Blog Archives
Calisa Rhose~Tuesday Roundup Features Leanna Sain #mfrwauthors #magicalsuspense
Friday Fanfare Welcomes:
Leanna Sain – Half-Moon Lake
How did the writer’s journey begin for you?
My novel writing journey began at a Halloween party where I saw the “Gate to Nowhere” (the title of my first novel) and the stories just keep coming. My “Gate” books have stacked up numerous awards, from Foreword Magazine’s Book-of-the-Year to the Clark Cox Historical Fiction Award from the North Carolina Society of Historians. My fourth novel, WISH, is a stand-alone, YA crossover.
My Southern romantic suspense or “GRIT-lit,” showcases my plot-driven method of writing that successfully rolls the styles of best-selling authors Mary Kay Andrews, Nicholas Sparks, and Jan Karon into a delightfully hybrid style that is all my own. Regional fiction lovers and readers who enjoy suspense with a magical twist will want my books.
Tell us three things about you-the writer-readers wouldn’t typically know.
- I’m one of the fastest goat-milkers I know.
- I’m terrified of heights
- Wasp/Hornet spray stuns a rattlesnake so you can kill it (voice of experience talking here), but you have to unload the whole can on it.
Well, I know what I’m reaching for next time I see a rattler! LOL
It all began when…
It all began when my husband and I were doing a furniture delivery down in the Nantahalla Valley. The kudzu inspired it.
Where did you get the premise for this book?
I was on a ‘twins’ kick. I wondered about something bad happening to one twin that resulted in their death and the psychological trauma causing amnesia in the remaining twin.
Interesting. What stands out about this story that made writing it different for you?
It was my first book written in 1st person. I actually wrote this one before Red Curtains (the first book in my GRITS series). Everything is in Kate’s POV. It was so much fun I decided to do all the GRITS books in 1st person too.
Were there any difficult challenges or special subject matter you came across while writing this book?
No difficult challenges, but since kudzu plays an important part in the story, I had to do a lot of research about the plant. I wove what I learned into the story. There’s more to it than just an invasive vine.
I thought that said invasive wine. I was about to grab my glass! 😆
What about this book would make us want to read it more than others of similar taste?
I think my characters are just more believable and although it’s a suspense/mystery, it’s a FUN read. I made myself laugh…out loud. Plus Levi is just plain HOT!
LOL!
What do you want readers to take away from this book?
I want them to love the book so much that they can’t wait to go out and get all my other books.
Tell us about the finished book. Is there anything special we might not know after reading it?
When Kathryn Dorne is summoned to Half-Moon Lake for the reading of her father’s will, she discovers a shocking truth: everything in her life—including her name—is a lie.
Learning that her name is Katelyn Eubanks is only the first surprise. Second, she had an identical twin sister who drowned at the age of nine. Since Katelyn can’t remember anything prior to that age, it seems more than mere coincidence. The biggest surprise is that her father, a man she never knew existed, left his entire estate to her, enraging other would-be heirs.
With her unremembered, but closest childhood friend, Levi, as well as help from the estate’s deaf-mute gardener, and the outspoken cook, Katelyn searches for answers to questions that have plagued her all her life, but doing so, opens the proverbial Pandora’s box. As her memories return, so does the terrible danger she escaped fifteen years earlier.
I hope readers get their curiosity piqued when the story mentions Half Moon, the Cherokee Indian medicine woman, and the MacKinlay family (see the Gate to Nowhere Trilogy).
Where can readers find you and your books?
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/half-moon-lake/id1241572035?mt=11
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/half-moon-lake-leanna-sain/1126450434?ean=2940157456566
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/half-moon-lake-1
Is there anything else you want to share or add?
I love talking to book clubs or women’s groups. If your group is within an hour or two of western NC, I’d love to come see you. Contact me at http://www.LeannaSain.com
I wish I lived closer! Thanks for visiting Leanna!
K folks, it’s a nasty, rainy day here in Oklahoma, and I don’t have a fireplace. So, I’ll gift one commenter with a copy of my ebook Risk Factors if you share this post on FB and Twitter then post both direct links in comments. I’ll draw the winner Sunday night.
Dodadaghovi~
Calisa Rhose chats with Lisa Owens about Damaged #mfrwauthor #interview #tuesdayroundup
Osiyo~
Welcome one and all! Grab a beverage of choice, something sweet and sinful. No-no, not the men. What’s the matter with you? You know the hands-on rules… The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.
I’m thrilled to welcome my talented guest today, Lisa M. Owens, who is sharing Damaged with us!
Please show Lisa some real Ranch love!
Before I get to the questions, please, tell us a bit about you.
I am currently going back to school full-time to get my bachelor’s degree in psychology. But I still have plenty of time to write heart-stopping romance!
When I’m not working in my lovely new office upstairs, my writing area is my cozy recliner in the living room. What does your writing space look like?
That’s funny. I have a lovely new office space too. That’s where I spend most of my time writing. Sometimes I spread my computer and research out on the dining room table and write.
LOL I spend more time in my recliner because my office is secluded upstairs and I feel alone in the world if I stay in it too long.
For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you?
It seems to come naturally to me. The titles and characters come to me before the plot of the story does.
Mine usually do too. Wonder what else we have in common? 🙂
What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?
Never stop writing. That was advice that was given to me and it has since proved to be worth its weight in gold. Never stop. No matter what people tell you or who tries to stop you.
The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment?
Stubbornness. Refusing to give up. This is a tough industry and it’s hard to be successful but the one’s that are successful have one thing in common: they never gave up.
I agree wholeheartedly!
Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?
Eve Rabi. She has helped me in enormous ways as an author and I would love to meet her in person and tell her thank you.
It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆
Favorite animal? Butterfly (Calisa says: That’s not an animal, so we’ll call it one. I love it!)
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Winter
Favorite food? Chocolate
Well done! 🙂 So let’s share a bit.
What are you working on now?
A sequel to DAMAGED, titled DESTROYED
What are you sharing today?
Freedom isn’t free.
Staff Sergeant Austin Chandler learned this lesson well. Dealing with the devastating truth that his military career is over, he is discharged from the Marines and returns home from fighting the war in Afghanistan with battle scars he fears will never heal. But the truth is a bitter pill to swallow when he arrives at the airport and realizes his wife has abandoned him when he needed her the most. Broken in body as well as in spirit, Austin suffers not only from the slow-healing scars on his back, but also the wounds that her desertion has left on his troubled heart.
Until a chance encounter with a beautiful artist leaves him wondering if perhaps some things are meant to be. Trisha Morgan has secrets she is desperately wants to hide. With a troubled past and abandonment issues of her own, she fears love only leads to rejection and pain.
But can two wounded souls break through the battered barriers of each other’s hearts?
Where can we find you and your books?
https://www.facebook.com/Lisa-M-Owens-Author-Page-401065116637549/
Where will you be next?
Rosanna Leo
Nicole Strycharz
To celebrate the release of my fourth book this month, I am giving away four copies of my third book DAMAGED! To win a copy, all you have to do is include your email and tell me what you like about military heroes! The best answers will win a copy of DAMAGED.
So don’t forget to leave your preference and email, folks!!!
Thank you so much for playing along, Lisa! Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day.
Dodadagohvi~
Adam Mann takes the Round Pen with Calisa Rhose #Tuesdayroundup #mfrwauthor #interview
Osiyo~
Welcome one and all! Grab a beverage of choice, something sweet and sinful. The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.
I’m thrilled to welcome my wonderfully talented guest today, Adam Mann, who is sharing his book, Love in the Boondocks with us!
Please show Adam some real Ranch love!
Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you. What made you decide to write romantic fiction and do you find it difficult as a man in a woman’s world so-to-speak?
I have been married four times, as my previous work made it difficult for my wives to live with me. My first wife died, my second could not face the remoteness, my third had to get the marriage annulled as she had forgotten to get divorced, but for the last 20 years I’ve been happily married to a widow with three children, to add to four of my own, and now we have five grandchildren.
My goodness! Now I’m curious what you used to do for a living. 😉
Okay, moving on. I’ll begin with five questions, then follow with three more, and end with four final ones.
My writing area at the moment is a cozy chair in the corner of my living room, though I do have a lovely new office hubby remodeled just for me. What does your writing space look like?
I have a large chunk of my bedroom as my office, and in here I control internet WiFi, printer and scanner for the rest of the house. I am not a tidy worker, and tend to have reference books and peppermints scattered in any free space.
I’ve had a couple of “bedroom offices” over the years. For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you?
Not life-shattering. I like writing and usually write 3,000 words a day, so about ten days for a novel, but not every day, say once a month. It also takes a week or two to edit and rewrite the novel, and another few days to decide on and design a cover.
What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?
Just put your head down and write. Avoid distractions like children and animals, and even wives who come to clean around you! Granddaughters only excepted from this rule.
Yes, it’s hard to ignore those little ones. LOL The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment?
I have to spend a lot of my time promoting my books, mainly on Twitter and FaceBook, but also as a guest on blogs like this.
Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?
J K Rawlings – her imagination!
It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word.
Favorite animal? Large dog
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Spring
Favorite food? Cheese, toasted mainly
Well done! 🙂
Okay, what are you working on now?
The Man who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo – a thriller.
What are you sharing today?
Love in the Boondocks:
Kim is divorced by her uncaring husband when she is working in a remote area, but she meets an attractive man and immediately her divorce is finalized she plans to make herself available hopefully for a long term relationship. Fair enough until you consider her working environment, the living conditions, and emotions, not to mention raging hormones!
Where can we find you and your books?
My website: http://www.adammannauthor.com/
Twitter: @adammannauthor
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/676005
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M72IO4W
I live and work in Vietnam. I used to be a specialist in sustainable development working with farmer families in remote areas, but now I’ve retired.
I would be very pleased to give any reader a FREE pdf copy of any of my books, in exchange for an honest review, at either Amazon or Smashwords. Readers can find my author pages on:
https://www.amazon.com/author/adammannauthor.com
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/adammannauthor.com
Thank you so much for playing along Adam! Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come and visit again one day.
You’d be very welcome, but I should warn you that I live in a mountainous area in Vietnam, not too far from the Red River, although our roads are improving.
The scenery there must be amazing! Thank you for sharing Love in the Boondocks with us.
Dodadagohvi~
Note: This book may be slightly more than a level four heat rating, so you might want to buckle up before reading. 😀
Brenda Novak interview– winner announced! #HanoverHouse #MFRWorg
Robin Dricoll email me, please so Brenda can send *your copy of HANOVER HOUSE to you girl!!!!! Thank you for commenting. Congrats on getting picked by Random.org!
*Robin has 48 hours to contact me before I choose another winner. Thank you all for visiting, and a special thank you to Brenda!! 😀
Osiyo~
I’m thrilled beyond belief, truly, to be able to welcome one of my favorite-of-all-times authors to the Ranch today! Have you ever read the “Perfect”suspense trilogy? In case that hint isn’t enough, I’ll shout share who…
Please welcome the lovely and uber-talented bestselling author and all around wonderful woman, MS. BRENDA NOVAK to the Round Pen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oy. Was that as loud as it sounded in my head? I think I spooked Sonny and Apple. 
Sorry, my horse darlins. Now to get the Chihuahuas to shush so I can think. 😆
So, a couple of weeks ago I happened across a Twitter notice in my email that Brenda Novak was following me. What? My favorite writer, Brenda Novak? Me? Doubting Thomasina that I am, I checked and, sure enough, it really was her. Did I mention I’m a HUGE fan? 😀
I’ve admired her writing—and live vicariously through her as a suspense writer (since I can’t write the genre to save my life, and she does it so splendidly)—for a very long time. After fangirl faded, I turned strictly Ranch owner (well, maybe still a little fangirlish) and invited Brenda to join me in the Round Pen and she graciously agreed. What a wonderful treat, I tell ya, folks! I’m all fangirl again here. She’s sharing her newest release, the one I just grabbed, here today with all of you, too! I’ll let her tell you all about HANOVER HOUSE as part of our visit today. (For convenience’s sake, I hyperlinked her name above directly to this book for you to check out, along with all her other books. You’ll be glad you did, I promise. 😉 )
We tried to keep this short, but Brenda agreed to let me interview her, and I came up with some things to ask her about.
So, Brenda, you are a NYT and USA TODAY bestselling author multiple times over, with many, many books in various genres; historical, contemporary and, my favorite, your suspense. First off, congratulations on your exciting achievements. But—
1) When you first realized you were a success—something we all dream of, but are secretly afraid might actually happen—how did you handle it in the beginning and move forward?
