SNEAK PEEK! & Interview with Heather Webber

Interview:

Hi, Heather!!

Welcome to Rex Robot Reviews- excited to have you here today! I would like to thank you for taking the time to join us for the interview.

1. Heather, which character did you enjoy writing the most & why?   

Ooh, tough one. Dovie is a favorite because she can say anything, do anything, and get away with it. And of course, Lucy, because, well, she's just lovable. Reporter Preston Bailey has grown on me over the course of the series so that now (three books in) she's also a favorite.

2. What inspired your novel Truly, Madly?  

A little bit came from my desire to write a book about a fake psychic who lands in trouble after "predicting" something that comes true--it was going to be a romance novel. That idea evolved into a mystery, and then I decided I wanted Lucy to have a real psychic gift--but not something that's overtly helpful in solving a crime because where would all the fun be in that? Then I fell in love with the last name of "Valentine" so I knew I had to (just had to) tie romance into the story... The rest unfolded as I was writing, and the book ended up having it all--romance, mystery, and an element of the paranormal.    

 
3. If Truly, Madly had a soundtrack, which songs would you choose?  

"As Long As You're Mine" from the WICKED soundtrack would definitely be on it. "Love Story" from Taylor Swift. Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours." Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah." Hmm, I sense a theme.    

 
4. Would you rather see Lucy Valentine on the TV screen or the big screen? Why?  

I'm really not choosy! Either would be great with me. If any producers are reading this, please contact me. :)

 
5. How would you say that your interests influence your writing?  

My life is really a lot different from my characters', but I love animals, so you'll always find them in my novels. We've had not one, but two one-eyed hamsters. I also had a three-legged cat growing up. Family always comes first, and I think that's reflected in my books as well (no matter how messed up the family appears to be). And I love humor--and hope that comes across as well.  
 

6. What do you do when you aren't writing?   

Usually I'm with the kids or watching bad reality TV or reading. I'm a homebody by nature, so it's my favorite place to be. Notice I didn't mention cleaning. I'll do just about anything to avoid picking up a duster or running the Dyson--though I do love my Dyson.

7. Where is your favorite spot to read/write?  

My favorite spots to read are in bed or in the bathtub. My favorite spots to write are in the big chair in the living room or at my desk. I'm not one of those people who write better in a coffee shop--I'm too easily distracted.

8. If you can take the books of only one author with you to a desert island, which author would you choose? Why?  

Oh my. That's a really hard question. I'm torn. Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series or Brenda Joyce's "Deadly" series. Both are wonderful.

9. So, what comes after Deeply, Desperately? Excited about any other releases or works in progress?  

I'm really excited to see what happens to Lucy. After Deeply comes Absolutely, Positively in February.  Lucy and Sean tangle with a criminal mastermind, the FBI, a rubber-chicken obsessed dog and some secrets from Sean's past... Cross your fingers the series will continue after the third book--I'm waiting to hear.

 
10. Do you have any upcoming events? If so, where can your readers find you?  

My website, of course: www.heatherwebber.com. But my blog has all my events on it and it's updated almost every day: www.heatherwebber.blogspot.com. I'm also at www.cozychicksblog.com on Fridays and I'm on Facebook and Goodreads, too. Whew! Here are my upcoming events:  

4/30/10 - 5/2/10 ~Malice Domestic 

5/3/10 ~Oakmont, PA

6/12/10 ~Printer's Row, Chicago, IL. (MWA Booth)

7/10/10 ~Antioch Writer's Workshop

7/28/10 -7/31/10 ~RWA National Conference  

8/28/10 ~Sisters In Crime, Columbus Chapter: Speaking on Plotting a Killer Career   

10/2/2010 ~Books By The Banks: Duke Energy Center, Cincinnati, OH

 SNEAK PEEK!

Deeply, Desperately- A Lucy Valentine Novel (#2) 

I slid my key card through the lock of the nondescript door that opened into the stairwell leading to the upper floors. Beautiful cherry wood stairs shone in the late afternoon light filtering through the decorative windows overlooking the Public Garden. I didn’t so much as pause at the second floor landing, but headed straight up to the third floor to see Sean.  

The reception desk was empty, as it usually was. Rumor was Sean and his brother Sam couldn’t keep a receptionist on staff. Sam blamed their last full timer, Rosalinda, a tiny wisp of a woman who apparently had ties to Santeria. Word was when she was fired for a little embezzlement that she placed a curse on whoever took over her job.  All six women after her had all quit for one reason or another.  

As I knew a thing or two about curses, I hadn’t laughed when Sean and Sam told me about it, but suggested they look into asking Rosalinda’s forgiveness.  

I think they thought I was kidding.  

The scent of a Yankee candle filled the air, something strongly laced with berry. A hint of coffee tainted the smell, beckoning me to the coffee pot in the small utility kitchen off the hallway beyond the empty reception area.  

For some reason I felt at home up here with the burnt orange walls, thick area rugs, and masculine paintings. Maybe because I sensed Sean in the space. Though he spent a lot of time in my office now, this felt like his territory.     

My hands full with a mug and my tote bag, I stopped at the hallway console, looked into the mirror hanging on the wall. My hair, blond and unruly, fell well below my shoulders. I smoothed it down, hoping to control the waves. No luck. Unless I used a flat iron, my hair would always have a mind of its own. I plucked an eyelash off my cheek, wished on it.  

When I opened my eyes, Sean was standing behind me. My heart did a little thumpity, thump, thump.   

“What did you wish for?” he asked.  

“Can’t tell.”  

“Very secretive of you, Ms. Valentine.”  

It was a thing between us, using salutations with each other. For some reason I found it extremely sexy. But then again, everything about Sean was extremely sexy.  

“Some things should be very closely guarded.”  

He crossed his arms over his chest. His black hair had grown out a bit, the short spikes I was used to now curling softly at the ends. “And exactly how am I going to get you to let your guard down?”  

“There may be ways.”   

I took in his once-broken nose, his high cheekbones, his superhero jaw, his lips. I dropped my gaze. He wore charcoal gray pants, black boots, black belt, a blue button-down shirt, the top two buttons open, the sleeves rolled. Under the collar, I could barely see the scar from his heart surgery.  

He tapped his chin. “Chocolate?”  

I crunched up my nose.  

“Alcohol? Maybe some spiked egg nog?”  

My mouth was impossibly dry. “Are you suggesting you get me drunk? And then what, Mr. Donahue?”   

He smiled wickedly. His eyes promised things my libido had only dreamed of. My heart nearly stopped right there.   

Very slowly, he said, “Some things should be very closely guarded.” He boxed me against the console table. Our hearts raced against each other.  

With the tip of his finger, he nudged my chin upward.   

Sighing, I looked into his eyes.  

A stunning pearly gray, they were filled with lust. I nearly crumbled. I didn’t know how much longer I could hold out. And right now, this very minute, I was having trouble remembering why I wanted to take things so slowly.   

Lifting my lips to his, I flinched when his cell phone vibrated against my hip.  

And right then I remembered why I’d wanted to take things slowly.  

Cupid’s Curse.  

And it was at work.  

Thank you, Heather, for taking the time to stop here, answer some questions and offer up an excerpt of the *very* anticipated Deeply, Desperately! 

It's been fun! 

Readers, check out Heather's Lucy Valentine books below! 

And be sure to leave her a comment with any thoughts ;]