Interview of Author Carolyn Matkowsky/Cara Marsi

Today it's my pleasure to present an interview of romance author Carolyn Matowsky/Cara Marsi.

Latest Book: Murder Mi Amore
Buy Link:http://www.thewildrosepress.com/murder-mi-amore-p-4345.html
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/user/CarolynMat2

BIO:
When I was a corporate drone and cubicle dweller living in a fabric-covered cage, the creative energy of writing romance allowed my mind to escape the reality of my everyday world, at least for a while. No longer a corporate drone, I still need to give voice to the characters who inhabit my head.

For as long as I can remember I've made up stories in my head. Most were love stories. The Thirties and Forties romantic comedies that played on late-night TV when I was growing up helped shape my love of romance.

I’d always dreamed of being a published author. I worked in the corporate world all my adult life, but the dream of seeing my name on a book wouldn't die. One day in 1992 my friend Gwen and I, heavily into reading Harlequin romances, looked at each other and said, “We can write these." Hah! We soon learned it takes lots of talent and hard work to write an emotional and satisfying story. I write the stories I want to read. I love reunion stories and redemption stories, tales of second chances, and I like to throw in suspense, maybe even a little murder. I've discovered a love of short stories, and have been successful in selling them to the confession magazines.

My husband and I love to travel and I love writing about the places we’ve visited. We share our home with a fat, black cat named Killer.

Q: What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?
A: I came home from work to find an email from the editor at Avalon. She’d tried to reach me by phone, but couldn’t. Would I please call her right away. I began shaking all over. It wasn’t quite five o’clock, so I called her. When she offered a contract, I shook harder and couldn’t talk. When we hung up, I ran outside and hugged my husband who was mowing the lawn. I excitedly told him my news and his face fell and he said, “I guess this means you won’t stop writing.”

Q: What part of the book is the easiest for you to write? Why?
A: The very beginning because I’ve already written it countless times in my mind.

Q: If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your heroines? Tell us about your heroine.
A: A young Jennifer Aniston or Sandra Bullock. My character, Lexie, is plucky and determined and while she might stumble, she keeps her upbeat attitude and has faith in herself.

Q: If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your hero? Tell us about your hero.
A: An Italian Matthew Fox who played Jack in “Lost.” My Dominic is a sexy Italian Interpol agent who is strong, harsh at times, but with a very protective instinct toward women. He believes in Lexie when no one else does.

Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: I love to write sensual tension.

Q: What is your favorite romance book that you’ve read?
A: “Green Darkness” by Anya Seton because it has everything: suspense, redemption, romance, reincarnation.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
Website: http://www.caramarsi.com
http://www.thewildrosepress.com
http://romanticsuspense.blogspot.com
http://facebook.com/carolynmatkowsky
http://twitter.com/caramarsi

BLURB:
Lexie Cortese is in Rome to forget. The last thing she expects is to meet a sexy Interpol agent who suspects her of being part of a terrorist plot involving a stolen diamond. Suddenly thrust into a world of murders, muggings, and kidnappings, Lexie doesn’t know what to think—or who to believe.

Dominic Brioni’s assignment is simple. Befriend the American and bring her to justice. Only Lexie seems like the most unlikely terrorist Dominic has ever met. Sweet, determined, and direct, she faces life with courage and fire, a fire that sparks his protective instincts and a longing for something more—something he allowed himself to hope for only once before.

But that woman betrayed him, and his boss isn’t about to let him forget it. With his career on the line and Lexie in danger, will Dominic learn to trust his heart before they both get killed?

EXCERPT:
Dominic sprang up and flew at the mugger, knocking him to the ground. The two men grappled, rolling together on the cobbled street. Lexie, her heart thumping wildly, looked for an opening to bean the mugger again, to give Dominic a better chance at overcoming him.

“Stop it! Stop it! Leave him alone!” The mugger ended up on top, and she whaled away with her bag, getting in any shot she could.

Shouts and the slap of running feet vibrated through the alley. The mugger swore, jumped up, and raced away, a few men giving chase. Several others helped Dominic to stand, yelling in excited voices, and gesturing toward where their attacker had disappeared.

Dominic winced in pain. Lexie looked down at his ripped, blood-soaked pant leg. “Dominic, you’ve got to get to the hospital. You’re bleeding.”

“I’m okay,” he said. “It is nothing.” Brushing dirt off his jacket, he turned to the men and said something in rapid Italian. With nods, they strode away.

Breathing heavily, Lexie disagreed. “You’re not okay. We’ll get a cab and take you to the hospital.”

He cupped her shoulders. “I’ve been through worse. I’m fine. Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

“No. I’m…” The full impact of what had happened hit her. The adrenaline that had given her strength suddenly dissipated and she began to tremble. “I’m not okay.”

“Lexie.” Dominic moved forward to take her into his arms. She held on for dear life, needing his strength. He rubbed his hand along her back. “It’s okay, Lexie. We’re both okay. You’re safe with me.”

She clung to him. It wasn’t her imagination. Strange things were happening. She had nothing anyone could want. She didn’t know who to trust. Dominic said she was safe with him. But was she really?

Anything else you’d like to add?
My book, “Murder, Mi Amore,” is a romantic suspense novella set almost entirely in Italy. I also write short stories for True Love, True Romance, and True Experience. I love to hear from readers. Please visit my website. I hope you buy my book and that you’ll let me know how you like it.