Stellar Harmony
A Nerdy Love Affair, #1
by Morgan Sterling
Date of Publication: May 31st 2024
Cover Artist: Morgan Sterling
Genre: Urban Romance
ISBN: 9798883229052
ASIN: B0CW1BH188
Number of pages: 211
Word Count: 59,926
Tagline: An Urban Romance Written In The Stars
BLURB
In the vibrant streets of Chicago, Langston, an astrophysics professor, and Aurora, a gifted musician, find solace in each other's embrace. But as their love blossoms, they must confront societal pressures and personal demons. Will they find harmony in the chaos of their lives? Dive into this captivating urban romance filled with passion, self-discovery, and the wonders of the cosmos.
Excerpt:
We reached across the table to clink our glasses together.
"No one understands me either," we said in unison.
I blushed. His scent of fresh soap and spiced cologne intoxicated me as if I could taste it on my tongue.
The server asked if we needed another round, but we both declined. Langston waved him off kindly and said we should get some air.
Outside, the cool night air felt good against my skin. The stars twinkled above us, and Langston pointed out constellations like reading a book. Orion, Cassiopeia, and others. I let out a small gasp when he told me there was one that resembled a man with a star for a crown.
"Wow. That's the first time anyone's ever shown me that," I whispered, goosebumps prickling my arms.
He smiled. "Imagine how people used to look up at stars, see images, paint pictures." He blew out a breath in a cloud in the cold air. His nose was starting to turn red. He looked adorable. But he didn't seem to notice the cold as he looked up. "Fantasies in the sky."
He looked down at me but said nothing as he wrapped his arms around himself to stay warm.
"So, tell me about your fantasies," he murmured into the silence.
"Huh?" I blinked, caught off guard by his directness.
He chuckled. "You know, what do you like to dream about when the stars come out? What turns you on?" His voice was deep and husky, sending shivers down my spine.
"I don't know," my eyes lowered nervously. "I've never really thought about it." My cheeks flushed as I realized how naive that sounded.
"I don't think that's true," he began, taking my hand into both of his. He blew onto them, his hot breath hitting my cold skin. And his lips, so soft, brushed against the palm of my hand.
A moment later Langston pulled me in for a warm kiss. When our lips met, a fire ignited, spreading like wildfire through my veins. Langston's mouth moved against mine with a fervor that matched the intensity of the kiss. His lips were soft and pliant, molding perfectly to mine.
I tasted the remnants of the wine on his lips, an intoxicating blend mingling with the sweetness of his breath. His heat enveloped me, seeping into my skin. Gathering my hair peeking from under my hat, he tangled it in his fingers, willing my head back, my lips parted. His other hand slipped past my bomber jacket, onto my butt, pulling me closer.
A moan escaped me instinctually. It was all he needed to pull me in further, his tongue exploring my mouth.
My pulse pulsed, feeling him press against me.
"God damn it," he said, pulling away, searching my eyes as I searched his back for answers to unasked questions.
"I think- I think I should head home." I took wobbly steps back, cold air rushing between us. I did not come to Chicago for this - the last thing I needed.
I waved briefly and left him confused on the
cold Chicago street. And if he felt only a pinch of what I did, I also left him
horny as hell.
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Author Info
Explore the captivating narratives of Morgan Sterling, a seasoned wordsmith whose storytelling prowess transcends boundaries. Spanning various genres, from contemporary to paranormal and urban romance, Morgan's narratives challenge conventional norms, spotlighting the allure of imperfection. Within Morgan's literary universe, characters are intricately layered, diverging from traditional romantic archetypes. Here, protagonists may embody antiheroic traits, and heroines navigate their journeys with authenticity and fortitude, illustrating the boundless nature of true love.
As a minority woman blerd (black nerd) with a penchant for romance and an imaginative flair, Morgan draws from personal encounters to craft authentic and diverse tales. Motivated by a quest for representation in literature, Morgan embarked on a creative odyssey to fill a void, merging romance with the fantastical realms of science fiction and fantasy.
Beyond her literary endeavors, Morgan is a polymath of varied interests. From indulging in cosplay to immersing herself in anime, comic books, and lingerie, she draws inspiration from her eclectic passions, infusing her creative process with vivacious energy. Influenced by literary luminaries like Octavia Butler, Dean Koontz, and Rebecca Roanhorse, Morgan's narratives transport readers to both familiar and fantastical worlds, captivating them until the last page.
Morgan lives in the Southern United States, but fully embraces her 1st generation status as a Caribbean-American. Though her pen allows her to live many lives, she lives real life with her husband, children, and pets.
Embark on a journey through Morgan Sterling's enchanting realm, where love transcends conventions, and imperfections are celebrated with reverence.
The Book Junkie Reads . . . Interview with . . . Morgan Sterling . . .
How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work?
Honestly, it changes depending on the genre. Stellar Harmony, for example, is an urban romance. Someone picking up one of my romances that is marked steamy should expect some steamy scenes as well as a storyline. It’s not just a much of physical action on a page. It’s about characters I’m building who I’ve already plotted to change and grow over time, aka the series. My romances in this genre are steamy but also touch on social issues too. I’m not a writer who makes everything and every character perfect.
Do you feel that writing is an ingrained process or just something that flows naturally for you?
For me, it’s a process that has found its flow. What I mean by that is that I know my “peak” creative times. I have scheduled my life to be able to write and create during those times. I know when I usually have spikes in energy but no creative impulse. I usually edit or do other tangential duties during those times. I am also well aware that at points in the day and week, I’m low on creative juices or energy. I stopped trying to fool myself and work against the natural order of how my brain and body operate, and instead, I built my process around that. It feels more natural and works a lot better for me. Plus I get better results.
Do you people watch to help with character(s) development? Or do you build upon your characters during story creation?
Actually, for this genre, yes. For Stellar Harmony, there are definite inspirations for characters that I know or know of. The second book in the series is already in progress, and it also has real-life inspiration. However, the more “fantasy” and “sci-fi” stories I have in the pipeline? Nope. People I know or past experiences occasionally pop into my stories, but usually not.
Have you found yourself bonding with any particular character(s)? If so, which one(s)?
Yes, it’s a male character from a series currently being edited. I see myself in him a lot. I bond with all the world's main characters, especially him. His name is Nadir. He is too full of flaws to be anyone’s hero. He isn’t good. He isn’t bad. But he is deliciously perfect.
Can you share your next creative project(s)? If yes, can you give a few details?
I have three series I’ll be toggling between. I know it sounds crazy, but all three series have book one done. Stellar Harmony is Book One in the Nerdy Affair series. The next book release will start a new series. It’s out of my hands and with my editor now. It’s a fantasy epic… yes, with romance and steamy parts. Don’t want to say too much, but do you know about Shango, the God of Thunder? I can’t wait to introduce readers to this world, and this yet-to-be-seen side of my writing. The third series is a sci-fi book. I’ll be honest: no sex scenes in it. But it’s a different kind of book. And for those who meet and like Nadir and see what he can do, I don’t think they’ll mind that the focus of his first book is on conquering… I mean, not on making love. I have finished another novella for a different series–rather light and fun. I think I might serialize that one for free for newsletter subscribers. It’s a steamy fantasy story with a hot fairy.
What are some of your writing/publishing goals for this year?
Readers should expect two more releases from me minimum this year, though I’d love for it to be three. I have more written, but the editing and nuts-and-bolts side of publishing tells me to be realistic. Follow on social media to keep them updated, for sure!
If you could spend one-week with 5 fictional characters, who would they be and where would you spend that time?
That one is kind of difficult. Only five? As odd as it sounds, my two immediate people, Sherlock and The Doctor are very quickly shot down. Have you ever known someone who sucks all the air out of the room? I think either of them would be larger than life, and I wouldn’t enjoy the week. I’d probably also be inviting murder, aliens, and mayhem just by asking to spend time with those two.
No, I think I’d be low-key and have an odd mix. One would be D’Artagnan. Handsome? French? Possible week-long fling? Personality was written by one of my favorite authors.
The second would probably be Mrs. Marple–but young Mrs. Marple. I’m an odd duck, and despite appearances, I have much in common with that lady. She’s be an interesting conversation over lunch.
Third is Dionysus. We’re all now guaranteed to have a good time. He is also the god of madness, so I’m kicking in number four.
Doctor Strange. Imagine the stories! Cool-as The Doctor, smart-as Sherlock, and can keep Dionysus from sending us all mad.
Last is Lilith from Octavia Butler’s Xenogenesis series. A kindred spirit (See what I did there?) I’d love to chat over her thoughts about… well just about everything.
And this extremely odd group of folk and I would probably be at nice spot in Costa Rica somewhere. Close to beaches, bar, and howler monkeys.
Thank you Morgan Sterling for giving a little insight to you and your process. Your work is appreciated.
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