Meet the men of Zero, Ohio featuring an interview with Megan Slayer and a top Ten List

 

Please welcome Megan Slayer to the blog today.  She has her third book from her Zero, Ohio Catching Cary!

Welcome Megan Slayer! Please start off by telling us a little about yourself.

I’m an author, mom, wife and taxi driver – okay, maybe I don’t drive an actual taxi…it’s more like a black Jeep that serves as a taxi for my family. I love all things blue and I’m a sucker for Humphrey Bogart movies.

 

Is Catching Cary a single title, or part of a series?  Catching Cary is the fourth book in the Zero, Ohio series. The first two books are Rumpling Riley by Virginia Nelson and my story, Saving Sam. Mixing Mike follows more of my characters in the town and Catching Cary takes up where Mike leaves off. Each features a man who lives in Zero and how he copes with having a love life in a small town.

 

What were your inspirations for the story?

I used to live in a small town in northern Ohio. It was really, really cold there. For them, 8 inches of snow was a ‘mild dusting’. School wasn’t closed unless there was at least a foot of snow on the ground. Zero is a combination of the small town where I grew up and the small town I taught school in. I took the parts I loved the best and ran with them.

 

Please share your setting for Catching Cary.  Have you ever lived or visited there? If so, what did you like most?   I’ve lived in the towns where Zero is set. Over 5 years in both towns. I loved the main drag where I grew up because there was an old movie theatre with a gigantic marquee sign. It lit up all of downtown at night. If you lived in town, most everything was within walking distance. Same thing for the other town Zero is based on. Everything was within walking distance. There was the usual gossip and everyone knowing everyone else’s business. It was great.

 

When did the writing bug first bite? Eight years ago. I’d read a book that I didn’t like the ending or as I saw the lack of detail for the sport described in the book. I had characters I already loved in my head and allowed them to run. It was a great, but hard, learning experience.

 

Who are you favorite authors, book/series?  My favorite author is KA Mitchell and I love her Ohio books series. I fell in love with the characters and couldn’t wait for the next book to come out. I love Sean and Kyle. Great writing, too.

 

Do you have any hobbies or special things you like to do in your spare time?  I make jewelry, most of which I give away as part of blog hop prizes and book release prizes. I love to string the beads and see something pretty come out of what started as a jumble. I also love to draw and herd my menagerie of animals—three dogs, three cats and a beta fish.

 

What’s the strangest thing you’ve heard or seen?  I don’t know that it’s the strangest thing, but it’s the last thing I’d seen that was odd. I went to the store—I won’t say where, but pictures—you know, those pictures—of this place are featured on the internet—and when I went to park, there was a car half in the aisle. I thought, oh, there must be a big pile of snow in the parking spot. So I pulled into a spot about five spots down and when I walked past this car hanging out into the aisle, I noticed there wasn’t anything there. No tracks in the snow from maybe a cart they moved. Nothing. The person just didn’t feel the need to pull all the way into the parking spot. So from the FRONT of the rear door back, the car was hanging into the aisle. They were still there when I left the store so I do hope no one hit them.

Zero, Ohio

Saving Sam

Give up his dream or go for exactly what he wants?

 

Sam Grau never planned on seeing his former best friend again. One-night stands worked well enough to ease his heartache and loneliness…except he wanted more. He’s got a choice—chase his dreams or the man he loves. He can’t have both.

 

Josh Thomas never gave up on finding the one man who understood him down to the cellular level. He walked away once, but not a second time. He’s willing to sacrifice his heart and pride to show his quirky friends the men they’ve both become, all in the name of saving Sam.

