- A guest post by Romance Author Devika Fernando -
Have you ever thought about the importance of the setting of a fiction romance story?
If you think that in Romance or also Erotic Romance the setting cannot change the main purpose of the book, you could be wrong…
Or haven’t you ever dreamt of a hot love story taking place in a foreign exotic country?
We asked ourselves how a romance story changes with an international or even exotic setting. Does it do something additional for the reader compared to “ordinary” storylines? And who could give us a better answer than an author, who grew up in different countries, has not only a multicultural heritage but also relationship herself!
Therefore:
Let’s introduce Devika Fernando, author of International Romance Stories and Multicultural Romance Books: hear what she has to say about the greatest advantages of stories happening in exotic places!
About Devika Fernando:
Almost as soon as Devika Fernando could write, she imagined stories and poems. After finishing her education in Germany and returning to her roots in Sri Lanka, she got a chance to turn her passion into her profession. Having lived in Germany and in Sri Lanka with her husband has made her experience the best (and the worst) of two totally different worlds - something that influences her writing. Her trademark is writing sweet and sensual, deeply emotional romance stories where the characters actually fall in love instead of merely falling in lust. She has written and co-written more than 15 books - and still has to pinch herself sometimes to make sure she is not dreaming.
What she loves most about being an author is the chance to create new worlds and send her protagonists on a journey full of ups and downs that will leave them changed. She draws inspiration from everyone and everything in life. Besides being a romance novel author, Devika is a faithful servant to all the cats and dogs she has adopted. When she's not writing, she's reading or thinking about writing.
Be aware:
Devika writes romances that are on the sweeter side. But hey, remember: when the storyline is great and everything fits together nicely, the erotica can evolve at least as hot in your imagination as if the author writes the steamy sex scenes down word-by-word…
Why Devika loves to write International Romance
So why is Devika focusing on writing International Romance and Multicultural Romance Books?
She gave us three main reasons and trust us: all these reasons apply also why you should once at least try out an international romance story!
Reason 1: Armchair Travel
From an early age on, I was fascinated by other countries. I wanted to learn about their cultures, history, languages, interesting places. But I never really got the chance to actually travel, not even as an adult. So I’ve always resorted to armchair travel. There’s nothing more amazing than immersing yourself in a good book that transports you far away. That brings a country or city alive in a way where you can almost smell, taste, hear and touch it.
Once I decided to become a self-published romance novelist, I just knew I would continue the armchair traveling, now as a writer. Nothing beats the feeling of sitting down to online research about a place and exploring it, then choosing how my protagonists and plot will reveal all the exotic details to my readers.
Reason 2: Multicultural Romance
I’m the child of a mixed-race marriage, and technically my own marriage is interracial too because I’m a German and my husband is a Sri Lankan. That’s one reason why I love writing about multicultural couples. The other being that life shows us that love can transcend all boundaries, geographical or otherwise.
I’m also an innkeeper and see all sorts of multicultural couples among our guests from around the globe. It’s proof of my firm believe in true love knowing no limits, and fuel for my multicultural romance novels.
By choosing an international setting and at least one character living in that country, I can add lots of layers to the story. It can also enhance the conflict, create misunderstandings or challenges, change the protagonists because of new experiences.
Reason 3: Fascinating Settings
I’ve had several readers tell me that they loved the setting of my books almost as much as the characters and story. That makes me so happy and proud because I feel the same as a reader - if the author succeeds in bringing the location alive and filling me with a longing to travel there, then it’s mission accomplished. So I always try to make the setting a part of the book rather than just the place where things happen.
So far, I’ve taken my readers on trips to Spain, Italy, Germany, Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, Canada, England, America, Iceland, and fictitious European kingdoms. I’m sure I’ll never run out of countries for my international romance novels.
I think everyone of us is curious right now about Devika’s books.
So check out our small selection of her work! All books are part of a series. However, they all can be read stand-alone. And all of a HEA Guarantee and give you a good start into discovering Multicultural Romance Books!
Seduced in Spain
Sometimes all that two people need to make things right is a second chance…
Nine years ago, Alejandro broke Emily's heart, but a business trip to Spain forces her to be in his company again. Old wounds are reopened and new temptations complicate things even more. When life leaves her no choice, she realizes that sometimes the heart doesn’t listen to the brain. Will Emily win the battle against her forbidden desire and Alejandro’s charm, or will history repeat itself?
Get your copy here: Seduced in Spain
Saved in Sri Lanka
Some people are destined to meet.
It sure feels that way when Sri Lankan tour guide Sepalika
meets Daniel. The mysterious tourist from Ireland steals his way into her heart and makes her question everything her life is built upon. Instant attraction turns to love – but does he feel the same? And what about the secret she’s hiding from him?
Follow the two on their quest for a happy ending amid the beauty and wonders of the tropical island paradise of Sri Lanka.
Get your copy here: Saved in Sri Lanka
The Indian Prince's Scandalous Bride
Wedding planner Ashley Davies has left England behind to organize a royal wedding in India. She’s expected a cultural shock and lots of unforgettable memories – but never in a million years would she have thought she’d fall in love. When the mysterious and irresistible Vivaan turns out to be none other than an Indian prince, it’s time for her to make a decision: risk everything for the sake of what feels like so much more than a holiday fling, or resist their forbidden attraction and save her job as well as her heart?
Prince Vivaan of Yogeshpur certainly doesn’t want to get involved in the organization of his brother’s grand wedding, but then a free-spirited and smart redhead from England captures his interest. Suddenly he finds himself eager to get to know a woman who would never receive his mother’s royal seal of approval. Should he give in to his feelings or stay away from the ‘scandalous’ wedding planner?
Get your copy here: The Indian Prince's Scandalous Bride
Sweet Surprises
Italy has always fascinated Victoria. Now that the interior designer from America is there to
help convert a grand old villa into an inn, it feels like a dream come true – even more so when she falls head over heels in love with the handsome gardener. The few precious days she shares with Riccardo make her rethink every decision she’s ever made in life. But just when Victoria is ready to take a leap of faith, she learns that her irresistible Italian isn’t who she thinks.
Riccardo Moretti is the heir to a marble empire fortune and definitely not relationship material. But when the fascinating American woman overseeing the villa’s transformation mistakes him for someone else, he seizes the opportunity. With her, he can truly be himself, removed from scandals and from his family’s claws. He’s lost his closed-off heart to the talented, outspoken foreigner - but will their love be enough to overcome all the obstacles and secrets in their way?
Get your copy here: Sweet Surprises
Hidden Hopes
The last thing famous Hollywood actor Colby Williams needs is another personal tragedy splattered all over the media. To lie low and find himself again, the star stays incognito at a cozy bed & breakfast in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. But the solitude is broken by another guest: an intriguing woman who sees beyond his brooding surface and makes him feel alive again. Should he really open his heart and his life to her?
Hope Parker has come to Pleasant View to meet one of her best friends, not to fall in love with a mysterious stranger whose mood changes are infuriating. But something about this man on a quest for a second chance touches her. Can she handle the baggage he comes with?
Get your copy here: Hidden Hopes
Or do you want to follow Devika more closely?
You can find her not only on Social Media but also get in touch with her on her own website. So check her out!
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