Hot and snarky?…Yes Please

 By Nana Prah

No doubt about it, Esi Darfour from the Destiny Series, is awesome. I wish I was as fantastic as her, but I’m only as fabulous as I can be.  She has a confidence, outgoing nature, and an attitude I wish I’d been born with. What makes Esi so great, you ask? Even if you didn’t, I’m happy to share.

1. She’s a people person. Other than the hero, Adam, she loves hanging out and can make friends with anyone. All because she’s an extrovert. Who doesn’t love outgoing people? (I’m an introvert, so I envy that about her)

2. Esi is one of the best Midwives who has ever existed. She goes the extra mile to ensure the safety of her patients.

3. She’s gorgeous and has a body that makes men (and women) take a second and third look.

4. She may not be genius level, but she’s one smart woman.

5. Need a bit of humor? She’ll provide it. More of a wise ass than a comedian, she’ll still make you laugh.

6. The woman loves color in her clothes. She’s confident in herself to not do it for attraction, but because she likes her clothes to match her personality.

7. If you expect her to be humble and meek, you’ll wait a long time. Esi speaks her mind whether a person wants to hear it or not.

8. She’s Esi. Enough said.

Pick up a copy of Midwife to Destiny and Destiny Mine and get to know Esi for yourself. They’re both on sale for $1.99 at Amazon and All Romance eBooks.

Blurb:

Extraordinary midwife, Esi Darfour, is looking to get married.  She’s a master matchmaker but has no luck when it comes to her love life and has yet to find a man worthy of her. Until she has to deal with gorgeous Dr. Adam Quarshie outside of work.

Adam is a player who refuses to get married—ever. His interest lies more in getting her into bed than in having any kind of committed relationship. Esi’s matchmaker instincts warn her to run in the other direction as quickly as possible, but her heart insists she stay…get closer…and see if what they feel for each other can change his mind.

Buy Links

Amazon | Decadent |ARe | Barnes & Noble| Smashwords  

 iTunes   | Kobo | Googleplay|

About the Author:

Nana Prah is a multi-published author of contemporary, multicultural romance. Her books are sweet with a touch of spice. When she’s not writing she’s reading, indulging in chocolate, and enjoying life with friends and family.

Contact Details:

Blog : www.nanaprah.blogspot.com

Twitter: @NanaPrah

Facebook: Nana Prah, Author

Goodreads: Nana Prah

Google + :  Nana Prah   

Enjoy the following excerpt for Destiny Mine:

Her gaze travelled down his muscular body. Unlike many of the other doctors who tended to gain a belly as they grew older and settled into the comforts of married life, Adam Quarshie could overshadow any man in his late twenties. His stomach had remained flat and his muscles strained against his yellow button-down shirt when he moved.

She took her time raking her gaze up his body and to his face. Her gasp of embarrassment stuck in her throat as her eyes met his.

Why did he have to have such an adorable grin? God could’ve at least rotted his teeth to save the hearts of women all over Ghana.

“See something you like, Esi?”

She cleared her throat. “Yes, I do. Your shoes are nice. Where can I get a pair for my brother?”

He chuckled. “My shoes. Hmm. I got them on Oxford Street in Osu.”

“Thanks.”

He moved towards her, and she refused to step back as he crowded her. He smelled amazing, like he was fresh from a shower. She struggled not to move closer or inhale deeper.

“Or I could take you.” His voice came out soft yet had a distinct rumble.

Did the man not know how to be anything but seductive?

If she checked her pulse, she knew it would be way above the normal range. She snorted as she stepped around him and went to the patient’s bedside. “I’m going home. You did a great job.” She tilted her head to view the child’s face cradled in the new mother’s arms then smiled at the newborn’s mother. “You were able to gather the strength to push the baby out. You are a strong woman, Ama.”

The woman ducked her head. “Thank you.”

Esi turned to Adam, not bothering to hide her annoyance. “Are there any other patients you want to see?”

“I’ll come back to do ward rounds later. How about going to Osu?”

“I’d rather…rather….” Fatigue had blocked her brain. Later on in the day, long after it was too late, she’d think of any number of things she could have said to put him in his place.

He raised an eyebrow. Their perfect arch sat over slanted dark brown eyes.

“You’d rather what?”

“Eat a live snail.”

He scrunched his face. “Disgusting. No Osu for you, then. Next time, I’ll ask to take you somewhere that won’t make you prefer eating something raw and slimy over hanging out with me.”

“No such place exists, Quarshie.” They walked, rather, she stalked while he strutted, down the hallway towards the nurse’s station.

