Book Dive #4 cont... BLUEST HEART + Blog Tour Dates

Here's a never-before-seen peek into Bluest Heart:

She drove without any idea where to go. That subtle scent of his filled her Jeep, making her dizzy. If she’d had a lick of sense, she could roll down the window and let the muggy air staunch it out.

She took a long drag and held the scent in her lungs. Warmth crawled up her torso. God, she wanted him.

Gravel spit under her tires as she jerked the wheel and turned into the rodeo arena parking lot.

"Whoa!" he yelled, gripping the roll bar over his head as the Jeep veered into the grass toward the picnic area. "Where the hell are you going?"

She braked hard under a tree and ground the shift into park. Unbuckling her seatbelt, she wrested it aside and crawled over the console into his lap, mouth seeking his. Her kiss swallowed his sound of surprise. She couldn’t think. Until the burn he’d lit inside her died out, she just had to kiss him.

It only spread. She deepened the kiss, urgently stroking his tongue with hers. His taste was rare, lovely. Who needed whiskey when you could have Casey Ridge? Her hands snuck under his shirt, stroking the hard muscles over his abdomen. She thrilled in his shiver as her nails trailed teasingly over his chest.

He didn’t fight her. Arms winding around her, he pulled her tight against him. His mouth moved under hers, challenging, daring. She shifted, her boots knocking against the confines of the dash until she straddled him and ground her hips into his. His head dropped back against the headrest on a groan. Managing to push his shirt up over his stomach, she fumbled with the snap of his jeans.

"Whoa," he said again, this time breathlessly, turning his mouth away from hers. "Whoa, wait a minute."

"Shut up and kiss me," she hissed, arching into him again. "Touch me." "Not here, Jos," he said, gripping her wrists. "I won’t do it here."

She jerked out of his hands and pushed her hair from her face, frustrated. "Why the hell not?"

"I’m not going to do it here in the car," he ex-plained. "That’s no way to treat a lady."

"I’m no lady," she retorted.

His eyes softened and his hand lifted to touch her face. "Yeah, you are. You just don’t want people to know it."

"Oh, but you do," she said sourly.

"I know you," he assured her. He said it the same way he’d spoken earlier. Her heart cried out for that softness, that promise of tender love and care.

Unable to stand how weak it made her feel, she licked her lips, tasting him there. He wasn’t going to get away from her this time. She’d cry if he did, and she never cried. Hand trailing down between them, she gripped the insistent bulge under the fly of his jeans. "So where do you take all your ladies, Casey?"

He blew out a breath, a groan stirring deep in his throat. "I’m driving."

BLUEST HEART (c) Amber Leigh Williams

Purchase Bluest Heart and the first book in the Ridge family saga, Blackest Heart, at The Wild Rose Press. Get the Blues now for just $3.75. Get to know the Ridges from the beginning with 1st Place More Than Magic Novella Blackest Heart for only $3.00 (also on sale now in paperback)! Scroll down for more from both and stay tuned tomorrow for a dive into Book III, Bet It On My Heart!

The Bet It On My Heart vid will air here at Cozy on March 2, followed by release day on March 3. Here are some tour dates:

March 3 - The Wild Rose Press Blog

March 3 - Coffee House Author Blog

March 4 - Virtual Romance Blog

March 10 - Paty Jager Blog

March 11 - Rachel Brimble Blog

March 18 - Southern Sizzlers Blog

Book Dive #4: BLUEST HEART

Title: Bluest Heart
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Release Date: January 2010
Available In: Ebook



Series Note: This is another addition to TWRP's Wayback, TX continuation series. It is also Book II in the Wayback Ridge trilogy. More than a year after Blackest Heart's release, anticipated sequel Bluest Heart was launched. (Thankfully, readers won't have to wait as long for Book III!)

Heat Rating: This is the first time my published titles shifted from "spicy" to "hot." Probably because of some early "action" between the h/h. Book III, Bet It On My Heart, also received a "hot" label. (On TWRP's rating scale, stories that are more than "hot" are sold on their erotica site, The WILDER Rose Press.)



Original Title: I wanted to continue the "Heart" theme. The funny thing I discovered about these titles is that although the trilogy is centered around the Ridge family, Blackest Heart is named for hero, Judd Black, instead of Ridge daughter, heroine Stella. In turn, Bluest Heart is named for heroine Josie Brusky instead of hero Casey Ridge, one of Stella's lovable brothers. Originally, I wanted this book to be called "Heart of Stone" because of Josie's tough shell. But this title was already taken. I bounced ideas off of writing friends and approached my editor with "Heart So Blue." She came back with Bluest Heart. It's as fitting as Judd's Blackest Heart because though it may seem Josie as a "Heart of Stone", it's because of her rough past and her inability to put her trust in anyone's hands, even cowboy sweetheart Casey.


Why A Sequel? I didn't plan telling Casey and Keefe's stories. In truth, I didn't know if western romance was a genre I would want to explore. But I loved writing Blackest Heart and after a helpful push from a CP, who wanted secondary character Casey at least to find love, I took the trilogy plunge. Although the Wayback line is ending and there are no more Ridge family stories to tell, I know for certain that I will be venturing west again for another family saga. (I actually have two trilogies in the works - one contemporary, one paranormal - as well as a single-title historical western, a tie-in to stories written by some familiar faces around here: Marguerite Arotin and Abbey MacInnis.)



Cover Artist: Tamra Westberry



Awards: Nominated "Best Book of the Week" by LASR
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Hero: Casey Ridge



Hero Occupation: Ridge Range ranch hand/cattle driver (second in line to inherit) and prize-winning rodeo calf-roper



Hero Description:

She smelled beer on him, too, but it didn’t overwhelm the scent of his subtle aftershave. The low-key aroma drove her crazy. Like a dog sniffing another in heat, she was immediately aroused. Worse, he was grinning at her. The dimple in his chin deepened and the laugh lines dipped into his cheeks. Her heart pattered eagerly. He’d let his hair grow out, like he used to. Needle straight, the hay-colored strands fingered his eyelids. His face and torso were the same tan hue. Honey-toned, she’d thought so long ago when she’d gotten a gander under his button-up shirt and faded Levi’s.

This Ridge boy’s single purpose was to drive her into lusty insanity. She could look all she wanted but to break down and touch him again…there would be no turning back from that.

Hero's Stunt Double: Gabriel Macht. A while back, there was a movie called American Outlaws, based on Jesse James' posse. Gabriel played James' (Colin Farrell) brother, Frank. It isn't hard to imagine this cutie as a cowboy hero after watching this western. Gabriel also has a "nice guy" quality that has followed him through his movie roles. (Anybody remember his turn as Mandy Moore's hero, Johnny, in Because I Said So? It's also not difficult to measure Gabriel up to Casey's working man physicality after seeing him masquerade as a superhero in The Spirit.)



Hero's Greatest Strength: Casey's a "good boy" but - like sister Stella - when it comes to wanting something, he works until he gets it. He's been waiting for Josie for a decade so needless to say he doesn't give up on anything. And he always gives one-hundred percent, no matter how long it takes.



Hero's Greatest Weakness: This one was hard. Casey isn't perfect, but he's so noble and lovable, it's hard to find a fault in him. Most of all, I think Josie is his weakness. She stretches his patience (and no wonder, after ten years of convincing). When it comes to family dynamics, he craves peace, which is why he usually winds up mediating between more drama-oriented siblings, Keefe and Stella.



Hero's Astrological Sign: Libra (This sign is: Charming with a great love of beauty and harmony.... Know how to appreciate the various pleasures of life, and they are naturally kind. Because they are even-tempered, they can be very social and diplomatic, and they are the most empathetic of all the signs... Everlasting search for balance... Loathe the conflicts in life... The ultimate team players, always functioning better when they are paired up.)
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Heroine Name: Josie Brusky

Heroine Occupation: Honky-tonk singer, owner of Josie's Treasures - Wayback's gift shop, barrel racing rodeo competitor

Heroine Description:

Her curly, red hair spilled out of the back of the hat. He could just make out the flash of her whiskey-colored, bedroom eyes and the trademark mole at the base of her left cheek. The crowd loved her. So did the spotlight. She might not have had the strongest voice, but it was pretty enough. The song choice was perfect, plenty of attitude. That was Josie, all right.

Heroine Stunt Double: Rachel McAdams. Plenty of attitude as well as vulnerability, which fits Josie to a T.

Heroine's Greatest Strength: Her ability to adapt. Josie's led a hard life and yet she's managed to jump hurtle after hurtle. The thing I admire most about her is that she rises above rumors of her "bad girl" behavior. Small town gossips are the harshest and though it may hinder some aspects of her life, she's not afraid to be who she is. One of my favorite aspects of her relationship with Casey is that he is the one man she refuses to go to be with. She refuses to lead him on because he's the only one she cares deeply about. It's her acknowledgment that he deserves better.

Heroine's Greatest Weakness: Repels weakness. To her, Casey Ridge is a weakness because she has trouble resisting him. Though she has no doubt he's the one man she can trust with her heart, she's lived with barriers so long she doesn't know how to open herself to him completely. Although she rises above those who spurn her past life, she doubts her own worth, which is another reason she steers clear of Casey. To her, he's everything that is good while she is the opposite. Feels as if the only way she can be strong is by striving for independence.

Heroine's Astrological Sign: Pisces (This sign is: Able to adapt emotionally to any environment. Their symbol is a pair of fishes, one swimming above the other in the opposite direction. Likewise, they possess some duality in their personalities. On the one hand, they can be kind, compassionate, sensitive, and very understanding, but like to keep their true emotions under wraps, placing great focus on their inner journey. Pisceans are very easy-going and would rather wait for their problems to sort themselves out than face them.)

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What Sets This Book Apart: It's the good boy versus the bad girl, which offers entertainment for readers. The thing I didn't expect was the healing arc, the same from its prequel, Blackest Heart. It's also the inner journey of Josie discovering her own worth and breaking through her own armor to accept an honorable man in her life.

Favorite Scene: The first time Casey tells Josie he loves her. The scene is the third act dark moment of the plot and it is simultaneously heartbreaking and inevitable. When picking favorites, I'm all for the light-hearted moments (and when Casey turns on the charm, there are plenty of them) and usually steer clear of the sadder parts of the story. But something about both Casey and Josie in this scene latched onto my heart.

Blurb:

The Wayback bachelor is a dying breed, but that doesn't stop Casey Ridge from wanting to settle down. For this cowboy anyone but Josie Brusky would be an easy wrangle. Unfortunately for him, the Blue Bug singer and owner of Josie's Treasures doesn't believe in commitment much less marriage.
Years ago, Josie lost her heart to Casey's charm and dimpled smile. Since then she has done everything she knows to forget him. After all, she’s known as the local harlot and the daughter of the town’s biggest bigot. Casey could have any girl he wanted. Why would he saddle himself with her? In the wake of a shattering past, she refuses to give up her independence.
Casey digs down deep to win her over, but does he have what it takes to win Wayback's bluest heart?

What People Are Saying:

Bluest Heart is a romance that inspires feel-good tingles in all the right places. Author Amber Leigh Williams has created a story with characters readers are bound to adore and remember. What a fantastic story! Ms. Williams managed to snare my heart and wretch every bit of emotion possible from it. Tightly written and hits the emotions like a freight train. Cowboy fans will love Bluest Heart, and if they are anything like me, will make a direct trip to The Wild Rose Press to purchase the preceding story, Blackest Heart. Don’t miss out on this one, folks. You get romance, heartache, and a whole lot of making up for lost time.- Long & Short Reviews

I recently read Amber Leigh Williams's Bluest Heart and highly recommend it along with her previous novella in the Wayback series, Blackest Heart.
- Author Crystal-Rain Love

Book Dive #3 cont... BLACKEST HEART

Continuing my backlist book dive with the book video for Blackest Heart! The latter half of this post will be presented by the Southern Sizzlers in mid-March so stay tuned for that fun link. Also, you Wayback readers will be happy to know that I have completed the book video for the final book in the Ridge family saga, which will air for the first time here at Cozy on March 2nd! Woot!



Keep on scrollin' for more about Blackest Heart! You can buy it now for just $3.00 at The Wild Rose Press in ebook or paperback.

Thought I'd add this vid for The Way Back Home, made by fellow contributor to the anthology Marguerite Arotin:




A dive into Bluest Heart is coming your way tomorrow. My website has been updated to include Bet It On My Heart and new reviews. Plus, me and all the rest of The Wild Rose Press gang will be pimping titles and excerpts at the Fallen Angel Review Chatters group. Don't miss it!

Book Dive #3: BLACKEST HEART

Continuing the countdown to Bet It On My Heart's launch, here's a dive into the first book in the Wayback Ridge trilogy...

Title: Blackest Heart

Genre: Contemporary Western Romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Release Date: November 2008

Available in: Ebook and paperback anthology The Way Back Home

Joining the Rodeo: Those who were here at Cozy in January know that Blackest Heart is a part of the multi-authored continuation series from The Wild Rose Press called Wayback, TX, "Where A Cowboy Falls In Love Every Eight Seconds." The three novellas in The Way Back Home anthology are all Wayback stories. None of the series has to be read in order, but Blackest Heart is the beginning of the Ridge family saga. The heroine, Stella, is mentioned briefly in Marguerite Arotin's Return of the Prodigal Daughter, a tie-in to Abbey MacInnis' Delighting Miss Daisy (both of which are also published in TWBH). Wayback stories are all novella-length set in the pre-conceived town of Wayback loosely tied to previous published stories in the series (meaning the occassional cameo from early characters), a rodeo theme, and a spunky heroine! Learn more here from editor Spencer Glenn.

Original Title: The first draft of BH was tentatively titled "Man on the Side", based on the John Mayer cover of Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Lenny" (found on the Any Given Tuesday album). After a conversation with my CP, though, I decided to play on the hero's last name, Black.

Cover Artist: This was the first of many amazing Tamra Westberry covers, the go-to designer for the Wayback, TX Series.

Awards: 1st Place Novella in the 2009 More Than Magic Contest

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Hero Name: Judd Black

Hero Occupation: Ranch hand at Ridge Range and champion bull rider

Hero Description:

He only stared at her, his eyes inscrutable under the brim of his black Stetson. Again his physical appeal struck her. The night before, she’d only had a moment up close and very personal with him. The last time she’d seen him, he still hadn’t filled out his long legs or arms though he’d towered far over both the Ridge brothers. She remembered how his skin had stretched taut over the broad bones of his face, giving him a haunted look.
He’d certainly grown into them, limbs and facial features. His jaw flared out from his lengthy chin. The points of his cheekbones were still prominent but muscle had grown over the rest, filling out the rest of his face. His eyes, as she remembered, were narrow and mystifying. Whenever he’d looked at her, she’d been struck by all the different hues of brown, ranging from dark chocolate to golden yellow with specks of deep green splattered here and there.

Hero's Stunt Double: There isn't anyone who could portray Judd, but I'd love to hear what readers would say. Who do you think could double as this silent cowboy?

Hero's Greatest Strength: Ever wish a guy could be a better listener. Look no further! He's also quick on his feet and knows how to treat a woman if he cares enough to invite her back to his place!

Hero's Greatest Weakness: His dark past is a constant cloud yet he isn't willing to deal with the emotional backlash.

Hero's Astrological Sign: Taurus (This sign is: Practical and reliable... Place a very high value on stability and security... very faithful and patient, but when this sign does become angry, it can easily transform into an infuriated bull! A tendency to be conservative... Can be extremely stubborn... although Bulls can be extremely stubborn, it’s that incredible determination that helps them to achieve their goals... Their kind heart, stable temperament, and constant devotion will always make its relationships very fruitful.)

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Heroine Name: Stella Ridge

Heroine Occupation: Former A-list actress. Becomes a ranch hand at her father's cattle spread, Ridge Range

Heroine Description:

The pale face shadowed by the ball cap was a woman’s. As he stared into the familiar, muted green eyes and realization washed through him, his hand almost slipped on the rail again. His lungs seized, halting his panting breaths. He’d seen her many times over the past fifteen years but only in movie theaters and on television.
God. She was back. Big as life. In the flesh. His mouth went dry when her lips turned up in a soft smile. "Hey, Judd," she said in the voice that had made her famous.
His eyes found the thin, pale scar by her mouth. It’d faded to pink since the highly-reported accident and subsequent emergency surgery. There was another scar by her eye, barely noticeable but there marking her perfect face all the same.

Heroine's Stunt Double: Charlize Theron (more details on Cowboy Lovin' Day 4)

Heroine's Greatest Strength: Stella knows what she wants and she's not afraid to go after it. In BH, she wants some silent cowboy. And, boy, does she get it! She also wants to heal and to find peace again at her family's ranch.

Heroine's Greatest Weakness: She's quick to anger, which is entertaining for the rest of us but usually lands her in trouble.

Heroine's Astrological Sign: Cancer (This sign is: a very conservative and home-loving nature... Very protective over loved ones... They can be both shy and outgoing. They are very strong-willed and they like to get everything done in their own way. Cancerians need to learn to balance their emotions, because they tend to be overly sensitive and moody.)

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What Sets This Book Apart: Two words: silent cowboy!

Favorite Scene: Stella and her oldest brother, Keefe, get into a fight over her budding relationship with Judd who Keefe doesn't like. At all. The outcome is classic Stella, one of those moments that make women readers go "Whoop!"

Blurb:

America's Sweetheart, Stella Ridge has been away from Wayback for fifteen years paving her way to the top of the acting business. When a car accident leaves her physically and emotionally scarred, the only place she wants to go is home to Texas and her family's ranch.

The changes that have taken place since her departure are enough to rock her world again. She uncovers a buried tragedy, struggles with the penetrating stares and questions from townsfolk, and comes up against an intriguing and unexpected spark with the silent cowboy and champion bull rider, Judd Black. Their wounded souls draw them together and Stella begins to realize that only in him can she find the solace she sought by leaving the bright lights of Hollywood.

What People Are Saying:

"Super-charged and dynamic. I could not put this book down. It was mesmerizing to read. I truly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to everyone."

- The Romance Studio

“…touching, contemporary story… a very touching relationship. I was especially drawn to Judd whose silence and actions spoke volumes. I felt that Judd’s quiet nature was a brilliant choice by the author as it made him even more intriguing and demonstrated the author’s ability to convey emotion and the story through actions and other characters. Blackest Heart is a wonderful story with characters that will touch the heart and I for one am glad I got the chance to read it."

- Long & Short Reviews

“Ms Williams has a good writing style; polished and confident, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Definitely recommended.”

- Writers & Readers of Distinctive Fiction

Book Dive #2 cont... FOREVER AMORE

Here's more of your exclusive dive into historical romance Forever Amore. Black Lyon Publishing made this book video to celebrate Charles and Lucille's story...



When I decided to write a book based in World War II Italy, I was shocked by how little information there was on the mid-1940's in the Verona area of Veneto. WWII was the first highly-photographed, recorded, and documented war. But other than the Hallmark movie, In Love and War, there was very little to work with in photos, reels, battle sequences, and regional details from '40's era Italy.

But that was 2002. Between then and my final revision on Forever Amore in 2009, detailed books on the subject were published. I was shocked when I began working at the bookstore and perused the WWII section of the Military genre. On my sixth and final revision of the novel, I used some of the information in these books to add scenes that involved Lucille, the heroine, trying to find Charles, the hero working as a spy, in Nazi-occupied Milan. The new elements not only adrenalized the formerly-lagging middle: it gave the story a whole new layer of suspense. By reading the books on WWII in Italy, I also found out that women who flirted with or married Allied soldiers were humiliated in front of their townsfolk. Black Shirt soldiers in particular liked to cut off their hair and "delouse" them with white power. My tag line for Forever Amore reads, "How far would you go for love?" From the beginning, that was what this book was all about.

Fashion was also an important issue to contend with, as it should be in any historical romance. Lucille comes from a wealthy, almost aristocratic, wine-making family and Italy is one of the most fashionable countries in the world so when it came to dressing her, her sisters, and the other members of her family, they had to have the most luxurious in period fashion. The problem, however, lay in the fact that the story begins in March of 1944 and rationing was in full effect - not just in the matter of food but in select materials. And, yep, silk was one of them. In one of my favorite scenes in the book, Lucille's rake of an uncle is taking her out to an opera to get her mind off her missing lieutenant. He gives her a silk gown he had smuggled into the country to cheer her up. The dress - a white one *wink* - plays a very significant role of its own. Lucky for me, conservative fashion came back with a vengeance after the promiscuous '20's and slinky wear of the '30's. This made it easy to add a collar or high neck to all of Lucille's blouses and dresses to hide Charles's dog-tags underneath.

Another important research aspect of Forever Amore was the vineyard sequences. In the original draft, Lucille is giving Charles a tour of the Villa Renaldi, her family's expansive estate. I eventually cut the twenty-five pages of detailing how grapes are grown and harvested and how winery machinery works (the technology used in '40's-era Italy, that is). Though this information was not neccessary for the overall story, it was definitely good to know to fall back on for reference during seasonal transitions. When spring rolls into summer, the vines are growing taller, easily cloaking Lucille and Charles who sneak off into the twilight labyrinth for a moonlit walk. Before I began Forever Amore, I knew nothing about wine. Over the course of the first draft, I not only learned that. I also beagn drinking it. A tour of a Tuscan vineyard will definitely be a must on my first trip to Italy.

One of the final areas I had to cover for this book was the military aspect. Like wine, before Forever Amore, I knew nothing about flying or fighter pilots. Movies came in handy here. I spent hours watching movies that featured dogfights just so I could learn fighter-pilot-speak. When I was happy with the terminology, I went looking for Charles's plane. Thanks to the movie Pearl Harbor, I knew what a B-17 looked like and its purpose. It took a bit more digging to put him in the right fighter plane. The Military Channel solved all my problems by featuring the WWII-era P-38. I needed a plane with two engines. I couldn't use the B-17 due to its weight and the fact that it didn't have the speed needed to out-fly Luftwaft resistance that results in Charles crashing onto Villa Renaldi. The P-38 was perfect with two engines built for fighting. Thanks to The Military Channel, I also learned that P-38s were some of the first planes to be steered by yokes, a term I never would've known or used otherwise.

When Forever Amore received a publishing contract, I not only jumped for joy for days - I began to readdress the sequel, loosely titled "Love on the Piazza" I had written a few months after completing the first draft of Forever Amore. As is, the manuscript is pretty weak. But I brainstormed a few story boosters that would revitalize a story that is still close to my heart. "Love on the Piazza" does not take place in the 1940's like its prequel. Instead, it is a contemporary romance and most characters from Forever Amore are long gone. You've probably heard me talk about the family vineyard, Villa Renaldi, from Forever Amore. During the writing (and re-writing) of the story, Villa Renaldi became a colorful character all itself. I might've been able to let the characters live their own lives after completion, but the vineyard was a different story. An incomplete one, as it were.

So I wrote "Love on the Piazza." The family business has been abandoned as their passion for wine-making dwindled through the generations. It has fallen to Lucille and Charles's granddaughter who is in desperate need of a new beginning. When she arrives in Italy, she is dismayed to find Villa Renaldi in a state of near-ruin. She commissions the reluctant help of a family friend to oversee the running of the vineyard business while reinstating the estate houses as a 5-star hotel and spa. Together they bring Villa Renaldi back to life...and rejuvenate their own lives (and hearts!) along the way.

I hope to begin work on "Love on the Piazza" in the next year. Until then, get to know Villa Renaldi and the passionate people who keep it alive in Forever Amore - available now in ebook and paperback from Black Lyon Publishing! This is the first fateful meeting Charles and Lucille . Charles has just crashed his fighter plane into the Renaldi vineyard in northern Italy. Though Charles finds himself in a dire situation behind enemy lines, his first exchange with Lucille is one of my favorites...

****

Covered in damp earth, panting hard, he leaned back against the plane. He hissed as a sharp twinge sliced up his spine. Blood seeped into his eyes again. Raising his uninjured hand, he wiped it away only to cover his face in dirt.

His shoulder was agony. He tried rolling it but stopped when the pain escalated. Cursing, he unzipped his uniform jacket and tried to pull it away from the wound.

Over the crackle of flames, he heard an engine approaching. Looking up, he went alert and reached for the gun at his belt when he saw the green pickup. He took a deep breath before rallying enough energy to stagger to his feet.

Charles took a step forward and blinked to clear his vision as the truck skidded to a halt and the driver and passenger doors opened.

Two figures swam through the smoky haze and Charles had to squint to make them out. One long, rangy man with a mop of black hair growing into his fierce eyes and … an angel.
His heart thudded. I’m dead. He could find no other explanation for the vision that drifted hesitantly toward him in a long, creamcolored gown and hair the color of angel wings falling in gilded glory down her shoulders.

She made a move toward him, but the man barked at her to halt, catching her by the arm. Pointing at Charles, he gave a short, terse order he couldn’t make out.

Oh, hell. Italian. Charles had less than a rudimentary inkling of the language. The man who looked no more than twenty barked again. Charles saw him point toward his gun. With a frown, he lifted a hand to it.

The woman gasped and the man stepped in front of her as if to shield her. Carefully, Charles unclipped the pistol and threw it at the man’s feet.

Movements slow, the local bent and picked it up, pointing the shaking barrel at Charles’s chest while scanning him closely. “Americano?” he asked.

Now that he could understand. “Si, si. Americano.” He thought he saw relief pass over their faces before his vision dimmed. He swayed on the spot.

As he went to his knees, the woman rushed forward, snatching out of her companion’s grasp to catch Charles before he could hit the dirt again.

She looked even better up close. A pixie’s face more than an angel’s, her big green eyes yawned in concern in front of his. “You are wounded?” she asked in English thick with regional inflection but not at all broken.

Huh. Angels speak English. Thank God.

“Shock,” he replied, having seen the weak effects of it before. At the moment, he was a case study.

“But you’re bleeding,” she said, her fingers brushing whisper light over his bloody brow.

He sucked in a breath at her sweet touch. “Answer me this, baby.” Her brow creased as if in confusion. Despite that, he asked, “Is this heaven?”

“No,” she replied as the corners of her lips bowed into a wide grin and a small laugh billowed out of her. “This is Veneto.”

“Oh, dear God.” He gave in to the black pinpricks stabbing into his vision and lowered his head into her lap.

FOREVER AMORE (c) Amber Leigh Williams

Learn more about Forever Amore from yesterday post below. And tune in tomorrow for the countdown to Bet It On My Heart's release with a dive into its first prequel, 1st Place More Than Magic Novella Blackest Heart!

Book Dive #2: FOREVER AMORE

We're continuing my backlist book dive with a deeper peek into LASR "Best Book of 2009" Nominee Forever Amore....

Title: Forever Amore

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Black Lyon Publishing

Release Date: September 2009

Available in: Ebook and paperback

Inspiration: I've always had an interest in World War II and wanted to set a story there, but it wasn't until the early 2000's that my focus shifted in Italy's direction. It was while watching another Italy-set, WWII love story entitled In Love and War on the Hallmark channel (based on the true story of the Newbys and the book Love and War in the Apennines) that the story of American fighter pilot Charles Tyler and sheltered, Italian heroine Lucille Renaldi began to form.

Manuscript Details: FA was my first completed romance manuscript. The original draft rounded out to 140,000 words. After six revisions over a five year period, I managed to wheedle it down to 75,000.

Why "Forever Amore"? The original title of this story, "Love Among the Ruins", is derived from a painting of the same name by artist Edward Burne-Jones. When I first began blogging, I used the painting as a heading here at The Cozy Page. I first discovered the painting in my a literature textbook. I was first struck by the likeness of my characters and their predicament. The name "Love Among the Ruins" helped weave a deeper theme throughout the text. From the story's completion in 2004 to the time it was contracted with Black Lyon Publishing, "Love Among the Ruins" remained the working title of Lucille and Charles' story. Because of similar names of other published novels, the title was changed to "Forever Amore." Amore (an Italian endearment meaning "love") is used throughout the story by both Lucille and Charles.

Cover Facts: Since Black Lyon Publishing, based in Oregon, likes to use local photography instead of stock photos on its covers, the model on the cover of Forever Amore is an Oregon-based woman named Mihaela Panciuc. The back cover of FA also featured my first cover quote from Lisa Britton Jacoby of The Baker City Herald: "A beautiful love story woven with suspense to make you race through the pages!" (Thank you to BLP, Mihaela, and Lisa!)

Awards: FA received a rare "Best Book" review from Long & Short Reviews. In a LASR poll, readers and peers voted FA "Best Book of the Week." In January 2010, LASR also nominated FA for "Best Book of 2009."

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Hero Name: Charles Tyler

Hero Occupation: United States Air Force Lieutenant (In the beginning of the story, he pilots a P-38 fighter. He also briefly flies a B-17 bomber later in the story.)

Hero Description:

Lucille carefully cleaned the soldier’s features with a damp rag, swiping blood and grime from his skin as meticulously as a scientist sweeping dust from bone. What she revealed with each pass of the rag made her heart drum all the harder—the face of a man who rivaled David, strongboned and strong-willed. He moaned a bit, head tilting away from the cool touch of the rag.
“Sh,” she soothed, leaning close so the others couldn’t see as she wiped the thick chords of his neck and unbuttoned the top of his jacket and shirt to clean the skin at the hollow of his throat. His jacket was torn, but she saw the patch on the arm. The sight of the American flag brought her instant calm. His shoulders were broader than Debray’s, but he looked fit under the USAF uniform with a body built for fighting.
The kind of body one could push to the limit.

Hero's Stunt Double: Since FA took half a decade to revise and sell, my inspiration for Charles shifted quite a bit from Hayden Christensen to Shawn Ashmore to James Franco and even Chad Michael Murray. But in my final two revisions, I realized that I had to take Charles's character a step further. The actor with the physicality and overall charisma of the Charles that readers know today is funny-man/bad boy Bradley Cooper.

Hero's Greatest Strength: His code of honor

Hero's Greatest Weakness: Not at all afraid to risk his own life, even under the most dangerous circumstances.

Hero's Astrological Sign: Scorpio (This sign is: The most profound and outwardly impressive sign of the zodiac... Truly magnetic, yet they can be aggressive and unpredictable, like a volcano... Scorpios have the power to cause a lot of harm, most of all to themselves.... Their passion is overwhelming. Scorpio is known for having a very strong imagination and keen intuition, but this is a very jealous sign as well, and sometimes cannot forget or forgive...)

________________________

Heroine Name: Lucille Renaldi

Heroine Occupation: Aristocratic daughter of a renowned winemaking family. Her duty (according to her family and society) is to find a suitable husband, which is made difficult by wartime tension. Even as late as the 1940's, arranged marriages weren't uncommon in Italy.

Heroine Description:

Two figures swam through the smoky haze and Charles had to squint to make them out. One long, rangy man with a mop of black hair growing into his fierce eyes and … an angel.
His heart thudded. I’m dead. He could find no other explanation for the vision that drifted hesitantly toward him in a long, cream-colored gown and hair the color of angel wings falling in gilded glory down her shoulders.

As he went to his knees, the woman rushed forward, snatching out of her companion’s grasp to catch Charles before he could hit the dirt again. She looked even better up close. A pixie’s face more than an angel’s, her big green eyes yawned in concern in front of his. “You are wounded?” she asked in English thick with regional inflection but not at all broken.

Heroine's Stunt Double: This one is hard, too, but I remember seeing a magazine article on Sienna Miller in Instyle. One photo featured her in a blue gown with long, cascading curls and I automatically thought "Lucille!"

Heroine's Greatest Strength: Her loyalty and tendency to weigh the consequences of her actions on those she loves.

Heroine's Greatest Weakness: Too often sets her own needs aside for duty to her family.

Heroine's Astrological Sign: Virgo (This sign is: The only zodiac sign represented by a female.... Delicate and sensitive, yet, at the same time, they can be very critical.... The Virgin may appear cold as there is a tendency to hide emotions.... Reliable and very helpful, which this makes sign an excellent friend and mate.)

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What Sets This Book Apart: It has everything - primarily the central love story as well as action, danger, high stakes, sex, politcal intrigue, espionage, culture, and history!

Favorite Scene: First love scene - a forbidden rendezvous in a forgotten, underground cellar with a party going on in the courtyard above. Through all the revisions, this scene stayed. I couldn't cut it.

Blurb:

Was their love destined to last forever …Engaged in a brutal dogfight, dashing American Lieutenant Charles Tyler crashes his broken plane into the Italian countryside. He prays for divine intervention—and is certain he’s found an angel from the very moment he looks up at Lucille Renaldi’s lovely face. Yet how can he be with her when his sense of duty tells him to stay away?
… or become another casualty of war?
Lucille’s attraction to the American is forbidden, her obligation to her family’s safety overwhelming. At great peril the Renaldis carry Charles from the crash site and disguise him as just another worker in their vineyard. Hidden there inside the ugliness of World War II is the beauty of a growing love, and a danger that could end their lives any day—when all they want is … forever.

What People Are Saying:

"This is a wonderfully written story of a forbidden love during wartime... The setting of Italy during World War II is an exciting one filled with political intrigue and danger from all sides. The author has brought the era to life and filled it with some memorable characters...The descriptions of the Renaldi’s lives during wartime are quite detailed, from their personal lives to their social lives... Lucille’s trials and tribulations and her love for Charles will keep the reader riveted from the first page to the last one."

- Coffee Time Romance

"Amber Leigh Williams’ FOREVER AMORE is a dynamic war-time romance novel. The love of the two main characters, Lieutenant Charles Tyler and Lucille Renaldi is wonderful, frank, and exciting. Perhaps, most touching is the efforts of everyday people – and the risks they take – to protect someone who is not even their own. There is both desperation, and determination. We feel very clearly the terror of invasion, the potential loss of family or home. The events here make the people who lived and struggled in World War II seem a finer sort than ordinary humanity. This makes this story, this lovely romance, all the more moving. There are so many scenes worth noting, that I fear this would become novel in its discussion. Suffice to say this features everything From dogfights to intimacy, love to desperation. Williams has a particularly poetic turn of phrase and has brought the romantic back to romance. The wonderful visuals her words create and pace of the story give this an overall aura that is heartwarming. Our sympathies are engaged at once, and if feels as if we have stepped back in time and see these events first hand. I must give this a best book, as the rating sheet goes no higher. Mark this a must-read."

- Long & Short Reviews

Tune in tomorrow for more never-before-seen info and excerpts from Forever Amore. And don't forget that FA is now available in Kindle!

Book Dive #1 cont... DENIED ORIGIN

Welcome to Day 2 of Denied Origin's book dive! Location was so important to the crafting of this story. To help dive further into DO, here's the book trailer and an exlusive excerpt!



Denied Origin takes the characters across the globe in a matter of days, starting in Brazil then fleeing to the coast of Greece. From there, they go to Rome, Egypt and more! Mark and Valentina are shuffled from location to location. Why not include really exciting places like Copacabana Beach, Vatican City, and the Taj Mahal? The research was fascinating!
One of my goals was to add a tidbit of trivia about every location embedded in the text. This way, I hope readers learn more about each location, too. Also each locale had a mood of its own that added a flavor to the story. Meshed together, all the different cultures made DO a story not quite like any other. The only location that doesn't acutally exist is the final destination, which is one of the story's secrets. Not even the characters know until the last minute where or what it is. They learn as the reader does.
This was the one book that I did fly by the seat of my pants while plotting. All I knew was each location and the characters. And I didn't do research ahead of time. As the characters traveled, so did I through my research to make the travelling all that more realistic:
As the train pulled into the station, Valentina stirred. It was midmorning and the sun was out, bright and full. She squinted out the window at Agra. “Are we getting off?”
Mark nodded distractedly as he rose to get their luggage. He threw the duffel over his shoulder before helping her to her feet. He tucked an arm around her shoulders. “Don’t leave my side,” he whispered as they wandered into the station.
He kept his eyes sharp. A sniper could be perched just out of view, a knife could be held just out of sight, a suicide bomber could be waiting to jump forth. His eyes passed over every face, studied them, judged them. He checked over his shoulder many times to make sure no one was following them. “We’ll go straight there.”
“Good,” she muttered. He knew she was also watching the crowd nervously. “The sooner we leave this place the better.”
He didn’t relax, but slowly began to take in the sights as they walked quickly through the city streets. They walked through a large bazaar where the smell of spices was so strong he could almost feel them filtering through his lungs as he breathed deep to admit them. There
weren’t many cars. There was the occasional elephant, more than a few horse-drawn carts, and various bicyclists.

All the people were tan with exotic eyes and peasant dress though they had a carefree air, a sense of peace and gratification. They’d been walking for some time when they came to a crowded iron bridge.
“Are we close?” She pressed close to Mark’s side as they squeezed into the traffic on the bridge.
He nodded, his eyes darting every which way, searching for the glare of a weapon. “This is the Yamuna River. The Taj is just across the bridge.”
After wriggling their way through the suffocating crowd, they broke out into the sunlight again. As soon as she saw the monument in the distance, she let out a surprised gasp. “Oh, Mark…”

He couldn’t help but grin at her surprise. “It’s even better up close and personal, huh?”
Her gasp melded fluidly into an awestruck sigh. “Oh, it’s gorgeous—more than I imagined.”

“We have to go through the south entrance,” Mark advised, guiding her onward. “Not much further.”
They passed through a red sandstone gate into the spacious gardens. Facing south at the northern tip of the gardens in the very center stood the magnificent temple. Its white marble structure was situated perfectly on a red sandstone platform.
In the morning light, the monument was as white and elegant as a bride. Though light fog had descended into the lower parts of the garden, the Taj speared through it, boasting its feminine majesty to the world.
Scroll down and find out more about Mark and Valentina. Denied Origin is on sale now from The Wild Rose Press in ebook and paperback!
Tomorrow we're diving into historical romance Forever Amore! Don't miss out!

Book Dive #1: DENIED ORIGIN

This week I'm going to be doing something special, kind of a lead-in to my next book launch (Bet It On My Heart) on March 3. A "book dive" is a deeper and exclusive look into a story. Today we're diving into Denied Origin....

Title: Denied Origin

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Release Date: August 2008

Available in: Ebook and paperback

Original Concept: When crafting DO, I foresaw a fast-paced, heart-pounding race across the globe. I basically asked myself what places I wanted to learn more about and crafted DO around them.

Little Known Fact: The first draft was called "To Die For." It remained the working title of the story until I revised and submitted to TWRP, "Denied Origin" popped into my head. It was the last puzzle piece and the editors liked it so I went with that.

Why "Denied Origin"? Every story has one main protagonist and this is usually the character who changes the most. In this one, the heroine Valentina goes through a complete identity crisis. All her life, she's been told that she's a Brazilian heiress. Then her parents die and she's a wanted woman and she has no idea why, nor will she find out until she goes on this scavenger hunt for clues across the globe with a stranger, a bodyguard named Mark Welles. Throughout the book, she is denied origin - which is exactly why the revised title was the last piece of the story's puzzle.

Cover Artist: Rae Monet

Cover Fact: DO took home to October 2008 Covey Cover Award (Thanks, Rae!!!)

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Hero Name: Mark Welles

Hero Occupation: Retired military, retired FBI, retired bodyguard/bulletcatcher (Valentina is his last guard job)

Hero Description:

It isn’t Herve. She knew it when she ran her gaze over the strong, braced shoulders covered in a white T-shirt which he wore over jeans. He was tall, so tall. Well over six feet. His waist was trim, his build athletic, rangy. His hair was dark and long. It was just long enough to be
secured in the small band at the nape of his neck. From her angle, she saw he had a strong nose and a full mouth. He looked slightly angelic but dangerous all-the same. She shivered and couldn’t decide if it was from fear or excitement.

Hero's Stunt Double: DO was my third full-length novel and then I did tend to use physical muses when crafting heroes/heroines. For both Mark and Valentina, however, I didn't need them. They came to me so fully-formed. But if I had to decide, the only actor who could do this alpha justice would be Gerard Butler.

Hero's Greatest Strength: ability to think on his feet

Hero's Greatest Weakness: lays too much blame on himself

Hero's Astrological Sign: Capricorn (This sign is: Stable, serious, and confident... Loves structure and order. Capricorns are stubborn, determined, and ambitious.... A natural goal setter who accomplishes a lot when working under definite guidelines.... They can be very pessimistic, melancholic, and even unhappy. They need to learn that not everything is under their control and that it’s fine from time to time to relax and to let go of their worries.)

__________________

Heroine Name: Valentina Tuttora

Heroine Occupation: Charity emcee, heiress

Heroine Description:

Her hair fell in long, black curls halfway down the length of her back. She usually wore it straight, but it’d dried into careless curls. He liked it better that way. It fell around her oval-shaped face with its naturally-tanned skin, heart-shaped mouth, perfect nose, and dark, dark eyes. Her eyes were the same color he remembered but deeper, more knowledgeable than before.... His admiration for her doubled when he saw she didn’t eye him with fear but with curiosity and a bit of irresistible challenge.

Heroine's Stunt Double: Salma Hayek

Heroine's Greatest Strength: encounters insurmountable odds and still manages to keep moving forward

Heroine's Greatest Weakness: pride/stubbornness

Heroine's Astrological Sign: Leo (This sign is: Creative and ambitious.... love to be the center of attention, and they often are because they are so enthusiastic, courageous, loyal, and generous.... need to learn to tame their pride and to be less vain.... love to give without asking, often assuming their gift is "truly needed")

__________________

What Sets This Book Apart: Though DO is a romantic suspense, it isn't a conventional RS. It has a villain, taut chapters, elements of danger but the characters are led on a unique journey and wind up in an unexpected place.

Favorite Scene:

#1 - After their first-meet, Mark handcuffs Valentina to a bed to keep her from running away from him.

#2 - Sweet but sexually-charged scene after Valentina is injured, in which Mark helps Valentina dry off after a bath.

Blurb:

Former FBI agent and bodyguard Mark Welles’s career and life are going downhill until he meets Marcisso Tuttora, the man his father died protecting years ago. Wealthy businessman Marcisso puts the life of his only child, Valentina, in Mark’s hands by asking him to return to Rio de Janeiro to guard her.

Less than a week later, Marcisso and his wife are murdered in their beds, and Valentina is running for her life for reasons she cannot begin to guess until she meets Mark Welles. A stubborn heiress to an oil fortune and the son of a highly decorated soldier, they must find a way to escape the country without getting caught and find out why they are chased by a deadly terrorist. In a matter of weeks, they are driven into a scavenger hunt across the globe laid out by Valentina’s parents and embark on a passionate, emotional journey as exhilarating and intense as the race for their lives.

What People Are Saying:

This is a fast-paced story that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat and guessing. The action and sexual tension keep the reader wondering, waiting, and wanting more.... These characters are engaging and smart, and if you like to try to figure out a mystery, this is a great challenge and addition to your to buy list. There are a couple of gripping plot twists that’ll surprise you, but they make perfect sense in the end, once a series of astounding secrets are revealed, especially the big one.... I can only imagine Amber Williams will get better and better and be well read. Her creativity is obvious with this appropriately-named, highly-charged, danger-filled setting and story. Watch for her future works. She’s an amazing writer. No doubt about it.

- Writers & Readers of Distinctive Fiction.

The Neurotic's Guide to Book-Borrowing

I'm not a neurotic. I admit nothing. However, when it comes to the safety and welfare of my books, I'm like Monica from Friends. The yellow gloves come on and the obsessive-compulsive neurotic tends to come out.

Recently, I was explaining my book-borrowing reservations with family and somebody piped up and said, "You know, you should really write about this." Whether they meant it or not, I thought, "You know, you're right. It's time." And so...without further ado is my Neurotic's Guide to Book-Borrowing.

I'm not the only one who gets protective over my books. On Twitter, I was dicussing Kresley Cole's A Hunger Like No Other and absurdly felt the urge to mention that I'd loaned mine out to a friend and hadn't seen it for nearly a year. Those Lachlain fans threw righteous fireballs at my head! And rightly so. Some of the nicest people I know break spines and dog-ear pages. In this day and age, YOU JUST NEVER KNOW! What's a book-lover to do? The following is the form potential borrowers must fill out before I can decide whether or not they may take books off my shelf....
1) List three references - including relation and phone number

2) Are you willing to submit to a background check?

3) Have you ever committed any of the following offenses: spine-breaking, dog-earring, or bathtub reading? (Note: Owner has the right to demand a polygraph test.)

4) Do you agree not to eat while handling this book?

5) If the book is damaged, are you willing to pay for a replacement? In advance?

6) Do you agree to return this book within a three-week period?

7) Can you demonstrate how far you open a book to read it? Four inches? Five? (If you open it further, please stop filling out this form and do not request another.)

8) If a dispute over a borrowed book does arise, please be aware the owner will not hesitate to press charges in a court of law.

I know I'm not alone. If there are any other neurotic booklovers out there?

"Spreading the Love" Giveaway Winners!

The winner of the February 12th "Spreading the Love" giveaway for a hardback edition of Karen Joy Fowler's The Jane Austen Book Club is...Commenter #8: MARGAY!

The winner of the February 13th "Spreading the Love" giveaway for a mass market edition of James Patterson's Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas is...Commenter #3: LENI!

The winner of yesterday's Valentine's Day "Spreading the Love" giveaway for a paperback copy of Nora Roberts' Sea Swept is...Commenter #5: JULIE!

And now for the special prize drawing exclusively for those who commented on each "Spreading the Love" post, Feb 12-14. LINDA HENDERSON - you are the winner of The Gramercy Books hardcover edition of The 50 Greatest Love Letters of All Time!

Winners, congrats! Please send your mailing information to amber@amberleighwilliams.com to receive your prizes. Thank you to everyone who participated in my "Spreading the Love" mini-event. I hope all of you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

*All of today's winners were chosen by the True Random Number Generator at Random.org*

Spreading the Love Day #3

It's Valentine's Day! Yesterday, we talked about hot new releases. For holidays -especially cold ones - I usually turn to the stories I already love. Reading old favorites is the same as having a sappy chick-flick marathon on Valentine's. These are the top ten books I reach for for a guarenteed feel-good read...

10. The Last Promise by Richard Paul Evans

Reason I Love It: Forbidden couple falling in love against a Tuscan landscape. Warning: put the tissues on standby.

9. The Enchantment by Betina Krahn

Reason I Love It: Swashbuckling Vikings, kick-ass heroine (think a sword-wielding Eve Dallas), and one of the most lovable heros I've ever read.

8. Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown

Reason I Love It: An oldie but a goodie and a bit ahead of its time as far as heat ratings go. This quick-read packed more punch than I expected and was a pleasant surprise.

7. A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole

Reason I Love It: Three words - Scottish. Alpha. Werewolf. That is all.

6. The Heart of Devin MacKade by Nora Roberts

Reason I Love It: Nobody does inner strength in a wounded heroine better than Nora, but again it comes down to the hero, Sheriff MacKade, in this contemporary. I heart all the MacKades but Devin takes the cake! This is also my favorite Nora family saga *g*

5. Rapture in Death, Conspiracy in Death, & Creation in Death by J.D. Robb

Reason I Love It: I can't choose between my three favorites of Eve and Roarke's continuation series. The reasons I picked these: 1) Rapture - Roarke's wolfish growl as he tackles the bad guy=favorite alpha moment EVER, brings insta-chills no matter how many time I re-read, 2) Conspiracy - Roarke takes care of Eve (SO SWEET) when she loses her badge and the closer peak into her past, 3) Creation - the best romantic suspense I've read in a LONG time! And 4) *ahem* Roarke

4. Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward

Reason I Love It: Rhage, the really hawt vampire transforming into a man-eating dragon whenever he loses his temper. Which is often. And he falls in love with the most unlikely female - a dying human. One of my favorite romance couples!

3. Public Secrets by Nora Roberts

Reason I Love It: I grew up to vintage rock and this is a closer look at the rock-n-roll industry in addition to a tale of how two mere aquaintances bump into each other at chance moments in their lives then develop a wonderful relationship based on mutual respect and oh-so-tender love. Add a cold murder case and a pinch of danger and this book ROCKS!

2. Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

Reason I Love It: The tortured hero disguised as an anti-hero. Z is the tough guy and the least likely of the Brothers to fall in love. But he falls HARD for Bella and the outcome is really kind of beautiful. My favorite, hands-down, of the series so far - mostly for the healing theme. (Also a must-read: Z and Bella's (+ baby Nalla) short story in the BDB Insider's Guide.)

1. Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts

Reason I Love It: If I had to pick a favorite romance novel, this would be it. I love the couple's long history and the elements of magic. It's so hard to create a compelling story that spans from the couple's childhood and shows them at every stage of their lives. This one blew me away because it excells at just that. The New Orleans setting and a little thievery mixed in with the main chracters went a long way toward stealing my heart!

As you can see, I don't part with my Noras easily, but I have an extra paperback copy of Sea Swept, Book I in her Quinn saga (probably my 2nd favorite family on her backlist). Just this once, I'm giving it away to one lucky commenter who tells me what they're favorite comfort read is. Comment before midnight EST, though, because this is a one-day contest. (Chances of winning depend on the number of entries and you must be 18 years or older to enter.) Please check back in tomorrow for winners of all three "Spreading the Love" giveaways + the extra price for one person who commented to every "Spreading the Love" post!

And Happy Valentine's Day to all Cozy readers! I adore you!

Spreading the Love Day #2

Today's "Spreading the Love" theme is recommended recent romance releases! Publishers are putting their best foot forward with these new January and February releases, just in time for Valentine's....

Contemporary

1. Take Me If You Dare by Candace Havens - February 15, 2010 (Harlequin Blaze)

2. Hold On Tight by Stephanie Tyler, Book III in the "Hard to Hold" SEALS trilogy - February 15, 2010 (Dell)

3. Bucked by Cat Johnson, Book II in the "Studs in Spurs" trilogy - February 16, 2010 (Samhain)

Historical

1. Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale - January 26, 2010 (Sourcebooks)

2. Scoundrel's Kiss by Carrie Lofty, a tie-in to her previously published medieval romance What A Scoundrel Wants - January 1, 2010 (Zebra)

3. Countess of Scandel by Laurel McKee, Book I in the "Daughters of Erin" trilogy- February 1, 2010 (Grand Central)

Paranormal

1. Eternal Hunter by Cynthia Eden, Book I in the "Night Watch" series - January 1, 2010 (Kensington Brava)

2. Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione, Book IV in the "Demonica" series - February 1, 2010 (Grand Central)

3. Moon Craving by Lucy Monroe, Book II in the the "Children of the Moon" series - February 2, 2010 (Berkley)

For today's book-a-day giveaway, I've got a mass market edition of James Patterson's Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas! To enter to win, just comment to this post and tell me what recent or upcoming releases you recommend! (Chances of winning depend on the number of entries; you must be 18 years or older to enter.) Weekend winners will be announced Monday; February 15....

Yesterday's book-a-day giveaway for a hardback edition of The Jane Austen Book Club is still open for entry. Just scroll down and comment to yesterday post. And don't forget, if you comment all three days of "Spreading of Love" (Feb. 12-14), you'll eligible for an extra prize drawing!

Oh, and only one more day left to vote my historical romance, Forever Amore, Best Book of 2009 at LASR!

Spreading the Love Day #1

It's my official countdown to Valentine's Day and Day #1 of "Spreading the Love" here at Cozy. For romance readers, there's no better way to celebrate Valentine's than with an HEA love story. I'll be spreading the Valentine's Day cheer with a book-a-day giveaway today, tomorrow, and Sunday (+ an additional prize drawing for those who comment all three days).

Today we're talking about the classics. One of my favorite classic romances is Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. Before it was a movie, it was a sought-after, Pulizer Prize-winning piece of southern literature. The leap the story made from book to Technocolor screen was not an easy one. When filmmakers first considered the screenplay, Civil War movies weren't popular at the box office. It was clear up front that the only actor who could portray hero Rhett Butler was Clark Gable who was more than reluctant to take the role. The search for the right Scarlet O'Hara was a near disaster. After months of searching, luck brought Vivien Leigh to the night-time set of the Atlanta burning. The movie opened in 1939 in Altanta and was celebrated by parades, fanfare, and droves of screaming fans. For twenty long years, it held Academy Award-winning records with ten wins and is ranked number four American Film Institute's Top 100 American Films of All Time - beaten only by The Godfather (3), Casablanca (2), and Citizen Kane (1). Gone with the Wind was oddly the only book Margaret Mitchell completed before her untimely death. At a whopping 1037 pages (first edition), some might say it's no wonder she never sought to publish another manuscript.

When I picked up Gone with the Wind, I was already a fan of the movie. And though Clark Gable brought Rhett Butler to life onscreen, he was just as alive on the page. From the first paragraph, Mitchell painted plantation in full color. The journey through the Civil War, the death of the Old South, and the political intrigues of post-war Reconstruction in Atlanta swept me away. Though it was the longest book I'd ever read at the time, I couldn't put it down. And so Gone with the Wind remains one of my favorite romantic novels of all time.

Unfortunately, this story doesn't come with a HEA most of today's romances do. One that does though and is as richly vibrant as Margaret Mitchell's classic is another Civil War tale by the late Kathleen E. Woodiwiss: Ashes in the Wind. Romance readers never forget their first Woodiwiss romance. This was mine. It starts in New Orleans with the hero, Yankee surgeon Cole Latimer, convinced that heroine Alaina MacGaren, a wanted southern woman, is a boy. While Gone with the Wind's focus centers around the events of the Civil War, Ashes in the Wind follows the events of runaway Alaina's life and the delightful events of her relationship with the dashing Yankee. Published in the early days of the reigning romance industry (1979), it remains my favorite story of this classic author's backlist (and a recommended comfort read for snowy weather).

Last we come to the queen of romance herself. In an industry that pressures authors to be "hotter", we too often forget what romance really means. Whenever I need this reminder, I turn to Jane Austen. For me, Austen's books are the epitome of romance. Rhett Butler may be the first rogue hero, but Darcy was the first romance hero. His character and that of heroine of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet, and some of the most celebrated characters in all of literature. And at its core, Pride and Prejudice as well as Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, Emma, and Persuasion are all love stories with HEAs. Austen opened the doors to not only women's fiction but the romance world as well and tops my list of classic favorites.

Today we'll close with out first book-a-day giveaway. I have a hardback edition of The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler. To enter the win the drawing for it, just comment and tell me what classic romance novels (prior to the 1980's) top your favorites list! The winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Monday, February 15th so check back in to see if you have won. (Chances of winning depend on the number of entires. You must be 18 years or older to enter.)

And spt! There's only a couple more days to vote historical romance Forever Amore Best Book of the 2009 at LASR! Polls close on Valentine's....

Fiona Jayde: "Badass Guys for Kick-Ass Girls"

Today The Cozy Page is proud to welcome author of sci-fi erotic romance Cold Victory, Fiona Jayde:

Intergalactic warfare has not been kind to humans. Convicted pilot Zoya Scott has the chance to avenge her family, redeem an act of desperation with that of sacrifice. She’ll end this war if she betrays the man whose touch burns through her soul, the man whose ship and crew she must destroy. The man who is her bloodmate.

Commander Galen Stark never expected the convicted pilot on his ship to be anything more then a good looking inconvenience. A small brush of their hands grips him with vicious lust, a need he can’t control. She is his bloodmate – a biological reaction burning through his veins.Except she carries an explosive. And Stark may have to give the order to destroy them all.

I've always enjoyed strong female leads - in books and movies and TV. Be it a super smart woman, or super strong woman, or super sexy woman - I like strong confident female characters who know what they want and will go after it, right or wrong.

Especially in romance, I love a woman who can give a man a run for his money. I'm not talking about "spunky secretaries" - although they too can be fun- I'm talking about women who kick ass and take names. Women like Eve Dallas from the InDeath series who is both strong and vulnerable, and takes no shit from no one.

What has always been fascinating to me is finding the right matches for such heroines. A man for any kickass girl can't always give in, because he'll be a wimp. But any man who has to consistently prove himself stronger/better/more dominant may end up coming off as a bully, jerk or worse.

When writing (and reading) I'm always conscious of the line between wimp and bully. I've once read a book where the hero and heroine consistently butted heads, but the guy went so far over the top in his quest to keep the heroine safe that I put the book down, unable to read more. The story was great. The guy was a jerk. It was finito for me liking the book.

I suppose it is the constant tension, the yang to her yin that make the sparks smolder, especially when two strong characters butt heads. And what some readers may find sexy, other readers may find too pushy. I always enjoy playing with that tensions - and reading about it, where one side gives in now, but may be the one on top later.

Here is a snippet from Cold Victory where I hope to prove that my hero is badass without coming across as wimpy or jerky.

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“Officer Scott.” Another punch sent the bag swinging.

His gaze was like a physical caress. He'd upped the grav stabilizers. Zoya could feel the shift in weight sneaking up through the already-clenching muscles of her thighs.

“Commander.”

“I'll get out of your way.”

Desire, reckless and hot and unwanted, swam through her system, quickening her pulse, her blood, her breath. She had to pound on something. “You box, Commander?”

The sudden weariness in that hot gaze told her he was infused by the same heat that kept tormenting her. Involuntary biological reaction, she told herself again, and licked her lips.

He seemed to focus on her mouth. “I'm more of a kickboxer.” A heavy hook kick into the bag demonstrated his point.

“Impressive.” He raised an eyebrow but didn't say a word. Zoya had the distinct feeling that he was forcing himself to stay away from her.

She kept her voice cool as another spike of arousal stabbed through her. “I need to work off some aggression. I figure you can understand.”

He simply nodded.

“Care to point spar?”

The look from those wild eyes nearly sent her temperature to melting. “I don't think it would be a good idea.”

She lifted up her fists. Came closer. “No rank. No insignia. I need to kick somebody's ass, Commander. I'm sure you'd understand why I want it to be yours.”

She needed a good sweaty workout to wipe away the thoughts of death and ravenous lust.

“No contact.” Like an Earth predator, Zoya circled him, tucking her chin low.

“Hit anywhere you like.”

Cold Victory © Fiona Jayde

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To The Readers: Who are some of your favorite badass heros?

Thank you to Fiona for making Cozy a stop on her book tour. Readers, if you comment you will entered to win a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card. Learn more about Fiona's work at her website and don't forget to get your copy of her fantastic book, Cold Victory at Loose Id.

For more chances to win, comment on the last stop of Fiona's book tour tomorrow at Amber Scott Project's blog...

Fiona Jayde is a space pilot, a ninth degree black belt in three styles of martial arts, a computer hacker, a mountain climber, a jazz singer, a weight lifter, a superspy with a talent for languages, and an evil genius.All in her own head.

In life, she is an author of kickass, action packed, steamy romances, possesses a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do and blue belt in Aikido, a web developer, scared to death of heights, loves jazz piano, can bench-press about 20 pounds — with effort, speaks English and Russian fluently, and when not plotting murder and mayhem enjoys steamy romance novels, sexy spy thrillers, murky mysteries and movies where things frequently blow up.