Interview with Pippa Croft

Publishing 22nd May 2014 Penguin

It's the beginning of a new term at Wyckham College, Oxford, and a fresh start for Lauren Cusack. Her fingers were badly burnt when a whirlwind romance with gorgeous English aristocrat, Alexander Hunt, became too hot to handle - and now she's determined to keep her distance.

Her resolve is shaken when Alexander appears on her doorstep - he's been completely torn apart by some devastating news. Lauren knows that she should stay away, but their chemistry is undeniable and she soon finds herself back in Alexander's arms.

Can Lauren handle the drama that comes with Alexander Hunt? Or will she have to sacrifice the most exhilarating passion she's ever known . . .

Interview

Hi Pippa

Thank you for agreeing to an interview with me at Cometbabesbooks.

It’s a pleasure – thank you for letting me rattle on!

Can you please tell us about your Oxford Blues Series of Books?

The series charts the passionate, emotional journey between bright, sassy US senators’ daughter, Lauren Cusack and the ‘emotionally unattainable’ British aristocrat, Alexander. Alexander is in special forces and boy, does he have a LOT of baggage – and he’d dealing with a terrible tragedy at the start of Book 2. In the first book, Lauren’s nursing a broken heart from a previous fling and is determined not to succumb to Alexander but as the series goes on, she finds herself being sucked deeper and deeper into his world of drama, secrets and privilege – not to mention his bed!

Can you tell us if any if the characters are based on people you know?

Categorically not, and that’s not just so I don’t get sued, lol. But many of the Oxford places such as pubs, bars, museums etc *are* real and Wyckham does have some ‘physical’  similarities with my old college,Wadham which is beautiful... but that’s the end of any resemblance, of course. ;)

Can you tell us who designed the lovely covers?

You know, no one has ever asked me that I’m ashamed to say I don’t know the name of the talented designer but yes, I was thrilled when I saw them. I hope they have the perfect blend of sexy and classy. In my dreams...

If the series was made into a film/TV series who would you choose to play Lauren/Alexander?

Oh, well I think Blake Lively for Lauren while Alexander would be a mix of Max Irons (from The White Queen &Posh ) and Tom Mison (from Sleepy Hollow and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.)

What kinds of books do you like to read?

Erotic and sweet romance, chick lit, crime – I love Ian Rankin and Ruth Rendell – and autobiographies and non-fiction. Also I read every magazine and catalogue that comes into the house...

What advice would you give to someone planning their first book?

Don’t over think it or over plan. Just get the words done. I went to a library talk yesterday and at least 4 people told me they wanted to write a book/planned to write one/could write one if they tried – but none of them had actually got beyond a few pages!You just need to put the words down, and not worry if you think it’srubbish. You can learn to edit and fix it later.

What items are on your desk/writing space?

I’m on the sofa at the moment so myipad, laptop, a glass of juice – it’shot today so I may move outside shortly to finish Third Time Lucky, book 3 in the Oxford Blue trilogy.

Thank you for answering my questions.

Thank you. x

Jo xx

About the Author

Pippa Croft is the pen name of an award-winning romantic novelist. After studying English at Oxford, she worked as a copywriter and journalist before writing her debut novel, which won the RNA's New Writers' award and was later made into a TV movie. She lives in a village in the heart of England with her husband and daughter.

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The First Time We Met

The First Time We Met is the first novel in the sizzling new Oxford Blue romance series from Pippa Croft.

When US Senator’s daughter Lauren Cusack arrives at the enchanting Wyckham College of Oxford University, she hopes to mend her broken heart by throwing herself into her studies.

But then English aristocrat Alexander Hunt walks into her life and everything changes. Handsome, brooding, and with his own dark past to escape, Alexander is exactly what Lauren doesn’t need – but she finds herself helplessly drawn towards him.

Both Alexander and Lauren know that they should stay away from each other . . . but sometimes desire is so powerful that it conquers all else.