Tag Archives: second chance romance

May 7, 2019 · 1:00 pm

Blog Tour Feature: The Destiny Series by Gloria Silk

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.

Great cover!

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.

But he blocked her way.

~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~

Purchase Link:

“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

Squee! Love all the tension. ♥♥♥

Here’s the book trailer…

This book is only 99 cents on Amazon, so grab it on sale while you can, readers! 😉

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?

Another stunning cover!

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.

~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~

Purchase Link:

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.

For a very special reward of a custom book gift set go to gloriasilk.com/books

Author Links

Website: http://www.gloriasilk.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gloriasilk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/glorialsilk

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Gloria-Silk/e/B00IZSLZZS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8549461.Gloria_Silk

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gloria-silk

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gloriasilk5

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silkgloria

Thank you for telling us about your wonderful book series tour! I know readers can’t wait to get ahold of these multicultural romance books!

Thanks again to Gloria and her blog tour sponsor!

We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime.

Happy reading, everyone! ♥♥♥ Have a great week! 😀

February Romance/Erotica Author Interview Answer #1 “What is your favorite trope in romance?”

Question #1 in a group author interview! ♥

via February Romance/Erotica Author Interview Answer #1 “What is your favorite trope in romance?”

Book Review: Dear Heart by Linda Lingle

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!

New Release Feature: Meant to Be Kept by author Amelia Foster

•.☆.•Meant to Be Kept by Amelia Foster•.☆.•

“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.

Purchase Links:

Universal Amazon link: https://books2read.com/u/38xrJw

Publisher: http://www.limitlesspublishing.com/product/meant-to-be-kept/

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! 🙂

Readers, don’t forget to pick up a copy of this riveting book! Or add it to your Goodreads bookshelf!

Author Bio

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.

Author Links

Website: https://ameliafosterauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amelia.foster.1213986

Twitter: https://twitter.com/afosterauthor

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Foster/e/B07MG7YBF7/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18784552.Amelia_Foster

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ameliafosterauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameliafosterauthor/

Publisher: http://www.limitlesspublishing.com/amelia-foster/

Thanks again, Amelia! We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime.

Happy reading, everyone!🙂

Book Review: Valentine in Venice by Kaya Quinsey

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!

2018 Reflections and New Beginnings

Hi, readers! Wow, what a year! 🙂

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…

‘New Beginnings’ Romances

https://books2read.com/u/bxZojk

https://books2read.com/u/md0gnR

https://books2read.com/u/3nYw8x

https://books2read.com/u/47Z7lA

https://books2read.com/u/4jD8Lj

https://books2read.com/u/bzPYgG

https://books2read.com/u/mgLAzv

https://books2read.com/u/bP5YXr

https://books2read.com/u/3L0oY1

https://books2read.com/u/b5rdk1

https://books2read.com/u/m2vOMG

https://books2read.com/u/38rjRa

https://books2read.com/u/3nYw86

https://books2read.com/u/47Z7l7

https://books2read.com/u/4jD8Ll

https://books2read.com/u/bzPYeD

https://books2read.com/u/bP5YxJ

https://books2read.com/u/3L0oR0

https://books2read.com/u/4AYEOJ

https://books2read.com/u/b5rdv7

https://books2read.com/u/4EyGRo

https://books2read.com/u/4DlwRg

https://books2read.com/u/bwY6oa

https://books2read.com/u/4XKqQ6

https://books2read.com/u/3yDBeV

https://books2read.com/u/31xvl6

https://books2read.com/u/meAPjr

https://books2read.com/u/bMQ6R8

https://books2read.com/u/mVBM65

https://books2read.com/u/mqZyg2

https://books2read.com/u/m0gRKP

https://books2read.com/u/3R1Q8v

https://books2read.com/u/bOABRK

https://books2read.com/u/mleDdB

https://books2read.com/u/3J8aRP

https://books2read.com/u/bxZoel

https://books2read.com/u/boZGjR

https://books2read.com/u/md0g7Z

books2read.com/u/47Z7N7

https://books2read.com/u/4jD8Al

[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.

