Niki Green's Blog

In Print….

nikigreen — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 03:26:07 +0000

I don’t know how I coudl go this long without posting something…but I have. Here’s the latest and greatest news I have to share…Breaking Brent will be available in print November of this year….YAY! I’m so excited. I’ve been working on the galley every free moment I have and there haven’t been many of them, but I am happy to say that it will be sent in to Samhain tomorrow morning…I can’t wait.

Brent and Peyton’s story is not the happiest love story…but it is a love story. It’s about how love, given a second chance, can conquer all. I love stories like this.

I have answered several questions about whose book is next and when that book will be out and at this point and am confident in saying that Jason’s book will be in fact the next in the Roped series. As far as a date of release that is yet to come, but I won’t keep anyone waiting too much longer. I actually hope to have Jason’s book followed very shortly by Murphy James’ book…you remember hime, right? He is the older brother of Peyton and he is a man who I personally have loved writing baout because he is such a good man…and as we all know…a good man is hard to find:)))

Bull, Cowboys and Rodeos…Oh My!!!

nikigreen — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 06:00:08 +0000

There is nothing in the world like a good rodeo….except for a good cowboy. I spent the night at a smaller arena watching a bull riding event and my mind is running a million miles an hour with all the ideas I got while watching the goings on. I actually thought about taking a notebook and pen with me just so I could write down every little thought I had, but I decided against it…I wonder what everyone would have thought if I sat and wrote the whole time instead of watching the show.

I’ve never been to a bull riding, which is where I was, in a small arena like this one. I was up Close and personal with every bull there…some of them more stubborn than the others. This is also the first time that I have been to a bull ride and actually knew one of the bull riders and one of the judges personally…they don’t know it yet but over the next few weeks I am going to pick their brains.

It’s been on my agenda for awhile to expand the Roped series. Have no fear…all the Kiel boys have a book of their own, but there are so many more characters who I want to right about…and they all live in Millbrook. A few of these characters have already had a little stage time in The Real Deal and Breaking Brent others have simply been mentioned or exist but have yet to be seen or heard from.

I know everyone must know by know that they next book to look forward to is Jason Kiel’s. I have to admit he is one of my favorite characters, but there are others who are very quickly catching up to him.

Tonight, the only characters I could think about were Reed James and Travis Boyd. Reed and Travis are the best of friends and share the same passions: bull riding, drinking and women…not necessarily in that order. I kept thinking to myself…I can see Reed doing this and I can hear Travis saying that. Even though their stories are a few books down the line, because both of them have a lot of growing up tot do, I love it when I can finally see my characters as people instead of just foggy ideas.

I had so much fun tonight and I can’t wait for the next bull ride…I wonder what character or characters will appear in the coming weeks;)))

I write…therefore…I read

nikigreen — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:26:08 +0000

I can’t speak for the majority of the population, but I can speak for myself….I love to read. I read when I was little anything I could get my hands on which gradually turned into writing. I think I started writing y first ‘novel’ when I was twelve or thirteen…I still remember the characters names Austin and Lily…it was a Regency England piece. At the time I knew nothing about writing and I knew even less about Regency England, but I wanted to write so badly.

This love for reading did weigh heavily on my want and desire to write. I read constantly so that I stay entertained but also so I can grow. There was a time in my life, though, where I would not branch out and read new authors for anything. My mother had a library of books in our home growing up and in my senior year of high school I was introduced to Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught, Catherine Coulter and many, many others. I tried some Jane Feather. I dabbled with some Stephanie Laurens, but I couldn’t let myself enjoy them because of my love for Julie, Judith and Catherine….this was bad, bad, bad, bad of me.

But now, years later, I have seen the error of my younger ways and have in fact branched out (I’m so proud of myself). My cousin Court and I have a two person reading group that we sometimes include my sister and my aunt in on and we have found several writer who haven’t, as of yet, let us down. I thought that I would recommend a few just so anybody wanting to branch out but as of yet have not could perhaps start here.

