Showing posts with label Kendra Leigh Castle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kendra Leigh Castle. Show all posts

Friday Author Spotlight: Author Kendra Leigh Castle




Friday Author SPOTLIGHT! We will feature a Young Adult, New Adult or Adult Author. These post will contain interviews, author posts, book blasts, fill in the blanks, etc... This is just our way to get authors noticed and out there as much as possible. So we hope you enjoy and stay tuned Fridays to see who we have on and what they shared. To see previous posts click here.


Today OUaT is happy to feature Author Kendra Leigh Castle. She is the author of Harvest Cove series (A MUST READ SERIES!) along with numerous paranormal romances. Including the MacInnes Werewolves trilogy, the RITA award-nominated Renegade Angel, the Dark Dynasties series, and the Hearts of the Fallen series.


Author Kendra Leigh Castle 

Kendra Leigh Castle is a RITA award-nominated, multi-published author of contemporary and paranormal romance.  Raised in the far and frozen reaches of Northern New York, where her love of curling up with a blanket and a good book came early, she penned her debut novel as a Navy wife living in the Nevada desert.  Since then, she has managed to continue working in her pajamas while moving around the country.  Kendra currently makes her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband, three children, and a menagerie of pets.  She drinks too much coffee, stays up too late, and loves to hear from her readers, who make this crazy job worthwhile.

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From the author of Every Little Kiss, a heartwarming novel that proves sometimes the only way to let people in is to let go...

Moving to Harvest Cove has been like a dream come true for Zoe Watson, providing her with a job she loves and close friends she considers practically family. The only problem: a certain prickly—albeit handsome—park ranger who can’t seem to help tracking mud into her art gallery…or showing up in her dreams.

Jason Evans swore off relationships the day his ex-wife walked out the door, and the local gallery owner is no exception. But when an accident forces him to accept the one thing he hates most in the world—help—he discovers that with Zoe in his life, there are more highs than lows. Despite their long-simmering attraction, neither Jason nor Zoe thinks that two people with so little in common could possibly have a future together. But one of these nights, they may just discover how alike they are.…

 

Interview

1. Hi Kendra, I am a fan of your Harvest Cove series. Can you please tell us what inspired you to write this series?

Hi!  Thanks for loving the series, and for having me here today.  When I decided to write a contemporary series, I was very much inspired by my favorite Nora Roberts books.  I think she has a real gift for bringing places and characters to life, and for showing not only the growth of the main relationship, but also the relationships between friends and family.  There’s a cozy warmth to her stories that’s just wonderful to snuggle up with.  I wanted to capture that feeling.  I also wanted to have a small town that’s a character in its own right, and to really showcase the bonds between the people who live there.  New England towns are my favorite, especially in the fall when the leaves are ablaze with color—and that’s how Harvest Cove was born. 

2. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

I’m a thirty-eight year old Navy wife with three kids, two dogs, a cat, and a guinea pig (that last one is supposedly my daughter’s, but I do seem to end up feeding him a lot).  We’ve lived all over the country, but we seem to be pretty settled in Maryland, at least for the time being.  I’m originally from Northern New York, so I’m happy to be on the east coast.  I have a degree in secondary education, but I don’t use it…instead, I get to curl up with my laptop and make stuff up, which is something I’m thankful for every day.  Sweatshirts and comfy pants are basically my life.  Also my life: tea and fuzzy socks.  And crunchy food covered in artificial flavoring.

3. What is the hardest line to write - the first or the last?

The first, definitely.  The beginning of a book is something I always tinker with endlessly, because I want it to start in a way that draws readers in.  Plus, I’m still getting a feel for the story at that point, so figuring out where and how to jump in is kind of a process.  The end always seems to come more naturally to me, but by then I’ve been living with the characters for months and have a better sense of how to wrap things up for them.  That last line always makes me smile, and I always hope it does the same for my readers.

4. What's your dream cast for One of These Nights?

I love these questions!  I always have casting ideas for my characters, and I like to have visual references as I go along.  So, for me, Zoe has always looked just like Nicole Beharie (from Sleepy Hollow) and Jason has always looked like Joe Manganiello (from True Blood).  Someday they should be in a show together just so I can admire my genius in pairing them up!

