Devika Fernando's Blog, page 40
June 19, 2016
Sneak Peek Sunday: Excerpt from "The Prince's Special Bride"
In exactly 10 days, my first royal romance novel The Prince's Special Bride will be available for pre-order. To whet your appetite, here's an excerpt from one of my favourite scenes.
Christian walked closer. “What are you reading?”
Marie glanced from him to the book and back. He was so close now that he could see a tiny fluttering at her slender throat. Knowing she was as aware of the tension as him made it worse. Why couldn’t she be immune to him? It would make resisting her easier.
“The Little Prince,” she said with a tiny ironic smile.
“Seriously?”
Her chin came up in that characteristic gesture so endearing to him. “Yes, seriously. And now don’t get any thoughts into your head, it’s not at all connected to any real-life prince.”
His eyebrows rose. “It isn’t? You disappoint me to the core.”
He pressed a hand to his heart and managed a theatrically wounded expression, which made her giggle. The sound slid into him like a knife into his ribs, winding him.
“If I’m not the reason for this choice of book, then what compelled you to choose it?”
Her face grew thoughtful, more serene in its beauty. His feet moved closer on their own will.
“I read it several times in my teenage years, and it stayed with me. I like its simplicity that is at second glance not at all simple but really complex and wise and inspiring.”
Was it any wonder she fascinated him so? Any other woman might have chosen a romance novel or maybe one of the famed classics.
“What’s the reason for your choice?” Her question interrupted his thoughts.
He glanced down at the heavy book. “Much of the same you just said about yours, I guess. I enjoy its complexity, its wisdom. And as the member of a ruling family, I’d certainly benefit from knowing about ‘war and peace’.”
Christian smiled, and Marie smiled back, lighting the whole room and his lonely, closed-off heart.
“Then don’t let me disturb you from such important reading,” she said softly and turned towards the bookshelf.
The oddest sense of panic took hold of him. He didn’t want her to leave.
“Don’t. You don’t have to go, you’re not disturbing me.”
She didn’t heed his words but stepped away to search for the empty slot and slide her book into it. “It’s better this way. I really shouldn’t be here.”
Something in her tone made him realize that she understood as much as him that it wasn’t a good idea to meet like this. With nobody around. With endless forbidden possibilities swimming in the air like current ready to zap them.
“Has nobody told you that it is not done to turn your back on a member of the royal family and walk away, or to refuse them?”
Great, now he sounded pompous and pathetic at once, sure to drive her away. Marie stood still, her back to him, one hand holding onto the edge of the book.
“Has nobody ever told you that I’m not like the others?” she asked, so softly that he barely understood her.
Reacting on pure instinct, Christian crossed the short distance between them until he stood so close there was hardly any air between them. He could feel the heat she radiated, could almost taste her spicy sweetness on the tip of his tongue.
God, how he was aching to kiss her again. Just one more kiss. What harm could it do? Surely not as much harm as unfinished business?
“I do know that,” he said, surprised at how husky he sounded. “It’s one of the things I like about you.”
Oh no, he shouldn’t have said that...
Marie stood stock still, but he could hear her rapid breathing in the stillness. The silence stretched. He took the last step forward so their bodies were touching.
It was heaven. It was hell. It wasn’t enough.
June 16, 2016
Featured - Book Spotlight for "The Flower Seller" by Ellie Holmes
About the BookGenre: Commercial Romantic FictionRelease Date: 2nd June 2016
All she wanted was a love she could BELIEVE IN.
Jessie Martin believes that when it comes to love there are three types of people: the skimmers, the bottom dwellers and the ones who dive for pearls. Jessie is a pearl diver. She had thought her husband William was a pearl diver too. But when William leaves her for a younger woman, it’s not just Jessie’s heart that is broken, her ability to trust is shattered too.
Refusing to retire from the battlefield of life, Jessie resolves to put her heartache behind her. She doesn’t want to be that woman who was too scared to love again. There has to be another pearl diver out there; all she has to do is find him.
When fate brings handsome flower seller Owen Phillips into her life, Jessie believes he may be the one but is her fragile trust about to be shattered all over again?
The Flower Seller is a warm, engaging read about love, deceit, betrayal and hope.
BUY LINK
http://goo.gl/UrHYRb
EXCERPTIt had been her daughter Hannah’s idea to put an advert in the Abbeyleigh Gazette. ‘It’s time to take yourself out of your comfort zone, Mum. Why don’t you get Anne to give you a hand with the ad?’
Sucked into the vortex of her daughter’s enthusiasm, Jessie had agreed before she could talk herself out of it.
‘So, what have you got so far?’ Anne had asked over margaritas in Spike’s Bar.
‘Newly single brunette, slim, attractive, early forties, non-smoker, good sense of humour, would like to meet man thirties/forties for friendship and maybe more,’ Jessie read aloud.
Anne pretended to fall asleep and Jessie slapped her arm.
‘Bit dull, sweetie!’ Anne said with a smile. ‘For starters, you should put early thirties. Everyone knocks a few years off. And do you really want to say slim? It’s practically shorthand for flat-chested and you’re not. How about “great figure” instead?’
‘That’s a bit conceited, isn’t it?’
Anne threw her a look. ‘It’s an advert, Jessie. You’re meant to be selling yourself.’
‘Blimey! I’ll just get some fishnets and a red light, shall I?’
‘You know what I mean. You should put something in there about being outgoing. That usually leads to some interesting propositions.’
‘But I’m not outgoing,’ Jessie said.
‘For goodness’ sake, outgoing just means you’re up for a bit of fun. I’m not suggesting for a moment that you put “open-minded”. Now that would lead to some replies that would make your hair stand on end. And obviously your WLTM has to be a man in his late twenties or early thirties.’
‘Has to be? This is my advert, remember? Not yours!’
Anne smirked. ‘So you’d prefer “Recently dumped flat-chested brunette, early forties, lives life with the handbrake on, would like to meet man forties/fifties for visits to the library”?’
‘I’d prefer not to be doing it at all.’
Anne squeezed her hand. ‘I know, sweetie. And you can stick another pin in your effigy of William when you get home but right now we need to get you back out there before life passes you by.’
About the AuthorEllie Holmes writes commercial women’s fiction and romantic suspense. She takes her inspiration from the beautiful Essex countryside and the sublime Cornish coast. The Flower Seller is Ellie’s first full-length novel. Ellie is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and the Romantic Novelists’ Association. To find out more please visit www.ellieholmesauthor.comAUTHOR LINKS
https://www.facebook.com/EllieHWriter
https://www.twitter.com/EllieHWriter
https://pinterest.com/EllieHWriter
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15076107.Ellie_Holmes
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June 13, 2016
Featured - Spotlight for "Once and Future Wife" by David Burnett
About the BookGenre: RomanceRelease Date: June 1 (May 1 in paperback)
Jennie Bateman has again fallen in love with Thomas, her former husband. However, Tasha, one of his children, is determined to destroy their relationship. Jennie had done that herself a number of years earlier. In the midst of a manic episode, she had deserted Thomas and their two daughters, choosing, instead, a life of shameless debauchery.
Perhaps she was shocked when Thomas filed for a divorce. Perhaps it was the influence of a preacher who took an interest in her. Perhaps she simply cycled back toward normal. Whatever the cause, years later, when she again made contact with her family, she was a different person. Even so, they wanted nothing to do with her.
But time moves on. Circumstances change.
Thomas’s second wife has died, leaving him a single parent with four adult daughters and a new-born. In Jennie’s eyes, he is the same good-looking, kind, loving person she had fallen for when they were in college.
In Once and Future Wife we follow Jennie as she goes a second round with her demons, hoping to find a way to stop them from destroying the possibility of a second marriage and the love and happiness that finally seem to be within her reach.
AMAZON UK
AMAZON US
About the AuthorI live near Charleston, South Carolina, with my wife and Bonnie, our blue-eyed cat. I enjoy traveling, photography, baking bread, and the Carolina beaches.We have traveled widely in the United States and the United Kingdom. During one trip to Scotland, we visited Crathes Castle, the ancestral home of the Burnett family near Aberdeen.
My photographic subjects have been as varied as prehistoric ruins on the islands of Scotland, star trails, sea gulls, and a Native American powwow. I went to school for longer than he wants to admit and has graduate degrees in psychology and education. I was formerly director of research for our state’s department of education.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DavidBurnett.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavdBurnett
Goodreads Author Page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6579272.David_Burnett
Blog:
http://davidburnett.yolasite.com
Website:
http://davidburnett.yolasite.com
Amazon Author Page:
http://amazon.com/author/davidburnett
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June 10, 2016
Featured - Book Club Spotlight for "Tales of Sunshine" by Sundari Venkatraman
BOOK BLITZ
TALES OF SUNSHINE(A collection of short stories)bySundari Venkatraman
Blurb
TALES OF SUNSHINE is a collection of ten short stories that bring hope.âA Ray of Sunshineâ is about young Raj whoâs terribly upset when many people in his team lose their jobs. But is he able to do anything about it?âA Promise Givenâ is about Sachin, the poor, rich, young man; and the pregnant Aparna.âLife Goes out of Controlâ is the story where Preeti, an only child, is a bone of contention between her parents.Rakesh Nath has slogged throughout his life to become rich, to suffer a massive heart attack at 57. Read âRakesh Nathâs Recoveryâ to find out more...âExam Feverâ is about Renu and her anxious mother, Maya. Renu wants to play truant from studies while Maya is terribly worried about her daughterâs exams.âUntil Death us do Partâ is the story of Rekha, the 35-year-old COO of an MNC. She finds love or does she?Ansh adores his grandfather. But his mother Anu is scared of her son spending time with the Alzheimer patient in âIs Grandpa Home?âThe âDaydreaming Mercenaryâ is Reema. She blows up her sister Ritaâs hard-earned money. But are things what they actually seem?âBreaking Free from the Mouldâ is the most difficult thing as a human. With so much pressure from his Grandma, will Aarush pursue his calling?
âThe Elephant in the Roomâ is in the first person where the poor Nandita talks about her friendship (?) with the rich Shruti.
Grab your copy @
Amazon.com | Amazon.in | Amazon.co.ukAmazon.ca | Amazon.com.au
About the author
Tales of Sunshine is the seventh book authored by Sundari Venkatraman. This book is an anthology of human interest stories. Other published novels by the author are The Malhotra Bride, Meghna, The Runaway Bridegroom, The Madras Affair and An Autograph for Anjaliâall romances. She also has a collection of romantic short stories called Matches Made in Heaven. All of Sundari Venkatramanâs books have been on Amazon Top 100 Bestsellers in India, USA, UK & Australia many times over.
Stalk her @
Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | LinkedIn | Website | Google+ | Pinterest
Other books by the author
The Malhotra Bride Meghna The Runaway Bridegroom Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters From India (Box Set) Matches Made In Heaven The Madras Affair An Autograph for Anjali
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June 6, 2016
Review for "Electric, Book 5, The Holidays" by Carly Compass
My Review This is a book I had eagerly (and sometimes none too patiently been waiting for). The aptly titled “The Holidays” is Book 5 in the electrifying ELECTRIC series by Carly Compass. It picks Gina’s story up where it ended on a cliffhanger in Book 4 (The Aftermath).Without warning, the reader is thrown into a world where up seems down, wrong seems right, and every bend in the road leads to another twisted temptation. Gina is whisked away into a universe of its own, so to speak, of nefarious practices, unsavory characters, nasty tricks and international crime thinly veiled behind unimaginable grandeur and splendor. It makes for a disturbing read, but in a good, thought-provoking way that doesn’t allow you to let go even after the book is finished.
I can’t really say much about the story itself because SPOILERS… But I will tell you that we’re traveling into the spiritual realm again, in more ways than one.
The author deftly manages to create so many different pieces that all form one picture of confusion, corruption, charisma, catastrophe and clandestine chaos. Evil scheming meets philosophical discourses, raw emotions meet superficial joys. And caught up in it all is Gina, who wants nothing more than to be cherished, provide for her children and honor a husband she lost in an abominable way. She feels like a fly trapped in a spider web to me. The more she struggles, the more she gets tangled up in the sticky net. But when she ceases to struggle, a whole family of spiders crawl towards her and weave a second net of lies. Some of the villains in the book – which ventures into the dark corners of BDSM too – deserve (pardon the pun) to be electrocuted.
Book 5 ends up a cliffhanger too, and I’m sure I’ll tear some more hair out until I get to read the sixth and final instalment in the series. Until then, I’ll keep my mind occupied with adding my own research to the amazing and intriguing snippets of information on the beginnings of religion that Compass has – like a good compass needle would – pointed me to.
Rating: 4/5
Buy links and more
June 4, 2016
Cover Reveal for "The Prince's Special Bride"
I finished writing the first draft for my royal romance novel "The Prince's Special Bride" yesterday, and I'm really happy with it. It was huge fun to write, and I can't wait to share it with you all. Let me start today with a fab cover reveal organized by the amazing ladies of The Book Club. *drum roll* Here it is, my latest 'baby'!
Cover Reveal
ROYAL ROMANCE, BOOK 1: THE PRINCE'S SPECIAL BRIDEbyDEVIKA FERNANDO
Sneak Peek
Marie doesn’t believe in fairytales and needs no handsome prince to rescue her from misery – but everything changes when she falls in love with Crown Prince Christian of Taragonia. When his sister invites Marie to the palace, their lives collide and leave them both fighting their forbidden attraction.
Prince Christian has no place in his life for love or for a woman who doesn’t fit into the royal scheme of things. But vivacious Marie steals his heart and puts all he has lived for at stake. When the media gets wind of their affair, he has to make a difficult decision.
Will the unlikely couple have a chance at a happy ending?
About the Author
Almost as soon as Devika Fernando could write, she imagined stories and poems. After finishing her education in Germany and returning to her roots in Sri Lanka, she got a chance to turn her passion into her profession. Having lived in Germany and in Sri Lanka with her husband has made her experience the best (and the worst) of two totally different worlds – something that influences her writing. Her trademark are sweet, yet deeply emotional romance stories where the characters actually fall in love instead of merely falling in lust. She draws inspiration from everyone and everything in life. Besides being a romance novel author, she works as a self-employed German web content writer, as a translator, and as a faithful servant to all the cats, dogs, fish and birds in her home. What she loves most about being an author is the chance to create new worlds and send her protagonists on a journey full of ups and downs that will leave them changed. When she’s not writing, she’s reading or thinking about writing.
You can follow the author here:
Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads
Excerpt from the book
Marie blinked some more, her feet automatically carrying her close. “What…what are you doing here?” Belatedly, she curtsied and added a weak “Your Highness”, remembering that they were not alone.
His smile widened. For a moment, he seemed to be drinking her in, his gaze roving appreciatively over her body clad turquoise capris and a white polo shirt. She felt his gaze like a physical caress, driving her out of her mind, increasing the heat.
“This is my family’s property. Surely I have a right to be here,” he joked mildly. For a moment, it looked like he wanted to touch her, but his hand fell back down to his side, clenching into a fist once.
“Yes,” she replied, still dazed. “But you’re a crown prince, not a winemaker.”
He laughed, and the sound traveled straight to her heart. “That is correct, but I do know a thing or two about wine. My duties encompass everything concerned with my kingdom.”
She nodded. Of course. And wasn’t that what made him the perfect regent? His interest in anything and everything, his willingness to learn and his readiness to get his hands dirty?
He ushered her into the building, her entourage trailing behind and exchanging looks.
“I came here this morning with the dignitaries from England and Germany to give them a private tour.” Christian raked his hands through his hair, as if the time spent with them hadn’t exactly been fun. “My sister told me you’d end up here sooner or later, otherwise I’d have traveled through the region, visiting some other vineyards and villages.”
Marie swallowed. So he’d stayed behind because of her. She felt thrilled and anxious at the same time. As keen as she was on every minute spent with him, this would lead nowhere and should not even get a chance to bloom. Why nurture something that was doomed to be cut off at the stem before it could blossom?
Are you ready?????
5
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4
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3
...
2
...
1
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0
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Cover Reveal
ROYAL ROMANCE, BOOK 1: THE PRINCE'S SPECIAL BRIDEbyDEVIKA FERNANDO
Sneak Peek
Marie doesn’t believe in fairytales and needs no handsome prince to rescue her from misery – but everything changes when she falls in love with Crown Prince Christian of Taragonia. When his sister invites Marie to the palace, their lives collide and leave them both fighting their forbidden attraction.
Prince Christian has no place in his life for love or for a woman who doesn’t fit into the royal scheme of things. But vivacious Marie steals his heart and puts all he has lived for at stake. When the media gets wind of their affair, he has to make a difficult decision.
Will the unlikely couple have a chance at a happy ending?
About the Author
Almost as soon as Devika Fernando could write, she imagined stories and poems. After finishing her education in Germany and returning to her roots in Sri Lanka, she got a chance to turn her passion into her profession. Having lived in Germany and in Sri Lanka with her husband has made her experience the best (and the worst) of two totally different worlds – something that influences her writing. Her trademark are sweet, yet deeply emotional romance stories where the characters actually fall in love instead of merely falling in lust. She draws inspiration from everyone and everything in life. Besides being a romance novel author, she works as a self-employed German web content writer, as a translator, and as a faithful servant to all the cats, dogs, fish and birds in her home. What she loves most about being an author is the chance to create new worlds and send her protagonists on a journey full of ups and downs that will leave them changed. When she’s not writing, she’s reading or thinking about writing.
You can follow the author here:
Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads
Excerpt from the book
Marie blinked some more, her feet automatically carrying her close. “What…what are you doing here?” Belatedly, she curtsied and added a weak “Your Highness”, remembering that they were not alone.
His smile widened. For a moment, he seemed to be drinking her in, his gaze roving appreciatively over her body clad turquoise capris and a white polo shirt. She felt his gaze like a physical caress, driving her out of her mind, increasing the heat.
“This is my family’s property. Surely I have a right to be here,” he joked mildly. For a moment, it looked like he wanted to touch her, but his hand fell back down to his side, clenching into a fist once.
“Yes,” she replied, still dazed. “But you’re a crown prince, not a winemaker.”
He laughed, and the sound traveled straight to her heart. “That is correct, but I do know a thing or two about wine. My duties encompass everything concerned with my kingdom.”
She nodded. Of course. And wasn’t that what made him the perfect regent? His interest in anything and everything, his willingness to learn and his readiness to get his hands dirty?
He ushered her into the building, her entourage trailing behind and exchanging looks.
“I came here this morning with the dignitaries from England and Germany to give them a private tour.” Christian raked his hands through his hair, as if the time spent with them hadn’t exactly been fun. “My sister told me you’d end up here sooner or later, otherwise I’d have traveled through the region, visiting some other vineyards and villages.”
Marie swallowed. So he’d stayed behind because of her. She felt thrilled and anxious at the same time. As keen as she was on every minute spent with him, this would lead nowhere and should not even get a chance to bloom. Why nurture something that was doomed to be cut off at the stem before it could blossom?
Are you ready?????
5
...
4
...
3
...
2
...
1
...
0
..............
This Tour is Hosted by
Facebook | Website | Blog Tours | Twitter | | Linkedin
We Promote So That You Can Write
');
May 31, 2016
Featured - Guest Post by Julie Tetel & Spotlight for "Love After All"
Guest Post: Love Letter to Dear Old Duke & Durham, NC (Julie Tetel) 
Duke Chapel, also shown on the cover of "Love After All" My international travel has shown up in my recent books. My Forest Breeze trilogy is a prime example, since all three stories are set in Vietnam where I spent six months a couple of years ago. But, when it comes right down to it, there’s no place like home. In my most recent romance
Love After All
(May, 2016), that’s where I go.
I’ve taught at Duke University and lived in Durham, NC for over twenty years. Durham is one of the points on the Research Triangle, with Chapel Hill and Raleigh being the other two. For years and years, Durham was the ugly stepsister of the Triangle, with a nearly abandoned downtown and lots of ratty corners with boarded up buildings.
That was then. Now Durham is the place to be. In the past five years downtown has come alive. The ratty corners have shiny new apartment complexes. There are even – amazingly! – mini-traffic jams at some intersections. The New York Times recognizes Durham as a true foodie town. And where did the 2015 season of HGTV’s Love It or List It chose for their first location outside of Canada? Raleigh-Durham.
Former tobacco warehouses, now shops Durham has always had Duke, a truly beautiful college campus. But for years it was as if Duke was a draw in spite of being in Durham. Now Durham itself is a magnet for 20- and 30-somethings who have an entrepreneurial spirit and want an affordable quality of life. The old industrial buildings have become apartments and tech startups. The mellow red brick tobacco warehouses now house trendy shops and boutique restaurants.
Where does Love After All fit into the mix? Gino and Laurel are both mid-50s Manhattanites. He’s a widower, and she’s divorced. They’re at the top of their professional games, but they’re both rusty on dating chops. In spite of the rust – because of it – they agree to trade favors: if Laurel goes to his cancer benefit events and runs interference on the socialites chasing after him, Gino will go with her to her 35th college reunion at Duke.
The reunion at Duke is where the magic happens. They stay at the charming King’s Daughter’s Inn off East Campus:
They stroll the Duke Gardens... 
...as well as the latest area to revive downtown, a place with Fullsteam Brewery, bars, restaurants, and plenty of food trucks.
They whiz past Cameron Indoor Stadium with all the basketball championship banners:
They attend reunion events at the Washington Duke Inn, off West Campus. Gino even plays a round of golf on the course that spreads out behind it.
It was a pleasure to write about characters with a lot of life experience. They’ve accomplished things. They’ve lived full lives. They know stuff. Their attraction to one another is not instantaneous. It has to mature and develop as they get to know one another.
It was also a pleasure to write about places I know so well. Duke has always had cachet. Now Durham does, too. In the stodgy old days, it made itself known as The City of Medicine. More recently, its slogan is Find Your Cool.
Durham makes the perfect cool backdrop for a warm and fuzzy love story.
Love After All is Gino’s and Laurel’s story of second chances. It’s Durham’s story, too.
It just came out on the Kindle library – I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed telling it..
Footnote: I only recently learned that the origin of the term bullpen came from a Bull Durham Tobacco poster that once hung over the player’s pit at Yankee Stadium. Durham is still known as The Bull City.
About the Book 
NYU professor Laurel Jennings has spent her career climbing the ladder in the academic world. Dedication has yielded a deanship and a home in New York City's Greenwich Village, but her smile hides her long-suppressed pain of rejection.
Gino Milano is one of New York's most successful restaurateurs. Family-oriented, generous, kind, and hospitable, the death of his beloved wife of thirty-five years has left Gino wandering from fling to fling, without the intention of finding that kind of relationship again.
On the eve of college reunion season, this reserved divorcee and passionate widower cross paths in the lobby of their building. Faced with the prospect of being the only one of her friends to attend their thirty-fifth college reunion alone, Laurel impulsively asks the first man she sees. Gino, intrigued by her candor, agrees to help -- but dismisses any possibility of romantic interest.
In need of help of his own, Gino offers Laurel a deal: he will accompany her to her reunion at Duke if she helps him fend off the advances of women at his own weekend of fundraising events. Initial doubts give way to playful moments and personal revelations as matters come to a head on a beautiful April weekend at Duke University. Can both of them find love after all they have been through?
Amazon Buy Link About the Author
Julie Tetel Andresen has written about language and love for more than 20 years. A professor of linguistics at Duke University, Julie has also written more than twenty romance novels and novellas. Before moving to publish exclusively on the Amazon Kindle library, she was published by Fawcett Crest, Warner Books, and Harlequin. Her novels cross many sub-genres of romance, including mystery, contemporary, BDSM, motorcycle club, and historicals.
Julie loves to travel, and has lived for extended periods in Germany, France, Romania, Vietnam, and Mongolia. As a child, Julie had a passion for playing the piano, and transferred that passion as an adult into writing romance novels and scholarly books about language. For Julie, writing essays in foreign languages is like playing scales and arpeggios as a warm-up exercise for writing in English.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjulietetelandresen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTAbooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/654435.Julie_Tetel_Andresen
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110836139498903771104/posts
Duke Chapel, also shown on the cover of "Love After All" My international travel has shown up in my recent books. My Forest Breeze trilogy is a prime example, since all three stories are set in Vietnam where I spent six months a couple of years ago. But, when it comes right down to it, there’s no place like home. In my most recent romance
Love After All
(May, 2016), that’s where I go.I’ve taught at Duke University and lived in Durham, NC for over twenty years. Durham is one of the points on the Research Triangle, with Chapel Hill and Raleigh being the other two. For years and years, Durham was the ugly stepsister of the Triangle, with a nearly abandoned downtown and lots of ratty corners with boarded up buildings.
That was then. Now Durham is the place to be. In the past five years downtown has come alive. The ratty corners have shiny new apartment complexes. There are even – amazingly! – mini-traffic jams at some intersections. The New York Times recognizes Durham as a true foodie town. And where did the 2015 season of HGTV’s Love It or List It chose for their first location outside of Canada? Raleigh-Durham.
Former tobacco warehouses, now shops Durham has always had Duke, a truly beautiful college campus. But for years it was as if Duke was a draw in spite of being in Durham. Now Durham itself is a magnet for 20- and 30-somethings who have an entrepreneurial spirit and want an affordable quality of life. The old industrial buildings have become apartments and tech startups. The mellow red brick tobacco warehouses now house trendy shops and boutique restaurants.Where does Love After All fit into the mix? Gino and Laurel are both mid-50s Manhattanites. He’s a widower, and she’s divorced. They’re at the top of their professional games, but they’re both rusty on dating chops. In spite of the rust – because of it – they agree to trade favors: if Laurel goes to his cancer benefit events and runs interference on the socialites chasing after him, Gino will go with her to her 35th college reunion at Duke.
The reunion at Duke is where the magic happens. They stay at the charming King’s Daughter’s Inn off East Campus:
They stroll the Duke Gardens... ...as well as the latest area to revive downtown, a place with Fullsteam Brewery, bars, restaurants, and plenty of food trucks. They whiz past Cameron Indoor Stadium with all the basketball championship banners: They attend reunion events at the Washington Duke Inn, off West Campus. Gino even plays a round of golf on the course that spreads out behind it. It was a pleasure to write about characters with a lot of life experience. They’ve accomplished things. They’ve lived full lives. They know stuff. Their attraction to one another is not instantaneous. It has to mature and develop as they get to know one another.It was also a pleasure to write about places I know so well. Duke has always had cachet. Now Durham does, too. In the stodgy old days, it made itself known as The City of Medicine. More recently, its slogan is Find Your Cool.
Durham makes the perfect cool backdrop for a warm and fuzzy love story.Love After All is Gino’s and Laurel’s story of second chances. It’s Durham’s story, too.
It just came out on the Kindle library – I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed telling it..
Footnote: I only recently learned that the origin of the term bullpen came from a Bull Durham Tobacco poster that once hung over the player’s pit at Yankee Stadium. Durham is still known as The Bull City.
About the Book NYU professor Laurel Jennings has spent her career climbing the ladder in the academic world. Dedication has yielded a deanship and a home in New York City's Greenwich Village, but her smile hides her long-suppressed pain of rejection. Gino Milano is one of New York's most successful restaurateurs. Family-oriented, generous, kind, and hospitable, the death of his beloved wife of thirty-five years has left Gino wandering from fling to fling, without the intention of finding that kind of relationship again.
On the eve of college reunion season, this reserved divorcee and passionate widower cross paths in the lobby of their building. Faced with the prospect of being the only one of her friends to attend their thirty-fifth college reunion alone, Laurel impulsively asks the first man she sees. Gino, intrigued by her candor, agrees to help -- but dismisses any possibility of romantic interest.
In need of help of his own, Gino offers Laurel a deal: he will accompany her to her reunion at Duke if she helps him fend off the advances of women at his own weekend of fundraising events. Initial doubts give way to playful moments and personal revelations as matters come to a head on a beautiful April weekend at Duke University. Can both of them find love after all they have been through?
Amazon Buy Link About the Author
Julie Tetel Andresen has written about language and love for more than 20 years. A professor of linguistics at Duke University, Julie has also written more than twenty romance novels and novellas. Before moving to publish exclusively on the Amazon Kindle library, she was published by Fawcett Crest, Warner Books, and Harlequin. Her novels cross many sub-genres of romance, including mystery, contemporary, BDSM, motorcycle club, and historicals. Julie loves to travel, and has lived for extended periods in Germany, France, Romania, Vietnam, and Mongolia. As a child, Julie had a passion for playing the piano, and transferred that passion as an adult into writing romance novels and scholarly books about language. For Julie, writing essays in foreign languages is like playing scales and arpeggios as a warm-up exercise for writing in English.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjulietetelandresen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTAbooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/654435.Julie_Tetel_Andresen
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110836139498903771104/posts
May 30, 2016
Featured - Guest Post by Summerita Rhayne & Spotlight for "More Than Just Desire"
Guest Post by Indian Author Summerita RhayneWhat made you decide to include Bollywood in this romance novel (was it maybe inspired by a certain Bollywood movie)?
Hi Devika! Thank you for having me on your blog.
I think you have a very valid question here. The setting of a novel always has a big influence on the story. Why did Bollywood feature in this book?
My first response is, how could it not? But, upon reflection, I think I can pinpoint certain reasons which make the background a must for this book.
Is it inspired by a Bollywood movie? I’m a big fan of Bollywood, though also a big leg puller of the masala films. With all due - or undue (hope the directors are not listening!) respect for the spicy celluloid smashes, I can’t think of m(any) films which center completely on the romantic emotional arc of the protagonists, as this one does, not in recent times, anyway. If you can suggest any such movie, I’d be happy to hear of it.
Why this book was set in Bollywood goes back to my love of the Indian cinema. If we cast a look at the older classics, they are much more versatile and ranged in their type of protagonists. Similarly, Piya’s character is a complete antithesis of what heroines are supposed to be. I heard snatches of what celebrities experience and some of it ended up in the book, though never in the same way. For example, actresses often die lonely and un-cherished even though they are celebrated in their heyday. Piya feels a fear of being lonely that might spring from being on the same platform. That fear is one of her motivations to get married even when she has no intention of doing it as a successful heroine.
In no other field is the requirement to be competitive so urgent, because many times talent and looks are so intermixed in this industry, especially for women. That is again a battle that Piya faces. I must say the Indian leading ladies have broken the bar set for being skinny. We have many plump actors in recent releases. Age and marital status is also rapidly becoming a non-issue where certain female actors are concerned. Hope this trend continues.
The foremost reason for Piya being a Bollywood diva is that her character justifies that role. She’s faced the ups and downs of the cinematic world, but her own personal fears make her suspicious of emotional ties and she discovers that she has many lessons to learn before she can open her heart to love.
Book Club Spotlight for "More Than Just Desire"
A Passionate Romance
by
Summerita Rhayne
More Than Just Desire
Blurb
The Bollywood diva who ran away
Piya walked out of an explosive situation three years ago. She married Arfaaz for security but left him facing chaos she created. Now she's back in Bollywood and searching for the crown she gave up when she ran away. In the competitive world of starry glamour, the only way she can begin her career anew is to trash the past and get a divorce.
The man who wants her atonement
Arfaaz is determined to get his revenge on Piya for making a farce of their marriage and leaving him to face the mudslinging. He forces her to keep up the appearances and stay with him so she can play the loving wife and repent on her sins. But Piya drives him crazy with her antics. On the top of that, the attraction between them sizzles and threatens to make him forget reason.
A passionate conflict
Piya knows she has lessons to learn but she cannot let this man enter her heart. There is too much to risk and she cannot afford to forget the real reason she has come back. Success is her mantra and her worship. She can be faithful to only her goal...
Prologue
The limo slid through wrought iron gates and came to a stop in front of the entrance of the huge house designed like an ultra modern Italian villa.
‘I’m not getting out here. I’ve booked a room and I want to go to my hotel.’ She averted her gaze and stared straight ahead as Arfaaz held the door open.
For answer, he paused. An inhalation expanded his chest, drawing her unwilling gaze. He’d discarded the ridiculous narrow jacket and the white dress shirt drew taut against his pectorals, sending something threatening and alien coiling through her.
The next moment he’d swooped down and picked her up, taking advantage of her inattention.
His hands went under her as he gathered her in his arms as easily as he would a bird in his hand. She had to duck her head to escape the side of the car and then he was slamming the door shut with a foot kick.
‘How dare you!’ She flailed at him furiously, pent-up frustration escaping. ‘Let me go. Now!’
He was warm, too much so. She found her throat clogging for some unknown reason.
Before she could react anymore, he let her slide down, but she was struggling and squirming so much, she lost her balance and fell, smack against his body.
He stepped back as though she burned him and mortification swept over her skin at the implied rejection.
‘You can’t force me to do what you want!’ she bit out, breathless from effort.
‘I’ll get what I need to know out of you anyway I can.’
‘What do you want to know? Why am I here? Okay, I’ll tell you. It’s to lay down this ghost between us. This meaningless tie...’ She made a gesture to denote contempt and tipped up her chin at him. ‘I want a divorce, Arfaaz. And I want it as quickly as possible.’
‘Very well.’ The soft agreement dropped in the silence with thunderous force, like a rock thudding down from the mountain. ‘Don’t doubt it, Piya. You’ll get it.’
Grab your Copy @amazon.com | amazon.in or grab this book free at #KindleUnlimited
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Summerita Rhayne writes contemporary and historical romance with lots of emotional conflict. She first got published in 2013 and has won contests with prestigious publishers such as Harlequin and Harper Collins India. She firmly believes if the inspiration is strong enough, the story characters will find a way to make the writer pen them down, even when writing time is in short supply. When cerebrally confronted with the sizzling interaction of two Alpha characters, the only way to get peace is write their book!
At heart, she's a family person and even though she loves her medical teaching profession, she happily becomes a homemaker when not at work. She loves winding down with music, romcoms, cricket (strictly watching only) and social networking.
Stalk her @
Follow us # +Pinterest
Win 2 Copies of Summerita's Historical series
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This Tour is Hosted by
Facebook | Website | Blog Tours | Twitter | Linkedin
We Promote So That You Can Write
Hi Devika! Thank you for having me on your blog.
I think you have a very valid question here. The setting of a novel always has a big influence on the story. Why did Bollywood feature in this book?
My first response is, how could it not? But, upon reflection, I think I can pinpoint certain reasons which make the background a must for this book.
Is it inspired by a Bollywood movie? I’m a big fan of Bollywood, though also a big leg puller of the masala films. With all due - or undue (hope the directors are not listening!) respect for the spicy celluloid smashes, I can’t think of m(any) films which center completely on the romantic emotional arc of the protagonists, as this one does, not in recent times, anyway. If you can suggest any such movie, I’d be happy to hear of it.
Why this book was set in Bollywood goes back to my love of the Indian cinema. If we cast a look at the older classics, they are much more versatile and ranged in their type of protagonists. Similarly, Piya’s character is a complete antithesis of what heroines are supposed to be. I heard snatches of what celebrities experience and some of it ended up in the book, though never in the same way. For example, actresses often die lonely and un-cherished even though they are celebrated in their heyday. Piya feels a fear of being lonely that might spring from being on the same platform. That fear is one of her motivations to get married even when she has no intention of doing it as a successful heroine.
In no other field is the requirement to be competitive so urgent, because many times talent and looks are so intermixed in this industry, especially for women. That is again a battle that Piya faces. I must say the Indian leading ladies have broken the bar set for being skinny. We have many plump actors in recent releases. Age and marital status is also rapidly becoming a non-issue where certain female actors are concerned. Hope this trend continues.
The foremost reason for Piya being a Bollywood diva is that her character justifies that role. She’s faced the ups and downs of the cinematic world, but her own personal fears make her suspicious of emotional ties and she discovers that she has many lessons to learn before she can open her heart to love.
Book Club Spotlight for "More Than Just Desire"
A Passionate Romance
by
Summerita Rhayne
More Than Just Desire
Blurb The Bollywood diva who ran away
Piya walked out of an explosive situation three years ago. She married Arfaaz for security but left him facing chaos she created. Now she's back in Bollywood and searching for the crown she gave up when she ran away. In the competitive world of starry glamour, the only way she can begin her career anew is to trash the past and get a divorce.
The man who wants her atonement
Arfaaz is determined to get his revenge on Piya for making a farce of their marriage and leaving him to face the mudslinging. He forces her to keep up the appearances and stay with him so she can play the loving wife and repent on her sins. But Piya drives him crazy with her antics. On the top of that, the attraction between them sizzles and threatens to make him forget reason.
A passionate conflict
Piya knows she has lessons to learn but she cannot let this man enter her heart. There is too much to risk and she cannot afford to forget the real reason she has come back. Success is her mantra and her worship. She can be faithful to only her goal...
Prologue
The limo slid through wrought iron gates and came to a stop in front of the entrance of the huge house designed like an ultra modern Italian villa.
‘I’m not getting out here. I’ve booked a room and I want to go to my hotel.’ She averted her gaze and stared straight ahead as Arfaaz held the door open.
For answer, he paused. An inhalation expanded his chest, drawing her unwilling gaze. He’d discarded the ridiculous narrow jacket and the white dress shirt drew taut against his pectorals, sending something threatening and alien coiling through her.
The next moment he’d swooped down and picked her up, taking advantage of her inattention.
His hands went under her as he gathered her in his arms as easily as he would a bird in his hand. She had to duck her head to escape the side of the car and then he was slamming the door shut with a foot kick.
‘How dare you!’ She flailed at him furiously, pent-up frustration escaping. ‘Let me go. Now!’
He was warm, too much so. She found her throat clogging for some unknown reason.
Before she could react anymore, he let her slide down, but she was struggling and squirming so much, she lost her balance and fell, smack against his body.
He stepped back as though she burned him and mortification swept over her skin at the implied rejection.
‘You can’t force me to do what you want!’ she bit out, breathless from effort.
‘I’ll get what I need to know out of you anyway I can.’
‘What do you want to know? Why am I here? Okay, I’ll tell you. It’s to lay down this ghost between us. This meaningless tie...’ She made a gesture to denote contempt and tipped up her chin at him. ‘I want a divorce, Arfaaz. And I want it as quickly as possible.’
‘Very well.’ The soft agreement dropped in the silence with thunderous force, like a rock thudding down from the mountain. ‘Don’t doubt it, Piya. You’ll get it.’
Grab your Copy @amazon.com | amazon.in or grab this book free at #KindleUnlimited
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Summerita Rhayne writes contemporary and historical romance with lots of emotional conflict. She first got published in 2013 and has won contests with prestigious publishers such as Harlequin and Harper Collins India. She firmly believes if the inspiration is strong enough, the story characters will find a way to make the writer pen them down, even when writing time is in short supply. When cerebrally confronted with the sizzling interaction of two Alpha characters, the only way to get peace is write their book!
At heart, she's a family person and even though she loves her medical teaching profession, she happily becomes a homemaker when not at work. She loves winding down with music, romcoms, cricket (strictly watching only) and social networking.
Stalk her @
Follow us # +Pinterest
Win 2 Copies of Summerita's Historical series
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This Tour is Hosted by
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Facebook | Website | Blog Tours | Twitter | Linkedin
We Promote So That You Can Write
May 29, 2016
Featured - Cover Reveal & Giveaway for "Night Magic" by Kathleen Ann Gallagher
It's always a pleasure to feature a dear author friend of mine on my blog. Today I'm having Kathleen Ann Gallagher over, who has visited a few times before and always brings gorgeous covers with her. Let's check out her upcoming book "Night Magic". There's a giveaway too, folks! 
About the Book Night Magic: Moonlight & Jasmine Series, Book 1
Blurb:
The beautiful but lonely owner of a bath and body shop, Krista Winter is in need of legal counsel. She was forced to flee from her life as a teacher in New Jersey after being shunned for practicing witchcraft. Her past is about to catch up with her.
Jon Bartolo is a dedicated lawyer, living in the town of Conway, New Hampshire. His days are spent helping his clients with their struggles and his nights are spent in agony, lost in a world between life and death. His mother, who died three years ago, lurks in his house, suffering from a curse for eternity, without a final resting place.
A smoldering fire between Jon and Krista ignites almost immediately, however, he’s sure his secret would frighten a woman away. An afternoon escape brings them closer, but doubts linger between the love-struck couple.
Burning questions about how to fuse their lives together with so much of their past still clouding the future become a heavy burden that they’re both trying to bear on their own.
It will take a touch of magic if there's any hope in sight.
There is still time to enter Kathleen’s Night Magic Cover Reveal Giveaway for a 10.00 Amazon Gift Card. Hop over to her place and enter.
http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com/2016/05/cover-reveal-giveaway-night-magic_28.html
While you are there take a look around.
Her contemporary romance, Love’s Encore was released from Beachwalk Press on May 16, 2016.
Here’s the blurb and buy link for Love’s Encore.
GET THIS BOOK NOW FOR THE DISCOUNTED RELEASE PRICE OF 99 CENTS - OFFER VALID ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME* http://amzn.to/1WTbvIE
Desire wins the lead role.
Sadie Layne, a creative and motivated high school drama teacher, is grateful for second chances. After surviving breast cancer, she embarks on a celebratory trip to LA with her two best friends. Sadie never expected to run into the handsome and charming Vince De Carlo in the hotel lobby. She hasn't seen Vince much since they worked together in a theater company years ago. Their meeting interrupts her plans and reminds her of the life she left behind.
Vince, a struggling actor and cover model, is in LA to promote a television pilot. His old attraction to Sadie is stronger than ever. He never forgot her, even though a trusted friendship and a scripted kiss was all they'd shared.
The reunited pair give in to temptation, but reality soon collides with lust as strong doubts about their blossoming romance get in the way. Sadie dreads facing her defeat as an actress, and Vince doesn't think a struggling actor like himself is capable of providing the accomplished teacher with what she deserves.
Will the couple find a way to keep their sizzling romance alive and build a future together? Or will their uncertainty win the lead role and smother the flames?
Here’s where you can find Kathleen. She loves hearing from her readers.
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathleenAnnGallagher/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Twitter https://twitter.com/Kathleenwrites
Google https://plus.google.com/u/0/117606070036565136137/posts
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/magicalwriter/
About the Book Night Magic: Moonlight & Jasmine Series, Book 1Blurb:
The beautiful but lonely owner of a bath and body shop, Krista Winter is in need of legal counsel. She was forced to flee from her life as a teacher in New Jersey after being shunned for practicing witchcraft. Her past is about to catch up with her.
Jon Bartolo is a dedicated lawyer, living in the town of Conway, New Hampshire. His days are spent helping his clients with their struggles and his nights are spent in agony, lost in a world between life and death. His mother, who died three years ago, lurks in his house, suffering from a curse for eternity, without a final resting place.
A smoldering fire between Jon and Krista ignites almost immediately, however, he’s sure his secret would frighten a woman away. An afternoon escape brings them closer, but doubts linger between the love-struck couple.
Burning questions about how to fuse their lives together with so much of their past still clouding the future become a heavy burden that they’re both trying to bear on their own.
It will take a touch of magic if there's any hope in sight.
There is still time to enter Kathleen’s Night Magic Cover Reveal Giveaway for a 10.00 Amazon Gift Card. Hop over to her place and enter.
http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com/2016/05/cover-reveal-giveaway-night-magic_28.html
While you are there take a look around.
Her contemporary romance, Love’s Encore was released from Beachwalk Press on May 16, 2016.
Here’s the blurb and buy link for Love’s Encore.
GET THIS BOOK NOW FOR THE DISCOUNTED RELEASE PRICE OF 99 CENTS - OFFER VALID ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME* http://amzn.to/1WTbvIE
Desire wins the lead role.
Sadie Layne, a creative and motivated high school drama teacher, is grateful for second chances. After surviving breast cancer, she embarks on a celebratory trip to LA with her two best friends. Sadie never expected to run into the handsome and charming Vince De Carlo in the hotel lobby. She hasn't seen Vince much since they worked together in a theater company years ago. Their meeting interrupts her plans and reminds her of the life she left behind.
Vince, a struggling actor and cover model, is in LA to promote a television pilot. His old attraction to Sadie is stronger than ever. He never forgot her, even though a trusted friendship and a scripted kiss was all they'd shared.
The reunited pair give in to temptation, but reality soon collides with lust as strong doubts about their blossoming romance get in the way. Sadie dreads facing her defeat as an actress, and Vince doesn't think a struggling actor like himself is capable of providing the accomplished teacher with what she deserves.
Will the couple find a way to keep their sizzling romance alive and build a future together? Or will their uncertainty win the lead role and smother the flames?
Here’s where you can find Kathleen. She loves hearing from her readers.
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathleenAnnGallagher/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Twitter https://twitter.com/Kathleenwrites
Google https://plus.google.com/u/0/117606070036565136137/posts
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/magicalwriter/
May 27, 2016
Featured - Review of "The Bridesmaid's Baby Bump" by Kandy Shepherd
My Review I’m a huge fan of Kandy Shepherd’s books. While I have to admit that her Dolphin Bay series is my favourite so far, I completely fell in love with the Sydney Brides series too. What’s not to love about three sassy, intelligent and determined women who call themselves the Party Queens and are destined to meet the love of their lives under the most unusual circumstances? After “Gift-Wrapped in Her Wedding Dress” and “Crown Prince’s Chosen Bride”, “The Bridesmaid’s Baby Bump” is the 3rd and last instalment, and it lived up to my expectations.This is the story of Eliza, the organizing whirlwind behind the party planner trio. She bumped (pardon the pun) into hunky billionaire Jake on two occasions—two weddings nonetheless, now if that isn’t an omen—and sparks flew. The problem? Jake was battling a divorce, and Eliza has been burned by her own unhappy marriage. But this time when they meet, all bets are off. The two of them give in to desire during a short holiday, and it was a treat to read how well they got along and how much chemistry and more they shared. The title sort of gives away the story, but that didn’t take anything away from the suspense and struggle. It’s no lie to say I was biting my nails at one point, and shouting at Eliza and then Jake and then again Eliza to stop being so blind and stubborn. But they got their happy ending, and it felt so wonderfully right.
It was nice to meet the previous characters and be whisked away to exotic settings, and the love story itself will remain in my mind and heart for quite a while. Jake sounded wonderful, just the right mix of mysterious, dashing, strong and sometimes infuriating. And Eliza holds her own against the other two party queens, who feel like friends to me by now.
Rating: 5/5
(I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
You can pre-order the book here.
