(Bad Habit #1)
Publication date: July 14th 2015
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Synopsis:
Twentysomething Kat Reid is loving life as an in-demand Hollywood makeup artist. She has absolutely no interest in rock ’n’ roll, but in order to pay the mortgage, she agrees to work on the set of a rock video for the world-famous rockers known as Bad Habit…which brings her face-to-face with Nico Nyx, lead singer of Bad Habit and Adonis in the flesh.
However, the fiercely independent Kat isn’t impressed by the hard-living, womanizing rock star. But when Nico’s model girlfriend shows up to the set drunk and Kat is tapped to replace her as the video’s sexy bride, her combustible chemistry with Nico suddenly threatens to consume the set. Nico feels it, too—and becomes determined to win Kat over, body and soul. Yet behind his rock god swagger, Nico hides a dark secret. Can he rock Kat’s world forever, or will he just break her heart?
However, the fiercely independent Kat isn’t impressed by the hard-living, womanizing rock star. But when Nico’s model girlfriend shows up to the set drunk and Kat is tapped to replace her as the video’s sexy bride, her combustible chemistry with Nico suddenly threatens to consume the set. Nico feels it, too—and becomes determined to win Kat over, body and soul. Yet behind his rock god swagger, Nico hides a dark secret. Can he rock Kat’s world forever, or will he just break her heart?
Purchase:
What Makes Rock Stars So Sexy?
If you’re like me, you find rock stars irresistible. There’s just something fantastic about a man who can make tattoos and a pair of tight leather pants into an entire outfit. Here are my top five reasons I find rock stars so sexy, in no particular order.
- The Strut
Lord save me from men who know how to swagger. That cocky, you-know-you-want-me walk tells the ladies that not only does he think he’s the best, he’s got the goods to back it up. He oozes self-confidence, and you can’t wait to watch him go to work. On you.
- The Talent
There’s magic in his voice, his eyes, his fingers…and I’m not just talking about between the sheets! Rock gods must have talent galore to rise to the top of their profession. He’s not just another pretty face, he’s a gifted musician and songwriter, and all that talent is a massive turn-on.
- The Lifestyle
Admit it; his glamorous lifestyle is a major plus. The parties, the private jets, the fifty-city world tour…what girl wouldn’t want to hop along for the ride of her life? But beware if you’re the jealous type; women literally throw themselves at his feet. You’ll be stepping over swooning groupies everywhere the two of you go.
- The Power
He’s got pull, and it shows in a million ways, both big and small. Whether it’s a private audience with the President or a private night at Disneyland (because he bought out the whole park for your first date), a rock star can get anything he wants. This Prince Charming really can make all your dreams come true.
- The Fantasy
He’ll whisk you off to exotic island locations on a moments’ notice. He’ll shower you in expensive gifts. He’ll write a song just for you…or maybe an entire album. Every day with your rock god will be more interesting than any other day you’ve ever had. And if you’re really lucky, he’ll pop the question and give you that happily-ever-after you deserve.
Top 5 Most Swoon-Worthy Sweet As Sin Moments
Compiling a list of the five most swoon-worthy moments in my new novel, Sweet As Sin, was really hard. Like, really. In addition to being a badass, Nico is an incredible sweet-talker. (When he isn’t being an incredible dirty-talker, that is.) Here are the top five times he melted Kat’s heart.
- Trying to convince Kat’s girlfriends she should give him a chance
“So since you’re her two best friends, and she’s not tellin’ me what she wants, I think we should all figure this out together.” His voice lowered. “Because I wanna get to know her. Because I think she’s beautiful, interestin’, and sexy as fuck, and that laugh of hers knocks me on my ass. And I think she wants me, too, only she’s afraid.” He paused to draw a breath. “So. Tell me what I need to do to make her mine.”
- When he got her a thoughtful present because she hates her birthday
“Needed to make you some better birthday memories, sweetheart. Needed you to know I’m a man who’s gonna take care of your heart.”
- When he’s a die-hard romantic
He stared deep into my eyes. The depth of emotion I saw there took my breath away. “What’s more romantic, Kat? Fallin’ in love because you don’t know any better…or fallin’ in love, knowin’ it’s gonna ruin you, knowin’ it’s gonna rip out your fuckin’ heart and smash you into a million little pieces, but doin’ it anyway because you’d rather pay the price and be ripped and smashed forever than never get a taste of it at all?”
- When he’s feeling snuggly
“Sweetie,” I whispered, trying as gently as possible to remove myself from his arms. His response was to drag my naked body closer to his and silently bury his face between my breasts. I laughed softly. “No fair hiding in my cleavage.” His voice was muffled against my breasts and scratchy with sleep. “This is my favorite place in the world. Nothin’ bad ever happens here.”
- The first time he declares his love
“What I am is yours. All yours, body and soul. And I can’t live without you. I don’t want to spend a single minute from this moment on without you. I sleep better with you. I feel better with you. Everything seems brighter when you’re around. I can’t imagine a future without you, and if that’s not me tellin’ you I love you, I don’t know what would be.”
