Review: Crave and Interview with Author Monica Murphy

We at The Revolving Bookcase are very excited to have Author Monica Murphy stop by today to answer a few questions. I became an instant fan when I read her book One Week Girlfriend last month (see Review). And then I found out (through this interview!) that Monica Murphy also writes as Karen Erickson, whom I've been a fan of for years! I guess it wasn't so "instant" after all :) Either way, I was on board with reading whatever she came out with next, which happened to be Crave, the first of the Billionaire Bachelor's Club series. I loved the premise, and I loved the book too. Read my review and then check out the interview!

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Crave
Monica Murphy
August 6, 2013
Avon Impulse
100 pages (ebook)


Synopsis:
Billionaire Archer Bancroft always gets what he wants—and he’s wanted Ivy Emerson, his best friend’s sister, for far too long. Being forbidden and untouchable only makes her more tempting. When a million-dollar bet with his friends throws down a challenge—last bachelor standing takes all—Archer knows he can win. That is, until one enchanted evening with Ivy takes his heart for a ride.

Ivy knows Archer is nothing but bad news: Infuriating, arrogant…and completely intoxicating. But despite her best efforts, she can’t seem to keep away. When a stolen kiss leads to a night of heated passion, Ivy realizes she’s in trouble and in head over heels.

But in the light of day, everything seems clearer and Archer’s not so sure a one-night stand is all he wants. Concocting a plan to keep Ivy by his side, Archer might just be willing to lose this bet…and win the jackpot instead.

Review:
I had high expectations for this book given how much I adored Monica Murphy's (and Karen Erickson's) previous work and was worried I'd be disappointed because it was so short. Somehow, Ms. Murphy turned a quick romance into what felt like a full flushed-out story. While I felt like the premise was a bit ridiculous (even for a romance novel), I still loved what developed from it. The chemistry between Archer and Ivy was palpable right from the start and who wouldn't want to fall for your older brother's hot friend who happens to be a billionaire? I felt the ending could have been just a bit more drawn out - but other than that, I really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next in the series.

Crave: 3.5/5 stars
Cover: 4/5 stars


Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.


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Interview with Author Monica Murphy:

First off, thank you for stopping by The Revolving Bookcase today.


Thank you so much for having me! I'm definitely excited to be here and talk about CRAVE.


Crave is the first of The Billionaire Bachelors Club series, tell us a bit about these books. How many are you planning for the series? Will be they be connected or stand-alones?


The Billionaire Bachelors Club are made up of three friends who've known each other since they were teens. They're young, successful and think they're invincible--especially when it comes to love. These three idiots--ahem I mean, men--make a very expensive bet that they will never ever let themselves get tied down. Which means of course, I make them fall hopelessly in love.


There will be three books, three different couples, they're slightly connected but they can stand alone.


Did you always know you wanted to write New Adult Contemporary Romances? If you weren't a writer, what other career do you think you'd have?


No, I started out writing regular old contemporary romance (and erotic romance) under my other name, Karen Erickson. Over the years though, I would get rejections from editors that said, "These characters read too young." For real. So when new adult books started popping up, I came up with an idea and wrote One Week Girlfriend and self published it under the Monica Murphy pen name. The rest is history...


What would I be if I wasn't a writer? Hmm. I've done retail, I worked at a newspaper, I worked as a personal assistant, clerical type work, stay at home mom...I don't know what I'd be. All I know is I'm glad I'm a writer. Best job in the world!


What's the next project you're working on?


I'm working on edits for Gage's book TORN which is the second book in the Billionaire Bachelors Club series. I need to write the third one. I'm also working the fourth book in the One Week Girlfriend series, Four Years Later (Owen's book, Fable's little brother). Needless to say, I'm swamped.


Do you have any writing rituals or superstitions?


Not really...I'm trying to break the diet Coke habit but it's my fuel of choice. So there is always a can of diet Coke on my desk it seems. I'm drinking less of it though lately I swear!


Who is your writing inspiration or favorite author?


This I cannot answer because there are just too many authors out there that I love and admire. I stalk Jill Shalvis. Does that count? I really love her. And I'm inspired by all of the friends I've made in the writing community. There are so many amazing women who write books that I can call my friend. I feel really lucky.


Any upcoming appearances or signings?


I'm at the Naughty Mafia book signing in Vegas in mid-August! Excited about that one. I'm also going to be in Seattle in mid-October...

Is there anything you'd like readers/your fans to know about that we haven't asked?


I want to mention that the Billionaire Bachelors Club series is more of a mix of my Monica and Karen self. Not strictly a new adult romance per say, and not necessarily a straight contemporary romance either. It's lighter and sexier than my new adult titles but the characters are younger and the books are written in first person point of view. I hope readers enjoy the series. I know I've had fun writing the books!


And I also want readers to know how much they mean to me. I couldn't do this without them and when they write me emails, leave me messages and tweets, I love it. They make my day.


Thanks again for stopping by today! 


Thank you again for having me!

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

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Comments

  1. Great interview Laura and Monica. I am waiting patiently for TORN.

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