Nov 18, 2016 | 2016, Blog, Lana Williams, November 2016, Suzanne Ferrell
***** Congratulations to the Day 1 Giveaway Winners *****
You have 24 hours to comment on this post or a new winner will be selected at the end of the Blitz!
Lana Williams Giveaway
ohmeagain you have won ONE copy of Loving the Hawke
Leslie S you have won ONE copy of Loving the Hawke
Pat V. you have won ONE copy of Under the Kissing Bough
Leslie S you have won ONE copy of Under the Kissing Bough
Suzanne Ferrell Giveaway
Carina and ohmeagain and you have each won ONE e-book set of Close to the Mistletoe and Close to Christmas
Congratulations to all!
** Please note…any gifted copies of the set cannot be awarded until release day, because Amazon doesn’t allow gifting of preorders. **
Happy Reading 🙂
*****
15 brand-new novellas. 15 best-selling romance authors. A holiday-themed collection like no other.
What happens under the kissing bough doesn’t necessarily stay beneath the kissing bough…
According to lore, the origins of which date to the late 12th century, no lady should refuse a kiss beneath the mistletoe, else she will not marry in the next year. In exchange for the kiss, a berry is removed from the sprig until all of the berries are gone and no more kisses can be stolen. Some also believe that a sprig of mistletoe collected from a local church and placed beneath a maiden’s pillow will inspire dreams of her future husband.
What happens when fifteen daring heroines pin their hopes on mistletoe, a little luck, and a kiss in this multi-genre, limited edition holiday collection from 15 bestselling authors? Pure holiday magic!
The Whole Latte:
There is nothing better than a holiday anthology to kick off a festive season full giving, treats and LOTS of romance! This collection will cross off all three in one clean swoop and at a bargain price of ninety-nine cents, it’s worth every penny. Do NOT miss out on must read romance!
I’ll be featuring a few novellas every day until release day on November 22nd. Catch up with characters and authors you know and love, or discover them for the first time.
Again, the line-up has many of my favorites and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Some of these have a little more spice than others and balance the collection perfectly.
Happy Reading and Happy Holidays!
Dancing under the Mistletoe by Lana Williams
Book 3.5 of The Seven Curses of London
A woman running from her past…
Katherine Flemming gratefully accepts an invitation to spend Christmas at a new friend’s country estate, allowing her to escape London with her secrets still intact. Her past has caught up with her, and she must leave everything behind to start over. Again.
A man unwilling to face the future…
Cole Dumont takes one day at a time, spending his days seeing to the needs of his tenants but never his own. Unable to bear the idea of enduring another Christmas alone, he gratefully accepts an invitation from a neighboring estate with the fleeting hope of surviving a holiday filled with too many memories.
A stolen moment under the kissing bough…
Well aware of the trouble chasing her, Katherine avoids forming connections with others but something about the quiet baron tugs at her. Cole’s guilt convinces him that he doesn’t deserve happiness, yet the woman he kisses beneath the mistletoe makes him wonder if fate has something else in store.
Can one kiss and the magic of Christmas unite two lonely souls?
The Whole Latte:
Dancing Under the Mistletoe by Lana Williams involves secrets, a holiday love match and hopefully happiness for our heroine, Katherine Flemming.
Katherine is tired of running, will she finally find love and happiness in the most unexpected place? The Christmas holiday season usually brings out the best in people, will the traditions aid in her quest for peace and love?
Cole Dumont is still running from a tragic past, will he open up his heat to love when he meets Katherine? What will he do when he discovers why she came to town?
Lana writes with heart, passion and a dash of spicy heat that is sure to warm you up this holiday season!
Be sure to check out Lana’s backlist for more fun :)!
Bio:
Lana Williams is a bestselling and Amazon All-Star author who writes historical romance filled with mystery, adventure, and a pinch of paranormal to stir things up. Filled with a love of books from an early age, Lana put pen to paper and decided happy endings were a must in any story she created.
Her latest series is The Seven Curses of London, set in Victorian times, and shares stories of men who attempt to battle the ills of London, and the ladies they fall in love with, who truly give them something worth fighting for.
Her first medieval trilogy is set in England and follows heroes seeking vengeance only to find love when they least expect it. The second trilogy begins on the Scottish border and follows the second generation of the de Bremont family.
The Secret Trilogy, which shares stories set in Victorian London, follows three lords injured in an electromagnetic experiment that went terribly wrong and the women who help heal them through the power of love.
She writes in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two growing sons, and two labs, and loves hearing from readers.
Lana loves hearing from readers! Stop by her website at https://lanawilliams.net/ and say hello! You can also connect with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LanaWilliamsBooks or on Twitter: @LanaWilliams28
The official blurb: CLOSE TO SANTA’S HEART
As Westen’s resident Santa, Deputy Cleetus Junkins brings the magic of Christmas to his beloved home town each year. He oversees lighting the tree in the square and raising the huge mistletoe kissing bough in the gazebo. At the parties he visits with children and the elderly. Amid all this joy even Santa can be lonely. Or he used to be. This year, Cleetus has a helper.
