Enduring Everything Blog Tour is HERE!!

Time doesn't always heal old wounds. Often time makes them worse. Especially when you push those wounds to the back of your mind and focus on the life you want to lead.Then the day comes when you finally have everything.

It is then, you realize that nothing ever goes away.

 

 

In order to put years of heartache and abuse behind her, Ren learned to bury the past deep down inside herself and focus on one thing; raising her daughter Sophia. As the years passed, she found peace in the daily routine of her job and becomes content with being a mom. 

On the night of her daughter's wedding, Ren takes a risk and strays from the predictable world she has set up for herself when her longtime friend Jackson rekindles a loving promise he made to her long ago.

Ren cannot keep her past buried, and the two struggle when old problems start to creep back into their lives. She cannot get her world back in order and her instinct is to shut everyone out.  

 

In the midst of it all Ren is coerced into helping Charlotte, an adopted teenager of her close friends the Roberts'. Reluctantly agreeing, Ren finds Charlotte is in dire need of self control and direction. Upon discovering they share a similar upbringing Ren feels she can advise Charlotte and keep her from repeating her own mistakes. Taking steps to ensure Charlotte's recovery, her new found purpose causes a rift in the family she has come to know and love as her own.  

 

Battling issues, both new and old, will Ren & Jacks be able to endure everything life has thrown at them or will Ren give up everything and isolate herself from the inevitable pain that will follow when all her secrets are revealed? 

 

Excerpt

  Careful not to tip the lounge we were sitting on over, Jackson stood up. Standing in front of me, in only his dress slacks, he flashed a wide smile before getting down on one knee. Suddenly my heart was beating erratically in my chest. Shifting to face him, we were at eye level as he took my hand and placed it over the wren and Celtic heart tattoo on the left side of his chest.

 

    "When I first met you, I thought you were cute. The first time I talked to you, I knew you were a smart ass. On our first date, when I kissed you and said not to be nervous, I was talking to myself. Even though I almost ruined our date, I knew you liked me when you said you would see me again. We claimed each other at seventeen but I'm not sure when I started to love you. I know it broke my heart when I had to leave you at your parent's house after knowing what your father did to you, when you said you wanted us to just be friends, when you came back and I found out you were pregnant and I honestly thought it was going to kill me when you got married. More than once you tried to get me to let you go but I never could. No matter how hard it was on both of us, you are the best thing that ever happened to me. I am a better man with you. You didn't steal my heart, I gave it to you. Marry me and I swear the only thing I will ever want from you is your heart in return."

 

    Feeling his heart under my hand as he spoke and the way it would beat faster when he mentioned moments from our relationship, I replied, "Yes."

 

    A wide smile preceded a softer one as he slowly kissed me before offering, "I'll take you inside now."

 

Shaking my head, I pulled him back onto the chaise lounge with me.

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Playlist

Morning Afterglow-Electrasy

Just Give Me a Reason-Pink

The Damage in Your Heart-Weezer

Warmness on The Soul-A7X

I Won't Give Up-Jason Mraz

Sorry-Buckcherry

All of Me-John Legend

 

Special Playlist additions

Kasey Fitzgerald ~'I Got You'-Jack Johnson

A.C. Haury~Devil's Spoke-Laura Marling

Nicole Griffin~'She Will Be Loved'-Maroon 5

 

About the Author

Born in Baton Rouge Louisiana, I now live in Brazoria Texas with My Husband, Three Kids, Three Dogs and Two Cats. I wrote my first short story when I was in high school and instantly fell in love with writing. However, life sometimes gets in the way of aspirations and it wasn't until years later, when my life calmed down, I was able to start writing again. For me, each new book I write or character I create  feels like the first time and I find myself falling in love with writing all over again. 

 

Website

Facebook/Twitter/Google+

 

↓Read Chapter 1↓

Sophia's Wedding Day

 

GoodReads

 

Purchase Links

Amazon/Nook/Smashwords/Itunes

 

Giveaway

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Check out Poplar Place with Ellen Butler!

I'm so excited to be featuring Ellen Butler at Tattered Pages today, who brings to us her latest release, Poplar Place! Whoo Hoo! But before we give you a sneak peek into Ellen's story, she agreed to sit down and answer a few questions for me (poor girl)! Please join me in welcoming Ellen Butler!

OH! And don't forget to check the Rafflecopter at the end of this post! Ellen is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner! Whoot!

