Among the Muses: Interview with Shelli Stevens & Teaser of Seducing Allie

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Interview with Shelli Stevens & Teaser of Seducing Allie

Congratulations Shelli, on your new release "Seducing Allie"! *throws confetti* Can you tell readers a little bit about it?

Seducing Allie is part of the Seattle Steam series. This is a friends to lover book. When the hero (Clint) thinks the heroine (Allie) is about to break up a wedding, he kidnaps her to keep her out of the way. Of course Clint has always had a thing for Allie. So things heat up pretty quick!

Can you tell readers who are not familiar with the series what the premise of the stories are about?

The Seattle Steam series generally focuses on books set in the Seattle area, but they do travel. I confess. I've got the travel bug, so I like to make my characters travel since I can't always. But usually my characters are from Seattle or nearby areas, and some parts of the story (if not many) will take place in Seattle. The characters from each book may turn up in each others books every now and then for fun :P

With "Seducing Allie" being book three of the series, are there any character or plot arcs that readers jumping in somewhere other than the beginning need to be aware of?

Not at all! You don't have to read them in any order really, and each book is stand alone. So you don't need to have read one to understand another.

What do you think makes a man in a uniform so sexy? *g*

Well, physically, the uniforms themselves can be so sexy. It gives off a vibe of power. Discipline. And it's a career where a person is giving back. Often protecting. Whether other people or the land itself. And I love that.

How do you like your heroes and heroines?

I like them all ways. Mix it up a little and make me care, and I'm there!

Do you have a favorite scene or a character that was most fun to write?

Oh wow I've loved them all. In the series, I love Adam in Tempting Adam. He was probably one of my most laid back heroes. Slow drawl, fast hand, sexy. And I love Allie in Seducing Allie, cause she's got a foul mouth and is fun to mess with. I like to torture her. Or maybe that's the hero? He takes her camping and she's not a camper :P But really, I love all my characters. They're all so much fun to write.

You have been praised for creating some fabulous sexual tension and yummy sex scenes. Do you have a particular method for creating those believable, blush-worthy moments?

No idea. Seriously! LOL. I grew up reading Harlequin Presents, which are big on sexual tension and passion. I think that really transferred through in my writing. And for love scenes, well, I just write what feels natural. The first one I ever wrote was hell. I blushed the whole time and would get up and walk away, then walk back to the computer. I think it took a couple days. I thought I'd have a mild, doors shut scene. But what ended up on the screen was a lot more sensual than I could've ever predicted. I think authors just have a natural heat level they put on paper. I can go up and down, but prefer to stay on the mild side of erotic, or just steamy. I can't do too erotic (anymore, I had a phase :P )

What can readers expect next from you?

Honestly, there's a little bit of change coming. And I hope my readers are excited about it! I've got a re-release of a previously published book coming out in January (now titled Foreign Affair). It's a sexy, light contemporary romance. But then in the spring, I'm trying something new. I'm starting a paranormal (shifter) series with a lot of action and heat. Not to squee, but Cherry Adair read the first few chapters and called it 'awesome!' Okay, I lied, I'm squeeeing!! The first book, Savage Hunger, comes out in April I believe! I plan to still write contemporaries as well, though, but this is just something new you'll see from me!

Can you leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt? *crosses fingers*

Of course!

"This is ridiculous!" She stared out at the blur of trees as they sped down a deserted road. "Where are we going?"

"Away," he answered ambiguously.

"Away," she mimicked him. "We're going away? What the hell kind of answer is that?"

"The only answer you're getting right now. And watch your mouth. I know your mom taught you better."

"Didn't your mom teach you that kidnapping is a felony?" she shot back and slapped the window again.

"If you break my window it's going to seriously piss me off, Allie."

"Well, guess what? I'm already pissed." Slap. Her hand connected with the glass again and again. "Maybe you should have taken that into account when you abducted me, Clint."

She nearly fell out of her seat as he swerved the car to the side of the road.

Was he going to let her go? Leave her stuck on some random back road? Hell, she didn't care, she'd hike her way back to her car if she had to.

He climbed out of the vehicle and came around her side, wrenching open the door.

"Get out."

Relief flooded through her. He was letting her go. Finally. She scooted out the door, making the jump down to the ground and smoothing her dress back down her thighs.

"Well, it's about time you came to your senses--oh!"

He jerked her hard against him, both of her wrists in one of his massive hands.

"Maybe I didn't make myself clear," he murmured, his gaze full of determination and something else...something hot. Something that sent a jolt of heat straight from her stomach to between her legs.

Her pulse quickened and she dragged in a shuddering breath, tugging at her hands.

"Have you gone completely insane?" she whispered.

"Maybe." His lips twisted, his gaze roving over her face. "Or maybe I'm just willing to go to any lengths to make sure you don't break up Kenneth's wedding."

"I'm not..." She ran her tongue over her suddenly dry lips. "Wait, Kenneth's wedding isn't until next week."

"Exactly. And that means we'll have one whole week to catch up, kitten."

Do you have any places on the web where readers can find out more about you and your work?