tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26857857726034323062024-03-14T12:01:06.182-04:00Regan's Realm...a world of adventure in reading, writing and lifeRegan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.comBlogger444125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-67959462983193123902013-05-02T09:26:00.001-04:002013-05-02T09:26:53.856-04:00Featured Read RAGE by Debra WebbI'm so excited to help spread the news about RAGE! The newest installment in the Faces of Evil thriller series by USA Today Bestselling Author Debra Webb is available now. Do yourself a favor and grab your copy today. It's available on Kindle, Nook, or pick it up in paperback online or at a retail store in your neighborhood!
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<br />Don't wait until tomorrow. Make time to get your copy TODAY!
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<br />Why am I being so pushy? That's simple. RAGE is one of those 5 star, page-turning, can't-miss books.<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/reading-features/featured-read-rage-by-debra-webb/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-2351675103658060612013-04-22T08:26:00.001-04:002013-04-22T08:26:30.672-04:00Featured Read: Have No Shame by Melissa FosterI highly recommend Melissa's books and I'm thrilled to present her latest release:
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<br />HAVE NO SHAME
<br />When civil rights and forbidden love collide...
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<br />"This book will resonate with readers who enjoyed Kathryn Stockett's, THE HELP, Julie Kibler's, CALLING ME HOME, John Grisham's, A TIME TO KILL, Sue Monk Kidd's, THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, and Kathleen Grissom's, THE KITCHEN HOUSE."
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<br />Buy it Now on Amazon: http://amzn.to/16TaOSZBuy it Now on<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/reading-features/featured-read-have-no-shame-by-melissa-foster/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-54884695291614037632012-12-13T10:41:00.001-05:002012-12-13T10:41:59.154-05:00Featured Read: The Billionaire Bachelor's Revenge by Kimberly HopeToday's featured read is from Kimberly Hope, a talented contemporary romance author who's second novel just came out on kindle. Romance readers will love The Billionaire Bachelor's Revenge - it's an absolute treat - featuring star-crossed lovers kept apart by business secrets, sacrifice, and betrayal.
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<br />I thoroughly enjoyed Hope's first book, The Heiress and Her Fake Fiancé (and I was happy to have a Hobbitville short story included in the recent anthology A Season For Romance, featuring<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/reading-features/featured-read-the-billionaire-bachelors-revenge-by-kimberly-hope/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-86967902699931238192012-12-01T09:40:00.001-05:002012-12-01T09:40:23.315-05:00Reading Romances 2012 December ChallengeEeek! I mean Happy Holidays! Where has the year gone? Although I must say thanks to Nat and her reading romances challenges I've spent some time reading wonderful books!
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<br />Having reached the end of the 2012 Challenge, we only have until December 15 to get our reading and reviews in, so it's smart to keep it simple.
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<br />1) A book that you are reading for another challenge, preferably one that you are wrapping up for the year.
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<br />2) Christmas Theme: Read a book that has a Christmas related<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/uncategorized/reading-romances-2012-december-challenge/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-26055304225913002962012-11-14T20:06:00.001-05:002012-11-14T20:06:22.485-05:00Featured Read: Willow Row by Lisa PhillipsToday's featured read is a women's fiction novel from the ever-so-talented Lisa Phillips. You might be familiar with her as the author of the Everlasting vampire trilogy: Obsession Everlasting, Knight Everlasting, and Rogue Everlasting, but she's proven her skill at crossing genres with this story full of lively characters, gut-wrenching emotion, tough decisions, and the fallout that goes with them.
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<br />In Phillips' novel, Lizzie St. Claire has had just about all she can take. Her marriage ended<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/reading-features/featured-read-willow-row-by-lisa-phillips/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-77419815131598296362012-11-06T12:36:00.001-05:002012-11-06T12:36:41.167-05:00Reading Romances 2012 November ChallengeAs Nat says at the Reading Romances blog, we're only two months away from 2013! Where has the year gone? I guess on reading challenge posts I don't much care about time passing, because these days remind me how many great books I've read. Be sure to visit ReadingRomances.com to check out the November prizes.
