• Book Release,  Contemporary

    Read Winter Encounter by Karen Cino @karencino #RLFblog #NewRelease #Contemporary #Romance

    Karen Cino, 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.

    Winter Encounter by Karen Cino

    Genre Contemporary Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings):

    Alexandra Scaronni and Billy Davidson met each other by accident, not realizing they had gone to preschool through junior high together. They share a wonderful relationship until a secret Billy is keeping unravels right in front of them. While locking up their cafe, a car stops in front and shot are fired, which sends them into a tailspin. Will they be able to unravel the secret that has haunted Billy for years while keeping their relationship together?

    Why did you write this book?

    I wrote Winter Encounter because I wanted to add mystery into a contemporary romance.

    What is your favorite genre to read?

    I love reading Women’s Fiction and Cozy Mysteries.

    Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?

    One of my favorite characters is Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich Series.

    What are you working on at the moment?

    I’m working on a three book women’s fiction series, a contemporary romance and a cozy mystery.

    What books will we see from you in coming months?

    Coming soon is book 4 in the Cookie Cutter Cozy Mystery Series and book 1 in the 5 Beach Road Women’s Fiction Series.

    Where to buy Winter Encounter

    Publisher Mandolay Press

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Winter-Encounter-Karen-Cino/dp/1795536519/

    Karen Cino Social Media

    Karen Cino is multi-published and has been writing since she was fourteen years old. She started her career by writing poetry, short stories and writing articles for her high school newspaper. Her daily walks down at the boardwalk are what gets her muse going. It clears her mind and helps her find realistic plot ideas and the characters boosting up her muse. Karen loves writing about local places that people can relate to.
    Karen loves the summer, loves the beach. Her previous books were written and take place in various places across Staten Island. Karen relocated to Barnegat, New Jersey in 2015. She traded in the Staten Island Boardwalk for the shoreline in Long Beach Island. Her Camp Mirage Series takes place in Barnegat, NJ.
    Karen is a member of Romance Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writing Association and Liberty States Fiction Writers. She was Vice President of the New York City Chapter for four years and President for three.
    Karen has two adult children, Michael Giordano who’s a singer, songwriter and producer and Nicole Giordano who works in Retail Management and is also a photographer. In 2014 Karen married John Gatti. Her husband is an actor, teacher and attorney.
    Website http://karencino.com
    Blog http://karencinobooks.com
    Twitter http://www.twitter.com/karencino
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LCG31Y
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4444484.Karen_Cino
    Newsletter http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/home/?u=372e9cad72e3faf1c0a8b9a4e&id=9ac84ba873
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karencino
    Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/Karen-Cino-296585170371401/

     

  • Contemporary,  Is It True

    Is It True: Roses by Karen Cino @karencino #RLFblog #Contemporary #Romance

    Is It True: Roses by Karen Cino @yourtwitter #RLFblog #Contemporary RomanceWelcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Let’s play Is It True with today’s guest, Karen Cino, author of Roses, a Contemporary Romance. This is a game with yes and no questions. Writers can elaborate on answers as much as they choose.

    Roses by Karen Cino

    Genre Contemporary Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    After the untimely death of her husband in the line of duty, Nikki Petrino still grieving three years later, goes on retreat to Mexico to finish her novel, where she meets musician Drake Dente a 90’s rock icon working on lyrics for his comeback CD.

    After meeting at dinner, Drake and Nikki can’t keep their eyes off each other. Sparks fly and they instantly became an item. Upon returning to New York for Nikki’s high school reunion, she learns shocking events from her best friends.

    After a misunderstanding, Nikki is missing and Drake is desperate to find her.

    Is it true:

    this is your first book?

    No. But it was the first book that I wrote. I write it while my son for in infant, with his nights and days mixed up over thirty years ago. I put it on the back shelf and then ten years ago, took it back out and continued to edit it until I felt confident to send it out.

    this book is part of a series?

    No it isn’t. It’s a stand alone.

    you lost sleep while writing this book?

    Yes, absolutely. I wrote it on very little sleep.

    you did research for this book?

    Yes. The first part of the book takes place in Mexico. It had been years since I had been there, so I had to catch up on what had changed at the hotel.

    some characters in this book are not human? (pets for example)

    No. My characters are all humans.

    this book has more than one genre?

    Yes. It is a contemporary romance, but there is a part of it that’s women’s fiction.

    you speak more than one language?

    No. But I do wish I knew how to speak Italian.

    you grew up where you live now?

    No. I was born in Brooklyn, New York. When I was twelve my family moved to Staten Island, New York where I lived until I I moved with my husband to the New Jersey Shore five years ago.

    you love to read?

    Yes. I have six bookcases full of books. So far this year I have read forty-three books. Each year I have to up my Goodreads challenge.

    you are never late?

    Never. When my kids were young, yes I was. But once they grew up and went out on their own, I have never been late. In fact I wind up getting to places earlier.

    you love pizza?

    Yes, who doesn’t.

    you love sushi?

    No, not at all.

    you have a pet?

    Not since I moved to the Jersey Shore. Prior to that, I had three cats. But I do love animals. I have a bunny who is in my backyard everyday eating my grass. I could swear that he recognizes my voice.

    Where to buy Roses

    Publisher Mandolay Press

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Roses-Karen-Cino/dp/1618853244/

    Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/575939

    Karen Cino Social Media

    Karen Cino is multi-published and has been writing since she was fourteen years old. She started her career by writing poetry, short stories and writing articles for her high school newspaper. Her daily walks down at the boardwalk are what gets her muse going. It clears her mind and helps her find realistic plot ideas and the characters boosting up her muse. Karen loves writing about local places that people can relate to.
    Karen loves the summer, loves the beach. Her previous books were written and take place in various places across Staten Island. Karen relocated to Barnegat, New Jersey in 2015. She traded in the Staten Island Boardwalk for the shoreline in Long Beach Island. Her Camp Mirage Series takes place in Barnegat, NJ.
    Karen is a member of Romance Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writing Association and Liberty States Fiction Writers. She was Vice President of the New York City Chapter for four years and President for three.
    Karen has two adult children, Michael Giordano who’s a singer, songwriter and producer and Nicole Giordano who works in Retail Management and is also a photographer. In 2014 Karen married John Gatti. Her husband is an actor, teacher and attorney.
    Website http://karencino.com
    Blog http://karencinobooks.com
    Twitter http://www.twitter.com/karencino
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LCG31Y
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4444484.Karen_Cino
    Newsletter http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/home/?u=372e9cad72e3faf1c0a8b9a4e&id=9ac84ba873
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karencino
    Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/Karen-Cino-296585170371401/

     

  • 5 Easy Questions,  Mystery

    Read The Boardwalk by Karen Cino @karencino #RLFblog #romance #mystery

    Read The Boardwalk by Karen Cino @karencino #RLFblog #romance #mysteryKaren Cino, 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.

    The Boardwalk by Karen Cino

    Genre Contemporary romantic mystery

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG17

    After an accident at work, Brooklyn DeMelli walks every day down at the boardwalk as a way to keep active and have a semi normal social life. She meets up with the regular morning walkers, while enjoying the beauty of the beach and the scent of the ocean. To keep busy she started her own company, making beaded jewelry for parties and flea markets. Mario Morales is the hippy that plays acoustic guitar every morning at different ends of the boardwalk. The music captivates Brooklyn. Following the muse, she meets Mario who turns out to be a narcotics detective working undercover on a huge investigation. When Mario finds out Brooklyn is inadvertently involved in a drug trafficking ring, it leads to a series of events, which puts Brooklyn’s life in jeopardy, while forming a romantic bond between them.

    What’s your favorite down-home family style meal?

    My favorite meal is anything with eggplant, turkey meatloaf and chicken cutlets.

    Describe the perfect vacation.

    My perfect vacation is going to Sicily and sitting on the beach with my feet in the water of the Mediterranean. Throwing a backpack on and walking the narrow cobblestone streets, visiting street fairs and markets.

    What are your hobbies?

    I’m pretty boring. I enjoy walking, reading and watching the Hallmark channel and HGTV. In the summer, I do gardening and especially enjoy my herb garden.

    When you read for pleasure, what kind of books do you choose?

    I read Women’s Fiction and Cozy Mysteries. In between I’ll read Stephen King for a change of pace.

    What kinds of things do you read when you’re researching a new book?

    I do a lot of research on the internet. I also go out and scope the area I’m writing about. I like to write about places where people can relate to. Since I moved down to the New Jersey Shore, I have moved my characters from the Staten Island Boardwalk down to the white sands of the shore.

    Where to buy The Boardwalk

    Publisher Mandolay Press

    Amazon https://amzn.to/2kdKsgn

    Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2kuH54T

    Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/611680

    Karen Cino Social Media

    Karen Cino is multi-published and has been writing since she was fourteen years old. She started her career by writing poetry, short stories and writing articles for her high school newspaper. Her daily walks down at the boardwalk are what gets her muse going. It clears her mind and helps her find realistic plot ideas and the characters boosting up her muse. Karen loves writing about local places that people can relate to.
    Karen loves the summer, loves the beach. Her previous books were written and take place in various places across Staten Island. Karen relocated to Barnegat, New Jersey in 2015. She traded in the Staten Island Boardwalk for the shoreline in Long Beach Island. Her Camp Mirage Series takes place in Barnegat, NJ.
    Karen is a member of Romance Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writing Association and Liberty States Fiction Writers. She was Vice President of the New York City Chapter for four years and President for three.
    Karen has two adult children, Michael Giordano who’s a singer, songwriter and producer and Nicole Giordano who works in Retail Management and is also a photographer. In 2014 Karen married John Gatti. Her husband is an actor, teacher and attorney.
    Website http://karencino.com
    Blog http://karencinobooks.com
    Twitter http://www.twitter.com/karencino
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LCG31Y
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4444484.Karen_Cino
    Newsletter http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/home/?u=372e9cad72e3faf1c0a8b9a4e&id=9ac84ba873
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karencino
    Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/Karen-Cino-296585170371401/

     

  • Do It Write,  Mystery

    Do It Write: Where Karen Cino writes @Karencino #RLFblog #CozyMystery

    Karen Cino, 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.

    New Beginnings Cookie Cutter Cozy Mystery by Karen Cino

    Genre Cozy Mystery

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG 17

    After a traumatic event in her life, Connie Acosta heads down to the Jersey Shore to stay with her friend, Sara Mazza, who lives in a fifty-five and over community. For Connie, this is a temporary stop until she figures out what she wants to do.

    Connie and Sara have a brief discussion and decide to start the baking business they had spoken about decades before. But things take a dramatic turn when Sara gets Connie involved in a mysterious adventure at the clubhouse.

    How long have you been writing?

    I’ve been writing since I’m fourteen years old. I wrote my first short story when I was a freshman in high school. Since then, writing has been my whole life.

    What was your first published book?

    My first book published was Roses. Roses is a Women’s Fiction Contemporary Romance with Romantic Elements.

    Tell us about your writing space or home office.

    I recently finished my office adding lights. I bought two new book cases to make that eight bookcases in total. My parents bought me my desk and I put my apple desk top on it. I use it to edit because the screen is big but I write on my laptop.

    Anything special about your space?

    I can see out the side window and it’s the first office space that I’m completely happy with.

    What do you love most about that area?

    I love the fact that it has a french door, which I can close and block out the television coming from the other room.

    What would like to change about your home office?

    I’d like to have all my bookcases in the room with me. I also would love to have one chalk wall so I can make my notes all in one place.

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

    It would like like something out of HGTV. I’d probably hire the Property Brothers to make me a big space with my own wet bar and coffee station!

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

    I use my printer. I print out whatever a wrote for the day. When I do my edits I have to have a hard copy. I have two prints.

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

    Most important feature of an efficient office is privacy. Once I get going, there can be a high school band playing behind me and it wouldn’t interrupt me. But I need quiet to start so I can focus.

    Are you a writing mom/dad?

    My kids are now on their own. But I was a writing mom when I wrote my first seven books.

    How do you juggle writing and family?

    I always made it a point to find an hour a day to write. I always put myself on a 1000 word a day schedule, which I still keep today. Some days I’ll write 1000 words and other days I can right up to 3000 words. But it essential to have a schedule.

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

    I’d recommend any of the books the Writers Digest Books. Every one has been a fountain of information to me. I still refer to many of them when I’m stuck. Joining writers groups is another way to learn. I belong to Romance Writers of America, Women Fiction Writers Association and Liberty States Fiction Writers. There are so many groups. If your a mystery writer there’s Sisters in Crime. You can find multiple online genres through Romance Writers of America.

    What do you like to read for relaxation?

    I read women’s fiction, lots of cozy mysteries and you can never go wrong with a Stephen Kind novel.

    Do you have an author newsletter?

    Yes. If you would like to receive my quarterly newsletter you can sign up here: http://http://bit.ly/2V4OEQL

    Where to buy New Beginnings

    Publisher Mandolay Press

    Amazon https://amzn.to/2GWtUlc

    Karen Cino Social Media

    Karen Cino is multi-published and has been writing since she was fourteen years old. She started her career by writing poetry, short stories and writing articles for her high school newspaper. Her daily walks down at the boardwalk are what gets her muse going. It clears her mind and helps her find realistic plot ideas and the characters boosting up her muse. Karen loves writing about local places that people can relate to.
    Karen loves the summer, loves the beach. Her previous books were written and take place in various places across Staten Island. Karen relocated to Barnegat, New Jersey in 2015. She traded in the Staten Island Boardwalk for the shoreline in Long Beach Island. Her Camp Mirage Series takes place in Barnegat, NJ.
    Karen is a member of Romance Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writing Association and Liberty States Fiction Writers. She was Vice President of the New York City Chapter for four years and President for three.
    Karen has two adult children, Michael Giordano who’s a singer, songwriter and producer and Nicole Giordano who works in Retail Management and is also a photographer. In 2014 Karen married John Gatti. Her husband is an actor, teacher and attorney.
    Website http://karencino.com
    Blog http://karencinobooks.com
    Twitter http://www.twitter.com/karencino
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LCG31Y
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4444484.Karen_Cino
    Newsletter http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/home/?u=372e9cad72e3faf1c0a8b9a4e&id=9ac84ba873
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karencino
    Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/Karen-Cino-296585170371401/

     

  • Book Release,  Contemporary

    Read An Unexpected Encounter by Karen Cino @karencino #RLFblog #Contemporary #Romance

    Karen Cino, 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.

    An Unexpected Encounter by Karen Cino

    Genre Contemporary Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG17
    After losing her dream job in Los Angeles, Jill returns home to New York, to a new job and a new love, only to have her life twisted upside down. Will Jill be able to forget and forgive the one person who has brought new life into her?
    Why did you write this book?
    I hadn’t written a true contemporary romance is quite some time, and decided it was time to write one.
    What is your favorite genre to read?
    I enjoy women’s fiction that takes place at the beach, cozy mysteries and anything Stephen King.
    Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
    One of my favorite characters is Stephanie Plum. I love her spunk and her comic aura.
    What are you working on at the moment?
    I’m working on Boo 2 in the 5 Beach Road Series and Book 4 in the Cookie Cutter Cozy Mystery Series.
    What books will we see from you in coming months?
    Down at the Shore – Book 1 in the 5 Beach Road Series

    Where to buy An Unexpected Encounter

    Publisher Mandolay Press

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T554RP9/

    Karen Cino Social Media

    Karen Cino is multi-published and has been writing since she was fourteen years old. She started her career by writing poetry, short stories and writing articles for her high school newspaper. Her daily walks down at the boardwalk are what gets her muse going. It clears her mind and helps her find realistic plot ideas and the characters boosting up her muse. Karen loves writing about local places that people can relate to.
    Karen loves the summer, loves the beach. Her previous books were written and take place in various places across Staten Island. Karen relocated to Barnegat, New Jersey in 2015. She traded in the Staten Island Boardwalk for the shoreline in Long Beach Island. Her Camp Mirage Series takes place in Barnegat, NJ.
    Karen is a member of Romance Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writing Association and Liberty States Fiction Writers. She was Vice President of the New York City Chapter for four years and President for three.
    Karen has two adult children, Michael Giordano who’s a singer, songwriter and producer and Nicole Giordano who works in Retail Management and is also a photographer. In 2014 Karen married John Gatti. Her husband is an actor, teacher and attorney.
    Website http://karencino.com
    Blog http://karencinobooks.com
    Twitter http://www.twitter.com/karencino
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LCG31Y
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4444484.Karen_Cino
    Newsletter http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/home/?u=372e9cad72e3faf1c0a8b9a4e&id=9ac84ba873
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karencino
    Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/Karen-Cino-296585170371401/

     

  • The Perfect Pitch by Karen Cino @karencino #RLFblog #suspense
    Character Sketch,  Contemporary

    Introducing Toni Belluci from The Perfect Pitch, Book 1, by Karen Cino @karencino #RLFblog #WomensFiction Contemporary Romance

    Introducing Toni Belluci from The Perfect Pitch, Book 1, by Karen Cino @karencino #RLFblog #WomensFiction Contemporary RomanceLet’s meet Toni Belluci from The Perfect Pitch, Book 1, a Women’s Fiction Contemporary Romance, by Karen Cino. Welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about the story your author wrote.

    The Perfect Pitch (Book 1) by Karen Cino

    Genre Women’s Fiction Contemporary Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG17
    Francine and Richie Ragglio are high school sweethearts. Francine owns her own real estate business and Richie pitches for the New York Pelicans. Richie hurts his shoulder while pitching the first game of the season, not the way he wants to end his career. When Francine is left an abandoned restaurant from someone from her past, things begin to spiral out of control. The mystery of a hidden basement brings Francine and her friends together to do their own investigation, which puts them in the middle of a smuggling ring.
    Will Richie’s get through his surgery so he can retire on top of his game? And will Francine and her friends solve the mystery of the hidden basement?

    Introducing Toni Belluci

    Please tell me about yourself.
    Age: 38
    Gender: Female
    Birthplace: Staten Island, New York
    Profession: Real Estate Broker
    Ethnicity: Irish American
    What do you look like?
    I’m average height, slim with long blonde hair and big blue eyes.
    Who is the significant other in your life?
    At the present time I’m dating Eric Summers. He is a little older than me, but is well distinguished, always dressing sharp.
    How do you dress?
    I love wearing tight jeans and short skirts with my signature stilettos.
    Do you get by, live comfortably, live extravagantly?
    I live comfortably. I try my best to wait for a sale. I’ve never buy over my means.
    What kinds of things do you always carry (in pockets or purse)?
    My handbag is so oversized that I lose things in it. But my standbys are my wallet, sunglasses, multiple tubes of lipstick, tissues, hairbrush and my make-up case.
    What is your family like?
    I was raised by my foster parents. My parents were killed in a car accident. That’s how I met Francine at one of the foster kid parties. My foster parents put me through school and treated me like their own.
    How do others perceive you based upon looks, and is this assumption accurate?
    My friends France and Amy feel that I dress like a teenager. They say my skirt and dresses are too short. I don’t see it that way. I have the figure to wear them, so why not.
    Can you keep a secret? Why or why not?
    Absolutely. When France, Amy and I found the dealer door and the basement, it was imperative that they guys didn’t find out. I would take that secret to my grave.
    What inner doubt causes you the most difficulty?
    Trusting a man. Eric is a nice guy but there’s something about him that makes her doubt her inner feelings, especially after finding out her marriage was a complete farce with her husband’s deception.
    What is your biggest need?
    My biggest need is to find a trustworthy and loving man who I can have a lasting relationship with.
    What would you like to tell your writer?
    I’d like to tell her that I love the character you have developed me into. The outfits she puts me in are awesome. I just wish she would introduce me to a nice honest man.
    What would you like people who hear your story to know?
    I want them to know they don’t have to settle. Love will come your way when you least expect it. Never put yourself on the short end of the stick and believe and love yourself and trust your instincts.

    Where to buy The Perfect Pitch

    Publisher Mandolay Press
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Pitch-Seaside-Boulevard/dp/154525415X/
    https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Pitch-Karen-Cino-ebook/dp/B0721KFHLN/
    Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/729555
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-perfect-pitch-karen-cino/1126551906

    Karen Cino Social Media

    Karen Cino is multi-published and has been writing since she was fourteen years old. She started her career by writing poetry, short stories and writing articles for her high school newspaper. Her daily walks down at the boardwalk are what gets her muse going. It clears her mind and helps her find realistic plot ideas and the characters boosting up her muse. Karen loves writing about local places that people can relate to.
    Karen loves the summer, loves the beach. Her previous books were written and take place in various places across Staten Island. Karen relocated to Barnegat, New Jersey in 2015. She traded in the Staten Island Boardwalk for the shoreline in Long Beach Island. Her Camp Mirage Series takes place in Barnegat, NJ.
    Karen is a member of Romance Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writing Association and Liberty States Fiction Writers. She was Vice President of the New York City Chapter for four years and President for three.
    Karen has two adult children, Michael Giordano who’s a singer, songwriter and producer and Nicole Giordano who works in Retail Management and is also a photographer. In 2014 Karen married John Gatti. Her husband is an actor, teacher and attorney.
    Website http://karencino.com
    Blog http://karencinobooks.com
    Twitter http://www.twitter.com/karencino
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LCG31Y
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4444484.Karen_Cino
    Newsletter http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/home/?u=372e9cad72e3faf1c0a8b9a4e&id=9ac84ba873
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karencino
    Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/Karen-Cino-296585170371401/