By
Sadira Stone (Guest Blogger)
Until
recently, I was one of those
readers--literary snobs who look
down their noses at romance for the usual stupid reasons: too corny,
too predictable, too fluffy. Then I read a few online articles about
how fun and lucrative writing erotica can be. I thought, what the
heck? Let's try.
I
have never had so much fun with a writing project! My first steamy
romance, Through the Red Door, nearly
wrote itself, though it damned sure didn't edit itself. I've totally
immersed myself in the world of romance, gobbling books like popcorn,
filling my ears with romance podcasts, and joining the Romance
Writers of America. From skeptic to romance mega-fan in two short
years, I’m totally addicted to passionate, heartfelt stories with
happy endings.
Why
set the series in a bookshop? Ever since I was a wee lass, I dreamed
of owning one. Add to that my fascination with historical erotic art
and literature, and you’ve got the Book Nirvana series, set in an
indie bookshop with an extensive erotica collection behind a locked
red door.
I
love stories in which a couple’s powerful physical attraction leads
them to consider a partner outside their usual M.O.—one who just
might turn out to be their perfect match. That’s how it happened
for my husband and me, and my romance fiction contains that element.
I
sort of pulled the setting out of a hat. I wanted to set my series in
a college town. I’d heard that Eugene, home of the University of
Oregon, has a lively arts scene and a rich counterculture legacy from
the hippie era. After much online research, correspondence, and hours
on Google Earth, I finally made the trip. Eugene is even lovelier
than I’d imagined. Kate Rock, a resident author, kindly shared her
knowledge of the city’s history and the flavor of the different
neighborhoods. I look forward to many return trips.
Blurb
High
school history teacher Doug Garvey is trying to enjoy his last few
weeks of summer vacation, but receiving his final divorce decree hits
him harder than expected. After a brief fling fizzles, he fears love
just isn't in the cards for him. If only he could find someone who's
real, someone interested in something beyond herself…maybe a new
running partner who can keep up with his more carnal appetite. When
sexy, straight-talking Laurel runs across his path, he dares to hope
again.
He's
done with social-climbing posers...she's ambitious and has big
dreams.
Fired
from an art gallery, Laurel Jepsen shelves her pursuit of an art
career in San Francisco to help her beloved great aunt Maxie move
into assisted living. While out on a morning run, she's harassed by a
group of teens until a tall, broad-shouldered hottie steps in,
pretending to be her boyfriend with a kiss that makes her wish it
were true. But she's only passing through, not looking for a
relationship.
Their
fierce chemistry burns up the sheets—and the couch, the shower, the
forest—but falling in love would ruin everything. Laurel can't stay
in Eugene, and he can't leave. Doug's only hope is to convince her
the glittery life she's after could blind her to the opportunities
already in her path.
Excerpt
He
stepped closer, close enough to feel the heat rolling off his body.
A
flush painted his cheekbones and his long, straight nose. Exercise,
sunburn, or something more interesting?
The
air between them vibrated with tingly energy. She focused on the
floor, because looking into his face felt too dangerous.
He
moved still closer, his toes nearly touching hers. “We’re good
now?”
Her
gaze slid up from his long, muscular calves, covered with blond fuzz,
to his powerful thighs, to the impressive bulge between them, then up
his slim torso, his muscular chest, his broad shoulders, until her
gaze rested on his face.
His
lids lowered, his lips parted. As if magnetized, her fingertips
skimmed up his arm.
Stop.
She dropped her hand. “We’re good. I’m sorry, Doug. I saw
something between you two, and I jumped to the wrong conclusion.”
His
smile blossomed slowly. “I’m glad that’s all cleared up.”
Not
all, but it’s a start. Another thought, a crazy one. I could
just kiss him, right here, right now. Get it over with, see what
happens next.
Once
that seed was planted, it was as if a giant electromagnet switched
on, tugging them together. Its power hummed in her bones. Invisible
sparks crackled between them. She slid a few inches closer.
Buy
Links:
About
the Author
Ever
since her first kiss, Sadira’s been spinning steamy tales in her
head. After leaving her teaching career in Germany, she finally tried
her hand at writing one. Now she’s a happy citizen of
Romancelandia, penning contemporary romance and cozy mysteries from
her home in Washington State. When not writing, which is seldom, she
explores the Pacific Northwest with her charming husband, enjoys the
local music scene, belly dances, plays guitar badly, and gobbles all
the books. Visit Sadira at www.sadirastone.com.
I
want to hear from you!
Radio
Interview with Readers Entertainment Radio
2 comments:
Hello, Sadira,
Welcome back to Beyond Romance.
Personally, I love beta heroes. Much less predictable.
Hope the book does really well!
Thanks so much, Lisabet! I agree: IRL and on the page, I can't abide a bossy, domineering man. I prefer one who's quietly confident, sure of what he believes, and supportive of his mate.
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