Happy “Taken by Storm” release day!!! I’m having a MEGA-release giveaway (FIFTY e-books provided by the publisher – Forever Romance – to 50 winners!!!) plus an awesome look into Kelli Maine’s her alpha male heroes in her sexy (and a bit scary) series, her choice of writing style for book #1, and what’s coming next!
About “Taken By Storm”
Maddie Simcoe knows the devastation that comes from keeping secrets. Now she’s desperate to move on from the heartbreak that almost destroyed her. But before she can start over, she must return home to put the past behind her once and for all. When Maddie blows back into MJ Rocha’s life, nothing will stop him from proving to that walking away from him was the biggest mistake of her life—not even the engagement ring she wears. The fire that once raged between them still burns hot, and MJ won’t give up until Maddie gives in to the inferno.
Maryse: I was hooked immediately upon starting your book, Taken (Book Review). It has that taboo-ish “Stockholm Syndrome” thing I love to read about, along with the sexy tortured billionaire genre that has taken readers by storm. <– LOL! Wow I didn’t even intend on that but i’m keepin’ it. ;). Can you tell me what inspired you to write this story?
Kelli: I had a novel, my first ever written, lingering on my laptop that I’d always planned to revise. I took one scene from that manuscript – a kidnapping scene – and the two main characters, Rachael and Merrick, and started writing Taken. I wanted it to be more about a man and a woman overcoming trust issues due to Merrick, this flawed man who, because of his past, has no idea how to have a relationship, and Rachael who never takes what she wants or needs. The kidnapping is the inciting incident, but at its heart, Taken is a story of learning to trust and love when your destiny is in the hands of another person.
Maryse: Were you concerned about reader reaction over potentially falling in love with, essentially… the “bad guy”?
Kelli: You know, I didn’t really think about reader reaction. I wrote a book and characters I love and put it out there without expectations. But, I think we all fall for the fictional bad guys. It’s safe when these hot, controlling men stay confined to their pages and our fantasies. In real life, we’d stay far, far away from most of our fictional heart throbs!
Maryse: Yes!! Agreed. I’ve been known to have a soft spot for the book bad guy. 😉 Did you know where you were taking the story all along, or were there surprises along the way?
Kelli: There were definitely surprises along the way. It’s rare that I outline and know all the details ahead of time. I have an idea of where I want the middle and end to be, but how I get there is typically a mystery until I’m there writing it.
Maryse: What about Merrick’s suggestion to Rachael to get her more comfortable with him that ended up… making her very upset. Tell us about that. Many intense reader reactions over that one!
Kelli: What I wanted to show with that scene is Merrick’s struggle with changing, how he continued to do desperate—normally stupid and misguided—things without thinking them through. He knows what he wants and will have it one way or another. He doesn’t take no for an answer. Rachael had a choice at that point. Turn back and accept that you can’t change people, or stay and try to work through Merrick’s flaws.
What I love most about writing Merrick is that he’s not the typical alpha male. Some would say he’s not an alpha male, but I would argue that it takes a lot of strength for a man who is used to being powerful and getting his way to give all control over to the woman he’s trying to make his and owning up to the mistakes he’s made to earn her trust. It takes a lot of courage to make yourself vulnerable to another person.
Maryse: The POV narration is quite different. What inspired you to write it like this?
Kelli: After reading Lucy Christopher’s award-winning, young adult novel, STOLEN, I knew I wanted to try it. STOLEN, because of the use of second person POV was addicting to me. It had a cadence and flow that was hypnotic. Written like a letter, the narration pulled me deeper into the story—placed me in the story—and I loved it and decided I wanted to use second person in Taken. (Note: Taken by Storm is written in third person for anyone who isn’t a fan of second person point of view! The “MJ” novels will all be in third.)
Maryse: Oh yessss, I recognized that, and I LOVED STOLEN! I did enjoy that “letter” feel as the main character takes us on her journey. While Taken ended nicely and had a “complete” feel, your short story after it… left your readers desperately hanging. Sneaky!! Did you intend to follow up the first book with an evil cliffhanger? 😉
Kelli: I knew when I ended Taken that Rachael and Merrick’s story wasn’t over. I had a million questions and sat down and wrote No Takebacks. I didn’t plan to have it end on a cliffhanger, but Merrick did what Merrick does best, and left me uncertain of what was going to happen next as well!
Maryse: LOL!! Ahhhh ok, cliffhanger forgiven considering the next installment is out today. 😉 Tell us what we can expect in your upcoming book, “Taken by Storm“. I know this is MJ’s story (very excited to see what kind of man he is in comparison to Merrick), but will Merrick and Rachael (and their current situation) make an appearance?
Kelli: Yes, Merrick and Rachael are in the entire book. With the way No Takebacks ended, I wanted to shift into MJ’s head to introduce his character and show what happens next from his POV. This part of the story and Merrick’s reaction to learning about MJ has a big impact on MJ that was impossible to convey through another character’s POV. So, this is the second novel in the series, but it also serves as the first in what will eventually be a series with MJ—you’ll find out in the end of Taken by Storm what the future may hold for him and Maddie, his ex-girlfriend who shows back up in the first chapter of Taken by Storm right when his world has been shaken by Merrick. Taken by Storm is also told in Maddie’s POV, because she has a big secret that tore her and MJ apart. Her secret is also a huge reveal to Merrick’s past.
Maryse: I love surprise reveals!
Dream cast of characters?
Kelli: There are several different actors who would be great for any of these characters, but this is, visually, what they look like in my mind.
- Merrick Rocha – Joe Manganiello
- Rachael DeSalvo – Rachel McAdams
- MJ Rocha – Tyler Posey
- Maddie Simcoe – Alexandra Daddario
- Beck Tanner – Chris Hemsworth
- Joan Bennett – Scarlett Johansson
- Enzo Rocha – Robert Downey Jr.
Maryse: Ah yes… I heard Joe was your Merrick. Nice choice! Any absolute favorites that you’d like to recommend?
Kelli: I have so many favorites in the adult romance genre that it’s impossible to list them all. Because I write YA under my real name, Jamie Blair, I’m going to list a few of my favorites in that genre instead.
- Stolen by Lucy Christopher
- Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
- Perfect Chemistry series by Simone Elkeles
- Anything John Green and Markus Zusak write!
Okay, one adult romance series – it’s historical, and I rarely read historical, but nobody should miss out on Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. AMAZING! Jamie Fraser is my ultimate, hot alpha male fantasy!
Maryse: I LOVE Jamie. What an infuriating, swoon worthy man! What’s next for Kelli Maine?
Kelli: Next up is Take Me Back, June 4th, another novella in the Give & Take series. We’re back to Rachael’s POV and this one has a paranormal vibe! To round out Rachael and Merrick’s part of the series, there will be GIVEN and another, untitled novella. Then, before moving on to more MJ novels, I will be writing a novel for Beck, because he’s hot and plays the cello and puts up with Joan, so it’s the least I can do for him. 😉 I love all of these characters and plan to spend a long time with them.
Maryse: Thank you so much, Kelli. I can’t wait to read MJ’s story. 🙂
—-> Check out the series reading order
Wanna know more about Kelli?
- Kelli Maine’s website: https://kellimaine.blogspot.com
- Kelli Maine’s Twitter: @KelliMaine
- Kelli Maine’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellimainebooks
Now for the giveaway!!!
How to enter for a chance to win a “Taken By Storm” ebook? Just leave a comment below, and by Wednesday (Wednesday, May 8th 2013) by 11pm EST, I will randomly select fifty winners.
The winners will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond confirming that their email address works, so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance. This is a giveaway direct though the publisher via NetGalley and the winners will receive non-expiring widget of the book. This is a open to US and Canada only!
Wow… Thank you for the opportunity…I cannot wait to read this book whether or not I win it I am still going to get it….Good Luck to everyone!!!
I haven’t read this series yet but I would love to! Awesome giveaway! 🙂
Looks so exciting!
Looking forward to reading this series!
Thank you so much for the chance to win. This book sounds great!
Great giveaway. I have read Taken and really enjoyed it! Would love to read Taken By Storm.
Thank you for the interview and giveaway. Can’t wait to read it 🙂
Can’t wait to read this one!
I love this series!
Great interview! Cant wait to start this series!
WooooHoooo!!!!! super excited about this one
Loved the interview !!!
Loved the first two would love to win 🙂
Wow!!!! Amazing giveaway!!
I have been wanting to read this series and if I win this one that will definitely give me a reason to buy the first two. Thanks for the opportunity!!!
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway.
Love to find new authors to read!
Sounds like a really good book! Can’t wait to read it!
Sounds great!
Great interview! I would love to read this book!
Pick me!!
I woke up this morning thinking “Something good is released today” but I couldn’t remember what it was until I popped over here! Looking forward to continuing the story!
Just got the book. Starting it after I get my girls off to school this morning. Can’t Wait!!!!
Awesome thank you!!!!
Sounds sooo good!!!
