Jan 13, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, Jamie Farrell, January 2017
Rae: Thank you so much for hanging out with me today.
Jamie: Thank you so much for having me!
Rae: If we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a peppermint mocha with Coconut Milk. 🙂 ! What would you order?
Jamie: I’m a tea girl. Irish breakfast tea with milk and sugar is delish!
Rae: Congratulations on your new release, tell us everything. Ok, not everything, perhaps where this sets up in your Officers Ex-Wives series. If a reader hasn’t read the other books, will it stand on it’s own or should we start reading the other books now?
Jamie: Thank you! My new release, Sweet Serendipity, is a standalone novella in Melanie Shawn’s Hope Falls Kindle World. It’s loosely related to the Officers’ Ex-Wives series—when Wyatt isn’t vacationing in Hope Falls, he’s in the military, and he’s newly re-assigned to (the fictional) Gellings Air Force Base, where the Officers’ Ex-Wives Club series is set. In Sweet Serendipity, Skye is Wyatt’s best friend’s little sister. He’s had a crush on her forever, but she’s never really liked him at all. But when they end up sharing a vacation house in Hope Falls, anything goes!!
The next official Officers’ Ex-Wives Club romance, Her Rebel Heart, is coming in March! It’s a full-
length prequel novel featuring a sexy military cargo pilot, a feisty and unpredictable physics professor, and some awesome Southern (redneck) fun. (The phrase “Want to touch my catapult?” may or may not be used as a euphemism in Her Rebel Heart… *whistling innocently*)
All of my books can be read by themselves, but I love to put in Easter eggs for loyal readers with crossover characters and world-hopping.
Rae: For those who are not familiar with your work can you tell us a little bit your books?
Jamie: I write lighthearted romantic comedies with heart. The Misfit Brides series is set in the “Most Married-est Town on Earth,” where the primary economy of the town revolves around the wedding industry. They’re goofy, campy fun, but they also have some emotional threads that I hope will ring true for readers.
And the Officers’ Ex-Wives Club is a funny look at the reality of military family life. I love my Misfit Brides, but my Officers’ Ex-Wives hold a special place in my heart because they come from so much truth in my life. Including the funny parts – in the name of research for this series, I’ve fired potato cannons and gotten a fire ant infestation in my car.
Rae: What can we expect to see on the bookshelves in 2017? Do you have any new series in the works that you can give us a tease?
Jamie: 2017 is starting with a lot of fun! Both Sweet Serendipity and Her Rebel Heart are coming this winter, and I’m planning another Misfit Brides book for this fall. In the meantime, I’m working on a secret project that I’m not ready to talk about yet. (But I promise it’ll be lots of fun.)
Rae: As a military spouse what challenges do you face as a writer? Is there a favorite city that you hope to return to before your husband retires?
Jamie: Hands down, the biggest challenge is moving, followed closely by missions that take the hubby away for weeks at a time. When we move, I’m typically out of commission for writing for at least a month, if not longer depending on all kinds of variables from timing of the move to the childcare and housing and school situations on both ends of the move.
And I would love to get back to the Gulf Coast one day! My oldest was just a year old when we first moved to Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida panhandle, and my youngest was six months when we left, so we basically had babies the whole time we were there. I’d love to go back and enjoy the beach more. (Plus, they have Publix. I love Publix grocery stores!)
Rae: Your series is on audio-book, were you able to select who narrated your books?
Jamie: Funny story – my narrator, Karen White, actually picked me! When my first book came out, she read a review and reached out and asked if I’d sold audio rights. I listened to some of the samples on her website, and when I realized she narrated for Julie James and Jill Shalvis, I was totally hooked. I’m so thrilled to have Karen narrating both the Misfit Brides and the Officers’ Ex-Wives Club series. Her narration adds a new dimension to the stories, and I absolutely love it.
Rae: I must say I love the jumping brides on the cover of your book. That’s one shot I never took at my wedding – clever idea.
Jamie: Thank you! The covers were so fun to design, and Jaycee at Sweet ‘N Spicy Designs did such a fabulous job with the concept.
Rae: It was so much fun having you here today!
Jamie: Thank you, Rae!! I had a great time stopping by!
***** Tasty Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why? The Count of Monte Cristo. I love the complexity of the plot, the deep human desires, the romance, the ethical questions sparked by Edmond’s quest for vengeance, all of it. It’s such a remarkable book.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Since I’m in the DC area right now, I’m going to say Mount Vernon. It’s historically rich and it sits on such a beautiful patch of earth.
3. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I was an engineer before I was a romance writer.
4. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? Back to Morocco. The people and culture and food fascinate me, and I’d love to put it all in a book one day.
5. What is your guilty pleasure? Chocolate. Always chocolate. 🙂
6. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Total binge-watcher! I’m binging Mysteries of Laura right now and eagerly awaiting a new season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. (And now I have the theme song running through my head and I’m giggling.)
7. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? The Princess Bride! Because it’s inconceivable that I pick any other movie as my favorite. 🙂
8. What is the one thing you can’t live without ? My imagination. I live there more than I live anywhere else.
9. Do you love to cook or go out to eat? I love cooking and eating homemade food, but I also love having someone else chop the vegetables and do the dishes.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Peppermint Mocha 🙂 Happy Reading Dear Readers. Happy Writing Jamie
Jamie: Thank you so much, Rae! I had a lovely time, and I’m looking forward to another cup of Irish breakfast tea! Happy reading, everyone!
Author Info:
Jamie Farrell writes fun contemporary romances with quirky characters and lots of heart. She believes love and laughter are two of the most powerful forces in the universe, and she infuses both into all of her stories. Her debut novel, Southern Fried Blues, was a finalist for the 2013 National Readers’ Choice Awards and the 2014 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards.
A native Midwesterner, Jamie has lived in the South the majority of her adult life. When she’s not writing, she and her military hero husband are busy raising three hilariously unpredictable children.
CLOSED***GIVEAWAY***CLOSED
Now, I am offering up ONE Kindle Fire 7″ donated by the generous Barbara Devlin in honor of my new site!
All you have to do to be entered is tell me…
If you could invite FIVE people to dinner (friends and family don’t count) …who would you invite?
Click on Comment to enter and then check out the rafflecopter for additional ways to enter (Open to US Residents only!)
Contest ends 1/14/17 at 12:00 AM EST
One winner will be randomly selected from all entries (comments on the blog and rafflecopter) and posted on 1/14/17. Winner will have 24 hours to comment/respond or a new winner will be selected.
Jan 12, 2017 | 2017, Blog, Coffee With, Scott Kyle
Rae: First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Mocha Peppermint Latte 🙂 ! What would you order?
Scott: IRN BRU of course.
Rae: How were your holidays? Did you have any special plans?
Scott: Do nothing. Ha ha it’s been a hard year.
Rae: Any family traditions? Or do you gather your loved ones and set off for a family adventure?
Scott: Just spending time together drinking and eating yum yum.
Rae: For those who are unfamiliar with your work, you have appeared on the stage, film and TV. You are also involved in the Bathgate Regal Community Theatre. Can you tell us a little bit about the Bathgate Regal Community Theatre and your role in Theatre?
Scott: Basically I manage the day to day running of the theatre but I’m keen to be more involved with the artistic side of things, but at the moment its just not possible as running the theatre takes up most of my time. https://www.bathgateregal.org/scott-kyle/
Rae: How do you balance your work at the theatre company while filming a movie or TV show?
Scott: The theatre support my acting as I’m a good role model for our children, youth theatre and HNC students.
Rae: You’ve also appeared in films and TV, most recently in Outlander (Season 2.) I loved your role as Ross, were you familiar with the series by Diana Gabaldon before you auditioned?
Scott: No I had to look up season one before my audition.
Rae: What was it like to step “inside” novel with such a huge fan-base?
Scott: I still don’t think it has hit me yet that I was on the show, pretty surreal.
Rae: The sets and costumes were absolutely breathtaking. What was your most memorable moment while filming Outlander?
Scott: So many but I enjoyed the battle scenes as they had so many moving parts.
Rae: As we start 2017 – where can we expect to see you?
Scott: I’m working with the National Theatre of Scotland developing a new play and doing a workshop with Fraser Murdoch for our Animated project BAB – The man who took too much.
Rae: I had so much fun having you here today and I wish you a fabulous year of fun and adventure. I also hope we see Ross again in Season 3 of Outlander!
***** Tasty Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why? Outlander of course because I’m in the TV show.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Picture house pub.
3. Castles or Beaches? Beaches.
4. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I have adopted (stole) my neighbors cat.
5. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? Hard Rock & Rolling Stones.
6. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go? Dubai.
7. What is your guilty pleasure? Chinese Food.
8. What are you afraid of? Snakes.
9. Tats or No Tats? No tats.
10. Organized or Free Floating? Free Floating.
11. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Binge – Vikings.
12. What’s on your playlist? Stereophonics, Rod Stewart.
13. What play or musical do you want to see next? Black Witch about the Scottish Regiment.
14. Are you a crafter or tinker? Crafter.
15. What is your best tip for relaxing? Meditation.
16. What is your favorite TV show and why? Outlander – I’m in it.
17. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, produce or act, which book would it be? Cloe Moss – The way home.
18. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? The Rock, Sean Connery.
19. Would you rather see a movie in the theatre or at home on DVD and why? Movie theatre as I get to turn my phone off.
20. What is one thing you can’t live without? My Wife Karen.
21. Do you love to cook or go out to eat? Eat out.
22. If you could invite 5 people to dinner (not friends and family – that’s too easy) who would it be? The Beatles and Stephen Walters.
23. Motorcycle or Bicycle? Motorcycle.
24. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be? Stunt man.
