Romy Gemmell: The Adonis Touch

It's our pleasure to welcome back, Romy Gemmell. Romy is no stranger to Heart of Fiction. She first visited with us last year when she released the first book in a new series, The Aphrodite Touch. Since then, she has also released Midwinter Masquerade. Romy is a prolific writer with several houses, but both of these books are published through Tirgearr Publishing.

Today, Romy joins us again with her latest book -- The Adonis Touch, book two in the Aphrodite and Adonis Series.

In Greek mythology, Aphrodite and Adonis are the gods of love, beauty, pleasure, desire, and procreation. No better pair to meddle in the love lives of visitors to their country! We first met Aphrodite in The Aphrodite Touch, where she involved herself in the relationship between Carla and Jamie. And today we meet Adonis, as he plies his trade in the effort to bring together Kate and Mike.

Katie Murray lost her husband, Paul, to an untimely death. Once things have calmed at home, Katie decides to holiday on the exotic island of Cyprus, hoping to finally put her sadness behind her. When she meets Mike, new feelings awaken in her, but she still finds it difficult to put the past behind her. Not only because she still has feelings for her late husband, but because she's only ever known Paul's intimate touch. Allowing herself to fall for Mike opens up the reality that if things go far enough with him, he'll want an intimate relationship. As much as she wants that too, and to move on with her life, her past keeps her rooted in place.

Then Katie meets Dita and Donas, Cyprian locals, who befriend her. With their friendship and sage advice, Katie is encouraged to give Mike a chance. Little does she know, Dita and Donas are the Greek gods of love!

As with The Aphrodite Touch, Romy has spun a lovely tale with The Adonis Touch. We're brought into Katie's life and feel the pain of her loss and her hopes for a new future. We feel her apprehension at opening herself up to another man. This is a sweetly passionate story which will have you sighing on one page and chuckling on the next. Romy has also managed to bring Cyprus to life on the page -- one can nearly feel the sun on the skin and hear the lapping of the waves. This is a delightful story and a wonderful sequel to book one. A must read!

Before we get to the blurb and excerpt, remember that we're giving away a copy of this book to one lucky commenter. Be sure to leave your email address for contact.

• • •

When thirty-something Katie Murray agrees to go on holiday to the romantic island of Cyprus with the man in her life, Mike Sinclair, it’s on the understanding they are only friends. Much as she enjoys Mike’s company and hopes it might develop into something more, she is still not over the untimely death of her first husband and only lover, childhood sweetheart, Paul. Can she put her sadness behind her, let go of her inhibitions and learn to love again?

On Cyprus in spring time, Aphrodite and Adonis are reunited after two seasons apart and in between renewing their love for each other they watch the influx of tourists to Paphos, choosing the next couple to benefit from their special help. Recognising the sadness in Katie’s eyes and the love Mike waits to share, the mythological couple are determined to do all in their power to ensure the two humans discover the joy that awaits them.

“Do you never become bored with our games, sweet Aphrodite?” Adonis plucked a bloom for the grass and inhaled its perfume while watching his lover.
Aphrodite turned her gaze from the taxis and buses depositing a new intake of guests at the low-level hotel, and smiled through narrowed eyes.

“But it is such fun helping these humans to open their hearts and lives to love. And so many need our assistance.” Leaning across the short distance between them, she took the flower and crushed it in her hand.

As Adonis was about to protest, she silenced him with a kiss. When they drew apart, she held out her hand. “That is how easily they bruise. Why not take what is offered while they have a chance? As we do.”

Adonis watched another couple alight from a taxi as he nodded at her words. Nothing focused the heart as much as the threat of being parted.

“I think we may have found our latest project,” he said. “What do you make of them?”

Aphrodite sat close beside him and followed the direction of his glance. She examined the man and woman paying the driver. “There is a distance between them, yet I feel only warmth and affection from them.”

Adonis continued to study the couple before replying. “The woman, she holds great sadness in her heart, as though something is missing from her life.”

