Spotlight: Sara’s Smile by Sandra Bunino ~ Q&A and Giveaway

Posted on June 4, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

Sara’s Smile by Sandra Bunino

Publisher: Bradley Publishing ~ 70 pages ~ Release date: May 18, 2012

Today I am honored to have Sandra Bunino in the Maylee ehouse. She’s in the middle of celebrating her second release, Sara’s Smile. I was introduced to Sandra’s writing six sentences at a time. That’s right, Six Sentence Sunday has introduced me to many writers and Sandra’s 6s were one of my very first favorites. So I leaped at the chance to have her here today. Below I have a few thoughts to share about Sara’s Smile, Sandra answers some questions (including the blurb, an excerpt, and what’s next for Sandra), and at the bottom are Sandra’s dets. Don’t forget to leave a comment. One lucky commenter is going to receive an ecopy of Sara’s Smile!

S . J.’s Review: I’ve read Sara’s Smile and I highly recommend that you do too. It’s most certainly a 5-star book. Sandra’s writing made my heart smile. Do you remember the first time you fell in love? This book brought back all those lovely feelings, transporting you to a magical time. I fell easily for Sara. Sandra certainly has the ability to write characters you understand and want to root for. It’s a short extremely enjoyable read, get your hands on it today and start your week off right.

Now, let’s ask Sandra a couple questions…

What inspired you to begin writing romance?

I wrote a cute Valentine’s Day inspired short story for a creative writing assignment in high school (my first romance story). It was about a girl who was crushing on a boy and hoped he would notice her on Valentine’s Day. The day went by without even a second glance from him. Dejected she opened her locker at the end of the day to find a long stem rose. She turned around to see him smiling at her and you guessed it – it ended with an HEA. My teacher suggested I submit the story to a writing contest. I didn’t take her advice, however her suggestion gave me the confidence to continue writing. Here’s a fun fact: Roses are written into every story I write!

How do you feel about being a romance writer?

I love writing romance but my pet-peeve misconception about romance writers, especially erotic romance writers, is that we are all consumed with sex. This is simply not true, I mean, I’m sure I speak for many of my peers out there when I say – yes, we like sex. You really cannot effectively write about it if you didn’t. But obsessed and fixated on it? No. My answer to those clueless people who give me the quizzical look when I try to explain is simply, “Do you think murder mystery writers are running around killing people, chopping up their bodies into little pieces and dumping the remains in the woods? Uh, no, I don’t think so.”

What has surprised you the most about writing and becoming a published author?

It surprised me that bringing a book to market was such a meticulous and time consuming process. Writing was the easy part! There is a lot of back and forth correspondence with the publisher, editor and cover artist. Edits take a long time to clear. I usually clear my calendar and work non-stop for days on my first set of edits. After the book is in its final form, the promotion starts. Marketing and promotion also takes a lot of time, energy and scheduling. I have a great time doing it as I get to meet so many great authors, reviewers and readers.

Can you tell us a little about your new release, Sara’s Smile?

I’m such a romantic and have always been a sucker for a love lost/love found reunion story. My sensual romance, SARA’S SMILE is my second release but it’s actually my first story. I treat my books like my children and I just wasn’t ready to send this one out into the world as my first release. Instead I debuted my erotic romance, MAROONED IN MIAMI, to blaze the path for Sara. Now that warm weather is approaching, it’s the perfect time to introduce SARA’S SMILE as a sweet summer read.

There’s nothing like your first love, is there? Spanning five years, SARA’S SMILE will take you from young love found on the carefree beaches of Martha’s Vineyard to rekindled passion in the heart of New York City.

Blurb:

As an architect who specializes in restorations, Sara Wiley is a genius at returning neglected structures to their former glory. But when it comes to her own life, she has no idea how to reclaim the ruins, which are all that remain of her first true love.

When the biggest opportunity of her career and a sexy contractor comes her way, she’s thrilled…until she learns that the client is the long-ago boy who captured her heart and continues to invade her dreams. Is it a bittersweet coincidence or might there be a chance, after all, for Sara to revisit the mistakes of her past and build the future she has wanted for so long?

Excerpt:

Why am I doing this? she asked herself when she climbed into the cab, the next evening. Having dinner with him certainly isn’t going to help me get him out of my dreams.

As she got out, in front of O’Reilly’s, she was startled by her own reflection, and silently thanked Cat for assembling her outfit of dark skinny jeans, pink chiffon top with spaghetti straps and strappy silver sandals. At Cat’s insistence, she had worn her hair long and loose. She had added her favorite dangling silver earrings and a matching chain and pendant just before she walked out the door. If clothing was armor, she was as well equipped as she could manage for the coming conversation.

She found Will at the crowded bar, where he kissed her on the cheek and gave her his seat.

“What are you drinking?” he asked.

“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

He ordered two martinis, and they began talking about the Hanson House. From there, the conversation turned naturally to their jobs. As Sara had expected, Will explained that he traveled all over the world and spent only a few weeks out of the year at his apartment in Santa Monica.

While he spoke, she stared at his mouth, remembering how his kisses felt on her lips. A glance at his hands awoke her memory of the way they had encircled her waist as she made love to him.

Stop it, she ordered herself sternly, and shook her head.

“Are you okay?”

Oh shit. I didn’t say that out loud, did I? “Y-yeah, I’m fine,” she answered with a laugh.

“Now that we’ve made a dent in these martinis,” he said, looking down at his glass, “I have to tell you… You broke my heart, that last night we were together. I really loved you, Sara.”

Would you like to share what the reviewers are saying about your book?

I would love to! Here is an early review written by In Love with Romance:

5/5 Stars. Be prepared to fall under the spell of this fantastic story that will win you over with its charm.

Sandra Bunino delivers a heart-warming story about lost and found love. Not just any love, but first love.

In Sara’s Smile, she does an excellent job in bringing out the thrill of that first love. Through her amazing characters, she makes you revisit memory lane and relive what it felt like to fall deeply in love for the very first time. She reminds you of what it felt like to hold hands, to be held, that sweet first kiss, and how magical that first time was.

The decisions her characters face, and the emotions they go thru, make them come alive for you. It is not just about the thrill of that first love, and the thrill of doing everything for the very first time, it is deeper than that. It is about that unconditional, no questions asked, kind of love.

Sara’s Smile is such a moving story, don’t be surprised if it brings tears to your eyes, it will touch that soft spot in your heart, and it will take your breath away.

How many books have you written?

I’ve written two other novellas and two short contributing stories for anthologies.

Marooned in Miami (A Sensual Short Story), published by Bradley Publishing in January.

Lusted in Las Vegas (sequel to Marooned in Miami), releasing July 2nd from Bradley Publishing

The Satin Rose Experience (erotic romance/light BDSM), contributing story to the Keyboards and Kink Anthology by Evernight Publishing releasing June 8th.

The Fountain Pen, contributing story to the Felt Tips Anthology (all proceeds will go to charity) coordinated by author Tiffany Reisz. Felt Tips will be released on December 12^th.

What’s next?

I have a few WIPs in the works! First, I’m writing an erotic fairytale I hope to submit for consideration soon. Next up is a novella based on The Satin Rose Experience short. I’m also working on Michael’s story from Sara’s Smile. I decided he needs his own HEA! Lastly, there’s this little modern day pirate story set in the Caribbean rolling around in my head.

Bio:

Sandra Bunino began a love of romance stories while penning a creative writing assignment in high school. The story ended with the heroine receiving a long stem red rose in her locker on Valentine’s Day. Since then, all of her stories feature the hero presenting the heroine with roses. Sandra is constantly searching for different ways to achieve a heart-pumping, stomach-flipping, breath-catching reaction from her readers.

These days, Sandra lives on a wooded mountaintop not far from New York City with her family.

Connect with Sandra here: Email: sbunino (at) gmail (dot) com

Thank you so much, Sandra. It was a joy and honor to have you at my ehome today.

Now everyone don’t forget to comment!

Random Act Of Kindness BLITZ!

Posted on May 14, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

A smile. An encouraging word. A thoughtful gesture. Each day people interact with us, help, and make our day a bit brighter and full. This is especially true in the Writing Community.

Take a second to think about writers you know, like the critique partner who works with you to improve your manuscript. The writing friend who listens, supports and keeps you strong when times are tough. The author who generously offers council, advice and inspiration when asked.

So many people take the time to make us feel special, don’t they? They comment on our blogs, re-tweet our posts, chat with us on forums and wish us Happy Birthday on Facebook.

Kindness ROCKS!

To commemorate the release of their book The Emotion Thesaurus, Becca and Angela at The Bookshelf Muse are hosting a TITANIC Random Act Of Kindness BLITZ. And because I think KINDNESS is contagious, I’m participating too!

A couple of months ago I met an angel of a lady, Lani Rhea. Not only does she love books, but she’s a talented writer as well. I’d already been to her site a few times when our paths crossed, which reminded me how small our world really is.

She’s an angel to me in many ways. Not only does she listen to my bazillion questions, but she’s helping me on my writing journey. One question after the other and before long it was clear: we are kindred spirits.

By talking to her about my writing it became a little more real to me, not just something I do behind the walls I’ve erected. With her encouragement I found the will power and sent her the first several pages of my WIP and she sent me back a critique. The experience was tremendously exciting for me. Not only because it was my first critique, but I got to see all kinds of ways to improve my writing. I also got to see that my writing isn’t complete crap. I’ve been writing more, participating in writing workshops, and I’ve got serious honest to goodness plans for my writing.

So when they came up with the ROAK idea, I knew for certain I had to do a post about Lani. But what could I do for her?

In an email string one day I discovered her love for coffee. She drinks way too much, but I can’t really blame her. Yes, we’re kindred spirits all right. My hometown has several mom and pop coffee joints who roast their own beans…off to the roaster I went, bagged some beans and I’ve shipped them off to Lani to feed her addiction.

Someday I hope to meet Lani in person and give her the biggest dang hug you’ve ever seen. Until our stars align, please help me in giving Lani a virtual hug: Facebook Twitter Amazon Linked in

Do you know someone special that you’d like to randomly acknowledge?
Don’t be shy–come join us and celebrate! Send them an email, give them a shout out, or show your appreciation in another way. Kindness makes the world go round. 🙂

Becca and Angela have a special RAOK gift waiting for you as well, so hop on over to The Bookshelf Muse to pick it up.

Have you ever participated in or been the recipient of a Random Act Of Kindness? Let me know in the comments!

Love you, Lani. (((BigBigHugs))) I hope you enjoyed the RAOK.

Wicked Allure by Leslie C. Ferdinand ~ Q&A & Giveaway

Posted on May 7, 2012 by S.J. Maylee

I’m excited to have the beautiful Leslie C. Ferdinand at my blog today. Check out that cover, so sensual. Clicking on the cover will take you to her page on Amazon. Below you’ll find the blurb, her picture, bio, and the trailer. You can find Wicked Allure at Amazon, Smashwords and Lulu, however one lucky commenter is going to win an ecopy of Wicked Allure! AND WE HAVE A WINNER…SEE THE COMMENTS BELOW…THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!!!

But First, we have a Q & A from the stars of Wicked Allure. Please help me welcome Zachary Steele and Madigan DeLeon.

Zach, Madi, tell me a little about yourselves.

Zach: I’ve led a very privileged life as one of the sons of a well-known businessman. My mother was the glue that kept the family together. When she died, our world fell apart.

Madi: I have also led a very privileged lifestyle. I’m the youngest daughter of a socialite mother and a businessman father. I have two older sisters and we’ve been labeled everything by the media.

Zach: Most of which isn’t good. They need to get their stories straight before it is reported.

Madi: You’ve said yourself that, before you met me, you believed a lot of what was being circulated.

Zach: And I learned my lesson.

Zach, watching your father grieve must have been difficult. How did that affect you?

Madi: It nearly wrecked his life.

Zach: After watching my father suffer after my mother’s death, I equated love with pain and heartache. I didn’t want a family and I didn’t want children. I decided to live for the moment and to lose myself in any type of pleasure I could find.

Do you think your well-documented past affects people’s perception of you?

Zach: Certainly. I’ve made mistakes in my life but I make no apologies for who I am.

It is well known that Zach was addicted to sex, drugs, parties, excessive luxury, fast cars, adventurous vacations…

Madi: Zach lived on the edge for a very long time. His reputation as a bad boy is well-earned.

So you’re saying he’s tamed now?

Madi: He’s domesticated but never tamed.

Zach: You wouldn’t want me any other way, love.

Madi: Not at all.

Does it ever concern you that Zach might return to that lifestyle?

Madi: Not any more. And, after what we’ve been through, I have complete faith in him.

Why did you start using drugs in the first place, Zach?

Zach: It was there and available to me.

As were women.

Zach: Yes. I love beautiful women. I’ve been blessed with one of the most beautiful.

Did you give up using and women because of Madigan?

Zach: Women, yes. I refuse to disrespect Madigan and all that we have by sleeping with another woman. As for drugs, no. I’d stopped using long before I met Madigan. I had to straighten up after my father’s death. I had to step up to the plate and run the family company.

Madigan, your mother asked you to run her sex club. What kind of a mother would ask that of her own daughter?

Madi: A woman with very little motherly instincts. I don’t recognize her anymore. She isn’t the woman who raised me.

You didn’t have to agree to run Wicked Allure. Why did you? Was it because of Zach?

Zach: Of course.

Madi: He’s so full of himself, isn’t he? He was only part of the reason. My mother threw down a challenge and I wanted to prove myself to her.

You did use again recently. Why?

Zach: To exorcise thoughts of Madigan. I regret the use that night. I’ve made a pact to myself to never do that again.

You two have agreed to a no-holds barred interview. So let’s turn to one of your favorite subjects, Zach.

Madi and Zach: Sex

Madi: Subject? I think you mean activity.

Zach: I don’t recall any complaints from you, Madi.

Madigan, Zach is twelve years older than you. You hinted that he wants control in every aspect of his life. Does he dominate you in the bedroom?

Madi: That is one part of our lives that I don’t mind him controlling. He’s an expert lover. He has tutored my body for his pleasure.

Does the age difference bother you?

Madi: It never bothered me.

Zach: It was a big concern of mine. I didn’t want to corrupt Madigan.

Madi: You corrupted me the moment I met you.

Did he now? Was it his bad boy reputation that first attracted you to him?

Madi: A lot of women love bad boys, thinking we can somehow reform them but there was a connection between Zach and I from the moment we met.

Why was it so hard for the two of you two overcome one another?

Zach: Madigan has never been afraid to express her opinions to me or about me. I admired her determination and spirit.

Madi: Zach can be extremely ruthless. He wants what he wants when he wants it and no one will stop him from getting it. Beneath everything, he has a very vulnerable, tender side and he loves his family.

Do you think you and your mother will ever reconcile, Madigan?

Madi: One can only hope.

You’re a grown woman with a life of your own and yet you returned to reconcile with your mother. Some may see that as a weakness.

Madi: Family is very important to me. I don’t let my mother dictate my life. Not in the least. But, yes, I would like to have an amicable relationship with my mother. I think a lot of people will understand that.

What’s next for the two of you?

Madi: Everlasting love. A lavish wedding and a very bright future.

Zach: Spoiling Madigan. Planning a very extravagant honeymoon and untold happiness as long as Madigan is at my side.

I want to thank both of you for sitting down for this very enlightening conversation. We wish you much happiness in the future.

How much fun was that! Now for the Trailer, blurb, bio and Leslie’s pretty picture. Thank you so much Leslie for stopping by today. Thanks to Medi and Zach too 🙂 Now don’t forget to comment for your chance to win an ecopy of Wicked Allure.

Blurb:

What Does A Man Say to the Woman He Betrayed But Never Stopped Loving?

Three years ago, Zachary Steele refused to entertain thoughts of permanency with any woman. A hedonist at heart, he didn’t want to corrupt the much younger, Madigan DeLeon, by continuing his affair with her. With the hidden scars of his past, he didn’t believe in happily-ever-after. By the time he realized how much Madigan meant to him, he’d driven her away. Then, one night, after being clean for a number of years, Zach briefly falls off the bandwagon. He believes his lovemaking to Madi is a drug-induced hallucination. The resulting consequences tell another story.

What Does A Woman Do When the Only Man She’s Ever Loved Hurt Her So Deeply She Feared She’d Never Recover?

Three years after her affair with Zach so abruptly ended, celebutante, Madigan DeLeon, is thrust back into Zach’s life by her mother’s machinations. Brought home under the false pretenses of repairing her damaged relationship with her mother, Madi instead finds herself running a private sex club called Wicked Allure. Forced to confront her anger at his betrayal and grief at the loss of what might’ve been, Madi faces the realization that she’s never stopped loving Zach.

Can Two Broken Hearts Set Aside Anger and Betrayal to Find True Love Once and For All?

Searching the deepest recesses of their hearts, in a place where pride and pain has no room, Madi and Zach must decide if their bond is strong enough to take a second chance at love. Or if resuming their sexual relationship is an irresistible wicked allure and the ghosts of their former relationship will finally, and forever, sever all ties between them.

Author Bio:

Leslie C. Megahey and Shirley H. Ferdinand have been writing together since 1991. Under their Christine Holden pen name, five books were released by Berkley/Jove between 1998 and 2001. Their last book, Dearest Beloved, had a foreign edition in Dutch. They’ve appeared in New Orleans Magazine, the Times Picayune, RT Book Reviews, the Fort Bend Herald, Fort Bend Lifestyles, and the Natchez Sun. They were also included in Kathryn Falk’s 1998 How To Write A Romance For The New Markets and Get it Published and May McGoldrick’s Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing in 2000. They’ve made appearances on television stations in New Orleans, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Beaumont and Toronto. Leslie has also made an appearance on the Rachel Ray Show and is founder of Inside Rose Rich Magazine. They currently have literary representation with D4EO Literary Agency. This is the team’s first erotic romance.