Writer's Rooms: Mollie Mathews

Writer’s Rooms: Mollie Mathews

Date: 26th December 2023, Posted by mollie

Readers often ask me, “Where do you write your books?” I have lots of lovely writing spots, but one of the most joyful is my sunny room overlooking the sea.

If you look carefully, you’ll see some of the crystals I live so much, paintings created by me
(So many of my favourite stories have art-related themes…have you read my Christmas Novel, The Italian Billionaire’s Christmas Bride? It stars an art therapist and her very reluctant billionaire clothing magnate on a luxury island in Fiji)

Can you see the little magenta orchid on my desk? I love orchids. They are one of my favourite flowers and inspire many of my stories. My upcoming romance, Stolen By the Sheikh, features a billionaire crown prince with a passion for growing orchids and saving endangered species.

In the first book in the series, Claimed by The Sheikh, the heroine, a pioneering architect with a passion for sensuous curves, designs a wonderful building inspired by orchids.

FREE CHAPTER: where orchids play a shining role

I wanted to share some chapters from Claimed by The Sheikh where orchids play a shining role. I hope you’ll enjoy these excerpts and learning more about the passion which inspired this romance. Scroll to the bottom of this post from links to enjoy more FREE ROMANCE BOOKS BY MOLLIE MATHEWS.

CHAPTER 44

In that moment, even though her fearful mind was yelling heartbreaker, Melanie wanted desperately to know that whatever happened in the future, Tariq’s love and admiration were unconditional.

“Your design is singularly beautiful,” he said. “Again, like you.”

“The design emerged,” she said, noting her voice’s strident march of confidence. “I didn’t try to make it stand out, nor did I wish it to blend in. It’s very contextual. Every little line is related to an energetic point in the landscape, using the existing terrain geometries rather than mimicking. It’s layered, like archaeology. It came from that side.”

As she spoke, she heard the rationality of it all. That cerebral side of herself conveying little of the depth of her emotions.

“I wanted to create a profound sense of belonging—to the place, to the people. To the future that lies in wait. You’ll notice that floral motifs abound just as they do in Islamic art. As you know, they are often associated with ideas of paradise, well-being, and other blessings. I knew this was important to you and the sanctuary’s success.”

She swept her hand over the undulating curves of the model, following the rhythm of the geometric forms. If you look closely, you’ll see the roof line follows those of the petals of an orchid—the most highly coveted of ornamental plants. The delicate, exotic and graceful orchid represents love, luxury, beauty, and strength,” she said.

“In ancient Greece, orchids were associated with virility,” she said. “I thought, as the sponsor, the theme suited you perfectly. The word ‘orchid’ is derived from the Greek word orchis, which means testicles.” She hurried over the definition, anxious to ensure her intent was not to evoke desire but to clarify the symbolic meaning.

“The name originates from the shape of the root tubers of the plant. For this reason, orchids have been associated with sexuality in many cultures. Plus, unlike most flowers with round petals, orchids have petals in geometrical shapes. Because of their symmetry and the straight lines on their petals, orchids represent beauty in symmetry and are considered epitomes of rare beauty.”

“Beauty and virility. How beautifully conceived,” his eyes glittered. “Of course, we want the animals that find sanctuary here to flourish and reproduce.”

“Of course,” she said, hoping he didn’t notice the sexy friskiness that lifted her voice. “Then there is love,” she continued. “Orchids are considered symbols of love because the plants grow easily and bloom under most conditions.”

“Even when things seem barren?” he asked.

“Yes, even in the most inhospitable climates. Even when they are neglected, they still show love. Her thoughts momentarily floated to the way she had blossomed since coming to Avana, despite the struggles they had faced—and still faced.

“During the Victorian era, it was a custom to gift exotic and rare flowers to show love and affection,” Tariq said, revealing his supreme knowledge of botany.

“It was even believed that the rarer the flower you chose as a gift, the deeper was your love. In parts of Europe, orchids were seen used as a key ingredient in love potions. You, Melanie Jones, have given me the perfect gift—the rarest of orchids—a building of sublime beauty and unparalleled elegance. I am indebted to you.”

She should have been thrilled by the compliment were it not for the little tuber, the little symbol of their love that had yet to flower in the fullness of truth. She would tell him that night, she decided. Hopefully, Tariq was in the mood to celebrate.

She had thrown everything at the project and unleashed her most innovative, visionary, futuristic designs. She had taken the most rebellious part of herself, drawing upon all the worst criticisms her detractors had thrown at her.

Impractical. Bossy. Brazen. She abandoned their hold over her and put her critics to the test. In doing so, she sought to free herself of her belief that to be accepted, she had to remain passive, servile, and small. Even nice—heaven forbid!

She gave all that up and risked it all. Because in the end, she knew all that mattered, all that would remain, all that would be validated, was love.

Love of her design. Love of her work. Love of her soul. Maybe, even love of her as a woman. And, if tonight went well, love for her as Tariq’s son’s mother.

And in that moment, she cried tears inside. Not tears of sadness, or victory. But something deeper. Finally, she felt free. She recognised she no longer had to accept other people’s authority over her. Nor other people’s visions for her life.

But she told Tariq none of that. Instead, she merely said, “Thank you.” Even those words, those two little words, were huge in magnitude.

But she knew if she was to truly free herself of the past she must give. She must offer him something of herself. And so, she offered the only thing she could—a glimmer of her vulnerability.

“Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for allowing me to be free to be me.”

Melanie’s heart felt as if it was trying to escape from her chest as she prepared to say the words she had longed to tell Tariq for three long and lonely years.

“I have another creation I would like to gift you tonight—if you will have it.”

To enjoy your copy from Amazon: https://mybook.to/ClaimedByTheSheikh

To enjoy your copy from iBooks, Barnes & Noble and other great bookstores:

https://books2read.com/u/brVjdZ

To enjoy your copy from Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ebook/claimed-by-the-sheikh-8

AUDIOBOOK

KOBO

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/claimed-by-the-sheikh-9

AUDIBLE

US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08ZB1KSM3

UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Claimed-by-the-Sheikh-Audiobook/B08Z9L7D9G

AU: https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Claimed-by-the-Sheikh-Audiobook/B08ZB8H17F

You may also this enjoy the audio excerpt and video>>

TO WATCH THE VIDEO AND HEAR THE FREE EXCERPT CLICK HERE:

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY

Interview with Author Mollie Mathews

The inspiration for my heroine in Claimed by the Sheikh

The art of romance

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