All Posts

January 2019 Reese Ryan Recommends

January 25, 2019 by ReeseRyan

This winter has been brutal. I’m battling the same cold for the third time, and I’ve been working like crazy to complete my summer 2019 titles. (My publication schedule for 2019 is listed below.) I just turned in my August title. (Woo hoo!) So I’m celebrating with a hot toddy.

What’s on your agenda for the weekend? If you’re looking for a new romance to read, you’re in luck. I have four recommendations below.

Happy reading!

Looking for your next read? Try one of these.

Looking for a hot read to keep you warm this winter? Here are a few options:

The Rancher’s Bargain
(Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction Book 5)
by Joanne Rock

If you read my latest release, His Until Midnight, the next book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction series is The Rancher’s Bargain by Joanne Rock.Here’s the story:

Can a bachelor auction gone wrong…
mean temptation for the rich rancher?

James Harris needs a nanny for his nephew—now! So when Lydia Walker’s sister reneges on an extravagant bachelor-auction bid, the Texas Cattleman’s Club president has an idea. He’ll cover the debt, and Lydia will care for the baby. Neither is prepared for the passion that blindsides them. But is a permanent personal arrangement more than they bargained for? Get your copy of The Rancher’s Bargain here.

The Johnson Family Series (Books 1-3)
by Delaney Diamond

Family. Wealth. Power. Romance.
Books one, two, and three of the Johnson Family series—available in a box set for a limited time!

UNFORGETTABLE: She offered everything he never knew he needed…
Ivy Johnson is stunned when Lucas Baylor makes an appearance at her family’s event in Seattle. She hasn’t seen him in nine years and never expected to again. Avoiding him is a must. She can’t let him uncover her secret, but Lucas won’t be denied. When her deception is revealed, it throws his life into a tailspin and forces them to face the truth of their feelings for each other—feelings they’ve both tried in vain to forget.

PERFECT: Does the end justify the means?
Cyrus Johnson is rich, powerful, and used to getting his way. When his estranged wife shows up at his office demanding a divorce once and for all, he not only refuses, he makes a demand of his own.
Daniella Barrett-Johnson has little bargaining power where Cyrus is concerned, and he’s already used his vast financial resources to prolong their divorce and keep her tied to him. Her only hope is to give him what he wants, but if she does, how will she ever be able to leave him for good?

JUST FRIENDS: Should they risk their friendship for a chance at love?
Alannah Bailey is tired of being the boring best friend of Trenton Johnson and decides on a makeover. After the changes, she starts dating, but instead of being happy, Trenton acts like he wants to keep her under lock and key.
Trenton is used to partying and having his pick of women. Such an advantage comes with the Johnson name, their money, and his own good looks. When he needs downtime, he depends on his best buddy, Alannah. But he doesn’t like the changes he sees in her lately, and by the time he figures out why, it might be too late.

Get yours here.

At the CEO’s Pleasure by Yahrah St. John

Author Yahrah St. John makes her Harlequin Desire debut.

Here’s the story:“What do you want from me?”

“I want you back.”

He’d broken his “no office affair” policy once and lost his best assistant. Now rich businessman Ayden Stewart needs Maya Richardson back…at any price. Taking the job, Maya tells herself the years apart have cooled their chemistry. So why are they breaking rule number one again…and again? Ayden makes her want what she can never have—real love. Will it be different this time?

Get your copy here.

Another Excerpt from His Until Midnight

“It’s time for the surprise you gents have been waiting for this evening. Fellas, please welcome our lone bachelorette, Miss Tessa Noble.”

Ryan pulled out his phone. He’d promised Tripp that he’d record his sister’s big debut.

There was a collective gasp in the room as Tessa stepped out onto the stage. Ryan moved away from the bar, so he could get a better view of his friend.

His jaw dropped, and his phone nearly clattered to the ground.

“Tess?” Ryan choked out the word, then silently cursed himself, realizing his stunned reaction would end up on the video. He snapped his gaping mouth shut as he watched her strut across the stage in a glamorous red pantsuit that seemed to be designed for the express purpose of highlighting her killer curves.

Damn, she’s fine.

He wasn’t an idiot. Nor was he blind. So he wasn’t oblivious to the fact that his best friend also happened to be an extremely beautiful woman. And despite her tomboy wardrobe, he was fully aware of the hot body buried beneath relaxed fit clothing. But today…those curves had come out to play.

As if she was a professional runway model, Tess pranced to the end of the stage in strappy, glittery heels, put one hand on her hip and cocked it to the side. She seemed buoyed by the crowd’s raucous reaction.

