Jul 12, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, July 2017, Stu Reardon
Rae: Thanks for hanging out with me today. First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking an iced coffee with coconut milk. 🙂 What would you order?
Stu: I would order an Espresso or Americano black coffee, no sugar, I’m sweet enough :).
Rae: We met this past spring in Atlanta during the RT Booklovers Conference, was that your first conference?
Stu: Yes we did and it was lovely to meet you too. Yes, that was my first really big book conference. I have been to book reader events before, but not a big conference like RT, I really enjoyed it.
Rae: What was your most memorable moment during RT17?
Stu: Memorable moments: spending time with my friend Xio Axlerod, she’s a really cool person and we had a great time in Atlanta. We are both like minded people. I met Xio’s street team and all her friends which are all supper cool.
It was awesome to finally shoot with Golden at @furiousfoto. I spent some quality time with my fear nothing fitness team and got to attend a couple events with Cate Beaumont and Sandy.
Rae: How did you connect with Xio Axelrod for her latest release Camden?Â
Stu: I wouldn’t of been at RT without meeting Xio at a book event in Dublin 5 months before, I guess it was meant to be. Xio wrote Camden, we went to RT, so thank you Xio you are a star 🙂
Rae: How often do you attend conferences during the year to connect with readers and fans?
Stu: Whenever I get chance I attend book events to help the Authors promote their books, I go Rare and Lovenbooks readers events on a regular basis. I know the organizers really well and they are super nice people.
Rae: Did Xio and Cate Beaumont request a custom cover, or were the pictures on their books stock photos?
Stu: Yes, they both bought stock photo’s from different photographers. Cate bought from Scott Hoover and Xio from Franggy Yanez, both are great photographers.
Rae: Not only were you a professional Rugby player but you are a fitness coach and a cover model. How do you balance all of those jobs?
Stu: I love to keep busy, life is progress and progress is life. It’s important for me to be always moving forward and always learning something new. It keeps me in that positive frame of mind, which is so important in any career in life. Our mind controls everything, positive thoughts lead to positive actions.
I’m currently studying to be a yoga teacher and I am becoming better as a photographer and videographer, I will send you some of my own shots for this interview.
Rae: What inspired you to create Fear Nothing Fitness?
Stu: I wanted to help people reach there fitness goals and live a healthier lifestyle. Being a professional athlete all my adult life, health and fitness is all I have ever known, so staying working in health and fitness makes sense for me. It’s a great program with some fantastic members who are all super motivated people.
Rae: What obstacles do you face helping people virtually outside of a fitness studio and in your hometown?
Stu: Booth online and studio have pro’s and cons, it’s all down to the individual and what they really like and want from there fitness routine and lifestyle.
Rae: If a reader has never completed one of your six-week programs, or is just starting a fitness plan, what advice can you give them?
Stu: First step would always to eat healthy natural whole foods. It’s very hard to change your lifestyle or become healthier with a bad diet, both go hand in hand together. Diet would be the first thing you should correct. Start your activity off with what you can do, if you are moving you are improving.
Rae: Reading and writing is a sedentary job, any suggestions for authors and bloggers on how they can add cardio into their day?
Stu: Yes, start your day off with an early morning workout, run, walk, resistance or Hiit. Your day will start off better, you’ve got your workout in, you’ve released endorphin’s from your brain from working out making you feel in a positive frame of mind, you will eat breakfast after and kick start your metabolism.
Rae: Do you ever read any of the books that you appear on?
Stu: I read the back :), but no, I have never fully read a book I’m on. I read a lot of coaching, fitness, yoga study and diet books, not much of the romantic novels. I would if I had time.
Rae: How do you relax when you’re not working?
Stu: Yes, I love the simple things in life when I relax, I’m easy to please. I like nice meals,I love to travel, sunny weather, relaxing on the beach, movies, I love walking in the countryside, climbing mountains and I’m definitely an outside exploring person.
I do find it hard to relax and really switch off, I am a creative person so switching off completely is tough.
Rae: You have appeared on magazines, book covers and graced the internet, now it’s your turn for a dream photo shoot. Where are you and who or what is on the set with you?
