Nov 3, 2019 | Blog, Gina L. Maxwell, November 2019
Hook (Neverland Novels Book 2) by Gina L. Maxwell is an emotionally satisfying read that kept me on the edge of my seat. From the gorgeous and sexy cover, to the very last page, this story has everything I was looking for in my book adventure and yes, I was willfully captured by Hook ;). I hope you will be too.
If you grew up on stories Neverland and Peter Pan escaping the villainous Hook, grab your bag and get ready to set sail on a new adventure. A modern version M/M romance is captivating, daring, bold and brave. This emotional journey is one that I wanted to never end as quickly devoured this in less than two hours. I know there is more to this series and while I want to read it now, I will patiently wait ;).
James Hook is a villainous pirate and will do anything to protect his crew. Now more than ever he’ll stop at nothing to protect those he holds near and dear. While he might be able to forgive most of previous and heinous crimes, he’s got a score to settle with the notorious Fred Croc. Will he finally get his revenge?
Secrets have a way of unraveling when you least expect it. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to hide them, they surface. Life is unpredictable and you need to be prepared for the twists and turns. Hook has waited patiently for the revenge he seeks. What will happen to when Officer John Darling returns in his life with a proposal that will test his power, control and trust?
James has spent years restraining his feelings toward the one man who he can’t have. If James can believe that he’s worthy and not broken, he might discover a love that’s been there all along.
Readers, it’s time to dive into those fairy tales one more time and take flight. I thought I was ready for Hook’s story, and then, Gina surprised me with so much more!
Add this series to your holiday wish list and for anyone who loves an inferno read.Be prepared to turn on the A/C, the fan, and take a cold shower.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and fair review.
Please note from the official blurb: *Trigger Warning for readers sensitive to characters with sexual assault in their pasts. Please read the Author’s Note in the beginning of the book for more details.
Get your copy here: 
Get your copy of Pan: 
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About Gina
Jul 2, 2019 | Blog, Cathy Maxwell, July 2019, Tarina Deaton, Tonya Burrows
Welcome newbies and seasoned travel veterans to Authors Dish. With only three weeks until #RWA2019 I’m searching for 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. While some of the authors contributing are not attending, we love that they want to contribute and hope their words of wisdom help to ease any anxiety you might have getting all the things in your suitcase.
May this inspire you to plan, make your lists, and triple check so you are prepared for just about anything. If you’re heading to RWA2019 I’d love to say hi. Comment below so we can be sure to meet up in NYC.
Hopefully you won’t find yourself waking up in the middle of the night panicked that you now need 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.
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 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Cathy Maxwell, Author Tarina Deaton, and Author Tonya Burrows.
Rae: What five things do you have to pack when attending a conference?
Cathy Maxwell:
Sneaks and flats, swag, something dressy for publisher parties, lavender oil for a restful night’s sleep, and all the buttons that I’ve collected over the years of attending RWA to wear on my name badge.
Tarina Deaton:
Comfortable shoes. A notebook for notes. My plot bunny notebook (I never leave home without it). Business cards. Extra space (for all the goodies I take home).
Tonya Burrows:
1. Comfortable shoes. (Very important!)
2. Swag and/or books depending on the conference and if I’m attending a signing. If there’s not a signing, then business cards.
3. Leggings. After a week of dressing up, by the last day I’m ready to go back to my regularly scheduled writer wardrobe.
4. Water bottle. (Hydrate, people. Seriously. You’ll thank me for this one.)
5. Alcohol. Hotel bar drinks are expensive!
Rae: What is your snack attack must haves in your day bag?
Cathy: Fruit. I keep a bag of clementines or a banana in my room.
Tarina: I’m really bad about remembering to put snacks in my bag, but it would probably be wasabi almonds because I like to crunch on things.
Tonya: I usually pack protein bars and keep a filled water bottle on hand at all times. Between all the drinking and walking, I tend to get dehydrated at conference and then I end up waking up in the middle of the night with leg cramps. No fun.
Rae:What’s the one thing you forget to pack and swear to remember next time?
Cathy: A cork screw! (And I bet I’m not the only author who has forgotten one.)
