Spotlight & Giveaway- - RIPTIDE, A Renegades Novel

RIPTIDE, A Renegades Novel
By Skye Jordan (a/k/a Joan Swan)
Publisher: Cygnet Books
Release Date: May 12, 2017

When pro surfer Zach Ellis isn’t traveling the world-wide competition circuit, he works as a Renegade stunt double for the hit TV series, Hawaiian Heat. After years of tangling with the ocean, his body has paid the price. So when he gets a shot at a star roll on the show, Zach’s all in. He celebrates the career opportunity by taking a chance on a woman who’s not his usual island-girl type, only to discover he can’t bear to let her go. 

Tessa Drake belongs mired in legislation battles in Washington DC, not standing on the sidelines of a filming set in Maui like a wannabe starlet. But even more important than her law career, Tessa needs Zach Ellis's signature on legal papers. Papers that relinquish his parental rights so Tessa can adopt the girl who already calls her mommy. When she discovers Zach has slipped out of town before she makes contact, Tessa takes solace in the sexy star of Hawaiian Heat. A man whose warmth and dazzling grin makes her Mensa-level IQ vanish into thin air.  

After an electrifying night together, Tessa is horrified to discover just who rocked her world.  Zach is stunned to learn he’s a father. And both find themselves caught in a riptide pulling them in the opposite direction of their dreams.

*All books in the Renegades series may be read as stand alone books.

Based on the blurb above and the rave reviews I've been reading all over the internet, this sexy, emotional, contemporary romance sounds like the perfect addition to my summer reading list. 

How about you? What types of books do you enjoy reading during the lazy, hazy days of summer? 

Have you read Skye Jordan/Joan Swan yet? Any favorites you'd recommend?

Joan Swan Winner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and
commented on debut author Joan Swan's post.

Random.org has chosen the winner of a copy of FEVER by Joan Swan.

And the winner is (drum roll).....


REBEKAH E.


Congrats to you Rebekah E.!!!!!!

Please send your full name and mailing address to
theromancedish AT gmail DOT com
with "Joan Swan Winner" in the subject line.


~ Buffie

Today's Special -- Joan Swan

We are thrilled to welcome back Kensington debut author Joan Swan! Joan's debut novel, FEVER, was released on February 28, 2012. Check out Buffie's review, which is below this post. A triple RWA Golden Heart finalist as well as a double Daphne Du Maurier finalist, Joan is a lover of craft and closet-hoarder of writing craft how-to books (taken from Joan's website). Please give a warm welcome to Joan Swan as she discusses writing stories filled with suspense.



Thanks to the fabulous ladies here at The Romance Dish for having me back!

Every story—no matter the length, the genre, the style, the voice, the author, the editor, the language—has to have suspense. Without suspense, there is nothing urging the reader to turn the page. No drama for the reader to watch unfold. Nothing to take hold of the reader and not let go. In other words… boring.

Fever, my recent debut, has received fabulous reviews, which absolutely thrills me.

“An exciting, on-the-run romantic suspense tale!”~ Christie Ridgeway, BookPage, Top Pick Romance

“…a great, action-packed, sexy read.”~ Novel Reflections Review

“…all-consuming, thrilling, and passionate.”~ The Good, The Bad, The Unread

The whole point to suspense is development of drama within the story. And to create suspenseful drama a storyteller must have:

· Stakes—what will the character win or lose? Is it big enough to make the situation compelling?

· Character—do I connect enough with this person to care whether they win or lose?

· Conflict—one main character must want one thing while another wants something different – usually the opposite.

The best authors use these elements in a delicate balance. Suspense is all about the anticipation. The unknown. In fiction, suspense is built when the author proposes a story or character question, then makes the reader wait for the answer.

How long? It depends…usually on the question itself. Some questions are big and meaningful to the overall story concept. Some are small, maybe a hint about the character’s background that will foreshadow conflict. But regardless of the size (or relative importance) in the most suspenseful fiction, every time an answer is revealed to the reader, another question continues to linger or is introduced. Like that childhood game leapfrog, some question the reader needs answered to understand the story, to satisfy his curiosity, to make him want to read forward, is always in place. This is what creates that need-to-know atmosphere in the best suspense. And when it’s done well, the story skips along, with answers coming at intervals and new questions popping up, keeping the reader flying through the pages.

Timing is everything—when an author drops a new question into the story, when he answers another. It’s a skill that can be developed on a gut level. A sixth sense of sorts. Some authors have developed this sense after years of writing in the genre. Some authors come by it naturally. Many readers have an even better sense of developing tension than authors because reading is a fabulous way of gaining that sensitivity.

Generally speaking, if you, as the author, are bored...the reader will be bored. If your attention is scattered between three different story lines...the reader will also be distracted. And if you allow the suspense to linger too long, the reader will get exasperated and put the book down, but if you push it too fast, the reader has nothing to read on or wait for. Here, the gut feeling is valuable.

Some authors find it easier to write through method. In that case, this graphic might help.














Add in character questions and you get even more complexity and more levels of suspense.









There are different types of suspense a writer can employ to keep the pace moving in creative, thought-provoking ways: the dark, slowly-twining-around-your-throat suspense, the emotional, life-altering-squeezing-your-stomach suspense, and the well-known and loved physical-threat-to life-and-limb suspense. And because I write romantic suspense, I'm also twining in the romantic conflict along the way.

It's fun and challenging and when it all comes together, the result is literally breathtaking.

What was the last book you read with killer suspense?

One random commenter (US and Canadian residents only) will win a print copy of FEVER.

Also, all comments are eligible for Joan's tour grand prize of either a COLOR NOOK or KINDLE FIRE. Stop by Joan's website and enter here.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joan Swan is a triple RWA® Golden Heart finalist and writes sexy romantic suspense with a paranormal twist. Her debut novel with Kensington Brava, FEVER, releases February 28, 2012. Her second novel, BLAZE, follows in October, 2012.

In her day job, she works as a sonographer for one of the top ten medical facilities in the nation and lives on the California central coast in beautiful wine country with her husband and two daughters.

My links: Website Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads


Book Blurb: Release Date: 2/28/12


Dr. Alyssa Foster will admit to a bad boy fetish…
But when she finds herself face to face with a convicted murderer with determination for freedom and an eye on her as his get out of jail free card, Alyssa knows she’s in deep trouble…. Not just because Teague Creek is a prisoner desperate for freedom, but because his every touch makes her desperate for more.

A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose…
Teague Creek has one shot at freedom, but his plan to escape with a hostage develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives who know of his strange abilities, he needs to avoid trouble, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever.

Buy links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Booksamillion

Review -- FEVER

FEVER
Phoenix Rising Series, Book 1
by Joan Swan
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: February 28, 2012

He wore burgundy boxer briefs that clung to his muscular ass. He was tan everywhere but for a pale line mid thigh where he’d obviously worn shorts. She could swear every muscle was outlined in perfect relief. Her gaze traveled over the lines and dips and swells and curves. God, he was beautiful.

A beautiful, racist, murdering, escaped convict.


With only 14 days left of her year-long fellowship at St. Jude, Dr. Alyssa Foster is working every possible hour to show her dedication in hopes of receiving a permanent position as a radiologist at the medical center. Exhausted beyond words, Alyssa covers a shift for an ultrasound tech and finds she has to exam prisoners, which is her least favorite duty. Always a little uneasy around prisoners, her unease intensifies exponentially when inmate Teague Creek steps into the exam room.

Her gaze paused on the box labeled RELEASE DATE where the word life had been scribbled. Her lips pursed with an involuntary shake of her head. So young. What a waste.

Then, as her gaze shifts up and down Teague’s body, she observes a rather large man full of muscles and covered in a myriad of tattoos. The life of prison has covered this man from head to toe, literally. One minute Alyssa is reviewing Teague’s chart and the next minute she finds herself in a choke hold with scissors held to her throat.

Teague Creek is one complicated man. This former fire fighter/paramedic turned convicted murderer is not at all what he appears to be. Years ago, Teague and several other fire fighters were involved in a large fire at a government facility. Unbeknownst to the firefighters, they were exposed to some type of government chemical prototype. Each firefighter is affected by the exposure in a different way. Teague is able raise his body temperature to heat and melt items or to heal humans. Since the night of the fire, Teague’s life has spiraled out of control – being set up by some unknown group for the brutal murder of his wife, losing custody of his beloved little girl and serving life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. While at the hospital for a medical exam and with the help of a prisoner, Teague takes control of his life and breaks free from the bonds of prison by kidnapping a doctor.

The majority of this book occurs while Teague and Alyssa are on the run. Slowly, very slowly, Alyssa begins to see past the façade Teague has built and truly sees the man behind the tattoos and the criminal record. Don’t think that Alyssa is some push over of a woman who falls in love with the man who kidnaps and holds her hostage. Oh no, that is SO far from the truth. Alyssa is one tough cookie. She gives as much as she gets.

She tossed her head to get the messy strands out of her eyes and watched him with a look that clearly said, “try it and I’ll kick your teeth in.” How could such a small woman, handcuffed and gagged, look so…formidable?

From the very beginning, Alyssa struggles with her physical and emotional reactions to Teague. She wonders how she can have any feelings for the man who has taken her hostage. Yet as the pieces of Teague’s life slowly begin to come together to form a bigger picture, Alyssa realizes she is in way deeper than even she imagined. Teague is not the criminal she first saw in the hospital, but instead a victim of some covert government cover-up. Using every single honed analytical skill learned from years of medical school and training, Alyssa takes charge of Teague’s escape and urges her attorney brother to help keep Teague out of prison. Teague is shocked and dismayed at the support Alyssa gives him. Afraid to open his heart to anyone since those he loved were taken from him in the past, Teague gives in a little and then retreats. Trust is hard to give after so much time in prison. The road to trust and love is winding, full of curves and blind spots, but the destination is SO worth the trip!

Teague pulled her earlobe between his teeth and nipped gently. “I love your passion.” He continued kissing his way down her neck. “I love your commitment. Your determination. Your courage.” His mouth moved over her should. “I love your intelligence. Your compassion.”

I don’t think I have ever been so tense while reading a book, but in a good way. This book is full of suspense! Every chapter had me holding my breath, tensing for what was to come, hoping for tidbits on Teague’s past and anticipating the physical connection between Teague and Alyssa. It wasn’t until I finished the book that I breathed a sigh of relief. Then I immediately thought …. I wonder when the next book comes out.

I am really looking forward to learning more about the other firefighters and what exactly happened to this group.

This is one book that I would highly recommend. But please keep in mind … it is not for the light of heart.


~ Buffie


NOTE: Since finishing the book, I have seen a lot of “chatter” regarding the racial slurs used by a gritty, evil secondary character in this book. I will admit that while reading parts of this book my jaw did drop wide open at the language, but I also must admit that this did not stop me from enjoying the storyline and I was not pulled out of the story in any way. The language used by this secondary character actually made me despise him so much that I couldn't wait to read what happened next and see how would the hero and heroine get away from this evil person. It is up to each reader to decide if language affects your view of the book. For me, it was not a problem.

Coming Attractions

March is one of my favorite times of the year. Not only is it the month when my favorite flower (daffodil) is usually in bloom, but it is also the month full of birthdays in my family. My mother, my brother and I all share March as our birthday month. And fellow Dish Gannon does too! March is going to be a fabulous month here at The Romance Dish. We have a lot in store and hope to see you throughout the month. ~ Buffie



We kick off the month with New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin on March 1. Kat’s newest romantic suspense novel, Against the Night, was released on February 28.


March 2 is the day you need to show up with a pen and paper because that is when Andrea gives us the list of New Releases for March. There are quite a few fabulous books coming out this month.

Debut historical author Leigh LaValle stops by on March 6, the day her novel The Runaway Countess releases.


Ready for a sneak peak of books coming out in April? On March 8, Andrea provides that with her Make Your Reservation blog.


On March 10, Trish Milburn/Tricia Mills shares the latest news in YA publications and movies. The Hunger Games movie will be out on March 23 … anyone else planning to see it?


I am already in full blown *ahem* research mode for March 15 when I share my latest Hot Dish pick. So many options ….


Looking for several book reviews in one single day? Well, we have got you covered! Our Stock Up Saturday Reviews will be posted on March 17.



On March 20, multi-published author Lois Greiman visits with us.

Debut romantic suspense author Joan Swan blogs with us on March 21. Her debut novel, Fever, was released on February 28. I have read this book and it is a fantastic debut!! My review will be posted this month too.




On March 24, Anna Campbell returns with her monthly review blog. Wonder what Anna has been reading lately….




All of this AND reviews and giveaways throughout the month. I think March is going to be another great month at The Romance Dish.

~ Buffie

Joan Swan Winner ... Again

We are drawing another name for the
winner of a copy of INSIDE by Brenda Novak
courtesy of debut author Joan Swan.

This time random.org has chosen:

LSU Reader

Please send your mailing information to us
at theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com
no later than Friday, January 6, to claim your prize.

Last Call

This is the last call for one of the winners of a copy of 

INSIDE by Brenda Novak

courtesy of debut author Joan Swan.  

ADDISON

Please send your mailing information to us at theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com no later than Sunday, December 18th to claim your prize.

More Winners!

The randomly selected winners of a copy of INSIDE by Brenda Novak

courtesy of debut author Joan Swan are:

ADDISON

FSBUCHER

Congratulations to you!!!

Please email your full name and mailing address to theromancedishATgmailDOTcom.

Be sure to include "Joan Swan Winner" in the subject line.

~ Buffie

Today's Special -- Joan Swan

Everyone know that The Romance Dish loves, loves, LOVES debut authors. There something special about being with an author from her very first published book. And we Dishes love to support, encourage and promote debut authors. Today we welcome debut author Joan Swan. Joan's debut book, FEVER, will be out on February 28, 2012. Joan tells us a little bit about the journey of a debut author and also interviews New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak. Please give a warm welcome to Joan Swan.


Building an author network is one of my favorite topics on the tour for so many reasons, but it all boils down to this: without them, I wouldn’t be here.

We all have support networks in our lives. If you’re not an author, but a reader, all these concepts still apply, and we’re giving away 2 copies of the first book in Brenda Novak’s newest series The Bulletproof Trilogy, Inside! Simply leave a comment to enter. Open international.

Anyone who has traveled this road, attempted to travel this road, watched anyone travel this road or listened to enough of us bitch about traveling this road knows it’s got a few divots. Times a few divots by a few years and those of us who’ve been on it long enough are missing a few vertebrae. Authors help authors fill in those rough spots so they don’t jar our teeth loose. I’ve been on this road for a decade now. If it weren’t for the wonderful friends I’ve developed in this business I’d either be wearing premature dentures, or I’d have jumped on the freeway years back.

If I’d have known from the beginning how powerful friends could be in this business – both personally and professionally – I would have started building friendships from day one. Luckily, I figured it out a couple of years before I sold. And between then and now, each and every author I’ve met has either aided me or taught me something.

Here is my best advice to writers related to building their network:

Start Early - The earlier, the better. Even if you’re just starting out, it’s not too soon to meet people and make connections. That said, let me stress this: don’t force relationships. Tense or uncomfortable relationships will only drain you when you need energy the most. Stay open, keep the idea in mind and friendships with occur naturally. Writers are friendly people who gravitate toward others who understand their unique need to create.

Remember, cream floats to the top. Solid, trusted relationships are not built overnight. Traveling this road with someone builds a bond that will see you through the rough times, be there to celebrate your achievements and aid you when you need it most.

Branch out - Keep an open mind when developing relationships. Screenwriters, teachers, attorneys, physicians…you’d be surprised how many people have always wanted to write, and who may be writing in private on the side. If they’re not writing, they would probably be thrilled to help an author, because living vicariously is the next best thing.

