Checkmate has its own blog site

Checkmate is set in one of the loveliest places in the UK — the Lakeland National Park and surrounding area within Cumbria. Mountains, fells, lakes, white-water rivers and and tumbling streams. Plus seascape magnificence of marinas, sand dunes, pebbly beaches, cliffs and ports. My brother (who lived in California for most of his life) described Cumbria as the best of the USA in miniature.
The characters of Checkmate may well be described as off-comers to the Lake District, but their presence makes an impact. Robert Watson's businesses bring prosperity into the area and provides locals with career prospects. His Stag Rock label incorporating its Lakeland logo, brings zest to Cumbria as a commercial base. Cumbria is alive and kicking and more than a setting for 'one man and his dog', or an obstacle course for climbers and cyclists, a backcloth for artists or a setting for poets and romantics, a play area for yachtsmen and boaters. By careful renovation old decrepit buildings have a new lease of life. So too with the Rogers family, when their plans reach fruition. These newcomers become creators of wealth within the rural—tourist scene.
Read the book and visit the area. Imagine June, Charles, Robert within ther given settings. Sense the erotic goings on under the trees by the lake. See the boat houses and imagine the various characters sailing their boats. Look at the old dolly-blue mill at Backbarrow (now a hotel) and see it as a vibrant office building for Watson's enterprises. Imagine, high above the old mill, his large renovated house overlooking the white-water river. Visit Barrow and see where Charles, David and Peter worked for a while before their plans finally reached fruition. The Barrow Shipyard buildings and cranes, and the channel dotted by boats are sights to behold. See the landscape that June painted before going back to full time designing. Imagine them all walking the hills and woodlands, and climbing the mountains. And see the sun go down over bay and sea.
Photographs of all these places are on the new sites dedicated to Checkmate and its gorgeous setting Lake District Saga — Checkmate and Lakeland Writer

Seduction... by G B Hobson

SEDUCTION... by G B Hobson

(Will soon be published by Turquoise Morning Press)

Spring 1959

Feeling hot and sticky from the day’s activities, June took a quick shower before slipping into the exquisite white nightdress Rob had given her to try on. Just the feel of its silky smoothness clinging to her body, and the sight of peaked nipples peeping through the lacy top, changed her self-perception. She now felt herself to be a highly desirable woman.
Looking at herself in the mirror, she saw hazel eyes, bright with the surge of sexual pleasure, smiling back at her. Now brushing her dark curly hair, aglow with chestnut highlights, she was pleased to see her pleasant oval face had lost the ageing lines of emotional stress. The youth of her twenty-eight years had been regained — no, more than that, she felt, and looked, younger and more alive than she had done for several years.
She put down her brush and smoothed her hands over her full breasts and down the luxurious fabric to her hips. The strength of her sexuality began to rise even further. She knew Rob had given her the garment deliberately; he understood such things.
She was anxious to know if she was still attractive to him. For reassurance, nothing more. Nervously, she walked to the door, eager yet fearful to enter the bedroom knowing in the depth of her heart what the encounter might lead to.
Much to her surprise, Rob had changed into a black silk kimono, and was looking ruthlessly sexy. He turned and gazed at her. An appreciative smile curled his full lips and softened his chiselled features. In his usual manner when judging clothes, he rubbed a thumb into the deep hollow of his chin. But combined with the narrowing of his penetrating eyes under their heavy brows, the simple action conveyed to her a much deeper meaning.
About the Book:
With the death of June’s husband Arthur, a love once shared with his brother Charles is reawakened. But an indiscretion from the past, involving her ruthless partner-in-design — Robert Watson — threatens their relationship.

Romance, lust and intrigue: Robert Watson, renowned for both his business and sexual prowess, is determined to have his own way — SEDUCTION by design is his forte!


A word from a ‘fan’
Being a mere male, I don’t normally read Romance, but I find myself mesmerised by Gladys Hobson’s perception of the inclinations of the male psyche… she has a superbly delicate touch when it comes to realistic male sexuality. Her books are well-written, with good plots, and I recommend them to anyone — regardless of their gender. Robert A Taylor (poet)