Food can be wonderfully romantic; nothing says “romance” quite like a candlelit dinner for two! And there’s nothing sexier than a man in the kitchen. Food engages all five senses and makes us feel alive like nothing else . . . well, maybe there’s one other thing. *wink* That’s why when I sat down to write a contemporary romance, the pairing of chefs and love stories was so natural and fun for me—and, overwhelmingly, people tell me it’s what makes my books fun to read! And so the Recipe for Love novels were born: Can’t Stand the Heat, which debuted last September, and this month, On the Steamy Side.
There’s more to dinner than a seduction scene, though. Part of the resonance of food is that it brings people together in all kinds of ways. On a recent trip to Florida to give a workshop to the lovely STAR chapter, I had the opportunity to eat and cook with two of my closest writing friends, Kristen Painter and Roxanne St. Claire. We drank Chardonnay, laughed like hyenas, danced around the kitchen like wild women, and made some of the most delicious pasta I’ve ever eaten in my life.
The best part? We made the recipe up together, pulling ideas from our different kitchen and dining experiences, and mixing them into a glorious blend of influences from French cuisine to rustic home cooking to health food.
The results were glorious! I’ll never forget that meal—the nutty bite of al dente whole wheat spaghetti enhanced by beautiful brown butter, sweet roasted tomatoes and asparagus, and livened up with tart lemon juice and salty feta. Undeniably scrumptious . . . but it was the laughter and friendship we enjoyed as we cooked that added the perfect spice to this great dish.
Whole Wheat Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Brown Butter
1 pound whole wheat thin Barrilla spaghetti
2 pints grape tomatoes, halved crosswise
2 bundles asparagus, blunt ends snapped off
6 cloves garlic, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon, juice and zest
2 sticks butter
10 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Toss the vegetables and garlic with the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, and salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until the tomatoes begin to caramelize and the asparagus is tender, stirring occasionally.
Cook the pasta to al dente (not to shill, but I recommend Barrilla as the best whole wheat pasta I’ve tried), following the instructions on the package. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Brown the butter slowly; watching carefully to make sure it doesn’t burn. It will stay yellow for a while then turn golden almost in the blink of an eye, so keep an eye on it! Shake the pan back and forth frequently to keep from scorching the butter on the bottom.
Chiffonade the basil leaves (stack the leaves, roll the stack into a cigarette shape, then slice thinly crosswise). Toss the pasta with the roasted vegetables, the brown butter, the basil leaves, and the feta. If you’d like it saucier, thin with some of the reserved pasta water.
Enjoy with a simple green salad, plenty of white wine, and your best friends!
Share some of your favorite dishes to cook and eat with friends for a chance to win an autographed copy of On the Steamy Side, an environmentally friendly Farmer’s tote and a Tastebook (recipes from Louisa and her chef friends).
More posts by
Louisa Edwards |
Good morning, everyone, Allison Chase here! Thank you to the amazing Coffee Time ladies – Karen, Karenne, Bonnie, et al – for having me here today. Through your collective energy, Coffee Time has 
grown into an awesome site, in my humble opinion one of the best for lovers of the romance genre. I love all the coffee imagery here, and the whole idea of grabbing a steamy cup of coffee, curling up in a comfy chair and enjoying one of my favorite things – romance books!
I’m especially excited to be here because this month marks the debut of my new Victorian series, Her Majesty’s Secret Servants, about the four Sutherland sisters who were once the childhood friends of Princess Victoria. Laurel, Ivy, Holly and Willow Sutherland, are fairly typical, country-bred gentlewomen – on the surface. But when the young queen needs their help in dilemmas requiring
discretion, the foursome swings into action. These ladies are strong – not in a physical “kick butt” sense, but with an inner strength that sees them through until the job is done. They’re smart, resourceful, confident, and fiercely loyal to their queen and friend.
So what kind of hero does it take to win the heart of such a girl?
Rupert Friend as Aidan? Yes!
The answer, of course, it not a simple one! In the first book, MOST EAGERLY YOURS, Aidan Phillips, Earl of Barensforth is suave and drop-dead gorgeous, but also a known carouser, gambler and ladies’ man. The queen sends Laurel to Bath to investigate her illegitimate cousin who might be plotting treason, and her parting words to Laurel are to avoid the man’s best friend – Aidan Phillips – at all costs, especially if Laurel values her virtue. In the recently completed second book, OUTRAGEOUSLY YOURS (Dec. 2010), Simon de Burgh, Marquess of Harrow, is whispered to be something of a mad scientist who regularly shoots sparks from the skylight in his tower laboratory, and who, with a mere look, can strike fear into the hearts of Cambridge University’s most intrepid science students.
Bad boys? Yup…at least on the surface. Alpha men? You bet. Just by virtue of their rank and wealth, both are used to getting exactly what they want when they want it. Arrogant? Hmmm…. You’d think, but maybe we need a second look.
When crafting an alpha hero, what we authors are really doing is creating the 
proverbial “friendly lion.” He’s strong, dangerous, lightning quick on his toes – but at the same time, we eventually want our heroines to be able to curl up with him and know she’s safe. So how do you get from growling and dangerous to sweet and cuddly? (Don’t you think Gerard Butler looks kind of like a fierce but potentially friendly lion in this picture from Atilla?)
By starting from the inside out. I take the most honorable, generous, compassionate man I can think of (lots of warm fuzzies), and I wrap him in layers of misfortune, tragedy, hurt, anger, guilt…even a little fear (harsh pricklies!). Then I motivate him with compelling and completely understandable reasons why he desperately tries to protect what’s left of his heart and soul. Love? God, no – too risky! And his reaction to the heroine? Utter panic, because the qualities he sees in her threaten to unravel all the protective bulwarks he has built around himself over time. In his mind, she represents the complete loss of his well-honed control. So what must he do? Resist her charms, of course.
