Tag Archives: new release

June 20, 2016 · 8:33 am

Constance Walker ~ Author Interview & New Release: Lost Roses of Ganymede House

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Constance Walker, who is sharing a little about herself and her brand new release. It’s a gothic mystery, which I love!

 

  1. Where did you get the idea for Lost Roses of Ganymede House?

One afternoon I was driving over a bridge and I saw this beautiful stone mansion sitting on a cliff overlooking a river and I was intrigued with it.  I wondered who lived there and for how long and who they were and what kind of family it was and if it was a happy household and one thought led to another and — you know how you used to play the “what if?” game when you were younger?  Well, I began playing that game in my mind: “What if the house was overlooking a sea in rural England?  What if it was in Victorian times?”  And then, “What if that beautiful house was haunted and had a ghost and who was the ghost and why was it there?” And by the end of the drive I had the premise for a Gothic mystery. 

The title?  Roses – the scent of them – is a feature of the book so I knew that had to be part of it.  And I have always had a fascination with the planet Jupiter – don’t ask me why because I can’t really tell you — and I took one of its moons – Ganymede – and named the house after it.  And somehow it all worked and I had my title, Lost Roses of Ganymede House. 

  1. Are there any tricks or habits you use when creating a story?

When I write, I sometimes speak the words out loud as I’m typing.  It helps me with the grammar and punctuation and also catches any awkward phrases, etc.  Jake, my wonderful/fantastic 12-year old rescued hound/shepherd sits beside my desk and he’ll look up at me as though he’s also critiquing, but he never offers an alternative.  All he wants is another treat. 

  1. What book have you read that you wish you would have written?

Not a book but a movie script.  THE WAY WE WERE.  I absolutely loved that screenplay and I’ve seen the movie a dozen times and each time I am so impressed with the writing and the concept.  And even though it had a bittersweet ending, it was a great romance.

  1. What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

“Loyal.”  Once you’re included into my family or are my friend then that’s it!  It’s a bond for life.

What is one word you think others might use to describe you? 

“Tenacious.”  I’ll fight forever for people, animals, causes – anything that will make life a little better for everyone on this earth.  I joke that my parents must have known what kind of person I would be and named me Constance – it means steadfast, never yielding.    

  1. What’s your favorite book of all time and why?

It’s an old non-fiction book I discovered many years ago, SERENADE TO THE BIG BIRD.  It was written during the Second World War by Bert Stiles, an Army Air Force bomber pilot.  It may have been one of the first non-fiction books I ever read and I was completely blown away by the way he wrote about his experiences and his outlook on life and war and peace.  It was published posthumously – he went down with his plane during an air battle.  I’ve mentioned the book several times to other writers and I’m always amazed that someone has also read it and considers it to be one of the best non-fiction books they’ve read.   

  1. What do you want readers to come away with after they read Lost Roses of Ganymede House?

A sense of enjoyment, of caring about the characters and the storyline and a good feeling about having spent their time reading the book.  When I get reviews from readers on Facebook or Goodreads who write that they loved the book so much that they wished it never ended … that’s the ultimate praise.  And that’s when I really do say “thank you” out loud and want to sit down and write another book immediately.   

 

Thank you! I enjoyed the interview. And now, please tell us about your book…

 

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Blurb:  

“There, Miss, that be Ganymede House in the distance,” says the driver of her carriage as newly impoverished Sarah Scott gets her first glimpse of the magnificent house in Yorkshire, England, where she will live as tutor for the two children of widower Oliver Grayson.  But, unknown to the young woman, she is about to venture into a bleak home where the children are silent, the master morose, the servants suspicious and the family history forbidding.

And, as she begins to take on the responsibility for the children’s education, Sarah finds herself caught up in the hostile spirit that permeates Ganymede–the portrait of Oliver’s wife, Rosamunda, that is locked away in an unused bedroom; the mysterious scent of roses in rooms where no one has entered; the mystery surrounding Rosamunda’s death and the banishment of the mother’s imprint on the children and the manor.  Slowly Sarah comes to realize that evil inhabits the house and that she no longer is an outsider to the family–what stalks and touches Ganymede now touches her.

Buy Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Roses-Ganymede-House-Constance-Walker-ebook/dp/B01CH1KSL0/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1457053716&sr=1-2&keywords=LOST+ROSES+OF+GANYMEDE+HOUSE

Author Bio: Constance Walker is the author of Gothic mysteries, paranormal and contemporary romance fiction, and is currently working on a novel about senior citizens.  You can contact her at her in-the-process-of revising-her web site,

WWW.CONSTANCEWALKER.COM  or at her Goodreads Author page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2090408.Constance_Walker

 

 

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June 15, 2016 · 12:44 pm

Interview with Margo Bond Author of Under Her Skin

We were treated to Margo’s lovely cover reveal recently, now I’m happy to share her interesting interview…

  1. You probably get asked this a lot, but for my readers, please tell us…was there a ‘moment’ in your life where you decided ‘I am going to be a writer!’

I’ve always known. The first story I remember actually writing down was basically fan-fiction of The Wizard of Oz. I wrote it in long-hand in a yellow legal pad. I’ve been writing ever since.

  1. If you were stuck on a deserted island and you could bring 3 of your favorite books, what would they be and why?

This is an unfair question, so I’m going to cheat. 🙂  I would bring an anthology of British literature, an anthology of world literature, and an anthology of science fiction and fantasy.

  1. In today’s hectic world, it seems like people just don’t have enough hours in the day to do the things they want to do because of all the things they need to do. If you had 72 hours of uninterrupted ‘me time’ what would you do? Would you write? 

Oh. 72 whole uninterrupted hours all to myself? That sounds heavenly. I would definitely write. I would also read. And I would sleep. A lot. I don’t get enough time to do any of those things!

  1. If you were to remove the actual title – so that only the ‘cover’ was visible to readers – what do you think would make your book stand out from other in the genre?

The snake, definitely! And the tattoo of the mongoose.

  1. Who designed your cover? Did you play a major role in how it came out looking? Or did you say ‘I really don’t know what I want on it – but when I see it…I’ll know’?

Kelly Abell did the cover, and I had quite a bit of say in it. I love what she came up with based on my sketchy description.

  1. Thinking of the First 500 words to your book, what was the main idea you wanted your readers to walk away with?

I don’t want them to walk away at all after the first five hundred words! 🙂  But if they do, I want them to wonder what the hell happened to cause Callie to wake up dead in Alabama.

  1. If possible – please write ‘the hook’ of your story in 25 words or less.

When she died, Callie Taylor expected heaven or hell. She got Alabama.

  1. If a Hollywood agent came to you today and asked you to choose your dream cast to be in the movie version – who would you want to play the leads?

Here’s my dream cast:

Callie: Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence has the perfect girl-next-door vibe, and if you’ve seen the clip of her joking with Jack Nicholson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJmhsJ5T5L0), it’s clear that she can also do funny and snarky, which is an absolute necessity for any actress who plays Callie!

Ashara: Kat Graham

I just love Kat Graham. I love it that she’s beautiful and smart (she speaks something like five languages!). Ashara has to be strong and kind, too, and having seen Graham’s work in Vampire Diaries, I think she would make the perfect Ashara.

Maw-Maw: Ruby Dee

There was never any question about my dream actress to play Maw-Maw. The first time I saw Maw-Maw in my mind, she had Ruby Dee’s face (and my grandmother’s way of moving and my great-grandmother’s voice!). Maw-Maw is canny and wise and smarter than anyone gives her credit for being.

Stephen: Chris Hemsworth

Because who wouldn’t want Chris Hemsworth in a movie?! Seriously—Hemsworth’s blond good looks will suit Stephen nicely. Also, he can do quiet and strong nicely; Stephen often takes a supportive role, keeping Callie, Ashara, and Maw-Maw safe and working to help all of them as they solve the mystery surrounding Molly’s death.

