Author Playlist: For Finlay by J. Nathan

Release: January 30th, 2017
Romance Subgenre: Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance

Finlay Thatcher is a lost soul, guilt-ridden after the death of her twin brother. When Alabama's football coach gives her the opportunity to work for him, she knows it's her chance to move on, even if it means living her brother's dream.

Caden Brooks is Alabama's star quarterback. He's got it all. The attention of adoring fans. A girlfriend who'd do anything to hold on to him. And a future in the pros. He's getting along just fine until Finlay steps into his life, despising him at first sight and pushing his buttons like no other.

Unfortunately for Finlay, and her attempt to keep Caden at arm's length, there's nothing Caden loves more than a challenge. The problem with this challenge is she comes with a secret that has the power to destroy everything.

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Author Playlist

I'm excited to share J. Nathan's writing playlist for her new release, For Finlay. Welcome to Romance Playlist, J. Nathan!

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About J Nathan

J. Nathan is the author of the new adult novels For Finlay, Before Hadley, Until Alex, and Since Drew. When she's not writing, she's a total romance junkie! Add an alpha male who's unlikable in the beginning...even better. Happy endings are a must. Love triangles and negative people are the bane of her existence. Her family, friends, guys in backwards hats, and watermelon margaritas are the light…

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Author Guest Post: Releasing the Demons (The Order of the Senary #1) by L.D. Rose

Release: August 19, 2015
Romance Subgenre: Paranormal Romance, Dark Romance, Urban Fantasy
Series: The Order of the Senary #1

Blaze Knight has been through hell and back, but the nightmares aren't over yet.

Five years after Blaze was maimed by Cyrus Chimola, a powerful vampire with a penchant for torture, he’s still trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered life. As a genetically engineered mercenary with the ability to bend fire to his will and to see in infrared, Blaze’s mission is to protect what’s left of humanity. When Chimola and his crew return to the Bronx gunning for Blaze’s blood, Blaze is forced to face the demons of his past. Hell-bent on revenge, he seeks the help of Valerie Medeiros, an NYPD detective who manages to steal his heart and save his life in more ways than one.

Motivated by her sister’s gruesome death, Valerie has made it her life’s goal to bury every vampire in the ground where they belong. When she brings in Blaze Knight for suspected murder, she discovers he’s not only innocent, he isn't a man at all—he's a half-vampire hybrid working with a band of brothers for the U.S. military. Valerie has a hard time trusting anything with fangs, yet she quickly falls headlong into Blaze’s life, a life full of darkness and horror she can’t even begin to fathom. The bodies are stacking up, but Valerie can’t seem to let go of this hybrid, a beautiful monster filled with pain, rage, and passion unlike anything she's ever known.

In a world where the line between good and evil is blurred, Blaze and Valerie will find danger at every turn, risking everything they’ve come to know and love, including one another.

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Author Guest Post and Playlist

I'm excited to have author L.D. Rose on the blog today to discuss her book, Releasing the Demons. I read the book earlier this year and you can see my entire 4.5 star review over at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews. Linda will be back next Friday (the 13th) with a playlist for the second book in The Order of the Senary series, Black Bullet.

Thanks for sharing Linda!

MUSIC THAT INSPIRES: The Soundtrack to RELEASING THE DEMONS by L.D. Rose

Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Erin! <3

Hi everyone! My name is Linda (writing as L.D. Rose), doctor by day, writer of dark PNR/UF by night, and I’m thrilled to be here on The Romance Playlist! Music is a HUGE inspiration for my work and my book playlists are way too long for one blog post, haha. So I decided to select a few songs for my debut dark paranormal romance, RELEASING THE DEMONS (the first novel in The Order of The Senary series). :D

I’ve named every one of my novels after a song—usually one that inspired the entire book. So, for this one, it’s none other than “Releasing The Demons” by Godsmack.

“It’s taking me all of my anger,
and taking me all of my hate,
to learn how my life came together,
releasing the demons again...”

This song gets right inside Blaze’s head. After being tortured for seven months, he struggles to adapt to a normal (or somewhat normal) day-to-day life again, and he’s constantly battling with the demons in his head (and outside his head, for that matter!). These lyrics are perfect for him.

For Valerie, a battle-weary NYPD Detective with a chip on her shoulder, Flyleaf’s “Set Me On Fire” eloquently describes her fear of losing the people she cares for (especially after her sister’s horrific murder), and her desire for Blaze. In a way, he helps her rediscover her priorities and what’s truly important in life (besides hunting vampires, of course!).

“Now I feel the fear rising up,
climbing up, taking over my body,
and I feel my pulse starting up,
waking me again...”

In RtD, there are four villains, with Cyrus acting as the leader. He’s an African vampire who rapidly rose through the ranks and ended up in NYC to track down Blaze. He’s developed an obsession with the pyrokinetic hybrid (and Blaze’s blood in particular) after spending some time with him beneath Grand Central Terminal. He’ll stop at nothing to find Blaze again and finish what he started. “My Violent Heart” by Nine Inch Nails sums up all four villains quite nicely, especially Cyrus.

“Time will feed upon your weaknesses,
and soon you'll lose the will to care.
When you return to the place that you call home,
we will be there, we will be there...”

And those are just a few of the songs that fueled me to write RELEASING THE DEMONS. :D

Want to see the entire playlist? Check it out here on Spotify:

Thanks so much for letting me share RtD and some of my favorite music with you all! I’ll be back with another post about the second novel in the series, BLACK BULLET. :D

Have a wonderful day!

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About L.D. Rose

L.D. Rose is a neurotic physician by day, crazed writer by night, and all around wannabe superhero. She writes paranormal romance and urban fantasy, but she's been known to delve into horror, sci-fi, and medical suspense on occasion. L.D. Rose is a PAN member of the RWA, FF&P, NEC-RWA and CoLoNY. She currently lives in Rhode Island with her studly hubby, her hyperactive boxer, and her two devious cats.

Sign up for her newsletter for the latest on the Senary, sneak peeks, giveaways, and other fun stuff: http://eepurl.com/bKvuXD. You'll receive a free horror short story with sign-up!

You can also join her reader group on FB for more shenanigans. ;) DEVOUR THE NIGHT: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1544747369161573/

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Video Guest Post: Troll Cries (Troll Series #2) by Ashley C Harris

Release: January 31, 2017
Romance Subgenre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Series: Troll Series #2

Abby thought that after magically escaping the world of bewitching trolls and killer knights her life could go back to normal. Too bad Michael, her stepbrother, has returned from his time underground with more than just terrifying memories; something is happening to him, he’s changing . . . .

Could the person who holds the key to helping him be Abby’s wicked cousin turned troll queen, Sofia? Making a bargain with her could bring on a hefty price. Or is the answer with Wilhelm, Abagail’s first kiss who she betrayed to a death sentence in order to save her school?

For Wilhelm, all seems lost as he waits, plotting and hoping to escape the knights. But are they unknowingly revealing a mystery to him? One that would lead him back to a new weapon, and the girl whose kiss changed everything….

The secret kingdom of the trolls, and those that hunt them, is about to get a lot more deadly.

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Author Video Guest Post

I'm excited to have author Ashley C Harris on the blog today to discuss her new book, Troll Cries. Thanks for sharing, Ashley!

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Excerpt

Abby was the only one still looking up as guests went back to dancing and demanding more caviar and ‘champs’, most of them underage. Abby's charm bracelet was rattling as, taking a step back, she accidentally stepped on someone’s foot, hard.

‘Oh sorry,” Abby said as she turned around and her eyes met a very broad tall chest. A chest that even under a white buttoned down shirt she could make out had nice toned muscles. Too nice… Abby looked up at the guy's super tall height, three buttons undone at the top of his shirt revealed some kind of markings.... Tattoos.

Her eyes took in an eagle’s mask next on his way over six foot frame, one that exaggerated perfect sharp and masculine cheek bones, and through his mask as he looked down at her... she saw bright green eyes; as green as Sofia’s necklace. Wilhelm!

“No problem. You find what you're looking for out here?” he asked sarcastically. Then he took a step closer. “Like the troll you setup to get killed tonight even after he delivered the heaven stone…” And then as other girls eyed him even as they danced with others—girls and some of the guys— suddenly, Wilhelm was grabbing Abby and pulling her close. His one hand catching her flickering wrist, stilling it; the other moving around her back as he pulled her to him, and before she could call out his name, he was spinning her into a dance.

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About Ashley C Harris

Author and film director Ashley C. Harris resides in Florida. Ashley was first recognized for her edgy writing and unique film work when she wrote and directed the teenage film “Lines”. Lines was the first feature film in the world captured using only Mac Laptops.

