Meet the Character Day: Chatting with Curtis Taylor from Trust with Hearts

 

This “Meet the Character Day” blog is part of a series examining my romance novels. In each “Behind the Scenes” blog, I talk about why I wrote the book, share my thoughts on the plot and/or characters, and reveal what I loved most (or least) about writing the book. The “Meet the Character Day” blogs are fun chats with the heroes and heroines from my romances. Warning: blogs may contain spoilers.

Hello romance lovers! Today we’re chatting with Curtis Taylor, the hero from Trust with Hearts by Kelli A. Wilkins. Let’s see what’s on his mind…

 

Greetings, Curtis. Trust with Hearts is a contemporary summer romance. Can you tell us a bit more about the book?

Sure, I’d be glad to. The basic premise is: Sherrie moves in with her cousin Dave, and I’m already staying there. So we’re sorta thrown together and forced to get along. Or not. Sherrie is a city girl and hates country music, and I’m a country boy who just happens to make his living in country music, so you can imagine there’s lots of opportunity for conflict. But once we get past all that, Sherrie and I start a tenuous, yet passionate, summer romance. Readers will be intrigued and hooked right away.

In a good romance, the relationship between the hero and the heroine usually gets off to a rocky start. Tell us about your first meet with Sherrie. What attracted you to her?

Well… nothing. (Laughs) I met Sherrie early one morning—before she even knew I was staying with Dave. And she was a bit grouchy. She said a “banjo boy” kept her up all night playing music… Well, I didn’t take the insult too kindly, and I told her so. And off we went, right on page 1, we started fussin’ and feudin’. I liked teasing her, and I thought she was pretty (and had great legs) but she needed to tone down her attitude.

Sherrie came from the city and you’re a country boy at heart. How do you make that work in a relationship?

For the first few chapters, we fought like cats and dogs. Sherrie would insult country music (or me), and I’d tell her she didn’t know what she was talking about. After a few weeks of being forced together, (Dave conveniently left us alone a lot. It was his way of playing matchmaker.) I saw her vulnerable side and opened up to her. In time, we realized we both had been hurt in previous relationships and had serious trust issues. Once we dropped our defenses, we got along just fine.

Most romance readers know Kelli likes to torment her main characters. She tends to put them through the emotional wringer. When Kelli wrote the book, she gave you and Sherrie a lot of baggage, trust issues, and conflict. Tell us how she made your life miserable.

For most of the book I’m hiding a big secret from Sherrie, and when she finds out the truth it nearly ends our relationship. Kelli said the “bombshell” scene where Sherrie learns my secret was one of her favorites to write—but it put us through hell.

Sherrie already had a hard time trusting people, so learning I’d lied to her about something major shattered her trust in me and destroyed our relationship. At the same time, I’d just gotten horrible news, and I was in no mood to be questioned or to deal with a royally pissed-off girlfriend. I didn’t behave in the best way, and shut Sherrie out. (Thanks Kelli.) It took Sherrie a long while to come around, and for a time, I was certain we were finished. But in the end, we have a happy-ever-after.

But I’ll give Kelli credit, she wrote several amazing love scenes. And I certainly can’t complain about those. Sherrie and I weren’t incompatible in the bedroom, by any means! (Laughs)

Describe yourself in four words.

Stubborn, complex, sexy, talented.

Do readers need to be country music fans to enjoy Trust with Hearts?

Not at all. The book uses country music as a backdrop and setting for the main romance. If anything, country music fans might find Sherrie’s loathing and lack of understanding about the genre amusing. Readers who don’t like country music will probably agree when Sherrie calls country music “sad songs in denim.”

There’s a rumor that once upon a time the book had an entirely different ending. Is it true?

Yes. When Kelli originally wrote the book, Sherrie and I were in a horrible car accident and I nearly died. Sherrie risked her life to pull me out of a burning car. Kelli deleted those scenes from the current edition of the book, and wrote a new epilogue to tie up everything.

Will there be a sequel to Trust with Hearts?

After Trust with Hearts came out, Kelli was going to write a sequel, but other books got in the way and it never happened. Her idea was to have Dave fall in love with my girl cousin. (She seeks refuge with Dave the same way Sherrie did.) Kelli has shelved the project, but she did say if enough readers want a sequel, she might be persuaded to write a novella-length version of the idea. (Readers: Let her know your thoughts about this on social media.)

Anything else you want to add?

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with readers and talk about this great book. Trust with Hearts is a summer romance with interesting characters, an unusual storyline, and plenty of sizzling love scenes. It will make you laugh, cry, and root for love. I hope you’ll add it to your summer reading list.

Kelli has written romances in all genres—historical, paranormal, contemporary, gay, and straight—but they all have two things in common—they’re all unique stories, and they’re anything but boring! I invite readers to catch up on all of Kelli’s romances and visit her on social media. If you missed any blog in this series, you can catch up here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/blog

TRUST WITH HEARTS

After a bitter breakup, Sherrie Parker seeks refuge at her cousin Dave’s house in rural West Virginia. Early one morning, she runs into Dave’s other houseguest, a singer named Curtis Taylor. The last thing Sherrie wants is to share living quarters with a country music crooner – even if he is sexy, in a cowboy sort of way.

Thrown together by circumstances, Sherrie and Curtis get off to a rocky start, but soon discover they have more in common than they ever imagined. Unable to fight their growing attraction, they give in to their desires and start a sizzling summer romance.

Everything is perfect between them until Sherrie discovers that Curtis is keeping secrets from her – and his biggest secret of all will change everything. Can their newfound love survive, or will destiny keep them apart forever?

 

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074422FHY

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/mgrK7R

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/trust-with-hearts

Kelli created a Facebook page for her contemporary romances. Visit it here:

https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20 romance novels, 7 non-fiction books, and 3 horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories.

She released Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing in early 2021. This fun and innovative guide to journaling is filled with hundreds of thought-provoking prompts designed to get you writing about your feelings and emotions.

In 2020 Kelli published Love, Lies & Redemption, a western romance set in 1877 Nebraska. This novel blends a sensual love story with mystery and danger.

Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor

Visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and to find all her social media links.

 

 

 

 

Trust with Hearts - An Inside Look

Hi folks,

Today I’m sharing a look at the making of my latest contemporary romance, Trust with Hearts.

Readers are always curious about how books “happen” ‒ how do they start out as a random idea and become an actual book, filled with great characters, drama, and sizzling love scenes? The answers vary, and each novel comes to me in a different way.

How did Trust with Hearts come about? Is the sexy and sultry Curtis based on a particular country music celebrity? Here’s the scoop…

The idea for Trust with Hearts came to me before a country music concert. I was sitting in the front row before the show started, when all of a sudden the whole plot and all the characters jumped into my head. Naturally, I started scribbling down notes (on the back of an envelope, of all things!) before the house lights went down.

Although inspired by real-life, the character of Curtis isn’t based on that one particular country music superstar – rather, he’s a blend of three or four cowboy-hat-wearing singer/songwriters. Elements of the “inspirational” singer are there, but I used my imagination to fill in background details and invented whatever else I needed to make the story work.

Trust with Hearts is a bit different from my other romances in that it has a more “traditional” romance novel feel – but still contains plenty of heat. Although Sherrie and Curtis are attracted to each other, they’re total strangers and are hesitant about getting involved in a relationship. They’ve both been unlucky in love, and aren’t sure if giving their hearts away is even worth the time or trouble.

The book gives them the whole summer to get to know each other. Readers peek into their troubled pasts and follow along as Curtis and Sherrie heal their hearts, love, and learn to trust again.

The subplot of the book – Sherrie’s devotion to save Kitty Corner – was crucial because I wanted to give her a purpose, something to build her self-esteem. Sherrie’s cat adoption project lets her help unfortunate cats who need rescuing and good homes. It parallels how Dave takes Sherrie in (aka “rescues” her) and gives her a second chance at a new life.

And, on a more personal note, giving Sherrie the “job” of helping cats allowed me to make a social/personal statement. I’m a cat person and I’ve written three cat care books. I always advocate adopting pets (of all kinds) from shelters and giving them a real home. (Would you want to live out the rest of your life in a wire cage?)

Back on topic: Knowing how I often write sequels, a reader asked if there will be another book following up Trust with Hearts. Will Dave get his own story?

I do have an idea for a sequel in mind. What if Curtis’s cousin Jen suddenly had to move in with Dave? Hmm… I already have a plot brewing in the back of my mind, so if readers would like to see a follow-up story, let me know!

And here’s a little-known fact: Once upon a time, Trust with Hearts had an entirely different ending. Curtis and Sherrie were driving back to Dave’s house when they got into a car accident. The Ventura was demolished, Sherrie was thrown clear, but she had to go back into the burning car and rescue Curtis. I opted to delete the “car wreck” chapter after several people told me it felt too “tacked on” and was depressing. This version of the story has a new epilogue, and readers can see that Sherrie and Curtis are certainly living happily-ever-after.

I’m glad to say that the book has received some great reviews:

“Trust with Hearts is a must read. You will laugh, cry, and in the end, you will totally fall in love with the story. It is character rich, and full of drama along with some sizzling scenes to spice it up. The relationship with her characters helps us see that Curtis and Sherrie may not make it, but then, as the drama unfolds, and she shows us their hearts, we realize there just may be more there than meets the eye. This book will remain on my favorites shelf for a long while, and it is a definitely recommended read from this reviewer.” - Rose, Reviewer, Romance at Heart.com

“4.5 stars! Trust with Hearts is beautifully written. You struggle with Sherrie as she tries to regain her footing, and Curtis’s charm is intoxicating as it flows off the pages. I am always thrilled when I get the chance to discover a new-to-me author who I can’t wait to read more from.” - Emily, Reviewer, SingleTitles.com

Here’s the book summary and an exclusive excerpt:

TRUST WITH HEARTS

After a bitter breakup, Sherrie Parker seeks refuge at her cousin Dave’s house in rural West Virginia. Early one morning, she runs into Dave’s other houseguest, a singer named Curtis Taylor. The last thing Sherrie wants is to share living quarters with a country music crooner – even if he is sexy, in a cowboy sort of way.

Thrown together by circumstances, Sherrie and Curtis get off to a rocky start, but soon discover they have more in common than they ever imagined. Unable to fight their growing attraction, they give in to their desires and start a sizzling summer romance.

Everything is perfect between them until Sherrie discovers that Curtis is keeping secrets from her – and his biggest secret of all will change everything. Can their newfound love survive, or will destiny keep them apart forever?

An exclusive excerpt:

As she made her way down the hall, she saw Curtis standing in the living room near the sofa. He had dimmed the lights and lit a few vanilla-scented candles. She approached him slowly, unsure of what to say.

He extended his hand. “How about another dance, darlin’?”

Her heart thundered as she slipped her hand into his. “There’s no music.”

“Wait...” Curtis reached behind her and clicked the CD player’s remote control. An upbeat guitar solo filled the room.

As Curtis settled her to his chest, she melted against him and inhaled his cologne. After a minute, she decided to open up. “I’m a bit nervous.”

“There’s no need to be. Nothin’ will happen here that you don’t want to.”

“It’s not that. I want to, but…” She looked down. “It’s been a while, and I’m not very—”

He squeezed her closer. “Shh, move to the music. Don’t worry about a thing.”

Curtis swayed her around in time with the song. This song wasn’t as sad and lamenting as most of the other country music he had. “Whose CD is this?”

“Mine.”

“I know that. I mean, who’s singing? I like this song.”

He nudged her with the brim of his hat. “Your favorite superstar, CJ.”

“It figures.” She laughed. “I guess I’m starting to like him.”

“You don’t know how happy that makes me,” Curtis said, nuzzling her neck.

The song ended, and she stayed snuggled in Curtis’s arms.

“Another dance? I’ve got lots of music.”

“Sure.” She rested her head against his shoulder as the next song started. It was a slow, haunting tale of lonesome nights.

Curtis caressed her back in time to the song and she cuddled closer. Little by little, her nervousness was fading and being replaced with a smoldering passion.

He kissed her as the song ended. She stroked his chest as their tongues entwined and hungered for more. She was vaguely aware of the songs changing as they were lost in each other. This was nice, but she wanted him to tear off her clothes and ravage her.

“I want you so bad,” she whispered, then turned away. “I can’t believe I said that.”

“It’s okay. I like a vocal girl. Don’t be afraid to tell me what you want… and like. It turns me on,” he said, as he brushed her hair to one side and sucked on her neck, making her moan. He glided his hands up her ribs and cupped her breasts through her shirt. She swayed as he pinched her nipples with his thumbs.

“Now don’t you faint on me.” He took off his hat and settled it on her head, then danced her backward until she was leaning against the wall outside the bedroom. “See if you can hold up this wall while I do sinful things to you.”

She listened to the music as Curtis unbuttoned her blouse. Her skin tingled as he parted the material. She opened her eyes and dared a peek at him. He was staring at her chest.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered, then kissed the top of each breast.

“Should I take this off?” she asked, reaching for her bra strap.

“No, no. I’ll take care of everything. Tonight’s your night, Sher.”

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Hearts-Kelli-Wilkins-ebook/dp/B074422FHY

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1262138470

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trust-with-hearts-kelli-a-wilkins/1029121857;jsessionid=B34CBCAE108E078A185537FBAFB08F9A.prodny_store01-atgap04?ean=2940154716670

Inktera: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/a7e88b32-d5a0-43b6-b0d8-6e1e42b317b7

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/354309578/Trust-with-Hearts

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/trust-with-hearts

24Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=2316172

I hope you’ll check it out. Trust with Hearts was a lot of fun to write and blends a sultry romance with heartwarming drama.

Happy Reading!

Kelli

Trust with Hearts - After the Story Ended

Hi everyone,

Today I’m sharing an “After the Story Ended” inside look at my contemporary romance, Trust with Hearts.

Here’s the synopsis:

TRUST WITH HEARTS

After a bitter breakup, Sherrie Parker seeks refuge at her cousin Dave’s house in rural West Virginia. Early one morning, she runs into Dave’s other houseguest, a singer named Curtis Taylor. The last thing Sherrie wants is to share living quarters with a country music crooner – even if he is sexy, in a cowboy sort of way.

Thrown together by circumstances, Sherrie and Curtis get off to a rocky start, but soon discover they have more in common than they ever imagined. Unable to fight their growing attraction, they give in to their desires and start a sizzling summer romance.

Everything is perfect between them until Sherrie discovers that Curtis is keeping secrets from her – and his biggest secret of all will change everything. Can their newfound love survive, or will destiny keep them apart forever?

Most people don’t know that the book had a much longer and different ending. Here’s an exclusive snippet:

Curtis leaned back in the red vinyl booth as he toyed with his granddad’s pocketknife. He had found it in the back of a kitchen drawer this morning when they’d closed up Gram’s house. It wasn’t very sharp, but it made a nice memento.

For the last three days, Sherrie and Ginny had gone through the house, sorting and shipping important items to the ranch in California. Now they were headed back to Dave’s house. It was late, but they would be home by one o’clock in the morning. He was looking forward to telling Dave the good news about their engagement in person.

That pocketknife comes in handy later in the book when Curtis and Sherrie get into a terrible car accident. (Sherrie has to cut through the seat belt and pull Curtis out of the car before it burns.)

After they’re released from the hospital, they go back to Dave’s house to recover. Curtis’s cousin Jen and her son Rowan were coming to stay with them for a while. In the alternate ending I hint that Jen and Dave might hook up:

“Ginny and Rowan should be here soon,” Curtis said.

“Good. It’ll be nice to see them. I’m glad they’re gonna stay for a while. Has she ever met Dave?”

He shook his head. “Nope. Hey, wouldn’t it be funny if they hooked up and got married? Then we’d all be related in some weird hillbilly cousin kinda way.”

Sherrie laughed. “I just hope they get off to a better start than we did.” She batted his shoulder. “And I don’t think Dave’s going to settle down with anyone, anytime soon.”

Curtis shrugged. “You never know. Strange things happen. I got you to like country music,” he said with a wink.

So what happened after the story really ended?

When Curtis and Sherrie got back to California, Curtis started recording his latest CD titled “Yankee Girl” and was besieged by reporters. They wanted to know all about CJ’s “secret” life and find out every detail about him and Sherrie. At first he resented the media’s intrusion into his very private world, but after his brother threatened to blackmail him about his background, Sherrie convinced him to give a candid interview and open up about his past.

Sherrie volunteered at a local animal rescue shelter and helped them adopt out homeless cats.

Three months later, Curtis and Sherrie got married and honeymooned in Hawaii. Jen and Dave and most of Curtis’s band members were in attendance. After the honeymoon, Curtis went on tour with Sherrie at his side.

A Trust with Hearts sequel?

I had an idea for a follow up story focused on Jen and Dave. The basic plot went something like this:

One afternoon Jen finds out that her ex-boyfriend, Tony, has been released from prison. Jen fears that Tony will come after her and calls Dave for help. Dave tells her that she can stay at his guest cottage as long as she needs to. Jen arrives with her five-year-old son, Rowan, and Dave can see that she’s barely holding everything together.

Over two weeks, Dave and Jen bond and fight their growing attraction to each other. Dave helps Jen relax and see herself as not just a mother, but a sensual woman with needs. Dave and Jen have been hurt in the past and have trust issues, but eventually they give in to their desires.

When Jen goes to town she sees a man that looks like Tony and is afraid that he’s found her. Dave reassures her that everything is okay and she reluctantly lets Dave take care of Rowan for the rest of the day. When Rowan accidently gets injured, all of Jen’s fears resurface and she falls back into her old pattern of not being able to trust anyone. Dave and Jen argue and she decides to leave. That night as she packs, she finds Tony waiting for her in the cabin. Eager for revenge, Tony wastes no time terrorizing her.

The idea for the follow-up book is a romantic suspense – with plenty of intense love scenes between Dave and Jen.

Readers – I’d love to hear from you! What do you think about the alternate ending to Trust with Hearts? Should there be a spicy sequel featuring Dave and Jen? Or should we just leave the characters where they are?

I welcome your feedback, ideas, suggestions, and questions! Feel free to email me (or post a comment) and let me know what you think.

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074422FHY

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/mgrK7R

Kelli