The Secrets in My Scowl
By A.E. Via
Interview with A.E. Via:
Crystal: Today I have the pleasure of hosting A.E. Via. Welcome A.E.! I am so happy to have you here today. Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today?
A.E. Via: Hmm, what to
share that most people don’t know about me already.
Everyone
knows I’m an avid MM reader – have been for over ten years. I am a wife and
also a mother of four. I live in Virginia Beach and am the baby of five
siblings.
I’m pretty
simple, don’t hang out much, don’t party at all, although I love to. All I do
is live in my office 12 hours out the day and write. Good times, huh. LOL. May
not sound like much but I truly love what I do. The stories flow constantly and
if I’m not writing, I feel I’ll explode.
I’ll tell you
all something a little quirky. Most know that I had to pull out of GRL this
year at the last minute for health issues. I’m happy to say that everything is
great now and I’m looking forward to claiming my life back. In the span of
three months: I had my gallbladder removed, thousands of dollars’ worth of
dental work, and a couple procedures done on my back to eliminate some of the
pain from my bulging disc.
I thought I’d
be able to go back to my usual life. But since I’ve recovered there’s been some
interesting discoveries. Like: I don’t get hot anymore… ever. Which is odd because
three months ago, I couldn’t go from upstairs to downstairs in my home without
sweating like a man going to the electric chair. I have an unusual obsession
with Judge Judy all of a sudden. I can sit for hours again, so the books are
cranking out much faster, which requires me to watch so much more porn…
ya’know… to stay fresh on the sex scenes. Oh, and I think I may have developed
a crush on my dentist. Maybe because I made him so much richer, or maybe
because he whispers calming words in my ear when he’s
working in my mouth. Innocent words that my mm-loving mind has twisted into
words that are erotically not innocent.
Crystal: What are you currently working on?
A.E. Via: Right now I’m working on my Nothing Special series. I just
released a standalone in late October entitled The Secrets in My Scowl, so I’m ready to dive back into my alphas.
NS5 is done and will be released on Christmas Eve!
Crystal: Where did you come up with the idea for either your current
release or your current WIP?
A.E. Via: The Secrets in my Scowl was an idea I had; to do a story of two total
opposites. Of course one that wasn’t repeatedly done yet. It wasn’t easy to
think of either, but when I did, I thought… BINGO!
Wedding planner and a divorce
lawyer. Oh yes, sparks will fly. But I wanted my lawyer to be a real pessimist
and full of layers, misunderstood layers. And the wedding planner I wanted him
to be extremely masculine, a little optimistic, but aware of heartache so he
could relate to the lawyer. I hope I made it work…. You be the judge.
Crystal: Do you have a favorite snack that you like to munch on while
writing? If so would you mind sharing what it is with us?
A.E. Via: Actually no. I struggle to not
starve myself when I’m writing now. I used to love eating Goobers, but since
I’ve had extensive dental work done a couple months ago, I haven’t bought
another bag since, or much sweets for that matter. Lesson learned.
Now, I’ll get in a groove and sit at
my desk for hours and never take a sip of my water or coffee. If I’m
interrupted, then I may realize, wow, I haven’t eaten today.
Crystal: Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share
with us?
“Wow. That’s gorgeous,” Wylde commented, staring
out the window at the white two-story Victorian.
“The best part is in the back. Come on.” Jacob got
out the car and hurried over to the passenger side, catching the door and
holding his hand out to Wylde. “My client used to work here. Still does, I
mean. He said the gate would be –” Jacob tried the gate and it opened right up.
He walked around the back to where a huge garden surrounded a massive fountain.
The lights were on around the porch and Jacob took Wylde’s hand and led them up
the wide concrete stairs. The closed off wrap-around porch was a welcome relief
from the bitter winds, but allowed them to still look out into the vast yard
that was scattered with groupings of wrought iron chairs and tables where the
public could come and eat or picnic around a variety of rose bushes and wildflowers.
He gave Wylde some space as he walked around and
took in the majestic beauty of the eighteenth century exhibit. “I can only
imagine how this garden looks in full bloom.”
“It’s really something,” Jacob agreed, watching
Wylde’s every expression as he moved around the large porch.
“Can we go inside the house?”
Jacob smiled; glad Wylde was liking his surprise.
“Not right now. It’s a little late, but they give indoor tours during the day.
There’s Greek and Roman influenced art all over. Huge columns and a large
winding staircase that comes down into a great ballroom where the Wickhams
hosted tea parties and balls for the most elite families. I um. I brought you
here because the city has recently gotten approval for this home to be a venue
for private functions. Like weddings.”
Wylde spun around, his mouth open. “This place can
be rented?”
“They haven’t given official notice yet, but they
will in the next few months. That’s why there’s some construction stuff around,
they’re almost done with the renovations. You’ll have a jump before anyone
else. That is, if any of your clients would be interested. It’d work out for
any June weddings, I suppose. Isn’t June like wedding central month, or
something?” Jacob shrugged, trying to appear like he hadn’t put much thought
into this, but he could see Wylde wasn’t buying it.
Wylde walked up to him and eased both hands inside
Jacob’s coat and wrapped them around his waist. Nothing was said as he leaned
in and kissed Jacob lightly on his chin, working his way up to his mouth. Jacob
put one arm on Wylde’s shoulder and cupped his chin with the other, tilting his
head up so he could stare into those bright eyes while he kissed him back at
just the right angle. Wylde kissed him with a passion he’d never felt before,
kissed him like he was telling him something. Jacob felt Wylde’s moan against
his lips and added his own to it.
Wylde inched back, just far enough so he could
speak, his lips still touching Jacob’s. “You don’t have to be scared of me,
Jacob.” Wylde didn’t wait for a response. That’s what he’d been trying to tell
him with that kiss.
Jacob licked the ring in Wylde’s lip, enjoying the
cool feeling of the slender piece of gold. “If I were going to give you a
flower… what would it be?” he asked, rubbing his stubble along Wylde’s groomed
beard.
Wylde nestled deeper into the heat of Jacob’s
neck, using his collar for warmth, while he placed sexy kisses along every inch
of skin there. He held Wylde tighter, keeping him warm on the drafty porch, just
like he’d promised.
“A red carnation,” Wylde breathed against his ear.
Jacob thought carnations were one of the cheapest
flowers you could buy. He wouldn’t dare downgrade Wylde like that. But he
wanted to at least know why Wylde chose that one. “Carnation. Why?”
“Most people don’t bother to learn the meanings
behind the flowers they give.” Wylde sighed, rubbing his hands along Jacob’s
back underneath his coat. He leaned back and smoothed his lips across Jacob’s
cheek, back to his mouth. “The red carnation means ‘Alas… for my poor heart’.”
“You’re killing me,” Jacob exhaled.
Wylde’s lips curved against his as he took him in
another soul-searching, promises asking kiss.
Crystal: When you are not busy writing wonderful stories to keep us
lucky readers entertained, what do you like to do? Do you have a hobby?
A.E. Via: I don’t do much during the week. I
call myself keeping office hours to stay up on my word count a week. After I’m
finished writing, I’ll color or do adult dot-to-dots to keep my mind off my
characters. But on the weekends I try to give my kids some time. I have a few
friends but everyone has busy schedules these days. I love going to the movies,
yard-selling with my mother on the warm days. Geewhiz, this interview makes me
sound boring as hell.
Crystal: Do you have a favorite background noise you like to have going
while you write (TV, Music, kids playing)?
A.E. Via: Nope. It’s as quiet as a law
library in my home during the day. I used to put on some elevator music but
I’ve even stopped that. I keep my television on mute. Even when my kids come in
from school, they know to be quiet. Inside voices.
I wish I could listen to some old
school R&B and still be able to concentrate but if I did that I’ll only end
up singing if I play music with lyrics.
Crystal: Thanks for visiting. It has been a pleasure having you visit
today. Can you think of anything else you would like to share with us today?
A.E. Via: Um. I think I’ve
bored everyone enough. I’m glad I’m able to live vicariously through my
characters. J
Be sure to go to
website to see where I’ll be and of course to see what’s releasing next.
Synopsis:
Sparks ignite and tempers flare when a sexy, optimistic wedding planner moves his business in across the hall from a jilted, divorce lawyer’s practice. “Look smart ass. This is the last time I’m going to remind you about breaking sections of the lease. If there’s a next time, I won’t stop until you and your frilly, white wedding shit is thrown out of here. Do you got it?!”
Wylde looked in Jacob’s pained eyes and answered in his deep voice. “Yeah, counselor. I got it.”
From high school, up until he became a successful attorney Jacob Snowden was convinced that love had it out for him. “Everyone left,” were the words he lived by. His mother, his high school sweetheart, his father, and his fiancé, all left Jacob just when he felt it was safe to let down his guard. Not any longer. Jacob was a determined man, set at keeping people at a distance. If his six foot one, military-made body didn’t scare people off, his permanent scowl surely did. At almost forty, Jacob’s social life was non-existent, but he told himself his work fulfilled him. He helped people get out of their loveless marriages. Jacob Snowden was one of the best divorce lawyers on the east coast and was damn proud of it. So, imagine his disdain when a wedding planner moves into the suite directly adjacent to his… an insanely masculine, male wedding planner.
Wylde Sterling had made quite a name for himself in his hometown of Roanoke, Virginia, working for a wedding planner that catered to the elite. He was known for his charm and impeccable taste. Yep, he was incredible at giving couples the wedding of their dreams. But he wanted nothing more than to plan his own. After striking out in love more times than he cared to admit, Wylde decided to start his own business in a new city, hoping Richmond would give him a fresh start. Things started out wonderfully – until he started to piss off the angry divorce attorney next door.
Wylde could see past Jacob’s mean scowl, knowing there was a reason for it. It was the man’s defense mechanism, his means of keeping people away. Everything in Wylde told him to stay away, but he believed Jacob just needed to meet a man who had been hurt as badly as he had.
This story ends in an HEA and does not end on a cliffhanger.
M/M GAY CONTEMPORARY / STANDALONE
Edited by: Tina Adamski
Cover Artist – Jay Aheer
PAGE COUNT – 312
A.E. Via is an author in the beautiful gay romance genre and also founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books. Her writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.
When she’s not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family—a husband and four children. Adrienne Via has tons of more stories to tell, but she really would like to hear yours. Via Star Wings Books is currently accepting submissions for established and aspiring LGBTQ authors.
Visit my site to learn more! Go to A.E. Via’s official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she’ll appear next
Links:
Author Official Website: http://authoraevia.com
A.E. Blog: http://authoraevia.com/blogfann.html
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/aeviaauthor
Facebook (Friend me): https://www.facebook.com/authoraevia
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorAEVia
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I am IN LOVE with every story AE Via creates! Love her characters and all the trouble/fun they get into. Best part, all these guys end up with their Happily Ever After :)
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