25. Who do you admire and why? My mum – she’s my hero.
Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Latte 🙂
***********
Official Bio provided by Scott Kyle:
Scott has a string of stage, film and TV credits to his name, and most recently in the American TV series Outlander (Season 2). Scott has full time work as Artistic Director and Manager of the Regal, using his annual leave to do film and other acting work. But he got here the hard way; he spent years touring with his own theatre company, is aware of the high unemployment rates of actors and is passionate about improving prospects for young actors and getting people into theatres.
Four years ago he was asked if he could help turn around the fortunes of the Regal Theatre. Drawing on his experience as an actor, producer and marketeer, he has made it an act-friendly venue, and does everything in his power to get people into the theatre to experience a live show. Initiatives he has promoted include the Regal Academy of Performing Arts, the Regal Film Academy, Tech School, Regal Radio and monthly comedy nights. He has many ideas for the way forward and utilises his contacts from within the entertainment industry to bring some big names to Bathgate.
He was in the BAFTA-nominated film Kajaki in 2014 and has worked with some great directors and producers in recent times. But what he really wants is for you to go come along to the Regal, support the little theatre companies and the students he is training here, and most importantly, enjoy live theatre at a great local venue!
Scott attended The City of Glasgow College where he studied Acting and Performance (NQ, HNC, HND). During his studies he received a number of awards for his entrepreneurial skills.
2009 – The Enterprising Student Award 2009.
2008 – The Chris Hunter Memorial Cup for Outstanding Achievement 2008
2007 – The SQA Star Award 2007
After graduating from college Scott went on to establish NLP Theatre Company.
NLP’s first production “Singin I’m No A Billy, He’s a Tim” by Des Dillon was a critically acclaimed show (“Scottish Theatre’s greatest success story of recent times.” – Alan Chadwick – STV Entertainment) and a commercial success, grossing over £2 million at the box office.
Over 75% of the people who came to see the show had never been to the theatre before.
This was Scott`s aim to encourage hard to reach audiences to visit the theatre. Scott appeared in the production as Billy, and received the “Best Actor Award” at The Stage Awards for Acting Excellence in 2010 (Edinburgh Festival ).
In 2013 Scott formed the Regal Rep Company in association with NLP Theatre which presented a new piece of work “How To Make a Killing in Bollywood” at the Edinburgh Festival. It grossed over £20,000 in ticket sales at the Gilded Balloon, receiving excellent 4 and 5 star reviews.
Whilst committed to The Regal Community Theatre as Artistic Director and Venue Manager on a full time basis, Scott is fortunate to have the support of the Trustees to work on occasional acting projects, and recently played the part of Cpl Stu Pearson in the feature film “Kajaki The True Story”.
This film was produced by Oscar winning producerGareth-Ellis Unwin (The King’s Speech) and Pukka Films.
Kajaki is a British War Film based on actual events during the Afghan War. It was released in cinemas on 28th November 2014, and received a BAFTA nomination for “Outstanding Debute by a British Writer, Director or Producer” at the 2015 BAFTAS
Want to know more about Scott, check out the video at https://www.bathgateregal.org/scott-kyle OR IMDB
Now, I am offering up ONE Kindle Fire 7″ donated by the generous Barbara Devlin in honor of my new site!
All you have to do is leave a comment on the blog to be entered to win and then check out the rafflecopter for additional ways to enter (Open to US Residents only!)
Contest ends 1/14/17 at 12:00 AM EST
One winner will be randomly selected from all entries (comments on the blog and rafflecopter) and posted on 1/14/17. Winner will have 24 hours to comment/respond or a new winner will be selected.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Jul 21, 2016 | Blog, Coffee With, July 2016, Sara Humphreys
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?
Sara: Well, it’s summer, so I’d get a large iced coffee with extra skim milk and one splenda.
Rae: Thanks so much for hanging out with me today.
Sara: Thank you for having me!
Rae: 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?
Sara: Sure. I write hot paranormal and contemporary romance with suspense elements. My paranormals are all connected, meaning they’re part of the same closed society. Most humans don’t know about the vampires in New York City (Dead in the City) or the Amoveo shapeshifters in Montana (Amoveo Legend), or the demons, Fae and witches (Princes of Hell) but they all know about each other. Well, except for the dragons (Amoveo Rising and Dragons Rising)….they’ve been hiding out for half a millennium but will be making their return shortly.
I decided to branch out into hot contemporary romance with my McGuire Brothers series. The five hottest bros around are all men in uniform. They’re bound by duty, honor, and family but so far, none of them have settled down. However, in BRAVE THE HEAT (#1) Gavin’s old flame comes back to town and the passion between them still burns. She’s divorced and has two little girls in town and he’s the fire chief in their hometown. Add an arsonist into the mix…and there are all kinds of sparks.
Rae: With a bookshelf of contemporary and paranormal reads, is it easy to keep characters from crossing over?
Sara: Since all of my paranormal series are connected, many of the characters from one series show up in another. UNDONE (Amoveo Legend #4) is the big crossover book. It introduces the vampires and the demons. In terms of keeping supernatural powers straight, it is getting a little dicey now, so I just hired an assistant to create a Character Bible for me.
