5 Easy Questions
An author interview with only five simple questions.
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Christmas at Solace Lake by Jana Richards @JanaRichards_ #RLFblog #Contemporary #SmallTownRomance
In Christmas at Solace Lake, Jana Richards’ new contemporary small-town romance, a series of thefts threatens everyone’s holiday spirit.
Jana, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.
Christmas at Solace Lake by Jana Richards
Genre – contemporary small-town romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG to RAn emergency brings Drew Barnes to Solace Lake Lodge, an inn deep in the Minnesota woods owned by his aunt and uncle. He’s sure desperation is the only reason they’d allow him to fill in as their bookkeeper. No one in his family has believed in him since his mistake got him fired from his previous job. Soon after he arrives, Drew is disheartened to discover thefts and financial irregularities. The last thing he wants is to be put in the middle of another crime.
Sous chef Celeste Bishop has made a good life for herself and her nine-year-old daughter in the three years she’s worked, and lived, at Solace Lake Lodge. After being unfairly fired, this was the only job she could get, and she’s grateful her gamble on the lodge paid off. The only sticking point is the isolation since she never learned to drive. How can she show her daughter independence when she’s always relying on others?
Drew sees Celeste’s frustration and offers to teach her to drive. A powerful attraction ignites between them, and soon deeper, stronger emotions blossom. Drew is all in, but Celeste resists her feelings. She’s nine years older than Drew. An interracial relationship didn’t work for her parents. And loving Drew feels like a betrayal of her deceased husband.
As Christmas approaches, the thefts escalate. Can Drew stop the thief and redeem himself in his family’s eyes—and his own? And can he convince Celeste they deserve the gift of a happily ever after this Christmas?
Describe the perfect vacation.
In my opinion, vacations should be relaxing. My perfect vacation would see me lounging on a shady deck with a cold drink in one hand and a book in the other. Bonus points if the deck overlooks a body of water. Sure, sometimes I’ll go sightseeing or maybe play golf, but only when I want to.
Tell us about your favorite toy as a child.
I had a Tammy doll that was sort of a Barbie wanna-be. She had blonde hair and blue eyes, but that’s where the similarity with Barbie ended. She was somewhat bigger/taller with flat feet so none of Barbie’s clothes or shoes fit her. She was also less curvy than Barbie. Obviously, Tammy didn’t catch on because while Barbie is still going strong, Tammy is nowhere to be found. But back in the sixties, I adored her!
What are your hobbies?
I play a little golf in the summer and dabble in gardening, at least enough to make the front of my house look nice. I really enjoy live theatre and hope to see a play or two this coming winter season. This past summer I started volunteering at my local zoo as a “zoo ambassador.” Our job is to make our visitors’ experience at the zoo as enjoyable as possible, and so far it’s been a lot of fun.
When you read for pleasure, what kind of books do you choose?
I mostly read romance. I enjoy contemporary romance, small town, historical, and romantic suspense. I also enjoy mysteries, especially cozy mysteries. Some day I hope to write a mystery series of my own!
What kinds of things do you read when you’re researching a new book?
It very much depends on the book. For instance, Strong Enough, book 4 in my Masonville series, deals with sexual assault and child sexual abuse, so I read a couple of biographies written by survivors, as well as information online. For my World War Two books, I’ve read several books on different aspects of the war, including war brides and the training of air crews in Canada. For my upcoming release, Christmas At Solace Lake, (releasing October 18, 2023) one thing I researched online was ways employees could steal from their employer. I also read a lot of recipes, especially Christmas recipes, since my heroine Celeste is a sous chef and a baker.
Where to buy Christmas at Solace Lake
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH5DTYNS
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CH5DTYNS
Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CH5DTYNS
Universal Buy Link https://books2read.com/u/mgRagXJana Richards Social Media
Jana Richards has tried her hand at many writing projects over the years, from magazine articles and short stories to full-length paranormal suspense and romantic comedy. She loves to create characters with a sense of humor, but also a serious side. She believes there’s nothing more interesting then peeling back the layers of a character to see what makes them tick.
