Jun 26, 2019 | Authors Dish, Blog, Harper Kincaid, Heather Long, June 2019, Lucy Farago, Romance Writers of America
If you’re heading to New York City July 24-27, 2019 for RWA2019 or another conference reminders and tips are always helpful. Especially when it comes to packing, and as a first timer commuting to the hotel each day I am hoping I remember to pack all the things in one suitcase ;).
There is nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night needing the very thing you forgot to pack. Or, finding out moments before you have a meeting or fun place to go, you ran out of or forgot something essential.
So, to all the newbies, and seasoned travel veterans, I’m running an Authors Dish specifically targeted on what authors and industry professionals always include in their suitcases, what they stash in their conference bag to avoid hunger pains and the things they forget once and hopefully never again.
May this inspire you to pack light and not forget anything at home. If you’re heading to RWA2019 I’d love to say hi. Comment below so we can be sure to meet up in NYC.
Stay tuned as we’ll have plenty of tips and tricks in the upcoming weeks so check the blog daily.
Today in the cafe are USA Today Bestselling Author Heather Long, Harper Kincaid, and Lucy Farago
Rae: What five things do you have to pack when attending a conference?
Heather: My ipad, charging cables, atomizer for the room, a notepad, and water bottles (I drive to a lot of conferences so I bring a whole case with me)
Lucy Farago:
1. dress shoes
2. comfortable shoes
3. more shoes…kidding…well, not really but let’s change my answer to business casual wear.
4. formal wear for the Rita’s and evening wear for dinner out
5. casual clothes to be comfortable enough to see the city
Harper Kincaid:
1. Extra underwear.
Trust me. You’re going to sweat when you bump into your favorite author and you don’t want to be stuck in stinky panties the rest of the day.
2. Nuclear-powered breath mints.
Because nothing I say will be fabulous if I have breath that smells like ass.
3. Ear plugs.
In case your roommate snores. That would be me btw.
4. Bandaids and neosporin.
Because you’re going to want to wear the cute shoes and they’re going to fuck up your feet. Happy feet equals happy week.
5. Permission to take a break.
There’s a LOT going on at RWA and it’s understandable you want to do it all. I’m telling you right now, that’s not going to happen. So make priorities and make sure to take little breaks. Your psyche will thank you.
Rae: What is your snack attack must haves in your day bag?
Heather: Hmm…I try not to snack, but I do like to munch on nuts. Soy Wasabi Almonds are like my all time favorite.
Lucy: I usually bring a couple of power bars with me. I often forget to eat.
Harper Kincaid: Cashews and raw almonds. Portable protein, baby.
Rae:What’s the one thing you forget to pack and swear to remember next time?
Heather: I hate to admit this, I’ve forgotten my anti-perspirant/deodorant so many times, I just plan to buy one when I get there.
Lucy: I nearly always forget something stupid, like mascara, or deodorant, toothpaste, bandaids for, you guessed it, shoes. Guaranteed I am running to a drug store for something.
Harper: Ha! There’s always something. I usually forget something like an extra jacket or a scarf or an eye mask. Something I don’t always use but will feel vital while I’m away.
Rae: Thank you so much authors! I’ll be keeping a running list and will post it a week before RWA2019 so that hopefully no one needs to make a quick run to the lobby market or drug store around the corner. I’ll see you soon for new authors and more ideas!
** Author Bios **
Heather Long:
USA Today bestselling author, Heather Long, likes long walks in the park, science fiction, superheroes, Marines, and men who aren’t douche bags. Her books are filled with heroes and heroines tangled in romance as hot as Texas summertime.
From paranormal historical westerns to contemporary military romance, Heather might switch genres, but one thing is true in all of her stories—her characters drive the books. When she’s not wrangling her menagerie of animals, she devotes her time to family and friends she considers family.
She believes if you like your heroes so real you could lick the grit off their chest, and your heroines so likable, you’re sure you’ve been friends with women just like them, you’ll enjoy her worlds as much as she does.
