Spotlight & Giveaway: Love Under Quarantine by Kylie Scott & Audrey Carlan

Posted May 11th, 2020 by in Blog, Spotlight / 51 comments

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Kylie Scott & Audrey Carlan to HJ!
Spotlight&Giveaway

Hi Kylie & Audrey and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Love Under Quarantine!

 

Please summarize the book a la Twitter style for the readers here:

It’s kinda like Romeo and Juliet hanging out on their balconies getting to know one another during the quarantine. Only he’s a pro-athlete with a scandal hanging over his head and she’s a romance writer who’s muse has left the building.
 

Please share the opening lines of this book:

“They locked down the fucking city, man!” I rage into my cell phone while pacing my best friend Jake’s apartment.
“Ev, bro, relax. I can hear your blood pressure skyrocketing all the way from Africa. And I sincerely doubt that they’re locking down San Francisco. It’s one of the biggest cities in the world. There’s no way the government can close off a city of six million people, not to mention the commuters. You need to…”

 

Please share a few Fun facts about this book…

  • It’s both authors first attempt at writing a book together.
  • Kylie knows nothing about football. Audrey had to supply all of that knowledge.
  • The hero cooks for the heroine.
  • It’s set in San Francisco!
  • Lots of snacks are involved both in the book and in the making of the book.

 

What first attracts your Hero to the Heroine and vice versa?

Evan is a big grumpy beast trying to figure out who wrecked his career. While Sadie is a balance of wise ass and dreamer.
 

Using just 5 words, how would you describe Hero and Heroine’s love affair?

Longing, tempestuous, unexpected, camaraderie, timeless.
 

The First Kiss…

He leans back and cups my face. His blue eyes are shining and magically, filled with a rawness I’ve always craved in a man but never had. It’s awe. He’s in awe of this moment. In awe of me. With deft movements, he walks us back into the apartment, shutting and locking the door behind us. This is it.
“Kiss me, Evan.” I swallow down the anticipation and anxiety of such an important moment. We only get one first kiss.
“It feels like I’ve been waiting a lifetime to kiss you.” His thumbs trace the apple of my cheeks and that’s when I realize I’m crying. Big fat wet tears slide down my face. He dips forward and kisses first one tear-stained cheek and then the other before he closes his eyes and presses his nose to mine.
“I’m in love with you, and I haven’t even kissed you,” he murmurs against my mouth. A secret and a revelation.
My entire body quivers, words I’ve never felt before battering at my heart, filling my soul with all that is him. Us. What we are to one another. So much emotion I don’t even know what to do with it all. Tears pour down my cheeks and over his fingers. “I’m in love with you too, and it’s crazy, wild, and better than anything I’ve ever known.”
“Baby.” His lips barely touch mine, but I feel that word race through my body in ribbons of electricity.

 

Without revealing too much, what is your favorite scene in the book?

And then he had to go and make his presence known. The new neighbor.
Despite the average weather, he sits attempting to sun himself on a deck chair, sunglasses on and T-shirt off. You’d think he was at the beach or something. Boy, does he have some pecs on him. With a bottle of beer in hand, he sings the words to Kenny Rogers’s “The Gambler.” Loud. And given his limited vocal talents, way too proudly.
“Oh God, you’re getting the words all wrong.” I wrinkle my nose. Not that he could hear my constructive criticism with his earbuds in. Probably a good thing. “And you definitely missed that note. Do not give up your day job, buddy.”
“Harsh,” he comments, looking at me over the top of his sunglasses.
Oops.

 

If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would be absolutely crucial to include?

The first touch…

“You don’t care that I look like a vagrant?” I ask with my heart in my hand.
“Sadie, baby, rest assured that even if I knew what a vagrant was I still wouldn’t care that you apparently look like one.”
I laugh. “A hobo, vagabond, drifter. You know?”
“Cutest hobo I’ve ever seen. I especially dig your fluffy socks.”
“Thanks.”
“We good now?”
I grin. “Oh. We’re so damn good.”
“Thank fuck for that!” He growls, pulling my body against his much larger one. My toes are barely touching the ground when he sinks his face against the crook of my neck and hugs me.
Not what I expected, but somehow better.
His body is shaking and then I realize it’s me. I’m trembling in his arms.
He runs his hands up and down my back while he holds me. Kisses the side of my neck in featherlight presses of lips to skin.
“Relax, baby. Let me hold you.”

 

Readers should read this book …

For a romance story about this crazy, scary, impossible situation we’ve all found ourselves in. With a little hope, love, and by working together, we can all get through this difficult time. And because it’s a romance, your happy ever after is assured.

 

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

Kylie is working on the next 1,001 Night Novella “Love Story” and Audrey is working on a second book for Harlequin.

 

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

 

Giveaway: A paperback copy of “Love Under Quarantine”.

 

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: How are you? What are some of your coping mechanisms for getting through the day?

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 

Excerpt from Love Under Quarantine:

“Want to join me in day drinking, Sadie?”
“Uh, no. Thanks. It’s barely midday and I have work to do.” A whole book to write in fact, with him as the muse. But there is no need to go into details with him about that. Ever.
“Aw, I see. You’re a good girl.” He snorts knowingly. Sneers, even. Asshat. As if he knows a damn thing about me. And…his words aren’t slurred, but who knows how many brewskis he’s imbibed so far.
“And you’re kind of obnoxious,” I fire off, no longer enjoying our little tête-à-tête.
This only makes him laugh harder, his head falling back and arm going over his abs as he lets it fly. Definitely tipsy, if not actually drunk. This kind of shit I do not need. If I wanted to be judged, I’d have continued the call with my mother.
“Nice to meet you, Evan.” On that note, I head for the door.
“Wait! Please. I’m sorry.” He rises out of the chair and walks to the railing closest to my side. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
I turn back to him, arms crossed. Waiting.
“If anything, I’m a little lonely with this whole lockdown thing. It’s sort of doing my head in, having to stay indoors all the time.” He rubs at his golden chest.
I can’t help but watch the movement. His chest is massive. A smattering of blond chest hair sprinkled evenly across the expanse in just the right amount. Not too furry or caveman-like, but definitely manly. I bet it’s soft. Farther down are eight—yes, eight—visible abs. Who on earth has an eight-pack nowadays? Maybe he’s a personal trainer. Hmm… Personal trainer gets locked in an apartment during quarantine, ends up “training” the housekeeper, and they fall in love. I scrunch up my nose again. Too cliché and porn-like. Nah, I’m going back to hot jock.
“You’re usually out and about, huh?” I ask.
“Yeah. Training, work, catching up with friends…different things. You know.” His smile is small, but seems sincere. “How about you?”
“I normally work from home so it’s not quite as big a difference for me. And I love my apartment and the view.” It is one of the reasons I didn’t move back to Texas after finishing my English degree at Berkeley. I fell for San Francisco. The bay and the bridge and the nightlife and everything. The hills and the trams and the little restaurants down by the water. I adore it all. “Annoying not to be able to just go out and do whatever you want, though.”
“It sure is,” he agrees.
“I talked to my family and FaceTimed one of my friends earlier, but just going to grab a decent coffee and a pastry or going for a walk or hitting the gym…”
“Tell me about it.” When he leans on the railing, the muscles in his shoulders and upper arms flex in a fascinating manner. “I’m usually there a couple of hours a day. Push-ups and sit-ups in the living room don’t really have the same effect. There’s a treadmill and a bike in the spare room, but it’s not the same.”
“And we’re only on day two.”
“Shit. Don’t remind me.” He runs a hand through the dark blond waves at the top of his head. The layers scatter and fall back in place, like he intended it that way.

Excerpts. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Book Info:

While the world is ravaged by a global pandemic, hotshot NFL running back Evan Sparks is locked in his own personal hell. With a career-ending scandal on his back, Evan hides out in his best friend’s empty San Francisco home, the full city shutdown locking him in a lonely twenty-story apartment in the sky.

Romance writer Sadie Walsh is having the worst case of writer’s block ever…until the incredible, muscular stranger staying next door gets her muse going strong. The pair of loners, never expecting to find a friend in all the madness, meet each day out on their balconies like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet.

Each new day brings unique challenges for the pair as they navigate the unknown and find solace together. They quickly figure out that as long as they have one another, they can handle anything.

Even falling in love under quarantine.
Book Links: Amazon | 

 

Meet the Author:

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014, 2018, & 2019, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Audrey Carlan is a #1 New York Times and International bestselling author. Her titles have appeared on USA Today and the Wall Street Journal. Audrey writes wicked hot love stories that have been translated in over thirty different languages across the globe. She is best known for the world-wide bestselling series Calendar Girl and Trinity.

She lives in the California Valley where she enjoys her two children and the love of her life. When she’s not writing, you can find her teaching yoga, sipping wine with her “soul sisters,” or with her nose stuck in a steamy romance novel.

