Today we have Benjamin Starwell from Amber Daulton’s Arresting Benjamin. Let’s find out more about him and his story!
For the record, what’s your name and where are you from?
Hey, Eileen. Thanks for inviting me to chat today.
I’m Benjamin Starwell, but since my dad is also a Benjamin, rather a Ben, everyone calls me Benji. Some people snicker about the shortened form of my name because of that movie with the scruffy dog, but I don’t care what people think about me. I grew up and still live in Denver, Colorado, and the last thing I want to do is leave. I might have to, though. It all depends on how things work out with Belle.
When you look in a mirror, what do you see? Physically and personality-wise?
I see a dedicated, hardworking, and stubborn man with blue eyes, a perpetual five o’clock shadow, and shaggy, auburn hair that curls around my ears. I’m pretty broad in the shoulders and chest, and I top out at about six-feet-two. I’m loyal to those I love. When I set my mind to something, I do it. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts.
What’s your goal in this story?
To make amends with Belle. A few months back, we had a one-night stand, and I skipped out on her. I regret that more than anything else I’ve done in my life.
What conflicts are you facing?
Whew! Where do I start?
Belle has a stalker who’s leaving her threatening messages and trying to derail her music career. The threats keep escalating, and the police aren’t worth their badges.
Then there’s Meghan, my estranged sister. She’s back in town with a ton of baggage, but she’s acting like her shit don’t stink. Though I’m relieved she’s left her drug lord boyfriend, she’s dumped all her problems on my lap and expects me to fix everything.
I swear, if it wasn’t for the women in my life, I’d be bored.
What did you think the first time you saw Belle?
Hot. Mouth-watering, screw-me-sideways hot. I don’t mean to get too graphic, but it was like all the blood in my body pooled between my legs and zapped my commonsense. Not that I melted into a puddle at Belle’s feet. I have more self-control than that. But honestly, I was a goner. That’s why I disappeared on her the next morning.
What is your occupation? Are you any good at it? Do you like it?
My dad opened Ben’s Auto Repair years ago when I was little, and when he passed on, I inherited the business. Everything I know I learned from him. I love my job. Though I’d rather get my hands dirty and work on an engine, I’m usually stuck in the office filing paperwork, calling suppliers, or taking inventory of my stock more often than not these days. That’s the curse of being the boss.
What skill do you have that you’re proud of?
Other than being an awesome mechanic (no arrogance there, I really am good), I’m fairly skilled at playing the keyboard. I’ve always enjoyed music, whether I’m playing or listening to it, but I had to choose which of my two great loves to pursue when I was a teenager—the garage or music. I picked the former. I just didn’t have time for both.
Do you own your own home or rent?
I live in a two-story duplex and share a central wall with Lando, my landlord. Crazy name, right? It’s like the man was born to be a landlord, but I don’t have room to talk with a name like Benji. Anyway, he’s the best. Lando hasn’t upped my rent in years, and now that he’s getting older, he deducts my payment when I mow the grass and do general upkeep on the house.
What event in your past has left the most profound impression on you?
Meeting Alan. Meghan was in the process of getting her life back together, so she brought home her new boyfriend for a family meet and greet. Al blew me away. I was expecting a womanizing drunk since Meghan always went for pricks like that, but Alan was anything but. He was polite, sober, and genuinely liked her. At the time, he was estranged from his own brother, and since Meghan and I weren’t close, we found common ground and bonded. Even after Meghan went off the rails and broke up with him, Al and I stayed friends. He’s like the brother I never had.
What other character from your book do you think your author should write a book about? Care to tell us why?
You’ll meet three characters in my book that will have a story of their own.
Belle’s friends, Shea and Trevor, will have a second chance romance in Trevor’s Redemption, which is now available for preorder at the low cost of 99 cents.
Arresting Alan, starring you-know-who, will be released in April 2024. Alan’s no longer hung up on my sister, and I want him to find happiness and love with someone else. He’s been through a lot and deserves only the best.
About Amber Daulton
Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through The Wild Rose Press, Books to Go Now, and Daulton Publishing, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.
https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton
Excerpt
Benji wrapped his arms around her from behind. “We’ve already christened your bedroom. What’s next—the kitchen counter, wall, or futon? I prefer the balcony, but it’s too damn cold.”
“The counter.” She giggled. Did that girly sound come from her mouth?
He shifted her in his embrace and cupped her cheek. The shadows dancing across his face deepened his blue eyes like ocean waves in a midnight storm. He gripped her waist and lifted her into his arms.
Belle clamped her legs around him and clutched his strong shoulders. Their mouths meshed and tongues twisted together. The oh-so-yummy shaft in his jeans pressed against her belly.
He carried her to the kitchen and bumped into a chair. “Ouch, damn it.” The wood screeched on the floor as he hobbled, nearly dropping her.
She laughed, holding him tighter. As he sat her by the sink, she sucked his bottom lip between her teeth. A husky groan escaped his mouth. “You’re wearing too many clothes.” She plucked his dress shirt from his jeans and yanked off her blouse.
Benji jerked the shirt over his head. His undershirt followed. He skimmed his index finger beneath her bra strap, lighting a trail of heat along her shoulder.
“Yes. There.” She gripped his hard arms as he teased her throbbing pulse with his tongue. Then he laved his naughty touch across the swell of her breasts. His breath fanned her like a sauna. “No. Wait.” She grappled for him as he twisted from her hold.
“Naked. Now.” He pushed up her skirt and pulled down her thick insulated stockings. “Shit.” The fabric bunched around her boots, so he unzipped the leather and tossed them over his shoulder. The boots thumped across the room. Then he pulled off her hose and panties.
Belle unbuttoned his jeans and pushed down the denim.
His hard cock sprang from a bush of dark curls with a pearl drop moistening the tip. He gripped her hips and speared her in one long thrust.
“Oh, God!” She arched her back and banged her head on a cabinet door.
Blurb
A one-night stand, a surprise baby, and a mysterious stalker.
Mechanic Benjamin Starwell can’t stop thinking about Belle Hamlin, the ballsy musician he slept with and skipped out on months earlier. He never meant to get her pregnant, but he’ll do whatever it takes to win back her trust and be a part of his child’s life. His desire for Belle drives him to be a better man, but he’s worn thin with a garage to run and his estranged sister dumping her troubles on him.
Belle’s juggling impending motherhood, her indie rock career, and a stalker who’s determined to see her fail. Even though she’s desperate to get her priorities straight, she pushes aside her past hurt and welcomes Benji back into her bed. She never expects him to slip into her heart.
When the danger escalates, they face the greatest challenge of all—protecting their unborn child.
Add it to Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61398149-arresting-benjamin
Check it out on BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/books/arresting-benjamin-by-amber-daulton
Download Links
Universal link – https://books.amberdaulton.com/arrestingbenjamin
Amazon US – https://amzn.to/3usC6SN
Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940186751144
iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id6443054336
Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/arresting-benjamin
Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=JHJ5EAAAQBAJ
Thank you for the great interview!