Spotlight on Jess Michaels - - Guest Post & Giveaway

There's something special about discovering an author at the beginning of their publication journey. We get to watch their writing skills grow, see them push the boundaries of their comfort zones, branching out to explore new horizons, and, in the case of today's guest, we have the special joy of celebrating a big milestone, one many authors never achieve. I've been following Jess Michaels' career - and reading her books - for almost twenty years. I've had the pleasure of spending time with her in person at romance conferences over those years. I'm delighted to welcome her today as she counts down to the release of her 100th book. 

Welcome, Jess! 

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Hi everyone and thanks so much to The Romance Dish for having me as a guest today! If you don’t know me, I’m Jess Michaels and I write historical romance…very spicy historical romance. And I write a lot of it because my 100^th book will be out in just about a month (100 Nights with the Duke). The crazy thing is that I’ve known PJ from The Romance Dish for almost the entire span of that career. So when we started talking about this feature, we couldn’t help but talk about this milestone in terms of how it started and the path it took.

I started writing full-time in 1999 and sold my first two novellas to Red Sage Publishing, a now defunct small press, in 2003. In 2004, I sold my first full-length novels to HarperCollins (Avon) under my Jenna Petersen name, which is when I met PJ. Back then, there wasn’t really a structure for indie publishing (you could sell books from the back of your car, essentially) and none of my first few books even had eBook versions. But Scandalous, my debut with Avon, did really well and I was excited about my career and its trajectory.

Fast-forward to my 30^th book. That was A Scoundrel’s Surrender and it was my last book with Avon. I’d published 18 of those 30 books with them, under both Jess Michaels and Jenna Petersen. But it was time to shift. The industry was changing, I had different options and the working relationship there no longer allowed me to thrive. I moved on, first to Samhain Publishing (which closed in 2015) and then to indie publishing.

Which brings me to book 50. The Scoundrel’s Lover (funny that 30 and 50 were both Scoundrel in the title LOL). This was my second book after I’d gone completely indie (I’d dipped my toe in before but this was all in). This book is really special because I introduced my sexy Regency underground club, the Donville Masquerade and it features a fan favorite hero, Marcus Rivers. I felt the turn in my career right about here. The realization that indie publishing was a much better place for me as an artist and human. And I hit the USA Today with the next book in that series (The Widow Wager).

By book 75, I’d hit that same bestseller list 10 times. The Last Duke marked the end of my most popular and well-loved series, the 1797 Club series. When people ask me where to start on this very massive list of mine, I always point them to The Daring Duke (1797 Club 1) because this is the series I seem to be most well-known for.

And now we’re here, or almost here. 100 Books. And I have to tell you, I’m so excited for this one to come out on May 10. 100 Nights with the Duke was something I wrote very intentionally to speak to the roots of my Jess Michaels career. It’s very sexy, it features a courtesan heroine who is extremely sex positive and a duke hero who absolutely worships the ground she walks on. I wrote all the desperate longing, all the “it can’t be” goodness that I think people like about what I do. And if it’s the only book people ever read of mine, I think it will be a good punctuation point on who I am as a writer.

