Solitary Romance by Violet Sparks

Daydreamer Katrina Crimshaw just met the man of her dreams, again. A chance encounter with Robert LaSalla, the co-worker she admired from afar years before, brings the past alive for the shy auditor. Will she be able to juggle her secret life with her career and changing work situation?
Katrina leads a comfortable life with a loving family and close work relationships. She finds an outlet for her creative side by blogging about her passion for jewelry under a pseudo name. There's no room for romance in her life until she runs into Robert LaSalla, the man who caught her eye when she was just out of college and still stinging from a broken engagement. Although she hasn't seen him in years, he still intimidates her and sets her heart pounding. As unexpected opportunities arise from her blog, she finds herself drawn to a charming British museum director, while unforeseen circumstances throw Robert back in her path and upset her well-ordered life. When passion flares, will she let love slip through her fingers again? A Solitary Romance is a clean romance that will set readers’ pulses racing.

Amazon Link

Author Interview:

Do you have a specific writing style?

I generally write in the third person limited or omniscient style.  I have to say, I begin by the seat of my pants and allow my characters full reign.  About one-third to half-way through the book, I'll sit down and outline the rest of the novel to keep things on track.  At this point, I've got a good idea where all the personalities will end up.

How did you come up with the title?

The main character, Katrina Crimshaw, is a jewelry aficionado.  She runs into a man from her past, someone she found incredibly attractive but was too shy to pursue.  I combined the idea of a solitaire ring, representing her love of jewels, with the loneliness that sometimes accompanies someone who is fearful or shy, and came up with A Solitary Romance.

What books have most influenced your life most?

The Bible has had the biggest impact on my life.  The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, a Carmelite monk who lived in the 1600s, is an amazing book that I can read over and over.  Coming Out of the Ice by Victor Herman also affected me—it's a wonderful tribute to the human spirit.  I can't leave out the books by Dickens, Austen, and the Brontë sisters, which I read in my youth.  Their works definitely lent an idealism to my mindset (which does not seem to belong to this century!), and shaped my ideas of what romance and love should be. 

Do you have any advice for other writers?

My advice to other writers is to keep on writing!  Find a good editor you enjoy working with and don't rush your writing process.  Read and write as much as possible and do not allow others to discourage you. 

What books/authors have influenced your writing?

I've always loved how Charles Dickens could weave a story together with unforgettable characters and intersecting plots.  I appreciate how he inserted humor in his books as well.  I admire the way William Faulkner packed a punch and how the Brontës created amazing atmospheres, including unexpected twists in their stories.  The contemporary author, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, is a master of characters, atmosphere, and storylines.   

What genre do you consider your book(s)?

A Solitary Romance is a sweet, or clean and wholesome, romance.  It is book one of the Only Love Series, which currently consists of three books.  I have also written mysteries under a pen name.

Do you ever experience writer's block?

I haven't yet had a serious writer's block.  With every book, I do come to a place where I just have to grind out the story.  I don't particularly enjoy this part of my writing process, but I've yet to escape this phase.  Luckily, it only lasts for a chapter or two, and then I'm over the hump.

Have you ever hated something you wrote?

I would not say that I've hated any of my work.  Anything can be polished, rewritten, examined with a fresh eye, or edited for improvement.  I do go through some fear each time I start a new book.  Will I be able to come up with anything funny?  Can I do the characters justice?  Will unnecessary details hinder the story?  In other words, how can I possibly pull this off?

What is your favorite theme/genre to write about?

I cannot pick a favorite a genre.  All of my books have at least a hint of romance, so maybe that's my top choice.  The Only Love Series is straight-up romance, although the third book, A Calculated Romance, has a touch of suspense and mystery.  I like to incorporate a twist or even several unexpected events in my novels, so that's a theme to look for.

Where did your love of writing come from?

I have always loved storytelling.  My mother used to catch me as a toddler making up stories for my own entertainment.  She fostered my love of writing by introducing me to classic literature in grade school, and I won writing awards as a teen.  Then, life and career got in the way.  I always hoped to return to writing, and the encouragement of a friend got the ball rolling for me. 

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

The hardest part of penning A Solitary Romance was just taking the plunge.  I experienced a personal loss around the time that the idea started to sprout.  I think this book provided a much needed distraction during those first, early stages of grief.  With its overall light tone, the writing allowed me a welcome reprieve from reality.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

A Solitary Romance is ever so slightly autobiographical.  I enjoyed reliving my early career days and the fun I had with one of my girl pals.  Also, because everything in the book felt familiar, it required little research.  I appreciated how my writing could flow without stopping to investigate other subjects.  Because I love the arts, I savored drawing on my experiences at a major auction house.  There's a scene in the book where a character helps her friend squeeze into a gown in a dressing room by very creative means.  This actually happened, and my friend managed to fit me in that tight, red dress by the same method!  Just thinking about that little episode brings a smile to my face!

Do you write every single day?

I find I produce my best work when I am writing every day.  I aim to write six days a week, although I've slipped off a little this summer since my children are out of school.

Which writers inspire you?

So many authors inspire me.  At the top of the list are Charles Dickens, William Faulkner, Jane Austen, the Brontës, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and Irène Némirovsky for her spectacular, unfinished, Suite Française.  I went through a stage where I only read history or biographies, and I greatly admire the work of David McCullough.  His books read like novels and bring the people of the past alive.  I always appreciate any writer who can surprise me with a plot twist or unexpected outcome.

What are you working on at the minute?

I am beginning the research for a novel set in the medieval period.

What is your latest book about?

My latest book is third in the Only Love Series, A Calculated Romance.  This is the story of Katrina's assistant, a young rock hound named Landi, and what happens when her path crosses with that of James Crimshaw.  James is featured in the first three books of the series.  He is Kate's brother and a naval intelligence officer.  Both he and Landi have murky pasts and a strong attraction to each other.

Dark Carousel by Christine Feehan

In the new Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan, a woman falls prey to the seductive allure of the past—and a vampire warrior’s intoxicating embrace...
 
The moment Charlotte Vintage walks into his club, Tariq Asenguard’s blood is set on fire. The ancient Carpathian had given up hope of finding his lifemate, but now he will do anything to make Charlotte his own. What Tariq doesn’t know is that Charlotte is using herself and her best friend as bait—to try to draw out the bloodthirsty killers who have already murdered Charlotte’s brother and mentor.

Charlotte is familiar with Tariq. Not only is he one of the richest and most eligible bachelors in the city, but he’s also a renowned collector of old carousel horses, which Charlotte restores. Their shared passion opens Charlotte up to trusting him with her life and with the desire she can no longer control. But it also makes her vulnerable to a centuries-old curse that will unite her and Tariq in a war against the enemies of humans and Carpathians alike...

Amazon Link

UK Link

Review: This is a Feehan book that's part of a series, but that can also be read as a standalone, and it really is a brilliant one. The characters within it remind me more of her older books, and although there are some more difficult reading subjects within it, the kindness in the male main character makes it that little bit easier. Tariq is protective, but not controlling, and Charlotte has some unexpected elements within her too! Highly recommended.

Ravage by Tillie Cole

Is finding one's true love worth committing the greatest sacrifice of all?

Taken as a teen, prisoner 194 was stripped of his name and freewill, meticulously honed to be a ruthless machine. Even as he tries to fight his captors hold on him he knows that obedience is the only way to save his sister, who is the one person that keeps him from turning into a monster.

As a young girl Zoya Kostava barely escaped the brutal attack that killed her entire family. Now twenty five she lives in secrecy. That is until she hears her brother also survived and is living with their greatest enemy.

Zoya risks her safety and anonymity to find the brother she thought dead and is captured by a beautiful, brutal man. A man who both captivates and scares her, in him she sees a soul as lost as her own.

They both have so much to lose will they be able to save each other…and survive.

Amazon Link

Review: Oh wow - what an intense book! The plot is thick, twisting and very intense, making for a gripping read that you'll struggle to put down. I fell for Zoya right away, and watching her emotional turmoil as she finds herself in a very strange situation is compelling until the very last page. I cannot wait to read more in this series!

ANNOUNCING TWO CONTESTS FOR AMAZON GIFT CARDS

ANNOUNCING TWO CONTESTS FOR AMAZON GIFT CARDS AND AN EXCLUSIVE ANTHOLOGY BOTH CONTESTS END ON AUGUST 31   Only Newsletter Subscribers are eligible to enter Subscribe at https://debbiedelouise.com or email debbiewriter@yahoo.com with your address to ask to be subscribed. Prizes will only be awarded if a minimum of 10 people enter.  PHOTO CONTEST FOR a $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD  Submit a photo of you, a friend, or even a pet with my book, A Stone's Throw. All photos submitted to me by email at debbiewriter@yahoo.com by August 31st. will be entered in a random drawing for the $10 Amazon gift card. Those who submit photos agree that they may be used on social media.  PURCHASE LINKS FOR A STONE'S THROW Amazon U.S.: http://amzn.to/1MjaJgN Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1Sdh82D Amazon Canada: http://amzn.to/1SdheHi Amazon U.K.: http://amzn.to/1QutXBW Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1nQPyv4 Kobo: http://bit.ly/1KGYHep Also available on iTunes and Ingram  Anthology Contest + $5 AMAZON GIFT CARD   For a $5 Amazon gift card and an anthology of romances written by 16 authors including myself, read the excerpt below and answer this question: What magical power did the stone have? Send your reply by August 31st. to debbiewriter@yahoo.com. Only newsletter subscribers are eligible to win, and this contest is not sponsored by Mailchimp or Yahoo. The winner will be announced in the September 1st. newsletter.

Excerpt from The Seashell and the Stone by Debbie De Louise (c) 2016 Debbie De Louise As Virginia and Stephen made their way toward the end of the boardwalk, the merry-go-round music that drifted along their path changed to a loud cacophony of whistles and horn blasts announcing “the greatest show on earth.” A man on stilts came hobbling toward them, his wide yellow polka-dotted pants flapping in the breeze off the ocean. “Good day, Ma’am. Good day, Sir,” he greeted them. “Right this way to the midway.” He chuckled at his use of words. Up ahead, Virginia spotted the circus tents lined on the beach and the acrobatic high-wire strung high across two tall poles.  “I guess you need to find the person in charge to ask about selling here.”  Mr. Granger was scanning the crowd seated on folding chairs by the first tent where a magician was performing some tricks to the rapt audience. “Let’s look around first. Would you like to sit and watch the show?” Virginia was pleased that he seemed more interested in her company than the business that brought him there. “No, but I would enjoy going there.” She pointed toward a tent that displayed the sign, “Madame Marie, Fortune Teller.” “Are you serious? You know these carnival mystics are not worth the money.” Virginia felt her anger flare again as it had when he had criticized her for feeding Seashell table scraps. “It’s my money to spend and that’s how I wish to spend it.” Her father had given her a $1 note as well as a few silver coins for carnival expenses.  “Very well.” Mr. Granger followed her reluctantly toward Madame Marie’s tent. The psychic sat behind a round table covered in red velvet. She wore a matching red kerchief in her long dark curly hair. Several rings graced her hands as she sat turning over tarot cards and gazing into a crystal ball. At their approach, she lay down the cards and beckoned them with a smile missing several teeth. Virginia could smell the lady’s foul breath, onions mixed with garlic. She lay down one of her coins, but the woman pushed it away. “For you, I will tell a fortune for free. Please have a seat.” Mr. Granger stood waiting by the side of the tent as Virginia took the chair opposite Marie. “Why are you not charging me?” Marie shuffled the cards and placed them face down in a pile. “Direct your energy on the cards and then choose one,” the woman instructed ignoring Virginia’s question. Virginia followed her directions while Mr. Granger stood with a bored look on his face shuffling from foot to foot. “Ah,” Marie said as she turned over the card Virginia picked to reveal a man and woman with an angel above them. “The Lovers. How appropriate.” “Does it mean I’ll be wed soon?” Virginia asked. “Yes, my dear. There is a special gentleman in your life or will be soon.” She placed the card at the bottom of the deck and tapped the glass ball in front of her. “If you’d like to know more or ask a question, it will be 1 greenback, please.” “Wait one moment,” Mr. Granger interrupted. “You told the lady your predictions were free.” The psychic smiled showing her missing teeth again. “The tarot reading is free. There’s a charge for the crystal ball.” “I guess you have to make money somehow. Come on, Miss Vance, let us move on.” “Wait.” Virginia did not like being ordered around, and she was curious as to what Madame Marie would see in her crystal ball. She had her fortune told at the circus last year but by a gypsy man. Marie seemed to be new to the troop. “I told you I’ll spend my money the way I wish.” A fire flared in Mr. Granger’s blue eyes. “You mean your father’s money, but, go ahead. She will only tell you what you wish to hear and what she observes from your reactions. I am sure the Tarot card was planted too. Most young women are looking for love. You don’t have to be a psychic to know that.” Virginia stood up. As much as she disliked his words, she knew he had a point. None of the predictions made for her last year proved to come true. “Thank you, Madame Marie, but I may return after seeing more of the circus.” “As you wish.” Marie glared after Stephen as he walked away with Virginia. “If you really want to know your future,” he said as they passed several more tents, “I have something that can help.”  “Whatever do you mean?”  “I was not exactly honest with you about my occupation.” Virginia felt excitement flood through her at the thought that Mr. Granger was about to share the information she sought without her having to resort to any of her tricks to pry it out of him. “Let’s sit on a bench for a moment,” he suggested guiding her away from the crowd. He seemed to hesitate briefly as if he regretted his haste in revealing what he was about to say. Then he reached into his trouser pocket and retrieved a translucent stone. For a second she thought it was a Cape May diamond, the crystals that resembled the real jewels that Cape May residents and visitors searched for along the beach. However, they had not spent any time on the sand, and he had just arrived in town. “You may have wondered why I did not bring along my merchandise to show the circus leader.” Her eyes were focused on the glittery stone. “I thought they were too heavy to carry on our walk.” “I would’ve at least brought a sample.” “But what is that you have in your hand?” “This is the reason I’m here. I’ve been following carnivals and circuses along the East Coast to offer my services, and this stone is one of my tools.” “Your services?” This was more intriguing than she expected. “What exactly are your services?” He smiled and, unlike Madame Marie, exhibited perfect white teeth. “I’m a psychic. A genuine one, but I need the stone to aid me. It was passed down to me from my father who received it from his own father. I believe it was originally found by my great grandfather.” Virginia was not convinced. “Are you saying that rock guides you in telling the future?” His smile deepened, and she saw a dimple appear in his cheek. “I guess that’s a way of putting it. If I rub the rock and ask a question, the answer appears in my mind.”

When I'm Dead by Erin Lee

NOW LIVE! GET YOUR COPY TODAY AT https://amzn.com/B01H5KGNUS

What Goodreads reviewers are already saying about Erin Lee’s latest release, When I’m Dead:

This book is worthy of so much more then 5 stars!!! I have never read a book that has touched me and made me feel things that I had a hard time believing were out there....hope, faith, redemption.

I was overwhelmed with emotion and left speechless.

BLURB: Violet Hoffman is a planner. She’s had more than enough time—especially on holidays—to think this through. There’s really no point in turning back. Now, armed with a plan, Violet only needs to pull the trigger. She runs through her list of essentials: Motel room, check. Bottle of pills, check. Razor blades, check. Knife, yup. Purpose, check. Voice ready to be heard. Got it. Revenge, coming right up. Violet is ready. After all, she decides, everyone is born for a reason. For most of her life, she’s been different. Since she was nine years old, she’s carried a secret that made it impossible for her to be normal. For a decade, she’s been torn between loyalties and healing. But now, finally an adult, Violet can let it all out. And it isn’t going to be pretty. But then again, being ‘pretty’ and ‘special’ really aren’t what they’re cracked up to be. When I’m Dead is the story of an eighteen-year-old abuse victim alienated by her family. Ignored by a faulty system and shuffled from placement to placement, Violet is finally old enough to be heard. Sometimes, the best messages are given without words. And Violet’s always been a person of action. Where will Violet’s plan and actions take her? Will she finally get her message across? What will they think of her, when she’s dead? Will they even notice? 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Erin Lee is a hybrid author and therapist chasing a crazy dream one story at a time. She lives with her family in southern New Hampshire. She is the author of Crazy Like Me, a novel published in 2015 by Savant Books and Publications, LLC, reprinted as Her Kinda Crazy in 2016, Wave to Papa, 2015, by Limitless Publishing and Nine Lives (2016). She’s also author of the “Lola, Party of 8 Series,” When I’m Dead and 99 Bottles. Lee has published numerous magazine articles, particularly on the topic of mental illness. She recently contributed to the Anonymous anthology, in support of the Semi Colon Project with her short story “One Good Reason.” She holds a master’s degree in psychology and works with at-risk families and as a court appointed special advocate.

Raging Fire By Sara Schoen

Raging Fire

By Sara Schoen

@SaraNSchoen @Limitlessbooks #RagingFire #GuardedSecretsSeries

Release Date: August 18, 2016

Book 4 of Guarded Secrets Series

Cover Artist: Cover Crush Designs

Blurb

CIRA agent, Spit Fire, has a mysterious past...

No one knows what she went through before joining the agency, and that's how she wants to keep it. She survived and managed to walk away, or did she? Even after establishing a life at the agency there’s something she can’t let go of—the need for revenge. She fights to keep innocent lives safe, but in her world, safety is only an illusion.

Especially when Camden Cardoza reveals her worst nightmare has come true…

Her stepfather, now under the alias of Harley Sanchez, is the new leader of the Cardoza Cartel. Harley knows she’s an agent and he’ll be expecting an attack from CIRA, but he won’t expect her to come alone. Spit Fire isn’t willing to risk losing any more lives to the Cardoza Cartel. She’s determined to put an end to Harley once and for all. Not only to avenge those she’s lost, but also to give others a chance to live. After all, he ruined her life and now she’s hell bent on returning the favor.

Revenge and the need to protect the other members of CIRA has always been her first priority.

For Spit Fire, this is her life and her family.

Family…that was always the problem

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1VzRftS

 Series Synopsis’ 

Book 1 - Suicide Mission

Sara Night lost her family three years ago in a car crash…

She tried to continue living a normal life, going to school, spending time with friends, and even trying to be a part of the family that took her in. She had almost gotten the hang of it, and moved past the suicide attempt.

Almost.

Then she was torn away from her new family, her old life, and thrown into a world of guns, knifes, criminals, and where every mistake could get her killed. She was needed for what seems like an easy in-then-out mission.

That was until she got caught.

Sara then had to form an uneasy alliance with a cartel member to escape, which reveals her family’s car crash wasn’t an accident after all.

Is her new life worth more to her than revenge?

Or will she die trying to figure out why her family was targeted?

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1mFB6og

Book 2 - Covert Operations

CIRA agent Jackson Reeves won’t be denied his revenge…

He’s hunted down and killed the men responsible for his family’s fatal “accident”—all except the mastermind, Ash Crest. The problem is someone beat him to it, and Jackson won’t rest until he finds out who, and why. His search is complicated, because he’s several years into an undercover operation to take down the Cardoza Cartel and can’t risk blowing his cover.

Jackson’s sister Danielle is in danger from the very organization he has to pretend to support…

Camden Cardoza intends to take over the Cartel from his father, but to do so he needs a wife, and he has his sights on Danielle. Jackson knows he has to bring down the Cardozas before they claim his sister.

CIRA sends in more agents, including the beautiful and mysterious Night Stripe, whose task is to befriend Danielle and infiltrate the Cartel. Jackson struggles to find a way to communicate without giving both of them away…and falls for her in the process.

Jackson and Night Stripe walk the thin line between their mutual attraction, conflicting missions, and the danger of discovery, as Jackson’s objectives threaten to overwhelm him, putting those he loves in danger.

Can Jackson defeat the Cartel, save his sister, find Ash Crest’s killer, and complete his revenge—without losing his heart, mind, or life in the process?

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/28LeNHi

Book 3 - Left for Dead

Katya Petrov is supposed to be dead…

When Ash Crest can’t finish the job, Katya is targeted by her own father, Volodya Petrov. He decides to take matters into his own hands by killing Katya himself.

He never expected Night Stripe to interfere.

When Night Stripe killed Ash and shredded the files from his office, she hoped his hit list would die with him and the survivors would be able to live without fear.

She was wrong.

Renegade had been undercover with the Russian mafia. It was a dark, dangerous, and deadly mission, especially for those unfortunate enough to be in his way. Disbanding the Cardoza mafia took time. But now, with Renegade’s cover blown and other CIRA agents under protection, it’s only a matter of time before Night Stripe is exposed.

Leaving one man alive was his only mistake.

The goal is to remove Volodya from power and save Katya, but Night Stripe didn’t plan on going back to save her teammate—and being captured in the process.

She’s alone, trapped, and fighting to survive. Can Night Stripe save herself, protect Katya, and finish the mission she started so many years ago? Or will she be left for dead?

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29XwhGD

Lottie Loves by Samie Sands

"Will you marry me?"

It's the four words that Lottie has been wanting to hear her entire life-especially from her extremely gorgeous, rock star boyfriend Danny.

But when she hears that he's going to propose, she heads into an emotional tailspin, one that leads her to the past that she wanted to leave behind. She ends up looking backwards, and wondering what might have been...which is a very dangerous question to ask, because it takes her right to her childhood sweetheart, Joe.

Should the past be left exactly where it is, or will Lottie regret it forever if she doesn't explore the path that her life should have taken, if things had gone to plan?

Read it now for free!