Thanks AJ for hosting me at Tattered Pages. It’s such a thrill to be able to reach out to new readers. I hope your fans enjoy reading about my newest release Poplar Place.

I'm thrilled to have you as well, Ellen! And I gotta say, that I LOVE the cover for your new book! So let's start by telling everyone about your work. Assuming you write in the romance genre, do you stick to one sub-genre or write across lines?

I write in both romance and women’s fiction, and yes I absolutely write across lines. For instance Poplar Place has romance, suspense, legal drama and a dash of paranormal. That may seem like a lot but somehow the plot is able to weave it all those elements into a cohesive storyline.

Awesome! Now, I see Poplar Place was released by Turquoise Morning Press on March 7th. Congratulations! But, have you ever considered self-publication?

I toy with self-publication all the time, and eventually I plan self-publish a novella that represents my style of writing. There is a certain freedom you gain when you self-publish. I can have total control over everything, from release date, to editing, to cover art and marketing.

I totally get that. It sounds wonderful, doesn't it? So what's up next on the docket for you? What are you working on now?

I’m working on a romance trilogy called Love, California Style. Currently, I’m writing the second book titled Planning for Love. I’m also researching and writing a women’s fiction, WWII spy novel tentatively titled, Nazis, Spies and American GIs.

Oh my gosh, that sounds incredible! So, after finishing a manuscript, do you take some time off or dive right in to the next story?

I have two school age children so I tend to write my novels during the school year from September thru May, so I can take time off in the summer to be with the kids.

That is my life to a tee! LOL Tell us, who your favorite author is and why?

That’s too hard! I have many favorite authors. One of my favorite authors is Janet Evanovich. Her Stephanie Plum novels always make me laugh. The characters are wonderful and I simply don’t know how she continues to come up with such zany plotlines.

I know that was a loaded question, but you handled it perfectly! Give me the five top words your best friends would use to describe you.

I’ll do you one better. I was once asked to describe myself in 140 characters or less (Twitter style), so here goes.

Author, mother, wife, shoe lover, chocoholic, fashion fan, sarcastic wit, autumn enthusiast, dancer, book worm, and good-time devotee.

Oh my gosh, I think you and I are the same person. LOL Thank you so much for submitting yourself to my interview! Is there anything else you'd like to add for your readers?

One last thing… Book Groups – Visit my website, www.ellenbutler.net to find book club questions on Poplar Place. I’m available to be a guest author for book clubs as well. Fill out the contact form on the website for more information.

 

Fabulous! Now, for a peek inside Poplar Place!

 

 

Newly minted librarian, Cara Baker, effectively cuts ties with her tumultuous life in Pittsburgh, and moves to South Carolina where she embraces the peaceful, laid-back style of small town living. Everything seems to be falling into place when Cara finds the perfect house to round out her new plans. Well… perfect except for the immovable hermit living on the top floor. She throws caution to the wind, and buys the fabulous house—hermit and all—without meeting him. By wooing her reclusive renter with notes and mouthwatering meals, he caves and invites her up to the apartment. Preconceived notions are blown out of the water, when she finds Danny isn’t the nerdy Mr. Mole she envisioned.

 

Unfortunately, FBI phone calls from her past bring Cara’s summer idle to an abrupt halt. Will demons from a former life destroy Cara’s tranquility?

 

 

Genre – Women’s Fiction, with romance & suspense

Publisher – Turquoise Morning Press

Release Date – March 27

ISBN # 978-1-62237-274-4
FIND POPLAR PLACE AT THESE RETAILERS:  B&N / TMP / AMAZON / SMASHWORDS
 

Excerpt

I resigned myself to returning the FBI phone calls. I couldn’t put it off any longer. Both Bryant and Hutchins had left phone messages again yesterday, and their persistence made me nervous. Rolling out of bed, I shuffled downstairs to start the coffee, my liquid courage. I drank half a cup and dialed. Hutchins didn’t answer. I braced myself and dialed Special Agent Bryant.

“Bryant.”

“It’s Cara Baker.”

“Listen, I have some news. The U.S. Marshals have lost contact with Tony Rizolli.”

I paused to digest this.

“Cara?”

“You must be joking! How the hell did that happen?”

“His tracking anklet was cut, and he disappeared.”

“Do they think he’s been whacked?”

“They’re not sure.”

“Why are you calling me? You do realize I no longer work for the DA’s office.”