Stu: I would to go exploring in Hawaii, Canada or Bali. All three look so beautiful, epic views, mountains, wilderness. So, if any photo-shoots come on along which need someone like me, just get in contact, I would jump at the chance. I would take Emma with me, my fiancee.
Rae: It’s about that time of the year, are there plans for a Stu Reardon 2018 Calendar? I’d love to get one for my office :).
Stu: Yes, I will be doing a new calendar :). Not sure on the design or layout yet, but I will be doing one. Soon as it’s ready I will let people know.
Rae: Where can readers find you on social media?
Stu:
website https://www.stuartreardon.co.uk/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stureardon/?hl=en
Twitter https://twitter.com/stureardon?lang=en
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stuartreardon17/
Tumblr https://stuartreardon17.tumblr.com/
My own work social media sites:
Photography instagram https://www.instagram.com/stuartreardonphotography/
Photography Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stuartreardonphotography/
Thank you 🙂
Rae: That’s a lot of sites. Readers, go check it out!
**** Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book? Becoming a Supple Leopard.
2. What is the one place I should see if I visit your hometown? Grassington, countryside in Bradford it’s so beautiful.
3. Best vacation destination? Hard to answer as there is so much more of the world I want to see. I do love America.
4. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I’m a very spiritual person, that’s my religion, spirituality.
5. Hard Rock or Classical? Hard Rock.
6. Favorite Band or Artist? Artist: Ed Sheeran. Band: Kings of Leon
7. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go? A South East Asia tour or visit every state in America.
8. What is your guilty pleasure? Dark chocolate or crisps.
9. What are you afraid of? Not making progress, that’s why I strive to consistently make progress. You have to face those fears head on.
10. Tats or no Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one?
Tat’s 🙂 I have them already and they are a part me. First one was a red devil, a bad idea when I was very young on my first lads holiday, with a fake ID :), I was 16 at the time. It’s gone now. Definitely get tattoo’s when your older and you know who you are and who you want to become.
11. Organized or Free Floating? I like to be super organized, but sometimes I’m not. 🙂
12. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Not a massive TV or show watcher as I’m too busy. The one show I watched is Game of Thrones, I love it.
13. What’s on your playlist? A wide variety of music. I like all kinds of music, definitely dance or rap for working out.
14. What play or musical do you want to see next? The Lion King musical.
15. Best tip for relaxing? Try switch off from everything. No phone, no TV, just sun, sea and great company.
16. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? Hard to name my favorite movie. So many amazing movies out nowadays. I love sci-fi, action adventure, based on true story’s movies.
17. Would you rather see a movie in the theater or at home on DVD and why? Both are great, how about a movie theater in your own home, 🙂 House goals, my own movie theater room.
18. What is one thing you can’t live without? Coffee :).
19. Do you love to cook or go out to eat? Both. I am a great cook, I cook everything at home, but it’s also super nice to eat out at cool restaurants and try new things.
20. If you could invite FIVE people to dinner (not friends or family – that’s too easy_ who would you invite?
Forbes top 5 richest people in the world in 2017, then I would cook an amazing meal and pitch one of my ideas to them for investment, like Dragons Den the TV program over here. 🙂
21. Motorcycle or bicycle? Motorcycle.
22. Person or persons you admire and why? My Mum and dad for the struggle they have been through, which didn’t change there kind hearts and souls.
23. Best date ever? Vegas and the helicopter to champagne reception in the grand canyon where I asked Emma to marry me.
24. If you could try one job for a day, what would it be? Movie star / actor
25. What theme park has the best roller coasters or thrill rides? Alton Towers in UK, not been to loads to be honest, but that one has some great rides.
26. What is the best site for camping or an outdoor adventure? Snowdon Mountain in Wales or the lake district in the UK.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out!
Stu: Your welcome 🙂 Best Wishes 🙂
** All photos used in this post were provided by Stu Reardon. **
ICYMI: My review of Camden
Jul 5, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, July 2017, Michael Patrick Gleason
Rae: Thanks so much for hanging out with me today. First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking an iced Coffee with Coconut milk. 🙂 ! What would you order?
MPG: Definitely an Espresso
Rae: We met this past spring in Atlanta during the RT Convention, was that your first conference?
MPG: 1st “official” conference would’ve been Love N Vegas 2014 I believe.
