Apr 19, 2024 | 2024, April 2024, Blog, Coffee With, Giveaway, Summer Hanford
Welcome to Books I Love A Latte where we provide spoiler free book reviews and share bookish content. If you’re new here, welcome. If you’re back for more fun – thank you for hanging out with us today.
Our ‘Coffee With’ is posted exclusively on our website and then shared across social media platforms by post links when we are having a cuppa and a chat in the lounge.
Continue to check the blog as we will be having new new additions to our chats, guests, and lots of fun surprises as we get ready to kick off celebrating our tenth year of bookish fun in the upcoming months. A gentle reminder if you want to make sure you don’t miss a single post please be sure to follow us on social media on your preferred platform here.
Today we are excited to have Author Summer Hanford in the lounge. Thanks for hanging out to chat about books and bookish tidbits. It’s time to grab a cuppa and settle in. My barista made me a Coconut Vanilla Latte with a drizzle of caramel.
Rae: What’s in your cuppa?
Summer: Hi Rae! Thank you so much for having me here with you. As to the content of my mug, I’m having Earl Grey tea to which I have quite scandalously added cream along with the sugar (even though I know that lemon and sugar are the only truly acceptable additions).
Rae: I find that reading is best when I have a beverage and a snack, what do you need to have for yourself when you are settling in to read?
Summer: I couldn’t agree with you more. I like to read with tea and a sweet. Generally shortbread cookies, or a slice of lemon cake.
Rae: Before we start can you tell everyone about the books you write?
Summer: I write in three genres, two of which seem similar but aren’t as much so as you would think. The dissimilar one is Epic Fantasy. The two similar ones are Regency Romance and Austenesque Variations. Regardless of genre, I love at least a bit of action and adventure, and in my two historical genres, I veer to lighthearted.
Rae: When was the moment you knew you wanted to be an author?
Summer: When I read my first novel, which was epic fantasy. I had a lot of trouble learning to write and to read. In fact, I repeated a grade because they couldn’t move me forward until I learned to do both. After several years of special classes, the letters on the page finally began to make sense. Once that happened, I was hooked. I love living inside a novel, and I can’t imagine a better way to spend my days than crafting stories that will, hopefully, be as entertaining and important to other people as many of the books I’ve read are to me.
Rae: How do you keep your historical, fantasy, classic fiction, and regency worlds from blending into the other?
Summer: There are small carryovers. There’s a lot of bowing and curtsying in all of them, as well as marriage contracts and dowries. Of course, in Regency Romance or Austenesque Variations, the marriage contracts are all about finding love, often despite the lack of a dowry. While in Epic Fantasy, marriages are born of forged alliances. For the most part, however, they are a foil to one another. Writing fantasy books about epic struggles of good and evil, punctuated by betrayal, murder, and heroism, allows me to fill my romances with the lighthearted, low angst fun my readers enjoy. I could never chop off Mr. Darcy’s head (and who would want to!), but I can cheerfully unleash a dozen wyverns on a besieged city.
Rae: Do you find it easy to switch your creative process when writing more than one genre? Is it difficult to keep your worlds separate?
Summer: I could say it’s easy but I’m not certain that’s true. Generally, I alternate book by book, meaning I don’t write more than one at the same time. When I first brought in the Austenesque novels, it was much more difficult. I recall that in two of the first books I co-authored, there was far more bloodshed than usual for the genre. That said, there’s plenty of room in the Regency and Austenesque worlds for wonderful sword fights, carriage chases, balcony scaling, and all sorts of action. It’s more in the nuance of how it’s described. Sort of like the difference between ‘closed door’ and ‘open door’ romance.
Rae: What are your writing rituals?
Summer: First, I make my tea and check my email and social media. I give myself thirty minutes for that, and then it all has to go away until lunch time, when I get another fifteen minutes. After that, it depends on the genre.
For my romance writing, I next ‘visit’ my Jacquie Lawson Country Cottage, because I have to play solitaire there. Regular solitaire simply won’t do. It’s not pretty or soothing enough. I like to win before writing but I also put a fifteen-minute time limit on that in case I’m having a terrible solitaire day for some reason.