These are in no particular order of favorites…they are listed as they pop into my mind:

Paranormal:

JR Ward: The Black Dagger BrotherHood

Jeaniene Frost: The Night Huntress Novels

Regency England Romance:

Lisa Kleypas: ANYTHING!!!

Julia Quinn: ANYTHING!!!

Erotic Romance:

Lorelei James: The Rough Riders Series

Lora Leigh: The Breed Series

Maya Banks: The Sweet Series

Shayla Black: The Doomsday Brethren

These are just some recommendations…I love it when other authors tell what they are reading or have read and love so I thought I would just pass a few great writers along to someone else…enjoy.

Random Thoughts

nikigreen — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:32:03 +0000

My aunt sent me an email today and it cracked me up. No lie, I sat here and laughed until I had tears rolling down my face, but it got me to thinking; what kind of randomness runs through your head on a daily basis?

I have all kinds. Some of mine consist of the following:

1. Why do guys say they don’t like skinny girls (you know with the exposed hip bones and the breasts that look like two over easy eggs), but those are the ones you hit on in a club, in a bar, in the grocery store, or wherever? Please explain if there is an explanation.

. Why are the words ‘dog ration’ and ‘this is dog ration or dog food’ written forty times on a bag of dog food? If it looks like dog food, and smells like dog food I’m pretty much going to assume its dog food and not steak. The same goes for shit..if it looks like shit and it smells like shit..you can pretty much bet it’s shit so don’t taste test it to make sure..it sure ain’t chocolate.

3. Why do guys beat their chests like Tarzan when they are mad and about to brawl? It’s kinda of silly. I just want to say, when I see a guy do this, “You Tarzan and you dumb as hell”, but I don’t because I’m a nice person.

4. Why does you nose itch when your hands are wet or otherwise covered in something you don’t want on you face?

5. Are breasts really that big of a deal? I’ll answer that one: yep, without a doubt.

6. It is true that if you don’t use it you lose it? I just don’t see that happening.

Now, those are some of my random thoughts and here are some from the email that was sent to me. Laugh your ass off because I did.

1. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.

2. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

3. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

4. I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

5. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What’d you do after I didn’t answer? Drop the phone and run away?

6. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey – but I’d bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time…

See that shit is funny and I have thought these exact same things numerous times. Does that make me weird? Does it mean that I really need to find more ways to occupy my time? Yes, to both probably, but what else are you supposed to do when you are sitting in traffic behind someone’s Grandma going two miles and hour who has had her turn signal on for the last fifteen miles? Randomness…you gotta love it.

Time Management

nikigreen — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:17:32 +0000

This little post has to do with writing, but it also has to do with life in general. When I was in college, one of my business classes dealt with time management and delegation and some other things that I have, I’m ashamed to say, forgotten about. Time management effects us all. What do we spend out time doing? Are we spending are time wisely? Are we wasting time?

I admit, I waste time sometimes, we all do. I love to sleep that extra ten or twenty minutes. I channel surf even though I don’t watch a lot of TV to begin with. I do love HGTV and The Soup, but that’s another story. My point is–where is the time going?

I really get to thinking about time management when I realize I have spent three to four hours researching and an hour writing. I could have gotten the information I needed in an hour, but I just ‘looked’ around. So, I say no more. I am about to create a new time management sheet for myself and see just how much time I waste. I do this every so often…I like to do it. I do this and I also make lists of things I need to do in a certain amount of time.

Take for example this morning…I’m about to clean house…ohh so much fun…I know everyone is so jealous. Before I ever start I make a list of what needs to be done and I get my egg timer out. These are my tools for cleaning house. I make my list and then I set a certain amount of time for me to complete this task. I’m competitive, yes, yes I am, and I just liek to see if I can do a task in twenty minutes when I gave myself thirty to begin with. This may sound a little off the wall, but the house work usually gets done in half the time.

