JH: I’ve found, and I think most people can agree, the indie romance sphere is extremely welcoming and, fortunately for authors like me, loyal. And congratulations on your one-year anniversary! You must’ve seen a lot come your way since you started. How do you choose what book to read next?

Jenn: There are a lot of factors that go into choosing my next book and I would like to say I'm more organized but the truth is that I rarely know what the next book I will read is until I select it (Unless I'm in the middle of a series or have been seriously anticipating a new release).

Here are some factors I consider when choosing my next book and they are not in any particular order but just in order of how I have thought of them to share with you.

1. Have I read this author before?
This isn't a deciding factor because obviously I love to read new authors but when I have read the author before it means I have insight into their style and quality of work. There are some authors I practically have a countdown on their new releases!

2. What type of sub-genre is it within romance?
When I’m considering this… none of these are hard rules but they do influence my decision making process. There are certain sub-genres that usually just don’t do it for me and some I am more partial to. Generally I don’t have a pull toward paranormal/fantasy, (PG) young adult (Teenage characters and fade to black sex scenes), and the overly controlling book boyfriend (A man that tells a girl what to eat for lunch just doesn’t turn me on). I also have sub-genres I more obsessively read; Rockers, Mystery/Thriller/Suspense, Fighters… among some others, but these are probably my top. I have a definite sweet tooth for the cocky, bad boys with tattoos.

3. When the author is unknown (to me), this is what I look at (I’ve listed this in order of my process because I have had many authors ask me how I make the decision on a new read):
First, I read the book description. The description gives me an idea of what the book is about it and usually also gives me my first look at the authors writing style and care toward their work. Next I check out the book’s Amazon and Goodreads rating. This is strange for me to admit (because I am a book reviewer and I know authors depend on reviews) but as a general rule for me I don’t read the actual reviews of a book when someone has requested an honest review from me. I don’t want to take the chance that someone’s thoughts will influence my own. I like to keep my mind as open as possible when someone is asking me for an honest review. So when I look at these sites I look at the star rating and I look at the breakdown of how many reviews they got for each star rating. Then a lot of times I ask around to people in the community I have met if they have read the book in question or the author. When I do this I usually ask them to simply tell me if they would recommend the book or ask that they give me no other details. I don’t usually post things like this in Facebook groups because I tend to get more information than I want and I have also seen posts like this turn into book, author, or character bashing (which I don’t support). I have fellow bloggers who I trust will give me an honest, respectful answer and avoid giving me unwanted information. Next I look up other books by the author on Amazon and Goodreads and repeat the first two steps of this process I have already mentioned. This tells me if it is a debuting work and how people received other work by the author. I know some readers are highly influenced by a cover but this is probably the least influential toward me. It’s the last thing I consider and mostly only influences my decision if the cover stands out and screams, “WOW!” For the most part non of these things will automatically keep me away from a book but just go into the decision making process. I also use this same process when I have read the author before but I am not 100% sure about a certain book of theirs.

4. How the author approaches me:
Authors contact me through Wordpress and through Facebook looking for honest reviews. I have made connections with authors from the way they go about it. I know some bloggers who automatically do not respond to the obviously ‘copy and pasted’ message, but these don’t bother me as long as they are professional and kind. However, with that being said I am probably more inclined to help the author with the personal message. It’s nice to know I’m appreciated too or that they have taken notice to something they like about my blog. And when things are done this way the chances are greater that we will develop a long lasting, mutually beneficial relationship. With the ‘copy and pasted’ messages the relationship usually doesn’t last past the decision to either review or not review said book (and if I do review... the upcoming tour/blitz/review/etc.). I know authors are insanely busy though (especially around release time) and that is why I don’t automatically dismiss ‘copy and pasted’ messages.

JH: I’ve seen both sides—the sheer amount of book blogs (and time constraints) make it hard not to copy/paste sometimes, but receiving copy/paste messages can definitely be a turn off. It’s a balance. So far, what’ve you loved most about blogging?

Jenn: Really the best part about blogging for me so far is everything I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve made. As I said before, last year I had no idea this book world existed and over the last year I have learned so much. I’ve learned how the indie world works and about the promotions within the community, that is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Prior to blogging, I had NO ONE recommending me books, only my kindle suggestions. Some days I would search for hours through these suggestions looking for a book to read and now I have a TBR list that is frightening. I’ve been to book events were I came face to face with authors and was showered with their welcoming of a small time, new blogger. I couldn’t find one person to discuss books with last year and now I’ve been to full events where there are hundreds of people there for the love of books, just as I am. I’ve learned how to create and run a blog, work with html, and run social media events that go worldwide.

I’ve learned how helpful people in this community are and that leads me to my next point; the relationships I’ve made. When I first reached out to other bloggers I really thought... “Why would these people help me? They are trying to build their own blog…I’m the competition. The ‘little guy’ but still the competition.” Boy, was I wrong. I’ve found I have had to eat my words a lot over this last year while learning new things. The bloggers I reached out to welcomed me with open arms; listened and answered every question I had, made video demonstrations to help me, called upon their author connections when I’ve needed help, given me step-by-step descriptions of things to help me learn something new, called upon others when they didn’t know an answer (Brittany Alexander from Brittany's Book Blog - Jen Wildner from Just One More Page - Shannon Hunt from Once Upon an Alpha... you three have helped with my journey so much this year). It’s been amazing and it’s taught me that when someone comes to me for help I’ve got a lot of ‘pay it forward’ points to give out. I’ve connected with authors I have read and admired, found new amazing authors to add to my circle, joined street teams, and met authors in person. I’ve learned I have authors right here in my own town that I have the opportunity to do things like book clubs and nights out on the town. This year of blogging has been amazing and really brought new opportunities to my life.

JH: It makes me smile to hear how the bloggers of this world prop each other up and pay forward what they’ve learned. It makes all the difference, because at the end of the day, you all got into this because you love books, plain and simple. It’s supposed to be fun. But I know it’s also a ton of work—so why do you do it? Tell me what you like about running a book blog.

Jenn: I own and operate the actual blog; I do all of the posting, corresponding, and all the technical stuff (I’m a little bit of a control freak when it comes to the stuff I produce) but I have a reviewer who reads and writes reviews for me. Her name is Dottie. I like the contrast between us because I think it provides a more diverse blog when it comes to the reviews we accept and put out. While we both live in the U.S.A. we live and have grown up on different coasts of America. She lives in C.A., while I live in Florida. We are of different generations, and at different stages in our lives. She enjoys light paranormal and fantasy where this is usually not true for me. We do favorites lists at the blog; where we each separately list our top 5 of different sub-genres to try and help others find books that we LOVED and when she handed over her lists to me I was amazed at the lack of overlap between our lists. It helped show me that we have two people here that can provide you with totally different points of view. (And P.S. I would be lost without her; unable to produce anywhere near the number of reviews we do and I would also lose my sounding board for decisions concerning the blog and my double checker when I am unsure of how something sounds in my review or to make sure I’m avoiding spoilers!)

I like that both of us are on the same page about being here to promote authors and books we love and not dwell on the things that aren’t for us. We won’t post hateful reviews. If we have a critique it must be accompanied by a reason so that someone reading our reviews can decide for themself if it is something that would or would not bother them in a book.

JH: I love the idea of favorites lists, especially for those who might be new to the genre (or subgenre). Speaking of favorites—if you could have dinner with any author, who would it be and why?

Jenn: This is a seriously hard question but if I had to choose just one, my answer would probably be K. Bromberg. I discovered The Driven Series much later than most, probably because prior to blogging I solely relied on my kindle for book recommendations. I only began my Driven book journey about five months ago. I love Colton, Beck, and Hawkin; as I’m sure many of us do but I think my larger pull to the series and K. Bromberg is the way she writes female characters. In my opinion, she sets a high bar for this. In her writing, the “good girl” doesn’t have to be the “boring girl”. Just because a girl is more conservative in her choices doesn’t mean she can’t be sarcastic and funny. And even when she’s not writing the good girl, she gets it right. I am always a fan when a writer can capture a strong, powerful, funny, woman character that isn’t afraid to channel her “inner slut”. Girls are allowed to have fun too, ya know? Bromberg really has a way with words, taking simple phrases or imagery comparisons and making them something beautiful. Concerning her writing in general; she paints a crystal clear picture of feelings through words and her depictions that make the reader laugh, cry, swoon, hurt, turned on and a roller-coaster of other emotions during the reading experience. She is the author I would choose to have dinner with; because I admire her, because I love her writing, and because even with her being one of the more popular authors she still makes the time to communicate with her readers on social media. I would say that during my blogging journey she has responded to 99.9% of the times I contacted her in any form of way on social media, even when I simply tag her. As a reader I appreciate this and as a blogger, someone who is tagged or reached out to by people probably only 1% of the times someone like she is I can’t imagine how she pulls this off. I think dinner with her would be a blast and I don’t think I could resist fan-girling over her during.

JH: You actually have a way with words yourself—it reminds me how far behind I am on my TBR! If you were to write a romance book loosely based on your life, what would the title be?

Jenn: Afraid to Commit. Honestly the idea of commitment outside of my romance books has never been something I have been comfortable with. I think I may have a lot in common with the misunderstood bad boys of the romance genre.

JH: That, and some of the women too. As a fellow commitment-phone, I know—the struggle is real. J Last question. There are tons of passionate readers out there, as we know. Do you have any advice for those thinking of starting their own book blog?

Jenn: Just go for it! Play around with Facebook or your blog site of choice and find what works for you. Your process and knowledge will grow and change as you keep going. You'll find what works and doesn't work for you. Don't be afraid to reach out to people; other bloggers (reach out to me!) and authors you love (Just make sure you're courteous, not just looking for free stuff, and in it for the right reasons). Be open to new things and learning. Please, please don't get into blogging and bash on books. The authors work so hard and just because a book isn't right for you doesn't mean it won't be someone else's favorite. Sometimes, I also see a lot of people in groups bash on female character. This is something I just don't understand. That character is whiny, she has an eating disorder, she totally isn't worthy of her leading man. This is something I don't like either. These books are predominately written by female authors. Often times in popular media woman are already beat down about their appearance, promiscuity, and a million other things. I don't get why even when it comes to fictional characters, some people (men and woman) still feel the need to bash other woman. If you become a blogger, don't allow bashing of any kind on your site! It's hurtful and unnecessary. Have FUN and enjoy the ride!

JH: Well said. I don’t think I truly grasped that female character bashing bothers me for the same reason. Like it or not, most of the time we can see some of ourselves in the characters we read (or write), and maybe we should strive to use that as a tool to cut ourselves some slack once in a while instead of the opposite. Jenn, thanks so much for stopping by the blog and for the thoughtful answers!
 
Authors: Rave and Rant About Raunch Book Blog IS currently accepting review requests!
Readers: Jenn is throwing a huge, multi-author event for her one-year blogiversary. And I’ll be taking over September 3rd! Check out the lineup below & join the party! Don't forget to follow Jenn’s blog on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the loop and to talk books with her.

JH: Louise, welcome to #ScriptFlip! I'm happy to have the chance to get my questions answered about the Lightning series. Have you always written fiction, or did something in particular spur you to write and publish your first book, Faithful?

