Guest Author: Vicki Essex

Today I have the privilege of having Harlequin Superromance author VICKI ESSEX on my blog. Vicki gives us insight into herself and her current release IN HER CORNER.

In Her Corner by Vicki Essex

Hey there Vicki, please tell my visitors a bit about yourself.

I’m a Harlequin Superromance author by night and Harlequin proofreader by day. I’m a 2014 DABWAHA finalist for my second book, BACK TO THE GOOD FORTUNE DINER. My third book, IN HER CORNER, is available on shelves till the end of March and online.

Do you have a process for coming up with character names and book titles?

I tend to look in the news for a name, or I play phonebook roulette for character names. I also sometimes use the names of people I know to represent characters who are nothing like them. Just so they can say they’re in the book.

Final book titles are usually developed by the editorial team at Harlequin. I send them my suggestions. I try to come up with about 50 variations on a theme by creating a word chart on excel. I know the editorial team puts a lot of thought and effort into creating titles, so I trust their decisions.

Tell us about your current book.

IN HER CORNER is the second in a miniseries about the world of professional mixed martial arts. It follows Bella, who trains with former medal-winning wrestler Kyle Peters. Kyle, who showed up in my debut book, HER SON’S HERO, isn’t keen on coaching the headstrong, bullish fighter, but begins to see all her assets as she makes her way to a championship match.

The book delves into the professional world of women’s mixed martial arts and also touches on feminism, genderism, empowerment, abuse and toxic masculinity. It’s been one of my favorites to write.

Would you share a blurb from IN HER CORNER with us, please.

Bella Fiore has a lot to prove. For three generations her family has dominated the world of mixed martial arts—a tradition Bella dreams of carrying on. Her family, on the other hand, doesn’t agree. Without their support, she’s relying on the coaching of medal-winning Kyle Peters.

Training with Kyle is not what Bella expects. They’re constantly butting heads. And with the body of a Greek Adonis, Kyle’s mat technique isn’t her only focus. Not that this attraction can go any further. She has a title to win! Yet when Kyle proves Bella can always rely on him, a championship may not be the only thing worth fighting for….

OK, now for the Quick Quiz:
Favorite meal? A medium-rare steak, lobster tail with lemon butter, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus with hollandaise sauce, a glass of dry merlot and for dessert, crème brulee, followed by a whiskey aperitif.
Pet peeve? I’ve got so many. The one that squicks me out the most? Patterned, evenly spaced lumpy-bumpies on anything, like those fungus thingies on the backs of the green leaves you get with bouquets.

Thank you so much Vicki for stopping by and best of luck with IN HER CORNER.

Please tell my readers where they can find you.