Sylvie Gillis came to Westen for a fresh start only to have her heart immediately melted by a shy gentle giant of a deputy. Her childhood was short on happiness but playing elf to Cleetus’ Santa makes her want to believe in Christmas miracles.
As Cleetus and Sylvie help bring Christmas joy to the citizens of Westen, the holiday magic weaves its way into their hearts. Will the reason Sylvie left home come between them or can she stay Close To Santa’s Heart?
The Whole Latte:
Close to Santa’s Heart by Suzanne Ferrell is a Westen romance that is sweet and sexy. I loved Cleetus and Sylvie’s story right from the beginning. A must read that stresses the importance of trust and honesty, along with the belief that everyone has a purpose. The ability to trust that “inner voice” is vital, and for this story, a matter of life and death for both Cleetus and Sylvie.
Suzanne tackled a very sensitive situation in a most creative and satisfying way. This romantic suspense author can bring on the action and heat, but this softer side was a refreshing treat.
Thank you Suzanne for taking us to Westen for the holidays. If you haven’t read any books from the Westen series check out Suzanne’s backlist for more excitement this holiday season.
Author Info:
USA Today Bestselling author Suzanne discovered romance novels in her aunt’s hidden stash one summer as a teenager. From that moment on she knew two things: she loved romance stories and someday she’d be writing her own. Her love for romances has only grown over the years. It took her a number of years and a secondary career as a nurse to finally start writing her own stories.
Currently there are two main series she’s actively writing in: The Westen Series, a contemporary small town series based in a fictional Ohio town where “things aren’t always what they seem”, and features Close To Home, Close To The Edge and Close To The Fire. The second series is the Romantic Suspense books KIDNAPPED, HUNTED, SEIZED and VANISHED, featuring the Edgars family as they fight for justice, even if it means stepping slightly outside the rulebook.
KIDNAPPED and HUNTED were both Golden Heart finalist, and SEIZED, book #3 in the Edgars Family Novels, was a finalist in the novella category of the OKRWA’s National Reader’s Choice Awards contest.
Suzanne’s sexy stories, whether they be her on the edge of your seat romantic suspense or the small town romantic suspense stories they’ll keep you thinking about her characters long after their Happy Ever After is achieved.
Get to know Suzanne… ICYMI: Coffee With
You can Find Suz at:
Website: https://suzanneferrell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanneferrell.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuzFerrell
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/suzferrell/
Blog: https://romancebandits.com/
Day 1 Giveaways
Lana Williams has generously offered:
2 copies of Loving the Hawke (Book 1 of The Seven Curses of London)
AND
2 copies of Under the Kissing Bough (which includes Dancing Under the Mistletoe, which is book 3.5 of the same series).
Suzanne Ferrell has generously offered:
TWO e-book sets (Close to the Mistletoe and Close to Christmas) *Amazon readers*
For a chance to win one of these AMAZING prizes please comment and respond to the following questions on this blog post:
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Contest runs from 11/17/16 12:01AM thru 11/18/16 3:00 PM
Winner will be announced on this blog post on 11/18/16 sometime after 3:00 PM.
Winner MUST comment on this post within 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be randomly selected.
Be sure to follow me the blog (link on homepage), Facebook Page (Books I Love A Latte Page) and Twitter @RaeLatte so you don’t miss that announcement post.
Oct 18, 2016 | 2016, Barbara Devlin, Donna MacMeans, Ellen Dugan, Haven Harbor, Jeanne Adams, October 2016
** While this anthology is based on characters and a town that were in The Witches Walk by Jeanne Adams this anthology reads as a standalone Halloween collection. Some stories are spicier than others and are noted in my review of each novella with a pepper rating. The rating is strictly for spice factor only. **
Welcome to Haven Harbor is an anthology that features four novellas from Jeanne Adams, Barbara Devlin, Ellen Dugan and Donna MacMeans. It’s time to return to Haven Harbor, Massachusetts, or visit for the first time, and discover what mischief awaits.
In A Halloween Promise by Jeanne Adams fans of Witches Walk will be treated to a story that involves two of her characters from The Witches Walk. Adele, the town Veterinarian and Dan, the Librarian are thrown together in a most unexpected way, an abandoned dog. Will Dan be able to help her solve the mystery surrounding the puppy’s sudden appearance?
A story of odd events and unexplained happenings add fuel to Adele’s crush on Dan. With all the chaos and mystery will they have time to explore their attraction?
In a town of witches, secrets don’t stay hidden for long and things aren’t always as they appear to be. This novella is laced with suspense as Jeanne brings a slightly darker side to Haven Harbor. I wonder whose story will be next and how long we’ll have to wait.
Once again her story is a two peppers spicy latte hot 
delight has just enough sizzle to make you tingle and a lot of action! Oh, and yes, it’s for mature readers 18+.
Author Info:
Although Jeanne Adams likes calling North Carolina home, she lives in DC, where The Tentacle Affaire is set, and often jogs on the C&O towpath with her dogs. Her favorite holiday is Halloween. She starts planning the annual yard decor on November 1. Alas, in this case however, the “Adams Family” – one husband, two sons and three dogs – is all bark and no bite.
On another spooky note, Jeanne used to work in the funeral and cemetery business, and knows a thing or two about getting rid of the body….bwhahahah! (She even teaches classes about it to other writers!)
Jeanne has written suspense novels for Kensington/Zebra Publishing since 2007. THE TENTACLE AFFAIRE, her first urban fantasy/romance, was released in Nov, 2014, along with two new Romantic Suspense Novellas, DEADLY DELIVERY and BEHIND ENEMY LINES. A short story, featured in TINY TREATS #2, St. Patrick’s Day, heralds a new series which will start next year.
She loves hearing from readers, so find her at https://www.JeanneAdams.com or on twitter @JeanneAdams or on Facebook at https://www.Facebook.com/JeanneAdamsAuthor
Magick, Straight Up by Barbara Devlin is a must read tale. If you are fans of Barbara you won’t be disappointed with her first published contemporary piece that is included in this Anthology.
If you are looking for a doctor this Halloween, head to Haven Harbor Regional Medical Center ER. Check in with Dr. Rafe Owen. This sexy new doc now calls Haven Harbor home and when he ventures out to meet the fine folk of Haven Harbor he encounters the owner of The Old Haven Mill Tavern, Mary-George McBride. Rafe’s world will never be the same and neither will yours ;).
Rafe is intent on getting to know George, will she open up and give him a chance? George has the ability to discover what he desires, will she use it? Trust is a very fragile thing and for this outsider he just might lose the one thing he wants if George hesitates to reveal her secret before it’s too late?
Take a spin, enjoy a walk around town and then hop over for a bite at the Tavern. George might have your order ready before you walk through the door, don’t let it spook you. With fun and sexy characters you’ll be asking her for more from these two before long!
This spicy latte read is four peppers hot for full on, no holds barred sensuality and situations. It’s for mature readers 18+.
Author Info:
Bestselling author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn’t been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love of writing.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, where she developed a love of all things British, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. And then one uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
Gypsy At Heart by Ellen Dugan takes us to Fogg funeral home where we meet the beautiful Gypsy Nilah Stefanik. After many years, Nilah has accepted her lack of gifts and still loves her family despite her situation and wonders if she will ever be gifted.
When life doesn’t go according to plan for Nilah she accepts a job at a Funeral Home. For many it might seem odd but Nilah has befriended the gardener. A sweet old man, he insists that she meet his grandson. Will she finally agree?
It will take one random event for Nilah to discover she does have the gifts her family has, it’s just a bit different and it will throw her world into a crazy adventure. I am now hooked on Ellen’s stories and no, I won’t give any spoilers. All I can say is that you need to just read!
Ellen’s ability to draw the reader in and tell a story full of magick, romance and acceptance of one’s self makes her addition to this collection a home-run!
I hope there is more planned for Nilah, I love her story and didn’t want it to end! Well done Ellen and thank you for such a magickal story!
Author Info:
Ellen Dugan, is the award winning author known as the “Garden Witch”. A psychic-clairvoyant, she has been a practicing Witch for over thirty years. She is a Master Gardener, and teaches classes on writing, Witchery, psychic development, and Magick. She is the author of the 17 non fiction books published by Llewellyn Worldwide.
Ellen branched out into paranormal fiction in 2015 with her popular “Legacy Of Magick” series.
When she’s not keeping up with her family, Ellen likes to unwind by working in her perennial gardens at home with her husband. Ellen wholeheartedly encourages folks to personalize their Spell-craft. To go outside and connect with the spiritual side of nature. To get their hands dirty and discover the wonder and magick of natural world that surrounds them.
Visit her author’s website at www.ellendugan.com
Visit her blog called, “Blog of Witchery” at ellendugan.blogspot.com/
You can also find Ellen on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram.
Blame the Moonlight by Donna MacMeans takes us on a movie adventure to Haven Harbor. When Chelsea Davenport suggests the production team look into filming in Massachusetts she is confronted with her past.
Chelsea Davenport, a cosmetic queen has been chasing the moon as long as she can remember. Bradon Parker is her former childhood crush and an Investigative Reporter who uncovers more than just tabloid fodder. If Chelsea’s not careful Bradon just might discover the reason she left the east coast all those years ago?
A woman with a curse, clothing drifting in the night and a town of witches will leave Chelsea questioning if she can escape her past once and for all. Will Brandon be able to pursue his career without harming the one thing he desires the most?
Don’t miss this moonlight tale of two lovers and the adventure they begin. This two peppers spicy latte hot delight has just enough sizzle to make you tingle and a lot of action! Oh, and yes, it’s for mature readers 18+.
Author Info:
Award winning author Donna MacMeans made a wrong turn many years ago when she majored in Accounting at Ohio State University. What was she thinking? Balancing books just can’t compete with crafting plots and inventing memorable characters. She finally broke free from her life as a CPA to write witty and seductive Victorian historicals for Berkley Publishing in what can only be described as her dream job.
Her books have won numerous awards including the prestigious Golden Heart from Romance Writers of America, and the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award for Historical Love & Laughter, as well as recognition in many regional contests. Her books consistently receive high praise and glowing reviews.
Donna is also the recipient of the 2013 RWA Service Award, the 2014 RWA Pro Mentor award and currently serves as RWA Treasurer.
An avid reader, she uses the analytical skills learned as an accountant to analyze novels in an effort to constantly improve her own craft – and then teaches those skills in workshops around the country.
A member of the popular Romance Bandits blog group, she is always approachable. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband of forty+ years. Please contact her at www.DonnaMacMeans.com
Each story brings its own charm, powers and romance. Are you a believer? Read these novellas and discover for yourself how Haven Harbor is just like your hometown, well…sort of.
Can these Haven Harbor residents open up and confess their secrets without scaring the newly arrived away? Get your copy now and find out for yourself!
Welcome to Haven Harbor: A Haven Harbor Anthology
$0.99
Sep 2, 2016 | 2016, Blog, Cover Reveal, Samantha Chase, September 2016
I am thrilled to be one of the lucky blogs to share in the excitement of Samantha Chase’s Cover Reveal today for her June 2017 release in The Shaughnessy Series.
A contemporary romance series that will take you on a journey of the heart with stellar writing, new characters to love, and plenty of favorites from the past sprinkled in.
If you are wondering if the Shaughnessy brothers will have a happily ever after….. you MUST download this series now and find out.
I am super excited to read Owens story and am patiently waiting till the moment I can dive in 😉
Every book in this series is a must read and are at fabulous sale prices today so download them now and be prepared to fall in love!
Made for Us (The Shaughnessy Brothers Book 1) $1.99
Love Walks In (The Shaughnessy Brothers Book 2) $3.14
Always My Girl (The Shaughnessy Brothers Book 3)
$5.49
This Is Our Song (The Shaughnessy Brothers Book 4) Pre-Order this December release today!
Happy Reading!
Author Info:
New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.
When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.
For more information, please visit Samantha’s website – www.chasing-romance.com
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Facebook – www.facebook.com/SamanthaChaseFanClub
Twitter – https://twitter.com/SamanthaChase3
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/samanthachase31/
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Samantha-Chase/e/B006CZWRGC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Instagram – https://instagram.com/samanthachaseromance/
Jun 30, 2016 | 2016, Blog, June 2016, Sabrina Jeffries
Rae: 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?
Sabrina: An iced coffee, too! I drink a lot of iced coffee at Starbucks—a venti with no syrup and a splash of heavy cream.
Rae: Thanks so much for hanging out with me today.
Sabrina: Thank you for having me!
Rae: Congratulations on your RITA nomination in the Historical Romance: Long category for If the Viscount Falls. Super exciting and what an honor. Where were you when you got the call?
Sabrina: At home, as usual. I was thrilled, to say the least.
Rae: For those who are not familiar with your work can you tell us a little bit about this book? I’m looking forward to posting my review tomorrow on the blog.
Sabrina: Dominick (Dom) is the owner of Manton Investigations. In his youth, he was disinherited by his older legitimate brother for helping his younger bastard half-brother and half-sister. Cut off without a farthing, he became an investigator, but he knew he couldn’t afford a wife, so he rather foolishly forced his fiancee into the position of jilting him (in the Regency era, if a man jilted a woman it would result in ruin for her, but if she jilted him, it was more socially acceptable). They’ve been apart for twelve years, and he’s missed her for all twelve. Meanwhile, Jane has finally moved on with her life, despite what happened with Dom, and has accepted a proposal for a marriage of convenience to a friend. But she still cares for Dom, so when a case throws them together and they realize they still desire each other, they have to decide if they can get past what he did, if they’re even the same people anymore, and if they can make a marriage work after all these years.
I had so much fun writing them. Dom is one of those men used to doing everything his way, and Jane just won’t stand for it. He has to learn to compromise and she has to learn to forgive. But she gives him a run for his money first!
Rae: What was the inspiration for this?
Sabrina: As for the inspiration, I seem to love to rewrite Romeo and Juliet. I like lovers torn apart but brought back together (as opposed to lovers torn apart who both end up dead).
Rae: You have multiple series and standalone reads in your backlist, what can we expect in those lines?
Sabrina: Most of my books these days are in series because I prefer a wider canvas, and series give me that. The standalone reads tend to be from my early writing. I don’t really do them much anymore.
