• Stressing the Heroine,  Suspense

    Stressing Breezy Richards from A Better Man by Bernadette Jones @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #RomanticSuspense

    Stressing Breezy Richards from A Better Man @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #RomanticSuspense

    When a stalker threatens her, trusting a stranger means surrendering control. Risking it all for her makes him a better man in Bernadette Jones new Romantic Suspense, A Better Man.

    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 A Better Man.

    A Better Man by Bernadette Jones

    Genre Romantic Suspense

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Stripped of everything, her life threatened, she’s forced to trust a stranger.

    Kicked out of her home as a teenager, Breezy Richards made a life for herself. Never asking permission or explaining her choices. Always in control of her destiny. Now she’s hiding from a stalker, trying to stay alive back in the one place she never thought she’d call home again: Spencer, Colorado.

    The military had been the only escape for JackDaniels Vaughn. He quickly embraced the loner lifestyle, committed only to the next mission and his comrades. He’d sworn never to settle down moving from job to job, city to city, always searching for the elusive sense of purpose. Until he’s asked to protect Breezy Richards.

    Loving her made him a better man. Can he keep her alive long enough to tell her?

    Where to buy A Better Man

    Universal Buy Link https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1618814744
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XNQL8FG
    Barnes and Noble https://bit.ly/BarnesNoble_ABETTERMAN
    iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1618814744
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-better-man-28
    Image credit Depositphotos: artist, Prometeus (Kislev Andrey)

    Bernadette Jones Social Media

    Stressing Breezy Richards from A Better Man @RomanceBJones #RLFblog #RomanticSuspenseRomantic Suspense Writer, Never Give Up-er, First Wives Club-er, Lifelong Dream Achiever & Mom

    Bernadette Jones writes romantic suspense and mystery novels. Her books are filled with strong heroes and heroines who are looking for an equal partner in their search for answers, justice and love. The love is everlasting, the romance steamy and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. With a personal belief in the power of the chosen family her characters are bound to their circle of friends regardless of the cost or danger and most often a book of their own!

    After a career in corporate writing and living all over the country, 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.

    If you’re interested in learning more and being the first to hear about new releases, visit her website at BernadetteJones.com.

    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
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bernadette-jones
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Bernadette-Jones/e/B07ZY84C6K/
    Linktree https://linktr.ee/BernadetteJonesAuthor
    Get to know Bernadette Jones better by signing up for an email newsletter https://www.bernadettejones.com/newsletters

  • Stressing the Heroine,  Suspense

    Stressing Gillian from Dark Energy by Addison Brae @AddisonBrae1 #RLFblog #romanticsuspense

    Stressing Gillian from Dark Energy by Addison Brae @AddisonBrae1 #RLFblog #romanticsuspenseLet’s meet Gillian from Dark Energy, a romantic suspense, by Addison Brae. 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.

    Dark Energy by Addison Brae

    Genre: Romantic Suspense

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Cybercrime doesn’t talk. It creeps in and destroys lives right under Gillian’s nose when a cryptojacking scheme lands her boss, Pinkie, in jail. Gillian had just started over with a new career, boyfriend, and confidence after escaping a vicious murder investigation that shattered her ability to trust. Then Pinkie’s arrest leaves her struggling to run his two bars while also unraveling the conspiracy.

    Gillian will not let her mentor and friend go down for something he didn’t do. Neither will Jon, the most talented musician on the bar’s stage and the perfect boyfriend…until his good fortune sends her reeling. Gillian forces herself to trust the cops, people who hurt her, and known criminals. Will it be enough to free Pinkie and save her life?

    Stressing Gillian

    Every heroine has a story. She has a background, a history, and a past. This interview allows us to meet a heroine and get to know her better, by focusing on how she handles being relaxed, as well as how she handles stress.

    Please tell me about your heroine.

    Age: 21

    Gender: female

    Birthplace: Sugar Creek, Missouri

    Profession: bar manager and CPA

    Ethnicity: Greek American

    What does your heroine look like?

    Gillian doesn’t have much time to spend on her looks, so she depends on a few well-selected clothes and the rest is what she was born with. She has an olive complexion with auburn hair, just below the shoulder, and soft curls. She’s a little on the short side at about 5’4″. She runs often since she moved to Dallas, so she’s pretty toned. Gillian appreciates good food but forgets to eat when she’s busy, and she’s lost a few pounds from stress dieting that she desperately tries to end soon.

    Who is the significant other in his life?

    After escaping an abusive college relationship and making a few romantic mistakes since moving to Dallas, Gillian meets Jon. They’re thrown together in extremely stressful situations. He listens, is there for her, and has her back when things get really bad, all things she’s not used to from men in her life. Even better, he’s a good cook, makes his own money, and writes and performs with his band a song for Gillian called Dark Energy.

    The Heroine’s Relaxed Side

    This heroine is at a party. Considering her story, describe the party.

    Since Gillian manages a bar, she prefers a chill house party when she’s not working–maybe grilling by the pool. She enjoys talking to and getting to know people over a glass of wine, and has little patience for overused bar lines and BS.

    How much drink is her usual?

    Gillian knows her limits, so she sticks to no more than a couple of drinks. She is well aware she gets into trouble when she drinks too much–especially tequila shots.

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

    Gillian is used to her independence. She adores every moment with Jon, but they’re not a Velcro couple.

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

    Gillian learns the bar business from men who are far stronger and tougher than she is. Have you ever seen a tiny dog that has the confidence to make noise and take control like a large one? This is Gillian, and she’s good at it.

    The Heroine’s Stressed Out Side

    How does the heroine handle it if the cops or some other authority figure pulls her aside when she was blameless in a situation?

    The cops yank her friend, mentor, and boss out of the bar on opening weekend. She tries to stop them, but they’re FBI and don’t listen. She keeps her cool better than most and contacts the one cop friend she can trust.

    How does the heroine react to hearing a scream?

    Gillian would call for help and investigate before jumping in to help.

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

    If a patron starts a fight or gets rowdy in the bar, Gillian jumps in the middle to stop it. Where she’s lacking in size, she makes up in skill and badassery.

    This heroine attempts to rescue someone and realizes that she is in over her head. The odds are against her and there is no way out. She is going to get her butt handed to her. What does she do?

    Since moving to Dallas, Gillian has been in over her head so many times she’s used to it. She completed training and earned her license to carry a handgun, and she often does. When she’s overpowered, she’s clever enough to think her way out of it. If lethal force is her last option, she’s not afraid to act. “Am I an accountant, bar manager, or crime fighter?” ~Gillian.

    The heroine runs into the one person from her past she wanted to avoid. She can’t get out of the situation and must interact in some way. What does she do?

    When a customer comes into her bar, no matter what may have occurred before, Gillian has to be professional. This happens with someone who hurt her in the past. He tells her he went through rehab and stopped drinking for good. She gives him a chance and he repays her by saving her life in a pretty exciting scene in Dark Energy.

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

    “No one will ever control me again!” are the words that keep Gillian fighting. Considering what she faces, Gillian’s fed up with begin controlled and adds rule twelve to her list of rules of her new life–no one can mess with me.

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

    Pinkie, Gillian’s boss, mentor, and friend’s best advice that she often recalls in her frustrating bar manager moments is, “There’s one thing you’ll learn after being in the service industry for a while, you’ll never please everyone.”

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

    Gillian always keeps her word, no matter what. “Damn promises. Why do I make promises that always get in the way of my happiness?” ~Gillian Rule eighteen of her new life is–Never make a promise I can’t keep.

    Where to buy Dark Energy

    Amazon https://amzn.to/2YSkP6H (99c through June 14)
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-energy-addison-brae/1137002173
    iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9780463686379
    Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1021319

    Addison Brae Social Media

    Addison Brae lives in Dallas, Texas on the edge of downtown. As a child, she was constantly in trouble for hiding under the bed to read when she was supposed to be napping. She has been writing since childhood starting with diaries, letters and short stories. She continues today with articles, video scripts and other content as an independent marketing consultant.
    Addison writes new adult and adult romantic suspense and young adult contemporary fiction. When she’s not writing, Addison spends her time traveling the world, collecting interesting cocktail recipes and hosting parties. She’s still addicted to reading and enjoys jogging in her neighborhood park, sipping red wine, binge-watching TV series, vintage clothing and hanging out with her artistic other half and their neurotic cat Lucy.
    Website https://addisonbrae.com/
    Blog https://addisonbrae.com/blog
    Twitter https://twitter.com/AddisonBrae1
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/addison.brae
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/addisonbraeauthor/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17759692.Addison_Brae
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/addison-brae
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07B443K8P/
    YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCreHrv1bBNdyHm5skgqNR-Q/www.addisonbrae.com
    Get to know Addison Brae better. Text “AddisonBrae” to 31996 or visit https://slkt.io/2IPv to be the first to receive a text message on book launches, appearances, and sales. No more than one per month.

     

  • Stressing the Heroine,  Suspense

    Stressing Caryn Orlane from Tender Misdemeanors by Alana Lorens #RLFblog #RomanticSuspense #CopRomance

    Stressing Caryn Orlane from Tender Misdemeanors by Alana Lorens #RLFblog #RomanticSuspense #CopRomanceLet’s meet Caryn Orlane from Tender Misdemeanors, a cop romance and romantic suspense story, by Alana Lorens. 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.

    Tender Misdemeanors by Alana Lorens

    When Caryn Orlane joined the Bureau of Land Management, she never dreamed she’d fall for a man on the wrong side of the law–or that it would cost her so much. Tender Misdemeanors

    Genre romantic suspense, cop romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG

    Saving the forests may be the death of them

    Caryn Orlane has law enforcement in her blood; her father was a cop, and his father, too. She’s a federal agent in northwest Montana, protecting the old forests and keeping the peace.
    Levi Bradshaw also believes in protecting the forests, but has a very different MO. He’s the leader of a group of eco-warriors, determined to save the trees of the Bitterroot by legal–and illegal–means.

    When they meet in the woods at gunpoint, their encounter ignites a spark of interest, despite operating on opposite sides of the law. When their worlds turn on them, they only grow closer. If they don’t work together, can either survive?

    Stressing Caryn Orlane

    Every heroine has a story. She has a background, a history, and a past. This interview allows us to meet a heroine and get to know her better by focusing on how she handles being relaxed, as well as how she handles stress.

    Please tell me about your heroine.

    Age: 30

    Gender: female

    Birthplace: California

    Profession: Law enforcement officer for the federal Bureau of Land Management in Kalispell, MT

    Ethnicity: Caucasian

    What does your heroine look like?

    Approximately 5’7″, shoulder-length blonde hair, green eyes, physically fit, prefers dressing casually

    Who is the significant other in her life?

    When we begin, it’s a green iguana named Niabi. But when she meets Levi Bradshaw at gunpoint, he becomes the one man for her.

    The Heroine’s Relaxed Side

    This heroine is at a party. Considering her story, describe the party.

    She’s not much of a party girl, but she agrees to help Levi host a fund-raising party to save the forests. She makes sure there’s enough food, liquor and baskets to collect donations from the cast of wealthy contributors. Levi’s home is beautiful and a great setting to remind people how much the wild is necessary even to our modern lives.

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

    Of course, at the moment, she’s in disgrace with her own Bureau department because she’s even seeing him, so she’s mostly trying to stay out of sight and not see anyone from her office. Or really anyone she knows. She’s not ashamed to be with Levi, but she’s painfully aware of the conflicting loyalties she holds.

    Is she more likely to mingle or remain aloof?

    Definitely aloof. SO aloof. She spends part of the night in the pantry alone with Niabi.

    If she drinks, what is her drink of choice at this party?

    A glass of good wine.

    How much drink is her usual?

    Just enough to feel a bit warm. She values her mind and control too much to get totally wasted.

    The heroine 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?

    Definitely to avoid people she knows.

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

    She’d likely hover around a few close friends–she’s no social butterfly.

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

    It depends. If it’s something to do with her, she’d handle it herself. If it had nothing to do with her, she’d probably stay on the fringes and watch until it got out of control. Then she’s perfectly trained to step in and take charge.

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

    She’d do the tossing.

    Will she know when to leave, or stay late and make a nuisance of herself?

    Well, she’s currently living there, so I guess she’d have to stay late….

    The Heroine’s Stressed Out Side

    How does the heroine handle it if the cops or some other authority figure pulls her aside when she was blameless in a situation?

    She gets hot, fast, and argues her point until she’s out of breath, even though she’s a cop herself.

    How does the heroine react to hearing a scream?

    Her adrenaline would spike, and she’d be ready for action.

    If she sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing that crosses her mind?

    Stopping the assault.

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

    Pull out her gun and stop it.

    This heroine attempts to rescue someone and realizes that she is in over her head. The odds are against her and there is no way out. She is going to get her butt handed to her. What does she do?

    She jumps in anyway, because she’s committed herself to making the save.

    The heroine runs into the one person from her past she wanted to avoid. She can’t get out of the situation and must interact in some way. What does she do?

    She’d withdraw a bit, but probably be sarcastic if she must interact with this person.

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

    As someone who’s had a rowdy younger sister all her life, she’d likely take over somewhat diplomatically, but practically, to achieve the correct outcome.

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

    “This can’t stop you. You’ve got to take care of yourself, and then we’re going to take care of whoever did this to you.”

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

    Her father’s. He was a cop before her, and she always wanted to please him. Unfortunately, his advice almost always comes to her in terms of how he’d be disappointed by whatever she’s done.

    What lesson from her past gets her through a stressful situation?

    The fact that she tried out to be FBI, but flubbed the final exams. She still went on to be an enforcement officer, and she’d survived just fine.

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

    That even though she’s not warm and fuzzy, that she still has the capacity for love and longing, and she would lay her life on the life for anyone who deserves it.

    Where to buy Tender Misdemeanors

    Publisher https://www.thewildrosepress.com/
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084FTTWP2
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tender-misdemeanors-alana-lorens/1136277238

    Alana Lorens Social Media

    Alana Lorens has been a published writer for more than forty years. Currently a resident of Asheville, North Carolina, she loves her time in the smoky blue mountains. One of her novellas, That Girl’s The One I Love, is set in the city of Asheville during the old Bele Chere festival. She lives with her daughter, who is the youngest of her seven children, three crotchety cats, and four kittens of various ages.
    Website https://wordpress.com/page/alana-lorens.com/21
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AlanaLorens/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4829967.Alana_Lorens
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Alana-Lorens/e/B005GE0WBC/
    Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alana-lorens

     

  • Sports,  Stressing the Heroine

    Stressing Karma Deepika Huntington from Karma’s Slow Burn by Nalini Warriar @nwarriar #RLFblog #Contemporary Sports Romance

    Stressing Karma Deepika Huntington from Karma's Slow Burn by Nalini Warriar @nwarriar #RLFblog #Contemporary Sports RomanceLet’s meet Karma Deepika Huntington from Karma’s Slow Burn, a Contemporary Sports Romance, by Nalini Warriar. 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.

    Karma’s Slow Burn by Nalini Warriar

    Genre Contemporary Sports Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Sportswriter Karma Deepika Huntington is going to hit Rafael Henley, star pitcher for the Sliders, hard to avenge her husband’s death.

    Rafael cannot ignore the chemistry between them and decides a one-night stand is in order. Karma agrees. Just to get that itch off. But once they get into each other’s pants, things get complicated. Revenge and guilt take a back seat with sizzling chemistry in control.

    Hanging out with her father, a cross-dressing accountant, a hacker ex-cop, a flatulent claims investigator or a star pitcher with a hot bod? Karma’s choice in new contemporary sports romance Karma’s Slow Burn.

    Stressing Karma’s Deepika Huntington

    Every heroine has a story. She has a background, a history, and a past. This interview allows us to meet a heroine and get to know her better, by focusing on how she handles being relaxed, as well as how she handles stress.

    Please tell me about your heroine.

    Age: 27

    Gender: Female

    Birthplace: Germany

    Profession: Sports Writer

    Ethnicity: Bi-racial Caucasian-Indian

    What does your heroine look like?

    Long black hair, dark eyes, skin the colour of decadent caramel, about 5’2″.

    Who is the significant other in her life?

    Rafael Henley

    The Heroine’s Relaxed Side

    This heroine is at a party. Considering her story, describe the party.

    Clink of glasses and murmurs hit her ears as Karma walks in. Mostly men in dark suits with a few women in jewel-toned dresses flashing here and there. She tugs the tight bodice of her lime green dress, hoping she’ll see Rafael Henley again.

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

    She is confident as she strides in. She’s here as a free lancer, her equipment slung across one shoulder. Henley towers over the others and her gaze zooms in. She re-adjusts the shoulder strap and takes out her camera. Her fingers tremble as they hover over the button.

    Is she more likely to mingle or remain aloof?

    She’s more likely to mingle.

    If she drinks, what is her drink of choice at this party?

    Whisky, neat.

    How much drink is her usual?

    One drink

    The heroine 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?

    She steps into the alcove, takes a deep breath before stepping out again to make her way to Henley’s side. But she’s too late. He’s seen her and is striding toward her.

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

    She’s a loner.

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

    She’s going to interfere if it gets physical. If it’s verbal, she will carefully try to diffuse the tense situation.

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

    If it’s not her party, she’ll leave. If it’s hers, she’ll toss the aggressor out.

    Will she know when to leave, or stay late and make a nuisance of herself?

    She intuitive and picks up vibes. She will leave when it’s time.

    The Heroine’s Stressed Out Side

    How does the heroine handle it if the cops or some other authority figure pulls her aside when she was blameless in a situation?

    Depends on the severity of the situation. She might take a deep breath and focus on remaining calm. Or might take control if needed.

    How does the heroine react to hearing a scream?

    She will move to the source of the scream.

    If she sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing that crosses her mind?

    Does the person need her help?

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

    If the person needs her help, she will act. She will kick his groin, assuming it’s a man. If that doesn’t work, she rips his nose with her rings.

    This heroine attempts to rescue someone and realizes that she is in over her head. The odds are against her and there is no way out. She is going to get her butt handed to her. What does she do?

    She will not give up. She’s had self defence classes and know a thing or two about getting the upper hand. She will kick, bite, scratch…anything to get out of the situation.

    The heroine runs into the one person from her past she wanted to avoid. She can’t get out of the situation and must interact in some way. What does she do?

    She’s polite, aloof, distant. Makes it clear through her body language.

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

    She takes the person aside, talks in a low voice and takes charge.

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

    This too shall pass. Mind over matter.

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

    Look ahead and not back.

    What lesson from her past gets her through a stressful situation?

    It always good to be prepared for she is a woman in a man’s world.

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

    She thought she had love. Until she meets Rafael.

    Where to buy Karma’s Slow Burn

    Publisher Warriar Books
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZJSZD5X
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/karmas-slow-burn-nalini-warriar/1133444423?ean=2940163331772
    iBooks https://books.apple.com/ca/book/karmas-slow-burn/id1479565898
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/karma-s-slow-burn
    Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/957769

    Nalini Warriar Social Media

    Nalini Warriar dreamed of being a writer then forgot the dream for a bit as she went on to garner a Ph.D in Molecular Biology. While in her lab, the dream came back and hit her on the head and she’s never looked back writing through her years as a scientist. After more than a decade in cancer research, Nalini returned to the creative part of her soul and now devotes her time to dreaming up the perfect alpha male and feisty woman to appear in her books. Her novel, Fireflies in the Night, was a Foreword Reviews Fab Award finalist and won the Next Generation Indie Book Award in 2017. Kirkus Reviews awarded Fireflies in the Night a starred review and named it Best Books of 2016. She’s working on her next romance, a Crenshaw Brothers book, to be released in 2020. She lives in Ontario, Canada
    Blog https://karmasslowburn.blogspot.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/nwarriar
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authornaliniwarriar
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/naliniwarriar
    Amazon Author Page https://amazon.com/author/naliniwarriar

     

  • Mystery,  Stressing the Heroine

    Stressing Connie Acosta from New Beginnings (Cookie Cutter Cozy Mystery #1) @karencino #RLFblog #Cozy #Mystery

    Stressing Connie Acosta from New Beginnings (Cookie Cutter Cozy Mystery #1) @karencino #RLFblog #Cozy #MysteryLet’s meet Connie Acosta from New Beginnings (A Cookie Cutter Cozy Mystery), a Cozy Mystery, 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 your latest book.

    New Beginnings (Cookie Cutter Cozy Mystery Book #1) by Karen Cino

    Genre Cozy Mystery
    Book heat level PG 17
    After a traumatic event in her life, Connie Acosta heads down to the Jersey Shore to stay with her friend, Sara Mazzo, 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 earlier. But things take a dramatic turn when Sara gets Connie involved in a mysterious adventure at the clubhouse.

    Stressing Connie Acosta

    Every heroine has a story. She has a background, a history, and a past. This interview allows us to meet a heroine and get to know her better, by focusing on how she handles being relaxed, as well as how she handles stress.
    Please tell me about your heroine.
    Age: 56
    Gender: Female
    Birthplace: Staten Island, New York
    Profession: Baker
    Ethnicity: White – Italian American
    What does your heroine look like?
    Connie is five foot four with shoulder length light brown hair and big brown eyes. She is average built, carrying around those extra fifteen pounds since she hit menopause.
    Who is the significant other in her life?
    She is currently dating Vic, one of the residents.

    The Heroine’s Relaxed Side

    This heroine is at a party. Considering her story, describe the party.
    It’s a dance with a DJ playing 1970’s disco music with a splash of 50’s and 60’s music.
    How does the heroine feel about being this particular party, and what body language is she displaying that gives it away?
    She enjoys the dance music but feels that there’s something else going on. When not dancing she stands arms folded surveying the room.
    Is she more likely to mingle or remain aloof?
    She’ll remain aloof, not knowing her best friend’s friends, taking it all in.
    If she drinks, what is her drink of choice at this party?
    White wine!
    How much drink is her usual?
    Her limit is two glasses.
    The heroine 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?
    To avoid someone.
    Is she likely to latch onto a friend and stay with him/her and ignore others, or is she the friend that others latch onto?
    She’s the friend that other’s latch onto since she’s the new lady in the community and remains mysterious to the residents.
    If someone picked a fight at this party, how is the heroine going to handle it?
    She’ll tell them exactly where to go. LoL
    Is the heroine the one most likely to get tossed out of the party, or the one who does the tossing?
    She’ll do the tossing if she sees seething that isn’t right, especially people who become intoxicated.
    Will she know when to leave, or stay late and make a nuisance of herself?
    Connie is never the last to leave. Usually she’s the second person to go.

