Guest Author, Ava Gray with GIVEAWAY!
by sue on Dec.09, 2009, under Book Chat
Skin Game, by Ava Gray
Setting: Various. It’s a road trip book. It starts in Louisiana, goes out west, stops in Vegas and many other places, and winds up in Florida.
Subgenre: Romantic Suspense with paranormal elements
Hero: Reyes, a hitman
Heroine: Kyra, a con woman
One sentence summary: Two not-nice people operate outside the law, have dirty sex, and wreak vengeance on their enemies while reluctantly falling in love.
Scene you like most and would never cut: The bit in the car, after they’re all revved up from the fight.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “Can we register at Neiman Marcus so we get the right china?”
Scene in the book moved you the most as you wrote it, or made
you the most happy? The ending.
Have you learned or found any bizarre facts while doing research? http://www.carhenge.com/ You really have to read it to believe it.
Ancillary character you had the most fun with: Foster. He gets his own book, and oh, yes, you too will love BatPunisherMan. (He’s called that because he’s a magically delicious blend of our two favorite vigilante superheroes.)
What is one thing in your history that has influenced your writing, whether it’s a character, your work habits, or your favorite plot conflict? Sharon Shinn once said something very clever about my work, so I think I’ll let her speak for me here.
“And now that I’ve read books in three of your worlds, I have this observation: My books are all about identity. Yours are all about family…finding some disparate, rough-and-tumble group of people who don’t really trust each other, and forcing them into situations where they HAVE to trust each other to survive. This is a story device that always appeals to me, which might be the reason I like your books so much. That and the nonstop action.”
Your hero’s favorite hobby: He’s not a hobby sort of guy, but he really digs guns and knives. He also enjoys watching shows like Mythbusters and The Deadliest Warrior.
What you think readers will like best about this book: Its difference.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Gillie and Taye from Skin Tight.
What’s next: My next release is Hell Fire, the second in the Corine Solomon series, coming April 6, 2010. My next Ava Gray release is Skin Tight, coming June 1, 2010.
Reading Sharon’s comment above made me thoughtful. Do I often write about family like she says? She’s tremendously perceptive, so yes, I accept her analysis. I think we all have themes that percolate and resonate. What are your hot buttons? What setups do you love and hate? For instance, I hate when the secretary is in love with her boss, but I’m totally okay with a flip if the assistant is male. I enjoy friends-to-lovers, long-time crush (so long as there’s no imbalance of power), older woman, and I must admit to secretly adoring the “I can’t, she’s my best friend’s sister” brand of angst. What does it for you?
A random commenter will win a copy of Skin Game. If you already have it, you can choose another book from my backlist.
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Click here for FREE story from Ava Gray, BE DELICIOUS!
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And the Winners Are??? Week Ending 12/12/09 - trueromance
December 13th, 2009 on 8:44 pm[...] Ava Gray -Tina Chaney [...]
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Friend Feed
December 12th, 2009 on 8:16 pm
I enjoy the stories where the plain Jane heroine who’s always been overlooked suddenly gets noticed.
December 12th, 2009 on 10:29 am
I like the friends to lovers storylines, also unplanned or secret pregnancies, reunions, and really just about anything. I’m not as fond of the older woman younger man plot though. I will read them, but they are not my favorite.
December 11th, 2009 on 5:00 pm
I like friends to lovers stories.
December 11th, 2009 on 4:28 am
I have to admit, I love overly possessive alpha males–and the women who can disarm them with just a word or smile. And meant-to-be’s who start off despising each other. And don’t get started on time travel!
December 10th, 2009 on 11:40 pm
I’m a sucker for unrequited love and triangles - There’s much angst in these stories, much drama. After a hard week’s work, it feels good to be curled with an angsty book and have a good weep. I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s something to the Greek catharsis theory.
But whatever the story, I so want a good grovel in the end. Preferably from the hero.
Yep.
December 10th, 2009 on 10:26 pm
I love the friends to lovers and the best friend’s sister. Have to add the “It’s impossible, I can’t believe they will ever agree on anything” senario.
December 10th, 2009 on 8:45 pm
I wish I could read your Skin Game book! I loved Blue Diablo and Chance is probably one of the hottest heroes I ever heard described. =)
December 10th, 2009 on 4:41 pm
Oh, I love me some Ann Aguirre so I’m looking forward to Ava Gray. (Do you love or hate being two different personas? Anyway…)
I love friends to lovers and I have to admit (don’t tell) that I love me some secret babies. I know, I know. [Hangs her head in shame.]