I don’t think there’s ever been a point where I’ve decided I’m a success. Like most people, once I hit one goal, another one appears right behind it, so my career is more of a journey than a destination. That’s why I think it’s so imperative to enjoy the process. Success to me isn’t necessarily hitting the big lists (although that’s always nice!). It’s turning out work I’m proud of—and having my readers be excited about each new story.
I think all authors need your perspective. That’s a great way to look at success!
2) Not all books are easy to write. Some stories are what one author refers to as pineapple babies—they hurt coming out. Which of your works or genre gave you the most difficult time, either with the writing or editing, and how did you get through it?
The most difficult book I’ve ever written was probably A BABY OF HER OWN. I was still a relatively new writer and, when I finished the story, I could tell something was wrong with it, but I wasn’t experienced enough to identify what needed to be changed. I turned it in, hoping for the best. I’ll never forget meeting with my editor at the RWA conference (which was coming up). She told me that I had a subplot in the book that was warring with the main story–and overtaking it. Fortunately, she was so kind about the way she shared this news that it didn’t crush my confidence. As I flew home, I was trying to figure out how to solve the problem. Taking out that subplot would mean losing 25% – 30% of the book. I wasn’t eager to do that. In the end, I knew that was the right path, however. I made myself remove that subplot, focused on the main story and finished that book. Then I used the subplot to start a new story that was related to the first. So that mistake actually spawned my first series! If I hadn’t screwed up in that way, and if my editor hadn’t been sharp enough to catch it, I probably never would’ve written the Dundee series. I would’ve continued writing stand-alone novels. As you can imagine, I’m now very happy that I had to go through that exercise! The Dundee books are some of my readers’ favorites.
How awesome for you to get an editor to walk you through that at such an early stage of your career.
3) I keep Dr. Pepper (or coffee) at hand, and chocolate when times get rough, listen to music and I have a little stuffed Captain Jack Sparrow doll that cheers me on in that swooningly sexy voice only Johnny Depp can master…ok, maybe that’s just in my head. What is your go-to ‘thing’ while writing, if anything?
I don’t keep anything on hand (other than some trail mix since I don’t like to interrupt my work to eat), but there are certain things I do to kick-start my muse, or to remind me of how much I love what I do. Usually, if I want to be inspired, I listen to the soundtrack for LES MIS or PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Or I watch LAST OF THE MOHICANS. There’s just something about those works that really get my imagination going. Also, reading a really good book will get me excited to create again.
While writing my current release I was forced (by my heroine) to listen to an Opera CD while working. Apparently Viv liked Opera. Who knew? 🙂
4) Where do you draw from for the intensely deep, emotional impact your books all seem to be packed with?
I’m not sure where that comes from, to be honest. I think I’ve always been a student of human behavior, so I have a pretty good grasp on human motivation. That definitely helps. And I tend to like big, dramatic books, movies and music. I think those preferences just bleed into my work. (And thank you for the compliment. I want my books to resonate emotionally, so this is really great to hear. :))
They definitely resonate with me, so you’re welcome!
5) Since I began writing I hear that we should celebrate each finished manuscript, each sale, etc. What do you do to celebrate new accomplishments? Following that, what do you do for fun when not working on a book?
I don’t really do anything to celebrate. I think I’ve been in the business too long to worry about those rewards! LOL Finishing seems to be reward enough. I do love the relief, the letdown of the pressure, however. When I finish a book, especially if I’m really proud of it, I feel as if I’m walking on air for the next couple of weeks. That emotional high is a wonderful thing! As far as what I do for fun, I love to travel, read, shop, play volleyball, ride bikes and just hang out with my adult kids.
*Sigh* I still grab cheesecake and wine to pat my own back. LOL
6) I love that you’re not just a writer, but an advocate of a great cause. Can you tell us about the juvenile diabetes auction you created, why you did it and how/where can we get involved in the cure for this awful disease?
My youngest son has Type 1. He was diagnosed at just five years old. I’ll never forget hearing the list of side-effects he will likely suffer in his lifetime. That made me want to fight back, to do everything possible to protect my child. So I started Brenda Novak’s Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research, which I ran for ten years. Then, a year ago, I shut down the auction and changed up my fundraising efforts by procuring a digital boxed set containing stories from some of today’s most popular authors, which I sold to raise money. So far, with everything combined, I’ve managed to raise $2.5 million (thanks to the generosity of all those who have been so good to support me), and I hope to keep adding to that total. Keep an eye on my website for next year’s boxed set! Anyone who’d like to get involved or learn more can visit www.brendanovakforthecure.org.
I can only imagine the heartbreak of learning your little one is ill, and those are both extremely wonderful causes you’ve created. $2.5 million? That is incredible, and amazing to hear of the generosity of others. I hope putting this out will help bring that number up even more for juvenile diabetes research.
###
Now for a sneak peek at Hanover House and the eerie cover, which I love!
Welcome to Hanover House…
Psychiatrist Evelyn Talbot has established a research facility in remote Alaska where she studies serial killers. She’s determined to solve the mysteries of the psychopathic mind. But dealing with so many twisted killers means she has to be careful. Terrible things could happen if only one thing goes wrong…
Here’s an excerpt:
To hide the fear that slithered, snake-like, just below her skin, making the hair on her arms stand up, Evelyn paced across one end of the small, concrete cell, pretending to be absorbed in her notes. It’d taken a few days, but she was back at San Quentin, and they were bringing Hugo Evanski to meet with her. Only this time she was prepared for anything he might do—and so were they. The warden had told her Evanski would be escorted by two correctional officers instead of one, and he wouldn’t be allowed to get out of control again.
When he didn’t appear as soon as she’d expected, however, she set her notes aside and leaned on the desk to haul in a deep breath. She’d only been released from the hospital two days ago, still had a bandage covering her stitches and a black eye to show for that earlier incident—embarrassing proof that she’d allowed herself to be hurt by someone she’d known was dangerous. There was no excuse for that, especially because her detractors wouldn’t hesitate to use what Hugo had done to undermine her efforts, if word ever got out. She had to be careful about what showed up in the press, couldn’t allow Hugo Evanski to jeopardize a program that was still in its infancy and needed time and support in order to grow.
A clang signaled she’d soon have company. She snatched up her notepad so that no one would be able to tell that her hands were shaking. Although she told herself the same thing wouldn’t happen twice, no amount of self-talk could overcome the emotional response that welled up whenever the slightest sound, smell or other trigger reminded her of what Jasper Moore had done twenty years ago. And Hugo’s attack definitely reminded her of Jasper. Just about any violence did.
She watched as the heavy metal door slid open and two hulk-like correctional officers walked their charge into the room. They tried to seat him in the steel chair bolted to the floor, probably so that he couldn’t launch himself at her again, and, when he stiffened instead of bending, forced him into it.
“Sit your ass down,” one of the guards growled.
Hugo gave his chains a rebellious jerk but eventually complied, lifting his nose in the air and smiling at her as if he was too preoccupied with and delighted by what he’d done to her face to be bothered by correctional officers who were determined to show him they were in charge. “Looks like you’ve had an accident,” he said to her.
She fingered the tender spot near her temple. “It’s nothing. Someone of your reputation…I would’ve expected you to be able to do a lot more than simply knock me into a table.”
When the two officers on either side of him barked out a laugh, obviously surprised by her response, the smile disappeared from Hugo’s clean-shaven face. “Maybe it won’t go quite so well for you the next time.”
###
Hanover House- http://brendanovak.com/books/posts/hanover-house/
You are an inspiration to so many with your fundraising and your writing. I’ll definitely check out the link and the boxed set! Thank you so much for hanging out on the. I hope you’ll visit again.
Welcome visitors. Leave a comment to Brenda for the chance to win an ecopy of Brenda’s Hanover House only here on the Ranch!! 😀
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose ~The Romance Review’s 4th Anniversary Party in March 2015! #MFRWAuthor #Freebooks #TRRParty
Osiyo~
Isn’t that a lovely banner up there? I’ve joined in the fangirldom of TRR’s annual Anniversary Party since year one and had a blast playing the games, meeting new or new-to-me writers and winning prizes with little effort. You may have joined games that make you jump through hoops and in the end you might get away with one ebook for your time suck waste. I love TRR simply because it’s fun and not a lot of time is needed to participate. You can get in on the winnings by visiting a few author sites and answering quiz questions that the answers are made almost obvious for you. I’ve found some great books by playing.
I’ve met friends and supported friends just by playing one or two days throughout the month of March. How cool is that? Now, for the first time, I am joining in the fun on the other side. I’ve entered the Anniversary party this year and will be gifting one copy of Risk Factors to some lucky, randomly drawn contestant. I won’t be drawing the name, TRR’s site will generate a winner for me. Love that! lol
So, from today through March 31, let’s play. On your mark. Get set. GO!!!!! http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php
Play every day for one or two minutes, or play once a week or whenever you have time, but play! Support the participating authors and win, win, win! There are daily prizes and a grand prize in the form of a $100 gift card, all awarded at the end of the party.
There are more than 350 participants, which means more than 350 prizes to be had plus a grand prize! Some might as well be won by YOU!!!
**Please note, you’ll need to register and be logged in at TRR before you can play the game. They (TRR) need you to register to play to keep track of your points before you can win any prizes. The more you play, the greater your chance of winning multiple daily or the grand prize. Registration is free and easy.
It’s my first time to participate, so I hope you’ll come play on my quiz day, March 19th. I’ll be tweeting and FBing the event reminders all month. Come on by and play! Don’t forget to share this post with the easy buttons I’ve provided below. Thank you for dropping by!
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose Presents ~ The Romantical Groom by Suz deMello
Osiyo~
Welcome one and all! Grab a beverage of choice, something sweet and sinful. No-no, not the men. What’s the matter with you? You know the hands-on rules… The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.
I’m thrilled to welcome my wonderfully talented guest today, Suz deMello, who is sharing her book, The Romantical Groom, with us!
Please show Suzie some real Ranch love!
Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you.
Okay, I’ll begin with five questions, then follow with three more, and end with four final ones. (Hey, no one liners please. try to answer these with complete responses :-})
My writing area at the moment is a corner of the couch in my living room. What does your writing space look like?
I live with my mother in her nice, large home, and I have an entire room dedicated to my work. I have bookshelves, a desk, and filing cabinets as well as knickknacks and memorabilia scattered about.
For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you?
Hmm…sometimes a character name springs into existence easily. Other times, I find myself researching names and their meanings. Every book is different.
What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?
Read a lot, and not only in the genre you’re writing. Read good books, not junk. Find a list on the internet of the best books written in the last fifty years, and read them. Absorb story structure, sentence structure, grammar.
The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment?
(sighing) I wish I knew. I have noticed that the most successful among us often have a background in business or marketing. I think it takes quite a lot of business savvy these days to adapt to a changing market.
Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?
Gutenberg. I think that meeting someone from centuries ago would be fascinating. I love to write historicals, and doing the research is a big part of that love.
It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆
Favorite animal?
Dogs
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter?
Summer
Favorite food?
peaches
Peaches? 🙂 Haven’t heard that yet. Well done! 🙂
Okay, Flash four. Ready?
What are you working on now?
A story for a spring anthology and my last Highland Vampires novel, set in Victorian England.
What are you sharing today?
The Romantical Groom, Being a Satyre
A gentle send-up of the classic Regency romance by master storyteller Suz deMello, who turns the genre upside down and on its head. Marlene, Earl of Maybegood, subjects gentleboy Georgie Longjohn to her own brand of rough wooing on the eve of his first Season.
Excerpt:
Marlene, Earl of Maybegood, looked down the country lane to the spectacle presenting itself to her interested eyes. “By George,” she exclaimed to her companion, “I do see the most priceless piece of manflesh thither on yon nag!”
Carolina d’Arvon, her friend from Eton and Oxford, brought her mare alongside Marlene’s. “You name your quarry aright, Maybegood,” she said. “‘Tis Georgie, the gentleboy and heir of the local squire, Longjohn. The laddie is quite admired hereabouts, not only for his form and grace, but for his five thousand pounds per year.”
Maybegood scowled. “I’ll teach those country bumpkins a lesson!” she declared. “I’ll have him before his first come-out.”
George, quite unaware of their distant scrutiny, serenely rode on, accompanied by his father and a groom. As befitted a gentleboy, he was securely mounted on his sweet old gelding, Muffin. He rode side-saddle, his skirts gracefully arrayed around him; gentleboys ride side-saddle to protect their tender parts from the chafing of the leathern seat.
