Today it’s the scintillating and sultry Kate Deveaux’s turn to bare all. Read on for Kate’s revealing interview and an adults-only excerpt from her fab new release, Academy of Love. Scroll on down to enter for some FABULOUS prizes, including a $25 gift certificate to Victoria’s Secret, a eBook copy of Academy of Love, and super cute necklace.
So, Kate, how long have you been writing romance?
I’ve been writing romance for about seven years.
What inspired you to start?
I’ve always been an avid reader so I think that translated into dabbling in writing erotic stories in college —just for fun, but then later, turning my attention to full length novels. As a young adult, “Forever” by Judy Blume and “Thornbirds” by Colleen McCollough first got me hooked on romance. I couldn’t get enough of them, as well as the classics like Jane Eyre and Tess of the d’Urbervilles. But it wasn’t really until I enrolled in writing classes years later that I began to write longer fiction. I learned so much in those classes, about the craft of writing, but also about the industry. That’s when I joined Romance Writers of America and that pretty much launched me into completing my first novel.
In what subgenres of romance do you write?
I write contemporary romance and erotic romance.
What’s the hardest thing about writing for you?
The hardest thing for me is the editing process, but I’m getting better!
And what do you enjoy the most about the process?
I love creating new stories, characters and plots —I can’t seem to type fast enough and that is truly a great feeling when it just flows.
Do you have a favorite type of male and female lead characters?
I like a variety of male lead characters —definitely tough, but with a soft spot— flawed, and a little bit of bad boy— sometimes a lot of bad boy. As for the female lead characters, I like women who are strong, who know themselves, but get a little off balance when the right man comes along and challenges them. I like heroines who are sensual, sometimes voluptuous, sometimes not, but who are sexuality self-assured — if they’re not at the beginning of the book, then they’re about to become that way by the end. J
What’s special about your style of writing?
Hmmm. Interesting question. Not really sure I have a style. I think it write the same way I speak, in spurts with dry humor simmering just below the surface. J
What authors inspire you and why?
There are so many. “Forever” by Judy Blume was my first really romantic book I ever read as a young adult, and I can still remember all of it—probably because I read it over and over again! Later I discovered Diana Gabdoblon’s “Outlander” series, Jamie and Claire are such complex characters, and the setting and details are riveting — it is truly inspirational how Diana crafts her writing. I also loved Rosemande Pilcher’s (oldies but a goodies), as well as Maeve Binchy and Cathy Kelly. As for erotic romance, I read everything Opal Carew writes — she exudes sensuality in her books. Maya Bank’s “Principal’s Office” is one of my recent favorites, I read that one twice!
And here are some quickies, just for fun:
Your favorite beverage while writing?
Tea.
Favorite snack?
I don’t snack while writing, but once I’m done, a piece of good chocolate (okay, I didn’t say how big a piece) or a handful of almonds.
Music or silence as you work?
Silence
Fave animal, real or imaginary?
I’m an animal lover so hard to pick. Probably something cuddly like a kitten or a baby panda (oh yeah, like everyone has one of those).
Hottest man alive?
My hubby and Clive Owen, in that order. J
And most gorgeous woman?
Penelope Cruz
Favorite movie?
Oh, just one? “Thomas Crown Affair” with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo would have to be my favorite, as well as “A Good Year” with Russell Crowe based on Peter Mayle’s book. I confess I am a sucker for “Romancing the Stone” with Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas, maybe because the main character Joan Wilder is a romance writer!
Favorite song?
“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac.
In three words, describe your personal style in high school:
Well it was the 80’s, so preppy meets Cyndi Lauper. A combo of big shoulder pads, big hair and plaid, whew, thank goodness that’s over!
And your personal style today:
Classic. I learned my lesson in the 80’s. Leg warmers just are not flattering.
Favorite Saying:
Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!
—Mae West
About Kate Deveaux
KATE DEVEAUX is a contemporary, erotic romance writer and die-hard romantic. It was after reading Jane Eyre in high school, that she became hooked on the idea of writing about romance, excitement and drama. Kate has been penning stories, from the sensual to the sinfully sexy, ever since!
In addition to red hot romance, Kate’s fictional stories explore the dynamics of why relationships do or don’t work, the choices people make, family dramas and the unexpected events that set everyday life on its head. She is currently busy completing two erotic romance novels and one contemporary romance novel for release in 2013 — each filled with sexy romance, heroines who are no shrinking violets and heroes who make your heart skip a beat.
A former wedding planner, Kate has always been “in love” with love! She was inspired to transition from writing racy short stories to penning full length manuscripts after meeting other authors in the romance world at industry workshops, conferences and events. Now a full-time contemporary romance novelist, Kate is a member of Savvy Author, Romance Writers of America (RWA) as well as their erotic romance chapter, Passionate Ink. Born in London, England, Kate has lived in both the U.K. and the U.S and she is a graduate of the University of Alberta in Canada. She and her husband currently reside in Arizona. When she’s not writing or reading, Kate can be found on the tennis court—yes, there’s even “love” in that game too! For more about Kate, please visit www.katedeveaux.com
Love smolders and the sex is red hot when Cassianna Baxter leaves behind a glamorous teaching career in Italy to return to her old Alma Mater, Lewiston Academy for Girls, as the deputy Headmistress. No sooner does she arrive at the academy than she walks smack into sexy Lawrence Taylor, her first love and talented ex lover. He’s been looking for her ever since he was forced to leave her and now that she is back at the academy he knows he has to win her back —and not just in his bed.
