Cherry Red by Darlene Fredette
Give a big welcome to Darlene Fredette author of Cherry Red. A delicious addition to the One Scoop or Two Series! This summer, ice cream entrepreneur Carly Redd’s only focus is expanding her business—until she’s coerced into attending her ex’s engagement party. What could possibly go wrong?
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Darlene and her One Scoop or Two Cherry Red. First I see you’ve brought guests. Lets start with sizzling firefighter Noah Harding.
Tells us about the real you.
I wouldn’t say sizzling. LOL. I can only hope that Carley uses that word to describe me. I’m the son of two real estate agents from the valley, I’m the brother of two siblings (a sister and brother), and firefighter.
Tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your bed?
Probably my helmet, missing socks, and a book.
What makes you laugh out loud?
Joking around with my firefighting buddies and Carly.
What makes you angry?
When someone thoughtlessly starts a fire.
What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you?
Walking away unhurt from a blazing fire. Fire is no one’s friend. It burns everyone in its path.
What do you most value?
My family, my friends because my life is sometimes in their hands, and Carly because she’s the best person I’ve ever met.
What do you sleep in at night?
That’s a bit personal, lol. Boxer briefs.
What is the type of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?
An independent, spirited, fun, great personality, caring, and beautiful woman, which all describes Carly.
What do you consider most important in life?
Being the best person I can be,
What is your biggest secret?
I’m in love with Carly, but don’t tell anyone, especially her father and brother.
Of course now. We’ll just hope they don’t read Authors’ Secrets. LOL
Okay Carley, your turn in the hot seat. LOL
Who are you really?
A daughter to a firefighter and an optometrist who is also a city councilor, and I have one sibling – a brother who is also a firefighter. I went to college to earn a degree in Business and Marketing, and I now run my own ice cream business.
Tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your bed?
Pieces of paper with recipe notes, a spoon, and a bowl.
What makes you laugh out loud?
My brother and definitely Noah – he’s so much fun.
What makes you angry?
When I can’t get a new recipe to taste just the way I want.
What do you sleep in at night?
T-shirt and shorts.
Who were the biggest role models in your life?
My parents. They are the best.
What kind of man do you want to spend the rest of your life with?
I’m not looking for a relationship right now, but if I was, he’d have all the irresistible qualities as Noah.
What kind of man would you never choose?
I was once involved with a firefighter and swore I’d never date one again, but thankfully I broke that rule.
What is most important to you in life?
Family
What is your biggest fear?
Having my heart broken.
Thank you so much Carley for taking time out of your busy schedule!
Now a little about Cherry Red:
This summer, ice cream entrepreneur Carly Redd’s only focus is expanding her business—until she’s coerced into attending her ex’s engagement party. Showing up without a date is unthinkable. She reluctantly agrees to be escorted by her brother’s co-worker, although doing so breaks her rule of not dating firefighters.
The daughter of the town’s fire chief should wear a Do Not Touch sign, but firefighter Noah Harding’s interest blazed the moment he saw Carly. Agreeing to be her fake boyfriend is a no-brainer, but convincing Carly to trust him with her heart is harder than extinguishing a fire.
Overstepping the platonic-only rule is as dangerous as fire and ice swirling into a tempting combustion.
Buy Links: Amazon,
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bPQznl
How about a sneak peek between the pages of Cherry Red?
“This might seem like a strange question, especially since we’ve just met, but would you be interested in going out for a coffee? Or an ice cream?” Noah rested an arm on the bar.
Carly glanced down at her jeans and black T-shirt embroidered with the company name and logo…a cluster of red cherries. In a room full of women all dolled up in fancy—and some a bit scanty—dresses, why would this incredibly handsome man ask her on a date? “I appreciate the offer, but I’m not interested…”
Noah raised a brow. “I know you like ice cream, so is it the coffee, or me?”
“What? No. I mean, yes.” She took a second to collect her scrambled thoughts. “I like coffee. I just don’t hang out with firefighters.” Not that he was a real firefighter. Did impersonators count in her rules of men to avoid? She never dated a stripper, but she wasn’t sure she could have a relationship with a guy who was paid to take off his clothes and have other women fawn over him. Not that the guy asked her on a date…just a simple coffee. His frown made her feel badly. “I’m sorry. It’s nothing personal.”
“Burnt in the past? No pun intended.” He smiled.
She couldn’t help but smile back. “Something like that.”
Now Darlene, tell us a little about writing Cherry Read.
Cherry Red was fun to write because the characters came to life and told the story on their own. I also enjoyed introducing new cast members, which have their own unique personalities.
About The Author:
Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to develop the many stories coming to life in her head. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador. Darlene’s favourite pastime is taking summer daytrips to the Valley to soak in the small-town feel.
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with Cherry Red. I can’t wait to read it!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Contemporary Romance, Firefighter, Ice Cream, One Scoop Or Two Series by Tena Stetler with 8 comments.
Chocolate Raspberry Magic #MFRWHooks
#MFRWHooks reads this week. Celebrating all things fresh, new for Spring. CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MAGIC a paranormal romance/mystery set to release April 7, 2021 Available for preorder NOW!! Yippee!
Pull up a chair and get comfy, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MAGIC part of the One Scoop or Two Summer Ice Cream series AND fourth book in A Witch’s Journey Series. When magic is unleashed, will what they learn bring them closer together or push them apart?
A little bit about Chocolate Raspberry Magic: Pssst. please don’t forget to preorder.
Prim and proper Trinity Shiloh is the assistant manager for Salem’s Wildlife Sanctuary. She hasn’t had much luck in the boyfriend department, but the new employee Paul is different. Deep and brooding she sees something special hidden below the surface. Besides she has secrets of her own.
Paul Thorp is a wounded Special Forces veteran now working in security and computer support. He’s fought hard to keep his demons in check and for the first time feels he is ready for a real relationship.
When a fire breaks out at Puffin Cove Rescue, they are called in to help with the recovery and ice cream social fundraiser. Sometimes things are not what they seem, and neither are people. When magic is unleashed, will what they learn bring them closer together or push them apart?
A sneak peek between the pages of CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MAGIC:
As Trinity walked through the aftermath of the fire, she lifted the yellow and black caution tape and carefully stepped inside the building. Her gut clenched and that feeling of foreboding washed over her again. The farther she ventured into the burnt building the stronger the gut-wrenching feeling became. Something needs my help. This was a new sensation. She took a small flashlight out of her backpack, directed the beam over the scorched debris, and moved the rubble with her toe. Nothing.
One more sweep of the light and she’d return to the others. Probably not supposed to be here anyway. A weak squawk emanated from the far corner of the building. Picking up a scorched stick, she poked at the debris. A puff of smoke rose as she made her way to where the sound came from. Shining the light into the corner, she saw movement. She knelt down and carefully shifted the charred rubble. Laying on its side, head slightly raised, and using a wing in an attempt to right itself was a small parrot. Its little eyes locked on her for a moment before its head lowered to the ground.
Frantically, she glanced around, but there was no one in sight. How far had she ventured without telling anyone? The structure overhead groaned in warning. No time. “Okay little one, it’s you and me. I don’t have much experience at this, but I’ll do my best.” Shrugging out of her backpack, she unzipped it completely. “I’m going to scoop you up in my backpack and get help.” She didn’t raise her voice to call for help for fear of scaring the poor thing.
Clearing as much debris away from the bird as possible, she scooped up the parrot in her bag. Slowly she stood, so as not to jostle the little creature. Holding the bag gently against her chest, she picked her way across the downed wooden braces, charred remnants of cabinetry, and broken glass.
“Trinity, Trinity, where are you?” Paul’s worried voice pierced the air.
“Over here,” she called with relief directing the flashlight beam toward his voice. The wind shifted the burnt skeleton of the building emitting a squeeing sound of swaying twisted, wet wood. This section of the structure was in danger of collapsing.
“What the hell are you doing here? I’ve been searching all over for you. Didn’t you see the “Do Not Enter” caution tape?”
“I guess.”
“You guess?!” He grabbed her by the shoulders and gave her a little shake, then pulled her against him. “You scared me half to death.”
His concern was palpable as she braced the palm of her hand against his hard chest to keep him from further injuring the bird in her bag and as reassurance. Paul’s heart was beating like a trip hammer. Her gaze searched his face. Did the scent of charred earth and sight of destruction all around pull him into the black hole of PTSD? No I won’t let it happen. He has to help me get this bird to safety if its going to have any chance of survival.
Buy and Pre-Order Links:
Amazon USA – Amazon CA – Amazon UK – Amazon AU – Barnes and Noble – Ibooks –
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, Chocolate Raspberry Magic, One Scoop Or Two Series, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 8 comments.
The Rocky Road To Romance by Shawna Delacorte
Give a warm welcome to Shawna Delacorte, author of The Rocky Road to Romance, part of the One Scoop or Two Series by The WIld Rose Press. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Shawna and The Rocky Road to Romance.
Hello. I’m Shawna Delacorte and I’d like to thank Tena for this opportunity to be interviewed and to tell you about my new release. THE ROCKY ROAD TO ROMANCE is a novella published by The Wild Rose Press as part of their One Scoop Or Two series scheduled for release on Monday, July 27, 2020.
What inspired this particular story?
The parameters of the series certainly played a major part in creating the story—a short story/novella that’s a quick summer read. All stories have to center around or have something to do with an ice cream stand. They must take place near water. And a specific flavor of ice cream must appear in the title.
With all of that in mind, my first thoughts turned to a flavor of ice cream that would relate to a romance story line. While at the grocery story, I checked out all the different ice cream flavors and rocky road jumped out at me. The name certainly conveyed the very basics of a romance novel—the trials and tribulations encountered on the road to a happy ending. For a setting near water, I chose a summer resort marina at a lake. My heroine? A divorced high school history teacher who has leased the ice cream shop at the marina for the last three summers. My hero? The fifth generation head of the wealthy and powerful family that owns everything in sight, including the marina at the lake.
What secret do you use to blast through writer’s block?
I have two basic things I turn to when I’m blocked. I usually have more than one manuscript as a work in progress at any given time, with a specific one as the primary to be finished first. If I’m seriously stuck, I’ll turn to one of the other manuscripts I’m working on while keeping the primary one constantly in mind until I can return to it. My second diversion is to play Scrabble® on my computer while running the problems with the manuscript in the back of my mind.
Did you tell friends and family that you were writing a book?
No. When I started my first novel many years ago, I didn’t tell anyone. I kept it completely to myself. I was working full time in a very demanding job and only wrote as time permitted. After I completed that first manuscript, thus knowing that I could do it, I set up a regular time early morning before going to work so that I was able to write every day even if only for a couple of hours. I didn’t tell anyone what I was doing until I received my first contract for a novel which was with Harlequin.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love to travel when time and money permit. I’m also an avid photographer. In the ‘old days’ of film cameras before everything went digital, I even had my own dark room. Now, of course, the dark room is whatever computer programs you use for fixing/manipulating pictures.
What’s your approach to writing—plotter or pantser?
When I first started writing, I was definitely a pantser—wrote by the seat of my pants. I had the basics of a story line and characters in my head but would create it as I wrote. I’d do a synopsis after I finished the manuscript (much easier that way, especially if you really dislike doing a synopsis). After having sold three books to Harlequin where I had to submit a synopsis and the completed manuscript, they allowed me to submit a proposal with only a synopsis and the first couple of chapters. I wouldn’t write the book until it was actually contracted. It was at that point being a pantser turned to being a plotter. I needed to have the storyline with the major plot points culminating in a viable conclusion (especially for a mystery) and the characters fleshed out enough to make it clear who and what they were. I needed all of that down on paper to submit before writing the book. I had to show the editor that I had a story with all the pieces included and an ending that made sense.
Tell us a little about The Rocky Road To Romance.
History teacher Sarena Fallon has leased the ice cream shop at the Colton Marina for the last three summers. And every year, she looked forward to spending time with her friend, Drew. Only this summer, she wants their relationship status to move beyond the friend zone he seems to prefer.
Drew Braden was taken with Sarena the first time he saw her. But a disastrous marriage to a scheming woman has left him seriously commitment phobic. Then there’s also the matter of his true identity. If she discovers who he really is, he could lose her forever.
Amazon buy link:
www.amazon.com/Rocky-Road-Romance-One-Scoop-ebook/dp/B089P3TBFV
A sneak peek between the pages of The Rocky Road to Romance.
Sarena Fallon entered the ice cream shop and set her purse on one of the chairs. A quick glance around told her everything appeared to be in order. She ran her hand across the counter, then rubbed her fingers together. She wrinkled her brow into a scowl. It definitely did not feel very clean. I have the uneasy feeling a more detailed inspection is going to discover—
“Hi. I hoped I’d find you here.”
She turned at the sound of the smooth, masculine voice. She couldn’t stop the smile that came to her lips as her gaze fell on Drew Braden, all six feet one inch of him. Her breath came a little quicker, and her heart beat a little faster. His blue eyes sparkled as he blatantly looked her up and down. He wore his medium brown hair longer than last summer, but it was a length that looked good on him. It gave him a sexy appearance—even more sexy than she remembered from last year. She liked it longer. She definitely liked it.
“Hi, yourself.” Her smile widened, conveying her pleasure at seeing him. “I just unlocked the door. If you had arrived five minute ago, you would have beaten me here.”
He looked even more desirable than he did at the end of last summer, right before she returned to her teaching job at the beginning of the school term, when he had suddenly pulled her into his arms and captured her mouth with the hottest kiss she had ever experienced. A kiss that curled her toes and confirmed how much she wanted more of him. But more apparently wasn’t to be, much to her disappointment.
Fall, winter, spring—not a word from him, as if he had totally forgotten she even existed. But now, here he stood, as if he had been waiting for her to show up. The situation left her slightly perplexed. She briefly touched her fingers to her lips. All these months later, his parting kiss still burned hot against her lips. “You’re looking well. I like your hair longer like that.”
“Thanks…I think it might be the result of a bit of mid-life crisis. Trying to recapture a little youth.” His teasing grin said far more than his words.
“Mid-life crisis? You can’t be old enough for that.”
“I’ll be that dreaded forty in a couple of months.”
“There’s nothing old about forty.” Especially considering that I’m thirty-five.
He winked. “How would a sweet young thing like you know anything about old?”
“You’re incorrigible.” Her laugh surrounded her words. “It looks like you managed to survive the winter without any mishaps. Your brittle old bones didn’t snap?”
His spontaneous laughter filled the air. “No broken bones from slipping on the ice or falling into any snow drifts if that’s what you meant. And no broken bones from being thrown off a bucking horse, either.” His smile slowly faded as he pulled her into his arms. “I’ve missed you. I’m so glad to see you back this summer.”
“I have a phone, you have the number, and I only live fifteen miles from here in Coltonville. It’s not like you need to drive for several hours to get there.” She teased, but her comment contained a lot of truth.
A hint of something darted across his features but disappeared before she could read it. He slowly released her without kissing her, almost reluctantly so. After the goodbye kiss from last summer, she had anticipated more than just a hug.
“I haven’t checked the shop to make sure it’s been properly cleaned.” She touched the counter again. “And from what I’ve found so far, I suspect it hasn’t been.” A scowl darted across her face. “At least not adequately. Do you want to help me with my inspection?”
“Sure, I can handle that.” Drew nodded, pleased with the opportunity to check out the management office’s efficiency without it appearing to be his objective.
Drew Braden—Andrew Braden Colton V, to be exact—was fifth generation of the wealthy and powerful Colton family and at thirty-nine years of age, the corporate head of all the family holdings. He went by his nickname and middle name to separate himself and his personal activities from the family name and business empire. He found he accomplished more if people didn’t know he was one of the Coltons, specifically president of Colton Enterprises, Chairman of the Board, primary share holder, and in control of all the family businesses and investments of the privately held corporation.
Available in ebook at:
www.amazon.com/Rocky-Road-Romance-One-Scoop-ebook/dp/B089P3TBFV
And other online vendors.
About the Author:
I’ve lived most of my life in Los Angeles and earned my living for twenty years by working in television production. I was always interested in writing and dabbled at it, but not seriously. I combined my interest in writing with my avocation of photography and began doing magazine articles featuring my photographs. After selling several articles, I discovered I enjoyed the writing process as much as the photography.
My friends told me I should make use of my television contacts and write scripts. I enrolled in a screen writing class at UCLA. On the first day of class, the instructor said ‘if you’re in love with words, you don’t want to write screen plays.’ By the close of class I knew screen writing was not for me. The other thing I knew was that I wanted to write novels rather than magazine articles. I didn’t tell anyone about my attempts at fiction writing until I sold my first novel.
https://shawnadelacorte.blogspot.com new post every Saturday
Excerpts and other information available on my website: www.shawnadelacorte.com
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with The Rocky Road To Romance!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Contemporary Romance, One Scoop Or Two Series, Shawna Delacorte, The Rocky Road To Romance by Tena Stetler with 6 comments.
Rainbow Sprinkles by D.V. Stone
Give a warm welcome to D.V. Stone, author of Rainbow Sprinkles, One Scoop or Two Series by The Wild Rose Press. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about DV and her Rainbow Sprinkles. Great to have you DV. I see you’ve brought a guest.
Yes, this is Gloriana Jones from Rainbow Sprinkles.
Nice to meet you Gloriana! Got time for a few questions?
“Sure.”
Ok lets start with, who are you really?
Tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your bed?
Usually nothing. But when Nathan came over for our first date I was in such a panic, that I kicked all my discarded outfits under there. Maybe some dust bunnies.
What makes you laugh out loud?
Basset Hounds especially my neighbor’s woeful pair Fred and Sadie
What makes you angry?
When people are careless of others’ feelings. Especially when they say mean things and follow it with It’s just a joke or I was kidding. Passive-aggressive behavior is a hot button of mine
What do you sleep in at night?
