Arresting Benjamin

Benjamin Starwell – Character Interview

August 2, 2023June 30, 2023 by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

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

October 15, 2022September 25, 2022 by eileentroemel, posted in Book Tour

A one-night stand, a surprise baby, and a mysterious stalker.

When the danger escalates, they face the greatest challenge of all—protecting their unborn child.

https://books2read.com/arrestingbenjamin/

Sexy Excerpt

Her breathing quickened as he thumbed her sensitive nipples. The chiseled muscles in his washboard abs flexed as she trailed her fingers south. She tugged down his boxers and fisted his hot, smooth organ.

He rocked his hips, pushing deeper into her grasp. “Lay down, babe.” As she tightened her grip, he groaned and gripped her arms. “Belle, no.”

“What’s wrong?” She bit back a whimper and released his cock.

He kicked off his underwear and flicked on the bedside lamp.

She blinked rapidly to adjust her gaze to the dim yellow light.

“You took charge last time, so it’s my turn. Undress and lay down.”

“Benji, I—”

“No arguments. You don’t need to be in control all the time. Let me take care of you. Will you do that?”

Belle licked her suddenly dry lips. Damn it. She had to take the lead. If not, she’d swallow the bitter pill of disappointment. God, that pill tasted like ass. Would Benji satisfy her? Live up to her dream man—the sexy, considerate, slightly domineering man she longed to find? There was only one way to find out. She shoved down her pajama bottoms and panties.

“God, you’re beautiful. Bed. Now.”

His guttural tone shot shivers up her spine. Belle crawled onto the mattress, lifted her ass in the air, and shook it.

“Damn, girl. I love a tease.”

She flopped around on the thick, warm blanket and winked at him. The lamplight dispelling the shadows washed his chiseled face and corded chest in a dull glow. His engorged staff bobbing from a patch of dense, dark hair stretched as though desperate for her. After he climbed in and propped himself on his arm, he trailed his rough fingertips down the valley of her breasts to her navel in a caress so slow she mewled in need. Oh my God. So good, but she needed more.

He dipped his fingers south and stroked her nub.

She gasped. “Yes, right there.”

“You’re so wet.” He spread her feminine lips and plunged in two fingers.

She cried out and arched her back, meeting his every thrust. Her belly muscles clenched. Air hissed through her teeth. She fisted his wrist for leverage as he thrust faster inside her.

“Grab a pillow, Belle.” He pried her hand off his wrist and braced it beyond her head.

She squeezed her eyes shut and gripped a pillow with both hands.

He licked the thumping pulse in her neck and trailed the wet heat to her breasts.

Red-hot coals flared under her skin as he claimed one of her nipples with his tongue and teeth. Yes! His knuckles pressed her G-spot and ripped a cry from her mouth. Every muscle in her body screamed for release. Her lungs ached for air. She curled her toes in the blanket, but her cresting orgasm faded as he withdrew his hand and let go of her nipple with a resounding pop.

“Damn it, Benji. What are you doing?” She reached for him but skimmed his arms as he leaned on his knees. Tingles shot through her. She ached all over.

“How much to do you want me, Belle?”

“So much. Don’t tease me.”

“Sorry, babe. Teasing you is fun.” He drew circles on her thigh. “Slow, fast. It’s all the same. Either way, I’ll take you to the moon.”

Belle Hamlin – Character Interview

October 11, 2022September 25, 2022 by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview, Book Tour

Today, the heroine from Amber Daulton’s new romantic suspense novel, Arresting Benjamin, is stopping by for a chat. For the record, who are you? Meaning, what’s your name and where are you from?

Hi, Eileen. I’m happy to be here. I’m Belle Hamlin. I was born and raised in southern Colorado, but I moved to Denver for college. Though I’ve long since graduated, I stayed in town because I love the area and all my friends are here. And the music scene rocks!

Music seems to be important to you. What do you do for a living?

I work in the complaint department for Tintz House and Auto Insurance. It’s a tedious, thankless job, and it’s slowly eating away at my soul. I’m also a singer/songwriter, and I play a mean guitar. My inspiration comes from legends like Bruce Springsteen and Melissa Etheridge. I wish I could focus solely on my music, but I need the dreaded day job to pay my bills.

That stinks, but so many of us have the DDJ—dreaded day job. What do you look like?

I usually let my friend Chanel—she’s a beautician—trim my dark-brown hair into a bob, but I’ve let it grow out over the past several months. Now, it’s a little past my shoulders. I have dark eyes and freckles around my nose and on my cheeks. I top out at about five-feet-six, and I’m curvier in the hips than I like, especially now that I’m pregnant. My boobs are bigger, too, but at least that’s a plus. I’m up from a B-cup to a C. As you can probably tell, I’m mouthy and pretty blunt. Do I have a filter? Not really unless I’m at work and my paycheck is on the line. I just don’t get embarrassed easily, so I say what’s on my mind more often than not.

I like blunt. I can respect that. What challenges do you face?

Yeesh. Where to start?

I have a stalker who won’t drop off the face of the earth. I mean, how hard is it to leave me the heck alone? Really? He’s leaving me threatening notes and photos, keying my poor little car, and even showing up at my apartment in the middle of the night. I’m rattled, but I won’t let this prick control me or stop me from living my life.

Then there’s Meghan, Benji’s estranged sister. She hates my guts. She’s determined to wrap Benji around her little finger and make him do whatever she wants, but he’s on to her game. My man is smart like that. I wish she and my stalker would take a trip to Antarctica together—hopefully they’ll fall overboard!—but no such luck yet. A girl can hope, right?

Yes! I’ll keep my fingers crossed that everything works out. Who is your love interest?

Benji Starwell. He’s a mechanic and knows how to use his hands in more ways that one. The way he touches me, dayum. *Belle shivers* I need a cold shower just thinking about it.

I might need one, too, if you keep on. I probably shouldn’t ask this, but what did you think the first time you saw him?

That he was super hot, and that he knew it. Sexy men with access to a mirror are grade-A trouble, and Benji must own a ton of mirrors.

We had a one-night stand, and I thought I’d seen the last of him when he skipped out on me the morning after. Little did I know then about the bun he left in my oven. Condoms aren’t always foolproof.

That’s true. Do you get by, live comfortably, live extravagantly?

I get by. My job pays well enough to live on, but it doesn’t make me happy. The money I make from my music gigs pays peanuts, but at least I feel alive when onstage.

It must be a thrill to perform in front of people, and nerve-wracking too. Speaking of nerves, what is your biggest fear?

Losing Benji. I trust him, but Trista, my arch rival in the music scene, gets a kick out of stealing my boyfriends. She’s a tall, leggy blonde with a huge rack, and guys always seem to drool when she’s around. I can’t compete. History has a way of repeating itself, and though Benji has refused her advances, sometimes I worry he won’t say no to her forever. I guess that’s poor self-esteem talking. I know Benji. I know he loves me and our unborn child. He won’t do anything to risk us not being in his life. The fact of the matter is, I need to put aside my fears and worries. They’re unfounded because he loves me. It’s just hard, you know?

I can imagine. You better send her packing to Antarctica too.

Definitely. I should go out and buy three one-way tickets.

If you could go back in time, what one thing would you change in your life?

Nothing. Even though I’m a little angsty and crass, the woman I am now is who I am. I like me.

Good for you. Why do you think your author chose to write about you and Benji?

We have a good story to tell. Our author, Amber, likes happy endings, but she loves to put her characters through the wringer first. She did that and more before Benji and I could finally find our happily ever after.

All authors do that—torturing their characters for the sake of growth and development. What other character from your book do you think Amber 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.

My friends, Shea and Trevor, will have a second chance romance in Trevor’s Redemption, which is coming soon in the multi-author Dangerous Entanglements box set in December 2022. It’ll be re-released as a solo book in the fall of next year.

Arresting Alan will hopefully be released sometime in late 2023 as well. I’m relieved Alan, Benji’s best friend, has moved on from his disastrous relationship with Meghan, Benji’s sister. He deserves to be happy, but I know for a fact that my infuriating author is going to make him work for it.

Ha ha. Dang, those authors. Well, I’ve had a blast talking with you, Belle. Thanks for coming!

Arresting Benjamin

A one-night stand, a surprise baby, and a mysterious stalker.

When the danger escalates, they face the greatest challenge of all—protecting their unborn child.

https://books2read.com/arrestingbenjamin/

About the Author

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.

She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.

Social Media Link

Universal link – https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton