Author Interviews
Interviews with authors
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Help a Teen Cope #Depression by author of Becker Circle, Addison Brae @addisonbrae1 #RLFblog #romanticsuspense
Addison Brae, 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 endeavor, and also share info on your book.You Can Help a Teen Cope
Many teenage girls today are depressed and lonely. Pew Research Center reported in a 2019 survey that 36% of girls report being extremely anxious every day. These girls are worried about melting polar ice, school shootings, and their ability to afford college.
Studies show while these girls are more likely to be close to their families, they spend less time with friends their age and lack independence capabilities and skills because they skip things like school extra-curricular activities, driving, jobs, and dating.
The result? These girls are likely to spend Saturday night at home watching Netflix and following social media rather than at school events or socializing with friends.
How will girls maneuver college, relationships, careers and the tough choices, rejection, and mistakes we all face in life?
This problem is real and growing. Another study by the American College Health Association in 2018 found more than 85% of college students described feeling “overwhelmed,” and one-third of college students received treatment from campus counseling centers.
I have a theory. We as readers, authors, relatives, and friends can help young adults be better equipped with the skills and confidence to help them cope in two ways.
First, if you have a teen in your life, listen when they want to talk about a problem rather than fixing it for them. Let them watch you face and solve a tough issue. People emulate behavior they observe.
Second, encourage them to read books with strong heroines who are not loners. These fictional young adults tackle problems, make mistakes, and end up victorious and stronger. This is a topic I’m madly passionate about, and readers will always find a strong but flawed heroine in my books.
A group of authors and Romance Writers of America members shared an amazing list of middle grade and young adult book suggestions with strong heroines that meet these criteria. There are dozens, so this list only includes some recommendations. You can find a more extensive list on my website (https://addisonbrae.com/books-for-teens).
I challenge everyone to help equip a teen to cope in our complex world.
Middle grade (age 8-12)
- Rob Buyea, Because of Mr. Terupt series. Seven fifth-grade students come together to solve a problem that seems insurmountable, and their lives are changed by one amazing teacher.
- Roshani Chokshi’s, Aru Shah and the End of Time. Twelve-year-old Aru Shah teams up with three of her classmates to stop a demon and save the world.
- Raina Telgemeier creates graphic novels such as Guts, Sisters, Drama, and Ghosts that deal with family, peer pressure and other issues kids deal with.
- Diane Duane, Young Wizards series, a 10-book series starting with So You Want to Be a Wizard. This sounds like a Harry Potter spin-off, but it predates that series by about a decade. The characters begin as preteens and grow into their teen years as the series progresses.
- Madaleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time. A classic coming of age fantasy that inspired a modern movie and impacted many of us when we read it as young teens.
Young adult (age 13-18)
- Maureen Goo, The Way You Make Me Feel. A funny story of love, new friendships, and one unique food truck after Clara took a joke too far.
- Guadalupe Garcia McCall, Summer of the Mariposas/El Verano de las Mariposas. A Mexican-American retelling of the Odyssey about four sisters working together and learning something about family in the process.
- Julie Murphy, Dumplin. A story about the fearless, funny, and unforgettable heroine who takes on her small town’s beauty pageant.
- Tamora Pierce, any of her titles, especially Song of the Lioness books, Protector of the Small series, and Circle of Magic books. Pierce features teen girls as knights, wizards, and heroes.
- Isabel Sterling, These Witches Don’t Burn. A story featuring a lesbian heroine with the power to control fire, earth, water, and air, her hot ex, and her new bi-crush.
Becker Circle by Addison Brae
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
Gillian’s first and only boyfriend believed she was too gutless to leave. He was dead wrong. Gillian graduated Harvard early and left his hot temper and everyone else behind for Dallas. Determined to make it on her own, she lands a second job bartending at the neighborhood pub smack in drama central where most every jerk in the neighborhood hits on her—at a huge price.
A week into the job, the neighborhood’s very popular drug dealer falls to his death a few feet from the table she’s serving. The cops say suicide, but Gillian and Jon, the hot guitar player in the house band, suspect foul play, and she intends to prove it. They dig deeper, grow closer, and make a shocking discovery. They know the murderer. Watch the trailer https://youtu.be/Mf-GlfxPzdY.