As for the McGuire Brothers, I have a list of each guy and his physical qualities. They’re related, so obviously there are similarities but I don’t want they to be too alike.
Rae: Your covers are fabulous and I LOVE how your publisher decided to change the first book in your McGuire series after the designed Trouble Walks In. You are one lucky gal – they are sooo sexy! Love the change in direction. Don’t get me wrong the first cover for Brave the Heat was great but I really love the cover now!
Sara: YES! I am super lucky! I absolutely LOVE the new cover for BRAVE THE HEAT! One of the reasons I love Sourcebooks so much is because they’re willing to take chances and hit the reset button if necessary. I’ve had a lot of support. The Art Director, Dawn Adams, creates the most delicious covers and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with for UNDISCOVERED (Amoveo Rising #1), this is a bridge book that connects two series–Amoveo Legend and Dragons Rising.
Rae: As a blogger I know how difficult it is to stay fit while sitting in my office chair to get my work done. I think its fabulous how much you speak out on social media about staying fit, healthy and aware. Writing with commitments is a challenge, do you have a writing ritual or secret location to get the work done?
Sara: My writing location jumps between my office (aka writing cave), my kitchen table, and my deck. If the weather is too nice, I hate being stuck inside! Staying fit while writing is a challenge. I’ve struggled with my weight all of my life but I knew I wasn’t alone. I started Romance Fit Club for Readers and Writers (you can find us on Facebook) as a way for folks in the romance community to find support for their health and fitness journey. It’s a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE! If you want tough love…you’ll have to find it somewhere else! LOL.
Rae: Now that summer has finally arrived do you have any traditions or trips you are excited about?
Sara: YES! Every summer, my family spends a week or two in Rhode Island at our family beach house. I feel so blessed to be able to escape there and share quality time with my parents, my siblings and their families and my clan. This summer, I have an extra special trip planned! Author Samantha Chase and I are going on a book tour! Our Road Tripping with Romance Tour is from August 17-20. We’ll be signing books, giving away goodies, chatting about writing, publishing, hot heroes, and more! Big thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending us out on the road!
AUGUST 17: B&N Brier Creek Commons– Raleigh, NC 7pm-9pm
AUGUST 18: Park Roads Books– Charlotte, NC 7pm-9pm
AUGUST 19: Fiction Addiction– Greenville, SC 5:30pm-7:30pm
AUGUST 20: B&N Forum at Ashley Park –Newnan, GA 2pm-5pm
**We may be adding up to 2 more locations to the tour. Stay tuned!**
Rae: Congratulations to your and your family on your son’s recent graduation from High School – 🙂
Sara: Thank you! We have four sons, ages 21, 18, and our twins are 15. Life around here is never ever dull!
Rae: It was so much fun having you here today!
Sara: Are you kidding? Thank YOU for hosting me xx By the way, here’s are the new video trailers for BRAVE THE HEAT https://youtu.be/x7rT0ppjYlk
and TROUBLE WALKS IN https://youtu.be/EUZVuXZovYQ
Rae: Dear readers be sure to stop by for more fun Friday and Saturday.
Happy Reading!
BIO:
Sara Humphreys is the award winning author of the Amoveo Legend series. The third book in the series, UNTAMED, won two PRISM awards–Dark Paranormal and Best of the Best. The first two novels from her Dead in the City series have been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award. Sara was also a professional actress. Some of her television credits include, A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns and Rescue Me.
She loves writing hot heroes and heroines with moxie but above all, Sara adores a satisfying happily-ever-after. She lives in New York with Mr. H., their four amazing sons, and two adorable pups. When she’s not writing or hanging out with the men in her life, she can be found working out with Shaun T in her living room or chatting with readers on Facebook.
For a full list of Sara’s books and reading order, please visit her website.
May 24, 2016 | Blog, Coffee With, Elizabeth Hoyt, May 2016
Rae: First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Latte with Skim and a drizzle of caramel. 🙂 What would you order?
Elizabeth: If it’s summer, I’d get a huge glass of iced coffee with lots of ice and cream.
Rae: Thanks so much for hanging out with me today.
Elizabeth: You bet!
Rae: Congratulations on your RITA nomination in Historical Romance: Short for Sweetest Scoundrel. Super exciting and what an honor.
Elizabeth: Thank you!
Rae: For those who are not familiar with your Maiden Lane series can you tell us a little bit about it?
Elizabeth: Maiden Lane takes place in Georgian London, a colorful time period and place with both the very rich living in gilded mansions and the very poor living in grimy back alleys. All sorts of characters weave in and out of the books from arrogant dukes to masked vigilantes to poor lady’s companions and stern dragoon captains.
Rae: At what point did you realize this was going to be big?
Elizabeth: Pretty much from the start. 😉 I had a vision and knew where the books were going and the series started rolling and snowballing as they came out and readers began responding. First with wondering what I was going to do with Mickey O’Connor and Silence (Scandalous Desires) and then wondering who the Ghost of St. Giles was. Val, the hero of Duke of Sin has had, by far, the most reader mail to date.
