Author Interview: Stranger in Paradise by Barbara Bretton

Stranger In Paradise
Home Front
Book Two
Barbara Bretton

Genre: Post -World War 2 Romance
Publisher: Free Spirit Press
Number of pages: 347
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick

Book Description:

Before they became The Greatest Generation, they were young men and women in love . . .

The year is 1953 and London is throwing the party of the century. Even though the ravages of World War II are still visible throughout the kingdom, the world is gathering on the Mall to celebrate the coronation of England's beautiful young queen.

For almost ten years, journalist Mac Weaver has been far from his New York home. America has changed since the war ended and he wonders if there's still a place for him in the land of backyard barbecues and a new Ford in every driveway.

However a chance encounter with beautiful English reporter Jane Townsend is about to change his life forever. As the new monarch waves from the window of her fairy-tale glass coach, a homesick Yank and a lonely Brit fall in love.

One week later, Mr. and Mrs. Mac Weaver board the Queen Mary for New York and a guaranteed happily ever after future in the land where dreams come true.

But there are dark shadows on the horizon that threaten Mac and Jane's happiness and family scandals that just might tear them apart . . .

"This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny."
--Franklin Delano Roosevelt

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Sneak Peek! 

MRP would like to extend a very warm welcome to Barbara Bretton, author of The Home Front series. Barbara, who or what most influenced you to become a writer? 

That’s a great question but one I’m not sure I can answer, mainly because I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer.

If you were to be left alone on an island, what three books would you take with you? 

MOVING ON by Larry McMurtry.  FAMILY HAPPINESS by Laurie Colwin. A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith. They each speak to me in different ways and they all live deep inside my heart.

What are your most and least favorite movie genres? 

I love movies that make me cry. I hate cartoonish action movies, gross frat-boy comedies, and anything that features cruelty to animals or human underdogs.

If you could choose any man for your next book cover, who would he be? 

A young Liam Neeson. (Although the older Liam Neeson isn’t half bad either.)

When you are on a deadline, what aspect of your ‘regular’ life suffers most? 

The social life is the first to disappear. Home-cooked meals vanish next. Hair and makeup aren’t far behind. It ain’t pretty!

What advice would you give aspiring authors? 

Finish your book. Sit down and write the whole thing from beginning to end before you even begin trying to sell it. You will gain enormous confidence from completing the task and you will prove to editors (who rarely buy on spec from first-time novelists) that you can go the distance. There is no downside to this advice. Finishing a book is a major accomplishment and can only help propel you forward.

What advice would you give seasoned writers? 

I repeat the advice given to me by Vivian Stephens, the legendary romance editor who purchased my first book: “Run your own race.” There will always be authors who are more popular than you are, more prolific, more talented. That’s a given. It’s pointless to measure your progress against their standards. Find what works for you and then aim a little higher with each book.

When reading for pleasure, do you prefer a physical or electronic book? 

No contest. I’m a total ebook fan.

From the first stroke of a pen (or laptop), how long did it take you get published? 

I was first published in comic books as a kid, then in magazines like TEEN and SEVENTEEN. My first novel was both written and purchased in the month of February 1982. I was fortunate enough to get in at the very beginning of Harlequin American Romance with the right thing at the right time. I am eternally grateful for whatever writing gods or goddesses put my manuscript in the hands of Vivian Stephens.

Did you ever feel like calling it quits? 

Only every other day. This is a tough business!

What did you do when you got your first contract?  

My husband and I went to Hawaii! I figured there’s only one first book and it deserved a major celebration. And Hawaii, to me, was as major as it got.

Thanks so much for hosting me again!

Thank you so much for joining us today, Barbara. We really enjoyed the visit. Good luck and great sales with The Home Front series.

About the Author:

A full-fledged Baby Boomer, Barbara Bretton grew up in New York City during the Post-World War II 1950s with the music of the Big Bands as the soundtrack to her childhood. Her father and grandfather served in the navy during the war. Her uncles served in the army. None of them shared their stories.

But her mother, who had enjoyed a brief stint as Rosie the Riveter, brought the era to life with tales of the Home Front that were better than any fairy tale. It wasn’t until much later that Barbara learned the rest of the story about the fiancé who had been lost in the war, sending her mother down a different path that ultimately led to a second chance at love . . . and to the daughter who would one day tell a little part of that story.

There is always one book that’s very special to an author, one book or series that lives deep inside her heart.  SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY and STRANGER IN PARADISE, books 1 and 2 of the Home Front series, are Barbara’s. She hopes they’ll find a place in your heart too.

Author Links:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Book Spotlight: Dark Genesis by A.D. Koboah

Dark Genesis
The Darkling Trilogy
Book 1
A. D. Koboah

Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Twenty Four Publishing
Number of pages: 278
Cover Artist 

Book Description:

Life for a female slave is one of hardship and unspeakable sorrow, something Luna knows only too well. But not even she could have foreseen the terror that would befall her one sultry Mississippi evening in the summer of 1807.

On her way back from a visit to see the African woman, a witch who has the herbs Luna needs to rid her of her abusive master’s child, she attracts the attention of a deadly being that lusts for blood. Forcibly removed from everything she knows by this tormented otherworldly creature, she is sure she will be dead by sunrise.

Dark Genesis is a love story set against the savage world of slavery in which a young woman who has been dehumanized by its horrors finds the courage to love, and in doing so, reclaims her humanity.


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About the Author:

I am the author of The Darkling Trilogy, an unconventional and epic love story between a vampire and a slave girl. The trilogy was inspired by my thoughts on dehumanization.
I was fascinated by the ways in which people are able to dehumanize others, the impact it has on the psyche and whether it is possible for people to find their way back from being dehumanized.
This led me to a slave called Luna and the ruins of a haunted chapel deep in the heart of Mississippi.

Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

Guest Blog: Straight from the Heart by Breigh Forstner

Straight from the Heart
Book One
Breigh Forstner

Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance
Number of pages: 338
Cover Artist: Madelene Martin

Book Description:

This is a story about a girl discovering and experiencing life for the first time.

Bryn Schaefler grew up rich. Her parents expected the best out of her, picked her boyfriend for her, and groomed her to be the next trophy wife fresh out of High School.

But when they discover she wants to pursue music instead of following in her mothers footsteps, they wanted to hear nothing about it.
That was when Bryn left for good.

By chance, she auditioned for main stream rock band Everlasting. Never in a million years did she think she would make it.

Cale Pelton knew it was his fault for the band scrambling around to find a new guitarist. Once he saw Bryn audition, he knew he had to have her. Not just in the band, but in his mind, body and soul.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | BN 

MRP would like to extend a very warm welcome to Breigh Forstner, author of Straight from the Heart.

I started writing Straight from the Heart back in Winter of 2014. I was working on another book, which I’ve thrown away the project, and even if it was 100 words a day, I finally had finished the book in June 2014, published in July. I was so incredibly nervous, especially when I’ve read all of these amazing books by some of my favorite authors. I thought “Could I do this?”

But my main inspiration for the lead male in the book was some of the rockstar novels I have read and fell in love with like the Black Falcon Series. I wanted to create my own twist on telling the story of a rockstar, but adding in the twist of Bryn. That was my first idea: A girl leaves her rich parents house and joins a rock band.

And there you have the finished product :) 

Thank you so much for joining us today, Breigh.We really enjoyed the visit. Good luck and great sales with Straight from the Heart.

About the Author:

Breigh Forstner currently resides in her home town in south east Michigan with her two daughters. While she works full-time during the week, at night she spends time with her kids and writes until her fingers can’t type anymore. Her goal is to make it onto a best sellers list at some point in her career, and writes any chance she can get. She is a lover of all types of music and is a sucker for rock bands and tattooed bad boys.

Author Links:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Tour giveaway:

5 Bookmarks

5 Ebook copies 

5 Paperback copies open to US Shipping

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Blog: Sentimental Journey by Barbara Bretton

Sentimental Journey
Home Front
Book One
Barbara Bretton

Genre: World War 2 Romance
Publisher: Free Spirit Press
Number of pages: 347
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick

Book Description:

Before they became The Greatest Generation, they were young men and women in love . . .

It's June 1943. From New York to California, families gather to send their sons and husbands, friends and lovers off to war. The attack on Pearl Harbor seems a long time ago as America begins to understand that their boys won't be home any time soon.

In Forest Hills, New York City, twenty-year-old Catherine Wilson knows all about waiting. She's been in love with boy-next-door Doug Weaver since childhood, and if the war hadn't started when it did, she would be married and maybe starting a family, not sitting at the window of her girlhood bedroom, waiting for her life to begin.

But then a telegram from the War Department arrives, shattering her dreams of a life like the one her mother treasures.

