I am bursting with excitement. Elizabeth Harmon, 2016 RITA Award finalist, has stopped by to share a little something about herself and to introduce us to Heating It Up, a Red Russian Series novella. I know you will enjoy today’s post.
By Elizabeth Harmon
Why do I write contemporary romance? At library talks and multi-author events, it’s a question I’m often asked, especially by readers unfamiliar with the genre.
The best answer I’ve found draws upon two of my favorite quotes.
The first comes from Rainbow Rowell’s New Adult novel Fangirl. Aspiring author Wren must defend her choice to end her Simon Snow fanfiction story on a happy, rather than tragic note. Wren’s reply?
“Happy ever after or even just together ever after is not cheesy. It’s the noblest, most courageous thing two people can shoot for.”
Too often, romance novels and their “happy ever after” endings are dismissed as trivial, cheesy or Hollywood. Love stories that end in tragedy are celebrated for their realism, truth and beauty.
Not to take anything away from those stories or the readers who enjoy them, but that attitude suggests the only stories worth telling are sad ones.
I respectfully disagree.
As a romance writer I have a unique opportunity to deliver a little helping of hope to my readers, and to myself.
Woven into every happy ending is the idea that despite our differences and challenges, we’re all worthy of genuine, healthy and lasting love. Love may not be the magic elixir, which is why my characters usually lose something on the way to gaining something much better. But at the end, they walk away into a bright future together, because love has made them better and stronger.
The second quote comes from author Toni Morrison: “If there’s a book you want to read that doesn’t exist, then you must be the one to write it.”
When I longed to read a sports romance set in figure skating that not only featured a skater heroine, but also a skater hero, I couldn’t find one. So I wrote “Pairing Off,” which launched my Red Hot Russians series. My fascination with Antarctica inspired me to set my current release Heating It Up: A Red Hot Russians Novella, at a fictional Antarctic research station known as Amity Bay.
Despite its extreme climate, Amity Bay is a warm-hearted, welcoming and slightly whimsical place. Cozy up to the bar at the Hut, the town’s favorite gathering spot, and you’ll meet wise-cracking bartender Francine, brave fire-chief Will and Dylan, a guitar-playing Texan who’s sweet on Shelby, the nurse.
Just outside town, there’s breathtaking wilderness, green icebergs, an old cabin and a luxurious lodge—both of which might be haunted, and a mysterious creature swimming in the icy bay.
Rugged station manager Alexei Zaikov (the non-skater brother of one of my figure skater heroes) and architect Nora Bradford and must work together to save Amity Bay, though Nora’s secret role in the town’s demise could doom their romance.
I’m not giving too much away to assure you that it ends well. Happy reading!
Red Hot Russian Alexei is king of the Ice…Antarctic style
Alexei Zaikov loves his life in remote Amity Bay, Antarctica, until a new luxury guesthouse threatens the community’s future. As head of Amity Bay, he’s driven to save it, but first must discover who is hiding out in the supposedly deserted lodge…and why.
Nora Bradford has lost everything; a promising career and the man she loved. Glacier Ridge Lodge, the architectural masterpiece she designed but was denied credit for, seems like the perfect place to grieve her loss, until a ruggedly handsome Russian arrives on her doorstep, determined to bring her in from the cold.
Desire sparks, leaving them hungry for more. But will the truth about Nora’s role in Amity Bay’s demise, doom their romance?
Enjoy an Excerpt!
“Stop right here,” Nora Bradford raised her voice so the driver could hear her over the engine’s rumble. The giant tractor’s snow treads ground to a halt behind Glacier Ridge Lodge.
Nora peered through the cab’s dirty windows. Her former firm’s chartered yacht was still anchored in the icy water of Amity Bay, Antarctica. She wasn’t sure if that was good or bad.
“You sure you don’t want me to drive you down to the boat?” Charlie, the driver, who brought Nora back to Amity Bay from McMurdo Station, leaned over, concern in his voice. “It’s a long walk with all your stuff.”
“No!” Nora whipped around in her cramped seat as much as her bulky red parka allowed, and grabbed her suitcase. Tired as she was, the thing seemed to weigh a ton, but she managed to hoist it into her lap. “It’s two in the morning and everyone’s asleep. I’ll be fine up here, and in the morning, I’ll call down for help if I need it.”
The driver hesitated, and she sensed he didn’t like the idea of dropping her off at an empty building in the dead of night. During the three hour drive, she’d gotten to know him a bit. Charlie seemed like a decent guy.
Unlike some.
“You sure?” Charlie said, frowning. “Don’t forget, Antarctica ain’t exactly San Francisco.”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” Immediately, she regretted her sarcasm. Taking her problems out on others solved nothing, and this poor guy didn’t deserve to have his head bitten off. The stress of the last few days and the seriousness of what she was about to do were clearly getting to her. Best to get on with it.
You don’t have to do this. There’s still time to change your mind.
The calm voice of her more rational self intruded, just as it had when she’d hatched this plan an hour ago. Once more she shoved it from her thoughts.
“Really, I’ll be fine.” She tipped her chin and blinked quickly to clear the fresh tears. She gave a shaky laugh. “I designed this place. It’s only natural I’d want to spend one last night here. And you need to get back to McMurdo, so you don’t miss your flight home.”
“True,” Charlie agreed. “Hey, you have a good trip back to San Fran.”
Nora sniffed. “Right. And you have a good trip back to the States, too. Cleveland, right?”
“Yep. It’ll be good to get home.”
For Charlie, who had something to go back to, it probably was good. Nora slid down from the cab, dragging her suitcase behind her.
Inside, the lodge was quiet and empty, just as she’d hoped. She bustled through the first floor then up the stairs, making as little noise as possible, alert for anyone who might have slept here after last night’s Dedication Gala. When she safely reached the third floor, she released a sigh. For now, she was alone. But there was no time to waste.
—
Buy Links
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heating-Up-Red-Russians-Novella-ebook/dp/B01NBI008P
- Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heating-it-up-elizabeth-harmon/1125305385?ean=2940153876726
- Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/heating-it-up-a-red-hot-russians-novella
- Apple ITunes Books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/heating-it-up-red-hot-russians/id1185123438?mt=11
- Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/684794
Elizabeth Harmon
Contemporary romance author Elizabeth Harmon loves to read and write romances with a dash of different. She is the author of the Red Hot Russians sports romance series. Her debut novel Pairing Off is a 2016 RITA® Award Finalist.
Website: http://www.romancewriter-girl.com
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/romanzwrter_grl
Goodreads Author Page:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23440537-elizabeth-harmon
BookBub
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-harmon
Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00RY9SY0S