An Interview with Romance Author Sheryl Lister

Let me introduce you to the third member of our Irresistible Husband series team, Sheryl Lister, who has become my friend since we’ve worked on these books. We were very excited when Sheryl agreed to join us in the collaboration. She has a great catalogue that includes contemporary romance and women’s fiction. The hero in my novel, Marry Me, is the cousin of the hero in her novel, so I asked Sheryl to answer some questions so you can get to know her better and get the scoop on her book, Choose Me.

What is your greatest accomplishment as an author so far?

I think my greatest accomplishment is actually publishing 33 books in just over eight years. The feeling of releasing one of my babies into the world never gets old.

For readers who don’t know you, where do you suggest they start in your catalogue of books?

Hmm…I’ll say Tempting Hunter and you can find it here: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Which of your books would make a great movie?

Ooh, this is a tough one! But at this moment, I’d say CLOSER TO YOU.

How do you pamper yourself?

Self-care is at the top of my list, so I do lots of things: monthly massage and pedicure, take myself to lunch, indulge in a long bubble bath with candles, wine and music.

Who should play you in the movie about your life, and why did you choose this actress?

I’d choose Angela Bassett for her regal bearing, elegance and fierceness.

Give the title of three books on your home bookshelf.

My Name is Ona Judge by Suzette D. Harrison, Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, and Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins.

Tell us about your Irresistible Husband novel, Choose Me.

Xavier Fuller is a protector and is pretty much laid-back…until he’s not. Zena is somewhat shy until she hits the stage and starts singing. Here’s what it’s about:

He’s making his case for love…one kiss at a time.

Since his engagement crashed and burned, Xavier Fuller wonders if marriage and a family are what he really wants anymore. Instead, he buries himself in work and taking his family’s trucking company to the next level. Yet, one encounter with beautiful Zena Henderson reawakens something inside him, and fortunately, the attraction isn’t one-sided. Each sensual kiss draws them closer and Xavier is determined to show her that he’s the only man for her, now and forever.

A string of dating disasters prompts Zena to adopt a new motto: never give your heart, never get hurt. But nothing could prepare the aspiring singer for sexy, compassionate Xavier. He’s seducing her with his words, tempting her with his passion and challenging everything she thought she believed about love. Now, Zena will have to choose between playing it safe and risking her heart one last time.

Who was your least favorite character in the book? Who was your favorite?

There’s a tie for my least favorite character in Choose Me – Mike and Lydia. After you read the story, let me know which you think is worse.  My favorite character, hands down is Xavier. He’s definitely my kind of hero!

How is the final novel different from when you originally started writing the story?

It doesn’t happen often, but this particular story didn’t change much at all. Hallelujah!

Please share an excerpt from Choose Me.

“I’m supposed to be cooking dinner for you,” Xavier murmured between kisses.

“Mmm hmm, you are.” Zena’s eyes popped open and she gasped. The words left her mouth before they registered to her brain.

The low rumble of his laughter echoed in the room.

She groaned and lowered her head to his shoulder. “I so was not supposed to say that out loud.”

He smiled at her. “But you’re right, we were doing some of the best cooking. But I did promise you food, so I should probably get started.”

As he slowly let her body slide down his, she felt the solid ridge of his erection and stifled a moan. Yeah, you’ve already started something.

“Besides, the way your stomach is growling, I should probably feed you.”

Her mouth fell open and she swatted his arm. “Oh, hush.” She tried to frown, but couldn’t stop the smile that broke free.

Xavier bent and dropped a quick kiss on her lips, then rounded the bar, stopping first to sync his phone to the Bluetooth speaker on the counter. Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up” filled the space and she immediately started humming along. Zena sat sipping her wine, fascinated as he moved around the kitchen combining the mixture for the salmon and slicing mushrooms and broccoli as if he did it all the time. She found herself rocking from side to side to the mixture of old and new school R&B music.

“I guess you really love singing, huh? You’re over there jamming to every song that plays.”

She laughed. “I can’t help it. If music is on, I’m singing. Every time. What about you? I hear you over there humming and I thought you said you couldn’t sing.”

“Right. Humming under my breath, not out loud. Not singing.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. You sound alright.” When he told her he was an encourager of the choir, she assumed he could barely hold a tune, but he actually had a nice voice.

“Exactly. Just Alright. Not amazing, like you.”

“Ooh, this is my song.” Zena hopped off the stool and started dancing to Leela James’ “Say That.”

Xavier nodded. “Okay, I see you. You can sing and dance. Now dancing I can handle.” He checked the rice, then danced his way to where she stood. Taking her hand, he swung her around, pulled her to him and released her again.

She hadn’t felt this free with a man in a long while, but there was something about Xavier that had her dropping her guard little by little. The song ended and “If Only For One Night” by Luther began. Without missing a beat, he gathered her in his embrace and started a slow sway. Zena rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes, savoring being in his arms, inhaling his warm, earthy scent, and wanting this one night with him to never end.

Halfway through the song, he said, “I could stand here and dance with you all night, sweet baby.”

Thanks so much for stopping by and answering my questions. Readers, be sure to pick up Choose Me and visit Sheryl at her links below.

Be sure to read the other interview with our collaboration partner, Sharon C. Cooper.

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Apple

Sheryl Lister is a multi-award winning author who writes sweet, sensual contemporary romance featuring intelligent and slightly flawed characters who always find love. She is a former pediatric occupational therapist with over twenty years of experience and often says she “played” for a living. A California native, Sheryl is a wife, mother of three daughters and a son-in-love, and grandmother to two special little boys. When she’s not writing, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers.

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