BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Swinging at Love: Suttonville Sentinels [2]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Kendra C. Highley to talk about Swinging at Love (13 March 2017, Entangled: Crush, 240 pages), a Young Adult Contempory Sports Romance, book two of Suttonville Sentinels series.

"I’m a romance junkie, and Kendra C. Highley is at the top of my list for insta-buy, must-read, and I-need-that-book-now authors! I’m already anticipating her next book. Lovers of baseball, ballet, and a few stolen kisses here and there can rejoice for this story of finding the swing of things, love and otherwise." -- Moriah C.; A Leisure Moment blog

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || The Series || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to fellow cat lover Kendra Highley; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in Swinging at Love, or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"Yes; here are some of the songs from my Swinging at Love playlist."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I’m in the midst of a three book series about an interlocking set of characters. For this one, my editor had a great idea about a dancer, whose family business was failing, and a baseball player, whose swing had deserted him."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Swinging at Love - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"my favorites—the graphic artist with Entangled did an amazing job. My favorite part is how it invokes the story in one picture, showing Alyssa and Tristan together, his baseball equipment nearby, and her standing on one foot, up on her toes. There’s a sweetness to it and, bonus, my favorite color is red, so I love that it’s the prominent color."

Why should we read Swinging at Love and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"The Suttonville Sentinels series (Swinging at Love is book 2, after The Bad Boy Bargain), is different in that the heroes in all three books are struggling with a confidence issue, but trying to hide it—without suffering from jerk-disorder. They’re earnest guys, trying to pretend everything is fine…but when they meet the heroine, she sees through it and helps enact a change that makes them stronger."

Can you tell us something quirky about Swinging at Love, its story and characters?

"For one, Tristan’s parents and brother are brilliant scientists…and his parents cannot figure out baseball. He feels a little like an outsider—although his family loves him, they don’t understand him. For Alyssa, she can wield a screwdriver, a softball, and a pair of pointe shoes with equal amounts of skill."

Who would you recommend Swinging at Love to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I recommend this book for readers 13 and up who love sweet falling-in-love stories. My daughter (she’s 13) approves this message."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I stick mostly to YA (although I’m beginning to dabble in New Adult), both contemporary and Fantasy/Sci-Fi. I read mostly YA SciFi/Fantasy, with some contemporary thrown in. On rare occasions, I’ll read adult fantasy—V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic series most recently. Basically, if a book creates a sense of wonder and discovery, I’m there."

What is your writing process?

"Dark chocolate M&Ms, a somewhat fluid outline, and the perfect playlist. I need all three to knuckle down and let the words flow."

What is in store next?

"Book 3 in the series will come out this summer. It centers around Tristan’s best friend, Dylan, and a newcomer named Lucy. She’s not a dancer like Faith and Alyssa, but she’s artistic in her own way. She’s also the polar opposite to controlled, type-A Dylan, which makes for a really fun story."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I have four cats. To be fair, there are four people in my family, so it’s one cat per person, before you think I’m too crazy. Getting a picture with all four is pretty hard, so I’ve included four separate shots. Rocket’s the one in the sink. Comet’s on the windowsill and Katie and Tori are the kitties in boxes."

Comet

Rocket

Tori

Katie

I love them! Lots of cuddles to Comet, Rocket, Tori and Katie!
Rocket really reminds me of my Tequila (R.I.P.) (apologies Rocket, I know you are a boy!)~
Here is our posse - Tequila is sadly no longer with us, but we do have a new member of the family (who is not pictured!), Rio!

Many thanks for sharing with us and we hope you had a great tour!