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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Will he love or leave them? - Unlikely Allies by C.C. Koen

Maggie Tyson’s rule: no bad boys. Her incarcerated ex-husband broke her of that attraction. Needing to escape his threats and the scrutiny of the people in her hometown, Maggie relocates to New York City. Determined to not make the same mistakes, she has a mile-long list of dos and don’ts. 

Description:

Published: June 13th, 2015

What happens when a single mom’s four-year-old daughter falls in love with Mr. Right and she doesn’t?

Maggie Tyson’s rule: no bad boys. Her incarcerated ex-husband broke her of that attraction. Needing to escape his threats and the scrutiny of the people in her hometown, Maggie relocates to New York City. Determined to not make the same mistakes, she has a mile-long list of dos and don’ts. Unfortunately, her daughter, Cecily, doesn’t like to follow them. When Cecily wanders away from her and right into Rick Stone’s office, Maggie knows he’s the exact type she’s been trying to avoid. Can she resist him or will she succumb to his willful charm?

Rick Stone’s rule: bed them don’t wed them. Running a multi-billion dollar business doesn’t leave him with much time to do anything else, particularly with an overbearing grandfather breathing down his neck. But when a man works hard, he needs to play even harder. Voted America’s most eligible bachelor, Rick doesn’t have any problems getting women into his bed—except one.
Two auburn beauties stumble into his life.
One will break his heart.
The other—heal it.
Will he love or leave them?

MB's INTERVIEW
Thank you, Mrs. C.C. Koen 
1. How hard is to bring novelty to a romance story today? 
Wow, what a fantastic question. I am an out-of-the box problem solver, so I am intrigued by stories that have a different take on a common topic: romance. Therefore, I think writers have to be willing to take a chance and tell the story they are compelled to tell and the story that is revealed to them. Yes, it is important for readers to enjoy the story but each reader is different. Some stories they’ll like, others they won’t. It is a toss-up. Even if an author goes through the process of gathering feedback from beta readers, critique groups, and an editor it does not ensure that worldly readers will respond positively. So, writers should go for it. Take chances and risks and tell a story that warms their heart or challenges them. 

2. What are the best and worst of our day romance genre and how did you use or avoid them in your stories? 
The best: the romance genre is strong, no matter what critics say. It is a genre that withstands the test of time and has consistent fans. 

The worst: too much repetition, instant love/attraction, and sex, sex, sex. As they say, “sex sells” and romance authors definitely ensure it thrives. 

3. What do you think about clichés and in what conditions could they be used in a romance story? 
Sometimes when I’m writing I don’t even realize I used a cliché until my editor points it out. You get used to using clichés in everyday life and it becomes natural to include them in writing too. There are instances where a cliché here or there enhances the dialogue. Otherwise, as my editor points out, they aren’t necessary. There are other ways to describe or show, rather than use a cliché. 

4. What are the features that romance readers look for in the male character and how are they reflected in Unlikely Allies? 
I’m am a huge sucker for alpha males that get wrapped around the finger of a child. Therefore, Unlikely Allies is driven by a relationship established between the male MC, Rick (a.k.a Max), and four-year-old, Cece. 

5. What readers will never find in a book written by you?
Your questions are awesome. Topics I won’t include because they upset me is anything that involves violent acts against women or children.  

About the author:
C.C. Koen writes contemporary romance with a twist. An avid reader who enjoys mystery and suspense, her stories will never be what you expect. Determined to find adventure in her dreams and life, she enjoys skydiving, sailing and any activity that challenges her. Teacher by day, romance writer at night produce an active imagination that comes to life in her writing.

6 comments:

Giselle said...

Thanks for hosting! :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for participating in the Unlikely Allies tour.

Juana said...

I liked both the book description & the interview.

Jan Lee said...

Yep that's a bad boy .. bed them don't wed them, lol love that phrase :) Would love to read the book!

Stephanie LaPlante said...

I'd like to find out which way she goes.

bookbunny68 said...

I like giveaways that have items that go with the book. Adds a little extra.