Guest - Jacqueline Seewald

Good morning! Join us on the cozy couch as we welcome author Jacqueline Seewald. Jacqueline is talking about why we should read romance. She's also offering three signed copies of her paranormal mystery The Third Eye as a Goodreads giveaway until August 1. The entry address is at the end of her post. Good luck!


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Why Read Romance? 

By Jacqueline Seewald

Why should you read romance fiction? There are a number of good reasons. I’ll offer my own opinion and let’s see if we agree.

Why do I read romances? I enjoy reading books I can feel passionate about which equates to main characters who are passionate people. I want to read a novel in which I truly care about those main characters. For me, that means romantic fiction.

Don’t get me wrong, I like many different kinds of fiction but enjoy most a novel with a happy ending. I hope that doesn’t make me sound shallow. I suppose part of the reason I read is to escape the hum-drum of everyday existence. I want to read a great love story with characters I can care about. For instance, I love a good Regency because the novels are often humorous as well as romantic. TEA LEAVES AND TAROT CARDS could be called my tribute to that genre, although the novel is not merely a formula book but rather my own take on historical romance with a paranormal sensual twist.

I want to solve an exciting mystery along with the fictional detectives. I also want to read a book with an interesting, clever plot. I appreciate an intelligently written novel. But without a good romance, for me a mystery novel falls flat. The three novels in my Kim Reynolds series: THE INFERNO COLLECTION, THE DROWNING POOL, and THE TRUTH SLEUTH are my tribute to mystery fiction. Of course, they are romantic mysteries with a paranormal edge, the kind of fiction I most enjoy reading. Did I mention I like to read romances that have a paranormal element? No? Pardon my oversight.

Reading novels and short stories gives me added perspective on life while providing me with inspiration to write fiction. I recently completed a book of short stories entitled BEYOND THE BO TREE which is now offered at a low cost as a Kindle book. It contains ten romantic stories. Some are more realistic while others are fanciful. There’s a good mix of stories which include a vampire romance, a Druid priestess at odds with an archeologist, and a young woman who meets a Greek god in the garden of an art gallery.

I believe a good book is one the reader can enjoy. It should be one you just have to finish reading and it should leave you feeling good, satisfied, emotionally and mentally enriched.

  

What sort of novels do you prefer to read? What constitutes a good book in your opinion? Who are some of your favorite authors? Are there any novels you would recommend to other readers?



To enter the Goodreads giveaway, click here  

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17720868-the-third-eye

Jacqueline also has

BEYOND THE BO TREE; TEN TALES OF ROMANCE

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DTV0750

 

And her Kim Reynolds paranormal romantic mysteries are available from Harlequin at:

 http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=27895&cid=

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-- Lynda Again,

    Great post! I think it's pretty obvious that I like paranormal romance of SF romance the best of all. I'll be interested in hearing what you all like.

Have a Blessed Day!

Guest - Kate Hill

Good morning! Let's all have a seat. We've plenty of cozy couches and comfy chairs  here. There's Sweet As Sin Roobios Tea and mouth-watering raspberry cookies on the tables so be sure to help yourself. And help me welcome our guest today, author Kate Hill. Kate will be discussing shapeshifters and Vikings - two of my favorites! Plus she has a contest so make sure you check it out!

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Northmen, Shape Shifters and Romance

The Vikings are among the most fascinating warriors in history. Their legends and lore are filled with action, adventure and the supernatural.

In my book Northman’s Pleasure, the hero Grim Hammerhand is rumored to be a shape shifter with the ability to change into a wolf during battle. Wolves and shape shifters have appeared in several Viking legends.

In Norse mythology, two wolves chased the sun and moon across the sky, eventually devouring them. The god Loki was said to be a shape shifter. He also fathered the giant wolf Fenrir. Some warriors, called berserkers, went into a battle frenzy during which they fought in a blind rage. They were said to wear the skins of animals, such as wolves. It was thought that some changed into actual beasts during battle.

Although these particular shape shifters had frightening reputations, they’re still intriguing. As a romance writer I couldn’t help thinking that such a character would make a great villain, but an even better hero. A man believed to have the power to change into a wolf would no doubt command fear and respect, but also arouse the curiosity of those willing to look deeper into his heart.

Of course according to the legends compassion for a shifter or beast would only end in disaster. In a world where winters were hard and food often scarce, wolves and man were no doubt natural enemies. Or were they? The god Odin kept wolves. To Vikings, wolves seemed to be a symbol of prowess and ferocity, creatures both feared and admired.  

Is it possible that like people, wolves and shifters are capable of both good and evil? If so, a man who is said to have the power to shift, who is rumored to be part human and part animal, offers endless possibilities as a hero--or antihero--of a romance.

About Kate

Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, Kate Hill started writing over twenty years ago for pleasure. Her first story, a short erotic vampire tale, was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then she has sold over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels.

When she's not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her family and pets.

Kate also writes under the pen name Saloni Quinby. She enjoys hearing from readers and she can be contacted at katehill@sprintmail.com. Visit Kate online at http://www.kate-hill.com

Northman’s Pleasure

Legend is Grim Hammerhand is half wolf. Vowing never to marry, the muscular, red-haired warrior saves his passion for the battlefield and the forge. That is, until the woman he secretly lusts after is abducted.

Asgerd has loved Grim for years, only to be ignored by the object of her desire. She has eluded the bonds of marriage, hoping that someday Grim will notice her, but her dreams are shattered when she is captured and defiled by the brutal warrior Stein.

After the king sends Grim to rescue his daughter and claim Stein's land, the passion between the couple finally ignites. In the end, Grim's mistrust of all women could destroy their one true chance for happiness.

Northman’s Pleasure is available from Ellora’s Cave on July 17, 2013.

http://www.ellorascave.com/northman-s-pleasure.html

Northman’s Pleasure is the sequel to Northman’s Passion.

http://www.ellorascave.com/northman-s-passion.html

Erik Ice Tooth is used to getting what he wants. Undefeated in battle, no man is his match and no woman resists him, until he meets Bera, daughter of his King.

Disgusted by the hulking brute who asks for her hand in marriage, Bera adamantly refuses him, but Erik is determined to have his way. He abducts Bera, vowing to prove to her that theirs is a match made by the gods. He has many lusty tricks in store for the unsuspecting Bera. Will she be able to resist this sexy warrior?

Contest

To enter this contest you must be 18 or over.

To enter for the chance to win a download of Northman’s Passion, please comment and also send an email to katehill@sprintmail.com letting me know you would like to be entered in the contest. The contest will run for three days from the day of this post. At the end of that time, a winner will be selected at random from the comments. Thank you!

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-- Lynda Again,

    I've always loved Viking tales and shapeshifters so when you put them together, you have an irresistible combination. Kate's book sounds fascinating. Make sure you enter her contest for a chance to win!

   Have a Blessed Day!

     

The Outcast Prince Road to Annwyn Giveaway!

Rather than a guest visit (the lovely Danielle tells me that Shona was very busy this month), I'll simply share the giveaway info and tell you how to enter the drawing for a copy of the book (it's a fabulous book (click here for the review) so you won't won't to miss it). Simply send an email to Lynda@lyndakscott.com with Outcast Prince in the subject line and your name and snail mail addy in the body. On Friday, I'll have my alien kitten, Wookie, and her minion in training, Skie, pick the winner. Good luck to you all!

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The Outcast Prince Road to Annwyn Giveaway!

Shona Husk creates darkly sensual modern fairy tales, and first book in her new series, The Outcast Prince, is no different!

To celebrate, Sourcebooks is giving away copies of this book ALL MONTH LONG!

Each day this month, look for opportunities to win a print copy of The Outcast Prince with bloggers all over the book blogging community. Additionally, there will be a guest blogs and interviews with Shona throughout—a great way to get to know a new author!

THE OUTCAST PRINCE BY SHONA HUSK – IN STORES JULY 2013

Just One Taste Is All It Takes...

This is no ordinary mirror. Caspian caught a hint of color, a whirl of a waltz just past his reflection—a glimpse into the decadent Fairy Court of Annwyn. The home he could never have. It called to him, whispering temptation after temptation...if he could only reclaim his rightful heritage.

To Be Forever Lost...

Caspian has an even stronger reason to stay in the world of humans. He's just met a woman who captivates him like no other. But loving him has proven to be dangerous. And he will do whatever it takes to protect Lydia from the vicious, seductive world of Court—even if doing so requires the ultimate sacrifice: his soul.

Praise for The Outcast Prince

“Brilliantly unique, beautifully sensual, The Outcast Prince had me spellbound from the first page! Shona Husk's engaging voice and vivid, creative world-building make every one of her books a must-read!” — Larissa Ione, New York Times bestselling author

“Innovative fantasy... An emotional and engaging tale.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally. Look for the next book in the Annwyn Series, Lord of the Hunt in January 2014. You can find out more information about Shona and her edgy romances at http://www.shonahusk.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @ShonaHusk.

Follow along all month long for a chance to win a copy of this fabulous new romance novel!

7/2         Peeking Between the Pages

7/3         Debbie’s Book Bag GUEST BLOG

7/4         Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews

7/5         The Reading Café

7/7          Book Chick City GUEST BLOG

7/8         Star-Crossed Romance

7/8         Sassy Book Lovers

7/8         Where the Night Kind Roam

7/9         Reading Between the Wines

7/9         Books-n-Kisses GUEST BLOG

7/10       Bitten By Love Reviews INTERVIEW

7/11       Manga Maniac Café INTERVIEW

7/11       Caffeinated Book Reviewer

7/12       Novels on the Run INTERVIEW

7/15       Booked and Loaded

7/15       Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell INTERVIEW

7/16       Book of Secrets GUEST BLOG

7/17       Book Monster Reviews GUEST BLOG

7/18       Thoughts in Progress

7/18       Anna’s Book Blog INTERVIEW

7/18       Proserpine Craving Books

7/21       Book Lovin' Mamas

7/22       RomFan Reviews

7/22       Night Owl Reviews GUEST BLOG

7/23       The Royal Reviews INTERVIEW

7/25       Fresh Fiction GUEST BLOG

7/26       Romancing the Book INTERVIEW

7/29       Urban Girl Reader INTERVIEW

7/30       SOS Aloha INTERVIEW