Hi, readers! I hope you’re having a wonderful New Year celebration! 😀 Such a crazy busy year, right?
Anyway, let’s get down to discussing why we’re here. If you’re a loyal follower, then you know I do a New Year’s Eve post every year.
When our clocks and calendars reset, and we switch to another digit or two once a year, it becomes a time of renewal. A chance to look back on the ups and downs – our experiences throughout the year – and to digest the opportunity of starting over. Finally, it’s a clean slate, though our memories will always be with us, and thereby color the past and present in numerous ways.
For some reason, this ‘reset’, so to speak, always makes me think about the idea of reincarnation.
Due to some parts of my personality, I’ve actually wondered in the past if I would’ve fared better as a Victorian woman (LOL). Whether or not this concept jives with your belief system, in a way, we reinvent ourselves each year – reincarnate – shucking the cocoons we’ve been in just to face our metamorphoses with new wings and horizons. The reset is often cathartic.
Chris Flexen, Unsplash
To honor this notion, I’ve decide to take a moment and list some reincarnation romances I found on Amazon. Afterwards, I’ll give you an overview of all the I Love Romance Blog posts from 2019, divided by respective category. Just in case you missed any of them! 😉
Without further ado, let’s check out some romance books with a reincarnation theme…
I have so much gratitude for author Kevin Ethan, due to the excellent book review work he did for a while there on this romance blog. He was always so pleasant to me. Let’s all wish him a swift and successful recovery during this rough time he’s going through…
Well, I hope we’ve given readers some new novels to find, as well as fascinating romantic posts to glance over.
Many thanks to all the participating authors and guest content writers! ♥♥♥ You’ve helped to expand ILRB into what it is today. 😀
On a final note, I’d like to extend an invitation to both writers and readers to contribute to our guest book reviews (see our blog policy for more information). My current book reviews are closed, as I need to time to work my way down the list, but I will get to them. So…if you’d like to do a shout out with a brief commentary on a book you loved, please email me and I’ll get your guest book review scheduled. Use the subject heading ‘Interest in Writing A Guest Book Review on ILRB’. There’s no need to be shy at all! 😀 I can just put your first name on the post, if you prefer. These guest book reviews will be published on the blog in a first come, first served fashion. Additionally, as a thank you, I’ll add the book title to ‘Our Fave Reads’ page on ILRB for more exposure to romance readers. 🙂
Doesn’t sound like a bad deal, right? And, of course, we’re open to new ‘What Does Romance Mean to Me’ posts. You do not need to have written or published a book to participate!
In the meantime, I’m always willing to help out with book features, new release features, author and character interviews, and other types of posts to promote your work.
I hope you have a wonderful, successful new year, and it leaves you healthy and content! 😉
Happy reading, as always, and Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉
Can their broken paths weave their hearts together as they travel the rescue road?
I am pleased to announce a great book release by Gayle, a talented author I met during my journey! Her new clean contemporary romance, Rescue Road, book one of the Pet Rescue Romance Series, officially released on October 19th!
Yay! That’s awesome! Congrats on your new release!
When a new book comes out, it’s always an exciting time for an author!
Gayle is giving us a look at her clean romance with a pet rescue theme, Rescue Road, today.
Great cover!
This is the blurb for Rescue Road:
Freelance writer Rhiann Kelly shelved romance for years. Her dream of starting an animal sanctuary takes deep roots after finding the perfect location in southwestern Montana and purchasing the property for back taxes.
Emergency medical technician Levi Butler knows his elderly friend left the ranch to him in his will. Levi anxiously awaits the probate to be complete so he can plan his retirement and begin his dream of raising and selling horses.
When Rhiann and Levi find each other at the ranch simultaneously, sparks fly – and not the romantic kind. Yet their mutual attraction deepens, especially after Levi finds Rhiann injured in an accident. Meanwhile, land developer Dallas Patterson sets his sights on charming Rhiann to obtain the land.
Can Rhiann and Levi work together to detour Patterson and find a solution in which neither needs to give up their dream, or will the fence line of their hearts – and the property – separate them forever? Can their broken paths weave their hearts together as they travel the rescue road?
Here is an excerpt to entice you with!
Rhiann stood on the porch of the mid-century ranch house. Cup of coffee in hand, she watched the blazing orange sunrise. Streamers of light cascaded on the mountains west of the property, casting a rosy glow on the rocks and patches of snow upon the higher elevation. October’s morning danced with the browning grasses of the nearby pastures as touches of frost shimmered upon tan sprigs surrounding the house. Overhead, a flock of Canada geese in traditional V formation honked as they winged their way south.
Rhiann observed them and whispered, “We have something in common. We’re starting over.”
****
As he drove closer to the ranch house, Levi noticed a small, red dual-cab pickup parked near the building. His eyes squinted. He remembered seeing a similar vehicle at the Twin Bridges Campground yesterday. He parked next to the truck.
“Who in the world could that be?” he murmured as he exited his pickup.
He looked at the license plate. He didn’t remember George knowing anyone from Washington state. He saw a heart-shaped sticker on the side. Levi scowled. He meandered to the driver’s side and saw the “Rescue Road” emblem.
“Can’t be,” he muttered.
He looked up when he heard the front door of the house slam. He stared.
“What are you doing here?” he and Rhiann asked simultaneously.
****
Rhiann couldn’t believe her eyes. Left hand on her hip and straw broom in her right, she glared at the man she had met yesterday.
“Well?” she questioned, looking Levi in the eye. “Answer my question. What are you doing on my ranch?”
“Your what? YOUR ranch? This is my land,” he snapped.
“Uh, unless your last name is Kelly or McCallister, I don’t think so.”
Levi stalked toward the front porch. Rhiann took a step back. She looked into his smoldering gray eyes as he said, “George Nelson left this place to me. Just who are you to come claim it as yours?”
Before she could respond, he rushed on, “Are you related to George? I didn’t think he had any kids or grandkids. Are you a niece or something?”
Rhiann shook her head. “I didn’t know Mr. Nelson. I’m the granddaughter of Mary Martha McAllister. She was born here, in that log cabin over there.”
She pointed to the two-room dwelling to her right.
“That’s my house,” Levi said.
She detected the curt tone, and she responded in kind.
“I don’t know why you keep saying you own this property. That cabin, this place, has been mine for nearly four months and was in my family for two generations. I’m just now getting here after settling the back taxes.”
Levi’s face blanched. “Back taxes? What are you talking about?”
At that moment, his cell phone rang. She watched him pull the device from a back pocket of his jeans. He turned away from her.
“Mr. Williamson, Yes, this is Levi Butler. You have news for me?” He paused in his conversation. “I see.”
Rhiann continued observing him. He gradually turned toward her. His eyes darkened, and his teeth clenched. Rhiann took a step back, holding the broom in both hands. I’ll swing this thing at his head if he takes one more step.
“Yes, yes, I’ve met her. In fact, I’m looking at her right now.”
His icy statement sent chills up Rhiann’s spine.
****
Levi gripped the cell phone tighter. His mind tried to process the words spoken by George’s attorney. A few moments later, he said, “I see. Not the news I expected to hear, but thanks for letting me know.”
He clicked off and stared at Rhiann. He noticed she held the broom as if to fend off an attacker. He wanted to punch something, but knew he couldn’t. He took a deep breath and clenched a fist. He exhaled a ragged breath. A moment of silence ticked by. Levi inhaled again, trying to steady himself. As he released the air and unclenched his fist, he spoke in a terse, but controlled tone.
“Someone who knows nothing about this place, its history, or the man who lived here…I guess it’s yours after all.”
Levi stalked to his pickup and jumped into the driver’s seat. He backed the Chevy toward the Y junction and stomped the accelerator. He heard a large spray of gravel as the truck tires dug in, and he drove from the house.
“What a delightful book! If you love dogs, you will love this book! Rhiann Kelly dreamed of creating an animal sanctuary. Levi Butler dreamed of raising and selling horses. Will their dreams come true? Read this book that is truly engaging and a very enlightening storyline to find out the answers. This is the first book in the Pet Romance series and I can’t wait for book two!
Gayle Irwin writes from her heart and adds touches of drama, and lots of love of animals and even a bit of humans to this book. Get yours today!” – Nancy Butler, Amazon
“Y’all, I loved every dang page of it! Rhiann is a girl that has a heart for animals and people, but she got burned 15 years ago by her state trooper boyfriend. Levi has been hurt before but when he becomes Rhiann knight in a shining EMS truck… life changes.
It’s been a while since I really sat down and read a book – like almost 3 months due to life and my health. However, I was intrigued and thought this might be exactly what I needed. Rhiann reminded me of myself with the love of her grandparents. Most of y’all know how much my Pawpaw meant to me…if not, check out Southern Perfection. Her caring and genuine attitude was something I admired as well as Levi’s willingness to help others. I also really enjoyed the drama with Dallas. It gave a little extra excitement but also didn’t linger too long. I can’t wait for the second in this series!
