Carrie Elks's Blog, page 23

Romance Weekly #LoveChatWrite – 13th May

Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn’t you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all….. About our writing of course! Every week we’ll answer questions and after you’ve enjoyed the blog on this site we’ll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride! Tell your friends and feel free to ask us questions in the comment box.

This week’s questions are brought to you by Amy Jarecki.

 

1.  When did you start writing, and why?

I have a confession to make. I’ve been writing ever since I can remember, but the stories that really stand out in my mind from childhood was my Sweet Valley High stories. As a young teen I was obsessed by these books. I loved the adventures of Jessica and Elizabeth and longed to live in California, with my own swimming pool. So I did, using just my imagination, a pen and a notebook (no internet back then – gah!) Thankfully, these stories have been lost to the sands of time, so nobody will ever be subjected to their sheer mediocrity. However, my older brother’s parody of the books (because he was cruel) lives on. Anybody want to read “The Loving Lovers who Love to Love each other with Amazing Love?”
Nah, me either.

2.  What do you like best about writing?

Exactly this. I love to escape into a world where anything can happen. With characters I love and challenges they face. Even better, I love to throw curveballs at them, and watch how they react. I’ve always been a dreamer, and being able to share these thoughts with others is fantastic. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.

3.  If you could go on a writing retreat, where would you go and for how long?

I ‘m officially naming this one the Romance Weekly Writers’ Retreat. Look – there’s enough beds for all of us! Writing in bed is one of my favourite things to do, and writing in bed on a tropical island, with constant cocktails, pretty cabana boys and friends to chat to sounds perfect. How long would I stay? Forever!!

 

Thank you to Amy for these questions, I had a lot of fun answering them (and remembering my Sweet Valley High stories…sigh. And now to read more Romance Weekly Blog Hop go to http://danijace.com and read Dani Jace’s answers!

 

Release Day – The Trouble with Dating a Movie Star by Z.N. Willett

A.P. Moore’s provocative romance throws her onto the Best Sellers list, but Alexandria’s life was far from the sexy pages of her romance.

Andrew Hughes, the most desired man in Hollywood was at the height of his career. Nothing could be better, until a chance meeting with Alexandria Moore that went horribly wrong. The man who had everything soon realized what Hollywood couldn’t give him.

Or could it?

An invitation that leads to a premier, offers a second chance, and a Hollywood romance straight out of the pages of a magazine. Yet, this story will not be filled with butterfly kisses and midnight strolls, but with tangled webs filled with lust, desire, jealousy and deceit.

It is Hollywood after all.

iTunes / Smashwords

Have you ever experienced that moment when your body starts to tingle uncontrollably, and your heart speeds up? When you start fidgeting as you try to gain control over your breathing before your mind becomes totally blank? That moment when you see him for the first time….

Except mine was in a movie theater. Along with hundreds of other women, that all gasped when Andrew Hughes walked onto the screen.

The trouble started when my best friend Erin brought me to a movie that she had been raving about. It was during midterms of my freshman year of college, and we both needed a break.

The moment Andrew walked on screen, my heart ached. My hands actually started to tingle, and the air in my lungs collapsed at the first sight of him.

It was an unexplainable attraction and my body responded in ways it never had before. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him and wanted more of him. That day changed my life forever. I couldn’t get him out of my mind. Every waking moment, he was there teasing me and then haunting my dreams. I wouldn’t say I was obsessed, or even a fangirl. But, I was motivated. I had found my muse.

Six years later, that muse has helped me to become a best-selling romance author. No one except Erin knew that Andrew Hughes was the reason to my success, and the primary reason I was able to overcome writer’s block. Writing about romance and having non-existing relationships of my own wasn’t motivating.

FACEBOOK / WEBSITE / TWITTER

I’m the girl who has seen more than she has ever wanted, yet decided to add to that world by writing Hollywood romances. A northern girl, but a southerner at heart, I love anything and everything about love and romance. So much that once upon a time I had a career as a wedding and events coordinator. When I decided to do something I was passionate about, I added my love for travel to the mix. An avid shoeaholic, deep down I’m a sappy romantic who happens to believe that love can truly conquer all.

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Book Review – Legal Briefs by N.M. Silber

 

Once upon a time, childhood enemies grew up and fell in love …

Smart and sassy lawyer, Lily Adler, has been waging an epic battle with handsome and cocky Assistant District Attorney, Adam Roth since “the glitter incident” in preschool when they were four. Their friends’ marriage, a mysterious neighbor, a federal trial, and some bossy big sisters guarantee they’ll be spending plenty of time together. When they try to play nicely, will they discover that their reaction to each other is even more volatile? Can they manage to date without anyone sustaining injury? Can they avoid the mobsters trying to kill them without killing each other first? Find out in Legal Briefs.

“Hot and sexy romance that will make you laugh out loud.” Mimi Strong, New York Times bestselling author of the the Peaches Monroe Trilogy

“Legal Briefs is equal parts sexy and funny. N.M. Silber is becoming my go to author when I want to laugh and swoon at the same time.” Sawyer Bennett, USA Today bestselling author of the Legal Affairs serial.

 

Legal Briefs is the first book I’ve read by N.M. Silber, and the third in her Lawyers in Love Series. Each book centres around a different couple, and can be read as stand-alones. Even better, there’s not a cliffhanger to be seen.
Lily Adler is a legal librarian by day, novelist by night. She writes erotic fiction, something that immediately impresses Adam Roth.
Adam has been her nemesis since grade school. They’ve traded glitter, fruit roll ups and insults since they were tiny, and over the years this animosity has exploded into an intense physical attraction. Boy, is it hot!
Added into the mix are their hilarious friends, crazy family and a diaper changing scene that might just be the funniest thing I’ve read. When things take a turn for the sinister, in a twist that involves most of her neighbors, a sex den and a memory stick, Adam and Lily find themselves falling in love.
N.M. Silber does an amazing job in crafting a light-hearted and hilarious story with characters you can’t help falling in love with. I laughed, I grinned and I swooned all at the same time. Which is no mean feat.
As I said, this is the first book I’ve read by N.M. Silber, but I can guarantee it won’t be the last.

 

 

Romance Weekly #LoveChatWrite – 6th May

Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn’t you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all….. About our writing of course! Every week we’ll answer questions and after you’ve enjoyed the blog on this site we’ll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride! Tell your friends and feel free to ask us questions in the comment box.

This week’s questions are brought to you by Leslie Hachtel.

 

1.  Do you prefer to write futuristic, contemporary or historical romances and why?

*Cue gratuitous Fabio Cover – because the man is a God*.
So far, my published books have all been contemporary. The reasons for this are twofold. Firstly, especially at the start of my writing career, I found it easier to ‘write what I know.’ This included locations I’d visited, a timeframe I was comfortable with, and characters I understood. However, I do have a very soft spot for historical novels. Not least because they combine my two favourite things; history and love. So I’d never rule out writing a historical romance.
As for futuristic, I take my hats off to anybody that writes these. Their imaginations, and ability to world-build always blow my socks off. So, that’s my hats and socks gone. A few more sentences and I could be naked. Let’s leave it here, shall we?

 

2.  What is your favorite time in history and how and why does it inspire you?

I’ve always had a soft spot for the sixties. Firstly because the music was second to none. The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Hendrix, Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel…I could go on, and suspect I already have! Writing a story with it’s own, natural soundtrack is something I’m very attracted to. I did this in my contemporary novel (Fix You) and would definitely like to do it with a Sixties-based romance as well.
It’s not just the music, though. The sixties saw such upheaval–the Vietnam War, the fight for Equality in race and gender, not to mention the sexual and social revolutions. It’s a little minefield for all things romance and angst. I feel the need to tap it!

3.  How has your life experience contributed to your writing?

They say that everybody’s first novel is autobiographical. While I’m not in total agreement with that, I do think I’ve tried to give some of my experiences and life settings to the characters in my books. Some of the themes are universal–who hasn’t fallen in love and had their heart’s broken? Others may be more personal. I put a lot of the music I like into my stories, and I also add details I’ve lived through. In one of my books, I’ve had a background of the rise of social media and technology, of the banking crisis and its effect on business. All those things have helped give me a framework over which I weave the story.
However, other things are purely from imagination. My life is way too mundane to make a good story, so I never just rely on my experience!

 

Thank you to Leslie for setting such interesting questions, I really enjoyed thinking them through. And now to read more Romance Weekly Blog Hop go to www.katerobbinsauthor.com and read Victoria Barbour’s answers!

 

Release Day – The Perfect Spirit by Traci Hayden

Synopsis

Twenty-eight year old writer, Vanessa Fortney, has travelled the world, living life to the fullest. When she comes home due to the unexpected death of her only blood relatives, she only has one regret; never finding a love that triumphs all others.
In a beautiful valley in the Rocky Mountains, Nessa finds herself wondering about a mysterious stranger who saved her after a nearly disastrous car accident. The mystery that surrounds Daniel is quickly replaced by the increasing attraction Nessa feels for him.
Will she find that love that transcends all love or will an unforeseen tragedy keep them apart?





Excerpt
“I lost both my parents as a child.”
“How did they die?” Daniel asked softly.
“Car accident, same as my great-aunt and uncle.”
Daniel’s sharp intake of air was followed quickly by his next comment. “And you almost died in that car accident a few weeks ago. It seems fate is cruel.”
Nessa realized he was right. Not so much about her dying, but the fact that fate seemed to repeat itself. “I didn’t almost die. The doctor said I was lucky.”
“You were lucky because I was there. If I hadn’t been,” he argued, “who knows how long you would’ve been exposed. You could’ve died without me connecting with you.”
“You are my savior, Daniel,” she whispered. “My beautiful angelic savior.”
“You’re too sweet with your words, ma belle.”
“It’s true, Daniel. I don’t know what it is about you, but I feel such a connection to you,” she admitted as she traced her finger across the back of his hand. “You’re always so cold.”
Daniel guffawed. “Cold hands, warm heart.” He cupped her face, pulling her in close. “In this case, my heart flames for you.”
Nessa’s body relaxed into his and he pulled her, comforter and all, onto his lap. He cradled her close to him, savoring their connection as much as she did.



About Author



Traci Hayden is a proud mother of four beautiful girls and one adorable granddaughter. She has always had a passion for reading, but recently the obsession for writing has taken over.
As a Nova Scotian native now living in British Columbia, Traci has traveled across Canada, fueling her imagination from coast to coast.
Along with two dogs and one cat, Traci’s home is shared with her partner of 16 years. He is her rock and constant support.
Traci loves all genres of writing, but currently is exploring the world of romance.

Facebook  Twitter  Blog  Amazon  Smashwords

Purchase Links











a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are over a dozen prizes being offered. All ebooks will be in the form of the winners choosing. Draw will be made on May 18th.

 

Book Review – The Resistance by S.L. Scott

You don’t choose when.

You don’t choose where.

And you don’t get to choose who you fall in love with.

The minute he opened his sexy mouth, Holliday Hughes should have known Jack Dalton was trouble. His smooth pickup lines, broad shoulders, and ridiculously handsome face charmed her right out of her clothes. She gave into her desires, the instant attraction blinding her to the obvious.

One night. That was all it took for Holliday’s world to be flipped on its axis. Jack Dalton was cocky. Smug. Volatile. Demanding. He ignited something deep inside her like no other, but there was something more to this brooding bad boy. There was a dark side to him she couldn’t help but be drawn to.

Torn between what she knew about him and a mysterious side he tried to hide, could she walk away or was he simply too hard to resist?

This book. THIS. BOOK. I picked it up to read for three reasons. Number one, I’m a sucker for a bad-boy. Number two because I have a girl-crush on S.L. Scott. And number three…the cover. Hello abs! I literally want to lick the pages just to see what he tastes like. And, boy am I glad I did. It’s definitely one of the best things I’ve read this year, and I really didn’t want it to end. Because this is one of those rare little beasts—a stand alone romance that I could just keep on reading.

A brief outline. Holliday Hughes is in Vegas on business, and gets picked up in a bar by Jack Dalton, a security guard, asking for her ID. Clearly there’s more to him than that, but you’ll have to find that out for yourself! What follows is a rollercoaster of a story that grabs your heart and tries to run away with it. I was on the edge of my seat, breathless, and more than a little in love. Not only with Jack, either.

Holliday is a hell of a female character. Strong, intelligent and financially sound, she doesn’t NEED a guy to complete her life. But she wants one—wants Jack—and I found myself rooting for them both.

Jack is a sexy bad boy with a soft heart. He has a wild and untamed past, but when he meets Holliday, he finds himself entranced. And as the two of them fall for each other, I found myself falling for them both, rooting for their relationship, willing them to make it through.

This book was a hot, sexy read, but with a depth I wasn’t expecting. It made me laugh, cry and swoon, sometimes all at the same time. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Which is why I’m giving it five, sexy, bad boy stars.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.L. Scott is a former high-tech account manager with a journalism degree pursuing her passion for telling stories. She spends her days escaping into her characters and letting them lead her on their adventures.

Live music shows, harvesting jalapenos and eating homemade guacamole are her obsessions she calls hobbies.

Scott lives in the beautiful Texas hill country of Austin with her husband, two young sons, two Papillons and a bowl full of Sea Monkeys.

Her novels include Naturally, Charlie, Good Vibrations, and A Prior Engagement.

She welcomes your notes at sl@slscottauthor.com.

Romance Weekly #LoveChatWrite – 29th April

Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn’t you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all….. About our writing of course! Every week we’ll answer questions and after you’ve enjoyed the blog on this site we’ll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride! Tell your friends and feel free to ask us questions in the comment box.

This week’s questions are brought to you by Dani Jace.

 

1.  What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever done in the name of research for a book?

  In my first book, Halfway Hidden, there’s a scene where the hero, who is keeping the heroine captive, makes her go into the bathroom with him. There’s a moment where he’s doing what he needs to *ahem* do, and she’s watching an seeing everything. Well, I needed to make sure this could happen if she was behind him.
Luckily I have a very understanding husband, who didn’t complain (much) when I dragged him into to the bathroom to recreate the scene. I’m pleased to say I could see what I needed to, and that was that.
I have to admit I giggled through the whole thing, though.

 

2.  Name a nonfiction book you’ve read for research that you wouldn’t have read otherwise.  Not including writing craft books.

Okay, so I haven’t read this particular book, but I kind of want to. I think a hero who has this for a hobby has to be a good thing, right? After all, it would be the gift that keeps on giving.
My real answer is much more dull than the Make Your Own Sex Toys book. It’s probably a book on the financial crash of 2007. I wanted to try and learn the factors behind it, to make sure it fitted in with the themes of my second book, Fix You.

3.  If you could travel anywhere to do research for a book, including back in time, where would you go?

 If I could choose anywhere, it would almost certainly be Paris. It’s such a wonderful, romantic city with so many possibilities. I’ve only been there once with my family, but every street seems to have a story. The sights, the sounds, the smells would all add up to such a beautiful setting for a romance. No wonder it’s called the City of Love!

 

Thank you to Dani for setting such interesting questions, I really enjoyed thinking them through. And now to read more Romance Weekly Blog Hop go to http://victoriabarbour.com/blog and read Victoria Barbour’s answers!

 

Release Day – The Resistance by S.L. Scott

 

Happy release day to S.L. Scott, one of the nicest and funniest authors I know. I’ve read this book so believe me when I say you should run out and buy it as fast as you can. You won’t be disappointed. I’ll be posting my review on Wednesday, but in the meantime, please find all the details for the book below:

 

You don’t choose when.
You don’t choose where.
And you don’t get to choose who you fall in love with.
The minute he opened his sexy mouth, Holliday Hughes should have known Jack Dalton was trouble. His smooth pickup lines, broad shoulders, and ridiculously handsome face charmed her right out of her clothes. She gave into her desires, the instant attraction blinding her to the obvious.
One night. That was all it took for Holliday’s world to be flipped on its axis. Jack Dalton was cocky. Smug. Volatile. Demanding. He ignited something deep inside her like no other, but there was something more to this brooding bad boy. There was a dark side to him she couldn’t help but be drawn to.
Torn between what she knew about him and a mysterious side he tried to hide, could she walk away or was he simply too hard to resist?

 

 

S.L. Scott is a former high-tech account manager with a journalism degree pursuing her passion for telling stories. She spends her days escaping into her characters and letting them lead her on their adventures.

Live music shows, harvesting jalapenos and eating homemade guacamole are her obsessions she calls hobbies.

Scott lives in the beautiful Texas hill country of Austin with her husband, two young sons, two Papillons and a bowl full of Sea Monkeys.

Her novels include Naturally, Charlie, Good Vibrations, and A Prior Engagement.

She welcomes your notes at sl@slscottauthor.com.

Cover Reveal – Carnival by K.B. Nelson

 

Cover by Yocla Designs

Synopsis:

Blue’s a carny and he’s got molly. Charlie’s a local and she’s got ninety-nine problems but Blue ain’t one. Enter the world of neon lights….

Charlie never intended to sleep with a perfect stranger at the county fair. Finding out he was a carny was like winning the bonus round of the worlds worst game. Blue grew up in the carnival, never staying anywhere long enough to call home. He didn’t mean to seduce Charlie that night, but he’s use to living life on the edge.

Charlie’s supposed to be packing her bags for college. Blue’s supposed to get in his jeep and drive to the next town. She’s ready to leave for a life she’s not certain she wants and he’s searching for a place to call home.

Unable to resist him, Charlie makes the choice to stay. She follows Blue down the rabbit hole; into a world with no regard for rules and consequences. But when tragedy strikes, will it send her and Blue down a more destructive path? Or will it bring them closer together? Either way, they both come to realize that life is just like a carnival ride.

I grew up on a farm in Ohio, but that’s not very interesting, is it? When I’m not writing you can find me doing one of two things; getting lost on highways or getting lost in the lives of fictional characters. If my heart had two feet, one foot would be in romance and the other solidly in geekdom. I hope you’ll all follow me on my journey through this carnival they call life.I promise there will be a happy ending.

              WEBSITE: http://kbnelsonbooks.com/

 

 

 

Cover Reveal – The Perfect Spirit by Traci Hayden

Synopsis

28 year old writer, Vanessa Fortney has travelled the world, living life to the fullest. When she comes home due to the unexpected death of her only blood relatives, she only has one regret; never finding love that triumphs all others.
 
In a beautiful valley in the Rocky Mountains, Nessa finds her wondering about a mysterious stranger who saved her after a nearly disastrous car accident. The mystery that surrounds Daniel is quickly replaced by the increasing addiction Nessa feels for him.
 
Will she find that love that transcends all or will tragedy keep them apart?





Excerpt
 
Nessa’s body melted as his deep and lusty French accent washed over her, penetrating her deepest fantasies. “My name is…”
 
“Vanessa. I know.” He answered. He stepped forward, pulling a gloved hand out from within his coat. “My name’s Daniel.”
 

Nessa assumed since the town on the edge of the valley had a small gathering, her presence had been known

within a few hours of her arrival. She looked down at his extended hand and contemplated taking it. When they

touched, it was final. Her whispering dreams of him would become real. All her fleeting thoughts of him would be

physical.
 
Her drive to be captivated by him drove her tiny hand into his. A chill travelled her arm as she realized how cold

his hand was even through the leather glove. Her hospitality and caring nature won out over everything else she was feeling. “Come to the house. Sit by the fire and warm up. I’m sure Richard and Sylvia would like to thank you also.” Secretly, she wanted to keep him close to her.
 
“I’m sorry, but I must decline.” His voice held a layer of regret. “I’m not comfortable around people. I’ve been alone for a long time.”
 
Nessa bowed her head, hiding her disappointment. “Maybe we could just sit and talk for a bit then.”
 
Daniel’s hand came to rest on her cheek. His thumb under her chin, he pulled her face up till his beautiful eyes met hers again. “As much as I

would love to…” He looked towards the horizon, the sun barely visible as it set, “I must leave.”
 
The pang of disappointment stabbed Nessa’s heart. She nodded, holding herself together. The profound sadness tore through her. “I understand.”
 
Daniel leaned in, breathing in her scent. “I missed this.” Nessa’s body reacted involuntarily. She reached up on her toes and brushed her cheek against his clean shaven face. The fragrance of jasmine and lavender imprinted in her mind.
 
“Missed what?” Nessa asked, already knowing the answer, but relishing in the sound of his deep voice.

 
“Your smell.” He whispered, leaning his face into hers. “I haven’t smelled the incense of lilacs in far too long.”
 
The heat of her blush flamed bright against her skin. She needed to see him again. “Daniel…” His name tasted sweet

on her lips, “…when can I see you again?”
 
“Very soon, ma belle.” He breathed into her ear. “For now, remember me in your dreams.”

About the

Author

Traci Hayden is a proud mother of four beautiful girls and one adorable granddaughter.


She has always had a passion for reading, but recently the obsession for writing has taken over.


 
As a Nova Scotian native now living in British Columbia, Traci has travelled across Canada, fuelling her imagination from coast to coast.
 
Along with two dogs and one cat, Traci’s home is shared with her partner of 16 years. He is her rock and constant support.


 
Traci loves all genres of writing, but currently is exploring the world of

romance.

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