Wednesday Promo- Marie Tuhart

I met Marie in Los Gatos last fall at a book signing. I'm looking forward to visiting with her again this fall when I return for another signing.

Bio:
Marie Tuhart can't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hands. She began writing at 19, and in 1994 decided to join RWA and get serious about publishing. When she isn't reading or writing, Marie loves to spend time in bookstores. A world traveler, she enjoys searching out corners of the globe she hasn't experienced yet. While still totally open to finding her own tall, dark and handsome, she is certainly enjoying the journey.

What author(s) inspired you to become a writer?
Iris Johansen, Fayrene Preston, Kay Hooper for Series romance writing. In later years, Angela Knight, Kate Douglas and Christine Feehan for paranormal and erotic romance.

When did you start writing?

That's a bit harder, I wrote as a teenager but never with thoughts of publication. I finished my first full romance manuscript at age 19 sent it in, it was rejected. At that point, I kept writing but not submitting as I was working full time and getting my college degree. After receiving my degree, and being able to change jobs, I joined Romance Writers of America and my local chapter. It wasn't until I was with RWA that I realized I still had a lot to learn, four years after I joined RWA I decided to persue a writing career, but I had to keep the day job to pay the bills. My first book was published in Jan 2010 by The Wild Rose Press, it's been a long journey, but a very good journey and a learning experience. Even today I still have the day job and my writing as my second job.

Which comes first for you - the characters or the plot?

Usually the characters. I see the characters in a certain situation and the story starts from there. It could be the opening of the book, or the middle, it all depends on the scene I see.

Blurb: In Plain Sight
Bad boy businessman Joe Bradshaw has achieved almost everything he’s wanted in life, but his strait-laced colleague Victoria Collins is proving an elusive challenge. A steamy encounter in the elevator begins a wild journey of sensual discovery. Joe’s determined to break through Vicki’s barriers to reveal the red-hot woman hiding inside. But Vicki is stalked by her past—her ex-fiancé will stop at nothing to get her back. Falling in love and keeping Vicki safe could be the biggest challenges of Joe’s life.

Spicy Excerpt:

His need for her overwhelmed him, but he’d promised himself in the wee hours of the morning that he’d do this right. With reluctance, he released her mouth and forced himself to step away. Her moan of protest made him gather her back into his arms.

Again their lips came together. Tongues tangled and hands wandered over bodies. Her fingers traced his shoulders before sinking deep in his hair. His hands slid down her back, enjoying the feel of her body against his.

Their mouths parted, but he trailed his lips down her neck, nipping and licking her skin. She tasted so good, fresh like summer rain. Her head fell back as he continued to nuzzle her neck. The pressure against his jeans reminded him how far gone he really was.

His wants didn't matter. This was about Vicki. About making her feel safe with him, letting her know it was more than just sex. Lifting his head, he waited until Vicki opened her eyes before he spoke. “I'm going to do this right.”

“Felt pretty damn right to me.”

“Damn it, woman. You aren’t making this easy.” He took two steps away, hands clenched at his sides. He had to get some distance before it was too late.

“Who says I want easy.” She followed, cupping the bulge beneath his denim jeans.

“Vicki.” He ground out her name between clenched teeth. This woman excited him just standing there. Fighting against his baser needs wasn't simple, but instead of giving in, he grasped

her wrist and pulled her tantalizing fingers away from him.

As a thank you for stopping by I'll pick one person to receive a Wild Rose Press gift certificate and add you to my goody list (I pick a winner from this list only for a basket of goodies several times a year). Just email me your name, address and email address by 6 p.m. pacific time today, I'll pick a winner and post it to Paty's blog. Email to marietuhart@yahoo.com please put Paty's Blog Contest in the subject line.


Marie