Get to Know Authors

SHE’S GOT SOUL BY AJA

October 31, 2019 by ReeseRyan

Zola Lewis is many things to many people. She’s a marketing extraordinaire by day, and a podcast host by night. She’s also a devoted daughter, a funny and care giving auntie to her sister’s daughter. But, the one thing she is not, is a wife to a loving husband and she’s beginning to think that could never happen because she’s entirely too opinionated for most men. One night on her live podcast, she experienced a challenging caller who seemed to aggravate her more than a little, and Zola wondered who was more opinionated. Zola or the caller?

Khalil Berry was a bit of a nerd growing up, and as a result, also a bit of a late bloomer. Time not spent with girls allowed him to stick with books. His big brain landed him many opportunities and by his mid-twenties, he’d amassed a fortune from his software apps. The latest app he’s developing requires more hands on research and he decides to do the research himself. First stop, listening to a podcast by a woman talking about women; a topic he was beginning to learn more about since his money seems attracts them all the time. The task was simple, listen and take notes. But, her voice is too melodic and her words, well, let’s just say she didn’t know what she was talking about as far as he was concerned. So he calls in to correct her.

They’re both great at giving a piece of their mind, but can they hand over their well-guarded hearts?

AVAILABLE ON

AMAZON

MEET AJA IN BOSTON AT AC ARTHUR’S
BRING YOUR A GAME | JULY 9-11, 2020

ENTER TO WIN a paperback copy of She’s Got Soul

CLICK HERE

ABOUT AJA

Aja is the writer of sensually erotic and passionate women’s fiction. Her stories allow readers to experience realistic, inspiring, and soulful interactions and intense passion while overcoming life’s challenges. She is inspired by soulful music and sensual art to craft her stories. Her published works include the Love & Passion series and the Love & Redemption series. Her newest release, She’s Got Soul is book 1 in the Soulmates series.

CONNECT WITH AJA

AUTHOR SITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Written with Love by Joy Avery

October 11, 2019 by ReeseRyan

There’s no erasing a destiny written with love!

A couple weeks at a friend’s North Carolina summerhouse is just what romance novelist Zahra Hart needs to get some writing done and forget her broken heart. But then she discovers the man who secretly inspires all her sexy heroes is staying at the estate. Superhot pro football player Gregor Carter is nursing an injury and a bruised ego, and suddenly he and Zahra have to share Lake Lamont. Will fantasy and reality come together?

AVAILABLE ON

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | APPLE | KOBO | GOOGLE

ADD ON GOODREADS

ENTER TO WIN

A Brown Box of Love from Joy Avery!

CLICK HERE

MEET JOY AVERY IN BOSTON AT AC ARTHUR’S
BRING YOUR A GAME | JULY 9-11, 2020

ABOUT JOY AVERY

By day, Joy Avery works as a customer service assistant. By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds—creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after.

Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.

Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.

Joy is married with one child. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cake decorating, pretending to expertly play the piano, driving her husband insane, and playing with her fur baby.

Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.

CONNECT WITH JOY AVERY

THE PROTECTORS SERIES by Nana Prah & Zee Monodee

July 29, 2019 by ReeseRyan

HEALING THE MEDIC BY NANA PRAH

Doctor Comfort Djan is looking for salvation after a tragic accident, which takes her to deprived regions where her skills heal the helpless. Until Fate thrusts her as a medic on board a West African military coastal protection ship. Proving herself to the male-only crew is nothing compared to being near one intense naval officer who has her feeling something other than her survivor’s guilt.

Commander Akin Solarin wants nothing more than to do his job, especially when his medic’s temporary replacement turns out to be a disconcerting woman who pushes all his buttons. He runs a tight ship, and doesn’t need captivating and efficient yet aloof Comfort around to keep his heart-rate in semi-permanent overdrive.

Neither can deny the attraction between them, but navigating uncharted personal waters may be the least of their problems when confronted with bold pirate attacks and other vicious unknown dangers onboard the frigate. And when Comfort’s life gets on the line, Akin knows he will do anything to save his medic and heal her battered heart in the process.ADD ON GOODREADS

HEALING HIS MEDIC IS 99C / 99P /₦300 UNTIL AUGUST 4, 2019. GRAB YOUR COPY!

