C J Roberts Spotlight (18+)

Today I'm introducing you to, and possibly just reacquainting you with, CJ Roberts, author of the phenomenal Dark Duets series.

She first introduced us to 'Caleb and Kitten' in Captive in the dark, and then again in Seduced in the Dark, and finally Epilogue.

CJ writes the sort of books that you know you shouldn't enjoy, but can't help yourself from. With captivating three dimensional characters and more depth to her storylines than the freaking ocean.

Her books aren't just romance, they're not even just erotica, they're so much more than that. She says herself that she favours writing stories with taboo twists, and well, if you have read this series then you'll know this to be very true of her.
Let's get to know her a little more.

Name:

CJ Roberts

Website: 

www.aboutcjroberts.com

Other contacts/social media sites:

Blog: http://supersexysmut.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCJRoberts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCJRoberts

Link to Amazon page and or any other place that your books can be purchased:

Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/CJ-Roberts/e/B005KK7CUG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Where did you grow up?

North Hollywood, California

When did you start writing?

I began writing at a very early age. I’ve always been a bit of a storyteller. I suppose it helped that I was shy and short on friends. My journals were my escape and my place to dump out all the feelings I didn’t feel I could share with anyone.

What is your favourite genre to read, and do you have any favourite books or authors you would like to recommend?

My favorite genre is M/M Paranormal Romance, followed by M/M Romance. I love hot dudes, I love it even more when they’re kissing each other. ☺ As for inspiration, I used to sit in the bookstore and devour all things Anne Rice. When my mother could afford them, she bought me books. We didn’t have much, but I recognize now how much she must have gone out of her way to give us things we enjoyed. She still does.

What about to write?

I write whatever is in me to write. I’m most known for The Dark Duet, a hetero, contemporary, erotic thriller, but I’ve written short stories that vary in sexual orientation and genre. I’d eventually like to write a paranormal novel.

Do you write full time? If not, what do you do?

I write full time – though my job requires me to spend more time on marketing than actual writing (I’m hoping that will change one day).

Do you ever base your characters on anyone that you know, or are they solely from your imagination?

No one in a writer’s sphere of influence is safe from being used for inspiration. That said, I usually only take an aspect of something/one I find intriguing and build fiction around it. My biggest source of character inspiration is actually me – the blank page is my sounding board for everything I don’t know how to express.

---

About The Book

Tell us about your latest book. The story/plot.

Well, my latest book is Epilogue: The Dark Duet and it focuses on Caleb’s relationship with Livvie. It’s a nice accompaniment to Captive in the Dark and Seduced in the Dark, because we get to see them in a more normal setting away from all the blood, murder, and betrayal.

What gave you the idea?

The fans begged for it and I couldn’t resist. I’m obviously the biggest Caleb fan there is. Get inside his head and write a book? Yes, please!

What genre is it?

I would say this is more of a romance/erotica than its predecessors which were more action-packed and suspenseful.

Who is your favourite character?

I adore all things Caleb.

And worst?

I enjoyed them all this time.

What are your hopes for it?

Well, it made the USA Today which was AWESOME. I’m hoping my next book does even better.

What’s the project that you’re working on next?

I’ll be working on my next book featuring Agent Matthew Reed. It should be released next year if I can ever convince myself to buckle down and let the writing consume me. Writing a book (for me) is like having a new born: I can’t sleep, I’m always worried I’m going to ruin it, and it takes over my life. I have to amp myself up for it.

What’s the best piece of advice that you have been given in regards to your writing?

My beta reader said (of Captive in the Dark, original draft), “I liked it so much, I wanted it to be better.” I took that advice to heart and went back to writing for another two years before I published. I accept all constructive criticism.

---

Covers For Captive In The Dark & Seduced In The Dark

---

Livvie & Caleb Character Interview 

1.Livvie, Caleb, lovely to meet you both. Am I okay to call you Livvie and Caleb, or is there something else that you would prefer? There’s so many names for each of you.

*Laughs* Livvie: I think most people would agree that’s how we’re known.

2.You’ve both been on a complete whirlwind the past couple of years. For the readers I’m sure that there are a lot of standout moments, however, if there was one defining moment for each of you, what would it be?

Livvie: Hmm, that’s a difficult one. I think I’d have to go with the moment Caleb and I met up again. I’d spent so much time coming to terms with the past and Caleb’s role in it. My feelings toward him were complicated. *glances toward Caleb with a furrowed brow*

I wasn’t sure I should see him again. I didn’t know what to expect. But then I thought how I would feel if I didn’t go and my mind was made up. The moment I saw him again.... *sighs*

So, yeah...that was pretty defining.

