Jan 12, 2018 | Authors Dish, Blog, Hildie McQueen, January 2018, Lucy Farago
Welcome to Authors Dish where your favorite authors share what they are reading. In addition, if you enjoy reading their books they have suggestions for similar book adventures by other authors. It doesn’t get better than that!
Today in the cafe are Lucy Farago, and Hildie McQueen.
Rae: Who are you reading?
Lucy Farago: Susanne Kearsley’s A Desperate Fortune, Colleen Hoover’s Hopeless, 
and Eve Langlais’s a Demon Witch. It depends on what mood I’m in.
Hildie McQueen: Kathryn Le Veque, J.D. Monroe, Jordan K. Rose and Renee George
Rae: If readers are a fan of your books, who should they consider reading?
Lucy Farago: It’s hard to compare myself to other authors. Someone once told me I reminded her of Roxanne St Clair when she writes romantic suspense. Other than that I have no idea. I’m not a dark writer and I try and blend in as much humour as I can get away with.
Hildie McQueen: Merry Farmer and Sylvia McDaniel
Rae: Thank you so much authors! Let me know dear readers if you try any of these books. I’ll see you next week – sae time for new authors and more fun!
Jan 11, 2018 | Blog, January 2018, Liz Carlyle
Love With a Wicked Man by Liz Carlyle is a historical romance filled with mystery, zest, and adventure. A story worthy of a place on your bookshelf.
Kate d’Allenay is forced to save her estate, and must keep her family from getting into too much mischief. When a handsome stranger crashes into her world, it will never be the same again. Intent to nurse him back to health Kate will attempt to uncover his true identity. Can she discover the truth as well before it’s too late?
Lord Edward Quartermaine isn’t exactly worried about his little bout of amnesia, in fact, he’s beginning to hope that it might never recover. Where did he come from? Is he worthy of a woman like Kate? Chatter leads Lord Quartermaine to fear his character and prevent him from having the one thing he knows for sure, who is the right man for Kate? Can he convince her he’s certain of his feelings despite his predicament?
Despite the secrets, one way or another, the truth is sure to be revealed. When it finally does, will Kate still desire him? Can they figure out what they want with Kate’s family meddling and scheming? Everyone has a secret, and everyone has something to fight for. If Kate can let go of taking care of everyone and admit what she really wants, she just might fall in love with a wicked man?
Get your copy here:
Jan 10, 2018 | Blog, Chapter Reveal, January 2018
Coming January 23rd 2018
Prologue
It’s a beautiful game.
It’s a hard game.
And even on a good day your body is battered and bruised. It’s a brutal game with blood, mud and dirt.
See this scar on my cheek? Rugby.
See this scar running through my eyebrow? Rugby.
I have a lot of scars.
I have 13 scars on each arm from keyhole surgery, knee surgery, scars on my forehead and the back of my head, scars on my knuckles, broken fingers. I’ve had both eyelids stitched, surgery on both shoulders, suffered a broken nose twice and spiral fractures in my hands, I’ve broken my fingers so many times, I don’t event count those. I’ve had cartilage cleaned out of my left knee, two medial ligament grade two tears on each knee, three lots of surgery for Achilles tendon injuries, and once I put my bottom teeth through my top lip. Getting stitches in your mouth isn’t much fun. They tug when you eat or speak.
There’s nothing nice about rugby. Maybe that’s why I bloody love it.
Chicks dig scars? Yeah, I’ve heard that, too.
In my experience, they’re not so keen on being around while you’re healing. Being the loser who’s benched, not so sexy. Being the guy who’s career went down the toilet … I’m looking a lot less appealing now.
Trusting a woman when you’re at your lowest—dumbest, stupidest thing ever.
Beat me, break me, butcher my heart.
I’m coming for you. And this time…
I’m going to win.
Stuart Reardon
Stuart is a retired England International Rugby League player who’s career spanned 16 years as a professional playing for several top League clubs. He has had several major injuries that nearly ended his career just as in Undefeated, the amazing collaboration with Jane.
Currently he is a Personal trainer living in Cheshire, and has an online fitness program: Fear Nothing Fitness.
Jane Harvey-Berrick
I enjoy watching surfers at my local beach, and weaving stories of romance in the modern world, with all its trials and tribulations.
It’s been the best fun working with Stu on this story. And yes, he did think about joining the Marines once.
Author Links
Jan 10, 2018 | Blog, January 2018, Robin Bielman
Lips Close to Mine by Robin Bielman (Wherever You Go Series) is a heartwarming friends to lovers story that is a must for any romance lover. There is nothing better than a story that can make you laugh, cry, and squeal with delight. It’s a perfect bookcation.
Harper is not interested in anything beyond one night and that’s worked until now. A traumatic and tragic event has haunted her and affected her views on relationships that when she’s forced to face her fears head-on, will she give love a second chance?
Levi is an absolute stud. Smart, sexy and loves his job. Devoted to friends, family, and desires the only woman he can’t have. Will he prove that love is worth the risk and win over the heart of his one-true love?
After years of friendship, one night will change everything. Now they can’t escape the very thing they are running from. The game has changed and the stakes are higher.
