Showing posts with label Stephanie Fowers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stephanie Fowers. Show all posts

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Review & Author Interview: Roman and Jules by Stephanie Fowers





When Jules meets Roman Verona at an exclusive Vegas party, she doesn’t suspect the bad blood that runs so deep between Roman and her boyfriend, Ty, until the two men have it out in front of her. Even worse, Jules finds out that Ty has never loved her. She storms away, only to have her ex’s sworn enemy offer her a ride into town... as well as a shocking proposal.

A nice girl wouldn’t even consider making her ex jealous with a sham marriage, so why does she chance it with Roman?

Acting the role of devoted husband, Roman soon becomes fascinated with more than Jules’s sweet smile and poetic soul. As her band’s fame grows in Vegas so do his feelings for her and what started out as revenge against his miserable cousin turns into something deeper.

But bad boys don’t settle down. So why does Roman risk everything to win Jules’ heart?

All bets are off in this modern and sleek tale of star-crossed love!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50243449-roman-jules





Stephanie Fowers loves bringing stories to life, and depending on her latest madcap ideas will do it through written word, song, and/ or film.

She absolutely adores Bollywood and bonnet movies; i.e., Jane Austen. 

Presently, she lives in Salt Lake where she's living the life of the starving artist.







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My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

The characters in this story are vibrant and larger than life. The plot has a swift pace and I was surprised at how quickly I finished the book. I felt like there could have been more exploration of the potential depth and layers to the characters- as they were, they all came off incredibly shallow. It was entertaining in the way a TV sitcom is- interesting premise, funny moments, but everything is kept surface-level. Definitely a fluffy chick-lit read, and will be enjoyed by readers who need a sweet escape and don't mind an over-the-top resolution high on spectacle but low on real emotion and connection.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)


Interview with author Stephanie Fowers


Can you tell us a little about yourself?

A fun thing about me is how big my family is--I tie for middle kid in a family of 10, and I have 60+ nieces and nephews. Everyone always jokes that I'm the Jo from Little Women in my family because I used to write plays and make my younger siblings perform in them. Before I learned to write, I put together picture books, and then later loved making my schoolmates and teachers fall out of their chairs with laughter while I read my stories aloud to the class. I entered every writing contest, and took a lot of pride in my essays and creative writing. I've been writing novels since junior high, and would read my stories aloud to my little sisters at night. I published my first book in 2003 and I've been writing and publishing ever since! I've got 13 books out in the public sphere and PLENTY of books that I still need to get out there that I wrote back in the day. Strangely, I started out with fantasy and got into romance writing later. And recently, I've been doing a little mystery and suspense too.

What do you do besides writing? 

I love hiking--the mountains of Utah are so beautiful and I explore what I can. I enjoy singing and have joined multiple choirs, and I even had my own band in college. I've also starred in multiple plays since elementary school. It all started after I won the beloved role of the "evil professor" in second grade. I ran home and told my family, and they were so excited for me (so I thought). But apparently, no one knew the significance because my mom was super surprised when she came to my play and found out that I was the leading role. She watched me robustly sing solo after solo until I flung myself on the ground and acted out the ultimate tantrum (as only an evil professor would do) and was pulled off the stage. She just sat there, wishing she'd brought some sort of video camera. I'd assumed that my family would all know the professor was a main role, but they were so used to us being excited for every little role that they had no idea.

Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters? Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process?

*as featured in the Character Casting on this event
I make slideshows for every book that I write because it helps me to describe the characters and the scenes. I haven't been to every location that I've written about, but that doesn't stop me. I interview people who have been there and find lots and lots of pictures to inspire me. It's like drawing a picture and having the model sit for me, but not only do I try to describe the physical, but also the emotions in the face and what drives each character. It's a very fun process for me.

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

I make a playing list for every book that I write. So this is my playing list on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4p41uOiM45dTbfobLIge4k?si=2RuzqxzEQoG9xgW1NG2nMA
Some of my songs on there are: "Vegas" by Cody Fry because, of course, the setting of "Roman and Jules" is in Vegas. "When He Loved me" by Samantha Barks because Jules is getting over a heartbreak, and "Pretender" by AJR because her ex boyfriend, Ty pretends to be a good guy and he's not, and "Rescue" by Lauren Daigle because God hasn't forgotten Jules, and He sends Roman (in my humble opinion) to help His girl out. And then I put in a lot of versions of "Sweet Child of Mine" in there because it's like the perfect "bad boy" song and the main characters have lots of riding motorcycle moments. So yeah, it's a blend of popular contemporary, Christian music, and rock ballads--pretty much anything that strikes me as belonging to my story. Haha, it's a 7 hour playlist! But hey! I have to have something to listen to while I write my books :-)

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?
 
I want ladies to find a man who appreciates them--no more going after guys who can't commit and who don't cherish them. It's better to be alone and growing and progressing and leaving our hearts open to healthy and loving relationships than to be stuck in an abusive situation. Jules learns in the course of this story that she is worthy of love and cherishing. Roman happens to help her see that, but I hope that every woman can learn that for herself, with or without a relationship before her.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

I have a fireman series that I'm working on with Jennifer Youngblood. Each of the authors in the series have chosen a fireman in the house to star in their book, and mine is the rookie. He has a childhood best friend that he needs to sort out his feelings for. She's built up all sorts of walls because of a tragic childhood and has no idea how to let him in, but she's had a crush on him since elementary school. Now they both need to figure out how to make it work. The book comes out March 10th. After that, I have some books coming out with Gelato Publishing--they are part of a billionaire series with another group of authors. My first one is about a billionaire who shatters his leg after a climbing accident and has the leg amputated. He hires a physical therapist to help him climb again. She jumps at the chance because she is running from an abusive ex boyfriend and she wants to use the advanced security of his mountain retreat to stay hidden. Of course... the evil ex-boyfriend WILL come after her.





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Sunday, December 15, 2019

Spotlight & Giveaway: Robin & Marian by Stephanie Fowers #RomBks4Chris19

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

https://amzn.to/36t1uJORobin & Marian
(Adventurous Romantics #2)
By Stephanie Fowers
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
August 11th 2019 

Robin King lives up to the legendary name of Robin Hood more than he should—a bigshot billionaire and successor of King enterprises, a Prince of Mischief and a rogue who steals hearts ... and maybe even a few kisses. He never thought he’d follow the storyline so closely, until the day he gets in trouble with the law and pays the price—all for protecting his younger sister Scarlett.

Taken in by an Outlaw

Marian is a hard-hitting reporter … or would be if the New England Chronicle would stop assigning her puff pieces. Now she has the chance to prove herself, but it could prove her undoing—since the story of a lifetime might just be Robin King, a ruthless scoundrel, who she swore would never break her heart again.

Making New England Olde again

Together, they must overcome their differences to save their hometown from thieves and corruption. And they’d better do it before someone gets killed. As danger lurks closer, legend becomes life, and Robin’s feelings for Marian deepen as he struggles with sharing the secrets that could clear his name and ruin his sister.

(Affiliate link included.)
Excerpt

The door ripped open and she came face to face with Robin. Same laughing eyes, same devilish look under hawk-like brows. His dirty-brown hair had curled up in a stylish mess. He’d come straight from her memories—though older and more dashing, like he’d stepped through the glossy covers of those gossip magazines she despised. He was tall and strong, with broad shoulders and an athletic build—a modern day Robin Hood in black t-shirt and faded jeans. And she hated it!

His almond-shaped eyes turned appreciative when he saw her. “Are you new?”

Clearly he hadn’t recognized her. It wasn’t too surprising really—she’d hidden in the back room when the “infamous playboy” had come to visit his sister when they’d been roommates, but before she could explain, he was approaching her. “If it’s all the same to you, Mrs. Koch can’t know what we’re up to.” Marian recognized the name of their housekeeper. Clearly Robin was up to no good if he was hiding his latest mischief from her—never mind that he owned the place now. “I’m so sorry to mix you up in this,” he said, “but we need help cleaning this up.”

And then his hands were on hers. Was this how he treated his staff? Wait. The thought gave her pause. He thought she was the help? Scarlett had compared her to a little French maid. How galling. She was so caught up in her angry thoughts that she’d allowed him to pull her into the entertainment room where she saw the remains of a poker game. Smashed plates and glasses had tumbled from an immense—and broken—china cabinet.

“It’s not as bad as it looks…” Robin’s hand dropped from hers as he attempted to clean up the mess. He looked up at her under heavy lashes. “Honestly, if I’d known how pretty you were, I’d have smashed these sooner.”

She gasped as he winked at her. Robin! Was this really a case of mistaken identity or was he teasing her? “I have half a mind to get Mrs. Koch myself,” she threatened.

He smirked at that. “If you could find a broom first…”

So she could crack it over his head? Not knowing what to do, Marian caught sight of Scarlett’s fiancé. The ends of Alan’s auburn hair fell over a soulful eye as he stared down at a record he had saved from the mess. He’d recognize Marian if he saw her, but he was too caught up in reading the record label. It was a vintage Louis Armstrong vinyl. He turned it over in his sensitive hands.

“Robin, your stepmother is going to kill you,” a deeper voice boomed. “That’s her prized Russian collection.” Turning, Marian saw a giant of a man. She’d know John anywhere, even a decade later. His skin was rich brown, the color of the earth after a storm; his head was buzzed—his facial hair was different from when they were kids, of course—but he’d towered over them back then and now was no different. He was one of those who’d earned his nickname in Robin’s merry band, although no one could get away with calling him “Little John” to his face. 

“My nephew is trying to teach me how to make a bull’s eye!” a young voice piped up.

Marian caught sight of a smaller boy of about five years of age. He had a bow in his hand. His small finger pointed to an ugly painting against the wall with several arrows shot through it. They’d been using this room for target practice? How little they thought of the furniture… or of money. 

“This is my Uncle Midge,” Robin introduced the child. “Also my godchild.” Yes, Marian remembered hearing about him. The young boy clearly looked up to Robin; he was a miniature of him, actually, with freckles, almond-shaped eyes, and a pointed chin. Robin’s grandfather had remarried a much younger woman, and Midge was the result of their union… before she’d run off with an artist. Come to think of it, was this one of the man’s ugly paintings Scarlett had talked about? She peered at it, but the torn flaps obscured the signature.

Robin ruffled the boy’s hair. “He was not supposed to actually let the arrow go. So there’s that.”

“And who would be the one who gave him the arrow, pray tell?” The final member of Alan’s bachelor party drew forward with dark, sullen looks. He was clean-shaven with black, heavy brows, and his hair was tied up in a hipster topknot. He wore a suit jacket with matching pants and a casual knit shirt. It took Marian a little longer to name him, but then she felt a wave of recognition run through her at his British accent. “But sure,” he said in his haughty tone, “blame the child.”

Ah yes, this was Robin’s cousin, Guy. He’d grown up in England with his mother. She had refused to play along with what she dubbed Richard’s “childish obsession,” and in so doing, unknowingly named him after one of Robin Hood’s greatest villains. It was a source of great teasing amongst his cousins. Just like the others, Marian hadn’t seen him for years.

Yet when he saw her, he hurried to pick up her hand and kiss it. His brown eyes were full of meaning. “What are you doing here with us vile men, Marian? Isn’t Scarlett’s party interesting enough for you?”

Finally, someone hadn’t seen her as the servant. She felt a smile tug at her lips. Guy’s British charm had always been hard to resist. When they’d been younger, her parents had teased the two that they’d arrange their marriage. She was ashamed to admit that that kind of talk had ended after Guy’s parents had lost their fortunes in poor investments.

Looking over at Robin, she shrugged. “Robin always did try to get me into trouble.” She cast him what she hoped was a teasing glance. “Just like old times.” Robin’s shoulders stiffened as he turned to actually look at her. His beautiful hazel eyes took her all in. Marian felt too amused to be angry. His astonished expression made everything worth it.

“Marian?” Robin stretched to his feet to retrieve her hand from Guy. “Why didn’t you say anything?” His gaze swept over her again, including that hateful apron. “My own little Maid Marian?”

Other Books in the Series

https://amzn.to/2ROcXPRIn the Pursuit of Eden
(Adventurous Romantics #1)
By Stephanie Fowers
Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 390 Pages
April 1st 2019

Everyone wants to find Eden’s Paradise. Except Ivy.

Ivy is a city girl through and through. So when she follows her twin brother into the forests of the Uintas to make a documentary about looking for a treasure that’s plagued her family for generations, she’s a little out of her element. It's the same treasure that ended her father's life. Add to that her run-ins with the dashing, but infuriating Aiden Hunter. The Southern hottie has rescued her so many times that it’s getting embarrassing. Of course, she’d be more grateful if she didn’t suspect him of putting her in danger in the first place—a danger that keeps growing the closer they get to the truth.