And so now I look forward to the future. I’m not young in my career by any stretch, but I’m still pretty young in my life (46 this year). I have a long time to keep writing and creating. And I’ve already got the next 50 books and ten years planned…some of it written down, some of it just floating around in my head. Seeing that path laid out before me and turning around to look at the long and lovely path behind me…well, that’s just icing on a delicious cake. Thanks to all of my readers who have taken and keep taking the walk with me.

~~~~~~~~

Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Jess. I'm eager to read 100 Nights with the Duke and wish you continued success with your next 100 books! 

Readers, have you read Jess's books yet? Do you have a favorite?

Two randomly chosen people who post a comment before 11:00 PM, April 8 will each receive an e-book copy of The Daring Duke. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

 

Today's Special - - Nancy Northcott Guest Post & Giveaway

Did you know that Romance Dish Reviewer Nancy is also a published author? Her books range from historical fantasy to contemporary paranormal to romantic spy adventures and even space opera. There's a bit of something for everyone! Today, Nancy joins us to talk about the appeal of tortured heroes and share what's going on with some of her own. Welcome, Nancy! 

The Appeal of the Tortured Hero

by Nancy Northcott

 

Thanks for having me today, PJ! 

I have a special fondness for stories of tortured heroes. Watching love bring them into the light is one of my favorite romance journeys. We all admire someone who pushes through to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. Even when—maybe especially when—it’s painful. Or comes at a high personal price. 

Such characters appear in all genres, but they have special appeal in romance. We expect our heroes to do what’s right, but we love them more when it’s difficult for them. Romances with tortured heroes often involve renunciation, the hero giving up the heroine in the (mistaken) belief she’ll be better off without him. The heroine, of course, refuses to accept this. Sometimes she wins the hero back, and sometimes an external force, a friend, an event, or even a surfacing, long-forgotten memory spurs him to reconsider. To understand where he’s coming from and why he’s wrong. 

Reaching the point where he realizes that he not only deserves love but can be a positive factor in someone else’s life, completes the hero’s story arc. There are heroines who walk away for similar reasons, but such sacrifices are more commonly made by heroes. 

Romance is the genre of healing and emotional redemption, after all. It thus offers wide latitude to a heroine trying to soothe a tortured soul with love. 

Sherrilynn Kenyon’s Acheron is probably the ultimate tortured hero. Through centuries of abuse, he has internalized a terrible self-image. His human death unleashed destruction. He now resolves to be alone, protecting mankind and supporting all the other Dark-Hunters. Until one woman insisted on seeing him a different way. 

Pamela Clare’s Zach McBride (Breaking Point) suffers from survivor guilt that keeps him from building a personal life for himself. Despite his feelings for reporter Natalie Benoit, he walks away from her. Until he can’t, because she has become a target. Protecting her forces him to face his feelings and move beyond his guilt and fear. 

Nalini Singh has written a number of tortured heroes in her Psy/Changeling series. One of my favorites is Kaleb Krychek (Heart of Obsidian), a cardinal telepath who sees himself as a monster. He finds and rescues the only friend from his childhood. She doesn’t see him as a monster, and she also bears scars. The rescue is their chance to save each other. 

As a writer, I gravitate toward friends-to-lovers or second-chance-at-love stories, sometimes a hybrid of the two. But I sometimes write a tortured hero. Richard Mainwaring, Lord Hawkstowe, of The Herald of Day is tormented by his family curse and what it means for any children he might have. Lifting the curse seems impossible, so he resolves to have no children, to stop the curse from dooming another generation. Until a tavern maid who nurtures hope crosses his path. 

I also have a tortured hero in my Light Mage Wars paranormal romances, which I’m re-releasing this year. The ones that were traditionally published have new covers, and the entire series has new branding. I’m very excited about it. I love all the heroes (and all the heroines), but I nurture a special fondness for the the guilt-ridden hero of the second book, Renegade Mage. 

Six years ago, grief and anger over betrayal led Griffin Dare to make a fateful mistake. He was the mages’ top cop, and four of his deputies died that day. Other deputies and friends have died since, and he believes that’s his fault. Now he has the top slot of the mages’ Most Wanted Fugitives list. He expects to die an outlaw, but he’ll be satisfied if he can expose the traitor in the mages’ ranks along the way. Even though he and his friends secretly fight the deadly ghouls, the battle isn’t for him. It’s to protect mages and humans. No one, he vows, will ever risk their lives for his sake again. 

When his path crosses Valeria Banning’s, she has some insights that surprise him. They’re drawn to each other, but can Griff overcome his guilt and pain to seize this chance at love? 

The other two books currently out don’t have tortured heroes, but I’ll mention them here because they’re all recent re-releases, and while I enjoy tortured heroes, I also enjoy those with a little less angst. 

The first book in the series, Mage Sentinel, is a prequel about Griff’s sister, Caroline Dare, and the man her brother’s secrets bring into her path. Rick Moore is on a quest for justice for his dead father, and exposing the help he believes the Dare family has given Griff is his only hope. Too bad he’s falling in love with Caroline. 

The third of the books currently out, number three in the series, is The Deadly Orb. It’s about wildland firefighters. A current of attraction has long run between helicopter pilot Josh Campbell and firefighter paramedic Edie Lang. But Josh has vowed never to marry a woman in a dangerous job. His mother was killed in the line of duty as a deputy sheriff, and his father disintegrated, leaving young Josh to care for his two sisters. When magic forces him and Edie into proximity, though, he finds that vow hard to sustain. 

So that’s it for me on tortured heroes and new books.  Thanks again for having me today, PJ! I’m giving away winner’s choice of either Mage Sentinel or Renegade Mage to one commenter today. (The Deadly Orb isn’t an option because it contains spoilers for Renegade Mage.) 

For a chance to win, leave a comment telling me who your favorite tortured hero is and why you love his story. Or, if tortured heroes aren’t your thing, tell me who’s your favorite hero and why. Books, TV, and movies all qualify. Giveaway ends at 11:00 PM, March 20.

Thanks for stopping by today!

 

###

 

Book links: 

Mage Sentinel: 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mage-Sentinel-Light-Wars-Novel-ebook/dp/B09PGXSMWX 

Everywhere else: https://books2read.com/u/m2YNzj

  

Renegade Mage: 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09PJRVY97 

Everywhere else: https://books2read.com/u/baDQA8

  

The Deadly Orb 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09TJCLR2H 

Everywhere else: https://books2read.com/u/baDQw8

Touring the 17th Century with Nancy Northcott

When Nancy Northcott is here it's usually to talk about someone else's book in one of her reviews. But today, Nancy joins us to talk about one of her books! She recently visited England and is here today to take us on a visual journey of the places her characters might have visited in the 17th century.  Welcome back, Nancy!

Nancy Northcott’s childhood ambition was to grow up and become Wonder Woman.  Around fourth grade, she realized it was too late to acquire Amazon genes, but she still loved comic books, science fiction, fantasy, history, and romance.

She has written freelance articles and taught at the college level.  Her most popular course was on science fiction, fantasy, and society.   She has also given presentations on the Wars of the Roses and Richard III to university classes studying Shakespeare’s play about that king. Reviewers have described her books as melding fantasy, romance, and suspense. Library Journal gave her debut novel, Renegade, a starred review, calling it “genre fiction at its best.”

In addition to the historical fantasy Boar King’s Honor trilogy, Nancy writes the Light Mage Wars paranormal romances, the Lethal Webs romantic spy adventures, and the Outcast Station science fiction mysteries.

Married since 1987, Nancy and her husband have one son, a bossy dog, and a house full of books.

Nancy’s Social Media links;

www.nancynorthcott.com

Twitter: @NancyNorthcott

Facebook 

Goodreads 

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Touring the 17^th Century

with Nancy Northcott

Some of you may have seen this book before. Falstaff Books reissued it this past month, in Kindle, paperback, and (major thrill!) hardcover editions.

The Boar King’s Honor Trilogy

A wizard’s misplaced trust

A king wrongly blamed for murder

A bloodline cursed until they clear the king’s name

Book 1: The Herald of Day

In 17th-century England, witchcraft is a hanging offense. Tavern maid Miranda Willoughby hides her magical gifts until terrifying visions compel her to seek the aid of a stranger, Richard Mainwaring, to interpret them. A powerful wizard, he sees her summons as a chance for redemption.  He bears a curse because an ancestor unwittingly helped murder the two royal children known as the Princes in the Tower, and her message uses symbols related to those murders.

Miranda’s visions reveal that someone has altered history, spreading famine, plague, and tyranny across the land. The quest to restore the timeline takes her and Richard from the glittering court of Charles II to a shadowy realm between life and death, where they must battle the most powerful wizard in generations with the fate of all England at stake.

  

I like to walk the ground my characters walk. Sometimes that’s not possible. Outcast Station doesn’t exist, and I have yet to explore the hidden depths of the Okefenokee Swamp. Where the place isn’t real or has vanished or just isn’t accessible, of course, there’s always imagination to fill the gaps. But being there is a real treat.

Lucky for me, bits of 17^th-century England, the setting for The Herald of Day, remain. I set out to find as many as I could, and I had more luck than I expected.

The book opens in Dover. The hero and heroine, Richard and Miranda, have an important conversation on the headland of Dover Castle, near the an ancient church and the shell of the Roman lighthouse. The church, St. Mary in Castro, was built in the 11^th century AD and is thought to have replaced an even older church. Of course, it has undergone substantial restoration through the centuries.

When Richard and Miranda stood on the headland, however, the buildings would have been much as they are now.

There are indications of a Bronze Age hillfort around the area where the church and the lighthouse stand. Saxon churches often supplanted places of pagan worship, so it wasn’t a stretch to say the headland had been a sacred spot in King Arthur’s Day.

From Dover, Richard and Miranda travel to London.  In 1674, when the book is set, the only bridge across the Thames was London Bridge, which was narrow, crowded, and lined with houses. Fires often broke out on the bridge. So did quarrels among those traversing it. The southern end was adorned by the severed heads of those executed for treason. It was a far cry from London Bridge today.

When Miranda and Richard reach the bridge, soldiers are limiting the number of people who can go through at any time because of a recent fire. The traffic backs up into Borough High Street and the yard of St. Savior’s Church, which is Southwark Cathedral today.

Although it doesn’t show here, the road now is far above the churchyard. That’s because old London Bridge was level with the original roadway and the churchyard.  When the bridge was replaced, it was built higher and with bigger arches underneath so ships could sail past it.

Not far from London Bridge stands the George Inn, the last of the galleried coaching inns that once lined Borough High Street. There has been an inn on this site since the 15^th century. The current building dates to the late 17^th century. Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor. A couple of friends and I had lunch there and enjoyed gawking at our surroundings while we ate.

Chaucer’s Canterbury pilgrims set off from another such inn nearby, the Tabard. A window in Southwark Cathedral commemorates the story.

The house where Miranda and Richard live, at #36 Bishopsgate, is entirely imaginary. It sits on the site of Crosby Place, medieval home of a wealthy London merchant. When Richard III was Duke of Gloucester, he rented Crosby Place as his London base. Putting Richard Mainwaring, the hero, there, was a nod to King Richard. The Herald of Day is the first book in a trilogy, The Boar King’s Honor, about his reputation.

The only surviving part of Crosby Place is the great hall, with its glorious hammerbeam roof. It was moved to Chelsea in 1910 and is now in private hands, alas.

In the 17^th century, Westminster was the seat of government, but the City of London was, as it is now, the seat of business and finance. In The Herald of Day, Richard and his friend Jeremy ride from Lambeth Palace, in Westminster, into the City of London on an urgent errand. Lambeth Palace, of course, is still there and still the residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, as it was then.

There was a gate into the City of London at the junction of Fleet Street and the Strand as early as 1293. By the time of The Herald of Day, the gateway was a magnificent structure designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Statues of James I, Anne of Denmark, Charles I, and Charles II adorn it. Richard and Jeremy ride through this gateway.

In the 19^th century, the street needed widening.  The gateway was preserved and eventually was re-erected in Paternoster Square, near St. Paul’s Cathedral. The photos above were taken there. A gryphon statue in the street median replaced it at its old site (note HM Queen Victoria in the base).

Miranda and Richard attend a ball at Whitehall Palace, where they have an unpleasant confrontation. All that remains of the palace now, at least as far as public accessibility goes, is the Banqueting House. Here are a view of it from the rear, one of the interior, and one of the beautiful ceiling.

Toward the end of the book, there’s a running battle from the Palace of Whitehall, which burned in the late 1600s, down to Westminster Abbey.

  

The characters race full tilt past St. Margaret’s Church (just visible at the left edge of the photo) and into the west door of the Abbey, shown here.

  