December 10th, 2009 on 12:54 pm
congrats on the book and great reveiws
hot cover
next series sounds great
December 10th, 2009 on 11:17 am
thanks for the great oppt to win a great book. its sounds awesome
I love the whole alpha mentality. also when the man has always acted like a big brother or has always looked out for the heroine but the whole time he has wanted her. those stories are the 1s i love…:)
December 10th, 2009 on 9:07 am
I love friends to lovers stories, because the respect and affection between hero and heroine already exist. Good one I read recently was Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts. It was great!
I hate the Big Misunderstanding type stories and when the hero acts like a jealous ass-hat. Just turn me off the book completely.
December 10th, 2009 on 2:25 am
I’m really looking forward to picking up Skin Game and getting started on this new series. I’ve loved everything you’ve written as Ann Aguirre, so I’m looking forward to this new side of you with your Ava Gray stories.
I enjoy the reunited past lovers, the friends to lovers stories, and the long time crush. I don’t like the hooked up in the past, I had your baby and never told you about it story.
December 9th, 2009 on 9:56 pm
Hi Ava! Congratulations on the success of “Skin Game”. I’ve heard so many great things about it and can’t wait to read it.
I love friends-to-lovers and best friend’s siblings stories. Can’t get enough of them. That’s why I can’t wait tell the release of Nora Robert’s next book “Savor the Moment”.
December 9th, 2009 on 8:45 pm
I got to say some of my favourites are friends-to-lover romances… (I also have to say it’s happened to me, so… *g*)
December 9th, 2009 on 8:41 pm
Hi Ava, nice interview!! I LUV all types of situations. One of my favs is when the H/H meet up years later and hook-up. Reunions are good!! I like singles coming home for the holidays and meeting someone. Cinderella stories are always good too. I’m still trying to get a hold of Blue Diablo, that would be my pick!! Thanks, Sue
December 9th, 2009 on 7:51 pm
friends to lovers and ‘beauty and the beast’ always be my favorites
AVA, i’m so want your book !
December 9th, 2009 on 7:22 pm
I enjoy the ’she’s not pretty or thin or blonde, and in fact gets overlooked a lot’ gal falling in love with a smart, charismatic and ruggedly handsome guy who knows that the only sexy women aren’t petite and blonde.
I am especially fond of larger woman meets guy who could be hot if you look past his nerdiness hook ups. Also ones where the guy has a good heart but has been told all his life that he’s not good enough or smart enough and so is seeking a second chance to prove himself.
I can’t bear the breathless stupid woman who only cares about men, and nothing else, meets an equally empty-headed beefcake and they have sex like rabbits scenario. Those just leave me cold.
December 9th, 2009 on 7:02 pm
I LOVE best-friends-fall-in-love stories! Especially when the guy has already been in love with the girl for a long time….I don’t know, but it gets me everytime!
Great interview! I can’t wait to start Skin Game!
December 9th, 2009 on 6:40 pm
I like stories where the hero and heroine aren’t necessarily on great terms in the beginning, but they work towards a relationship. The best example I can think of is Cat and Bones in Jeaniene Frost’s Halfway to the Grave.
December 9th, 2009 on 6:09 pm
I’ve heard really good things about this book. It certainly doesn’t sound like your run of the mill rom-sus that’s for sure. I’m looking forward to reading it.
December 9th, 2009 on 6:06 pm
I don’t like bar scene pick-ups or rebounds. I like a story where characters have a common interest. I want my characters to have a little playful friction between the two of them before they hook-up.
December 9th, 2009 on 5:56 pm
Two of my favorites are friends to lovers and reunited lovers. Not too crazy about storylines with a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING, just makes me want to slap them silly.
December 9th, 2009 on 5:33 pm
The only one that I cannot stand is the Misunderstanding plot. (I call it the “Three’s Company” plot, because that was the gist of every single episode!) Big misunderstandings wrapped around smaller ones wrapped around nothing much, all tied up with a “just get ON with it already!” bow. When all it would take is 5 minutes or so of actual conversation to clear up the conundrum, I’m highly annoyed I spent money and time on that book. I’m not a super-huge fan of “secret baby” plots, but I’ve seen a couple of authors who have actually pulled it off, so I don’t consider it an instant FAIL.
As for what I love, I love the “friends to lovers” and the “he/she drives me absolutely CRAZY so why can’t I stop thinking about those eyes/sexy lips/sexy hands/etc”. I’m also a big fan of the roadtrip (particularly when combined with the “he/she drives me CRAZY” plot). I do like fairy tale updates and “I thought I was over my ex, but I guess I’m not”, too. Quite honestly, though, give me a well-written story and I’ll read it.
