« more discussions

• 

  Let's Discuss No One But You by Maureen Smith

  Cilla is throwing in a helping hand on this discussion. Thanks Cilla, I appreciate this.

  Maureen Smith will be with us today (Friday), but is leaving town Saturday, so be sure to get your questions for her in early and wish her a safe trip.

  You know the routine. Post your questions and answers for the group and to the author for this title in this thread.

  Have fun.

  Peace
  Dee

  Deatri King-Bey started this discussion 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Iris B 

  Hello Maureen. I loved No One But You. Althea was tough but had her deamons to deal with and Damien was strong and supportive with the baby mamma drama. I loved her relationship with her uncle and aunt and his relationship with his daughter. I have one question. Why did you do that to the uncle? I was so hurt when he admitted to the"almost" affair with the intern.
  Iris

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 4 replies

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Yeah...that was a DEFINITELY an AWWW moment...to Althea her Uncle was a SUPERHERO...but after admitting his almost indiscretion...I think Althea is forced to see him as just a man...with flaws and faults like everyone else...that was quite a shocker...a prime example of one of those UNEXPECTED twists Mrs. Smith likes to throw at you throughout her stories ;-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Rhea Alexis 

    I agree it was a shocker..........but, I think MOST good men have had that "moment" and did not follow through even though A LOT did and do. I had the opportunity to talk candidly to a few men and became very enlightened by what I learn. Some have to really fight to maintain their commitmnet stance. Don't like it but can surely understand the almost.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Maureen Smith 

    Hi Iris,

    I'm so glad you loved No One But You! I'm so sorry that you were hurt by Louis Pritchard's behavior with the congressional aide. But I think Sweet n' Sassy and Rhea summed it up best in their explanations. Althea worshipped her uncle and thought he could do no wrong, so I wanted to make him a little more human. He has flaws and faults just like everyone else, and in a moment of weakness, he almost cheated on his wife. I couldn't have him go through with the affair, because I figured it was bad enough that he was tempted in the first place. But now Althea doesn't have to keep him on a pedestal. When she and Damien have their little arguments as husband and wife (as all couples do), she won't ever think to herself, "Why can't he be more like my uncle? Why can't he be perfect like him?" LOL. She still admires and adores her uncle thoroughly, but now it's less of a "hero worship" type of thing. I hope that makes sense. :)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Rhea Alexis 

    Maureen, I am so glad that one was only tempted and didn't do. I am a realist and realizes that a lot "do it" but some don't and I have NEVER brought into every man (hell nowadays body" does.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Deatri King-Bey 

  Hello Maureen,

  Thanks for coming by to chat with us. Sorry I can't be here today. I'm on my way out to work now.

  Please tell us a little about yourself.

  Have fun everyone.

  Peace
  Dee

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Cilla 

  Hey All... Thanks Dee

  This is the first book that I have read by Maureen and I truely loved it (Love the Hometown feel of it also) .... How did you decide to make the characters FBI agents? Was it you intent to have a mystery/romance thriller?

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    Maureen Smith 

    Hi Cilla!

    I'm so glad you loved the book, and I'm always thrilled to be discovered by new readers. I grew up in Maryland (my parents still live in Upper Marlboro), so many of my books take place in the D.C. metro area, which will always be home to me.

    As everyone who reads my romantic suspense novels can tell, I LOVE writing about FBI agents. There's just something so sexy and dangerous about an intelligent man in a dark suit and armed with a Glock. LOL. And since most romantic suspense plots involve solving a crime, it feels natural to feature FBI agents or cops. I had the pleasure of becoming a member of the FBI Citizens' Academy three years ago, so I've met a lot of wonderful, hardworking FBI agents (men and women). And whenever I need research help for my books, it's great to be able to shoot them an e-mail and get my questions answered. :)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  GwynethBolton 

  I enjoy Maureen's novels and this was no exception. No One But You was a wonderfully suspenseful thriller. I never in a million years would have guessed whodunit. I think the chemistry between the hero and the heroine was great. Can you imagine having a one night stand and coming in to your new job and finding the man or woman who rocked your world there? LOL. I think it was perfect for building the sexual tension. They already knew fully well what they were missing... ;-) Great read!

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    Maureen Smith 

    Hi Gwyneth!

    Thank you so much for your kind words! You're too good to me. :) I'm so glad you enjoyed the story and didn't guess whodunit. That's always a relief to hear! :)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Victoria Wells 

  This also was my first book by Maureen Smith and I loved it! Lawd have mercy that first encounter was smokin'! LOL I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story. It also pleased me that although Althea was an independent, professional woman in law enforcement, she had a side to her that enjoyed Damien treating her like a lady. I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's work.

