Catering to the Italian Playboy by Tamelia Tumlin

Catering to the Italian Playboy by Tamelia Tumlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Catering to the Italian Playboy by Tamelia Tumlin is a 2012 Steel Magnolia Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the SMP street team in exchange for an honest review.
Six years ago, Sophie had a fling with Max. It was a one night stand and Sophie took off afterwards and never saw Max again... until now, that is. The timing would never have been right to run into Max after all this time, but it had to be when Sophie had to take care of an embarrassing assignment. She recognized Max, but he didn't seem to know who she was. She didn't think he remembered her, but he remembered her alright. He had never really gotten her out of his system. When Max discovers that Sophie not only remembers him too, but has a little souvenir of that night they shared together, Max's life changes forever.
This contemporary romance is light hearted, but there are real issues addressed. We all make decisions based on the information we have. Sometimes though we don't have all the information we need and we draw a wrong conclusion. This was the case in this story. Sophie had a troubled life growing up and was bitter towards her father. She was also brave and strong and was capable of taking care of herself without anyone's help. But, of course, help would be nice. For Sophie though the type of help Max wants to offer is changing her life up and she is having a hard time with the adjustment. The fact remains though that the two of them are tied to one another no matter what - forever. The question is will they work together as a couple or will they always keep their own personal lives separate? Will they be able to work things out as adults and do the right thing?
This book is not all that long, but there is a good deal of character growth and development. Many people can relate to Sophie's situation and it would be really hard to make the adjustments she is forced to make once Max is back in her life. She is also a product of her past and she is grieving the loss of her mother and feels like she should have done more for her.
Max was a free wheeling business man that naturally attracted the ladies. He had no ties or obligations other than business responsibilities. Now Max is faced with a serious responsibility and obligation and is trying to do the right thing for all concerned. Yet, he is still holding back from Sophie claiming that marriage is just not for him.
Overall I really liked the story and I loved the ending. Closure and forgiveness and a HEA. Overall this one is an A.

INTERVIEW WITH TAMELIA TUMLIN
Tamelia has been nice enough to take time from her very busy schedule to answer a few questions for us.  Welcome Tamelia!

1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was fourteen. I loved to read and would spend all of my spare time reading the young adult Silhouette romance series branded First Love. During my fourteenth summer I decided to try my hand at writing one myself. After all, how hard could it be? That summer Tender Yearning was born. Of course I had high hopes when I sent it to several publishers including Silhouette First Love. Naturally, it was rejected by all of the publishers, but I did receive a very encouraging personal rejection with feedback from the editor of Silhouette. Later, I would realize how very important that is in the publishing business. Even though Tender Yearning never saw the
light of day, all was not for naught. I learned three lessons that summer. One, I COULD write a complete book from start to finish. Two, weaving a solid story is hard work and takes practice. Three, I truly loved writing and would make it one day.

2. Do you write from home or do you have an office?
I write from home, usually from the couch while refereeing puppies and tending to my son.

　
　
3. How do you like to spend your spare time?
Spare time? What is that? Okay seriously, when I finally do have a few unaccounted for minutes I like to try new recipes (that’s not always a good idea I’ve discovered), read, and travel whenever possible. I’ve decided I have gypsy blood in my lineage somewhere because I would travel ALL the time if I could.

　
4. Where can readers contact you?
HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/tamelia.tumlin" https://www.facebook.com/tamelia.tumlin
HYPERLINK "http://www.tameliatumlin.com" www.tameliatumlin.com

5. What are you reading now?
At the moment I’m reading a Steeple Hill Love-Inspired Suspense, Holiday Hero by Shirlee McCoy

6. Who is your favorite romance novel hero?
My favorite romance novel hero is Rhett Butler.

7. Name your top five favorite romance novels.
I love all of Debbie Macomber’s books, but I especially loved her mercenary series ( Deliverance Company) . Someday Soon, Sooner or Later and The Sooner the Better
I also love Margaret Daley’s Heart of the Amazon and Cheryl Wyatt’s A Soldier’s Promise

8. What are you working on now?
A couple of things actually. I’m working on my next Italian romance as well as the next Gatekeeper’s novella. I also have a backlist novel which will be released with Steel Magnolia Press early summer. But, I’m itching to start a brand new story.

9. Tell us a little about your dogs.
My dogs are my babies. They have no idea they are not people. Very spoiled and like their human mama they love to go, eat and sport new clothes. Now, I hadn’t planned on getting any inside animals for a while, but a friend of mine who works in animal rescue knew someone who needed to find homes for her chiweenie (Chihuahua and Dachshund mix puppies). One of the puppies was born with a crippled back leg and the owners weren’t sure if he’d ever be able to run and play or even walk well. Though, my puppies weren’t actually shelter babies, I knew the crippled little guy needed a good home so I decided to take him even before I saw any of the puppies. Good thing too, since he hobbled straight to me when I went out to see them in the kennel. Of course, I didn’t want my new little fur baby to be alone all day while I worked so I took one of his sister’s too so he’d have company. Now, Duke and Duchess pretty much rule the house and you’ll be happy to know that Duke (the little crippled guy) runs and plays just fine. He has to hobble when he runs since his back leg won’t straighten out, but he doesn’t let it stop him. Both are happy, healthy and will be a year old next month. And of course, they both have my heart.

　
　
10. Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share?

Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.
Nido Qubein
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tamelia Tumlin sold her first story to Dogwood Tales Magazine many years ago while taking a creative writing course in college. The short story titled "The Traveler" was the feature story for that edition. After graduating college in elementary education, life, a teaching career and a wonderful son consumed most of her time. However, in the past couple of years, the yearning to pen fabulous romantic tales of to-die-for heroes and spirited heroines has taken over.
Ms. Tumlin has worked with several online publishers, but she is now writing for Steel Magnolia Press. Juggling motherhood, teaching and writing is a challenge, but one she welcomes to pursue her passion. Her novels range from sweet and sassy to dark and dangerous.Tamelia TumlinPersonal WebsiteRomance Author Tamelia Tumlin Facebooktwitter.com/tameliatumlinSteel Magnolia Press Website  My Romance Books Available Through Steel Magnolia PressCatering to the Italian Playboy $.99A Dragon's Seduction $.99A Dragon's Heart $.99 Deadly Image $.99Nightshifters $.99