Shannon here: Betty Thomason Owens shares insight into her characters’ romance from her latest Romantic Suspense, Still Water. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a print copy. Deadline: April 2nd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Betty:
Character Interview:
- What’s the most romantic thing your hero ever did for your heroine?
Jake Bradley won Lisa Oliver’s whole heart when he stepped in front of her, guarding her from what he thought was a gunshot. In that instant, Lisa realized Jake was willing to take a bullet for her. Talk about breathtaking—that moment, though—one of my favorite scenes in the book.
- What’s the most romantic thing your heroine ever did for your hero?
Maybe when she asks him not to help her find out the truth about her parents, which she feels would put Jake in harm’s way. That’s when he knows she doesn’t want to lose him.
- What simple gesture does your heroine do that melts your hero every time?
Lisa doesn’t flirt. She’s not intentional about Jake, because she’s determined to avoid relationships and distractions. But her soft voice, her shy smile—he can’t resist those. Maybe her resistance to him is what sinks the hook.
- How soon after meeting the hero did the heroine know he was the one?
Lisa’s trust issues and resistance to romance take a little more time. I’m glad Jake is patient.
- How soon after meeting the heroine did the hero know she was the one?
Jake knew from the first moment. Early in the story, she is lost to him, and he doesn’t know how to find her. Her sad eyes continue to haunt him. He actually drives the streets of a medium-sized city, searching for her car.
- Who is most romantic, your hero or your heroine?
Jake is more romantic. Almost from the start, Lisa is busy trying to avoid romance. She has deep trust issues that are difficult to overcome. As a journalist, Jake recognizes her fear. He doesn’t try grand gestures but chooses simple options, trusted venues, for their dates. That sensitivity gains her trust. At least it does until she finds out who he is and why he came into her life.
Here’s an excerpt – this is the first time Lisa sees Jake. What she doesn’t know is that he is looking for her. Chance brought them together in this small café. What I like about this passage is that it shows her appreciation for his masculinity though she professes, sometimes a little too strongly, that she is not interested in an attachment.
Excerpt from Still Water by Betty Thomason Owens:
Shaking off the melancholy, I dressed to go out. I could afford a cup of coffee at my favorite café.
Trudy welcomed me with a broad smile. “Hi, Lisa. I just put on a fresh pot. Be about five more minutes.”
I found a seat at the counter and glanced around. Good timing, the place was nearly empty.
Trudy returned with a steaming cup. “How’ve you been, hon?”
I stirred in the cream. “Not bad.”
“More importantly, how’s the job going?”
“Good. I haven’t met your brother yet, though.”
She shook her head. “You probably won’t see him. He’s on the survey crew. Summer’s their busy season. They’re out at dawn and sometimes work till dark.” She frowned at me. “Have you been eating? I know how it is with you college kids. Have you even gotten a paycheck yet?”
It was kind of nice, having someone worry about me. “I have food.” I took mental inventory of my cupboard. Four cans of soup I had gotten on clearance. A pack of crackers, and half a jar of peanut butter. I would need another loaf of bread.
Trudy slid a small plate in front of me.
Pecan pie, my favorite, but I couldn’t afford it. I shook my head. “No, thank you.”
She scrunched her nose and whispered. “You can pay me next time. Just don’t tell anyone, or I’ll charge you double.” She grinned and winked.
The door opened and closed. I looked up, but didn’t recognize the man who walked in. Not that I expected to, I hadn’t been here that long. Story of my life.
Trudy nodded to the man. “Have a seat anywhere you like, sir. I’ll be right there.” She turned toward me. “Be right back, sweetie.”
The pie and coffee kept me busy as she waited on the newcomer. I tried not to but couldn’t help checking him out. He was maybe mid-twenties, with dark, shoulder-length hair that he kept tucking behind his ear. His light blue tee shirt fit well over rippling muscles.
Heat rose in my cheeks as I swiveled back around. Sometimes, I hated being so observant. Dad’s training kept me on constant high alert. In some cases, like when I noticed rippling muscles, it could trip me up.
About Betty: Betty Thomason Owens was born in an Army hospital in the Pacific Northwest but grew up in California, Tennessee, and Kentucky. An avid reader and storyteller from a young age, she didn’t begin a writing career until her late thirties. In 2011, she attended a local writers conference where she was encouraged to continue writing. After self-publishing a couple of fantasy novels, she received a contract for her first historical romance series. Her stories often feature strong women dealing with difficult life situations.
Now a multi-published writer of historical romance, suspense, and fantasy fiction, she and her husband reside in Kentucky. They have three grown sons and seven grandchildren. Learn more & connect:
Betty’s Website Betty’s Facebook Betty’s Twitter
Betty’s GoodReads Betty’s Pinterest Betty’s Instagram
About the book – Still Water:
The Sins of the Father?
A car wreck, recurring nightmares, questions without answers…
Could all of this point to a forgotten past?
Crime reporter, Jake Bradley, has stumbled onto a suspicious accident. The clues lead him to Lisa Oliver, the daughter of the victims. Something about her draws Jake Bradley, and he vows to help her at all costs. When the FBI warns him off the case, Jake is more determined than ever to find the truth and keep Lisa safe.
After the sudden death of her parents, Lisa Oliver yearns for a place to call home. When she meets Jake, she wants to trust him, but her father’s mantras of self-sufficiency and independence create a stumbling block. As the wall between them crumbles, the past encroaches, and Lisa fears she will never be free.
Is she forever doomed to her parents’ nomadic lifestyle, fleeing unseen enemies?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Betty’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
Question for Readers: How many kids do you have? If none, how many siblings do you have? Is your family close geographically or spread across the U.S. or world?
Come back March 25th for Jodie Bailey!
Glad to have you here, Betty. I’m an only child and I passed it on. We have one son. My parents live across a hayfield and our 20 year old son is technically still at home. But these days he works all the time. The bulk of my extended family lives within ten miles of us, except for a few who strayed to Georgia, Missouri, and Ohio.
Thanks for hosting me, Shannon. I have family all across the country. I used to think it would be wonderful to be so close to everyone. Makes for a tightly-knit family.
I have 2 sons and 2 grandchildern.
Joye, I love your name! Grandchildren are such a sweet blessing. Thanks for stopping by!
I have one child.
This sounds like a great book. I love the cover.
I have one daughter and two grandchildren who live only a couple hours away so I visit often.
Jackie, thanks for your reply. I’m glad your daughter and her family are close enough to visit. Daughters need their mothers, don’t they?
I have 1 daughter and 1 brother! rest of family is scattered all over the US
Hi, Sheila! thanks for your reply. Well, at least you have some family close by. Like yours, my family is spread all over. I do love to travel, though, so it’s fun to visit.
I have 2 children, but I am one of 7. Six of them girls, with my brother the youngest.
Hi, Mary. Oh my, that’s a big family and only one brother! I had 2 brothers and then three boys . I had to wait for grandchildren to get girls. 😊 Thanks so much for responding.
I have one daughter and no grandchildren. I grew up with six brothers. I was the second born. I only have two brothers left alive. One lives about half an hour away and the on there one is10 minutes away.
I have 2 daughters, 2 son in law’s and 6 living grandchildren. One daughter & family lives in my yard. They have 3 of my grandchildren then my other daughter and her family lives about 20 minutes away and they have the other 3 grandchildren. I lost my husband to cancer 7 months ago and our family has been devastated.
Hubby and I have two teens, a boy and a girl. As for siblings, I have a twin sister and a younger brother. We are all very close and live within driving distance of each other.
We have 2 children, they are still children to me, 5 grandchildren, and
6 great-grandchildren.
We try to get together once a year either at
Thanksgiving or Christmas.
I don’t have any kids. I have one brother who lives with his family in Spain. He and his wife have two children, a son and a daughter. My parents live very close to me. I have some extended family members living about a couple hours away from me.
Four kiddos 🙂 My hubby is from the family of 10 🙂
I have a winner! Stuffsmart won the drawing. I appreciate Betty for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.