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<br /> The November challenges are listed below and don't forget you can choose as many options as you want.
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<br />1) Read two books written by the same writer under<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/uncategorized/reading-romances-2012-november-challenge/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-41821047097711230132012-10-31T12:29:00.001-04:002012-10-31T12:29:53.513-04:00Featured Read: Once Upon a Twisted Time AnthologyHere's a new release straight from four talented authors, Lindsay Avalon, Trish M. Dawson, Miranda Stork, and Tara S. Wood! Be sure to check out the fabulous details below, including the book trailer, cover art, and the CONTEST!
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<br />This is the official release day of Once Upon A Twisted Time, the first anthology from Moon Rose Publishing! A collection of dark adult fairytales, these stories will turn your idea of what a fairytale should be on its head! From Steampunk to Fantasy, there is<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/reading-features/featured-read-once-upon-a-twisted-time-anthology/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-80825402371720196542012-10-18T13:52:00.001-04:002012-10-18T13:52:22.861-04:00Female Heroines: Real CompassionWomen sometimes get a bad rap for not caring for each other. For saying one thing while feeling or even doing the opposite. Just as often, women get accused of caring too much, of not keeping their distance in various situations. We're often ready with advice, but hesitant to take it.
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<br />Those same factors often come into play when we're reading women in fiction. Female heroines come under fire for being flighty. For going too far. For being too soft or too tough, too easy or too hard to<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/alpha-female/female-heroines-real-compassion/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-80122693729264164492012-10-04T22:02:00.001-04:002012-10-04T22:02:48.115-04:00Featured Read: Survive the Night by Vicki HinzeToday's featured read is none other than a brand new Love Inspired suspense novel by Vicki Hinze! Survive the Night kicks off the LOST, Inc. series (books two and three arrive December of 2012 and February of 2013).
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<br />From the back cover: After losing everything, Della Jackson tries to begin again as an investigator. But she can’t forget the past . .. and neither can someone else. Someone who won’t let anyone–even Della’s best friend, former special operative Paul Mason–stand in<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/reading-features/featured-read-survive-the-night-by-vicki-hinze/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-14380068520940373032012-09-28T22:29:00.001-04:002012-09-28T22:29:47.440-04:00World Building: Making It MatterI've always been a voracious reader of many genres from thriller to historical romance. Lately, I've been doing an extensive amount of reading and writing (one blessing of having both kids away at school) and nothing frustrates me more than reading a book (or watching a movie) where an element is introduced, focused on, and then left to languish in a fictitious corner, unused.
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<br />It happens with small plot details when things slip through during the editing process (from established and new<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/world-building-for-paranormal-romance-novels/world-building-making-it-matter/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-38657638224642217782012-09-26T18:11:00.001-04:002012-09-26T18:11:08.933-04:00Female Heroines: Power To The Comic Book CharactersDon't look now, but the AVENGERS are here! Or rather, they will be as soon as the delivery truck drops off my DVDs. Yes, I pre-ordered the Avengers movie - despite the three trips I made to see it in theaters. (Once in 3-d) And I cannot wait to watch it again (and again and again...)
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<br />You get the point. Hey, it is a Joss Whedon film, which means the writing and story line are superb. And the eye candy of Hemsworth, RDJ, Evans, et al is no hardship.
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<br />But thinking about this DVD release,<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/alpha-female/female-heroines-power-to-the-comic-book-characters/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-64905618522184781922012-09-22T13:13:00.001-04:002012-09-22T13:13:51.773-04:00Female Heroines: Inspiration In The MirrorMy urban fantasy and paranormal romance books feature strong kick-butt, alpha female heroines and I draw inspiration for those characters from people, events, my imagination, and my fears of how the world would crumble without strong women to lean on.
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<br />Women have stepped into the gap since the dawn of time to take care of things - big and small - that needed handled. But sometimes the best inspiration is simply a matter of looking into the mirror. Sometimes the hero women need above all<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/alpha-female/female-heroines-inspiration-in-the-mirror/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-58795685576686800022012-09-17T15:57:00.001-04:002012-09-17T15:57:04.450-04:00Female Heroines: The Power of BeliefTennis is one of my all-time, favorite spectator sports. Long, long ago my grandmother sent me to a tennis academy where the pros were thrilled when I told them I was only there for the first session. Yeah, I was that bad, but I loved it!
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<br />Later in life, I discovered I had something in common with the amazing Rafa: though right handed, I was better on the court when I played left handed. Still, the sporting world is far better off when I'm watching the action on the court than trying to be<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/uncategorized/female-heroines-the-power-of-belief/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-60530247875112411662012-09-08T08:23:00.001-04:002012-09-08T08:23:07.201-04:00Featured Read: Diary of a Confession Queen by Kathy CarmichaelWhen I heard Kathy Carmichael's humorous cozy mystery Diary of a Confession Queen was being offered free on kindle for the first time, I knew what I wanted to feature for readers today! Carmichael lends such a delightful voice to all of her characters and story lines and her sense of humor tickles me. I'm never disappointed.
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<br />This free for kindle offer (through September 15th) is a great time to pick up a fun and engaging read that will be sure to satisfy.
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<br />Here's the book blurb from the<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/reading-features/featured-read-diary-of-a-confession-queen-by-kathy-carmichael/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-64157510270837758292012-09-03T11:57:00.001-04:002012-09-03T11:57:06.119-04:00Featured Read: POWER by Debra WebbAre you a fan of edge-of-your seat thrillers? Do you prefer to ride along as vivid characters unravel the crimes and intentions of terrifying villains? Do you like a little sexy tension to add to the angst?
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<br />Then I'm sure you've pre-ordered your copy of POWER, the third novel in the astounding Faces of Evil series by bestselling author Debra Webb!
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<br />If not, get over to your favorite bookseller right NOW (I've got that super cool countdown widget in the sidebar for a reason). ;-) This book<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/reading-features/featured-read-power-by-debra-webb/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-43341197039278419122012-08-31T18:18:00.001-04:002012-08-31T18:18:07.316-04:00Reading Romances August 2012 ResultsAugust is almost over! Unbelievable. It marked big changes around here as both our children moved into dorms for the coming school year. So there were days when I had five minutes for reading and more recently, nearly entire days I could devote to a good book.
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<br />At the beginning of the month, Nat of ReadingRomances.com handed down exciting challenges:
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<br />TOPICS: 1) Read a book that has been made into a movie. 2) Read a book with an older Hero or heroine (AT LEAST mid-to-late<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/uncategorized/reading-romances-august-2012-results/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-68202911501236568072012-08-21T10:13:00.001-04:002012-08-21T10:13:29.444-04:00Staying Power of Strong Female HeroinesOne of the biggest compliments I received when Justice Incarnate was originally released (as a paperback in 2005) came from bestselling romantic suspense author Debra Webb: "Move over Lara Croft - Jaden Michaels is the quintessential heroine of the twenty-first century, full of heart and totally lethal!"
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<br />Webb's words mattered so much to me because I'd modeled the female heroine of that book after traits I admired in the Lara Croft character. A kick-butt woman on a mission was the only type<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/alpha-female/staying-power-of-strong-female-heroines/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-47890386746857170622012-08-09T08:18:00.001-04:002012-08-09T08:18:06.117-04:00Olympic Sized ExpectationsOn Sunday evening I watched an insightful interview as Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic athlete ever, sat down with Bob Costas. I'm a fan of Costas' interview style and the interview didn't disappoint. They were candid, positive, and it was a joy to watch.
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<br />What surprised me was Phelps' comment that he got exactly what he expected out of his performance in these games. He did not expect to win everything in London, hadn't trained to do so. It was a statement that caught my<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/uncategorized/olympic-sized-expectations/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-75248380383882886952012-08-03T08:06:00.001-04:002012-08-03T08:06:44.073-04:00Size Matters In World Building For Paranormal Romance NovelsSize matters! Just visit any fast-food restaurant and you'll discover a wealth of choices just about size. What? Did you think I was going to use a different example? ;)
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<br />Regardless of the first thing to pop into your mind at the phrase 'size matters', when it comes to world building for paranormal romance or urban fantasy novels, size - meaning the depth and intensity of the world building - is actually important.
