Romantic Escapes Blog - Angela Ford - Romance Author

WIN! Your Summer Read

6/8/2018

Time to bring out the flip flops! Whether you head to the beach, the poolside, or your favorite spot to soak up some sun-take a romance with you. How about an Unforgettable Kiss, Not Always a Bridesmaid, or off to London with a Dare – Angela & Jennifer’s co-authored romance – 3 winners every month this summer!

Jennifer & Angela are giving away 7 eBooks all summer long!
Escape with a romance this summer–besides the titles listed above, they’re giving you 2 brothers from The Mac Brothers Series and taking you to Sunset Beach in their Sunset Beach Romance Series (each book in series can be read as stand-alone romances).

Perfect summer reads while you relax in the sun. Good luck on the draws!
Have a fabulous summer–Happy Reading!

Ange & Jenni

Angela Ford’s Website
Jennifer Conner’s Website

Facebook - Angela Ford
Facebook - Jennifer Conner

Goodreads – Angela Ford
Goodreads – Jennifer Conner

Twitter – Angela Ford
Twitter – Jennifer Conner

Amazon – Angela Ford
Amazon – Jennifer Conner

a Rafflecopter giveaway ENTER TO WIN! Your Summer Read

PROVOKED to reduce price...99 Cents! Happy Halloween!

10/30/2016

A Well Crafted Who Done It?
A complex, plot-driven detective story and a complex, emotionally strong woman.
What are you capable of doing if you have no choice?
Basia thought she had the perfect husband until his control took over. Trapped in an abusive marriage, she’s provoked to do the unthinkable. Haunted by his death, Basia refuses to love again. Until a one-night stand goes wrong. Detective Riley Briggs changes everything.
Her heart and her secret are at risk.
What are people saying about Provoked?
Angela Ford weaves a tight story of intrigue and murder in the novel Provoked.
Some real twists in this one. She certainly was provoked.
The way the story unfolded left me breathless and relieved.
I honestly did not expect the ending it was so unexpected.

I do love the season of thrills and chills!
I've dropped the price of Provoked! Now ONLY 99 Cents! Happy Halloween!
https://www.amazon.com/Provoked-Angela-Ford-ebook/dp/B01E4YIAQS/

Halloween GIVEAWAY

10/24/2016

It's that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, the air is getting cooler and the nights are getting spookier. Yes, it's time for tricks and treats, goblins and ghouls, chills and thrills and huge amounts of sugary sweets. But at the Laughing Vixen Lounge blog it's also time for the 5th annual Attack of the 14 Nights of Halloween Giveaway. Join Laughing Vixen Lounge and our bewitching co-hosts The Kids Did It, The Mommy Island, Herding Cats and Burning Soup, The Hopping Bloggers, Mama Smith's Reviews and Women and Their Pretties for a spooktacular Halloween event.

Enter to win a $250 Prize Pack filled with goodies from 10 wickedly fabulous shops. All shops are offering Gift Cards or your choice of item(s) so there will be something for everyone. Many of the shops have items perfect for any book lover along with lots of unique, handcrafted and custom designs to choose from.

Visit the Laughing Vixen Lounge blog daily during the giveaway for the Halloween Movie Marathon. Test your movie knowledge with the Guess the Movie Game. Then try to solve the Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt, if you dare! Each event will get you daily entries in the giveaway plus a special giveaway for the Scavenger Hunt. Find full details for these events HERE.

You can start by entering the Rafflecopter widget below. To experience all the games, movies, shop features, giveaway info and all around awesome fun make sure to stop by the Laughing Vixen Lounge blog HERE.

The giveaway runs October 18th - November 1st and is open worldwide to anyone 18+. 1 winner will win the Prize Pack and 1 winner will win the Scavenger Hunt Prize Pack. Laughing Vixen Lounge is responsible for all giveaway details. Click HERE for full details. a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Fav Spooky Watch - Halloween ...What's Yours?

Halloween has always been a favorite time of the year for me. A tradition to take the night off and get comfy on the couch. Light some candles...make a huge bowl of popcorn...and watch a good horror. For as long as I can remember I've been addicted to the classic Halloween. When Rob Zombie revived the story, it became my top pick for the season. I loved how he brought more background into the story of the young Michael Myers.
What's your pick for a fav spooky read or watch? Feel free to share in the comments below...I'm always up for a new good spook lol
For those who comment...I'll pick a lucky winner for one of my suspense books...winner's choice of my Cyber Crime Series (all 3!) or my new 2016 suspense Provoked.

