Hi, readers! I am beyond pleased to announce a very special post today on ILRB. We’re doing something a little different. This is our twenty-ninth official author interview on this romance blog! I know in the past, we did character interviews then switched over to the author’s take on it, but this approach is a bit unusual.
We have a real treat for you, readers. Today we get to speak one-on-one with a talented author. Please join me in welcoming author duo Amber Anthony to ILRB! Nice to chat with you both…
Marie Lavender: Hello, Amber.
Author Amber Anthony: Hi, Marie!
Marie: Hey, such a pleasure to have you on the blog!
I’m going to throw in some standard questions first.
Obviously, we know your occupation as an author, but some writers have other jobs as well. Do you have another occupation? Do you believe you’re any good at it? Do you like what you do?
I know I’m overloading you with questions, but we’re really interested in finding out more about you…
Amber: Me – Rusty Hough Bader, my family owns a neighborhood tavern. In 2020, we lost a BBQ business to COVID-19. It’s been a tenuous year. I enjoyed work as a Pharmacy Tech until I destroyed the full function of both thumbs. Now I sew, do the crafting for our book swag and watch my 15-month granddaughter.
Marie: Uggh, this Coronavirus truly sucked, right?
So, tell us…what is your family like?
Amber: Rusty has a non-traditional traditional family. My son and his wife live around the corner. He manages our bar, and he and his wife are beginning a lifestyle podcast. Their daughter spends the workday with me. Our daughter lives in Maryland and I will miss being there when she and her husband have their first daughter 04/15/21. I’m boring… I garden, sew, dream of house painting projects and move furniture around.
Marie: I see.
Let’s try something else, okay?
If it doesn’t bother you at all, can you let us know what your childhood home looked like?
Amber: Rusty’s first home was a stone duplex in Baltimore, Maryland. When I was four, we moved into a patio pool home in St. Pete and I grew up with a swimming pool in the middle of our home. I thought we were RICH. We were not!
Marie: Nice! (Chuckles.)
Do you have any hobbies, Amber? What do you enjoy doing?
Amber: I do the boring stuff, the quilting, the Cricut stuff for book swag, sewing for costumes for book conventions, et cetera. I make jewelry for the Beauty and The Beast (CBS TV) fandom and we meet annually in July. I was about to get into Brazilian Ju Jitsu when Covid hit and I am sooo physically bored.
Marie: Okay.
So, what is your greatest dream?
Amber: Rusty’s dream? Come out from under the crushing debt of losing a business. I want a semblance of normal in government where we can build instead of sandbagging the area. For Rusty – When you are 66 and you think how hard you’ve worked, and now it’s just hell to keep it together, it blows my mind. This past year has destroyed us financially. It’s played with my creativity. We’ve been writing a book for the past four months and due to recent events, it has to be completely rewritten. No one would believe that we wrote ‘this’ last year. Back to the drawing board.
Marie: Yeah, that’s tough. 😦
Let’s try another question.
What kind of person do you both wish you could be? What is stopping you?
Amber: (Rusty) I have been a volunteer on multiple levels for decades, the kind that volunteered 10-15 hours weekly. I’ve been a fundraiser, an organizer, and trained adult volunteers. Now I’m Mimmy, a resource for my daughter in law and daughter. As far as the state of the country, I’m where I need to be.
Marie: So…we’re curious, since you did include some romance in your story. Who was your first love?
Amber: Ballet school.
Marie: (Laughs.)
All right, gotcha!
With the next question, I hope I’m not prying too much.
What’s the most terrible thing that ever happened to you?
Amber: Nothing. Together my husband and I have experienced birth loss, accidents, middle age job loss, Cancer, a broken leg, business loss, severe illnesses, and both of us are fighting the effects of Covid from December. Things happen and they are rough. We don’t rate their level of destruction, we just work through it.
Marie: I understand…
Let’s move on to another topic, shall we?
[Amber team nods.]
What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved the dream, why not?
Amber: Childhood dreams are just that. I won 3rd place in a local beauty contest (Whoopee). I consider it a win when I realize through thick and thin, I’m married almost 39 years, Tim and I are home owners where we are safe and have enough to share with our employees (who made good wages and love their jobs). I drive the car I want to drive (2016 SLK 300). We’ve worked for more than we have and we’re grateful for what we’ve got.
As a writing duo, Nancy and I have lasted longer than some marriages (since 2008). We’ve been recognized for a short film script at the Las Vegas Film Festival years ago (Whoopee-nobody remembers), and we’ve written ten books (Nobody really cares).
The creative dream of opening a file and building these characters and their world as a ‘thing’ is continuing with our political thriller.
The writing world is full of awards writers buy for themselves. That is about an empty a victory as I can figure. We write to such a niche that cracking the top 10 at Amazon isn’t even a dream, it’s a freaking fantasy.
Marie: I know. It’s hard to be a writer these days…believe me, I’ve been there.
Now, who is your role model, if you don’t mind my asking?
Amber: No one. Past authors emerged in different times. All I can learn from them is to not quit. I see Authors selling ‘classes’, but I don’t see Authors giving emerging Authors a hand up, like “check this out.” Big writers don’t want to hitch a possible ‘loser’ to their big star train.
As an Author active in the Literary Love Savannah group, I’ve worked with some authors who wanted feedback… I wish I had more hours to devote to that.
Marie: Let’s try another tactic.
Is there someone you pretend to like but really dislike?
Amber: Never. If I don’t like it, I have no problem expressing my feelings. I’m too old to play that ridiculous game.
Marie: Oh, how refreshing!
And what is your deepest desire?
Amber: Get this current book done to our standards.
Marie: Okay, that makes sense.
Let’s go for a different approach now.
Just curious here, but what is your greatest fear?
Amber: World decimation by narcissistic, misogynistic egomaniacs.
Marie: We’ll switch gears for a second.
If you were trapped on a deserted island, what five essentials would you need with you? They don’t have to be practical.
Amber:
1) a bottle of Grand Marnier that is never empty.
2) three pieces of linen clothing.
3)a cooler that always has a delicious meal waiting for me.
4) a massage therapist that looks like Alex O’Loughlin, oh, hell…. It would have to be him.
5) a hairbrush.
Marie: Yes to Alex! Woo! ♥♥♥
Okay, readers, let’s get the author’s perspective on one of her characters.
We’ve heard rumors about the hero of your story – Jax. Quite an interesting character. Can you tell us a little about him?
Amber: Jax Roman is a self-made man who rose out of tumultuous family situation to become a Navy SEAL.
Marie: Cool!
And what are some of Jax’s greatest strengths?
Amber: His greatest strength is perseverance and sense of justice.
Marie: How admirable!
Any weaknesses of which we should be aware?
Amber: His sense of loss of family connection.
Marie: Okay…
Let’s try something fun, shall we?
What are your character’s favorite foods?
Amber: Being a SEAL, his favorite foods are shared in comfort or with Kameo.
Marie: What’s a positive quality that Jax is unaware that he has?
Amber: Jax doesn’t know how forgiving he can be.
Marie: All right.
So, will readers like or dislike this character, and why?
Amber: Initially, Jax comes off as a playboy type, and he could sound cavalier. But when the gloves are off and his trials by fire begin, his sense of play and fair-play shine.
Marie: I see.
Well, now that we have a real taste of Jax, we have a few questions for you as well as the author, about the writing process of your book.
What first gave you the idea for Roman’s Revenge?
Amber: We wanted to write a mortal character with the swagger and personality of our vampires and shifters. We think Jax can stand shoulder to shoulder with Rick, Matt and the rest of our alphas.
Marie: (Chuckles.)
Well, why not?
Just curious, but what is your writing style like, team? Are you pantsters or a plotters?
Amber: How about a Plontser…. We know where we begin and end… but current events are seriously affecting our eleventh book to the point where it looks like we foretold a few horrific events. We are having to replot quite a few things.
Marie: Okay, I get your dilemma. What a tough challenge, for sure!
I’m throwing this one in for our aspiring writers. Did you come across any specific problems in writing Roman’s Revenge or publishing it? What would you do differently the next time?
Amber: We have been through the great publisher that went out of business and the crooked publisher who gypped us all the way around.
Thanks to RWA, we got our rights to our three original paranormal books as we continued writing.
We don’t find agents or publishing houses looking for what we write.
Do we want to write what the publishing houses are selling? Naw… not really.
I do not want to be the next James Patterson that bangs out books.
If I wanted to make a million in publishing, I’d have to start with two million.
We thought up Jax and Kameo’s story, wrote it, had Kelly Martin of KAM.Design create a fantastic cover that finalized in the 2020 Rone Cover Awards and published through D2D and Ingram Spark. That book ‘birthed’ Roman’s Rules and Roman’s Return.
I tell writers to LOVE the atmosphere you are writing for your characters and get it done.
Marie: True! 🙂
Hallie: Thank you for this opportunity of letting me visit you today.
Marie: Of course! Well, it was a total pleasure having you on the I Love Romance Blog!
And how apropos is that, considering what a great story Roman’s Revenge appears to be… ♥
Readers, let’s learn more about this book.
Title: Roman’s Revenge (Roman’s Adventures, Book 1)
Genre: Action/Adventure Romance, Military Romance, Crime Fiction
Publication date: July 1, 2019
We wish you so much success with your book!
Here is the blurb:
Jax Roman is the image of courage, nobility, and strength. A clever mind and agile body propelled Roman to the head of his SEAL class.
