Today's guest: Stephanie Evanovich
Her latest: Big Girl Panties
(Out in paperback today!)
The scoop: Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich is a rollicking and poignant romantic comedy about a young widow who decides to get in shape...and winds up getting her groove back—and a whole lot more!
Holly Brennan used food to comfort herself through her husband’s illness and death. Now she’s alone at age thirty-two. And she weighs more than she ever has. When fate throws her in the path of Logan Montgomery, personal trainer to pro athletes, and he offers to train her, Holly concludes it must be a sign. Much as she dreads the thought of working out, Holly knows she needs to put on her big girl panties and see if she can sweat out some of her grief.
Soon, the easy intimacy and playful banter of their training sessions lead Logan and Holly to most intense and steamy workouts. But can Holly and Logan go the distance as a couple now that she’s met her goals—and other men are noticing?
Our thoughts: A hilarious and fun read. Just what we needed to kick off 2014!
Giveaway: ONE copy (US). Just leave a comment to be entered to win. We'll select the winner on Sunday, January 26th after 3pm PST.
LIZ & LISA CHAT WITH STEPHANIE EVANOVICH
L&L: How did you come up with the idea for Big Girl Panties? And what's the story behind the title? (We love it!)
Stephanie: Thanks for the love! BGP was an idea born during my own journey into personal training after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I started working with trainers in the attempt to increase my fitness level without further injuring my joints. I've had about seven trainers since I started my experiment in 2002 and somewhere along the line, I came to the realization, these guys are hot! And since a good trainer really takes all the guesswork out of it (everything from what exercises you do to the heaviness of the weights, even the counting) it really frees up a lot of time for a mind to wander. I had gotten tired of thinking about all the ways I'd like to make my trainer suffer (just cause they're hot doesn't mean they aren't kicking your butt), so I tried turning to warm romantic thoughts instead. I have to admit, not only did I get enough material for a book, it really turned my workouts from a revenge-filled hate fest to something rather enjoyable. As for the title, it was actually suggested by my agent. Once I stopped giggling, I thought it was perfect. What woman hasn't heard or used the phrase "put on your big girl panties" when being faced with a challenge?
L&L: What books are you reading now? Stephanie: I just finished Vintage by Susan Gloss. It completely charmed me, I really enjoyed it. It won't be out until early 2014. Totally one of the main perks of the job...scoring the occasional Advanced Reader Copy. L&L: What is something your readers would be surprised to know about you?
Stephanie: I am a rabid fan of the band Fall Out Boy. I think everything about them is amazing. In 2007, I paid an outlandish sum for a single ticket - front row seat on the isle (at the PNC Arts Center, for all my Jersey friends) to the Honda Civic Tour, that they were headlining. I told everyone my reasoning was, I didn't want to worry about having to stand to see the bands when all the young whippersnappers stood up, which wasn't exactly a lie. I still smile thinking of all those enthusiastic concert goers on their feet and me, Mid-Life Mom, occupying the best seat in the house with my feet comfortably resting on the stage and politely clapping at the end of each song.
L&L: Do you have any New Year's resolutions you'd like to share/what are the odds you'll stick to them?
Stephanie: My resolution for 2014 is to try and step up my game in regards to social media. Back in July, when I first started my book tour for BGP, I posted a pic to my then 130 followers on Twitter that included a little joke about hoping the GPS on my rental car was as good as it claimed. Well, the rental car company answered the Tweet, and it blew my mind. Since I am old enough to remember rotary dial phones, the technology completely overwhelmed me. I spent the next week looking behind shower curtains to make sure someone from the rental car company wasn't actually following me. And it turned me into a total social media wallflower. A writer who is afraid to write stuff is probably a terrible combo. Next year is the year I conquer that fear and embrace all the great things social media has to offer. Odds I'll stick to it? Considering I either will or I won't, I guess it's safe to say 50/50.
L&L: What can you tell us about your next novel, The Sweet Spot?
Stephanie: The Sweet Spot is the backstory to the secondary characters in BGP, Chase and Amanda Walker. A prequel, if you will. How they met, how they fell in love and how a scandal put that love to the test. A lot of readers really took a liking to them. When I suggested them for my next book and got the go ahead, I was thrilled. I think they are just so much fun. I hope you will too. :)