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~
Hey-Ho Cover Oglers! I hope you all had a Happy and Glorious New Year!!! We’re off to a fun start here at the Ranch!
Here’s January’s lovely cover art, with a few Christmas covers to boot, and the awesome authors, artists and publishers who made them possible for you to gaze at today. It would be great if you leave a comment letting everyone know what you like (or don’t like) about them and maybe even check out a few author links to meet those behind the books. Or just say hi.
UnCover Mondays on The Ranch!!! This feature is only to highlight authors–not to sell books (though if you see one you want to buy I’m sure the authors won’t mind 😆 ). Enjoy this weeks’ covers to ogle and explore. If there is one provided, you can follow the artist links by clicking on the name, if there’s an artist link provided, to learn more about the amazing creators of these beautiful covers. I think they deserve fair mention since they helped create the book! As always, click the covers for author websites to find out more. I wish everyone a fabulous new year in 2014!
Title: “A Box of Dreams” (Dream Series, books 1-5)
Author: J. J. DiBenedetto
Website: www.writingdreams.net
Genre: Paranormal Romantic/Suspense
Publisher: J.J. DiBenedetto
Cover Artist: Ami Low
Release date: December 2, 2013
What if you could see everyone else’s dreams?
Sara Barnes has just discovered that she can. And this gift – or curse – will lead her on an extraordinary journey.
Follow Sara as her newfound ability leads her into adventures she never imagined. She will hunt down a serial killer, investigate a plot to murder one of her teachers, unravel a conspiracy between a mobster and a corrupt politician and face off against her nemesis: a woman who shares her talent, but uses it to destroy lives rather than save them. And Sara will have to manage all that while finishing college, becoming a doctor and falling in love, too.
Included in this set is DREAM STUDENT, DREAM DOCTOR, DREAM CHILD, DREAM FAMILY and WAKING DREAM. In addition, you’ll find the short story BETTY & HOWARD’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE starring Sara’s parents.
Title: Counterfeits
Author: Kris Bock
Website: www.krisbock.com
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Pig River Press
Cover Artist: Alan Erickson
Release date: November 17, 2013
Painter Jenny Kinley has spent the last decade struggling in the New York art world. Her grandmother’s sudden death brings her home to New Mexico, but inheriting the children’s art camp her grandmother ran is more of a burden than a gift. How can she give up her lifelong dreams of showing her work in galleries and museums?
Rob Caruso, the camp cook and all-around handyman, would be happy to run the camp with Jenny. Dare he even dream of that, when his past holds dark secrets that he can never share? When Jenny’s father reappears after a decade-long absence, only Rob knows where he’s been and what danger he’s brought with him.
Jenny and Rob face midnight break-ins and make desperate escapes, but the biggest danger may come from the secrets that don’t want to stay buried. In the end, they must decide whether their dreams will bring them together or force them apart.
Title: The French Resolution
Author: Nora Snowdon
Website: www.norasnowdon.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Rebel Ink Press
Cover Artist: Carl J. Franklin
Release date: December 17, 2013
As the Fundraising Coordinator at a New York charity for needy children, Helen Dunhill is anxious to convince her business tycoon father to host a benefit gala at his Nassau mansion. The philanthropic event will improve his company’s tarnished image, which in turn should help him accept her chosen career. After years of being invisible to her jet-setting father, she hopes the endeavor will make him finally appreciate her. Planning to discuss her proposal during a Thanksgiving vacation in Nassau, she is devastated when, once again, her father flies off to Europe for business before her arrival. Determined to at least help other children have a decent family life, she sends the gala proposal to his office.
French Corporate Raider, Antoine Christoff has just seized control of the floundering Dunhill Holdings Company. Unfortunately for him, 30% shares are held in blind trust for the former owner’s daughter, Helen. Antoine flies to Nassau to wine and dine the daughter and then purchase her company shares. As his investigations show her to be mousy and unsophisticated, he assumes she will easily succumb to his charm. He plans to flatter and coerce her into selling her shares before she realizes his connections.
But once they meet it’s game on. And all bets are off.
Title: Mugs & Monasteries
Author: Cait O’Sullivan
Website: www. caitosullivan.blogspot.co.uk
Genre: Paranormal Gothic Romance
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Cover Artist: Musa Publishing
Release Date: October 25, 2012
When orchid hunter, Evie Bourke stumbles across a near deserted monastery deep in the Burren, she has no idea she’s the first person alive to have seen it. All she knows is that life went a bit strange and was getting more bizarre by the minute.
Meeting alpaca farmer Aiden Dunne over a pint of Guinness, she is struck by his resemblance, yet to whom, she can’t quite remember. Aiden is searching for Munster Abbey for his family was connected to it for generations, culminating in the disappearance of his relative, the then Prior.
What happened all those years ago? Who or what is ‘the Wanderer’ and, more to the point, what does he want?
Title: Murder Upon a Midnight Clear
Author: Juli D. Revezzo
Website: www.julidrevezzo.com
Genre: paranormal romantic suspense
Publisher: Raven Queen Publications
Cover artist: Boulevard Photografica
Release date: November 15th
‘Tis the season … for death.
Murder reminds Detective Helene Collias of Holly PD that crime doesn’t respect holidays. And the last victim she ever expected to find in her case files is the sister of her old flame, Sean Grant. Ordinarily, Helene’s psychic gifts give her an edge but this time, that gift has short-circuited. Could her lingering attraction to Sean be blurring her abilities, or is something more sinister at work?
Title: My Sunny Vampire
Author: Stacy McKitrick
Website: www.stacymckitrick.com
Genre: Paranormal romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Cover Artist: Renee Rocco
Release date: January 6, 2014
After centuries alone in darkness, how far will a vampire go for Sunshine?