Clifford Howard: Billy Burke

The villain needs to be creepy! Burke isn’t ugly like Howard is in the book, but he can do an amazing sneer. I think he could play up the psychopathic elements of the book’s villain.

Molly McClatchey: Jessica Alba

Although Molly has only a small appearance in the book, as the victim, it’s an important one. I think Jessica Alba would be perfect for this role—her dark hair, dark eyes, and olive skin are important to the plot, and Alba’s sweet demeanor would play nicely, too!

Rick McClatchey: Jared Padalecki

Jared Padalecki does emotionally distraught so perfectly that he would be a great candidate for the role of Rick McClatchey, a man wrongly accused of killing his beloved wife.

  1. What is next on the horizon for you?

I’m working on sequels to Waking Up Dead and to Legally Undead, the urban fantasy I have  coming out from World Weaver Press in 2014. I’m editing a young adult paranormal romance. I’m also working on a contemporary romance novel. And I have the beginnings of two others—one’s a paranormal romance, and the other is what I’m calling my Regency Romance in Space.

  1. Please, indulge the readers of this review – Do you have any sort of ‘ritual’ you go through when you’re working? Perhaps you must always have a cup of coffee and a cheese Danish before you can even consider writing? Maybe you only write after you’ve had your morning walk? Mayhap you wait until it’s completely quiet to gather your thoughts – or – you like to ‘rock out’?

I used to have elaborate writing rituals, but now I just write whenever I can get a spare minute! I usually have to have coffee or tea. I have an office that I use for all my work: academic writing, fiction writing, editing, and online teaching. My desk is against a window so I can see outside. I’m surrounded by books and papers. I write directly on my laptop, but when I get stuck, I sometimes switch to handwriting; this seems to shift my brain onto a different track and helps me get over writer’s block. I write something every day, whether it’s academic writing, fiction, or my blog.

  1. What sort of advice would you give to new authors? 

The very best advice I ever got was just this: keep writing new things. Always have a work in progress. Finish writing a piece, do a quick edit, and submit it somewhere for publication. Then move on to the next project. Don’t wait to hear back—that way lies madness! If it’s rejected (and often it will be; that’s the nature of writing for publication), don’t let it get you down. Just send it out again and go back to your work in progress.

  1. Have you ever experienced ‘Writer’s Block’? If so, what do you do to get over it? (Or, are you a writer who feels there’s no such thing as ‘Writer’s Block? If so, please explain your thoughts)

I get stuck, like everyone. I hit writer’s block sometimes. But when that happens, I usually switch over to another project or go for a walk. Sometimes I’ll go back and try to work on editing what’s already done. But I loathe editing and revising. I know it must be done, but I hate it with a fiery passion. So that usually prompts me to go back to writing!

Wow, enjoyed the interview. Loved seeing your entire cast of characters. I am a Vampire Diaries fan and I agree about Kat. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet her and she’s even more gorgeous in person, if that’s possible. LOVE your hook. Who would be able to resist that?

Thanks so much for joining me!

 

Close-up of Snake, a Small Python, on Back and Shoulder of Naked Muscular Man against White Background

About Under Her Skin

She’s lucky he’s a charmer…

Lindi Parker works hard at being human, not an easy task for a snake shifter. She has no desire to search for others like her—until a new case changes everything. When Lindi learns that she she’s not the only shapeshifter in the world, she also realizes she might be next on a killer’s list.

In order to save herself and the abused children she works with, she will have to team up with Dr. Kade Nevala, a member of the shifter tribe responsible for eradicating weresnakes—and the most attractive man Lindi’s ever met. Even more terrifying, she’ll need to embrace her serpent side, a choice that has enormous consequences for Lindi, and for everyone around her. 

Excerpt 

I’m not the kind of woman who goes around kissing strange men—especially strange men with hypnotic gold eyes who set off every internal warning system I’ve got.

And as a general rule, I avoid making out with men who drag me into dark rooms against my will.

But all those rules went out the window when this man kissed me.

His lips burned against mine, searing something deep inside, heating me to my core.

The almost peppery scent that had frozen me earlier now flooded my senses. His hands dropped from my shoulders and ran down my arms, wrapping around my waist and pulling me closer to him.

Muscles that moments ago had been writhing in an attempt to shapeshift now twisted to move closer to him.

Buy Waking Up Dead on Amazon in Kindle for $2.99: http://www.amazon.com/Waking-Up-Dead-ebook/dp/B00FOXWLM8/

Be sure to add Waking Up Dead to your Goodreads bookshelves: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18428064-waking-up-dead

UnderHerSkinPromo

About the Author

Margo Bond Collins is addicted to coffee (mmm…caffeine) and SF/F television, especially Supernatural (mmm…Winchesters). She writes paranormal and contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and paranormal mystery. She lives in Texas with her daughter and several spoiled pets. Although she teaches college-level English courses online, writing fiction is her first love. She enjoys reading urban fantasy and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about heroes, vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and the women who love (and sometimes fight) them.

 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/margobondcollins

Email: MargoBondCollins@gmail.com

Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin  @MargoBondCollin

Google+: https://plus.google.com/116484555448104519902

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/vampirarchy

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MargoBondCollins

Facebook Novel Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Waking-Up-Dead/502076076537575

Tumblr: http://vampirarchybooks.tumblr.com/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mbondcollins/

 

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June 2, 2016 · 7:39 am

Cover Reveal ~ Under Her Skin by Margo Bond

Please help me welcome Margo Bond. Isn’t her cover fantastic?

Close-up of Snake, a Small Python, on Back and Shoulder of Naked Muscular Man against White Background

About Under Her Skin

She’s lucky he’s a charmer…

Lindi Parker works hard at being human, not an easy task for a snake shifter. She has no desire to search for others like her—until a new case changes everything. When Lindi learns that she she’s not the only shapeshifter in the world, she also realizes she might be next on a killer’s list.

In order to save herself and the abused children she works with, she will have to team up with Dr. Kade Nevala, a member of the shifter tribe responsible for eradicating weresnakes—and the most attractive man Lindi’s ever met. Even more terrifying, she’ll need to embrace her serpent side, a choice that has enormous consequences for Lindi, and for everyone around her. 

Release Date: June 15

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30244024-under-her-skin

Excerpt 

I’m not the kind of woman who goes around kissing strange men—especially strange men with hypnotic gold eyes who set off every internal warning system I’ve got.

And as a general rule, I avoid making out with men who drag me into dark rooms against my will.

But all those rules went out the window when this man kissed me.

His lips burned against mine, searing something deep inside, heating me to my core.

The almost peppery scent that had frozen me earlier now flooded my senses. His hands dropped from my shoulders and ran down my arms, wrapping around my waist and pulling me closer to him.

Muscles that moments ago had been writhing in an attempt to shapeshift now twisted to move closer to him.

UnderHerSkinPromo

About the Author

Margo Bond Collins is addicted to coffee (mmm…caffeine) and SF/F television, especially Supernatural (mmm…Winchesters). She writes paranormal and contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and paranormal mystery. She lives in Texas with her daughter and several spoiled pets. Although she teaches college-level English courses online, writing fiction is her first love. She enjoys reading urban fantasy and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about heroes, vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and the women who love (and sometimes fight) them.

 

You can learn more about her at http://www.MargoBondCollins.net and follow her on all the usual social media outlets (listed below).

For updates about publications, free fiction, and other goodies, be sure to subscribe to her newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/d/03A21E5E161401F0

 

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/margobondcollins

Email: MargoBondCollins@gmail.com

Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.net

Blog: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin  @MargoBondCollin

Google+: https://plus.google.com/116484555448104519902

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/vampirarchy

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MargoBondCollins

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mbondcollins/

 

 

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May 30, 2016 · 7:59 am

INTERVIEW WITH JOE COSENTINO author of CHINA DOLL, a Jana Lane mystery, published by The Wild Rose Press

 

Please help me welcome Joe Cosentino. He is sharing an interview about his new release, the fourth installment of the Jana Lane Mystery series:

Interviewer: What inspired you to become a mystery romance writer? 

 Joe:        I have always been a mystery fanatic. As a child I read three mystery novels a week, watched The Alfred Hitchcock mysteries on television, and saw every mystery movie possible. This passion continued throughout my teen and young adult years. Eventually I became an actor in film, television, and theatre, working opposite stars like Bruce Willis, Nathan Lane, Rosie O’Donnell, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. One of my jobs was playing Ross (I mean Ross not Hercule) Poirot in a murder mystery dinner theatre show. Since a great deal of that show was improvisation, it occurred to me that acting is storytelling in the same way that writing is storytelling, so I decided to give writing a try. After writing some plays, I knew my novels would include show business in some way, since show business has always been such a huge part of my life. As an avid mystery reader, it was clear to me that my novels would also be page-turning mysteries with clever plot twists, engaging characters, romance, and lots of clues leading to a surprising conclusion a la Agatha Christie. Since coming from a funny Italian-American family, I also knew humor would play a role in my novels. 

Interviewer:  Can you tell us readers a little bit about creating the Jana Lane mystery series? 

 Joe:   As a child I loved child stars like Shirley Temple, Hayley Mills, and Patty Duke, seeing their movies over and over. So I created a heroine who was the biggest child star ever until she was attacked on the studio lot at eighteen years old. Through the course of the books, Jana not only solves the mysteries, but also reclaims the courage and fortitude she had as a child. This is an important message for all of us. As one reviewer wrote, she starts out as a wounded bird, and ends as tiger.

In PAPER DOLL Jana at thirty-eight lives with her family in a mansion in picturesque Hudson Valley, New York. Her flashbacks from the past become murder attempts in her future. Forced to summon up the lost courage she had as a child, Jana ventures back to Hollywood, which helps her uncover a web of secrets about everyone she loves. She also embarks on a romance with the devilishly handsome son of her old producer, Rocco Cavoto.

            In PORCELAIN DOLL (The Wild Rose Press), Jana makes a comeback film and uncovers who is being murdered on the set and why. Her heart is set aflutter by her incredibly gorgeous co-star, America’s heartthrob Jason Apollo. The other suspects include Jana’s James Dean type young co-star, her older John Wayne type co-star, her children’s Eve Harrington type nanny, the film’s gossipy makeup and hair artist, a local reverend trying to stop the film’s production, and Jason’s agent.

            In SATIN DOLL (The Wild Rose Press), Jana and family head to Washington, DC, where Jana plays a US senator in a new film, and becomes embroiled in a murder and corruption at the senate chamber. She also embarks on a romance with Chris Bruno, the muscular detective. Jana rubs elbows with senators on both sides of the aisle, a lobbyist, and a Washington reporter. Her husband also goes through a personal crisis. 

Interviewer:  How have the reviews been for the series so far? 

 Joe:   Amazing. Here are a few examples:

“A book that will captivate any reader! A page turner that won’t let you go! This is one author you can always depend on to publish a good read!!” Stormy Nights Reviewing 

“Joe Cosentino is a brilliant mastermind when creating the perfect mystery series. In each novel in this intriguing series of his, Jana Lane Mysteries, readers are blown away by his writing. The instant readers jump into Joe Cosentino’s fictional world, the danger feels real, the suspense is killing, and the plot moves so fast. Action, lights, camera!”  “A fast-paced murder mystery that readers will easily fall in love with…and one they can’t live without. Overall, I highly recommend this new title in the Jana Lane Mysteries and look forward to the next best adventure from Joe Cosentino.” Danielle Urban, Universal Creativity Inc.

“Beautifully written and intensely detailed, Porcelain Doll is one not to be missed. Flirtatiously decadent with a strong moral undertone, set in a decade of extraordinary social change this is a story of its period that is as poignant today as it was then. Joe Cosentino controlled the emotions that the book encouraged with a deft but delicate touch. Suspenseful and mysterious, Porcelain Doll is a masterful creation, one that was impossible not to be affected by.” Carol Fenton, BooksLaidBare Reviews

“Paper Doll is a superbly crafted mystery with an eclectic cast of characters that will engage you and elicit some very emotional responses as you are completely caught up in the events that unfold in these pages. Everyone has secrets and the people in Paper Doll have them in spades!” Fresh Fiction

“Mr. Cosentino has produced a masterpiece of mystery (Paper Doll)” “The story gripped me from the start and there were enough twists and turns, with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure, to keep hold of me until the end of the book.” “Great book, can’t wait for book 2.” Readers’ Favorite 

Interviewer:  Tell us about the current release, CHINA DOLL. 

 Joe:   In CHINA DOLL (The Wild Rose Press), Jana heads to New York City to star in a Broadway play, enchanted by her gorgeous co-star Peter Stevens, and faced with murder on stage and off. It is old home week and nepotism in action as the play is produced and written by the same producer (Stanley Rothman) and author (Katrina Wright) who produced and wrote Jana’s first Broadway play when she was five years old, Sweet Nothings. Jana’s co-star from Sweet Nothings, the aging but still gorgeous and mysterious Savannah Stevens, is co-starring in China Doll, along with Savannah’s incredibly handsome and muscular son, Peter Stevens, in his Broadway debut. Rounding out the cast are Rothman’s granddaughter Bella, Jana’s nephew Brad, and Jana’s youngest son B.J. And the play is directed by Katrina’s new and much younger husband, the studly Tony Cuccioli. Also in the cast are Sally Chen a recent Tony Award winning actress, and Tate Moonglow a transplant from Off-Broadway.

During rehearsals, attractions come to the surface between Tony and Sally, Brad and Bella, Tate and Gary (B.J.’s new nanny), and even Jana and Peter.

Art imitates life as members of the production team of China Doll are murdered, personal secrets are revealed, and Jana once again uses the skills she learned as a child star to solve the crime.

Also, Jana and her husband go through a personal crisis, however, her son B.J. is bitten by the acting bug and has the time of his life. 

Interviewer:  Who is your favorite character in CHINA DOLL? And why? 

 Joe:   I really enjoyed writing the comically neurotic Gary Royale, B.J.’s (Jana’s youngest son) new nanny, and of course the Broadway musical buff Detective Douglas was great fun. 

Interviewer:  Which one of your characters was the hardest one to write? And why?

 Joe:   Savannah Stevens is an aging beauty with fond memories from her past on Broadway and as a movie star in Hollywood, yet she carries the burden of an aging actress in a youth-oriented society. 

Interviewer:  With her gorgeous violet eyes, is Savannah based on Elizabeth Taylor? 

   Joe:   Savannah is a smart, strong, talented woman like Elizabeth Taylor, however, she doesn’t have anywhere near as many husbands or such a troubled life. 

Interviewer:  Is Katrina Wright the highly successful mystery writer supposed to be Agatha Christie? 

 Joe:   They are both very successful, older female writers, but Agatha Christie wrote many novels and a few plays, Katrina has written many many plays and no novels. Also unlike Agatha Christie, Katrina has a young stud husband. 

Interviewer:  David Mamet wrote a play on Broadway in 2015 called CHINA DOLL. Any connection to your novel. 

 Joe:   None. I think it’s fascinating that there really was a play on Broadway called CHINA DOLL, though Jana wouldn’t know about it since my novel takes place in 1984. 

Interviewer:  You acted onstage with Bruce Willis in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and Nathan Lane in THE ROAR OF THE GREASEPAINT. Were you able to use your theatre background in writing CHINA DOLL?

 Joe:   I wrote, directed, and acted in a number of plays. I used my experiences many times in CHINA DOLL when writing about the role of the playwright, director, stage manager, producer, actors, designers, and technicians. I know first-hand what it’s like to do a read through, a blocking rehearsal, rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances. Though thankfully nobody was murdered in any of my plays. 

