BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--INTERVIEW WITH "FRANKIE" O'CONNELL OF ELIZABETH SPAUR'S GRIDIRON KNIGHTS SERIES

Today we sit down with Francesca “Frankie” O’Connell from author Elizabeth Spaur’s

Gridiron Knights series.

What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings?

I was barely keeping my head above water. Between caring for my father, who’s recovering from a stroke, playing in my football league and trying to find a coaching job, I didn’t have a moment to breath.

What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?

I never give up. I’ve spent most of my live pursuing dreams in worlds dominated by men.

What do you like least about yourself?

I have a hard time trusting people.

What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?

I have to admit, I never pictured myself dancing in a ballroom dance competition, even doing one exhibition dance.

Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?

I have to admit I argued with her a lot. I was so sure I’d put my week with Rush in the past; I wasn’t sure why she had to bring it into my present.

What is your greatest fear?

That I’ll be left alone.

What makes you happy?  

I’ve always loved football. My dad was one of the greatest college coaches there ever was and he taught me everything I know about the sport.

If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why?

If I was going to rewrite any of my story, I would change the past, and I would have trusted Rush six years ago instead of walking away from him.

Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why? Camilla Houghton. She’s Rush’s ex and she keeps showing up everywhere in town and trying to worm her way back into his life.

Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places with? Why?

I think I would trade places with Delilah Derringer. She’s not afraid to speak her mind and she’s ride or die for her friends.

Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog? 

Elizabeth Spaur writes romance because she loves writing about love.  Her writing is all about big families and big friend groups because she can only write series set in worlds that continue to grow with every story. She can be found at elizabethspaur.com

What's next for you? 

There’s a lot in store for us in King’s Folly.  I’m going to relax with Rush and watch the next couple up on the block. I hear Delilah’s getting her happy ending next. Things are heating up, and we’re going to have to work with our rival universities to unravel some mysteries.

Love in the Zone

One week, six years ago was all they had before secrets and lies tore them apart. After hurling words like daggers before they’d parted, they never dreamed they would see each other again. If they can open their hearts, they might be able to let go of the past and build a future.

Francesca “Frankie” O’Connell was a woman in a man’s world. A former Marine and star wide receiver in a women’s football league, she was used to always following the play. When an old friend offers her a chance at her dream job it also comes with a place that might be the secret to her father’s recovery from a stroke. Working with the man who broke her heart wasn’t something she prepared for. Will the one who got away throw a wrench in all her new plans, or will he help her succeed beyond her wildest dreams?

Rushford Avery hadn’t planned on settling in King’s Folly permanently. Accepting a job at Cormac University was supposed to be temporary until he got his grandmother settled in her childhood hometown. Then it was back to England and his plans for his future. Instead, every day he planted deeper roots and became more involved in the lives of people in the community. He hardly ever thought about the woman who’d destroyed him six years ago with a few well-chosen words. Will her reappearance in his life help him strengthen his place in the community, or tear it out at the roots?

Rush and Frankie still have chemistry for days. The problem is their vivid memories of the circumstances that tore them apart are just as powerful. Their jobs, an unexpected dance competition and the reappearance of an ex push them together and force them to confront the lies and secrets that have haunted them both for six years.

Will love help them look past their mistakes and find their destiny together?

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--AN INTERVIEW WITH LILY MOONEY FROM ELIZABETH SPAUR'S GRIDIRON KNIGHTS SERIES

Today we sit down for a chat with Lily Mooney from author Elizabeth Spaur’s Gridiron Knights series.

What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings?

Same old, same old. I was deputy sheriff, a job I hated, but which helped me help my best friend. My big amazing family was smothering me. It was like I was living my life for everyone I loved, but not for me.

What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?

I’m all in for the people I love. If they need me, for anything, I’m there. No questions asked.

What do you like least about yourself?

I’ve gotten a little too good at keeping secrets and don’t know how to let anyone in.

What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?

It was a total shock when I found out that my best friend in the world was public enemy number one among my family and friends. Underneath all the levels of jerk he’s a great guy who had a rough time growing up, so I got it eventually. But it’s crazy being friends with someone who spends so much time pissing off everyone else in your life.

Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?

I argue with everyone about my life. When you almost die and lose your dreams for your future because of a stupid accident, it tends to make you a control freak. My author was probably sick of hearing me ask, “Why do I have to do this?”

What is your greatest fear?

That there are no second chances.

What makes you happy? 

Cooking. There’s nothing better than creating something that tastes amazing and watching people enjoy it. Since I don’t get to do it too often these days, my other big source of happiness is my puppies, Artemis and Apollo.

If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why?

I would have cut my family some slack earlier. They’ve been ridiculously overprotective since my accident, but I didn’t realize for a long time what seeing me in the hospital and being told I’d never wake up from my coma did to them.

Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why?

Brian Gill, Senior. He’s been scamming and stealing from people for decades, and terrorizing anyone who got in the way of his image of what he wanted his life to be, including his son, my best friend. He’s one of those people that didn’t become bad because of circumstances, he’s just made that way.

Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places with? Why?

I’m not sure. I’d probably trade places with either my twin brother Lee or my little sister Annie. Then I could still be cooking (if I were Lee) or playing with flavors as a brew master (if I were Annie). I spent so much of my life not being able to taste and smell. If I were switching places with anyone, it would have to be with someone as in love with creating amazing flavors as I am.

Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog? 

Elizabeth Spaur has been in love with romance novels since she was twelve. She loves creating worlds full of big families, large friend groups and lots of happy endings. She can be found at elizabethspaur.com

What's next for you?  There’s a lot in store for us in King’s Folly.  More happy endings for our friends and families and more mysteries to deal with. I’m finally going to live all my dreams and I’m looking forward to watching my friends’ stories unfold.  Rumor has it, Elizabeth is going to explore the lives of the football coaches at our two rival universities, too. That should be fun, but Cormac Knights rule.

Romancing the Receiver

A Gridiron Knights Romance

Betrayal destroyed his future. An accident shattered her dreams. Life closed a door for each of them, if they can learn to trust each other, love will open a new one.

Ben Coleman spent two years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Being cleared of all charges couldn’t give him back his dreams of playing professional football, but freedom gave him a chance to heal. When an old friend offers him the opportunity to coach football at Cormac University Ben believes he can finally put the past behind him and build a future. Will the mysterious deputy with secrets help him rebuild his life, or tear it to pieces again?

After an accident as a teenager robbed her of her senses of taste and smell, Lily Mooney had to let go of her dream of being a professional chef. She never wanted to be a cop like three of her brothers, but more than a decade after her accident she was still on the job, and will be until she finishes one last investigation, the one that will set her best friend free. Will the compelling new coach at Cormac University help Lily find the answers she’s looking for, or make her question everything she thought she knew?

Ben and Lily fight an instant attraction. Neither of them is looking for a relationship. Even if they were, there are a million reasons why they’re wrong for each other. Both of them are running from the past and the dreams that still haunt them. But King’s Folly is a small town and, with friends in common, they can’t exactly avoid each other. When their jobs collide and people they love almost get caught in the crossfire, they have no choice but to turn to each other.

Will they learn that love is the key to unlock their dreams for the future?

Welcome to Romancing the Receiver, the third book in the Gridiron Knights series set in King’s Folly, South Carolina, where football is king, and the locals have something to say about everything. When you come for a visit, you’ll never want to leave.

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ELIZABETH SPAUR'S OLIVIA VALENTI

Today we sit down for a chat with Olivia Valenti from author Elizabeth Spaur’s Shotgun Romance, the second book in her Gridiron Knights Series.

What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings? 

Quiet. Even my puppy, Kate, was quiet before my author starting poking around my life. As head of the Department of English at Cormac University, my life was predictable, and I was fine with that. I’ve never been a fan of drama outside of the pages of books.

What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?

I’m committed. Once I put myself on a path, I will stay on it until I reach my goals.

What do you like least about yourself?

It’s too easy for me to be alone. I wish I let more people into my life.

What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?

I got pregnant with twins after a one-night stand. I’m definitely not a one-night stand type of woman.

Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?

I don’t. I told myself I was content with my life before she started messing with it. It turns out I didn’t know what I was missing. I’m so happy she stepped in and started pulling some strings. Kate’s happy about it, too. She never knew what fun was until Nick came into our lives.

What is your greatest fear?  

Ending up like my mother. She fell for the wrong man and ended up paying with her life.

What makes you happy?

Reading a good book on the couch, curled up with Nick while Kate tries to sneak up on him.

If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why? 

If I were going to re-write my story, I would want to be more aware of the people around me. There are some amazing people who worked hard to be part of my life. If I’d let them in earlier, we could have started making memories that much sooner.

Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why?

Brian Gill, Junior. He played me for a fool and then deliberately tried to break up my relationship with Nick. He may have had his reasons, but I don’t want him in my life anymore.

Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places with? Why? 

I have to agree with my friend Tess on this question. I sometimes want to trade places with my friend Delilah. She’s not afraid to say what she means and tells it like it is. I wish I had her courage.

Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog? 

Elizabeth Spaur has been reading romance since she was twelve and writing it since she was thirteen. She loves writing stories that bring strong women and men together to make an even stronger team.  Readers who want to know more about her can find her at her website. 

What's next for you? 

Nick and I are busy preparing for the arrival of our twins. We’re debating on whether we want to find out the gender before I deliver. I’m all for planning, but Nick is definitely more in favor of letting life surprise us. Either way, we can’t wait to expand our family.