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UNRAVELLING HIS MARK BY ZEE MONODEE

A man with a mission

A year earlier, a mutiny broke inside the ranks of the clandestine Corpus Agency. Only one loose thread remains to be apprehended: an assassin named Evangeline.

When intel from an asset points to a woman in Mauritius who could be her, Zachariah Hashemi, a mixed race Muslim from Tanzania, is tasked with bringing the renegade to justice…aka a swift death.

A woman with nothing to hide

French-Mauritian PR maven Annabelle de Castelban is throwing all she has into making her communications agency a success. When an opportunity to partner with a renowned international firm knocks on her door, she jumps on it, even if it means she has to fight her attraction to the devastatingly handsome man and the sizzling chemistry sparking between them.

A killer with a plan

Annabelle has no idea Zach is here to determine if she is a mercenary with no remorse. And the more he gets to know her, the more it becomes obvious she cannot be this twisted assassin.

Indeed, Evangeline is near, and when Zach finds out Annabelle is the killer’s latest target, he will stop at nothing to protect the woman he has in the meantime fallen in love with.

As they race against the clock, will they both be able to thwart the psychopath’s plan to kill them in the most devious way?ADD ON GOODREADS

$2.99 NEW RELEASE PRICE GOES UP AFTER AUGUST 4, 2019.
GRAB YOUR COPY!

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EXCERPT FROM UNRAVELLING HIS MARK BY ZEE MONODEE

“It’s not good, patronne. The model who was to have the showstopper bride on his arm ate some of the prawn cocktail. He is currently puking his guts out in the guest loo at the back.”

“Thank God he made it to the loo and didn’t barf on any of the clothes.”

Trust her problem-solving mind to come up with the silver lining in every situation. But seriously, if any of the gowns had been ruined, Nina would’ve had her hide. All the pieces had thousands of pearls or Swarovski crystals hand-sewn on them.

Think, Annabelle, think.

“So the only problem we have right now is that we need an escort for the showstopper.”

“And her,” Daniel whispered with a glance towards a still-raving Nina.

“Her, we can deal with, and it will sort itself out once we find a replacement for the sick model.”

Daniel snorted. “Good luck with that. Have you forgotten the brief she forced down the throat of every modelling agency on the island? The man had to be buff and—”

“Taller than six-foot-two. I know.”

Good luck finding a six-foot man at random on the island in the first place, and now on such short notice? They had their work cut out for her.

Still, there were some foreigners in the audience. There must be one about six-two and muscular. What had Nina written on the call sheet? She’d wanted ‘a tall drink of water.’

There was no time to ponder the situation. The sooner they calmed Nina down, the sooner they’d get this show underway, and the sooner this night would be over, too.

So, armed with optimism and determination, Annabelle strutted back into the main room, a smile plastered on her face as she eyed every single man around. Just her luck. None seemed taller than six feet, and they all looked like guys whose only attempt at exercise came from a leisurely stroll once a month along a putting green.

Her spirits were sinking fast, but no, she wouldn’t be the victim. She would turn this around one way or another. If she couldn’t find— Her shoulder collided into someone, and reflex made her look up and say, “Oh, pardon.”

But the apology died on her lips as her gaze raked over the hulking piece of masculinity she’d bumped into. He was tall, all right. Comfortably above six-two, she’d say, with the frame to match. Those broad, broad shoulders looked snug inside the clean lines of an obviously expensive hand-tailored suit the shade of a rare Dom Pérignon millésime. His skin was the colour of sugar when it had just started to turn into caramel, a golden glow on his chiselled features and cheekbones so sharp and defined, it was ridiculous. His head was shaved, and his eyes were dark. Smouldering. Intense. A thin goatee that looked like it had been hand-drawn onto him framed his solid chin and gave bearing to his strong jaw.

A puff of air escaped her.

“Tall drink of water,” she mumbled, and blinked.

The gears of her stunned mind started clicking then, and she gasped. “Tall drink of water!”

ABOUT NANA PRAH

I was raised in the US and currently reside in Ghana. I have been writing ever since I can remember (in my journal) and have been an avid reader of romance novels since the eighth grade. I have finally been able to utilize the years of inadvertent research into writing my own romance novels where love always conquers all.

CONNECT WITH NANA PRAH

AUTHOR WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

ABOUT ZEE MONODEE

From always choosing the storytelling option in English & French classes to sneaking a Mills&Boon romance under the desk at school, Zee went on to make a career out of writing the kind of emotional romances all young girls junk on.

