INTERVIEW, REVIEW, & GIVEAWAY: The Masseuse by Sierra Kincade

THE MASSEUSE

By: Sierra Kincade

Publication Date: December 2, 2014

Anna Rossi lives by one simple rule: don’t get attached, don’t get hurt. But Alec Flynn doesn’t play by the rules…

Anna never takes on a massage client without screening him first, but the paycheck offered by billionaire Maxim Stein is too good to turn down. Stein is the richest man she’s ever laid her hands on, and despite the risks, she trusts that she can take care of herself. After all, she’s handled difficult clients in the past. What she isn’t prepared for is getting caught in a compromising situation by Maxim’s tall, dark, and gorgeous bodyguard—or the desperate desires he awakens in her…

Alec is dangerous. The mysterious, hard-bodied man is completely irresistible and won’t be refused, no matter what walls Anna puts up to protect herself. But as Anna falls fast for his careful ministrations and mind-blowing skills, she begins to realize that giving herself over to a man with so many secrets isn’t just putting her heart at risk—it’s endangering her life…

ABOUT SIERRA

Sierra Kincaid lives in the Midwest with her husband and son. When she’s not writing naughty books, she loves eating chocolate cupcakes, binge-watching cable series, and singing loudly in the car. She wholeheartedly believes that love stories are real, and you should never choose a partner who doesn’t make you laugh.

A few of Sierra’s favorite things:

Bad boys with dirty mouths – English Breakfast tea with two packets of Sugar in the Raw – any movie or show with a choreographed dance routine – cinnamon toast – kids who say funny things – friends who raid her pantry without asking – bootleg jeans – making lists – old Garth Brooks songs – and of course, massages.

We are so incredibly excited and happy to have Sierra Kincade on the blog today! And I swear you all are going to love what Sierra is sharing with us! So without further ado… enjoy!!

Top 10 weirdest things you had to research to write the masseuse:

Hi Jaime and Erin! Thank you for letting me stop by for a visit!

Research is one of my favorite parts of writing a book, and I did quite a bit of fun (cue giggles) research for The Masseuse. Here are some of my most memorable research moments.

1. Because The Masseuse is super sexy (Please agree, please agree.), there was a fair amount of naughty research I needed to do. One of the first really intimate scenes between Alec and Anna takes places in a spa…*ahem*…and involves a certain…*blushes*…sort of activity…*wow*…I’d never put a ton of thought into the logistics of. So I took an online course. A totally legitimate, technique-driven course (No, not porn) on how to pleasure a woman. And boy did I learn a thing or two.

2. Right. So I watched naughty movies, too. Positions, ok? Positions! (Because, let’s me honest, porn doesn’t exactly nail – heh heh – the “what a woman feels” part of sex.) I sat there like a good little writer, with my pen and notepad, and watched Skinamax. I TOOK NOTES, OK?

3. And since we’re getting all up in my business now, let me also share a particularly exciting day when my husband accidentally opened my browsing history and ended up finding a lot of di** pics. DON’T JUDGE. I’M A VISUAL PERSON. I spend a lot of time referencing genitalia. It’s only right to have a visual (or two.) (or eight.).

4. On a less naughty note, there’s also a trial that takes place over the course of the trilogy, and for that I called upon a lawyer friend, who informed me after one particularly legally-liberal first draft that, “you can’t just make up whatever laws you want.” So I’m pleased to say that the legal issues in the books, which are particularly prevalent in books 2 and 3 (The Distraction and The Confession), are now pretty realistic.

5. My husband always tells me I’m just one internet search away from getting arrested. I did, at one point, do a lot of research on white collar crimes. Specifically, how to commit one. So…in case you’re wondering…DON’T ASK ME BECAUSE THAT’S ILLEGAL. (See Big Brother? See? Nothing to worry about!)

6. I did interview two lovely massage therapists on the technicalities of their jobs – the use of oils, things they learned in school, attention to different muscle groups, timing on when to switch to a new section of the body, etc. They were really wonderful and helpful, and preferred to stay anonymous, otherwise I would be singing my love for them from the rooftops.

7. Also, I got a massage (or two). IT’S RESEARCH.

8. I read through several different legal forms regarding inappropriate conduct in massage settings. Spoiler alert: There is inappropriate conduct in massage settings in my book.

9. The story takes place in Tampa, and I was living in Tampa at the time that I wrote it, so I spent a fair amount of time driving over the Causeway, walking all through Ybor City, trekking around Davis Island where Max lives, taking pictures from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, lounging at Fort DeSoto beach, where Anna and Alec…spend some time… Even the Taco Bus is a real place downtown (and it is INCREDIBLE). It’s right across from the police station as it is in the story. All the locations in this book are places where I have been. It’s nice to think that Anna and Alec have left their mark there, even if only in my mind.