When not writing up a storm, working at her day job as an Office Administrator, or dealing with ever present mountains of laundry, Jana can be found on the local golf course pursuing her newest hobby.
Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren. You can reach her through her website at http://www.janarichards.com
Website https://www.janarichards.com/index.html
Blog http://janarichards.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/JanaRichards_
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/janarichards155
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274.Jana_Richards
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Jana-Richards/e/B002DEVWWG
Get to know Jana Richards better by signing up for an email newsletter https://www.janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter
Romance Lives Forever Blog (RLFblog) is closed as of Dec 1, 2023. Comments prior to 2021 have been deleted. This site will remain online until July 2025.
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Read the fantasy novel Vale Born by Lorin Petrazilka @petrazilka #RLFblog #Fantasy
A portal fantasy romance about the true grit of the indomitable human spirit. Vale Born by Lorin Petrazilka is a New Adult Fantasy with adventure, magic, and intrigue, wrapped up in the story of how we can heal and grow to reach our potential.
A young woman finds the escape she thinks she is looking for when she stumbles into the Vale, an alternate world where all of Lily’s problems can be held at bay–until she starts to realize things are not as they first appeared. A few wrong turns lands her in the middle of a dispute, and the only way out is definitely not the easy path she had been looking for. Will a tenuous agreement with a handsome rebel be enough to guarantee her safe passage through the terrifying and beautiful realm?
Lorin, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.
Vale Born by Lorin Petrazilka
Genre Fantasy Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): RA thrilling adventure, a sexy escape. Desperate to find her missing best friend Josie, Lily Brennanfalk’s hope is renewed when she picks up Josie’s trail in a mystical world. A chance meeting with a charming Umorfae turns to a fight for survival, as Lily finds herself embroiled in a battle between the warring Fae.She makes a deal with a lethally attractive male that could save them both, as she tracks down her friend…if it’s not too late.She must grow past her trauma and learn what it means to be Vale Born, if she is going to survive the treacherous perils of Alternis.
What’s your favorite down-home family style meal?
Turkey dinner with mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie
What is your go-to meal when you dine out?
Sushi, and not the healthy kind!
Who is your “book boyfriend” (that hottie you read about and drool over)?
Cassian from the ACOTAR series, my character Rannoch definitely has a few similarities to him!
Describe the perfect vacation.
Toes in warm sand and listening to peaceful waves while I’m writing on my iPad (and no one is demanding my attention)
When you read for pleasure, what kind of books do you choose?
Fantasy romance (romantasy)
Where to buy Vale Born
Universal Buy Link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PS1XBB8
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Vale-Born-Lorin-Petrazilka-ebook/dp/B08PS1XBB8/
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vale-born-lorin-petrazilka/1138422715?ean=9781736062203Lorin Petrazilka Social Media
Lorin grew up riding horses in a rural California town, one that is steeped in its own magic. The imagination it fostered persisted as she grew up to become a fantasy writer and artist in the animation industry. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three young children, is a book nerd, horsewoman, sewing enthusiast and outdoor adventurer.
Website https://www.lorinpetrazilka.com
Blog https://www.lorinpetrazilka.com/blog
Twitter https://twitter.com/petrazilka
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lorinpetraz
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lorinpetrazilka
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@booklover_lolo
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20963981.Lorin_Petrazilka
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lorin-petrazilka
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Lorin-Petrazilka/e/B08PBLBTRS -
Fun Questions for Ruth A Casie author of The Lady and the Earl by @RuthACasie #RLFblog #HistoricalRomance
A talented female physician in love with a Duke faces societal opposition and tough choices. Will they find happiness together?
Ruth, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about The Lady and the Earl.
The Lady and the Earl by Ruth A Casie
Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Regency Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13Harriet Manning is a brilliant physician, dedicating her days to assisting her renowned father, and volunteering with the Ladies Auxiliary. Though deeply passionate about medicine and helping others. Despite her talents, societal expectations restrict her from practicing openly. To add to her woes, her mother incessantly urges her to find a suitable husband.
During a trip to London, Asheton Dunn suffers a riding accident and is taken to Harriet’s clinic for treatment. As he recuperates, Harriet and Asheton grow close, kindling a romance. However, when Harriet’s family discovers that Asheton is the Duke of Whippany’s son, they are taken aback. Harriet’s mother advises her to put aside her medical aspirations and conform to society’s expectations to fit into Asheton’s world.
Although they are engaged, their match is met with disapproval from the ton, and a friend harboring ulterior motives. Will Harriet and Asheton overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of their love?
What’s your favorite down-home family style meal?
My NEW favorite down-home family meal is a chicken casserole that is very much like a pot pie but without the crust. It’s made with a few simple ingredients. The recipe calls for cooked chicken breast. My local grocer makes an AWESOME roasted chicken breast. I use his. For a vegetable, I use steamed broccoli or steamed mixed vegetables. I made a white sauce and instead of melting cheddar cheese, I use goat cheese. I was surprised when this recipe added cooked white rice. It was a delicious addition. To top it all off, season panko toasted are sprinkled on top. Put it in the oven for twenty minutes and eat. My family calls this the limousine meal. You can stretch it to last for a few days!
What is your go-to meal when you dine out?
I have two go-to meals. They are meals I do not make myself. Burritos at the Blue Moon Café. AWESOME! The new addition is Bao, a Chinese dumpling that has soup inside.
Who is your “book boyfriend” (that hottie you read about and drool over)?
I am fickle. I have a tendency to fall ‘in love’ with the hero of the book I’ve just read. This week it is Lord Ingram in Sherry Thomas’ Lady Sherlock series. Although, The Earl of Wrexford in Andrea Penrose’s Wrexford and Sloane Mysteries is a very close second.
When you read for pleasure, what kind of books do you choose?
I really enjoy Historical Mystery stories. I’ve been reading books by Sherry Thomas and Andrea Penrose. As soon as I get through those series I may read Carla Simpson, Darcie Wilde, or Deb Marlowe
If the hero of your latest book called you on the phone, what would be a perfect ringtone for him?
‘Secret Agent Man’ This is the ring I have on my phone for my son. He has top secret security clearance where he works. Almost all the heroes in my Regency series, The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea are agents for the Crown.
Where to buy The Lady and the Earl
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C1W6G3FV
Ruth A Casie Social Media
Ruth A Casie is a USA bestselling author. She writes historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Regency London. Her stories embrace strong woman and the men who deserve them. Within the pages you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat suspense, mind boggling drama, and heart melting emotions. Grab your favorite cup of tea, or an ale if you prefer, and join her heroes and heroines as they race across the pages to find their happily ever after. Ruth hopes her stories are your next favorite adventures!
Website https://ruthacasie.com/
Blog http://www.ruthacasie.blogspot.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthACasie
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ruthacasie/
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792909.Ruth_A_Casie
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Ruth-A.-Casie/e/B005V0YEVU/
Newsletter http://ruthacasie.com/contact.html#newsletter
Romance Lives Forever Blog (RLFblog) is closed as of Dec 1, 2023. Comments prior to 2021 have been deleted. This site will remain online until July 2025.
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Adult Fairy Tale – The Cinderella Curse by Dee S Knight @DeeSKnight #RLFblog #Romance #AdultFairyTale
In Dee S Knight’s erotic Cinderella, a worldly Prince, a naïve Cindy, and an unassuming fairy godfather come together in a magical HEA ending.
Dee, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.
The Cinderella Curse by Dee S Knight
Genre Erotic romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): XWhat’s your favorite down-home family style meal?
Well, the fact of the matter is I love good food, so I have many favorites, I suppose. My mama’s meatloaf with mashed potatoes is pure comfort food and I always loved the meatloaf sandwich with ketchup the next day. I never make meatloaf, maybe because I don’t think I could do it as well as Mom. But I do make a mean pork chop, and that’s one of my favorite meals. Nice thick loin chop with mashed potatoes (notice a theme there?) and maybe broccoli with cheese? YUM!
What is your go-to meal when you dine out?
Steak. When I cook a nice rib eye at home, I don’t always get it right and it makes a mess on the stove. When I eat it out I don’t have anything to clean except my plate.
