Hi, readers! I am beyond pleased to announce a very special post today on ILRB. Recently, I asked authors to come to the blog with a little background into their characters. Exactly what is it about them that keeps a writer up at night, composing those romance novels we love? I wanted to dig deep into each of these characters. Today is the next post in this series.
So, without further ado, let’s turn the mic over to author Amber Daulton, who has some things to say about her character.
Hi, Amber! Describe one of your main characters and why he or she impacts the story.
I love small town romance books, especially ones with an edge and a little bit of danger weaved in. When plotting this story, I first pictured a young woman running away from the big city to escape her abusive boyfriend. I mostly write contemporary and romantic suspense, so this idea worked. I think a lot of readers can sympathize with such a situation, especially those who have experienced neglect.
Erica Timberly is a compelling character because she’s a normal, everyday woman. She could be any one of us, just passing us by on the sidewalk. Countless women, and men too, are involved in toxic relationships with people claiming to love and care for them. They often feel trapped or believe they don’t deserve anything better in their lives. I wrote this story because abuse is a fact of life for so many people, and I hope, if they read it, they will find some hope and encouragement.
For Erica, her mother died when she was a teenager, so she had to live with her father and his new family. She still harbored resentment toward him for ruining her parents’ marriage, so she never felt as though she belonged in his household, surrounded by his new wife and kids.
After she left home for college and found a job, she met a man and fell in love with him. Little did she know, he was all show and no substance, and she soon found herself stuck in a bad relationship. Despite the hitting and name-calling, Erica still possessed an inner fire, but it was growing weaker day by day. Believing her boyfriend would eventually snap and kill her, she broke free before it was too late. It took courage to just pack up her car and hit the road, not knowing where she was going and with no one to turn to. Desperate for a fresh start, she wound up stranded in the little town of Willow Springs, Vermont. Luckily for her, the townsfolk welcomed her with open arms, and she finally found a man worthy of her.
Everyone deserves a happy ending and a chance to heal, whether that means breaking a dangerous cycle of wrong choices, reuniting with loved ones, or moving on from past hurts. You may have a bumpy road ahead, but all you can do is try.
Here is the blurb for Lyrical Embrace, book four of the Deerbourne Inn Series.Out-of-work violinist Erica Timberly decides enough is enough. She leaves her abusive boyfriend and flees the big city, but then her car breaks down in the middle of the night. Though wary of men, she accepts help from Dylan Haynes, a stranger driving by on the road, and soon recognizes him as the sexy former drummer of her favorite indie rock band. Maybe, just maybe, her run of bad luck is finally turning around.
Music teacher Dylan Haynes knows Erica is in trouble, and her black eye is only the first clue. The stubborn yet vulnerable woman needs a friend, but he’s determined to give her everything she deserves.
Will Erica listen to the music in her heart and trust Dylan, or will her past always threaten her future?
And Amber is giving us a peek at her novel!
Dylan deepened the kiss and lightly tugged on her bottom lip. Tears streaked his flushed cheeks as he smiled at her. “I’m so grateful I found you, baby. I heard you screaming. When I saw that bastard press a gun to your head, my heart nearly exploded. I thought I might lose you. I promise you, Erica, I will never control you as Phil did. You will always have the ability to choose. I just want to make you happy.”
She gripped his hand and brushed her lips across his calloused knuckles. “I know. You do make me happy. You took a bullet for me.” A sob constricted her throat, but she pushed it down.
A blast of noise rent the air. Fireworks filled the sky, visible in the alley from the narrow stretch of space between the buildings.
Erica loved the bright colors and designs, but hardly cared about watching the spectacle. She dropped her gaze back to Dylan.
A grin spread across his face. “It’s been one wild Fourth of July. Why don’t we do something more low-key next year? How about no guns and crazy exes? Just us, the creek, and a bottle of wine. Clothing optional.”
She laughed softly, amazed he could make light of the situation. “That sounds perfect. Absolutely perfect.”
Wow! I definitely want to know what else happens in this book! ♥♥♥
How fun to learn about your romantic suspense, Amber! I know I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Pick up your copy of Lyrical Embrace today! Or add it to your Goodreads bookshelf, readers!
Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through The Wild Rose Press and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.
Amber lives in North Carolina with her husband and four demanding cats. Feel free to visit her at her website.
Author Links
Website/Blog: http://www.amberdaultonauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amber.daulton.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmberDaulton1
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/14JoZff
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6624921.Amber_Daulton
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AmberDaulton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberdaultonauthor/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/amberdaulton5/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amber-daulton
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/amberdaulton
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/amber-daulton/87/538/368
Book Gorilla: https://www.bookgorilla.com/author/B00ALQITWY/amber-daulton/kcc
Publisher: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/2362_amber-daulton
Thanks again, Amber, for giving us a peek into the world of your character. Intriguing! 😀
Have a great weekend, everyone!
I Love Romance Blog 
Thank you for the great feature, Marie.
*Hugs to you!*
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My pleasure! Always awesome to have you visit! ♥
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