In 2013 she teamed up with Barclay Publicity to release the first in a new young adult novel series, “Shock Me”. Ashley then went on to author eight other titles, in multiple genres, as she also worked behind-the-scenes on a morning news show that aired on ABC.

In 2014, four of Ashley’s books landed on the Amazon's Best Selling Top-Ten-List. In 2015, she received her first publishing deal for “Troll”, a KindleScout novel winner.

When Ashley is not dreaming up new manuscripts and working on film sets, she loves spending time with her family, obsessing about biblical mysteries, and watching lots of Doctor Who.

Keep an eye out for her newest releases!

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A Knight of Her Own (Rogues of Rouen #2) by Oberon Wonch

Release: January 23rd, 2017
Romance Subgenre: Historical Romancee
Series: Rogues of Rouen

Sir Drogo LaForce has spent a lifetime chasing the family honor and wealth denied him by his bastard birth. A clever scheme to uncloak a traitor against the Crown finally promises to win him everything he desires…Lady Isabel has been in hiding ever since an evil Norman lord killed her father and usurped her English lands. But her plot to avenge her father and free her people is threatened when a mysterious Norman knight abducts her with plans to use her for espionage.

Drogo’s fascinating captive is nothing like he anticipated. Outspoken but innocent, Isabel reluctantly submits to Drogo’s tutoring in the spymaster’s craft, as well as the art of making love. But their potent attraction nearly leads to disaster. In the end they must decide between their dueling appetites for riches and revenge…or love.

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Curated Soundtrack

Music in the Middle Ages is still a mystery of sorts. Even though there are some written records of Medieval secular music, the notation was different than todays, the concept of harmony was different and even the instruments were different. So in choosing music for this historically-accurate playlist eveyrone needs to keep in mind that this music, probably isn't really historically accurate. However, it's just about as historically-accurate as you can get for this timeframe given our limited knowledge and understanding of the time.

I kinda love our modern interpretations of Middle Ages music. It's a bit purer and less "fluffy" than the Renaissance and Baroque eras that followed. The music takes me to the celebrations and dinner in castles and keeps all over Europe. I hope this playlist helps you get in the mood for A Knight of Her Own!

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What did you think of A Knight of Her Own?
Are there any songs that remind you of Sir Drogo LaForce, Lady Isabel and their HEA?

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About Oberon Wonch

Oberon Wonch has engaged in a love affair with books for as long as she can remember. Penning her own stories from an early age, she later earned a degree in World Literature while studying several languages—all in order to learn what makes a tale endure the ages, but really just to read more books. Her very favorite stories—both to read and write—are those that celebrate the happily-ever-after.

An avid gardener and armchair archaeologist, she grew up in northeast Ohio but now lives in Indiana with her college sweetheart husband and two very joyful little dogs.

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The Devil's Daughter (Hidden Sins #1) by Katee Robert

The Devil's Daughter by Katee Robert

Release:January 24, 2017
Romance Subgenre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Hidden Sins #1

Growing up in a small town isn’t easy, especially when you’re the daughter of a local cult leader. Ten years ago, Eden Collins left Clear Springs, Montana, and never once looked back. But when the bodies of murdered young women surface, their corpses violated and marked with tattoos worn by her mother’s followers, Eden, now an FBI agent, can’t turn a blind eye. To catch the killer, she’s going to have to return to the fold.

Sheriff Zach Owens isn’t comfortable putting Eden in danger, even if she is an elite agent. And he certainly wasn’t expecting to be so attracted to her. As calm and cool as she appears, he knows this can’t be a happy homecoming. Zach wants to protect her—from her mother, the cult, and the evil that lurks behind its locked gates. But Eden is his only key to the tight-lipped group, and she may just be closer to the killer than either one of them suspects…

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Author Interview

I'm excited to have author Katee Robert on the blog today to discuss her new book, The Devil's Daughter. Thanks for sharing, Katee!

This book is heavier on the mystery/suspense elements than your previous works. How was writing this book different for you?
I’ve been comparing it to a person who runs marathons regularly who suddenly takes up yoga. It was challenging for me, but in a really gratifying way. The rules for mystery are different than for contemporary romance, so there was a lot more plotting and outlining involved to ensure that all the foreshadowing lined up and that no one threw their book across the room at the end of it (myself included).