He was eighteen years old and perfect, from the top of his guinea-gold curls to the bottom of his superbly fitted boots. The zephyr blue of his graceful, skirted riding habit complemented his celestial eyes. The low-cut jacket accentuated without revealing his lovely form.
Marlene turned to d’Arvon. “Caro, introduce me to the laddie,” she wheedled.
“‘Tis naught to me, Marlene, but you might wish to wait until you are not so rough from riding,” she pointed out. “The gentleboy might want grace and deportment—in short, a dandy.”
Maybegood snorted. A noted sportswoman, she wore riding breeches and a fitted hacking jacket. Her topboots were muddy. The raiment was suitable for her current activity but not for a drawing room or even for an informal introduction to a gentleboy. However, Maybegood was known for her carelessness in the matter of fashion, avoiding fancy dress whenever possible and never, ever sullying the Queen’s Court or any ballroom with her graceless presence.
Nevertheless she was desired, courted, and invited. The Earl of Maybegood owned and managed several estates of prime, productive land; as a very wealthy member of the peerage, Marlene was considered to be a Catch, and scores of scheming daddies dreamed of marrying off their sons to her. From her graduation from Oxford four years earlier, and her entry into the Polite World, Marlene had been the target of considerable masculine interest. The experience had left her somewhat arrogant in regard to the gentler sex.
“Believe me, Caro, he’ll take me as I am,” Marlene growled.
***
I love your hero’s name! Maybegood. 😆 Where can we find you and your books?
Buy here: http://tinyurl.com/RegencySatire
http://www.TheVelvetLair.com (blog)
Where will you be next?
Find me on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/SuzDeMello
Send me a PM and mention this blog for a FREE ebook!
Thank you so much for playing along, Suzie! And you brought a FREEE book! Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day. Don’t forget to leave Suz a comment here to thank her for your free book! 🙂
Thanks for having me!
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose presents ~ Sarah Grimm- Secondary Characters Who Demand Their Own Stories #MFRWAuthor #BlackPhoenixseries
Happy December!!!
I know I typically have Friday FanFare instead of guest posts on Friday, but Christmas is coming and I have my first pressy! My number one book boyfriend has escaped from authorland this week and is everywhere just for you to meet, so I have to introduce you to Dominic Price. *swoon*
So as a special event today, I invited Sarah Grimm to tell how Dom’s story came to be with a little taste of Dom’s and Rebecca’s sizzle, and where you can get your copy of Midnight Heat. I already have my copy and can’t wait to read it! 🙂
When I was writing After Midnight—Black Phoenix book 1—I honestly had no intention of creating a series. I had one story in my head, one where in the midst of wrapping up the hero and heroine’s happily-ever-after with a bright red bow, I would also give secondary character Dominic Price his. Then he walked onto the page and instantly stole my heart. I knew immediately he would need his own book. He was blunt, didn’t believe in lying and often said whatever he was thinking. He was funny—I’m a sucker for a man who makes me laugh—but also…wounded. There was a sadness to him. A deep sadness tied to a woman he loved desperately, but had walked away from: Rebecca Dahlman. I had to explore this—had to—and so Midnight Heat was born.
Writing Dominic’s story wasn’t easy. At times I was an interviewer asking questions of him, then rewording them when he wouldn’t give me an answer. At times a psychologist, studying his mind and behavior, digging for the reasoning behind his actions. Dom was afraid to trust me with his backstory, just as he was afraid to trust Rebecca, but eventually, I got it out of him. Then, I had to figure a way to help him win Rebecca back. In the end, he didn’t need my help after all.
***
Rebecca pulled into her driveway to find Dominic leaning against the post of the front porch. It’d been a lousy week and the last thing she needed, the last possible thing she could deal with right now, was him. Yet here he was. Looking as sinfully gorgeous as ever.
His long black hair was messy, like he’d been running his fingers through it. Her own twitched with the need to bury her hands in his hair and pull him to her. Pull him in tight, setting aside everything that stood between them. Trusting this time would be different.
For a long moment the temptation was so great she couldn’t breathe. She walked past him, used her key to unlock the door but didn’t open it. Exhaustion pulled at her, made her limbs heavy and her eyes burn. The double shift she’d just come off had been difficult, made more so by the arrival of Mr. Masters – the little boy’s father. He hadn’t said anything, just stood against a light pole outside the emergency entrance. In a fashion eerily similar to the way Dominic stood now.
It had taken her the entire drive home to shake off the trickle of alarm from between her shoulder blades.
Unable to summon the most basic of manners, she sighed. “Not tonight, Dom.” Tonight she felt far too exposed and vulnerable. “Honestly, I don’t have the strength for another go around with you.”
He looked her over slowly, studying her without a word. She knew what she looked like, had seen her reflection in the mirror after getting cleaned up at the hospital. Dark circles of fatigue beneath bloodshot eyes, her naturally pale skin more drawn than normal. She couldn’t hold her tongue when she was tired. No doubt he’d use that to his advantage.
“Are you okay?”
The fact that he asked, after everything they’d said to each other, nearly brought tears to her eyes. No. “Yes.”
He was quiet a moment, then blew out a breath. “I was hoping to have that talk you wanted, but I can see tonight’s not the night.”
She allowed herself to relax a bit. “It’s really not.”
“Just so you know, I’ll go home tonight, but I’m not going away.”
“What does that mean?”
Dominic gazed deep into her eyes. “I want a second chance, Rebecca.” His tone was a dark promise that curled around her and had her pulse kicking hard. “A chance to show you how much I’ve changed. To be what you want me to be; a lover and a friend.”
Heart in her throat she could only whisper. “For how long?”
“As long as you’ll have me.”
She closed her eyes and swallowed back the ache, the longing. Yes, cried her heart. Oh please, yes. Her head refused to believe. “Dom,” she murmured.
He didn’t speak. Nor did he walk away. Instead, he stepped closer. So close his breath brushed her temple, his body heat warmed her. She opened her eyes, tipped her head up to see into his. He stood close enough to touch her, only he didn’t. “Your best friend’s name is Karmen.”
Confusion scattered her thoughts. “How?”
“You’re wrong. I met her once – the same night I met you. She’s Latina, pretty but…I barely remember her.” His eyes darkened to mirror the night sky. “I was too blinded by you.”