Heather is best known for her 18-book and growing paranormal romance series Wolves of Willow Bend, which begins:
Prequel: Wolf at Law
1: Wolf Bite
2: Caged Wolf
3: Wolf Claim
3.5: Wolf Next Door
4: Rogue Wolf
5: Bayou Wolf
6: Untamed Wolf
Heather’s other fantasy romance series include the paranormal westerns Fevered Hearts starting with Marshal of Hel Dorado, Black Hill Wolves which start with What a Wolf Wants, and the Bravo Team WOLF series.
Her contemporary romance series include: Always a Marine, Going Royal, Elite Warriors, The Love Thieves, beginning with Catch Me, and Lone Star Leathernecks, beginning with Semper Fi Cowboy.
Heather is well-represented in fantasy with her superhero series Boomers, a sci-fi western called Space Cowboy Survival Guide, an urban fantasy series called the Chance Monroe Adventures, and a stand-alone ghost novel, Haunt Me.
Lucy Farago: http://lucyfarago.com/news/meet-lucy/
Harper Kincaid: Born in California and raised in South Florida, Harper Kincaid has moved around like a gypsy with a bounty on her head ever since. For years, she was a jill of all trades and a master of none, but is now tickled hot pink to pen stories that break and mend people’s hearts for a living. Kincaid believes seduction occurs from the neck up, which is why her characters are smart, sexy, and slightly quirky – and definitely worthy to be your next hard-core book crush.
When not writing, she adores listening to indie, lo-fi, complaint rock played on vinyl, the theater, well-informed optimism, happy endings (both kinds), and making those close to her laugh ’til they snort. She is a self-admitted change junkie, loving new experiences and places, but has now happily settled in the cutest lil’ town, Vienna, Virginia.
AUTHOR LINKS:
Sign up for Harper’s Newsletter
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon | Bookbub
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.
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!
Nov 13, 2017 | Blog, Lucy Farago, November 2017
Rae: Lucy thank you so much for hanging out with me today. If we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a spiced latte with Coconut Milk. What would you order?
Lucy: Cafe latte…with a shot of Baileys.
Rae: Earlier this year we met at RT Booklovers in Atlanta, what advise can you give to a reader if they are attending in 2018 for the first time?
Lucy: Take a friend with you. The lines are long and while its a great way to meet people, its always more fun with someone you already know.
Rae: It’s hard to believe that it’s almost the end of October, time flies when there are books to read and books to write. Do you have any traditions or decorate the house?
Lucy: No, but I do complain about summer ending and winter starting… a lot…a whole lot.
Rae: Canada celebrated Thanksgiving last month, do you have a favorite dish you make each year?
Lucy: No. Thanksgiving isn’t that big a deal in Canada. But we started frying our turkey! My husband looks forward to it every year.
Rae: For those who are not familiar with your work, you write romantic suspense and have two series – Search and Recover and Women of Vegas. Can you tell us a little bit about them. Will there be more books in the series?
Lucy: The Women of Vegas series is four books and centres around women and how their quest for redemption finds them love. Although all four are strong women, each struggle with things they’ve done in the past, hence “Sin” in each title. Sin on the Strip, Sin and the Millionaire, Sin on the Run and Sins That Haunt. The Search and Recover series is about the men you met in my first series, the men of ICU, an elite search and recovery organization under the guise of a private investigation agency. Their journey will test them like no other and when they’re done, the women by their sides will have made everything they went through worth it.
Rae: When did you realize that you wanted to write romance?
Lucy: I love Karen Marie Moning’s book and I decided I’d to try my hand at it. I never set out to be a writer. I just wanted to see if I could do it.
Rae: What inspired your first book and was that the one that was published?
Lucy: My first book is an historical romance and it’s never been published. One day…maybe.
Rae: In your bio you talk about your journey to publishing and am so happy you decided to change careers. I love reading your stories! What advise can you give to aspiring writers who have been writing a while without any interest or feedback?
Lucy: Join a writer group. One, someone will read your work and Two, someone will be there to cheer you on when the news isn’t good.
Rae: When you are writing a book, do you plot it out page by page, chapter by chapter? Or, do your characters guide you?
Lucy: I wish I plotted better but I never really figure out my characters or my twists until I’m 2/3 done.
Rae: When you sit down to write, do you focus on words per day or a time-block for a specific day?
Lucy: I write until I don’t. Setting goals never works for me and I don’t like to frustrate myself.
Rae: What can we expect to see on the bookshelves in the upcoming months?
Lucy: A Necessary Deception—Monty’s story, comes out in the spring and is set in Alaska. The cover is awesome, the best one yet. but I can’t wait to reveal it.
Rae: If readers want to meet up with you in person, where will you be in 2018?
Lucy: I’ll be in Denver for RWA next July and in Ottawa for Romancing the Capital with Eve Langlais. And I’m always on Facebook.
Rae: Thank you for hanging out in the cafe today.
**** Tasty Tidbits ****
1. What is a must read book and why? I enjoy books that make me laugh. So for that reason,”Lamb, the Gospel of Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal”. I love Christopher Moore. The man is a god.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? The Rideau Canal. It’s the longest skating rink in the world and is beautiful in the summer.
3. Do you take-in or cook? If so, what is your “go-to” dish? Owning a restaurant means we take-in often, but I enjoy cooking more. That said, my kids and I prefer Pad Thai to hamburgers.
4. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I own 4 gourmet burger restaurants.
5. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? Neither. While I enjoy rock, it’s not my go-too music. I do like Bon Jovi and Aerosmith but I’m really like Maroon Five.
6. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? I’ve always wanted to go an exotic island. I don’t care where, as long as it has cool rooms and a great beach.
7. What is your guilty pleasure? I don’t really have one, but if there is Pecan Pie on the menu, I order it.
8. What are you afraid of? You’d never catch me alone…in a farmhouse….in the middle of no where…with stupid people in clown costumes.
9. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? I have an orchid on my foot. I had a Lady Di wedding bouquet with orchids.
10. Organized or Free Floating? Free floating, but in I was I had the energy for organized.
11. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Both. I PVR certain season of shows like This is Us but I enjoy certain reality shows like the Bachelor (of course) or Survivor.
12. What’s on your playlist? Everything. I listen to almost anything except Acid or Scream Rock and gangster rap. My car is dialed into country music.
13. What play or musical do you want to see next? I like to see Carole King, but that would a trip to NY…darn.
14. Are you a crafter? Yes. When I’m stuck in story I bake or craft.
15. What’s your favorite TV show and why? Big Bang. I love to laugh. I used to like Murder She Wrote when it was on.
16. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )? Biff. Christopher Moore says there is no hidden meaning in his books. I think he’s lying. This book makes you think about the life of Christ and what we don’t know or think we know.
17. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and do you really need to ask?
18. Would you rather see a movie in the theater or at home on DVD and why? I don’t see a ton of theatre movies. I prefer being able to stop the movie when I want.
19. What is the one thing you can’t live without? I don’t have anything I can live without.
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? Martha Stewart, Hillary Clinton, Steve Hawking, Steven Wozniak, Prince Harry and we’d eat at Le Bernardin in NY, one of my favourite places.
21. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be? CEO of Google because it looks like a fun place to work.
22. Person you admire and why? hmm, she’s dead. Lady Diana. The woman had guts.
For more information about Lucy visit her website at www.lucyfarago.com
Aug 23, 2017 | August 2017, Barbara Devlin, Blog, Lucy Farago, Mary Wine, Sarah Ballance, Sarina Bowen
Her Sexy Challenge by Sarah Ballance is witty, charming, and absolutely sexy. Any story that involves firefighters, a bookstore and a woman overcoming her fears is worth reading.
Our dear hero, Shane Hendricks is ready to stop chasing ghosts and put the past behind him. If he’d only realize that he doesn’t have to leave town to feel complete and discover who he was truly meant to be.
Caitlyn Tyler is the perfect woman for Shane with her unique approach to conquering her fears and her sense of humor. Every book I’ve read from Sarah has strong women who just find themselves in the most precarious situations. We all have fears we’d like to conquer and I’m sure many readers will relate to Caitlyn, especially if it might involve a sexy fireman ;).
One-click this contemporary romance and discover a witty, charming and absolute must read from an author who makes me laugh and finally conquer my own fears.
A spicy 2 1/2 pepper read that has enough 
heat to make you sizzle and is for mature readers 18+.