Louise: Until 2013, I’d not written any fiction since school. I walked out of a job I didn’t like and I knew I wouldn’t find something else straight away so I wanted a task or a goal that would keep me occupied and give me some routine.

When I started Faithful I didn’t tell anyone until I was about half way through the book because before then I had no idea whether I’d give up. At the half way point I realized I could do it and more that I was really enjoying it.

JH: Sounds a lot like my process with Come Undone. I didn't tell anyone I was writing for a while. Jake Harrison from What The Lightning Sees seems to have it all—looks, ambition, humor. Is there one thing all leading men must have in your books? If you can say, who was your inspiration for him?

Louise: I think that all the men in my books have to be man enough to deserve the women they end up with. When I say man enough I mean I think I write men who are grown-ups. They’re not perfect but they’ve got broad shoulders and are determined to win their women round.

I didn’t really have inspiration for real life for Jake. Haven came to me first so Jake had to be man enough for Haven and that takes some doing. What’s nice is that they heal each other but it’s not until Haven that Jake realizes that’s what he needs.

JH: Haven writes for Rallegra, a women’s magazine. If you had her job and her deadline, what topic would you write about right now?

Louise: I would right about the rise in self publishing. People who aren’t readers or writers in the genre still see it as a fringe thing. Someone I know asks me from time to time whether I’m still “vanity publishing”.

JH: Oh, boy. Hard to believe they're not seeing the potential. Where did you come up for the title of What the Lightning Sees?

Louise: The title is taken from the lyrics from the Prince song Raspberry Beret. In the middle eight the song goes “The thunder drowns out what the lightning sees.” I’ve always loved the lyric and I thought it fit Haven and Jake well because I see Jake as being Haven’s lightning. He can light her up like no one can and see parts of her that she keeps hidden from most people.

JH: Haven had a few little quirks that were quite endearing, like constantly smoothing back her hair. What physical gesture gives you away when you’re feeling something specific, like nervous, excited or upset?

I have precisely NO poker face. Everything I’m thinking shows on my face, unfortunately. It’s a problem. I also babble.

JH: [Spoiler alert] Ash doesn’t have much of a filter. What do you think she would’ve said if she’d come face to face with Millie in the final scenes after learning the truth?

Louise: It’s true, Ash doesn’t have much of a filter but I don’t think she’d waste her breath on Millie. If she did, I’m sure she would just offer her a single, withering put down.

JH: Thank you for giving me a glimpse into Brit speak. It was fun getting to know some new colloquialisms. Are there any Americanisms that you find weird or humorous?

Louise: That’s so funny because I work quite hard so there isn’t much Brit speak!

We are so used to Americanisms because of US film and tv being so prevalent in our culture so not many surprise me. But one thing that when I’m in America that always surprises is that I get asked if I’m “all set” all the time. Mainly by waiter and waitresses but it’s so funny because we don’t use the phrase at all. It also suprises me how formal Americans are, particularly in business. In the UK we never address each other as Mr Jones or Mrs Green – even if we’ve never met each other before and would never use madam or sir. Oh and how can I forget “fanny pack” *titters*. Fanny is vagina in the UK. 

JH: Aha! That brings me to my next question! I’ve stalked your page and discovered Ash is getting her story. You know I love a good triangle, but just as much, I am a sucker for unrequited love. Care to share any details of what we can expect?

Louise: I love a stalker, particularly when it’s mutual!

Ash’s book picks up where Lightning finishes so Ash is trying to put some distance between her and Luke so she can hopefully find a love for herself.  We follow her journey. Is that too much of a tease?

JH: That's perfect! Looking forward to getting to know Ash and her filterlessness. (Yes, that's a word.) Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions!

JH: I'm beyond thrilled to welcome author Lisa Suzanne to the blog today & to have the chance to ask her some questions about her latest series, Vintage (Vols. 1 & 2). Lisa, thanks for indulging me! Have you always written fiction, or did something in particular spur you to write and publish your first series, the He Feels Trilogy?

Lisa: I’ve always written fiction—at least back to high school. I think the first book in the He Feels Trilogy goes back probably fifteen or so years. It wasn’t meant to be a trilogy, but after I published the first book, I had to explore what happened to Travis! And so the series was born.

JH: In your other life, you’re a high school English teacher. What’s your favorite book to discuss with your classes? When kids enter your classroom, what hashtag pops into their head?

Lisa: My top favorite is probably The Great Gatsby, but I also love teaching Into the Wild! As for a hashtag, probably something like #figureitout or #sheisobsessedwithherdog.

JH: Ha! Roxy Price is a complex, layered character. Which of her qualities do you admire most?

Lisa: I love her ability to bounce back. She’s been through a lot, but she’s tough even when she doesn’t want to be. I also love how grounded she is. She could easily get caught up in the world around her, but she remains true to herself.

JH: Completely agree—grounded is a great way to describe Roxy. During both books, I felt like I was right there on tour with Black Shadow. What kind of research went into creating that experience for the reader?

Lisa: I’ve always loved music and attending concerts. I’ve been lucky enough to get front row seats and meet & greet opportunities with some amazing artists. But the one piece of research that stands out the most happened last summer. I scored VIP passes to the Uproar Festival in Tucson from a new member of the band Seether. He and my brother played in a band together in high school, and he not only took us backstage, but he took us on his tour bus. To see a huge tour like that from behind the scenes was an amazing experience that I knew would end up in a book.

JH: That's amazing. Lyrics aren't easy, I'm sure. What’s the scoop on your current work in progress?

Lisa: I’m working on a romantic comedy that is set to release August 27! Not Just another Romance Novel is about Piper, a woman working toward her master’s degree in Psychology. She comes up with a project where she combines her love for romance novels with her passion for psychology. Her social experiment is to date all of the stereotypes in the books to find out which one will lead her to her happy ending. My beta readers are just starting to get back to me with feedback, and so far I’m hearing awesome things! I can’t wait to share this one!

