Wacky Wednesday: A Visit with Jennifer Bernard, author of the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel series!

On Monday, I reviewed the newest addition to the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel series, SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN by Jennifer Bernard and couldn't have loved a story more. If you haven't read my review of this fabulous contemporary romance starring the sexiest fireman yet, please do by clicking on the title but hurry back because Jennifer is going to be joining me any second!

Jennifer Bernard is the author of some of the sexiest firemen to grace the pages of romance novels but that's not all she is - this amazing author who made her debut last year with Avon Romance has lived the life of a romance heroine if ever there was one. After attending Harvard, she worked in publishing, lived on a fishing island in Maine, moved to L.A. where she worked in promotion before picking up her whole life to move to Alaska. Jennifer Bernard can give most heroines a run for their money.

I hope you'll all help me welcome Jennifer to Unwrapping Romance ...

Amy:  Hi Jennifer, thank you so much for taking time from your busy schedule to join us today, it's such a delight to have you here.

Jennifer: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to be here.

Amy: Well, I'm excited to have you here. Perhaps you'd like to tell us a little bit about yourself for those who don't know you yet.

Jennifer:  I live in the cold, ice land of Alaska, where I keep warm by writing books about hot firemen. J  I write the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel series for Avon Books. I’m married, with two stepdaughters. I started writing romance after I completely upended my life, quit my job in Los Angeles, sold my house, and started new in Alaska. I had no idea I would meet my future husband two months after I moved up there and get stuck! But fate works in mysterious ways.

Amy:  She also just spent the last weeks, including the holidays & the frigid month of January in Hawaii but don't worry, she's sharing the warmth with us through SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN.
Jennifer, you've already led a vastly more interesting life than most of us can imagine. What first inspired you to write and why romance?

Jennifer:  I’m one of those “always been writing” types. From a very early age, reading was my greatest comfort, escape and entertainment. Of course I wanted to try my hand at creating that magic carpet ride. As an adult, I made my living writing everything from news promos to encyclopedia entries before deciding to try the genre that I’d loved from about age 14 – romance. The romance genre, in my eyes, is about hope and joy and optimism and fun and sexiness, and I adore it.

Amy:  Your appreciation of the romance genre and its true attributes show clearly in your wonderful romances. and your great love for firemen. What is it about firemen that inspire you so much?

Jennifer:  I think of firemen as “everyday heroes.” They put their lives at risk for others, but they’re also the guys down the street, the ones at the coffee shop, showing kids around the fire engine, or shopping at the supermarket. They’re brave and daring, but also rooted in their communities – I find that combination fascinating.

Amy:  Well, your Bachelor Firemen definitely reflect that affection and appreciation for all firemen.
Jennifer, you were a debut author in 2012. Do you have any favorite authors that you enjoy best and have they influenced your writing?

Jennifer:  Oh my gosh, that is such a long list! My formative romance reading years were devoted to Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt, Judith Krantz, Nora Roberts. In more recent years I’ve come to love Kristan Higgins, Eloisa James, Lisa Kleypas, Rachel Gibson, Loretta Chase, Mary Balogh – the list goes on and on. I’m sure all my favorites have affected my writing, but I’ve also been highly influenced by my experience in screenwriting. When I lived in LA, I wrote several screenplays before ever attempting a novel, and much of what I learned carried over into romance.

Amy:  With a reading list like that tucked away in your subconscious, it's no wonder your romances, and your heroes, are so dynamic. Your Bachelor Fireman series has been so much fun to read. Every time I think you've created the most delicious man, you create another. Roman, the hero of SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN, is now my dream man. Where does your inspiration for such swoon-worthy men come from? Do you really know men like this?  *wink*

Jennifer:  Oh, Roman! I’m so glad you like him! I have to say, I just love that man. I don’t know where he came from – maybe he is real, and some lucky woman somewhere is having a very happy life with him. I fall in love with every single one of my heroes. I think my inspiration is men, in general. They have their flaws, but they’re also protective and devoted and passionate and the best of them have a fundamental sweetness that I like to celebrate in my books.

Amy:  If there's a real Roman out there, I wish I'd met him 25 years ago. LOL!! My half-Italian hubby comes close but a girl can dream. *wink* Do you have a favorite Bachelor Fireman or is each one your favorite until the next is conjured?

Jennifer:  I fall for every single one. When I started writing the most recent Bachelor, it was hard because I was still under Roman’s spell. I felt as if I was cheating! But sure enough, the new guy turned out to be just as entrancing as his predecessors.

Amy:  I think I'll be under Roman's spell for a very long time, but since I've said that about each of your heroes, I suppose I'll fall just as hard for next one to confront the curse. I hear the next bachelor up will be Psycho. How many books do you see in the future for the San Gabriel Bachelor Firemen and us, your lucky readers?

Jennifer:  Yes, Psycho’s next! He actually has a name, Patrick Callahan, and he’s a wild one with a story that’ll tug at your heart once it all comes out. He’s the hero of the 4th book, and two more have been contracted by Avon. So there will be at least six books, with a couple of novellas thrown in as well. Many smoking hot firemen to come! Just the way I like it.     :- )

Amy:  Love his name and can't wait to read his story. I've always gotten a kick out of his contributions - he's a bit of a smart mouth and I like that about him. More to come, huh? *fanning my face* Did it just get warmer in here?
Jennifer, as a contemporary romance writer, have you ever considered allowing your writing talents to take you off into another time or world?

Jennifer: My first finished (but unpublished) novel was actually paranormal. And I have this great idea for a pirate romance set in the early 1700’s – I have it all plotted out. I’d love to find time to actually write that book someday. Nothing’s out of the question, but I’m having so much fun with my contemporaries that I’ll probably stick with them for now. I love the idea of staking a claim for romance in the here and now. We live in such a complicated, often cynical time, that I believe we need romance more than ever.

Amy:  Well, I'm sure many will agree with me when I say we're happy you're sticking with your firemen for a while but I do hope you return to that paranormal some day and I'm all for a pirate romance in the early 1700's - I love pirates!!
Well, my last question and the one I love asking most - IF you could be ANY character in ANY book, who would it be and why?

Jennifer:  Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. Because she’s full of flaws, but Darcy loves her all the same. She has a happy nature, which is such a blessing in life.

Amy: Elizabeth Bennet is certainly a character standard worth striving for. It seems Miss Bennet is someone that a lot of romance authors admire and wish to emulate. I wonder what Jane Austen would think of that?
Jennifer, as a huge fan of your hunky Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel - Station 1, let me say thank you for giving us such wonderful stories and sexy heroes. Thank you for joining us today and I'm sure my readers join me in wishing you even more success with this fabulous and fun-filled series.

Jennifer: Thank for you all the fun questions, I had a great time here today! I know that you’re doing a giveaway, but I also want to mention a fun sweepstakes going on at my Facebook page. This is your chance to show your hometown pride and have a firefighter from your town appear in my next book! Click here to enter or sign up for my newsletter, which goes out 4 times a year. The details are on my website and at my FB page.

Amy:  That's an amazing thing to win! I hope everyone takes a moment to enter and sign up for your newsletter - I already get it. The sweepstakes runs through to Valentine's Day and is so easy to enter and three other winners will win signed books - so what are you waiting for, sign up for her newsletter then come back for a chance to win a digital copy of Jennifer's brand new release, SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN.  

If you'd like to learn more about Jennifer and her books, please feel free to visit her website, follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

As you've learned, Jennifer Bernard has led a rather eclectic life and experienced living from the coast of Maine to the cold wilds of Alaska, if you had a chance to do something wild and extraordinary, what would it be?
That's your question to comment on for entry in the giveaway. Good Luck!

GIVEAWAY PRIZE:  One Digital Copy of SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN by Jennifer Bernard

Blurb for SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN:

The toughest captain on the East Coast, single father Rick Roman has come thousands of miles to San Gabriel to put an end to the "Bachelor Firemen" media hype. But when a stunning woman he nearly hooked up with in Reno turns out to be a firefighter from his new station, Roman realizes it's going to be tough keeping the tabloids at bay.

But there's even more Sabina isn't telling him. Before dedicating her life to battling blazes, Sabina led a very different life, one that made her famous. The last thing she wants is to have her secret exposed. The papers, bloggers, and TV gossips will have a field day with that—especially when they sense the obvious sexual heat between Sabina and Chief Roman, who's torn between firing her...and falling in love with her!

GIVEAWAY RULES:

** This Giveaway is OPEN TO EVERYONE (International included) - void where prohibited.

** In order to enter this Giveaway, you must leave a comment with a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. Remember the magic formula:

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. THANKS FOR PLAYING!

** This Giveaway will run through 11:30PM EST, Friday, February 1, 2013 when one lucky comment will be chosen by randomizer and the winner will be contacted by email and announced in a special post on Saturday, February 2, 2013. The winner will have until the end of day, Thursday, February 7, 2013 to contact me with format information or another comment will be chosen at random and the prize will be awarded to someone else.  GOOD LUCK!

Happy Reading Everyone!

SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN, a Bachelor Fireman novel by Jennifer Bernard, Avon Romance, available now in print and ebook formats.


                                                

Unwrapping: Review of SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN by Jennifer Bernard

I adore the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel series by Jennifer Bernard so as soon as the eARC for SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN came available, I was on it like a duck on a junebug. Every time Jennifer creates a new fireman hero, I fall in love with him and the hero of SEX AND SINGLE FIREMAN is no exception. This delightful, on fire contemporary romance releases tomorrow!

***eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN:

The toughest captain on the East Coast, single father Rick Roman has come thousands of miles to San Gabriel to put an end to the "Bachelor Firemen" media hype. But when a stunning woman he nearly hooked up with in Reno turns out to be a firefighter from his new station, Roman realizes it's going to be tough keeping the tabloids at bay.

But there's even more Sabina isn't telling him. Before dedicating her life to battling blazes, Sabina led a very different life, one that made her famous. The last thing she wants is to have her secret exposed. The papers, bloggers, and TV gossips will have a field day with that—especially when they sense the obvious sexual heat between Sabina and Chief Roman, who's torn between firing her...and falling in love with her!

                                           *                   *                *               *                *                *

As I said, I already love the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel series and every time that I think that Jennifer Bernard has created the best fireman hero yet, she surprises me with another. Rick Roman is everything you could want in a hero and more.

 

Rick Roman has known love. He knows what sacrifice is worth and he's not looking for more in his life than to provide a good home and future for his son. Moving away from everything he knows to a new home clear across the country is a huge decision but he believes it's what will make his son, Luke, happy. Meeting a beautiful, fiery woman on the way to San Gabriel was not in his plans. Being dumped by her in the midst of an amorous encounter was definitely not in his plans. Discovering she is one of his new firemen is totally unexpected as is his undeniable, highly distracting, and intense attraction to her.

 

Sabina Jones has secrets. Once upon a time, Sabina lived an entirely different life. Then she wanted more. She wanted to make a difference that counts so she came to San Gabriel and became one of the famed firemen of Station 1 - the cursed Bachelors of San Gabriel. She hadn't meant to nearly seduce the handsome man she met on a quick retreat to Reno, but he'd been just what she thought she needed, at that moment. Her world comes crashing down on her when she discovers that handsome, dark-haired stranger, who has plagued her thoughts ever since, is the new training captain at the station. She also didn't expect someone from her past to track her down and reveal her secret to everyone - to her co-workers and to the incredible man who already thinks she's a nut case.

 

Can Roman get beyond his own sorrow-filled past and can Sabina come to grips with her own. Can this incredible pair have a future together?

 

SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN by Jennifer Bernard is now my favorite. Roman is everything a woman could want in a man. He's handsome, sexy, brooding at times, but he can cook and he's a wonderful father. He's tough as nails when he needs to be but gentle and caring when the moment dictates the need. Sabina is tough, feisty, and a role model for women who want to make their life count. She makes me want to join the fire department.