Unfortunately for him, from the first moment he experiences those stirrings of attraction, it’s too late to escape – he’s already lost. Because despite the persona he has built up, he remains at his core that wonderful guy every woman dreams about. The one who would throw himself in front of stampeding horses for the woman he loves; who would also risk his life to save a complete stranger – because his honor demands nothing less. I like to say – and Jane Austen fans will understand what I mean – a hero should be Mr. Darcy on the outside, with Mr. Knightly deep down inside.
In MOST EAGERLY YOURS, Aidan secretly works for the Home Office exposing fraudulent financial schemes similar to the one that destroyed his father several years earlier. He tells himself it would never be safe for him to take a wife, that his undercover work might endanger her life, but what he’s really avoiding is love itself in order not to repeat his father’s mistakes – because his father’s downfall was triggered by his devotion to and subsequent loss of his wife.
But no matter how much Aidan wants to stay away from Laurel, he can’t. As danger threatens, his honor won’t let him leave her side, and soon they’re tumbling down a rabbit hole of mutual need and desire. Because as much as Laurel needs a hero to help her safely complete her mission for the queen, Aidan needs a heroine to heal his heart. In Laurel he meets his match in strength, wits and honor. The only question is, will it be enough to save him?
Sorry, but I’m not going to give you the answer to that! You’ll just have to read the book! Here’s a little more about it…
Raised on their uncle’s country estate, the four orphaned Sutherland sisters formed a close friendship with the young Princess Victoria. Shortly before her coronation as queen, Victoria asks the sisters to serve her in matters requiring the utmost discretion.
They are to become her secret servants…
Laurel, the eldest, is the first to be called. The Queen is threatened by her jealous cousin, George Fitzclarence, who is known for speaking treason. She asks Laurel to pose as a wealthy widow and use her charms to win George’s trust, then find out what he is really plotting. Laurel is prepared for the risks of acting a part, but she encounters an unexpected and formidable obstacle in the Earl of Barenforth–George’s friend and a notorious rake, whom Victoria has warned her to avoid…
An undercover agent for the Home Office, Aidan Phillips, Earl of Barensforth, is on the trail of a financial hoax involving alchemy, murder…and George Fitzclarence. When a lovely young widow wanders into his path and turns his well-laid plans on end, he senses she is hiding something. Aidan is no stranger to seduction, or to the wiles of beautiful women. And he intends employing wiles of his own to uncover the lady’s secrets…
You can read an excerpt and reviews, and learn how to enter to win a Victorian-inspired necklace, on my website: www.allisonchase.com. And you’ll find my blog at www.allisonchase.wordpress.com. Grab another cup of coffee, and come visit…
But here’s a question for everyone: Most of us love to read about alpha heroes, but in real life are you an alpha guy kind of girl? Or do you prefer a man who’s a little more laid back? Or a combination of the two? Personally, I married a Mr. Knightly, but one who can channel his inner Darcy when circumstances call for it. I call him my modern day warrior!
So leave your answer in the comments section and be entered in my drawing for a copy of MOST EAGERLY YOURS!
Happy Reading!
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Allison Chase |
Thanks for having me over here at Coffee Time! Sorry I’m a bit late. I’m sitting here with my Mocha Magnifico protein shake and wondering what you guys might want to hear about today. I’ve got a computer class project, PTA work, a transcription to do, but what I really want to make time for is the three books I’m working on.
Three? Yes three. I am usually working on two or three books at the same time. It helps a lot in getting past any writer’s block, as if I get stuck in one story, it’s possible to start up somewhere and somewhen completely different in another story. Many of my books have been written at the same time. Command the Wind, a Passion Magic story set in Elizabethan England, was written at the same time as Reveal the Heart, also a Passion Magic story of Magi and their mates, but this one set in Washington D.C. during WWII. It was a big relief to move from one set of characters to another, and one timeframe to another. But, since I was staying within the same series and connecting the story of Magi heritage across hundreds of years, I think writing the two books together helped the quality and flow of both stories.
Another in the Passion Magic series, Foretell the Flame, is a story of escape and rescue set in the Italian Alps in 1805. But the final touches to this story were written at the same time as the thoroughly modern, slightly sci-fi and slightly paranormal story Don’t Wait. I think the savvy innocence of Rebecca in Don’t Wait was an excellent counterpoint to the jaded yet hopeful Cassandra in Foretell the Flame. Gabe’s erotic education by an older and wiser Rebecca is an interesting mirror of how Tash woos Cassandra in her visions, making her believe that love is possible and life is worth living.
Right now, I’ve got three books in progress. I’m adding a chapter to New York Fairytale, about a wise-ass New York bartender and her very own prince charming. It’s already contracted with Resplendence Publishing, and should be coming out later this summer. But in the meantime, I’m having fun searching for pictures of the Waldorf-Astoria in NYC and imaging what kind of mischief Rudy and Ronnie can get into. That sense of fun and frolic helps a lot when I’m working on my as yet to be titled Passion Magic story set in 1888 on the Big Island of Hawaii. My Portuguese baker is married to the wrong twin, and the angst can be a heavy load to bear while in the early stages of the manuscript. But I think things will work out in the end. Bait and Switch, the third book I’m playing with at the moment, is probably the most fun. Sheila and Sam bicker back and forth across the desolate beauty of an arctic summer landscape, while trying to return a precious artifact to its rightful place. I love these two characters, and their on-again, off-again marriage is perfect for the 1955 setting. These two have been through a lot together, otherwise they’d never be able to survive their journey, much less have as much fun rediscovering each other’s every erotic desire.
Alas, real life interferes, and I do have to work my day jobs. But tonight, I have every intension of entering one or all of these worlds and having a great time. Who knows where my characters will end up taking me? I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I enjoy writing them!
Have fun and Keep Reading!
