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Given that I am entirely unpublished until now, I can’t imagine anyone knows anything about me in the first place… but okay: I can harmonize a ton.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.
Aug 24, 2020 | August 2020, Blog, M. Napier, M. Spencer, Meredith Bond, Pru Warren, Randi Goldleif
Editor’s Introduction:
The pandemic hit, and the world shut down. Yet everywhere we looked there was evidence of people reaching out: working at food distribution centers, making masks, or adopting shelter animals. And then the world’s attention rightly shifted to racial injustice, and people took to the streets. But some of us were flummoxed. Personal or family health concerns kept us sealed inside our walls. Sewing? Not a clue. Animals? Either prohibited or just not possible. The feeling of helplessness was constant.
What could I do? After years working in various fields, I’ve recently returned to my first love: writing. Stories have a way of lifting the heart and making a bad day more bearable. And so I reached out to fellow writers and asked them to join me. Four brave and talented authors did so, and we set ourselves an ambitious timeline.
Despair and hate are strong, but love is stronger. People found love in the rubble of the World Trade Center and in the damage left by Hurricane Katrina. Widows and widowers find love in support groups, and addicts find love in recovery programs. Activists find love in protest marches. Deep scars will remain, but love will emerge from this year of tribulation as well.
We hope these five stories of love will bring a smile to your face and a lightening of the burdens you may be carrying. All proceeds from the sale of Love Gone Viral will be donated to World Central Kitchen and Feeding America. We are neither affiliated nor endorsed by these charities; we simply want to help. Thank you for joining us.
Meg Napier, July 2020
Another week means more books to read and this time it’s a bookcation with characters that are discovering in their own time the disease unfolding, the impact in their world, and how they have navigated through these challenging situations with Covid-19.
Yes, that’s right … Covid-19. Within this anthology our characters are just discovering all the things. Each tale delivers behind closed doors romance, a variety of genres, writing styles, and plot twists in their own Covid-19 world. One that includes uncertainty and ever changing information. Yes, there is something for everyone.
I admit I was a bit skeptical at first to read a Covid-19 romance but loaded it to my kindle and gave it a read. Readers, please keep in mind these tales were written and published last month. Any recent developments will not be reflected in these stories and that’s totally fine. The stories are worth a read and I’m excited to read more from these new to me authors.
Love is love and we all want a chance to experience it.
Despite it all, there is still a desire to be loved and have a happy-ever-after. These behind closed doors tales have enough sweetness to put a pink blush on your cheeks and leave your heart full of joy. Warm, sensual, and delicious.
For more information on spicy latte ratings read here.
Falling Through Air by Meredith Bond is a time travel romance set in an ER in a Georgetown hospital in Washington, DC. Susie and Michael will discover a connection that just might be the key to surviving an illness with no treatment and no cure. Fantasy, time travel, and a lot of powerful energy bring two souls together. You can’t fight your destiny even in times of Covid.
Author Bio:
Meredith Bond‘s books straddle that beautiful line between historical romance and fantasy. An award-winning author, she writes fun traditional Regency romances, medieval Arthurian romances, and Regency romances with a touch of magic. Known for her characters “who slip readily into one’s heart,” Meredith loves to take her readers on a journey they won’t soon forget.
Merry loves connecting with readers. Be sure to find her:
Website: http://www.meredithbond.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meredithbondauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/merrybond
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/merrybond/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/847484.Meredith_Bond
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Meredith-Bond/e/B001KI1SNE/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredith_bond/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meredith-bond
And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter: http://meredithbond.com/subscribe/ and get a free short story every month along with all of Merry’s news and the opportunity to get her next book before it’s even published!
Second Drop by Meg Napier takes us on a road trip adventure. When Lizzies car collides with a tree in the middle of nowhere a good samaritan will save her from a night in the woods. Will she let him drive her to safety?
An epidemiologist, a meddling mother, a furry friend, and the desire to be connected make this a fun, light read. Dating is always challenging, and during times of social distancing connecting with strangers is like nothing we’ve ever experienced.
Author Bio:
Meg Napier’s friends during her high school years all expected her romance novels to hit the shelves decades ago, but she foolishly allowed “serious pursuits” to get in her way. Now that her beloved children can feed, clothe, and most importantly, support themselves, she’s free to turn her attention to her first passion – putting words to paper that capture your attention and make your heart sing in quiet joy. Her stories tell most frequently of second chances–in life, love, and sometimes even at rediscovering a soul-mate from a previous life. Writing is as fundamental as breathing, but when little roadblocks appear, it is the support of her wonderful husband and family that gives her the motivation to carry on. Email her at [email protected] or find her at:
Website: MegNapier.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MegNapierAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NapierMeg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megnapierauthor/
Bending Love by Randi Goldleif is a time-travel romance that travels through time during Covid-19. Rosalind and Ashley will need to have faith if their love will survive. One note has the power to change everything in this bite-sized read.
What would you do to find your way to the one person you loved? Would you let a mistake define your life, or do everything in your power to fix it?
Author Bio:
Randi Goldleif lives in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee with her partner. Always drawn to reading and writing, she dictated her first story to her mother in the first grade.
She constantly found herself in trouble during elementary and middle school because she was either reading books in math class or reenacting grand adventures of damsels in distress on the playground.
When not creating stories, she can be found hiking, running, or hanging with friends.
Website: TheRandiGoldleif.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RandiGoldleif
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RandiGoldleif
Joan’s Journal by Pru Warren is set at the beginning of the pandemic at a quaint Bed and Breakfast. A dutiful daughter returns to help her parents only to discover they allowed visitors to stay despite the warning from local officials to shut everything down.
What will happen when sparks fly during a quarantine? I love the twist at the end of this tale and must admit I was a bit skeptical to read an anthology about Covid-19. Pru’s story takes us back to the early days of discovery with lots of humor back when we didn’t fully understand the mechanics of this crazy illness, the lack of supplies and the belief that we could outsmart an invisible virus.
Author Bio: Pru Warren believes strongly in the “Happily Ever After” – and that romance novels are crucial when life isn’t living up to expectations. (Note to the wise: writing them is even more fun than reading them. Come on in – the water’s fine!) When not plotting or writing her next romantic comedy, Pru flagrantly wastes time, avoids cooking, and both tries and fails to improve her health. Follow Pru (and download the epilogue to “Joan’s Journey” – choose from a clean-and-sweet or a down-and-dirty version!) on her website.
Website: www.pruwarren.com
Lease on Love by M. Spencer is a second chance romance, sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.
A cup of tea will spark a friendship and possible romance when the world is unsteady and a new virus is impacting more than just our health.
Author Bio: M. Spencer is a little too excited that SCOTUS oral arguments are now available for livestream, especially since she’s not a lawyer. A bona fide bibliophile, she hides her piles of romance paperbacks in tote bags because her bookshelves are already stuffed with other titles. Her hobbies include wearing red lipstick, studying French and Russian decorative art, and replaying the Assassin’s Creed games. She is eternally grateful that she can count on the hero of her own romance to read her first drafts and point out any plot holes. She writes erotica under a pseudonym and dwells in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSpencerAuthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspencerauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSpencerAuthor
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.
Jul 15, 2020 | Anthology, Blog, July 2020, M. Spencer, Meg Napier, Meredith Bond, Pru Warren, Randi Goldleif
Happy Book Birthday Love Gone Viral – Five COVID-19 Related Romances. Over the next few days get to know the authors behind this collection, a giveaway, and the inspiration for this collection.
Editor’s Introduction:
The pandemic hit, and the world shut down. Yet everywhere we looked there was evidence of people reaching out: working at food distribution centers, making masks, or adopting shelter animals. And then the world’s attention rightly shifted to racial injustice, and people took to the streets. But some of us were flummoxed. Personal or family health concerns kept us sealed inside our walls. Sewing? Not a clue. Animals? Either prohibited or just not possible. The feeling of helplessness was constant.
What could I do? After years working in various fields, I’ve recently returned to my first love: writing. Stories have a way of lifting the heart and making a bad day more bearable. And so I reached out to fellow writers and asked them to join me. Four brave and talented authors did so, and we set ourselves an ambitious timeline.
Despair and hate are strong, but love is stronger. People found love in the rubble of the World Trade Center and in the damage left by Hurricane Katrina. Widows and widowers find love in support groups, and addicts find love in recovery programs. Activists find love in protest marches. Deep scars will remain, but love will emerge from this year of tribulation as well.
We hope these five stories of love will bring a smile to your face and a lightening of the burdens you may be carrying. All proceeds from the sale of Love Gone Viral will be donated to World Central Kitchen and Feeding America. We are neither affiliated nor endorsed by these charities; we simply want to help. Thank you for joining us.
Meg Napier, July 2020
Be sure to check the blog tomorrow for my thoughts on the collection and my first Coffee With.
Click the cover to get your copy today.
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.
Thank you in advance for your continued support.