So, just think that by the time you read this…I will be cleaning away, without and IPod because I’ve lost the charger and thinking about the reward at the end….What is the reward you may ask. Well, I’ll give you a hint. Murphy James is about to get his happily ever after and I’m about to type “The End’ on another sizzling story my little brain came up with.

Happy reading and writing!!!!

Fallen Angel Reviews: Recommended Read:)

nikigreen — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 04:41:31 +0000

Peyton James dumped Brent Kiel three years ago when he broke her heart. The fact that she ended up engaged to his best friend boggles her mind when she thinks about it. The engagement has been broken but she still wears her engagement ring because she doesn’t want the pity she knows will come when the ring comes off. She and Brent have a don’t speak to each other policy that has lasted for the years they have been apart yet Brent blows that on the day his brother gets married. That day he makes her question every decision she has made since their break-up.

Brent knew that he was an idiot and has been an idiot since his future sister-in-law broke his brother’s heart. He chose to be alone because he didn’t trust Peyton not to break his heart. Who knew that a wedding could show him the error of his ways? He knows that Peyton is engaged but he no longer cares. The man is never around and she deserves a man who will hold her when she cries, make her laugh, comfort her, make babies with her and sit beside her on a rocking chair when she is old and watching her great grandchildren. He intends to be that man.

I almost didn’t read this book because there were several things going on I wasn’t thrilled with, yet I decided to give the book a chance and I’m so glad that I did. A romance doesn’t have to be perfect. People get hurt, they make bad decisions and sometimes break the heart of the one they love the most. This book is pure love, it shows the weaknesses and failures that we all have and how admitting it makes you a stronger person. Reading this book brought a tear to my eye and a sigh to my heart because this is what a true love story is all about. Sometimes you have to give second chances because don’t we all deserve one? This is a read alone book yet I always think it’s a good idea to read the whole series, so I would suggest reading The Real Deal also by Niki Green. This will be Willa and Chase’s story and should answer any questions that will be brought out in Breaking Brent.

Thanks so much to Fallen Angel reviews. This review brought a tear to my eye because they saw that true love exists and does shine through…all you have to do is give it a chance.

Back to the drawing board…finally

nikigreen — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 04:34:40 +0000

It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged…it’s been awhile since I have written anything to tell the truth. I plot all the time…I can’t help it. One of the things keeping me from my keyboard has been work…what my family calls my ‘grown-up’ job…who knew being a grown up could be so hard. So, since I have decided to not let being a grown up keep me from the ‘drawing board’ I decided to sit down and tell everyone what is going on right now, writing wise, and to answer a few questions I should have answered long before now. So here it goes:

Question #1: Whose book is next in the ‘Roped’ Series?

Answer: Jason’s book is next. I’m trying to expand it just a little bit because Jason and Jocelyn just won’t let me stop. Every time I think I have wrapped those two up…something else comes up. I hope (and cross my fingers) that their book will be out this year.

Question #2: Are you going to write any books about some of the other characters from your books?

Answer: All of the brothers will have their own stories (how could they not). I also have plans for Peyton James’ two brothers, Murphy and Reed. I also have a plan or two involving those McCready cousins.

Question 3: Do you only write western romance?

Answer: So far, the only books I have out are western romances. I do have a paranormal almost complete and several other romances, but come on…can’t you tell…I’m all about some cowboy’s…and a Marine or two;)

Question 4: What are you working on right now?

Answer: Jason’s book is first and foremost with Murphy James’ close behind. I also have a novella featuring one of Willa’s ‘friends’ from ‘Teh Real Deal’. Does anyone remember Raven? She has her own story on the way.

Question 5: Do you listen to music when you write? What kind if any.

Answer: Try to keep up with all of this…my music selection changes with my mood. Here recently I have been blasting Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’, Rhianna’s ‘S&M’, Pink, Paramore, Jason Aldean…and hundreds more complete my play list.

