Authorpreneur Dashboard – Shannon C Hill
Blackheart
Romance
A Man tortured by his past... Renowned knight Alaric the Blackheart knew he should walk away from the sweet angelic daughter of his new Lord but her remarkable beauty and obvious interest in him was wreaking havoc on his senses. He wanted her with a deep voracious hunger but knew he could not have her. For twas no question were she to find out the truth about who he really was, she would not look on him so kindly... A Heart Too Soft... Arianna St. James was simply enthralled with the castle's new Man at Arms. It did not matter that he seemed to ignore her innocent attempts to get closer to him. There was something about his rugged good looks and impenetrable silence that challenged and intrigued her further. He seemed so wounded and alone... It was a hot melting passion that brought them together, and a love that would last forever if enemies and secrets did not tear them apart... or kill them trying...
Book Bubbles from Blackheart
Rejection
Who hasn't felt the cool tingle of rejection after making a play for someone you liked? Here Arianna must deal with the confusion and alien sense of unworthiness; while Alaric tries with difficulty to separate himself from the excitement of their interaction.
Nemisis
What is a tumultuous love story without a villain or two? In this scene greedy, ugly Lord Chauncy Fulkner finds out he has been tricked by beautiful Arianna and he means to take revenge...
A secret tryst...
Let's be honest, sex is a main component to a good erotic novel, and the characters desire to have it is key. In this scene, Alaric thinks he is finally about to get what he has waited and longed for from Arianna; but he has no idea that Arianna not only is not anticipating the same outcome, but has little knowledge of what misunderstanding she had previously caused by her forward interest in him. And in my typical style, of course a new problem arises between them.
Innocent Misunderstanding
I love misunderstandings... Any and everything that can cause chaos and tension between my characters is fun for me. I also like family interplay when possible and in this book there is a ton as all the St. James reside together at Rothlan. In this scene, Arianna must try to placate her mother's desires to see her properly wed, while balancing her continuing attraction and possessiveness over her true love interest Alaric. It isn't her fault she is so naive and accidentally gives him the wrong impression about her interests...
First physical contact
The first sensual contact is vital to any good romance. The reader must truly feel the sexual tension between the characters to be fully engaged in their eventual encounters. It is my hope that every reader experiences a small flutter in themselves when reading this scene.
Awareness
Of course the moments that string together Arianna's hope that Alaric does notice her are some of my favorites as well. I love building the sexual tension...
Embarrassing encounters
Does anything make a reader connect with a character more than when they show their flaws or foolishness? I myself love the awkward moments between love interests at the beginning of a novel. Sure, I might be more dramatic than some, but if things are too easy, it seems an unbelievable love story to me.
The First Kiss
Another of the most important moments in a romance novel (as well as in real life) is the first kiss... I find that passion amongst conflict and unsure feelings is the most genuine and interesting way for two characters to find each other. This is an excerpt from Chapter 6 of Blackheart
The Set Up
Of course there has to be some time spent on the background of the characters so you can like them enough to care what happens to them; but I think one of the most important moments in a romance novel is the first spark of interest between the leads. It pleases me when I can reread the passage and feel the excitement myself each time. That is when I feel that I have done my job. Of course, in my head I am attracted to every character I create!
