Me + You by Brenda Gayle #candyhearts @Brenda_Gayle #WildRosePress #NewRelease #GuestFeature

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ME + YOU

A Candy Hearts Romance

Brenda Gayle

Released January 20th 2016

Wild Rose Press

Teacher Lori Tait has always wanted a family, but now she's 40, she’s pretty much decided all the good men are taken. Instead, she devotes herself to her students, particularly one little girl whose struggle with math seems inconsistent with an otherwise brilliant and artistic mind.

Mark Wilder hadn’t planned to become a father, but when a fling resulted in his daughter, Grace, he whole-heartedly embraced the role. Raised in a family of boys, what does he know about women and girls? Once he learns of Grace’s inability to comprehend basic math, he welcomes the role of tutor as a way to connect with his daughter; the opportunity to spend time with her sexy teacher is an added bonus.

When Lori cracks the mystery of Grace’s problem Mark’s world is thrown into turmoil; he’s the last person who can help his daughter. He pushes everyone away, confirming Lori’s theory about men. Grace, however, has other plans. Using her new-found understanding of math, she sets out to prove to her father and teacher that, together, they add up to the perfect match.

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Valentine’s Day by the Numbers

By Brenda Gayle

Valentine’s Day. People either love it or hate it, often depending on where they are in the relationship cycle. As a romance writer, I love it, which is why I was thrilled when my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, announced it was planning to release a series of romance-themed short stories and novellas, Candy Hearts Romances. My story, Me+You, involves a child unable to do math, a father desperate to help, and a teacher who craves a family.

For over 100 years, Candy Hearts (also known as Conversation Hearts and Sweethearts) have been associated with romance. About eight billion of the little hearts are produced each year—that’s enough candy to stretch from Valentine, Arizona to Rome, Italy and back again 20 times. As a countdown to Valentine’s Day, I’ve been posting fun facts about Candy Hearts on my Facebook and Twitter pages (#CandyHeartFun). Today, I thought I’d share some weird and wonderful trivia about the other ways we celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is big business for retailers. Approximately $19 billion will be spent this year, with men spending almost twice as much as women on their significant other ($128.90 versus $62.47).

Candy Hearts aren’t the only sweet confection given on Valentine’s Day. The Chocolate Manufacturers Association of America says 36 million boxes of chocolate will be sold. 

About 110 million roses, most of them red, will be sold for in the three days leading up to February 14. However, American women say they'd rather receive chocolate than flowers. Still, about 15% of women will send themselves flowers for Valentine’s Day.

About one billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year, making it the second largest seasonal card-sending occasion, after Christmas. Teachers will receive the most cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then, sweethearts.

Approximately 3% of pet owners will give Valentine's Day gifts to their pets.

Fifty-three per cent of women in America would dump their boyfriends if they did not get them anything for Valentine's Day.

And, 11% of Americans will be engaged on Valentine’s Day.

What are you hoping for this Valentine’s Day? Is it a sweet tooth you want satisfied, or do you prefer the sensual scent of red roses? My weakness is the spicy tang of cinnamon hearts. Let me know yours.

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I've been a writer all my life but returned to my love of fiction after more than 20 years in the world of corporate communications--although some might argue there is plenty of opportunity for fiction-writing there, too. I have a Master's degree in journalism and an undergraduate degree in psychology. A fan of many genres, I am drawn to contemporary romance and enjoy creating deeply emotional stories with elements of mystery and suspense.

I live in eastern Ontario with my wonderful husband, two fabulous children, a rescued cat, two Siberian Huskies, and assorted aquatic wildlife.

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Broken Play by Samantha Kane (Birmingham Rebels #1) @skaneauthor #Interview #Giveaway #Erotic #SportsRomance

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BROKEN PLAY

Birmingham Rebels #1

Samantha Kane

Releasing Sept 1st, 2015

Perfect for fans of Shayla Black and Lexi Blake, the deeply sensual new Birmingham Rebels series introduces an unforgettable team of chiseled football gods—and the daring, provocative games they play behind closed doors.

Birmingham Rebels offensive linemen Beau Perez and Cass Zielinski are inseparable, on and off the field. Cass, the captain with the cowboy swagger, is a loose cannon. Beau, the veteran tight end, is cool under pressure. And ever since they were caught on tape in a steamy threesome, their exploits have fueled more than a few tabloid headlines—and naughty fantasies.

Marian Treadwell knows all about the video. And now that she’s the Rebels’ new assistant offensive coach, she can’t look at Beau and Cass without picturing their hard, naked bodies—with her pressed in between. Marian would like nothing more than to indulge those impulses, but she knows better than to get too close to her players, a bunch of adrenaline-fueled alpha males who don’t always follow the rules.

Just the thought of sharing the gorgeous yet guarded Marian drives Cass wild. At first, Beau isn’t sure she’s right for them . . . and lately, all he desires is a little alone time with Cass to explore their new intimacy. But it’s only a matter of time before Cass breaks through both of their defenses. Because when seduction is the game plan, he always plays to win.

Broken Play is intended for mature audiences.

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A Tasty Read chats with Samantha Kane

A Tasty Read: What Inspired You to Write Your Book?

Samantha Kane: This is a tough question. I’ve had the idea for the Birmingham Rebels series simmering in my head for the past 2 or 3 years. I can’t remember now what originally sparked the idea. But Michael Sam and the subsequent media extravaganza surrounding his being drafted into the NFL made me want to finally sit down and write a series about an NFL team with openly gay and bisexual players on it. His treatment by the media and the NFL actually changed some of the storylines in the series, and sparked a new character, Tom Kelly, the newly drafted running back. BROKEN PLAY, however, focuses on another issue in the NFL—the lack of female coaches. Pretty timely considering the Arizona Cardinals just hired the first female assistant coach in NFL history. I guess they heard about the book and decided it was time. ;)

ATR: Which writers inspire you?

SK: All of them. Every time I read a good book it sparks my creativity. Heck, even bad books spark my creativity. Some writers make me wish I could use words as eloquently. Some writers make me wish I could plot so intricately. Other writers make me wish I could describe setting so perfectly, and still others make me envious of their dialog. And even badly written books can tell a good story if you can get past the writing. Or they’ll make me think, if only they’d done A, then B would have worked better. In other words, they make me think creatively and that translates to my own work. No book read is ever wasted time or effort.

ATR: Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

SK: Well, I’ve already mentioned my heroine is a female NFL assistant coach. I didn’t make her the first, but one of a few. But she does worry about her career and image when she gets involved with two of the Rebels players because she’s leading the way. She’s good at what she does, comes from a football background, and brings out the best in the players she coaches. She earns their respect and friendship.

ATR: What genre are your books?

SK: I’ve written in several different genres. BROKEN PLAY is contemporary erotic romance. I’ve written several historical erotic series and stand alone stories, including The 93rd Highlanders about the 4 Fletcher brothers, starting with HAMISH. I have a m/m contemporary series called Mercury Rising. The first book is Cherry Pie. And I have a steamy but not erotic 3 book Regency historical series called The Saint’s Devils, also with Loveswept. The first Saint’s Devils book is THE DEVIL’S THIEF.

ATR: What draws you to this genre?

SK: Most of my books are erotic romance. A few are classified as steamy rather than erotic. I think sex is very much a part of romance and HEA, so I don’t close the bedroom door in my stories. I think that people who are falling in love can often have their most intimate, important moments when making love, including revelations about their future together, and acknowledging and confessing their feelings.

ATR: Where do your ideas come from?

SK: People ask this a lot, and the answer is…everywhere. LOL I find story ideas in movies and on television, in the news, music, a picture in a magazine, a stranger I see on the street. Even a car, or a dress, or a suit can spark an idea. A location, like the beach or a city. Anything and everything influences my stories.

ATR: Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?

SK: Sales. Everyone loves a bargain book. But other than that, no. I don’t think there’s a magic formula out there that will work for everyone. If a book takes hold of a vocal and strong readership, I think word of mouth is still the best advertising you can’t buy.

ATR: What is your favorite motivational phrase or positive saying. What does this mean to you?

SK: When I’m struggling—with writing, or my kids, or running that extra lap at the track—my mantra is “Positive mental attitude.” Years ago my cousin, who has a chronic illness, told me that was how he got through each day. The power of positive thinking. So when I need that extra push I keep out negative thoughts by reminding myself to think positively. Positive Mental Attitude.

ATR: What is your favorite book and why?

SK: My favorite book? Or my favorite book I’ve written? I’ll answer both. When I was about 13 I read Richard Adam’s Watership Down, as many 13 yr. old girls do. That book changed my relationship with books forever. That was the first book that made me cry, during the story and at the end because it was over and I wanted more. It altered my expectations as a reader and influenced my creative writing, which I was involved in through school. I still have my original copy in my bookcase. I think all my books have a Hazel and a Bigwig.

Favorite book I’ve written? This is always hard because I love different books for different reasons. But overall, I’d have to say Cherry Pie. That book just came out of me in a flood of words and emotions. It’s the first book I’ve written that made me cry as I was writing it.

ATR: What is your favourite quote and why?

SK: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you’ll land among the stars.” Les Brown

I like the idea of no wasted efforts. Of reaching for that seemingly unattainable goal, and finding other success along the way, of being successful because you tried it, you went for it. 

ATR: Such a pleasure to have you at A Tasty Read and best of luck with the Rebels!

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Samantha Kane lives in North Carolina with her husband and three children, two boys and one girl. With a master’s degree in American history, she spent seven years as a high school history teacher before becoming a full-time writer and mom.

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TVBT: BEYOND LIMITS by Laura Griffin (Tracers Series #8) #NewRelease #Giveaway #Interview #Suspense

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SCORCHED & TWISTED

Beyond Limits

The Tracers Series #8

Laura Griffin

Released January 27th, 2015

Pocket Books

FBI agent Elizabeth LeBlanc is still caught in the aftermath of her last big case when she runs into the one man from her past who is sure to rock her equilibrium even more. Navy SEAL Derek Vaughn is back home from a harrowing rescue mission in which he found evidence of a secret terror cell on US soil. Elizabeth knows he’ll do anything to unravel the plot—including seducing her for information. And despite the risks involved, she’s tempted to let him. . . .

On the surface Derek’s offering a simple deal—Elizabeth provides him with intel, he delivers the terrorist. But he knows nothing about Elizabeth is easy, and now their volatile relationship threatens to distract him from the most important mission of his career. Together with the forensics experts at the Delphi Center, he and Elizabeth are closing in on the truth, but it may not be fast enough to avert a devastating impending attack . . . or stop a ruthless enemy from escaping to kill again.

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One word comes to mind when I think about BEYOND LIMITS...EXPLOSIVE!  Explosive Action, Explosive Chemistry and an Explosive, on the edge of your seat story line.  If you thought you had a favorite Tracers Novel...Well...Think Again!

BEYOND LIMITS was beyond my expectations...Laura Griffin's writing was spot on, with knowledge, and facts that keep you sucked into the story, literally dropping you right in the middle of the action, as if you are there watching the story unfold.  Griffin's style of writing rival's some of the best in the Romance Suspense genre...maybe topping the list, in my opinion.  I am marveled by her ability to make each Tracer Novel a new and exciting experience...always one step ahead of the reader...from lighting the flame to an explosive finish.

Derek and Elizabeth...I have been wanting to read their book ever since I read SCORCHED, which is Kelsey and Gage's full novel.  Derek is Gage's SEAL Teammate and gets involved in the case where Gage is a murder suspect.  Elizabeth is a newbie in the FBI and she is also working the case.  Just the short amount of time we get to spend with them during SCORCHED is enough to see that these two would ignite quite a spark in and out of the bedroom.  I have to say...LAURA DID NOT DISAPPOINT!  OMG....Elizabeth's reaction to a shirtless Derek is priceless!  

The romance was layered with heart-pounding action and sizzling chemistry that you will have a very hard time putting this one down.  This is a MUST-READ of 2015!

If you haven't read the series yet, I encourage you to start at the beginning, only because each book has so much to offer to the series, but, if you want to just start with SCORCHED and move on to BEYOND LIMITS, that will work too!   

