Happy June, my lovelies! It’s time for FoX Friday and today’s FoX is Nikki Lynn Barrett. Nikki is here with her latest releases, Offbeat and Queen of  My Heart. First, let’s get to know Nikki a bit.

Nikki Lynn Barrett is an avid lover of books. She’s been writing as far back as she can remember, completing her first “book” by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. She has a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. Nikki lives in Arizona with her husband and son, but dreams of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, she’ll have to live that life through her characters and stick it out with the summer heat.
How do you celebrate when you finish a manuscript?

You know, I don’t do a lot of celebrating as much any more. I do post the news in my groups and page, because I know my readers anticipate that moment, and I might take the rest of the day off, but by the next one, I’m back at it with a new work-in-progress. I have too many ideas roaming around in my head and am pretty eager to get to the next one.

What advice would you give to another author who’s just starting out?

If this is your dream, don’t give up. Keep learning and growing every chance you can. It’s not a race to get to the top, it’s a slow, bumpy ride. Oh, and a big one? You’re not going to please everyone, so don’t even worry about trying.

That’s fantastic advice. 🙂 What inspired your latest releases?

For Offbeat, it’s a 5th book in a series, and it was inspired as I was writing book four (Fallen Idol) A character from Fallen Idol’s heroine’s past showed up n the story and I realized she needed her own story, it was the perfect follow up to Fallen Idol. Taryn was a challenge. I wasn’t 100% sure of her at first. Another challenge given to me about her is that Taryn is in a wheelchair. I had to do a lot of research for this one.

I love when secondary characters demand their own stories. 🙂

And for Queen of My Heart– it started out as a request from a reader who wanted me to write a story about a singer who would become the next king of country music, because she’s such a big fan of the man who holds that title now. (You know, George Strait!)  I didn’t have much else to go on with the book, and when an opportunity opened up and I put together an entire boxed set with  multiple authors of all country music themed romances, queen of my heart took shape. This book (I hate to pick favorites, but…) Is hands down one of my most favorite books. Tucker and Quinn absolutely stole my heart. Their story was also very difficult to write, to the point at times i had to walk away from scenes because they emotionally gutted me. (It is an HEA, but this was a tough book to write.)

How do you balance writing and your personal life?

I write during the weekdays when my son is in school.  My husband works nights, so for the most part, he’ll go to sleep early and I have most of the day to write. If I get a chance on weekends, I write here and there.

If you could date the hero from one of your books, who would it be and why?

Oh Gosh…..This one’s tough. I could easily say Tucker from Queen Of My Heart. As for the why?  He’s sweet and romantic, and I relate to him on other levels as well. Oh, and the music aspect! I love me some country singers! 🙂

I think I figured that out, ehehe. 😉 So, what’s your favourite word?

My favorite word? Hmm…That’s an interesting question….books! No really, this one caught me off guard a little.

I like to keep my guests on their toes. =)

About Offbeat:

Life is full of choices…

Right before she turned sixteen, Taryn McAllister made several rebellious choices, one which led her to become the drummer for a major teen sensation country star. After a deadly accident, she made another choice- to get back on the wagon and play drums again, no matter that it took adapting because she’s confined to a wheelchair.

Now another set of choices is thrust upon her. After reconnecting with her estranged best friend, Taryn is offered a chance to play drums for a local Texas band ready for the Nashville move. Her once strong confidence is shaken, and she’s torn between her love of music and the reality that it might not work out.

Chris Roland made a string of bad choices, and it’s left him feeling numb. Now he’s playing the drums temporarily for his sister’s band, but he knows this isn’t the life for him. Problem is, he doesn’t know what direction to go. He knows what he doesn’t want, but can’t decide on what he does want.
And then he meets Taryn, the feisty drummer who could be his replacement. He’s relieved for a chance to break away….that is until he gets to know her. And while he’s getting to know her, she’s helping to open up a part of his soul that was long dead and buried.

It’s high time to make the right choices. It’s just a matter of deciding what choice is right.

Excerpt:

“Hello?”

Hearing her sent a tingle down his spine. Something about the freshness of her voice got to him.

“Hi, Taryn. It’s Chris. I um, wanted to officially call you and invite you to dinner.” Wow, did he ever sound lame. Avoiding melody’s eyes, Chris paced the room, clutching the phone to his ear for dear life. Since when did he lose his game to talk to a woman?

“Whoa. So you were serious.”

Her comment made him wonder how many guys weren’t serious when they talked to her. It also made him feel bad about being intimidated by her. Taryn was a real person with real feelings. He couldn’t imagine how things must have changed for her since becoming a paraplegic.

“Yeah, I was serious. So, how about it? Are you free tomorrow night? Do you know of a great place we can go to in sunset hills?” He cleared his throat, attempting to make sure he sounded calm and sure of himself.