Those are just a few and I will answer more in time. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read what thoughts I had to get onto a page. You messages and congratulations mean som much to me. Hopefully in the future you will see more of the Kiel’s and much more of what I have been plotting. Until next time…happy reading:)

Reviews

nikigreen — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 06:48:04 +0000

From SensualReads.com:

“Breaking Brent is seductive, starting off at a slow simmer and rapidly increasing it’s intensity as the story evolves.”

Peyton James never got over her break up with cowboy Brent Kiel, she did everything possible to move on even getting engaged but her thoughts always roved back to Brent. When she breaks off her engagement and doesn’t tell anyone, she inadvertently runs into Brent at the bar she runs, still wanting him to shake his pride and make him talk to her but he retreats again.

Brent still loves Peyton, but his pride stands in the way of letting him do anything about it. When Brent can’t fight the overwhelming need to get close to her, he finds the passion is still there, can he get Peyton to see that he is the one for her?

Breaking Brent is seductive, starting off at a slow simmer and rapidly increasing it’s intensity as the story evolves. I thought the feelings Peyton has were honest and the author writes it in such a way you feel you are part of the story. Brent, there is something mysterious about the brooding cowboy that tugs at you. A wonderful read.

Trivia

nikigreen — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 04:52:21 +0000

I always think it’s fun to learn tidbits of trivia about my favorite books and authors…I just love trivia. I guess that is one reason my father calls me a ‘fountain of useless’ knowledge. If you ever have a question about the most random of things…I’m your go to girl for the answers. So, I thought I would post a few tidbits about the Kiel brothers for all of you who have read about them and want to read more. Enjoy!!!

#1 The original last name for my guys was Butler, but I like Kiel a whole lot better, don’t you?

#2 The first title for ‘The Real Deal’ was ‘Better as a Memory’…I changed it right before I hit the send button to my editor.

#3 In the first draft of ‘The Real Deal’, the reader actually got to meet the aunt that raised Willa, her name is Marian.

#4 Raven’s story, the other burlesque dancer mentioned in ‘The Real Deal’ was supposed to be the first story in the series…what can I say I changed my mind…her story is in the works and it is sooo fab…sooo far

#5 Nick Kiel was the first character created for the series…I guess that is why he holds a special place in my heart and in my imagination.

#6 Brent’s name…for about half a page was…Turner…yeah, I’m glad I changed it too.

#7 Hayden Kiel, almost never existed, but I’m sure glad he does now.

#8 I have ‘outtakes’ from both ‘The Real Deal’ and ‘Breaking Brent’…I am still the only one that has ever read these chapters…or ever will.

#9 I wrote ‘Breaking Brent’ twice…the entire thing. After writing my first draft I didn’t like Brent and I didn’t think anyone else would either…so I changed it…I love him now.

#10 Jason, when I first drafted his story, ended up with a McCready sister…I;m not saying which one, but his heroine made me rethink my decision.

#11 I have stories in mind for several characters from the ‘Roped’ series…all the brothers of course, the McCready sisters, Peyton’s brothers and a couple who didn’t have much page time before, but they get their day.

Sitting down with…Brent Kiel

nikigreen — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:51:50 +0000

This is something I do after the release of my books. I sit down and have, or try to have, a one on one conversation with my hero and heroine. We’ve spoken before, several times, but now that everything is love glossed and trimmed with happiness in their lives the words seem to flow better. I drove to the Kiel ranch, a journey I have made several times, on one cold almost winter afternoon.

I wasn’t surprised to find no one at the house when I arrived….cold weather doesn’t stop cowboys. I let myself in the front door and parked all the belongs I had with me on the floor next to one of the overstuffed sofas in the family room. With five boys big comfy furniture is a must. I’m not a big person by any means, five foot on a very good day and five foot three in the right heels, so I just sink into the couch…and I wait. I knew I would.

Brent has never been the type of guy who willing talked about his feelings…especially to me. Out of all of the Kiel’s he is the one who would rather shut me out than let me in…just like everyone else. But I have this nagging feeling that maybe just maybe, with the recent turn of events, he may be more willing to relax and let me be as nosy as I want to be.