Handsome and disarming, Jax is in charge of his world, vertical and horizontal. Now, at the pinnacle of his game, he leads his own team until…the Lobos Cartel, the worst Jax has ever fought, sets out to eliminate him.
Lovely and compassionate, Dr. Kameo Alana meets Jax in his most desperate hour. Her family has borne the cartel’s punishment.
Without Kameo, Jax would not be free to topple the depraved cartel.
Kameo is more than a balm for his pain. Together they sizzle white hot.
Jax’s mission for a ‘happily ever after’ with Kameo is an exercise in ‘taking no prisoners’, SEAL style.
Let’s take a look at the story…
I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Purchase Links:
Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/4NaAk8
Add it to your Goodreads TBR shelf: Roman’s Revenge (Roman’s Adventures Book 1) by Amber Anthony (goodreads.com)
What are people saying about Roman’s Revenge?
“Jax Roman is the perfect Navy Seal ― brave, gorgeous, and undeniably charming. He’s on a dangerous mission to take down the Lobos Cartel, a merciless criminal empire responsible for unimaginable atrocities. The daring hero is thrown into an abyss of corruption, violence, and false allegations. Along the way, Jax is introduced to the brilliant and beautiful psychiatrist, Dr. Kameo Alana. Sadly, the lovely protagonist is quite familiar with the Cartel’s cruelty. A series of circumstances bonds Jax and Kameo together in a surprising twist of fate. Undeniable passion and chemistry seals their connection― one which will be tested in unpredictable ways. Roman’s Revenge is an action-packed romance brimming with erotic heat and delightful romance. I highly recommend Amber’s brilliant new release!” — AnneMarie Dapp, Amazon
“A real pager-turner! From beginning to end our hero moves through danger, intrigue, excitement and romance at an pace that keeps you reading. I couldn’t put it down! Truly enjoyed that the leading lady was smart and capable. No damsel in distress here. The characters were very likable and believable—as well as lots of fun in the bedroom.” — Winter, Amazon
“Loved this! Jax and Kameo are awesome and the story is super engaging. Not going to say too much, but we’ll worth the read.” — Michelle R, Amazon
“Packed full of suspense and adventure that kept you turning the page. This novel has everything in it, a hot Navy Seal(Roman), a beautiful woman(Kameo), suspense, action, amazingly hot love scenes, and a pinch of humor. The story of Roman and Kameo is written in a way that it is believable and is not just how to get the next sex scene in. I can’t wait for more from these two characters (and, of course, Amber Anthony).” — Angela M. Sittler, Amazon
“Wow! Roman is an incredibly hot alpha male. Sparks fly with Kameo and they make an amazing story with lots of suspense and romance!” — Jen, Amazon
Looks intriguing!
We’ll be sure to get a copy of this military romantic suspense! ♥♥♥
About Amber Anthony
Amber Anthony is a multi-genre romance writer with ten books spread across Paranormal, Metaphysical, Action/Adventure, Seasoned and Urban Romance.
Amber Anthony is the pen name for Nancy Reynolds and Rusty Hough Bader. Each of them were professional performers in theater and dance in earlier years and met through their love of British history.
Their genre drama short script Maxwell Older was a Las Vegas Film Festival winner.
After developing several scripts of note, they directed their talents toward writing Romance novels of all varieties. Their Alpha males are heroes for today. Their heroines are quick on their feet and clever as the devil. They write about gorgeous alpha males with tons of charm, who will steal your heart. Their heroines are smart and strong with plenty of heart. Best of all, their stories take readers on a ride that holds their attention from start to finish.
As each of them have lived in a variety of cities and they travel together, their books reflect an array of locations. Their next book is set in Washington, D.C. and is a thriller.
Together they have created and written several original television episodes and feature film scripts.
When they aren’t collaborating long-distance, they live in separate cities with their respective menageries of cats and dogs.
In 2021, Amber Anthony will attend:
Romance in The Carolinas, Winston Salem, NC, February 12-13, 2021
Authors in the Steel City, Pittsburgh, PA in March 26-27, 2021
Lay All Your Books On Me: Here We Go, Cleveland, OH July 31, 2021
Literary Loves Savannah/SUMMERWEEN, Savannah, GA August 4-8, 2021
Books:
And, if you want to know how to connect with the fascinating Amber Anthony, here are some author links…
Website: https://www.amberanthonywrites.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriteAmberAnthony/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriteAmberA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writeamberanthony/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Amber-Anthony/e/B077NR47LS/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17062164.Amber_Anthony
Publisher link: https://torridbooks.com/author/1013/amber-anthony/
Additional link: https://www.bookseries.org/authors/amber-anthony/
Once again, I want to thank Amber Anthony, the brilliant author duo of this action/adventure romance, for stopping by! It was a pleasure to have you here! Readers, check out their work! ♥
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