“Or someone,” Aphrodite suggested. “I like the way the man takes her arm and pays her great attention. As a pretty woman deserves,” she added to her lover. “But I sense she is hesitant for some reason. Perhaps they are not yet lovers?”

Adonis scrutinised their every mannerism as the couple walked toward the hotel entrance. “I think you are correct, my love. And I like the woman with the sad eyes. How I should like to fill them with joy again.”

“Ah, my Adonis, remember you always tell me to be careful of their sensitive feelings. But I, too, wish to help this couple. Perhaps we could gently encourage them to explore the pleasures of love on our island.”

Standing with one movement, Aphrodite and Adonis reached the man and woman as they manoeuvred their cases, ready to enter the hotel. The woman saw them first, and Adonis noticed she paused as she watched them approach.

“Good day, and welcome to our island,” he said, holding out his hand to the woman.

Glancing at her companion, whose gaze was fixed on Aphrodite, the woman hesitated. Then, smiling, she placed her hand in his. “Thank you.”

She continued to stare at Adonis as he placed his other hand on top of hers for a second, before raising her small hand to his lips. Adonis felt the quiver of delight that flowed between them and he released the hand. It was enough for now.

“We wish you a love-filled holiday,” Aphrodite said, as she handed a perfect little white flower to the man, before stepping back.

“Thank you for the friendly welcome,” the man said, glancing in puzzlement at the woman beside him.

Adonis opened the door of the hotel as though he was used to ushering guests in, and the couple gathered their cases and stepped inside.

As the door closed, Aphrodite and Adonis turned away from the hotel and returned to their vantage point on the hills.

“That was well done, my love,” Aphrodite said, as she sat beside her lover. “Even I felt the physical jolt of desire that emanated from you when you touched the woman’s hand to your lips. And it must now be assuaged at some point.”

Adonis laughed as he caught her hand and brought it to his lips, slowly kissing each finger. “It is good she has strong feelings inside, although something holds them in check. Do you think the man will release them?”

Looping her hands around the back of his neck, Aphrodite guided Adonis toward her. “I think he truly loves the woman and is trying to convince her of that so they might move on together. But she might need a little more encouragement to find fulfillment with him. Talking of which…”

Aphrodite stopped speaking as Adonis claimed her lips, and they lay entwined on the quiet hillside, exploring their own deepest desires.

• • •

A freelance writer for many years, Romy Gemmell’s short stories and articles are published in UK magazines, in the US, and Online and she has won a few short story prizes over the years. Her first historical novel, Dangerous Deceit, was published by Champagne Books in Canada in May 2011 (as Romy), and Victorian novella, Mischief at Mulberry Manor, was published on kindle in December 2012.

First tween novel, Summer of the Eagles, was published by MuseItUp Publishing in Canada in March 2012 (as Ros) and The Jigsaw Puzzle is now released in April 2013. She describes herself as a butterfly writer, as she writes in so many different genres and different styles. Rosemary is a member of the Society of Authors, the Scottish Association of Writers and the Romantic Novelists’ Association. She indulged her love of literature and history by achieving a BA hons followed by a Masters in Humanities degree as a mature student. Happily married with two grown-up children, she loves to dance!

Find Romy online --

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Reading and Writing
Romancing History
Amazon US
Tirgearr Publishing

Grab your copy of The Adonis Touch at Tirgearr Publishing today for just $1.99.

While there, grab a copy of The Aphrodite Touch for just 99c, on sale through June. This is book one in The Aphrodite and Adonis Series.

Romy Gemmell: Midwinter Masquerade

Today we're welcoming back author, Romy Gemmell. She was with us back in May for the release of her book, The Aphrodite Touch, book one in the Aphrodite and Adonis Series. Today, we're talking about her latest release, Midwinter Masquerade.

For those who haven't discovered Romy, let me tell you a little about her --

Romy is a career freelance writer who decided to turn her attention to fiction in recent years. She calls herself a 'butterfly writer' because she flits between genres. To date, she has published historical romance, Dangerous Deceit with Champagne Books; paranormal romance, Mischief at Mulberry Manor; and her recent 'tween' novels as Ros Gemmell, Summer of Eagles and The Jigsaw Puzzle with MuseItUp Publishing. And of course The Aphrodite Touch with Tirgearr Publishing, and now Midwinter Masquerade.

Midwinter Masquerade is a unique take on the traditional Regency romance. Set in Edinburgh, Scotland, in December 1816, recently widowed Lady Lenora Fitzallen has just received an invitation from a man she used to love--Edward Montgomery. She thought they'd marry, but then one day he was gone. She thought she'd never see him again. Edward's invitation is to a masked ball to be held on the winter solstice. She reluctantly accepts the invitation.While visiting his estate, she befriends Edward's niece and ward, Annabelle, a young woman who frequently finds herself getting into trouble, which adds to the intrigue of the story.

As the solstice nears, another guest arrives in the form of Mr. Henderson. He's there to attend the ball to meet Annabelle, who doesn't like him from their first meeting. While trying to keep Annabelle out of trouble, Lenora is also dealing with her own rekindled affection for Edward. She's meant to remarry on her return home--Robert Masters--and tries keeping this in mind every time her thoughts wander in Edward's direction.

Behind the scenes, there is a secret, the clues of which are starting to unfold. And with the arrival of a mysterious costumed guest at the ball, Lenora must face some truths.

Wow! Lots of intrigue here. At the heart of this story is a sweet romance we've come to expect with Regency romances. But looking deeper, we have an intricate story which revolves around family drama, secrets, mysterious strangers, a troublesome teen, and a villain who must be unmasked, both in the figurative and literal senses. Readers will be pulled in from page one and become one of the costumed ball attendees enjoying a Highland soirée. There are no slow spots in the story to bog down reading. The short chapters will have readers saying, 'Just one more before lights out' but finally turning the last page in the wee hours of the morning. Regency fan or not, this is a lovely story, not just for the holidays and not just for those who love Scotland and Scottish set books. This book has something for everyone who loves sweet romance in a time and place which can only be imagined. Give it a try.

To wet your appetite, here's an extract from the book.

First though, Romy is giving away a copy of Midwinter Masquerade to one random commenter, so be sure to drop her a comment or question (*don't forget your contact email address so we can reach you) to be automatically added in the draw.

• • •

In Edinburgh, December 1816, young widow Lady Lenora Fitzallan accepts an invitation to the country estate of Edward Montgomery, the man she once thought to marry seventeen years previously. Until he left without explanation. Accompanied by her godmother, Lady Pettigrew, Lenora forms a friendship with Edward’s young niece and ward, Annabelle, who has a propensity for getting into scrapes and falling in love with the wrong man.

In the days leading up to the Masquerade Ball on the Winter Solstice, another guest arrives. Mr. Henderson has a particular reason for meeting Annabelle, who distrusts him on sight. Meanwhile, Lenora struggles with her rekindled feelings for Edward, while thinking of Robert Masters, the sophisticated man who hopes to marry her when he returns from abroad. As past secrets begin to unfold, Annabelle is rescued from harm, and a dashing, costumed stranger arrives at the Ball.

Once the past is revealed and the real villain unmasked, Lenora must decide where and with whom her future now lies.

As the carriage departed from her house in Edinburgh’s Charlotte Square, Lady Lenora Fitzallan settled back in her seat and contemplated the change to her plans since receiving the unexpected correspondence.

“Let me read the letter again, Lenora, if you will.”

Lenora reached across the short distance and handed the well-folded paper to Lady Clarissa Pettigrew.

Lenora’s godmother read the letter twice over, then handed it back. “How mysterious, my dear. And you had no knowledge of this niece, Annabelle, whom he wishes you to meet?”

“Not only have I never heard of the girl, but I’ve had no contact from Edward Montgomery in seventeen years, which makes his invitation to a midwinter solstice house party and masquerade ball all the more intriguing.”

“One wonders how Mr. Montgomery knows you to be a widow. His invitation would not otherwise have been proffered.”

Lenora turned the letter over in her hand as if the answer to her godmother’s astute question could be found there. “I do not know, Godmother. It is exceedingly curious.” She fingered the firm, sloping signature before returning the missive to her reticule. She knew it by heart, especially the part concerning the unknown niece. A sudden vague remembrance surfaced of rumours about the birth of a child, and she recalled Edward had a younger brother but knew nothing of his life. But why should the girl be in Edward’s care, as the letter inferred?

“Annabelle is becoming even more unruly now she is almost of marriageable age. She appears to be forming an unsuitable attachment to Mr. Frederick Shaw. My purpose in writing is to ask if you might consent to joining a small house party we are to have at Marlings around the winter solstice as part of the festive period. Several of the large houses nearby will be celebrating midwinter with dances and concerts and I am concerned that Annabelle should be in good company.”

Lenora pushed aside her questions, and a niggling little doubt that refused be given substance. She would meet the girl herself soon enough when all questions would be answered.

As the carriage lurched over the cobblestones on its way through the New Town, Lenora had to admit to curiosity about Edward. She tried to picture how Edward Montgomery might now appear and could imagine only a more mature version of the handsome young man who had stolen her heart so many years ago. Now she was no longer a young girl in her first season with hope of an advantageous marriage, but a wealthy widow with several admirers. And yet, a deep part of her longed to fulfil the passion of which she was capable and that had been denied for too long.

As though hearing her thoughts, Lady Pettigrew spoke again. “I dare say Sir Charles Osborne will be nonplussed to find you gone over the festive period, my dear.”

Lenora sighed. “He must surely understand by now that I am not contemplating a future with him. I endured quite enough boredom in my marriage and will never marry again unless for love, for I have no need of security.”

She paused, then decided to keep her other thoughts to herself. There was one more reason for marrying again: to bear a child before she was beyond such a possibility. If she were honest, Edward’s description of a lively, wayward niece sparked more interest in her than the dull, gray streets of Edinburgh in late November.

• • •

A freelance writer for many years, Romy Gemmell’s short stories and articles are published in UK magazines, in the US, and Online and she has won a few short story prizes over the years. Her first historical novel, Dangerous Deceit, was published by Champagne Books in Canada in May 2011 (as Romy), and Victorian novella, Mischief at Mulberry Manor, was published on kindle in December 2012.
First tween novel, Summer of the Eagles, was published by MuseItUp Publishing in Canada in March 2012 (as Ros) and The Jigsaw Puzzle is now released in April 2013. She describes herself as a butterfly writer, as she writes in so many different genres and different styles. Rosemary is a member of the Society of Authors, the Scottish Association of Writers and the Romantic Novelists’ Association. She indulged her love of literature and history by achieving a BA hons followed by a Masters in Humanities degree as a mature student. Happily married with two grown-up children, she loves to dance!

Find Romy online --

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Reading and Writing
Romancing History
Amazon US

Tirgearr Publishing

Romy Gemmell: The Aphrodite Touch

Joining us today is the lovely Romy Gemmell. She's not a new author, but she is knew to Tirgearr Publishing.

Romy is a career freelance writer who decided to turn her attention to fiction in recent years. She calls herself a 'butterfly writer' because she flits between genres. To date, she has published historical romance, Dangerous Deceit with Champagne Books; paranormal romance, Mischief at Mulberry Manor; and her recent 'tween' novels as Ros Gemmell, Summer of Eagles and The Jigsaw Puzzle with MuseItUp Publishing.

Today sees another release in Romy's collection, the first book in the Aphrodite and Adonis Series . . . The Aphrodite Touch.This is a charming story about two people who haven't quite made the ultimate connection in their relationship. Carla hopes the time she shares with Jamie on the exotic island of Cyprus will help them to finally make the connection she so desperately desires. But when they arrive into their hotel, all seems lost when she steps into their shared suite to find Jamie has booked single beds and not one big bed for the both of them.