“I do!” Kyra called in the background. “I already have a list of places if you want, Chris!”

“Go away!” Taryn yelled, then giggled. “Ignore her.”

Chris stifled a laugh. “I guess my sister was right. She said Kyra would be doing the same thing she is. Is this what happens when two people in a close knit group of friends meet?”

Taryn laughed again. “I guess so. Kyra means well. She’s just a busybody.”

“I heard that!” Kyra called. “i’m going now.”

Chris turned around and caught melody laughing. She must have heard parts of the conversation.

“You know what, sure. I’m free tomorrow night. It would do me some good to get to know this town and some people around it. Is your car going to be big enough for my chair? It’s collapsible.”

“Yeah, it’ll fit. What do you say about six?” Excitement rushed through him. A chance to talk with taryn without everyone else around. Something about her pulled on his curiosity, and it happened the more he was around her.

“Six sounds good. I really don’t know what’s good around here, so i’d better make nice with kyra so she can give us some ideas.”

He laughed again. “i don’t think you’ll have a problem convincing her. Besides, i can always look it up. See you tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to it.” And he was. For the first time in a while, a spark lit within him for the promise of a good night.

Grab a copy at Amazon, B&N, Itunes, or on Kobo.

About Queen of My Heart:

When the next king of country music offers to take you under his wing, what’s a girl to do? 

Pinch herself, of course. Repeatedly. Then take the offer! 

Quinn Winters is tired of being the actress known for most killed off characters. After discovering her love of music when her last role portrayed a country singer on a daytime soap opera, she’s making a much needed change in life. Quinn is unprepared for the demands and expectations needed to succeed in music city. One pleading call from her sister puts her in an all too familiar, but unwanted position. 

Five years ago, Tucker McGinnis auditioned for a reality singing show, never expecting to win. His sudden fame and popularity comes as a major surprise. After a multi platinum debut, his second album is suffering the dreaded sophomore jinx. His musical muse becomes elusive when guilt plagues him over an accident which affects his family. He is blown away by Quinn when he overhears her audition at his record label, singing his most personal song. 

An attraction builds, and a connection through music is formed. But when life gets in the way, tucker makes another offer – a temporary marriage which will benefit both of them, until things become too real. 

Two souls destined for the stage, two hearts blending together to create beautiful music as individuals, but even better as country music’s next power couple- if they can shed the images of who they used to be.

Excerpt: Quinn Winters. He had to admit, not having time for shows and movies lately, he had no idea who the hell she was. Her name snared a slight recognition, but he couldn’t pinpoint exactly why. That might have to change. Tucker rubbed his arms as he continued to listen to her belt out his lyrics.  They were words he took straight to heart, and hearing someone else sing them with the same emotion he put into them ripped him to shreds. Holy hell, he wanted to meet this woman.

He stood there like a fool, completely at the mercy of a voice with no face, until the very last note. Even when the room went silent, Tucker couldn’t make himself move.  What was being said on the other side of that door right now?

It didn’t take long for the double doors to swing open, nearly hitting him in the face. Tucker reeled back, and a gorgeous dark brown haired woman came barreling out. Long, toned legs led up to a sexy short skirt and a red top that showed enough cleavage to make his mouth water. Full lips that he’d bet were kissable. Tears accentuated her soft brown eyes.  One quick move had him doing something outside the norm for him. “Quinn Winters?” He asked, reaching out a hand to stop her as she bumped into his shoulder and blew past him.  Damn good looking as she was, Quinn’s voice shook him to his core, especially that song.

She whirled around to face him. “Yeah- Tucker mcginnis! Oh wow. What a moment. Ugh, I’m crying in front of you.” Quinn swiped at her tears.

“You were also singin’ my song.” She smelled like peaches. He didn’t let go of her. In fact, Tucker wanted to pull her closer and make the tears fade away. He couldn’t shake the voice from his mind.

“I love the song. I had no idea you could hear me.” Hell, that blush looked damn good on her. Looking closely at Quinn, he did recognize her from something. What that something was, he couldn’t put a finger on.

“Oh, I heard you all right. Stopped me in my tracks. I hope they did the right thing and signed you to the label.” He gestured to the still open doors.

Quinn’s face crumpled. “They love my voice, but I don’t have any original songs, and I can’t play instruments. They hesitated. I don’t think it’s going to lead me to a contract.”

“Well that’s a damn shame. Tell you what, let me have your number, and i’ll help you out. I can teach you guitar, and i’ll be your crutch to lean on in the basics of Nashville. A voice like yours needs to shine. I’ll help you with the rest of it.” Why did he just offer to help her? Tucker couldn’t even help himself at the moment, but he didn’t want to let this woman go without at least giving it a shot.

Grab a copy on Amazon, B&N, Itunes, and on Kobo.

Catch up with Nikki on her Facebook page, on Twitter: @nikkilynnbarret and on
GoodReads.