Where to buy Becker Circle
Publisher tirpub.com/abrae
Amazon http://amzn.to/2GQhgSj **$0.99 SEPTEMBER 5-9**
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becker-circle-addison-brae/1128071378?ean=2940155153153
Apple Books https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/becker-circle/id1353406290?mt=11
Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=9781370780426
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/797034Addison Brae Social Media
Addison Brae lives in Dallas, Texas on the edge of downtown. As a child, she was constantly in trouble for hiding under the bed to read when she was supposed to be napping. She has been writing since childhood starting with diaries, letters and short stories. She continues today with articles, video scripts and other content as an independent marketing consultant.
When she’s not writing, Addison spends her time traveling the world, collecting interesting cocktail recipes and hosting parties. She’s still addicted to reading and enjoys jogging in her neighborhood park, sipping red wine, binge-watching TV series, vintage clothing and hanging out with her artistic other half and their neurotic cat Lucy.
Website addisonbrae.com
Blog addisonbrae.com/blog
Twitter https://twitter.com/AddisonBrae1
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/addison.brae
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/addisonbraeauthor/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17759692.Addison_Brae
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/addison-brae
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07B443K8P/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCreHrv1bBNdyHm5skgqNR-Q/www.addisonbrae.com -
Dame Audrey by Aurora Springer @AuroraSpringer #RLFblog #Medieval #Romance
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.Dame Audrey by Aurora Springer
Genre Medieval Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13
Young widow seeks true love in this vivid Medieval romance with a touch of fantasy
In fourteenth century Britain, Dame Audrey cherishes her independence as the widow of a wealthy cloth merchant. But some of the wealthier traders covet her profitable business and she fears they will invoke the Abbot’s authority to compel her to marry a man of their choice. Her worst nightmare is suffering under a cruel husband like the hateful jeweler, Henry Goldsmith, who has threatened to curb her lively spirits.
Audrey joins a pilgrimage to Glastonbury to pray for guidance. The holy relics give her no inspiration nor do her fellow travelers. On the homeward journey, she aids the dying victim of a brutal robbery. She wins the stranger’s blessing and a gold brooch with a green dragon. Back in her hometown, the faerie brooch attracts trouble from thieves of all ranks and the attentions of a handsome yeoman, Selwyn Drake. As her nightmare looms nearer, she grows desperate to preserve her freedom.
Can the magic brooch help Audrey evade the schemes to force her into wedlock or must she submit to a husband’s will?
QUICK
Do you write more than one genre? If so, what are they?…
Yes. I have published science fiction and fantasy adventures and romances. Dame Audrey is the first historical romance I have written.
How do you come up with ideas?…
Sometimes, I find them in my dreams. Once I have an idea of a scene with the two main characters, I let them loose to interact.
What is the single most important part of writing for you?…
I enjoy the ability to create vivid characters and fantastic new worlds.
When did you write your first book?…
More than thirty years ago, I wrote an entire science fiction romance novel. I finally typed the handwritten story into a digital file and published The Lady is Blue in 2014.
FUN
Leather or lace? Leather
Black or red? Red
Satin sheets or smooth cotton? Cotton
Ocean or mountains? Both
City life or country life? Country
Party life or evening at home? Home
Dogs or cats? Both. We have two of each.
Where to buy Dame Audrey
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VY5QWYV
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dame-audrey-aurora-springer/1132815090
iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1475431717
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dame-audreyAurora Springer Social Media
Aurora Springer is a scientist morphing into a novelist. She has a PhD in molecular biophysics and discovers science facts in her day job. She has invented adventures in fantastic worlds for as long as she can remember. In 2014, Aurora achieved her life-long ambition by publishing her first stories. Her works are character-driven adventures and romances with a sprinkle of humor. Her stories are set in modern or historical Earth or in the future on other planets. She was born in the UK and lives in Atlanta with her husband, two dogs and two cats. Her hobbies, besides reading and writing, include outdoor activities like gardening, watching wildlife, hiking and canoeing.
Website https://www.auroraspringer.org
Blog https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/AuroraSpringer
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuroraSpringerNovels
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8197461.Aurora_Springer
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Springer/e/B00K2C4NL8
Newsletter https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/g5c1c9 -
Do It Write: Where NJ Walters writes @njwaltersauthor #RLFblog #SciFiRomance
NJ Walters, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Before we talk about your office, please tell us about your latest book.Unexpected Angel by NJ Walters
Genre Science Fiction Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
Angelina Astoferus is on the run from her uncle, who wants to marry her off as part of a business deal. Her only hope is to find a spaceship to escape on–and a man willing to take her virginity, since her being pure is part of the deal. A desperate escape attempt leads her to the loading docks of the planet Oasis, where she spies Amos. Captivated by him, when the opportunity to sneak on board his ship arises, she takes it.