Character/Author Interviews

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/01/exclusive-interview-with-author-nermin-bezmen-plus-historical-romance-kurt-seyt-and-shura/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/08/a-character-interview-with-trini-from-jasons-awakening-plus-a-chat-with-author-remy-marie/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/03/exclusive-interview-with-author-suzanne-jefferies-plus-erotic-romance-watched-and-giveaway/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/07/a-character-interview-with-mason-from-arresting-mason-plus-a-conversation-with-author-amber-daulton/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/01/a-character-interview-with-darryl-from-blessed-plus-a-conversation-with-author-maggie-blackbird/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/08/exclusive-interview-with-author-karina-bartow-and-a-look-at-contemporary-romance-forgetting-my-way-back-to-you/

New Release/Book Features

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/13/new-release-feature-saving-him-by-author-bry-ann/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/08/pre-order-release-feature-captive-by-author-jenny-lynn/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/13/book-feature-the-maze-effect-finding-mr-right-by-author-majel-jay/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/20/new-release-feature-never-retreat-by-author-bonnie-mccune/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/27/new-release-feature-undercover-siren-by-author-ellen-mint/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/17/book-feature-erotic-romance-aurelius-by-author-jessika-klide/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/09/book-feature-the-milanese-stars-by-author-pamela-q-fernandes/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/30/new-release-feature-dark-romance-even-at-your-darkest-by-author-aj-love-and-giveaway/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/11/pre-order-release-feature-ya-sweet-historical-romance-laras-story-by-author-diane-merrill-wigginton/

Film/Music Features

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/01/18/special-film-feature-forever-my-girl/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/01/23/special-music-feature-christopher-ferguson/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/22/special-film-feature-twisted-threads-steamy-romantic-thriller-by-kaylin-mcfarren/

Blog Tours

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/15/blog-tour-feature-the-boy-next-door-by-ann-anders/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/01/blog-tour-feature-hell-yeah-kindle-world-tour-presented-by-sable-hunter-2/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/15/blog-tour-feature-vegas-gambler-by-adriana-kraft/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/22/blog-tour-feature-love-at-solace-lake-series-by-jana-richards/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/12/blog-tour-feature-the-starling-by-ellie-masters/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/24/pre-release-blog-tour-feature-tempted-by-the-viscount-by-sofie-darling/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/05/blog-tour-feature-tempted-by-the-viscount-by-sofie-darling/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/12/blog-tour-feature-military-romantic-suspense-threat-of-danger-by-dana-marton/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/19/blog-tour-feature-contemporary-romance-collection-vengeance-is-mine-by-kat-henry-doran/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/14/blog-tour-feature-contemporary-romance-love-at-rincon-point-by-j-haney-and-s-i-hayes/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/21/blog-tour-feature-mm-paranormal-romance-boxed-set-weapons-of-redemption-by-saloni-quinby/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/26/blog-tour-feature-contemporary-romance-true-by-ann-everett-plus-cool-contests/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/28/blog-tour-feature-mm-shifter-romance-wolf-around-the-corner-by-aidee-ladnier/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/21/blog-tour-feature-erotic-romantic-suspense-besotted-by-madison-michael-giveaway/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/27/blog-tour-feature-holiday-paranormal-romance-one-of-a-kind-christmas-by-lexi-post/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/06/blog-tour-feature-erotic-romance-moonlight-moet-by-madison-michael/

Blog Awards

http://blog.feedspot.com/romance_book_blogs/ (#33)

http://blog.feedspot.com/novel_blogs/ (#73)

Personal Book News/Reviews

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/09/new-release-this-week/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/09/free-book/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/02/its-here/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/02/guest-author-marie-lavender-creating-the-other-world/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/27/a-radio-interview-on-thorne-and-cross/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/12/free-paranormal-romance-trr-year-end-slash-party/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/13/winter-loves-a-treat-mega-book-giveaway-and-500th-anniversary-post/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/16/upon-your-return-by-marie-lavender/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/27/vote-at-the-critters-readers-poll/ (You can still vote for this one!!)

Giveaways

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/09/free-book/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/15/blog-tour-feature-vegas-gambler-by-adriana-kraft/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/03/exclusive-interview-with-author-suzanne-jefferies-plus-erotic-romance-watched-and-giveaway/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/17/book-feature-erotic-romance-aurelius-by-author-jessika-klide/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/05/blog-tour-feature-tempted-by-the-viscount-by-sofie-darling/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/12/blog-tour-feature-military-romantic-suspense-threat-of-danger-by-dana-marton/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/19/blog-tour-feature-contemporary-romance-collection-vengeance-is-mine-by-kat-henry-doran/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/21/blog-tour-feature-mm-paranormal-romance-boxed-set-weapons-of-redemption-by-saloni-quinby/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/26/blog-tour-feature-contemporary-romance-true-by-ann-everett-plus-cool-contests/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/28/blog-tour-feature-mm-shifter-romance-wolf-around-the-corner-by-aidee-ladnier/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/21/blog-tour-feature-erotic-romantic-suspense-besotted-by-madison-michael-giveaway/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/12/free-paranormal-romance-trr-year-end-slash-party/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/27/blog-tour-feature-holiday-paranormal-romance-one-of-a-kind-christmas-by-lexi-post/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/06/blog-tour-feature-erotic-romance-moonlight-moet-by-madison-michael/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/13/winter-loves-a-treat-mega-book-giveaway-and-500th-anniversary-post/

