Mona Karel
1. I hear you have animals in your novels. Tell us about the books.
I used an Irish Setter in Teach Me To Forget (odd, since I’ve never owned an Irish!) He just sort of showed up while I was describing the heroine’s motor home.
BLURB:
Her past was behind her…or so she’d thought.
Bethany Acton has come a long way from the day she was an abused child-bride of a dissolute jet setter. Now divorced and single, she writes for a lifestyles magazine, lives out of her motor home, and answers only to her boss—when he can find her. She has overcome her horrendous past and taken control of her own life. But when Jonathan Merritt, a rising star in wildlife photography, enters her world, she learns that control is a tenuous thing.
His past was despicable, but it hasn’t affected his future…until now.
Jonathan knows he has met the woman with whom he wants to spend his future, but first he must admit his role in her past. Afraid the truth will turn her against him, he tries to gain her trust and affection before confessing. But the longer he hesitates, the harder it becomes to tell her. Can Jonathan gain enough of her love and trust for her to forgive what he did—or will his past indiscretions destroy his only chance for happiness?
Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Me-Forget-Mona-Karel-ebook/dp/B00822G7Y6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mona+karel&qid=1627423505&s=books&sr=1-1
One of my favorite book “pets” is Mosby, the gray stallion in A Question of Honor, which starts the Stormhaven series, with horses in each book.
BLURB:
Sydney Castleton has worked hard to put her less than savory past behind her…until her sister asks for her help. Devin Starke has fought too many battles, seen too many deaths, to look forward to a peaceful future…until his best friend and partner asks him to help return the horse his wife, Sidney’s sister, took when she left.
Stormhaven, a ranch in northern New Mexico, has become a place for fighting men to readjust to the world, a sort of decompression chamber for those who have seen too much. Devin Starke is such a man. And Sydney isn’t far behind him.
When the sparks ignite between them, Devin and Sydney fight the attraction, as neither one is good at relationships. But when Sydney is attacked and fighting for her life, Devin realizes things aren’t quite what they seem. Can these two overcome the issues from their past, or are they doomed to lose any chance for love in the future?
Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Question-Honor-Stormhaven-Story-Stories-ebook/dp/B00WHHG8WS/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=mona+karel&qid=1627423430&s=books&sr=1-2
2. Why did you add animals to these books?
At one time I thought my life would be all horses all the time. Then reality set in (as in how expensive it is to keep horses), plus I met Salukis and I was a goner. I met my husband at a Saluki show, we were together for many Saluki filled years and I was able to offer him home hospice among our Salukis.
Writing about horses is a way for me to keep that first passion alive. The premise for A Question of Honor came from a divorce I heard about, where the wife kept the dogs since the husband wanted them. People can be so…interesting.
3. What other books have you written
In addition to the Stormhaven Romantic Suspense, I’ve written Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance.
4. How do you promote your books?
Interesting question since I’m becoming a live again author after a loooong dry spell with a difficult publisher. I’m just about to go indy on myself…YES. The question is do I stick with Mona Karel (which originally was going to be my author name for those racier books) or do I stand up proud and claim MY books in MY name. What do you think?
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Come visit me at Mona’s Place: https://mona-karel.com/blog/ Her intermittent blog, some recipes, some sillies. Always sillies.
From Marcia: Thank you, Mona! I love discovering romances that feature animals and look forward to reading your books!
MONTHLY BLOG EBOOK CONTEST! Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Augustina Van Hoven
1. I hear you have a cat in your novel. Tell us about the book.
I actually have two books that have “pets”. The first book is The Scattering of Seeds. This is the first novel in the “New Frontier” series. It is a futuristic romance series about three ships that leave earth to colonize a new planet. The series follows the third ship, The Halcyon, which becomes the victim of conspiracy and sabotage. The colonists are allowed to bring pets with them since they will not be returning to earth. The colonial governor’s granddaughter, Sophie, is six and has brought her cat. Jimmy is a tuxedo cat. The governor is an Ian Fleming fan and said the cat reminded him of James Bond…all it needed was a bow tie. The name stuck. Jimmy is the reason the hero and heroine meet. He is an important character in the story.
The Scattering of Seeds blurb:
Two worlds, one other-worldly adventure…
The handsome Duncan McGregor believes the answers to the questions in his soul can be found by looking to those who have come before him. And just like his ancestors, he’s venturing into a new world to begin a life they could only have dreamed of—a life in outer space. And yet as he reaches this wild new frontier, he finds that his old-fashioned values are being tested by this hard-edged life.
And his first hurdle is no less than Ariel Lindstrom, the daughter of the governor, who may look like an aloof fairy princess but who acts with strength and courage. Thanks to her experiences inside the corrupt world of politics, she’s been forced to grow up fast and hard. She fears her life is about to grow more difficult if rumors of an alliance between the corporation she works for and an alien regime are true.
For them to survive, they must blend the lessons learned by experience with the freedom and bravery that lies in the hearts of an explorer. Can their two worlds come together, or will their adventures in outer space only end in disaster?
The Scattering of Seeds buy links:
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1366513065
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-scattering-of-seeds
My book, The Curse, is book two in my paranormal romance series. It has a cat in it, but cat isn’t really a cat at all. Laren Balantar is under a curse. During the day he is a man, but at night he turns into a long-haired black cat. He retains all his memories and intellect but he cannot speak.
The Curse blurb:
Prince Laren, a Tovenaar destined to be the ruler of his house, has only one goal. Break the spell that forces him to go catting around at night and unleash his wrath on the sorcerer responsible. Then he meets a woman with fiery hair, deep blue eyes, and the body of his dreams. She’s but a pawn in the looming conflict between members of the hidden community. And the prince is torn between his old and new desires.
Juliet Cooper’s plans were simple: sell her great uncle’s property, return home, find a job, and get on with life. But then she meets Laren—in both human and cat form. And her plans get complicated. Juliet finds she can’t leave until she knows the secrets that her great uncle’s property and the handsome, blue-eyed man are hiding, unaware of the price she might have to pay.
When Juliet is attacked by Laren’s opponents, he must decide whether to rescue her, risking not only the wrath of the community members who shelter him and his princely future, but also his life.
The Curse buy links:
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-curse-augustina-van-hoven/1137102966?ean=2940164304461
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1516167548
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-curse-68
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/4AK1wN
Have you ever wondered why all cultures on earth have the same myths and legends? Men who can turn into animals, men who drink the blood of others, elves, fairies, magic? It’s because these creatures are real. The “Tovenaar” series tells you who these people are, where they come from and why they are here. Laren is introduced in the first book of the series, The Hidden, but he is the main character in the second book, The Curse.
The Hidden blurb:
They’ll risk everything for each other…
Lily Montgomery is finding refuge from her vicious divorce and constant self-loathing by writing about the monsters who inhabit her dreams. But then, when she’s rescued by a vampire, she discovers that her monsters are real. Not only that, she’s being pursued by shapeshifters who fear she’ll reveal their secret to humans. Her rescuer is the only constant in her now chaotic world. And, to Lily’s surprise, she fears more for her heart than she does for her life when she’s around him.
Valerian DuCharme is an unusual vampire. Although he’s an enforcer for one of the houses of The Hidden, he’s welcomed by the principled everywhere for his charisma, his caring, and his powers. Valerian lost his true love when he was turned, and his heart has been encased in ice for hundreds of years. Until he meets Lily. And he warms to her charms. But his job is to keep Lily safe. Can he do that and love her, as well?
The Hidden buy links:
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1500280915
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-hidden-32
2. Why did you add a pet to The Scattering of Seeds and a paranormal cat in The Curse?
The character of Jimmy the cat was planned since I got the original idea for the book. I thought about the families who left the old world to immigrate to the new. In the future, the technology of colony ships would allow peoples to take a lot more of their personal possessions. Having families bring their pets would help with some of the stress of the voyage to a new world.
For the character of Laren, who is a powerful magic user, I needed a curse that would break his power and leave him helpless and dependent on others. In The Curse, Laren is befriended by Karl, the human assistant for the vampire Valerian DuCharme. There are some great scenes where Karl and Laren have to communicate while Laren is in cat form.
3. Do you have any pets?
I have two cats, Zayden and Tyrion. Both of them are rescue cats. Zayden is twelve and Tyrion is ten. Zayden is a long-haired black cat and was the inspiration for Laren’s curse. I watched her have to deal with seeds and twigs in her fur, and I thought that would be interesting for a powerful man to have to deal with. A good way to humiliate him which, of course, was the reason he was cursed.
Tyrion wandered into our back yard when he was six weeks old. Someone had dumped him into the forest around us. Our dogs were alive then, and they were barking at him and had him backed up to the sliding door. He was terrified. We brought him into the house, and he’s been with us ever since.
4. What other books have you written?
I have four series of books. I write paranormal romance, time travel romance, futuristic romance and ghost romance. The “Rose” series contains my ghost romance books. There are three books in the series.
The “Love through Time” series are my time travel books. There are three books and three novellas currently in the series with another book and novella coming out later this year.
The “New Frontier” series are my futuristic books. There are two novels and one novella in the series with a third book coming out next year.
The “Tovenaar” series is my paranormal series. There are two books currently with a novella coming out in August.
5. How do you promote your books?
I promote my books on my social media sites as well as my newsletter, book tours and ads on BookBub and Amazon.
6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Readers can find out more about my books on my website, social media sites, Amazon page and BookBub page. They can also sign up for my monthly newsletter.
Website: https://AugustinaVanHoven.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/augustinavhoven
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/Augustina-Van-Hoven/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/augustinavhoven/
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Augustina-Van-Hoven/e/B06Y3JKV7T%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
BookBub page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/augustina-van-hoven
Newsletter sign up: https://augustinavanhoven.com/join-newsletter/
BIO: Augustina Van Hoven was born in The Netherlands and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and pets. She is an avid reader of romance, science fiction and fantasy. When she’s not writing, she likes to work in her garden or, in the winter months, crochet and knit on her knitting machines.
FREE EBOOKS CONTEST! Augustina is giving away two of her Amazon Kindle ebooks: The Scattering of Seeds and The Hidden. Comment on her blog post below to be entered into the contest to win an ebook!
From Marcia: Thank you, Augustina! I love paranormal romances and look forward to reading your books!
MONTHLY BLOG EBOOK CONTEST! Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Alana Lorens
1. I hear you have pets in your novel, Tender Misdemeanors. Tell us about the book.
Tender Misdemeanors is a romantic suspense novel from The Wild Rose Press, which tells a story that could come from today’s headlines. Federal agents in the northwest U.S. often have clashes with ecotagers—those who commit acts of ecological sabotage—and white supremacist/government conspiracy theorist types as well. Here, we have one woman trying to stand against both.
Tender Misdemeanors blurb:Caryn Orlane has law enforcement in her blood; her father was a cop, and his father, too. She’s a federal agent in northwest Montana, protecting the old forests and keeping the peace.
Levi Bradshaw also believes in protecting the forests, but has a very different MO. He’s the leader of a group of eco-warriors, determined to save the trees of the Bitterroot by legal—and illegal—means.
When they meet in the woods at gunpoint, their encounter ignites a spark of interest, despite operating on opposite sides of the law. When their worlds turn on them, they only grow closer. If they don’t work together, can either survive?
2. Why did you add pets to Tender Misdemeanors?
You can tell a lot about people by how they treat animals, so it seems like a good window into the characters. Hero Levi Bradshaw has a pair of Rhodesian Ridgebacks, as well as a rescued pointer he saved from near-death. Heroine Caryn Orlane lives in a motor home, so her pet is a large green iguana named Niabi. All of these babies are part of the action in the story, too!
Personally, I’m a cat person. LOL. I have worked with a few different cat rescues here in the mountains, and have fostered everything from week-old, bottle-fed kittens to 17-year-old Bengals looking for their final home. At this present moment, we have one old-lady calico bobtail, a gray tabby, two tuxedo cats, two tortoise-shell cats, a cow (black and white Holstein looking) cat, and a little gray fluffball. Here’s a picture of them hanging out on our catio in the morning.
3. What other books have you written?
Although I write a bit more as alter ego Lyndi Alexander (sci-fi and fantasy), as Alana, I have one series, the Pittsburgh Lady Lawyers, which are standalone romantic suspense stories about women who practice law in Pittsburgh, my former stomping grounds. I also have several novella-length stories of various word counts, including Secrets in the Sand, a romantic suspense novel (approx. 35,000 words) about a bordello madam and a runaway doctor:
Secrets in the Sand blurb: After a run of bad relationships, Lily Pearl Evans has finally become an independent woman. In the New Mexico desert town of Chaparral, she works for herself, sets her own rules, and is determined no man will hold her back again.
Gene Nicholas worked for more than a decade to achieve his dream to be a doctor. Wanting to share his gifts with those less fortunate, he leaves south Florida to volunteer for Doctors Without Borders in Mexico.
When Gene provokes a showdown with the local Mexican drug cartel, he becomes a man with a price on his head. On the run, he ends up on Lily’s doorstep–a mystery man forced to conceal his past to protect them both. With the cartel’s dangerous web drawing tight around them, can Lily and Gene survive a drug lord’s revenge?
Secrets in the Sand Book Trailer here
Secrets in the Sand Buy Links on Amazon Barnes and Noble
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
From reviews for Tender Misdemeanors:
“The premise is a fresh twist on the outlaw and lawman trope, which has always been a favorite of mine. The story is set in Montana, but there’s not a rancher or cowboy in sight. Instead this fast-paced story has eco-terrorists and murder.” — Kathy Otten
“If you are looking for an engaging, entertaining read, Tender Misdemeanors, by Alana Lorens, will not disappoint. The characters are likable and relatable without becoming a trope. They feel human with human problems, and they cross traditional gender lines in refreshing ways.” — Maggie Fry
“Could not put this book down, read it in one sitting. Author Lorens did her research and it shows loud and clear with from the breath-taking setting to the unforgettable characters, both human and animal.” — Kat Henry
“From the moment Levi crosses Caryn’s path, the spark between them is undeniable!
Read full review in the 2020 Summer issue of InD’tale Magazine.”
“I found her characters, both flawed and strong, alternately, captivating. It had everything a romance should have.” — Amy Bovaird
5. What made you set Tender Misdemeanors in Montana?
I had the good fortune to live in Missoula, in western Montana, for awhile back in the 1970s. The Bitterroot Mountains are beautiful, and their solid granite feels so old and perfect. The forests are essential to the place—those who protect the old trees from indiscriminate harvesting are heroes in my eyes, though there are those who would disagree with me. I’ve set a separate fantasy series there as well as this book. I’d live there—if it didn’t snow from approximately Labor Day through Memorial Day!!
6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
BIO: Alana Lorens has been a published writer for more than forty years, after working as a pizza maker, a floral designer, a journalist and a family law attorney. Currently a resident of Asheville, North Carolina, the aging hippie loves her time in the smoky blue mountains. She writes romance and suspense as Alana Lorens, and sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal mystery as Lyndi Alexander. One of her novellas, That Girl’s The One I Love, is set in the city of Asheville during the old Bele Chere festival. She lives with her daughter on the autism spectrum, who is the youngest of her seven children, and she is ruled by two crotchety old cats, and six kittens of various ages.
Website: http://Alana-lorens.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanaLorens/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4829967.Alana_Lorens
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Alana-Lorens/e/B005GE0WBC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Book trailer for Conviction of the Heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a84IZoH-JKw
Book trailer for Second Chances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEMtSxd6FQQ
Book trailer for Voodoo Dreams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D1aJmCwdYk
Marcia James: Thank you, Alana, for stopping by my Go Pets blog! I look forward to reading your novels!
READER INVITATION: Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Jana Richards
1. I hear you have pets in your Masonville Small-Town Romance series. Tell us about the series.
I do have pets in my Masonville Small-Town Romance series. And honestly, it’s gotten a bit out of control…
I started the series with Child Of Mine. I wanted to tell stories set in a small town about people who overcome hardships, disappointments and even trauma to find their happily ever after. Child Of Mine is Lauren and Cole’s story. They’ve been friends since they were kids, but Lauren marries Cole’s brother Billy. What Lauren doesn’t know is that Cole has always been in love with her, even after she married his brother.
After Billy dies in a car crash, comfort turns to passion on the day of the funeral and results in a surprise pregnancy. When news of Lauren’s pregnancy gets out, everyone assumes Billy is the father, and Lauren is too afraid of scandal to set them straight. Cole insists on marriage. He wants nothing more than to claim Lauren and the baby as his. Though Lauren marries him, he’s not sure if he’ll ever have her heart. Read more about Child Of Mine on my website.
Cole is a veterinarian and loves animals. When Lauren and Cole marry, she moves into his house with him and his dog Brady, who adores Lauren.
Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY
So, the series starts with just one pet. But then in book two, To Heal A Heart, Blair Greyson, a veterinary technician, moves to Masonville to work at the veterinary clinic with Cole. Blair comes to live with her grandfather on his farm just outside of town, and she brings her two rescue horses, Stormy and Rainbow, with her. Her grandfather has an elderly golden retriever named Jake who’s his constant companion. Blair meets Garrett Saunders, who is Lauren’s brother, when she finds his rescue horse Harry on the road to Masonville. They make a deal for Blair to board Harry at the farm in exchange for Garrett helping with some repairs on the barn.
During the course of the book, Garrett’s other sister Charlotte convinces Blair to adopt Frisco, a three-legged cross breed dog who’s never going to win any prizes for beauty. So that’s five more pets added to the list. If you’d like to read more about To Heal A Heart, check it out on my website.
Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Heal-Heart-Masonville-Book-ebook/dp/B0875SLGK6
Then in Unexpected, the pet count expands even more. Jamie Garven is a veterinarian who works at the Masonville Veterinary Clinic with Cole and Blair. After a painful divorce, Jamie fills her house with pets. She has an aquarium full of angel fish, two rescue dogs named Sammy and Rex, and an African Gray parrot named Hector that she adopted after his owner died. Jamie doesn’t believe she’ll ever have children, so her pets fill a void in her life. But all that changes when Ben Greyson and his two stepdaughters move in next door. Unexpected is currently with my editor and will be published later this year.
I’m currently working on Strong Enough, the fourth book in the series. This is where the animal count gets totally out of hand. Charlotte Saunders is a nurse who volunteers with Best Friends Haven for Dogs in nearby Bismarck. She takes her work at the shelter very seriously. She’s adopted two dogs herself, a Beagle named Daisy, and River, a German Shepherd/lab cross. When animal protection officers remove over thirty dogs from an animal hoarding situation and bring them to the shelter, Best Friends Haven becomes unmanageably overcrowded and is on the brink of collapse. They may have to euthanize most of the hoarder dogs, starting with the four pregnant dogs. Charlotte is heart-broken.
But then her brother Garrett and sister-in-law Blair step in to house the hoarder dogs in their barn. And Blair’s brother Damon, who is establishing a retreat for military veterans on the farm, offers help in looking after all the dogs. He’ll do just about anything to make Charlotte happy. I’m hoping to finish Strong Enough soon and send it out into the world!
2. Why did you add pets to this series?
Honestly, I didn’t set out initially to include so many animals. I gave Cole a dog in the first book because many of the vets I know have pets/animals of their own, sometimes several. Then, as I got to know my characters, it made perfect sense that they would be dedicated to animal welfare. By the fourth book, rescuing both animals and people is a strong theme.
Aside from that, I love animals. We had our dog Lou for fifteen years. We lost her almost a year and a half ago and I miss her every day. Fortunately, my daughter has a cat named Gibson that we get to babysit every once in a while, so that takes some of the sting away. We had cats for years before we had Lou, so I guess I’m a hybrid dog/cat lover!
3. What other books have you written?
A couple of my other books also prominently feature pets. In my paranormal comedy Burning Love, Iris gets evicted from her apartment after her careless cooking causes a kitchen fire. She has a hard time finding another place for her and her cat Whiskers to call home. Finally, she rents a room in the house that Riley is fixing up. Whiskers and his black lab Buddy get along great, eventually. But a few curtains get shredded first!
Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Love-ebook/dp/B003552TVU
In One More Second Chance, Julia’s six-year-old daughter Ava gets a white kitten she calls Snowball. That name pays homage to my white cat Snowball. She was my pet when I wasn’t much older than Ava.
Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/More-Second-Chance-Lobster-Cove-ebook/dp/B00S46KSX6/
I write mostly contemporary romance, including contemporary small-town romance, but I’ve dabbled in romantic suspense and paranormal romance as well. I’ve also written romantic comedy and stories set during World War Two. One of my next projects is going to be a time travel romance. I can’t wait to get to work on it!
4. Tell us about your reviews.
I got some really nice reviews for my last release, To Heal A Heart:
“This book wrecked me! I read it all in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down. It was such an emotional roller coaster.”
“With her latest novel, author Jana Richards shows, once again, her gift for snappy dialogue, multi-layered characters and gut-wrenching emotion. This is not a book to pick up, thinking you’ll read for a few minutes before turning in. No no no. To Heal A Heart is one of those page turners you will not forget soon…On a scale of 1-5, To Heal A Heart deserves a 7.”
“OMG I love this book but make sure you have tissue handy. You will definitely need them.”
5. How do you promote your books?
I do a variety of things. I blog, I use social media and I guest at lovely blogs like Marcia’s. I’ve begun experimenting with Amazon and Facebook ads. I also have a newsletter and I love connecting with readers there. I always love new readers to sign up and you’ll receive a copy of my full-length book Take A Chance On Me when you do! Sign up at https://www.janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter
6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Glad you asked!
Website: http://www.janarichards.com
Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards
Amazon UK Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG
Newsletter Signup: http://janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards
Marcia James: Thank you, Jana, for stopping by my Go Pets blog! I look forward to reading your novels!
READER INVITATION: Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Beverley Bateman
1. I hear you have a paranormal dog in your novel, Death Southern Style. Tell us about the book.
Death Southern Style is set in New Orleans among the ghosts and voodoo. A woman is murdered. Julie Ann, her daughter, arrives right after her mother’s death. She begins a search for the killer and the reason for the murder. She stays in her home, hoping for a connection with her mother who had psychic abilities. A small dog appears out of nowhere in the house. She protects Julie Ann from attacks as Julie Ann searches for the killer and a family secret.
Death Southern Style blurb: When Perrine Dupré dies under suspicious circumstances, her daughter, Julie Ann Dupré, returns to New Orleans to find the truth about her mother’s death. She uncovers a family secret, hidden for years. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will the little dog who appears after her mother’s death help her? Is the sexy detective out to help her, or is he part of police corruption?
Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans, comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. His father may have died as part of that corruption. He meets Julie Ann, checks out her mother’s death and finds it was badly handled. Julie Ann deserves the truth, and he wants to find it for her.
Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And can their relationship survive?
2. Why do you add animals to your books?
I’ve always loved animals, dogs, cats, hamsters and even rabbits. I’ve had cats, but I’m mostly a dog person and have had several dogs, all sizes. They become part of the family. My last two were Shiba Inus. They lived until they were sixteen. Losing them was like losing a family member. A short time later we adopted a ten-year-old rescue dog named Benji. He was found abandoned on the street.
Animals become part of my family. So, when I write I feel pets, usually dogs, should be included as part of the family and part of the story. Sometimes they’re there as family members, and other times, like in Death Southern Style, they are a secondary character, important to the heroine and the story.
3. What other books have you written?
I mostly write romantic suspense with strong heroines. Sometimes western romantic suspense. It has to be a romance with a HEA [Happily Ever After], and I love to have a mystery or a murder. A couple of the books I’ve written are below.
The Foundation Series – The Fourth Victim: Sara’s Story
Blurb: Sara’s emotionally abusive husband dies unexpectedly. She’s struggling to reclaim the intelligent, independent person she was before she married. She vows never to let a man take over her life again. Now she’s part of a special team, training to help other women and on the track of a serial killer.
Mac is responsible for training women in special ops techniques, so they are prepared when they are challenged to save other women. When he meets Sara, sparks fly between them. He wants her to quit the training and let him take care of her.
Can Mac step back and trust her in a dangerous situation? Can Sara and Mac resolve their issues, or will they go in opposite directions?
And of course, we have a dog, a golden lab named Gloria.
Buy Links for The Fourth Victim:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JQ97L8M?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-fourth-victim-9
iTunes: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-fourth-victim/id1440048796?ls=1&mt=11
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Beverley_Bateman_The_Fourth_Victim?id=_Od3DwAAQBAJ
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-fourth-victim-saras-story-beverley-bateman/1129787236;jsessionid=DCE3DC6D307F1874CC82403A3F744C44.prodny_store01-atgap02?ean=2940155751731
Targeted – The Hawkins’ Family Series: Kye’s story
Blurb: After an eleven-year absence, Janna Kincaid inherits a ranch and is forced to return to a town she only remembers with unhappiness, a man to whom she was briefly married and never wants to see again, and someone is trying to kill her.
Kye Hawkins has loved Janna since he first met her. They were married, but a few weeks later she ran away without an explanation. He still hasn’t figured out why. Now she’s coming back. Does she still love him? Can he rekindle the romance and also prevent her from being killed?
Janna doesn’t want Kye’s help in anyway, yet he always seems to be there when she’s in trouble. Can they work together to find a killer, save the Native burial ground and home of the spirits, and find romance again?
And yes, there’s a scruffy rescue dog named Lucky.
Buy Links for Targeted:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Targeted-Hawkins-Ranch-Kyes-Story-ebook/dp/B016E1RAP6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446771859&sr=8-1&keywords=beverley+bateman
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/targeted/id1054711828?ls=1&mt=11
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Beverley_Bateman_Targeted?id=pnfgCgAAQBAJ&hl=en
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/targeted-14
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/targeted-beverley-bateman/1123164617?ean=2940152823387
4. How do you promote your books?
I’m not a marketer or promoter. I’d rather write. I’m on Triberr and Twitter, and I do promote there. I promote with Amazon Ads, NN Light’s promos, author spots on guest blogs, my twice weekly blogs on my blog site, my website, some contests. and posts on multiple Group loops. I should do more, but then I’d give up more writing time.
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Website: www.beverleybateman.com
BLOG: http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Beverley-Bateman/e/B008M01F5E
author@beverleybateman.com https://outlook.live.com/mail
Facebook Author page: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeverleyBateman?ref=hl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beverley.bateman.18
Twitter: @kelownawriter
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/okwriter
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/okwriter/interest
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7052567.Beverley_Bateman
LinkedIn: babateman@shaw.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleybateman/
Instagram: Beverley.Bateman
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/beverley-bateman
Marcia James: Thank you, Beverley, for stopping by my Go Pets blog! I look forward to reading your novels!
READER INVITATION: Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Kryssie Fortune
1. I hear you have a dog in your “Heroes of Westhorpe Ridge” series.
I have the best collie ever. Duffy’s the well-trained and much-loved dog of the local sheriff. He pops up in all three “Heroes of Westhorpe Ridge” books. He’s protective and loyal, not just to his owner, but those who have befriended him. In Marriage, Mobsters, and the Marine, he alerts the heroine when her son’s in trouble.
In Sex, Scandal, and the Sheriff, he befriends the heroine when she and the sheriff are caught up in a huge misunderstanding.
In Desire, Deceit, and the Doctor, he saves a young boy’s life.
The more he bobbed up in the stories, the more I loved him.
While each book is available separately, they’re collected together in Veterans, Vixens and Villains. It also includes a full-length novel, Submission, Secrets, and the Soldier. Either individually or collectively, the books are available on Kindle Unlimited.
Check out Veterans, Vixens and Villains here: https://www.amazon.com/Veterans-Vixens-Villains-Westhorpe-Omnibus-ebook/dp/B082BJN4NM/
2. Tell us about your latest vampire novel.
Like your romance hot? Does story matter more than sex? Claimed as Theirs gives you both. I’ve had amazing reviews for my second post-apocalyptic novel. The first, Taken as Theirs, featured werewolves. My new one is set in the same world, but it revolves around a triad of vampires trying to reclaim the vampire nation for the true heir. They need a human woman’s touch to do that, though. It’s set on Lindisfarne, a tiny island off the Northumberland coast. Bonus–I got to visit there to check out the details. One reviewer said she could see the settings they were so real.
Claimed as Theirs Blurb:
When she is captured and thrown into a cage filled with ravenous vampires, Gwen assumes she will be devoured. But among the horde is a huge, terrifyingly powerful berserker who has other plans for her. She will belong not only to him, but to all of the vampires of his triad, and her beautiful body will be theirs to use and enjoy as thoroughly and shamefully as they please.
Gwen soon learns that her new masters will demand obedience from their little human, and it isn’t long before her defiance has earned her a painful, humiliating spanking. But even with tears still running down her blushing cheeks, her helpless arousal cannot be denied, and as she is claimed and ravaged again and again, her pleas for mercy are soon lost amid her cries of pleasure.
Publisher’s Note: Claimed as Theirs is a stand-alone novel set in the same world as Taken as Theirs. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.
Buy Links:
Free on Kindle Unlimited
Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VGTLMG2/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08VGTLMG2/
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08VGTLMG2/
Amazon Au: https://www.amazon.com.au/Claimed-as-Theirs-Kryssie-Fortune-ebook/dp/B08VGTLMG2
3. Where do you find inspiration for your books?
My friends think I live in a parallel universe. They see rocks, I see dragon scales. They think Whitby Abby–which is close to where I live—is romantic. I think it’s full of vampires and werewolves. They talk about childhood pets. After I’ve told them how much I loved Larry, my Welsh Terrier, I tell them about the hollow tree where my pet dragon lived. I have fairy doors in my garden and see the world in bright, mysterious colours. It’s not so much as getting inspiration, it’s which story to write next. I never imagined a Berserker/Vampire halfling until I started to write Claimed as Theirs, though.
4. What is your writing process?
Sit down and write it. Getting the first draft on paper isn’t the hard bit. I’m dyslexic, so I do at least six read-throughs. Then my husband and my wonderful friend Wendy both check it for me. That said, every book I have on Amazon is professionally edited—although some of the rights have reverted to me.
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Website: https://www.KryssieFortune.com/
Blog: http://kryssiefortune.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KryssieFortune
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KryssieFortune
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1OGFnjc
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kxqabJ
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2hA0ZVO
Marcia James: Thank you, Kryssie, for stopping by my Go Pets blog! I look forward to reading your novels!
READER INVITATION: Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Kathy Otten
1. I hear you have a mule in one of your novels. Tell us about the book.
A Tarnished Knight is a historical romance novel about a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, Ryder MacKenzie, who was ambushed by cattle rustlers. While playing poker trying to win money to buy new stock, he is told about a large reward to capture a runaway wife and return her to her husband. Since his horse was killed and he has no money, he ends up having to ride a mule that nobody wants in order to retrieve and return this runaway wife. Despite being constantly bucked off and having to always catch the mule, Percy and Ryder develop an odd love/hate relationship throughout the book, and in the end as Ryder finds love, so does Percy.
Blurb: Fleeing her abusive husband, Victoria Van der Beck is captured by down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, Ryder MacKenzie. As she comes to love this man who hides his face in shadows, she wonders if he could be the valiant knight for whom she’s been longing. Is he the champion who would save her from the evil prince, or is MacKenzie just a paid lackey determined to return her to her husband?
Available in print and e-book.
Amazon: A Tarnished Knight – Kindle edition by Otten, Kathy. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
2. Why did you add a mule to A Tarnished Knight?
For a cowman to be seen riding a mule at that time was somewhat humiliating, so I gave Ryder a mule to further emphasis his run of bad luck.
Over the years, I’ve had horses, cows, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs, cats, fish, and a hamster, but never a mule. Currently though, I’m down to one dog, Henry, and one cat, Goofy. Here’s a photo of Henry to the right.
3. What other books have you written?
I’ve written several novels, novellas, and short stories. My latest release is Heart of Ash, a historical M/M [Male/Male] short story which takes place during WWI. It was a little outside my usual genre, but love is love, no matter whom that may be, so maybe it’s not so different.
Blurb: In the skies over France during the Great War, the life expectancy of a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps is measured in days.
Captain Elliot “Ash” Bainbridge is certain he’ll be the next pilot sent spinning to earth in a ball of fire. Not because the Germans will shoot him down, but because God will punish him for daring to love another man.
When Ash met Lieutenant Harry March, their attraction was instant. But Harry hates Ash’s fatalistic attitude. He believes in capturing the moment.
Can Ash set aside his fear of death and take a chance on love? Or should he try to keep his heart safe from hurt forever?
Amazon: Heart of Ash – Kindle edition by Otten, Kathy. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
4. How do you promote your books?
I promote mostly through social media, guest blogs, and in-person writers conferences and book signings. I’ve taken out a few ads here and there, through BookBub and Net Galley.
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Website: https://www.KathyOtten.com
Amazon Author Page: Amazon.com : Kathy Otten
Facebook: (20+) Kathy Otten Historical Romance Author | Facebook
Twitter: Kathy Otten (@KathyOtten) / Twitter
Marcia James: Thank you, Kathy, for stopping by my Go Pets blog! I look forward to reading your novels!
READER INVITATION: Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
D.V. Stone
1 I hear you have animals in your novels. Tell us about one of the books.
Thank you so much for having me and my book pets visit. Animal rescue is near and dear to my heart. Today I’ll share with you about two very special Basset Hounds in Rainbow Sprinkles. This book is part of the Wild Rose Press “One Scoop or Two” series about ice cream. So what could be better…doggos and dessert! In my novella, there are two hounds named Fred and Sadie. Both quirky dogs are based on my own two from a very fond past. Bassets have an amazing personality and [are] totally food motivated. I brought those characteristics to Lake Unami in Northern New Jersey. Here’s a little taste…
Rainbow Sprinkles Blurb:
Retired and widowed Gloriana Jones is forging on with the plans she and her late husband dreamed of—bringing joy and happiness, one ice cream cone at a time, to Lake Unami. But bad weather is drowning her dream.
A trip to Upstate NY is bittersweet for Nathan James. He is excited to see his first granddaughter but without his wife he’s lonely. When his car breaks down, he heads to the only light he can see, an ice cream shop.
With aid from a heavenly source, electricity sparks, but will the two weather the summer storms and find love a second time? Or will their hopes and dreams melt away?
Buy Links:
Amazon
2. Why do you add animals to your books?
All of my writing has animals in various roles. I’m working on a 2021 (hopefully) release where two German Shepherds (one of my favorite breeds) play a more prominent part. Officer Michael Machau rescued them from a hoarding situation.
I’ve been involved in rescue most of my life. All my fur babies have been adopted, and I’ve fostered both dogs and cats. Bottle kittens by the boatload. And both young and senior dogs. I also worked for almost ten years in an animal emergency hospital.
3. What genres do you write?
I’m a multi-genre author. Since I read everything, that’s the way I write. My favorite is Fantasy/Romance, and Rainbow Sprinkles falls under that category with a second-chance romance and a little heavenly help. I also write mid-grade paranormal and contemporary romantic suspense.
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
I’ve been blessed to have had mostly four- and five-star reviews sprinkled with an occasional three. Rainbow Sprinkles was a finalist in the international digital awards. Rock House Grill a finalist in N.N. Lights Book Heaven, and I’m waiting anxiously for a few other announcements.
One of my favorite reviewers said—Rainbow Sprinkles is a delightful read. Just the book for relaxing at the end of a hectic day. Every page made me happy! That is one of my goals in writing. To make someone happy.
5. How do you promote your books, if you’d like to tell us?
I’d love to skip this question, but it’s an important one. Book promotions are as elusive as a mirage. I’m part of the usual social media, but I don’t know how effective it is in sales. It’s also a great time suck. Blogging is one of my favorites. Being invited to a wonderful site like yours and graciously introduced to your readers is priceless. I also host blogs on my webpage spotlighting other authors and their books at Welcome to the Campfire and Take A Peek. These run weekly on Wednesday and Saturday.
6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Thank you for asking. Link Tree has all the links, but here’s the individual links:
https://mailchi.mp/23c28f1b6477/dvstoneauthorcom
https://www.DVStoneAuthor.com/
https://www.instagram.com/d.v.stone/
https://twitter.com/donnavstone
https://www.facebook.com/dv.stone.1
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16344100.D_V_Stone
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-v-stone
https://www.amazon.com/D.-V.-Stone/e/B01N154Y9U
Marcia James: Thank you, D.V., for stopping by my Go Pets blog! I look forward to reading your novels!
READER INVITATION: Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Christina Butrum
1. I hear you have pets and animals in your books. Tell us about the books.
My books are sweet, clean and wholesome small-town romance. I favor a lot of tropes, but my main go-to is second chance or single parent. In Choosing Chelsea, Book 12 in the Gold Coast Retrievers series from Sweet Promise Press, I focused solely on including an adorable Golden Retriever, Ollie, and his horse-loving owner, Chelsea. Of course, the story centers around a single father and his little girl, Lily. This story was one of my favorites to write and has several aww factors.
In another series of mine – the Maple Glen Romance Series – I have two books that have animals in them. It Takes Two focuses on a dog walker meeting a butcher at the local meat locker and deli (a meet cute any dog lover will enjoy!).
The other book, Room for Two, involves a Bed & Breakfast, two geese, and a large black lab who lacks obedience and discipline. Needless to say, readers find humor in this series along with an aww factor!
[For Buy Links and Book Blurbs, click here: https://www.authorchristinabutrum.com/books]
2. Why did you add dogs to your books?
I love dogs! Honestly, I love ALL animals, but since I can’t have a panda or an elephant, I’ll love on my two dogs, Emmie Mae and Avery. Emmie is a pudgy black lab who loves food! LOL Avery is a Pit/Lab that I adopted from a local rescue. He’s a mama’s boy and loves to cuddle!
3. What other books have you written?
I have over 20 books published on Amazon, with another releasing December 25th with Sweet Promise Press. This book will be titled No Time for Mistletoes and will focus heavily on the “fake relationship” trope as well as a second chance. I don’t have a cover or buy links just yet, but will soon!
4. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
I’d love for you to check out my website! www.AuthorChristinaButrum.com I’ve recently revamped it and have added special features! You can find a sign-up link to my newsletter, as well as my ARC [Advanced Reader Copy] team, AND a link to my reader group on Facebook. I also have an Instagram page (@authorcbutrum) and I’m on Pinterest(@authorcbutrum).
Marcia James: Thank you, Christina, for stopping by my Go Pets blog! I look forward to reading your novels!
READER INVITATION: Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Laura Ashwood
1. I hear you have pets in your novels. Tell us about your corgi book.
My book, A New Leash on Love, is part of The Celebrity Corgi series published by Sweet Promise Press. The premise of the series is that each main character is some type of celebrity that has a very spoiled pet corgi. The main character in my book, Prince Dorian of Avington, has Gatsby. When he goes on a goodwill tour of the U.S., he needs to hire a travel companion to look after Gatsby while he’s at his appearances.
2. Why did you add a pet to this book?
Having a pet in the series was part of the premise of the series, but part of why I was drawn to write in the series. I have three dogs myself and two of them go everywhere with me, so I very much could relate to traveling with a pet, although I don’t have a special person hired to care for them. Pets bring so much joy to my life, and I honestly can’t imagine not having one. In any book that I can fit a pet, there will be a pet.
3. What other books have you written?
A Little Something Sweet is a contemporary romance that is part of The Java Cupid Romance series. It’s been called “Hallmark in a bakery” by one reviewer. In that book, the main character finds a kitten in a dumpster (so sad) and gives it a home.
An Agent for Clarissa is part of the Pinkerton Matchmaker series and is a sweet historical romance. Due to the setting of that book, I was unable to give her a pet, but the book is full of mystery and intrigue.
Right now, I am writing A Bride for Levi (which will likely be published by the time this interview is live), which is a part of the Proxy Bride series. It’s also a historical sweet mail-order bride romance. The main character, Levi, saved an abandoned pup.
I’m also delving into the world of Women’s Fiction and will have a book out in March, 2021 with a special needs dog.
4. How do you promote your books?
As a new author (I just started writing in 2018), I am still learning how to promote. I do a lot of newsletter swaps and belong to several sweet romance author Facebook groups.
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
My website is (www.LauraAshwood.com), and they can follow me on any of my social media (links below).
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Facebook
Bookbub
I also have a private Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/lauraashwoodbooks), and Amazon page (https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Ashwood/e/B07D2HNHBN/).
Marcia James: Thank you, Laura, for stopping by my Go Pets blog! I look forward to reading your novels!
READER INVITATION: Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!