BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Lion Dancing for Love: Deerbourne Inn [6]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Laura Boon to talk about Lion Dancing for Love (27 March 2019, The Wild Rose Press, Inc, 135 pages), a Contemporary Romance, book six in the Wild Rose Press' Deerbourne Inn series.

‘Two people who had pretty much decided to stay single, two people who are loving and caring, and when they find each other, the sparks fly and they fall into each other’s arms in a sensual and loving journey to find a beautiful HEA. I do highly recommend this quick read that is sure to leave a smile.’ ~ Helen, GoodReads 4 stars

‘I love a good HEA, and I've got a sweet spot for a well-written romance steeped with a compelling, natural voice. This one leaves me going "ahhhh."’ ~ Jean, GoodReads 5 stars

‘I loved this story, the characters, and the way Ms. Boon used dance to help the two of them heal their broken hearts. It was a perfect metaphor for moving forward – and backward – in life and in love.’ ~ Peggy, GoodReads, 4 stars

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || The Series || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to Laura Boon; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in Lion Dancing for Love , or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"There’s a scene in a barn in Lion Dancing for Love where Caitlin is teaching Corey the steps to a simple lion dance. Towards the end of the practice session, Corey takes control of Caitlin’s phone and flips through to find a song for a dance he wants to teach Caitlin - the waltz.

The lion dance is characterised by rhythmic, rousing roar of cymbals and drums (an example is below). The waltz in question was Runaway by The Corrs."

What was the inspiration for Lion Dancing for Love ?

"Lion Dancing for Love is part of the Deerbourne Inn series from The Wild Rose Press. All the stories are centred around the Deerbourne Inn in the small town of Willow Springs, Vermont, USA.

I was initially drawn by the collaborative nature of the series, and the fact that so many different travellers - the full gamut of humanity - go in and out of the doors of an inn. Then I read about Corey Duncan, a fine looking man in his forties who gave up on love when his first wife died. I knew at once I wanted to interfere - to introduce him to a heroine in Caitlin Summers who would draw him out of his stupor and back into life."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Caitlin and I are both city girls who are somewhat cautious about the benefits of small towns. We only consider them civilised if they contain a bookshop. Happily Willow Springs does. Whew! We also love coffee and food. Actually, all my characters love coffee and food. I can’t imagine life any other way. 😉 In addition, Caitlin and I share a dislike for reality TV. In Caitlin’s case, she is so hostile towards reality TV, based on a bad experience in her past, that it initially colours her reaction to one of the locals (and not in a rose-tinted way). It’s a burr under her skin she has to come to terms with in order to move forward."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Lion Dancing for Love - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"My cover was designed by the fabulous Debbie Taylor.

Corey and Caitlin dance, as they do so often through the story, and the champagne glasses represent the Maple Sugar Ball which is the reason Caitlin came to Willow Springs in the first place.

Most importantly, Debbie has captured the feel-good nature of my story - I really hope that when readers finish the last page, they put down their eReaders with a smile on their faces and hearts full of love."

Why should we read Lion Dancing for Love and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes the Deerbourne Inn series unique?

"Lion Dancing for Love is a contemporary romance between a San Diego Chinese American accountant and a third generation Willow Springs retailer. I wanted to explore the notion of ‘opposites attract.’ Is that really true, or is it actually our inner compatibility that draws us to a soul mate.

The Deerbourne Inn series is unique in that the individual stories range from past to present. As befits an Inn with a long history, there is a resident ghost, and is appropriate for any fictional town in the 21st century, there are some paranormal neighbours! As a romance reader, I enjoy series, but I also enjoy the variety of different genres from historical to adventure, crime and other-worldness.

The Deerbourne Inn gives you the best of both worlds. From story to story there is the comfort of coming across familiar characters and settings whilst also enjoying the unique voice and perspective of each author. There are ten books in the series so far, with more to follow. All are stand alone reads, so readers can pick and choose as they please. You can find out more about them here."

Can you tell us something quirky about Lion Dancing for Love, its story and characters?

"Small towns are competitive. The Maple Sugar Ball committee is determined to make their function the best in town this year and the biggest donator to charity. They decide to take advantage of Caitlin’s presence and expertise to introduce something that’s never been performed in Willow Springs before - a Chinese Lion Dance. The fact that one of their own is going to participate just increases ticket sales."

Who would you recommend Lion Dancing for Love to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Lion Dancing for Love is perfect for lovers of sexy, contemporary romance who enjoy witty banter between characters. It’s by no means erotic, but if you like your romance sweet, you might prefer other books in the series, like Hope’s Dream by Peggy Jaeger."

If you could / wished to turn Lion Dancing for Love into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"My dream team is Nicole Kidman (director), Kelly Hu (Caitlin) and Josh Duhamel (Corey)."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I like to write about women with smarts and sass, and men who are strong, self-assured, supportive and protective without being arrogant or patriarchal - at least, not very often. Nobody’s perfect.

I’m currently writing contemporary romance, which I love to read. Historical romance was my first love, and I have an idea for a series I’m developing. I also enjoy fantasy and paranormal novels as well as romantic suspense although I don’t read them as regularly as contemporary and historical romance. I don’t have any plans to write in those genres although my other series, Romancing the Alps, has an adventure quotient."

What is your writing process?

"I start with a place and into that space walk my characters. As I get to know them, their fears are revealed and they start their journeys towards healing. I always start with a basic plot line, and I do mean basic; one sentence per chapter to remind me what I am supposed to be writing about. However, my characters frequently ignore that sentence and go off in their own directions. I can’t tell you how often I’ve had to re-draft my plot outline. So annoying!"

What is in store next?

"Next up is book 2 in my contemporary series Romancing the Alps. Book 1, The Millionaire Mountain Climber, was Hailey and Matt’s story. Readers who are familiar with their story will remember Caro. Her and Anders story is next. It has a working title of The Viking Conqueror, but a friend rightly pointed out that sounds historical so it will change by the time we go to print. The Nordic Conqueror doesn’t have the same feel, but I’m hopeful I’ll find the perfect title soon. All suggestions are welcome."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"We recently moved to a new dog-friendly home which allowed us to finally fill the house with love and light. We have two little doggies - Beau, a three-year old Pekingese we re-homed, and Arro, a Pekingese x Shih Tsu (Pekihtsu?) puppy. They are too adorable. I won’t even start on my proud momma stories or this blog post will never end!"