Jack VanAllen has spent his long life following the rules and, as a member of the Vampire Committee, he also enforces them. So, when he awakens in an alley next to an illegally-turned vampire who resembles his late wife, he must prove his innocence or suffer the punishment: death. The problem? He doesn’t remember a thing. Sunshine Petersen’s life as a vampire isn’t getting off to a great start. She’s got no control over her powers, can’t find a job, and sexy Jack is being stand-offish. The only thing she’d like more than catching the creep who turned her is getting Jack into the closest bed. But, could Jack be the one who turned her? When he and Sunny team up to find the culprit, Jack discovers feelings he hasn’t had in years. But once Sunny finds out he’s keeping a major secret, she disappears. Unfortunately, the man who turned her still has plans..
CONTENT WARNING: Some graphic violence, sensual sex scenes, and a vampire who’s finally found his ‘sun’.
Title: Operation Christmas
Author: Barbara Weitz
Website: www.barbaraweitz.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance (sweet)
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Cover Artist: Kim Mendoza
Release date: November 27, 2013
Jess Grant is home from Afghanistan with a physical injury that has stripped away his dating confidence. Yet he can’t seem to forget a young war widow who had attended his high school. Since her family runs the bakery where he orders holiday cookies for soldiers overseas, he hopes to reconnect.
Madeleine Belmar struggles with Christmas, works for Scrooge, and is nowhere near ready for a new relationship. When she runs into Jess, his persistence and her rejection creates a confusing mix of attraction and fear. But unfortunately, she’s unable to navigate the emotional waters to find new love. Although Jess isn’t in the habit of walking away from what he wants, he understands her dilemma and leaves their fate up to Madeleine…at least for the moment.
Between her meddling family and angelic intervention, it seems Jess will get a helping hand. If only Madeleine can see the good man before her and not cling to the past.
Title: Rain
Author: Nicole Hurley-Moore
Website: www.nicolehurley-moore.com
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Jupiter Gardens Press
Cover Artist: Tibbs Design
Release date: November 21, 2013
1216 AD
On the mountain, high above the village of Farran – Nuri is caught between heaven and hell. Two men fight for her love and her soul. The first is Maras, an elemental being who follows the storms. Nuri knows that he is not human, he’s something more. She believes he is her beautiful fallen angel. Yet he is transient and is bound to the elements and their love may be as fleeting as the storm itself. The second is Brother Erebus, a pious monk whose tortured soul is twisted by his desire for her.
But Nuri may sacrifice more than her heart when the Church brands her angel a demon. As Brother Erebus will do anything to protect her soul from the silver haired devil, even if he has to crush her body to do it.
Title: The Naughty List
Author: L. A. Kelley
Website: www.lakelleythenaughtylist.blogspot.com
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Cover Artist: Debbi Taylor
Release Date: October 25, 2013
Not your mama’s Christmas story unless she drank too much egg nog or was born with a cheeky sense of humor.
Murder, mystical artifacts, an invisible demon with anger management issues, and an overbearing cupid—not what Rosalie Thatcher wished for on her Christmas list. The holidays had always been a magical time, but not this year. Stephanie, the new manager at Penrose’s Department Store, is determined to make this season the most profitable in the store’s history, even if it sucks the life out of every employee. Introducing arbitrary rules and stealing the affections of Anthony, the cute temp Santa, were bad enough, but forcing Rosalie into the stupid elf hat was the worst. The worst, that is, until she meets a real E.L.F. (Elemental Life Form) named David and gets lassoed into a desperate hunt for the stolen Naughty and Nice List. Now Rosalie and David must dodge a murderous invisible demon and recover the missing artifact before hellhounds track them down. The couple race against time for without the magical guidance of the Naughty and Nice List, the world will tumble toward eternal chaos.
Title: Timeless Keepsakes: A Collection of Christmas Stories
Authors: Ruth A. Casie, Lita Harris, Emma Kaye, Nicole S. Patrick, Julie Rowe
Submitting Author: Emma Kaye
Website: www.timelessscribes.com
Genre: Romance Anthology
Publisher: Timeless Scribes
Cover Artist: Alchemy Book Covers and Design
Release Date: November 11, 2013
The magic of Christmas is in the memories we hold dear and those precious treasures that remind us of the past. Join us as our Timeless Keepsakes take us on five remarkable journeys that heal old wounds, remind us of days gone by, play matchmaker, sweep us back in time and prove that love can conquer all.
Mistletoe and Magick ~ Ruth A. Casie
She would give her last breath for him. He would give up everything to guard her well and love her more.
Christmas Spirits ~ Lita Harris
A widow’s everlasting love is renewed by the memories of the holiday season.
Granting Her Wish ~ Emma Kaye
She doesn’t belong in his time and he doesn’t belong back home. Could they belong to each other?
Letter From St. Nick ~ Nicole S. Patrick
She’s trying to save her home and he’s never had one until now. Can an unexpected gift lead their hearts to the same place?
Secret Santa ~ Julie Rowe
A nurse grieving the death of her twin brother receives an unusual gift at the staff Secret Santa party: the bullet that killed him along with a message of hope and love.
I want to thank all the authors who submit and make this a special place to share their work!
Note:
Due to lack of submissions I no longer promote banners and videos.
Mar 8
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I’M SO EXCITED TO HAVE Rachel Brimble on today’s Friday Fanfare! A WRP sister, she’s now branched to Harlequin. I’m so excited for you Rachel. Let’s find out more about you and your books. Friday 5-Fanfare It all began when… I was a child. I used to make up stories a LOT and the teacher […]
Living in the Oklahoma countryside with my husband is all the inspiration I need.
Pen of The Dreamer 