Virtual Book Tour ~ Set Me Free by Kitty Stephens ~ (4 Star Review, Author Interview, Excerpt + Giveaway)
Author Name: Kitty Stephens
Book Name: Set Me Free
Release Date: June 9, 2016
Blurb:
When an affluent college-bound boy falls for a young artist, he must choose between the life that’s been mapped out for him and the chance at true love.
Pages or Words: 63,000 words
Categories: Contemporary, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance
Excerpt:
They found a secluded spot to sit off the main drag and scarfed down pieces of pizza and people-watched. Aaron had been full of nerves earlier, but Lucky put him at ease. He had that way about him.
“I’ve got a few minutes left,” Lucky said when they finished their food.
They got up, sipping at their drinks as they made their way through the crowd back toward Lucky’s booth. It was now or never. He had to ask, had to get the words out, or miss his shot.
“Can I ask you something?” Lucky spoke up before Aaron could. Maybe Lucky would… Aaron held his breath, nodding. “It might sound weird.”
“Sure,” Aaron replied, his heart beating a little faster. He had no idea what was coming now; what could Lucky possibly want from him? A kiss?
“Can you take your picture for me?”
Aaron blinked at him. Lucky tilted his head off to one side and Aaron turned his head the same direction. His gaze landed on a photo booth, realization sinking in. His mouth fell open, unsure what to say. It was a little weird because they barely knew each other, but also flattering.
“I’d really like to draw you again.” Lucky seemed slightly embarrassed. “I mean, I could take pictures on my phone if that’s better for you, but that seemed creepier somehow.”
Aaron couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped at Lucky’s words, even as the idea of Lucky drawing him again and again left him breathless. “Um,” he managed to get out, glancing around at the crowd. A familiar blonde head caught his eye and he nearly choked.
Was Lyn at the carnival? Wasn’t she supposed to be with their mothers?
Aaron pulled Lucky by the hand into the photo booth and slid the curtain shut.
Lucky slid money into the slot as they sat down. His breath caught as Lucky’s hands touched his face gently. “Like this,” Lucky whispered, turning his head to the side. The camera flashed. Lucky’s fingers turned his head to the front, pulling away just in time for the camera to go off again. Once again, Lucky’s fingers turned his head to the side, only now he was facing Lucky, staring deeply into his eyes.
Aaron tried not to hyperventilate as he held Lucky’s gaze. The camera flashed for the last time but neither of them moved.
“Go out with me?” Aaron suddenly blurted out. He had to do something or he might do something even more insane, like kiss Lucky. Aaron so wasn’t ready for that yet. Lucky's eyes widened and he smiled.
“Sure,” Lucky drawled after a moment. “When?”
Buy the book:
Interlude Press ~ Amazon ~ Apple iBookstore ~ Smashwords ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Are ~ IndieBound
Aaron and Jonas "Lucky" come from two different worlds. Aaron's parents are well off and live in a gated community in Georgia. They vacation at their beach home every summer, on Tybee Island.
Lucky is poor, raised by his single mother who works to support Lucky. Lucky is headed to the carnival on Tybee Island to work as an artist for the summer before he heads to one of the top art schools in Chicago.
That's not where the differences end though. Lucky is out and proud, while Aaron is firmly planted in the closet, so deep he may never find his way out. When they meet it's instant attraction. But Aaron and Lucky both have their plans laid out before them at the end of the summer.
I adored Aaron and Lucky. They were both lovable characters you wanted to root for. They just had to get their HEA, because they just fit so well together. Stuck in an impossible situation, their story gives me hope for more happy endings. While I did love them, I really wanted to take and shake Aaron. I wanted him to grow a backbone and stand up to his parents. But the story lacked in this department. Someone else always stood up FOR him. While I loved the support and love from Lyn and Lucky, I really think to show full growth he needed to do it himself. This story was well written and kept me sitting on the edge of my seat, with my stomach in knots waiting to see what would happen. It made me feel. I felt the struggle, sadness and frustration. I also felt the love and passion between Aaron and Lucky. I felt transported. I could almost smell the salt in the ocean, and taste the cotton candy. I adored Lyn. She is what true friends are made of. I loved the support and love she had for Aaron and Lucky.
All in all this was an emotional, yet enjoyable read. Highly recommended!
Talk to us about your characters in this book. What makes them unique?
4 Stars
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Lucky is poor, raised by his single mother who works to support Lucky. Lucky is headed to the carnival on Tybee Island to work as an artist for the summer before he heads to one of the top art schools in Chicago.
That's not where the differences end though. Lucky is out and proud, while Aaron is firmly planted in the closet, so deep he may never find his way out. When they meet it's instant attraction. But Aaron and Lucky both have their plans laid out before them at the end of the summer.
I adored Aaron and Lucky. They were both lovable characters you wanted to root for. They just had to get their HEA, because they just fit so well together. Stuck in an impossible situation, their story gives me hope for more happy endings. While I did love them, I really wanted to take and shake Aaron. I wanted him to grow a backbone and stand up to his parents. But the story lacked in this department. Someone else always stood up FOR him. While I loved the support and love from Lyn and Lucky, I really think to show full growth he needed to do it himself. This story was well written and kept me sitting on the edge of my seat, with my stomach in knots waiting to see what would happen. It made me feel. I felt the struggle, sadness and frustration. I also felt the love and passion between Aaron and Lucky. I felt transported. I could almost smell the salt in the ocean, and taste the cotton candy. I adored Lyn. She is what true friends are made of. I loved the support and love she had for Aaron and Lucky.
All in all this was an emotional, yet enjoyable read. Highly recommended!
Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Kitty Stephens, author of Set Me Free.
Hi Kitty, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your current book.
My name Kitty Stephens. I currently reside in Ohio, with my husband, my son, and our three guinea pigs. I’ve been an avid reader since I was very young and started writing when I was around nine or ten. Once I had internet access, I became active in fan communities and started posting my work on various fan sites. Set Me Free is my first book.
Each one has their own personalities and quirks. They have their own dreams and desires.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in getting your book from start to publish?
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in getting your book from start to publish?
How long it can take! I had no idea what once I finished the manuscript, it would be several more months of editing before the book was finally released.
Have you ever gone to a convention? If so, how was it? If not, do you think it’s something you’d like to do in the future?
Have you ever gone to a convention? If so, how was it? If not, do you think it’s something you’d like to do in the future?
I have gone to several fan conventions over the years. They’re all pretty much the same, but you get out of them what you put into them. It’s pretty neat to meet your favorite actors and authors in person.
Would you like to be a full-time writer?
Would you like to be a full-time writer?
I would love to! I think that writing full time would be a dream come true for me.
Design the ultimate pizza.
Green pepper and onion! It’s my favorite kind of pizza and one I rarely can get, as I’m only one in my family that likes it.
Design the ultimate pizza.
Green pepper and onion! It’s my favorite kind of pizza and one I rarely can get, as I’m only one in my family that likes it.
Meet the author:
Kitty Stephens’ writing aspirations date back to her childhood, when she and her brother would make up stories about characters in their favorite books. She eventually started writing stories in online fan communities, and majored in English at Ohio State University. She lives in Ohio with her husband and son. Set Me Free is her first novel.
Where to find the author:
Tumblr: kittystephenswrites.tumblr.com
Publisher: Interlude Press
Cover Artist: C.B. Messer
Tour Dates & Stops:
9-Jun
10-Jun
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14-Jun
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22-Jun
Rafflecopter Prize: Grand Prize: $25 Interlude Press Gift Card. Five first prizes: E-copy of ‘Set Me Free’ by Kitty Stephens
Thank you so much for hosting me today and for the lovely review.
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