LET’S WELCOME LULU JONES AUTHOR OF:
Rad-Reader: What made you want to write this story?
Lulu: I wanted to write something a little bit subversive, a romance novel with a bit of an edge. The relationship between my two characters- Kendall and Maton is taboo, but then, life is not always black and white. People often get together for the wrong reasons or when they really shouldn’t, and I wanted to explore a relationship like this.
It was hard to write Side Effect because I knew the story would be criticized, and it was by some readers. But then I read a book where the love story was between an escort and a businessman and it gave me courage. Thinking about it, even Fifty Shades of Grey has copped a lot of criticism for exploring the world of BDSM. But sometimes these are the stories that need to be told and make for more interesting reading.
Rad-Reader: Where did the idea for the storyline come from?
Lulu:
I was also able to draw on some of my knowledge and interest in technology. I had read some articles about the brain-computer interface which I wrote about in the story- the ability to control actions through the brain talking to technology. I have also studied a bit of psychology through my education course. I am no expert, but it interests me, and I was able to weave this into the story.
I was also able to draw on some of my knowledge and interest in technology. I had read some articles about the brain-computer interface which I wrote about in the story- the ability to control actions through the brain talking to technology. I have also studied a bit of psychology through my education course. I am no expert, but it interests me, and I was able to weave this into the story.
Rad-Reader: Can you give us some backstory on the two main characters that helped shape them even if it didn’t make it into the book?
Lulu:
Maton was once a vibrant, outgoing man who had the world at his feet until he was shot. He had it all- a successful tech company called Ulysses Enterprises, no lack of female interest, money, good friends. He becomes a shell of a man once he is shot, confining himself to his apartment, and limiting the people he has contact with. There are also some buried issues from his parents’ divorce many years ago. He had to be very strong for his mother while he was growing up because of the fact that she was such a mess.
Rad-Reader: Maton is an unusual name how did you come up with the characters name?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: Maton wasn’t the one that hired Kendall to help him it was his mother, Vanessa. How is it that she seems so afraid in some ways to be around him when sneaking Kendal in. Yet, controlling in hiring her behind the doctor and Maton’s backs?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: Kendall finds out more info from Maton in two days of visiting with him than his parents or the doctor did in six months. By mainly acting friendly. Don’t you think that’s what he needs more than anything?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: His list of traumas from the shooting is extensive. What are they and would they hinder him more or less if the shooter were behind bars?
Lulu:
Maton would definitely feel better about life if he knew the threat from Dexter was over and he was behind bars. But he has to learn to live his life again with or without that outcome.
Agoraphobia: fear of open spaces or crowded spaces which is why Maton chooses to stay holed up in his apartment
Social anxiety: people who find everyday social interactions difficult because they believe they are being laughed at or ridiculed. Maton once had the confidence to be the life of the party, but this is destroyed by the attack.
General anxiety: a constant state of worry about anything life- work, health.
Sleep terrors: episodes of screaming, intense fear and flailing while asleep. Maton sleeps with his childhood cuddle toy to help combat this. Kendall’s presence also helps.
Rad-Reader: He has become impotent since the shooting. Being around Kendall has brought back the desire and an erection. What other things does he start to notice change being around her?
Lulu: His sense of humor returns, his willingness to see his friends again and his father. Maton also really knows his way around the kitchen because he had to learn to cook when his mother was a wreck after her marriage breakdown. His desire to cook once more also returns. They are just small things, but very symbolic of his recovery. His desire for peanut butter gelato is much more of a breakthrough. The night he was shot, Maton had been getting peanut butter gelato from the shop at the bottom of his apartment complex. He had not been able to stomach it since because of the trauma it reminded him of. But as he learns to trust Kendall more and more, he asks her to bring him a tub, a sign that he is recovering.
Rad-Reader: His mom is so invested in his treatment its scary. Where exactly is she getting all her money?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: Why do I get the sick feeling she’s working with Dexter to find out about the think project Maton is working on?
Lulu: Interesting! But no. Vanessa has a cougar style relationship with Dexter, but she is definitely unaware that younger man she is dating is also the same man that shot her son. Dexter is very cunning. I plan on writing more about Dexter in other books.
Rad-Reader: His dad seems concerned his mom seems
B-it-Cheee around his dad. Is she always like that or just around his dad?
B-it-Cheee around his dad. Is she always like that or just around his dad?
Lulu: Just around his dad. She is still very bitter about the fact that James left her for a younger woman. So bitter that she doesn’t even acknowledge the existence of Maton’s younger half-brother Archer, who is the product of James’ second marriage, even though she’s had twenty-five years to accept it.
Rad-Reader: Why is Kendall having sex with Maton when she said she wouldn’t?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: Don’t you think now she just played right into Vanessa’s game?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: Now that she told her roommates everything does this open up her being caught by the doctor and Maton knowing what his mom’s doing?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: What will Maton do when he finds out he’s been played by his mom and Kendall? Will he lose it or fight?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: What will happen to all the progress that has been made since he and Kendall have met?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: Now that she introduces Bailey isn’t she worried she will spill the beans about the arrangement?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: They both established they love each other yet she is keeping secrets all over the place. How can she really have a relationship with all the lies?
Lulu: Kendall believes she can go into damage control and sort out the mess she has created. Kendall is a good person at heart, which is why she wanted to help in the first place. Now that she has fallen in love with Maton, she wants the relationship to be noble and honest by giving the money back.
Rad-Reader: He is taking baby steps in his recovery yet he still has the fear of the killer on the loose. She is not seeing that in the big picture. No one seems to be. Why?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: Okay, Is Justin her ex a piece of work or what? Asking her out for a drink really? As if he was granting her a “Poor Girl Wish.”
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: OMG! The crocodile heartstrings. Was it hard to find a symbol to help find something to play on our heartstrings?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: When Vanessa gets back, she will ruin all the progress that has been made with Maton by disclosing what Kendall has been doing on her behalf and for a price. Right? If so, why?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: Is Archer a love’em and leave’em? If so, will he end up breaking Blair’s heart?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: If your book was made into a movie who would you want to play…
Kendall: Jessica Green
Maton: Jai Courtney
Vanessa: Rebecca Gibney
Archer: Dacre Montgomery
Blair: Caitlin Stasey
Zander: Lucas Neff
Amelia: Emily Browning
Lulu:
Kendall:
Maton:
Vanessa:
Zander:
Rad-Reader: What song or songs best describes your main two characters or book as a whole?
“Chapters – Brett Young ft. Gavin De Graw”
Maton was living the perfect high life that was filled with wealth but also hard work. That he and his two business partners put into their IT business. But one night when they were out Maton was shot point blank narrowly missing his heart. Now six months have passed and he is a prisoner in his own penthouse. Security is tighter than ever.
“Get Away With It – Lucy Cavalier”
Maton’s mom Vanessa asked Kendall to see if she could use what she had been learning with the Dr. she interned with and Psych class to help her son. Kendall knew it could put her future in jeopardy but she wanted to help. So, she said yes. But she found herself wanting to be apart of his world, not her moving him into hers. So, she had to work on that, everything was a learning curve.
“Treat Me So Bad – Marc E. Bassy”
Things are tense and Kendall gives as good as she gets. But off the start line, she got a rise out of him. Something no one had gotten out of him in six months. She told him on the second visit to “F-off!” Because he was cyberstalking her. But she kept coming back. Especially, after their first kiss.
“Unlove You – Jennifer Nettles”
When Maton finds out the terms of how Vanessa came to get Kendall to become a part of Maton’s recovery he loses it. But instead of talking it over with her he goes to someone who could ruin her schooling. Then he breaks up with Kendall the thing about it is that he only knows the cold facts, not the warm ones. She is prepared to tell him about everything. Through it all, she can’t stop loving him.
Lulu:
Shallow- Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
When Kendall sleeps with Maton for the first time and she disappears from his bed in the early hours of the morning. She has fallen from grace, she has embarked on a relationship that she knows is wrong, but she can’t seem to stop herself.
Won’t let you down- Hilltop Hoods
When Maton realizes he can’t be without Kendall despite everything that has happened. He finds her stumbling back to her apartment after her encounter with Dexter and he tells her he loves her. Star crossed lovers who get their happily ever after.
Saegloplur- Sigur Ros
This song is just a backdrop to the whole book. Hauntingly beautiful music that inspired me.
Rad-Reader: What is your favorite genre of music? What is your favorite song out right now?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: What is your favorite genre to read?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: What is your favorite genre of movie and what is the last one you saw at the theater?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: Where was your last vacation and what was the best thing about it that you can share?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: What is one thing you would tell an up and coming young budding author?
Lulu:
Rad-Reader: What is your next project and when is it coming out?
Lulu:
I am also working on a Christmas themed love story and have works in progress for some of the other characters in Side Effect- Zander and Amelia’s love story which will also include more details about how Maton was shot. I will also write about Archer and Dexter/Lincoln.
I am also working on a Christmas themed love story and have works in progress for some of the other characters in Side Effect- Zander and Amelia’s love story which will also include more details about how Maton was shot. I will also write about Archer and Dexter/Lincoln.
Rad-Reader: Where can our readers buy your books? Links
Lulu:
Side
Effect:
Amazon:
Apple:
Kobo:
B&N:
The
Cinderella Moment
Amazon:
Apple:
Kobo:
B&N:
Dispute
Resolution
Amazon:
Apple:
Kobo:
B&N:
Hostile
Takeover
Amazon:
Apple:
Kobo:
B&N:
Rad-Reader: Where can our readers find you on the Web? Links
Lulu:
Lulu,
This was such an interesting book to read. There was so much to love and so much to find disturbing about the characters and their method of doing things. Not to mention all the mind games. Like I said interesting.
The right mix of everything to keep you want to find out what is going to happen next or who is going to be found out next. I can't thank you enough for being with us. Come back again when your next book drops and let us share it on our Shout Out: An Author's Place page for our readers to know about it too.
Thanks again,
Char
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