Dec 9, 2016 | Blog, December 2016, Samantha Chase
*** Congratulations to the following winners from the Samantha Chase Blitz Giveaway ***
Winners have 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be drawn.
Karalee parsons won an e-copy of This is Our Song
The winners of fabulous swag packs from Samantha Chase are: Michelle Hayes, and Cheryl Hastings.
Since the last winner of the Swag giveaway did not claim their prize we are posting a new name…. Erika G. You have 24 hours to claim your prize or a new name will be drawn.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by and I hope you all have a happy holiday season!
Dec 7, 2016 | Blog, December 2016, Samantha Chase
This is Our Song by Samantha Chase is the fourth book in a must read in a series about family, love and challenges as the Shaughnessy siblings deal with a tragedy that impacts each and every one of them differently. The event changed how they view life, and for some, affect their views of love and trust.
Within every book it begins with a dash of adventure, a splash of compassion and a good dose of humor. Mix in some conflict and romance and you have the recipe for a story that will draw you in till the very last page.
The Shaughnessy family is loyal and protective of one another, despite their differing opinions. In This is Our Song, it’s Riley’s story and his is a musical journey that takes you behind the scenes of a sexy superstar. As a successful and talented musician he is cautious of whom he shares his dreams and ambitions with.
When the past circles around and he discovers who almost destroyed his past, will he ever be able to trust again?
Dive into the life of a rock-star and see how this book of love, inspiration an forgiveness will melt your heart like it did to mine. I’m already waiting by my computer until I can read A Sky Full of Stars, Owen’s story. I’m sure it will be out of this world ;).
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
Excerpt:
“There’s a chocolate chip muffin in the basket too—you know, if you’re interested.”
“I have a feeling if I keep hanging out with you, I’m going to need a whole new wardrobe because I won’t fit into anything I currently own.”
“And you’d still be beautiful,” he said, and Savannah could only turn and stare at him. “It’s true.”
She swallowed hard, unsure of what to say.
“If you’ll both fasten your seat belts,” Lisa said softly as she came back to check on them. “We’re preparing for takeoff. I’ll be up in the galley area. If you need anything or when you’re ready for breakfast—or lunch—let me know.” Then she smiled and walked away as both Savannah and Riley thanked her.
This was it, Savannah thought to herself. She was on the plane and so far, no meltdowns. All around her she could hear what was going on—the main door was closing, the engines were running, and everything seemed to be all right.
Without her asking, Riley stood and closed all the window shades around them. It was a little unnerving how well he seemed to anticipate her needs and concerns. Some people enjoyed looking out the windows as their plane took off, but Savannah wasn’t one of those people. She thanked him for being so considerate as he sat back down and buckled his seat belt.
The plane started to move, and Savannah instinctively dug her fingers into the soft leather of the sofa. There weren’t any armrests near her—not like she would have on a standard airplane seat—so she just grabbed as much as she could, closed her eyes, and held on tight.
“We’re just moving away from the terminal,” Riley said quietly.
She could feel his breath on her ear, but she couldn’t bring herself to open her eyes and look at him. It was safer to keep them firmly shut.
They were silent for several minutes when the plane came to a stop. “We’re waiting for our turn to take off,” he said, his tone soothing. “You need to breathe, sweetheart. I can tell you’re holding your breath.”
“I…I just hate this part. I know it’s coming and I can’t—” She paused and took a few breaths. “I can’t relax.”
“Okay,” he said.
The next thing she knew, Riley pried one of her hands off the sofa and held it in his. It felt good. Warm. Comforting. Then his other hand came around and cupped her cheek, and she felt him rest his head against hers. It felt good. Savannah felt as if she was drawing strength from him. For a few minutes, touching was all they did, but as soon as the plane started to move again, she immediately tensed up.
“Look at me,” he whispered. “Open your eyes and look at me. Focus on my face and nothing else.”
She opened her eyes, but the rest was impossible. How could she focus on his face and not think of how handsome he was? Or how kind and understanding his eyes were?
The plane began to pick up speed, and Savannah knew she was seconds away from a full-on panic attack. There was no way she wanted to do that in front of Riley—or anyone for that matter—so she did the only thing she could.
“Kiss me,” she said.
To give him credit, Riley didn’t question it. He simply closed the distance between them and captured her lips with his. It wasn’t the sweet and gentle kiss of the other night. No. This one was all-consuming and deep and wonderful, and Savannah sighed into it as she pulled her hand free of his and let it rake up into his hair.