-Authors represented in the big giveaway:

K.C. Sprayberry, Vina Arno, Leslie Hachtel, Maggie Blackbird, Debbie De Louise, David Russell, Bry Ann, Lance and James Morcan, Devika Fernando, Remy Marie, Tanya W. Newman, Tina Donahue, Fiona Tarr, Palvi Sharma, Viviana MacKade, Diane Merrill Wigginton, CJ Warrant, Amber Daulton, Penny Estelle/P.A. Estelle, Carol Ann Kauffman, Kenneth Sumerford, McKenna Dean, Seelie Kay, Beverly Ovalle, Skye McNeill, Raegyn Perry, Alice J Miller, Jenny Lynn, Sofie Darling, Carole McKee, Bonnie McCune, Young (Bernard Foong), Marie Lavender, Cleo Scornavacca, Sable Hunter, Virginia Babcock, Madison Michael, Vicki-Ann Bush, Lisa Doughty, Theresa Sederholt and Lilly Christine.

Blog Hops & Personal Romantic Thought Posts

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/20/a-lovers-vow-a-poem/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/02/guest-author-marie-lavender-creating-the-other-world/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/12/aching-heart-a-poem/

Guest Posts

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/you-complete-me-a-guest-post-by-romance-author-bry-ann/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/01/30/a-singles-guide-to-surviving-this-valentines-day-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/tips-on-getting-a-romantic-partner-a-gift-for-valentines-day-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/the-fiction-fact-on-writing-about-love-guest-post-by-author-khaled-talib/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/six-surprising-ways-to-communicate-better-with-your-partner-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/05/unique-yet-perfect-date-ideas-that-wont-break-the-bank-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/26/five-things-everyone-should-know-about-dating-a-single-parent-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/05/03/addressing-anxiety-during-tough-times-with-the-help-of-talkspace-a-guest-post-by-talkspace/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/07/03/how-to-design-a-camping-trip-for-the-summer-that-will-please-your-romantic-partner-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/14/how-will-facebooks-dating-service-work-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/23/why-giving-flowers-shouldnt-just-be-for-holidays-and-apologies-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/25/twenty-romantic-fall-date-ideas-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/06/city-of-love-romantic-things-to-do-in-paris-a-guest-post-by-erica-fleming/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/15/top-historical-romance-books-we-cant-stop-reading-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/29/why-you-should-read-at-least-one-romance-novel-in-your-lifetime-a-guest-post-by-lady-silver/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/04/unique-and-romantic-date-ideas-for-those-crispy-winter-days-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

What Does Romance Mean to Me? Series Feature

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/29/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-bonnie-mccune/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-c-l-donley/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/20/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-katherine-mcintyre/

Heroes & Heroines Series Feature

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/10/heroes-heroines-special-feature-character-mason-harding-from-arresting-mason-by-amber-daulton/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/07/heroes-heroines-special-feature-character-avery-beta-hero-from-finder-keeper-of-my-heart-by-vina-arno/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/16/heroes-heroines-special-feature-character-kieran-blackmore-from-captivating-melody-by-katherine-mcintyre/

Poetry

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/20/a-lovers-vow-a-poem/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/12/aching-heart-a-poem/

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! 😀

And, as always, happy reading! ♥♥♥

2 Comments

Filed under annual, Authors, Blogging, Books, Event, Fiction, Holiday, Love, Message, New Beginnings, Readers, reflections, Romance, Second Chances

Tagged as #iloveromance, 2018, 2018 flashbacks, 2019, annual, blog, blog post, books‬, contemporary romance, erotic romance, Happy New Year, highlights, historical romance, i love romance, I Love Romance Blog, looking ahead, love, MC romance, New Beginnings, new year, New Year's, paranormal romance, readers, romance, romance books, romance novels, romance readers, romantic adventure, romantic mystery, romantic suspense, sci-fi romance, seasonal romance, second chance romance, starting over, western romance, Women's Fiction

November 8, 2018 · 1:00 pm

Exclusive Interview with author Karina Bartow, plus a look at contemporary romance, FORGETTING MY WAY BACK TO YOU!