“Yes, we know that.”

Exasperated I asked, “Then why are you calling to tell me this? Not much I can do.”

“I’m concerned about your safety. Tony bore a lot of hostility toward you.”

“The FBI’s concerned, or you’re concerned?”

“I’m concerned.” He stated matter-of-factly.

“What does the FBI think?”

“The FBI thinks there’s a leak in the Marshals’ office and Rizolli’s six feet under.”

“Why does Tony have so much animosity toward me? He walked into a shiny new life provided by the American taxpayers.”

“The money.”

I took a moment, rubbing a hand across my eyes. “What does he know?”

“We’re not sure. I think one of the pencil pushers at the Marshals’ office told him about the Cayman accounts during relocation. There was very little legitimate money he could take into the program. He wasn’t happy about it.”

I sucked in a breath. “Agent Bryant….”

“Call me Tom.”

“Tom, what exactly are you worried about?”

“If Rizolli isn’t sleeping with the fish, he’s a loose cannon. I don’t trust him. You may be in danger.”

“And?”

“And you need to watch your back. Call me or Hutchins if you see anything suspicious. I mean anything out of the ordinary. If you see a strange car in the neighborhood, get the plates and call me.”

“I’ll take that under advisement, Agent Bryant. What about Denise?”

“She’s covered. I’ve called in some favors.”

“Fine. Please let me know if anything new develops.”

~ * ~

Ellen Butler lives in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, and she considers herself an old-new writer. In other words, she’s old to writing, new to novel writing. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing and editing for dry but illuminating professional newsletters, and windy papers on public policy. The leap to novel writing was simply a creative outlet for Ellen’s over active and romantic imagination to run wild.

 

You can find Ellen’s debut release, Second Chance Christmas, at Amazon. Professionally, she belongs to the Virginia Writer’s Club, the Northern Virginia Writer’s Club, and is a founding member of the Tempting Romance blog. When she’s not writing, Ellen is either, running around after her children, decorating a neighbor’s house, or holed up in her favorite lounge chair reading. Ellen is an admitted chocoholic and confesses to a penchant for shoe shopping. Book club questions for Ellen’s novels can be found on her website.

 

Website: www.ellenbutler.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllenButlerBooks

Blog: http://temptingromance.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7377203.Ellen_Butler

 

 

 

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THANKS EVERYONE FOR VISITING WITH ELLEN TODAY!

OX AJ XO

Flan--elling About...Or a Bit of Cheesecake?

I'm absolutely thrilled to be hosting Nancy Jardine today at Tattered Pages with her latest release! Please help me welcome her by leaving a comment, and YOU could WIN an ecopy of your choice of books! Take it away, Nancy!

Hello, AJ I’m so pleased you opened your blog to me today as I whizz around on my mini launch tour for After Whorl: Donning Double Cloaks (Crooked Cat Publishing), Book 3 of my Celtic Fervour Series of Historical Romantic Adventures, which launches tomorrow, the 25^th of March, 2014. 

While doing my researches I’ve come across some information that wasn’t exactly relevant to my current writing but it made me laugh…though not quite drool. I did drool over a nice picture of a Roman soldier (sorry no permission to post here L) but didn’t drool over what he might have eaten.  Fine details about Roman cooking haven’t graced my pages, but it was just a little bit fascinating to read about Roman puddings. I’m a cake fan - I have to admit it - and find it an amazing thought that ancient civilizations had as many bad eating habits as I sometimes do. I have my favourite cakes, some very rich and exotically different like the ‘Red Wine Cake’ my daughter produced at Christmas. Delicious. I also like very traditional fruit cakes, and I have a fantastic recipe for a New York Cheesecake. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baked_lemon_cheesecake_with_spiced_kumquats.jpg

You can imagine how delighted I was to find a recipe for an ancient Roman Cheesecake. I don’t know if Gaius Livanus Valerius, the Roman tribune in Book 3 of my Celtic Fervour Series, would have eaten any Roman Cheesecake while he was stationed at the garrisons in Britannia but the likelihood is – yes, if the ingredients were to hand. The officer class of the Roman Army, it seems from research, were prone to dragging around their own cook who would produce their food if they were not eating in the ‘mess’ area. If a tribune like my Gaius had his own cook then there were advantages. The risk of someone doctoring the food was less likely if he had his own cook and servants, all people who were answerable to him and scared to fall foul of his pugio or gladius! Particular dietary requirements were also maybe easier to order from one’s own cook.

Like a big fat cheesecake! 

In Latin, Libum means cake and is often associated with honey- as written by Cato and other ancient writers. It was sometimes a sacrificial cake which was offered to the household gods during the early Roman eras. It could also be a simple farmhouse cake served hot, but the one I thought might be interesting to try was a honey cake that was served at the very end of an elaborate Roman dinner...
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Libum_Sweet_Cheesecake_ingredients_%26_recipe_%288411812870%29.jpg?uselang=en-gb

Cato, a Roman Consul whose agricultural writings became almost like household manuals, included simple Libum recipes for farmers. Sometimes served hot, this is the Ancient Libum cheesecake he included.  “Libum to be made as follows: 2 pounds cheese well crushed in a mortar; when it is well crushed, add in 1 pound bread/wheat flour or, if you want it to be lighter, just 1/2 a pound, to be mixed with the cheese. Add one egg and mix all together well. Make a loaf of this, with the leaves under it, and cook slowly in a hot fire under a brick.” Beware: If not using honey at a final stage the cheese used can be of a more mature variety and quite salty. However, soaking the baked ‘cakes’ in honey, having used a salty cheese isn’t very palatable and isn’t recommended! Instead, use a soft unsalted cheese.

Nowadays if you’re all out of leaves, a brick and a hot fire, you could try this more modern version: Modern Roman Libum Recipe (serves 4)
1 cup plain, all purpose flour
8 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
bay leaves
1/2 cup clear honey

Sift the flour into a bowl. Beat the cheese until it's soft and stir it into the flour along with the beaten egg. Form a soft dough then divide it into 4. Mold each one into a bun and place them on a greased baking tray with a fresh bay leaf underneath. Heat the oven to 425° F. Cover the cakes with your brick^* and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden-brown. Warm the honey and place the warm cakes in it so that they absorb it. Allow to stand 30 minutes before serving.

The Romans often covered their food while it was cooking with a domed earthenware cover called a testo. You can use an overturned, shallow clay pot, a metal bowl, or casserole dish as a brick. ( http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/roman-recipes.html)



http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Libum_Four_Sweet_Cheesecake_buns_ready_to_be_eaten_and_a_bottle_of_white_wine_from_the_Limes_Germanicus_%288412100016%29.jpg?uselang=en-gb

So what do you think, everyone? Does this make you want to have a go and bake some Libum? Have a Roman feast?  I’m thinking of inviting my guests to do exactly that tomorrow at my Facebook Launch Party 25^th March. And ….I might even be making some Roman…flan!
Pop in and join me here on FACEBOOK

*****Today’s GIVEAWAY! *****

Leave me a comment, please, and tell me if you like the sound of my Roman Cheesecake and you could be the random winner of a back copy of Book 1, or Book 2, or even Book 3 of my Celtic Fervour Series! Winner chooses which.

Thanks for having me over today, AJ - it’s brilliant to visit you again.

After Whorl: Donning Double Cloaks is available from Amazon

 

Nancy Jardine’s novels can be found in paperback and ebook formats from:  Amazon UK author page    Amazon US author page  Crooked Cat Bookstore; Waterstones; Barnes & Noble; Smashwords; W. H. Smith; and other book retailers.

Nancy can be found at the following places:   Blog    Website   Facebook  Goodreads   About Me   LinkedIn   Twitter @nansjar  Google+ 

Nancy’s writing time is shared with regular grandchild minding duties, tending her large garden, ancestry research and leisure reading. She’s currently writing a family saga based mainly in Scotland, and Book 4 of her Celtic Fervour series. She’s delighted to be able to share that Topaz Eyes (Crooked Cat Publishing) an ancestral-based mystery, is a finalist for THE PEOPLE’S BOOK PRIZE Fiction 2014. After Whorl: Bran Reborn - Book 2 of her Celtic Fervour Series (Crooked Cat Publishing) has been accepted for THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE FOR HISTORICAL FICTION 2014- the most prestigious prize for historical fiction in the UK.

Blurb:

Pursued by Rome.
AD73 Northern Britannia

After King Venutius’ defeat, Brennus of Garrigill – known as Bran – maintains a spy network monitoring Roman activity in Brigantia. Relative peace reigns till AD 78 when Roman Governor Agricola marches his legions to the far north. Brennus is always one step ahead of the Roman Army as he seeks the Caledon Celt who will lead all tribes in battle against Rome.

Ineda of Marske treks northwards with her master, Tribune Valerius, who is responsible for supplying Agricola’s northern campaigns. At Inchtuthil Roman Fort Ineda flees seeking fellow Brigantes congregating on the foothills of Beinn na Ciche.

Will the battle against the Romans bring Ineda and Brennus together again?

 

Thanks for visiting with me today, Nancy! And thanks to all our lovely commenters!

OX AJ XO

For the Love of Murphy Blog Tour is HERE!

Click the banner for tour dates!

It is my extreme pleasure to be hosting the lovely authors who have combined their incredible talents in the For the Love Of Murphy anthology published by Roane Publishing! Whoo Hoo! For the Love of Murphy released March 17th, and here's a sneak peek at the wonderful treasures you can find inside this sweet contemporary romance! Oh! And don't forget to enter the give-away at the bottom of this post! You could win your very own PRINT COPY of For the Love of Murphy, along with a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

No Wrong Turns by Lisa A. Adams

Jessica Brannah is escaping from her last heartbreak with a loaded car and a new address. But, when Murphy's Law finds her stranded in a back country town, she realizes there's no outrunning love.

Falling For You by Michelle Ziegler

Darci's ready to move on. Too bad the dating pool stinks. Until, a ghost from her past resurfaces--the man she missed out on in college.

Andrew was the one man she'd always loved, but neither of them ever made a move. But, old feelings aren't the only thing resurfacing of late. Darci's ex comes crawling back at the most inappropriate time, and with all the testosterone flying, she might not end up with either man.

Coffee and Cufflinks by Annabelle Blume

Fresh out of a failed relationship and exhausted by a constant barrage of fiascos at work, Olivia Johnson doesn’t see the man of her dreams standing right in front of her. She tells herself the morning coffee meet-ups with Daren are nothing but coincidence, but even she can’t deny his unequivocal attractiveness. When a night entertaining clients takes a turn for the worst, and Daren shows up where she least expects him, failure starts to look more like fate.

A Slippery Slope by Rebecca Hart

Anne Montgomery is psyched for her girl’s only weekend, despite her friends’ choice of vacation locale—the snowy slopes of Harris Peak Ski Resort—where someone as notoriously accident prone as she has no business being. When Murphy’s Law finally catches up with her, Anne is forced to consider there may be times when it pays to be unlucky.

The Shamrock Incident by London Saint James

Florist, Marissa Carmichael isn’t usually a klutz, but she’s in a hurry and having a bad day. In her haste, she loses her balance and tumbles from the back room of her shop, arms flailing. Her less than graceful entrance halted by a headfirst crash into a display case chock full of silk flowers.

Trey Cleary didn’t think his day could get any worse, until he finds. himself picking the side view mirror of his BMW up from the ground. On a mission to do something about it, he locates the flower shop matching the name on the back of the van that mangled his ‘baby'. But, his car is forgotten when a beautiful woman bursts into the room like an out of control whirling dervish, and takes one mother of a wipeout into the shop’s counter. Coming to her aid brings out the hero in him like no one he’s ever encountered, and leaves him with a need to know more.

For Marissa and Trey, this just might be the one time it pays to be unlucky.

~ * ~

And now for excerpt from No Wrong Turns by Lisa A. Adams

 She hurried inside and scanned the counter. “Hello? Anyone here?”

“Henry’s in the back.”

She jumped at the deep voice behind her and whirled around. A sharp sting knifed her ankle as it twisted, sending her jostling sideways. Eyes wide, she struggled to keep her balance. Her grip was lost on the smooth glass, and she hit the concrete floor.

“I’m so sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean to scare you.” The man took her hands in his, helping her stand. “I’m Sean. May I help you with something?”

Frustrated, Jessica sighed and blew the strings of hair from her face. “I ran out of gas around the corner. I just need to fill my little can, so I can bring my car back here, fill the tank, and be on my merry way.”

His blues eyes glistened with his stunning grin. Perfectly aligned teeth, plump lips, and a deep southern drawl had her heart pumping.

“Henry! I’m settin’ the pump!” He walked behind the counter and pushed a few buttons. “There you go.”

“Thanks.” She grabbed the container and made her way to the door, ever mindful of the dirt stained jeans from her recent tumble, and his glaring stare that seemed to pierce her from behind.

