SNOW'S HEAT by NICOLE HICKS

*last minute touch-ups on hair as the producer counts down with his fingers…three…two…one…is cued to begin with a red light on the camera*

GRACEN:  *sitting straight with legs crossed at the ankles*  Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.  Today’s guests are Sabrina Coswell, and Travis Matalark, who come to us from newly released Snow’s Heat.  Their creator is the lovely Nicole Hicks. *turns toward guests as audience applauds* I’m glad all of you could join us today and I’m super excited about the upped release date for Snow’s Heat!!!  First off, give us the buy link for Snow’s Heat:

NICOLE:
Summerhouse buy link:  http://summerhousepublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=0&products_id=29&zenid=bf725a9d696eaf0e0b63c84de635ed25
Amazon buy link:  http://www.amazon.com/Snows-Heat-Prowling-Around-ebook/dp/B0057P6PSY/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1308859565&sr=1-2

GRACEN:  Now to the hard questions…Travis, tell us how you and Sabrina first met. What was your first impression of Sabrina?

TRAVIS:  Well you know that would be two separate things. *raises eyebrows and looks hotly at Sabrina before looking back at Gracen* Absolute first impression would get me in trouble… *puts hand on Bree’s knee* and this cougar has claws *ducks as Bree swings playfully at the back of his head* but regardless she definitely intrigued me. *Grins*

GRACEN:  *chuckles* Sabrina, what was your first impression of Travis?

SABRINA: *grins largely* Well my first impression was quite obvious so I can be honest here. First thought was Grrr backwoods hill-billy, early morning asses… but when he turned away I was treated to a NICE ass!

GRACEN:  Care to show off that “nice ass” to the viewing public, Travis? *waggles eyebrows* I’m just kidding…but kinda not.  *pouts* Travis, I understand you’re unique. Would you mind telling us about that part of yourself?

TRAVIS: Well I suppose the “cat” is out of the bag at this point… I was attacked while on a mission and now shift into a Snow Leopard. Once you get past the “Crap I’m hallucinating” part its actually pretty cool.

GRACEN:  I bet. Climbing trees would be so much fun! And to surprise people by pouncing on them. *chuckles* Oh, what fun! *sighs dreamily thinking of all the fun, until the producers coughs* Ahem…Did Sabrina react the way you thought she would upon discovering you could shapeshift into a Snow Leopard?

TRAVIS: Bree act as someone expects? *Laughs* No… I think it’s safe to say that she didn’t react as any sane errr normal errrr no… no not how I expected….

GRACEN:  Sabrina, does Travis have any weird cat affections in human form?

SABRINA: Hmmmm you know after that last answer of his I’m really tempted to expound on that…. But I’ll be the mature one here…. *gives Travis a sideways look* no comments young man!

GRACEN:  I’m intrigued by the possibilities. Sabrina, I understand you’re dangerous with a Bic lighter. How instrumental was Travis in helping you during that cleansing moment in your life?

SABRINA: *smiles sweetly* You know I tend to always keep a Bic with me for that just in case moment. *raises eyebrows* But seriously, he made a huge difference. More than I would have expected.

GRACEN:  Travis, do you have anything to add?

TRAVIS: The only thing I could add is …. Ouch…. And I’m glad that wasn’t aimed at me!

GRACEN:  *grins* I sure wouldn’t want to piss her off after that bonfire.

GRACEN:  Sabrina, what is Travis’s aphrodisiac?

SABRINA: *snickers* you mean like playing chase? Oh no wait that would be a fetish… Maybe catnip? Or cream? *blushes*

GRACEN:  Goodness, that “cream” scene was a hawt one not to be missed.  Travis, is she right? How would you have answered that question?

TRAVIS:  *licks his lips with a small smile* Yeah I would say she answered that quite well.

GRACEN:  *stares at his lips, then shakes head and goes back to the interview* What’s the one spot guaranteed to drive your lover crazy with passion?

TRAVIS:  Are you talking physically? Or Location? *laughs*

SABRINA: *laughs* I’m not sure that would be a safe question to answer with as much as I’ve heard that people want to steal Travis… *winks at Gracen*

GRACEN:  *leans forward and whispers to Sabrina* Well, Travis is yummy.

*producer makes a circular motion with his hands to keep the show going*

GRACEN:  Ahem…What do you think your biggest obstacle is for creating a lasting relationship?

SABRINA: Well *looks at Travis* we all have baggage, and it’s just a matter of dealing with it to make a couple last.

TRAVIS: Nothing as far as I’m concerned. We’ll make it. *leers at Bree*

GRACEN:  What’s the one thing you think will guarantee a successful long-term relationship?

SABRINA: Honesty.           

TRAVIS: A Good sex life!!! *chuckles*

GRACEN:  Good sex is a must, but so is honesty.

GRACEN:  If you have children, what complications do you think may rise with Travis’s unique shapeshifting ability? How do you think you’ll handle it together? Or explain it to your other children, Sabrina?

SABRINA: Well I imagine that the kids will have questions. That’s actually something we’re talking about now… As for having other children, well it’s a bit early for that don’t you think?

GRACEN:  Let’s get to know author Nicole Hicks…has someone been instrumental in inspiring your career?

NICOLE:  Lol! Hi Gracen. *smiles* Bree and Travis are a bit hard to follow! *laughs* Instrumental huh? Well actually a couple of people have been. My kids have been definitely. How can you tell them to reach for their dreams if you haven’t yourself? My husband James is the one who initially encouraged me to start writing again. But the ones who got me to keep going are my friends, other writers, and an “online” kiddo who wants to be a writer. I would like to give a shout out: James, JoJo, Kayla, Mags, JoAnne, Deena, Jen, Christine, and the Hell Hound Momma *nods to Gracen*. Writing may be a solitary occupation but it takes a crew of people to actually make it happen. *smiles*

GRACEN:  *blushes* You’re sure right about that.  It’s a solo career, but fabulous friends—especially author friends—keep us buoyant in the big ocean of lonely. 

GRACEN:  How long have you been writing and was there a defining moment when you realized you wanted a career in writing?

NICOLE:  The first poem I remember writing was when I was nine. But I always remember telling stories. I hate to sound cliché but it was something I always wanted to do~ Be able to make worlds that people could lose themselves in, with characters that they could relate to in some way.

GRACEN:  Is there any particular scene that is especially near and dear to your heart in Snow’s Heat? If so, what is it and why?

NICOLE: Just one scene? *Laughs* Hmmm, that’s a toughie. How about one of my favorite scenes? I think the bonfire scene is one of them, definitely. Sabrina does something that I think every woman has wanted to do at some point in her life. That takes real balls to do. *looks at Bree with a smile*. Of course it also takes balls for a man to approach a woman who’s doing what she was.

GRACEN:  *nods* Takes balls for a man to start a relationship with a woman who’s been emotionally manhandled the way Bree has too. *thumbs up to Travis* You’re one helluva guy.

GRACEN:  What is your favorite aspect of writing? And what is your least favorite part about writing?

NICOLE: Favorite aspect of writing? Well that would be the conceptual birth of the stories and the day of release.  *big grin* Yeah those are my favorite!  Least favorite? Hmmm… That would be writing the synopsis *shudders* that’s its own personal hell, and the submission process… That six to eight week wait is a killer!

GRACEN:  What other projects do you have going?

NICOLE: LOL! Well between edits I have the prequel and book two of the Prowling around series, Catting Around a first POV cougar shifter book that hits as a romantic- comedy, No Dogs Allowed~ a first POV short for a multi-author series I’d like to get in on, and a horror/suspense/comedy.  Hmm is that all? Oh and a hose shifter book. Lol… When I get the chance to write that is. J

GRACEN:  *raises hand* Stupid question…what’s a “hose shifter” book?

GRACEN: What does your family think of your writing career?

NICOLE:  There are mixed reactions of course. *laughs* but that may be because of the fact that it is an 18+ tale. For the most part they seem proud, that I actually made it happen, that I didn’t give up on my dreams.

GRACEN:  I’m really proud you didn’t give up on your dreams, because we wouldn’t have Snow’s Heat if you did!!  I’m so proud of you!  *hugs ya*

GRACEN:  What do you do to unwind and relax?

NICOLE:  LOL! You mean other than making up drinks and of course trying them out to make sure they’re any good? *winks* Actually it depends on the situation. I enjoy cooking when stressed, reading when I’m at my wits end, watching anime when I can’t look at the laptop anymore, and recently I’ve started playing Disc Golf. That can be therapeutic let me tell you! *winks*

GRACEN:  Do you have any suggestions for new or aspiring authors?

NICOLE: Don’t give up. If it is your dream, hold on tight. Ask people who are honest for their opinions, and self-edit! There are tons of sites or blogs that have editing hints- like said is dead, was is a bad thing and needs to be taken out as much as possible, and then is a no-no. :D But most importantly keep at it. How can you reach the stars when you refuse to fly?

GRACEN: *chuckling over your editing hints* Good pointers I wish I’d known when I was starting out. 

GRACEN:  Nicole, would you describe yourself as a devil or angel?

NICOLE: Ouch that’s a double whammy of a question! LOL! I try to be angelic, but I’m definitely more of a devil! ^-^

GRACEN:  Please explain why you’re an (angel/devil)?

NICOLE: While I try to help others my mind tends to head towards the gutter on scenarios. I have a snarky sense of humor. I think I’m just a *clears throat* tad too dirty minded to be considered angelic. *smiles sweetly*

GRACEN:  Psst…embrace the naughty side! There’s free chocolate and more than enough sin to go around…and I’m working on corrupting some angels. *laughs*

GRACEN:  If you could have one magical item only, what would it be and why?

NICOLE: Hmmm the possibilities… Just one? *sigh* I would want one that would allow me to be able to shapeshift. As for the why? Because one day I could be me… one day I could be a “bitch” and one day I could be “catty” ^-^

GRACEN:  What would be the first thing you do with this magical item?

NICOLE: Why use it of course! LOL! No actually I’d prolly go cat, since those are the shifters that are yowling for my attention right now.

GRACEN:  If you could spend one night with anyone in the world (doing whatever you want, chatting, getting intimate, getting drunk or something altogether different, doesn’t matter whatever you want), who would it be and why?

NICOLE: LOL! Wow I could get in to some real trouble with this one! Oh the names going through my mind… Kevin Costner before he got … errr older~ Robin Hood waterfall scene what? ^-^ Johnny Depp before his roles took a turn towards psycho… A young Sean Connery… Just turn the lights off and have him talk dirty to me *sighs dreamily* That voice is to die for! Jean-Claude Van Damme… Can you say flexible?

Vin Deisel…. HAWT!  Dang so many hawties… Just one? *huffs* that’s not fair!

GRACEN:  I’ll just steal your snow leopard *winks at Travis* while you’re playing with all those hawties…okay? *giggles* 

*producer starts the countdown with his fingers*

GRACEN:  Well, that’s all the time we have.  I hope you enjoyed this segment.  Sabrina, Travis and Nicole, do any of you have anything else you want to say to anyone watching today?

*Sabrina covers Travis’ mouth as he leans forward* No giving anything else away! They won’t want to read our story.

NICOLE: LOL! Just a huge thank you Gracen for taking time for this! It was a blast! Of course I expect nothing else while spending time with you! As for anything else? I hope everyone enjoys Bree and Travis’ story. And I’ll answer any questions I can without giving too much away! ;)

Snow’s Heat available now at Summerhouse Publishing. To learn more about their creator, Nicole Hicks, or to find out about her other projects, you can find her here:

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/nicholandria

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/nicholandria

Blog(s): http://authornicolehicks.blogspot.com/

SNOW’S HEAT BLURB:

When your husband declares you aren’t enough after ten years, don’t get mad… Get a Bic and start a bonfire!

When Sabrina’s husband decides to move on to greener, and freer pastures, she knows she has to move on herself. Wounded and alone, she escapes to a friend’s cabin to think about her future…and burn her past. Literally.

Can she rise from the ashes of her marriage a new woman, or did she lose too much trying to salvage an illusion? Dealing with the heartache of her new reality, she meets a mystery man in the backwoods. One that makes her burn with desire.

Once just a soldier, now Travis is something…more. His last tour changed him in more ways than one. Can he come to terms with what he is, while dealing with the mixture of lust and possessiveness Bree brings out in him? Or is her past too much for him to handle?

SNOW’S HEAT EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

The sun shone brightly in the small cabin at an ungodly hour. Bree covered her eyes with a groan, feeling the bottle of wine she’d drank the night before coming back to haunt her. She pulled her arm away long enough to check the time on her watch before groaning in earnest. Seven thirty-five in the freaking morning! Where were those damn curtains? Or mini blinds? Something to cover those blasted windows and keep out the bright as hell sun and quiet those loud woodpeckers!

Wait…. Woodpeckers? This close to the house?

She pushed up into a sitting position and listened again before groaning louder. Wouldn’t it just figure that some backwoods idiot was up at this hour and thought since they were everyone else should be too? She clambered to her feet before starting for the front door. If this were just a neighborly meet and greet, they would not like the greeting they were about to get! She pulled open the door, fully aware she had bedhead, her breath stank of the wine from the night before and she was pretty sure she still had those annoying sleep marks on her face mere humans got—ones she never saw in the movies. But what stood on her porch was enough to make the woman in her perk up and come to attention before hanging her head in shame at the way she looked, even if he was way younger than she was.

The man on her front porch stood an inch or two above her own five foot eleven inch height and looked about twenty-five. Down girl, he’s at least ten years younger than you. Even in the backwoods they have standards. He was muscular with arms that made her dream of  being wrapped securely in them, a closely cropped head of hair that begged to be finger combed and hazel eyes that shone with a world-weary look and intelligence. Intelligence that at this very moment had a sarcastic gleam to match the snarl-like smile on his lips. Realizing she gaped at the stranger, she closed her open jaw, ran a hand through her hair and stood straighter, trying to make it all seem casual and nonchalant. The longer he stared silently at her, the more it got her goat.

“Yes? Can I help you?” she asked with a bit of snark to her tone.