I’ll never be able to walk the streets of 17^th-century London, but the sites I visited gave me a taste of that city. I had a blast visiting them. I hope you enjoy the photos.

What place in what era would you visit if you could? Would you want to live there or only visit?

Today's Special - - Vanessa Kelly

I'm happy to host one of my favorite authors today and especially excited because it's in celebration of her new book, The Highlander Who Protected Me. I have to say, I really do love that cover! Vanessa Kelly introduced her Kendrick brothers in her last book and I am all in with this fiercely loyal, somewhat dysfunctional, rowdy, but loving, group of highlanders just begging for happy endings. Welcome back, Vanessa!

Make ‘Em Laugh

Vanessa Kelly

Hi, everyone, and my thanks to PJ for hosting me. The Romance Dish is one of my favorite places on the world-wide-interweb, and I love being here!

I’m particularly thrilled to be celebrating the release of THE HIGHLANDER WHO PROTECTED ME, the first book in my new Scottish historical romance series. The series features the brawny and sometimes rambunctious brothers of the Kendrick Clan, who were first introduced in THE HIGHLANDER'S PRINCESS BRIDE (Improper Princesses 3).

THE HIGHLANDER WHO PROTECTED ME is Royal and Ainsley’s book. For me, it’s very close to what authors call “the book of the heart.” Both Royal and Ainsley are emotionally wounded—Royal, from his wartime experiences, Ainsley, from the result of an assault. But they are fierce survivors, each of them battling the circumstances and people trying to hold them back. I love these two because they never, ever give up—even when they’re fighting with each other! And I also have to admit I cried more while writing this story than with any of my other books.

So, THE HIGHLANDER WHO PROTECTED ME has lots of

feels but it has quite a bit of humor, too. Over the years, I’ve discovered that much of the humor in my books comes from secondary characters. In this book, it’s Royal’s grandfather, Angus. He’s an old-school Highlander curmudgeon who was first introduced in THE HIGHLANDER’S PRINCESS BRIDE, and he’s been trying to take over the series ever since (I’ve had a few stern discussions with him about that). Angus is crusty as heck, but he’s devoted to his family and clan, and will do anything to protect them—including insulting Ainsley on a regular basis, since he’s absolutely convinced she’s not good enough for his grandson. Ainsley being Ainsley, she doesn’t take it lying down, and the two have a fairly lively relationship.

And let me just say that Angus has a way with words. His favorite label for Ainsley is Sassenach saucebox (which she kind of is), but he really hits his stride when it comes to nicknames for the villain of the book—Lord Codpiece is the first that comes to mind, and it goes from there.

Here’s a short snippet from the book, which takes place on Royal and Ainsley’s wedding night. They’ve retreated to Castle Kinglas, the family estate in the Highlands, hoping for some quiet time for themselves, and Ainsley’s infant daughter, Tira. Royal has been desperate to get Ainsley alone, and he finally achieves his goal.

**

They were just about to sink down onto the plump cushions of the chaise when the library door flew open and thudded against the wall. Ainsley jerked back, her foot tangling around his boot, and they almost tumbled to the floor as Angus stomped into the room.

“Oh, my God,” she gasped as Royal set her upright.

His grandfather scowled at them. “I’ve been lookin’ all over the bloody castle for ye.”

Ainsley leveled an accusatory glare at Royal. “You promised your family would leave us alone. You promised.”

“I bloody well didn’t ask him to come,” Royal protested. “Why the hell are you here, Grandda? It’s practically the middle of the night.”

“Och, it’s not that late,” Angus replied with a casual wave. “I’ve been here for at least a half hour, after a nice ride up from Glasgow. And that glad I am to be away from the stinkin’ city and back home.”

Royal felt like the top of his head was about to fizz up like an exploding squib. “But why are you here?”

“I couldna sleep knowin’ that the little lassie would be missin’ her grandda. So here I am.”

“Oh, my God,” Ainsley repeated, sounding utterly appalled.

“Do Nick and Victoria know you rode up?” Royal demanded.

Angus hunched his shoulders and gave him a placating smile. “Dinna fash yourself, lad. I left them a grand little note to explain.”

“Grandda, this is our wedding trip.” Never had Royal been closer to throttling Angus than he was at this moment.

“Aye, that’s the point. I can watch out for Tira while ye and the missus have a wee bit of private time. Ye’ll hardly even know I’m aboot the place.”


Ainsley switched her Medusa glare to Angus. “You are so irritating. I’m supposed to be looking after my daughter, in case you’ve forgotten.”

“Aye, and ye can bloody well use all the help ye can get,” the old man retorted, “especially since the puir wee bairn is feeling poorly. I could tell Tira was off her feed before ye left. It’s no wonder I decided to follow ye.”

When Angus tapped the side of his nose, trying to look wise, Royal had to hold back a scoff. The excuse sounded like complete bollocks to him.

Ainsley went from irate to anxious in a matter of seconds. “What do you mean poorly? I was with her an hour ago, and she was asleep.”

“She’s not sleepin’ now. That’s why I came down to fetch ye.” He flashed her a toothy smile. “As ye say, yer her mother. I knew ye’d want to be with her.”

Ainsley picked up her skirts and pelted out of the room.

Sighing, Royal followed in her wake, Angus falling into step beside him.

“Is Tira really sick, or was that just an excuse to come to Kinglas?” he asked his grandfather.

Angus shrugged. “Probably just another tooth coming in, but ye never know.”

Royal shot him a dirty look. “One of these days, Grandda, I will kill you.”

Angus snorted. “Laddie, none of ye would know what to do without me, least of all yer new missus. Even for a Sassenach, she’s bloody hopeless.”

**

You can read longer excerpts from the book on my website: https://www.vanessakellyauthor.com/books/the-highlander-who-protected-me/

I often find secondary characters easier to write than my main characters. As a reader, I think a great secondary character can really add texture and color to a book. Sometimes, those characters are so strong they even demand their own stories!

Who are some of your favorite secondary characters in novels, romance or otherwise? 

One person who comments will win signed, print copies of THREE WEEKS WITH A PRINCESS and THE HIGHLANDER’S PRINCESS BRIDE (Improper Princesses 2 & 3), plus some fun book swag.

Lady Ainsley Matthews, heiress and darling of the ton, was expected to make a magnificent match. Instead she’s hiding on a remote Scottish estate, terrified that her vicious former fiancé will use her pregnancy to force her into marriage. One man can help her—Royal Kendrick, son of a distinguished Highland clan. Though a mistake drove them apart long ago, Royal is the only person Ainsley trusts to protect her baby—even if that means agreeing to never see either of them again . . .

 
Scarred in body and soul by war, Royal suddenly has a purpose—caring for an innocent babe and thereby helping the woman he can’t stop loving. But when Ainsley ultimately returns to Scotland, determined to be a real mother to her child in spite of the risk, there’s only one solution: marriage. And only one likely outcome: surrendering to the desire that’s simmered between them for so long, no matter how dangerous it may be . . .

Today's Special - - Kat Martin

Kat Martin joins us today to chat about building the plot of her newest novel, Beyond Danger. The second book in Martin's Texas Trilogy, this story looks like another thriller that's sure to keep me on the edge of my seat wondering where Martin will take her characters next. 

Building a Plot

I’ve always been a plot-oriented writer--which can be good news or bad.  Fortunately, the idea for BEYOND DANGER, book #2 of my Texas Trilogy, came to me while I was working on book #1.

Beau Reese, co-owner of Texas American Enterprises, is black-haired, blue-eyed, and sexy as hell.  He was once a highly successful race car driver, sort of a Texas Paul Newman.  Beau loves fast cars and fast women.  

He is also wanted for murder. 

Private Detective, Cassidy Jones, is smart and beautiful and she’s no pushover.  Lucky for Beau, she’s also determined to prove his innocence.

When the idea came to me for the first book in the trilogy, BEYOND REASON, I knew I wanted to write multiple stories set around Lincoln Cain.  Since Linc owned a company that demanded a lot of his time, I figured he needed a partner to help while he was trying to protect the heroine, Carly Drake, from a dangerous drug lord.

As I began working on the second book, the beginning was easy.  Beau was in the wrong place at the wrong time, making him the prime suspect in his father’s murder.  The trick was to follow the clues that would lead him and Cassidy, a private detective, to the information that would prove Beau innocent of the crime.

Unfortunately, to do that, they ultimately needed to find the person who actually committed the murder.  Which meant they had to find out why someone wanted Beau’s father, a former Texas state senator, dead. 

One of the best parts about writing a novel is finding the right pieces and parts of the puzzle then figuring out how they all go together. 

It’s also one of the worst parts.

Nothing is worse than writer’s block, the curse of every author.  So far, determination and persistence have managed to get me through those times. 

I like to write big stories, which means they’re stand alone novels, each with a very different plot.  But the heroes are always connected, the kind of men who are there for each other no matter how tough things get.  In BEYOND DANGER, Beau gets help from Linc and Linc’s brother, Joshua, the hero of BEYOND CONTROL. 

I hope you enjoy BEYOND DANGER, and that you’ll watch for Josh Cain in BEYOND CONTROL, out in June.  If you haven’t read Linc and Carly’s story, BEYOND REASON, I hope you’ll give it a try. 

Till next time, all best and happy reading.  Kat  