Top Tasty Read

ATR: Laura, Thank you for stopping by to chat about your New Release in the Tracers Series, BEYOND LIMITS. 

For New Readers, what is the Tracers Series about?

LG: The Tracers are an elite group of forensic experts who help investigators solve their very toughest cases. The Tracers include all sorts of talented people: Mia the DNA expert, Ben the cyber detective, Kelsey the forensic anthropologist. The list goes on! I love writing about these people- not just their work but their tumultuous personal lives, too.

ATR: BEYOND LIMITS is the eighth in the Tracers Series, when you first started writing, let’s go as far back as THREAD OF FEAR, did you have ANY idea that the Tracers would become what it is today?

LG: I had no idea. Originally I had envisioned three books, but the series just kind of took on a life of its own. I would introduce a new character, then readers would ask for that character’s story. With each new book I love bringing in new characters and also catching up with people from past books.

ATR: If you could have one of the field careers that pertain to the Tracer’s team, which would you want for a career?

LG: Well, I’m fascinated by so much of what the Tracers do. You could say I’m a forensics junkie! I really love Mia’s job—she’s the DNA expert. I’m also amazed with all the tricks Ben has up his sleeve. He’s the computer expert who uncovers some key clues in BEYOND LIMITS.

ATR: I know you do a TON of research on the careers associated with the Tracers Team, do you have a favorite “research trip” that you can share, or the coolest thing you have gotten to experience for book research?

LG: The fictional Delphi Center Crime Lab sits in the middle of a body farm. I’ve had a chance to visit one, and what they do there is so interesting (if you can get past being squeamish). It’s amazing to see all the ways that human bones can tell a story for investigators.

ATR: To Date, which is your favorite Tracers novel and why? 

LG: The books are all so different, so I don’t really have a favorite. I love BEYOND LIMITS because the story really pushes these characters to their max—both in their jobs and their personal lives. Derek’s SEAL skills come into play, and Elizabeth’s sharp investigative instincts. But what I love most is their relationship struggle. Derek and Elizabeth have to work hard to find their happy ending.

ATR: Is it difficult to come up with fresh ideas? 

LG: I started out as a newspaper reporter, so I like to keep up with current events. I’m always getting inspired by headlines and news tidbits. And every time I interview a new law enforcement person or forensic expert the ideas start rolling in.

ATR: What is the best part about writing Romance Suspense?

LG: I like to read tense, exciting stories. With romantic suspense you have the sexual tension plus the action-adventure plot to drive the story forward. My favorite books are thrillers where you also feel an emotional connection to the characters.

ATR: I know you are working on the HART & MORENO Series with the fabulous Allison Brennen, and just released your first Hard Cover Suspense, FAR GONE, and then of course we have BEYOND LIMITS now released, so what are you working on currently?

LG: I’m writing the next Tracers book, SHADOW FALL. This one features some of my favorite Tracers characters- Mark Wolfe, Kelsey Quinn, Mia Voss. The book’s hero is Mark’s brother, Liam Wolfe, an ex-Marine who runs a private security firm and finds himself being investigated for a brutal murder.

ATR: Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

LG: People often ask me if you need to read the Tracers books in order, and you don’t . Each story has a stand-alone mystery and a different romantic couple. So you can dive right in to the series!

ATR: Thank you so much for stopping by to chat!!  Readers, don’t forget to enter to win a Tracers Book Bundle featuring SCORCHED and TWISTED!

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LAURA GRIFFIN started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. She is a two-time RITA Award winner (for the books Scorched and Whisper of Warning) as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award (for Untraceable). Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on her next book. Visit Laura at www.LauraGriffin.com or Facebook.com/LauraGriffinAuthor

Find Laura Here

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Release Day: BAD ROMEO by Leisa Rayven (Starcrossed #1) #Interview #NewRelease @SMPRomance

BAD ROMEO

Star Crossed #1

Leisa Rayven

Released Dec 23rd, 2014

St. Martin's Griffin

While performing the greatest love story of all time, they discovered one of their own …

At America’s most prestigious arts academy, Cassie Taylor was the good girl acting student. Ethan Holt was the bad boy around campus. Then one fated casting choice for Romeo and Julietchanged everything. Like the characters they were playing onstage, Cassie and Ethan’s epic romance seemed destined. Until it ended in tragedy when he shattered her heart.

Now they’ve made it to Broadway, where they’re reunited as romantic leads once more, and their passionate scenes force them to confront the heartbreaking lows and pulse-pounding highs of their intense college affair.

For Ethan, losing Cassie was his biggest regret and he’s determined to redeem himself. But for Cassie, even though Ethan was her first and only great love, he hurt her too much for her to ever trust him again. The trouble is, working with him reminds her that people who rub each other the wrong way often make the best sparks. And when it comes to love, sometimes it’s the things that aren’t good for us that are the most irresistible.

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A Tasty Read is THRILLED to welcome Leisa Rayven, author of BAD ROMEO, the first in the Starcrossed Series, released today!  Make sure to stop back tomorrow for my review of BAD ROMEO!

Leisa: Thanks for having me!

ATR: Leisa, BAD ROMEO is loosely based on what story?

Leisa: Well, it's not based on any particular story, but it does have elements of Romeo & Juliet sprinkled throughout as that's the play Cassie and Ethan are performing when they fall in love.

Even though Bad Romeo started life as Twilight fanfiction, it had nothing in common with Twilight apart from the character names, and the fact it was an intense love story.

ATR: Can you quickly explain what Fan Fiction is to my readers?

Leisa: Fanfiction is a medium in which fans of a particular narrative explore scenarios with that story's established characters. You wouldn't believe some of the things you can find in the fanfiction world. There's fanfiction about books, movies, TV shows, boy bands, video games, cartoons. There's even Bible fanfiction!

Books such as Twilight and Harry Potter have spawned massive fanfiction communities, and lots of best selling authors such as Cassandra Clare, Christina Lauren, and EL James honed their skills writing fanfiction before hitting the big time.

ATR: How was BR discovered by a publisher? Were you hesitant to sign on with said publisher?

Leisa: At the request of readers, I reworked BR over a period of about a year before I felt confident enough to start querying agents. Thankfully, early in the querying process, my manuscript landed on the desk of the amazing Christina Hoegrebe, and she liked it enough to offer to represent me. From the start, she knew exactly which publisher and editor to pitch the book to, and thankfully, her predictions were totally correct. A few days after receiving the manuscript, Rose Hilliard from St. Martin's Griffith/Macmillan bought the rights, and the rest is history.

I wasn't at all hesitant to sign with them. A major publisher interested in my work? Lordy! The day I received the offer, I screamed so loudly my neighbors thought I was being murdered. Everyone at SMP has been incredibly supportive and lovely. I adore my publisher.

ATR: Did the story change at all in the process?

Leisa: Absolutely! For a start, the fanfiction was loooooong! At nearly 400,000 words, something had to give. I did massive edits to get the story down to 2 books, and then my agent and editor helped strengthen the finished product. We tightened everything up a great deal. Old scenes were cut, new scenes were added. Now, we're all pretty pleased with the end result.

ATR: Can you describe BAD ROMEO in three words?

Leisa: Love – Hate - Love

ATR: What are your top five go-to reads?

Leisa:

1. The Stand by Stephen King. A fave for years.

2. The Outsiders by SE Hinton. The first book I obsessed over at the tender age of 11.

3. The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling. I'm about due to reread from the start.

4. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. I adore her writing.

5. The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer. Haven't reread these in a few years, but because I met so many amazing people in the fanfic community from countries all over the world, these books will always have a special place in my heart.

ATR: Since this is A Tasty Read, what food/meal/dessert would best describe BAD ROMEO? (Only have to choose one)

Leisa: We have a dessert here in Australia called Pavlova which would be perfect for Bad Romeo. It has a hard meringue crust, a gooey marshamallow center, and then it's covered in decadent thick cream and tart berries and fruits. The perfect combination of sweet and sour, hard and soft.

Writing has always been a passion for Leisa, and even though she originally intended to be an actress, it wasn’t long into her time at drama school that she began writing plays.

Those plays were bad. Very bad. Well, her friends thought they were good, but that’s because they were always cast in them and any opportunity to be on stage was met with an obnoxious amount of enthusiasm.

Since then, she’s honed her craft, and several of her plays have been produced and toured
throughout Australia.

These days, playwriting has given way to fiction writing, and Leisa’s debut novel, BAD ROMEO, will be available in a worldwide release through Macmillan Publishing in December 2014.

Leisa lives in Australia with her husband, two little boys, three cats, and a kangaroo named Howard.

(Howard may or may not be her imaginary marsupial friend. Everyone should have one.)

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TVBT: THE NIGHT BELONGS TO FIREMAN by Jennifer Bernard (Bachelor Firemen #6) #Interview #Recipe #Firemen #Giveaway @AvonBooks

Three Winners will receive

Print Copies of The Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel Series Books 1-3, 

THE FIREMAN WHO LOVED ME, HOT FOR FIREMAN

 and SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN

Daring . . . Sexy . . . Irresistible . . .
They're the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel

When fireman Fred Breen rescues a bachelorette party after a construction crane collapses onto their limo, the media labels him the "Bachelor Hero." But all Fred can think about is the petite brunette with the sexy mane of dark curls who bolted away from him faster than a wildfire after he carried her to safety. And when he discovers she's none other than Rachel Kessler, the daughter of a tech billionaire, the girl whose kidnapping riveted the nation, he intends to learn every intimate detail about this intriguing woman who sets his pulse on fire.

Rachel can't deny the lean-muscled firefighter is smokin' hot. But after having one too many drinks at the bar where she first meets him, Rachel knows she's made a fool of herself. Yet when he rescues her from the limo, she feels safe for the first time since she was held for ransom as a child. Then her overprotective father insists Fred be her bodyguard—and his close presence kindles a burning desire that only he can extinguish.

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A Tasty Read: Hi Jennifer and welcome to A Tasty Read Book Reviews.  Let’s sit down with a Cup of Tea and chat for a moment about The Night Belongs to Fireman, the final book in your Bachelor Firemen series.

Jennifer Bernard: Thank you so much for having me! How did you know I’m a tea junkie? 

ATR: This is a series that seems like it could keep going for a while. Why did you decide to wind it up? Any chance you’ll be revisiting San Gabriel and the firemen in the future?

Jen: I’m not necessarily ending the series, because as you say, there’s certainly plenty of room for more books. But after 6 novels and 3 novellas, I felt I should explore some different worlds before I forget how to write about people who don’t wear turnouts. Right now I’m completely in love with my minor league baseball team, the Kilby Catfish, so the firemen are getting a break for the time being. But I can absolutely see writing more fireman stories in the future.

ATR: Most all the firefighters seemed to love to cook - and Fred, hero of The Night Belongs to Fireman - was the driving force behind the charity cookbook the Bachelor Firemen put together. Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share?

Jen: You know, it’s ironic that Fred put together the charity cookbook because he has the worst cooking skills in the entire firehouse! I guess it shows what a big heart he has. Since firehouses love baked goods, I’ll offer up a recipe for “Fireman’s Cookies.”


Ingredients

2 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 1/8 teaspoons salt
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
4 1/2 cups oats
1 pound butter (4 sticks)
1 large package chocolate chips
4 1/2 cups flour
1 cup nuts (any type)
2 1/3 teaspoon baking soda
5 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla.
Add dry ingredients except oats to creamed mixture. Mix well.
Stir in oats, chocolate and nuts.
Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to place on a greased cookie sheet.
Bake until delicious!


ATR: The Night Belongs to Fireman’s heroine Rachel is a pet therapist and heads a wildlife shelter. What kind of pets do you have? Have you ever taken one to a pet therapist?

Jen: Unlike Rachel, I’m more of a cat person than a dog person. My beloved cat Otis died just before I moved to Alaska and met my now-husband, who is allergic. So one of the sad things in my life is that we can’t have a cat. But my cat was pretty well-adjusted other than his fear of citrus fruit and brooms. We were able to manage those issues without therapy. Rachel mostly works on helping pet owners understand their pets’ needs and what their four-legged loved ones are trying to convey with their behavior. In a way, it’s pet owner therapy.

ATR: Who’s your favorite Bachelor Fireman?

Jen: That’s easy! My favorite Bachelor Fireman would combine the Zen leadership of Captain Brody, the lightheartedness of Ryan Blake, the cooking and parenting skills of Chief Roman, the sexy edginess of Psycho, the gigantic heart of Vader, and the exceptional regular-guy heroism of Fred. Did I sidestep that question okay?

ATR: From the very first book, Ella Joy, the reporter we all love to hate has had a presence in your books. Will she ever have her own story and an HEA?

Jen: Well … interesting thought! She would have to learn some major life lessons in humility and compassion before I let her have an HEA. How about this for a storyline: an armed intruder storms the TV studio and holds the crew hostage. For once, she has to use to her brain (she’s actually a good investigator) for something other than getting the story at any cost. She has to channel her inner warrior to fight for other people rather than her career. And the hero is the hostage negotiator whom she never sees until the end; their entire relationship develops over the phone during this standoff. So she’s not trying to manipulate him, and she falls for his strength and brains, with no clue about his appearance. What do you think?

ATR: I saw that you’ll be writing about a baseball team in Texas next. Could you tell us a bit more about it? I’m guessing there might be some cowboy pitchers or catchers?

Jen: Absolutely! Any excuse to include a cowboy. I’m working on my Kilby Catfish series now, and I admit I’m head over heels over this team. They’re hilarious and edgy and altogether yummy. The first book is called ALL OF ME, and it stars a hotshot pitcher, Caleb Hart, who had a mortifying meltdown in a brief Major League stint. How he’s back in the minors trying to get his act together because his entire family is depending on him. Falling for the mayor’s sexy assistant is probably the worst thing for his career, but when he finds out she’s the target of a nasty vendetta by her ex-boyfriend, his protective side wins out.

ATR: You live in Alaska, which is a favorite setting for romance authors - perhaps because of the legendary male to female ratio. Do you plan to set any future books there?

Jen: I’m sure that I will set a book in Alaska at some point. I still feel “new” to Alaska even though I’ve lived here seven years. I want to make sure I know it well before I write an Alaskan story, because I’ll get so much heat if I mess it up. The other thing is that writing is such an escape for me, and I’m not sure I want to write about cold and snow when I’m dealing with it in real life.

ATR: Growing up, who were some of your favorite authors?

Jen: I love this question, because I was an obsessive reader growing up. Louisa May Alcott, C.S. Lewis, Flannery O’Connor, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Victoria Holt, Edith Wharton, Shakespeare (yes, I really did read Shakespeare for pleasure, I was a weird kid), Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen, Colette, Mary Renault, I could go on and on. I was the classic bookworm kid who always had my nose in a book.

ATR: What advice would you give aspiring novelists?

Jen: Read a lot, write a lot. That’s really it. There are a million paths to becoming a novelist, but all of them pass through “reading” and “writing.”

ATR: It seems a writer’s life doesn’t stop at creating stories for readers anymore, but incorporates a lot of time on social media. Do you find it hard to juggle the two? Or is it inspirational for you as a writer to have fan feedback easily accessible?

Jen: Yes and yes. This is a great question. It can be hard to juggle the two, especially when I’m under deadline or have a lot of other things happening in my life. Or when I don’t have good Internet. On the other hand, the satisfaction of connecting with readers and other authors online is incredible. I have a reader group that I adore. I’ve gotten in the habit of soliciting their help with names of places and people in my books, and they always have great ideas. And they always make me smile. I can’t imagine being a writer back in the days before social media. It must have been so lonely!

ATR: Thank you again for stopping by and I can't wait for all the readers to grab a hold of THE NIGHT BELONGS TO FIREMAN!

Jennifer Bernard is a graduate of Harvard and a former news promo producer. The child of academics, she confounded her family by preferring romance novels to … well, any other books. She left big city life for true love in Alaska, where she now lives with her husband and stepdaughters. She’s no stranger to book success, as she also writes erotic novellas under a naughty secret name not to be mentioned at family gatherings.

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