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Meet the author Zuzu Lu in January, and read excerpts from her latest book Winter Delight

Looking forward to it! :-)

Thank you! Looking forward to January, only a few days away. 🎉

We are all looking forward to it too Zuzu 😊

Here is the excerpt posted by Zuzu earlier:

Chapter 1

“Is there a problem?” A deep voice asked, just as Sally threw her drink in Ed's face.

“I could use another drink, it looks like.” She mumbled.

“Sally be reasonable, nothing happened. I thought you would be happy.” Ed pleaded, trying to hold Sally's hand.

She immediately shook off his hand and with a searing look, growled. “You. Thought. I would be happy about you trying to stick your dick in some other woman?” She bit her lip, the struggle to not throttle him evident on her expressive face. “How could that possibly make me happy.”

“Well,” He said way too cheerfully for the situation. “At least I was honest.” Big stupid grin.

Taking off her glasses and pinching between her eyes. Sally laughed, a little bit insanely. “Are you serious? Wow... Ed, listen to me.” She put her glasses back on, grabbed her purse and hopped off the high stool. “Go F' yourself. Maybe you'll have better luck.” And immediately ran into a huge wall of flannel. “Oof.”

“Here's your drink.” The deep voice came from way up high. Sally's eyes slowly rose up the trail of white buttons running up the blue plaid shirt like a runway. A great big paw was suddenly in her face, delicately holding a Lemon Drop Martini, her favorite.

She reached up to grab it and looked back up, way up, finally into beautiful light blue eyes, tan skin and dark hair. A full beard finished the whole lumberjack look. Sally realized two things, one, her mouth was wide open in awe of the size of this guy, he had to be every bit of seven foot tall. Two, she still had her hand on his and to say it dwarfed hers was an understatement. “Thank you.” She stammered.

“Paul.” Big, tall and burly replied.

Sally giggled. “Paul.” She put the drink to her mouth, pausing, wondering where his great blue ox was. Resting the sugary rim on her lips. Moving the drink away slightly. Licking at the sugar granules slowly. “Nice to meet you, I'm Sally.” She clicked her perfectly manicured nail on her glass, looking in contemplation at Paul. “You want to get out of here?”

“Now, Sally, really come on.” Ed whined.

A rumbling chuckle warmed Sally as she flipped off Ed. “I'd love to, Sally.” Paul grabbed her coat, while she downed her drink. The empty martini glass dealt with and Sally bundled up. A jumbo arm wrapped around her shoulders, they headed outside. “So what's the plan, Ms. Sally,” He stopped. “Shit, it is Miss, right?” He hadn’t seen a ring on her hand when he first noticed her at the bar. Long, thick, auburn hair, sexy librarian glasses, tit hugging green sweater and poured into skin tight jeans tucked into cute little lace up boots made for snow trekking. He was about to make his way to her, when he saw shithead Ed approach her with a kiss on the cheek. She had looked happy to see him. So Paul had sat back, finishing his drink watching her. Then he noticed a few minutes later, her sweet face scrunching up in disgust and pushing away Ed's hands, shaking her head. So of course he had to intervene.

“Oh, definitely Miss.” Sally laughed. “Sorry you had to witness that whole mess.” She looked away, hands fidgeting. “I appreciate the drink and your timing.”

Paul grabbed her hands, warming them between his great big ones. “Honestly, I was making my way over to you, but I backed off when I saw Ed approach you. So, I moved in as soon as I saw trouble.”

“Well, again, Thank you.” She smiled up at him.

Her smile could melt the snow, she sure was a radiant little thing. All dimples and bright green eyes. “My pleasure.” He spanned his arms out, “So, what would you like to do now. I'm pretty much at your disposal.”

Sally shrugged her shoulders. “Well, originally I had plans to walk through the park around the corner. They have a Christmas festival going on this weekend, and I sure love all the decorations.” She proceeded to stick her tongue out and catch some flakes of the white powder floating around them. “And snow, I love the snow, it came just in time for all the festivities!” She made a little sound, and he realized she was humming, 'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas'. She seriously was the prettiest sight to see. “The music also.” She bumped his arm with her shoulder. “So what do you think?”