“Dominic.” She lifted a hand and settled it in the center of his chest, feeling the hard muscle as well as the heat—traced her fingers over one pec and his body tightened.
Still, he didn’t touch her.
“You listen to classical music all the time. So much it used to drive me bonkers. But only if you’re happy. When you’re sad, you listen to the blues.”
Or his. She’d grown quite fond of Black Phoenix’s music over the years.
“I don’t recall what make or model your car was, just that it was a bit dodgy and smelled like cheese.” His chuckle vibrated up her arm.
God, how was she supposed to resist this? He was giving her everything she’d demanded of him the other night. All the answers she’d accused him of not caring enough to have. Rebecca leaned in, pressing closer, absorbing his scent, his proximity, and still his arms remained at his sides. He wasn’t going to make it easy on her. Anything that might happen, everything was being left up to her.
“I had a kink in my ass for a week after that first night.” His gaze fell to hers as she laughed. “I would do anything to make you laugh.” His voice was low, raw, as he reverently touched her cheek. “I would do anything to make sure I never make you cry again. I don’t want to be what makes you cry, Rebecca. Not anymore.”
Her body wouldn’t stop shaking. “Dominic.”
“I miss you so much. I miss us. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t regret walking away from you.”
It was too much to take in at once. Rebecca couldn’t move, and her vocal cords seemed to be temporarily useless. She ended up just standing there, as her heart took a hard leap against her ribs and hope blossomed.
***
See what I mean?! I’m in lust for this man! Whew!!
If you haven’t read Black Phoenix, Book One- After Midnight– you’ll want to get it and meet Noah and Isabeau too. I adore those two and they revisit in Dom’s story. I love keeping up with past characters. Don’t you?
Ok, here’s the other important information you’ll want.
BUY LINKS:
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id943576931
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/midnight-heat-sarah-
grimm/1120790396?ean=2940046316315
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00NU8M0QQ
Amazon : UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NU8M0QQ
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/midnight-heat-2
Author Bio:
Sarah Grimm is a wife and mother of two—five if you count her much-loved dogs.
She resides in beautiful West Michigan, with her husband, two sons & three
rescue dogs. Her addictions include reading, laughter and drag racing.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.sarahgrimm.com
Blog: http://www.sarahgrimm.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahGrimm.Author
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SarahGrimmAuthr
Thanks for stopping by! Can you remember your all-time favorite hero, the one who makes your blood boil in that good way and your head light? Sarah will gift one copy of Midnight Heat to a commenter. Seriously, once you meet this HAWT bassist–you’ll never look at rock-n-roll the same!
Calisa Rhose presents ~ Start Me Up by Kristina Knight #MFRWAuthor #RockerRomance
Osiyo~
Welcome one and all! Grab a beverage of choice, something sweet and sinful. No-no, not the men. What’s the matter with you? You know the hands-on rules… The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.
I’m thrilled to welcome my wonderfully talented guest today, Kristina Knight, who is sharing their book, Start Me Up with us!
Please show Kristina some real Ranch love
Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you.
Okay, I’ll begin with five questions, then follow with three more, and end with four final ones.
My writing area at the moment is a corner of the couch in my living room. What does your writing space look like?
It depends on the day! Today, I’m working on more ‘business-y’ stuff – like blog posts and art fact sheets, so my office is my actual desk in our living room. I’ve got a lot of knickknacks laying around – including an orange stress ball, a broken Boyd’s Bear figurine and a ceramic pic. When I’m writing the actual books, my ‘office’ changes to suit my mood – I might curl up in our recliner with my iPad, I might hit Starbucks or McDonalds or even the library.
For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you?
Character names usually come to me, although I’ve had a character insist – half way through a draft, in fact! – that I got their name wrong. lol Book titles are … so much harder. Finding the right 3-5 words that encompass an entire book is so hard!
What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?
Keep pushing yourself. Try to make each paragraph, chapter and book better than the last. That doesn’t mean whip out the thesaurus every other word, it just means dig deep into your well to get the emotion, characterization and setting right.
The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment?
I still think the key is perseverance. There are so many ‘nos’ in this industry that it is easy to pack it in and just write for ourselves…it’s the people who keep pushing forward, who don’t take the first for five hundredth ‘no’ who make it.
Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?
I soooooo want to have a sit-down with Nora Roberts. She writes amazing books, first of all, but she’s had her own battles and I think it would be so interesting to get her take on things.
I agree 100%. It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆
Favorite animal? Dog (hazel-the-pup)
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Summer!
Favorite food? Bacon (just had BLTs for lunch and yum!)
Well done! 🙂 And who doesn’t like doggies, warm weather and bacon? Well, I suppose there are some who don’t, but not here on the Ranch! 😆
Okay, Flash four. Ready?
What are you working on now?
I just got copyedits on my first SuperRomance, called The Daughter He Wanted, so I’m working on that. I have a proposal I’m polishing up the proposal for my second SuperRomance (*squeee*) and I’m finalizing the draft of a super secret project that I’m hoping to be able to share with you all soon!
I can’t wait! Can I cheat? 🙂 What are you sharing today?
I’m sharing a quick excerpt from my new book, Start Me Up, the second in my Rockers trilogy. Here’s the tagline: When Hollywood hunk Chase MacIntyre proposes a faux relationship, disgraced L.A. matchmaker Nina Wright can’t refuse…until some serious sexiness makes “on paper” happen between the sheets!
The excerpt:
“I can’t lie to your family.”
“We are lying to the entire world, with or without dinner.” It was a reminder to himself as much as to her.
The lights dimmed again, cutting off further conversation. But not before he saw the flash of hurt in Nina’s eyes.
Nate took the stage, welcoming the audience and introducing the first performers, a brother-sister duo competing on the reality show Star Power, which Nate and Chase’s sister, Lily, starred on.
“I’m hoping to sign them after the season,” Chase whispered in Nina’s ear. “I’m sorry about that lying to the world thing. I didn’t mean it. Nate kind of caught me off guard.” Not her apparent attraction to his friend. Definitely not that.
“I didn’t think about the family thing, either. This is a little more complicated that I imagined,” she said. Nina took his hand in the dark, cementing the connection between them. Her touch was soft. Soothing. A juxtaposition because the inch of space separating their thighs was a shooting gallery of heat. And then it was only the two of them. No residual doubt at her reaction to Nate. Nothing but Nina’s hand against his.