 

An AllRomance Ebooks Bestseller

 

 

 

Saving Sam

Zero, Ohio

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Decadent

 

What the readers are saying:

“Watching these two flirt and find love was sizzling hot.  They have chemistry that just leaps off the pages of this book.  Pretty sure I have singed fingers now.  I like the idea that opposites really can find love and each brings what the other needs to the relationship. I pick up Ms. Slayer’s works for two reasons, she brings me stories that are original and well thought out and she always makes me fall in love and want more. I know I will be looking for more in the Zero, Ohio series in the future. Bring on the man love!” Redz World – Rated 5 shooting stars

 

About the Author:

When she’s not writing the stories in her head, Megan Slayer can be found luxuriating in her hot tub with her two vampire Cabana boys, Luke and Jeremy. She has the tendency to run a tad too far with her muse, so she has to hide in the head of her alter ego, but the boys don’t seem to mind.

 

When she’s not obsessing over her whip collection, she can be found picking up her kidlet from school. She enjoys writing in all genres, but writing about men in love suits her fancy best. The cabana boys are willing to serve, unless she needs them. She always need them. So be nice to Javier or he will bite–on command.

 

She also masquerades under the name Wendi Zwaduk.

 

Contact Details:

 

Website http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm

Email: theauthormeganslayer@gmail.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/theauthormeganslayer

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/MeganSlayer

 

Enjoy the following excerpt for SAVING SAM:

 

Josh plopped down on the bar stool and studied his old friend. The man modeled efficiency. In ten minutes’ time, he cleared the tables, soaked glasses in water, and shut neon lights off. He still embodied the free spirit Josh had been in school. The red tips brought out the hazel in Sam’s eyes, and the guyliner accentuated the planes of his angular face. He even kind of liked the piercing below Sam’s bottom lip. What would it feel like if they kissed?

Heaven, more than likely. He’d wanted to tackle his former best friend for a quickie so many times, but never had. Somehow the line “we’re better as friends,” didn’t wash now, any more than it had back then. And who was this Ziggy? He didn’t remember his friend calling his junk by a name, but what did he know? Things changed with time. Maybe now he did and maybe he’d finally gone after his calling. A couple months earlier, he’d posted on Facebook about the club he still wanted to start for the LGBT youth in the area. Had he started the club yet? God knew he could use his past to help others.

“I need to wipe the tables down, then sweep.” Sam grabbed the broom and headed for the far side of the room. The chains on his pants swung in time with his steps. In the garish light, the red in his hair stood out even more but didn’t detract from the light in his eyes. Hell, he preferred him with the unusual hair color.

He mused on their collective past. Sam had worked the thin-and-nerdy look in college, but he’d grown gaunt. Dark scruff decorated his thin cheeks and sprinkled down his neck. His shoulders slumped more, and he didn’t make eye contact as much.

Looks didn’t matter. He’d always had a crush on his friend. In school, he’d sworn he wouldn’t act on the feelings because they got along too well. They’d ruin the friendship with sex. Too bad his heart had never forgotten his former roommate.

Sam stopped running and wiped the sweat glistening on his brow. “I forgot how much work there is when Jen and Clay aren’t here.”

“Then let me do some.” Josh grabbed his hand. “Come here.”

 

@Copyright Megan Slayer 2013

Zero, Ohio

Mixing Mike

Zero, Ohio, where the temperatures might be below freezing but you can always melt the frost with smoking hot sex. 

* * *

For these two men, this record could be the soundtrack to their lives – if they’re willing to mix things up.

 

Meticulous and organized, air traffic controller Mike Larson has every reason to be wary of mixing his passion for music with love. When Mike’s hunt to complete his Top 100 of the ‘80s list brings him to Vintage Vinyl, a shock of guyliner, dyed hair and flamboyant personality rocks his orderly world. Can he risk a step outside his comfort zone for a chance with Leon?

 

Flamboyant Leon Sanders uses attitude to keep others at a distance, because he doesn’t believe in love or a lasting relationship. When he turns up the charm at his music store Vintage Vinyl, he makes the best sales. Something about the quiet man beckons Leon to give love a chance, but does he dare mix it up with Mike?