I dont’ have to wait long before I here the tale tale sound of boot heels coming up the back steps and across the wood of the porch. I know it’s Brent. Brent doesn’t just walk…he moves with purpose and that purpose echoes in his stride. The back door opens and a quick, cold wind hits me and then is gone just as quickly. I never turn to see if it is truly him…I just know. I sit back and wait…wait for him to come to me.

His footfalls stop just outside of the family room and I think I hear and almost silent curse. He’s seen me…and he knows why I’m here.

NG: Hi, Brent. (I smile to myself because he knows and I know he’s cornered. He could easily turn and flee, but he won’t. He was raised better than that–they all were. Lillian Kiel Reece would string him up by his heels if he were ever downright rude to me, or any lady for that matter.)

BK: Hi, Niki.

He doesn’t move for the longest time and neither do I. After, what seems like forever, he walks into the family room and takes a seat on the other overstuffed sofa and just stares at me. Brent Kiel’s stare could make anyone shrink in themselves, but not me. I know his bark is much worse than his bite.

BK: How ya been?

NG: Good. You? (A sneaky smile crosses my face because Brent looks uncomfortable and like he’s ready to bolt at any minute, but he won’t. He knew this was coming and now he has to be a big boy and deal with it.)

BK: Fine. Just fine. (His rigid posture never relaxes and more than once he wipes his hands, when they’re not clenched, on his jeans. It amazes me that I can make this big, strong cowboy nearly cower. The second the front door opens and a voice from the foyer reaches both our ears, Brent’s whole body language changes…and I know why. Peyton James walkes around the corner with a smile that lights up the whole room on her face. Instantly, Brent stands and meets her halfway. Without thinking, or remembering they have company, Brent sweeps her up in his massive arms and lays a kiss on her that no words cannot do justice. When the two love birds break their kiss they linger face to face for more than a second or two.)

BK: What’re you doin’ here? (I hear Brent whisper to his lady love)

PJ: Niki called me and told me she as coming to visit. I couldn’t resist dropping by. (That is a little bit of a white lie on Peyton’s behalf. True, I did call and tell her I was coming to visit, but she’s here for Brent. She and I both know Brent…getting anything out of him is like pulling teeth. Peyton is here to make my day easier…and I thank her so much for that.) Come on. I want to see what she’s been up to.

Peyton pulls Brent back over to the couch and both of them sit hip to hip, hand in hand and face me…Peyton with a smile…Brent without.

NG: It’s good to see you Peyton.

PJ: You too. I honestly thought you try to rope him into this sooner.

BK: She’s tried.

NG: Yes I have, but you always seem to be too busy for me.

BK: Not too busy just…

NG: You don’t have to explain Brent. I know you…better than you probably know yourself. (Those dark eyes of his never leave mine. I can’t help but smile at him because he knows I’m right…even though he’ll never admit it)

PJ: We have been busy. Everyone’s been busy.

NG: I know. There’s a lot goin’ on with you Kiel’s here lately. When love rains it pours.

PJ: Yes, yes it does. (She laughs and squeezes Brent’s arm and I’m amazed at how that small squeeze can effect Brent as much as it does. I wonder to myself he he knows just how much he loves her?)

NG: So, what’s been goin’ on with the whole Kiel brood. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen ya’ll.

BK: Same ole’, same ole’.

PJ: Now that’s not true. There’s been a lot happening here lately.

NG: Realy? (I say with intrigue in my voice. I know what’s going on better than anyone…I’m just waiting to see if they really know what’s going on)

PJ: Well, you know my brother and his wife aren’t together anymore.

NG: No I didn’t (Yes, I did)

BK: Good riddance.

PJ: It’s been hard on Murphy, but I think after some time he’ll see that this is for the best. It’s certainly better for Lucas. Better for everyone.

NG: You and Kathleen (Her brother Murphy’s wife…ex-wife…never really got a long to say the least) had some battles didn’t you?

PJ: She sucker punched me!

