Spotlight & Excerpt: Dating the Intern + Giveaway

by Natalina Reis

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Chick-Lit

“You must be wondering why I’m here.” The little flame of curiosity had turned into a full tundra fire. “I work for programming at the TV station, and Mr. Robertson put me in charge of the details for the Spring Into Love spot. We have received the signed contract, thank you very much for being so prompt.” I had to be, otherwise I’d forget. That was a strategy I’d learned as a kid—do what you have to do right away before your brain puts it in a dark, forgotten room in your mind.
“Was there a problem with it?” It was a pretty standard, no-frills legal document that made my agreement to be featured on their news official.
She laughed softly. “No, no problem. I just want to go over some of the specifics. We have your professional bio, but we need something a bit more personal.” I startled a bit at that. How was my personal life of any interest? “The public loves to feel as if they have an inside look into your life. Don’t worry. We don’t have to give them anything terribly private, but it will help if it’s something that is directly connected to your job—in your case, the matchmaking services.”
I was confused, and I was sure it showed because she tilted her head as if assessing whether I was fooling around or just plain stupid. “I’m sorry. I don’t quite understand what kind of information you’re looking for.”
“Your love life.” What? What was she talking about? “You’re the CEO of a successful matchmaking company who stands out from others because of the personal interaction with your clients, the advice you give them. You have a special insight into the world of dating and romantic relationships, which is what makes your services so successful.” I was still confused, and I furrowed my eyebrows in response. “In other words, we need information about your love life. We’d love to meet and interview your SO.”
What fresh kind of hell was this? “You want me to do what?” I was so shell-shocked I forgot to hide my surprise.
She raised her hands in a reassuring gesture. “Don’t panic. It won’t be anything too personal, just a matter of bringing your boyfriend along—I’m assuming you’re not married—and answering some simple questions about your own relationship.”
“What kind of questions?” What I should be asking was “What boyfriend?” but I was too stunned to think straight.
“You know, where did you meet, how did you know he was the one, are you planning a wedding soon… simple stuff.” Simple enough for someone with an actual boyfriend.
“What if I don’t have a SO?” Which I didn’t.
“That would look really bad for you and your company,” Teresa said, her lips cutting a small smile again. “How can someone without a romantic relationship dish out advice on it? You would lose the trust of your clientele.” She gave me a sideways glance. “You’re just being coy, right? You do have a fiancé or at least a boyfriend.” Oh, you have no idea of how much I’m not bullshitting you.

Natalina wrote her first romance at the age of thirteen. Since then she has published eleven romances that defy the boundaries of her genre. She enjoys writing all kinds of rebels and outcasts into her stories and she always roots for the underdog.

Natalina doesn’t believe you can have too many books or too much coffee. Art and dance make her happy and she is pretty sure she could survive on lobster and bananas alone. When she is not writing or stressing over lesson plans, she shares her life with her husband and two adult sons.

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