Author Interview – Haley Whitehall (Civil War Edition)
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As you may remember, I’ve interviewed Haley twice now. We’ve thus far discussed her multicultural romance Midnight Heat and her short story Civil War Valentine. Being the busybody that she is, she’s got yet another new release, this time with Decadent Publishing (yes, she and I seem to be publisher-stalking each other).
Let’s find out more about her historical romance Soldier in Her Lap.
1. Hi Haley. Before we discuss your book, curious minds want to know—what’s the secret to being prolific? When do you find the time to sleep?
The funny thing is I don’t consider myself prolific. I see some authors publishing a story or more each month. I’d like to increase my productivity. What is my secret? I guess you could say I have too many ideas in my head and I run on coffee.
2. Okay, now that I’ve got my writing tip for the day (as in, I should consider switching from tea to coffee), let’s focus on your book. Can you tell me more about the hunk on your cover? I’m guessing he’s a solider…
The hunk on the cover is Confederate soldier Lucas Grady.
3. So how exactly does Lucas land in Sophia’s lap? Considering the Civil War setting, it must be an exciting story.
Lucas is wounded in a nearby battle. He isn’t too keen on the idea of a sawbones working on him so he takes his health into his own hands. He makes it to Sophia’s porch step before collapsing. She takes care of him and well the romance blossoms from there.
4. I’m guessing interesting things happen while Sophia nurses Lucas back to health. Are you at liberty to share their first kiss?
Oh yes, I can share their first kiss. Here is the steamy snippet.
Stepping closer to him, she inhaled his masculine scent of sweat and dirt and hay. It was so refreshing to be around a man without the stink of liquor on him. She ran her hand down his arm, feeling his lean muscle under his uniform.
“Thank you, Lucas.”
“No need to thank me.” He looked down at her with gentle eyes. “Any man would have done the same.”
She turned to completely face him. This close, his heart still pounded fast and his breath warmed her face. She tipped her head back, and her lips rose to meet his. Their mouths brushed in a chaste kiss. She didn’t know which one of them was holding back. Their touch kindled a fire in her belly. Her cheeks burned, bringing on a foolish grin. The lust in his eyes, as plain as the noonday sun, fanned the flames of her desire. He wanted her.
“Sophia,” Lucas said, “since your papa isn’t here, think we can eat at the table?”
The simple question cut through the sexual tension. “Yes, I reckon we can.”
Lucas hovered near her in the kitchen. She wasn’t used to anyone watching her cook, or watching her that carefully at all for that matter. Her heart palpitated. His heat-filled gaze bored into her backside. Her thighs clenched and she struggled to focus on stirring the stew.
5. Just wanted to say--I'd personally forget about the stew. Now that you’ve got me very curious about how this all pans out, let me ask about your next project. What story/stories are you working on right now?
I am taking a bit of down time at the moment. Midnight Kiss (Moonlight Romance, Book 3) released from Liquid Silver Books on April 14. I haven’t decided if I am going to start a historical western mail order bride series, write Midnight Seduction the last in the Moonlight Romance series or write another Civil War romance.
As we all know, new release month is crazy busy for every author so I’ll let Haley run off. Read on for more about the book and author. As always, comments are much appreciated.
Soldier in Her Lap
Trapped by her alcoholic, abusive father, Sophia Carpenter longs to escape her life of drudgery on her father’s dirt farm in Clark Springs, Georgia. Making matters worse, her father’s scared off every man who tried to call on her. She longs for freedom, but with the Civil War raging, even fewer men are available to fulfill her dreams—unless a soldier landed in her lap.
Conscripted into a war he never wanted to fight, Lucas Grady is tired of battle and refuses to lay his life down for a lost cause. After a musket ball tears through his leg, he deserts from the ambulance wagon rather than risk a field surgeon’s saw. He barely makes it to Sophia’s farm before collapsing.
The wounded soldier’s arrival seems like a dream come true, but first she must save him from his injuries—and her father. As forbidden attraction blooms between them, they will have to struggle to survive. Can their love overcome so many obstacles or will they become another casualty of the War Between the States?
About Haley Whitehall
Haley Whitehall lives in Washington State where she enjoys all four seasons and the surrounding wildlife. She writes historical romance set in the 19th century U.S. When she is not researching or writing, she plays with her cats, watches the Western and History Channels, and goes antiquing. She is hoping to build a time machine so she can go in search of her prince charming. A good book, a cup of coffee, and a view of the mountains make her happy.
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