December 9th, 2009 on 5:02 pm
The only setups I am not into are the much older woman with a younger man. Just weirds me out. I love fairy tale themes a great deal. I also love friends to lovers themes.
December 9th, 2009 on 4:41 pm
Ann, I’m a sucker for all the themes you mentioned–I love those stories where the hero and heroine have some sort of previous connection and then the whole love thing sneaks up and bops ‘em on the head
I’m not sure there are any set-ups I haaaate, but in historicals, I’m not crazy about the “he’s her guardian” thing. Totally loved Skin Game, and cannot wait for Skin Tight!!
December 9th, 2009 on 4:40 pm
This sounds like an awesome series. Can’t wait to start reading them! Thanks!
December 9th, 2009 on 4:32 pm
I sssooooo want this book! I’m absolutely rabid to win it! So I’m crossing my fingers and toes I get picked!
As for what I like…friends-to-lovers, older woman-younger man, and falling for your best friend’s sibling.
My only(and biggest) hate is the secret baby. It’s disrespectful to both the characters and readers to keep something like that hidden.
December 9th, 2009 on 4:30 pm
Yes, I’m not a big fan of the push-pull dynamic either. I also don’t love when there’s coitus interruptus like twelve times in the same book. I don’t mind once, twice is fine, more than twice is just like, “Ok, let them do it already!”
December 9th, 2009 on 3:54 pm
I don’t care for the over-angsty-drag-out-the-whole-damn-thing plot. The “we should be together” “no we shouldn’t” “yes we should”! Too much of that and I just want to shoot both of them.
December 9th, 2009 on 3:47 pm
I like friends to lovers. Can’t stand when the gal is already pregnant when she meets the hero.
December 9th, 2009 on 3:46 pm
I love the friends to lovers books myself! Its one of my favorite type of reads.
December 9th, 2009 on 2:47 pm
Hi Ava,
it’s great to see you here
I don’t like stories where she is much older than he is or when she is pregnant and meets her hero…as for the others - I like them all! (I think…)
can’t wait until June *sigh*
wish you all the best!
Ina
December 9th, 2009 on 1:55 pm
Ava, this post totally sold me on you as a writer. I’ve never read any of your books, but I love what your heroine would never say!
My favorite plot device? When the heroine consistently outsmarts both the hero and the reader. Jessica in Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels was like this. She was no simpering Regency miss, and both Dain and I were impressed.
December 9th, 2009 on 1:44 pm
I definitely love the friends to lovers and loving friend’s sibling. Love them!!
December 9th, 2009 on 1:27 pm
Seems to be a favorite among many, I also love friends-to-lovers stories, the forbidden brother or sister’s best friend, also the long-time crush/unrequited love especially if it’s the hero who has been in love with the heroine. Huge fan of repressed alpha males who are brought to their knees by falling in love with a strong heroine.
December 9th, 2009 on 1:19 pm
I love revenge stories, alpha men and agree with the tortured hero or heroine finding love and being healed by it.
December 9th, 2009 on 1:08 pm
I like most any romantic angst. The best friends sister variety is certainly a fav! I also really like the “I have stupid preconceived notions about him/her” variety as long as it is done well. (example: Tegan and Elise from Lara Adrian’s Midnight Awakening)
December 9th, 2009 on 1:03 pm
Best friends to lovers, long time crush, She or He is my siblings best friend type stories are my very favorite.
December 9th, 2009 on 11:47 am
I don’t like to see the lead character spend the bulk of the story doing things to get revenge on someone only to get back with that person in the end.
December 9th, 2009 on 11:43 am
I really enjoy the friends-to-lovers, long time crush story line. But I will try out ANY storyline once, and enjoy just about anything as long as the heroine isn’t a complete idiot!
December 9th, 2009 on 11:32 am
Some lovely comments! I love reading about people’s specific favorites.
“Would you compare yourself to an Anne Stuart or Linda Howard?”
I would -never- be so bold. My editor, however, did compare me to Anne Stuart, and I believe that comparison wound up on the Skin Game cover flats as a sales point for book buyers. Meredith Duran, along with RT magazine, compared me to Linda Howard. Since several people have made those comments, I think it’s fair to say if you enjoy Ms. Howard or Ms. Stuart, that my Ava Gray books might be a good fit for you.
December 9th, 2009 on 11:28 am
I too love the friends-to-lovers, long-time crush plot line. I’ve probably read a hundred (okay, maybe not yet but the numbers are getting there) of romances but somehow I never get tired of them. really, anything second-chance love plot lines i love.
your book sounds really different from what i’ve been reading lately. i’d really love to read skin game.