Rae: I’ve read that you have twelve books planned in the series. Now that book ten is almost here, is the series winding down like you envisioned?
Elizabeth: Originally I’d planned to make the series open-ended and just never stop. 😉 But there are some readers who simply won’t pick up a book until the entire series is finished. (They must be pretty stumped by Stephanie Laurens.) I also didn’t want to make it too daunting for new readers. So yes, I’ll be leaving Maiden Lane after twelve books and three enovellas (the first one, Once Upon a Moonlit Night, will be out this July.)
Rae: Did you have a plan of how it would work or has it evolved with each book?
Elizabeth: Plotting-wise I usually have a broad idea what’s happening for the next three books. Which means when I started I definitely didn’t know what the twelfth book would look like.
Rae: What do you do to research for this series?
Elizabeth: Here’s a secret: if somebody paid me as well for doing nothing but research I’d probably do that instead of writing. Mostly now I do my research at museums (Paris recently!!!) and by looking at photos and pictures in books and online (Pinterest!). If I have a specific question I Google it like everyone else—and then I can spend hours happily falling down Wikipedia black holes. For instance, a recent black hole was looking up how Orion the constellation was depicted in the eighteenth century. That took about two hours, cause stars plus Greek mythology!
Rae: When did you realize the fairy tale inside the story would be so well received?
Elizabeth: Well, basically I didn’t. 😉 I made the decision to keep going with the fairy tale thing with my fourth book (To Taste Temptation.) At that point I’d gotten some feedback, most of it positive, on the fairy tales. I happen to really, really like the fairy tales and they’re my books so… Since then I’ve received a lot more reader mail most of it overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the fairy tales. Although I did get one last year from a woman who wrote to tell me I should just stop with them, please. 😉
Rae: I fell in love with The Maiden Lane series a long time ago and have enjoyed reading each book. I will be sad when the series comes to an end. I also fell in love with The Raven Prince, a must read as well!
Elizabeth: Thank you! A lot of readers tell me that The Raven Prince is still their favorite.
Rae:One of the things I admire about you is how connected you are with your readers. Lately you’ve kept them up to date with the details from your sexy cover shoots. I find it fascinating and look forward to those posts!
Elizabeth: I’m glad you like the real time cover shoots we do on my Twitter feed and Facebook page!
Rae: What was it like the first time you witnessed the models creating your vision?
Elizabeth: I was surprised just how many people are involved in a cover shoot. Besides the male and female models and the photographer and her assistant, there’s my editor, her assistant, the cover artist, the costume designer, the art department head, and the publicist. Various other people might be there as well. Good cover models are very professional. They’re basically acting, after all—they have to sell that clinch. 😉
Rae: How much input do you have with the cover design?
Elizabeth: My part of the cover process usually starts about a month or so before the actual shoot. My editor asks me for the hero and heroine’s stats (eye and hair color) and ideas I might have for the stepback (the inside picture in my books.) Since covers have to be done so far in advance, sometimes I haven’t even started writing the book when I’m asked for ideas! Usually I send what I have and refer my editor to my Pinterest page (https://www.pinterest.com/elizabethhoyt/). Pinterest actually helps a lot. I’m pretty visual and my editor and the art director often get color and background ideas from the pins I’ve put up. I do get to choose models, which is not as easy as it would seem, and I do get some say so in the finished cover. I’m very, very fortunate to have a fantastic art department at Grand Central—I really love my covers!
Rae: 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?
Elizabeth: I’m published in contemporary as well under the name Julia Harper. If I had to choose between historicals and contemporaries, I’d choose historicals, but I really do like writing contemporaries as well. Writing in a different sub-genre is something of a palate-cleanser and keeps me on my writing toes. I go back to writing historicals feeling refreshed.
Rae: Can you tell us when and where you will be in the upcoming months?
I’ll be in San Diego, California July 13-16 for the RWA conference and then in Spokane, Washington September 22-25 for the Historical Romance Retreat.
***** 8 Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why? Edge of Obsession by Megan Crane: Future Vikings!
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Minnehaha Falls Park. Just gorgeous.
3. Castles or Beaches? Castles.
4. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? Scotland.
5. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Binge because we do Netflix. We watch Daredevil, Game of Thrones, Peaky Blinders, and Penny Dreadful, to name a few.
6. Paperback or e-book? Ebook because I can enlarge the font.
7. Do you love to cook or go out to eat? Oh, my God, go out to eat. If I could afford to hire a personal chef I would.
8. What is one thing you can’t live without? Dogs
Congratulations again Elizabeth and I’ll be watching the #RITAGHs award ceremony via computer this summer.
Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Latte 🙂
Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Happy Writing Elizabeth!
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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!
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********** Giveaway Closed**********
Elizabeth has generously donated a paperback copy of the Duke of Sin to ONE lucky reader.
Answer the following question in the comments for your chance to win – What is your favorite fairy tale?
One winner will be randomly selected. Contest runs till 5/25/15 at 11:59PM (open to US/International)
Winner must comment within 24 hours to claim his/her prize or a new winner will be randomly selected.
ICYMI: Maiden Lane Blitz Day 1
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
Apr 28, 2016 | April 2016, Blog, Coffee With, Samantha Chase
Rae: I recently sat down to have a Cup of Coffee with the girls from Friday Night Brides. First things first – I’m having my usual Latte with Coconut Milk…What’s in your mug (or glass)?
Hailey – It’s a show night so just my water (Holds up bottle)
Becca – An iced café mocha. Compliments of Max.
Angie – (rolling her eyes). While I’d love to say vodka, I’m with Hales and having water. Trying to keep the bloat down before the show.
Ella – I’m a bit of a chocaholic – with a great metabolism – so this is an iced milk chocolate melted truffle mocha.
Angie – And we all hate you.
Ella – Hey! That’s a little harsh.
Hailey – Girls…focus!
Rae: What’s your must read book?
Becca – I am a Bridget Jones addict.
Angie – Seriously, don’t get her started.
Hailey – I will gladly read Pride and Prejudice over and over again.
Ella – I always loved Judy Blume.
(Becca, Angie and Hailey collectively groan)
Ella – What? What did I say?
Angie – The problem is that Ella met Dylan when she was twelve and never had to pick up a romance novel. So Judy Blume was probably the last racy thing she read.
Ella – (giggling) I can’t even argue with that – because it’s true!
Rae: Thank you so much for hanging out. I’m thrilled you were all able to make it with the Friday Bridal show tonight.
Hailey – We’re all so used to the routine by now that it doesn’t take quite as much out of us to get ready. I mean, don’t get me wrong, getting ready takes an effort…
Angie – A lot of effort some nights…
Hailey – …But…it’s somewhat routine now. And it’s nice to have a bit of distraction so thank you for coming by to talk with us.
Rae: Thank you for letting us hang out at the store.
Hailey – Our pleasure. This is one of the best places to guarantee you’ll get all of us together in one place at the same time. This is like a second home. To all of us.
Becca – Very true.
Rae: Ladies, what’s it been like to grow up in a Bridal shop?
Hailey – I think that I had to deal with it a little more than the girls – mainly because it’s my mom’s business. To me, it was always a happy place to be. Everyone who came in, was just excited to be here! And once we all started modeling, I got to be part of that excitement.
Becca – It was really like every little girls dream. We’d come here and get to play dress up. Just on a much larger scale than you would at home.
Ella – It’s like getting to be a princess every week.
Angie – (Shrugging) It was cool.
Hailey – (groaning) Just once. Just one time, can’t you just show some excitement?
Angie – What? I said it was cool. That’s me being excited. You think you’d know this by now.
Hailey – Never mind.
Rae: What was your favorite girls trip destination?
All four – Anything tropical! (Lots of laughing)
Becca – It’s been a while since we’ve actually gone anywhere just the four of us, but the last trip was to Key West and it was amazing.
Angie – The beach. The drinks. And hot guys serving those drinks? Yeah. It was awesome.
Hailey – When we can’t get away we tend to hang out at my mom’s house because she has a pool…
Angie – And pray that she would get a pool boy!
Ella – We did that spa thing not that long ago and I would totally be on board for doing that again.
Becca – If it was a spa at the beach it would have been perfect.
Angie – Yes!
Rae: Ok – dish, boxers or briefs?
Becca – Boxers
Hailey – Boxers
Ella – Boxers
Angie – Wait…was commando an option?
Rae: What’s the secret to finding a dream wedding gown?
Ella – I think I’m the only one who can really answer this since I’m about to get married and found my dream gown…
Angie – Only after Mrs. J stepped in and got your mom off your back.
Ella – Well…yeah. That helped but…
Hailey – Not listening to anyone else. That’s a big part of it. You’re the one wearing it so why should other people get to tell you what that should be?’
Ella – I would hope if I liked something that looked horrible on me that someone would speak up. (Gasping) Oh! You’d tell me, right? Does my gown look horrible on me? Oh no…I mean, I love it and I thought it looked great. (Standing up) Why didn’t you tell me?
Becca, Angie and Hailey look at her in confusion.
Ella – It’s being altered already! Now what?
Angie – (Raises her hand) Um…Ella? What the hell are you talking about?
Ella – My dress! My dream dress!
Hailey – What about it? We love it. It looks amazing on you. We’ve said that since the beginning.
Ella – Becs? Is that true?”
Becca – Yeah. What are you freaking out about?
Ella – (Slowly sitting back down) Uh…nothing. Don’t mind me.
Hailey – (Grinning) As long as you feel good in it, that makes it the dream dress.
Angie – But it helps when you look good in it too.
Becca – Well of course…
Rae: What’s on your playlist while you are working or working out ;)?
Angie – Wait…working out? Are we supposed to do that?
