This month I’ve invited my anthology buds, Julie Kenner and Jill Monroe to join me in talking about our July 2009 release, Endless Summer. We’re thrilled to bring you this collection of stories about three awe-inspiring heroines who with courage and determination ride the big waves and find love—on their terms. Cowabunga dudes!
Summer has never been sexier!
Making Waves by Julie Kenner
Laci Montgomery is determined to be pro surfing’s Golden Girl. Does she need help from her ex—hottie sports promoter Taylor Dutton? No way! Well, not unless she’s on top…
Surf’s Up by Karen Anders
After a crash meeting in the waves, surfer J. C. Wilcox and entrepreneur Zack Fanning practice daring moves that would make fish blush. But is it just sexy fun in the sun—or are they ready to risk their hearts?
Wet and Wild by Jill Monroe
Daredevil Rookie of the Year Andrea “Drea” Powell needs a sponsor. Superstar pro Kirk Murray needs a flashy new surfer to back. The explosive results heat up the competition…and the bedroom!
Julie’s Making Waves
I absolutely love the ocean. I had a lot of regrets moving from California back to Texas (the cost of living decidedly not among them), and leaving the ocean was way up at the top. Everything about it appeals to me. The smell. The feel of the wind. The sand between your toes. The shells. The sun. The sports.
Or, maybe not so much the sports. But I’ll get to that in a second. The point is that I used to go about forty minutes out of my way so that I could drive to work along the Pacific Coast Highway, just so that I could drive with the Pacific at my side.
So the idea of writing a beach related novella and participating in the Endless Summer anthology was something I was jumping all over. And that’s true despite the fact that I am so not a sports girl. Or, heck, maybe it’s because I’m not. Because, hey, let’s face it: though I love the ocean, there’s no way that me and my sense of balance are getting up on a surf board. It’s just not happening. I watched those surfer movies (and I watched a lot when writing the story) and all I can say is wow. (My idea of an ocean sport is Scuba diving. Swimming under water. That’s my speed.). But surfing is one of those sports (along with gymnastics) that I wish I could do. I wish my body would move that way. I wish I wasn’t terrified of keeling over or of being eaten by a shark (and, yes, I realize that fear should also apply to Scuba, but it doesn’t. That’s why they call it a phobia. It’s an unreasonable fear.)
All of which is a really round about way of saying that I was thrilled to participate in the anthology, and that a story involving the ocean will always make me happy. And in this case I got to live for at least a little while more tied to the ocean than I’ve ever been, doing something I wish I could do in real life. And that, folks, is what I love about writing!
More from Julie:
Julie writes a range of stories including quirky romances, sexy contemporaries, young adult novels, suspense, paranormal mommy lit, and (soon!) darker urban fantasy. Some of her upcoming releases include: Good Ghouls Do, August 2009; Demon Ex Machina, October 2009; Tainted, November 2009 (begins a new Urban Fantasy series); and a new series of paranormal romances coming in 2010. Catch up with all of Julie’s upcoming releases at her website www.juliekenner.com.
Karen’s Surf’s Up
Up until I was 18, I was pretty used to a large body of water, but this body of water was very different from any ocean on either coast. Hailing from the landlocked State of Vermont, I was lucky enough to swim in Lake Champlain that stretches across 110 miles and has the legendary sea monster that I attest to seeing once when I was boating with my friends. Okay, there was alcohol involved, but I swear I saw it!
Lake Champlain is huge, but I’m sure that no one ever surfed on its placid shores except, like Jill, behind a motor boat. So, it was a shocker to me when I made my first trip to the ocean. I was excited, anticipating what it would be like. I just wasn’t prepared for the reality of standing on the beach and experiencing it for the first time. There was no comparison.
I’ll never forget the day I first saw its vastness on a perfect day in June. In order to look out into the endless sea, I had to shade my eyes. Even with sunglasses on, the sun was so bright. The sand was so warm and grainy, the water, although, refreshingly brisk, lapped gently against the shore. Now the thought of the ocean with its gentle breezes, crashing waves, salty air and the cry of gulls makes all my muscles relax into one big mushy pile.
So conceiving this anthology was a joy and even more joyous was working with both Julie and Jill. I predict that a beach getaway will be coming in the near future.
More from Karen:
Karen writes sexy contemporaries for the Harlequin Blaze line. Currently, she’s working on Deliciously Dangerous, Book #3 in the Undercover Lovers mini-series out in April 2010. Book #1 Up Close and Dangerously Sexy was out March 2009 and Dangerous Curves, Book #2 will be released in October 2009. See what Karen’s up to on her newly redesigned website at www.karenanders.com
Jill’s Wet and Wild
Growing up in the completely landlocked state of Oklahoma, there weren’t many opportunities for surfing…unless you have an inventive great uncle who takes an old piece of plywood, drills holes into the sides for rope handles and then pulls it behind a boat. Okay, probably still doesn’t count as surfing, but when I was nine we proudly called it surfing. And yeah, maybe our form was not as elegant as the smooth popup and becoming “one with the wave” that seems synonymous with good surfing – but we had a lot of fun!
I love the ocean, which is strange because I never even saw it until I was twelve. Or maybe that’s the reason. Being in the center of the US, the ocean is pretty far away. It’s a major event to get there. Plus, it mysterious. Filled with strange, exotic creatures and yet there’s something very comforting about the ocean. The continuous lap of the waves at my feet. The sounds of rushing water. The clean, salty smell carried in by the breeze. I want to go back. Now.
That’s why I was so excited to be part of Endless Summer with Julie and Karen. Every time I worked on Wet and Wild I got to visit the ocean, feel the warmth on my face and the sand between my toes…even though I wrote it on some pretty cold days in October and November completely surrounded land, land and more land.
More from Jill:
Jill writes sexy contemporaries for the Harlequin Blaze line. She’s hard at work on SEALed and Delivered - Harlequin Blaze coming soon. Check Jill out at her website at www.jillmonroe.com.
Okay, fess up. Let us hear your first time stories about that number one getaway–the BEACH! We will be giving away to one poster an autographed copy of Endless Summer! May it take you away to the sun, sand, and surf and give you as much pleasure as you read as it gave us in its creation.
Entries (RSS)
Two of my most embarrassing moments happened at the beach. One, of course, losing my top. Two, walking ankle-deep in the surf, making eye contact with a hottie, suddenly rolling around in the waves and sand (not with the hottie). I had been taken down by a wave. I jumped up and kept on walking without looking back. The beach is so…fun.
Hi Ladies…the book sounds like it is going to be a lot of fun…I already had it on my TBB list…I remember the first time I saw the ocean…the feeling was indescribable. I grew up on an island, so I was constantly surrounded by water, and I played in the “sea” almost everyday, but there was nothing like going to the beach and hearing the waves come in along the shore, to see water crash against rocks creating beautiful background music to the song of the birds there…my best memory however, was when I went to Hawaii…it was a little after lunch and I went for a walk on the beach, and I was amazed. It was so beautiful, the surfers made me envious, but I am too chicken to get in the water, much less on a surf board…the waves were so high, and it scared the daylights out of me…what I remember most though was that sense of peace I got…I was lulled by the movement of the ways, and the sound of it made everything else fall away…it was awesome…
I hope you guys have a wonderful day blogging…I will check back later…happy writing…
Jill….it is so good to see you again…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Paula -
Your story is wonderful. It must have been heaven to live near the sea. Thanks for sharing!
Karen
I hate to admit it but the closest thing I have come to an ocean is Lake Erie.
I want to go to the ocean sometime in my life, but who knows when that will happen.I love the water! When I was little and had no cares in the world all I would do in the summer is swim. My grandparents always called me there little fish. Now I just don’t have the time to go swimming, but when I do there is no stopping me from getting out of the water. Thats my tale of the ocean. HA HA
I can’t wait to read Endless Summer it sounds great!!!!
Paula – good to see you again, too! How wonderful to grow up in such a place.
Cheryl – well, I’ve never seen any of the Great Lakes so I think we balance each other out.
Cheryl – Start planning that trip now, missy. The ocean must be experienced if you love the water. I’ve seen the Great Lakes after a brief visit to MSU in East Lancing when I was all of 20. That was a fun trip and I got to see Bill Cosby.
Hi, Jill (waving)!
The first time I’ve been to a clear water beach with white sand would probably be in Florida. The beaches there are gorgeous and compared to the poluted ones in NYC, I loved Floridas the most. However, I don’t tend to tan well so I only go once or twice during the summer.
Please count me in for the contest.
Kiera – Lol. Ah the fond memories of losing tops and getting sucked down and almost drowned by the waves. Been there, too. Got knocked down in Nantucket and my face smashed into the sand. Swallowed water and everything. Thank God my fiance grabbed me and pulled me to safety. My hero. The top thing? Let’s just say I had some amazingly white breasts against my tan.
I heart – Love Florida. My parents live there and it’s a nice, cheap beach getaway!
I don’t vist the ocean very much, but I love a great beach love stories. The book sounds like a must have for summer.
Paula, your first time you saw the ocean story reminded me of the first time my oldest daughter saw it. She was almost two, and I’d taken her to LA with my mom. Her eyes got huge and she sucked in a breath, and then said, “Wow. Big water!”
Am I the only one singing “Summer Lovin’” Yeah? No? Ok.
I’m not much about surfing but this looks like a wonderful antho and I really look forward to reading it.
Hi,
I learned to water ski at the beach (lake). We had so much fun!
Hi Julie, Karen and Jill
When my twins Brendon and Carolline turned seven, we took them to the beach for the first time, as a surprise. It’s about a five hour drive, so we left very early and we reached our destination just as the sun was rising over the sea. We took this one road that when you reach the top, the sea lays stretched out before you, so just before we topped the hill, I turned around in my seat and got my camera ready, they thought I just wanted to take a photo
… WOW those faces ! Even 9 years later that photo still makes me smile. 
Bought “Endless Summer” (e-book), love that cover can’t wait to read it !
All the best !
Growing up in Florida we were always going to the beach, so I don’t remember my first time. What I do look back fondly on is my mother’s constant fight to keep the squirrels out of our food.
We always tooks loads of picnic food (since my parents always invited all the neighborhood kids along) and we would set it out on the picnic tables behind the dunes and my mom would spend hours setting it up and grilling. she would cover the table full of food with sheets/blankets.
The squirrels would do whatever they could to get under those sheets. One day I remember, mom sealed all around the edges of the sheet. So what did the squirrels do? They chewed away a hole in the side of the sheet and still got to the food!
My mom never did have a relaxing day at the beach!
I lived in Port Angeles, WA until I was adopted. As a kid, I figured I’d seen the ocean and crossed it! Then my adopted parents took me to the Oregon beach. I’ve never forgotten it.
We camped on a campground right on the water. I body surfed until I couldn’t go out anymore and did it again the next day. I’ve never forgotten the vastness or its comfort. I felt as if anything could be possible if thing slike the ocean existed (I was ten when I was adopted).
Ever since, I’ve gone to the ocean any chance I could.
In my part of California, the beaches tend to be dangerous and the water far too cold. I was floored the first time I went to Florida and saw the beaches there. Gosh, no wonder people want to hang out there!
I grew up near a beach, so I can’t remember a time it wasn’t part of my life. Most of my childhood summers were spent at my grandparents’ beach cottage. The only “bad” part I remember from those days were the damned screaming seagulls/terns which scared me silly when they got aggressive protecting their nests.
I love the beach, but it has been years since I have gone. It was our family vacation every year when we were kids. I remember finding shells, horseshoe crab shells, and other interesting things.
On one trip, it was one of the scariest moments for me. My father took us out in the water. I was jumping waves, then I was pulled under… I was tumbling and turning wondering when I would reach the surface for air. Finally I stopped and was able to stand up… I looked around and I was close to the beach but a long way away from my father and sisters. I was shocked at how far I had gone. It took me some time to get back to them… even though that happened, I was safe and still enjoyed going back to the beach every Summer!
I was 6 years old when I first saw the beach and the huge expanse of water which was the Gulf of Mexico. I remember getting knocked down by the waves and having my father pull me out only to put me on his shoulders an walk back into the water with me so I wouldn’t be afraid of it. We had just moved to a Texas Gulf Coast city where the beach was almost at our front door. After moving quite a bit I am back in the same city but the beach is no longer a place I spend much time at thanks to having skin that no longer likes the sun in large doses.
Hi again guys…lots of activity since I was here last…I love the ocean…maybe it is the romantic in me, maybe it is the whole need for escape and peace…who knows…I just know that whenever I think of the ocean I feel free, less weighed down by everyday life…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
The only beach I’ve been to was on Lake Ontario. I’ve never seen an ocean in person. I haven’t gone to the beach in years, but I do remember when I was little going to the beach with my mom, brother, and grandpa. We had fun, we walked on the pier and played in the sand. They even have a building with a carousel. I’m not big on going into the water at beaches since I don’t know how to swim, but I would love just lay on the beach under an umbrella and read a book.
My first trip to the beach was probably my senior year of high school. I’m from AZ and like Jill, we don’t have beaches. At all.
We had taken a trip to Disneyland and stopped off at the beach for a day before the drive home. The beach was a blast, but let me tell you how uncomfortable a 9 or so hour car ride is when you have sand stuck to random parts of your body – even if you made sure to rinse off in the public showers!
I don’t really recall any hotties – a shame, I know – but the water was great and lying on a towel was so relaxing. I loved listening to the waves. Even now, my husband and I go to sleep listening to a recording of waves every night (it makes AZ more tolerable, I promise!).
I went to the beach a lot when I was little. So I don;t have early memories of it, but everytime I go to the beach, I fall in love with the surf and sand all over again.
We didn’t get to go to the beach much when I was growing up. I think the first time I went was for Spring Break in college. Four of my friends and I went to Hilton Head one year and it was so cold, that we had to lay out by the hot tub so we could stay warm by the steam. Our Spring Break was at the end of February that year and there really was only one or two warm days the entire week. I know it was too cold to go near the water, but I think we were able to go down to the beach for the last two days.
The beaches in Hawaii are beautiful and clean. My favorites are the ones along Kohala Coast.
Even though I am so fair that I only burn, I love going to the beach. My husband bought me this little shad tent that he sets up and I will spend the day reading and listening to the ocean. I can read a whole Blaze in one afternoon on the beach.
Ooh, the beach! Growing up the Bay Area in California, the beach isn’t exactly the warm inviting place to hang out that I always loved reading about in stories! I did finally get to visit the beaches in Hawaii about ten years ago… in February. Gorgeous, but still not balmy! Alas
At this point, I’m not sure I’m destined to sun on the beaches like I keep reading, but there’s always a first time 
Maybe soon! (In the meantime, I can enjoy the whole arm-chair traveling thing, and relive the whole first-blush of romance, too!)
please enter me, im from face b b
ook
Was a winner chosen?
Hi all- Sorry, got sidetracked by that little looming book deadline. Here’s the winner of the autographed book — Sabrina. Send me your snail mail and we’ll get it out to you. Best, Karen
Congrats Sabrina!