“Ma’am? Hold on a minute.”

His accent was music to her ears.

“Yes?” She turned to face him once more.

“You…a…look to be in need of assistance. Might I help?” His grin reappeared, producing a dimple in his left cheek. He tipped his brown cowboy hat and shuffled his boots toward her.

“Would love some. Thank you.” She passed him the canister.

Heading out the door, he gave her a little wink. “You hang tight. I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you.” She watched him saunter across the lot and admitted to herself that his jeans looked great on him. She dropped her gaze.

What are you doing? You’re leaving to get away from men, remember? Okay, Brandon in particular, but still—

About Lisa A. Adams:

Lisa A. Adams writes from a little plot of country, tucked away in the North Carolina Sandhills. When she’s not writing, Lisa can be found in her sewing room, in a classroom, or at a local soccer field. She has been married to her husband for over ten years, has five wonderful children, and two very spoiled cats.

Blog: http://www.pen-the-dream.blogspot.com

Twitter Handle: @LisaAdamsWriter
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lisaadams.writer
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lisaadamswriter
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6893401.Lisa_A_Adams
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-A.-Adams/e/B00B2YFOC2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

GoodreadsLink to find For the Love of Murphy

Print
Createspace (direct - best option)
Amazon
eBook
Amazon
Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble
KOBO
Smashwords

 

USE THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVE-AWAY!

***$10 Amazon Gift Card & paperback copy of For the Love of Murphy***

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The Inspiration behind...The Temptation of Laura by Rachel Brimble!

I'm thrilled beyond thrilled to have my friend and fellow writing pal, Rachel Brimble here today with her latest release, The Temptation of Laura! I was one of the first folks to see this story, and I have to tell you, it's wonderful! Join us for a quick look inside Rachel's inspiration behind this Victorian romance from eKensington! Whoot!

Laura Robinson has always been dazzled by the glamour of the stage. But perhaps acting and selling one’s favors are not so different—for Laura must feign pleasure with the men she beds to survive. Now, with her only friend at death’s door and a ruthless pimp at her heels, escaping her occupation seems impossible. Hoping to attract a gentleman, she attends the theater. Yet the man Laura captivates is no customer, but a rising star and playwright…

Adam Lacey has been driven to distraction since the moment he saw Laura. She is his ideal leading lady come to irresistible life—and so much more. Certain they can make the perfect team on and off stage, he is determined to win her heart—and discover her story. But that is precisely what Laura fears. And she has no idea that Adam harbors shameful secrets of his own. Will the truth free them to love—or destroy all their dreams…?

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

 

One of the most frequently questions asked of authors is, “Where do you get your ideas?” The simple answer is everywhere, but that rarely satisfies the curious reader or aspiring author…but it’s the truth.

Ideas can come from newspapers, TV shows, snippets of conversation, the author’s life experiences, their friends and family’s experiences, moral issues, books and films. The list goes on.

The inspiration for The Temptation of Laura was already established before I started writing the novel. Laura is a secondary character in the debut book of my Victorian romance series with eKensington, The Seduction of Emily. In this book, Laura is a prostitute who the hero goes to for help in the hope of imprisoning the villain. The more Laura appeared in the book, the more I learned and liked about her. I wanted to tell her story…luckily my editor suggested it first!

My Victorian books are set in and around Bath so I started thinking about famous buildings in Bath that I could use in my next book. I eventually decided on the Theatre Royal. How could I use Laura’s prostitution and the theatre?

I started trawling the Internet for accounts of famous prostitutes turned actresses – that was when inspiration struck in the form of Nell Gwynn. Nell’s story fascinated me. A prostitute, turned actress, turned mistress of Charles II who bore him two children. What a story!

I read a couple of biographies on Nell’s life and then the novel, The Darling Strumpet by Gillian Bagwell, which I absolutely loved. Roll forward another 200 years and Laura Robinson, prostitute turned actress, was alive and very real in my imagination.

The Temptation of Laura was a joy to write and covers poverty, hope, loss, joy, success and ultimately, true love. I hope readers enjoy Laura and Adam’s journey as much as I did writing it. Once I’d finished, another secondary character pushed her way to the front of the queue and I am writing her story as we speak. EKensington have contracted this book and another so long may inspiration strike!

I’d love to hear how non-fiction and fiction based on real-life people inspires or interests your visitors.

