Zara West's Blog, page 25

Awesome Romance Author Nancy C. Weeks

Zara West Suspense

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Meet Romantic Suspense Author Nancy C. Weeks

Awesome romance author Nancy Weeks writes passionate romantic suspense. Nancy writes about forensic detectives, cowboys, computer nerds, and more. But the one thing they all have is romance. Nancy has just a released her newest book The Eyewitness.

Here’s more about Nancy….

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Someone very dear to me told me when I was only twenty-years-old that I was going to have the most amazing life, one I couldn’t possibly imagine. Dang if he wasn’t spot on. To some, my life may seem normal. I have been a wife for more than thirty-five years and a mother for twenty- eight, and each year filled with one adventure after the next. The moment my sweet hubby and I moved from Texas and settled in our first apartment in Maryland, we were off to Germany. Talk about a perfect 5 year honeymoon. My labor began on our flight back home, a little too early. That was fun. My hospital chart listed me: seven month pregnant paraplegic and husband-homeless. Well, it all worked out. My dear son went back to sleep for three months while we settled into a nice home. My daughter’s appearance into the world three years later was a little less hectic – well, except that I almost delivered her on the Washington Beltway.

I decided before having kids that I wanted to be home with them. It went against the norm in the late 80’s, the beginning of the era when women did it all. One hectic career in the family was enough. So I became a stay-at-home mom — the bag lady: bag for the cub scouts, girl scouts, softball, swim team, baseball, dance class, hands-on-science, PTA etc, and I loved my life. The moment my kids were off to college and living their own lives, my world began very quiet. I put the bags away and began to write. I’m now plotting my eighth romantic suspense novel.

Where is your favorite place to write?

One of the great things about being an author is that I can write almost anywhere. If this was a perfect world, I would write outside surrounded by forest on one side and the ocean on the other with a light breeze filling the air with scents like honeysuckle and rose. Maybe one day. For now, I love to write on my deck, especially when my flowers are in full bloom. When I get bored with the deck, you can find me writing on the docks of the Annapolis harbor or downtown on The Mall in DC. If there’s no surface available for my laptop, I park, roll down the windows and lose myself in my story.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I actually didn’t begin my writing career until 2010. I thought about it so many times over the years, but never gave myself the freedom to just sit down and write. The draft of my first book, In the Shadow of Evil was finished in 2011. I immediately started the second book, In the Shadow of Greed, and finished the first draft nine months later. They rested on my laptop while I learned what it really meant to be a writer. In the Shadow of Greed was picked up first and published in April of 2013. That was the beginning of my dream. I write everyday to keep that dream alive.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I write romantic suspense because I love reading romantic suspense. The romance between my heroine and hero, their internal conflict, the reason they can’t be together is what drives my story. Tossing a sniper into the mix, or an evil-out-of-control drone, or even a nasty cyber criminal at my characters while they are working through their issues and seeking a much deserved happy-ever-after is just plain fun.

Where do you get your ideas?

The romance of my stories comes from my belief that love is the most powerful element we have in this universe. Love conquers all. I create situations for my hero and heroine that keep them apart – conflict. Since I know these two people better than I know my children, I allow my imagination to dream up what somebody in love would do for their soul mate. The suspense element in my stories comes from life, the FBI website, the nightly news, and the strange, bizarre things that have happened in my world.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

I actually don’t believe in writers block. There are times when I write my characters into a wall. When that happens, it means one thing. I failed to develop real conflict in my story. Sometimes I have to go back to chapter one and start over. Being a writer is hard work, and something that I have to love. If I ever come to a time that I really have absolutely nothing else to say, that will be the day I stopped writing and find something else to do.

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

I think the biggest challenge that I had in the beginning was finding out where to begin. I checked out books on publishing from the library and scoured the internet. But the internet is so full of misleading information sometimes. What finally placed me on the right path was discovering the existence of Romance Writers of America. That first hundred dollar yearly fee was hard to swallow, but it was the best decision I could’ve made. I discovered the Romantic Suspense/Mystery Chapter, Kiss of Death.

I join their amazing critique group called Lethal Ladies. It took another year to get published. But I kept writing, registered for workshops out the kazoo and sent out query letters. Each letter came back with a rejection, some automated—which means it was rejected before anyone even read it. Others had good advice, and I listened to that advice. Those rejections made me feel I was part of the game, a member of a unique club.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

OH Geez…so many things. But the one thing that stands out is the promotional aspect of publishing. Even after seven books, I still struggle with what to do to get my books into the hands of readers. My publisher can only do so much. It’s my job to develop a strong social media presence.  So New Authors: get your name out there, now! Create a website, blog about your writing journey, and get to know bloggers who love books. Visit their sites often and comment—because your day is coming, and the relationships you make now will help get your book out where it belongs, into hands of readers.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

The Eyewitness is the first book in a new series. I decided to keep my characters in the same world as the Shadow series for one reason—it’s so hard letting go of my sexy, amazing McNeil brothers, and maybe, one of them will find time to pop into this new series.

I dipped my toe into the world of forensic science in The Eyewitness. Above, I mentioned that I get my ideas from things in my world. I took a page out of the tragic sniper attacks in Maryland in 2002, The Beltway Snipers. My villains—the way all three series are connected—copy-cat on that event. Here is a short blurb:

Fans of TV’s Blue Bloods will love this dynamic new suspense series. [image error]

Maryland PD forensic scientist Emersyn D’Azzo has an explosive past with her father’s younger, sexy partner, Detective Alec Pearce. Then an ill-timed kiss destroys the thin line of trust between her and her dad, just before tragedy strikes and someone guns down her father.

