Interview and Giveaway with Jeanette Murray

 

Q: Military & sports…your books are about some of the top fantasies we all have. What has been your favorite to explore?

A: Is it cheating to say “all of them?” Truthfully, the Marines was never much of an exploration for me, it’s more like daily life. My sports hero was fun, and I’d like to write more of them eventually since I have a thing for athletic guys. But I love me some cowboys (written under my pen name, Kat Murray), and those have been a really fun one to learn more about, since it’s most-removed from my regular life.

Q: How much research goes into one of your books so that you get things right?

A: For the Marines, well, truthfully not much. The majority of my research could be done by asking my husband (an active duty Marine) questions. Double checking uniforms, rank promotion, etc. If I didn’t think he would know, or he was gone for something (as they travel so often) I would just ask another of my military wife friends. The cowboys were more intense. I watched videos, read articles, virtually toured several stud ranches to get the right scenery and overall feel of the trilogy.

Q: What was the inspiration for your Semper Fi series?

A: Life! Haha Living the life of a military spouse seems so unglamorous for me, but isn’t that how everyone feels? When it’s happening to you, it’s just life. There are so many fantastic romantic suspense series out there featuring military men with action and intrigue. I like those too. But I thought about attacking some of the more realistic challenges military relationships face, minus the idea of being shot at and ducking for cover.

Q: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what does your playlist look like?

A: While I write, no. I need silence. Absolute silence. No TV or music at all. When I edit, I can listen to something soft, with not a ton of lyrics. Something like Celtic instrumental music is nice to drown out noise. I love me some Celtic Woman. If you haven’t heard them before, look them up!

Q: Who are your go-to authors and what is it that you like about their writing?

A: I love Maya Banks. She’s gritty and realistic and not afraid to make her heroes and heroines bleed (physically and emotionally). Plus, I like her interlocking family series, the KGI series. Just that family basis is great. Tessa Dare is my new favorite historical author. Her Spindle Cove series was just wonderful, very vibrant and believable setting and the banter is great.

Q: In THE OFFICER BREAKS THE RULES the heroine is a Navy nurse, which you don’t see very often. What inspired you to pair Captain Jeremy Phillips with Madison?

A: I did have a few Navy nurse friends, but they weren’t the full basis for the character. I’ve also seen dual military relationships, and the struggles they go through sometimes. It’s intense. But one of the things Jeremy needed to realize was there was another path for him. I like the idea that the female can be the military member, or one of them. It’s just not all that common in romance. She’s strong and in charge and determined, but she’s also soft and feminine. Madison’s a great combo.

Q: Is there a particular branch of the military that makes your heart beat faster?

A: Well, my husband, the Marine, would hope I would say Marines. Haha But really, just even from an objective standpoint, how can you not like a branch whose motto is “The few, the proud?” It’s like, required. Plus, again objectively, I think their uniforms are the best looking. 😉

Q: What can we expect of THE OFFICER AND THE SECRET coming out later this year?

A: Ah, this one hits bookshelves and e-readers on July 2^nd! Dwayne, Dwayne, Dwayne. My poor, sweet tortured soul. Dwayne’s struggling with some issues post-deployment. So we’re going to see him battling the gauntlet of emotions that comes from reintegration issues. I won’t call it PTSD, because not everyone who struggles to adjust to life back home is suffering from the very-serious condition. But it’s still not easy to switch that left-brain, right-brain mentality. You would think he needs another strong personality to battle him back, given he’s a larger-than-life kinda guy. But in slips this quiet, unobtrusive little thing named Veronica, and she can wrap him up faster than anything.

Q: Any other projects you are working on?

A: Always. I have the Roped & Wrangled series, of which the first book, Taking the Reins, hit bookshelves on Dec. 24 of 2012. Books 2 and 3 of that trilogy will release this year as well. Readers can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or Like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter because I always keep my readers in the loop! Come on over and chat with me. I adore bouncing ideas off my peeps.

Thanks for having me!

Captain Jeremy Phillips believes in doing his duty…both as a son and as a friend. This means that he should obey the “friend code” and stay away from his best friend’s little sister. Too bad Madison O’Shay doesn’t believe in his code and is ready to break all of the rules

As a Navy nurse, Madison is finally stationed next to the man she’s been dreaming about for years. And she’s ready to launch a full-scale attack to show this thoughtful, handsome Marine that they belong together.

About the Author:

Kat (or Jeanette!) spends her days surrounded by hunky alpha men…at least in her imagination. In real life, she’s a wife and a mother, keeping tabs on her husband of six years, her three year old daughter and the family dog, a lovable (but completely stupid) Goldendoodle. Hang around long enough and you’re guaranteed to hear at least one or two stories about these three.

What’s with the two names? Great question. Kat (or Jeanette) writes for a few different publishers. And due to the timing of some releases, two names just seemed like the right option. But Jeanette (or Kat!) can assure you, no matter which pen name you’re reading, you’re going to get sexy contemporary love.

If you want to stay in the know on when my books are coming out, sign up for my newsletter below! I never spam my readers, I love you all too much. But I’ll keep you up to date when new releases are coming out so you’re never caught unaware!

SOURCEBOOKS CASABLANCA has a copy of THE OFFICER BREAKS THE RULES by Jeanette Murray up for grabs.  (US and Canada Only)