Maddie Interviews Drew

Hey, everyone, it’s Maddie Saunders, the heroine from Selena’s WHAT A GIRL WANTS.

Since I’m in between contracts at work and Alex is overseas on an assignment, I have free time on my hands and volunteered to interview Drew Evans, the hero from Emma Chase’s New York Times Best Selling romance, TANGLED.

Plus, Heidi Wiley is back, with her insights into Drew and TANGLED.

So let’s get this party started and help me welcome Drew Evans.

Maddie: Drew, welcome to Selena’s blog and thanks for joining us.

DREW: Looking forward to it. Thanks.

Maddie:  If money were no object what one guilty pleasure would you buy?

DREW:  An island.

Maddie:  Great idea. Islands happen to be a favorite destination of ours. Besides the obvious, tropical, relaxing and adventurous, why an Island?

DREW:  I’d enjoy owning a piece of the world, where I could make up any rules I want. For instance, only people I like would be allowed to go there –– and everyone would have to call me ‘master.’

Maddie: I’m thinking Kate would smile at that fantasy you have going there and then let you know you’d be the master of your own domain, and that’s all the master she’d muster up.  Let’s get a bit more personal, create a bumper sticker that best describes your sex life.

DREW:  The Four F’s of a Great Sex Life:  “Keep it Frequent, Fabulous, Fun and once in a while, Freaky.”

Maddie:  Creative and so true. I’d buy that bumper sticker. What do you sleep in?

Selena: Uhm, Maddie, I have to interject here, I don’t think this an appropriate question.

DREW: Inappropriate questions are the best kind.

Maddie:  I agree with Drew.

Selena: You would. I just think Alex may have a problem with this line of questioning.

Maddie:  I love you, Creator of Mine, but you worry too much. You know I’m a one hero heroine, and this question is for all the readers who love to know the inside scoop—all of it, about their favorite book boyfriends.

Besides, Alex has said that he doesn’t care where I get my appetite, as long as I eat in his kitchen. 🙂

Selena: Okay, go at it then.

Maddie:  Thank you, now as I was asking, Drew, what do you sleep in?

DREW: *Grins* Kate. Or nothing at all.

Maddie:  Alex is the same way. With me though, not with Kate. *LOL* What non-sexual gesture turns you on?

DREW: There’s no such thing as a non-sexual gesture.

But if I have to pick something…I’ll say stretching. Kate lifts her arms over her head, then she arches her back so her breasts press right up against her shirt and usually she lets out this sexy little moan. That gets me going every time.

I’m getting turned on right now just thinking about it.

Maddie:  That is so sweet. I’m missing Alex, I hope he gets back soon. *sigh* What’s your attitude about Valentine’s Day?

DREW:  A brilliant marketing strategy for florists, candy and card manufacturers, but a totally unnecessary holiday. If you need a date on the calendar to show the person you love that you love them? You’ve got no fucking business saying you’re in love. For me and Kate — every day is Valentine’s Day.

Maddie:  I’m so on the same page and I know Alex is as well, about Valentine’s Day. Everyday is a good day to show your love and of course bring chocolate home. *Smiles* Have you ever read a romance novel? If so, which one?

DREW:  My mother and sister are big romance readers — which is disturbing to contemplate.

Once, I scanned my mom’s copy of “The Flame and the Flower.” From what I understand, it’s considered a romance classic. I thought it was totally fucked up. I’m not a chick — but I was offended on behalf of chicks everywhere.

Still, it seems like that book sparked a kind of revolution for women — made it a socially acceptable way for ladies, at the time, to have access to literary porn.  Which is a good thing.  If romance novels turn you on, more power to you.

Unless…you’re my mother or my sister. Then…just no.

Maddie:  Yes, I know all about not bringing blood relatives into any romantic or sexual discussions, Alex mentioned that once…okay probably more than once. I get it, you guys don’t mind starring in a romance novel, but it’s not your go-to reads, and that’s okay. Vive la difference. What are the top three things you have learned about women, by starring in a romance novel?

DREW:  1.  For a lot of women, their most romantic fantasy isn’t actually about sex — it’s about change. Girls want a man to want to change for them. Sometimes it can be small differences, sometimes big, but the bottom line is women want to be the impetus of a guy becoming better than who they were.