The couple on stage went into the chorus, singing about hurt. Chase joined in the applause as they left the stage a moment later. A flash of deep purple caught his attention and he saw Jillian from the corner of his eye. She offered him a finger wave and, unsurprisingly, Chase didn’t feel a thing.
It was Nina who held his attention throughout the show. Nina who he wanted to dance with.
Two dates and a single kiss and the woman had his blood at the boiling point.
* * *
Where can we find you and your books?
You can find me: Website: http://www.kristinaknightauthor.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kristinaknightromanceauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorkristina
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorkristina/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5827833.Kristina_Knight
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+KristinaKnightAuthor/posts
Buy Links:
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/harlequin-e-contemporary-romance/id896507885?mt=11
Where will you be next?
I blog every Tuesday and Thursday on my personal blog (www.kristiknight.blogspot.com) and each Wednesday at WordWranglers (http://wordwranglers.blogspot.com), and you can always catch me on Twitter and Facebook (don’t tell my editor!!!)
I’m giving away an e-copy of my backlist, you get to choose, for those of you who tell me what it is that you love about romance novels?
Thank you so much for playing along Kristina! Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day.
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose presents ~ Reckless by Jessi Gage #TuesdayRoundUp #bluecollarmen
Osiyo~
Welcome to Tuesday Round Up one and all! Grab a beverage of choice, something sweet and sinful. No-no, not the men. What’s the matter with you? You know the hands-on rules… The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.
I’m thrilled to welcome my wonderfully talented guest today, Jessi Gage, who is sharing her book, Reckless with us!
Please show Jessi some real Ranch love!
Thank you for having me today, Calisa! It’s always fun stopping by the Ranch.
Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you.
I’ll go ahead and take first pick of the men. Since the theme of today’s post will be blue-collar construction workers, are there any men in the coral sporting hard hats? Come on, boys, raise your hands…
LOL, in my dreams, right?
Actually, since I’m married to a construction man…there are always a couple hanging around for flavor choice. 😉
I’m a Seattle gal, transplanted from the northeast by way of Florida. How my husband and I arrived up here in the northwest is a long story, but it has mostly to do with higher education and a mutual love of Kurt Kobain.
Would you believe I’d never heard of Kurt until he died? Sad, I know.
So about your writing?
I’ve been writing about 6 years. After publishing with a small press, I’m now venturing into the world of self publishing and loving every minute.
I can’t wait to share my new release, Reckless, with you all today. It’s my second indie title and kicks off a series about blue-collar heroes who are rough around the edges but tender where it counts.
Okay, I’ll begin with five questions, then follow with three more, and end with four final ones.
My writing area at the moment is a corner in my living room, now upgraded from the couch to my new-to-me green recliner. What does your writing space look like?
I’m a couch girl too. You can almost always find me on the middle cushion or our red corduroy IKEA Ektorp with my laptop either on my lap with a nifty fan-desk or on the couch beside me. I’m usually in jammies or leggings with a hoodie. And I always, ALWAYS have strawberry Chap Stick in my pocket.
I keep my laptop on an air desk, too, and I usually have a tube of vanilla lip balm somewhere within reach. 🙂 We couch girls have to stick together.
For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you?
My critique partners call me the title whisperer, LOL. I love thinking of title names, series names, and character names.
I do too, but some are questionable. Lol What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?
Keep writing!
I’ve seen some authors get so caught up in revising an agent-rejected book over and over again, trying to make it something an agent will fall in love with. This means they’re not writing new stuff, not learning, not improving.
The best way to improve as an author is to write. Write a lot. Brainstorm, draft, polish, repeat.
Get lots of stories under your belt. Then, when you get that coveted acceptance, you’ve got a backlist you can polish up and publish while you’re writing new stuff.
Good advice, Jessi. The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment?
Persistence. You’ve got to love writing. You’ve got to eat, drink, breathe writing, and not just writing, but all the peripheral stuff that goes into transforming a completed story into a published work.
You’ve got to have a marketable author brand as well. My brand is time-travel romance and blue-collar contemporaries. Both are sub genres that are doing well right now. In that, I’m lucky. I happened across a readership eager for what comes naturally for me to write. Fairy tales are also popular right now, as are sports romances. Vampires have fallen out of favor a bit.
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Ecclesiastes 3, which begins “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (I like that one, too. Cat Stevens wrote a song around this verse that I love.) If what you write isn’t popular right now, don’t worry, it will be. Because you’re going to make it popular. Develop your niche, cultivate a starter audience, and carve out a corner of the market for yourself. Who knows? Maybe your dream sharing spynx or transgender motorcycle club member will be the next sparkly vampire.
Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?
My favorite author at the moment is Evangeline Anderson. I love her ability to develop a series and keep the conflict wire-tight through an entire book. She has an amazing sci-fi series called Brides of the Kindred that I am totally hooked on. I would love to just hang out with her, throw back some cocktails, and talk writing and sexy alien men.
It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆
Favorite animal? Horse
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Fall
Favorite food? Pizza
Well done! 🙂
Okay, final four. Ready? What are you working on now?
2014 will be a year packed with self-publishing activities. I have five releases planned for the year, including two re-released backlist titles (Reckless is one of these). There will be lots of logistics and marketing in my future, which to a geek like me sounds like a TON of FUN!
On the writing front, I’m setting a modest goal of completing a novella in my Highland Wishes series (Constance and Wilhelm’s story’ they’re a couple that makes an appearance in Wishing for a Highlander) and writing another full-length Highland Wishes novel.
What are you sharing today?
Reckless gets a new cover and a re-release! Here’s the blurb:
Sometimes it takes a miracle to find forgiveness.
Divorced construction worker Derek has anger management issues. Acting rashly on the freeway, he causes an accident. His truck escapes unscathed, but he can’t say the same for his conscience. Visions of the wreck haunt his dreams, but they’re always followed by the sweet caresses and soothing words of a beautiful woman who calls to everything male in him.
Cami assumes she is dead. With no memory of her past, all she knows is endless fog and the occasional visit to a darkened bedroom where she comforts a man battling nightmares. When she wakes in a hospital bed and regains her memory, she assumes the ruggedly-handsome Derek was no more than a figment of her concussed mind.
As Cami recovers, she learns that Derek is not only real but also the driver charged with causing her accident. She should be furious with him, but their inexplicable nights together showed her a tender side beneath his rough exterior. Will she let one reckless mistake drive them apart, or will forgiveness have the right of way?