He gulped. “I think that it would be pretty much impossible for me to tell you no to anything, but that being said I would love to roam around with you. I'm a big fan of all the winter scenery.” He stuck his arm out for her to hold onto. “I need to swing by my truck though and grab my coat, this suit jacket just wont hold up to this weather.” It was pleasant enough out for now, but with it getting later the temperatures were sure to drop. Plus if sweet Sally got cold, he wanted to be able to take care of her.

“Okie dokie.” She grinned up at him, wrapping her arms around his forearm. “Did you park very far?” Looking around and lifting up on tip toes, she tried to spy a truck.

“Nope, just around the corner not far from where we are going.” He placed his hand over hers, tucking her into his side. “So... not to pry, but are you alright? With all that back there?” He flung a look back over his shoulder as they walked down the sidewalk.

She shrugged a little. “Yes, I am very good now.” Smiling up at him. “We hadn’t been dating very long, at least he was honest.” She chuckled. “I guess it should hurt, but if anything it just disgusted me. I am an optimist though, it doesn’t feel like a big loss. I just won't deal with that kind of crap though.” Going quiet for a moment. Then scrunched up her nose. “But enough about that let's be joyful!”

“And triumphant?” He grinned down at her, a dimple popping through his beard.

“Paul, you get me.” She laughed softly. Then stopped in her tracks. “Oh my, is this your truck? Holy cow that's a ginormous truck. Well, I guess it makes sense, you definitely need a big vehicle. What are you about seven foot. Sorry you probably get asked that a ton, huh?” She looked embarrassed.

A laugh boomed out of him. “Well, give or take a couple inches, yes. Little bit hard to find the right ride. Not all of us can be five foot flat of compact cuteness, you know.” He let her go to open the passenger side door.

Sally sounded huffy. “I'll have you know I am every bit of 5'2.” She pouted and crossed her arms.

Pulling his coat on, Paul turned around to stare down at her. Then crossed his arms also, copying her. “With your boots on?” His eyebrow shot up knowingly and gave her a big white smile.

She smirked. “Maybe.” Sticking her tongue out at him.

“Keep sticking that tongue out at me and I'm going to think it's mine.” He growled at her playfully. He put her hands back on his arm again and started walking. “Are you from the area?”

“Kind of. About 30 minutes outside of town. What about you?”

“Just bought a big piece of land just north of here. I build houses for a living and this area is really growing especially with all the seasonal vacationers deciding to stay. I used to live farther south, but business has been really good and steady, so I decided it would be best to get closer to where I was actually working.” They were at the cross walk and could see people roaming around. Paul looked both ways and pulled Sally across the street with him once it was safe. The area was really busy, people trying to find parking to get to the big park. Once they were back on a path, he asked her, “What do you do for a living?”

“I'm a lawyer.” She patted his arm. “I know, I know, a lawyer, yuck. But seriously I'm the good kind or at least I like to think I am. I like to work with families. Mainly I just deal with adoptions and have worked on some cases that get children into safer environments, guardianship and such. It's kind of silly because I actually really hate conflict and I'm pretty non confrontational.” She chuckles. “That mess back there with butt head Ed, is about as situational as I have been through in a long while actually.”

Paul laughs. “Shithead Ed, is what I came up with.” His body shakes as he looks down at Sally. “So law huh? That sure is a ton of schooling.” He says with a little more country twang. “I myself graduated from a small town high school, nothing special. Played a little football that was a given with my size. Coaches loved me, but it just wasn’t my thing, ya know. I have always loved building things. My dad is always crafting furniture, boats, toys, pretty much anything requiring wood.” He sighs. “I guess it was just natural that I got into construction. I learned a bunch from him and I ended up leaning towards building homes. More specifically log homes.”

“Really! Oh my, would I love to own a log cabin.” She got a dreamy look about her. “I have always wanted one. This whole area is perfect for them, all the majestic mountain views.” Sighing. “I have rented a cabin a couple times up at Bedford Falls. Those places are so cute and the Jacuzzi, boy, I love those things. After I finished up my schooling, I really needed some down time and that place was the ticket.” She smiled softly. “I kind of over did the school thing, went right out of high school and straight into working my buns off to get my law degree. Didn't have a life for several years during all that, other than working at getting as much practice in as possible. So that sweet little cabin called Falling Star, was my little bit of heaven, once I got through.”

“That is nuts.” He laughed. “I built that cabin, and the nine others in that area. Frank Loggin has given me a ton of work. I am actually working on some bigger places for him now. Just finished up a couple right in time for the holidays. Would you want to go check them out sometime?” They had been walking around talking, taking in the sights, but stopped near a little booth that was giving out hot chocolate.

“Really?” Sally beamed. “I would love to. That is amazing. What are the odds.” They sipped on the hot cocoa and moved on from the booth, heading towards the huge skating rink. It was really beautiful, they had it all lit up and with the sun dropping behind the mountains you could still see a few rays peeking over the tops. “Want to sit and watch the skaters for a little bit?”

Paul grabbed her hand and they walked to an empty bench near the rink. “Do you not skate?” He settled in with his arm around the back of the bench, laying his hand on her shoulder getting her to move closer to him.

Snuggling into his side, she rested one hand on his thigh, blowing and sipping at the yummy hot chocolate. “Um, no.” She giggled. “I am a teeny bit afraid of those sharp blades, plus I get a motion sick feeling when I just roller skate, so I can only imagine how it would be out on the ice.” Her shoulders bunched up to her ears. “What about you?”

“Yup. Probably not the greatest skater and you wouldn’t think someone my size would be so spry, but yes, I do alright.” He stroked her arm and asked. “Want to try with me, I’ll keep you safe. I wont let you fall.”

Sally bit her lip, looked up at him then at the ice and back again to him. “You sure they have skates your size. Those are some mighty big boots you have there.”

“Don't try and use my big feet to get out of skating.” He chuckled and squeezed her tight. “But if you want to be a scaredy cat, I guess we can go walk around some more. Or we can sit right here, talking. I am enjoying spending time with you either way.”

Sally felt all warm when he looked at her that way. All serious and sweet smiles smooshed together. “Are you daring me Mr. Bunyan, hmm, well come on then, but when I take us down please don’t fall on me.”

Thank you, Grasshopper! I'm glad to have the author spotlight this month. I will keep with the format the other author's used and do some small quiz's throughout this month.
Winter Delight is about Paul and Sally. How they met and fell in love. Hope you love romance as much as I do!

Since we already have an excerpt up, I will go ahead and pop a question!

What was Sally humming?

A. O Holy Night
B. Drummer Boy
C. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
D. None of the above

C. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Well done Zuzu. A good start to the new year.

Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas still?😊
I would say New year!!

I think it is C.

I guess C?

I hope to win a few more books again...

C

Would you like to tell us more about yourself Zuzu? When did you first begin to write?

Grasshopper wrote: "Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas still?😊
I would say New year!!"

Ha! I know. Still feels like Christmas to me, though. It has been raining so much we haven't been able to get our tree out of the house yet.

I first began writing stories and comic strips as a young girl. I originally loved ghost stories, mafia/crime, and mystery. As I got older I focused on romance. I wrote Winter Delight, more for myself than anything, a love note to my husband. He pushed me to publish it and I did. It is a little nerve wracking sometimes, to have people read your thoughts. I hope to epub/selfpub a bunch more books this year. So far it has been a wonderful experience and a great way to connect with others.

That was such a sweet thing to do! Lucky husband I must say😌

Zuzu, do you intend to continue writing in this genre only, or plan to branch out more?

Zuzu, your story sounds somewhat similar to mine ;-)

I also love ghost stories, crime and mystery but found myself writing romance. I think it's because it's such a dynamic genre, there are so many possibilities.

I actually started the ideas for my series back in high school and wrote my first novel long before I met my husband, but it's like I breathed him into life- it's very strange the similarities between my husband and MC (personality traits anyway LOL! My husband's about as far from a cowboy as it gets! He's from NYC)

My husband was also the one to push me to self-pub, he's been pushing for years. After he found out that I had several novels started he said I had to share them.

How sweet that your story is a love note to your hubby! Is your MC Paul at all like your hubby?

Grasshopper wrote: "That was such a sweet thing to do! Lucky husband I must say😌"

Thank you :D and I will always have some type of romance in anything I write, I just love 'love' too much! I have a couple of stories that I really want to finish that involve female assassin/mafia. I can remember watching Godfather for the first time and was upset that one of the daughters could not become the mob boss. I want to see that happen, in my mind anyway. I have a type of time travel and shifter series started up also. If I don't procrastinate too much. :/

Shanna wrote: "Zuzu, your story sounds somewhat similar to mine ;-)

I also love ghost stories, crime and mystery but found myself writing romance. I think it's because it's such a dynamic genre, there are so man..."

I love that we have so much in common!

I understand what you mean by breathing them to life lol. I had him somewhat created before I met him. Big blue-eyed, country boy. He's my teddy bear, my muse and reading partner. I would have to say though, that both Paul and Sally have a little of both of us, which cracks me up. I wanted to complete the story for our 20th anniversary and thankfully was a month early.

Aww, so sweet and very cool!!! :-)

Looks like a C.

Wonderful :D Everyone got it right, it is: C. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.

This week we check in to see what Paul and Sally are up to.

Excerpt:

Paul grabbed her hand and they walked to an empty bench near the rink. “Do you not skate?” He settled in with his arm around the back of the bench, laying his hand on her shoulder getting her to move closer to him.


Snuggling into his side, she rested one hand on his thigh, blowing and sipping at the yummy hot chocolate. “Um, no.” She giggled. “I am a teeny bit afraid of those sharp blades, plus I get a motion sick feeling when I just roller skate, so I can only imagine how it would be out on the ice.” Her shoulders bunched up to her ears. “What about you?”


“Yup. Probably not the greatest skater and you wouldn’t think someone my size would be so spry, but yes, I do alright.” He stroked her arm and asked. “Want to try with me, I’ll keep you safe. I wont let you fall.”


Sally bit her lip, looked up at him then at the ice and back again to him. “You sure they have skates your size. Those are some mighty big boots you have there.”


“Don't try and use my big feet to get out of skating.” He chuckled and squeezed her tight. “But if you want to be a scaredy cat, I guess we can go walk around some more. Or we can sit right here, talking. I am enjoying spending time with you either way.”

Why is Sally afraid of ice skating? (hint: more than one answer is correct)

A. Skates not in her size

B. Sharp blades

C. People might trip her

D. Gets motion sick

Ooh I know ;-) The answer is B! Sharp blades!

B. Sharp blades

Oh sorry Zuzu. I didn't see this before.

Is it d. Gets motion sick?

Sharp blades?

B& D

Definitely sharp blades

Bradley wrote: "B& D"

Great job, Bradley! You caught both.
Thank you all for participating this week. I'll add another on Monday.

FYI... I'm a chicken when it comes to ice skating too. It's up there with sharks.

Thanks Zuzu.

Well some how I lost a day, thought for sure today was Monday.

This week we sight see through a Christmas village with Paul and Sally.

Excerpt:
“Do you know what you'll ask for?” Paul rested his big hand on her neck, stroking her earlobe.

“Yes sir. I sure do.” She smiled warmly. “What about you?”

“Eh, I guess I'll probably stick to the same old thing. You know my two front teeth, that kind of thing.” Big cheesy grin, sparkling white. “So what you gonna ask for?”

“I'm not telling. Things between Santa and I are secret. That way I know it's really special.” She placed a finger to her lips, code for secret.

“Aw that's no fun. How am I supposed to surprise you with what you want, if I don't know what you want. Really hate having to bribe Kris Kringle. But a mans gotta do, what a mans gotta do, I guess. You're worth it.”

The heated look he gave her, woo wee. “Come on hot lips, it's our turn.”

Santa jovially greeted them and asked what they would like. Sally sat on his lap and whispered her Christmas wish into the Jolly mans ear. Paul loomed over her like some great protector, ready to defend her against the white bearded cookie monster. Before grinning for the camera, she asked Paul to lean near her so they could fit him in the picture. He did one better, kneeling beside her. They both smiled big for the picture and the flash blinded them. Santa asked Paul what he wanted, after they decided he was a little to big for old Santa's legs. Paul leaned in and whispered it in his ear. Santa chuckled and his belly did shake like a bowl full of jelly. “You two are going to have a Merry Christmas, I just know it.” He waved them off as they went down the stairs. They had another set of cameras ready to take pictures in front of the tree and the church behind it.



Why was Paul going to bribe Santa?

A. Paul wanted a new truck

B. Paul wanted to know what Sally wanted for Christmas

C. He wanted to play Santa

D. He was tired of missing his two front teeth

Aha! The naughty book ;)

Is it C?

B

Alexis wrote: "Aha! The naughty book ;)

Is it C?"

It was hard to pick out clean/PG scenes, since it is a romance/smut/naughty. I really had to laugh at myself once I got myself into this situation and discussing the book.

I figured that out Zuzu. ;)

C. Paul wanted to play Santa ;-)

C

Hello Everyone! Looks like y'all went with 'play Santa' but was actually looking for-
B. Paul wanted to know what Sally wanted for Christmas
Oh, well guess that is for the purpose of him playing Santa :)
Beatrice got it!

This week,Sally gets to see what Paul does for a living.

Excerpt:

“Paul, you built this thing?” Sally was slack jawed. “It is a hotel, not a cabin. How many will this rental sleep?” She whistled as they pulled up to the massive entry. The driveway was winding and had hidden the sprawling place until the last curve and then this huge place just appears, like clouds parting and the sun beaming through, this cabin was spectacular.

Helping her out of the truck and around to the steps, he let her run up the wide stairs leading to the 8 foot tall front doors, decorated with wrought iron and a mountain scenery carved into it. “One of the several we are finishing up in this section. Takes a big crew to get them built. It's able to sleep 30 to 40 people easy.” Unlocking the door for her, inviting her in and closing it behind them. “It's a lot chillier up here this high into the mountains, I'll start up the fireplace and I need to inspect some things while we are here. If you want you can roam around, it shouldn't take me long to do what I need to do and then I'm all yours.” She was staring up at the huge fireplace mantel and moose horns above.

Shaking her head in wonder, she finally answered. “Oh. Alright. I wasn't expecting it to be furnished already. It's beautiful.” Looking out at the view through the massive windows, the living area was very open and three stories tall. Walking up to the picture window, it was like the outdoors was inside with you. “Breathtaking.”

“Yes, you are.” Paul wound his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. “You'll be okay on your own? We can eat some lunch in just a little bit if you want.” Planting a kiss on her neck.

Turning back to him. “Of course.” Nose scrunched up. “Probably best you are not around when I run around like a kid checking out this place.” Hugging him close. “Hurry up and do what you gotta do.” Up on tiptoes, she gave him a smooch before heading towards the upper floors.

What does Paul do for a living?

A. Build log cabins

B. Cleans houses

C. Build bridges

D. Electrician

A. He's a builder ;-)

A. He builds amazing log cabins!

Y'all got it :D

Bonus round, last quiz of the month! It went by so fast. In this scene, Paul and Sally want to get married.

Excerpt:

Winding down the mountain to town, they pulled up in front of the beautiful white chapel at five minutes till 8. Paul jumped out and handed Sally down and they made their way up the steps. Happy that the doors were unlocked. Walking up the aisle together, they saw a large man up ahead. The closer they got, Sally saw he had white hair under an old ball cap. He turned when they approached, smiling.

“Well, good morning. Nice to see you two again.” He grinned.

Sally and Paul both realized they were looking at Santa. “Santa?” Sally giggled.

“Actually not right now.” He winked. He shook their hands and introduced himself. “Pastor Cornelius Stone at your service, or Pastor Neely as everyone tends to call me. How can I help you two today? Let me guess.” He ran his hand over his white fluffy beard. “You must have figured out that y'all were the others 'One'.” He chuckled.

They both shot looks at each other in wonder.

“Yes, I remember both of you asked Santa for the same thing.” He smiled and clapped his hands together. “So, what can I do for you two.”

Paul told Pastor Neely that they would really like to get married immediately. “I am more than willing to make a large donation if you would be able to marry us today.” He stared nervously, clenching Sally close.

Who did Paul and Sally realize Pastor Neely was?

A. A famous ice skater

B. The Easter bunny

C. Buddy the Elf

D. Santa Claus

D. Santa :-)

You are so good Shanna!
The answer was: D. Santa Claus

Thank y'all so much for participating in 'meet the author'. It was a wonderful privilege to meet everyone, and have the spotlight for a little while. I look forward to seeing our future listed authors. For everyone that took part in the game, I put together a special free day for my book, Winter Delight, on Friday, February 1, 2019. Please grab it if you haven't already!

Stay tuned for Shanna Swenson, Our author of the month for February.