Hailey – At work I like to keep things a little soft. Not like classical soft, but something like Adele or Ellie Goulding.
Becca – I need something with a little pep in it. Some Megan Trainor, Taylor Swift, Maroon Five…
Angie – She’s like a teenage girl.
Becca – But I like country music too. Luke Bryan is a favorite.
Angie – I love to belt out some Pink. Elle King. And lately that Cake by the Ocean song.
Ella – I am a little more eclectic. I like…
Angie – Ella sings some mean Bon Jovi!
Ella – (Hands over her face) Ugh…I’m never going to live that down, am I?
Angie – Not as long as I’m around.
Rae: Most memorable concert?
Angie – There was that American Idol thing that Ella dragged us to…
Becca – Please. Don’t remind me.
Hailey – Yeah. That was…memorable. But not for the way that I think you wanted.
Ella – (Shaking her head) It was awesome. I had a great time and loved every second of it!
Rae: What’s it like to have all those gorgeous male models around, all the time?
Hailey – Very pleasing (giggling). I have to admit, growing up around them and with them helped us – or at least, me – to feel more comfortable approaching guys. Plus, you were guaranteed to have a cute guy’s attention at least once a week.
Becca – Yeah. That was definitely a perk – especially in high school. And now? Now it’s like eye candy.
Ella – I really don’t even notice them that much. (Shrugs) I think Dylan’s far more gorgeous than all of them.
(Collective groan from the other three)
Angie – It certainly doesn’t suck
Hailey – It’s very different now than when we were younger. Back then, it was…well, it made us act silly. But now, while we can appreciate how hot they are, we’re all just friends.
Angie – Oh come on, Hales…for a while there – and not that long ago – you were still acting silly over the models.
Hailey – Only one of them…
Becca – (Clears throat) Um…one?
Hailey – Oh for the love of it…can we move on?
Rae: Chocolate or vanilla?
All four – Chocolate!
Rae: Planner or procrastinator?
Hailey – A planner. Definitely.
Becca – Oh yeah. No one plans quite like Hailey.
Hailey – And what about you, Becs? I seem to recall more than one day planner in your bag.
Becca – (Shrugging) I like to plan but then I procrastinate about actually doing what I’ve written down in the planner.
Angie – Procrastinator. Definitely.
Ella – I think I’d call myself a casual planner. I know what I have to do and I get it done. I’m not rigid about anything and I kind of hate procrastinating.
Angie – she’s the good one.
Hailey – Hey! I’m good too!
Angie – No. You’re uptight. There’s a difference.
Hailey – (Sighs loudly) It’s not uptight. Things just need to run on a schedule and…
Becca – This would be a good time to point out that we need to get moving if we’re going to be ready at showtime!
Hailey – Oh my gosh! Is it that late already? I thought we had more time?
Angie – (Laughing as she stands) And that, my friends, is what happens when you don’t pay close attention to your schedule!
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
Apr 27, 2016 | April 2016, Blog, Coffee With, Robin Covington
Rae: First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Latte with Coconut Milk and a drizzle of caramel:) What would you order?
Robin: Do they have Diet Coke? No? I’d have a caramel frappucino with extra caramel and whipped cream.
Rae: Thanks so much for hanging out with me today.
Robin: I’m so excited!
Rae: Congratulations on your RITA nomination in the novella category for One Little Kiss. Super exciting and what an honor. Where were you when you got the call?
Robin: That’s a funny story. I was at my mother-in- law’s house which is about two hours from my house. We were visiting during my kid’s spring break and my phone completely died – nobody at Verizon or Apple could fix it – and I knew the RITA calls were going out the next day. My husband, the Main Man, joked that I would gt a nomination because my phone was dead and I gave him the evil eye and posted on Facebook about how irritated I was. The morning of the calls, I got a FB message from a RWA Board Member which said, “Please call me I have news for you.” I called her back and got the news and was completely freaking out. The Main Man hugged me and said that he was going to break my phone the night before the RITA calls every year. LOL.
Rae: For those who are not familiar with your work can you tell us a little bit your books, they take place in some pretty cool places – Nashville, Texas, Las Vegas, I could go on! 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?
Robin: I write sizzling, sexy contemporary romance – male/female and male/male. I have set my books all over the place – usually places I’ve visited and fell in love with. My “Boys are Back in Town” series is set in a fictional small Virginia town which is based on my own hometown, Danville, Virginia.
I have the final book in The Boys series will be out soon and I’m starting a new series based in the sports world of Crossfit MMA and Olympic swimming. And in June my first erotic romance, THIRD, will be out!
Rae: What was the inspiration for One Little Kiss?
Robin: ONE LITTLE KISS . . . this story was part of an anthology centered around romances with an Irish twist that occur on St.Patrick’s Day. I set mine over one night with the hero and heroine stranded in an airport and hotel due to a fluke St. Patty’s Day blizzard. A friend-to- lovers, second chance romance it also pays homage to a friend who had recently been dealt a blow with a hard medical diagnosis. It flew on the page in about 6 days I loved the story so much.
