✦✦✦ Author Spotlight ✦✦✦ C. Chilove

Happy Hump Day, Friends!  How’s September treating you? Well, I hope!  For September, MRN introduces you to a new romance author whose work I hope you’ll enjoy!

MRN shines the spotlight on Author C. Chilove. Let’s jump right in to get to know Ms. Chilove and her work…

 

Hi! Welcome to My Reading Nook!  To begin, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a southern girl residing in the beautiful Sunshine State. When I’m not writing, I can be found cheering on my little ballerina, being protected by her daring ninja, cooking yummy dishes for my hubby, or exploring flea markets and antique stores for hidden treasures.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Honestly, I never knew. It just sort of happened, or so I think…God blessed me with this talent. I’ve finally learned to listen to my intuition and him.  

Who/what inspires you and your writing?

Beauty. It is in the simplest things we see and do, as well as, the most difficult. Art, music, poetry, places, they all inspire my creativity. Now, if you are talking about the naughty scenes…hello tumblr!

What is your favorite word or phrase in the English language?  

“I love you.” Not just because it is the theme or phrase for romance. The phrase is so universally interchangeable. It can be said between siblings, parents and kids, friends, and strangers. It is the simplest, most efficient way to say I care for you and want nothing in return.

As a new author, what has been your biggest challenge? Biggest triumph? 

My biggest challenge was the editing phase. There was so much more I wanted to say, but…word count. My biggest triumph was delivering a debut novel to readers that offers a unique exploration of a lovers quest while presenting intricately woven patterns of lives and love that transcends lifetimes.

Describe Unlocked: Rekindled Flames in six words.

Sexy, Different, Diverse, Evocative, Refreshing, Succulent

Where did the inspiration for Unlocked come from?

The song, Europa by Gato Barbieri.

This is your first book, what was the hardest thing about writing, Unlocked?

Breaking down stereotypes surrounding women of color while making my character vulnerable and prescriptive to romance troupes. Some may ask, what does this mean? Let me explain. As a woman of color, I find it my responsibility to write stories that accurately reflect the intelligence, strength, independence, and courage we possess. Our strength does not have to translate into “angry black woman” nor does it mean we are incapable of being swept off our feet by an Alpha male.

Alonna, the heroine, is strong, self-assured, and very independent. She’s incredibly sassy, and takes no shit from anyone. (Gee, she sounds like many of the women I know.) Stereotypically, this personality type is too strong and not docile enough for the “typical” Alpha-male…who swoops in and saves her from her boring existence. However, realistically, we strive daily for the perfect balance of strength and love. And so, I struggled finding that happy balance to ensure Alonna connected with all women who want to find their Prince Charming, but maintained the essence of the characteristics I know to be true for women of color.

Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Hmmm…this is hard. I love them all, but I’ll go with Alonna. She’s so beautifully flawed, and yet her journey to rediscover the woman she is and the love of a lifetime is inspiring.

Who would play your characters in the movie version of this book? 

Lol, good question. It’s really hard to say right now. I think because these characters are creatively, but realistically, complex, I would have to carefully select the right person for those roles.  In the meantime, I’d rather readers form their own images of the characters and give me ideas on who they think could best pull them off. Hell, who knows, after being introduced to Donovan Derbinay, some readers may be visualizing themselves as Alonna. 

What’s next for you? What are you working on now?

Book 2 of the Unlocked series is underway, and I’m completing edits on a steamy, Black Ops interracial romance.

 

Find C. Chilove on the interwebs:  

 Website・Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

♦♦♦ SYOPSIS ♦♦♦

Alonna Carrington, tied too long to her dead fiancé’s memory, has lost all belief in love. Prepared to replace hope with pleasure, her chance encounter with a mysterious media mogul rekindles a distant memory and a desire she craves beyond control.

Donovan Derbinay has dreamed of Alonna for all eternity…and that isn’t his only secret. So much more than a soulmate, she is his Twin Flame. Yet she doesn’t remember their love or their shared lives or how tragedies have taken her from him time after time.

But this life is different from the others, and Donovan must unlock Alonna’s heart and awaken the memories of their shared past before the flame of their spellbound hearts is extinguished forever.

Read an excerpt from Unlocked: Rekindled Flames

I close my eyes. “No,” I whisper.

“Ple—”

I spin, feeling my breasts nip the lapels of his suit and look him in the face. “It’s unattractive to beg.”

“Most women would have been thrilled and opened any gift I presented.” Donovan’s face loses emotion. He steps back adjusting his coat.

“I’m not most women.”

“That you are not.” He side steps me and begins walking to the door.

Just as I prepare to exhale, Donovan opens then closes the door to my office. He ignores the vibrating of his phone and stands there for a second, maybe two. He pivots and starts back to me with a strong stride. He closes in, smothering me as I inhale his sweet breaths. I look up into his eyes and become lost as they stare down into the depths of my soul.

“You can deny me and what you feel now, but a lifetime…one is all I need.” His long, manicured finger traces the outline of my jaw, igniting a carnal fire within me. “I’ve searched for you forever, and in my imagination you are a beautiful beggar. There is nothing unattractive about it. In fact, it only makes me want to give you more.”

His sizzling touch cools when he steps back then turns to leave. He speaks as if we’ve always known each other. What’s eerie is…I feel like we have. Donovan is scary, and dangerous, and…I’m attracted to him unlike I’ve been to any other man.

I hope you’ve found your next favorite book!

Xoxo,

Coco