Who is your “book boyfriend” (that hottie you read about and drool over)?
I’m married to the nicest, sweetest beta man. But I love reading about alphas. A recent hottie is Matthew Zola in Nicole French’s Rose Gold series. What a great hero!
Describe the perfect vacation.
Scotland with a car to roam around and lots of time and money. I haven’t been to a single place in Scotland that I wouldn’t love to go back. Skye is magical, Edinburgh is so fun, Inverness is beautiful, and everyplace in between is wonderful. I’d love to go back.
When you read for pleasure, what kind of books do you choose?
Almost always something with romance. But I also love thrillers and a solid mystery.
Where to buy The Cinderella Curse
Amazon Kindle Unlimited https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R1YSQ8S
Dee S Knight Social Media
A few years ago, Dee S Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex.
After a while, Dee split her personality into thirds. She writes as Anne Krist for sweeter romances, and Jenna Stewart for ménage and shifter stories. All three of her personas are found on the Nomad Authors website. And all three offer some of the best romance you can find! Also, once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity.
Website: https://nomadauthors.com
Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight2018
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265222.Dee_S_Knight
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dee-s-knight-0500749
Sweet ‘n Sassy Divas: http://bit.ly/1ChWN3K
Get to know Dee S Knight better by signing up for an email newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6 -
Read The Count’s Amnesiac Wife by Cathleen Ross@cathleenross1 #RLFblog #Contemporary #Romance
Count Lorenzo di Fontini doesn’t want his ex-wife back. The trouble is Sophia has developed amnesia. Imagine Lorenzo’s surprise when he finds out she thinks she’s eighteen and a virgin.
Cathleen, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about The Count’s Amnesiac Wife.
The Count’s Amnesiac Wife by Cathleen Ross
Genre Contemporary
Book heat level : RCount Lorenzo di Fontini doesn’t want his ex-wife back. After all, he’s been separated from her for a year, but he vows to her ailing father he will take her in after she collapses, and look after her until she is better. The trouble is Sophia has developed amnesia. Imagine Lorenzo’s surprise when he finds out she thinks she’s eighteen and she adores him.
What’s your favorite down-home family style meal?
I love a big feast that I’ve cooked for family and friends. I usually cook for days and get my gorgeous best girlfriend to do a dessert. It’s always a huge celebration for three generations.
Who is your “book boyfriend” (that hottie you read about and drool over)?
I’ve got a thing for my heroic 23rd grandfather Sir William Marshal at the moment. I’m very in to astute, honourable heroes.
Describe the perfect vacation.
I love Port Douglas with its endless beach.
What are your hobbies?
I love to read, read, read.
What kinds of things do you read when you’re researching a new book?
I try to read the original sources and then I buy the literary texts. I’ll also read other authors who write involved historical novels but they have to be ones who get the history right.
Where to buy The Count’s Amnesiac Wife
Publisher Cathleen Ross
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BT9GMC9B/
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/the-count-s-amnesiac-wife
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1372355
Universal Buy Link https://books2read.com/u/4j5nL5Cathleen RossSocial Media
Author of romance fiction, Cathleen Ross, likes to write about the quirky side of life. She thought she was a “Sweet” writer until she was asked to write her first erotic story, sold it immediately and she never looked back. Her first novel, Man Hunt sold to Black Lace (Penguin/Random House). Man Hunt became the number one best selling erotic novel on the Publisher’s website in 2006 and has been translated into German. She also loves writing historical stories. Highlander is the first in her Highlander Forbidden Fantasy series. When she is not self publishing she writes for Entangled Publishing.
Website www.cathleenross.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/cathleenross1
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cathleen.ross.3/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cathleenross123/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/158563.Cathleen_Ross
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cathleen-ross
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cathleen-Ross/author/B0034PSTT2
Get to know Cathleen Ross better by signing up for an email newsletter http://cathleenross.com/CR/sign-up-to-my-newsletter/ -
The Summer of Sorrow and Dance by Liz Flaherty @LizFlaherty1 #RLFblog #ContemporaryRomance
Dinah and Zach are making their way through life’s changes in The Summer of Sorrow and Dance, Liz Flaherty’s latest contemporary romance. Can they find room for each other in the places created by his new job and her empty nest?
