Historical author Vanessa Riley stops by on Friday night to chat with us about her brand new historical release—A Duke, The Lady, and A Baby—to give us the #StoryBehindTheStory. Then she’ll share three tips for doing the research necessary to create a historical novel that feels authentic to the time period in which it is set.
Mindful Banter
3 Tips for Researching Your Historical Novel |#BookChat with Historical Author Vanessa Riley
Historical author Vanessa Riley stops by on Friday night to chat with us about her brand new historical release—A Duke, The Lady, and A Baby—to give us the #StoryBehindTheStory. Then she’ll share three tips for doing the research necessary to create a historical novel that feels authentic to the time period in which it is set.
The Story Behind 40-Love: A Conversation with Author Olivia Dade
Author Olivia Dade will pop round for a visit to give us the #StoryBehindTheStory on her latest release 40-Love and discuss why representation for plus-size characters matters in romance and should be done thoughtfully. Learn more about Olivia Dade by visiting her website: https://oliviadade.com/. We’ll get insight into the characters and story and learn more about the author behind 40-Love
The Story Behind The Boyfriend Project: a Conversation with Author Farrah Rochon
Author Farrah Rochon will join us for a live #BookChat on Friday, June 12th at 2 PM. She’ll give us the #StoryBehindTheStory on her latest release The Boyfriend Project,. This highly-anticipated book has been all the buzz, named to several book lists, including Entertainment Weekly’s Best Books to Read in June 2020, Library Reads, and a featured May Book of the Month. We’ll get insight into the characters and story and learn more about the author behind The Boyfriend Project.
The Story Behind QUEEN MOVE: a Conversation with Bestselling Author Kennedy Ryan
USA Today Bestselling and RITA® Award Winning author Kennedy Ryan joins us to share the #StoryBehindTheStory of her powerful new release, QUEEN MOVE. She also gives us an exclusive, sharing what she is working on next.
Join Me Over on YouTube
For the past two years I’ve been pondering the development of either an author podcast of YouTube channel. I decided to go with Door #2, and now feels like the right time to feel the fear and do it anyway. So I’ve posted the first video and the channel is here: https://bit.ly/ReeseRyanChannel.
You can watch the video below. Look forward to fun content and collaborations with some of my favorite authors who are likely some of your favorite authors, too.
Signed Paperback Giveaway + Authors Visits + Candidly Yours Reviews are in
We’re coming up on Memorial Day Weekend here in the U.S. and I just wanted to pop in with some fun news. So without further ado, here goes:
Signed Paperbacks of Candidly Yours Go Out June 1st
I’m still awaiting the delivery of paperback copies of Quincy & Layla’s story, CANDIDLY YOURS. While the book is available to purchase as a paperback on Amazon, the author shipment comes much slower than a customer delivery. (Which makes ZERO sense to me.) However, as soon as they arrive, I’ll sign them and get them in the mail to everyone who has pre-ordered a copy. Thank you so much for your patience! You can still pre-order a signed paperback copy here.
Giveaway of 3 Signed Reese Ryan Titles
Win three of my signed paperbacks. Choose three of the pictured titles (1 Summer Read title + two single books). I’ll select two winners.
Books:
- Summer Reads (HIS FAVORITE TEMPTATION or HER SECRET SEDUCTION)
- SECRET HEIR SEDUCTION
- OFF LIMITS LOVERS
- SEDUCED BY SECOND CHANCES
- ENGAGING THE ENEMY
- PLAYING WITH SEDUCTION
Get details on any of the books here.
To enter, using the form below, you’ll:
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here: https://bit.ly/ReeseRyanChannel
- Share what YouTube content you’d like to see.
- Retweet about the contest for bonus entries. (Optional.)
Open to international winners. Outside of U.S. and Canada, e-books will be substituted for physical books. Please see complete contest rules.
*Contest closes on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 11:59 PM Eastern
Note: If you’ve already entered the contest in my VIP Reader FB group, you can still enter the contest below to double your chances and share your feedback on desired YouTube content.
CLICK LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Reese Ryan YouTube Channel Signed Book GiveawayAlternate link: https://www.reeseryan.com/current-reese-ryan-reader-giveaway/
Reese Ryan VIP Lounge Author Visits
Author Sherelle Green will be partying with us this Memorial Day Weekend in the Reese Ryan VIP Readers Lounge on Saturday, May 23rd from 1-3 PM. She’ll bring the fun, games, and prizes and you BYOB. (That’s Bring Your Own BBQ, Booze, or Beautiful Self.) LOL. Either way, Sherelle always shows our group a good time. So be ready to PARTAY.
Join the VIP Reader Lounge here:
Reese Ryan VIP Readers Lounge
More exciting news. The list of visiting authors has expanded to include the legendary Rochelle Alers. Nope, it’s not a drill people. It’s going to be amazing!
Updated Guest Author Schedule:
Sherelle Green, May 23
Nina Crespo, June 6
Rebecca Hunter, June 20
A.C. Arthur, July 11
Belle Calhoune, July 18
Elle Wright, August 1
Kathy Douglass, August 8
Zuri Day, August 22
Karen Booth, September 5
Jayci Lee, September 19
Rochelle Alers, September 26
Robin Covington, December 12th
While you’re there in the VIP Reader Lounge, be sure to take advantage of two more chances of winning the signed book giveaway. 😉
Join me for a live chat during the Love’s Sweet Arrow Rivals & Heirs Event on Friday, June 12th
Plenty of news for now, right?
“Not only is CANDIDLY YOURS an entertaining love story, but it also provides the reader with a glimpse of the carnival culture from Trinidad and the Bahamas to the Chi-Flavor Caribbean Carnivale in Chicago. It makes me want to add a Carnivale experience to my bucket list.” — Brenda Watson Larnell, Romance in Color
“I smiled, I cried, I became emotionally invested in the happily ever after of Layla and Quincy.” — Celeste W.
“What a way to end this Carnivale Chronicles Series!! Reese did not disappoint! If you haven’t read this, you’re missing out!” —Geri E.
“Amazing love story strong chemistry and the dynamic of their [journey] … was simply beautiful. Reese Ryan did her thang as always she’s the best I reread this twice already definitely one of my favorite…” — Pamela S.
Download your copy of my older woman, younger man, little brother’s former best friend, travel romance—CANDIDLY YOURS—on Amazon now or read the story as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Have a great weekend!
CANDIDLY YOURS—Layla & Quincy’s story—is now available!
I hope that you and yours are safe and well during these uncertain times. While necessary, social distancing can be isolating. So be sure to stay in touch with friends, loved ones, fellow readers, and authors who’d love to hear from you. And look for glimmers of light and joy despite all of the sobering news. Today, I’m doing my part to bring you a happy distraction.
I’m thrilled to finally bring you CANDIDLY YOURS, my contribution to the multi-author Carnivale Chronicles series. The common factor in all thirteen stories is the fictional Chi-Flavor Caribbean Carnivale in Chicago, but each story is a standalone.
CANDIDLY YOURS is set in my fictional town of Pleasure Cove, North Carolina. (Look for cameos by familiar characters!) But we’ll travel with Layla and Quincy to various Caribbean carnival celebrations. I enjoyed learning about Caribbean carnival culture and customs in places like Trinidad & Tobago, the Bahamas, and Jamaica.
I hope you’ll enjoy the journey, too!
Read an excerpt of the story here. Waiting for a signed paperback copy of the book? Pre-order here. Then stay tuned for an announcement as soon as they are available.
Download your copy of CANDIDLY YOURS on Amazon now or read the story as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Here’s what CANDIDLY YOURS is about:
He’s not looking for anything serious. She doesn’t do flings. But neither of them can deny the sizzling attraction between them.
Layla St. John has the talent, creativity, and drive to start her own clothing line. What the big-hearted entrepreneur lacks is the capital. So when a celebrity photographer offers to connect her with investors if she’ll let him feature her in his photography series about Caribbean carnival culture, it’s a deal she can’t refuse. But Layla can’t help being attracted to the brilliant artist. Too bad he’s her little brother’s former best friend and way too young for her.
Quincy Johnston has spent the past ten years making a name for himself as a photographer and avoiding complicated relationships. But when an impromptu trip to his small hometown, Pleasure Cove, leads to a chance encounter with the woman he’s been crushing on since he was a kid, Quincy gets a taste of the deep connections he’s been missing.
Can Layla and Quincy move past their relationship fears and take a chance on turning their short-term, secret fling into a shot at forever?
Download your copy of CANDIDLY YOURS here or read it in Kindle Unlimited. Then scroll down to check out some of the other Carnivale Chronicles titles.
Be sure to drop me an email to let me know if you’ve ever attended a Caribbean carnival or if it’s one of the things on your bucket list. I’d love to hear about it. And I’d love to hear what you think of Layla and Quincy’s story.
Got a question for me about the content of this newsletter or one of my books or series? Respond to this newsletter with your question/comment and I might even answer via a FB live post.
Happy reading!
Get SECRET HEIR SEDUCTION—Frolic’s Book of the Week for just $1.99!
Happy Wednesday, Dear Reader!
I hope you are safe and well given the crazy times we’re all experiencing right now. If you’re one of the millions of people who is doing their part to #FlattenTheCurve by #StayingHome, you’ve probably been doing a lot more reading and binge watching your favorite shows.
If you’re looking to add to your TBR list and you haven’t already read Secret Heir Seduction, I’ve got great news. First, Darius and Audra’s story is Frolic Media’s Book of the Week. Check out the review here. Then grab your e-copy of the book now for just $1.99 here.
Need more books for your #StayAtHome TBR list? Harlequin is currently having a sale on many of their March 2020 e-books. So if there is a Harlequin author or imprint you’ve been dying to try, now is the perfect time. Box sets are on sale, too.
Coming Soon
Here’s the cover for A Reunion of Rivals—the next title in my Bourbon Brothers family saga. This one is middle brother Max’s story. The story hits shelves on July 1st, but it can be pre-ordered here.
Here’s what the story is about:
Sparks in the boardroom
and the bedroom…
She can’t let anything derail her passion project,
Not even a second chance with the sexiest man alive…
The deal that could bring Quinn Bazemore’s career back from the brink has one catch: she must partner up with her ex-lover Max Abbott. Quinn can’t forget the pleasure-filled summer they shared. But now she’s butting heads over business strategy with the mouthwatering marketing VP, even as their reawakened desire threatens to expose her deepest secrets…
Introducing the Holly Grove Island Small Town Series
Last summer I announced that I have a brand new small town series in the works with Grand Central Forever. It’s called the Holly Grove Island series and it is set on a fictional island in Outer Banks, North Carolina. Book One of the series is Second Chance on Cypress Lane. The book hits retail shelves on November 24, 2020—just in time for Thanksgiving weekend. You can pre-order your copy here. Here’s what the story is about:
In this heartwarming second-chance romance, a woman returns home and discovers that, when it comes to finding love, there’s no place like home.
When a romance gone wrong lands reporter Dakota Jones in the pages of the tabloids, her rising star crashes and burns. Instead of getting the weekend anchor job she’d been promised, she’s promptly shown the door. Which leaves her one option: return home to lick her wounds, eat lemon meringue pie, and plot her comeback while actively avoiding the man who once broke her heart.
Dexter Roberts made a huge mistake when he walked away from Dakota, and he’s regretted it ever since. So when Dakota returns to Holly Grove Island to regroup and decide what’s next, Dex can’t pass up the opportunity to win back the love of his life. Now he just needs to convince Dakota to give him a second chance.
Includes a bonus story by Annie Rains!
Available for pre-order here now.
An International Reader Giveaway
During the month of March I’m running an international reader giveaway.
Here’s the giveaway:
- MADE IN TENNESSEE Anthology (Murder in the Smokies by Paula Graves / Savannah’s Secrets by Reese Ryan / Wishes at First Light by Joanne Rock)
- Juicy Couture Wristlet
- DO NOT DISTURB Sleep Mask
- Set of 3 Journals
For a chance to win, enter here: https://gleam.io/kI…/reese-ryans-march-into-romance-giveaway
And yes, you can enter if you already follow me on BookBub.
Good luck!
Now Available: SECRET HEIR SEDUCTION by Reese Ryan
Can he tell her the truth…this time?
Will he risk everything for a reunion? Will she give him the chance?
Discovering he’s a long-lost heir isn’t the only surprise awaiting Darius Taylor-Pratt in Royal, Texas. He’s next door to his ex after five long years. Darius broke off his red-hot relationship with designer Audra Covington without explanation. He still has regrets…and truths he’s hiding. Rekindling their flame may cost him…especially when new secrets surface to threaten their second shot at seduction.
AVAILABLE ON
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | APPLE
ADD ON GOODREADS
EXCERPT
Darius took another of the wedge fries, swiped it in the milkshake and popped it in his mouth.
It was something people over the age of twelve usually found repulsive. But today, he deserved to indulge himself.
“A bacon cheeseburger, fries and a strawberry shake. I was going to ask if it was a really good day or a really bad one, but then you dipped your fry into your shake, so I guess that answers that.”
Darius froze, then turned toward the familiar voice. His eyes widened.
“Audra Lee Covington?”
No, it isn’t possible.
What would his grad school girlfriend be doing in Royal, Texas?
“So you do remember me.” She folded her arms. “I wasn’t sure you would. After all, you never returned my calls.”
Remember? He couldn’t forget her if he tried. She’d been his biggest regret. The woman who still haunted his dreams.
He stared at her, blinking. Still not sure he could believe his eyes.
She was stunning, as always. Her dark wavy hair was tucked behind her ears and fell to her shoulders. Gold-and-diamond starburst ear climbers decorated the outer curve of each ear. She wore a cream-colored, chunky-knit sweater and distressed skinny jeans that hugged every curve. And there was a small, star-shaped diamond stud in one nostril.
“Audra.” He stood, wiping his hands on a napkin. He inhaled her sweet scent as they shared an awkward hug. “What on earth are you doing here?”
“Good to see you, too,” she said sarcastically as she stepped away, folding her arms again. Her lips pressed into a harsh line as she narrowed her gaze at him.
If looks could kill, he’d be laid out on the black-and-white tile floor with a chalk line around him.
“It’s good to see you, Audra, of course. I should’ve said I’m stunned to see you here in Royal, Texas.” He gestured toward the opposite side of the booth. “You look…amazing.” It was an egregious understatement. She was drop-dead gorgeous. “Join me?”
Audra’s sensual lips, shiny with lip gloss, quirked in a semi-frown as she studied him. Finally, she nodded and slid across from him in the booth.
“The new look—” she indicated his bald head, a look he’d transitioned to nearly three years ago “—I like it. It suits you.”
“Thanks.” He cleared his throat. “What did you order?”
“They make an incredible Cobb salad. It probably has as many calories as your burger and fries, but at least I feel like I’m making an effort.”
He’d always loved her refreshing honesty. Too bad he hadn’t afforded her the same. Their story still would’ve ended. But if he’d been honest with her then, at least he’d have no regrets where Audra was concerned.
“LA Fashion Week is just a few weeks away. I’d expect the great Audra Lee Covington to be in the design studio right now.”
Audra was a diamond heiress. She’d broken rank with her very traditional family and formed her own company that catered to a younger, trendier clientele. Her name got frequent mentions in fashion magazines when A-list actors, musicians and social influencers bragged that they were iced in Audra Lee Covington diamond earrings, necklaces, bracelets and tiaras.
“Royal isn’t my usual hangout. That’s for sure.” A deep smile lit Audra’s rich espresso-brown eyes, the same color as her shoulder-length hair. “I got an early start on the season this year. So when I received a lucrative request from a wealthy bride-to-be here in Royal, I couldn’t resist. I’m creating custom wedding jewelry for the couple and gifts for their bridal party. So I’m staying in town for a bit. Getting to know the area and the bride, who will be returning from New York tomorrow with her fiancé. I’d hardly expect to run into you here, either.” She clasped her hands on the table. “I hear Thr3d will be doing a runway show this year.”
“We are. My team is back in LA working tirelessly to prepare for it.”
She produced a gum-filled lollipop from her pocket, opened the wrapper and popped it in her mouth.
Was that a fucking tongue ring?
Darius was pretty sure his jaw hit the ground and another part of his body reached for the sky.
Good thing he’d returned to his seat.
Audra propped her elbows on the table and tilted her head as she studied him. “What brings you to Royal?”
“A business opportunity.” It wasn’t a lie. The opportunity to collaborate with Miranda had brought him to town.
She sucked on that damn lollipop, which had already stained her tongue red, and awaited further explanation.
“It’s too early to share details.” He picked up his burger. “But I’m hoping to create a clothing line for a major fitness brand.”
“Ah.” When she said it, he couldn’t help staring at her candy-red, pierced tongue. “Miranda Dupree. Scoring the clothing line for her Goddess brand would be a major coup.”
“How’d you—”
“It’s a small world, I guess.” She shrugged. “Miranda is my client’s ex-stepmother. My client is Sophie Blackwood. Do you know her?”
His half sister. Damn. It was a small world.
“Never met her.” He shrugged. “But I’ve heard the name.”
Less than an hour ago, in fact.
Audra’s mouth made a popping sound when she yanked the lollipop from between her lips. She stared at him, her brown eyes narrowed. Judging him. As if she didn’t believe him.
Darius bit a mouthful of the bacon cheeseburger.
He hadn’t seen Audra in five years. They weren’t together, and she had no right to know his personal business.
So why did he feel as guilty now for telling her a half-truth as he had when they were together?
Audra returned the sucker to her mouth and rose from the table. She didn’t believe him, but she obviously didn’t deem pursuing the truth worth her time.
Knowing she found him unworthy made his chest ache. Her wordless condemnation was exactly what he deserved.
“Looks like they’re done with my order.” Audra nodded toward where Amanda was packing a to-go bag. “Nice seeing you again, Darius. Good luck with Fashion Week.”
Darius groaned quietly as he swiped another French fry into his milkshake and took a bite.
Audra made a hasty escape, and he couldn’t blame her.
He was a liar. Apparently, it was hereditary.
ENTER TO WIN
$25 Gift Card – Winners Choice
CLICK HERE
PLUS A BONUS GIVEAWAY!
Enter Reese’s March Into Romance Giveaway by CLICKING HERE
ABOUT REESE RYAN
Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional romance with captivating family drama, surprising secrets, and a posse of complex, flawed characters.
A Midwesterner with deep Southern roots, Reese currently resides in semi-small-town North Carolina where she’s an avid reader, a music junkie, and a self-declared connoisseur of cheesy grits.