The MacBrides by

Please welcome  author of The MacBrides

J.L. Petersen will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

The MacBrides: Logan and RJ

by J.L. Petersen

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance

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INTERVIEW:

• What or who inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always loved reading. And from a young age I would find myself making up stories myself. Then one day, later in life, I was involved in a self-discovery weekend where writing surfaced many times over the weekend. It was as if the place I was in my life and my buried passions finally came together and presented the opportunity. From there I challenged myself to actually take the time to complete a book. Now I just published my fourth book. ?

• How did you come up with ideas for your books?

Honestly, I think subconsciously I take in observations and it processes to concepts. At least that sounds better than saying I don’t really know it just comes to me. ?

What expertise did you bring to your writing?

First, it was just a love of a good story. But mostly, a desire and willingness to learn and put myself out there. I don’t have any degree in English or other such professional training. I have a lifelong career in Human Resources which has shown me so many sides of people I could probably write a book on that alone.

• What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?

While I have lived most of my adult life in the Denver area, I was an Air Force brat. I moved around a lot as a child which meant always being the new kid on the block, in school, on teams, etc. I think that is also what gave me my love of reading. It was a great companion during those times before I’d found my new clans in my new cities.

• As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

I am currently working on the second of five books in The MacBrides series. It will be Hannah and Ash’s story. I would really like to go back and give Bette, from Chasing Her Heart, her own story. Also, I’ve recently taken on a challenge to write a Christmas novella. Hopefully, I can have that ready for this Christmas. The story was a compilation of story concepts a group of my friends gave me one night during a dinner party. I’m trying to incorporate aspects from each person’s thoughts and weave it into a holiday love story. Wish me luck on that one.

• If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why?

Hmmm, not sure. There are strengths each woman has that I admire and wish I had or that was more firmly ingrained in my character. I think that is why I enjoy each of the women in my stories. Writing about them allows me to explore those possibilities of how I, myself, can continue to grow.

• If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your leading roles?

Oh, let’s go with my new release, The MacBrides-Logan and RJ. I would have Jake Gyllenhaal play Logan and Mila Kunis play RJ

• Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?

I just recently tried a one-on-one critique partner situation for the current book I’m working on. I’m not sure if it’s helping much. I did find it’s hard to be a critique partner for a writer that isn’t completely in your own genre. So, I’d have to stay I still ambiguous on whether I find it useful.

• When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?

As I stated in a previous question I set up my first book as a challenge to myself to get out of my comfort zone and go somewhere that I was vulnerable. It came as the result of a self-discovery weekend I had with some girlfriends. I was pretty self-contained during the process and didn’t discuss it with anyone until I actually approached my release date.

11. Do you outline your books or just start writing?

I’ve tried to “plot” out an entire story and found that didn’t work for me. I’d find myself straying too much. So, where I’ve found my sweet spot is to have the general outline and concept and then to just start writing. That style isn’t for everyone and may create some weakness in the actual story development BUT I think it allows the characters a lot of freedom to develop organically.

12. Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your book?

I am currently writing book two of my current series, The MacBrides – Hannah and Ash. Hannah is the third oldest in the MacBride clan and is a warm, nurturing type and Ash is a bit jaded. Their journey is a quiet but deep one. They will have to decide if they are willing to trust their instincts and have faith in each other.

I am slightly embarrassed to admit it but I am addicted to the Real Housewives of: The OC, New York, New Jersey and Beverly Hills. My husband just shakes his head at me when they come on and leaves the room. ? I also love Dancing with the Stars. Now that show my husband will watch with me and he’s actually very good at scoring the dances.

BLURB:

Logan, the eldest of the MacBride clan, is thrilled at his brother Clay’s pending nuptials to Sandy. But when Sandy’s sister RJ arrives at the family’s ranch, Logan’s world is turned upside down. However, the sisters’ shared past has created scars and barriers against love testing Logan’s ability to push aside his need and patience to win RJ’s trust and ultimately her unwavering love.

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EXCERPT:

RJ ached for her sister. Sandy was always the starryeyed sister. But she was hurt by how Sandy could have been going through this and never saying one word to her. She had to know. “Why couldn’t you talk to me about this?”

“I’ve struggled with how I was going to answer that,” Sandy said, holding up her hand to forestall RJ interrupting her. “I know I should tell you the truth but I think my truth will hurt you. I never want to hurt you.”

“I’d be more hurt with lies,” RJ told her. She’d learned early to protect herself from the cruelties her family could dish out and instinctually threw up her emotional guards.

Sandy nodded. “Alright. I didn’t want you to ruin it for me. I know you wouldn’t see it that way but you’re so against love and marriage, I just didn’t want you to pop my bubble until I figured out what I felt and wanted.”

RJ felt those comments like a physical blow. No barriers she could erect stood a chance against her sister thinking she would ruin her chance for happiness. She couldn’t speak.

“Oh, RJ! Don’t cry. You never cry,” Sandy wailed when she saw the silent tears in her sister’s eyes. She started crying also as she grabbed her sister’s hands. “I’m so sorry. Please, please don’t cry.”

RJ slowly pulled her hands free from her sister’s grasp. “Why do you want me here, now?”

“Because I love you. I want you to share this with me. I know you want me happy. I just didn’t want logic and family history to interfere. I wanted to understand, on my own.

RJ couldn’t tell if she was breaking up inside or freezing up. Afraid she would break down in pain she stood. “Sandy, I can’t do this right now. Can I call you tomorrow morning?”

“I thought we were going to spend the night together?” Knowing she’d hurt her sister crushed her.

“Please. Tomorrow.”

“Okay,” she said standing, then wrapping her sister’s stiff body in a hug. “I love you.”

Nodding, RJ strode away before she lost it. She didn’t look back.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

J. L. Petersen lives in Denver with her husband. She finds inspiration in her adopted state of Colorado. She’s enjoyed reading all types of romance for years and finally found the courage to start telling her own stories. Ms. Petersen believes love is the strongest, most powerful of emotions. It allows us to trust, believe, forgive and have hope. Her stories try to bring those emotions to her characters.

Publisher web: http://www.5princebooks.com/jlpetersen.html

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/J.-L.-Petersen/e/B01NCS64DH

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/J-L-Petersen-546180368893491/

Twitter: @ jlpetersenauth1

Email: jpetersen0313@gmail.com

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

J.L. Petersen will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f2367