Today I’m thrilled to welcome back and interview
Shari Nichols, author of Haunted.
Congratulations on another release, Shari!
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Liquid Silver Press
Date of Publication: 11/27-2017
ISBN: 978-1-62210-452-9
Number of pages: 234
Word Count:
80.000
Cover Artist: Valerie Tibbs
BOOK DESCRIPTION
When
medium Karly Matthews agrees to move into a haunted inn, she’s not sure what’s
more dangerous, the ghost or the sexy innkeeper she tries to resist. She’s
can’t deny the intense rush of desire she feels every time he’s near. When she
agrees to embark on a no-strings-attached relationship, she finds herself
thrust into a world of mind blowing pleasures. Now she must face the aching
truths of her past.
Hotel
heir Thayne Harper has a laser-like focus on success that doesn’t include the
help of his family. He’s always been the black sheep, living in the shadow of
his dead brother. His dreams are put to the test when a supernatural entity
threatens to ruin everything. The one bright spot is the woman who intrigues
his mind and heats his blood.
If
only he can convince her that, despite his bad boy ways, he can change for the
good. Her love becomes his only salvation. Passion burns white-hot as a dark
threat looms. The ghost doesn’t want them to be together and sets her sights on
Thayne, luring him to a place that goes beyond death. Will Karly be able to
save him before it’s too late?
Giveaway! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter at the
end of this post for a chance to win a $ 25.00 Amazon gift card and a free
e-book.
Let’s hear from Shari!
Hello,
my name is Shari Nichols and I write paranormal romance. I’m here to talk a
little about my new release HAUNTED. So sit back and relax. I hope this is fun!
What
inspired you to write this book?
The
inspiration for HAUNTED came from a real ghost story a friend told me years
ago. I was so moved by his experience and intrigued with the possibilities of
where this could go, I decided to write a rough outline that turned into a
novel. I’ve always loved a good ghost
story.
What
made you choose the main setting for your book?
I
chose New Hope, PA as the setting because of all the town’s quaint shops,
restaurants, and beautiful old stone houses. I absolutely love the lushness of
the area. I actually got married there many years ago. It’s fun to walk along
the canal on a Sunday afternoon. New Hope is known to be haunted, so it was an
easy decision. Also, the Logan Inn is one of the most haunted places in
Americas and serves as inspiration for the book. It’s also featured in the
first chapter. This is a beautiful shot
of the Logan Inn along the canal, gorgeous!
Are
you currently working on another story? If so, we’d love some details.
Yes!
It’s a far cry from the world of ghosts and haunted inns. I’m working on a
series about three best friends who are navigating love, and high powered
careers in the big Apple. It’s inspired by the beloved HBO series Sex and the
City, my personal favorite. Instead of four friends, there are three; and a
sexy Mr. Big character as well. I chose NYC as the setting because there are so
many romantic spots and fun places to serve as a backdrop. All three stories
are intertwined by the behemoth of a city like New York.
What
sort of personality does your heroine have?
My
heroine, Karly Matthews is funny, witty, self-depreciating, smart and extremely
passionate. She’s always been the caretaker to her younger sister, Sophie.
She’s had to deal with some very real trauma in her life and as a result, she’s
always waiting for the other shoot to drop. She’s afraid to trust—to love and
open her heart.
What
sort of personality does your hero have?
My
hero, Thayne Harper, is a pure alpha, in every sense of the word. He's
controlling, volatile at times, but generous, kind and off-the-charts sexy!
He’s closed off emotionally. He’s a millionaire playboy with quite a reputation
as a bad boy.
What
sources do you use for research?
I
did lots of research for HAUNTED, including talking on the phone and emailing
with a real life medium, a character by the name of Erika, who’s featured in
the book. I watched almost every episode
of Ghost Hunters, and I’ve read tons of books about ghosts and mediums. I’ve
interviewed the staff and toured two inns for realism purposes. I’ve also spent
hours at the library.
It’s
time to promo. What is your favorite marketing tool?
I
love to interact on Facebook. Conversations with readers are always fun. I’ve
also done guest spots at launch parties. I will be doing a few book signings,
which are also fun. I love meeting people and interacting.
How
long have you been writing? How long have you been published?
I’ve
been writing for sixteen years. Wow, that seems crazy! It only took me twelve
short years to get published. J I’ve been
published since 2014.
This
was a blast! Thanks so much!
Thanks
for joining me, Shari! Wishing you much success!
EXCERPT
Karly
made sure to keep her head down, wanting to avoid another run-in. Her gaze
skittered over fallen leaves and flagstone tiles. Through the corner of her
eye, she spotted a man in a suit and a few servers. Her fingers tightened
around her key chain with every step, wanting to be far from the chaos of the
evening.
She
was almost to the main street, when she bumped into a solid wall of muscle that
threatened to knock her on her ass. Her keys flew from her hands as she began
to fall backward. Before she hit the ground, two strong hands reached out and
caught her around the waist. She glanced up and into the gorgeous face of the
god she’d seen earlier.
