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?”
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Author Guest Post:
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.
Tell us the highlight of your writing career (so far).
The highlight of my writing career so far has to been when I met with my publisher for the first time to discuss the manuscript I had submitted. I had originally written Set Me Free for open submissions by Interlude Press for their Summer Love anthology. They loved the story so much they wanted me to expand on it and release it a full length novel instead.
I’ve wanted to publish a book since I can remember and that day was like a dream come true for me. It’s still a little surreal to think that I’ve written something, submitted it to a publisher and they liked it so much it’s now become a book.
I’ll never forget that day or the realization that dreams can come true, even when you least expect 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.
Get to know the author on tumblr at @kittystephenswrites and on Twitter at @KittyStephensWr
Where to find the author:
Twitter: @KittyStephensWr
Tumblr: kittystephenswrites.tumblr.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KittyStephensWrites?fref=ts
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28764318-set-me-free
Publisher: Interlude Press
Cover Artist: C.B. Messer
Tour Dates & Stops:
9-Jun
Happily Ever Chapter, Boys on the Brink Reviews, Book Lovers 4Ever, Havan Fellows
10-Jun
Oh My Shelves, Bonkers About Books, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
13-Jun
Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Unquietly Me, A.M. Leibowitz
14-Jun
BFD Book Blog, Velvet Panic, My Fiction Nook
15-Jun
Anna Butler Fiction, Three Books Over The Rainbow, MM Good Book Reviews
16-Jun
Making It Happen, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Open Skye Book Reviews
17-Jun
The Novel Approach, V’s Reads, Prism Book Alliance
20-Jun
Up All Night, Read All Day, Bayou Book Junkie
21-Jun
22-Jun
Alpha Book Club, Molly Lolly, Divine Magazine
Rafflecopter Prize: Grand Prize: $25 Interlude Press Gift Card. Five first prizes: E-copy of ‘Set Me Free’ by Kitty Stephens
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for hosting me today! I’ll be popping in to answer any questions.