Shannon here: Mary Pat Johns shares insight into her characters’ romance from her latest Contemporary Romance, Glitter and the Grouch, plus a chance to win a signed, print copy. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: Oct 26th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Mary Pat:
- What’s the most romantic thing your hero ever did for your heroine?
Silas lets Natalie make the decision to continue the race when everything starts unraveling. He treats her as an equal, not as a little sister, which is important to her.
- What’s the most romantic thing your heroine ever did for your hero?
Natalie has a never-give-up personality and confronts problems head on. Silas is inspired by her example and respects her for it. As pretty as she is on the outside, Silas falls in love with who she is on the inside.
- Where is the most romantic place your hero and heroine have ever been?
Though the physical conditions of the race are harsh, Natalie and Silas fall in love while paddling on the river. To them, it’s the place where they find themselves and each other. The “other” title for this story was “Me and You in a Canoe.”
- Do your hero and heroine have a favorite song?
On the river, they sing all sorts of songs to pass the time and stay awake, but Silas always circles back to a song by Lifehouse, “You and Me.” Stay tuned, because it comes up again in the next book of the series. And like the lead vocalist, Silas has the perfect, raspy voice to sing it.
- What’s the most romantic present your heroine ever bought your hero?
A few days before the big race, Natalie buys matching cowboy hats, one for herself, and one for Silas. It’s a thoughtful gift, because of the unrelenting sun, but it also boasts some Texas attitude, something Natalie would love. It’s the first time Silas lets down his guard enough to see past Nat’s outer beauty.
- How soon after meeting the hero did the heroine know he was the one?
Natalie is recovering from a bad relationship, but she’s feisty, and can’t leave Silas alone. It starts out as merely wanting a reaction from him because he’s so withdrawn and standoffish, but it grows into more as they become acquainted.
- How soon after meeting the heroine did the hero know she was the one?
Silas is quite resistant to Natalie at first. Her beauty annoys him, and he’s cynical about relationships. Slowly, as he gets to know the person she is on the inside, he falls in love with her.
- What is the most caring thing your hero has ever done for your heroine?
When Silas realizes Natalie is hurt, he doctors her arm and doesn’t harp at her about how it happened.
Question for Readers: Are you a boat person? If so, what type do you like? If not, why?
About Mary Pat: Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for an online publication and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a weekly faith column for the local newspaper. Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023, and book 2 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red, released in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.
She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book. Learn more & connect:
Mary Pat’s Website Mary Pat’s Facebook
Mary Pat’s Instagram Mary Pat’s Bookbub
About the book – Glitter and the Grouch (Book 3 Romance in Valiant series):
Silas only has one choice: his sanity or his future.
Silas and Nat don’t get along, but they can’t leave each other alone either. When a prank goes terribly wrong at their workplace, they face an impossible choice.
They must compete in a canoe race to prove they can work together or forfeit their futures at Peeps. Good thing quitting isn’t in their DNA, because their boss isn’t backing down an inch. He assures them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, even if it means covering 260 miles of river. There’s only one catch—they’ll have to be in the same boat.
Will they reach deep inside to find out what they’re made of? Or will they succumb to the physical rigors of the event and the machinations of a controlling ex?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in the rest of the series?
Get your copy/copies now!
Glitter and the Grouch Mary Pat’s Books
Come back Oct 18th for Carole Brown!
Mary Pat Johns says
Thanks for this lovely interview, Shannon. Glitter and the Grouch was fun to write. I hope my enthusiam shines through the plot and characters.
Jenny Carlisle says
I wouldn’t call myself a boat person, but I have enjoyed them. My step-dad’s boat provided peaceful early morning fishing trips, as well as pulling me for exhilarating trips on a slalom water-ski. Recently, the huge floating hotel that took me and hubby through the Caribbean provided a perfect vacation!
Mary Pat Johns says
Cruises are the best! Outside of that, I’ve been in motor boats and kayaked a bit, but nothing like the Texas Water Safari.
Diana Hardt says
I haven’t really been on a boat. So I’m not sure. It sounds like a really interesting book.
Mary Pat Johns says
I’ve done some kayaking, but Nat and Silas’s narrow canoe? … No thanks. I have a friend who’s done the Texas Water Safari 32 times. He was my resource for all things river race. Kind of like watching football for me. I love to watch other people do it! LOL
Shannon Vannatter says
Thanks Mary Pat. Glad to have you here. I love your writing.
I’m not much on boats. I have motion sickness.
Mary Pat Johns says
Oh, dear. Motion sickness and a river race wouldn’t work at all. Still fun to read though. Thanks for the encouragement!
Cherie J says
I love being on the water so I have enjoyed the times I have been sailing, whether it be on a small boat to a cruise ship. Of course, with all the food and the entertainment the cruise ship would of course end up being my ultimate choice.
Roxanne C. says
I am definitely not a boat person. Just call me a permanent landlubber. I travel via book.
Natalya Lakhno says
I totally am!!! A boat person 🙂
I love cruises! We have a recreational boat for fishing and watersports. Love boats!