 

 

 

 

Mixing Mike

Zero, Ohio

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Decadent

 

What the readers are saying:

“Watching these two flirt and find love was sizzling hot.  They have chemistry that just leaps off the pages of this book.  Pretty sure I have singed fingers now.  I like the idea that opposites really can find love and each brings what the other needs to the relationship. I pick up Ms. Slayer’s works for two reasons, she brings me stories that are original and well thought out and she always makes me fall in love and want more. I know I will be looking for more in the Zero, Ohio series in the future. Bring on the man love!” Redz World – Rated 5 shooting stars

 

Enjoy the following excerpt for MIXING MIKE:

 

“Good. You’re still here.” The voice stopped Leon. The people who came to Vintage tended to ask him for help locating special items, but none of them sounded quite like this guy—low and husky.

“I need to find George Benjamin,” the man said.

Leon whipped around, ready to tell the customer to go inside and fill out a special request form at the counter, when he paused. The moment he clapped eyes on the man, the breath wrenched from his body. Tall, blond, muscles—but not built like a brick wall—and green eyes. Holy hell, he loved green eyes.

Although the guy projected a calm, smooth exterior, the way he balled his fists made Leon wonder about his story.

“You’re looking for the Peach Slayers record, aren’t you, baby? It’s their rarest album, but the best music they ever made. Everyone wants a copy, but no one can seem to get their hands on it.” Leon hooked his fingers in his jeans pockets. The chains from his wallet to his belt loops clinked. “I had one and it grew legs. Someone stole it about four months ago, hon, but we might be able to find you something—close.”

“Oh.” Green eyes’ shoulders slumped. Still, the polo shirt wrapped around him like a second skin, giving tantalizing glimpses of the hard body underneath. “Damn. That’s the last one I don’t have.”

His salesman feelers perked. “You’ve got a collection or you just really like the hits of the ’80s, babe? Which one is it?” Leon shifted his weight from his left foot to his right and adjusted his pants to hide the burgeoning erection. God. Looking at a man with green eyes was now all it took to turn him on? What a horn ball. Still, something about the hunk made him want to look twice.

“It’s silly to most people, but I love music. All music. One of my things is to collect every number one album. I’ve got a whole list of the top hits of the 1980s and I’m only missing two.” He clenched and unclenched his fingers, then stuck out his hand. “Think you can help?”

Leon shook his hand. “I might be able to do—something. For a fee.” The guy liked music almost as much as he did and sounded almost as neurotically methodical about collecting records. “You’ve got the old Hot Twenty-Five lists?” A man after his own heart. “Okay, I’ve got to ask. Disc or vinyl? You strike me as the vinyl type, but I’ve been surprised before.”

“Vinyl all the way.” The guy smiled and his eyes twinkled. “I’m Mike.”

“And I am in love.”

@copyright Megan Slayer 2013

 

Zero, Ohio

Catching Cary

Sometimes giving into fate gets you to the place you most want to be.

 

Cary Hazard walked away from his life as the front man for the band, Cascadia, to embrace a quieter existence in Zero. With no celebrities and no one wanting things from him, he’s happy. He’s also lonely. He wants to find that one special person to warm his nights and love him—tattoos and all. Will he or end up alone again or will the hunk at the Eight Ball bar be his saving grace?

 

Layne Stevens has a past he’s not proud of.  He’s looking for redemption, but not in the hands of a former star. If he can stay in the shadows, he’s happy, but lonely. The man singing at the bar has his full attention. He wants to wrap himself up in the guy’s strong arms. Will he be able to open up and offer his heart or will the truth destroy everything he holds dear? It’s a matter of catching Cary.