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 13 replies

  • 

    Cilla (edited)

    I had to read it twice :-)

    and I am also putting Maureen's books on my To BUY list

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Cilla, you will not be disappointed...I recently finished reading ALL her novels...NOW I'm EAGERLY awaiting her next one...she's definitely a very talented author...and I enjoy her writing style...whenever she puts a new book out...I'll DEFINITELY pick it up...Happy Reading, girl :-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Rhea Alexis 

    This was my first read by her as well. But I do own all of her others. I AM SOOO GLAD I DO. I am good on a summer reading junket of female suspense/action/thriller/drama writers and Maureen Smith is on the top of the list. yes, this was indeed a good read.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cilla 

    I am checking out her web site.. do the books have to be read in any order or can I just randomly pick them up....

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    Cilla -

    In some ways Maureen is similar to Ms Bev in that characters appear in different books, different sequesls. I have a list that connects the books that I can provide later if no one else posts one, but need to finish up some stuff at work now :)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    They don't necessarily have to be read in order...but PERSONALLY...I like to go in order...but I'm ANAL, like that...I hate when I read a book and then discover their was a first or second book before it...it's like reading the ending first...but it's different for everyone...so, you do what you want to do...or better yet...as Mrs. Smith which one you should read first...lol

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Maureen Smith 

    Awww, thank you so much, ladies! It means the world to me that you've discovered my books and are enjoying them so much.

    As you can imagine, I thoroughly enjoyed writing that first love scene between Damien and Althea. :) I also knew I had to make it good because there wouldn't be another one for a while. My editor strongly believed that Damien and Althea should be too focused on the kidnapping investigation to be jumping each other's bones every minute. (Especially with Althea's life being in danger.) So my challenge was to establish their chemistry early on and sustain it until they could get their freak on again at a reasonable point later in the story. But I won't lie. It was hard for me to keep their hands--and lips--off each other! LOL.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Hi, Mrs. Smith...I just want to say it's a pleasure to FINALLY make your acquaintance...even if it's not in person...glad to somewhat, sort of meet you...and wish I you much success with your future novels..."With Every Breath" is my all time favorite...I LOVE that book...thanks for sharing all the wonderful romantic suspense treats :-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cilla 

    LOL..:-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Yeah...it was hard for me, too...I couldn't wait for them to jump each other AGAIN...lol...but I understand why you did what you did...didn't like it one bit (smile)...but I understand...there was a SERIOUS criminal investigation going on...the good luvin' had to be put on hold...boo-hoo ;-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Maureen Smith 

    Hi Cilla and everyone,

    Below is a complete list of my books. They don't necessarily have to be read in order, with the exception maybe of the "Affair" series and the sequels. Beside each title, I've also placed a "CR" for contemporary romance and "RS" for romantic suspense. Hope this helps! :)

    Ghosts of Fire (RS)
    With Every Breath (RS)
    A Heartbeat Away (RS)
    Weapon of Seduction (RS)
    A Legal Affair (CR)
    Taming the Wolf (CR)
    A Guilty Affair (CR)
    Whisper My Name (RS)
    "Falling into You" (novella in the erotic romance anthology Love for All Seasons) (CR)
    A Risky Affair (CR)
    Secret Agent Seduction (RS)
    No One But You (RS)
    Touch of Heaven (October 2009) (CR)
    Like No One Else (December 2009) (RS)

    "Affair" Series
    A Legal Affair (#1)
    A Guilty Affair (#2)
    A Risky Affair (#3)

    Sequels
    With Every Breath (#1)
    No One But You (#2)

    Whisper My Name (#1)
    Weapon of Seduction (#1)
    Like No One Else (#2) - this is the sequel to both previous novels

    
    

    Enjoy!

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    AW-YEAH...October and December 2009 can't get her fast enough...I'm looking forward to reading the stories...bring it on...LOL

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cilla 

    I am really behind... i did not know you had written so many :-0 ...
    ...congrats .. I gotta a lot of catchin up to do

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  beachlover20855 

  I also enjoyed the story and like Gwyneth - have enjoyed all of the Maureen Smith books that I have read. No One Else but you was a good mix of romenace and suspense and the way it was interwoven into the story worked so well.
  The secondary characters supoorted the story well and it was good to catch-up with Imani and Garrison.
  I understand about Althea wanting to face her "demons" in the place where she was held -- but there is no way I would have went there by myself.

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 6 replies

  • 

    GwynethBolton 

    I know, Beverly... She was a braver woman than me. I don't think I could have even went back to that place let alone go there by myself. But then I wouldn't have been an FBI agent either. I'd be looking for a nice quiet life. LOL.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Victoria Wells 

    I'm saying...I would not have been anywhere near that broke down cabin either. It really scared me when I discovered he was in the cabin the entire time! And how about how he got into her apartment! Now that was true to life. I've walked in plenty of buildings with "security" at the desk, never signed in or questioned because the person at the desk had their nose in a newspaper.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cilla 

    I am in the middle of reading the Shack, where the main character returned to the scene of the crime.. it was a bit too surreal for me.. I could not have done it by myself.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Maureen Smith 

    LOL! I think I creeped myself out a little with that cabin scene. I wrote it late at night while everyone in the house was asleep, so I kept jumping at every little noise I heard, lol. Silly writers and their overactive imaginations. :)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Rhea Alexis 

    Probably helped the feel of the scene because it felt so real.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    That is why I read the book in the daytime!!!

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  Hi, Mrs. Smith:

  Question: How long have you been writing?

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 2 replies

  • 

    Maureen Smith 

    Great question! It feels like I've been writing forever, lol. I've been a voracious reader since childhood, and I always knew I wanted to create stories that others would enjoy. But I started writing seriously when I was in my teens. By 17, I had completed an angst-ridden teen romance novel called Love and War, which will never see the light of day! LOL. If I had to estimate, I would say I've been writing for nearly 20 years.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Well...KUDOS to you...because since I first read one of your books...I've become a HUGE fan...and look forward to reading everything you put out on the market...keep the AMAZING stories coming!

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  Maureen are your characters based on people you know or did you simply make them up?

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    Maureen Smith 

    For the most part, my characters are purely fictional. But every now and then I base them on people I know or have met. For example, Vin Maxwell in With Every Breath is based on my younger brother Tony. And Janie Roarke in A Legal Affair is actually a good friend of mine named Janie Scott. And I sometimes like to give my heroines a few "self-inspired" personality quirks. :)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  Do you have any favorite characters or scenes that you wouldn’t mind sharing or providing a little more insight on?

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 5 replies

  • 

    Maureen Smith 

    That's a really good question. If I had to choose favorite characters from my books, I'd have to say Garrison Wade, Rafe Santiago, Caleb Thorne, Korrine Friday, Frankie Purnell, and Lia Charles. But of course, all of my characters are near and dear to my heart. :)

    My favorite scenes would include the bridal shop abduction in With Every Breath, the lovemaking at the lake scene in Weapon of Seduction, and the Frankie-makeover-seduction scene in Whisper My Name. In that last scene, it was very empowering to transform Frankie from a dowdy nerd to a confident, sexy woman who wasn't afraid to go after the man she wanted. And boy did she ever! :)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Rhea Alexis 

    Looks like I am going to have to take another break from the Vampire Huntress Legend by L.A. Banks...........WOW!!

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cilla 

    I am interested too Rhea.. :-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Enjoyed each and every one of those moments...yes...that lake scene in Weapons of Seduction was INTENSE & HOT (their whole relationship was charged)...I needed some ice water to cool off myself after reading that one...and Frankie definitely came into her own with her makeover in Whisper my Name...she rocked Sebastien's world...but it was nice to see him so into her EVEN before the MAJOR overhaul...lol...that sister of hers, Tommie was a HOT mess ;-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    GwynethBolton 

    I Love Caleb Thorne! :-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  Considering how long ago "With Every Breath" came out...and this being kinda like a "sequel" to that story...Did you face any major challenges writing this particular story? If so, what were they?

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 6 replies

  • 

    Maureen Smith 

    I think the biggest challenge I faced was making Damien Wade as sexy and lovable as his older brother Garrison, who remains a favorite among my readers. I wanted Damien to stand on his own, even if he doesn't necessarily knock Garrison off the top spot. :)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Yeah, Garrison Wade was definitely in a CLASS all by himself...it's been a while since I read his story...and I still get goose bumps just thinking about the way he took care of Imani...WOO-WOO :-) What a man, What a man...what a mighty good man!

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cilla 

    What is your take on writing love scenes... some say from experience others write what they want to experience or read?

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cathy A 

    Yes, I was glad that I had read With Every Breath first. I truly understood what Althea had been through.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    What a true statement!
    At first I was worried how Damien Wade could compare to his brother but I have to say Maureen brought it on with Damien.
    And Damien definitely held his own.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    GwynethBolton 

    He certainly did! Yes indeed... :-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  My favorite character of course is the hero, Damien Wade...he's the TOTAL PACKAGE...sexy, daring, protective, intelligent, chivalrous and a loving father, too...I love his relationship with his daughter, India...he is a GREAT father.

  One of my favorite scenes is when Damien and India are in the kitchen dancing together...and Althea witnesses his fun and silly side...the love he has for his daughter is definitely evident throughout...good stuff :-)

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 3 replies

  • 

    GwynethBolton 

    Damien Wade was the man! Loved him... he was very yummy... ;-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    GwynethBolton 

    In fact I don't know how she was able to keep it professional for as long as she did. I wouldn't have been able to keep my hands of of him...

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Rhea Alexis 

    Ditto

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  What’s next for you? Do you have any upcoming releases or projects you are working on?

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  Tell us a little about No One But You and what inspired you to write it.

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  Are there any authors that have inspired you? If so, who and why?

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  What are some of the things you like to do you do in your down time?

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 2 replies

  • 

    Maureen Smith 

    When I'm not sweating over deadlines, I enjoy reading, baking desserts, bowling, playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with my husband and two kids.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cilla 

    who do you like to read?

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Maureen Smith 

  Hi everyone!

  Thank you so much for inviting me to participate in today's discussion of No One But You! I'm so happy to see that you all enjoyed the book! That really means a lot to me. I love writing romantic suspense, and this book was no exception. Ironically, after I completed With Every Breath (the prequel, which came out in 2004), I had no intention of writing a sequel. But then I started receiving e-mails from readers who asked for Damien Wade's story. So I decided to give folks what they wanted. :)

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 2 replies

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    Mrs. Smith it has been a REAL pleasure chatting with you...Dee mentioned you would be traveling this weekend...so I wish you a safe journey...and once again I look forward to reading your next novel...until next time Happy Reading & Writing :-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Rhea Alexis 

    Yes, safe travels indeed.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Cilla 

  What are you working on now?

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Maureen Smith 

  Right now I'm working on another contemporary romance called Recipe for Temptation. This two-in-one sequel brings together Reese St. James from Touch of Heaven and Michael Wolf, the sexy, charming chef who stole readers’ hearts in Taming the Wolf. The kitchen isn’t the only place where these two lovers will be heating things up....

  Recipe for Temptation will be released in June 2010, so be on the lookout!

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 2 replies

  • 

    Cilla 

    got it on lmy list..

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cathy A 

    Can't wait. I've read all your novels thus far. Taming the Wolf was quite something else.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  Recipe for Temptations...sounds ABSOLUTELY delicious...I remember Michael Wolf...YUMMY...I can't wait to catch up with him and his many "talents"...LOL...REALLY...we have to wait a whole year (smile)...just kidding...I know good works take time ;-)

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Rhea Alexis 

  I must say Sweet n' Sassy you asked some very good questions. Thank you.

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 2 replies

  • 

    Sweet n' Sassy 

    What can I say...I'm nosy...I'm always asking questions...I get on people's nerves...so I guess it comes natural to me...LOL...I have to know everything...and I really enjoy these discussions...you guys are soooo much fun :-)

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Rhea Alexis 

    DITTO

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Deatri King-Bey 

  Whey howdy, Y'all on FIRE today. Keep it up.

  I'm about to start reading post.

  Peace
  Dee

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sweet n' Sassy 

  Hey Mrs. Dee...glad you could make...looking forward to reading your posts...you've gotta a lot of posts to read...good luck with that...LOL

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Rhea Alexis 

  Well, it's grand baby's time. I truly enjoyed this discussion and No One But You tremendously. Thank you for your writing Maureen Smith.

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Iris B 

  Maureen; Which is Garrison's book? I would love to get it.

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    Cathy A 

    With Every Breath. Excellent read.

    posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Cathy A 

  Maureen, I lived in College Park for 10 years. Loved it that I was so familiar with the places/locations in several of your books. Even the Baltimore connection.

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  kpc675 

  Maureen:
  This was truly one of the best books I've read in awhile. The plot and those love scenes were hot. Naturally I loved seeing my name in the book as well. Bought a couple extra copies to brag to my friends and siblings. Still need mine autographed. Althea and Damien's characters connected very well.

  posted 5 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Cesha L 

  Looking forward to reading this book as well.

  posted 2 months ago. ( reply )

• To reply to this discussion, please sign in or join now.

Return to top