The fatal bullet turns out to be tied to the ongoing spree of random sniper kills across the state, but Emersyn knows this wasn’t a random act of violence and is determined to find the killer.

To do so, she’ll need to rely on help from Alec, whom she doesn’t quite trust but just can’t resist. When they discover a connection to a decades-old disappearance of a college student, their investigation takes a deadly twist. Can they learn to trust each other with their hearts to save their lives?

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

From Chapter One to the dark moment was uphill all the way.  I struggled with each scene because it was so hard sprinkling in just enough backstory for this book and still have two more books to write. The dark moment brought me to tears. But once I was in those ‘everything-is-going-to-be-all-right’ chapters, the characters took over and gave me a wonderful happy-ever-after.

How did you come up with the title?

The Eyewitness is the fourth attempt. Coming up with a title to begin this series was a bear. It took the whole house, both my home and my wonderful Crimson Romance family to nail down this perfect title.

What project are you working on now?

I’m now working on book two and am already receiving complaints from readers that they want Tessa’s story NOW. I promise I’m writing as fast as my life will allow.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Just write. That’s the biggest hurdle. Seek out workshops and conferences in your genre where you can really develop your craft. The publishing world isn’t always a nice place. Rejection is real, hard to deal with, but part of the dream. Don’t allow it to stop you in your tracks. When you are ready to jump into the pool, feel free to seek me out. I’ll hold your hand through it like so many authors held mine. Here is what I had taped to my laptop. Improve. Develop a thick skin. Write through it all.

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Yes, and I promise to make this short. I have launched a new closed Facebook page for readers who would like to have a more personal relationship with me. It’s called Nancy’s Corner. Please stop by and check it out. I would love to have you. Enter as guest, leave as friends.

Zara, thank you again for hosting me. If any of your readers have questions, please don’t be shy. Ask me anything.

Read an except of The Eyewitness here.  EYEWITNESS
Buy links
AMAZON | B&N

And don’t miss her special offer  to my readers. 
***GIVEAWAY***

ANY DIGITAL COPY FROM MY BACKLIST TO ONE LUCKY VIEWER WHO LEAVES A QUESTION OR COMMENT

[image error]Find Nancy C. Weeks at:

 

Nancy’s Website

Facebook Author Page

Facebook For Readers NANCY’S CORNER

Twitter: @NancyCWeeks

Amazon

Goodreads

Pinterest

 

 

Nancy would love to hear from you.
Please post a comment or question.

 

 

 

 

The post Awesome Romance Author Nancy C. Weeks appeared first on Zara West Suspense.

Zara West’s Book Reviews: Lisa Marie Rice

Zara West Suspense

What’s the Best Way to Tie a Series Together?

I have always loved Lisa Marie Rice’s bio on Amazon. Who wouldn’t want to be eternally thirty, tall, willowy, [image error]and win a Nobel Prize? Not to mention have the skills of an archaeologist, physicist, and concert pianist? But that is one of the great joys of being a writer – on paper (and social media) we can be whoever we want to be.

Lisa Marie Rice writes hot, hot romantic suspense where the men are lusty and the women in peril. She also writes closely tied together series, and that is why I decided to review her books today. I too am writing a series, and it is not easy. You want the books to interrelate, but you also want a reader to be able to pick up any book in any order and enjoy it.

So let’s see how Lisa Marie Rice does it.

Midnight Angel

The book I am going to focus on is Midnight Angel. I choose this book because it is the third book in the Midnight Trilogy, and I wanted to see how the book tied into the two previous ones. I also was curious to discover how back story from those books was woven into the plot.

The main characters of Midnight Angel are a battle-scarred, retired Navy Seal and a blind songwriter/singer. A beauty and a beast. The setting is Seattle and the link between the characters is that the hero works for the security company owned by the hero of book 1. Setting and common interest are one way to link series books together. Characters are another.

The story opens with the hero, Douglas Kowalski, talking to the hero from book one in the series – John Huntington (Midnight Man). The first paragraph is Douglas’s inner thoughts and reviews how these two men met, served together. Written in close point of view, this information conveys the tight bond they share.

The next character on the scene is the heroine from book one, John’s wife Suzanne. The second page continues to develop the relationship between the two men, and Douglas muses on how John’s married life has changed him. We also learn what Douglas looks like – real rough.

So far, it’s all back story and description – no action. However, Rice has carefully layered in tension showing their unease. Both the men are unarmed by Suzanne’s request at an exhibition of millions of dollars of diamonds. Something is going to happen. You just know it!

But wait, Lisa Marie Rice isn’t done tying her books together. The reader may be feeling nervous. The characters may be feeling antsy. But she still takes time mid-chapter to give almost a page summary of the plot of book one.

Putting pure back story this close to the front of a novel, can slow the story. It’s what I always worry about in my own writing. In contests I have entered, I have received feedback saying –too much backstory, and that was referring to a few lines of back story in chapter 2.

If you  have read the first book in the series, as I have it, all the plot comes tumbling back when I read the summary . I know these characters. I have spent 200 some odd pages with each pair.  I have to admit it didn’t slow my reading because I skimmed it.

I wonder though if I hadn’t read the two previous books, if that lump of back story would have been a bit confusing and annoying. After all it really isn’t needed. John and Suzanne’s story doesn’t have anything to do with the plot in this book. If I were her editor I would have said, take it out.