An emotional story that pushes two people to come to terms with the past, despite their own separate traumatic experiences. Trust is vital in this game, if they can open up and have faith, their ability to trust in themselves, each other, their family may not prove to end with dire consequences a second time around.
Robin’s crafted a story that takes you on a journey of self-discovery and the ability to love, unconditionally, despite the fears and uncertainty of the unknown. I loved the tension, chemistry, and the discovery of what happened to bring Harper and Levi to face their fears.
If you love a story with intense attraction, heat, emotional enrapture of your heart, mind and soul…read this. Levi will ruin you for another book boyfriend, but that’s ok. He’s totally worth it!
This installment is a two and a half spicy pepper read. It has enough 
heat to make you sizzle and is for mature readers 18+.
I received an advance copy from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
Excerpt:
“What do you say we open that champagne then skinny-dip in the fountain?” I ask, releasing my seat belt. That I’m dying to see her naked again might have something to do with my suggestion, too.
Harper searches my eyes for clues I’m serious. I help her out. “Unless you’re chicken.”
With a straight face, she unclicks her seat belt, picks up the bottle of champagne and proceeds to pop the cork like a champ. She takes a swig, her full lips wrapped around the bottle, her eyes never leaving mine. **Edited for blog and approved by Author ** Full disclosure: I’ve been picturing this every damn night for the past two months.
“Your turn.” She hands me the bottle as her tongue licks across her full bottom lip. If she’s trying to torture me, it’s working.
Our fingers brush when I accept the Dom Perignon, and once again, the small, effortless touch isn’t enough. I take a small gulp of the sparkling drink, mindful I’m driving. When finished, I pass it back. “So, your cousin said something interesting to me tonight.”
“S^*t.”
I laugh. The harder Harper tries to keep me at arm’s length, the more her family tries to draw me in. “Since you’re sitting at the head table during the wedding reception, she wanted me to know I’ll be sitting with your brothers.”
She chokes on the champagne. “What the hell? I never RSVP’d you were my plus-one.”
“Your mom did.”
Harper’s head falls back against the seat, chin up, eyes closed. “That woman is impossible. I’ll tell them you’re not coming to the wedding.”
“I don’t mind.”
“I do.”
“All right. Whatever you want.”
“That’s it? Just like that, you’re not coming now?” She shifts positions, drawing her legs up so she’s sitting on them and facing me. I hadn’t noticed that she’d slipped off her shoes.
“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable around your family.”
“You don’t do that.”
“You sure? I think I do.”
“No. You don’t. Not even a little. But…”
“But what?”
“I did tell my mom I had a date so she wouldn’t bug me about it. I was planning to find a random guy to go with me, so I guess since she thinks it’s you…” She takes a drink, extends me the bottle.
I put my palm over my heart. “How magnanimous of you.”
“I know,” she teases. “Don’t you forget it.”
“So I am going to the wedding?”
“Yes.”
Get your copy here: 
Author Info:
When not attached to her laptop, USA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman can almost always be found with her nose in a book. A California girl, the beach is her favorite place for fun and inspiration. Her fondness for swoon-worthy heroes who flirt and stumble upon the girl they can’t live without jumpstarts most of her story ideas.
She loves to frequent coffee shops, spend time with her husband and two sons, and play sock tug of war with her cute, but sometimes naughty, dog Harry. She dreams of traveling to faraway places and loves to connect with readers. To keep in touch sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com
Jan 10, 2018 | Blog, January 2018, Robin Bielman
Rae: Thank you so much for hanging out with me today.
Robin: Thanks so much for having me!
Rae: If we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a peppermint mocha latte with Coconut Milk. What would you order?
Robin: That sounds yummy! I’d have a peppermint vanilla latte with either almond or coconut milk. 🙂
Rae: Happy Birthday – I brought cake today in honor of your birthday! It’s never too early for sweets!
Robin: Aw, I love cake! You are absolutely right – it’s never too early for sweets. Thanks for celebrating my b-day with me a day early. 😀
Rae: For those who are not familiar with your work, your backlist includes 16 books/novellas, that’s a lot of book adventures! If a reader is new to you, what book would you recommend the start with first?
Robin: It’s crazy when I think about how many books I have out! For readers who like sweeter romances, I would recommend Kissing the Maid of Honor and for those who like higher levels of heat, Keeping Mr. Right Now or Talk British to Me are good places to start.
Rae: You write of loving the outdoors and experiencing wicked adventures, what was the most terrifying thing you’ve done that you’d repeat? I read that you’ve skydived, parasailed, and even scuba dived, were they a one-time thing or do you regularly head out for an adrenaline rush? Have any of those adventures ended up in a book?
Robin: I’d love to do these things more regularly! I’ve only skydived once, but really want to again. It was a tandem dive so I was connected to an instructor and not scared at all. I couldn’t wait to write a heroine who skydives after that, and so there’s a skydiving scene in Falling For Her Bachelor. 🙂 There are lots more adventures I’d like to take for sure.
Rae: I must confess, I am a HUGE fan of your Wherever You Go series, can you give us a tease at the next installment?
