Bayou Book Junkie: Virtual Book Tour: Hummingbird House by Kenzie Cade, Excerpt, Interview and ARC Review + Giveaway

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Virtual Book Tour: Hummingbird House by Kenzie Cade, Excerpt, Interview and ARC Review + Giveaway

Book Name: Hummingbird House

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23601149-hummingbird-house

Author Name: Kenzie Cade

Author Bio:

Kenzie Cade was born and raised in the South where she spends her days in the sometimes stressful field of private medicine observing interesting people and committing them to memory for later use. When she isn’t reading, experimenting with recipes, or being distracted by social media, Kenzie spends time with her family, friends, and the Pomeranian/long-haired Chihuahua mix who likes to keep her company while she writes. As a young girl, Kenzie dreamed of princesses and their white knights. As an adult (or sort of adult), she dreams of princes and their proverbial white knights, which she attributes to fellow Arkansan S.E. Hinton and her novel, The Outsiders. Writing to keep the fictional voices at bay, Kenzie enjoys the journeys her characters travel to find their happy endings, and she loves the challenge of writing a great love story.

Author Contact:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kenziecade.author

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thekenziecade

Tumblr: http://thekenziecade.tumblr.com/

Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/thekenziecade/

Google +: plus.google.com/u/1/+KenzieCade

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: Catt Ford

Interview with the Author:

Question 1. Why did you choose to write M/M stories?

Kenzie Cade: I love this genre. I found it by accident, as lot of us do, and I fell in love instantly. Writing those relationships with happy ever afters was a given to me. I have real life reasons out there as well. I see my friends and family and want to portray that love on the page for people to see.

Question 2. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

That's a great question. I don't really write with a message in mind, but after putting the words down on paper, this book has personal meaning to me. I think it could mean many different things to many different people. As a matter of fact, I've already heard beautiful stories from readers as to how Astrid's letters touched them. Of course, the biggest theme throughout the book is second chances. Mistakes are a given part of life. It's forgiveness and love that bring real hope, yes?

Question 3. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm a Plain Jane and pretty boring. I love to read, write, and cook. I have a three year old niece who is the love of my life as are my family and the closest of my friends. I enjoy trying new things, although I draw the line at jumping out of airplanes, cliff diving, base jumping, or bungee jumping. My favorite food is Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza which I had for the fist time at GRL this past year. My favorite color is blue... all shades. And my closest friends either live in different states or a different country, yet I'm closest to all three. My EDJ deals in medicine and is completely and utterly boring. I love animals, though I lean more toward canines. I have a Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix. She's a hyper, happy ball of fur. I also love to learn, which I do on a daily basis. I have been called a sponge before. I absorb all sorts of things. At this moment, I'm studying all kinds of writing and craft books. But I love the research aspect of writing. I have an upcoming character who is a mechanic specializing in motorcycle customization and restoration. It is thrilling. And super sexy. I also sing, semi-professionally, but if you ever come up to me and say "Sing for me" I'd probably blush and stammer until you gave up. Being put on the spot is not my thing. That enough?

Question 4. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Geez, you don’t ask for much do you? I’m just kidding. I can’t say I have one favorite. There are so many greats out there, but I do tend to look to this genre first then outside last. Josh Lanyon has been and will probably always be one of my favorites. Without the blanket of angst, Lanyon writes amazing mysteries and gripping relationships. Josh’s characters are so three-dimensional, I feel like I know them by the end of the book. I’m always enamored with Lanyon’s books. It’s why I forget to sleep sometimes.

There are so many authors out there that I consider favorites: Cardeno C. (the relationship and happy every after factor), Mary Calmes (lovable, quirky characters with top notch dialogue), Amy Lane (queen of angst and broken characters), Piper Vaughn (lovable characters with a deep connection and real stories), Rhys Ford (beauty in the mystery, fun, upbeat stories, and killer endings), K.A. Mitchell (beautiful characters with heart wrenching stories/pasts who come out on top), Megan Derr (outrageous fantasy and world building with relatable characters and exciting plots), Lexi Ander (the most fantastic creativity in storylines and world building; captivating, heart pounding plots)… I could go on and on. Like I said, I have a million favorites.

