Roxanne D. Howard's Blog, page 6
September 17, 2019
Make Me Fall by Ember Leigh – New Release!
I always love having fellow author Ember Leigh on the blog, for the simple fact that her romance writing is outstanding. Ember packs an emotional punch with her characters that will leave you begging for more. Without further ado, enjoy Ember’s latest release, Make Me Fall. This smoldering read releases on 9/19!
MAKE ME FALL
There’s one rule in my family.
Stay away from the Daly brothers.
We were raised to know them as users. Manipulators. But I only ever saw Connor as the enigmatic senior hottie who dropped into fifth period to teach us about the perils of drunk driving.
When my first big girl job out of college ends up with us working at the same company, it’s heart throb city all over again. Except he’s way ahead of the game. Successful, talented, put together. I’m just a frumpy twenty-something in a quarter life crisis who doesn’t know a glue stick from a makeup highlighter.
He would never want me, even though he’s all I ever wanted in secret. So when we cross paths one night at the bar and one drink leads to another, he slaps me with an offer I can’t refuse.
Accompany him back to Bayshore, flight included.
Only stipulation? Pose as his girlfriend.
Our families will flip, but I’m not strong enough to say no to those baby blues, especially if it means I’ll have a chance to go on vacation with my adolescent heart throb.
We’ve got two weeks to prove we’re head over heels for each other.
Which is just enough time to make me fall.
Buy Link: http://mybook.to/make-me-fall
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48111759-make-me-fall
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/make-me-fall-bayshore-book-2-by-ember-leigh
Author Bio:
Ember Leigh has been writing erotic romance novels since she was far too young. A native of northern Ohio, she currently resides near Lake Erie with her Argentinean husband, where they run an Argentinian-American food truck. In addition to romance novels, Ember also writes travel memoirs and occasionally updates a couple of blogs. In her free time, she practices Ashtanga yoga, hops around the world, and eats lots of vegetables.
The post Make Me Fall by Ember Leigh – New Release! appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
August 24, 2019
Roxanne D. Howard Radio Show Interview
Hey Romance Readers,
I stopped by Nice Girls Reading Naughty Books Blog Talk Radio today and had a chat with the delightful Bernadette Walsh, and we had a really great time. We discussed writing romance, life as moms, and how our careers affect our writing. It was an awesome visit, and I hope you guys will check it out. Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
July 19, 2019
July Beach Promo Giveaway!
Hey, Romance Readers!
I’ve teamed up with four other amazing authors to give away a packed-to-the-brim gift basket to ONE lucky winner! Enter to win ebooks, signed paperbacks, wine glasses, beach totes, and other cool items and swag from the following authors! The winning package also includes a beautiful custom tote bag, beach stuff, and romance books galore!
To Enter on Instagram:
Follow all of us: @Emberleighauthor @rosetyper9 @authorkmcintyre @roxanned.howard @coxwhitley
Tag a bestie that you think would love to get their hands on this awesome gift!
To Enter on Facebook:
Follow all of us. @Emberleighauthor @Monica @Kat @Roxanne @Whitley @Nicole
Tag a bestie that you think would love to get their hands on this awesome prize!
SHARE this post with your friends!
Winner will be selected on August 4th. This promotion is not sponsored by or associated with Instagram. The giveaway runs through July 31st and is open only for residents of the US and Canada. Good luck!
The post July Beach Promo Giveaway! appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
June 24, 2019
Sadira Stone’s Runaway – New Release!
Runaway Love Story by Sadira Stone, Book Two in the Book Nirvana Series .
Fierce passion or long-cherished dreams…she can’t hang onto both.
Release date: June 24, 2019
ISBN(s):
978-1-5092-2704-4 Paperback
978-1-5092-2705-1 Digital
ASIN B07QBHS1ZQ
Page Count: 392
Word Count: 90094
Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance (Explicit love scenes, M/F, no kink)
Setting: Eugene, Oregon
Back-Cover Blurb:
She hates average…he’s as average as they come.
High school history teacher Doug Garvey is trying to enjoy his last few weeks of summer vacation, but receiving his final divorce decree hits him harder than expected. After a brief fling fizzles, he fears love just isn’t in the cards for him. If only he could find someone who’s real, someone interested in something beyond herself…maybe a new running partner who can keep up with his more carnal appetite. When sexy, straight-talking Laurel runs across his path, he dares to hope again.
He’s done with social-climbing posers…she’s ambitious and has big dreams.
Fired from an art gallery, Laurel Jepsen shelves her pursuit of an art career in San Francisco to help her beloved great aunt Maxie move into assisted living. While out on a morning run, she’s harassed by a group of teens until a tall, broad-shouldered hottie steps in, pretending to be her boyfriend with a kiss that makes her wish it were true. But she’s only passing through, not looking for a relationship.
