Jun 8, 2018 | Blog, June 2018, Lauren Blakely
It’s a cool summer night and after a long week you deserve a bookcation. Dive into Part-time Lover by Lauren Blakely to experience a sweet, fragrant, and spicy romance. One that will engage all of your senses and leave you with complete satisfaction.
A chance encounter, a memorable meet-cute, and the journey that two people will take to find each other. One date will change everything. Are you ready for a second-chance romance that will rely on pictures, perfume, and chemistry? Be prepared to crave more amazing must read books from Lauren, they are addicting. Now, grab your favorite treat, a yummy beverage and swipe that e-reader or turn the page. It’s time to meet Elise and Christian. Bon voyage!
In case you missed my release day post, click here for an excerpt now.
Scorchin – Caution, may lead to unexpected need to turn on the A/C
I received this book from Inkslinger PR for a fair and honest review.
✮✮✮PART-TIME LOVER is here! Grab your copy today! ✮✮✮
ORDER YOUR COPIES HERE!
**Books I Love A Latte is not responsible for selecting giveaway. Please read rules before entering. **
About Lauren Blakely:
A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 95 times, and she’s sold more than 2.5 million books. In June she’ll release PART-TIME LOVER, a sexy new standalone romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter
Jun 6, 2018 | Blog, Coffee With, Golden Czermak, June 2018
Rae: First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking an iced Coffee with coconut milk. I’m so happy summer is here 🙂 ! What would you order?
Golden: Iced Americano with coconut milk, or if I’m splurging an Iced Caramel Macchiato.
Rae: Ok, so I have to ask… how does a Chemical Engineer shift careers and find himself a working as a professional photographer taking pictures for book covers and building clients that appreciate a skilled eye behind a lens?
Golden: Over a loooooong time. LOL. I’ve always had an artistic flair to balance out the uptight nerdiness. However, it wasn’t until I got a new camera and decided to start taking stock photos for myself that the door swung fully open.
Rae: For those who are not familiar with your FuriousFotog brand, can you tell us how this evolved?
Golden: Certainly. It started off small and on weekends – portraits, newborns, even weddings (and bridezillas) to occupy my time. However, by December 2012 – after opening in August – I was approached by Alexis Alexander with the question “Do you shoot book cover photos?” Not knowing what exactly to do, but knowing a few good looking men, we did a full custom shoot for a cover and teasers for her book “Strong Enough.” The rest is, as said, history.
Rae: Readers, you need to check out his on-line store:
For photo prints, canvases, phone cases
For all my books
Rae: How do you find your models?
Golden: I used to stalk… I mean scout them on Instagram and Facebook. Social media (before the big swing toward making profit off posts) was a great tool for the industry. Similar to how books in the 2012/2013 era saw author careers blossom. Now, most approach me due to my status though there are still a few that I want to shoot badly but the oceans lie in between. haha
Rae: If you could shoot your dream book cover, who and where?
Golden: Chris Pratt… anywhere
Rae: So, we’ve established that your a successful and sought after photographer, how do you have time to write contemporary romance, erotica, science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal? Was this an easy transition from your Engineering work?
Golden: I would say the writing was easier than the photos – since it’s a technical craft that doesn’t require direct human interaction (just words and planning). However, as time went on, my peopleling skills developed and I think I am okay with both at this point. I guess speaking in front of hundreds at the old job embedded those skills I am thankful for.
Rae: Which genre is the easiest and which one is the most challenging?
Golden: Easiest for me is fantasy. Most difficult is contemporary, with its lack of fantasy lol.
Rae: Where do you draw your inspiration for your stories?
Golden: Personal imagingings and old daydreams, but mainly a case of “what if…”
Sometimes the models aid in character development – Gage Crosse for example (from the Journeyman Series) being a good representation of the model playing him – personality wise.
Rae: Do you plot your book before you sit down to write?
Golden: Yes, thanks to the engineer in me. I don’t do a hugely detailed outline, but for Cooper (my longest book) I took the approach I’ve used since:
General Arc > Chapter listing > General “must happen here” / “the point of this chapter is…” > writing.
This approach lets me hop arround too, instead of having to go in order. That doesn’t always work though… as characters do have a mind of their own and like to toy with me.