December 9th, 2009 on 11:06 am
I definitely LOVE certain plotlines. Heroine in love with brother’s bestfriend is one of my faves. Any plot where it begins with the hero and heroine not caring for each other AT ALL. Love watching that change. Love when the heroine takes the initiative to go after the man (likt it better in historicals). Love when one has had feelings for the other long before the book starts. Love hidden baby stories only if child is revealed at the beginning of the book. Love friends to lovers. Love the brooding hero. Love him.
December 9th, 2009 on 11:04 am
From Rebecca York on Twitter: RebeccaYork43
@SueGrimshaw: The classic plot that gets me every time is “pregnant and abandoned.” Amnesia also good, And as a writer #werewolves!
Yep, I agree
December 9th, 2009 on 10:53 am
I won’t usually pick a book just based on its trope, but I do have a soft spot for reunited lovers stories.
I’ve really enjoyed your Ann Aguirre books that I’ve read…will definitely have to pick up a copy of Skin Game!
December 9th, 2009 on 10:45 am
would love to read skin game! I am also partial to the “I can’t, she’s my best friend’s sister” it seems so sweet but when he really loves her …
December 9th, 2009 on 10:44 am
love the friends to lovers but hate absolutely loathe the young girl to older man. Especially if the heroine is portrayed as particularly stupid. I am an old soul and was pretty darn smart at 22 so I really hate when they portray younger women as silly little twits as I’ve never been a twit in my life.
December 9th, 2009 on 10:04 am
In real life, I like to be in charge a lot. So it’s sort of strange to admit that I love any alpha male story: strong woman meets alpha male who insists on protecting her, despite her insistence that she doesn’t need to be protected
December 9th, 2009 on 9:11 am
Reunited lovers and May-December romances, when done well, really resonate with me.
Reunited lovers, second-chance love speak to my softspot for forgiveness, personal growth and the realization that it takes 2 people who are in the right place-at the right time-facing “the one” and knowing it.
May-December romances have always gripped me. It’s a difficult premise to carry through with resonance and believability, imo. For me May-Dec was always about wisdom, need & sensivity, and cultivating the right balance of these elements between H/H. Some of my favorites are ONE SUMMER-Karen Robards, SLEEPING BEAUTY-Judith Ivory & LORD OF THE NIGHT-Susan Wiggs…I think I need to go and do some re-reading now!
SKIN GAME has been buzzing around blogosphere with much praise, I look forward to reading it. I love me a good con woman.
December 9th, 2009 on 8:51 am
Hi, Ava! I am somewhat burned out on the multi-gajillionaire omnipotent male rescues and dominates damsel in distress scenario. However…I do admit these books can sometimes be a fun guilty pleasure : )
I love Beauty and the Beast stories!!! Also, people can be attracted to extreme opposites and bring out the best in each other. Sometimes, the person you find least attractive steadily grows on you, and before you know it, you’re madly in love!
December 9th, 2009 on 4:50 am
I love Beauty and the Beast stories & falling for the girl/guy that feels totally wrong at first but is oh so right for you at the end.
I hate books were the “hero” treats her inexcusably bad but still gets her back when he FINALLY realizes she’s special. I want the guy to be deserving of her love.
December 9th, 2009 on 4:26 am
Ine of the thing I love most about the Romance genre is all those great storylines authors can play with. Some of myfavorites are : friends-to-lovers, second chance at love and of course, you nailed it, the I can’t date her she’s my sister’s BFF (about this last one, I can’t wait to read the next Nora Roberts Savour the Moment where which should work alng that line).
Congrats for this great new series of yours. After reading all the good reviews I can’t wait to read Skin Game myself !
December 9th, 2009 on 4:26 am
I love revenge and mistaken identity stories. I also enjoy stories where the tortured hero is healed by love.
December 9th, 2009 on 2:36 am
I just finished Skin Game and loved it! I cannot wait for Skin Tight. I sooo love finding new fantastic authors to read and I’m happy to have found Ms. Gray.
To answer your question, I am loving any version as long as it’s written well. There have been some where I was like oh great another one of those stories, but it’s so well done that it works and I love it. I do especially love when a not so smokin’ hot real women gets a so hot man. Works for me, in my dreams of course…ho-hum!
December 9th, 2009 on 2:26 am
I love any version of Cinderella stories!
December 9th, 2009 on 1:28 am
monkeybearreviews … also known as @sarahtanner on twitter is reading your book right now: it sounds quite unforgettable! Would you compare yourself to an Anne Stuart or Linda Howard? (Two authors whose characters are not always “sugar and spice and everything nice”) …