One of my favorite parts of being a writer (other than being paid to do what I love), is that I get to meet a slew of talented authors and introduce them to you! This week's talent is Brenda Margriet, author of Chef d'Amour. Brenda is a contemporary romance writer and one of my Romance Weekly Blog Hop friends. Be sure to spread the love and leave a comment before you leave today.
Without further adieu, here's Brenda to tell us all about her new release.
Brenda: Thanks so much for hosting me today, Elizabeth! My second romance, CHEF D'AMOUR was released August 29th by The Wild Rose Press, and I am so happy to be able to share this event with my Romance Writer's Weekly friends.
E.J.: The pleasure is all mine! Congrats on your new release, by the way. Your cover art looks fabulous. So why don't you tell us all what Chef d'Amour is about.
About the BookAll Jemma Hedge wants to do is care for her ailing grandmother, and a job behind-the-scenes on the reality show Reservations for Two is the perfect opportunity. There's one rule—no fraternizing with the cast. Easy enough, until she meets the show's sexy bachelor, Paul Almeida, the smouldering restaurateur she's already had the displeasure of meeting.
Paul risked more than money when he opened his dream restaurant. To give his fantasy a fighting chance he accepts the role of Chef d'Amour on a brand new reality show. Flirting with the women vying for his heart should keep him too busy to worry about overstepping boundaries with the crew, until he spots Jemma.
The ingredients for love are at hand. Can Jemma and Paul create the perfect blend?
Brenda: I have a confession to make. While CHEF D'AMOUR is set
behind-the-scenes on a romance reality TV show, I have never watched one. Like
my heroine, Jemma, I have trouble believing that a true, lasting love can grow
under the beady-eyed lens of a television camera. A romance behind the camera,
however – that I can get into! Maybe because that's how I found my true love –
but that's a different story....
E.J.: Ooh, do tell! I love hearing about real-life love stories. Maybe you can give me the inside scoop when we're done here. But seriously, I love the premise. It's easy to understand and the conflict isn't contrived. It makes sense. I'm kind of dying to know who makes the first move.
Brenda: It was a lot of fun writing about Paul and Jemma, and I hope
you enjoy reading about them.
E.J.: How about giving us a juicy little tidbit in the meantime? Pretty please?
Excerpt:
Dizziness swirled through Paul and he lifted his mouth for an instant, long enough for a quick, desperate breath before dipping back to sip from Jemma again. A taste, one more, another—then she tore away, thrust away, threw his hands down. She pressed against the far wall, staring at him with her unearthly blue eyes. Her breasts heaved under her black t-shirt. A flush shaded the hollow of her throat.
His palms tingled from the silk of her skin, her tang lingered on his tongue. Need for her simmered in his veins.
She stared at him, one hand held to her mouth. He should say something. Apologize. Apologize? What the hell for?
“Are you trying to get me fired?” Her voice came out squeaky, panicked.
Oh, right. She wasn’t allowed to associate with him. “Of course not.” That kiss was well over the line, but he didn’t regret it, not one bit.
“Then what was that?” Her hand flailed between them.
“I kissed you.”
“I know that!” Her eyes flashed. “Why?”
“I wanted to.” He rolled tense shoulders. His breathing eased as his pulse steadied and he resisted the impulse to hold her hard against him, nestle her to his body. She’d probably slap him. “I have to tell you, Jemma. You are much more fascinating than any of the women on the show.”
“I’m not a contestant!” Red brightened the tip of her nose. “You can’t pick me. You have to pick one of the contestants.”
“I’ll pick who I want.” And I pick you. He didn’t dare say it out loud.
“Stay away from me.” She edged past him, grasped the door handle. “Just stay away from me.” She fled.
E.J.: Who knew Paul could be such a naughty boy?! Can't wait to find out how he wins Jemma over. This one is definitely going on my TBR pile. Let's see what the experts are saying about Chef d'Amour.
from Cora Seton, national bestselling author of the Cowboys of Chance Creek series
"Great story - I love, love, love all the detail. Brenda Margriet does a terrific job setting up scenes and evoking places, and I felt like she really knew what she was talking about when it came to showing behind-the-scenes on a television set. Terrific book!"
from Kim Handysides
"Brenda Margriet's characters are interesting, quirky, nicely rounded and the conflict is great. I love the authenticity she brings to the television studio scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed Paul and Jemma's story."E.J.: Before we close for today, I think everyone needs to know more about you, the brilliant writer behind that delicious scene.
Brenda's love of books began as a child. She ran into the living room holding "Old Hat, New Hat", tripped and smashed into the corner of the coffee table. The book sustained a deep gouge in its cover, and Brenda has never forgotten its sacrifice.
As a teenager, she saved babysitting money to buy a typewriter. It had an electric keyboard with manual return, and cost more than $300. When she wasn't clacking away on it, she could be found hiding behind the couch with her nose in a book.
Her first release, MOUNTAIN FIRE, is a romantic suspense set in Northern BC. Her second release, CHEF D'AMOUR, is a contemporary romance set behind-the-scenes on a romance reality TV show.
Brenda lives in Northern British Columbia with her husband, three children (all of whom are taller than her) and various finny and furry pets. By day she is Production Manager at the local television station, and by night she pecks away at her works in progress.
Find out more about Brenda, including social media and buy links, at www.brendamargriet.com.
E.J.: Thank you so much, Brenda, for joining me today. I wish you good luck and hope you enjoy many, many sales. May your book hit all sorts of best seller lists!
Thanks for hosting me, Elizabeth! As for my true life romance - my husband and I met 27 years ago at the TV station where we both still work! How's that for meant to be? :)
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