I’m always pleased to host Wild Rose Press authors, especially considering I am one myself. I love their covers, and they publish some fabulous stories. Today, I have Melinda Dozier answering some questions and sharing her latest release…
Where did you get the idea for Time Out, Valentine?
Two years ago I visited Portland, Oregon on a business trip. The city inspired me along with one particular couple I stalked ̶ um, I mean, saw ̶ at the International Rose Garden.
What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?
Novellas are always difficult to build the characters enough for readers to understand them. I think I did a good job, though. 🙂
Are there any tricks or habits you use when creating a story?
My agent has taught me to keep a character chart and it’s such a useful tool. If I forget an eye color, I can just check the chart instead of searching through the manuscript.
What book have you read that you wish you would have written?
All of Jill Shalvis’s books. I am a die-hard fan of Shalvis.
Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and how do you like it?
Yes, I’m a middle school teacher. I was kind of thrown into the position at first, but after 19 years, I’ve realized it was a calling. However, after this year, I’ll retire from teaching to focus on writing.
What celebrity would you most like to be stranded on an island with?
I have a celebrity crush on Ryan Gosling, so I should say him, but I think I’d like to have deep conversations with Neil Gaiman.
What is your favorite…
Movie Crazy, Stupid Love
Place you’ve visited Disneyworld
Place you’d like to visit New York City
TV show from childhood Little House on the Prairie
TV show from adulthood The Office
Food Tex Mex
Sports team New Orleans Saints
Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Card Games
Now, Melinda has a question for readers…
What has been your most favorite romantic date of all time?
BLURB:
Lexi’s life is one big dump. Or so she thinks. To keep her mind off her latest breakup, she stays busy with work. It’s no big deal, since writing for Time Out Portland Magazine is a blast…except for the one small snag – Grant Reeds. Grant, a shy but sexy computer geek, is new to Time Out, working as the Networking Director for the online magazine. Even though Lexi thinks he doesn’t notice her, he sure as hell does. The owners have a plan for their upcoming Valentine’s Special, pairing up the two to explore romantic date ideas around the city. Soon, Lexi and Grant learn that the old adage, “Opposites Attract,” can ring true.
EXCERPT:
Grant sipped his beer and surveyed the room around them—anywhere but at the siren next to him, with her fancy drink, an umbrella hanging off the side. Overhead lights strobed the room, gleaming in all directions. The DJ announced a new song and a new crowd rushed to the dance floor, leaving them more alone in the back of the room. Thank God.
It was stifling hot. He tugged his collar from his neck and rolled the sleeves of his white button-up. His glasses slid down his nose, forcing him to take them off and put them in his shirt pocket.
Luckily in that part of the room, the music wasn’t so loud that they had to scream to converse. He only raised his voice a fraction to ask her the question he’d been wondering since they set foot in the place. “So, you think this is romantic enough for a Valentine’s date?”
She batted her long lashes in his direction and smirked. “There’s low lights.”
“Yeah and loud music, people all around.” To help prove his point, someone bumped him in the back, pushing him closer to Lexi. His hand circled her waist and rested on her hip.
She sipped the drink, moving the umbrella with her other hand, then licked her lips. “It’sthe place to be. All trendy couples find their way here.” She cocked her head. “What would make it more romantic? Kissing?”
A slow smile formed and he faced her. Not a bad idea. “Actually, yeah.” He placed his bottle on the table behind them, cracked his knuckles and stretched his neck.
She laughed nervously, putting her weight on another sexy as hell foot. “What? You’re gonna kiss me? For real?”
“We need romance.” He grabbed her cup and put it next to his bottle. His gaze dropped to her mouth.
“You kissing me won’t—”
He placed his thumb on her lips. “Shhh. Stop talking so we can be romantic.”
LINKS:
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00RASDUTS
B&N: To come
The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6037
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23784438-time-out-valentine
TRAILER LINK: http://youtu.be/DK4hVHiVAmo
AUTHOR BIO:
Melinda is a multi-published contemporary romance author with books from Crimson Romance, Swoon Romance and The Wild Rose Press represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband/college sweetheart who brings “mucho amor” to her life. Melinda enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her three boys once they are grown. Melinda’s guilty pleasures include reality t.v., traveling, blogging and playing Zynga games.
AUTHOR LINKS:
Website: www.melindadozier.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/melindadozier
Facebook: http://www.twitter.com/melinda.doz
The Wild Rose Press: http://goo.gl/F3IG1W
Sign up for Melinda’s newsletter HERE.
Author Alicia Dean 
Thanks so much for having me today! It was fun.
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You’re more than welcome! I enjoyed it as well.
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This looks great!
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