Author of 'Voice on the Waves,' Jessica Chambers

Scribal Love Welcomes Jessica Chambers

Jessica Chambers is an author of contemporary women’s fiction. Her debut novel Voices On The Waves is now available from Red Rose Publishing.

Thanks, Clare. It’s great to be here for my final stop on the Voices On The Waves Blog Tour. .

And it’s great to have you. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Clichéd as it sounds, I’ve harboured an ambition to be a writer ever since I was old enough to think about my future. Even when I was seven-years-old and wrote my first novel, a 30-page piece Entitled The Mystery Of The Strange Telephone Calls, I knew that was how I wanted to earn my living. So, ever since completing my education, I’ve been working towards making my dream a reality.

Tell us about Voices On The Waves.

It’s a sweet women’s fiction novel set against the stunning backdrop of rural Cornwall. The idea for the book came from my fascination with people and the ways in which they interact. What would happen, I asked myself, if you forced a group of strangers together in one place for a set length of time, and then left them to their own devices?

Well, this is precisely what happens in Voices On The Waves, where nine individuals from all walks of life win a two-week holiday in a beautiful farmhouse retreat. Having gathered such diverse personalities under one roof, all I had to do was let my imagination flow and the sparks fly! With new found love, illicit affairs and the sharing of long-buried secrets, Voices on the Waves really does have it all.

What is your writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book?

Very much so. When I first began Voices On The Waves, I felt I had to have every little detail planned out beforehand. Since then, though, I’ve discovered that too much planning dampens my creativity. Now, I tend to have the main plot line worked out, but let the characters and sub plots find their own way.

Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?

Believe me, writer’s block is the bane of my life. In the early days, this used to terrify me. What if I woke up one morning and could never write again? Now, though, I accept it as a natural part of my writing process. All I have to do is take a break, go for a walk or read another author’s novel, and I’m able to return fresh to my computer the following morning.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Study your craft. Most of us, unless we happen to be a literary genius, won’t become a best-selling writer overnight. Read every book you can lay your hands on about creating believable, unforgettable characters and how to weave page-turning plots. Join a writing critique group, whether online or face-to-face, to get feedback on your progress that will help you improve. Most of all, write the sort of novels you would enjoy reading.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’ve just started work on a novella, which will be written as part of a series with a group of my fellow authors at Red Rose. The idea is that we each write a book based on a reality TV show, and I’m taking the inspiration for mine from talent shows such as American Idol and The X Factor. It’s shaping up to be really great fun!

I’m also in the throes of editing a novel called Painting The Summer. More of a mystery than Voices On The Waves, Painting The Summer centers around a wealthy English family whose lives are torn apart when they invite a handsome young artist into their home to paint their portraits. All is going well, I’m hoping both novels will be published some time in 2011.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Of course. In this scene, my heroine struggles with her heartache.

     After rereading the same passage for the fifth time, Leah admitted defeat.   Normally, losing herself in a novel was an unfailing means of escape, but not today.   In her present mood, the author's humorous style held no charm for her, and the budding romance between the reclusive writer and the heroine, who reminded Leah poignantly of herself, simply caused her a pang.   With a leaden heart, she continued to stare at the page until a shadow fell across it.

    “Thought I might find you here,” Anjum said, joining her in the arbor.  “Not disturbing you, am I?”

   
     Leah shook her head and laid her book aside. They sat in silence for a while, gazing out over the sun-dazzled grounds.

      “You going to tell me what’s happened between you and Will?” Anjum asked at length.

      “What makes you think anything’s happened?”

      “Hmmm, the fact that you’re both behaving as if the world’s about to end is a bit of a giveaway.”

      Leah blushed.   “Okay, say we did have a row, Will doesn’t seem too bothered about it.”

      “Are you kidding?” Anjum said. “It was a close call to say which one was more miserable yesterday, Will or the weather.”

       Leah didn’t answer.  Will may have been hurt to begin with, but he had certainly got over it by this morning.   Doubtless Tiffany was comforting him at this very moment; her stomach twisted at the thought.   She knew she should be relieved Will had been so unaffected by the quarrel.   She wasn’t vindictive, after all.  Why then did she find his indifference so hard to bear?

     Without warning, anger welled up inside her.  This was all Alan’s doing.   Everything was his fault.   It was Alan who had made her bitter and mistrustful, so different from the easy-going person she’d once been.    It was Alan whose eyes perpetually spied over her, taunting her by day and filling her dreams by night.   And it was Alan, with his ensnaring smile and silver tongue, who had tricked her into a situation from which she could see no way out.

      At a gentle touch on her arm, she raised her head to find Anjum regarding her with concern.

    “You okay?”

      Leah nodded.   As suddenly as it had arisen, her rage evaporated and she slumped against the bench, depressed and exhausted.

      Anjum continued to study her, clearly unconvinced.   Finally, he said, “Listen, I know what it must look like, Will going off with Tiffany, but it doesn’t mean anything.”

      Leah shot him a skeptical glance.   How did he expect her to believe Will wasn’t besotted with Tiffany?  What man in their right mind wouldn’t be?  No, just as in the legend the mermaid had captivated Matthew Trewhella, so Tiffany had cast Will under her spell.

      “Trust me,” Anjum urged, “there’s nothing going on there.   If you would just talk to him…”

      “No,” Leah said, and her voice rang with a stubbornness that brooked no argument.

End Excerpt...

Buy Voices On The Waves now from Red Rose Publishing

http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=853

Thank you Jessica for stopping by.

Thank you again, Clare, for having me, and to all of you for stopping by. Anyone kind enough to leave a comment here, or at any point during my blog tour, will automatically be entered into the draw to win a $15 gift voucher for either Amazon or Barnes & Noble, so don’t forget to provide an email address in case I need to contact you. I’ll be announcing the five winners tomorrow over at my blog

http://www.jessicachambers.co.uk/blog so good luck and hope to see you there!

Mickie Sherwood, Author of 'Louisiana Hot Sauce'

Scribal Love Welcomes Mickie Sherwood


Mickie Sherwood is an author of contemporary romance.  Her new work is available from Red Rose Publishing. 

Hi, Clare. Thanks for allowing me to share with your readers.   I thought I’d ask them the first questions.


Readers, how would you differentiate between erratic behavior and survival mode?   Have you ever been thrown for a loop and didn’t know which way to turn?   What did you do?   You probably adjusted your attitude to overcome the circumstances of the moment.


If that’s true, then I want to introduce you to a kindred spirit.


Meet Mesha Rayburn.  She’s smart, sassy and apt to change her hairstyle on a whim to match her mood.   The only thing she requires is something Jack Connolly refuses to allow—SOLITUDE.

Mesha’s saucy attitude masks a horrible secret.   Can Jack unveil the sweetness within?

Blurb:


     Reclusive Mesha Rayburn's safe haven disintegrated when athletic Jack Connolly raced into her life.   He was like an uninvited guest to her pity party.   Yet, his brashness stoked her dormant emotions and injected spunk into her veins with every bated word.   And—calling the cinnamon-skinned Black woman "biggety" didn't help matters.




     Mechanic Jack Connolly thought the trip down South to patch up and retrieve the bullet-ridden helicopter would be a pain. He never imagined the rhetoric becoming reality.   But, thanks to Mesha's panicked outcry, it had.   The pain radiating in his palm bothered him less than the one in his rear.   Bold and beautiful, he had to know why she hid out in the boonies. As her transient tenant, he intended to find out at the risk of feeling the sting of her Louisiana Hot Sauce temper.




What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title? 


The title of my pride and joy is Louisiana Hot Sauce. It’s my debut novel.   One reason I chose that title is because part of my love story is set in Louisiana where the flavor is always hot and spicy, whether it’s the weather, the food or the people.   The other reason for the title is to focus attention on Mesha’s hot and saucy attitude.


Mesha and Jack’s first meet:


     Burped, fed, and ready to play, Mya was placed on a pallet spread out on the floor.  Mesha sat cross-legged before her, the laptop screen staring at her like a big-eyed specter waiting to steal her thoughts.  Writer’s block seemed an inevitable outcome to the looming deadline for her latest manuscript.  Too many distractions pulled her in too many directions.  Her lids fluttered rapidly as her eyes magnetized to the cursor’s hypnotizing blink.  Her descent into oblivion, merely a few seconds in length, was substantial enough to jerk her awake in such a terrorized state she launched upwards and rocketed outside.


     “Jack!” Her terrified shriek rent the air as she bolted blindly, thinking she had left her dog out too long. “Jack!”


     “Sonofabitch!” a man’s voice thundered as tools thudded to the ground at his feet. 


     The man repairing the helicopter missed his intended mark, stabbing the screwdriver into the fleshy part of his palm when he heard the panicked screams.  Gushing blood required him to apply pressure to the area with the work rag as he bent his tall body to clear the undercarriage of the craft.  The person he witnessed lurching towards him resembled a wild woman—one who teetered on the edge of sanity—as she zipped through the open field, thick hair flying every which way, evidently unaware of his presence.


     “What?” he yelled while sprinting in her direction.   Suddenly, he saw her cut away and make a beeline for the house.


     He gave chase. 


What is Louisiana Hot Sauce about? 


It’s a multicultural romance about love’s magnetism. It’s about two strangers who find that sometimes the heart betrays the brain’s wishes.  It’s about Mesha and Jack as they learn to take a chance on each other.   She strives to escape torturous memories from her adolescence that always thrusts her into unwarranted limelight.   He struggles to shed the sting of betrayed love.


Clare, I have to snicker here. I like to say the war those two wage makes this a sweet, zesty read with just the right spice.




What inspired you to write this book? 


That’s an easy question. I like romance that’s a little on the sensual side.   Something that let’s me conjure up a picture in my mind’s eye.   After reading posts on different blogs, I realized I wasn’t the only one who liked a change every now and then.   Now, please, I don’t want readers to take this as a criticism of other multicultural novels.  Because it’s not. Sometimes a Louisiana lady just likes sweet tea instead of the Long Island kind.




Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? 


Everyday living is crammed full of intriguing ideas that are plot worthy. 






What were your feelings when you first saw the cover of the finished product?


I was ecstatic! Missy Lyons took the description I provided and worked wonders. The sweet cover for the enthralling, sweet romance novel depicts the character’s beauty—and that of her surroundings while her heart-fixer hovers nearby. I’m very pleased with the finished product.  

Speaking of the cover, I entered Louisiana Hot Sauce in a cover contest over at YouGottaRead.com.  I’d appreciate it very much if readers would mark their calendars and vote for it between October 21st – October 26th.  Thanks a heap in advance. 


Do you have a specific writing style? 


I’m a panster. I hardly ever sit and plot out a story.  Now, I do fine tune an idea after the panster has laid it all out for me. Mostly though, I yield to the movies in my head when that blockbuster idea wants out.  I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Yes, I said movies in my head.  


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Cutting to the chase. I’ve been accused, let’s just say, of loving words. I’m working to remedy that in my future writings. As a matter-of-fact, I have a WIP that I’m whittling on right now. 


How did you deal with rejection letters? 


It’s wasn’t a pleasant feeling to get rejection letters.  But, if I didn’t submit what I believed was my best work, was I not resigning myself to instant defeat.  Now, what I think feels worse is waiting on a response from a submitted work.  I feel knowing one way or the other is better than the silent rejection, especially if the guidelines states to expect an acknowledgement—and you don’t get one—good or bad.




What do you like to do when you're not writing? 


I love cruising. My favorite itinerary is the Southern Caribbean.  But, my all-time favorite cruise was the Panama Canal Zone.  The ship departed from Ensenada, Mexico where it continued its transit through the Panama Canal and docked in Puerto Rico.   It took about ten glorious days.


I like to take on small creative projects around the house. 


I also love snapping pictures.  So, of course, I post some of my treasures on Mickie’s Manor.  I hope readers will take a look.   




What was the first romance book you remember reading? 


The Flame and the Flower, a historical romance. 




What is your favorite romance book? 


The Color of Love was my favorite until Louisiana Hot Sauce came along. (*GBG*) I hope that doesn’t sound conceited. 




Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 


The message is a simple one, Clare.  Step out of your comfort zone, open your heart and cherish love wherever you find it. 


Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to share with your readers.   Louisiana Hot Sauce is available at Red Rose Publishing,  Amazon.com , Fictionwise.com, Allromanceebooks.com, and Bookstrand.com. 


