Welcome team – It’s the second day and we have L.B. Gregg up on the pitcher’s mound today.
If you have never heard of her, she is the author of the wickedly popular MEN OF SMITHFIELD books. Not only are they a class act set of books – but the characters are your everyday guys who are just perfect with their imperfections.
Join me in a wave to L.B. – Welcome.
LB with Susan Brockmann – one of her all time favourite Author.
Welcome to our take over week – Tell us what the past few weeks has been like for you
Well, it’s late June and I’ve just returned from nine days in Costa Rica. But that’s atypical of me. I’m getting back to my usual schedule, which includes a lot of time staring at my computer while the dying fan in my laptop whirls ominously. Talk about your portents of doom.
What are you working on at the moment and how is it going.
I’m working on a longer novel. I’m reluctant to say full length…but it will be bigger, longer, thicker than the Men of Smithfield novellas. It’s a sort of mad-capped who stole the art work blackmailing sex romp. Actually, there’s no sex yet and that’s a little alarming. BUT SOON. Soon there will be plenty of hot smex.
What are some of the things that influence your writing
I love funny, fast paced books—like the Stephanie Plumb series and anything at all by the terrifically talented Jennifer Crusie.
Any place I go, any conversation I have, I tend to wonder how to put these things into stories. Gobsmacked came to me while sitting in the pew of my church. Trust me, I was snickering into my hand. And Happy Ending? The day spa. No kidding. Cover Me takes place at a New England prep school. I have a lot of experience with New England prep schools. Yeesh.
What is the true story behind Smithfield – or how did you come up with it
I felt my home state was under represented in m/m fiction. This is true! Smithfield is a combination of a few small towns in Connecticut—I sort of smooshed these little gems together and then I named them after a ham (my husband always purchases Smithfield Ham in December—it’s tradition).
What is your ideal male form and why, and can you toss in a few of your favourite hunk – (stocky, athletic etc)
Hah! Everyone knows I have a burning passion for one Russell Crowe…I hold him in the highest esteem. (Pre and post his podgie weight gain. Okay, even during.) I just love me some Crowe.
I’m not into twinks, but Chris Pine will do in a pinch.
I love Brandon Boyd from Incubus. He may or may not have inspired David. ::wink::
Why do people dismiss Brad Pitt? Sure he has weirdly small ears, but otherwise? He’s a fine looking man!
Who do you currently publish with
The delightful folk at Aspen Mountain Press. And in print, ManLoveRomance Press.
.Some of the advantages of being published in digital format.
Quick turnaround, cost, a market that is established and small, and I dig the idea of saving trees.
Of course I am going to want to know the disadvantages
Pirates. They suck in real life.
You currently have books in print as well – Any positive from that event
Lots of positives. I’m working with Judith David, my editor, and I think she’s top notch.
I met Amber Green. She’s just a talented, funny woman. I’m happy to have been paired with her and I think our stories complement each other well. Plus she gives good linkage. That woman sends me some of the best links around the internet. Hours have been wasted.
How important are bloggers to you
I am a blogger—so I’m going to have to say extremely important. I’m fortunate to have had the support of bloglandia. Holy cow. I think it came as quite a surprise to the powers that be when Gob fairly flew off the shelves and for a first time newbie, I made the top ten at ARe pretty quickly. I couldn’t have done that without my pals in the blogging community. They were unstoppable. Also they smacked my ass on occasion and that’s good, too.
I started out as a reviewer. My friends are entirely to blame for this writing thing. I thanked them in Happy Ending—To my invisible, imaginary, internet friends—that’s the blogging community: The DIK ladies; the So Cal Bloggers who absolutely ROCK and know good Chinese food; and Teddy Pig. (He’s my love muffin. Heh.)
Pet peeves with bloggers – (we can take it) – please be as honest as possible
Just jerkiness and finger pointing…. And I don’t like when folks don’t give credit where credit is due. I tend to avoid big sites. I’m a big ole baby.