Rescue Road is a book that will have you turning each page, cheering for true love and happily ever after for people, a farm, and many precious pups along the way!
If you’re looking for a clean, sweet animal lovers romance with a little twist of danger, one-click Rescue Road today!”– Casey, Amazon
“Hard to put down! Great story line! Rescue Road is a story with romance, drama, and intrigue. I wanted to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. There’s a lot of rescuing going on, between the people and with the dogs. And pet adoption is a large part of the story, and that’s something I advocate and support. I’ve read other stories Gayle created and I find her writing very engaging. If you enjoy light and clean romance and like dogs, you’ll love this book!” – Judy Lund, Amazon
Nice tension! Gotta love this sneak peek. ♥♥♥
I can just imagine this will be quite a read for me!😉
(Rapid knock on the studio door.)
(Marie frowns.)
Who could that be? I’m not expecting a package or anything.
(Footsteps approaching.)
Oh, my! Wow, I didn’t know you were coming…
This is even better, readers. We have the author, Gayle M. Irwin, who just dropped in for a quick visit. Let’s give her a warm welcome! 😀
It’s great to have you here, Gayle. Please come and sit down for a sec. Aww, you brought Jeremiah too. Good thing I took my Benadryl this morning. (Laughs.) 😉
Author Gayle M. Irwin: Hi, Marie! Thanks for letting me stop by.
Marie: Of course, it’s my pleasure! So nice to meet you in person, by the way! (Shakes hands with her guest.)
Gayle: Great to meet you too.
Marie: Well, I hope you don’t mind if I ask you a few questions while you’re here?
Gayle: Sure, I’d love that! 🙂
Marie: Awesome!
Can you tell us a little about your background? When did your first book come out and where can we get it?
Gayle: Prior to becoming an author in 2007, I was a journalist for small-town newspapers. I enjoy sharing stories that inspire, educate, and entertain children and adults. I am also a freelance writer, providing stories to newspapers and magazines, and I’m a contributor to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books. In addition to writing, I am an advocate for pet rescue and adoption, serving as a volunteer for various animal welfare organizations and weaving that passion into some of my writing, including my new novel, Rescue Road, which released earlier this month. My first book is titled Sage’s Big Adventure: Living with Blindness, a chapter book about courage and perseverance based on the life of my blind dog. The book is available through Amazon.
Marie: That’s great!
A lot of readers love origin stories. What inspired you to start writing?
Gayle: As a child, I wrote poems and TV scripts. I enjoyed telling stories through writing about my favorite television characters and sharing the beauty of nature through poetry. As a young adult, I continued crafting poems (just for myself) and tried my hand at short stories. I took journalism and creative writing classes while in college. Upon graduating from the University of Idaho with my bachelor’s degree in communication, I worked for community newspapers in Montana, becoming editor of the West Yellowstone News for a few years. I enjoyed sharing stories about America’s first national park and the surrounding forest lands and special small community in which I lived. I continue crafting special stories in my freelance work, which includes online and print publications. I find the same joy in writing books, whether for children or adults, encouraging, inspiring, and educating as well as entertaining.
Marie: Nice! 😉
How did you get into writing romance?
Gayle: I took a fiction writing class at my local community college about six years ago, in which I began another middle grade dog story. I followed up with another creative writing class the following year and decided to venture into a new genre (romance) that could help educate adults about pet rescue. Several revisions and years later, Rescue Road resulted and released recently. I plan this to be a series, which I’ve titled “Pet Rescue Romance”. Book two should be available next summer.
Marie: Wonderful! 😀
What, do you feel, sets Rescue Road apart from other books in the genre?
Gayle: This clean, contemporary romance weaves the concepts of pet rescue and adoption into the story. My female protagonist rescues dogs and wants to create an animal sanctuary on land she’s purchased. My male protagonist is an EMT. Both do rescue work. They also rescue one another from the bitterness of past relationships. They take a chance on each other and they give second chances to others. It’s a story about second chances, forgiveness, and trust, not only among the couple, but with the dogs. That’s what rescue, whether we rescue a human or an animal, is all about. That’s what love is about, too.
Marie: True! ♥♥♥
(Phone rings.)
😥
Oh, no, it looks like our guest had to take a personal call outside. I guess I’ll have to chat with her via email again when I get a chance. But in the meantime, let’s give her a big round of applause for her new release, shall we? Believe me, it’s not easy to write a book, and especially a challenge to polish one and get it out on the market.
How about a hand for Gayle?
Woo, that’s better… 😀
Thank you for telling us about your new pet rescue/clean romance book! It sounds fabulous! 🙂
In addition to her book writing, Gayle is a freelance writer, including a contributor to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books, such as. The Dog Really Did That? and The Spirit of America. She began submitting and seeing her stories published in this internationally-acclaimed publication in 2008; her first accepted piece was simply titled “Sage,” about her blind springer spaniel. Sage was the catalyst for Gayle’s book authorship, with her first publication, Sage’s Big Adventure, a chapter book, published in 2007. She’s written several other children’s books since then, most featuring her dogs as the primary characters.
Her writing career started more than 30 years ago when she began working for newspapers. She continues freelancing for various publications, including Prairie Times in Colorado and Wyoming Rural Electric News (WREN). Her pet columns have appeared in the Douglas Budget, River Press, and Our Town Casper. She also writes and publishes a weekly pet blog.
Gayle has won several awards for her writing, for magazine and newspaper articles as well as her books, including accolades from the Wyoming Press Association and Wyoming Writers, Inc., a state-wide writers’ group.
Her passions are pets, nature, travel, photography, and writing, which she stitches together in the tapestry of her life and weaves into her writing and speaking.
Will Lia choose duty over the desires of her heart?
I am pleased to announce a cool book blog tour going on right now, presented by Gloria Silk, an author I met during my journey! We wish you many successes with your series!
Here at the I Love Romance Blog, we love discovering romance novels! ♥
Let’s hear a little about this great book series…
Nice!
This is the blurb for First and Only Destiny, The Destiny Series, Book 1:
Second edition of USA Today Bestselling Author’s debut novel.
Do you believe in love at first sight? First love has never been more intense, heartbreaking, and oh so worth it! Shy artist Lia cannot resist gorgeous genius, Devraj. Sparks fly and their families and friends try to break them apart.
FIRST LOVE…
It’s love at first sketch for shy, sheltered art major Lia Abraham, when she meets the Bollywood-gorgeous Devraj Shah at a London university. But she refuses to show her undeniable attraction to the gregarious genius who is being groomed for his family business empire. Nothing can stand between her and her dreams of traveling and teaching art across Europe. No taking risks or detours for Lia!
FIRST KISS…
The last thing Lia needs is a handsome distraction from her true love: art. Although she protests, the charming Devraj, with his dimpled grin and sparkling eyes, convinces Lia to be “just friends”.
But inevitably—with one rain-soaked, sweet yet sizzling kiss—their unleashed desire becomes stronger than their cultural divides—a Hindu boy and a Jewish girl? Gods forbid!
As their friendship flares into an all-consuming passion, the growing pressure from both families changes the landscape of both their lives.
FOREVER LOVE?
Despite loving him to distraction, will Lia’s gratitude to her frail grandparents, who raised her, and her loyalty to her cultural ties, force her to forsake the forbidden fruit of her love for Devraj?
Or can she stand up for her first and only love and face their uncharted future head on?
A PORTION OF ALL GLORIA SILK BOOK PROCEEDS GO TO THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY.
Gloria is giving us a peek at at this new adult multicultural romance, First and Only Destiny, today.
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Multicultural, New Adult Romance
Release Date:September 9, 2014
Chapter One:
University of Central London, eight months earlier
Lia stole another glance at the beautiful, exotic young man whose image she was trying to capture in her sketchpad. Ignoring the bustling atmosphere of the campus cafeteria, she focused on the sensuous feel of the charcoal stick within her shaking fingers as it stroked the paper. Surreptitiously, she studied her subject’s confident body language and his slightly amused, slightly superior expression, which acted on all her senses.
Once again, everything around her had faded to background noise as soon as she had seen the tall, young man several yards away, standing with his friends, yet seeming to be apart from them.
What a perfect Rajah he would be, dignified and confident, waiting for his beautiful Hindi bride to appear. Lia imagined the delicate fragrance of a jasmine-and-rose wedding garland around his neck. She resisted the temptation to draw him in a traditional white-and-gold bridegroom’s suit.
Why had she never met a ‘suitable’ Jewish man who captured her imagination like this?
Suddenly, her subject turned away from the girl smiling up at him and looked straight at Lia.
