Straight Chatting from the Library - Kristina Mathews

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A $10 Amazon gift card will be awarded to a random commenter via rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What is the favorite book you remember as a child?

I remember reading Curious George books and later The Boxcar Children and Little House books.

Do you have any bad book habits?

I tend to forget to return library books on time. I once had a book from the fourth grade, it was The Boxcar Children School House Mystery, and I guess I took it with me when I moved. Years later, I was teaching fifth and sixth grade and went to a multi-day training where I met teachers from the school I had attended. I brought the book to the following training and they returned it for me.

E-Reader or print? and why?

I like both. I enjoy the convenience of being able to download a book instantly or have it appear on my Kindle on release day. I used to have to wait until the delivery person stocked the books on a Monday or Thursday at the grocery store or Walmart. I prefer print for nonfiction and there are some authors I collect in paperback, so I order them from Amazon. And of course, holding my own books in my hand is pretty awesome.

One book at a time or multiples?

I usually only read one novel at a time, and then it takes me a couple of days to get through a book and move on to the next.

Dog-ear or bookmark? (don't worry—Librarian Judith won't hold it against you—much)

I hate to fold down pages. I’ve been known to use just about anything as a bookmark, playing card, baseball card, business card, those annoying subscription cards that fall out of magazines. I’ve even been known to use a square of toilet paper if I’m in the bath and can’t find anything else.

When do you do most of your reading?

I take a nightly bath. It’s the one place where I can be left alone. For some reason, sitting with my laptop open, headphones on, and typing is a signal to my family that they should ask for something. So I have to retreat to the tub to get some real solitude. I slide my Kindle in a waterproof map sleeve and take a nice long soak. Sometimes I get into a really good book and the water gets cold before I can put it down.

Favorite place to read?

Besides the tub, I like to read when I’m on vacation. The mountains, the beach, the desert are all great places to read. We do a lot of road trips in my family and I often read in the car.

Re-reader or not?

I often re-read books. Sometimes it’s because I’m in the mood for a particular story, or sometimes I’m looking to see how an author handled a particular topic or technique.

What would make you not finish a book?

I try to finish the books I start, especially now that I know all that goes into the writing of a book. The things that make me put a book down are if I don’t like the main characters. If the heroine comes off as too whiny or annoying or if the hero is a total jerk, I’m out. Sometimes there are plot devices that bug me, such as the heroine being kidnapped right after the first love scene. I don’t care for the hero/heroine having other partners during the course of the book, either. It’s one thing to have an ex threaten the new relationship, but I don’t like any sexual contact with anyone other than the main relationship.

READ THE BLURB

A ballplayer and a team owner would give anything for a championship— even their hearts...

After inheriting majority ownership of the San Francisco Goliaths baseball team, Hunter Collins wants to prove to herself—and the rest of the league— that she’s got what it takes to build a champion. Her first move is to trade for a hot left-fielder. He’s got it all, speed, power, and a desire to win. Not to mention undeniable charm.

Marco Santiago is tired of being the new player in town. After four teams in six years, he’s facing free agency at the end of the season. He wants nothing more than a long-term contract and a World Series win. Hitting on his new owner probably isn’t the best way to get it, but love may be the most powerful challenger either of them has ever faced...

Warning: Strong language, consummated love scenes, and some baseball clichés.

“Smart, fun, and sexy. A great romance read.” –New York Times Bestselling Author, Kat Martin

READ AN EXCERPT

“I’m only interested in winning the division and making a strong run in the postseason.” She turned her head to look out the window as if to show she was unaffected by the chemistry between them.

“Aren’t you a rotten liar?” He chuckled softly. Oh yeah, he was definitely getting to her. “Don’t join in the poker game at the next owners’ retreat. You’ll be wiped out.”

She whipped her head around so fast the car shook. “I happen to be a very good poker player. I can hold my own against anyone. Anytime.”

Interesting. Her strong reaction told him two things. She was insecure about her place among her fellow owners. And yes, she was interested in him on more than a professional level.

“That explains your wardrobe.” He leaned back, not ready to leave her just yet. “You dress like you do to fit in with the old boys’ club. But you can’t hide the fact that you are all woman.”

“And you can’t hide the fact that you don’t want to be here.” She dared look him straight in the eye, but couldn’t hold his gaze.

“I’m starting to come around.” He gave her one last smile.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Kristina Mathews doesn't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. Or in her head. But it wasn't until 2010 that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer was because she was busy writing romance novels.

While she resigned from teaching with the arrival of her second son, she's remained an educator in some form. As a volunteer, Parent Club member or para educator, she finds the most satisfaction working with emergent and developing readers, helping foster confidence and a lifelong love of books. Kristina lives in Northern California with her husband of twenty years, two sons and a black lab. A veteran road tripper, amateur renovator and sports fanatic. She hopes to one day travel all 3,073 miles of Highway 50 from Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD, replace her carpet with hardwood floors and serve as a “Ball Dudette” for the San Francisco Giants.

Website www.kristinamathews.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristinamathewsauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KristinaMathews