Layers by Sigal Ehrlich
Publication date: October, 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:
When Hayley makes a resolution to declare her loose lifestyle era R.I.P, it’s all good in theory…
That is until she meets Daniel Stark, a well-respected, mid-thirties business man who is known for his short temper, lack of steady relationships as well as his strict preserve of his private life.
Opinionated, sharp tongued Hayley accidently steps into his office leaving Daniel resolved to put Hayley in her place and have her in his bed.
Both Hayley and Daniel can’t avoid the immediate instigation of the attraction between them.
In a unanimously agreed upon verdict by Hayley and her two best friends, Ian the gay self-absorb, aspiring model and Natasha the witty, borderline neurotic soul mate, Daniel Stark is to be Hayley’s pure physical attraction, emotions aside era closure.
Will it indeed be a closure, or a beginning to something neither Hayley nor Daniel ever bargained for…
Excerpt
I take a deep breath, and as I exhale, words gust out of my mouth. “Do you honestly believe that after you've made me come all the way here, and humiliated me for the last few precious minutes, I would want anything to do with you? Let alone spend more of my valuable time on you?” Not waiting for any reply I add, “Valuable time which you've already so disrespectfully consumed.” His dismay at my verbal attack is palpable.
“Why, Mr. Stark, you were so talkative a few minutes ago. Have you lost your words? Do you need a moment?” Wow, did that just come out of my mouth? I'm terribly shaken, but boy am I ecstatic. Well done.
He recuperates in seconds and his baffled expression transforms. He's collected, but he has that wicked glow back, dominating his eyes.
Next, to my complete surprise, he stands up and slowly but confidently starts sauntering toward me. Before I can grasp his intentions, I find him leaning his hip on the desk next to me, his knee almost brushing mine. Too close. My heart threatens to leap out of my chest as I gape up at his intent stare, staggered. His eyes hover over my face till they land on my lips, which traitorously part. The air is literally yanked out of my lungs at the lengthy pause of his stare on my mouth. My realization again who he really is, his proximity now, and these sexually charged currents running frenetically inside of me subside any minor composure I might have had before.
“Why, Miss Grace.” He mirrors my own words; his smirk above me broadens. “You've just made me lust for this coffee even more.”
Goodreads:
Not exactly sure where they will end up next…
When she is not hiding in her office, writing, she enjoys music, reading and taking care of her little clan.
With a great believe in "don’t wait for things to happen - make them happen," she enjoys anything exciting life has to offer.
CHAT TIME
So, tell us a bit about Layers.
Layers is a story about two people that don’t believe in love or relationships, that have their shares of flaws and insecurities. Two people that on the surface could not be more different, drawn to each other only to find out they are quite similar and that the relationship thing is not as bad as it seems. A story spiced with two nutty, vibrant best friends, humor, a pinch of angst and a whole lot of tease.
What inspired you to write the book?
Take a love for surfing, tattoos, humor and people with a touch of madness, add to that some sassy twenty something that has been residing in my head for the longest time and you’ve got a book.
With the variety of Contemporary Romance which feature rich men and the women who “tames” them, what sets Layers apart in the growing genre?
I believe that Layers’ uniqueness comes from a combination of several ingredients. For starters, Daniel is very different from your typical multi- millionaire. He is quite casual with no obvious “millionaire” bearings. That, and Hayley’s sassy personality combined with the pace of the book, the fun and lightness, and the dynamics with the supporting characters is what gives it the extra touch.
Have you based any of your characters on real friends/family?
Only one of the characters is intentionally based on a person that is very close to me and which I absolutely adore. This person is so special and charismatic that it was inevitable that he’d turn into a character in one of my books.
Also, surprisingly, after I’d finished the manuscript and started editing I’ve actually realized that Daniel and my husband share some minor similarities. I can assure you that in that case, it was my subconscious that was responsible for the resemblances.
What is your favorite quote from the book and why?
My favorite quote would be: “In the comfort of my room, in front of god, myself, and my immaculate collection of shoes, I declare tonight the swan song of my sordid lifestyle. No more. I am not marching on that path, ever again.”
The reason it is my favorite, is because it describes Hayley’s attitude so well, even when she is upset with herself and gone through some tough times, though sarcastic, she still has a touch of humor.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your book?
I might add some more background to the protagonist and her two best friends past. Though, it is rectified in the sequel.
You wrote two additional books besides Layers, what can you tell us about them?
Inner Core, Layers’ sequel which will examine whether a relationship is strong enough to overcome too many mistakes, differences and… life. Inner Core is planned to be published at the beginning of 2014. The second book is Leaving Me Behind, which is planned to be released mid-2014, it’s a book about a thirty-something successful business woman who leaves her stressful life to pursue serenity in a coastal city in Spain.
Which of the three books that you’ve mentioned is your favorite?
I’d go with Inner Core, there is so much character development for both Hayley and Daniel, as well as the supporting characters. It is more fun and frankly, who doesn’t really love the good ol’ HEA?
What was the hardest scene to write?
The last chapter, I can’t disclose too much information as it’ll be a major spoiler, but the entire scene was different from the book’s overall style and took me some revisions to get to the point in which I was actually pleased with the result.
What genres do you read on a regular basis?
Being a borderline obsessive reader, I read almost everything. I really enjoy biographies, there was a long period in which I was much into oriental women biographies. I also like thrillers, such as the Stieg Larsson ‘s great novel, A Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. I also truly liked James Patterson & Mark Sullivan’s Private series. I love reading to my kids and enjoy kids books as well, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss is one of my favorites. And of course, how not? Swoon worthy, contemporary romance novels.
Has being an author taught you anything about yourself?
Two things to be precise, one, my imagination has no boundaries and it is absolutely crazy. Two, I curse a bit too much.
Any words of wisdom for newbie writers?
Considering I, myself am a newbie, I’m not so sure I have many words of wisdom. But, considering my journey while writing Layers, I would suggest for a new writer to first and foremost use editors, having your friends/family/ school teacher edit your work is not enough, invest in this part and take a professional, if you can afford it, even two.
And a very important one, embrace the fact that you need to keep your butt in your chair and write. For a very long time.
What makes you laugh?
A lot of things. All sorts of humor, beginning from dark humor, witty, insane to utterly stupid.
Now you have to give at least one example.
Sure, I’m one of those people who almost lose an organ due to excessive laughter at movies like Jackass, Ted and Movie 43. You see what I mean, utterly stupid…
What’s the worst job you’ve had?
Waitressing, not that I have anything against this profession or any other, it was just plainly awful for me. I once even lasted almost four hours as a waitress in a coffee shop. Though, after spilling about two cups of coffee, mixing orders and almost telling someone to go “ahem” himself … I gave back my apron and nicely said good bye.
Favorites:
Favorite Movie?
Either Kill Bill or Inglorious Bastards. Basically, everything Tarantino.
Favorite TV show?
Sex and the City. Old, but actually never gets old.
Favorite Book?
I have many and it’s quite hard to pick, one of is Eat, Pray, Love.
Favorite Contemporary Romance?
I’ll go with this year’s The Edge of Never by the much talented J.A. Redmerski .
Favorite drink:
07-17: Coffee. 17:01 and onwards, bubbly.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”
- Dr. Seuss
What is your favorite positive saying?
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
― Edith Wharton
What is your favorite quote?
This one actually became my favorite recently, taken from one of the reviews for the book, “Perfection Requires a Touch of Madness.”
Last, which advice would you give your younger self?
The same one I’d give my kids and every other young person, remove from your lives people that don’t do you good. And, don’t ever let anyone undermine your self-esteem.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for reading Layers. There isn’t a greater reward than to know readers connected to the characters and like the book, the positive feedback is priceless. Thank you, thank you and then some!
Thank you for having me here!
Links:
Website: http://www.sigalehrlich.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sigal_Ehrlich
GIVEAWAY TIME
Grand prize giveaway
Prizes (open internationally):
--50$ Amazon gift card
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