If you enjoyed the interview, be sure to sign up for my mailing list to see more. If this is your first time visiting my page, welcome! You can find my books on Amazon or check out my Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest.

With a week at the beach ahead of me, I needed a light-hearted romcom for my sunbathing, and I knew exactly where to find it: author R.S. Grey. Lucky for me, she has a new release that turned out to be everything I was hoping for & more. I laughed. I swooned. I almost lost my Kindle to an aggressive wave. The Allure of Julian Lefray delivers on its promise of comedy and romance, plus it incorporates pop culture, fashion and the ever-so-hot blogosphere. Jo's story is every girl's Cinderella fantasy, except in The Allure of Julian Lefray, the ball is New York Fashion Week and the glass slipper is a vintage Chanel leopard-print flat.

From my review: "It’s clear from the start that Julian Lefray has as much heart as he does wit, and matched with sharp, humorous Jo, the pair keeps readers entertained from page to page."


I had to find out more, so I reached out to R.S. Grey, and she generously took time out of her busy, wedding-planning, book-writing schedule to answer some questions for me... 

JH: FANGIRLING. I mean... welcome, R.S. Grey! First question: have you always written fiction, or did something in particular spur you to write and publish your first book, Behind His Lens?

R.S.: Writing wasn’t a part of my life until a few years ago. I was always an avid reader, especially in my teen years. It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for me to take two to three trips to B&N a week back then. My love for reading naturally morphed into a dream of writing my own novel one day. I had a good friend who convinced me to give it a shot and the rest is history!

JH: In The Allure of Julian Lefray, Jo is an in-the-know fashion blogger. Is fashion a passion of yours or did you have to do a lot of research?

R.S.: My guilty pleasure is to follow fashion bloggers on Instagram. My feed is littered with women who are living such glamorous lives (or at least it looks like it!). They served as the inspiration behind Jo.

JH: I love the title. Was it a lightning bolt of genius, or were there other contenders?

R.S.: The title took a little while to come up with. The title was originally The Danger of Julian Lefray, but I later changed it as I realized that there was nothing inherently dangerous about him, haha!

JH: Actually, the chiseled cheekbones/tuxedo combo kills more women a year than genetically-modified dinosaurs. True story, look it up. You design your own covers. Jo scrimps & saves by doing graphics & development for her up-and-coming blog, What Jo Wore. Is there a little of yourself in Josephine, and if so, in what ways?

R.S.: ABSOLUTELY. Before I wrote full time, I worked for a woman who owned a graphic design company. I’d help her with design in the mornings and then nanny for her in the afternoon. It was a fun set-up, but it was definitely a time in my life where I knew I was striving for more.

JH: Jo and Julian are stylish, attractive and kinda goofy. When they enter a room together, what’s their hashtag?

R.S.: HAH! This is a hilarious question. #Blessed <- but they would use it ironically, for sure.

JH: Jo has an unfortunate accident involving a bumpy car ride, too many beers and a face-to-face with Julian’s lap (not the good kind). Any embarrassing moments of your own involving a guy you were dating or interested in?

R.S.: There’s no moment that pops out, but I will say that I am someone who moves first and thinks second, so I’m always tripping over things. It’s seemingly charming, but I end up with a perpetual line of bruises on my shins because of it!

JH: Carter, thanks so much for stopping by the blog today for #ScriptFlip. I absolutely loved The Closer You Get. Have you always written fiction, or did something in particular spur you to write and publish your first book, Not A Chance?

Carter: I’ve always written fiction, but I considered it a guilty pleasure. I’d intended to pursue other avenues in the book industry, but then I read my first romance novel (Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie), and it was like a heavenly light burst forth and illuminated the path to my future. Yes. You heard me right. I’m saying that God wants me to write smut. I ask frequently, “Are you sure God?” So far, he seems pretty certain.

JH: Tell us a little about Rye and Cash Holcomb from The Closer You Get. Were the brothers based on anyone in particular?

Carter: I’m sure they’re composites of people and ideas I’ve encountered throughout my life, but I didn’t have anyone specific in mind. To be honest, I have never known where my characters germinate from. Rye and Cash were born in my mind together, though. They were brothers from the very beginning.

JH: Any fun facts you can share about The Closer You Get?

Carter:

• It’s actually the sixth book in the series in terms of chronology. It just happens to be the first one I finished. Is that weird?
• This and all the books in the Fidelity series are titled after country songs.
• Cash’s traumatic background is based on real events from my hometown back when I was in high school (not exactly a “fun” fact).
• TCYG was rejected by several literary agents who believed the strong male/male side story wouldn’t be marketable in contemporary romance.
  

JH: Cora has a habit of playing herself down, especially with her gorgeous, Amazon-like sisters. Aside from her peek-a-boo dimples, what specifically do you think Rye fell for first (or the hardest)?

Carter: I think he liked when she flipped him off in the restaurant before they go to the bar. She showed some attitude and it caught his attention. She also rejected him, which offered him a challenge. So from that point on, I think he was falling in love with her subliminally. He just had to dig his way out of his own issues before he could really see her and truly appreciate her beauty.

And then because he was gay, my second goal was to make sure he wasn’t treated as a “token” gay character or as a convenient plot device for Rye. I want to buck those trends. (Jessica: Hear, hear!) We’re constantly reading/hearing/saying the mantra, “Love is love.” That’s what I wanted for Cash. For his romance to be romance. I believe gay romance belongs shelved with the mainstream romance. I’m not saying everyone has to like it. We all have preferences. But to be told by our friends, our media, even our Supreme Court that “love is love,” and then to walk into the bookstore and find out that “love is love, but gay love is inherently erotic and kinky and therefore located in that little section over there”…that’s just ridiculous to me. 

