INTERVIEW WITH Amy Jarecki
Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.
Before college, I was a showgirl. I toured—singing and dancing my way around the world in a review called Follies on Broadway. Several years later, I dreamed up the plot for VIRTUE after I took a cruise to Belize...
How cool would it be to write a romantic suspense about a dancer who falls in love with a hot Belizean man and ends up in more trouble than Indiana Jones?
Describe the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in?
Virtue is a romantic suspense. My last six manuscripts have been Scottish historical romances, but they all have a strong element of suspense.
What is your writing routine like?
I’m a plotter. I roll out of bed every morning, review what I wrote the day before, look at my outline and plot the details of my next scene.
Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?
I’m a member of the Celtic Hearts chapter of the Romance Writers of America. I’ve formed a number of friendships by being a member, but I like the online classes that are offered in the CHRWA as well as those offered by other RWA chapters.
What’s next for you?
The next two books under contract are Rescued by the Celtic Warrior (August 2014) and Celtic Maid (Dec. 2014).
BOOK BLURB
Sheltered, raised in rural Utah, Zoe Marshall has never heard of the Mayan Prophecy of the Golden Goddess—but she’s about to.
At the moment she just landed her dream job, dancing on a cruise ship where she meets Belizean Gabriel AhKin. The sizzling bartender stirs her passion.
When the ship docks in Belize, Zoe disappears—spirited into the bowels of a Mayan cult led by a reclusive fanatic. After the madman sees her, he divines Zoe is the Golden Goddess. She is “the one” to fulfill the prophecy. Now Gabriel’s driving obsession is to rescue the woman who’s captured his heart.
A little bit about the author
Amy has won multiple writing awards and lives in Utah with her husband and two Chihuahuas. For fun, she hikes, bikes and plays a mean game of golf. Born in northern California, Amy holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Excerpt
The first time the hero sees the heroine:
Long blond hair fluttered with the breeze, legs that wouldn’t stop, and a body so well proportioned, he’d only seen the likes in swimsuit editions of Sports Illustrated.
She looked his way and his breath caught. He quickly glanced down, busying himself with the glasses. Gabriel’s heart thundered in his ears as she approached.
“Hi,” she said, her American accent friendly, not bitchy like other incredibly beautiful tourists he’d encountered. “You think I could get a Diet Coke?”
Gabriel looked up. She smiled, white teeth, eyes that reflected the sea, flawless skin. “Ah. Sure.” He reached for a glass, one of the fancy plastic tumblers. He scooped in some ice and grabbed a toothpick umbrella, garnishing it with a lime and a red maraschino cherry. Holding up her special drink, he grinned. “Why diet?”
She lowered her extraordinarily long lashes. “I’m a dancer—always watching my figure, you know.”
“You’re a dancer on the ship?”
She took a sip. “Uh huh. Arrived last night.” When she leaned in, he caught a delicious fragrance like rain falling on orange blossoms. “I’m pretending I’m lost and taking a little self-guided tour on my way to the theater. I thought I’d have a look around before spending who knows how many hours tied to the stage.”
“Off to rehearse, huh?”
“Yep. Had to learn two shows in a week.” She pointed to her white flip-flops. “I’m wearing these to air out the blisters on my toes.”
He glanced down, but only made it as far as her well-muscled, slender thighs. Perfection. “Sounds painful.”
“It’ll be all right.” She leaned closer with the most adorable smile he’d ever seen in his life. “Know what?”
Gabriel hoped drool wasn’t draining out the corner of his mouth. “What?”
“The lead dancer is leaving the show after this tour, and I’ve been picked for the fan dance.”
God in heaven, why did that not surprise him? He’d choose her for any spotlight dance. He’d pick her just to stand center stage for hours on end. You want to drape those pegs across my bar so I can stare at them all day? Holy mother, she could do anything she wanted.
How can my readers buy your book?
You can find more information about me and my book, Virtue, by
visiting my website, www.amyjarecki.com or my blog, http://amyjarecki.blogspot.com
A few quickies if you don’t mind!
1) Favorite board game? Monopoly
2) Pepsi or Coke? Pepsi
3) Mountains or Beach? Beach
4) Denim or Leather? Denim
5) What’s your favorite thing about Christmas? Presents
6) What’s your favorite romantic thing your husband has done for you? Oh gosh, my husband’s the king of romantic. Hmm. He often leaves me love notes on my pillow. I think I like those the best.
7) What’s your favorite time of day? Morning.
8) What’s your favorite color? Pink.
9) What’s your favorite kind of chewing gum? Spearmint, Cinnamon, or Fruity? Wintergreen—as long as it’s sugarless.
Thanks for having me on your blog, Sarah, and good luck to you and all the authors out there. Write on!