Of Indian heritage & a 2x breast cancer survivor, Zee lives in paradise (aka Mauritius!) with her long-suffering husband, their smart-mouth teenage son, and their tabby cat who thinks herself a fearsome feline from the nearby African Serengeti plains. When she isn’t in her kitchen rolling out chapattis or baking cakes while singing along to the latest pop hit topping the charts, she can be found reading or catching up on her numerous TV show addictions. In her day job, she is an editor who helps other authors like her hone their works and craft.

CONNECT WITH ZEE MONODEE

AUTHOR WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

New Year Giveaway! Co-Sponsored by Delaney Diamond

January 7, 2019 by ReeseRyan

Hello Dear Reader!

I’m celebrating the New Year with a giveaway here on my blog, co-sponsored by the fabulous Delaney Diamond. Delaney was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions so we could get to know here. Then once you’ve checked out her interview, be sure to check out the excerpt and the details of the giveaway at the end of this post.

Good luck!

Interview with Delaney Diamond

Delaney, what was the first job you ever had?

The first job I ever had was in elementary school, if you can believe that. My dad worked for a company as a carpenter and mason on the island of St. Thomas where we lived. He also did that work on the side for himself, to make extra money. One of his customers was an older woman who lived on our street, and she needed someone to help her do some typing and filing a few hours a week. I had started taking typing classes when I was 9, so I could already type and was fairly fast. She hired me, lol. I was maybe 10 or 11 and can’t remember how much I was paid, but it was cool to earn my own money.

What are you currently reading and enjoying?

I’ve been reading a lot of suspense lately, and I’ve become somewhat addicted to Harlan Coben’s writing style. I’m working my way through his backlist, and I’m currently listening to Deal Breaker. It’s another well-paced suspense that’s keeping my attention. On the romance front, I just finished The Senator’s Daughter, a romantic suspense by Amaka Azie. The story is set in Nigeria and the hero kidnaps the heroine. But it’s not a dark romance! He did it for a good cause and is actually a great guy. Rita and Nosa end up falling in love (of course!) and work together to solve the crime. I’ve got to go through my TBR pile to see what I’m in the mood for next.

Favorite romantic movie(s)?

Love Jones is one of my all-time favorites. Also enjoyed Love Actually, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (hilarious movie), The Best Man, and Think Like a Man (Part 1).

If you could only eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ugh, this is tough. It’s a toss up between meatloaf or this lemon butter chicken served with Virgin Islands stuffing or macaroni and cheese (if dairy didn’t hate me so much).

Is there anything you want to do this year that you’ve never done before?

I’ve always wanted to learn to play the piano, and I’ve been tossing around the idea of taking lessons. But don’t hold me to it because I have no idea how I’ll squeeze lessons into my schedule at this point.

Just Friends (part of the Johnson Family box set) is a friends-to-lovers story. What makes Alannah and Trenton’s friendship so special?

So many reasons! They’ve known each other since they were eight years old and Trenton defended her on the playground, so their bond is tight. They’re best friends and probably know each other better than anyone else does. They eat together all the time, especially since Alannah likes to cook and uses him as her guinea pig—sometimes with disastrous results, lol. They joke around a lot, too. Without giving too much away, they also take care of each other, but tensions arise in the book that test their ability to do that.

What was your favorite scene in Just Friends?

The scene where Alannah cooks Trenton dinner and she’s dancing in the kitchen. He makes fun of her dance moves because she’s a terrible dancer. The scene goes from funny to emotional when Alannah says something that upsets him. That’s when you start to realize just how much she means to him, and you experience the fear that he does when he realizes he might lose her to someone else.

What are your writing goals for 2019?

My goal is to release at least four titles, like I did last year. First up is the second book in the Royal Brides series, Princess of Estoria. I also want to wrap up the Brooks Family series by releasing the last two books (fingers crossed), and I’m working on a series with two other authors, where we each write one of the books in the series. I did that before with the Bennett Triplets, so I’m looking forward to this next collaboration. Optional books (if I have time): another Quicksand novella and the start of my romantic suspense series called Plan B.

Excerpt

She started dancing to the music. “This is going to be so good,” she sang.