Question 5 What book are you reading now?

Protector of the Alpha by Parker Williamson. I literally just started. I'm only the Prologue in, but it's already captivating. I love a good paranormal romance. Now, if you want to know about the book I just finished, that would be Dust of Snow by Indra Vaughn. It's a wonderful holiday story full of excitement and sweetness. It's the first time I've read this author and I absolutely fell in love with this book, so I'm looking forward to whatever comes next from her.

Blurb:

To honor his grandmother's final request, Trenton Appleton drops everything to visit the family’s ancestral home: Hummingbird House, where he experienced his first kiss and first heartbreak with Callum Eason.

Eight years ago, confused by his attraction to Trent, Callum reacted badly. But with help he never expected, Callum found himself and learned to accept who he was.

Now Trent is back at Hummingbird House, and Callum has his opportunity to salvage their friendship, at least. But Trent is less receptive than he was all those years ago. Still, Callum is determined to show Trent he has changed and keep his promise to Trent’s grandmother. When past mistakes repeat themselves, Callum must break the cycle before his last chance with Trent passes him by.

Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Holiday, Christmas, Romance

Excerpt:

For a house that had stood empty for the past eight years, it was surprisingly… clean… and warm and bright. The lights were on in the living room to my left, but the clanging of pots and pans in the kitchen through the archway to my right drew my attention. Setting my suitcase and urn down quietly in the entryway, I pulled out an umbrella from the holder by the door. With every bit of stealth I possessed—which is not much—I crept into the kitchen, umbrella raised over my head. My heart raced and my breath sped up, until I crossed into the kitchen to find Callum at the sink.

My umbrella clanked to the wooden floor, and then I slumped over, hands to knees. Callum turned around eyes widened in surprise with an understanding smirk gracing his full lips. I wanted to hate those lips.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” I panted, looking up at Callum as I stumbled over to the nearest kitchen chair and plopped myself into it.

Callum shrugged. “I’ve been taking care of the place for Astrid for the past few years.”

I hadn’t known that. Had I known that? Had Astrid ever mentioned it? No. She certainly hadn’t. Though I’d never admit it aloud, I hung on every word she shared regarding Callum. And trust me, they were few and far between, as if she had known what had happened between us.

She probably had.

Callum had kept up Hummingbird House. The pain in my chest twisted just a little more than usual. I refused to think of it as a betrayal, certain Astrid had her reasons for not telling me. But I just couldn’t imagine what they were.

“That doesn’t explain why you’re here now.”

Pages: 51 pages Words: 18,000

Mari's Review:

***ARC provided by Pride Promotions in exchange of an honest review.***

*** 5 Stars ***

First of all, I have to say I’m in awe at how much story, passion, angst and emotion Kenzie Cade could pack in less than 75 pages!

I loved how she merged Past and Present so seamlessly in the story. How she made me cry before the 15 page mark, LOL, sorry I’m a sucker for stories that make me emotional and I adored this one.

Trent is heartbroken and felt alone after his grandmother died, but honoring her wish he visits Hummingbird House, that’s been in his family for several generations. It’s not easy for him to go, considering he knows he would find Callum Eason there and after the last two times they’ve seen each other, that’s the last thing he wants.

Callum knows he messed up in the past and wants to recapture his friendship with Trent, but it won’t be easy for him. Trent is angry with him, with every right and now Callum has to show him that he’s worthy of a second chance.

Callum’s family is amazing! So close-knit, warm and loving, embracing Trent back into their fold, even if eight years have gone by since they saw him last. And they remind Trent that he’s not alone, that he has a family that will stand by him, even if his grammy is gone.

This was such a perfect holiday story, with just enough angst to make it interesting and leaving you feeling satisfied when the main characters get their HEA. Just fantastic and I definitely recommend it to anyone that loves flawless, emotional, feel-good reads that will leave you with a smile in your face!