Lane Hayes: Better Than Chance

Today I get the chance to welcome back Lane Hayes.  Lane writes about characters that live in a place near and dear to my heart and home – Washington DC. She back today to talk about her second book Better Than Chance. She’s also giving away an eBook copy of her new book to one lucky commenter. Read on to the end to find out more.

Welcome back, Lane! Since it’s been a while, tell the readers a bit about yourself?

Thank you for having me back, Andy!  Let’s see… what is interesting about moi?  I am an interior designer who loves books.   I also love chocolate, travel and hanging out with my husband and family, but I’ll stay on topic and admit, I LOVE reading!  I decided a year and half ago I needed to focus my talents, which is when I tried my hand at writing again.  I have a deep and abiding respect for the written word.  The moment I freed myself of the burden to attempt writing the next Great American novel, I was able to enjoy writing for a genre I’ve always loved, Romance… or more accurately M/M romance novels.

Better Than Good, was your first novel. How did you find the experience of being published for the first time?

Thrilling!  Absolutely amazing!  When I first sent Better Than Good to Dreamspinner Press, my attitude was “you never know unless you try”.  I was pleasantly surprised they wanted my story, but the response from the readers is what has been the most rewarding.  Connecting with people who love the genre and really love the characters is extraordinarily gratifying. 

How did you find the process the second time around?

The second time was nerve wracking too.  The books were released roughly six months apart, but I’m too new an author not to get flustered by edits and bouts of self doubt.  I have to remind myself that I write what I love and hopefully readers will feel the same way.

Like Better Than Good, your newest book, Better Than Chance, is set in my hometown of Washington, DC. What about DC do you like so much that you use it as the setting for your novels?

Georgetown

I love DC!  It’s a beautiful, historic, walkable city with world-class museums, great bars and restaurants.  All the things I love in a city!  As far as how DC came to be the setting… that was dictated by the characters.  Better Than Chance was actually written (or in my head) before Better Than Good.  Jay is from Virginia, went to Georgetown University for his graduate degree and naturally works downtown.  This isn’t something I’ve told anyone else in other interviews or blog posts, but even though this is the second book, this series started with Jay. 

D.C. is a pretty cool place to live, even if I am a bit biased. So kudos on a good choice of locales.

First lawyers, now lobbyists, are you trying to humanize professions most of us love to hate?

Ha!  Maybe so.  And since my host is a lawyer, I’ll say I have nothing but the utmost respect for your profession!  Truly, I think the reason the MCs ended up as lawyers and lobbyists had more to do with them working long hours in demanding jobs.  The city fit the vibe and I know just enough to be dangerous about both. J

Tells us something interesting that’s not in the blurb for Better Than Chance.

Great question!  Honestly sometimes it’s hard to convey the real message of a story in the blurb.  Better Than Chance is about preconceived ideas and miscommunication.

It’s about opposites attracting and finding themselves in deeper than they thought.  The one thing I want to assure readers who may not have read Better Than Good yet is that both books are standalones and can be read in any order.  I’m particular about these things as a reader and I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Are any of these characters based on anyone you know? (Or that you’re willing to admit to knowing? 🙂 )

No, they are my own creation.  J

Tell us about what you’re working on next?

I’m working on a new series.  This time the boys live in my hood in Southern California.  I’m hoping to submit it to the publisher within a week but I’ve been saying that for two weeks, so wish me luck!

Key Bridge from Georgetown to Arlington

With two books under your belt, what have you learned from those two that you’re going to bring to your future writing?

I have learned to write what I love and write characters who I feel I know well and understand.  It’s the best way to keep a story “real”.  It’s important to me that the characters are relatable to the readers on some level.

Have you read anything good lately that you’d recommend to people? 

I just reread Fun with Dick & Shane by Gillibran Brown.  It might not be for everyone, but I love his humor and sense of silliness.   Right now I’m reading Legally Wed by Rick R. Reed.  It’s very good!

Who among the many authors in the genre do you fangirl?

Too many to count!  I’d love to meet TJ Klune, Heidi Cullinan, Marie Sexton, Ethan Day among many others.  I’m a huge fan of this genre and I love that there is a growing fan base.  It’s very exciting!  (I’d love to meet you too, Andy!)

That might be possible come April – Just sayin’.

Last time you visited, you mentioned you love to travel. Have you been anywhere new lately or do you have any upcoming trips planned?

I haven’t been anywhere new in the past year, just back to New York City and San Francisco.  I can’t complain because both are favorites of mine.  I have lots of travel plans for 2014 though.  Portland, OR, back to San Fran and hopefully a trip to Europe too (fingers crossed)!

Portland eh?  Me, Mike and ‘lil q have a trip planned there as well.  Maybe we’ll see you there. 😛

As always, the last question is all yours. 

I’m eternally fascinated by the mystery of attraction.  What is it that makes someone stand out?  Looks?  Sure, first impressions matter, but looks only take you so far.  Most of us learn along the way that what’s on the outside is only as beautiful as what we find on the inside.  Getting to know someone is key.  Communicating.  That’s real life.  The reader in me has a hard time with MCs who fall in love immediately.  I’m not suggesting it can’t happen but in a love story, I want more!  I want to be a part of the journey.  I feel cheated if I can’t feel that “oh yeah, I totally get this couple” moment.  The moment when infatuation or even dislike or disinterest turns into friendship, passion and eventually love.  I’m crazy for it!  Jay and Peter’s story is about the journey of love.  I’m excited for readers to get a “chance” to read their story!

