Nona Raines's Blog, page 22

Man-up Monday: A dose of real life romance

Hey! It's your newbie Diva, Kara here. Sorry for my recent disappearing act. Life once again got in the way. lol. Anyway, welcome to the first installment of Man-up Monday. It's a feature where I'll be talking all things male -- from sexy romance heroes to not-so-sexy cliches & tropes. Today though, I'm going to share a little dose of some real life romance with y'all.

Recently, my husband and I took our children for a day trip to Alexandria Bay, NY, which is about a two hour drive from where we live. Alex Bay is a gorgeous little town situated on the St. Lawrence River in the heart of the 1000 Islands Region. It's absolutely beautiful there, and if you haven't been, you really should go. It's worth the trip, trust me. I've honestly lost count of how many times I've been there. When my now husband and I started dating, we took a weekend trip up there. It was fantastic!

But what makes this place so worthwhile, to me anyway, is Heart Island and Boldt Castle. The history surrounding this place is truly heartbreaking while at the same time, inspiring and lovely. It is the epitome of a true life romance.

During our tour of the castle, we came upon the indoor pool area, which is currently awaiting it's turn at renovation, and it was filled with coins. Some where along the way, this pool had turned into a wishing well of sorts. Of course, my children asked if they could toss in a coin and make a wish. I let them. As we were turning to leave, I asked my 9 year old daughter what she'd wished for. Here's how the conversation played out:

DAUGHTER: If I tell you what I wished for, it won't come true.
ME: Ahh. Okay. Sorry I asked.
SON: Dad, why didn't you make a wish.
HUBBY: I didn't need to. I made one last time I was here.
DAUGHTER: Did it come true?
HUBBY: Yup.
SON: What did you wish for?
HUBBY: Your mother.

Needless to say I was shocked and flattered. It's nice after all these years, he can still do that to me. lol. But on the drive home I thought a lot about that conversation and it was like something you'd read in a romance novel -- the hero knowing exactly the right words and exactly the right time. (And this will somehow make it into one of my books.) I also realized it's the small things like this that make all the difference. I don't need a hero to come in, guns blazing and save me from the bad guys. I simply need a hero who tells me he loves me in his own special way.

Now it's your turn. Share your real life romance moment in the comments. Using Random.org, I'll pick one lucky commentor to win an ebook from my back list of titles -- winner's choice! The winner will be notified via email (be sure to leave that with your comment) and will be announced during next week's Man-up Monday feature :-)

#Review: Summer Rain #romance #anthology @RAINN01

**Nona's Review of Summer Rain**
Happy Friday, everyone! Today I am happy to  review Summer Rain, a romance anthology edited by Sarah Frantz. The contributing authors are donating their proceeds from this volume to support RAINN (The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network), the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. 

Pink Kayak PressJune 9, 2014
ISBN-10: 1941361005
ISBN-13: 978-1941361009
$3.99

What happens when love gets caught in the rain?

In this romance anthology, RITA-Award winning author Molly O’Keefe shows us the power of a city thunderstorm from the top of a skyscraper, while Amy Jo Cousins soaks us in a rain in Spain. New York Times bestselling author Ruthie Knox’s heroine is devastated by a winter storm, while a summer thunderstorm grants Alexandra Haughton’s hero and heroine a second chance at love. Rain sparks self-awareness in the robot in Charlotte Stein’s story and allows Mary Ann Rivers’s heroine to fall in love with her hero and her own art. Rain causes romance between the college students in Audra North’s and Shari Slade’s stories, while romance causes rain in Cecilia Tan’s myth-inspired tale of a sacrifice to a demi-god. Nine romance novelettes, edited by Sarah Frantz.


In Redemption by Ruthie Knox, Jessie and Mike have a hot “no strings” affair. They both feel like “losers” in life and use sex to temporarily escape their sense of failure. This was a hot and heart wrenching story of people struggling to forgive their past mistakes in order to give hope and real intimacy a chance.
The Heart of It by Molly O’Keefe is another story about how sex can be used to create distance or bring closeness, while also touching on the after effects of abuse. Until he meets Elena, Gabe, an abuse survivor, can only have sex when he’s drunk. Though he seeks a stronger connection with her, her own past makes her hold him at arms length. This was another take that tugged the heartstrings, but was ultimately hopeful.
Sacrifice by Cecilia Tan is a historical threaded with mythological and paranormal tones and deals with the importance of consent.
Real Feelings by Charlotte Stein also addresses consent and objectification in a science fiction/fantasy themed story about a lonely woman who seeks closeness with an android.   Rainy Season by Mary Ann Rivers features a woman who knows how to give to others but isn’t sure how to help herself. This story addressed the fact that so many women are “givers” who spend so much time helping others they put their own needs last.   The Rain in Spain by Amy Jo Cousins addressed physical and emotional distance between spouses, and differences in expectations. The city of Sevilla was a charming backdrop for the story.
Fitting In by Audra North was about shame that burdens two young people who’ve been victimized by small-mindedness and bigotry. Stas spends most of his energy trying to fit in, but questions himself when he meets Leila, who refuses to let others judge her choices. Props to the author for taking on some controversial topics without backing down.
Private Study by Shari Slade took on double standards and the internet in the story of a young woman who fears being “slut shamed” by a guy she likes when he glimpses her sex vlog.
Storm Warning by Alexandra Haughton had Amy fighting feelings of failure and betrayal as she struggles with her attraction to Tom, someone she once trusted until he bitterly disappointed her.
The purpose behind this volume is wonderfully admirable, but what about the stories themselves? Some of them are very sexy, some edgy, some sweet. But all of them address some important issues and make the reader think.
Even though serious issues are addressed (trigger warnings are included) none of the stories skimped on romance. Let’s face it, we romance readers want the emotion, the angst, the sexy. These tales did not disappoint, and though thought-provoking, none of them felt didactic. The variety of stories will appeal to a broad array of tastes. Every reader will have her own favorites.
I highly recommend Summer Rain as a fantastic read and a fantastic way to help an organization that assists so many survivors of abuse.

If you would like to find out more about RAINN, please go to www.rainn.org
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from one of the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase Summer Rain at:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble  
ITunes
Kobo

#Cover reveal: The Red Sheet by Mia Kerick #YA #GLBT romance @BookieNookie Tours

The Red Sheet by Mia Kerick

Description:


One October morning, high school junior Bryan Dennison wakes up a different person—helpful, generous, and chivalrous—a person whose new admirable qualities he doesn’t recognize. Stranger still is the urge to tie a red sheet around his neck like a cape.
Bryan soon realizes this compulsion to wear a red cape is accompanied by more unusual behavior. He can’t hold back from retrieving kittens from tall trees, helping little old ladies cross busy streets, and defending innocence anywhere he finds it.

Shockingly, at school, he realizes he used to be a bully. He’s attracted to the former victim of his bullying, Scott Beckett, though he has no memory of Scott from before “the change.” Where he’d been lazy in academics, overly aggressive in sports, and socially insecure, he’s a new person. And although he can recall behaving egotistically, he cannot remember his motivations.

Everyone, from his mother to his teachers to his “superjock” former pals, is shocked by his dramatic transformation. However, Scott Beckett is not impressed by Bryan’s newfound virtue. And convincing Scott he’s genuinely changed and improved, hopefully gaining Scott’s trust and maybe even his love, becomes Bryan’s obsession.

Excerpt:



“Hey, you guys!” Marley plunked her ass down on the chair across the table from me. As usual, Kathy followed closely behind and hovered by her shoulder when Marley sat down. “I’ve got big news!”


We all turned to her at once. Josh even put down his walnut-grape-granola-goat-cheese-chicken-salad sandwich on focaccia to give her his full attention. “What’s up?” he asked between enthusiastic chews.


“I just heard some teachers talking in the hall. And they said that Friday is Miss Libby’s thirtieth birthday.”
Kathy pursed her green lips. “We can’t let it pass without doing something for her. She’s the coolest teacher at Appleton.”
“You know what would be so funny?” It was Josh again. “It would be such a riot if we set up a flash mob for her.”
We all laughed, just imagining it in our heads.
“No, seriously,” Josh said. “We should set up a flash mob for her. Doesn’t she have lunch duty on most Fridays?”
Is this the Josh I know?
But, then, what did I have to lose? “I’m in.” It was the least I could do for Miss Libby, who’d given me a chance to redeem myself with Scotty.
“You’d do that?” Scott appeared absolutely scandalized. “What about those guys?” He again nodded toward the Superjocks. “They’ll never let you live it down.”“Ask me if I care?”
Scott just sat there, his full spoon frozen just beneath his lips.When Scott didn’t voice the question, David did. “D-do y-you c-care?”I looked squarely at David. “Not even slightly. Plus, you should see me dance. It is something to behold.”
Josh rolled his eyes, because he’d seen it a time or two, but everyone else seated at the Social Justice League Table nodded and grinned.
“I’ll get together as many kids as I can and I’ll find some music. We can practice at the community center right after school on Thursday. I’ll reserve it.” Marley was always on top of those kinds of things.
That posed a problem for me, though: basketball practice. But I had new priorities. I would work it out. “I’ll be there. How about all of you?”
Everybody nodded again. Scott had turned an enticing shade of pink.

I looked right at him and said, “Then Thursday after school is a date.”
Enter to Win! 

• (2) THE RED SHEET digital copy
• (2) THE RED SHEET Swag Bag


a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the Author:


Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—all named after saints—and five non-pedigreed cats—all named after the next best thing to saints, Boston Red Sox players. Her husband of twenty years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about that, as it is a sensitive subject.
Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled men and their relationships, and she believes that sex has a place in a love story, but not until it is firmly established as a love story. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with romantic tales of tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to Dreamspinner Press for providing her with an alternate place to stash her stories.
Mia is proud of her involvement with the Human Rights Campaign and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of marital equality. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.
My themes I always write about:

Sweetness. Unconventional love, tortured/damaged heroes - only love can save them.
Author Links:  
Website ● Amazon ● Facebook ● Goodreads 

Buy Links:
Amazon ● B&N ● Dreamspinner  


Tour Coordinator:



Please check out the other stops on this tour today:

This post contains Affiliate Links.

#Review: His Girl Friday by @Ms_ellen_march #giveaway @BookieNookie Tours

His Girl Friday by Ellen March

Description:

Sally Friday is a mess. Not only is she tortured by self-doubt, but she is also clumsy and has no fashion sense. However, these qualities are exactly what her boss is counting on when she sends her to spy on reclusive millionaire playboy, Roman Daniels. Sally, normally an office clerk for the gossip magazine, Normandy, interviews for the position as Roman’s new secretary. 

His jealous PA, Antonia, immediately hires the girl, confident that her disheveled appearance will make her invisible to Roman’s wandering eye. Reliably disaster-prone, Sally makes a memorable first impression, and Roman wonders if he will survive her employment. But there is something about Sally that Roman can’t dismiss. Unlike every other woman, she is unswayed by his masculine good looks, and he keeps catching intriguing glimpses of her feminine potential. When Sally takes a midnight dip in his pool, Roman makes an eye-popping discovery: Sally is hiding a luscious hour-glass figure beneath those baggy clothes. Her hidden assets as well as her refreshing innocence have Roman hooked. 

That is, until his growing feelings and fear of commitment get in the way and he decides to back off. With the help of Roman’s best friend Paul, Sally plays to Roman’s jealousy and gives him a taste of his own medicine. But what will Roman do when Sally's deceit is revealed?


Nona’s Review of His Girl Friday by Ellen March:

As the book's blurb made clear, Sally Friday is the embodiment of Murphy’s Law: if anything can go wrong in her life, it will. If there’s anything to drop, break or trip over, she’s there. She’s the ultimate klutz.

But she has a good heart. She doesn't want to spy on billionaire Roman Daniels, but knows if she refuses, she'll lose her job.  And she’s barely getting by now.
Roman’s used to women throwing themselves at him, and doesn’t know what to do with this disaster of a woman who breaks his expensive items and nearly burns down his house trying to cook dinner. But when he glimpses the lovely swan beneath the ugly duckling exterior, he falls into lust with her. Can that lust turn to love? If Sally succumbs to his advances, will she be more than a one night stand?
His Girl Friday is a true Cinderella tale. Though Roman’s coolness after their first liaison crushes Sally, remember that Cinderella had to try on the glass slipper before she finally bagged her Prince. Sally’s “godmother” is none other than Roman’s best friend Paul, who takes Sally under his wing. With his help she emerges from her cocoon to become a brilliant butterfly.
The story employs an omniscient POV, which threw me a bit until I got used to it. I liked Sally a lot, though at times the author seemed to stack the cards against her a bit too much. Still, she was a fighter who bounced back every time life knocked her down. Her sweet nature and determination made her a winning character. I flip-flopped on Roman, as he came off as arrogant and less sympathetic in the beginning. As the tale developed and his feelings for Sally deepened, his better nature shone through. I wanted to kick him during the "black moment" when he cruelly turned on Sally, but happily he completely redeemed himself in the end. 
Anyone looking for a light, funny, sexy read will gobble up His Girl Friday. I really enjoyed it.
Enter to Win! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the Author:


Hello and welcome to my corner of the world :)   I live on top of a mountain in Wales ideal in the summer not so in the winter months or when it rains, which is a lot in Wales!   My three children have left home, however my life is still manic. I live with my husband he sadly won’t leave home but I live in hope (joke). I have one suicidal cat that really does have nine lives.   I have five Alaskan Malamutes. They own me literally as I never go anywhere without taking their hair with me, they insist! My hobbies are showing and working them.   My first love though is writing, it’s a total escape for me my selfish time :) Writing my books takes me from the mundane chores of work into another universe.   Since a child I devoured any written word and enjoy acting out my fantasies in print.  
My ambition is to pack in my nine to five job and become a full time writer. Another one of my many dreams. I have stockpiled work of various genres, including my first love erotic romance, followed by psychological thrillers and supernatural so be prepared I am making my mark on the world of literature 
Social Links:  
Website ● Twitter ● Facebook ● Goodreads ● Fanny Press

Buy Links:
Amazon ● B&N  

Tour Coordinator:




Please check out the other stops on this tour today:



This post contains Affiliate Links.

His Girl Friday by @Ms_Ellen_March #interview #giveaway @BookieNookie Tours

Happy Friday, friends! I have Ellen March with me today, talking a bit about herself and her new contemporary romance, His Girl Friday. Enjoy the interview and make sure you stop by for my review of the book this Sunday, July 13! And make sure you check out the Rafflecopter below!


His Girl Friday by Ellen March

Description:


Sally Friday is a mess. Not only is she tortured by self-doubt, but she is also clumsy and has no fashion sense. However, these qualities are exactly what her boss is counting on when she sends her to spy on reclusive millionaire playboy, Roman Daniels. Sally, normally an office clerk for the gossip magazine, Normandy, interviews for the position as Roman’s new secretary.


His jealous PA, Antonia, immediately hires the girl, confident that her disheveled appearance will make her invisible to Roman’s wandering eye. Reliably disaster-prone, Sally makes a memorable first impression, and Roman wonders if he will survive her employment. But there is something about Sally that Roman can’t dismiss. Unlike every other woman, she is unswayed by his masculine good looks, and he keeps catching intriguing glimpses of her feminine potential. When Sally takes a midnight dip in his pool, Roman makes an eye-popping discovery: Sally is hiding a luscious hour-glass figure beneath those baggy clothes. Her hidden assets as well as her refreshing innocence have Roman hooked.


That is, until his growing feelings and fear of commitment get in the way and he decides to back off. With the help of Roman’s best friend Paul, Sally plays to Roman’s jealousy and gives him a taste of his own medicine. But what will Roman do when Sally's deceit is revealed?


INTERVIEW:


1.     When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

From a young age when I was absorbed with the Silver Brumby series set in the Australian outback, I loved them. I also adored the chronicles of Narnia, brilliant books.

2. “Ugly-duckling” stories are a favorite of mine. How did you come up with the story line for HIS GIRL FRIDAY?

Think I put myself in that situation a little bit, and wondered how I would react, and it unfolded from there. I’m a sucker for the hard done by coming through and winning the day, and Sally is a character that you want to root for, she’s so sweet and unassuming. You can’t help but love her.

3. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?

I’ve just finished revising A Ghost of an Affair again by Fanny Press which is out in October. When Grace has a bit of fun on a Ouija board, little does she realize the far reaching implications. And when sexy ghost Breece comes through she discovers he really is a hands on spook. Grace is torn between surgeon Sage, her arrogant overbearing boyfriend and her hot bed mate who turns her bones to mush. She wants, a partner with a pulse, along with the glorious sex that Breece gives her. But Grace can’t have it all. Can she?

4. What do you do while you are getting your writing career off the ground?

At the moment I work 8.30 -5.00 in an office, general admin, credit control, QA, and procurement, generally a bit of everything LOL But it pays the mortgage until I get that break.

5. I recently read that your hubby is more of a “stay at home” kind of guy, so if you could talk him to going anywhere in the world that you haven’t visited, where would you choose to go?

Myself I’d chose Alaska, run my Alaskan Malamutes and vodka doesn’t freeze, always an added bonus in my eyes. My hubby, anywhere hot with a pool and a bar, although I think he’d love to visit his dad’s place of birth Ireland.

6. If you suddenly became crazy rich and famous what is the FIRST thing you would do?

That’s easy, buy a huge camper van and travel with my laptop and dogs, whilst my husband does a gap year in Australia LOL.

7. If you could create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Cram as much into today because tomorrow isn’t a promise, it’s a maybe.

8. What is your biggest pet peeve?

It’s got to be cruelty to animals, as an animal lover its top of my list. Also hate pessimists and their miserable outlook to life, learn to stop moaning, instead live it and enjoy.

9. What’s the last movie you watched and loved?

I don’t watch much TV but two films I love The Last of the Mohicans, and wait for it Garfield, I adore that cat.

10. Describe yourself with 5 words.

Impulsive, dizzy, unconventional, uncouth and wild.
Enter to Win! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the Author:


Hello and welcome to my corner of the world :)   I live on top of a mountain in Wales ideal in the summer not so in the winter months or when it rains, which is a lot in Wales!   My three children have left home, however my life is still manic. I live with my husband he sadly won’t leave home but I live in hope (joke). I have one suicidal cat that really does have nine lives.   I have five Alaskan Malamutes. They own me literally as I never go anywhere without taking their hair with me, they insist! My hobbies are showing and working them.   My first love though is writing, it’s a total escape for me my selfish time :) Writing my books takes me from the mundane chores of work into another universe.   Since a child I devoured any written word and enjoy acting out my fantasies in print.  
My ambition is to pack in my nine to five job and become a full time writer. Another one of my many dreams. I have stockpiled work of various genres, including my first love erotic romance, followed by psychological thrillers and supernatural so be prepared I am making my mark on the world of literature 
Social Links:  
Website ● Twitter ● Facebook ● Goodreads ● Fanny Press

Buy Links:
Amazon ● B&N  

Tour Coordinator:




Please check out the other stops on this tour today:



This post contains Affiliate Links.

Fourth of July Fun and a #Recipe! #Romance #IndependenceDay

Happy Friday, friends and Happy Fourth of July! Many of us will be celebrating with cookouts, fireworks, and cracking open a few cold ones. 

Some author friends and I have an additional way for you to celebrate this weekend! Saturday July 5, author members of Nice Girls Writing Naughty are sponsoring a party on our blog and in our Facebook group. Games and fun include a scavenger hunt with a $50 GC grand prize. There will be smaller prizes as well. I hope you'll join us!

Speaking of holidays, have you ever heard of Christmas in July? Well, I'm celebrating that, too. How? Why with a couple of recipes for Krupnik, that's how! 

What's Krupnik, you ask? Well, it happens to be a Polish liqueur flavored with honey and spices, including cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns. Orange and lemon zest add to the flavors. Adding vodka or grain alcohol is what gives the drink its "kick." It's a drink traditionally served at Christmas, but I'm sharing it with you now because it happens to play an important part in my new release, Read to Me. 

In the story Mr. Milosc, the owner of the bookstore where the hero and heroine connect, offers each of them a small glass of Krupnik. 

   
The glasses held golden liquor with a slightly spicy aroma. Blaise felt a bit tipsy just inhaling it.
    Mr. Miłosc lifted his glass. “Na zdrowie. To your health.”
    Blaise returned the sentiment in English and took a sip. The rich, sweet flavor of honey rolled over her tongue. She gave Mr. Miłosc a questioning look.
    “Krupnik,” he explained. “A very old Polish recipe.”
.....
    She and Guy enjoyed the sweet liqueur in silence, taking small sips, letting the flavor roll around their mouths and fill their senses. Though the portions were small, Blaise began to feel a pleasant buzz. Whether from the krupnik or her companion’s powerful presence, she didn’t know.

People of Polish descent often make their own Krupnik (I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Milosc did), although if that's not your cup of tea, you can also buy it. But I came across a couple of recipes in case you'd like to try the home-made kind. (Due to copyright concerns, I'm linking the recipes rather than copying them here.) Here's one that uses vodka. I also found this one, which uses grain alcohol (e.g. Everclear). The drink may be served hot or cold. As Mr. Milosc would say, Na zdrowie!

Read to Me buy links:


Amazon Barnes&NobleAll Romance EbooksThe Wild Rose Press Apple ITunes  

BTW, there's still time to take part in my Review Tour giveaway! I'm offering a $50 GC to two lucky winners! Check it out here.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary RomanceEdgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.comSign up for my newsletter for new release info and fun tidbits
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Cover reveal: Risking It All by JM Stewart #contemporary #romance

Happy Friday, friends! Today I'm sharing the yummy cover of JM Stewart's soon-to-release contemporary romance. Enjoy!


Title: Risking It AllAuthor: JM StewartPublisher: Penguin Intermix Date published: Sept 16, 2014Genre: Contemporary RomanceWord count: 80, 000AISN: B00FFFSZB6ISBN: 9780698147980
Originally published in a shorter form as Staking His Claim
Blurb:
She’s everything he wants…
For years, Kyle Morgan has hidden his true feelings from the gorgeous girl next door that he grew up loving and protecting. But when she shows up at his apartment in the middle of the night, desperately needing comfort and support, his iron will begins to waver…
…and the only thing he can’t bear to lose.
Kyle was always the big brother Cecelia Anton never had, but suddenly her goofy best friend has become a sexy man she can’t keep her thoughts—or hands—off of. As their deep connection melts into uncontrollable desire, Ceci is willing to put it all on the line for a shot at true love. Only Kyle is keeping a terrible secret about Ceci’s past that could destroy not only their lifelong friendship but their happily-ever-after…

Trailer:

Purchase links:
Amazon Barns and Noble iTunes
Books-a-million
About the author:
JM writes passionate, heartfelt contemporary romance. She’s a wife, a mother, a spiritualist, and lover of puppies, and happily addicted to coffee and chocolate. She lives in the rainy Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. She’s a hopeless romantic who believes everybody should have their happily-ever-after and has been devouring romance novels for as long as she can remember. Writing them has become her obsession.
You can find out more about JM or her books here: Website /Blog /Twitter/Facebook 

I'm a Naughty Girl! Nice Girls Writing Naughty #erotic #romance

Happy Friday, friends! I have some fun news to share. I've joined with a number of other authors of erotic romance, and we've become the Nice Girls Writing Naughty! We have a blog and a Facebook Group where authors and writers can interact. Besides myself, the authors include Angel Payne, Cynthia Sax, Dakota Trace, Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan, Harlowe Wilde, Jianne Carlo, Lara Archer, Leela Lou Dahlin, Linden Hughes, Noon and Wilder, Taige Crenshaw,  and Tina Christopher.

Aside from chatting about all things romantic and sexy, there will be monthly events, prizes and fun galore. The first event will be a July 5 Scavenger Hunt featuring questions from all the authors. The grand prize will be a $50 gift card and a prize pack of books. Other smaller prizes will be offered, as well.  Hope you can join us! In the meantime, stop by the blog and meet some of our authors and come socialize with us on Facebook!

I have some other news, as well. The Review Tour for my newly released erotic romance, Read to Me, will begin this, Monday, June 23.



The tour stops are as follows:

June 23 - Inspire to ReadJune 24 - Words of Wisdom from The Scarf PrincessJune 25 - Foxylutely Book ReviewsJune 26 - Buried Under RomanceJune 27 - Deal Sharing AuntJune 30 - Jersey Girl Sizzling Book ReviewsJuly 1 - Crystal’s Many ReviewersJuly 2 - Beauty and the BookJuly 7 - RhythempoetsJuly 8 - StarAngels ReviewsJuly 9 - Just One More RomanceJuly 10 - We Love Kink

The tour is coordinated by Book Promotions by Literary Nook, which has been hugely helpful. I'll be offering two $50 gift cards over the course of the review tour, so I hope you'll check it out!

And one more item--I've started a newsletter! So far I have one subscriber--me. :-) I hope to offer sneak peeks of upcoming books (including Don't Let Go, currently in edits with The Wild Rose Press) and other tidbits that romance lovers will enjoy. Signing up for the newsletter will be one of the options available for entering the Review Tour giveaway, but what the heck, I'll offer the sign-up  link  now, in case you're so inclined.

Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com
Facebook, Twitter, Blog

#TuesdayTips with @RachellNichole

Welcome back Divettes!

It's time for another inspiring rendition of Tuesday Tips!

This week is all about plotting tips, since I will be teaching my adapted Three-Act Structure plotting method at next week's In Your Write Mind workshop.

5. Try a new method. So the first thing a writer should always tell other writers is that there are so many different methods of writing (or plotting) that you shouldn't feel married to one way of doing things. Everyone's process is different and what works for me might not always work for you. And what works for me for one book, might not work for me for the next one. Just like with kids. You have to adapt toeach book the way you do to each child. So when you're out there trying to figure
out your next book, I encourage you to check out a bunch of different plotting methods. There are a bazillion books, blogs, and workshops about plotting. Check them out, and pick one, or pick a few bits and pieces from some different methods and make your own.

4. Leave holes in your plot. I know this may sound counterproductive, but if you get so bogged down on figuring out every single detail in the plot, the minutiae pieces will prevent you from plotting the whole arc of a book in one or two sittings. A plot shouldn't take you three months to write. You want to spend the bulk of your time on the actual writing process, not on figuring out what you're going to write about. Some authors write out a very detailed, step-by-step plot, and that's not a bad thing, but most people will get so bogged down in little pieces that they can't ever reach the end of the plot. So if you aren't sure of a detail or how exactly something is going to work out, leave it blank, put a space holder in that place to know something is missing, and move on to the next piece.

3. Having a plot doesn't always mean you'll get bored with the book. I hear this a lot from pantsers (those writers who write by the seat of their pants) often say that if they know the plot, they feel like they've already told themselves the story, so why would they bother writing it? This goes along with number four - leave yourselves holes. You can't discover everything about a book just from plotting it. Sure, you know the ending, but you can learn so much more about the characters, and their story, in a novel than you can just from a plot. If knowing the ending makes you bored, write out the bulk of the plot, but leave the ending a little open. You can even try plotting out three different endings, having a note card or sticky note for each one and then when you're almost done writing the book, you can discover which ending fits best with the book.

2. Plotting a book should be fun. Now, I know there are some nay-sayers out there that will say I should take my writing, my craft seriously. It's not a hobby, it's a job. And they're right. Really, they are. But, and this is a big but - if I'm not having fun at my job, I'm not doing it anymore. Period. Or else, why keep doing it? The day I stop finding the fun and enjoying the writing process
is the day I will retire from this job. Plotting is just one stage of the writing process, and it should be fun. Maybe it's not as much fun for you as research, or revisions, or writing the book, but you should still find some enjoyment in it. Maybe it's the idea of infinite possibilities when you start plotting a new book. Maybe it's the comfort of having a direction to go in before you sit down before the blank page. Maybe it's the fact that you love figuring out where you're going and exactly how you're going to get there. Doesn't matter. Whatever it is about plotting that you like, make sure you find a way to enjoy it. Because, if you don't, why are you torturing yourself to write a book?


And the number 1 thing to remember - A plot is never set in stone.  Pantsers also say things like "I can't write out a plot, because then I have to write the book that way." But, that's just not true! A plot is like a road map. There's point A (New York City) and point B (San Francisco). When you plot out your route, you pick a direction and highlight the way and then embark on your journey. Say you were *supposed* to stop in Wisconsin for some cheese, then South Dakota to see Mt. Rushmore, then Utah for some salt, then Nevada for the Las Vegas Strip and then arrive in San Francisco, on time, and exhilarated, but instead you decide you just have to detour to Wyoming and see Yellowstone, then you're really hankering for some Idaho potatoes, and then you give up slot machines for the Space Needle up in Seattle before you meander your way through Northern California's Yosemite and then Death Valley before arriving in San Francisco... well, that's mighty all right! That's why you have a road map, because when you have to veer off course, when you just have to go down the less trodden path or into the deep dark woods, you have a guide to get you back to where you wanted to go. Let's even say you got to San Francisco and decided you hated it? Well, LA is just a hop, skip, and a jump away, and though it wasn't your intended destination, you've still traveled across the country, still gone from New York to California, and you've finished the damned book! That's the most important part, right? To get from the beginning of the book, through the murky middle, and to the glorious end!

So there you are, folks. Rach's top 5 things to remember when you're plotting a book. Now go forth and plot your pants off!

If you have questions or comments about plotting, plotting methods, or plotting resources, please feel free to share in the comments section! I can't talk about this stuff enough!

~Rach

Blame it on Texas by Amie Louellen #contemporary #romance

Happy Friday the 13th! A LUCKY day forBlame it on Texasa new contemporary romance by Amie LouellenEvery first love deserves a second chance. © 2014 Amie Louellen
      Shelby Patterson has come back to Texas for one reason and one reason only—to get her husband to sign divorce papers.
      She’s worked hard to build her California bakery, where clients clamor for her one-of-a-kind creations. Seven years after her disastrous marriage, she’ll finally have everything in perfect order—just as soon as Ritter McCoy signs the dotted line. 
    Ritt is still pissed that Shelby walked out all those years ago without giving their marriage a chance. Sure, they were young and had just lost the baby that had rushed them to the altar, but they’d loved each other beyond reason. Ritt gave up his college baseball scholarship, only to have Shelby and her mom take his parents’ bribe money and run. 
    If Shelby wants those papers signed, she’ll just have to wait until he’s good and ready. Or maybe, before she flies the coop again, he can convince her the love they had between them is still there—and still hot enough to melt their hearts back into one. 
    Warning: This book contains a sexy Texas boy determined to recapture his first love. May also produce feelings of nostalgia and longing for slow kisses and sweet tea.  
Enjoy the following excerpt for Blame it on Texas:    She should have known she’d find him like this. Shelby looked down at the oil-stained driveway to the denim-clad legs protruding from underneath the ancient Ford. The hem of the jeans was frayed, the worn cowboy boots dusty and with a few stains of their own. She propped her hands on her hips, doing her best not to tap her foot in irritation. It would do no good. If there was one thing she’d learned in her time as Ritt McCoy’s wife, he had his own timetable and to hell with anyone else’s. 
    “I said, I need to talk to you.”
    “And I said, just a minute,” his muffled voice returned. 
    Shelby bit back a growl and used the thick packet of papers to fan herself. That was one thing she didn’t miss about Texas—the heat. But with any luck and the good Lord’s grace, she’d only be here another few minutes, an hour at the most, and then she’d be on her way back to California. 
    A trickle of sweat ran down between her shoulder blades and into the small of her back. Shelby fanned harder and checked her watch. She’d been waiting twenty minutes for Ritt to finish whatever it was he was doing to the truck and sign on the dotted line. That was nineteen more than she cared to wait. “Ritt.”
    “Shelby.” 
    “I need you to sign these.” 
    “In a minute.”
    “Now. I have a plane to catch.” She jumped back, nearly snapping the heel off one peep-toe pump. They had been a special purchase for this trip along with the form-fitting black dress that hugged her like a second skin. Scrambling to get out of the way, she managed to maintain her balance as Ritt pushed the creeper from under the truck. 
    And there he was, the boy who stole her heart, took her virginity and married her all in one summer. Well, he’d had her heart for years before that. And he wasn’t a boy any longer; though the years, she grudgingly admitted, had been very kind to him. 
    “What?” he asked. 
    Even lying down, he looked taller, broader, more. She was glad to have the advantage, standing over him like she was. “I’m in a hurry.” 
    “Not my problem.” He disappeared in a quick swoosh back under the truck. But he left his image behind. Dark blond hair curling from under a ratty Longhorns baseball hat. Dirt smeared T-shirt covering a chest she didn’t remember as having quite so many muscles. Long legs, firm lips, square jaw. 
    “I’ve flown over a thousand miles to get you to sign these. The least you could do is get out from under there and do it.” Her voice rose in pitch, the whine she’d been tamping down rising to the surface. Couldn’t he see how they needed this? That it was time to move forward? 
    There was a loud clunk, which sounded like head versus oil pan, then a muffled curse. He rolled out again, and before she knew what had happened he was towering over her. She took a couple of steps back for good measure, unable to meet his blue-gold gaze as he studied her face. 
    “What is it, Shelby? What is so important that you flew all the way out here to grace me with your presence?” 
    She was wrong. The years had been more than kind to him, they had outright adopted him. Had he always been this tall? This broad? This…masculine? He had, she decided. But after seven years away, she had forgotten what a man her Texas boy had been. She licked her lips, the sight of him bringing back more memories than she cared to delve through. Prom night, at the lake after the baseball games, Saturday afternoon in the canyon…
Check out Blame it on Texas on AMAZON and B&N.comAnd Amie at www.aimelouellen.com 2013 ACFW Carol Award winner.
Live a little; Laugh a Lot; Love for a Lifetime.
www.amywritesromance.com