Hi Everyone, Roxanne D. Howard here. I write contemporary, paranormal, and interracial erotic romance novels. Thank you for having me on your blog! Today I’d like to share with you the playlist I listened to while writing my newest New Adult interracial novel, Sonnet Coupled. Music can really set the mood for any scene in a book or movie, and can highlight the emotion in the story.
For me, I discovered a song by a British band called The Shires, called Brave. I first heard it while I was tossing the plot of the book around my head, and the lyrics really resonated with me. The more I listened to the song, the more I realized I wanted to write something with the same feel as the song; of two lonely people finding something magical and safe in a harsh world. Serious as a heart attack, if the book were ever made into a movie, this is the song I would champion to be the song they play during the end credits, no contest.
ER nurse Sonnet Mendoza has been living alone for over a year since her Papi died, and she’s looking for a roommate. When her paths cross with recently-returned Marine and Police Academy cadet Griffith Parker, he shows her there’s more to life than her career. The whole song pretty much tells the story of Griffith and Sonnet, but a few lines, in particular, highlight how they complement each other in different ways.
Griffith is finding his feet in the civilian world again, and Sonnet has been touch-starved and lonely, until they meet:
Well, let me hold your heart, let me be the one
You'll never have to feel so alone
Let me bring you back to the world, back home
I hope you all check out and enjoy Sonnet Coupled. It’s a passionate erotic romance very near and dear to my heart, and I love writing about two cultures coming together. It’s a powerful thing. Enjoy the playlist, and tell me what some of your favorite songs are in the comments!
1. “Brave” – The Shires
2. “Cancao do Mar” – Dulce Pontes
3. “Because We Can” – Bon Jovi
4. “Keep Your Head Up” – Andy Grammar
5. “Home” – Phillip Phillips
6. “For Once in my Life” – Michael Buble
7. “In the Still of the Night” – Boyz II Men
8. “All is Full of Love” – Bjork
9. “No Surprise” – Daughtry
10. “It’s Alright” – Seal
11. “Say Hey (I love you)” – Michael Franti and Spearhead
12. “Angel” – Robbie Williams
13. “I’ll Be There For You” – Bon Jovi
14. “Just give me a reason” – Pink ft. Nate Ruess
15. “I won’t give up” –Jason Mraz
For me, I discovered a song by a British band called The Shires, called Brave. I first heard it while I was tossing the plot of the book around my head, and the lyrics really resonated with me. The more I listened to the song, the more I realized I wanted to write something with the same feel as the song; of two lonely people finding something magical and safe in a harsh world. Serious as a heart attack, if the book were ever made into a movie, this is the song I would champion to be the song they play during the end credits, no contest.
ER nurse Sonnet Mendoza has been living alone for over a year since her Papi died, and she’s looking for a roommate. When her paths cross with recently-returned Marine and Police Academy cadet Griffith Parker, he shows her there’s more to life than her career. The whole song pretty much tells the story of Griffith and Sonnet, but a few lines, in particular, highlight how they complement each other in different ways.
Griffith is finding his feet in the civilian world again, and Sonnet has been touch-starved and lonely, until they meet:
Well, let me hold your heart, let me be the one
You'll never have to feel so alone
Let me bring you back to the world, back home
I hope you all check out and enjoy Sonnet Coupled. It’s a passionate erotic romance very near and dear to my heart, and I love writing about two cultures coming together. It’s a powerful thing. Enjoy the playlist, and tell me what some of your favorite songs are in the comments!
1. “Brave” – The Shires
2. “Cancao do Mar” – Dulce Pontes
3. “Because We Can” – Bon Jovi
4. “Keep Your Head Up” – Andy Grammar
5. “Home” – Phillip Phillips
6. “For Once in my Life” – Michael Buble
7. “In the Still of the Night” – Boyz II Men
8. “All is Full of Love” – Bjork
9. “No Surprise” – Daughtry
10. “It’s Alright” – Seal
11. “Say Hey (I love you)” – Michael Franti and Spearhead
12. “Angel” – Robbie Williams
13. “I’ll Be There For You” – Bon Jovi
14. “Just give me a reason” – Pink ft. Nate Ruess
15. “I won’t give up” –Jason Mraz
Sonnet Coupled
Roxanne D. Howard
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Erotic, Multicultural, Interracial
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Date of Publication: April 25, 2017
Number of pages: 227
Word Count: 65,864
Cover Artist: Boroughs Publishing Group
Tagline:ER nurse Sonnet Mendoza's new housemate Griffith Parker proves there is more to a man than meets the eye, and shows her there's more to life than just her career.