Have a Happy Halloween & Have FUN with the Halloween Giveaway!
Ange

A Sweet Holiday Journey to Vinegrove

9/25/2016

Christmas Country Wishes

Join me in Vinegrove...a small town in Washington wine country.

Dakota Timmons, a registered nurse, leaves the bustling city life for small town comfort in Washington’s wine country. As a child, she wished for a white Christmas. As an adult, her wish remains the same along with a new one. Vinegrove is exactly what she needs. She only hopes she’s what the doctor ordered.
Or that he at least accepts her shocking news.

Avoiding an accident by seconds on her way into town introduces Dakota to Tristan Hart. Instant attraction makes them both think about love for the first time in their demanding careers. He calls her Miss Country Girl and in her mind she calls him Mr. Stetson. Under his Stetson, this man has the most piercing eyes, a striking blue-green combination. They remind her of the Pacific tropical seas.

She’s absorbed in thought to meet the man she’d changed her zip code for, but she’s reminded of Tristan when she joins her new friends for a wine and chat night. A basket is placed on her lap. She’s to pick a name from it and then ask an eligible bachelor out. A wild idea but she agrees to play a game called The Love List. To her surprise, she picks Tristan Hart. Now the man she’d changed her zip code for
isn't the only man on her mind.

Fear the Committment to Love Again?

9/17/2016

WIN! Signed Paperback of Love Again
comment below for your chance!

Many fear the commitment or the decision to be able to commit to a relationship. Perhaps it's the past that blocks that decision. Whether you've lost in love and worry you'll lose again, to the fear of being trapped or losing your freedom. Will you chose the wrong person again? Have you been hurt and scared to feel that again?

Variations of this anxiety exist in us all. Explore what that fear is and how to overcome it. Name the fear-Understand it-Analyze It-Become Decisive. We can be indecisive about many things in our lives from choosing the career we want to what to chose on the menu at a restaurant.

HFN vs. HEA
Maybe that Happily-For-Now becomes that Happily-Ever-After.
It is never wrong to love again, maybe you loved the wrong person first. Set your heart free and take that chance. We are human. We make mistakes, and then hopefully learn from them. Live in the moment.
Remember:
Life isn't measured from the number of breaths we take but from the things that take our breath away.

After thirty five years together, he left her for a younger woman. A woman who could pass as Madi's double...when she was only thirty.

Madi Wilson’s life had been perfect. Or so she thought. Her husband Dr. Nick Wilson, head of Cardiology, saved hearts but crushed his wife’s. Madi devoted her life to being a loving mother and wife. Her only other passion, chairing the hospital foundation, ended with the divorce. Now she’s alone in a big home with no one to love. An opportunity to give her time and love at the Emily Van De Walle no-kill animal shelter leads her to ‘D’ – a Puggle in need of love and a home.

Dr. Noah Felton accepted an offer to teach at Iowa State University after his wife of thirty years left him. He believed the move to Cedar Grove would give him purpose again and fill the lonely days. He meets a fellow colleague who introduces him to the Emily Van De Walle no-kill animal shelter, and Madi.

As Noah and Madi work together on a project for the shelter, they discover it is never wrong to Love Again. You just have to love the wrong person first.

And that's my rescue Puggle 'D' on the cover!
It's National Adopt-A-Pet Weekend!
If you've rescued or adopted a pet...share your comment below for a chance to WIN! A Signed Paperback of Love Again by Angela Ford
Special Paw Autograph by 'D' included!

Take that second chance of love. Escape with a Book by Angela Ford...
angelafordauthor.com

Felt by the Heart RELEASE!

9/12/2016

A sweet romance that takes place in Nova Scotia...
A story of healing hearts and second chances!