~~~~~~~~~~~

Readers, are you puzzle solvers?

Do you try to solve mysteries as you're reading books or do you rely on the author to reveal the answers at the right time?

One randomly chosen person who leaves a comment before 11:00 PM, February 14 will receive a copy of Into the Fury. (U.S. only)

Connect with Kat: 

Website: http://www.katmartin.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katmartinauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatMartinAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31937763-beyond-reason 

Special Contest: http://www.katmartin.com/beyond-reason-giveaway/

To CELEBRATE the release of BEYOND REASON, enter Kat's new contest for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE 7" Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB and a Kindle copy of AGAINST THE WILD, AGAINST THE SKY and AGAINST THE TIDE. Contest runs from May 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017.

May Contest: http://www.katmartin.com/monthly-contest/

For May, Kat Martin is giving away to FIVE winners an audio edition of one of her AGAINST series books, plus a copy of INTO THE FIRESTORM.

Purchase Links:

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Reason-Texas-Trilogy-Martin-ebook/dp/B01LJKQGA2

b&n:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beyond-reason-kat-martin/1124565009?ean=9781420143157

indiebound:

https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781420143157

kobo:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/beyond-danger

google play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kat_Martin_Beyond_Danger?id=vuXEDgAAQBAJ

itunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/beyond-danger/id1231931639?mt=11

Today's Special - - Maggie Robinson

I'm delighted to welcome Maggie Robinson back to The Romance Dish. Maggie's new book, Redeeming Lord Ryder is the third book in her Cotswold Confidential historical romance series. It's another appealing blend of likable characters, humor, and heart-tugging emotion that Janga and I both thoroughly enjoyed. For more information about Redeeming Lord Ryder, be sure to read Janga's 5-star review.






PJ: Welcome back, Maggie! It’s always a pleasure to have you visit us. I’ve had such fun reading your Cotswold Confidential stories, eagerly anticipating each new release. Will you please tell our readers what they can expect from the newest book, Redeeming Lord Ryder?

Thank you so much for having me back! Redeeming Lord Ryder was a little challenging for me—there are lots of emotional challenges for my characters too. My heroine Nicola Mayfield has a form of selective muteness. She’s been injured in a horrific train accident and comes to Puddling-on-the-Wold, a sort of secret spa, to recover. The hero Jack Ryder is there too, to try to get over his guilt and depression for being responsible for a horrific train accident. You see where this is going, don’t you? Despite the serious nature of the obstacles, the book has humor and heart, and there is still banter, even though Nicola is writing and finger spelling instead of speaking. It was a joy to give Jack and Nicola their happy ending.



Janga: Did you get hungry writing this book? (I kept wanting to snack as I read it.)

LOL. I’m always hungry. The crumbs on my keyboard could keep me alive for days. One of the conditions of a stay in the Puddling rehabilitation resort is “everything in moderation.” For most of its Guests, they’ve overindulged in all sorts of things, so the diet on offer is bland and “nutritious” until they mend their wicked ways. Consequently, poor Jack, who hasn’t been exactly forthcoming on why he’s checked himself in, is nearly starved to death, while Nicola is cosseted and built up. Once Jack discovers her pantry, the course of true love is paved with peaches.