“Please stop,” Trenton said. “You’re the most uncoordinated black woman—no, black person—I know. The only reason you still have your black card is because I bribed a bunch of folks during the appeal process so you could keep it.”

“You’re just jealous of my moves. Bet you can’t do this.” Alannah performed a very awkward moonwalk.

“Michael Jackson is rolling over in his grave right now.” He shook his head. “Sorry, Michael. I tried to stop her.”

She stuck out her tongue and returned her attention to the stove.

Trenton took a seat in one of the high-backed wood barstools at the breakfast bar, in front of a tall glass of lemonade, and watched her work. He licked his lips, mouth watering from the scent of the rib-eye steak.

On occasion, a personal chef cooked his meals whenever he wanted to eat at home and didn’t feel like cooking himself, and he also had the option of going to his mother’s house and eating some fine cooking from Adelina. Yet there was something about Alannah’s food that always tasted that much better and brought him comfort.

She was much better than she used to be. He recalled her failed attempt at making bananas foster.

“What are you smiling about?” she asked. She set a ribeye on a plate in front of him and spooned blue cheese sauce over it. His stomach danced in anticipation.

“Thinking about the time you almost burned down the kitchen trying to make bananas foster.”

She swirled the sauce around the plate. “What a mess. I can’t believe the towel caught fire like that.”

Trenton chuckled. “Be glad it wasn’t worse.”

She joined him in the laughter, but kept her eyes on the plate, concentrating on the artistry of the dish. “I am glad, believe me.”

“Even with that mess and the panic, the bananas turned out delicious,” he pointed out.

“They did, didn’t they? I should try that recipe again. I’ve been too nervous to attempt it because of the near accident.”

“I’m sure your flambé skills will be much better now.”

Alannah spooned roasted potatoes beside the steak. “Then, of course, there was The Great Quiche Incident of ’09.”

Trenton groaned.

“I can’t believe you ate so much of it and didn’t say anything.” Alannah shook her head in disbelief. “I gagged once I tasted it myself.”

“I didn’t want to hurt your feelings, but man, that was some nasty stuff.”

“You really took one for the team, and I appreciate it. Thank goodness for The Best Thai Restaurant.” She spooned creamed spinach beside the steak and used a paper napkin to swipe the circumference of the plate for a cleaner look. She finished by dropping chopped parsley onto the potatoes as a garnish.

“Oh yeah, that was the first time we ate there.” With dinner a bust, they’d driven to the restaurant to get something to eat and had been loyal customers ever since.

Alannah cut into the steak. She twisted it in the blue cheese sauce and then blew on it. “Tell me what you think of this.” She lifted the fork to his mouth.

Trenton leaned in, pulled off the meat, and chewed. Well seasoned and cooked to a perfect medium rare. Delicious. “Mmm…that’s good.”

She pumped a fist. “Yes! You really like it?”

“Mhmm.” He yanked away the fork and knife. She giggled as he cut another piece of meat. “I can’t believe how good this is.” The creamed spinach and roasted potatoes tasted perfect, as well. He could have been dining in a fine restaurant. “This is better than your steak and mushroom gravy.”

“No way. You love that dish. You rave about it for days every time I make it.”

“I know, you don’t make it enough,” Trenton said around a mouthful of food, enjoying the dish too much to stop eating long enough not to talk with his mouth full. He pointed at the plate with the fork. “But seriously, I’m saying this is even better, so you know it’s good.”

“Great,” Alannah said with satisfaction. She skipped back to the stove. “This is good practice, because I’m serving it to my new guy friend for dinner on Friday night.”

A piece of meat lodged in Trenton’s throat. With difficulty, he swallowed it and then took a big gulp of lemonade. He cleared his throat. “You’re cooking for him now?”

Boxset buy links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Family-limited-box-set-ebook/dp/B07F65TTWQ

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/johnson-family-series-delaney-diamond/1128985939?ean=2940162108061

Apple: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/johnson-family-series-limited-edition-box-set/id1405817142?1000ldsT

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Delaney_Diamond_Johnson_Family_series_limited_edit?id=HIhiDwAAQBAJ&PAffiliateID=1011lwN2

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/johnson-family-series-limited-edition-box-set

Author bio

Delaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sweet, sensual, passionate romance novels, born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not busy reading or writing, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale. To get sneak peeks, notices of sale prices, and find out about new releases, visit her website and join her mailing list. Enjoy free reads and the first chapter of all her novels at www.delaneydiamond.com.