Weeks drift into months as she struggles to find her way. An exchange of letters with Johnny Danza, a young soldier in her father's platoon, starts off as a patriotic gesture, but soon becomes a long-distance friendship that grows more important to her with every day that passes.

The last thing Catherine expects is to open her front door on Christmas Eve to find Johnny lying unconscious on the Wilsons' welcome mat with a heart filled with new dreams that are hers for the taking.

"This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny."
--Franklin Delano Roosevelt

MRP would like to extend a very warm welcome to Barbara Bretton, author of Sentimental Journey.

Before they became The Greatest Generation, they were young men and women in love.

A few weeks after my mother died, my dad dropped a bombshell.  “Did you know that your mother had been engaged before I met her?”

Now I’d had a vague idea that there had been someone before she met my father and obviously I knew it hadn’t worked out, but beyond that the details were lost in the fog that surrounds the lives of our parents. (Especially the parents of Baby Boomers.) I wasn’t sure where my dad was going with us and since we were still very raw after her unexpected death, I nodded and waited for him to continue.

“He was in the Army,” my dad went on. “He died during the War.”

I was in shock. I’d always supposed my beautiful, blond, devil-may-care mother had broken up with the poor guy and fallen in love with my father.  The idea that my mother’s heart had been broken long before I was born, that she had actually loved someone other than my dad, that if life had been kinder to an unknown American soldier in north Africa I wouldn’t be here at all, threw me into a whirlpool of “what if’s” that had my head spinning.

My parents had been one of my primary research sources when I wrote SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY, which was originally part of Harlequin’s Century of American Romance series. My mother, in particular, had provided me with rich detail about life in New York City during World War II. The clothes, the music, how it felt to be Rosie the Riveter by day and then dance at the Stork Club by night.

But now I found myself wondering if she saw herself in the character Cathy Wilson, a young woman who lost her fiancé to the war then found her heart again when a brash young sailor showed up on her doorstep one snowy Christmas Eve.

She never said and now it’s too late to ask. But her help in researching and writing SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY was invaluable. I loved spending the time with her, listening to her stories, sharing as much of her life as she had been willing to share with me. Writing my Home Front series was pure joy and remains one of the best experiences of my life.

I hope you’ll add SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY to your TBR list and let yourself be swept away to the time and place that created the Greatest Generation. And if you’re lucky enough to still have your parents and grandparents around, sit down and listen to their stories. Tape them. Write them down. Don’t let them get away because when you come down to it, family is where all stories start.

Thanks so much for taking time to visit me today, and a big thank-you to More Romance Please for giving me the opportunity.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Barbara! We really enjoyed the visit. Good luck and great sales with you Sentimental Journey.

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Read a Sneak Peek  



About the Author:

A full-fledged Baby Boomer, Barbara Bretton grew up in New York City during the Post-World War II 1950s with the music of the Big Bands as the soundtrack to her childhood. Her father and grandfather served in the navy during the war. Her uncles served in the army. None of them shared their stories.

But her mother, who had enjoyed a brief stint as Rosie the Riveter, brought the era to life with tales of the Home Front that were better than any fairy tale. It wasn’t until much later that Barbara learned the rest of the story about the fiancé who had been lost in the war, sending her mother down a different path that ultimately led to a second chance at love . . . and to the daughter who would one day tell a little part of that story.

There is always one book that’s very special to an author, one book or series that lives deep inside her heart.  SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY and STRANGER IN PARADISE, books 1 and 2 of the Home Front series, are Barbara’s. She hopes they’ll find a place in your heart too.

Author Contacts:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog

Double Re-release Blitz! Morgan O'Neill's Medieval Italian Time Travel Duo

The Other Side of Heaven
Book 1
The Italian Time Travel Series
Morgan O'Neill

Re-release Date: October 9, 2014
Publisher: Time's Arrow Productions

About the Book:

Californian Gwendolyn Godwyn seeks to learn her family’s history and hopes to restore the bond that once existed between her Italian forebearers and those who live in America. While visiting her ancestral Italian town, Gwen is caught in a violent earthquake and inexplicably thrust through time. At first refusing to believe what has happened, she nevertheless uses her wits to survive, donning a monk’s cowl to hide her identity as a woman. Ripped apart from all she has ever known, Gwen finds herself in the midst of brutal territorial battles in an era she once blithely called “The Dark Ages.” When the golden Italian summer of 951 emerges from the strife and gloom, Gwen joins forces with a cadre of gallant men, allies in the struggle against the evil nobles, Willa of Tuscany and Count Berengar, kidnappers of Italy’s rightful queen, Adelaide. Along with Father Warinus and Lord Alberto Uzzo, Gwen seeks to rescue Adelaide and restore her kingdom. In the midst of this great adventure, Gwen falls in love with the complex and passionate Alberto, to whom she reveals her identity as a woman. But can Alberto learn to love her strong and independent nature and help Gwen in her quest to discover her rightful place in time?

