WICKED BEAT BLOG TOUR ~ INTERVIEW WITH OLIVIA CUNNING

YAY! It's my stop on the Wicked Beat Blog Tour, brought to you by Sourcebooks. My stop includes an interview with Olivia Cunning.

  Series: Sinners on Tour #4
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: 8/6/13
Format: eARC
Source: Received from publisher for review

From the moment he lays eyes on Sinners’ new front of house soundboard operator, drummer Eric Sticks knows he has to make Rebekah his. Unfortunately, she’s too busy trying to seduce guitarist Trey Mills to pay him much attention. Rebekah never planned to fall for the tall, goofy drummer with the weird sense of humor and a heart the size of the galaxy. But Eric makes her laugh and his constant attention makes her feel sexy and irresistible–exactly what she needs after the things her last lover said to her. A woman who gives as much as she takes, Rebekah makes Eric feel like a total stud–exactly what he needs after surviving a decade of watching the incredibly talented members of Sinners from the wings.

 

Interview with Olivia Cunning
 

Sticks was more lighthearted than the other Sinners. Did this make him easier or harder to write?
OC:  I loved writing Eric, because I never know what is going to pop out of his mouth. Some days, nothing would pop out of his mouth and it’s hard to come up with corny jokes when you try. So I guess it would depend on if my own corn-ball sense of humor was in full gear or not. I knew Eric pretty well by the time I wrote his book, so it made it easier to write. I have the most difficult time with writing the second book of a series. The first book is new and exciting and I can’t get the words out fast enough. Then I get to book two and I don’t know all the characters very well yet, and the excitement has waned a bit, so I struggle a bit. By the time I get to the third, fourth and fifth books, I know the characters, so I’d say Eric’s book was fairly easy to write, because Eric and all the other guys were fully formed in my mind by that time. Sed’s on the other hand…


Rebecca's ex, Isaac, had an interesting secret. Did you have this planned going into Wicked Beat, or was it a surprise to you, too?

OC:  This will be hard to answer without spoilers. I knew Rebekah had her “problem” and I knew it was Isaac who had caused her to feel bad about it, but I wasn’t sure why he would be such a jerk to her. His reason for being a jerk was the only solution that made sense to me, because he’s not a jerk by nature. And of course by having that particular secret, Trey got to help Rebekah and Eric in way that only Trey can help. *wink* (That’s the most convoluted answer to a question ever!)


What song would best describe Eric and Rebecca's relationship?
OC:  The theme song for Wicked Beat is “The High Road” by Three Days Grace. But in actuality, I’d say their perfect song is “Alive” by Adelita’s Way. I’d already used that song on Double Time’s play list, though, so didn’t want to use it again. It’s a great song and when you first fall in love you DO feel more alive than usual, but it’s especially true for Rebekah. I come up with official play lists for all the books, which isn’t particularly easy. You know, I’ve found there aren’t as many metal love songs out there as there are in other music genres. This woman broke my heart (that b*tch!) songs? Yeah, plenty of those in the metal genre. But not so many lovey-dovey love songs.

 ** Great songs! Here are links for "The High Road" and "Alive". **


What's your favorite aspect of writing these books, the relationship between the guys and their loves, or between the Sinners?
OC:  Both of course! It really depends on my mood. If I’m in THE mood, I so enjoy putting some heat on the page. When I want to be entertained and laugh, I stick the Sinners together in a room and let them interact. They never fail to amuse me. If I’m feeling all maudlin and emotional, it’s time for a mushy scene. When I’m excited and hyper, I like to write concert scenes. I guess it’s a good thing I’m moody or my books would be rather dull and one-dimensional. Today? Hmm, I feel like writing a concert scene.


Your all-time favorite drummer?
OC:  The Rev from Avenged Sevenfold. That’s why the book is dedicated to him.

**I cheated. I knew this would be OC's answer. Here is the "Top 5 Avenged Sevenfold Videos featuring Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan".


Now that the last book is out, is there anything you would like to say to fans of Sinners on Tour?
OC:  Being on the Sinners Tour bus was the wildest ride of my life. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you’ll stick around for the next tour with Exodus End. Even the sexiest of rock stars need their groupies to survive. I love you all and the Sinners love you too.

 Thank you so much to Olivia! *wipes tear*

Sinners on Tour Series

 

 (click on cover for GoodReads page)

 

My Reviews of:
Backstage Pass  |  Rock Hard  |  Hot Ticket  |  Double Time  |  Wicked Beat

Purchase Sinners on Tour Series at:

      

 

About the author

Combining her love for romantic fiction and rock ‘n roll, Olivia Cunning writes erotic romance centered around rock musicians. Raised on hard rock music from the cradle, she attended her first Styx concert at age six and fell instantly in love with live music. She's been known to travel over a thousand miles just to see a favorite band in concert. As a teen, she discovered her second love, romantic fiction -- first, voraciously reading steamy romance novels and then penning her own. Growing up as the daughter of a career soldier, she's lived all over the country and overseas. She recently moved to Galveston, Texas.
 

Connect with Olivia Cunning at:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

 

REVIEW: WICKED BEAT (SINNERS ON TOUR #4) by OLIVIA CUNNING

Series: Sinners on Tour #4
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: 8/6/13
Format: eARC
Source: Received from publisher for review
Rating: 5 stars

From the moment he lays eyes on Sinners’ new front of house soundboard operator, drummer Eric Sticks knows he has to make Rebekah his. Unfortunately, she’s too busy trying to seduce guitarist Trey Mills to pay him much attention. Rebekah never planned to fall for the tall, goofy drummer with the weird sense of humor and a heart the size of the galaxy. But Eric makes her laugh and his constant attention makes her feel sexy and irresistible–exactly what she needs after the things her last lover said to her. A woman who gives as much as she takes, Rebekah makes Eric feel like a total stud–exactly what he needs after surviving a decade of watching the incredibly talented members of Sinners from the wings.

So. Wicked Beat happened ... and IT WAS AWESOME. Guys, this book gave was full of happy, sexy times. Flat-out fun and sexy and yeah, it was wicked.

I've never made it a secret that Eric Sticks wasn't high on my list of Most Wanted Sinners. It was never that I didn't like and enjoy him. I mean, come on, Eric has been involved in some truly epic scenes throughout the Sinners on Tour series. Who can forget the bathtub scene in Backstage Pass, when Eric treated Myrna to a lovely hair conditioning? Or in Hot Ticket, when he was a lively participant in Jace and Aggie's bedroom shenanigans? Eric's always been around -- watching-- the other guys meet their special ladies and fall in love. So yeah, I've always liked Eric a lot, but never really considered him as a man to really covet.

Consider me a changed woman, because not only do I now love Mr. Sticks, but he now joins Sedric Lionheart at the top of my Sinners list. And believe me, I have spent much time talking, considering, and reconsidering this list throughout the series, and I do not take the rankings lightly. I have major love for Sed, so to put Eric by his side, that truly tells you how much I loved him. I think most readers will come away from Wicked Beat with a new perception of Eric. He's still the funniest guy in the group, but now I know how thoughtful and loving he is. Eric also has a lot of insecurities, which was something I never saw coming. This made him so endearing to me. I just wanted to snuggle and smoosh Eric until he could see how truly amazing he was. I am beyond thrilled that he finally found his perfect match in Rebekah.

Rebekah. I guess I am full of declarations because now I have to say that Rebekah is my new favorite Sinners Lady. Rebekah saw Eric for who he was: funny, sexy, and amazing. She not only accepted his goofy nature, complete lack of verbal filter, and constant honesty, she embraced it. Rebekah and Eric complemented each other in every way. And their playfulness, it was so cute. Speaking for someone who feels waaaaay more comfortable being silly and playful than super intense and sexy (as if) I appreciate that Cunning made these two into such relatable characters.

Now here's where I get sad. Wicked Beat is the last of the Sinners on Tour books to be released, though not technically the last in the series. I am not known for my control, and there was no way I wasn't reading Double Time the moment I got it in my greedy little hands. That means this book, it's the end of a really fantastic, and actually life-changing time for me. I know, I know, I sound really melodramatic here, but it's true.  Olivia Cunning's books marked a shift in the books that I read and enjoy, found me a lot of new friends, and changed how I looked at a lot of aspects of love and life. I have honestly had some of the best reading moments from these books. I've had a lot of fun conversations with many fellow readers. Particularly about cherry suckers. Yeah, those conversations aren't fit for polite company.

Wicked Beat was so entertaining, so freaking hot, romantic. I love the Sinners even more than before and I wish this darn band was real! Eric and Rebekah were so endearing, and a fabulous couple. I had high expectations for Wicked Beat. It was everything I hoped for. And so much more. Thanks OC.


Favorite Quotes:

  She laughed. "You're like Mr. Romance and Mr. Porn Star wrapped in one."
  "Sorry. I have this bad habit of saying everything that pops into my head. I know it's a total turnoff. I'll try harder to stay quiet."
  "Actually, I kinda like it."
  He quirked an eyebrow at her. "You do?"
  She nodded.
 "You're weird."
  "You're weird, too," she said defensively.
  "I guess that means we're perfect for each other." He stared into her eyes, challenging her to deny it. 
  "I guess so," she said.  ~eARC, 23%



  "Is it too soon to tell you I love you?" She snuggled her face into his chest so her words were muffled. "If it's too soon, I won't say it."
  His heart swelled to bursting. He was pretty sure he was going to start crying if he said more than a few words, so he said only three.
  "I love you."  ~eARC, 38%

Sinners on Tour Series

 (click on cover for GoodReads page)

My Reviews of:
Backstage Pass  |  Rock Hard  |  Hot Ticket  |  Double Time

Purchase Sinners on Tour Series at:

      

About the author

Combining her love for romantic fiction and rock ‘n roll, Olivia Cunning writes erotic romance centered around rock musicians. Raised on hard rock music from the cradle, she attended her first Styx concert at age six and fell instantly in love with live music. She's been known to travel over a thousand miles just to see a favorite band in concert. As a teen, she discovered her second love, romantic fiction -- first, voraciously reading steamy romance novels and then penning her own. Growing up as the daughter of a career soldier, she's lived all over the country and overseas. She recently moved to Galveston, Texas.

Connect with Olivia Cunning at:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY ~ WICKED BEAT

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selection is...

Series: Sinners on Tour #4

Genre: Erotic Romance

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Publication Date: 8/1/13

 

From the moment he lays eyes on Sinners’ new front of house soundboard operator, drummer Eric Sticks knows he has to make Rebekah his. Unfortunately, she’s too busy trying to seduce guitarist Trey Mills to pay him much attention. Rebekah never planned to fall for the tall, goofy drummer with the weird sense of humor and a heart the size of the galaxy. But Eric makes her laugh and his constant attention makes her feel sexy and irresistible–exactly what she needs after the things her last lover said to her. A woman who gives as much as she takes, Rebekah makes Eric feel like a total stud–exactly what he needs after surviving a decade of watching the incredibly talented members of Sinners from the wings.

Why I'm Waiting ~ I am completely obsessed with Sinners on Tour and author Olivia Cunning. Eric's book is the last, which makes me so so so sad. But...I love him so much and can't wait for the Sinners' drummer to get his own happy ending...er, yeah.

 

{WICKED WINTER SATURDAYS} HOT TICKET (SINNERS ON TOUR #4) by OLIVIA CUNNING

Baby, it's cold outside! Time to snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate (or a glass of wine!) and fall into a steamy, sexy book.
 

Wicked Winter Saturdays is a weekly post we started to challenge ourselves to read more steamy books and have a lot of fun. Feel free to join in. (let us know so we can add a link to your post).

The Autumn Review
Sim-Sational Books
Hackaroo's Review
Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Reviews
Insightful Minds Reviews
Taryn @ My Secret Romance



**The books featured on WICKED WINTER SATURDAYS are for adults. If you are under 18 years of age, or do not like smexy books, please stop here. **

Series: Sinners on Tour #4
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: 2/13/13
Format: eARC
Source: Received from publisher, via NetGalley

There are things in bassist Jace Seymour’s past that he is unwilling to share with anyone. To cover his guilt and anguish, he seeks dominatrix Mistress V (Aggie) to temporarily placate his inner turmoil. Aggie doesn’t have much use for men–besides the power rush she gets when they’re begging for mercy at her feet–but Jace isn’t like her usual clients. His cool defiance and unexpected dominance in the bedroom drives her to distraction and quickly steals her heart. When circumstances threaten Jace’s position in Sinners, Aggie must help him regain his rightful place in the band while showing him that time and love can heal all wounds.

Alright, I have something different for you this week. Back in November, Autumn (from Autumn Review) came to visit me. We read Hot Ticket together. It was an experience. We decided to do a "chat review". We had tons of fun and we hope you enjoy it, too.

You can also listen to the audio review at Autumn After Dark. Beware: There's swearing. I think I may have dropped the f-bomb a few times. There's also tons of giggling, my husband interrupting, and the clinkage of beer bottles. Good times.

Hot Ticket Review Chat

On a scale of Trey, Reagan, Ethan, how hot was Hot Ticket?

Andrea: I would say it’s hotter. I would give it DT +1, because you have all the sexiness without the conflicting relationship dynamic. You have the good sex without the baggage. What about you?

Autumn: Yes, I would say for me it was hotter in a way because there was no conflicting emotions, no added drama of the emotional undercurrent that was DT. The sex was equally hot, but it was truly about their relationship.

Andrea: I was surprised too, because I didn’t think anything would ever top DT.

Autumn: Agreed. I was a wreck after DT.

Andrea: Only the fact that you were here kept me from being a wreck with Hot Ticket.

Autumn: Exactly.

*both laugh*

 

How do we feel about the timeline being concurrent with Rock Hard?

Autumn: I really liked it because the fact of the matter is that this is a big group of people we’re dealing with. So, it made sense that it would run parallel because multiple things are happening with that big of a group. It was a reminder to me of some of the things that happened in RH, since it’s been so long since I’ve read it. And going from reading DT, being the last book and then going back to see the original order, it was nice.

 

Andrea: It was almost like a reset. It was like; this is how it should be. I thought OC did a really great job, because Jace does meet Aggie in RH, but since it’s not Jace’s story, so you basically get Jace taking off all the time wondering why isn’t he paying more attention to Trey. I mean, I forgot about him a lot because he was always gone and she did a great job because it was like RH, but Jace’s story.  A different point of view sort of. I loved how in RH, Sed and Jess walk in on Jace and Aggie and OC incorporated all of that. It felt goood reading it from this POV.

Autumn: Yeah, I liked it.

 

 

Ok, How surprised were you about Jace’s past and Eric’s influence on his life and how it impacted Jace’s story?

Andrea: Makes Jace a much more memorable character, because I’ve always liked him but he was easy to forget because he was so quiet and closed off. I always wondered about Eric’s animosity and I always though it was because Jace replaced John. I always wondered why Jace was so willing to take Eric’s animosity. I was very surprised that extra emotional aspect to the story. So, that’s my answer.

Autumn: Ok. Yeah, I well I have always liked Jace, so I was excited about learning more about why he was so quiet. I mean we knew he dabbled in the bdsm lifestyle, but we didn’t really know the details or reasons why. There were some things I was surprised about as far as his past is concerned. I really liked learning about his connection with Eric, how he came into the band and his motivation for joining. I love him even more know than I did before.

Andrea: For sure.

 

What do we like the most about Aggie?

Andrea: I loved that she knew how to give Jace what he needed emotionally to be able to let go of his past, but she acknowledged why he felt the need to feel pain. She knew what he needed and wasn’t willing to let him push her away. And she knew how to break that shit down.

Autumn: I agree with everything you just said, but I also want to reiterate that while she broke him down, she never tried to change him. She didn’t want him to stop, even though they were dealing with some of those issues, she wasn’t trying to stop him from feeling that he needed the bdsm lifestyle. He needed it for a reason. She helped him work through the issues, but didn’t try to change him.

Andrea: She helped him embrace the pleasure with the pain.

Autumn: Yes!

Andrea: He needed both. She forced him to see that he was allowed pleasure. We are so smart.

Autumn: Yes.

*Laugh*

 

Are there any plot points that could have been expanded on?

Andrea: It’s hard to say this without spoilers, there is a surprise connection between Brian and Jace that I felt could have been more of a bigger confrontation between the two at the end. I mean, I felt like it could have been a bigger resolution.

Autumn: Agree. That was my biggest thing that could have been expanded on and I could have completely done without Aggie’s mom. That could have been touched on without really added the mom as much in the story.

Andrea: But, it provided for a few laughs.

Autumn: It did. For sure.

Andrea: Especially at the end.

 

What was your favorite scene, moment, or both?

Autumn: My favorite sexual scene would be the first scene between Jace, Aggie, and Eric. That was pretty hot. A close second, as far as the s.e.x. scenes go would be the second scene with Eric, Jace, and Aggie. That was pretty hot also. Then my favorite moment really made me Jace telling Aggie he loved her. That was pretty big.

Andrea: That was a slow burn.

Autumn: It was a slow burn and it really showed Jace in a more vulnerable way. I mean, this whole book, he’s pretty vulnerable, but I think that he allowed himself to feel love finally. He accepted it and allowed it. Other than the smoking hot sex scenes.

Andrea: That is a big moment. I would say my favorite moments that did not involve peen, I mean that was big and I loved it, but I really loved when the band and particularly Eric really started pulling Jace in and validated him. When they make music together and Eric acknowledges that Jace is one of the best bassist in the world, I really really, loved that. And, my favorite sexual scene is definitely both you mentioned. The first one especially. We hadn’t seen Eric up close and personal since book 1 when he held Myrna for Brian. He brings a lot of humor. Anyway, I really like the scenes where Eric participates. I really want to talk about where he sticks stuff.

Autumn: I wouldn’t. That would be spoilery. That was a big moment.

Andrea: I know. I know.

*Both pause to take a drink of beer.*

Andrea: I do like when he’s like “Your balls are touching my balls.”

*Both laugh*

Andrea: So, yeah, sexual wise, the same as you.

 

How do we feel about the group dynamic, which you just touched on?

Andrea: I loved it. I loved how it was like everyone else then Jace. But that was partially Jace’s fault. In a tight group that’s been together for years, has a long-standing history, but I loved how that brought Jace into the fold. They’re like brothers. Always teasing each other about sex, so yeah. I really liked there were no groupies. At this point they’re really weren’t any and I liked that because I don’t like groupies.

 

Autumn: My favorite thing about the group dynamic changing was that it really felt like they came together as a whole. I guess I felt like in the first few books; it was each guy had their own life separate from the band, they still have that but I felt like they really came together more as a family unit.

Andrea: Everyone’s taking care of everybody.

Autumn: Yeah, so I think that was my favorite thing about the group.

 

Ok, in order, the Sinner you would like to bone the most.

Andrea: You go first.

Autumn: Ok. My order would be. This might surprise you actually. My order would be Brian, Jace, Eric, Sed, and Trey.

Andrea: Why Eric? I’m surprised.

Autumn: I don’t know. I think Eric is pretty sexy.

 

Andrea: Yeah.

Autumn: And until this book, my order was different.

Andrea: What was your order before.

Autumn: My order before would have been Brian, Jace, Trey, Eric, Sed.

Andrea: My number one would be Brian or Sed. I know that’s kind of an unpopular pick, because Sed tends to rub people the wrong way, but he tends to rub me the right way. And so, you know I like my men aggressive.

Autumn: You need someone to take the leadership role.

Andrea: I do. I’m not comfortable being the leader. I’m not. Ok so, you know what’s really surprising is that I would think Trey would be near the top, but really I would go for Sed, Brian, Jace, Eric, and Trey. Because…

Autumn: I’m surprised!

Andrea: Why? What did you think I would pick?

Autumn: I thought you would say Brian and Sed would be the top two, but then I figured Trey would be your third and then maybe Jace and Eric.

Andrea: I just don’t like competition from men.

Autumn: *cracks up* me neither.

*Both laughing*

Autumn: I can’t compete with the dick.

Andrea: Trey is fantastic and he would probably be my favorite to hang out with, but…

Autumn: He would be a great buddy.

Andrea: It’s hard enough fighting off all the women groupies, let alone the men groupies. So, yeah my list is surprising. I’ll probably be one of the only people to say Sed. My number one choice.

Autumn: No. I think there are people like Sed. I think a lot of the people that like Jacob (Sole Regret)

Andrea: See, Jacob is my favorite.

Autumn: I like Gabe. Gabe, then Jacob. I’m not crazy about Adam.

Andrea: He’s got a lot of baggage.

Autumn: He’d be at the bottom of my list for those boys.

Ok, last question: HT in five words.

Andrea: Funny, sad, sexy, pain, and pleasure

Autumn: Ok. HT for me would be sad, sexy, tragic, funny, and love.

Andrea: Very good.

 

Autumn: Ok, I think we’re done.

*Both laugh AGAIN*

 

Favorite Quotes:

  He had that stereotypical bad boy look--leather, tattoos, and a giant chip on his shoulder--which was contradicted by the sweetest face she'd ever seen.

 
  "Your beauty steals my breath," he murmured.
  "Your kiss steals mine."


  God, the look on her face when they submitted to her was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. She was all powerful--in total control.
  A goddess. A demon. An angel.


  When they stopped singing, Sed and Eric stared at each other in surprise. They knew it too. Jace's only regret was that Brian and Trey weren't there to share the moment.
  "That was awesome," Jace said. "Holy shit. Do it again."


  He focused on the pain, needing it as a cover, needing it to blot out the vivid pain that stained his soul black. With each lash, the white hot sensation pressed the darkness deeper, where he could pretend it didn't exist.

 

 

Sinners on Tour Series

(click the cover to read my reviews)

 

You can purchase Hot Ticket at:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository