Author Abbie St. Claire brings you the 3rd installment in the 5th Avenue Romance Series. There is no cliffhanger in this installment, you will be captivated by the happily-ever-after.
What harm is there in having a little romance with the man next door?
Chelsie, a single mother, knows what it’s like to feel loss and regret. Her drive to wake up each day is her precious son Ty, but even her strength has its limits. The world was a cold and lonely place until she saw handsome sports physician, Ian move in next door.
Abusive, troubled, addict was the label everyone in his life gave him, and Ian lived up to that reputation until the day he discovered he was a father. When a horrible accident cripples him mentally and physically, his hard won sobriety is left hanging by a thread.
The attraction between Ian and Chelsie is electric, and they can’t help indulging in one night of passion. When Ian is forced to move to California, Chelsie keeps a secret that could harm them both. Can Ian overcome his addiction and prove he’s the man Chelsie has been dreaming of?
Abbie St. Claire is an International Bestselling Author in the romance genre.
With a tagline of “Romance with suspense, sizzle and sass,” one can imagine many things happen under her covers.
Claire hails from central Texas and has an addiction to cookie dough. She writes from her kitchen, the heart of her home and family.
For 2016/2017, she states having lofty goals which include Saddles and Sins (A steamy cowboy tale), Worn Jeans, Blue Collar Dollars, IAN for 5th Avenue Romance, participation in First Glance and The Diamond Club anthologies, and two Kindle World projects.
An addictive, suspenseful, sensual story about a man and a woman whose lives are about to get sizzling hot…
After living through her share of disloyal relationships, Evangeline Avery will be damned if she lets another man cheat her. A beautiful and confident woman, Eva is the owner of an interior design firm at the brink of collapse. She swears to bring her company back to its past glory, even if it involves sweet talking the one man who caused this turmoil in the first place – Clive Stanton.
Notorious playboy Clive Stanton is a powerful businessman and a formidable enemy of many. He doesn’t do love, or at least not until he meets her again, fifteen years after he saw her last. Eva, his crush from teenage years, the one that got away, is back in his world and he is determined to do anything to make her his.
Will passion and lust bring them together or conflict and the unforgettable scars from their pasts forever tear them apart?
Chasing Eva by Camellia Hart Review
I had the sheer pleasure to read Chasing Eva by Camellia Hart. Clive and Eva are two people who have had disappointing relationships in the past. Eva takes over her father’s company and is plagued by clients severing ties with her company. While finding love with Clive she is being followed by someone who she doesn’t know that probably had something to do with her father’s death. There are many twist and turns and a hot romance thrown in the middle. This is the beginning of a series and does have a cliff-hanger ending and I am waiting patiently for the next installment of this series. I hope I have the pleasure to read it when it comes out. I would recommend this book to all lovers of romance. This was a great read.
Camellia Hart, a techie turned author of romance, lives in San Francisco with her husband, the love of her life. Other than writing her next romance novel, her hobbies include traveling, lazing on a beach with a good read, watching movies with happy endings while gorging on endless buckets of popcorn, red wine, and champagne truffles.
What works best for you: Typewriters, fountain pen, dictate, computer or longhand?
Over the years I have dabbled in all the ways to get words down. I prefer to write out my outlines in longhand, then I will go over to the computer and start writing.
What inspires you to write?
Inspiration comes from many sources. I could be watching something on television or even shopping and something will peak my interest. I often have the moment where something will happen and I will sit and think, this would be a great line in a book.
How often do you write?
I try to write on a daily basis. I know with the way life is that is not always possible. If I am unable due to scheduling conflicts, I will take my notebooks along to write down possible ideas for the book. I have even come up with a whole new series because of this which is good to have in mind what to write in the future.
Do you aim to complete a set number of pages or words each day?
I don’t have a set number to accomplish daily. I try to write everyday no matter what I get accomplished in that day. There have been days I write 200 words and some days I write 5,000 words or more, depends on my inspiration.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
I read all the time. If I am not writing my manuscript I have my nose in a book or reading on my kindle. I am involved with some indy writers, doing reviews and such. My favorite authors are Stephen King, Charlaine Harris, James Patterson, and VC Andrews. Just to name a few, I read quite a bit from different authors.
Do you proofread and edit your work on your own or pay someone to do it for you?
I proofread three times after I am done with writing. Trying to catch the obvious spellings, sentences that do not look right. I hire an editor for the more in-depth work, mostly because I am the worst when it comes to correcting grammar. I have learned so much over the years, by trial and error though.
Have you ever left any of your books stew for months on end or even a year?
I can say I still have books half-written in my cloud folder on my computer. I have so many books planned out in notebooks also. If an idea comes to me I try to plan it out and write it down. I will eventually get through all my ideas but it will take me some time because I am always coming up with different ideas for books.
Any advice you would like to give to your younger self?
The only advice I would give to my younger self is write sooner. Don’t let life pass you by and have idea on idea and do nothing but write poems and short stories. I would have also told my younger self to keep all the notebooks over the years in a safe place. Due to me losing some due to moving and such.
Do you recall the first ever book/novel you read?
I can remember the first novel I read. Like I said I am an avid Stephen King fanatic. The first book I recall reading was Carrie. I started reading novels really early, I believe I was in my teens at the time. I grew up in the 80’s and he was the writer to read back then. I still believe he is the author everyone needs to read.
Which book inspired you to begin writing?
The book which inspired me to want to be a writer. I would have to say there was two actually. Christine by Stephen King and the Dollanganger Series of VC Andrews. Like VC Andrews I am starting my writing career later in life. I no longer work and have more time to invest in my writing. To try to make a career of writing and not just being a hobby.
Is there anything you are currently working on that may intrigue the interest of your readers?
I am working on my second book Kidnapped at the moment. It is a full length novel and not a novella as I done with Stalked. Kidnapped is also the continuation of the lives of Sean O’Malley and Janet Reynolds which we met in Stalked. Even though Stalked is a stand-alone novel I thought it was missing something so I am filling in some blanks and coming up with a whole new thrilling way to make Janet’s life a living nightmare.
Who are your books mostly dedicated to?
All my books current and future are mostly being dedicated to my fiance and son. They both have made huge sacrifices so I could be able to work as much as I want in my living room, office, bedroom, everywhere really. They have been the two who have been there standing beside me rooting me on. Without them and their support I don’t think I would have a book out today.
Is it true that authors write word-perfect first drafts?
I wish that was true, but sadly no it’s not true. I would never let anyone see my first draft of anything I write. I tend to ramble and put things in my books that just don’t belong there. I have also added things, moved chapters around. From my first draft to the final there is a definite change.
Writers are permanently depressed; how true is that?
I am not sure if all writers are depressed. I suffer from, depression and anxiety disorder. I also have chronic pain in my lower back, this makes it difficult on the most part to really sit for long periods of time. This is the reason I no longer work outside of my home. I never know when a panic attack is going to overcome me, and it can be hard to work and even go out shopping. I don’t talk much about this part of my life, but I know there are many people out there suffering through the same thing.
Was there a time you were unable to write, At All?
I do have to say there was a time in my life I did not write. I was trying to deal with my depression and anxiety to get a grip on my feelings. I would say I didn’t write for over 7 years. Looking back, I wish I would have taken the time out and continued writing. I believe I would be much further along in how many books I would have been able to publish.
How critical are you in your evaluation when you are reviewing someone’s work?
I would have to say I am very critical when I review. I haven’t always been critical, but now since I am a writer and have been myself reviewed very critically I am more cautious about the kinds of reviews I give. One thing I try to do if I don’t like a book I try to point out some positive qualities about the book. I am very honest when it comes to reviewing someone else’s work.
Although all books say that all the characters in the book aren’t real or related, but are they really all fictional and made up?
The people in my books are fictitious people but with some qualities of people I know. I have a good friend who was a bartender, she was the inspiration of the bartender in my book. I included a few qualities of people I know into my characters. I believe this gives them more of a real person feel. I have changed names to protect the innocent.
Do you need to be in a specific place or room to write, or you can just sit in the middle of a café full of people and write?
Actually I can write mostly anywhere. I get in the zone and nothing disrupts me. It’s almost being in my own little world, I get lost in my thoughts and writing. I think I am this way mostly because I do have an 8-year-old and he can get loud as any children can. I have adapted myself to be able to write during a tornado if need be.
Which book is the one you keep going back to again and again?
I have been trying to write a vampire book for years now. Kind of a cross of Twilight, Vampire Diaries and True Blood. I have about half this book written, it was started before Stalked. I lost interest in it and didn’t know where else to take this book. It’s about vampires taking over the world and putting humans in one place to use them for food and breeding. I am not sure if this will ever be finished but it is still being worked on from time to time.
If you were to change your genre, which one would you choose?
That question is an easy one. If I would ever change my genre it would be to write horror books. I have been told my work now is too descriptive in the thriller killing part. I can see me writing horror books with a lot of blood and guts.
