I’ve always been a big reader and at one point after discovering (and devouring) my mom’s romance books, I decided I wanted to do that someday. And now here I am!

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

Early days my favorite romance writers (the ones I discovered when I was a teen) were Jude Deveraux, Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood, Lavyrle Spencer. I loved their books so much. There was so much emotion and tension between the characters. I don’t know if anyone has really influenced my writing, though I’m sure they have.

Current favorite authors include Jill Shalvis (she’s my go to comfort read, love her), Cora Carmack, Samantha Young, Tessa Dare, Katie McGarry…I could go on and on. It’s an endless list.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

I have actually written in a lot of different subgenres of romance. I started out writing erotic romance as Karen Erickson back in 2006. I wrote a new adult book that I self published as Monica Murphy (One Week Girlfriend) and I decided to write it under a different name because it was not my usual style of writing.

I like to change it up because I feel like it keeps me fresh. But I always stay within the romance field. I can’t resist a good romance.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

Absolutely! OWNING VIOLET is the first book in The Fowler Sisters series and it’s about Violet, the middle sister. The dutiful sister who is being groomed to take over and run Fleur Cosmetics, the company her family owns. Her life completely changes at the beginning of the book and she starts interacting with the mysterious, sexy Ryder McKay, who works at Fleur. Soon she’s embarking on a torrid affair with him but things happen. Not nice things. The book has a Cruel Intentions vibe.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I’ve wanted to write a book about three sisters who have flower names for years. I knew I wanted it to be sexy, a little edgy, a little dark. And I wanted to have unredeemable characters who are somehow redeemed after all. That’s Ryder. He’s so awful through much of the book and I tried my best to redeem him. Hope I succeeded.

Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.

I opened OWNING VIOLET to page 48 and Ryder and Violet are in a work meeting together. He’s completely distracted by the color of her lipgloss and sort of mad about it. LOL

What is your favorite Christmas/Holiday memory?

I love watching my kids open their presents every year, especially when they were younger and everything was so magical. The magic has worn off a little now that I have Santa non-believers but still. I love the holidays. It’s one of my favorite times of the year (I love Halloween too!)

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

I read a YA book called The Book of Ivy by Amy Engel. So freaking good. I don’t know when the second book is out but I want to read it NOW.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just want to thank you so much for having me here today Kelly! And if anyone gets a chance to read OWNING VIOLET, I hope they enjoy it!

Let’s take a look at OWNING VIOLET

Owning Violet

The Fowler Sisters #1

Giveaway