Oh, my!

Unbeknownst to Carla and Jamie, the goddess of love, Aphrodite, and her own lover, Adonis, will play a hand in getting these two humans together. No better setting than Cyrpus.

Before we get to the excerpt, we had some time to chat with this busy author. Grab a cup of PG Tips, Typhoo, Brehaha, or whatever your favorite tea is, and settle in to meet Romy.

Welcome, Romy!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to have a wee chat with us. I know how busy you are at the moment.

Rather than ask the same questions you'll, no doubt, be fielding about where you get your ideas and do you write to music and all that, our readers love to hear about their favorite author outside the writing process. With that in minds, please describe your writing space.

My house is in a pretty, quiet village at the top of a hill in the west coast of Scotland, within sight of the river and countryside. I’m lucky enough to have the use of a study in the extension we added to the house when the children were at home. Visitors call it the library as one wall is lined with books of all kinds. 

Although I do all my computer work in here, I go to my favourite coffee shop once a week at the nearest mall where I write for about half an hour with pen and paper while enjoying the Italian coffee and a cake. Most of the staff know me now and are really interested in my writing – the lovely young female boss bought my first book right away. I also love writing on trains when going into the city – can’t decide if it’s the change of work place or using a pen and paper that produces more words!

My window looks out onto our back garden that slopes up towards the fields and hillside. Beyond the fence, we often have sheep and cows passing by and one year a couple of lambs got through the fence onto the tasty grassy bank of the garden!  Now and then a pheasant will wander across the grass to forage around the trees – it probably thinks our garden is part of the countryside, and the woods are nearby!

Coffee AND cake? Nice!

I know what you mean about working in different spaces and the pen and paper thing. Sometimes I find I can write better when I take the laptop into another room, away from the office. But your work space sounds lovely, too. All the wildlife just outside the window. Sounds like it comes to you when you don't have time to go to it!

When you can pull yourself away from that stunning view, what is your daily writing routine like? As they say in writing, are you a planner or a panster? ;-)

Hmm...I’d love to say it’s very organised (it’s not), but every so often I try and keep to some kind of schedule. If possible, I stay around the home space two days of each week to catch up on everything. Monday and Thursdays are normally writing days, though I spend far too much time on blogs, forums, and other social networking. I sometimes have to fit in talks or competition adjudications for other writing groups, which I love doing.

Writing at the coffee shop on a Wednesday morning lets me do some food shopping afterwards, so it’s a very satisfying and enjoyable day. Tuesday afternoon is my local writing group which I’ve been part of for many, many years but I wouldn’t be without. Other days are taken up with necessary chores, meeting friends or family, excercise – the usual, although my husband has always been great at helping with housework!

Sounds like you're a bit of both the planner and panster . . . a nice balance though. Having a routine but allowing flexibility in it will keep you sane! But let's not talk about social media LOL

OK, so when you're not stuck online, not writing, not doing household chores, what do you get up to for fun? I imagine living in Scotland you have all kinds of interesting things on your doorstep.

Husband and I enjoy  walking at the weekends, especially down the coast beside the river or over at Loch Lomond – we both love the water. I also love to dance! I’ve tried belly dancing, salsa, and tap, as well as zumba exercises, but I’m now looking for a new class of some kind. Meanwhile, I put music on in the house and dance if I’ve been sitting too long  - as long as nobody can see me! I also like swimming but need to get back to it again.

I’ve always enjoyed film and TV dramas, reading of all kinds and I travel quite a lot – I don’t always enjoy the travelling part but I adore seeing new, interesting places around the world. Photography is fast becoming a favourite hobby.

Sounds like we'd be a deadly pair if we ever had an afternoon together! Loch Lomand is stunning--I love the water too. I dance when no one's looking . . . or to get a laugh out of the hubs. And photography is a great past time, for sure.

Thanks so much for having a chat with us.

Now, let's get to that excerpt.