Excerpt:
“Some good things are free,” I whispered, staring into his eyes.
“Yeah? Name one.”
I bit my lip. Heat rose in my cheeks. Nico didn’t miss it, but he didn’t comment on it, instead stroking a thumb over the flame on my skin, waiting.
I swallowed, deciding to be brave. “Love.”
His eyes flashed. The muscle in his jaw flexed. He was quiet long enough for me to want to slink away into a corner and curl into a tiny little ball. But then he closed his eyes just longer than a blink, shaking his head.
“Baby, that’s the costliest thing of all.”
After an awkward moment, I said, “Excuse me, Debbie Downer, I was wondering if you could find Nico for me?” When he just looked at me, silent and smoldering, I prompted, “You know, the grand romantic gestures guy? The gold jewelry guy? The lavender roses guy? The unremorseful stalker? Any of this ringing a bell?”
He stared deep into my eyes. The depth of emotion I saw there took my breath away. “What’s more romantic, Kat? Fallin’ in love because you don’t know any better . . . or fallin’ in love, knowin’ it’s gonna ruin you, knowin’ it’s gonna rip out your fuckin’ heart and smash you into a million little pieces, but doin’ it anyway, because you’d rather pay the price and be ripped and smashed forever then never get a taste of it at all?”
My lips parted. A funny little noise escaped my mouth. The edges of everything grew fuzzy, because of the water welling in my eyes. “I’m not going to ruin you,” I promised in a vehement whisper.
His lips curved to a sad smile. “Yeah, you are. You already have. Just the way you’re lookin’ at me right now has ruined me for any other woman.” His quicksilver eyes grew intense. “And I’m gonna make damn sure I ruin you for any other man.”
I felt the kiss he gave me all the way to my toes. It was hungry—no, it was devouring. I clung to him, feeling what little reason I had left regarding this relationship slipping away.
Because even if he was right, even if we were destined to ruin one another, I didn’t want to stop. In my heart of hearts, I didn’t care what happened in all my tomorrows, as long as I could have this, right now. His kiss and his smile and the fever that burned so brightly between us.
The fever that might just leave a smoking path of destruction in its wake.
Sweet As Sin Soundtrack
I never listen to music while writing because I need to concentrate, but I do become obsessed with certain songs while I’m writing certain books. I’ll listen to them over and over in the car or on my iphone, picturing the characters, thinking about scenes, letting my imagination go crazy, then write all those ideas down. So music definitely inspires my writing. Here are a few of the songs I was obsessed with while writing Sweet As Sin. (Links open Amazon Music window.)
What inspired your new Bad Habit series? What is it about?
I was a serious Van Halen fangirl when I was a teenager, and my best friend was a die-hard Zeppelin fan. We went to a million rock concerts together. Growing up in LA, one of the things to do on weekends was to go into Hollywood and hang out at all the famous rock clubs on Sunset strip, so I have tons of memories and experiences from that time. After I finished my paranormal Night Prowler series, I wanted to make a change to contemporary, and thought stories about a rock band would be a blast to write.
Please tell us more about members of the band?
Nico is the passionate, extroverted lead singer. He’s the hero of the first book in the series, Sweet As Sin. A.J. Edwards is the surly, tatted badboy drummer with a past even more screwed up than Nico’s. (If you read Sweet As Sin, you’ll know that’s pretty bad!) Then there’s Brody Scott, aka “Scotty,” the lead guitarist, who’s a bit of a fashion plate. Ethan and Chris are the keyboardist and bassist, respectively, but I don’t know too much about them yet because they haven’t told me.
What qualities does Nico have that make him a swoonworthy hero?
Nico is your typical alpha male, with a twist. He’s passionate and possessive, but not douchey, like so many alpha bad boys can be. He has a dirty mouth and loves to use it, but he’s very much into doing anything that will make Kat feel happy and protected. He loves to spoil her, and lets down his guard almost from the first moment they meet. He’s not one of those guys who sleeps with other girls to make Kat jealous, or acts wishy-washy about commitment. He’s all in, one hundred percent, from the get-go. He’s very intense, but he knows exactly what he wants, and will do anything to get it. And keep it.
What makes Nico and Kat perfect for each other?
They’re two damaged souls who are straight talking, no-bullshit kind of people. All the things that have happened to them in their pasts make them both very protective of and loyal to those they love. Both of them are mature beyond their years, both are sensitive and soulful, and both are willing to risk everything for love. They’re irresistible to one another.
What’s the most romantic thing Nico does for Kat?
Nico is a die-hard romantic, so he does a lot of over-the-top romantic things for Kat in the book. One of the most romantic is the mariachi band he flew in from Mexico to surprise Kat for her birthday. (They heard some mariachi music at a restaurant on their first date, and watched a movie together that had a mariachi song she loved, both of which he remembered.) She has a terrible story about why she hates her birthday, and Nico wanted to make her some better birthday memories. What comes along with the mariachis is a great surprise, and very Nico.