A tale of one mother’s heart: heartbreak, her children’s love, and second chances.
As Rachel Winters's fiftieth birthday approached, the forever she'd found with Ryan ended with heartache. And for her daughter, the second chance of having a dad. Will Rachel find the strength to rebuild her life and her daughter's?
A handsome man captures her interest but she denies love to enter her mind. She’s already accepted she’ll never have what her parents have. Rachel’s okay with that. She has her kids, her business, and a hydrotherapy shower.
Guarded by lighthouses, sun-drenched beaches, sparkling coves, and rugged shorelines; the seaside city in Nova Scotia is known for its culture and heritage. It’s known as the gateway to Atlantic Canada. To Rachel, it’s known as home. To pharmaceutical tycoon, Derek Rutherford, it’s now home where the woman of his dreams lives. Is he really at Rachel’s deli for a coffee and bagel every morning?
Second chances happen when least expected.

ORDER YOUR PAPERBACK HERE

Reviewers Rock! A chat with reviewer Kathy Heare Watts...

9/10/2016

As an author I love my readers and reviewers. It’s always been said the best way to thank an author is to leave a review. I love reviews! They give me insight as to whether my readers loved my story or didn’t. It also points out anything from missed edits to whether or not they connect with my characters. So, thank you reviewers!
You are appreciated and because you are part of the big picture...
I believe you deserve some recognition.

Join me today in a chat with reviewer...Kathy Heare Watts...

Welcome Kathy :)

Tell us Kathy...how many books you can read in a year?

Using Goodreads, which is something I highly recommend, in 2014, I started keeping a running total and it was 421 books that included a review. In 2015, it was 836 books. So far in 2016 it is 496 books.

WOW! That’s a lot of books! Authors...we better keep writing!
Do you set goals Kathy?

I set my Goodreads goal at 700 books, and I am sure I will meet that goal. I am slightly ahead of target but will not read as many as last year.
For every book I read and finish, I write a review. Now, if for some reason I do not feel I can complete a book, then I have not earned the right to leave a review. I will be the first to admit that there are books that I just honestly could not get into the plot or characters, and that is rare. I refuse to hurt an author by leaving a negative review because the book is not my cup-of-tea. If the book was an ARC (advanced reading copy) then I will contact the author and let them know that I cannot proceed.

You amaze me! What makes you so passionate about reviewing books?

To me, a review is like a way to say “thank you” to an author for their hard work. I have so much respect for their talent. Until a few years ago, I honestly had no idea that people even reviewed books. Then I was involved in a book event on Facebook and several authors inquired about people reading their book and leaving a review.
That was how I got started.

Facebook got me started in events too; I believe that’s how we met :) We all have busy lives in and out of our ‘fictional world’...What do you do when your time schedule or project plan is upset by unforeseen circumstances?

In June 2014, I was actually on Facebook in a book event and my husband had been working at the garden. He came up to the house, showered and I thought he was just laying down. He came to me after about 10 minutes to tell me I needed to take him to the hospital. He had a heart attack and ended up having to have 2 stents during the heart cath. We were at the hospital for at least 4 days an hour from home. I just had to contact any author that I had committed to read for on a deadline and explain what happened. We all have things happen to us and most authors are very understanding.

I remember when that happened. I was more worried about your hubby and you...and here you contacted me about extending a deadline. And I’d already believed you were an amazing woman. Over our years of friendship and getting to know each other, you continue to amaze me. You are a strong, loving woman! You always think of others first. So what about you...what was the last book you read for fun?
I mean, without reviewing or proofing it.

This year I had been reading and reviewing books for Kay Dawson and she mentioned her 13-year-old daughter, Morgan Dawson, wrote and published her first book, The Wagon. I bought the book when it came out and let me tell you, this young lady has talent and I look forward to more books in this series.
**This is a sweet historical romance novella written by a 13 year old author -
professionally edited and formatted for publishing**

Before we continue...I just have to add the link for this talented young author,
Morgan Dawson and her book The Wagon
Click Here for Your Copy

Kathy, can you tell us what you feel is the most important skill a
book reviewer should possess?

When reading a book, the reader needs to accept that sometimes you won’t like a character or maybe several characters, sometimes it is a situation, and even an ending. I have read books that have taken me outside of my comfort zone. That did not make it a bad book, actually what it did was made me think, and even react.

I have seen reviews that complained about the Hero or heroine, or a situation and actually the reviewer stated that “if I wrote this book, I would do blah, blah, blah different” One book I just read is ranking as a best seller, but the reviews are all over the place. The author did a trilogy and the third book ending left the reader with questions. Did the Hero and heroine find each other or are they both dead? Personally, I thought the ending was brilliant, because the author made the reader react and think.

A review is not a book report, it is a summary. How did the book make you feel, what did you like, etc. Did it keep you on the edge? I have stated that I was laughing out loud at some of the antics. You can mention that you enjoyed the story and will be reading more from this author. If there is something negative, the best thing you can do is write something positive first, mention the negative, and then follow up with a positive note.

I love to hear if my readers connect with my characters. And to hear about what they liked and didn’t only helps improve my writing. To me...all feedback is helpful and appreciated. Before we end our chat, can you tell us a bit about you and
how you’ve come to love reading and also reviewing?

I have loved reading as far back as I can remember. As a young girl it was Charlotte's Web, Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume books. I loved romance books and back in the day, I had several of those monthly memberships to Harlequin. In high school I remember reading Mrs. Mike and Jane Eyre, along with so many other books.

Due to carpal tunnel, I prefer to read on an ereader, and I have both a Nook Color and a Kindle Fire HDX 64 gb. I have over 31,000 books on my Kindle, with most of them stored in cloud.

The encouragement of authors that I met on Facebook, asking for readers to do reviews is what started me on this journey. I have over 1700 reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. I actually have to turn down authors that ask me to read and review for them, my plate is full. This month is very busy, I even have 6 books that are historical fiction that I am judging for a contest, and that is on top of all the other books previously committed. Trust me; I have to keep lists, yes lists to keep up with deadlines.

I am on several review sites on Facebook, and have a select group of authors and publishers that I read and review for. I have a few authors that I have helped with beta reads and then a few that I do line-edit proofreading for. The trick is not to overestimate what you can handle when there are deadlines involved.

About me, in October, I will turn 58, and celebrate 40 years of marriage to my husband Steve. We have 3 adult children and 10 grandchildren. Besides reading and reviewing books, I am “field-trip grandma” for the grandchildren that live near us.
Our son is military and his family is in Missouri.
Our two daughters and their families live near us in TN.

You can follow me at Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter with the links below.

Kathy on Facebook Kathy at Goodreads Kathy at Twitter

What more can I say Kathy...you simply continue to amaze me! Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to share with us. I hope you know how much you’re appreciated and loved in and out of our fictional world. You Rock!

Escape with a Book by Angela Ford
Sweet..Spice..Suspense..Romance
angelafordauthor.com
Facebook.com/writerangelaford
@AngelaFord67

National Macadamia Nut & FREE Book Day! Sunday Treats!

9/4/2016

#NationalMacadamiaNut & #FREEBookDay
Indulge in a treat by mixing up a batch of Macadamia Nut cookies & then enjoy a free read with my new romantic suspense! Here’s a fav of mine to share! White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies with Sea Salt..love the sweetness with a contrast of saltiness...Like mixing the spicy romance into my suspense!

2-1/2 cups All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, At Room Temperature
1/2 cup Shortening
1 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Sugar
2 Large Eggs
2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon Pure Almond Extract (Add Another 1/4 Teaspoon If You Really Like Almond)
8 ounces, weight Good White Chocolate Bar (I Used Ghirardelli), Chopped Into 1/4 To 3/8 Inch Pieces, Divided
7 ounces, weight Macadamia Nuts, Roughly Chopped, Divided
Flaky Sea Salt

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and sugar until well combined. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and beat on medium high speed until just combined. Add flour mixture and beat on medium speed just until fully incorporated. Fold in 6 ounces of the chopped white chocolate and 6 ounces of the chopped macadamia nuts, taking care to not over-mix the dough. Place bowl of dough in refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.

While dough is chilling, preheat oven to 375°F.

Drop dough by compact spoonful onto baking sheets. Aim for each cookie to be about 1 tablespoon of dough, and do not roll or smooth out dough. Press a few of the reserved 2 ounces of chopped white chocolate and 1 ounce of macadamia nuts into the tops of the cookie dough and then sprinkle sea salt fairly generously over the tops. Bake for about 9 minutes, or until edges and tops are lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on pan for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!
Ange xo
...now back to writing for me...
Hope you enjoy Provoked as much as those cookies!
A lil sweet n salt for your taste buds along with suspense and spice for your read!

