Today I am proudly hosting the Before Jamaica Lane Blog Tour.
This is a series I love so much, and am excited to share an interview with author Samantha Young. You can also read my series reviews here.
But first, take a look at Before Jamaica Lane
But first, take a look at Before Jamaica Lane
Series: On Dublin Street #3Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: NAL
Publication Date: 1/7/14
One simple lesson in seduction between two friends can turn into so much more…
Despite her outgoing demeanor, Olivia is painfully insecure around the opposite sex—usually, she can’t get up the nerve to approach guys she’s interested in. But moving to Edinburgh has given her a new start, and, after she develops a crush on a sexy postgrad, she decides it’s time to push past her fears and go after what she wants.
Nate Sawyer is a gorgeous player who never commits, but to his close friends, he’s as loyal as they come. So when Olivia turns to him with her relationship woes, he offers to instruct her in the art of flirting and to help her become more sexually confident.
The friendly education in seduction soon grows into an intense and hot romance. But then Nate’s past and commitment issues rear their ugly heads, and Olivia is left broken-hearted. When Nate realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life, he will have to work harder than he ever has before to entice his best friend into falling back in love with him—or he may lose her forever…
INTERVIEW
After several books and novellas, how do you continue to keep the On Dublin Street series fresh?
SY: The key for me is to make each heroine different from the last so that readers really do feel like they’re reading a fresh story. Joss is guarded, a little standoffish and blunt but with a vulnerable side. Ellie is open, down-to-earth and a total romantic. Jo was kind and loyal but filled with self-esteem issues. Liv from Before Jamaica Lane is quirky and funny and has some body-image issues. Hopefully each one gives the reader something to root for and also something to relate to.
Do you control your characters, or do they ever surprise you by taking over the story?
SY: I usually know my heroes and heroines extremely well before I start writing so they’re less likely to surprise me and take over—although the heroes have sometimes! However, secondary characters are always surprising me and becoming so much more than I even intended them to be. Nate from Before Jamaica Lane started off as a secondary character in Down London Road but the more I wrote about him, the more I knew he needed his own story.
Does Before Jamaica Lane have an overall message? If so, what do you hope readers take away from the story?
SY: Yeah, there are a few messages in Before Jamaica Lane that I hope the readers take away from the story. One is about learning to become comfortable and happy with ourselves; especially those of us who have battled with body image issues. It’s amazing how crippling those issues can be. It’s sad how many people let those issues control their lives and allow them to overlook all the great things about themselves. Also, this is the first in the series that really deals with major issues from the hero, rather than the heroine. Nate’s story is about learning to know when it’s time to stop mourning deep losses and start rebuilding.
Can you recommend a recent book you've read?
SY: Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover
Is there a particular book or author who's inspired you?
SY: There’s not one particular author or book has inspired me. I will say I was inspired to start writing at a very young age after reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
Can you tell us about any current or future projects?
SY: Currently, I’m working on FALL FROM INDIA PLACE book four in the On Dublin Street series. This follows Ellie’s sister Hannah’s story and her American hero Marco D’Alessandro. I’ll also be working soon on OUT OF THE SHALLOWS, the conclusion to Jake and Charley’s story from Into the Deep.
The On Dublin Street Series
About
the author
I think Samantha has done a great job with the heroines. Ellie and Joss WERE really different and while I do find similarities between Jo and Joss, Jo is still made from different wood. Can't wait to meet Liv. I'm half way through and hopefully I'll meet her in Down London Road :) Haha. I loved Nate's introduction in DLR so I love that there's soon to be more of him. LOSING HOPE *dies* I still haven't read it, but I know that Aman loved it and boy do I ever miss Sky and Holder. *goes to stare at her shelf and tries to hold back from devouring LH with magic willpowers* I need to get on that. OH OH OH OH HANNAH AND MARCO? YES PLEASE!!!! :) LOVE this interview. Thanks so much Samantha and Andrea. You made my day! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat questions Andrea! Samantha does a great job of keeping the stories fresh and that is one of the things I love about this series! I cannot wait to see what she gives us with the next book and OH GOD I need Out of the Shallows now!
ReplyDeleteCool interview. This series sounds entertaining.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! I just finished this book and loved it! Can't wait for Hannah's story!
ReplyDeleteI think writing about body image as an 'issue' that is approached is good. I think most of us suffer from some body image issues, though it may not be crippling for all, I know that for me it is something I think about quite a lot any time I go somewhere where I can dress up. I need to just let it go and enjoy myself and not even think about it.
ReplyDeleteI recently got the first book and I can't wait to start the series!
Great interview Andrea! I love how SY strives to make each of her main female characters unique, and their stories fresh. I'm glad she addresses body image and self-esteem in this installment. I love stories that address prominent issues in society.
ReplyDeleteI love what she said about secondary characters. They do bring a lot to the table and sometimes they have the capacity of hijacking a story. I haven't read this series but I'm a big fan of the titles! It's so catchy and when you see it you know it's by her.
ReplyDeleteWonderful interview!! I love it!!
ReplyDeleteTerrific interview, Andrea! I love Samantha Young's books (yes, I've read a few but I'm not caught up ;) and she does such a great job at keeping things fresh! And I adore her characters!! Thanks for sharing this. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, Andrea and Samantha! I think body image and self-esteem is such a huge issue with women, and it was handled nicely in BJL. Can't wait for the next story! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, Andrea! I really like the fact that she keeps her heroines so different from the previous ones. It gives the reader something to look forward too and easily connect with the heroines as well. And I LOVE the message that Before Jamaica Lane sends! Its such a heavy topic and I can't wait to see how Samantha Young addresses it in her novel. I can't wait to get on to the next book! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
I loved before Jamaica Lane and the overall message . Great interview Andrea ;)
ReplyDeleteI have only read the first book in this series and I really enjoyed it, I need to play catch-up. I do love her YA series as well.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful interview! I definitely agree with Samantha's book choice of Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover, it was wonderful!
Thanks for sharing Andrea :)
I have this book but I haven't read the rest. Think I can jump in?
ReplyDeleteI really need to get to this series soon. I've heard so many good things. Plus, I actually read Ellie's story if I'm not mistaken and loved it, so I'm looking forward to it. I've also read Samantha Young's NA series which I adored.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Andrea!
Nice interview.
ReplyDelete