Up
close, he was even more stunning and taller than she’d calculated. He exuded
strength and masculinity, and when he focused that intense magnetism on her,
all the air left her lungs, along with her ability to speak.
Genuine
concern flashed in his whiskey colored eyes. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?” His
voice was like warm chocolate, melting her insides. When he dropped his hands,
Karly could still feel the imprints on her skin.
“Y-yes,
I’m fine. I’m the one who should be apologizing. I wasn’t paying attention to
where I was going.” Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. The man smelled
incredible, like sandalwood and clean laundry.
“No
need for apologies. Maybe you should sit down for a minute and have a drink
with me.” There was elegance in the way he spoke that made her think of old
money and private school.
For
a moment Karly thought about taking him up on his offer, but she wasn’t in the
frame of mind to pull off light conversation or flirty banter at this point.
“Thanks, but I have to pass. This night, well, it didn’t turn out the way I’d
hoped so I think it’s my cue to go.” She did her best to school her features,
but inside she was feeling raw and vulnerable. The only thing she wanted to do
was go home, soak in a hot bath, and lick her wounds.
His
searing gaze swept over her and made butterflies flutter in her stomach
“Perhaps I can make it better. Stay and have a drink with me.”
Karly
glanced at his jacket for his nametag, but like her, he wasn’t wearing one.
“I’m guessing you’re in either sales or politics, and if this is all for a
campaign donation, I’m sorry, I already gave at the office.” Immediately she
got a vibe telling her he was his own boss, which wasn’t hard to figure out.
The man exuded confidence and power.
The
throaty sound of his laughter raised goose bumps on her flesh. “So you’re funny
and beautiful that’s quite a rare combo, Miss….?”
His
words slid over her like a warm caress. A flush spread across her cheeks. She
shook her head, a little dazed by the compliment. It would be hard not to
succumb to his charms. If she was honest, his scent alone was driving her
crazy. No, the man spelled danger. “I’m sorry. I should go. Good night and uh,
nice running into you.” She sucked in a breath, turned and took a step toward
the street.
“I
don’t think you’ll get far without these,” he said in a bone-melting voice that
forced her to turn around. He held up her keys in his hand.
“Right.
Thanks.” She’d become so dazzled by his looks, she’d completely forgotten about
them flying out of her hands
“My
pleasure.” The way he said the word pleasure conjured images of their bodies
tangled together, rolling around in satin sheets. The air sizzled with sexual
tension. Slowly, he closed the distance between them and placed the keys in her
hands. She purposely avoided touching him, but his fingers grazed hers, sending
a spark of awareness up and down her arm.
“Don’t
go,” he whispered.
“Why?”
Karly was curious to hear what he’d say next.
“I
can’t let you disappear into the night without telling me your name.” The words
were spoken in a commanding tone that normally would've irritated her, but for
some reason when he said them they hit every one of her buttons. “You can give
me that much can’t you? It’s not every day I meet someone that captivates me
and you have, quite thoroughly I might add.”
The
scorching heat in his gaze made her shiver. She swallowed and tried to regain
her equilibrium. It’d been a long time since a man had looked at her with such
blatant desire. “I’m impressed— that’s quite a pick-up line. I’m curious, does
it usually work?”
His
smile was pure sin. “I’m not using a line on you. I just want the chance to
talk to you. Give me five minutes, that’s all I ask.”
What
happens after that?” His charisma began to melt her resolve. Karly stole a
glance at his clothing. His sweater looked like cashmere and his suit jacket
was perfectly tailored and cut to fit his body, only adding to his commanding
presence.
“You
decide. If you want to continue the conversation, I get your number, if not,
then we part ways. No harm done.”
How
could she say no when his approach was so refreshing “Nothing like cutting to
the chase.” A guy that looked like him probably had women falling all over
themselves to get his attention. It didn’t take a psychic to glean the man was
a player. He was too smooth to be anything else. “Five minutes is all you get.”
“Five
minutes is all I need.” He was persuasive, not to mention cocky as hell and yet
for some reason she couldn’t seem to say no where he was concerned. Besides,
his vibe was positive and cool with no warning signs.
“You’re
pretty sure of yourself. Do you always get what you want?”
About the Author
Shari
Nichols grew up in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts and
Ouija boards were common place, spurring her fascination with all things
paranormal. Ever since she read her first Barbara Cartland novel, her life-long
dream has been to write sexy, romantic stories. Shari has been married to her
own alpha hero for twenty-five years. When she’s not writing, she’s reading,
going to the gym, or hanging out with family and friends.
She
lives in New Jersey with her husband, two teenagers, and her adoring golden
retriever. She’s thrilled to spend her days in sweats, eating chocolate while
pounding on her keyboard to create her next novel. Shari’s a member of Romance
Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, Liberty States Fiction Writers
and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers.
Posts
4 comments:
Thank you, Sky for having me! I was very excited to hear i'd be a gust on your fabulous blog!
My pleasure, Shari! Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season! xo
A great interview thank you.
Thank you, Mary! I appreciate your kind words.
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