Book Description:
Sheltered and cosseted, Sonnet Mendoza abided by her papi’s wishes her whole life: no boys, studies first and always. Now an ER nurse in a busy Chicago hospital, medical school is so close Sonnet can taste it—just like her father always wanted. Just like she can she can taste all the things she wants, like Griffith Parker, the man of her dreams and her new housemate.
Working “graves” in a large hospital as a security guard while attending the police academy during the day doesn’t leave ex-Marine Griffith Parker any personal time, but after meeting the beautiful Sonnet Mendoza business as usual is anything but. Sassy, smart…and interested in him, too? Except, she’s made an art of keeping her distance, and she's been clear that her plans don't include him.
But the heart wants what the heart wants. His wants Sonnet. He’ll put it on the line to win her.
Book Description:
ALWAYS FAITHFUL
Sheltered and cosseted, Sonnet Mendoza abided by her papi’s wishes her whole life: no boys, studies first and always. Now an ER nurse in a busy Chicago hospital, medical school is so close Sonnet can taste it—just like her father always wanted. Just like she can she can taste all the things she wants, like Griffith Parker, the man of her dreams and her new housemate.
Working “graves” in a large hospital as a security guard while attending the police academy during the day doesn’t leave ex-Marine Griffith Parker any personal time, but after meeting the beautiful Sonnet Mendoza business as usual is anything but. Sassy, smart…and interested in him, too? Except, she’s made an art of keeping her distance, and she's been clear that her plans don't include him.
But the heart wants what the heart wants. His wants Sonnet. He’ll put it on the line to win her.
Excerpt
3
It had grown dark, and the lampposts
in the parking lot were lit. She had a little pep in her step as she walked to
the ER doors, but she stopped and didn’t go in. He was there, hands on his duty belt as he talked with a patient
near the security desk. Griffith emitted shock waves of sex appeal, even from
where she stood.
Oh, hell no.
She’d never be able to walk past him
after what she’d done the other night. She reddened. Not like he would even
know about her stupid fantasies, but she
would. She’d half forgotten he would
be on graves with her, too wrapped up in the exhilaration of getting into
medical school and…other activities.
Evasive maneuvering seemed the best
way to go, so she sidestepped and made her way around to the back employee
entrance leading into the ER. She smiled to herself over the minor victory, and
pushed against the handle to go in, but it didn’t budge.
“You’ve uh, got to pull it.”
She turned around, and there he
stood, dangling a black Maglite in his hand. She reigned in the growl that
wanted to surface. “I’m sorry?”
“The door. You need to yank the
handle toward you, not push it. There’s a sign.”
Sonnet froze, and eyed the PULL
sticker she’d been oblivious to, right above said handle.
“Of course,” she murmured.
“Figures.” Even though he must think her an imbecile, she raised her chin with
defiance and muttered her thanks as she tugged on the door. It didn’t move.
“Use your badge,” he said. “It’s a
security measure so no unauthorized personnel get in.” She glanced at him. He
crossed his arms, and his lips fought a losing battle to twitch upward.
Sonnet shook her head, flustered,
and rooted around her purse for her work badge. “Look, I realize you think I’m
a total moron here, but it’s my first night on the floor, my car had trouble
starting earlier, and my nerves are all shot to hell. So, I’d appreciate it if
you, your ridiculously stacked chest, and all your muscles wouldn’t judge me,
okay? I’m nervous enough as it is. We’re not all perfect.” She held her badge to the RFID reader. The second the
green light went on, he beat her to the handle and held the door open for her.
She didn’t see a wedding ring on his
left hand. Hmm.
He smirked. “Good to know you like
my muscles.” He raised his eyebrows as she clipped past him.
“Shut it, Rambo.”
About the Author:
Roxanne D. Howard is a U.S. Army veteran who has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and English. She loves to read poetry, classical literature, and Stephen King. Also, she is an avid Star Wars fan, musical theater nut, and marine biology geek. Roxanne resides in the western U.S., and when she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children. Roxanne loves to hear from her readers, and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.
Website: http://roxannedhoward.com/
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1 comment:
Thanks for having me on today, Roxanne. I'll be available all day to answer any comments or questions.
All the best,
Roxanne D. Howard
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