Interview with Samantha Keith, author of Exposed

What can you tell us about your new release, Exposed?

Exposed is a fast-paced, forbidden romance, romantic suspense. Maddie is Nate’s best friend’s little sister. Nine months ago, he almost slept with her, but walked away–much to Maddie’s fury! The two have been on the outs since, but when Maddie contacts him in desperate need of his help to land a drug lord in prison, he refuses…until she blackmails him. Maddie struggles not to blow her cover as the drug lord’s girlfriend–doing so would risk their case and her life. But being in such close proximity to Nate proves to be as dangerous as her mission.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I’ve wanted to be an author for as long as I can remember! It wasn’t until I read Karen Robards’s Vanished that I fell in love with romantic suspense, and knew that was what I had to write.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Oh my. This is a tough question! But the first ones that come to mind are:

1. Master of the Game by Sidney Sheldon
2. Vanished by Karen Robards
3. Bait by Karen Robards
4. When You Dare by Lori Foster
5. Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

There are so many wonderful authors that I admire and would be ecstatic to speak to! But Karen Robards changed the game for me as a reader and (soon-to-be) author, so she would have to be my first guest. One question I would love to know how she managed to raise small children while writing and growing her career. I would also love to know what her favorite genre to write is. She’s written historical romance, paranormal romance, and everything in between!

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

My favorite thing about writing is knowing that I have complete freedom with what I choose to write. Everything comes from my imagination: my characters, plot, location, etc. I also don’t always know what’s going to happen in my books, which is what keeps me motivated and excited to write. Sometimes I even surprise myself with how I end a chapter and then I have to piece the story together from there–or rework what I originally had in mind. It keeps me on my toes and the passion lit!

What is a typical day like for you?

My days are pretty crazy. I have a three-year-old and one-year-old, so my nights consist of at least two wake-ups by my youngest daughter. Gone are the days of alarm clocks ha ha! My oldest daughter wakes up with the sun, so we quietly get her ready for preschool and eat breakfast while waiting for the baby to wake up. While my oldest is as preschool for the morning, I’m usually cleaning a constantly messy house with a baby on my hip, and then playtime (one of my favorite times of the day). Then we pick her sister up, have lunch, either jet off to swimming lessons, jiu-jitsu, or dance, (and somehow get a nap in for the little one). In between 500 snack times, I usually manage to play with the kids, run errands, and cook supper. Needless to say my entire day is motherhood–but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Once the kiddos are down for the night (no later than 7:00 pm) the writer is allowed to come out lol. I usually get a solid three hours of work before I head to bed.

What scene in Exposed was your favorite to write?

Oh, gosh! I have so many scenes that I love about this book. One of my favorites to write was when Nate startles Maddie in the shower. She comes out in a towel and totally throws him off his cocky game. Poor Nate suffers a lot in this scene! This couple is fiery with a slow-burn romance and I had so much fun writing this dynamic.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

One of my favorite quotes is: “There’s always room for improvement.” It’s a great reminder for every aspect of my life. Whether it’s more patience and quality time with my children, being more active (still working on this one), eating well, or working hard, I can always achieve more as long as I never settle or give up.

Samantha Keith is the author of the new book Exposed.

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