What inspired you to write HER INCONVENIENT CHRISTMAS REUNION?
“On the contrary,” replied a deep, masculine and all-too-familiar voice. “I would love a photo. You have got to be the most adorable elf I’ve ever seen.”
Izzy stood frozen in place, at a complete loss for words. She had no question who that voice belonged to. She’d know it anywhere despite all the years that had passed since she’d heard it. Zayn Joffman. As if this day hadn’t been bad enough already.
Writing a holiday story is always so much fun for me. Though it can be a bit disorienting because often I find myself working on a Christmas book in the middle of July! But it serves as a great reminder of all the wonderful holiday traditions I have to look forward to in a few short months. This year in particular has been one in which I (and I’m sure many others) yearn for the familiar and comforting. . .
This book is full of love, redemption, forgiveness, friendships and mending past hurts.
I very much enjoyed this novel."
Izzy slowed her gait and forced away the smile that had crept onto her face when she hadn’t been paying attention.
“You’re here,” he announced, flashing her a grin. He hadn’t changed his clothes, unlike her. She’d swapped out the stifling business suit for a comfortable pair of jeans and a thick, velour sweater. But Zayn remained in khakis and the same shirt. Only he’d undone the top two buttons, exposing just enough of the golden skin beneath that she wished she hadn’t noticed.
What on earth was he referring to? “Done what?”
He pointed to a spot above her head. “You’re standing under mistletoe.”
She looked up to confirm he was indeed right. One of the beams along the ceiling of the tent had a dangling mistletoe plant right above where she stood. She had no idea who might have put it there. If she’d known, she might have taken care not to get caught under the darn thing. But here she was, right in the line of fire.
Thanks to Nina Singh for this yummy baked ziti recipe!!
Her Inconvenient Christmas Reunion, my latest release for Harlequin Romance, is set mostly in a California winery. Not surprisingly, the two main characters are wine experts. So they might not agree with me about the following as I know there a lot of people who are sticklers about exactly what kind of food goes with a particular wine. But I happen to have a baked ziti recipe that I personally feel is delicious whether you’re a red or white drinker. Bonus: It’s extra cheesy. . .
Her eyes grew wide with astonishment. “What? Zayn, no.”
“Why not? We could attend the expo together, make it to your ceremony, and maybe get up to speed on the latest trade developments.”
“I don’t…”
“Think about it,” he urged at her pause. “You can hop onto my itinerary. We could do some sightseeing. At the least, we may even have a little fun.”
One of my favorite parts of Holiday movies or books is that iconic romantic mistletoe moment. When the main characters find themselves under the festive plant, they have the perfect excuse to finally indulge in that kiss they’ve been yearning for. My ultimate favorite one in a movie is the scene in the Sandra Bullock blockbuster, While You Were Sleeping. The longing between Lucy and Jack is downright palpable. I strive for that level of angst and longing with my mistletoe scenes, where the characters are trying their hardest to deny their growing feelings for each other. . .
Character Interview
Izzy:
Q: How did it feel when you realized you’d been bequeathed the vineyard where you’d worked for so many years.
A: It was most definitely a shock. I never expected the previous owner, my boss and mentor, to leave the vineyard and business to me in her will. Of course there was a catch. And that came as an even bigger shock – I’d have to share the winery with none other than my ex. It was all part of Myrna’s bigger plan. She knew I’d never gotten over her nephew when he left for bigger pastures years ago. Her last act was to bring us back together. She always was a wise woman.
If Zayn knew she was faking, to his credit, he wasn’t calling her on it. Probably thought she was crushed by her defeat. Little did he know, that was only part of her disappointment this evening.
She fully intended to continue the charade until she heard him say something in French to the driver. “Arrêtez, si’l vous plait.” He was asking him to stop the car.
Christmas is such an enchanting time. The lights, the festive atmosphere in the air, all the decorations. Then there’s the prospect of a new beginning and new year right around the corner. What better way to celebrate all that than by reading an entertaining story about people falling in love?
My latest release for Harlequin Romance is a second chance at love story. Something about reuniting old flames is so compelling to me as a romance author. I’m always so intrigued about the ‘one that got away’. The questions that linger about why the relationship didn’t work out and if there’s a chance things may turn out differently if only the couple had another chance. Maybe the story involves one of the characters swallowing their pride this time around. Something they found much too difficult to do the first time. But now they know how much was lost for the sake of ego. And just how little it was worth it. . .
The characters were were easy to fall in love with sizzling chemistry between the main characters. . . . I would recommend Her Inconvenient Christmas Reunion to anyone who loves a second chance romance with steamy makeout scenes. The story provides you with the opportunity to set the mood for the Christmas Holiday."
Can a mistletoe kiss…
…heal the past?
When Zayn walks back into Izzy’s life, years after he was forced to walk out of it, she’s faced with the undeniable attraction that’s never faded. Finding themselves co-owners of the vineyard that means so much to Izzy makes tensions run high! But then she’s seduced into a kiss under the Parisian Christmas lights… Can Izzy find it in her heart to forgive the man who once broke it?
Tour Giveaway
One winner will receive an ebook of Her Billionaire Protector by Nina Singh and a $20 Amazon eGift Card