Raspberries and Wine
Raspberries and Wine is the story of an older woman and her attraction to a younger, more dominant man. Here’s a little more:
It’s Valentine’s day and newly liberated divorcee Stacy Dalton has a plan: seduce her former classmate and end the post-divorce intimacy drought. She’s cooked a meal, she’s dressed to the nines, and she is crossing her fingers that tonight she will not go to bed alone. There is a slight hiccup in the plan when it’s not her former classmate that shows up with an easy smile and a hungry look—but his drop-dead gorgeous son.
Twenty-nine year old Graham Rosen has always been attracted to older women. So making last-minute plans to take out his father’s cancelled date seems an effortless and enjoyable task—especially when he sees the sable-haired beauty who opens the door. Unfortunately, Stacy seems hung up on their age. Even after giving in to Graham’s erotic attentions, the beautiful cook refuses to acknowledge any possible future to their relationship.
Some women need a strong man—with an even stronger hand. Graham is no mere boy to shy away from a challenge and he is more than willing to show Stacy he’s serious about his desire for her beyond just one lustful night. But will his erotic discipline succeed in dissolving Stacy’s hesitations and bring her closer to him? Or will it scare her away?
Please tell us about the characters of Stacy and Graham.
Stacy is a forty-something divorcee, returned to her hometown and working to make the best of life for herself. She works full-time, is writing a cookbook aimed for University students and the thought of having a man in her life—other than for sex—is abhorrent to her. She’s had enough of the lies men tell and the way she’s left in their departing dust. After spending time with Graham, she is left feeling flustered and unsure of what she thinks she wants. He challenges her in ways no one else ever has.
Graham is the co-owner of a line of successful five-star restaurants up and down the coast. He enjoys life, great food, and older women. He knows what he likes, he knows what he wants, and he’s persistent in his goals. It’s taken him everywhere he wants to be at the tender age of twenty-nine. And when Stacy opens her door to him, he develops a new goal—Stacy, in his bed, by his side, and in his life. He won’t give up unless she cries “mercy,” but even then, should he give her what she wants, or hold on and show her what she needs?
Why is this the perfect post Valentine’s Day read?
Valentine’s celebrates love. Any romance is fitting for Valentine’s Day, but Raspberries and Wine is special because it’s about a woman who doesn’t think she’s worthy of love. It’s about a woman who is afraid and unsure, despite the strong front she shows the world. It’s about taking chances and listening to your heart, even when your head tells you something completely different. It’s about trusting yourself and believing in your partner, and developing that love that will last into happily ever after.
Why do some women need a strong man?
This question deals with an issue dear to me. Let me explain my take: In our day and age, young women (for the most part) are taught to be independent and strong themselves. We should not rely on a man. Having, much less needing, a strong man seems to indicate a weakness in the woman.
For me, I don’t see these women as weak at all, but smart enough to know themselves and when they feel the need and want to give someone else control for a short time.
I do believe every woman should have their own independence and their own sense of self. Having a strong man nearby should boost her, not weigh her down. When I say strong man, I’m not talking someone who physically or any other way mistreats others. I’m not talking about a bully. No, I mean a man who knows himself and his place in life. A man who is secure and independent himself. One who knows right from wrong, one who is compassionate when needs be but also knows the meaning of the phrase tough, and even enduring, love.
Now, not all women want a man like this, and that’s okay. But there are women who want to have this extra strength nearby. See, some women seem to have it all together, but every once in a while, she breaks down. Or she gets tired and wants a safe, secure, warm place to rest without judgment or condemnation. Yes, even in our day and age, a seemingly strong woman will appear weak if it is known she needs a five minute break. Having a strong man to turn to can bring her the respite she needs in order to go out and face the world once more.
Please tell us about the inspiration behind the story.
Whenever I’m developing an idea for a new story, I usually begin with a conventional thought, then try to find a twist. How to make the norm a little different. The call for the Paramour collection was for an older woman/younger man relationship. Most people typically see the older woman seducing the younger man. But what if the dynamics are different? What happens then, and more importantly, why? From this seed of an idea came Raspberries and Wine.
I like that this story goes against the popular stereotype of the older woman being the experienced seductress to the younger man. Not every older woman has it “all together” when it comes to sexual experience. I like that Stacy thinks she should be this way, wants to be this way, but can’t quite reach that goal. I don’t want her to live a ho-hum life. She deserves to have a rich, fulfilling sexual side. All it takes is the right man to help her see, trust and pull out her inner strength and desires.
What is next for you?
Next? I’m skipping back a few centuries. Imagine yourself in the early 1700’s, the Golden Age of Piracy, and being held captive by a notorious pirate. Yes, you heard right. This summer I’ll have a story coming out with Totally Bound entitled Temptation Released, and it will be part of their Jolly Rogered Collection. This story embodies all of my favorites: erotic romance, dominance, history and pirates!
You can purchase Raspberries and Wine from Totally Bound today!