Wacky Wednesday: A Visit with Aimée Duffy, author of ISLE OF SENSUALITY

On Monday, I reviewed the new release ISLE OF SENSUALITY by Aimée Duffy. This is Aimée's second novel after her debut MONSTER OF FAME. You're welcome to click on either title or both to read my reviews of these two delightfully, and for me, surprisingly good contemporary romances. Hurry back though because this lovely lass is visiting with me all the way from across the pond.

 

Aimée lives in sunny Scotland in a small town near the Ochils and works nine to five in a solicitors office. In her free time, you'll find her on Facebook, following friends on Twitter, and sharing her love of shoes. Her newest release ISLE OF SENSUALITY is a contemporary romance with depth and attitude and a delightfully warm and exotic setting.  Please join me in welcoming a dear friend and one of my loyal readers, Aimée Duffy, to UNWRAPPING ROMANCE ...

 

Amy:  Welcome Aimée, it's a real delight to have you visiting with us today, thank you for coming across the pond to be with us.

 

Aimée:  Thank you for having me! It's an honor.

 

Amy:  Perhaps you'd like to tell us a little bit about yourself for those who don't know you yet.

 

Aimée:  Hi everyone. Hmmm what to say. Well, I’m from dreary Scotland where the sun rarely shines and there’s never a water shortage. Those of you who follow me on Twitter/Facebook will know I have no self-discipline when it comes to hot vampires, resisting a stunning pair of shoes (who can?), or procrastination. 

Amy:  I say it's impossible to not like someone who loves shoes! Check out her newest favorite pair that she's sharing with us. You were a debut author in 2012 with MONSTER OF FAME which, as anyone knows who reads my reviews, surprised the beejeebers out of me and hooked me in big time. Never would I have thought I'd read a romance about a reality show and enjoy it so much. What inspired you to write that one and your newest release, ISLE OF SENSUALITY, both having their plots based in show business? Have you a secret dream to be in the business or just a fascination?

 

Aimée:  Not at all. I’m the shyest person you’ll meet :o). I didn’t intend for Isle of Sensuality to be showbiz related, in fact draft one was very different. An editor at Harlequin suggested I revise the story to come up with something ‘out there’ and fun, and we came up with two actors shooting a movie. It wasn’t quite right after the second draft though, and after a full six months of working on nothing but this I had an itch to write something else so I threw her a pitch for another book and during the wait got reacquainted with Xfactor. The Monster of Fame sort of sparked from my obsession with the show :o) The sequel to this isn’t focused on the show, and the heroine is a waitress, so not all glitz and glamour, but everything I’ve come up with so far has been celebrity based. Maybe it’s all the gossip magazines I read? :D

 

Amy:  It's very possible. They do say that we should write what we know - perhaps one of your heroines will be obsessed with shoes. : )
Who are your favorite authors for pleasure reading and have they had any influence on your writing?

 

Aimée:  I love Heidi Rice and if I’m being honest, her book Surf, Sea and a Sexy Stranger rekindled my desire to write again. Last year I picked up a book by K.A. Mitchell because it was free and adored her voice. Even though the genre she writes isn’t exactly what I’m into, I’ve bought and devoured every one of her books since. Also up there are Natalie Anderson, Trish Whyllie, Cassandra Clare, Meg Cabot, Sylvia Day and Maisey Yates.

 

Amy:  This is why I love asking about favorite authors - always discover a couple of new names. Very interesting. Many authors tend to lead two lives, one by day and one by night - so to speak. *wink*

I would think that your day job as a paralegal would spark many ideas, have you considered writing one of your romances based in the law?

Aimée:  Yes! But I’ve been too scared to before in case I got in trouble since I’m now ‘out’ to my boss. He said he’s okay with it though, which is great because the next story I plan to pitch to my editor at Harlequin features a sexy lawyer whose client is suing the heroine.

Amy:  Terrific. Personally, I'm a great fan of law inspired stories as I know some of my dear readers are as well. We'll be watching on the horizon for one from you. Are there other sub-genres that you might consider trying out in the future? Where do you see your writing going next?

Aimée:  I have to finish The Price of Fame series for Beachwalk Press. There are still two to write. After I’d like to do stories for the secondary characters in Isle of Sensuality.
Next I’d like to write a Young Adult book I’ve had plotted for years, and I’ve been working on an anthology with two writer buddies which is a mix of fantasy, horror, paranormal and romance. We’re hoping to pitch to a publisher soon so we’ll see how that goes.

Amy:  A follow-up to IOS would be terrific, I can definitely think of a couple of characters that might need an HEA. Your anthology sounds interesting. I'm so glad you're reaching for more. Sending up prayers to the publishing gods that you get picked up. Also, if anyone is interested in seeing the cover and reading the blurb for Aimée's next book in the Price of Fame series, NEVER SAY NEVER, please feel free to click on the title but come back because we're not done yet! : )
My final question and my favorite: If you could be ANY character in ANY book, not just your own, who would it be and why?

Aimée:  It’s a toss up between two, because I am a lover of all things fanged. Caitlin Parish from Blood Shadows because she’s strong, kick-ass and she has Kane Malloy’s undivided attention. That vamp can kidnap me any day!
Or Damon from The Vampire Diaries (though I prefer the show’s plot), but that Salvatore is irresistible.

Amy:  Yay! Another vamp fan! I sometimes think it's because we just can't get enough neck kissing! Aimée, thank you so very much for sharing some of your time today. We do really appreciate it since you're such a very busy lady. Congratulations on your new release and may 2013 bring you much success.

Aimée:  Again, thank you so much for having me, it’s been fun :o)
One of Amy’s wonderful readers has a chance to win a copy of Isle of Sensuality.
Being from one of the coldest, wettest countries in the world, I love to escape to the warmer climes of Europe and beyond during the summer—preferably somewhere with a lovely beach.

What is your favourite beach holiday?

 

Thanks to everyone for stopping by!

Amy:  Okay, dear readers, you heard the lady. If you'd like a chance to win a digital copy of ISLE OF SENSUALITY, a fabulous contemporary romance that will make you feel like you've just taken a vacation without leaving home, tell her what your favorite beach holiday is - don't you love the way she calls it a 'holiday' - why don't Americans do that? Don't forget to follow the rules for entry.

If you'd like to learn more about Aimée Duffy and her books, please visit her website or feel free to follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook - she's lots of fun!

Happy Reading Everyone and Good Luck!

Giveaway Prize:   One digital copy of ISLE OF SENSUALITY by Aimée Duffy

Blurb for ISLE OF SENSUALITY:

Who knew being with Mr. Wrong could be so right? Caitlyn Hart is shooting her first movie, and she doesn't want to screw it up. Still, she's on a deadline and when her co-star, Mr. Hot Shot Campbell, holds filming up, he's immediately on her shit list. But she can't ignore his charms for long or the overpowering want she feels for him. Even though she knows he's her Mr. Wrong, she doesn't mind him being her Mr. Right Now. If only her silly heart would stay immune.

Having been burned once, Jake Campbell doesn't have the capacity to love, but that doesn't mean relationships of a purely sexual nature are off limits. After all, a man has needs. His sexy co-star with fire red hair and a passion to match ignites his own desire and he sets out to convince her a fling is the only way to scratch the proverbial itch. Little did he figure that she'd be the one to penetrate the thick scars on his heart and make him feel.
Giveaway Rules:
*** This Giveaway is OPEN TO EVERYONE - INTERNATIONAL INCLUDED (void where prohibited.)
*** To qualify for entry in this Giveaway, you must comment and leave a valid email address. Remember the magic formula or you will not be entered for a chance to win:

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR VISITING & PLAYING!

*** This Giveaway will run until 11:30PM, Friday, January, 25, 2013 at which time one lucky commenter will be chosen at random. The winner will be notified by email and announced in a special post on Saturday. Good Luck!

ISLE OF SENSUALITY by Aimée Duffy, Beachwalk Press, available now in ebook formats.

MONSTER OF FAME by Aimée Duffy, Beachwalk Press, available now in ebook formats.