Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Enjoying the Writing Ride


As a longtime reader of romance and mystery/suspense books, I  have always enjoyed reading books in a series--stories with familiar characters or set in familiar locations. There's something about getting to know a setting, a common theme or a character that draws me in from book to book. I'm always ready for the next installment and I often watch for when the next book is going to be released. Today's guest in My Writing Corner has written a number of books that are parts of several overall series. 

Joining us is author Virginia Barlow. Let's go directly to our guest for her description of her books and her writing career: 

"I have always loved reading romance novels. I used to sneak into my mom’s room as a young girl and read them while she was gone. As I grew older, my reading and tastes expanded to sci-fi, dystopian, paranormal, and fantasy.

 I considered becoming an author in my late twenties but as a busy mother with toddlers, I didn’t have the time nor the energy.


 Later, in my fifties, I decided to give it a try and have enjoyed every moment of it since. I recently signed my fourteenth contract and am doing my happy dance as I type this. My husband of forty-one years is my greatest support as are all my kids. Most of them are grown and carving out lives for themselves. They are the beat of my heart and with every grandchild, the rhythm gets stronger. I enjoy every moment of my life." 


Thank you, Virginia, and I'm certain readers will enjoy your writing! Let's get a blurb on your new book, Catching Rose and hear from the characters:


Rose Tanner dreamed of a fairytale wedding her whole life. But when her prince leaves her at the altar, she wants to know why. Traveling to Texas for answers she finds more than she bargained for. Captured by a human trafficking ring, she fights for freedom. Risking her life to help the other women with her, she discovers there's more to happy ever after than she thought. Texas Ranger Chase Calhan wants one thing, to capture El Diablo's men so he can marry Rose. When they get to her first, he races against time to catch Rose before it's too late.


Now, let's talk directly to the characters to learn more, starting with Rose. Tell us about your relationship with Chase Calhan.


I fell for him the second I met him. One look into his whiskey-colored eyes, and I was lost. We’ve had our differences, and things were pretty bleak a few months back. He left me at the altar, and I wanted to throttle his gorgeous, tanned neck. But after everything that happened, when we did meet again, somehow it didn’t matter. My anger melted like chocolate on a hot summer day, and I realized all the things I thought were important weren’t. Being with Chase did. 


How do you know he's the ONE? 


Because when I think of life without his wicked grin and knowing eyes, I can’t breathe. He’s the other half of me, and I could no more do without him than I could do without my legs or my heart. 


What do you fear about your relationship with Chase? 


I used to worry he would find someone who could shoot, hunt, and ride like he can and leave me for her. But after what happened in Mexico, I know he loves me for who I am. We are so much a part of each other now, I worry about the day one of us dies. How do you live without the other half of your soul?

 

What is your biggest personal strength?


My biggest strength is my love for those around me. And my determination. I’ve been told I have a big heart, but I think it’s a soft one because I cannot bear to see others suffer. I have to do something to fix it.


Now let's hear from Chase. Tell us about your feelings for Rose.


What do you want to know? That she makes me hurry home at night to hold her in my arms? That her kisses are sweeter than honey and I can’t get enough? Or that she makes me the happiest man alive? I don’t know what I would do without my sweet, brown-eyed Rose.


How do you know she's the ONE? 


Well now, it’s pretty simple. She holds the moon and the stars, and everything in between. When I thought I lost her, I damn went insane. You know she’s the one when you face the future without her and know there isn’t one.

 

What is your biggest strength?


Rose. And my love for her. She smiles at me and I feel like I can conquer the world. I damn near had to, to get her back. But that’s all in the past now. (chuckle) I’m also a fair hand with a knife.


What is your biggest fear? 


I’ve made plenty of enemies as a Texas Ranger. I would say my greatest fear is one of them getting to Rose, and me being too far away to help. That’s the stuff of nightmares, right there.

Want to know more? Let's get an excerpt: 

        He stopped beneath a large tree outside the hotel and turned her to face him. “I don’t want to waste another minute. One thing I learned over the past few days is the error of putting something off until tomorrow because tomorrow might not come. The way I see it, marrying and loving you is the single most important thing I will do with my life. With Delgato headed for the noose, I don’t want to put it off any longer. I can’t risk it. I knew it today when I found you unconscious back at the cantina. I want you in my bed tonight.” 
        Rose bit her lip. “What about our wedding and the family waiting for us in Chicago? Giles has been making plans for months now.” Her magical wedding hovered on the horizon. 
        “I’ll marry you anywhere and everywhere in every language and religion there is to make sure you’re mine, darlin’. We have a few things to work out between us before we go to Chicago and let Giles have free rein. Tonight is for us. I know how I feel about you, and you know how you feel about me. All I’ve thought about is you for the last few days. I burn for you in ways I didn’t think possible.” 
        Her stomach hitched as she gazed into his whiskey-colored eyes and nodded her head. “I don’t think I can wait much longer, either. You’re all I’ve dreamed of for months.” 
        He stared into her soul. “Then, let’s continue this conversation in your room.”

Want to see how things turn out for Chase and Rose? You'll have to get the book. Here are the buy links as well as Virginia's contact information to learn more about her other books and Series.

Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):


Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Catching-Calhan-Brides-Virginia-Barlow/dp/1509252649/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GH0VDNA2MBVD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2NOQg3sivkYXZi-5yVUbtw.h6TOesOxCPlj4TDpZqOEj83DVtSIoKcFyoCMCM9Cuok&dib_tag=se&keywords=catching+rose+by+virginia+barlow&qid=1705194258&sprefix=catching+rose+by+virginia+barlow%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1


Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/catching-rose-virginia-barlow/1144421887?ean=9781509252640


Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/books/catching-rose-by-virginia-barlow


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203155315-catching-rose

Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/virginiabar1031

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiasromancenook/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3046288755596817

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@virginiasromancenook

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGFHEfWqTshpYrUvlwbQhQ

Website: https://www.virginia-barlow.com


Thank you, Virginia.  Any questions or comments for today's guest? 

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

A Tricky Tale

One of the fun things about doing a weekly blog is that it gives me the opportunity to meet authors from not only in the United States, but from around the world. Today's guest in My Writing Corner is author Rachel Brimble who hails from a small town near Bath, England.

Rachel lives with her husband, two adult daughters and beloved Labrador in a small town near Bath, England. She is the author of 30 novels and has been published by Harlequin Mills & Boon, Kensington Books and others. Her latest series includes the Ladies of Carson Street trilogy and the Shop Girl series, both published with Aria Fiction. She also has several single titles with The Wild Rose Press. Her debut novel with publisher Harpeth Road Press, Dressing The Countess, is due for release in May 2024.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Female Entrepreneur Association and has thousands of social media followers all over the world.. Since that isn't enough to keep her busy, along with her writing, she is also studying for a history degree with the Open University in her spare time… 


Rachel, what is the book that you will feature today and how did you come up with the idea to write it?

The book is Her Scandalous Suitor and I came up with the idea for this book after watching a British period drama where one of the characters I absolutely fell in love with was a confidence trickster. I just knew I had to write a hero with the same occupation...'

Let's get a blurb:

Emily Darson assumed her future of propriety and privilege amid a loveless marriage was set in stone. At least, she did until confidence trickster Will Samson came into her life...

Then everything changed.

With each revelation about her fiancé and herself that Will uncovers, he also reveals a little more of who he is, what he has suffered, and the volatile vengeance that burns in his heart.

Can Emily really risk security for scandal? Loyalty for love? Only time will tell…

Let's get more information about the story by talking to Emily:

What do you want your future to be?


Is it enough to say happy? For me, happiness is independent thinking, excitement of what I might achieve next and family – hopefully, with a kind, supportive man beside me to share it with.


Tell us a little about the man you are about to marry. 


Nicholas is…a difficult man, ambitious but more often than not frustrated. He can be unkind at times and quite pompous. The reality of my future doesn’t look quite as I’d like it, does it?  


What attracted you to him and what frightens you about marrying him?


We have known each other since childhood – our fathers were business partners in a tobacco company until Nicholas’s father sadly passed away. I am frightened about what marrying Nicholas will mean for the rest of my life. He is beginning to make certain signs that our marriage will very much be on his terms rather than ours.


What was your first impression of Will Samson?


Flirtatious, intriguing, exciting… and a rogue of the highest order!


What intrigues you about him?  


He seems so entirely sure of his direction in life, yet at other times can be easily consumed by something that veers him off course. He has secrets, I’m sure. Many secrets…


What frightens you about him?


That he has appeared in my life now when I am due to be married – it’s frightening how he has stirred such new and wonderful feelings inside of me. A yearning for more, to be more.


Want to know more about Emily and the men in her life? You'll have to buy the book! Here is the buy link for "Her Scandalous Suitor" and Rachel's social contact information.


Buy Link:


BUY:  https://geni.us/yA4XqFR


Social Contacts

To sign up for her newsletter (a guaranteed giveaway every month!), click here: https://bit.ly/3zyH7dt

Website: https://bit.ly/3wH7HQs

Twitter: https://bit.ly/3AQvK0A

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3i49GZ3

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3lTQZbF

Thank you, Rachel, for being my guest today.  Any questions or comments for Rachel?

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Book Lovers' Delight


February is the month of romance, and today's guest  in My Writing Corner brings us a wonderful tale of her romance with reading and writing.  Author Halle Kenton describes herself as a southern Ohio girl with a lifelong love of horses and books.


Her college degrees reflect those loves. With a B.S. in Equine Science and an M.L.I.S. in Library and Information Science, her decision to leave her library career after twenty years to write full-time was a move she says she doesn’t regret, even if the writing/publishing world can be challenging.


Halle is currently at work on several other books while she searches for her next Equinus Perfectus. She suggests you go to her social media pages if you have any good suggestions on a horse rescue in the wonderful Midwest.  Let's find out more about Halle.


What do you enjoy about being an author?


Telling a story. Pulling myself, and hopefully, my readers into a time and place that takes us to another world or sparks the imagination. 

What do you find is the most challenging part of being an author?

There are several challenges to being an author. Right now, promotion, especially on social media, is the biggest hurdle for me. No matter what the advice is from others in the writing world, this is about my book, not me. As long as readers enjoy the story and identify with my characters, I’m happy. As for what socks I wear while I write, nah, not important.  

Tell us about your road to publication. 

I’ve been writing for twenty years and don’t plan on stopping. My head has too many stories to tell, writing is fun (sometimes), and Hollywood needs my ideas (right, she said with a smirk).

How do you come up with your plots?


Plots and characters come from everywhere. I watch a show or movie or the news, I read a book or article, and out of nowhere, the plot begins, usually with a character attached. Almost all of the stories in my head center on a romance because love makes life worth living.


What is your book that you will feature today and how did you come up with the idea to write it?


My debut contemporary romantic comedy is “A Horse of a Different Color”. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Science and did an internship on a Thoroughbred breeding farm in Lexington, Kentucky. The idea for this story began to percolate at that time and never left me. Also, horses are my forever love.


Let's get a Blurb:

When stable owner Cheyenne Modine meets vet Jack Carter, it's hate at first sight. He may look like the sexiest man alive but his arrogance tells her he's a privileged member of the elite Lexington, Kentucky, Thoroughbred world. Cheyenne Modine is exactly Jack's type–a smoking hot woman who loves horses–but her slurred speech calls up childhood memories of living with an alcoholic father, and Jack isn't about to travel that road again. After several chance encounters, the fireworks between them become a contest to see who touches who first. Can Jack and Cheyenne overcome their mistaken first impressions or will their gallop to the finish line end in murder by horseshoe?


Want more? How about an excerpt:


He studied the muted flush on her cheeks and the slight increase in her breathing. His clasped hands tightened as he fought the urge to pull her against him, to kiss the stiffness out of her. His urge had nothing to do with her desire to help Mr. Tibbles, although that was commendable. It was the mix of pride and vulnerability and fire and guts, and the damn rag on her head. It was her pink, moist lips and the fact that she disliked his wealth and upbringing and… 


“Are you an alcoholic?” 


“What?” Her glance narrowed with disbelief. 


“Do you have a problem with alcohol?” he repeated, unable to let it go, even though sparks darted from her eyes. To hell with the sparks. He’d committed himself, and he wanted an answer. She opened her mouth, her indignation front and center. 


“Just tell me,” he said. 


Her mouth made quirky, little movements like she wanted to spit. He watched her struggle before she jerked to a stand and shouted, “No!” 


He dropped his head and closed his eyes when she stomped off. She was halfway out the door when she flew back to grab her boots. 


“Stop,” he ordered, unsurprised when she didn’t. 


She smacked the door frame with her exit. He followed her out. They weren’t finished, not by a long shot.


What’s your next project or what are you working on now? 


You name it and I’m working on it. I am editing a completed historical romance trilogy set in the American Gilded Age, and have written half of a science fiction romance that features reincarnation. I’ve started another historical romance set in 1815 America which takes place on the Natchez Trace, and I may write a second romantic comedy about the Kentucky horse world because, well, it’s about horses. I’m sure you understand. 


If you would like more information about Halle and her book, here are the buy links and her media contact information.


A Horse of a Different Color Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Good Reads

Books-A-Million


Social Contacts:

Web site:  HTTPS//:www.HalleKenton.com

Email:  HalleKenton@gmail.com

Thank you, Halle, for being my guest. Any questions or comments for Halle?

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Making a Connection

One of the fun things about doing this blog is that I get to meet so many wonderful authors from so many places and who love to go on so many adventures of their own beyond the exciting places where they set their stories. Today's guest in My Wrting Corner is author, Carol Henry.

She is a #1 best selling author who married her high school sweetheart, and lives in the beautiful New York State Finger Lakes area, where they are surrounded by family and friends. Carol and her husband took an early retirement from Cornell University to write, and travel the world. As a world traveler, Carol writes about her visits to exotic locations for major cruise lines' deluxe in-cabin books, and takes pleasure in sharing her adventures with her 'characters' and readers in her romantic suspense adventure novel 'Connection' series--Destination Romance--Exotic, Romantic Suspense Adventures--where the heroine discovers more than the 'wild and wonderful' world around her--she finds her inner courage and a once-in-a-lifetime love. Carol also delights in writing contemporary and holiday romance novels.

Her novels have consistently received awards from the Preditors & Editors Reader's Polls, and her holiday romance, Nothing Short of a Miracle, was a #1 Amazon Best Selling Holiday Novel.

Carol is also the local historian for her home town ,and has written several history books, including the historic novel, Ribbons of Steel, based on the 1877 Railroad Strike, where a fictional family is caught-up in the struggle of survival

Carol, what is the book that you will feature today, and how did you come up with the idea to write it?

My latest novel is Arctic Connection, coming out in February 19, 2024. It’s the 5th in my Connection Series and takes place along the Norwegian Coast up to the North Cape. It’s a light romantic suspense (think Indiana Jones meets Romancing The Stone), and has my characters dealing with a touch of climate change, which is believed to be causing the decline in of fish in the Arctic, but is actually a black-market scheme my hero and heroine have to deal with as they research, travel up along the coast, and interact with each other. Not to mention the involvement in family matters, when it is believed that the heroine’s family is involved in wrong doing. 

As a world traveler and travel writer, having visited the locations/countries/cities I write about, has been the inspiration for my Connection Series, and thus Arctic Connection. My titles—Amazon Connection, Shanghai Connection, Rio Connection, Cairo Connection, and my newest novel Arctic Connection, all take place in countries we’ve visited and have had fascinating adventures and connections with the people. I’m always thinking about which location I can use to make awesome backdrops for my characters to experience their own adventures. Still, I do a bit more research for each location in which I turn my characters loose in order to bring my time period up to date. I admit, I love to share travel experiences with my readers, so instead of just telling readers where my characters are, I ‘show’ them so they can experience it for themselves. As a travel writer, I want my readers to enjoy the location as well as the story.

Let's get a blurb: 

When marine biologist Brianna Murphy goes to Norway on assignment to determine the cause of the decline in fish, she discovers her uncle’s fishery is under suspicion in a black-market ring. Working with an international team of specialists, she goes solo with the team’s climatologist, Conner Holt, and they become the target of several suspicious accidents. Thankfully, Conner has her back. Or does he? 

Conner feels responsible for the accidents they encounter, but he’s not sure he trusts Brianna to be objective since her family is under suspicion. Their investigation heats up as do their interactions. Neither is looking for a long-term relationship. But, will they make that Arctic connection when they finally reach the North Cape?

How about an excerpt?

Reluctantly, Brianna followed Conner back to their vehicle. The weather was ideal, and she was loath to leave this spectacular setting behind. But she knew this wasn’t a vacation, and there were many more scenic sites to enjoy along the way. Still, they had work to do. She climbed into the car, buckled her seat belt, and sighed. She was glad she’d agreed to join him on this impromptu expedition. She couldn’t wait to share her memories with her parents when she returned stateside.

Conner leaned out the window to double-check for oncoming traffic before pulling out of the parking area. Finding it clear, he slowly maneuvered the SUV onto the highway. A large, tan-colored van came careening recklessly over the knoll, heading right at them on the wrong side of the road. Conner veered to the right in order to avoid a head-on collision. The oncoming vehicle, instead of correcting its path, swerved directly toward them, their front bumper hitting against the SUV’s right back fender. The loud crash twisted their SUV sideways, causing it’s rear-end to bang back against the guardrails, next to the overhang, heading in the opposite direction.

Brianna was thrown against the inside of the door, hitting her shoulder. She screamed, then held her breath, closed her eyes, and hoped the railing was sturdy enough to keep them from careening over the cliff and the mile-high drop-off into the rocky ledge and gushing water far below.

Want to know what happens next? You'll have to buy the book. Here are Carol's Buy Links and Social contact information:

Thank you Carol for being my guest today. Any comments or questions for Carol?

Enjoying the Writing Ride

As a longtime reader of romance and mystery/suspense books, I  have always enjoyed reading books in a series--stories with familiar characte...