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A Sweet Christmas Romance by Daryl Devore, Christmas Notes @daryldevore #RLFblog #Contemporary #Romance
Welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Let’s play Is It True with today’s guest, Daryl Devore. This is a game with yes and no questions. Writers can elaborate on answers as much as they choose.
Christmas Notes by Daryl Devore
Genre Sweet Christmas
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): GCollapsing in front the biggest department store in the city on one of the busiest days of the holiday season was not how Giselle imagined her day. Cold and hungry, she trudged through her daily existence wondering if she’d ever find happiness again.
Teenagers. Ethan loved working with them and turning their raw musical talent into something beautiful and rewarding, but that didn’t fill the black void in his soul.
Like fate, the songwriters’ muse nudged Giselle and Ethan together. But can Giselle overcome her fears and can Ethan get past the darkness that surrounds him, so they can find love?
A Farewell from Daryl Devore
I love to write. I was that weird kid in school, who, when the teacher announced an essay, got excited. I got to do research – which I LOVE, and I got to write a paper – squee-ing with delight. My delight would morph to sadness when a page limit was put on the paper. I always suspected the teacher was trying to limit the number of pages she would have to read. But now, I understand it was more of the opposite. She wanted her students to write and knew they could put an entire history of the Roman Empire in 3 paragraphs – max!
But not me. I could have written a dissertation on each Roman general. I once wrote a 6-page story about a cat who was flirting with me. And I mean an actual cat – 4-legged, male Felis Domesticus.
So, my question is – why can’t I write now? This past June, in response to the frustrations and confusions of book promotion, added to the stubbornness of my story allowing itself to be written, on top of it being summer in Canada (not a fan of winter), I announced I was taking a break from social media and writing. And wow – did I ever. I seemed to have not only stepped away, but I mentally deleted my mojo.
I have written articles before – usually humourous ones – about my writing muse going off on a vacation and not taking me. But this time it seems I took the vacation, and my muse is very unhappy with me.
I’m not sure I want to write any more. I’m not sure I can. Writing this article is like riding a bike. I may not have been on one for a while, but motor memory will make it possible.
Christmas Notes, the book I am promoting below, that book was a joy to write. I smiled all the time I wrote it.
There was a pause between that line and this one as I have just had an epiphany. I started as a hot romance author. I had gotten very tired of the genre. Then I wrote Christmas Notes – a sweet romance. A break. A change. The next books were also sweet romances.
I think I need a change.
I think I am going to go write that cozy mystery I have always wanted to write.
Saying good-bye is often sad. Thank you, Kayelle, for all the work you do for other writers and for the work you put into this blog. I understand you must move on, and I wish you all the luck in the world.
Where to buy Christmas Notes
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L7954ST
Universal Buy Link https://books2read.com/u/3keqvO
AudioBook https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/id1676259116Daryl Devore Social Media
Two writers in one. Daryl Devore writes hot romances with sexy heroes and strong heroines. Victoria Adams is Daryl’s alter ego when she’s inspired to write sweet romances with little to no heat. Each of her characters is so captivating they leave her readers spellbound as they rush to reach the end of her stories. She has several published books available in ebook, print and audio – available at Amazon and other book retailers via Books2Read.
Daryl lives in an old farmhouse in Ontario, Canada, with her husband, two black cats – Licorice and Ginny-Furr Purrkins – and some house ghosts. Her daughter is grown and has flown the nest. Daryl loves to take long walks on her quiet country road or snowshoe across the back acres, and in the summer, kayak along the St. Lawrence River. She has touched a moon rock, a mammoth, and a meteorite. She’s been deep in the ocean in a submarine, flown high over Niagara Falls in a helicopter, and used the ladies room in a royal palace. Life’s an adventure and Daryl’s having fun living it.
Website https://daryldevore.wixsite.com/mysite
Blog https://daryldevore.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/daryldevore
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Daryl-Devore-Erotic-Romance-Writer-280168402052520/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/daryldevore2013/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4686566.Daryl_Devore
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004TJ1354 -
Is It True: Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues by Linda O’Connor @LindaOConnor98 #RLFblog #SportsRomance
Finding a hidden box during a reno turns into a fun caper. Can she convince a reluctant hockey player to help her follow the clues…and fall in love? Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues is the first book in Linda O’Connor’s Laugh-out-Loud Hockey Caper Romance series.
Welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Let’s play Is It True with today’s guest, Linda O’Connor. This is a game with yes and no questions. Writers can elaborate on answers as much as they choose.
Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues by Linda O’Connor
Genre Sports Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PGWhen she was younger, Dr. Abigail Clark dreamed of playing professional hockey, but the world
wasn’t ready for a female player. That stung. She skated as far away from hockey as possible –
until she lands a job in the emergency department of a hockey-crazy town and buys the house
of the late beloved Zamboni driver. A tin box is discovered during the renovation of her new
home, and Abigail brushes it off as a time capsule left by the previous owner – that is until
someone tries to steal it. Turns out, the odd collection is more than just sentimental hockey
memorabilia.
Abigail inadvertently embroils Del Braebury, captain of the local pro hockey team, into helping
her sort it out. Her history with hockey players is rocky at best, but he comes in handy when she
needs to access parts of the rink that are off limits. Del is happy to be tangled up in the clues of
the hidden hockey loot. In the process of solving the mystery, he hopes to win Abigail’s heart!
Is it true:
this is your first book?
Nope. This is the sixteenth book I’ve written. They keep getting better and better!
this book is part of a series?
Yes. It’s the first book in the Laugh-out-Loud Hockey Caper Romance series.
you lost sleep while writing this book?
No. Sometimes if I’m lying awake I might plot the next scene, but writing never keeps me awake at night.
you did research for this book?
No, not really. I might have researched hockey schedules and seating in arenas, but that was the extent of it.
some characters in this book are not human? (pets for example)
No. Only humans in this one.
this book has more than one genre?
Yes! It’s a hockey romance, a romantic comedy, a medical romance, and a white collar mystery.
you speak more than one language?
No, unless you consider medical-speak a language of its own. I balance writing with my work as a physician.
you grew up where you live now?
No. I haven’t moved very often, but I didn’t settle where I grew up. I’m in the same province, Ontario, but it’s about three hours away.
you love to read?
Yes, reading is my way of relaxing. Right now, as well as romances, I’m breezing through cozy mysteries.
you are never late?
Yes. I always aim to be ten minutes early.
you love pizza?
Yes, I do love pizza. I’m currently on the hunt for a delicious gluten-free pizza crust recipe that I can make. If you know a good recipe, let me know!
you love sushi?
Yes, I love sushi. I love it even more when someone else makes it for me.
you have a pet?
No, no pets. Raising three sons was busy enough without throwing a pet into the mix.
Where to buy Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YJXZS7H/
Linda O’Connor Social Media
Award-winning author Linda O’Connor started writing romantic comedies when she needed a creative outlet other than subtly rearranging the displays at a local home décor store. Her books have enjoyed bestseller status. When not writing, she’s a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic. She shares her medical knowledge in fast-paced, well-written, sexy romances – with an unexpected twist. Her favourite prescription to write? Laugh every day. Love every minute.
Website https://www.lindaoconnor.net
Blog https://www.lindaoconnor.net/news-muse-and-interviews/
Twitter https://twitter.com/LindaOConnor98
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LindaOConnorAuthor
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/LindaOConnorAuthor/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/795688.Linda_O_Connor
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda-o-connor
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Linda-OConnor/e/B00S7CNLEA
Get to know Linda O’Connor better by signing up for an email newsletter https://lindaoconnor.net/contact/ -
Happy Birthday @MFRW_ORG 17 years of Marketing for Romance Writers #MFRWauthor #MFRWorg #Authors
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Peek behind the cover of A Midsummer Night’s Demon by Brenda Sparks @brendasparks #RLFblog #PNR
A blind date takes a deadly turn in Brenda Sparks’ paranormal romance, A Midsummer Night’s Demon. The only problem: demons and witches go together like fire and ice.
In A Midsummer Night’s Demon by Brenda Sparks, a blind date takes a deadly turn. When a mysterious man comes to the rescue, there’s only one problem…Demons and witches go together like fire and ice.
Brenda, I’m happy to host you on Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Tell us about A Midsummer Night’s Demon.
A Midsummer Night’s Demon by Brenda Sparks
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): RBorn a witch, Daelyn Torres knows little outside her home and work. A chance blind date promises adventure and a walk on the wild side. But her night on the town takes a deadly turn when she is gravely injured and left to die. A handsome, mysterious stranger comes to her rescue and brings with him a passion she has never experienced. Daelyn never believed in things that went bump in the night but is more than willing to be seduced by the sexy demon who marks both her body and soul.
A dark guardian sent to investigate a series of missing person cases, Ky Robinson is ready for anything, except the insatiable desire that engulfs him when he meets Daelyn. He senses that their destiny is intertwined and vows do everything in his power to keep her safe. The only problem: demons and witches go together like fire and ice.
Tell Us About Your Cover
What was your reaction when you first saw this cover?
This is the second version of this cover. The first was created when the book was published through an e-publisher. Once I got the rights back to the book, I was able to contract with a cover artist to create a new cover. I adore this cover. I think it is the best cover of any of my stories.
How did you choose the artist?
The artist is personally known to me. He has been doing cover art for years, and it was a pleasure to be able to get him to do this cover.
What was it like to work with this artist?
Working with the artist was easy. He strives to make the author happy. The only thing I wanted to change from the original design was the font on the lettering of my name. He made the change in minutes and sent me a new mockup of the design.
What do you like best about your cover?
The fire. Fire is involved in a pivotal moment in the story. I love seeing it included on the cover.
In what ways do the models match your story’s characters?
The models are a perfect fit for my characters. The artist used my descriptions of the main characters when choosing who to put on the cover. They are an exact match, right down to the ice-blue eyes of the hero.
A good cover conveys the genre at a glance. What are the genre clues on this cover?
I believe the hazy moon, the hero’s icy stare, and the attractive male and female models all help to convey the paranormal romance genre.
What emotions do you hope your cover communicates?
I wanted this cover to be like my heroes…dark and intriguing with an air of mystery.
If they are open to new authors, feel free to share their website.
The cover artist is DW Adler. You can find Don on Instagram @DW Adler or contact him via DW.Adler9@gmail.com
Where to buy A Midsummer Night’s Demon
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55095894-a-midsummer-night-s-demon
Amazon: http://mybook.to/AMidsummerNightDemon
*This story is exclusively available on Kindle Unlimited.*Brenda Sparks Social Media
Brenda Sparks has always loved all things spooky and enjoys incorporating paranormal elements in her writing. She refuses to allow pesky human constraints to get in the way of telling the story. Luckily the only thing limiting her stories is her imagination. Her characters are strong, courageous, and she adores spending time with them in their imaginary world.
Her idea of a perfect day is one spent in front of a computer with a hot cup of coffee, her fingers flying over the keys to send her characters off on their latest adventure.
Brenda loves connecting with readers. To contact Brenda or for more information on her books, including excerpts, free reads, and more please visit her website.
Website brenda-sparks.com/index.html
Blog brenda-sparks.com/blog.html
Twitter https://twitter.com/brenda_sparks
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/forBrendaSparks/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/brendasparks/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4416074.Brenda_Sparks
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Sparks/e/B00B7AJBBQ
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brenda-sparks
Get to know Brenda Sparks better by signing up for their email newsletter.
http://brenda-sparks.com/welcome-readers.html -
Read Someone Murderous at The Midnight Motel, the new humorous #Mystery by Kris Bock @KrisBock #RLFblog
Someone Murderous at The Midnight Motel is book 5 in Kris Bock’s Accidental Detective series, which stars a witty journalist who solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. Kate Tessler lost her celebrated career as an international war correspondent after an injury. Now she and her sister, Jen, dabble in detective work, and they’re facing their toughest—and most dangerous—case yet.
Kris, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about Someone Murderous at The Midnight Motel.
Someone Murderous at The Midnight Motel by Kris Bock
Genre: humorous mystery
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): GNo one warned her hot flashes could lead to death…
Becoming professional private investigators is trickier than expected. Kate and Jen need all the practice they can get, so when an old friend of Jen’s asks them to investigate suspicious activity at a motel he inherited, they take the job.
It sounds like a free vacation with a little surveillance thrown in. But when Kate’s hot flashes wake her in the middle of the night and she wanders outside to cool down, she witnesses darker deeds than any of them expected. Sure, she’d heard menopause might make a woman want to commit murder, but no one warned her about this side effect!
They have to figure out what’s happening, and they can’t trust anyone at the motel or even the local police they suspect of corruption. Good thing they have the Coffee Shop Irregulars, their father and his senior friends, to share the undercover work. With this enthusiastic but inexperienced team on the job, things are sure to break soon. They just have to make sure they can survive the damage.
“I LOVE this series. It’s so funny but…murderous & the mystery is not messing around.” – author Sinclair Jayne
Why did you write this book?
I got the series idea a few years ago, as I was facing fifty. I thought it would be fun to create a mystery main character dealing with some of the same issues: aging parents, concerns about financing retirement, and a body that doesn’t recover from injury like it once did.
This title was specifically inspired by hot flashes! I was awake in the middle of the night, wandering around trying to cool off. I’d been reading a mystery set at a country house in historical Britain. What if someone in that situation left the room at night to cool off from a hot flash and found a body … So this book is at least one good thing that came from the annoying side effects of menopause.
What do you want prospective readers to know?
These books are fun! Some of the topics might seem dark, but Kate has a wry sense of humor and makes witty observations about the world. She starts collecting quirky friends and helpers. There are lighthearted moments and a lot of warmth. Readers say they adore the characters and the books are really fun.
Do you have to do any special research with this series?
In Someone Missing from Malapais Mountain: The Accidental Detective Book 4, I researched the wilderness area Kate and her team have to search. (See some pictures in this blog post.)
Book 6 in the Accidental Detective series, Someone Rotten Riding the Rails, is set on a train. I wanted to try a “closed circle” mystery, where the suspects are limited to the people present in a location cut off from the rest of the world. (A remote island, a country house during a snowstorm, a ship, etc.) Part of my research involved taking the Grand Canyon Scenic Railway! I interviewed the train car attendant, and he gave me some good tips on what happens if a passenger disappears and where one might hide a body.
What are you working on at the moment?
My Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes. Six books are out, and I’m getting ready to start Pride and Prejudice at the Cat Café. You can probably guess the inspiration for this one!
(Visit the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series or Amazon UK or see the series with links to all retailers.)
What books will we see from you in coming months?
Book 6 in the Accidental Detective series comes out in January. You can preorder the book now at Tule Publishing with links to all retailers.
In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys sweet romance series, a Texas ranching family struggles to maintain their privacy and work ethic after an enormous lottery win. Can they build new dreams and find love amidst the chaos? Four books are out, with #5 coming early November.
Where to buy the Accidental Detective series
Tule Publishing https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/
Amazon Kindle US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097XPVYSX
Amazon Kindle UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B097XPVYSX
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven-kris-bock/1139733398
Apple https://books.apple.com/us/book/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/id1573825348
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/something-shady-in-sunshine-haven
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kris_Bock_Something_Shady_in_Sunshine_Haven?id=br00EAAAQBAJ&hlKris Bock Social Media
Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, and suspense. Get a free 30-page Furrever Friends cat café story, an Accidental Detective short story, and 22 recipes from the cat café when you sign up for the Kris Bock Mystery and Romance Newsletter.
Sign up for the Romantic Comedy Newsletter to get a short story preview of the Felony Melanie series, or find the books at Amazon US or All E-book retailers.
Website https://www.krisbock.com/
Blog https://swarmchairtraveler.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/kris_bock
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kris-Bock-Author-Page/174350342612332
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/krisbockbooks/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kris_bock_mystery_and_romance/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4735592.Kris_Bock
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kris-bock
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/krisbock
Get to know Kris Bock better by signing up for an email newsletter https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3 -
Christmas at Solace Lake by Jana Richards @JanaRichards_ #RLFblog #Contemporary #SmallTownRomance
In Christmas at Solace Lake, Jana Richards’ new contemporary small-town romance, a series of thefts threatens everyone’s holiday spirit.
Jana, 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 book.
Christmas at Solace Lake by Jana Richards
Genre – contemporary small-town romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG to RAn emergency brings Drew Barnes to Solace Lake Lodge, an inn deep in the Minnesota woods owned by his aunt and uncle. He’s sure desperation is the only reason they’d allow him to fill in as their bookkeeper. No one in his family has believed in him since his mistake got him fired from his previous job. Soon after he arrives, Drew is disheartened to discover thefts and financial irregularities. The last thing he wants is to be put in the middle of another crime.
Sous chef Celeste Bishop has made a good life for herself and her nine-year-old daughter in the three years she’s worked, and lived, at Solace Lake Lodge. After being unfairly fired, this was the only job she could get, and she’s grateful her gamble on the lodge paid off. The only sticking point is the isolation since she never learned to drive. How can she show her daughter independence when she’s always relying on others?
Drew sees Celeste’s frustration and offers to teach her to drive. A powerful attraction ignites between them, and soon deeper, stronger emotions blossom. Drew is all in, but Celeste resists her feelings. She’s nine years older than Drew. An interracial relationship didn’t work for her parents. And loving Drew feels like a betrayal of her deceased husband.
As Christmas approaches, the thefts escalate. Can Drew stop the thief and redeem himself in his family’s eyes—and his own? And can he convince Celeste they deserve the gift of a happily ever after this Christmas?
Describe the perfect vacation.
In my opinion, vacations should be relaxing. My perfect vacation would see me lounging on a shady deck with a cold drink in one hand and a book in the other. Bonus points if the deck overlooks a body of water. Sure, sometimes I’ll go sightseeing or maybe play golf, but only when I want to.
Tell us about your favorite toy as a child.
I had a Tammy doll that was sort of a Barbie wanna-be. She had blonde hair and blue eyes, but that’s where the similarity with Barbie ended. She was somewhat bigger/taller with flat feet so none of Barbie’s clothes or shoes fit her. She was also less curvy than Barbie. Obviously, Tammy didn’t catch on because while Barbie is still going strong, Tammy is nowhere to be found. But back in the sixties, I adored her!
What are your hobbies?
I play a little golf in the summer and dabble in gardening, at least enough to make the front of my house look nice. I really enjoy live theatre and hope to see a play or two this coming winter season. This past summer I started volunteering at my local zoo as a “zoo ambassador.” Our job is to make our visitors’ experience at the zoo as enjoyable as possible, and so far it’s been a lot of fun.
When you read for pleasure, what kind of books do you choose?
I mostly read romance. I enjoy contemporary romance, small town, historical, and romantic suspense. I also enjoy mysteries, especially cozy mysteries. Some day I hope to write a mystery series of my own!
What kinds of things do you read when you’re researching a new book?
It very much depends on the book. For instance, Strong Enough, book 4 in my Masonville series, deals with sexual assault and child sexual abuse, so I read a couple of biographies written by survivors, as well as information online. For my World War Two books, I’ve read several books on different aspects of the war, including war brides and the training of air crews in Canada. For my upcoming release, Christmas At Solace Lake, (releasing October 18, 2023) one thing I researched online was ways employees could steal from their employer. I also read a lot of recipes, especially Christmas recipes, since my heroine Celeste is a sous chef and a baker.
Where to buy Christmas at Solace Lake
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH5DTYNS
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CH5DTYNS
Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CH5DTYNS
Universal Buy Link https://books2read.com/u/mgRagXJana Richards Social Media
Jana Richards has tried her hand at many writing projects over the years, from magazine articles and short stories to full-length paranormal suspense and romantic comedy. She loves to create characters with a sense of humor, but also a serious side. She believes there’s nothing more interesting then peeling back the layers of a character to see what makes them tick.
When not writing up a storm, working at her day job as an Office Administrator, or dealing with ever present mountains of laundry, Jana can be found on the local golf course pursuing her newest hobby.
Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren. You can reach her through her website at http://www.janarichards.com
Website https://www.janarichards.com/index.html
Blog http://janarichards.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/JanaRichards_
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/janarichards155
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274.Jana_Richards
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Jana-Richards/e/B002DEVWWG
Get to know Jana Richards better by signing up for an email newsletter https://www.janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter
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