Two years ago after snorkeling with sea turtles off the coast of St. Thomas, I knew I had a wonderful occupation for my cynical marine biologist, Jack Brandon--the hero of a writing project I called TURTLE SOUP.
FUN FACT: Turtle Soup was President William Howard Taft's favorite food.
Turtle Soup, the Novel: What’s it all about?
Sea turtles may be endangered but after an encounter with marine biologist, Jack Brandon, nothing will stop Sara Hart from naming her deli Turtle Soup. When Jack takes a job at the nearby Georgia Aquarium, Sara finds the environmental poster boy at her door, hungry and carrying a chip on his shoulder. Neither thinks the other has what it takes, until a scuba class reveals what lies beneath the surface.
FUN FACT: Turtle Soup is made from the green cartilage that lines the shell of the sea turtle.
Reader feedback for TURTLE SOUP has been fantastic. I so appreciate the time readers and reviewers take to let me know how much they enjoyed Turtle Soup!
"Witty, original and unexpected, this is a delightful read."--Long and Short of It
"The battle between these strong and well-defined characters is fun to follow! 4.5 Stars"--SingleTitles.com. Reviewed by Martha E.
"A story of love lost and the ability to find love again. Rated YOU GOTTA READ!"--You Gotta Read Reviews
"The battle between these strong and well-defined characters is fun to follow! 4.5 Stars"--SingleTitles.com. Reviewed by Martha E.
"A story of love lost and the ability to find love again. Rated YOU GOTTA READ!"--You Gotta Read Reviews
FUN FACT: A mock variety of Turtle Soup using a calf’s head became popular in the early 1800’s.
An Excerpt…
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sara peeling off her wetsuit. She was under the showerhead in the rinse area, one hand against the green tile to keep her balance. He couldn't help watching the little wiggle in her hips. The harder she pulled, the longer the rubber stretched, as if it were a piece of black gum. He would have laughed out loud if jets of water weren't smoothing her hair down in a wheat curtain against her back.
Her legs were athletic and trim. She needed a tan, his defenses observed. Before he could stop himself, he stepped into the shower to help her pull the wetsuit the rest of the way off. He caught her off-balance and had to grab her wrist so she didn't fall. Her hand landed squarely on his bare chest, his eyes in the valley between the cups of her dark bikini.
One leg of the wetsuit had flopped to the tiles, while the other was still glued to her calf. She looked down foolishly for a moment as if unsure what to do but their eyes met and she seemed to trade her embarrassment for unease.
The words I'm sorry passed through his mind, but he kissed her instead. Without thinking, he closed his eyes and put his mouth on hers, timidly, in case she bit him. She didn't bite, but she didn't lean into him either. Her lips had a light layer of salt residue that had not rinsed off and he kissed her harder enjoying the scent of her breath that rose up with the steam.
With a jolt, the water temperature switched to ice cold and he stumbled back. Sara had not been lost as lost in the moment as he'd thought.
"I'm sorry," she said as she screwed the faucet handle off. She wiped the water off her face and ran her hands over her hair. He moved to put his arms around her again but she stepped back out of reach. "Don't. I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."
Her face was so red it looked like her cheeks could bleed. Humiliation singed Jack's pride. "You didn't mean that?"
"No." She tripped over her wetsuit trying to escape.
He reached for a towel and wordlessly she accepted. Struggling, she pulled the other leg of her wetsuit off at last. He stood on the pool deck waiting for something more.
Of course she didn't mean it. She didn't like him one iota. She would head straight home and tell her little niece everything. There'd be a cookie on the menu tomorrow called Crummy Kiss!
***
FUN FACT: The turtle in TURTLE SOUP is named “Sebastian.” He is not made into soup.
Turtle Soup
Sweet Romance/Adventure Find out more or Buy Now:
http://www.awe-struck.net/books/turtle_soup.html
About the Author:
Danielle Thorne is the author of two novels: THE PRIVATEER, a 1729 historical about British privateering in the Caribbean, and TURTLE SOUP, a sweet contemporary romance set between Atlanta and St. Thomas. Her new shipwreck adventure, BY HEART AND COMPASS is scheduled for July 1st, 2010.
Danielle currently writes from south of Atlanta, Georgia. She is the 2009-2010 Co-Chair for the New Voices Competition for young writers, and active with online author groups such as The Sweetest Romance Authors. She lives with four sons and her husband, who is an air traffic controller. Together they enjoy travel and the outdoors, Marching Band competition, and BSA Scouting.
Find out more about the author: www.daniellethorne.jimdo.com
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Welcome to Lindsay's Romantics, where we post on all kinds of romance topics.
12 comments:
Engaging and fascinating post, Danielle! Congratulations to you with your superb reviews!
I love the idea of a crummy kiss!
Most entertaining post, and I like the characters already. No high octane sex from the first line, the slower stirring of romance. However, I've never fancied turtle soup - and your asides have done nothing to entreat me. I'm with Jack all the way!
Linda
Loved the excerpt! I'm wondering what went on before to make her so cold towards his kiss. Hmm....
Since there is a turtle with a name, "Sebastian" and since he doesn't get eaten, I'm hoping she will come around in her views and side with Jack. Sea Turtles are too cute to be eaten!
Wishing you many sales, Danielle, this sounds like a fantastic read!
Loved the excerpt, Danielle. I can't wait to read the whole story. It sounds like a great book.
Thanks, all. I have to agree with Linda A, I don't think I could stomach a bowl of Turtle Soup. They say it's tasty, like beef stew, but....no.
Hi Dani!!
Loved the excerpt! Plus, that pic of you infront of Peg Leg Pete's is too cool! Looked like a fun place to visit. I adore learning about the history of the sea (and especially pirates!) Last summer, I think the History channel ran documentaries on Blackbeard and then Discovery ran a show on the crew that salvages shipwrecks. It was an awesome summer of TV! I think you chose a fantastic era for your stories. I'm going to add them to my TBB list! Thanks! :)
Hi Danielle
I love the title for your book. It has grabbed my attention on more than one ocassion.
After reading your post the book sounds fascinating, and one I will definately read.
best wishes
Jan
Danielle, lovely excerpt and the description is fab.
Sebastion, does he get his own love story too?
Turtles are so adorable.
Hi Danielle,
Snorkelling, you are brave, takes me all my time to duck my head under the water when I am at the beach.
Great excerpt.
Regards
Margaret
I love the title Danielle, and you have a wonderful excerpt. Best of luck with it.
Jana
Thanks for visiting and for leaving comments, too. I appreciate hearing from you all. :)
In case she bit him. Hahaha! Great excerpt and nice reviews. :-)
My buy list is overflowing again.
Oh, we have a friend who always stops if he sees a turtle in or near the road to move them aside, even if he holds up traffic until they are blaring their horns!
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