Where she can be found online

Website: https://www.delaneydiamond.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DelaneyDiamond

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/delaneydiamond

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordelaneydiamond

Enter the Giveaway

Visit Delaney’s book page and complete the form below with the name of one of her series and a title from that series.

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Form Link: https://goo.gl/forms/vXmOzb3MrxsE78wK2

About the Contest:

1st place: $25 gift card and reader’s choice of an ebook from each of our backlists.
2nd place: Reader’s choice of an ebook from each of our backlists.
Eligibility: Open to U.S. and international readers.
Deadline to enter: January 13, 2019 at 11:59 PM EST

Paint Party Extravaganza in Raleigh on Saturday, July 14th!

July 13, 2018 by ReeseRyan

Hey there, Raleigh romance readers! If you’ve always wanted to attend one of those paint parties where you create your own masterpiece to take home, I hope you’ll join me and fellow local author Joy Avery for an event presented by Angela Anderson on Saturday, July 14th from 3-6 PM for a paint party in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Don’t think you have the skills to paint? No worries! Your canvas will be set up for you to make it fun and easy. All you need to bring is yourself. 😉

There’ll be light refreshments, brief readings, a chance to get your books signed, free goodies, and of course a sip and paint session. (Just wait until you see what we’ll be painting tomorrow. You won’t want to miss this!)

See you tomorrow!

The Thick of Things by J.L. Campbell

March 21, 2018 by ReeseRyan

The Thick of Things By JL Campbell

Synopsis

GENRE: women’s fiction with romantic elements, contemporary romance

BLURB: Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cozy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she’s not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all.

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he’s worth the risk.

Buy Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thick-Things-Media-Res-Book-ebook/dp/B07B7B8JY2

B & N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-thick-of-things-jl-campbell/1128105800?ean=2940159080509

iBooks: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book//the-thick-of-things/id1353238245?l=en&mt=11&at=

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-thick-of-things

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Thick-Things-Media-Res-Book-ebook/dp/B07B7B8JY2

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thick-Things-Media-Res-Book-ebook/dp/B07B7B8JY2

Excerpt – The Thick of Things

I was a little of everything—embarrassed, confused, speechless. How could he be so sure I was what he wanted? No matter what he thought, I had too much going on to be adding a relationship to the list.

“What are you afraid of, Khalila?”

My name on his tongue was a caress that scattered my thoughts.

“It’s not that I’m afraid of anything.” I pulled my hand out of his and drank the rest of the water while gathering my thoughts.

“My divorce isn’t final yet and…” My mind settled on Amir, who I didn’t want to think about now. Softly, I sighed. “It’s too early to be thinking about a relationship with anybody.”

“We’ve gone way past the point of thinking about what’s happening between us. I’m not asking you to marry me, but I’m interested in you.” His voice softened and I had to concentrate to hear his words. “Give me the chance to show you that what we did wasn’t only about sex.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I held my silence.

His gaze was analytical and he didn’t seem to expect a response. The longer he looked at me, the more my heart rate accelerated. It was ridiculous that at my age any man could get this kind of response from me.

“I hope that wasn’t all it was for you,” he said.

It took me a few seconds to catch up with him, but I didn’t answer. I was too busy trying not to squirm at the image of him on top of me in his bed.

After reading his watch, Douglas smiled. Why, I didn’t know, but it was a genuine gesture that made me want to respond in the same way.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

Nodding, I got out of my seat.

Douglas didn’t crowd me, but let me walk ahead of him. As I wove through the tables, I greeted a few members of the working team, who would also be leaving the hotel today.

Once we were out of the restaurant, Douglas touched my arm and directed me toward the elevator.

“Aren’t you leaving today?” I asked.

“Yes, I’m just making sure you get to where you’re going.”

Putting a smile in my voice, I said, “I’m not likely to get lost on my way upstairs.”

“I didn’t think so.” He laughed and eased both hands into the pockets of his shorts. “I’m simply doing what any decent man would do.”

My cheeky grin conveyed gratefulness and understanding. “Carry on, then.”

He nodded and in silence, we walked to the elevator. When it was a few floors away, he faced me. “I want to ask one favor of you.”

“What’s that?”

“Answer your phone when I call, okay?”

