Tag Archives: romance

Book Review + Giveaway ‘Kill For You’ by Ayden. K . Morgen 5 stars!!! (Romantic Suspense)

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Kill For You
A Warrior For Her #2
by Ayden K. Morgen
Genre: Romantic Suspense
The last thing Detective Octavio Hernandez expects to find at the scene of a mass gang-related shooting is a brown-eyed angel standing bravely in the midst of the chaos. One look at Faith Donovan and the homicide detective knows there’s more to her than meets the eye. She’s keeping secrets that just might help bring down Los Zetas, one of the biggest drug cartels in Los Angeles.
He just has to convince her that trusting him is worth the risk.
Forced upon a mother who didn’t want her and enslaved by a gang that refuses to let her go without a fight, Faith’s life has never been her own. She thought she’d made peace with her fate…until Octavio sweeps in and carries her out of her blood-soaked cage.
Faith trusts no one, but the hardened detective makes it difficult to remember why. The way he cares for her makes her ache for what she never thought she’d find: love and a family of her own. But trusting him when she knows he has an ulterior motive is one of the most difficult things she’ll ever do.
He swore to give her the freedom she craves, but when the secrets she holds paint a target on her back, keeping that promise will prove no easy feat.
To secure her freedom and win her heart, this detective will move mountains. And take down anyone standing in his way.
Kill for You is the second book in a series of interconnected full-length novels featuring law enforcement officers willing to do whatever it takes to protect the women who need them most. Each book can be read as a standalone, has no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA.

 

On March 17th, 100% of author proceeds from Kill for You will be donated to Operation Underground Railroad to aid in the rescue of child victims of human trafficking. Post release day, 10% of proceeds will continue to go to Operation Underground Railroad. To date, Operation Underground Railroad has rescued over 3,200 children from slavery and has helped prosecute over 1,800 human traffickers. Learn more about O.U.R. and pledge your support here.

 

Fight For You
A Warrior For Her #1
Some things are worth fighting for.
Some people are worth dying for.
For me, January James is both.
Too bad she hates me.
Ten years ago, I destroyed her life and lost everything that mattered to me. I’ve been in hell since, desperately trying to forget her even though I’ve never been able to do it. She still haunts me.
Now a dangerous enemy from my past has it out for her. He isn’t going to stop until he gets what he wants. I know I should stay away before I hurt her all over again, but I can’t do it.
It’s time to stop running and start fighting for her.
My name is Michael Kincaid, and this is my swan song. When it’s over, I’ll either be the monster at the end of this book…or I’ll be the man January deserves.
Fight for You is an angsty and emotional brother’s best friend, second chance romance. It is the first book in a series of interconnected full-length standalone novels featuring alpha male cops willing to do whatever it takes to protect the women who need them most. Each book has no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA.
**Only .99cents 3/15 to 3/31 on Amazon!** 
Ayden K. Morgen is the Amazon Bestselling author of the Ragnarök Prophesies series. She lives in the heart of Arkansas with her childhood sweetheart/husband of fifteen years, and their furry minions. When not writing, she spends her time hiking, reading, volunteering, causing mischief, and building a Spork army.
She graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology in 2009 before going on to complete her graduate degree in CJ and Law.
She puts her education to use as a 911 Dispatch Supervisor, where she’s responsible for leading a team of dispatchers as they watch over police, EMS, and firefighters for her county. Her books feature law enforcement officers, the women who love them, and the difficult cases that drive them.
She also writes New Adult Fantasy as A.K. Morgen.
$10 Amazon giftcard
$5 Amazon giftcard
3 Warrior Series swag packs
2 copies of the complete Teplo Trilogy
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
 
 

Kim’s Review- ‘Kill For You’

5 ‘Outstanding Character Development’ Stars!!

Thank you to Silver Dagger Tours for my free copy in exchange for a honest review.

Well of course I’d be drawn to this book, the genre, the blurb, the man in a suit on the front it all screams ‘Kim’s read’ really. And it did not disappoint one bit!! In all honesty, I am so proud to have this author representing the romantic suspense genre. Here’s what I enjoyed.

Character development– Boy, can this author craft an alpha-male  (that’s not a dick, and come across as not very nice. ) The whole male line up is just tooooooooooo dieeeeeeeeeee for! In one shape or form I swear to God, I tell no lies here. I found the main character Octavio to be very believable, authentic and hot! His co-workers and the other guys who he worked with in the plot, were all just as hot and enjoyable to meet.The same for the females, Faith is just adorable and so strong. Overall I felt that this author did a great job with developing a strong male lead, and a believable female lead that has experienced major trauma.

Now the ‘bad guys’, to me they were also really enjoyable to read and very well developed.

Plot and Pace- it moves quickly, has twists and turns and one very unexpected change for Faith. I never saw it coming ( no spoilers). It was beautiful to read, and nice that it was an outside of the box twist too. The whole plot ties together nicely, it felt almost like reading not just romantic suspense, but also a detective story, as we readers ‘get to the bottom of the mystery’ around Faith.

Reality-  I must say, I found this plot to be very realistic, it touches on abuse and the  human sex and slave trade. It tied in very well with Faith’s  plot twist I mentioned. So not only for me as a reader did I feel the characters were extremely believable, so was the plot, reality, likelihood of things happening. It all left me with no doubts over the character’s motives and actions. It touches on drugs, crime, and gang related activities also. Just brilliantly executed.

Overall, five wonderful, well written and enjoyable stars from me. Romantic suspense fans you don’t wanna miss this one, I’m just sayin’.  I would read more of this author’s work. I have the next one on my kindle, and gutted I can’t read it in time for the end of her book tour, but trust I’ll be reading it!! I wish Author Ayden K. Morgen all the best with her career, and may her pen take over the genre by storm!

 

 

101: Writing Realistic Romance, Seven Tips #amwriting

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writing Everyone has their own style of storytelling, believe me I know! I’m a big rebel when it comes to writing in this genre!  I don’t believe in following the crowd, I hate it. I use the present tense and first person often. While a majority of this genre is third person and past tense. That said, I have been pulled to write this short 101 to helpfully help other aspiring romance writers, and anyone for that matter, as this simple advice can be applied across the board in all genres really. Also, I’ve not written a writing 101 for ages!!

I’ve been compelled to write this as, one I read a hella-lot of romance, two I’ve read a hella-lot of romance that’s sadly unrealistic in some ways. This genre has this ‘reputation’ and I feel us romance writers should do what we can, to fight that battle. Now, I don’t claim to be an expert. But I do claim to be a kick-ass romance author that I will blow my own trumpet! And I will admit, that I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea you either feel me, or you don’t as a reader. But I’ll always be feelin’ myself LOLZ.  That’s because I have mastered ‘Kim’s style’ like all writers, I’ve got to a place where I feel happy with what my pen does, and at ease if others don’t like it.  Not everyone will like what you write, but if you write for yourself first, and use your own style whatever comes after is just a bonus, praise of critique. Because, you write for you first.

I’m now on novel number eleven, so from this experience here’s my simple advice and take from a humble POV, that I’d give to craft engaging and believable romance. So we can fight the whining  readers who find it ‘unrealistic’.

Characters

As a big reader I love it when characters are so believable, realistic and engaging to read. When they’re not, it can be a turn off. Not everyone is going to like your characters, and so what if they don’t they’re may be the wrong reader. The point is, when it comes to characters who are they? This is my starting point before I think about my plot. This is because, if you’re  going to write a realistic romance ( or any genre story), the characters will be what drives the plot. Not and never the other way around.  Remember this, think of your characters like this as the plot drivers.

Many may start with the plot and fill out characters, cool okay if that’s what’s best for you. But you may find that you”re  so busy spinning your plot, your characters do unrealistic things, and fall flat. I recently read two books one romance and one other, and this was my experience as a reader. If you know your characters well,  you can portray them better. They will react, think, move, talk, walk more vividly in your plot if you can focus on them first. This helps massively with character development also.

Ever read a book and the characters are boring, or they are from a certain part  of the world yet they speak perfect English in their conversations? Hmmm, chances are the  writer has skipped this part. Hence they speak perfect English, or just flat and not real. For example, when they are from the depths of south London for example and may have a different accent.

When I wrote a particular story for The Suspenseful Collection #2- Blurred Lines, I placed myself and Didi in the story lol. So when I portrayed myself in speech, I did not say, ‘oh I’m so sorry about that, here let me help you.’ I said, ‘oh no, I’m sorry, ‘er lemmie help ya’. That’s because I’m from London, and a certain part and I would not in casual speaking speak like the Queen herself!   Didi and I also had a Russian female in The Suspenseful Collection Volume #1 and of course  she said, ‘ello, yass ‘ow can help you.’ rather than ‘Hello, yes how I can I help you.’ The point is, little things like this matter, as well as who they are as people.  You may think, yeah Kim this is basic stuff. Trust, you’d be surprised  how many can easily forget, during character development.

This brings me to character development and thinking about it a  little deeper, if you start by really thinking about who your characters are, outside of things like age, race etc. But who they are as people, where they have been, how they react to things and most importantly their flaws as people. You will have more rounded, believable and developed characters that drive your plot. Rather than a plot with flat characters, doing very unrealistic things.