So many things were going through Savannah’s mind as she touched him, but the most prevalent was more. She wanted to be free to touch more of him and for him to do the same in return. While Riley’s lips and tongue were doing things to hers she never imagined possible, his hand had stayed in fairly chaste positions—her cheek, her nape. His fingers felt rough against her skin and she could only dream of how they’d feel on other parts of her body.
She cursed the seat belts, the couch, their clothes. Crowding closer to him, she tried to mentally tell him what she wanted. Somewhere in the back of her mind she knew it was crazy—this wasn’t the kind of person she normally was. Wasn’t the kind of woman who threw herself at a man—any man—even a rock star! But there was something about Riley that made her feel differently, act differently, and want differently.
The plane kept moving, time kept moving, and yet Savannah had no recollection of any of it. It was as if everything around them had ceased to exist and it was only the two of them.
And it was absolutely perfect.
There was a sound off in the distance that finally seemed to break through their haze and had Savannah hesitantly removing her lips from his. “What…what was that?” she asked dazedly.
Riley seemed just as disoriented as she was. Lifting his head, he looked around and then smiled. “The seat belt sign is off. It means we can get up and move around.”
She looked around in confusion. “But…how…? We just…?” Then she focused on Riley. “Didn’t we just take off?”
His hand stroked her cheek as he chuckled. “That was about ten minutes ago.”
Her eyes went wide. “Really? I didn’t even… I mean… I had no idea…”
His smile widened. “Yeah. Me too.” He leaned in and gave her another quick kiss before releasing his seat belt and standing. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. How about I get Lisa?”
Here’s a quick look at the sexy Riley, would you date him?
Name: Riley Shaughnessy
Occupation: Musician/Rock Star
Height: 6’
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Age: 28
What makes you the perfect date?
When I’m out on a date with a woman, there is no one else in the world. I put all of my attention on her and do my best to make sure that our date includes everything she wants.
What do you look for in a woman?
I used to be all about the looks – mainly because women were always chasing after me. I had superficial relationships, now I look for a woman who sees more than a rock star, a celebrity. I want to find someone who just sees me.
Describe yourself in 100 words or less:
Confident. Talented. And currently, mildly insecure. I have always loved music, loved to sing and if I couldn’t do that, I don’t know what I’d do with myself. Music is just a part of me. I put my partying ways behind me – not that I had much of one. I’m just as comfortable on stage in front of thousands of people, as I am at home watching TV.
***** GIVEAWAY *****
Samantha Chase has generously donated ONE ecopy of This is Our Song AND THREE swag packs for the Blitz giveaway.
Answer the following question in the comments below for a chance to win. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Is it cooking a family recipe? Cooking dinner for family and friends? Tell us, how do you make the holidays memorable and special?
FOUR winners 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 winners!
Contest ends on 12/8/16 at 11:59PM Four winners will be randomly selected and posted on the blog after 3 PM 12/9/16.
The lucky winners must comment within 24 hours on the blog post (or FB posted link) to claim their prize or a new winner will be randomly selected.
** All entries from Day 2 and Day 3 will be eligible. **
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
Dec 6, 2016 | Blog, December 2016, Samantha Chase
I recently sat down to have a Cup of Coffee with the Shaughnessy siblings. This is one chat I’ve been looking forward to!
Rae: First things first – I’m having my usual Latte with Coconut Milk
What’s in your mug?
Aidan: Straight black coffee. I don’t understand these fancy coffee drinks.
Hugh: (laughing) You can still class it up a little bit. I’ve got an espresso macchiato
Quinn: Sounds like a girly coffee to me. I’m with Aidan – black coffee. Because that’s what men drink.
Riley: Sorry, I’m afraid I have to disagree, Quinn. I’ve got a holiday spice flat white. (Holds it up as a toast). To the holidays!
Owen: I’m not much of a coffee drinker. But I’ve got vanilla Frappuccino. (Shrugs) Sort of like a coffee, sort of like a milkshake.
Darcy: (Grinning and shaking her head) I love this time of year. I’ve got my peppermint mocha Frappuccino. So yummy!
Rae: Thank you for meeting up with me, especially with the holidays three weeks away. Are you all ready?
Quinn: There are enough wrapped presents in front of the tree for about a hundred people so I’ll have to say yes.
Darcy: That’s because Anna took care of it all for you. You better appreciate her!