Where can we find you and your books?
Website | Blog | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Goodreads
Get Reckless Amazon and more listed on Jessi’s website.
Where can followers find you next?
Ooh, I get followers? How cool! I promise there will be no Kool-Aid. But I will bring cupcakes…
Follow me on Twitter and FB, and you’ll get all my appearance news. And sign up for my newsletter for notice of my new releases.
I love cupcakes and heroes with a bad-boy streak. I would like to give a free ecopy of Reckless to a commenter who tells me their favorite snack or dessert and romance hero. Double points (counts as 2 entries) if you can name a snack or dessert that can also describe a romance hero.
Thank you so much for playing along Jessi! Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day.
Thank you so much for hosting me today, Calisa! I had a blast answering your questions, and I can’t wait to read comments and give away an ebook!
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose is Cooking Up Love with Gemma Brocato
Osiyo~
Welcome my first guest of the new year! Gemma Brocato is a sister Lyrical-turned-Kensington author here to share her debut book. I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
Take it away, Gemma!
Hi Calisa!
Thanks for having me over today and introducing me to your readers.
Here’s a little fact about myself… I love to travel. I live to discover new and exciting places. Frequently, my discovery of new places occurs because I want to explorie old places. Like the castles and keeps I dragged my husband to in England. I was on a quest to spend weekends visiting all the Tudor castles while we lived there. Mr. Gemma finally had to put his foot down and insist he wasn’t going to another heap of smelly stones. One year, I dragged my husband and children to Vermont, in search of Larry, Darrell and Darrell. We never found them, but I developed a love of the Northeast and the Eastern Seaboard while I was there.
The setting for Cooking Up Love came from a trip I took to Boston with my high school choir. That city was fascinating to my impressionable young self. The historical sites and beautiful architecture, the exceptional restaurants, the old churches, even the feel of community I sensed there.
When I started to write my story, I wanted a place that reflected Boston’s history, but still embodied the small town camaraderie I’d known growing up in the Midwest. So I created Granite Pointe, a tourist hamlet my heroine, Jemima George, decides to move to after inheriting a café located there. Building the world of the town, and its citizens included drawing a mental map of the harbor, the main street, and throwing in a high school. I further developed the town while writing Hearts In Harmony, book 2 in the series, to include a farmer’s market and a Christmas Tree Farm. Book 3, which I’m working on now, has a lovely new park and a seaside museum.
I think the best part of Granite Pointe is its residents. The people Jem George meets while settling into her new surrounding made the town a home she comes to love. I tell my children home is wherever your family is and I made the citizens of Granite Pointe Jem’s family. My imagination continues to build a solid, warm community that welcomes guests and new residents. I think I could easily move to Granite Pointe.
Book Title: Cooking Up Love
Author: Gemma Brocato
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press
ISBN-10: 1616504277
ISBN-13: 978-16165-4272
Blurb
Mix a chef and her contractor, stir in a mystery, and cook up a romance.
Jemima George leads a charmed life as a personal chef and assistant to reality television’s latest darling. But that changes in a New York minute when her Aunt Caro dies under odd circumstances, bequeathing her a small restaurant. Jem plans to sell the café and continue her life in NYC, until a dramatic phone call from her cheating boyfriend convinces her to experiment with the ingredients for happiness and accept her Aunt’s legacy. Throwing herself into remodeling the restaurant with the help of the town’s delicious contractor, Jem revamps the menu and renews her faith in herself.
Jack Kerrigan considered Caro a surrogate mother and hates the idea that the café could be sold. He doesn’t need the remodeling project, but if it means Caro’s beautiful, fascinating niece will stay to run the restaurant, he’s all in. He wouldn’t mind being savory to Jem’s sweet.
Jack’s brassy ex-wife is cooking up a scheme of her own, where Jack tosses Jem like a salad and comes back to her. Fold in a creepy attorney hiding secrets of environmental mayhem, add Jem’s claustrophobia, half-pint niece and nephew twins, one mysterious lockbox, and bring to a boil–a recipe for romance.
Excerpt
His sexy baritone voice breezed up her spine and her breath stuttered as his warm hand wrapped around hers.
Oh, no. She was in trouble. Standing this close to him, he even smelled like a hot guy, fresh, outdoorsy, a hint of distinctive male. He had great hands. Narrow wrists, long, elegant fingers, calloused enough, making her imagine how they’d rasp as they trailed along her flesh. She had always been a sucker for a long-fingered man.
Time to put the brakes on those ideas. His gaze roved over her body, not hiding the fact that he was checking her out. Heat bloomed in her cheeks and she mentally shook her head to clear the fireworks going off in her imagination when she caught sight of deep dimples bracketing either side of his full, smiling lips and even white teeth. Oh good
Lord, why’d he have to have dimples?
When his gaze made the journey back to hers, she looked pointedly at her hand, still clasped in his. His look was almost apologetic as he released his grip.
***
Author Bio
About Gemma Brocato
Gemma’s favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a ’round tuit,’ and a fortune from a fortune cookie that said she was a lover of words; some day she’d write a book. All it took was a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss even the rejections, addressed to ‘Dear Author’, were gratifying.
After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue an avocation as a romance author.
Her gamble paid off when she was a 2012 Finalist in the prestigious Golden Pen contest for Romantic Suspense and she received contracts for her first and second book.
Gemma loves to connect with readers. This is where you can find her:
Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gemma.brocato
Twitter, @gemmabrocato or on the web at www.Gemmabrocato.com
Buy Links
Due to the recent acquisition of Lyrical Press by Kensington books, my debut novel, Cooking Up Love is temporarily off the market. But not to worry – it will be back soon. In the meantime, I have some print copies of the book I’d love to give away (A US winner only, please). Leave a comment below to enter a drawing for a signed copy.
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Up-Love-Gemma-Brocato-ebook/dp/B00G36CD0K/
Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/cooking-up-love-3
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cooking-up-love-gemma-brocato/1117213296
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cooking-up-love/id688219548?mt=11
Before she goes, Gemma has a question.
If you could call any place in the world home, where would it be?
It’s been wonderful having you and your awesome book on the Ranch, Gemma. Thank you for visiting!
Dodadagohvi~
I write contemporary and paranormal romance, with sensuality as the key ingredient and spice for kick.
Pen of The Dreamer 