Rae: With multiple series, is it easy to keep characters from crossing over?
Sabrina: Actually, I don’t keep them from crossing over. They show up in each other’s series all the time. I feel like my series are still all part of the same world, so sometimes the characters stumble into another series and have fun..
Rae: Each book has fantastic covers – do you have a part in the design?
Sabrina: I often suggest a concept, but for the most part Pocket’s art department is responsible for those covers. They do a great job, thank God, because I’m not much of a designer.
Rae: I love your website – I hope readers check it out – here. I even LOVE your playlist section.
Sabrina: Thanks!
Rae: I read that you love to work on puzzles, what is the largest puzzle you have ever attempted?
Sabrina: I just completed my largest puzzle recently—5000 pieces. And I will never do another.
Rae: Did you finish it?
Sabrina: Yes, I finished it, but it was more stressful than therapeutic, and I do tend to do puzzles because they soothe me.
Rae: Do you have a favorite theme you like to work on? I hear they can be very therapeutic.
Sabrina: As for themes, I tend to like bright colors and fairytale images. Or quirky ones. I really can’t stand landscapes. I’d rather see a pretty landscape in person.
Rae: 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?
Sabrina: Well, I don’t have a day job other than writing. I do more work, though, when I use Mac Freedom to block out the internet. Does that count as a ritual?
Rae: Can you tell us how you tackle plotting your series, is it on a massive board, sheets of paper or just write as you go with a simple outline?
Sabrina: As for plotting, I spend a lot of time with a jigsaw puzzle thinking through my plots. Sometimes it takes me as much as six weeks to come up with my plot. Once I’ve got it straight in my head, however, I use a good ol’ synopsis format. That works for me. And then I refer to the synopsis often.
Rae: Thank you so much for being here today.
Sabrina: I enjoyed it!
***** 8 Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why?
Lord of Scoundrels. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the best historical romance ever written.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown?
My home town is New Orleans, so that’s easy—you have to see the French Quarter!
3. Castles or Beaches?
Castles, definitely. I’m not a beach person. Too hot and too much sand.
4. What is your most memorable vacation and why?
My husband and I went to London for the first time together for our thirtieth anniversary. It was spectacular. I finally got to see all the places I write about!
5. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go?
Anywhere in England. I’m just an Anglophile, what can I say? Why do you think I write Regencies?
6. Are you a binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)?
Weekly, except for old shows I’ve just discovered, and then I binge watch. I enjoy all the NCIS’s, Criminal Minds, Outlander, Poldark, Sleepy Hollow . . . If it has crime or history, I’m there.
7. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )?
The Iron Duke from Meljean Brook’s Iron Seas series. I’d love to see that series made into movies..
8. What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Coffee. I’m a serious coffee drinker. I never have less than 32 ounces of coffee a day, and that’s a minimum.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Iced-Coffee 🙂
Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Happy Writing Sabrina!
About the Author:
Sabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of 38 novels and 9 works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 7 million books in print in 18 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
You can find Sabrina online at:
https://www.sabrinajeffries.com
https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaJeffriesAuthor
https://twitter.com/SabrinaJeffries
https://www.pinterest.com/sabrinajeffries/boards/
Jun 29, 2016 | 2016, Blog, June 2016, Samantha Chase
Always My Girl by Samantha Chase is the third installment in the Shaughnessy Brothers series, and it is AMAZING! Another satisfying and very refreshing story that dives into the lives of the Shaughnessy family with Quinn Shaughnessy. I must admit, he’s one of my favorite brothers because of he loves cars!
Quinn has always craved things that go fast since he was a young boy. At the beginning of the book there is a tender scene that takes me back to being a kid and it just melts my heart. Samantha sums it up perfectly with this image.
All grown up Quinn has had his share of fun, women and a fantastic career. One that included racing cars until something happened that found him walking away from it all. Even then Quinn couldn’t figure out what exactly it was that he was chasing. All he knew was that there was a void that couldn’t be filled, that is till Anna Harrigan finally got his attention.
Anna and Quinn have been friends since she was six years old, and I love that their friendship has weathered through the tough times. If only Quinn would notice the woman she’s become he might finally find an everlasting love. Anna isn’t the little girl he once knew. Now grown up she’s finally ready to do something about her crush and be noticed.
With a little coaxing from her best friend, Anna decides to change things. But they are both in for a surprise when they realize that their feelings run deeper than they ever expected. What will Quinn do when he discovers how Anna really feels, will he stay or push her away?
Check out this teaser and you’ll see exactly what Anna’s up against.
Sometimes it takes a push from a friend to make you realize what your looking for is right next door. How many of us grew up loving the one person they thought they’d never be able to win? What will Quinn do when Anna begins to change and her interest in cars takes a surprising turn? Is it that she’s changing or is that he’s finally admitting how he really feels? Perhaps the reason he hasn’t quite found that someone special yet is because he hasn’t realized what’s been in front of him his entire life.
Samantha has written a story that so many readers can relate to, one that’s written so tenderly that it will make you laugh, cry and rejoice when you read the last page.
There are at least three more books that we can hopefully expect from this series – Owen, Riley and Darcy. I hope they each have their story shared soon! A bonus with this series is that you the reader become part of this amazing family and love when everyone pops up from previous books.
I had so much fun having Samantha on the blog this week and I hope you all enjoy Always My Girl as much as I did.
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and hones review.
Still not convinced? Check out this excerpt Samantha sent over and see for yourself.
Excerpt:
He high-fived you?”
Anna nodded. “He high-fived me.”
“Wow…just…wow.”
“Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction too.”
Zoe sat back in her seat and frowned. “I don’t even know what to say to that. Even when Aidan was being a complete jerk when we started dating, he never would have…”
“High-fived you when you were looking to hug him?”
Raising her glass of iced tea, she saluted Anna. “I give you props for not picking up a bat and slugging him.”
“It was tempting but there were too many witnesses.”
Zoe chuckled. “So…now what? What happened when you guys got home?”
“Nothing. I came back here alone and Quinn?” She shrugged. “I have no idea where he went. Probably to the pub with everyone.”
“You didn’t go?”
“Between the high-five and Mark’s comment…I just needed to get away.”
“Okay, but you’ve talked to Quinn since then, right? I mean, it was four days ago.”
Anna shook her head. “He texted me the next day and said he needed to put in some serious times on the restoration job.”
“I still can’t believe he’s doing it,” Zoe said with disgust. “After everything Jake did…”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” Anna interrupted. “I told everyone I didn’t mind and I don’t. Sort of.” She cursed. “Not really.”
“Anna, come on! How can you sit here and tell me you honestly don’t care? That guy was a creep! And what he tried to do to you was criminal! How can you sit here and tell me you want to encourage Quinn to do this job? There will be other restorations! Does he really want the recognition so badly he’s willing to do a job that is nothing but a constant reminder of what Jake Tanner did?”
Anna hadn’t really thought of it that way. With a sigh, she rested her head on the back of the sofa. “He’s only doing because I told him to. I know how important getting this restoration part of the business is to Quinn. This job was not only a big deal because of the kind of cars they are, but because Jake had already lined up magazine interviews and deals for the big reveal. How could I take that away from him?”
“How could he not offer to?” Zoe snapped. “Honestly, out of all the Shaughnessys, Quinn really is the most clueless. And that’s saying something!”
“He did, but I talked him out of it. So I’m partially to blame. I’ll be all right,” Anna said, but she didn’t honestly believe it and the look Zoe gave her said she wasn’t buying it either.
“So what are you going to do?”
“I don’t really know. We had a couple of weeks where we were inseparable and that’s never happened before. I know he has a lot of work with the new shop that needs his attention and I guess when he has the time, he’ll let me know.”
Zoe stood, clearly agitated. “You’re too good to him. Too forgiving.”
“What am I supposed to do?” She paused. “And besides, I told him to leave me alone.”
“Oh, please. You were upset. Now you’re supposed to drive over to the shop and demand he talk to you, for starters! Then you get in his face and tell him to man up and stop hiding when things get tough! And lastly, tell him if he ever high-fives you again instead of accepting the hug you’re requesting, I’ll come over there and hit him over the head with one of those giant wrenches!”
Anna chuckled. “Man…does Aidan ever win an argument with you?”
A slow smile crept across her face. “Not if he knows what’s good for him.”
Click the book cover or title to get your copy here now!
Made for Us (The Shaughnessy Brothers)
Love Walks In (The Shaughnessy Brothers)
Always My Girl (The Shaughnessy Brothers)
Author Info:
New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.
When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.
For more information, please visit Samantha’s website – www.chasing-romance.com
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Facebook – www.facebook.com/SamanthaChaseFanClub
Twitter – https://twitter.com/SamanthaChase3
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/samanthachase31/
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Samantha-Chase/e/B006CZWRGC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Instagram – https://instagram.com/samanthachaseromance/
Jun 28, 2016 | 2016, Blog, June 2016, Samantha Chase
*********** Winner*************** Winner ************Winner ********
Congratulations Keri B. Mr. Random has drawn a name and you are the winner of the Autographed set of Made for Us AND Love Walks In!
Thank you so much to everyone who commented.
Keri – you have 24 hours to comment on this post or another name will be drawn!
I want to welcome back Samantha Chase to the blog. Samantha is here to dish all things Shaughnessy Family as we celebrate the release of her third book in the series which will hit your e-reader July 5, 2016.
Rae: Can you tell us what inspired you to write about the Shaughnessy Family? Will any of the Montgomery Brothers (another must read series – I’ll insert a link for reviews 😉 )
resurface?
Samantha: You know, it’s going to sound weird, but this is the truth – I was talking to my agent a couple of years ago and he was like “You need a new series.” I totally agreed. And then he added, “Soon.” We were pitching the Montgomerys to publishers but I was already mid-series with it and most of them were turning me down because they didn’t want to pick up a series in the middle. I am a HUGE fan of Bella Andre’s series The Sullivan’s and I would have to say that she inspired me the most. I love a good family drama and I was already loving the Montgomerys, but I liked the idea of all the siblings being very diverse. I’m having a great time with them too!
As for the Montgomerys showing up, that had kind of been my intention in the beginning but it’s never happened. There was never a time or a scenario where it fit. Which is crazy because I did manage to mention the Shaughnessys in the Montgomery books! Bad author moment!
Rae: So far we’ve met Aidan and Hugh. One man can build us a dream house and the other can take us to a resort and melt our worries away. In Always My Girl we meet Quinn and he’s a former NASCAR driver. What research did you do to prepare for that book? Not only did he drive cars he’s super handy fixing up cars too! The way Anna is with learning about cars reminds me of the time I changed the oil in my car when I was in college. I used metal ramps – my Dad was super cool about it! He was the one who told me to use them. My mom, not so thrilled. It was such a rush knowing that I could fix something with the car. Have you ever tinkered on a car?
Samantha: Cars are sooooo not my thing! At all! I’m lucky that my husband is handy and for years he did all the maintenance on our cars. But for Quinn, it was a lot of online research about auto restoration – which is really quite fascinating. My younger son is a little bit of a car enthusiast and every once in a while we’ll find ourselves watching some sort of show about them like Top Gear or ones where they actually do restorations. I don’t jump up and leave the room most of the time!
I didn’t do any research on Quinn’s NASCAR past BUT…I’m going to the Charlotte Motor Speedway in August as part of my Roadtripping with Romance book tour with Sara Humphreys! We’re going to tour the speedway and be sharing pictures and videos from it on social media! I think it’s going to be awesome!
Rae: We also have on the blog today The Shaughnessy crew and it’s so nice to see everyone again 🙂 let’s just start this party off with a bit of music. What was your favorite musical clip on the Tony’s? I LOVED James Corden – Riley you need to get on Carpool Karaoke! Imagine the fun!
Quinn – Every time you’re stuck in the car with Riley it’s like Carpool Karaoke!
Riley – Hey!
Hugh – Don’t even bother denying it. You know it’s true.
Riley – I’m a singer – it’s what I do. Sing!
Aidan – And talk about yourself. Let’s not forget about that.
Riley – I’m a fascinating guy. (Shrugs) You’re all just jealous.
Darcy – Hardly. (Cracks herself up) But we all missed the Tony’s because we were all at Hilton Head at the resort and Riley put on a private concert. It was very cool.
Riley – Sure…when I’m on stage singing it’s cool. But in the car, it’s…
Quinn – Annoying. The word you’re looking for is annoying.
(They all laugh at that one)
Rae: Anna – what is your favorite drink to mix up at the bar? Everyone says you’re a whiz in the kitchen…any inside secrets into what goes in your burgers?
Anna – The burgers are a family secret. I can’t share it.
Quinn – (Dramatic eye roll) And I keep telling you that your mom’s burgers never tasted like that. So the only person who knows the recipe is you! C’mon…tell us.
Anna – (Shakes her head) Not gonna happen. And besides, why are you pushing me to give the recipe away? You’re the envy of the masses.
Quinn – (Grinning) Oh, yeah. Never mind.
Anna – And as for the drink? Hmm…you know, I never spend much time behind the bar. I was always at the pub in more of a waitress and cook and manager capacity. But I can pour a perfect glass of beer!
Quinn – She sure as hell can!
Rae: What is it like to grow up next to Quinn? Were the brothers ever over hanging out with Bobby?
(Aidan, Hugh, Riley, Owen and Darcy all collectively groan)
Anna – I loved growing up next to Quinn! (smiles adoringly at him)
Quinn – That’s because I’m a great guy
Hugh – (coughs) Humble too
Quinn – Damn straight
Anna – He was always doing something…it was never boring. Growing up it was like every day was an adventure.
Quinn – Remember the time you got stuck up in that tree in your yard? (Laughs) You were so mad!
Anna – That’s only because you dared me to climb up and that lower limb broke! And you laughed!
Quinn – Because you were so mad! You yelled and screamed and carried on!
Aidan – Didn’t Bobby threaten to beat you with that tree limb if you didn’t shut up?
Quinn – Um…maybe.
Aidan – Hugh and I hung out with Bobby a lot because we were closer in age. (Looks over at the twins and Darcy) Anna and Quinn were the same age but there weren’t any Hannigans for Riley, Owen or Darcy.
Rae: Now that two of you are married, what can we expect from you Quinn (wink 😉 – big wedding or perhaps at a baseball park?
Anna – (Grinning) Yeah, Quinn…what can we expect from you?
Quinn – Is it hot in here?
Aidan – Come on…don’t be shy…
Hugh – I picture you being the guy that cries at the altar when he sees the bride. We all know how sensitive you are.
Quinn – Shut up
Riley – Personally, I imagine Quinn and Anna’s wedding being at the pub. A big Irish wedding, lots of drinking and singing
Quinn – Ugh…figures you’d bring up singing
Riley – What? What’s wrong with singing? People do have music at their weddings!
Owen – All weddings have music. It’s just the type of music that varies. Even now, it’s no longer the norm to play the Wedding March. Now it’s not uncommon to hear…
Quinn – I swear if you start spouting statistics, I’ll kick you out of the interview!
Darcy – (Stands and punches Quinn in the arm. Hard)
Quinn – OW! What was that for?
Darcy – For being a jerk! Owen was simply talking about music. (Leans forward and looks at Anna) Are you sure you want to marry this moron? He really is a jerk sometimes.
Anna – (Blushes and then kisses Quinn on the cheek). Yeah, but he’s my moron.
(Collective eye rolls and groans from the entire family)
Rae: Quinn- if you could restore any car what would it be?
Quinn – Wow…There really are a few that are on my restoration bucket list. But if I had to choose one it would be…hmmm…a 69 Chevy Camaro. I love a good American muscle car! It’s just a cool car. I know that sounds like a lame thing to say, but…damn. It’s just a cool damn car!
Rae: Riley thanks for being here I know you’re busy working on your next album – how’s that goin?
Hugh – Oh no…
Aidan – (Shakes his head)
Owen – (reaches over and pats Riley on the back)
Riley – I don’t want to talk about it. Why? What have you heard? Are people saying stuff about the music so far? Are they hating it? Dammit! (Jumps to his feet) I need to go and call Mick!
(Everyone just stares as Riley walks out the door)
Darcy – So um…yeah. That pretty much explains how the album is going.
Rae: Any summer plans?
Aidan – Zoe and I are sticking close to home this summer and doing some work on the house.
Hugh – Same for Aubrey and I. (Grins) And sleeping. Definitely trying to get some sleep.
Aidan – Smooth, Bro. Why not just say ‘spoiler alert’?
Owen – I’m going to be doing some speaking engagements back in D.C. We’ve gotten some amazing pictures from space and I’m hoping to analyze and share…
Darcy – BORED!
Quinn – Oh, so it’s okay for you to interrupt him but not me? How is that fair?
Darcy – Will you be planning your wedding this summer, Quinn?
Quinn – (Noticeable paler) Um…
Darcy – That’s what I thought
Rae: Again guys, thanks so much for hanging out and I hope you all have a fabulous weekend celebrating this weekend. I can’t wait to hang out again with you soon. 🙂
Samantha thanks again. If fans are looking to find you over the summer, where can they catch up with you?
Samantha: Okay, I am going to be all over the place this summer! July 9th I’ll be in Boonsboro, MD at Turn the Page Bookstore (Nora Roberts’ place!) for a signing and then Sara Humphreys and I will be hitting the road in August for our Roadtripping with Romance book tour! We’ll be in Wake Forest, NC on August 16th (exactly location TBA), then we’ll be at the B&N in Raleigh, NC at Brier Creek at 7 pm on Wednesday, August 17th. After that we’re going to be signing in Charlotte, NC at Park Roads Books at 7 pm (after touring the Charlotte Motor Speedway to celebrate Quinn Shaughnessy!). and the next day we’ll be in Greenville, SC at 5:30 pm at Fiction Addiction (after going to a K-9 training facility for Sara’s hero in Trouble Walks In!). Our last day has us in several locations but we’ll be doing a signing at the B&N Forum at Ashley Park in Newnan, GA at 2 pm and we’re working on two more possible events in the area for that night!
Thanks for having me!! And Happy Reading, Everyone!!
**********
Discover for yourself The Shaughnessy Family
Made for Us (The Shaughnessy Brothers)
Love Walks In (The Shaughnessy Brothers)
Always My Girl (The Shaughnessy Brothers)
*****
Samantha Chase has generously donated ONE autographed
book set of Made for Us (The Shaughnessy Brothers) and Love Walks In for the Blitz giveaway.
Answer the following question in the comments below for a chance to win – When you are on vacation do you pack a suitcase full of books or an e-reader loaded to the max with e-books?
One winner will be randomly selected.
Be sure to follow Books I Love A Latte on the blog, FB and Twitter so you don’t miss the posting of the winner!
Contest ends on 6/28/16 at 11:59PM
The lucky winner must comment within 24 hours on the blog post to claim their prize or a new winner will be randomly selected.
Author Info:
New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.
When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.
For more information, please visit Samantha’s website – www.chasing-romance.com
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Facebook – www.facebook.com/SamanthaChaseFanClub
Twitter – https://twitter.com/SamanthaChase3
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/samanthachase31/
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Samantha-Chase/e/B006CZWRGC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Instagram – https://instagram.com/samanthachaseromance/
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