Interviewer:  How amazing that Jana’s youngest son B.J. takes so well to the stage. 

 Joe:   Like mother like son—and grandfather and uncle. 

Interviewer:  In the novel Katrina and Stanley use their religious beliefs as a weapon to try to fire one of the cast members. Do you think people of faith will be offended by that?   

 Joe:   I sure hope not. Jana is a Christian who prays and goes to church on Sundays. She seems like a true Christian to me since she tries to love her neighbor as herself, not judge others, and help the downtrodden and outcasts. Jana stands up to Katrina and Stanley because she believes any kind of discrimination is wrong, and that freedom of religion is far different from the freedom to discriminate. I assume Jana would defend Katrina or Stanley if someone tried to discriminate against them as well. 

As in the first three Jana Lane mysteries, Jana is tempted by a gorgeous man, this time the heartthrob younger actor, Peter Stevens. 

I can’t imagine anyone not being enticed by Peter Stevens. He’s what used to be a called a matinee idol. 

And Jana goes through a major personal event. 

I love that part of the story. It still brings tears to my eyes when I read it. 

And Jana is reconnected with her nephew. 

Who has changed his name and become a hungry for fame actor. Jana tries to give him advice, but like many young people. He doesn’t take it. 

Interviewer:  I find it fascinating how Jana uses the skills she learned as a child star to solve the crime. How do you remember all of Jana Lane’s old movie titles and storylines? 

 Joe:   I keep really good notes on Jana’s old movies, and on each room in her Hyde Park, New York mansion. I also enjoyed writing about Jana’s gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. 

Interviewer:  Since the book takes place in 1984, you included a great deal of history, music, and fashion from the era. 

 Joe:   Though China Doll is a fictitious play, I was able to place the theatre between the marquees of real shows playing at the time: Hurlyburly starring William Hurt and Christopher Walken and The Rink starring Chita Rivera and Liza Minelli. Since the book takes place in 1984, I included a great deal of history, music, and fashion from my favorite era. Layered hair, parachute pants, shoulder pads, lace gloves, leggings, and scrunchies are all there along with music like Bruce Springstein’s “Cover Me.” New York City is prominently featured in the novel with its luxury hotels, Central Park, Washington Square Park, Little Italy, and of course the theatre district. I was also able to include, the still new AIDS epidemic and the devastation it caused when ignored by our political representatives, as once again Jana sponsors a benefit for AIDS research. 

Interviewer:  Which scene in the novel did you enjoy writing the most? And why? 

 Joe:   I loved writing the hospital scene the most. It’s so touching. 

Interviewer:  Many of the men in the series are strapping, muscular, good looking guys. Did you do that intentionally? 

 Joe:   You mean since I’m not? Hah. Many of the women are gorgeous too. I’m enjoying exploring how the other half lives and loves. However, in CHINA DOLL, I have characters like Katrina, Gary, and of course Simon and Cornelius who don’t fit that mold. 

Interviewer:  Everyone in CHINA DOLL seems to have a secret. Thank you for revealing them by the book’s end. 

 Joe:   Yes, each Jana Lane mystery is its own story. Readers get a complete mystery with each novel, as you said, full of revealed secrets. 

Interviewer:  You play fair in your mysteries, meaning the clues are there, and so are the plot twists and turns, and white knuckle shocking ending. 

 Joe:   I don’t like mysteries where characters are introduced and the writer arbitrarily picks the murderer at the end. The readers feel cheated. At the end of a mystery, the readers should say, “Of course! How did I not see that?” I agree about the ending. It still makes my heart race when I read it—and I’m still surprised. 

Interviewer:  Do you see the Jana Lane mysteries as a TV show? 

 Joe:   Totally! I want to play Simon Huckby! 

Interviewer:  Who do you see as Jana Lane? 

 Joe:   I’m not sure. I hope the readers will send me some ideas! 

Interviewer:  Do you have another mystery series besides the Jana Lane mysteries? 

 Joe:   Yes, the Nicky and Noah comedy mysteries published by Lethe Press. Each novel is loaded with wacky humor and romance in a fast-paced whodunit. Since I am a college theatre professor/department head, and theatre departments are havens of mystery, secrets, romance, and high humor; the series takes place at an Edwardian style New England college. In DRAMA QUEEN theatre college professors are dropping like stage curtains. With the inept local detectives, it is up to Directing professor, Nicky Abbondanza to use his theatre skills (including playing other people) to solve the murders, while he directs a murder mystery onstage. Complicating matters is Nicky’s intense crush on Assistant Professor of Acting, handsome Noah Oliver, the prime suspect in the murder. In DRAMA MUSCLE Nicky and Noah have to use their theatre skills to find out why musclemen are dropping like weights in the Physical Education department while Nicky directs the Student Bodybuilding Competition. In DRAMA CRUISE (not released yet), Nicky and Noah go on a cruise to Alaska, and discover why college theatre professors are going overboard like lifeboats while Nicky directs a murder mystery dinner theatre show onboard ship. 

Interviewer:  Have you written other books besides mysteries? 

 Joe:   My MM romance novellas are published by Dreamspinner Press. They are AN INFATUATION, A SHOOTING STAR, A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, and THE NAKED PRINCE AND OTHER TALES FROM FAIRYLAND.

I also have an MM series COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK and COZZI COVE: MOVING FORWARD taking place on the Jersey Shore and published by Nine Star Press. 

Interviewer:  Is writing an MF series different from writing an MM series? 

 Joe:   Not at all. People are people. Love is love. Mystery is mystery. We’re all connected. 

Interviewer:  As a college professor/department head, how do you have the time to write? 

 Joe:        I write at night after my spouse has gone to bed. I have a beautiful cherry wood study with a fireplace, huge desk, bookcases, and window seat. My mother asked me, “How do you think up all those stories?” I told her I had a colorful childhood. Hah. 

Interviewer:  How long does it generally take you to write a book? 

 Joe:   About three months working evenings and weekends. When I complain about my time, my mother says, “Just think how hard you’d have to work if you had a real job like your cousins” (lawyers).

Interviewer: Who is your ideal reader of your books?

     Joe:  My ideal reader is a lover of mystery, romance, and Hollywood. Someone who craves being swept away by a story and becoming part of the novel. My reader loves clues, suspects, and plotlines that zigzag with numerous surprises leading to a shocking yet totally justified conclusion. Finally, my reader relishes in beautiful, lush locations and captivating characters as she/he enters the portal of my book.

Interviewer:  What are you writing now? 

Joe:  The next Jana Lane mystery of course: RAG DOLL, where Jana is offered the leading role in a TV pilot about an amateur sleuth. Of course murder and romance ensue.

 

How can your readers contact you?

 

I love hearing from readers! They can contact me at: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com

 

CHINA DOLL, a Jana Lane mystery

by Joe Cosentino

published by The Wild Rose Press

 

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http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/3830-china-doll.html?search_query=china+doll&results=2

http://amzn.com/B01E2UD4HY

Jana Lane is back on Broadway in 1984—starring in a murder mystery. Life imitates art when members of the company are murdered. As Jana investigates, it’s clear she may be the next victim. Complicating matters is Jana’s uncontrollable infatuation with her leading man, gorgeous and muscular Off-Broadway actor Peter Stevens. Will Jana find the murderer before the curtain comes down on her?

Excerpt of CHINA DOLL, the fourth Jana Lane mystery, by Joe Cosentino, published by The Wild Rose Press

Tall, muscular, aristocratic-looking with dark hair and blushed cheeks, Peter shook Jana’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lane.”

Feeling the warmth and smoothness of his strong hand, Jana felt like a shut-in at a blind date with Mr America. “It’s Miss Otley…rather Mrs. Lane…Mrs. Otley, but please call me Peter.” Jana turned the color of her avocado dress.

He seemed to enjoy her attraction to him. Amazing dimples emerged as Peter said, “I thought I was Peter.”