 

 

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51 Responses to “Spotlight & Giveaway: Love Under Quarantine by Kylie Scott & Audrey Carlan”

  1. Brenda

    I was doing pretty good being self quarantined with my husband and son, but this past weekend was difficult with a death in the family, a different family member had a heart attack (they are ok and in the ICU right now) and I lost my summer coaching job. We know it will all be alright but all three happening so close together took a toll on our family.
    In the long run we are very lucky compared to others. I hope everyone stays safe and heathy.

  2. Sonia

    I’m okay and something that have keep me sane are reading, sewing, baking and gardening:)

  5. Lori R

    I make sure I take a walk everyday and I stay in touch with my family and friends. Some days are better than others.

  6. Jennifer Shiflett

    I’m doing okay. I’ve done a lot of reading, baking, and watching cooking shows.

  8. Pamela Conway

    I’m working from home mostly, going into the office one or two days a week with limited staff. Have been reading. I miss just being able to do normal things & not being able to see friends but am dealing with it.

  9. Diana Hardt

    I’m okay. I’m working from home and also catching up on some reading.

  11. zsandrea

    I’m fine. We’re following the quarantine rules as much as we can. Walking with our dog every day is keeping me sane.

  12. janinecatmom

    I’m taking a lot of naps and eating more. I’ll probably weight 1000 lbs by the time this is over. My husband still goes to work so my stress level is on overload.

  13. dbranigan

    I’m great! I am a homebody so this hasn’t been as bad for me as others. I have been exposed to the world on video games and that eats up hours so that helps. Best wishes to you.

  15. Karina Angeles

    I have good days and bad days. Homeschooling a 4th grader was much harder than I thought. 4th grade math is not done like when we were kids-which had lead to a little day drinking and lots of how-to YouTube videos. My kindergartener is learning to read because of sight words and he misses his teacher because I doesn’t read or explain things like her. His teacher does Zoom meetings with the kids twice a week to help-it’s a life-saver.

  17. Juli Huber Hall

    I’m doing good. I’m going for walks daily and reading. Also watching some TV, which I didn’t really do much before.

  18. Artemis Giote

    Reading a lot, coloring books and playing board games with my family.

  22. Pammie R.

    This point in time is very difficult for me because my mom died in the middle of it, but not of it. She was sick for many years and her body finally just gave out. I write for the most part and I have my dad and our dogs. For now, we are taking it day by day.

    • Joy Avery

      I’m doing a lot better than I thought I would. Trying to homeschool my son is the only thing driving me crazy.

  23. Amy R

    How are you? Doing good
    What are some of your coping mechanisms for getting through the day? trying to stay on a schedule

  24. Lynne Brigman

    I am doing good just doing a lot of cleaning that I have needed to do. I have been doing more reading which is really good.

  25. Kathleen Bylsma

    Now that the weather is better…regular walks and sticking t a schedule, regardless of how little I want to

  26. Cheryl Hastings

    We’re all healthy here at my house, but have experienced a death in our extended family from the virus. My oldest is teaching from home, my husband is out working, my youngest just graduated college (graduation is in Aug) but trying to finish her internship virtually. I’m cleaning, shopping for us and my parents and doing laundry. Reading is my escape, and I’ve rediscovered my love of puzzles.

  29. Lilah Chavez

    I’m having a very hard time… My anxiety and depression st at a all-time high. What’s saving me is my CBD … And omg my garden is actually growing ☺

    • Shannon Capelle

      Doing ok. Trying to read, spend time with my kids and husband and furbabies. Taking each day with a new task or project and exercise and walks outside is a must. Alot of time on my front patio. Just being grateful my husband and our four kids and myself are healthy!!!!

  34. Anita H.

    Doing our best to adjust to our new normal of isolation. Been binging on TV shows and movies, listening to music and spending some time on my own out on the patio everyday just to get away from the rest of the family!

  39. Daniel M

    not much different here, already pretty isolated before this started, all my friends bailed over a decade ago when i got disabled

  40. Colleen C.

    Doing pretty well… reading as much as I can… doing little projects around the house and yard.

  41. laurieg72

    I’ve been keeping busy getting the spring yard work done. We’ve also had to get a rental ready. The tenants damaged it so it took us over a week of hard work. I’ve been reading and listening to music. I’ve spent time connecting to friends and family via Facebook and Facetime.

    Missing my grandchildren’s hugs and kisses!

  42. joab4424

    I’m retired so I didn’t have to worry about losing my job. My daily routine hasn’t changed much. But there’s something about knowing I shouldn’t go out that makes me want to go – anyplace!

  44. Nancy Payette

    My mom passed away at Christmas last year, so have been very busy tending to all the loose ends.