• Genre
  
  Socialize outside your genre. You’d be surprised how many people may tell you they read romance, but love to pick up the latest YA when their kid goes to bed. And something I learned a very long time ago that still holds true—good writing crosses all genre; writing craft can be shared equally throughout fiction and is one element that brings all fiction writers together. Craft is a fabulous way to meet and build friendships outside your main writing genre.
  


• Media
  
  Today’s writers have amazing social tools at their fingertips. There is absolutely no reason every writer can’t be out there meeting both writers and readers. With so many options, there are several alternative for every personality types, from the shyest introvert to the boldest extrovert. You don’t have to do them all, in fact, I don’t recommend it. I suggest trying a few out, finding what suits your personality and build from there. The information available through these channels is limitless. The support amazing. I would be lost without my blog buddies and my Twitterverse. I’m still on the fence about Facebook – but it’s a must for others. Everyone is different – find what works for you.

Give - This may lean toward personality or personal preference. I will readily admit that giving is part of my genetic makeup and I would give regardless of what I received in return. It’s not always a good thing. I can and often do hinder myself when I can’t balance this characteristic. But what I gain on the flip side is beyond expectations. In a practical sense, if you help someone and that person helps you in return, you are leveraging resources and getting ahead simultaneously. In a theoretical sense, like attracts like, so by giving you create a spirit of generosity toward yourself and the universe gives back.

Giving can be generosity in any form: information, aid, financial support, emotional support, camaraderie, friendship, promotional help…the list goes on. And giving can benefit more than one person at a time – it’s called a win-win, and the more you look for those winning opportunities, the more they appear.

Here are just a few ways my network of author friends have benefited me over the years:

My author friends have brought me:

The blurbs for my debut novel. A heartfelt thank you to Larissa Ione, Stephanie Tyler, Elisabeth Naughton and Bonnie Hearn Hill.

• This fabulous Tour: Journey of a Debut Author. Deep appreciation to the wonderful Lauren Dane, Kat Martin, Pamela Palmer, Suzanne Brockmann, Carly Phillips, Brenda Novak, Sharon Sala, Cindy Gerard, Christina Dodd, Marjorie Liu, Anne Stuart and Lara Adrian and my blog tour coordinator Ashley March!



• Joint Reader Meet & Greet Conference Ops: Thanks to uber-authors for including me: Cynthia Eden, Caridad Peñiero, Lisa Renee Jones, Donna Grant and Elisabeth Naughton.



• Conference Workshop Panel Ops



• Multiple joint promotional ops



• Book review swap ops



• Cross promotional ops



• Group blog tour ops



• Shared print ad ops



• Emotional support, professional advice, friendship of more fantabulous authors than I could name.

Here are some of the locations I found best for connecting with other writers:

• Craft courses


• Conferences


• Book Signings


• Critique Groups


• Writing Organizations


• Online (as noted above)

This topic feels very appropriate for my guest today, Brenda Novak. Brenda is well known for her longtime generous effort to the search for a cure for Diabetes. She is, of course, also a New York Times Bestseller, with more than 35 books written and over 3 million copies sold. She is also a two-time RITA nominee. You can find Brenda at her website, Twitter and Facebook.

Her most recent series, The Bulletproof Trilogy, Inside 6/11, In Seconds 8/11, and In Close 10/11 are all available now and we’ll be giving away 2 copies of Inside today! Serendipitously, her own debut novel, Of Nobel Birth, is currently one sale in e-format.


Now, Brenda will give us her take on developing an author network.

Brenda, did you have an author network of friends before your publication?

Brenda: No. None. Those friends I did have looked down on romance and considered me a "sell out." I remember my "best friend" coming to my first book signing. Not only did she not buy the book--she wouldn't even touch it.

How did you develop your author support network? Where did you find them?

Brenda: I joined RWA, which I didn't know existed until after I'd finished my first book and was ready to start marketing it. Then someone who worked for a non-fiction publishing house in Sacramento mentioned the organization and suggested I attend the annual conference. I owe that person a lot because I credit RWA with providing all the tools I needed in order to get published.