Rae: Do you use tools like a whiteboard or notebook to jot down all the details?
Golden: Note book.
Rae: Writing a book takes time, how do you carve out that pocket of time to write all the words and balance between photographer and writer?
Golden: Late nights, early mornings, and sometimes when sitting at the gym.It all fits in somehow, but don’t expect me to take on a full time designer job as well. lol
Rae: I appreciate how much you connect with your readers on social media, what is the most challenging aspect of sharing with your readers?
Golden: I think, for me, limiting myself. While we all love sharing ourselves and details, some aspects of everyone’s life should remain private. It becomes hard to do when a lot of people become friends, but not everyone has your best interest at heart, so it’s good to tread lightly.
Rae: Are you still able to maintain some privacy in your personal life?
Golden: Yes, but it is a challenge being so visible in a society that demands attention – always glued to the phones, etc. Private time is something I do cherish and just like my old job it’s learning a constantly adjusting balance.
Rae: What can we expect in 2018?
Golden: The rest of this year will focus on releasing the A Song of Ages Duet (following on from the Journeyman Series but 20 years later), along with Swole 6 on June 6 and Swole 7 later on. Ending the year will be The Steam Tycoon 2 and leading next year will be Cooper Bennett 2.
Rae: Where can readers find you in 2018?
Social Media:
Facebook Facebook Author
Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Goodreads ~ BookBub ~ Newsletter
Rae: Thank you for hanging out in the cafe today
1. What is a must read book and why?
Mine: The Secret Life of Cooper Bennett. It just has the right mix of everything!
Others: Stephen King’s IT. Looooong and challenging to read, it’s a real classic (and one that I read when I was 9…. lol)
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown?
Definitely the Space and Rocket Center. Huntsville is known for its role in the space race and has a large NASA presence.
3. Do you take-in or cook? If so, what is your “go-to” dish?
I love oriental food and try to cook it whenever I can.
4. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you?
That I’m gay… lol! Seriously, a lot of people don’t realize when they find out. I’m not sure if thats a good or a bad thing. haha
5. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist?
Mix of both – I like all kinds of music.
6. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go?
Old Europe (like Norway, Amsterdam, etc.) I just love the vibe from those cities.
7. What is your guilty pleasure?
Carbs. All of them.
8. What are you afraid of?
Disappointment and failure.
9. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one?
I’m covered…. haha. My first is a tribal “tree” on my back that has a lot of alchemy symbols used to create the philosopher’s stone. My mother was going through her battle with cancer at the time so it was my way of dealing with that issue.
10. Organized or Free Floating?
Organized to a fault.
11. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)?
Binge!
12. What’s on your playlist?
Random tunes mostly, but mainly EDM for the gym.
13. What play or musical do you want to see next?
I want to see Wicked again.
14. Are you a crafter?
I want to be more of one.
15. What’s your favorite TV show and why?
Gosh what a tough one. I would say Stranger Things now; just hearkens back to the 80s.
16. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )?
Haha damn! I would say it’s already being done with IT (Chapter 1 out last year; Chapter 2 coming next year)
17. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why?
Lord of the Rings – just geeks me out to the max.
18. Would you rather see a movie in the theater or at home on DVD and why?
The theater experience is a must for some… just the large screen and sound is an amazing experience.
19. What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Goals and love.
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?
I would invite my favorite authors (who are spread across genres) to talk shop. That would be interesting to see what is similar/different. Oh, and Chris Pratt because anyone who knows me knows of my obsession with the man. If I could get ONE official photo with him I would be in heaven.
21. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be?
Is billionaire from a romance book an option? LOL
22. Person you admire and why?
My mother… her strength and battle with cancer are my daily drivers. Even though she lost the second fight, my goal is to do her proud first.
In the beginning, Golden worked the standard corporate rat race, completed college for a Chemical Engineering Degree, and began a small photography company on the side.
Since then, and the growth of the FuriousFotog brand, Golden became an internationally published modeling/fitness photographer and eventually began working as a book cover model.
Having been in the industry for at least six years, he has interfaced and networked with countless authors and other clients. As part of his work as a photographer, he worked with them to create book cover images – now numbering over 550 at the beginning of 2018.