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… 😀

Purchase Links:

Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/bWzOPq

Publisher: https://www.vinspirepublishing.com/forgettingmywabacktoyou

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:

Website: http://www.karinabartow.com/

Blog: https://karinabartow.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKarinaBartow

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarinaBartow

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Karina-Bartow/e/B076L4FCGV/

https://amzn.to/2RyZIz9

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15045283.Karina_Bartow

Google+: https://plus.google.com/117505120642906778021

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!

3 Comments

Filed under Authors, Blogging, Book Release, Books, characters, Contemporary, Event, Fiction, Guest Writer, Interview, new release, Readers, Romance, Second Chances, small town, Writing

Tagged as author, author interview, author spotlight, blog, book interview, characters, contemporary, contemporary romance, feature, featured, fiction, Forgetting My Way Back to You, i love romance, interview, Karina Bartow, new book release, new release, news, romance, romance books, romance novels, romance readers, second chance romance, small town romance, spotlight, writing, writing life, writing process

January 18, 2018 · 1:00 pm

Special Film Feature: Forever My Girl

Hi, readers! I am beyond pleased to announce a very special post today on ILRB. Here is a great new film release by writer and director Bethany Ashton Wolf. Please help me in welcoming our first theatrical release to this romance blog! Forever My Girl, a family romance with a touch of music and drama, releases in theaters tomorrow. How exciting!

That’s awesome! Congrats on your new release! 😉

Roadside Entertainment and LD Entertainment are giving us a look at their romance film, Forever My Girl, today.

Great movie cover! So romantic!

This is the info on Forever My Girl:

Forever My Girl tells the story of music super-star Liam Page (Alex Roe) who left his bride, Josie (Jessica Rothe), at the altar choosing fame and fortune instead. However, Liam never got over Josie, his one true love, nor did he ever forget his Southern roots in the small community where he was born and raised. When he unexpectedly returns to his hometown for the funeral of his high school best friend, Liam is suddenly faced with the consequences of all that he left behind.

Roadside Entertainment and LD Entertainment are thrilled to debut the full-length theatrical trailer for the uplifting family romance Forever My Girl which will be released wide in theaters on January 19th. Forever My Girl is the 7th collaboration for the two companies including multiple Academy Award® nominee Albert Nobbs and Biutiful.

Written and directed by Bethany Ashton Wolf, and based upon the novel by Heidi McLaughlin, the film stars Alex Roe, Jessica Rothe, Abby Ryder Fortson, Travis Tritt, Judith Hoag and John Benjamin Hickey. The film was produced by Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon and Jennifer Monroe. Executive producers are Alison Semenza King, Nicole Stojkovich and Zach Tann.

Check out the movie trailer here!

We also have a real treat for you, readers. Today we get to speak with the director of the film.

Marie Lavender: Hello, Bethany. Please have a seat.

Bethany Ashton Wolf: Hi, Marie! Lovely to meet you.

Marie: It’s such a pleasure to see you here! Please tell us a little about Forever My Girl, your latest feature film. What steered you toward working on this project?

Bethany: Female writer to female writer, I’m liking it already! I’m someone that if I read a piece of underlying material, or I have an original idea, and I see the whole entire vision of the film from its inception in my wildly creatively busy brain– aesthetically, audibly, all of its characters, their arcs, back stories, the details in every single scene from what they are wearing to what’s playing on the radio to what’s cooking on the kitchen stove, and I’ll see it in all three acts–I’M IN. I’M OBSESSED. YOU CAN’T STOP ME FROM WANTING TO WRITE AND DIRECT THE FILM. I’M IMMEDIATELY IMMERSED IN THAT NEW WORLD, AND I CAN’T STOP MYSELF OR MY IMAGINATION FROM SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS IN EVERY DIRECTION. It’s a thrilling moment when that happens as a filmmaker. It’s just how my brain naturally processes everything around me, since I was a little girl, and I didn’t know that was even a job growing up. I thought everyone’s brains were making their lives more fantastical around them, filming it in their head, editing it, and making it into something more magical. So, when I see all of that, I HAVE TO GO IN AND PITCH FOR IT, and I was inspired to that degree when I read Heidi’s book (Thank you, Heidi!). I saw the whole world and all of its characters and set pieces, everything that I mentioned above, I saw it for the film version, and I just had to write the screenplay, direct the movie, and develop all of the music for the soundtrack.

Marie: Awesome! So, what is your target audience?

