Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Samantha Young to the blog for the frist time to talk about her newest release Down London Road.  

Samantha, can you please share with us a little about yourself

Scottish with a hint of nutty, I’m twenty seven years old, born in Central Scotland and a big fan of Edinburgh. I write young adult urban fantasy and adult contemporary romance. My one tattoo is the symbol for Samurai. I have a thing for fajitas, indie rock music, True Romance (the movie… although there’s nothing wrong with the real thing), The Knife of Never Letting Go, my indie hellcats and Biffy—my new A to B star.

I’m also a little bit random.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yeah, I’ve definitely always dreamed of being an author but for the longest time I wrote for fun and not really ever believing that I could make a career out of writing. That all changed in 2011 when I found myself unemployed. I decided there was nothing left to lose and put my all into making my dream a reality.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

My typical writing day: breakfast, answer emails, social media comments etc, run errands, lunch, write, dinner, write, break, write, write write… usually into the wee hours of the morning.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging part of writing is writer’s block. It’s incredibly frustrating. Not fun. The most rewarding is the response from readers. I receive wonderful emails and comments every day from readers who want to thank me for my writing. That’s amazing and very humbling.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

My latest book is Down London Road, the second book in the On Dublin Street series. It follows the story of Johanna (Jo) Walker and Cameron (Cam) MacCabe. Jo is a young woman who bears the responsibility of looking after her little brother and mother. She is incredibly loyal and determined to make sure Cole has everything she never had, even if it means dating men who have money. There are lots of layers to Jo but she has low self-esteem. That is until Cam enters her life and after a few misunderstandings, attempts to show her that there’s so much more to her than she thinks.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

The idea for Jo’s story was just a seed in On Dublin Street, but after ODS was written Jo seemed like the natural next step. She had such a rich story to tell and it really came from the influences of the people around me. I’m lucky enough to know quietly strong women that have an amazing sense of loyalty and self-sacrifice, and I just wanted to put a heroine like that down on paper and experience the pride of watching her grow into herself.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

My current work in progress is the third book in the On Dublin Street series. More on that to be revealed soon!

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Oh there are lots. Richelle Mead, Rachel Caine, Cassandra Clare, Patrick Ness, Suzanne Collins, Angela Carter, Colleen Hoover, Stacia Kane, Orson Scott Card, Laini Taylor, Stephanie Perkins, and many, many more…

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 

Yeah. I love the smooth, easy prose of writers like Richelle Mead and Rachel Caine because it immediately pulls you into the story. It’s authentic and real and relaxed. I strive to emulate that in my own prose.

Open your book to a random page and please reads us a few lines.

“A heads-up.” Cam’s deep voice washed over me. “So you’re not too disappointed that Disney lied—no matter how much you wish it, I’ll still be here when you open your eyes.”

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I’m looking forward to Entwined by You by Sylvia Day. I’ve not read book two in the Crossfire series yet because I’ve been waiting on book three so I wouldn’t have to die of frustration over a rumored cliffhanger.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just a huge thank you to you guys for inviting me on your blog for an interview and also a massive thank you to all my readers for their wonderful support over the last few years. x

New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young is a 27 year old book addict who graduated from the University of Edinburgh.  She lives in Scotland.

Visit her online at:

samanthayoungbooks.com | Twitter.com/SYoungSFAuthor

www.Facebook.com/OnDublinStreet |http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4167378.Samantha_Young

*****

DOWN LONDON ROAD

by Samantha Young

Amazon | B&N

Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But she’s about to meet someone who will make her lose control….

It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may—or may not—fly.

But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try.

Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets …even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.