Story Summary: Special Agent Taber Kysenzki is the DEA’s bad boy, he has no qualms of straddling the line of right and wrong, doing whatever necessary to get the job done. But when he botches up an undercover operation, he’s faced with a woman unlike any he’s met before.

She saves his life but doesn’t deign to give him the time of day. He’d heard rumours of an agent with his reputation in the ATF but hadn’t met her until today.

Special Agent Serefina LeBenoit is the ATF’s equivalent to Kysenzki. She knows all about him, how he goes through women and she doesn’t have any desire to be another notch on his belt. She has a rule of not sleeping with certain men, he fits that criteria. All that changes one night a few months after their first volatile meeting, when he tracks her down in a bar in New Mexico.

Circumstances bring them together again when a killer from her past resurfaces. Together they work, skirting the line of the law, to get the murderer off the street. Sparks fly hot between them as they close in on the target. When the bullets stop flying and the smoke clears, will they ignore the chance of a lifetime?

Diva: Hi Aliyah! Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. I’m a fan of your work. In fact one of the first IR erotica books I’ve read was yours. After finishing The Lieutenant’s Ex-Wife, I just knew I had to interview you. Can you tell us where are you from? What state do you reside in now?

AB: Thanks for inviting me to do this interview I’m honored to be here. So glad you enjoy my work, thank you for the support. I’m from the South and am proud to be a Southerner. I live with my husband in Southeastern United States at the present moment.

Diva: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

AB: I wanted to be a wildlife vet and a marine biologist. Well, that didn’t quite happen, but I am very happy regardless. And who knows what the future holds.

Diva: Does your family, spouse read your spicy tales? What do they think of your published work?

AB: My mother does, my father read my first book. My hubby doesn’t. They are proud of what I’m accomplishing and have given me nothing but support.

Diva: What’s your first novella about? Who published it?

AB: My first novella is published by Red Rose Publishing and is titled, A Little White Lie. It is as the title suggests about a white lie. Jake and Tahnee learn that sometimes lies can be the beginning of something more, something special, something forever. Jake meets Tahnee and steps up when he overhears her dilemma, their false portrayal of being engaged draws them closer yet Tahnee has been burned before so can Jake make her realise he wants more than just a weekend?

Diva: How did/do you find your e-publisher’s? Any tips for authors in choosing a good one for Interracial genre?

AB: Research. That’s how I got mine and I would recommend doing that for anyone looking for a publisher, regardless of genre. Ask questions and seek out answers before you commit. So many e-pubs are popping up everywhere a person needs to be careful and really read the contract before you sign it.

Diva: I’ve noticed that you also a very accomplished self-publish author. Which do you prefer? Why?

AB: Thank you. I’ve been very lucky with the release of my Megalodon Team series. There are draws to both. You have a lot more say over things with self-publishing yet with actual publishers you have the chance of drawing the eye of someone who may not have seen you on the self-pub site or your own personal website. So I guess that’s a longwinded way of saying I don’t have a preference. ☺

Diva: Do you consider yourself an Interracial/Multicultural author? What about the genre draws you to it?

AB: Actually, I don’t. I am an author, it’s as simple as that. Honestly, the romance genre as a whole draws me. I am a sap—proudly—and I love HEA’s so as long as the story draws me in, I’m happy. So for me it’s the writing, how well the story is crafted which is important. I don’t refuse to read a story because of the skin color of the hero or heroine.

Diva: Are your characters and their stories modeled by anything in your personal life? Where does the inspiration come from to be an Erotica Author?

AB: Well…☺ there is a bit in there. Anyone who really knows me will recognise quirks and/or traits of mine in each story I write. As far as the erotica author question, I honestly don’t consider myself to be an erotica author. I write sensual romance. It’s not that I have anything against erotica just when I compare my work with some authors who I know write erotica (and whom I read) I don’t see my work being even close to the level of hotness theirs are. Some say I do and well…that’s fine, I guess to some it may be considered to be but to me, like I said, it’s sensual romance. So inspiration for that, I’m not really sure, it’s just how the stories tell me to write them, if that makes any sense.

Diva: In the past two years there has been an explosion of IR Romance across genre, including paranormal. I’ve even read some work by non-minority authors. Why do you think that is? Do you think that the Romance genre will finally pay attention, and invest in love across the color lines?

AB: I would hope it was because more people are realising that the world is full of couples who have opened their hearts to love no matter how the person on the other end of the relationship looks. And I would hope that the genre does invest. Everyone deserves to find love and to be loved. When people are old and can’t see will the skin color of the person who is at your side, offering you love and support, even matter?

Diva: What is your stance on e-book piracy?

