Welcome to the Stars & Stripes virtual book tour! Thank you for helping me celebrate the release of the 6th book in the Cut & Run series. I’ll be giving away tons of prizes. For every stop I have a digital copy of the first book, Cut & Run, a personalized autograph, and either a Team Ty/Team Zane T-shirts or an autographed trinket! To enter to win one of the prizes, just leave a comment here at Under the Covers, and make sure you include your e-mail address! To win the grand prize, one complete electronic set of the first 5 books, you’ll need to finish a treasure hunt, which you’ll find on my blog on the last day of the tour! Many thanks to Under the Covers for hosting me on my very first Riptide Publishing virtual book tour!
Hi Abigail! We’re so excited to have you at Under the Covers today!
Hi! Thank you for having me!
Many of my friends (including myself) who have read your Cut & Run series have said that it is their favorite M/M series ever! How does it feel hearing that your characters have a special place in reader’s hearts?
It’s astounding to me. Very surreal. It’s not something I’m always conscious of, and if I let myself think too hard about it, I think I would get overwhelmed by just how far and wide this series has reached. Right now, I’m just happy that I can keep writing these two characters that I love so much.
What do you think makes Ty and Zane so compatible? What is the one characteristic that makes Ty attracted to Zane and vice versa?
I think they’re compatible because they’ve learned to deal with each other’s quirks. They’re nothing alike, but they both have a sense of humor, and that can make the biggest difference in the world. They tolerate the faults of the other because they’re blinded by love. If I have to break it down to one characteristic, I would say that Ty is attracted to Zane’s steadfastness. He’s a rock in the middle of a choppy sea. Zane is an anchor for Ty, who has been adrift all his life. And for Zane, he looks at Ty’s ability to roll with the punches and keep on going, and he thinks it’s Ty’s greatest strength. Ty is the only thing in his life that’s been able to pull him out of that steady, solitary shell, and he’s learning to enjoy life because of it. Their strengths complement each other, as do their weaknesses.
What can you tell us about Nick’s book? Will it be full length or novella?
Oh, Nick’s book! It will be full length, and it will be glorious. There’s been a lot of speculation over who he’ll be paired with, and all I have to say to that is ‘NO COMMENT!’ followed by evil laughter. The tentative title is Rogue’s Gallery. It will take place in Boston, and revolve around a case he’s working. I’m really excited about it, I can’t wait to get started on it.
What can readers expect in the latest installment of the series, STARS & STRIPES?
This book is a sort of reckoning. Ty and Zane are both going to face some of the things they’ve been avoiding for a long time, as a couple and as individuals. We’re going to meet Zane’s family, as well as revisit with Ty’s. We’re going to get some hints about Ty’s past that might be unsettling for Zane and for readers. And you’re going to find a family member that you hate more than Earl!
What are you working on right now? What is its expected release date?
Right now I’m working on Book 7 of the series, with the occasional jaunt into editing and rewriting my next release. It’s called Gravedigger’s Brawl, and it will come out in October. It is the most evil, cursed, haunted thing I’ve ever worked on. It killed some laptops, killed some friend’s electronics. So I hurried through that! Another one I have in the works is a treasure hunt that should be a lot of fun, but no release dates on those yet.
The Cut & Run series was written by you and Madeleine Urban yourself for years. Now that you are continuing the series yourself, how has your writing process and schedule changed?
The process for me is much the same, only now I’m sitting here talking to myself instead of someone else! I approach the books the same way, but it’s actually much easier writing solo. I can plot so much faster without laying it all out for a partner, and the dialogue and inner conflict comes so naturally. The schedule is also easier, because it’s just me. The only conflict I have to worry about it when my daughter flies through the room, so I can work at my own pace instead of playing solitaire for hours waiting until schedules align.
How many more books do you have planned for Ty and Zane?
I’m still set at 9 total, which means three more after this release. Ty and Zane’s story arc will be done at 9, and the series will have a satisfying conclusion. That’s not to say I wouldn’t be open to writing more of Ty and Zane, if the right plots and ideas came along, and if it felt right to do more. I’d rather go out with people begging for more than to have people sick of them in the end.
Will their secret relationship ever be revealed to anyone in the bureau?
That’s a sneaky plot question, but I think it’s fairly obvious to everyone that they can’t stay hidden forever. It’s not a matter of will they, it’s just a matter of when and how, and what will the aftermath be. It’s going to happen.
Do you find writing more challenging now that you don’t have a partner to bounce ideas off of or get a second opinion?
Not at all. I was always a solo writer as well, so it’s nothing new for me. When I get an idea that I’m excited about, I do like to tell my friends about it and get a little bouncy. So nothing’s really changed in that aspect.
If Ty were to describe Zane in one word, what would it be? Similarly, if Zane was describing Ty in a word, what would he choose?
Ty: Solid.
Zane: Moving.
If you only had twenty dollars in your purse, what would you buy?
Gas. I am always fighting the urge to get up and go, and if I had nothing to lose, I’d do it. Get up and go and see where you end up, find something new and exciting, start over fresh.
Quick-fire questions!
Coffee or tea? Both are gross!
Print or ebook? Ebook. I love print books, but ebooks are so easy to take with you.
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset. I only see sunrise if I stayed up all night.
Boxers or briefs? Briefs!
Stars & Stripes
Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have managed the impossible: a few months of peace and quiet. After nearly a year of personal and professional turmoil, they're living together conflict-free, work is going smoothly, and they're both happy, healthy, and home every night before dark. But anyone who knows them knows that can’t possibly last.
When an emergency call from home upsets the balance of their carefully arranged world, Ty and Zane must juggle family drama with a perplexing crime to save a helpless victim before time runs out.
From the mountains of West Virginia to a remote Texas horse ranch harboring more than just livestock and childhood memories, Ty and Zane must face their fears—and their families—to overcome an unlikely enemy and bring peace back into their newly shared world.
You can read the first chapter and purchase Stars & Stripes here.
About the Author:
Abigail Roux was born and raised in North Carolina. A past volleyball star who specializes in sarcasm and painful historical accuracy, she currently spends her time coaching high school volleyball and investigating the mysteries of single motherhood. Any spare time is spent living and dying with every Atlanta Braves and Carolina Panthers game of the year. Abigail has a daughter, Little Roux, who is the light of her life, a boxer, four rescued cats who play an ongoing live-action variation of Call of Duty throughout the house, a certifiable extended family down the road, and a cast of thousands in her head. You can stalk Abi in various places, including her website, Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook.
Follow the tour:
Don't miss out on more great posts about Stars & Stripes and author Abigail Roux! Lots of prizes at every tour stop and a grand prize at the end of the tour)
August 12, 2012 - Under the Covers Book Blog
August 12, 2012 - Under the Covers Book Blog
August 13, 2012 -
Amara's Place
August 14, 2012 -
Smexy Books
August 15, 2012 -
The Book Pushers
August 16, 2012 -
Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
August 17, 2012 -
Chicks and Dicks
The prizes up for grabs at this tour stop are:
A digital copy of the first book, Cut & Run, a personalized
autograph, and either a Team Ty/Team Zane T-shirts or an autographed
trinket!
To enter:
Leave a comment here and make sure you include your e-mail address!
Tour Giveaway:
To win the grand prize, one complete electronic set of the first 5
books, you’ll need to finish a treasure hunt, which you’ll find on my blog on the last day of the tour!
Please count me in.
ReplyDeleteI have Cut & Run on my TBR pile along with the rest of the series (I am saving them for my vacation lol).
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome giveaway. Thank you!
J.l.obrien912 (at) gmail.com
I've heard so many fabulous things about this series - thanks so much for the giveaway! I can't wait to catch up on Ty and Zane!
ReplyDeleterwschwarz11ATgmailDOTcom
Please count me in for the contest :-)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! I just read Ann's review for Stars and Stripes...cannot wait to read this book and the rest of this series!
ReplyDeletetaccb_1981@yahoo.com
This series sounds fantastic. Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeletee.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Loved Stars & Stripes! This is one of my top favorite series ever!
ReplyDeleteLove these!
ReplyDeleteashhhamanda@Gmail.com
Thank you for doing this interview :D
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Loved the book! Samati75 at gmail.com
ReplyDeletethanks for a fun interview and congrats to Abigail on the new releases :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting me, Ann! I had fun with the interview, and I can't wait to get rid of some of these prizes I have hanging around!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! always wonderful to hear from our overlord! ;o) The books keep getting better and better and I CAN'T wait for Nicks book ...
ReplyDeleteglowgirl2@comcast.net
Loved the latest installment. Each book has been even better than the one before I think because of the progression of their relationship. Looking forward to more of your work, Abi. Hoping I win some goodies!
ReplyDeleteI love this series. I don't think I'll ever get enough of Ty and Zane. I have read each book, with the exception of the past 2 of them, at least 30 times. The only reason the last two haven't been read that many times is because I have to reread the entire series from the start or my own latent OCD starts kicking in!
ReplyDeleteI loved the new release and all the fun prerelease torture on tumblr built great anticipation. They've become more real with every release and I miss them when I finish the book. Loved the Zane's Dad- im looking forward to seeing more of him. Hope I get chosen ��madhabikutti@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWould love to be in the running.
ReplyDeleteYvette
yratpatrol@aol.com
Please include me. This is my favorite series. maggie9418@aol.com
ReplyDeletePlease include me. This is my favorite series. maggie9418@aol.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the dun interview. I practically stumbled across Ty & Zane and now I am hopelessly addicted to them...sigh :)
ReplyDelete*fun, I ment fun...darn fat finger! LOL
DeleteI love this series so so much! Finished reading Stars & Stripes last night! Bravo! =D
ReplyDeleteroberta_austin(at)live.com
great interview! I read Stars & Stripes yesterday and I'm still very excited about it :)
ReplyDeletePlease count me in for the giveaways
Codename_Sherry[@]hotmail.com
Thanks Abi ~ fingers crossed for more than nine books...a devoted minion
ReplyDeleteslynn_s(at)yahoo.com
Count me in!!!
ReplyDeleteI love Cut&Run and can't wait for more Ty and Zane
Ba.carvalho.p(at)gmail.com
So in love with this series! Can't wait for all the other books (incl. Nick's book)!
ReplyDeleteCool giveaway :) please count me in...
icesumly(at)gmail.com
God, I love this series!!! Abi is so talented!! I literally spend at least 5 hrs a day with Ty & Zane!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
melissasieben@gmail.com
I'm so in love with the ( Cut & Run ) books that it's hard for me to read any other books.
ReplyDeleteThanks Abi for making me be only able to read your books.
I can't wait to read Stars & Stripes.
Ninatylee@yahoo.com
So excited for this new one! Please count me in!
ReplyDeletesaw@hawaii.rr.com
I've wanted to start this series for a while, thank you for the chance!
ReplyDeletelfacchini(at)tampabay(dot)rr(dot)com
I have heard many good things about Ty & Zane. I look forward to reading them. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletetgentry90 @ gmail dot com
Love this series! Very much addicted and can not wait to see what happens next with it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance at the give away :D
Kunicorngirl@yahoo.com
I love Cut&Run series and Abigail work ... Please count me in too !!
ReplyDeletejoanapatricia93(at)hotmail.com
I've heard such good things about this series. I always find it so interesting reading author interviews learning more about the book(s). I definitely plan to read them.
ReplyDeletesophiarose1816@gmail.com
Thank you both for the wonderful interview!
ReplyDeleteLoved Stars & Stripes. Can't wait for Gravedigger's Brawl, and Ty & Zane 7!
ReplyDeleteHi thanks for a great interview, I have this series on my TBR list, but there so many books & so little time. Thay are on the top of the list ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Annette
annettecourt@bigpond.com
I LOVE this series! It is going down as a favorite! I can't wait to read Stars and Stripes!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Melishawk@aol.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteooooo count me in please!
ReplyDeletebnbhb@hotmail.com
Abigail...I'm a North Carolina librarian so I'm suprised that you're a new-to-me author...although I'm fairly new to romance and erotica and have read very little m/m. I'm working my way up to it!
