Contemporary
Romance set in modern times during present day.
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Interview: Brenda Corey Dunne author of Dependent @overdunne #RLFblog #amreading
Dependent About the Book
Title: Dependent: A NovelGenre: Fiction/ LiteraryAuthor Name: Brenda Corey DunneBook heat level (based on movie ratings): R for violence, sexual
themes.Interview with Brenda Corey Dunne
Why did you write this
book?About nine years ago, I took a look in the mirror, and—like many
military spouses—faced one of the things that scared me the most. What would happen
if I got that soul-destroying knock on the door? I was in my mid-thirties, not working,
and in danger of losing my hard-earned physiotherapy license. What would I do if
I was left alone, like so many military spouses are, to raise three children with
no career? It was an eye-opener, for sure. I sat down that day, and wrote it out—in
fictional form—and then put it away. It was too hard, too emotionally draining to
think about. I couldn’t write it. But I knew, deep down inside, that Ellen’s story
was one that had to be written. It stayed in the back of my mind as I watched friends,
colleagues, and neighbors deal with that very knock. Finally, in 2012, I forced
myself to push through and finish it. It’s not an easy story to read, nor is it
an easy story to write. But I wanted to make it real.What is your favorite
genre to read?Just about anything YA, especially urban fantasy, and some pre-dystopian.
I read for entertainment. Life is real enough as it is!What is your favorite
character from fiction (not including your own characters)?Depends on which book I’m reading at the time. I’m fickle, and
switch regularly. If I had to choose I’d say Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice.
I love her wit.Do you enjoy films and/or
TV shows? Which are your favorites?I love to escape in a good movie, and like books my favorites
change regularly. I loved Super 8—Aliens, coming of age and some really good lines:
“Drugs are so bad!”. I also loved the Keira Knightly version of Pride
and Prejudice. Could watch that movie a hundred times. But for pure wit, intelligence
and brilliant screenwriting I’d have to choose the TV show Sherlock. Every episode
is like a mini-movie in itself.What are you working on
at the moment, and what are we likely to see from you in the coming months?Right now I’m in the middle of a cross-continental move, so my
laptop is a little lonely. I have two projects on the go: a sequel to Treasure in
the Flame (my self-pubbed historical fiction), and also a contemporary story about
the meaning of ‘home’ for a military child. Both are at the 20k mark or so, so lots
of work to come!Please tell us about your
latest book.As I mentioned above, Dependent is not an easy book. It’s the
story of how a widowed military spouse (a ‘dependent’) re-discovers her self-identity.
Married young, and the victim of sexual assault, she is riddled with guilt and self-doubt
when the love of her life is killed in a military training accident. She drifts
in a grey, anchorless fog, haunted by memories. Only when she meets up with an old
friend from her past can she deal with her demons and move on.The story is raw, emotional and sometimes uncomfortable. But
it’s also heartwarming and romantic. Get out your tissues.When 45-year-old Ellen Michaels loses her husband to a tragic
military accident, she is left in a world of gray. For 25 years her life has been
dictated by the ubiquitous They—the military establishment that has included her
like chattel with John’s worldly goods—his Dependents, Furniture, and Effects. They—who
have stolen her hopes, her dreams and her innocence, and now in mere months will
take away the roof over her head. Ellen is left with nothing to hold on to but memories
and guilt and an awful secret that has held her in its grip since she was 19. John’s
untimely death takes away her anchor, and now, without the military, there is no
one to tell her where to go, what to do—no one to dictate who she is. Dependent
deals with issues ever-present in today’s service families—early marriage, frequent
long absences, the culture of rank, and posttraumatic stress, as well as harassment
and abuse of power by higher-ranking officials. It presents a raw and realistic
view of life for the lives of the invisible support behind the uniform.Buy This Book
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Dependent+a+NovelBarnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dependent-brenda-corey-dunne/1117389190?ean=9781939967367Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/dependent-a-novelPublisher: http://www.jollyfishpress.com/downloads/2014_Catalog.pdfAuthor Bio
Brenda Corey Dunne grew up in rural New Brunswick, Canada.
