What do you think about the idea of visiting a retreat where you could focus solely on your art or hobby? What would you focus on?

I’m Lisa Carlisle and I created an art colony at the Chateau DeRoche for the setting in my series Chateau Seductions. The romances are set at an art colony on a remote New England island. Artists can escape the intrusions of everyday life on a remote island to work in an elegant castle complete with writing nooks, libraries, painting studios, and more.

If you could attend a setting like the Chateau DeRoche, would you find yourself engaged or quickly bored? How long would you like to spend there—a few days or months?

The series began with Dark Velvet. The latest release is Dark Muse and I’m working on the draft for Dark Stranger. Here’s more on the latest in the series:

Dark Muse

Dark Muse
Chateau Seduction series

It takes time before Gina Meiro warms up to people and her shyness is often misunderstood. She hasn’t had to worry about meeting new people at a remote art colony until a new resident arrives—a rock guitarist more suited for a billboard. Her carefree days of painting at the medieval-styled castle on a remote New England island are shattered when she stumbles right into his welcome gathering.

After a falling out with his band, Dante Riani wants nothing more at Les Beaux Arts on DeRoche Island than solitude to work on new songs. When a shy young painter asks to paint him at sunset, he’s tempted by the opportunity to be alone with her.

Someone at the colony claims to know what Dante is and asks for his help. Dante fears his plans are coming undone, especially as grows more drawn to Gina. Her scent and vulnerability are too difficult to resist. But he must stay away from her—she would never understand his secret.

Excerpt

Gina bit her lip, building up the courage to speak her mind. “Actually, I was thinking something,” she confessed.

“Go on.”

“It may sound weird, and feel free to say no if it is.”

Dante’s eyes widened. “Something kinky?” he teased.

“No,” she swatted his arm. “Nothing like that.”

“How disappointing. So what’s on your mind?”

“I noticed you when I was inside the castle.” She left out the part about how long and how many days she had done this. “The silhouette of you playing guitar against the sunset is a perfect juxtaposition. Dark against light. The color contrast. The musician playing into the sunset. Brilliant.”

“Hmm.” He cocked an eyebrow. “I’m wondering where this is going.”

“Would you mind if I painted you one day?” Read the rest of this entry »