Can’t wait to read! Thank you;)
YAY!! Can’t wait to read it 🙂
Love you maryse! Awesome blog!
Awesome! Can wait to read it!
I would really LOVE to read this book..I haven’t read any of this series yet, but if I were lucky enough to win this book, I would definately get started on it! Here’s hoping! 🙂
Omg yay! Thank you!!! Love this series!
Love Taken and No Takebacks! Can’t wait to read Taken by Storm! Congrats Kelli on the release and thanks Maryse for the giveaway! 🙂
Tess xx
tess_halim(at)hotmail(dot)com
Looking forward to checking this one out!
Thanks for hosting an awesome giveaway!
Awesome giveawa…..congrats on your new release can’t wait to read it 😉
So excited! Love these books! Thanks, M!
Can not wait to read this! Thank you for opportunity to win a copy — my kindle is hungry!
Thanks for the giveaway. This book sounds great, I hope to get a chance to read it.
Would love a copy. Read all the others but can’t get this in the UK yet. Got everything crossed.
Looks like another great read!!
Would love to read this series. Looks so good !!!
thanks for the chance
Can’t wait to read this book!
So looking forward to this one!! Thnx Kelli & Maryse for the giveaway!
Wow!! I loved Taken and No Takebacks. Can’t wait to read this one too!
Loved the first book and would love to read this. Thanks
This book sounds interesting, can’t wait to read this series!
I’ve been waiting for this book! Loved Merrick 😉
Love the cover of your book..Looks like a really good read..Thanks for sharing it with all of us!!
I can’t wait to read these! Thanks so much!
I love this series. Can’t wait to start reading
Love your blog! I always check it!
Awesome! TBS is finally here. Thanks Maryse!
I’ve been waiting for its release and it’s finally here! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
What a great interview! I am always looking for new authors and series to read. This sounds amazing! Thanks for the chance:)
More books to add to the ever growing list… Thank you!!
Thank you for the giveaway! I can`t wait to read this book….*fingers crossed*
I have these on my TBR list I am gonna get them all in paperback! thank you for the chance to win and congrats on the new release! 🙂
I have not read this series, but plan to. Thanks
Can’t wait to read this!
I have the first book Taken. I have broken the bank the last month will all of the great books that were available!! Would love to read this next one.
Great interview! I can’t wait to read the books!
I would love to read this series.
Getting ready to start the series since this book is finally out! Yay!
Wow what a great interview, thanks! Kelli Maine is a new author to me and I am really excited to start reading her books!
I wanna win . . . pick me . . . Please!
I read Taken and No Takebacks and enjoyed them both. I’d love to win Taken By Storm so I can see what happens next. Thanks for the opportunity.
I’d love to read the whole series. Thanks for the great interview.
Thank you so much for the opportunity 🙂
I am intrigued by your page and your book seems…very interesting 🙂 thank you for the opportunity to enter to win! Even if I do not win…I will be reading the book and can’t wait to get updates!!
I just found this series like a week ago. It definitely sounds good and has been added to my tbr!
I can’t wait to read it!!!
Oh. I just love her books!
Looking forward to reading this series! Great interview…thank you Kelli and Maryse! Couldn’t live without this book blog!
These look good cant wait to read it!!
I have Taken on my TBR list, looks like I need to move it up the list and FAST based on the interview. Sounds awesome, would love to read it.
Great interview and can’t wait to read this latest book!
Would love to win this book!!!! Great Giveaway 🙂
Thank you for the opportunity. This is a great giveaway! I’ve been waiting on this book for what seems like forever. I can’t wait to read it!
Love to read this book! I love all of your recommendations!
This is great news! I have been waiting for this book, she totally left me hanging with No Takebacks and I’m ecxited to read Taken by Storm. I want the HEA for Rachel & Merrick pleeease!!
I am super excited to read this latest book. Loved the others!
Never thought I would enjoy this type of read, I loved it. Looking forward to Taken by Storm.
I can hardly wait to read Taken by Storm! Thanks for the opportunity to step into their world 🙂
After reading that post I now have to read this series! A free book would help tho 😉 Thanks for the info & the free books!!!!
It definitely sounds good!! I can’t wait to read it.
Can’t wait to read 😉
Ohh this looks right up my alley
pick me pick me
So exciting!! Been dying to read a Kelli Maine book 🙂
Would love to read this book!
Maryse, I have found a new passion for books thanks to you! I have enjoyed each book I have chosen from your blog. This is a new series I have not yet started, but would love to! Thanks for everything you do and best of luck to you all!
Thank you for this giveaway. This book is totally on my tbr list, and I can’t wait to get a hold of it.