Jana giggled in spite of herself. “You are. I’m Nana. I mean…I’m Jana.”

Peter’s peaches and cream complexion complimented his white pants, coral T-shirt, and marigold blazer. He whispered in her ear, and she smelled fresh mint. “I’m nervous too. Everyone’s thinking I got this role because I’m Savannah Stevens’ son. They’re probably right.”

I have to stop gawking at him. “I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Peter seemed genuinely touched. “That means a lot to me, coming from such a fine actress. I hope you’ll give me a few tips in rehearsals.”

B&N2

Author’s Bio:

Bestselling author Joe Cosentino won Divine Magazine’s awards for best mystery novel, best humorous novel, and best contemporary novel of 2015. He is the author of the Jana Lane mysteries: Paper Doll, Porcelain Doll, Satin Doll, and China Doll and the upcoming Rag Doll (The Wild Rose Press); the Nicky and Noah mysteries: Drama Queen, Drama Muscle, and the upcoming Drama Cruise (Lethe Press); the Cozzi Cove beach series: Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back and Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward (NineStar Press); and the romance novellas: In My Heart anthology (An Infatuation & A Shooting Star), A Home for the Holidays, and The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Dreamspinner Press); and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). As an actor, he has appeared in principal roles in film, television, and theatre opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com

 

Web site: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoeCosentinoauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeCosen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4071647.Joe_Cosentino

Amazon: Author.to/JoeCosentino

 

 

 

 

 

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May 23, 2016 · 10:45 am

An Author Interview with Barbara Brett… And She’s Bringing you SIZZLE

It’s always fun to get to know new authors, and today I’m chatting with Barbara Brett. She is also sharing her latest release. And, after the interview, you’ll find a question Barbara would like you to answer! 🙂

(Barbara is going to be away for part of the day, but will respond to comments later this afternoon)

  1. Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

I am one of those increasingly rare breeds—a native New Yorker. I was born in Manhattan,  grew up mostly in the Bronx, then married and moved to Brooklyn. Our two children, Jennifer and Steven, were born and raised here. We have also had two cats along the way: Odysseus, sweet and loving, followed by Rocky, who lived up to his name as a tough guy with a big heart. Having sampled the other four boroughs (I lived briefly in Queens as a child, and we frequently visit family on Staten Island), I wouldn’t trade Brooklyn for any of them. We have Prospect Park with its terrific zoo; Brooklyn Botanic Garden with its glorious cherry trees; the Brooklyn Museum, famous for one of the best collections of American art in the world; a great public library three blocks away; and the magnificent Atlantic Ocean within walking distance. What better place could there possibly be for my husband and me to spend our happily-ever-after?

  1. Where did you get the idea for SIZZLE?

Like many writers, my primary interests are books, art, music, and nature. The world of finance had always been a mystery to me, and I was happy to let it remain so. But one day after reading yet another front-page report of a ruthless corporate takeover battle, I decided that I had to learn more about the financial world. I began reading the business section of  The New York Times and books about finance. The more I read, the more fascinated I became. What if, I asked myself, a beautiful, brilliant woman decided to take on these Wall Street vultures and fight them for a particularly juicy corporate plum, maybe the most profitable and glamorous magazine in the world? How would she do it? What kind of life would she lead? What exotic places would she visit in pursuit of her goal? What treacherous traps would her opponents set for her? How would she escape them? Could she escape them? And so SIZZLE was born. I hope that your reading about the dazzling Marietta Wylford and her perilous pursuit of corporate power will be as exciting and delicious as my writing about it was.

  1. What do you want readers to come away with after they read SIZZLE?

Most of all, I want readers to have had a good time. I want them to enjoy experiencing New York City’s most glamorous places, from multi-million-dollar penthouse apartments to exotic five-star restaurants. I want them to feel that they, too, were warmed by the golden rays of the sun on the French Riviera, inhaled the fragrant blossoms of the floating flower markets on Amsterdam’s unique canals, felt the breeze on their cheeks as they strolled the Champs-Elysée and the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. I want them to have felt the excitement and suspense of the perilous battle for the corporate prize. And I want them to shudder along with Marietta when she discovers the dangerous and horrendous secret buried deep in Harrison Kendricks’s past.

  1. What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

This is a tough question because there are so many great actors out there. I think I’d like to see Cate Blanchett as Marietta. She would have to dye her hair red, but that may well be its natural color. Cate is beautiful and brilliant, and I think she could bring the ambitious Marietta to life with all of her dreams, fears and complexities. Leonardo DiCaprio would ideal for the role of the smooth and mysterious corporate raider, Harrison Kendricks. Though handsome, he’ll look  threatening in the tinted glasses that he will have to wear. Rooney Mara would be perfect for Melanie Danielle, Marietta’s reticent but brilliant and loyal lawyer-assistant. Bryan Cranston, could definitely be Harlan Wylford, Marietta’s adoring husband. And Richard Madden would be perfect for Craig Campbell, the actor who is and will always be the true love of Marietta’s life. SIZZLE is filled with many more intriguing characters, and I think readers will have fun playing casting director after they have finished the book.

  1. Do you collect anything?

When I was a child, I was fascinated by, and really believed in, fairies and pixies. I loved fairy tales and made up my own, usually encouraged by friends. We used to have great fun acting out the stories. As I grew up and outgrew the stories, I began collecting fairies and pixies. They now gaze down on me from shadow boxes and the tops of bookcases. A group of them sit on my desk and cheer me on as I work. They never fail to make me smile. I think the child in me still half-believes in them. I’m convinced that I have a real pixie in my home. After all, who else could be responsible for hiding my eyeglasses and whisking away the earring I remove when I’m talking on the phone—and then leaving it to turn up two days later in some unexpected place? 

  1. What is your favorite book of all time and why?

For someone who loves reading as much as I do, it’s really difficult to narrow it down to one favorite book. I suppose if someone held a gun to my head and I really had to come up with an answer, I’d choose William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair. I know that by today’s standards it’s long and rambling, but Thackeray’s satirical take on Victorian life is delicious and his characters are unforgettable. It also has one of my favorite quotes, Becky Sharpe saying, “I think I could be a good woman if I had five thousand [pounds] a year.” That seems to sum up the whole premise of Victorian society (and perhaps even contemporary society) in fifteen words. Translation: “Money makes the world go round.” Today’s authors can learn so much from the old masters.

  1. What is your favorite childhood book?

This question is much easier. I have many favorites, but Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince tops them all. It is a beautiful story, intended for adults as well as (perhaps even more than) for children, and the older I get, the more I cherish it. From its poignant dedication, “…To Leon Werth when he was a little boy,” to its heart-wrenching ending, it takes the reader on a beautiful journey of discovery. It is the story of an aviator, lost in the desert, who meets a little boy who has journeyed to Earth from a far-off asteroid. The little prince tells the aviator about the strange people he has met on the planets he has stopped at along the way. None of these people are strange to us, though, with their vanity and intolerant views, and, along with the aviator and the little prince, we learn something important about ourselves with each visit. The little prince yearns to return to his asteroid to care for the rose he loves, and, in the end, through sweet, painful sacrifice, he makes the journey, and takes our hearts with him. This book, too, has one of my favorite quotes, something a wise fox tells the little prince: “One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is not visible to the eyes.”

  1. If you were stranded on a desert island and you could have three inanimate objects, what would they be?

Only three? This is a tough one! I’m not a very practical person, but if I’m going to be stranded on a desert island, I had better let the practical me take over. In that case, I think that the first object I would pack should be a Dummies book titled, HOW TO BUILD A RAFT WHEN STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND. Next, I’d pack a flashlight, so that I could read the book at night. I’m assuming my island would have plenty of rocks lying around so that I could rub two together to make a fire to keep me warm and to cook the fish I’d have to catch with a stick I’d sharpen. Uh-oh. How do I sharpen the stick? Okay, I’ll read the manual by the fire I make with the rocks. That means I can eliminate the flashlight. So now I have two more things I can bring. One of them will have to be a Swiss Army Knife so that I can sharpen the stick and clean the fish. Now for the last object. It will have to be something to keep me from going crazy out there all by myself, and we all know what that would be—a book. But what book? I’m pretty much all thumbs, so it’s going to take me quite a while to build that raft. Maybe years. It would have to be along, interesting book. One I wouldn’t be able to memorize. I think I’ll opt for a big, unabridged dictionary. What better companion for an author? We’re all addicted to words!