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<br />[caption id="attachment_2620" align="alignleft" width="216"<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/world-building-for-paranormal-romance-novels/size-matters-in-world-building-for-paranormal-romance-novels/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-16026324342457086862012-08-02T07:49:00.001-04:002012-08-02T07:49:06.324-04:00Pacing An Essential Life LessonPacing is vital in so many facets of my life. As an author, pacing is vital to deliver a story that keeps readers engaged and entertained. As an Army wife and mother of two, pacing is essential to keep the household running without catapulting into chaos.
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<br />Pacing is essential to character development. In my books, I make every effort for readers to engage with my characters, especially those kick-butt female heroines, by showing what they're capable of and how they deal with conflict and<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/uncategorized/pacing-an-essential-life-lesson/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-53173625936540358192012-07-31T11:07:00.001-04:002012-07-31T11:07:01.550-04:00Reading Romances July 2012 ResultsJuly turned into a great reading month for me. Which is fantastic because not only did I need to catch up on some great authors, but I needed the escape and downtime too. My daughter's surgery was a huge success, but the recovery is a long one and being up every few hours meant more reading time during that first week post-op.
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<br />Just as a refresher, Nat offered the following choices for the July reading challenge:
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<br />TOPICS: 1) Read a book that has a “male profile” on the cover. 2)<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/uncategorized/reading-romances-july-2012-results/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-19939937203464269282012-07-27T20:32:00.001-04:002012-07-27T20:32:51.749-04:00Real Life HeroesLast week I vented about my disgust and frustration with real life villains, but I'm happy to say while I know there are plenty of villains in the world, I have a persistent optimistic streak and I believe there are plenty more real life heroes out there to offset them.
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<br />Thinking about our very busy and eventful summer, there have been plenty of heroes running around and helping us... but today I'll highlight the three who helped me through a single tough day recently.
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<br />There was the dear<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/uncategorized/real-life-heroes/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-54144457756587114292012-07-19T07:15:00.001-04:002012-07-19T07:15:35.793-04:00Cool Summer CelebrationIt's my birthday and two dear author friends are helping me celebrate... and readers get the presents!
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<br />Regan Black's Author Page
<br />Kathy Carmichael's Author Page
<br /> Vicki Hinze's Author Page
<br />We celebrate and everyone wins. Happy Reading Everyone!
<br />Live the<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/paranormal-romance-novels/cool-summer-celebration/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-88253008873908393002012-07-13T12:50:00.001-04:002012-07-13T12:50:31.815-04:00Lovely and Heroic Last KissesWhile I've had first kisses on the brain lately, sometimes my favorite kiss is a goodbye kiss. Or the end of the book kiss that gives a reader that happy sigh moment with all the promise of bright tomorrows ahead for the happy couple.
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<br />Personally, there's the delightful kiss each morning as my husband leaves for work. It means the house is now void of human distractions. But by the end of the day, when I need an adult to talk to, that welcome home kiss tops the list. I guess above all,<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/paranormal-romance-novels/lovely-and-heroic-last-kisses/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685785772603432306.post-31666437392073988972012-07-05T13:25:00.001-04:002012-07-05T13:25:02.432-04:00Cocked & Loaded Patriotic Fun for Readers!Welcome to another great blog hop! This one brought to you by two amazing bloggers of all things sexy, paranormal and just plain fabulous: Ronda of Queentutt's World of Escapism and Nikki of Close Encounters of the Night Kind!
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<br />As an Army wife, it's always a pleasure for me to be a part of events that honor our men and women who serve. Those in uniform and the families who support them give so much of themselves to preserve our freedoms here at home and to improve the lives of others<p><a href="http://www.reganblack.com/uncategorized/cocked-loaded-patriotic-fun-for-readers/">Read more ...</a></p>Regan Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408260827542396423noreply@blogger.com0