A wickedly sensual feast…
Eden DeCarlo may have narrowly lost Miami’s best chef competition and the prize money she desperately needs, but she has caught the eye of dangerously virile Rafael Zayas, one of the judges and a wealthy restaurateur. Despite her vow not to let any man derail her life, Eden’s captivated by Rafe’s imposing masculinity, then challenged by the business deal he offers. He’ll invest in her new venture if, for one month, she can satisfy his culinary expectations and the sexual attraction they both feel.
Dominant and unashamed, Rafe knows what he wants when it comes to carnal pleasure and will spare no seduction to have Eden in all the ways he demands—naked, wanting, submissive.
Within thirty days, he will teach her the delights of yielding to passion, relinquishing all control to him and fulfilling her deepest, darkest and most delicious desires.
Hi Tina! Thank you for agreeing to an author interview today.
Hi, Lillie – thanks for asking me, I’m delighted to be here!
Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?
I’m a multi-published author (Kensington, Zebra, Ellora’s Cave) of contemporary, erotic and historical romance. I started out in Journalism – as the editor of a Midwestern weekly newspaper – then moved over to fiction. I’ve worked in Hollywood in Story Direction at a major production company (my work was shown on CBS-TV) and have freelanced for Prentice Hall publications. Currently, I work as the Managing Editor for a major business document concern and also write novels.
How long have you been writing?
Forever! I started when I was a kid, probably eight or nine years old. I have a baby brother and he kept whining that he wanted a letter from Santa. So, I wrote him one and illustrated it. He was thrilled. After that, I started writing children stories, which I also illustrated, and sold them to parents in my neighborhood, mainly for loose change.
What is your writing process like?
I either write or research 7 days a week. On the weekdays, I devote a few hours before and after work. On the weekends, I devote the same amount of time around my other obligations and activities. I begin with a premise – usually a ‘what if?’ scenario. What if a man kissed a woman he didn’t know simply because he saw her at the grocery store and found her attractive? What if a woman sends a guy an anonymous letter asking him to meet her in room 12 at the Hilton? Will he show up? Will she? Will he look for her if she doesn’t? From there, my mind goes a 100 miles an hour and the story starts to take shape.
Can you tell us about your newest release Deep, Dark, and Delicious?
It was a labor of love. Although it’s sexy as hell, it’s also emotionally rich. Both Eden and Rafe have had tough beginnings. Because of her mother abandoning her when she was a pre-teen, Eden’s afraid to trust in love. Rafe, on the other hand, has a loving family and knows the value of intimacy and commitment. As a wealthy restaurateur and an immigrant from Cuba, Rafe meets Eden when he judges the Master Chef contest in Miami. She’s one of the contestants. On his vote, she lost the competition. That’s just the beginning of their tale. Using his most persuasive seduction, Rafe convinces Eden to take a chance on him in the sexiest ways possible, which leads to an emotionally satisfying ride and conclusion.
Do you have other books releasing this year?
I’ve just finished up my next erotic romance and will have it on my editor’s desk by the end of January. So it will be my next release. Can’t say the title yet – don’t know if it will stick or if the publisher will want to change it. Given the quick releases with Adored and Deep, Dark, Delicious, this new one should be coming out in a few months.
What are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m looking to write a paranormal. Haven’t tried one of those yet. With my latest novel wrapping up edit-wise, I’ll probably be concentrating on this new paranormal one.
Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Everywhere. I got the idea for Deep, Dark, Delicious while I was watching Iron Chef on The Food Network. The night in question, there was an incredibly handsome Latino chef on the show – tall, dark, smoldering good looks. I thought to myself – what if he wasn’t a contestant but was one of the judges? What if he was a celebrity – a rich restaurateur who could have anything and everything he wanted? What if one of the contestants was a young woman he desired? What if she was wary of him? The plot unfolded while I was watching the show. By the end of the hour, I had the basic structure in mind.
As an author, you must be an avid reader. What books do you enjoy reading? Who are your auto-buy authors?
I like all genres except for heavy-duty sci-fi where the technological stuff is so detailed it’s like reading a manual. Then I get bored.
Auto buy authors would be (in no particular order): Dean Koonz, Patricia Grasso, Emma Holly, Stephen King, Hilma Wolitzer, Sol Stein, Lawrence Sanders (unfortunately gone), Lisa Plumley
What books are on your keeper shelf?
“Hearts” by Hilma Wolitzer; “Other People” by Sol Stein; “Seducing the Prince” by Patricia Grasso; “Odd Thomas” by Dean Koonz; “The Shining” by Stephen King; “Top of Her Game” by Emma Holly; “Love Songs” by Lawrence Sanders
What was the first romance book you read or the one book that has stood the test of time for you?
“Shanna” by Kathleen Woodiwiss – I was enchanted. That story simply swept me away.
If your book was made into a movie, which actors would like to see as the lead characters?
Wow – what a concept! Well, for Eden, I see Jennifer Lopez, or a Jennifer Lopez type. Pretty, fiery, sultry. For Rafe, it’s a little harder to visualize. Unfortunately, there aren’t many young Latino male stars in films these days. Truthfully, I used the cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rey from Dr. 90210 as my prototype – if you’ve ever seen that show (I believe it’s on Bravo), you’ll know why I thought of Dr. Rey. He is one hot guy! If he ever decides to become a film star, I’d want him to play Rafe in the movie version of Deep, Dark, Delicious.
If you could switch lives with one of your characters who would it be & why?
Probably Eden in Deep, Dark, Delicious. Why? Because she found the love of her life, a family she never had, she’s able to pursue her dream career and with Rafe’s wealth she’s going to be living the high life. What’s not to love?
When you are not writing or reading, what do you enjoying doing in your spare time?
Shopping, watching movies, travelling to places I’ve never been before, meeting new people and learning about new cultures (at least those new to me).
If you could ask readers anyone question, what would it be?
What makes a book memorable to you?
Where can readers find you on the internet?
My website addy: http://www.tinadonahue.com/
My blog: http://www.tinadonahue.com/blog/
YouTube Video of Deep, Dark, Delicious: http://www.youtube.com/tinadonahue
One last question! How can our blog readers win a print copy of your novel Adored?
I’m hosting a scavenger hunt today. Periodically, throughout the day I’ll post a question – four in all. The answers can be found on my website. Readers should answer these questions as they come along and keep the answers until all four questions have been asked. Then, the first reader who emails me at tina@tinadonahue.com with the correct answers to all four questions will win a print copy of Adored.
Let the scavenger hunt begin!
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