Immediately she glanced away from those bright hazel eyes. Heat flushed her cheeks and her shaking hand stilled above her sketch. Why had she chosen to draw him again? Was she watching too many Bollywood movies with her aunt and grandmother?
Compelled by fascination with the forbidden, Lia hesitantly lifted her head. She watched the young man stride towards her across the short span between them, his gaze never releasing hers.
She gulped, forgetting how to breathe.
Hunching over her sketchpad, she wished she could disappear. He would not understand her interest in him was purely artistic.
Or was it?
Her world slowed as his bold steps covered the distance between them, like a conquering Maharaja with golden-dark skin claiming his bride. The charcoal stick snapped in half in her hand. A sense of inevitability rippled through her as he reached her table and she raised her head to look fully into his face.
Her many sketches had not done him justice.
Drawing in a revitalizing breath, she stared into those amber eyes that seemed to shine from within.
Lia absorbed his relaxed aura and easy-going smile, the tones of his skin, and the shiny black hair stroking his denim shirt collar. Even the slight bump on his regal nose added to his attraction.
His eyes lowered to her sketch.
With clammy, shaky hands, she snapped the pad shut but could not look away from him.
He rested one large, golden, beautifully shaped hand on the edge of the table and leaned toward her.
“Like what you see?” he asked in a rich baritone that caressed even as it teased.
“I don’t know what you mean.” Her face prickled, leaving her as hot as if sunburned. She probably looked as red as a cooked lobster.
Smile widening, he sat opposite her. “Let me see?” his tone a mix of request and demand she found arrogant…and maybe a little attractive.
She clutched her sketchbook. “Absolutely not.”
Her refusal did not dim his smile. “Did you give me horns and crossed-eyes?”
Lia shook her head. “No, of course not! I mean it’s…it’s private.”
He shrugged, studying her. “Well, it’s my image you’re using. I should be allowed to see what you’ve done.”
She took a slow, steadying breath. “I…I’m sorry. I won’t sketch you anymore.”
“I don’t mind. In fact, I’m flattered. I just want to see—”
“Please leave me alone.”
His dark brows rose. “Hey, now. That’s not very friendly. You seemed to be interested—”
“Please?” she interrupted softly, but clearly he heard her because he stopped in mid-sentence and watched her reproachfully.
It was her own fault. She had been staring at him, drawing him, for several days. Treating him as if he were a still life. But he was a live, healthy, attractive man, not a bowl of fruit, so of course he had misunderstood.
She glanced at the group he had left minutes earlier, several young men, as dazzlingly handsome as the hunks in Gillette adverts, and sophisticated girls draped next to them, all students, and all strangers to her.
They had gone silent, their eyes fixed on her with open curiosity. Also obvious was the hostility in the narrowed eyes and flattened lips of one young blonde woman, fashionably dressed, and boldly made up. Her confident and assertive body language proclaimed her a woman who belonged here, not intimidated and out of her depths, like Lia felt.
Heat penetrated from her neck up to her face as Lia shifted her gaze from the scrutiny of this man’s friends and looked up only far enough to focus on his chin. “Please go away.” In the silence that met her words, she suddenly heard how rude, how unfriendly she sounded.
Maybe if she explained. “I’m sorry, I-I’m here…just to study. I’m not supposed to…mingle.”
She watched as he weighed her words, holding her breath, willing him to accept her explanation and simply retreat to his own world.
Instead, he grinned and shook his head. “I’m Devraj, but people call me Dev, or Dave.” The long fingers of his outreached hand drew her attention but she was not supposed to have physical—or any other—contact with men.
Devraj. Even his name was striking, regal. Feeling panicky because she wanted to touch his hand, wanted to feel his fingers on her own, Lia stood so quickly that her chair made a harsh noise against the floor.
Devraj stood up, too. Staring at him, slightly swaying forward Lia suddenly understood how magnetism worked. Grabbing her large cumbersome bag and draping it over her left shoulder she said, “I told you, I’m here, at this school, to study, not t-to meet strangers. I…I have to go. Excuse me.”
Her pulse galloping, Lia clutched her sketchbook to her chest and spun round to flee.
“Beautifully written love story. The prose in this book is extraordinary, the emotions heart-breaking and the author leaves you hanging on the edge right to the end of the story. I could feel the characters’ happiness, confusion, pain and sadness. When it rained, I felt that rain on me, when the characters were laughing, I laughed – it was really that good! I can’t wait to read the next story in this book and will add Ms. Silk to my “must-buy” authors. Love her writing! Ms. Silk fills the pages with emotion – hope, happiness, sadness, guilt, joy – you will run the gamut with this book.” – Elizabeth Lennox, Author of the Thorpe Brothers series
The quintessential love story of two people in love who must overcome obstacles that should not make a difference to their happiness; but does!
Will we ever learn? Will there come a time when race, culture and all the other things that supposedly separate us as humans be done away with?
Gloria Silk’s beautifully written “First and Only Destiny” intends to do just that! –Yvonne Finn (Amazon)
I have never been deeply touched by any other book like this one, and to think that I found this through a random search only in my Kindle from Amazon! I’m a believer of first ❤️ love, and this is just the right story for me… well written with amazing characters, incredible racial interactions between two young students belonging to different faiths or beliefs but so much in love, nothing could stop them! Oppositions from both families kept them apart, this heart wrenching love story made me cry, with so many frustrating situations, Devraj’s obsession is incredibly designed by this talented author, hopelessly but determined in his one and only love… we need to follow whats in store for this star-crossed lovers in the second book of this phenomenal story!!!– Maria B (Amazon)
Let’s also check on the second book in the series, see what it’s about…
This is the blurb for Second Destiny, The Destiny Series, Book 2:
From USA Today Bestselling Author, Gloria Silk
The standalone bestseller, First and Only Destiny gave Lia and Devraj their own well deserved dramatic and satisfying happy-ever-after! BUT what if…
What if Lia and Devraj lose each other within minutes and are both left devastated, unable to forget each other?
Second Destiny is an emotional, sensuous story of the star-crossed lovers reuniting 19 years later. Just as Lia discovers her husband’s infidelity, her first love, Devraj is at her door. Lia’s 18-year-old daughter and Devraj’s nephew are repeating romantic history.
Can Lia and the Bollywood-gorgeous hero put their past behind them, or will their sizzling, intense passion reignite and endanger everything in its path?
THE OLDER GENERATION BROKE THEM APART…
Lia Abraham gave up everything for her family and culture—art, autonomy and even self-worth. Worst of all was the sacrifice of Bollywood-gorgeous, idealistic Devraj Shah, when Lia caved in to pressure from both their families. She broke her first love’s heart by marrying the “right” Jewish man.
THE YOUNGER GENERATION REUNITES THEM…
Nineteen years later, minutes after Lia demands a divorce from her cheating husband, her world turns upside down again; Devraj is at her door. His nephew and Lia’s feisty teenage daughter are repeating history. They’re in love, but the now reserved, enigmatic Devraj is dead-set against the couple’s marriage plans. He is convinced Lia’s daughter will ultimately reject his nephew the way Lia had rejected Devraj.
After years of feeling caged in a loveless marriage, Lia embraces her newly found freedom, and her resurgent passion for Devraj is irresistible. Once again, she surrenders to the true love of her life, but their affair re-ignites opposition from both families. Will Lia’s second chance at love again destroy her loved ones and her dreams?
Torn once again between her love for Devraj, her family responsibilities and her need for true independence, will Lia choose duty over the desires of her heart?
Genre: Multicultural Romance, Second Chance Romance
Release Date:September 9, 2014
Chapter One:
Something was wrong but Lia could not put a finger on it as she glanced around the long dining table at her in-laws. Her ever-silent father-in-law, Jonathan was nursing his third brandy since their arrival. Nothing new there.
The residual smells of Grace’s famous matzo ball soup, with its swirling rainbow of grease reflecting the chandelier lights, intermingled with the fresh yeasty challa rolls her mother-in-law had baked, as she did every Friday night for Sabbath.
What I wouldn’t give for a bowl of curry at this moment. Maybe tomorrow she would order it with her girlfriends at their bi-weekly lunch date. But tonight routine and tradition ruled this ritual Friday night dinner in London’s suburban Oakwood.
Watching her two silent children Lia concentrated on being in the moment. The only sounds in the slightly oppressive, antique furnished dining room were the delicate clatter of cutlery against the plates and her husband’s response to his mother’s probing questions about his latest problems with his business partner. As usual, mother and son were the two center stage entertainers, while the rest of them were their audience.
Lia observed Howard. Tonight he seemed even more distracted, obsessed, as always searching for bigger ways to promote his cosmetic-surgery practice, and still waiting to be recognized for his genius.
Nothing new here, either.