Give us a quick rundown on your day and what current song gets you through your day…
Adam Lambert’s “Feeling Good” has been my theme song for this new book. In the past, I’ve relied on Incubus, the Killers, and the Counting Crows, lots of Beck, indie stuff, more Incubus. But for whatever reason, this book is “Feeling Good”. I’d be embarrassed but, oh God, I really think that song is fantastic. ::blush::
My day? Coffee. More coffee. Internet time. Laundry. Coffee. Writing. I try to walk 2-4 miles every day, but since we’ve been in this horrible cold rain cycle, no walking. (and it shows). Inevitably the phone rings and I’m asked the dread question: What’s for dinner?
Thanks you again for agreeing to join us in the fun….
Contest Time
Lisabea has generously offered one of her Men of Smithfield books as a give away for today’s contest. So for a peek at these two wonderful books follow the link to see the excerpt.
Happy Ending – Excerpt
Gobsmack – Excerpt
Happy Endings
Happy Ending was written in Seth’s point of view and it was fun to get into the mind of the more dominant male in the relationship. Outwardly he is a tough-ass, inside his head though, he is a mess of emotions. He misses his sister deeply and is quite alone in the world until David comes along. He wants the best for Molly, but has no idea where to even begin with her. David brings experience of a big family to the relationship which helps Seth see what Molly needs. Although David initially comes across as a bit shy and frail, he knows exactly what buttons to push to get the desired emotion out of Seth. He takes control of the situation when necessary, something Seth needs in his very orderly life.
Happy Endings © Mandi – Smexy Books
Gobsmacked
The writing was crisp with some beautiful use of language, without it looking like the author had fallen into a thesaurus. I liked this. Sometimes it’s nice if an author feels you’re intelligent enough to cope with the big words. heh. The pace of the story was quite fast, not short, just quick with no down time. This made for real edge of your seat reading. I was just dying to know what happened next and it felt like no words were wasted. The humor was also a nice suprise, although I did not spend the whole story laughing my ass off it was enough that my partner asked me what I was reading several times… which eventually turned into, ‘are you still reading that book?
All Seth really wanted was a simple massage—was that too much to ask? When his usual therapist is replaced by a sexy young masseur, Seth finds himself obsessed with the unpredictable – and wholly inappropriate – David Cooke. Pushed to the breaking point by forces both mysterious and not so mysterious, Seth must lose his rigid control to find the happy ending both he and David deserve.
No more Mr. Nice Guy.
Mild mannered Mark Meehan’s good judgment flies out the window when he finds his lover banging another man. Things go from bad to worse as Mark’s crazy revenge scheme uncovers shocking secrets-sending him straight into the arms of hunky lawman and old friend, Tony Gervase, a man of limited patience and secrets of his own.
Ms. Gregg’s next book in her Men Of Smithfield Series is called COVER ME.
Sit tight guys – here’s an excerpt – just for us. (hot off the press and unedited)
Blazer gone, Max’s tie hung straight, his shirt wrinkle free and precise. His khaki were pleated and his crotch heavy. I drew my eyes away from sizable bulge there and those gray eyes caught me. The sexual heat I carefully restrained nine months of the year in the prep school world unleashed itself. I smiled deviously at Max and he froze, his brow lifting slightly. I was just going to do it. What the hell. Decision made, I nudge the door with my heel until it latched.
His voice rumbled through me. “You don’t need to close it, this won’t take long.”
Probably not, the way I was feeling. “I think it’s a good idea.”
“And why’s that?”
“Because I don’t want anyone walking in on us when we fuck.” I yanked my polo over my head as his eyes widened, his brows arching in surprise. I was impressively cut, I knew. “C’mon Max.” I kicked my shoes off.
“What in the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“What’s it look like I’m doing? I’m coming on to you.” I didn’t once glance down at my polo where it lay crumpled on the floor. I battled the urge to redress myself. Had I gambled and lost? “You game, Max?”
“I don’t think this is wise, Michael. I think—“
“Of course it’s not wise. That’s part of what makes it exciting.” Max’s gaze wandered far below my chin. His curiosity finally caught the better of him, because he cast away from the desk’s edge, sailing toward me fast and focused. I’d chosen appropriately, thank God. For a second there, I thought he was going to toss my ass out.
He kept coming and I met him, toe to toe. His big hot hands gripped my biceps and he walked me backward until my shoulders met the door with a thud. We were almost the same height, his mouth nearly on mine, “This is rather sudden, Michael. Don’t you think?” He whispered against my lips, the sinful timbre telling me everything I needed to know. “Do you have a plan?”
Laid was about as far as my plan went. “Not really—it’s more a course of action.” I couldn’t move my arms, so I contented myself by fingering the cotton of his shirt. It was warm, like Max, and smelled faintly of spice and starch. I leaned in, breathing deeply. “I thought someone like you would appreciate a direct approach.”
“And your approach is to strip in the boss’s office? I’d say this is more a frontal assault.”
“Well, not yet…and you’re not my boss, Max. You’re a client.”
“Interesting. That’s how you see me?” His words tickled my skin, stimulated each nerve ending— his very nearness electrifying me in stinging pins and needles, charging me with sexual heat.
Up close, coarse dark whiskers cast a perfect shadow along the angle of his jaw, rendering it impossibly sharp. He blew gently against my neck, and the tingling travelled the length of my spine. Then, with the very tip of his tongue, he flicked the underside of my jaw. I tipped my head back, letting him taste my skin in a long lick that ended at the hollow below my ear. He sucked the spot.
“Are you’re sure you want to do this?” he whispered. His hands still restrained me.
My c**k could not possibly be harder, so I let my bush do the talking and ground into his crotch. He was as hard as I was. I fisted the pristine cotton of his shirt and, wrinkling it in bunches, I freed it from his trousers. I slid a button from its hole. “Yeah. I’m sure. Can we stop talking?”
Max’s answer was to nip my lower lip. Yeowch. His tongue caressed, soothed the bite as my hand settled on his belt. I anchored myself with curled fingers around leather and rubbed harder. Max dipped into my mouth in a tormenting stroke, nothing at all tentative about him. A whoosh of lust hit me and I moaned against his lips, “How do you want it, Max?”
“Slow. Nice and easy. How ‘bout you?”
That wasn’t what I had in mind at all.
Cover Me (c ) L.B. Gregg
Here’s today question for the contest..
From LB’s interview you know her Man Oh Man, hunk is the now Pudgie (*evil grin here*) Russell Crow.
Tell us your Man Oh Man – from either Book, Screen, Music or even closer to home if that’s where you find your dream man.
Contest Rule
Just leave a comment answering the question – That’s it…
This is open to all commenter’s.
For basic general rules CHECK HERE
Let The Music Play contest is still open until 5pm today.
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Oooo I'm first!!
*waves hello* to L. B. Gregg
I'm so excited I haven't read anything of yours but they are on my ever growing TBB list!!
My man oh man is Colin Firth I love him in anything that he does….. a close second for me would be Ewan macgregor…… I'm being greedy I know!!
Good Morning L.B.
Awesome interview! It's so nice to hear that bloggers helped with respect to promoting your books.
It's also awesome to have a face to put to the "author".
Please don't enter me in the draw, I have both your books on my e-reader. :)
Have an awesome day!
Men Of Smithfield – these are so good..
Thanks for the sneak peek at the next book…
Ms. Gregg – how many more books will there be in the series…
Please dont't enter me…
I am a "Riddick" girl myself – Vin Diesel – he can take over my world any day… or night.
E.H>
Hi LB:
I just realized I didn't answer your question. (caffeine deprived)I think I am equally enamoured with Matt Damon and Johnny Depp..
;)
Hi Lisabea!!
This is too cool, I can say I've met L.B. Gregg!! I'm brand new to the So Cal bloggers but I did get to meet you and have lunch (Chinese food) and go book shopping with you and all the wonderful ladies in the group!!
These books sound awesome and I can't wait to read them all!!
My man……….oh that is a toughie! I'm really stuck when it comes to someone on tv or in the movies so I'll pick a favorite character in a book. I'd have to go with Reno Chavez from Reno's Chance by Lora Leigh! Love a strong, determined, alpha SEAL!! :)
My current man oh man is Alexander Skarsgard…or Alan Rickman as long as he is speaking (oh, that voice!). Gobsmacked was my first (and so far only) m/m and I enjoyed it very much. I recommended it to my SIL and she liked it too. Thanks!
Hi Amanda ::waves back:: I LOVE COLIN FIRTH. Just sayin'. My pal Rosie and I refer to my husband (G) as Mr. Darcy. The Colin Firth Mr. Darcy (it's his hair)…it's not that I have a secret crush on CF.
Good choice!
Lea-Thanks so much for your support. That photo of Suze and I is almost identical to one taken two years ago. I was beaming then too.
Erotic Horizons-Thanks so much =)
At this point I have three completed and I hope to finish a fourth. I've been asked by a very good friend to continue Tony and Mark's story and that's definitely in the future. Heh. I have wicked plans for poor Mark. Mwahahahaha.
Vin Diesel? Pitch Black. Oh. Yeah.
Lea-Matt Damon=New England Boy. I love the Bourne series. Wow. But, uhm, Johnny is the one. Which incarnation is your fav? I have to go with Cptn Jack Sparrow.
Blanche!!!! I seem to recall that you like Lora Leigh's boys. 0_o Heh. I like that one too. Actually, Seal books float my boat.
I'll be back out (with luck) next winter. More PF Changs or, I hear tell, that you all enjoy Cheesecake Factory. Mmmm.
That's fantastic….can't wait!! What's better then good food and wonderful ladies who love to read! I had a blast that day and look forward to meeting up with everyone again!! Cheesecake Factory is AWESOME!!!
Patti~Thank you so much! And thank your sil too. So, uhm, that's Eric, right? Eric. The. Vampire. I'm deeply ashamed to say I, Sookie fan extraordinaire, haven't seen it! OMG. But the entire first year is right here on my desk.
My mother says she won't watch it with me. Why is that, I wonder?
Did you read the last book. heh. heh.
First, no need to enter me in the contest, I already have LB's books.
*waving and blowing kisses*
Hi LBea! I miss you darlin'!
Um, ok hunks? I've got a few. Favorite of all time though is Mr. Taylor Kitsch from Friday Night Lights and Wolverine (Gambit, anyone?). He's smoking hawt, has a ridiculously sweet smile, and the look of a bad boy. Sure, he's 10 years younger than me, but he's built for endurance. And well, I'm a cougar. But I find myself OK w/it.
If y'all haven't read LBea's books, you're going to love them. Very hot, and seriously wonderful protags!
I am always for bigger and thicker when it comes to a L.B. Gregg novel.
Loved the excerpt! *fans self*
Blanche~We'll have to beg my love, Rosie, to set it up (because she never has enough to do).
Kati–You're absolutely sure you don't want Chris Pine? He's pining for you! This Taylor. I need to investigate further. :)
And blowing kisses back. I had SUCH a good time. Can't wait for Nashville 2010.
2010? I'll be old in 2010.
KB aka Katiebabs~ I knew you'd like that bigger, longer, thicker thing.
Hi LB!!! Well, let me see…I would have to say that I have a terrible crush on David Beckham. Yeah, yeah, he's played out, but I don't care–he's hot!!!
Barbara–He is hot!
I was JUST on your blog swiping that great photo of you and I with Rosie and Mari Freeman. It may or may not be on my blog now.
So great to meet you and YES I swear you look as familiar to me!! When I come into the city, maybe we can have coffee. :)
Hey LB!! Great interview!
I just wanted to pop by and say hello – don't enter me into the contest as I've got the books and I want someone who DOESN'T have them to get the goodness that is LB Gregg. :)
And I have to narrow it down to one man? Oh puhleeeze – ain't gonna happen. How about Hugh Jackman, Josh Holloway, Wentworth Miller, Matthew McConaughey, Adrian Grenier, Will Smith…I could go on and on! :)
Wow, hi, L.B, that was some wild excerpt. That was hawt m/m stuff, now I have to put MEN OF SMITHFIELD in my TBR pile.
My Man Oh Man — CLIVE OWEN.
Hi LB, really enjoyed the interview. Matt Damon is one of my favorite movie hotties, plus Nalini Singh writes some amazing heroes in her Changeling series, (just got thru reading this series, so her men are wandering around in my brain right now).
Gerard Butler is my non-thinking Russell Crowe. :)
Tracy. I'm not seeing RC on your list! Is there a reason for that? He's soon to be Robin Hood!!!
And thank you for the nice nice.
Armenia~Clive Owen. YES! He's so manly. Merow.
CathyM~ I've fallen behind on my Nalini books, but I loved the ones I read, particularly Caressed by Ice. Is Hawke's book out? He's my fav. Older. Mature. Gray. Mmmmmmmmm….
Heloise~LOL. That's so funny. Gerard seems to be a crowd favorite in my blog circle.
Oh wow!! Hello LB Gregg!!!! It is nice to meet you, one of our fellow bloggers did a review on some of your books and they have really piqued my interest!
My man oh man… Wow, since I am such a hussy… I can't have just one… They are like potatoe chips… I can't stop at one…
Russell Crow – Gladiators
Lucien – The Lord of the Underworlds (Gena Showalter)
Linsdey – Additced (Charlotte Featherstone)
And did Erotic say Vin Diesel… yum-mmie!!
And my list goes on…
Eric – Sookie Stackhouse Series
And please DO NOT FORGET my Lord of Satyr brothers!!!!!
Yea, I know… I am a hussy. At least I admit it, that is half the problem, lmao!~!
Gerard Butler. :)
Adrian Paul :)
Takeshi Kaneshiro :)
Raoul Bova :)
Peter Wingman :)
Must I stop?
I think all my favorites have been mentioned already…Vin Diesel, Hugh Jackman, Colin Firth and many more!
And Nathan Malone from Lora Leigh's Wild Card or Gabriel Jones from Cindy Gerard's Show No Mercy.Can't resist these alpha males!
I leave you hussies for one day and it's all chaos up in here…
I can see that LB had a big hand in instigating the mob…..
All I can say is, there apprarently is no man safe from you ladies.. (be warn boys)
They are all listed here or refered to. Some of you ladies stop at one and others, there was no holding you back…
I am very pleased you guys had a blast and LB – you can instigate this mob anytime… give us a warning next time though – you are a force to be reckoned with with, so give us a chance to prepare the armoury..
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Hello L.B!
The men that I pick Brad Pitt, Chace Crawford, Chris Pine and Dwayne Johnson.
So exciting to meet you Ms. Gregg. Come back soon!
cindyc725 at gmail dot com
-IHBG
Cecile–Wow. A lot of Vin Diesel in this crowd….but where is The Rock? Ooohhhh. That's a fine man.
Nice to meet you too!
Amber–You're a Gerard fan too? Hmmmm. That man gets around. Just sayin'.
Thanks for popping by, partner. =)
Eva S.~I have a fondness for Alphas…but I like to pair them with snappy, wise-assed Beta males. Heh. It's a passion of mine.
Thanks for playing! I had NO idea how popular Vin is. Have you ever seen a photo of Farhad Z? He's older and RUGGED and, ok yes, ripped.
http://www.modelmayhem.com/689300
Anonymous~ It was a pleasure to be included in the mayhem. Thanks so much!!
I heart book gossip–Totally love your list!! Chris Pine!!! He's a smidge young, but that's ok cuz I'm young at heart.
And Dwayne. =) Me likey.
My Man Oh Man is Johnny Depp( since I was a kid) and David Tennant.
LB – Yeah, I don't like to say I'm not a fan of RC or Gerard Butler for that matter in public pelted with rotten tomatoes when I do! lol
BreiaB~Heh. Dr. Who? Why he's a cutie for sure.
Tracy~I would never pelt you with a tomato for not liking my twue lurve. CJ might though. ::wink::
This contest is now closed.
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