• Contemporary

    Meet Abby Bentley from Puffy and Precious #romance @AuthorMET #RLFblog

    Meet Abby Bentley from Puffy andPrecious by Mary E. Thompson.

    Author Bio

    Mary E. Thompson grew up loving to read, like a good little girl. Many nights she would fall asleep with the flashlight still turned on as she hid under the covers trying to finish the last few pages of a book. As an adult, the light from her ereader means she doesn’t need a flashlight, but she still stays up way too late to finish a book. 
    When Mary’s not reading she’s playing with her two kids or living out her own romance novel with her hubby. She has a weakness for chocolate, especially when it’s paired with peanut butter, and has been known to have a bad day just because there’s no chocolate in the house. 
    Mary grew up in Buffalo, New York and swears she’s the only local to never ski or snowboard. Soccer was always her sport, with a couple adventures white water rafting and skydiving to keep things interesting. Mary moved to South Carolina for college but missed Buffalo every day. Yeah she thinks she’s crazy, too. She somehow convinced her South Carolina born and bred hubby to return to Buffalo to raise the kids and live out their lives. He’s still not sure what he was thinking.

    About the Book

    Title Puffy and Precious
    Genre Contemporary Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    He came for the puffy treats and stayed for the precious woman.
    Abby is moving on with her life. After she caught her husband cheating, live and in person, she divorces him and starts living for herself instead of doing everything for him. Abby opens her own bakery, changes her look, and moves out on her own for the first time ever. The only thing she isn’t ready to do is date.
    Graham helped Abby get her bakery up and running. As a carpenter he loved the challenge of turning the blank space into a bakery. Even more than that, he loved getting to know the beautiful new tenant.
    When Abby’s ex learns she’s moving on with her life and doesn’t need him, he isn’t happy. Abby always did everything for him, and he’s not willing to let go of that dedication.
    Now Abby is stuck between the man who made her feel needed, but never wanted, and a man who makes her feel wanted but doesn’t need her. Abby needs to figure out what she wants – the man from her past, the one who promises her a future, or the present she’s fallen in love with, alone.

    Introducing Abby Bentley

    Welcome to Romance Lives Forever! We’re happy to have you here today.
    Name: Abby
    Age: 27
    Gender: Female
    Birthplace: Winterville, NY
    Profession: Baker
    Ethnicity/Species (if not human): Caucasian
    Describe your body and build, skin tone, height and weight. Include any unique features such as dimples, freckles, or scars.
    I carry more than a little extra weight for someone who’s only 5’4” tall. My friends say I’m not that big, but size 16 feels huge, especially since I wear a 38DD bra. My green eyes are nice though, and I think I have an okay smile. I’m in love with my hair now. I just dyed it blonde and am growing it out. It really is true. Blondes do have more fun. Or maybe that’s just because I’m divorced now!
    Who is the significant other in your life?
    Ha! Next question. Seriously, one ex-husband is one too many. I’m not looking to make that mistake again. I’ll keep the others insignificant… maybe one day.
    Please tell us a little about yourself.
    I’ve found a new freedom since I got divorced. Of course, being divorced at 27 kind of sucks, almost as much as catching my ex cheating, but at least I found out what was going on before we had kids. I’m still young enough that I can adopt one day because I’m definitely not getting married ever again.
    Since I can do whatever I want now, I’ve opened my own bakery. It’s been fun, but more stressful than I expected. I never could have done it without my brother, Max, and Graham. Graham was amazing. He took my dream and made it a reality. I owe him. He’s so talented. Sexy too.
    Are you book-smart, self-taught, widely-experienced?
    Definitely self-taught. Or maybe Grams-taught would be more accurate. Yeah, I have a degree, but it doesn’t do much good for me. Learning to bake is something I’ve had to do over time with lots of practice.
    On what special skills do you rely?
    My creativity. I have to say I’ve become a very crafty baker. I’m not afraid to try different things and see if they’re any good. If something sucks, I lose a few hours. If it’s awesome though, I could easily gain some new customers. It’s also helped make my bakery into exactly what I hoped it would be.
    Are you close to family?
    I am. My brother was always my support growing up. Even now he’s there for me. Heck, I’m living in his apartment even though he’s married and moved out. My mom and grandmother are amazing, too. Without the three of them I don’t know where I’d be. I only wish my dad were still alive.
    How do others perceive you based upon looks, and is this assumption accurate?
    When people come into SkinnyCakes, my bakery, I know they’re shocked to find me behind the counter. A lot of them give me a nasty once over that makes me feel like I’m not good enough. I’ve thought about changing the name of my bakery, but I’m not going to. Just because I’m not skinny doesn’t mean what I bake isn’t. And just because I’m not skinny doesn’t mean I can’t bake healthy and make something people will love.
    Do you care about what others assume about you?
    That’s a tough question. It’s hard to say I can ignore it even though I’d love to be able to. Being vulnerable is part of what makes us human, right? I guess I care the most what my friends and family think of me. If strangers who’ve never taken the time to get to know me are going to judge me, I’ll do my best to ignore it.
    Can you keep a secret? Why or why not?
    Yes, but I’d rather not. Secrets destroyed my marriage. I don’t think secrets are a good thing. Unless there’s a surprise party at the end of the secret. Then it’s okay.
    What are your biggest hopes and dreams?
    I’d love to have kids one day, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I pretty much gave up that dream when I walked away from my marriage. Of course having kids in that situation wouldn’t have been good either. I’m just trying to convince myself I’m okay with it.
    If you could make any one thing happen, what would it be?
    I’d give babies to all my friends who want to get pregnant. Maybe one for me too, but my happily married friends who are trying for kids… They should have them first.

    Buy This Book

    Publisher BluEyed Press
    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/puffy-precious-mary-e-thompson/1123908803?ean=2940153069036

    Author Social Media

    Blog http://maryethompson.com/blog
  • Contemporary

    Damaged by @_lisamowens #RLFblog #Contemporary #Romance

    Today’s featured book is Damaged by Lisa M. Owens.

    About the Book

    Title Damaged
    Genre  Contemporary Romance
    Author  Lisa M. Owens
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    Freedom isn’t free.
    Staff Sergeant Austin Chandler learned this lesson well. Dealing with the devastating truth that his military career is over, he is discharged from the Marines and returns home from fighting the war in Afghanistan with battle scars he fears will never heal. But the truth is a bitter pill to swallow when he arrives at the airport and realizes his wife has abandoned him when he needed her the most. Broken in body as well as in spirit, Austin suffers not only from the slow-healing scars on his back, but also the wounds that her desertion has left on his troubled heart.
    Until a chance encounter with a beautiful artist leaves him wondering if perhaps some things are meant to be. Trisha Morgan has secrets she is desperately wants to hide. With a troubled past and abandonment issues of her own, she fears love only leads to rejection and pain.
    But can two wounded souls break through the battered barriers of each other’s hearts?

    Buy This Book

    About the Author

    The writing bug bit Lisa M. Owens at an early age; she was writing short stories and poetry by the age of seven. At the age of eight, she entered a writing contest at her elementary school. About fifty books were written,but Lisa was one of the thirteen writers chosen whoreceived a certificate and the chance to meet Oklahoma writer Sandy Miller.
    A former victim of domestic violence herself, Lisa worked at the courthouse for over seven years. Almost three of those years she worked on the Marriage License/Protective Order desk. She helped women file protective orders and worked closely with the staff and counselors at DVIS.
    Frustrated with books that merely gloss over the subject of domestic violence, Lisa wanted to write a book that told the entire story. Her dream is for her words to help give someone the courage to leave an abusive relationship.
    She resides in Oklahoma and has two children. This is her third published novel, and she is currently working on the second novel of this series. She is currently working on her fourth novel.
    Lisa enjoys hearing from her readers.

    Author Social Media

  • Contemporary

    New Beginnings a #romance by @_iris_b #RLFblog

    This quick interview includes info about the author, and introduces the story.

    About the Author

    Iris Blobel was born and raised in Germany and only immigrated to Australia in the late 1990s. Having had the travel bug most of her life, Iris spent quite some time living in Scotland, London as well as Canada where she met her husband. Her love for putting her stories onto paper has only emerged recently, but now her laptop is a constant companion.
    Iris resides west of Melbourne with her husband and her two beautiful daughters.
    Next to her job at a private school, she also presents a German Program at the local Community Radio.

    Interview with Iris Blobel

    Why did you write this book?
    The story is set in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, the most southern state in Australia. A most beautiful place. I went there a few years back and imagined how it would be to live in this city, how to adapt as a “non-local”, and bit by bit I wrote the story of two sisters moving there. Obviously, I added a little romance into the story as well – so I added Mark and Zach.
    What is your favorite genre to read?
    Crime and romance
    Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
    Jack Reacher
    What are you working on at the moment, and will see from you in coming months?
    I’ve just finished a book which is set partly in Melbourne, partly in New Zealand. I loved writing the story and re-visiting the places we went to when we travelled through NZ last year.
    Please tell us about your latest book.
    The chance to start life all over with the help of a stranger.
    Twenty-two-year-old Sophie Levesque has been guardian to her eight-year-old sister Mia since their mother’s death a few years ago, and it hasn’t been easy. Luck comes their way when they inherit a small house in Hobart. Problem is, though, they don’t know and have never heard of Clara Bellinger, the testator. Settling into their new life, Sophie is still afraid it’s all a mistake.
    Mark O’Connor, attorney in Hobart and the bearer of the good news for Sophie and Mia, curses himself for the lack of information about the testator. However, researching the questions gives him an opportunity to see Sophie again, and the more time he spends with the two, the more he realises that his life is missing something. And it’s not his casual lover Linda.
    But then there’s Zach, Sophie’s sexy neighbour from across the road… and a very good friend of Clara’s.
    Will unravelling the mystery unravel Sophie and Mark’s promise of a future?

    About the Book

    Title New Beginnings
    Genre Contemporary Romance
    Author Iris Blobel
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13

    Buy This Book

    Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2a1BSJ7
    Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/29FTb4B
    Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2a9yKgW

    Author Social Media

    Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/iris_blobel/
  • Contemporary

    Heartbreaking Desire by @susanvaughn1124 #RLFblog #contemporaryromance

    Today’s featured book is Heartbreaking Desire by Susan V. Vaughn.

    About the Book

    Title Heartbreaking Desire
    Genre contemporary romance
    Author Susan V. Vaughn
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    Kaylee Rybak’s life is a nightmare. Her mother’s addiction to drugs is spiraling out of control. And for months she has had a recurring dream that just might be a prediction of her mother’s death. She is determined to use her psychic ability to prevent this tragedy. But when a man from her past comes back to town, she loses herself in the passion between them. Now her family’s future is on the line—and so is her heart.
    Tony Reynolds has been in love with his best friend’s little sister for sixteen long years. But the moment he got up enough nerve to tell her, an unexpected family tragedy forced his life in another direction. Now, after three long years of separation, Tony is back in Bay Shore to take over his old mentor’s mechanic shop, and to secure Kaylee’s heart. But will she accept his love when he finally puts it all on the line?

    Buy This Book

    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heartbreaking-desire-susan-v-vaughn/1123934074?ean=9781622103614#productInfoTabs
    Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/heartbreaking-desire

    About the Author

    Romance Author, Susan Vaughn understood the meaning of sarcasm before she could walk.  Her childhood in the suburbs of Detroit was spent mainly trying to outwit her six creative siblings.  When she wasn’t working on the next soul crushing jab, she sharpened her imagination on romantic literature and day dreamed about her knight in shining armor.
    It didn’t take long for this hairdresser by trade to turn her passion for reading romances into writing her own unique love stories.  Susan lives her life finding laughter in all situations, and delights in marrying sarcasm with romance to create realistic falling-in-love stories in the unlikeliest of scenarios.  
    Susan lives on the shores of Lake Huron with her real life knight in shining armor and enjoys watching their three children learn the art of sarcasm and wit.

    Author Social Media

  • Contemporary,  Double Feature

    Double Feature: @susanvaughn1124 and Books that’ll make you Fall in Love #RLFBlog #Contemporary

    Author Susan Vaughn joins us today with Books that will make you Fall in Love.

    Author Bio

    Romance Author, Susan Vaughn understood the meaning of sarcasm before she could walk.  Her childhood in the suburbs of Detroit was spent mainly trying to outwit her six creative siblings.  When she wasn’t working on the next soul crushing jab, she sharpened her imagination on romantic literature and day dreamed about her knight in shining armor.
    It didn’t take long for this hairdresser by trade to turn her passion for reading romances into writing her own unique love stories.  Susan lives her life finding laughter in all situations, and delights in marrying sarcasm with romance to create realistic falling-in-love stories in the unlikeliest of scenarios.  
    Susan lives on the shores of Lake Huron with her real life knight in shining armor and enjoys watching their three children learn the art of sarcasm and wit.

    Burning Desire

    Title Burning Desire
    Genre Contemporary Romance
    Author Susan V. Vaughn
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings G, PG, PG13, R): R
    A steamy night not forgotten…
    One night of passion with a handsome stranger compels Louise Piekartz to change her path. Instead of finishing law school at her parents’ urging, she chases her dream to Bay Shore and revives her grandmother’s bakery. Now that she has secured a life of her own, she won’t let anything get in her way. But can she resist the temptation of the man from her past, when he shows up to rekindle their love affair? 
    Ever since his father’s death, Isaac Rybak has a burning need to fix everything around him. But his mother’s addiction to drugs is not something he can cure. Consumed by his inability to stop his mother from using, he struggles with his inner demons—until the woman of his dreams walks back into his life, and all his efforts are focused on a battle he knows he can win: securing her heart. 

    Buy Burning Desire

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Desire-Bay-Shore-Book-ebook/dp/B01FQ2KCAY
    Itunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/burning-desire/id1103018052?mt=11
    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burning-desire-susan-v-vaughn/1123657553?ean=9781622103546

    Irresistible Desire

    Title Irresistible Desire
    Genre Contemporary Romance
    Author Susan V. Vaughn
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings G, PG, PG13, R): R
    His playful seduction was hard to resist…
    Music teacher Ann Green moved to Bay Shore to protect her heavily-guarded heart. But when she meets a handsome fisherman who tests her resolve to stay single, she loses all control. Now she is stuck between the painful memory of her father’s betrayal, and the man who just might be her future.
    A boundless hunger has taken over…
    Andrew Rybak has taken care of his two younger siblings since his mother’s ongoing drug addiction began. But he secretly aches to escape Bay Shore, and leave all his responsibility behind, until a beautiful stranger moves into town, and opens his eyes to a new future. But will she trust him enough to open her heart? Especially as his inner passions are ignited, and everything he’s been holding back comes pouring out at once.

    Buy Irresistible Desire

    Itunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/irresistible-desire/id1119366177?mt=11
    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/irresistible-desire-susan-v-vaughn/1123866203?ean=9781622103560

    Author Social Media

  • Contemporary

    What’s Left of Me (Firebird Trilogy 2) #contemporary @JenniferTLoring #RLFblog

    This quick interview includes info about the author, and introduces the story.

    About the Author

    Jennifer Loring’s short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines, webzines, and anthologies, including Crystal Lake Publishing’s Tales from the Lake vol. 1. She has also published a novella, Conduits (DarkFuse, 2014), and two novels, Those of My Kind (Omnium Gatherum, 2015) and Firebird (Limitless Publishing, 2015). What’s Left of Me (The Firebird Trilogy #2) releases in July 2016. Jennifer lives in Philadelphia, PA with her husband, their turtle, and two basset hounds.

    Interview with Jennifer Loring

    Why did you write this book?
    I knew when I finished Firebird that Alex’s story was far from over, so last summer—before I had begun submitting to publishers—I made a vague outline for two more books. The sexual assault allegations against Chicago Blackhawks’ star Patrick Kane, as well as the music video “Let Them Talk” by Russian pop singer Katyla Lel and starring her friend Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals captain), inspired a great deal of What’s Left of Me. 
    What is your favorite genre to read?
    Horror, dark fantasy, paranormal romance, non-fiction.
    Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
    Irrylath from Meredith Ann Pierce’s The Darkangel Trilogy; Constantine from Robin McKinley’s Sunshine; Zach from Poppy Z. Brite’s Drawing Blood; Gimli from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings; the vampires of J. R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood.
    What are you working on at the moment, and what will see from you in coming months?
    I’ve finished the first draft of the final Firebird book, which does not yet have a title and won’t be out until next year. I’ve also been working on some new short stories for anthologies. Several other short stories and at least two novellas are scheduled to be released this year.
    Please tell us about your latest book.
    Recovering from years of living the superstar hockey life wasn’t easy, but now Aleksandr Volynsky finally has everything…
    He’s married to the love of his life, expecting a daughter, and has a new job as an assistant coach with his old team, the Buffalo Gladiators. His happiness is short lived, however, when a sexual assault allegation surfaces, and Alex is forced to cooperate with an investigation for a crime he didn’t commit.
    Stephanie Hartwell is juggling her dream job with marriage and motherhood, but she’s not convinced she’s doing any of it well…
    Stephanie’s stress level goes from bad to worse when she’s diagnosed with a serious illness. Battling declining health and the critics who question her commitment to Alex in light of the allegation, she makes a decision that could change their relationship forever.
    Alex is afraid he’s about to lose everything—especially when he sees Stephanie’s friend kiss her…
    Devastated that his life is spiraling out of control again, Alex turns to his friend, Natasha, a Russian pop star. Convinced that Stephanie and her friend Brandon are having an affair, Alex resumes his self-destructive behavior.
    What Alex doesn’t know is Stephanie has been conducting a secret investigation of her own. She learns the truth behind the sexual assault—a truth no one, especially Alex, expects.
    With everything now out in the open, can Stephanie and Alex commit to a fresh start for the sake of their daughter, or will the ghosts of their pasts finally tear apart everything they have left?

    About the Book

    Title: What’s Left of Me (The Firebird Trilogy #2)
    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    Author: Jennifer Loring
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Buy This Book

    Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IGAXYTO  

    Author Social Media