Robin: Thank you! I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed the series. The next book is releasing April 16th and is Elliot and Madison’s story. As far as a tease goes, hmm… let’s just say neither is who the other expected. 😀
Rae: When you are writing a book, do you plot it out page by page, chapter by chapter? Or, do your characters guide you? How do you stay organized with your characters in a large series so that you don’t forget the little details?
Robin: My characters guide me and I love it! To stay organized, I always write with a notebook beside me that I keep handwritten notes in about character and plots so I can refer back to it as I write – especially books in the same series.
Rae: Are you a planner girl, a digital calendar fan, or do you have your own unique system that keeps your organized and on task with every aspect of your life :)?
Robin: I used to be so organized! Not so much anymore. LOL So, let’s say I have my own unique system that somehow works. I only occasionally screw things up.
Rae: Do you have a favorite place to write, or can you write anywhere? Do you find it easier to craft on a computer or with paper and pen?
Robin: My favorite place to write is at my desk where it’s nice and quiet. I’m not one of those people who can write anywhere, and I do almost all of my writing on my computer, but do take notes in a notebook.
Rae: What advise could you give to someone who is reading this and feeling inspired to write?
Robin: Do it! Write what makes you happy and whatever story or thoughts are in your head and heart. Enjoy the process and always believe in yourself.
Rae: What can we expect to see on the bookshelves in the upcoming months?
Robin: As mentioned, the third book in my Wherever You Go Series is releasing in April, and then I’m excited to share that I’m co-writing a book with the awesome and talented Samanthe Beck that will be releasing this summer.
Rae: If readers want to meet you in person where will you be?
Robin: I don’t have any plans to do any signings, but I will be at the RWA conference in Denver, and I always love to meet up with/run in to readers. Let me know if you’re going to be there!
Rae: Thank you for hanging out in the cafe today.
Robin: Thanks again for having me!!
***** Tasty Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why? Anything by Colleen Hoover because her words are amazing.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? The ocean.
3. Do you take-in or cook? If so, what is your “go-to” dish? Both! For go-to meals we love pizza, Chinese food, and sandwiches.
4. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I swear a lot.
5. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? I’m more of a pop, electronic girl.
6. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? Europe! (England, France, and Italy please.)
7. What is your guilty pleasure? Watching TV
8. What are you afraid of? Scary clowns
9. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? No tats.
10. Organized or Free Floating? I’m a laid-back, mostly organized girl. 🙂
11. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Both – current faves are Lucifer, Good Behavior, and Lethal Weapon, and I’ll binge watch shows on Netflix and movies on the Hallmark Channel.
12. What’s on your playlist? It’s been forever since I’ve updated it, but recent favorites are Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Charlie Puth, and Maroon 5.
13. What play or musical do you want to see next? Hamilton
14. Are you a crafter? Not really. When my boys were little, I did some scrapbooking and made them sports memory books, but that’s the extent of it.
15. What’s your favorite TV show and why? I’ve got lots of favorites – when it’s on, Dancing With The Stars always makes me smiley. 😀
16. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )? Ack! I don’t know.
17. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? Again, lots of favorites, mostly romantic comedies.
18. Would you rather see a movie in the theater or at home on DVD and why? It depends on my mood! It’s fun to go out, but it’s also fun to stay home in my PJ’s and get cozy with my hubby on the couch.
19. What is the one thing you can’t live without? My family
20. If you could invite 5 people to dinner (not friends and family – that’s too easy) who would be at your table? Where would you eat? Barack Obama, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Reese Witherspoon, and Louise Bay. We’d eat at a casual burger joint.
21. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be? Anesthesiologist – I always say in my next life I’m going to be a doctor.
22. Person you admire and why? My mom for her strength, amazing kindness, and overall awesomeness.
23. What are your top five locations on your bucket? Paris, the Amalfi Coast, Costa Rica, Ireland, Fiji.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another spiced latte :). Happy Reading Dear Readers. Happy Writing Robin.
Robin: Thank you! And thanks for the “coffee” and chat! Happy New Year! xoxo
Still want more to know more about Robin Bielman, head over to her website and discover more!
Jan 9, 2018 | Barbara Devlin, Blog, January 2018
Don’t miss this captivating collection from USA Today Best Selling Author Barbara Devlin. Featured in this Volume are three must read books in the Brethren of the Coast Series.
In honor of the box set release I’m linking my previously posted reviews below where you’ll find a review and excerpt. It’s time to sit back and fall into a historical romance series with stunning covers, majestic settings, stories that tug at your heart, and characters that are sexy, daring, compassionate, and always ready for an adventure.
It’s time to reunite with familiar characters or fall in love with new ones. With a bargain price of $0.99, it’s a must for your e-readers and gifting to those who love a great romance!
While these books are part of a series, and beautifully packaged I must add, they can be read as standalone reads. What are you waiting for? One-click now!
Read my previously posted review here.
Read my previously posted review here.
USA Today bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, Delaware that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite.
Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature not so perfect heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero before they find their happily ever after.
Barbara is a disabled-in-the-line-of-duty retired police officer, and she earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
www.barbaradevlin.com
Twitter: @barbara_devlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraDevlinAuthor/