“I’m sure there is somewhere, and one day I’m going to take you there.”

She didn’t bother to look at him. “In your dreams.”

He winked. “Always in my dreams.”

Her heart skipped a beat as Sade’s classic song “Smooth Operator” came to mind. She regarded him through narrowed eyes as he headed towards the door. His heartbreaking ways didn’t appeal to her at all. Everyone knew relationships weren’t his thing. She’d never even consider going out on a date with him. She knew too many casualties of his charm. The type of guy who would go to all sorts of lengths to get a woman on his radar. Once he caught and used her, he moved to the next one…or two. After having once dated a womanizer, she wouldn’t subject herself to that kind of man again.

No way. Not her. Never

Bringing the heat in Destiny Mine

 by Nana Prah

Needless to say, Decadent Publishing is all about romance. For the most part they publish books that can singe a reader’s eyebrows off.

Until I wrote Destiny Mine all of my books were sweet. Not a bit of sex in them. This didn’t stop the passion and romance from being intense. With Destiny Mine I did an Emeril Lagasse and “Kicked it up a notch.” Bam!

I’m presenting three things that influenced me to write a sex scene in Destiny Mine with the door wide open.

1. An author friend asked me why I was holding back. Fear was the answer I came up with. Would I be able to write a sensual scene that didn’t cross the line into either boring or erotica? I tossed all trepidation to the side and did what I wanted. What did I have to lose? I was publishing with Decadent, who have some of the best editors in the world. They could help me balance it out later.

2. The characters asked for it. Esi and Adam are both passionate as individuals when it comes to life. When I put them on the same page that passion exploded.

3. I gave up wondering what people (I’m talking about my family and friends) would think about me when they read the book. This is probably linked with the fear in #1. Of course a person can’t live their lives based on other people’s opinions, so I let it go.

And now here I am with my first spicy romance. The super great news is that it’s on sale for 99 cents for a limited time at Amazon.

Blurb:

Extraordinary midwife, Esi Darfour, is looking to get married.  She’s a master matchmaker but has no luck when it comes to her love life and has yet to find a man worthy of her. Until she has to deal with gorgeous Dr. Adam Quarshie outside of work.

Adam is a player who refuses to get married—ever. His interest lies more in getting her into bed than in having any kind of committed relationship. Esi’s matchmaker instincts warn her to run in the other direction as quickly as possible, but her heart insists she stay…get closer…and see if what they feel for each other can change his mind.

Enjoy the following excerpt for Destiny Mine: 

Her gaze travelled down his muscular body. Unlike many of the other doctors who tended to gain a belly as they grew older and settled into the comforts of married life, Adam Quarshie could overshadow any man in his late twenties. His stomach had remained flat and his muscles strained against his yellow button-down shirt when he moved. 

She took her time raking her gaze up his body and to his face. Her gasp of embarrassment stuck in her throat as her eyes met his. 

Why did he have to have such an adorable grin? God could’ve at least rotted his teeth to save the hearts of women all over Ghana. 

“See something you like, Esi?” 

She cleared her throat. “Yes, I do. Your shoes are nice. Where can I get a pair for my brother?” 

He chuckled. “My shoes. Hmm. I got them on Oxford Street in Osu.” 

“Thanks.” 

He moved towards her, and she refused to step back as he crowded her. He smelled amazing, like he was fresh from a shower. She struggled not to move closer or inhale deeper. 

“Or I could take you.” His voice came out soft yet had a distinct rumble. 

Did the man not know how to be anything but seductive? 

If she checked her pulse, she knew it would be way above the normal range. She snorted as she stepped around him and went to the patient’s bedside. “I’m going home. You did a great job.” She tilted her head to view the child’s face cradled in the new mother’s arms then smiled at the newborn’s mother. “You were able to gather the strength to push the baby out. You are a strong woman, Ama.” 

The woman ducked her head. “Thank you.” 

Esi turned to Adam, not bothering to hide her annoyance. “Are there any other patients you want to see?” 

“I’ll come back to do ward rounds later. How about going to Osu?” 

“I’d rather…rather….” Fatigue had blocked her brain. Later on in the day, long after it was too late, she’d think of any number of things she could have said to put him in his place. 

He raised an eyebrow. Their perfect arch sat over slanted dark brown eyes.

“You’d rather what?” 

“Eat a live snail.” 

He scrunched his face. “Disgusting. No Osu for you, then. Next time, I’ll ask to take you somewhere that won’t make you prefer eating something raw and slimy over hanging out with me.” 

“No such place exists, Quarshie.” They walked, rather, she stalked while he strutted, down the hallway towards the nurse’s station. 