One saving grace is that she has tried hard to keep the summary in Douglas’s voice. Although there is a distancing tone. For example: “The next day, John married Suzanne. Kowalski still found it so weird that his friend was married.” In this line, we get Douglas’s emotional reaction, but using his name instantly makes the tone distant. Characters, uh people, don’t think of themselves by name.

In the next pages, we are introduced to the heroine from book 2 (Midnight Run). That meeting ups the tension because Claire can’t look Douglas in the face. This establishes again that Douglas is more than ugly. But there is still no action.

It isn’t until the very last page of Chapter 1, in the very last line, that the heroine, Allegra, is introduced through Douglas’s ears. “It was then he heard The Voice. An angel’s voice, beamed straight down from heaven.” Chapter 2 is told from the villain’s point of view and opens with more back story. We learn what he is planning to do to Allegra. To be honest, maybe because I had read her other books I was willing to wade through the slow build up, the layering in of back story, the focus on character development, and the detailing of villainous intentions to get to the bang – the explosion at the end of chapter 3. It is the kind of beginning we’d accept in a literary novel. Why not a hot romantic suspense?

One of Annie Dillard’s well-known quotes is “Put all deaths, accidents, and diseases up front.” But does a series work better when the ties to the previous books are detailed at the start? When time is taken to build the protagonist’s relationships with characters and events from previous stories? That’s Lisa Marie Rice’s approach. What do you think?

When you read series, how much tie in do you expect with the previous books?

The post Zara West’s Book Reviews: Lisa Marie Rice appeared first on Zara West Suspense.

Awesome Romance Author Maria K. Alexander

Zara West Suspense

Meet Romance Author Maria K. Alexander

[image error]A big welcome to Maria K. Alexander, this week’s awesome romance author. Maria writes contemporary romance about career women with strong families and friends for Wild Rose Press.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, Zara, and thanks for having me on your blog. I’m a Contemporary romance author, with two published books, and a third releasing in May. I write part-time, in the scattered hours before my day job and in the evening after caring for my family. If I’m lucky, I get to exercise somewhere in there, too! I started writing nine years ago inspired by my life-long passion of reading romance. As a teenager, I devoured romance books as a way to escape to a place where no matter what happened, there was always a happy ending. When I’m not writing, I like to read, exercise, run, downhill ski, and bake. I’ve taken a few cake decorating classes with my teen son. It’s a fun way to spend some time together, and we get to eat the end product! It’s a win-win for both of us!

What was the most interesting place you ever visited?

Right after I was married, I went on a couple week multi-city tour through Europe with my husband, parents, brother, and an aunt and uncle. We bounced around from place to place, but my favorite is a tie between Switzerland and Austria. The mountains were beautiful and right out of a painting. We didn’t spend nearly enough time there, and I plan to go back one day with my children.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Absolutely! I especially find it difficult starting a new series. After working on the same series for years, now that I’m working on a new series, I’m finding it challenging to find my character’s voices. There’s also been various things in my life that have made it challenging to write. Life has its ups and downs and sometimes it impacts our ability to write. Other times it feeds it and the words jump onto the page. But no matter how hard, I try my best to write every day, even if it’s only for thirty minutes.

I’ve also participated in writing challenges to help motivate me. Every year I participate in Jersey Romance Writing Month (JeRoWriMo), which is sponsored by the NJ Romance Writers (NJRW) chapter of Romance Writers of America (RWA). During the months of February, we strive to write 30,000 words. We use a writing loop to offer encouragement to other writers who are in the challenge and cheer each other as we hit various goals. You feel accomplished no matter how many or few words you write. I wrote around 17,000 words this year, but have met the goal three times in past years. It’s a great way to bond with other writers and push yourself to meet a goal.

Is anything in your books based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

My Italian upbringing influenced my award-winning Tangled Hearts series. I had a great childhood and incorporated many of my family traditions when I created the fictional DiFrancesco family. No one character is like any of my family members, but there are fun things, like how we used to have Sunday afternoon dinners and how we call the red stuff you put on pasta gravy not sauce. Writing a story is personal, and the closer you can relate to the characters, the easier they are to write.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

Most of us have that book under the bed. I wrote and re-wrote my first book so many times I stopped counting. I tried to make it what others wanted, and ultimately, it was too much. But through that process I developed Kate DiFrancesco, my heroine from Untangle My Heart, the first book in the Tangled Hearts series. She was the BFF of the heroine in the book under the bed. Kate’s voice and story resonated with me and voilà, it was the jump start of my series! My original heroine (Meghan) appears in several of the stores in my Tangled Hearts series. One day, I have plans to revisit and tell Meghan’s story.

Can you tell us about your current release?

My most recent release is Forever in My Heart, which is book 2 in the Tangled Hearts series. This book placed first in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice contest for Long Contemporary. It also finaled in the Aspen Gold contest. In Forever in My Heart, the heroine owns the hot new café in town and is working hard to build her business. Her high school boyfriend returns home from the army and causes her to remember feelings she thought she’d put behind her. And with bad blood between their families, things get a lot awkward as they struggle with their feelings. But when her life is at risk, she must turn to her ex even if he’s the last person she thought she’d need. It’s a second chance at love story that integrates family traditions, friendship with a light overlay of suspense.

Can you tell us about your upcoming books?