Their fierce chemistry burns up the sheets—and the couch, the shower, the forest—but falling in love would ruin everything. Laurel can’t stay in Eugene, and he can’t leave. Doug’s only hope is to convince her the glittery life she’s after could blind her to the opportunities already in her path.
Fierce passion or long-cherished dreams…she can’t hang onto both.
Chasing a big-city art gallery job, Laurel detours to Eugene, Oregon to help her spitfire great aunt into assisted living. While on a run, she’s harassed by a group of teens until a tall, broad-shouldered hottie rescues her by pretending to be her boyfriend–with a kiss that makes her wish it were true. But she’s only passing through.
Their fierce chemistry burns up the sheets—and the couch, the shower, the woods…but falling in love could cost Laurel more than she’s willing to sacrifice. She can’t stay in Eugene, and he can’t leave. His only hope is to convince her those big-city lights have nothing on her inner sparkle.
Excerpt:
“I’m sorry she called you the S word.”
“Huh?”
“Sensible.”
She laughed. “Yeah. That’s a curse word, as far as I’m concerned.” She leaned her head on his shoulder.
“I’ll strike it from my vocabulary. Your S word is sparkle.” He traced her jawline with a feather-light touch. “Look at you, Laurel. You’re blinding.” His twilight-blue gaze made her heart dance—a steamy tango with swirls and dangerous dips. He kissed her, and, for a moment, she forgot all about caution, about cutting things off before they became too serious, about San Francisco. Her focus narrowed to his lips on hers, his nearness heating her whole body, opening her like a blossom, soft and willing. Ripe for the plucking.
“God, I’ve missed you.” He scooped her legs across his lap. One hand cradling her nape, the other gripping her thigh, he kissed her senseless. His velvet tongue teased her lips apart. He tasted of sugary coffee. The world around them faded—just two bodies, calling and answering, breathing in sync, their pulses beating the same rhythm.
Another Excerpt
Laurel’s conscience nudged the grin off her face. The customer was right—Doug was a natural with kids. He deserved a nice woman who’d stay in Eugene and build a family with him. She was just distracting him from his true path. If it weren’t for the chemistry pulling them together like an industrial-strength electromagnet, she’d never pick a guy like Doug. Sweet, dependable, generous, outdoorsy…
Shit. Except for not being an artist, he’s pretty much perfect. Leaving him in December is going to be damned painful.
Still, she’d been honest with him. He knew about her plans, and he wasn’t holding back. Why should she? Why deny herself his friendship, and a physical connection of volcanic proportions?
Because she was messing with his heart, that’s why. And her own.
And another, from the inside cover
He stepped closer, close enough to feel the heat rolling off his body.
A flush painted his cheekbones and his long, straight nose. Exercise, sunburn, or something more interesting?
The air between them vibrated with tingly energy. She focused on the floor, because looking into his face felt too dangerous.
He moved still closer, his toes nearly touching hers. “We’re good now?”
Her gaze slid up from his long, muscular calves, covered with blond fuzz, to his powerful thighs, to the impressive bulge between them, then up his slim torso, his muscular chest, his broad shoulders, until her gaze rested on his face.
His lids lowered, his lips parted. As if magnetized, her fingertips skimmed up his arm.
Stop. She dropped her hand. “We’re good. I’m sorry, Doug. I saw something between you two, and I jumped to the wrong conclusion.”
His smile blossomed slowly. “I’m glad that’s all cleared up.”
Not all, but it’s a start. Another thought, a crazy one. I could just kiss him, right here, right now. Get it over with, see what happens next.
Once that seed was planted, it was as if a giant electromagnet switched on, tugging them together. Its power hummed in her bones. Invisible sparks crackled between them. She slid a few inches closer.
Book tropes and themes:
Seasoned romance (hero is 39), beta hero, teacher hero, artistic heroine, opposites attract, indie bookshop, unsupportive family, dealing with dementia, caretaking for elderly relatives, social media, small-town vs. big-city, ambition vs. family obligations, feisty old lady, heroine with commitment issues, divorced hero, running, inconvenient attraction, irresistible chemistry
Buy Links:
Author Bio:
Ever since her first kiss, Sadira’s been spinning steamy tales in her head. After leaving her teaching career in Germany, she finally tried her hand at writing one. Now she’s a happy citizen of Romancelandia, penning contemporary romance and cozy mysteries from her home in Washington State. When not writing, which is seldom, she explores the Pacific Northwest with her charming husband, enjoys the local music scene, belly dances, plays guitar badly, and gobbles all the books. Visit Sadira at www.sadirastone.com.
Inspiration for the Book Nirvana Series:
Until recently, I was one of those readers–literary snobs who look down their noses at romance for the usual stupid reasons: too corny, too predictable, too fluffy. Then I read a few online articles about how fun and lucrative writing erotica can be. I thought, what the heck? Let’s try.
I have never had so much fun with a writing project! My first steamy romance, Through the Red Door, nearly wrote itself, though it damned sure didn’t edit itself. I’ve totally immersed myself in the world of romance, gobbling books like popcorn, filling my ears with romance podcasts, and joining the Romance Writers of America. From skeptic to romance mega-fan in two short years, I’m totally addicted to passionate, heartfelt stories with happy endings.
Why set the series in a bookshop? Ever since I was a wee lass, I dreamed of owning one. Add to that my fascination with historical erotic art and literature, and you’ve got the Book Nirvana series, set in an indie bookshop with an extensive erotica collection behind a locked red door.
I love stories in which a couple’s powerful physical attraction leads them to consider a partner outside their usual M.O.—one who just might turn out to be their perfect match. That’s how it happened for my husband and me, and my romance fiction contains that element.
I sort of pulled the setting out of a hat. I wanted to set my series in a college town. I’d heard that Eugene, home of the University of Oregon, has a lively arts scene and a rich counterculture legacy from the hippie era. After much online research, correspondence, and hours on Google Earth, I finally made the trip. Eugene is even lovelier than I’d imagined. Kate Rock, a resident author, kindly shared her knowledge of the city’s history and the flavor of the different neighborhoods. I look forward to many return trips.
I want to hear from you!
Author Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads Bookbub Amazon Author Page
Press:
Radio Interview with Readers Entertainment Radio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/circle-of-seven/2019/04/04/readers-entertainment-radio-presents-author-rhonda-gilmour
Praise for Through the Red Door (Book One in the Book Nirvana Series):
“…a beautiful love story filled with wonderful characters and if you like your romance hot, hot, hot look no further. It is a story about being able to begin anew and still love the one you lost.”
— Linda Tonis, RWA Paranormal Romance Review Team
“The erotic scenes in this book were off the charts – even the ones that were only Clara’s “dreams.” Ms. Stone’s debut novel is a rich mix of love, sex, and thoughtful introspection as she tries to move on with her life.” – Peggy Jaeger, author of Christmas and Cannolis
“This book is in a class by itself…from the graphic descriptions of the erotica collection that’s locked in a room of widow Claire’s bookstore to the hot-hot-hot interactions she has with a certain hot-hot-hot widowed professor with an intellectual interest in that collection…
What elevates this book is the excellent writing, the memorable characters, and the captivating story. PLUS…parts of it are verrrry funny. I mean laugh-out-loud funny. There are also some very touching parts, too. Parts that’ll bring tears to your eyes.”
Susan Flett Swiderski, author of Hot Flashes and Cold Lemonade
The post Sadira Stone’s Runaway – New Release! appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
June 3, 2019
Mystic Maples by Tena Stetler
Today I’m very pleased to welcome back fellow Wild Rose Press author Tena Stetler! Tena’s newest book, Mystic Maples, recently came out on Amazon. Have a look!
Mystic Maples is part of the Deerbourne Inn series. I love being a part of a multi-author series.
The Deerbourne Inn is located in a small fictional town of Willow Springs, Vermont created by editors and authors of The Wild Rose Press. We have a community loop where all the authors involved share ideas, tell a bit about their individual plotline, characters, and may ask permission to include other’s characters and new businesses to enrich each author’s story. Every new book spins a different tale using the same setting, businesses and rural area created so the reader feels at home in the setting embarking on new adventures all surrounding the Deerbourn Inn and it’s cast of quirky characters. The books run the gambit from historical and paranormal romance to mysteries and time travel.
That being said, Mystic Maples embraces the paranormal, with a bit of mystery and time-travel to entertain the reader.
Earth/Fire witch Mercy Rose’s insatiable curiosity always gets her in trouble. After a break-in at her Colorado flower shop, and a court battle that comes to a screeching halt in her favor, she arrives at Deerbourne Inn for a much-needed getaway. Looking for peace and quiet, she finds just the opposite in a startling handsome but mysterious man and his dog.
Silvanus Forrest’s gypsy/fae heritage is a double-edged sword. The land he inherited from his parents is rumored to be enchanted. But when Mercy discovers the truth, his well-ordered life unravels, and they’re catapulted into the past to right a wrong. Along the way their lives intertwine, and they discover the true meaning of family and love. Will they change the past in time to save their future?
Excerpt
In the middle of the vardo an old weathered chest was completely out of place. She leaned over.
“Don’t touch that,” he barked. It was too late.
Her fingers stroked the rusted padlock. It sprang open. Puffs of dried soil sprinkled the carpet around the chest. He placed a restraining hand on her arm just as she tentatively dug her fingers into the soil. “This isn’t from your land. It’s—.” A swirl of colors sucked them in and a feeling of weightlessness surrounded her. She grabbed hold of Sil’s arm. The dog yipped. Then suddenly they were back inside the wagon.