Elaine Lowe
Check out my Blog/Website at www.elainelowenovels.com for more info on all my books, excerpts, announcements and occasional wackiness!
Hello Coffee Time Readers! I’m here with a fresh cup of French pressed Columbian and I’d like to introduce myself.
I’m
Chloe Harris. Well, almost. Chloe Harris is really two people Barbra and Noelle. Barbra and I (Noelle) were critic partners with very busy lives. Eventually we discovered that we worked together very well and could get a lot more done working together.
Secrets of Sin is the second novel we completed together and the first to sell. Here’s a peek at what Secrets of Sin is all about.
On a Caribbean island of alluring delights, Emiline du Ronde-Barhydt commands a large estate, vast wealth, and unwavering devotion. Her inheritance and dazzling beauty insure that she’s granted her every wish… or almost. The one thing she can’t get is freedom from her proud wayward husband.
When her husband, sea captain Reinier Barhydt finally agrees to give his determined wife the divorce she craves -t’s for a price: three days of total submission to his every erotic demand. Both fall under the spell of the most forbidden sensations that reignite every delicious inch of their bodies… and Reinier soon realizes that he is no longer master of his carnal game. At the mercy of his own raw shattering needs, the three red hot days may just turn into a lifetime of smoldering passion…
Lots of people ask us how we work together on one story. As far our writing process goes, it seems to always work out that one of us will have either a great idea for a scene/chapter or a better grasp of the charcter whose speaking at that point in the story. That person will do the first draft of the chapter. Then the chapter goes back and forth a minimum of three times sometimes ore and by the time we’ve both added, deleted, moved around etc to the point where we’re both happy then the voice is Chloe’s and not Noelle’s or Barbra’s.
Writing historical romance take research and we did do a lot of research from very diverse places. Part of it started with a class project my daughter did where she had to find a pirate to profile. She chose John Julian an Aphro-Indian ship’s pilot that sailed with Black Sam Bellamy. John came to a sad end but I imagined my own ending for him that included marrying a beautiful French noble woman and having a daughter named Emiline.
Of course there was a lot of internet researching and with Barbra’s scholarly background she’s a wiz at all types of research. I’m lucky to have colonial era historical sites ten minutes from my home that Barbra and I have both visited. I have been to several other places in the Caribbean and I was also lucky enough to have a wonderful writer from Jamaica in my local group that helped us make some of the decisions on the setting in the beginning. We hope readers will feel transported to both the time and place.
We would love to transport you! And we’d love to hear your favorite time or place to be transported to.
Chloe Harris can be found around the web at:
Chloe Harris’s Blog: http://chloeharrisauthor.blogspot.com/
Chloe Harris’s Website: http://www.authorchloeharris.com
I post for us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/ChloeHarris
I’m also part of a great blog called Kiss and Tell. It’s a group of Carolina Girls that write erotic romantic across all subgenres: http://kissandtellgirls.blogspot.com
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ChloeHarris |
Thank you for stopping by today to read my blog at Coffee Time Romance. I’m honored to be here. Many thanks to Karenne, Bonnie, and the rest of the crew for this invitation to blog!
I think this is the second time I’ve blogged. I feel challenged to come up with a topic that has not yet been blogged about on the web. And while I’m doing it, since I have only blogged once before, and since I’m only starting to hang out and read blogs, we’ll probably be venturing into vastly new territory. Are you still with me on this?
Here are a few suggestions. Feel free to mention whatever you want on any of them:
1) The role of symbolism in romance. ( Hah! Most unlikely to have been blogged about, don’t you think?)
2) What exactly do romance authors contribute to society? (Never seen that one done yet, either! Warning: I don’t know the answer to this one. Does anyone?)
3) Why read or write romance? (All right, all right, this is a nod in the direction of something a little more familiar. I can probably write for days on this one… but that wouldn’t leave any room for your comments, so we’ll skip on to the next topic….)
4) How has the internet changed romance stories? (Fits with my new interest in ebooks. And hopefully, your interest in reading and hanging out online, and maybe reading ebooks once in a while?)
5) Hey, here’s one question, all smooshed together: Why blog? To blog or not to blog? Whither the fine art of the blog?
6) And lastly, kind of on topic, Why do I like historical romances?
There you have it. A whole boquet of possible topics for us to play with today.
btw, I am burying some important information in the middle of this blog to see if anyone is really reading it, or if I am actually just talking to myself. Karenne has posted a coupon number somewhere on Coffee Time, and she says it gives you one dollar off my ebook, Bride of Desire. Ooops, guess what? It actually is a coupon to buy the whole ebook for one dollar… for as long as supplies last. He he
Okay, while I’m waiting for you to warm up your computers, I’ll entertain/bore you with a few little bits about myself. (This seems to be a required part of blogging, yes? no?)
I am one of those authors who ‘fell’ into writing. I didn’t plan on being a writer. It wasn’t something I’d ever thought of doing when I was little.
And although I loved to read fiction when I was a child and in my early teens, as I moved into my twenties, I threw fiction away. No fiction for me, thank you. Just the facts. I didn’t want anything that was ‘made up.’ I actually equated it with falseness, as I recall from that time.
Then, when I took a college class in English, did I receive a jolt. The professor had a gift for making stories fascinating. When we read a Joseph Conrad story, and when I learned that a story about a boat floating on water did not necessarily mean a boat floating on water, that it could represent a person floating on the seas of life, a lightbulb suddenly went on in my head. You mean… it was symbolic??? (See suggestion topic number one above.)
Now it’s your turn…
* * * * * * *
Thank you so much for the comments, folks! Delightful!
T.
* * * * * * *
Currently, I have two ebook releases, both ebooks, both from my historical romance collection. One is a Viking Indian story, the other is a Western. Both books were print published in the distant past, and I’m re-releasing them as ebooks because I think the stories are still relevant for readers. I hope you think so too.
Bride of Desire is a story of love and destruction on the high seas, set on the east coast of North America, and in Norway, during Viking times.
Bride of Desire, January 2010
Montana Angel chronicles the misadventures of a determined young woman in the wild west, after the Civil War ends and before the west is tamed.
Montana Angel, February 2010
Both books can be found on Amazon’s Kindle as well!
For those of you interested in reading more of my books, please visit my website at www.theresascott.com I am excited to be releasing my backlist of 13 novels in ebook format over the next couple of years.
Theresa Scott with a flower
Thank you so much, everyone, for stopping by to read my blog today! I hope you all enjoyed our few minutes together… May you all find the happiness you seek!
Love,
More posts by
Theresa Scott |
I’d like to thank Karenne and Bonnie for having me here on Coffee, Books and a Blog. I really enjoyed my day. Thank you so much also to everyone who was kind enough to read my posts, especially if you took the trouble to leave a comment as well, but I really appreciate everyone who stopped by to read. Your words mean more to me than you can know. I’ve been thrilled and humbled by the reader and writer friends I’ve made since my journey as an author began.
The winner of the Gift Certificate is SHERRY. Congratulations Sherry, I’ll be in touch.
More posts by
HywelaLyn |
I’ll leave you with an excerpt from ‘Dancing With Fate’ where the two main characters first meet.
She was the loveliest woman Myrddin had ever seen. Spellbound, he watched her step from the falls. He should have turned away but he found it impossible not to watch her as she dried herself. When she started to dance, he was captivated by her grace and the eloquence of her movements. She seemed unconcerned about her nakedness. Not that she had anything to be ashamed of; such exquisite beauty should not be covered. Long, dark red-brown hair fell like a veil of silk to below her knees. Her skin was smooth and flawless; her breasts were firm and high, full but not heavy, above a tiny waist.
Her rounded hips undulated sensuously in time to her singing, while her upper body remained perfectly still, apart from the expressive movements of her arms. Her legs were slim and very long and she moved on tiptoe, her small feet scarcely seeming to touch the ground. Between her fingers, she held a long piece of silky material, which she swirled around her, until it seemed almost like a living thing.
Myrddin watched, enthralled. He’d never known anyone to dance as she did. The way she swivelled her hips had him mesmerised. Her voice was soft and clear, with a haunting quality. It reminded him of the musical bells of Maes Gwyddno, the civilization that now lay drowned beneath the sea. At times of danger, if one listened hard enough, one could hear the bells ringing from beneath the waves.
Moreover, it may have been a trick of the light, but she seemed to radiate a soft glow, pure and shimmering. He shook his head in disbelief. He must be imagining it. He’d eaten nothing since dawn, this was surely a vision brought on by weakness from hunger.
Myrddin crept closer and a twig cracked underfoot. Before he could take cover, the beautiful dancer stood motionless. Her eyes, green as the depths of the ocean, looked directly into his.
***
How long had he stood there? Should she risk using her magic to make him forget? One look at his face however, and all such thoughts flew from her mind. A strong jaw, firm mouth and eyes as blue and gentle as the Aegean Sea set her heart beating with unexpected desire. Golden hair, rivalling that of Apollo himself, touched his broad shoulders.
He was young. He wore an inar or tunic, fastened with a leather belt, and long truis clad his legs. Common soldiers’ garb – but she was sure he was no soldier. He had the bearing of a chieftain or a nobleman and his brat, draped over one shoulder, was fringed and decorated in rich colours – the mark of someone of high standing and nobility. He was very tall, and slender, and there was a strength about him. He reminded her of a tree that would bend in a storm but not break. That was not all. His aura told her he was, indeed, no ordinary man. Never had she seen a mortal man so striking. Perhaps not as devastatingly handsome as some, but his face was oh, so pleasing to look upon. There was unique character there, something that set him apart from his fellow men. It went deeper than mere good looks. She felt she could gaze at him forever. She would have touched his mind with her own but at that moment he spoke, the rich timbre of his voice sending shivers through her soul.
trailer here: http://www.blazingtrailers.com/show.php?title=371
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HywelaLyn |
Well, it’s late here in the UK and time for me to take my leave. I hope you’ve enjoyed your visit to my world, and getting to know a little bit about my stories and characters.
Thank you for reading, and special thanks to everyone who commented. I’ll draw the winner tomorrow and post it on my Blog.
Notes:
I love hearing from readers and fellow writers. You can email me at: Lyn@hywelalyn.co.uk
All my books can be purchased from my Publisher: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/hywela-lyn-m-138.html
My Blog: www.hywelalyn.blogspot.com
My website: www.hywelalyn.co.uk
My Face book page: http://www.facebook.com/HywelaLyn
My Fanpage at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hywela-Lyn/300029617094
My Space: www.myspace.com/hywelalyn
Starquest My Space: www.myspace.com/jestine_darnel
Terpsichore’s My Space: www.myspace.com/terpsichoremuseofdance
I have a forum here on the Coffeetime website http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=817
I can also be found at numerous other places on the web. If you would like to subscribe to my Newsletter, you can join my Newsletter group here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HywelaLynsNewsletter/join
More posts by
HywelaLyn |
…and then I heard another voice, masculine this time, deep, rich and precise.
“When are you going to give me a story of my own?”
I felt a tingle run through me. There is something about that particular voice that makes my toes curl, in a most provocative way. His blue eyes blazed into my mind, like chips of glacier ice. Then he smiled, that rare, devastating smile, and I was lost.
“You’re right Kerry. I know there are things in your past that need to be addressed, and things that happened to you after ‘Starquest’ that we’d like to know .”
“Then do you not think you should be writing it for me?”
“Of course Kerry. how could I possibly refuse you?”
So that’s what I drafted out in NaNoWriMo, and am working on, just now.
Oh I just love it when my characters talk to me.