When Amos Marks discovers a stowaway on his ship, he knows she is big trouble. He and his brothers don’t need two dangerous enemies–her powerful uncle and the jilted warrior from Gravas–but Amos can’t turn his back on her. He decides to help her with her outlandish plan, but neither of them expects that the physical connection between them will lead to so much more.How long have you been writing?
My first book was published October 27, 2004. Hard to believe it’s been almost 15 years. The industry, and my writing, has changed so much in that time.
What was your first published book?
My very first published book was Annabelle Lee with Ellora’s Cave. That was back when ebooks weren’t considered “real” books by the New York publishing houses and long before Amazon became a powerhouse in the industry. Amazing how much the world has changed since then.
I was so excited when they accepted my book. They wanted me to add about 10K to the story. I told them it was no problem. Then I panicked and went to work. It changed my life.
The book went out of publication for a couple of years after the publisher closed, but it has been released as Uncovering Annabelle.
Tell us about your writing space or home office.
I’ve written all but two of my books in a small 3′ by 6′ corner of my living room. I have a small desk, a desktop computer, and a small shelf. That’s my writing cave. The computer isn’t online. When I sit there, all I do is write.
What do you love most about that area?
Oddly enough, I love how small it is. I like being cozy. I like that everything is close at hand. There’s wall on two sides of the space and a privacy screen around the front and part of other side. It really is a writing cave.
If money was no object, what would your home office look like?
Honestly, if money was no option I’d own a house, maybe something 800 to 1000 square feet. (Which is much bigger than my current apartment.) I’d love a small office with floor to ceiling bookshelves on at least two of the walls for my books and personal mementos. I’d have my desk beside a window overlooking a yard. I’d also have a cozy reading area in front of the shelves where I could relax or work on research and notes.
What office equipment do you use most, other than your computer?
I’m a bit of a technophobe, so I’m not big on electronics. Other than my desktop computer, I’d say I use my iPad mini the most. I use it mostly in the evenings when I’m curled up on the sofa for checking email or social media. I’ll even watch TV shows and YouTube videos on it.
What book or books about writing do you recommend for new authors?
There are so many great books on writing. Some are purely technical while others are more inspirational. I’d tell any new author to check out what’s in their local library and local bookstore to get a feel for what’s out there. Stephen King’s On Writing and Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird are both go-to books for most writers and a great starting point.
What do you like to read for relaxation?
I love to read romance, of course–historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, and paranormal. I also love to read nonfiction books. A lot of self help, personal growth types of books. I figure it’s good to balance things out.
Where to buy Unexpected Angel
Publisher https://www.evernightpublishing.com/unexpected-angel-by-n-j-walters/
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S9VPXKH/
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unexpected-angel-n-j-walters/1131766415
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/unexpected-angel-2
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/941298
NJ Walters Social Media
NJ Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks–all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.
Website http://www.njwalters.com
Blog http://njwalters.blogspot.ca/
Twitter https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NJWaltersAuthor
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
Newsletter https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/awakeningdesires/infoYou May Also Like
Do It Write: Where Bernadette Jones writes @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #Romantic Suspense
Who needs an alpha when you can have a lone wolf? 🐺 Do It Write: Where NJ Walters writes @njwaltersauthor #RLFblog #ParanormalRomance #PNR
Do It Write: Where Ruth A Casie writes @RuthACasie #RLFblog #Medievalromance
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Black Gold by Augustine Sam @austin_sam001 #RLFblog #RomanticThriller
Augustine Sam, 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.Black Gold by Augustine Sam
Genre Romantic thriller
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG
A black man, a white girl, and a deceptive job offer.
It had all begun with a dream and a simple act of love, but now the unsuspecting couple finds themselves in the place where dreams end and nightmares begin.
Can they survive the greed, the captivating allure of Black Gold, and that vile, ancient tradition that seeks to determine who should marry and to whom?
What’s your favorite down-home family style meal?