Rae: What’s it like to write in a series with other authors? I enjoyed the Zodiac Series from Entangled and the Sutherlands Saga. How do you research for those and do you have any communication with the other authors when plotting?
Robin: t’s fun and challenging. I’ve done it a few times now and it’s exciting to brainstorm ideas, plots, and characters with other authors. We feed off each other and it grows and grows – I think it raises the bar for all of us. The challenges are the timelines and keeping the people straight and not contradicting each others stories but we usually have google docs where we keep group info and Facebook groups to maximize communication. The internet makes it so much easier to coordinate and as long as you communicate it can go very well.
Rae: I read that you’re a lawyer with the US Navy – how did you land that awesome job? Has that inspired any of your stories? Do you travel to any fun places?
Robin: It sound more exciting than it is! I don’t get to travel that much for work and I’m okay with it because traveling for work is not the greatest.
I started out in private practice when I graduated from law school but after a few years of a very heavy litigation schedule, I decided to move to working for the Navy (my husband was an attorney for them and he’s a Navy veteran) and I’ve been here for about 16 years. I LOVE my clients! I work with Navy pilots and Marines and in the past I’ve also worked with Navy sailors – all very exciting careers – and I’ve used so much of what I’ve learned from them and experienced with them in my books. Maybe one day I’ll set a series of books on a Naval Base . . . who knows? Right now, I do avoid writing about attorneys because it’s too much like being at work . . . LOL.
Rae: Your bio mentions that you husband built you a writing cave. You are one lucky lady and we all need to thank him! What a beautiful place to escape at the end of the day to write!
Robin: He did! I love my writing hideaway. My client is 8 feet wide and 22 feet long and in 2013 my husband suggested that I could organize the closet and create an office at one end of the space. I decided that the first 11 feet would be my closet and the last 11 feet would be my office. I have a window and gorgeous black glass chandeliers and red walls. I adore it.
Rae: I know you were recently at RT2016 in Las Vegas – how was that? Would you recommend it to readers/bloggers? Can you tell us when and where you will be in the upcoming months?
Robin: I didn’t get to go this year! The day job would not free me up but I have been in years past and it is an amazing convention. It is geared to give authors and readers every chance to interact and discuss their love of books. And they promote fun, fun and fun at every turn. It is a really wonderful convention – with really hot cover models!
I’ll be at the Romance Writers of America conference in San Diego the week of July 13th. On Wednesday I’ll be signing at the Literacy Book Signing which will be open to the public.
In September, I’ll be at the Baltimore Book Festival in Baltimore, MD.
I’ll be on panels and signing books and generally getting up to no good and eating way too many deep-fried oreos!
***** 8 Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why? SUTPHIN BOULEVARD by Santino Hassell. It’s a recent discovery and I loved it.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? I currently live in MD and I would send you to a restaurant located on the river and order a bunch of crabs to eat as the sun sets. Yum.
3. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? Country! I grew up in a house where everyone played country music and my family had a band. It’s in my blood, I guess. My favorite artist of all time? Holy moly. That’s impossible to say but I know that I always have Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline on my iPod.
4. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? Australia! I have always wanted to go there and I want to go for an extended time – a month to six weeks. I want to see every part of it because I think its ethnically diverse, geographically diverse and so rich with history. And I love the accent. It makes me smile. And it has Australian Rules Football . . . have you see the uniforms? Oh man . . . .
5. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? None right now but I plan to get one on the inside of my left wrist. An eternity symbol with my kid’s names
integrated in the design.
6. Organized or Free Floating? I am a planner freak so I am crazy-organized. I have the Erin Condren Planner and I write everything down because if I don’t then I will forget it. And it gives me the perfect excuse to buy all the fun stickers on Etsy.
7. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Netflx and on-demand have made me a binge watcher – I have a hard time waiting week-to- week. We gave up cable TV last year and so we use amazon prime, Netflix, and Hulu to catch our entertainment and I get my money’s worth.
8. What’s your favorite TV show and why? Roswell. It was on for three seasons at the end of the 1990’s on the CW and was like Romeo and Juliet but with an alien boy and a human girl. It was odd, and high school, and sexy, and romantic and addictive. I own it on DVD and digitally. . .because I love it so hard. (I actually got my start writing romance Roswell fan fiction forums. I still love them and the show.)
Thank you again Robin. It’s time for another Latte 🙂
Happy Reading Dear Readers
Happy Writing Robin!
ICYMI: Day 1 Robin Covington Blitz – Review of One Little Kiss
ICYMI: The Prince’s Runaway Lover (Men of the Zodiac)
ICYMI: Shadow Ranch (The Sutherlands)
Author Info:
Bestselling author Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her bestselling books. When she’s not writing sexy, sizzling romance she is collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Manganiello.
You can find Robin at her website (robincovingtonromance.com), Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Don’t send chocolate . . . send eye candy!
Robin lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, brilliant children (they get it from her, of course!) and her beloved furbabies.