LOL, Barbara. I enjoyed your answers. Leonardo DiCaprio would make a handsome ANYTHING. 🙂 I love your theory about pixies. That does explain a lot. Very clever, your book on how to build a raft…who wouldn’t want that? Thanks for joining me today!

Thanks so much for interviewing me, Alicia. This was great fun! I’d love to know what your blog readers would take to a desert island. Of course, I hope that some of them would pack a copy of SIZZLE!

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BOOK BLURB:

She’s the most beautiful and ruthless CEO in the nation. He’s the most dangerous corporate raider in the world. Neither has ever lost a battle in the boardroom—or  the bedroom. Now they’re warring for America’s biggest publishing prize. 

SIZZLE—a  novel of breathtaking power and ambition, set against the jet-setting world of Manhattan’s elite! 

“[A] battle fraught with…the dirtiest of tricks…the stuff that destroys marriages, people, lives…. Sizzle through the summer with Sizzle.”—The Salem News

 

EXCERPT:

Harrison Kendricks sat down on the other end of the settee and raised his glass. “Cheers.”

“Cheers,” Marietta returned, and sipped her drink.

Though Kendricks had a reputation for never mincing words and getting down to business immediately, he seemed in no rush to broach the subject. Through the first drink and then the second, they spoke instead in generalities—their shared interest in gardens, antiques, the theater. Since he had suggested the meeting, Marietta was determined that he be the one to initiate any discussion of a buyout or compromise. She would let him say his piece, then drop her bombshell.

At first, she thought he was avoiding the subject because he wanted to disarm her. But as their conversation progressed, she realized that he had more than business on his mind. Though the tinted glasses veiled his eyes, they did not hide them, and she was aware how often his gaze traveled over her. It was like a visual caress. Harrison Kendricks wanted her. It was possible, of course, that it was all part of his plan—that, with his gigantic ego, he thought that one kiss and she’d be eating out of his hand. But even if that had been his primary purpose, it was obvious he now wanted to satisfy a great deal more than corporate desires. Besides, what difference did his motivation make? She wanted him too. She had never made love with such a dangerous man.

She was aware that Kendricks, probably for the first time in his life, was faced with a problem in deciding what approach to take. For she had to be as unique to him as he was to her. She would have to find a way to help him. That gave her one more advantage.

Talk of the theater led Kendricks to make some unflattering observations about American musicals and music. “No one today seems to know what music is all about,” he said.

“Except perhaps you?” Marietta asked.

He smiled. “There are a few others, I admit.”

She nodded toward the piano. “Do you play?”

“Yes. Rather well, in fact. Schumann is my favorite. Does that surprise you?”

“Nothing anyone does—whether admirable or despicable—ever surprises me.”

“So you’re an absolute cynic.”

“Not a cynic—a realist. I see things as they are. For example, I’m very much aware that you would like to get me into bed.”

“Really?” he said, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t play coy. It’s out of character.”

“All right. I’ll admit that I find the idea of making love to you rather attractive.”

“And I find it rather attractive too. So I wonder why, busy people that we are, we’re sitting here wasting each other’s time sipping drinks and chatting. Why don’t we simply go up to your bedroom?” she said, rising.

“You’re an extraordinary woman.”

“If I weren’t, you wouldn’t be so interested in taking me to bed, would you?”

He followed close behind her as she walked across the room. When she paused at the big double doors, he reached around her and opened them, probably the first time in his life that he had performed such a courtesy for a woman other than his mother. Smiling to herself, she passed through them, then preceded him up the winding marble staircase.

Neither spoke, but words were unnecessary. They were two of a kind, creatures who had fashioned themselves in the image of their own wants and needs. They understood each other as no other person on earth could….

 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Sizzle-Where-Boardroom-Meets-Bedroom-ebook/dp/B01DL6F1E4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1460124005&sr=8-1

B&N:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sizzle-barbara-brett/1123604122?ean=9780989917339

Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/626180

Kobo:

https://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=Sizzle+%28Barbara+Brett%29

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sizzle-where-boardroom-meets/id1098961262?mt=11

 

barbara-publicity

BIO:

Barbara Brett’s love of reading led her to a life devoted to books—as an editor, publisher and author. She began as a proofreader, then moved up to become editor of True Romance and True Confessions. Later, she became vice president and publisher of Avalon Books, which published fiction for the library market. After that, she started her own company, which published inspirational non-fiction. She is delighted that many of the authors she developed over the years have moved up to best-sellerdom.

In addition to editing and publishing, Barbara was also writing novels. She is the author of Between Two Eternities, Love After Hours, and, with her husband, Hy Brett, the mystery Promises to Keep. Recently she closed her publishing company so that she could devote herself  completely to her own writing. She is delighted to see Sizzle published, and she promises to follow it with many more exciting books.

Barbara and Hy live in Brooklyn. When they aren’t writing, they enjoy reading, taking long walks to see the Atlantic Ocean, and treating visiting family and friends to Brooklyn pizza and bagels, which, everyone agrees, are the best in the world.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website:

www.brettbooks.com

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1767558.Barbara_Brett

Amazon.com author page:

www.amazon.com/author/barbarabrett

 

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March 10, 2016 · 9:26 am

We Have Double Trouble on the Blog Today – Darcy Flynn’s Latest Release…

My friend, Darcy Flynn, has an upcoming release that is available for pre-order through Amazon. I had the privilege of reading the book BP (Before Publication), and it’s highly entertaining. Check it out:

DoubleTrouble_300

Blurb:

From the first moment coffee mogul, Will Carrington, gazes into the fiery, green eyes of Clare Sullivan, he’s hit with the feeling she does not like him. Not. One. Little. Bit. Used to being the proverbial prize by some gorgeous gold-digging fortune hunter, he’s learned to be careful. But with his hunter instincts now on high alert, he’s determined to find out the why behind her stormy-eyed glances.

Top home designer, Clare Sullivan, wants absolutely nothing to do with arrogant, self-assured Will Carrington, especially after he called her half-sister a gold digger. When she gets the opportunity to design his multi-million dollar Miami penthouse, she arrives at his office ready to decline his offer, and to tell him exactly what she thinks of his cruel and un-warranted comments. 

While there, she overhears his one-sided phone conversation, which seems to further insult her sister. Assuming the worst, Clare makes the rash decision to accept the job and charge him a fortune in the process. Someone needs to teach him a lesson and what better way than with a swift kick in his wallet.

Since she and her sister have different surnames, Clare conveniently hides the connection to her sister. But while she works with Will, she discovers another side to this self-assured woman-hater. A Jekyll to his Hyde. Charming and professional, he’s nothing like the man she’s heard about. What she doesn’t know is Will Carrington has a few secrets of his own.

Excerpt:

Clare leaned against the white painted railing and soaked up the view. The Gulf waters spanned in front of them for miles, its waves beckoned as it broke against the shoreline. “Why would you ever want to leave this for the penthouse? You’ve got the sand at your feet and the ocean just yards away.”

“Who says I’m giving it up?”

“I just assumed…”

“That, Miss Sullivan, is your trouble.”

“Excuse me?”

He took her hand and led her to the end of the porch, then faced her. “You assume way too much.” He gently pulled her into his arms. “About me, anyway.”

Heart thudding, she gazed up at him. “What are you doing?”

“What do you think?”

In business, Clare had one hard and fast rule—never get involved with a client. As tempting as he was, she made a half-hearted attempt to pull away.