Tarina: This is only my second big conference I’m attending as an author, but the one thing I forgot last time was business cards. I had to run out to Walmart and get the printable ones so I’d at least have SOMETHING.
Tonya: I’ve been doing this conference thing for seven years now, so I’ve got packing down to an art. But at my very first RWA in 2012, I didn’t even think to pack a small sewing kit and of course the strap on my RITA dress broke. Luckily, one of my new friends came to my rescue, but I went out and bought one as soon as I got home. It lives in my suitcase now, along with a small first aid kit and a bag of safety pins. I hardly ever use it, but I’ll have it when I need it.
Rae: Thank you so much authors! Readers, what’s the ONE thing you always forget and swear to include next time when you travel? How do you make sure that you remember ;).
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!
Cathy Maxwell: Cathy Maxwell is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty historical romance novels. She never minds spending hours in front of her computer pondering the question, “Why do people fall in love?” To her, it remains the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness. To discover more about Cathy and her books, visit www.cathymaxwell.com
Tarina Deaton:Tarina is an award winning author who has spent her entire life in and around the military – first as a dependent and then as an enlisted Air Force member. Her debut novel, Stitched Up Heart, released in September 2016 and hit the number one spot on Amazon’s Top 100 Free Military Romance. She uses her life as inspiration for many of her stories, because truth is stranger (and funnier) than fiction.
Tarina is still active duty and a single mom of six-year-old twins. Her favorite hobby is sleep. She has delusions of retiring from the military and being a stay-at-home mom.
Tonya Burrows: Tonya Burrows wrote her first romance at age 13 and hasn’t put down her pen since. Originally from a small town in Western New York, she suffers from a bad case of wanderlust and usually ends up moving someplace new every few years. As of now, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with The Boyfriend, a diva schnoodle, a plucky pug-mix, and #writercat.
When she’s not writing about hunky military heroes, Tonya can usually be found kayaking, hiking, or road tripping across the country. She also enjoys painting and B grade disaster movies.
If you would like to know more about Tonya, visit her website at www.tonyaburrows.com. She’s also on Twitter @tonyaburrows and Facebook www.facebook.com/tonyaburrowsauthor
In case you missed our other posts here’s the recap so far:
7-1-19: Authros Dish RWA 2019 – USA Today Bestselling Author Robin Covington, Author Kelly Maher, and Author Cate Taylor
6-30-19 USA Today Bestselling Author Naima Simone, Author Nancy Northcott, and Author Gail Z. Martin / Morgan Brice
6-29-19 Authors Dish RWA 2019 with USA Today Bestselling Author Suzanne Ferrell, Author Jeanne Adams, and Author Olivia Hardin
Jan 3, 2018 | Blog, Cathy Maxwell, Coffee With, January 2018
Rae: Thanks so much for hanging out with me today. First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking an spiced Latte with Coconut Milk with chocolate drizzle, what would you order?
Cathy: Just coffee with room for cream and stevia.
Rae: Congratulations on your 41st release (is that correct?)
Cathy: Not even close. This is my 33rd book. I’ve written a few novellas but 41 is still a high number. I hope to reach it someday, but I’m not there yet.
Rae: If Ever I Should Love You. It released on December 26th and I must thank you, it was my favorite birthday present 😉 I rarely have books released on my birthday! What was the inspiration for this new book adventure?
Cathy: Happy birthday to you! This is lovely, Rae. The inspiration for this new series was something my husband used to say: You can marry money but you can’t live with it.
I know, I know, it doesn’t make complete sense . . . unless one is in an upside down relationship. Money can be a great tool for climbing a social ladder or it can destroy a person’s character.
In IF EVER I SHOULD LOVE YOU, I’m using money has a tool to bring two people who were truth destined to be together. 
Rae: The last time we sat down it was always during games at RT in Atlanta. I am fascinated in your career, you began in broadcasting and then worked in Naval Intelligence. How does one then make the leap writing Historical Romance?
Cathy: I always knew that I would someday write a book. Back when I was a news broadcaster, I found myself frustrated by the trajectory of my career. Mind you, this was back in the day when women were struggling to be taken seriously in broadcasting. I saw my career ahead of me—I’d move up to Wichita, then Omaha, then maybe St. Joe, and by that time I’d be thirty and my on-air career would be over. Furthermore, I found reading the news dissatisfying. It is a bit like telling people bedtime stories. At the time, I was working for a small satellite station where on top of all of the reporting duties I also wrote advertising, did the billing, and vacuumed. It doesn’t sound glamorous but it was great. I had complete control as long as I stayed under budget. However, I didn’t know if I wanted to move up.
So, I made a list of the twenty-five things I wanted to do with my life. Travel was on there. Writing a book was another item. And I wanted to join the Navy. I can’t remember much else because I set into motion the travel and joining the military. I have no regrets. It was a grand adventure.
Writing a book was trickier. I had no idea what I wanted to write—until I read my first romance novel. FIERCE EDEN by Jennifer Blake captured my imagination and here I am today.
Rae: Your backlist is impressive and inspiring with multiple series and standalone reads, what can we expect in 2018? Will there be more books from current series, or new ones in the works? That being said, how do you keep all of your worlds and characters from crossing over?
Cathy: Right now, the plan is for all the three books in the “Spinster Heiresses” series to be released in 2018.
I do have a loose bible of what I want to have happen over the course of the series. More importantly, I have a huge imagination full of people who are alive in my mind. I keep track of them as easily as I maintain tabs on any of my loving friends.
Rae: As a reader who appreciates a well crafted book cover, are you active in the creative design process? They are
stunning.
Cathy: Thank you! All credit goes to the excellent Avon Books Art Director.
Rae: I read that you love horses, do you ride daily? I hear the experience can be very therapeutic.
Cathy: I adore horses. Unfortunately, when I moved to Texas, I left my beautiful Dinero behind. It didn’t seem right to move him from where he is happiest. He is a sensitive soul. My trainer purchased him and they are heading for the show ring, something I had no desire to do or the talent for it. Still, I love them. I’m now content to donate to area equine rescues.
Rae: Writing all the words is a challenge, do you have a writing ritual or secret location to get the work done?
Cathy: No, nada. With me, it is go for it and hope it makes sense when I’m done.
Rae: Can you tell us how you tackle plotting your series? Is it on a massive board, sheets of paper or just write as you go with a simple outline?
Cathy: Most of the story is in my head. I do prepare a bible of sorts so I understand the themes I want to cover but the details of each book are always evolving. I yank stuff that displeases me out with wild abandon.
Rae: What can we expect to see on the bookshelves in the upcoming months?
Cathy: Book two of the Spinster Heiresses series A MATCH MADE IN BED will be released April 26. Look for THE DUKE THAT I MARRY along towards the end of 2018.
** Tantalizing Tidbits **
1. What is a must read book and why? I don’t have one. I have zillions! I just made my Romance Book Club read TIGER’S EYE by Karen Robards. That book has everything—sweeping romance, a outlaw hero, a betrayed heroine. Just big and grand reading.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Summer Moon Coffee Shop.
3. Do you take-in or cook? If so, what is your “go-to” dish? I cook. I’m crazy about a vegetarian chili. I’m also a fan of greens and mustard vinaigrette with fried eggs.
4. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? That I can be introverted.
5. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? All of them. I’m eclectic.
6. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? France and Germany. And the research would be about readers. European markets are opening for Romance in a big way and I’d like to spend time meeting readers.
7. What is your guilty pleasure? Zumba!!!!!!!
8. What are you afraid of? Something bad happening to people I love.
9. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? No tats. I’m a true rebel.
10. Organized or Free Floating? What a mess!
11. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Binge. Right now, Big Love and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
12. What’s on your playlist? Everything. Classical, blues, bluegrass, rock, reggatone, rap, alternative, jazz. You name it; I’ve got it.
13. What play or musical do you want to see next? I have no idea. I’d like to see Hamilton
14. Are you a crafter? No.
15. What’s your favorite TV show and why? I binge, see above.
16. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )? I’m thinking the Beard Science would be a good one.
17. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? Waking Ned Devine. Such wonderful characters and good humor. Every time I make a chicken dinner, I think of that movie.
18. Would you rather see a movie in the theater or at home on DVD and why? Home because it had better be an excellent movie for me to watch it in a theater. Yes, I’m one of those people who gets antsy if the movie is mediocre. I want to rewrite it.
19. What is the one thing you can’t live without? My computer. It is my lifeline to the world.
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? Brazilian chef Alex Atala, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Poet Naomi Shihab Nye, Behaviorist Dan Ariely, and Pope Francis. There is a great food truck here in Austin that serves barbeque and homemade tortillas. We’ll eat there.
21. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be? Agent
22. Person you admire and why? There are so many . . . but let me choose Merline Lovelace who had a stellar career in the Air Force during some turbulent years for women in the armed forces and has gone on to a wonderful writing career. She lives life to the fullest with grace and laughter.
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out in the cafe today! Time for another spiced latte 🙂 Thank you! It has been fun.
Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Author Info:
Cathy Maxwell is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty historical romance novels. She never minds spending hours in front of her computer pondering the question, “Why do people fall in love?” To her, it remains the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness. To discover more about Cathy and her books, visit www.cathymaxwell.com
Feb 2, 2018 | Authors Dish, Blog, February 2018, Kimberly Kincaid, Lori Ann Bailey, MK Meredith
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 MK Meredith, Kimberly Kincaid, and Lori Ann Bailey.
Rae: Who are you reading?
MK Meredith: I just finished Best Man Under the Mistletoe by Jules Bennett (so cute!) and I’m currently reading Hemingway’s Girl by Erika Robuck. Of course, you can’t go wrong with Catherine Bybee, Gina Maxwell, or Harper Kincaid! And if you love historicals like I do, check out Victoria Alexander, Lori Ann Bailey, and Margaret Mallory. So many happy ever afters to fuel your love tank!
Kimberly Kincaid: A DISTANT HEART, by Sonali Dev and THE SCHEMER by Avery Flynn 
Lori Ann Bailey: I currently have a massive “to be read” pile, which although daunting, makes me very happy. 🙂 Part of the reason is I recently went to a used book store with a group of other romance readers. I found a selection from authors I already love, Lynsay Sands, Lisa Kleypas and Johanna Lindsay, and some I’ve never tried, Janet Capman, Karen Ranney, and Kinley MacGregor, who I was excited to learn is also Sherrilyn Kenyon. In all, thirteen books for under $10.
I also have print copies of Too Scot to Handle from Grace Burrowes and Duke of Pleasure from Elizabeth Hoyt that I’m dying to dive into. On my kindle, I have books from Eliza Knight, Madeline Martin, and Dawn Luedecke that are begging for my attention.
I’ve also been told I have to read “Flowers from the Storm” By Laura Kinsale.
Maybe your readers can help me, where should I start?
Rae: If readers are a fan of your books, who should they consider reading?
MK Meredith: If you’re a fan of MK Meredith (which is an amazing and unbelievable thing…btw) then you love an emotional ride on heated sheets. For stories with a similar feel, you’ll find the perfect happy ever after in books by one of my top favorites…Susan Elizabeth Phillips, the talented Melissa West, and one of my biggest loves…Marina Adair.
Kimberly Kincaid: If you’re a fan of Kimberly Kincaid, consider Erin Nicholas, Kate Meader, and Laura Kaye.
Lori Ann Bailey: If you’re a fan of Lori Ann Bailey consider reading these authors… Paula Quinn, Hannah Howell, Monica McCarty, and Karen Marie Moning.
Rae: Thank you so much authors! Let me know dear readers if you try any of these books. I’ll see you next week – same time for new authors and more fun!
** Author Bios **
MK Meredith: #1 Bestselling author MK Meredith promises an emotional ride on heated sheets. She’s had a lifelong love affair with peanut butter — the only two things coming close in the battle for her affections are gorgeous heels and maybe Gerard Butler…or was it David Gandy? Who is she kidding? Her true loves are her husband and two children who have survived her SEA’s (spontaneous explosions of affection) and live to tell the tale. Her newest series, CAPE VAN BUREN, is set off the atmospheric coast of Maine and made a splash with book one, LOVE ON THE CAPE. This sexy and emotional love story between Ryker Van Buren and Larkin Sinclair will make you laugh, will make you cry, and will leave you feeling happy ever after! Book two, HONOR ON THE CAPE, keeps the light burning with Blayne McCaffrey’s story in March 2018. MK loves to connect and you can find all of her social media platform links atwww.mkmeredith.com. Don’t hesitate to reach out to MK at [email protected].
