Married by Monday by Catherine Bybee

Married by Monday by Catherine Bybee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
Carter Billings:
Sandy blond hair and Hollywood good looks, Carter Billings could have any woman he wants. However, when he makes his bid for the Governor's seat in the state of California, he needs to settle down and become a family man. Eliza, the woman he secretly adores, embodies the perfect amount of spice and passion to suit his marital needs, but she’s not interested in becoming Mrs. Billings. She can't even stand to be in the same room with him.

Eliza Havens:
It’s much easier to drive Carter away than to give into desire. Matching couples is how she earns a living, but getting married isn’t an option. The secrets she carries are too dangerous to entangle anyone else. When her hidden identity and past threaten her future, she’s left with little choice. Carter is quick to offer solutions to both their problems, but saying yes could mean endangering the man she’s growing to love.

Review:
Married by Monday is an amazingly well-written romance novel with mystery and suspense to boot. A definite page-turner!

Catherine has written two wonderful characters in Eliza and Carter; Eliza is such a resilient young woman and Carter is someone you will fall in love with, handsome, loyal, caring and devoted; a perfect alpha hero.

I loved the way Carter and Eliza's relation developed through the book; they were an amazing couple who stood by and supported each other. There was such depth of emotion conveyed through this book; the scene at the end when Carter comes undone was a truly heartfelt moment for me.

Married by Monday is so much more than just a 'Marriage of convenience' story, It's funny, it's emotional, it's passionate; there's high drama, a element of mystery, suspense and a heartwarming romance to tie everything together perfectly.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

Married by Monday is a HarlequinJunkie Top pick and definite must read......


View all my reviews

SPOTLIGHT & Giveaway: Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet by Kimberly Lang

Kimberly Thank You for visiting HarlequinJunkie Romance Review, I'm glad to have you here as the “Spotlight Author” this week

Tell us about Kimberly Lang....

I’m a suburban wife and mom. I eat too many jelly beans and drink too much Diet Coke. I love roller coasters but am afraid of heights. I wear very pretty, but very impractical, shoes. I am the Mouth of the South and love to talk to people about anything and everything. I own two tiaras and I’m not afraid to wear them.

Sara: Describe yourself in 3 words.

Kimberly: Trouble-making Southern Belle

Sara: What inspired you to be an author? Is it something you always aspired to be?
Kimberly: I actually wanted to be a ballet dancer, but puberty failed to deliver the required swan-like elegance. Then I got a couple of degrees in English and tried to be a teacher, but I really didn’t enjoy that much. I was late discovering that I wanted to write, but I love what I do.

Sara: What would you be doing it today if you weren’t pursuing your writing career?
Kimberly: I really don’t know. I know I wouldn’t be happy, though.

Sara: Have you ever suffered from a “writer’s block”? What did you do to get past the “block”?
Kimberly: Of course. I think every writer has a time when the words just won’t come.  Sometimes it’s something in my personal life that needs my attention, and the words come back once I work though it.  Other times, it’s really the fact that there’s something wrong with the book itself, and I have to find out and fix what that is to make the words come.

Sara: How do you conceive your plot ideas?
Kimberly: I wish I knew where the ideas came from, because then I might know where to go look for them.  I usually just find myself with a character or a scene that I like and build the book around that.  (The Power and the Glory started from the idea of an activist handcuffed to a politician. I wrote Magnate’s Mistress…Accidentally Pregnant! because I came up with what I thought would be a great first line for a book. I had to build a whole story from there.)

Sara: Which of the stories you have written to date has been the biggest challenge?
Kimberly: The Privileged and the Damned. Lily was a bad-girl heroine with a big secret. I wasn’t sure I could make it work, but I’m proud of the way it turned out.

Kimberly I have read all  3 books of the Marshall series and thoroughly enjoyed them…


Sara: Book three of the Marshall series “Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet” was just released what could you tell the readers about this book?
Kimberly: That I have a massive crush on Finn and I think it shows. J Finn was the hardest of the Marshall brothers to write, because he’s the black sheep of the family.

Sara: What sparked the idea for The Marshall series and this book in particular?

Kimberly: I’ve always wanted to write a book with a royal family, but all my books are American-set, and royals just don’t fit very well. I was watching a series on the History Channel about the Kennedys, and I realized that they were possibly one of the closest things we had in America to a royal family of our own.  The idea of the Marshalls grew from there.

Sara: How did you come up with characters for this series? Who is/are your Favorite character(s)

Kimberly: Because I’m not a plotter, the characters aren’t fully formed when I start to write. I have to write them to get to know them.  Because Finn and Brady both appear in Ethan’s book, I got to know all three bothers at the same time. As for a favorite… that’s very hard. I love them all equally but for different reasons: Lily was a challenge. Ethan was so sure of everything, I loved rocking his world. Aspyn made me laugh. Brady reminded me of a friend.  Finn was just impossible not to like and Cait was working so hard. As crazy as it sounds, The Grands just might be my favorite characters.


Sara: What were the challenges you faced in bringing this book to life?
Kimberly: Finding the right story and heroine for Finn was very difficult. He didn’t live in Virginia, and he wasn’t involved in the family business. I couldn’t put him a political situation, because that wouldn’t feel right for his character. I also couldn’t bring myself to set the book on the west coast, because part of the fun – for me, at least – in this series is the interaction of the brothers, and I’d lose that if they were on opposite coasts.  Plus, the family element is so strong, I needed the family around.  I had several false starts before I found Caitlyn, and I knew after I wrote that first scene for them that I’d found the right heroine for Finn.  Once I got the premise and the heroine, the rest of the book went pretty easily.

On a Lighter note... 

If you were stranded on an island…

Kimberly: I’d be dead in a week. I am an indoor girl who does not “rough it” in any way. 

What do you do to unwind and relax?

Kimberly: I read or veg in from of the TV with crime dramas like Criminal Minds (I have a little crush on Shemar Moore.). I also go get pedicures with my daughter for fun relaxation and mother-daughter bonding.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Kimberly: Reese Witherspoon. At least the accent would be correct.

Your favorite quotes?

Kimberly: My personal mantra comes from Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata”: “Whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the Universe is unfolding as it should.” I remind myself of that to keep me sane.

What’s the deal with 'I before E'? 

Kimberly: Beats me. If I didn’t have SpellCheck, you’d think I was illiterate.

What books/authors have influenced your writing?

Kimberly: Reading Jenny Crusie helped me find my voice. Reading Julie Cohen helped me find my niche. My friend, the fabulous Rhonda Nelson gave me faith in both.

Red or white wine?

Kimberly: Yes, please.

What is the most romantic gesture or gift you have received?

 Kimberly: My Geek packed his life into one suitcase and moved to the US to be with me.

How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?

Kimberly: We have very different interests and hobbies, so we always have something to talk about. My Geek is still the most interesting man in the world, and that’s very sexy.

Where can reader’s get in Touch with you?

Through my website at www.BookByKimberly.com, on facebook or on Twitter as @BooksByKimberly

One winner will get autographed copies of all three books in the Marshall series (The Privileged and the Damned, The Power and the Glory, and Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet) plus…
This beautiful three-piece jewelry set (made from glass pearls and crystals).

Post a comment telling us who is your Favourite Hollywood Starlet and why....

and

Email: kimberly@booksbykimberly.com with “HJ Contest” in the subject line before June 1st.  Include your name, email and shipping address.


Contest is open to readers world wide. Contest Ends: 05/31/2012

Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey

Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
Anna Frazier is used to living life at 100 mph, but being downsized out of a job in the financial industry has her permanently stalled. With nowhere to go, go, go, Anna hails a cab to her grandparents' neglected New Hampshire camp to plan her next move. It seems like a good idea—until she realizes there's no takeout to be had and the boy next door has grown into a sexy but surly recluse.

Cameron Mayfield knows he can kiss his peace and quiet goodbye when Hurricane Anna blows in. She was loud and bossy as a ten-year-old—and besides developing some attractive curves, she hasn't changed. Cam's not looking for a relationship, especially not with a woman like Anna. He nearly broke down on that road once before. So why can't he stop thinking about her?

It's not long before their sizzling attraction leads to smoking-hot kisses. But as the days get shorter, Anna must decide if she's found a new road to happiness, or just taken a detour.


Review:
Great Summer Read! Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey was such a fun read; I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face as I read this book.

Cam and Anna spent a summer together as kids; Cam remembers Anna as the kid that annoyed the hell out of him. Fast-forward a few years and Cam learns that Anna is moving into the cabin next door while she evaluates her next career move and realizes that nothings changed she still annoys the hell out of him.

Cam with his laid back attitude and charm was just adorable, while Anna with her list and hyperactive personality drove Cam Crazy. It was fun watching Anna learn to relax and unwind as the book progressed. Anna and Cam are perfect for each other, it was fun to watch them fall in love. I couldn’t help but wonder how they would work it out and get to their HEA but Shannon did an awesome job with it. This book was my first Shannon Stacey book; it’s safe to say it won’t be my last.

Slow Summer kisses was funny, heartwarming and sexy; a perfect summer read.

The banter between Cam and Anna was witty and humorous with plenty of Laugh out moments; Here are a couple of my favorite parts from the book.

 “Do you have your phone with you?” she asked. “I need you to call me.”
“No, I don’t have my phone. I’m fishing. And I’m sitting right next to you.”
“I think I have it set so it plays a certain song if you call me, but I’m not sure”
He turned his head, scowling at her. “A certain song? Which song?”
“Call me and you’ll find out…..
“whatever. If I want to call you, I’ll yell out the window.”
  

"What the hell is that you're wearing? 

It's a Yankees T-shirt. 

You're a Yankees fan." He could barely get the words out.
"Yup."
"I kissed a Yankees fan." 
“Yup. Really well, too.”
It was too late for mouthwash, so he did the next best thing and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth.
“Get off my dock.”
  

Cam: “Every time we sit on the dock, I want to strip you naked and take you right there.”
Anna: “And Yet we watch leaves float by instead”

The Good, the Bad and the Wild by Heidi Rice

The Good, the Bad and the Wild by Heidi Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
One of the Good Guys?

Nick Delisantro is famous – for scripts, for his looks, and above all for his ruthless bad-boy charm. Eva, on the other hand, has spent her life being an overlooked wallflower! Now she’s got to meet with Mr Tall, Dark and Brooding or her only chance of promotion is over…

Nick can’t stop staring at the mysterious blushing girl who’s dressed like a vixen but frozen under his gaze like a rabbit in the headlights… He can’t wait to see what’s behind the innocent front! But Nick’s about to get far more than he’d bargained for – not only does Eva have the key to his secret past, but there’s nothing more dangerously addictive than a good girl going wild


Review:
Brilliant!!! I’m not just saying this because I’m a huge fan of Heidi’s writing.“The Good, the Bad and the Wild” was truly sensational! Passionate and Steamy!

With a flawed Bad boy Hero and a goody two shoes heroine the spark were bound to fly, and boy did these two ever start a blaze…. Nick Delisantro was just De-licious with his abrasive yet caring bad boy personality and Eva was just adorable.

Eva and Nick’s journey of self discovery was poignant to read, the depth of emotion conveyed throughout this book kept me hooked and took me on a emotional roller coaster; I laughed, I teared up and fell in love with Nick and Eva. This book is now my new Favorite Heidi Rice book.

In my opinion Heidi Rice has turned epilogues it into an art form. I always look forward to reading the epilogues for a chance to catch up with old characters; In TGTBATW we get a glimpse into Ruby and Callum’s HEA. I can’t wait to read Tess’s story next.

I so thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Good, the Bad and the Wild” this book had Heart, It had passion and a wonderfully touching storyline.

A definite must read!

One Month to Become a Mum by Louisa George

One Month to Become a Mum by Louisa George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
Some things in life are worth waiting for…

Jessie Price has lost her only chance at motherhood – it’s a constant hurt, until she meets sinfully sexy single dad Dr Luke McKenzie and his gorgeous little girl. Luke’s intoxicating kisses and his daughter’s adoring hugs have Jessie longing for the impossible. But she's a temporary locum, the clock’s ticking – and there’s only a month to make all her wishes come true…

Review:
Wow! What a way to debut…. 'One Month to Become a Mum' is so well written it’s hard to imagine it’s Louisa’s debut medical novel.

“One month to become a Mum” is a great romance about second chances and over coming adversity. You will fall in love with the characters in this book; the oh so adorable and gorgeous single dad Dr Luc Mckenzie and feisty yet vulnerable Jessie Price.

This story had a good mix of humor and emotion to keep me engaged to the very end. The writing was  fresh and flirty, with witty and snappy dialogues; I couldn’t help but chuckle a few times as I read this book. I'm greedy for more…I can’t wait to read Louisa’s next release.

“One month to become a Mum” is one story you don’t want to miss.

Spotlight & Giveaway:Waking Up With His Runaway Bride by Louisa George

Today It is my Pleasure to welcome M & B Medical Series Author Louisa George to HarlequinJunkie.

Thanks for having me here!

It's my pleasure Louisa, Could you please start by telling us about your new release...

Waking Up With His Runaway Bride is my second novel, out in July 2012.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

Their make-or-break reunion...

Mim McCarthy needs to focus on saving her clinic—not her insufferable yet outrageously sexy ex Dr Connor Wiseman. He might have grown into those cheekbones, but she knows he won’t have forgiven his runaway fiancée so easily! Yet it’s impossible to deny the sparks between them – their fights used to be legendary, but their making up might be even more momentous…

Sara: What sparked the idea for your novel “Waking Up With His Runaway Bride”?

Louisa: I wanted to do a reunion story because there’s such a fabulous opportunity for emotion. I also wanted Mim, the heroine, to have to overcome some big hurdles. And boy, has she! Now she’s facing an uncertain future- the man who will decide about her business is the man she humiliated when she ran out on him three years ago. Talk about raising the stakes!

Sara: How did you come up with character in this book?

Louisa: All my characters are feisty and contemporary. Modern people in a modern world. For the heroine, Mim, I looked for determination and, above all, independence. So she is the perfect to foil to Connor who has control over her future.

Sara: How did you come up with the title?

Louisa: I didn’t. My editor and the marketing department at Harlequin did. I think it’s absolutely perfect for the story. And I love the ‘runaway bride’ bit!

Sara: What were the challenges you faced in bringing this book to life?

Louisa: This was my second book for the line. I was almost paralyzed by nerves- could I actually complete a book again? Would they like it? Was my first published book a fluke? I wrote 10 chapters in 23 days- then suffered migraines and eye strain. I learnt a lot. I CAN write more books. I need to pace myself.

Sara: Tell us about Louisa George....

Louisa: I am married and have two teenage sons (aged 14 and 15). We are originally from England, but emigrated to New Zealand ten years ago. We absolutely love our adopted homeland, but still get pangs of homesickness. I began writing about nine years ago- just dabbling here and there and very dark ‘literary’ stuff. I discovered the romance genre six years ago and haven’t looked back! I worked as a nurse for twenty years before giving it all up to write!

Sara: What inspired you to write your first book? How long did it take you to publish your first book?

Louisa: My first book was written in a whirlwind of chaos and high anxiety! I submitted the first chapter to an editor in November, then she asked to see three chapters, I sent them to her once I’d written them (a couple of weeks), then she asked for a full…this was Christmas Eve 2010. I sent the completed full to her at the end of March. So it was about 4 months to write the whole thing. By the time she offered me a contract in July 2011 I’d done four sets of revisions. From offer of publication in July 2011 to release day in March 2012 was 8 months.

Sara: Which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?

Louisa: It depends on the book! For my second book, Waking Up With His Runaway Bride I had the idea of a reunion, it started out as best friends meeting up after a long period apart, but turned into a runaway bride story as I got to know the characters better. For my third book, The War Hero’s Locked-Away Heart I used one of the minor characters from my second book.

Sara: What do you do when you are not writing?

Louisa: Zumba!  I love the Latin American beat and dancing is such fun, my perfect form of exercise. I also adore cooking and hanging out with friends and family. Of course, I also read heaps.

Sara: Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

Louisa: As I’m relatively new to writing and I published my second ever completed manuscript I don’t have a back catalogue. Everything I write is new and, hopefully, fresh. My very first attempt at a novel was woefully dark and dreary, but it had an interesting setting- The Crimean War, Florence Nightingale et al. One day I may go back and fix it up.

Sara: What are your current projects? Can you share a little of your current work with us? Is this book part of a series?

Louisa: I’m just starting book four. No title as yet. It’s about a sports doctor and a celebrity debutante. Great fun, light and flirty with a glamorous backdrop. A nice change after completing The War Hero’s Locked-Away Heart which I loved writing, but has a very deep emotional core. It even made me cry at the end!

On a lighter note

  

Sara: What is your favorite movie & song?

Louisa: Movie- Love Actually  Song- Aretha Franklin’s Say A Little Prayer For Me- our wedding dance tune.

Sara: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Louisa: I asked my kids- they said Sandra Bullock. I’ll roll with that!

Sara: Describe yourself in 3 words.

Louisa: Loyal. Determined. Fun.

Sara: Your favorite quotes?

Louisa: ‘Whether you think you can, or think you can’t- you’re right.’ Henry Ford.

We hold the power to determine our own destiny- we just have to believe in ourselves, grasp every opportunity, and create a few too.

Sara: What would your ideal career be, if you couldn't be an author?

Louisa: I was a nurse for a long time, and I loved it. But I’d like to do something glamorous- a dancer? I love watching all those X-Factor type shows- so maybe a singer in a band!

Sara: What is your writing routine?

Louisa: I work on my work-in-progress Monday-Friday 11-4pm. Outside of those hours I answer emails, do blogs, deal with the business side of things, author alterations/copyedits, research etc. I also do three Zumba classes a week from 9.30-10.30 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday). I try to leave Saturday ad Sunday for family time, but somehow writing tends to sneak in. (As does zumba….)

If you were a salad, what kind of dressing would you have?

Louisa: Caesar. Definitely.

Sara: Which super power would you like to have and why?

Louisa: Tele kinesis- moving things around with the power of the mind. You could have such fun!

Sara: What’s the deal with 'I before E'

Louisa: LOL! You tell me. I think it every time I write receive…the English language is a mess!

Sara: What books/authors have influenced your writing?

Louisa: Amy Andrews, Jodi Picoult, Catherine Mann, Jenny Crusie.

Sara: Red or white wine?

Louisa: Both! Either. Depends on the mood and what I’m eating.


Thanks  Louisa for this fun interview!

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Please enter your email in the Rafflecopter below and Post a comment telling us  "First item on your shopping list if you had "One month to become A Mum....?"

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Captive but Forbidden by Lynn Raye Harris

Captive but Forbidden by Lynn Raye Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
Public duty  
The news that wild socialite Veronica St. Germaine has cleaned up her act and stepped into her father's shoes as ruler of a Mediterranean principality creates a tabloid frenzy! But it's not just the paparazzi that are out for blood.... 
Private scandal 
Duty demands that bodyguard Rajesh Vala must protect Veronica-whatever the cost.... But Veronica has always rebelled against commands, and she isn't making Raj's job easy! He calls it safeguarding. She calls it being held captive at his beach house. Both realize that the attraction between them is inconvenient.... Veronica is forbidden, not for bedding!


Review:
Wow! This book was one hot thrilling read! Emphasis on 'Thrilling & Hot'.
This book is so different for the regular ‘Presents line’ and for that I say “hooray”. Thank You Lynn for stepping outside the box; for giving us a Women President, a Hero of Indian ethnicity and beautiful and exotic locale of Goa.

Lynne has created two multidimensional characters in Rajesh Vala and Veronica St. Germaine; these two were far from perfect individuals, a bit damaged even due to their life experiences but strong well-rounded characters.

The chemistry and the sexual tension between Veronica and Raj was off the charts hot; the dialogues were snappy and fresh. I liked the fact that Raj and Veronica communicated their issues to each other and worked through them.

Captive but forbidden had it all: Romance, espionage, mystery and passion, the story held me captive from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book

West Wing to Maternity Wing by Scarlet Wilson

West Wing to Maternity Wing by Scarlet Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
Famous neonatologist Lincoln Adams is looking after the U.S. president's newborn daughter when nurse Amy Carson arrives at the hospital, posing as his very pregnant wife! Amy's had firsthand experience of Linc's skillful hands and he's the only person she trusts to look after her precious cargo, but trusting him with her fragile heart is another matter.…

Review:
A heartfelt story! West Wing to Maternity Wing is Scarlet Wilson’s 3rd M & B Medical book but her 1st US release.

Linc Adams a well renowned neonatologist has been called upon to watch and care for the President’s daughter when Amy Carson Linc’s old flame, the one that got away shows up at the hospital pregnant and in need of Linc’s help. Amy and Linc had a summer long affair 6 years ago while they were both working on the Amazon aid boat, when Amy failed to return to the Amazon they lost touch. A lot has happened in Amy’s life in the last 6 years, she has faced major challenges and battled a life threatening illness.

Scarlet Wilson has written a beautiful romance while addressing some serious issues, this story will tug at your heartstrings; you will fall in love with Linc what a gem of a guy; caring, sensitive and absolutely gorgeous. Amy’s character was well written, the issues and conflicts Amy dealt were real and relatable to me as a reader. There is one scene at the end of the book with Linc and Amy in front of the mirror that was emotionally touching and exceptionally well written.

I look forward to reading more from this author, West Wing to Maternity Wing is a definite read!

Forbidden to His Touch by Natasha Tate

Forbidden to His Touch by Natasha Tate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
Rafael Cheves is a man tortured by his gut-wrenching past and tempted by a future he dare not even dream about. Knowing he'll never deserve the only woman he ever wanted, Raf will make sure she stays as far away from him as possible.But when Sophia Turino, the daughter of the man who raised Rafael from the gutter, stands before him seven years later, she's even harder to resist—confident, successful and as intoxicatingly beautiful as ever. It's time for Raf to obliterate his darkly powerful infatuation….

Review:
An emotional story of forbidden love for the hero and a case of unrequited love for the heroine.
Rafael had a horrible childhood that scarred him emotionally and physically for life, Sophia was his saving grace, a ray of hope and sunshine in his otherwise bleak existence.
Rafael knows that Sophua is in love with him, but he does not think he is worthy of her love....eventually Rafael realizes that he needs sophia in his life.
Overall a good read.

SPOTLIGHT & Giveaway: Girl Behind the Scandalous Reputation by Michelle Conder

It is my pleasure today to welcome Harlequin Presents Debut Author Michelle Conder to HarlequinJunkie... Michelle is here bearing gifts and will be giving away 3 copies of her book. Yay!

Hi Sara, thank you for inviting me to blog at HarlequinJunkie. It’s great to be here to talk about my debut novel, Girl Behind the Scandalous Reputation.

Michelle Conder

I am a mother of three kids and live in Melbourne, Australia. When I’m not writing I am usually reading and when I’m not reading I can be found wandering around a messy house and wondering if it will ever be clean again! After that I love spending time with family and friends, eating and drinking fine wine, watching great movies, and attempting to make it to as many yoga classes a week as I can fit in. Currently, that would be one!

I have a couple of University degrees but never followed one true career path as the only thing I ever really wanted to do was be a writer; a dream I had shelved when I was 18 years old because I believed it could never come true. Thankfully, I was wrong!

US Cover

If I had to sum up my first novel I would say it is a story of misconceptions, misunderstandings, unrequited teenage love (on the part of the heroine) and finding your place in life.

It is predominantly the story of Lily Wild, an actress who has grown up in the shadow of two famous parents who died of a drug overdose when she was young.  When she finds herself in legal strife that could see her jailed her best friend’s brother, the serious and conservative Lord Tristan Garrett, comes to her rescue and years of simmering attraction between the two flairs to life.

Michelle I have a few Q's for you..

     Sara: What were the challenges you faced in bringing Girl Behind the Scandalous Reputation to life?

Michelle: The biggest challenge in bringing this book to life was actually writing it! When I conceived of the idea I had just learned that Harlequin accepted unsolicited manuscripts and I was at a crossroads in my life. So I wrote three chapters and emailed them off. Then I continued on with life and didn’t actually write the book. When a lovely editor wrote back and asked for the manuscript I had a major panic attack and resurrected the characters in my head and set to work!

Probably most of my challenges were technical in nature: how to structure scenes, how to layer in the emotional content, when to include the backstory, pacing… I could go on, but I won’t!

     Sara:  What are your current projects? Can you share a little of your current work with us? Is this book part of a series?

UK Cover

Michelle: My current work in progress is about an international racing car driver, Valentino di Rossi who is challenged into posing as the boyfriend of a woman he has only just met. Miller Jacobs, our heroine, needs a fake boyfriend to keep an egotistical client at bay on a business weekend and finds herself facing all sorts of life questions thanks to her sexy fake boyfriend whose view of life that is very different from her own.

This will be book three. Book two, titled His Last Chance at Redemption, is about a Russian oligarch, Leo Aleksandrov, who wants to stay firmly on the outskirts of his small son’s life and a feisty childcare worker, Lexi Somers, who is intent on reuniting them. It is due out in the UK in August this year. 

      Sara: Do you have a fun "call story" to share with us?

Michelle: My call story starts when I took the plunge to send three chapters into the Harlequin slush pile and ended 14 gruelling months later when I received a call from my editor during my mother’s birthday celebration at my house. It was such perfect timing as the wine was already flowing and all my favourite people were in the room and able to celebrate the momentous occasion with me. I can barely remember what my editor said beyond “we want to buy your book” but I’ll never forget those six, magical words and the rush of blood that came with them!

AUS Cover

From woe to go GBSR took 12 months to write, which included four sets of revision notes from my very patient editor who is just brilliant.

      Sara: If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money?

Michelle: Great question and my instinct is to go all Miss World on you… but I do like to give money to charities so with that kind of money I would definitely set up an organisation to both invest and distribute money to causes close to my heart.

Then I would most likely buy a home in the south of France because I love it so much and other than that I don’t know! Oh, yes I do. I’d hire an Alice like the one in the Brady Bunch while the kids are still little. To never have to fold washing or think about what is for dinner for a couple of years would be pure bliss!

     Sara: If you were written about in the newspaper, on the front page, what would the headline say?

Michelle: Hmmm, I asked my husband to answer this for me and he said: ‘Wife Tortures Husband’. LOL. Probably true with the amount of times he has had to entertain the kids while I write! But other than that it would have to be ‘Dreams Can Come True!’

Michelle Thanks for blogging with us today!

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