Learning the ins and out of the book world, along with being an avid reader and storyteller himself, Golden finally decided to write and publish his first book, Homeward Bound, in 2016.
www.onefuriousfotog.com (Photography)
www.goldenczermak.com (Books)
Jun 2, 2018 | Blog, June 2018, Lucy Farago
Book: A Necessary Deception
Author: Lucy Farago
Genre: Romantic Suspense.
Part of a series but can be read standalone.
The Whole Latte
If you’re looking for an action packed, on-the-edge-of-your-seat romance that takes you to the wild and beautiful mountains of Alaska that, then don’t miss A Necessary Deception by Lucy Farago. In the latest installment from Search and Recover series the Investigation Collections Unit is back and packed with writing that keeps you engaged, excited and ready to tackle some insane bad dudes. Let’s not forget the romance, scorchin’ chemistry and characters that you will fall in love with.
What would you do if you woke up in the middle of no-where Alaska with the clothes on your back and a HUGE secret. Lucy, thank you for a book with an amazing opening scene. Lucy Farago is a master storyteller with her ability to bring a reader immediately into her world and hook us from the first page with enough action, espionage, and romance to satisfy fans and create new ones.
When Taylor Moore finds herself alone in the wilderness with the sexy and mysterious Monty Buchannan, it will take courage, strength and faith that she can conquer her biggest fear. Who can be trusted? Who will survive?
The chemistry between Taylor and Monty is explosive. The layers in this story keep unfolding like a holiday present that has multiple surprises. Who can be trusted? Who will be victorious? What gadgets will she think of next? It’s time for a story that leaves you out of breath, full of hope, and in awe at the amount of research that Lucy Farago put into this story.
Don’t miss this exciting new release, a book adventure so vivid it felt like I was with them through the white covered mountains and chilly nights.Who will be victorious? Two people who must let go of their past and open up their hearts to the idea of a true love. One that has the ability to protect and defend anything that threatens to destroy it.
I received this ARC from Bare Naked Words for a fair and honest review. This Spicy novel is best enjoyed with your favorite iced-beverage, a cozy chair, and maybe a fan. In this situation, you’ll need your favorite winter clothes and accessories ;).
Meet the Author
Lucy Farago is an award winning, romantic suspense author whose sixth book, A Necessary Deception, released this May. A native Canadian, she began her writing journey twelve years ago when she joined the Romance Writers of America. Although she reads all genres, she prefers turning that final page with a smile on her face. She strives to give her readers the same satisfaction.
“Admit it, you were scared when you first saw me, but when you woke up, I was wearing the glasses. Your opinion changed. You thought I was smart. Most people trust someone they perceive as intelligent…and relatively harmless.”
“You mean nerdy. You wear glasses so people think you’re smart. Why is it you have to convince anyone of that?”
“I’ll admit I’m not a patient person. I don’t want to have to continually convince people I know what I’m doing. I…I did a lot of…convincing…when I was a kid. I won’t do it again. You asked who I was earlier. I’m a computer expert.”
Okay. “But not a normal techy.” Normal techies didn’t have underground hidey-holes. “So, what is it? Information officer for the military. Hacker for the CIA. What?” She’d feel a lot better if she knew he’d gone through some security clearance.
“I don’t watch any television. Except for The Bachelor, and that’s purely for business.” That was her story and she was sticking to it. “And who else but the government would fund a place like this?”
He sighed like a man not used to people questioning him. “I work for an agency that specializes in search and recover. Every team member has a role. I’m the computer guy. Mostly, our job is to find…things.”
“Judging from the hardware out there, I’d say they don’t hire you to find their missing pet.” Of that she was certain.
“And isn’t it the police’s job to find…things?”
“You with the police?” How much could she trust him?
“You’re asking too many questions.”
“Put yourself in my shoes.”
He got up and went into the kitchen. “How about some food? All you had was soup, and I haven’t eaten since this morning.”
Why didn’t he want to answer her? “Avoiding my questions when you’re stuck with me for who knows how long isn’t going to work.”
“I’m not avoiding. I’m hungry.” He opened a cupboard and pulled out a large can. “Chili? It says right on the can, fit for kings.”
“Sure,” she said, more to stay agreeable than actually looking forward to canned chili. She joined him. “You don’t work with the police. Do you work against them?” Although even to herself that sounded like a stupid question,
because if he did—if what they did was illegal—he wouldn’t tell her.
