Category Archives: Interviews

A Secret Scottish Christmas (Agents of the Crown #4) by Regan Walker-Review and Guest Post

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 Secret Scottish Christmas (Agents of the Crown #4) by Regan Walker-Review and Guest Post

A Secret Scottish Christmas

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.au / Amazon.uk /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 6, 2017

Spies and Scots and Shipmasters, oh my!

Scotland 1819 – Twin brothers Nash and Robbie of Powell and Sons Shipping, London, sail with their fellow Agents of the Crown to Scotland for a secret celebration of Christmastide, a holiday long considered pagan by the Scottish Kirk. But more than Christmas is being kept secret. The two brothers have accepted an assignment from the Home Secretary Lord Sidmouth to ferret out a fugitive fomenting rebellion among the Scots.

Aileen Stephen, the only daughter of an Aberdeen shipbuilder, had to be clever, devious and determined to gain her place in the family business. She succeeded to become a designer of highly coveted ships. One night, a man’s handsome face appears to her in a dream. When two men having that same face arrive on a ship full of Londoners, Ailie wonders what her second sight is telling her. Is the face she saw a portender of the future, a harbinger of danger, or both? And which of the two Englishmen is the one in her dream?

Older than Nash by a mere five minutes, Robbie has always been protective of his twin. When he realizes Nash is attracted to the sister of their Scottish host, he thinks to help matters along. But Nash wants no help from his brother, not where Ailie Stephen is concerned because Robbie is attracted to the girl himself!

Two brothers vie for the affection of the Scottish lass but only one stirs her passion. Which one will it be? And what will she do when she learns both are spies?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: A Secret Scottish Christmas begins with a group of people traveling from England to Scotland to celebrate Christmastide, albeit a secret celebration, with friends. Once the group arrives in Scotland, it doesn’t take long for the Powell twins, Nash and Robbie, to notice not only Aileen’s beauty, but also her fiery spirit.

As the story progresses, the twins put their secret plan into motion, in hopes of making their mission a successful one. However, as the twins get to know Ailie, it becomes apparent that one is more enamored than the other when said twin starts questioning their mission altogether.

A Secret Scottish Christmas is a great addition to the Agents of the Crown series. Ailie is a wonderfully written character. She is intelligent and feisty, but also has a loving heart for those she holds dear. The Powell twins were wonderfully written as well. I love the fact that they love each other as you would expect, but what drew me in was their sense of independence. Regan Walker did a phenomenal job of making each one of them their own person with their own identities. I also loved that Ailie picked up on their nuances that were written so brilliantly. Walker has also, once again, woven actual historical events into her story seamlessly and built a world that you can vividly see in your mind. Whether it is the sound of a dog barking, feeling the wind in your face as you sail away or seeing a landscape covered in new snow, you will find yourself noticing all of the details she meticulously sets for us to truly feel as if we are a part of. Reading Regan Walker’s books is, at least for me, like watching a movie. You are swept into her world from the very beginning and you truly do hate for it to end. Added to all of this the fact that we get to see so many couples from previous books throughout the entire story makes it one of my favorites of everything she has written. If you’re a fan of historical romance, you will most definitely love A Secret Scottish Christmas. There is a beautifully developed romance, political intrigue and such well developed characters that you’ll swear this is your favorite as well….until the next one. Well done, Regan Walker! Very, very well done!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie M

Guest Post-Black and Blue

Scot, Scotsman, Scotch or Scottish… how to refer to the Scots?

By Regan Walker

For my new Christmas Regency, A Secret Scottish Christmas, I wanted to make sure I referred to the Scots as they would want, so I did a bit of scouting. What I discovered was that the terminology can be confusing. Robert Burns, Scotland’s beloved poet, referred to the people of Scotland as “Scots”.

As you know from reading my stories set in Medieval Scotland, the people have always been “Scots” and their kings were never Kings of Scotland, but Kings of the Scots, the people being of first importance, not the land.

The Scots refer to their stories and language as “Scottish” but, in past times, they used the word “Scotch” in place of “Scottish” or “Scot”, something not done today.

In Reminiscences of Scottish Life and Character by Edward Bannerman Ramsay, first published in 1857, the author looks back “forty years” (which would be to the Regency era) and describes the unique “Scottish dialect” spoken at the time. In one place, he says, “I recollect old Scottish ladies and gentlemen who really spoke Scotch.” He also refers to the people of Scotland as “the Scotch” and describes himself as “an out and out Scotchman”. So there you have it. Clear as haggis… er, mud.

I hope you enjoy my Christmas story set on the Northeast coast of Scotland. The people there in 1819 would have spoken a unique dialect, except in prominent families such as the Stephens, who spoke the King’s English. (The journals of the Scottish upper classes read like ones written by the English at the time). They might have spoken with an accent, of course. Most of the common people would have spoken the Doric dialect. Since Doric would be hard for readers to understand, I used it sparingly and sprinkled the book with a few Scottish expressions to give you a flavor for the local speech, particularly in the taverns and for the heroine’s grandfather from Stonehaven.

About The Author Black and Blue

Regan WalkerRegan Walker is an award-winning, Amazon #1 bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romances. A lawyer turned full-time writer, she has six times been featured on USA TODAY’s HEA blog and nominated six times for the prestigious RONE award (her novel, The Red Wolf’s Prize won Best Historical Novel for 2015 in the Medieval category). Her novel The Refuge: An Inspirational Novel of Scotland won the Gold Medal in the Illumination Awards in 2017. And her novel To Tame the Wind won the International Book Award for Romance Fiction in 2017.

Years of serving clients in private practice and several stints in high levels of government have given Regan a love of international travel and a feel for the demands of the “Crown”. Hence her romance novels often involve a demanding sovereign who taps his subjects for special assignments. Each of her novels features real history and real historical figures. And, of course, adventure and love.

Regan’s website: http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/
Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076BBG6HV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regan.walker.104
Regan’s Author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Regan-Walker/e/B008OUWC5Y
Pinterest Storyboard for the book: https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/a-secret-scottish-christmas-by-regan-walker/

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Totally His (Opposites Attract #3) by Erin Nicholas-Review, Q&A, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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Totally His (Opposites Attract #3) by Erin Nicholas-Review,Q & A, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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TOTALLY HIS
Opposites Attract 3
by Erin Nicholas
Release Date: October 31, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Totally His

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / ibooks / Google Play /BAM /

About the book: October 31, 2017

Actress Sophie Birch is used to having to look out for herself. So when her theater catches fire and a big guy scoops her up into his arms to save her, she’s going to fight every step of the way. Even if he’s a cop. And really sexy. And his arms feel oh-so-good.

Finn Kelly can’t help but appreciate how good the woman in his arms looks in her sexy pink lingerie. Even if she’s currently resisting arrest.

But as the two get to know each other, they’re both surprised by the things Finn is willing to do to get closer to her. And when Sophie’s estranged father arrives in town and starts causing trouble, the stage is set for disaster…unless Finn can convince her that, for once in her life, she has someone to lean on.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Totally His begins with Finn Kelly arriving at a theater fire to help with crowd control. One of the first things he spots is a woman in pink lingerie sneaking into the burning theater. He heads in to make the woman vacate the premises, only to be met with vehement resistance. Once he literally picks her up to get her out of the building, he takes her outside, only to lose track of her pretty quickly. It doesn’t take long for him to spot her, or someone whom he thought was her. He approaches “her” and immediately realizes that he has been duped. The woman who had donned the pink robe was not the woman he rescued from the building. Go figure….

Sophie Birch is knows she risked a lot going back into her burning theater to rescue a script that was an original written by her good friend, Angie. But, it was that good. She also a little side tracked with thoughts of the sexy as hell cop that carried her to safety. Those thoughts disappear as her estranged father, Frank, shows up looking for a place to stay and some quick cash.

It doesn’t take long for Sophie and Finn to realize that their lives are intertwined in ways that neither knew about. Once Finn mobilizes family, friends and co-workers to help Sophie repair the damage to her theater, Sophie starts to do something she swore she’d never do: long for a family and support system that she’s never had. Determined to not fall for Finn, Sophie tries to keep her distance from him, but ends up failing miserably. As Finn realizes that he’s fallen hard for Sophie, he vows to do everything in his power to keep her safe and make her totally his……..

Totally His is a wonderfully written story. Sophie is independent, feisty and loyal. She’s been her own support system for so long that she has a lot of trouble opening up and letting people in. Finn is caring, loyal and steadfast in his belief that he needs to give back and try to help everyone in need. When the two of them come together, along with his huge, boisterous family, it doesn’t take Sophie long to be overwhelmed. Throw in her player father, whom she tries to protect everyone from, and you’ve got a great story. The chemistry between Finn and Sophie leaps off of the page. Their banter is engaging and funny. The secondary characters only add to the whole experience. Totally His pulls at your heart strings, but it also makes you swoon with the sizzling romance and humor. I didn’t know this was the third book in a series until I went to write this review, so it can totally be read as a standalone, as I didn’t feel like I was missing any background information that made the story seem out of sorts. This is the first I’ve read by this author, but it will not be the last. Well done, Erin Nicholas! Very well done!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie M

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excerpt

Finn would have noticed her even if she hadn’t been wearing hot-pink lingerie. And nothing else.
He really would have. She was totally his type—brunette and curvy and, apparently, a little crazy. As evidenced by the fact that she was trying to sneak into a burning building. He did seem to be attracted to crazy. No matter how hard he tried not to be.
He watched the woman stop at the east corner of the Birch Community Playhouse, the one farthest from where the firefighters were working. Then he frowned as she slipped into the shadows along the side of the theater and out of sight.
Dammit. He started after her.
As one of the cops on scene, he had to keep the area clear for the firefighters and keep the crowd of onlookers safe. If one of them happened to have a great body and be dressed in nothing but a pink bra-and-panty set, well, he’d just call that a perk. And as he jogged across the street, Finn couldn’t help but wonder if she was in costume or if the alarm had caught her in the midst of a wardrobe change. If that was her outfit for the show, he might need to buy a ticket.
He turned the corner to the back of the building and looked around. He didn’t see her. She’d gone inside. Dammit. He climbed up the four steps that led to the back door of the theater.
Finn touched the door and found it cool. It seemed that the flames were still contained to the wall on the other end of the theater, but it was a mistake to assume anything when fire was involved.
He stepped inside and pulled the flashlight from his belt, then shone it back and forth. He turned a full circle, not sure where to go next. Just then Finn heard a door slam somewhere behind him. He swung toward the sound just in time to see the woman step out from a room.
Her eyes went wide when she saw him.
“Boston PD! Stop!” Finn shouted.
She had covered up. Kind of. She now wore a robe, short, sheer, and unbelted. Which really did nothing to cover his view of her panties and bra. Or all that skin.
And maybe that was why she suddenly took off at a run.
Finn stared after her for a moment, a little stunned. She was actually running from him?
The woman made it to the other end of the lobby and through one of the doors leading into the main theater before Finn got to her. He grabbed the door as it was swinging shut, nearly smashing his fingers. The lights were off in the inner theater but, as he plunged into the darkness, he got a big whiff of whatever body spray or perfume she wore. He took a deep breath. It was nice. Lemony. Sweet and…
Jesus. Finn scowled and turned his flashlight back on. He was thinking about how she smelled? How about the smell of smoke that was going to be chasing them both pretty soon?
“Hey!” he called into the theater. You have to come out, ma’am. It’s not safe for you to stay in the building.”
“Just give me a damned minute!” she shouted.
“I’m sorry, ma’am, I can’t do that,” Finn said.
“I have to find something. Then I’m coming right out.”
“Ma’am, I will have to remove you myself if you don’t come out immediately.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake!” he heard her exclaim.
“Ma’am, this is your last warning. Stop what you’re doing and come with me.”
Enough of this. Finn stalked over to her, put a hand around her upper arm, and turned to remove her from the building.
She dug her heels in, though, pulling against his hold. “Hey, you can’t—”
“Oh, yes I can,” he told her calmly, careful to keep his eyes off her body. The heat from her skin had immediately soaked through the thin robe, and Finn felt it traveling from his palm up his arm. “I’ve given you several opportunities to cooperate.”
“You’re arresting me?” she asked.
“Are you doing something that you need to be arrested for?” he asked, moving her toward the door, even with her resisting.
“No! I need to get something. It’s very important. It belongs to a friend of mine. It’s irreplaceable.”
“Ma’am,” he said calmly, “don’t make me carry you out of here.”
She pulled against his grip and leaned all her weight into fighting the forward motion across the room.
Well, shit. He’d kind of figured it would come to this, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to touch her more. Still, it didn’t look as if he had a lot of choice. Reminding himself that he was a professional, he bent and hooked an arm behind her knees, looped the other around her back, and lifted her.
She gasped, and for a moment she didn’t fight. And he thought maybe the hard part was over. But as he headed out the door, trying to ignore how warm and soft and fucking lemony she was, she started to wiggle.


 

 

Q & A

Erin Nicholas CREDIT Lifetouch Portrait Studios Inc

TRC: Hi Erin. Congratulations on the release of TOTALLY HIS. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Erin: Well, I’m a mom of two, wife of one, cat and coffee lover, who spends 10 hours a day with imaginary people ☺ I grew up in a house of book lovers and I’ve been writing my entire life—started out with short stories in elementary school—and published my first contemporary romance, my true love, in 2009.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Erin: I’ve always been a writer. I don’t remember a time I wasn’t making stories up! I’m sure a lot of it came from the stories I loved as a child and the fact that both of my parents were rarely seen without a book! Books were our rewards for things growing up—good grades, etc.—so a love for books and stories was engrained from a very young age. I’m so grateful for that!

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

Erin: I’m very independent so it’s hard to sometimes have a lot of people weighing in on a project ☺ I guess that would be one thing! Lol! Another is dealing with negative reviews and harsh critics. I’ve gotten a tougher skin over the years, but those can sometimes really sting even now.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of TOTALLY HIS and the OPPOSITES ATTRACT series? How many books do you have planned for the series.

Erin: There are three books in the series… Totally His is number three, and the final one. The idea game when a friend and I were talking about The Big Bang Theory and how fun it would be for the roles to be reversed with Geeky Girls and Hot Guys ☺ And that became our tagline for the series… “The Big Bang Theory in reverse!” My daughter and her “geeky” interests (which I think are just really cool) – like superheroes, online communities, and theater – was the inspiration for all the heroines in this series. There’s a little piece of her in each of them.

TRC: What was your hardest scene ever to write?

Erin: Oh wow. The hardest scene ever? It’s every dark moment—that point in the story when all seems lost—in every book! I hate those. In fact, I usually write them early on so I get them over with and know where I’m going with the story ☺ The hardest one of those in any of my books? Wow, maybe the one in Going Down Easy, which is a new book coming out in March. The hero is completely guilt-ridden over finding out his young son is being bullied at school. That was really hard to write about what happened to his son and then the hero’s reaction to it and the way he pushes the heroine away because of it.

TRC: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of TOTALLY HIS.

About the author

Erin Nicholas is the New York Times bestselling author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines and happily ever afters. She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).

Website: www.erinnicholas.com
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2ys6CA8
Twitter: @ErinNicholas
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2hPeCni
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2vVyImO
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vtoBTk

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The Sea King by C.L. Wilson – Review, Interview and Giveaway

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The Sea King by C.L. Wilson – Review, Interview and Giveaway

 

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The Sea KingAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
He wasn’t supposed to choose her…

Seafaring prince Dilys Merimydion has been invited to court the three magical princesses of Summerlea. To eradicate the pirates threatening Calberna and to secure the power of the Sea Throne, Dilys vows to return home with a fierce warrior-queen as his bride. But politics has nothing to do with unexpected temptation.

She didn’t dare wed him…

A weathermage like her sisters, Gabriella Coruscate’s gentleness exemplifies the qualities of her season name, Summer. Yet her quiet poise conceals dangerous powers she cannot begin to wield. Better to live without excitement, she reasons, than risk her heart and lose control— until an irresistible Sealord jolts her awake with a thunderclap of raw desire.

Until evil threatens everything they hold dear…

When pirates kidnap Summer and her sisters, Dilys is in a desperate quest to save the woman he loves. Only by combining his command of the seas with the unleashed fury of Summer’s formidable gifts can they defeat their brutal enemies and claim the most priceless victory of all: true love.

 

 

Review:

The Sea King by C.L. Wilson is the 2nd book in her Weathermages of Mystral series.  I have been waiting anxiously for this book, as I loved The Winter King.  Once again, C.L Wilson gives us a fantastic adventure, filled with amazing characters throughout.

In The Sea King, Dilys Merimydion, our hero, is the prince of Calberna, where his mother the Queen has informed him that it is time for him to take a wife.  Despite the council trying to make him wait years for a young girl to growup, the Queen overrules and Dilys, with his warriors heads for lands of the Ice King (Wynter, our previous book hero), to court one of the three magical princesses of Summerlea (Summer, Spring & Autumn). Right from the start, Dilys can feel an attraction to Summer, who does everything to push him away.  Dilys does not understand, and after much frustration, he decides to try to court one of the other two princesses.

Gabriella Coruscate (Summer) has had a secret all her life.  She has powers so strong and terrifying, which she has been able to control it, but at times when she has had to use it to protect herself, and is horrified at the results.  She is determined to not fall in love or get married; as it is too dangerous for anyone to accidently get hurt from her tremendous powers.  She realizes in a short time, that Dilys is indeed her mate, and she fights with all her being to her feelings and force him to court either Spring or Autumn.

Dilys is also worried about the attacks on his people from an unknown pirate named Shark, who is threatening those he loves back home.  After a bit, he does befriend both Spring and Autumn and they will both help him try to court the woman who calls to his heart, Gabriella.

This is where I need to point out some mixed feelings.  In the first half of the book, I was not a fan of Summer, as she was mean and nasty to Dilys.  I understand her fears, but he was so patient, so sweet and desperately trying to help her.  But she was extremely stubborn, and even when she finally admits her feelings to him, she refuses to marry him.  Very frustrating.  That will change later.

When Dilys leaves for a few days to go with his men to help on an attack against one of his ships, all three of princesses are kidnapped.  At this point, the story becomes centered on the pirate ship and Dilys attempt to find them.  This was very exciting, and at the same time a bit depressing.  The adventure was so well done by Wilson, and I am amazed how she was able to put all the pieces together. Keep in mind that this is not a short book, and most fantasy books are big.  My other mixed feeling was how the princesses were treated by the pirate, especially Summer, whom we spent most of the time with.  But unfortunately, in Fantasy we come to expect this.  As I said, that part was depressing.

When Dilys finally rescues Summer, things will change for all of them.  The hunt is on to find the pirate, and the two remaining sisters.  Summer is vengeful, which causes her powers to rise.  Dilys will see why Summer is afraid to love and marry him, but he will prove to her that together she can control her powers.

What follows is an exciting pulse pounding journey of survival, betrayal & battles against terrible villains in a fight to the finish in a wild mind boggling race to save them all. There were so many twists and surprises along the way that had us on the edge of our seat afraid to miss anything.  I loved Dilys throughout the whole book, and thankfully by a bit past the half way point, I loved Gabriella too.  Once she opened herself to love Dilys, and learn to handle her powers, she made a fantastic heroine.  The big question:  Will they survive?

The last third of the book was such an exhilarating and emotional ride.  Wilson also gives us two epilogues that will drive the next book in this series.  I can’t wait!  Bravo to C.L. Wilson for a fantastic wonderful story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Catching Up

Hi, Cheryl.  Thank you for taking the time to re-visit us at The Reading Café to discuss what you are currently working on and what we have to look forward to.

TRC: For those who have not read your first book in this series , The Winter King, can you please give us a brief description of the premise of  Weathermages of Mystral?

C.L. Wilson:  The Weathermages of Mystral is a fantasy romance series set in a world where everyone possesses some type of innate magic related to the world around them.  At present, the series focuses on the children of a weathermage known as the Summer King.   All of his children possess sun-related weather magic – they can generate heat, sense the location of the sun no matter the time of day or night, influence the weather with their gifts.  Khamsin, his youngest, possesses the power to summon storms.  His daughters Spring, Summer, and Autumn have weather gifts associated with the changing of the seasons for which they are named.  His son, Falcon, like his father has the ability to help regulate the weather across the kingdom, ensuring appropriate rainfall and sunshine for the various orchards, vineyards, and farmlands throughout Summerlea.  They use these gifts to ensure the fertility and prosperity of their lands.

As I expand the world beyond the children of the Summer King, I’m also exploring the other kinds of magic that exists on Mystral.

TRC: Your diehard fans have been waiting to find out when we can expect your next book, The Sea King.  We are thrilled to note that you do have a date…. October 31, 2017.  Will you please give us a brief description about The Sea King? 

C.L. Wilson: THE SEA KING features a hero and heroine who both appeared in THE WINTER KING.  The hero is Dilys Merimydion.  He came to Wintercraig as an invader but ended up fighting alongside Wintercraig forces to defeat the Ice King. In doing so, he earned the right for he and his men to return to Wintercraig and court potential wives.  

Dilys, royal prince of the island queendom of Calberna, has come to Wintercraig to court the Seasons of Summerlea.  His mother, the Queen, sent him to bring back home a bride, but although her advisors insist he should choose either Spring or Autumn—both confident, powerful women worthy of mothering Calberna’s next queen—it is shy, gentle Summer, widely acknowledged as the least powerful of all the Seasons, who captures his interest and won’t let go. 

But Summer isn’t the sweet, gentle Season everyone believes her to be.  She has a secret—a dark, deadly power so dangerous she dare never risk its release.  That is why she’s spent a lifetime hiding her true self behind serene masks, suppressing strong emotions and avoiding anything that threatens her ruthless self-control. Because like her father, whose love for his wife turned to madness after her death, when Summer loves, she loves too much. 

Then Calberna’s golden-eyed prince steps onto Wintercraig shores in search of a wife, and one shared look between them sends her reeling.  With unshakeable certainty, Summer knows Dilys Merimydion is all she could ever want, every happiness she could ever dream of, the greatest love she could ever know…and that makes him the one thing she can never allow herself to have.

TRC:  On your site you noted that The Sea King is the 2nd book of Weathermages of Mystral series, and the 1st book of Seasons of Summerlea trilogy.  Can you please explain how this will work? 

C.L. Wilson: Each book in the Seasons of Summerlea trilogy is a standalone fantasy romance featuring one of Khamsin’s three sisters, Spring, Summer, or Autumn.  Each book will have complete, standalone romance; but all three books will also be connected by an overarching plotline.  Book 1 of the trilogy, THE SEA KING, is Dilys and Summer’s story.  Book 2 of the trilogy will be THE JAGUAR KING where Spring finds her mate, and book 3, THE DRAGON KING, is Autumn’s story.   

Because the royal family of Summerlea has been in power in an unbroken familial line for millennia, they would have intermarried with numerous other, highly magical families…so I’m having a lot of fun with the Seasons’ books, playing around with the other kinds of magic they have inherited.

TRC: How many books are you anticipating for Weathermages of Mystral series, or does it end with The Sea King, moving on to the Seasons of Summerlea?

C.L. Wilson: I don’t have an answer for that.  The Seasons of Summerlea trilogy is part of the Weathermages series.  I’d at least like to do a book for all of the Summer King’s five children.  (That includes Falcon, who needs to redeem himself.)  But there are other characters I’ve met along the way who interest me and make me want to discover their stories as well.

TRC: 
You have previously mentioned that you wanted to go back to the Fading Lands and do stories on two of your heroes…Belliard and Gaelen.  Is this still on your agenda?  Will we going back to the Fading Lands?

C.L. Wilson: Oh, yes.  I definitely intend to write their stories.  In fact, I’ve got three Fading Lands projects in the works right now – Bel’s book, a Melliandra short story/novella, and a 3rd full length novel about a Fey warrior and the mysterious Sief from the Pale (a tribal people we haven’t seen yet).   I’ve done some basic plotting for Gaelen’s book, and it’s on the To Be Written list as well, but I have yet to write a single scene.

TRC: ‘Happily claps hands’

TRC:  Would you like to share with us on what you are currently working and what else you have planned for the future?

C.L. Wilson: See above.  I’m also working on JAGUAR KING and in the planning stages for DRAGON KING.

TRC:  Would you like to tell our members and fans of The Fading Lands about your Tairen Soul Merchandise Line?

C.L. Wilson: Thanks for asking.  An artist friend of mine, the very talented wildlife artist, Heather Carr, have teamed up to offer art prints and other merchandise based on my books.  We sell at conventions, such as DragonCon, and I have an online store, www.tairenslair.com , where I sell prints of her art, plush toys and merchandise, as well as personalized autographed copies of my books.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

C.L. Wilson: I’d just like to thank every reader who continues to support me by buying my books, and for every reader who keeps asking me for the next story.  You have all kept me going even when things are difficult.  So thanks, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart. 

TRC: Thank you, Cheryl for giving us an update on “The Sea King”, as well as what we can look forward to in the future.   It was a pleasure having you visit us, we look forward to spreading the news on The Sea King.

 

 

 

 

Giveaway-mauve

C.L. Wilson’s publisher is generously offering a signed paper copy of THE WINTER KING (First book in series) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Like C.L. Wilson on Facebook for an additional entry.

6. Giveaway is open to USA/Canada only.

7. Giveaway runs from October 31 – November 4, 2017

 

Avon Books

 

 

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Faithless Elector / Dark Network by James McCrone-Reviews, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Faithless Elector/ Dark Network (Imogen Trager Series 1 & 2) by James McCrone-Reviews, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Dark Network
Imogen Trager #2
by James McCrone
Genre: adult, contemporary, political suspense, thriller
Release Date: October 20, 2017

Dark Network

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 20, 2017

The FBI is leaking, the Attorney General is being undermined, politicians are spinning, and social media is in an uproar. No, it’s not another day at the White House, but the world of Dark Network.

Imogen Trager, the determined heroine of the “highly suspenseful” Faithless Elector is still searching for the truth, and the nation is without a president-elect. She’ll have to fight against time, a sinister network—even her own colleagues—to defeat the conspiracy to steal the presidency. Left on the edges of the investigation, she joins forces with Trey Kelly, an FBI network specialist, also a Bureau outsider. Together, they struggle to find the back door the conspirators may have left unlocked. They’ll have to hurry. There’s only a month until the inauguration of a new president..

••••

REVIEW: DARK NETWORK is the second installment in James McCrone’s contemporary, adult IMOGEN TRAGER political drama, suspense thriller series focusing on FBI Agent Imogen ‘Gen’ Trager and the investigation into the electoral process of the United States of America. DARK NETWORK can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order as Dark Network picks up immediately after the events of book one Faithless Elector.

NOTE: If you have not read FAITHLESS ELECTOR there may be some spoilers in my review. DARK NETWORK and FAITHLESS ELECTOR are fictional story lines and do not reflect the current political situation in the USA (conspiracy theories, aside).

Told from several third person points of view DARK NETWORK begins three days after the events of book one Faithless Elector wherein Agent Imogen Trager and Professor Duncan Calder uncovered a political nightmare of voter tampering and murder for hire in an effort to elect Republican James Christopher to the highest office in the land.

Imogen Trager has been held in seclusion by the FBI where she now faces an interrogation about the events leading to the death of rogue FBI agent Thomas Kurtz, and the shooting of her boss Agent Doug Pollack, and lover Duncan Calder. With the mysterious deaths of seven ‘electors’ and the murder of three more ‘faithless electors’ Imogen and the FBI will continue to search for the ‘dark network’ responsible starting with the voter discrepancies in Illinois. Imogen’s own investigation will pull in the FBI’s underground IT specialist Trey Kelly allowing the Agents and investigators to follow a group of unfamiliar names with connections to high ranking officials both in and out of the political eye. What ensues is the intense and thrilling manhunt as, once again, the ongoing discovery of a broken trail of bodies will hopefully lead to the people in charge.

DARK NETWORK looks at the American electoral process including the damaging potential of voter fraud; of ballot stuffing; threats and intimidation at the highest levels; and a murderous plot to ensure the ‘right’ candidate is ‘elected’ to the job. The intrigue is heart pounding; the action is full throttle; the threats are real but the sources indeterminate. The FBI knows there is a mole amid their ranks but uncovering the truth reveals a deeper connection to an unnamed source.

James McCrone pulls the reader into an exciting and tension filled tale that will captivate your imagination; blow your mind about potential conspiracies; and make you wonder when it all went wrong. Fiction that reads like reality; reality that feels like fiction-you be the judge where the black and white slowly bleeds into grey.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

___________________

Faithless ElectorFAITHLESS ELECTOR
(Imogen Trager #1)
by James McCrone
Genre: adult, contemporary, political, suspense, thriller

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / BAM / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 2016

Everyone thought the election was over… A young researcher uncovers a series of mysterious deaths among Electors and must race against time and a secret, deadly efficient conspiracy. In an era characterized as cynical and paranoid, Faithless Elector poses a creditable threat to the integrity of the electoral process and the selection of the president. Faithless Elector is a timely, compelling novel for our turbulent times.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: FAITHLESS ELECTOR is the first installment in James McCrone’s contemporary, adult IMOGEN TRAGER political suspense thriller series focusing on FBI Agent Imogen ‘Gen’ Trager and the investigation into the electoral process of the USA. This is thirty two year old FBI Agent and statistician Imogen Trager and forty seven year old Political Science Professor Duncan Calder’s story line.

NOTE: FAITHLESS ELECTOR is a fictional story line and does not reflect the current political situation in the USA (conspiracy theories, aside).

SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION and DEFINITIONS: In the USA ‘Faithless Electors’ are members of the Electoral College who do not vote for their party’s designated candidate.(http://www.fairvote.org/faithless_electors )

The Electoral College consists of 538 electors. A majority of 270 electoral votes is required to elect the President. A state’s entitled allotment of electors equals the number of members in its Congressional delegation: one for each member in the House of Representatives plus two for the State’s Senators. The meeting of the electors takes place on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December after the presidential election. The electors meet in their respective states, where they cast their votes for President and Vice President on separate ballots. Each state’s electoral votes are counted in a joint session of Congress on the 6th of January in the year following the meeting of the electors. The Vice President, as President of the Senate, presides over the count and announces the results of the vote. The President of the Senate then declares which persons, if any, have been elected President and Vice President of the United States.

The President-Elect takes the oath of office and is sworn in as President of the United States on January 20th in the year following the Presidential election.(https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/about.html )

Told from several third person points of view including Imogen Trager and Duncan Calder FAITHLESS ELECTOR follows the investigation into the fictional 2016 US Presidential election wherein Diane Redmond is elected the first female president of the United States with an Electoral College difference of only four votes 271- 267. Graduate student Matthew Yamashita, under the mentorship of Professor Duncan Calder, begins his doctoral dissertation on party identification beginning with an analysis of the recent election, and the examination of the members of the Electoral College only to discover a series of anomalies including the ‘accidental’ deaths of seven electors. Matthew’s research will catch the attention of some powerful people who will leave a trail of bodies in their wake including Matthew himself. Enter Duncan Calder and his former Political Science student FBI Agent Imogen Trager who will be caught in a storm of mystery and intrigue involving the FBI, Attorney General, and the powerful political elite.

We are introduced to grad student Matthew Yamashita; Imogen’s FBI partner Agent Thomas Kurtz, and her boss Agent Doug Pollack.

FAITHLESS ELECTOR reads like a sociological study; a political science and statistical crash course into the United States election process and the fall out of voter tampering at the highest levels. The intrigue is heart pounding as Duncan is targeted by an unknown source that is determined to shut down anyone connected with Matthew and Duncan’s original investigation. A cross country journey finds our hero struggling to survive as each step closer to the truth brings Duncan closer to his own demise. With FBI Agent Imogen Trager working alongside, our couple will be caught in political war of conspiracy, not of their making, as they face down the people willing to kill for their own agenda and candidate.

James McCrone writes an amazing and timely thriller with a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure; a fast paced, intense story of political intrigue and mystery; a relevant look into the political process and the real potential for fraudulent elections. The premise is intellectually stimulating, engaging and realistic; the characters are colorful, inspiring and passionate. FAITHLESS ELECTOR is a fascinating and riveting look at the conceivability of the unimaginable.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest post-White and Red

Sailing Too Close to the Wind
by James McCrone

A well-crafted political thriller should feel “real.” To do so, it has to flirt with real events. But sometimes I worry I’m sailing just a bit too close to the wind.

In search of verisimilitude, an author works to capture the mood of a given time, to color the scene with familiar, plausible events. I wrote the draft of Faithless Elector years ago, and it was finally published it March of 2016, long before either candidate was even the their party’s nominee. Frankly, as someone writing a thriller, I was less interested in what was really happening, than in working to capture the mood of the time, the sharp, singed odor of righteous, sanctimonious, incendiary anger; the mistrust and the erosion of constitutional order. That, itself, proved to be too close to the truth.

The book, of course, is not about this most recent presidential campaign, but about what could have happened. Indeed, it could all still happen: the weaknesses in the Electoral College system exploited by the Faithless Elector conspirators, sadly, are all too real. Worse, despite my best efforts to remain fictional, Faithless Elector presaged real-world Faithless Electors casting protest votes, as well as a campaign calling the very act of voting into question and using vote-rigging as a campaign tactic. There were even “manufactured” news stories. (How I wish I’d thought to call it “fake news!”)

In both books, the technical aspects of the conspiracy were the hardest for me to get right. In Faithless Elector I had to become something of an expert on Electors and the Electoral College. I had to ground myself in Constitutional law and statistical analysis models—not so I could bore you with it, gentle readers, but so I could portray those aspects accurately and maintain the pace of a page-turning thriller. Obviously, Faithless Elector doesn’t end in the same way as the true election. It was never meant as prophecy. Nevertheless, I wondered and worried about sailing my fictional course too close to the wind. I comforted myself, wrongly it turns out, that Dark Network would not be so potentially controversial or inadvertently relevant. How wrong I was!

As I worked to finish the draft with my editor back in April, the news was full of hacking, chicanery and fake news; and worse, the FBI itself had come under scrutiny, had itself become part of the story. Unfortunately (for me), to write Dark Network, I also had to become versed in the workings of the FBI, its hierarchy, its processes. I had to do research on how to track and hack cell phones, how to mask GPS signals. I had to figure out how much information was shared between clandestine organizations and the FBI, under what circumstances and by what mechanisms. At one point, I worried the FBI would come knocking, wondering what I was up to!

The epigram for Dark Network comes from Adam Smith, the 18th century Scottish philosopher: “Virtue is more to be feared than vice, because its excesses are not subject to the regulation of conscience.”

Dark Network is about power. The umbral conspirators are bent on taking power for themselves at the expense of everything we hold dear. The chilling, dark recognition at the heart of the plot is that the conspirators would say they were seizing power in order to preserve everything we hold dear. They are doing the right thing, they would say. And people who are doing the right thing are rarely troubled by scruples or conscience. Why would they be?

The tension for the characters in the novel centers on how far they’re prepared to go in defense of their own principles before they’ve abandoned them all. Let’s hope there are fewer real-world analogues this time out. But, given how many things I’ve written have come to pass, when you read the third and final book in the series, Consent of the Governed (fall 2018), you’ll know why I dread the sharp knock at the door.

About The Author

Follow James: Website / Twitter /Facebook / Goodreads

James McCroneJames McCrone is the author of the Imogen Trager novels, Faithless Elector and Dark Network, suspense-thrillers about clandestine threats to the presidency. Coming next, Consent of the Governed!

James’s work both on an off the page deals with justice, politics and issues of personal and social responsibility. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is back in the US, in Philadelphia, after a year abroad in Oxford, UK.

giveaway

James is graciously offering a signed, paper copy of FAITHLESS ELECTOR to ONE (1) lucky commenter, and a signed paper copy of DARK NETWORK to ONE (1) other lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow James McCrone on Twitter or Goodreads

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only

9.. Giveaway runs from October 21-25, 2017

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Concierge (Black Raven #3) by Stella Barcelona-Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Concierge (Black Raven #3) by Stella Barcelona-Review, Interview & Giveaway

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CONCIERGE
Black Raven #3
by Stella Barcelona
Release Date: September 27, 2017
Genre: adult ,contemporary, suspense

Concierge

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

About the book:

The Concierge delivers anything…for a price.
A provider in the underworld of human trafficking, the Concierge fills deviant orders of an exclusive clientele with inventory collected from people who live on the streets. As client requests are delivered, a personal obsession with New Orleans artist Andi Hutchenson festers…until the predator’s quest is possession..

Andi Hutchenson lives in a world of fear-fueled shadows. Two and a half years ago, Andi was kidnapped, tortured, and left for dead. Since then, crippling fear has ruled her life. Round the clock security enables her to leave her French Quarter home to paint the world around her, but Andi’s past is about to collide with her lonely present.

Gabe Hernandez believes his client is safe…but she isn’t. Protecting Andi is a given, but Black Raven Agent Gabe Hernandez is captivated by her and wants to entice her back to the land of the living. Yet with each tug on the lifeline he offers, Gabe is pulled deeper into Andi’s world, where the dividing line between imagined horrors and real-life demons is whisper thin.

••••••••

Review:

Concierge begins with Andi Hutchenson believing that she’s seen a young woman kidnapped in broad daylight in the French Quarter, not far from her home. The Black Raven agents assigned to her detail saw nothing. Which causes Andi more stress because she doesn’t know if the agents are lacking or if she’s having hallucinations. Due to the fact that Andi is best friends with one of Black Raven’s founding partners, who still feels somewhat responsible for what happened to Andi, she is a high priority client. When she fires yet another agent, they send in Gabe Hernandez.

Agent Hernandez is known for his quick wit and his charm, but even more for his almost empathic abilities. Once he makes the scene, it doesn’t take too long for him to ascertain that there is more to Andi than meets the eye. She has basically shut herself off from society, the same society that she once enjoyed, almost to the extreme. But what makes her stand out for Gabe, other than being a beyond gifted artist, is the way she sees herself….broken. That is NOT what he sees. He sees a beautiful, determined woman who is doing her best to navigate through what’s happened to her and try and make herself whole again. He makes it his mission to get her see to herself the way he does: unstoppable.

Andi tries to resist Gabe’s charm. She’s never even known another agent’s name. He invades her space, almost daring her to fire him, which she wants to do, but for some reason can’t. She eventually starts to feel something she hasn’t felt for two and a half years….safe. Just as Gabe starts to convince her that he’s the real deal, and so is she, evil rears its ugly head and upsets the calm they’ve been striving for. As Gabe and almost the entire Black Raven team race against the clock to save Andi, all he can do is pray that she’s still alive.

Wow……….just wow.

Concierge is an intense story from beginning to end. Your heart breaks for Andi and what she’s endured. It will also beat with pride as she is determined to make it out the other side of what happened to her. Yes, there are times that she doesn’t think she’ll be able to do it. Yes, there are times that she second guesses all aspects of her life that led up to her being kidnapped and tortured. Gabe is just what she needed. Of course, he’s charming and all of that, but it’s his empathic side that allows him to see Andi in a way that she doesn’t even see herself. All she has to do is believe in herself and in his steadfast support. Easier said than done when you’ve been through what she’s been through.

I have to say that there are a couple of parts of this book that are very dark. One particular scene in the beginning almost had me putting the book down, but I will say that I’m glad I didn’t. The Concierge (character) is a twisted, perverse being and Barcelona held nothing back in her portrayal of that character. Thankfully, there are only a few scenes where we are subjected to the Concierge’s whims. With all of that said, this book is by far my favorite in the series, and that’s saying a lot. Intense really isn’t a good enough word to describe it, but that’s what I’m going with. There is also not a problem reading this as a standalone. If you’re a fan of fast paced thrillers with phenomenal leads, sizzling romance and awesome secondary characters, you will never go wrong with one of Barcelona’s stories. I cannot wait for the next installment. Well done, Stella Barcelona! Very, very well done!!! (p.s. Stella Barcelona, please tell me Ragno’s story is coming soon!!!!)

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Deceived
Shadows
Jigsaw
Concierge

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Interview

TRC: Hi Stella and welcome back to The Reading Café.

stella barcelonaStella: Thank you so much for inviting me. It’s great to be here.

TRC: Congratulations on the release of CONCIERGE, the third book in your BLACK RAVEN series.

Stella: Thank you!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information for anyone who doesn’t know Stella Barcelona. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Stella: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Stella: I write romantic thrillers. When I’m not writing, I’m a lawyer. I work for a court in New Orleans, Louisiana. I’ve lived in and around New Orleans my entire life. During one very special time in my past, I lived in an apartment in the heart of the French Quarter, in Jackson Square. I’m also a dog lover, and I have two adorable papillons, who appear occasionally on my website and my Facebook page.

TRC: What has been happening in your life since last we spoke?

Stella: I’ve been busy writing! As you know, Deceived was published in 2014. Since then, I released Shadows and Jigsaw, and most recently I released Concierge.

I’ve also revamped my website, stellabarcelona.com. I write blogs from time to time, some book related, some not. I’ve included book club discussion questions on my website for each of my novels; the discussion questions give insight regarding themes that intrigued me as I wrote each novel. I also have an “Ask Stella” blog, where people ask questions that I answer on my site. I love to hear from readers, so please visit my website and say hello!

ConciergeTRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of CONCIERGE and THE BLACK RAVEN series?

Stella: “Black Raven” is shorthand for a continuing character in my novels, the security agency Black Raven Private Security Contractors. Each story that I write in the Black Raven series involves a high-stakes job for one or more agents.

In Concierge, A Black Raven Novel, after spending time in far away places in Shadows and Jigsaw, the action returns to New Orleans, Louisiana. The story involves a private security detail provided by Black Raven for an artist, where the job quickly goes awry in unexpected ways.

Concierge is set in and around a neighborhood where I once lived—the French Quarter. In the story, I provide a local’s glimpse of the chaos that ensues in the days leading to Fat Tuesday. It’s a thriller, where the action takes place along Royal Street, Frenchmen Street, Esplanade Avenue, and beyond.

Twists and turns will take the reader along French Quarter streets, into a world where peril ensnares vulnerable people who make the streets their home. In particular, a young musician who goes by the name “Pic” plays an important role in Concierge. Pic, a runaway who lives on the streets, was inspired by people I encountered while living in the Pontalba Apartments, in Jackson Square.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting do you do, and how long do you spend researching /plotting before beginning a book?

Stella: Although I spend significant pre-writing time conceptualizing each story, the time that I spend researching and plotting varies with each book.

In the pre-writing time, I usually develop the parameters of the Black Raven job that will drive the story. From there, I research thematic elements. My research results tend to drive some of the plot points. I add character development into the mix, and then I research the setting.

I develop points for chapters and scenes and lay everything out on a plot board, following, somewhat loosely, the method of plotting by color I learned from fellow author, and friend, Cherry Adair. I tend to rearrange everything for a while and obsess even more about various plot points and characterization. When I’m really, really tired of plotting, I start writing.

TRC: How do you select the names for your characters?

Stella: Names are difficult! I’m somewhat random with name selection in the beginning, then have to change the names midway through the story. For example, when writing Jigsaw I realized I had several characters with names that started with an “M.” It was confusing, so I had to come up with new names. It wasn’t fun, because I had been working on the story for months. It was hard to think of the characters with their new names.

TRC: How did publishing your first book change your writing process?

Stella: If anything, it made me more determined to be a productive author. My goal was never to simply write one book and then stop. My goal has always been to be a storyteller. Since stories always play in my mind, I have more than one story to tell. Finding readers for Deceived, my first novel, and each subsequent novel, has made the entire process a worthwhile, rewarding endeavor.

TRC: What was your hardest scene –ever-to write?

Stella: There are a few that come to mind, BUT, the hardest, by far, was one particular bridge scene in Jigsaw. I’m trying not to give too much away- but the scene takes place in Paris, on the Pont Neuf. The hero, Zeus Hernandez, has to think and act fast to stop an explosion. The scene is short, but it took me forever to write. To this day, I can’t explain why it was so difficult for me.

TRC: There is a fine line between romance, erotic, and erotica in many of today’s popular contemporary fiction. Many authors are re-issuing their previously erotic story lines with ‘cleaner’ versions without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. What do you believe has precipitated this move or change in direction?

Stella: Though my novels have a sensual element, I don’t consider myself an erotica author. I can’t really speculate on the reasons why erotica authors may be re-issuing their books with ‘cleaner’ versions. It sounds interesting, though, and it makes me wonder whether the reverse would work as well. Should authors of non-erotic fiction re-issue their books with more erotic scenes set within?

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Stella: I believe covers are extremely important, but truly, I think the quality of the story told within is even more important than the cover. Nevertheless, because of the importance of having covers that capture the imagination of readers, I tend to be extremely selective regarding cover elements. Recently, I wrote a blog about the cover of Concierge on my website. The blog, entitled “Musings…On the Cover of Concierge,” gives a bit of insight as to the depth of my obsession with covers.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Stella: Yes! I love to listen to music as I write. The louder it is, the better! It’s difficult to explain why music facilitates my writing, but I think the beat translates to story pacing. Fast paced songs remind me to incorporate action, while slower, more emotional songs remind me to reveal what my characters are feeling.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Stella: One misconception is that authors always feel inspired to write. In reality, at least for me, getting from the beginning to the end of a reader-worthy story is hard work that requires extreme diligence and self-discipline.

Also, I’m not sure the creative process will ever become easy, even though writing is something I love to do. I equate the difficulty that comes with producing a novel with the sort of difficulty I experienced in my third and final year of law school. The classes in that third year weren’t magically easier just because I had been through two years of law school. To perform in that third year at the level I hoped to achieve, I still had to work hard. The same goes with writing.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Stella: I’m writing my next Black Raven novel, entitled “Insertion.” It’s set in Alaska … and … Stay tuned! It will be released in 2018.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Stella: Yes – I love to hear from readers, so please reach out and say hi, either on Facebook or through my website.

TRC: Thank you Stella for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your new release.

Stella: You’re welcome, and thank you!

Giveaway

Stella is graciously offering a $25 Amazon gift card + a hand-blown glass fleur de lis paperweight + an autographed copy of Concierge. to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Stella Barcelona on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from October 13-18, 2017

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Barking Up The Wrong Tree by Jenn McKinlay – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Barking Up The Wrong Tree by Jenn McKinlay – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

 

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Barking Up the Wrong TreeAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
LOVE IS A FOUR-LEGGED WORD.

Carly DeCusati returned home to Bluff Point, Maine, with her tail between her legs. But she’s determined to get her life back on track—and that means finding new homes for the elderly golden retriever and overly talkative parrot she inherited before her old life fell apart.

Enter physical therapist and hot one-night stand James Sinclair. James doesn’t care that Carly doesn’t do relationships. He is determined to win her heart, promising to help her with the pets if she’ll just give him the time of day.

Carly agrees to date the irresistible James, and, for the first time in years, she’s dreaming of a happily ever after. But James has secrets, and if he can’t open up to Carly, their future could go to the dogs…

 

 

Review:

Barking Up the Wrong Tree by Jenn McKinlay is the 2nd book in her Bluff Point Romance series.  Barking up the Wrong Tree continues the trend of a sweet cute romance that McKinlay gave us in the first book.   This series not only has cute animals, but a fantastic group of friends.    Carly Decusati, our heroine, has returned home to Bluff Point, Maine, with the help of her friends, to stay temporarily, until she finds a new job.  Carly, much to her displeasure was left to care for a senior dog (Saul) and a parrot (Ike), who loves to curse.  Carly does not do relationships, whether its men or animals. But sometimes things don’t go as planned.

James Sinclair has recently moved to Bluff Point, and when he sees the gorgeous and outgoing Carly, he is determined to get to know her better.  They end up having a one night stand, which James wants more of, but Carly is afraid to become attached…”no relationships”     I actually loved the hot hot James, who was a lot of fun.  He will do everything to win Carly over, even if he has to play just being a friend.  Early on, I kind of was annoyed by Carly, with her stubborn insistence to find homes for the pets and ignore her  growing feelings for James.

Other then Carly’s stubbornness, this was such fun enjoyable book.  James was fantastic in the many ways he would entice Carly, and by the half way point, she was succumbing to her feelings.  When James’s family comes out for a birthday party for his Dad, Carly is forced to help plan the party, which brings her into James life and great family. That was a lot of fun, especially when Carly knows she is falling in love with James.  They both had bad experiences with love that defined the story, and together they will both face their nemesis to get past those issues. 

It was great to see Mac & Gavin again, as well as Carly’s other girlfriends & the guys.  The camaraderie between them all was terrific.  As for the animals, they played a major part of this story.  Saul, the senior dog was quiet, but loving, which slowly wore Carly down.  James’s dog was very sweet, especially with him being handicapped and Ike was a riot throughout.  LOL

What follows is a sweet romance that was slow build, for Carly only, as James knew what he wanted; the two dogs and parrot added a nice element to the story, with much humor;  and a fabulous group of friends that were so much fun.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree was such an enjoyable read, fun, with likeable characters and very well written by Jenn McKinlay.  If you enjoy pure simple small town romances, fantastic secondary characters, humorous and fun camaraderie and two adorable dogs, and a rascal parrot, then should be reading this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Guest post-White and Red

Hello, Reading Café, thanks so much for inviting me to visit. Barking Up the Wrong Tree, the second in my romantic comedy series, is out this week so it’s a very exciting time for me!

People frequently ask me what the inspiration for this series was. Quite simply, I am an animal lover – big time. If I am being completely honest, I love most animals more than I love most people. At a party, I am the one in the backyard, throwing the tennis ball for the host’s golden retriever or I’m the person who doesn’t move from her seat because the host’s cat has decided my lap is the place to be, and I can’t dislodge the cat, now can I?

In my own life, I live in a house overrun by pets. Currently, we have two dogs, two cats, and a fish who won’t die. No, I’m serious. Our neighbor gave us to him ten years ago to fish sit while he painted his living room. Kevin (named after the neighbor) is still here, while the neighbor has moved, left the state actually.

When I came up with the Bluff Point series, it was definitely with the intention to indulge in my love of animals, and so far I have had the best time. A puppy is the catalyst for romance in the first book ABOUT A DOG, and a geriatric golden retriever, Saul, a foul-mouthed parrot, Ike, and a disabled basset hound, Hot Wheels, are the champions of BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE. In January, EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY, will feature an orange tabby, Chaos, and his bosom buddy a brown standard poodle named Rufus.

In BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE, our heroine inherits her pets and being averse to commitments of all kinds, this is anything but good news for her as you can read in this excerpt.

Excerpt:

     “Let’s just get on with it, dude,” Carly Decusati said.

     She figured Bartholomew Schuster would consider “dude” even more appalling than “Barry”. She was right. Instead of correcting her, however, he simply sighed as if he were being forced to do community service helping the rude and sarcastic.

     He opened his briefcase and pulled out a stack of papers. “It’s fairly straightforward. You sign these documents and the items Mrs. Genaro has bequeathed you become yours.”

     Carly looked at Barry. His face was a mask of benevolent innocence. That’s why she hated lawyers. You could never tell when they were hiding something.

     “She wasn’t rich was she?” she asked. “You’re not holding out on me, are you, Barry?”

     “Uh, no,” he said. “Her assets were minimal.”

     Carly glanced back at her friend Jillian Braedon. “See? Told you so.”

     She signed the papers and then handed Barry his pen.

     “So hit me, what’d she give me?”

     “One moment,” he said. He walked over to the door and stuck his head out into the hallway. “In here, please.”

     Jillian and Carly exchanged an intrigued glance.

     “Maybe it’s a piano,” Carly said. “I’ve always wanted a piano.”

     “What if it’s a leg lamp?”

     “From Fragile, Italy?” Carly asked. Then she started laughing. “Yeah, that’d be my luck.”

     Two burly moving men, wearing brown coveralls, came into the apartment. One was carrying a large glass bowl filled with water and a very round goldfish, aptly named Goldie by Mrs. Genaro. The other one was carrying a large rectangular case with a fierce looking lizard, Spike, Mrs. G’s pet reptile in it. Carly felt herself start to sweat. What exactly had she signed?

     The men set the pets down on the table and left the apartment. They didn’t shut the door, leaving Carly to believe there was more.

     “Oh, no,” Carly said. She looked at Barry as the panic began to fill her insides like water on the rise. “She didn’t.”

     “She did.” Barry looked smug.

     “What?” Jillian asked. “What’s going on?”

     Just then the men returned. One had a pretty golden retriever on a leash, the other carried a large rectangular object, draped with a cloth. The dog, Mrs. Genaro’s companion Saul, tipped his head to the side as if considering Carly. She ignored him, hoping with all of her might that there was a huge misunderstanding happening here.

      The man set the big object down in the middle of the room and stepped back. Carly grabbed a side of the sheet draped over it and gave it a good yank. Sure enough, there he was in all of his green feathered glory Mrs. G’s beloved parrot.

     “Hello, Ike,” Carly said. “Long time no see.”

     “Oh, for fork’s sake,” Ike squawked, except he didn’t say fork.

And this is why I love having animals in the books, you just never know what they’ll do next! Carly plans to unload these inherited pets at her first opportunity but then she meets hot physical therapist James Sinclair, who happens to live in a lighthouse, and all of her carefully laid plans fly the coop so to speak. If you’re looking for some hilarity and hijinks, and a story that will hit you in all the feels, I definitely recommend a visit to Bluff Point.

Happy Reading!
Jenn

 

Giveaway

Jenn McKinlay’s publisher, Berkley is offering a paper copy of BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Jenn McKinlay on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Giveaway is open to  US only.

8. Giveaway runs from September 29,- October 3, 2017

 

 

Berkley

 

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Interview with Jake Davies-Model and Designer

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Interview with Jake Davies-Model and Designer

Jake Davies 5TRC:Hi Jake and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

Follow Jake: Behance  |  Dribbble  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook

Jake: Hey. Thanks for this opportunity. First of all I want to apologize for my poor English. I’ve studied it at school and it was long long ago.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jake: Well. My name Jake Davies. I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine 26 years ago. When I was 14 years old I was dying to get my first tattoo. My parents didn’t like that idea. Two years after I left home and school for my first job as a designer and started my life on my own. It took me two more years to earn the money and I decided to open my own design studio. We called ourselves The MDMA. I designed the logo and it was perfect for me so I went to good friend of mine and asked him to tattoo the logo on my left wrist. I was 18 and I fell in love with tattoos. I realized how many blank space I have on my body to cover with lots of tattoos. Next few years I’ve spent having tattooed something important to me. My first engagement with my ex-girlfriend Kate. It was beautiful typography Jake & Kate on my right hand. Then my favorite city Amsterdam, I’ve tattooed the logo «Iamsterdam». And the last one was J and D letters. And then something inside of me whispers that it’s not even close to that image that I desired when was a kid.

I started my research more deeply on different styles. Nothing comes close to that vision I had. Until one day I found popular tattoo artist Roxx from 2Spirit Tattoo. And I was inspired. I realized that the problem was in me. I didn’t want lots of small tattoos. I wanted one bold tattoo that will be mine. Mine. I mean it should complement the lines of my body. It’s a feeling that tattoo designed to fit perfectly to me not like I’m wearing on top of my body, you know. And than I’ve decided to start my 4 year journey.

As a result I’ve got one bold tattoo that covers more than half of my body made from different styles, black work and sacred geometry that fits perfectly my body. Funny thing is when I see people that copied this tattoo and it misses that feeling like that part of tattoo fits perfectly to the body, you know.

TRC: What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?

Jake: I’ve grown up without a father. He left us when I was 2-years old kid. That made me feel like I didn’t deserve to be loved. So when I started my own path, found my dream job and decided to be a designer I was looking for someone who could be mentor for me and replaces that hole in my heart. After a almost 5 years of searching I found the guy called Simon Sinek and his speech «Starts with Why». It was so close to me that I felt something special about this guy. He spoke everything I believe in and he was doing it perfectly. It was that moment when I stopped thinking I was a freak and realized that I was pretty smart. That made me work even harder and consciously made choices in my life. One of those choices was this tattoo 🙂 I a clear vision why I’m getting up from bed every single day and it’s just a simple thought but so meaningful to me. I believe that design is a communication. And communication should be simple, ‘cause miscommunications made people suffer and feel bad’. When things are clear everybody knows exactly what to do to be happy. So for me it sounds like «Design is giving people something to believe in» this is why I love my job. I feel great when I see how the fire burns in the eyes of people when they know exactly what are they doing and why they are doing it. The whole process began to make sense. It’s not about money or fame. It’s about doing what I love, what you love and what other people love. That makes me happy, inspired and motivated.

I have series of lectures. And I love to share that experience with others.

Jake Davies 6

TRC: What first sparked your interest in modeling? Is there a defining moment where you knew that modeling was something you were interested in pursuing?

Jake: Well. Honestly speaking I didn’t know this tattoo will be something special. For me it was just my tattoo and that’s all. But one day I received a letter from photographer who offered me a free photo shoot just for fun. And that was that moment when the first photos went online and people were nuts about it. This is that session:

Next two years I’ve received lots of offer for a photo shoot but I was still thinking it’s just a hobby. Even when Seafret’s director came to me and I’ve got featured in their music video that was viewed more than 13 million times for now. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8INOzcCGBzY

Frankly speaking I’m still didn’t see myself as a model, I mean I’m not sure I could earn money using my tattoo but just a few months ago I decided to give it a try. 25 September 2017 is my 10 year anniversary as a designer, why not to try add new timeline… First year as a model 🙂

TRC:   Have you ever had a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

Jake:  Well, I think ? not yet but I’m sure there will be f*ckups in future 🙂 Everything was so easy and natural for me so I didn’t expect that it will work out each time I get to the studio.

TRC:  Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality to pornography. What would you tell young models/actors /body builders just entering the business about nude modeling and photography?

Jake: Hahaha. That’s the funny one. Well, I can’t be nude 🙂 I mean even without clothes I’m still covered with tattoo-suit. If seriously, than I don’t like nude photography especially for women for the reason that I believe if that girl is in relationship with somebody that means some things should be visible only for one person, not as a trophy on internet for the sake of  a like in Instagram, you know. But it’s just me. I know many people who have different points of view from mine.

Jake Davies 9

TRC:  The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Jake: For me it’s not stressful. It’s full of fun. Really. I’ve been teaching people and have lots of lectures and that experience made all my photo shoots feel like it’s a party. I didn’t take it too serious. Most of my photos are retouched by me personally so if something went wrong, or I just blinked it’s not a problem 😉

Answering your question, if there will be stressful situation I just put on my headphones and listen to a few favorite songs and everything disappears for a while. That fuels me with some energy. It reminds me why I’m here. Why I’m doing it and it’sn an opportunity right in front of me to make something meaningful. Make something that people will believe in. You know. That’s why I do not design or model for tobacco, alcohol and other companies that spoil people.

TRC:  At times, there has been a ‘stigma’ surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry but the popularity of the romance story line has skyrocketed in the last few years especially with the erotic and sensual cover images. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance cover model’?

Jake: I didn’t take it serious. It’s entertainment, you pay few bucks for something that pleases your eye and you read a story. Whether I  like it or not, it doesn’t matter. Everybody loves movies. If you spent a few hours on a horrible movie it may ruin your day, but not your life. Tomorrow will be something new and I personally don’t bother myself with this. As a model, I know that I could influence on people’s choice. Appealing cover talks to your emotions not logic. But in terms of type of covers such as naked bodies it’s just a tool to influence people to purchase the book. It’s business. Nothing special about it.

TRC:  Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Jake: Sure. As a designer with 10 years of experience I could prove that. A good cover makes an impact. It’s advertising. If you have a choice to sleep with a supermodel or somebody who doesn’t made to feel  «motivated»… Well, you have no choice, it’s obvious 🙂 The same rule goes here. People love beautiful things. And you know why? I can tell that beauty is the promise of happiness. That something from my lectures 🙂 Beautiful things works better.