5. When you’re not busy writing, how do you like to spend your free time?

With two of my three kids in high school, I don’t have as much free time as I’d like…but it’s a good kind of busy.  Usually.  When I do have down time, I love to read, or play video games, or catch up on all the shows I have on the DVR.  I can be a little hobbit-like, honestly.  I like home, and comfortable, quiet things.  And food.  Definitely food.

6. Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?

I don’t have a favorite book…it would be impossible for me to pick just one!  Books on my keeper shelf are things like Stephen King’s The Stand, Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series, Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books, JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.  But I’m always finding new things I love.  I’ve just started Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey, and I’m completely engrossed.  It’s fantastic.


7. Is there any other news of upcoming projects or events that you’d like to share with us?

Of course!  The fourth book in the Harvest Cove series, COME ON CLOSER, will be out in March.  I’ve just finished up the edits on it, and I’m very excited to share it with readers.  This is Larkin and Shane’s story, and I’m very pleased with the way it turned out.  The two of them ended up being a perfect match!  I’m about to start on Harvest Cove #5, which is Fitz’s book and will be out next September.  I’m just decompressing a little right now before diving back in.

Thanks so much for having me here!  Happy reading!

Book Review: One of These Nights by Kendra Leigh Castle



One of These Nights
Harvest Cove #3
Author: Kendra Leigh Castle
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: September 1st 2015
Review Source: Signet

From the author of Every Little Kiss, a heartwarming novel that proves sometimes the only way to let people in is to let go...

Moving to Harvest Cove has been like a dream come true for Zoe Watson, providing her with a job she loves and close friends she considers practically family. The only problem: a certain prickly—albeit handsome—park ranger who can’t seem to help tracking mud into her art gallery…or showing up in her dreams.

Jason Evans swore off relationships the day his ex-wife walked out the door, and the local gallery owner is no exception. But when an accident forces him to accept the one thing he hates most in the world—help—he discovers that with Zoe in his life, there are more highs than lows. Despite their long-simmering attraction, neither Jason nor Zoe thinks that two people with so little in common could possibly have a future together. But one of these nights, they may just discover how alike they are.…


Oh, yes I did! I read One of These Nights right after I finished book 2 of this series! It’s like watching Hallmark movies all day long. Castle’s stories are addicting. How I wish to be one of these characters. I really want to move to Harvest Cove and find my one true love.

Not only is One of These Nights heartwarming but this story in particular has a sense of humor that had me laughing here and there. The ever so stubborn Zoe Watson has moved to Harvest Cove to open an art studio. Things are going well for her. She loves her job and being close to her friends is a dream come true. Until he walks in…

Jason Evans is a man who gave his heart away only for it to be returned. Divorced and with a new set of mind, Jason doesn’t want to be bother with love. He tried it once and it was enough. Now he is back to his hometown, Harvest Cove, to escape his past. But the ever “annoying” Zoe owns one of his favorite spots. To make her life miserable, he will do his best to antagonize every single time he visit her art studio. Little does he know, Zoe will change his life forever.

Zoe and Jason relations is not a walk in the park. From the moment these two meet, they’re at each other's throats… I was engaged in their banter! They’re too funny! But you know the saying, “there's a thin line between love and hate.” Pretty soon, these two will learn they are meant to be together.

I’m totally taken by Castle’s stories. They are worth the read! Trust me, when you read The Harvest Cove series, you will enjoy her wonderful stories. Now to wait for Come On Closer...

Book Review: Every Little Kiss by Kendra Leigh Castle



Every Little Kiss
Harvest Cove #2
Author: Kendra Leigh Castle
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: March 3rd 2015
Review Source: Purchased

The second novel featuring small New England town of Harvest Cove, where the residents know that Emma Henry likes things nice and orderly—but everyone has to let loose sometimes…

Event planner Emma Henry is used to focusing all her attention on reaching her goals and letting romance fall by the wayside. But when her sister Sam’s bachelorette party prompts the most tightly-wound Henry to let her hair down, Emma’s night ends with the entire town linking her to a man who could lay waste to anyone’s best-laid plans.

Army vet Seth Andersen thought that joining the police department in sleepy Harvest Cove would offer a quiet, normal life. But when he finds himself responsible for uptight Emma Henry at the end of her wildest night ever, his world turns unexpectedly complicated—and he’s surprised to discover he doesn’t mind at all…


Somehow I missed the train to Harvest Cove book #2. I don’t know how, since I loved the first book! Nonetheless, the awesome team of Signet reminded me about book #3 and obviously, I had to read Every Little Kiss before.

Like the first book, For the Longest Time, Every Little Kiss is very believable. One can easily relate to these characters, which is one of the reasons why I love them so much. In the second installment of Harvest Cove, we meet Samantha’s sister Emma. Unlike Samantha, Emma loves to be in control. Every single detail of her life must be planned. A control freak, in other words. Emma doesn’t have time for love but a wild night out for her sister’s bachelorette party will change everything.

I loved Seth. He has some demons to battle with and having a control freak trying to get to know him is something he did not want. But that one night had changed things and he is willing to risk and take a chance at love. Well, while he battles with this struggles.

Love is not easy but it is patient, and we get to experience this Emma and Seth. Castle is able to show us in her writing the growth of these characters. Individually and jointly. Her character development are always on point! I really enjoy reading their progress.

I highly recommend this series to everyone! Such sweet stories with great characters.

Friday Author Spotlight: Kendra Leigh Castle


Friday Author SPOTLIGHT! We will feature a Young Adult, New Adult or Adult Author. These post will contain interviews, author posts, book blasts, fill in the blanks, etc... This is just our way to get authors noticed and out there as much as possible. So we hope you enjoy and stay tuned Fridays to see who we have on and what they shared. To see previous posts click here.


Today OUaT is happy to feature Author Kendra Leigh Castle. She is the author of For the Longest Time. For the Longest Time was released July 1st 2014 by Signet.



Author Kendra Leigh Castle 

Kendra Leigh Castle is the author of numerous paranormal romances, including the MacInnes Werewolves trilogy, the RITA award-nominated Renegade Angel, the Dark Dynasties series, and the Hearts of the Fallen series. 2014 will see the release of her first contemporary romance, For the Longest Time, which will be the first in her Harvest Cove series. Kendra lives in Maryland with her husband, children, two Newfs, and one obnoxious cat.

• • •




For Samantha Henry, it took a ten-year absence to appreciate the close-knit New England town with an appeal all its own....

After a perfect storm of events leaves Sam high, dry, and jobless, she has to head home to Harvest Cove to regroup. Growing up, she was the town misfit, and a brief high school romance that resulted in heartbreak made her realize she was never going to fit in. But now with the support of her mother and an unexpected circle of allies, Sam starts to wonder if she’s misjudged the town all these years.

Life’s been good to Jake Smith. He transitioned from popular jock to town veterinarian without any trouble. But Sam’s homecoming makes him question his choices. The sharp-tongued beauty was never a good fit for the small community, but he’s never forgotten her—or how good they were together. While she makes it clear she’s not about to repeat the past, Jake’s determined to convince her to give him—and Harvest Cove—a second chance.

 

Interview

OUaT: What about your new book (series) screams summer read?

KLC: I think it’s a warm, sweet, funny book that would be an excellent escape on a summer afternoon. And it’s set in the fall, so it might be nice to imagine getting out of the heat and crunching through leaves on a crisp autumn day!

OUaT: For those that are not familiar with Kendra, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your books that have been published?

KLC: Sure! I’m a thirty-seven-year-old Navy wife from a little town in Northern New York, currently living in beautiful Maryland with my busy, loud, amazing, covered-in-pet-hair family. I’ve been published since 2008, and up until now have written paranormal romances. While I enjoyed writing fangs and fur, I’m excited to be kicking off my first contemporary series with For the Longest Time!

OUaT: For the Longest Time is the title of the first book in your new series, The Harvest Cove. Can you tell us about Harvest Cove, does it exists and why that name?

KLC: It exists only in my imagination! I love little New England towns, so it was a lot of fun to create my own. It’s tucked into the coast of Massachusetts, full of history and very picturesque…the sort of place I’d like to visit. I named it Harvest Cove because fall is my favorite season, and that name just conjured visions of colorful leaves and pumpkins and smoke curling from chimneys as the weather cools.

OUaT: For the Longest Time is a book about second chances, was it difficult to write about a subject like that? Or easy and why either way?

KLC: It wasn’t any more difficult than anything else…no book is easy to write, at least not for me. It’s always a challenge to work the hero and heroine through their problems. Very rewarding, though, and I did enjoy that Sam and Jake had some shared history. It’s not something I’ve done before, and I enjoyed working with that element of their relationship.

OUaT: Since this is a new series, will the books have to read in order or will they be able to be read as stand-alones?

KLC: I’d like to think I’m making the books accessible enough that a reader could start anywhere. It’s always nice to start at the beginning of a series just because then you’ll know more of the people wandering through each one, but it isn’t necessary.

OUaT: What your perfect summer reading spot?

KLC: Definitely my screened-in porch, feet up on an ottoman, hopefully with a warm, gentle breeze. My neighborhood is nice and quiet, and surrounded by woods, so when I sit out there it’s very peaceful and I can listen to the birds while I read.

OUaT: Which character was easier or harder to write? Samantha Henry or Jake Smith? Who had the louder voice during the writing process?

KLC: Sam had the louder voice from the start, so she was a bit easier for me. Jake is a more laid-back character, which didn’t make him difficult, but I did have to dig a little deeper to figure out what was going on underneath sometimes.

OUaT: I write because: it’s who I am.

OUaT: Happy ever after is: spending your life with someone you like as much as you love.

OUaT: A super random factoid about me is: I have an extensive collection of ugly pajama pants.

OUaT: Some wise words that I love are: “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” - e.e. cummings

Book Review: For the Longest Time by Kendra Leigh Castle





For the Longest Time
Harvest Cove #1
Author: Kendra Leigh Castle
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: July 1st 2014
Review Source: Signet | Penguin

For Samantha Henry, it took a ten-year absence to appreciate the close-knit New England town with an appeal all its own....

After a perfect storm of events leaves Sam high, dry, and jobless, she has to head home to Harvest Cove to regroup. Growing up, she was the town misfit, and a brief high school romance that resulted in heartbreak made her realize she was never going to fit in. But now with the support of her mother and an unexpected circle of allies, Sam starts to wonder if she’s misjudged the town all these years.

Life’s been good to Jake Smith. He transitioned from popular jock to town veterinarian without any trouble. But Sam’s homecoming makes him question his choices. The sharp-tongued beauty was never a good fit for the small community, but he’s never forgotten her—or how good they were together. While she makes it clear she’s not about to repeat the past, Jake’s determined to convince her to give him—and Harvest Cove—a second chance.


This novel is a reminder of why I love romance stories in a small town. Just like The Notebook and the movie, Sweet Home Alabama, this book makes me wish I were part of a small town. A town where everyone knows each other. A town one can leave but never forget. The place where you first felt in love.

With no friends, no job, no place to call home in New York, Sam Henry returns to place she ran away from.  On her first day back to her town, Harvest Cove, she runs to the one person she never wanted to see again, Jake Smith.  As her first love, Jake broke Sam’s heart. He is the reason of her departure. With a broken heart, Sam tries to avoid Jake during her stay but he is determined to make her see that he is not the same young idiot that let her get away.

What I loved most about Kendra’s new debut in contemporary romance is one can easily relate to the characters. Most of all, the story is very believable. When we are in high school, especially guys, we all can be jerks to one another. Jake was one. He wasn’t really nice to Sam. Knowing Sam had the biggest crush on him, he took advantage of her feelings. Now as a grown man, Jake is determined to make Sam believe he is not the same. I love how he was so into her and how he took every chance to proof that he’d changed.

For the Longest Time is a perfect read for the summer. A summer of love. A summer of second chances.

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