She originally trained as a physiotherapist and worked several years as a Physiotherapy
Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force before meeting the love of her life and
taking her release. Since that time she has had frequent moves with her Air Force
husband and family, living in such places as Nova Scotia
(Canada), Watchfield (England) and Elizabeth City,
(NC). She currently resides on the Pacific
Coast, in British
Columbia, Canada.Brenda spent several years volunteering on the Board of Directors
at a Military Family Resource Centre in Nova
Scotia, culminating in a year term as Chairperson of the
Board. She completed her first full-length manuscript in 2008 as a bucket-list item
and caught the writing bug. Since then she has self-published a work of YA historical
fiction (Treasure in the Flame), and has several other manuscripts in various stages
of completion. Dependent is her first traditionally published work. She is represented
by Jennifer Mishler and Frances Black of Literary Counsel.Author Social Media
Twitter https://twitter.com/overdunnePinterest http://www.pinterest.com/overdunne1/You May Also Like
Marketing Exec’s Widow by @AuthorTinaGayle #RLFblog #contemporaryromance
Meet Nan Reinhardt @NanReinhardt Author of The Fireman’s Christmas Wish #RLFblog #SmallTownRomance #ChristmasRomance
Character Interview Duncan from Highlander of Mine by Red L Jameson @LB_Red_Author #RLFblog #PNR
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Fallen Leaves, romance by @AuthorTinaGayle #RLFblog #contemporary
Fallen Leaves Fallen Leaves (Family Tree book 2)Genre: Romantic Suspense with Paranormal ElementsAuthor Name: Tina GayleBook heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13As autumn comes to the
Winston estate in Ohio,
Amber Harrison learns further lessons in her new position as keeper for the spirits
and ghosts who haunt the estate–and further lessons in love, too. She and her love,
Carter Miller, grapple with the fears and passions of new love, while caught up
in the storm of ancient family drama.This is the second book
in the unfolding saga of the psychics and talents associated with the Winston estate,
a sheltered place where past, present, and future are woven into a single dramatic
tapestry of love and desire. The tale spans multiple generations, multiple eras,
and offers something special for all ages of reader. A sexy, erotic winner, with
an assortment of couples to appeal to most tastes.Buy This Book
Publisher: Tina GayleBarnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fallen-leaves-tina-gayle/1119233833?ean=2940149229918ARe – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fallenleaves-1479048-140.htmlSmashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/428955https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/428955Author Social Media
Website www.tinagayle.netBlog www.tinagayle.blogspot.comFacebook http://www.facebook.com/tina.gayleAmazon Author Page – http://www.amazon.com/Tina-Gayle/e/B002BM9GR8 -
Character Interview: Candy Kavana from The Beginning @AuthorAnitaCox #RLFblog #Contemporary
The Beginning About the Book
Title The Beginning, Dirty White Candy, Book 1Genre: Contemporary Erotic RomanceAuthor Name Anita CoxBook heat level (based on movie ratings): R+Blurb (up to 300 words) Watch what happens when a recently
divorced and sexually repressed thirty-something woman transforms from vapid
novice to bombshell maven in The Beginning. Going bravely where she’s never
gone before, Candy Kavana is about to take the first steps towards her new life
in Book 1 of Anita Cox’s intensely passionate and entertaining series, Dirty
White Candy.Traded in for a younger, newer model by the only man she’s
ever made love to, thirty-something Candy Kavana finds herself craving human
interaction of the carnal nature. Shy and sexually repressed, Candy turns to
her best friend, Stacy, for advice. And what advice it is!Candy nervously dives into sex therapy and what she
discovers is more than mind-blowing sex. She discovers a side of herself she
never dreamed existed. Now that she’s whet her whistle, she can’t get enough.
Just how far is Candy willing to take her sexual exploration?Content Notes: Intense, Light BDSM, Ménage, D/S Elements,
Polyamory, ContemporaryBuy This Book
Liquid Silver http://www.lsbooks.com/the-beginning-p882.phpBarnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-beginning-anita-cox/1118624438?ean=9781622100736ARe https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thebeginning-1425296-147.htmlInterview with Candy Kavana
Tell us about
yourself, please.At work, I’m a
successful marketing executive. I’m good at my job and I’ve moved up the
company ladder. Outside of work, I’m a bit of a recluse. If it weren’t for my
best friend Stacy, I’d have no social life. At least, that’s where my story
begins. I’ve only made love to one man, my dirt-ball cheating ex-husband. Even
then, it was nothing exciting.What is it that
you want, but cannot have? Authors call this the conflict of the story.I’m really
repressed and very uneducated about the sexual world. Because my ex was so
demeaning, I just don’t thing I’m very good in bed either. I want contact. I
want connection. I WANT AN ORGASM.What’s your internal
limitation? Meaning, what is it about you that makes it so you cannot do what
it is you need to do during this story?I have a difficult
time with new things sexual in nature. Stacy calls me a prude. I’m really my
own worst enemy. But I’m grabbing ahold of my lady balls and moving on with
life.What inner doubt
causes you the most difficulty?As I said, the ex
told me I was bad in the sack. We never tried anything other than missionary
and blow jobs for him. So my self-esteem is pretty much shot. I found the most
interesting form of sex therapy, so I’m learning to get over myself and find my
inner vixen.What’s your
external complication? In the story world your author created, explain what it
is you fear most.The world’s view of
a sexually free woman. I don’t want to be seen as a whore, even if I want to
act like one. I’m terrified it’ll ruin my impeccable reputation.Are you happy
with the way your story ended? Why or why not?Oh Anita gave me
knowledge, power, orgasms and hot people to experiment with. I’m satisfied (and
a little spent.)About the Writer
You have the
length of a tweet (140 characters) to describe yourself as a writer. Let’s see what you can do. Anita Cox has an
affinity for leather and high heeled boots. The same vivacious attitude can be
found in her erotic adventures.Why did you
choose to write about this character?I’d met a woman who
was about 30, in Candy’s situation. Her story was quite sad, but it got me
thinking…what if there was an erotic turn of events? Then, owning a swing club,
I had several ideas about realistic scenarios I could put her in.When you wrote
about this character, what made you the most happy? What made you the most sad?I was the happiest
the first time she took charge. I felt her power increase, her self-esteem heal
and I really enjoyed watching her finally enjoy sex with a man.Why do you
write?There’s another
option? I’d be a compulsive liar if I couldn’t write.Are any sequels
planned for this book?I think the trilogy
is great as it stands. Adding to it would just drag the story on.Is there
anything you’d like to say to your readers?The greatest
feeling an author has is when someone enjoys their work. It is with utmost
sincerity that I say, I hope you enjoy the Dirty White Candy series.Author Bio
Anita has been writing general fiction, under her given
name, for nearly a decade. In 2012 she strapped on a new name for a new genre
and dove head first into writing erotica.Anita Cox’s erotic debut series Dirty White Candy was picked
up by Liquid Silver Books in 2013, but this wasn’t her beginning. Under her
given name she has written crime fiction (some with paranormal elements,)
paranormal romance and suspense novels. With a decade in the industry, she has
finally started to get her feet wet.In 2014, she became a Director for the Erotic Author’s
Guild. Her altruistic nature found its purpose, assisting other erotic authors
with issues specific to the genre.With a busy home life, Anita manages to ferret out enough
time for each hat she must wear, though secretly, she wants to shut the world
out and just write.Author Social Media
Website http://www.authoranitacox.comAmazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00BCD6KDA -
Curse of Winford Manor @LocGlin #RLFblog #timetravel
The Curse of Winford Manor Genre Historical Paranormal Romance, Time TravelAuthor Loc GlinBook heat level (based on movie ratings): RBlurb
Leslie Braddock feels responsible for her husband’s death. She
is having trouble reentering the dating scene. Leslie travels back in time, where
she meets Sir James.Sir James Winford is a three-time widower. He believes he is
cursed, and is certain death to any woman he loves. He has vowed never to love again.Emily, the ghost of Sir James’s Leslie Braddock feels responsible
for her husband’s death. She is having trouble reentering the dating scene. Leslie
travels back in time, where she meets Sir James.Sir James Winford is a three-time widower. He believes he is
cursed, and is certain death to any woman he loves. He has vowed never to love again.Emily, the ghost of Sir James’s first wife, has unfinished business,
and still lingers at the Manor. She wants to see her husband happy, and she wants
to bring her murderer to justice.Rose has loved Sir James since childhood. She must live with
the unspeakable things she has done trying to make James see her as more than a
child. She believes she is close to achieving that goal when Leslie shows up.Leslie and Sir James share the experience of losing a loved one.
Will Leslie be the woman to break the curse? Or will she be just another victim?Buy This Book
Publisher http://www.bookstrand.com/loc-glinAmazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B008D69BBWBarnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/loc-glinAuthor Social Media
Website http://www.LocGlin.comTwitter https://twitter.com/LocGlinPinterest http://www.pinterest.com/locglin/Amazon Author Page https://www.facebook.com/locglinauthorManicReaders http://www.manicreaders.com/LocGlin/ -
3 Tips for Writing Likeable Characters @VeronicaBale1 #RLFblog #amwriting
A Noble Deception Today’s post is by guest author Veronica Bale.—It there’s one thing you need to know about yourself as a writer,
it’s what you do well. As an author of historical romances, I know I’m good at creating
real, believable characters. I’m not being arrogant by saying that, it’s actually
what my readers say in their reviews of my books:“A warm-blooded historical romance that breathes with the
true humanity of its characters (even the secondary ones).” – A Noble Deception“The H and h are likeable characters that I would enjoy
reading more about.” – Bride of Dunloch“A very engaging presentation and characters you’re compelled
to follow.” – Legend of the Mist.It’s something you hear often about your favourite books: the
characters are likeable; they are real. But what, exactly, makes a character real?
This is unfortunately something that surprisingly few writers (relatively speaking)
understand. And that’s a shame, because creating memorable characters that readers
can identify with is not hard to do.At the risk of giving a leg up to the competition (that’s tongue-in-cheek
of course; I always love to help my fellow writers), I’ll share a trade secret:
the trick to writing real, likeable characters is to spend time on scenes, or parts
of scenes, which do absolutely nothing to further your plot.Please, keep reading this post – I promise, I’m making sense.
You might think it’s counterproductive to waste time on anything that doesn’t further
your plot. And if the sheer volume of books out there that don’t understand this
vital concept attest to anything, it’s that many authors would agree with you. But
nothing could be further from the truth. By allowing your character these non-plot-advancing
sections, in which nothing more than their personalities are front and centre, you
make them real to your readers.Here are three methods you can try to add likeability to your
characters.Silliness
Ever had a tickle-fight? Ever played keep-away? These kinds of
silly moments, especially between your characters, are a great way to show their
real sides. They are fun moments, and don’t do much to enhance your plot. What they
do is enhance the overall quality of your story, though.Take the Disney movie Tangled as an example. The character of
Flynn Ryder is obviously the sexy, smouldering hero we expect of a good fairytale.
But what did you think about the scene where Rapunzel wasn’t falling for his charms,
so he declared it was time to “give her the smoulder?” What did you think
when, after she dropped him on his face, he groaned “You broke my smoulder?”
Didn’t that endear him to you all the more?Admittedly Tangled is a children’s comedy; it’s supposed to have
silly bits like that to make the audience laugh. But apply the logic I’ve given
you to the romance novels you’ve read where the characters fell flat. I’m betting
that silly moments like this were notably absent.This is especially prevalent in historical romance novels. Too
many authors focus only the sombre mood, the tension borne of historical conflict
or the burning lust. But even in a romance novel with tension and strife and desire,
your characters can still indulge in a bit of silliness every now and again.Banter
I just had a bantering argument with my husband about whether
or not soccer is the least skill-oriented sport played professionally. At the end
of the … discussion (putting it mildly) we were no further ahead on the topic than
the last time we argued about it.Everyone banters. What real person doesn’t? So, if you want your
characters to be real, let them banter. Let them argue and snipe at each other over
something that has nothing whatsoever to do with your main storyline. Let them debate
about the most ridiculous of things, and let them rage at how pig-headed and stubborn
they’re each being over something so insignificant. They might end up angry at each
other by the end of your chapter, but your readers will end up loving them because
of it.Mild embarrassment
Have you seen the movie Hitch with Will Smith and Eva Mendez?
Then you’ll probably remember the part where Will Smith’s character, Alex Hitchens,
has an allergic reaction to shellfish. Okay, now I’ll admit that seeing him with
a distorted, swollen face did not do this hottie any favours, but how much more
attractive did this embarrassing event make him overall? No longer the smooth-talking,
suave “Date Doctor,” we saw Alex Hitchens’ real side. And we loved him
for it.Your characters, too, can benefit from times of mild embarrassment
like this. Maybe your hero gets caught belting out some Spice Girls tunes in the
shower. Maybe your leading lady falls into a nearby body of water in her best cocktail
dress. Whatever it is, embarrassing your characters this way warms them to us and
makes them real. Because hey, we’ve all been there.Living, breathing characters are so much more than the things
they need to do and say to advance your plot. Your characters become real when we
see them do and say things that we recognize of ourselves – silly, stupid and embarrassing
things. Allow your characters a few unnecessary scenes where their personalities
can really come through; let your creativity wander in writing those memorable moments.