 

This is a story about love had, love found, and love never forgotten. It's about sacrificing one's needs for another and caring when no one expects it. Jennifer's writing is excelling when I thought it couldn't excel more. She's conjuring emotions and depth in her characters that I thought were already there but then they become ever more endearing and relatable with each story.

 

I highly recommend SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN by Jennifer Bernard for anyone who truly loves a great story, touching moments that make you sigh, family oriented relationships, and romance, romance, romance. One thing for sure, if you want to meet an absolutely sexy, all male man who has a gentle side that makes you sigh, and a tough side that makes you respect his kick ass attitude - Jennifer has created him in Rick Roman.

 

Happy Reading Everyone and come back on Wednesday when Jennifer will join me for an interview and Giveaway!

 

SEX AND SINGLE FIREMAN, a Bachelor Firemen novel by Jennifer Bernard, Avon Romance, releasing January 29, 2013 and available in print and ebook formats.

                                                                                          

And The Copy of ISLE OF SENSUALITY by Aimée Duffy goes to ...

 

 

THANK YOU EVERYONE

for taking the time to visit with

our lovely guest, Aimée Duffy.

 

She's a wonderful guest, don't  you think?

Thank you, Aimée, for joining us

and for being such a delightful guest.

You know you're always welcome here

and not just as a commenter.  xoxo

 

 

As promised, one lucky commenter is

going to win a digital copy

of the fabulous contemporary romance,

ISLE OF SENSUALITY

so without further ado,

the winner is:

 

 

 

 

 

LORIMEEHAN

 

 

 

 

 

 Congrats to Lori and she has been notified by email.
She has until the end of the day

Thursday, January 31, 2013 to get back to me or I will be forced to

draw another name at random to present the prize to in her place.

 So please check your SPAM folder so you don't miss the message.

Congratulations, Lori and thank you to everyone who visited and played.
Happy Reading Everyone!

Unwrapping: Review of COLLIDE, a Barker Triplets novel by Juliana Stone

I hope some of you read Juliana Stone's first book in her self-published The Barker Triplets series, OFFSIDE, because it was fabulous. Well, even though she offered me an ARC of her second book, COLLIDE, and newest release in the series, I declined because of my reading schedule but purchased it as soon as it came available. In the end, I couldn't resist slipping it into my reading schedule. Couldn't resist because having met Shane in OFFSIDE, I couldn't wait to experience this hero in his own second chance story with one of the Barker Triplets. I was not disappointed, in fact, I am even more in love with this sexy hunk of man!

***Copy purchased for my own personal reading but more than willing to share my honest and unscripted opinion with the world.

Blurb for COLLIDE:

A second chance never looked so good…

Bobbi-Jo Barker has been in love with the wrong man for years. A man who doesn't fit into the perfect, controlled life she's created.A man who not only broke her heart but nearly destroyed her. So the fact that he's back in town shouldn't matter because he's all wrong for her, or so she thinks...

Shane Gallagher, prodigal son, ex-con, and all around hellion, has returned to the small town of New Waterford to mend fences and get his life back. What he doesn’t count on are the feelings he still has for the one woman who can break him—the one woman who is totally wrong for him.

And yet, as Bobbi and Shane are thrown together and begin to navigate a life with each other in it, neither can deny the attraction they feel, or the emotions that come with it—the good and the bad. And so the question becomes… can these two damaged souls survive a second chance at love?

                                         *                       *                      *                      *                        *

Shane Gallagher came home from a stint in prison to New Waterford, MI four months ago. Since then, he's tried his best to keep his distance from Bobbi-Jo Barker since she's getting married on St. Valentine's Day. To try to keep his thoughts off the woman he can't seem to clear from his brain, Shane has traveled to the next town and settled into the one place that, although filled with memories best forgotten, is the last place he expects to run into the woman who still holds his heart. The very last thing he expects to see is Bobbi come storming into the dingy bar, dressed in her wedding gown  - on her wedding day - and order up tequila. Tequila has always put the t in trouble when it comes to Bobbi-Jo Barker.

Bobbi's gut is telling her that marrying Gerald Dooley is a bad idea - a very bad idea. Upon arriving at the church, she just can't bring herself to go in and asks Gramps to keep on driving. When she goes, to the one place no one would find her, to drink away her guilt, her misgivings, her fear and her heartbreak - heartbreak not over Gerald but over the one man who still drives her crazy sexy with a look or a word - does she expect to find him there. After nearly getting herself into a situation that could've gone very bad, she allows Shane to rescue her from the bar. But instead of taking her home to face the family, and Gerald, in a drunken, distraught state, Shane takes her to his place. The next morning, Bobbi wakes with a screaming hangover, in a bed she doesn't recognize, with a dog bouncing around her, wearing nothing but a man's tee shirt and her black panties. (I'm still amazed that she was wearing black panties under a white wedding gown but whatever goes, I say.)

Shane can't get Bobbi out of his mind, even as he tries and tries. He's got too many things on his mind to be thinking about her but he just can't seem to let her go, especially since she spent the night in his bed without him touching her. Not that she hadn't made a good try at seducing him but she was drunk and surprising himself, he was a gentleman. At first, Bobbi is concerned that something did happen between them but then after finding out that nothing did, she wants him all the more. It's Bobbi who makes the first move but it's Shane who takes control -  only to lose it again when after a passionate night of amazing sex, he wakes to find her gone.

Now, his need for Bobbi Barker is full blown. He knows he should stay away from her. He knows being with her will only cause trouble, and right now, his family is more than enough trouble for him. But Bobbi is like the sweet nectar that draws bees and he just can't stay away. So, Shane proposes a solution to their mutual problem - sex with no strings - sex just for sex sake - a totally sexual relationship with no emotions involved. Another night of rousing, passion-filled incredible sex that only he and Bobbi can create, an unexpected emotional admission while in the throes of passion by Bobbi, and Shane is rethinking everything. But there are secrets, there are misgivings, and there are regrets. Regrets from the past, fear of regretting the future, and a secret that torments Bobbi almost to the point of losing Shane once more. But this time, Shane decides he's no longer a quitter.

Let me just say this - Shane Gallagher is THE bad boy, he's everything that our common sense tells us to run from as fast and as far as possible, but I am totally in love with this man. If he were real, I'd trade in my husband for him. Good thing he's only imaginary, huh? Normally, when this happens I tend to get a bit jealous of the heroine who gets to enjoy a man like this but I know that if Bobbi Barker were real, she and I would be great friends. I think it's one reason I fell so hard for Shane - it was so very easy for me to step into Bobbi's shoes. I know this lady.

COLLIDE by Juliana Stone is wonderful, enticing, passionate, emotional and such an excellent continuation of the first book, OFFSIDE, that instead of feeling like months since I read the first one, it feels more like it never ended but that I merely turned the page. We revisit with Logan and Billie, we experience Betty a bit more and begin to feel some emotional sympathy for the third triplet. But, in the same way that Bobbi was not very likable in OFFSIDE, with her bitchiness towards Billie, we find ourselves feeling the same way about Betty.

Juliana Stone is incredible in the way she can take a simple second-chance love story and draw us in to the mixed up world of the Barker Triplets and we actually enjoy being there. Normally, a simple relationship-based contemporary story would not have me clamoring to snatch it to read as soon as it's published but I've been eager to read this one ever since reading OFFSIDE and now I'm looking forward to book three just as eagerly. Whether she can write another hero to put Shane in a corner, we will have to wait and see - somehow, I suspect Juliana will be able to do it. Juliana never seems to disappoint - the heroine or us. I've read nearly everything that Juliana Stone has written and have to say that her writing simply keeps getting better. To produce such incredible characters on her own without the guidance of a publisher's editors, is impressive and inspiring. I did catch a few places where her editing suffered - missing words - but perhaps she needs better beta readers. Volunteering for the job, if she needs me. 

I highly recommend COLLIDE by Juliana Stone to anyone who loves to read a passionate, emotional, and spark-filled second chance love story. If you haven't read OFFSIDE, don't worry, you can always go back later but I do recommend these be read in order just because the experience is so incredible, so amazing, and so swoon-worthy. Whoever knew that imagining a man sanding a table could be so dreamy! I did not want this book to end. I wanted to keep on living with Bobbi and Shane.

Happy Reading Everyone!

COLLIDE, a Barker Triplets novel by Juliana Stone, self-published, available in ebook formats anywhere ebooks are sold including Smashwords.


                                                                                                 

Wacky Wednesday: A Visit with Aimée Duffy, author of ISLE OF SENSUALITY

On Monday, I reviewed the new release ISLE OF SENSUALITY by Aimée Duffy. This is Aimée's second novel after her debut MONSTER OF FAME. You're welcome to click on either title or both to read my reviews of these two delightfully, and for me, surprisingly good contemporary romances. Hurry back though because this lovely lass is visiting with me all the way from across the pond.

 

Aimée lives in sunny Scotland in a small town near the Ochils and works nine to five in a solicitors office. In her free time, you'll find her on Facebook, following friends on Twitter, and sharing her love of shoes. Her newest release ISLE OF SENSUALITY is a contemporary romance with depth and attitude and a delightfully warm and exotic setting.  Please join me in welcoming a dear friend and one of my loyal readers, Aimée Duffy, to UNWRAPPING ROMANCE ...

 

Amy:  Welcome Aimée, it's a real delight to have you visiting with us today, thank you for coming across the pond to be with us.

 

Aimée:  Thank you for having me! It's an honor.

 

Amy:  Perhaps you'd like to tell us a little bit about yourself for those who don't know you yet.

 

Aimée:  Hi everyone. Hmmm what to say. Well, I’m from dreary Scotland where the sun rarely shines and there’s never a water shortage. Those of you who follow me on Twitter/Facebook will know I have no self-discipline when it comes to hot vampires, resisting a stunning pair of shoes (who can?), or procrastination. 

Amy:  I say it's impossible to not like someone who loves shoes! Check out her newest favorite pair that she's sharing with us. You were a debut author in 2012 with MONSTER OF FAME which, as anyone knows who reads my reviews, surprised the beejeebers out of me and hooked me in big time. Never would I have thought I'd read a romance about a reality show and enjoy it so much. What inspired you to write that one and your newest release, ISLE OF SENSUALITY, both having their plots based in show business? Have you a secret dream to be in the business or just a fascination?

 

Aimée:  Not at all. I’m the shyest person you’ll meet :o). I didn’t intend for Isle of Sensuality to be showbiz related, in fact draft one was very different. An editor at Harlequin suggested I revise the story to come up with something ‘out there’ and fun, and we came up with two actors shooting a movie. It wasn’t quite right after the second draft though, and after a full six months of working on nothing but this I had an itch to write something else so I threw her a pitch for another book and during the wait got reacquainted with Xfactor. The Monster of Fame sort of sparked from my obsession with the show :o) The sequel to this isn’t focused on the show, and the heroine is a waitress, so not all glitz and glamour, but everything I’ve come up with so far has been celebrity based. Maybe it’s all the gossip magazines I read? :D

 

Amy:  It's very possible. They do say that we should write what we know - perhaps one of your heroines will be obsessed with shoes. : )
Who are your favorite authors for pleasure reading and have they had any influence on your writing?

 

Aimée:  I love Heidi Rice and if I’m being honest, her book Surf, Sea and a Sexy Stranger rekindled my desire to write again. Last year I picked up a book by K.A. Mitchell because it was free and adored her voice. Even though the genre she writes isn’t exactly what I’m into, I’ve bought and devoured every one of her books since. Also up there are Natalie Anderson, Trish Whyllie, Cassandra Clare, Meg Cabot, Sylvia Day and Maisey Yates.

 

Amy:  This is why I love asking about favorite authors - always discover a couple of new names. Very interesting. Many authors tend to lead two lives, one by day and one by night - so to speak. *wink*

I would think that your day job as a paralegal would spark many ideas, have you considered writing one of your romances based in the law?

Aimée:  Yes! But I’ve been too scared to before in case I got in trouble since I’m now ‘out’ to my boss. He said he’s okay with it though, which is great because the next story I plan to pitch to my editor at Harlequin features a sexy lawyer whose client is suing the heroine.

Amy:  Terrific. Personally, I'm a great fan of law inspired stories as I know some of my dear readers are as well. We'll be watching on the horizon for one from you. Are there other sub-genres that you might consider trying out in the future? Where do you see your writing going next?

Aimée:  I have to finish The Price of Fame series for Beachwalk Press. There are still two to write. After I’d like to do stories for the secondary characters in Isle of Sensuality.
Next I’d like to write a Young Adult book I’ve had plotted for years, and I’ve been working on an anthology with two writer buddies which is a mix of fantasy, horror, paranormal and romance. We’re hoping to pitch to a publisher soon so we’ll see how that goes.

Amy:  A follow-up to IOS would be terrific, I can definitely think of a couple of characters that might need an HEA. Your anthology sounds interesting. I'm so glad you're reaching for more. Sending up prayers to the publishing gods that you get picked up. Also, if anyone is interested in seeing the cover and reading the blurb for Aimée's next book in the Price of Fame series, NEVER SAY NEVER, please feel free to click on the title but come back because we're not done yet! : )
My final question and my favorite: If you could be ANY character in ANY book, not just your own, who would it be and why?

Aimée:  It’s a toss up between two, because I am a lover of all things fanged. Caitlin Parish from Blood Shadows because she’s strong, kick-ass and she has Kane Malloy’s undivided attention. That vamp can kidnap me any day!
Or Damon from The Vampire Diaries (though I prefer the show’s plot), but that Salvatore is irresistible.

Amy:  Yay! Another vamp fan! I sometimes think it's because we just can't get enough neck kissing! Aimée, thank you so very much for sharing some of your time today. We do really appreciate it since you're such a very busy lady. Congratulations on your new release and may 2013 bring you much success.

Aimée:  Again, thank you so much for having me, it’s been fun :o)
One of Amy’s wonderful readers has a chance to win a copy of Isle of Sensuality.
Being from one of the coldest, wettest countries in the world, I love to escape to the warmer climes of Europe and beyond during the summer—preferably somewhere with a lovely beach.

What is your favourite beach holiday?

 

Thanks to everyone for stopping by!

Amy:  Okay, dear readers, you heard the lady. If you'd like a chance to win a digital copy of ISLE OF SENSUALITY, a fabulous contemporary romance that will make you feel like you've just taken a vacation without leaving home, tell her what your favorite beach holiday is - don't you love the way she calls it a 'holiday' - why don't Americans do that? Don't forget to follow the rules for entry.

If you'd like to learn more about Aimée Duffy and her books, please visit her website or feel free to follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook - she's lots of fun!

Happy Reading Everyone and Good Luck!

Giveaway Prize:   One digital copy of ISLE OF SENSUALITY by Aimée Duffy

Blurb for ISLE OF SENSUALITY:

Who knew being with Mr. Wrong could be so right? Caitlyn Hart is shooting her first movie, and she doesn't want to screw it up. Still, she's on a deadline and when her co-star, Mr. Hot Shot Campbell, holds filming up, he's immediately on her shit list. But she can't ignore his charms for long or the overpowering want she feels for him. Even though she knows he's her Mr. Wrong, she doesn't mind him being her Mr. Right Now. If only her silly heart would stay immune.

Having been burned once, Jake Campbell doesn't have the capacity to love, but that doesn't mean relationships of a purely sexual nature are off limits. After all, a man has needs. His sexy co-star with fire red hair and a passion to match ignites his own desire and he sets out to convince her a fling is the only way to scratch the proverbial itch. Little did he figure that she'd be the one to penetrate the thick scars on his heart and make him feel.
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*** This Giveaway will run until 11:30PM, Friday, January, 25, 2013 at which time one lucky commenter will be chosen at random. The winner will be notified by email and announced in a special post on Saturday. Good Luck!

ISLE OF SENSUALITY by Aimée Duffy, Beachwalk Press, available now in ebook formats.

MONSTER OF FAME by Aimée Duffy, Beachwalk Press, available now in ebook formats.

                                                                        

 



Unwrapping: Review of ISLE OF SENSUALITY by Aimée Duffy

Having been very impressed by Aimée Duffy's debut novel, MONSTER OF FAME, when she requested a read and review of her newest release, ISLE OF SENSUALITY, I just couldn't say no and didn't want to. She didn't disappoint and proved to me that including her in my list of Favorite New Authors of 2012 was a smart thing to do. Happy Release Day, Aimée!

***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for ISLE OF SENSUALITY:

Who knew being with Mr. Wrong could be so right?

Caitlyn Hart is shooting her first movie, and she doesn't want to screw it up. Still, she's on a deadline and when her co-star, Mr. Hot Shot Campbell, holds filming up, he's immediately on her shit list. But she can't ignore his charms for long or the overpowering want she feels for him. Even though she knows he's her Mr. Wrong, she doesn't mind him being her Mr. Right Now. If only her silly heart would stay immune.

Having been burned once, Jake Campbell doesn't have the capacity to love, but that doesn't mean relationships of a purely sexual nature are off limits. After all, a man has needs. His sexy co-star with fire red hair and a passion to match ignites his own desire and he sets out to convince her a fling is the only way to scratch the proverbial itch. Little did he figure that she'd be the one to penetrate the thick scars on his heart and make him feel.

                                                *                    *                     *                   *                   *                  *

Caitlyn Hart is starring in her first movie role beyond the soap that she's been working on. She's determined to do her best job and finish in time to get to L.A. for her sister's fashion show. Worried that they aren't going to finish on time because her co-star, Jake Campbell, is late arriving on the island off the coast of Rio, Caitlyn storms over to his cottage to give him a piece of her mind. His reaction to her, and hers to his very sexy, very manly, very appealing personality, throws them both into a state where, unless something is done about their mutual attraction, very little work will get done.

Jake Campbell expected his co-star, Caitlyn Hart, to be like every other actress he's ever dealt with on set - spoiled, demanding, and basically, a pain in the butt. What he discovers instead is a woman who puts everyone else's needs first, including his, and only wants to do a good job. His attraction to her is intense, so intense that he finally presents a solution to their mutual attraction - a fling. Little does he know, until the subject of sex arises in the form of her concern over a love scene in the script, this beautiful sexy woman is a virgin. Jake is presented with a quandary - does he back away because she is a virgin or does he go forth and solve their mutual problem? Neither wants a relationship, neither wants complications, but both are so attracted to each other that being in the same room sends off sparks. What ever will they do? *wink*

ISLE OF SENSUALITY by Aimée Duffy is most definitely a once you start reading, you can't put it down story! The characters are exceptional, their reasons for privacy, reluctance toward romantic entanglements, and their loyalty toward family and friends, endearing. Aimée tells us that this was her first manuscript and was written long before MONSTER OF FAME but needed refining which she was able to do through the guidance of friends.  Well, it worked and it shows! ISLE OF SENSUALITY does have the feel of her Scottish roots with slang and colloquialisms that definitely identify it as an early work but aside from that, she excels in her writing as if she is a seasoned author - which she is now.

I think what I enjoyed most about Jake and Caitlyn was their respect for each other's needs outside the work place including their responsibilities to family. Caitlyn helps Jake see that his responsibilities to his brothers isn't really an all or nothing chore, whereas, Jake gives Caitlyn a sense of security, that he has her back, when she's never been able to open herself up to that feeling because she's only ever counted on herself. Their relationship is more open than you'd expect and as a result, draws the reader in more intensely. Thank you, Aimée.

I highly recommend ISLE OF SENSUALITY by Aimée Duffy to anyone who loves a good read with wonderful characters, the delight of watching two people fall in love, sexually charged romance as a background that is rivaled only by the setting - the tropics and Rio de Janiero - and loves contemporary romance with depth and attitude.

I hope you all will join me on Wednesday when Aimée will join me for a Wacky Wednesday author spotlight and giveaway! She's kind enough to join us from Scotland and I guarantee, she's a delightful lady.

Happy Reading Everyone!

ISLE OF SENSUALITY by Aimée Duffy, Beachwalk Press, available now in ebook formats.