The BFF’s are so excited for today’s release of Cream of the Crop, book 2 in the Hudson Valley Series by Alice Clayton. AND, today we bring you an EXCLUSIVE Interview with Clayton in the newest edition of “That’s What She Said!” BFF K’s review coming very soon!

But first, here’s a little info on Cream of the Crop

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton brings her trademark blend of funny and sexy to this second contemporary romance in the brand-new Hudson Valley series!

Manhattan’s It Girl, Natalie Grayson, has it all: she’s a hot exec at a leading advertising firm, known industry-wide for her challenging and edgy campaigns. She’s got a large circle of friends, a family that loves her dearly, and her dance card is always full with handsome eligible bachelors. What else could a modern gal-about-town wish for? The answer, of course, is…cheese.

Natalie’s favorite part of each week is spending Saturday morning at the Union Square Farmer’s Market, where she indulges her love of all things triple cream. Her favorite booth also indulges her love of all things handsome. Oscar Mendoza, owner of the Bailey Falls Creamery and purveyor of the finest artisanal cheeses the Hudson Valley has to offer, is tall, dark, mysterious, and a bit oblivious. Or so she thinks. But that doesn’t stop Natalie from fantasizing about the size of his, ahem, milk can.

Romance is churning, passion is burning, and something incredible is rising to the top. Could it be…love?

And, don’t forget about Nuts, Book #1 in the Hudson Valley series!

That’s What She Said

I was thrilled with the opportunity to interview Alice Clayton….I mean really! Alice Freaking Clayton answered my questions about one of her books…Pinch me now! I have enjoyed so many of her incredible stories including the Wallbanger series and Nuts, Book 1 in the new Hudson Valley Series. I hope you enjoy the interview below.

BFF K: I want to talk mostly about NUTS! I listened to Roxie and Leo’s story on audio and loved absolutely every second of it! Let’s dish (see what I did there?) about NUTS and the Hudson Valley Series.

Farmers are the new It Boy in the Hudson Valley series and I have to agree completely! What inspired the Hudson Valley series and these smoking hot FARMERS?

Alice Clayton: I LOVE a farmer. Oh my goodness do I love a farmer. I got the ideas for this series out of the blue one day when Mr. Alice and I were visiting our local farmers market. There was a new farmer one day, and sweet Christ was he hot. Hudson Valley series was born!

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BFF K: You write about farming in great detail. (My hubby is an agronomist; I completely followed your terminology!) Are you familiar with agriculture or did you have to do extensive research on farming and farming practices?

Alice Clayton: I definitely did my research, particularly into the world of CSA’s and how easy it now is to support your local producers. I’ve been trying to eat locally as often as I can for several years now, and I’m so happy to see how many people now are enjoying and eating local.

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BFF K: California Roxie has to reconcile herself with Bailey Falls Roxie. I LOVE the way that Chad Bowman helped her to discover a new side of herself that was ok in Bailey Falls. I also LOVED Chad’s husband Logan. I really don’t know that I have a question about this….It was just one of my favorite parts of the book! What else can you tell me about Roxie’s transformation and the roll Chad and Logan play in that experience?

Alice Clayton: I loved the idea of going back home to your small town, and finding out that the biggest crush you had back in school is still as handsome and gorgeous and sweet and kind as ever, but that the quarterback has a husband! I see Chad and Logan as kind of the town criers, the greek chorus in these stories, just inserting themselves into the narrative enough to push these girls along. You’ll be so glad to know they are all over CREAM OF THE CROP as well.

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BFF K: I know that Nuts and Cream of the Crop are both standalones, but will we be seeing Leo and Roxie in this next book?

Alice Clayton: YES! The gang is all back together again.

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BFF K: The Achtung Baby album played a big role in Roxie’s childhood and her relationship with Leo. Do you personally love that album? What other albums do you love? Will music play a role in Oscar’s story too?

Alice Clayton: U2 is hands down my favorite band in the world. I love them more than words can say. And that was the first time I ever saw them live, the ZooTV tour. That album is incredibly important to me, especially Tryin’ to Throw Your Arms Around the World.

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BFF K: Oscar is our next It-Boy Farmer. Can you give us a sneak peak into who comes after Oscar?

Alice Clayton: It’s all Archie Bryant…

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Rapid Fire

Eric Ripert or Anthony Bourdain? Both at the same time

Farmer or Chef? Farmer

Amazing Race or Survivor? Amazing Race

Dukes of Hazzard or Little House on the Prairie? Little House

Cake or Pie? Pie

Bono or R.E.M.? U2

Small Town Diner or Exclusive Restaurant? Diner

Manhattan or Los Angeles? Manhattan

Sugar Snaps or Melt-In-Your-Mouth Brie? Brie

Ice Cream or Whipped Cream? Whipped Cream

BFF K: Thank you so much to Alice Clayton for taking the time to answer my questions about the Hudson Valley series and playing our silly rapid fire game! We adore your fabulous books and can’t wait for everyone to get a peek at the newest hot farmer in the Hudson Valley!

signoff_K_sm

About the Author

New York Times Best Selling author ALICE CLAYTON worked in the cosmetics industry for over a decade before picking up a pen (read: laptop).

She enjoys gardening but not weeding, baking but not cleaning up, and has finally convinced her long-time boyfriend to marry her.

Now, about that Bernese Mountain dog.

People Magazine says of Alice: “Clayton is a master at balancing heart, humor and plenty of action between the sheets.” 11/24/14 issue

Today we are featuring some exclusive content for the HOT IN THE HAMPTONS series! This series includes the titles SUMMER DREAMING by Liz Matis, SUMMER TEMPTATION by Wendy S. Marcus, and SUMMER SINS by Jennifer Probst.

The HOT IN THE HAMPTONS series will be released on Tuesday, August 4th.

Read below for an interview with Liz Matis, Wendy S. Marcus, and Jennifer Probst about their novellas and enter to win an amazing prize pack during the pre-order giveaway!

SUMMER DREAMING by Liz Matis

1. Can you tell us a few perks of writing with other authors on a series like this?

At times we were like the three friends in the story!

2. If you had to pick the perfect summer destination, where would it be?

Point Pleasant on the Jersey Shore. My sister and I have rented a house there for the past 5 years.

My husband doesn’t like the beach so he doesn’t mind that I go without him. I read all day on the beach and then at night my sister and I go to dinner, sing karaoke or watch a band.

3. I know it’s hard to choose, but can you share a favorite line from your book?

Uh-oh, Tears. I should run while I had the chance but I stood rooted to my spot, fascinated by the way her eyes seem to swim in sunshine.

Synopsis

I’m looking for a hero. Not.

You’d think as a new college grad I’d be looking for the perfect job and the perfect man. Well, I’m not. Summer is here and instead of plotting my future, I’m playing in the Hamptons with my two best friends. Sun and sex is all I’m

looking for. Then I meet Sean Dempsey, my fantasy lifeguard in the flesh. But he is more than just a hot bod with a whistle. And after he makes a daring save, I’m thinking a hero is exactly what I’ve been looking for all along.

To the rescue…

By day I guard the beaches in the Hamptons, by night I’ve had my fair share of summer flings. Then I meet Kelsey Mitchell, a girl with eyes like the setting

sun and I burn for more. Something I have no right to ask of her…forever.

Love burns hotter in the Hamptons. Come play.

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SUMMER TEMPTATION by Wendy S. Marcus

1. How did the idea for this series come about?

Liz Matis, Jennifer Probst and I are all members of Hudson Valley RWA (Romance Writers of America). We met and became friends at the monthly meetings. It was Liz who came up with the idea for a Hot in the Hamptons series – mostly so she could finally write her hunky lifeguard fantasy! She found the covers for the books and then invited Jen and me to participate. This was about two years ago. It’s taken until 2015 for us to work out our writing schedules.

2. Can you tell us a few perks of writing with other authors on a series like this?

First off, Liz and Jen were wonderful to work with. It was great bouncing ideas around. Our first in person meeting was at Chili’s over lunch. (I had the bacon ranch chicken quesadillas.)

When we completed our manuscripts we each reviewed all three for series continuity, plot problems, and to make sure they were the best they could be.

Our second in person meeting to finalize distribution and promotion took place at Jen’s house because she lives about halfway between us. Jen served a delicious quiche and salad lunch! I brought fruit. (Can you tell I’m writing this just before dinner and I’m starving?!!)

One of the best things about writing a series with other authors (assuming the other authors are as awesome as Jen and Liz!) was that any time I had a question or problem, there was always someone there, familiar with the story, to help me work through it. Also, since Summer Temptation is my first self-publishing project, I had a lot of questions. And Jen and Liz have helped me every step of the way.

3. If you had to pick the perfect summer destination, where would it be?

Okay, you wouldn’t know it to look at me, because I’m more prone to pink than tan, but I love the beach! I love the smell of the ocean and warm summer breezes and listening to/watching the waves roll in. I’ve vacationed in the Hamptons once, many years ago, and the beaches were beautiful. Since having children, I’ve been to Myrtle Beach, Cape Cod, and the Jersey Shore. How about you? What’s your favorite beach?

Synopsis

Meet Leigh DeGray…

After graduating college with honors and landing the job of my dreams in New York City, I’m off to The Hamptons to spend the summer with my two best friends.

My life seems perfect, right? It’s not. The truth is, I have a secret that may make the future I’d planned so carefully completely fall apart. A hot summer romance is the absolute last thing I’m looking for… Until I meet a man who tempts me like no other and shows me a hot summer romance is exactly what I need.

Meet Nick Kenzy…

After two years of working my ass off as a Wall Street analyst, I’m out of a job, with no warning, no thank you, and no severance. Am I angry? You’re damn right I am. So when I head to the Hamptons for the weekend to spend time with my granddad, I plan to regroup and relax before I return to the city to hit the job search hard. I don’t need any distractions. Then I meet Leigh. Suddenly, a summer temptation makes me question everything I want for my future…

Love burns hotter in the Hamptons. Come play.

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SUMMER SINS by Jennifer Probst

1. Can you tell us a few perks of writing with other authors on a series like this?

I loved the camaraderie and fun writing Summer Sins with two great writers and friends. We brainstormed, shared ideas, and I feel created a unique reading experience – three books linked for extra bonuses, yet able to stand alone. It was also nice to have other ideas and opinions, which helps writing projects remain fresh. Basically, it was a fabulous experience!

2. If you had to pick the perfect summer destination, where would it be?

Sigh. I love summer, it’s my fave season. I also love travelling so this is a tough one, but I’m consistently drawn back to Cape May, NJ. Besides the beach, which I adore, they have a beautiful town filled with Victorian houses painted in bright peacock colors, horse and carriages, great shopping, and great food. Picture yourself on a big wraparound porch, sitting in a rocker, looking at the beach, sipping homemade lemonade and reading a book. It’s the perfect getaway experience.

3. I know it’s hard to choose, but can you share a favorite line from your book?

It is very hard to choose! Storme and Holden had so much heat and sizzling banter, sometimes my fingers would burn on the keyboard haha! But there was something about her jumping on his motorcycle for a ride that I just loved…

Synopsis

Summer fun before my wedding…

I have one goal this summer. Hang with my besties for some much needed sun, sand, and relaxation while I put the final touches on my idyllic wedding. I didn’t count on meeting a smart-mouthed, bad boy biker whose gaze burns hotter than a beach bonfire. I never planned to lose myself, body and soul, and question my entire future. Now, I have to make a choice that’s tearing me apart, and could shatter the lives of the two men I love…

Turns into summer sins….

I have one goal this summer. CHILL. Do nothing. Nada. I need simple before I have to head into Manhattan to take on a high powered position on Wall Street. I didn’t count on a dark haired, inky- eyed spitfire who’d spin my world upside down, or make me burn for things I never thought I wanted. I vowed to make her my summer fling, but had no idea she was claimed by another. And now that she possessed not only my body but my soul, the stakes are too high for me to lose her…

Love burns hotter in the Hamptons. Come play.

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