My upcoming release is Awaken My Heart, which is book 3, and is releasing on May 10th. I love the hero in this story (of course, I say that about all of them J)! The hero is the oldest DiFrancesco son, Nick. He’s just gotten divorced, after his wife cheated on him. He’s struggling to have a relationship with his two teens, and his drug trafficking case just went cold. He meets up with the heroine when he stops to help her change a flat tire. Not recognizing her, they’re both surprised to see each other, given that the last time they did was over fourteen years ago when they had a one-night stand. Now, when a secret she’s kept from him is revealed, she’ll need to right a wrong and chance losing her heart to the very man she deceived.

 

You can read excerpts from all of my books and sign-up for my newsletter, where I share cover reveals, release news, offer specials contests, and more, at http://mariakalexander.com.

Forever in My Heart  by Maria K. Alexander [image error]

Vicky DiFrancesco is ready to put the past behind her. After a humiliating divorce, she’s determined to make her new café a success. The last thing she needs is her first love around, reminding her of what they’d lost. But when her life is threatened, could he be the very man she needs?

Jamie DiSilva’s homecoming after retiring from the army isn’t the one he’d been hoping for. Now, he’s trying to start a home improvement business in a town settled on holding him accountable for the sins of his late brothers. Redeeming himself to the girl he never stopped loving and her family is difficult when his brothers’ secrets come back to haunt him.

Untangling themselves from the past means righting several wrongs and deciding if their love is meant to last forever.

Buy Links
Apple | Kindle | Amazon Print | B&N  | TWRP | TWRP Print | Kobo  | iBooks | Google Play

 

 

[image error] Learn more about Maria K. Alexander

A romantic at heart, Maria K. Alexander spent hours as a young girl getting lost in and wishing to be one of the heroines in the stories she read. Books gave her the ability to go to another world where she loved meeting new characters, learning about their problems, and watching them fall in love.

Maria is an award-winning author of contemporary romance. When not writing, Maria loves to read, bake, downhill ski, visit the beach, and watch romantic comedies. Maria lives in New Jersey with her husband and children, and writes in her “spare” time between juggling a full-time job and her kids’ busy schedules.

You can keep in touch with Maria at:

Website | Facebook  | Twitter  | Goodreads  | Pinterest  | Amazon | Book Bub  | Google+

If you have any questions or comments for Maria K. Alexander, please post them below, and she will get back to you.

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Zara West’s Book Reviews: Julia Quinn

Zara West Suspense

Writing Humorous Romance

Sticking with my Regency theme, today I am reviewing an oldie, but goodie, Everything and the Moon by Julia Quinn (1997). Like Mary Balogh, Julia Quinn has written a large number of romances over a long period of time. Like Mary Balogh, she was one of the first romance authors whose series drew me in and has kept me buying and reading her books for over a decade.

What is it about her books that makes them irresistible? They make me laugh.

Julia Quinn is a master at infusing humor into her books. Since writing humor is something I struggle with, I can’t help but admire an author who not only makes readers laugh, but can do so over twenty plus novels.

What makes her romances humorous? Based on my reading of most of her books, I believe it is the total mismatch of the hero and heroine’ goals and the refusal of the heroine to do the expected thing in a Regency romance. That, combined with some of the wittiest dialogue in the romance genre, is a sure fire path to leaving a reader with a smile on her or his face.

Everything and the Sun is a perfect example. The hero is the son of an earl. The heroine is the daughter of a vicar. As children they grew up together; as teenagers they fell in love. But through the cruel machinations of their fathers, their budding romance is destroyed and each go their separate ways furious at the other.

When they meet again seven years later, Victoria is a put-upon governess, and Robert an earl. But sigh—he still loves her, and he is not going to lose her again. Victoria, on the hand, wants nothing to do with the man she thinks abandoned her and now seems to want her to be his mistress, and she’s no pushover. This leads to a series of escapades in which Robert makes his case, and Victoria rebuts it or makes him look like a fool.

The pea incident is a good example. [image error]The Earl has finagled a seat for the governess at the dinner table embarrassing her tremendously. Victoria retaliates by flirting with Captain Pays. And then the peas are served.

She turned to Robert. “If I recall, you detest them. Pity we weren’t served pea soup.”…

“Actually,” Robert said, beaming. “I have just developed a sudden fondness for peas. Just this evening, as a matter of fact.”

Victoria harrumphed and returned her attention to Captain Pays. Robert slid some peas onto his fork, made certain no one was looking, took aim and let fly.

And missed. The peas went flying in every direction, but none managed to connect with either Victoria or Pays. That was the sort of evening he was having. And it had started so nicely too.

By now you have figured out that Julia Quinn’s Regency is not Jane Austin’s or even Mary Balogh’s. Her characters are fun loving, light-hearted, always a bit immature, and very modern. Sure they suffer heartache. Sure they do all those Regency things—house parties, balls, masquerades, and recitals. But transport her heroes and heroines to the present day, and they would do just fine.

So if you are willing to suspend belief in historical fact and settle back for a laugh, a smile, and a happy ending, you can’t go wrong with a Julia Quinn. Her newest book The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband releases on May 30th.

Writing Humorous Romance Julia Quinn Style

Make one character avidly in love and the other avidly reluctant.
Throw in a series of misfortunate events and silly misunderstandings.
Have both characters sink to levels of immaturity that go against the accepted/expected behavior in that social setting.
Write light-hearted, witty dialogue and give the heroine a sharp-tongue and the ability to think on her feet.
Add in some melting love scenes and a happy ending that leaves the reader laughing.


Learn more about Julia Quinn
Juila’s Website

Do you enjoy humorous romances?
Why or why not?

The post Zara West’s Book Reviews: Julia Quinn appeared first on Zara West Suspense.

Awesome Romance Author Amara Royce

Zara West Suspense

Meet Amara Royce

[image error]I am very excited to have Awesome Romance Author Amara Royce visiting with me today. Amara writes romances set during one of my favorite historical periods — the Victorian era.  Kensington author Amara explains why she switched from writing historical fiction to romances.

Say hello to Amara…

What do you do when you are not writing?

When I’m not writing, I can usually be found grading papers, teaching composition and/or literature, or making sure my family and I all get out the door on time in the morning. In short, when I’m not writing, I frequently wish I were writing.

Where is your favorite place to write?

There’s a café near me that’s next to a creek. I love parking myself at a small table there when it’s not busy and writing as the water flows by. My favorite table there is by one of the windows, where I have a great view of the geese that frequently play along the creek.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I didn’t start out as a romance writer, and I wasn’t a writer at all until around 2006. When I began writing fiction, I focused on literary historical fiction, but so much of what I read in that genre and wrote in my fledgling attempts in that genre were depressing and tragic. So much so that writing fiction was making me miserable! In 2011, I decided that I needed to expand my writerly horizons and try writing whatever made me happy. And what came out eventually turned into my first published historical romance: Never Too Late!

The experience of writing that novel was the opposite of what I’d been experiencing before—writing historical romance felt joyful and exuberant and life-affirming! And I’ve embraced it ever since! I still occasionally write in other genres, but I always look forward to the romance genre’s happily ever after and its affirmation of women’s lives and women’s interests.

Where do you get your ideas?

Where don’t I get ideas? I once got an idea for a character when I noticed a spider building a web outside my window. I’ve gotten ideas from historical research regarding real-life events, locations, people, and issues. I’ve gotten ideas from people-watching. And perhaps one of my favorite sources of ideas is just asking “what if”!

What project are you working on now?

My current historical romance work-in-progress is set in the 1850s near Edinburgh, Scotland, and it features a young woman who has obtained medical training, non-certified but thorough, from her father and some of his university colleagues and who strives to gain credibility in her community. The son of one of her patients is called back to the family home from his life and work in the city and is determined to keep her from treating his father.  It’s still very much a work-in-progress.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Oh, yes! Here are two pieces of advice: 1) There are no shortcuts. Write. But don’t just write. Learn the craft of writing. Learn the publishing industry, including the art of writing a query letter and the process of querying. 2) If you want to write, don’t give up. Sometimes it may seem like an uphill battle, but it isn’t impossible. It might not be easy, but you can do it if you keep trying and keep learning. The book you’ve written might not be the one that gets you an agent or a publisher…try writing another book…and then another. Don’t give up!

[image error] Once Beloved
by Amara Royce

In bustling Victorian London, a desperate woman turns to the last man who would ever want to come to her aid…

Years ago, when Helena Martin escaped to London with a dashing captain, she had no idea she was endangering her entire village. Little did she know, the arranged match she fled was the little town’s last chance at prosperity. Now, with her beloved grandmother’s health failing, Helena must face the damage she wrought. And she must do it with an unlikely escort: her jilted fiance’s brother.

Daniel Lanfield is undoubtedly attracted to Helena—and furious with her. Though it was unintentional, her thoughtlessness has caused great misery to their village. Yet Daniel is uniquely positioned to help her return home, and strangely compelled to keep her close along the way. For no matter what their pasts, the desire between them now is ever-present…

Buy Links
AMAZON  |  BARNES & NOBLE  |  GOOGLE PLAY  |   iBOOKS   |   KOBO  |

Learn more about Amara Royce…   [image error]  
WEBPAGE  |   Facebook
Twitter: @AmaraRoyce

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Zara West’s Book Reviews: Mary Balogh

Zara West Suspense

What Can We Learn from a Bestselling Author?

 Mary Balogh has been writing Regency era romances since 1985. There must be something about her books that have kept her on the bestseller lists and on discount and drug store magazine racks all these years. But it is hard for me to put a finger on what that is. In this review I am going to try.

As a romance author I am always studying successful authors who have large followings and written many books looking for hints to make my own novels more appealing.  It is on those drug store shelves that I first discovered her books. Since then I have read probably thirty of her novels and enjoyed most of them.

I don’t know why I like Mary Balogh’s books so much. Looking at her writing as an author, I find numerous things that I have been told to avoid in my own writing.

She is wordy. She populates her stories with a rasher of characters not all of whom directly relate to the plot. The events – balls, house parties, and walks on woody estates repeat in endless repetition. Men are rakes or insensitive. Women are sweet and forgiving. And the stories themselves unwind at a snail’s pace with much introspection, minimal action, and ever-so-slowly increasing tension.

Often her characters do not like themselves or have a low opinion of their respectability, beauty, or ability to fulfill the role they must play in society. They make mistakes or have reputations in tatters. Marriage often precedes falling in love.

The love scenes, themselves, are short and lacking in sensory detail. Her constant use of the word “working” in these scenes just seems slightly off the mark.

And yet, her novels are incredibly emotional love stories. Love and the nature of love are the themes that run through all her works. In every book, one or both of the main characters openly discuss the meaning of love and then go on to demonstrate it in some unique way to their lover.

In Only Enchanting (2014), for example, the hero, Flavian, has received a serious head injury which affects his memory, gives him crashing headaches, and causes him to stutter. He can’t remember why he doesn’t want to marry the girl his family expects him to. All he knows is that he can’t.

The heroine, Agnes, abandoned by her mother as a small child, fears to commit to love. A perfect set up for what Balogh does best–throw two unlikely, unwilling people together in marriage and forge a perfect love.

This admonishment of the hero by the heroine in Only Enchanting gives a good flavor of Mary Balogh’s style and belief about love.

“much unhappiness…has made you cynical. Personal unhappiness unconnected with your injuries. And now you have persuaded yourself that passion is of greater importance than quiet contentment and committed love, because passion requires no real commitment but makes you feel alive when much has died in you since your life changed irrevocably.”

 Mary Balogh Writing Tips

Create characters with deep flaws, insurmountable internal struggles, and challenging handicaps to draw readers.
Have a unity of style that lets readers feel confident that when they pick up one of your books, they know what they will find inside.
Weave same theme in some form through every book.
And most importantly, always assure a happy ending.




Learn more
Mary Balogh’s  Website.

Are you a fan of Mary Balogh?
Why or why not?

The post Zara West’s Book Reviews: Mary Balogh appeared first on Zara West Suspense.

Awesome Romance Author Antonia Aquilante

Zara West Suspense

[image error]   My awesome romance author this week is Antonia Aquilante! Antonia writes M/M romances set in the fantasy world of Tournai. Published by Dreamspinner’s Press, her books are full or sorcery, magic, and heroes. But she is soon to be branching out into contemporary romance. Antonia shares with us her love of  travel and what inspires her to write fantasy.

Here’s Antonia…

Is writing something that comes easy to you or not? 

Sometimes? That probably isn’t a great answer! I’ve always had characters and worlds and stories in my head, so that part of writing has always been natural. Some days, those ideas come very easily and the words flow, and other days, it’s more difficult to translate ideas into words on the page. I never stop trying, though. I think the characters would be upset with me if I did.

What do you do when you are not writing?

Setting aside day job stuff (because we’d rather talk about the fun stuff, right?), I read. I read a lot. Books are both pleasure and a learning experience for a writer. I love to bake and try new recipes, and share the baked goods with family and friends when I do. I travel when I can, and I’d travel more if I had the budget for it. I love discovering new places and throwing myself into history and art.

Do your travels influence your writing?

Absolutely, and in so many different ways. Sometimes scenes will come to me, or characters, based on something I see or hear or do. Trips to Italy and Greece influenced world building in some of my books. I get so inspired when I travel. It’s one of the things that refills the creative well for me. Like I said—if only I could afford to do more of it! There are so many places I want to go, including back to Italy which was amazing.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I have been writing since I was really young—and before I could actually write the stories out, I would tell them to myself or draw them. I was about twelve when I decided I would be a published author when I grew up. I had just written a sixty page murder mystery for a creative writing class in middle school. I kept writing longer and longer stories after that, but it took me years to write something that I intended to try to have published, despite how much I wanted it. I was just too afraid, I think. I wish I hadn’t let fear cause me to wait so long.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I don’t think it was really a conscious choice to write fantasy romance. I’ve been reading fantasy and romance forever, and I’ve always loved fantasy worlds and plots, but I’ve also always wanted more romance in fantasy stories. I had an idea for characters and a world, and I started writing it. I ended up loving creating my own fantasy worlds and making sure my characters all got their HEAs too. I have started writing a contemporary, though, so I doubt I’ll always write all fantasy romance, even if it’s my first love.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

My first book! I love those characters and that story. I haven’t looked back at it in years, and I kind of cringe at what the writing is probably like—I’ve learned a lot over the years—but I still love it. Maybe one day I’ll dust it off and do some rewriting.

Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?

The fifth book in my Chronicles of Tournai series is written, so hopefully I’ll have news about that one for everyone soon. I’m currently writing a fantasy romance unconnected with the Tournai series, and I’m having a lot of fun discovering a new world and characters. Right now, the plan is for that to be the first book in a duology. I also have a contemporary romance started that I’d love to finish this year. Then hopefully back to Tournai, because I have lots of stories left to tell there.

 

The Sorcerer’s Guardian
Book 4 in the Chronicles of Tournai Series [image error]
by Antonia Aquilante

Savarin, the most powerful sorcerer in Tournai, has honed his Talent through years of study and made magic his life. Among the wealthy and noble circles he moves in, no one would suspect the handsome, refined, and arrogant sorcerer’s humble beginnings, which is how Savarin prefers it. Tournai’s princes task Savarin with studying and strengthening the spells that protect the principality from magical attack. They are complex, centuries old, and exactly the type of puzzle Savarin is eager to solve. To his annoyance, the princes insist Loriot accompanies him.

Loriot worked his way up the ranks of the royal guard to captain and takes pride in his service. He must obey the princes’ orders to protect Savarin, despite believing his skills would be best used elsewhere. And despite his wariness of magic. UnTalented himself, he has learned not only the benefits of magic but also its potential for harm—and how to counter it. Loriot and Savarin clash during their journey, but there’s another reason for the tension between them, and passion develops into feelings neither expected. But Savarin must still fortify Tournai’s magical barrier, and his only solution endangers both him and the royal family.

Buy Links:
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon  | All Romance  |  Kobo  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Apple

[image error] About the Author:

Antonia Aquilante has been making up stories for as long as she can remember, and at the age of twelve, decided she would be a writer when she grew up. After many years and a few career detours, she has returned to that original plan. Her stories have changed over the years, but one thing has remained consistent – they all end in happily ever after.