Only something was amiss, the silence, the earthy smell wasn’t right. She shivered. What have I done? Taking a deep breath, she whirled around to face Sil.
“What the hell just happened?”
He shrugged. “You promised not to touch a thing. Let’s get out of here.” Reaching for the vardo’s handle, he pushed down, and the door opened into a small barn. He strode to the door, tugging Mercy along with him. When he shoved it open moonlight spread across an open field casting silvery shadows through the bordering trees. Off in the distance stood a ramshackle cabin.
A warm breeze swept her hair across her face. She stared unblinking. Nothing about the landscape was familiar except the stands of young trees. She bent as if to touch the soil.
His arm flew out and prevented her from reaching the ground. “It’s true,” he murmured surveying the area. His lips set in a thin line, he rubbed his temples, and stared. Mocking her. “I won’t touch a thing. Well… you did and now…”
“Now what?” she whispered.
Mystic Maples Buy Links:
Amazon, AmazonUK, AmazonAU, AmazonCA Barnes&Nobel,Kobo, Google Play, and itunes
About the Author:
Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance novels. She has an over-active imagination, which led to writing her first vampire romance as a tween to the chagrin of her mother and delight of her friends.
With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, she sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures, with a Navy SEAL or two mixed in telling their tales. Her books tell stories of magical kick-ass women and strong mystical males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Author Contact Information:
Author Website, Facebook Twitter
Bookbub Goodreads: Amazon Author Page
Authors’ Secrets’ Blog, My Say What Blog
Quarterly Newsletter Sign up Pinterest
The post Mystic Maples by Tena Stetler appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
April 25, 2019
Upcoming Events and Book Signings
Hiya, Romance Readers!
Boy oh boy, it’s been a busy, fruitful season. While I’m whittling away at a nearly finished romance novel for y’all (with another one lined up directly after), I have some news. There are a lot of exciting events and local, in-person book signings coming up soon that I wanted to make you aware of.
The first is the Spring into Books event on May 18th! I’ll be at the South Jordan Community Center from 4:30-6:30p.m. to sign and sell my books (plus character art). Come pop in if you’re in the area, and say hello! I’d love to see you all there.
Next up, Fyrecon! While I don’t have any concrete information yet, I will most likely be teaching a few classes and signing books at this year’s Fyrecon from June 20-22nd. Stay tuned, and be sure you’re subscribed to my monthly newsletter for more details!
The April 2019 FanX Comic Con was A-MAZING, you guys! I was there mostly to promote my science fiction romance, Astraeus, but a number of classy readers surprised the dickens out of me and wanted romance novels! In fact, it was such a success (and FUN!), that I’m going to also attend the autumn FanX from September 5th-7th. It was so amazing to meet new readers, sign books, and chat. If you live in the Utah area or nearby and are planning on attending, come see me! I’ll have more info on my booth number and location nearer the time, and there will be plenty of novels, character art, and swag!
Last but certainly not least, is the Utah Reader’s Luncheon on October 12th. This year, the fabulous Stanalei Fletcher and I will be hosting a table for readers. There will be a meal, books, gifts, and great conversation! Come join us if you’re in the area. Use code 5UTRL19A to receive a discount when you register here. Slots are filling up fast, so make sure you reserve your spot! See you there.
April 7, 2019
This Just In: Publisher’s Weekly Review
I have some amazing news, romance readers. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t doing my happy dance right now. Publisher’s Weekly posted a glowing review for When You Close Your Eyes, and I wanted to share it with all of you!
“Howard (The Longer They Last) explores the concept of fated love in this skillfully woven contemporary erotic romance. Lark Braithwaite, an American in London, is living with her British fiancé, Charles Chase, when she starts dreaming of a sexy mystery man with an Irish brogue. After Lark gets word that her estranged father has died and she returns to her Oregon hometown for the funeral, she meets the dream man in the flesh: he’s her parents’ widowed lawyer, Niall O’Hagan. Lark quickly falls in love with Niall, struggling to decide whether she should follow her heart or the commitment she’s made to her fiancé—a decision that gets easier when Charles shows his true and ugly colors. Early on, it’s hard to tell whether Lark and Niall are encountering each other in a dream or in real life, providing unnecessary distraction from what is otherwise a well-plotted narrative. Explicit sex scenes crackle with heat, and Howard’s characters invite readers to come in and get lost on the pages with them as the plot hurtles toward a shocking, but not unbelievable, climax involving Lark’s father’s past and her future. Erotic romance fans will devour Howard’s suspenseful and heart-filled story.” (Publisher’s Weekly/BookLife)
I am really grateful to both my amazing editor, Ann Curtis (who originally edited the novel), and Sharon Pickrel, my wonderful editor with The Wild Rose Press. Reading this review really moved me, and I’m so pleased everyone’s loving the novel. There are plenty more books on the horizon, so stay tuned, and if you haven’t, go check out the new audio book, narrated by Geoffrey Boyes!
Retail Sample
Thank you to everyone who’s read and reviewed the novel. I’m so grateful to be able to share it with all of you!
Love,
Roxanne
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L162YB5/
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/When-You-Close-Your-Eyes/dp/B07QHFLR5R/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43040840-when-you-close-your-eyes?ac=1&from_search=true
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/when-you-close-your-eyes/id1446921412?mt=11
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/when-you-close-your-eyes-by-roxanne-d-howard
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-you-close-your-eyes-roxanne-d-howard/1129957166?ean=2940161697061
Bookstrand: https://www.bookstrand.com/roxanne-d-howard
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/when-you-close-your-eyes-2
The post This Just In: Publisher’s Weekly Review appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
April 4, 2019
Diana Rubino’s A Bloody Good Cruise
Today I’m pleased to have fellow Wild Rose Press author Diana Rubino on the blog with her sensational new release, A Bloody Good Cruise! Diana, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Enjoy Diana’s book, everyone!
Coming soon on audio with the sexy-voiced narrator Anthony Lee, A BLOODY GOOD CRUISE is a fun-filled blend of the vampire world and luxury cruises, starring romance author Mona Rossi and Fausto Silvius, a full-blooded vampire. The popularity of cruises and vampires make it a unique blend, but a very fun setting.
Coffeetime Romance says in its review, “A Bloody Good Cruise is a high seas adventure with twists and turns around every corner. The lively cast spins non-stop excitement with thrills and enough snags to keep the pages turning.”
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bloody-Good-Cruise-Diana-Rubino/dp/1628303166/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-bloody-good-cruise-diana-rubino/1017488163
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-bloody-good-cruise-1
I wanted to combine Italian vampires, comedy and cruising in one package, so I hopped on my imaginary ship The Romanza to get my characters in all kinds of trouble. I envisioned the hero, Fausto, as actor Vincent Irizarry (Dr. Hayward on All My Children). That made my job so much easier. He is THE perfect vampire. Italian vampires and hunters (the Vampire Ball Busters) leave the field wide open for comic relief, and I had plenty of chances in this story. Since I’m hooked on cruising and I’m Italian, I didn’t need to do that much research.
My husband and I are hooked on cruising, and my very first cruise was on the Eastern Mediterranean, beginning in Rome and ending in Istanbul. The ports of call included Rhodes, Cyprus, Santorini, and Egypt. Because I love Italy and cruising, I wanted to combine those passions with a humorous story about vampires and how they face prejudice in the human world.
Mona forced a dose of cheer through her jangly nerves. Vampire hunters wouldn’t have the balls to attack Fausto and his friends on this ship. Security was tight. “Well, you’re here, so does that mean you’ve been going out, and aren’t confined to your house any more?”
Fausto shrugged. “Almost. I couldn’t wallow in self-pity forever. And I knew seeing you would make it worthwhile.”
She smiled and gave him a genuine Italian cheek pinch. “I’ll cheer you up, faccia bella, you can count on that. You must feel safe.” She gestured at the tacky duds. “I mean, relatively speaking.”
“Don’t let this scare you, but –” He glanced around over the rims of his shades. Uh-oh. Whenever he said “don’t let this scare you,” it scared her. “I got an ominous message at the doctor’s office earlier.”
“What—” She swallowed a lump. “What kind of ominous message?”
He looked away, shaking his head. “Nothing to get alarmed about. The hunters just want me to know they’re here. After the initial jolt wore off, I said, ‘okay, I’m being stalked again.’ But I’m used to it. It doesn’t make me constantly look over my shoulder like in the old days. My family’s murder gave me a reality check. If they want me, they’ll get me. I can’t let it interfere with my work, or what little leisure time I have here. And you shouldn’t either.” He gazed at her adoringly and cupped her cheek. His hand was surprisingly warm. “But you’re still scared. All the blood’s drained out of your face, and not in a good way.”
An Interview with Mona Rossi, heroine of A Bloody Good Cruise
You, the Heroine . . .
Readers love to know about their favorite heroines, and this is your chance to make them feel close to you.
If you have 2 hours free time tonight, what would you rather do? Why?
Soak in my hot tub overlooking the Tuscany Hills with a chilled glass of Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from right there in Tuscany. Fausto bought me a
case of this for our one-year anniversary. It’s a deep ruby red with intense
aromas of notes of leather and cherry. Upon sipping, you get an astringent taste.
At $389 a bottle, I splurge when I sell a book—then I buy another bottle when the book sales hit the 1,000 copy mark.
But when I can’t be so decadent I drink Beaujolais
Nouveau, produced in the Beaujolais region of France. (sorry, Fausto, it’s not
Italian.) It comes out once a year, and goes on sale the third Thursday of
November. If you don’t get to a store in time, you can miss out. It sells out fast.