Bethany: Everyone who loves romance, family, friendship, community, redemption, good music, the beauty of a town that has each other’s back in good times and in the difficult times, and likes to laugh, be deeply moved, and fall in love. It’s a romance at its core, but it is also a father/daughter story, a father/son story, a mother/son story, a brother/sister story, a story about finding your way back home to your true self. So basically LIFE. So if you like life and good music, this movie is for you!

Marie: Nice! Have you directed a film or written a screenplay such as this in the past?

Bethany: I have been hired by studios to write other screenplays that involve romance and love, and I’m grateful to say that I always have had something new to say and explore about love in each one. All of my work, screenplays, shorts and my directorial debut film are romances at their center no matter what the genre because love is all there is if we peel it all away and be truthful with ourselves. I’ve written and/or directed films that are epic biopics, sweeping romances, character thrillers, satirical humor, dramas, I’ve even been hired to write films about organ trafficking and time travel, but at the epicenter of all of my films and screenplays, all of the things that we experience in life really concatenates to love, if you think about it. Love is universal. We are either falling in love, seeking love, recovering from the loss of love, or trying to find peace in life without having love of another but just being centered with loving ourselves. Life and everything we do is all really about love, don’t you think?

Marie: Of course!

So, I am curious about something. What was it like working with the cast/crew?

Bethany: I have such immense love for my actors and crew. I would go to the ends of the earth for them. I am by nature, a nurturer and protector. I am a lover, gusher, hugger, but I am also a leader, collaborator, visionary, communicator, and most of all an artist who stands in my truth. I go to great lengths to create an environment where we can all stand in our truth together, a safe haven for all of our artistry to shine together as we step into our pilgrimage of making a film together. I am an actor’s director but I am also a crew’s director. I love my whole team; they become my family, and I will advocate, protect, shield, and move mountains for them all. I’m their leader, and I take that job very seriously. I lead with love, and my goal is to have that love permeate through the whole set and all of production, on through all of my post. I’m a mama bear and they are all my cubs!

Marie: Sounds like quite a family!

As a fiction writer myself, I know location is everything in a story. Is there any special significance to the film’s setting for you? Was this filmed on story location, or on a set/in a different place?

Bethany: Ohhh, this film is a love letter to the place that I was born and raised, Louisiana. I did change the location in the film to Louisiana because I felt that in that whole vision I first saw for the film, this was my opportunity to show the world the beautiful, loving, gracious people that I was raised by and the homespun values I was raised on. The friends, family, and community that I paid witness to growing up, and still witness now when I go home to visit, they are a safe haven of love that truly has each other’s backs in good times and in the extremely difficult. And I think it becomes a love letter to all small towns and communities in our beautiful country of ours. And not just small towns, but the communities within bigger cities. It’s triumphant to witness how we take care of our own in this country in the good times and in the extremely difficult. I think it’s a beautiful reminder for us how wondrous and magnificent we are as a country in the light of all that is going on in the world right now. We have each other’s back, no matter what. We are of light and love in each of our communities; even when faced with great adversity and tragedy, take notice of how communities take care of each other and love each other all over the vast tapestry of our Americana.

Marie: Without giving away any spoilers, what message do you hope our readers might glean from this movie?

Bethany: Forever My Girl is a celebration of love, life, family, friendship, forgiveness, the power of music, and community. I want people to feel that they can always go back home, and that doesn’t necessarily mean literally home. It can, but it can also mean finding your way back to your own truth. That no matter where you are in life, you can always find your way back to your true self. Your authentic self. It’s never too late. And that you can laugh a little, cry a little, and sing a little on that pilgrimage home to self-discovery. And most of all, enjoy the ride! Sit down on your front porch with your family and friends and watch a sunrise together, take in a sunset. It’s there, every day for all of us to witness, no matter where we are in the world.

Much love ♥♥ Bethany

OMG! This looks perfect for ILRB readers.

Thank you for telling us about your new film! It looks great! 🙂

Readers, don’t forget to check this movie out in theaters near you this weekend. We’re sure to be thrilled and heart-warmed!

Writer/Director Bio

Bethany Ashton Wolf, born and raised in Louisiana, has been a screenwriter and feature film director for the past 15 years. She began her career in the indie world of filmmaking co-writing the controversial short, Don’s Plum, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire. She wrote and directed 2 award-winning short films, The Burgundy Room, and Wait, followed by her first independent theatrical feature, the Cajun drama, Little Chenier, which won 21 awards on the festival circuit, including 10 Best Picture Awards and 6 International Best American Film Awards. She has had numerous screenwriting assignments for both independent companies and studios, including, On the 12th Day (Radio London Films), Bullrider (Free To Be A Filmmaker Entertainment), The Pilgrimage of Layla (Riche Productions), along with Other People’s Love Letters (CBS Films & Laurence Mark Productions) and Time Between Us (CBS Films & Schorr Productions). Wolf recently completed a festival run of her short film, Love Scene, based on her screenplay of the same name that chronicles the 25-year love affair of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. The short, in which she wrote and directed, won Best Short and Best Screenplay awards all over the world. Her current feature film that she wrote and directed for LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, Forever My Girl, will be in theaters in January 2018, accompanied by the release of a country star soundtrack that Wolf developed for the film. Wolf is currently in development on another feature film for LD Entertainment, along with writing and directing her next feature film based on the best selling novel, Archer’s Voice.

Links

Website: http://www.forevermygirlthemovie.com/

Writer/Director’s Filmography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0039192/?ref_=tt_ov_dr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forevermygirlmovie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/4evermygirl

Book Link: http://amzn.to/2tXS9G9

Film Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4103724/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_1

Thanks again, Bethany and LD Entertainment! We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime, perhaps with your next film release.

Happy viewing, everyone!🙂

2 Comments

Filed under coming soon, Contemporary, Drama, Event, Hope, Interview, Love, Message, new release, Readers, Relationships, Romance, Romance Movies, Second Chances, Trailer

Tagged as Bethany Ashton Wolf, coming soon, contemporary romance, director interview, Drama, family, family life, Forever My Girl, Heidi McLaughlin, interview, LD Entertainment, movies and books, music, new film, new release, Roadside Entertainment, romance, romance readers, second chance romance

December 31, 2017 · 1:00 pm

A Year of Romance and Second Chances…Reflection Post: 2017 – 2018

Hi, readers! As you know, the I Love Romance Blog is a place to celebrate all things “love”, including tips on romantic relationships, as well as reading love poems, exploring romance novels in the form of pre-order and new release features, blog tours, cover reveals, guest posts about romance writing, giveaways, and perhaps finding a new, favorite romance author. This year, we also started two cool new features. One was our ‘What Does Romance Mean to Me?’ guest post feature. We had a whopping 20 posts in that series! Plus, you can’t forget our ‘Heroes & Heroines’ feature, explaining some of the behind-the-scenes details about our favorite characters from romance novels. It has been an awesome year! Hopefully, the New Year will bring just as many new and exciting opportunities!

With 2018 approaching quickly, it becomes clear that we should reflect not only on the past, but also what the future may bring. This is a time of renewal and rebirth; it’s also an age of new beginnings. With the giving spirit of the season in mind, perhaps it might lead to the greatest challenge of all – forgiveness. Perhaps second chances are truly possible, hmm?

So, to honor how much we love romance as well, I thought we’d go a step further. Why not give readers a list of great second chance romance novels? Let’s get started, shall we?

[Disclaimer: These are simply suggestions compiled from titles I found on Amazon. They are merely meant to give you options for second chance themed romance books to read. I have neither read nor reviewed them.]

This list looks like a great set of novels to get us started for 2018. I love a good romance! 😉

Also, here is a second chance story of mine!

To fully honor 2017, I’d like to thank all the talented authors who stopped by to visit ILRB. I would also like to offer tons of gratitude to the dating companies and individuals who offered up relationship and dating advice to our readers! Such a variety of posts this year! Additionally, we had 85 authors, either guesting or with books spotlighted, on our blog alone this year. Many thanks to our readers as well, for giving the I Love Romance Blog a chance!

Here are some highlights from 2017:

Character/Author Interviews

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/a-character-interview-with-ellie-from-a-siblings-dilemma-plus-a-conversation-with-author-molly-v-lovell/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/24/character-interview-with-leona-from-unfathomable-love-plus-a-chat-with-author-linda-diane-wattley/