Thank you very much for having me on your blog today, Andy!

Thanks for being my guest, now it’s time to plug your book:

Blurb:

Jay Reynolds has a crush on his project leader at work, but an office romance with Peter Morgan isn’t likely to happen since Peter is straight. Worse, Jay soon fears Peter is homophobic, and his initial infatuation turns to loathing. But one fateful night, Jay is forced to acknowledge things aren’t quite as they seem with Peter. Suddenly, his crush is back and unbelievably, Peter is interested too.

They begin a “friends with benefits” arrangement, which becomes difficult for Jay when he starts falling for his sexy boss. Peter’s past issues keep him from committing, and Jay has to decide if he can be satisfied with friendship if Peter isn’t ready to take a chance on anything more.

Excerpt from Better Than Chance by Lane Hayes:

“Close the door, Reynolds.”  His tone was sharp and concise.  No argument was expected or welcomed.  I obeyed and waited for him to speak. 

He didn’t say a word.  He pointed to a chair and directed me to sit with a simple wave of his hand as he began a slow pace around the perimeter of the small round table.  It was like being stalked by a tiger.  There was an electric air of danger in this tiny space and I had set it in motion.  I clung to my anger.  I wasn’t wrong.  Was I?

Peter suddenly stopped.  He stood at the other end of the table with his arms crossed over his broad chest.  As usual he was impeccably dressed in a gorgeous dark suit tailored to perfection.  His dark wavy hair seemed a little longer.  I absently wondered if he was growing it out.  But his dark furrowed brow and intense stare told me to keep my ponderings to myself.  He wasn’t in the mood to chat about hair.  He looked pissed.

“Explain yourself.”

I blinked twice.   I was almost afraid of him, but I knew that was irrational.  I had a legitimate reason for my outburst.  I just wished I had been a bit more professional about it.

“Fine.  I will.”  Professional, I cautioned myself.  Don’t get personal.  “You have given me rather baffling critiques, Mr. Morgan that I frankly find ridiculous and almost contrived in a way that suggests you want to point out the negative whether or not it has any bearing whatsoever to the project at hand.”  Good, well said, I thought.

“What the fuck are you talking about?”  He looked genuinely perplexed.

“You know what I’m talking about!”  I exploded.  “Correct paragraph two, sentence one…. that’s one example!  What was today’s going to be?  Change the use of my pronoun from direct to indirect?  Or is it an adjective that you want me to reconsider?  Or…”

I had become so worked up that I didn’t register that he’d moved until he was three short feet away from me.  He wore the strangest expression.  It was a cross between tempered fury and frustration.  He held up his hand in that authoritative way of his, demanding that I stop.   Stop everything.  Don’t talk.  Don’t move.  I waited like a deer in headlights to see what he’d do.

A fresh wave of adrenaline rushed through my veins as I found myself literally shoved up against the conference room wall with Peter’s large hand at my throat.  I swallowed hard and looked into his dark angry eyes, his face was two short inches away from mine.  His breath was warm against my cheek.  He pulled back and shook his head as though puzzled by his own actions before he tightened his hold at my neck and covered my mouth with his own. 

I could barely breath.  There was nowhere to hide, no retreat possible so I gave in.  My mouth melted underneath his allowing the lip lock to become a kiss.  A fiery passionate joining.  Our tongues fought for dominance, licking and sucking.  Peter’s hands trapped my head as he plunged even further into my mouth taking every last bit of control away from me.  He ran his tongue over my lips before tracing a path along my jaw and biting my earlobes.  I nudged him back with my nose and heard his low groan as he once again fused his mouth over mine.

I wrapped my arms around him and pulled his body close to mine.  My hands kneaded his perfect ass through the fine fabric of his pants as I sent my hips forward to meet his.  We gasped at the first feel of friction as our hardened cocks pressed together through our suits.  It was electrifying and wickedly carnal.  A mere glimpse into how intensely hot the real thing could be if we let ourselves go there.  Peter stopped abruptly, straightening his arms on either side of my head.  Our heavy breathing was the only sound in the room. 

“I want you.”  He growled, resting his forehead against mine.

Giveaway Information:

Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing. One lucky person will be chosen at random from all comment left by Friday, January 31, 2014 at 8:00 pm EST.

About the Author:

Lane Hayes is a designer by trade, but is spending more time these days doing what she loves best. Writing! An avid reader from an early age, Lane has always been drawn to romance novels. She truly believes there is nothing more inspiring than a well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Lane discovered the M/M genre a fews ago and was instantly hooked. Her first novel was a finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Awards. She loves travel, chocolate, and wine (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband, three teenage kids, and Rex, the coolest yellow lab ever.

Social Media Links:

Website:  www.lanehayes.wordpress.com

Twitter:  @LaneHayes3

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Lane-Hayes

Email:  lanehayes@ymail.com

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Better-Than-Chance-Stories-ebook/dp/B00HZOKLXK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1390798055&sr=8-2&keywords=lane+hayes

Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4614