If I’m going to write fantasy or even a fast paced, action-intensive historical, I listen to The Dragonborn Comes, performed by Malukah. If you don’t know it, it’s a wonderful, haunting piece written for a videogame. The sort with swords and dragons. The song never fails to fill my mind with the glory of how heroic individuals can reshape the world.
If for some reason none of that works, I get a second cup of tea, play a little more solitaire, and put Caribbean Blue by Enya on repeat, so softly that I can hardly hear it. I’ve mentally composed so many scenes in so many books to the sound of Caribbean Blue that it’s almost like hypnotism. In fact, all I really need to be able to write is to start playing that song in my head. I’m like Pavlov’s dogs with their bell.
Rae: Do you prefer pen and paper or type away?
Summer: I far and above prefer to type. I never did master writing with my hands very well, even with all the special classes. I can, when I’m working well, type as fast as I think the story. That said, I’m a terrible typist. When I edit, which is much slower, you wouldn’t believe the sentences I find. Actually, if you want to see some, just go to Facebook and search the hashtag #myproofreadingerrors. They’re a running joke.
Rae: When you start writing the first book in a new series do you plot out how many books there will be?
Summer: The short answer is yes. I’m a plotter through and through. I plot the number of books. I plot the number of chapters in each book. I do a brief, three-to-six-line outline of each chapter.
That said, adjustments are made along the way. Changes can happen. The opening outline is a line painted down the road, not train tracks the story is stuck on.
Rae: How extensive is your research before beginning a new story in a series?
Summer: Weirdly, more extensive for fantasy books than historical ones, at this point. I used to do a lot of historical research in the form of reading a ton in various Regency genres, going to all sorts of blogs, and buying books about the era. I’ve found that a lot of the information out there is directly contradictory. To combat that, I’ve established my norms for my novels. My readers are accepting of them. Within them, we can all enjoy the story.
For fantasy books, most of the research comes before the writing. I research languages. Ancient religions and cultures. Symbols. Plants and animals. All sorts of things. I like to do a lot of world and character building before outlining the story. Often, the world informs the characters and the plot. For example, are some of the nations landlocked? That’s often a good impetus for war, or for treaties (which brings us all the way back to marriages and dowries).
But I’m terrible about stopping my work to research. I’ve read all sorts of methods for overcoming that tendency. Now I just need a method to combat ignoring helpful methods.
Rae: What is next on the horizon?
Summer: I’m finishing the final book in my second Epic Fantasy series right now, with all the drama that goes into wrapping up six books worth of war, heroism, shifting loyalties, and treacherous gods. The first draft is exactly halfway done (plotter and all that). After that, there will be two new Austenesque books. A swashbuckling adventure and a murder mystery. Then, I have a Historical Fiction trilogy to finish and a Dracula retelling. Honestly, my to-do list writing-wise is super long. If someone likes my work and my writing style, they really don’t need to worry that they’ll ever run out of things to read.
As to events, my next in-person event will be Lori Foster’s Reader Author Get Together (RAGT) this June in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m co-hosting the welcome party with Author Barbara Devlin Friday and Saturday, June 7th and 8th, from 3pm to 5pm, the book signings are open to the public.
Rae: Thank you so much for hanging out with me today.
Summer: Thank you again for having me. It’s been a true pleasure. I am so excited to be here.
Rae: Readers we’d love to know when you are settling in to read do you have any favorite snacks and beverages? Have a bookish question for Summer…leave it below.
1. What is your must read book? Why? I’m sure you know this is a very difficult question, and my answer is likely to change based on the day, my mood, etc. I can narrow it down to one of Anne McCaffrey’s Pern books, but I simply cannot choose amongst them. They have everything. An epic struggle to save the world. Politics. Romance. Coming of age stories. Books that will make you cry. Moments that will make you smile. A vivid, nuanced, and in-depth society that evolves throughout the history of their world. Dragons. Miniature pet dragons! As I said, everything.
2. If I visit your hometown, where are you taking me, and what’s the best place to grab a bite? I’m taking you to my family’s onetime dairy farm, now converted into a forty-acre garden. We can bring a picnic with us. We’ll want to bring food and water into the hedge maze, after all, in case we get lost.
3. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? Summer is my real name. It’s my middle name, but no one calls me by my first name except telemarketers.
