Diving In by Kristina Mathews

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kristina will be awarding $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Five Things You Might Not Know About Kristina Mathews

I went to modeling school as a teenager but now I only wear makeup at weddings and Romance writers conventions. I almost always wear a hat when I go outdoors. Not a cute, fashionable, girly hat, a baseball cap. I also hate shopping and my fashion sense is more about comfort and practicality than style.

Although I grew up in Lake Tahoe, I didn’t really ski until my youngest son joined the high school ski team last year. His dad is a coach and his older brother arranges his college schedule so he can assist as well. I realized that if I want to see my family in the winter, I have to hit the slopes with them.

My first ever job was as an extra in an Oscar nominated film. I was five. I don’t remember much, other than getting fitted for a costume, eating lunch cafeteria-style at the fairgrounds, and playing on a bus while waiting for filming. I also have never seen the movie, Bound For Glory.

I once performed with Andy Williams at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Several members of the background chorus were performing at their high school choir concert, and they just needed to fill spaces. It was a Christmas show, so I did know the words but I’m sure I didn’t contribute anything to the show with my nearly-silent singing.

I fought sexism on the Little League field by punching my best friend who wouldn’t let me on first base the first time I got a hit in practice. I don’t remember the coach’s reaction, but the boys stopped telling me I should be the team’s cheerleader after that.

The sweetest revenge . . .

He’s the Swift brother who got left behind, the son abandoned by his father. Now Kyle Swift is a man determined to destroy the whitewater rafting empire built by the half-brothers he never knew, the Swift sons who got the life—and the love—he was denied. Seducing Fisher Jones isn’t part of his revenge, but sharing a bed with the beautiful whitewater instructor is the one bright spot in his otherwise dark plan. That is, if he manages not to fall for the sad-eyed beauty . . .

Fearless when it comes to facing even the most daunting river rapids, Fisher never takes chances with her love life—until the night she gets swept away by a sexy stranger. But when her one-night stand unexpectedly shows up in her whitewater class, Fisher faces her greatest challenge yet: keeping her heart safe from a man determined to put an end to the family business—and the life—she holds dear. . .

Read an Excerpt:

When it was his turn, Kyle was determined to make a good impression. On his fellow students, but mostly on his instructor. He wouldn’t be too cautious or too cocky. He would show that he’d been paying attention, soaking in Fisher’s words of encouragement and instruction.

He gave the commands. “Forward paddle. Stop. Left back.”

His crew did exactly as he instructed. The raft was perfectly positioned. Except the current was faster than he anticipated. They were headed straight toward the rock in the middle of the rapid. He used his paddle to make a correction, but he dug in a little too deep and he managed to spin them three hundred sixty degrees around. They hit the rock dead on, and the front of the boat lifted in the air, almost vertical, and everyone went flying into the river.

Well, not everyone. Kyle felt himself being jerked backward and tossed to the floor of the boat like a fish. He scrambled to a sitting position and found Fisher was maneuvering the raft through the rapid.

“I’m sorry. I guess I screwed up.” Kyle couldn’t remember the last time he’d admitted to a mistake. He’d made plenty, but never admitted them. But for some reason, he knew Fisher already knew he was in over his head, and she’d call bullshit if he tried to deny it.

“Help pull the crew back in,” she commanded as they came alongside the swimmers. “We’ll talk about it when everyone can benefit.”

Leia was the closest and Kyle was able to get her aboard; then she helped pull Brett into the raft while Fisher grabbed Nolan.

“Well, that was interesting.” Nolan shook his head and ran his fingers through his wet hair.

“Kyle has just demonstrated the dump truck move.” Somehow, Fisher kept her cool. Made it almost seem normal. “And the important thing is that he was able to account for all the passengers.”

What a loser. Instead of impressing her, he nearly drowned his fellow students.

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 she turned forty that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer was because she was busy writing.

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. She proudly tells her students that she writes romance novels that they can read when they're older.

Kristina lives in Northern California with her husband of more than 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 throw out the first pitch for the San Francisco Giants.

www.kristinamathews.com
www.facebook.com/kristinamathewsauthor
twitter.com/KristinaMathews
https://amazon.com/author/kristinamathews
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7870884.Kristina_Mathews
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kristina-mathews

Buy the book at Amazon, iBooks, Google Play, Kobo, Barnes and Noble.

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Swept Away by Kristina Mathews - Spotlight and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kristina will be awarding a digital copy of Swept Away to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Carson Swift may look exactly like his twin brother Cody, but they’re as different as tie dye and camouflage. Reliable, responsible, and usually the designated driver, Carson is also over being his brother’s keeper, but suddenly his plans to break free are complicated by the woman they fish out of Hidden Creek . . .

Lily Price is not your typical damsel in distress. Infidelity, infertility, and downsizing provide a triple threat to her ego, but falling into the swollen river nearly ends her life. If not for the handsome stranger—make that two handsome strangers—she might not have had a chance at having a baby by any means necessary . . .

As Carson helps Lily overcome her fear of the river, she helps him save his rafting business from going under. She also saves him from abandoning all that is important to him in order to get a taste of freedom. Together they find that love is the ultimate adventure.

Enjoy an excerpt:

She struggled briefly, mumbling something, as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against his chest. The buzz of adrenaline flooded his system, blocking out the cold, the current, and everything but the need to keep her head above water and bring her to shore. He kicked hard to propel them away from the strongest part of the current. Working with the flow of the river and not against it was crucial in getting them both out alive.

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 she turned forty that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer was because she was busy writing. 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 more than 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.

http://kristinamathews.com/2013/11/03/whats-new/
https://twitter.com/KristinaMathews
https://www.facebook.com/kristinamathewsauthor

Buy the book at Amazon, iBooks, Google, Kobo, or Barnes and Noble.

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Worth the Trade by Kristina Mathews - Interview and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A randomly drawn participant will win a $10 Amazon gift card via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.


Thanks for stopping by It's Raining Books, Kristina. If someone were writing a story about you, what would your blurb say?

Former teacher and modeling school dropout, Kristina Mathews is passionate about books, baseball, and her family. When not writing, catching a ball game, or shuttling her kids to games and activities, she can be found greeting schoolkids, opening Gogurt packages, and helping kids become better readers at her job as a para educator. She has tiled her own floors, baked her own bread, and sewed her kids’ Halloween costumes, but she is not a domestic goddess by any stretch of the imagination. Just ask her husband, who tends to get stuck with the laundry.

Would you tell us a little about your newest release that isn't in the blurb?

This story was inspired by a real life event. When the San Francisco Giants traded for Hunter Pence in 2012, I loved the way he took a limo to the ballpark from the airport. As a fan, his enthusiasm won me over. As a writer, I couldn’t help but think it would make a great story. Especially if there was a woman in that limo. And if that woman happened to be the team owner, even better. The story took off from there. The characters are a blend of several of my favorite players and my imagination.

What was your favorite scene to write in this story?

I loved the opening scene. I had a lot of fun with the anticipation of what he could bring to the team, not to mention the romantic tension.

If you could trade places with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

I think it would be fun to be Marco Santiago. To be a professional baseball player would be pretty awesome, and to be part of a championship team would be even better. I played Little League and one year of high school softball. My teams were very good, but I had a lot of fun playing. I see how much my sons’ teams have meant to them. The camaraderie in the dugout and locker room is something special. I think sports provide a socially accepted outlet for men to express emotion that they have to suppress in other areas of their lives.

 

A ballplayer and a team owner would give anything for a championship—even their hearts…

After inheriting majority ownership of the San Francisco Goliaths baseball team, Hunter Collins wants to prove to herself—and the rest of the league—that she’s got what it takes to build a champion. Her first move is to trade for a hot left-fielder. He’s got it all, speed, power, and a desire to win. Not to mention undeniable charm.

Marco Santiago is tired of being the new player in town. After four teams in six years, he’s facing free agency at the end of the season. He wants nothing more than a long-term contract and a World Series win. Hitting on his new owner probably isn’t the best way to get it, but love may be the most powerful challenger either of them has ever faced...

Warning: Strong language, consummated love scenes, and some baseball clichés.

“Smart, fun, and sexy. A great romance read.” –New York Times Bestselling Author, Kat Martin

Enjoy an excerpt:

“I’m only interested in winning the division and making a strong run in the postseason.” She turned her head to look out the window as if to show she was unaffected by the chemistry between them.

“Aren’t you a rotten liar?” He chuckled softly. Oh yeah, he was definitely getting to her. “Don’t join in the poker game at the next owners’ retreat. You’ll be wiped out.”

She whipped her head around so fast the car shook. “I happen to be a very good poker player. I can hold my own against anyone. Anytime.”

Interesting. Her strong reaction told him two things. She was insecure about her place among her fellow owners. And yes, she was interested in him on more than a professional level.

“That explains your wardrobe.” He leaned back, not ready to leave her just yet. “You dress like you do to fit in with the old boys’ club. But you can’t hide the fact that you are all woman.”

“And you can’t hide the fact that you don’t want to be here.” She dared look him straight in the eye, but couldn’t hold his gaze.

“I’m starting to come around.” He gave her one last smile.

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.

http://www.kristinamathews.com
http://www.facebook.com/kristinamathewsauthor
https://twitter.com/KristinaMathews

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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.