AB: It pisses me off. No way about it. people who pay to get on those sites, and rave about an author and how they want the next book so they can get it for free are thieves. They are stealing right out of our pockets. I think all the sites should be shut down because, really, if a person can afford a computer and internet, then they can afford to support these authors you claim to love so much. As authors we pour our heart and soul into the stories we create and to see them on pirate sites the day of release…is heartbreaking. I mean really, how would these pirates feel if we went to their job and took money from their paycheck. They know they worked for it but just didn’t get paid since we took it, merely because we could. The sites and those who frequent/run them should be prosecuted. For me there is no viable excuse for such a thing.

Diva: Wow! Right on girlfriend, I agree 110% with you! Okay back to the interview for the readers that don’t know you. When did you first consider yourself a writer? When did you realize that you are an actually an author?

AB: Good questions. The writer bit, in college when I found myself writing stuff which absolutely in no way pertained to what I should have been doing. For the author part, when I held my first book in my hand after cutting open the box. It was such a powerful feeling, I’ll never forget it.

Diva: What inspired you to write your first book? What inspires you to write the next?

AB: I was tired of reading books in which the heroine made me want to bang my head against the wall. So I wrote one in which she didn’t. I live to write, I don’t think I couldn’t not write. It drives me through the day, I need to pick up a pen and write, my fingers itch to do so. So, that combined with the voices in my head it just happens.

Diva: Can you give us some insight into what you’re currently writing?

AB: Of course. I am working on a few things right now, trying to completely finish up some series. A couple contemporary romances which are military, or dealing with ex-military personnel. One ties in with the free read site I’m a part of, Satin Notes, and is a Trescott Cove story. It is Taylor McQueen’s story and for the moment the title is, Don’t Look Back. As well, I am working on some regency romances as well.

Diva: Do you have a specific writing style?

AB: Does by the seat of my pants count? ☺ I’m a pantzer. I’ve outlined one story in my life and it didn’t work out that way. the hero just laughed and said, “Sorry hon, we’re going this way.” So I’ve learned to let them have their way.

Diva: What books have most influenced your life?

AB: A few of the Chicken Soup books, The Art of War, Chronicles of Narnia, and a lot more. I believe each book I’ve read has influenced me in some way or another.

Diva: If you had to choose, which author would you consider the greatest influence?

AB: Man, I really don’t think I could pick just one. I don’t think one specific author has done so.

Diva: What book(s) are you reading now?

AB: Unfortunately I’m not able to read as much as I used to but off the top of my head, right now I’m working through these…Shakespeare (I’m working my way through his works), Admiral Arleigh Burke by E.B. Potter, The Golden Thirteen by Paul Stillwell, and Fire and Ice by Julie Garwood.

Diva: Are there any new authors that have piqued your interest?

AB: I would have to say no for the simple fact that I have a huge TBR pile in my house and am still working through it. there are books by new authors I just haven’t gotten to them yet. I’m looking forward to reading them though.

Diva: Have you chosen writing romance as a career?

AB: I’ve chosen writing as a career, and hopefully will have a long one. I have wonderful readers who support me and encourage me which I can’t thank them enough for doing. I hope erotica and non-erotica readers can find enjoyment in reading my work.

Diva: Do you like writing Alpha Males? If so can you tell me what the secret ingredient is with creating the perfect Alpha in Romance?

AB: Not sure there is a perfect Alpha. All men have quirks n’ things that make you want to scream at them, at least one time. But for me, n’ my heroes I would have to say they are relentless in getting their woman. They would move the heavens to make her happy and would, without hesitation, give their lives for hers. A sense of humour and enough confidence that they don’t feel threatened by a woman who can stand on her own two feet. (Even if they want to protect her forever) A man who isn’t ashamed to show he loves a woman and that she is his whole world. What did I tell you, I’m a sap.

Diva: Okay let’s get to some fun facts about you. What’s under your bed?

AB: LOL, I wish it were something more exciting but…luggage. On occasion, the cat when he gets by me.

Diva: Chocolate or Vanilla?

AB: Chocolate, hands down.

Diva: Light’s on or Lights off?

AB: On…that’s all I’m sayin’. ☺

Diva: Vanilla Ice or MC Hammer? (C’mon you’re old school I know it, who would you chose)

AB: MC Hammer.

Diva: Dog or Cat person?

AB: Dog, definitely, but luckily for my cat, he acts like one of the dogs so it works out.

Diva: Last movie you’ve seen (at a movie theater)

AB: I think it was The A-Team, honestly don’t remember if we saw anything after that.

Diva: People Magazine just voted their sexiest man alive contender. If you were in charge of the voting who would be your choice?

AB: Ohh…ummm…what an unfair question. I have absolutely no idea, sorry.

Diva: Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Is there anything else you want share about your work to your readers?