Photo credit: 5th elements by Charles Paz. Â Rae: How often do you attend conferences during the year to connect with readers and fans?
MPG: Around 3 times a year. Mostly local and then RT each year of course!
Rae: How do you stay focused on your health plan during those conferences with all the fabulous restaurants and sweets everywhere?
MPG: Planning is the only way if you must stay on track. Usually enough hard work has been put forth to allow for a little enjoyment during conventions.
Rae: When you are not shooting covers, how do you spend your time?
MPG: Hanging with the puppies/ training clients/ cooking/ lifting/ time with family/ and currently helping my beautiful fiancé plan a wedding!
Rae: Do you ever read any of the books that you appear on?
MPG: I believe I have read each of them or am working to finish.
Rae: How do you relax when you’re not working?
MPG: Movies/ Good Food/ Throwbacks on Hulu……..Cheers/ Golden Girls/ That 70s Show
Rae: What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the fitness industry?
MPG: Changing lives. It may sound a little cliché, but it really does mean everything.
Rae: What is the most challenging thing you’ve had to do?
MPG: Seeing the progress of others and understanding the struggle and commitment it takes to truly get results connects you to them.
Rae: If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out on a fitness plan what would it be?
MPG: Have a support system……..a friend or coworker to start with who will encourage and hold you accountable in the tough times. I could go on for days about this.
Rae: Reading and writing is sedentary job, any suggestions for authors and bloggers on how they can add cardio into their day?
MPG: Set timers and reminders to avoid excessive time seated. It only takes an hour a day 3-4 times a week. That’s half the week and just an hour at a time. If that isn’t a sweet deal I am lost. Where else can you put in that little to guarantee such results?
Rae: Where can readers find you on social media?
MPG: FB Michael Patrick Gleason, IG @michaelpatrickgleason and Twitter @mikeyg13
Rae: It’s your dream photo shoot, where are you and who or what is on the set with you?
MPG: Somewhere with access to a tiger that is playful enough to allow for a few images with me! PETA supervised and approved obviously!
Rae: It was so much fun having you here today!
** Photo Credits Courtesy of Eric David Battershell Photography except for where noted.
***** Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why?
The Little Prince
A great look into innocence.
Life lessons for any culture.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown?
My hometown of Cincinnati, OH- King’s Island Amusement Park
A giant grown up playground. Best of the best coasters and thrills in the world! and all of the city’s best food is there too. Skyline Chili and LaRosa’s Pizza!
3. Best vacation destination? Hoping to still find it. Taking honeymoon recommendations.
4. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I smoked a pack of Cigarettes a day for 16 years!
5. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? Not even fair. Love it all too much to pick sides. If I were an artist it may be different, but I am not so I can love it all! Alice In Chains when I was growing up and still love. These days I really don’t have a favorite.
6. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world where would you go? Ireland
7. What is your guilty pleasure? DONUTS
8. What are you afraid of? Living longer than my children.
9. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? Zero. A big fan of tats just have not pulled the trigger and don’t know that I will.
10. Organized or Free Floating?Â
Car- Free Floating
Drawers- Free Floating
Work/ Gym- Organized
11. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)?
Binge the shows listed above.
Weekly:
The Catch
This Is Us
Brooklyn Nine NIne
Empire
Blackish
Suits
and on and on and on
12. What’s on your playlist?
Rick Ross
Dave Matthews
Skrillex
Christina Aguillera
Imagine Dragons
Steve Aoki
Jordan Sparks
it only gets better 🙂
13. What play or musical do you want to see next? Have not looked into it lately. PHX Theatre loves to send me invites and I loved The Wizard of Oz last time there so I think I will take a look at what’s to come.
14. Best tip for relaxing? Stop thinking!
15. What’s your favorite TV show and why? Archer- H. John Benjamin’s voice has made me laugh since he was Coach McGuirk on “Home Movies”. I just love the humor and non stop ego mania! Hilarious!
16. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? Drop Dead Fred. Shared interest with one of my sisters. All out ridiculousness.
17. Would you rather see a movie in the theater or at home on DVD and why? Movie for the action and ambiance……..and snacks. Home so I can hang out with my woman and dogs. Certain movies don’t need to be seen in theaters.
18. What is the one thing you can’t live without? Positive people
19. Do you love to cook or go out to eat? I cook everyday of my life and love it
20. If you could invite 5 people to dinner (not friends and family – that’s too easy)
Dea/Alive
Gordon Ramsey
James Spader
Seth McFarlane
Quentin Tarantino
Richard Pryor
John Malkovich
21. Motorcycle or bicycle? Motorcycle
22. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be? President
23. Person or persons you admire and why? Mother’s- They are responsible for putting up with S*** like mine since the beginning.
24. Best date ever? Pizza Donuts Movie Gorgeous Colombian and few words
25. If you could try one job for a day, what would it be? Formula One Racing or NFL QB
26. What theme park has the best roller coasters or thrill rides? HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Didn’t read this before answering above! King’s Island!
27. Best site for camping or an outdoor adventure? Probably Alaska
So much diversity and contrast. Pick your pleasure.
Rae: Again, thank you so much for hanging out with me in the cafe.
Time for another Iced Latte!
Happy Reading Michael Patrick Gleason
Jun 28, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, Len Gunn
Rae: Thanks so much for hanging out with me today. First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking an iced Coffee with coconut milk. 🙂 ! What would you order?
Len: Oh my gosh! That is almost exactly what I’ve been drinking lately! I’ve been loving cold brewed coffee with coconut milk.
Rae: I am always fascinated with how a cover model got their start. How did you landed on your first book cover?
Len: I entered the Mr Romance competition at the RT convention in 2011 and won! Part of the prize package was a shoot for a book cover with Kensington Publishing. We ended up yielding three covers from that shoot.
(Photo Credit- Shevaun Williams)
Rae: Do you model for anything other than book covers?
Len: Book covers are just a caveat to my portfolio. I do mainstream modeling with an agency in Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, and of course Tulsa.
Rae: Are there any photos that you wish had been taken in a different way?
Len: I really don’t; I’m very forward thinking with any shoot I do and any repercussions. I don’t take any pictures that I don’t feel personify who I am as a person or don’t fall in line with my convictions.
Rae: What was it like at the RT Convention meeting up with authors, fans and bloggers? It was my first time and I was shocked at how massive and intimate the experience was.
Len: I enjoy my RT family and really look forward to seeing everyone every year.
(Photo credit- Charles Paz (Fifth Element Studios)
Rae: Are you able to meet up with readers at any other conferences during the year?
Len: The RT convention is the only book convention that I attend.
Rae; When you are not shooting covers, how do you spend you time?
Len: I am a busy man running an irrigation company and also modeling for clients with my agencies.
Rae; What is your idea of escape for a bit of relaxation when you want to disappear alone or with family?
Photo credit- Charles Paz (Fifth Element Studios)
Len: Finding a quiet beach and doing nothing. I’ve been to St Croix a couple of times and love that it’s not so touristy.
Rae: If you could have a dream photo session where or whom would it include?
Len: I would love to shoot for Aqua Di Gio cologne. I love the feel/sexiness of the ads both in magazines and commercials on tv.
Rae: Where can readers find you?
– www.lengunn.com
– Facebook- LenGunnModel
– instagram- LenGunnModel
– Twitter- LenGunnModel
It was so much fun having you here today!
**** Tantalizing Tidbits ****
1. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Pepe’s Pizza in New Haven! The nostalgia of how old it is and the service is one of a kind.
2. What is your best vacation destination? Malta
3. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I’m actually very shy which is why I started modeling; to force myself come out of my shell.
4. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world where would you go? Thailand. There is a lot of beautiful undisturbed area and an awesome culture.
5. What is your guilty pleasure? Pizza!
6. What are you afraid of? Failing as a father
7. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? None! I’m a virgin. I considered one a few times but come never come to terms with something that I would want on my body forever.
Rae: Thanks again. Time for another iced coffee!
Happy Reading!
May 22, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, Graceley Knox, May 2017
*** Congratulations Valorie P – you have won a signed paperback of Mark of Truth.
You have 24 hours to claim your prize! ***
Rae: Thank you Graceley Knox, Author of Mark of Truth, for hanging out with me today.Â
Graceley: Hi, Rae! Thanks for having me!
Rae: If we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking an iced Latte with Coconut milk. What would you order?
Graceley: First off, I’m an ex-barista so my drink changes with my mood. Currently, I’m loving plain ole drip coffee (Black Rifle Coffee Co is a fave as well as a new one I just found, which is from a restaurant called First Watch). But usually, I’m a Starbucks Double shot with hazelnut and soy.
Rae: I must say congratulations on your book release tomorrow. In The Wicked Kingdom series you delve into 
a world of Elves, Goblins and Fae. Can you tell the readers your inspiration for your paranormal/fantasy debut series? Â
Graceley: Thank you! I’m so excited. And terrified, but mostly excited for tomorrow! As for my inspiration, I grew up reading about magical creatures, and different Celtic legends. It sort of became an obsession of mine. I was having trouble finding a good Fae series to read after I read all the greats, thus, I wrote a book I’d pick up in the store and then spend all night reading! Also, Ever wouldn’t leave me alone, so I had to write her first.
Rae: Is this a spicy series?
Graceley: Yes, the series is spicy. Book one is a bit of a slow burn, but book two really heats up ;). Early readers have been threatening to throw kindles at me if I don’t give them book three, lickety split!
Rae:Â Your website graphics are stunning – how did you come up with the design concept? Â
Graceley: Thank you! I can’t take any credit other than finding one stock image though! My cover designer, Desiree DeOrto, 
actually read Mark of Truth so when it came time for the cover, she told me to step aside, and ta-da, there is her genius. As for the teasers, Renee Ericson did those. The green magic that is my website is all her. Literally all I told her is, I’m feeling the color green for this, and she whipped it up.
Rae: What is your writing process? Are you a writer that sits at the computer 9-5 or do you squeeze it in when you can?
Graceley: As for my writing, I squeeze it in when I can. I work in the publishing industry by day, and I usually write late at night, on a plane traveling somewhere, or sitting on my deck at my house. My writing process usually involves me sprinting with a few of my writing friends, a solid playlist for whatever scene I’m writing, and coffee. Lots of coffee!
Rae: What can we expect to see in 2017?
Graceley: I’m hoping to release books two and three in the series, in short order (more on that soon). I also have plans to write a trilogy this year as well, which I plan to publish in early 2018!
Rae: If readers want to find you, where will you be in the upcoming months?Â
Graceley: I’m not attending any signings as of right now, my schedule is pretty full with work, but they can always find me online! I’m never far from my phone or social media!
Rae: I am thrilled you were able to join me today and look forward to the book release tour tomorrow.  Readers be sure to stop by and check out Mark of Truth!
Graceley: Thanks so much for having me!
***** 11 Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why? Anything Laurell K. Hamilton. Anita Blake and Merry Gentry, are hands down, out of this world incredible reads.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? The bookstore of course! That was my favorite haunt growing up and still is when I visit! Toadstool Bookshop is the name of it. And they make a killer latte as well!
3. Castles or Beaches? Why not a castle on the beach?
4. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? Ireland or Scotland. I’m wicked Irish so I’d love to see the homeland!
5. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? I’ve got 18 tattoos currently, and plan on plenty more! My first one was a tattoo for my Nana after she passed away.
6. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Binge all the way! I can’t stand the waiting! Currently I’m watching Criminal Minds, but Supernatural and Bones are also favorites I re-watch all the time!
7. What is on your playlist? What isn’t on my playlist LOL? I’ve got George Strait, Ruelle, this artist Caitlyn Smith I saw play at a dive bar in Nashville a few weeks ago, some Nickelback, AC/DC is a favorite, as well as Yo-Yo Ma and Fall Out Boy. Just depends on my mood!
8. What is your favorite movie of all time and why? I can’t pick just one, but I’m a sucker for an action movie. Faves include, Live Free Die Hard, Harry Potter (the entire series), Lawless, Boondock Saints, and the Bourne movies!
9. Motorcycle or bicycle? I grew up on motorcycles, so bikes all the way! Harley Davidsons or Indians are my jam.
10. Person or persons you admire and why? Meredith Wild. That’s a woman who doesn’t take no for an answer. She’s also incredibly kind, thoughtful, talented, and did I mention amazing?
11. If you could give your 21 year old self advice what would it be? Tell your cousins to put down the camera LOL.
GIVEAWAY
For a chance to win a SIGNED Paperback of Mark of Truth….tell us ..