Purchase Link for Starquest
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HywelaLyn |
This picture of Terpsichore and her mare, Sal, was made by my 'muse sister' Masha Holl. Sal is based on my own mare, Sally, who I sadly lost, aged 34, about six months before Dancing With Fate was published.
“Greek Mythology has rarely been so much fun to read. Hywela Lyn builds an excellent love story even with all the tongue twisting names that add even more fun to the tale.
Such a simple love story made great by the addition of the gods, muses, and Fates with their twists to life. Even the fifth century had some truly honorable men including Myrddin who refuses to give in to the feelings he has for Cora until he finds his Gwendolyn. She was betrothed to him by his family long ago. When she tells her with her own lips and behavior, doting on Madog, he finally believes his quest was in vain.
Terpsichore/Cora fell in lust at first site with Myrddin, loved him more for saving her from the Ellylldan/Goblin fire. Seems her half brother Ares, the god of war, is mad about something and attacks Myrddin. The spear of Ares is not a good thing to have sticking out of your body!
I know it sounds like sick humor but it’s really a hoot when the Fates play games with Terpsichore. Her man lays dying, she’s as serious as death, willing to give up anything to save his life and the Fates are playing her for a sucker. This may be a fantasy but I’ve felt like I was in that kind of situation once or twice or a hundred times myself! I have to recommend this book highly. Not only because I like it so much and it’s excellent entertainment but I just can’t take the chance that the gods might get crazy if I don’t”
Reviewer: Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio Rating – Five Hearts (Please note, despite what it says in the heading of this review, this is NOT an erotic romance!
READ FULL REVIEW HERE
“If you haven’t yet started to read the Song of Muses stories then I suggest you start now with this one by Hywela Lyn. This is the first time I’ve been able to read anything by this author, and I am very much looking forward to reading more from her. Her flow of language pulled me into the story from the very beginning and forced me to continue reading until I had reached the end. Her description of the world of the Greek gods was very well done and insightful. I enjoyed Terpsichore, Muse of the Dance, immensely. Her independent spirit and sensuality is just what a daughter of Zeus should be. I completely loved the plotting of the story and the true task this Muse had before her. The action was orchestrated with just enough description, the dialogue and description vivid and captivating.
Dancing with Fate is a well-written story that reached out and grabbed me from the get-go. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it as a memorable read. ”
Review by Cindy K. Green
READ FULL REVIEW HERE
“Dancing With Fate” is a simple love story, made very intriguing with magical characters. Hywela Lyn wrote a beautiful and touching story of undying love and characters that are prepared to give everything, even their souls, for the other’s life. Myrddin and Terpsichore were both very strong characters, each willing to give their all to what they believed in. For me, Greek mythology can be a bit hard to read. I do not know much about it, so it can be hard to follow. However, Ms. Lyn did such a fantastic job of describing each character that I never knew I could enjoy Greek myths quite so much. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, filled with vivid landscapes, Greek myths, and some of the strongest characters I have read in a while.
Review by Amaranth, Long And Short Reviews - Five Hearts
READ FULL REVIEW HERE
“When the Muse of Dance, Terpsichore comesacross handsome and enthralling, Myrddin be prepared to witness a love story unlike any other. A well written, refreshing and truly imaginative read, Hywela Lyn kept me turning the pages in “Dancing With Fate!”
~Sky Purington, Author of Fate’s Monolith“Hywela Lyn is a skillful storyteller. I’m impressed by not only how her descriptions are rich, vibrant, and flowing, but how she weaves the qualities of courage, honor and loyalty into the question of how much a woman-mortal or not-will sacrifice to save the life of the man she loves. By the time you finish this book, you’ll never look at the legend of Merlin, or the phrase ‘dancing with fate’ the same way again!”
~Miss Mae, Author of the best selling “See No
Evil, My Pretty Lady” from The Wild Rose Press.
More posts by
HywelaLyn |
I was thrilled to be one of nine authors contracted by The Wild Rose Press, to each write a story about one of the nine Greek muses for an anthology ‘Song Of The Muses’. Each story was released gradually through the summer of 2008 as an E Book, and then as one of three stories in a series of three paperbacks.
My muse was Terpsichore, muse of dance, and I sent her to 5th century Wales, where she falls heavily for a handsome young warrior, Myrddin, who has a destiny he is not yet aware of. They’re both in for a few surprises before the story ends.
This was a ‘fun’ story to write, and pure fantasy. I drew a lot on the mountains and wild places of my native Wales when I was writing it – and the waterfalls. Terpsichore just loves waterfalls!
Blurb:
When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost.
But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way.
Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE.
Watch the trailer here: http://www.blazingtrailers.com/show.php?title=371
DOWNLOAD HERE
Purchase Book II from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1601544413?tag=kimmcd-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1601544413&adid=0E3625PTF0AAT8FMCTXD&
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HywelaLyn |
Reviewed by Orchid, The Long and Short Of It Reviews (Five Star Plus Best Book Review)
“This book is wonderful! There are few books that hold my interest to the point where I can’t bear to put it down, but Children of the Mist is most certainly at the top of this list. The attraction between Tamarith and Vidarh is beautifully written. The involvement of telepathy would appear to make it easier for them to share their feelings, but this isn’t the case. If anything telepathy makes it harder as they hide their minds from one another. This puts their lives in danger more than once…
…Well done Hywela Lyn. I haven’t read the first book in this series, but you can be sure I’m going to buy it as soon as I can. This is the type of book I love to read.”
Read complete review here:
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/07/children-of-mist-by-hywela-lyn.html
Reviewed by: MarthaE You Gotta Read Reviews (’You Need To Read’ Four Star Review)
“The story is fast paced and filled with interesting action: traveling some beautiful but difficult terrains, facing a deadly virus, and battling evil alien slavers. The psychic powers add an exciting dimension and are an integral part of the plot and romance. The story jumps into action from the very beginning and keeps you engaged to the end…
… Although this book stands well on its own I definitely want to read Starquest now too! I encourage you to pick up the series for exciting and enjoyable reading.”
Read complete review here:
http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/Hwyela%20Lyn
Reviewed by Holli Herrle WRDF Review (Black Rose – Fantastic – stays on shelf)
Children of the Mist is the sequel to Starquest, a novel I have not yet read. However, this is a stand alone story, and having absolutely no knowledge of Starquest, I was still one hundred percent able to follow this one. Additionally, I am a big science fiction fan, so the terminology was quite familiar. There may be one or two little things someone with no knowledge of science fiction might be unfamiliar with- such as hypertravel or teleportation- but most of these concepts would be understood to even a casual observer of sci fi, and could easily be figured out from context.
Chock full of suspense and well-developed characters, Children of the Mist is exciting and well-written. There are a lot of characters to root for, and a lot of twists and turns as Virdah and Tamarith discover their feelings, and try to save each other in this edge of your seat suspenseful romance.
Read complete review here (Contains spoilers)
http://blog.lyndacoker.net/2009/09/09/wrdf-review-of-children-of-the-mist-by-hywela-lyn.aspx#Comment
Reviewed by Lindsay Townsend , Classic Romance Revival (5 Wings)
Packed with excitement, adventure and cliff-hangers, Children of the Mist also has moments of profound tenderness and beauty, with stunning description of snow, ice-cats, glaciers and mountains. Telepathy features strongly through the novel and I was touched by the way Vidarh and Tamarith fell in love with, and also rescued each other, via telepathy.
Read complete review here: http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/?p=1344
Author/Reviewer Marilyn Thompson, Mind Fog Reviews (5 Stars) *****
“Hywela Lyn creates a very vivid and wonderful world in Children of the Mist. Her characters have depth beyond any I have seen in a science fiction novel. She has the ability to give them souls in the literary sense, which is a rare talent. The extensive descriptions of the world she has created forms in the mind almost like the memory of a place once visited. I enjoyed this story and felt as if it carried me along from beginning to end. There was no effort in trying to understand the plot and I found it to be a bit of a mystery as well. It was a journey well worth taking and I highly recommend this book as one of the best I have ever read.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.”
http://www.authormeetingplace.com/amphome.html
http://mindfogreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/review-for-children-of-mist.html
Reader Review:
An irresistable tale of love, friendship and accelerating excitement. The vivid description of the changing mood of the landscapes enhances this unputdownable novel. Moved by the tender moments of believable characters that I came to care for, I was spellbound by the difficulties they overcame. a very special book indeed.
‘Rache’
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ISBN: 1-60154-557-6
After I’d finished STARQUEST I heard that pleasant though persistent soft voice again.
“Isn’t it time you told Tamarith’s story?”
“Hmm, I suppose it would be nice to know what happened to her,” I mused.
“And I’m sure you’d like to go back to Niflheim and all that snow – and there must be some questions about the planet you’d like to have answered.”
There were – and that’s how ‘Children Of The Mist’ came to be written.
Watch the trailer here: http://www.blazingtrailers.com/show.php?title=500
BLURB:
Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love: Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own. Vidarh seeks only to find his true purpose in life and to win the regard of his father, who eschews his son’s psychic abilities.
Thrown together by a common threat to their planet, then torn apart by an evil greater than any they could have imagined, can Vidarh save the lovely Nifl woman who has captivated him, before it is too late? Will Tamarith and Vidarh overcome the deadly enemy who threatens to destroy all they know and love? Will they find the happiness they both seek? Or are they fated to live their lives alone?
Futuristic/Fantasy romantic adventure
Available in e-book and print
PURCHASE LINK
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HywelaLyn |
EXCERPT:
Tamarith stopped and gazed for a moment across the water. The G-type sun, now fully risen, caused the lake to shimmer like a veil of golden silk, with scarcely a ripple disturbing its calm. The pastel-colored walls of the graceful buildings on the shore reflected the glow of both suns. In the distance, the mountains encircling the settlement reached high into the cerulean sky. The swirling mist that hid their summits was as much a part of Niflheim as the earth upon which she and Vidarh stood.
She sensed his mind discreetly touch hers and realized he was staring at her keenly. She turned back to face him, returning his questioning glance and studying him in turn. Taller than average, and broad-shouldered, today he wore a sleeveless, belted leather shirt over thick breeches, with long, icecat-wool lined boots. His upper arms were well muscled, his skin tanned as if he were used to working outdoors. His curly, dark auburn hair, kept away from his face with a plain leather band, reached almost to his shoulders. It caught the sun’s rays and gleamed like the polished dark red wood of the trees that flanked the feet of the mountains.
She took in his clear, hazel eyes, with their friendly twinkle, the long, straight nose, strong jaw line and smiling mouth. He would have been fighting off the local unattached young women if the situation they found themselves in were not so serious. Not that she was particularly interested in his looks, or those of any other man, for that matter.
No, something else about Vidarh of Ragnak excited her curiosity.
It’s about yesterday.
Futuristic/Fantasy romantic adventure
Available in e-book and print
PURCHASE LINK
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HywelaLyn |
I’ve been very lucky and had some lovely reviews for ‘Starquest’. It’s always great when a reviewer ‘gets’ your book, and such a relief when it’s your first ‘baby’ and you’re not sure how it will be received.
“I must say that Starquest takes the reader onto an awesome galactic journey. The characters are strong and convincing. Jess is a courageous woman who brings so much life to the story. I love her bravery and determination. One will not find a dull moment with this story; it is loaded with action from beginning to end. With secrets, passion and an incredible amount of trust, Jess, Kerry and Dahll learn quickly the true value where the heart lies. Hywela Lyn weaves a romance that is truly out of this world, as the reader grasps hold and hangs on tightly for the exciting ride of their life. Be captivated by what the wonders of space have to offer in an amazingly wonderful story.”
