This month I am featuring the authors of the Oceanic Dreams romantic comedy series.
Our second author is Laura Heffernan.
My mom introduced me to Laura Heffernan when she read her America’s Next Reality Star book. Now I have the pleasure of reading her Oceanic Dreams book, Time of My Life.
This new series is about finding love on the Oceanic Aphrodite cruise ship or so the legend goes. Now, I am down two and can’t wait to read the next six.
Ok, let’s get to know Laura Heffernan.
Personal
What book are you currently reading?
Dating by the Book, by Mary Ann Marlowe. I adore Marlowe’s writing style, and she’s always got interesting twists on her tropes. I’m a huge fan.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
I always used to say, without hesitation, teleportation. But now that I have a very active toddler, I’d really love to be able to freeze time. And sleep. Or do laundry. Clean the house. Sleep. Read a book. Or sleep.
Where is one place you want to visit that you haven’t been before (real or imaginary)?
I would say Hogwarts, but then I’d be sad to be the only Muggle on campus. So probably the library in Beauty in the Beast. I could stay there forever.
Are you a better baker or cook or take out connoisseur?
I’m a good baker, but I can’t decorate. So, I can make mouth-watering Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies, but don’t ask me to frost a cake. Sometimes I can’t believe I’ve never tried out for Nailed It!.
Which do you prefer?
Tea or coffee: Coffee
Hot or cold: Cold, usually. I can always put on another sweater or grab another blankie, but there’s only so much you can take off before it becomes inappropriate.
Movie or book: 99% of the time, I prefer whichever one I experienced first. But with that said, the book is nearly always better, unless it’s an adaptation of the movie.
Coke or Pepsi: Pepsi
Writing/Books/Series
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reins of the story?
Time of My Life is probably the first story I’ve ever written where I felt in control most of the time. I tend not to plot out my stories in advance, so my characters usually surprise me. This is the first story I’ve written that was inspired by another work, so I worked hard to keep Janey and Frank on track.
Is anything in your book based on real-life experiences or purely all imagination?
There’s a bit of me in every book I write. I took pole fitness lessons for several years and wound up filling in as a substitute instructor on a few occasions, so I didn’t have to do any research for the dance scenes. The Oceanic Aphrodite follows the itinerary of the first cruise I ever took. My husband and I also got married on a cruise ship, which made this such a fun project for me. Lots of great memories popped up everywhere. Not to mention that the book is inspired by the greatest movie of all time. J
If you could spend time with a character from your books whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
I’d love to spend a day playing board games with Gwen from She’s Got Game. She’s hyper-competitive and….I’m not. Nope. I don’t know if you were planning to read my bio, but maybe skip it? It’s not relevant.
Anyway, most of my favorite board games take at least 4 players, so Holly and Shannon can join us.
What genres do you write?
Romantic comedy and women’s fiction. Every once in awhile I’ll get an idea for a thriller or something, but at the end of the day, what I really want to read is light, fun books. The world is dark and often scary, and I read to escape. So I write the types of books I want to read.
What project are you working on now?
Just finishing up final edits on Make Your Move, the final book in my Gamer Girls series. Game designer Shannon has known Tyler for years, but she just never felt that special spark. Now that they’re working on a cooperative game together, she’s starting to feel an attraction–but he’s got a girlfriend. Can she convince him to roll the dice or is it too late?
Do you have any other books coming out this year?
Yes! All three books in my Gamer Girls series are coming out this year, starting with She’s Got Game on August 13. The series follows three friends who meet their partners and fall in love while playing board games.
If you would like to learn more about Laura Heffernan and her books:
Laura Heffernan’s Books
The second book in the Oceanic Dreams Series
Time of My Life by Laura Heffernan
Publication Date: May 20, 2019
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Janey’s never felt this way before, but passengers are forbidden. It’s only one dirty dance…What could go wrong?
Legend says everyone who boards the Oceanic Aphrodite finds love. Janey’s on the ship to teach pole fitness, not for romance. Then she meets Frank. He’s everything Janey isn’t–refined, classy, rich–but his good looks and charm make him undeniably appealing. Unfortunately, he’s also a passenger.
When Janey’s partner can’t perform in the end-of-cruise talent show, Frank offers to fill in. He’s never done pole, but she’s got time to teach him. As they grow closer, Janey finds herself hoping the legend is real–but if she gives in to temptation, she could be out of a job.
The Reality Star Series
To see my review of America’s Next Reality Star go HERE. And for my review of Sweet Reality go HERE.
Laura’s Upcoming and Newest Series:
Gamer Girls Series
She’s Got Game by Laura Heffernan
Gamer Girls #1
Expected Publication Date: August 13, 2019
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Chick Lit
WINNER TAKES ALL
Travel blogger Gwen Williams is about to live the dream—competing in the annual American Board Game Championship. She’s up against some stiff competition, namely legendary gamer and four-time champ Cody McKay. The seriously buff hottie and shameless flirt is going all-out to seduce her. That’s when Gwen lays her cards on the table: She never, ever mixes gaming with romance . . . until resisting Cody becomes a losing proposition.As Gwen gives in to temptation, everything’s in play for a major heartache. With the rounds heating up and players eliminated, she knows she’s gambling a lot more than a seat at the final table in Vegas. But Cody’s kisses promise more than a fleeting romance. If she plays her cards right, Gwen just might walk off with the championship and the man of her dreams.
Against the Rules by Laura Heffernan
Gamer Girls #2
Expected Publication Date: October 15, 2019
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Chick Lit
RISK EVERYTHING . . .
Holly has taken herself out of the dating game since breaking up with her cheating, thieving ex. She barely notices Marc, who comes into the game store every week, hoping to get her attention. Her friends insist it’s time to take on a new role, to leave Quiet Holly behind and embrace her inner flirt. And on paper, Marc’s great: cute, funny, and a hardcore gamer just like Holly is.
Then there’s Nathan. He’s everything twenty-eight-year-old Holly wants…except he’s also her friend’s father. Absolutely off-limits. But as she and Nathan playtest a new legacy game together, they’re growing closer. The game is complex and intriguing, and there’s no way to know how choices will pan out. What seems like a good idea could lead to disaster…or sweet victory. But in gaming, as in love, sometimes you have to roll the dice and take your chance . . .
Make Your Move by Laura Heffernan
Gamer Girls #3
Expected Publication Date: December 17, 2019
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Chick Lit
LOVE’S ALL ABOUT TIMING . . .
At twenty-eight, Shannon has yet to fall in love. Which is fine, since she’d rather spend her evenings creating games than swiping right or going on awkward blind dates. Right now though, she has two little problems. First, she’s stuck for a new game idea. Second, the only candidate in her roommate search is Tyler, the gaming buddy who’s long had an unrequited crush on her.
It should be awkward. But when Tyler moves in, the situation doesn’t go at all the way Shannon expected. Between helping her deal with coworkers and fixing the bugs in her latest game, Tyler’s proving to be damn near perfect. Except for the fact that he’s falling for someone else. . .
Maybe Shannon has already forfeited her turn. Maybe she’s playing for nothing but heartache. But the best games have endings you can never predict . . .
A special thank you to Laura Heffernan for spending time with me and being featured on the Baroness’ Book Trove.
Until the next time, happy reading!
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