I’m not adventurous when it comes to food.

There are two types of food I usually despise: vegetables and seafood.

Having said that, I should mention I do try things when traveling, but it’s rare for me to say, “Oh, I actually like that.” Usually, I take an itsy-bitsy bite, make a face, and guzzle a beverage to eradicate the taste.

So, when Clare Lydon and I were in Whitstable to research One Golden Summer, I naturally had to eat an oyster. Whitstable is known for them.

I’d eaten them before, since my partner is a seafood fan. She also loves veggies, including brussel sprouts. I will never understand that, but I’m getting off track.

In the past, I haven’t puked up an oyster, which for me is a feat. And, I do like some seafood, such as fried shrimp, crab cheese wontons, and fried haddock. I know none of them is all that adventuresome, and I fully admit the preparation for these items masks the seafood-y aspect I don’t like.

There’s not a lot of masking when it comes to eating a fresh oyster.

When we ordered the oysters, we ended up with half a dozen, even though I’m sure I ordered fewer. I only had the intention of eating one for a photo op. I’m admitting that right now. This was for a photo op.

The oysters arrived at the table, and there were a few large and some not so small ones. I ended up with a large one and added Tabasco, because I normally do.

Then I held it in my hand, while Clare readied for the shot.

As you can see from the photo, I wasn’t super thrilled, but I will report the oyster was extremely fresh. A plus. But not enough for me to eat more. I got my photo. Mission accomplished.

The fish and chips were much more to my liking, so I didn’t starve for the night.

In the book, my character wasn’t an oyster hater, but Clare’s was. I wonder if witnessing my reaction influenced her at all.

One Golden Summer:

Would you trade fame for love?

Saffron Oliver is the golden girl. Golden hair. Golden skin. Golden movie career.

Only one problem: she hates it.

She flees to her sister’s seaside town – where she meets the confident & charming Kirsty McBride.

Kirsty is everything Saffron wants to be. Perhaps also, everything she wants.

But Saffron can’t have it all. So now, she has to decide: does she crave Kirsty enough to blow up her golden life?

Best-selling lesbian romance authors Clare Lydon & TB Markinson have written a sizzling lesbian love story about not being afraid and going after what you really want.