BK: You held your own. (He brushes a kiss across her temple after he speaks and my heart does a little flip flop)

PJ: Anyway, she’s moved to Louisiana, back to where her family’s from. We haven’t seen her in a few months.

NG: That must be hard on Lucas.

PJ: It is, but I think having her here would have been harder on him. I worry about Murphy though. I wish he could find someone who knew how to love him the way he deserves. The way he’s always loved.

NG: Love’s not easy. Finding love seems harder.

PJ: Not for you.

BK: Peyton. (There’s a warning tone in his voice and for a second I’m a little lost as to what’s coming. I don’t have to wait long to find out)

PJ: What? You knew I’d ask. If she can’t do it no one can.

NG: What am I supposed to do?

PJ: I want you to find someone for Murphy to fall in love with. (I’m stunned. I really, honestly, never saw this coming. I’m speechless…which never happens)

BK: Cat got your tongue, Nik? (There it is…that grin…that shit eatin’ grin all of them Kiel’s are so famous for)

NG: To be honest, yes. I never thought this was the way this conversation would go. I don’t know if I’m the best person to help you or Murphy with this.

PJ: But you are. Look what you did for Chase and Willa and for me and Brent. If you can’t do it I don’t know who can.

NG: I don’t even know what kind of woman your brother would be interested in. I don’t know where to start looking for her.

PJ: I’ll help.

BK: What?

PJ: I’ll help. It’s the least I can do. I mean you brought me back to him. (Her eyes turn dreamy and they almost gloss over in tears and I find that I can’t say no)

NG: Alright. I’ll do it. Where do we start?

At that moment I don’t know who is more surprised…Peyton, Brent…or me.

BK: Well, my work here seems to be done. I’ll let you ladies get down to your rat killing and I’ll just ease far away from here.

NG: I’m not done with you yet.

BK: I know, but for today you are. You seem to have enough to fill your plate for awhile. (He sends a wink my way and I have to admit…I blush. I turn my head as he kisses Peyton goodbye and wait…for what I don’t know…but I don’t have to wonder long.)

PJ: Thank you.

NG: For what?

PJ:For…everything.

NG: Don’t mention it. Now, back to your brother.

PJ: Murphy.

NG: I know.

PJ: I know you do.

NG: What kind of woman do you think would love…or needs to fall in love with?

PJ: Someone totally opposite from Kathleen. Someone giving and kind. She’s got to laugh and smile easliy. She also has to love kids. Murphy won’t love anyone who doesn’t love Lucas.

NG: How could anyone not love Lucas.

PJ: I know. He’s such a sweetie. I just want Murphy to be happy. I want him to love and to be loved.

BG: You sure don’t want a lot do you? (There’s a laugh in my voice, but I see that Peyton has gone solemn. She’s thinking about something that won’t let my laugh break through.)

PJ: Murphy deserves more than he’s had. Kathleen did a real number on him. I look at him and it breaks my heart to think that his chance of being happy is shot to hell.

NG: It’s not.

PJ: Are you sure?

NG: Pretty sure. Leave it to me.

PJ: I knew I could count on you. (Before I can think she’s on her feet and has me on mine and wrapped in a bear hug)

NG: Okay…now we have to get down to business. Finding love isn’t easy. Keeping it is even harder.

PJ: Tell me about it.

NG: Shall we start.

PJ: Lead the way.

For the better part of the afternoon I sit in easy conversation with Peyton. She has thousands of ideas about who her brother should love, who should love him and who should not. I leave the Kiel ranch and drive. Driving helps me think and I have a lot to think about. Murphy James and his love life never entered my mind…well, maybe it did just a bit. But today, it is all I can think about. Who could Murphy love? Who could love Murphy? On my way out of Millbrook, I get caught by one of the few red lights the town has so I just wait. And then…there she is. Why did I never see it before? I must have sat there a little too long because the only thing that brings me back to reality is the loud horn from the big truck behind me. I hate to leave, but I love to go because now I know. I know who could love Murphy…and who Murphy could love….