Girl, I’m a woman of a certain age. Your body changes. When I was young I was always cold. Now a cami and boxers
Who were the biggest role models in your life?
My late husband, Frank. His joy in life was making other people happy. My other is my best friend Lt. Janet. She showed me how a woman could do a tough job with grace and dignity.
What kind of man do you want to spend the rest of your life with?
Nathan James. He is kind and sweet. A little bit awkward but he makes me laugh.
What kind of man would you never choose?
I don’t care for someone who is bossy or thinks a woman should be secondary. I also don’t believe in the 50/50 idea in relationships. Both sides need to give 100% as much as possible and then be understanding when their partner falls short occasionally.
What is most important to you in life?
ICE CREAM! Lol, but it is important. Honesty, integrity, kindness, and faith.
What is your biggest fear?
Spiders, I even hate talking about them. I also worry about my business.
DV, Tell us a little about writing this story. Was it fun or difficult? Do your characters always act as you expect? Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants?
My publisher, Wild Rose Press called for short beach read types of stories with ice cream as the main ingredient. The name Gloriana Jones was rolling around my mind. Since I have experience with owning my own ice cream place it was a match made in heaven… or a least over the Rainbow.
Thank you both so much for stopping by. How about telling us a little about Rainbow Sprinkles? I just love that title! LOL
After the rain comes the rainbows.
Retired from the Department of Corrections, Gloriana Jones is forging on with the plans she and her now-deceased husband dreamed of—bringing joy and happiness one ice cream cone at a time to Lake Unami. Bad weather is drowning her dream, though. Rainbow Sprinkles is losing money. Gloriana wonders how she and the shop will survive.
A trip to upstate NY to see his first granddaughter is bittersweet for Nathan James. Without his wife, he’s lonely. Though he is filling his days with work as a private business consultant, he’s left empty and unfulfilled. When his car breaks down, the only light he sees is coming from an ice cream shop on the boardwalk.
With the aid of two guardian angels, electricity sparks, but will the two weather the summer storms and find love a second time? Or will all their hopes and dreams melt away?
A sneak peek between the pages of Rainbow Sprinkles.
“Do you mind if I wait until the tow truck gets here?” He plucked the wet shirt away from his chest with the long fingers of one tanned hand. “It must be electrical, even the radio stopped working.”
“No, you’re welcome to hang around as long as you need.” Gloriana riffled through a cardboard box under the counter, pulled out an extra-large t-shirt, and tossed it to him. “Here you go. The restroom is through there.”
Mr. Gorgeous beamed a perfect toothy smile. “Thanks. I’ll be right back.”
When he disappeared into the hallway, and the door clicked shut, Gloriana fanned her face. What the hot fudge was wrong with her? “Coffee. Make coffee.”
Buy Links
About the Author:
Hi, my name is D. V. Stone. Rainbow Sprinkles, a contemporary romance, is available now. I host Welcome to the Campfire, a weekly blog. I am also a multi-genre author of two independently published books. Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar is a fantasy romance. Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake is a mid-grade paranormal. Oh, and Rockhouse Grill. Here’s a little more about me.
Born in Brooklyn, D.V. Stone has moved around a bit and even lived for a time on a dairy farm in Minnesota before moving back east. Throughout her wandering, she always considered herself a Jersey Girl. She met and married the love of her life, Pete—a lifelong Jersey Man, and moved this time to Sussex County. They live with Hali, a mixed breed adopted from the local shelter and their cat Baby.
D.V.’s career path varied from working with the disabled to become a volunteer EMT, which in turn led to working in hospital emergency rooms and then in a women’s state prison. After a few years, she took a break from medicine and became the owner of Heavenly Brew, a specialty coffee shop in Sparta NJ, and a small restaurant in Lafayette. Life handed some setbacks, and she ended up back in the medical field, but this time in a veterinary emergency hospital.
During the poor economy, she was laid–off from a long-time position she cared about. Devastated, D.V. wondered what to do with her life. Finding comfort in her love of reading, she realized it was now time to follow her dream of writing. It’s been a long road but worth every minute of it. Now a published author, she also works in a people medical office again.
“Thank you for taking the time to read about me. Each time you open the pages to one of my books, I hope you’ll be swept away by the story and find encouragement in your own life, never to give up on hope.” D.V. Stone
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It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with Rainbow Sprinkles!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged D.V. Stone, Fantasy Romance, One Scoop Or Two Series, Rainbow Sprinkles by Tena Stetler with 21 comments.