Risotto
What is your go-to meal when you dine out?
Pizza
What are your hobbies?
Computer, Photography, and Table Tennis
When you read for pleasure, what kind of books do you choose?
Classical Poetry
What kinds of things do you read when you’re researching a new book?
Historical details about the place where the book is set, its culture, its cuisine, its people, and most importantly, its idiosyncrasies
Where to buy Black God
Publisher: AuthorSuite Books
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07145RDVJ/
Augustine Sam Social Media
Augustine Sam is a journalist by profession, a novelist by choice, and a poet by chance. A member of the U.K. Chartered Institute of Journalists, he is a bilingual writer and formerly Special Desk editor at THISDAY newspapers, an authoritative Third World daily first published with the Financial Times of London. He later became a correspondent for central Europe, and afterward, fell in love with poetry the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.
He was the winner of the Editors’ Choice Award in the North America Open Poetry Contest and a Finalist in the International Book Award Gala. His poems have been published in international anthologies, including “Measures of the Heart” and “Sounds of Silence.”
Website https://www.augustinesam.com/
Blog https://authorsuite.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/austin_sam001
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/austin.sam001/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/austinsam001/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1831067.Augustine_Sam
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00QOREIB0 -
Read free: Chaos, Illustrated Quotes by Kayelle Allen #FreeBookFriday #RLFblog #Read
It’s #FreeBook Friday on RLFblog! Join us for a collection of free reads and downloads. All genres and heat levels. This week’s featured book is Chaos, Illustrated Quotes by Kayelle Allen. Bookmark this site so you don’t miss a thing.Welcome to FreeBook Friday
Each week, you’ll find free books to download and read. Some are straight up giveaways, some Kindle Unlimited, others are Kindle Select, and some are free with newsletter sign up. Always a mix of genres and heat levels. These free deals may be limited in time, so please be sure to check prices before clicking the final buy button.
When you sign up for a newsletter, you are signing up ONLY for that author’s newsletter, not a list of authors who will all then email you. You can unsubscribe at any time, however, please do not mark these emails as spam. When you sign up, you give your permission for the author to email you. Thank you, and enjoy the books!
Chaos, Illustrated Quotes of Pietas by Kayelle Allen
Illustrated Book
As king of the immortal Ultras, Pietas ap Lorectic rules his people with an iron fist and a heart of stone. Or so he would have you believe. The man behind the myth is a scientist, deep thinker, brilliant strategist, and passionate lover. He has shared his thoughts on chaos with few. This book is a collection of quotes on the concept by the man known to other immortals as the Bringer of Chaos.
Thirty beautifully illustrated quotes.
You’ll get 3 other free books plus other exclusive content for members only.
Download your free book by Kayelle Allen: https://kayelleallen.com/reader-groups
(requires newsletter sign up)Cover model for Chaos: Nik Nitsvetov (courtesy of DepositPhotos.com)
Daughter of the Deepwood by Holly Bargo
Lifetime imprisonment for an immortal doesn’t bear consideration. As cold iron burns his skin and dampens his magic, fae captain Falco wrenches power and freedom from the broken body of another prisoner—a witchbreed female—tossed into his cell to make room for a new harvest of criminals. Honor and obligation mandate that he not abandon her.
Unable to heal her extensive injuries, he takes the dying witchbreed to the heart of the Great Forest where the most ancient magic lives. His plea granted, the woman is remade of a blend of his blood, her flesh, and deep magic. Bound by his debt, Falco takes Calista as his mate when he returns home to Froúrio Daimónafae, a sentient fortress-city carved from a mountain. Although he regrets his intended fae mate’s anger, his increasing affection and desire for his witchbreed mate surprise him.
Lost in a foreign culture, spurned by the fae, her body unfamiliar to her, and unable to believe in Falco’s professed affections, Calista makes her own destiny and realizes the fate of an unfriendly nation rests upon her shoulders.
Download your free book by Holly Bargo: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BB3YCY1
Free on KindleUnlimitedA Dose of Danger by Kim McMahill
When researcher Grace Talbot and her team discover a possible solution for weight loss they are targeted by a group dedicated to controlling a diet product industry worth billions. Her unsanctioned testing methods bring tragedy to the family ranch and the attention of the local sheriff’s deputy. With her colleagues either dead, missing, or on the run she soon realizes she must trust the deputy with her life, but can she trust him with her heart?