I encourage readers to stop by Mickie’s Manor for a look around and to leave a comment. Also, visit Blazingtrailers.com to enjoy my book trailer.


Happy reading and I hope to hear from some of you real soon.


Thank you Mickie for dropping by!  


You can find Mickie on the web at:  


Official website: www.mickiesherwood.com




   

Interview of British Author Margaret Blake, Author of 'A Fatal Flaw'

Scribal Love Welcomes Margaret Blake!

Margaret Blake is an author of historical, contemporary and romantic suspense.  Her newest work 'A Fatal Flaw' is available from Whiskey Creek Press.

So where do you hail?  Where are you from?

I was born in Manchester, England but now live at the coast in the North West of England. I lived in New York for a time and have lived in France, as well as Cornwall in England.

What inspired you to write this book?

A visit to Florida, I wanted to write a romantic suspense with an American cop and as I know Florida (Tampa Bay area) I wanted to set it there. I love the sultry heat and the countryside of Florida, as well as the beaches. I like to think I get to know the “real” Florida as staying there with my family; I do ordinary every day things.  Going to my grandkids sports and collecting them at school.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I can’t judge that. I just write.

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?

A Fatal Flaw – I thought a long time about the title and this one came like a bolt of lightening. No one knows until very late in the book what the flaw is!

What is A Fatal Flaw about?

A Fatal Flaw is about Kerensa, a Cornish girl and reporter on a local newspaper.  Her mother, to whom she was very close, has just died.  Finding a diary Kerensa discovers that her mother shot a man in Florida.  Kerensa decides to go and find out more about this mystery.  Once in Tampa she meets Ned Rochester, a cop on sick leave.  He wants to help her but she is worried about how much she can reveal to him.

What books have influenced your life most?

Mostly the Bronte’s, I grew up with the Bronte’s and Bronte country was not that far away. As a kid I used to visit Yorkshire to stay with my Aunt, I used to wander the moors with the dog and dream of being a writer like them.  You wouldn’t dare let a kid have that much freedom nowadays!

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I have never had a mentor.  I don’t like anyone to influence what I do.  I like to paddle my own canoe and see where it takes me.

What books are you reading now?

I am currently reading James Patterson’s “Cross Country” which is scaring the heck out of me.

What are your current projects?

I haven’t been able to write much, I lost my husband in January.  I had two books on the go just before he died.  Just this week I have gone and looked at one and am tentatively writing, but John was my inspiration and my encouragement, so it’s hard to write without him there standing behind me.

Do you find that international audiences are different from your home or native country's audience? 

Not really.  I read a lot of American and British authors and I believe others do too.  I am curious about the different States and I am sure its vice-versa.  My son and his wife and their kids are Americans and they read literature from all over the world.  I don’t think they are unique in doing that.

Do you see writing as a career?

Of course, but it has had to be my second career because unless you are very, very successful, you have to have another string to your bow.  I’ve done all kinds of different jobs but I think that is food to the writer.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No, I am sure I wouldn’t, not this one.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I was an only child and spent a lot of time on my own; I started writing stories to amuse myself.

My dad thought that was so cool and always encouraged me.  My English teacher too, who always said she loved my essays.  I did not write “professionally” until I was in my thirties, although I had tons of stories.  It was John who made me do something about it, which is why he always was and will be the “wind beneath my wing.”

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I just love to write.  I find it stimulating rather than challenging.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned that I could write humour too, something I’ve been reluctant to do.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

If you want to write, write and never let rejections get you down.  You have to keep at it.

Thank you for dropping by!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to chat with you.

You can find Margaret on the web at:  

Margaret Blake – www.margaretblake.co.uk 

A Fatal Flaw is available from www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Author of Color of the Flame-- Ileana Holder

Scribal Love Welcomes Ilena Holder

Ilena Holder is an author of IR romance and Contemporary romance.  Her newest work “Color of The Flame” is available from Red Rose Publishing.

What inspired you to write this book?

