HOT TOTTIE ALERT! Jake Campbell is in the house...

I was going to have the talented and beautiful Aimee Duffy here today to talk about her brilliant new book, Isle of Sensuality, but then we had an idea....

I'm SO excited to share this post with you. It's not just any old post....oh no, no, no. Today, ladies (and gentlemen) we have a celebrity in the house...an extremely, swoon-a-liscious, make-you-weak-at the-knees-type-handsome celebrity. He's taken five minutes out of his busy filming schedule to be here today, so kick back with us and please show a warm welcome to Jake Campbell, hero of Aimee's IOS.

***

Welcome Jake, it's lovely to have you here today. So pleased you could take time out of your schedule to join us folks **flutters eyelashes his way** Firstly, let’s have an icebreaker. Tell us something about yourself that you have never revealed to anyone else before.

Anything for a pretty lady. *winks* I hate that my parents called me Jacob, makes me feel old before my time.

You have two brothers...are you a 'family' person?

I love my brothers, and not just because they’re all the family I have left. Lately all we do is argue, but that doesn’t change how I feel about them.

How does it feel to be one of the world's hottest playboys and best known actors? Pressure much to keep on top of the fake tan and six pack abs....oh yeah we noticed! ;-)

Playboy, really? I see myself as more of a lover of all things beautiful and women are.  Aww, what a sweetie! No, I work out because it’s a great stress reliever. And hadn’t you noticed? We’re in Brazil. *smirks* Tan’s real sweetheart.

If you're not watching your figure (it's ok, we'll do that for you) what is your favourite food/meal? Italian, Greek, French, English.....

Food is a pleasure, and I love it all. But if I had to choose my favourite I’d pick a full English breakfast with all the trimmings. My brothers and I looked forward to mum’s every Sunday.  A guy after our own hearts.

Now, what everyone wants to know....what were your first thoughts (and feelings) when you first laid eyes on the lovely Caitlyn Hart? **be honest now**

Honestly? I figured she’d be like all the other actresses I’ve met—a queen complete with the tiara. But there’s something about a fiery redhead that makes a man burn, if you know what I mean? And I soon learned Caitlyn isn’t a diva.

And what was your initial reaction when you learned that you would be acting out a love scene in this particular movie/job?

I’ve shot so many I can’t count, but I’ll admit the thought of getting between the sheets with Caitlyn…erm…let’s just say I was worried about making an ass of myself.

You have taken Caitlyn on some romantic trips/picnics....would you consider yourself a hopeless romantic?

Hell, no. Caitlyn is shy and amazing. She deserves to be treated with respect and that’s all I’m doing. I may be tarnished as a playboy but I care about the women I’m seeing, no matter how briefly. **Melts!**

Okay, interrogation over now Just a few fire round questions for fun.

Do you have any tattoos and if yes, where?

No. I could never decide where or what to get.

What star sign are you?

Libra

What's your favourite colour and why?

Red. Um, well, that might be a recent development that requires analysis.

What film did you last watch?

Die Hard. Sean has the box set and I needed some guy time. “Yippe ki-yey, motherfucker”

If you couldn't be an actor, what would you like to do instead?

I’ve always wanted to be an actor, but had to run my father’s engineering supply company for a few years. They’re all I know and if my career ended and I was ever short of cash, guess I’d have to go back to being a director. Not my first choice, by a mile.

What shoe size are you? (Yep, you know what they say about men's shoe sizes....)

Darlin’, mine are a twelve. Take from that what you will. **Giggles like a love struck school girl**

Lastly, can we get just a teeny weeny flash of those famous abs....pretty please?

*faux sigh* The things I do to please a woman. (Stands and strips off shirt). **Phwoar!** Take it from me ladies, its a damn fine sight from where I'm sitting.

Jake, you have been a brilliant sport, thank you so much.

Thank you, sweetheart. It has been a pleasure.

To learn more about Jake and Caitlyn, you can purchase your copy of Isle of Sensuality from the links below...

Beachwalk Press
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
All Romance Ebooks
Bookstrand
Kobo

You can contact Aimee on these links:

http://www.aimeeduffy.co.uk/
http://pinterest.com/aimeeduffyx/
https://twitter.com/AimeeDuffyx


'Til next time
Sam :-)
X

Guest blogger and writing royalty, Raven McAllan is with us today...(**Bows down**)

Eeeeek!!! I'm very excited BECAUSE, today I have the wonderful (somewhat raunchy! Wink, wink) Raven McAllan on my blog. That's right, I have a writing celebrity here on my little ol' blog! This has been a long time coming and I'm so happy that I finally have her here....So with further ado, its over to the lady herself....Take it away Raven.

What's in a name?

Vowels, consonants, a capital letter. What else?

Emotions, pictures, memories.

And?

Actually, that’s up to you, the reader.

Intrigued? Interested? Turned off?

That is what I mean.

A name of a house, a street, a book, or a character. Each and every one of us will have a different reaction to it. Even the label you put on something or someone will be different. (think the old terrorist or freedom fighter tags.) What you decide is relevant, is your opinion, not necessary the one of the man—or woman—next door. Or even the man on the Clapham Omnibus. (If you're not of a certain age, you might need a search engine for that.)

Which in a convoluted way is me asking you, do you have names of people or places, that turn you off. Or book titles that make you think yuk, not for me. Because names and titles are such personal things aren't they?

I may love a name for my hero. It might make you want to puke because it's the name of the guy who dumped you for your best friend. Or your dad. (I can't read about a sexy hero with my dad's name.)
Can you get round that? Because after all there's a hell of a lot of guys called Pete or Arthur or something. Just as some people might want to live in Acacia Avenue and others wouldn't touch it with a barge pole. Subjective every time.

I've been accused in the past of not giving a detailed enough description of my hero or heroine. In my case that's deliberate. I don't base my characters on movie stars or rock singers or whatever. Very early on someone said to me, they nearly didn't read a book of mine because the guy on the cover reminded her of X and she hated X. It made me think.

I don't go to that extreme, but I do like to make my own mind up about the characters when I read a book. Give me hair and eye color, height and weight, and let me add all the little nuances.
So take Ruari and Seb in Teaching Teacher. You'll know their general features, however then you can decide if they resemble Brad Pitt or Joe Manganiello, or even the guy on the tube opposite you.
If you want Ruari or Seb…

Here's the blurb about their story—

Finding love in a new town had not been in Seb's plans.
But life has a tendency to throw you curveballs – like Ruari.
When the new head teacher walks into his bar, Ruari knows he has to have him, and damn the consequences. When lust turns to love, nothing else matters. Together they will overcome, no matter what. Or will circumstances drive them apart?


And a wee tease—

Ruari's head was spinning, his arms were stiff, his cock ached, and he wanted to be alone with Seb. It seemed like hours, but was probably no more than forty-five minutes, before he judged they could leave his bar staff to finish off. He swung behind
the bar, grabbed a surprised Seb, and kissed him full on the lips. Cheers and catcalls sounded from the people around the bar.
"You." He finished off with a squeeze to Seb's ass, "are a fucking star. Definitely, a fucking star."
"Too much info boss." Dave was smirking at him.
Oh fucking shit. He realized where he was. Bollocks and buggery and any other appropriate epithets. How the hell was he going to sort this monumental cock-up out? He chanced a look at Seb's expression, and sighed inwardly with relief. Seb was laughing.
"Feet. Mouth into?" Seb asked him.
He nodded. "As Ever. Okay we're finished here. Coffee?"
Seb nodded. Kizzy, who had walked up to them unnoticed made a face, and sniggered. "That is the most pathetic euphemism I've heard boss. Coffee. Hah!" She carried on past them, still sniggering.
"Gotcha there, Boss." Dave patted him on the back. "Take yourself off for er coffee. Don't forget the Swiss roll with it."
"Hells bells." Ruari almost pushed Seb through the door and into the stairwell of his flat. "Are you sure you still want to take a chance on me. I shouldn't be let out without a keeper. And my lips sealed."
Seb pulled him tightly towards his body. Cock found cock and reacted in the best possible way. "Oh, you're not reneging now, boss man." Seb moved so his cock surged upwards. "All that is so easily arranged."
"Huh?" He was so caught up in the sensations of Seb hard against him, he’d lost the thread of the conversation.
"Lips sealed and a keeper. I'll be happy to be in change of all that. Soon,” Seb said.
"Okay, so, first we have coffee?"
Seb smiled and squeezed Ruari's arm. "Coffee, where's your car?"

***

You can find out all about me on… www.ravenmcallan.com
And you can purchase Teaching Teacher from...

Breathless press
Amazon uk
Amazon com
Book strand 

Thanks for stopping by Raven and goodluck with Teaching Teacher!


Til' next time!

Sam :-)

Today, we're on the beach with Téa Cooper

I'm really excited to have the talented Téa Cooper here at my somewhat chilly, (-2 degrees at the moment) UK blogspot!

Hi Téa! Great to have you here today. Huge congratulations on your latest book, Tree Change. Now I don’t want to get myself a reputation for making all of my guests tipsy on alcoholic beverages, but can I offer you a small virtual tipple or two? It is the festive season and all.

Thank you – I wouldn’t say no to a glass of champagne especially as it’s so hot in Australia this summer!

Let's start off with an introduction to your book...
Why not – it makes a change…Tree Change?

Forced to choose between the world she wants and the man she loves, Cassia opts for fame and fortune. But it's not enough—one taste and she's hooked again…

Despite her success in the Sydney art world Cassia yearns for the idyllic life she once lead with Jake in their shack over looking the Pacific Ocean. Seeking closure she falls, like a recovering addict, straight back into his arms, and out again equally quickly. Not only has he his taken up with his brother's wife but it seems they have a child.

Truth is Jake is living a lie, sworn to secrecy and hamstrung by a promise. Cassia’s fey, artistic character and magical body possess his imagination and his heart. Can he convince her to trust him long enough to save the crumbling remains of their relationship?

Enjoy that teaser? Stay tuned as there will be a chance to win an electronic copy of Tree Change.

I love to learn a bit more about the author when I do an interview, so can you tell us a little about yourself, if you’d be so kind.

Where to start…born in UK, lived and worked in India, travelled South East Asia and ended up in Australia and never went ‘home’. The sunshine and high Australian sky sucked me in. I always wanted to write fiction – I’ve been a journalist, editorial assistant, teacher, alpaca and protea farmer and finally I’m doing what I always wanted to do. 


How did the first ideas for Tree Change come about and how long did it take to write the first draft?

The beach where Cassia and Jake lived is one of my favourite beaches. It’s called Pearl Beach, on the NSW Central Coast. I wrote the opening chapters there and submitted them to New Voices 2011. I hadn’t finished the story and had no idea where it would go but Cassia and Jake took over and Breathless Press offered me a contract in June 2012.


Cassia, your heroine and Jake, your hero…can you tell us a little more about them?


Cassia and Jake are a match made in heaven before the beginning of the story but circumstances get in their way. Cassia is a successful artist – sculptor, and Jake is an environmentalist, a greenie. Cassia has to move to the city to make a name for herself and she doesn’t expect Jake to take off with his brother’s wife, Madeleine and father her child….


I adore your cover art. Did you have much say with it?


I had to describe the characters but the wonderfully talented Victoria Miller at Breathless Press is responsible for the artwork. I am in awe of her ability to read my mind – the couple are Cassia and Jake before, after and always.


Did you decide on the title, Tree Change or did you have some input from elsewhere?

It was originally called The Shack – the name of Cassia and Jake’s beach house but somewhere along the line it became Tree Change. Something to do with the panster thing I think.

What’s the meaning behind the title?


Tree Change - it’s an Australian expression and is explained in the story. Sea Change is when you toss in your city life and move to the beach and Tree Change when you toss in your city life and move to the bush (countryside) Cassia and Jake did it a bit differently but you’ll have to read the book to find out!!


What’s your favourite and least favourite thing about being a writer?


Favourite is meeting the characters and having their story spring to life. Least favourite would have to be the business side. I’m a garret kind of person – I’d rather just write the stories not deal with the real world!


Are you a plotter or pantser?


I started out a panster and have become more of a plotter as time has gone on but my characters tend to take over and change the ending.

I plotted everything into oblivion for NaNoWriMo and Entangled Smackdown in November and still Matilda took over – she didn’t tell me the whole story until nearly the end! (Matilda’s Madness is the sequel to Lily’s Leap. They are both Australian historical romances. Lily’s Leap will be released in May 2013.)


Print or E-reader?


Print really I have hundreds of books, in fact I’ve just turned the garage into a library but the convenience of an e-reader….

I like to throw a random question out there once in a while....If you could have a BBQ on Pearl Beach with three guests (absolutely anyone - alive/deceased/human/you name it!) who would they be? 

My grandfather, Poppy (the dog) and my best friend, Caro.

Lastly, what is the best piece of ‘writing’ advice that has been given to you…

Start the story where your character’s life changes – a rather bad paraphrase from Liz Fielding’s Little Book of Writing Romance.

***

Excerpt

She dismissed his words with a wave of her hand, but her eyes betrayed her. He knew her too well. The burn of hurt behind their velvety depths had nothing to do with the here and now, but everything to do with the past. His fault? Lyle's fault? No one's fault? Just circumstance.

"I need answers, and I need them now. I can't go on like this. Either we are together or we are not. You have to make a choice: Madeleine or me. I can't be a convenience you can pick up and put down as the mood takes you."

"My feelings for you, Cass, are a million things but convenience isn't one of them." He shook his head in sorrowful disbelief. How could she not recognize the bond they had?

"Madeleine?" Her raised eyebrows challenged him.

"Right now I can't explain what happened with Madeleine, but her safety is paramount."

Her body shuddered as if she was trying to lift a great weight. What was he doing to her? Madeleine, Madeleine, always Madeleine. "I can't do this again, Jake. I need to go home." Jake slipped her cardigan over her frail shoulders and then stepped back to allow her to lead the way past the bar and up the narrow stairs to street level.

He unlocked the car door and held it open. Her skirt caught on the ribbons of her espadrille and, as he leaned down to untangle them, she flinched. Closing her door with exaggerated care he walked around to the driver's door and let himself in. He clicked his seat belt into its clasp before he twisted the key in the ignition. The engine sprang to life, and he pulled out into the darkened street.

"You have to trust me, Cass. I know it is difficult, but you just have to trust me and wait. Everything will be sorted out soon."

Her sigh filled the car. "Jake, I can't. How can I? I've tried and look where we've ended up. Me in Sydney, and you living with your brother's girlfriend."

"Wife," he corrected, regretting the word the moment it left his lips.

Ok, peeps, Téa has kindly agreed to give away an electronic copy of 'Tree Change' to one of you lucky folk! All you have to do is comment on this post.... Téa will then pick a winner by random in 5 days time. 

You can find Téa here, here and here...

Website  

Facebook 

Twitter 

Pinterest 

Email: teacooperauthor@gmail.com

And you can purchase Tree Change from:

Amazon UK

Amazon Com

Breathless Press

Lovely to have you over here, Téa! All the very best with 'Tree Change'. I'm sure it will be a huge hit. Now, I need to get saving so I can visit Pearl Beach and maybe join you for a BBQ one day! :-) 

'Til next time! 

Sam 

:-)

X 

Sharing the festivities with Zara Stoneley

GOOD ENOUGH TO SHARE (Good Enough, Part 1 - Christmas)

One Christmas, four friends - will they still be together by New Year?  Divorce wasn’t part of the plan for Holly, but then again nor was spending the festive period with two sexy men and Santa’s little helper! With a disastrous marriage behind her, and three good friends who are willing to share, moving on could be fun – if only she can accept that sometimes her heart is wiser than her head.  Dane doesn’t do commitment, which suits Holly just fine. But when things heat up between the four friends, he’s forced to face up to his past. Will realising he’s good enough mean he no longer wants to share…? Laid back Charlie knows that if his best friend becomes his lover he could end up losing big time. But can he resist? And when the girl he once loved comes back, who will he decide to spend the New Year with? …And Sophie just wants to have fun. She’s got the answers to everyone's problems, except her own …. is she the one who needs good friends most of all? Will a caring, sharing, lust and love filled Christmas lead to the happy ever after they all desire? WARNING - Christmas may never seem the same again!

Has this festive teaser warmed your cockles? Thought so! Well, hold tight and make yourself a snowball because there is MORE to come!


Hi Zara!
A warm, Christmassy, jingle-bells welcome to you! It’s great to finally have you over here at my blog.  Make yourself comfy. Tea, coffee? Or an alcoholic beverage? The bar is just down the hall and on the left! Chink Chink. (Tis' the season to be merry...I mean jolly, after all!)

Hi Samantha, Well normally I’d say it’s a bit early to drink, but it is Christmas after all! Bucks fizz would set me up for the day. Cheers! 

So, lets kick this off…. firstly tell us all a little bit about yourself…. 

I actually don’t like talking about myself, but seeing as it’s you!  I've always wanted to be a writer – I submitted my first novel, a thriller, when I was twelve years old. I sent it direct to a publisher (ignorance can be bliss), with a handwritten note and no return postage! I had a lovely letter in response encouraging me to try again. As I hit my mid teens my writing tastes shifted from action to romance, and I was soon addicted to alpha heroes, and what could be better than writing about them? So I had another go. I started off writing contemporary romance with a bit sizzle, and then discovered I like hot and erotic too, so my Susie side writes hot romance and my Zara persona gets much naughtier!

My days are now spent daydreaming, and writing, about good looking, well built men who know what they want and know how to get it, men who know the meaning of sensual and put a girl's needs before their own... men who have a sensitive side (for your eyes only) as well as a rough edge...men who love women for what they are... men who aren't afraid to take on an intelligent, sassy woman.... And I try to fit a day job in too! I've had an exciting and varied life, which feeds into my stories... I've got an Honours degree in Computer Science ...a teenage son... a cat...a cottage in the English countryside...and my own sexy alpha hero!

Congratulations on the release of your new book, ‘Good Enough’. Where did the idea for this saucy little number come from? 

Well… you know how we’re always told Christmas is for sharing? I thought I’d push the meaning a bit and share more than the presents! But I also wanted to keep other festive themes in there, like family, and giving, looking after each other…  But I think Christmas is a time when we often take stock and think about what people really mean to us, and who and what is important in our lives – so that’s what is at the heart of the story.

How long has it taken you to write? And have you enjoyed writing a story specific the christmas period?

Erm, now there’s a question… I think it took 2 months. It was fun to write – the story is very much about the characters, with Christmas as a backdrop – an excuse to chill out and have fun!

You have four central characters in ‘Good Enough’… indulge us in a little unknown something about each of them. (The hottie on your cover – phwoar! I wouldn’t mind sharing him. Hehe!)

Hehe, sorry I can’t share my hottie at the moment, he’s mine!! Oh, okay you can have him on Boxing Day after I’ve worn him out! Dane is the guy on the cover, a real alpha hero who would love to find the woman he fancies tied to his bed one day (any volunteers?!). Holly was the school geek and thinks she’s still too boring, until someone unlocks the naughty side of her (bit like me, hehe). Charlie is actually quite posh, but is trying to run away from it and be normal… he’s a real softy, with a tough streak when he’s going after what he wants. And Sophie ran away from her upsetting home life, but it was actually more than that, she has her secrets… involving a man… whoops have to stop there – that’s in the next book! Sorry. You seem to have a knack for dragging my secrets from me Samantha – must be this Bucks Fizz!

Where do you do your writing?  Computer or old-fashioned handwriting?

I plan on paper – just can’t do it on my laptop, I need to be able to see all my scribbled notes. I write the story directly onto my laptop, but if I’m having problems with a scene I have to print it out and scrawl all over it (then find I can’t read my handwriting!).

What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome during your writing career to date?

Time and money! I love writing, at the moment I have so many projects on the go, but have to work part-time. I will be so happy when I’m making enough money to spend all day with my characters.

Any pearls of wisdom you can share with us aspiring folk?

Consider alternatives, try anything. This time last year I was writing contemporary romance aimed purely at M&B, and mimicking the writing style of their existing authors. It wasn’t until I tried something completely different, aimed at a different publisher, that I found my ‘voice’. I know erotic romance isn’t for everyone, but I just found a genre that came naturally for me – I also want to go back to thriller type stories and I now feel braver about trying different things! Write what you love (which isn’t necessarily what you read), and let the real you come out.

So, with just over three weeks left until the big day….what are your plans for Christmas this year? Are you ready for it?

Eek *runs away and hides* don’t say it’s only three weeks!! My OH very kindly invited the whole family over here for Christmas Day – and I’m now living in a small cottage so it’s going to be a cosy old-fashioned affair! I do love seeing all the family on the day, but I’m not ready for it. I’ve only got as far as buying cards and ‘thinking’ about presents!

As promised, Zara's kindly showed us a sneaky peak from her book - where Dane's Christmas fantasy looks like it might just come true!

I was turned on something rotten. And I felt mildly ridiculous, if that’s possible. And I didn’t know which feeling was winning. But one thing I did know was that Sophie had gone and the bang of the door meant that Dane was back and I hoped to God he was on his own.

There was a click which I was sure was the door to the boot room opening, then excited yapping. Shit, don’t let them out, don’t let them up here. I closed my eyes and tried to shut out the image of ten tons of Irish Wolfhound crashing on to the bed, following by hysterical yapping terrier and the nervous whippet diving under the covers. Shit, shit, shit. Nervous tension flooded my body and I pulled against the ties, no way was I getting out of this. No escape. Being tied to the bed had seemed, momentarily, like a good idea. Well, the way Sophie had sold it had made it irresistible. Now Sophie had gone, and Dane was back it seemed fucking stupid. Particularly her finishing touches of a blindfold and gag. Okay, it was loose, but I couldn’t exactly yell out a warning and tell him to go away again until I got rescued.

My scalp tingled as I heard a creak, the bottom step. No pattering of tiny doggie footsteps, thank the fuck for that. Then another creak. Oh. My. God. What was I doing here? A squeak which could have been the door opening, then silence. My ears were doing their best to prick up so I could hear more, but it wasn’t working. All I could hear was my own uneven breathing, and the pounding of blood in my ears.

“Well, fuck me.” His voice was so low, so deep, so unexpectedly close it made me start and every tiny hair on my body prickle to attention. Not a good look I’m sure. And fucking him wasn’t quite the idea, not yet. I swallowed hard and my sex gave a little involuntary squeeze. There was another heavy footstep and I knew he must be at the foot of the bed.

I jumped, well my whole body did, when his hand came down on my naked skin and the low chuckle made me want to moan, except it was more of a strangled groan given the gag. He rubbed the large capable hand round on my stomach, his rough fingertips sending little sparks straight through my skin and into my bloodstream.

“I thought Christmas came but once a year.” And as he spoke he loosened the gag with one hand and before I had time to draw breath his sweet, sweet lips came down on mine. He tasted of beer, and burger, of mustard, tomato and hops and it should have made me retch, but it was heaven. I reached up to hold his head, to prolong the kiss, well I tried to reach up but my bound wrists stopped the movement abruptly and his lips briefly twitched into a smile at my little grunt of frustration.

His tongue skated along the outside of my teeth, along the tops of them, explored my mouth and then circled around my own tongue as though inviting me to play. So I did. And as my tongue met his the warmth of his hand stroked down my side from chest to hip, straight over the erogenous zone I call my waist and I took a sharp intake of breath, my teeth closing around the tip of his tongue.

PHEW! Somebody open a virtual window in here. :-)

Thanks for stopping by and I wish you the biggest success with ‘Good Enough’ Zara. It sounds like a HOT read that will no doubt steam up the windows during this chilly season. It'll certainly be on my to read list over the christmas period! (Reckon you could fit Dane into my stocking....?)

Thank you so much for having me here. Have a wonderful Christmas and thanks for kicking off the Christmas festivities for me! (Any more of that bubbly going?) **Tops you up.** Bottoms up, love!

You can find Zara and 'Good Enough' here, here and here...

Amazon(UK), Amazon (US) (It’s free on 4th, 5th, 6th Dec!!)
Where to find me - Website - http://www.zarastoneley.com Blog – http://zarastoneley.blogspot.com
Twitter - @zarastoneley
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/zarastoneley 
Amazon author page – http://amazon.com/author/zarastoneley

Divorce parties and Portuguese footballers....Jen's in da house!

Today I'm really excited and honoured to introduce a friend AND one of the top three 'So You Think You Can Write' contestants...Jennifer Drogell!

The other week, Jen was tagged in Ruchita's Next Big Thing Blog' hop and she wanted to participate, however had there was one teeny tiny problemo....her blog/website is under construction and outta use for the moment! So naturally, in kind, romance writer (aspiring I should say) fashion, I offered her a little patch of my cosy and hospitable blog spot so she could still share her awesome story with you all. I love visitors, so without further ado, please give a warm, hearty, British welcome....over to the lady herself... 

***

Q. What is the working title of your next book? 
The Divorce Party.

Q. From where did the idea come? 
I read a story on the front page of a newspaper about a Manhattan billionaire who threw a million dollar divorce party to celebrate his amicable split from his wife and it blew my mind. Who would do that? Apparently not just them as Katy Perry and Russell Brand have just announced they are doing the same in Vegas!


Q. Under which genre does your book fall? 
Contemporary romance.


Q: Which actors would you choose to play the part of your hero/heroine? 

Not so much an actor for Ricardo, I modelled him after one of the members of the Portugese men’s soccer team in a photo of them walking through an airport in Armani suits that literally sent my office into a tailspin for about a week :) It was called ‘Why Portugal Should Win The World Cup’. Ricardo is Italian not Portugese – but whatever ;) (Ricardo is on the far right). Ashley Greene would make a good Lilly.

Q. What is a one sentence synopsis of your book? 
Ok I’m cheating – 3 sentences. Lilly and Ricardo De Campo were once New York’s golden couple. But a billionaire wine magnate and an Iowa farm girl were never going to make it long-term. Now Ricardo is suggesting they toast their break with a divorce party guaranteed to set tongues wagging!

Q. Will you self-publish or be represented by an agent? 
My goal is to be published by Harlequin/Mills & Boon. I’ve submitted this story to Harlequin/Mills & Boon’s So You Think You Can Write global writing competition and have been named a top 3 Finalist. My fingers are crossed! You can read the first chapter here -http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/manuscripts-sytycw-2012/the-divorce-party/. My Pinterest board is at -http://pinterest.com/jendrogell/the-divorce-party/


Q. How long did it take to write the first draft? 
About nine weeks.


Q: With which books within your genre would your story compare? This book is the first in a trilogy about three brothers, or sisters, I’m not sure yet! Maybe all. I would say Sandra Marton’s stories are a big inspiration as she’s always written stories about brothers particularly that have been some of my all-time favourites.

Q: Who or what inspired you to write this book? 
That story in the paper started it for me, but then the characters took over and just ran away with the story. I always have to write the first chapter to ‘write’ myself into a book, then I plot it out.


Q: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? 
I really wanted to explore the very explosive and controversial topic of infidelity in the book. Is it ever okay? Is there ever any justification for it? Can you ever forgive and forget? Should you? I’m a big believer that if you haven’t walked in someone’s shoes you can’t know how you’d react.

Thanks Sam for the warm welcome! So happy to be here and get a chance to talk about The Divorce Party.
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Thanks, Jen! Your story sounds fab and phew, Ricardo is certainly a hottie and I can see why he threw your office into a tiz! Good luck with 'The Divorce Party', I'm sure it's going to be a major hit. Please come back and see us here soon for an update and a cuppa!

'Til next time.

Sam :-) 
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The Next Big Thing....

A few weeks back I was tagged by Evangeline to participate in The Next Big Thing blog hop. I really had good intentions to partake but time seemed to just carry me away into a parallel universe....okay, maybe that's a bit extreme...but you know what I mean, time just ran away with me. So, last week, the lovely Ruchita tagged me once again and this time I managed to wing my way back to the Earth's orbit and grab a few minutes to answer the TNBT Q's! (Or in other words, sit down quietly for half an hour whilst the kids nap!)Here goes....

Q. What is the working title of your next book?

The Venancio's Revenge (but it's possible it will change).

Q. From where did the idea come?

Umm, good question. Honestly, I'm not too sure. My head, but inspiration wise, I have no idea! After seeing Rio and favelas in a few films and having always wanted to visit there, I decided to write a story that included these things. I am also a huge fan of strong heroines and Alpha males, modern/contemporary/presents type stories, revenge plots and surprise pregnancies, so wanted to somehow incorporate it all into one great story! 

Q. Under which genre does your book fall?

Contemporary romance. 

Q: Which actors would you choose to play the part of your characters for a movie?

Daniella would be played by Natalie Portman and Luca by Eduardo Verastegui. These two are EXACTLY how I envisage D & L in my head. Luca is the ultimate alpha male and isn’t afraid to use his money and authority to get him through life. He believes he is well controlled until he reunites with Daniella who gradually softens his harsh demeanor with the truth. Daniella is strong in every sense and understanding of the word. She can appear shy and feeble but ultimately she is the strength of the relationship   my Pinterest board if you'd like to check out more pics of D & L and the settings etc...Pinterest

   

Q. What is a one sentence synopsis of your book?

Hmm...that's a really tough one, synopsis's are a weak spot, but here goes....

Brazilian tycoon, Luca Venancio is returning to Rio to have revenge against his once fiance, now widowed and pregnant sister in law, Daniella, but will it be too late to save their relationship when she reveals the true reason for her actions?
   

Q. Will you self-publish or be represented by an agent?

I have no idea at the moment! Will wait and see...but I am really hoping to submit to a publisher and go via that route. 

Q. How long did it take to write the first draft?

I'm still going after 2 and half years! (Don't laugh!) What with work, children, family, etc etc etc it hasn't always been possible to write as often as I would have liked to but I've been determined to finish it, however long it took! The first draft is complete, now I'm just sending piece by piece to the lovely freelance editor, Annie Seaton to work her magic and help polish it up from a rough stone to a bright, shiny diamond (I hope!)

Q: With which books within your genre would your story compare?

Although it uses several stereotypical tropes of pregnancy, revenge and reunited lovers,(oh yes, I've been doing my blog reading, peeps), I'm hoping my story is as unique as possible and not compared to any? But I do believe it fits neatly in amongst the genre of contemporary romances perfectly.

Q: Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I have always loved to read any genre, but especially romance. Seeing brilliant authors like Jane Porter and Jennie Lucas weave such beautiful and emotive stories that offered true escapism, I instantly knew that was what I wanted to do. I wanted (want) to make people feel exactly how I had felt when reading their stories and be able to pass on that experience. I have always wanted to put pen to paper (or fingers to keys!) but never seemed to have the time (poor excuse, I know!) So, I bit the bullet one day after my twins were born I thought I'm just going to start and see where it leads me....So far the journey has been great! I have met some fantastic, lovely and extremely supportive people along the way, majority of the thanks goes to the wonderful power of Facebook and Twitter for allowing this happen. 

Q: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Well, there is jet setting (Luca's private jet, OBVIOUSLY!) across the globe between Rio and New York...Vibrant locations whisking you away from the day to day, including the Rio carnival, Sugar Loaf Mountain and slinky Gala events. If you enjoy intensely romantic stories, which have you rooting for the heroine and initially despising but ultimately loving the alpha,  I'm positive you will like The Venancio's Revenge!

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about my WIP, characters and inspirations! For next week, I am tagging...

Faith Thomas 

Aurelia B Rowl

Gabrielle Battistel

Susie Medwell 

Louise Rose-Innes


'Til next time!

Sam :-)

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