• • •

Carla hopes that ten days on the romantic island of Cyprus will finally progress her relationship with reserved Scottish boyfriend, Jamie, to a full physical commitment. Or prove that they have no future together. But they had not counted on the intervention of the goddess Aphrodite and her lover, Adonis.

Will Aphrodite awaken Jamie’s hidden depths and allow him to return the passion that Adonis senses in Carla?

• • •

“They’re late.” Aphrodite flounced down in the wicker chair and propped her sandaled feet on the coffee table between them. A petal dropped from the sweetly fragranced lisianthus flowers making a pretty centrepiece, their delicate white petals tinged with pink.

Adonis smiled, and shook his head. “We don’t even know who they are, my love.”

Aphrodite waved off his remark and glanced at the hotel’s reception desk. “I’ll know them when I see them.” She studied the group of tourists now checking in for a week or two of paradise before returning to their boring, everyday lives. None warranted the Greek goddess of love’s attention.

“How about those two?” Adonis nodded to his right, displaying his fine profile.

Aphrodite smiled. Thousands of years, and she had yet to tire of her lover’s fabulous face. She glanced beyond him to where two marble statues angled slightly to face each other. Chiselled names identified the busts as Aphrodite and Adonis. She grimaced and reached across to touch his hand. “I am so glad you don’t look like that.”

Adonis laughed out loud. Several people in the lobby turned in their direction, and each smiled as though in appreciation. He took Aphrodite’s hand. “I never tire of your beauty and delightful presence, my love. Even after these thousands of years.”

Aphrodite’s smile faltered for a moment as she remembered their time was now limited each year, then her gaze shifted to the couple now approaching the reception desk.

“Ah, now they are more worthy of our attention, Adonis. Look at that girl with such fiery hair. If I am not mistaken, and you know that seldom happens, her heart beats with passion. But see how the man by her side acts toward her. He is solicitous but even from here I sense his hesitation.”

Adonis followed her gaze. “Repression. It is in every movement. You are right. I think we have found our new project. This man has great need of your loving touch, my Aphrodite.”

With one graceful, synchronised movement, Aphrodite and Adonis stood up and watched discreetly as the couple took their room key and turned toward the lift around the corner. Adonis quickly slipped a flower from the vase and followed Aphrodite.

They found the couple waiting for the lift and smiled their greeting.

“Welcome to our beautiful island, fair lady,” Adonis said, as he held out the fragrant bloom to the girl.

At the sight of the girl’s pleasure in the flower, Aphrodite stepped up to the man and briefly touched his cheek. “Enjoy your stay on this island of love.”

Before the couple could find words to reply, Aphrodite took her lover’s hand and they walked through the hotel lobby without a glance at anyone.

“Let our fun begin,” she said, once they were some distance from the hotel.

Adonis kissed her hand. “And may those young people know such love as we enjoy, beloved Aphrodite.”

• • •

A freelance writer for many years, Romy Gemmell’s short stories and articles are published in UK magazines, in the US, and Online and she has won a few short story prizes over the years. Her first historical novel, Dangerous Deceit, was published by Champagne Books in Canada in May 2011 (as Romy), and Victorian novella, Mischief at Mulberry Manor, was published on kindle in December 2012.

First tween novel, Summer of the Eagles, was published by MuseItUp Publishing in Canada in March 2012 (as Ros) and The Jigsaw Puzzle is now released in April 2013. She describes herself as a butterfly writer, as she writes in so many different genres and different styles. Rosemary is a member of the Society of Authors, the Scottish Association of Writers and the Romantic Novelists’ Association. She indulged her love of literature and history by achieving a BA hons followed by a Masters in Humanities degree as a mature student. Happily married with two grown-up children, she loves to dance!

Find Romy online --

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Reading and Writing
Romancing History

Tirgearr Publishing

 • • •

Tirgearr Publishing is giving away a copy of The Aphrodite Touch today to one lucky commenter. Leave Romy a message with your email address, or ask her a question, and be automatically entered into the random drawing.

Or grab a copy of The Aphrodite Touch here.