GUEST AUTHOR: Moment of Clarity by Karen Stivali

Karen Stivali has stopped by as part of her Moment of Clarity Tour. She has kindly answered some questions. So check out her interview and the details of her latest release, the last book in her series.

The last installment of Karen Stivali’s Moments in Time series, Moment of Clarity, has just been released. At the same time, the paperback Moments in Time that contains all three novellas in the series has also been published!

Synopsis

Spending the summer together on Fire Island brought Collin and Tanner closer than ever, but back in their conservative college town, challenges confront them at every turn.

As they search for their new normal in their old environment, Collin’s brother Sean surprises them with help when they need it most. But when word about their relationship gets out, trouble erupts with friends and family. When Collin’s relationship with Tanner becomes an issue in his brother’s custody battle and Tanner struggles with his feelings for a heartbroken Wendy, Collin wonders if everyone he cares about would be better off without him in the picture.

In order to save them both, Tanner must make it clear to Collin that their love for each other is all that matters.

Interview

Today I’m thrilled to have Karen Stivali visit the blog. Welcome, Karen. Congratulations on yesterday’s release of Moment of Clarity, the third book in your Moments In Time series, and thanks for agreeing to answer some questions.

I love reading series that take me on a journey, from the initial start of a relationship, through the various challenges that befall couples, to the (hopefully) ultimate happy ending. What are the key challenges your find when writing subsequent stories about an established couple?

Karen: I actually love writing additional stories about established couples. I think in most ways it’s easier to write about people once you’ve been through the early parts of their relationship together. You already know how they interact and how they came to be as a couple. The challenge is that the more I write about a couple, the more attached I become to them. So when they face a traumatic situation it takes more of a toll on me. That’s why I’m a romance writer—I have to know that at the end of the bad stuff my characters are going to get a happily ever after ending. If I could, I’d guarantee happily ever afters for everyone in my real life, but since that’s not possible the least I can do is guarantee them for my fictional family.

Collin or Tanner? Does one of them hold a special place in your heart or is that like choosing a favourite child?

Karen: It’s very much like asking me to choose a favourite child. I adore Collin and Tanner. I have a soft spot for Collin just because I’ve written the books in Collin’s point of view. His neurotic worrying tugs at my heart strings. But Tanner is so loving and patient (and yet imperfect and vulnerable in his own ways)—I love him just as much.

Can you tell us about your writing environment?

Karen: My “desk” is actually the built-in kitchen desk in the middle of our kitchen, which is at the exact center of our house. It’s small and extremely cluttered but I wouldn’t work from anywhere else. I love being able to cook while I write, and I’m one of those people who needs to be checking email and social media and writing and editing and answering the phone and getting the door and chatting with whoever is coming in and out of the house—all at once. I’m not a solitary creature. I need activity and people around me. I am also a night person, so late at night the house is quiet and I get concentrate in quiet then.

What are you currently working on? What can your readers expect from you next?

Karen: I just signed two more contracts with Dreamspinner Press. They’re both books in the Moments In Time series but they’ll star secondary characters from the first three books. MOMENT OF SILENCE features Quinn (Collin’s oldest brother) and Jason (Collin’s co-worker from Fire Island who developed a crush on him). MOMENT OF FATE is Bryan’s book (Bryan is the musician housemate from Moment Of Truth). I’m very excited about both of these projects. I also have a m/f New Adult romance releasing from Bloomsbury Publishing in late 2015. Lots of books on the way!

I love to know what authors are reading. Do you find much time to read and what’s the last book you read?

Karen: The books I’m currently reading are all books I’m beta reading for writer friends and, as they’re not public yet, I can’t disclose the titles (you’ll hear about them soon!). The last book I read that I can talk about was The Shameless Hour by Sarina Bowen. It’s available now and it’s an awesome read—her whole series is really great and it’s a mix of m/m and m/f stories—all of which take place at the same university. If you haven’t read her, give them a try. I love them.

Can you share one thing your readers might be surprised to know about you?

Karen: I don’t know that too much would surprise the readers who follow me on Twitter. I’m pretty open there! I’ve never had a Mountain Dew? I’ve never seen the movie Flashdance? I’m very superstitious? My hands are double jointed? Not sure those would surprise anyone but that’s all I’ve got!

Thanks for stopping by and best of luck with the book and your upcoming stories. They all sound fabulous. xx

Excerpt

Between classes, my work at Gino’s, Tanner’s shifts at the bookstore, and commuting back and forth to Sean’s house, Tanner and I were busier than we’d ever been. I always knew it was more convenient to live on campus, but I had no idea what a hassle it was to make the added drive daily. By the time we got to Sean’s, had dinner, spent time with the girls, and did some studying, we were exhausted.

