"Christina Hollis has written a lyrical, passionate and captivating romance that will steam up the cold winter nights! The Ruthless Italian’s Inexperienced Wife is a wonderfully sensuous romantic tale written with plenty of warmth and sensitivity from this powerful and talented new writer of romantic fiction! I can’t wait for her next book!"
Review by CataRomance of The Ruthless Italian’s Inexperienced Wife
SUMMER’S HERE…
…and the weather so far in the UK has been glorious. There’s been plenty of sun, lightened by lovely cooling breezes. It’s perfect for relaxing outside with a long cold drink and a red hot romance!
June 2009 sees the release of my latest Mills and Boon Modern Romance, The Tuscan Tycoon’s Pregnant Housekeeper. I really enjoyed writing this summery story, particularly the scene where Michelle meets Alessandro in the starlit garden:
His profile was stunning as he looked up at the wide sky full of stars. In her mind his lips offered beautiful words, spoken just for her. More than that, she fantasised about the touch of them against her skin. Sitting next to him like this was a fragile bubble of happiness. The gentle chorus of insects, the cool breeze on her skin and the perfume of ripening fruit and flowers all added to the magic. Not even a bat, arriving to flicker around the heliotropes, could destroy this moment.
Alessandro looked to see if she was affected by it, and chuckled.
’Strawberries, champagne and a stranger after midnight – you’re taking it all in your stride, Michelle,’ he teased her gently.
There was a bitter-chocolate quality about his voice that sent a tremor right through Michelle’s body. He noticed.
’You’re cold – dannazione! If I’d brought my jacket I’d offer it to you. Why don’t you go inside and fetch something?
’I don’t have anything,’ she replied, hoping he would believe her. This was all too precious to spoil.
’Then sit closer to me. I can shield you from any chill.’
’I’m not cold.’ Not any more, she thought, taking in a long, slow breath…
Copyright Harlequin Mills and Boon, 2009
In July, Cheryl the nanny and Marco the rugged, self-made man get their chance to shine in The Ruthless Italian’s Inexperienced Wife when it hits the shops as a Harlequin Presents Extra title. This was another lovely book to write, especially the part when Marco whisks Cheryl off to his private tropical island for a relaxing break which turns into something a lot more intimate:
In one sinuous movement Marco slid an arm around her waist. He swept her into her apartment, off her feet- and onto his. Half a dozen steps in her new silver stilettos convinced them both Cheryl was no dancer. She stumbled and fell into him.
’This is our first meeting all over again.’ He chuckled softly into her ear. Her cheeks pinkened with a rush of guilty pleasure. He supported her, and showed no signs of letting go. Despite the feeling she must be leaving prints all over Marco’s bare feet, Cheryl let him carry on. This chance to feel his arms around her one more time made her reckless, and she laughed.
’Oh, dear. I’m sorry, Marco!’
’Don’t be,’ He murmured. ’I can’t expect you to be absolutely perfect in everything. After all, dancing isn’t part of your job description.’
Oh how I wish it was, Cheryl thought. It would be the perfect excuse to accept his arms around her at any time, without any consequences…
Copyright Harlequin Mills and Boon, 2009
The weathermen have been forecasting a long, hot summer for us all this year. With holidays on the horizon, what better time to pick up a pile of ’Presents’ and relax in the sun?
Happy Reading,
Love,
Christina