Please welcome Shelly Bell to Book Reviews & More by Kathy.
Kathy: Thank you so much for joining us today, Ms. Bell. Can you tell us a little about your newest release, His to Claim?
Ms. Bell: Thank you so much for having me here! His to Claim is the second book in the Forbidden Lovers series, but it is a standalone and you don’t need to read At His Mercy first. His to Claim is a taboo erotic romance between Ryder, a man running from his dangerous family, and Jane, a woman hoping to one day be acknowledged by her family. Their family trees become twisted when Ryder’s brother marries Jane’s mother, making Ryder her step-uncle. They’re also business competitors, complicating their relationship even further. Ryder was a blast to write because on the outside, he portrays himself as a laid-back, happy-go-lucky guy, but inside, he’s much darker and tortured. Jane is brilliant, driven, and the perfect heroine to challenge him on every level.
Kathy: His to Claim is an erotic mystery. How do you balance the sex scenes with the mystery elements of the novel? Which do you find easier to write? A juicy sex scene? Or the mystery/suspense aspect of the storyline?
Ms. Bell: Balancing the mystery, romance, and sexual relationship in the book can be difficult, but I think it happens organically as I write. I’m a huge plotter, so I have an idea when I begin writing the book how the mystery, romance, and sexual relationship between the hero and heroine will progress. I’m thankful I have a wonderful editor who helps with all of it.
But I definitely have the easiest time writing sex scenes. Those flow easily for me since it’s really the only time my characters are being honest with themselves and sex is the way they communicate their true feelings for one another.
Kathy: What is your inspiration for the Forbidden Lovers series?
Ms. Bell: There’s something about a forbidden romance that’s always appealed to me. There’s an extra level of angst naturally built into the relationship. The idea for a whole series grew out of the first book, At His Mercy. I’d written a short story for Tristan and Isabella years ago that later turned into a novella and then a full book. There were so many other forbidden relationships to explore and a whole cast of characters who deserved their own book. Honestly, I could write this series forever, and never grow tired of it.
Kathy: Do you have a favorite book or author you like to recommend? Favorite genre?
Ms. Bell: For my all-time favorite book and author, I’ll refer you to the next question, but as for my favorite modern book and author, I’d have to choose Jodi Ellen Malpas and her This Man series. I recommend it to anyone who loves an alpha hero, a sassy heroine, and lots of drama. Her characters stay with me long after I finish one of her books.
Romance is hands-down my favorite genre with psychological suspense being my second. In this day and age, I need my happy ending, so I tend to stick with romance.
Kathy: If you could time travel, what time period would you visit?
Ms. Bell: I’m fascinated by the 19th century. I’d love to discuss literature with the Bronte sisters. All three of them were brilliant women, but Charlotte Bronte is my all-time favorite author and Jane Eyre, my favorite book. In fact, I named the heroine in His to Claim, Jane, as a tribute to Jane Eyre.
Kathy: What project(s) are you currently working on?
Ms. Bell: I’ve just finished the third book in the series, a female parole officer/male parolee romance. My next project is a series of novellas set in the fictional town of Shelter Mine in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They’re similar to my other books with mystery, suspense, and eroticism, but much shorter, intended for those looking for a quick and dirty read.
Kathy: I have thoroughly enjoyed chatting with you today. Please drop by any time!
Ms. Bell: Thank you so much for having me here, Kathy!
Title: His to Claim by Shelly Bell
Forbidden Lovers Series Book Two
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 368 pages
Summary:
Fate brought them together. Family could tear them apart.
Ryder McKay may be a playboy, but he’s never been a fool. Not until he met the woman he simply knew as Jane. For one night, he dropped his guard, but in the morning she disappeared—along with a copy of his top secret technology.
When it ends up in the hands of his biggest enemy—his father—Ryder knows without a doubt he’s been betrayed. And when he finds Jane again, a year later, he can’t decide what’s worse—that her mother is marrying his brother, or that he still finds Jane irresistible, despite the fact that she’s a liar, a thief, and his father’s latest protégé.
Jane Cooper does have a secret, but it’s not the one Ryder thinks. As their rekindled passion changes into something deeper, they’ll have to work together to untangle a web of lies and corruption that will shatter everything they thought they knew about their pasts. Because Jane’s not the only one with a secret—and this secret is getting people killed.
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Author Bio
A sucker for a happy ending, Shelly Bell writes sensual romantic thrillers. When she’s not working her day job, taking care of her family, or writing, you’ll find her reading the latest romance.
Author Links: Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads
Giveaway
I am giving away ONE PRINT copies of His to Claim (US/CA Addresses ONLY). To enter today’s contest, fill out the form below. PLEASE NOTE: Contest is open to US mailing address ONLY. Contest ends 5 PM mountain time Monday April 16th.
CONTEST OVER
The books for this giveaway were generously provided by Forever Publishing. Winners will be selected by random.org. Forever will mail the prize to the winners. not responsible for lost or misdirected packages.
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Thanks so much!