I would love to read this book. I have heard some great things.
CAn Not Wait To read
I’ve read Taken, can’t wait to read this book!
Wow!
awesome!!
It took me so ling to read the first book but once i got through it i loved it! Cant wait to read this one!
Looks great
I would love to win…thanks for the opportunity!!!!
I loved Taken and would love to win this book to read more about Merrick! Thanks for the giveaway. Email is [email protected]
I would love a copy of this book for my kindle.
Pick me! Looks good
Wow what a great giveaway, this looks like an awesome book!
Awesome interview, add me for the giveaway please!!
would love to win copy read the first one..
Cool giveaway! I would love a chance to read this!
Can’t wait to add this to my TBR list!
Very nice interview
I love this series can’t wait to read this 🙂
Love your Blog, Facebook page, and all your influence on my reading choices…just made this series a priority on my list…Thanks!!!
I hope I win, I hope I win !!!
Thank you for the change to win the book. If i dont win it I will still get it to read.
Great interview. This series is on my list to read this year.
I really enjoyed the interview. Can’t wait to read Taken By Storm.
Thanks for asking all of my questions! So excited to read Taken by Storm.
Can’t wait to read this!
looking forward to reading it!!
Please withdraw my entry I’ve just notice it’s US and Canada only and I’m UK!! ;-(
Yay, pick me…pick me!!!!! I have a book addiction and my husband is threatening to revoke my kindle privileges!!! I’m down to 4 books a week… Boo 🙁 Maryse I’m starting to consider you my supplier!!! Thanks for all the great reviews, u r totally feeding my habit!!!
Sounds good!!
OMG this is amazing, I love this series, can’t get enough.
Thank you 🙂
Looking forward to reading this series!
I love this series and can’t wait to read this.
I am totally interested in reading this book, thank you for the suggestions!
Thanks Maryse!
Adding it to TBR list!
Not lucky at much but I would be extremely happy at jus tthe chance to win this….its been awhile since I read taken..I will have to skim through again to re aquaint myself
Thanks so much for the giveaway! Love learning about a new author.
Thanks for introducing me to yet another good series!
I haven’t started this series but after reading all the reviews it’s on my list next.
Pick me, pick me!!!
Can’t wait to read.
Thank you for this generous offer! I can’t wait to read this! Keep up your hard work!
Sounds awesome, can’t wait to read it!
Can’t wait to read this, but ebook not out on amazon uk yet.
Thanks!!
I love your blog and I look forward to reading this series!
What a great giveaway.I love your books!
Sooooo Awesome! Can’t wait to read either way 😉 thank you!
What a AWESOME giveaway! So excited!!!!
Been looking for a new series to read. Looks awesome!
Great interview! Hope I am one of the lucky 50.
Can’t wait to read this! Thank you for the giveaway!
What a great interview! And, thanks for giving us a chance to win!
Wow, I would love to win a copy!!
I hope I will the one of the lucky ones. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thank you Maryse and Kelli. You girls rock!!!!!
Looks good! Can’t wait to read this!
Sounds good!
Ah I’ve been wanting to reading taken but I accidentally read the first couple pages of a sample of either no take backs or taken by storm in a book by another author and now I’m bummed that I know at least partly how taken ends. I’m guessing it will still be good though!
Loved the first two! Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway and, as always, great interview.
Awesome, Can’t wait to read this book!
It would be very cool if I won! Love your blog! I’ve gotten so many good reads from your lists!
wow amazing giveaway!!!
Sounds good!
Can’t wait to read another amazing book 🙂
Super excited to read book 3! I can’t wait to see what happens!
Looks like another series to add to my “must read” list!
Great giveaway! Haven’t started the series yet, it is on my TBR. Winning a copy would definitely push me to get going! ;P
Sounds HOT! ;D
This looks like a good one!
Can’t wait to read!
Looks great!!!!
wow, how exciting! thanks for a great giveaway!!
I loved Taken looking forward to reading her new book I hope I win!
Sounds like a great book. I would to win a copy.
WOW, this is amazing! Thank you Kelli and Maryse for the fantastic giveaway <3
Congrats Kelli!! I’d love to check out your books!! Pick me!!
This series has been on my TBR list for a while, can’t wait
Amazing interview! Great giveaway 🙂
I would love to read these…they sound good.
So excited! Can’t wait to read…pretty cool i already seen it at the bookstore…maybe next week
I need to read this!!!!! I lived Taken. Thanks for the giveaway!!
I’ve read the first 2 and I would LOVE to read this one! Crossing my fingers!!!!!
