The Names from Maiden Behind the Mask:
The name Catalina Rodriguez, the heroine of my latest release, Maiden Behind the Mask, has a special origin for me. Catalina was my great grandmother’s name. I’ve always thought it was a beautiful name. Sadly, she passed away when I was a baby, but her daughter, Paula, carried on her legacy, raised her family, cooked for everyone, opened her home with love. That was my grandmother, to whom the novella is dedicated to.
The name Rodriguez is very common, but has no family ties to me. However, it is the last name of what I like to call my adopted grandpa, a man old enough to be my grandfather almost, who was very kind to me at my former aviation job. Some people, though you no longer see them, stay with you in thoughts.
My father’s name is Eduardo so it seemed fitting that Catalina’s padre share the same name as my own padre. Like any dutiful daughter, I had to put my father in a book, and of course, he’s handsome, dashing, brave, and has good wits about him. In the heat of the moment, he is the only one thinking clearly.
And last, but not least, there is, briefly, a Senorita Lolita. My Pekingese is named Lola, and often, I call her Senorita Lolita. Even though she has her own story in another book, diva that she is, she insisted on being in this book as well. And there you have it. Senorita Lolita! I, however, drew the line at making Senorita Lolita the most beautiful woman in the story. I said, “You can’t have a woman more beautiful than the heroine!”
Fellow writers, do you use names inspired from your real life and family? Readers, if you could name a character from someone in your life, who would it be and why?
Maiden Behind the Mask
Tara Chevrestt
When Catalina Rodriguez is attacked by a would-be rapist and rescued by the dashing Ricardo Garcia, she not only becomes more aware of the handsome man, but also vows that she’ll never be a damsel in distress again. Using the timeless method of blackmail, she convinces her uncle to teach her to fight and becomes a masked crusader in the night, saving damsels from robbers and rough handling.
But scandalous rumors and dwindling funds force Ricardo and Catalina to marry. Not immune to each other’s charms, their marriage starts fiery, but when one of Catalina’s nightly escapades results in dire consequences, she is forced to spurn her husband’s amorous advances…or reveal a secret that could turn him away from her forever.
Ricardo is not a man to be cuckolded or left in the dark. Is his wife having an affair with El Capitan, the masked savior? If so…they will both pay.
Excerpt:
She tore her gaze away from the horse and said firmly. “Cinco pesos. And only because this caballa has fire, not because of your terms. Selena, pay him.”
Selena’s hand shook, but the pesos were transferred to the dirty palm. The man laughed with glee, the crowd dispersed, and Catalina was left with a dirty, starving horse.
“We’ll get you fed and cleaned up,” she promised the horse, patting its neck. A cloud of dirt rose in the air, and Catalina struggled not to cough. “I shall call you La Reina, because once in my establo, I shall treat you like a queen. Your body may be beaten, but your spirit is not broke.”
“Catalina?” Her maid’s voice tentative as it interrupted her quiet chattering. “Whatever possessed you—”
“Fetch me a mozo,” Catalina interrupted her. “Take the remaining pesos and fetch me a groom. La Reina is going to her castle.” She wasn’t offering more explanations than that. She didn’t owe anyone an explanation. She’d done what was right.
As her maid turned to comply, heading toward the livery, a loud pffffht rendered the air. Catalina stared at the mare in surprise, aghast.
Selena froze and swung around to admonish her charge. “Senorita! Your behavior has been questionable enough this day. Mind yourself.” She shook her head and her finger both before turning back the task at hand.
Catalina heard her muttering as she sashayed away. She was too surprised and too tired to defend herself, but the breeze picked up, and a waft of foul air assaulted her. Catalina immediately tugged a delicate, lace handkerchief from her sleeve and placed it over her nose as she glared at the horse.
La Reina snorted and pawed the ground. Catalina could swear the horse was laughing at her. She merely shook her head. “Dios mio, and you let me take the blame for that?”
Pffffhht. Pfffht.
La Reina whinnied and bared her teeth as though she was smiling.
About the author: Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, a dog mom, a reader, and a motorcycle and airplane buff. She worked as an aircraft mechanic for eleven years before turning to a career in writing. When not chasing her dogs around the house (or writing about them!), she battles over her laptop keyboard with her alter ego, Sonia Hightower.
Tara never knows what a story is going to turn out to be. Whereas Tara writes historical or contemporary romance, humor, young adult, and even a memoir, Sonia pens erotic noir or bdsm. Be it a Tara or a Sonia book, you’re sure to find something that interests you.
Great guest post! I like the idea of naming characters after people you know and Senorita Lolita made me laugh! Thanks for the excerpt
Thank you, Maria! Thanks to BnK for hosting me as well. 🙂