Talking With Andrew Grey/Contest

CONTEST: Andrew has generously offered a copy of one of his books to one lucky person who comments today. Leave a comment along with a way to contact you if you won today and you will be entered to win this wonderful prize. Contest ends November 10th, 2010.

To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

I am working on the follow up to A Shared Range. I haven’t developed the title yet, but it will be Phillip’s story. I also have a number of things coming out. The fifth in the Love Means… series, Love Means… No Fear will be released December 27. I have finished the fourth story in the gym series, Crunch Time, and I have Accompanied by a Waltz coming out early next year.

In addition to all that, A Taste of Love was released today from Dreamspinner Press.

What makes a book great in your eyes?

The story needs to move me on an emotional level. I love all kinds of stories: mystery, suspense, action adventure, historical, romance. And for me the books that stay with me all move me emotionally. They don’t necessarily need to be love stories, but they need to invoke and engender a strong emotional response.

What authors are on your virtual or literal keeper shelf? Ken Follett, I love his books. They’re filled with action, love, hate, and intrigue. Anne Perry, for the glimpses through her characters into Victorian England and the trenches of World War One. Rhianne Alie for giving me one of my first introductions to romantic werewolves, I’m forever grateful. I’ll never write one, but I love to read them.

If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?

That is probably the hardest question for me. From where I’m sitting, I can see the covers from all my stories and it’s hard to pick just one. But if I had to pick, I’d say Love Means… Courage. Even though it’s the second Love Means… story I wrote, it takes place first and for me that story was a trip down memory lane. It’s set in the time and place just after I graduated from high school. It’s probably the best place to start the series that hold a special place in my heart.

If you could entertain a character from a book, who would it be and what would the evening be like?

Without a doubt, Robbie form Love Means… No Boundaries. I would hope he’d bring Joey and his violin along for an evening of music and conversation. I absolutely love music and I think an evening with Robbie would be fascinating.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I tend to write in front of the television and completely block it out. It seems I write best in situations where I have something to ignore. I have no idea why this works for me, but it does.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That inspiration is everywhere and often comes from where you least expect it. I’ve been inspired by things I’ve seen on vacation, things in my home, people I meet and once inspiration strikes, I have to go with it, even if it’s the middle of the night or on a cruise in the Caribbean.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? My favorite author has to be Clive Cussler. I love his undersea stories of adventure. I think what really appeals for me is that they are so far outside my areas of knowledge that the adventures continue to enthrall me after reading them for over a decade. I’d love to be able to write that kind of story, but I don’t have the background, so I keep reading his.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I’m working to finish up the follow up to A Shared Range. Once that is done, I’ll probably work on the follow up to A Taste of Love. I also have other ideas running around, so I never really know.

Where can readers find you on the web?

My web site is: http://www.andrewgreybooks.com/

My blog is: http://andrewgreybooks.livejournal.com/

I’m also on Facebook and Twitter.

What is your favorite pizza?

LOL Actually I can’t eat pizza, I’m lactose intolerant, but if I could it would be meat lovers. God that could be taken so many ways.

What is one thing scientists should invent?

A way to remove excess carbon from the atmosphere to help reverse climate change.

Are you a morning person or a night person?

I’m definitely a morning person. I wasn’t always, but I’ve become one as I’ve gotten older.

When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?

That I’m starting to get gray hair.

Anything else you would like to add?

Please join me on Wednesday November 10 in the Love Romances Café. I’ll be chatting, sharing excerpts and would love to talk with you. I’ll also try to bring along some of my fellow authors. I hope to see you there.

Excerpt from A Taste of Love.

Billy grasped Darryl’s hand, breaking into another smile as he pumped it vigorously. “Thank you. I won’t let you down. I promise.” Billy grabbed his worn jacket and turned around, treating Darryl to a peek at the kid’s stunning backside. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Hansen.”

Darryl swore Billy’s feet never hit the ground as he rushed toward the door to the dining room, turning around to wave before disappearing. Darryl found himself watching the door, completely lost in thought.

“Darryl!” Hearing his name, he turned to Kelly, who was standing in his doorway. “Geez, where were you?” She didn’t wait for an answer, putting a plate in front of him before plopping into the only other chair. “I think we’re done for a while, so I made you something to eat.” Darryl barely heard her, his mind still on the kid—er, Billy. “Earth to Darryl, are you there?”

“Sorry.” He pulled his mind back to the present. “What’s this?”

“I made it for you. Tell me what you think.” Kelly looked pleased as Darryl examined the plate. The presentation was good, and he sniffed at the food. The aroma was enticing without being overpowering. Picking up the utensils, he cut a bite and tasted it. “Very nice. A variation on veal Milanese.” The breading was crisp but not too heavy, thin with a nice mouth-feel.

“Yes, except I breaded it, and instead of frying it, I sautéed it in a very little oil to keep it lighter.” Kelly watched as he cut off another bite. Popping it into his mouth, he let the flavor run free. “Do you like it?”

“Yes. We’ll need to refine the process, but this could definitely work on the menu as a special. Let’s talk about it tomorrow; you can think about what you’d like to serve with it.”

Kelly practically squealed with delight as she hopped out of the chair, and Darryl smiled as he continued eating, his mind returning unbidden to a vision of Billy. Jesus, he needed to stop that. Yes, the kid fascinated him. He had energy and was absolutely adorable, but he was way too young. And besides, Darryl had a hard and fast rule: he never dated anyone he worked with. He was the boss, and that could open a kettle of worms he wasn’t interested in exploring. But damn, the kid seemed to push all his buttons. “Maybe it’s just been too long,” he muttered to himself. Darryl tried to remember the last time he’d spent time with anyone and he realized he couldn’t. “Fuck, it’s been forever since I had any kind of sex that didn’t involve my right hand.”

He heard a soft knock and looked up to find himself looking again into Billy’s big, expressive eyes. “I forgot to ask how I should dress.” Billy looked nervous, and from the look of the clothes he was wearing, Darryl surmised that he probably didn’t have much.

“Wear black pants, and I’ll give you a few Café Belgie shirts that you can wear when you’re working.” Billy looked relieved and flashed Darryl another smile that raced through him.

“Okay, thank you.”

Again, Darryl watched him go and had to remind himself of his rule. The kid looked so young and innocent. Darryl usually liked his men more experienced, but there was something about Billy that got his attention, and it scared the fuck out of him. Shaking his head, he forced himself to finish his lunch. Nothing was going to happen, no way, no how. Besides, Sebastian was going to train him, and Darryl intended to keep as far away from the kid as possible. His first job had been in a kitchen with a very talented chef who had dated all the women who worked for him. What a mess that had been for everyone. No, he wouldn’t put himself in that position, even for a man as attractive as Billy. Jesus, I’m doing it again. Finishing his lunch, he took the plate to the dish room and got to work. That would take his mind off that bright smile, radiant hair, and tiny, tight butt. “Jesus Christ!” He swore at himself.

“Is something wrong?” Kelly asked, concerned.

“No,” Darryl lied, forcing his mind onto his work.

Check out some of our reviews for Andrew's books:

Pump Me Up

A Shared Range

Love Means....Courage

Love Means...Freedom