2.   Some women really don’t want to know what guys are thinking.

3.   Grand gestures go a long way with girls. They’re impressed by them. So go big or go the fuck home.

Maddie:  Thanks for your honesty, and I’m sure your answers will elicit a great discussions on the blog. If you were a Muppet, which Muppet would you be? Which Muppet would you date (life before Kate of course)?

DREW:  *Chuckles* Cookie Monster.

Maddie: Good call, except now I’m hungry. *smiles* Tell us more about why you’d choose Cookie Monster?

DREW: There’s nothing I like better than munching a sweet, warm cookie. Kate’s is magically delicious.

As for dating? Sure as hell not Miss Piggy — way too high maintenance. There was that blond girl muppet…don’t know her name, but she played guitar in the band and wore a belly shirt. She seems more my type — laid back, up for a good time.  I’d nail her.

Maddie: Here you go, Drew.

Janice, the lead guitar player in the Electric Mayhem on The Muppet Show.

DREW: Yeah, that’s her.

Maddie: She resembles Donatella Versace to me. *Giggles* Oh, look, Emma Chase has just arrived. *waves* Drew, thanks again, it was fun interviewing you and I look forward to reading about you and Kate. Say hi, to Kate for me. Ciao. *packs up her laptop and heads out.*

DREW: It was fun, bye. Hey, Emma. *nods and walks away.*

Selena: Emma, welcome to the blog and thank you for joining us. Do you know a man like Drew Evans? Or is he a composite of a few different men you know?

Emma: Yes, he’s a composite — my own alpha-Frankenstein. The guy-friends I grew up with, my older brother and his friends, and my husband all went into who Drew is. His thoughts, feelings and opinions come from the mouths of real men, plus what I’ve seen for myself.

Selena: Alpha-Frankenstein. *LOL* I call my alpha-hubby, Mr. Rugged, but we all know that deep down they are all Beta-sweethearts. You did capture real men thoughts and opinions, especially for the age group you are writing about.  What was the first thing you did when you learned that Tangled had become a New York Times Best Seller? 

Emma:  I said, “Oh my God!” and I called my mom, *lol*. My husband was there with me when I got the email, and we were both surprised and excited and overjoyed. 

I always felt that Tangled was a strong, entertaining read, but I never expected it to be so successful, so quickly. I’m genuinely flattered and grateful that so many readers have enjoyed the story and have come to love the characters as much as I do. It’s literally a dream-come-true.

Selena: Congratulations and well deserved. So great to hear a writer’s dream coming alive and sharing the excitement with you. Which character in Tangled would you pick to bring to life and spend the day with?

Emma:  Um…definitely Drew.  Not in a sexy kind of way…for me, my husband is and always will be, the only “leading man” I’ll ever want. But Drew is just such a fun guy — he’s very devil-may-care and life-loving, but honest, intelligent and sophisticated at the same time.

Selena: I think as romance writers we do fall in love with our hero’s (in a non-sexual kind of way, because like you, I feel the same about my husband. I always say, he would put any romance hero to shame *S*). If we aren’t crazy about the leading men, and want to hang out with them, then our readers won’t be attracted to them. What would you and Drew do on your day out together?

Emma: I think it would be fun to walk around New York City with him — visit his favorite restaurants or hot-spots — and just hang out and listen to his opinions about life and the people around us. I could probably talk to Drew forever and never get bored by the conversation. 

Selena: If you ever do go out for a day with him, take us along with you, I know the readers would love to hear more about Drew’s take on life.  If Hollywood came knocking, who would your choice or choices be to play; Kate, Drew, Mackenzie, Alexandra? 

Emma: I always have a hard time answering this one.

I think Kate Beckinsale or Nina Dobrev would be great as Kate.

For Drew, personality is everything. The actor would have to do ‘charming bastard’ really well – make the audience want to root for him – even if they feel they shouldn’t. A young Patrick Dempsey or Bradley Cooper could pull it off. Chris Evans would be a nice fit for Drew as well.

Ali Larter would be wonderful as Alexandra. And for Mackenzie, there’s a child model named, Kristina Pimenova, who is just the most adorable, precocious looking little girl. Her at age four – that’s who I imagine as Mackenzie.

Selena: Great choices. What sound track would you love to assign?

Emma: I have one, actually! It can be found under “media” at my website (click HERE for the soundtrack).