New Release/Book Features

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/01/12/pre-order-release-feature-heart-of-a-savage-by-author-lashanta-charles/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/01/19/pre-order-release-feature-the-angel-alejandro-by-author-alistair-cross/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/13/new-release-feature-too-sexy-for-love-by-author-sable-hunter/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/13/new-release-feature-cupids-arrow-anthology-by-solstice-publishing/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/23/new-release-feature-with-one-more-look-at-you-by-author-mary-j-williams/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/new-release-feature-the-boy-friend-by-mika-jolie/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/01/pre-order-release-feature-hard-to-love-by-author-s-jones/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/17/new-release-feature-timberline-by-skye-mcneil/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/new-release-feature-druids-portal-the-first-journey-by-cindy-tomamichel/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/new-release-feature-excess-baggage-by-laura-barnard/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/12/new-release-feature-seduction-en-pointe-by-gemma-snow/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/new-release-feature-love-uncovered-by-laura-barnard/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/26/new-release-feature-explicitly-yours-by-mika-jolie/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/07/new-release-feature-hard-to-stay-by-s-jones/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/09/book-feature-king-in-chains-by-author-grey-francis/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/30/pre-order-release-feature-kurt-seyt-shura-by-author-nermin-bezmen/

Blog Tours

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/21/blog-tour-feature-hell-yeah-kindle-world-tour-presented-by-sable-hunter/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/27/blog-tour-feature-j-j-montgomerys-gun-for-hire-tour-presented-via-reviews-by-crystal/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/blog-tour-feature-bella-jeanisses-shredding-dreams-tour-presented-via-words-turn-me-on/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/14/blog-tour-feature-sultry-nights-romance-anthology-tour-plus-madison-michaels-bedeviled-presented-via-reviews-by-crystal/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/05/blog-tour-feature-jackson-by-tracie-podger/

Blog Awards

http://blog.feedspot.com/romance_book_blogs/

http://blog.feedspot.com/novel_blogs/

http://www.startdating.dk/awards/romance-blogs-award-2017 (You can still vote for this one!!)

Personal Book News/Reviews

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/01/17/meet-monday-marie-lavender-interview-and-spotlight/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/22/new-release/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/26/5-star-review-for-uyr/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/01/new-release-alert-upon-your-love-by-marie-lavendar/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/06/radio-interview/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/09/a-short-but-sweet-5-stars/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/20/double-reviews-for-new-adult-romance/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/05/4-stars-for-the-missing-piece/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/17/five-amazing-stars-for-uyl/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/26/teaser-from-chasing-ginger-a-work-in-progress/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/06/double-reviews-for-the-missing-piece/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/13/mega-cool-review-for-uyl-5-stars/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/26/new-release-feature-directions-of-the-heart-by-marie-lavender/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/23/vote-for-a-romance-cover/ (You can still vote for this one!!)

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/30/cool-book-nomination/

Giveaways

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/06/get-a-copy-of-uyl/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/new-release-feature-i-wanna-get-laid-by-kade-by-author-duo-nikki-ashton-victoria-johns-plus-giveaway/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/13/new-release-feature-the-depth-of-the-spirit-by-linda-lee-williams-plus-giveaway/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/13/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-cleo-scornavacca-plus-giveaway/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/20/free-book-the-missing-piece-by-yours-truly/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/06/pre-order-release-feature-directions-of-the-heart-by-yours-truly-plus-giveaway/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/25/last-days-of-summer-mega-giveaway/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/18/63-free-romance-books/

Blog Hops & Personal Romantic Thought Posts

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/18/my-romantic-thought-of-the-day-50/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/18/book-lovers-tag/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/06/chivalry-doesnt-have-to-be-dead-a-romance-blogger-post-by-multi-genre-author-marie-lavender/

Guest Posts

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/28/top-5-relationship-myths-you-should-stop-believing-immediately-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/30/behind-the-title-creation-of-a-love-story-a-guest-post-by-romance-author-cynthia-roberts/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/04/top-5-ways-to-spice-up-your-relationship-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/20/the-relevance-of-romance-and-romantic-literature-in-modern-society-a-guest-post-by-inkitt/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/can-romantic-love-last-a-lifetime-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/five-ways-to-keep-the-romance-going-with-your-partner-a-guest-post-by-krissy-henley/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/07/from-friend-zone-to-love-prone-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/19/guide-to-lesbian-dating-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/02/back-to-christmas-town-a-guest-post-by-romance-author-anna-adams/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/16/innovative-yet-safe-ways-to-meet-your-soul-mate-in-this-high-tech-world-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/how-to-survive-holiday-stress-with-your-sweetie-a-guest-post-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/06/chivalry-doesnt-have-to-be-dead-a-romance-blogger-post-by-multi-genre-author-marie-lavender/

What Does Romance Mean to Me? Series Feature

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/16/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-lilly-christine/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/06/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-isobelle-cate/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/18/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-debbie-white/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/27/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-lashanta-charles/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/04/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-ricardo-mejias/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/09/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-k-c-sprayberry/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/11/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-dianne-hartsock/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/16/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-susanne-matthews/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/18/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-tina-donahue/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/25/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-carole-mckee/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/30/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-nikki-ashton/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/01/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-dating-connections/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/06/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-devika-fernando/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/08/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-tanya-w-newman/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/15/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-belinda-y-hughes/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/22/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-vivienne-vincent/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/29/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-rachael-tamayo/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/24/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-jeffery-martin-botzenhart/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/28/special-feature-what-does-romance-mean-to-me-by-jenny-lynn/

Heroes & Heroines Series Feature

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/08/heroes-and-heroines-special-feature-character-george-bramley-from-devils-run-by-beverley-oakley/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/heroes-heroines-special-feature-character-tommy-from-within-six-months-by-cleo-scornavacca/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/05/heroes-and-heroines-special-feature-characters-cassie-versus-edric-from-a-siblings-dilemma-by-molly-v-lovell/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/heroes-and-heroines-special-feature-character-herod-dargyl-anti-hero-from-the-cynn-cruors-bloodline-series-by-isobelle-cate/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/11/heroes-heroines-special-feature-character-aaron-betts-from-full-count-by-lynn-stevens/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/17/heroes-and-heroines-special-feature-character-josh-from-fat-girl-begone-by-d-e-haggerty/

Poetry

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/01/31/guest-poet-spotlight-d-l-owens/

https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/20/dream-with-me-a-poem/

Well, I hope we’ve given readers some new novels to check out, as well as fascinating romantic posts to glance over.

I wish you all the best in 2018! Happy New Year!

I’ll catch you on the other side…and happy reading! ♥♥♥

New Release Feature: Excess Baggage by Laura Barnard

I am pleased to announce a great book release by Laura Barnard, an author I met during my journey! Her romantic comedy, Excess Baggage, officially released today!

Yay! That’s awesome! Congrats on your new release! 😉

When a new book comes out, it’s always an exciting time for an author!

Laura is giving us a look at her modern romantic comedy, Excess Baggage, today.

Such a great cover!

This is the blurb for Excess Baggage:

Stuck in a dead-end relationship, Erica Bennett finds herself daydreaming of her first holiday romance. She was fifteen, it was exciting, new and full of possibilities…and Jack Lawson was hot as hell. That kind of thing leaves a mark.

So when her friends suggest a girls holiday to Luna Island, it’s exactly what she needs to take her mind off things. What she doesn’t expect is to spot Jack – a much older, hotter version of him – across the hotel lobby.

Their attraction is still there and it isn’t long before sparks fly, but fifteen years is a long time. They aren’t the same people they were back then and besides, it’s only a week, right?

Is it a second chance at something real or will their excess baggage ruin their shot at love after they leave Luna Island?

And here are some teasers to entice you with.

What people are saying about this book:

“An absolute must read this summer!” – Lady Living in Bookland

“Quintessential British humor; I felt like I was on a girls holiday with my own chicks.” – Perusing Princesses Book Blog

“Almost made me pee myself, I laughed so hard!” – Shelly’s Book Corner

Goodreads Reviews

Purchase Links:

Universal Amazon link: myBook.to/ExcessBaggageLB

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/excess-baggage-laura-barnard/1126290214

BAM: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Excess-Baggage/Laura-Barnard/9780995655423

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/excess-baggage-10

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/excess-baggage/id1231279481?mt=11

Wow! Love the hotness here. ♥♥♥

Thank you for telling us about your book, Laura! I know I can’t wait to read this romance! 🙂

Win a SIGNED PAPERBACK and Amazon voucher (details below)…

♥♥♥ EXCESS BAGGAGE RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY! ♥♥♥

Head on over to Laura’s Facebook page to enter her release day giveaway, and have a chance of winning a signed paperback of EXCESS BAGGAGE and a $5/£5 Amazon gift card!

Woo hoo! Sounds great! 😀

Readers, don’t forget to pick up a copy of this awesome book!

Author Bio

Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or ‘chick lit’ as it’s so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio.

She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She’s a real fan of the power nap, loves setting her friends up together and, of course, READING!

She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!

She’s an Amazon best seller and also the winner of Favorite British Author 2016 – Two Peas in a Pod Reader’s Choice Awards and Favorite Romantic Comedy Author 2016 – Obsessed with Books Indie World Awards.

Author Links

Website: http://www.laurabarnardbooks.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarnardLaura

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Barnard/e/B00E4WTI26/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3490836.Laura_Barnard

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/barnardlaura/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurabarnardauthor/

Thanks again, Laura! We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime.

Happy reading, everyone!🙂