It’s another new to me author to feature in my Staying in with… series today and a genre I don’t usually read so it gives me great pleasure to welcome PE Kavanagh to chat books.

If you’re an author who’d also like to stay in with me to tell me about one of your books, please click here for more details.

Staying in with PE Kavanagh

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Pascale. Thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

Thanks for the invite, Linda! I hope you don’t mind I’ve shown up in my favorite jammies. Oh, and this wonderful Pinot Noir I know you’ll enjoy.

(Er – no, make yourself at home in your jammies!)

I’ve brought a copy of Collecting Secrets, my newest steamy romance. It was released on Valentine’s Day, which is my second favorite holiday. (First is Thanksgiving, in case you’re wondering.)

I’m so excited about this book and completely infatuated with both of the main characters. A young woman, just coming out of a devastating tragedy, meets the man of her dreams. Neither of them are ready, so they form a beautiful friendship instead. After ten years, he’s become a celebrity psychologist, she’s strong and successful, and they are inseparable. As friends.

But then…

He crosses the line and the whole structure of the life she’s built comes tumbling down. The claims and confessions come hard and fast as they navigate all that’s never been said.

This book, at its heart, is about re-evaluating decisions we’ve made, and beliefs we’ve held, when they are no longer valid. What I love most about these characters is that they’re both incredibly smart but also occasionally perceive the world incorrectly. Then they both get to express the human qualities I find most important: courage, forgiveness, and honesty.

(Oh! Sounds interesting. I like the focus on those values.)

What can we expect from an evening in with Collecting Secrets?

Oh, it’s smart, it’s sexy, it’s emotional, it’s uplifting. We watch the evolution of a relationship, with lots of ups and downs. One of the aspects of this book that was the most fun for me is the parallel stories. We follow this couple in their current adult lives at the same time that we see the scenes from their ten-year history that influenced the issues they currently struggle with.

Did I mention it’s sexy? These two have amazing chemistry. When they finally admit it, well… *fanning myself* it gets hot.

(Sounds highly ‘entertaining’!)

My other novels are layered and complex, and I wanted to challenge myself to write a wonderful, sexy story that was easier and quicker to read. Like a risotto instead of an artichoke. This book is my risotto ;).

Want a taste? Here you go…

“You better focus, twinkle toes. The Senator is not going to enjoy your stepping on his very important feet.”

Camille slumped in Jackson’s arms. “Ughhh. Is anyone really going to care?”

“Yes, fry. People care about things like this.”

Camille’s relationship with a Senator’s son, whom she had met in a philosophy class senior year, had progressed enough that she had been invited to a state function. It was black tie, there would be dignitaries from around the world, and she would be expected to dance. Too embarrassed to tell her date that she didn’t know how to waltz or foxtrot, she was forced to beg Jackson for dance lessons. Of course, he obliged. Without even one disparaging comment about being a twenty-one year old woman with enormous gaps in her social education.

Her date was almost certainly not going to be as good or exacting a dancer as the man leading her around the room, but it didn’t matter. Spending the afternoon in Jackson’s arms was not a chore.

“You’re doing great, fry. Now, try to pretend you’re having fun, okay? Relax your body, smile.”

“Right.” Another thing to remember.

He whisked her around for a dramatic spin, catching  her as she nearly fell into one of his sculptures. Camille held on tight while overcome with giggles.

He righted both their bodies and led her across his living room, in perfect time to the music. “Listen, Cam, there’s one more thing. Have you ever had a man tell you he loves you?”

“Jackson!” That one nearly did knock her off her feet.

He tightened his grip around her waist. “This might be your night, fry. I mean you two have been together for a while and it’s going to be a romantic evening. You might want to be prepared.”

The last man to say those three words to her had been her father, so many years before. “And how does one prepare for such a thing?”

Jackson stopped moving, looked deeply into her eyes, a small smile lifting the corners of his lips. “I love you, Camille.”

He had been right, as usual, because nothing in her two decades of life had adequately prepared her to hear those words from that man. Unable to feign composure, or fabricate a response, Camille could only tell the truth.

“I love you too, Jackson.”

(I think that gives us an excellent flavour!)

What else have you brought along and why?

I love to immerse myself in the world of my books. Don’t you?

For me and my readers, I create images and music to bring the words to life. So I’ve brought a link to my Pinterest board, here, where you can see my version of Jackson, Camille, and their world.

(I’ve been over and had a look at your Pinterest board Pascale and am just off for a hot shower. I’ll be back in a minute!)

I’ve also brought a Spotify playlist for some auditory fun as well so have a listen here.

I encourage you to find your comfiest seat, fuzziest socks, and an excessively large glass of your favorite drink. Happy to share my Pinot, if you like ;).

(You can have your Pinot but I’ll crack open some champagne.) 

As soon as you’re done, I’d love to hear what you think.

I’ll let you know Pascale. Thanks so much for staying in with me and telling me all about Collecting Secrets. It’s been very entertaining!

Collecting Secrets

A grieving heiress.
A celebrity psychologist.
A decade of friendship.
UNDONE BY ONE BOLD MOVE.

When Camille first met Jackson she was too young.
Too innocent.
Too traumatized.

Friendship was less than what she wanted, but all she could handle.

Ten years later and she’s a different woman. Strong, successful, brave.

At exactly the wrong moment, one bold move threatens everything.
The safe harbor of Jackson’s family.
The unconditional commitment of his friendship.
The collection of secrets she never knew existed,

Claims and confessions come hard and fast as Jackson and Camille navigate all that has never been said.

Each step they take, closer to the truth and each other, demands another layer of secrets must fall.

Collecting Secrets is a steamy standalone contemporary romance with no cliffhanger. You will meet characters who will reappear throughout the series.

Collecting Secrets is available for purchase here.

About PE Kavanagh

PE Kavanagh has been a professional dancer, MIT-educated engineer, corporate executive, spiritual teacher, and chef. These days, her favorite titles are author, mother, and hot stuff.

Find out more by visiting PE Kavanagh’s website and Facebook page. You can also join PE Kavanagh’s Facebook reader page and follow her on Twitter @pekavanagh. You can find all her books on Amazon and on Bookbub.