First there was the collective gasp, followed by a chorus of Oh my Gods. Now the crowd was whooping and shouting.

A slow grin spread across her lips, painted a deep, flirtatious shade of red that made him desperate to taste them. She turned and walked back toward where Rachel stood, revealing a large, heart-shaped cutout that exposed the warm brown skin of her open back. A large bow was tied behind her graceful neck.
Tessa Noble was one gift he’d give just about anything to unwrap.
She was incredibly sexy with a fiercely confident demeanor that only made him hunger for her more.

Ryan surveyed the crowd. He obviously wasn’t the only man in the room drooling over Tessa 2.0. He stared at the large group of men who were wide-eyed, slack-jawed and obviously titillated by the woman on stage.

Tessa’s concerns that no one would bid on her were obviously misplaced. There were even a couple of women who seemed to be drooling over her.

Ryan’s heart thudded. Suddenly, there wasn’t enough air in the tented, outdoor space. He grabbed his auction paddle and crept closer to the stage.

Rachel read Tessa’s bio aloud, as Alexis had done with the bachelors who’d gone before her. Tessa stood tall with her back arched and one hand on her hip. She held her head high as she scanned the room.

Was she looking for him?

Ryan’s cheeks flushed with heat. A dozen emotions percolated in his chest, like some strange, volatile mixture, as he studied his friend on stage. Initially, he wanted to rush the stage and drape his jacket over her shoulders. Block the other men’s lurid stares. Then there was his own guttural reaction to seeing Tess this way. He wanted to devour her. Kiss every inch of the warm, brown skin on her back. Glide his hands over her luscious bottom. Taste those pouty lips.

He swallowed hard, conscious of his rapid breathing. He hoped the video wasn’t picking that up, too.

Get your copy of His Until Midnight today.

His Until Midnight Blitz + Contests and Giveaways

December 7, 2018 by ReeseRyan

To the highest bidder goes… A friendship with benefits?

HIS UNTIL MIDNIGHT by REESE RYAN is on sale now!

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2BVegUV

Win a $25 Gift Card: http://bit.ly/HisUntilMidnightGiveaway

One Click: https://amzn.to/2E6Dkde

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Don’t forget to stop by Harlequin Desire’s 12 DAYS OF DESIRE hosted by @ReeseRyanWrites today for more prizes:

http://bit.ly/2E2Ksr0

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

When Tessa Noble takes the stage at a charity auction after a sexy makeover, her best friend, Ryan Bateman, must place the winning bid. It’s definitely not because he’s jealous. Their weekend getaway is a ploy for positive press…or so the rancher tells himself. But soon things take an unexpected turn from platonic to passionate, catapulting the couple far beyond the friend zone…

#HisUntilMidnight #ReeseRyan

Here’s Why There’s a Nod to LITTLE WOMEN in Each Story I Write

March 17, 2018 by ReeseRyan

☆☆☆Which March sister are you most like?☆☆☆

Little Women, the enduring coming-of-age story penned by Louisa May Alcott in 1869, is the book that had the second biggest impact on me as a writer. (Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen is the first.) The lasting impact of these stories is evident in my tendency to weave family drama, deep emotion, and unconventional heroines into every story I write. So needless to say, I’m here for Masterpiece’s new adaptation of Little Women for the small screen. The first episode will air on Sunday, May 13th at 8PM Eastern. I’d better stock up on Kleenex® first.

As for which of the March sisters I feel the most kinship with…the answer would be all of them. I’m a writer with a wild imagination like Jo, empathetic like Beth, sensible and laid back like Meg, and sometimes a little bratty like Amy.

How about you? Which March sister are you most like?

Thank you to historical romance author Maya Rodale for inspiring this post!

Nate Johnston of PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION is a candidate for 2017 Harlequin Hero of the Year

October 5, 2017 by ReeseRyan

YOU GUYS!!!

I discovered today, quite by accident, that you–my lovely, incredible readers–have nominated Nate Johnston of PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION as a 2017 Harlequin Hero of the year.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Y’all are too much! The sweetest, most incredible and truly supportive readers ever. I seriously don’t deserve you!

My reaction to this unexpected bit of good news?

True story. Awkward dancing and all. Except my jammies aren’t nearly as cute as Will’s.

As amazing as you all are, I need to ask you for one more teeny, tiny favor. Please vote for Nate in this first round. Don’t worry! It’s easy as pie. Just go here and click on the book cover of your choice in each matchup. (Nate is in Matchup #3). Just click on the cover of PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION and voilà! You’re done.

If you haven’t read Nate and Kendra’s story, you can snag your copy here.

More Reviews, Please.

If you have read their story, or any of my other titles, and enjoyed it, consider leaving an honest review for the book on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, iTunes or wherever else you buy and/or review books. Your honest review goes a long way toward helping others find my books.

Fabulous Reader, Have You Read…?

I know the books have been coming at you fast and furious this year. So, in case you missed something, here are my releases from this year. Haven’t read one or more? Just click on the book cover to purchase the book on Amazon.

Do you have a question or comment about one of the above titles or any of my other stories? Email me here. I love hearing from readers! Would you like to request that I attend or participate in a book club chat about one of my available titles? Visit https://reeseryan.com/readers/book-clubs/ to begin the process of making a request.

Now, back to my writing lair (also known as my living room couch recliner) where I’m revising SEDUCED IN SAN DIEGO–my contribution to the Millionaire Moguls mini-series. I am in love with the chemistry and sassiness happening between these two characters, and I can’t wait to introduce them to y’all in April 2018.

Stay tuned VIP Readers!

NEVER CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU + SECRETS OF THE A-LIST

September 19, 2017 by ReeseRyan

When these former friends reunite, Dash Williams gets the 5-year-old daughter he didn’t know he had and regains the best friend he foolishly lost. Mikayla Mitchell gets a second chance with the only man she’s ever loved.

Today is the day, lovely readers!

I know what you’re thinking…holiday anthologies already? But it’s only September!

I had the same reaction when I walked into my local home improvement store and saw the aisle of Christmas trees on display. And yet, 2017 is making a mad dash toward the finish line. Which means it’s time for holiday stories aplenty.

Don’t fight it! Just come along for the ride. 🙂

If you prefer your books in digital format, Never Christmas Without You –a holiday anthology which includes my Pleasure Cove novella “His Holiday Gift”–is available for pre-order and hits e-readers on October 1st.

Here’s Dash and Mikayla’s story:

Pleasure Cove’s prodigal son just got the ultimate Christmas surprise—Madison—his five-year-old daughter he knew nothing about. Maddie’s aunt, Mikayla Mitchell, was once one of Dash Williams’s best friends…and his secret admirer. Now, seeing the sexy, ambitious lawyer with his little girl, Mikayla’s more smitten than ever. And Dash is starting to realize Mikayla’s the only one who could make his days merry and bright, and fill his nights with bliss…

Here’s a sneak peek:

“Be straight with me.” Dash stepped toward her. “Why the sudden need to leave?”

“You really are oblivious, aren’t you?” She wished she could take the words back as soon as she’d uttered them.

His eyes sparked with recognition. “You overheard us talking.”

“Yes.” She’d showed her hand. Might as well own it. “I heard Kendra say she thought I was in love with you. So I turned around and came back to my room.”

Dash rubbed his forehead. “Is it true?”

“Get over yourself.” She forced an incredulous laugh, her heart racing. “It was a teenage crush. Ancient history.”

The corner of his sensuous mouth curved in a grin that did things to her. Made her want to do things to him. “If it’s ancient history, why’d you kiss me last night?”

“I didn’t.” Her cheeks stung with heat and her defiance faltered. “You kissed me.”

“It was definitely a two-person operation.” He stepped closer, leaving little space between them. “Don’t recall you complaining about it.”

“God, I forgot what an arrogant ass you can be sometimes.” She shoved her hands into the solid wall of his muscular chest.

He didn’t budge.

The arrogant son of a bitch smirked. Which only made her angrier. And more turned on.

Seriously, does he live in the gym?

Her hands had a mind of their own. They remained planted on his chest as she raised her eyes to meet his.

Dash dropped his gaze to her mouth and leaned in, his heartbeat thundering against her palms. Heat radiated off his skin, suffocating her. Each breath took more effort than the last. She needed space and a fresh supply of air, absent his clean, citrus scent that made her want to plant hot kisses on his neck and chest, working her way down until…

No. Stop it. Stay strong.

Mikayla dropped her hands from his chest. “If you expect me to fall into your arms and confess my undying love, you bought tickets to the wrong show, pal, because—”

He cradled her face in his strong hands and captured her mouth in a kiss, silencing her protest.
Dash Williams had a lot of damned nerve.

She had every intention of telling him that, but he was an amazing kisser.

Pick up your copy of NEVER CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU at:

AMAZON: https://smile.amazon.com/Never-Christmas-Without-You-Holidays-His-ebook/dp/B01N7805HY/

BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/never-christmas-without-you-nana-malone/1125167366?ean=9780373865178 – /

ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/never-christmas-without-you/id1178650941?mt=11

And other retailers.

SECRETS OF THE A-LIST

I was fortunate enough to participate in a fun, multi-author serial project for lovers of drama and scandal. (Think Dynasty, Scandal, Dirty Sexy Money and Brothers and Sisters.) Secrets of the A-List is a 12-episode weekly serial. New episodes are available each Sunday. And for right now, you can get the first episode for free here. My episode–Episode #4–launches this coming Sunday, September 24th.

Here’s the story:

The wealthy Marshall family is untouchable. Or so they thought. But when a car accident puts patriarch Harrison in a coma, cracks appear in the family facade. It seems Harrison had an awful lot of secrets, and he’s not the only one. His wife, Mariella, and children, Luc, Rafe and Elana, not to mention nephew Gabe, all have things they’d rather keep hidden.

Enter a mysterious figure called the Fixer… Who is this person, and what is the Fixer’s connection with Harrison? And with those cracks becoming ever wider, what sins will be revealed?

Super Rich. Super Sexy. Super Addictive.

Secrets of the A-List—read all 12 episodes!

Here’s the full line-up of participating authors:

Episode One: Joss Wood
Episode Two: Clare Connelly
Episode Three: Donna Hill
Episode Four: Reese Ryan
Episode Five: Helen Lacey
Episode Six: Michelle Major
Episode Seven: Yarah St. John
Episode Eight: Cat Schield
Episode Nine: Maya Blake
Episode Ten: Dani Collins
Episode Eleven: Maya Blake
Episode Twelve: Karen Booth

Do you have a question or comment about Never Christmas Without You, Secrets of the A-List or any other story? Would you like to request that I attend or participate in a chat about this book or another of my available titles? Email me here. I love hearing from readers!

Now, back to my writing cave where I’m working on my final changes to the debut story in my upcoming Bourbon Brothers series with Harlequin Desire. Look for that book in March 2018. Stay tuned VIP Readers!

Connecting with My Tribe of Fellow Writers and Readers

September 17, 2016 by ReeseRyan

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

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

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

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

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

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

**Historical authors Beverly Jenkins and Katharine Ashe**

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy reading,

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

Tangling with Timelines

September 9, 2016 by ReeseRyan

During my recent Labor Day Weekend #readergiveaway I asked readers to share how they spent their summer and invited them to pose questions about my new Pleasure Cove series. I enjoyed connecting with my VIP Readers and hearing about their road trips, reading challenges and time spent with children or grandchildren.

Readers posed lots of fun questions, which I’ll be answering during brief vlogs here on Mindful Banter. VIP Reader Mary Goodman asked: What is the best part about writing a series? I’m working on the proposal for Book #3 of my Pleasure Cove series, so today seemed like an appropriate time to answer that question. Under two deadlines and looking more than a little scrappy today, I’ll skip the video (for your sake and mine) and answer the question in today’s blog post.

The best part about writing a series is that the world I’ve built is familiar to me and so are many of the characters. Most of the action in the Pleasure Cove series takes place…you guessed it…in my fictional beach town Pleasure Cove, North Carolina. I know the landscape of the town: the best seafood restaurant, the dive jazz club, the coffee shop and the newly refurbished concert hall. The series revolves around a few key families. Those characters are as familiar as old friends and gotta-love-em relatives. I know a lot about these characters before I begin drafting their stories. Sometimes, even before I realize that they’ll ever have a story of their own.

What drives me crazy when writing a series can be summed up in one word: timeline.

Keeping the timeline straight over the course of several books in a series (and related series) can be challenging–particularly if you don’t establish the timeline right from the start. I’m one of those dreaded procrastinators who drags my feet when it comes to doing things I don’t particularly enjoy. I often find myself revisiting the timeline when I’m forced to–like today. So, as I fiddle with another timeline app, I’ve come to the conclusion that I should probably purchase one.

So my questions to you are: As a reader, what timeline issues drive you crazy in a story? To writers, what method do you use to keep track of the timeline of your story or series?

Happy reading!

Timeline: Minutes courtesy of Bertalan Szuros. Some rights reserved.
Timeline photo courtesy of Luigi Mengato. Some rights reserved.

Get to Know author @RoslynHolcomb

December 1, 2015 by ReeseRyan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What can we expect from you in coming months?

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

*****

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

Get to Know Tia Kelly, author of Baby Love

October 6, 2015 by ReeseRyan

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s the blurb:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for having me!

