Blog Tour, Review and Author Interview: Jinxed by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

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TITLE: Jinxed

SERIES: The Rock Series #2

AUTHOR: Sandrine Gasq Dion

PUBLISHER: Skull Blaster Publishing

COVER ARTIST: Kellie Dennis

LENGTH: 52,000 words

RELEASE DATE: October 30, 2015

BLURB: Jinx Jett is a rock superstar. As such, the hunky Skull Blasters drummer thoroughly enjoys the many perks of willing groupies, earning him a reputation as the band slut. Making it big and scoring hot women is something Jinx never expected. There’s a little voice in the back of his mind constantly reminding him of how he used to be — shy, overweight and acne prone. One night in a gay bar turns life upside down when Jinx runs into Jayden Dempsey, a kid he’s been fantasizing about since giving him his autograph at a mall. Long-held insecurities keep Jinx from fully committing to anyone, and he may lose Jayden if he can’t put his past behind him.

Jayden Dempsey always wanted out of his life in small-town Alabama. When his parents kicked him out after he told them he was gay, Jayden decided the time was right to move on. He crosses the country to try out for ‘Singers!’, a show that propels unknowns to stardom. In a twist, producers choose him and three others as winners and form a boy band called London Boys.This season, the show brings Jayden and the guys back for the finale. Surprise! The contest’s heavy metal finalist will be singing with Skull Blasters.

Jinx and Jayden’s initial meeting doesn’t go so well, and Jayden’s stunned when the guy he’s crushed on for years turns out to be a total jerk. It doesn’t stop him from falling into Jinx’s arms every time they’re alone, but Jayden didn’t sign on for one nighters. He wants Jinx Jett, baggage and all.

Can a former teen outcast put rejection behind him and embrace the acceptance standing right in front of him? How much will one boy bander put up with from his rock idol before enough is enough? Can they make it work? Or are they jinxed in love?

“Can I get some clothes?”

“I like you in a robe.” Jinx waggled his brows.

I started for the door and Jinx jumped up and grabbed my hand. He pushed me into the wall and gently pinned my hands above my head.

“Jinx …”

I gasped as his thigh insinuated itself between my legs, rubbing my balls.

“Yeah?” his breath caressed my lips.

“I … fuck … stop doing that,” I panted.

“This?” Jinx raised his knee higher and rubbed my dick.

My God, my mouth actually started watering as Jinx leaned in closer to me, letting his tongue trail my bottom lip. I wanted to taste him so fucking bad my whole body hurt. I wanted him. I couldn’t deny it.

“Fuck, you are sexy as sin,” Jinx rumbled against my lips. “Love your lips, your eyes, even your fucking hair turns me on.”

I clenched my eyes shut and tried to stay in control.

“Yeah? Even if I’m a talentless pretty boy?”

Jinx stiffened. He pulled back slowly and searched my eyes.

“I’m sorry I said that.”

“Yeah? Why did you say it? What’s your problem with me being in a boy band?”

Jinx sighed and let my hands go. He rubbed his hands down his face and exhaled slowly. I continued to speak because by that time, my word vomit had begun.

“I don’t even like boy bands, but you know what? This is where I am and fuck it! I’m successful. Do you know I auditioned with one of your band’s songs?” Jinx’s gasp was very audible in the room. His eyes widened. “Yep, that’s right. I sang Manwhore; the song fits you.”

“I deserve that.”

“Are you going to tell me what your problem is?” I placed my hands on my hips, glaring at him.

My rating 3 1/2 stars

Having read and enjoyed Fret (book 1 of the series) I was looking forward to reading about Jinx’s story. There were things I really liked about this one and things I didn’t really care for.

The author has definitely created multi faceted characters in this book. On the outside, Jinx is a bit of a slut and happy go lucky. But tucked inside is a kid with self confidence issues who misses his grandfather and loves his rock collection. Jayden is so amazingly similar to Jinx. Inside there is an kid just wanting to play music and find his grandmother’s penguin collection. They alternate between hot and cold and angry and sweet throughout a lot of the book. They both have a few issues to work out so there is some angst but it isn’t over the top.

I wasn’t all that impressed with Jinx at the beginning of the book. He is definitely a man whore and sleeps with just about any woman who happens to offer. As a kid he was not all that attractive and apparently went totally overboard when he started getting more attractive. Honestly, I was shocked after his bout of crabs that he hit a glory hole for a taste of the gay life. Seems to me if he just got treated for an STD that maybe he would have been a little more cautious.

When he and Jayden first get together, Jinx doesn’t bat an eye and being with a guy…which again I thought might be a bit unrealistic. If you spend your whole life sexually attracted to one gender and then all of a sudden switch teams, you would think that would be cause for question. After they connect, the only thing Jinx freaks out about is that Jayden is in a boy band and apparently that is just unacceptable in Jinx’s mind. Jinx is honestly kind of a jerk for the first half of the book but he comes around towards the end.

I loved seeing a few of the Black Ice and Ivory Tower characters from the author’s previous books. I loved the secondary characters that the author created and can’t wait for Harley and Achilles book.

If you enjoyed Fret, I think you will enjoy reading Jinxed. It was a bit up and down for me but overall an enjoyable read.

Amazon US

Amazon UK

First off, I want to thank Sandrine Gasq-Dion for taking the time to answer these questions for me. Please feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comment section below! You can keep in touch with her at the links following the interview!

THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Best-selling author, Sandrine (Sandy) was born in Inglewood, California. Raised by “Old School” French parents, she later moved to Tucson, AZ. It was there that writing became a hobby. Always told she had a great imagination, Sandy wrote short stories for her friends in High School. In college, she took more writing classes while working on her Criminal Justice degree, but it wasn’t until a soap opera caught her eye that she got involved in male on male romances. On the advice of a friend, Sandy dipped her toes into the world of M/M Romance. Sandy takes the writing seriously and has had countless conversations with gay men as well as hours of research. She’s been involved with the military in one way or another for over twenty years, and has a great deal of respect for our men in uniform. She’s traveled the world, but has finally returned to Arizona.

Can you give the readers a brief summary of your latest book?

Jinx Jett is a rock superstar. As such, the hunky Skull Blasters drummer thoroughly enjoys the many perks of willing groupies, earning him a reputation as the band slut. Making it big and scoring hot women is something Jinx never expected. There’s a little voice in the back of his mind constantly reminding him of how he used to be — shy, overweight and acne prone. One night in a gay bar turns life upside down when Jinx runs into Jayden Dempsey, a kid he’s been fantasizing about since giving him his autograph at a mall. Long-held insecurities keep Jinx from fully committing to anyone, and he may lose Jayden if he can’t put his past behind him. Jayden Dempsey always wanted out of his life in small-town Alabama. When his parents kicked him out after he told them he was gay, Jayden decided the time was right to move on. He crosses the country to try out for ‘Singers!’, a show that propels unknowns to stardom. In a twist, producers choose him and three others as winners and form a boy band called London Boys.This season, the show brings Jayden and the guys back for the finale. Surprise! The contest’s heavy metal finalist will be singing with Skull Blasters. Jinx and Jayden’s initial meeting doesn’t go so well, and Jayden’s stunned when the guy he’s crushed on for years turns out to be a total jerk. It doesn’t stop him from falling into Jinx’s arms every time they’re alone, but Jayden didn’t sign on for one nighters. He wants Jinx Jett, baggage and all. Can a former teen outcast put rejection behind him and embrace the acceptance standing right in front of him? How much will one boy bander put up with from his rock idol before enough is enough? Can they make it work? Or are they jinxed in love?

What genre does it fall in?

Contemporary Romance

Will you share a few words about your latest book, other than the usual blurb?

I think what sets JINXED apart from the rest is the emotional connection both characters have . Jinx has been through a lot as a kid, and it bled into his adult life. Jayden has only seen rejection and even at his young age, he’s able to go for what he wants with no apologies.

Give us a little insight into your main characters! Who are they?

Jinx was made fun of in school. He was a little overweight and had acne. Now he’s stunning and his mind is still holding onto his treatment as a kid. Jayden came out as gay to his parents and was kicked to the curb. He’s a fighter, a man that deserves respect and he wont take crap from anyone. Not even Jinx.

Will we be seeing these characters again any time soon? Is this book part of a series?

It is! I’ve got two more for sure in the works!

Tell us a little bit about your writing style. When and where is your favorite time/place to write?

Nighttime is my favorite time to write. It is very quiet in my house and I love writing at my new desk!

What sort of book do you enjoy reading in your free time? What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?

I read Ann Listers Fighting His Fire and of course I loved it!

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? Have you held any interesting jobs while you worked on your books?

I didn’t always know I wanted to be a writer although I was always writing in one way or another. I’ve worked as a security guard on an Army Base, a telemarketer, I worked in a nursing home and I also worked for Quantico Tactical Arms. Writing, by far, is my favorite job!

What does your writing process look like?

A mess in my mind. I take notes a lot, but the outline of the book is always in my head. I am definitely a panster!

Why did you choose to write GLBTQ romance? Why not another genre?

I fell in love with two characters on a soap opera and when that ended, I wanted them to have their HEA. That started the ball rolling and then I put out A Marked Man in 2012. I’m still going!

One last questions…totally unrelated to books! I am a passionate foodie. Is there one thing in your pantry that you would be horrified for people to know that you eat?

I wouldn’t say horrified, but because I’m French, I have liverwurst in my fridge. Reminds me of Pâté.

Thankyou so much for answering my questions. I think my readers will enjoy learning more about you! Good luck in your future writing!