Thursday, June 19, 2014

CSA Case Files Box Set
 Blog Spot & Promo GiveawayJune 19, 2014 Guest Author Kennedy Layne



Kennedy Layne is joining the Decadent Divas today to share her currently released CSA Case Files Box Set.

Oooh, sounds very yummy ladies. Military men *Bats eyes and fans herself* Oh yes. I like!!!

CONTEST!
In celebration of my box set, I'm giving away a prize package of a $50.00 gift card to either Amazon or B&N to one lucky reader. I'll be back to choose a winner and announce it in the comments section tomorrow night!

Here's a little sneak peak of the novels in this CSA Case Files Box Set:
Blurbs:
Crest Security Agency (CSA) is run by Gavin Crest, a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He has personally selected his own former military team members, both men and women, to configure a seamless Special Operations Capable (SOC) unit. Working together on investigations, domestically and abroad, each team member will find their niche in life and love. Follow along as Kennedy Layne conveys each of their stories as they work together on investigations that lead them down perilous paths of passion, intrigue and suspense...

Captured Innocence (CSA Case Files 1)

When a killer sets his sights on Lauren, Connor is forced to grabble with the reality of their relationship. He has the training it takes to catch a murderer, but does he have the courage to escape his inner demons and capture Lauren's heart?

Sinful Resurrection (CSA Case Files 2)

Sins of the past have been resurrected, predetermining Jax and Emily's path to love. Jax doesn't know how he'll walk away this time or if he even wants to. Emily is determined to expose a high-level official within the United Nations and walk away unscathed. She wants a second chance with her first love -- even if it kills her.

Renewed Faith (CSA Case Files 3)

Is it possible to renew one's faith in love? Kevin's current case crosses paths with Elle's past. Secrets and lies encircle them as a killer ups the stakes in a cat and mouse game meant for only one winner. When time runs out, Kevin intends to be the last man standing -- in life and love.
Here is an excerpt from the third book:

“What are you doing?” Elle asked, her voice no more than a whisper. It was almost as if she were afraid to move. She cleared her throat. “I should go downstairs. The club is in full swing.”

“There’s no need to go downstairs when Jax said he has everything covered.” Kevin proceeded to unzip her white jacket and had just gotten the fastener to the bottom when her fingers encircled his wrists. “I’m just taking care of you, Elle. It was a long drive and I know you must be tired. You’re used to being awake at night and sleeping during the day. This trip has to have messed with your internal clock.”

“See?” Elle stepped back, dropping his hands. Her brown eyes shot to his, expressing her frustration. Now they were getting somewhere. He could handle whatever emotion she threw his way, but it was when she withdrew that he felt helpless. “This is the problem.”

Kevin studied her as she yanked her arms out of the insulated jacket and basically threw it on her kitchen table. She paced to the small kitchenette and then turned to face him with her hands on her hips. Was she finally going to open up enough for him to know the truth of what she was feeling? This guessing shit was getting old. He waited her out by crossing his arms, ensuring that she knew he wasn’t going anywhere.

“Damn it, Kevin, I don’t need taken care of.” Elle’s voice rose with each word. The passion she was expressing was everything he’d hoped for and the barriers that she’d set in place were finally coming down. “I’ve been doing it myself for my whole life. I don’t need you to fight my battles for me, I don’t need you to take over and make me dependent on you, and I damn well didn’t need to see the way that your family lives.”

“And how is that?” Kevin asked, taking advantage of her need to breathe. The minute she switched tenses, he knew that now was the time to get to the crux of her issue. “My family depends on each other, Elle. That’s how it works.”

“I was fine. Do you understand that? I was fine living my life, content with my normal routine, and certainly gratified to be working for a living where I didn’t have to sell myself.” Elle had pointed a finger his way and emphasized each and every fact. “Now? In a matter of weeks, you’ve managed to destroy the serenity that I was able to bury myself in.”

“Is that how you want to live the rest of your life?” Kevin asked, involuntarily taking a step toward her. They were finally making progress. She was like a fucking magnet and her pull on him was unconscious. “Just being content? Do you not want happiness, enjoyment, or passion? What about sharing moments with someone? What about building something until the outcome is what you’ve just witnessed with my family? This satisfaction you talk of sounds damn lonely to me.”

“It wasn’t...” Elle shook her head as if she were at a loss for words. The lost look on her face was just too much. If she were to only really see what was in front of her, he could give her what she truly needed. Her brown eyes rested on him, but she still didn’t really see. “I was just fine.”

“You deserve so much better than just fine, city girl.”



When did you first start writing?

I get this question asked a lot, but I never tire of answering it.  It’s been close to four years now.  My son plays travel soccer and he was taken on an older team after try-outs.  He was worried about it and like any mother, I gave him the lecture that he could be whatever he wanted to be, as long as he gave it his all and did his best.  He threw the words right back at me (he knew I’d always wanted to be an author).  I realized then that showing was better than telling.  The following day, I chose an old manuscript I had written and submitted it to a publisher.  Within four days, it was accepted and as they say…the rest is history.

Where did the inspiration come from for this series?

I left the publishing world and chose to self-publish.  There isn’t a day that goes by that I regret making that decision.  My husband is a retired Marine of twenty-three years.  He’s my rock and my sanity.  One night, we were throwing out ideas and he came up with Crest Security Agency.  By the time we were done with dinner, an entire series had grown and all I had to do was put it into words.
Do you plan to only write military romance?
I do consider myself a military romance author, but I’m sure down the line that there will be a book or two that goes outside the genre.  It’s always good to try different things!

What is your favorite thing about writing?

Oh boy…I can’t begin to tell you how many ‘movies’ play inside my head on any given day.  It helps to put them down on paper while at the same time, sharing my stories with readers who enjoy romance and a happily ever after!

What do you find that is sexy about a man?

I couldn’t name one specific thing that I find sexy about a man.  Sexy is such a combination of things…a sparkle in his eye, his smile, his ability to make me laugh…a nice ass J  Seriously, though, the sexiest thing about a man is when you’re in a room full of people and you catch him watching you with a promise in his eye.  **fanning self**
How do you juggle the demands of family and career versus writing?
 This is such a touch question to answer, but it’s all about dedication.  I have a husband, a son, three dogs, two cats, a bird, and an aquarium the size of Manhattan.  Did I mention we’re selling our house?  I could go on and on, but you get the idea.  Writing is something I have to do…it’s ingrained in me.  We make time to eat and drink…I include writing on that list.

Wine or chocolate, what's your favorite?

Oh, chocolate for sure!  Having it with a cup of coffee is even better…I’m a coffee-holic.

What is your writing day like?

I try to keep a normal routine because I still have a teenager in the house.  So when he goes to school, I grab my first cup of coffee and go through my emails, pm’s, notifications, and also browse through social media.  Once I’ve answered everyone, I open up my manuscript and get to work until my son comes home from school.  I sometimes work in the evening, but I love our family time.  My husband and I have our favorite televisions shows, so we’ll camp out on the couch with some popcorn until it’s time to call it a night.

Is there anything you won't write?

Unhappy endings.  Life throws us harsh realities and sometimes, they aren’t pleasant.  I write to give people an escape from their everyday worries and my stories will always have a happily ever after.
Do you ever use real life experiences when you write?
I would think that every author brings in his or her life experiences.  How can we not? 

What is your best advice to an aspiring author?

Hmmm…I would say that there is nothing to lose in trying something that you love.  In today’s publishing world, there are numerous options to choose from.  You can try for the traditional publishers, you can submit to an e-book publisher, or you can self-publish.  With the later, my advice would be to make sure you use a reputable cover artist, editor, and formatter.  Those are essential when braving the waters by yourself.  As I learned from my son, unless you try…you will never know.

Where you can find Kennedy Layne...



26 comments:

  1. Kennedy is an awesome supporter of other authors! I'm into book two now :)

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    1. You are a doll, Cheryl! I'm glad we got the chance to hang out at RT...although it was crazy busy!

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    2. It was crazy busy :) Such a huge con! I'm thinking smaller cons going forward...but I need to write for a while. lol.

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  2. I know, I love Kennedy. She is so sweet and has no problem sharing her vast knowledge. Big smoochies honey!!

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  3. Not sure what I need to do to enter the contest so just wanted to say I really enjoyed Captured innocence and can't wait to start Jax and Emily's story. Good luck with the new release (Lach - the strong silent type yum) and the house sale. Thanks for the chance to win :-)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Claire! Erin answered below regarding the your contest entry question....you are already entered :)

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  4. Kennedy, I hope you have your morning coffee :) I just looked at the cover for Lach again, I can't wait!

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    1. He does look yummy on that cover, doesn't he? **fans face**

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    2. I think I need him as a screen saver ;)

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  5. Amy, just responding to this post enters you into the contest.

    Decadently yours,

    Erin Simone :)

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  6. Loved the excerpt. Purchased the first in the series last month and looking forward to reading it once I get a moment:)

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  7. I love that there is a HEA at the end of a Kennedy Layne novel. I have enough from real life as it is so knowing when I step into my books I can have my HEA is a wonderful thing…..

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    1. Lisa,

      HEAs are vital to the stories I tell. My mind creates the pasts and futures of my heroes and heroines and does so only with them obtaining the ultimate goal...love.

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  8. Kennedy, you are an absolute inspiration, and I feel very blessed to have met you at RT! I can't wait for your next book!!! Erin...LOVED going on the "ghost tour" with y'all! :)

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    1. I'm looking forward to the next convention and hope that you will be able to attend! You are a joy to talk to and you light up any room that you walk into :)

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  9. Awwwh Tammy it was so nice to meet you too and that ghost tour was very informative. I love New Orleans :)

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  10. Hello Kennedy it is so good to hear answers to the questions I didn't ask because I was all fan Girly on you. Please thank your son for pushing you to PUT UP or SHUT UP as it were. I am glad that your dream chasing led to some favourite stories for me.

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    1. I'm so very happy that you came all the way from New Zealand to visit your favorite authors and I'm honored to be among them. xoxo

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  11. Wow Kennedy just finished last book will write reviews for all 3, loved that I was so into characters and stories and had no idea how we were getting to the happily ever after, you always know the ending! !!!! Will definitely keep reading ur books so please keep writing! !!!!

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    1. Thank you so much, Amy! I hope you enjoy Campaign of Desire (releasing July 14th) just as much!

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  12. I saw your message where you were having issues posting,Dawn. Thank you so much :)

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  13. I love your books SO much Kennedy! I can't wait for Lach's story

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    1. Thank you so much, Susan! I hope you love Lach as much as the others :)

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  14. Using random.org....the winner of the $50 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes & Noble is "sassytwd"! Congrats! If you would please email me your choice of gift card and your email address, I will make certain that you get your prize :)

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