They serve your plot in no measurable way, but they’ll serve your overall story
beautifully.These aren’t the only ways to show the real sides of your characters
and make them likeable. What other “tricks” can you think of? Weigh in
here at Romance Lives Forever and let us know.Author Bio
Veronica Bale Veronica Bale is a romance novelist, freelance writer and copyeditor.
Her latest book, A
Noble Deception, was released June 1st. She graduated from Toronto’s
York University with a degree
in environmental writing, and she writes Scottish historical romance novels with
strong heroines and cracking-good love stories.Author Social Media
Website: www.veronicabale.comTwitter: www.twitter.com/VeronicaBale1Amazon (A Noble Deception): http://www.amazon.com/Noble-Deception-Douglas-Clan-Book-ebook/dp/B00KPMIT9W/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405700363&sr=8-1&keywords=a+noble+deception -
5 Easy Questions: Jennifer Lynne author of Demon of Envy #RLFblog #EroticRomance
Demon of Envy 5 Easy Questions is an interview is designed to be quick, easy,
and fun. Today’s guest is Jennifer Lynne.5 Easy Questions
This interview is designed to be quick, easy, and fun. Answer
any five of these. Please put your answer on the line below the question.What is your go-to meal
to order when you dine out? Your favorite “I know it will hit the spot”
item.Anything seafood. I have a pretty healthy appetite for anything
savory, and I do eat most things, but I love my seafood. For lunch, maybe a Caesar
salad – but it needs to be a good one, with real anchovies.Who is your “book
boyfriend”? You know, that hottie you read about and drool over.I think it would probably be Eric Northman from Charlaine Harris’s
Sookie Stackhouse series. I was in love with him even before I watched True Blood
– but of course it helps immensely when the actor on whom you have a crush (Alexander
Skarsgård) is actually playing that
part in the TV series!What were you like when
you were in school?I think I’d be described as quiet. I was a huge reader, and loved
English, History and Literature. Hated – and I mean really, really hated! – math,
science and sport. I went on to study Literature at university, and that in turn
led to a career in business writing, and a life-long passion for fiction writing.Would you rather stay
inside and watch snow falling, or get out in it and build a snowman?I’m definitely an indoor girl. I’d much rather stay inside by
the wood burner, laptop or a good book on my lap and a cup of strong, sweet black
coffee by my side. The cats would be purring in front of the fire and the snow would
look so beautiful falling gently outside the window, where someone else could get
cold building a snowman.If you’re on Twitter,
what’s your favorite hashtag to watch?I like to keep an eye on the hashtag #amwriting as it gives me
a peek at what other authors are doing. Writing is such a solitary pursuit. I find
it beneficial to be reminded that there is a legion of writers out there, struggling
just as much as I am to get words down on paper and stories completed.About the Book
Title Demon of EnvyGenre Erotic RomanceAuthor Name Jennifer LynneBook heat level (based on movie ratings): RWhen Olivia lets a sexy god into her life, will his demon Envy
behave, or will it rip her human heart to shreds?Phthonos, Greek god of envy and jealousy, has been given a
second chance at life and love in the mortal realm. The wayward son of the goddess
Aphrodite and brother to the erotes is desperate to make up for the mistakes of
his past. But is Thon more demon than god? And if the demon Envy wins out, how will
this lonely god ever find room in his heart for love?Olivia is an ordinary woman living an ordered life, but at thirty-two
true romance appears to have eluded her. Everywhere she turns people are in relationships
or falling in love, but her career and her charity work are enough to keep the demon
of envy at bay.Until the moment he turns up on her doorstep with a demand that
rips her life and her heart wide open and leaves her at risk of eternal torment.Demon of Envy is the latest in the Gods of Love series about
the Greek gods of desire searching for love in a modern-day world. Each of these
erotic novellas is stand-aloneand can be read in any order.Buy This Book
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KICJYHU/Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/demon-of-envy-jennifer-lynne/1119611692?ean=2940045963152ARe https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-demonofenvy-1521949-149.htmlKobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-au/books/Demon-of-Envy/Author Social Media
Website http://www.jenniferlynne.com.auBlog http://www.jenniferlynne.com.au/blogAmazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Lynne/e/B004VUPGDG/
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