Author: Viviane Brentanos
Release Date: June 30 2011
Publisher: MuseItHot Publishing
Buy Link: TBA
Genre: Contemporary Romance {erotic – a bit}
Blurb: Daniel Haynes has the world at his feet- fame, fortune, so why does he feel so empty inside? What is his interest in Rachel Warner, a girl from a quiet Home Counties English town? Why does she hold the key to his happiness?
But Rachel Warner is scared. Daniel's interest in her threatens her ordered yet unsatisfying life because she has to live with the shadow of her ex-father-in-law breathing over her shoulder. Can she let go of her fears?
But Rachel Warner is scared. Daniel's interest in her threatens her ordered yet unsatisfying life because she has to live with the shadow of her ex-father-in-law breathing over her shoulder. Can she let go of her fears?
Welcome to Sizzling Releases, Viviane Brentanos. I’m so pleased you could join me today. What is your Sizzling Release?
My sizzling release is called Cold, Cold Heart. This work was previously published back in 2007 with Wild Rose Press but I am delighted to have been given the chance by MuseItHot Publishing to breathe new life into it. I have revamped it and brought it up to date for 2011.
What is Cold, Cold Heart all about?
Cold, Cold Heart is a story about a young woman struggling to keep her son free from the clutches of a bullying ex-husband and his father. Because of this, she has decided to give up on love and fun. She believes it is not for her. Enter one young, extremely handsome and too dangerously famous Daniel Haines. She cannot understand why a man who has everything would be interested in her. He, somehow, has to break through her barriers and thaw that cold, cold heart. But it is a journey fraught with tension and so much pain and – ultimately – great personal sacrifice. Although Cold deals with many serious issues i.e. psychological bullying, it is laced with what I like to think is my trademark caustic British wit. As a review from Alternative read said…. reading all day and half the night. I just couldn't put it down. I had to find out 'what happened next'. The reader will run the gamut of emotional highs and lows as they progress through this story. Laughter, tears, heartache, sadness, relief, you name it, you'll feel it. Great read.
That is subject we hear about more and more. How did you come up with the idea?
Now this is a funny tale. Can you believe a dream starring – Eminem? In this dream, I was working as a PA to the manager of an exclusive country hotel. My job was to deal with the rich and famous. Eminem entered my office to apologize on behalf of his entourage. He turned out to be very polite and intelligent and too interested in me. From this, I developed the scenario for Cold, Cold Heart and, with the image of the delectable singer/song writer, Darren Hayes, in my head, my story took shape.
Eminem, huh? We won't go there right now! :) As a multi-published author, what advice do you have for those just beginning a career as a writer?
Perseverance. There is no short cut in this business. Write because you love it and not because you want to be the next JK Rawlings. Stay true to your voice. What will be will be. Even if that contract eludes you, it doesn’t mean your work is no good. There are writer worse and better than you out there. Keep at it.
Good advice. Tell the readers about your backlist.
I consider myself still very much a new author, even though Cold, Cold Heart is my fourth published single title romance.
Both my ‘Greek’ tales, Dreamweek and Fragile Dreams, can be found at Red Rose Publishing
And then we move on to Written in Stone and Cold, Cold Heart, both with MuseItHot Publishing – the slightly naughtier division of MuseItUp Publishing.
Hmmm...funny, I also have a title Written In Stone! What are you working on now?
Oh what can I say? I have so many ideas running around in my head. I do not know where to begin. I do have two manuscripts submitted to MuseItUp and I am keeping my fingers crossed. The first, Past Undone, is a bit of a departure for me – a romantic suspense, if you like, while the second, A Little Crushed, is a revamped ms from 2004 which is my baby and the one I will be most happy over if it is accepted. I am gearing up to begin on a new idea as soon as I begin work.
Do you have an evil day job, and if you do, how do you find time to write?
Evil day job? Oh I like that. I suppose some of the guests I work with can be evil – especially spoilt little kids who refuse to follow hotel rules. I am a hotel receptionist, by the way. I do like my job. It is interesting in that I get to meet lots of people who often provide me with storylines for my tales. I work the late shift – from 2pm to 10pm. Between two and five, most of the guests are either at the beach, by the pool or having a siesta. During this quiet time is when I will pen a new w.i.p. I write long hand so, it’s easy to pretend to anyone who passes through reception that I am hard at work on hotel business.