JH: Do you have any tips or tricks that get you through dreaded writer’s block?

Carter: I’m the absolute last person who should answer this question. I’m a sloppy, undisciplined writer. When I get blocked on a project I either start a new project or lie around the house in a depressive state checking my temperature trying to find some physiological reason for my malaise. So no. I don’t have any tips.

JH: Can you share anything about what you’re working on now? (Any chance we’ll get more of Franny, Sully, Lyssa and the rest of Fidelity?)

Carter: Sully has caused me some problems. But I am pleased to say that I finally have him figured out and am going strong on his story. I hope to announce a release date in the next month. The title is Play It Again and it does directly follow The Closer You Get. Sully’s been keeping a very big secret for a very long time and, Franny is determined to uncover it. I’m so excited about this one!

It’s my pleasure to welcome Aly of Reading Shy With Aly to today's edition of #ScriptFlip! Aly started RSWA a little over six months ago, because of her love for books. Bloggers & readers: Aly is currently looking for a co-blogger and/or reviewer, and you can find more info here. Authors: Aly is accepting review requests! She is a self-described romantic at heart, but she’s open to all genres except for children’s books, non-fiction, and most erotica. Find her at the blog, Facebook and Twitter.

JH: Welcome to #ScriptFlip, Aly! Lovely to have you on the blog today. For those of us who aren’t familiar with you or Reading Shy (but who will be now!), tell us a little about yourself.

Aly: Well, my name is Aly, I'm twenty years old and I'm a third year university student, majoring in History, and minoring in French and Classics (You do not know how often I've said that. I'm sure I could say it in my sleep if someone asked). Oh and Classics is pretty much history but it's more so ancient history (Greece and Rome) than medieval or renaissance. I'm Canadian and I do not say eh....okay well sometimes I do.

I got started on Reading Shy With Aly because I was reading a book one day and I kept exclaiming over things and trying to discuss it with my friend. But she hadn't read the book yet and I felt myself bursting with all these feels. I'd looked around and seen some book blogs and looking once more I thought, this could be a way to discuss books with others and do something I love. I decided to take a chance and start Reading Shy and so far I've loved it. I've gotten to read a lot of different books and interact with a lot of authors that I don't think I could have read or interacted with before. It's been great and I hope to continue doing this as long as I can.

JH: There's no denying the amazing energy within the book community, from bloggers to readers to authors. I think we all know that feeling of wanting to burst at the seams because of a book! But there might still be some readers nervous about making the leap to blogging. Any advice for them?

Aly: Just do it. Never let the self-doubts and others tell you you can't. I started out, trying to tell myself it wouldn't last because I can't write as perfectly as other people. But once I took the chance it morphed into something that I love. Yes, my reviews aren't perfect and sometimes I need to work on getting some of the things I didn't like about a book out there better but I'm learning and trying to improve as well as doing something I love. So, just jump right in, find a book blog you love or that might need a co-blogger or reviewer, or start up your own. Whatever you feel more comfortable with. And let your voice shine out! 

JH: Great advice! I think the #1 reason to do it is a love for books and the rest will come. Sounds like that was the path for you, but can you pinpoint your favorite part of blogging so far?

Aly: The fact that I've gotten to experience so many new and different books, as well as new authors. There's been some books that honestly I probably wouldn't have picked up or found otherwise. The fact that I've found these great books that I really do love after reading them just makes me feel extremely glad that I started blogging and get this experience.

JH: Okay, but with all those great books out there (and there are a TON), how in the world do you choose your next book to review for RSWA?

Aly: It all depends. If I have book tours or books that have specific times that the review needs to be posted then I'll read those first. Next it just depends on what kind of genre I'm feeling at the time (Romance, Young Adult, New Adult) or what kind of book I've been craving recently (MC, soul mate, etc). Besides that it usually comes down to when I receive requests. I try and keep it in order as best I can and that seems to be the fairest way to go about reviewing them.

JH: You bring up a great point. Sometimes you're just in the mood for a certain type of book and that's the best way to choose what's next. But surely you have your favorites... now, don't get shy on me Aly. Cough up the goods. You're stranded on a desert island with only three books or series... and go!

Aly: Toni Aleo's Assassins' Series, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series and......Shelly Crane's Significance series.......oh my goodness that was so hard! Why did you make me choose???

But yes, Toni Aleo's Assassins' series fills me with joy especially Empty Net (I need a Tate Odddddddeeerrrrrrrr). The hockey and romance and just....sigh.

The Harry Potter series was my childhood go to and I still love reading it at least once a year. It's my favorite series and it probably will be when I'm old and blind.

And now Shelly Crane's Significance series. I just love the whole Soul Mate concept and that series just fills me up with all the sigh-y, goopy, romance feels that make me want that. So while it was a difficult choice I had to put it down. (JH: Hey! I just checked & book 1 is free on Amazon.)
JH: Okay, I know that was tough. Thanks for being a good sport. Now for an easier question... just kidding. This one might be even harder. First I have to know, though—who's your favorite book couple? 

Aly: Right now and for the past few months it's been Tate Odder and Audrey Parker. Tate's the main goalie for the Assassins' in Toni Aleo's Assassins' series. And Audrey is the cupcake making, beautiful, shoe obsessed woman that loves him.

JH: Great. Now I want to know, if you had a chance to steal Tate from Audrey... would you?!

Aly: This is actually really hard. Because I feel like I kind of would.... because Tate is sweet and adorable and I wish I could find a guy like him. And he and Audrey are perfect for each other...plus I don't want to be that girl. You know the one. But at the same time, he's sweet, adorable and romantic. What more can a girl want?

JH: Scandalous! I'm pretty sure most women wouldn't be able to resist their favorite book boyfriends in the flesh—no matter what. Okay, last question, and this one's a fun one. If you or someone else were writing a romance novel loosely based on your life... what would it be called?

Aly: The Invisible Bae (my friends got me started with the bae, haha).

Good one! Love it! Well, Aly—thank you SO much for dropping by today. It was fun getting to know you and poking around your adorably-green blog. I enjoyed having you!

Don't forget, Aly is looking for co-reviewers and—hey, authors!—she is currently accepting review requests. Here's where you can find more from Aly: blog, Facebook, Twitter. Thanks for reading!

Have a question for me to ask or want to suggest a blog for me to interview? Tweet me @jess_hawk and include #ScriptFlip. Interested bloggers can contact me here.

I can hardly contain my excitement about today's #ScriptFlip feature, because I get to interview three of my favorite book people: Lisa, Kayla and Yolanda of A Risqué Affair Book Blog. Lisa was one of my first readers ever and has been on this self-pub journey with me since then. In fact, she also acts as my PA and has accompanied me to a book signing in NYC! Kayla & Yolanda have also been amazing to me, and as a whole, the blog has been a pillar of support for me for a long time.

Lisa and Kayla formed the blog in December 2013, and it's been going strong ever since. They're just over 7,000 followers on Facebook—that's almost 1K followers a month! A little later, they added Yolanda to the mix, and now they're up to 4 reviewers. Authors, pay attention to ARABB! They ARE currently accepting books for review and they don't adhere to one genre only—they review all over the spectrum. (FYI: There are a few books mentioned in this interview, so I've linked them up for your convenience!)

JH: Now for the good stuff! Ladies, welcome to the third edition of #ScriptFlip. The four of us are old friends, but why don't you give me the rundown on A Risqué Affair Book Blog & how it came to be.

ARABB: Lisa and Kayla connected on Facebook over their love for Cityscape. (JH: Um, totally blushing here!) They found they were both recommending the series and started talking. They found out that they had a lot in common, including their love of books. It seemed only natural to start a blog together.

Yolanda was always an active participate on the blog. One day, we noticed she wasn't commenting on our posts so we reached out to her. We fell in love with her personality and added her to be a reviewer on the blog. We quickly realized we needed to add another administrator to the blog, once we started growing. Yolanda was our first choice... and the rest is history.

JH: History... or only the beginning! It's amazing to hear when my series (or any book for that matter) has brought people together. Sounds like the friendship between you three runs deep. Based on that, I think I can guess the answer to this, but what's been the best part about blogging so far?

Yolanda: Meeting wonderful people! I love reviewing these amazing stories as well.

Lisa: Meeting and connecting with so many people and authors. There are authors that I would have never discovered without having the blog (since either they or their PA contacted us).

Kayla: Blogging has been amazing. The best part is meeting new friends and new authors. I have met some amazing people that have become true friends.

JH: Yep, that's pretty much what I thought. The blogger and indie author community is full of lovely, passionate, and hugely-supportive individuals who always bring their "A" game. Not only that, but they find a way to stand out in a sea of blogs. How does ARABB do that?

Kayla: I think what makes us stand out is that Lisa, Yolanda and I are like a family (sisters). (JH: They really are, I can attest to that.) We work well together and talk everything out. We each have different things we are picky about and it works well that way.

Yolanda: I think we all have something to give! We all have different favorites and we have introduce a variety to the blog! Also we all have different strengths. We are here for readers and authors and other bloggers equally.

Lisa: We really try to post everything that is recommended or messaged to us. Sometimes our email and messages get totally out of control, but I guess that comes with the territory, right? lol. I think that everyone deserves to have their book posted. I may not love the book, but who am I to determine what YOU should read? If we all read the same stuff, what a boring place the world would be.



JH: I think sometimes we authors don't realize how many messages a blog receives per day. It must be hard to keep up with posting everything—how do you choose what to read and/or review next?

Kayla: When its comes to determining my next book I go by authors that I have already read and have history with.

Lisa: First and foremost, how polite the message is. If you send us a message that starts with 'Hey, read my book', most likely I won't even consider it. Next, I take a look at the synopsis, cover & genre. I'm looking for something that jumps out at me since we really do get a lot of requests.

Yolanda: I usually choose what's next in I have a history with a author or how we are approached with the information. After that I just go by the first come first served.

JH: Okay, so you've selected your next read, devoured it, then what? Do you base your star rating on emotion? Quality? Something else?

Yolanda: For me a 5 star has to have these 3 qualities a. they need to grab me and keep me interested that I must know what happens. b. I must enjoy the plot and connect to the characters. c. a well written book that flows well is a big one for me as well. Amazing question.

Lisa: If a book is a 5 star book, I know as soon as I finish that last page and it's based solely on emotions. There's no wondering because I already know. It's giving less than 5 stars that is always tough for me. I really try not to give less than 3 stars. I feel like that author really did try and put so much time and effort into getting it out there. I try to give constructive criticism either in the review or to the author.

Kayla: Stars on a book to me is how the book is written, the characters development and of course if the books sucks me in.

JH: Sounds like a common thread is a book that brings out the feels. No surprise there, but nice to know that's a priority. So now I'm going to put you on the spot. You've told me what a top-rated book means for each of you—which three books or series are must-haves if you were ever stranded on a desert island?

Lisa: Ugh, seriously? Cityscape Series because, duh! I loved this series before I even started reading. The cover of Come Undone hooked me in right from the start. I'll support that series.. well... forever. (JH: Aw, thank you! As long as you aren't using the pages as toilet paper on the island ;) ) Bright Side by Kim Holden. I recently read this book and it is just one of those books that makes you want to be a better person. It's an ugly cry type of book and let's be honest... we all need to get a good cry out every so often. Sick Day by Morgan Parker. This book is another one of those 're-evaluate your situation' type of books. The best things, they're worth risking it all for. Go big or go home.

Yolanda: Only 3 OMG - 1. To Kill a Mockingbird 2. Manual how to build a boat haha no (JH: LOL! I just spit out my water.) 2. Sick Day by Morgan Parker 3. Love's Suicide by Jenn Foor.

Kayla: The Cityscape Series by Jessica Hawkins
Sick Day by Morgan Parker
Forever Series by Sandi Lynn

JH: Sounds like Sick Day by Morgan Parker miiight be a blog favorite? Honored to see Cityscape on there too, of course! So, this island you're on is very book friendly. There's also an author there who wants to have dinner with you (probably a coconut or fresh fish or something). Who is it?

Lisa: Ok, since I've already gotten to spend a day with Jessica (yay!) (JH: I second that yay!), I will go with Lily White or Morgan Parker... or maybe both together. Have you read their books? Lily, just because I'd love to see how her mind works. I read her books and wonder, how the heck does she even come up with this stuff? And, well, Morgan Parker because... that guy is hilarious. Who doesn't need a little laughter? And well, if you laugh so hard that soda comes out of your nose, while discussing ways to kill off characters with Lily... then that, my friend, would be awesome-sauce as far as dinners go.

Kayla: This is a difficult question. There are a few I would love to have dinner with but I would have to say Morgan Parker. Morgan seems like a blast and such a sweet down to earth guy. I would love to crawl into his mind and see how he works.

Yolanda: Morgan Parker... why is he has shocked me! I generally have had bad experience reading male romance writers. He is kind and meaningful and an amazing author. I think it would be an amusing yet interesting dinner!

JH: I think it's safe to say everyone reading this interview will be TBR'ing Morgan's books. I know I will! That's all I've got for today—ladies, thank you SO much for being here and for everything you do.

I count myself lucky to know the ladies of A Risqué Affair Book Blog, much less have their endless support. I remember when they had a handful of followers, but it didn't take long for others to see the amazingness I did from the start. Can't wait to see where they go from here. If you haven't already, be sure to check out their blog and Like them on Facebook.

Have a question for me to ask or want to suggest a blog for me to interview? Tweet me @jess_hawk and include #ScriptFlip. Interested bloggers can contact me here.

Welcome to the second edition of #ScriptFlip with author Jessica Hawkins, where I flip the script & put bloggers in the hot seat. Today I'm talking to Brittany of Brittany's Book Blog. She's a full-time student who has been blogging since December 2013—and for any authors reading, she also edits on the side! I'm proud to call Brittany a member of my street team, and I can attest—she brings it every day for her blog and for us indies. You can read Brittany and her co-bloggers’ reviews on Brittany's Book Blog, or also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

JH: Brittany, welcome to #ScriptFlip! You’ve been a presence on the blogging scene for a while now, and I’m excited to get behind the scenes with you. Tell me about the concept behind Brittany’s Book Blog.

Brittany: I'm 19. I stared blogging when I was 19. I worked on a different blog who kicked me off because I wasn't doing things right. After much pushing from many authors, I started my own blog. And I love it so much!

JH: Sometimes things happen a certain way for a reason, don’t they? Now the blog has well over 3,500 followers on Facebook, so you must be doing something right! As you grow, I bet you get a lot of requests for reviews. For any authors out there or curious readers, what goes into choosing your next read?

Brittany: Well, I read what interests me. I also will only accept requests if they seem more personal, not a copy and paste post that everyone gets. If you ask, "hey are you accepting reviews" I'm more likely to say yes, I'll help you, than if someone sends me the synopsis and buy links and such through a message on Facebook, with the request hidden through all that. I honestly don't read those types of messages.

JH: That’s good to know. Authors take note! Chances of review go up with personalized messages. I know many blogs have a rating system to keep things consistent. What’s yours?

Brittany:
5*= yes! Loved it! Need more! Soooo much emotion!
4*= good, there was some emotion missing, but I want to read the next one.
3*= there were some things that bothered me, I don't need more.

I don't rate books below three stars. I feel every reader's experience is different and I don't want to persuade someone from finding their next great read.

JH: It sounds like you’re passionate about your reads, which you'd have to be considering there are new books coming out every day. (Side note: Brittany even started a Facebook dedicated to reading, where she features an author a month. Request to join Brittany's Book Talk here.) What’s been the best part so far, though?

Brittany: Oh the best part!! There's multiple things. I love connecting with the authors and the readers. I absolutely enjoy when someone tells me I helped them pick a book that they loved so much. I just love helping people and sharing my passion.

JH: The thing about bloggers is, their dedication and passion overlaps to help both readers and authors. As you discover indies, readers also benefit by finding their next great read. What would you say to any readers out there who're thinking of joining the blogger club?

Brittany: Do it! Or possibly admin on a blog first, so you can see what it's all about. It's fun, you will love it! Put yourself out there. It may be discouraging at first, but as long as you're friendly and show the real you, people will follow.

Great advice that also applies to authors. Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know whom you might connect with—it could be your next reader for life! Thanks so much for stopping by, Brittany. Join the discussion on Facebook in Brittany's Book Talk, and check out her fantastic reviews or send her a review request at the blog, Facebook and Twitter.

Have a question for me to ask or want to suggest a blog for me to interview? Tweet me @jess_hawk and include #ScriptFlip. Interested bloggers can contact me here.

