Guest Author Katie Reus & Giveaway!

I would like to give a warm welcome to author Katie Reus today for coming by Book Junkie. Katie has been gracious enough to answer a few of my questions as well as offer her latest book Miami Heat which releases today to one lucky winner! I have read Katie's Dangerous Deceptions, Everything to Lose, Running from the Past (you can read my review HERE), and just this last weekend I finished Adrianna's Cowboy which was written under Savannah Stewart. So enjoy the interview and Good luck!

Can you tell us a little about yourself ?
I’ve been reading romance for as long as I can remember, and I’m a firm believer that the world would be a much better place if more people read romance. When I’m not plotting or writing, I love to travel with my husband. Saint Augustine is one of my favorite places to getaway to because it’s close to the beach and the town is rich in history. I write romantic suspense, erotic romance, and paranormal romance, but no matter the genre, Happily Ever After is always a must. If you’d like to learn more about me, visit either of my websites http://www.katiereus.com/ or http://www.savannahstuart.com/

 Can you tell the readers a little about Miami Heat?
This is a story of friends to lovers, one of my favorite story lines, and it takes place in hot Miami!

Here’s a brief blurb: When Madison Dubois witnesses a terrible crime, she goes to the only place she knows she’ll be safe, Detective Rafe Jackson’s house. Rafe has been in love with Madison Dubois for longer than he cares to admit. Unfortunately for him, she views him as a big brother. When she shows up on his doorstep terrified for her life, he has no choice but to keep her safe. Undeniable sparks fly when they’re forced to share a roof but unless he can keep her alive, their relationship might not have a chance to even start.

Which of your Books would you like to see turned into a movie and who would play the main characters?
City of Secrets. Jade would be played by Cote de Pablo and David would be played by Clive Owen.

Of the books that you have written, which is your favorite or feel the most connection to?
It’s really hard to pick a favorite because what story I happen to be working on is the one that’s speaking to me the loudest so that’s my favorite at the moment. They’re all special to me in different ways. However, Running From the Past will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the first erotic romance I ever tried writing. It placed first in the Great Expectations contest (unpublished), which is how I got a contract offer from Ellora’s Cave, and then it placed third in the Passionate Plume contest (published) the next year. The entire story just flowed so easily and that doesn’t always happen.

What advice would you give to people who "run out of creativity" when writing?
Luckily I haven’t faced that yet so I don’t really have any solid advice. If someone gets burned out, it’s probably a good idea to take a break.

What qualities are a must when creating your hero?
Honesty, loyalty, good work ethic, and sexy as hell to the heroine. Most (99%) of my heroes also have a military background, but I won’t say that it’s an absolute requirement.

Do book covers matter, would you go back and change any of yours if you could?
Yes they matter and yes I would, but I’m not going to answer which one because I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.

What is the hardest part for you about creating/continuing on with a series?
My Miami Scorcher series with Ellora’s Cave is my first series and the hardest part is remembering to add little facts about werewolves and shifters in each book. I’m currently working on the third in the series and realized I was taking it for granted that readers would understand the mating and bonding process because I assumed they’d have read the first book. I have to remember that not all readers will have read the first or second and the world-building has to stay strong and consistent throughout each story.

Did you ever draw your characters from the personalities in your life?
Not consciously, but obviously my stories are all from the dark depths of my imagination so I only have my own perceptions of the world to go on. Everyone sees the world in a way unique to them, so it’s natural that I’m going to draw on people I’ve met and places I’ve visited.

Have you ever encountered someone who said, “You write what !!!"?
All the time, but usually it’s a good thing. My husband likes to tell people I write erotic romance and that he’s head of research and development. Not very subtle, but I’m thankful he’s supportive. He told some people at a party recently and the men were surprisingly impressed and wanted to ask me all sorts of questions, which was a little weird.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?
Hmm, my research might sound boring because it involves a lot of internet research, hours of non-fiction reading, and in-person, phone, and/or email interviews. The only thing I can think of is I’ve gone to the gun range on more than one occasion to see the difference in how certain weapons fire from the perspective of a woman. I’ve also practiced ‘fighting’ with my husband to get a feel for writing fight scenes.

What was your favorite scene to write ever?
It’s actually unpublished as of yet, but the manuscript my agent is currently shopping has a final scene with a serial killer and the heroine. I get into the serial killer’s head throughout the book and I loved writing it because I had to dig deeper and write a little darker.

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
Ack. This is hard because I know the answer will vary. What is your biggest pet peeve in romance?

*** GIVEAWAY***

Just leave a comment with your e-mail (won't count if you don't!), and answer Katie's question above for a chance to win a copy of Katie's latest release from Loose Id Publishing.

Open to all, winner will be choosen via Random.org on 01/26