PJ: Speaking of eating, do you have a favorite holiday treat you enjoy making…or eating?  

I used to be a big “from-scratch” cook. I made jam and syrup and pickles with my four kids, but since my husband started watching the Food Network, he’s taken over in the kitchen and I am grateful for it. I still do holidays though. I can recommend my Idiot Dip, which my kids look forward to when they come home. One block of cheap yellow cheese (paper removed please), one can of chili with beans. Layer in microwave-proof dish and heat up for about 9 minutes. Stir. Serve with Cool Ranch Doritos. I’m sure it’s very bad for you, which makes it delicious. You can add another can of chili or some salsa if you want, but why gild the lily?

Janga: Did you edit anything out of this book that you found difficult to cut?

You know, most of the time I’ve been so lucky—I’ve never had to cut chapters or long scenes or do a major re-write, except for three books, Margaret Rowe’s Tempting Eden (had to make it more erotic!!!), Mistress by Midnight (had to kill the flashbacks, sniff), and The Unsuitable Secretary (where I had kitchen-sinked it and had to kill the whole second half of the book!). My Kensington editor has been wonderful and I don’t cringe when I get the revision notes.

PJ: Christmas is only a few weeks away. Does your family have any special holiday traditions?

We try to celebrate on Boxing Day, so the married kids and grandchildren have plenty of time to spend with their in-laws on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Whatever day gets picked, everyone stays in matching pajamas (showers are optional), champagne is popped at breakfast, and “cocktail party” food is rolled out of the kitchen at regular intervals (hello, Idiot Dip). The grandchildren play Wii and Xbox, lots of Legos are stepped on, and some sledding down our hill might be involved.

Janga: Are you planning more Cotswold Confidential books?

I have half of book 4 written, but I’ve been lured away by a super-secret-project. Fingers crossed. It’s a departure for me that I’m very excited about, but I don’t want to jinx it.








Rapid Fire Q&A:
Homebody or World traveler?

Both. When I’m home, I’m barefoot in a bathing suit and relaxed. I love to garden in the summer and sit on the dock in the sun (we live on a lake). But my husband and I travel several times a year. We’re going on a cruise in January and then spending some time in New Orleans. Let the good times roll.

Real or Artificial Christmas Tree?

Several years ago, we bought a pre-lit artificial tree that I’ve actually fallen in love with. No more cursing, tangled strings of lights, or pouring tree water on the wood floor instead of in the tree stand. I put fresh pine boughs on the mantel and in vases to keep that nature vibe.

Favorite holiday song?

Silent Night

Snowy cold or tropical beach?

Oh, we live in Maine. I’ve had enough of snowy cold. We usually try to get away for a little bit to warmer climes somewhere between January and April. I’ve loved renting cottages in England in early spring (which is much earlier than here) and exploring the countryside.

Eggnog: yes or no?

Yes, with or without alcohol. And fruitcake too! I’m very old-fashioned. ;)

Book you’re currently reading?

I’ve downloaded the Ruth Galloway Norfolk coast-set contemporary mystery series by Elly Griffiths, and am now on Book 3, The House at Sea’s End. Ruth is a forensic archaeologist who keeps getting mixed up in murders, and is a very untraditional heroine.

PJ: Where can readers find you online?

Website: www.maggierobinson.net
Facebook: (personal, where I post pictures of my adorable grandchildren!) https://www.facebook.com/maggie.robinson.165
Facebook: author page https://www.facebook.com/MaggieRobinsonBooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaggieLRobinson

PJ: Would you like to add anything else?

Please sign up for my occasional newsletter! http://maggierobinson.us4.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=ce659a0c7e53bf8ef7cd81df1&id=991d2d8103 I’m kicking off January with a great contest. 

And today I’ll give away a download or print copy of the first book in the Cotswold Confidential series, Schooling the Viscount (an Amazon best romance of the month), or any book from my backlist. 

Where would you like to go to “get away from it all?” All I can say is that there’d better be good food, LOL.