Today, I am pleased to bring you a new release, Cherish Me by Jennifer Culbreth, the second book in The Protected Love Series! Please check out the author and character interviews and excerpt below. Oh, and please click on the purchase links too (of course!). ;)
Blurb:
Haunted by vivid nightmares that force her to relive the night she was shot, Judy Adams struggles to heal physically and emotionally. Rejected by her family; she finds a ray of hope when an unexpected friend shows up on her doorstep. However her recovery is quickly derailed when she begins receiving sinister threats.
Fueled by revenge and vowing to stop the one causing the terror towards the one he loves, Jace Alexander along with the men of VIP Bodyguard Service decide to take matters into their own hands. Using the training they received in the military and enlisting the help of some unexpected allies, they stumble upon some dark secrets from the past.
With danger and tragedy looming around every corner, can their relationship withstand the strain? Or will it crack under the pressure taking with it everything they cherish most?
Add Cherish Me to your Goodreads "Want To Read" List here
Cherish Me Playlist
Summertime Sadness
[Lana Del Rey vs. Cedric Gervais] (Cedric Gervais Remix)
Lana Del Rey
Little Lion Man
Mumford & Sons
Young And Beautiful
Lana Del Rey
Book Link(s):
What
author(s) influenced your writing?
I grew up reading the classics. I fell in love
with Mr. Darcy and Gatsby before the playboys like Christian Grey and Gavin
Blake had even been thought of. Now, don’t get me wrong… I love a schmexy CEO
just as much as the next girl. But I not only fell in love with the characters
in the classic literature that littered the small book case in my room, most
importantly I fell in love with the words; the beautiful words that brought the
story to life. Authors such as Jane Austen, Leo Tolstoy, and Robert Louis
Stevenson were my main influencers. The most influential authors for me, for
their support and guidance, have been Gail McHugh and Teresa Gableman. When I started
this journey I was scared to death, alone as I knew no authors, and clueless. I
reached out asking for help to a number of authors whose books I had read and
enjoyed and both Gail and Teresa graciously answered back. I truly have to say
if it hadn’t been for them motivating me to take the leap I wouldn’t be where I
am in this journey today.
What
tips do you have for someone who is thinking about writing a book?
To go for it! Never in a hundred years would I
have imagined I would be able to call myself a published author. It doesn’t
matter what background you come from, or what your walk of life is. I grew up a
tomboy who hunted and fished, and yes I still do to this day. I went to college
first to join the Police Force and then graduated with a degree in Business
thanks to the coaxing of my family. However I have had no formal training to
become a writer. I had a passion. One that I embraced and stayed focused on and
this journey for me will never end.
If you are considering self-publishing and you
have the creativity, thick skin, and motivation to find the answers you need
you have already met half the battle. The publishing world is full of amazing
creative minds, being able to think outside of the box and explore new story lines
and characters is important. Along with having thick skin. The Indie Author
world can be tough and you have to really be able to take criticism. You will
at some point get less than pleasant reviews, you will have those who want your
cover to look a certain way, or want your story to go differently. But you have
to always keep the spark alive and remind yourself that not every reader will
fall in love with your book; and that’s ok. You will have readers who will love
your work support you and those are the ones that truly matter.
I am always available to help in any way that I
can to give advice and guidance to anyone interested in becoming an Indie
Author. I have been blessed to have the amount of support from others through
this journey and the most humbling part is being able to pass the torch sort of
speak. I can always be reached via fb or email.
What do
you do for fun?
Growing
up in a rural area there wasn’t a lot to do for fun. We made the best of it
though driving along dirt roads, hunting, fishing, and having cook outs with
friends and family. We are all avid SEC Football fans and enjoy the family
rivalries during the fall. Go Gators! I am lucky to come from a huge family and
I love spending time with them. Two years ago I married First Class Petty
Officer Culbreth and have been blessed to have an amazing partner in life. He
inspires me, teaches me, and motivates me every day. I am very lucky to have
him in my life.
We
just moved to Colorado Springs
and look forward to being able to enjoy the mountains and the outdoors here.
Being a Florida
native for more than 26 years you can imagine my thrill in looking forward to
the snow! Hopefully before that happens we will be able to travel up and enjoy
the sights of Cripple Creek and Pike’s Peak.
I
would have to say my favorite hobby would be trying new foods. I don’t know if
you would consider that a hobby but as often as I eat I think we can categorize
it as such! I have a slight obsession with s’mores… I love Indian cuisine, and
Gordon Ramsey is my favorite person to watch on TV. I look forward to heading
up to the bakery I have heard so much about in Woodland Park
and trying a bacon maple twist!
What
is your favorite movie?
I
absolutely LOVE movies with action. That is one of the primary reasons why my
books contain elements of suspense. I have to have something that keeps me on
the edge of my seat. My favorite movie is Act of Valor. I balled in the movie
theatre (only movie to ever make me do that), I cry like a baby every time I
watch it at home, and even when I read the book. I can stand in the same places
as those wives being married to an active duty US Navy Sailor myself. I can
feel their pain, their angst, and their sadness. I love movies that draw me in
like that.