I'm introducing a segment to my blog called #ScriptFlip, where I'll be flipping the script on bloggers and interviewing them instead of the other way around. For my first post, I have Bethany (a member of my fab street team) and Lydia from the fantastic HEA Bookshelf. Check out the blog for their reviews or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

JH: Okay, so let's start by hearing a little about the #HEAGirls and how you got into blogging.

Lydia: Hello, hello!! My name is Lydia, but everyone calls me Ly (Lee) or Hea. I’m in my twenties and happily in love with my soul mate – let’s call him J. I’m a new mom to two amazing boys and I absolutely love our imperfectly perfect life.

I decided to create a book blog where readers with similar tastes to mine could discover these Indie Authors that I had come to love and admire….and probably stalk via Facebook & Twitter. And so, it all began.

HEA Bookshelf was born.

Bethany: Lydia and I met because she’s a stalker. Seriously. She is. I was just learning about Facebook pages for the authors I was reading, and finding blog pages that I started seeing through the authors I had liked and I started to see her on there. We liked the same pages, agreed on some books and discussions and generally had a great time interacting. We even started to talk in PM’s before she friend requested me in April 2013. We started tagging each other in book sales, book discussions and book funnies. But then….CRAZY Lydia came out. She asked me to guest review on her blog. Hahahaha! I laughed at her….she was high, I was fairly positive. No way. She harassed me for MONTHS. I finally agreed to do it in August and wrote my first review for her. She was all excited and made me feel like I threw a whole bunch of words together, and they actually made sense! So I eventually started to review books that I had bought, and then I started to sign up for tours that I wanted and saw around FB…..and the fun began. I have loved doing it ever since. It truly is a joy and I have her to thank for it!! She's the best #BlogSister ever. <3
 
JH: You two sound like a match made in heaven. And BTW, I'm feeling the hashtag love in your answer! Where did the name HEA Bookshelf come from?

Lydia: I have a few rules as far as my reading goes. One VERY important rule being that the book MUST have a happy ending. MUST. I can handle cliffhangers if books are parts of series, but that last and final book in the series/trilogy MUST end in a HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

Bethany: This was Lydia's baby....so I'm just along for the ride!! (tee hee) Lydia's the one that stalked me....so the name was already picked. I suppose she could have named it 'Stalkers R Us', but the name probably wouldn't have went too far. Hahaha!!!

JH: Hey, stalkers need happy endings too. (Wait, that came out wrong...) Moving right along. Here's a question every author wants to know—how do you determine what your next read will be?

Lydia: I use a few things to figure out what I want to read but the major factors I take into consideration are the author's message and attitude, synopsis and genre.

Bethany: I am a synopsis, cover and review looker--in that order. If it's a new book and there aren't any reviews available, I look at the synopsis and if it's part of a series or if it's a standalone (time plays a factor sometimes), genre of the book and then finally the cover. I do love a good cover.

JH: It's good information to hear that an author's message/attitude are determining factors in whether or not you'll review their book. What are some of your other do's & dont's for self-published authors who approach you for reviews?

Lydia: 
DO: be nice and down to earth... get to know the blogger behind the blog before even thinking about asking for favors.

DONT: if you've never even talked to the blogger, don't ask them to like your page or share your work.

Bethany:
DO: personalize your request, instead of saying a general 'hello lovely ladies', make sure you address the bloggers directly. It feels more personal that way and it lets us know that you actually know who we are. Check out our BIO on our blog page so you know what we are about and what we like to read. 

DO: be excited to get your book out there. We want to share in your excitement too!!

DONT: send an email/synopsis/teaser riddled with errors. I only say this because if an email/synopsis/teaser has errors and I notice that, I won't want to read it. I don't want to be rude, but a lot of people pick on that and it gets very distracting (to me too). ALWAYS proofread....have a friend lend an eye, be a sounding board, look stuff over. 

DONT: be upset when a blogger turns down a book. Time and schedules are crazy sometimes and we never mean any disrespect when we can't promise a review or any available time. I know that I have stopped taking books for a 'review whenever' because I feel guilty with books sitting there waiting for me and I have 6 tours coming up. Never give up. <3

JH: I think one thing at least is clear: you guys really care for the authors your promote. I know that firsthand since HEA Bookshelf has been such an amazing supporter of my series. So, if you could have dinner with any author, who would it be and why?

Lydia: Since I have so many, two that come to mind are Kristen Proby and Sylvain Reynard. 

Bethany: I have had the pleasure of meeting quite a few authors (even having dinner and breakfast with them), but I don't know how to answer this....would I go back out with some favorites and pick their brain for their next book, their life and inspiration, or would I pick someone new to see what makes them tick? Such a common question; one that I have the hardest time answering!! It changes all the time...ha! 

JH: Bethany and I actually met & got to spend some time together at the Indie Mashup book signing in Arkansas last year. That's what I love about those signings the most—connecting with bloggers, readers, and other authors. Do you have a favorite part of blogging so far?

Lydia: I think the best part, for me, is the TRUE friends I've made along the way.

Bethany: I *LOVE* the people I've met, the books I've fallen in love with and the authors that have become friends. I love this blogging world!! 

JH: I love how passionate you both are about what you do. What makes HEA Bookshelf unique? 

Bethany: I think the fact that we are best friends as well as #BlogSisters plays a big part in things. We never disagree on things....ever. Like, ever! And we always talk about books....every.single.day. We call/text/message and FB with each other every day.

JH: I love that. It's amazing how people come together with one common cause—to support indies in this community—and end up finding friends for life. Well, it's been a pleasure having you ladies on the blog—thank you so much for stopping by! To see more of HEA Bookshelf, head over to their blog, Facebook or Twitter.

Have a question for me to ask or want to suggest a blog for me to interview? Tweet me @jess_hawk and include #ScriptFlip. Interested bloggers can contact me here.