A few of the songs were part of my inspiration for the story, while I think others would be perfect playing in the background of some scenes.

Selena:  What’s next for readers to look forward to? 

Emma: In December 2013, the short story Holy Frigging Matrimony (#1.5) will be released in e-book. I really can’t wait to share this story with readers. It’s fun and sweet and sexy – classic Drew Evans. At the same time, some of the things that happen in HFM really set the stage for Twisted, the sequel to Tangled.

Twisted will be released in e-book and paperback in March 2014. It’s in Kate’s POV, which is exciting because it will give readers a chance to get to know her, and her friends and family, more than we were able to in Tangled. Twisted focuses on Drew and Kate’s relationship two years after Tangled’s end.

Then, in May 2014, Tamed will be released. Tamed is Matthew and Dee’s story — how their relationship began and grew during the scenes we didn’t see in Tangled. They’re such wonderful, quirky but real characters, I’m very excited for readers to get to know them.

Selena: Looking forward to all those books. Wishing you continued success, Emma. Thanks again for stopping by, it was a pleasure chatting with you.

Emma: My pleasure.

To find out the recommended food to combat the “Drew Flu” I highly recommend you pick up TANGLED. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as did Heidi Wiley.

Heidi Wiley’s Review

Drew Evans is a hot, arrogant investment executive who lives a life of hard work, privilege and self-indulgence surrounded by friends, family and a work environment that feeds into his over inflated opinion of himself. The only relationship he is interested in getting into with a women involves a few drinks, sex and a quick good-bye.

 A bed is optional.

But when Kate Brooks, a confident newcomer joins Drew’s fathers company, her beauty and flawless determination makes an impression on him that rocks every one of his nerves down to a vulnerable core. When everything Kate does turns him on, he turns into one masculine hot mess.

Let me start out by saying there isn’t anything about this book I didn’t like.  With so many themes in romance novels following the same path, Emma Chase strides out of the box and writes from a rarely used male point of view.  This is more than a first person narrative, but a fun, sexy, unfiltered ride created out of a unique inner voice that takes the reader side by side with Drew and Kate every step of the way.  Not once while I was reading this book did I think it was a woman interrupting a man’s perception, but what I heard was a strong male voice that was realistic to the character. 

Drew is egotistical and arrogant but laugh out loud funny lovable and you won’t have to fight off your female conscience too badly to change your mind about what you think he deserves.

Emma Chase also has created a character that doesn’t have to compromise her feminine side to be tough and self –assured.  Kate is a strong successful woman that’s dedicated to her profession with a past that most women can relate to.

There are true to life secondary characters whose credibility is debatable and those like Drew’s niece Mackenzie who will be fallen in love with instantly.

The plot is refreshingly different, with banter and inner thoughts that are hilarious.  The sex from a man’s point of view is sexy hot and even the simplest kiss is full of intense passion.

Tangled is hands down one of my favorite reads of the year.  Highly recommend.

Favorite Quotes by Drew Evan from Tangled.

“For God’s sake, don’t let her watch Cinderella. What kind of example is that? A mindless twit who can’t even remember where she left her damn shoe, so she has to wait for some douchebag in tights to bring it to her? Give me a frigging break!” 

“Newsflash, ladies: We can’t read your thoughts. And frankly, I’m not entirely sure I’d want to. The female mind is a scary place to be.” 

“You know on TV when there’s one of those awkward, shocking moments and all you hear are the crickets in the background? Well chirp fucking chirp…this is one of those moments.”

“Women fall in love quicker than men. Easier and more often. But when guys fall? We go down harder. And when things go bad? When it’s not us who ends it? We don’t get to walk away. We crawl.” 

“Then I flip Kate the finger. Immature, I know, but apparently we’re now both functioning at the preschool level, so I’m guessing it’s okay. Kate sneers at me. Then she mouths, You wish. Well—she’s got me there, now doesn’t she?” 

“My mother always told me, “Anyone worth doing, is worth doing well.” Okay, she didn’t actually say those exact words, but you get the picture.” 

“Vaginas beat penises every time. They’re like kryptonite. Penises are defenseless against them.”

About Emma Chase:

By day, Emma Chase is a devoted wife and mother of two who resides in a small, rural town in New Jersey. By night she is a keyboard crusader, toiling away the hours to bring her colorful characters and their endless antics to life. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.

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