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Chiquita Dennie, romance author, podcast host, filmmaker
Today, I welcome Chiquita Dennie to Five on Friday, where she answers five questions to help you get to know her better. Be sure and follow her on social media and leave a comment to make her feel at home!
What is your favorite thing to do during your spare time…besides writing?
Chiquita: Reading
Ann: One thing is for sure. You can’t be a writer unless you read!! I also spend a lot of time with my nose in some other author’s book.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Chiquita: Kind
Ann: Certainly a wonderful attribute. If I was describing myself in one word, the first to come to mind would be: LOUD
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Chiquita: Italy
Ann: I admire people who want to experience the world. Wish I could be more like that. I don’t want to live anywhere but Texas. How boring is that?
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Chiquita: Fly, so I could travel.
Ann: Flying is a popular answer to this question. However, it would be last on my list since I’m afraid of heights!
Your four fantasy guests for a dinner party…living or dead.?
Chiquita: Grandmother, Father, Aunt, Oprah.
Ann: Yep, I’d sure include Oprah. Maybe she’d bring me a few of her favorite things!
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I’m a filmmaker, podcast host, and author. Born in Memphis, TN and moved to LA to pursue my dream in the entertainment industry. After much success, the next step was to create my own projects and attain my goal of having my work loved by readers. I created a publishing company and released my first romance novel. A multicultural contemporary steamy romance. Anyone can relate to the story of forbidden love, and I can’t wait for everyone to read the final installment of Antonio & Sabrina Struck In Love. This book was actually based on my screenplay. Not only a fun read, but hopefully, you’re able to take away something you’d never expect.
One moment is all it took to ignite a love affair neither would soon forget.
Nothing and no one could tear Antonio and Sabrina apart, no matter how hard they tried. Ex-lovers, angry family members, jealous rivals tried and failed. But they aren’t the only threats to this match made in passion. Antonio has secrets – secrets that could force them to sever ties forever. When the danger hits too close to home, he’s forced to face it and keep her safe from harm.With more obstacles against them than they can count, will they ever have their happily-ever-after?
Sabrina Washington has worked hard to get what she wants in life. The last thing the sassy, headstrong VP executive wants is an Alpha male who breaks all the rules, but when she meets Antonio De Luca, her steely façade starts to crumble under his gaze. He’s exactly the kind of man who can unravel her straight-shooting reputation, and she’s not so convinced that’s a bad thing. As they grow closer, her ability to resist her desires begins to waver. Soon, she finds herself immersed in his sexy and dangerous world, and she’s not sure she wants to go back to her old life…
Gothic Romance Spotlight
Today, I’m thrilled to spotlight The Secret Life of Lords, a gothic romance with a twist. Love the cover!
CHAPTER ONE
Exeter, England
In a storeroom at the back of a thatched cottage on the outskirts of the city of Exeter, Lady Claire Albright separated chamomile stalks from a wheelbarrow piled high with freshly-picked herbs. Quickly binding the ends with string, she hung the bouquet upside down from a nail in the rafter. As she reached for the next bunch, a deep, rumbly male voice filtered through the wall, and instantly her breath caught and her throat constricted. She knew that voice; had listened for it for two pain-filled years, had longed for it, had fretted about it, had torn through every word it had spoken trying to understand what she’d done wrong. And here it was—so sonorous and wise, laced with a gentleness she now knew she should never have trusted.
“We’ve got fresh chamomile in back there,” said Jenny Martin, the proprietress of the odd little establishment: part dwelling, part apothecary shop, and part medical clinic.
Had he married? Claire wondered. Was his wife unable to rest, so he’d travelled all this way for a sleeping potion?
“My lady,” Mrs. Martin called, “Could you bring three bunches of the chamomile?”
Claire’s heart broke into a gallop and she pressed her knuckles to her mouth, frantically wishing there were a hole to dive into. Go out there and see him? Oh, no. No. As if it were on fire, she hurled the chamomile back into the wheelbarrow then froze like a rabbit.
“Could you go back yourself, my lord? I’m so terribly sorry, but this brew depends on constant stirring.”
My God, where to hide!
“Which would be the chamomile?” he asked, voice as musical as a bass fiddle.
“It’ll be dried, but you’ll want the stuff with yellow buds that look like daisies.”
Yellow buds, yellow buds. Claire dashed behind a multi-tiered rack of dangling lavender, as purple as purple could be. There, she stood absolutely still.
His footsteps approached. If I keep my eyes shut, I’m less likely to be noticed. Down went her lids, and in the darkness the volume of his steps roared in her ears. By the sound of it, he’d stopped at the threshold looking for yellow buds. A few tentative steps further into the room, the rustle of dried foliage. It sounded as if he were moving toward the St. John’s wort. A confused exhalation and more movement… closer. Closer.
She sensed him, felt his nearness, the electricity of his body, the heat from him. Had he halted at the lavender? Unable to bear not knowing, she opened her eyes.
In that instant, he parted two bunches of the purple flowers and looked straight at her. “Lady Claire?” he said, startled.
“The chamomile is over there,” she blurted, poking an index finger through the lavender, causing a shower of violet buds.
But his gaze didn’t waver. Those eyes, with their serious expression, their hint of green, their darkness blacker than velvet… And then, God help her, he smiled that funny smile where the left side lifted a fraction higher than the right and the warmth of the sun beamed through. So she snapped her eyes shut.
“My goodness, how have you been?” he said.
A tremor that rattled the dried flowers ran through her body.
He must have noticed. There was a pause, and then he added, “I didn’t keep writing. I’m so sorry for that, but… well, much has happened since I saw you last.”
Elf Ahearn, yes, that is her real name, lives in New York with her wonderful husband and a pesky (yet irresistible) cat. Before becoming a novelist, she spent 20 years in Manhattan working as an actress in nearly 100 productions (yet rarely getting paid for any of them). From that lucrative career, she jumped to journalism, and then to corporate communications where she garnered multiple awards for a newsletter she wrote and edited. Her novel, A Rogue in Sheep’s Clothing hit #1 in its genre on Amazon this September, and bless its electronic and paper heart, has been consistently selling for over three years.
Website: http://www.elfahearn.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elf.ahearn?fref=ts
Newsletter: email [email protected] to subscribe
Buy links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Life-Lords-Albright-Sisters-ebook/dp/B075JNFZSD
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?Query=the+secret+life+of+lords
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-life-of-lords-elf-ahearn/1127082951?ean=2940154891896
It’s Lucky Penny Day!
Find a penny, pick it up, all the day, you’ll have good luck.
Not necessarily.
According to the ancient cultures, metal was a gift from the gods. It was given to those men who needed protection against evil spirits. Since pennies are metal, this superstition may have originated from that.
Some believe good fortune only happens if you give the coin to someone else. I’d never heard that part of the superstition. It’s also considered super lucky if the cent you find is minted in the year of your birth.
In Ireland, some claim if you spit on a penny and throw it into the bushes, fairies or leprechauns will take it as payment for good luck. I don’t think it has to be one you find, it can just come from your pocket!
Naturally, the luck of a penny doesn’t come from its value. But, I imagine we can agree that pennies make dimes and dimes make dollars, and that makes them worth saving!
However, if you should possess a 1969-S Lincoln cent with doubled die obverse (double-stamped) on both sides, then it’s worth about $35,000.
A 1970-S small date Lincoln with a doubled die obverse is worth around $3,000. Why less? Because it’s only double stamped on one side.
Not sure when the heads up—good luck, tails up—bad luck, came into play. Do you pick up a penny if it’s tails up? Let me know in the comments for a chance to win a digital advance reading copy of my new book, True. Due for release, June 15!
Texas Time Travel Series, by Caroline Clemmons
Today, Five on Friday features Western Romance author, Caroline Clemmons.
Jeannie Luttrell’s passion in life is piloting airplanes. She doesn’t mind the low pay, long hours, or the fact that as a World War II Women’s Air Service Pilot (WASP) she has to pay her own expenses. When a faulty oil pressure line causes her P-51 Mustang’s engine to fail, she has to bail out during a storm. When she lands the wind drags her across the ground and into a small ravine where her head strikes a rock.
When Caleb Knight sees a person struggling with a parachute on his cousin’s ranch, he knows what has happed. Another woman has landed in the small part of a ravine that appears to be a time portal from the past. Twice before a woman has come forward in time at this spot. He stops and takes the stranded pilot to his cousin’s home but then he plans to be uninvolved. Darned if he’ll let the family rope him into their shenanigans.
No matter how hard he tries, Caleb can’t avoid Jeannie. Soon, he isn’t so certain he wants to. But, how can two strong-willed individuals who view the world differently build a relationship? Especially, now that they have the same enemy plotting against them?
Caroline’s Five on Friday questions and answers.
If you could change one thing about yourself, physical, mental, emotional, what would it be and why?
I would be one of those energetic people who rises early and accomplishes tons before falling quickly asleep at bedtime. I am NOT a morning person but have always envied those like my sweet husband who are. He is also one who lays down at night and falls right to sleep. I toss and turn for hours while my characters are still creating book scenes in my head. When it comes to moving quickly, I’m left behind. While I can sit and write for hours and hours, moving physically is not easy for me. I say the world is off and days should begin at noon and end about three in the morning.
Ann: I’m just the opposite, Caroline. I’m an early riser. Always have been. I get the most done during those early hours when no one else is around to interrupt me! However, like you, my characters keep me awake at bedtime.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Ghandi
A second one is by Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never give up.”
Ann: Good advice.
What is your favorite book and why?
That depends on my mood. There are four books I reread to lift my mood while reviewing great writing.
FALLON by Louis L’Amour is the story of a man who is better than he believes and of his redemption. The character development in this novel is superb. (I love all this author’s books.)
PRINCE CHARMING by Julie Garwood is the story of a woman who overcomes tremendous challenges and the man who assists her. I can’t overstress how much I love this book, which is the successful combination of English Victorian and U.S. western historical.
LORD PERFECT by Loretta Chase is the story of a man used to perfection who falls in love with a widow woman struggling to survive respectably. Of course, she upends his world. The author’s descriptions are a tutorial while I enjoy each of her stories.
THE PROMISE OF JENNY JONES by Maggie Osbourne is a tutorial in doing the opposite of what the reader expects to prove the unusual heroine is honorable and always keeps her promises.
Ann: I never reread anything! And, I almost never watch the same movie twice. But then again, with my memory as bad as it is, I’d probably think it was the first time!
What’s the best advice you ever got?
Don’t let anyone steal your dream—persevere. An author (actually everyone in any field) meets so many road blocks and discouragement that many give up. Fortunately, my family members are very supportive but I know many authors who aren’t so lucky. We have to build a shell around us to lock out negativity the same way a science fiction space ship sends out an invisible protective force field. In the meantime, we keep honing our craft and producing content. Never give up!
Ann: That is great advice!
Are the names of characters in your novels important?
Character names are extremely important. They should fit the theme of the book. In a historical novel, the name must be one that was used during that time period and for that social status. For this, I use names from my family tree.
The hero’s name should be strong. In a seminar I heard years ago, the speaker suggested that hard consonants evoke a stronger name for a man, such as Grant, Kade, and Kirk. The same is true of last names such as Kincaid, McClintock, and Stone.
Using names beginning with the same consonant can become confusing—don’t use Mary, Margaret, and Millie in the same novel. This is something I have to watch as I tend to pick a consonant each book. LOL Keeping a good character list is important.
Ann: I break the same consonant rule all the time. Since Texans seems to like naming their kids with the same one, I follow that tradition in my books. I’ve used John, Jared, and Jace in one book, and in my most recent, I really went overboard with Todd, Tess, Tanner, Thacker, Teague, and True. LOL.
Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To make up for this tragic error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a small office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their rescued cats and dogs. The books she creates there have made her an Amazon bestselling author and won several awards.
Follow her:
On her blog http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorcarolineclemmons
Twitter https://twitter.com/carolinclemmons
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/458092.Caroline_Clemmons
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/caroclemmons/
Google+ https://plus.google.com/+carolineclemmons
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/caroline-clemmons
Her website: http://www.carolineclemmons.com
Find all of her books at: https://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1526164687&sr=1-1
Subscribe to Caroline’s newsletter: http://carolineclemmons.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0a24664c906875718d975ad7b&id=7c2e488a51 to receive a FREE novella of HAPPY IS THE BRIDE, a humorous historical wedding disaster that ends happily—but you knew it would, didn’t you?
She loves to hear from readers at [email protected]
Robin Michaela Story included in Boxed Set
Today, I welcome Robin Michaela to Five on Friday. If you love romance, then check out the boxed set all about billionaires!! It is currently available for pre-order. As always, remember to review the books you read.
Do you have any tattoos? If so, care to say what and where?
I have permanent makeup (hey, it counts!), but I also have a tattoo of a rose inside a vine heart on my abdomen and one that goes around my ankle.
Ann: I’m envious!!!
What are the top three things on your bucket list? And why?
I want to visit Machu Picchu in Peru (I have a friend who was just there – I’m sooo jealous).
I’d like to see the Northern Lights (I saw them as a young child and they scared me, but the grown-up me is fascinated by them).
As an author, I’d also like to hit the NY Times or USA Today’s bestseller list someday.
Ann: I’d say all of those are doable.
Who would win a fight between Spiderman and Batman?
Well, duh – Spiderman. He actually HAS super powers (you know, the spidey-sense and the fact that he can swing from skyscraper to skyscraper). Batman’s just a wannabe.
Ann: I don’t care who’d win, I’d just like to see those two hunks go at it in spandex!
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find/recognize?
I don’t hide secrets, but I DO use the names of pets and friends. I also put in personal experiences, as well as places I’ve lived or I’ve visited. For example, there’s a scene in Stealing the Billionaire’s Heart that came from something my hubby and I saw when we went to Venice, Italy a few years ago. While we were wandering the streets, we came across a hidden corner of a canal that was crammed with at least a dozen gondolas. The gondoliers were all trying to exit the narrow entrance at once and it was semi-organized chaos. That scene ended up in the book when my characters, Lyra and Nicolas, take a gondola to an intimate dinner and their boat ends up getting stuck in the canal with other gondolas.
Ann: What would authors do without personal experiences?
Do you think the world will be better or worse 100 years from now?
Boy, that’s a tough one. I think it will be better in many respects – maybe we’ll have cured cancer or be able to “beam me up, Scotty” to get somewhere (I, for one, am living for a self-driving car, lol). But if we don’t all start treating each other better, I think it will be much worse. We seem to be in an “it’s all about me” phase and I hope it turns around soon.
Ann: Amen.
BLURB – Stealing the Billionaire’s Heart
Genre – Contemporary
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R+ (or a 4 on a 1-5 scale)
Lyra Bretton is stunned when she’s abandoned at the altar. Figuring the best way to get over one man is to get under another one, she combs the luxurious Las Vegas resort where she was to be married, intent on spending her almost-wedding night with the sexiest man she can find.
Billionaire womanizer, Nicolas Sebastian, is tempted by the beautiful bride’s shocking proposal. The workaholic COO of the family hotel chain can’t deny his attraction to the woman who should be weeping in her room instead of shredding her wedding gown in his lounge. Their chemistry is explosive, but Nicolas has been burned before. He’ll never commit his heart because he learned years ago that women are only interested in his wallet.
Their Vegas fling soon turns into something neither of them can control. But, when they travel to his lavish property in Italy, money goes missing and expensive jewelry turns up in Lyra’s possession, putting their fragile future in jeopardy. Unless they can find a way to trust again, they risk losing each other forever.
PURCHASE LINKS:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8F62HY
Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/2pTU2Ut
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-billionaire-s-club-2
Robin Michaela has been reading romances since her teen years, when she first snuck her aunt’s copy of The Flame and the Flower, by Kathleen Woodiwiss.
She’s married to her own Handsome Prince (a military airman) and has lived everywhere from the sunny shores of Florida to the wild crags of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. She currently resides in the Deep South. By day, she’s a dental hygienist and by night, Robin can be found eating chocolate, training for her next half marathon, and crafting her next novel (although not necessarily in that order).
Robin’s stories have been called “a simply delicious escape”. Sparks fly and desire sizzles when her irresistible heroines challenge the men of their dreams.
Website http://www.robinmichaela.com
Blog http://www.robinmichaela.com/blog
Twitter https://twitter.com/robinsromances
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobinMichaelaRomances
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16141341.Robin_Michaela
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01N1MUNAL
Newsletter http://www.robinmichaela.com/newsletter
Lost Socks Day
Lost socks. Every home in America has them. How does it happen? That’s a question that will probably never be answered. However, I have a theory.
They aren’t lost.
They’ve run away.
Can’t say that I blame them. Especially in a house where 4 females wear the same size and the two males in residence both wear extra-large. Guess what? They all fight over the pairs so who can blame the socks for wanting out of such chaos? I mean, one week they may be upstairs in a spacious mirrored chest, the next in a teeny tiny six-foot tall armoire. They’re relocated more often than someone in the witness protection program!
I’ve long ago stopped trying to separate the father/son socks. Now, I just pitch them into a basket in the laundry room and let the men fight it out.
The only saving grace for the girls is that mismatched socks are currently in vogue. I guess manufacturing companies are facing the same dilemma with run-aways and have decided to make a pair regardless if they match or not. Sounds like good marketing and it takes the pressure off me.
So, to all those socks who didn’t make it out, this is to honor you…those left behind.
Ann Everett, Best Selling Author
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{I hope you enjoy this sweet, short-story romance!}