Giveaway & Interview with Maya Banks!

Today we have powerhouse author, Maya Banks, on My Secret Romance! I can't believe it!

I had the opportunity to meet Maya back in June at a book club signing here in New York. I nearly freaked when I saw her. 

Why, you ask? Only because it's Maya Banks! One of the biggest New York Times Best-Selling Authors! Everyone has read a book, or five by Maya, and everyone knows who she is. All you have to do is say her first name and you know.  When I received an email to help promote Maya's newest release, Softly at Sunrise, well....I squealed like a little girl on Christmas morning waking up to a Barbie corvette! Yeah, you would have too. Don't lie. 

Rachel Kelly has traveled a long, hard road in her journey back to her husband, Ethan, and the Kelly family. Now, as she and Ethan are poised to move into their new home, safe behind the walls of the Kelly compound, Rachel wonders if she’ll finally be free of the ghosts that have haunted her for so long and if she’ll step into the sun after a past steeped in darkness.

 

Your Sweet books are very popular. Now that they're over, do you plan to write more BDSM books?  Definitely yes. It’s a genre I’ve enjoyed writing in for many years now.

I’ve noticed you’ve released more mainstream softer romance books lately. Are you trying to breakaway from erotic romance? It’s not a matter of breaking away, but rather having the opportunity to write many of the things that I’ve always planned to write. My first love was historicals and what I began writing when I first was trying to become published. I love action/adventure (romantic suspense) and I enjoy the opportunity to keep writing in a variety of genres. It keeps things fresh for me. I have a new erotic trilogy releasing this fall. Book 1 will release in October and hopefully the next early next spring, so I’m definitely still writing erotic romance, but it’s not my only focus.

Is there a theme or genre you would like to try but haven't yet? Not really. Not yet anyway. I’ve written in contemporary, erotic, historical, romantic suspense and paranormal and I’ve enjoyed them all. I can’t think of anything that I haven’t written that I’m just dying to. 

How do you separate your emotions while you're writing a story? It's always going to be your pen that gives us the happily ever after, but have you ever been advised not to put too much emotion or feelings into a story? Oh no, absolutely not. No one’s ever told me to hold back. I’m not sure I’d do very well if I had guidelines. I write from the heart and I love intensely emotional and angsty stories. The more the better and so I’d never agree to “hold back”

What do you want readers to take away from reading your books? The only thing I want for my readers is for them to have enjoyed the story and to have been entertained. If I can take them away for a few hours and they be happy in the end then I’m happy. 

You have a massive backlist. If you could recommend a new reader who reads all genres of romance one of your books, which one would it be? Any specific reason?  My personal favorites are The Darkest Hour, Shades of Gray (upcoming in Jan 2012), Never Seduce a Scot, For Her Pleasure, Amber Eyes (love this one), Stay With Me, and the Sweet Series.

Lightening speed round!

Pumps, Sandals or Sneakers? Flip flops definitely

Beer, Wine or on the rocks? Orange juice!

Boxers, Briefs or Commando? I like boxer briefs

Book or Ereader? Love my Kindle!

Vampire, Demon or Shifter? Uhhh shifter I guess.

Cowboys or CEO’s? Cowboys

Soft and Sensual or Up Against the Wall? Either works for me!

Beach or Snow? Snow

Jeans or Pearls? Jeans

Tattoos or Piercing? Probably tattoos

Maya is offering a copy of Softly at Sunrise to one lucky winner. In order to be enetered in the giveaway, you must answer the question and fill out the rafflecopter. This is a one day giveaway. Thank you and good luck!

Question- A former Navy Seal with black hair and blue eyes. He is the 4th oldest Kelly son. Which Kelly son is this?

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