Straight Chatting from the Library: Christina Elliott

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Christina Elliott will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

ENJOY THE INTERVIEW

What is the favorite book you remember as a child?

I loved reading Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven and Famous Five mysteries. I’d devour them. My mother would buy me one on a shopping trip. I’d read it sitting on the floor, sitting under dress racks and by the times we got home I’d have finished it and I’d feel sad and lonely without my book!

Tell us about your current book in 10 words.

A cop, a reporter, a killer, and a Miami summer.

E-Reader or print? and why?

I love both. Ebooks are super convenient, but skipping ahead through pages, which I like to do is see how many more pages there are in the chapter, is a pain in the neck so print books win that regard. I have to say I prefer reading paperbacks than big hardbacks because they’re easier to hold! I’m also not much of an audiobook fan. I find my attention wanders too much. But I love that there are different formats to suit different reading styles.

One book at a time or multiples?

I often read multiple books at a time. If one doesn’t seem to be grabbing my attention, I move to the next in the pile, then to the next to see if it’s any better. I’m looking to be hooked! Sometimes I’ll go back to the ones I started, but other times I just give up on them.

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

I’m a reformed dog-earer! These days I’m a book marker as I have a lot of bookmarks. I like to use postcards from art galleries or bookmarks from other authors I’ve picked up. And I’ll also confess to lying an open book flat on the nightstand. I’m really baring my soul here!

When do you do most of your reading?

Usually before bed, but sometimes I fall asleep too soon and I never make any progress in the book! So I try to get an hour or reading in in the later afternoon, if I can, so I’m alert enough to pay attention to what’s happening in the book and have a better reading experience. As a writer, I consider reading an essential part of my day.

Re-reader or not?

Generally not. I just have too many books on my list to afford the time to go back over ones I’ve already read. That said, I think re-reading is actually a good idea. The best books are those that endure. You can read them at different stages of your life and get something different out of them each time.

What would make you not finish a book?

When I don’t engage with the characters, the plot moves too slowly or the writing’s really bad. Those aren’t the three main reasons. These days I give a book about fifty pages. If I’m not hooked by then, I move to the next one. I used to always try to finish a book, but I’ve decided just have too much I want to read and too little time to do it!

Keep books or give them away?

I keep the ones I like and give away the ones I don’t. I also have a shelf of author signed copies from various author friends. I keep those although I didn’t like all of them!

READ THE BLURB

Amid a sweltering Miami summer, a serial killer is haunting the city. Reporter Ingrid Sorenson is assigned the story and her primary source is brusque detective Rick Gonzalez. The pair clash, but sparks of passion ignite. They risk their jobs to give in to their desire, but mistrust of each other’s career motives wedges them apart. Then Ingrid gets a tip that leads her into the killer’s lair. She and Rick must choose between saving themselves or rescuing their love.

READ AN EXCERPT

As Ingrid opened the door, Rick thrust a bouquet of white roses at her. “To make up for being out of touch,” he said.

She was touched by his thoughtfulness. “You didn’t have to do that, but thanks. They’re lovely. I’ll put them in a vase.” They entered and she disappeared into the kitchen.

“It was either flowers or chocolate,” he called as she disappeared into the kitchen. She filled a glass vase with water and set the roses in them.

“Good choice. I love chocolate, but I try to stay away from it,” she said, exiting the kitchen to place the vase in the center of the dining table.

“I figured. Chocolate can be a double-edged sword, but you can’t really go wrong with roses.”

“White’s an elegant color, too.”

“You’re an elegant lady.”

“You know all the lines.”

“I wish it was as simple as knowing lines.”

“It’s not, is it?” She gave him a bemused smile.

“You got that right. So how am I doing so far?”

“Mmmm.” Folding her arms, she tilted her head and squinted her eyes in a mock-study of him. “B-plus.”

“What? I thought I deserved at least an A-minus.”

“There’s always room for improvement.”

“Whoa, she’s tough, ladies and gentlemen.”

She laughed. “So, you ate pizza already.”

“I was starving and believe me, you don’t want to be around me when I’m hungry, but we can get you something to eat.”

“So you can do surveillance on me as I chow down?”

“You’re a feast for my eyes.”

Ingrid groaned. “Let’s get going before your lines make me lose my appetite.” She grabbed her purse.

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist.” He held open the front door for her. “I know a great empanada place in Coconut Grove. We could get a couple of them and go eat by the marina at a picnic table,” Rick said as he drove. “We can even sit side-by-side so I don’t have you under surveillance.”

“I love empanadas,” Ingrid said. “Definitely one of the best things I’ve discovered in Miami.”

“So am I up to an A-minus now?”

She laughed, suddenly feeling carefree and totally in the moment. “Yes, I’ll give you an A-minus for that.”

MEET THE AUTHOR

Christina Elliott is a former Miami newspaper reporter and editor. She now writes spicy romantic suspense novels from Los Angeles, where she’s glad to report there are far fewer bad-hair days but sadly far less Cuban coffee. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America.

WEBSITE: http://www.christinaelliottauthor.com/
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/ChristinaHoag
FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/ChristinaHoagAuthor

Buy the book at Smashwords, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway