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.