Interview and Giveaway with Mr Anthony Rawlings & Ms Aleatha Romig

Have you heard of Anthony Rawlings the enigmatic, handsome, multi-millionaire star of the books Consequences and Truth written by Aleatha Romig?  Well, if you haven’t you are seriously missing out and need to rectify that situation immediately.  In fact, you will have the chance to do so, as Ms Romig will be giving away copies of both books at the end of the interview.  If you’ve heard of Mr Rawlings you will know how exciting it would be to meet him.  Well, I was excited as I meet both him and Ms Romig for a chat about his life and how Ms Romig came to write these books.  Please join me on this exciting interview.

Time slipped by -- it’s already August 2013.  I traveled from a damp and wet North of England to arrive in beautiful, sunny, hot Iowa to meet no other than Mr Anthony Rawlings and Ms Aleatha Romig.  I was very honoured that Mr Rawlings allowed me to meet with him at his home.  I can’t help but think it would have been nice to meet somewhere else, like a beach, with Mr Rawlings in shorts.

Interestingly, my life has some weird coincidences with Mr Rawlings.  My name is also Claire, like Claire Nichols I am 5ft 4in, have long chestnut hair, but my eyes are brown instead of emerald green.  Claire Nichols and I also have birthdays a week apart.  However, I’m closer to Mr Rawlings age than Claire’s.  Plus my boss is also named Anthony.  He is known as Ant -- not Tony.  How strange! Has Mr Rawlings been spying on me?  I wonder if I will meet Claire or if she will be detained in her suite. Hmmmm

Anyway I digress.  I’m thrilled to meet Mr Rawlings, but also apprehensive.  Like Claire I hope to get some kind of reactions from Anthony, I just hope his eyes stay chocolate brown and don’t turn to black.  Hopefully they won’t.  You know how Anthony is with appearances….public failure is not an option.  I sure hope I don’t fail!

Eric picked me up from the airport and drove me to Anthony’s home.  I was astonished, it was very impressive.  I could fit right in here.  Anthony wouldn’t even need to learn a new name.  As I was led through the house I saw glimpses of the gorgeous outdoor pool.  Mmmm I wondered if I would get to see Mr Rawlings in shorts after all.  Catherine eventually stopped outside the door to Anthony’s office.  Inside I could hear Anthony and Aleatha talking, waiting to start our interview.  As the door opened, they both turned toward me.  I saw the beautiful room, but nothing registered. I was totally taken aback by Mr Rawlings presence.

His eyes meet mine as he stood and said, “Good evening, Claire.”

He was everything I’d imagined: tall and so good looking in his dark tailored suit.  He reminded me of the Mad Men actor Jon Hamm as he dominated the room.  Everything and everyone else were suddenly insignificant. OMG my heart fluttered.  All I could think as I sat before him was that I hoped I wouldn’t make a fool out of myself ….here goes. 

Good evening Mr Rawlings, Ms Romig thank you so much for this interview today.  I know how busy you are. I am honoured you agreed to meet with me.  I must say you have a lovely home Mr Rawlings thank you for inviting me here. (Note to self: stop thinking about him in his pool in tiny shorts)

He nodded appreciatively and thanked me for traveling all the way from England.  (His stare didn’t seem threatening, yet I had trouble concentrating... okay... questions...yes, let me begin.) 

Mr Rawlings, can you tell me how you met Ms Romig and why you decided to let your story be told? 

I’ve known Ms Romig for a very long time. Despite her somewhat creative version of my life, I’m not a fan of public disclosure.  Aleatha has utilized creative license to make my rather mundane life more entertaining. Let me assure you, there are many inaccuracies in her accounts. 

I’m very happy you’re here to set the record straight 

Mundane is not a word I would associate with you Mr Rawlings.  Can you tell me what is it about Claire? I mean no disrespect to Claire but you are incredibly wealthy and may I say handsome you could have any woman on the Earth.  Why Claire? Why have you become so obsessed with her? 

Why not Claire, Claire?

My ex-wife is a remarkable woman. Perhaps, initially I was intrigued by the challenge. I’ve had many opportunities for companions who are more than eager to be with me.  As a man who appreciates strength and resilience I’ve found Claire captivating in every way.

I also find your use of the word “obsessed” interesting. By definition an obsession is when one’s thoughts and or feelings are dominated by a persistent image, thought or desire.  Why would any woman want to be with a man who isn’t obsessed with her?

By the way, Claire wanted to be here this evening.  Unfortunately she was detained and sends her best. 

Did you ever consider Emily instead of Claire? I mean, she too is a Nichols. 

Claire, I do my best to know all about the people who enter my life.  I know that you are married and that your husband has two brothers.  Let me ask, did you ever consider marrying one of your brother-in-laws? Would you consider the three brothers interchangeable?  I’d assume not.  Claire caught my attention years ago – she is an amazing unique woman. Emily is her sister – the two are not exchangeable.

(What!  How did he know that about me? I shouldn’t be surprised really I mean it is Anthony Rawlings.  I am at a loss for words…come on Claire pull yourself together) 

Do you worry that Claire didn’t choose to be with you, that in fact you forced her? Isn’t it better that somebody is with you because of their own free will? 

Laughing, (Hmmm is amusement good? I forget!)

I believe this is one those questions brought about by Aleatha’s creative embellishments.  I assure you, Claire is with me of her own free will.  If she were here, I’m sure she would tell you so.  And yes, Claire, we are both very happy with our arrangement.

(Oh yeah, Ms Romig is here too... maybe I should ask her something?)

Ms Romig how have you found it working with Mr Rawlings? 

Working with Mr Rawlings has been exhilarating. I can say, there is rarely a dull moment. 

I understand that you have a full time job as a dental hygienist as well as writing.  How do you find the time to do both? I’m sure Mr Rawlings is a hard task master. 

Time is always a challenge.  However, when the subject matter is as interesting as Mr Rawlings, I find it hard not to write.  And, although he isn’t always happy about my interpretation of life events, he’s been very forthcoming as has Claire. 

Do you look after Mr Rawlings teeth? 

No. I’m afraid I might be bit! (She and Mr Rawlings share a knowing smile. What is all that about?) 

Okay….Can you tell me about your private life Ms Romig? You don’t have any fears that an ‘accident’ may happen if Mr Rawlings doesn’t like what you have written. 

I suppose it wouldn’t be fair of me to tell all about Anthony’s private life and keep mine secret. However, mine is not near as interesting: wife, mother, writer and dental hygienist.

I promise, I’ve already written things that Mr Rawlings doesn’t like and I’m still here.  I don’t foresee any more accidents in the future. 

Well that’s good to know.  Ms Romig are you Meredith Banks? 

No. I would never write false stories like she did in Consequences.

Mr Rawlings interjects:  Claire, let me add to Aleatha’s answer. No, she isn’t Meredith Banks; however, Ms Romig has done her share of inaccurate descriptions.  Please remember, things are not always as they appear. 

Mr Rawlings to be honest my opinion of you has completely changed over the course of your story.  What do you think of your behaviour when you look back at Consequences? 

Claire, I appreciate you coming here to set the record straight.  Aleatha may have embellished some incidents in her first novel.  If things were truly as dire as she described, I doubt Claire would have returned to me.  Again, Claire, let me remind you, appearances are everything and Ms Romig has on occasion made things appear contrary to reality. 

Mr Rawlings, my readers are curious about your feelings regarding Claire and Harrison Baldwin. 

(I knew immediately I shouldn’t have asked. Thanks a lot for the suggestion!) I sat nervously while Anthony’s eyes fluctuated in intensity.  Finally he answered:

I believe I’ve answered your questions regarding Claire.  She is an amazing woman. Regarding Harrison Baldwin, he and his sister have been very kind to Claire.  If you’re suggesting anything else, I believe once again Ms Romig’s mislead you. 

What is in store for the third book Convicted?  Personally I don’t think I can survive a year waiting for it to be released. Can you give me any hints as to what is going to happen or when it will hit our e-readers and shelves? 

Anthony sends a look to Ms Romig that makes me shiver.  He replies, I hope that her final installment will right some wrongs.

Claire, Ms. Romig adds, I apologize for the delay. However, time will tell. Convicted will enlighten you to the “rest of the story”. 

These books would make a fantastic film.  Who would you envisage playing the parts? 

Mr Rawlings smiled. (I thought I would swoon right there.)  He answered; I know no one could be cast as Claire and possibly do her justice.  I don’t believe there is another woman as beautiful or as fascinating.

Ms. Romig continues, I have often envisioned Joe Magellano as Mr Rawlings, although many have suggested Jon Hamm.  As she looks Mr Rawlings up and down she adds with a giggle, maybe, Jason Alexander?   An actress to play Claire? Natalie Portman?  Emily Clark??  I’m not sure. 

I always like to end an interview with some fun trivial questions if you don’t mind answering them.

Mr Rawlings Cats or Dogs 

I’ve never had a pet. Maybe a fish. 

Ms Roming Who is your favourite author? 

J.R. Ward 

Mr Rawlings, we seem to share a passion of driving fast cars (I wonder if he will take the hint and offer to take me for a drive in one of his many fast cars) If you could only have one car which one would you have? 

Hmm... I’ve had many.  I’d have to say my Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series! 

Claire, perhaps I could take you for a ride to see some of the beautiful Iowa countryside and convince you to right some wrongs of Ms Romig’s interpretations? (OMG I’m going to faint) 

Thank you, yes, I would like that very much. (I hope there isn’t an ‘accident’) 

Ms Romig, one last question. Anthony or Harry? 

Looking suspiciously at Mr Rawlings, she answers, at this moment; I believe that question is not debatable.  Check back later, when I’m back in Indiana. 

Well thank you once again for today it has been a pleasure to meet you both.  Mr Rawlings I know you travel a lot, if you ever find yourself in the UK please give me a call and maybe we could meet up for some sightseeing and dinner.  Ms Romig I cannot wait to read your third book I appreciate you taking time out from writing so you could be here today. 

Thank you Claire, it has been our pleasure.

Thank you dear readers for visiting my blog today, I hope you enjoyed the interview.  I certainly did.  What do you think? Has Aleatha Romig embellished Claire and Anthony’s story like Mr Rawlings states or is it in fact the truth?  If you would like to read Consequences and Truth they are available to buy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords. I think these books are amazing and if you would like to read my reviews just click on the books title.  You can find out more about Aleatha Romig by the following ways…….

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/aleatharomig  or Twitter:  @aleatharomig

Ms Romig is giving away an actual autographed copy of Consequences or Truth, however you must be a US resident to enter.  For those of you who are International you have the chance to win an ebook version.  All you have to do is fill in the Rafflecopters below, there is one for US entries and one for INT entries.  The competition ends on Saturday 2 February 2013.  Good Luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway