May 23, 2016 | Blog, Elizabeth Hoyt, May 2016
A few years ago I magically found Wicked Intentions at my local library while browsing the stacks and discovered a world of action, adventure, romance and some incredible chemistry. From that moment forward, the world of Maiden Lane found a special place in my heart.
Within each book that was to follow I found the elusive Ghost of St. Giles that magically appeared, and a running theme of helping those less fortunate than yourself. This series has everything a loyal reader could ever want and more!
At the beginning of each chapter Elizabeth provides a few paragraphs of a carefully penned story that is vital to the novel and one that will leave you dreaming of fairy tales and far off places.
In anticipation of the release of The Duke of Sin next week I have devoted this week on the blog to highlighting each book in the series so far.
Please be sure to visit the blog tomorrow for my Coffee With post, excerpt and giveaway tomorrow. Elizabeth will be on the blog and we are talking all about Maiden Lane, Books, Tidbits and more. Don’t miss the fun!
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Wicked Intentions is the first book in the Maiden Lane Series. An introduction into a world of those less fortunate, the ones who wish to exploit them and the heroes who wish to save them.
Temperance Dews has devoted her life to rescuing those unable to save themselves and bring them to safety. Every time she seeks out a child who needs help, it poses a risk to both her and the child. Dedication, passion and a willingness to put others before herself is what makes Temperance so beloved and so desired.
Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire is a mysterious man with unique cravings and a need to be in St. Giles in the middle of the night. When Lazarus approaches Temperance for help he asks for just one single request. Temperance counters his proposal, one that will assist in making her orphanage thrive. Will Lazarus agree? Or, will it be a deal with the devil?
Secrets haunt Lazarus, will he confess the true reason for his urgent need for help? Eclectic and primal desires are what drive him. When pain gives him pleasure will Temperance survive his injuries? Touch is his enemy and it will take every ounce of strength for Temperance to conquer all that stands in her way.
This fabulous introduction has multiple story lines with characters the will weave in and out of each book to come in this must read series. While this book can be enjoyed as a stand alone the series has TEN books to dive into.
A spicy 2 1/2 pepper read and has enough 
heat to make you sizzle and is for mature readers 18+.
Get your copy here – 
Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane Book 1)
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Notorious Pleasures is the second book in the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt and explores the expectation of ones duty and the conflict that love and pleasure bring to it.
Lady Hero would prefer to marry for love but fears a good match should take precedence over love. Griffin would rather marry for love but will his wish be granted?
Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading wants to marry for love and isn’t ready to settle down, or is he? Everyone assumes he’s up to no good, if only they’d see he’s out to save the ones he loves.
This tale of a secret gin distiller and a woman running a home for orphans has it’s fair share of challenges. Amidst rumors of the Ghost of St. Giles who will be saved? When they both take it upon themselves to take care of those who can’t worlds collide.
A romance of passion, desire, trust and assumptions make this two pepper spicy latte a must read.
I originally read this book years ago and recently re-read this in anticipation of Elizabeth having Coffee With me on the blog. I hope you will run to your nearest book seller and scoop up your own copy. This is one series you won’t want to miss.
This book is a spicy 2 1/2 pepper read and has enough
heat to make you sizzle and is for mature readers 18+.
Get your copy here – 
Notorious Pleasures (Maiden Lane)
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Scandalous Desires is the third installment in the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt.
Mickey O’Connor is a pirate in St. Giles with a reputation that precedes him. Anything he wants, he takes.
A long time ago he spent a night with Silence Hollingsbrooke and what happened between them changed them both forever.
Unbeknownst to Silence, he left his most prized possession in her care. Mickey’s reputation is built around his career, a notorious Pirate who is only out to better himself. No one would ever think this tough man could have a heart of gold.When Mickey’s enemies threaten to steal what he loves the most, he takes a stand with the one woman standing in his way.
Long ago Silence made a deal with Mickey and now a widow, she must decide if he truly is the savage pirate that everyone thinks he is. Would a selfish pirate put others before himself? Will she be able to look past his unorthodox lifestyle?
If Silence can live with her choices, can Mickey reform for love? Discover another must read with chemistry that sizzles off the page in this two and a half pepper spicy latte read. This book is fore mature readers, 18+.
Get your copy here – 
Scandalous Desires (Maiden Lane Book 3)
Be sure to check the blog tomorrow for my Coffee With post and discover an awesome author!
Author Info:
Elizabeth Hoyt is the New York Times bestselling author of over seventeen lush historical romances including the Maiden Lane series. Publishers Weekly has called her writing “mesmerizing.” She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with three untrained dogs, a garden in constant need of weeding, and the long-suffering Mr. Hoyt.
Website: https://elizabethhoyt.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethHoytBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElizabethHoyt
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elizabethhoyt/
Tumblr: https://elizabethhoyt.tumblr.com
May 21, 2016 | Anna Campbell, Blog, Lorraine Heath, Sarah Ballance, Scarlett Cole
The Purest Hook (A Second Circle Tattoos Novel Book 3) by Scarlett Cole is gritty, sexy and emotionally raw. One quick note before diving into this review, Scarlett is a DOUBLE nominee for the 2016 RITA’s in Best First Book and Romantic Suspense categories. This was the first book that I read by Scarlett and now I’m quick to add her backlist to my e-reader.
Sarah-Jane “Pixie” Travers has worked hard to move beyond her troubled, terrifying and dangerous past. With the help of a few strangers her life and future have promise. If only she could allow herself a few pleasures, specifically Dred Zander, maybe then she’d feel normal.
Dred Zander, a reality star and musician has the hots for Pixie but she won’t let him in. Try as he might he’s relentless and won’t give up. In fact he uses every opportunity he can to woo her with his charm, but each time she rejects him. The banter between them is fresh, flirty and fun and adds a nice balance of comfort while the suspense in the story builds. It gives hope and we love to read about the possibility of hope!
Both have troubled pasts that fill us with rage. Each afraid of losing to a past beyond their control they avoid the truth. Will these two lost souls find salvation?
Can Pixie finally uncover the truth around that fateful night? Will Dread walk away when he learns the details? When the press uncovers secrets and the media attempts to harm any chance of happiness for Pixie and Dred it will take a leap of faith and trust to work through it.
While these two look to find their own happy-ever-after this two peppers spicy latte hot 
delight has just enough sizzle to make you tingle. Oh, and yes, it’s for mature readers 18+.
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
Download today for $3.99 before the price goes up and meet the men and women of The Second Circle Tattoo!
Get your copy here-
The Purest Hook (Second Circle Tattoos)
Author Info:
Scarlett Cole is a writer of contemporary romance and a two-time RITA finalist. Her debut, THE STRONGEST STEEL, has already become an Amazon best seller in romantic suspense, was a Best Debut Goodreads Author Finalist 2015, and Authors On The Air Global Radio Network Contemporary Romance Pick of 2015.
When Scarlett isn’t writing, she spends her time reading, hoarding mason jars, and working out to off-set an epic sour candy habit. She likes hot men, cold beer, and expensive shoes.
Having travelled the world for work and fun, Scarlett is a citizen of both Britain and Canada. A true city-dweller, she considers Toronto and Manchester home and likes to set her books in vibrant locations such as Miami and Los Angeles.
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Three Week Arrangement (Chase Brothers Book 3) by Sarah Balance is a romance story about overcoming loss and learning to love again. Sometimes a leap of faith or a little divine intervention is what you need to get back out into the world.
Rue Campbell has her life mapped out and her career sorted, too bad her family can’t accept her plans. When a childhood friend insists she accompany him to a work gala, she does what most women would do, stretch the truth. By declaring that she’s already acquired a date the story begins an adventure of the heart. Especially since her date hasn’t been with a woman in years.
Ethan Chase can’t let go of his deceased wife despite the fact that it’s been three years since she passed away. Kudos Sarah on making what could be an awkward first encounter hilarious and charming.
While Rue needs a date, Ethan could benefit from a little distraction. A woman to show his family that he can move on and get back into the world. What will Ethan do when he discovers that Rue is the first woman to move him and ignite dormant feelings? Will he allow himself to fall in love again or push her away before things heat up?
Both have a few obstacles to overcome and expectations to work through. Rue is focused on her internship and has not thought through her plan. When she discovers that Ethan is possibly the one will it be too late?
Once again, Sarah Balance delivers characters that are real, charming and part of a family you dream to be a part of. I’m so in love with the Chase brothers and the rest of the characters their paths cross.
While Sarah’s book can be read as a standalone, this sexy and emotional book is the third installment in a must read series. These characters are witty, creative and willing to go outside the box for love. The perfect recipe for this contemporary romance.
This two and a half peppers spicy latte hot 2 Jalepenos delight has just enough sizzle to make you tingle. Oh, and yes, it’s for mature readers 18+.
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. Download today for $2.99 before the price goes up and meet the Chase Brothers, you’ll be glad you did!
ICMYI: My previous review of Five Things I Love About You (Chase Brothers Book 1)
ICYMI: My previous review of For Seven Nights Only (Chase Brothers Book 2)
Get your copy here:
Five Things I Love About You (Chase Brothers)
ON SALE – $0.99
For Seven Nights Only (Chase Brothers)– $2.99
The Three-Week Arrangement (Chase Brothers)-$2.99
Author Info:
Sarah and her husband of what he calls many long, long years live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they’re asleep. She never dreamed of becoming an author, but as a homeschooling mom, she often jokes she writes fiction because if she wants anyone to listen to her, she has to make them up. (As it turns out, her characters aren’t much better than the kids). To learn more about her work in contemporary, historical, and supernatural romance and romantic suspense, please stalk accordingly.
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The Earl Takes All (Hellions of Havisham, Book 2) by Lorraine Heath delivers a fresh twist on the tale of unintentional deception, mistaken identity and unforbidden love.
Edward Alcott is the twin who was just a few minutes too late and now must watch as his brother inherits it all. There’s just one problem, he’s fallen in love with his brother’s fiancée.
Lady Julia Kenney is in love with a man that is everything she has dreamed of and more. If only she didn’t have a secret that could destroy it all.
When Edward and his twin brother venture on a safari adventure, tragedy unfolds. Upon his return Edward is faced with keeping a very vital piece of information from his pregnant sister-in-law. What will she do when she uncovers his lie? Oh Lorraine, I wasn’t sure how this story would unfold. I applaud you for tackling the brothers, I didn’t want this story to end!
Sometimes it’s the ones we least expect to triumph that push through adversity and overcome the odds stacked against them. Will Edward be able to save his family? Every decision upon his return could change everything. There is just one thing that neither Edward or Julia can forget and when you dear reader discover how Lorraine weaves this story you will rejoice.
Settle in by a cozy fire and get ready for another amazing adventure with some delectable eats and a glass of your favorite beverage.
This two peppers spicy latte hot delight has just enough sizzle to make you tingle. Oh, and yes, it’s for mature readers 18+.
I adore this series and can’t wait to read the next installment. I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
Get your copy here:
The Earl Takes All– $6.99
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Winning Lord West is the third installment in the Dashing Widows Book series from Anna Campbell and once again this series just get better and better. From the first sentence you know that you have unwrapped a treasure filled with empowerment, friendship and love!
Once again we are thrown into the world of strong women who have not let their situation get the best of them. A beautiful sexy story of two souls that have waited years to connect.
These Dashing Widows have embraced their new found freedom and decided that life should be lived and matters of the heart be explored.
Helena Wade is finally at peace with being a widow and welcomes her fate, she no longer needs to marry for financial reasons. Ready to enjoy life, and all the experiences, including the possibility of taking a lover.
Vernon Grange, the distinguished Lord West has waited years to be with Helena. Now that the stars have finally aligned to bring them together, what will happen? Will Helena finally permit Lord West to woo her?
I can’t say enough how satisfied I am after finishing one of Anna’s books or novellas. Anna writes stories of strong women who despite their unfortunate predicament are determined to enjoy life with or without a husband.
The journey the Dashing Widows have taken leads to a very brilliant conclusion, one I didn’t want to end. Every character is thought out, not only are they compelling, charming and witty but they tug at your heart long after the last page has been turned.
I was given this ARC by the author for a fair and honest review. If we are lucky dear readers perhaps there will be m look forward to the widow’s we’ve yet to discover and their journey too! Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long, I hear the next book will be out later this spring.
Decide for yourself with this excerpt:
Richmond Park, London, May 1820
Lord West made an effort to lighten the tone. “I arranged this picnic purely for the pleasure of seeing you flying across the grass on the back of a galloping horse.”
Oh, dear, that wasn’t what Helena wanted to hear. She’d imagined he’d put this party together to further his pursuit of Caro. Helena didn’t want West noticing her. For years, he’d been content to treat her as a distant acquaintance. “Really?”
“Yes, really. It’s been a fancy of mine since I saw you restricted to a trot in Hyde Park. The experience was most uncongenial for an observer. You looked like someone was strangling you. Slowly.”
She frowned, resenting that West made her the focus of his attention. And that his conclusions were so accurate. “Town isn’t the place to ride neck or nothing. I’ll soon be back at Cranham.”
West signaled to a groom. “Such a pity.”
“That I’m leaving London?”
“No, that you don’t want a good gallop, when I went to such trouble to bring you a suitable mount—and a suitable saddle.”
The groom led a pretty chestnut mare toward them. Helena immediately noted the gleaming sidesaddle. Her hand curled at her side as if it already held a crop. Despite her misgivings about the man offering the favor, she itched to throw herself onto the lovely horse. The groom passed the reins to West, bowed and left.
West’s smile was mocking. “If you deny me, I’ll think that you don’t like me.”
She ran a gentle hand down the Arab’s jaw and bit back a sigh of longing. The mare truly was a darling. “I don’t.”
That wasn’t completely true. Her feelings for West had always been more complex than mere antipathy. When they were children, he’d been her hero. Shreds of that fondness lingered, although she’d long ago recognized that he was cut from the same cloth as her depraved husband.
“Ouch.”
She studied West, as with unconvincing nonchalance, Silas wandered off in Caro’s direction. “You don’t believe me?”
West shrugged. “Explaining exactly what I believe requires more time and privacy than we now enjoy. Even if you insist on seeing me as the enemy, I hope you’ll still accept Artemis as a gift.”
“Gift?” Helena stared at him, appalled. “What on earth do you mean? I can’t take such an extravagant present. Have some sense, West.”
He stood unmoved by her refusal, tall and lean in his immaculate dark green coat and fawn breeches. “Nonetheless, she’s yours.”
“That’s…” Helena struggled to understand what lay behind this ridiculous and inappropriate gesture. West had been out in society all his adult life. He knew how the world would interpret his generosity.
His gaze remained unwavering on her face. “Yes.”
“Yes, what?” she snapped, although she had a sinking feeling she knew.
“Yes, it’s a declaration of intentions.”
Horror flooded her. She faltered back across the grass as if he’d made an unwelcome physical advance. “This isn’t funny.”
“I’m deadly serious.”
“Then you’re wasting your time.” She straightened and glared at him. Her mind worked a thousand miles an hour to make sense of this abrupt alteration in their dealings. “I was a rake’s wife. Be damned if I’ll be a rake’s mistress.”
ICYMI: Tempting Mr. Townsend (Dashing Widows, Book 2)
ICYMI: The Seduction of Lord Stone (Dashing Widows, Book 1)
Get your copy here:
Tempting Mr. Townsend (Dashing Widows) -$0.99
The Seduction of Lord Stone (Dashing Widows) – $0.99
Winning Lord West (Dashing Widows)– $0.99
Author Info:
Must publish with credit line to
Robyn Hills www.robyngraphs.com.au
Anna Campbell has written ten multi award-winning historical romances for Grand Central Publishing and Avon HarperCollins, and her work is published in seventeen languages. Anna has won numerous awards for her Regency-set stories including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice, the Booksellers Best, the Golden Quill (three times), the Heart of Excellence (twice), the Write Touch, the Aspen Gold (twice) and the Australian Romance Readers Association’s favorite historical romance (five times). Anna is currently engaged in writing the “Dashing Widows” series, which started in 2015 with The Seduction of Lord Stone. She lives on the beautiful east coast of Australia where she writes full-time.
May 20, 2016 | Blog, Lorraine Heath, May 2016
First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Latte with Coconut Milk 🙂
What would you order?
Thank you so much for inviting me for coffee. If we were meeting at a coffee shop, I’d be drinking green tea with lots of sugar. I love the smell of coffee but have never developed a taste for it.
Thanks so much for hanging out with me today.
Thank you for the opportunity to get away from my work zone for a while. I’m looking forward to it.
Congratulations on your RITA nomination for Falling into Bed with a Duke. Super exciting and what an honor.
Thank you. It really is an honor, especially considering some of my fave authors and reads also finaled in my category, so there will be happiness no matter who wins.
For those who are not familiar with your Hellions of Havisham series can you tell us a little bit about it? Are you planning any more books in this series?
Several years ago, I was researching another book (A Matter of Temptation) when I read about Charles Dickens being involved in a railway accident and also losing a brother to a railway accident. When railways first got started, there were so many accidents. The stories stuck with me, and when I needed something to tie my new heroes together, I decided they would be connected by disaster. When the Duke of Ashebury and the Earl of Greyling, along with their wives, perish in a railway accident, their sons are sent to Havisham Hall where they become the wards of the Marquess of Marsden, who also has a son—Viscount Locksley. Since I wanted them to have an unusual upbringing, I decided the Marquess would be quite mad, in the way that Miss Havisham in Great Expectations was mad (Hence, Havisham Hall, my nod to Dickens). He lost his way when his wife died. So my lords are a little wary of love, having been raised by a man who lost the love of his life. The third book, The Viscount and the Vixen, will be released in December. Then in early 2017, I’ll close out the series with an e-novella that will tell the tale of Marsden and his great love. It’s tentatively entitled Making Merry With the Marquess.
Every time I read your stories I’m swept away with strong and daring heroines and the heroes. They are bold, sensual and usually have an element of mischief. Sometimes the heroes are just plain wicked ;). Do you have a favorite?
My favorite is usually the one I’m writing at the time, and that’s because the characters that I’m writing are what I need at the time. I will admit that it was difficult to let Ainsley, Rafe, or Rose go. But all my characters give me a challenge—in one way or another.
Was there one that gave you a challenge while their story developed?
My current hero, Edward, in The Earl Takes All, is pretending to be his twin brother, which on the surface can seem like a betrayal to his brother’s wife and yet he’s doing it out of love. The challenge was to make him sympathetic and to ensure readers could forgive him. I think writing any character carries that challenge—the reader has to like the characters and has to understand their motivations.
For those who have not read your books I find that fact that you’ve published in a few different genres exiting. Do you have a favorite? Does that present any challenges for you as a writer?
Historical is my first love. When I discovered the romance genre, I devoured historical novels. I have expanded my reading options to include all romance sub-genres as well as young adult. I haven’t had any challenges switching between historical and YA because I write historical in third person and YA in first, so there is a little switch in my head that turns on and off as I move between genres. For the most part, the YA is contemporary or paranormal; they’re just fun to write. I think because I read so broadly now that I’m more open to writing different things.
I love your Scoundrels and Scandalous Gentleman of St. James series, can we expect anymore? Your latest release is the second book in the Hellions of Havisham. What can we expect?
I do hope to write some more of the St. James characters as I have a whole generation waiting in the wings. I know some of their stories, and I’m looking forward to exploring them. Some of the characters will make cameo appearances in the second book in the Hellions of Havisham, The Earl Takes All. When I first began writing British-set stories, I was creating new secondary characters for each book/series and it finally occurred to me that I could just use existing characters so I wouldn’t have to keep coming up with so many names. It’s always fun to run across someone we’ve seen before.
When you research for these amazing reads are you able to travel to any exotic locations for research?
I did go to Scotland a couple of years ago with a group of writers. That was an amazing trip. I’m hoping to make it to London soon (I haven’t been since I was a kid). But for the most part, my research is done between the covers of nonfiction books.
Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Latte 🙂
Thank you! I’m off to make another pot of tea.
Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Happy Writing Lorraine!
***** 8 Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why?
Wild at Heart by Patricia Gaffney, if you can find it. It’s the beautiful story of a man raised by wolves and the daughter of the professor who is studying him to determine if he possesses any humanity or if he’s as wild as the wilderness in which he was raised. I love this story. It’s on my keeper shelf.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown?
The fairgrounds. The county fair (I lived in the county seat) was the most exciting time of year. I grew up in a very small (pop. 10,000) town. The restaurant where I was a waitress when in high school is no longer there and the high school isn’t the one I attended. The drug store where I used to go for lunch (they had the best pimento cheese sandwiches) is no longer there. But the fairgrounds, the county fair in the fall, and its corresponding rodeo are still an important feature of the town.
3. Castles or Beaches?
Beaches but castles are a close second.
4. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go?
London
5. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)?
Binge watcher (House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Breaking Bad)
6. What’s your favorite TV show and why?
Game of Thrones. So well done, such an interwoven story.
7. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )?
Paint the Wind by Cathy Cash Spellman. It’s an epic tale and would probably do better as a mini-series.
8. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why?
Casablanca. Because Rick, who starts out so hard and cynical, in the end is so noble.
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To find out who wins the 2016 RITA in each category head over to Romance Writers of America on July 16 at 8PM PT. Winners will be announced and be sure to follow #RITAGH and #RWA16 for all the news that night!
Bio:
Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals and computer code, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She’s been writing about them ever since, for both adult and young adult readers (as Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker and with her son as J. A. London). Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA’s RITA®. Her novels have appeared on the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists.
May 19, 2016 | Blog, M.J. Scott, May 2016
First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking an iced Coffee as I’m readyfor the summer 🙂 !
What would you order?
I don’t actually drink coffee (it makes me ill) so I’d go with a nice flavoured ice tea or an iced chocolate.
Thanks so much for hanging out with me today.
Congratulations on your RITA nomination in the Paranormal Romance category for The Shattered Court. Super exciting and what an honor. Where were you when you got the call?
I was actually at home and I’d completely forgotten that it was RITA time. Aussies and New Zealanders get called early so that the people making the calls aren’t waking us up at 2am in the morning our time. So I was sitting at home on Good Friday, doing a bit of writing and I almost didn’t answer the phone because hardly anyone other than telemarketers calls me on my landline any more. But then I did because I thought maybe it was my mum. I was pretty surprised to hear an American accent on the end of the line. I remember saying Oh My God a lot and not much else. And then I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone until the US people started getting the calls, so I had to wait from about 11 am my time to about 1.30am the next morning. It was a very long day!
For those who are not familiar with your work can you tell us a little bit your books. You have multiple series in your backlist, what can we expect in those lines? What was the inspiration for The Shattered Court?
My books most often start with a character appearing in my head. I was thinking about new book possibilities and I got the image of Sophie, sitting in a room, feeling very fed up with her current life but unable to see a way out of it and thought “she’s interesting”. I wrote a chunk of the book quite a while ago but then had to move onto other things so it was good to finally come back to her and see what happened.
As M.J. I write dark romantic fantasy and urban fantasy. The Half-Light City series (which is finished) and The Shattered Court are dark romantic fantasy and my Wild Side series is urban fantasy with vampires and werewolves and an accountant heroine who gets dragged into that world.
The Half-Light City series has magic, Fae, vampires and werewolves and humans and is set in a city where the various races live in relative harmony due to a treaty between the races. Which then starts to break down and wild things result. Each book features a different hero and heroine but there’s an ongoing arc.
The Four Arts series (of which The Shattered Court is the first book) is about a world where humans can use four types of magic (but not all humans have magical abilities). The heroine is Sophia Kendall who is a lady in waiting in a royal court, who is about to reach the age where she’ll either come into her powers or not. At this stage I’m planning two more books and they’ll all have the same heroine/hero.
I also write contemporary romance as Melanie Scott. My current series is The New York Saints series about three best friends who buy the worst team in Major League Baseball.
With multiple series, is it easy to keep characters from crossing over?
Because my worlds are all different, I can keep them straight fairly easily. I do use different fonts to write fantasy versus contemporary just as a visual queue. Though I confess, I occasionally find myself typing the wrong name if I’m working on two different series at once but usually catch myself. Or worse, writing in first person when I should be writing in third.
Each book has fantastic covers – do you have a part in the design?
I’ve been really really lucky with my covers. My editor does ask me for ideas so I’ll send her pictures that I’ve used for inspiration etc but the art department and cover artists then come up with something completely awesome.
I love reading your blog – I hope readers check it out. (I’ll link to it 🙂 ) Are there any topics you enjoy?
I just like to blog about stuff I’m enjoying mostly. I tend to talk about books, movies/TV, music, art, girly things like make up, my stationery addiction and my adventures in cooking and other things that I stumble across that catch my eye or I think are cool. I figure there are other people out there who like the same sorts of things as me and I’m not focused enough to only talk about one thing on my blog all the time.
I read that you love to knit. What are you working on? Have you ever traveled to a knitting event in the states? (here is a link -https://www.knittinguniverse.com/STITCHES/) I used to travel to them and found it absolutely exciting. All of my favorite vendors in one location and immediate satisfaction taking the delicious yarns, books and trinkets home.
I haven’t been to one in the US but I’d love to one day. I have been to similar things in Australia but they’re on a much smaller scale (though also bad for the wallet). I am however lucky enough to be related to an indie yarn dyer, who enables my yarn addiction. I don’t have a project on the go right now but it’s starting to get cold and my mind is turning to yarn. I found a hole in one of my pairs of hand knitted socks recently (tragedy!) so might have to knit a new pair. I have to ration out my knitting time or I get sore hands which isn’t good for writing.
I’ve never attempted spinning but had a friend who used to all the time. I hear it can be very therapeutic.
Spinning is absolutely soothing. As long as it’s behaving. Actually that’s why I enjoy doing crafty things so much, I find they do shut up the writer part of my brain that is always thinking about a book and just let me be in the moment for an hour or two.
Writing with a day job and other commitments is a challenge, do you have a writing ritual or secret location to get the work done?
I mostly write at home. I’m not so good with the whole writing in cafe things, I get distracted. Unless I’m really in the flow of a book and it’s coming fast, in which case I’ll write anywhere and everywhere. I even keep a notepad in the shower. I do a bit of writing in my lunch breaks at the day job but because I work part time, my day job days tend to be fairly packed and sometime I just need to chill out and actually take a break. I make a soundtrack for each book and that helps tune me into the world wherever I am as long as I have some headphones.
Thank you so much for being here today.
***** 8 Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why?
Sunshine by Robin McKinley. Because great fantasy, a fabulous heroine, baking and both scary evil vampires and a scary good vampire. The only thing wrong with this book is that there isn’t a sequel (sorry, Robin, I know that’s a terrible thing to say to a writer).
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown?
In Melbourne, I’d recommend just wandering around the main part of the CBD. Melbourne has lots of fascinating little laneways and arcades full of wonderful shops (and great coffee). Either that or I’m always a fan of wandering around museums and galleries when I go to new places and Melbourne has great examples of both.
3. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist?
I have fairly broad musical tastes. I played in the school band in high school so don’t mind a bit of classical or instrumental though I’m probably mostly a rock/pop gal. My all time favourite band is U2. My current favourite artist is definitely Taylor Swift. I think she’s a great storyteller as well as a very astute business woman at a very young age!
4. What are you afraid of?
I’m deathly afraid of large hairy spiders (Which is a problem when you live in Australia). Luckily very few other critters worry me. I can handle little spiders but big ones freak me out. I blame watching the Doctor Who Planet of the Spiders episodes at a young and impressionable age. Huge invisible spiders that sat on your back and controlled you (my parents possibly shouldn’t have let me watch those episodes 😀 )
5. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)?
I like a good binge watch because I don’t get heaps of TV time, so I like to save episodes up for a good couch and chill session. Also, I don’t have Foxtel which is the Australian equivalent of cable because it’s stupidly expensive here, so some shows I have to wait until they’re out on iTunes or DVD or come to free to air. But I will also watch by the week if something is an absolute favourite. Though I record those shows to and watch when I can. I love a lot of shows but currently on the top of the watch list are Grey’s Anatomy (I just cannot quit this show), Outlander, Person of Interest, Scandal and I’ve been slowly rewatching the X-Files. I recently binge watched Season 1 of The Affair, trying to watch season 2 more slowly.
6. What is one thing you can’t live without.
Books! Or my cat. Or both.
7. If you could invite 5 people to dinner (not friends and family – that’s too easy) would you invite?
Hmmmm…if they have to be alive then Neil Gaiman, David Attenborough, Chris Hemsworth, Kate Winslet and Taylor Swift. If they can be dead then I’d have to toss one of them out and invite Terry Pratchett.
8. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be?
That’s a hard question. Writers tend to have magpie brains and get interested in all sorts of things. Either a musical theatre performer (if I magically go the voice to go with that) or a zookeeper. I’ve always liked reading about zookeepers or people who study animals. Actual considered becoming a vet at one point but I changed my mind.
Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Iced-Coffee 🙂
Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Happy Writing M.J.!
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To find out who wins the 2016 RITA in each category head over to Romance Writers of America on July 16 at 8PM PT. Winners will be announced and be sure to follow #RITAGH and #RWA16 for all the news that night!
Author Info:
M.J Scott is an unrepentant bookworm. Luckily she grew up in a family that fed her a properly varied diet of books and these days is surrounded by people who are understanding of her story addiction. When not wrestling one of her own stories to the ground, she can generally be found reading someone else’s. Her other distractions include yarn, cat butlering, dark chocolate and fabric. She lives in Melbourne, Australia. Her website is www.mjscott.net.
May 17, 2016 | Blog, Jaci Burton, May 2016
First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking an iced Coffee as I’m ready for the summer 🙂 !
What would you order?
Since the weather has been getting progressively warmer here in Oklahoma, I’ll have a decaf iced coffee with a shot of vanilla. And now I really want one.
Thanks so much for hanging out with me today.
Thanks for asking me!
Congratulations on your RITA nomination in the Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length for Love After All. Super exciting and what an honor. Where were you when you got the call?
Thanks so much! I am so excited about this. This is my first book to final in the RITA Awards® and I can’t tell you what a shock it was to receive that phone call.
I was at my desk working when the phone rang. I knew RITA calls were going out that morning because my awesome best friend, author Shannon Stacey, and I have a ritual every year. We have virtual coffee together (she lives in New Hampshire and I live in Oklahoma, so real coffee together would be one heck of a road trip) and we wait for the finalists to get their calls. We love watching to see who finals. We also hope we’ll be one of those finalists. I’ve been entering the RITAs for as long as I’ve been eligible. Love After All was my 69th book so when the phone rang and the amazing Cynthia D’Alba was on the other end to tell me I finaled, it was a dream come true for me. I was incredibly thrilled to have Love After All final. It’s a book I am so proud of.
For those who are not familiar with your work can you tell us a little bit your books. You have multiple series, stand-alone and anthology reads in your backlist. Can we expect any more releases from your current series? Do you have any new series in the works that you can give us a tease? What was the inspiration for Love After All?
I’ve been published since 2003 and I’ve written a lot of books that readers can find on my website. I’ve completed several series, and written in multiple genres. The current series I’m working on are my Play by Play sports romance series, and my Hope small town contemporary romance series. There are new releases coming up this year for both of these series. And yes, I do have a new series in the works, but that won’t be for a while yet.
For Love After All, both main characters had made appearances in my previous Hope books. I hadn’t originally intended to match up high school teacher Chelsea with bar owner Bash, but there was one scene they were in together in a previous book and sparks flew between them. That’s when I knew they were destined to be together. And I had the perfect storyline for them because Chelsea is a perfectionist who is very picky about men. And Bash? Let’s just say he’s not her idea of the perfect guy.
With multiple series and a bookshelf of standalone reads, is it easy to keep characters from crossing over?
Each series stands separate and distinct. However, within each series, characters from previous books do make appearances in other books. I do like to give my readers glimpses into characters lives once they’ve had their happily ever after.
Each book has fantastic covers – do you have a part in the design?
Thank you! I’ve been so fortunate to write for an amazing publisher who has an incredibly talented art department. They’ve done such wonderful work on my covers over the years.
I cover conference with my editor for each book and I’ll give a general idea about what I want on the cover, which tends to include the basic information on the characters, setting, etc. But to be honest, the art department knows what they’re doing, and they’re familiar enough with my series to deliver something fantastic every time. And they do!
Writing with a family and other commitments is a challenge, do you have a writing ritual or secret location to get the work done?
I’m not much on rituals since every day presents different challenges. First thing in the morning is always coffee and taking care of the dogs. Then I’ll catch up on email and social media before I settle in to work.
Since I have a laptop, I’m free to move around, so I don’t have a specific location. Summer is my favorite time because I love to write out on the back patio. The dogs and I enjoy sitting outside, watching the birds and squirrels and rabbits. Okay, they watch the animals while I write. 😉
Thank you so much for being here today.
***** 8 Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why?
A Knight In Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. I’ve read this book over and over again and it’s on my keeper shelf forever. I know the ending is somewhat controversial for some people, but for me, it’s a timeless romance. And hey, if nothing else, the ending is a great conversation starter.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown?
The Blue Whale—it’s a landmark on Historic Route 66. It’s actually not much. But it’s cute and funky looking and hey, historic Route 66. Road trip!
3. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist?
Hard Rock. Favorite? That’s a hard one. I’d have to go with Queen. You can never go wrong with Freddy Mercury.
4. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one?
Tats. I have six. My fist one was a parrot because I had birds at the time.
5. Are you a binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)?
Weekly viewer. I watch a LOT of television. Here’s a few: The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Agents of Shield, Jane The Virgin, Chicago Med, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Modern Family, Blackish, The Big Bang Theory, The Blacklist.
6. Do you love to cook or go out to eat?
I do enjoy cooking, but if I had my choice I’d much rather have someone else cook for me, so I’m going to choose eating out. But to be perfectly honest, I’d rather have a personal chef to come to my house and cook for me. It’s like the best of both worlds, right?
7. Motorcycle or bicycle?
Motorcycle – We have a Harley and we love to ride.
8. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be?
A surgeon – I watch a lot of medical shows and I’m not squeamish. I could totally handle this!
Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Iced-Coffee 🙂
Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Happy Writing Jaci!
EXCERPT:
Love After All (A Hope Novel)
Chelsea straightened. “So, thanks for breakfast. I should be going now.”
He walked into the kitchen and grasped her wrist, his fingers on one very fast racing pulse.
“What list, Chelsea?”
There was something about her that got to him in the most basic of ways. He dated a lot of women, and typically not for long. He’d known Chelsea for a lot of years, but she wasn’t the type of woman he went out with. First, he figured she was high maintenance, with her fancy clothes and her high heeled shoes and her ideas about men. They just didn’t mesh.
But there was chemistry between them—something he’d definitely been noticing a lot more in the past several months. And the way her pulse ticked up and her eyes dilated and the way she licked her lips whenever he got close?
Yeah, she noticed it, too.
Plus, she had a fiery personality, and he knew damn well that would translate to a spitfire in bed. He couldn’t deny he wouldn’t mind experiencing a little of the wildcat Chelsea in bed.
But he’d garnered enough from the conversations she’d had with her friends at the bar to know she was looking for a relationship. And that was the one thing he wasn’t at all interested in. He didn’t mind dating the same woman for a while, but he always made it clear he wasn’t into anything permanent. Being married once had taught him an awful lot about what not to do. He wasn’t ready for another round of bruised emotions and battered hearts. He was better off keeping things light and simple between him and women.
But Chelsea? He couldn’t seem to stop himself from teasing her. After all, they weren’t dating. They were just friends, and had been for a long time.
So when she didn’t answer his question, he had to press the issue.
“You were talking to my dog about your list. And the fact that I don’t meet the criteria.”
“I said no such thing. You misheard me. I was talking about my grocery list.”
Now he was really curious, because she sure as hell hadn’t been talking about him and food in the same sentence. “I don’t think so. You said I still have marks against me on your list, and you wouldn’t consider me anyway. So what list is this? The one you were making at the bar yesterday?”
She looked down at where he had hold of her wrist. He let her go, and she went into the living room to grab her purse.
He followed.
“If you don’t tell me, I’ll just start making things up. Like maybe you’re making up a list of men you’d like to help you make a baby.”
She stopped and turned to him, her eyes wide. “I do not need any man to help me make a baby.”
He scratched the side of his nose and slanted a grin at her. “Well, yeah, you kind of do.”
In answer, she rolled her eyes at him. “You know what I mean. I’m not trying to have a baby right now, Bash.”
“Then why don’t I qualify for your list?”
She huffed in a breath of frustration. “None of your business.”
“It is my business if my name is on it.”
“That’s just it. Your name is not on it. It could never be on it.”
He stepped in closer. “Yeah? And why’s that?”
“I’d prefer not to say.”
“So back to my idea about you finding a man to make a baby with…”
She gave him an exasperated look. “Bash.”
“I’m only trying to help, Chelsea. Not that I’m going to give you a baby, but I know a lot of guys . . .”
He liked seeing that fire in her eyes, the one that turned her emerald green eyes dark.
“This is ridiculous. But fine. You’re not on the list because you’re not my idea of the perfect man.”
His brows rose. “You made a list of the perfect man? You know the perfect guy doesn’t exist, right?”
“Of course he does.”
“You’ve met him.” He didn’t like the way his gut tightened at the thought.
“Not yet. And that’s the problem. But I know what I want, and I’ll know who he is when I do.”
“Really.” He sat on the edge of the sofa. “Show me your list.”
“I don’t think so.” She wrapped her arm tighter around her bag, as if he were going to wrench it away from her. Obviously, whatever was on Chelsea’s list was important to her. That made him eager to see it.
“No, really. Maybe I can help. Show me your list.”
She hesitated, but finally dug into her purse and pulled out her notebook, flipping the pages, then gave him a hard stare. “You cannot laugh.”
“I promise I won’t laugh.”
She thrust the notebook at him.
He scanned the list, the corners of his mouth ticking up.
“Bash.”
He held up his hand. “I’m not laughing. But yeah, I can see why I’m not the man for you.” He handed the notebook back to her and met her gaze. “I’m divorced, I work at night, I love sports, and you’ve already met one of my crazy ex-girlfriends. Though she’s not my fault. She was normal when I met her.”
Chelsea arched a brow.
“Hey, I don’t set out to date crazy women. I like them unemotional and uncomplicated.”
That won him an even harder stare.
“Maybe I’m not making myself clear enough.”
“Obviously not.”
He figured the best way out of that one was to leave the crazy-ex-girlfriend topic alone. “As far as the rest of your list, I’m a beer-and-burgers kind of guy. I spend all my time at a bar, I’m definitely not a suit guy, and my perfect weekend getaway is camping. And while I like kids, I’m not ready to have any yet. Plus, I apparently just adopted one of those yippy little dogs.”
She crossed her arms and nodded. “Exactly my point. We have nothing in common. Nothing at all.”
He stood and approached her. “You’re right. Nothing in common.”
They were standing only inches apart, and damn, she smelled good. Like a cinnamon roll and fiery brandy or something. Hot and spicy—and he suddenly wanted a taste of her. If he were honest with himself, and he always tried to be, he’d wanted a taste of Chelsea for a long time now.
She tugged on her lower lip with her teeth, and he felt the tight pull in his groin, the fierce rush of desire that had nothing to do with a list and everything to do with basic chemistry.
*****GIVEAWAY******
Jaci Burton has generously donated ONE autographed copy of Love After All.
Answer the following question in the comments to be eligible to win – Would you ever make a list of “requirements” for finding your soulmate?
Contest ends on 5/19/16 at 11:59 PM
One winner will be randomly selected. Winner must comment within 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be randomly selected.
Contest open to US/International.
Good luck to all!
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To find out who wins the 2016 RITA in each category head over to Romance Writers of America on July 16 at 8PM PT. Winners will be announced and be sure to follow #RITAGH and #RWA16 for all the news that night!
Author Info:
The author of the USA Today and New York Times bestselling Play by Play and Hope series, Jaci Burton has written over 70 books since she first started writing full time in 2001. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and dogs. A lover of sports, Jaci can often tell what season it is by what sport is being played. She watches entirely too much television, which she considers “book research”. When she isn’t on deadline, Jaci can be found at her local casino, trying to become a millionaire (so far, no luck). She’s a total romantic and loves a story with a happily ever after, which you’ll find in all her books. You can find out more about Jaci at her website at jaciburton.com, on Twitter at @jaciburton, on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuthorJaciBurton, and on Instagram at instagram.com/jaciburton
Wicked Intentions is the first book in the Maiden Lane Series. An introduction into a world of those less fortunate, the ones who wish to exploit them and the heroes who wish to save them.
Notorious Pleasures is the second book in the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt and explores the expectation of ones duty and the conflict that love and pleasure bring to it. 
