Author: JC Emery
Publisher: Left Break Books (January 9th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Order JC's Books online here: Amazon, Amazon UK
NOTE: This is a Adult novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+
Synopsis: Loneliness suffocates the heart. Acceptance breaks down walls.
As a Lost Girl to the Forsaken Motorcycle Club, Nicole Whelan knows how to party. She’s not cut-out for relationships and her life is way too complicated for anything more than casual encounters. But one night when she falls into Duke’s bed at the clubhouse, he sees something in her that he can’t let go of—no matter how many times she tries to run.
Having been left to raise her teenage brother, Jeremy, she’s already got her hands full and isn’t looking for anymore complications. But Duke’s just watched his best friend fall for the only girl he couldn't have, and then lose her so shortly after, shaking him to his core. Faced with his own loneliness, he’s more determined than ever to break down Nic’s walls and show her that he can be good for her; but he’s got a bad track record and she’s got a bad temper. Changing his ways isn’t easy when he’s not sure what he’s even changing for.
The violence and turmoil are at an all-time high, and Forsaken is in a vulnerable place when a twist of fate breathes new life into the club. It’s a much-needed beacon of hope for the embattled biker family, even if everyone’s not exactly on board. With Duke and Nic’s relationship already on shaky ground, and something even more important at stake, the Forsaken Motorcycle Club will fight like hell to keep their family together and whole.
Author Interview:
***Warning! Some characters join the interview for a question and there is some harsh language***
Today I’m SO excited to welcome my friend and author of the Bayonet Scars series – J.C. Emery to the blog!
Welcome JC! I’m so excited to have this chance to chat with you about your books on my blog. How about we get started?
Hey, Lisa! Yes and please. ;)
First, HUGE congrats to you on the success of Ride and the recent release of the second book in the series – Thrash. Could you tell us a bit about the characters in Thrash in your own words?
Thank you! Thrash was a blast to write because the lead characters are so different from the lead characters in Ride. Duke is the secretary to the Forsaken MC. He was raised by a single mom and he has no clue who his dad is. He clings to the MC because they’re the only family he’s ever really known, and he’s fiercely protective of “his” people. Nic is the daughter of currently incarcerated Forsaken member, “Butch” Whelan. She’s been left to raise her younger brother on her own and is struggling because of it. She parties with the MC and has earned her place within the club as one of their lost girls—something she’s not totally proud of. Nic is grouchy and defensive, and she doesn’t smile a whole lot. But I think she’s a great character because despite everything she’s been through, she keeps going and doing what she has to. What makes Duke perfect for her is that he takes on her problems as his own without a second thought about it.
And since we’re talking about the characters, was is difficult for you to change gears in writing the characters in Ride and then Thrash?
It was a little difficult to get out of Ryan’s head. I added a prologue, epilogue, and two bonus chapters of Ride from Ryan’s POV for Ride’s re-release—all of which are in Ryan’s POV with the exception of the epilogue. So I was in his head right before I started writing Thrash and that was kind of a trip. Both Ryan and Duke will do what they have to in order to get shit done, but Duke’s soft and squishy core is a lot bigger than Ryan’s. Ryan is kind of that guy who’s just a dick at his core. He has people he loves and people who love him, but he has a lot of growing up to do. Duke, on the other hand, is a caretaker at heart. So taming my brain down enough to write Duke was kind of challenging. I got rather attached to seeing the world through Ryan’s eyes.
What was the most trying part in writing this title?
I knew we were going to see a lot of “hidden” moments from Ride’s story in Thrash and I wanted to do it justice. Whereas in Ride, Ryan just seemed like a totally shallow jerk, in Thrash, we see why he acted the way he did at times. I worked very hard for Thrash to not be Ride from another POV because Duke and Nic’s story is important not just to the series as a whole, but it was important to me that I give Nic what she needed. I love her character and desperately wanted to tell her story right.
Without them giving too much away, could you ask Duke and Nicole to describe the other in 3 words?
Duke: Only three words? Damn, okay. I don’t want to waste them by saying she’s hot, but dude, look at her. So, I’d say she’s strong, independent, and beautiful.
Nic: Duke is stubborn…
Duke: Wait—stubborn? That’s the first thing you say about me? What the fuck?
Nic: You are…
Duke: Yeah, but what about saying my dick is huge?
Nic: You’re going there—really?
Duke: Yeah, it’s my dick. I never really leave “there”.
Nic: Anyway… he’s stubborn.
Duke: Can I change my answer?
Nic: No.
Duke: She’s stubborn and strong and beautiful.
Nic: You think I’m more stubborn than you are?
JC: People—can we please get back to the questions? Lisa asked for three words to describe each other, not for you two to fucking argue all damn day…
Duke: *talking to Nic* JC’s just fucking ragging because I kept whipping my dick out in the book…
Nic: Maybe JC just thinks you’re an arrogant prick like I do…
Duke: You like my giant prick.
Nic: I said arrogant, you ass.
Duke: You like my ass.
Nic: Horny. He’s always fucking horny.
Duke: *grabs dick*
Nic: Jesus Christ… *rolls eyes* He’s also purposefully obnoxious, but on the plus side he’s really protective and incredibly loving and loyal.
Duke: You like me.
Nic: Bite me.
Duke: *smirks* Already did, baby. Left a mark on your pu—
Nic: Shut up! *screams*
When you first start getting the idea for Ride and the Bayonet Scars series did the main idea for the story and characters change much from first thought to the book(s) release?
Oh geez. I think the only things that DIDN’T change were Ryan and Alex’s personalities. Ryan was always my ‘special’ boy in that he’s the biggest asshole I’ve ever written. Alex has always been persistent, and whiny, and a crier. The plot has evolved with the books and even sometimes with the chapters. I’m finally at a place with it where I think it’s really solid from here on out. :)
What is the most surprising thing to you in being an indie author and what advice would you give to someone who is thinking about independent publishing?
I had no idea how large and supportive the indie community is. The best advice I can give anyone is to make friends. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve had to ask questions, sometimes sensitive questions and have been lucky to have people willing to talk about any aspect of publishing. It’s been a true blessing. I think the golden rule is the most important thing to remember here—treat others how you want to be treated. Nobody likes a spammer or telemarketer, so don’t do it. Nobody likes a braggart, and nobody likes a backstabber. Word of mouth is your friend if you’re kind, but it’s your worst enemy if you’re not. Remember that. Oh, and write, write, write!
With the first two books finished and published what’s been the most important thing to you in telling these stories?
The Bayonet Scars series has a few different story arcs going on at all times. The first is the mafia angle, then there’s the club angle, then the romance angle, and finally, new and revolving angles that come up *shhh, don’t tell anyone I said that!* As we get deeper into the club and their world, we’re going to see things evolve. Because of this, I’m constantly introducing new things and tying up old things, and it’s like a high-wire act making sure I don’t drop any of the storylines.
And lastly, what can you spill about what you’re currently working on? Who’s the next in line for the Bayonet Scars?
Right now I’m outlining Rev (Bayonet Scars, No. 3). I thought the story was about Grady and Elle (Chief’s eldest daughter), but they don’t seem to have much chemistry. There’s someone else who’s caught Grady’s eye who has hijacked my story for herself. Sneaky wench! ;)
JC, thanks for the visit! Love ya lady!!!
And thank you, Lisa! It’s always fun chatting with you. <3
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About the author:
As a child, JC was fascinated by things that went bump in the night. As they say, some things never change. Now, as an adult, she divides her time between the sexy law men, mythical creatures, and kick-ass heroines that live inside her head and pursuing her bachelor's degree in English. JC is a San Francisco Bay Area native, but has also called both Texas and Louisiana home. These days she rocks her flip flops year round in Northern California and can't imagine a climate more beautiful.
JC writes adult, new adult, and young adult fiction. She dabbles in many different genres including science fiction, horror, chick lit, and murder mysteries, yet she is most enthralled by supernatural stories-- and everything has at least a splash of romance.
Find JC Online:
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
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Great interview! I found it highly entertaining! Thank you for the giveaway.
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