Cherokee, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Read Full Review HERE
“
The lovely, lovely descriptions never slow the action, but manage still to convey emotion and carry the narration forward. This is an incredibly original tale, and for all the science fiction trappings is truly a classic quest for love, and the romance, which at first seems very much at the periphery, will become not only a primary motivation, but the chief joy of the tale. Adventure may be the main motif, but the heartwarming side will be a surprising bonus.”
‘Snapdragon‘
LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS
Read full review HERE
READ MORE PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS FOR STARQUEST HERE
**********
READERS AND OTHER AUTHORS say:
“Starquest is a fantastical journey about one
strong, brave, and independent woman’s search for love that will take the reader to places they’ve never imagined and reveal insights we all know deep inside. I lost myself for hours in her action-packed adventures, and knew that when the book ended, she had indeed succeeded in her quest to find the one true home for her heart.”
Liana Laverent award-winning author of Thin Ice and Jake’s Return
“Get ready to travel the galaxy and visit worlds beyond your
wildest imagination. Hywela Lyn’s, Starquest is an extremely engaging read simmering with passion, bold exploration and non-stop action. With an interstellar romance that will keep you guessing until the end, this novel is a true masterpiece!”
Author Sky Purington
The Mac’Lomain series
“If you thrill at the concept of space travel, or crave breathtaking adventure, want to partake of intense conflict with fighting bad guys, and–as an extra plus–discover your one true love, then look no further than Starquest. The descriptions of other worlds is so vivid you’ll actually believe you’re there. All the different species of “aliens” are so striking you’ll think you’ve entered the “bar” of Star Wars! Hang on for the ride of your life as you travel the stars aboard the Quest. You don’t want to miss this one.”
Best Selling Author Miss Mae
‘See No Evil My Pretty Lady
5.out of 5 stars Wonderful read!
For those who love a great sci-fi adventure story, ‘Starquest’ by Hywela Lyn is the read for you! Besides adventure, the heroine, encounters a sweet romance with a satisfying, surprise ending. Loved it!
Susan McCatee
Paranormal/Historical romance author
“unfolding before your eyes is a heroine, Jess, who captivates your heart totally. Brilliantly written, the story weaves smoothly through past and prsent, drawing you into her emotions, the people she encounters, and bonds made. Every page and every minute spent reading is an enjoyable one.”
‘Rache – A Reader
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EXCERPT: (Jess, has revealed her purpose and enlisted the aid of the Destiny’s crew. She and and Kerry have at last confessed their feelings for each other.)
After a while, he drew her attention to the scanner, the distinctive timbre of his voice breaking into her reverie.
“We’ll be there in just forty-seven hours.”
“I know.”
“You don’t sound too happy about it. It is what you wanted, is it not? What you were considering hijacking the Destiny for?”
“Kerry, don’t.” She sat up and looked at him in concern, not sure if he was teasing her.
“You know I would never have done anything to endanger the ship, even though it’s so vital I bring help to Phidia.”
“So what’s wrong, Jess?”
She shook her head in confusion. “I…I don’t know. That is…oh, I’m probably being irrational–”
He studied her solicitously for a moment. “You’ve not been sleeping well these last few nights, have you?”
She lowered her head quickly. “I’ve been having strange dreams–”
“Dreams…you mean nightmares?”
“No, not exactly. More like premonitions. I’m afraid–”
His face did not alter expression although his eyes narrowed a little in surprise. “It is understandable. You can’t have had much experience of violence. You don’t have to come with us, you can stay on the ship. No one will think any the less of you.”
“No, you misunderstand. She shook her head, with a little half-smile. “You have a very old-fashioned idea of my profession, my love. I’ve seen plenty of violence. I don’t hide from it because of my calling and I’ve had to learn to fight and defend myself in times of danger. There’s no way I’d let you fight Ayandos without me. I’m not unprepared for death, nor do I fear it. I’m not afraid for myself.”
“Who, then?”
“You, of course, Kerry. If anything were to happen to you–”
“I am quite capable of handling an adversary like Ayandos, however nefarious.”
She shuddered. “You don’t know Ayandos. He’s treacherous, and although you may not understand the concept, he is evil. And he has others with him.”
“Not too many from what you’ve told me. We will take him completely by surprise. From what you’ve said, it seems unlikely he is expecting you to return, with or without reinforcements.”
“I know. Common sense tells me there’s no reason why we shouldn’t overcome Ayandos and his men. That everything will be all right. But in my dreams–I can never quite remember what happens–but I wake up feeling scared and alone. Terribly alone.”
He held her in his arms, kissing her face and her hair. “I will never leave you Jess…and nothing’s going to happen to me. Nothing. I’ll never leave you,” he repeated.
Her heart lurched as she looked into the eyes she had once thought cold, unable to hide the longing, or the anxiety in her own. “Do you mean that? Are you sure this is what you want?” she asked, torn between her desperate need for reassurance of his feelings toward her and a genuine desire to say nothing that would make him feel trapped into giving up the freedom she knew he valued so highly.
He drew her close to him again. “How sure do you think I have to be? I love you, Jess.” He kissed the top of her head, her forehead, her lips. “You are the only woman I could ever contemplate spending the rest of my life with.” He smiled once more and she caught the irony in his voice. “The only one I could ever really trust.”
You can see a trailer, here at Blazing Trailers: http://www.blazingtrailers.com/show.php?title=309
Jess’s ‘My Space’
PURCHASE LINK
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HywelaLyn |
SBN: 1-60154-355-7
My first published novel was ‘Starquest’ (I know it’s a cliche, but it really is ‘the book of my heart’.) It started out as a short story. When I wrote ‘The End ‘, it didn’t take long for Jess, my flame haired heroine, to sit beside me and whisper in my ear “Well, what about the rest of it?”
“What ‘rest of it?’ I asked, “That’s it, finito! it’s finished!
“But it’s a sad ending, you can’t leave it like that.”
“Yes I can, it’s my story, I wrote it. There are plenty of stories with sad endings ‘Romeo And Juliet’, ‘Wuthering Heights’, ‘Gone With The Wind’ – ”
“That’s as may be” (Jess is nothing, if not persistent) “but there’s a lot more about my story you don’t know, and a lot of characters you haven’t met yet.”
Truth to tell, by now I was rather fond of all my characters and quite happy to find out more about them, and be introduced to a few more. So, the short story lengthened and became the first four chapters of what was to be a full length novel. Because Jess kindly dictated the story to me in my mind, the middle is in the form of a journal, and the end is normal third person narrative to balance the first chapters. (There is a reason why it couldn’t all be written in journal form.) However, I’d no sooner typed ‘The End’, with a flourish, for the second time, when I heard that sweet, husky voice again.
“I’m sorry, but it didn’t really end like that!”
“Yes it did,” I argued, “this whole story has been working towards that very ending. Sorry.”
“Well let me tell you what really happened.”
“Sigh All right then, but it won’t make any difference.”
As I said, Jess is nothing if not persistent. Then Dahll, who was only supposed to be a secondary character, but whom I’d become rather fond of, stepped in and gave his side of the argument. He, too, can be rather persistent. I stubbornly resisted. After all, when all’s said and done, I’m the author, I dictate what happens, don’t I? Not the characters!
Wrong!
“Why don’t you just try writing it this way, just to see how it looks.”
“Oh, all right then, if you’ll leave me in peace. But only to show you that it won’t work, and then we’ll go back to my original ending.”
Of course, after I’d rewritten the ending, I could see it really DID happen that way, I’d just contrived the original ending to suit what I thought was the logical course of the story, but now it seemed just that – contrived. Another sigh – how come my characters are always right? If none of the above seems to make sense to you, then I’m afraid you’ll just have to read ‘Starquest’ to find out what I’m talking about! 
***
BLURB:
When Jestine Darnell is rescued from her sabotaged starship by the crew of the Destiny her only objective is to complete her mission and keep her promise to save a world from slavery. Love is the last thing on her mind. However, she has not counted on losing her heart to Kerry Marchant the ship’s second in command, who makes his distrust of her painfully obvious, despite the chemistry between them. The completion of her mission has consequences that neither of them could have foreseen.
Enter Dahll Tarron, who becomes involved in a long and dangerous quest to find the Destiny. Fates become intertwined, perils shared, culminating in the realization that sometimes love may be so close there is a danger it will not be recognized until it is too late…
You can see a trailer, here at Blazing Trailers:
Purchase Link
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HywelaLyn |
Hello Coffee Timers,
I’m so happy to be here today. I’m Hywela Lyn although you can call me Lyn! I’m sorry to be late – I’ve had problems logging in” Anyway, A little bit about me, and to clarify any confusion over my name:
I use my real first two names as my penname, since I’ve always been called ‘Lyn’ and my first name, Hywela, which is Welsh, was never used, even by my close family, so I thought it would be nice to find a use for it. Besides which, my surname, which is also Welsh, is very ordinary, and about as popular in Wales as ‘Jones’!
I lived most of my life in Wales, until I married and moved to be with my husband in a small village in England. The beautiful and rugged Welsh countryside and its legends inspired much of my writing. I’m very proud of my Welsh heritage and background and love weaving romantic tales of the future, and distant, mysterious worlds.
Wherever it’s set, one thing remains constant in my writing: The power of love. Love, not only between her hero and heroine, but between friends and siblings, and for their particular world and the creatures that share it.
I’m crazy about all animals, especially horses. I have two horses, two ferrel cats and an adopted Jack Russell terrier called Bouncer. I usually manage to slip a horse or two into my stories!
My first novel, ‘Starquest’, a futuristic romance was published by The Wild Rose Press (www.thewildrosepress.com) on 29th August 2008. A sequel, ‘Children of the Mist’ released on 19th June 2009. Both are available in Ebook format or print. I am workin6g on a third story in the series. My fantasy novella, ‘Dancing With Fate’ is available as an individual E-book from the Publisher, or as one of three stories in Book II of the paperback anthology ‘Song Of The muses’, available on Amazon.
Well that’s enough of me, over to you. How many animal lovers are out there? Do you read fantasy and science fiction romance? If not, is there a reason? Perhaps I can convert you.
I’ll be posting a bit more about my books in a bit. Leave a comment and I’ll draw one name to win a $6 Wild Rose Press Gift Token
www hywelalyn.blogspot.com
www.hywelalyn.co.uk
www.Myspace.com/hywelalyn
Apologies – there seems to be a problem with commenting on this entry – you can make comments on the other entries though!
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HywelaLyn |
Hi Gwyn Lacy, how sweet of you to remember me! I look forward to hearing how you are doing in your online class!
All the best,
Theresa Scott
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Theresa Scott |
Greetings to everyone! And first, may I say ‘thank you’ to Coffee Time Romance for having me on their blog. I had so much fun being here and was very glad for the opportunity.
Secondly, I’d like to extend my appreciation to all of those who came to Coffee Thoughts to visit me. It was so touching to read your responses, praises, and support. Interacting with so many great people is one of the wonderful perks of being an author that I enjoy so much, and I’m glad to meet each and every one of you.
And now, what you’ve all been waiting for…
I put everyone’s name in a hat and had my daughter draw the name, else I have guilt issues about possibly being biased – even when I’m not. So the winner of the autographed copy of Ræliksen goes to…
Giada Mariani
Congratulations and I truly hope you enjoy reading my first historical romance.
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ReneeVincent |
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