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

Website: www.tiawithapen.com

Social Media:

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

TWITTER – https://twitter.com/tiawithapen

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

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

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

Buy Links:

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

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

Get to Know Vanessa Riley Author of Multicultural Christian Regency

September 1, 2015 by ReeseRyan

Our guest today is Vanessa Riley. Welcome, Vanessa! For readers unfamiliar with you, tell us three things we should know about you.

Reese, first I want thank you for having me here. “Three things,” she says tapping her finger on the table.

I’m an old fashion nerd girl trapped in our modern society. In addition to knowing how to write robust software programs, I can knit, crotchet, and cook, but don’t tell my husband. He might want regular meals.
I love Bible stories. Haven’t quite figured out how to allude to an ark or turning people into pillars of salt in a novel yet, but I just might.
I love, love all things about the Regency Genre, and romance novels of the era by Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer. I have even made from scratch my own authentic 1800’s gown and wore it to a conference.

You write Christian Regency romance. When did you first become fascinated with the regency era? When did you decide that you wanted to write in this genre?

You remember that one assignment in high school where we had to read Pride and Prejudice. Well, for me, Jane Austen’s work was like a light bulb turning on in my head. The language, the strict sense of how people had to act and speak, it made a deep impression upon me. From that point on I read as much as I could and did all kinds of research. I had to know everything about the Regency era. From 1805 to 1830, England lead the world in culture and social issues. Slavery ended there without a single shot, thirty years before our American Civil War. The more I learned, the more I had to know, and it influenced my writing voice. My hope is to use my novels to bring this incredible society to readers in ways they have never seen before.

Regency definitely isn’t the first genre that comes to mind when I think of diversity. LOL. I love that you’re showing us a different side of the era. Tell us a little about the types of heroines you write about in this time period.

Unfortunately, it is rare to see a diverse cast in most Regencies. There were over 10,000 Blacks and a large Jewish population living in London during the Regency, but one couldn’t tell that from most Regency novels on the shelves of your local bookstore. It is my goal to change that perception. My heroines are strong women, but because of societal norms on the proper roles for women, they are trapped. It takes dire circumstances to shake off their shackles and it will take their faith to guide them to becoming a better person and to that wonderful happily-ever-after.

Your biracial regency romance Unmasked Heart has a very intriguing premise. Tell us a little about the story and its heroine, Gaia Telfair.

Gaia is a meek girl with a great love for her family. particularly her mentally-stunted brother. Though she has tried hard to earn her father’s love, she has accepted he will always treat her differently. He remains distant, his love always out of her reach. Now that Gaia is of age to marry, he tells her she cannot. She is to be a servant to her brother and to be grateful [for] the position. That is the day her world changes forever. Gaia isn’t the genteel daughter of a gentleman, but the product of an adulterous affair between Gaia’s late mother and an African.

This isn’t modern times. Back then the economics that you were born into set your life. Born a servant, die a servant. Affairs for women created horrible scandals and having mixed raced-children was taboo. The hint of scandal could doom you and all your relations to be ostracized. Genteel women weren’t even to associate with male servants or confide in any man who was not a father or husband. So Gaia now finds herself caught in between worlds, not quite a respectable daughter, but not a servant either. Learning to love herself within an identity of a black woman is the key to her healing from all the lies that have shaped her world.

Last week you released the third episode of your serial The Bargain. What can we expect in the ongoing saga of Precious Jewell?

Precious Jewell has to figure out how to make a life in Port Elizabeth, a place filled with danger and freedom. Her willful spirit gets her and Lord Welling into more trouble. This episode has a secrets exposed theme, so you will learn more about all the characters of The Bargain, be introduced to the powerful Xhosa warriors, and experience a couple of who’s the daddy moments.

What can we expect next from you, Vanessa?

The last episode of The Bargain releases in November. Can Precious and Lord Welling stop the next massacre? Will two stubborn hearts find the courage to love regardless of the consequences?

My next full length novel will release on January 1^st Unveiled Love which is the next book in the Challenge of the Soul Series. Expect more romance and faith-filled encounters within this series, where men and women have to decide who they are and what they want before fate or clandestine forces ruin everything.

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to get to know you!

It is my pleasure to spend time here. Please have me back.

Connect with Vanessa at her website, ChristianRegency.com, Facebook or @VanessaRiley on Twitter. Purchase your copy of Unmasked Heart or The Bargain by clicking the book covers.

Are you an author who’d like to be featured in my Get to Know series? Make your request here.