• Author Interviews

    What is RLF? Romance Lives Forever #RLFblog #Author #Book

    What is RLF? Romance Lives Forever in 2018 #RLFblog #Author #BookWhat is RLF and why should I care? RLF is Romance Lives Forever and it’s both a blog and a belief. When I married back in the dark ages of the 70s, I had four sisters, three of whom had been divorced. The youngest had been married less than a year. (They broke up many years later). My parents had been married forever (it seemed like) but I had grown up hearing them argue. My mother was temptestuous flame and my father solid as the earth. They didn’t mix well, but they loved each other. However, when I was a young girl, starry-eyed about a boy (whose name I don’t recall) my mother told me, “romance doesn’t last forever. One day you’ll learn that.”

    For some reason, that didn’t set well with me. I nodded with respect, but in my heart, I knew I would prove her wrong. I wanted a love — and a romance — that would last forever. I was blessed that the man I married is THE most romantic man and tells me he loves me every day. This month we celebrated 44 years together. Is it perfect? What is? But we are committed to being not only married, but kind to each other, generous with each other, honest with each other, and fair with each other. Romance can live forever, but it takes work. Trust me; it’s worth it.

    When I began writing about immortals, I searched for a good tag that would express volumes about them. I hit upon, “When you’re immortal, romance lives forever.” I’ve had “romance lives forever” in my logo since I got started back in 2004. It’s part and parcel of my brand. I’ve abbreviated in RLF in things I write, especially notes to myself. What is RLF? It’s the entire concept of romance lives forever.

    When I created this blog, it was to showcase romance books and authors. I’ve since broadened its reach to cover many more types of writing. What is RLF besides romance? It’s authors and readers coming together to share a devotion and love for books and stories. The only thing we don’t take is religious, political or children’s books. To see any other limits, please visit the FAQ page.

    [bctt tweet=”RLF is authors and readers coming together to share a devotion and love for books and stories #books #authors” username=””]

    What is RLF doing?

    The Romance Lives Forever blog moved from Blogspot to Wordpress on May 17, 2017. Once the move completed, posts to currently available books appeared on the new site. On the Blogspot site, a note at the top redirects readers to the new location. Links on original posts remain active, and all posts remain on the Blogspot old blog while also appearing on the WordPress blog. We still use the hashtag #RLFblog and it has an even larger reach.

    By October, that reach had grown so large RLF had to upgrade its servers to accommodate readers. Why did that happen? Because a combination of the blog’s promotion strategy plus its guest authors sharing the posts, mixed with reader interest and sharing caused traffic to reach all time highs. YOU the readers and authors made a difference. Thank you!

    RLF added SignupGenius this year. Authors can sign up for their preferred date, get automated reminders, and have links to the site and interview formats all in one place. It’s been one of the best additions to the site in years.

    Going forward, RLF will do even more to reach readers and provide them with easier ways to find good books. Google this: good book to read online. You’ll get well over 10 million results. People want to find books and RLF wants to help them find those books.

    What is RLF doing in the future?

    Do It Write — This new interview is about writers and where they write, including habits and recommended software and books on writing. In Sci Fi World Science Fiction and Fantasy writers provide an in depth look at how they create believable worlds. Authors can find all interviews here.

    #FreeBook Friday — Each Friday, authors will offer books available at no cost. This might be KDP Select’s free option, KindleUnlimited, or a book readers can download when they sign up for a newsletter. The link to the book will go straight to the link on Amazon, or straight to the sign up page for the author. No middleman. No one giving the author a list of people who want to sign up. What does this mean for authors and readers? For readers, it means they only sign up for exactly what they want, not being put on a list of authors they have no interest in reading. For authors, it means a double opt in, where readers sign up and then confirm their interest by verifying email. Who wants a bunch of newsletters showing up all at once? Nobody. Who wants a bunch of unsubscribes all at once? Nobody. #FreeBook Friday aims to fix that. Only five spots are open each Friday. One is a paid spot for extra opportunities and reach, and the others are free. Authors can sign up here to take part in #FreeBook Friday.

    #Christmas #Romance Saturday — Each Saturday during December, RLF will offer Christmas and other holiday romances, up to 10 each day. One is a paid spot for extra opportunities and reach, and the others are free. Authors can sign up here to take part in #Christmas #Romance Saturday.

    Cancer Awareness — this event helps authors share their stories about facing cancer or whose loved ones have. Each year this event brings in a huge outpouring of love and support. Authors can sign up here to take part in the Cancer Awareness here. As of this post, only three spots are left.

    Salute to Veteran Authors: Each year on Nov 11, RLF salutes authors who are veterans. The list accumulates. Author veterans (or active duty) can sign up here.

    Do you have ideas for more features? Please click the comment button and let me know. I’d love to hear from you.

    What is RLF?

    RLF is romance lives forever. It’s author support. It’s honoring author veterans. RLF is reaching out to readers. It has been my privelege to see my idea grow from a spark to a huge flame. Thank you for coming alongside and going on this journey with me.

    Here’s to a wonderful year, filled with positive endeavors, great writing, massive success, and above all, happiness and peace.

    Please bookmark the blog and come back every day for good books!

    Kayelle Allen

     

     

     

  • Book Release,  Regency

    Meredith Bond: My Gentleman Thief @merrybond #RLFblog #RegencyRomance

    Meredith Bond: My Gentleman Thief @merrybond #RLFblog #RegencyRomanceWelcome Meredith Bond author of My Gentleman Thief, a new Regency Romance.

    Why did you write this book?
    This is the third (and final) book of the Grace sisters books (numbers 5,6 and 7 of the Merry Men Series). I wrote it because I couldn’t possibly leave a sister unmarried! Thalia Grace is a bold, fun heroine and she deserved a wonderful man to fall in love with.
    What is your favorite genre to read?
    I go back and forth between Regency romance and paranormal, with a mystery or other piece of literature thrown in for variety.
    Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
    I love Charley Davidson from Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series—she’s so much fun! I also have to admit to being not a little in love with Matthew Clairmont and Diana Bishop from A Discover of Witches by Deborah Harkness.
    What are you working on at the moment?
    I’m doing two things at once (not an easy feat for me!). I’m writing the second novella of the parents of The Merry Men (A Spanish Dilemma is the first novella in the sub-series): Under the Mango Tree (the parents of Julian Huntley from An Exotic Heir – which is free, by the way!). And I’m also beginning a whole new series which right now I’m calling the Ladies Wagering Whist Society. It’s going to be a series of 7 or 8 books, so I’m beginning the planning and plotting of that.
    What books will we see from you in coming months?
    Hopefully not very long from now I’ll publish Under the Mango Tree. After that I’ll get started on writing another parents novella (probably the parents of Sara Whately from A Rake’s Reward). Sadly, I think the first book from the Ladies Wagering Whist Society is going to take me a little bit of time because I need to plot out all of the books—at least roughly—before I start writing the first one (because some of the overlap in time).
    Please tell us about your latest book.
    Genre Regency Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG
    Thalia Grace has a habit of flaunting Regency society—whether it be racing her horse against ungentlemanly earls or standing up to the arrogant lady patronesses of Almack’s. But after a handsome Greek artist comes to visit, she discovers her true calling—to follow in the footsteps of her archaeologist parents.
    The talented Yiannis Istoriakis is passionate about Greek antiquities—he would do anything to ensure that they are treated with proper respect. But he never expected to become a thief…much less be so fascinated by the spirited woman he needs to become his accomplice.
    As Thalia and Yiannis suffer through London’s social whirl while stealing priceless antiquities, they find that it’s their hearts that are in danger of being stolen.
    Publisher Anessa Books
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07811J4XX
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-gentleman-thief-meredith-bond/1127621392
    iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/my-gentleman-thief/id1324688585?ls=1&mt=11
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/my-gentleman-thief
    Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/766793

    Meredith Bond Social Media

    Meredith Bond’s books straddle that beautiful line between historical romance and fantasy. An award-winning author, she writes fun traditional Regency romances, medieval Arthurian romances, and Regency romances with a touch of magic. Known for her characters “who slip readily into one’s heart,” Meredith loves to take her readers on a journey they won’t soon forget. She is currently living in Europe enjoying the Bohemian life.

    Website: http://www.meredithbond.com
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/merrybond
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meredithbondauthor
    Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/merrybond/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredith_bond/
    Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/merrybond
    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/847484.Meredith_Bond
    Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Meredith-Bond/e/B001KI1SNE/
    Newsletter: http://meredithbond.com/subscribe/

     

  • Immortals,  Science Fiction Romance

    Pietas – Bringer of Chaos: Forged in Fire by Kayelle Allen #RLFblog #SciFi

    Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book and Pietas.

    Pietas: Forged in Fire

    Pietas - Bringer of Chaos: Forged in Fire by Kayelle Allen @kayelleallen  #RLFblog #SciFiWhen the immortal Pietas is marooned on a barren world with no food and few survival tools, he knows it could be worse. He could be alone. But that’s the problem. He’s not.

    Half a million of his people sleep in cryostasis, trapped inside their pods and it’s up to Pietas to save them. He can’t release one at a time. It’s all or nothing. He’s facing over five hundred thousand hungry, thirsty, homeless, immortals all looking to him for answers.

    It’s not all bad. The beautiful telepathic warrior he’s loved for lifetimes is at his side. He’s bonded with a sentient panther. He hates humans but the one dumped on this planet with him has become a trusted friend.

    But before Pietas can build shelter, figure out how to grow food, or set up a government, he must take back command from a ruthless enemy he’s fought for centuries. His brutal, merciless father.

    Immortals may heal, but a wound of the heart lasts forever…

    Genre science fiction with romantic elements
    Rating PG13 for science fiction violence (no explicit content or profanity)

    Where to buy Bringer of Chaos: Forged in Fire

    Publisher Romance Lives Forever Books

    Amazon and in print. Free on Kindle Unlimited
    http://amzn.to/2ABIcCI

    Review this book on NetGalley https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/127569

    Kayelle Allen Social Media

    Kayelle Allen did a tour in the US Navy, where she climbed around airplanes (on the ground, thankfully) fixing black boxes that helped pilots find their way home.

    She wrote her first science fiction novel at 18 and to this day, it’s hidden under the bed, where she vows it will remain. Gems from it, however, launched several series in her galaxy-wide universe of stories.

    From childhood, Kayelle was the victim of an overactive imagination and inherited the Irish gift of gab from her mother. From her father, she got a healthy respect for mechanical things.

    No wonder she writes Science Fiction and Fantasy peopled with misbehaving robots, mythic heroes, role playing immortal gamers, and warriors who purr. She’s been married so long she’s tenured.

    Website https://kayelleallen.com
    Romance Lives Forever Reader Group https://kayelleallen.com/bro/
    Twitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallen
    Facebook http://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author
    Pinterest http://pinterest.com/kayelleallen/
    Instafreebie https://www.instafreebie.com/discover/author/5186/kayelle_allen
    Amazon Author page http://amazon.com/author/kayelleallen

     

  • Contemporary,  Do It Write

    Do It Write: Where Anne Kane writes @annekane #RLFblog #contemporary #romance

    Anne Kane, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your latest book.

    Get Off My Cloud

    Genre contemporary romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Six months ago, Lucas met the woman of his dreams, but after a night of amazing sex he woke up to find himself alone. Sent to rescue the daughter of a billionaire from her own folly, he discovers her to be the same woman, and this time he intends to make sure she stays put.
    When Olivia discovers a herd of live dinosaurs existing on a small island in the South Pacific, she’s ecstatic. This discovery could crown her career as a paleontologist and put to rest the rumors that her daddy bought her position for her! Of course, when her father sends someone to drag her home, she’s not willing to comply and the couple must find a way to deal with the sizzling attraction between them while running from a herd of angry prehistoric beasts.
    How long have you been writing?
    I started writing seriously in 2008. Before that I’d make a few attempts but at the first site of a rejection letter I’d convince myself that I was crazy and I’d stop. What I didn’t realize back then was that crazy is a good thing if you want to be an author!
    What was your first published book?
    My first published book was Stranded on Earth. It was published by Changeling Press, and I have since re-released it on my own. It took me almost as long to submit it as it did to write it because I was terrified of being rejected. Did I mention I’m a wimp? Actually I’m not, except when it comes to my writing. Every single time I hit “submit” I cringe. The difference between now and a couple decades ago, is that I don’t let the rejections stop me anymore.
    Tell us about your writing space or home office.
    My office is in a building behind my house. Having it separate means that I know I’m at work and I need to get things done. Not that that always helps. After all, I’m the boss! Seriously though, it’s a very nice office. The walls are pale blue and due to the fact that it used to house an engine hoist, it has a very high ceiling. I put in a big window so I can see the hills across the valley, and the back door leads to my back yard to in the summer my little dog can run in and out whenever he wants. It’s the perfect combination of work space and somewhere I can just sit and daydream. After all, it’s when I’m daydreaming that my characters come to life.
    What equipment do you use most, other than your computer?
    Other than my laptop, I use a whiteboard a lot. It’s a handy place to visually plan out my plots, and to keep track of mundane facts about my characters. It might not sound like a big deal but I need to remember what color my character’s eyes are, if their hair is short, long or absent, and any other facts that are pertinent to the plot. Before I got the whiteboard I spent too much time looking back through my work in progress to see if the heroine was blond, redheaded or maybe had a green stripe down the crown of their head.
    How do you juggle writing and family?
    My family is mostly fourlegged these days and they are quite happy to snuggle up at my feet or on my lap while I write. Or, in the case of Merlin the Mutt, to go stretch out in the sunshine out back. He is such a little prince. He can actually look outraged when I expect him to go out in the rain to do his business.
    Do you have an author newsletter?
    Yes I do! The signup is on my website and I’d be thrilled to add you to my newsletter list. I promise I won’t spam you with daily emails. I tend to send out about four to six emails a year, generally when I have a new release or some other exciting news. http://AnneKane.com

    Where to buy Get Off My Cloud

    Publisher https://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=2670
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Get-Cloud-Stone-Multi-Author-Book-ebook/dp/B0787CJXSH
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/get-off-my-cloud-anne-kane/1127627290
    iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/get-off-my-cloud/id1324314823
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/get-off-my-cloud

    Anne Kane Social Media

    Anne Kane lives in the beautiful Okanagan Valley with a bouncy little rescue dog who’s breed defies description, a cantankerous Himalayan cat, and too many fish to count. She spent many years trying to fit in and act normal, but finally gave up the effort. She started writing romance in 2008, and her fate was sealed when she won a publishing contract with Red Sage Publishing and just a month later Changeling Press accepted her first submission. Since then she had published more than thirty stories in a variety of sub-genres, all with a happily ever after.

    Her hobbies, when she’s not playing with the characters in her head, include kayaking, hiking, swimming, playing guitar, singing and of course, reading.
    Website http://AnneKane.com
    Blog http://annekane.wordpress.com
    Twitter http://twittercom/annekane
    Facebook http://facebookcom/anne.kane.author
    Pinterest https://pinterest.com/annekaneauthor/
    Goodreads https://goodreads.com/Annekane
    Amazon Author Page https://amazon.com/Anne-Kane/e/B004FXZSQ4/

     

  • 5 Easy Questions,  Gay or MM

    Unwrapped (A Unexpected Novella) by Valerie Ullmer @valerieullmer #RLFblog #mm #romance

    Unwrapped (A Unexpected Novella) by Valerie Ullmer @valerieullmer #RLFblog #mm #romanceValerie Ullmer author of Unwrapped (A Unexpected Novella) answers five easy questions.

    Please tell us about yourself.
    Valerie writes paranormal and contemporary M/F and M/M erotic romances. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her wonderfully supportive husband and their funny and wise black lab. She’s addicted to coffee, crime shows, and reading and writing character-driven romances.
    What’s your favorite down-home family style meal?
    Turkey Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes with green onions on the side, and peas.
    Describe the perfect vacation.
    Going somewhere with history, so Europe.
    What are your hobbies?
    Reading, watching Investigation Discovers, Listening to True Crime Podcasts, Walking my dog, Maddie, and laughing with my husband.
    When you read for pleasure, what kind of books do you choose?
    Everything. I read several books a week, so as long as it has a good plot and wonderful characters, I’ll read it.
    If the hero of your latest book called you on the phone, what would be a perfect ringtone for him?
    She Blinded Me with Science.
    Please tell us about your latest book.
    Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    Friends to lovers.
    Jack had done what he’d always done to protect himself. He allowed fear to take over and as a result, he pushed Adam away. When Adam finally left, Jack understood that if he loved Adam as much as he claimed, he needed to change before Adam could risk his heart again.
    Lovers to forever.
    Adam understood why Jack kept his feelings secret, but after being ignored one too many times, he left. But Jack won’t give up and when he proves to Adam how much he wants their relationship to work, can Adam risk his heart to the one man he’s loved all over again?
    Will Jack and Adam find their happily-ever-after during the season of miracles?
    Publisher: Self-Published by Valerie Ullmer
    Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077WMVZ44

    Valerie Ullmer Social Media

    Website: http://www.valerieullmer.com
    Blog: http://www.valerieullmer.com
    Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/valerieullmer
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/valerieullmer.author
    Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/valerieullmer
    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15293708.Valerie_Ullmer
    Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Valerie-Ullmer/e/B01FSWMI9A/
    Newsletter: http://www.valerieullmer.com/newsletter

     

  • Character Interviews,  Contemporary

    Meet Alfred from Grace’s Turmoil by Peter Perrin @PeterPerrin44 #RLFblog #Contemporary

    Meet Alfred from Grace's Turmoil by Peter Perrin @PeterPerrin44 #RLFblog #ContemporaryWelcome Alfred from Grace’s Turmoil, a new Contemporary Seasoned Romance by Peter Perrin.

    Alfred Richard Nobel

    Age: 71
    Gender: Male
    Birthplace: Hounslow, England
    Profession: Retired Air Commodore (RAF).
    Ethnicity: English (White British)

    Please provide a physical description of your character.
    At six feet five inches and and solidly built he’s best described as imposing. He has light blue eyes, snow white hair/beard/moustache, large hands and big feet.
    Please tell us a little about your character.
    Alfred is a doer rather than a talker. He is adventurous, active, and outgoing. He is highly competitive, a workaholic, sensitive to criticism, strong-willed, stubborn, and self-disciplined
    Who is the significant other in your character’s life?
    Alfred has only ever had one significant other in his life, his wife. When she died he was distraught and has only just got to the stage where he can envisage life without her. When the book starts he doesn’t want a significant other, just to have fun. But, meeting Grace changes all that.
    How does your hero dress?
    As a former high-ranking officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF) he is used to either being in uniform or dressing smartly when out of uniform. To him, wearing a blazer and slacks is about as casual as he can dress and still feel comfortable.
    What are the qualities of his voice? (pitch, quality, volume)
    He has a deep, booming voice. You certainly don’t have any trouble hearing or understanding him
    How educated is this character? Is he book smart, self-taught, widely-experienced?
    Alfred is highly educated and articulate. He has both a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Engineering. As a former Air Commodore in the RAF, and in senior consultancy posts since then, he has travelled the world and is widely experienced at a very high level.
    Does he scrape by, live comfortably, live extravagantly?
    He lives comfortably, but not extravagantly. His only real luxury is his beloved Jaguar E-Type sports car. And he’s generous with his money to his friends.
    What is your character’s viewpoint on wealth? Not necessary, nice to have, important, obtain at all costs?
    That’s a good question. He’s been very well off for a long time, so I’m not sure how he would cope if he wasn’t wealthy. I believe he’s enough of a realist to know wealth is necessary if you want good things. He certainly believes it’s something nice to have and important if he wants to maintain the standard of living he’s used to. But, I don’t believe it’s something he would have to obtain at all costs. He’s too honourable for that.
    What is your character’s biggest need at the beginning of the story?
    At the beginning he is desperate for female companionship, and to have as much fun with women as he can. But, meeting Grace quickly changes that attitude.
    What does he have a knack for doing?
    Well, right from the beginning he seems to have the knack of getting himself unwittingly involved with a highly amoral and sexually questionable woman.
    Does he have children?
    He has a daughter named Rebecca. She’s a thirty-six-year-old widow with teenage twin boys.
    What past event causes your character the most fear?
    That’s an easy one. His wife was an alcoholic and died of liver failure several years ago. That haunts him to this day. And, as Grace is sometimes a bit too fond of  drink, he fears he might lose her the same way.
    What are your hero’s biggest hopes and dreams?
    Another easy one. At the beginning of the book he just wants to have fun. By the end his biggest hope is that Grace will love him and marry him.

    Questions for Alfred

    Alfred, how would you describe your personality?
    I’m confident, gregarious, extroverted, the life and soul of the party.
    How would you describe your temper?
    It’s unpredictable and volatile and something I often struggle to control.
    Do you think your author has described you accurately?
    I suppose he has done a fair job. But I feel one book was too little for the real me to be revealed properly. Maybe I’ll get a small part in a sequel that will enable him to do a better job.
    Why do you think your writer chose to write about you?
    I think he wanted to show that a strong, powerful, and large man can be tamed by a small and seemingly soft woman.

    Why do you think your writer loves to write?
    I think he feels a thrill in creating characters and making them be and do what he wants. But, my thrill was being myself and doing things my own way on several occasions.
    What do you wish your writer would write next?
    Oh, at least one sequel. I think it’s important to show that mature people can have romance and relationships, even when they have emotional baggage to deal with. There are so many other stories to be told about life at The Grange retirement village he’s going to need at least another two books to do them justice.

    What other character from your book do you think your writer should write a book about? Care to tell us why?
    There are a couple of people I’d like to see get their own book, but my first choice would be Grace’s friend Emily. She’s such a sweet lady who is cheerful and supportive and copes with dignity and doggedness with the fact she is partially sighted. But, I’m sure she’s lonely and she deserves somebody to love her.
    Is there anything you’d like to say to your writer?
    I’d like to say thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for inventing me and giving me the chance to find true love. And thank you for giving mature romance readers a character they can identify with.

    Where can we find Grace’s Turmoil?
    Publisher: Devine Destinies http://www.devinedestinies.com/preorder/grace-s-turmoil/
    Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078GBQY4D/
    Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078GBQY4D/

    Peter Perrin Social Media

    Peter Perrin writes sweet, seasoned romances involving larger-than-life mature characters. He was born in Romford, England and lives with his wife of almost forty years in Swindon, England. He is a father and grandfather. Now retired, he served in The Royal Air Force in the UK, Madagascar, Singapore, and Aden.
    After almost fifteen-years’ military service he worked in Engineering, Quality Control, and Procurement Management, and myriad smaller jobs in between those careers.
    Peter’s interests are Writing, Carp Fishing, PlayStation 4 games, and Computer games. His favourite quote is “Youth passes, but with luck, immaturity can last a lifetime.”
    Website/Blog: https://peterperrin.blog
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/peterperrin44
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterPerrin44/
    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/peterperrin/