 

 

 

 

Catching Cary

Zero, Ohio

 

What the readers are saying:

“Watching these two flirt and find love was sizzling hot.  They have chemistry that just leaps off the pages of this book.  Pretty sure I have singed fingers now.  I like the idea that opposites really can find love and each brings what the other needs to the relationship. I pick up Ms. Slayer’s works for two reasons, she brings me stories that are original and well thought out and she always makes me fall in love and want more. I know I will be looking for more in the Zero, Ohio series in the future. Bring on the man love!” Redz World – Rated 5 shooting stars

 

 

 

Enjoy the following excerpt for CATCHING CARY:

The busboy he’d been ogling moved to the table next to Cary. He plunked the tub down and rested one hand on his hip. “How are you doing on that beer? Your server took off. If you want another, I’ll get it.”

“You’re serving tonight?” Cary finally saw his face. Thick dark lashes framed his hazel eyes. A silver ball decorated the space between his bottom lip and chin. A tiny bit of mahogany-colored hair dusted his cheeks and concentrated on his chin. The man looked young. Like, young enough to be Cary’s son, young. Damn.

“Yeah.” He snorted. “I’m a jack of all trades tonight. My boss, Tyson, called me in to wait tables, but the guy who normally busses quit an hour into the night.”

“Well, since you’re serving, I’ll take a vodka and lime.” Cary nodded once. “Thank you.”

The man smiled, but dipped his head and blocked Cary’s view. When the guy came back with the glass in hand, he winked. “Here you go.” He placed the drink on the table. “You did a good job on that song. This lot wouldn’t know good music if they had it whacked over their heads.”

“You know Cascadia’s stuff?”

“I’ve got the cassette. My older brother passed it down to me. I’m more into harder stuff.”

“Ah.” Cary sipped the drink, liking the burn of the vodka down his throat. The brother passed the cassette down…. Good God.

“The tape broke so I got the CD over at Vintage. Leon hunted it down for me. He’s good at that stuff.” He cleared the empty beer bottles from Cary’s table. “Speaking of Cascadia, you nailed the flourish at the end. Most people can’t do that and kill it when they try.”

“Thanks.” The tips of his ears burned. He knew he’d nailed the flourish, but hearing the words from the younger man pleased him. “Lots of people sing it?”

“Nah.” He shrugged. “Most people tear the currently popular crap apart.” He

picked up the bin. “I’ll be right back. If you need anything, I’m Layne.”

 

@copyright Megan Slayer 2014

 

Top ten things you don’t know about me:

1.  Cotton or Silk? Cotton

 

 

2.  Champagne/beer/wine? Wine!

 

 

3.  Plotter/pantser – total pantser. Even when I try to plot, the characters take over and it’s never the way I planned.

 

 

4.  Describe your workspace. Right now it’s the couch. I’ve got my polar bear blanket on my lap because it’s like 4 degrees outside and I’m chilly. I’ve got racing playing in the background for noise and dogs snoring on the floor.

 

5.  Sports fan or just tolerate it? Total fan. I’m really getting into football and have been a racing fan for the last 15 years

 

6.  Who is your biggest influence on writing?  I don’t know that it’s one person, but rather the music I listen to. I tend to get a lot of my ideas from music—a line or a word in the song grabs my imagination and I run with it. I’m an eclectic music listener, too. One week it might be metal and the next disco. Then the next classical, then oldies. Whatever strikes the characters and the mood is what I run with.

 

7.  Favorite food –  beef and noodles – but the noodles have to be homemade.
8.  When did you start writing?   About 8 years ago now. I wanted to write the ending I saw fit for a book I’d been reading. I didn’t end up rewriting that book, but rather I let the characters I already had decide where they wanted to go.

 

9.  If money were no object, where would you like to live? Honestly, I’m good. Ohio is a mix of all weathers. If you wait five minutes (most of the time), the weather will change to suit your needs. Right now it’s a snowstorm, but this afternoon it’s supposed to be sunny. In the summer we can go from thunderstorm to searing heat to crisp evening. So yeah, I’m good. J
10.  What’s next for you?  I’m working on a new series taking place at a BDSM club called Club Desire. I’m also debating where to take the Zero, Ohio series next. I love the town of Zero and I want to go back, but I have to get the characters to talk to me first. J