• Contemporary

    #RLFblog Awesome Authors @alicerauthor @AlinaKField @brenda_sparks @cbclarkauthor @DeeSKnight @donnavstone @loreleiconfer @njwaltersauthor @TenaStetler @VickiBatman

    Whether it's vampires, sweet romance, small town romance, sexy romance, or anything in between, RLF has an author who writes it! In 2020, when all of us wanted a means of escape (to ANYwhere else), this blog was a haven. There were always good authors and great books.

    RLF shared over 360 posts this year, even with me taking a few more days off than usual (I needed a break!). Not all the authors who blogged are listed.

    These are the bloggers who shared the most and chatted the most (in alphabetical order).

    Alexa Aston
    Alice Renaud
    Alina K Field
    Amber Daulton
    Bernadette Jones
    CB Clark
    Dee S Knight
    DV Stone
    Karen Cino
    Lorelei Confer
    Lyndell Williams
    NJ Walters
    Tena Stetler
    Vicki Batman

    I should be in there since I blog once a month, but I saved room for others. As it was, I couldn't fit everyone's @name into the title, but I tried. These authors are the ones who have been on RLF the most, or who have garnered the most comments.

    Every author on RLF is special to me, and over the years, they have become my friends.

    In 2021, I hope to have all of you back to visit, and to invite a whole host of new friends to join us.

    Happy New Year! Here's to a wonderful year in 2021.

    Awesome Authors Who Blog: @alicerauthor @TenaStetler @donnavstone @cbclarkauthor @AlinaKField @VickiBatman @brenda_sparks

    Sign up for a spot on RLF:

    Reserve a date Jan - Jun 2021 https://bit.ly/jan2jun2021

    Inviting #RLFblog readers and authors - join Kayelle's Keepers!

    A Special Invitation!

    Please join me at Kayelle's Keepers, a Facebook group for readers where you can host takeovers and be a featured author. I'd love to have RLF guests sign up.

    Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kayelleskeepers

    If interested in a takeover sign up here: https://forms.gle/NoJCt2YG6rjYmSqJA  There's no obligation by signing up. Just a show of interest.

    Be sure say hello and mention you're a reader or author from RLF when you join!


     

  • Do It Write,  Suspense

    Do It Write: Where Bernadette Jones writes @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #Romantic Suspense

    Do It Write: Where Bernadette Jones writes @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #Romantic SuspenseA runaway on a storm-buffeted highway brings danger to Spencer, Colorado, in Bernadette Jones’ new romantic suspense, Lonely Eyes. Can Owen Strong protect young Keira Hoa, or is she leading them all into a death trap?

    Bernadette, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Before we talk about your office, please tell us about your latest book.

    Lonely Eyes by Bernadette Jones

    Genre Romantic Suspense

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    There is an art to pursuit.

    Keira is running out of time. The handsome stranger with a dragon tattoo says he can keep her safe, but he doesn’t know the demons on her trail… Will her mysterious past lead her to escape, or drag her back to living hell?

    Owen Strong has suffered tragedy, but he’s made a new family in Spencer, Colorado—one he will protect at all costs. When he finds determined Keira Hoa, she rouses more than just trouble. Looking into her lonely eyes, he sees that everyone’s in danger.

    But she’s come to the right place. He’s the monster hunter.

    How long have you been writing?

    I wrote for 18 years and came close to a traditional publishing contract 3 times. Then I had to quit writing for a few years. I’ve been back at it for a year and a half, with three self-published books out.

    What was your first published book?

    Sleepin’ Alone. You actually meet the hero of Lonely Eyes in Sleepin’ Alone.

    Tell us about your writing space or home office.

    I live in a studio apartment in the Big Apple. I have gorgeous views, but space is at a premium. My desk sits beside a window and my bookshelf is within easy reach—all my craft books, dictionaries and Thesaurus at my fingertips. Other than my coffee pot, everything is so handy. Um, maybe I should think about moving the coffee?!

    Anything special about your space?

    Two things make it special. The view of the east river and the magnificent skyline at night. Really, I have one of the best views of the city skyline and the most glorious light from the floor-to-ceiling window. The natural light to warm my spirits. Like I said, it’s not a huge space, but it has some definite perks.

    What do you love most about that area?

    My desk, computer, and bookcase have always been my safe place. My comfort zone. Like other authors, I spend a lot of time in my head and here, in this chair, I get to create what I love.

    What would like to change about your home office?

    I would like my desk to be one foot longer. Ha. But if it was, I’d still probably want another foot.

    If money was no object, what would your home office look like?

    Do It Write: Where Bernadette Jones writes @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #Romantic SuspenseI would have an ocean view and open windows so I could hear the surf. Doesn’t that sound like the best place to write everyday?

    What office equipment do you use most, other than your computer?

    Alexa, I love her! I must have music when writing. Every book has its own playlist that helps inspire and drive the story.

    What do you think is a must have for an efficient office?

    Lots of colored pens, planners, and a storyboard. I am a plotter. I need to know where I’m going.

    Are you a writing mom/dad?

    My human children have left home, but they continue to support and assist with critiquing and social media.

    My furbaby pup still lives at home and calls me mom.

    How do you juggle writing and family?

    Covid has forced me to stay home more. I have a six-day-a-week work schedule, but the off day is not set in stone. If something comes up that I want or need to do with family, I change my day off. Life inspires my stories… it can’t be all work.

    What’s the last book about writing that you read?

    I’m currently reading, Intuitive Editing, by Tiffany Yates Martin. I love her down to earth common sense suggestions. She keeps it simple.

    What book or books about writing do you recommend for new authors?

    I grew up on Techniques of the Selling Writer, by Dwight V. Swain. It is still the first book I always recommend. This book tells you why readers read, what they expect, and how to get the emotional reactions you want from your readers. After he explains, he gives examples to show exactly the impact he’s after.

    What do you like to read for relaxation?

    I’m a paranormal-junkie. I love shapeshifters. Oh, and MC books.

    Where to buy Lonely Eyes

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JJL2BSR/
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lonely-eyes-bernadette-jones/1137714832
    iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1532665553
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lonely-eyes

    Bernadette Jones Social Media

    Romantic Suspense Writer, Never Giver Up-er, First Wives Club-er,
    Lifelong Dream Achiever & Mom
    Bernadette Jones has been making up stories since she learned to read on her daddy’s lap. She has imagined casts of characters everywhere she’s called home: Texas, Oregon, Washington, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Massachusetts, and now New York.
    Books and music filled her life as she, her dad and two brothers traveled the country. She would sit in the back seat of the car—her older brother always got to ride shotgun—listening to the current music on the radio, looking out the window and spinning a story based on a phrase she’d heard in the lyrics. As you can imagine, traveling the country, the music changed from state to state, as did the stories. To this day, she enjoys a wide variety of music and book genres.
    After a career in corporate writing, she’s decided to settle down and put pen to paper doing what she loves. Living the dream in her NYC apartment with her canine companion, she’s bringing her stories and characters to life.
    Website https://www.bernadettejones.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/RomanceBJones
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BernadetteJonesAuthor/
    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/BernadetteJonesAuthor/boards/
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bernadettejonesauthor/
    Goodread https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19728724.Bernadette_Jones
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bernadette-jones

    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Bernadette-Jones/e/B07ZY84C6K
    Get to know Put your author name here better by signing up for an email newsletter
    http://www.bernadettejones.com/newsletters

     

  • Bucket List,  Suspense

    Bucket list of IrishMist (Ivy) Vaughn from Stay A Little Longer @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #RomanticSuspense

    Bucket list of IrishMist (Ivy) Vaughn from Stay A Little Longer @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #RomanticSuspenseCan two lost souls find sanctuary in each others arms? Or will the past come back to destroy them? Another exciting Romantic Suspense by Bernadette Jones

    Let’s meet IrishMist (Ivy) Vaughn. 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.

    Stay A Little Longer by Bernadette Jones

    Genre Romantic Suspense

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    IrishMist (Ivy) Vaughn studied the glass of liqueur that she’d been named after and contemplated her lack of a future. She’d been fighting to stay alive since the age of twelve. Trained with warrior skills to be whatever they asked of her. Trained to kill.

    No permanent home. Living out of a duffel bag. Changing personas at the ring of a phone. I’m lost. I’m struggling to make sense of my life. I’m tired of fighting everyone else’s battles. All my friends are gone. I want to quit. I want a little normal. A little happiness. A little….love.

    Will they let me walk away?

    Death didn’t frighten Gage Ewing. Living scared the hell out of him.

    The innocent one died. I lived. Where is the justice in that? I’ve spent every day since trying to save others. No matter how many I heal in the hospital or on the streets, I can never be forgiven for that one death. I don’t deserve a family, a home or one moment of happiness.

    Then she walks into the Wild Card and I’m filled with need, hunger. Hope. But my past is coming. Can I walk away before I’m the death of another innocent?

    When someone dies, we say they “kicked the bucket.” Therefore, a list of things that a person wants to accomplish, places to go, situations to experience, and so on have become known as a “Bucket List.”

    Age: 34

    Gender: Badass Female

    Birthplace: Backwoods Kentucky

    Profession: Military and Black Ops

    Ethnicity: No Clue

    Species (for scifi/fantasy characters):

    Please provide a physical description of yourself.

    I’m 5’7″, blue eyes, long blonde hair. I’m a fighter, so I’m pretty well muscled but sleek. My size is deceptive. I’m a lot stronger than some would think.

    Please tell us a little about yourself.

    I grew up poor and learned how to fight early. I was into martial arts and MMA boxing before I even left high school to join the military.

    Who is the significant other in your life?

    Gage Ewing won’t get out of my head or my life. I don’t want anyone, but he doesn’t let up. He makes me feel safe to be me. He makes me feel wanted. He doesn’t care what I’ve been.

    If you haven’t made a bucket list before, perhaps now would be a good time. Who knows? It might inspire another book. While you’re at it, how about telling us about some of your other favorite things? Here are the questions.

    What is your birth order?

    I have an older brother, JackDaniels Vaughn. But I haven’t seen him since I was a kid. He disappeared.

    Tell us about your favorite toy as a child.

    We didn’t have many toys. We played outside or went to the school playground.

    Describe your favorite food and how it’s prepared.

    I love pasta and meatballs, a little on the spicy side. My second favorite is chicken, any style.

    Tell us about your best friend.

    The first time I met Owen, I decked him. He’s not afraid to spar with me. We’re both ex-military and ex-MMA fighters. We’ve both seen some bad stuff. He gets me.

    What are two places you would like to visit before you die, and why?

    I traveled a lot with my career. Now, I want solitude and peace and maybe a family. I think I’ve found it in Spencer, Colorado.

    Where is a place you would never like to return, and why?

    Kentucky. Growing up there was my personal hell on earth.

    Who is someone you would like to meet, and why?

    I really wish I could see my brother again. I miss him and I think I understand why he left, but I’d like to say I’m sorry. And—and tell him I love him.

    Who is someone you would like to avoid, and why?

    The person out to kill me. I don’t know who it is, but I will find them.

    From the Author

    What was your biggest challenge in writing this book?

    There are some secondary characters that wanted to take over. I had to promise they would get their own stories.

    Why did you choose this character for the interview today?

    Ivy stays in the shadows. I thought it was time people learned a little about her. She had a hard time growing up. There is a reason she is the way she is.

    When writing the book, what did you discover about this character that surprised you?

    She didn’t know how to love or be loved. Affection was hard for her. I also didn’t know she had a brother.

    Are any sequels planned for this book?

    Possibly a short story with Gage and Ivy. Also keep watching, Jack Daniels may have his own story. After all, Spencer is about family.

    What genre(s) would you like to write that you haven’t tried yet?

    Paranormal. I have some ideas…. If only there was more time in a day.

    What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

    I’m vegetarian.

    Why should readers who haven’t picked up one of your books before give this one a try?

    I write about the healing of love. We all have something in our pasts that we wish we could change. So do my characters. I grew up on mysteries, thrillers, and action stories. You will find all of those in my books.

    Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?

    All my books are stand alone and can be read in any order, but characters from my other books in the Aspen Gold Series may show up, just for fun! Also, my books are a little messy, complicated, gritty and steamy.

    Lonely Eyes, Owens book, followed this one. Look for Another Night Alone, Deke’s story coming soon.

    So you don’t miss anything be sure to stop by and visit my website. While you’re there check out the playlists I use for each book. More releases are coming soon, so be sure to sign up for my newsletter.

    Where to buy Stay A Little Longer

    Publisher Aspen Gold Books
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088F3WW36
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stay-a-little-longer-bernadette-jones/1137011494
    iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/stay-a-little-longer/id1513487996
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/stay-a-little-longer-9
    Universal link. https://books2read.com/u/bMPQqX

    Bernadette Jones Social Media

    Bernadette Jones has been making up stories since she learned to read on her daddy’s lap. She has imagined casts of characters everywhere she’s called home: Texas, Oregon, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Massachusetts, and now New York.
    Books and music filled her life as she, her dad and two brothers traveled the country. She would sit in the back seat of the car (her older brother always got to ride shotgun), listening to the current music on the radio, looking out the window and spinning a story based on a phrase or word she’d heard in the lyrics. As you can imagine, traveling the country the music changed from state to state, as did the stories. To this day she loves all genres of music, and books.
    After a career in corporate writing, she’s finally decided to settled down and put pen to paper doing what she loves. Living the dream in her NYC apartment with her canine companion, she’s is bringing her stories and characters to life.
    Website https://www.bernadettejones.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/RomanceBJones
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BernadetteJonesAuthor
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bernadettejonesauthor/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19728724.Bernadette_Jones
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Bernadette-Jones/e/B07ZY84C6K
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bernadette-jones
    Get to know Bernadette Jones better by signing up for their email newsletter. http://www.bernadettejones.com/newsletters

     

  • Quick and Fun,  Suspense

    Discover fast fun facts about Bernadette Jones author of Lonely Eyes @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #RomanticSuspense

    Discover fast fun facts about Bernadette Jones author of Lonely Eyes @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #RomanticSuspenseA runaway on a storm buffeted highway brings danger to Spencer, Co., in Bernadette Jones’ new romantic suspense, Lonely Eyes. Can Owen Strong protect the young woman, or will her presence cause the death of one of his family?

    Bernadette welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about Lonely Eyes.

    Lonely Eyes by Bernadette Jones

    Genre Romantic Suspense

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    There is an art to pursuit.

    Keira is running out of time. The handsome stranger with a dragon tattoo says he can keep her safe, but he doesn’t know the demons on her trail… Will her mysterious past lead her to escape, or drag her back to living hell?

    Owen Strong has suffered tragedy, but he’s made a new family in Spencer, Colorado–one he will protect at all costs. When he finds determined Keira Hoa, she rouses more than just trouble. Looking into her lonely eyes, he sees that everyone’s in danger.

    But she’s come to the right place. He’s the monster hunter.

    QUICK

    What’s your favorite book?…

    Double Dealing by Jayne Castle

    What’s a genre you want to write?…

    Romantic Suspense will always be my first love. But I have several paranormal stories nagging me to be written.

    Best writing advice you ever heard?…

    Write the book you want to read. Writing takes a lot of energy and hard work. Most of us were readers before we ever picked up a pen, so it makes sense to write what we already love.

    What’s the title and genre of your first book, and where can we find it?

    Sleepin’ Alone is my first book. Many of the characters you met in that book show up in Lonely Eyes. In fact you met the hero from Lonely Eyes in that first book. I wonder if you will recognize him?

    All of my books can be found at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple and most other Ebook sites.

    Easy

    Coffee or tea? Coffee

    Sit down dinner or drive through? Sit-down with family

    Fold laundry immediately or let it sit? Fold immediately

    Unload dishwasher right away or use dishes from it? Use dishes from it.

    Driving for pleasure or avoid driving anywhere? Driving for pleasure

    Talk or text? Talk

    Emoji or smilie? Emoji

    Where to buy Lonely Eyes

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JJL2BSR/
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lonely-eyes-bernadette-jones/1137714832
    iBooks. https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1532665553
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lonely-eyes
    Books2read https://books2read.com/u/mdlyrZ

    Bernadette Jones Social Media

    Bernadette Jones has been making up stories since she learned to read on her daddy’s lap. She has imagined casts of characters everywhere she’s called home: Texas, Oregon, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Massachusetts and now New York.
    Books and music filled her life as she, her dad and two brothers traveled the country. She would sit in the back seat of the car (her older brother always got to ride shotgun), listening to the current music on the radio, looking out the window and spinning a story based on a phrase or word she’d heard in the lyrics. As you can imagine, traveling the country the music changed from state to state, as did the stories. To this day she loves all genres of music and books.
    After a career in corporate writing, she’s finally decided to settled down and put pen to paper doing what she loves. Living the dream in her NYC apartment with her canine companion, she’s is bringing her stories and characters to life. This is Bernadette’s third book in the Aspen Gold Series.
    Website https://www.bernadettejones.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/RomanceBJones
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BernadetteJonesAuthor/
    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/BernadetteJonesAuthor/boards/
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bernadettejonesauthor/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19728724.Bernadette_Jones
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bernadette-jones
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Bernadette-Jones/e/B07ZY84C6K
    Books2Read https://books2read.com/ap/RaKd7J/Bernadette-Jones
    Get to know Bernadette Jones better by signing up for an email newsletter http://www.bernadettejones.com/newsletters

     

  • Contemporary,  Series Feature

    Read the series: Aspen Gold The Series by Cheryl St John, *Lizzie Starr, Barbara Gwen, Debra Hines, Donna Kaye, Bernadette Jones @gold_aspen #RLFblog #RomanticSuspense

    Read the series: Aspen Gold The Series by Cheryl St John, Lizzie Starr, Barbara Gwen, Debra Hines, Donna Kaye, Bernadette Jones @gold_aspen #RLFblog #romanceWelcome to Spencer, Co. Meet our families as they expose secrets, recover from their pasts, and–as they fall in love.

    Aspen Gold Authors, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your series.

    The First Six Books in the Aspen Gold Series

    Genre Romance and Romantic Suspense

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): Sweet to PG-13

    Founded in the 1800s, Spencer, Colorado is a quaint little tourist city of about 6,000. The community is a delightful mixture of historical homes and businesses alongside new construction, artfully crafted to support the growing population. From spectacular mountain views and hiking trails to kayaking, trail rides, antique shopping and artisans, the town is a goldmine to people of all ages and interests.

    Jakob Spencer, founder of Aspen Gold Lodge, which is known for its elite services and strict privacy. The Spencer family and the lodge’s wealthy clientele have supported and funded many of the town’s endeavors, such as the hospital, schools, and the historical society. The generosity of the Aspen Gold Lodge clients has also stimulated opportunities in the area.

    Although, incidents of danger, envy and greed occasionally taint the community the people grow, share goals and vision, and keep love, respect, and humility alive. These are the core attributes of this lively population. Through the generations, citizens have left to pursue careers and relationships, but many find their way back to their roots. To Spencer, where family is important, friends become family, and love is everything.

    Come discover Spencer and find your next inspiration, a passion, or maybe even a home.

    Which book is this in the series?

    The first six E-books in the series will be free at Amazon from 10/12 – 10/16

    How many books do you plan for the series?

    Books 13 and 14 will still be out this year. We have another 7 books planned for next year.

    How many books are completed?

    Currently available we have 12.5 books. There will be two more this year.

    What characters are the main stars in your series?

    The series takes place in Spencer, Colorado. Jakob Spencer, a descendent of the original founding family, owns the elite, Aspen Gold Lodge. His wealthy clients bring money, attitude and drama to the town. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are following in his audacious footsteps making Spencer home, entwining their secrets and adventures throughout the community. Each author has chosen a family member or close family friend to follow and expose, while weaving intricate paths and new friendships within the community.

    What is the overall theme in this series?

    It all starts with Jakob Spencer. From there every author has chosen their own path. Introducing a family member or friend and then developing their nucleus of friends, family and relationships. The unique thing about this series is that each author has their own voice and approach to their characters place in the community. Our stories range from sweet romance to edgy romantic suspense, with a touch of paranormal. Just like in a real town!

    Please list the series titles below, in any order you prefer.

    ** books are on sale

    ** Dancing In The Dark, Cheryl St John

    He had everything a man could want—except her forgiveness…

    ** Call Me Mandy, Debra Hines

    The last man Miranda loved took everything from her…

    ** Ryder’s Heart, *Lizzie Starr

    She can’t allow secrets o steal love from her…

    ** For Keeps, Barbara Gwen

    Hiding the truth is like denying the sun…

    ** Second Chances, Donna Kaye

    She tried the fairy tale and the fairy tale didn’t work out…

    ** Sleepin’ Alone, Bernadette Jones

    Hunter Lawe…riding the line between enforcing the law and breaking it…

    New Releases

    Stay A Little Longer, Bernadette Jones

    Death didn’t frighten Gage Ewing. Living scared the hell out of him…

    Speechless, *Lizzie Starr

    How many peonies does it take for Vianna and Ryder to get married?

    Close to the Heart, Debra Hines

    He raised her child as his own…

    Finding Hope, Donna Kaye

    Is the peace he’s found too good to be true?

    Fortunate Cookie, *Lizzie Starr

    This woman…wearing frosting…and nothing else…

    Lonely Eyes, Bernadette Jones

    There is an art to pursuit…

    Whisper My Name, Cheryl St John

    She was the girl behind the headlines…

    Coming Soon

    Gorgeous Scars, MA Jewell

    People love you—people kill you…

    Where can we find links for all your books?

    The Aspen Gold Series

    Cheryl St John

    https://www.amazon.com/Cheryl-St.John/e/B001IXM9IE

    Debra Hines

    https://www.amazon.com/Debra-Hines/e/B07XRY6TLF

    *Lizzie Starr

    https://www.amazon.com/lizzie-starr/e/B003F33Y0W

    Donna Kaye

    https://www.amazon.com/Donna-Kaye/e/B07ZF76W51

    Bernadette Jones

    https://www.amazon.com/Bernadette-Jones/e/B07ZY84C6K

    MA Jewell

    https://www.amazon.com/M-A-Jewell/e/B071RN7J45

    Where to buy Aspen Gold The Series

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081YPJ5V8

    Aspen Gold Authors Social Media

    Once upon a time a group of writer friends–helping a member with a particularly difficult thread in a continuity series contrived by her editors–got the grandiose idea to create a continuity series of their own.
    Yes, this was us, and we threw ourselves wholeheartedly into developing characters, fashioning families, family dynamics, and a setting, which evolved from one member’s love of all things Colorado. We created family trees, character profiles, detailed maps, brainstormed titles and themes. We collected photos and researched and even started the stories. We proposed our idea to a few publishers and got no traction. So, after a time the contracted books came first, two members dropped out of the group, a couple new ones came and went. But the core group remained.
    In a tragic turn of events we lost a beloved friend and co-writer. Grief took the remaining wind from our sails. We recovered slowly, welcomed a new friend to our critique group. Then came a day when we got together and said, “We’re going to get serious and do this!” Energy built, and the series took on new life. A previous co-creator joined us again. Now, here we are, years after the initial idea, sharing the finished stories with you and hoping you will feel the same intensity and appreciation for this project as we do.
    We have many more stories to share, and the ideas keep coming. Look for more books to follow in Aspen Gold: The Series.
    Website https://www.aspengoldseries.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/gold_aspen
    Facebook https://twitter.com/gold_aspen
    Get to know Aspen Gold The Series better by signing up for an email newsletter https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/k8k2i8

     

  • Stressing the Hero,  Suspense

    Stressing Owen Strong from Lonely Eyes by Bernadette Jones @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #RomanticSuspense

    Stressing Owen Strong from Lonely Eyes by Bernadette Jones @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #RomanticSuspenseThere is an art to pursuit. A runaway on a storm-buffeted highway brings danger to Spencer, Co., in Bernadette Jones’ new romantic suspense, Lonely Eyes. Can Owen protect this young woman, or will her presence cause the death of one of his family?

    Let’s meet Owen Strong from Lonely Eyes, a Romantic Suspense, by Bernadette Jones. 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.

    Lonely Eyes by Bernadette Jones

    Genre Romantic Suspense

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    There is an art to pursuit.

    Keira is running out of time. The handsome stranger with a dragon tattoo says he can keep her safe, but he doesn’t know the demons on her trail… Will her mysterious past lead her to escape, or drag her back to living hell?

    Owen Strong has suffered tragedy, but he’s made a new family in Spencer, Colorado–one he will protect at all costs. When he finds determined Keira Hoa, she rouses more than just trouble. Looking into her lonely eyes, he sees that everyone’s in danger.

    But she’s come to the right place. He’s the monster hunter.

    Stressing Owen Strong

    Every hero has a story. He has a background, a history, and a past. This interview allows us to meet a hero and get to know him better, by focusing on how he handles being relaxed, as well as how he handles stress.

    Please tell me about your hero.

    Age: 33

    Gender: male

    Birthplace: Chicago

    Profession: Mechanic

    What does your hero look like?

    Huge. He’s always been large, at 6’2″ with broad shoulders and chest. He works out daily, because his past careers as a bounty hunter and MMA fighter made staying in shape essential.

    Who is the significant other in his life?

    Keira Hoa Thi. He found her on a storm buffeted highway. She’s in trouble and he vows to protect her.

    The Hero’s Relaxed Side

    This hero is at a party. Considering his story, describe the party.

    He’s at a house warming party after he and his friends have helped paint and move his buddy and wife into their new home. There will be beer, pizza and a lot of joking around.

    How does the hero feel about being this particular party, and what body language is he displaying that gives it away?

    There will be moments where he relaxes against a wall and soaks in the camaraderie and comfort of knowing he has a chosen family.

    Is he more likely to mingle or remain aloof?

    He will do a little of both. But his nature is to watch and guard those that are important to him so he will always be a touch alloof and on guard.

    If he drinks, what is his drink of choice at this party?

    He’ll have a beer or maybe a shot of whiskey, but he never allows himself too much. He really likes water and juice.

    How much drink is his usual?

    One or two.

    The hero figures out where the hiding places are and then goes there. Is it to hide, to avoid someone, or to go drag a friend back to the party?

    He choses his friends wisely. Most of them are hard-working and ex-military. They watch out for each other. If someone is having a problem, he’s in their space helping them out or setting them straight.

    Is he likely to latch onto a friend and stay with him/her and ignore others, or is he the friend that others latch onto?

    He has his circle of friends and they all watch out for each other. They mingle equally.

    If someone picked a fight at this party, how is the hero going to handle it?

    He will break it up and then set both parties down and get it straightened out.

    Is the hero the one most likely to get tossed out of the party, or the one who does the tossing?

    Definitely do the tossing.

    Will he know when to leave, or stay late and make a nuisance of himself?

    Always knows when to leave.

    The Hero’s Stressed Out Side

    How does the hero handle it if the cops or some other authority figure pulls him aside when he was blameless in a situation?

    Immediately starts strategizing his best response and plays to whatever will settle the situation quickly. He is a chameleon playing whatever part he needs to.

    How does the hero react to hearing a scream?

    Immediately moves to find the source and the reason. He is quick and quiet.

    If he sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing that crosses his mind?

    Assess the situation and the location. Could there be more assailants on the way? What are his best defensive strategies for the location?

    If he sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing he does?

    Separates the combatants, then finds out who started it and why.

    This hero attempts to rescue someone and realizes that he is in over his head. The odds are against him and there is no way out. He is going to get his butt handed to him. What does he do?

    Never give up. Think with your head, use your brawn to your advantage.

    The hero runs into the one person from his past he wanted to avoid. He can’t get out of the situation and must interact in some way. What does he do?

    Always aware of what is going on around him. He would see the person first and if he doesn’t want to be seen, he will disappear.

    Someone younger than the hero is in charge of the situation, and they are handling it badly, perhaps bungling things. How does the hero deal with it?

    He will always attempt to instruct and educate, but if there is danger involved he will take over.

    The hero is in physical pain but must bear up under it and keep going. What does he tell himself in order to get through the situation?

    He trains in several martial arts and was a street fighter. Pain is part of life. He blanks it out.

    What mentor’s words come to mind in a bad situation?

    He’s relied on himself for a very long time. He has a ‘just do it’ attitude.

    What lesson from his past gets him through a stressful situation?

    Think it through and never give up.

    What one thing would you like readers to know about your hero?

    He’s lost a lot of people he loved. Once he takes you on as his chosen family he will protect you with his life.

    Where to buy Lonely Eyes

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JJL2BSR

    Bernadette Jones Social Media

    Bernadette Jones has been making up stories since she learned to read on her daddy’s lap. She has imagined casts of characters everywhere she’s called home: Texas, Oregon, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Massachusetts and now New York.
    Books and music filled her life as she, her dad and two brothers traveled the country. She would sit in the back seat of the car (her older brother always got to ride shotgun), listening to the current music on the radio, looking out the window and spinning a story based on a phrase or word she’d heard in the lyrics. As you can imagine, traveling the country the music changed from state to state, as did the stories. To this day she loves all genres of music and books.
    After a career in corporate writing, she’s finally decided to settled down and put pen to paper doing what she loves. Living the dream in her NYC apartment with her canine companion, she’s is bringing her stories and characters to life. This is Bernadette’s third book in the Aspen Gold Series.
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