Juliette Rochambeau was heartbroken when the boy she loved ran from South Carolina. Fifteen years later, she returns to her hometown to appraise her family's historic gem-encrusted necklace. Becket Ford is a thief whose regret over leaving Juliette behind tears at his heart. His remorse, however, must take a back seat when a sadistic puppet master forces him to use their connection to steal the necklace or die trying.

As they both vie for possession of the priceless jewels, lingering desire and emotion from years ago explode back to life. But escaping a madman and finding a future free of their past may just be a fantasy…

Wild Women Authors welcomes back author Jayne York as she celebrates Midnight Acquisition, a contemporary romantic suspense recently released 1/27/21 out of the Wild Rose Press. With Jayne is jewel appraiser, Juliette Rochambeau. As per our usual routine, Jules will go first.

Good morning, Juliette. Tell us a bit about yourself, starting with where you’re from. Charleston, S.C., born and raised.

Tell us a bit about Midnight Acquisition. It’s the story of the theft of my family’s most precious possession. You’d think that would be me, but you’d be wrong. The Rochambeau necklace was a gift from Marie Antionette to my ancestor in payment for keeping her lover safe during the Revolutionary War. Its center stone was always considered to be a rare and beautiful ruby. But when I returned home to the family’s jewelry store to appraise the piece prior to lending it to the Smithsonian, I discovered a shocking secret—one that would change our lives forever.

What did you think the first time you saw Becket Ford? He looked like he needed me. I was strolling down the beach, playing tag with the waves, and pondering my last few weeks of freedom before heading off to college. He was slumped on a sand dune staring out at Charleston Bay. Even from a distance I could tell he’d come up on someone’s bad side. One eye was swollen closed and the color of eggplant. His lip was split, and his shirt was ripped to rags.

What was your second thought? I heard my mama’s voice telling me to turn tail and run. But I always had a soft spot for whipped things. I offered him my scarf to blot the blood from his chin.

Then was it love at first sight? I’d call it more like curiosity. He was from a different world. One that was dangerous, sometimes reckless, and always unpredictable. Over that summer he introduced me to the wild side of life on the arm of a daring, intriguing bad boy. It didn’t take long to talk me out of my knickers. I handed him my “V” card like a tightly wrapped gift. After that I would have done anything he asked, including run away with him. I didn’t know how he made a living. I just wanted him. He had other ideas.

What do you like most about him? Even after everything that happened, despite fifteen years of no contact, he was still the reckless, brilliant, spontaneous spirt I remembered. He challenges me at every turn. He makes it possible to believe beyond the horizon.

How would you describe him? Physically he’s gorgeous. His light silvery gray eyes are his best feature. They pack a wallop. Emotionally he’s complicated, loyal and sometimes foolhardy.

How would Beck describe you? Surprising, I hope. I definitely give him a run for his money.

What made you choose jewelry appraisal for a career? When you grow up in a jewelry store like I did, either you focus on the merchandising side of the business or you gravitate to the manufacturing side. My father was frustratingly resistant to my desire to hang out with the men in the workshop. The only way I could find to prove myself as more than the boss’s daughter, was to strike out on my own. It took a decade for him to forgive me for leaving Charleston.

What is your biggest fear? Being a disappointment to my folks. Their trust means everything to me.

How do you relax? Relax? What’s that?

Who is your favorite fictional character? My namesake, Shakespeare’s Juliet. She gave up everything for the love of a bad boy.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? From my mother, Evie Rochambeau. Cardinal rule: Wear clean underwear in case you in an accident, and always pee before you go.

Thanks for taking time away from the Rochambeau Red to speak with us. Now it’s time to chat with Jayne.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? I cut my teeth on Austin, DuMaurier and eventually Roberts. I love the mix of intrigue and romance that drive you to the last page.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? In my professional life I’ve been a custom jeweler for the last forty-five years. Each piece, each customer has its own story. They’re my inspiration.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? The Wild Rose Press was recommended to me by a knowledgeable friend. They’ve been wonderful to work with. This is my second book with them.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I’m working my way through a series of craft books by K.M. Weiland and amassing a shelf full of reference books.

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? Midnight Acquisition debuts 1/27/21 available now for pre-order in e-book on Amazon and after the release, available on Amazon, Nook, iTunes(books)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P9SJ3YR

My first book, “If Wishes Were Horses” is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Wishes-Were-Horses-Jayne-York-ebook/dp/B07TVW54GQ

Both can be ordered through: TheWildRosePress.com catalogue

Give us a bit on the personal side of Jayne York. I can't resist the call of a great story. As the child of a world-class machinist and a frustrated artist, I learned early on the joy of creating handcrafted jewelry. Each piece, like every customer, has its own tale to tell. You'll find them, collected like pearls in a strand, inside my steamy contemporary romance and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense novels. Like my one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, the heroines in my books are rare, desirable and priceless. Their hearts can only be won by sexy, formidable heroes.

~*~ Find me online at: http://JayneYork.com

Website: JayneYork.com

Blog: JayneYork.com/What’s On My Mind

Email: Jayne@JayneYork.com

Twitter: @JayneYorkAuthor

Facebook: JayneYorkAuthor