“No. Wait. Don’t think.” He gently tapped her chin. Her eyes locked with his mesmerizing ones. Blue, like the ocean. Dancing with the light of the late afternoon sun. For a brief moment they roamed over her face, hungry, desiring, then he lowered his head.

Pre-Order HERE

 

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About Darcy:

Darcy Flynn is known for her heartwarming, sweet contemporary romances. Her refreshing storylines, irritatingly handsome heroes and feisty heroines will delight and entertain you from the first page to the last. Miss Flynn’s heroes and heroines have a tangible chemistry that is entertaining, humorous and competitive.

Darcy lives with her husband, son, two English Setters and a menagerie of other living creatures on her horse farm in Franklin, Tennessee. She raises rare breed chickens, stargazes on warm summer nights and indulges daily in afternoon tea.

Contact Links:

Website/Blog: http://www.darcyflynnromances.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/darcyflynn

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DarcyFlynnAuthor

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0077AG3ZM

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2975929.Darcy_Flynn

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dflynnauthor/boards/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/116563609469381811624/posts?tab=XX

 

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March 5, 2016 · 8:27 am

Every Vow She Breaks ~ Getting the Most from your Setting by Jannine Gallant

I am thrilled to host my friend, and a fabulous author, Jannine Gallant, who writes tense, compelling, passionate Romantic Suspense.  

 

Thanks for having me on you blog, Alicia! Today, I’d like to explore what a well-drawn setting brings to a book. For me, it establishes the tone of the story. City vs country. Hot weather vs cold. A tropical beach. Snow-capped mountains. A steamy bayou. All add a different dimension to a book, and with it, certain expectations from the reader. In my new release, Every Vow She Breaks, the story is set on the Northern California coast in the fall. Fog shrouded redwoods and long stretches of deserted beach with a cool wind blowing are the backdrop for romance and mystery. The eerie surroundings add to the suspenseful atmosphere. The feeling you get when you’re walking alone in the woods as the sun sets and dark shadows fall across the trail… A stick snaps. Your heartrate speeds up, and you glance over your shoulder, even though you know no one is there… That’s the feeling I want to convey to readers with my setting. If I’ve done my job right, immersing them in the mystery will be a piece of cake!

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As a reader, what are some of your favorite settings? If you’re an author, do you have certain settings you use again and again?

 

EveryVowSheBreaks

Blurb:

A Promise Can Follow You To the Grave…

Claire Templeton is drawn to the majestic beauty of the California Redwoods in the hopes of capturing an unexplained phenomenon on camera. What she doesn’t expect is to run into her first love, Jed Lafferty, the boy she worshipped as a child, the man she’s never been able to forget.

Carefree, fun-loving Jed doesn’t believe in fate, preferring to make his own luck. But when he runs into the little girl who used to follow him like a shadow, now an irresistible woman, he can’t help feeling the odds are turning in his favor. Letting Claire walk out of his life the first time might be his single biggest regret. But when strange gifts and cards left for Claire turn sinister, it’s clear someone else from her past isn’t ready to let go . . .

Jannine#4

About the Author:

Write what you know… I’ve taken this advice to heart, creating characters from small towns and plots that unfold in the great outdoors. I grew up in a tiny Northern California town and currently live in beautiful Lake Tahoe with my husband and two daughters. When I’m not busy writing, I hike or snowshoe in the woods around my home. Whether I’m writing contemporary, historical or romantic suspense, I bring the beauty of nature to my stories.

Links:

Website

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Apple

Kobo

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December 21, 2015 · 5:00 am

“Ten Moments that Changed My Life” by Diane Burton – PLUS, her new release: “The Case of the Fabulous Fiancé”

I am pleased to host my  author friend, the awesome, talented Diane Burton, on today’s blog.  Diane is sharing the 10 moments that changed her life, as well as  her latest release. Please help me welcome Diane, and be sure to check out her fabulous book, “The Case of the Fabulous Fiance,” an excellent blend of humor and mystery.

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Thanks for having me here today, Alicia. Preparing for this post, I took many trips down Memory Lane. Side trips, too. Things I hadn’t thought of in years came forward. So many events to choose from. Here’s my top ten.

  1. Accepting my friend’s offer to fix me up with a guy. That blind date led to . . .
  2. . . . marrying the man I loved who became my best friend and the father of . . .
  3. . . . our children. Our daughter, who was an easy baby, came first, followed 13 months later by her brother, who wasn’t (undiagnosed asthma and other health problems).
  4. Hubs’ job changes and moves. At first adventurous, then upsetting, always stressful. But the moves gave us all new opportunities and new friends. A lot of lemonade out of those lemons.
  5. Our daughter’s, very traditional, brought a loving son into our family. Our son’s, on a beach, gave us a wonderful daughter. Those unions gave us . . .
  6. The best de-stressor in the world is rocking a snuggling newborn. No worries about household chores or writing deadlines when visiting. Having fun with them is more important. Teaching them our skills, learning from them.
  7. The release of my first book in 2001. Seeing my name on the cover of a book was such a high. Only to come crashing down with the Twin Towers two weeks later.
  8. Self-publishing. Wow, I actually got money for my books. Every month.
  9. Lingering deaths. Our parents. A blessing when they died. Each time more difficult, until you realize you’re the oldest in the family. Sad that our grandchildren will never know them except through stories and pictures.
  10. Freedom to do what we want, go where and when we want. Realizing that penny pinching paid off.

In my latest release, The Case of the Fabulous Fiancé, the heroine’s top two moments are 1) when The Pops turned over the detective agency to her and 2) the return of her old flame, Nick Palzetti.

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Blurb:

Alex O’Hara wants to take her detective agency in a new direction—background checks for potential spouses. She hopes this new case will do the trick when a high-powered executive asks for info on her new boyfriend. Is the man she met on a cruise her Mr. Right or is he too good to be true? On the same day, Alex gets another case—finding a deadbeat dad. And both women want to double her rates so she’ll give them highest priority. She can’t believe her luck. Her finances are on the upswing. If only Nick Palzetti were around to share her good news. He disappeared on Christmas Eve, and she hasn’t heard from him in almost three months. Then no internet and glitchy phones bring everything to a screeching halt.

Excerpt:

I read somewhere that men think about sex ninety-four percent of the time, maybe more. Women were more evolved and thought about other things. Around Nick Palzetti, my evolution took a nose dive. I remembered how good things had been between us. Not my doing, of course. When it came to lovemaking, he was the pro. I still had amateur status. And if I didn’t watch my step, I’d make a fool of myself again.

“Why are you back, Nick? Did you really think I would fall into your arms?” As if I hadn’t done just that.

He perched on the corner of my desk, again, then swung his foot in a lazy manner. “I’d hoped so.”

“Why? I’m not some bimbo you can jump into bed with and then say ‘I’ll be right back’. Right back does not mean no word for over two frelling months.”

I’d just done a “Farscape” marathon, for the third time, so frelling was my word of choice when I really wanted to say the other F-word.

His foot stopped swinging. Every muscle in his body tightened. The effect was fascinating and a little scary. His lips, which had been soft and caressing moments ago, thinned. His face became all sharp edges.

“What do you mean no word?” he asked in a voice that was too soft. Like I said, a little scary.

 

The Case of the Fabulous Fiancé is available at:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B0195K8F6G

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-case-of-the-fabulous-fiance-an-alex-o-hara-novel

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/case-fabulous-fiance-alex/id1066537800?mt=11

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-case-of-the-fabulous-fiance-diane-burton/1123120297?ean=2940157702533

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/599181

DianeBurton

Author Info:

Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. Besides the science fiction romance Switched and Outer Rim series, she is the author of One Red Shoe, a romantic suspense, and The Case of the Bygone Brother, a PI mystery. She is also a contributor to the anthology How I Met My Husband. Diane and her husband live in Michigan. They have two children and three grandchildren.