~ * ~

 

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK.  After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance and a further three in 2013. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013 and she has since signed for three more.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

THANKS FOR VISITING WITH US TODAY!

XO AJ XO

HER BEST FOUR LETTER WORD BLOG HOP IS HERE -- WITH A GIVEAWAY!!!

Welcome to Her Best Four Letter Word Blog Hop, celebrating the publication of two HarperImpulse titles:  Eve Devon’s Her Best Laid Plans (contemporary romance) and Zara Stoneley’s Love is a Four Letter Word (erotic romance).

Look out for the deets for TWO GIVEAWAYS via Rafflecopter

 and using the comments section on this blog at the end of the post. 
 

ABOUT HER BEST LAID PLANS by Eve Devon

Love is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans…

The Totally Perfect Life Plan of Amanda Gray

Step 1 – Take total control of own destiny and avoid getting too wrapped up in the details.

Step 2 – Definitely do NOT kiss gorgeous bad-boy businessman who doesn't know how to live life without scheduling it six months in advance, even if he is absolutely irresistible.

Step 3 – Don't even THINK of accompanying him to London as his PA to enjoy steamy encounters in a metropolitan paradise.

Step 4 – Absolutely, positively, whatever you do- do NOT fall in love with him…

Available from AMAZON or click here for other retailers.

ABOUT EVE DEVON: I love connecting with readers. Find out more about me or stop by for a chat:  Website    Facebook   Twitter

ABOUT LOVE IS A FOUR LETTER WORD by Zara Stoneley

Take one rich girl who has a thing for the bad boys.

Take one tough guy who thinks possession is nine-tenths of the misery law.

Mix generously with a land dispute and a whole lotta lust…. And what have you got?

Sometimes being bad can be just too good to miss.

Available from AMAZON or click here for other retailers.

ABOUT ZARA STONELEY:  To find out more about Zara and her books, please follow the links:  Website    Facebook   Twitter 

GIVEAWAY

 Goodie Bag Contents:

All the perfect ingredients for a girlie reading experience…

10.00£/$ Amazon Gift Voucher (to purchase delicious ebooks)

Her Best Laid Plans Beaded Bookmark (for a touch of book bling)

Love is a Four Letter Word Beaded Bookmark (for a touch of book bling)

Her Best Laid Plans/Love is a Four Letter Word Linen Bag (to keep all your reading experience ingredients together and handy for those urgent date night clothes shopping trips)

Bottle of Bubbly (for if you don’t like hot chocolate/tea)

Hot Chocolate/Tea Drinking Goodies (for if you don’t like bubbly)

Chocolates (no explanation required!)

Nail Varnish/Nail Files (for that break between reading books!)

And it’s all inside a lovely HarperImpulse bag!

Due to the content of the prizes, all entrants must be over 18. If the winner does not reside in the UK, some items may be substituted with others of an equal or greater value due to individual country restrictions

No purchase is necessary, all answers will be available on the publisher’s blog, retailer sites, or the authors’ blogs, websites or Facebook Pages.

GIVEAWAY ONE: Answer Eve and Zara’s questions using the Rafflecopter:

To be in with a chance of winning the Goodie Bag you need to answer the two questions below.

Question 1: What colour code does Jared issue when he needs Amanda’s help to get rid of his latest clingy girlfriend?

Question 2: What colour are Jake’s eyes?

Don't know the answer? Check out Eve and Zara's Facebook pages for snippets from their books!
 

All correct entries will be put into the grand draw for the Goodie Bag. Winners will be announced on March 6^th HERE

To gain extra entries in the Rafflecopter follow us on our blog hop and answer each new set of questions – you can find a full listing of where we’ll be on our websites or: HERE

GIVEAWAY TWO: Win an iBook Voucher every day of the hop by taking part in:

Her Best Four Letter Word…to describe reading erotic romance

Leave your best four letter word (no profanity, please) to describe reading erotic romance in the comments section and a winner will be chosen to receive an iBooks Voucher for a HarperImpulse title (please note if your first choice is not available you may have to pick another!). The winner of today’s competition will be posted at the end of the blog hop on 6^th March. Only ONE iBooks voucher is available each day, if the Blog Hop is visiting more than one blog then ALL entries for the day, from all participating blogs, will be entered into the daily competition.

Good Luck and we hope you enjoy Her Best Laid Plans and Love is a Four Letter Word!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

OR CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!