An excerpt from Academy of Love ~
Cassianna was spinning and laughing and thinking how good it all was when she was tossed into the arms of Lawrence, who quickly recovered and grasped her firmly by the waist.
“Care to dosey-doe?” He flashed his devastating smile at her.
She couldn’t resist as he pressed against her. His skin was moist, his tanned cheeks shining in the light. Cassianna was painfully distracted by his arm around her waist and she could feel the heat of his hand through her shirt. She looked up and their eyes locked. For a moment she was lost in the past as he spun her round and round. Time stood still.
The music stopped. They stood together catching their breath. She saw him glance down at her blouse. She glanced down following his gaze. Her blouse clung to her chest, her bosom rising heavily from the exertion of dancing. She looked up and met his eyes.
“I guess we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other,” he broke the silent tension, “now that I’ll be at the Equestrian Center full time.”
She stared up into his green eyes remembering all too well just how those eyes could make knees weaken. “Yes, well that was awfully good of you to step up and take Lionel’s place.”
The other dancers were starting to fill the floor for the next song. Cassianna and Lawrence just stood there.
Fiona’s words drifted through her head. Nothing should interfere with his job. Be professional, she began to repeat her mantra in her head trying to ignore the growing sexual tension between them.
He said nothing but leaned closer towards her, close enough that she could feel his chest rise at the brush of fabric between them.
She was ready, her body softened as she waited for him to kiss her. His body was inches from her.
He tipped his head down to her, she was sure he was going to kiss her, but his lips grazed her neck, sending spark through her. “I want you, Cassianna,” he said, his voice ached with need.
“I know,” she said, her resolve to just be professional ebbing away leaving her vulnerable and wanting.
His breath was warm on her neck, he didn’t move away. “Let’s go somewhere where we can be alone.” She said nothing but her body ached for him. “Your place?” he asked.
She nodded. She wanted him and she was going to give in to her desire. Rules be damned. She needed this. Needed to feel him. “I’ll meet you at my cottage in ten minutes, don’t let anyone to see you follow me.”
“I’m not staff yet,” he said devilishly, as his hand slid from her shoulder, the trail of his finger burning through her clothing as it quickly slid across her breasts.
“That’s true,” she said, “not ‘til morning.”
****
The moonlight streamed across her porch and lit a sliver of light across the cottage floor. She waited nervously for Lawrence to arrive. Within moments she heard heavy footsteps on the porch stairs and the squeak of the screen door as he opened it.
“In here,” she called to him from the darkness, “and shut the door behind you, I don’t want anyone to see you here.”
“Oh, Cassie,” he said, looking at her silhouetted against the fireplace in the living room. He couldn’t wait to get her out of those jeans. A split second, he gathered her in his arms, his mouth finding hers and their urgent passions meeting. He’d waited too long for this and now he was finally going to have her. His mouth searched hers hungrily as his he kissed her deeply. His body pressed hard against her, he wanted to feel all of her touching him as his lips explored her luscious mouth making his cock throbbing with want. His body tensed under her nimble hands as she ran them along his muscled back and down arm as his hands roamed her curves, remembering every part of her body as if it were yesterday.
Breathing heavily, they both stopped and looked at each other. “I want to remember this,” he said, as he slowly undid each button, her body quivered with excitement as his fingers grazed her nipples but teased her by passing over them as her shirt slipped off easily and he continued on to her jeans. He knelt slowly down in front of her.
****
Running her fingers through his thick sandy blonde hair, she tipped her head back and gasped at the feel of his mouth leaving a trail of kisses over her hip and down her thigh. He unzipped her jeans, and slid them from her.
She stepped out of the pants, still in her bra and undies. So glad she had worn those special ones from France she had been saving. He looked at her and she pulled him to her, unable to stop herself she kissed him fiercely before she slowed the pace and tended to his clothing.
“Now your turn,” she said, as she slowly undid each button and pulled the white shirt off him, throwing it behind her. She rubbed her hand over his cock, the throb of his desire palpable through his thick jeans. Oh, she could tell he wanted her. The slickness of desire radiated between her thighs as her pussy hungered for his cock. She wanted him, to consume this man, to have him inside her.
She traced the outline of his cock with her finger before undoing the zipper and sliding the jeans off of him. He gasped as she slid off his boxer shorts and ran her fingers over his hard aching erection.
She knelt and looked up at him, seeing his enjoyment as she gripped his penis, the throb of his pulse exciting her. The sound of his heavy breaths and gasp of pleasure was such a turn on. His fingers threaded through her hair as he led her back up and scooped her up in his arms. “Bedroom?” he asked in a deep tone as she kissed him deeply. He carried her in his arms towards the room she pointed to with one flailing arm.
Buy link:
Facebook page:
Your blog or site: http://www.katedeveaux.com
Twitter: twitter@katedeveaux
Goodreads:
Amazon:
Any other links you’d like to share:
We’re celebrating the publication week of Kate Deveaux‘s newest contemporary romance novel, ACADEMY OF LOVE (out August 1)! To enter to win this ACADEMY-inspired giveaway, LIKE Kate’s author page and we will choose one lucky Facebook winner…enter now!
Giveaway includes:
– $25 Victoria’s Secret gift card
– BookSparksPR T-shirt and tote bag
– eCopy of ACADEMY OF LOVE
– Horseshoe charm necklace
– Preppy journal
Tags: Academy of Love, contest, excerpts, giveaway, Guest Posts, Interviews, Kate Deveaux, Red Sage, the writing process
Bebe Balocca 