“I’m sure there is somewhere, and one day I’m going to take you there.” 

She didn’t bother to look at him. “In your dreams.” 

He winked. “Always in my dreams.” 

Her heart skipped a beat as Sade’s classic song “Smooth Operator” came to mind. She regarded him through narrowed eyes as he headed towards the door. His heartbreaking ways didn’t appeal to her at all. Everyone knew relationships weren’t his thing. She’d never even consider going out on a date with him. She knew too many casualties of his charm. The type of guy who would go to all sorts of lengths to get a woman on his radar. Once he caught and used her, he moved to the next one…or two. After having once dated a womanizer, she wouldn’t subject herself to that kind of man again. 

No way. Not her. Never. 

Destiny Mine

Destiny Series

Buy Links

Amazon | Decadent |ARe | Barnes & Noble| Smashwords 

 iTunes   | Kobo | Googleplay

About the Author:

Nana Prah is a multi-published author of contemporary, multicultural romance. Her books are sweet with a touch of spice. When she’s not writing she’s reading, indulging in chocolate, and enjoying life with friends and family.

Contact Details:

Blog : www.nanaprah.blogspot.com

Twitter: @NanaPrah

Facebook: Nana Prah, Author

Goodreads: Nana Prah

Google + :  Nana Prah  

What if They Find Out?

 by Inge Saunders

Dance of Love

**On Sale for 99 cents at Amazon.com**

All roads lead to Rome when Ashley Solomons embarks on fulfilling her dream to become a world-class dancer. But there’s one person who stands in her way. “It`s a no from me,” Antonio Machiavelli.

When Antonio’s auditions for a lead principal end in wintry Cape Town, the last thing he expects is to have more than a knee-jerk reaction to an audition. Ashley not only verbally challenges him, but also translates her fire and cheekiness into an edge of your seat performance.

Can Antonio keep his distance from Ashley? Can Ashley focus on fulfilling her dream of becoming a lead principal? Or will love have its way?

Ashley Solomons, the heroine of my latest book Dance of Love, is based on a real person.  And not a friend or family member, more an acquaintance. I’d gone so far as to even derive the first name of the character from them to keep me grounded in the ‘mind’ of the person she’s based on. Of course, I can add loosely, but that wouldn’t be truthful.

From the moment I met this person I was fascinated by her, from our interactions I assumed her to be several years younger than me. As it turns out, I`m several years younger. I constantly asked myself, "how can someone be so…naïve." And I don’t mean that in a derogative way, more in an "I’m viewing an alien from another planet" way (which also doesn’t sound good).

I met her three years ago and bonded over our shared writing journey. It was fun to have someone in the trenches with me. We’d email each other updates, share industry tips and also beta read for each other. And here’s another little nugget, we’re in the same writing group *finger on lips*

Now it’s becoming juicy, right? Oh I'm so going to get it when I'm done here!

Those who follow my blog (click HERE) know I’ve shared my struggle with writing Ashley, because we are such different people. My most comfortable female characters are the strong sassy, smart, funny and confident types. Not the I’m going to barf all over your shoes because I have stage fright types. *spoiler alert* Uh yeah, that happens in the book.

As New Adult heroines go, Ashley’s at that phase of her life where she’s carving out her place in the world, trying to work out who she is and where she fits in, AND having to deal with falling in love for the first time. Tough. Certainly not easy at any age, but at twenty-three Ashley fits neatly into this category. She’s uncertain of herself, even though tremendously talented, doesn’t quite believe it.

She’s insecure and though she’s got a bit of spunk, her lack of confidence can trip her up. I literally had to hold myself back from making this character too vocal, too assured and knowing, by walking away from my laptop. I would take a walk, make coffee, watch E-News (don’t throw virtual rotten tomatoes at me), then I’d read an email from this acquaintance and the character would slot back into place.

I feel like I should write her a letter to tell her she’s the inspiration for a character that I developed a deep respect and liking for. ‘Ashley’ taught me how to write characters that are as far from each other as Princess Kate, Duchess of Cambridge aka Royal Mother of future King of England, is from Kim K from the House of Kardashian, now House of Kanye West. As a writer this is a great lesson. We’re constantly required to reinvent with every book we write. And now I’m not talking about voice and writing style, I’m referring to characters who can’t be distinguished from each other.  The heroines and heroes read the same in every book the author writes.

So how do you break from that? Base them on real people. I know. What if they find out? *whispers*

Well two things can happen: either it’s a compliment, or they kick you from here to next Tuesday. Of course, it all depends on what you do with the character. In my first novel I told my cousin, "Look I`m going to borrow your name for the man-stealing harpy, and your hair and your long legs, but not your personality." 

She sent me a text back, "Oh, okay." When she read the book, she laughed. And here’s the thing; art does imitate life. I wrote two sisters in that story too and without realizing, I gave the eldest sister some of my sister’s quirks.

I realized these ‘real life’ aspects made my stories much richer and interesting to me as the author. I love "messing" around with real people on paper *smile*

So my writing tip; use one real person, for one whole character of your story. See what happens *grin*  

A Better Promise - The Creators Book 3

By Kathy Bosman

Blurb:

When Braedon hires shy and serious Alicia as a secretary in his furniture business, he falls for her instantly. Alicia admires Braedon for his kindness and warms up to him despite her decision not to. There’s just one problem—Alicia has plans to enter the mission field and follow her vow to remain single the rest of her life. When she takes up an offer to help teach the Basotho teenagers in Lesotho, things don’t go as smoothly as she hoped. Braedon soon gets wind of her troubles and joins her. But will Alicia open her heart to love or hold fast to her childhood pledge?

The third and final book in The Creators series has arrived. And on St. Patrick’s Day to fit being an inspirational romance. I started off writing inspirational romances and created some manuscripts that will forever remain unread on my PC. I’m too nervous to reread them as I know they’re pretty dreadful.

A Better Promise wouldn’t stop talking to me though. The book evolved from one part of a book about quadruplets. Braedon is a quad and has three sisters. His and Alicia’s story became its own book while the original book never reached completion. Recently, I edited it for about the fifth time and sent it off to reach the world.

This book holds a special place in my heart. When my husband and I were newly married, we went to Zambia as educational missionaries. Life could be hard there as we had to rough it sometimes. I had all three of my kids there. In some ways, it was hard bringing up kids in such a third-world environment, but in other ways, it was magical. Zambia was the quiet environment where I first started writing.

I came to the conclusion that I didn’t make a good missionary though. I enjoy plenty of running water, electricity, lots of products to choose from at the shops, and a stable income. We returned to South Africa in 2004.

Alicia is a lot more determined than me to keep her dream of becoming a missionary alive. Although she’s shy, she has such a stubborn streak. She figures finding love and starting a family would be the ultimate distraction to her goal in life. But then she meets Braedon who turns out to be…well, I can’t give it away. You’ll have to read it so see how Braedon opens Alicia’s eyes to what’s really right for her.

Buy Links: 

DecadentPublishing || Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Smashwords Kobo || iTunes || Google Play

Online Links for Kathy:

Website || Facebook || Twitter ||  Goodreads || Pinterest || Amazon || YouTube || Newsletter || Tsu || Authorgaph 

Top 5 Reasons for Reading Medical Romance

 By Nana Prah

What makes reading and writing medical romance so much fun? Lucky for you that I have a top five list to explain this very phenomenon.

1. There’s a saying that authors should “Write what you know.” Being a nurse, I love to share how good the profession is, how hard the work is, and how much we love our jobs (for the most part).

2. Nurses rock! Enough said about that.

3. The medical field is expansive. There are different branches of nursing and these each make for a unique story.

4. Medical romances have a reputation. A dirty one. There’s a rumor circulating that doctors and nurses get “hot and heavy” in any available hospital closet. We’ve all seen that happening on every medical television series, right? You’re wondering if its true?  Um…. Well, hmmm. Just kidding. For me, no. I can’t speak for anyone else now can I?

5. Stories set in hospitals are fascinating, because let’s face it, medicine is an awesome field. Esi, the heroine in Destiny Mine, is a midwife. Delivering babies is her specialty so the reader gets immersed in that world of the miracle of new life.

And there you have it folks. I hope I’ve turned you on to medical romances. Is there anything you’d like to add to the list about what interests you about medical romance?

The Blurb

Extraordinary midwife, Esi Darfour, is looking to get married.  She’s a master matchmaker but has no luck when it comes to her love life and has yet to find a man worthy of her. Until she has to deal with gorgeous Dr. Adam Quarshie outside of work.

Adam is a player who refuses to get married—ever. His interest lies more in getting her into bed than in having any kind of committed relationship. Esi’s matchmaker instincts warn her to run in the other direction as quickly as possible, but her heart insists she stay…get closer…and see if what they feel for each other can change his mind.

Buy Links

Amazon | Decadent | Itunes | Kobo | Googleplay

 

Nana Prah

Contact Details:

Blog : www.nanaprah.blogspot.com

Twitter: @NanaPrah

Facebook: Nana Prah, Author

Meet the Character-- Damian Davidson

    I`ve always been a fan of Enrique Iglesias. Since he came on the scene, it was a toss between him and Ricky Martin, but not even Ricky`s Bon Bons could compete *cheeky grin* So when I first started with my sytycw2012 entry, Falling for Mr. Unexpected, it was no wonder that the male lead would be a spitting image of Enrique. (Let`s ignore the fact that I was watching a Perez Hilton interview with him, in his hotel room, at the time inspiration over took over).

   So without further introduction, there`s someone here who can`t wait to for me to introduce him to all of you, my favourite leading man Damian Davidson from Falling for Mr. Unexpected (released on 23^rd December 2014 ).

What is the name of your character? Is s/he fictional/historical?

I`m going to let Damian introduce himself...

My name is Damian Davidson, I was born and raised in South Africa, Stellenbosch, but moved to Los Angeles in pursuit of my acting career. I was supposed to follow in the footsteps of my brother and father, and become a surgeon, but I caught the acting bug when I took part in my senior showcase.

I did try to appease my father by enrolling for medicine at the University of Cape Town *shrug*, but it only lasted two years. Needless to say, my father disowned me and I ended up penniless on the streets of LA, working as a waiter and then model before I got my first break in a French film.

I`ve been nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award, so I`d say switching medicine for acting hadn`t been such a bad idea *grins*

When and where is the story set?

I live in L.A. but a recent *ahem* sex-tape scandal has forced me back to South Africa, to Strand, a coastal town in the Western Cape where I own a beach house. I hadn`t been there in years, so I figured it would be safe from the paparazzi. I was hoping after a couple of weeks out there the story would blow over and I could go back to LA. Unfortunately I got more than I bargained for.

What should we know about Damian?

I`m a very private person. A career in the public is probably not the most logical thing for someone who loves to lead a private life. I don`t mind interviews, obviously *smiles* and talking about my acting roles, but the paparazzi can be very invasive and tabloids have a way of getting their facts wrong. The image they portray of a celebrity isn`t always accurate.

What is Damian`s goal?

   The goal is to get away from everything Hollywood since the movie I`ve been working on was brought to a stop because of the scandal. The idea is to have a couple of weeks of relative peace, which also means, and I honestly love my fans, but I need a reprieve. The sex-tape seemed to have sparked a rise in fans sending underwear in the mail and posting naked pictures of themselves on my car`s windshield *clears throat* Which is probably why I mistook my brother`s sister in-law, Emma Cupido, as an *ahem* obsessed fan.

   Our first meeting wasn`t pretty. Me, in nothing but a towel, her half-naked clutching her clothes against her body, she had taken a dip in the ocean on my private beach. Something my brother failed to tell her when he offered for her to use the house for the school holidays. He`s been taking care of the place while I was out of the country.

What is screwing up Damian`s life (main conflict in writerly speak)?

   Emma Cupido and her bruised feet *grimace* Who knew a box filled with hardcovers could cause so much damage. She even has a broken pinky-toe *ouch*

I had initially shown her the door, but I couldn`t kick her out after the ‘accident’. Imagine the headline. Damian Davidson throws out injured woman on the streets. So no peace for me, since in spite of her miniature size, Emma does have a way of taking up a lot of space. Most disturbingly in my head.

   Oh, and have I mentioned that because of Emma, I now have to inform my parents, with whom I haven`t spoken to in four years, that I`m in South Africa? No, well, the word awkward doesn’t even begin to cover the situation.

What is the title?

Falling for Mr. Unexpected-- I guess I`m Mr. Unexpected *grins*

When can we expect the book to be published or when was it published?

Falling for Mr. Unexpected was published on the 23^rd of December 2014 and is available at:

Decadent Publishing || Amazon || Kobo 

About the Author:

First time author Inge Saunders fell in love with books when she started reading romance novels with her grandmother. Intrigued by the worlds books unlocked, it was inevitable she would take pen to paper.

At age fourteen she wrote her first novel which wasn`t such a roaring success according to her brother. Not discouraged, she realized something fundamental: as a writer you can only write about what interests you, a principle she still uphold in adulthood.

When she`s not writing about that ‘inexplicable attraction’ she`s reading almost every sub-genre in romance out there, spending time with friends and family and taking hikes in her hometown`s National Karoo Park.

Inge form part of Romance writers` Organization of South Africa (ROSA) and currently have two books contracted with Decadent Publishing, Falling for Mr. Unexpected and Dance of Love ( set for release in April 2015).

Blog: Inge Saunders - Inside These Lines || Twitter || Facebook || Goodreads || Pinterest