Osiyo~

Welcome one and all! Grab a beverage of choice, something sweet and sinful. No-no, not the men. What’s the matter with you? You know the hands-on rules… The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.

I’m thrilled to welcome my wonderfully talented guest today, Mackenzie Crowne, who is sharing her book, The Billionaire’s Con with us!

Please show ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Mac some real Ranch love!

Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you.  

Thanks for inviting me to visit, Calisa, I just love chatting about the characters of my heart. So, me, huh? I’m a wife, mother, really young grandmother J and a breast cancer survivor. I write lighthearted contemporary romance, and I’ve been lucky enough to have several of my stories published, with several more to come. Basically, I’m a romance junkie, living my dream.

Ooh, me too! Okay, I’ll begin with five questions, then follow with three more, and end with four final ones.

My writing area at the moment is a corner of the couch in my living room. What does your writing space look like?

Well, about two months ago, Serge (hubby) and I became empty nesters when our youngest son flew the coop. I immediately dragged out the paintbrushes and got to work on his room. Our house has always been a busy place, a free-for-all with people dropping in constantly. Having my own office was a thrilling concept. So, where am I sitting right now? In the corner of the couch in my living room. I haven’t quite made the transition yet.

We have a shed unit (2-story) that I’m working on clearing the downstairs section of for my office. I can’t wait to get it done, but like everything…it takes time. For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you?

A little bit of both. Sometimes the perfect title or name just slides into my mind. Other times, not so much. I’m about half way through a fun, football romance right now, but the title still hasn’t arrived in my brain.

I’ve had a couple like that. I’m sure it’ll come to you soon. What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?

1. Keep writing. 2. Work on improving your craft and 3. Start building your social media platform now. You’re going to need it.

That’s the truth! The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment?

Hell, if I knew that I’d be on the NYT best seller list, but I think perseverance is a must. I learn something new every day. One of these days I’ll find the answer to that question, and I’ll be sure to share.

Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?

Hmmm. I have a bunch of favorite authors I’d love to share a martini with, but if I had to choose, I’d meet Nora. She’s brilliant and prolific. I want to be her when I grow up.

She’s my choice too. I have so much admiration for her. It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆

Favorite animal? Cat

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Summer

Favorite food? Lobster

Well done! 🙂

Okay, flash four. Ready?

What are you working on now? That unnamed football romance. To fulfill a deathbed promise to her sister and win guardianship of her twin nieces, can a female football blogger with a secret survive three months on a rural farm with the NFL’s bad boy? Or will the twins’ surprise big brother steal her dreams and her heart?

What are you sharing today?

It’s complicated, but my lighthearted New England romance, The Billionaire’s Con has just been re-released on Kindle select with worldwide distribution to come in November.

Blurb:

Chef Meggy Calhoun realizes her long-held dream with the opening of Boston’s hottest new culinary experience. Crazy-busy with her new restaurant, she can’t deny a fascination for her hunky new tenant. But will her secret connection to one of New England’s most powerful families poison her recipe for success, and leave her heart flambeed?

Trevor Bryce Christos would do anything to protect the woman who raised him. Even seduce a beautiful con artist disguised as a chef and bent on cashing in on his family’s wealth. Taking up residence in Meggy’s carriage house while disguised as a writer doing research on small town New England is the perfect ploy to catch her at her game. But when the truth of her parentage is revealed, and his ruse exposed, he’ll need the townsfolk’s help with spin control if love is to remain on the menu.

Excerpt:

“We had a leak.” She jumped the last two steps to land on the floor, jamming the roller into the pan at the foot of the ladder. “The plumber is there now, dealing with the aftermath.” Reminded of the calamity in her kitchen, she turned a glower on the silent man and quirked a brow. “And you are?”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Jill rolled her eyes at Meggy and made the introductions. “Meggy Calhoun, this is Trevor Bryce. He’s a writer who’s interested in renting the carriage house. Mr. Bryce, Meggy is one of the owners of Palmer House. She’s also the head chef.”

Fascinated, Meggy watched as the stiff lawyer vanished behind a wicked smile, a flash of white teeth, and dimples. There was nothing stiff about the penetrating gaze that met and held hers. The deep drawl of his voice, when he said hello, reminded her of the smooth slide of the aged whiskey found in Palmer House’s well-stocked bar. She glanced at the hand he held out, and flipped up her own paint-smeared palm. “Sorry, I’m a mess.”

Laugh lines crinkled the tanned skin at the corner of his eyes, and the soft core of femininity within her sighed in appreciation. She’d always had a soft spot for the Greek god type. Looking at Trevor Bryce, she had a sudden craving for feta cheese and ouzo.

  ***

Where can we find you and your books?

You can find Meggy’s story at Amazon and me at my author page or website, mackenziecrowne.com, FaceBook or Twitter.

Where will you be next?

Look for me @ Vintage Vonnie on 8/27 when I’ll be launching A Song for Sophie, a fun contemporary in the Honky Tonk Hearts series from The Wild Rose Press.

Meggy loves sharing her story, leave a comment for a chance at a free copy. And while you’re at it, Meggy always dreamed of being a chef. As an author, I’m forever considering careers for my characters. If you could be anything, other than an author, what would it be?

I can’t wait to get A Song For Sophie!  I’m trying to collect that whole series. Thank you so much for playing along, Mac! Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day.

Dodadagohvi~