While I received an advance copy from the publisher for a fair and honest review it makes a great gift for yourself or anyone looking for a book adventure. At a bargain price of $0.99 it makes a great gift for yourself or a friend!
Get your copy here: Her Sexy Challenge
If you love stories set in the Scottish Highlands with clans, battles and men in kilts then be sure to one-click Mary Wine’s latest historical romance release.
A man feared by many and a woman who will take a stand. Add a kidnapping with a twist and a ransom fit for a war chief and you are sure to find a love that burns bright. Helen must find a way to let Marcus MacPherson close enough to capture her heart. Will Marcus prove he’s worth of her love?
A majestic love story of one man who will stop at nothing to ensure his homeland is protected. Will he make it in time to protect Helene and keep her reputation in tact? Helene is strong and will challenge Marcus to prove that she will not be commanded. The tension between them is wicked 😉 as they adjust to their new arrangement.
Take a trip back in time to a world of clans, castles, lairds and lots of men in kilts. If you are suffering from Outlander withdrawal than one-click this must read. It has that and more! Yes! A thousand times more.
Get your copy here: Highland Vixen (Highland Weddings Book 2)
Pipe Dreams by Sarina Bowen is an emotionally satisfying conclusion in her Brooklyn Bruisers hockey series. When Mike Beacon discovers his wife’s unforgivable secret he is prepared to start fresh and find happiness. It will take a tragic turn of events to tear him apart from the one woman who could give him everything he wants.
We have been told that time heals the heart, but for Mike, he will discover that if he’s to find love then he must make the ultimate sacrifice. Hearts have been broken and lives changed.
Lauren Williams was there for Mike when he was betrayed but when he leaves her without any word it tears her world apart. Was it all a lie? What they had was raw, real and sizzled. When the truth is leaked, will his heart survive the fallout? No amount of protective gear can save him when he has a chance to redeem himself and confront his past.
Sarina’s series gives a perfect balance of squeeze and spice in this 2 1/2 pepper read that 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 it makes a great gift for yourself or anyone looking for a book adventure.
Get your copy here: Pipe Dreams (A Brooklyn Bruisers Novel)
The Stablemaster’s Daughter by Barbara Devlin is infused with romance, heat and beloved characters from her spicy Pirate series. Fans of The Iron Corsair will rejoice in reading about the devoted and loyal brother Lord Ernest who deserves a happy-ever-after with the one woman he’s never forgotten, his childhood crush Henrietta. When these former friends reunite it’s page perfect.
Discover what happens when two kindred souls uncover a secret that nearly destroyed them both. Is there room for forgiveness? In order for a relationship to work there needs to be honesty, acceptance, and selfless acts of devotion. Will they finally succeed in being together forever?
Whenever I pick up one of Barbara Devlin’s books I am guaranteed that I will be reading until the very last page. Every book has rich and vivid details, a fast moving pace, and a plot full of twists and surprises. It’s time to dive in and read a book that is satisfying in every way and will leave you swooning for Lords, Pirates and romance. One-click now.
I received this book for a fair and honest review.
Get your copy here: The Stablemaster’s Daughter (Regency Rendezvous Book 10)
A Necessary Lie by Lucy Farago will keep you on the edge of your comfy chair till the very last page. This was my first adventure from Lucy and I can’t wait to read more. From the sexy cover to the men of the Investigative Collection Unit it’s a must for your summer reading.
Cowboy has one job and with it comes deception and a few secrets. No one knows his real name and he’s never wanted to tell any woman his true identity. That’s all about to change.
Grace Irvine is a reporter and will stop at nothing until she uncovers the truth even if it means the worst involving her missing friend. Meddling family, dangerous secrets and knowing when to ask for help will impact Grace and her resolution in her latest case. When she needs help, in the form of a tall and handsome Cowboy, she will find out that looks are deceiving, evidence can be tampered with and her heart can’t be protected.
I loved the chemistry, the writing and the gradual suspense of uncovering a mystery that’s shocking and characters that are wickedly charming, wity, and naughty. Dive into a world of reporters, politicians, the ICU, and one sexy Cowboy.
I received an ARC from the author for a fair and honest review and look forward to the next installment.
Get your copy here: A Necessary Lie (Search and Recover)