Download your free book by Kim McMahill: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PYPQ9T5/
Free on KindleUnlimitedDancing in the Dark by Virginia Kelly
What if you discovered all you ever wanted were the things you left behind?
Covert CIA agent Matt Kincaid is back in tiny Walton Springs, only to find Janey Blackmon waiting to ask him a favor. Matt’s not there to reminisce with the girl he’s never forgotten…and he’s definitely not there to divulge government secrets about her missing brother.
Ten years and Janey hasn’t forgotten the love of her life…or that he abandoned her on prom night. Bound by duty and honor, he was shipped out to parts unknown by Uncle Sam. But she knew he’d go because adventure is in Matt’s blood. Being stuck in a small town with plain Jane the librarian wasn’t ever in his plans.
Trapped by a flood, with no phone or power, desire tempts them both. Will passion—and Matt’s offer to recreate prom night—lead to a future together? Or are they just dancing in the dark?
Download your free book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CJFMX8G
Free on KindleUnlimitedBookmark this site and come back for more great books!
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New series: Derek-De Wolfes of Esterley Castle by Alexa Aston @AlexaAston #RLFblog #NewRelease #RegencyRomance
Alexa Aston, 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.Derek (The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle Book 2) by Alexa Aston
Genre: Regency romance
Book heat level: PG-13
He loved her—and was blindsided when she wed another man…
He refused her—and now her life is no longer her own…
Lady Amelia Ward is ecstatic that her brother, the Earl of Merrifield, has just married for love. Amelia, who is in her first Season, now wants the same for herself. Though ton marriages rarely involve love, she has seen what a difference it’s made in Oliver’s life and she won’t settle for anything less—especially because she’s already in love with her new brother-in-law—who thinks her a featherbrain.
Derek de Wolfe, the new Earl of Reston, has seen his older sister, Diana, wed to Lord Merrifield. Now Derek’s ready to return to Northumberland because he has no plans to wed for several years, preferring to focus on changes he wishes to make at Esterley, his country estate. In truth, he’s running away from his growing attraction to Amelia, his new sister-in-law, whom he knows believes in love.
When Amelia decides to make Derek jealous, her plans backfire. She finds herself wed to a stranger who’s a known rake and her unhappiness grows when she realizes the kind of marriage they will have.
Will Amelia find a way to escape a union that should never have occurred and if she does, will Derek be waiting for her? Derek is Book 2 in The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle and a part of the De Wolfe Pack Connected World.
*Look for Diana (out now) and Thea (coming September 24), where Derek’s siblings find their own HEAs.
Why did you write this book?
I had been asked to write in Kathryn Le Veque’s de Wolfe Connected World and decided to do three novellas that told the stories of three de Wolfe siblings during the Regency Era. Diana was the first released (last month) and she won the heart of Lord Oliver Merrifield, a dashing, delightful man who’d won my heart (and readers)—but he hadn’t gotten an HEA of his own.
Derek is Diana’s brother, so this is his love story, full of some heartache but a very happy ending!
What is your favorite genre to read?
I enjoy reading thrillers most of all. I recently read The Chain—it’s terrifying—all the more so because I could see it easily happening.
Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
Elizabeth Bennet is a constant favorite for me.
What are you working on at the moment?
My St. Clairs were meant to be a trilogy, but reader response has been so great that I am writing Books 4 & 5. These two romances will finish the series and be released this fall.
What books will we see from you in coming months?
I have the last novella in this series left to go. Thea (The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle Book 3) releases September 24. While all three can be read as standalones, I think it’s fun to read all three of these novellas together. And don’t be surprised if you see a few St. Clairs pop up in this trilogy!
Where to buy Derek (The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle Book 2)
Amazon: (https://amzn.to/2Gt56ks (free in KU)
Alex Aston Social Media
Native Texan and former history teacher Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys reading, Netflix binge-watching, and attending sporting events when she’s not watching Survivor, The Crown, or Game of Thrones.
Alexa’s Medieval and Regency historical romances bring to life dashing knights and loveable rogues and include the series The Knights of Honor, The King’s Cousins, and The St Clairs.
Website https://alexaaston.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AlexaAston
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaaston/
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alexa-aston
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15846438.Alexa_Aston
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston
Newsletter http://madmimi.com/signups/422152/joinYou May Also Like
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