I'm here today with author Nicki Pascarella as she talks about her latest novella, Steamy Cairo Nights. If you decide to indulge in this pleasurable little read, you might want to keep a glass of water nearby to extinguish the flames because this book is HOT!!
Check out my review:
Tia is an American belly dancer in Egypt getting ready for the opportunity of a lifetime. But things in Egypt are a lot different than what she’s used to, especially the rules. Dancing is her passion yet a handsome stranger who shows up at rehearsal seems to think differently. Mikeal is a star in his own right, and can’t seem to keep his eyes off this exotic beauty. Together they learn what real passion is and that what they were both looking for may be hiding in plain sight. The world-building in this story was incredible and the characters jumped off the page. This is a short, fiery little read and worth every second spent lost in the pages. Five stars!!
If that didn't have you running to the online bookstore, Nicki was kind enough to supply us with a little sneak peek!
Blurb:
American Tia Livingston has just signed a contract to belly dance at a five-star hotel in Zamalek, Cairo. If she survives insults from an arrogant singer, a night in prison, and her uncontrollable fantasies, she just might be able to make her dreams of performing the most beautiful dance form in the world become a reality. The sensational Mikeal Darwish may have millions of women falling at his feet, but the one he is crazy about glares at him as if scorpions hang from his ears. Mikeal has less than a week to help the gorgeous redhead discover the passion required to be an Egyptian Raks Sharki star. Can he keep his hands to himself and have Tia stage-ready in time?
Excerpt:
She stopped short and faced him. “Mikeal, why’d you ask to take me out, and where are we going? I know you didn’t like my dancing. You made me feel like an idiot, and now you’re asking me about the color of my costumes.”
He lifted his glasses so she could see the sincerity in his eyes. “I never said I didn’t like your dancing.”
“You insinuated it.” Her fiery gaze scorched his corneas. “Are you afraid that I’m going to embarrass your father and his musicians?”
“No!” He shook his head vehemently. “Then why are we doing this?”
She waved an upturned palm indicating their walk along the brightly lit street. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be seen together.”
“Nobody is paying attention to us. Come!” He grabbed her hand and pulled her along. “I want you to taste the best food in the world.”
Let's hear about how this little scorcher came to life.
1. How did you come up with the idea for Steamy Cairo Nights?
I spent three decades as a professional belly dancer in Central Pennsylvania. (Hopefully, I have a comeback in me within the next six months.) I wanted to bust stereotypes about dancers and portray the beauty of the dance and music. When The Wild Rose Press put out a call for submissions for the Passport to Pleasure Series, I was given the perfect opportunity to tell this story.
2. What made you choose Egypt for Tia’s exotic travels?
My dream is to travel to Cairo. I love Middle Eastern and Turkish music. I have hundreds of old videos and DVDs of famous Egyptian, Lebanese, and Turkish dancers. I watch subtitled Egyptian movies. I was a featured performer at a Lebanese Restaurant for decades. I guess you can say, I’m obsessed with the culture. My BFF and dance partner travel to Egypt a few times a year. I can’t wait for her to return and share her pictures and videos with me. Her photos influenced my world-building.
3. Tia and Mikeal are both intriguing characters. What, in your opinion, are their shining attributes?
Tia is determined to succeed in a culture that she adores but doesn’t always understand. I love that she has a passion for this culture that isn’t her own. I also love that she leaves her safe life to pursue her dreams! Mikeal is a bit cocky. However, the two women in his life—His grandmother and Tia—keep him humble, making him such a fun hero.
4. Will there be a sequel for our hero and heroine?
I don’t plan to do a sequel for Tia and Mikeal. However, you may find their names in other books as Mikeal and Tia’s friends travel, perform, and fall in love.
5. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Both! I brainstorm and plot out my book completely before I begin. I have my outline in google docs and that becomes my main manuscript as I cut and paste my work in progress. My plans often go out the window as my characters evolve. At the end of each chapter, I ask myself, “What would he/she do next.” If it doesn’t fit my outline, I rechart my course. I just finished my first sexy thriller. I really stepped outside my comfort zone to write it. It started as a dark comedy without a romance and ended up having a couple with crazy sexy chemistry. This is a time when all of my planning was for naught.
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