I smell promo op with that job! What sparks your imagination and gets your juices flowing?
Most of my scenarios have come from dreams. Don’t ask me why these stories unfold in my subconscious, they just do. I am also inspired by certain men I admire, singers, actors etc. I am a huge tennis fan and I adore Rafa Nadal so I am thinking this year’s w.i.p just may be on a tennis theme.
What does your family and friends think about you being a published author?
Ha ha – look, until I start bringing in the big bucks, I don’t think they take me seriously. It is just mummy’s little hobby – although my daughter has read my stuff and likes it. My son is too mortified that his mother can write such things. Let’s face it – all sons think their mothers had kids by Immaculate Conception.
It’s June and summer is upon us. Do you have any vacation plans?
Oh how I wish. As you know, I live on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu but, contrary to opinion, we do not spend all our summers on beaches. As I mentioned, I am employed seasonally as a hotel receptionist and I work four months solid, with not one day off. What with housework and family plus my writing, there is no time for the beach. I do, however, get to sip ice-cold beers with my friends, after work. Still beats living anywhere else.
Your life IS a summer vacation! I fully expect a deep hotel discount when I make it out your way! lol What is your favorite vacation memory?
Okay. Let’s go back to the early seventies for this one; before kids were spoiled on charter travel. My family was fortunate enough to have relatives living in the south of France and my French uncle also had a holiday apartment in Spain. Every summer, my family would drive through France, stopping off at the most wonderful little French Pensions. My favourite all-time memory is an overnight stop at a hotel in the town of Fontainebleau. We stayed in a room that was once used by the architect who helped design the palace at Fontainebleau. It was an amazing room. The best memory was eating a wonderful breakfast in the old walled garden. A beautiful summer morning, a jug of steaming café au lait, warm croissants and fresh butter. A pure delight.
Wow, what a great life! Now, Men: Speedo or trunks?
Is this for me? Can I answer this? Speedos – most times not – and definitely not white ones {too many memories of 80’s style Greek posers}. On the other hand, I hate the baggy down to the knees surfer dude look. It only works well if you are Matthew McConaughey. So, perfect male swimwear? Got to be those delicious little shorts Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale but then – he is Daniel Craig
Ladies: Bikini, one-piece, tankini, or shorts and a t-shirt?
Mmm – good question, this. Being the proud owner of a series of scars, following double mastectomy, whatever I choose to wear can be a problem. At first, I was self-conscious and stuck to tankini’s but now I don’t care. Whatever makes me look thinner. Lol.
Good for you! And congratulations on being a cancer survivor. I know your readers are happy about that too! Lake, river, or ocean?
Ocean/sea every time. I can never understand why so many people will come on holiday, rent a room right on the beach front and then spend the next two weeks at a pool crammed with screaming kids, too many airbeds and skanky water. The sea is so good for you; wonderful for your skin, your muscles, just about everything.
Surfing or water skiing?
Never done either as I am as blind as a bat without my glasses. I did paraglide once. Once the exhilaration of getting up was done, it was pretty boring but, again, because I couldn’t wear my specs I couldn’t get to see much.
Snorkeling or scuba diving?
Love swimming but tend to get claustrophobic so snorkeling is a close as it gets for me. Even then I panic. I would rather swim underwater sans anything.
Thank you so much for being here. Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know?
Only that I thank everyone who has taken time out to read my interview. If anyone would like to leave a comment or has a question, feel free. There will be a free download as a prize.
And before we go, can we get a juicy excerpt from Cold, Cold Heart?
My pleasure, enjoy…….
Blood rushed to her head. His caressing tone made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.
“Rachel…. ” He held both her hands “I want to make love to you. For eleven years, you are all I've thought about. I can't get you out of my head. I don't want to get you out of my head.”
She couldn't move, hypnotized. Her cheeks burned, her body trembled as his hands crept up her arms before resting on her shoulders. He wanted to kiss her, and as much as she wanted it too, she panicked.
“I think we need a drink.” She jumped to her feet, cheeks so hot she could have toasted bread on them. It was nothing compared to the searing heat burning between her legs. “I-I need a drink. Would wine be okay? I think there's some in the fridge.”
In the kitchen, Rachel made straight for the sink. “This isn't happening to me.” She moaned, splashing cold water on her face “I've got to get him out of here. Just one drink, and I'll send him packing.”
She slammed cupboard doors open and shut, frantically searching for a decent glass. She didn't think he'd appreciate a Bob the Builder plastic tumbler. The fridge, to her immense relief, offered up its prize of bargain rack white from deep behind the yogurts. Now all she needed was a corkscrew.
“Oh, where the bloody hell are you?” she muttered, pushing aside the ill-matched cutlery she'd never gotten around to sorting out. “Come on…. Oh!” She banged the drawer shut and froze. An arm curled around her waist, pulling her up against a hard, lean body. For a moment, she couldn't breathe. Daniel lifted up the heavy mane of hair from her neck. If he hadn't held her so tightly, she'd have buckled in his arms.
“You're so beautiful,” he murmured, warm breath brushing her ear.
Soft lips moved to the nape of her neck. Rachel closed her eyes against the blistering touch of his mouth on her skin. “Oh, Daniel, please…don't….”
“Oh, Daniel, do!” he whispered, before turning her around to face him.
One look into those eyes, and Rachel lost the battle. With a low whimper, she slid her arms around him, unable to resist. He parted her lips, teasing with his tongue. White-hot desire exploded through her body. His kisses were exquisite—somehow she'd known they would be—soft and tender, driving her crazy as she released years of pent-up frustrations.
Moving in tantalizing slowness, he brought his hands down to rest on her bottom, pulling her in closer against the hard length of him. The feel of him, pressed to her parted thighs excited her beyond words. As in a trance, she allowed her own hands to slide down to his hips, drawing him even closer. She embraced him while their hands explored each other. Before sliding under her top, his palms brushed against her stomach, stroking her burning skin. With one swift move, he pulled the camisole over her head. It thrilled her to see the desire in his eyes. Sweet kisses caressed her throat. He cupped her breasts, and she arched her back as, with a feather-light touch, he brushed over the tips. Winding her fingers through his shiny, thick hair, she buried her face in it, breathing the clean scent of him.
“I want you so much,” he murmured. “Can you feel it?” He took her trembling hand and placed it on his hammering heart. “Here….” Slowly he guided her down to touch the hard bulge between his legs. “And here. Can you feel how much I need you?”
“Daniel….” Her voice shook. She struggled to get the words out. Her own emotions spun out of control, but the feel of him against her hand sent a bubble of panic rising to the surface. “I want you, too, but…I'm scared.”
“Shh.” He kissed her again while he moved her hand up and down the length of him. “You don't have to be afraid. I won't do anything if you don't want me to. But please don't push me away, darling. Let me stay with you tonight. Let me love you. I can't lose you now.”
He continued his assault on her senses, caressing, and pushing her over the edge until she'd no hope of resistance.
“You want me.” He smiled at her, looking confident, their hearts beating in unison. “Don’t you?”
Rachel only nodded, unable to speak. With that one erotic, provocative smile, she was lost. Taking him by the hand, she led him upstairs.
My links….
Hi there ladies!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I really like your writing advice - Perseverance and hard work - is definitely the key - if it was easy, everyone would be doing it :)
Thanks for sharing!
Sassy Brit
Alternative-Read.com
I have to agree with the trunks hanging down to the knees and usually off the ass. all that looks like to me is they're too poor to afford clothes that fit. not sexy. speedos, however, are a bit 'too much' in the way of showing it off. bikini and thongs, same thing. neither one extreme or the other, but something in between to put the emphasize on the person not the clothes or lack thereof.
ReplyDeleteGreat writing advice. I agree with the male bathing suit between speedos and trunks hanging to knees...a happy medium is better.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being a cancer survivor...and wear whatever you want!