Our next Valenduckie cupid is Deborah Cooke and she is a one-woman writing machine. Deb writes historical and future-set romance as Claire Delacroix, contemporary romance as Claire Cross, and fantasy romance as Deborah Cooke.
Her current series features dragon shapeshifter heroes and is very fun to read. And wanna talk about the cover fairies being GOOD to an author – they’ve been downright magnaminous to Deb on the cover for Kiss of Fire (Dragonfire, Book 1), released 5 Feb 08 by Signet. I just wanna lick that cover.
Read on to discover what Deb thinks is the most romantic scene in her new book, Kiss of Fury, coming August 2008…
In my Dragonfire world, the firestorm marks the meeting of the Pyr (dragon shape shifting dude) and his destined human mate. Sparks literally fly between the two of them – the firestorm not only gives a sensation of heat, but feeds their desire for each other. The Pyr only conceive with their destined mate, so the firestorm is an alert. The Pyr’s awareness of the woman and her awareness of him is doubled and doubled again – because the firestorm is a sign that the Pyr can conceive a son, it keeps getting stronger until — well, you can guess when.
In Kiss of Fury (August 2008) Alex [heroine] and Donovan [hero] are very interested in doing the horizontal tango, but neither wants to have a child. They think they can cheat the firestorm by using contraceptives – of course, they’re wrong but they have fun trying!
I love the scene when they make love for the first time. The room is totally dark and they leave the lights off, making love only by the light of the firestorm. It sparks between them with every caress, becoming brighter and hotter as they excite each other. The firestorm increases to a radiant glow as they learn each other’s rhythms. I love that they are both more committed than they’d like to believe – and that the firestorm knows it. For me, it’s a very sexy scene and a romantic one – it makes me shiver every time I read it.
Deborah Cooke
Hey readers, comment here and you could win an autographed copy of Deborah’s last release, Kiss of Fire. Tell us what you do to “set the mood” with your significant other – lower the lights, soft music, special candles, toys… What do you do to set the scene?
I have to confess I have a fondness for candle light, and most often I am seduced by it alone. But I am most susceptible to anything with water, be it in a (spacious!) shower or in a bath tub. I would love to read some hot bath tub scenes in historicals, the potential is so great *g*.
Candles are a must. Especially red ones with a spicy scent. The glow from it works too, turning off the lights and letting the candles light the room is lovely.
And oh! RAIN. Seriously, when it’s raining and there’s big windows so you can see the shadows of the rain pounding the glass, it’s very nice! *g*
I love texture. I love nubby cotton duvets over a down comforter, soft cotton sheets, something furry on the floor (sorry PETA).
I also love the scent of coffee or cinnamon, candlelight.
And is there better sex music than Luther Vandross or Eric Clapton’s accoustical stuff?
Fresh snow fall makes me happy, but on a regular basis wine and freshly cleaned sheets do the trick. Music and moonlight help too.
Gwen, what do mean something furry on the floor?! I keep getting weird images..um nevermind. lmao.
Oooh, massage oils! Fun.
I agree that candles (or a fire) definitely set the mood for romance and love making. But I also have to confess that a quiet house (when both kids are out and my husband and I are both home) instantly sets the mood for us! So sad, but so true! LOL
Hi Deborah – whew- how excerpt! What sets the mood for me is lighting, candles – but mostly quiet – something relaxing… O:)
The main thing we do to set the scene is make sure that the kids are asleep early. Soft textures against the skin and suitably warm room are also musts.
I would have to say candles like vanilla and light soft music.
Nothing like a great meal out without the kids and then sitting in a jacuzzi with my hubby and relaxing. We did that this past year for our weekend getaway to celebrate our anniversary during a stay at a Bed and Breakfast. It was awesome! I want to do that again.
I’ve never stayed at a B&B but it sounds lovely – especially in the Coast! I think that any time where you and your significant other are together and alone can be can be made romantic, just gotta be creative. *g*
I absolutely love candles, they are a real must.
As I am a single girl in the city… I have no clue… that is why I like romance so much!
You definitely need candles and music.