Studying his roast chicken breast through his designer glasses, Howard said, “Of course I want him out, mother. My solicitors agree that Tom’s got too unrealistic expectations of me, but I have a busy clinicto run.”
Grace expelled one of her loaded sighs. More questions and reluctant answers ping-ponged between them.
Lia was tired of these conversations, but at least no one expected her to contribute. Most of the time she felt invisible, but that freed her to observe everyone.
She had a busy, uncomplicated life, with a beautiful home and great friends. Her parents-in-law tolerated her well enough. Her children were healthy and for the most part happy.
If she had not pursued her art, it was her own choice, and she had made peace with it.
She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat and reminded herself to be more grateful.
Her husband of nineteen years may not be the perfect mate, but he was a good provider and, mostly, an indulgent father to their children.
Swaying her attention back to their children, Lia glanced at her ever silent thirteen-year-old son, Gabriel—nicknamed Gabe and sometimes Gaby—sat slouching beside her. Then Lia regarded Danielle who sat across from her.
Lia’s spine went rigid.
This was where something was definitely wrong.
Her eighteen-year-old had hardly eaten much in the past few weeks. Tonight Danielle seemed extra moody and withdrawn. What was going through the med student’s mind, sitting with her head downcast?
Medicine seemed to be her passion, but she was not the talkative type if she did have any issues with her studies.
At least Danielle had not gone through with the tattoo or belly-piercing rebellion, Lia thanked God.
Where was her funny, vivacious little girl who could not wait to spill her every adventure the moment she burst through the doors after school?
And would she ever resurface?
How could she help her daughter’s somber demeanor, while the teen appeared to act like a caged animal, yet again wearing those dark, tight fitting clothes Howard disliked?
Lia realized she was again twisting her tight engagement and wedding bands around her ring finger as if they were a double noose. She picked up her fork.
Guilt seeped through her. Were her children noticing her growing discontentment? The English spring weather always brought it on, along with the memories of a lost love.
Danielle broke the momentary silence between her grandmother and father. “Daddy, I have something to tell you.” Those wide shining eyes were a warmer shade of her father’s blue eyes.
Electricity seemed to crackle in the air around Danielle.
“What, sugar-plum?” Howard asked just as Gabe reached across the table for another roll.
“Where are your manners, Gabe?” Howard did not raise his voice, but just glared through arctic-blue eyes. “Ask if you want something.”
“S-s-sorry, D-dad.”
Lia’s heart squeezed hard. Gabe’s stutter never bothered him when mother and son were alone.
These days he spent almost all his hours in his room with his books and computer.
Picking up the basket, she held it out to him.
He shook his head. Putting down the basket, she discreetly patted his knee.
He did not pull away, but his expression made her question why she never stood up for him, or took his father to task. Oh, she had, after both children had gone to bed—or in the privacy of their bedroom when they had still shared one—arguing, reasoning with Howard, until she was emotionally exhausted talking to a human equivalent of a brick wall.
“Daddy, will you please listen?” Danielle’s voice broke through her thoughts.
Ever patient with his daughter, Howard glanced at her, resuming cutting his chicken with the precision of a perfectionist surgeon.
“I’ve met my Mr. Right. I’ve been seeing him for a year and I love him. I’d like you to meet him.”
Danielle’s honey-gold bob framed her pale face. She sat reed-straight as if expecting an explosion or at least a rare shouting match. “Sanjay is of a different culture—”
At the mention of this familiar name, Lia’s airways seemed stuffed with hardening cement, choking the breath out of her.
Someone’s cutlery clanged loudly against a plate.
“Sanjay?” Both Grace and Howard pronounced the name as if smelling something disgusting.
A warped sense of déjà vu settled over Lia, heat prickling under her arms, neck and up her face.
Danielle stared back at her father. “He’s of Indian background, but—”
“Danielle, are you out of your mind?” Grace demanded in her haughty over-British voice.
“Let me handle this, mother.” Howard continued glaring at their daughter. Wiping his mouth on his damask napkin, he stood up to his full height of five feet seven inches.
Lia could not move.
“You’ve been seeing him for a whole year.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “Why now? I thought we talked about everything.” Lia heard the tinge of betrayal.
“We do, but at first we were just friends, then it became more important and…I didn’t think you’d accept him because he’s not Jewish—”
“Glad you know your father so well.” He looked at Grace. “That was tasty, mother.” He thanked her as he thanked Lia after every meal.
He squinted back at Danielle through his glasses, his thinning oatmeal hair shone on his pinkish scalp under the chandelier lights. “This was in very poor taste, to come out with this nonsense at your grandmother’s Friday night table. Now you’ve ruined everyone’s dessert with this rubbish. I won’t get angry, but you’ll never see this person again. Or mention him. It stops now! End of conversation.”
Although his voice was firm, he gave Danielle one of the smiles he reserved for his female patients, their best friend and beauty god promising to make them look younger, more beautiful or desirable again.
But as Danielle stared up at him with that brave expression, Lia knew it was far from the end. “No, Daddy. If you won’t meet him, we’ll elope.”
Lia needed water to help her constricting throat, but she could not trust her fingers to pick up the crystal water goblet. Had she not said almost the same words to her grandfather nearly two decades ago, about an intense yet fun loving—Indian—young man?
“If you promise to see Sanjay then I’ll continue my studies after—”
“Like your mother did after I married her?” He sneered. “At least that was only art, no loss to the world. But medicine’s not to be taken lightly, young lady.”
“I don’t care about medicine, never have, and I don’t want a marriage like yours.” Danielle almost shuddered. “I want a real marriage, real love, and I will get it.”
Fists by his sides, lips even thinner, Howard turned to Lia.
For the first time in years, he glared right at her, not through her. “Do you know anything about this, considering the background of this…this…?”
“No, but the boy may be—” She started.
“He’s nearly twenty-one, Mom. He’s hardly a boy.” Without glancing at her, daughter and father dueled with each other with the same challenging eyes. “Sanjay’s smart and kind and such a hard worker, Daddy. He’s doing his MBA, and then plans to join his uncle’s business—”
Howard’s hand shot up in front of him. “Spare me the details.”
Watching, Lia’s sense of déjà vu grew stronger and her chest felt overtaxed from ineffective, too shallow breathing. Devraj had also been subtly groomed for his family business empire. Her memories were torture enough, almost distracting her from the crisis at hand.
“Why have you let this go on, Lia?” Grace asked, blinking profusely while holding her hand against her pearl-clad neck and cream cashmere sweater.
“Beautifully written love story with a perfect happy ever after.” – Elizabeth Lennox, Author of the Thorpe Brothers series
A decision is made at the end of the first book, but is it the right decision? Only time, and the next book, will tell. 🙂 In the second book, an unsettling replay in the younger generation haunts Lia and Devraj, and they face another life-altering decision. I’m so glad I bought both books at the same time so I didn’t have to wait for the answer in these emotionally-charged page turners. Get your hankies ready. – Joan Lecott (Amazon)
Loved this book, couldn’t stop reading it. I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened. I suggest reading the first book since this is a continuation of their story. Can’t wait to read more of your books!–Saguaro (Amazon)
This is the story of second chances. It follows through with Lia starting a new job and trying to start life over. She doesn’t want the distraction of dating and her pride is only going to hurt her. The twist in this story from the first story was great. I was happy to see where the author went with this book. – Terry M (Amazon)
Wow, sounds like quite a dramatic tale!😉
Here’s the book trailer…
Both of these titles can be read as standalones.
Gloria is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember, there is a chance to enter everyday so be sure to follow the Blog Tour for the contest and exclusive content. You may find the tour link here.
The Destiny Series looks great! ♥ We’ll be sure to check it out! Don’t miss the giveaway!
Author Bio
USA Today Bestselling author, Gloria Silk, loves writing sensuous, uplifting and unforgettable romance and women’s fiction. Her powerful stories are filled with passion without cultural borders, which will take you to various exotic locales around the world. Her books focus on the many facets of romantic relationships with strong and complex family bonds.
Born in Russia, her love of travel was ingrained within her from a very young age, as she has lived in various parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. Some of her favorite visited places are Austria, France, the Middle East, Hawaii and Hong Kong. Her next planned excursion is to Australia and New Zealand.
England (where she was brought up) holds a very special place in her heart with all its history and lush, green landscapes. Her background in English literature, writing and psychology help her create well-rounded, unique characters.
After spending many years in London, England, where she met and married her own loving hero, she now lives – and happily writes – in Toronto, Canada.
This week’s I Love Romance Blog review selection is Dear Heart by Linda Lingle.
This is an interesting story laid out as a compilation of diary entries that tell the story of responsibility overcoming true love.
The narrator is married and her love interest is, too. But, when a work relationship becomes so much more – they have to navigate their way through to each other. The idea of cheating on your spouse is distasteful to me, but the story goes on in a way that you can’t help but feel for the pair.
After a whirlwind romance, life takes hold and everything changes.
Will the soul mates reunite? Or will their everyday lives keep them apart?
I really enjoyed the format of this story and how the author was able to bring it to a comfortable close. While adultery might not be a topic that everyone is comfortable with, the love story at the center of it will keep you reading.
This was something that I would definitely suggest! – I give Dear Heart by Linda Lingle 3 HEARTS!
Recommended Read
Book Info:
Deirdre Reid and Hartley Tate feel an immediate attraction when they meet at the office where they will work together and fall in love. There is only one problem: they are married to others and Lee has four daughters to whom he is devoted.
For 15 months Deirdre and Lee carry on a passionate affair. Then Lee’s wife is offered a big promotion across the country. With his heart breaking, Lee leaves Deirdre in San Francisco and moves East with his family so his wife can advance her high-powered career.
Soon, unforeseen circumstances have Deirdre second-guessing her insistence on a clean break. She resists every impulse to fly to Lee’s side, but on the first anniversary of their parting, Deirdre grows increasingly regretful and melancholy. Then she receives a surprising Christmas present which sets in motion a 38-year ritual that, against all odds, keeps alive the love she shared with Lee.
As their destiny unfolds, Deirdre and Lee dream about finding their way back to each other’s arms, and an unlikely guide emerges to light the path of their journey.
I was so sorry to learn about Jean. I know you must be feeling adrift, as I did after Bill passed, and I wish I could be there with you to let you know that everything will be okay. But, after nearly forty years of suppressing my impulses to abandon everything and fly to your side, I simply cannot give in to them now. What I can do, however, is finally give voice to our most cherished memories which, after all of these years imprisoned, can at last be freed to exist within the light.
Why now? Because it is safe. There is no one left to be hurt by the knowledge of what we shared for those fifteen short, wonderful months. There’s the children, of course, but they are older now than we were when we met, and unlikely, in this day and age, to be shocked by what we did – especially since, when the time came to decide which road we would take, we opted not to disrupt their lives, nor Jean’s, nor Bill’s. I have never regretted that decision, Dear Heart, though the pain of parting left me shell-shocked for all of these years.
That is not to say that I haven’t thought about you every day since the heartbreaking morning we said goodbye, or often wished that things were still like they were all of those years ago when, after watching Soldier of Fortune on our first night together, you became my Clark, even though you looked nothing like Clark Gable, except for the mustache, and I became your Susan, even though I looked nothing like Susan Hayward, except for the color of my hair.
But it was never about looks with us, was it? It was a visceral attraction, shockingly strong, and immediately apparent. Seeing you walk by my office on your first day at Cunningham, Miller, Bender, and Schade took my breath away and, somehow in that instant, I knew that I had just glimpsed my soul mate. And when you shook my hand at the meet-and-greet, and a thrill coursed through me like electricity, and when I saw that you experienced it too, I knew that Fate had brought us together and that we were going to be lovers. It was preposterous, really, because up to that point neither I, during fourteen years with Bill, nor you, during sixteen years with Jean, had ever considered cheating, or even looked at another person with the slightest interest.
But my relationship with Bill was not like ours; with Bill, it had been a practical attraction, not a sexual one. Bill had been drawn to my energy and outgoing personality, and I to his ability to provide stability and security, which I desperately needed after my parents died. We were helpmates, not soul mates, partners journeying through life, not as explorers and adventurers, like we were, Dear Heart, but rather like Eleanor and Franklin after Lucy Mercer. And, although we had a comfortable life, it lacked the vitality that a sexual component brings to a relationship. I did not dream of Bill’s touch, nor imagine the feel of his body on mine every waking moment such that I could think of nothing else. I did not eschew sleep to indulge the fantasies of my restless libido, nor walk through life in a perpetual state of arousal, a phenomenon which I had not experienced until you came into my life.
Oh, Dear Heart, how I’ve longed to hear you call me Susie once more, how I’ve ached for you every night! And, although I highly doubt that I could get this old, arthritic body of mine to ebb and flow like it used to, I yearn for one more afternoon with you, making sheet music in decibels so loud that we surely must have scared the gulls and the fish in the bay.
But time moves on. I have long since stopped dyeing my hair that rich, auburn color you loved so much and I’ve put on a few pounds that I can’t seem to shed no matter how little I eat. And, though you have seen me at my worst and loved me still, thirty-five and full-figured is one thing, but old and plump is another, especially when you throw in grey hair and the probability that the breath required to fund just one more BIG O with you would surely be my last.
Still, after years of putting one foot in front of the other and trying not to dwell on what was, I am finally able to give myself up to the experience without fear that I will die from the pain of wanting you and not being able to have you. I have been through the worst of it and have come out the other side – battered and bloodied, yes, forever changed, certainly, but better for having known you and the rapture that comes when two souls, created from the same wisp of angel’s breath, unite in love, if only for an instant.
As I take these first steps down the road of our experience, I realize that there are those who will see this as a quest for redemption, but nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, once upon a time we found the Holy Grail of love and fulfillment and were forced to relinquish it, but not because we were unworthy. Our hearts were pure, of this I am certain, but Fate had other plans for us, and sent us on a journey to prove our love was true. It was an arduous trip of longing and desire, sorrow and pain. But there were also respites along the way, of indescribable happiness and unexpected blessings.
Although I may never again know the fire of your embrace, I will experience it nonetheless as I retrace the steps of our story – slowly and with deliberation so that I can savor every morsel of our time together. Call it self-indulgent, or the fanciful undertaking of a silly old fool, but also call it a labor of love, Dear Heart, because most of all, that is what this is.
I am pleased to announce a cool book blog tour going on right now, presented by A.J. Downey, an author I met during my journey! Congratulations on your contemporary romance series!
When a series is completed, it is both a thrilling and bittersweet time for authors!
Plus, here at the I Love Romance Blog, we love discovering new romance novels!
Let’s hear a little about this MC romance series…
Such great covers!
Let’s learn a little more about the Indigo Knights Series…
This is the blurb for Her Thin Blue Lifeline, book one:
Chrissy Franco has every reason to take one hell of a victory lap around the courtroom. She’s just defended her client to the best of her ability and what’s more? Her client was actually innocent. Oh, she’d killed her husband, baseball legend Skip Maguire, alright; but he’d been about to hit a homerun with Miranda’s head.
His rabid fan base doesn’t agree with the verdict, and they’ve set their sights on Chrissy as the one to blame. One of them is about to set into motion a dangerous game when he publishes poor Chrissy’s address online…
Enter Tony McCormick, a detective with the right kind of attitude and Chrissy’s sort of ex-boyfriend. When he’s called to Chrissy’s apartment, he’s prepared for the worst. He’s a homicide detective after all. When he arrives, it seems that someone might have forgotten to check to see if Chrissy was still alive… now it’s everything he can do to find the man who did this and the other behind it all before it’s really too late.
Book Info:
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Keywords: contemporary romance, second chance, MC romance, mystery, suspense
This is the blurb for His Cold Blue Command, book two:
Assistant District Attorney Damien Parnell leads a double life above and beyond his membership with the Indigo Knights. Driven by dark desires considered shameful by most, he covets the one thing he can’t allow himself to have – a real relationship.
Enter Ally Blaylock, an innocent by Yale’s standards. She’s the sweet and beautiful girl who makes his coffee at the café across the street from his office. She’s done her best to flirt off and on with the high powered attorney and he can’t help but be drawn to her whimsical charm.
When Ally finds her world tipped on its axis, Yale goes against his better judgment and offers her some unlikely help. He knows better than most that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but in this particular case, could it be the opposite? Could Allison Blaylock be the start down the road to his salvation?
This is the blurb for A Low Blue Flame, book three:
Lillian Banks’ career took off like a house on fire and she’s on top of the world. Great job that she loves, moved to a great city, into an opulent new condo, in one of the world’s premier smart buildings no less; all she was missing was the kind of romance to set her soul aflame. She thought she’d found it but instead, found herself burned.
Backdraft knows what it’s like to get burned and not just by fire. His ex, Torri, did quite the number on him recently by banging one of his firehouse bros behind his back. He’s sworn off love and dating altogether for the time being and is happier for it. He just wishes he could get the time he wasted with that crazy skank back again.
Out of the ashes, an unlikely friendship is formed. Backdraft and Lilli could find themselves rising if only they can get past their hurts and give things a chance. Of course, lasting happiness is no guarantee, no matter how much they might burn for each other. After all, sometimes what was doesn’t want to let go.
