My guest author today is an incredibly interesting, talented, and accomplished woman. She’s Angela Benson, and she’s an award winning author of both contemporary romance and faith-inspired fiction. Angela has published twelve novels, two novellas, and a nonfiction writing book, all for top-notch publishers. Her books have appeared on national and regional bestseller lists, and she’s won a number of awards, including the Romantic Times Award for Best Multicultural Romance, and she was also a finalist for the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award in Multicultural Romance. On top of that, she was also nominated for the prestigious RITA Award, sponsored by the Romance Writers of America.
Wow! That is one heck of a writing pedigree, isn’t it?
Angela’s writing creds are certainly distinguished, but the other parts of her life are equally impressive. She majored in both math and industrial engineering, and holds two Masters Degrees AND a Ph.D. in instructional technology from the University of Georgia. Angela is currently an associate professor of educational technology at the University of Alabama. My goodness—when does the woman even find time to write books?!
Like many romance writers with established careers, Angela is moving into digital publishing. Three of her previously published, out of print books are now available as e-books. The Way Homeand The Nicest Guy in America were originally published with Pinnacle Arabesque, both to great reviews.
“A realistic, romantic tale of regaining lost love! Ms. Benson writes from the heart and it is reflected in her characters. Readers will be thrilled with Angela Benson’s newest love story!”
Marlena Rhodes returns to her hometown of Gaines for a visit only to discover that the past she left behind is still fresh in her memory. As a successful attorney in Washington, D.C., Marlena has made a name for herself and the wealthy black society people of Gaines are clamoring to meet her. They may be dazzled by her name and her reputation, but deep down Marlena is still Josie Rhodes’ daughter and Josie hadn’t been accepted by most of the people in Gaines. When she comes face-to-face with her ex-love, Marlena remembers why she loved Winston Taylor so much and why she’d said goodbye . . .
Doesn’t that sound like a great read? To check out an excerpt of The Way Home, take a hop to Angela’s website. While you’re there, you can also read the blurb, excerpt, and reviews for her other book, The Nicest Guy in America.
And just in time for Christmas, Angela has a holiday novella called Friend and Lover.
Angela Benson’s “Friend and Lover” is a hilarious, sensual romp of friends turning into lovers. Reed Lewis has loved his best friend, Paige Taylor, for years. In a determined effort to make his New Year’s dreams come true, Reed pulls out all the stops. Paige tries to fight her attraction to Reed, but when he brings in his secret weapon-his 80-year-old, 5-foot-nothing, 80-pound grandmother named Big Momma-she loses her heart to the incorrigible grandmother/grandson duo.
Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? Stop by Angela’s website to get all the details and to read an excerpt of Friend and Lover.
For my readers today, Angela is donating a copy of The Way Home. Since Angela’s just released a Christmas novella, let’s talk about the holidays. What’s your favorite thing about the holiday season—family, food, or all those fabulous books you’re going to get as presents! One person who comments will win a copy of Angela’s book.
The winners of Dana Marton’s novellas in her new Agents Under Fire series are Lisa B., eli yanti, and Lora Patten. Congratulations! We’ll get those novellas out to you.
Thanks to everyone for stopping by the blog. My guest author tomorrow isGina Robinson, who writes sassy and humorous contemporary romances with lots of suspense. Stop on by!
Frequent visitors to my blog know I love romantic suspense, which often vies with historical romance as my favorite genre. So I’m really pleased to be featuring the wonderful Dana Marton on the blog today. Dana writes fast-paced, action-adventure romances for Harlequin Intrigue. Her books get great reviews, she’s finaled in many contests—including in the Rita Awardsof the Romance Writers of America—and she’s won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence.
Here’s what Noveltalk had to say about Dana’s books:
I have read nearly every book Dana Marton has ever written and I am amazed by her superb stories that just keep getting better and better with each book she writes. I have not been able to put down any one of her books until I have finished them in a matter of hours. Her stories intrigue me!
RT Book Reviews has consistently given Dana great reviews, including a Top Pick for Sheik Protector, which RT called “action-filled and riveting.”
I don’t know about you, but I love me a good sheik story—especially one with suspense and danger—and Dana is a master at writing these kinds of books. Make sure you check out her Books page to get a full listing of her books, including those with her sexy sheiks!
In addition to her Intrigues for Harlequin, Dana has three new digital novellas she’s recently released, all part of her Agents Under Fire series. The first in the series Guardian Agent.
When Gabe Cannon’s commando team is tasked with bringing down a rogue solider, he doesn’t expect to come face-to-face with the target’s sister at the showdown instead of the man himself.
Jasmine is trying to lead the team away from her injured brother. Recognizing one of the hunters as her teenage crush is definitely a shock to her system. To save her family, she must convince Gabe that her brother was framed. But can she stop from falling in love with him all over again?
Sexy commandos and first crushes—count me in!
The second book in the series is Avenging Agent, and the third book, Warrior Agent, was just released this month.
Troy Hill has been tirelessly working for months to bring down a corrupt congressman. When the man’s goons capture him and lock him up, he knows they can’t afford to leave him alive. His only chance at escape is the congressman’s new security guard, Claire Montgomery. He expects he’ll have to either manipulate her into setting him free or kill her. He doesn’t expect to fall in love with her.
You can’t go wrong with a story that New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallerycalls “action packed and breathtakingly romantic!” If you haven’t ever read any of Dana’s books, these novellas are the perfect opportunity to try them out.
For my readers today, Dana will be giving away copies of her novellas. Since we’re talking about suspense books, let’s stick with that. Who are some of your favorite suspense or thriller authors? Do you like Karen Rose or Brenda Novak, or do you go more for the thriller type book by someone like Lee Child or John Grisham? Inquiring minds want to know! Three people who comment will each win one of Dana’s fab novellas.
I have a real treat on the blog today: three fantastic authors for the price of one, and just in time for Christmas! How is this possible, you might ask? Well, take a look at today’s featured book. It’s The Naughty List, a contemporary seasonal anthology with stories by three of my favorite authors, Donna Kauffman, Cynthia Eden, and Susan Fox. I love Christmas anthologies, and this is a really good one. It received a 5 blue ribbons review from Romance Junkies, which called it “a perfect feel good book for any time of year.”
Businessman Griffin’s never believed in luck…until sassy-sweet small-town baker Melody turns his world around. Except there’s a catch: There’s no way he’ll be able to build his empire and hold on to her. His new “lucky charm” could destroy all his dreams…or make this Christmas better than he ever imagined possible…
All I Want For Christmas, by Cynthia Eden
Good girl toy inventor Christie takes a walk on the naughty side when she sparks a no-strings fling with Santa—actually, sexy cop Jonas in a Santa suit. She loves her new “bad girl” persona, except as the holidays approach, she starts falling, and hard, for this known’ “love ’em and leave ’em” ladies man…
Tattoos And Mistletoe, by Susan Fox
Charlie returns to her hometown to fix up her aunt’s B&B, but she doesn’t count on LJ handling the renovations. Nerdy LJ pined for her in school, but now he’s grown into the town’s hottest bachelor. Charlie’s been burned before and won’t let him get close. But LJ’s determined to break down her walls and make her dearest Christmas wish come true.
Luckily for my readers, I was able to score an exclusive interview with the authors of this fun Christmas anthology. Let’s see if we can get to know these ladies a little better!
Donna Kauffman
We all know that writing is hard work. What do you do to fill the creative well?
Donna: In addition to writing full time, my “play job” is freelance teaching arts/craft classes at a local craft shop here in northern Virginia. My mom owned a craft shop while I was growing up, so it’s something that has always been a part of my life. I love the balance of creating things with my mind…and with my hands. And teaching others has its own special joys as well. (Plus it has the added benefit of getting me out around “non-fictional” folks for at least part of my week! 🙂 My other love is hiking. I live right near the Potomac river and there are many wonderful trails literally in my backyard. You’ll find me on them for some part of pretty much every day, year round. I am also close to the Blue Ridge mountains and the Shenandoah Valley and hike there often as well.
Cynthia: Writing is hard, but, to me, incredibly fun work. When I need to replenish that creative supply, I talk long walks, watch some great movies (I am big into escapism) or head to the beach. I’m very fortunate because I live just 45 minutes away from the beach—definitely close enough for a creative excursion!