He stepped in close, kissed my cheek and then brushed his lips across mine.

I sucked in my breath and opened my mouth, wanting more of him, but he stepped back.

The elevator opened and he urged me forward with a gentle hand to my back.

I walked inside, asking myself what kind of game Douglas was playing. Why would he start something he couldn’t finish, not to mention leave me hot and bothered?

As the doors closed, our gazes locked and I swore that man knew exactly what he was doing and the state he’d left me in.

Connecting with My Tribe of Fellow Writers and Readers

September 17, 2016 by ReeseRyan

**Lasheera Lee, Beverly Jenkins and Reese Ryan**

Writing is the perfect job for an introvert. Even one like me who often masquerades as an extrovert. Still, it is beneficial to get out in the world, meet new people, travel to new places and enjoy new experiences. All of which provide ideas for new stories.

Reese Ryan — **Goofing off at Girls Night**

Then, of course, there is the pure joy of connecting with your tribe–fellow writers and readers. Last weekend, I had the chance to do just that courtesy of Women and Words Impacting the Community–a fabulous reader event put on by Read You Later’s Lasheera Lee.

**Women and Words organizer Lasheera Lee and author Reese Ryan**

**Christian fiction authors Summer Kinnard, Jacquelin Thomas, Michelle Stimpson and Cassandra Durham**

**Historical authors Beverly Jenkins and Katharine Ashe**

There were too many fabulous authors in attendance to name them all. However, the list of authors included fellow Kimani authors Nicki Night, Deborah Mello, Cheris Hodges and Kianna Alexander; Christian authors Jacquelin Thomas, Summer Kinnard, Cassandra Durham and Michelle Stimpson; Samantha Chase and historical authors Katharine Ashe and Beverly Jenkins.

**North Carolina authors Samantha Chase and Reese Ryan**

**Kimani Romance authors Reese Ryan and Deborah Mello**

I got to meet authors I’ve been a big fan of and was dying to meet like Beverly Jenkins (who I sat next to at Girls Night) and Deborah Mello. I also got to reconnect with some of my favorite authors like Kianna Alexander, Cheris Hodges, Iris Bolling, Summer Kinnard and Katharine Ashe. I had the privilege of meeting some wonderful readers and aspiring authors who I look forward to connecting with again.

**Author and television show producer, Iris Bolling**

North Carolina authors Reese Ryan and Summer Kinnard — **At Girls Night with fellow North Carolina author Summer Kinnard**

If you missed this fabulous event, don’t worry, this was the sixth event Lasheera has done and she plans to do another. Connect with her on Facebook for a heads up on the next event. It was an energizing event that reminded me why the community of readers and writers are my people.

Happy reading,

PS: I know it looks like I took Ms. Bev hostage and forced her to take that picture, but I didn’t. I swear! (Okay, kinda sorta, but she was a great sport about it.)

Get to Know author @RoslynHolcomb

December 1, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Today Atlanta author Roslyn Hardy Holcomb stops by for a chat. She’s sharing the inspiration behind her small town series (yes, it’s based on a real town) and her series featuring a group of female assassins working in exotic locales and stories prompted by international headlines.

You’re a small town girl now living in Atlanta. How does your small town upbringing impact the characters and settings in your stories?

Being a from a somewhat provincial area has had tremendous impact on my stories. My first book was set in a place called Maple Fork, which is a HIGHLY fictionalized version of my own hometown of Gadsden, Alabama. Like Maple Fork, Gadsden is in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and is bisected by the Coosa River. Dark Star, which is a Rock Star sequel, has a climactic scene at a major landmark, Noccalula Falls. I did a question and answer session at the local library when it was first released and the readers had a lot of fun telling me about the sites they recognized, and speculating on who some of the characters “actually” were. (All the characters are fictional, BTW, but it made for an interesting afternoon!)

I deliberately chose to set many of my books in small towns because I love the dynamic it brings. Busybody neighbors, being related to everybody for miles around. It’s fun, and can be silly at times, but character development is one of my favorite things about writing, so I love it.

I laughed when I read your bio about loving rock music and how that made you an “oddity” growing up, because I was also an “oddball” due to my eclectic musical palate. Tell us how it inspired your first book, Rock Star.

When you grow up black in blue collar town and all the other girls worship the Jackson 5 and you’ve got posters of Robert Plant, yeah, you tend to stand out a bit. Over the years, I’ve met lots of other black “rocker chicks,” and wanted to write a book for us. I wanted the rock star to write a song for his love, because most of us black rocker chicks have never had the thrill of imagining ourselves as Lady D’Arbanville or Layla. (Please don’t mention Brown Sugar, yuk).

You recently released another book in your Pussycat Death Squad. Give us a brief overview of the series and what inspired it.

The Pussycat Death Squad is a series about a squad of women who’ve trained all their lives to be bodyguards for a North African strongman. Now they’ve escaped and provide their lethal services around the world. I was inspired by a picture I saw years ago of the late Libyan leader, Colonel Qadaffi, and his all-female Amazonian Guard. Allegedly, they took a vow of chastity and had to be beautiful. With a set-up like that the first book practically wrote itself. Drop in a hot alpha Marine and stir. In something of an homage to the old Harlequin romances I read as a kid, I try to set the stories in exotic locales. Those books introduced me to a world far from my hometown. Back in the day it was called “armchair traveling,” and it’s still fun.

The Lion in Russia’s oligarch hero has wound up on the wrong side of the Russian president who sounds suspiciously like Vladimir Putin. So yes, these stories are definitely “ripped from headlines.” The most recent story, Pussycat in Peril is a return to Laritrea which has fallen into a highly-factionalized civil war, much like Libya, the country it’s based on. The next one, Diamonds on the River, will take place in Ghana mainly because I love the way NPR correspondent Ofeibea Quist-Arcton says “Accra.” Listen to her sometimes, her voice is AMAZING.

What can we expect from you in coming months?

My current work in progress is a Christmas series with my writing partner, Lisa G. Riley, called Christmas at House and Home. The leads grew up in foster care together, working in the family restaurant, House and Home. Though it’s set in Atlanta, there’s a definite small-town vibe in that these kids grew up in a multicultural suburban enclave so tightly enmeshed they developed their own language. The series was inspired by my experiences as a social worker, and also my joy in discovering the dining experience that is Buford Highway in Chamblee Georgia. The whole street is lined with international cuisine and one evening my husband and I were scarfing down Korean barbecue and listening to the owner of the place talking to his employees in a Spanish/Korean mash-up we quickly dubbed Sporean. Though I often complain about the Babylonian Exile that is my life in Atlanta, I do love the level of diversity to be found here.

*****

Thank you for visiting with us Roslyn! I have friends who live in Atlanta. Next time I visit I want some of that Korean barbecue. 🙂 Visit Roslyn online and check out her latest releases here.

Get to Know @Ursula_Renee author of A Bookie’s Odds

October 20, 2015 by ReeseRyan

I was excited when Ursula Renee accepted my open offer to stop by the blog and chat. I read her story Sweet Jazz while doing some research for a historical series I was in the midst of writing nearly a year ago. Sweet Jazz is about an interracial couple working in a jazz club with a “Coloreds Only” policy during the Harlem Renaissance. I became an instant fan of her delicious writing voice and juicy characters. Now, let’s talk to Ursula and find out more about latest release, A Bookie’s Odds.

Welcome, Ursula. Please tell readers three things we should know about you.

Thank you for having me here today.

For starters, I love to cook and I transfer that love to my novels. In Sweet Jazz, Cass proves she can cook as well as she sings, while the men in A Bookie’s Odds prove they know their way around a stove.

Another thing readers should know is that I enjoy music. My favorite is Alternative, yet, on a particularly stressful day, I find Goth soothing. When I write, I play music based on the time period the story is set and my characters’ preference.

Finally, I believe everyone should follow her dreams. Do not sit back and wish you did something…go out there and do it.

First, I have to tell you that I loved Sweet Jazz. It’s an engaging story with two strong characters, both of whom I loved. Tell us a little about that story and what prompted you to write it.

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Sweet Jazz, which is set in 1938, explores the difficulties Randy Jones faces when he not only breaks the color barrier at The Big House, but falls for Cass, who is reluctant to open her heart after a past hurt.

After remembering several incidents that occurred when I was in an interracial relationship, I decided to explore the challenges Randy would have if he decided to break the color barrier.

Your recent release is A Bookie’s Odds. Give us a quick rundown of the story.

Because she looked beyond the surface and befriended a girl, Georgia Mae Collins grew up under the protection of the Santiano family. But, after a series of tragedies, Nicholas has to protect her from herself as well as his growing feelings for her.

What makes your hero and heroine, Nicholas Santiano and Georgia Mae Collins right for each other?

Nicholas understands Georgia’s desire to follow her dreams and is willing to help her achieve her goals. And, though they do not always see eye to eye on the best way to deal with a problem, Georgia will always be there to comfort Nicholas.

What should we expect from Ursula Renee in the near future?

I am currently working on a historical romance set in 1856 that will explore two families’ fight to maintain their homes that are being threatened by eminent domain.

Sounds intriguing! To connect with Ursula Renee, follow her on social media at the sites listed below:
Website: UrsulaRenee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ursularenee.author
Twitter: @Ursula_Renee

Get your copy of A Bookie’s Odds at one of the links below:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | The Wild Rose Press

Get to Know Tia Kelly, author of Baby Love

October 6, 2015 by ReeseRyan

This week we get to know Tia Kelly, author of Baby Love.

Welcome, Tia! Thank you for chatting with us today. Please tell readers three things we should know about Tia Kelly.

Wow, that’s a tough one. I have three loves (in addition to writing and reading): faith, family and food! I think everything I do, write or read somehow ties into those three things.

The cover of your latest release, Baby Love, is gorgeous. Tell us about the premise of your story.

Thank you! Baby Love is about a guy that truly enjoys his bachelor status until a woman shows up on his doorstep claiming he is the father of her child. She disappears and in the process of tracking the mother down so he can return the baby, he meets Brandi.

Here’s the blurb:

The son of an NBA legend, Trent Scott was born a catch and groomed since birth to know it. Little fazes him, including the mystery woman that appears on his doorstep with a baby in tow… even when she claims Trent is the father before disappearing. Until he can prove otherwise and find the delusional woman, he’s stuck caring for a kid he knows can’t be his… or is it?

Brandi Avery is ready to start the next chapter of her life. After coming to the rescue of a frazzled (and extremely attractive) stranger with an adorable (yet obviously upset) baby, she can’t help but fall for Trent Scott… which wouldn’t be so bad if she could convince him to feel the same way about her.

How would you describe Trent Scott, the hero of Baby Love?

Trent first appeared (very briefly) in my novel, Playing for Love and later in Taste for Love. He is the Paige Scott’s half-brother and the two of them didn’t have the best relationship thanks to their father. Their father was an NBA legend that probably made more history creating children through extra marital affairs than during his career playing basketball. The story opens up with Trent dealing with the fallout of his father’s infidelities and he goes through a process where he realizes he doesn’t want to continue down the same path.

Tell us about Brandi Avery, the heroine of Baby Love. What makes her right for Trent and willing to take a chance on him, despite his complicated situation?

I think the cool thing about Brandi and Trent’s relationship is that it just feels right. There’s nothing other than good old-fashioned friendship and chemistry building up between them. Her patience and immediate bond with London also helped them along. Brandi’s also successful and she’s learning from her professional role. In order to reach that place, she doesn’t have time or energy for drama – something she has come to realize when she meets Trent – therefore she wouldn’t entertain that even if it comes in the form of a tall handsome stranger with an adorable baby. Knowing Trent is also trying to eliminate stress from his life as well, they complement each other that way. Also, if she sensed that from him, Brandi wouldn’t have given him a second glance. These are simply two people that want better and encourage each other to be better.

What can we expect from Tia Kelly in the near future?

I have a few projects in the works. One upcoming project is called Chasing Moments and I’m very excited about it. That one is about a young woman named Chase Ryan. She is a confirmed party girl that has it all… and she wants the world to know it. After making her way through all the hotspots and parties across town, Chase is used to waking up the morning after with no recollection of the night before. Until she wakes up one day with a thin memory about her entire life and all she can do is chase the moments she left behind hoping to figure out her own story.

Thank you for having me!

Connect with Tia online or on social media and grab your own copy of Baby Love by using the links below:

Website: www.tiawithapen.com

Social Media:

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/authortiakelly

TWITTER – https://twitter.com/tiawithapen

INSTAGRAM – https://instagram.com/tiawithapen/

GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/tiakelly

PINTEREST – https://www.pinterest.com/tiawithapen/

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1eBcAB6

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1H71f3x