What inspired you to write this book? Have you always wanted to write something in which mystery and suspense play a large role?
I’ve been a fan of mystery and suspense novels since before I discovered romance. They were the first adult books I jumped to, and writing one for myself has always been on my “Someday I’ll…” list. This specific book was inspired by an interview I read about between one of the FBI agents who founded the serial crime unit and Charles Manson. Things just clicked, and I knew I had to write a story about a serial killer connected with a cult.

If someone is brand new to your work, what book do you think they should start with?
I always recommend two books, depending on what someone is looking for. If they want something lighter and more humorous, I recommend starting with Wrong Bed, Right Guy. If they like their romance with a darker edge, I recommend starting with The Marriage Contract.

What question do you wish readers would ask? What is the answer?
How does a romance writer end up so freaking obsessed with serial killers? Haha. No, I don’t know what question I wish people asked, but that’s as good a one as any. And I blame a combination of finding Sandra Brown’s books the same year that a guy a couple blocks away was arrested for killing 13 women (he like buried some of them in his yard, and my sister went to school with his kids. It was nuts).

As a writer what would you choose as your spirit animal/mascot/avatar? Theme song?
I joke about the honey badger being my toddler, but I think I’m really the honey badger in the family. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is up for grabs haha. A friend once told me that "The Girl With One Eye" (by Florence+the Machine) made her think of me. I found it funny at the time. Now that I’m writing about serial killers and crawling around inside these villains heads, she definitely knew what she was talking about. Fictionally, of course!

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About Katee Robert

Spurred On (Stripped Down #3) by Sabrina York

Release: January 17th, 2017
Romance Subgenre: Cowboy Romance, Contemporary Romance
Series: Stripped Down #3

From the author of Cowboy to Command and Stud for Hire comes the third deliciously sexy Stripped Down novel.

Just south of Fort Worth, Texas, you’ll find a little ranch where the hot, toned cowboys are ready and eager to take it all off and make your naughtiest fantasies come true...

As the owner of the Double S Ranch, Cody Silver knows what women want—all except the one that got away. So when his high school girlfriend Sidney Stevens comes back to town for her sister’s wedding, Cody will do whatever it takes to prove that he’s a changed man.

After their explosive breakup, it took a long time for Sidney’s broken heart to heal—and she’s not about to risk it again. She’ll tangle with Cody and live out her simmering fantasies, but when the time comes she’s going to walk away satisfied.

But love has a way of ruining the best laid plans, and Cody and Sidney are about to learn that what you want isn’t always what you need...

Buy On Amazon

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Theme Song

Based on the epilogue, I'm guessing Spurred On is going to be the last of the Stripped Down novels and that's certainly a shame. I've loved every word of this series. The three prequels partnered with the three full-length novels have been a joy to read.

Although the premise of the books initially drew me to the series, the characters set the books apart. And of all the characters featured in Stripped Down, I certainly couldn't wait for Cody to meet his match. In Spurred On Sidney's personality and relationship with Cody not only met my expectations, they exceeded them. Cody and Sidney's journey was emotional, sweet and sexy all at the same time. This second-chance romance focused on redemption. Cody needed to not only atone for his previous sins but he also had a reputation to discredit/overcome. Now I'm not generally a fan of playboy romances, but York did a great job of focusing on Cody's cowboy/business man image rather than his past sexual encounters. This book is a must-read in my book!

For the Spurred On theme song I picked a song in the country music genre (because...duh) that fit with the redemption concept that figured so heavily into Cody and Sidney's journey. Enjoy!

“Love You Like That” by Canaan Smith
When I'm with you I can see down the road girl Not just the gravel one we're travelin' on girl
And I'm bettin' that it's gonna be a wild ride
But I promise that I'm gonna be there by your side
I think we got another memory in the makin'
So baby let's take it, take it
Slow as the Mississippi
Strong as a fifth of whiskey
Steady as a Tom Petty track
I wanna love, wanna love you like that
Deeper than a sunset sky
Sweeter than muscadine wine
All night 'til the sun comes back
I wanna love, wanna love, wanna love you like that

What did you think of Spurred On?
Are there any songs that remind you of Cody, Sidney and their HEA?

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About Sabrina York

Her Royal Hotness, Sabrina York, is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of hot, humorous stories for smart and sexy readers. With over 25 titles her books range from sweet & snarky to scorching romance. Visit her webpage at www.sabrinayork.com to check out her books, excerpts and contests. Represented by Lane Heymont with the Seymour Agency.