Jun 1, 2018 | Blog, June 2018, Lauren Blakely
PART-TIME LOVER Excerpt:
~Christian~
A year ago
I stroll up the hilly yard toward my house, passing my brother, Erik, who stands close to the porch. “Did you scare them all away? Admit it—they cringed in terror, scary movie—style.”
I slash an arm through the air. “Whole boatload of them. Tears, shrieks of horror. Wailing.”
He cringes dramatically.
“Toss me a towel, will you? Or do you want to continue to admire your more fit and handsome younger brother?”
Erik scoffs and throws the towel over the porch railing, away from me.
I shrug. “I’ll just go inside, and you can check out my arse.”
“You can count on me never ever checking out your arse.”
I grab the handle on the sliding-glass door and head inside to one of my homes. You can’t beat a home on the water. But then, a flat in Paris is hard for me to say no to as well. Good thing I get to have both.
I grab the pair of boxer briefs I left on the couch and tug them on as Erik follows me inside.
“Seriously. How did it go?”
“Exceptionally well. I landed a date tonight.”
“Bastard. You’re not supposed to get dates when you flash the tourists, and especially not when your beloved brother is only in town with you for a few days.” Most of the time Erik’s in London, where we were raised.
“Jealous much?” I ask, heading for the fridge and pouring a glass of cold water.
Erik flexes a bicep, then another, posing like he’s Mr. Olympia. “I’ve scored plenty of dates with this fabulous physique. Just none lately.”
“That would be because you’re married, you tosser.”
He flashes a dimpled grin. He’s so ridiculously in love with his wife, it’s nearly disgusting. He could be the poster child for man-who-falls-arse-over-elbow-for-a-woman. That’s something I can’t say for all the men in my family.
“I’m like Grandfather, happy as a clam.”
I furrow my brow. “How does anyone know clams are happy? Is there a study on clam happiness? We all assume they’re rays of sunshine, but how do we know?”
He scratches his chin. “Good question.”
“I bet they aren’t happy at all. I bet they feel nothing. Is that what happiness should feel like? Nothing?”
He sighs. “Aren’t you philosophical today?”
“Maybe. It happens every now and then.” I take a drink of the water. “But what can you do? Sometimes deep thoughts stray into my brain, and I can’t help it.”
“Best to get them out of your head if you have a date tonight.”
“Perhaps she likes thinkers,” I suggest.
“So who is she? Did you exchange numbers on the dock? Or did you, I don’t know, play charades with your appendages swinging in the breeze?”
“Yes. I can do Morse code with my d$*k.”
“Such a useful skill,” he deadpans.
“We did it the old-fashioned way. Picked a spot to meet and a time.”
He raises his chin. “And why her? Of all the ladies on all the tours you’ve ever flashed, you haven’t asked one out before. Not that you’ve told me about anyway.”
I let my brain rewind to the petite brunette with the big sunglasses who ogled me unabashedly from the side of the boat. She was pretty, that much I could tell even from fifty feet away.
But pretty alone isn’t enough. Pretty is a dime a dozen. I’ve dated women who aren’t pretty, but are witty, clever, and keep me on my toes. I like those traits just as much. Perhaps more. But I’m not opposed to pretty either.
Obviously.
“She was bold. She called out bravo. She said it louder than anyone ever has.”
“So she knows how to read your Morse code.”
“She’s welcome to read Morse code on me anytime. Come to think of it, she can even treat me like I’m fruit at the market.”
Erik laughs. “In some countries, they don’t let you touch fruit at the market.”
I gesture to my body, from my chest down to my legs. “In the fine country of Christian Land, it’s highly encouraged for the bold brunettes to touch the fruit.”
✮✮✮PART-TIME LOVER is here! Grab your copy today! ✮✮✮
ORDER YOUR COPIES HERE!
Let’s celebrate the release of Christian and Elise’s romance
with a Kate Spade Tote ($200 value) and $50 Gift Card to Sephora for your own Scentsual Fragrance!
About Lauren Blakely:
A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 95 times, and she’s sold more than 2.5 million books. In June she’ll release PART-TIME LOVER, a sexy new standalone romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter
