Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.
Finding the Perfect Ending
Writing a book is hard. That’s not news. But one of the things I struggle with most is deciding on the best ending. Obviously since I write romance, I know I’m going to end up with a happy ending, but what kind? Could be happily ever after or happy for now. And if I’m writing a menage story like MELT INTO YOU, do I end up with an HEA for two characters or all three? And if it’s all three, are the guys in love with the girl AND each other or just with the girl? The possibilities can boggle the mind.
And the hardest part is that readers will have different opinions on how they want it to turn out, especially if the book is about a character they got attached to in a previous book. So there’s no way that I’m going to be able to please everyone (and I want to!). 🙂 So in this book, I decided to go into it with an open mind. I had my three characters and I was going to let them lead me to the ending that they needed.
I know some people would pull for all three ending up together. Then there are others who believe that a three person HEA isn’t realistic, and will want a couple at the end. I know some people will want a m/m aspect and others will be turned off by it. So I’m going into this book release expecting to hear lots of different opinions from readers on what I ultimately did with MELT INTO YOU’s ending. (And no, I’m not going to spoil it and tell you here.) 😉 In the end, I did what I thought was right for the characters. Hopefully, most readers agree!
Here’s a little bit about the book:
Her first love has returned, and he’s brought a friend…
After running away from home and the boy who broke her heart, Evan Kennedy has kick-started the perfect new life with her celebrity fiancé. So what if said fiancé prefers guys? She knew the deal. And with her ticket to The Ranch, an exclusive resort where any fantasy can be satisfied, she knows she can find someone to fulfill her less-than-traditional desires on the side.
She just never expected that man to be Jace Austin, her old heart-breaker—all grown up, hard-bodied, and holding out a collar. She knows it’s probably a world-class bad idea—especially since Jace has brought along his buddy Andre, who’s every bit as irresistible. But if they can stick to the no-strings rules, so can she.
Too bad Jace has never been so good with rules. Evan is convinced “forever” is a word used only in greeting cards, but Jace and Andre have one last fantasy of hers left to fulfill. It’s time to go big or go home. And neither man has ever been a fan of going home.
And here’s a drink recipe to go with the book:
The Melting Melon
(courtesy of Drinks999 because I’m a good cook, not a good bartender, lol)1 shot Bacardi Grand Melon
Watermelon
3-4 Slices of lime
A touch of cranberry juice
Lemonade/Sprite
Crushed iceMuddle water melon in a highball glass. If necessary remove some of the juice. Then muddle lime to a thick texture. Add Bacardi and a touch of cranberry juice for a more red color and better taste. Stir and add lots of crushed ice and gently pour lemonade/Sprite. Make sure the red mix stays beneath the ice.
MELT INTO YOU Excerpt
With that, Jace climbed to his feet, bent down, and swept her up into his arms. She let out a little sound of surprise. “What are you doing?”
“I’m going in the house to take care of a few things. You are going into the hot tub to relax and eat something.” He cocked his head to the side. “Andre, I’m putting you in charge of her. Make sure she eats.”
Before she realized what was happening, he lowered her into the bubbling tub. The heated water enveloped her naked body, and her gaze shot to Andre.
Jace ran a hand over her hair. “Are you okay staying with Andre alone?”
She didn’t feel any threat from Andre. In fact, just looking at him made her want to praise God for creating the male form. But what was her role? Was she supposed to please Jace’s friends, too? The thought sent a surprising jolt of desire through her. “Yes, I just—”
Jace gave her a reassuring smile. “Andre is one of my best friends. I’d trust him with my life, so I trust him with you. If at any point you want to touch him this weekend, you have my permission. But he won’t touch you unless you ask him to. You understand?”
She couldn’t tell if it was the temperature of the water or the mind-blowing dynamic Jace had just laid on her, but she felt a bit lightheaded. She nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Now, chill, eat. I’ll be back for you in a little while.”
She listened to Jace’s retreating footsteps as Andre leaned forward and propped his forearms on the side of the hot tub. “So, gorgeous, mind if I join you in there?”
Evan took a deep breath—as if that would do a damn bit of good—and nodded at Andre. “Sure. Come on in.”