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The Barefoot Summer by Carolyn Brown

Release: January 3rd, 2017
Romance Subgenre: Women's Fiction

New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown returns with a heartbreakingly hilarious novel about three women who had nothing in common, except their husband.

Leaving one widow behind is unfortunate. Leaving three widows behind is just plain despicable. Oil heiress Kate Steele knew her not-so-dearly departed husband was a con man, but she’s shocked that Conrad racked up two more wives without divorcing her first. The only remnant of their miserable marriage she plans to keep is their lakeside cabin in Bootleg, Texas. Unfortunately, she’s not the only woman with that idea.

Fiery, strong-willed Jamie wishes Conrad were still alive—so she could kill the scoundrel herself. But for their daughter’s sake, she needs that property. As does Amanda—twenty-eight, pregnant, and still weeping over the loss of her true love. On a broiling July day, all three arrive in Bootleg…with a dogged detective right behind who’s convinced that at least one of them conspired to commit murder. One momentous summer filled with revelations, quirky neighbors, and barefoot evenings on the porch offers three women the chance to make the journey from enemies to friends, and claim a bright, new beginning.

Buy On Amazon

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Character Study

Once in awhile a book comes along that just makes your life better. The Barefoot Summer was like that for me. The book is quirky and fun while really doing a deep dive into the concepts of family and female friendship. The Barefoot Summer made me take stock of what I have and it made me so grateful for the blessings in my life. Seriously, what could be better?

Women’s fiction is such a happy, optimistic little place in the world and The Barefoot Summer is a great addition to the genre. I came to the book due to my love of Carolyn Brown’s cowboy romances, but I have to admit, I may like her women's fiction style better than her romance style. Brown’s no-nonsense writing style, her quick moving pacing, and her witty dialogue made each of the three women featured in this book into living, breathing, and rather pissed off, heroines. Even better, we got a bit of romance thrown in for Kate and Waylon!

I couldn’t resist creating a playlist for The Barefoot Summer that featured a song for each of our gals. Kate, Jamie and Amanda all had unique stories but their eventual friendship and shared anger/hatred/disinterest towards their ex tied them all together. And since I already had a playlist going for these three, I couldn’t help but add Hozier’s “Someone New” for Conrad because...well, because he was always falling in love with someone new!

“Someone New” by Hozier for Conrad
There's an art to life's distractions,
To somehow escape the burning weight, the art of scraping through,
Some like to imagine,
The dark caress of someone else, I guess any thrill will do
Would things be easier if there was a right way?
Honey, there is no right way.
And so I fall in love just a little, oh a little bit every day with someone new

“Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?” by Shania Twain for Kate
Whose bed have your boots been under?
And whose heart did you steal I wonder?
This time did it feel like thunder, baby?
And who did you run to?
And whose lips have you been kissin'?
And whose ear did you make a wish in?
Is she the one that you've been missin', baby?
Well whose bed have your boots been under?

“Smile” by Lily Allen for Jamie
When you first left me I didn't know what to say I never been on my own that way, just sat by myself all day
I was so lost back then
But with a little help from my friends
I found a light in the tunnel at the end

“There's Your Trouble” by Dixie Chicks for Amanda
Should Have Been Different But
It Wasn't Different, Was It
Same Old Story, Dear John, And So Long
Should Have Fit Like A Glove
Should Have Fit Like A Ring
Like A Diamond Ring
A Token Of True Love
Should Have All Worked Out
But It Didn't

What did you think of The Barefoot Summer?
Are there any songs that remind you of Kate, Jamie and Amanda?

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown was born in Texas and raised in southern Oklahoma. These days she and her husband make their home in Davis, Oklahoma, a small town of less than three thousand people where everyone knows everyone, knows what they are doing and with whom, and read the weekly newspaper to see who got caught.

A plaque hangs on her office wall that says I know the voices are not real but they have such great ideas. That is her motto and muse as she goes through the days with quirky characters in her head, telling their stories, one by one, and loving her job.

She has been married almost half a century to a retired English teacher that she calls Mr. B and he does not read her books before they are published because she cannot afford a divorce. They have three grown children.—and enough grandchildren to keep them busy and young.

When Carolyn is not writing she likes to sit in the back yard and watch the two tom cats protect the yard from all kinds of wicked varmints like crickets, other cats, spiders and blue jays.

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