Blog

By Ava Ryan

Looking for books to binge this holiday season, while you keep your head down and hope that the rest of 2020 leaves you in peace? Allow me to suggest my latest steamy contemporary romance, His Lost Love. Dr. Liam Wilder and fashion designer Mia Jameson were college sweethearts who currently hate each other with the same passion that they once loved each other. Naturally, fate and I conspire to throw them together again and force them to work things out. They’ll get their happily-ever-after, sure, but first they need to forgive each other…

This one has all the best romance tropes and feels. Soulmates. First loves. Second chances. Alpha male billionaires. Feisty heroines. Scorching hot passion. Sexy banter. Emotional highs and lows.

And laughter. I tried to pack as much humor into this one as possible. Because it’s still 2020. And we need it.

Here’s a sample:

“We’re not old friends.” She can barely get the last two words out. For one thrilling second, I wonder if she actually wants to take a swing at me. I find my ongoing ability to push her buttons fascinating, I must say. “And don’t call me Starlight.”

“Why not? Nova is still your middle name, right? It means star, doesn’t it?” I keep my voice silky. “Starlight is a perfectly good nickname even if you’re not my star anymore. Why change things up at this late date? You’re free to call me by my nickname if you want.”

“Asshole? You don’t mind me using that to your face?”

“No,” I say with a startled laugh. “Brad Pitt.”

“I’ll pass on that. If there’s nothing else…?”

She takes another step away, eager to leave me. I hastily catch her warm arm and press my thumb to the thumping pulse in her wrist, twice as eager to keep her here. The reaction is instantaneous. Her eyes widen. Heat flares between us, exactly the way you get a whoosh of a flame when you light a gas grill.

“Are you here with someone?” I ask…

Have I whet your appetite for more? I sure hope you’ll grab His Lost Love and give it a read.

And I sure hope you and your friends and family have a safe and peaceful holiday season and a stellar 2021.

Ava Ryan is the author of the new book His Lost Love

Connect with Ava Ryan
Author Site
Facebook

Buy The Book

What can you tell us about your new release, On The Rebound?

On the Rebound is an angsty enemies-to-lovers sports romance, where old friends Zach and Calli realize they are at the same college together... and let’s just say Zach isn’t happy about it. He wants Calli gone... and she wants to know why. But love doesn’t play by the rules and soon the lines between love and hate start to blur.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I’ve always been an avid reader. A few years ago, during a particularly difficult time, I was reading more than ever (1-2 books a day!) and realized I had to find a different way to channel my energy. I’d just finished reading a book by Kelly Elliot and in her author’s note she talked about her journey to self-publishing. It got me thinking about whether I could write a book or not... the rest, as they say, is history.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Dan Browns’ The Da Vinci Code, Sarah J Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series, J. R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, and Amy Bartol’s The Premonition Series (I cheated, I know. But it’s impossible to narrow it down to five books).

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Probably one of my favorite self-published authors, Tijan. I’m a huge fan of her raw and real stories and authentic teen voice. I’d love to grill her about her process and inspiration.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

I love it when the characters take over and the words just pour out. There’s nothing better than looking up and realizing you’ve written 2,000 words without so much as thinking about it.

What is a typical day like for you?

I have two children (7yrs and 8yrs) so I try to wake an hour before they do to get in some words. Then it’s mom-duties. Once they’re at school, I usually come home, make myself a coffee and try to write some more words. My daily word count is anywhere between 2,000 – 6,000 words. I always try to do a bit of social media and respond to messages. The kids come home at three and then I have to do the mom-thing again. Once they’re settled for bed, I usually do another couple (or three) hours of work. I’m a bit of a workaholic.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’. ~ Audrey Hepburn

L. A. Cotton is the author of the new book On The Rebound

Connect with L. A. Cotton
Author Site
Facebook

Buy The Book

What can you tell us about your new release, The Hope of Christmas Past?

The Hope of Christmas Past is the first in a new Christmas, sweet Regency romance series. This series deals with the themes and lessons learned by each of the three spirits who visited Scrooge that fateful Christmas Eve night. This first book, which is a standalone complete with its own Happily Ever After, addresses the ideas the Ghost of Christmas Past presented. Ideas of past hurts, wanting things which may not always be good for us, and of course hope.

In this story, Belle Young has waited three years for Lord Wilkins to return from his travels abroad—and a full seven years since he first promised to marry her and carry her away from her aunt’s oppressive home. What better time of year for their reunion than Christmas? Belle is certain Lord Wilkins means to make good on his word—that is, until she’s introduced to the vibrant young woman who followed him home from America, at his invitation. Shocked and confused, Belle is determined to remind Lord Wilkins of his promise to her. After all, she needs this marriage. It’s either that or spend the rest of her life as a nobody, an unwanted ward of her aunt, alone and wholly unloved.

Mr. James Radcliff has never minded his lack of title or high standing among society. He is quite content with is status as gentleman and cousin to the exuberant Lord Wilkins. But then he learns that his cousin is not actually the son of the late earl; if the information ever got out, James would find himself earl and his cousin would be thrust from society. It may not be what most men would do, but James is determined to find the only proof of his cousin’s illegitimacy—and destroy it.

With so much at stake for both Belle and James this Christmas, love will only get in the way.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My dad. When I was a little girl, we found an old box of things from his childhood. Among the knickknacks was a story he’d written when he was about ten. The pages had been stapled together and he’d even drawn a few pictures. Something about that book captivated me. I knew the minute I first held it, that I wanted to someday hold a story I’d created.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

That’s a hard one. There have been many amazing book’s I’ve read, but they’re all great for very different reasons. If you’re wanting a list of books that have swept me up and really drawn me in, I’d have to include: Healing Hearts by Sarah M. Eden, The Secret of the India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen, and True of Heart by Martha Keyes. If you’re wanting something that changed the way I view writing and storytelling, I’d have to include: Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore, An American in Duke’s Clothing by Mindy Burbidge Strunk, and Rescuing Lord Inglewood by Sally Britton.

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Jane Austen. I’d love to hear her thoughts on using story to comment on society.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

Coming up with stories. I love the brainstorming, the imagining, the “what if?” thoughts. I love to take those ideas and mix them up, push them different directions and see what comes of it.

What is a typical day like for you?

Well, since COVID hit, I don’t really have typical days anymore. My weeks consist of helping my kids with their school (they do much, but not all, of it at home now), writing during the mornings they’re gone and hanging out with my readers on social media in the evenings.

What scene from The Hope of Christmas Past was your favorite to write?

Hands down, the scene after Belle’s and James’s **spoiler alert** unwanted kiss. Neither are wanting to fall for the other, but it just kind of happens. Then, when they finally do kiss, neither are particularly happy about it. The next morning, they’re forced to converse with one another in the presence of others. It was lots of yummy awkward tension.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I try to be the same kind of person I hope my kids will grow up to be—hard working, kind to all, and close to my Savior. I figure if I keep focused on those things, I (hopefully) won’t mess up too bad.

L. G. Rollins is the author of the new book The Hope of Christmas Past

Connect with L. G. Rollins
Author Site
Facebook

Buy The Book