Author Interviews
Interviews with authors
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Is It True: A Love Restrained by Becky Flade @beckyflade #RLFblog #romanticsuspense
Play Is It True with today’s guest Becky Flade, author of A Love Restrained, a romantic suspense currently on sale for Kindle readers. This is a game in which authors answer yes and no questions. They can elaborate on answers as much as they choose.
First, tell us about your book.
Philadelphia police officer Kylee Parker is dedicated to protecting and serving. She sees the work in absolutes: right and wrong, black and white, good guys and bad guys. That is, until she chases a drug dealer into a dead-end alley and finds the bad boy she had a painful crush on throughout her teen years has turned into a more dangerous and more attractive man.
Jayson Donovan knows he doesn’t deserve someone as good as Kylee Parker. As the right hand man to a local drug-pushing mobster, he’s solidly on the wrong side of Kylee’s moral compass. But he can’t help reaching for her time and again when he knows he shouldn’t.
Even when his secrets threaten them both.
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Now, tell us Yes or No for each answer below. Feel free to explain any (or none) of your answers.Is it true:
this is your first book?
No. It’s my eighth release but it is the FIRST book I’ve set in my hometown of Philadelphia.
this book is part of a series?
No. It stands alone
you lost sleep while writing this book?
Nope but I did while editing on a tight schedule.
you did research for this book?
Didn’t need to!
some characters in this book are not human? (pets for example)
No.
this book has more than one genre?
No
you speak more than one language?
I wish.
you grew up where you live now?
I do. I’m a Philly girl born and bred
you love to read?
I DO! I’m a bit compulsive with it.
you are never late?
I’m almost always late. Much to my mother’s intense dismay.
you love pizza?
So much! An upside down pie from Santucci’s or a thin crust from First England, French bread pizza, Ellio’s …. Pretty much if it’s got crust cheese and sauce? I’m in
you love sushi?
I don’t eat cooked fish, forget about the raw bar
you have a pet?
I have the world’s most psychotic cat. He thinks he’s a dog and that I’m his mama.
Where can we find your book online?
Publisher: http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Flade_Becky/a-love-restrained.htm
Amazon http://geni.us/loverestrained
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-love-restrained-becky-flade/1126893486
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-love-restrained/id1265497920?mt=11
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-love-restrained
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/739065Becky Flade Social Media
Home is where the heart is and Becky makes hers with her very own knight in slightly tarnished armor, their three daughters, son-in-law, two grandsons, and their psychotic cat Jaxon. When she’s not busy living her own happily ever after, she’s writing about someone else’s.
Website http://amazon.com/author/beckyflade
Blog http://www.beckyfladeauthor.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/beckyflade
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BeckyFlade
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/BeckyFlade/
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/Becky_Flade
Amazon Author Page http://amazon.com/author/beckyflade
Newsletter http://eepurl.com/7WDZj -
Axel by Bry Ann @authorbryann #RLFblog #romanticsuspense
Bry Ann, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. I’d like to get to know you better. After we talk, I’ll ask for your bio and social media. Let’s jump in to a Quick and Fun answer session.
QUICK
Do you write more than one genre? If so, what are they?
Sort of. My books vary between suspense, romance and dark romance or sometimes blend of the three. I don’t usually vary from these genres though. Sometimes I try to but it never works out. Write what you love, right?:)
How do you come up with ideas?
My life and my problems, haha! Most of my books come from something I want a better ending for. For instance, in Axel. I was super angry at somebody and didn’t know how to deal with it. I felt alone and misunderstood so I wrote Axel. It was a way for me to vent. Aly was a way for me to cope. Then I gave them the happy ending I dreamt of in that situation. It is kind of always a spin on my reality if that makes sense.
What is the single most important part of writing for you?
Being real! In real life I am shy and hold back a lot of what I think and feel. In my writing I like to brutally honest. I like it to be a place where I don’t shy from the hard topics and people can relate. In the end though I always like there to be some kind of happy ending. I love light and dark. That’s a theme in all my books.
When did you write your first book?