ReplyDeleteI, too, have four rescue cats and they're our all time consuming "children."
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com
Excellent job on Stars & Stripes! I can't wait for the next one!
ReplyDeleteweirdwoman84@hotmail.com
I have not read any of this series yet but have seen some great reviews from it. I would love to read this book and will definitely be putting the series on my TBR list.
ReplyDeletemanning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
Congratulations on all of your success. I haven't read any of the books in this series so I appreciate the info you provided here. Good luck with future endeavors!
ReplyDeletelandrybreaux@yahoo.com
Hello Abigail,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your Great Interview & for taking time out of your busy to spend time with Us. Your Cut & Run Series sounds like Fantastic Reads, even if I'm not lucky enough to win the first Book in your Series, I will be getting this Entire Series!!
I would very much appreciate the opportunity to be considered in your very generous giveaway. Thank You!
Take Care Abigail & Stay Naughty,
PaParanormalFan (Renee’ S.)
paranormalromancefan at yahoo dot com
I'm on my 1st re-read of Stars & Stripes! I'm one of the minions who enjoyed the torture on Tumblr and enjoyed every minute of it.
ReplyDeleteAck! I forgot to include my e-mail address:
ReplyDeletelindaszoo@hawaii.rr.com
I'm in for any and all kinds of Ty/Zane swag. Thanks Abi.
ReplyDeletemelora.derryth(at)gmail(dot)com
Finished Stars and Stripes this morning about 3:30 A.M.
ReplyDeleteIt is 9:17 P.M. here now and I'm already jonesing to start reading it again! Can't EVER get enough of Ty and Zane!
A Totally Obsessed Minion,
hedwig2213@yahoo.com
Checking in again just to say thanks and cry a little bit at all the comments I need to log for the giveaway! lol!! You guys are awesome, thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely count me in! I love this series (but have sadly fallen behind a bit). I can't wait to finish reading it!
ReplyDeletetiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
Such a fun interview! Especially the quickfire questions ;)
ReplyDeletescarletrose9(at)hotmail(dot)com
great interview! and count me in! i love this series. i cant get enough of ty and zane. this series has become one of my top five fave series. look forward to more. :).
ReplyDeleteragga_eg@hotmail.com
I love this series and it is definitely my favorite m/m. Keep em coming :)
ReplyDeleteLoved S&S2! You're right, I did find someone I hated more than Earl!
ReplyDeleteRachel_ann94@yahoo.com
Haven't read my copy yet but looking forward to it :) And excited to know there'll be more books with Ty & Zane...and that Nick gets a book (my poor bank balance!)...
ReplyDeletefunny tiger on the cover! never heard of this one before, but i would love to know more.
ReplyDeletesmile_1773 at yahoo dot com
Thanks for the giveaway contest and would love to start the series.
ReplyDeletestrive4bst at yahoo dot com
only 9 books??? *crying all the tears here*
ReplyDeletemonica_vidal78@yahoo.com.br
Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMegblod@yahoo.com
Just finished Stars and Stripes. Oh my heart. Don't know what I'll do until book seven
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interview!! Abigail - I loved your thoughts about why Ty and Zane complement each other so well. It is always so neat to hear the inner working and thoughts of an author on his/her beloved characters. Like Annie said, Ty and Zane are one of my absolute favorite m/m couples ~ they are just amazing!
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to read Stars and Stripes to see more of my favorite men! And thanks for the give-away! llogan24@gmail.com
This series is in my TBR pile so this would be great timing!!!
ReplyDeleteA Nick book??? Where, where? Gotta have one.
ReplyDeleteLoved the book! Great interview =)
ReplyDeleteNick book??!!! WHEEEEN...! XD
kersten73@citromail.hu
Late to the party but thanks for the great interview! I, for one, could go for waaaaay more than 9 books in the series. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for Ty and Zane!!
buttononthetop at gmail dot com
Loved Stars & Stripes, and ohhhhh Nick's book, already excited... :DDD
ReplyDeleterory@wolke7.net
Thanks for the contest
ReplyDeletedonnasing777@yahoo.com
What a great contest, thanks again. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDelete