Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Sara Rosett | 20 Questions: MURDER AT THE MANSIONS
Author Guest / February 7, 2022

  1–What is the title of your latest release? Murder at the Mansions   2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? A block of flats in 1920s London has all the modern conveniences . . . including murder. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? The main character, Olive, has just moved into a service flat in London—think Whitehaven Mansions in the Poirot television show, and you’ll have a good idea of what I pictured as her new home. I read up on service flats and decided it would be a great setting for Olive’s next adventure. I’d written several country house mysteries in the series. Why not a mystery set in her new flat? The setting brought together a mix of characters with secrets and interesting backstories. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? Yes! I can see us going to tea at Harrods then Olive could give me a tour of London. 5–What are three words that describe your hero? Determined, optimistic, energetic 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? I discovered all sorts of interesting things about service flats and well as trains. Olive has to chase…

Bonnie Vanak Interview – Writing in a Continuity Series
Author Guest , Interviews / February 7, 2022

As an avid romance reader, I see these “Colton” books advertised everywhere, and I know they’re not all written by the same author. What’s the deal? Do the same group of characters show up in each book? Does each work as a standalone? The Colton books are known as continuities, usually a series of about six to twelve books. Each continuity features a family branch of Coltons and each book is written by a different author. We are given guidelines to write the book. Usually characters from previous books do make appearances in the subsequent books. For example, Colton 911: Chicago, Under Suspicion, is my book. It’s Book 12 in the continuity. Sean from Book 1 is friends with Harry, the hero of my book. Sean and his wife January make a few guest appearances in Under Suspicion. I do know my book can be read as a standalone, but it’s more fulfilling to read the previous 11 books in that particular continuity. How would you describe your latest book in the series, Colton 911: Under Suspicion? Would you say there is an equal amount of action, mystery, and romance – or does one dominate more than the other? In…

Cait Nary | Author-Reader Match: SEASON’S CHANGE
Author Guest / February 4, 2022

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors as a reader you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Cait Nary! Writes: I write character-driven M/M hockey romance that’s not scared to tackle the darker side of hockey culture. As a hockey fan with her eyes open to the sport’s shortcomings, I wanted to write a book that grappled with the challenges of falling in love in an environment that is profoundly heteronormative and steeped in toxic masculinity. In SEASON’S CHANGE, Olly and Benji spend all their time together—on the ice, in the locker room, in their shared apartment—and learn that ignoring their unspoken feelings isn’t an option. About: A Southerner who somehow managed to stumble my way into hockey fandom, my interests include yelling “Shoot!” at the Philadelphia Flyers; cheering for whoever is playing against the Washington Capitals at my closest geographic hockey arena; and refusing to learn how to interpret advanced hockey analytics. I’m a big fan of arena-sized light beers and collecting more hockey-themed snapbacks than I will ever be able to wear. What I’m looking for…

Jill Eileen Smith | 20 Questions: THE PRINCE AND THE PRODIGAL
Author Guest / February 4, 2022

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE PRINCE AND THE PRODIGAL 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? I don’t usually create an elevator pitch, but my publisher came up with this, which I like: Two brothers among twelve. One pampered. One petulant. After a stunning betrayal, Judah struggles to forget what he’s done while Joseph attempts to move on from what’s been done to him. Is there hope for reconciliation for one of Egypt’s most powerful men and his wayward brother or will vengeance win the day? 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? The Bible picked the locations and approximate time frame. 4–What are three words that describe your main character? Integrity, Honest, Trusting 5–Which side character stole your attention the most from the main storyline? Judah gets almost as much page time as Joseph does because this story is really a tale of two brothers, One a prince. One a prodigal. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? God often takes many years and uses the most unlikely circumstances to mold us into the person He wants us to be. 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait…

Alana Quintana Albertson | Author-Reader Match: RAMON AND JULIETA
Author Guest / February 4, 2022

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Alana Quintana Albertson! Writes: I write heart books filled with passion and culture. My latest book, Ramón and Julieta, celebrates Latine joy and is the tale of star-crossed lovers who meet on Day of the Dead and discover they are from star-crossed families. It’s the first book in the Love & Tacos series. About: I’m a California chica living in sunny San Diego. I live with my husband and two sweet sons and run a dog rescue, Pugs N’ Roses. I spend my free time walking along the beach, doing yoga, and gardening. You can find me sipping an iced Mexican oat milk mocha and eating tacos. What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match: Looking for readers who want to fall in love with strong, sexy characters that are deeply rooted in their beliefs. Must love to laugh, have a great appetite, and must love dogs! What to expect if we’re compatible: Vivid descriptions of food Always a shelter pet sidekick Swoon-worthy romance Sexy times Road trip through…

Amber Royer | Top Ten Things About Cruise Ships
Author Guest / February 3, 2022

I love the chance to get to explore fun settings in my fiction.  That’s one of the reasons OUT OF TEMPER: Bean to Bar Mysteries Book 3 is set Aboard a cruise ship.  The ship in my fictional cruise line is sailing out of Galveston, from the terminal just down the street from where I placed Felicity’s shop.  In the book, she’s still active in her role as chocolate maker: this time she’s been asked to do demos of her work aboard the ship. I’ve been on a number of cruises, even done enrichment lectures aboard ships myself.  And there are so many things that make me want to go back.  Here’s my top 10. 10–Eggs Benedict.  Because I’m not going to get up early enough to make Hollandaise for myself at home. I’ve found Eggs Benedict on the breakfast menu of every ship I’ve been on. (Though I’ve by no means been on all cruise lines, so your mileage may vary.)  The fictional cruise line in my book offers a Texas-themed menu, so Felicity gets Chicken Fried Steak Benedict. 9–Shore excursions!  You never know where you will be able to go. (Bonus: It is always warm in the Caribbean.)…

Lya Badgley | When Dying is Not the Worst Thing You Can Imagine
Author Guest / February 2, 2022

In February 1987, I was thriving. I was performing in local Seattle clubs to promote my new album and researching a historical fiction novel based on the life of Joan of Arc. I was in love. But then I got a headache that wouldn’t go away. Throbbing pain made me nauseous. Over the course of a week, my vision morphed from tones of sepia brown to black nothingness, and I became blind in one eye. There were blood tests, spinal taps, and visits with doctors tapping my joints with rubber mallets. How many fingers do you see? And then the final, fateful test with an ophthalmologist who didn’t mince words. See those white spots? I squinted with my good eye at the black and white Seurat image of my brain. You definitely have Multiple Sclerosis. I took a sobbing breath, already knowing my world would never be the same. The headache morphed and moved throughout my body, a wolf chewing my arm, a knife stabbing my back. But, eventually, I discovered a hidden secret. Extreme pain left me with the most significant, most liberating gift the universe could ever give –the realization that I had nothing left to lose. I…

Sarah Sundin | 20 Questions: UNTIL LEAVES FALL IN PARIS
Author Guest / February 2, 2022

1–What is the title of your latest release? UNTIL LEAVES FALL IN PARIS 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? When the Nazis march into Paris, an American woman uses her bookstore to aid the resistance, while a businessman chooses to sell his products to Germany—and send vital information home to the US. Can they work together for the higher good, or will it cost them everything they love? 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? Paris is so romantic, World War II novels set in Paris are very popular, and I’d never set a World II novel in Paris, so it was time! I wanted a fresh spin, so when I learned of the thousands of Americans who remained in Paris after the Germans invaded—even though the US was neutral and they were free to go home—I wondered why they stayed. The hero and the heroine in UNTIL LEAVES FALL IN PARIS represent some of the reasons Americans remained in the blacked-out City of Lights. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? Absolutely! Lucie Girard is delightful—creative, enthusiastic, and warm. She’s interested in everything artistic and literary, but in the…

Jennifer Deibel | 20 Questions: THE LADY OF GALWAY MANOR
Author Guest / February 2, 2022

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE LADY OF GALWAY MANOR 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? When a descendant of the creator of the famed Irish Claddagh ring is tasked with apprenticing the daughter of the new British landlord, worlds collide. He doesn’t believe in love, she’s weary of the hate. They both long to escape, but can they do so with their hearts—and lives—intact? 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I knew I wanted a book to surround the legend of the Claddagh ring, which made the decision for me! The ring was created by a resident of the area of Galway City called The Claddagh, so I knew it had to take place in that area. I also lived in County Galway for 4 years,  so it has gotten under my skin, and I just had to tell the world about it. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? Oh, I totally would! She loves dresses and tea and a good dessert, but also isn’t afraid of a good pair of trousers or to speak her mind. I’d say we’d pair well together because…

Alison Bliss | 20 Questions: OUT OF THE BLUE
Author Guest / February 1, 2022

1–What is the title of your latest release? OUT OF THE BLUE 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?  A curvaceous woman on a wellness journey falls for her personal trainer. But will her newfound courage allow her to face her biggest fear and seize the life she truly wants? 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place?  OUT OF THE BLUE is the fourth book in my Perfect Fit series, and all of the titles in this series have taken place in the fictional town of Granite, Texas. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?  Absolutely! Preslee is a kind, genuine character who has real insecurities like the rest of us. She’s clumsy, playful, and has a funny—if not quirky—sense of humor. She would be so much fun to hang out with. 5–What are three words that describe your hero? Kind, positive, and competitive. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book?  While writing OUT OF THE BLUE, I learned that not everyone takes the same path on their wellness journey…and that there’s nothing wrong with sometimes paving your own road. 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you…