Quinn: (eyes rolling) Don’t start. I already know how lucky I am.
Darcy: Damn right you are…
Aidan: Zoe took care of everything for us, too. Thank God. Christmas combines her two favorite things – Christmas and shopping. Our house looks like a damn department store display window!
Hugh: Aubrey bought out the entire toy department of Target. I know it. So I’ll have to say that we’re ready.
Darcy: And whatever Aubrey missed, Dad and I bought!
Hugh: Oh God…
Rae: Do you have any favorite cookie recipes?
(All five brothers look at Darcy)
Darcy: (Grinning) What? So I like to bake. You all benefit from it!
Quinn: We know. That’s why we all looked at you. None of us have cookie recipes.
Darcy: Ah…gotcha. I think my favorite to make are the red velvet white chocolate chip cookies. It’s a really easy recipe…
Aidan: Um yeah…for you…
Darcy: Any-way…it’s 1/2 cup softened salted butter, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 egg, 2 teaspoons red gel or liquid food color (use 2 1/2 teaspoons if needed), 1 3/4 cups Bisquick mix, 1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa, 1 cup white vanilla baking chips (add 1/2 cup more if desired). Easy-peasy.
Rae: Do you put up a real tree or a fake tree?
All answered: Real!
Rae: Will everyone be together for the holidays this year?
Hugh: We will. We’re lucky that most of us are still living in the area or can take the time to come home. Dad’s thrilled.
Darcy: He really is. It’s chaos and loud and just crazy but for some reason, he loves it.
Riley: This will be the first Christmas in a couple of years that I’m able to be here so I’m looking forward to it.
Rae: Tell us Aidan, are you still building homes in North Carolina?
Aidan: I am. The business is still growing and we’re expanding a bit but I’ll always stay in this area. This is home to me.
Rae: Hugh, how’s the resort business? What city are you taking over next?
Hugh: The resorts are doing very well. The campaign that Aubrey did for us really gave us more publicity than I thought possible and reservations have been on the rise at all locations ever since. Currently we’re building in North Carolina and I just recently looked at some property up in Alaska.
Rae: Quinn, I’m dying to know – what car do you have in your shop right now? How’s the restorations going?
Quinn: (Grinning) I have a sweet black 77 Trans Am that I’m working on. It looks like the one from Smokey and the Bandit. I’m almost done with it and it drives like a dream!
Rae: Great to see you Riley. I hope that all is well in the music world. I promise this time we won’t talk about work. So tell me, if you could have one thing for Christmas, what would it be?
Riley: (Smiling) I appreciate that. It’s nice to sort of step away from it all for a little while and just hang out with the family. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I’m psyched to be home for it this year. So…one thing? Hmm…This year, I’d say that I’d love a week away – at one of my brother’s resorts – where I can just do nothing all day and just relax. (Looks over at Hugh) Hint, hint!
Rae: What is your favorite part of the holiday?
Riley: Talking about things we did growing up. Sharing memories of those Christmas’s from when we were kids.
Quinn: Definitely. Dad has some old home movies and we bring them out every once in a while and watch them.
Hugh: The Christmas movies. I love sitting around with everyone and watching It’s a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street.
Aidan: Frosty the Snowman. It is not Christmas unless we watch Frosty the Snowman.
Owen: Christmas breakfast. Our mom used to make these huge Belgian waffles every Christmas morning. Dad makes them now but it’s something that no matter where else I have them, they’re never as good as they are on Christmas morning.
Darcy: Presents! How is it that none of you think that getting presents is the best part of the holiday??
Rae: Okay, maybe one work question: I heard rumor that Riley let a reporter hang out with the family, how did that go? Did she stay with you?
Darcy: It was awesome! He finally let us talk to a reporter and we all got to share stories about what it was like growing up with him and how it feels to have a famous brother.
Quinn: Oh yeah…it was like a dream come true.
Aidan: Dude, could you be any more sarcastic?
Quinn: (Shrugging) Probably.
Riley: (Clears his voice) I did bring a reporter home – her name is Savannah Daly and…lets just say that she’s more to me than a reporter.
Quinn: (Makes kissing noises)
Riley: Grow up! (Sighs loudly) Anyway, we stayed with my dad for a bit and then we stayed at Aidan and Zoe’s because Dad was working on his house.
Rae: Owen, what’s new in the world of stars?