Amazon

Time Enough for Love
Book 2
The Italian Time Travel Series
Morgan O'Neill

Re-release Date: October 9, 2014
Publisher: Time's Arrow Productions

About the Book:

Through dark magic, Californian Gwendolyn Godwyn has been swept back in time to medieval Italy. There, she finds herself in the midst of a war between Italy’s rightful queen, Adelaide, and those who have kidnapped her and seek to usurp her crown. Risking her life, Gwen elects to play a pivotal role in the planned rescue. In the midst of the chaos, she is drawn to the queen’s champion, Lord Alberto Uzzo, who battles not only their military foes, but also his personal demons. Tested to the limit when he discovers Gwen’s true identity as a time traveler, Alberto nevertheless fights through his doubt and the whirl of superstition that surrounds this intriguing and strong-willed woman. Time is of the essence as the lovers seek to overcome the evil forces rallying against the queen they’ve vowed to save. Will Gwen and Alberto be able to overcome the groundswell of danger to find time enough for love?

Amazon

Review Quotes:

“What an amazing adventure... These two books will have a very treasured place on my bookshelf.” ~ Review by Hitherandthee of Night Owl Reviews. Both novels were given Top Picks, 4.5 stars for The Other Side of Heaven, 5 stars for Time Enough for Love.

“Alberto and Gwen's relationship was one of the most touching and heartfelt romances, that I've read in a long time.” ~ Review by Angela Searles, Satin Sheets Romance Reviews. 

About the Authors:

Cary Morgan Frates and Deborah O’Neill Cordes specialize in recreating pivotal moments in history, epic adventure, and romance––with a time travel twist. Follow  twenty-first century heroine, Gwendolyn Godwyn, as she battles for honor, justice, and love in tenth century Italy. The epic begins with The Other Side of Heaven and continues with its sequel, Time Enough for Love. Their forthcoming Elizabethan series will debut in November, 2014, with The Thornless Rose, from Entangled Publishing.

Author Links:

Website

Guest Blog: Breaking Ties by Jo Grafford

Breaking Ties
Lost Colony Series
Book One
Jo Grafford

Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Astraea Press
Date of Publication: October 16, 2013
Number of pages: 404
Cover Artist: Mande Matthews

Book Description:

Intelligent and well ahead of her times, ROSE PAYNE'S world is shattered after a secret betrothal to the duke’s son costs her job as a clerk in his father's household. Without a letter of recommendation, she becomes an easy target for recruiters to the Colonies. Desperate for work, she signs up for a risky overseas venture and sails for the New World, vowing never again fall for a wealthy gentleman.

Returning from a diplomatic tour in London, CHIEF MANTEO is bewitched by the elusive, fiery-haired ship clerk and determined to overcome her distrust. He contrives a daring plan to win her heart – a plan he prays will protect her from a chilling conspiracy involving murder, blood money, and a betrayal of their fledgling colony so terrifying it can only be revealed in BREAKING TIES.

Special Note: BREAKING TIES is the never-before-told rest of the story of the Lost Colony.

Trailer

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Excerpt: 

     "You want my help." 'Twas an accusation.

     "Aye."

     His eyes darkened. "I save your life. I give gifts. I offer marriage." He closed the remaining distance between us, his eyes burning into mine.

     I stumbled back. 

     "You give nothing in return," he snarled. "You only ask for more." 

     "I would had I something to offer," I whispered. "But I have nothing. I am nothing." 

     "Then what use are you to me?" He wheeled away.

     I sagged against the door, eyes stinging. I blinked rapidly and pressed a hand to my stomach. Nausea rolled at the thought of informing the others of my failure. 

     Manteo circled the cabin like a hawk stalking its prey. 'Twas a fine room with ornately carved shelves lining one wall. Bunks were built into the next wall. A generous desk jutted from the third, overflowing with maps and navigational devices. I recognized the compass and hourglass but could not identify the other instruments. I jerked in surprise when Manteo swooped down upon me. 

     "I know our location." His arms shot out and slapped the wall on either side of me, hemming me to the door. "I could swim ashore from here." 

     "Then why do ye stay if ye can leave and save yourself?" 

     "Governor White gave his word to deliver me home." 

     "We are going to starve, Manteo. 'Tis only a matter of days now." 

     "Nay. You alone starve. The others eat." 

     "I have no appetite." 

     "You act as one already dead." 

     I straightened my back. "I accept what I cannot change." 

     "And I change what I cannot accept." He shifted his weight to the wall, one arm propped over my head. He drew his fingertips down the side of my face in a feather-light caress. 

     I closed my eyes against the rush of unbearable sweetness. He made me long for things forbidden. "'Tis within your power to help us. I am begging you." 

     "Very well." 

     My eyes flew open. "Ye will do this for us." 

     "For you." His voice was silken, his features as hard as granite. 

     I smiled tremulously. "I thank thee, Manteo. Chief Manteo, that is." The new title felt strange on my lips. I beheld him with a mixture of awe and pride. 

     "I have yet to name my price." 

     I stared, confused. 

     He grunted in disgust. "You refuse me as both husband and lover, so you are left with the hiring of my services." 

     I worried my lower lip between my teeth. At least he was willing to negotiate. His eyes flashed with lust as he followed my movements. 

     "I will entreat the Dares for payment." 

     "Nay. You are the one in my debt." 

     I raised and dropped my hands helplessly. 

     "You serve this company, no? You can serve my people, too." 

     "Ye would hire me as clerk?" Hope leaped in my chest at the possibilities. I would not have to part from him so soon. 

     "My people have no clerks." His eyes narrowed. "We have slaves." 

     My breath hitched. "Ye wish to punish me, humiliate me?" 

     "Nay, I only wish to marry you." 

     I briefly closed my eyes against the pain. He already knew the reason for my refusal. 

     "Rose." 

     "Say no more. I will do it. 'Twill be punishment enough to see you so often and—“ I clamped my lips. 

     Exultation flickered briefly across his face. "You would give up your freedom to save your friends?" 

     "Without question." 

     "Swear it," he said grimly. 

     "I swear it." 

     His eyes flared with emotion. He bent slowly 'til his breath stirred my lips. My eyelids fluttered closed. Heaven help me, for I had no will left to resist him. 

     "Now you will eat," Manteo commanded hoarsely. He stepped back, surveying me from head to feet. 

     "Eat?" 

     "I have no slaves so thin and weak. Go. Collect your rations." He turned from me and bent to pore over a map on the table. 

     I reached for the door handle, disbelieving at the curt dismissal. 

     "And send for Anthony. I have need of him." 

     I glared at his back. Faith, should I press my face to the floor as well? "Aye, master." I bit the words out and fled.

Trail of Crosses
Lost Colony Series
Book Two
Jo Grafford

Genre: historical romance

Publisher: Astraea Press

Date of publication: September 9, 2014

Number of pages: 392

Cover Artist: Mande Matthews

Book Description:

Jane Mannering can shoot a rifle and handle a knife as well as any Englishman. However, she is no match for the red-painted warriors who ambush her section of a Colonial caravan the moment she and her comrades reach the shores of Virginia.

Jane plots their escape during a forced march inland, leaving a trail of maltese crosses carved on the trees – their pre-agreed upon signal of distress. All the while, she fumes over what interest their captors could possibly have in a twenty-three-year-old spinster and a rugged band of brick masons, sawyers, and farmers.

When the ruthless Chief Wanchese intercepts them at the crossroads of the Great Trading Path, Jane is shaken to discover their greatest enemy plans to keep her for himself. It’s a pity he’s the only man on two continents who’s ever stirred her heart. Alas, she has an entire colony to save, and capturing his attentions is not part of their escape plan.

Special Note: The Lost Colony Series is the never-before-told rest of the story of the Lost Colony on Roanoke Island.

Book Trailer 

Amazon |  BN  | Smashwords  | iTunes  | Kobo

Excerpt:

PREFACE

July 26, 1587 - Roanoke Island

If it had not been for the barking of the dogs and chattering of the lads who scampered at my side, I might have heard the shot - the low vibration of the string as the thin, wooden shaft released, the faint whistle of the arrow as it sliced an invisible yet deadly path through the air, the scattering of wildlife as the forest itself braced before the world's most fearsome predator. Instead, I merely felt the gentle lifting of my late father's top hat as the arrowhead sank into the aged leather and pinned it to the heart of the oak behind me.

