JUST GIVE ME A REASON TO RETURN: ONE WEEK IN GREECE by Demi Alex
Each time I visit Greece, I don’t want to leave. One week, two months, a whole summer is never enough. So, having a legitimate reason to return and try seeing my birthplace as a first-time visitor, I board a flight from Miami to Athens, heading to Mykonos as most locals do…via ferry. After all, it’s research. Someone needs to do it. It may as well be me.
I’m happy to be here with you today, sharing a few research and ferry tidbits from the third book in the International Affairs Series, One Week in Greece.
For me, the writing process isn’t as solitary as it appears. I like brainstorming, discussing, and even plotting with friends. I finally sit down and write, changing most what I initially thought I’d be writing. When the work is complete, I’m lucky enough to have a few people I can share with before I revise. One of my favorite beta readers unknowingly provided the prompt for this blog. She called me mere minutes after the opening chapter of One Week in Greece hit her inbox.
“Why would Bethany, a spoiled brat daughter of a rich man, take a ferry and not a plane to Mykonos?”
First, Bethany isn’t a spoiled brat…more on that between the pages of One Week in Greece. Second, it’s the Greek thing to do. (Bethany wants the true experience.)
When you’re Greek Island hopping, ferries are the way to go. Quick, affordable, efficient, and so much more than simple transportation, ferries provide an authentic experience. There’s a plethora of companies and schedules to choose from, and booking a ticket for one of the ferries, high speed ferries, hi speed catamarans, or hydrofoils isn’t hard. In most cases, you can purchase passage on the day of sailing—but I don’t risk it during peak summer season.
Three things not to miss onboard:
- The upper decks, which are open to the gorgeous sky and provide nature’s sea-breeze as air conditioning. There is something extra special about the scent of the sea, the glimmer of the sun on the deep waters, and the possible dolphin sighting. Sailing into a port is just as magical. The islands have unique architectures and ‘flavors’, as Greeks say.
- The ship’s café. Seriously, even the fast-food version is delicious and serves a variety of coffees and treats. My personal favorites are the Freddo Cappuccino (daytime) and hot cappuccino (at night—it can get chilly once the sun is down).
- The comradery amongst the travelers. Don’t hide out in a cabin. Mingle. The most appealing factor of ferry travel is the social aspect. Friends and family gather around tables and talk, and talk, and talk…Strangers turn to each other and share stories. It’s common for food specialties that have been gathered from the ports of call to make it onto those tables, as well. Being at sea for hours provides great bonding opportunities and the chance for new relationships to develop.
Granted, when it comes to setting a novel in Greece, I’m rather biased. I enjoy it more than I should, and my fingers happy-dance over the keyboard. I even nod to myself as I type. I adore the ethnic quirks, the mouthwatering food, the rich language…well, all of it. Yes, I already admitted I’m biased, so don’t judge me when I stress how much I totally love the country where love finds a way in One Week in Greece. Hope you enjoy Greece, too!
XOXO,
Demi
ONE WEEK IN GREECE…………
A thousand reasons why three is the luckiest number . . .
Bethany Michaels is headed to the sun-bleached island of Mykonos on business, not pleasure. But an unexpected face from the past will introduce her to a brand-new desire . . .
Proving her business acumen to her demanding father is Bethany’s only goal as she boards a ferry for Mykonos—and the beautiful resort she’s determined to acquire for her family’s hotel chain. Gorgeous Greek hunk Paul Lallas stands in her way—alongside his lover, Justin Bentley, who broke Bethany’s heart into a million pieces years ago. When the two men make their very personal interest in her clear, mergers and acquisitions are suddenly the last thing on Bethany’s mind. Could the chance to live out every one of her forbidden fantasies lead to a future more blissful than she ever imagined?
You can purchase ONE WEEK IN GREECE at:
Kensington Books
About the Author:
Demi Alex writes steamy romances, blending emotional fulfillments of the heart and carnal desires in her work. Born in Athens, Greece, and raised in her own version of a big fat Greek life in New York, Demi was infected with book and travel bugs early, and currently admits the only therapy for this condition is to combine the two in fictional stories that allow her characters to let loose and experience all they crave. She attended SUNY at Stony Brook, and after changing her major numerous times, graduated with a degree in Public Policy and International Studies. Her characters are loosely based on people she encounters while she travels or during the time she spends matching homes to owners as a Realtor. She simply has a passion for matchmaking that can’t be put to rest.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/?field-keywords=9781516102020
Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781516102020?uo=8
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Author Links:
Website: http://demialex.com/