Owen: Oh…um…I don’t know if you can say that anything is particularly new with the stars. After all, Most stars are between 1 billion and 10 billion years old. Some stars may even be close to 13.8 billion years old—the observed age of the universe. The oldest star yet discovered, HD 140283, nicknamed Methuselah star, is an estimated…
Darcy: Oh my God! Enough!! We get it!
Rae: Thank you all for hanging out with me. As always please send my regards to your Dad. Happy holidays and next time Hugh – we should meet up at one of your resorts.
Hugh: Pick one and we’ll be there!
***** GIVEAWAY *****
Samantha Chase has generously donated ONE ecopy of This is Our Song AND THREE swag packs for the Blitz giveaway.
Answer the following question in the comments below for a chance to win. What is your choice of a vacation – something with thrills or rest and relaxation?
FOUR winners 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 winners!
Contest ends on 12/8/16 at 11:59PM Three winners will be randomly selected and posted on the blog after 3 PM 12/9/16.
The lucky winners must comment within 24 hours on the blog post to claim their prize or a new winner will be randomly selected.
** All entries from Day 2 and Day 3 will be eligible. **
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
Dec 5, 2016 | Blog, December 2016, Samantha Chase
It’s almost time to meet Riley, the next brother in The Shaughnessy Brothers series from Samantha Chase. I’m re-posting my reviews from Made for Us, Love Walks In, and Always My Girl. Be sure to check out the excerpts from each book that have been provided by Samantha from a post earlier this year.
Haven’t read any books in The Shaughnessy series? No worries. Each book can be read as a standalone, or enjoyed as a series. There is still time to catch up and discover the Shaughnessy family before the next book releases.
On Tuesday I’ll feature an exclusive Coffee With The Shaughnessy crew and a great giveaway.
I’m thrilled Samantha will be on the blog when This Is Our Song releases tomorrow, December 6, 2016. Don’t miss all the fun!
Sit back, grab a cup of coffee and be prepared to fall in love with a few amazing characters and of course, Samantha Chase!
Made For Us by Samantha Chase is the first book in the Shaughnessy Brothers series. For those who have read The Montgomery Brothers series you’ll recognize Aidan from Meant for You. This cutie deserved his own book and I’m thrilled he has it. No worries if you haven’t read The Montgomery Brothers series, this story stands on it’s own. However, I highly recommend at some point you do.
Aidan Shaughnessy is bossy, arrogant and a huge control freak when it comes to his construction company. Zoey Dalton is an interior designer that’s about to turn this builder’s life inside out. Will she be able to handle the dominating and perfectionist boss? Can she survive his demands?
Zoey can’t stand being barked at and ordered around. What will happen when she pushes back? It’s not too often that Aidan finds a woman willing to dive in and get dirty to finish a job. What other surprises await these two?
When mother nature interferes they discover just how fast life moves and how quickly things can change. Forced to spend time with each other, Aidan and Zoey will soon find out what happens when the past collides with the present.
Both have experienced unimaginable loss. When Aidan leaves without any explanation can she forgive him? Can he finally deal with his family and forgive himself? Will he make room in his heart?
Discover two strong souls as they collide in this sexy story that’s full of adventure, heartache and adversity. Oh yeah, there’s also tension, chemistry and an extraordinary story that engages us so that you dear reader, will keep reading until the very last page.
Another great start for this new must read series and yeah, I’m totally in love with the Shaughnessy family too. This contemporary romance series will take you on a journey of the heart with stellar writing, new characters to love, sprinkled in with favorites from the past. If you are wondering if there will be a happily ever after then you MUST download this book now and find out.
I received this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
This review was originally published August 4, 2015 and has been edited now that the book is published.
***
Dec 3, 2016 | Blog, Daire St. Denis, December 2016, Kristin Miller, Lynne Silver, Melissa Brown
What does a cooking show, an actor and two sexy chefs have in common? Discover the world of reality TV and how easy it is to get swept up into the lights and glimmer of TV land.
This steamy book will warm your insides, feed your soul and have you craving the next adventure.
This three pepper spicy latte sizzles and has content for mature readers 18 +.
***
A naughty grown up story of the Big Bad Wolf and little Red isn’t the same story your read as a child.
This steamy, no holds bared story is for mature readers and is packed with action, romance and a woman who must make a stand.
In the third part of this sizzling story will Ivy choose the Reaper or Lukas? Ivy has just one tiny little problem, she’s betrayed a member of the pack. Who will stay and who will run?
While it is part of a series I was able to enjoy on it’s own however I hear it’s better to consume them in order!
A steamy read full of sexy wolves is a three pepper spicy latte sizzles and has content for mature readers 18 +.
***
A baker, a lawyer and a whole lot of pastries in this sizzling story of a woman who must decide her future and the man who will make sure she gets what she deserves.
Daisy and Jamie will have to fight to get what they want. A food critic’s review and a case of mistaken identity stand in the way of the one thing Daisy wants – her bakery.
This story is pretty hot with content for mature readers 18 +.
***
Unworthy by Lynne Silver is a scorching hot Miami must read that will tug at every inch of your heart and leave you begging for more.
Cat Ross is strong, sassy and not interested in taking crap from anyone, including her childhood crush Ian Lawrence. Ian is all grown up and still looks at Cat as his best friends younger sister. Will he push that aside and give in to his feelings?
Faced with life changing decisions Cat will need to decide if she can trust Ian and reveal the truth surrounding her need for employment and what really happened after high school?
Just in time for the holidays this must read tackles all the nuances of family, love and friendship. Lynne also revisits high school in a very tender and realistic way – what would you do with a second chance to redeem yourself?
If that’s not enough….the Thanksgiving Family dinner scene was fantastically written. I laughed and cried my way thought it with Cat.
This three pepper spicy latte sizzles and is a must read. I sat down to read it and did not move from the sofa till I clicked on the last page. I am in love with this series and hope that Cat’s brother Danny is the next hero….Lynne please tell me I don’t have to wait too long!
This story is pretty hot with content for mature readers 18 +.
I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
About the Author
Romance author, Lynne Silver, writes the popular Alpha Heroes and Coded for Love series. Before writing romance, she wrote fiction of a different sort, drafting press releases for technology corporations. Washington DC is her home (non) state, where she resides with her husband and two sons.
Connect with Lynne
Facebook Author Page: https://bit.ly/2dM7rGD
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2dy9PDp
Nov 22, 2016 | Barbara Devlin, Blog, Kathryn Le Veque, November 2016
** Sorry for the delay…Congratulations to the following winners
You have 24 hours to comment on this post ! **
Barbara Devlin Giveaway:
Ninfa you won an e-book of the Under the Kissing Bough Collection
Kathryn LeVeque Giveaway:
Sallycootie you won A swag bag full of her swag, including a signed novel.
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!
Happy Book Birthday Under the Kissing Bough, now dear readers you can catch up with characters and authors you know and love, or discover 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.
Be sure to check out the great giveaways and comment for a chance to win.
Happy Reading and Happy Holidays!
Official Blurb:
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me
A once great love
Sold into marriage at sixteen, widowed at nineteen, and mired in a scandal of her own making at twenty-two, Lady Moreton has fallen on hard times. Alone, shunned by society, and on the verge of homelessness, she desperately searches for salvation. When Almira receives an intriguing invitation to join one of England’s most respected families for Christmas, she clings to hope, to the possibility of rescue, and packs her best gowns.
Two broken hearts
Heir to a tarnished title, Lord Nicholas Sheldon seeks to right the wrongs of his past, after his father is found floating in the Thames, and his younger brother faces trial for kidnapping a high-ranking member of the peerage. In exchange for evidence in support of the Crown’s charges, Nicholas wants only one thing: the beautiful woman who stole his heart, so long ago. Pinning his hopes on a kiss beneath the kissing bough, he enlists the aid of his onetime enemies, journeys to Portsea Island, and risks everything for a chance at happiness.
The Whole Latte:
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me by Barbara Devlin has brought together two characters that I absolutely love and given them a chance of at a happy-ever-after.
Lady Almira suffered at the hands of her father so when the truth is revealed surrounding her past, it threatens to leave a path of destruction. Lord Nicholas Sheldon suffered unthinkable pain and with all that he has left, he deserves to be loved.
It will take strength and trust to push through this journey, will they have the strength to trust in love? This emotionally charged tale will leave you counting down the days till the next Brethren book is released. Pirates, Knights, and more – the world Barbara Devlin has created is one that I hope continues forever!
This spicy latte read is four peppers hot for full on, no holds barred sensuality and situations. It’s for mature readers 18+.
ICYMI: Coffee With Barbara Devlin
Bio:
Bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, DE that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite. Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature flawed heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero, before they find their happily ever after. Barbara 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.
