An Interview with Mei Lee Wong - with PRIZES!

Yesterday Totally Bound released my newest story, Her Secret Ingredient, as part of their What's Her Secret imprint. I'm celebrating all weekend! Today I have an interview with the intrepid heroine of the tale, Mei Lee “Emily” Wong. Tomorrow I'll be treating you to my 100^th Sunday Snog, excerpted from the same story. Leave a comment on either or both posts and I'll enter you into a grand giveaway. You could win one of the following prizes:

• >> Book pack of two autographed print books – Master Me anthology and Cream anthology
• >> Autographed print copy of the Switch anthology
• >> Ebook version of my classic first novel, Raw Silk

By the way, if you buy Her Secret Ingredient directly from Totally Bound, you'll get my exclusive bonus chapter – which is, in my opinion, the hottest part of the story!

Anyway, let's get on with the interview.

Lisabet Sarai: Welcome to Beyond Romance, Ms. Wong.

Mei Lee Wong: Please, call me Emily. All my friends do, and I should think you of all people would count among that number. And feel free to ask me any questions you like. After all, it's just us girls here, right?

LS: Thanks, Emily! To start with, I'd like to know why you decided to come to the U.S. You had a plum job as head chef at The Belvedere, which I understand is one of the most famous French restaurants in Hong Kong. Why give that up?

MW: Well, I'm only on leave at the moment. I'm not the sort to burn my bridges. Originally, I was just invited to do a couple of guest spots with the Tastes of France channel, a matter of four to six weeks. I didn't know I'd be offered a season contract.

LS: But you must have had hopes.

MW: Going international had its attractions. Hong Kong is a pretty small island (laughs). I figured that appearing with the renowned Etienne Duvalier on American television was pretty certain to help my career, regardless of the long term possibilities. And once I got a look at Etienne...

LS: Yes?

MW: You've watched his show, haven't you? Or at least seen him on YouTube? He's sophisticated, charming and oh – so attractive! His accent melts me like butter on a griddle, and his butt... Can I talk about his ass here?

LS: Sure. There are no heat limits at Beyond Romance!

MW: He's got these round, muscular buttocks – well, you get the picture. And he dresses impeccably, in tailored slacks that make the most of his assets. (Chuckles.) Sorry!

LS: So you had the hots for the network head even before you arrived in San Francisco?

MW: Let's just say that his good looks provided me with additional motivation to accept the network's offer.

LS: Did he live up to your expectations?

MW: He's just as gorgeous in person as on the screen. But he's not the easiest person to please.

LS: I've heard he has a reputation for being a bit arrogant and critical.

MW: He's a perfectionist about everything, most especially food – and a diehard traditionalist. According to Etienne, there's just one way to cook French dishes. He actually called my fusion recipes “sacrilege”.

LS: I gather you managed to win him over, though.

MW: With a little help from my “secret”!

LS: And what about Harry Sanborne?

MW: Ah, Harry! (looks dreamy for a moment)

LS: Yes? What's going through your mind, Emily?

MW: Sorry, just remembering the first time Harry and I … well, you know.

LS: An accident, as I recall.

MW: A most fortuitous accident! Sometimes I think my grandmother's Wise Ones are looking out for me – even when I make dumb decisions, things work out. I'm very fortunate.

LS: It's not all luck. Don't play down your talents.

MW: Oh, come on! I'm not the type to be humble. I know I'm talented, in cooking and in other areas. I'm the youngest person in Michelin's history to serve as head chef at a three start restaurant - not to mention one of the only women. But I don't always think things through... Sometimes I'm too much swayed by my heart.

LS: And what does your heart say now – about Etienne, and about Harry?

MW: My poor heart is very confused. Harry saved my reputation and my career, and despite his rather nerdy appearance, he's a fabulous lover. And there's definitely something more than just sex between us. He says he loves me, and I'm pretty sure I feel the same.

Still, there's something that draws me to Etienne as well... a sort of vulnerability under his imperturbable facade.

LS: Maybe you can have them both.

MW: Do you think so? I suppose that's up to you – you're the author.

LS: Just wait until the next book, Emily!

Get your copy of Her Secret Ingredient today!

Don't forget to leave a comment (with your email address, please!) and enter my grand giveaway!