Forced to be allies, the two are thrown into each other’s paths, and she realizes that she has more in common with him than she thought. While Ivy searches for clues in the journal of a wayward saloon girl, Eden, to discover a life that mirrors her own, Hunter fights the demons in a past that seems tangled up in hers. His secrets are hers. The only way to get at the truth is to find an uneasy truce… and maybe something more because Hunter may not be the enemy. In fact, he may be the one who needs rescuing. Now, Ivy has to figure out who she wants by her side, and what she’s willing to give up for love.

After all, Paradise was never meant to be found alone.

(Affiliate link included.)

About the Author


Stephanie Fowers loves bringing stories to life, and depending on her latest madcap ideas will do it through written word, song, and/ or film. She absolutely adores Bollywood and bonnet movies; i.e., Jane Austen. Presently, she lives in Salt Lake where she's living the life of the starving artist.


Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they're scheduled.)

December 11th: Launch
December 12th: Julie Coulter Bellon - Truth or Dare
December 13th: Delaney Cameron - The Gift of Love
December 14th: Raneé S. Clark - Her Country Christmas Date
December 15th: Stephanie Fowers - Robin and Marian
December 16th: Aspen Hadley - Blind Dates, Bridesmaids & Other Disasters
December 17th: Maria Hoagland - Santa Cam
December 18th: Rachel John - The Christmas Bachelor Auction
December 19th: Sally Johnson - Dear Mr. Darcy
December 20th: D.E. Malone - Love Like Forever
December 21st: Melissa McClone - Mountain Rescue Romance Series
December 22nd: Brooke St. James - The Suite Life
December 23rd: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally (as long as winner is eligible to receive prize)
Ends December 28, 2019






Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Forever Yours Event: Author Stephanie Fowers, Freebie & Giveaway

 

  

Out of the Mouth of Babes by Stephanie Fowers 

Kids get away with saying most anything, like Aunt Gina should marry that "charmer" she met at her sister's wedding. But Gina won’t have anything to do with that guy who played with her heart that night—he’s a heartbreaker—no matter how much her niece and nephews adore him now. Besides, the two come from different worlds. Gina’s a workaholic career woman; he’s the irresponsible flirt. Whenever they meet, there are fireworks, and not the good kind. That is, until her sister wins a cruise to the Caribbean and asks the two to babysit for 2 weeks. Sparks fly as they find a way to play house without burning the place down. Forget marriage—these two shouldn't even date. And what do kids know anyway? Maybe everything. 

      




 

“Oh, hey,” he said casually, “hold the door.” Without my making a move to do so, his hand stopped the doors from shutting between us, and I got a full view of his face. I liked his eyes—they were vibrant blue and full of life, and now they creased into a myriad of laugh lines.
 
He stepped inside with me. He was tall and standing very close. He acted like it wasn’t a big deal and smiled at me before hitting the button for the thirteenth floor. The button didn’t light up. 

He shrugged and dug his hands deep into the pockets of his dress pants. “I guess that means no thirteenth floor.” He leaned against the back of the elevator and tucked his cell phone away. His gaze drifted to the gift bag in my hand. “You going to the wedding?”
 
The elevator doors closed us in together and I tried to adopt his casual manner while holding up the brightly colored bag between us. “What was the giveaway?”
 
His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Is it any good?”
 
“The gift?”
 
He nodded. I felt like I was getting punked. How could he have guessed that I had no idea what I was bringing to this wedding? He couldn’t. I shrugged. “It’s the usual boring…”
 
He leaned over and peered past the pink tissue paper. “You got the lucky couple toothbrushes? Are you a dentist?”
 
“No!” I swatted him away but was laughing all the same. How could my mother think that toothbrushes were better than a tool set? I tried to deflect his attention from the gift. “I work advertising. Just down the street actually.”
 
“Oh really? I work downtown too.”
 
“Nice. Wait,” I stared down at his empty hands. No gift. My eyes went to his laughing ones. “Are you a wedding crasher?”
 
“Do you want me to be?”
 
“I…” this guy was unbelievable. He took bantering to a new level. I was horrible at real conversation—it was so boring. But banter? I was amazing at that. I relaxed. This guy was in no position to judge. “Yes,” I admitted with a smile, even though I didn’t believe he was crashing for a second. “Though you’re clearly an amateur. Wedding Crasher 101—bring an empty gift so no one is suspicious.”
 
His eyes turned appreciative at that. “And you?” he asked.
 
“I was invited,” I said, “but it was one of those invites that people have to give, you know?”
 
He looked intrigued. “Why is that?”
 
I pursed my lips and decided against ruining the moment by getting too personal. “I’m related.”
 
His eyes turned watchful. “To the bride or to the groom?”
 
“Bride.”
 
“Good,” he said.
 
Before I could ask what he meant, we passed the thirteenth floor and he whistled. “Makes you wonder why they won’t let anyone on the thirteenth. What are they hiding there?”
 
“An alternate dimension where they hide dead bodies,” I said without hesitation.
 
He snickered. “You’re not even curious, are you?”
 
“I’m always curious,” I said. “I’m just used to disappointment.”
 
“Really? Why?”
 
I lifted my shoulder. “Getting caught for trespassing isn’t on the schedule for tonight. Maybe another time.”
 
He nodded in understanding. The 22nd floor was fast approaching and for some reason, I felt myself getting more nervous than I was twenty minutes ago. Everyone asked me where my prince charming was at my younger cousin’s wedding two years ago and I wasn’t ready for that again. The rushing sound as we passed each floor felt ominous, and I wasn’t sure why I felt so anxious. All my faults came at me, my fear of not measuring up. I was happy for my sister, sure, and wanted her to know that I loved and supported her, but my mother had said it: Emily wouldn’t even know that I was there. So why did I have to go right away?
 
The elevator door opened on the 22nd floor, bringing in the loud laughter and chatter. Two little girls in puffy white dresses stood at the door. They grabbed my gift for Emily and ran away with my jacket. Still, I couldn’t leave the elevator. I turned to the stranger beside me like he was my lifeline. 

“You know what?” I asked. “I’m really tired of disappointment. Aren’t you?” He looked confused and I tried to clarify. “I’m dying to know what’s on the thirteenth floor.”
 
He didn’t move, even as the elevator made its warning noises for us to get out. “Wait.” A dimple played at the corner of his mouth. “You aren’t kidding?” I shook my head and he hit a button that made the door close us back into the elevator. “Great. Let’s go on an adventure together.”

       




 

And when I saw that the story began winding down, I was saddened for it to come to an end. These are characters that I had come to know and love. I could barely stand to shut the book at its ending. ~J.L. Thomas 

Great book! I’m jealous you get to read it for the first time! ~PocketfullofGoldfish 

I don't want to give everything away, but this story wrapped itself snug and tight around my heart. Every character is well done, even the villains, and the chemistry is snapping and popping with swoony heat. The comic relief is spot on, too. I honestly didn't want this one to end and was still thinking about it days later. ~Lilacqueen75 

I rarely give 5 star ratings, but this was such a 'licious' read, well worth every minute! Could barely bring myself to put it down. Gina and Ash's story is a story for the ages. Loved it! ~SL K 

I absolutely love love loved this book! I seriously couldn't put it down! I was hooked from the very first page to the last! It's one of those books that you could read over and over, because it's so cute! ~Amielovestoread 

Squeaky clean and fun! I have enjoyed other books by Fowers, but this might be my favorite. It was hard to put down. ~Reading My Dessert  


  


  

 

Get your FREE copy of With a Kiss by Stephanie Fowers


      


 

Author Stephanie Fowers 


Stephanie Fowers loves bringing stories to life, and depending on her latest madcap ideas will do it through written word, song, and/ or film. She absolutely adores Bollywood and bonnet movies; i.e., BBC (which she supposes includes non-bonnet movies Sherlock and Dr. Who). Presently, she lives in Salt Lake where she's living the life of the starving artist. This summer, she will do the reading of her musical, "The Raven" with the talented composer, Hilary Hornberger. She also expects to film some shorts with Triad Film Productions. Stephanie plans to bring more of her novels out to greet the light of day. Be sure to watch for her upcoming books, including YA fantasy, science fiction, mysteries, a compilation of short twisted fairy tales, and more--many more--romantic comedies. May the adventures begin.  

    




 

    




  

 

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 2/13/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.