Meet Crista McHugh, author of 'The Sweetest Seduction'

Author Crista McHugh is celebrating the release of the first book in her series about The Kelley Brothers by stopping by for a little chat today.

What was the inspiration behind this book?

I’ve been wanting to a modern twist on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers for years, and I love the enemies to lovers trope. So, when it came time to think of Adam’s story, I wanted to create a character who thought he was in control, only to have his world turned upside down. For Ben, I wanted it to be about the one who got away.

Which character spoke to you the most during the writing process?

Both characters do, but I admit, the female POV is usually easier. The only time I had a male speak to me more was my insane chaos god, Loku, in the Soulbeaer series.

What is one of your favorite scenes?

I have fun working my characters into embarrassing situations like getting caught by the lake patrol or poor hive-covered Adam getting whammed by a baseball bat. But I think my favorite scene was the picnic scene.

This is based on 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.' Can we expect there to be a total of seven books?

Absolutely! I have the covers up on my website, and I even had a special site created for the series where I’ll be posting some fun things like playlists, recipes and other little treats for my readers. I just finished Caleb’s book, and I should have Dan’s and Ethan’s books out later this year. (And yes, I changed Ephraim to Ethan)

When is the next installment expected to be available? May we have a preview?

Ben’s book actually comes out today, and Caleb’s comes out in 4 weeks (March 3). Excerpts are on my webpage, but Ben’s story is one of second chances, and I’ve nicknamed Caleb’s “Cyrano in Sweet Home Alabama”.

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always been a storyteller, and I wrote my first book in high school. But I didn’t get serious about writing until I was done with residency. One day, I’d love to quit my medical practice and write full time, but in the meantime, I’m trying to get as many stories out of my head on time off as I can.

Please tell us about your other published titles.

I’m mostly published in Fantasy with strong romantic elements, but I have a few short historical romances out there, too. My next release after Caleb’s book will be the fourth book in the Deizian Empire series. This is a dark, sexy series that Stargate meets Ancient Rome, and this will be story my readers have been begging for—Marcus’s story.

On what other projects are you currently working?

I’m working The Deizian Empire story now, and after that, I’ll be jumping into Dan’s book for The Kelly Brothers series.

What are the ingredients for a great heroine?

I say I write heroines who are smart, sexy, and anything but ordinary. I think a great heroine has a brain, a heart, and great deal of pluck. She doesn’t need the hero to rescue her (maybe she even rescues him).

What do you consider to be one of your greatest accomplishments?

I was thrilled this past summer to win some major awards for my books, especially considering the talented authors who were finalists in my category. Just to be included with them was a huge honor made even sweeter by the win!

What is something on your bucket list?

OK, so I’m a huge geek, so my bucket list includes going to New Zealand for a Lord of the Rings tour.

I recently spent several days visiting my sister in Seattle for the first time. It's a beautiful and entertaining area, with so much to do! What are some of your recommendations. off the beaten path, for visitors?

Fremont is a cool district to hang out in, especially at night. I love exploring the wineries in Woodinville or going for a short hike near North Bend. The Interurban trail is great for a long bike ride. The Underground tour is always entertaining, as is riding the Duck, and one of these days, I need to check out the new Ferris Wheel.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

I was once a contestant on Jeopardy (and was contracting the whole time they were taping the episode).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me!! :D

Thank you so much for your time!

The Sweetest Seduction
The Kelly Brothers
Book 1
Crista McHugh
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Crista McHugh
Date of Publication: January 6, 2014
ISBN: 9781940559919
Number of pages: 193
Word Count: 48K
Cover Artist: Jaycee DeLorenzo at Sweet ‘N Spicy Designs

Book Description:

The first book in a new contemporary series from award-winning author Crista McHugh, that’s a sexy, modern twist on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Lia Mantovani has created one of the hottest restaurants on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, but all that could disappear if she loses her lease with Kelly Properties. Having had her dreams ripped away from her before, she’ll do everything in her power to keep her restaurant. Her fate hangs on the whims of the frustratingly handsome Adam Kelly.

Adam has spent years trying to convince world famous chef Amadeus Schlittler to open a restaurant in Chicago, but he wants the prime location held by Lia. Business has always come first… until sparks fly when Adam meets her. When things get hot outside the kitchen, though, they’re both in danger of getting burned.

**My thoughts

Oh how I am a sucker for hot romances with food. I find time spent in the kitchen with my man to be some of the most romantic. Sure, Lia and Adam don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen, save one particular fun time, but this is still a spicy romance worth sinking your teeth into. A hot chef. A wealthy backer. Exploding chemistry. Just enough sex to make it hot in here, without being gratuitously graphic.

I admit that I am not very familiar with the story of 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.' I'm sure it's not quite as hot as this series is proving to be! But now I am curious. I am also going to need my fix of the Kelley Brothers in the next installments!

Available on Amazon

About the Author:

Crista McHugh is a multiple award-winning author of fantasy romance and paranormal romance with heroines who are smart, sexy, and anything but ordinary. She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/crista_mchugh
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CristaMcHugh
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3035791.Crista_McHugh
Website: http://www.cristamchugh.com
Series website: http://www.thekellybrothers.cristamchugh.com

Tour Wide Giveaway
A Seven Brides for Seven Brothers gift basket with a $25 gift card from the bookstore of winner’s choice (B&N, Amazon, BAM, Book Depository, Chapters/Indigo, etc). Gift card open to international winners, but if winner is from outside the US, some of the items in the basket will not be sent (like the DVD)

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