I recently got my book Stalked Reviewed from Serious Reading. I am going to share the Review and the Interview here on my Blog at the end of the posting I will post the URL’s of the Review and Interview on the Serious Reading website.
Stalked is a newly published novel by Jacquelyn Vargovich, an author who is determined to leave a mark in this industry by penning engaging stories. This is her first book, but she plans to write more books in the future. She started writing poems and short stories in high school and has never looked back ever since. Some of the professional authors who motivate her include James Patterson, Stephen King and Charlene Harris, and VC Andrews. Currently, she lives in Arkansas with her fiance and son.
Janet Reynolds, the main character is left at the altar by her fiance. This experience leaves her feeling desperate and lonely. She is convinced that she will never find true love. She lives alone and spends most of her time working as a reporter for the only newspaper company in the small town of Derby. After a few months, she gets bored of doing the same tasks every day. Her past experiences haunt and hinder her from achieving her goals.
One fateful day, she is invited for an interview where she meets Sean O’Malley, a renowned local business owner. The two falls in love and their interaction ignites a part of her life that she thought was dead. Unknown to Janet is that Derby town has many secrets that are yet to be revealed to the world. There is a killer who stalks and kills innocent people leaving the police with complicated murder cases to decipher. After a series of events, Janet decides to write an investigative article about the killings only to realize that every victim resembles her. What will happen when she discovers that her lover might be the killer?
Stalked is an interesting romantic story that has many twists and turns. As you read it, you will get to understand the experiences that Janet goes through and her deep love for Sean.
They gave me 80% which is 4 out of 5 star rating. I will post the Interview in a seperate Blog post tomorrow.
REVIEW OVERVIEW
Serious Reading Rating
80 %
SUMMARY
Stalked is an interesting romantic story that has many twists and turns. As you read it, you will get to understand the experiences that Janet goes through and her deep love for Sean.
Paige Donovan is an ambitious college graduate who aspires to reach the top of the corporate ladder. She’s climbing fast when given the promotion of a lifetime at a prestigious fashion magazine in New York City. Her bright future comes to an unexpected halt after news of her father’s death. She inherits his old cabin in the Colorado Rockies, and just when she thinks her luck couldn’t get any worse, she has a car accident in the mountains and awakens in the small, remote community of Black River.
Soon, she’s engulfed in the mystical world of Varulv—wolves descended from 13th century Scandinavia and blessed by Norse gods with the ability to appear human. Paige is desperate to return home, but never expects to fall for her rescuer, Riley Gray, a charming young werewolf from England who offers her an alternate future with his pack.
Now, she must choose between the career she’s always wanted and the love she’s always dreamed.
I felt feverish, and I couldn’t move. I tried to open my eyes, but something heavy weighed on my eyelids.
Although I couldn’t see or move, I heard voices around me. The first one was female, and she had an English accent like Sheriff Gray. “She’s still got a fever.”
Then, I heard a male voice. “What if she doesn’t wake up?” He had the same accent, but he wasn’t the sheriff.
At that moment, I realized they were talking about me. “Don’t worry…she will.”
“It’s my fault. Dad’s going to bloody kill me.”
“It’s not your fault. Stop saying that. She’llbe okay, and Dad will understand.”
“I shouldn’t have brought her here.“
“You did the right thing by bringing her here. I can take care of her.“
There was a momentary pause. “What if she finds out?”
“That’s for Dad to decide.”
The voices faded in and out. Sleep bore down on me, but the last words I heard from the man stuck in my head. “I’ll watch over her.”
A severely dry mouth and splitting headache interrupted my peaceful sleep. I couldn’t hear the two voices, but I heard breathing in my left ear like someone was sleeping next to me. I tried to open my eyes so that I could ask them for water and medicine for my headache. The weight on my eyes was gone, so I tried to open them, but they felt sticky this time. I struggled to peel them open, blinking rapidly to loosen my eyelashes.
When I finally opened my eyes, they felt swollen. The pain in my head spread throughout my entire body. Dim light surrounded me in this strange room. I lay on a bed and looked up at the ceiling. I tried to speak, but my throat was dry. Only a quiet wheeze escaped. A low groan followed as my headache pounded against my temples. I still felt hot and sweaty. Layers of blankets covered me, and I wanted to yank them off. When I touched my abdomen, I wore nothing but my bra and panties.