This is the blurb for His Wild Blue Rose, book four:
Alyssa isn’t completely honest when she answers the ad for a roommate online. True, she needs a place to live; true, she’s getting a divorce; true, he’s a cheating jerk. There’s just a little bit more to it than that. So when the ad comes across her screen Indigo City beat cop looking to rent out a fully furnished room… she jumps on it, because what could be safer than living with a cop?
Golden isn’t too keen on living with a chick, but after posting online looking for a roommate, he’s found the pickings are slim. The softly spoken brunette doesn’t seem like she’s much trouble, plus she’s got the cash up front, so what the hell? She’ll just have to get over his bringing home badge bunnies from the 10-13. He’s got a stressful job, and the best way to blow off steam, in his estimation, is hot sex.
It’s a pressure cooker waiting to blow and it turns out the new roomie has moxie, which gets Golden to thinking, which leads to him feeling. This is either going to be a really good or a really bad idea.
This is the blurb for Her Pained Blue Silence, book five:
Everleigh has had a wandering spirit since the day she was born. Her boring, small town could barely contain her and at the first opportunity, she fled. It was only natural falling in line with the freedom that MC life brought to her. The allure of never being told what to do a strong one. Sadly, she found herself trading one cage for another. Given the road name Silence, for her shy lack of voice, she’s been a part of a motorcycle gang out of Maryland. A rough and tumble lot believing in sovereignty, running guns and drugs through Indigo City.
Narcos has been undercover with the outlaw MC, the Knights of Crescentia for more than a year. In that time, he’s seen and heard all sorts of things, except for Silence’s voice. She’s the president’s Ol’ Lady and probably knows infinitely more than he does as a prospect to the club. All that is about to change. Narcos is about to be patched in. Unfortunately, patching in means going to an extreme he’d never thought he’d be pushed to and Silence is in the crosshairs.
How will he get through this, through to her, and keep them both alive?
Book Info:
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Keywords: contemporary romance, MC romance, suspense
It was a dark night of the soul for Angel, the night she appeared like his namesake. He would have liked to have known her, but she was gone the next morning. Now, more than a year later, he was doing much better, continuing his work in Indigo City’s streets as a paramedic, responding to medical emergencies.
Claire could never forget the medic whose life she saved just by being in the right place at the right time. Still, it wasn’t enough to rescue her from her own dark night of the soul and unlike him, she followed through.
Fate had other ideas for the both of them and for whatever reason, their paths crossed again at exactly the right moment. Both of them were now determined to not let this second chance pass them by, not like the first…
Book Info:
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Keywords: contemporary romance, second chance, MC romance
A.J. Downey is a born and raised Seattle, WA native. She finds inspiration from her surroundings, through the people she meets and likely as a byproduct of way too much caffeine.
She has lived many places and done many things though mostly through her own imagination…
An avid reader all of her life, it’s now her turn to try and give back a little, entertaining as she has been entertained. She lives in a small apartment in a quiet neighborhood with a larger than life fiancé and two cats.
“She’s my wife, and I’ll do anything to keep it that way.”
I am pleased to announce a great book release by Amelia, a debut author I met during my journey! Her new second chance romance, Meant to Be Kept, officially released at the end of January!
Yay! That’s awesome! Congrats on your new release!
When a new book comes out, it’s always an exciting time for an author!
Amelia is giving us a look at her contemporary new adult romance, Meant to Be Kept, today.
What a great cover!
This is the blurb for Meant to Be Kept:
One night. One too many drinks. One mistake. That’s all it took to derail my marriage.
Now, all I can do is beg for a second chance. To try and redeem myself in a bid not to lose the love of my life.
I’m determined to use every second, every moment I have to show my wife how much she means to me—to rebuild the trust I shattered.
But the harder I try, the more I start to realize our marriage had fallen into a routine of complacency and misplaced priorities long before my indiscretion.
Isabelle is a strong, passionate, beautiful woman—a wife who has sacrificed so much for me. I just hope it’s not too late for us, and that I’ll be able to convince her that our love is meant to be kept.
Here is an excerpt to entice you with!
All the air left her body in a whoosh and Izzy blinked a few times, certain she was seeing things. When the telescope and the mountain of blankets and pillows filling the bed of Tanner’s obnoxious yellow truck didn’t disappear, she spun around to face him.
“Tanner.” She breathed his name and lifted her hand to his cheek. So many thoughts ran through her mind, but none forming into coherent words. Instead she wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling closer to him than she had all week. Closer than she had in years.
His deep chuckled vibrated against her and she closed her eyes, reveling in the sensation. “I’m glad you like it, but we haven’t even gotten to the surprise yet, sweetheart.”
She pulled back, but held on to his shoulders. “What do you mean? We’re going to lie under the stars together on a huge pile of pillows, and you even got a telescope which is something we never had before. . . Tanner, what more could there possibly be?”
“Well, I’m glad you asked, sweetheart.” He stepped away from her with a grin and pulled something off the driver’s seat of his truck. When he turned back around her eyes widened at the present wrapped in dark blue paper. “A little something for you.”
Izzy shook her head, not accepting the proffered gift. “It’s not my birthday.” Her brow furrowed. “And it is still, what thirty-six days until our anniversary? So why am I getting a present?”
A brief flash of disappointment flitted across his face and served to only deepen Izzy’s confusion. But just as quickly as it had come, it disappeared. “No, it’s not your birthday or our anniversary or Christmas, even. You’re getting this because you deserve to get something you love simply because you love it, not just because I’m sorry for what I did. Which I am. Extremely.”
She couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips when she finally took the nearly flat rectangle from his grasp. She took a few steps closer to the truck, needing the help of the interior light. Izzy’s breath caught when she pulled the paper away. She looked from the gift she held in her hands to Tanner’s expectant face and back several times before jumping in his arms, still clinging to the picture frame. “Tanner.” She choked his name past the tears clogging her throat.
His grip on her tightened under her thighs, holding her close.
Izzy put her hands on his shoulders and pushed back enough to look in his face, tears streaking down her cheeks. “You bought me a star.” A bubble of laughter escaped past the happy tears. “First you bring the sky inside and now you buy me a star.”
He grinned and carried her around the bed of the truck, setting her down on the tailgate before climbing up beside her. “Come on sweetheart, let’s lay down for a bit. Unless you want to look for your star. I got the telescope to see if we could find it. Or we could look for what-”
She put a finger against his lips silencing the stream of words. A tiny part of her enjoyed seeing always confident and capable Tanner just a little nervous. She slid back on the inflatable mattress and laid down on the pile of pillows. “Being right here sounds perfect.”
Izzy had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing at how quickly he scrambled up beside her. He stretched out next to her, sliding his hand in hers and intertwining their fingers. “Belle, being anywhere with you is perfect.” He whispered the words, but they had the effect of a powerful windstorm.
“It’s been way too long since we’ve done this.”
Tanner stayed silent for a long time after her comment and part of her wondered if she shouldn’t have said anything. She chewed on her bottom lip and tried to think of anything she could say to ease the sting.
Finally he propped himself up on an elbow. “How long, Belle?”
She turned her head slightly and the earnest look on his face made her scoot closer to his side. “At least three years,” she said softly. “With the kids and work…we were just too busy.”
Tanner leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. “Not we. Me. Dammit, Belle, I’m sorry.”
She reached up to bury her fingers in his hair and pull his mouth more firmly against hers. The taste of him drove her to wiggle her body beneath his. His scent wafted over her and she barely contained a groan. She was finally surrounded by Tanner in every way and she never wanted it to end.
“Belle.” He murmured her name against her lips and began to kiss down her jaw, planting moist kisses along the column of her neck.
Izzy pulled Tanner until he was fully on top of her and her thighs were locked around his waist. When she lifted her hips and pressed against the evidence of his need she felt a gasp against her neck where Tanner had been licking and biting softly.
His hands slid under her shirt, caressing her back and drawing her closer to him. Tanner lifted the shirt over her head and began making a path of hot kisses across her bare chest. She arched into him again, her fingers tugging on his hair to bring his mouth back up to hers.
“Tanner.” She whimpered his name in between kisses, the soft cotton of his shirt rubbing against her skin, teasing every overly sensitized inch.
She’d always loved playing with Tanner’s hair and gave her fingers free reign to get reacquainted with each strand. When his hands skimmed down her sides and flicked the button open on her waistband she couldn’t help but shiver against him.
His mouth curved against hers. “You like that, sweetheart?”
She hadn’t realized until this moment just how much she missed his hands touching her and his lips leaving a scorching trail along her body.
His hands.
His mouth.
And one week ago they had been kissing someone else. Holding someone else. Touching someone else.
Izzy felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped on her, freezing her movement. She pushed Tanner away and scooted to the far corner of the mattress. She grabbed her shirt and held it against her chest. Why didn’t I put on a bra, she chastised herself.
Even in the darkness she could see his face fall. “Belle, what’s wrong?”
“I can’t.” She sobbed and gripped the shirt tighter against herself. She waved her free hand in a sweeping gesture. “Tanner, this is beautiful and perfect and you gave me the most amazing gift. . . but I can’t stop thinking about her. And you.” Her heart splintered. “And you don’t feel like mine anymore.”
She tugged her shirt on over her head, jumped out of the truck, and ran towards the dimly lit house in the distance as fast as she could.
Nice! Great sexiness and drama. Gotta love this sneak peek. ♥♥♥
So, what are people saying about this book?
“A beautiful established romance with an HEA to make you swoon. While we watch Tanner fight for his wife in the present, we also see the sweet evolution of their love from their college-aged POVs.It’s one helluva ride, and one I highly recommend you take for yourself.” – Evie Drae, Amazon
“Fantastically emotional debut. This past to present, heart-wrenching, beautifully written story drops us into the action from page one. It took hold of me and had me flipping through the pages to see how Tanner and IF Tanner could rekindle the love that was threaded through. I loved the idea of this story, that we get into the grind of daily life and need to remember to cherish what’s precious.
Izzy is the perfect lead, flawed, a little broken but wonderfully relatable. Tanner, despite his mistake, is swoon worthy. And their chemistry leaps off the page.
This book has everything: The feels that run the scale of tears to joy. Hot sex between a married couple – THANK YOU, Ms. Foster. A believable and deep plot. And two characters who grow and learn on an unstable path.” – MaritT, Amazon
“It’s so rare to read a romance about an established/married couple, which makes this one extra-special. Meant to be Kept is a heartwarming story of a couple who experience a crisis in their marriage and must determine how to move forward, not just to keep their relationship as-is but to strengthen it.” – Michelle O, Amazon
Awesome!
Thank you for telling us about your new book! It sounds fabulous! 🙂
Books, coffee, and chocolate make up both the heart and body mass that is better known as Amelia Foster. She has been a lifelong lover of the written word, both as a reader and an author, and completed her first manuscript at the ripe old age of five complete with illustrations. Sadly, her art was a medium that never improved over time, although thankfully her writing has.
From sweet to salacious the only requirement Amelia has in books she reads – and definitely in the ones she crafts – is an excessively satisfying happily ever after… and then a little bit more.
As a special Valentine’s Day edition of the weekly I Love Romance Blog review, this week’s selection is Valentine in Venice by Kaya Quinsey.
This is another short story that I wish were longer (What can I say? I love to read!), but if you’re looking for a quick, entertaining story this Valentine’s Day – check this one out.
Valentine remembers when she first visited Venice in high school. Although the sights and sounds are amazing, she definitely remembers her first kiss. Ten years later, she returns to Venice – plus one camera and minus one husband. But, fate isn’t done with her yet and Valentine is about to get her happily ever after…I think.
Though a short story, the author has done a great job of describing Venice. The way the story was told, I was taken back to my own trips to Italy and strolls down the canals of the ancient city. Considerably less steamy than last week’s selection, but heavier on the romance – this story was definitely enjoyable.
“Happily ever after…I think?”
I know, you’re wondering what that was about. The setup is there for the HEA, but we’re left to imagine it for ourselves. I actually found myself flipping a couple pages ahead to see if there was more story – then, I was a little bereft. What happened to Valentine? Did she move to Venice? Did she go back to Chicago? I’ve certainly answered all those questions for myself and Valentine is doing just fine where she is.
It is well-written and entertaining, but the speedy, cliffhanger ending was jarring – I give Valentine in Venice by Kaya Quinsey 3 HEARTS!
Recommended Read
Book Info:
Valentine Wells returns to Venice. After having visited ten years earlier when she was just sixteen years old, it was where she had impulsively met Lorenzo Dipachio. Her first kiss. Her first love.
Now twenty-six, Valentine is a successful wedding photographer in Chicago. Still impulsive, Valentine is recently divorced after being married for about a minute in Las Vegas. And she doesn’t miss the irony of being a divorced wedding photographer. Also dealing with her mother’s recent diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s, Valentine’s father convinces her that she needs a break.
Now that she is back in Venice, Valentine wants to prove to herself that she’s no longer the impulsive, daring girl who got married (and quickly divorced) in Vegas to a man she barely knew. Now, she is living by a new set of rules: planned, cautious, and carefully executed.
But her plan is challenged when she falls (literally) into the path of her first love, Lorenzo. And with Valentine’s Day around the corner, will Valentine be able to keep herself from making another big mistake?
If you’re a loyal follower, then you know I do a New Year’s Eve post every year. With the coming year brings a time of renewal – an opportunity for second chances, and even new beginnings. After a particularly difficult period in our lives, we often think about what it might be like if we ever had the chance to start over.
So today, I’m listing a bunch of books that encompass the ‘new beginnings’ theme.
How apropos for the new year, right? Let’s get started…
[Disclaimer: These are simply suggestions compiled from titles I found on Goodreads. I have neither read nor reviewed them.]
These books look great, right? Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments at the end of this post.
Also, I’d like to give a BIG shout out, a mega thank you to all the authors, writers and companies that contributed to this year’s guest posts, features and giveaways! Thanks for all your hard work with writing and giving us a chance to see your books featured here on ILRB. ♥
Listed below are the links to all of our posts from 2018.
Well, I hope we’ve given readers some new novels to find, as well as fascinating romantic posts to glance over.
In other news, we may start offering book reviews in the future here on the I Love Romance Blog. Don’t get too excited yet and email me, though! A reviewer has reached out to me and when the details are finalized, I’ll put a page up with our review policy, dedicated solely to that service. So keep checking back! 😉
In the meantime, I’m always willing to help out with book features, new release features, author and character interviews, and other types of posts to promote your work.
I hope you have a wonderful, prosperous new year, and it leaves you healthy and content! 😀
Hi, readers! I am beyond pleased to announce a very special post today on ILRB.We’re doing something a little different.This is our third official author interview on this romance blog! I know in the past, we did character interviews then switched over to the author’s take on it, but this approach is a bit unusual.
We have a real treat for you, readers. Today we get to speak one-on-one with the talented author of contemporary romance, Forgetting My Way Back to You. Please join me in welcoming Karina Bartow to ILRB! 🙂
Marie Lavender: Hello, Karina. Please have a seat.
Author Karina Bartow: Hi, Marie! I really enjoy your blog and your love of romance.
Marie: Aww, thanks! It’s such a pleasure to see you here!
I’m going to throw in some standard questions first.
Obviously, we know your occupation as an author, but some writers have other jobs as well. Do you have another occupation? Do you believe you’re any good at it? Do you like what you do?
I know I’m overloading you with questions, but we’re really interested in finding out more about you…
Karina: I’m a full-time author, and I write love stories and mysteries. I enjoy it very much, but you’ll have to ask my readers if I’m good at it!
Marie: (Laughs.) I’m sure your books are great, at least judging by what I’ve noticed so far. 😉
So, tell us…what is your family like?
Karina: My parents have been married for forty-five years, and I have an older sister. She and her husband have an eleven-year-old son, so I enjoy being an aunt.
Marie: Nice!
Let’s try something else, okay?
If it doesn’t bother you at all, can you let us know what your childhood home looked like?
Karina: It was a simple ranch when I was born, but we added a second story and turned it into a Cape Cod style. We live in the country with an acre of land, which gives me good space to drive my prized possession, my golf cart.
Marie:Awesome!
Do you have any hobbies, Karina? What do you enjoy doing?
Karina: Like any girl, I love to shop, but I have a sporty side, too, and I’m a big baseball fan. I also really enjoy listening to music and reading.
Marie: Wow! Such an eclectic blend of pastimes!
Shopping is my Achilles heel. If I have any spare money, I can get myself into trouble 😉
So…what is your greatest dream?
Karina: To have a family of my own.
Marie: Oh, me too! I can’t have biological children, so when my fiancé and I get married, we’ll have to get a little creative.
The closest I’ve come so far is adopting kitties. 😛
But I think life has a way of surprising you just when you need it the most. ♥
Let’s try another question.
What kind of person do you wish you could be? What is stopping you?
Karina: I wish I could be someone who, as they say, doesn’t sweat the small stuff. I don’t know what holds me back. Probably age and circumstances.
Marie: I know what you mean…I wish I could be a bit more casual about everything. I can get too serious about the stuff going on in my life.
Okay, I’m going to throw another random question at you now.
Not to pry too much, but who was your first love?
Karina: Dean Cain in his Lois & Clark days. Needless to say, it was unrequited!
Marie: (Laughs.) OMG, how did I forget that? I was nuts about him when I watched that show. Those dimples were to die for! 😉
Let’s try something else now.
What’s the most terrible thing that ever happened to you?