4. What is your guilty pleasure? Chocolate babka from Green’s in New York City.
5. What are you afraid of? Not having enough time and tidal waves.
6. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? Not a one. That’s way too much commitment for me. I can’t even commit to a genre.
7. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? I like to watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, but a day late because I go to bed early. I watch Midsomer Murders while I’m cooking. If I’m doing goodie bags or giveaway items, I’ll put on an older film. Something funny like Clueless or Princess Bride. If I’m cleaning, I listen to Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!
8. Is there a book you have read that you would love to see made into a movie (besides yours😊)? So many! There are lots of Lori Foster or Barbara Devlin books that would make amazing movies. Also, any of the old classic fantasy books like Dragonlance, the Pern books, the Belgariad.
9. What is the one thing you cannot live without? Earl Grey tea (with cream and sugar).
10. What is the one career that gives you the shudders? Behavioral Neurologist.
11. If I opened your handbag/bag/briefcase, what item would I be shocked to see? The weirdest thing I carry around would be all the earplugs. I hate loud noise, so I almost always have earplugs. Although sometimes I’m carrying around chocolate babka.
12. What app on your phone/ipad gets the most use? Sadly, my email, and the list goes on from there, work wise. If we eliminate work related apps, since it’s spring, it’s Merlin. Merlin is an app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that listens for birdsong. It tells you what birds it hears around you, with images, so you can identify them, and it reports what birds are around you (if you let it, which I do) to help them keep track of what birds are where. I’m a little obsessed with birds, something you may notice here and there in my work. Someday I want to see the raptor migration.
ONE Grand Prize winner will be randomly selected to receive a Black Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16 GB (This model does not have a trial of Kindle Unlimited) AND an ONE Amazon e-book of Mr. Darcys Bookshop by Summer Hanford **International winners will receive a gift card in lieu of kindle since they can’t receive a kindle**
FIVE Winners will be randomly selected to win an amazon e-book of Mr. Darcys Bookshop by Summer Hanford
FIVE Winners will be randomly selected to win a Signed Paperback of Mr. Darcy’s Bookshop by Summer Hanford **open to International readers**
GIVEAWAY is open 4/19/24 -4/27/24/ at 11:59 PM
Good luck to all!
Be sure to follow Summer Hanford on all social media platforms and Books I Love A Latte for announcement of winners.
Winners will be randomly selected and announced on the blog. An attempt will be made to contact the winners.
It is the winners responsibility to respond to notification.
If winner doesn’t claim prize within 24 hours a new winner will be drawn.
** For all giveaway rules read here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Summer Hanford writes swashbuckling Historical Romance, best-selling Pride and Prejudice retellings, and gripping Epic Fantasy. She lives in the Finger Lakes Region of New York with her husband and compulsory, deliberately spoiled, cats. The newest addition to their household, an energetic setter-shepherd mix, has been trying for six years to gain acceptance from the cats but is adored by the humans.
Since the moment she read her first novel, Summer’s passion has always been writing. As a child growing up on a dairy farm, she built castles made of hay and wielded swords made of fence posts. She is also passionate about animals, travel, and organizing her closet. Nothing pleases her more than a row of tops broken down by sleeve length and ordered by color…except working on her latest novel with her cats in her lap, her dog lounging on the rug, and a cup of tea.
For more about Summer, visit www.summerhanford.com.
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Email: [email protected]
Mar 24, 2023 | Blog, Excerpt Reveal, Giveaway, Mona Shroff
No Rings Attached by Monaa Shroff is a forced proximity, fake relationship, second chance romance in the third installment of her Once Upon a Marriage series. Sangeeta Parikh is moments away from saying “I Do” and realizes that she can’t say those two simple words. With their friends and family gathered together she does the unthinkable, she runs. A wedding planner fleeing her own wedding wasn’t in the plans. While she’s not sure if her family will understand and if her career will survive, she takes off with nothing but the clothes she’s wearing.
Sangeeta unintentionally finds herself in a predicament that quickly gives birth to a plan when her race to freedom reunites her with someone from her past. A plan that will change everything she thought she knew about love and marriage. This delightful plot twist takes us inside the family chaos, and all around shenanigans as everyone attempts to find the bride and figure out what happened.
Sonny Pandya walked away from his family hotel business and opened up his own restaurant. If he stayed, his vision of cooking and sharing his love of food would be controlled by someone else. Despite the differeing opinions he still dreams of working with his family, having their acceptance, and leaving a memorable mark in the world for his family, their hotels, and their legacy.
Sometimes the best plan is to have no plan, be spontaneous, and follow your heart. If a “fixer” and a “planner” can survive a fake marriage, they may discover that maybe there is something real layered in there too. A solid marriage has love, and a foundation built on trust and friendship. A partnership with someone you can’t live without and who makes your life better.
Sangeeta and Sunny will discover that love doesn’t care about plans, schedules, goals, or the weather. Love is messy, takes work, and like the stars, some days shine bright and for others, the nights are cloudy with occasional peeks of sunshine. In the end, it’s learning to listen, be flexible, and not always have a plan because you never know what you’ll miss unless you take a chance.
Mona writes her stories with depth, heart, and infuses a blend of culture while emersing the reader into the book from the first page until the last, OMG. AMAZING. Mona’s take on the classic runaway bride trope, was unique, refreshing and exciting, and full of all the feels. Usually the story focuses on the bride and groom, this …. the family gets involved and that makes it way better. I loved the chemistry between Sonny and Sangeeta, their story and the shenanigans that ensue. Oh, and I was totally craving all kinds of food and fun during and after ;).
While this is the third installment in the Once Upon A Marriage series, it can be read as a standalone. However, if you enjoy staying connected with characters for as long as possible, start at the beginning for a satisfying and delightful bookcation. This sweet romance has behind closed doors with enough sweetness to put a pink blush on your cheeks, and leave your heart full of joy. Warm, sensual, and delicious. Characters might hold hands or kiss. A warm embrace and possible mention of moving forward in an intimate nature could be mentioned.
I receved an advance reader copy from Harlequin and Mona Shroff for a fair and honest review. Enjoy this excerpt and then enter the giveaway for a chance to win your own paperback copy, US residents only.
Sonny stared at her for a moment before leading her back to the stairs to his apartment.
He opened the door and let her in. “You can take the bed–“
“I’m fine on the sofa, thank you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” He nearly scoffed
“I’m not. “You and I allowed ourselves to be baited into me staying here. This ridiculous situation is something I did to myself. You’re…stuck in the middle. I’m not kicking you out of your bed. I’ll sleep on your sofa, and I’ll be out of your life in the morning. My foot feels better–.”
“Let’s change that dressing.” He motioned to the sofa. “Then I’ll get you some sheets and a pillow.”
“Okay.” She considered it a win for her since her dressing needed to be changed by him regardless of where she slept. She sat on the sofa while Sonny knelt and changed the dressing, adding more haldi paste. He had a pleasant amount of scruff on his chin and thick hair that was tousled from the day. He smelled of spices. She inhaled deeply.
“This is healing nicely.” He said.
She sat up straight as if she’d been caught doing something wrong. What was the matter with her? Or maybe the bigger question was, Why did he smell so good?
** CONGRATULATIONS SUSAN C. You’re the winner of a paperback copy of No Rings Attached***
ONE LUCKY US READER WILL WILL A PAPERBACK COPY OF NO RINGS ATTACHED
CONTEST OPEN FROM 3/24-3/27 at 11:59 PM EST
Open to US resident only. One Winner will be randomly selected and notified. If winner doesn’t claim their prize within 24 hours a new winner will be drawn.
To enter let us know …. What is your perfect first date?
Extra entries -comment on my Instagram post here.
** For all giveaway rules read here.
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchase. If you click on the link and purchase the featured book and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small percentage between 2-6%. Any profit earned from this transaction is given directly back to readers via giveaways (gift cards, books, etc.) Thank you in advance.
Mona was born in New Jersey and grew up in Bucks County, in the suburbs of
Philadelphia. She graduated from Neshaminy High School in the 80’s. Growing
up, she was a quiet kid and had few friends but she valued the quality of each of
her friends, not the quantity.
She attended the University of Michigan and graduated with a degree in
Biopsychology. Mona continued her education at the Pennsylvania College of
Optometry, graduating with her Doctorate in Optometry.
Mona married her first (and only!) love, Deven, at the age of 25. Deven was a
dentist in the army and they spent the next nine years travelling to different parts
of the world and country while raising two young children.
Mona always loved to write, but did not get serious about it until 2011. She
entered a contest where she had to start a short story with the words “Heads we
get married, tails we break up.” She ended up losing the contest but she really
loved the whole process of creating a plot, developing characters and putting a
thought down on paper. Her first novel, Then, Now, Always, is a romance novel
based on that prompt. Her second novel, Then There Was You, released in
January of 2021. She is currently working on a third, with her fourth novel right
behind it!
When she’s not writing or examining eyes, she loves to bake. One of her ‘claims
to fame’ is an appearance on the “Today” show in 2012 as a semi-finalist in the
‘Quest for the Best Homemade Birthday Cake’ Contest.
She and her husband are currently empty nesters and reside in Maryland with
their rescue dog, Nala.
Oct 30, 2020 | Blog, Caren Crane, Coffee With, Giveaway, Jeanne Adams, Morgan Brice, Nancy Northcott, October 2020
Rae: Thank you so much for joining me here at the blog. Before we start please grab a cuppa and fill it up. I’m having a cinnamon coconut almond milk latte.
What’s in your mug?
Jeanne: My usual – a grande mocha latte with extra whipped cream! (I love whipped cream)
Morgan/Gail: Coffee with cream and sweetener. I do own a latte machine, and I frequently play barista for hubby and me.
Caren: Coffee with heavy cream and coconut oil. My favorite!
Nancy: Cafe latte with a caramel shot.
Rae: With Covid impacting all of us I’m thrilled to have you all together. Don’t worry readers, we’re all socially distant, masked, and plenty of holiday scented hand sanitizer to go around.
Jeanne: I know we’re all happy to be here, talking about Trick or Treat at Caynham Castle during this fabulous spooky season.
Rae: Trick or Treat at Caynahm Castle brings us ghosts and romance, a fabulous location and another collaborative anthology dear authors. What was it like working together on this spooky edition?
Jeanne: After last year’s Christmas at Caynham Castle, we’d had so much fun with the English castle on the Welsh Marches we decided to return to Caynham Castle and Halloween was such a fun holiday, we decided to run with that.
Morgan/Gail: Lots of fun! We had such a good time doing the Christmas collection we decided that we needed to do another book, and now that we’ve done Trick or Treat, we’re looking ahead to a New Year’s edition!
Rae: How did you get in the mood while crafting your stories? Did you bake favorite treats? Listen to specific music? Drink themed beverages? Or, did you go all out and decorate your house to set the mood?
Jeanne: For me, I put on iHeart Radio’s Halloween radio. I didn’t bake, but I must confess I bought Halloween candy! (Caramels, omgosh, the caramels…) I didn’t drink themed beverages, but I considered buying some cider. As for decorating the house…you know me, Rae, it’s Halloween Town at my house from October 1 on!
Morgan/Gail: I’m always in the mood for Halloween! This time I knew my way around the castle, and the characters are ones I’ve written before, so the fun was putting them into a new location and creating some old connections for them.
Caren: Once I lit my “Stay Out Of the Forest” scented candle, which smells like pine. I suppose that could be considered inspirational.
Nancy: I drank tea, that perennial British favorite.
Rae: What can readers expect in this Anthology?
Jeanne: Readers can expect my usual paranormal suspense thrills and chills! The Christmas at Caynham Castle story, The Ghost of Christmas Past was a ghost story (Obviously! Ha!) and my story in Trick or Treat at Caynham Castle extends the discovery of a hidden passage and a secret room from Christmas of 2019 into Halloween 2020! The hero, a photographer, and the heroine, and archaeologist, team up to uncover the secrets in the secret room…but there’s magic and murder afoot! Can they solve it before Halloween?
Morgan/Gail: Readers can expect to return to the familiar people and places of the Christmas collection, but with some new faces, new relationships, and a bit more spooky stuff!
Caren: A combination of some spooky paranormal, some legends and a bit of thrilling action.
Nancy: Spies with a second chance at love, action-adventure, and international intrigue.
Rae: While crafting your stories did you chat often or just once to kick off the story and then race to the finish?
Jeanne: A mixture of both, I guess. I frequently chatted with or emailed Caren, Nancy and Gail just to be sure we weren’t overlapping stories or having characters in the same place at the same time. The collaboration in these anthologies has been one of the most fun aspects!
Morgan/Gail: Ha! We burned up the internet comparing notes, asking questions, and checking details.
Caren: We asked some questions to clarify a few things about the setting, but mostly worked on our own. Gail finished long before the rest of us, so she got to set the stage for the Halloween ball!
Nancy: We checked details with each other by email to be sure we were consistent, but we didn’t confer a lot.
Rae: Is this the end for your beloved characters or will they return in the next Caynham holiday Anthology?
Jeanne: Oh, they’ll be back! We’re already discussing which holiday to do next!
Morgan/Gail: We’re planning a New Year’s Eve edition for 2022…..
Caren: The characters in Murky Waters will definitely show up again. The story involves the characters from my Christmas story set at Caynham Castle, so I don’t imagine any of my characters will go into hiding!
Nancy: This story wraps things up for Dana and Blaine. The next visit to Caynham Castle will involve a different couple.
Rae: As with all chats in the cafe, it wouldn’t be complete without a few tasty tidbits. Thank you so much for hanging out and I can’t wait to chat again!
Jeanne: How fun! Gotta love some tidbits! I look forward to reading them!
Rae: Thank you Jeanne. Readers stay tuned. Over the next few days these fabulous Authors will share those tidbits.
Be sure to check back soon.
ONE winner will be randomly selected to receive an/e-copy from Amazon of Trick or Treat at Caynham Castle.
To enter, answer the following question below by commenting on the blog.
What is your least favorite candy and what to you is the spookiest sound that gives you shivers?
Contest runs 10/30/20 – 11/02/20 at 11:59 PM
Be sure to follow Jeanne Adams, Morgan Brice, Caren Crane, and Nancy Northcott on all social media platforms and Books I Love A Latte for more giveaways and fun!
Winner will be randomly selected and will be contacted. If winner doesn’t claim prize within 24 hours a new winner will be drawn.
** For all giveaway rules read here.
To learn more about each author click on their picture to check out their website.
Jeanne Adams
Morgan Brice
Caren Crane
Nancy Northcott
Oct 13, 2020 | Blog, Coffee With, Giveaway, October 2020, Pru Warren
Rae: Welcome to the blog. I’ve got a spiced Latte with Almond Milk and a drizzle of chocolate in my mug. What’s in your cuppa?
Pru: Yours sounds pretty good! At the moment, though, my cuppa is a vat of Earl Grey with an embarrassingly large quantity of half-and-half as well as my personal demon, sugar. Also – thank you. I’m delighted to be here!
Rae: Congratulations on your recent release of “Joan’s Journal” in the Anthology Love Gone Viral. I love that all the proceeds from the sale will be donated to World Central Kitchen and Feeding America. Romance fiction is so powerful and the community is so giving. I can’t wait to hear how much you all raise.
Pru: Me, too! And I love that we’re donating 100% of the proceeds to programs that combat hunger. There’s something so offensive – so intrinsically wrong – about people in this nation going hungry. I think about families with hungry kids and it makes me almost ill. Even in this bizarre economy, that’s not the world I want to live in. I hope we can sell a lot of books, to help people in need. Fingers crossed!
Click on cover to get your copy now.
1. What is your must read book and why?
I have two entire bookcases filled with the books I hope come with me if I’m ever abducted by aliens; the books I need to have if I’m trapped in a Kurt Vonnegut zoo on another planet. But if I had to pick just one… hang on. Let me go stare at them. Oh, Lordy. Don’t tell the others I chose a favorite: I’mma pick Jennifer Crusie. “Welcome to Temptation.”
2. If I visit your hometown, where am I going and what’s the best place to grab a bite?
You’re going to northern Virginia, and we’re either going to get souvlaki pitas at the family restaurant down the street or we’re hitting one of the Great American restaurants; I like Artie’s because they have insanely good hot fudge sundaes. (Sugar. My own personal demon. Comes with me everywhere.)
3. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you?
Given that I am entirely unpublished until now, I can’t imagine anyone knows anything about me in the first place… but okay: I can harmonize a ton. I always wanted to be a back-up singer.
4. What is your guilty pleasure?
It used to be romance novels instead of terrifyingly sad Book Club picks – but now I’m writing romantic comedy and I’m proud as could be of it!
5. What are you afraid of?
Snakes. I saw a black snake in the garden two years ago and abandoned the space entirely. I wish he’d do more weeding; things are looking very tatty in his kingdom.
6. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one?
No tats. I admire them – but I keep evolving. I can’t imagine choosing one image that would continue to delight me for the rest of my life.
7. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)?
Binge. Definitely. I just blew through “The Expanse” (and then all the novels), and before that I had to rewatch the entirety of “Parks and Recreation” while doing an annoyingly hard jigsaw puzzle. Before that… I think it was “Jack Ryan.” Jim from The Office cleans up NICE.
8. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )?
“Poison Princess” by Kresley Cole. It’s YA, but it’s very, very good! Wish she’d get cracking on the next one; I’ve got an envie for the sequel. (From the books. I’m making inside jokes to myself.)
9. What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Burt’s Bees pink grapefruit chapstick. I have them hidden all over the house, in the pocket of every coat, in every tote bag. There are two in the car – just in case. As addictions go, it’s pretty milquetoast… but I’m not alone. There are a lot of us chapstick addicts!
10. What’s the one career that gives you the shudders?
The job of picking up road kill on Rock Creek Parkway.
11. If I opened up your handbag/bag/briefcase, what item would I be shocked to see?
I’d be shocked to see a handbag or purse; I carry only my phone in a case where I can stick credit cards, etc. There’s nothing shocking here; maybe the Nordstroms gift card my mother gave me before she died? Will you accept sentimental instead of shocking?
12. What app on your phone/ipad gets the most use?
Would that it were something more elevated… in fact, it’s solitaire. Jeez. I should make up something better. Pretend I said THE NEW YORK TIMES APP. There. That sounds teddibleh intelligent.
Rae: Thank you for hanging out today.
Pru Warren will write a customized “first kiss” love scene staring you and your favorite celebrity.
She just needs a few details and then you can have an exclusive mini-story, just for you.
She points out that there’s a one in a million chance that one day she’ll be a huge best-seller – and on that day, won’t you be proud to have that private love scene
Contest runs 10/13/2020 – 10/23/20 at 11:59 PM
ONE winner will be randomly selected. Answer the following question … what was the first romance book you ever read?
Be sure to follow Books I Love A Latte for more giveaways and fun!
Winner will be randomly selected. If winner doesn’t claim prize within 24 hours a new winner will be drawn.
** For all giveaway rules read here.
Pru Warren (who is writing this in the third person as if she was simply too modest to toot her own horn) has been making up stories since roughly the Bronze Age; “Love Gone Viral” is her first attempt at publishing. To see the epilogue, sign up for her entertaining newsletter at PruWarren.com. Then you can download either a clean or a dirty version of what comes next for Joan and Philip! Her first rom-com, “Cyn & the Peanut Butter Cup” is scheduled for publication in January.
Nov 9, 2019 | Blog, Caren Crane, Giveaway, Jeanne Adams, November 2019
Authors Jeanne Adams, Caren Crane, and Nancy Northcott deliver three tales in a twist of DNA, secrets, hopes, and dreams.
If you’ve ever wondered why some people would swab DNA and send the cotton swabs in for testing, read these tales. The authors take a simple mailer kit test and present three different tales of wonder and romance.
Each author shares their worlds with us through a common thread and hopefully along the way inspire you to question your DNA and genealogy wonder.
Lost in Time by Jeanne Adams is a sinfully sweet, hotter than sweet story with bedroom romance that tingles in all the right places, and a dash of spice to satisfy that slightly spicy craving. 
When Derek must sort through his late grandmother’s estate he discovers a photo that sends him on a journey through family secrets and unanswered questions. After searching for the truth and armed with even more questions, than answers he hopes to uncover a path to finding out the truth. During his journey he might find love along the way, that is if he can avoid a crazy ex ;).
With story from Jeanne Adams expect the unexpected. This romantic suspense story is one that leaves you with an on-the-edge of your seat adventure.
Brown-Eyed Boy (A Cross Springs Novella) by Caren Crane is a sinfully sweet, hotter than sweet story with bedroom romance that tingles in all the right places, and a dash of spice to satisfy that slightly spicy craving.
Eric Burns will uncover a family secret from one swipe of DNA. A simple holiday gift from family will reveal more than he ever imagined and answer the question – does DNA define who you are? I don’t want to give anything away, so if you want to know how a carpenter discovers the true blueprints of his life, one-click now.
Worth the Wait by Nancy Northcott is an Arachnid Files Novella is a story that’s sinfully sweet, hotter than sweet with bedroom romance that tingles in all the right places.
When a Spy is forced into a month of leave, he will return home to uncover secrets from his past that will impact his life forever. Past relationships, a chance to find love, and a whole lot more.
This collection is the perfect stocking stuffer for the holidays. Just click, print and stuff. If you’re a fan of family genealogy, suspense, romance, and taking a few quick book adventures, then this one is sure to satisfy!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Contest runs 11/9/19 – 11/23/19 at 11:59 PM
TWO winners will be randomly selected.
Be sure to follow Jeanne Adams, Caren Crane and Nancy Northcott on all social media platforms and Books I Love A Latte for more giveaways and fun!
Winner will be randomly selected and will be contacted. If winner doesn’t claim prize within 24 hours a new winner will be drawn.
** For all giveaway rules read here.
Jeanne Adams:
Jeanne Adams writes award-winning suspense, paranormal, mysteries and urban fantasies. She’s also a sought-after speaker, who knows a thing or two about getting rid of the evidence…
Jeanne specializes in thrills and suspense. Even her paranormal and urban fantasies have a suspense element, so be prepared! She loves football, baseball, dogs, Halloween and the weird and she teaches classes for writers on body disposal.
Jeanne lives in DC with her husband and two growing sons, as well as two dogs – a Lab and an Irish Water Spaniel. Don’t tell, but she’s prone to adopting more dogs when her husband isn’t looking.
Featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and other publications, her books have been consistently hailed as “One of the best Suspense Books of the Year!” by Romantic Times. You can find her at her newly redesigned website: www.JeanneAdams.com, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JeanneAdams or at www.Facebook.com/JeanneAdamsAuthor
Caren Crane was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, the home of country music. She does not enjoy country music. She does love books, however, and Nashville had plenty of those in the Inglewood branch of the Nashville Public Library. Thanks to the librarians, she discovered classical literature (they approved) and Barbara Cartland (they did not approve). Thanks to her mother, she discovered Harlequin Romances. When the writing bug bit, she was doing cubicle time in the world of electrical engineering. She greatly prefers writing.
Caren lives in North Carolina with her wonderful husband and a semi-feral rescue cat. She has three fiercely intelligent, gorgeous grown children, having neatly side-stepped her mother’s threat that she would have children Just Like Her. You can find info and excerpts at
www.carencrane.com.
To keep up with goings-on in Caren’s world, please visit her on social media. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter so you don’t miss out on any new releases or the occasional freebie or contest!
Nancy Northcott’s childhood ambition was to grow up and become Wonder Woman. Around fourth grade, she realized it was too late to acquire Amazon genes, but she still loved comic books, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, history, and romance. A sucker for fast action and wrenching emotion, Nancy combines the romance and high stakes (and sometimes the magic) she loves in the books she writes.
She’s the author of the Light Mage Wars/Protectors paranormal romances, the Lethal Webs and Arachnid Files romantic suspense series, and the historical fantasy trilogy The Boar King’s Honor. With author Jeanne Adams, she co-writes the Outcast Station space opera series.
Nancy’s Social Media links;
www.nancynorthcott.com
Twitter: @NancyNorthcott
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nancynorthcottauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3468806.Nancy_Northcott
Apr 16, 2019 | April 2019, Blog, Giveaway, Suzanne Enoch
ONE lucky reader in the U.S. will win a fabulous giveaway from St. Martin’s Press.
The prize is one finished mass market paperback edition of IT’S GETTING SCOT IN HERE.
To be entered, comment on the blog and tell me…
Do you prefer to a city romance or highland adventure?
Good luck to all!
** GIVEAWAY CLOSED APRIL 21, 2019 AT 11:59 PM. WINNER WILL BE POSTED ON THE BLOG.
BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE BLOG SO YOU DON’T MISS THAT POST! **
**WINNER MUST CLAIM PRIZE WITHIN 24 HOURS OR ANOTHER WINNER WILL BE RANDOMLY SELECTED. **
Prize provided by the publisher
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