Mercy Jake DaviesTRC: Do you know the number of novel covers that your image has appeared?

Jake: The one and only «MERCY» by Debra Anastasia. It’s my first cover.

TRC: Would you please tell us about RIVAL Barbershop?

Click HERE to find the RIVAL Barbershop on Facebook

Jake: This is something special. I’ve decided to use all my knowledge and experience to create something simple as a barbershop and make it the way I see it. Experience is everything. People buy Apple not because it got few gigs of RAM, people buy iPhones/Macs and so on because it’s a symbol of who you are, what are your beliefs, you know. RIVAL is a new approach in services, in interior design, in interaction design, in communication in team building.

Rival Jake Davies

Everything that I can name «Perfect» place was developed in Rival. It’s my child. It’s like doing what you used to do last 10/20/30/40 years (haircut) when you expect how it will be but when you came in something changes. And that experience I called Rival. Design something simple as barbershop with unique experience that made you change your mind about what is possible and what you though was possible. I want people to get up and be brave. I want our clients not just make good haircuts and therapy with barber but to be confident that the only Rival you’ve got in your life is fighting with your fears, with your auto-pilots that rules your life. To stand up, break bullshit relationships, left the job you hate and rival your own demon. That’s why Rival slogan is «Starts With You».

This place is magical.

Jake Davies 4

TRC:  What do you do to relax?

Jake:  Sleep. I work until morning most of the time. I wake up and the next thing I do is call for UBER. Life is DIY project I didn’t like to procrastinate and waste my time. Sometimes social events, modeling, listening to my favorite band while driving through traffic jam made me feel relaxed. I don’t know, maybe I am just a crazy dude but until I can walk, think and design something I want to use it to the maximum.

TRC:  What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Jake: Huh, that’s pretty easy. I want to feature in a few movies. Visit LA and SF next year. Launch Rival Barbershop / Rival Clothes and build Rival as a multi-brand company. To be the first big design driven company in Ukraine that focuses on experience more than on things. I want to overcome my broken heart and divorce with building a new relationship with a woman who will love me back, I’m 26 years old and I failed to choose the right woman and all my failed relationships were wrong because it was the love story… my love story but not the other person’s. I want to fight the depression and believe in relationship / in marriage once again. So the next step is to build a family. Get myself noticed not only as a designer but as a model too. And self education, self education and self education… Maybe write a book 🙂

TRC:   What is something that few people know about you?

Jake:  I’m very kind and smart guy. Most people think that I’m aggressive and a tough guy. But it’s because of the tattoos 🙂

TRC:   Your tattoos are very beautiful, dark and intricate. Is there any significance or history behind the patterns?

Jake Davies 2

Jake: Thanks. Yeah, there is a story behind it. But it’s personal, so I’ll keep it a secret for now 🙂

TRC:   How old were you when you got your first tattoo and what was the precipitating factor behind the choice of tattoo?

Jake:  I was 18 when i got my first real tattoo. It was the logo of my first studio. For me it was like showing to myself how much I believe in this project.

TRC:   What do you believe is the biggest misconception about tattoos and the body-modification industry as a whole?

Jake:  From my experience the biggest problem is here in Ukraine people see tattoos like mine and they think that it’s something evil and we are all f*cking demons. Poor people. Lots of stereotypes. I don’t like it.

Jake Davies 8

TRC:  What type of music do you listen to? What songs are on your playlist today?

Jake:  My favorite band for the last few years that constantly playing every single day are:

The Neighbourhood, Bring Me The Horizon, AMATORY, Korn, You Me At Six, Young Lions, The XX, Odesza and Noisia. I love heavy music. I love when it screams. I feel the music. I’m not a big fan of electronic music. I think it’s emotionless.

TRC: On what on your currently working?

Jake:  For the last 11 months I’ve been busy getting things together for the RIVAL Barbershop. I think 5 or 7 more months and I’ll be ready to start the second RIVAL project.

TRC:   Would you like to add anything else?

Jake:  Sure. Hey you, people out there. Please, be kind and love what you do. Stop doing what other people tell you to do. Get up and find your RIVAL 🙂 Be happy.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food:
Burgers and Pizza

Favorite Dessert:
Condensed milk

Favorite Movie:
Lion King / Life As A House (2001)

Favorite TV Show:
Lie To Me

Last Movie that you saw:
Ummmmmm. «Arrival» I guess

Secret Celebrity Crush:
If I tell you it will be no secret 😛

Dark or Milk Chocolate:
Milk! Milk! More Milk! More Chocolate!!! And M&M’s Please 🙂

Do you have any pets?
Sure, dog and cat. Love them both.

TRC: Thank you Jake for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your first ‘romance cover’ and the opening of RIVAL. We wish you all the best.

Jake Davies 10

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Interview with Cover Model & DJ Mitchell Wick

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Interview with Cover Model & DJ Mitchell Wick

TRC:  Hi Mitchell and welcome to The Reading Café.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Mitchell: Facebook / Instgram / Twitter / Website

Mitchell Wick 12Mitchell:  Hey I’m Mitchell Wick, born in Sydney, Australia. I’m the youngest of three, with two older sisters and  a very close family which are everything to me. Enjoy getting outdoors and keeping fit, when I’m not doing that I’m working on my music 🙂

TRC:  What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?

Mitchell:  Wanted to be a professional footballer (soccer) 

TRC:  What first sparked your interest in modeling? Is there a defining moment where you knew that modeling was something you were interested in pursuing?

Mitchell:  I was approached at a music festival in Miami, USA. At the time I was over working at my current job (telecommunications technician) so decided to take the risk and give it a go! Best decision of my life to date haha 🙂

Mitchell Wick Trio


TRC:  Have you ever had a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

Mitchell:  Wouldn’t say completely wrong but Ive had some rough days that’s for sure, one especially in Colombia when not one person in the crew could speak English which made for a very difficult long day of shooting!


TRC:  Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial.  Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality to pornography. What would you tell young models/actors just entering the business about nude modeling and photography?

Mitchell Wick Leslie McAdam duo

Mitchell:  Nudity is part of life and if shot properly is beautiful, but if its not then it can be the total opposite and you don’t want to be apart of that! You have to be smart about who you are going to shoot nude with and really trust that photographers vision and have a good relationship with them beforehand to make sure you are both comfortable. Also make sure you know what the images are going to be used for exactly and the mood of the shoot before you commit to anything!


TRC:  The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful.  What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Mitchell:  Escape to a place I know I can forget about everything like going surfing or hiking, these are the best ways for me to clear my mind, relieve stress and just enjoy nature without worrying about a thing!

TRC:  At times, there has been a ‘stigma’ surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry but the popularity of the romance story line has skyrocketed in the last few years especially with the erotic and sensual cover images. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance cover model’?

Mitchell Wick Kim Karr covers

Mitchell:  As I’ve been on multiple romance covers now its obviously great for me as its work, but on top of that I really enjoy seeing my image on the cover of these books and the buzz it creates!

TRC:  Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Mitchell:  For sure, I believe a appealing cover plays a huge part of a successful book. Who wants to pick up and read something thats not visually appealing to the reader? Especially for a romance novel!

TRC:  Do you know the number of novel covers that your image has appeared?

Mitchell:  I believe around 7-8

TRC:  Do you remember the first romance cover on which you appeared? Do you have a favorite?

Mitchell Wicke Cover 4Mitchell:  I do, my first cover was for Leslie McAdams – Stars in the sky, she was amazing and got me involved with the community 🙂


TRC:  Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

Mitchell:  Surf, hike, listen to music and hang with friends.

TRC:  What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Mitchell:  Greater success in modelling/DJing, start a family & settle down in one place 🙂


TRC:  What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Mitchell:  I can’t give that away then everyone will know right? ….. but I sleep kinda weird with my arms tucked up at times…. you have to see it to believe haha it’s a little odd 🙂


TRC:  What do you believe is the biggest misconception about modeling ?

Mitchell Wick duo 2

Mitchell:  Easy work and high paying, its not true at all! Its a hustle and very testing at times but I love what I do and will continue to keep pushing myself to achieve more in the industry!

TRC:  What type of music do you listen to? What songs are on your playlist today?

Mitchell:  House & techno mostly, that’s what I mix when DJing 🙂

TRC:  On what on your currently working?

Mitchell:  DJing tour 🙂

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Seafood

Favorite Dessert: Frozen Yoghurt

Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption

Favorite TV Show: Game Of Thrones

Last Movie that you saw: Wind River

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk

Do you have any pets? No, I travel too much 🙁

Pet Peeve: Greed

TRC:  Thank you Mitchell for taking the time to answer our questions.Congratulations on all of your success and the amazing cover images. We wish you all the best and many more covers !!

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