Romance Reviews Sizzling Summer Givaway

I will be giving away a print copy of The Reunion as part of the Romance Reviews Sizzling Summer Reads. For more information please visit their website and good luck.

http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php.

Cover Sketch for THE JOURNEY

I received this earlier today from Wes Lowe, the illustrator who does all my covers. This is the preliminary sketch for The Journey. The final artwork with have a similar look.

The Journey is a sequel, of sorts, to The Reunion. Ian and Gillian, the leading characters, are still there, only this time they'll be in supporting roles. The leading man is Jeremy, Ian's oldest son, and the leading lady is Cassie, his wife. Cassie is also the daughter of Samantha, Gillian's closest friend.

The story begins shortly after Jeremy and Cassie have celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Their wedded bliss, however will be put to the test when Cassie is seriously injured in a car crash that kills someone close to her. She's rushed to the hospital and Jeremy stays by her bedside. As she begins her recovery they befriend one of her nurses, Denise Sanderson. Caring and compassionate, Denise is hiding a secret from her past, along with her plans for Jeremy which don't include Cassie.

Look for The Journey to be released later this year. In the meantime, please enjoy an excerpt from The Reunion, where Jeremy makes his very first appearence.

Enjoy,

MM

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Gillian left Ian a voice-mail message before she headed off to the airport. She wanted to be the first to give him the good news. By the time she and Cynthia arrived at the gallery, a big bouquet of bright red carnations was prominently displayed on the receptionist's desk. Gillian remembered Tammy from her opening, and after she paged Tony, Gillian introduced her to Cynthia.

"These are for you, Ms. Matthews," she said, motioning to the flowers. "Looks like people are already congratulating you."

Gillian looked at the bouquet and smiled. She knew who sent it. She would read the card later, in private.

"Gillian!"

Tony emerged from the hallway.

"I knew it!" exclaimed Gillian. "I had you pegged the night my show opened and you were walking around in that ridiculous three-piece suit. I knew you were the type of guy who wore blue jeans and tie-dyed shirts to work."

"Yes, and now I'm going to have to find a new home for that suit, very soon."

She introduced Tony to her sister, and he took a few minutes to show Cynthia around. Gillian's show had been taken down from the smaller gallery and several of her paintings were proudly displayed in a space in the main room. A short time later Tony escorted both women down the hall to his personal studio, next door to his office. Inside, a table and chairs had been set up, and Paul was waiting there, along with several other people wearing business attire. The time had come to sign the final papers and make everything official.

Because Anthony Sorenson Fine Art was a well-established gallery with a strong following, everyone had agreed they would keep the name, and Tony would have representation for his own work. Cynthia announced that she and Gillian had decided to keep the current staff, although those who wished to leave would be free to do so. Paul was visibly relieved. He'd been with the gallery for nearly ten years and knew its inner workings better than anyone, including Tony himself. Once the last paper was signed, placed in a folder, and packed in a briefcase, everyone shook hands and Paul escorted the guests to the front door. Moments later he returned, with a bottle of champagne and the rest of the staff in tow. Tony popped the cork and poured champagne for everyone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to propose a toast to Denver's newest fine art dealers. Ladies, you certainly know how to drive a hard bargain. But I want you all to know that fifteen years ago, when this old hippie first arrived in Denver, I knew I'd finally found the right place to build my dream. I started this gallery from scratch, and along the way I've literally put my own blood, sweat and tears into it. It's going to be very difficult for me to say goodbye, but I honestly can't think of two better people on this planet to take over its care. So here's to you, ladies."

He raised his glass. Everyone took a sip and started congratulating Gillian and Cynthia, but before things got too noisy Tony got everyone's attention one more time.

"I have one more surprise for everyone before I go, although I think most of you already know what it is, since we've been planning this little shindig for what, three, four days now? As we speak, there are caterers setting up tables in the main gallery and a grill in the parking lot. Tonight we're closing our doors early, because I'm hosting a barbeque dinner for all of you, along with your spouses, families, and significant others. It's my way of thanking you for all that you've done for me over the years. It's also a chance for all of you to introduce yourselves, and your families, to these two ladies, as they'll be your new bosses."

Everyone left Tony's studio together and walked back into the main gallery where the caterers were already setting up. While they were waiting, Cynthia and Gillian approached each staff member and introduced themselves. Soon the husbands, wives, and significant others began to arrive. Paul introduced Cynthia and Gillian to his companion, Dwayne Hitchings. Ian arrived a short time later. He greeted Gillian with a hug and a kiss.

"Congratulations, Gillian. I knew this would be a good move for you. I'm so glad you two were able to get it all sorted out."

He introduced her to someone he brought with him. He was a twenty-something young man.

"Gillian, this is Jeremy, my oldest son. Jeremy, this is Gillian Matthews. She's been a very special person to me since before you were born."

"Nice meeting you," he said as he extended his hand.

Gillian was taken aback. Memories of seeing Ian for the first time, in the architecture college library, suddenly flashed through her mind. Jeremy looked much like Ian had that day. He was slightly taller than his father, but he had virtually the same face, the same wavy hair, and the same deep-set eyes. His hair, however, was darker and longer than Ian's had been, and his eyes were hazel instead of brown. Jeremy was polite, but reserved. Gillian sensed right from the start that he intended to keep a close watch on her.

Tony announced that dinner was ready to be served. As the sisters took their seats at the table, Jeremy sat down directly across from Gillian. She wanted to make a good first impression. She looked around for Ian, but he was busy talking with Tony.

"So Jeremy," she said, "your father says you've dropped out of college."

"Yep. It was time to take a break from school. At the moment, I'm working as a bartender at a sports bar. The hours can get crazy, but the pay is pretty decent and I make great tips."

He went on to say that he had been majoring in electrical engineering and that he enjoyed tinkering with high-tech gadgets. Gillian could tell that Jeremy was a very bright young man, much like his father.

"So enough about me, Ms. Matthews. I was wondering about your plans for the future."

 "You can call me, Gillian, and right now my plans are to keep this gallery just the way it is."

"I see. So, does that mean you're planning on moving to Denver?"

 "Yes, at least for the short term. My sister and I are still ironing out the details."

Jeremy wasn't one to mince words. He liked to get straight to the point.

"Makes sense," he said as he looked her in the eye, "but what I'm really asking is what are your intentions regarding my father?"

Gillian was taken aback by Jeremy's frankness. For the moment she wasn't sure if he was friend or foe. She knew she had to be careful with her answer.

"Well, to be honest with you, Jeremy, I'm not completely sure right now. No doubt you've been told by now that your father and I were pretty serious back when we were in college, but that was a long time ago. I never expected to see him again. Right now, I'm just taking it one day at a time, but if anything interesting should happen, you'll be the first to know."

"Pardon me. Is this seat taken?"

Gillian looked up and saw Ian standing behind the empty chair next to Jeremy.

"Ian, please, have a seat."

"I see you two are getting acquainted."

"Yeah, Dad, you could say that."

Jeremy made small talk until he finished his meal. Afterwards he got up and started wandering around the gallery.

"I don't know, Ian. Somehow I don't think I made a very good first impression on him."

"Give him some time, Gillian. He's a good kid. For the most part he's coped well with his mother and I going our separate ways. Laura said it took him awhile to warm up to her new significant other, but that he eventually came around. I think, in his own way, Jeremy is trying to be protective of both his mother and me. He doesn't want to see either one of us getting hurt."

Ian spent the rest of the meal chatting with Gillian and Cynthia, but for the rest of the evening Gillian was fully aware of being under Jeremy's radar, and she didn't like it. Larry may have been the son who had a reputation for being difficult, but she wasn't sure if she liked Jeremy or not. What was certain was that he was going to be a problem for her.

Oh, my!

I've had some interesting feedback from some of the men who've been reading my novels. They tell me they've really enjoyed reading my sex scenes. Apparently I have a talent that I didn't know I had.

Oh, my! (To quote George Takei.)

Well, I confess. I did some research on how to write sex scenes, and I'm happy explain the techniques I use.

I start by taking my time to build the sexual tension between my characters, and the build up happens slowly. Arousal starts innocently, with hands accidentally brushing, or touching a forearm. The man may find the lady's dress sexy. Sometimes horseplay turns into foreplay.  

I don't mention certain body parts by name. I'm writing romance, not a medical textbook. My goal is to describe what the characters are feeling. The only body parts I ever mention are breasts and nipples, as in, "her nipples grew hard at his touch." As for the rest of the anatomy... we all know what it is, and there is no need to get technical or graphic. This isn't erotica. I prefer to refer to it with words like, "she felt a sweet sensation," or "she arched her back and enjoyed the warm, tingly feeling."

I don't mention body fluids either. We all know what happens during "the act." My editor came up with a wonderful way to refer to it--"reaching his (or her) release," and I'll often use the words, "climax," "ecstasy" or, "the two briefly became one," when describing the euphoria the characters are experiencing.

I don't use much dialogue during my love scenes. Not too long ago I read an online article claiming that, "talking dirty" during sex is a big turn on, especially for men. However, what may work in the real world may not read so well in the pages of a love story. Two people who love each other, and who are making love for the first time, probably won't be in the mood for chatting, and too much dialogue would interrupt the flow of the story. I save the dialog for the pillow talk scene in the next chapter.

One thing I will do, however, try to instill a sense of responsibility in my characters. Oftentimes the lady will be asked if she's using birth control. I also have one scene in my upcoming novel, The Journey, where my leading man will be bedding down with a woman he's just met, but before things proceed too far he will stop to apply a condom.

I only use sex scenes to enhance the plot, and I use them sparingly. There are usually no more than two or three such scenes throughout my novel. My stories are about people and their relationships, and there's a whole lot more to a relationship than just having sex.

MM

So Why Write Romance?

Photo by Fotolia.com

I've been asked why I write romance, as opposed to other genres, like science fiction. It's a long sordid story. (Not unlike my novels.) And while it may be a tired old cliche, it's true nonetheless: Authors write what they know. I'm oftentimes inspired by events in my own life--some big, some small. Sometimes I write about the things I wish for. Other times it's about things that I wish I could go back and do differently. Most of us read fiction as a means of escape, and as a means to vicariously experience things outside of our own reality. Writing fiction amplifies this vicarious experience by a factor of at least ten.

I wrote The Reunion as a tribute to someone I knew long ago, and never forgot. The idea came to me at a book signing, when I struck up a conversation with another author. Turns out he lives in the same town as my old flame and his wife even knows someone who knows him. It got me to wondering what would happen if, by chance, he ever showed up while I was doing a book signing? That question is explored in The Reunion, and the leading character, Ian Palmer, is based on the man I once knew.

The Deception was inspired by another chapter of my own life. I once met a man who I thought was single, and a mutual friend thought he was single too. Turned out he wasn't, so I quickly backed off. I've since met a number of other women who've had the same experience, and even once knew a man who was shocked to discover his girlfriend was a married woman. It's an all-too-common occurrence  for many of us. The Deception is the story of a decent women who unknowingly becomes involved with a married man. It's purpose is to demonstrate that the "other woman" isn't always a home-wrecker because people who cheat will also lie.

My soon-to-be-released novel, The Journey, was inspired by my first husband, who was once the a victim of a violent crime. Jeremy, the leading man, strives to claim his life back and make himself whole again. Unfortunately, my ex used the event as an excuse to play the victim game and as a means to manipulate others. (One of the many reasons why he is now my ex-husband.) Hopefully most crime victims are more like Jeremy. Look for The Journey to be released later on in the year.

I'm in the early planning stages for my fourth novel, The Betrayal. Adultery is once again the theme. This time the leading lady is the wife who was cheated on, and the other woman will be someone close to her.  This novel is inspired by a story once told to me by an old boyfriend, who said he came home early one day and caught his (now ex) wife in the act.

My inspiration comes from everywhere and everyone. It seems I've had a rather interesting life.

MM

Meet Larry Palmer, the Rebellous Teenager in THE REUNION

Photo by Can Stock Photo

Larry was one of those characters I found a little intimidating to work with. He's the youngest son of Ian, the leading man in The Reunion. Larry is first introduced as an angry seventeen-year-old, bitter over his parents' divorce. He's been told, many, many times, that they went their separate ways because they were unhappy together. However, Larry doesn't see it that way. Deep down, he thinks they broke up because he was a bad kid--a fairly common occurrence with children of divorce. His mission is to thwart his parents' new relationships, and Gillian, the leading lady, is in his cross hairs.

When Larry isn't busy trying to sabotage his parents' happiness he's a typical high school senior. He makes good grades, he has a good circle of friends, and after graduation, he plans to go to culinary school. Unfortunately, teenagers have a knack for getting themselves into trouble, and Larry is certainly no exception. Trouble will come his way when he lies to his father and sneaks out to a drinking party in the woods. Will Larry learn his lesson? Or will he continue to be a thorn in his parents' sides?

Larry is a fictitious character. He's not inspired by anyone in particular that I've known. However, as the story progresses, circumstances will force him to change, and he'll have a much bigger role in my upcoming novel, The Journey.

MM 

Is THE DECEPTION Cover Too Sexy?

I've had some interesting feedback on the cover art for The Deception. It's sexy all right, and it's apparently made a few readers uncomfortable. Some of you may even be wondering why I chose it.

Part of it is the genre. Romance readers expect, well, romance. And, as I've explained in my post, Sweet, Sensual or Erotic Romance? Why I Write Sensual, I do include some, shall we say, adult content in my novels. Today's readers want to see the characters consummating their relationship, and sex is a part of life.

My main reason, however, for doing this cover has to do with the plot line. The Deception is the story of Carrie Daniels, a likeable woman with a girl next door quality about her. Carrie has fallen on hard times. Through no fault of her own, she's been left homeless and destitute. She's camping out in the back room of her photography studio, and it's only a matter of time before her landlord finds out. If that happens, she'll be out on the streets. Carrie's mentor, Louise Dickenson, soon hears of her plight. Louise has just picked up a private commission from a client who wants a series of photos of a female nude. She offers to "help" Carrie by asking her to model for the photos, assuring her they will only be seen by private art collectors. Carrie, being desperate, has no choice but to accept Louise's offer. Later on she'll have to face the unintended consequences when the photos end up in the wrong hands and her entire world turns upside down.

I wanted the cover to depict one of Louise's photos. Sexy, yet tasteful, like something one might see in a print advertisement for soap or perfume. We know the model is nude, but all we can see is her back.

The illustration was done by Wes Lowe, the same artist who did the cover illustration for The Reunion. He will also be illustrating the cover for my forthcoming novel, The Journey. To see more of his portfolio, please visit his website at weslowe.com.

MM

Meet Maggie Andrews The "Queen of Mean" Villain in THE DECEPTION

Photo by Fotolia.com

Sometimes the villains I create in my novels are downright disturbing, and Maggie Andrews certainly fits the description. She's the woman readers love to hate in The Deception.

At first glance Maggie is the last person you'd expect to be so mean. She's a stay-at-home mom who's married to Scott, a software engineer whom she fell in love with when she was nineteen. They have two typical all-American kids and a nice home in the suburbs of Phoenix. She and Scott also share a passion for art collecting. Maggie believes she's living the good life. Unfortunately, Scott has been leading a double life, and her perfect world is about to be shattered.

Maggie's favorite hour of the day is in the morning, right after everyone else has left for the day. That's when she likes to grab a second cup of coffee, sit down at her computer, and catch up on her email. One fateful morning her computer crashes, so she puts in a call to Scott. Without really thinking, he gives her his password and tells her it's okay to borrow his laptop. That's when Maggie's life takes an unexpected turn. Her curiosity gets the better of her, and she discovers Scott has a second email account--one she wasn't aware of. She hacks her way in and learns something she never wanted to know. Her heart breaks, but whatever sympathy readers may feel for her is short lived. A darker side of Maggie quickly emerges as she hatches a plot for revenge that will have potentially deadly consequences.

Maggie is a fictitious character who wasn't inspired by anyone I've encountered in real-life. (Thank goodness.) She is instead, a personification of someone incapable of forgiving, even after those who have wronged her have admitted their transgressions to her. She's also a shining example of the concept that two wrongs never making a right. That's why readers love to hate her.

MM