"...her secret is patience..." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Blog Tour: True Connections by Clarissa Yip - Interview & Giveaway!

Lia McEvil is back in town, and Max is in trouble. 

Max Sheraton and Lia McEvers have been rivals since childhood. Not even the kiss that chased Lia away could make them stop fighting. Now, five years later, Lia's back in her hometown of Grant to open a new branch of her matchmaking business, True Connections--and Max finds himself in the line of fire when their families conspire for Max to make a connection of his own. Under pressure from both their grandmothers, Lia and Max embark on a scheme to find Max a suitable match, but it doesn't take a compatibility profile to tell the real connection is between Max and Lia. Between sizzlingly hot kisses that turn into tempestuous fights, their attraction turns explosive enough to break down the antagonism between them. 

But Lia has a secret that's chased her home...and that may be the one thing that can stop Lia and Max from making the true connection they so desperately crave.

From Goodreads.com
(THIS BOOK IS FOR ADULT AUDIENCE) 

In True Connections we meet Lia and Max, childhood enemies. Lia has opened a new branch in her business, True Connections, after coming home from a broken relationship. And while she’s the one with the matchmaking business, her grannies can give her a run for her money. This book is a fun read, with interesting characters, great relationships, and a romance that’s sizzling and real. I really enjoyed Lia and Max’s complexity, the love they have for each other while hating each other’s guts. Max is definitely one of my favorite hero’s. I love seeing Lia and Max interact. 

If you like a good romance, this book is for you. 
Now, Clarissa was kind enough to answer some questions for us!
What inspired you to write?
My love of stories and need for happily ever afters, whether it’s mine or someone elses. 
Why chose romance? 
Because it’s wonderful! I love that heart pumping, warm fuzzy feel when I see two people fall in love and find a happy ever after. Guess I’m a total romantic.
Who was the most fun character to write and why?
I loved writing about Max in True Connections. Seeing him deal with his nemesis and knowing he had feelings for Lia was fun to watch. 
Who was the hardest character to write and whY?
I actually had issues working with Lia, because on one side she hated Max, and the other, she loved him. Totally love/hate relationship and watching her overcome her fears was hard. I felt like I was there conquering it all with her. 
Do you find it harder to write shorter stories?
I actually find short stories easier to write than longer stories because of the simplicity of it. It has all of the same elements as any story should, but there’s more room to have some nonsense in it, I guess. 
Who are some of the authors that inspire you?
I love JR Ward, Judith McNaught, and Julie Garwood. They’re one of the reasons why I started writing romance. 
One thing you wish you knew before starting your career as a writer.
LOL. Sorry, I had to laugh at this question because there are so many things I wish I knew before I started writing…like it’s okay to cry when you get a rejection, but make sure you hold your head up high and keep going. I used to mope for days…almost like I was mourning, but I would eventually get over it. A good cupcake fixes everything for me. 
Coffee or Tea
Definitely coffee! I can’t live without it!
Favorite Desert
Cake. Cupcake. Cakepops…see the pattern?
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
Tough question. Hawaii popped in my head since I’ve lived there for so long, but then I remembered I got island fever so often, so I’m going to say somewhere nice in Europe because I’ve never been there. 
Thank you so much for having me! One lucky commenter will win a copy of True Connections! 

Contemporary romance author, Clarissa Yip, leads a life of adventure and mischief. Constantly on the run, she’s always hanging out with her muse, plotting the next best story, and looking for anything that will fuel her imagination. Besides being an avid reader and writer, Clarissa enjoys scrapbooking, video games, immersing herself in addictive TV shows, and engaging in anything that will challenge her mind. A lover of food and languages, she also loves to try new things. Her dreams involve finding the ultimate way of sharing her world with yours. From the Hawaiian island of Oahu to the beautiful season-changing New York, you never know where she’ll be.
Find her at: 


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Happy reading,
Valia

6 comments:

Amy S. said...

Oh that is an easy question. Hands down my favorite romance novel is A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught. I've read it so many times my copy if falling apart and I've even lost chapter 1 completely. A strong second is The Duke by Gaelen Foley. Thanks for the giveaway, this book sounds really good too!!

Jennifer Probst said...

HI Clarissa! Great interview, and the books looks absolutely fabulous! Congrats - I MUST read this!

Arianne said...

i love so many... mostly from Nora Roberts and DeeAnne Gist :)

roro said...

cl wilsons lord of the fading lands

Lea Ann Finley said...

Great interview, Clarissa and the book sounds wonderful. I am with you on being a romantic. Can't wait to read True Connections.

lisagkendall said...

I think my favorite romance story changes over time. Right now I'm reading Awaken the Highland Warrior, and it is my favorite. So many great elements to the story.
I totally agree with the answer to why romance, I love that warm fuzzy feeling, I love not wanting to let go of great characters when the story is over. thanks for the giveaway. lisagk(at)yahoo(dot)com

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