Sometimes there’s a hefty price to pay when two opposites attract…

With her fondness for tattoos and spider jewelry Sylvie Miles is used to being pre-judged and misunderstood. She has friends and connections but she still feels alone, and works several jobs while daydreaming about finding a guy who sees further than skin deep and won’t shy away from her battered heart. So when a hot pro hockey player with a smile as vast as his skills takes a shine to her what’s a poor girl to do but fall in love?

Ryan Guillemette sure wasn’t looking for romance in a bookstore in his hometown but quickly becomes intrigued by the sassy Goth-like assistant with a snarky way with words. When an accidental kiss proves dangerously addictive she soon becomes embedded in his heart. But even as the romance heats up he’s torn as she’s not following God. Can these two opposites make a match or should he call a permanent time out?

These two are about to learn that those who play with fire get burned, and there’s a hefty price to pay for forbidden attraction.

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Now for our interview with Sylvie.

CC: I’m so excited to get to introduce you to my readers, Sylvie. Would you mind telling them a little bit about yourself?

SM: Some people might see my tattoos and call me tough. Some people might judge me by my past behavior and think I’m not good enough. I’m used to being misjudged, and people’s prejudice, especially from those who call themselves Christians and like to look down their nose at me. So anyway, I went to help my best friend Bree when she had twins, but then when her family came, I had to scram, which meant finding a job, and facing all kinds of discrimination again, just because I look a little different to most of the people around here. So what if I like wearing black and spider earrings? Just as well, there are some nice people in this world. People like Ryan Guillemette, who might play hockey but is a big softy at heart. But whether he can handle someone with my background remains to be seen…

CC: It’s hard to trust anyone when you’ve been judged so much. Does it bother you with how others view you?

SM: People think I’m scary just because I have tattoos and wear black clothing and like spiders and stuff. I don’t mind if it means people stay out of my face, but sometimes I wish they’d go a little deeper than judging someone by the ink on their skin. Aren’t Christians supposed to be all about loving others? I haven’t seen that. Well, apart from Bree and Mike. They’ve been good to me. I just wish others could see how prejudiced they really are sometimes.

CC: So, how does that affect your relationship with God?

SM: God? Well, if he or she even exists, I’m pretty sure God isn’t paying attention to me. I mean, I have tried to pray in the past, but it didn’t work. I guess that’s to be expected because I know I’ve done plenty of bad things in my life, so why would God want to help me? God only likes good people, like my best friend Bree and her husband Mike. He answers their prayers because they’re good. I don’t think he sees me, let alone cares.

CC: Oh, how my heart hurts for you.  Can you tell us a little bit about the personal journey you go through in The Love Penalty?

SM: So, after I have to leave Bree’s, I have to find a job in a town where my mom left years ago. My grandparents still live there, and I’m having some trouble hunting them down, even though I’m not sure I want to see them, as I’m pretty sure they’ll just judge me like the last time they kicked Mom and me to the curb. But there are some nice people, including at the old folks home, with people who really do seem to care about me. Well, I care about them too. And about Ryan. And his family. They’re SO good to me, even though I know I’m not exactly the kind of person they’d like hanging around. But some people can see further than skin deep. They’re the ones I’ll pay attention to, even if they’re talking about how God cares about me. I guess they back up their words with their actions, so kudos to them. I think they’re the ones I can trust.

CC: It’s easier to face life when you have people you can trust. What is your greatest skill that helps you through the story or makes you appealing to Ryan?

SM: I think Ryan really likes my honesty, which, okay, sometimes leaks out as snark. I’ve never been too good at playing games, so pretending to be polite just isn’t me. But it also gets me into a lot of trouble– which can mean a lot of jobs, because not everybody knows what to do with me. So I think he likes my confidence to be myself. Well, that and the fact that, apparently, I’m an excellent kisser. He likes that too. (Ask me how I know…)

CC: LOL, I’d rather not. And honesty that leaks out as snark. I’m definitely familiar with the consequences of that particular trait . . . Tell us a little bit more about Ryan. 

SM: Ryan Guillemette is a beautiful man, which sounds weird, but is true. It’s like he has this light inside, this glow about him, like nothing bad has ever dimmed his switch. I love the fact he’s so innocent in some ways. He makes me want to be a better person. His mom is kinda scary intense, but Ryan is just the opposite, as quiet and easygoing as his dad. I love that I can relax with Ryan, that he seems to accept me despite all my mess. He’s fierce on the hockey rink but so sweet and gentle and thoughtful with me. I love him, and I really hope this time things work out.

CC: He sounds like a sweet and steady guy. If there is one thing you could tell the reader, what would it be?

SM: I really wish people would give those of us who look different or have different backgrounds a chance. We don’t all have Hallmark families or have grown up in the church, but I’m understanding more and more that God doesn’t care about that stuff. God sees the heart. And if the Bible is true, it says that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. So I guess that means we’ve all sinned, nobody is perfect, so therefore nobody should look down their nose at another person. Because Jesus died for that person too. Just like He did for me. So yeah, don’t judge a person by their cover. Jesus died for them too.

A beautiful truth. May we all be that light to someone. Thanks for talking with us today, Sylvie. Readers, check out this story of love, redemption, and acceptance. It’s a message we could all use and spread.

About Carolyn Miller:

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and LM Montgomery, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her contemporary romance series includes the Original Six hockey romance series, Muskoka Romance series, and the Independence Islands series, and her historical series include the Regency Brides and Regency Wallflowers series.

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