#FREE Labour Day Must Have! A perfect murder, unexpected affairs and multiple crimes are tightly weaved in this romantic suspense. Keep your friends close. Your enemies closer.
Angela Ford's PROVOKED is FREE! September 1-5
https://www.amazon.com/Provoked-Angela-Ford-ebook/dp/B01E4YIAQS/

On the Line...with Angela Ford

9/3/2016

While I get ready to hang out my laundry...thought I’d ‘hang out the SALE sign’...

#FREE Labour Day Must Have!
A perfect murder, unexpected affairs and multiple crimes
are tightly weaved in this romantic suspense.
Keep your friends close. Your enemies closer.
Angela Ford’s PROVOKED is FREE September 1st-5th

So...back to our clothesline chat...
Let’s take a minute to play word-associate. When I say ‘line-dry,’ what comes to mind?

...youthful chores?...cramped hands from pinning?...the feel of sun-warmed laundry?...Or...maybe the image of white linens flapping above a bright-green lawn?

After a month of being back in Canada’s Ocean Playground...I’m gettin’ good at the clothesline again! After 24 yrs of being away from it...I’ve actually missed it.
And I can tell you that I don’t miss the BIG CITY lol

So...Are you a ‘liner’ or a ‘dryer’?
Share your tips, advice or pics on hanging out the clothes...
I always LOVE to hear from my readers!
Hope you get to grab your FREE copy of PROVOKED and enjoy! Love to hear that too :)

https://www.amazon.com/Provoked-Angela-Ford-ebook/dp/B01E4YIAQS/

Wishing you a SAFE & HAPPY Labour Day weekend!
Ange

Escape with a Book by Angela Ford
angelafordauthor.com

PROVOKED is FREE! Sept 1st-5th

8/31/2016

Angela Ford’s PROVOKED is FREE! September 1st-5th 2016
https://www.amazon.com/Provoked-Angela-Ford-ebook/dp/B01E4YIAQS/

Her husband’s actions provoked her but his death haunts her...
Secrets, lies and hidden agendas bring Detective Riley Briggs closer to the truth. What scares him more is that he’s fallen in love with a woman who got away with murder.

Lust...Murder...Poison

What are readers saying about Provoked...

“As a fan of Angela Ford’s work, this is one of her best, most suspenseful and ingenious stories. The cast of characters offers a taste from sweet to evil, gullible to controlling, with passion and sexy to cruel and devious. The dialog takes the reader on this roller coaster journey with an unexpected surprise at the end. Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer!” - Amazon Reviewer -

“Angela Ford weaves a tight story of intrigue and murder in the novel Provoked. Basia is a woman provoked by the man she thought loved her to do the unthinkable.”
- Amazon Reviewer -

This plot line is so twisted; it keeps you guessing to the very end.

I honestly did not expect the ending it was so unexpected.
I loved this book and wish I could give it a six.

Excerpt from Provoked...

Basia reached for the vial she’d slipped in her pocket once the coffee brewed. Her trembling hand released the poison into his thermos and secured the lid. She placed the empty vial back in her pocket. Basia planned to discard it along their hike on Eagle’s Path. He’d forced her hand to his demise. Darek left her no choice. She knew her actions were wrong but his actions had provoked her. She reassured herself there’d be no possibility the thallium would be found in his blood. If his body was found, they’ll report his death as a hiking accident. His fall from the cliff will be noted as his cause of death. I’m just helping his fall. Basia looked out the window at the beautiful scenery she hoped would ease her nerves.
“Moja kochana, are you ready to hit the trails?”
His voice startled her from her thoughts. She didn’t turn to face him. She couldn’t. The scent of his cologne hit her, and then she felt his coarse hands lift her shirt and slide around to her belly. I’m not your love.
In the beginning she’d craved his touch. Now it sickened her. He leaned in closer and blew his hot breath on the nape of her neck. His throaty moan cried out arousal. The sudden hard grind of his groin against her backside confirmed it. She worried she’d have to make love to him one more time before she killed him.

FREE! September 1st to 5th, 2016
https://www.amazon.com/Provoked-Angela-Ford-ebook/dp/B01E4YIAQS/

Hope you’ve had an amazing SUMMER...
I hope to help you FALL in love with more reading!
Ange

Escape with a Book by Angela Ford
Romantic Escapes : http://www.angelafordauthor.com