He flashed an easy smile and grabbed the tray of sandwiches off the lounge chair and set it on the side of the hot tub. “Start eating, bella. I have a feeling Jace has big plans for you, and he won’t put up with you skipping meals. Don’t want you passing out.”
Something about the way he said bella—bey-yah—made her all fluttery inside. Like her female genes were wired to be a sucker for the way that spice-laced accent rolled off his tongue. Made her want to find out if those lips tasted as good as his words.
She reached over and grabbed one of the sandwiches to give her shaky hands something to do. Her normally voracious appetite had been non-existent all day, but after round one with Jace, she was already feeling a little weak. Sustenance wasn’t optional. She bit into the sandwich right as Andre peeled off his T-shirt.
Bad idea. She nearly choked on the first bite.
Hot damn, he was beautiful—hard, well-honed muscles, naturally tan skin, and a faint trail of black hair tracking from his navel down. Her gaze traveled up his torso and paused at silver glinting in the moonlight. Nipple rings. She’d almost forgotten that sexy little detail from the night in South Padre. There was something so darkly enticing about that kind of piercing on a man. A blatant, unapologetic pronouncement of sexuality.
She bit her lip, wondering what it would be like to run her tongue over one of the rings, to tug it with her teeth. She shoved another bite of sandwich into her mouth before she did something stupid. Like give Andre permission to do whatever the hell he wanted to her.
He hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his shorts and then glanced down at her. She must’ve looked like a deer in headlights; she certainly felt like one. He chuckled. “Sorry. Habit. I’ll keep these on.”
She didn’t know if she was relieved by his decision or damn disappointed. God, what the hell was wrong with her? She already had an equally potent man to herself for the weekend. How could she even be tempted to want more than that? She barely knew if she could handle Jace without melting into a puddle of uselessness.
Andre straddled the side of the tub and then slid into the water, taking a seat on the opposite side from her. “Ahh, that’s nice.”
Hell yes, it was. She was suddenly very happy for the water concealing her body because she was certain her nipples had hardened as soon as he’d gotten near. Ugh. This had to be a side effect of long-term abstinence.
He stretched his arms out along the edge of the hot tub and sank lower, letting his head rest against the side, but keeping his eyes on her. “Relax, Evan. Jace wasn’t kidding. I’m not going to make a move on you.”
Unless she asked. He didn’t say it, but the rest of the sentence hung in the steam-filled air between them.
Author Bio:
Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son.
If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that’s it. She is the National Bestselling Author of The Loving on the Edge series from Berkley Heat.
Three days. No rings…
Seth and Leila used to have trouble keeping their hands off each other. Passion, desire, love—it was all there. Yet, eight years after their whirlwind marriage and kids, they’ve settled into a life where choosing Letterman over Leno is considered a wild night.
Seth knows things need to change. But when he hears his wife call into a relationship radio show and admit she’s been tempted to cheat, he realizes how far off course they’ve gotten. He comes up with a dramatic plan. Three days. No rings. He’ll take Leila to The Ranch, a resort where any sexual fantasy can be had, and give her the freedom to have whatever or whomever she wants.
However, Seth doesn’t intend to simply stand by and watch other men fulfill Leila’s dark desires. He has a lot more bad boy in him than his wife suspects and he knows there’s only one man who can give her what she needs. Now he has to show her why that man is him.
Roni’s Question:
So do you find yourself pulling for certain types of endings in menage stories or are you open to all the possibilities? Has an author ever surprised you with an ending even when you knew there would be some type of happily ever after?
Of course, authors surprise me all the time with the ending. As for a menage ending, I think it has to suit the characters and the story. It has to work. Personally, I rather prefer the story and ending with them loving her, no m/m. I have no issue with it. It just doesnt do it for me. But the menage. It does. I have enjoyed Still Into You and Crash Into You. And I look forward to Melt Into You. You are doing a great job, Roni.
I am most satisfied with a HEA ending for everyone, all in love and content to be together, meeting the needs of all three. Of course, I can’t really imagine myself in such an arrangement but that is probably what intrigues me about it all! I try to imagine how this would work out in the real world like at parent-teacher conferences. I wish we lived in a world where everyone is loved and can love in return.
