Welcome to Romance

I am a contemporary romance writer. I published my first novel, Take 2, in Dec 2012. I chat about relationships and love. I'm no expert! I'd love your feedback!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014


Jennifer Loiske is my special guest today! She has some great books out and Black Diamond is FREE from March 25 - 28! Please check it out. 


BLACK DIAMOND for age 12 and up readers

Part One of McLean Twins Series

After her mom’s sudden death, twelve-year-old Shannon McLean has to move from the US to the English countryside to live with her mysterious father, Connor McLean, whom she hasn’t seen since she was a baby. Soon she discovers that he doesn’t want her around and her moving into his huge manor, Greyman Hill, is nothing more to him than a compulsory deal. But if he does not exactly give her a warm welcome, his servant Robert is most likely an incarnation of evil. He runs the house with an iron touch and makes everyone who works there his little puppets. 

Weird things start to happen and the whole place scares the crap out of Shannon. Her dad can control her just by looking at her. The walls are full of secret passages and apparently she has the talent to awaken the ghosts in them. Every day is worse than the day before and she wants badly to run away but discovers it’s impossible. If she wants to stay alive she has to do exactly as her dad says or else she will not only jeopardize her own life but also the lives of the people around her.

While Shannon struggles to find the magic inside her, Connor is slowly turning into a demon. One carelessly spoken word from her could either save or destroy them both. In the end she has to decide whether to save herself and her loved ones, or lose her dad to the darkness and evil that threaten to eat his soul.


What readers say about BLACK DIAMOND:

“This was a great read and held my attention without a problem. I loved all the different aspects of the plot. The story was very easy to follow and all the characters were well developed. I really couldn't' stand the father in this story at all, you would think that he would have been more caring towards his daughter and it just bugged me that he was so cold. Great book for teen readers and would recommend to anyone.”
Black Diamond moves at a pace that can only be described as whirlwind. This is one impressive book. The storyline of this book is unlike anything else that I have ever read. Jennifer Loiske is an author who has the ability to move her readers. I truly cannot wait to see what Loiske has in store for us next.

“Jennifer has presented a fresh idea with a delightfully independent and strong female protagonist that will keep you cheering for her throughout the story. The story line is decent as well. It kept me guessing until the end. It's not all that predictable and the author keeps some semblance of suspense up until the very end. The descriptions in the story were very well written. The emotional rollercoaster that plays throughout this novel is one of a kind. Talent is evident in the ability to portray intense emotion without making the story seem cheesy or unrealistic. I am impressed by the ability of this young author, and cannot wait to see what she has in store for the future.”
“The beginning of the story briefly reminded me of my trip to England and I became very intrigued by the main character's father, whom she was about to meet for the first time. Everything spiked my curiosity, from the moment Shannon stepped into her new home, followed by what she discovers about herself and her family, right up until the end. (Don't want to divulge anything) Everything was very nicely written and did not require too much thinking. I could just sit back and get lost in the excellent story. I enjoyed the book from start to finish.”

An excerpt of Black Diamond:

“Shannon,” Connor said from the doorway. It looked like he had been waiting for her. 
Shannon said nothing and tried to pass him. 
He blocked her way but didn't touch her. “Shannon,” he said again, but this time danger lurked in his voice.
She swallowed. Connor's eyes were so dark and something horrible gleamed behind them. She froze. She could've tried to push past him, but his eyes warned her not to even try anything like that, so she lifted her head and met his eyes. “Connor,” she said, and was proud that her voice didn't shake.
Connor sighed heavily. “Shannon, Shannon, Shannon. What am I going to do with you?”
“You could start by letting me go,” she suggested quietly.
Connor shook his head. “Can't do that.”
“Can't or won't?” Shannon asked and felt the courage coming back to her body.
Connor was quiet. The air around him seemed so dark. Almost like he was a black hole that absorbed all the light around him. He was dressed all in black and looked more like a devil than a human. 
Shannon could see Robert grinning wickedly behind him. Her mind was screaming that she should be deadly afraid of this man in front of her, but she wasn't. She was more afraid of the man behind him and somehow Connor seemed to be the safer choice. There was nothing human in Robert. It was like he was waiting for Connor to strike her down and feast on her dead body. He stared at them with his small, cold, mean eyes and seemed to be encouraging Connor to harm her. 
Connor did nothing. After a very uncomfortably long time he shooed Robert away with his hand. “Both,” he said and moved out of her way.
She had almost forgotten what she had asked, but when Connor moved, she moved as well, carefully, from the outside to the inside of the house. He followed. She was scared of him, but there was something so vulnerable in him just then that she couldn’t leave him alone. After all, he was her dad. Robert was gone, thank God, so she dared to speak to him more openly than she had thought possible. “What do you mean? This is your house and I’m your daughter. You can do whatever you want,” she said and hoped she hadn't gone too far.
“I know. It's just that I'm no good with little girls like you, and it's been so long since I remembered what it feels like to be a—” He stopped and looked at her like he was suffering.
“To be what?” Shannon whispered, afraid to hear the answer.
Connor stared into her blue eyes and everything vulnerable was gone from him. He looked even scarier than before. The candles burned brightly around them and when he spoke, their flames flashed like someone had thrown something into them. “Never mind. Just stay away from me and obey my orders. If I tell you to eat, you'll eat and so on, okay?”
“No! It's not okay!” Shannon shouted. Tears burned behind her eyes. “You can't tell me what to do! I'm not a baby anymore!”
“You'll do what I tell you to do or you'll be sorry for the day you were born!” Connor thundered and something touched Shannon's hair. It felt like a spider web but it was really cold. It could've been somebody's bony fingers as well, but whatever it was made her scream.

Meet Jennifer

Jennifer Loiske lives in Finland in Naantali, which is a small sunny town on the southwest coast. She has written seven books, which can be found on Amazon worldwide. She has three different series, Shape Shifter series for YA readers, Immortal Blood series for Mature YA readers and McLean Twins series for Teen/YA readers. Jennifer is a workaholic author who is always writing. If she’s not writing blog posts to her own blog, guest post to other blogs, articles to the magazines or her novels she can be found in the forest with her two dogs. She’s also very keen on charity work and a big part of her royalties goes to the charity; mainly to help families with epileptic children but also to the epilepsy units in the hospitals. She is also part of the author alliance, Authors For Charity, and an active team member of Epilepsy FI. 





Friday, March 21, 2014

Alphabet Romance

                                                                   TO

How does the alphabet relate to dating and romance?

Join me April 1-30 for Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. Everyday during the month of April (except Sundays), check out my blog for an alphabetic breakdown of dating and romance. Each day will be a different letter. April 1 will start blogging with the letter A. I'd love for you to drop by and add a comment. Oh, don't forget to drop by some of the other blogs participating. There are a variety of other topics (not just romance) and you might find something interesting.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Love is the Result of All Things Conquered

Meet MarcoAntonio and Amarylls



The year 1585. The Anglo-Spanish War. England’s greed for Spain’s crops, land, and supplies gives birth to the inertia of intolerance on both sides. Yet, even then, Love surges forth.

MarcoAntonio, a Spanish gentleman and knight, defied all boundaries of color and culture, when setting eyes on the English lady Amaryllis. Although to others, he may be a bit reserved, he dares to lower his defenses solely for her.

Amaryllis is an English lady. One with an open heart, gentle spirit, and shining eloquence. She knew that she should not desire MarcoAntonio. Still, a love feeling so right couldn’t be so horribly wrong!

Travel with MarcoAntonio and Amaryllis as they duel with internal and external forces threatening to tear their powerful love apart. In the midst of troubles the likes of which have no compare, MarcoAntonio and Amaryllis find themselves having to fight the most unexpected of adversaries, just for the right to love each other.

Discover why their LOVE is the result of ALL things conquered!

Read an Excerpt

It was still dark, but it did not matter. MarcoAntonio was certain that his brother would provide him help. Pulling up to his brother’s home, Marco called out, “Damian!” The lights inside were out, but upon his call Marco heard some movement, so he tried again. “Damian, despertad. He llegado en necesidad de vuestra ayuda, hermano.”
You know that I do not require much of anything. However, t'would be nice if you would at least give me the respect of speaking in English.” Rye spoke ironically as he did so well.
Alright,” Marco responded with a tiny smirk, as he walked towards his brother's dormitory door and knocked. He could already hear his brother up and about. “Damian, my brother, I've come in search of you because I need your help.”
Yes. Yes. I'm coming!” he heard Damian call to him from inside. Suddenly, a female voice giggled from behind the door. Marco and Rye heard Damian hushing someone “Shhh... behave, Ma’ Lady. I've company. 'Tis my older brother. Now behave.” Marco heard Damian speak to the lady in question lightheartedly.
The female voice replied, “Alright, but only if you gift me first, a kiss.”
Oh, Ma’ Lady... naughty, naughty.” The female laughed.

Rye was appalled and disgusted. “Really, Marco? This playboy 'tis the man that shall help us?”
Yes.”
Fine.” He crossed his arms on his chest.
In just seconds the door flew open. Behind it stood a statuesque man of about MarcoAntonio's height, weight, and color, and as strong as well. His curls were looser than Marco's. His eyes green, as opposed to Marco's brown, and he bore no facial hair. He resembled Marco quite a lot. He fought to put his shirt on properly.
Rye's face went blank. His skin went pale, eyes opened widely. Then Damian spoke. “Ah, my dear brother. How may I assist you?” Finally adjusting his shirt in the right place, Damian made space through the door way, and extended his hand out to his company. “Come in. Come in.”
Brother!” MarcoAntonio said with glee, and gave him a big hug.
Marco. 'Tis been way too long.”
Yes. Indeed.”
Both Marco and Rye walked in. Rye was practically mute. Something about this man, not only resembled Marco, but also reminded him so much of Fonso. He was flabbergasted.
Damian, this is my assistant, Rye. Rye, this is my younger brother, Damian.”
Damian extended his hand offering Rye a shake. Rye moved slowly and awkwardly, offering Damian his. “'Tis a rather small man, brother.” Damian told MarcoAntonio in an odd tone, as if Rye were not standing right in front of him.
Shaking himself back into reality, Rye spoke. “We gypsies have no need for size or strength. We've speed, agility and intelligence in our favor,”
Touché!” Damian replied. “Well, 'tis nice meeting you.”
Damian's conquest for the night peeked around the corner of the wall, which divided his living room from his bedroom, and she assessed the men in the room. Then glancing over at Damian with coquetry she queried with a flirting delivery. “Damian, will you have me waiting all night?”
Damian looked back at her, and then at his visitors. Lifting a single finger in their direction, he hinted to them to wait a moment. “Ah. Ma’ Lady, I've something for you.” He jumped towards a shelf and grabbed something, then jumped back in her direction. “Ma’ Lady, please accept this trinket of my affection. And know that the rarity of this represents the rareness of my sentiment for you.” Then he placed the small box in the palm of her hand. “Now Ma’ Lady, I must tend to my brother and his companion, and I am forced to ask you to relinquish our venture for the night.” He took hold of her hand and kissed the back of it softly and winked. The girl sighed with a mixture of disappointment and rapture.

Amazon


Now that you've enjoyed a peek into MarcoAntonio and Amaryllis, meet the author, Y. Correa...
Hiya All!


As far back as I can remember, I've loved the art of literature. I've enjoyed many a story in many different genres, my favorite being Romance. More specifically, Paranormal Romance. A couple of years ago, I decided that I wanted to try my hand at writing a story of my own. And when I made the choice, there was no going back. My passion for reading, became my passion for writing. With that, my own personal style developed along with my writing genre of choice - that being "Interracial Paranormal Romance". I do however, intend on trying my hand in many different genres in years to come.

I come from humble beginnings. Brought up in the "ghetto", I made a choice long ago, that I would not let my past define my future. And, I've been lucky to accomplish many things in my life - but I have got to say, that the one thing that sparks a fire in my soul like nothing ever has, is Writing. I feel as though my characters are my very best friends. It's a feeling beyond compare, and an amazing journey each and every time. Withal, my only hope is that when someone reads my stories, they too are elevated into that world and taken on that journey.

Regards always,
Y. Correa

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Stumble into the Abyss Again


Having survived an abusive marriage, thirty-year-old John Augustine finds himself venturing into new territory. A girl with a son of her own lives far away but decides to uproot her life and make the move to be with John. However, John’s ex looms in the wings, and her fears of John’s new family situation threaten John’s relationship with his new wife, her son, and even his own son. A greater threat is John’s lack of time, as working two jobs and taking night classes leaves John’s new wife feeling alone and vulnerable in a strange town. Relationships will take dangerous turns, and chances will not return when John is faced with a crossroads for which he could never have prepared.

Welcome to 

Lindbergh Field

My plane touched down in San Diego, and I immediately texted two words once my phone rebooted: "Just landed." It was a Thursday evening in May, 2005. The captain thanked us for flying as the plane taxied across the sunny pavement. The scene from my window a few minutes before had been beautiful as we made the final turn onto the runway below. The city sitting on the edge of the ocean looked a lot like Minneapolis, though Minneapolis was a river town. But the size of San Diego’s downtown, and the sparse reflective skyscrapers reminded me of my own city. Only the extra presence of the ocean, blue and sparkling through my tiny airplane window, reminded me that I was not in Minneapolis.
What was I doing? I hadn't been on an airplane since I was a kid. I didn't travel. People with established lives traveled. Business people like the ones in the cheap suits surrounding me, the uniform of self-proclaimed importance, traveled to places like San Diego. I did not. This was not me at all. No one even knew I was doing this. My family didn't know I was gone. My ex-wife and my son knew nothing of my trip. Only my buddy Roland, whose house I was living in while he waited for the new occupants to take possession, knew of my trip. I was otherwise homeless, and he wanted his house to be occupied, so it was a mutually helpful arrangement. Except that I would be away for five days. So I had to let him know I would be gone. He was the only one who knew anything of my trip.
I sat in my seat watching everyone scramble for their carry-ons in the overhead compartments. Mine was up there, my only bag, but I wasn't in a hurry to get to a rental car or go find a second suitcase in the baggage claim. I didn't need either. So I just waited. A reply to my text came back: "I am here."
"Still on plane," I replied.
This was crazy. Like something out of a terrible movie with a plot I abhorred. One minute, I had been tallying the final grades for my last class of the semester, the next I was sitting on a plane in San Diego texting someone I had never seen in person. Was I insane? Stupid? Completely gullible? What ridiculous turn of events had put me here? Like a fading dream, I almost couldn't remember. I should have learned my lesson by now, by age thirty. I should have been wise to the trickery I was perhaps subjecting myself to. Why wasn't I smarter than this?

If you loved From the Abyss, you're really going to love From the Abyss ll! See what the reviews say:
“I loved the first book and this one did not disappoint. John Emil Augustine’s writing style is just so smooth and easy to fall into. Right away I felt like I knew the characters. His books are quick reads that, as a reader, I didn’t want to put down. I can’t wait for his third book to come out. That will make it a perfect trilogy. This book is very realistic, bold and heartbreaking at the same time. I so enjoyed the honesty and the rawness of this story. I didn’t want to put it down because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next. I am so happy to have come across such a great writer. I hope he becomes very famous one day. I could see that happening as his talent should be shared with the world.”
“Brave, Bold, and Intense! In John Emil Augustine's second book you read and feel his love, anger, thoughts, and decision for family, friends, career, and financial security. His provocative and evocative detail intensify his journey. At times it is abrasive and seemingly insurmountable. Augustine holds the attention of the reader as he questions, searches, and moves forward. He grows from a kitten in the first book to a cat securing his territory in book two. The book did not end, I wanted more, and see the possibilities for book three. Excellent writing and read.”
“The second book of John Emil Augustine pulls you into his life from where he stopped in the first book. A biography of his struggles about life, God, marriage, relationships and intimacy. Meeting a woman and her son to begin their own family. It will shock you in many ways. His frankness and blunt, no-nonsense way of writing bring a tale of sorrow, survival, and love and make it a great read.”

Meet the Author:
John Emil Augustine grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and toured in his twenties and early thirties with local and national acts; writing, arranging, and performing with notable jazz, blues, gospel, reggae, post funk, prog rock, and folk groups. John has also been a landscaper, mail carrier, English professor, and forklift operator. He currently lives in Minneapolis with his wife and four boys. John is the author of the From the Abyss book series and has also recorded the album Chants for Renewal, Presence and Awareness.




Friday, March 7, 2014

TAKE 2

I just wanted to share with everyone that TAKE 2 is on sale for $1.99 for the ebook and $8.05 for paperback,  from today to  March 14. If you haven't checked it out, please take a look. The reviews have been great!


5 Star Review: Which one of us doesn't fantasize about our favorite actor falling madly and deeply in love with us? In "Take 2" the main character, Alexandra Daniels, gets to fulfill every girl's fantasy when she catches the eye of sexy Scottish actor Derek Dunbar! You've got to love that this sexy actor falls for, a "real" forty something woman, not your typical Hollywood or model type hottie. The sex scenes, while expressive, are far from offensive or smutty. I enjoyed this story so much I had a hard time putting it down!!! Great first book. I can hardly wait to see where author Linda Bolton takes us next.....

5 Star Review: I finished reading this book yesterday and wanted to think about it before I reviewed it. First of all, it is the only book by this author so I think it is her first one. I really enjoyed the story which hinges on an average woman being on a show with a major actor and something developing after their meeting. Don't want to give anything away. Like I said it was a fun premise because all of us (women) dream about Prince Charming and life in a castle. But life in a castle isn't always quite so wonderful and real life often intrudes. The characters were good but I would have like to see them a little more real--maybe with a little more description. The sex scenes are intimate but not overly graphic so if someone is bothered by such things, it won't be a problem. The pacing was a bit fast--at times I found myself racing to keep up but with a little more description, it wouldn't be a problem. I caught my husband reading some of it while he was at my computer. That he read it voluntarily shows the even men would like this book. I certainly will read her next one.



TAKE 2
Alexandra Daniels is a forty-something, hard-working mom, wife and employee. Her life has been plodding along at a snails pace and she’s longing for excitement. She wins a trip to her favorite talk show in New York, the Veronica Becker Show, and it just so happens the actor of her dreams is a guest, Derek Dunbar! Is Alex’s life about to change? 
Derek Dunbar is Scottish, an actor and a hunk! Every woman in America drools after him. He has his pick of women but stinks at relationships. At forty, is he longing for a more meaningful relationship? Does he even know how to have one? Is he willing to make the effort or will it just be too complicated? 

THE CHARACTERS 

Alexandra Daniels spent half her life as a dedicated wife and mother. Recently, with her husband working so much he spent little time with her and her daughter all grown up, Alex finally decided to concentrate on herself. She got a gym membership, lost weight, and spent her free time at night catching up on years of movies she missed. To add to her newly found identity, Alex wins a trip to New York to see her favorite talk show taped. While there she meets her movie idle, Derek Dunbar. Can life get any better? 

Derek Dunbar went to school to be a lawyer, something his mother loved to brag about. But Derek felt he had another calling: acting. Once he submerged himself into his new career he was destined for stardom...and loneliness. Oh, Derek had the looks, but his work-a-holic mentality made dating difficult, not to mention the paparazzi that followed him everywhere.


Amazon US
AMAZON UK