Quite frankly, I write for the market.  Wendi Felter contacted me about a manuscript submission (not this one) and I asked her what did Red Rose specifically want?  She told me IR romance was hot and I took that idea and ran with it.  I had some success with contemporary romance and thought I would attempt IR.  I was of course pleased and thrilled when she accepted my finished manuscript a few months later.  I think a writer should always challenge themselves to investigate new avenues.  

Do you have a specific writing style? 

I keep my style simple and to the point.  I do try to put in symbolism even if no one catches it!  I try to create believable dialogue.   My one problem is with voice.  It is difficult for me to make each character sound different. I feel that I am finally understanding the concept of voice after six novels. 

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?

I don’t let out much information about current works in progress.  Somebody is always out there stealing ideas, believe me!  These same people steal baby names also!  I will say that it is another IR romance set in Panama City, Spain, Morocco, and Michigan.  I am from Michigan and like to promote my home state when possible.  It has the word “Sand” in the title. 

What is Color of the Flame about?

It is about an African-American woman with a mixed-race son.  She is newly widowed and finds love again with a former Mob bodyguard.  It is one of those romances where you find love in an unlikely place, like a U-pick Michigan blueberry farm.  I tried to put in some different elements so the story wouldn’t have such a cookie cutter style.

What books have most influenced your life most?

You know, when I was a child, I never visited the town library since I was a country kid.  I only checked out books from the school library and the selections were very censored and limited.  I think book censorship is a real shame in America.  I get hooked on certain authors and then read their entire back list.  I’ve done this with James Herriott and Dr. Joyce Brothers.  Currently I am on a Stephen Benatar kick.  I’ve just finished “The Man on the Bridge” and am working on “When I was Otherwise.”  I am going to write him a fan letter soon!

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Louis L’Amour, James Michener or Robert E. Howard. .  Might as well pick some big ones!  Also Zetta Brown from LL-Publications in Scotland, she’s a bold woman. .

What book are you reading now? 

I always have a big TBR shelf.  I’ve recently purchased “Teach Me” by R. A. Nelson.  Then “The 2^nd Lie” by Tara Taylor Quinn.  I’ve got “The Covenent” by Michener on order, it hasn’t arrived yet.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

I am thinking of starting the “Sookie Stackhouse” series by Charlaine Harris.  I just finished watching Seasons one and two on DVD this summer. 

What are your current projects?

Presently I am finishing up the final editing for “Fade To Grey” a time travel romance set in 1865 Michigan and Chicago.  It will be a re-release for a New Zealand publisher.  Then I have started an outline for another IR romance which will be set in Michigan. You always have to keep two or three projects on the burner at any time I feel.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Red Rose Publishing as far as selling my current romance, not to forget their great editing, cover artists, and promotion.  I also belong to ROMVETS, which is an Internet-based group of female military veterans who write romance.  Lastly I belong to EPIC AUTHORS.  I encourage any ebook writer to join them.  They have world-class reputation, plus fantastic yearly conventions. I also lead a professional writing group in my community.

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes!  Hopefully it will be a long career.  I was first epublished in 2005 and haven’t looked back since.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I would say no.  But my first book, yes.  I put that one down as a learning experience.  Everyone needs to finish that first book and move on from that.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I always loved the creative writing assignments in school.  And book reports were my favorite.  I wish we had been given skills tests to see where our real interests were. We all need life experience to be good writers.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

First off is completing the initial outline.  Then it is all downhill from there.  Oh wait!  Point of View is difficult!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

You had better create believable dialogue or the editor will call you to task.  And grammar and punctuation are still important in this day of texting and chat rooms.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write one page a day and by December 31, you will have an epic length manuscript. Don't bother with agents and huge New York publishing houses—at first.  Start out small and work your way up.  Epublishing is a fine way to break into the market and get established.  Dream up a creative pen name, please!

Where can we find you on the web?

http://www.Xanga.com/IlenaHolder


Facebook and Myspace I am under the name
ColorOf Ilena and The Flame Holder.



Thanks for dropping by!


You are welcome.  :-)

Author of Return Engagement-- Elaine Cantrell

Scribal Love Welcome Elaine Cantrell

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in South Carolina.  I hold a Master’s Degree in Personnel Services from Clemson University and am a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary sorority for women educators.  I’m also a member of Romance Writer’s of America and EPIC authors.  My first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest and was published in 2004 by Oak Tree Books.  At present I teach high school social studies.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, reading, and playing with my grandchildren.

How long does it typically take you to finish a writing project? 

Forever!  I write a scene and go back the next day and make corrections.  When I finish the book I go back and edit it again.  Then if it gets accepted for publication I have to do more edits.  Until it’s actually in print I’m not through.

The question most readers want to know but never get to ask, do you ever write in your pajamas?

When I’m not teaching, I always write in my pajamas.  I seldom get dressed before lunch time.   That’s the good part of being an author.  Nobody can see how you look.

Where do you write?

I used to have a wonderful little office upstairs, but my desktop computer died, and my husband bought me a laptop.  Now I usually sit in my recliner and write.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I adore Elizabeth Peters who also writes as Barbara Michaels.  If you haven’t tried her Amelia Peabody series you don’t know what you’re missing.  Karen White is one of my new favorites.  I just read The House On Tradd Street and loved it.   It’s the perfect blend of mystery and the supernatural with a dash of romance besides.  I like lots of authors.  It’s hard to list them all.

What brings you the most joy?

My grandchildren of course.  I also love a winter’s night when the moon is bright, and the tree branches are stark against the moon.  It brings me joy to hear the insects chirping on a hot summer’s night.  I always feel a surge of pleasure when I first see my husband too.  Yes, even after 34 years.

Tell us about your latest book.

I’d be glad to!  Here’s a blurb to tell you what it’s about.

Elizabeth Lane

has heard the call of the four most seductive words in the entire English language: what might have been.  Would you risk everything you hold dear to find out what might have been?  That’s the choice which Elizabeth has to make.

Elizabeth is lucky, for she has it all, money, fame, a satisfying career and a devoted fiancé.  Her humble beginnings are all but obscured, but she isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard.  Senator Lovinggood plans to make Richard the President of the United States; he’ll need a woman from a wealthy, powerful family by his side.  Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time it won’t be so easy, for Elizabeth wants to know what might have been. This time she’ll fight back, a struggle which ultimately leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.

This book is a regular contemporary romance, but the sequel is a time travel novel.  I’m editing that one now.

Would you share an excerpt with us?  Be sure to include a buy link.

Gladly!  This excerpt takes place after Richard and Elizabeth meet on the beach following a ten year separation.  Richard asks her to go to a carnival with him, and now they’re on their way home.  Return  Engagement is available at 

http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=819&zenid=0388abcec27444081ac3750d1c5c3fae

An Excerpt:

“Look at the moon, Richard.  Have you ever seen anything so big and beautiful?  Isn’t it lovely the way it’s reflecting off the water?”

 

“Yes, but not as lovely as you are.”  Richard made a sound of disgust.  “That is so trite.  You’d think I could do better, but all evening I’ve had trouble saying what I mean.”

Elizabeth laughed.  “Maybe it’s because you’re trying too hard, but for the record, I think you’re doing just fine.”  She shivered and hunched her shoulders as she hugged herself.  “That wind is cold.”

Richard immediately removed his jacket and handed it to her.  “Here, put this on.”

“Won’t you be cold?”

“I’m fine.  I’ve got on long sleeves and that’s enough.”  His eyes twinkled in the moonlight.  “In fact, I kind of like the idea of you wearing my clothes.  Sounds like high school, huh?”

The chilly wind that blew across the moon-drenched water snatched Elizabeth’s laughter away.  “Who cares?  Sometimes it’s nice to be as irresponsible as a teenager.”

Richard tugged on her hand.  “Let’s sit down and watch the moon awhile.”

Elizabeth willingly sank into the damp sand and cuddled close beside him.  My gosh the man had muscles she hadn’t known even existed!

“Richard, about this evening….”

“Elizabeth, about Alex….”

“You go first,” Elizabeth urged.  Her shoulders marginally relaxed.  She wasn’t looking forward to telling him she couldn’t see him again.

“All right, I will.”  Richard turned slightly, an almost angry look on his face.  “What the hell do you think you’re doing getting yourself engaged to Alex Crawford?  It’s obvious to a blind man that you don’t love him.  You’ve been teasing me and flirting with me all evening.  You’ve even kissed me.”  He stirred up the butterflies in her stomach when he gently caressed her shoulder.  “Right now your body language makes me think if I wanted to take this snuggling any further you’d be willing.”