My eyes darted around the unfamiliar room. On the wall, I noticed a shadow of something next to me. What the hell is that? I turned my head and saw a candle in the window, but what cast the shadow scared me to death. A large, white wolf lay on the floor beside me. There was no mistaking it for a dog. The bed was low to the floor, and its head was close to mine. I opened my mouth wide, prepared to scream, but wheezes and weak gasps escaped, instead. I thrashed my head against the pillow, as if the motions would turn up the volume in my voice. Finally, a shriek pushed through my sandpaper throat. It was a high-pitched squeal at first, but then, it burst forth and filled the room. I sat up quickly. Aching pain tore through my body, and I heard my bones crack.
The wolf awoke with a start. It jerked its head up, and glowing, yellow eyes blinked until they settled on me. I shrank away from it, nearly falling off the bed, screaming until I went hoarse and gasped for breath. The wolf stood on all fours, its size definitely that of a Great Dane. Our gazes locked for a brief moment before the animal ran out the room. I sat against the headboard, clutching the blankets against my chest. I was alone and terrified. Within seconds, tears trickled down my cheeks.
Author Bio
April Bostic is a New Jersey-based, Adult Romance author who enjoys unleashing her creativity and letting her imagination run wild. Her love of romance books inspired her to become not just a reader, but also a writer. In December 2008, she self-published her first novel, a contemporary romance with a supernatural twist entitled “A Rose to the Fallen”.
Her first short story, “Right Here, Right Now”, released in January 2012, is an erotic romance with a dash of S&M. The following year, she released two more short stories: a romantic urban fantasy inspired by the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche entitled “Eros, My Love”, and a sexy romantic comedy entitled “Love Addiction”.
After five years, she released her second novel, “The Howling Heart” in August 2013, a paranormal romance that delves into the mystical world of werewolves and Norse gods. To end her busiest year in publishing, April also released her fourth short story in December 2013, a historical paranormal romance entitled “A Dark Scandal”.
What if Mr. Right showed up at exactly the wrong time?
When America’s sweetheart, Courtney Bennett, finds out her husband, Brock McCain, America’s heartthrob, is leaving her, she’s sure her life is over. Thirty-nine in Hollywood is tough on any woman, but not as hard as being hunted by the relentless paparazzi. Finding herself holed up in a cabin in Colorado under the care of Wes Young, her new bodyguard, she starts to see that maybe there is life after Hollywood.
Wes Young spent more than twenty years in the Marines and the past two years in protection services. The only thing he protects more carefully than his clients is his heart. When he takes on the task of guarding Courtney Bennett, the last thing he wants to do is spend his days and nights with a spoiled, self-involved actress. Before long, Wes realizes that she is not at all what he thought. For the first time in his life, he finds himself navigating the minefield of love, trying to avoid a broken heart.
Will they risk it all to be together or return to the lives they knew before The Break Up?
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Author Bio
MJ Summers currently resides in Canada, not far from the Rocky Mountains, with her husband, three young children and their goofy dog. When she’s not writing erotic novels she loves running, reading, going for long dinners with her girlfriends, swimming, and camping with her family.
Aside from being a father,husband, and lucrative business owner, Logan “Unbreakable” Kellar is a retired MMA world champion. However, after a challenge is made that he can’t refuse, stepping back into the ring will do more than warm up old routines and habits. Will Logan be able to withstand the punches pulled in and out of the ring or will everything he loves suddenly become just a blur?
Xavier Neal lives in Texas where she spends her time getting lost in writing, reading, or fandoms she recently discovered. Whether she is enjoying books or movies, she continues finding inspiration at every turn to bring more exciting stories to life.
After being left at the altar, Jade Roberts seeks solace at her best friend’s ranch on the Colorado western slope. Her humiliation still ripe, she doesn’t expect to be attracted to her friend’s reticent brother, but when the gorgeous cowboy kisses her, all bets are off.
Talon Steel is broken. Having never fully healed from a horrific childhood trauma, he simply exists, taking from women what is offered and giving nothing in return…until Jade Roberts catapults into his life. She is beautiful, sweet, and giving, and his desire for her becomes a craving he fears he’ll never be able to satisfy.
Passion sizzles between the two lovers…but long-buried secrets haunt them both and may eventually tear them apart.
What can I say about this book, other than I could not put it down. I instantly had a connection with the characters. Talon Steel is a tortured man who is new to having feelings. Jade Roberts getting left at the altar is the most devastation to a woman on her wedding day. This is one series I know I will be waiting for the next book to come out. It is wonderfully written and steamy. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romances.
Meet The Author
Helen Hardt’s passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado where she lives with her family. Helen loves to hear from readers.