Thanks for introducing me to a new series! Can’t wait to get started!
Thanks for introducing me to a new series! Can’t wait to start!
Yahoo! Thanks for the offer!
Loved the first book! Can’t wait to read it!
I enjoyed the first two and I’m looking forward to this one! PICK ME!!! LOL
This looks like a great series. Thanks for all you do:)
I’d love to read one! Thanks!
loved the 1st book and been waiting and waiting the the 2nd… now can’t wait for the 3rd!!!
WOW, WOW, WOW what an AMAZING giveaway Maryse (like always :))! I can’t wait to get my hands on this one 😉
I can’t wait to read this one, thanks for the chance to win a copy :o)
Yeah! I have been waiting for the next in this series!!!
Love your blog and all the great reads. This sounds like another great one!
Wow awesome giveaway!!! Can’t wait to read this one
Im excited to read this! I LOVED the first two 😉
Thanks! Looks good!
50 copies? That’s crazy. Fingers crossed!
🙂
Yay! Looks great!
Love your blog and would love to win a copy of this book!
amazing!!! cannot wait to read this book!
Wow this is a cool giveaway. Thanks!
Would love to win a copy!
Just bought Taken to get the series started. Would love to win this giveaway!!!
Wow, great contest!
Great giveaway!! This series is great and I can’t wait for the next book!
Love this series! Love freebies! Win-Win
I would love to win an ebook…thanks for the chance…
This is perfect!
I would love to read this series! I haven’t read it yet. It’s looks awesome!!!
Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway!
All thus excitement has me adding these books to my TBR list!!!
Cool giveaway! Please pick me as I have not read the series yet, but I’m anxious to start regardless of whether I win or not. It sounds fun!
thanks for the giveaway! I haven’t read this series but sounds interesting!!
This series sounds soooo good. Moved it up on my TBR list!
Chose me! Chose me,! Chose me!
Thank you for another amazing giveaway. ^-^
Would love to be a part of this and get a chance to read your books. I’ve had it on wish list since I heard about it. Keep up the great writing!
Would love to win a copy.
This book sounds great! Right up my alley…..
Thanks for the chance at the giveaway. Have just stopped reading my paranormals for this genre so I am always looking for new recs. this sounds great!
Thank you so much for always making awesome recommendations. I know if I am ever without a book, I can count on you to point me in the right direction. Since I have found your blog, my husband has installed 6 bookshelves :). Thanks again!!
Nice giveaway! Thanks for the chance.
I want to read this so much. Great interview and awesome giveaway!
Great giveaway thanks for the chance!
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Haven’t read this series yet but can’t wait to get started!
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway!!!!
Excited to start this new series! Thanks for the opportunity!
Sounds good!
Sounds like an amazing series!! Can’t wait to read it!
LOVE KELLY MAINE!!
Have not read this one yet!!! AWESOME SERIES!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Looks like a great read! Thanks for the giveaway!
This books sounds amazing. I can’t wait to read it!
Can’t wait to read it!!!
This looks amazing! Thanks for the giveaway!
Looks like a good series. I’ll have to check the it out further!
I can’t wait to start this series.
Thanks for the great interview and chance to win! Would love to read this!
Thank you for the chance to win!
I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance to win!!
Please pick me!! I am at my 1-click limit already this week!!
I love this series!!
WOW! Thanks for the interview and the giveaway Kelli and Maryse!
I have never read any books by this author and I think this is a wonderful opportunity to learn about her with this book.
I would love to win one.
Thanks for the interview. I’d love to win a copy! Thanks!
Love this series can wait to star reading
Can’t wait to get started on this one. Yeah!
Taken was a great book. So excited to read Taken by Storm.
Wow. Can’t wait to read this
Good luck everyone
That is a great interview! Love hearing how the stories and characters come about. I have had the first two books in my kindle for so long waiting for this to come out, can’t wait to start this series, it sounds so good! Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
Looking forward to reading this series.
Thanks for the giveaway!!!!
Had to read Taken after reading your interview! I have to say I am a new fan. Can’t wait to read more.
Looks good!
Can’t wait to read!
Really looking forward to starting this series! Really great interview and thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. I look forward to reading this book!
This looks so good!!
Amazing giveaway! Thank you for the chance!!
[email protected]
Looks good!
What a fantastic giveaway. Love the interview and Kelli’s books!
What a great giveaway! I have yet to read anything by Kelli, but I’ve heard great things!!
Thanks so much for the chance to win!!!!!!!!!
Love the interview!! Thanks for the giveaway!