    The Heroine’s Stressed Out Side

    How does the heroine handle it if the cops or some other authority figure pulls her aside when she was blameless in a situation?
    She’s not going to be happy at all. She’ll voice her feelings and tell them to do their job and find the cupric.
    How does the heroine react to hearing a scream?
    The first thing she will do is turn to see where it is coming from and follow the scream.
    If she sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing that crosses her mind?
    She need to do something.
    If she sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing she does?
    She dials 011. If there’s no one around to help she’ll be right their to assist.
    This heroine attempts to rescue someone and realizes that she is in over her head. The odds are against her and there is no way out. She is going to get her butt handed to her. What does she do?
    COnnie will continue to help the person in distress.
    The heroine runs into the one person from her past she wanted to avoid. She can’t get out of the situation and must interact in some way. What does she do?
    Besides rolling her eyes in disgust, she says hello, nice seeing you again and keeps on walking.
    Someone younger than the heroine is in charge of the situation, and they are handling it badly, perhaps bungling things. How does the heroine deal with it?
    COnnie will offer to give her a hand, trying her best to turn the situation into a positive ending.
    The heroine is in physical pain but must bear up under it and keep going. What does she tell herself in order to get through the situation?
    She tells herself that she’s living in the moment. Tomorrow will be better.
    What mentor’s words come to mind in a bad situation?
    Don’t lose your cool.
    What lesson from her past gets her through a stressful situation?
    That yelling doesn’t get you anywhere.
    What one thing would you like readers to know about your heroine?
    Connie is down to earth. She was handed a couple of bad hands later in life. But she did get back on her feet and move on with her life.

    Where to buy New Beginnings (Cookie Cutter Cozy Mystery #1)

    Publisher Mandolay Press
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079K3FLHY

    Karen Cino Social Media

    Karen Cino is a multi-published author who 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. After reading Jackie Collin’s Lovers and Gamblers and Jacqueline Susann’s, Valley of the Dolls, Karen found her niche. 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 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.Karen is a member of Romance Writer’s of America, Liberty States Fiction’s Writers Association and Women’s Fiction Writer’s Association.Currently, Karen is working on a Cozy Mystery Series and Women’s Fiction Series.
    Website http://karencino.com
    Blog http://karencinobooks.com
    Twitter http://twitter.com/karencino
    Facebook http://facebook.com/karencino
    Pinterest http://pinterest.com/karencino
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4444484.Karen_Cino
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LCG31Y
    Newsletter http://mailchi.mp/e67ab333db05/summer-newsletter-new-release

     

  • Stressing Miss Elizabeth Atwell from Only a Hero Will Do @alannalucas27 #RLFblog #genre
    Regency,  Stressing the Heroine

    Stressing Miss Elizabeth Atwell from Only a Hero Will Do @alannalucas27 #RLFblog #Regency

    Stressing Miss Elizabeth Atwell from Only a Hero Will Do @alannalucas27 #RLFblog #genreA feisty heiress and a dashing ex-army captain working together to defeat dark forces threatening Britain’s monarchy. Only a Hero Will Do by Alanna Lucas

    Defender of the realm…and his wary heart…

    Stressing Miss Elizabeth Atwell

    Every heroine has a story. She has a background, a history, and a past. This interview allows us to meet a heroine and get to know her better, by focusing on how she handles being relaxed, as well as how she handles stress.
    Age: 26
    Birthplace: England
    Profession: spy (shh! don’t tell)
    Ethnicity: British
    Species (for scifi/fantasy characters):

    The Heroine’s Relaxed Side

    This heroine is at a party. Considering her story, describe the party.
    Being the daughter of a viscount, Elizabeth is no stranger to the elegant ballrooms of the ton, however even she finds Lady Caper’s soirées far too tedious and overcrowded. Despite the opulence of the environment, lovely music, and the company of her dear friend, Elizabeth is too focused on her mission to enjoy the evening.
    How does the heroine feel about being this particular party, and what body language is she displaying that gives it away?
    Elizabeth does not want to be there, but is quite proficient at putting on a good show for the sake of propriety. None would suspect she’s only at the party to keep an eye on the man suspected of acts against the crown.
    Is she more likely to mingle or remain aloof?
    Mingle, but always on the look for possible danger.
    If she drinks, what is her drink of choice at this party?
    She doesn’t drink.
    The heroine 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?
    None of those ;-) It would be to receive a secret missive that needs to be decoded.
    Is she likely to latch onto a friend and stay with him/her and ignore others, or is she the friend that others latch onto?
    She is the friend that others latch onto.
    If someone picked a fight at this party, how is the heroine going to handle it?
    Depends on who is involved. She doesn’t want to giveaway her secret ;-)
    Is the heroine the one most likely to get tossed out of the party, or the one who does the tossing?
    Of course not! She may be a spy, but she’s still a lady.
    Will she know when to leave, or stay late and make a nuisance of herself?
    If anything, Elizabeth leaves early.

    The Heroine’s Stressed Out Side

    How does the heroine handle it if the cops or some other authority figure pulls her aside when she was blameless in a situation?
    Elizabeth is not some simpering miss. She will defend herself and her actions.
    How does the heroine react to hearing a scream?
    Run and investigate.
    If she sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing that crosses her mind?
    That Typhon- the elusive antagonist in Only a Hero Will Do- or one of his lackey’s has infiltrated the ton.
    If she sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing she does?
    Pulls out her pocket pistol from her thigh holster and goes after the assailant.
    This heroine attempts to rescue someone and realizes that she is in over her head. The odds are against her and there is no way out. She is going to get her butt handed to her. What does she do?
    Never give up, that’s for certain! Perhaps restrategize a little and then rise to the occasion.
    The heroine runs into the one person from her past she wanted to avoid. She can’t get out of the situation and must interact with him/her in some way. What does she do?
    Miss Elizabeth Atwell is the daughter of a viscount and knows how to put on a good show for the sake of propriety.
    Someone younger than the heroine is in charge of the situation, and they are handling it badly, perhaps bungling things. How does the heroine deal with it?
    Take control, of course.
    The heroine is in physical pain but must bear up under it and keep going. What does she tell herself in order to get through the situation?
    “This is your chance to prove that you do belong. You are a spy.”
    What mentor’s words come to mind in a bad situation?
    I wouldn’t have asked you to be part of the Legion if I didn’t believe you were capable.
    What lesson from her past gets her through a stressful situation?
    Being told she would never have a place in a man’s world. She was going to prove every naysayer wrong.

    Only a Hero Will Do

    Captain Grant Alexander is an enigma in London society. Dashing and handsome, he coldly eschews marriage. But the ton knows nothing of his role in the Legion: to bring Typhon, the traitor who seeks to destroy the British monarchy, to justice.

    When Grant is thrown together with fellow Legion member Elizabeth Atwell, he’s instantly beguiled yet exasperated by this beautiful viscount’s daughter. She has little interest in combing the marriage mart for a well-bred, well-heeled husband, but is adept at code-breaking and handling a bow and arrow. She also refuses to do as she is told, insisting she accompany Grant on his mission.

    As Typhon continues to evade capture and dark forces are at work, Grant realizes he must act, not only to protect the realm but Elizabeth too…not to mention his heart, which is in danger of thawing every time she comes close…

    Genre Historical romance- Regency
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    Publisher Self-pub
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Only-Hero-Will-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B071LS5KSB

    Alanna Lucas Social Media

    Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California, but always dreamed of distant lands and bygone eras. From an early age she took interest in art, history, and travel, and enjoys incorporating those diversions into her writing. Alanna makes her home in California where she spends her time writing historical romances, dreaming of her next travel destination, and spending time with family.

    Website https://alannalucas.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/alannalucas27
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlannaLucas/
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    Newsletter https://alannalucas.com/contact/