Distributors deliver it to stores at 12:01 a.m. local time. I’ve seen people in line
waiting for it. I’d do that for a Springsteen concert, but not for a bottle of wine!
Yes, I’m a Springsteen fan, and that’s something else I’d do with two free hours—go to one of his shows or blast his CDs and dance like crazy.
But along with the wine, I’d have Sinatra or Dean Martin playing in the background, with a vanilla candle. And if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll bring three white chocolate truffles, and eat them fast so they don’t melt.
What kind of books do you love to read? Why?
The same kind of romances I write—suspense, where the heroine gets into one mess after another. I read out loud, it improves my diction for when I speak at writers’ conferences. I also like to browse cookbooks. I take a snapshot of the recipe in my head, then go and improvise.
My favorite author is Linda Howard. She writes such pulse-pounding suspense. And I know this sounds hokey, but when I met Fausto, I began reading Anne Rice. Fausto and his family aren’t the same kinds of vampires she writes about, but it gave me some perspective. To me, the original book Dracula, by Bram Stoker, was scary as hell. But I do consider it one of my favorite books because it was so innovative. I never believed in vampires before that book, and look where I am now!
I like to go to Goodreads to seek out new titles. I don’t read the reader reviews, though. Too many of them have misled me. I just read the book summary and make up my own mind.
What is your stress buster?
A Pilates class or watching my favorite shows while working out on the elliptical trainer—I watch comedy working out, certainly not the news—I want to bust stress, not increase it. I have DVDs of some classic sitcoms:
I Love Lucy, the Dick Van Dyke Show, All in the Family, Seinfeld—and some live standup: Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Richard Pryor, the pioneers, the greats. No comedians working the clubs today come close to those legends. Moving for an hour to comedy—or music—is the best way to relieve stress and work it all off. When not on the elliptical, I’ll get out my iPod, close the door, pull the shades and torch some calories dancing to my cardio mix—a scientifically engineered mix of songs that burn 450 calories—one of my warm up songs is Scream by Usher, one sprint song is Pump It by Black Eyed Peas, a recover song is Goin’ In by J.Lo, and a cool down song is Halo by Beyoncé.
What is your favorite food? What food do you seek when you’re sad, sort of a comfort food?
Cheesecake made with cottage cheese—it’s healthy and low fat, and tastes every bit as good as ‘real’ cheesecake but much lighter. I also make honey balls, “Struffoli” which is a Christmas treat, but I make them year round. I added the recipe below. Every morning I make a healthy smoothie with almond milk, coconut milk, yogurt, either spinach or kale, cinnamon, and protein powder. If I use chocolate powder, I also add peanut butter. You can’t even taste the spinach or kale, but it does turn the smoothie green. I also do some creative things to oatmeal—top it with cinnamon or nutmeg. I make it with a green tea bag instead of plain water for a healthy boost.
Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Being turned—but it was a matter of life and death. I trusted Fausto with my life, and here I am.
What makes you happy/sad/disappointed/frustrated/hopeful/angry? (Pick one)
What makes me angry is intolerance. After I went through with Fausto and his family, I saw first-hand what someone different must go through to gain acceptance. I’m trying to change that by giving talks about vampires, explaining who we really are, so someday prejudice against us—and anyone else the ‘majority’ deems ‘different’ will be an ugly thing of the past.
What are your wildest dreams/fantasies/kinks/quirks?
My wildest dream is to live a week in Ancient Rome, as a Senator’s mistress.
What do you most want out of life, and what’s its opposite?
I most want social acceptance and its opposite is to disappear in the crowd, to be an ordinary citizen.
What would you never say, do or think?
I’d never insult someone just to show I’m better or smarter.
I’d never let anyone boss me around.
I’d never think I’m inferior to anyone because of my new status as a vampire.
What are some of your faults?
I’m too assertive at times. I still worry about what people think of me. I overcompensate to get them to accept and like me. I make a mess after cooking and don’t clean it up right away. This drives Fausto nuts. He’s a neat freak. Another fault that also drives him nuts is that I put off going to the doctor. We’ve been granted eternal life, but we do have to get checkups along the way!
I’m a longtime a member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society and the Aaron Burr Association.
Please visit me at www.dianarubino.com, www.facebook.com/dianarubinoauthor
www.dianarubino.author.blogspot.com
and on Twitter @DianaLRubino.
Purchase A Bloody Good Cruise:
getBook.at/BloodyGoodItalianVamps
The post Diana Rubino’s A Bloody Good Cruise appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
March 18, 2019
Exclusive Audio book sneak peek, #GiftCard Giveaway, & Blog Tour Schedule
Happy March, Romance Readers!