I’m so grateful to Rae for having me here today. This collection is a very special one to me because it was the brainchild of Barbara Devlin about a year ago. She very much wanted to do a holiday collection and I had never done one before, so when she proposed the kissing bough theme, I was on board right away. I’ve worked with many of the ladies in the collection already and consider them dear friends, and Barbara pulled together several more to make it a really diverse and talented group.
My story is based on a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, “A Dream within A Dream”. I’m a huge fan of Poe’s and often times when I do short novellas, I’ll based the novella on one of his poems. Kind of weave his themes into my storyline, as it were, and this novella was no different. Since the whole kissing bough-theme has to do with dreaming, it really was perfect. A lonely knight, a woman who vows not to marry, and I had the beginnings of a fabulous story. I had great fun writing it.
It’s really been a pleasure doing this collection with all of these talented authors and we have great hopes that the readers will love each and every story.
Official Blurb: Upon A Midnight Dream
A weary knight returning from King Richard’s crusade, Sir Rennington of Ashbourne comes back to England only to realize he is essentially homeless. His father has died and his elder brother has inherited everything. Unwanted, and nearly destitute, Ren finds his way to Derby Cathedral on a snowy December night to sleep and figure out what he is going to do with his life. As he dozes beneath the boughs of mistletoe, hung for the Christmastide season, he hears the chatter of two women as they plot against their eldest sister. A woman, they say, who lost her betrothed on Richard’s crusade and who has vowed never to wed.
Unfortunately, their wealthy father has declared that the eldest daughter, his heiress, must marry before the younger daughters can entertain suits of their own, so the two sisters hatch a scheme to force their sister to dream of the man she is to marry. They pluck berries from the Christmas boughs hung around the cathedral with the sole purpose of sneaking them beneath their eldest sister’s pillow so she will dream of her love.
As Ren hears the plot, he hatches one of his own… he will go to the eldest sister and coerce the woman into marrying him. No longer will he be homeless; he will marry a woman of wealth and assume her money. It seems like an excellent scheme but the moment he arrives at Thulston Manor, he realizes he may have gotten himself into a situation that will come back to haunt him. The heiress is not at all as he expected. And so begins the unconventional romance of Sir Rennington of Ashbourne and Lady Holly St. Maur.
The Whole Latte:
A Knight in need of luck and a woman who must marry or face a life of solitude. They each have a purpose and will stop at nothing to find happiness.
There is nothing sexier than a knight who realizes the power in dreams. Kathryn’s attention to the smallest details make even the most simple scene poetic. Our heroine has much to learn and hopefully she will find love through the mistletoe.I loved Kathryn’s story and found this tale a welcomed and refreshing addition to this must read anthology.
Be sure to dive into Kathryn’s backlist once you are finished.
ICYMI: Coffee With Kathryn Le Veque
Bio:
KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, an Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance and Historical Fiction. She has been featured in the NEW YORK TIMES and on USA TODAY’s HEA blog. In March 2015, Kathryn was the featured cover story for the March issue of InD’Tale Magazine, the premier Indie author magazine.
Kathryn’s Medieval Romance novels have been called ‘detailed’, ‘highly romantic’, and ‘character-rich’. She crafts great adventures of love, battles, passion, and romance in the High Middle Ages. On October 29, 2015, Amazon launched Kathryn’s Kindle Worlds Fan Fiction site WORLD OF DE WOLFE PACK. Please visit Kindle Worlds for Kathryn Le Veque’s World of de Wolfe Pack and find many action-packed adventures written by some of the top authors in their genre using Kathryn’s characters from the de Wolfe Pack series. As Kindle World’s FIRST Historical Romance fan fiction world, Kathryn Le Veque’s World of de Wolfe Pack will contain all of the great story-telling you have come to expect.
Barbara Devlin Giveaway:
FIVE e-books of the Under the Kissing Bough Collection
Kathryn LeVeque Giveaway:
A swag bag full of her swag, including a signed novel.
For a chance to win one of these AMAZING prizes please comment and respond to the following questions on this blog post:
Tell us the best gift you ever received? Do you have any gift traditions?
Contest runs from 11/22/16 thru 11/23/16 6:00 PM
Winners from today’s giveaways will be announced on a new blog post on 11/23/16 sometime after 6:00 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.
ICYMI: Under the Kissing Bough Blitz Day 4
ICYMI: Under the Kissing Bough Blitz Day 3
ICYMI: Under the Kissing Bough Blitz Day 2
ICYMI: Under the Kissing Bough Blitz Day 1