Liz, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.
The Summer of Sorrow and Dance by Liz Flaherty
Genre Contemporary
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG
In the midst of a summer of change, they’re both searching for an anchor.
Dinah is a mom, a giver, and a doer, so she’s used to change, but this summer is kind of overdoing that. The diner where she’s worked for half her life is closing, her college-age kids aren’t coming home for the summer, and a property on nearby Cooper Lake is calling her name, bringing long-held dreams of owning a B & B to the fore. Newcomer Zach Applegate is entering into her dreams, too.
Divorced dad, contractor, and recovering alcoholic Zach is in Fallen Soldier, Pennsylvania, to visit his brother and to decide what’s coming next in his life. He doesn’t like change much, yet it seems to be everywhere. But he finds an affinity for remodeling and restoration, is overjoyed when his teenage sons join him for the summer, and he likes Dinah Tyler, too. A lot.
Dinah and Zach each experience sorrow and tumult, but go on to dance in the kitchen. Together, they have something, but is it enough?
What’s your favorite down-home family style meal?
Oh, my very favorite is either chicken or beef and noodles (homestyle) with mashed potatoes made from real potatoes and lots of butter, corn (also with butter, and dinner rolls or biscuits. Yes, with with butter. If I haven’t had a heart attack by that point, I like ice cream for dessert. Lite ice cream, of course—I wouldn’t want to overdo.
Tell us about your favorite toy as a child.
It wasn’t a toy. It was a book. I read Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women until the covers literally wore off and I had to glue heavy cardboard to the front and back to keep the pages together. I couldn’t read the last page anymore, but that was okay—I knew what it said. The book changed my life. I have to wonder if Liz Flaherty, the writer, would ever have come to life if I hadn’t known Jo March.
What are your hobbies?
I sew. I used to make clothes, but sewing a few weddings did me in on that, so now I make quilts and tchotchke things like potholders and coasters because it’s relaxing and I love the way colors and patterns go together. Sometimes they’re awful, but even that’s fun.
When you read for pleasure, what kind of books do you choose?
Ones from auto-buy authors. I hate to admit to being so un-adventurous in my dotage, but I am. I jump at every new release by Nan Reinhardt, Mary Balogh, Kristan Higgins, Beth Carpenter, and some others. I also re-read old favorites. I think I could recite some of my favorites by Kathleen Gilles Seidel and Cheryl Reavis because I’ve read them so often!
What kinds of things do you read when you’re researching a new book?
I read news stories about places and events near the setting I’ve chosen. I usually write about fictional places, but people will still recognize where they are because of things mentioned. For example, Fallen Soldier, Pennsylvania, the setting for the Second Chances series, is a town that’s real only in my imagination, but the places around it–Altoona, Horseshoe Curve, and a few others are very real. I spent part of the summer there when I was 13 and have never forgotten it.
Where to buy The Summer of Sorrow and Dance
Publisher Magnolia Blossom Publishing
Amazon https://amzn.to/3sPqnMNLiz Flaherty Social Media
USA Today bestselling author Liz Flaherty started writing in the fourth grade when her Aunt Gladys allowed her to use her portable Royal typewriter. The truth was that her aunt would have let her do anything to get her out of her hair, but the typewriter and the stories it could produce caught on, and Liz never again had a day without a what if… in it.
She and Duane, her husband of at least forever, live in a farmhouse in central Indiana, sharing grown children, spoiled cats, and their grandkids, the Magnificent Seven. (Don’t get her started on them—you’ll be here all day.)
Liz Flaherty thinks one of the things that keeps you young when you quite obviously aren’t anymore is the constant chances you have to reinvent yourself. Her latest professional incarnation is as a Harlequin Heartwarming author and she is enjoying every minute! She’d love to hear from you at lizkflaherty@gmail.com or please come and see her at:
Website http://lizflaherty.net/
Blog https://windowoverthesink.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/LizFlaherty1
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorlizflaherty/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lizkf/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3336348.Liz_Flaherty
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Liz-Flaherty/e/B001J919R4/