Well it depends on what you count as a ‘first book’ haha. I wrote a book when I was like twelve and lost it. Then I didn’t write a book again until I was twenty and was inspired by a Buzzfeed article of all things. Axel is the first book I decided to publish.FUN
Leather or lace? Hmm, leather and lace depending on my mood. Most days leather, but once and a while lace :)
Black or red? These are hard questions! My two favorite colors. Black.
Satin sheets or smooth cotton? Smooth cotton. I think it’d feel weird to sleep on satin.
Ocean or mountains? I am living in the mountains now, but the ocean. Nothing makes me feel calmer than the sound of the ocean.
City life or country life? Country life all the way
Party life or evening at home? Both. I love a nice night at home, but I am learning it is fun to go out once and a while!
Dogs or cats? Dogs. I am a little afraid of them, but after my last dog I have to say dogs. She loved me so unconditionally.Tell us about Axel.
Axel is about a professional boxer who suffers a serious tragedy at a young age. He has anger issues and pushes everyone away. One day on a train he meets Aly.
Aly is trying to find herself. She lives in a strict Christian family in a strict Christian town. Although she wants to stay Christian she senses something is off about her life back home. She wants to figure out who she is. She doesn’t realize that her family is abusive and justifying it with their faith.
Both of their pasts come crashing back in an explosive way. It is a story about light and dark and the power of redemption.
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13
Publisher: Bry Ann
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Axel-Romantic-Suspense-Bry-Ann-ebook/dp/B077PC8TLD/Bry Ann Social Media
Bry Ann is a psychology student at Arizona State University. She currently lives up in the Rocky Mountains in Granby, Colorado. She spends most of her free time reading dark romance books, writing anytime she can get her hands on a computer and doing homework anytime she can squeeze it in. Bry Ann has been writing for as long as she can remember. Even from the youngest of ages she was writing about characters with dark pasts and shady stories. As she got older she decided everyone should get a love story so soon her dark stories got happy endings. She loves to hear from her readers and talk all things books so feel free to contact her on any of her social media pages.
Blog: http://www.authorbryann.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorbryann
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorbryann
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorbryann
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17095210.Bry_Ann
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Bry-Ann/e/B077MHVFDF/
Newsletter: http://www.authorbryann.com -
What is RLF? Romance Lives Forever #RLFblog #Author #Book
What is RLF and why should I care? RLF is Romance Lives Forever and it’s both a blog and a belief. When I married back in the dark ages of the 70s, I had four sisters, three of whom had been divorced. The youngest had been married less than a year. (They broke up many years later). My parents had been married forever (it seemed like) but I had grown up hearing them argue. My mother was temptestuous flame and my father solid as the earth. They didn’t mix well, but they loved each other. However, when I was a young girl, starry-eyed about a boy (whose name I don’t recall) my mother told me, “romance doesn’t last forever. One day you’ll learn that.”
For some reason, that didn’t set well with me. I nodded with respect, but in my heart, I knew I would prove her wrong. I wanted a love — and a romance — that would last forever. I was blessed that the man I married is THE most romantic man and tells me he loves me every day. This month we celebrated 44 years together. Is it perfect? What is? But we are committed to being not only married, but kind to each other, generous with each other, honest with each other, and fair with each other. Romance can live forever, but it takes work. Trust me; it’s worth it.
When I began writing about immortals, I searched for a good tag that would express volumes about them. I hit upon, “When you’re immortal, romance lives forever.” I’ve had “romance lives forever” in my logo since I got started back in 2004. It’s part and parcel of my brand. I’ve abbreviated in RLF in things I write, especially notes to myself. What is RLF? It’s the entire concept of romance lives forever.
When I created this blog, it was to showcase romance books and authors. I’ve since broadened its reach to cover many more types of writing. What is RLF besides romance? It’s authors and readers coming together to share a devotion and love for books and stories. The only thing we don’t take is religious, political or children’s books. To see any other limits, please visit the FAQ page.
[bctt tweet=”RLF is authors and readers coming together to share a devotion and love for books and stories #books #authors” username=””]
What is RLF doing?