[email protected]
I enjoy a happily ever after and to be honest, I have yet to be surprised at the end of a menage book. But there have been several endings I have enjoyed more than others, Laid Bare by Lauren Dane being one of them.
Thank you for the giveaway.
j.l.obrien912 at gmail.com
I pull for the most believable ending. It takes work with only two people involved in a relationship. Start adding more people and it becomes even more complicated. I think it can work with well work, on everyone’s part.
[email protected]
As long as there’s an HEA at the end I’m open to any ending. I don’t know how a HEA menage would work in real life but for fiction I’m all for it.
suz2(at)cox(dot)net
I’m pretty new to erotica and haven’t read many menage yet. I think I would have trouble believing a 3-way HEA, although I’d be happy for a short-term happy ending.
I’m looking forward to reading Melt Into You.
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com
I prefer HEA, but I’m content with HFN in general. Depending on the set-up with a menage book, I can find the 3-way ending believable. I find it hardest to believe when there’s an established couple that then adds a third person.
I love menage stories. I’ve read both types of endings where they all end up in a lasting relationship and where they are just testing the waters so to speak. Myself I like where they all end up in a lasting relationship. I also like when the sex in hot with all of them at once if you know what I mean. Lol
[email protected]
Sometimes a surprise ending is great, but it has to make sense– not just thrown out there at the end to just be a surprise!
modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net
I love happy endings but it is always nice when an author throws the reader for a loop and surprises you with something in a different direction then you thought it was going.
Gabrielle
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Sometimes I am surprised, but I love happy endings.
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I’m open to all types of endings. Each character is different and it has to work for their story and be believable for them. I’d like to see a HEA for a stand alone but if it is a continuing storyline a HFN will work and we can see them in later installments and how they work things out.
Thanks for a great post and congrats on the newest release!
I’m a sucker for HEA. As long as it’s plausible, I’m game!
In a menage it must be a HEA. I don’t like it when a writer writes a menage leading the reader to THINK there is a HEA for everyone and there’s not. Its just an opening for another book. That’s just jerks my chain.
Marika
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I have found myself pulling for certain types of endings in menage stories because I am always after that HEA, but I also know that in real life that isn’t always the case so I more inclined to go with whatever the author has planned so to make the story beliveable. So I guess in the end I am open to all the possibilities:) I have definitely been surprised by endings even with an HEA for in some cases a HFN (Happy for Now).
I definately pull for a HEA ending. It would be so amazing to live with 2 lovers. I don’t remember being surprised other than the first time I read a menage and the three stayed together. After that, I sort of expected it…. and liked it.
bettysunflower at hotmail dot com
I never really thought about what the author must go through to decide how the HEA is happening. Thanks for the insightful post :O)
Carin mawmom(@)gmail.com
I’ve been happy with both types of endings. Just a couple, and all 3 being together in their HEA. It completely depends on the dynamics of the relationship. I’ll be happy with m/m action or not. Just so long as no one’s feelings are hurt or uncomfortable I’m a happy girl.
Can’t wait to get started on this series!!
I love an HEA ending and a menage one is even better.
Yvette
[email protected]
I do pull for certain types endings but I’m also open to suprises!
I like to let the author surprise me with the ending. I don’t really lean any particular way. M/M doesn’t do much for me, but I do realize it adds another layer to the relationship.
Hello Roni,
Do I find myself pulling for certain types of endings in menage stories or am I open to all the possibilities?
I really like reading Menage Stories & I am Very open-minded with my reading & have very much enjoyed M/M/M, M/F/M, F/M/F, F/F/M, M/F/M/F, M/M/M/M, M/M/F/M, M/M/F/M/M….LOL I think you get the idea….Stories. If an Author writes any of the above Scorching Romances, grabs me & takes me on an Erotic Ride from the very first page and won’t let go till the last page is turned, they’ve convinyed me to all the possibilities.
Has an author ever surprised me with an ending even when I knew there would be some type of happily ever after?
I enjoy getting lost in the wonderfully sexy, romantic, not to mention HOT, erotic world Fantastic Authors, like yourself, create for us, an Ultimate Fantasy for their Fans in each book they write with their incredibly impressive, imaginative minds….so I am often surprised by an ending because I get so Captivated by being pulled into the Scenes, I tend to let myself become suprised.
Take Care Roni & Stay Naughty,
PaParanormalFan (Renee’ S.)
paranormalromancefan at yahoo dot com
I want all of the characters to have their HEA! Even if it takes a few books to get there.
Mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com
I want all HEA – sappy as that is 🙂
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I don’t see how you can three characters having a HEA. It seems that someone must lose out.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
It all depends… I just sorta go with the flow of the storyline and sometimes I am surprised!
– lavendersbluegreen(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love having HEA’s.
I actually pull for all sorts of endings because I like to see the authors mix it up. Variety is the spice of life. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com
I think we all route for the HEA. I mean even though there is BDSM in it the stories they are more Romantic Erotica then just plain erotica. We want that happy feeling, a great storyline and connection as much as if not more than the hot sex. It is just a really good bonus!
I do like when authors throw curve balls in the story to keep things interesting as long as they aren’t so off base that I want to put the book down because it is just unbelievable…even for a fiction book!
Thanks so much!
mmafsmith at gmail dot com
Thanks so much everyone for stopping by and weighing in! I’m right there with you on the HEAs. I’m not partial as to how things turn m/f or m/m/f wise but I want my happy happy at the end. 🙂
Good luck in the contest and hope those of you who try MELT enjoy the book!
As long as there is an HEA at the end Im open to any ending.
3 way HEA it doesnt matter for me, but i still prefer M/F relationship..
looking forward to read ur books
thanks for the chance ^^
sunshine_pinkystar(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’m not too picky about what I read as long as there is a good plot and a HEA!! I am not a big fan of the HEA for now plots.
Thanks for the contest
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I want all of the characters to be together at the end of the book! I hate when the entire book is about these three people and then one leaves. I even read one book where a main character dies…hello romance here…if I wanted sad I’d watch the news. LOL
thanks for the chance to win
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I tend to feel disappointed if I don’t get a HEA because I feel that there is enough disappointment in real life so…I want all three to be happy and comfortable with each other. Glad to get a chance to add a new author to my TBR list.
Even there’s no HEA, if the author can write the ending for the character that made sense and not forced for me, I’m okay with that. Even when in menage, one people can’t find his/her HEA, I believe the author can make his story work, maybe in the next book.
There has to be a HEA or I really dont’ like the book! I like for them all to be together if that is the way the story goes! Wonderful contest, thank you so much! I loved reading the post!!!!
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I liked to be surprised. Because that way the story isn’t predictable and impacts me even more than HEA endings!
If the story follows that the three of them remain together, ten I’m all for it. I don’t like stories that force the ending to be one way when the storyline sounds much better the other way.
As for being surprised, that’s what makes reading so many stories of the same genre stay fresh. You know it’s gonna have a certain number of endings to choose from, and finding out if you were right or wrong is fun.
Elizabeth Gray
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If the story follows that the three of them remain together, ten I’m all for it. I don’t like stories that force the ending to be one way when the storyline sounds much better the other way.
As for being surprised, that’s what makes reading so many stories of the same genre stay fresh. You know it’s gonna have a certain number of endings to choose from, and finding out if you were right or wrong is fun.
Elizabeth Gray
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I love a HEA ending.
I love a HEA especially if it’s a threesome. I don’t like to see one of the group left out.
I am enjoying Roni’s books very much. I have been married for 18 years and completely understand the Still Into You plot line. We (fortunately, thankfully, amazingly) do not have issues in the bedroom, and I would never consider a weekend at The Ranch in reality. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy the story. Looking forward to the next book!
And yes, HEA’s are the ONLY way to go.
Heather E
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I do sometimes pull for one type of ending or another, depending a bit on how the author’s written the characters. What satisfies is if the author’s created an ending that stays true to the characters she’s created–it doesn’t always have to be an HEA for all involved 😉 (Though in general, I like to know that the characters do all eventually get their HEAs…)
f dot chen at comcast dot net