Karina: Frankly, my disability. I was born with Cerebral Palsy and have tried to make the most of my life, but it affects every part of it. I don’t wallow in that, but I can’t say I’m thankful for it, either.
Marie: Oh, no! 😥 I’m so sorry you have to deal with that, and I can’t blame you for getting discouraged. I have epilepsy, and I’ve definitely had to shape my life around that disability.
Let’s move on to something a bit lighter now, shall we?
[Karina nods.]
What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved the dream, why not?
Karina: To be a published author, and of course, I did achieve it! It hasn’t been what I expected in that it’s not as glamorous as Hollywood makes it look. Unless you’re well-known, you don’t get a nationwide book tour or a call from Oprah. Authors have to put in a lot of time marketing their work, but I’ve come to enjoy that.Marie: True enough! I don’t think most people realize how difficult it is to make a name for yourself in the publishing world.
So, who is your role model, Karina?
Karina: My parents.
Marie: Lovely! I know my folks were definitely an influence on my outlook with regards to how ‘love’ should be, and I can blame them for my interest in writing romance. At least a little. (Chuckles.)
Now, you’ll probably think I’m digging for dirt on the next question.
Is there someone you pretend to like but really dislike?
Karina: Nobody truly likes everyone they meet, but I try to be polite, regardless. Some test that, though!
Marie: For sure! But I like your attitude…we need more of that in the world these days. 😀
Let’s try another question.
What is your deepest desire?
Karina: To be faithful to God.
Marie: All right.
So, tell me something, Karina. What is your greatest fear?
Karina: Clowns!
Marie: 😯 Wow, I didn’t see that one coming! Though I guess they are a bit freaky.
I want to try something different next, Karina…
Readers, let’s shift somewhat and get the author’s perspective on one of her characters.
We’ve heard rumors about the heroine of your story, Charlee Stoll. Quite an interesting character. Can you tell us a little about her?
Karina: Charlee works as a physical therapist at a senior center, where her dad lives. She moonlights as a trainer for her alma mater’s football team. At age 29, she’s still single, quietly holding a torch for her high school sweetheart.
Marie: Nice! I love second chance stories!
So, what are your character’s greatest strengths?
Karina: She’s loyal and devoted to her family.
Marie: Commendable, of course!
And what are her greatest weaknesses?
Karina: She can act in haste, which sometimes leads to disaster.
Marie: Okay…
Let’s try something fun, shall we?
What are some of her favorite foods?
Karina: Brownies, coffee, and ice cream—anything sweet!
Marie: (Chuckles.) Oh, I definitely have a sweet tooth too!
How about another question?
What’s a positive quality that your character is unaware that he or she has?
Karina: She’s open-minded and trusts people, often giving them the benefit of the doubt.
Marie: Not such a bad trait!
Will readers like or dislike this character, and why?
Karina: I hope they’ll like her because of her mix of innocence, tenacity, and caring nature.
Marie: Works for me!
Now that we have a real taste of Charlee, we have a few questions for you as well as the author, about the writing process of your book.
What first gave you the idea for Forgetting My Way Back to You?
Karina: Forgetting My Way Back to You is comprised of parts of my first book, which was about a woman who developed selective amnesia after a head trauma. As young as I was—eighteen—when I started, I’d already experienced some events I wouldn’t have minded forgetting, just to be free of that baggage. Thus, like many stories, it began with the elusive ‘What if?’.
Marie: Gotcha! Many of my stories launched that way.
Interesting how the muse works, huh?
Let’s try something else.
What is your writing style like? Are you a pantster or a plotter?
Karina: Pantster all the way! I enjoyed improv in high school drama class, and that’s how I write. It’s all extemporaneous. I think on where I am in the story throughout my day and sit down with a generic idea of where I want to go, but I never know the details until I’m in the moment.
Marie: Sounds like quite a ride!
How about another question?
I’m throwing this one in for our aspiring writers. Did you come across any specific challenges in writing Forgetting My Way Back to You or publishing it? What would you do differently the next time?
Karina: It took me nine years from the time I started it to when I signed the contract, so it was a long process. As far as writing it went, I couldn’t find satisfaction in it for a good while, and I think my maturity level played into that. I didn’t have enough experience to write good conflict, so it kept coming out as pretty childish. All in all, though, I wouldn’t change it because I learned a lot about myself and my craft.
Marie: I know what you mean. My first historical romance took me nine years to write too, and I definitely matured as a woman throughout the experience.
Well, it was a such a pleasure having you here on the I Love Romance Blog! And how apropos is that, considering what a great story Forgetting My Way Back to You appears to be. Congratulations on your new release, since it just came out in mid-October!
Readers, you will just have to pick up a copy of this modern romance by Karina Bartow, a talented author!
Here is the blurb for Forgetting My Way Back to You:
When Charlee Stoll loses all memory of him, Hunter Jett knows his mistakes led to this moment. Though tempted to give up on their future together, he’s determined to use the twist to right his wrongs.
Through charm and deception, can he win back her love…before she discovers the truth?
Karina is also offering us a peek of the book!
After finishing off the Tuscan chicken and other treats from the buffet table, Hunter and Charlee wandered outside to look at the estate’s breathtaking gardens. In the last seconds of daylight, the colorful flowers’ bright petals stood out under the darkening sky. The staff members around them were busy deconstructing the sites where the two ceremonies had taken place and didn’t notice them at all. A few other guests strolled the grounds, too, but on such a large property, they crossed paths just once with each of them, leaving them alone for the most part.
They came upon a stone bridge, which no doubt had played a part in many weddings and photos over the years, and the two stopped to observe the scene. With the sun dipping out of sight, the stars came out in full display. The lit-up mansion softened the aura of everything that much more, showcasing the late Pennsylvania summer at its best.
“I didn’t think it could look any more beautiful,” Charlee mused aloud.
Hunter wanted to tell her that he thought the same every time he saw her, but he feared it would intimidate her.
“How’d you know about this place, anyways?”
He contemplated his reply, again worrying his honest answer would force her away, but he took the chance. “My grandfather took my grandma here on their first date, and because he’d heard the story of how it swept her off her feet, my dad gave it a try with Mom. Considering that my grandparents stayed together for over sixty years and my folks just celebrated their thirtieth, I figured it’d be a good choice. It beats taking you to a dance where everyone’s pushing us apart, at least.”
“Yes, that’s where we went wrong,” she joked. “But can crashing a wedding set us up much better?”
Hunter chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. “Well, if my family’s tradition doesn’t work out, maybe your dad’s motto will come true: ‘It isn’t about the way you started…’”
“‘It’s the way you finish that matters.’” She completed the proverb her dad had drilled into her head since her days of learning to walk.
He gave her a considering look, trying to discern how far he should take the romancing, before he extended his hand. “Speaking of which…”
She’d resisted taking his hand the whole evening, but she relented, letting him lead her back towards the carriage house. He veered off to the side instead of going into the building, where they could hear the opening words of ‘Wonderful Tonight’ playing inside. He took hold of her, and they danced under the moon the way they had years earlier.
“Was any of this an accident?”
“I may have made a request to the deejay,” he remarked with a grin. “Other than that, though, I could only hope you’d agree to come here with me. That said, I don’t think you and I being together can ever be called an accident.”
History repeated itself once more when he leaned in to kiss her. The same sparks flew, but this time, they glowed brighter.
Wow! I’m curious to find out what happens next in this book… 😀
We’ll be sure to get a copy of this contemporary romance! ♥♥♥
About Karina Bartow
Karina Bartow grew up and still lives in Northern Ohio. Though born with Cerebral Palsy, she’s never allowed her disability to define her. Rather, she’s used her experiences to breathe life into characters that have physical limitations, but like her, are determined not to let them stand in the way of the life they want. Her debut novel, Husband in Hiding, was released in 2015 and was well-received by readers. She’s excited about her new love story, Forgetting My Way Back to You, available now from Vinspire Publishing. She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart!
Books:
And, if you want to know how to connect with the fascinating Karina Bartow, here are some author links:
Once again, I want to thank Karina Bartow, the brilliant author of this romance, for stopping by! It was a pleasure to have you here! Readers, check out her work!
"I have enough time to rest, but I don't have a minute to waste". Come and catch me with your wise words and we will have some fun with our words of wisdom.
Congrats on your new release!
Books, coffee, and chocolate make up both the heart and body mass that is better known as Amelia Foster. She has been a lifelong lover of the written word, both as a reader and an author, and completed her first manuscript at the ripe old age of five complete with illustrations. Sadly, her art was a medium that never improved over time, although thankfully her writing has.
Karina: Charlee works as a physical therapist at a senior center, where her dad lives. She moonlights as a trainer for her alma mater’s football team. At age 29, she’s still single, quietly holding a torch for her high school sweetheart.