For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com

Connect with Diane Burton online

Blog:  http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/dmburton72

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/dianeburtonauthor

Goodreads: Diane Burton Author

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dmburton72/

Sign up for Diane’s new release alert: http://eepurl.com/bdHtYf

 

 

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December 17, 2015 · 10:35 am

A Fun Party for Two – Monique DeVere’s New Release and Giveaway!

I am thrilled to share the latest release from my gorgeous and talented friend, Monique DeVere. Monique excels at romantic comedy, especially the romance part. Her heroes will make you swoon! And, she’s giving away a FREE copy of Party for Two to one lucky commenter!

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ONLY  $1.99 – BUY HERE

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Her sexy weekend fling.

Ex-lawyer turned pregnancy model Danielle Hampton has one simple rule; never date an attorney, even if he’s so deliciously hot she’s nicknamed him His Hotness Esquire. When her father asks her to strap on her silicone bump and pretend to be Casey Lowe’s pregnant fiancée in order to pull her family’s law firm out of trouble, her first answer is a resounding no! But she owes Casey for wrecking his pool.

Civil Rights Attorney Casey Lowe lives by a code of practice: never date his boss’s daughter, but he’ll do just about anything to make partner at the top law firm—even if it means violating his personal code. He hasn’t bargained on the fierce desire that burns hotter than the Mojave Desert and combusts every time he gets his boss’s daughter alone. She may drive him to distraction and melt in his arms, but will this party girl hang around long enough for him to convince her that all the best parties… are for two?

Excerpt

Copyright © Monique DeVere 2015

Crystal Swan Publications

All Rights Reserved

Then there was that neatly trimmed and maintained stubble that gave him a manly, distinguished look. Yep, she couldn’t dismiss the truth, Casey Lowe was captivating on a whole new level, and those electric blue eyes could lure a woman to his bedroom and make her lose her panties before she even knew what was happening. Until it was too late, because Lowe had heartbreaker written all over his tantalizing body.

“Yes, I sleep.” She cast a glance at the chaos her friends had made of his pool. “I just didn’t want to leave this in such a mess.” Once she repaired all the damage, she’d do everything in her power to never cross paths with Lowe again. He was way too tempting and too off-limits for her not to keep her distance.

“Go home, Dani, you’re keeping me awake, and I have court in the morning.”

Just like that, he dismissed her, turned, strolled back into his bedroom, and slid the patio door shut behind him. Less than a minute later all of the lights went out, leaving Dani gawping after him in the dark.

Well, how do you like that? Dissed and dismissed.

 

MoniqueDeVere2

Author Bio

Monique DeVere is a full-time author of Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Romantic Comedy and Contemporary Romance. She also writes Christian Supernatural Suspense movie scripts. She was born on the beautiful island of Barbados, where she grew up on a large plantation with enough wide-open space to let the imagination run free. She moved to the UK as a teen and shortly after met and fell instantly, and irrevocably, in love with her very own strong-silent-type hero. When Monique isn’t writing or spending quality time with her family, she likes to armchair travel to distant and exciting parts of the world and considers herself to have the best job on earth.

You can visit her at moniquedevere.com where she invites you to join her exclusive Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Readers Club packed full of goodies for her members. Monique loves to hear from her readers, do contact her at monique@moniquedevere.com.

 

Book Purchase Link: http://buff.ly/1OHUHRf

 

Where to Find Monique:

Website | Blog | Mailing List | Amazon Author Page | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook Fanpage | LinkedIn | Wattpad | Pinterest |

 

 

 

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December 9, 2015 · 7:40 am

HUNTED (FBI Heat Book 1) by Marissa Garner AND a Giveaway

 

I am thrilled to share the latest release from my friend, Marissa Garner. Marissa and I ‘met’ years ago when I was coordinator for the Finally a Bride contest for unpublished authors. Marissa and I hit it off and remained in touch. She’s a fabulous author, and she has worked hard for many years to realize her dream of becoming a published author. I was editor for her debut novel, The Marriage Trap, through The Wild Rose Press. And now, she has a new book out wiht Grand Central Publishing, and it sounds amazing. Huge congratulations to Marissa!

GIVEAWAY:  Visit Facebook or website to enter $25 Amazon e-Gift Card giveaway 

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BLURB:

Hot agents on explosive cases in the FBI Heat series: For San Diego’s elite FBI agents, risking their lives is standard procedure when it comes to capturing the city’s most dangerous criminals—but falling in love is the greatest risk of all.   

Catching bad guys in San Diego’s underworld isn’t just FBI Special Agent Ben Alfren’s job, it’s his life. He doesn’t have time for a serious relationship, doesn’t want one either. So when he meets his sexy new neighbor, Amber Jollett, he has nothing more in mind than unwinding with a glass of wine, a romantic walk on the beach…and maybe a hot fling.

But Amber is more than he bargained for. Hunted by an obsessed ex-boyfriend, the fiercely independent nurse chooses fight over flight for the chance at a future with her hot, blue-eyed neighbor. When she gets caught up in Ben’s plans to rescue five kidnapped women, their lives get entangled and their attraction flares into passion. But they’ll learn that in this dangerous game of cat and mouse, real love can save—or doom—them . . .

 

EXCERPT:

The man in the gray hoodie was watching her. Amber Jollett couldn’t see his face, but he was the right height and build. Even from the opposite street corner, the intensity of his stare bored into her. She shivered despite the sunny morning.

Her focus never wavered as she slid behind two people. The man’s head turned with her movement.

The traffic light changed, and the crowd surged forward. Amber’s hand dug into her purse until it gripped reassuring metal. Weaving between bodies, she moved to the outside edge to put as much distance as possible between her and the man before the other pedestrians passed on the street. With each step, her heart beat faster.

Halfway across, the man reached up, pulled back the hood…and smiled. Straight black hair. Almond-shaped eyes. Asian features.

Not him.

Amber’s knees went weak with relief.

Not him. Not this time.

A car horn blared. She jumped and spun around to find a taxi idling a few feet away, its driver gesturing impatiently for her to get out of the way. Waving an apology, she scurried across the street. She found a spot out of the pedestrian flow next to the corner of a building. She needed a moment to quiet her nerves.

She braced her hands on the knees of her pastel pink nurse’s scrubs, inhaled deep breaths, and released them slowly. Fear began to fade as calm returned.

Damn you, Jeremy Nelson. I want my life back.

Amber grimaced and closed her eyes. It was starting all over again. Two years had passed since she’d broken up with her obsessed boyfriend, but he continued to stalk her. Restraining orders and calls to law enforcement had proved useless. Now she alone was responsible for her safety. She’d lived in Coronado, across the bay from San Diego, for only two months. But two or three months was the amount of time it normally took for Jeremy to find her. From now on, she would have to be on constant alert. The worst part was imagining him wearing every hoodie, hiding in every shadow, or following in every vehicle. Usually, she didn’t wait for an actual sighting—that would be too late. No, she couldn’t hesitate. Once her instincts told her he was closing in, she had to move on. She cringed. How much longer will I be hunted?

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BUY LINKS: 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PjQLGK

B&N: http://bit.ly/1OnacNA

iTunes: http://apple.co/1SpIDSJ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/21m7Zao

 

BIO:

Marissa Garner is a wife, writer, chocoholic, and animal lover, not necessarily in that order. As a little girl, she cut pictures of people out of her mother’s magazines and turned them into characters in her simple stories. Now she writes edgy romantic thrillers, steamy contemporary romance, and sexy paranormal romantic suspense. Her stories will titillate your mind as well as your libido. She lives in sunny Southern California with her husband, but enjoys traveling from Athens to Anchorage to Acapulco and many locations in between. 

WHERE TO FIND MARISSA: 

Newsletter:  http://bit.ly/1NTfT19

Website:  www.marissagarner.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MarissaGarnerAuthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/M_Garner_Author

Pinterest:  https://pinterest.com/garner1819/

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