[Author Interview] CHANTEL RHONDEAU

Author: Chantel Rhondeau
Title: Always & Forever
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Relaease Date: September 2012

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Tell us about your current release, Always & Forever.

Lilly Price is rebuilding her life.  After being abused by her fiancé and subsequently accused of his murder, she moves to a small town where no one knows her. Despite her fear of men, one look at Zach Woodbridge makes her pulse race. After a few mishaps, things are going fine until a stalker somehow connected to Lilly’s past surfaces. And what he wants is Lilly.

What does your significant other and family think of your writing career?

Honestly, I think it is sometimes hard for non-writers to understand those of us who write. It has been a long, lonely six years while I learned my craft, but they are feeling a bit more excited now that I’ve published something and they see results - LOL

I completely understand, Chantel. Does your significant other read your stuff?
Surprisingly, I never thought he would, but he just finished my book last week and said he loved it. I’m supposed to hurry and finish the new book, ‘cause he wants something else to read. I take this as a huge compliment, because he hates reading!

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
Yes and yes. I think critiques are an important component to perfecting your writing. I belong to Critique Circle, a free on-line critiquing group. Also, beta readers are important to get impressions from once you’ve finished the book. Mostly, my beta readers are family and friends who I trust, though I’ve received a few offers for new beta readers for the next book, now that they’ve read Always & Forever.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

Hmmm… that I wasn’t as good as I thought I was in the beginning J Honestly, it was so scary putting my first chapter on the internet, and letting strangers shred it to pieces. However, I’ve learned so much from them, and my writing improved tremendously. I never knew how important it was to let other people look at my work. But I’m glad I did.

Alright, let’s get into the meat of this interview! Time to cast the movie that WILL be produced based on Always & Forever…who are your stars?

Really? Yay! I’m waiting for those film rights people to bang my door down! I’m actually horrible about knowing famous people though. Zach would have to be played by someone with gorgeous green eyes and a fantastic body! Any suggestions? So many good looking male actors to choose from!

I'm casting Ryan Gosling (from The Notebook) as Zach! Which character was your favorite to write? I loved all my characters, but Zach’s grandmother, Margaret, is so much fun! She’s playing matchmaker, of course, but she also doesn’t take any crap from anyone. I just love her!

Can your readers expect a cameo from Lilly and Zach in your next novel?

I don’t have any future plans for that at this time, but I never say never.

BTW- What are you working on next? Inquiring minds want to know!

I’m currently working on a romantic mystery about a womanizing cop who has finally met his match in a sarcastic, sassy woman who is new to town. They are having plenty of problems getting together, however, because Madeline found a body on the beach, and Donovan is the prime suspect.

One last question: With all the choices out there, why should readers buy your book? If you like characters who are flawed, sometimes make the wrong choices, but ultimately are good people at the end of the day, doing the best they can with what they have, I think you will identify with Zach and Lilly and enjoy their journey. If you can empathize with someone who has suffered horrible abuse and understand she won’t always make the best choices because of that, you will enjoy this book. If you like your love scenes on the spicy side with plenty of love between the characters, you will LOVE this book.

 

I do LOVE my flawed characters and spicy love scenes! Thanks for sharing more about Always & Forever with my readers!

 

 

Always & Forever:

A suspected murderess flees her former life in search of tranquility, but ghosts she left behind refuse to die, threatening to destroy her happiness.

 

Lilly Price is desperate to escape public scrutiny once released from her incarceration. She moves to a lakeside community in hopes of remaining anonymous while rebuilding her tattered life.

 

Widowed Zach Woodbridge is in no hurry to find a new bride. He longs for a peaceful summer, writing at his lakeside cottage. Things change after an introduction to his grandmother’s new assistant, Lilly.

 

When Lilly’s secrets are revealed, can their fragile relationship weather the storm?  And when a man from the past returns to reclaim Lilly, using any force necessary, can she and Zach protect the people they love?

 

CONTENT WARNING: Violence, mild language, sizzling love scenes.

 

More about Chantel Rhondeau:
 

Chantel once thought a great mystery or fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense novel, she never looked back. Before long, the need to create her own stories took over. She spends her daytime in the clinical profession of medical transcriptionist, but her passion is in the blissful hours she spends with her characters in the evenings.

Chantel lives in the western United States, and when she isn’t writing she loves playing cards with her family and snuggling with her lazy kitties.

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