Inner Goddess: Susan Hayes shares why Kismet Cove is close to her heart

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Susan Hayes shares why Kismet Cove is close to her heart

A special message from author Susan Hayes

Hello Inner Goddesses!

Windswept’s launch is one day away, and I am so excited that I’m probably bouncing in my chair as you read this. I love all my books, but the Kismet Cove series holds a special place in my heart for several reasons.

Reason number one, I live just a few hours away from where I based the series. I have taken the liberty of mixing some fictional places in with the real businesses of Tofino, but the town is real, and so is the beauty of the area around it. Seals and surfers play in the waves, and orcas have been known to patrol the beaches right along with them. It is a place of breathtaking beauty and wild Pacific storms. I cannot imagine a more likely place for a colony of shapeshifters to reside, hidden away from humans while living just next door to us.

The second reason is the mythology it’s based on. Selkies are a magical race whose origins can be traced to Scotland, Ireland and even Iceland. They are seal shapeshifters, infamous for seducing lonely wives and stealing away comely girls from their fishing villages. Selkie men are said to be irresistibly handsome and extremely talented lovers, while their women are so beautiful that any man who lived near the sea was forever on the lookout for a selkie pelt so that he might capture one to take as his wife. Selkie myths are full of love, sex and romance. What’s not to like about that?

The final reason I love this series is a personal one. Growing up, my family spent countless hours boating, swimming and exploring the ocean. It was such a part of our lives that my little brother became a commercial diver and fisherman, living in a small community not that different from Tofino. Six years ago, he died suddenly in his sleep, and so I have dedicated this series to his memory. The ocean was his true love, and it is hope that I conveyed a bit of his love for nature and the sea into the characters that live in Kismet Cove.

Windswept is the second book in the series, and tells Vivan, Tucker and Byron’s story. They’re from very different worlds and aren’t even the same species, but nothing worth having comes easy, right?

Blurb:

When Vivian arrives in the small town of Tofino for her best friend’s wedding, her own love life is the last thing on her mind. The winds of fate are changing, and soon she finds herself falling for the sinfully sexy owners of Breakers, the local bar.

Tucker and Byron are selkies, seal shapeshifters from the colony of Kismet Cove. Bound together by blood, the two of them are destined to share a mate. They’ve just about given up hope of fnding her when Vivian turns their world and their hearts upside down.

Before long dark secrets, old wounds, and new enemies conspire against the three lovers. They’ll have to fight to stay together, defying family and tradition along the way. When trust is broken and forces conspire against them, can their love weather the storm?

Excerpt:

“Miss me?” Tucker’s deep voice sounded from behind her and a bottle of scotch with two fresh appeared in her vision. “I went back for our drinks.”

“My hero.” She took the bottle and glasses from him and then laughed as he walked around and placed another stool in front of her. Instead of sitting in it properly he threw a leg over the seat and sat in it backward, so the back was against his chest and he could fold his arms over the top. “I thought you were coming over to join the party?” She gestured behind him to the bulk of the people gathered.

They’ll come say hi when they want to. I did mention I’m the black sheep, remember? So I thought I’d come keep company with the other unknown element.” He took back one of the glasses from her and then held it out for her to pour. “This time, you can serve me. Anyone asks, just say you work here.”

“You offering me a job?” She poured him a measure and then herself one before setting the bottle down on the nearest flat surface.

“Why, you looking for one?” He cocked that pierced eyebrow at her again and she felt her nipples harden as a wave of lust rolled through her. What was it about him that had her hormones in a tizzy?

“My boss demanded I leave the airport and come back to cover the shop for a week so she could fly to Hawaii at the last minute,” she explained with a shrug. “So I quit. I’ve worked in clubs before, but honestly, I am much better at cutting hair than making drinks or waiting tables.’

“So you’re thinking about staying out here?” He seemed surprised at the idea.

“Maybe. I don’t know. Hell, two days ago I was missing my best friend and booking clients for New Year’s Eve styles and sets. Now I’m on the other side of the country and unemployed. I know Jess would be happy if I stayed, but I have no idea if that’s what I want. Not to mention the fact my bike and stuff are still back in Toronto.”

“If you decide to stay, you won’t have any trouble finding work once the tourist season starts. This whole town fills to overflowing. It’s a big change from the world you grew up in though.” He grinned and his dimple flashed. “You’re more likely to get attacked by a bear than a mugger, for one thing.”

“A bear! There are bears around here?” Jess hadn’t mentioned anything about any damned bears. “Tell me you’re kidding.”

Tucker was laughing and shaking his head. “I’m not kidding. Bears, deer, cougars. Even the occasional wolf. You have landed in the wilds of the west coast. You still think you want to stay here?”

“Who’s staying? And why are you telling her about the bears already, Tucker! Jeeze man, how many times do I have to tell not to traumatize the visitors?” Byron appeared beside them, laughing. “Pay no attention to him. He’s just trying to mess with you. The bears are quite happy to stay out of town, and the deer are only a threat to people who are foolish enough to try and grow a garden. Those things eat everything!”

“Hello again. Are you both out from behind the bar for the night now?” Vivian’s gaze bounced from one to the other, once again amazed that both men were clearly interested in her. Jess had said most of the folks in Kismet Cove were poly, did that mean these two were as well? Wicked thoughts filled her head for a moment and she had to mentally shake herself back to the present.

“I am free for the night. Barring catastrophes, bar fights or kitchen fires, that is.” Byron eyed the glass in her hand. “That’s not tequila.”

“Nope, Tucker found me something better.” She pointed to the bottle of scotch. “Much better.”

“He did, huh?” Byron whistled low when he spotted the brand. “Eighteen-year-old scotch? How did you get him to part with that, slim?”

“I asked nicely.” Viv fluttered her lashes at Byron. “It works wonders.”

“Besides, I’m joining her.” Tucker held up his own glass, still half full. “But you don’t have enough appreciation for good scotch to lay a finger on that bottle. Heathen.”

“Not a problem.” Byron threw up his hands in mock surrender, revealing he already had a drink in his hand. I’m driving home later so I’m sticking to unleaded for the rest of the night. Kitchen is about to bring out some nachos and appetizer platters. I came to warn you that if you’re hungry, you better be prepared to move fast. The locals are all very friendly until you get between them and their food supply, then they get ornery.”

As she hopped off her stool she found herself between them both, with Byron’s hand on the small of her back and Tucker’s resting between her shoulder blades. They escorted back to the main table as several servers appeared, all laden down with food. She could feel her stomach rumbling even if she couldn’t hear it over the music. She decided to throw discretion to the wind and enjoy all the indulgences the night had on offer. Good food, fine scotch, not to mention the attention of two men that she wouldn’t see again once she went home.
After all, she was on holiday.

Buy Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/windswept-hayes

You can stalk Susan (or just check out her other books) around the web:

Blog: http://susanhayes.ca,

Twitter: @capricia13

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Hayes/551945384831723?ref=hl