Sit back and relax, because I’ve got you covered for all your romance needs. The audiobook for When You Close Your Eyes will release in the next two weeks with The Wild Rose Press at all online retailers, but in the meantime, here’s a steamy three-minute sneak peek, just for you! Let me know what you think in the comments. Australian narrator Geoffrey Boyes really brought Lark and Niall to life in the audio book. Make sure you get your copy when it releases!
https://roxannedhoward.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Retail-Sample.mp3
I’ll be doing a blog tour for the audio book with Bewitching Book Tours. You can follow along with the schedule below:
April 1 Fang-tastic Books
http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
April 1 Jazzy Book Reviews
http://bookreviewsbyjasmine.blogspot.com/
April 2 JB’s Bookworms with Brandy Mulder (Interview)
https://jbbookworms.blogspot.com/
April 2 Roxanne’s Realm
http://www.roxannerhoads.com/
April 3 Paranormalists
https://paranormalists.blogspot.com/
April 4 The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
http://creativelygreen.blogspot.com/
April 5 Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
http://mommasaystoreadornottoread.blogspot.com/
April 8 Ramblings of a Book Nerd
https://booknerdramblings2015.blogspot.com
April 9 The Book Junkie Reads
https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com/
April 10 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, and Sissy, Too!
http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com
April 11 T’s Stuff (Interview)
http://www.tsstuff.net
April 12 Don’t Judge, Read
http://dontjudgeread.blogspot.ca
April 15 Lisa’s World of Books
http://www.lisasworldofbooks.net/
April 15 SImply Kelina
http://simplykelina.blogspot.com/
Also, FanX is coming up on April 19th and 20th. If you’re a Utah Comic Conner and are planning on going, come to my Astraeus table and say hi! I will have my romance novels available for purchase with free autograph and swag for those who ask.
February 20, 2019
Jana Richards’ Child of Mine – New Release and Giveaway!
Child of Mine
Jana Richards
Publication date: February 20th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Lauren didn’t intend to sleep with her brother-in-law Cole on the day of her husband’s funeral. But now that she is pregnant, she’s not sorry. Cole’s given her a baby, a long-wished-for miracle. He’s been her friend forever, though she never told him or anyone else how unhappy her marriage to his cheating brother was. And she’s afraid to tell the small town that considered her husband a hero that the baby isn’t his.
Cole’s been in love with Lauren since he was sixteen. It kills him that everyone believes the baby is his dead brother’s. All he wants is to claim the baby, and Lauren, as his own. Though she marries him, will Lauren’s heart ever be his?
Lauren must tell the truth or risk losing Cole. Is her newly-discovered love for him greater than her fear of scandal in her hometown?
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks
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EXCERPT:
“We asked you to come here this evening because we have something we want to tell all of you. Lauren and I are getting married.”
The room went deathly quiet. Lauren tightened her grip on his hand. Her face turned pale as she stared at her family’s stunned expressions. Cole put his arm around her waist, afraid she might faint.
He needn’t have worried. She lifted her chin at a defiant angle and turned to face the others.
“Cole and I have decided this child needs the best possible start in life and that means having a mother and a father. We’ve always been friends, so what better way to start a marriage then with friendship?”
Garrett pushed himself to his feet and came forward. “I think it’s a hell of an idea. You two will make wonderful parents.”
He enfolded Lauren in an embrace. Cole heard her murmur her thanks to her brother. “I think you’ll make a wonderful uncle.”
Charlotte was next in line. She kissed Lauren’s cheek. “I’m so happy for you, sweetie. When’s the big day?”
“In a couple of weeks,” Cole said. “As soon as we can arrange everything.”
Lauren’s parents, Robert and Grace, also extended their congratulations. If they had reservations, they kept them to themselves.
Only his mother remained in her seat, staring at them in disbelief. Cole sat next to her. “What do you want to say, Ma?”
“You can’t replace Billy.” She choked out the words.
“I know that.” He’d known he was second best in her eyes all his life. “I wouldn’t even try.”
“But to marry his wife, to raise his child? It’s wrong. They don’t belong to you. You always wanted what belonged to your brother.”
He wanted to shout at her that the baby was his, that it had nothing to do with Billy. And Lauren was his, too. He’d loved her first. His brother had never appreciated what a gem he’d had in her. He’d squandered his marriage the way he’d squandered the love that had been lavished on him all his life, from his parents, from Lauren, and even from him.
Instead he pressed his lips together and said nothing. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and saw that Lauren stood beside him.
“I know this is difficult for you, Ella. I know you’re grieving. But I have to raise my child in the best way I know how. Aside from my brother and sister, Cole is my best friend in the world. He’s a good man, and I know he’ll be a wonderful father. You should be very proud of him.”
His mother stared at Lauren as if she couldn’t believe what she was saying. Her face twisted. “Don’t you miss Billy at all? Don’t you grieve for him? Nobody understands. Nobody.”
“Ma.”
