I was given the privilege of reading Fuel, the latest fun and sexy release by Ashlynn Pearce, and the first in the Dirtslap series. This is a five-star read. But don’t assume I know what I’m talking about. Take a look at this interview with Thrand. He’s a drummer, living in Nashville, initially trying to make a living as a studio drummer, until a friend suggests he should start his own band. That band is called Dirtslap, and they’re freaking amazing. A little country, a little rock, a lot sexy.
Fuel is Thrand and Cassie’s story, and Ashlynn Pearce, the author, managed to catch him during a brief moment of downtime – with the entire band, I might add – and she shared the interview with me. I am, in turn, sharing it with you, because we all deserve to read about a sexy drummer and his obsession with a spirited girl from his past. Take it away, Ashlynn…
~~~
I’d interviewed Cassie a few weeks ago, so now I thought it might be Thrand’s turn. He said I could meet him at his place, because they were going to have band practice.
I’d learned my lesson from Cassie and wasn’t wearing slacks. I’d opted for shorts and a casual top—and since I was in Nashville, short cowboy boots.
I pulled up to the address. Two trucks and two Harleys are parked in the drive.
Great…the entire band is here. I ring the doorbell, my nerves getting the better of me. Sure, I know these guys, (I created them) but still, I have no idea what to expect.
The door is yanked open and the guy’s warm brown eyes sparkle as he flashes me a cocky grin.
“We got a groupie,” he yells to the guys inside.
“Uh, no. Just here to interview Thrand. You must be Ryan.”
“Thrand? Why the hell would you interview him? You should interview me.” He waggles his eyebrows and opens the door wider so I can step inside.
“Cause you’re a punk,” another guy says. “Don’t make us put you in a corner. And she’s interviewing me cause I started this band. Not you.”
Ryan is cute but Thrand captures my attention. Tall, maybe 6 foot, with intense gray-blue eyes. The short hair, clipped close to his head, and barely there scruff. He’s wearing a tank that exposes the tattooed sleeve on his left arm. Wide shoulders with a clear definition of muscle in his arms, he makes my mouth a little dry. Or maybe wet. “Actually, I’m interviewing you for your story. Not really because of the band. And sorry if I’m late.”
“You’re not late. They’re early. And for my story, huh?” He rubs the back of his neck, looking slightly uncomfortable.
I can’t seem to not stare at the way he moves. Smooth and fluid, it’s a tad nerve-wracking. Then I catch a glimpse of the insanely tall guy leaning against the bar and I lose all track of thought. Looking like he belongs on a metal stage, he wears all black, with a lip ring, gauges, and sports black mussed up spiky hair. He smirks when he catches me staring and I about swallow my tongue when I spot dimples.
“Yeah, I’m Ethan.”
It’s all his says but that Georgian drawl sends my mind spiraling into the gutter. Or up to heaven. I’m not really sure.
“So what do you want to know?” Thrand asks as he walks over and sits on his drum stool and adjusts a few things.
It forces my attention back to the task at hand. Except then I notice a guy hunched over a bass, with hair hanging in his face. He doesn’t even look at me. That must be Zak. I clear my throat and focus on Thrand, who’s looking at me expectantly. “Sorry, I didn’t know everyone would be here. So I guess I’ll ask you what I asked Cassie.”
“You interviewed Cas?” His brows draw together and he frowns.
“Yes, I did. She didn’t really have patience for the interview.”
He chuckles. “Cause she doesn’t have any at all.”
“No. She didn’t seem to. First question, what is your idea of perfect happiness?”
Ryan snorts and gyrates his hips as he calls out, “A happy ending. It’s what all guys want.”
Ethan cuffs him on the back of the head. “I don’t think that’s what she meant.”
Heat creeps up my neck as I try to ignore Ryan’s crude remark.
Thrand glares at Ryan then says, “I’d say getting out of Oklahoma. Everything after that is gravy.”
I scribble it down, thinking Cassie said about the same thing. “Your greatest fear?”
The room is eerily quiet and it seems the entire band want to know the answer to that one. Thrand is obviously thinking about it as he leans forward, elbows on his knees.
“Never being able to make music again.” His words are measured, his eyes hooded.
I get the impression he’s not being totally honest here. And Cassie said something similar, except her answer had to do with taking pictures. “What quality do you like best in a woman?”
“Big tits,” Ryan says and jumps up, prancing around the room and acting like he’s cupping boobs.
I can’t help but laugh as I turn back to Thrand who is just shaking his head with an exasperated look on his face.
“You know there is more in life than tits and beer, right?”
Ryan looks shocked then rolls his eyes.
“One day a girl is going to come along and knock you right on your ass,” Thrand states.
“Naw. Watching it happen to you has been scary enough.”
“He has a point,” Ethan says. “That girl has you running in circles.”
Thrand’s jaw works. “There’s nothing going on there. She’s just a friend.”
“Sure. I’ll believe that when you convince me Santa is real,” Ryan takes a swig of his beer as he falls onto the couch.
I don’t have to ask about who they are talking about. I met Cassie. She’s a whirlwind.
“You have any other questions?” Thrand asks me and twirls a drumstick in his hand.
“Last one. What do you regard as the lowest depths of misery?”
He instantly pales and his eyes darken. “Lady, that’s a real damn personal question and we have band practice.”
With that, I’m ushered out the door without a chance to say anything else. I walk slowly to my car as I hear the bang and crash of drums and the riffs of guitar. I’m thinking that didn’t go well at all and I’d wished they’d would have let me stay and watch DirtSlap in action.
~~~
Want more?
FUEL… DirtSlap series
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fuel-ashlynn-pearce/1120913527?ean=2940151682206
KOBO: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/fuel-6
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id951159485
WRECK – out May 2015
Want to know more about the awesome author who wrote Fuel, and provided the above interview? Read on…
Once upon a time…You ain’t gonna believe this sh**!
(I always wanted to start a bio like that!) But seriously–scrap that, I’m not serious, but I do love to write. Create characters. Give them hope that there is something better around the corner. It’s my passion. I live and breathe stories. When I’m not arguing with the characters in my head (yes, I do that, you can ask my hubby who thinks I’m nuts btw), I’m taking care of said hubby, my two kids and a melee of furbabies. I’m Okie born and bred and, yes, we get a lot of twisters and, no, there aren’t any teepees around that I’ve seen.
Stop by my website and follow me around to see what I’m up to next!
DirtSlap is coming…ya’ll ready to get a lil dirty, right? 😉
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashlynnpearcewriter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ashlynn_Pearce
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3512149.Ashlynn_Pearce
Amazon Author page: amazon.com/author/ashlynnpearce
###
Thanks for having me, Tami! That interview WAS intense. And made me sweat a lil. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed FUEL. It was a very fun story to write. Trying to pin down Cas, make her focus, so I could write her was a challenge.
I know romance fans will be glad you did, Ashlynn! Thanks for introducing us to Thrand today! ~Tami
AWESOME interview, Ashlynn! Definitely makes me want to read the book and get a better look at Thrand’s life and the other members of the band.