Imagine (Black Raven #4) by Stella Barcelona-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

IMAGINE (Black Raven #4) by Stella Barcelona-Review, Guest post & Giveaway

IMAGINE
Black Raven #4
by Stella Barcelona
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense
Release Date: October 30, 2018

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 30, 2018

One cruise ship. Multiple kidnappers. In the dark waters of the South China Sea, a handful of Black Raven agents are the only hope anyone has of living to see Christmas.

From the back cover:

Seventy-five of the world’s wealthiest gamblers are ringing in the holidays with a high-stakes, three-day tournament aboard the Imagine. As the ultra-luxury cruise ship departs from Macau, financial risks are enormous and security is tight. Agents Sylvia (Leo) Leon and Adam (Ace) Evans lead Black Raven’s on-board team. Months earlier, they gave into feelings that caught them both by surprise. Now, Leo wants nothing more than to ignore what Ace is dying to confront.

While adversaries execute a seemingly perfect, diabolical plan, Leo and Ace operate in stealth mode to save the Imagine’s passengers. As danger tests the limits of their training and expertise, and their simmering chemistry hits a boiling point, their chances of living to see Christmas narrow. For these two best friends, the Imagine job could change everything…in more ways than one.

•••••••••

REVIEW:Imagine begins with Agents Sylvia (Leo) Leon and Adam (Ace) Evans in New Orleans celebrating Halloween. The two have been best friends since joining Black Raven. Nothing has ever threatened that friendship until that night and that one unforgettable kiss…….. As they come to their senses, Leo wants nothing more than to forget that ever happened. Ace, however, has other ideas……….

Flash forward about six weeks or so, and we see Leo, Ace and a whole lot of other Black Raven agents in a meeting planning their next job. This is the first time the two have seen each other since New Orleans and the job sounds easy enough, until they find out they’re going undercover as an engaged couple. Once they are on board the ship, they play their respective parts to a tee, as do the other agents who have gone in undercover. During a break before the night’s festivities, Leo and Ace head to their room in order to get ready for the night. Ace confronts Leo about what happened between them and the feelings it has stirred within him and wants to know if she feels the same. She tries to shut him down, but gives into their mutual attraction. Ace then awakens a little bit later, or so he thinks. When he sees the time, he knows they’re in trouble. Knowing they’ve been gassed, he drags an unconscious Leo out onto their balcony so that they can get some fresh air and, hopefully, recover quickly from the affects of the gas. It doesn’t take either of them long to determine that the ship has been hijacked and spring into action. It also doesn’t take them long to figure out that they are up against a foe that is willing to do anything to get what he wants……

Imagine is a superbly written tale that draws you in from the very beginning. Leo and Ace have a chemistry that jumps out at you from their first words, but when the feelings heat up, the chemistry reaches out and grabs you and doesn’t let go. Their backstories add to the complexity of their friends to lovers story, but it’s Ace’s who will tug at your heart. The mystery and suspense is very well written and keeps you guessing, and gasping, until the end. If you’re a fan of friends to lovers, with a lot of suspense and action thrown in, along with scorching chemistry, you will never go wrong with any of the Black Raven novels. Well done, Stella Barcelona! Very, very well done!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Deceived
Shadows
Jigsaw
Concierge
Imagine

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Thank you for inviting me to The Reading Café. Your question – how do I keep focus while writing my stories – is a great question, because the truth is that keeping focused is difficult. Like everyone, I’m busy. Apart from writing, I have a legal career. I also have a family – humans and furry ones. To maintain my health, I have to exercise, stay reasonably fit, and eat the right things. The list goes on and on! I’m not complaining. It’s simply reality, and I’m grateful that my days are so full.

Are you wondering when I’ll focus on your question? Right now, I promise!

Part of my method of keeping focus involves eliminating all the distractions that I just mentioned (and more!) from the precious time that I’ve carved out of the day for writing. I use a mixture of plotting techniques, but the most important tricks I employ for focus are daily writing, eliminating distractions when writing, and writing early in the morning. Here’s a bit more about each one of these “habits:”

First, when working on a first draft, I try to write a bit every single day. No exceptions! If I skip a few days between writing sessions, I lose focus on the story. Plus, when I write every single day, my subconscious mind is better able to keep the story in play throughout the time that I dedicate to tasks other than writing.

In each writing session, I aim for two to three hours of writing time. However, I don’t beat myself up if I don’t have that much time; the important thing is sitting in the chair and thinking hard about the story, even if I only have a half hour.

Second, at home, I have a quiet office with two desks. One desk is dedicated to fiction writing, and nothing else. I don’t even conduct the business of being an author at that desk – it is dedicated solely to creating stories. There is no temptation to look at social media there, or do online shopping, or anything else, because I DON’T allow myself to do it. I think having a desk and chair dedicated to creativity helps me slip into writing mode the minute I sit. I also wear noise reduction headphones when I’m in my writing chair and I turn up music, which helps me focus.

If I’m in first-draft, daily-writing mode when we’re traveling, I find a place to write and, even if the place isn’t that quiet, using the headphones with music playing helps me focus on writing and eliminate distractions.

Third, I’m most creative in the early morning, so that is when I write. Procrastination until the end of the day kills my creativity and destroys my determination to write every day. I don’t always love pulling myself out of bed at 4:30 a.m., but once I’m in my writing chair I’m always glad that I did it!

I can’t say exactly why, but these three habits seem to work for me. Thanks again for inviting me to The Reading Cafe!

~~ Stella ~~

Follow Stella: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Stella Barcelona, author of romantic suspense novels, has always had an active imagination, a tendency to daydream, and a passion for reading romance, mysteries, and thrillers. From her early days of reading, when she first escaped reality through the pages of a well-written novel, she knew that her daydreams needed an outlet, and she knew that her outlet would be writing.

In day to day life, Stella is a lawyer and works for a court in New Orleans, Louisiana. Currently, Stella lives minutes from the French Quarter, with her husband of sixteen years and two adorable papillons who believe that they are princesses. Stella loves to hear from readers on her Facebook page and can also be contacted through her website, www.stellabarcelona.com, where there’s information on appearances, her next release, and exciting contests that you won’t want to miss! While she doesn’t have a lot of free time with her legal and writing careers battling for her every minute, she does enjoy any chance she and her husband get to go out on their boat. In addition, she attends conferences, workshops, and retreats for writers. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Southern Louisiana Chapter of the Romance Writers of America.

Stella is graciously offering a $25 Amazon Gift Card, and a signed copy of Stella’s debut release that introduced the Black Raven series DECEIVED  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.

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 LIKE and Follow Stella Barcelona on Facebook

4. LIKE THE READING CAFE 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.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from December 1-6, 2018

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

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

Concierge Banner

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.

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

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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Shadows (Black Raven #1) by Stella Barcelona-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Shadows (Black Raven #1) by Stella Barcelona-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Shadows Banner

SHADOWS
Black Raven Series #1
by Stella Barcelona
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: April 7, 2015

Shadows

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cataclysm. Now. Run.

A cryptic, urgent text message turns the peaceful life Skye Barrows has created for herself and her sister into chaos. She must follow her father’s instructions to the letter, but Sebastian Connelly is blocking her way. Telling Sebastian what she must do is not an option.

What He Doesn’t Know Will Get Them All Killed

When a prison break in the midst of a security system upgrade threatens to destroy the reputation of Sebastian’s company, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, he goes on the hunt for escaped prisoner Richard Barrows – a delusional and paranoid computer software genius. Sebastian’s mission: find Richard Barrows and return him to prison, but stonewalled by Skye, who refuses to give him answers, and with the added complication of her special needs sister, Sebastian finds himself always a step or two behind vicious killers.

Nothing About This Case is Normal

For Sebastian, it should be simple, but this case will test him in ways he never imagined. As probing interrogation becomes urgent protection, the search for Barrows forces Sebastian and Skye into a murky world of shadows and illusions.

Review:

Shadows begins with Skye Barrows receiving a text message that she’d hoped down to her very soul that she would never receive. Once her father had gone to prison, she had created a new life for herself and her special needs sister, Spring. One where they had assumed names and had ceased to exist as the world knew them: daughters of the famous, or infamous depending on your take, Richard Barrows. When Skye receives the text, she knows she has 24 hours to get to their safe house to await further instructions from her father. But, as she and her sister stop by the coffee house that they owned to allow Spring to stick to the schedule that she thrived on, she had no idea the turn their lives would take that fateful day. Spring’s dog, Candy, ran into the street and was almost hit. And, when a stranger scooped Candy into his arms to deliver her back to her owners, Skye somehow knew that things may not be as they appeared.

Spring insists that the nice stranger come into their coffee shop for some coffee and samples of some new treats they were working on, so he obliges. Sebastian soon approaches Skye and reveals that he knows who she is and that he needs information in order to locate her father. She refuses to cooperate, of course, and Sebastian issues an ultimatum and leaves. However, when Sebastian and one of his agents drive by the girls’ home, he very soon realizes that they are not the only ones after Skye and her sister. As they arrive back at the coffee shop, things have gone to hell……and quick. Strangers are in the process of abducting the girls, and it takes some quick thinking on Sebastian’s part to take the bad guys down. Once he has gotten the girls out of danger, he immediately gets on the phone with Black Ravens headquarters and things start happening. Fast. He knows that he has his work cut out for him with Skye, as she is NOT forthcoming with any helpful information, and Spring is so fragile that she can’t offer any information either.

When a safe house is arranged by the U.S. Marshals, Sebastian is ready to hand the girls over, only to head straight into an ambush. As he flees with Skye and her sister, Skye has no idea who she can trust and Sebastian is bound and determined that she will trust him. As mayhem ensues, Skye will have to make the ultimate decision: trust no one as her father has always told her, or trust in the one man who seems to truly have their best interest at heart. Oh, what a hard decision it is.

Shadows is an awesome story with so many twists and turns, so much mystery and intrigue, that I found myself questioning everyone at one point or another. Skye is an endearing heroine, although a little naïve about the amount of danger she and her sister are in. Spring is number one on her list and she will risk everything to keep her safe. Sebastian, whom we met in Barcelona’s first novel, Deceived, is your typical alpha male who at first is just doing a job, that ultimately turns into a wonderful game of cat and mouse with not only the bad buys, but with his feelings about Skye. I really enjoyed their chemistry, but I have to tell you, that I can NOT wait to read more about the secondary characters. The interaction between Sebastian and his team was awesome and Barcelona did a great job building the world in which they operate. However, if I’m being honest, it was a little overwhelming at times with all of the technical jargon that we are privy to as the information is gone over numerous times and I found myself glazing over at certain points. But, I digress. If you are looking for a series full of mystery, intrigue, crooked politicians and hot special agents, this is definitely a series you’ll want to read. I am so so so looking forward to the next installment. Very well done, Stella Barcelona!!!

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Series Spotlight

Deceived
by Stella Barcelona
Release Date: May 1, 2014
Genre: adult, suspense,

DeceivedAmazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 1, 2014

Their destinies have been set in motion by their ancestors.

Taylor Marlowe Bartholomew carries three of the most notable names in New Orleans society. She hoped to forge her own path in the world as an Assistant District Attorney, but that dream is dying as obligations pull her into the family shipbuilding business. In Taylor’s final days in the DA’s office, she receives a murder assignment that could unravel her perception of reality.

Ghosts of the past shadow every step they take.

Brandon Morrissey is haunted by demons that force him to keep his life simple and detached. He pours all of his energy into his thriving legal practice, until, overnight, he becomes the single father of an infant. For the sake of his son’s future, Brandon searches for a killer and faces the truth about his family’s unfortunate past.

Together they have to find the truth…before it’s too late.

Someone is willing to kill to use the past for their own ends. Thrust together, Brandon and Taylor have different views of their families’ intersecting histories. As they confront a sea of uncertainty, one thing is sure…no one is safe until they discover where the truth lies.

••••••••••••••••••••••

Guest Post

“Keeping the Storyline Real – When Writing Escapism”

I truly love all the different aspects of writing my romantic thrillers – Deceived (2014), Shadows (2015), and my work in progress, Jigsaw. When writing, I try to keep the storyline real, while still writing escapism-a story that will take readers on a colorful and fast-paced journey where they are able to forget real life. I try to accomplish this goal by incorporating just enough research to make the premise—which becomes the backdrop for the romance—unique, but also readily identifiable.

I spend countless hours doing research for my writing, yet very little of my research material makes it to the page. Why? Because details slow the pace and take away from the real stars of the show–characters and plot. I put in only enough research so that the story has verisimilitude, or the quality of seeming real. An example from television is “Person of Interest.” The premise of the show is that an advanced surveillance machine exists that identifies people at risk for violent crimes. In real life, we know techno-surveillance is pervasive, so the premise is readily identifiable. The show doesn’t focus on how the machine works, and I don’t care about those details. The show works, for me, because of the unique premise, the well-developed characters, and the high-stakes action.

My books also have readily identifiable themes. Deceived is a present-day mystery that is loosely based upon World War II history in New Orleans. Shadows has a technology driven mystery. Deceived required historic research, while Shadows involved analyzing current headlines and issues involving cyber data collection and assimilation. For both stories, research helped to formulate plot and breathe real life into the story structure. However, Deceived isn’t about World War II and Shadows isn’t about the intricacies of data assimilation technology. Deceived is about Taylor Bartholomew and Brandon Morrissey–and how they’re caught in a web of lies told by their ancestors. Shadows is about Sebastian Connelly and Skye Barrows–and how they’re at odds with each other as Sebastian hunts for Skye’s father, a cyber genius who has escaped from prison.

My stories offer escapism, with a touch of reality. I hope you enjoy them!

About The author

stella barcelonaFollow Stella:  Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Stella Barcelona, author of romantic suspense novels, has always had an active imagination, a tendency to daydream, and a passion for reading romance, mysteries, and thrillers. From her early days of reading, when she first escaped reality through the pages of a well-written novel, she knew that her daydreams needed an outlet, and she knew that her outlet would be writing.

In day to day life, Stella is a lawyer and works for a court in New Orleans, Louisiana. Currently, Stella lives minutes from the French Quarter, with her husband of sixteen years and two adorable papillons who believe that they are princesses. Stella loves to hear from readers on her Facebook page and can also be contacted through her website, www.stellabarcelona.com, where there’s information on appearances, her next release, and exciting contests that you won’t want to miss! While she doesn’t have a lot of free time with her legal and writing careers battling for her every minute, she does enjoy any chance she and her husband get to go out on their boat. In addition, she attends conferences, workshops, and retreats for writers. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Southern Louisiana Chapter of the Romance Writers of America.

giveaway

Stella is graciously offering a signed, paper copy of SHADOWS and a $25 Amazon Gift Card 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. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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Deceived by Stella Barcelona-Review, Interview & Giveaway

Deceived by Stella Barcelona-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Deceived
by Stella Barcelona
Release Date: May 1, 2014
Genre: adult, suspense,

Deceived

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 1, 2014

Their destinies have been set in motion by their ancestors.

Taylor Marlowe Bartholomew carries three of the most notable names in New Orleans society. She hoped to forge her own path in the world as an Assistant District Attorney, but that dream is dying as obligations pull her into the family shipbuilding business. In Taylor’s final days in the DA’s office, she receives a murder assignment that could unravel her perception of reality.

Ghosts of the past shadow every step they take.

Brandon Morrissey is haunted by demons that force him to keep his life simple and detached. He pours all of his energy into his thriving legal practice, until, overnight, he becomes the single father of an infant. For the sake of his son’s future, Brandon searches for a killer and faces the truth about his family’s unfortunate past.

Together they have to find the truth…before it’s too late.

Someone is willing to kill to use the past for their own ends. Thrust together, Brandon and Taylor have different views of their families’ intersecting histories. As they confront a sea of uncertainty, one thing is sure…no one is safe until they discover where the truth lies.

••••••••••••••••••••••

When Taylor and Brandon are thrown together completely by chance, little do they know how much their lives will change. And, how quickly it will do so. Brandon only very recently discovered that he had an infant son, and when the baby’s mother is murdered, the case is handed over to Taylor by the DA’s office. Taylor heads over to Brandon’s house to aid the NOPD with their questioning of Brandon. Once she arrives, they immediately start sizing each other up. After all, their families have a rich and scandalous history. Once, the two families we in business together, building ships, but once Brandon’s grandfather was charged with treason by the United States government for selling secrets to the Nazis, the Morrisey name was no longer welcome in New Orleans society circles. They both put that aside as they embark on a dangerous mission to figure out the truth behind the young woman’s murder.

If only things went as they were supposed to…….. Taylor’s father had given her one year at the DA’s office and then she has to decide whether she will stay there or join their illustrious family’s ship building business. Taylor’s father calls her then the jig is up and it’s time to join with him, as she is his only heir. Reluctantly, she gives up her dream job to help her father. But, she has problems giving up the murder investigation. She decides to do some investigating on her own, with the help of a reluctant Brandon, and they soon discover that things are not as they seem. They also soon realize that trust between them is going to play a big part in what’s going on. When others end up dead, that on the surface don’t seem connected in any way, they start putting the pieces to the puzzle together and discover that the past has truly come back to haunt them. Can they truly trust each other? Or, will they each be so caught up in their own family’s version of the truth that they can’t see the forest for the trees? Let’s just say that revisionist history, like karma, can be a bitch………………….

Barcelona has written a story that grabs you from the beginning and sucks you right in. The way the she weaves actual historical events into the storyline flows beautifully and in no way feels forced. I love it when I finish a book and feel that I actually learned something! Both Taylor and Ben are great characters, as are the supporting characters in story. And, when they finally figure out who is wreaking havoc on their families…… Let’s just say I was like WOW!!!! I totally thought it was going to go one way and I was totally wrong! LOL!! There is a lot of mystery, a lot of intrigue and a lot of great romance and storytelling. I look forward to reading more by Stella Barcelona.

Copy supplied by the publicist

Review by Vickie M

 

 

Interview

TRC: Hi Stella and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

Stella: Hello! It is great to be here, and thank you for inviting me.

TRC: Congratulations on the release of DECEIVED.

Stella: Thank you. I love that something that only lived in my imagination has now made it into the hands of readers.

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

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stella barcelona Stella: I’m an author of romantic suspense novels. I’ve written creatively for years … Deceived is my first novel that is published, but it is not the first one that I’ve written. Most of my life I’ve lived in and around New Orleans, Louisiana, but I can be at home just about anywhere, as long as my husband and my dogs are with me and I have a bit of quiet space. Long walks are a favorite pastime.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Stella: First, I’ve always been an incurable romantic and an avid daydreamer with an excessive imagination for good and bad. Second, I developed a love of reading at a very young age. When I first started daydreaming about what I wanted to be when I grew up, I had a romance novel in my hands, and I didn’t want to be the heroine. I wanted to be the person who imagined the story, because, in my daydreams, the author who was pictured on the back of those books was able to live many happily-ever-after imaginary lives. Life intervened and, because I didn’t know how to make a living as an author, I became a history teacher first and then a lawyer. Both professions have influenced my creativity and my writing.

TRC: When not writing, what do you do to relax?

Stella: I have two adorable papillons, and any time I pet one or both of them, it is as relaxing for me as a deep breath and a pedicure, combined. Also, my husband and I are boaters. I love boating days and long walks once the boat is docked.

DeceivedTRC: DECEIVED is your May 1, 2014 release. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

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Stella: Deceived is a romantic suspense with a historical twist: a mystery that was inspired by real-life contributions of New Orleanians to the Allied Forces in World War II. The decades-old mystery comes to light in the present day and creates havoc in the lives of Taylor Bartholomew and Brandon Morrissey, whose identities are intrinsically related to the official historical version of the facts.

Like the city of New Orleans itself, Deceived is full of contradictions, which begin with the heroine and hero. Taylor is idealistic, naive, and was born into a family that lives at the pinnacle of New Orleans society. Brandon is haunted by demons and by a family with an unfortunate past. He is cynical and doesn’t care one bit about New Orleans society. Taylor and Brandon are two lawyers with different versions of a story that is close to their hearts. Together they have to find the truth . . . or face dire consequences.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the Black Raven Private Security Contractors?

Stella: Black Raven Private Security Contractors was introduced in Deceived, and is featured in my work in progress, Shadows. Black Raven will make repeat appearances in my novels, but I can’t give a specific number of books where it will be featured.

TRC: Are any of the characters or the premise based in reality or a combination of reality and fiction?

Stella: The premise of Deceived is based on a combination of reality and fiction. Readers who are familiar with history may recognize the inspiration for the Hutchenson Landing Craft, as the fictional boat actually exists in real life and was a highly valued military asset of the Allied forces in World War II. I’ve changed the name of the boat for the story.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters in the story, which actors or models would best represent your ideal image?

Stella: I’m not sure. I didn’t write the story with any particular actor or model in mind. I’m curious to see if readers could give me ideas for an answer to this question, because when I think of Brandon or Taylor, I see them.

TRC: How much influence has the French Quarter and Cajun Country of New Orleans had in your writing?

Stella: While New Orleans, the city I have always called home, profoundly influences my writing and Deceived, neither the French Quarter nor Cajun Country are large parts of Deceived. The events in the story just didn’t take the characters to those places.

TRC: You are a lawyer by education. What was the factor in switching up your career choice to writing?

Stella: I actually haven’t made a switch. Currently I’m both a lawyer and a fiction author. I always wanted to be a fiction writer, but detoured into becoming a lawyer because I needed to earn a living. Now that Deceived is published, I’m still a lawyer and have no plans to stop. I work for a court in New Orleans, and I enjoy my job, because I read and write, all day, every day. Legal writing is different than fiction writing, but I find that steady progress with the two types of writing facilitates forward progress in both. For me, writing is a skill that requires constant, dedicated attention and practice, and having both types of writing in my life – – legal and fiction writing – -works.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular story?

Stella: The mystery in Deceived is built upon boat design, World War II history, and legal issues. I tried to include just enough of each of these concepts to create an interesting story, but not too much, as the story isn’t about any one of these things. The story is about Brandon and Taylor, how they unravel the mystery, and how the same mystery that tears them apart forces them together. The story could have encompassed much more detail than what actually made it to the page, and I had to work hard not to let any particular thread of research overtake the story.

TRC: What are your thoughts on writing a series and ending an installment with a major cliffhanger?

Stella: I actually like the idea of a major cliffhanger, but at this time I’m more in tune with writing stand-alone novels, where most story elements are resolved by the end of the book. However, even though I consider my novels to be stand alone novels, there may be unresolved questions with each book that are resolved in the next one. As I answer this question, I’m thinking of unresolved questions in Deceived, involving Sebastian Connelly, Brandon’s best friend. Sebastian is the hero in Shadows and any questions that are left open involving Sebastian in Deceived are resolved in Shadows.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Stella: If I have to choose one of the above, I would say that I direct the characters.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Stella: I’m not sure where other writers fail, and don’t want to speculate.

I can tell you how I try to accomplish this goal — I don’t rush the writing process. I usually only write in the morning, and when I stand up from my writing chair, I get on with my day. However, throughout the day, I carry my writing in my subconscious mind. I try to write every morning so that I don’t lose the threads that are woven into each scene, and that includes emotional threads. Each morning, I start by returning to the material that I wrote the day before and do a quick review. Part of the review includes making sure that each character acted in a manner that was consistent with their personality under the circumstances. I also look to see whether emotional reactions made it to the page.

In addition to the hurdles that arise in the story, I try to give the characters real-life problems that readers can understand. For example, in Shadows, my work in progress, Sebastian was an overly empathetic child who tried, and failed, to protect his mother from an abusive father. He learned to turn off empathy, and, as a result, he’s unable to have emotional attachment to others. One of his problems is that he’s craving emotional attachment – though at first he doesn’t even recognize the craving.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writer’s block?

Stella: I don’t give myself time to dwell on writer’s block. Because the process of creative writing gives me such great pleasure, I dedicate time to writing every day, and that time is early in the morning, so nothing gets in the way of it. I tend to measure progress on a weekly basis, rather than daily, so I don’t focus too much on whether any one writing session is productive in terms of word count or new pages. Plus, I have faith in my process. After the formal creative writing time is over each morning, I try to facilitate subconscious thought. In quiet moments throughout the day, I allow my thoughts to return to my story, and any time I think of something new, I jot down notes.

My process also includes a special chair. My home office has two desks and two chairs, with one chair dedicated solely to creative writing. I loved the result of my office reorganization so much that I wrote a post on my website:
http://stellabarcelona.com/2014/03/03/time-management-musings/.

Upon awakening, I get into the writing chair as fast as I can, pull on headphones, turn up music, and the time that I spend there becomes magical. Even if I can only manage one hour in the writing chair, I still get in the chair. I’ve had forward progress with just a half hour. Once I sit in my writing chair, I instantly go into writing mode, with no distractions. I’m able to focus on the positive feelings the creative process brings to me and I don’t worry about things like writer’s block.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Stella: Over the years, I’ve made some great friends through attending writers’ conferences and workshops. My wonderful cousin and fellow author, Tina DeSalvo, does fabulous critiques. She and I have travelled together on the long journey toward publication and we have shared ideas every step of the way. Cherry Adair, who also writes romantic suspense, has been a fabulous mentor – – I’ve been a career woman all of my life, and never have I had someone offer such tremendous help in the name of mentoring a novice. I also belong to a plotting group that meets at least once a year, where we formulate plots, talk craft and business, and offer moral support. The core group includes myself, Tina DeSalvo, Cherry Adair, Eileen Dreyer, and Deborah LeBlanc. From time to time, other authors attend. Finally, and most importantly, my husband, Bob, provides constant reality checks.

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

Stella: Only three things? Really? I can’t answer this question. I’m sorry. There’s too many different components in my life and identifying three goals for any one aspect of my life results in excluding other goals. If I focus solely on writing, in five years, I want to have written several high quality books that many, many readers find, buy, and enjoy.

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

Stella: I tend to be shy in large groups, but now that Deceived has been published, I’m quickly overcoming this tendency, because I like talking about the creative writing process.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Stella: I’m currently writing Shadows, A Black Raven Novel. Shadows is a romantic suspense. Black Raven Private Security Contractors was introduced in Deceived. Also, Sebastian Connelly, the hero in Shadows, was introduced in Deceived as the best friend of the hero, Brandon Morrissey.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Stella: Yes. One unexpected pleasure of having Deceived published is that I’m hearing from readers on Facebook and on my website: www.stellabarcelona.com. I’m enjoying the contact with readers, so please let me know what you think of Deceived. Also, if you’ve read Deceived, and enjoyed it, please tell your friends about it and post a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or other review outlets.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Cheese. I’ve actually had to give it up because I’m such an addict, but I have a pizza exception.

Favorite Dessert: Jelly Beans.

Favorite TV Show: The Black List.

Last Movie You Saw: Monuments Men.

Favorite Musical Group: There’s many. Better Than Ezra, Imagine Dragons, Matt Nathanson. Sorry. I can’t just name one.

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Both!

Secret Celebrity Crush: Hugh Jackman.

Last Vacation Destination: Destin, Florida.

Pet Peeve: I don’t really have one at the moment.

TRC: Thank you Stella for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of DECEIVED. We wish you all the best.

giveaway

Stella is offering a copy of her latest release DECEIVED (paper copy USA only/ ebook International) and a $20 Amazon Gift Card to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

Deceived giveaway

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 Stella Barcelona on Facebook

6. Giveaway: ebook INTERNATIONAL/ paper copy USA only.

7. Giveaway runs from June 21-June 25, 2014

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