An oasis in the middle of nowhere brings together two people struggling with obligations and desires in this sensual tale set during the holiday season. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of The Starlight Motel by Amy Craig, along with getting Ms. Craig’s description of an ideal heroine and compelling couple, then learn even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour. In honor of this holiday-fueled, contemporary romance, make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $15 bookstore GC too!
MS CRAIG DESCRIBING AN IDEAL HEROINE AND WHAT MAKES A COUPLE WORTH ROOTING FOR...
Kada from THE STARLIGHT MOTEL is a heroine everyone loves. She embodies resilience, creativity, and a deep connection to her family and artistic roots. Her journey balances duty and desire as she navigates her responsibilities while pursuing her passions.
Kada’s ability to take on the responsibility of managing the Starlight Motel after her grandfather’s passing, despite her own dreams and ambitions, speaks to her strength and resilience. She steps up in a time of need, showcasing her capacity to handle difficult situations with grace.
Her artistic eye is evident as she carefully assesses the mural-in-progress on the motel’s casita. This creative sensitivity is a crucial part of her character, reflecting both her internal struggles and her desire to express herself through art.
Her deep sense of duty to her family keeps her at the Starlight Motel, even as Los Angeles and her artistic dreams beckon. This tension between duty and desire makes her a complex and relatable character who faces real-life dilemmas with courage. We’ve all been Kada at one point in our lives.
A couple worth rooting for is one that complements each other’s strengths and weaknesses, supports one another through challenges, and grows together over the course of the story. Kada and her partner, Dane, exemplify this dynamic.
Dane is not just a love interest; he is a partner who supports Kada. His encouragement and belief in her artistic talents help her navigate tough decisions. Even though he thinks he controls his family’s land, he never wants to control Kada. Maybe a few candlelit dinners with her would be nice.
Both Kada and Dane value the idea of living without regrets. This shared outlook on life brings them closer. They both want a life where they can be true to themselves, and they just need to find a way to work together to achieve happiness.
The challenges Kada faces—managing the motel, grappling with her artistic doubts, and balancing her personal desires with familial obligations—are significant. Even though her attraction to Dane helps her navigate her life choices, voicing her concerns to her family members helps, too. Rooting for two characters that live in isolation might be possible, but cheering them on as they interact with their friends and loved ones is where the magic happens.
Experienced muralist Kada took charge of her family's Palm Springs motel to give her mother time to grieve. As a grant deadline approaches, Kada must convince her mother to manage the motel so she can return to her art. Late in December, Kada encounters a horseman approaching the property. Dane, the reserved son of a local farming family, is a loyal workaholic with limited spare time or experience outside the valley. When lightning startles his horse, he lingers at the motel and stirs up Kada's emotions about leaving the desert oasis. Wary of mixing business with pleasure, she struggles with her attraction. As New Year's Eve approaches, will the cowboy convince her to chart a new course?
EXCERPT:
Her skin warmed from the heat of his palms. “I can’t afford to sit around the laundry room and gossip with the guests.”
“Trust me, Kada, I’m not here to gossip.”
“You’re ready to pitch in on odd jobs? You’re such a good neighbor.” She swallowed past the dryness in her throat. She had a three-date rule, but if she never started the first date, did the rule apply? “Thanks for helping with Lucky.”
“Any time.” He tipped up her chin. “Are you sure that’s where you want to stop? You brought me your number and rode out into the desert with me, but now you’re skittish?”
Her throat felt parched, but she wanted to lean forward and test his intent. Instead, she kicked her feet against the machine’s vibrating drum. “I’m not skittish, but I’m not into quick romps on a washing machine.”
He raised his eyebrows. “I wasn’t suggesting a quick romp.”
She wanted to test the innuendo behind his offer, but the sequence felt out of order. Before she considered kissing the handsome farmer, she needed dinner, candlelight, and time to breathe.
Her body offered a different opinion. Clearing her throat, she hopped off the washing machine, ducked under his arm, and ran her tongue along her teeth. In the tiny room, his skin smelled like fresh lime, warm spices, and a hint of honey, but his shirt held the leathery undertones of a hard day’s work. He looked handsome, and she wanted to taste his kiss, but she needed a different setup. “Or long romps.”
“Trust me, Kada, I’m not here to gossip.”
“You’re ready to pitch in on odd jobs? You’re such a good neighbor.” She swallowed past the dryness in her throat. She had a three-date rule, but if she never started the first date, did the rule apply? “Thanks for helping with Lucky.”
“Any time.” He tipped up her chin. “Are you sure that’s where you want to stop? You brought me your number and rode out into the desert with me, but now you’re skittish?”
Her throat felt parched, but she wanted to lean forward and test his intent. Instead, she kicked her feet against the machine’s vibrating drum. “I’m not skittish, but I’m not into quick romps on a washing machine.”
He raised his eyebrows. “I wasn’t suggesting a quick romp.”
She wanted to test the innuendo behind his offer, but the sequence felt out of order. Before she considered kissing the handsome farmer, she needed dinner, candlelight, and time to breathe.
Her body offered a different opinion. Clearing her throat, she hopped off the washing machine, ducked under his arm, and ran her tongue along her teeth. In the tiny room, his skin smelled like fresh lime, warm spices, and a hint of honey, but his shirt held the leathery undertones of a hard day’s work. He looked handsome, and she wanted to taste his kiss, but she needed a different setup. “Or long romps.”
AUTHOR INFO:
Amy Craig lives in Louisiana with her family and a small menagerie of pets. She writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense featuring intelligent heroines. In her spare time, she plays tennis and expands her husband’s honey-do list. Before writing, she worked as an oilfield engineer, project manager, and incompetent waitress. For more information and giveaways, visit www.amy-craig.com or follow her on social media channels.
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