She has a fondness for travel (and a long list of places she wants to visit and revisit), taking photos, family history, fabulous shoes, baking treats which she shares with friends and family, and of course reading. She usually has at least two books started at once and never goes anywhere without her Kindle. Though she is a convert to ebooks, she still loves paper books the best, and there are a couple thousand of them residing in her home with her.

Born and raised in New Jersey, she is living there again after years in Washington, DC, and North Carolina for school and work. She enjoys being back in the Garden State but admits to being tempted every so often to run away from home and live in Italy.

She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the New Jersey Romance Writers, and the Rainbow Romance Writers.

Connect with Antonia Aquilante
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

If you have any questions or comments for Antonia Aquilante, please post them below, and she will get back to you.

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Awesome Romance Author Elizabeth John

Zara West Suspense

Today I am interviewing awesome romance author Elizabeth John. Elizabeth writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Since she is a  school teacher, it is not surprising that her newest book’s heroine is a first grade teacher. Say hi to Elizabeth!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure! I’m an elementary school teacher by day and writer by night. Actually, that’s not really true. My alarm goes off at 5:30 am each weekday so that I can get some writing done before I get ready for work. Prior to becoming a teacher, I used to write at night when my children went to sleep. Now, my own kids are grown, but after teaching twenty-eight six year olds all day, I’m exhausted! I do my best writing in the morning and on the weekends. Let’s see what else? I love the beach, so I’m there any chance I get. I have two little rescue dogs, and a parakeet. My house has so many books, I could fill up a small library! Can you tell I love to read?
What interesting jobs have you had? How have those jobs affected your writing?
Speaking of small libraries, I worked in two of the tiniest library branches you’ve ever seen. When I was fifteen, I was employed with the New York Public Library in Staten Island, and received my first real paycheck. That’s where I discovered romance books, especially the old gothics. Phyllis A. Whitney and Victoria Holt definitely affected my writing. Right before I started teaching, I was a ceremonial resolutions writer for the State of New Jersey. Writing those special rewards for people was a lot of fun. That job helped me to write concisely and hone my grammar skills!
How much research do you do for each book you write?
This is a tough one for me because I’m a perfectionist, and sometimes that stalls my writing process. Since I write romantic suspense, and that usually includes having characters in law enforcement and some sort of crime scene, I do as much research as I possibly can on those subjects. I really want to get the details correct. I once wrote an article about a large amber discovery, which was an incredible find for the scientific community. I interviewed one of the scientists and my article made the front page of the local newspaper. The scientist and I spoke after the article was published, and he paid me the highest compliment. He stated that out of all the articles published by the major magazines and newspapers about the find, mine was the most accurately written. I was elated! Why am I telling you this? That article took a lot of time and research to write and the pay was very little, but the perfectionist in me was on cloud nine after receiving such accolades. With regards to research, I sometimes have to cut myself off so I can start the story!
Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?
Yes, I think most authors have those early manuscripts that are ‘hidden under the bed’ and will never see the light of day, but I have one that I’m confident I will publish in time. That story started out as a romantic suspense. The editor I sent the book to liked it, but rejected the novel. She suggested that if I revised the book to be a mystery with a romance, she would like to see it again. I jumped right on that, rewrote the entire book, and sent it out, only to be rejected by a different editor at that house. She stated they wanted only straight romances or straight mysteries and not a mix of the two genres. Huh? Okay. I shelved that story. The main character in that book was a botanist. Talk about research! I can tell you a lot about poisonous plants. In the end, I think everything happens for a reason, because I’ve decided to make that book into a series instead of a stand-alone.
Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?
Right now I’m working on a romantic suspense trilogy of three sisters who inherited a family bridal shop. Each sister has her own story, so they can be read as stand-alones, but there are reoccurring characters in each book and an overall mystery that ties them together. I’m revising the first book and writing the second one right now. The books take place at the Jersey Shore during different seasons. I love the beach all year round so I decided to incorporate that into these stories.
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Write what you want to read. If you don’t love the story, it’ll show in your work. Develop a thick skin and stamina. This industry is not for the faint-hearted or those willing to give up easily. Keep writing and try not to get discouraged if you start piling up rejections. Rejections are your friends. Learn from them, be grateful, and then move on. Ask yourself why do you write? If you knew you’d never publish a thing, would you stop now? Could you? Probably not, because storytelling is innate and that’s part of what makes us writers.
Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
I love to hear from readers! Right now I’m rebuilding my website and I’m going to start a newsletter to give the latest news about my books. I’ll announce on my Facebook page and on Twitter when it’s done. Dear Readers, I hope you’ll stop by my website and sign up for it.
Thanks so much to Zara for hosting me and to all of you who have stopped by today!

Judging Joey by Elizabeth John
 Tender Romance with a Touch of Intrigue [image error]
Madeline White must return to her hometown to help her uncle, her only family. She gets a job teaching and sees the man who broke her heart back in high school. Then she discovers he’s the school’s Safety Officer and his nephew is her student! Madeline’s determined to clear the air with him and hopes they can be civil to one another. When she builds up the courage for a painful reunion, she is shocked that he doesn’t remember her.
Officer Joey O’Neill is committed to his job, so after the beautiful redhead accuses him of the contrary, he takes offense. When Madeline informs him they’ve met before, he insists she’s mistaken. Although his family wants him to settle down and judges his carefree bachelorhood lifestyle, it doesn’t mean he forgets the people in his life. Past or present.
Like years before, people begin to whisper about her when things go missing in the school. Joey starts to wonder if what they say is true. As the past comes back to haunt Madeline, she struggles with a secret that jeopardizes her job and hopes she can trust Joey. Has he finally out grown being a wise-cracking jock?

Buy Link 
AMAZON 


[image error] Learn more about Elizabeth John
Website: www.ElizabethJohn.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/elizabethjohnauthor
Twitter: @elizabethjohn34

 

 

 

Elizabeth is looking forward to answering your comments.

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Awesome Romance Author Ingrid Hahn

Zara West Suspense

Today I would like to introduce you to Awesome Romance Author Ingrid Hahn. I met Ingrid and her charming two-year-old at the New Jersey Romance Writers Conference this past October. Ingrid has a brand-new Regency that just hit the market yesterday. It is so exciting to be part of the welcoming committee for this book. Fake engagements. Blackmailing heroes. Undaunted heroines.  Are you interested? I am going to let Ingrid give you the details…

Will you have a new book coming out soon?

February 20th is the day my second book, TO COVET A LADY’S HEART, comes out in the world! I’m super excited about this one. It throws two secondary characters from my first book, TO WIN A LADY’S HEART, into a fun situation. My hero blackmails my heroine into a fake engagement so he can pretend he’s reformed and gain custody of his orphaned nephew…then my heroine blackmails him directly to the altar. The story takes them on a bumpy and emotional journey to love. The third book in the series, which is the darkest and most complicated of the three, comes out at the end of June!

How did you come up with the title?

My original title for the first book was HONOR BOUND. My editor didn’t like it and neither did I. A quick search on Amazon turns up too many books with that title, and it’s not descriptive enough of genre and story type. The hero from that book, The Earl of Corbeau, is a very kind and upstanding Darcy-esque type. He loves the heroine from afar and thinks he can’t have her. When they get caught locked together in a storeroom by no fewer than three Society matrons, he steps up to save her reputation. Except she doesn’t want him by nefarious means. The title, TO WIN A LADY’S HEART, came about because that is the driving force of the book. He sets out to win her by any means possible. And has a few missteps along the way.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I have a small child just under two years of age. For two hour a day four days per week, I have a babysitter come play with them. That’s when I have to cram in all writing, editing, and marketing time. Other than that, it’s me and my sidekick during the days until Daddy comes home! We have a blast. We go to the park. For walks. Out to lunch. To libraries. To visit friends. Grocery shopping. And don’t forget that all-important nap! I couldn’t be happier. He’s an absolute delight.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

Yes! I know what I was thinking when I did this three years ago, but don’t ask me to explain it now—I wrote a 17th century gothic historical romance novella with paranormal elements set in France. I know, I know. When I tell people that they’re like, “Oh, you poor thing.” But I haven’t given up! Recently I’ve polished it up and have it out on submission again. So far, two rejections. I keep hearing people want different settings for their historical romances. Well, this is very different! I’m convinced (or deluded) that I can find it a home. I won’t give up until every last possible house says no.

Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?

I have three things currently out on submission and a proposal I hope to finish up and submit very soon! Then I’m going to dive into writing a short story for a call I’m interested in. I love writing for calls—directions and deadlines! After that, we’ll see!

TO COVET A LADY’S HEART (Landon Sisters Book 2) [image error]

After a lifetime of rakish behavior, Lord Maxfeld must pretend he’s reformed and find a fake wife. And, with the perfect blend of family scandal and tenuous acceptance in Society, there is nobody more suitable than Lady Phoebe. Trouble is, Phoebe will not agree to a false engagement, forcing Max to blackmail her into his scheme.

Phoebe will go to great lengths to avoid anything remotely dishonorable. Unwilling to bear the scandal of a broken engagement, she blackmails Max right back—directly to the altar.

Once married, though, Phoebe wants much more than Max’s ring. She wants his heart. But he will never give it. For better or worse may just be words, but Phoebe cannot stay with Max if he thinks love is the worst thing that can happen.

Buy Links
AMAZON   |   KOBO   |    BARNES & NOBLE 

 

[image error]Learn more about Ingrid Hahn

WEBSITE: http://www.ingridhahnauthor.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010126397742

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Ingrid_Writer   @Ingrid_Writer

 

INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/ingrid_hahn/ @ingrid_hahn

 

 

Take a moment to make a comment or ask a question. Ingrid is waiting to hear from you!

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First book in Zara West’s New Tidal Trilogy Series wins award

Zara West Suspense

I just learned this week that the unpublished first book in my new Tidal Trilogy series, In With the Tide finaled for the San Antonio Romance Authors Emma Merritt Award . This has inspired me to share a little about this upcoming series with you.

[image error]The Tidal Trilogy romantic suspense series is set in a completely different place from The Skin Quartet series. The three books in this series take place in Nova Scotia, Canada and focus on environmental issues and the lengths people will go to protect the environment and their way of life.

Book 1 in the series, In with the Tide, is about the battle ranging over tidal turbines in the Minas Basin. Book 2, Turn of the Tide,  looks at the controversy on fish farming on the southern shore, and Book 3, Beneath the Tide, takes on lobster theft and mysterious sea life kill offs.

If you are interested in learning more about the series and Nova Scotia, visit my Tidal Trilogy Pages. There you will find information on the setting, characters, and Nova Scotia.

In With the Tide is currently being looked at by editors.

Meanwhile, be looking for Book 2 in The Skin Quartet series – Close to the Skin – Vernon and Bella’s love story coming soon.

 

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