Flaws and Growth…

Okay so we all love a romance ( or any genre book really) where the characters are not only real, but we as readers experience and see their growth. Don’t forget this, once you know who your characters are as people, what flaws do they have? And these flaws should help drive the plot and show how they grow from it…. why? As it shows growth of each character, develops story and adds to reality! People have life experiences and we all grow from them, love and romance are no exception to the rule. If anything love and romance really do allow us all to grow in some shape or form. So, give your characters a flaw or two, then make sure in the plot you show somehow that they have overcome it, or made steps to over come it, changed or grown from it.  This could be so subtle in your writing, it does not have to be over the top, but if you can show it well it should make good believable reading. It makes the characters real, the situations real, and the best bit allows readers to experience the plot better.

Plot, Story-line and Storytelling…

Okay y’all like I said, I’ve read a hella-lot of books, especially romance and I feel a plot needs to be very realistic in as many books, if not all as possible. End of story, period and full fucking stop!! This genre has such a reputation for delivering ‘unrealistic stories’ and I hate it, and I will defend my genre I love to read and write until the cows come home! But, as a reader, I gotta say… yeah there’s some truth. Don’t get caught up in trying to spin the perfect ‘fairy tale’ that things seem unreal.  Ask yourself…

1.Would this really happen?

2.Could this even be possible?

3. And would my CHARACTER react like this, or how would they react and why?? What would my characters do in the situations I have placed them?

Where’s the challenges?…

Now if you, one know your characters, two they have realistic flaws, they should not be doing unrealistic stuff…right? Good glad we agree.

But, how do we keep it realistic, in my personal and humble opinion as a romance author, it’s down to the challenges we give them. By this I mean, if there’s no challenge and everything just fits into place we all know love and life does not roll like that! So it can come across as unrealistic, there needs to be some kind of ‘challenge’ and I use the word loosely to mean some kinda ‘debate’, ‘back and forth’ ‘questions’ or even just a good ‘ol dose of drama to keep the plot realistic. Don’t go too mad ( unless it’s like romantic suspense), but for good, clean, sweet romance a little challenge or dilemma where a decision or choices need to be made are key. And for romantic suspense, ha! Well, bring the heat with challenges!! 🙂 But keep them realistic to the characters, their environment and where they are at in life no matter what kind of romance you’re writing.

My best advice is, place your plot outline in the real world, in the time frame your story is set. So if it’s the present day would what you’ve outlined…

1. Have a chance of happening? Is this a realistic challenge to the character, time-frame and who they are?

3. Could it be believable? What is a realistic challenge for this couple to either be together, come together, or hold them back for some reason. Where is the push and pull before they can be happy?

4. Does it go inline with the challenges, flaws, and issues you’ve given the characters and the overall plot? Does it work?

5. Is there an actual challenge here worth telling? Is there more than sex in your plot? Does it develop into an actual story involving the characters? 

Pace…

All right y’all now, I believe when or if there’s  an issue with pace, it might be because of one of two things.

  1. There’s no fucking story at all to tell or is being told! And really pages are just being filled with words- the story does not move!
  2. The story does not have ‘peaks’ to keep the reader engaged. So, the pace seems like this ———————————————- all on one level and not really moving.

If you’ve really looked at your story line,  plot  or the outline whatever you call it, you should be able to see if there is a story really, and eliminate point one. If so, now where are the areas of ‘peak’ ‘heat’ tension’ whatever you want to call it. Make them clear, for you and the reader. Then decide how you will build up to these peaks. By this I mean what’s your approach to bringing the readers to these peaks, is it a sub-plot, surprise, mystery, a twist, or are you just ensuring that the story is told at a good pace and not dragged out.

You don’t have to spin mystery, surprise, or suspense into a romance, it could just be a nice sweet story ( something I’m not great at writing lol), or a contemporary romance. The point is, as you write your actual story keep up that damn pace! End as many chapters as you can with something interesting for the reader, and for the love of God keep moving! Without skimming or rushing, just make sure your pace is even.

  1. Start
  2. Middle/climax etc.
  3. level off/ OMG what will they do??/tension.
  4.  Bang…ending!

This is the most simple way I can  put it with pace. I would avoid leaving all the juicy stuff until the later part of your story, readers may fall off, lose interest or just feel that ‘the pace is slow’. Keep them interested. As a side note, I mentioned reality as a big thing. So if you leave all the juicy stuff to the end, is this realistic to how life would go, in the situations you’ve placed your characters?

Think about it. Do life and love just fit into place? Nope, think not. Especially if you have a plot with some drama, if your characters just roll with it is that really believable??? Adjust reaction if you can to fit the pace.

Insta- Love?

Ya know lots of readers may dislike this, I kinda do  as a reader as long as it’s believable. That’s the deal breaker. If you like to write insta-romance- do your thang! I like to read it and  have written it where characters connect fast. Remember what I said about pace…. That said, if you serve up some insta-love have you shown a reason ‘why they can’t get enough of each other?’  Give them some kind of connection. There is no use allowing your characters to say, ‘I love you’  ( a lot), when you can’t even see why they would love each other. It sucks, it’s unrealistic and well, where’s the connection more to the point? How or why have they fallen for each other, even if it was pretty soon.

Now connection could be simple things, common interests, both want the same things in life, at the same point in life, etc. People connect when there is a connection no matter how small, we all know and have experienced this. Establish the connection….and keep it real! Show the reader why there is a believable chance these people would fall in love, even if it’s soon.

I read a book recently and I could not see why the author’s characters had a connection, and that placed doubt in my mind about the story, reality, and why these two people were in love. But they said ‘ I love you’ a hella-lot though *rolls eyes*.

In my humble view again, if they fall fast or not, show them falling, show the change of heart! Don’t forget this, don’t write a car crash of love and  not show the change of heart, or the development of feelings in your story. Even in a very subtle way as word count can be limited at times. If you do show this, It will…help it to seem realistic! That’s the name of the game.

How Much Sex, is Too Much Sex?…

Well, this is a hard balance to strike, but in my honest view as a reader yes, there is such thing as too much sex WHEN and only WHEN the rest of the plot is not developed enough. Simple.

You decide on how much or little sex you want,  it’s not for anyone to say…but just remember this can not be the be all, and end all of how you bring your story alive. Consider carefully where you place it, why and what it adds to your overall development of the actual story. Don’t just scatter it around to fill pages, and hope that a steamy story will hold your reader, it won’t and probably can’t when there is nothing else going on. *Shrugs shoulders* I’m just being honest as a reader, and that’s my view as a writer too.

So off the top of my head these are a few tips! I will come back and keep adding to this post, if and when I feel the need. I wish every romance writer the best of luck! Let’s fight that damn reputation we have for the genre, and pen some page-turning and realistic stories! *High five*

 

 

 

 

 

Out Now On Pre-Sale & Kindle Unlimited- Release Date 6th February 2020. #amreading #romance #kindleunlimited

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Would you risk a second chance, 4,000 miles away in paradise?

Chances, A Puerto Rican Love Affair is book three of the Romance Set In Paradise Series. Of romantic, steamy and suspenseful stand-alone novella length stories, all set in exotic locations around the world. Each one can be read as a stand-alone book.  Out now on pre-order and Kindle Unlimited Amazon Links—-)   http://bit.ly/2Lzdnpt

Chances ebookThirty-one year old Gabby from Barcelona, Spain has a love for the finer things in life including successful men. She finds herself in need of a change of scene. Opportunity knocks when the European company she works for as a successful estate agent, selling properties to elite clientele expand. Giving her the chance to take a one month work sabbatical, in the beautiful vibrant Caribbean island Puerto Rico. She snaps up the chance to leave Europe behind. Here her path crosses with thirty-five year old Puerto Rican born Mateo Sanchez. A former ‘bad boy’ turned entrepreneur. They touch each other on a physical and soul level, the two become connected. Thing is, while the passion, heat and romance builds between the two, the pair’s love affair becomes caught up in a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal from the past.

Mateo and Gabby fight hard for their blossoming relationship, and against the drama that keeps following them. But there are decisions and sacrifices to make if they are really going to make it work. There’s nothing that Mateo won’t do to show his growing admiration for Gabby, even when the police get involved and he’s in the hot seat. His hand is forced he’s pushed to make moves he promised he would never do again, due to past events and to move forward with Gabby. Gabby is faced with the decision over what sacrifices she’ll make, and where she really sees her future. Back in Spain, London or 4,000 miles away in Puerto Rico. Romance, soul mate connection, heat, lies, betrayal and brushes with the law await readers in this exciting multicultural ‘second chance’ romance.

I am so proud and pleased guys! National Novel Writing Month 2019’s baby here. I still can’t believe I completed the challenge. I loved every moment of writing this book, all 63,000 words!  This is so different to Havana Heat and Lover’s Retreat- books #1 and #2 of the series. You can pre-order now and yes, I’ve included this title in Kindle Unlimited so members can read free!

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR PRE-ORDER!

RELEASE DATE 6TH FEBRUARY 2020

35+ Female Romance Authors Of Colour-FREE ROMANCE BOOKS #freebooks #romance #blackgirlmagic #amreading

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I am so proud to join forces with more than thirty five female  romance authors of colour around the world, between November 2019 and January 2020 to show case our work to bring some #blackgirlmagic and #browngirlmagic to the world of fiction. Women in general have had it hard historically, and sometimes we still do have to fight hard for our voice to be heard.

In  the literary world the female voice of colour is underrepresented in books, as characters, and also as published authors by the big publishing houses. No one can dispute that. It’s a fact when it comes to finding agents and approaching publishers ninety percent of the time women of colour are pitching characters that reflect what we would would like to read more about, for example crafting leads with darker skin, and females reflecting what we see in the mirror, or  just our experience as people of colour to people who  many find it hard to  really understand or even try to understand a different point of view, as they are from a different background and it’s not ‘normal’ to have a lead hero or heroine with skin darker than their own.  So therefore the agent and publisher loves to feedback that they ‘can’t connect’ with the characters or stories. There is also a serious case of  a lack of  agents of colour to open the doors to diversity for us. Therefore what chance do women of colour stand when our work is rejected left, right and centre because  1. the ‘gatekeepers’ don’t reflect us 2. or wish to try and take a ‘risk’ by understanding something different 3. we are seen as just ‘urban/street lit writers’ like we can’t write different mainstream genres with no drug dealers, gangsters and baby momma drama. 

Many talented and bestselling female authors of colour have spoken out about the unfairness  with getting our voices heard by the bigger publishers. Such as New York Times Bestselling Author Ms. Alyssa Cole.  A  woman of colour herself who has managed to kick down the door to the big five publishers, as a romance and Sci-Fi author and make a real name for herself as a successful author with characters outside of the norm, and has vocalised her experiences loudly. 

Let’s not forget women of colour who are writers don’t just write about characters that reflect us, we can and do  include characters from ALL backgrounds if we want. We can  cross over. So in order to spread the word, love, diversity, and #blackgirlmagic and #browngirlmagic between November 2019 and January 2020  I am heavily  invested in supporting my fellow  female romance authors of colour around the world in this group. I urge you  to test drive a new author, a female author of colour she could be Black, Hispanic,  Latino, of mixed heritage, Indian,  Asian Chinese  or something else magical with free books up for grabs on the below link. You’ll be transported to StoryOrigin and see a wonderful array of books to grab. What are you waiting for? Take a peek…

Authors of Colour

CLICK HERE TO BE MAGICALLY TRANSPORTED TO BOOK HEAVEN AND DOWNLOAD YOUR FREEBIES

Book Review-‘An Affair In Las Vegas’ Book #1, By Rachell Nichole (Romance) 4 ‘Adorable’ Stars! #amreading #romance

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We have some rainy and stormy weather today, my son’s birthday party is called off as he is very ill and sleepy, what else is there to do but read? Recommended to me by Kindle Unlimited ‘An Affair in Las Vegas’ I stumbled across this romance series, and it was a good recommendation. I have never read this author’s work and to be honest it was very surprisingly different! Read in a few short hours also, I am for sure reading more. Let’s get into the review.

 

Blurb

Does what happens in Vegas truly stay in Vegas?

Dawn has only ever wanted one thing: to provide a life for her daughter in New York City, away from the small-town minds of her family and her upbringing. She has fought hard to become hotel manager, and one of her first duties is to attend a conference at the Marietta Las Vegas. But when she meets Barnaby, the man with the job she’s always wanted, there was one thing she didn’t count on. A sizzling attraction that won’t be denied.

Barnaby has always had one goal in life: to help people. He’s found his calling as manager of the Marietta Times Square, and since his past failed relationship, has focused all of his energy on being the best manager he can be. This year, that means helping to run the Marietta Hotels second annual Hoteliers’ Conference in Vegas. But as soon as he notices Dawn in the crowd, his focus instantly splits, his desires for her swift and fierce.

When he realizes the attraction is mutual, he doesn’t waste any time seducing her to his bed. But when he suspects she’s hiding something from him, he worries that maybe he’s just destined to attract two-timing women to his life.

Can what began as a fling in Vegas turn into something more once they’re home in New York? Or does what happen in Vegas truly stay in Vegas?

 

Kim’s Review 4 ‘so different and adorable’ stars

I really enjoyed and liked the first part of this series,  as a first time reader  I liked  how the story picked up quickly  it had good pacing for me. I also really enjoyed that the author decided to spin a rather different tale, featuring a single mother who goes on to find a man who is so good for her and her daughter.

Without giving too many spoilers both characters Dawn and Barnaby have their own ‘baggage’ from past relationships. However this does not come to surface until they need to depart the conference they meet at. The push and pull and tension was enjoyable and realistic to read.  Overall I feel that the issues both characters had from the past, and even relationships with their parents really helped to develop the story, and their reactions to events that happen in the story.

I also really enjoyed the character’s themselves, Barney is such an unassuming man…not to mention a bit of a freak in the sheets!! He is slightly older than Dawn and his sexual experience showed, I enjoyed the way the author played on this. He is also British so as a British reader I liked it!

Dawn is a like-able and very relate-able  younger female, her background, current place in life and attitude to survival felt realistic and enjoyable to read. 

The story also had a very good twist at the end to bring the two together, as they depart ‘leaving what happens in Vegas in Vegas’ , and they don’t part on good terms. But all ends up well with unexpected twists.

Overall, this was a very  steamy, different and adorable story line that ends well. It’s also rather steamy in places too which I did enjoy!  I will be reading the rest of the Las Vegas Series, but first ‘An Affair Across Times Square’s’ blurb at the back of this book looks good,  following a murder trial I’ll start here with this book.

Four really good, adorable and enjoyable stars from me.

Free on Kindle Unlimited too!

 

NaNoWriMo; Week 1 Progress- I’m Coming Up For Air! #nanowrimo

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NanoWell I have to say guys, this year’s National  Novel Writing Month has probably been my most successful in all the years I’ve taken part! Wow. Maybe it’s helped as I am in a group with other authors around the world I know, love, and talk to everyday on messenger.

So, I have met and exceeded my original word count limit. I guessed that the plot for my third Romance Set In Paradise series novella would be about 25kish words, and hoped I could jump over to finish off my romantic crime thriller full novel, no such luck I’m already on 26K words in, and the plot thickens LOL. So I will increase it to 30-35k or anywhere under 40k and let that be that.

Some people may think, “well Kim  you know, you can’t really put a limit on a story before you’ve even written it.” Yeah, I kinda see where you’re coming from, but for me I kinda can…if that makes sense, don’t ask how I can roughly guess by how I wish to tell the story where the word count might be.

As I am over and not done,  I will keep writing. What’s also interesting is that this story, has turned a little from just pure steamy, romantic and yes suspenseful. Last night while I was talking to the other writers in my team about ‘what do you call a novella length story’ just before, an idea for a twist in the plot dawned on me. And it’s not that ‘pretty or romantic’ it’s rather sad for one particular character. But, really helps to develop my main characters… yeah, you probably guessed I’m about to kill someone off… not the most romantic thing to do either for a romance in Puerto Rico with all that sunshine and good vibes. But, they are going out with a BANG if I keep this idea.

So overall, I am loving NaNoWriMo this year 2019’s attempt will be a success I think. I may actually complete a project during the month, and not go over. My only drag is that I really wanted to complete two! One that’s still half done, but one is good enough for me.

I will self publish this one, and I aim for  January 2020 for book three of  the series. The name is still a mystery even to me, I keep going  back and forth.

I must also say I am not a fan of the new interface on the NaNoWriMo website itself, I don’t really like it that much.. meh. What do you think?

If you’re strapped to your keyboard too this month, I wish  you luck and success with your project. Let me know how you’re getting on? I Hope week two starts off well.

Just a quick “hello, what’s going on” from me, before I start dinner and then knuckle down to tackle another chapter, and touch base with authors as distant as the Caribbean I am working with this year to see what they have done today…or maybe have not done. I’ve found some days I am full of motivation and write sooooooooo much. Other times I can’t be bothered to open up the laptop and end up catching up so I don’t fall behind. Typical me!

Good luck all.

Prologues: Love Or Hate?…It’s A Game Changer! #MFRW

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2019 badge blog challenge 640x640 Amerigo BT

Interesting writing prompt for this week’s blog challenge, a really relevant one for me. Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly become a better writer than I already am,  (just kiddin’ 🙂 ),  I discovered the beauty of a prologue (not kiddin’ about that), and highly recommend using them to writers who have not tried it. (Not kiddin’ about that either).

Seriously, though… prologues?… no. Up until recently, I never used one in any of  my works, not in the true sense of one. Then I did in my last novel I finished this month, from the experience I realised  it’s a game changer for the story, reader and me as a writer…. yes, it improved all three elements of the latter.

When I  published the first book I ever completed, the  publisher at the time really encouraged prologues in books, but what I have learned since then is that how they encouraged their use, was not really a prologue in its true form. It was more like a copy and paste of an existing part of the book, to ‘grab the reader’ , I was told at the time. So I went with it, it really made no difference to me,  the story I don’t think or even the reader. As they re-read the same thing  later in the book. From research, from what I understand and correct me if I’m wrong, a prologue is an introduction or scene setting and not something that appears again later down the line.

In my most recent works Sacrifices a romantic suspense, with a hint of history to it, once it went through a round of editing, my editor pointed out ‘Kim, this really needs something here.’ I walked away like ‘hmm, okay so I need to add a new scene to ‘introduce’ the story.’ This is largely as, if you have seen the film Pulp Fiction, I have ‘stolen’   ‘been inspired’ the talented movie director Quentin Tarantino’s, excellent story telling technique. I  start my story twenty-five years ago, but not twenty-five years ago from the present day…from the 1960s! Which makes the opening scene the mid- late 1980s…then tell the story ‘back to front’ if you like, to end up in the present day, while moving through different points and key events from 1960s- 1980s in different countries,  and then the present day!

 

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I know I’m nuts, right!? Imagine how much fact checking and challenge it was, to give birth to a story like that. Thankfully, and very proudly it works, it came together finally. So anyway, once I got that feedback I reflected, then decided  I do need a prologue in the present day, before we head back and move forward. I really researched into what the general feel is on prologues, and the use of them as I never worked with one, or used one before properly. I’ve simply never needed to.  A lot of what I read, stated that ‘you should be able to tell the story without a prologue or a epilogue.’ I reflected, I saw this point of view and understood it, as that’s how felt before, I wrote Sacrifices.  

I also read a lot of articles that advised romance writers to ‘stay away from them’! One very popular romance author wrote a very interesting article advocating using one, also stating that in her experience ‘readers loved them’, especially epilogues. Yes…I used an epilogue also, but this was already there due to the nature of the story, and ending.

So in all honesty, I believe that as a writer, experimenting with a prologue has actually made me a bit of a stronger writer. It feel it has also added an extra layer of ‘wow, that’s a cool story, and not a rehash of current romance themes’ to my current work. I also feel that readers will be able to keep up with the pace, and connect with the story, due to the technique I used to write it with the addition of the prologue.

Now, I’m a strong supporter from this experience, and I’ve learned what a true prologue is, not a copy and past to ‘grab someone’. It’s a whole new scene, setting, part of the story or peel of the onion to unwrap, to draw a reader in. It’s also very very helpful when writing from a historical perspective, where you are not always in the present day.

Yeah…I think I’ve convinced myself that I am a prologue lover, as well as a epilogue lover and I would do it all over again, if the story called for it with no hesitation. I’m always one to happily break rules to…so as a romance writer, I won’t ‘stay away’ from them as generally in the genre it’s not something that is used often or supported, so they say. I’ll do what the story is calling me to, and allow myself to become better and write stronger stories by not being bound to rules! So in response to this week’s writing prompt for romance writers ‘ prologues helpful, or hurtful?‘…. Helpful 100%.  I recommend you all do too, look at your last or current works, regardless of what you write or your genre. Do you need a prologue, what about an epilogue? It might just help, and change the game.

Happy Mother’s Day! SECOND Free GIFT From Me ! #mothersday #amreading #freebie

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One year ago this weekend, I released the first in my Romance Set in Paradise series novella- Havana Heat. The second , Lover’s Retreat quickly followed and the third… well my friends I sent the first three chapters to a literary agent , she responded positively and wants the full book when it is done!!! Now I just need to write it in between everything else!  Wish me luck, I’ve set myself a deadline.

Havana Heat is FREE to download on Amazon happy Mother’s Day and I hope you enjoy

Grab a  free copy here!

 

 

 

About the Book

Havana Heat is book one of the Romance Set in Paradise series of modern,steamy, suspenseful and romantic stories, set in exotic locations around the world. In Havana Heat readers are transported to the paradise of Cuba’s capital Havana, following the romance and heat build between Spaniard Detective Sebastian Garcia, and London born and bred wedding planner Melinda Jones. Melinda’s path crosses with the handsome and charming Detective at Casa De Amour Hotel as a guest at her client’s exotic location wedding. Both characters are in search of a slice of paradise, away from their own troubled love life back home. Once their paths cross the romance and sizzle begins.

When all hell breaks out at Casa De Amour Hotel, and conflict builds over their past both characters are faced with a decision to take a risk and see out their romance, or walk away. Forever asking themselves what could have been. Romance, thrills and excitement await in book one of this modern romance series set in paradise.

Grab a  free copy here!

Who Is Mr. Clarkson? Excerpt #2! #newrelease #amreading #romance

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5:00p.m. James & Clarkson Partnership Manhattan, New York.

 Richard looks forward to tomorrow’s business trip to London. His excitement made him personally organise the hotel reservations, for him and his business partner, rather than have his personal assistant do it. He has not been to London for several years. The city and its vibrancy excite him. The last time he recalls was shortly after his divorce, when he went through his celebrational ‘I’m free and single’ phase. At thirty-nine he is happily divorced, and doesn’t intend on exploring if he can get marriage right a second time. His ex-wife was a handful to say the least. She spent his money faster than it came in, to his surprise the vow of faithfulness was not high on her list of priorities either. Richard has always deep down been a one-woman man, prior to his experience with his ex-wife, he’d look by all means but never touch. Divorce changed him and his willingness to commit, in fear that he’d be taken for a fool again. Three years have passed since he received his divorce papers from his lawyer, women have come and gone.  He has moved forward from his ex-wife emotionally; however, he remains hesitant to trust anyone with his heart or fully commit. Yet he longs for companionship, of late it has felt like a constant catch twenty-two battle, between his logical headstrong attitude and his real wants and desires.

While marriage is off the cards, if he is honest with himself, he would not turn down the chance to spend time with a woman who not only pleases him between the sheets, but also has half a brain. In New York while there is no shortage of beautiful looking women ready and willing to please him, the deeper level of connection just has not happened. For now, he put dating­ –serious dating to one side. He plays the field as and when he feels fit, or lust takes over him.

The last memory he has of London he and fellow shareholder in James and Clarkson Partnership, Dan James, along with a few mutual friends hopped on a flight across the Atlantic to ‘The Big Smoke’ three years ago. The diverse people, the narrow, busy pavements of central London, and most importantly the women are all vivid in his mind. To Richard, there is something alluring about British women, they ooze class, intelligence and style. More than what his ex-wife oozed. Why he had been so blind to marry her is still a mystery to him.

“Excuse me sir, sorry to bother you Mr. James is here to see you.” Richard spins around from the coffee machine to Nina, his personal assistant. Nina is stunning and of Mexican descent. Her mocha skin, delicate features, curvy figure and chestnut brown shoulder length hair, send all the right signals to his lower region. He has a hunch Nina has a ‘thing’ for him, it’s written all over her face. Every time she comes into his office the look she gives him makes it clear.  As he watches her just as closely from across his office, he never fails to notice the extra sway in her hips or undone button at the top of her blouse each morning.

He thought about starting something with her, dinner, a movie, nothing fancy. Dan James his partner warned him off. ‘Don’t fuck with the help.’ Has been his motto for years, he learned his lesson when they were young and just starting out in business. Richard had to manage a female employee who wanted more from him, right after he bent her over his desk and had his way with her.

Richard sighs with lust as his gaze washes over Nina, in a black pant suit with a sharp white fitted shirt tucked in. The curve of her ample breasts strain against the buttons. As she plays with a string of pearls around her neck, his eyes focus on her chest. Richard shakes his head and clears his throat, somehow hoping it would remove his ex-rated thoughts from his mind.

“Sure Nina, send him in.”

“Will do.”

Nina turns on her high heels and sashays out of the room. On cue the extra sway in her hips returns. Richard’s core lights up as he watches through the glass partition how inviting her behind looks, as she moves across the open plan office outside his own. There she goes again, what a prick tease.

 

About The Book

The Red Room is book one of the Romance In The City novella series, of steamy and romantic standalone short stories.

Rita Lane lives a double life in her day job she’s a receptionist at the prestigious London Park Hotel. By night her adventures begin. As a thirty something year old woman she is content with her single status. Richard Clarkson a New York based guest at the Park Hotel has firmly closed the door to romance, after a rocky marriage. As soon as Rita checks Richard into the hotel as a guest the sparks and electricity between the two begin.

After hours, the day before Valentine’s Day , their paths cross in an unexpected way. Rita and Richard’s desire for each other is on maximum …. will they cross the line to become more than just friends? The Red Room is a steamy short story set in London with diverse characters that will leave you wanting more.

Release date 23rd December 2017 available now on presale on Amazon.

Red-Room-Cover

 

My New Release: Exciting News! #amwriting #romance #amreading

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Afternoon all,

It’s dark already and it is only 6:00p.m London time, autumn has truly set in. So, you probably remember I wrote a story for a anthology called Code Redhead- A Serial Novel,  with thirteen other great authors. My old publisher donated the sales revenue to charity for a year, I was thrilled to use my passion to write to help a charity cause and raise money for  cancer, this was in 2016 … remember? Good.  Well I checked my contact and it has expired, I’ve decided not to republish my work as a standalone under them, I now I have my rights back over my work. So what does this mean?… Instead  I will revamp this story a bit then it will be book #1 of another romance series I have in mind. e.g. my new release! As well as my  Romance Set In Paradise series, I want to write a some romance novellas set in cities around the world… more like ‘sin in the city’ to be exact,these stories will be a little steamy. 🙂

I was going to send my work out on query to other publishers and agents, then after some thought I realised  as it has already been published once (and I don’t plan to re-write the whole story I rather like it as it is, I’ll just expand it as the word limit all authors had for the anthology was only 13,000… tiny!) Most publishers won’t republish in this case, as some of it has already been published once… never mind I’m happy to do my own thing! This one will be a self-publish to kick off the series.

Right now, I looking for Beta Readers to add to my list I already have. I wish to send out a draft of this short steamy novella over the next few weeks, once I’ve combed over it, Beta Reader feedback  would be great. If you’d like to Beta Read  a free copy of book #1 of my ‘Sin in The City’ romance series then contact me here.    Send me  an email via ‘contact Kim’ and let me know. I am not a  touchy writer, ( which you probably know already if you have followed me for some time). I don’t need praise I need some honest feedback even if it’s “Kim this is shit… because.” I have thick skin,  so don’t think I want praise, I want honest feedback to better the reading experience, based on  your reading experience of the draft before publishing. That said if your feedback is ” Kim this is great,” then I’ll dust off my shoulders,  do a happy dance and continue to spin some sinful romance for this series.

Thank you! I’d love some help 🙂