A Moment with Clarissa Yip

Hi Clarissa, it's great to have you here again at Decadent Decisions. Please enjoy the buffet and the open bar. The guys are always eager to serve. :-)

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

My name is Clarissa. I write contemporary romance. I enjoy scrapbooking, video games, trying new foods, and traveling… Um…Usually I’m all over the place but I’ve currently moved from Hawaii back to the mainland and am staying on the East Coast right now. Can’t say I’m overly crazy about being in the cold weather…

2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?

I’m reading constantly! I dabble in various genres depending on my mood.There’s not a day that I don’t open up a book. Some of my favorite authors are JR Ward, Julie Garwood, Jude Devereux, Lynn Raye Harris, Catherine Mann, Olivia Gates…my list could go on! 

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

I basically throw her out on the street and we get into brawls all the time. If she’s feeling like a cowgirl, then we might have a showdown, or if she wants to play Tomb Raider, then I have to dig out my guns. Sometimes we’ll have Street Fighter Tournaments…I guess I do everything that I can do to tease my muse into cooperating. She is pretty evil…

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

Well. I’ve always dreamed of going to Europe, specifically Italy and Greece. If I could have a romantic dinner on a vineyard or on some hightop mountain facing the ocean, with some hot guy that loves me, I’d say it’d be a heaven of sorts. Just make sure there’s enough champagne and cake for me…

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

I would say historicals. I love to read them but I don’t think I have the mindset to write them or the overall passion I do when I write contemporary and suspense. 

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be? 

I would have to say Sarah from Tempting a Prince. She sets out to look for Prince Charming, and is determined to get over her childhood crush on her best friend’s brother, Evan, only to find that her Prince Charming who doesn’t turn out to be so Charming-ish is actually Evan. Sarah is a school teacher, but she’s got spunk and she’s cute. I want to be a princess just like her. 

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

I indulge in everything sweet, caffeine, and boundless amounts of books in my TBR pile. I buy books, but I always finding myself buying more books even before I finish reading the ones I already have! Books are one of my weak points, what can I say? Lol

Thank you so much for having me here! 

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Sarah Westfall is on a mission. Living the mundane life of a near spinster school teacher and sick of her parents throwing eligible men at her, she is determined to get over her crush on her best friend’s brother. She wants a prince and wouldn’t settle for less. What better way than a 1Night Stand?

Evan Hunt needs to figure out his enemy’s game plan. Chasing his nemesis to Las Vegas and signing up for Madame Eve’s service and masquerade, he never expected the woman he’s desired for years to appear before him…as his princess. 

When their attraction fires the night, the inevitable happens. Her prince isn’t as charming as she’s hoped, but he does save her from trouble. Would he be willing to fulfill her fantasies also?

Stubborn and proud cowgirl, Lily McCormick, is finally coming to terms with her quiet life on her parent’s ranch, until her older brother, as payback, signs her up for 1NightStand. Kidnapped and forced onto a plane to a foreign location, she faces the dreaded cold and an unwanted tryst, until her ex-husband appears before her…as her date.

New York City District Attorney, Rafe Martinez, would do anything to get his ex-wife back, even if it meant taking drastic measures to pretend he was there for another woman. When jealousy and rage surfaces and Lily’s tough demeanor wanes, desire and lust sparks their once powerful connection as truths unfold. Will Rafe convince her to return to him or push her further away from giving their love a second chance? 

Shy tomboy Jenna Faulkner has been in love her whole life—with her best friend. Except he’s marrying the wrong woman, and he doesn’t know it yet. But she’s determined to save him.

Instead of the normal bachelor party, Jenna decides to throw a different type of gathering…with just her. Alone. Will Cade finally come to his senses and see Jenna for more than a friend, or has she ruined their friendship once and for all?

Silent Night Seduction

Wouldn’t you like to be kidnapped for the holidays? 

Are you getting ready for the holidays? Counting down how many days you have before you need to be ready for Santa? Are the kid’s wish lists so ridiculous that you don’t even know where to start? Or your holiday guest list runs a mile long? Or no one understands that you are Santa Claus?

I’d say run away…

Or better yet…Get kidnapped! 

That’s what happened to Lily McCormick. Her brother Shane kidnaps her and sticks her on a plane to Alaska. Now what would a cowgirl from Texas know about snow and freezing temperatures?

Obviously, not a whole lot with her cowboy boots and denim skirts…in the cold? To Lily, she’s landed in Winter Wonderland Hell. 

It gets even worse when she finds out that her ex-husband is there for a one-night stand set up by a famous matchmaking service. What’s a girl to do but make it into a more memorable holiday?

At least she’s able to avoid the mall…unlike some of us. Avoid the disaster at the grocery stores or arguing with some fat woman over some cashmere scarf. Maybe we should all just hop on a plane and go to Alaska. Too cold?

Where would you want to be kidnapped to for the holidays? 

Silent Night’s Seduction

Blurb:

Stubborn and proud cowgirl, Lily McCormick, is finally coming to terms with her quiet life on her parent’s ranch, until her older brother, as payback, signs her up for 1NightStand. Kidnapped and forced onto a plane to a foreign location, she faces the dreaded cold and an unwanted tryst, until her ex-husband appears before her…as her date.

New York City District Attorney, Rafe Martinez, would do anything to get his ex-wife back, even if it meant taking drastic measures to pretend he was there for another woman. When jealousy and rage surfaces and Lily’s tough demeanor wanes, desire and lust sparks their once powerful connection as truths unfold. Will Rafe convince her to return to him or push her further away from giving their love a second chance? 

Excerpt:

A curse erupted into the room. “You came here for a one-night stand?”

The rage in her tone lightened his heart. If she could be angry with him then she must care for him still. Pouring himself a drink, he took his time answering. “Actually, more than that.” He turned around. “It’s three days before Christmas. I hope to spend the whole time with my date and escort her to the ball on Christmas Eve.”

Lily’s mouth dropped open then closed. “Well, good for you. But let me ask you, where is your date?”

Rafe frowned. “You know, that’s a good question. Why and how are you in my room?”

“This is my room!”

He stilled, praying she wouldn’t see through him. “That can’t be. I specifically requested a brunette as my date.”

Lily sputtered. “You—you cad!”

“This must be a mistake.” He went over to the chair he’d occupied earlier and pulled his phone out of his coat pocket. “I’ll email Madame Eve and get this straightened out. Worse comes to worst, you can go request a different room.”

An outraged gasp sounded behind him. “Why do I have to be the one to leave?”

He whirled around and gave her what he hoped was a convincing bewildered look. “Unless…you’re my date?”

She paused. “Hell no.” 

Website: http://clarissayip.com

Shy tomboy Jenna Faulkner has been in love her whole life—with her best friend. Except he’s marrying the wrong woman, and he doesn’t know it yet. But she’s determined to save him.

Instead of the normal bachelor party, Jenna decides to throw a different type of gathering…with just her. Alone. Will Cade finally come to his senses and see Jenna for more than a friend, or has she ruined their friendship once and for all?

Releasing December 23rd

Sarah Westfall is on a mission. Living the mundane life of a near spinster school teacher and sick of her parents throwing eligible men at her, she is determined to get over her crush on her best friend’s brother. She wants a prince and wouldn’t settle for less. What better way than a 1Night Stand?

Evan Hunt needs to figure out his enemy’s game plan. Chasing his nemesis to Las Vegas and signing up for Madame Eve’s service and masquerade, he never expected the woman he’s desired for years to appear before him…as his princess. 

When their attraction fires the night, the inevitable happens. Her prince isn’t as charming as she’s hoped, but he does save her from trouble. Would he be willing to fulfill her fantasies also?

Website / Facebook / Twitter

An Interview with Cole Harmon

What makes you happy now?

Maddy makes me happy…oh you mean in life in general? Well..I own a ski lodge and just opened up a new one in the town of Tall Oaks. It’s gorgeous here. I love my hometown—beautiful views, snow everywhere, and the people are great. It’s taken Maddy a long time to come back to me, but I think we have a great life together now. I’m just happy all around!  

What is your greatest fear?

* frowns * These questions are extremely personal! Let’s see…my fear is if anything ever happened to my family. My wife and my businesses are my EVERYTHING. Of course Maddy comes first. I’m a die-hard loving husband (Or at least that’s what I tell myself.) My wife doesn’t like me working so much but she’s a workaholic herself with her designing business. I worry one day that my happiness gets ripped from me because life just seems so surreal right now…perfect. 

What would you change about yourself if you could?

Change? Why would I want to change anything? I’m as perfect as they come! Okay, kidding aside. Well, I used to be cynic about the moving the city, having a life away from Tall Oaks. I guess my outlook on life was similar to my dad, who is always grumpy. But Maddy’s return has changed all that. I love everything about life. If she wanted to move back to the city, I would go with her without a doubt. I used to focus only on work, and I think that was one of my issues. My drive to succeed and make our town into an attraction had taken over my whole being…and that had cost me Maddy. But no more! I’ve never letting the woman go! 

What’s your favorite color?

Tough question. Probably blue. Would any color my wife wears count?

What type of vehicle do you drive?

I drive a large black GMC truck. It’s dangerous around here to be in anything smaller. The snow can get ridiculous depending on the time of the year, but he skiers love it out here. Maddy has been caught in an avalanche before. They’re pretty common around here. 

Describe yourself to me.

Well, physically (since you can’t see me) I’m tall dark and handsome. (Leaves a lot to the imagination, huh?) Okay, really I’m pretty short. I wish I was taller, but I am the perfect height for Maddy. I enjoy skiing, anything outdoors, and just running my business. I have a little brother, who is the town sheriff, and of course he gets on my nerves at times. But really I’m a boring old guy…content, not boring. 

How would the hero/ine describe you?

*sigh * This would depend on the mood Maddy is in. When she loves me, she thinks I’m the most wonderful guy in the world. I’d be sweet, caring, and just perfect to her. When she hates me, she thinks I’m a jerk, a tool…I forgot what other names she’s called me. I do frustrate her at times, but she never backs down when we have fights, which is one of the things I love about her. Her most recent fantasy was to make love out in the snow…we’re still working on that. Nature hates us together. 

What really moves you, or touches you to the soul?

A single smile from Maddy can easily unman me, but most importantly just seeing my family and my wife happy and knowing our love holds strong. Does that sound corny of me? 

If you were granted three wishes, what would you ask for?

Awww, shucks. Just three? Let’s see…

1. A little Maddy to be running around the slopes.
2. More business for Tall Oaks
3. Just for Maddy and me to be together forever and always happy. 

*sniff* Dammit, this interview is turning me into a sap! 

What three things would you take to a Desert Island?

1. My wife- can’t live without her.
2. Tent – because Maddy isn’t an outdoor person
3. Knife – to kill food with. 

Thank you so much for having me here today! It’s been a joy to visit.

Cole Harmon

Hero/father-wannabe/loving husband/pain in the tush to wife

BLURB:

Ever since her divorce, successful Event Planner Maddy Glover dreads visiting her hometown. For the first time in three years, she returns home for the holidays and finds herself caught at the end of an avalanche. Only to be rescued by the one man she’s determined to avoid: her ex-husband.

Ambitious and desirable Cole Harmon lives to rebuild the town and to forget the woman who hadn’t believed he had enough to offer her—until Maddy shows up in her cute city-slicker attire and sexy black boots. In need of a decorator for the holidays, he hires his ex-wife to help, only to be thrown into dark buried memories and snowy encounters that may thaw the ice between them. Will their love rekindle or will Maddy walk away once again? 

 Clarissa Yip:

Adventure, Love, and Passion. Where Romance Lies Within…

Website / Facebook / Twitter

A Moment with Clarissa Yip

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

Hmm…That’s a hard question. No, really it is. I’m an author, a student, a scrapbooker, a video gamer, and…what were we talking about? Lol. Sorry. I grew up in New York, have been traveling across the states the past few years. I’ve stayed in Hawaii for about two and a half years. Sometimes I’ll be in California, New York, possibly Texas (only if I want to put up with family), but right now I live in Maryland…until the travel bug bites me again. I write contemporary romance, I’m a big Castle fan, and I love LOVE to eat! I will drive to wherever there is good food. (Well, also because no one wants me in the kitchen. My own cooking scares me.) I love languages. I speak Chinese at home but I’ve studied Korean and Mandarin for years. Currently, I’m working on my Masters in International Business Marketing Management. My dream? Is to share my stories with the whole word. Preferably one day in different languages. 

2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?

I love to read! Who doesn’t? lol. I’m constantly adding to my TBR pile. (That thing is monstrous.) Some of my fave authors include JR. Ward, Harlequin authors Lynn Raye Harris, Olivia Gates, and also many old time authors like Judith McNaught, Linda Howard, Sandra Brown, Jude Devereaux… My list could go on forever! I still love to dig up the older books and read them over and over again. There’s just some sort of comfort in reading stories you grew up with. 

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

My muse? She’s mean! It depends on where I am, I think. Usually when I’m in Hawaii, she’s more cooperative or she’ll just run off to the beach without me. If I’m in California, she’s too busy shopping and trying to fill up on Mexican food. In New York, she’s hides because she hates the demands brought on by family. She doesn’t have much thinking space there (Okay, my parents drive her nuts. The truth.) Now in Maryland? She’s just chillin’. Sometimes she’ll come out and be ferocious and force me to write continuously, other times she’s feeling sun deprived so I have to bribe her with food. *whispers* Is it weird that she comes out more vivid when I’m showering? Seems I’ve been doing my plotting more in the shower than anywhere else…

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

Wow! Don’t think I’ve ever been asked this one before. Romantic getaway? I would say anywhere in Europe or somewhere warm. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy and visit the vineyards and meet some hot Italian guy that would seduce me with their accent. Or they could just bring me to Hong Kong and buy me street food. It’s good! I swear. I see it in movies all the time. Ever watch Anthony Bourdain? Dangerous man. I wish I had his job at times… I think anywhere is romantic as long as you’re with the one you love and you’re having a good time making memories.  

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

Writing is easy! (that’s such a lie.) I think I struggle most with just getting the ideas on paper and just starting to write. I could have really good days and know what I want, but then some days… I do all this plotting and outlining and character mapping, and then when I actually sit down and write, my characters decide that they don’t want to do that. They’ll just do the opposite of what I want to occur. (Mean muse, again.) I write mainly contemporary romance, but I love reading paranormals. If you told me to write a paranormal…that story might take years to get done. My brain just doesn’t function that way. 

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

Hmmm…I would have to say Jenna from One Chance. She’s spunky, shy, but seen as one of the guys. I wish I was physically shaped like her. (She’s a gym teacher. I’m not coordinated at all. I could easily trip over my own feet. Yup, clutzy.) Jenna’s courage and determination in getting what she wants draws me to her. And what does she want? To save her best friend, Cade who is marrying the wrong woman. They’re best friends and I’ve always dreamed of falling for my best friend. The friendship/love dynamics just intrigue me. One Chance is a short story, but the way their relationship grows just tugs at my heart. I’m cheering for Jenna the whole time and hoping Cade isn’t an idiot. * fingers crossed * Of course you know, they work things out. 

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

Well, besides that tag line being dangerous? My inner romantic would be indulging in my TBR pile, flying all over the country for awesome food, and always seeking the next best idea for writing the best story. 

Releasing November 18th

Shy tomboy Jenna Faulkner has been in love her whole life—with her best friend. Except he’s marrying the wrong woman, and he doesn’t know it yet. But she’s determined to save him.

Instead of the normal bachelor party, Jenna decides to throw a different type of gathering…with just her. Alone. Will Cade finally come to his senses and see Jenna for more than a friend, or has she ruined their friendship once and for all?

Releasing: November 28th

Stubborn and proud cowgirl, Lily McCormick, is finally coming to terms with her quiet life on her parent’s ranch, until her older brother, as payback, signs her up for 1NightStand. Kidnapped and forced onto a plane to a foreign location, she faces the dreaded cold and an unwanted tryst, until her ex-husband appears before her…as her date.

New York City District Attorney, Rafe Martinez, would do anything to get his ex-wife back, even if it meant taking drastic measures to pretend he was there for another woman. When jealousy and rage surfaces and Lily’s tough demeanor wanes, desire and lust sparks their once powerful connection as truths unfold. Will Rafe convince her to return to him or push her further away from giving their love a second chance? 

Releasing December 23rd

Sarah Westfall is on a mission. Living the mundane life of a near spinster school teacher and sick of her parents throwing eligible men at her, she is determined to get over her crush on her best friend’s brother. She wants a prince and wouldn’t settle for less. What better way than a 1Night Stand?

Evan Hunt needs to figure out his enemy’s game plan. Chasing his nemesis to Las Vegas and signing up for Madame Eve’s service and masquerade, he never expected the woman he’s desired for years to appear before him…as his princess. 

When their attraction fires the night, the inevitable happens. Her prince isn’t as charming as she’s hoped, but he does save her from trouble. Would he be willing to fulfill her fantasies also?

Website / Facebook / Twitter