Candis Terry: Why is forbidden fruit so tasty?

Candis Terry, author of Sweet Surprise (out this week!), explores how heroes and heroines deal with partaking, or not, of "forbidden fruit."

Candis: Forbidden. This word immediately sets up a challenge. Temptation. The word alone incites a certain tingling in the heart. There's no argument that denying people the opportunity to do something can sometimes paradoxically increase their interest in it. Forbidden fruit includes the suggestion that disregarding the prohibition against it could have severe consequences whether social or religious. The fascination with "forbidden fruit" is that the "fruit" is something generally worth wanting in the first place, regardless of the forbidden aspect. If people want something, they'll generally strive to obtain it. On one hand, it inspires thrill-seeking (which entail taking risks, and not breaking rules "just because") and civil disobedience.

But what if there's more?

What if matters of the heart are at play?

In my newest book, Sweet Surprise, fireman Mike Halsey has been inspired by Fiona Wilder to taste of the forbidden fruit. But she's the ex-wife of his best friend, and he knows in his heart that acting on his desires will destroy a cherished friendship. Likewise, Fiona knows that acting on her desire to take a bite from the forbidden apple will have undesirable consequences. Avoidance isn't always a method that works to appease the hunger. Usually, it does just the opposite. In Sweet Surprise, Mike does everything he can to keep away from Fiona, but somehow he always finds himself right back on her doorstep.

True, there are those who seek the thrill to break the rules and be that bad boy or bad girl who willingly throws caution to the wind. But when you're writing romance, you're dealing with a hero and a heroine. There has to be something deeper that draws the characters into the longing to take a bite. The opposite character in the mix must provide something they're lacking in their life. They must provide a piece of the puzzle, or an answer to a question they've been plagued by for a long time. Tasting the forbidden fruit won't come without dangers, but in the end — at least in a romance novel — the action must be worth the danger. And the danger must be worth the reward.

So what's at stake?

If we're talking jail time, a lot! If we're talking something that can eventually be forgiven, then there's probably less standing in the way. As individuals, we all have different reasons and different reasoning for our decisions. Ultimately, character comes into play, and the decision to bite or refrain comes from whether we think we can live with ourselves afterward or not. Regret can weigh heavy on a heart. But regret is a two-way street. You can regret having taken action or regret turning away.

Desire is the key.

Passion.

In Mike and Fiona's case, their desire/passion for the chance of a happy ever after is much stronger than their desire to walk away from each other. They're willing to take the risks and deal with the consequences. Regardless of ruffling feathers, their desire to be together — for them — is worth the risk and better than playing it safe. They want the prize — the golden ring. Taking a chance in real life may not always bring a happy ending, but when you write romance, it's a bona fide guarantee.

About Sweet Surprise (courtesy of Avon):

Playing naughty or nice ...

Fiona Wilder knows all about falling in lust. Love? That's another story. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, the single mom and cupcake shop owner is focused on walking the straight and narrow. But trouble has a way of finding her. And this time it comes in the form of a smoking hot firefighter who knows all the delicious ways to ignite her bad-girl fuse.

Can lead to heartbreak ...

Firefighter Mike Halsey learned long ago that playing with fire just gets you burned. He's put his demons behind him, and if there's one line he won't cross, it's getting involved with his best friend's ex. But when fate throws him in the path of the beautiful, strong, and off-limits Fiona, will he be able to fight their attraction? Or will he willingly go down in flames?

Or a sweet surprise!

Find out more about Candis and her books at www.candisterry.com.