What is your favorite movie and why?
Contest runs from 5/22/17 7:00 AM thru 5/24/17 12 Noon Winner will be announced on this blog post on 5/24/17.
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!
Be sure to swing by Graceley Knox and follow her on twitter (@graceleyknox) to stay up to date on the world of Elves, Goblins, and Fae! Not to mention other amazing news!
Author Bio:
Graceley Knox is an up and coming paranormal and fantasy romance author with a serious caffeine and book addiction. She prefers to listen to music while she writes and is a former New Englander living on the Gulf Coast of Florida. By day she works in the publishing industry, and by night, she plots out the many ideas cluttering her mind. When she’s not reading, writing, or hanging out with her large extended family you can find her on her various social media accounts.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: @GraceleyKnox
Instagram: @AuthorGraceleyKnox
Â
May 11, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, Joyfully Jay, May 2017
Rae: If we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking an Iced Latte with Coconut Milk. What would you order?
Jay: Well, it varies based on the day. I am not a monogamous coffee drinker! But my favorites are a caramel macchiato, a mocha latte, or when they are in season, a peppermint mocha or a salted caramel mocha – yum!
Rae: Thank you for being here. I wanted to showcase a blogger that had a genre I don’t usually review. While I’ve featured M/M, M/M/F books on the blog, it’s not a regular post on my blog. I know that I have readers out there who want to know where to go for M/M books that are hot and not so hot and Joyfully Jay is just the place!
Jay: Thanks so much! It is great to be here, and welcome to all your readers! I hope you have a chance to stop by the blog!
Rae: How do you get through all of your books? I feel privileged and blessed to read a book before it’s released. Are you an e-book reader or a paperback junkie?
Jay: I used to be a die hard paperback reader, but since starting my blog, I read almost exclusively electronically. Almost everything I read at this point is a review book and we get them all as ebook copies. Now I am never far from my Kindle!
Rae: So, that begs the question, how did you get your start? Did you start out with associate reviewers? How often do you add associate reviewers?
Jay: I started out as just me. I never planned for it to be a book only blog, I just figured I’d use my blog as a place to ramble about assorted things. But honestly, within weeks I was pretty much exclusively a review blog. I was on my own for about 8 months, at which point I added two reviewers. We have grown quite a bit over the past 5+ years, and I currently have nine fabulous folks who review for me. People have come and gone over the years as other interests or obligations have come up, but I am usually at about 7-9 reviewers. That seems to be about the sweet spot for us, as we review about 20 books a week.
Rae: Is blogging your only job or do you balance with another career?
Jay: I have worked from home part time since I had my oldest daughter, so about 16 years. That makes it a little easier for me to blog, because as you probably know, it can be a full time job in and of itself. So I try to stay off the blog for a chunk of time each day to focus on work, but they are both time consuming.
Rae: Who would you say is a must read for a new reader in this genre?
Jay: Oh, that is a hard question. We review pretty much exclusively GLBT romance, with a focus on male/male. So that includes all sort of other combinations, but primarily we are all about the dudes. This is such a rich genre that is growing every day, and there are so many wonderful books. If your readers are interested in getting their feet wet, I’d suggest they check out our Favorite Books lists. These are lists of our favorite books in a variety of tropes/themes. For example, we have virgin heroes, vampire/shifter pairings, amnesia stories, rock stars, men in uniform…. So you can check out those lists for themes you like and then see our favorite books in those themes. You can find the lists here: https://joyfullyjay.com/favorite-books-by-topic/
Rae: There are so many conferences out there to connect with professionals and authors in this industry, which ones are at the top of your list?
Jay: Well, my favorite event of the year is always GayRomLit (https://gayromlit.com). It is a great event celebrating all things gay romance. We are a growing community, but still a relatively small one, with a really close relationship between authors and readers. So GRL is a great event to catch up with friends who you only get to talk to online the rest of the year. This year it is being held in Denver in October so I am really excited. It will be my 6th year and I wouldn’t miss it!
I also love the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention (which was just last week) and this was my fourth year. RT is a totally different vibe from GRL. Big and bustling and full of excitement. It is also a great chance to connect with the larger romance community and I always have a wonderful time there.
Rae: If readers and authors want to find you, where will you be in the upcoming months.
Jay: Well, the best places to find me are on the blog (https://joyfullyjay.com), as well as on social media on Twitter (https://twitter.com/jayhjay432), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/joyfully.jay) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/joyfullyjay/). After RT, the next event I think I will be at is GRL, and then hopefully a few more things early next year.
***** 8 Tantalizing Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why? Oooh, this is a hard one because I have so many favorites. But I would say, read Widdershins by Jordan L. Hawk (https://amzn.to/2pk3ZeK). It is a historical/paranormal mix with amazing characters. It is a long running series and I have yet to meet a reader who doesn’t love it. Jordan is an amazing author with several other wonderful series, but if you haven’t read Widdershins, you should definitely try it.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown?
Well I live in the DC suburbs, so my town itself is nothing particularly exciting. Great place to live, but not sure you would want to go out of your way to visit. But since I live so close to DC, I would say when you come to town, you need to visit the Smithsonian. We have wonderful museums and beautiful monuments. And if you come in the next few weeks, you may make it here before it gets unbearably hot!
3. Castles or Beaches? Beaches. Always beaches. We go every year since I was a kid and now we try to make it to the beach at least 2-3 times a year.
4. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go? Australia. I have always wanted to go, and it is so far away that it is one of those places that you really need to have time and money to get the most out of a trip.
5. What are you afraid of? I’m deathly afraid of anything in the rodent family. I even hate squirrels. They are just rats with fluffier tails!
6. Organized or Free Floating? Oh, organized. Well OCD is probably a better description. I am a planner in every way.
7. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Mostly a weekly viewer. I live by my DVR. Never watch anything live. But I occasionally binge watch, especially in the off season. I watched all of Orange is the New Black in about three weeks.
8. Are you a crafter? If so, what is your go to “thing” to create? I am a knitter. I picked it up about two years ago and now you will find me knitting needles in hand, watching tv most nights.
** To leave a comment for Jay be sure to click the Title of the post – Coffee With Jay from Joyfully Jay and then you will be able to comment. At the moment there are technical difficulties with the comment feature. We are working to correct this.**
May 9, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, May 2017, Samantha Chase
Rae: Thanks for meeting up. What a cute shop! What do you recommend?
Julianne: Thank you! Isn’t this place great? And what a fabulous idea to have a coffee shop right next to the bridal shop. I know that more than once we’ve had to run over and re-fuel during a fitting session.
Natalie: Well, we don’t over-indulge, though. We need to fit into our gowns, right?
Harper: Ugh…no one has ever bust a seam over a scone have they?
Kayla: Rae, in answer to your question, they have a great chocolate chip Frappuccino that you should try. And a piece of the lemon pound cake. It’s awesome.
Rae: So tell me, how did you all meet? I know Harper is Julianne’s sister but the rest of you…how long have you known the blushing bride to be?
Kayla: Julianne and I have been friends since elementary school. We got paired up for field day in the fifth grade and bonded over our love of athletics. We didn’t meet Natalie until high school.
Natalie: That’s right, I’m sort of the newbie of the group, but I like to think that I helped make our little group complete.
Harper: Um…not to burst anyone’s bubble, but I didn’t really start hanging out with you guys until you were out of high school so technically, I helped make the group complete.
Natalie (huffing): You just couldn’t let me have that one, could you?
Julianne: Could we please play nice for the interview? Please??
Rae: How did you find the bridal shop? Aren’t the girls amazing! I hear they can make magic happen.
Julianne: We live locally and they are kind of legendary. A couple of my friends had used them and referred them to me and I’m so glad I listened! They have made this experience such a breeze for me.
Natalie: I wish I had known about them when I got married last year. My wedding gown I got from a bridal shop up in New York and all of our bridesmaid gowns we chose from a boutique up there as well that we had shipped to a seamstress here in Raleigh and…
Kayla: Not the point of the story, Nat.
Natalie: Oh. Right. Sorry.
Rae: Julianne – Zumba. Ok…I tried that once. I have a friend who’s an instructor and she’s trying to get me to try it. After attempting at home with a video… I could not seem to get myself moving in the same direction as the instructor in the tape. Any tips? I’m thinking I need to attend one of your classes!
Julianne: The key is to relax. No one gets it perfect the first, second or even the tenth time out.
Kayla: Truth.
Julianne: Really, you need to just go and give it your all and have fun and not worry about if you’re doing everything right. It’s about moving and to keep moving and get your heart rate up. But mainly, have fun!
Rae: Natalie – You must have so many ideas for Julianne. How long ago were you married? Is this the first wedding you’ve been in since you walked down the aisle?
Natalie (smiling brightly): Oh, I really do! I got married a year ago and my wedding was absolutely perfect. People are still talking about it.
Harper: Not including you…
Natalie (glaring): Our wedding was featured in several newspapers and it was all about how elegant it was. This is the first wedding I’ve been in since my own and while it’s a very different experience, I wouldn’t say it’s…bad.
Kayla: Of course not, because that would be…bad.
Rae: Harper – So tell me…are you able to keep your sister sane? You must be close 🙂 I was only a matron of honor once, for my younger sister. I hope your able to dodge the family squabbles 😉
Julianne, Harper and Kayla all laugh hysterically.
Harper: One thing you should know about my sister, she keeps her cool no matter what. It’s like some weird gift that she has.
Julianne: I don’t think it’s weird…
Kayla: it’s totally weird. Hush. I need to hear how Harper avoids family squabbles.
Harper: The other thing you should know is that I attract all of the squabbles. All of them. Even when they don’t involve me, somehow that’s how it ends up.
Julianne: Dramatic much?
Harper (sighing dramatically): Yes, I’m sure it’s a burden being perfect, Jules. But for me, I like to think that because we’re so close, that Jules can come to me and talk about the things she’s frustrated about.
Julianne: That’s because normally you’re the one I’m frustrated with.
Kayla: Girls! Don’t make me send you to separate corners!
Julianne: Seriously though, Harper really is a great sounding board for me – especially when it’s our mother who is making us crazy.
Harper: Which is all the time.
Rae: Kayla – I’m so jealous…photography. Your job sounds amazing – travel to exotic places and still have time to hang with friends and family.
Kayla: It’s not always glamorous, but it’s always amazing.
Rae: Are you photographing the wedding?
Julianne: Oh, lord…please don’t get her started on wedding photography!
Kayla: Okay, fine. Let’s just say that I’m not the wedding photography kind of girl. I prefer taking pictures of nature rather than posing the pretty people. That’s doesn’t make me a bad person?
Natalie: Well…
Kayla: However…if I was needed, I would totally step in. You know, in the name of friendship.
Rae: Ladies – tell me…bachelorette party? Where are we going? A night of wild parties? Who’s job is it to keep the bride in check? Any method to the system?
Natalie: We’ve talked about all of the obvious choices like Vegas or New York, but I think we should…
Kayla: We should totally do whatever it is that Jules wants to do because it’s her party. You had your day in the spotlight, princess. Let someone else have a turn.
Julianne: Honestly, we are probably going to do something low key. My vote is for a weekend at the beach or a spa. I can totally get on board with someone bringing me fruity drinks while I’m getting a massage.
Harper: I second that!
Natalie: I think that is the best option too. Then, no need to keep anyone in check and we can all just relax.
Kayla: Or unclench, because…you know (nodding toward Natalie)
Rae: Have you all decided on a bridesmaid dress? Colors? Oh… the fun of it all!
Julianne (holding up her hand before anyone else can talk): I had no idea how crazy people will get over this sort of thing. We are normally four level-headed women and yet talking about dresses and colors turns us into rabid competitors. We’ve looked through magazines and talked but until we get in the shop with Hailey and the girls, I’m just going to say that we’re all open to suggestions.
Harper: Some of us are…
Kayla: I’m with you.
Natalie: I have a file I’ve been adding suggestions to on Google. Have you all been getting the emails when I update it?
Julianne: Eloping is looking more and more attractive by the minute…
Rae: Thanks again ladies! Good luck with the wedding plans and enjoy the rest of the day.
For more information on The Bridal Squad click here.
** To leave a comment for Samantha be sure to click the Title of the post – Coffee With The Bridal Squad (Samantha Chase) and then you will be able to comment. **
Bio:
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
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