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Read #Love and the Lawman by Alexa Aston @AlexaAston #RLFblog #Western #HistoricalRomance
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Read the series: Southworth Saga – Virtuous Intentions by Brita Addams #RLFblog #HistoricalRomance
Brita Addams, 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 series.
Thank you for having me, Kayelle. I’m happy to be back.
Virtuous Intentions in the Southworth Saga
Genre – Historical Romance/Historical Fiction, set in 1870s New Orleans
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13
Lured by the promise of a substantial inheritance, ne’er-do-well English aristocrat, Avery Southworth, sets sail for America. Avery’s purpose is to revive his uncle’s war-ravaged plantation, and make it, once again, a profitable enterprise. A task made easier when one possesses land management skills, but that man isn’t Avery Southworth. He brings with him his valet, Elijah Goran, the man Avery has depended upon for years to make him look good in all things.
Avery’s death at sea compels Elijah to make a well-intentioned decision. With the simple words, “Are you Mr. Southworth?” he buries Elijah Goran and becomes a better version of his employer.
As Elijah’s recovery plan goes into full effect, he and the uncle’s ward, Cecily Petitpain, grow closer, a circumstance Elijah hadn’t foreseen, and one that threatens his tenuous grasp of the situation. Cecily has seen her share of disappointment and heartache, and considers honesty the single most important quality in a man.
Time and again, opportunities to clear his conscience go the way of the wind. When circumstances unexpectedly force his hand, can he find a way to his virtuous truth, without destroying the delicate trust that is paramount to the woman he loves?
Which book is this in the series?
Virtuous Intentions is the first book in the Southworth Saga.
How many books do you plan for the series?
At the moment, I plan two, though there is the possibility that I’ll do more.
How many books are completed?
One, Virtuous Intentions, is completed. Raison D’Etre is in the works, and will likely be available early next year.
What characters are the main stars in your series?
Each book will have its own main characters, with many of the characters crossing over. Elijah Goran and Cecily Petitpain are the stars of Virtuous Intentions, and they will appear in Raison D’Etre, though briefly.
What is the overall theme in this series?
While we have romance, in all its incarnations, the first theme that comes to mind is selfishness vs unabashed selflessness. Of course, the story is deeper than that, but that is the tinder that kindled the flame that is the story.
Please list the series titles below, in any order you prefer.
Virtuous Intentions
Raison D’Etre
What did you like best about writing this series?
As with any book I write, I love the research. That starts me on the journey I take to fashion the story, and takes a good six months to complete before I ever write a word. I do, however, love the creation of story. I’m considered a pantser, which means I create the story, for the most part, as I type. This is partially true, in that I let the story take me where it needs to go. On occasion, the characters lead me, other times, the story dictates are particular path.
Outlining a story is something I rarely do, and knowing the end before I write a word isn’t something I wish to do. With each development in the story, the direction changes, so overall preplanning doesn’t work for me. I do take note of certain plot points I want to hit, and even they might change, but I strive to include them, if they continue to benefit the story.
I enjoy setting my story against a historical backdrop, with actual historical events and historical figures playing a part in the story. Getting that part right is important. Details matter.
In writing Virtuous Intentions, I explored the human need to help others, without regard for one’s safety, emotional or physical. The antithesis of that is, of course, selfishness, which abounds in one character. Redemption is also a part of the mix. With this book, I gave my characters the opportunity to put everything on the line, fully aware of the outcome, should things go awry. I believe they learned things about themselves they mightn’t have known. I certainly did, which set the story off in an unexpected direction.
What other books (not in this series, have you written?)
My writing journey started in 2010 with the Sapphire Club Series –
Lucien & Serenity
Prentice & Desiree
Thornhill’s Dilemma.
Standalones are:
For Men Like Us
Demands of the Heart
Her Timeless Obsession
The Tarnished Series:
Tarnished Gold
Tarnished Past – Beloved Unmasked
Tarnished Souls – Frankie & Gent
Delacroix Saga:
Cedar Grove
After Dark Rag
Free Read:
An Evening at the Starlight, available on my websiteAll are historical romance, except the Delacroix Saga. That his pure historical fiction. There have been others, but as they fell out of contract, I withdrew them from availability. They didn’t represent my best work.
Where can we find links for all your books?
https://www.amazon.com/Brita-Addams/e/B003Y1ZAZW
Where to buy Virtuous Intentions
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08Y85D4RF/
Brita Addams Social Media
Prompted by her love of history, writer of historical fiction and historical romance, Brita Addams has tromped around old cemeteries and dusty town hall basements for over twenty-five years as a non-professional genealogist. She’s uncovered some juicy stories about her ancestors that may, or may not have already found their way into her writing. For several years, she lectured on genealogy aboard cruise ships, as part of their Enrichment Programs.
Having grown up in blustery Upstate New York, Brita has lived in the sultry South for many years. She has a loving, supportive family, including her native New Orleanian husband, who makes killer gumbo and potato salad. After years in the Big Easy, she and her husband moved to the Frog Capital of the World (yes, that’s a thing,) to be closer to two of their three grown children. She is Grammie to grandpuppy, Fiona, a maltipoo who has stolen her heart, as well as two grandsons and a granddaughter. She celebrates life everyday, well aware of how fragile life is.
Website – https://www.britaaddams.net
Blog https://www.britaaddams.net/blog-1
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/britaaddams
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/britaaddams
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4093476.Brita_Addams
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Brita-Addams/e/B003Y1ZAZW/ -
New historical romance Lady Elinor’s Escape by Linda McLaughlin @LyndiLamont #RLFblog #RegencyRomance
Cinderella meets Mr. Knightley in Linda McLaughlin’s sweet Regency romance, Lady Elinor’s Escape. In disguise and on the run for her life, Lady Elinor meets a curious barrister. Can he learn her secret in time to save them both?
Linda, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! We’re excited to find out more about your heroine, but first, tell us about Lady Elinor’s Escape.
Lady Elinor’s Escape by Linda McLaughlin
Genre Regency Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG
A mysterious lady. An inquisitive gentleman. And a secret that could tear them apart.
Lady Elinor should be in London enjoying the season, not fearful and trapped in a country cottage with an unbalanced relative. When her aunt becomes violent, she flees straight into the path of a compassionate barrister. Desperate, she accepts his help, but will she be able to hide the truth from this inquisitive, intelligent man?
There are too many women in barrister Stephen Chaplin’s life, but he has never been able to turn his back on a woman in need. The reticent seamstress resists his every attempt to draw her out and remains a mystery he can’t solve.
Then a Bow Street Runner hired by her aunt comes asking questions. Elinor again turns to Stephen for help. But when circumstances reveal the truth about her background, will Stephen and Elinor lose their chance at happiness?
Lady Elinor’s Escape is a Cinderella-inspired traditional Regency romance. If you like noble gentlemen, independent ladies and sweet romance, this book is for you!
Where to buy Lady Elinor’s Escape
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHSNEII/
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CHSNEII/Linda McLaughlin Social Media
Linda McLaughlin grew up with a love of history fostered by her paternal grandmother and an incurable case of wanderlust inherited from her father. She has traveled extensively within the United States and has visited Mexico, Canada, Australia, Europe and Iceland. She now lives near the ocean in Orange County, California.
Linda writes historical and Regency romance under her real name and spicier romance under the pseudonym Lyndi Lamont.
Website https://lindalyndi.com
Blog https://lindalyndi.com/reading-room-blog/
Twitter https://twitter.com/LyndiLamont
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/LindaMcLaughlinAuthor
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/lyndilamont
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/lindamclaughlin
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/linda-mclaughlin
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Linda-McLaughlin/e/B007A3OMLS/
Get to know Linda McLaughlin better by signing up for an email newsletter https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/w6r0w6 -
Read the #Discouraging the Duke by Alexa Aston @AlexaAston #RLFblog #RegencyRomance
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Read The Warrior Kings Collection by Ashley York @AshleyYork1066 #RLFblog #HistoricalRomance
Survival was never guaranteed in 11th century Ireland but each sexy hero in this three-book collection by Ashley York will do what needs to be done for their clan and those under his protection. The Warrior Kings Collection includes Curse of the Healer, Eyes of the Seer, and Daughter of the Overking.
Ashley, 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 Warrior Kings Collection.
The Warrior Kings Collection by Ashley York
Genre historical romance (medieval romance specifically)
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13
After the death of the High King Brian Boru at the Battle of Clontarf and before the Norman invasion from England, Ireland was ruled by The Warrior Kings
Where to buy The Warrior Kings Collection
Coming Soon! To know when this book is available, follow the author on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Ashley-York/e/B00HAV0PHK
or sign up for the author’s newsletter https://dl.bookfunnel.com/b1c90l5mty
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Kings-Collection-Books-1-3-ebook/dp/B094NYSJK9
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-warrior-kings-collection-ashley-york/1139457729
iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-warrior-kings-collection/id1567418914
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-warrior-kings-collectionAshley York Social Media
Aside from two years spent in the wilds of the Colorado mountains, Ashley York is a proud life-long New Englander and a hardcore romantic. She has an MA in History which brings with it, through many years of research, a love for primary documents and the smell of musty old libraries. With her author’s imagination, she likes to write about people who could have lived alongside those well-known giants from the past.
Website http://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com
Blog http://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/blog
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ashleyyork1066
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ashleyyorkauthor/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyyork1066/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7555322.Ashley_York
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Ashley-York/e/B00HAV0PHK
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Fiction Furbaby: Meet Justus from Duty Bound by Jessica James @JessicaJames @RobsRescues #RLFblog #Pets @DEFHR
A Union spy relies on her horse to carry her out of danger in Jessica James’s new Civil War novel, Duty Bound. The bond between the two is strong, but is it enough to get them both through the war alive?
Jessica, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! We support all furbabies, real life or fictional. We want to know all about your Fiction Furbaby, but first, please tell us about Duty Bound.
Duty Bound by Jessica James
Genre Historical Fiction
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): G
Duty Bound takes readers across the rolling hills of Virginia in a page-turning tale of action and adventure as a Union spy spars with a renowned Confederate cavalry commander. Gallantry and chivalry are put to the test when Colonel Alexander Hunter discovers that Andrea Evans is not only the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect, but is the Union spy he has vowed to his men he would destroy.
When Andrea falls into Hunter’s hands in enemy territory, he must make the difficult choice to honor the vow to his brother—or continue to stand for the convictions he holds dear.
Duty Bound is Volume I in the Shades of Gray Civil War Serial Trilogy. Called the “greatest love story ever told” when it was first released in 2008, the book has been expanded and enhanced in this new three-book series that has dozens of new chapters and introduces new characters.
Meet Justus from Duty Bound
Gender: Male/Stallion
Species: Horse
Physical description: Description from the book: The charger, black as night and massive in size, could well have been from Satan’s own stable, so swiftly and silently did he move through the swirling vapor. Galloping with neck outstretched and tail sailing behind like a banner, the daunting steed flew across the field like a soaring dragon, steam bursting from his nostrils at every stride.
Relationship to main character: Pet and best friend, hence the name Just Us.
Relationship to the villain/antagonist: The antagonist knows when he sees this animal that his foe is going to get away.
Where this furbaby came from: Justus was bred at the plantation owned by the main character’s father and stolen by her when she ran away at a young age.
What inspired you to create this character?
As a lifelong horse lover, I know the strong bond between young girls and horses. I think the connection would be even stronger during a turbulent time like the Civil War, so I decided to highlight the close relationship with an equine character.
What does the main character think about this furbaby?
Justus is not just a horse, but a best friend who provides a shoulder to cry on and the strength to help get her out of tight situations.
How do other characters react to or interact with this furbaby?
Everyone who sees Justus is in awe of his size, strength, and beauty.
What does this furbaby add to the story?
I think Justus shows the strong bond that can form between human and animal, and how they rely on each other. Andrea, the main character, could not accomplish what she does without Justus.
What about this furbaby will readers like, and why?
I’m not sure why, but readers are drawn to Justus more than any other character. I hear from fans who read the first version of Shades of Gray more than a dozen years ago, and they still remember his name!
Please share an interesting fact or tidbit about this furbaby.
Justus weighs 1200 pounds, drinks at least 10 gallons of water in an average day and eats 20 pounds of hay.
About Ernie
This post is called Fiction Furbaby, but perhaps your own pet does not have fur. If you have a pet that has fins, wings, scales, or other features, please tell us about them here.
Which, if any of the pets in your writing are modeled after your own pets? In what way?
None at the moment.
What do your pets do when you are writing?
Ernie, my 19-year-old cat, likes step on my computer keys, sleep on my chest, and snore loudly.
What’s the most unusual pet you ever had?
A pet duck (Butch) that I won at the local fair.
Where did you find your pet?
My current pet was found near a creek by my nieces and nephew. They were kids when they found her and now have kids of their own!
What do you feed your pet?
Whatever she wants. LOL.
Describe a toy or favorite item your pet loves.
No toys. She sleeps a lot.
Where to buy Duty Bound
Publisher https://www.jessicajamesbooks.com
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V1BP8MY
Barnes and Noble ) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/duty-bound-jessica-james/1138746779?ean=2940162221739
iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/duty-bound-civil-war-saga/id1552074251
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/duty-bound-shades-of-gray-civil-war-serial-trilogy-book-1
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1067516?ref=jessicajamesJessica James Social Media
Jessica James believes in honor, duty, and true love—and that’s what she writes about in her award-winning novels that span the ages from the Revolutionary War to modern day.
She is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and has won more than a dozen other literary awards, including a Readers’ Favorite International Book Award and a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America. Her novels have been used in schools and are available in hundreds of libraries including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Website https://www.jessicajamesbooks.com
Blog https://www.pastlanetravels.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/jessicajames
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/romantichistoricalfiction
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/southernromance/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorjessicajames/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/586216.Jessica_James
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-james
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001IYTXOG
One Link https://linktr.ee/AuthorJessicaJames
Get to know Jessica James better by signing up for an email newsletterhttps://www.subscribepage.com/jessicajamesnews
Shout out to Rob’s Rescues – founded by a 9-year-old animal activist
Rob’s Rescues is a non-profit organization in Georgia helping people in need care for and feed their pets. It was founded in 2014 by a then nine-year-old boy. Rob’s Rescues is dedicated to collecting pet food for people in need to reduce shelter surrenders, and to advocating for the adoption of shelter pets. Rob writes monthly articles advocating for shelter animals in the Around About Local Media magazine publications. His column was first published in 2014. He also has pet food collection sites for people in need in the community and interviews amazing people. His interviews appear online once they are published in his column.
Rob volunteers for Pet Buddies Food Pantry, the Cherokee County Animal Shelter and Cobb County Animal Control and collects pet food for these organizations and the communities they serve. He also wants to bring attention to smaller, rural shelters. Mostly he wants to get kids to be Rob’s Rangers to teach kids that they can help shelter animals. Rob has also talked to kids in a classroom setting.
Rob’s Rescues is a Non-Profit Corporation and all donations are tax deductible.
Website http://www.robsrescues.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/robsrescues/
Twitter https://twitter.com/RobsRescuesShout out to Days End Farm Horse Rescue
Days End Farm Horse Rescue™, Inc., is a volunteer-based animal welfare organization that takes in abused and neglected horses, and provides education about animal abuse. They are an outstanding organization that goes above and beyond to help mistreated and maltreated horses. https://www.defhr.org/