Fallen Angel Reviews would like to welcome Author, Alyssa Brooks. Blending Erotic Romance into contemporary novels such as Arrested and Fighting Fire, Alyssa Brooks sends her readers on a mission to find their own Men In Uniform. Both these exceptional and arrestingly hot books are available through Liquid Silver Books.

Could you please tell us a little bit about Alyssa, the woman behind the writer?

I’m a twenty-four year old mother of two stepsons, ages 15 and 11 (lol, Yes you heard me right) and a newborn baby daughter. I fell in love With my husband at eighteen, married at twenty, and have been doing the mom thing ever since. Staying at home gave me the time to start writing---when I wasn’t being a cook, nurse, chauffer, housemaid, and all those other wonderful things we women do.

As for my personality, I have to admit, I’m no nonsense. I’ll bend over backwards for anyone, but cross me, and you’ll find your self chewed out every which way possible. I’m a bit like Debra in EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND. Only she has it easy! Ha ha! Ironically, it’s my husband who is the romantic in this family. No matter how I’m feeling- mad, sad, angry, or mean, he has the ability to turn me into a pile of mush.

Congratulations on becoming a new Mother, Alyssa. Do the demands of motherhood make writing full time complicated?

It makes it much more difficult. Fortunately, I do still find some time, but nowhere near enough. I always remind myself she won’t be this small forever. Already she grows like a weed. I intend for her to be my only baby, so I enjoy her as much as I can. Thirteen years from now, she’ll be worried about boys and rock stars and I’ll have plenty of time to write. Besides, she is too much of a doll baby to ignore. When she smiles and coos at me, my heart nearly breaks. Who could resist such a face?

When did you decide to take “pen in hand” and write with the intent to publish?

Maybe two years ago, when my uncle gave me a computer. Until then, I’d always made excuses, the main one being no computer. I decided to just give it a try, but once I did, it grew and grew. Soon it went from writing in my free time to everything in my life revolving around when I could write.

Could you tell us about Alyssa the writer, and what works you have published to date, including their blurbs?

Sure. After a couple years of trail and error, my efforts finally paid off and I was published with Liquid Silver Books. My book Arrested was accepted in February and released in June. Shortly after, I started working as an editor for LSB, while finishing Fighting Fire. It was released August 31st.

Here are the blurbs:

Arrested --- Kirsten Montgomery doesn't know she's a woman on the run. But, when a traffic jam in Texas throws her off track, and right into the hands of Reid Walker, reality strikes. Handcuffed, searched, and imprisoned on Reid's ranch, innocent Kirsten desperately seeks escape. Yet all she can do is wish for more…of him. If there's one thing Reid can't stand, it's lawbreakers in his small Texan town. Especially when it’s a blond hellcat, who ignites carnal desires long ago buried deep within him. He intends to do his job, nothing more. However, before long things get complicated. Now he must decide, is she the car thief he arrested or the woman of his dreams? Will Reid believe her in time to protect her? Or, will she fall prey to an ex-boyfriend determined to see her to her death? Step inside this heated world of suspense and be arrested by the passion.

Fighting Fire- Carmen Hart is a divorced woman, returned home to her deceased uncle's business- The Lucky Hart. Her only desire is to build anew life, one that's free of men. Then she meets Brent. He's a threat to her in more than one way. Now she must fight, not only to keep her business open, but to tame the passion overwhelming her.
Brent Sommers's future has been stolen from him, and he can't help but resent the catalyst, The Lucky Hart. As fire chief, he finds himself with the power to shut the business down. Only one thing stands in his way -the new owner. His secret high school crush, Carmen has the power to drive him crazy and to change his world - if he'll let her in. Their passion ignites in dangerously heated circumstances. But, will their hearts unite in time to fight for each other and their lives?

How did you come up with the series concept of Men In Uniform, which includes your first book, Arrested and your second book, Fighting Fire?

I got the idea for Arrested from watching my favorite show, COPS. When I went to write a query letter for it, I was struck by the idea of a series to help sell it. It evolved from there.

How many books do you have planned for this sexy series? How do you pick which Man In Uniform will be your next story to write?

I’m not planning a number at this point. Originally, I had planned for three, but recently I held a contest for suggestions as to who the next man would be. I got so many great ideas. The winner’s suggestion was an astronaut, so that will be my next book. After that, I plan to choose from my many ideas as to what strikes me.

Are you a plotter or a seat of the pants writer?

Seat of the pants. Most of the time, I have a very basic idea of what will happen, and the rest of the story evolves as it happens. I like to become my characters and feel what they feel. I guess you could say my characters decide the story in the end, not me.

Do you have any special rituals to help you get in the mood to write?

Usually I’ll read back a scene or two, and edit. It draws me back into the story. And, at night, I like to cuddle in bed and just imagine. It helps me get ideas. Other then that, I just sit down and make myself do it, whether I feel like it or not. I don’t believe in writer’s block- I won’t let such a thing hold be back. Instead, I believe in effort. I just do it- I just write. If it isn’t perfect, at least I have the idea of it. I can always fix it later.

When you write, how do you know what to name your books or the characters?

Usually I know the title before I know the story. Titles are just something that comes to me easily. However, I am holding a contest to name my latest book. Fans should check out my website for more info on how to enter.
When picking names for my characters, I often use a baby book. I try to match who my characters are with a name that speaks that. I actually love picking names. It’s like naming your baby---but it’s a decision that gets to be made again and again.

Are there any genres or sub-genres that you wont write, if so, why?

Science fiction I don’t think I can do. I’m just not into it as others are. It’s just not who I am.

If you have any works in progress, could you please tell the readers what you are working on and perhaps give them a sneak peak?

I just finished a shortie we’ll call After The Baby for now. This is the book I am holding the title contest for. Currently I’m searching for a publisher for it. It is about a couple that has recently had a baby. As we all know, motherhood changes everything. A new baby can take a toll on a relationship. For Lacey and Joel, their worlds have been turned upside down. They haven’t made love in over three months. Slowly they are pushing away from each other. Their relationship is dying. But, Joel decides he will not lose his wife so easily. Therefore, he sets out romancing her, not only back to his bed, but back into his life.
I’m currently working on a historical western, The Price of A Pearl.

Ripped apart by her father, Pearl believes Cain is dead. Cain believes Pearl has betrayed him. The two are reunited in a bank holdup, and Cain takes Pearl hostage. He decides to ransom her, but little does he know- she is not going back.

Who was your favorite author as a child, and what was your favorite book?

As a teenager, I was very wrapped up in V.C. Andrews and her books. The original V.C. Andrews (ex. Flowers In The Attic) was a great author. Since she died, I still read some of the books, but the new ghostwriter for her name just isn’t the same as the real thing.

Who are your favorite authors now, and what are you favorite books now?

A favorite? You want me to pick? I can’t!!! I enjoy so many books, of such a variety, and editing allows me to read from new writers. I really don’t do favorites anymore. If I do get to read, it’s so great to have that time, I blinded by the niceness of it.

Do you have any bad writing habits?

I tend to rush, and leave out major description. I always have to go back and fill in. As a very impatient person, I can never wait to get a book done. Not always too good for the plot!

Is there any advice you would like to offer to aspiring authors?

Critique groups are good. So is writing. Don’t get so caught up in perfectionism you forget to write. Only practice makes perfect---not excuses. If you really want it, I say do it.

Is there a site where we can buy merchandise with your cover work on the products?

Yes. I have a café press shop at www.cafepress.com/alyssabrooks.

Do you have anything else you would like to add to your interview?

I’d just like to invite everyone to stop by my website. I have several new contests up, and would love to see some entries. Also, I really welcome fan mail.

Thank you, Alyssa for taking the time out of your busy day to answer our questions! This Interviewer is sure your readers will enjoy and appreciate the time you have spent with us today!



Interviewed by: Kimberly