One more thing…MK is a lover of happy endings both in her stories and life, so as a two-time breast cancer survivor, she encourages each of you to know your body and go to the doctor when something is different. Your happy ending starts with YOU! #KnowandGo
For all things romance, sneak peeks, and first releases, join her street team! https://www.facebook.com/groups/MKandCO/
Or sign up for her newsletter, The Heat Sheet! http://www.mkmeredith.com/mks-heat-sheet/
Kimberly Kincaid: Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet and hot and edgy romantic suspense. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a USA Today best-selling author and a 2016 and 2015 RWA RITA® finalist and 2014 Bookseller’s Best nominee who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters. Website link: https://kimberlykincaid.com
Lori Ann Bailey: Winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award and Holt Medallion for Best First Book and Best Historical, Lori Ann Bailey writes hunky highland heroes and strong-willed independent lasses finding their perfect matches in the Highlands of 17th century Scotland. Writing about the people and places playing in her head helps her live out her dreams and delve into her love of history and romance. When not writing, Lori enjoys time with her real life hero and four kids or spending time walking or drinking wine with her friends. Website link: http://loriannbailey.com/
Jan 19, 2018 | Authors Dish, Blog, Delancey Stewart, January 2018, Naima Simone, Tawna Fenske
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 Delancey Stewart, Tawna Fenske and Naima Simone
Rae: Who are you reading?
Delancey Stewart: Melanie Summers, Jill Shalvis, Susan Mallery, and Suanne Laqueur
Tawna Fenske: So many books! I have a couple Jill Shalvis books cued up for Christmas reading. I’m also looking forward to What Is Not Yours by Helen Oyeymi and a new mystery read from debut author Kathleen Valenti called Protocol. Oh! and Kristan Higgins’ latest –she’s tops on my auto-buy list!
Naima Simone: Right now I’m reading Wrong to Need You by Alisha Rai. And I have Hate to Want You in the line-up right after it. Alisha Rai! OMG! Where have I been? I think I’ve found a new author to stalk. LOL!
Rae: If readers are a fan of your books, who should they consider reading?
Delancey Stewart: Tracy Brogan, Terri Osburn and Melanie Summers
Tawna Fenske: If you enjoy my zanier romantic comedies like Making Waves or Frisky Business, you’d probably enjoy books by Jennifer Crusie or Linda Grimes. If you like my meatier rom-coms that straddle the line between women’s fiction and romance (This Time Around, At the Heart of It, About that Fling), you’d probably enjoy Kristan Higgins. If you like small-town romance in a shorter, cozier read (like my newest rom-com, Studmuffin Santa), you’d probably like Kait Nolan. And if you enjoy my super-steamy erotic rom-coms like The List, you’d probably enjoy Lauren Blakely, Victoria Dahl, or Samanthe Beck.
Naima Simone: Samanthe Beck, Lauren Hawkeye, Gina Maxwell, Cathryn Fox, Robin Covington, and Nina Crespo.
Rae: Thank you so much authors! Let me know dear readers if you try any of these books. I’ll see you next week – same time for new authors and more fun!
Author Bios:
Delancey Stewart: Award-winning author Delancey Stewart writes contemporary romance.
Stewart has lived on both coasts, in big cities and small towns. She’s been a pharmaceutical rep, a personal trainer and a direct sales representative for a French wine importer. But she has always been a writer first.
A wife and the mother of two small boys, her current job titles include pirate captain, monster hunter, Lego assembler and story reader. She tackles all these efforts at her current home outside Washington D.C.
Tawna Fenske: When Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA-nominated, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, stepkids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
Naima Simone: USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone’s love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey, Sandra Brown and Linda Howard many years ago. Well not that many. She is only eighteen…ish. Though her first attempt at a romance novel starring Ralph Tresvant from New Edition never saw the light of day, her love of romance, reading and writing has endured. Published since 2009, she spends her days—and nights— writing sizzling romances with a touch of humor and snark.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
