and often, airless. So, after three months, we re-located. Now, we host Writers Camp at one another’s dining room tables several times a week. The accountability and the camaraderie of Writers Camp—wherever we meet—makes it my favorite place to work. 

The Literary Connoisseur: Please tell us about your latest release, His Favorite Cowgirl. 

Leigh Duncan: HIS FAVORITE COWGIRL is the second book in the Glades County Cowboys series. These stories focus on the five hunky Judd brothers who come home to manage the ranch their family has worked for four generations. In HIS FAVORITE COWGIRL, Hank Judd seizes a last chance to reconnect with the daughter he barely knows during his stint as manager of the Circle P Ranch. To forge a relationship with her, Hank turns to the one person he’s sworn to keep his distance from...his high school sweetheart and the girl who broke his heart, Kelly Tompkins. Kelly needs Hank’s help, too, but spending time with the man who let her down twelve years ago risks unearthing a heartache that never truly healed.

The Literary Connoisseur: The Glades County Cowboys books take place in sunny, warm, and gator-infested Florida. Why choose Florida? 

Leigh Duncan: I grew up in Florida. I can’t think of a place I’d rather live. And I love sharing its natural beauty and unique setting with readers.

The Literary Connoisseur: Are you currently working on any new projects? Are there any more stories coming out featuring the Glades County Cowboys? 

Leigh Duncan: Look for older brother Garrett’s story in The Rancher’s Lullaby next May. There are two younger Judd brothers—Randy and Royce—who may have a story to tell. Reluctant cowpoke and favorite birdwatcher Josh might find love on the Circle P Ranch. Time will tell. 


The Literary Connoisseur: Leigh, thank you again so much for stopping by! I cannot wait to read more of your work.

My review for His Favorite Cowgirl by Leigh Duncan

  As a newly found fan of Leigh Duncan and the Glades County Cowboys books, I was absolutely thrilled to dive right in to His Favorite Cowgirl. Before I started Leigh Duncan's latest release, I was introduced to her writing with Rancher's Son and The Bull Rider's Family, and I immediately fell in love.
  Ms Duncan's books are positively precious! Every time I finish one, I just feel so good inside. With a combination of lovable characters, intriguing plots, a twist that will make you come close to tears, and an ending that will warm your heart, these books have all the right ingredients to make a wonderful novel.
  Especially His Favorite Cowgirl.
  Hank Judd masters the art of riding horses, helping to run the Circle P ranch, and cattle herding...but after ten years of being a dad, he just hasn't been able to connect with his daughter, Noelle.
  In fact, there's another female who occupies his mind, almost on a regular basis, even though they didn't leave on the best of terms...ever since they broke each other's hearts.
  Kelly Tompkins.
  Kelly Tompkins hasn't been back to her grandfather's ranch (which happens to be the Circle P's ranch rival) since the day he kicked her out. She's become extremely successful working for the number one most popular cowboy boot company in the south, but still, she feels as if something is missing from her life...
  But what she doesn't know, is that you really can go back home.
  I am hopelessly addicted to Leigh Duncan's books. Positively, hopelessly, and undoubtedly addicted to her books. They are AMAZING! There is enough romance in His Favorite Cowgirl to melt your heart and make you swoon, but Ms Duncan keeps it classy (which I appreciate VERY much).
  I loved His Favorite Cowgirl. I loved Hank (very, very much), and I loved Kelly, which is impressive, because you all know how easily female characters can irritate me. After her character grew, I fell in love with Noelle as well, but most of all...I love the Circle P ranchers.
  I will, without a doubt, read more Leigh Duncan because I feel almost as if my life is incomplete without the Circle P ranch.

Book                                 ebook
          







About Leigh Duncan

Award-winning author Leigh Duncan and her family moved fourteen times before the children graduated from high school. All that packing and unpacking led to Leigh’s long-standing philosophy that when dirt builds up in the corners, it’s time to call the movers. It also taught her that solid relationships are the foundation for true happiness. Married to the love of her life and mother of two wonderful young adults, Leigh worked as a secretary, a teacher and a government contractor before leaving those jobs behind to pursue writing, her life-long passion. Once the moving vans made their final stop in central Florida, Leigh settled in to write the kind of books she loves to read, ones where home, family and community are keys to the happy endings we all deserve.

When she isn’t busy working on her next book or checking the corners for dust bunnies, Leigh loves nothing better than to curl up in her favorite chair with a cup of hot coffee and a great book. She invites readers to contact her at PO Box 410787, Melbourne, FL 32941 or you can e-mail her.

Leigh's Books

ebook format

        

            

For more on Leigh Duncan, Check out her website here!