How long have you been writing?
As long as I’ve
been able to write, I’ve loved making up stories. I set out to write my first “novel”
at thirteen, although it ended up being only about 20 pages long! As a kid I
wrote mysteries and spy stories, and then teen novels in high school and into
my twenties. The first book I published was a contemporary romance, and I’ve
been writing romance ever since.
I work a full-time job and chase after my three young daughters. When all that is done for the day, I usually collapse in front of the TV.
Usually my novels start with a location I’ve been to rather than an experience. For example, Wine & Roses was inspired by a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake. I pull in elements from real events, but for the most part my life is too boring to make an interesting read.
I’m working on a couple of sequels for my historical Music Box Series. It follows several generations of a family living in various locations in Canada.
How can
your fans get a hold of you? Do you have
blogs, website, or a newsletter?
My website is susanrhughes.weebly.com. From there
you can view my blog, email me, or link to my Facebook and Twitter pages.
What
intrigues you most about writing love stories?
I love
exploring the thrill of meeting that special someone and falling in love. I’ve
been married for 16 years, which is great, but it’s fun to relive those
exciting days of courtship through my characters.
Tell us about your newest story!
NEW RELEASE
A Baby for ChristmasPaige is pregnant, single and homeless. Ryan can’t resist opening his home to the beautiful stranger who needs his help. The last thing he intends to do is get involved; and the last thing Paige needs is another man in her life when she can’t seem to untangle herself from her controlling former lover. Will it take a Christmas miracle to make Paige and Ryan realize where their hearts truly belong?
excerpt
Ryan
felt all the blood in his body pulse toward his right side, warming every point
of contact between them. He sat very still, trying not to show either his
surprise or the effect her touch had on him. “Don’t be so hard on yourself.
You’ll be settled soon, and everything will fall back into place.”
“I
don’t know, Ryan. I’m starting to wonder if I did the right thing leaving Matt.
I’m not used to being alone.” She titled her face up to him, her gaze open and
direct as it fixed onto his. Ryan’s heart lurched hard against his breastbone.
The vulnerability in her hazel eyes stirred a swell of compassion in him—as the
nearness of her enticing mouth stirred something more primal.
“It’s
not so bad being single,” he said. “Anyway, you won’t need to be alone for
long. As soon as you’re ready to dip your toe back into the dating pool, I’m
willing to bet there’ll be men lined up for miles hoping for a chance.” Without
forethought he brushed a loose wisp of hair from her face, letting his
fingertips linger a moment on the curve of her cheek but resisting an impulse
to let his thumb trace the soft, full contours of her lips.
“Would
you be in that line?” Paige asked tentatively—then winced. “Sorry, there I go
again saying more than I should. I’ve put you on the spot.”
“No.”
Ryan shifted his body to face her. “Paige, I think you’re beautiful, and so
sweet, and to be perfectly honest I’m actually dying to kiss you right now. But
you know I’m moving across the country pretty soon.”
A
slow, beguiling smile curved her mouth. “I know. But you’re here now.”
Catching
him by surprise, she rose to brush her lips against his. Her mouth was supple
and warm, and it tasted of sweet coffee.
Any
restraint Ryan had imposed on himself dissolved rapidly, and he pressed his
hand to her back to urge her closer. What began as a gentle, tender kiss
deepened as Paige looped her arms over his shoulders, fitting the soft curves
of her body against his chest. She parted her lips, inviting his tongue to
glide over hers. A low moan eased from her throat, sending a warm ripple down
his spine that stoked the fire flaring in his belly.
She
surprised him again by abruptly pulling away, bowing her head to hide her face.
“I’m sorry. I don’t feel very well.”
Ryan
blew out a breath to steady his throbbing nerves. “I thought you were better.”
“I
felt fine all day. I’m just suddenly nauseous.”
“I’ll
try not to take that personally,” he said, attempting a joke that fell flat.
“It’s
not you.” When Paige looked up, the tears glimmering in her eyes sobered him at
once. “I think it might not be a virus after all. There’s a remote possibility
I could be pregnant.”