Caleb: Mine is...less romantic. It’s been so long, and I’ve discussed it at length so many times it’s much easier to come out with, but I would have to say I began to question everything when I realized my actions had led Livvie to get hurt. The sight of her bruised and bloody was something I couldn’t stomach.

3.I have to say, Caleb, and I think I speak for nearly everyone when I say this. I hated you when we first met you in Captive in the Dark. A kidnapper, a murderer, a rapist, you weren’t exactly a good guy. Now however my opinion has completely changed. How do YOU feel that you have changed?

Caleb: *Rolls eyes* I don’t know. I guess...I let myself think of others more than I used to. I laugh more, I enjoy things I’d never thought to enjoy before. Am I a different person? You could say that, but I think I’ve changed because there’s no need to be the person I was. I struggle with having thoughts others don’t have. Being ‘a better man’ is a constant choice I make.

4.And Livvie, the same applies to yourself. You were a different person when we first met you—a victim, a child, yet now, you’re a woman and very far from a victim. Does that sound about right?

Livvie: Definitely. Everything I went through...I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. However, I can’t deny that my experiences made me stronger. I guess it would have happened anyway, everyone gets older, has experiences, and learns from them. My experiences were obviously...singular. I grew up faster than most, but I’m here. I am who I am.

5.Livvie, so you’re back in contact with your mother and siblings? How is that for you? I know that you wanted your mother to love and care for you for most of your life, do you feel like you have achieved that yet?

Livvie: If my relationship with Caleb has taught me anything, it’s that everyone is capable of change and desires forgiveness. As a child, I couldn’t put myself in my mother’s shoes. I looked to her for all the answers and she didn’t have any. It took me a long time to realize she did the best she could and loved me the only way she knew how. We don’t always get along. We don’t magically understand each other. But she’s my mother and I love her.

6.I personally believe that everything happens for a reason. That every journey and obstacle that we take in life happens to take us to a certain point. You both had incredibly hard upbringings, yet those pasts made it possible for you to find each other. Do you think you would have found each other regardless? And if not, do you think it was worth the pain you suffered?

Livvie: This is a little tricky. Would I go through it again if I didn’t know how it would turn out: HELL NO. *smiles* I love Caleb, and if I had to go through all that shit again to come to where we are...sure, but not blindly.

Caleb: I’m not sure I believe in destiny, no matter how *pauses to think* fateful mine and Livvie’s union might be. She’s the only person I can see myself with. That’s the only way I can answer.

7.Do you ever worry about your past catching up with either of you? You must have made a lot of enemies in the past Caleb.

Caleb: We’re careful and as I’ve said, the ‘old me’ is still in here *points to his temple*.

Livvie: *Hits Caleb with her shoulder* I try to focus on the present. If something comes our way...we’ll cross that bridge.

8.Do you have any plans for the future Caleb? Livvie is at university, she has a job, but you still seem to be finding your feet. Now that you are settling into this new life with Livvie, can you think of any aspirations that you would like to achieve?

*Livvie laughs hysterically* *Caleb sighs deeply, annoyed* Caleb: I’m not exactly a ‘people person’.

9.Livvie, if there is one thing that you would like for Caleb to understand about you, what would it be?

Livvie: That I don’t need him to protect me ALL the time.

10.Caleb, the same question to you.

Caleb: She needs to understand some things are not negotiable.

Livvie: That’s not fair. I’m safe!

Caleb: You trust everyone!

Livvie: Not everyone is a criminal!

Caleb: But you’re not a good judge of that...are you? *smiles smugly*

Livvie: *smiling* Asshole.

Caleb: *shrugs*

11.Finally, what do you think the future holds for you? Do you plan on starting a family yourselves one day?

*Both stare at each other uncomfortably*

Caleb: I think we’re good here. Livvie?

Livvie: *nods quickly* Yeah...totally good.

Thanks so much for speaking with me today. It’s been amazing. The love that you both share for each other really is the things of books.

I wish you both a long and happy life together.

      Claire

---

C J Roberts Audio-Book Giveaway 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I hope that you enjoyed getting to know CJ and her characters a little more, make sure to enter her giveaway, I can't imagine anything more amazing than actually listening to Captive in the Dark!
As always...

Happy reading!

Claire ♥