Until 2016, I was one of those readers—literary snobs who look down their noses at romance for the usual stupid reasons: too corny, too predictable, too fluffy. Then I read about how fun and lucrative writing erotica can be. I thought, what the heck? Let's try.
I have never had so much fun with a writing project! My first steamy romance, Through the Red Door, nearly wrote itself, though it damn sure didn't edit itself. Now I'm totally addicted to passionate, heartfelt stories with happy endings, both as a reader and as a writer.
Why set the series in a bookshop? Ever since I was a wee lass, I dreamed of owning one. Add to that my fascination with historical erotic art and literature, and you’ve got the Book Nirvana series, set in an indie bookshop with an extensive erotica collection behind a locked red door.
I love writing stories in which a couple’s powerful physical attraction leads them to consider a partner outside their usual M.O.—one who just might turn out to be their perfect match. That’s how it happened for my husband and me!
I wanted to set my series in a college town, so I chose Eugene, home of the University of Oregon, with its lively arts scene and rich counterculture legacy from the hippie era. It’s now my favorite Oregon town to visit!
ON SALE FOR $2.99 May 18-29!
Tagline: She’s a free spirit. He’s a one-woman man.
Tagline: She’s a free spirit. He’s a one-woman man.
Blurb:
Rejected by her family for her bisexuality, graphic artist Margot DuPont yearns for a life with no fences, no limits, and no family ties. Between college, work at Book Nirvana, and an art competition, she barely has time for her part-time girlfriend, much less a flirtation with her competitor.
Dumped into the foster system at a young age, ceramics artist Elmer Byrne craves a big, loving family of the heart. His artist family almost fills that need, but something is missing...until Margot. But when he offers his heart, her thorny defenses shatter him.
Thrown together in an art competition that could jump-start one artist's career, but not both, their irresistible attraction forces them to reconsider the meaning of success.
Excerpt:
“Tell you what,” he said. “How about if we have drinks and talk about anything but the competition?”
“Because…why?”
“You’re a real hard-ass, aren’t you?” He rolled his eyes. “Because I like you, Margot.”
“Why?”
He leaned so close their foreheads almost touched, a challenge simmering in his smile. “Have a drink with me and find out.”
If there was one thing she couldn’t resist, it was a challenge. On the other hand, he might not like her so much if he knew about Darcy. Let that be the test, then. Let him prove he wasn’t one of those possessive, controlling guys Darcy warned her about.
“Okay. I will.” She stepped back. “But you should know, I’m sort of seeing someone.”
His thick auburn brows contracted. “Sort of?”
“A woman.”
His nostrils flared on a deep inhalation, but he held her gaze. “Is it serious?”
“Not really.” Might as well serve up the truth, raw and ungarnished. Might as well be honest with herself too. “She lives in Berkeley. I only see her every month or two.”
Holding her gaze, he nodded. “Okay then. Thanks for telling me.” The tense lines of his mouth relaxed into a casual grin. “So, drinks?”
Well I’ll be damned.
Buy Links: (embedded form)
Long form buy links:
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-art-and-other-obstacles-sadira-stone/1136831927
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sadira_Stone_Love_Art_and_Other_Obstacles?id=qtriDwAAQBAJ
Author Bio:
Ever since her first kiss, Sadira’s been spinning steamy tales in her head. After leaving her teaching career in Germany, she finally tried her hand at writing one. Now she’s a happy citizen of Romancelandia, penning contemporary romance from her new home in Washington State, U.S.A. When not writing, which is seldom, she explores the Pacific Northwest with her charming husband, enjoys the local music scene, plays darts (pretty well), plays guitar (badly), and gobbles all the books. Visit Sadira at www.sadirastone.com .
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Author Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads Bookbub Amazon Author Page Pinterest Instagram Author Newsletter
12/2/19 Interview on Next Tribe website https://nexttribe.com/how-to-reinvent-yourself-rhonda-gilmour/
Radio Interview with Readers Entertainment Radio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/circle-of-seven/2019/04/04/readers-entertainment-radio-presents-author-rhonda-gilmour
11/6/19 Featured author in Uncaged Book Reviews Magazine p. 64-69https://issuu.com/cyreneolson/docs/uncaged_book_reviews_nov2019
2/13/20 Interview on Swoonworthy Virtual Book Club and Podcast http://swoonworthy.buzzsprout.com/644518/2738224-s2-e2-interview-with-author-sadira-stone-of-through-the-red-door
Praise for Through the Red Door (Book Nirvana Book One)
"…a beautiful love story filled with wonderful characters and if you like your romance hot, hot, hot look no further. It is a story about being able to begin anew and still love the one you lost."
-- Linda Tonis, RWA Paranormal Romance Review Team
"The erotic scenes in this book were off the charts - even the ones that were only Clara's "dreams." Ms. Stone's debut novel is a rich mix of love, sex, and thoughtful introspection as she tries to move on with her life." – Peggy Jaeger, author of Christmas and Cannolis
“This book is in a class by itself... What elevates this book is the excellent writing, the memorable characters, and the captivating story. PLUS...parts of it are verrrry funny. I mean laugh-out-loud funny. There are also some very touching parts, too. Parts that'll bring tears to your eyes.”
Susan Flett Swiderski, author of Hot Flashes and Cold Lemonade
Praise for Runaway Love Story (Book Nirvana Book Two)
“This is such a lovely, believable story with the characters masterfully drawn, dealing with their real-world problems and doubts instead of the 'fluff' that often permeates romance. The absolute standout feature, though, is the dialogue. There is not one instance where the dialogue becomes contrived or unnatural. In fact, I suspect the author must have eavesdropped and recorded conversations!”
— BookBub review by Laney Kaye (@leehotline)
“Stone’s use of everyday situations like putting a loved one in a nursing home brings a deep humanity to this novel that is usually lacking in romance, especially one this hot! It certainly elevates the book above the usual romance. Laurel and Doug face a rough road with lots of potholes and emotional baggage as they try to find a compromise that will let their relationship blossom. I read it in one sitting.”
—Suanne Schaefer, author of A Different Kind of Fire
“The author writes with humor and heart, giving us a country mouse / city mouse relationship, where the two aren’t as different as they might think, and Laurel needs to open her eyes to the possibilities right in front of her. The secondary characters were lots of fun to read as well - I adored the colorful great aunt, and her gaggle of young artistic friends. The author sends the readers through a rollercoaster of emotions before giving us our happy ending, but it’s well worth the journey! 5 sparkling stars for this one, and I look forward to reading more from this author!”
— Katie O’Sullivan, multi-published romance author
Eugene, Oregon is a beautiful area, Sadira. I'd love to return one day. All the best with "Love, Art, and Other Obstacles"!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book! D. V.
ReplyDeletewishing you all the best with your new book, Sadira. I love the idea of a series set in a bookshop! (I'd love to own one too :) But I'd never get any work done!!)
ReplyDeleteWhat an intriguing plot twist! Best of luck with your release.
ReplyDeleteYAY!! this looks like another winner!!! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, everyone!
ReplyDelete