Shotgun Romance

Gridiron Knights Series, Book 2

He had no faith in love. She had no faith in men. They’ve got nine months to find faith in each other.

Since the night his life had taken a dramatic left turn, Nick Jacobs had been searching for a chance to prove he was the man he’d always wanted to be. When his old friend calls him and offers him a chance to help rebuild the Cormac University football program, he thinks this is his shot. He didn’t count on falling for Olivia or getting her pregnant. Can he juggle all his responsibilities and prove to himself, once and for all, that he’s worthy of love?

After the traumatic loss of her mother, Olivia Valenti shut herself off from the world. Running the Cormac University English department is a dream come true. She didn’t think she would ever want or need anything else. One night with Nick in Las Vegas and motherhood is on the horizon. Can she open her heart to Nick and build the home she never knew she dreamed of?

An instant attraction and a night of celebration lead to an unexpected pregnancy, which Nick and Olivia are determined to face together. Unfortunately, their pasts and present are about to collide, and old secrets will challenge the foundation they’re trying to build their family on. Can they learn to let go of the past in time to share a future?

Will they realize that love always wins?

Welcome to Shotgun Romance, the second book in the Gridiron Knights series set in King’s Folly South Carolina, where football is king, and the locals have something to say about everything. When you come for a visit, you’ll never want to leave.

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MEET TESS GALLAGHER--VETERINARIAN, NINJA WARRIOR, GENIUS & ROMANCE HEROINE

Today we’re joined by Tess Gallagher from Second Chance Option, the first book in romance author Elizabeth Spaur’s Gridiron Knights series.

What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings? 

It was routine. I spend a lot of time at my veterinary practice. I’ve been taking over more and more for my father since he’s started teaching more. When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my three younger brothers. They’re American Ninja Warrior fanatics. We built a course in my backyard to workout and spend more time together.

What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?

I’m reliable. If anyone in my family or small-town needs help, I’m there.

What do you like least about yourself?

I may be a genius, but I can’t seem to figure out the meaning of the word “no.”

What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?

I’m competing in American Ninja Warrior. Practicing with my little brothers is one thing, but actually going on the show. When she told me I was asked to compete in the qualifiers I thought she was crazy.

Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?

Sometimes I argue with her. She wanted to bring my big brother in to help out when I was overwhelmed by responsibilities. I didn’t want to drag him away from his life because there was a little too much on my plate temporarily. She keeps making me ask for help. I’m the one who’s supposed to help everyone else.

What is your greatest fear? 

It’s a toss-up between being laughed at and being alone in a hospital.

What makes you happy?

Relaxing on the couch with Cade and our animals.

If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why? 

If I were going to rewrite anything, it would be the way I treat my friends in the beginning. I wish I’d been a better friend to them from the start.

Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why?

Brian Gill, Senior. He’s been the boogey man in my life since I was a little girl. He’s a bully who doesn’t like to lose and tries to intimidate anyone who threatens his sense of superiority.

Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places with? Why? 

I sometimes want to trade places with my friend Delilah. She’s not afraid to say what she means and tells it like it is. I wish I had her courage.

Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog? 

Elizabeth Spaur has been reading romance since she was twelve and writing it since she was thirteen. She loves writing stories that bring strong women and men together to make an even stronger team.  Readers who want to know more about her and her books can find her at her website. www.elizabethspaur.com

What's next for you? 

Cade and I got our happily ever after in this book. Now we get to spend out lives together and watch our friends find their own happy endings. And pets. I won’t rest until all the amazing animals in my mother’s animal shelter have their forever homes.

Second Chance Option

Gridiron Knights, Book 1

He was looking for a fresh start. She was looking for a new path. Love is what happens when they least expect it.

At loose ends after a medical discharge from the Navy, a call from Cade Maguire’s college coach gives him a new objective. Help save his alma mater’s football program. A gut-wrenching betrayal drove him from the game once. Can he finally stop running long enough to let go of the past and find his future?

Veterinarian and genius Tess Gallagher has an abiding love for home and family, she’s spent her life taking care of everyone else. Doing what was right always came before doing what she wanted. When her younger brothers enter her in the American Ninja Warrior competition, can she finally stop hiding her true self from the world?

Sparks ignite between Tess and Cade when she saves his injured dog and love is on the horizon when Cade’s new job is put in jeopardy before it even begins. Will Cade realize Tess is the second chance he really wants? Will Tess realize that Cade has always seen her for who she truly is?

Will the both realize that love is the only option that matters? 

Welcome to Second Chance Option, the first book in the Gridiron Knights series where football is king in this small town and the locals have something to say about everything. When you come for a visit, you’ll never want to leave.

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