{Interview} with Marie Harte, author of Test Drive (with Giveaway)

We got to sit down and chat with Marie Harte about her newest title, Test Drive, which is the first book in her Body Shop Bad Boys Series. We’ve also got a giveaway to share with you today, but first, let’s get right to what Marie had to say about Johnny and Lana:

***INTERVIEW***

Thanks for stopping by Pretty Sassy Cool today, Marie! Tell us a little about Test Drive. What was your favorite part to write?

Anytime the guys are together, I’m having so much fun writing. That and the first kiss, that part where my hero and heroine make that connection. I love that!

We love that, too. What is the most interesting thing you have Googled in the name of research?

I would tell you, but I’m still under a federal watch. *grin* Actually, for this series, I’ve Googled my fingers off about cars. Specifically, how to fix transmission problems or replace a catalytic converter, and how shiny the engine of a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS looks.

Fun! How do you stay on the edge of sexy without going over into gross territory?

I think it’s tough to be gross unless you’re specifically writing to offend. Although, that said, what one person’s gross is another’s romance. For example, I had a lesbian couple in one of my books that never did more than kiss or hold hands while with their friends. This couple was secondary to my main characters. I still managed to “gross out” a reader, who will never read me again. Gotta say I wasn’t too upset by that at all.
I personally like a steamier read. In my books, the physical intimacy only furthers the emotional intimacy. I think that’s how to keep everything in perspective. It’s all about love, not debasement or hurting another, but building toward a connection and romance.

How was your approach to writing the Body Shop Bad Boys Series different from writing your other books?

I had to do a lot more research, for one. I’ve dealt with plumbers, contractors, and financial people, but car problems confuse me. I spent two hours at a garage interviewing the owner, and my head was spinning by the time I left. I had more questions than answers. Every car is different, so I had to continue researching. And don’t get me started on nursing! A lot of research went into this book before I ever started writing it. Normally I can fill in the blanks. But I didn’t want to on this one.

*nods* How would you introduce Lara to readers?

She’s someone I’d be proud to be. A hard working woman who’s never had anything handed to her. She wants to better herself, and to do so, she’s working while going to school and helping her family. In many ways I felt like I’ve been her, just not as pretty or surrounded by drool-worthy men. LOL

Why will our readers swoon over Johnny? We want to know all the things!

Yes! How can they not? He’s a closet reader. He’s smart and snarky. He loves women, is vulnerable yet sexy, tattooed, a reformed (mostly) bad boy. And when he falls for a woman, he’s loyal to a fault. I’m still looking for my own Johnny!

We do love him. If you could introduce one of your characters to another character from any other book, who would it be and why?

Hmm. I think I’d love my McCauley brothers (the predecessors to Body Shop Bad Boys) to meet my Warren brothers (Wicked Warrens series). They’re all alike–family men, brothers who give each other a hassle, men needing a good woman to set them straight. And in the end, they always love their mom. 🙂

That would be awesome. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Creative. Lazy. Workaholic.

What advice can you give to aspiring writers?

Don’t quit, and don’t think your work is golden even after the tenth book. You get better as you go.

Great advice! Which character makes you swoon the most (yours or someone else’s)?

I love my Body Shop Bad Boys. It’s really hard for me to pick one I like the best. But I’m very attached to Sam, I think (of book #3—Zero to Sixty). He works in the garage with Johnny. Sam’s had a hard time of it growing up. I really wanted him to find a happily-ever-after, in between beating people up, saving puppies, and crushing on a pretty massage therapist.

Do you have any current or future projects you can tell us about?

Yes! I’m hard at work on my second series for Sourcebooks, The Donnigans. They’re cousins of the McCauleys (from my previous series, the McCauley Brothers). And Then Tomorrow is Gavin’s story. He’s a prior Marine with a bad case of charm, being too sexy for his own good, and survivor’s guilt. His love interest has just lost her sister and had no patience for a playboy who won’t share his feelings. These two butt heads, but their chemistry can’t be denied. And I love the prank wars going on in Gavin’s family. His brothers and sister have a take-no-prisoners attitude when it comes to getting even.

Is there ever anything that you always wish someone would ask you, but they never do?

I wish readers would ask me for my sign. It’s Scorpio, by the way. We forgive, but we never forget. Muhuhahaha. Ahem. That’s it.

One of us is a Scorpio, too! Thanks again for coming by, Marie! We can’t wait to get our ::grabbyhands:: on Test Drive!

Thanks for having me!

***About the Book***

Test Drive by Marie Harte
Also by this author: Test Drive
Series: Body Shop Bad Boys #1
Also in this series: Test Drive
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on June 7, 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Character(s): Mechanics
Pages: 384
Goodreads  Buy the Book

GET TO KNOW THE BODY SHOP BAD BOYS
Johnny, Foley, Sam, and Lou are the rough and tumble mechanics of Webster's Garage. These reformed bad boys are used to living fast, but it's the women in their lives who take them from zero to sixty in a heartbeat.

JOHNNY
Johnny Devlin's a charmer with a checkered past. He has had his eye on scorching-hot bartender Lara Valley for ages, but she's rejected him more than once. That doesn't mean he won't come to her aid when some dirtbag mauls her. When she asks him on a date as a no-strings-attached thank you, he can't say no. And then he's saying nothing but hell, yes.

***GIVEAWAY***

Win a copy of Test Drive by Marie Harte!

To enter, just leave us a comment and let us know that you’d like to win.

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