Tyler & Stella by Heidi Joy Trethway (Character Interview/Giveaway)

Author Heidi Joy Trethway dropped by with a couple rock star guest today, enjoy!

Although he isn’t at the front of the stage most nights, Tyler Walsh is the driving force behind Tattoo Thief in more ways than one. He’s the founder of the band—bringing lead singer Gavin, guitarist Jayce and drummer Dave together seven years ago. And with his bass, Tyler provides the anchor chords for the band’s edgy, dynamic rock.

We asked Tyler to spill a few secrets about his own life and his perspective on Stella Ramsey, the music reporter for The Indie Voice.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, Tyler.

I’m no good at that. Seriously. Ask Jayce. Well, maybe that’s not such a good idea—you can’t believe half of what he tells you.

What would Jayce tell us?

He’d make up something crazy, like he’d say I do Jell-o wrestling. But seriously, he’d say I’m a pain in the ass. And that I’m a good friend, because he knows I’ve always got his back.

Why a pain in the ass?

Well, I’m pretty good at taking care of other people. Reading people. But when things go sideways, I don’t always take care of myself. He’s had to help me out of a couple of close calls.

Like what?

Not telling. It’s too embarrassing. But I’m sure Jayce will run off his mouth and tell Stella all about it.

What are the best and worst things about fame?

The best part is playing music like it’s my job. Even though we’ve always been working toward it, we never thought it would happen this big. The downside is that when Tattoo Thief started getting big, we got a lot of people looking to take advantage of us—groupies and promoters and even long-lost family. For a while, it was hard to go out in public, but now I’m getting pretty good at it.

How?

First off, I don’t act like a rock star. I just put on some shades and walk around like a normal dude. And I have a really great disguise—one Halloween, I got a UPS uniform as a costume. I can go pretty much anywhere in that.

How are you different from the other members of Tattoo Thief?

I’m definitely the goofball. Gavin gets really serious when he’s writing a song, and Dave can act like a drill sergeant when he’s pushing the band to get better or work out. I’m way more relaxed. Also, I also don’t date much—Jayce is the ladies’ man, but I’m still pretty awkward around girls.

What was your first impression of Stella?

What I remember most about that night at the restaurant is the way she looked—and I don’t mean what she was wearing. I mean, she looked hurt and lonely. She looked like she needed a friend. I don’t see that a lot—most women I run into are in party mode, they’re all amped up about meeting a rock star and kind of drooling or trying to be super-sexy. Stella wasn’t doing any of that.

What do you like about Stella?

She’s a dynamo—she’s feisty and fearless. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who is quite so set on achieving her dreams and she’s fought like hell against some pretty tough odds to get here. That’s what it took for Tattoo Thief to make it as a band, and I admire that about her. I also love the way she smells, and she’s got a strong wit (and a bit of a potty mouth).

What was going through your mind when you saw Stella leaving a bar with another guy?

I didn’t think—I just had to react. I don’t think I realized until that moment how much I wanted her and wanted to be with her, and seeing her getting ready to go with him hurt—a lot. But I don’t think the best things in life come easy. You have to fight for them. And once I realized how I felt about Stella, I knew I was going to fight for her no matter what.

Tyler & Stella (Tattoo Thief #2)
by Heidi Joy Tretheway
Goodreads | Amazon

Stella Ramsey always says bad boys can’t break your heart. They don’t call, don’t cuddle and don’t send flowers—but what do you expect? For Stella, no strings means no regrets.
When the biggest story of her fledgling career as a music journalist nearly ruins her relationship with her best friend, Stella has one chance to redeem herself. Tyler Walsh could be that chance.
Stella promises the bassist for the rock band Tattoo Thief anything in exchange for behind-the-scenes access. But Tyler doesn’t want anything. He wants everything—and that’s more than Stella is prepared to give.
When Tyler’s explosive secret thrusts Stella into the media spotlight, she must choose between the selling the story and telling the truth—and exposing the truth about herself as well.
Tyler & Stella (Tattoo Thief #2) is a sizzling story of lust, lies, and sacrifice, revealing how much love can forgive.

Heidi Joy Trethway  Bio:

Heidi Joy lives in Happy Valley off Sunnyside Road. She swears she did not make that up.
Heidi’s obsessed with storytelling. Her career includes marketing, journalism, and a delicious few years as a food columnist. Media passes took her backstage with several rock bands, where she learned that sometimes a wardrobe malfunction is exactly what the rock star intends.
You’ll most often find Heidi Joy with her husband and two small kids cooking, fishing, exploring the Northwest, and building epic forts in their living room.
She loves to hear from readers via messages at facebook.com/author.heidi.

Tour Giveaway:

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