I hadn’t touched Tanner for yet another week, and I didn’t think I’d last the day without changing that. Tanner must have felt the same. I’d seen the looks he’d been throwing me, particularly the night before while we were watching a movie together, but I wasn’t about to do anything with Sean and the kids in the house. I didn’t care that the doors locked. It didn’t feel right. And I didn’t trust either of us to be quiet enough. Especially since it had been so long.

Sean handed me the last dirty dish to load into the dishwasher while Tanner put the juice and milk in the fridge.

“I’m gonna run to the grocery store while the kids are at preschool. Any requests?” Sean asked, grabbing his wallet off the counter and shoving it in his pocket.

“If you get a can of crushed tomatoes and some spaghetti, I’ll cook.”

“Thanks. The kids loved that the other night. Anything else?”

I tried to think but couldn’t. All that registered in my brain was that Sean was going out. Tanner and I would be alone in the house. My cock was totally onboard with this thought and already looking for an escape plan from my pants.

“I think that’ll do it. Tanner, you need anything?”

Tanner looked up from wiping off the kitchen tables. His pupils were huge. I knew that look. I loved that look. He was thinking the same thing I was. My cock twitched in anticipation.

“I’m good,” Tanner said, tossing the rag on the counter.

“Okay, then.” Sean headed for the door. “It’s my turn to drive carpool home, so I’ll probably take the kids to Mickey D’s for happy meals. Lock up if you both leave, okay?”

“Sure.” My heart raced as I watched Sean trot down the back porch steps. I held my breath, listening as the car door slammed, the engine revved, and the tires crunched down the gravel driveway.

I turned to look at Tanner, but before I could even focus my eyes, he was on me. Hands on either side of my face, body pressed up against mine, lips prying mine open, tongue—oh, God, I’d missed that tongue—swirling in circles with mine.

Groaning, I grabbed his ass and tugged him closer. I needed to feel as much of him as possible. All of him. Immediately, if not sooner.

Buy Links

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WYN27H0/

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00WYN27H0/

DsP: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6283

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-momentofclarity-1792207-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moment-of-clarity-karen-stivali/1121843058?ean=2940151645423

Moments in Time – Series Paperback

Contains books 1, 2, and 3 – Moment of Impact, Moment of Truth, and Moment of Clarity.

DsP: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6284

Haven’t read books 1 and 2? Then hurry up as Moment of Impact and Moment of Truth will be on sale for 99 cents for a limited time (May 5 -18).

Moment of Impact

Outside Collin Fitzpatrick’s dorm room is a dangerous place. Beyond his door the students of his small, conservative college think he’s straight, as does his Catholic family who’d disown him if they learned the truth. Inside, he’s safe with his incredibly sexy roommate Tanner D’Amico. Their room makes a perfect place to hide away and fall in love. The moment they cross the line from roommates to lovers, Collin becomes caught between their heavenly passionate encounters and the hellish reality that someone might find out and destroy everything. Tanner’s not used to being so confined, and wants to show the world how much he loves Collin. But Collin’s not sure he’s ready for the impact stepping outside will make.

Buy Moment of Impact

Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5855

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RO1Z6ZC/

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00RO1Z6ZC/

Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00RO1Z6ZC/

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-momentofimpact-1700287-340.html

Moment of Truth

Collin expected to spend another summer fixing cars and working at the college pizzeria. Instead, he’s living in a beach house on Fire Island, waiting tables at a hip seaside restaurant and, for the first time since he and Tanner got together, they can publicly be known as boyfriends. Being “out” takes some getting used to, but with the help of new and old friends, Collin is happier than he ever imagined. And more in love. But newfound freedom brings unexpected challenges, and when friends get flirty, old insecurities arise. Moments of doubt and jealousy threaten their happiness, and Collin and Tanner must confront the truth or risk losing it all.

Buy Moment of Truth

Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6066

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TWO2XH8/

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00TWO2XH8/

Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00TWO2XH8/

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-momentoftruth-1751880-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moment-of-truth-karen-stivali/1121262738?ean=2940151483421

Want more? Moment of Silence and Moment of Fate, featuring secondary characters in Collin and Tanner’s story, will be released in late 2015 and early 2016.

About the author

Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies, and fictional British men. She’s also the multiple award-winning author of contemporary and erotic romances. Her lifelong fascination with people has led her to careers ranging from hand-drawn animator, to party planner, to marriage and family counselor, but writing has always been her passion. Karen enjoys nothing more than following her characters on their journey toward love. Whether the couples are m/f or m/m, it’s guaranteed that Karen’s novels are filled with food, friendship, love, and smoking hot sex—all the best things in life.

When Karen isn’t writing (and often when she is), she can be found on Twitter attempting witty banter and detailing the antics of her fruit-loving cat, BadKitteh. She loves to hear from readers (and other writers), so don’t hesitate to contact/follow/like her at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenstivali

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/KarenStivaliAuthor

Website: http://karenstivali.com