Better than Perfect by Kristina Mathews - Interview and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kristina will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC plus a digital copy of the book to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I love Contemporary Romance. I love to read and write stories about ordinary people who discover the extraordinary power of love. I especially love sports romance, since love and baseball are my two favorite things.

What research is required?

I have a tough job. I’m required to go to baseball games. I’ve also taken a tour of AT&T Park in San Francisco and we’ve been to Fan Fest at the park. I do hope to go to Spring Training next year. I watch a lot of baseball on TV, and listen to the Kruk & Kuip Show on the local sports radio every morning. The Giants’ broadcasters are both former players and they give great insight into the game and what it’s like to go through a long season as a player.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

I learned that it’s never too late to go after what you really want. Johnny held on to his dream of Alice for fourteen years. But it wasn’t until he came back to San Francisco that he was able to win her heart. I’ve wanted to write for many, many years, but it wasn’t until I turned 40 that I actually did anything about it.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I have an aversion to outlining, sticky notes, and graphic organizers. I do use a spreadsheet to keep track of names, which is helpful when writing a series. I also find if I go more than a day without actively working on a story, I get cranky.

Plotter or pantser?

Pantser. Totally. I can’t outline, at least not on paper. I do plot out the main story arc in my head, but if I dare to write it down, I lose the momentum. It’s like my brain thinks I’m done. I guess that’s because in high school, I was the kid who typed up my papers at the last minute and wrote the required outline (and often rough draft) on the bus.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

My iPhone. If it’s not there, it’s in my pocket. I thought they were stupid when they first came out. “Who needs a phone that can do your taxes?” Now, I can get my tax return on my phone. I spend far too much time on Facebook and Twitter, I can even listen to a baseball game if I’m not able to watch it on TV. I can take pictures, read blogs, and text my kids. Once in a while I even make phone calls.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

My second book in the series, Worth The Trade will be out July 7, 2014. It was originally scheduled for a September release, but I’m excited to have it come out sooner. I have submitted the third book in the series, but don’t have a release date yet.

The woman he left behind and the son he never knew are tougher opponents than any he’s met on the field.

Pitcher Johnny “The Monk” Scottsdale has won awards, been named an All-star and has a perfect game to his credit. Known for his legendary control both on and off the field, his pristine public image makes him the ideal person to work with youth players in a preseason minicamp. Except the camp is run by the one woman he can’t forget…the woman who made him a “monk.”

Alice Harrison’s three strikes include an unexpected pregnancy, a marriage of convenience and young widowhood. She once traded her dreams so Johnny could have a chance at making it to the Majors. Johnny comes back into her life just as she’s ready to resign as foundation director and pursue her own dreams of finally earning her teaching credential. Her plans may go on hold, though, depending on the reaction when she confesses she may have kept a major league secret from Johnny and her son.

With the minutes ticking by until Johnny will leave for spring training, they’ll need to let go of the past and work together in order to win the game of love.

CONTENT WARNING: Some strong language, consummated love scenes

Enjoy an excerpt:

“Alice.” Just saying her name sent a line drive straight to his heart. Even fourteen years later.

“Congratulations on your new contract. I know you’re going to have a great year.” She sounded like any other fan, wishing him well. She just marched right up to his table to ask for an autograph. A freaking autograph? Like he meant nothing to her.

A slight breeze blew her hair around her face. She tried to smile as she tucked a loose strand behind her ear. Blond, straight, silky—and if he remembered correctly—oh-so-soft. She wore modestly cut jeans and a soft blue sweater that on anyone else would have looked plain and proper. He didn’t need to glance at her left hand to know she was off limits. Yet, she still moved him like no other woman ever could. Made him long for what he’d had. What he’d lost. What he’d tried for years to forget.

Johnny nodded, giving his most sincere smile, even though seeing Alice, and her kid, hit him like a 97-mile-an-hour fastball.

They started to walk away.

“Give my best to Mel.” As if he hadn’t already done that.

Alice turned around.

“Mel died. Eight years ago.”

About the Author:

Kristina Mathews doesn't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. Or in her head. But it wasn't until 2010 that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer was because she was busy writing romance novels.

While she resigned from teaching with the arrival of her second son, she's remained an educator in some form. As a volunteer, Parent Club member or para educator, she finds the most satisfaction working with emergent and developing readers, helping foster confidence and a lifelong love of books.

Kristina lives in Northern California with her husband of twenty years, two sons and a black lab. A veteran road tripper, amateur renovator and sports fanatic. She hopes to one day travel all 3,073 miles of Highway 50 from Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD, replace her carpet with hardwood floors and serve as a “Ball Dudette” for the San Francisco Giants.

Website www.kristinamathews.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristinamathewsauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KristinaMathews

Buy the book at Lyrical Press, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.