He said the word a little sharper then he’d intended, but at least it got her attention. She looked up at him in surprise.
“I’m sorry if it hurts you, but Lauren and I are getting married. We care about one another and we care about the baby. The three of us are going to be a family. I wish you could be happy for us.”
Ella dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. Finally, with a shuddering breath, she turned to look at him.
“For Billy’s baby’s sake, I’ll try.”
Billy’s baby.
The pain was swift and unexpected. If she’d stabbed him through the heart with a dagger it wouldn’t have hurt as much.
5 Things You Need to Know About CHILD OF MINE
Cole and Lauren have known each other since they were teenagers when Cole tutored Lauren in chemistry. They stayed friends through the years, even after Lauren married Cole’s younger brother, Billy. And even though Cole has been in love with her all these years.
When Billy dies in a car accident, Lauren comes back home to North Dakota to bury him. She’s angry and grief-stricken and filled with guilt. She had a terrible fight with her cheating husband before he died. Did their fight cause him to lose his concentration on that Georgia Interstate?
Cole’s a veterinarian and Lauren is a bookkeeper. Cole helps Lauren get a job at his clinic as the receptionist/bookkeeper.
Mia also works at the veterinary clinic and she’s determined to cause trouble for Lauren.
CHILD OF MINE is set in North Dakota. Though I live directly north of North Dakota on the other side of the 49th parallel, both areas are part of the Great Plains of North America. I’m a true lover of the prairie landscape. To me, the endless skies and vast vistas are awe inspiring. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s boring!
Author Bio:
When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.
In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with an elderly Pug/Terrier named cross Lou. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Bookbub
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Character Q&A with Lauren Walsh from CHILD OF MINE:
Where are you from?
I’m from North Dakota, from a small city called Masonville. Masonville has a population of about 6,000 people, which sounds small to people from big cities, but by North Dakota standards, it’s pretty big!
What did you think the first time you saw Cole Walsh?
Hmm. Let me see. That was a long time ago, so I can’t say exactly. I was fourteen and first met Cole when I needed a tutor to help me through chemistry. Cole was – and is – super smart. I sort of already knew him, or at least knew of him. You can’t help but know everyone in a town the size of Masonville, and there’s only one high school. He was also the older brother of Billy, a boy I’d known practically since kindergarten. My first thought about Cole was that he was shy. He could barely look at me!
What was your second thought?
That he was one of the kindest people I’d ever met. He never made me feel stupid about needing a tutor, and he never talked down to me. Once I got to know him, I discovered his sense of humor. He could always make me laugh. And he was patient. Lord knows he had to be! Teaching chemistry concepts to me couldn’t have been easy!
Did you feel it was love at first sight?
Far from it. Cole asked me out on a couple of movie dates back then, but I always thought of him as a friend, not a boyfriend. And then I started dating his brother Billy, and was totally, completely swept away. Cole and I remained friends, but I was crazy in love with Billy.
(Sigh.) More fool me.
What do you like most about Cole?
I like the same things about him now that I liked all those years ago; his kindness and patience. But now that I’m older, I appreciate so many more things about him. He’s hardworking and loyal. He takes care of his mother even though Ella was obvious in her preference of Billy over Cole from the time they were small boys. He’s a good friend. The whole time I was married to Billy, I could call Cole from wherever Billy and I happened to be living, and he’d make me laugh and tell me funny stories about people in Masonville and the animals he treated at his veterinary clinic. No matter how bad things got between Billy and me, I always knew I could talk to Cole and he’d make me feel better. And make me feel like I was doing him a favor by calling him. But I never told him how rocky my marriage was to Billy. I never told him he cheated on me repeatedly. I guess I was too ashamed. And humiliated. Besides, they were brothers.
Did you think Cole would take Billy’s side over yours? Is that why you didn’t tell him that Billy cheated on you?
(pauses) No. I never believed that. I was afraid Cole would be angry with Billy, and I didn’t want to be the cause of a rift between them. (pauses again) Or maybe I was simply too humiliated to tell the truth.
How would you describe Cole?
Loving, honest, loyal, devoted, hard-working, smart. He’s simply the best man I know.
(bites her lip) But more and more when I think of Cole, I think of the way he makes me feel when he kisses me. I think of the gentleness in his touch when we made love and our child was conceived. More and more I would describe him as the most attractive man I’ve ever known.
How would he describe you?
Oh, goodness. I hope Cole would describe me as a decent person, someone worthy of being his wife and the mother of his child.
What is your biggest fear?
That Cole will wake up one day and realize he made a big mistake asking me to marry him just because we were having a baby together. I’m afraid he’ll leave me. And then I’ll have lost my best friend. I want to be more than an obligation to him. But I don’t know how.
I want to be the woman he loves.
The post Jana Richards’ Child of Mine – New Release and Giveaway! appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