How did you and your author network support each other early in your careers?

Brenda: At first, we critiqued for each other, shared hotel rooms at conferences, celebrated our successes as a group. Sharing information is key in this business, so there was that, too.

How has your support network changes as your career has grown?

Brenda: I've been lucky enough to have a lot of the writing community support my efforts to raise money for diabetes research and consider them all family. I think joining forces in this way has really enhanced my life (more than just my career). I'm not sure the network has changed significantly in other ways. It's sort of like writers join with their own "graduating" class. I'm still friends with those who were trying to break in when I was and we still give support and share information.

How has your friendship with other authors benefited your career?

Brenda: This is huge. It makes what I do so much more fun. I would never want to be an island. I enjoy going to speak at conferences because it puts me in touch with a whole new group of like-minded people, people who love to talk books and writing as much as I do.

What would you suggest new authors do to develop their own network?

Brenda: I think it's imperative to join a writing organization and to get and stay active in it. I think a new writer should also get a web page and start gathering a mailing list.

Have you found social media or conferences more advantageous to developing a supportive author network?

Brenda: Conferences have been a lot more effective for me. There's just no way to replace that one-on-one contact and face time.

If you’re a writer, share one of your favorite ways to build your network of friends.
If you're a reader, tell us about one of the helpful networks in your life and how you keep it going.

All comments enter you to win 1 of 2 copies of the first book in Brenda Novak’s newest series The Bulletproof Trilogy, Inside! Open Internationally.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joan Swan is a triple RWA® Golden Heart finalist, and a double Kiss of Death Daphne Du Maurier finalist. She writes sexy romantic suspense with a paranormal twist, and her first novel with Kensington Brava debuts April, 2012. Currently, she works as a sonographer at a one of the top ten medical facilities in the nation, and lives in magnificent wine country on the central coast of California with her husband and two daughters. You can find Joan on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

Coming Attractions

November is one of my favorite months. Not just because the leaves are in full display of jewel tone colors and the air has a clean crisp feel, but because we celebrate Thanksgiving and my husband’s birthday. Speaking of celebrations, November is a great month here at The Romance Dish because we kick off the month with our anniversary celebration extravaganza. In addition to our party, we have lots of reviews, guest authors, and fun things in store for the month.



The Romance Dish is celebrating our 2nd anniversary in bloggerland. Wow, we can’t believe it has been 2 years!!! Our anniversary celebration extravaganza begins Monday, October 31, and runs through Friday, November 4. We have a lot planned for the week, including games, highlights, and a special guest. Then on Saturday, November 5, we will announce all of our winners … and there will be a lot of winners. We even have three special giveaways just for our international readers. So make sure you stop by every day for your chance to win!


Are you looking for a ready to print shopping list of the new releases for November? Well, we have got you covered! On November 7, Andrea provides you with such a list in her New Releases blog.


On Tuesday, November 8, guest reviewer Janga interviews Rita Award winning author Molly O’Keefe.


Trish Milburn/Trisha Mills shares the latest in YA news on Thursday, November 10. Anyone looking forward to the Breaking Dawn – Part 1 movie?


Get a sneak peak of the December new releases on Friday, November 11, with Andrea’s Make Your Reservations blog.


Even though the weather is getting colder here in the United States, The Romance Dish sizzles on Tuesday, November 15, when Buffie shares her latest Hot Dish.


New York Times Bestselling author Lori Wilde guest blogs with us on Thursday, November 17.


On Saturday, November 19, we share several reviews at one time with our Stock Up Saturday Reviews.


On Monday, November 21, debut author Joan Swan stops by The Romance Dish on her Journey of a Debut Author blog tour. Joan is a triple RWA Golden Heart finalist as well as a double Daphne Du Maurier finalist and her debut FEVER releases February 28, 2012. Joan is bringing a special guest with her, and I think you will like who it is!


Anna Campbell returns on Thursday, November 24, with her latest review. No matter what book Anna is reviewing, it is bound to be one to add to your TBR list.


We hope to see you frequently during the month of November!!

~ Buffie