Susan: The biggest thing for me is reading. I’m addicted! Other than that, I love watching a little TV, getting outside for a walk, exploring nature with my camera, and sharing dinner and a bottle of wine with a good friend. I try to exercise regularly and do my stretches, though that’s more about keeping in decent shape than filling the creative well. Man, I’m a pretty boring person, aren’t I?
Cynthia Eden
When you’re not writing “naughty” stuff, what do you like to read in your down time? Do you read in the genre you’re working in at the time, or does that mess with your head? What’s your favorite type of relaxation read?
Donna: I read all sorts of things when I’m writing, which is pretty much all the time. I don’t take any real breaks between books, so if I only read my own genre when I wasn’t writing it, I’d never have the chance to read it again. 🙂 It doesn’t mess with my head at all. After 20 years in the business, I am very comfortable with my “voice” and feel confident that when I write it’s coming from my own well, and not influenced by anyone else’s work. However, all reading, in all genres, definitely keeps me well immersed in the variety of storytelling that’s out there. There are so many author’s voices I truly love and admire, across all genres. If anything, reading their work only helps me define my voice even better. You see how distinctly different we all are, and it helps me realize just how distinct and unique my brand of storytelling is.
For relaxation, my favorite kind of book is the kind I write, meaning “feel good” stories. My editor once described my books as “humor with heart…and a lot of heat!” Which…I’m good with that! And that’s what I like when I sit down to read, too. On my “anxiously awaiting list” is The Next Forever, the first in a new trilogy from Nora Roberts. She’s been a friend of mine for more than 20 years now, so I am personally attached to this particular series as it’s based on her own Inn BoonsBoro, which I saw come to life in reality over these past couple of years. I can’t wait to see how she’s brought something so dear to her heart into her fiction.
Cynthia: I love to read paranormals, romantic suspense tales, and horror novels. When I’m working on a particular story, I try not to read within that same genre (it just helps me to better distance myself). So I save all of those in-genre reads as rewards for when I finish my story. Once I’m done writing, I dive in for some prime reading time. And my favourite type of relaxation read? I enjoy funny tales that can take me away. Funny stories are great for relieving stress!
Susan: Mainly, I read contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and romantic suspense—and then a smattering of everything else. At least everything else that’s fiction. I’m not much of a non-fiction reader. Give me escapism every time! But I do like to escape with characters and worlds I can relate to, so I’m not big on paranormal. When choosing what I’m going to read next, I like mixing things up. For example, I just read The Help, and now I’m on a gritty Lisa Gardner suspense novel, and I’m sure next it will be a romance. No, it doesn’t mess with my head to read the same kind of thing I’m writing. Reading is entertainment for me. I’m not analytical about it and I don’t compare other authors’ writing to my own. For a pure relaxation read—like to enjoy in a bubble bath at the end of a long day (which is sounding like a very good idea at the time I’m writing this!)—it will usually be romance or a more “lightweight” women’s fiction without a lot of angsty issues. Not that I don’t love those more angsty books, but not when I want pure R&R.
Susan Fox
If you were stranded on a desert island with just the basics for survival and you were allowed only one luxury item, what would it be?
Donna:Mark Harmon. 🙂 If he’s not available (given he’s been married forever to Pam Dawber and all…) then please substitute George Clooney. He’ll always be single. 🙂
Cynthia: Chocolate! Oh, yes, that would definitely be my luxury item. I just can’t live without it!
Susan: The longest book in the world! But no, I don’t count books as luxury items. For me, they’re necessities. So, how about a very fit, very hot, very smart guy? Or, no, maybe he falls more in the necessity category too. LOL. For pure luxury, I’ll settle for a fountain with an unending supply of chilled pinot grigio wine. Care to join me?
Vanessa, here. Chocolate, men, and a glass of chilled pinot grigio…I like the way you ladies think! Thanks so much for joining me on the blog today. And I can’t wait to read The Naughty List. Now that I know how y’all think, I know your stories are going to be lots of (naughty) fun!
And for my readers today, we’ll be giving away a copy of The Naughty List. Just tell me the one luxury item you would bring to a deserted island. One person who comments will win a copy of this fab book.