The Romance Lives Forever blog moved from Blogspot to Wordpress on May 17, 2017. Once the move completed, posts to currently available books appeared on the new site. On the Blogspot site, a note at the top redirects readers to the new location. Links on original posts remain active, and all posts remain on the Blogspot old blog while also appearing on the WordPress blog. We still use the hashtag #RLFblog and it has an even larger reach.
By October, that reach had grown so large RLF had to upgrade its servers to accommodate readers. Why did that happen? Because a combination of the blog’s promotion strategy plus its guest authors sharing the posts, mixed with reader interest and sharing caused traffic to reach all time highs. YOU the readers and authors made a difference. Thank you!
RLF added SignupGenius this year. Authors can sign up for their preferred date, get automated reminders, and have links to the site and interview formats all in one place. It’s been one of the best additions to the site in years.
Going forward, RLF will do even more to reach readers and provide them with easier ways to find good books. Google this: good book to read online. You’ll get well over 10 million results. People want to find books and RLF wants to help them find those books.
What is RLF doing in the future?
Do It Write — This new interview is about writers and where they write, including habits and recommended software and books on writing. In Sci Fi World Science Fiction and Fantasy writers provide an in depth look at how they create believable worlds. Authors can find all interviews here.
#FreeBook Friday — Each Friday, authors will offer books available at no cost. This might be KDP Select’s free option, KindleUnlimited, or a book readers can download when they sign up for a newsletter. The link to the book will go straight to the link on Amazon, or straight to the sign up page for the author. No middleman. No one giving the author a list of people who want to sign up. What does this mean for authors and readers? For readers, it means they only sign up for exactly what they want, not being put on a list of authors they have no interest in reading. For authors, it means a double opt in, where readers sign up and then confirm their interest by verifying email. Who wants a bunch of newsletters showing up all at once? Nobody. Who wants a bunch of unsubscribes all at once? Nobody. #FreeBook Friday aims to fix that. Only five spots are open each Friday. One is a paid spot for extra opportunities and reach, and the others are free. Authors can sign up here to take part in #FreeBook Friday.
#Christmas #Romance Saturday — Each Saturday during December, RLF will offer Christmas and other holiday romances, up to 10 each day. One is a paid spot for extra opportunities and reach, and the others are free. Authors can sign up here to take part in #Christmas #Romance Saturday.
Cancer Awareness — this event helps authors share their stories about facing cancer or whose loved ones have. Each year this event brings in a huge outpouring of love and support. Authors can sign up here to take part in the Cancer Awareness here. As of this post, only three spots are left.
Salute to Veteran Authors: Each year on Nov 11, RLF salutes authors who are veterans. The list accumulates. Author veterans (or active duty) can sign up here.
Do you have ideas for more features? Please click the comment button and let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
What is RLF?
RLF is romance lives forever. It’s author support. It’s honoring author veterans. RLF is reaching out to readers. It has been my privelege to see my idea grow from a spark to a huge flame. Thank you for coming alongside and going on this journey with me.
Here’s to a wonderful year, filled with positive endeavors, great writing, massive success, and above all, happiness and peace.
Please bookmark the blog and come back every day for good books!
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Meredith Bond: My Gentleman Thief @merrybond #RLFblog #RegencyRomance
Welcome Meredith Bond author of My Gentleman Thief, a new Regency Romance.
Why did you write this book?
This is the third (and final) book of the Grace sisters books (numbers 5,6 and 7 of the Merry Men Series). I wrote it because I couldn’t possibly leave a sister unmarried! Thalia Grace is a bold, fun heroine and she deserved a wonderful man to fall in love with.
What is your favorite genre to read?
I go back and forth between Regency romance and paranormal, with a mystery or other piece of literature thrown in for variety.
Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
I love Charley Davidson from Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series—she’s so much fun! I also have to admit to being not a little in love with Matthew Clairmont and Diana Bishop from A Discover of Witches by Deborah Harkness.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m doing two things at once (not an easy feat for me!). I’m writing the second novella of the parents of The Merry Men (A Spanish Dilemma is the first novella in the sub-series): Under the Mango Tree (the parents of Julian Huntley from An Exotic Heir – which is free, by the way!). And I’m also beginning a whole new series which right now I’m calling the Ladies Wagering Whist Society. It’s going to be a series of 7 or 8 books, so I’m beginning the planning and plotting of that.
What books will we see from you in coming months?
Hopefully not very long from now I’ll publish Under the Mango Tree. After that I’ll get started on writing another parents novella (probably the parents of Sara Whately from A Rake’s Reward). Sadly, I think the first book from the Ladies Wagering Whist Society is going to take me a little bit of time because I need to plot out all of the books—at least roughly—before I start writing the first one (because some of the overlap in time).
Please tell us about your latest book.
Genre Regency Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG
Thalia Grace has a habit of flaunting Regency society—whether it be racing her horse against ungentlemanly earls or standing up to the arrogant lady patronesses of Almack’s. But after a handsome Greek artist comes to visit, she discovers her true calling—to follow in the footsteps of her archaeologist parents.
The talented Yiannis Istoriakis is passionate about Greek antiquities—he would do anything to ensure that they are treated with proper respect. But he never expected to become a thief…much less be so fascinated by the spirited woman he needs to become his accomplice.
As Thalia and Yiannis suffer through London’s social whirl while stealing priceless antiquities, they find that it’s their hearts that are in danger of being stolen.
Publisher Anessa Books
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07811J4XX
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-gentleman-thief-meredith-bond/1127621392
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/my-gentleman-thief/id1324688585?ls=1&mt=11
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/my-gentleman-thief
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/766793Meredith Bond Social Media
Meredith Bond’s books straddle that beautiful line between historical romance and fantasy. An award-winning author, she writes fun traditional Regency romances, medieval Arthurian romances, and Regency romances with a touch of magic. Known for her characters “who slip readily into one’s heart,” Meredith loves to take her readers on a journey they won’t soon forget. She is currently living in Europe enjoying the Bohemian life.
Website: http://www.meredithbond.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/merrybond
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meredithbondauthor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/merrybond/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredith_bond/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/merrybond
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/847484.Meredith_Bond
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Meredith-Bond/e/B001KI1SNE/
Newsletter: http://meredithbond.com/subscribe/ -
Do It Write: Where Anne Kane writes @annekane #RLFblog #contemporary #romance
Anne Kane, 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 latest book.
Get Off My Cloud
Genre contemporary romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
Six months ago, Lucas met the woman of his dreams, but after a night of amazing sex he woke up to find himself alone. Sent to rescue the daughter of a billionaire from her own folly, he discovers her to be the same woman, and this time he intends to make sure she stays put.
When Olivia discovers a herd of live dinosaurs existing on a small island in the South Pacific, she’s ecstatic. This discovery could crown her career as a paleontologist and put to rest the rumors that her daddy bought her position for her! Of course, when her father sends someone to drag her home, she’s not willing to comply and the couple must find a way to deal with the sizzling attraction between them while running from a herd of angry prehistoric beasts.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing seriously in 2008. Before that I’d make a few attempts but at the first site of a rejection letter I’d convince myself that I was crazy and I’d stop. What I didn’t realize back then was that crazy is a good thing if you want to be an author!
What was your first published book?
My first published book was Stranded on Earth. It was published by Changeling Press, and I have since re-released it on my own. It took me almost as long to submit it as it did to write it because I was terrified of being rejected. Did I mention I’m a wimp? Actually I’m not, except when it comes to my writing. Every single time I hit “submit” I cringe. The difference between now and a couple decades ago, is that I don’t let the rejections stop me anymore.
Tell us about your writing space or home office.
My office is in a building behind my house. Having it separate means that I know I’m at work and I need to get things done. Not that that always helps. After all, I’m the boss! Seriously though, it’s a very nice office. The walls are pale blue and due to the fact that it used to house an engine hoist, it has a very high ceiling. I put in a big window so I can see the hills across the valley, and the back door leads to my back yard to in the summer my little dog can run in and out whenever he wants. It’s the perfect combination of work space and somewhere I can just sit and daydream. After all, it’s when I’m daydreaming that my characters come to life.
What equipment do you use most, other than your computer?
Other than my laptop, I use a whiteboard a lot. It’s a handy place to visually plan out my plots, and to keep track of mundane facts about my characters. It might not sound like a big deal but I need to remember what color my character’s eyes are, if their hair is short, long or absent, and any other facts that are pertinent to the plot. Before I got the whiteboard I spent too much time looking back through my work in progress to see if the heroine was blond, redheaded or maybe had a green stripe down the crown of their head.
How do you juggle writing and family?
My family is mostly fourlegged these days and they are quite happy to snuggle up at my feet or on my lap while I write. Or, in the case of Merlin the Mutt, to go stretch out in the sunshine out back. He is such a little prince. He can actually look outraged when I expect him to go out in the rain to do his business.
Do you have an author newsletter?
Yes I do! The signup is on my website and I’d be thrilled to add you to my newsletter list. I promise I won’t spam you with daily emails. I tend to send out about four to six emails a year, generally when I have a new release or some other exciting news. http://AnneKane.comWhere to buy Get Off My Cloud
Publisher https://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=2670
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Get-Cloud-Stone-Multi-Author-Book-ebook/dp/B0787CJXSH
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/get-off-my-cloud-anne-kane/1127627290
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/get-off-my-cloud/id1324314823
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/get-off-my-cloudAnne Kane Social Media
Anne Kane lives in the beautiful Okanagan Valley with a bouncy little rescue dog who’s breed defies description, a cantankerous Himalayan cat, and too many fish to count. She spent many years trying to fit in and act normal, but finally gave up the effort. She started writing romance in 2008, and her fate was sealed when she won a publishing contract with Red Sage Publishing and just a month later Changeling Press accepted her first submission. Since then she had published more than thirty stories in a variety of sub-genres, all with a happily ever after.
Her hobbies, when she’s not playing with the characters in her head, include kayaking, hiking, swimming, playing guitar, singing and of course, reading.
Website http://AnneKane.com
Blog http://annekane.wordpress.com
Twitter http://twittercom/annekane
Facebook http://facebookcom/anne.kane.author
Pinterest https://pinterest.com/annekaneauthor/
Goodreads https://goodreads.com/Annekane
Amazon Author Page https://amazon.com/Anne-Kane/e/B004FXZSQ4/ -
Unwrapped (A Unexpected Novella) by Valerie Ullmer @valerieullmer #RLFblog #mm #romance
Valerie Ullmer author of Unwrapped (A Unexpected Novella) answers five easy questions.
Please tell us about yourself.
Valerie writes paranormal and contemporary M/F and M/M erotic romances. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her wonderfully supportive husband and their funny and wise black lab. She’s addicted to coffee, crime shows, and reading and writing character-driven romances.
What’s your favorite down-home family style meal?
Turkey Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes with green onions on the side, and peas.
Describe the perfect vacation.
Going somewhere with history, so Europe.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, watching Investigation Discovers, Listening to True Crime Podcasts, Walking my dog, Maddie, and laughing with my husband.
When you read for pleasure, what kind of books do you choose?
Everything. I read several books a week, so as long as it has a good plot and wonderful characters, I’ll read it.
If the hero of your latest book called you on the phone, what would be a perfect ringtone for him?
She Blinded Me with Science.
Please tell us about your latest book.
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
Friends to lovers.
Jack had done what he’d always done to protect himself. He allowed fear to take over and as a result, he pushed Adam away. When Adam finally left, Jack understood that if he loved Adam as much as he claimed, he needed to change before Adam could risk his heart again.
Lovers to forever.
Adam understood why Jack kept his feelings secret, but after being ignored one too many times, he left. But Jack won’t give up and when he proves to Adam how much he wants their relationship to work, can Adam risk his heart to the one man he’s loved all over again?
Will Jack and Adam find their happily-ever-after during the season of miracles?
Publisher: Self-Published by Valerie Ullmer
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077WMVZ44Valerie Ullmer Social Media
Website: http://www.valerieullmer.com
Blog: http://www.valerieullmer.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/valerieullmer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/valerieullmer.author
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/valerieullmer
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15293708.Valerie_Ullmer
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Valerie-Ullmer/e/B01FSWMI9A/
Newsletter: http://www.valerieullmer.com/newsletter