However
I don’t only like movies where explosions happen in every other scene. I also
enjoy a movie that will make me laugh. This is The End is probably one of the
only stupidly funny movies I have ever liked. If you are in need of a funny
movie that will make your abs hurt from laughing I recommend it!
If
you were going out on a hot date what would it be?
Well,
as most of you know I am just a down home country girl. Born and raised in the
backwoods. So if I could choose any date it would probably be taking my huge,
lifted, SUV out in the mud! Bonfire, good friends, apple pie moonshine, old
country on the radio, and my hubby to cuddle next to. Of course at some point
someone will have to make me s’mores…
Character Interview:
Jennifer: Ok kitties, you asked and you received. I just so
happen to have some pull over at VIP Bodyguard Services and was able to get the
guys and their lovely ladies over for an interview. Hi everyone and thanks for
coming by today!
Ryan: Hi everyone, we are happy to be here.
Abbi: Yes, thank you for having us, Jennifer. You know we
love your hair so much that we couldn’t say no.
Jennifer: Yes, I do have fabulous hair don’t I? **Smiles
sarcastically**
Jace: Smokin’ hot boss lady.
**Judy slaps his arm.**
Jace: Ow! What was that for?
Judy: Don’t oogle. *Judy giggles**
Jennifer: Now do y’all see what I have to deal with, with
this group? Ok let’s get down to business. I have some questions for you all
sent in by the readers. Everyone ready?
Judy: Yes, they are real.
**Jennifer cuts her eyes as a slight smile crosses her face.
**
Jace: I can second that.
Jennifer: Jace, I will cut you if you interrupt again.
Jace: Sounds familiar…
**Jace covertly point over to Judy.**
Jennifer: Ok first question is for Jace from one of our
lovely readers. Jace do you happen to be
looking for a new assistant? I’m qualified.
Judy: Well, I can answer that one for you. **Cuts eyes
towards Jace**
Jace: Fortunately I have found an assistant that both Judy
and I agree on. His name is Romel and he makes an amazing cappuccino. **Smiles
proudly over at Judy**
Jennifer: Ok, next question is for Jace again. What do you
think would have happened if you’d met Abbi before Ryan had?
Abbi: I can answer that one for you! **Laughs playfully.**
Jace: Abbi would have kicked my ass to the curb a long time
ago. No, but seriously I needed a woman who could roll with the punches and
wouldn’t be afraid to put me in my place. No offense Abbi, you do a great job
keeping Ryan in line, but I think the only woman on Earth I would ever want is
sitting right here next to me. **Leans over and kisses Judy.**
Ryan: Aww. Look at you two love birds.
Jennifer: Ok next one is for Ryan. If you were stranded on a
desert island what 5 things would you want with you?
Ryan: You thought you were gonna throw me off didn’t you?
You see, I avidly watch Bear Grylls so I know that I need a container for
water, a lighter, blanket, an entire box of Zebra Cakes, and of course my
woman.
Abbi: Hell no I am not going to a deserted island with you.
Ryan: Aww come on! What if I exchange my box of Zebra Cakes
for S’mores Pop Tarts.
Abbi: Ok, I’m game.
Jennifer: Ok, next up is Judy. What did it feel like the
first time you and Jace kissed?
Judy: Well, the first night we kissed was a week or so after
we had first met. Contrary to popular belief I don’t kiss on the first date.
Jace: Technically it was our first official date.
Judy: Ok contrary to popular belief I only kiss on the first
date when I am shit faced. We were both smashed so the first kiss was sloppy
and wet. But I could feel the sparks flying.
Jennifer: Aww, aren’t you precious. ** Smiles playfully** Ok
next one is for Abbi. It’s date night, but at home, what’s on the menu and
what’s prepped on the DVR?
Abbi: Easy. Chinese take-out and anything with Adam Sandler
in it. I love funny movies and he is by far my favorite actor.
Jennifer: Short and to the point; I like it. Up next to bat
is Ryan. If you hadn’t had to fill in the night you had met Abbi, do you think
you would have found each other?
Ryan: Hell, if I hadn’t filled in that night I can tell you
I would probably be at the office right now plowing through paperwork and files
on upcoming jobs. However I think we would have eventually found each other.
**Reaches over and grabs Abbi’s hand.** Probably at the bakery because we both
eat there at least once a week.
Jennifer: Ok this one is for the group. What are your
Halloween costumes this year?
Abbi; This has become the debate lately. I think we should
all dress up like the Super Mario characters. However, someone. **Ahem, points
over at Judy** doesn’t want to be the mushroom.
Judy: I think we should dress up as Crayola Crayons.
Jace: No way I am going to be a crayon for Halloween. I think we should go as a BLT.
**Everyone looks over at Jace.**
Jennifer: A BLT?
Jace: Yeah. You know I can be a piece of bread, Ryan can be
a piece of bread, Abbi can be a piece of bacon, the baby can be a piece of
lettuce, and Judy can be a tomato slice.
Jennifer: That’s eerily planned out.
Jace: I have been waiting on this since last year.
Jennifer: Ryan, you weighing in on this?
Ryan: I think we should be the cast from Walker Texas
Ranger.
**The room goes quiet.**
Ryan: Oh come on! I can be Walker, Jace you can be C.D.
Parker, Abbi can be Alex Cahill, and Judy can
play Sydney Cooke.
Abbi: No way. You lose.
Jennifer: I agree, Ryan you lose. At least Jace’s is cool,
who doesn’t like a BLT?
Jace: My thoughts exactly.
Jennifer: Ok, last question and this is again to the group.
If you were to get tattoo’s signifying your significant other what would it be?
Ryan: A .357 revolver. The first time we had breakfast I
thought Abbi was going to pull it out when I
mentioned Trish without explaining
who exactly Trish was.
Abbi: Ha! That’s what you get.
Jennifer: Abbi, what are you inking on you?
Abbi: I think if I were to add to my collection it would be
a lion head down my arm. He’s kind of the leader of our pack and so it’s kinda
fitting.
Judy: I would get do not enter right on my ass cheek. Just a
friendly reminder for Mr. Rico Suave over here.
Jennifer: Holy M
oses, too much info.
Jace: I would get an angel, because Judy is just a perfect
sweet beautiful angel.
Jennifer: **Props hand against chin while looking at Jace
and thinking.** Yeah, Judy you got anything to follow up to that.
Judy: No. He’s couldn’t be more right. **Smiles widely over
at Jace.**
Jennifer: Ok! Well that’s it folks. I want to thank you for
stopping by and I hope that your followers have had as much fun as I have.
Never a dull moment.
Judy: Not when I’m around!
Abbi: Don’t forget Cherish Me is released October 26th!
Make sure you get your copy to see what happens in Jace and Judy’s story! You
won’t be sorry!
Author Spotlight:
Top Ten Book Boyfriends, Books, and Fun Facts:
Top 10 Book Boyfriends
1. Lieutenant Rorke- Act of Valor by Tom Clancy
2. Ripper- Unbeautifully by Madeline Sheehan
3. Mr. Tall, Dark, and F***able Gavin Blake- Collide Series
by Gail McHugh
4. Drew Evans- Tangled by Emma Chase
5. Jared Kincaid- Jared (Book #2 of The Protectors Series)
Teresa Gableman
6. James Canvendish- Mile High Series by R.K. Lilley
7. Dean Jacobs- Fate Interrupted by Kaitlyn Cross
8. William Hayward- Eden Trilogy by Nicole Williams
9. Patrick Hayward- The Patrick Chronicles by Nicole
Williams
10. Mr. Darcy- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Top Ten Books
1. Act of Valor by Tom Clancy
2. Pulse by Gail McHugh
3. Jared by Teresa Gableman
4. The Promise by Kate Benson
5. Eternal Eden by Nicole Williams
6. Fissure by Nicole Williams
7. Fifty Shades by E.L. James
8. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
9. The Great Gastby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
10. Mile High by R.K. Lilley
Fun Facts
1. I am an avid big game hunter. Elk, Moose, Bear, Deer,
Hogs; you name it I hunt it. I am also an excellent marksman thanks to my dad
and can accurately shoot up to 300yards.
2. I love to craft! I can sew, embroider, crochet, and
paint. I can also keep a house, tend laundry, and cook dinner! Not to brag but
I make an amazing pork roast with caramelized carrots on the side J
Dinner is at six!
3. I have twice in my life taken a road trip that consisted
of being in a car for 27 hours! Once from North Florida (my hometown) to
upstate New York, the second was from North Florida to my new home in Colorado
Springs.
4. I am married to a sexy panty dropping US Navy Sailor.
Those dress whites do it every time! I have never been more in awe than when I
stood in the basin of the Naval Station and welcomed home the missile guided
cruiser that had been home to 300+ sailors who’d been deployed in the Middle
East for over 7 months. You stand on the dock surrounded by huge cruisers
(ships) and as the returning ship comes into the basin all of the surrounding
ships blast their horns randomly, welcoming them home. It’s an amazing thing to
experience!
5. I often pitch match with my fab author friend Y.H.
Forward because we enjoy making music with our mouths. We also enjoy quoting
the entire Pitch Perfect movie on facebook. She’s Aca-mazing even though we
haven’t met in person!
Book(s):
·
Protect
Me (Protected Love Series Book #1) released July 30, 2013
·
Cherish
Me (Protected Love Series Book #2) To Be Released October 26, 2013
Hidden in the Amethyst by Jason Ellis
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