Because of a mix-up with the publisher, I haven't yet had a chance to read The "What If" Guy, a contemporary romance by Brooke Moss. So, we'll save the review for later and do something else. How about a guest post by the author? Good idea? I think so, too.

Come on ... you don't really think that all romance writers write from experience only, do you? Contrary to popular belief, we are not all running around in flowing gowns and rolling around with shirtless warriors on white sand beaches while waves crash nearby. Most of us are normal chicks. Some with husbands and families, some without. Some with day jobs, some without. But I'll let you in on a little secret: We authors wear a lot of sweats.

I love watching a good chick flick for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, I love watching a couple fall in love. There is nothing that warms my heart more. Plus, in each and every chick flick out there, there are subplots and characters that usually inspire a story to blossom in my mind. That blossom quickly becomes a sapling which, unless written, will become a redwood tree that will eventually keep me up at night. I use this inspiration, these small details from these movies, to inspire me.

There are all sorts of kissing scenes that have inspired me to write different parts in my books. Some are sweet, tender first kisses that make me want to sigh blissfully and remember my own kiss that happened in the small town of my youth, in front of the library building. Others are passionate kisses that make me blush and reach for the cigarettes I no longer smoke. Some are initiated by conflict, full of anger and rage that quickly morphs into passion. Others are brought on by acute sadness that evolves into a desperate affirmation of what is real and good on the earth.

In my debut novel, The "What If" Guy (out today from Entangled Publishing), the characters were inspired by a kissing scene in the movie The Bounty Hunter. There is something about seeing Gerard Butler kissing a woman that makes me want to sit down and write. Call me crazy ... I prefer the term infatuated.

What are some of your favorite kisses? Do you have an amazing kiss story to share? Let it inspire you to write, paint, sculpt, or create something. If you're not a creative-minded person, then let it encourage you to go and give someone you love a big, fat, juicy kiss. There have been some pretty amazing kisses up until now. I can only hope my book might serve as an inspiration in the romance department for some of you.

My name is Brooke Moss and, like I said, my debut novel The "What If" Guy is available through Entangled Publishing. It tells the story of single mom Autumn Cole, who is returning to the small town of her youth to reluctantly claim her role as daughter of the town drunk. Her angst increases when she discovers that her son's history teacher is none other than the college sweetheart she left behind years ago.

As a writer, it's my passion to find the love story within every couple's past. I like to provide stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartwarming and I am thrilled to be sharing my book with you. The "What If" Guy is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books on Board, and at your local bookseller. A special thanks goes to Entangled Publishing for their amazing prizes and giveaways. Thanks, guys!

Find me on the web: Website, Blog, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook

Fondly,

Brooke Moss

(Note from Susan: Because I'm an idiot and couldn't figure out how to copy and paste this guest post, I had to type it up myself. Any typos/errors are my own fault. Also, Entangled Publishing and Coffee Time Romance are offering a Kobo e-reader to one lucky reader. Contest starts August 5.)