The men assigned to guard me fired their muskets wildly into the perimeter of trees. My ears rang with their gunfire and frenzied oaths. Then the slow burn of anger took over.

I pivoted to yank the arrow, top hat and all, from the trunk. Separating the two, I jammed the damaged hat back on my head and tapped the lone arrow against my gloved hand. The miss was deliberate, meant as a taunt. Had the shadowy creature intended to kill me, I would already be dead.

I glared over my shoulder as the gunfire ceased. He remained out there, I was certain. Watching. This was a reminder that he is the hunter. I am the hunted.

MRP would like to extend a very warm welcome to our Guest Blogger Jo Grafford, author of the Lost Colony Series.

Five Super Cool Little-Known Facts About the Lost Colony Series

Romance readers: Welcome to the Lost Colony book tour! I’m excited to share some insider secrets about the Lost Colony historical romance series. Here goes:

1.      LOST COLONY BABIES: The two babies born in book one REALLY WERE born to the Lost Colonists shortly after they landed on Roanoke Island in 1587. The first was the famous Virginia Dare, child of Eleanor and Ananias Dare (daughter and son-in-law to Governor John White). The second is simply listed as Baby Harvye. Back in those times, babies were not always named right away. Ladies, can you imagine boarding a ship to travel for seven weeks while pregnant? Keep in mind, this was no modern day cruise ship. The entire boat probably wasn’t more than 100 feet long!

2.      LOST COLONY TEENAGERS: Two of the teenage boys on the Lost Colony trans-Atlantic journey – Tom Smart and Will Wythers – were not accompanied by adult family members. However, their last names match the surnames of two soldiers who sailed to Roanoke on the previous venture a year earlier. I think there is a good chance they were sailing to the New World to be reunited with their fathers. Awesome, huh? What do you think?

3.      LOST COLONY EX-CONS: James Hynde and William Clement – two key secondary characters in TRAIL OF CROSSES – were ex-convicts. They were arrested and imprisoned for stealing back in London. Were they framed? They were Separatists from the Church of England as were most of the Lost Colonists, which put them on Archbishop’s most wanted list for interrogation. Interesting how they were released from the tower in time to board ship whereas the lead pastor of the Lost Colonists was not allowed to sail. Instead, he died in prison.

4.      LOST COLONY DOG: There really was a big mastiff listed as making this long journey. I couldn’t find a name for him in any of the sailing journals or manifests, so I named him Valentine.

5.      LOST COLONY LOVERS: I kept all the couples listed on the ship manifest as couples in my Lost Colony Series, but I added a few as well. With six single ladies on the ship, I simply couldn’t resist. I’m a romance writer, after all. So…we may never know for sure if Rose truly swooned over Manteo, or Jane over Wanchese, or Agnes over Lord Anthony Cage, or Emme Merrimoth over Mark Bennett, and Margo Lawrence over Lord Christopher Cooper…but you know they probably did. Right?

Before you leave, don’t forget to enter my Lost Colony drawing for a chance to win a limited edition Lost Colony t-shirt, a signed paperback copy of BREAKING TIES (book one in the Lost Colony Series), a signed Lost Colony bookmark, and two packs of six free eBooks. Happy reading and best wishes on winning! –Jo

Thank you so much for joining us today, Jo. We really enjoyed the visit. Good luck and great sales with The Lost Colony Series! 

About the Author:

Jo is a mega reader of all genres and loves to indulge in marathon showings of Big Bang Theory, NCIS, and Castle. Her favorite books are rich in Colonial and Elizabethan history, romance, strong women, alpha males, Native Americans, and creatures from the paranormal - an occasional dragon, vampire, or time traveler.

From St. Louis, Missouri, Jo moves a lot with her soldier husband. She has lived in the Midwest, the deep South, and now resides in Bavaria. Jo holds an M.B.A. and has served as a banker, college finance instructor, and high school business teacher. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, From the Heart Romance Writers RWA Chapter, and the Writers Group of  Ansbach/Katterbach/Illesheim.

Author Links:
Website | FB | Twitter | Goodreads | Google+ | Blog | Amazon Author Page | Pinterest

Tour Giveaway:
2 dropcard gift cards with six free eBooks on each card (including Breaking Ties)
1 grand prize – a reader’s tote bag with a Lost Colony t-shirt, signed paperback of Breaking Ties, and signed bookmark
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Spotlight: Hollownton Homicide by Gretchen S. B.

Hollownton Homicide
Anthony Hollownton
Book 1
Gretchen S. B.

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Mystery
Number of pages: 258
Cover Artist: Talina Perkins



Book Description:
Homicide detective Anthony Hollownton thought he had seen it all until he and his partner, Rick Nelson, are called to a murder scene unlike any Tony has come across. There are no witnesses and none of the neighbors heard a thing.
Once Tony starts to investigate the facts of the case become stranger and stranger.
As the body count rises Tony is drawn into a world he did not know existed.
Starting with a visit from a dead woman from his past.
He must decide whether the paranormal truly exists or if these killing are some kind of delusional gang war.

Excerpt:

Anthony swung up in bed. What had woken him? Had his alarm gone off? There was a ringing noise. He turned to his left and made a grab for the phone next to his bed.

“Anthony Hollownton.”

That was as polite as they were getting for the middle of the night. If they had a problem with that they could deal with it. He looked at his alarm clock, five am. That meant barely more than two hours of sleep. Why would someone call him at five am?

There was a pause on the other end.

“Hello.” He repeated. He felt himself freeze.

He could hear talking on the other end. He silently pleaded that it wasn’t the same woman from earlier. He was just frustrated enough to trace the call and chew her out. He heard a male voice come on to the other end and Anthony exhaled, forcing his muscles to relax one by one. He had to get sleep; he was jumping to ridiculous conclusions.

“Hey Tony, sorry to call so early man, but I gotta ask you a question.” It was his partner. The tone in the man’s voice sounded serious but genuinely upset about saying whatever it was he was about to say.

Tony felt himself tense again, what if something was wrong with Amanda or the baby?     “What is it Rick?” Tony tried to sound neutral.

When he heard his partner sigh he relaxed again feeling more tired than before.

“Look man, I don’t believe it but Amanda asked me to so I’m doing it.”

Tony screamed in his head. He wanted to get back to sleep. “Get to the point Nelson. I want to go back to bed.”

The use of the last name was usually reserved for when they were working. It showed Rick he meant business and told him to get to the point.

“As you know the land line is on Amanda’s side of the bed and she has picked up three phone calls since we went to bed she says it was a woman who laughs and hangs up. After the third time Amanda called *69 and the number is yours, your land line anyway. I wasn't sure at first since you don't really use it. But when I double checked in my cell, the numbers matched. I told her it was crazy, since you never have women over. I told her that outside of her and other cops you don’t even know any women, no offence, but she’s making me call anyway to make sure.”

Tony’s jaw dropped. Now he was wide-awake. He must have been silent too long because his partner’s voice came on with a worried tone.

“Hey Tony, you still there?”

Tony flicked on his bedroom light and scanned the room, empty. “Yeah man, I’m here, just shocked. I don’t have anyone here and I’ve been asleep. You know it could be some prank caller who knows how to reroute numbers or something.”

Tony debated telling his partner about the call at work but quickly dismissed it. With a wife and a four-month-old daughter Rick had enough on his plate.

“Yeah, I figured as much. I was just calling to make sure. Sorry for waking you up man. I hope you can get back to sleep.” 

Tony nodded. So did he. “Yeah, good night Rick.”

He heard his partner say something to his wife. “Good night Tony, See you tomorrow, I mean today.”

As he hung up the phone Tony looked about his room. There was nothing out of the ordinary. Against the wall at the foot of his bed was his 42' TV. To the left of the bed was the closet, which was still open from when he put away his work clothes, no one was in there. To the right of the TV was the door out into the rest of the apartment, still closed. Everything on the nightstand was still where he left it. Turning, he looked at the window above the bed, still locked. He turned back reaching into the top drawer of his nightstand and pulled out his gun and got out of bed. If there was anyone in his apartment he was going to find them.

About the Author:

Gretchen happily lives in Seattle, Washington where she spends her time creating new characters and situations to put them in. She also enjoys cheering on her local sports teams, even though it sometimes seems they are allergic to winning (Except the Super Bowl!).

She graduated from Central Washington University with a BA in History and a BA in Philosophy. She loves that Washington provides a large range of activities, from Shakespeare in the park to rodeos. At the end of her adventures she unwinds by curling up on the couch, knitting while catching up TV shows via Netflix.

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