Joya Fields's Blog, page 16

BENEATH THE SURFACE Gets Another 5-Star Review!

I'm thrilled to announce that my debut romantic suspense novel, Beneath the Surface , received another 5-star review.

Garrett and BrookeBrooke and Garrett are a wonderful couple and I had the best time reading how their relationship developed and how they truly deserved each other. They both had the pain of feeling of having let down the people they loved. There is a solid emotional connection between the two that you just get lost in the story. I had a difficult time trying to guess who the villain was and I believe that is why I could not put the book down.~Cozy Reader


Click this link to read the full review: The Romance Reviews, 5-star review of Beneath the Surface

Beneath the Surface, Nook Lovers Daily Cheap Read today!

What an honor and what fun! Beneath the Surface, my debut romantic suspense, is Nook Lovers Weekly Special Feature. I hope you'll check it out.


Click here  to purchase Beneath The Surface at Barnes and Noble now.
Click here to visit Nook Lovers.

Six Sentence Sunday: Brooke's disability is exposed

It's my first time participating in this wonderful event! Please enjoy these six sentences from Beneath the Surface, my debut romantic suspense novel.





   Brooke glanced atthe shore—the red, blue and yellow emergency lights flashing—and pictured the wayher mother's body looked as it was covered and carried through a similar scene.She forced the memory to the recesses of her mind, but she'd broken herconcentration just long enough to lose her balance and felt herself falling.    Gilly steppedbeside her, catching her just in time.   "Oh, holy shit,what is that?" the bald deputy asked as he pointed under the seat Brooke hadjust vacated.   Brooke followed hisgaze. "That's my leg."




Purchase links for Beneath the Surface: Amazon The Wild Rose Press  Barnes and Noble

Thanks for stopping by today. Please be sure to check out other  Six Sentence Sunday posts and follow #sixsunday on Twitter, @6_Sunday.

The Romance Review Anniversary Party!

Hope you'll stop by TRR today for a chance for awesome prizes. Answer a question about Beneath the Surface (don't worry...there are hints) and you could win a copy of Beneath the Surface, $100 gift certificate, and lots more.
Celebrate today by stopping by The Romance Review

Guest Author Carrie James Haynes

Welcome Carrie James Haynes, author of the historical romance, DAUGHTER OF DECEIT. She's here today to chat about how romance never goes out of style--especially historical romance.


Romance Never Goes Out of Style!
You've heard it. Romance novels are worn out, exhaustedwith the lack of fresh material, and over done. The world of publishing hasbeen inundated with all sorts of romance from contemporary to historical. I begto differ. Romance will never go out of style.
Romances are read to confirm that love really exists. For amoment in time, a reader finds love between the pages of a novel. Reading aromance is an escape from the reality of the world around us, far away frommortgages, bills, kids' appointments, work issues... It also reminds us why wefell in love and the feeling love gives us. When we pick up a romance, we don'thave to flip to the end of the book to know that everything will end happily.
Arguably, though, there is not another genre morecompetitive than historical romance. Why? For the same reason, women loveromance. Historical romances transport us to a different time and place. Mostof us have a Cinderella complex and dream of our Prince Charming and happy everafter. History allows different scenarios than what we women experience today.
Marriages of convenience or arranged marriages fascinateus. In these stories oppressed women search for the love of their life, findingit in the arms of their 'prince', undoubtedly rich and handsome. Their happilyever after!
But how hard is it to come up with something fresh andoriginal in historical romance? This desire to come up with a unique storylinehas lead to influx improbable plots and so many discrepancies.
Can a fresh story still emerge out of the midst of Regencyromance? I believe so. Daughter of Deceit holds many refreshing elements. Aforbidden love, mystery, and suspense.
"Love is the emblem of eternity; it confounds allnotion of time; effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end."Madame de Stael, French-Swiss novelist.

Blurb:Someone wants Alyce Hythe dead…

Shunned from London society for being thedaughter of England'smost notorious spy, Alyce Hythe desires only to clear her father's name. Foryears, she has been hidden away from all prying eyes, given a new identity andtold to forget who she was. But strange things have been happening causing oldrumors to once more be whispered. 

Long has Lord Julian Casvelyn lived with guilt brought on when his brother wasmurdered by England'smost infamous traitor. But one eventful night has changed everything LordJulian believed about his brother's death. Never did he suspect the woman hehas just saved from certain harm is the daughter of that man. Now Julian iscaught in midst of a conspiracy and desire for that woman.

Thrown together by fate, the two search for answers long denied them and alongthe way discover a love that can free them both.
Excerpt:Thankful she could breathe againat least for a moment. She turned to stand by Lissa, but instead she froze uponthe sight. The last person she ever expected to see this night stood in frontof her.His wide mouth curved into avague smile which could easily turn hard she suspected. He looked quitestriking, handsome and elegant in his crisp black and white evening clothes.His dark eyes darkened intensely upon her. Before she had a chance to protest,his arm gripped her elbow firmly."Oh, no, my dear, I think not,"his utterance carried a hard edge which startled her. "I have long tried togain an audience with you and have been reputed one way or another. If youchoose to make a scene, it will not bode well for you. You may have been hidingin the nest of the Arungdon, but I can guarantee you that legally you are stillthe ward of my grandfather and I…""Please, Lord Casvelyn, you donot have to resort to threats," she turned her head to see if any other'sattention lay upon them, but none seemed interested. Her gaze shifted back tohim. "What, pray, could you have to talk to me? Charles did send hisappreciation for you saving me. He assured me he had taken care of thesituation and the magistrate...""Come. Come. Miss Rufford…orshould I say Hythe. I believe there is much we could talk of."She glanced back over hershoulder as he edged her along beside him. "Where are you taking me? It willnot be proper…"He cut her words short. "No onewill see, I can assure you. I have arranged how I can I say this a few minuteswhere we will not be disrupted. Then you can rush back to your lordship."She watched Lord Casvelyn nod toa man in front of him, a tall man tawny hair and blue eyes. The man noddedback. Immediately, she felt herself being flung into a side door, closingtightly behind her. She could only imagine why Lord Casvelyn thought itnecessary to have a guard at the door.The room was small, quaint inappearance. There was no fire lit nor candle only the moonlit shone in light.He gestured to her to sit upon a settee. She hesitated, but then complied. Toher dismay he sat beside her.She found it difficult to catcha breath with him so near. He stared at her in a manner which made her rememberall too well being in his arms with his lips upon hers."Now will you please explainyourself so I can rejoin Charles.""Ah, yes, the love of your life.I have heard. Unfortunately, I tend to doubt your proclamation of feelings."She stared at him and hereturned it. He sat close to her, too close. She scooted back but he moved,allowing only her a scant space between her and this man who made her skinshiver with just his touch. "How dare you," she uttered under her breath. "Youdon't know me. Charles and I love each other greatly…"
"Do you?" he asked in a lowvoice. "Are you in the habit of sharing kisses with another while in the deepthrobs of love for another? Come. Do not think I have forgotten having you inmy arms. Kissing you, touching you...if not interrupted, perhaps it would havelead to more than..."She slapped him, hard, andattempted to rise. He thwarted her with his two strong hands, pulling her downto him."You are no gentleman!""Perhaps," he answered her, buthis voice softened. "Perhaps."His hands released her back toher seat. What did he do to her that made her act as if she had not areasonable thought in her head?"Tell me, Miss Hythe, whatare you up to? What plan do you have? Don't think your friend, Lord Tregilgascan save you. If I so desire, I can have you escorted out under my care.""You make no sense, LordCasvelyn. You come to me with demands that I return with you. Why should I?True, Colonel Tolworthy is my guardian, but in truth I barely know him. I havebeen on my own for a great deal of time of my life. Why should I be a burden tohim now? It is only a few months more than I will not be.""Listen to me carefully, mydear. I had no knowledge that you still resided within England untilthree weeks ago. In all I find the whole of the situation unacceptable. I'mtrying to rectify this. Believe me. I believe you are in danger.""Then do not worry about me.Charles has seen to my safety. You may question me, but I trust Charles. Hewould never allow harm to befall me as I would never allow harm to him.""Answer me this. Do you know nomatter if you hold your father is innocent, the world does not? No matter ifyour young Marques holds to you, you are walking into social damnation, fair orunfair. It will not be pleasant. How long do you think it will take for someoneto figure out who you are? I would wager it will not be long. And then there isthe matter of the threat upon your life?""You are mistaken that I amtrying to run from my name. I am not. Since my father's death, I have faced hisdisgrace. No one thought it necessary to inform me how my father died until Iwas seventeen. All I knew was that he was dead. Not until Charles told me. Hehas been my only true friend, my Lord. I have only once visited my father'sgrave and it was only through Charles I did so. Do you know what it is like tosee your father's grave ostracized from holy ground for they deem he committedsuicide?""I know lost. I feel it everyday. I dealt with my brother's death knowing that the fiend that killed himalso lay in the ground. But with your words you uttered to me, I find myselfquestioning all about my brother's death. And with those words, I questionedthe wisdom in allowing you this Season."As he spoke, he astonished herwith his movement, transforming her back to that night, that room, thatembrace. He moved closer, so close it seemed she could no longer claim airbetween them. His arms encircled her and pulled her face upward toward his. Histouch startled her. She looked at him in surprise. She saw his intent, yet madeno resistance. Wanting to protest, her body rebelled against the thought.A gasp escaped her lips as helowered his head to hers. His lips moved against hers, firm yet yielding. Shemelted into the sensation his kiss inflicted, the thrilling excitement andwarmth flowing through her body. Her mind told her to resist though her bodypaid no attention to the warning. Instead, she responded to him. Gently heprodded her lips with his tongue to part. Slowly as if giving her time to getused to the idea, he slipped his tongue inside.Within her a voice called to herto be sensible. He was dallying with her, no more, no less to prove his point.Yet, she ignored the voice choosing instead to surrender to the want within herand parted her lips fully to admit him. An intimacy flowed within her, sowonderful, awakening parts of her body she didn't know were alive.His arms tightened around her aspleasure cascaded through out her body. His kiss lingered. He didn't stop withone. He kissed her again and again, astonishing her and evoking shivers thatflowed down her body. A series of pleasurable sensations left her crying formore. He kissed her again, more aggressive, more demanding. Within her she hadlong lost any rational thought for he had her mesmerized.She felt his hand move up anddown her back. Her skin felt hot with his touch. His hand moved upward until itcupped her nape, caressing her. She could not believe what his meandering touchdid to her. His lips descended down her chin to her neck. A cry escaped herwhen his lips found a sensitive spot which sent vibrations cascading throughout her. Sensations she had never known yet desired. She had never been held inthis way by anyone. Never had she felt so alive.The next moment he held her headin his hands as if she was his captive. He ravished her mouth. Shock tensedthrough her. She could feel the need within him for her submit. Then as ifreason took hold, he drew back. His eyes never left her widen eyes. He reachedover and in a slow gentle motion caressed her face."Tell me now of this undyinglove you have for another," he said demanding an answer from her.
Click here to purchase DAUGHTER OF DECEIT on Amazon

Guest Author S.G. Rogers Chats about Romantic Fantasy

Welcome author S. G. Rogers, my Twitter friend who is visiting today to talk about fantasy, romance...and a little magic, too. Great to have you here, S.G., and thanks for sharing this wonderful form of writing with us.
A Magical Cherry On Top

Throw an extra dollop of magic on top of a classic love story and you've got romantic fantasy. Imagine Pride and Prejudice with Mr. Darcy as an arrogant wizard and Elizabeth Bennett as a fetching, but non-magical, love interest. Hmm…and wouldn't the beautiful grounds at Pemberley be that much more exquisite if enhanced by all manner of fantastic plants and magical creatures? Romance, when edged with a bit of whimsy and imagination, takes on yet another dimension. With the best romantic fantasies you'll find yourself transported not only by the journey to 'happily ever after,' but also by the world itself.

In Clash of Wills, fantasy is woven seamlessly into the story at first. As the tale unfolds, however, magic becomes a more central part of the tale. Nevertheless, the focus is always on Princess Samantha and Prince Wills:
When an unconventional princess meets a footloose prince, a battle of wits begins…

Princess Samantha's magical compass will help her locate her long-lost brother, but only if she manages to escape her royal parents for a few weeks. When an unwelcome suitor comes to call, Samantha seizes her chance. She beguiles the prince into taking her north, intending to abandon him at her earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, his captivating good looks and charming manner present an unforeseen complication—especially when she is forced to accept help from the very man she has deceived.
To maintain his bachelorhood, handsome Prince Wills is not above deception. Although reluctantly entangled in Samantha's scheme, he vows to protect her…until a lie threatens to destroy their alliance. Can his powerful attraction to Samantha overcome his mistrust? And can they survive a dangerous quest to the wild and magical Uncharted Region?

Excerpt:
The spring squall became more intense, and the temperature on the mountain fell rapidly. Frequent thunderclaps frayed her nerves. She kept striking the flint, hoping a spark would catch hold, but gusts of wind foiled her efforts each time. "Burn!" she cried. "Just burn."
At her command, the fire pit suddenly burst into robust flames, creating the heat that Wills so desperately needed. She dragged him closer to the warmth. Blessed relief flowed through her when he stopped shaking and his color began to improve. She brushed his hair back from his handsome face.

"You're a good man, Prince Wills," she murmured. "You'll make a good king someday...if you survive this misadventure."
While Wills slept, Samantha rebalanced their packs to more equally distribute the weight. Then she stood at the far end of the lookout to watch the storm. Icy rain blew into her face and soaked her tunic. She gritted her teeth against the cold.
"Are you insane?" Wills's voice rose above the howling gale. When he felt Samantha's fingers, he gasped. "You're freezing!"

He draped her coat over her shoulders and all but yanked her toward the fire. "What did you think you were doing?" he scolded.

"You needed the coat more than I did."
"That's nonsense. You could die of exposure up here!"

Wills folded Samantha into the warmth of his arms. They clung together until the sensation returned to her fingertips. "Thank you, Wills," she murmured, finally. "That feels much better."
He brushed his lips against hers. "Thank you for taking care of me."
She responded with a whisper of a kiss. "You're welcome."
The developing romance between Samantha and Wills is enhanced by the fantasy, but not overwhelmed. And, after all, isn't true love magical anyway? ~ S.G. Rogers


Romantic fantasy novella Clash of Wills is available February 29 from The Wild Rose Press. To learn more about S.G. Rogers, visit:
S.G. Rogers' Blog
S.G. Rogers on Facebook
S.G. Rogers on Goodreads
S.G. Rogers on Twitter
Buy CLASH OF WILLS beginning on February 29th Clash of Wills buy link

LOVE DELIVERED: A Nook Lovers featured Cheap Read!

Love Delivered is the featured Cheap Read today at Nook Lovers! $2.50 and a virtual trip to summertime. :)
Click here to go to Nook Lovers site.

5 Hearts from Sizzling Hot Book Reviews for BENEATH THE SURFACE!

I'm excited to share the 5 Heart review of Beneath the Surface at Sizzling Hot Book ReviewsBeneath the Surface by Joya Fields
A mysterious metal box with what looks like red hair, red human hair, floating out from the seams, lies Beneath the Surface of the ocean, off the Florida coast. Brooke Richards is vacationing in Florida with her best friend Linda and Linda's boyfriend Jeff when they happen upon this grisly discovery. Throwing the three friends into the path of a psychopathic killer bent on making sure that the box is never recovered.

She's fighting to stay independent--he's determined to protect her no matter what...
Brooke Richards survived the earthquake that took her parents and most of her leg, but she needs time to regroup. A trip to Florida for a state-of-the-art prosthesis and to visit her best friend Linda seems ideal. But the trip turns traumatic when Brooke witnesses Linda's boat disintegrating in a fiery explosion.
Police Officer Garrett Ciavello believes the blast was intentionally set to hide something Linda found on a dive. When Brooke offers her expertise in underwater archeology, Garrett accepts her help with the investigation. But since his fiancée's death years ago, Garrett has become overprotective, and as they are drawn to each other, Garrett realizes he will risk anything to keep Brooke safe.
Brooke is fiercely independent. Garrett is fiercely protective. Will they heal each other's wounds and find a killer...before it's too late?

Garrett Ciavello is a detective with the Flagler police department. His cousin Tessa has been missing for two months. Tessa has red hair. Before Garrett is able to question Brooke and her friends, Linda and Jeff are injured in an explosion on their boat.

Garrett and Brooke team up to find the metal box and expose the killer. Even though danger lurks around every corner, Garrett and Brooke can't seem to deny their attraction for each other.

Beneath the Surface is a gripping, emotional tale. Full of twists and turns, page turning suspense and heart breaking drama. I think Joya Fields did a marvelous job of portraying the conflicting feelings of someone with such a visible physical disability. We get to see Brooke's insecurity about her prosthesis, her determination to be independent, her strength of character, and her indomitable spirit. Garrett is such a wonderful character, too. Racked by guilt, trying so hard to control his protective instincts, but so accepting of Brooke's disability that you almost feel it doesn't even show up on his radar. He is protective of Brooke, because he cares for her, not because he feels she is at all diminished by her disability.

I did figure out who the killer was (before Brooke and Garrett did) but I wasn't positive I was right, and it didn't diminish my enjoyment of Beneath the Surface. I loved watching Brooke discover that everyone needs to lean on someone sometimes, and it doesn't mean you're weak, only that you're human. I highly recommend Beneath the Surface to everyone who enjoys romantic suspense.
Posted by Tamara Hoffa

What is a best friend? Besties forever!

What sort of things do best friends do together? How do you find a best friend? Sometimes all you have to do is look around.
We're chatting about besties, including how Brooke, the heroine of BENEATH THE SURFACE, and her bestie Linda are there for each other through good times and bad.

Leave a comment at Long and Short Reviews blog to win an Ebook of BENEATH THE SURFACE!

Click here to view the Long and Short Reviews blog.

An Author Who Digs Archaeology--What Was Your Favorite Class in School?

What do writing books and studying archaeology have in common? Not too much, except a love of uncovering things.
I'm at Cassandra Carr's blog today chatting about favorite subjects in school and how Brooke Richards, the heroine in my debut novel, became an archaeologist. Hope you'll stop by to tell us about your favorite subject in school!

Click here for Cassandra Carr's blog

Brooke Richards,
Underwater Archaeologist,
BENEATH THE SURFACE