Guest Author Maya Blake

Today starts the blog tour! I’m excited to introduce Maya Blake, a thirty-something romance writer whose life-long dream of writing romance came to true last year when her debut novel was published by The Wild Rose Press. She lives in England with her husband and two adorable kids.

Lauri: Maya, writers are also readers, what is your favorite genre to read, and why?

Maya: I love all genres of books apart from misery lit. I think the world we live in is tough enough without going out of my way to read about characters who have to slog through terrible hardships for most of their lives before dying a horrible, lonely death. Romance with a solid gold happy ending is my number one favorite, followed by crime thrillers – just finished reading the Millennium Series that comprises The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest. Fantastic stories, all three!

Lauri: I agree, life is tough enough, why read about it! I haven’t read that series, but will have to look it up. So, Maya, when you think ‘romance’ what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Maya: When I think of romance, I think of my husband, stumbling over his proposal to me on New Year’s Day 2000. When I screamed yes and leaned in to kiss him, I felt his heart racing like mad. He told me later, he was terrified I’d say no! As if!

Lauri: Oh, how precious! That is a great romantic moment! I love it. He must really be a keeper! Along those lines, tell us your favorite romantic movie, book, song, meal, and location?

Maya: I must admit to being fickle when it comes to “favorites” as they tend to jump from moment to moment. If you’d asked me last month I’d have said my favorite movie was The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds – awesome movie! The month before it would’ve been something different. This month however, I have to say it’s one of the end scenes from Series 4 of The Tudors. Charles Brandon, played by the glorious Henry Cavill, captured what he thought was a soldier. It turned out to be a woman dressed as a man. Naturally, he kept her captive, promising to release her after the English won the Siege of Bolougne. When they did, she demanded he keep his promise. He refused, of course! When she asked him why he wouldn’t release her, he seemed lost for words, then with a seriously sexy crestfallen expression, he said, “Je t’aime. C’est tout.” She melted…I melted…

Favorite song (for the moment) is Alicia Keyes – Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart
Favorite book – too many to choose just the one!
Favorite meal – anything involving chocolate!
Favorite location – I’m getting to the age where there’s no place like home, or my bed!

Lauri: Yes, The Proposal was fantastic! And just your recapture of The Tudors had me melting. And I agree, there is no place like home. Well, let's get to your writing! Tell us about your book.

Maya: Hostage To Love was my debut book, published by The Wild Rose Press last year. It’s a romantic suspense that starts in a fictional location called Nawaka in Africa, then moves to a private Greek island before culminating in London. The heroine, Belle, is estranged from the husband, Nick, whom she thinks has cheated on her. Unfortunately, her alone time is rudely disrupted when she’s captured by rebel leaders! I enjoyed writing this book because I love reunion stories, even if it’s just the six months Belle and Nick have been apart. That first reconnection after their separation, when they know deep inside that they’re meant to be together but have a tough time figuring out the hows, was a real thrill to write. Of course, giving them their happy ending was equally thrilling.

Lauri: Congratulations! I’m a sucker for reunions stories, too. Please give us an excerpt:

Maya: Here's a short one:

Through the smoky light she saw a figure, tall and male, enter the cave, followed by two more. In silence the men advanced towards them. Belle’s throat closed up as fear completely seized her. She turned to Father Tom, her hand gripping his as she tried to shield him with her body.

Someone crouched behind her and she squeezed her eyes shut.

This is it. This is it.

‘Hello, Tinkerbelle.’ A deep voice purred in her ear.

Lauri: Oh, goodness, I so want to read more! Please tell us were we can find a copy!

Maya: You can buy my book at The Wild Rose Press

Lauri: Can you tell us what’s next for you? Another book?

Maya: As a result of positive feedback from two competitions in 2008 and 2009, I’m currently working with two editors from Harlequin on two different stories. I’m also working on a few short stories, which I hope to get published sometime this year.

Lauri: Best of luck! I’m sure your writing career will be long and successful! How can we keep updated on your progress?

Maya: You can stay in touch by visiting my blog
Or you can follow me on Twitter or on Facebook

Lauri: Thank you, Maya, I’ve really enjoyed learning more about you and your book!

Maya: Thank you so much for having me here today.

Lauri: Thanks to everyone who stopped by to read about Maya. Next week I’ll have Aileen Harkwood here, and if you’re interested, this week I’m over at Rae Summers’ blog.

Have a great week everyone!