It’s an honor to host the award-winning Bold Strokes Books author Carsen Taite. She recently released A More Perfect Union and one lucky winner will receive an e-copy of the novel. More details are below.

Please welcome Carsen Taite.

Before we begin, thanks so much for stopping by today for a chat.

Thanks for having me!

When did you start writing?

I wrote a mystery when I was in middle school in an attempt to impress a girl. It wasn’t very mysterious, but I think she was touched when she saw her name in the dedication. I doubt she realized how hard I was crushing on her. Fast-forward a bunch of years to 2007, when I made a New Year’s resolution to write a novel and submit it for publication. That book, Truelesbianlove.com, was published by Bold Strokes Books in 2008 and novel number 20, Outside the Law, will be released next May.

In a previous life, you were a criminal defense lawyer. Did you enjoy it?

Absolutely. I worked for a small, boutique firm in Dallas, which meant I got a lot of hands on experience with some fascinating, high profile cases. As much as I loved the work, it was definitely wearing. I used to think about my cases 24/7 in the same way that I ponder the plots of my books, but in fiction the risk of someone going to prison isn’t real.

Is there one case of yours that stands out the most? Why? 

There are a few, but if I had to pick one, it would be the case on which I loosely based my fourth book, Nothing but the Truth. Without revealing too much of the plot, I was hired to represent someone in a murder case, but wound up being called as a witness by the prosecution. Sitting on the witness stand, being grilled by defense attorneys, I gained a whole new perspective about what witnesses and defendants go through during a jury trial, and I like to think it made me a better lawyer. It definitely supplied me with a good idea for a novel.

Hypothetically, when your friends, family, and neighbors get into trouble, are you the first person they call for advice?

Yes. Hypothetically. But it’s not just friends, family, and neighbors. Total strangers in line at the grocery store or other odd places, when they find out I’m a lawyer will often respond with a hopeful look followed by a “maybe you can answer this question for me…” Occasionally, the question actually pertains to my area of practice.

Tell us about your new release?

My December release is A More Perfect Union, a romantic thriller. It’s a standalone novel, but it’s set in DC and populated with some of the same characters from Courtship. I’m a political junkie and a big fan of West Wing, and I wanted to write a set of novels where good, upstanding folks win the day. In this book, Major Zoey Granger is assigned by the Pentagon to work with DC fixer, Rook Daniels, to investigate a scandal that had potentially grave consequences for the Pentagon and the White House. These women have very different approaches about the best way to handle the investigation, and their differences are compounded by their attraction to each other. Throw in a national security threat, and it’s a wild ride.

You attend a handful of author events a year. Do you have a favorite one?

That’s a hard one and I’m going to cop out and pick two: Golden Crown Literary Society Convention and Women’s Week. Both events are wonderful ways to connect with readers and other authors. GCLS has the added benefit of classes on craft and other aspects of creating a successful writing career, and the big plus for WW is the quaint ocean side charm of Provincetown. And lobster rolls.

Who in your life has been your biggest cheerleader?

My wife, Lainey. The moment I told her, early in our relationship, that I wanted to be a published author, she responded with “how do we make that happen?” She takes on way more than her share of the load when I’m up against a deadline or traveling to promote my work, and I will always be grateful for her unwavering support, love, and belief in my dreams.

Is there one type of food you absolutely refuse to eat?

I do not believe I have met this type of food yet. I love all things food.

Let’s say you were planning your perfect day. What would you do?

Sleep in, but not late enough to wake up groggy. Linger in bed with a cup of a strong, dark brew and enjoy a nice long read from a good book. Sushi for lunch, on the patio, followed by a trip to Sprinkles for a salted caramel cupcake. A late afternoon walk at the lake with L and Mollie, our dog. An evening at home, surrounded by M-dog, the cats, and the cockatiels, to watch a movie which could range from a sappy romance to an adventure-filled disaster. Recounting the day with L while curled up in bed before turning out the light. Repeat.

Thanks so much for chatting today.

Thanks for the invite! It’s been fun hanging out here and chatting with you.

A MORE PERFECT UNION

E-book $9.99
Paperback: $16.95
Release date: December 12, 2017
Romance / Intrigue & Thriller

When Major Zoey Granger exposed corruption in the ranks, she became an unwitting media darling and shot to a position reporting to top brass at the Pentagon. Now Zoey finds herself in the unwanted spotlight once again, this time at the heart of a scandal that threatens to devastate the military. Her efforts to contain the fallout are thwarted when the White House assigns a notorious DC fixer to oversee her every move.

Political insider Rook Daniels can fix any problem, no matter how illicit or indictable, but she has two rules: she picks her cases and she’s in charge. When she makes an exception for an old friend at the White House, she gets tangled up with a sexy but stubborn officer who has her own ideas about authority. Rook and Zoey must decide whether a chance at love is worth risking loss of reputation in a town where appearances rule.

Bold Strokes Books / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AUS

MEET THE AUTHOR

Carsen Taite’s goal as an author is to spin tales with plot lines as interesting as the cases she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the award-winning author of numerous novels of romance and romantic intrigue, including the Luca Bennett Bounty Hunter series and the Lone Star Law series. Look for her upcoming 2018 titles: Outside the Law (the final installment in the Lone Star Law Series), Love’s Verdict, and Pursuit of Happiness. 

CONNECT WITH CARSEN TAITE

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Website

GIVEAWAY

Enter here for a chance to win a copy of

A MORE PERFECT UNION

All you need to do is fill in your email, check the box confirming you aren’t a robot, and hit enter.

Thanks so much Carsen for stopping by today.

Best of luck to everyone who enters the giveaway.