Guest Post and Excerpt: Blow by Blow by Kate Hill

We’re so pleased to welcome author Kate Hill today on the tour for her latest novel Blow by Blow. There’s an excerpt for you to check out, too, so enjoy!

And now, here’s Kate.

Blow by Blow – What You Didn’t Know

Every book has its share of unique ingredients–a pinch of imagination, a tablespoon of research and a cup of change.

I thought I’d share a few behind the scenes details that went into the recipe for Blow by Blow.

1. The second to last sex scene was one of the first scenes plotted.
2. In the first draft, Theo was named Ally.
3. As part of my research for the book, I tried Jiu Jitsu classes–quite a change from the Shotokan and kickboxing I’ve practiced over the years.
4. The original title was Raven’s Rapture.
5. The original version had a very short prologue that I deleted because I thought it read too much like a book blurb. The information in the prologue was worked into other parts of the story instead.

I hope you enjoy the excerpt from Blow by Blow.

Thank you!

Kate

Blurb: A hunky former heavyweight champ and an ass-kicking beauty fight for their lives and their love in a futuristic world of MMA.

Theo “Little Raven” Fisker, is a bantamweight with attitude who plans to make a name for himself in the Radical Warrior Tournament, a prestigious mixed martial arts event. The problem is no team will sign a male fighter who walks out in silver and pink with nail polish to match, until he meets Master Jesse.

Impressed by Theo’s talent, Jesse welcomes him onto his up and coming team. Fists and sparks fly when Theo meets gorgeous Valentin Merrickson. Theo draws Valentin out of his protective armor and sparks hope for a life the tough heavyweight never imagined possible. Their love grows, but threats from extremists and an injury that ends Valentin’s career in the cage might tear them apart.

Buy Link: BookStrand

Excerpt: “Oh wow. Where did these come from,” Theo said, squatting by the pot. He let go of his bags and reached for the attached florist’s card. He read it, smiled, rose, and slipped his arms around Valentin’s neck. “Thank you.”

Valentin hugged him back a bit awkwardly since grocery bags filled his hands. “Didn’t know what else to give you as a welcome gift.”

“I love blueberries.”

“Kinda figured when you ate half my supply during breakfast yesterday morning.”

Theo stepped back, his hands still cupping Valentin’s neck. “Are you saying I’m a blueberry hog? Don’t answer that. Come on.” Theo opened the door, picked up his grocery bags, and stepped inside, Valentin close behind him.

They were quite hungry, so after putting away Theo’s shopping, they sat down to lunch. When they finished, Theo did some quick housecleaning, not that he had much to do. The house was impeccable. Debra and her parents obviously took a lot of pride in their property. Valentin volunteered to help. While Valentin tidied up the lunch mess and opened the windows in the house to let in the fresh spring air, Theo cleaned the bathroom and unpacked his belongings.

“I know this hasn’t been much of a date so far,” Theo said.

He and Valentin stood in the bedroom where Theo was about to put the new sheets he’d bought on the bed.

“Fine with me,” Valentin said, helping Theo tuck in the fitted sheet. They both reached for the top sheet at the same time and Valentin closed his hand over Theo’s. He tugged Theo closer.

Even with the thick heels on his boots, Theo still had to tilt his face up to meet Valentin’s gaze. Valentin dipped his head toward Theo to cover his mouth with a kiss.

Closing his eyes, Theo surrendered. He pressed even closer to Valentin.

About the Author: Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, Kate Hill started writing over twenty years ago for pleasure. Her first story, a short erotic vampire tale, was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then she has sold over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels.

When she’s not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her family and pets. Kate also writes under the pen name Saloni Quinby. She enjoys hearing from readers and she can be contacted at katehill@sprintmail.com. Visit her online at kate-hill.com.