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Interview with Amy Gregory + Book review: Jesse's Soul

Today I have the wonderful Amy Gregory with us for an interview. She talks about her favorite character (Eli - swoon!), her upcoming books, her inspiration and even her own experience racing (I wish we could see that video). But first I have a short review of her book Jesse's Soul, the second in the Racing To Love Series.
Jesse Frost lived the life most men would kill for. Fast bikes, fame, money, and looks. He hadn’t thought much about those things throughout his career. He was just an easy-going guy from Texas who always worked hard for everything he got in life. He’d been the shy guy in school, so when the prom queen found him years later, he thought he had finally made it. Her mirage, however, left him empty and certain there was no one that wanted him just for the man inside.

Emery Kincaid has a last name that is revered in their world. A woman in a man’s world and succeeding, Irish through and through, she has the temper and sass to boot and a reputation that precedes her. She has remained strong because she’s had no other choice. The pain she masks runs deep and hiding it is the only way she can survive.

Thrown together and forced to be in each other’s space day in and day out, sparks start to fly—from chemistry and the brakes she tries desperately to throw on. Without a doubt, Jesse thinks he’s found her, but the girl that stole his heart has a stubborn streak a country mile wide.

What Jesse doesn’t know could break his heart. Hiding her true feelings for him is the only way for Emery to protect him and in turn—herself. She barely made it out the first time. If she let Jesse in and he walked away…well, that’s a risk her heart can’t take.

Review:

The only thing I knew about motocross was that the racers have underarms like tree trunks. So yeah, those guys are definitely in prime physical condition and after reading Jesse's Soul my imagination is running wild. I really like sport themed books and reading about the world of motocross was certainly original.

Jesse is what your typical boy next door would be, if he wasn't also a very successful and smoking hot motocross racer. But he doesn't let it get to his head, he's truly good guy, very humble, sweet and loyal to the people he loves.

Emery on the other hand is a bit more hard headed. Scarred by life, she kind of has turned into an ice queen. She's doesn't take any bullshit, knows what she wants and makes sure she gets it. Being part of a world mostly ruled by men, she is used to being underestimated, even doubted about her knowledge, but she is very confident in her abilities and knows she's the best.

So of course the first time these two people meet, Jesse screws it up by being a total condescending jackass. She is his new mechanic, so wether he likes it or not they will be spending a lot of time together. Luckily Jesse quickly realizes how amazing she is and before he you know he's falling hard. Emery is only human and Jesse is doing all the right things to get in her good graces, it's impossible to resist. But not everything is so easy, Emery has some secrets she's not yet ready to share. If she's not careful those secrets might keep them apart.

Emery's secrets and fears are very realistic and draw you in completely, this is what makes it stand apart from other sport themed books. It adds extra value and makes you deal with real issues here. Of course those sexy scenes add the necessary fun and having the characters from Carter's Treasure back really gives you that family reunion feeling (in a good way).



INTERVIEW:

Your inspiration for the Racing to Love series came from a recurring dream, can you tell us a bit more about that dream and how it developed in such a successful book series?

--Well, I normally don’t dream all that vividly, but this one was so perfect, and each night it just grew. I started writing it down on paper by hand after about the fourth night. The more I wrote, it was the same, more detail just poured out. Part of what makes it unique is just the story line. There are a lot of sport romances out there, mainly baseball, football and hockey, but very few with racing and even fewer with the main setting as dirt bikes. I think that is a big draw because it’s different, add in I have an off-beat humor. Personally, when I’m reading, I find that trait something that pulls me to an author. Life is so hard a lot of the time, some days it takes losing yourself in a sweet romance laced with humor!

Eli's book is coming out in July, for those who haven't read any of your books yet, how would you describe him?

--Ah, Eli…(swoon) He’s a character all in own right. In the previous books, he was spirited, fun-loving, a prankster and just a great guy. A bi-racial guy (with killer eyes) that grew up teasing his mother (that he adores) something awful about her lack of dance skills, claiming that he got his moves from his father. Loyal to a fault, like the other two boys, but he, Jesse and Carter have a brotherhood that they’ll protect with an iron grip. He’s yet to meet the woman that will be able to keep up with him, and when he was racing, he didn’t really care that he was alone. However, in Eli’s Honor, time has passed…and certain events have changed his personality dramatically. He’s not the same guy, but it’s not his heart that was broken.

You have mentioned that Alex's Destiny is your secret twist to the series, can you give us any details on that, pretty please with a cherry on top?

--Eeeks..um. I hate to, but since you’re so sweet – I’ll leak half of it. Alex is the one book…not based on one of the guys.

Alex's Destiny will also be your final book in the series, what can we expect from you next?

--Well, I have already started the next series. It’s going to be based on a small town and each of the books will be about the two main characters coming together and finding a sense of home and belonging that they did or didn’t necessarily know they were missing. I’m really excited about it and so far have a good twelve books, at least, that will keep me busy for a while.

If you could meet any of your characters in real life who would it be and why?

--Um…Eli! He’s got these killer eyes that are OMG! But also, he’s got a great sense of humor, but also a steel to him that just makes him a little different than Carter’s sweetness, or Jesse’s ruggedness…a steel that makes a you want to challenge and defy him at the same time as you’re doing just exactly as he says. There’s a silent strength to him that you know you can trust him with everything.

And one more, have you ever ridden a motocross motorcycle?

--Oh boy…um. Well, everyone in our house rides four-wheelers and I will even go as far as to say I know how to jump mine. I love when we go to the sand dunes in Oklahoma. We get several families together and it’s a blast to ride and camp for a few days. Plus, my husband and father-in-law have been adding on to the trails at our farm, so those are a good time.

As far as dirt bikes…I can’t believe I’m admitting this. Our son races, so this past summer we were at a good friends’ with several families and the boys were all practicing on their track. Well……..someone (had to be one of the older riders I believe!) decided it would be a great idea for the “mom’s” to race. (Eye roll) all the boys each had a 65cc bike, so none of us being the type to back down from a challenge—hopped on! Now keep in mind, yes both his 50 and 65 bikes are considered small when you compare it to what the pros ride - lites bikes at 250cc and the big bikes are 450cc. However…his 50 will top out at about 68mph and his 65cc bike will hit roughly 75mph! Yeah! Needless-to-say…there is video of our “racing”—that’s all I’m going to say lol!

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1 comment:

  1. Thank you so much for having me today! (happy dance!) I hope you have a wonderful day and upcoming weekend.

    Much love,
    A

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