“Wha…” Elizabeth sputtered.

 

“You don’t strike me as the type of woman who’d pick a man for a night of sex and then go back to her fiancé like nothing had happened.  If that’s true I don’t think you love Alex as much as you think you do.  The question is: what are you going to do about it?”

Elizabeth moaned and hid her face in her hands.  Richard expected this surprise meeting to lead to something more that a hot dog on the beach, a casual meeting between two old…friends.  I’ve done enough damage for one evening; I’m going home before I cause any more trouble.  I’ve betrayed Alex and given Richard hope for a relationship with me when there is no hope. 

She tried to jump up, but Richard grabbed her and held her close.  “The wind is cold, and you can think just as well, no better, in my arms.”

Elizabeth gave up the effort to get away from him.  There was no way she could argue with those hard, muscled arms.  “Yeah, right.  Being in your arms clarifies everything!  I’m so confused I don’t know if I’m coming or going,” she cried.  “I do love Alex.  I do!  That’s why I agreed to marry him, but with you I feel like a different person.

 

“I know I shouldn’t have flirted with you and kissed you, but I couldn’t help myself.”  Her eyes misted with tears.  “I didn’t want to help myself.  It’s like it was ten years ago only better because now nobody can accuse me of corrupting a minor.  You asked me what I’m going to do, but to tell you the truth, I don’t know.  The only thing I’m sure of is that I don’t think I can stand it if you walk away again.”

Elizabeth threw her hands over her burning face again.  “What kind of woman am I?  I haven’t seen you in ten years, yet here I am leading you on and encouraging you to…  What’s wrong with me!”

Richard jerked her hands away from her face and kissed them.  “From my point of view things have finally taken a turn for the better.”  Satisfaction oozed from his voice. 

“You’re willing to admit you don’t want to lose me.  It’s taken ten years, but we’re back where we belong-together.  Everything I ever felt for you came back the minute you spoke to me.”  His voice lowered and became husky and persuasive.  “Don’t tell me you didn’t feel it too.”

“I…”  Elizabeth fell silent.  After all; what could she say?

“Let me help you make up your mind about what to do.”  Richard pushed her back into the sand and kissed her, a delicate, brushing of lips that deepened as hearts caught fire.

Elaine, thank you so much for coming.  Return Engagement sounds like a wonderful read.

Thank you, Clare.  I do appreciate it!

Erotic Romance Writer - Eve Summers

Scribal Love Welcomes Author Eve Summers!

Thank you for the opportunity to appear on your blog, Clare. I'm definitely ready to be Embraced!

Who is Eve Summers?

Eve Summers is the pseudonym under which I write romance books, because my love scenes tend to get.. ahem... steamy. It's easier to hide than to defend my right to produce naughty fiction. You know, when people read my science fiction stories, they don't automatically assume I'm from another planet, but as soon as my friends read "Dance Like Everyone Is Watching", they phone to ask about that game with the alphabet and have I ever played it, LOL.

Q: So how did you do your research for "Dance Like Everyone Is Watching"?

 Well, to make sure I got the setting spot on, I started by going on a real-life ocean cruise with the whole family. True story. But I know what you're asking. And no, I unfortunately never had the chance to play the alphabet game, although I did ask my husband for help when I was writing the Standing Position scene and Google just wouldn't give me the details I was after....

"Dance Like Everyone Is Watching" is contemporary, but some of your romances have science fiction elements. Are you planning more books in that category?

 Indeed, "Safe Sex Incorporated" is set in a world in which love is a banned emotion, while "The Seventh Taboo" investigates the journey to find a soul mate in a world of clones. Although the sales have been a trifle disappointing, I'm definitely keen to blend the genre of speculative fiction and romance in the future.

Where can our readers find you on the web? 

http://eve-summers.blogspot.com/
http://yewalus.kiwiwebhost.net.nz/ 




and Eve Summers' Facebook: 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eve-Summers/55853654786?ref=ts

Yvonne Walus writing as Eve Summers.


Thank you Yvonne/Eve!  We will definitely be reading your work!