10. Finally, I learned how to kick some ass! In the books, Anna is well versed in self-defense. I knew if I was going to write those scenes accurately, I had better know what I was talking about. So I researched women’s self-defense courses and took a class. It was an awesome experience. I kicked a man in pads between the legs. I yelled “NO!” at the top of my lungs. I learned how anything (like your car keys) can become a weapon, and how to escape a choke hold, and what to do when someone pulls your hair. And I learned the best thing to do when you’re in trouble is to run away.

So now that I’ve probably gotten myself into some pretty decent trouble, I’m going to run away.

Bye ladies! Thank you! Hope you like the books! XOXOXO Sierra

I swear I laughed so hard reading this Sierra!! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

So now, we’re talking The Masseuse!! We wanted to do our reviews a little differently than a typical review since we’re both sharing our thoughts. So here we go…

Overall, what did you think about The Masseuse?
You all know that I’m a little leery with my Erotica … it doesn’t always work out for me. But I thought Kincade did a great job, especially since this is her first Erotic Romance/Suspense. I like my guys alpha and Alec is definitely that… but he’s not over the top like so many can end up being in this type of book. I thought the suspense was really done well too, you certainly don’t figure things out too early in this story and it adds to the overall story instead of just being something that is happening in the background. Kincade also does an amazing job really building the chemistry between Alec and Anna… there’s definitely instant attraction but it’s done well and it’s believable… and oh so hot!

I really enjoyed this book – I mean, what isn’t to like? There’s the sexy times but there’s also a bit of a mystery around what is really happening with what Alec really does for Stein. I agree with you Jaime, Kincade did a wonderful job of blending the story with the romance and making me care about these characters. I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen with them!

So.. .what did you think of Alec?
At first I wasn’t sure what to think of him based on his first run in with Anna but holy man I ended up loving him…I mean, he’s definitely an alpha which is my favorite but I think what I like the most about him is that he isn’t perfect. He makes mistakes and then he apologizes accordingly…really apologizes. I admit Alec is a mystery through most of the book and while I wanted to know more about him and his secrets, I thought the reveal of his story was done well.

I agree, he’s definitely not perfect and the situation he’s in almost makes it harder to fall for him, but I absolutely did fall for him! And yes, he’s totally alpha, but not like over the top alpha. I really liked how he and Anna just clicked, their chemistry was amazing and I can definitely see how that research Kincade did (see above) really paid off because HOLY CRAP.

What did you think of Anna?
I like Anna – she is strong and independent but also a bit broken. Her need to continue moving around and not attach herself to anyone definitely creates a challenge for Alec and everyone else who cares about her.

Anna’s story is another really well-done part of this book. She has her own issues to work through and like you said, Erin, it creates a challenge for Alec and those that care for her. Her history is also a big part of their story … and them getting closer and learning about each other, but it also has a big impact on her ability to trust and depend on others. All things that Alec wants.

Did you love the plot progression we got here? Was there anything that didn’t work for you?

I really did enjoy the story here – there is a bit of mystery around who’s the bad guy and what will happen in the end. I really appreciate the fact that this book didn’t end on a cliffhanger too because that could have easily happened.

I have to say that while I appreciate the sexy-times in this story… (believe me, I do) I appreciate even more the fact that we get to learn more and more about Alex and Anna as the story progresses. And like you said, Erin, there is some mystery and suspense here as well which just adds to the book as a whole. I think the pacing was really well-done here and if anyone’s looking for some good erotic suspense this is definitely an excellent choice.

I have to say that overall there wasn’t anything that I didn’t like, though if I had to be super picky I’d say that because I’m super word sensitive that there were a few that had me gritting my teeth, but nothing that’s not to be expected in any erotic story. I’d like to say I become immune to them, but honestly, I’m not sure that will ever be the case.

Favorite quote from this book?
“Early, I think. Six. Let me have you afterward.” – Erin’s Favorite

“I am yours just as much as you are mine.” – Jaime’s Favorite

What do you hope to see in Book 2 – The Distraction?
Can I say more of the sexy bits? 🙂 Seriously – that and it should go without saying that I could use more Alec in my life…which means I will definitely be jumping into The Distraction really soon.

Well…. I have to admit, I couldn’t hold out any longer and have started The Distraction already and I’m loving it so far. It’s got everything book 1 does and a bit more… I can’t say much about what’s going on because I don’t want to spoil anyone, but *fans self* let’s just say Alec and Anna have been busy, plus, we get a lot more of the secondary characters in this story and that makes me super happy!