What’s your favourite scene in the book?
There’s too many to pick just one. But I love the scene when Nico first visits Kat at her house, and she asks him why he’s into her. Here’s a snippet:
“Can I ask you a serious question?”
He nodded.
I had to gather my courage for a second before I could ask him what was on my mind.
“Why me?”
I promise I wasn’t fishing for a compliment this time. I was just confused. This man could have any woman he wanted. Literally—any one. I thought I was better than average looking, but I certainly wasn’t a stunner. Especially in a town like L.A. where beautiful women practically grew on trees. I could be funny on occasion, and I’d been told by past boyfriends I had a quirky, adorable charm.
But I wasn’t on Nico’s level. I was boxing out of my class. If he was Mike Tyson, I was the guy who emptied the spit bucket. I just needed to understand.
“Could be those freckles. First girl I ever loved had freckles. I was six.” Nico regarded me very seriously, but I sensed the humor behind his tone. “Or it could be those Cleopatra eyes. Or that killer body. You got a woman’s body, classic hourglass curves made for a man’s hands.”
I blushed again, looking down.
Nico’s voice grew quiet. “Or it could be that when you look at me, I feel like I could fuckin’ fly.”
I looked up at him. Now he was deadly serious, staring at me with something like wonder.
“I don’t have a lot of real in my life, Kat. You’re real. Knew it when you stood up to me when I got mad at Avery. Protectin’ a girl you didn’t even know, puttin’ yourself out there for someone else. And not backin’ down an inch. I liked that. Liked it too that you didn’t let me push you around or intimidate you. You’d be surprised how old that shit gets, people bowin’ and scrapin’, thinkin’ they’re gonna get somethin’ outta you if they kiss your ass just right. And then you demanded I explain what the deal was with me and Avery before you’d even consider talkin’ to me about there bein’ anything between us. Which I loved, by the way. Shows you got class. And self-respect. To top it all off, you got two girlfriends who obviously love you and have your back, which means you’re a good friend. Which means you’re trustworthy. Which means fuckin’ everything to me.”
I let it all sink in, just breathing. I wasn’t sure if I trusted myself to speak.
“So that’s why I got you the necklace. That’s what we’re gonna have: trust. It’s important to me, and it’s important to you. All this other stuff . . . ” He squeezed me into a tight embrace, nuzzled his face into my neck, and inhaled deeply. “Is just a bonus.”
“Other stuff?” I sounded like Minnie Mouse I was so breathless.
He chuckled. “The way my dick gets hard just lookin’ at you. The way you get wet when I touch you.”
Oh, God. We were back to the dirty talk. And we were in my house. Alone.
Can you give us a sneak peek at the next book in the series?
The next book will star A.J. and Chloe, two characters that are introduced in Sweet As Sin. A.J. is the drummer for the band, and Chloe is one of Kat’s best friends. And the two of them can’t stand each other. But A.J. has some very good reasons why he wants to keep Chloe away. Honestly their book, Make Me Sin, is my favorite book I’ve ever written. It’s a pretty devastating read. I’ve never cried so much writing anything in my life! I can’t wait to hear what readers think of it.
AUTHOR BIO:
J.T. Geissinger is an award-winning author of paranormal and contemporary romance featuring dark and twisted plots, kick-ass heroines, and alpha heroes whose hearts are even bigger than their muscles. An entrepreneur since she began hand-addressing envelopes for a local beauty pageant when she was 14, she has owned businesses as diverse as a temporary employment agency to a flower shop. It wasn't until hitting a significant birthday that she became motivated to realize her life-long dream of writing a novel.
Her debut novel, Shadow's Edge, was a #1 Amazon domestic and international bestseller, and won the Prism award for Best First Book. Her follow-up book, Edge of Oblivion, was a RITA© Award finalist for Best Paranormal Romance from the Romance Writers of America. Book 6 in the Night Prowler series, Into Darkness, won the Golden Quill award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers' Best, National Readers' Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.
Foodie, wine enthusiast, and nap connoisseur, she lives in California with her husband, on whom all her heroes are based.
To receive notification of new releases, contests, and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter atwww.jtgeissinger.com
Her debut novel, Shadow's Edge, was a #1 Amazon domestic and international bestseller, and won the Prism award for Best First Book. Her follow-up book, Edge of Oblivion, was a RITA© Award finalist for Best Paranormal Romance from the Romance Writers of America. Book 6 in the Night Prowler series, Into Darkness, won the Golden Quill award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers' Best, National Readers' Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.
Foodie, wine enthusiast, and nap connoisseur, she lives in California with her husband, on whom all her heroes are based.
To receive notification of new releases, contests, and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter atwww.jtgeissinger.com
Author links:
GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway
- Kindle Paperwhite (US only)
- 3 eBook copies of Sweet as Sin (INTL)
I like the synopsis, sounds like a great read.
ReplyDelete