Jenny Kane: Coffee, cupcakes, chocolate and contemporary fiction / Jennifer Ash: Medieval crime with hints of Ellis Peters and Robin Hood

Category: Contemporary Romantic Fiction Page 46 of 57

Meet Jack- Another Cup of Coffee

With the release of Christmas at the Castle, the fourth story in the Another Cup of… range only weeks away, and then the final novel in the series, Another Glass of Champagne, coming out next year, I thought it would be nice to go back to the beginning, and share a little extract from the very first book, Another Cup of Coffee.

Another Cup of Coffee - New cover 2015

First of all however, here’s the blurb for you-

Thirteen years ago Amy Crane ran away from everyone and everything she knew, ending up in an unfamiliar city with no obvious past and no idea of her future. Now, though, that past has just arrived on her doorstep, in the shape of an old music cassette that Amy hasn’t seen since she was at university. Digging out her long-neglected Walkman, Amy listens to the lyrics that soundtracked her student days.

As long-buried memories are wrenched from the places in her mind where she’s kept them safely locked away for over a decade, Amy is suddenly tired of hiding. It’s time to confront everything about her life. Time to find all the friends she left behind in England, when her heart got broken and the life she was building for herself was shattered. Time to make sense of all the feelings she’s been bottling up for all this time. And most of all, it’s time to discover why Jack has sent her tape back to her now, after all these years…

With her mantra, New life, New job, New home, playing on a continuous loop in her head, Amy gears herself up with yet another bucket-sized cup of coffee, as she goes forth to lay the ghost of first love to rest…

***

Let me introduce you to Jack. It has to be said, that Jack does not start off as the nicest man in the world- a real bad boy. And yet- perhaps for that very reason- he has become the most popular character in the series. This extract comes from very early on, and we find him in the shower, very much wishing he hadn’t sent an old fashioned mix tape to his ex-girlfriend, Amy…

****

The power shower thundered, sending a searing-hot cascade of water down onto Jack’s head. Squeezing far too much shampoo into his hands, he began to viciously scrub his short hair. What the hell had he been thinking? Well, actually, he hadn’t been thinking, had he? He never looked beyond himself. The moment. The day. He was so stupid. So angry with himself.

shower

Why had he posted that tape? And more immediately, where was he? And how soon was he going to able to get away from whoever it was he’d spent the night with? Jack could feel the familiar sensation of suffocation closing in on him as he abandoned his hair and began to furiously soap his torso.

He was a shit.

But then you have to be good at something.

And now Amy was coming here. It hadn’t crossed his mind that she’d even visit, let alone move her entire life back south. And not just south, but bloody London. Being back in touch, and hopefully forgiven, was one thing when she was safely tucked away in Scotland. But here. Face to face. Jack hadn’t banked on that at all.

He really didn’t want to see Rob today. It was his fault this had happened. Rob had come into work one day, back in the summer, going on about how worried he and Paul were for Amy. How she seemed to have placed herself completely off the emotional scale. The combination of bright sunshine, happy reminiscences, and the weight of a conversation he and Amy had never had, had brought his buried guilt racing to the surface.

Then, a few days later, Paul had visited Jack and Rob’s bookshop, passing through on one of his rare visits between his archaeological digs. He’d been sorting out some of his university mementos, and had come across a load of photographs.

They were all there, at university, more years ago than was acceptable if Jack was still going to pass himself off as thirty at the clubs he frequented. Amy, Rob and Paul huddled together in a muddy ditch, laughing. Rob, Paul and him, pints of Tiger lager in hand, outside their favourite pub. Paul, Amy and him, all cuddled together on Rob’s battered and suspiciously stained brown sofa. Amy and him. Amy and him together. Smiling. Together.

That had been the killer. That was the photo that had made him think. Her eyes had shone at the camera. If Jack was honest, so had his. So, in a state of happy but unrealistic nostalgia, he’d gone home, dragged a box of assorted junk out from under his bed, and pulled out the tape.

He had weighed the clear plastic box in his hand. It was time to explain. If Amy was half the girl he used to know then she’d forgive him. And suddenly, from nowhere, Jack had found that he really, really needed to be forgiven.

That was why he’d put Unfinished Sympathy on Amy’s tape. He wanted her to understand that he knew he’d hurt her. That he, himself, had been hurt by having to leave her. But for reasons he hadn’t totally understood at the time, he’d felt he had no choice. A fact which had led him to the record the unbearably twee, but wholly accurate, I Will Always Love You. It seemed to say how sorry he was. It said everything he’d wanted to say then, but couldn’t. He was sorry, really he was. But for Amy to turn up here! Bloody hell.

Stepping out of the shower, Jack began to dry himself with a suitably punishing rough brown towel. Now he was going to have to tell Rob he’d returned the tape, and have another go at talking to Kit.

He hadn’t deliberately failed to tell Kit about Amy. Specific conversations about individual exes had never come up. Jack was pretty sure that Rob hadn’t mentioned Amy to Kit either. Amy had been part of their old life, and Kit was part of their current one. Simple.

Jack knew he had to see Kit soon, before someone else filled her in. He wasn’t sure why he’d walked out on her now he came to think about it. At least she’d understand. Kit always understood. After all, they’d remained friends. Great friends. They had moved on smoothly.

‘Talk about my past catching me up,’ he muttered to his sleep-deprived reflection as he dragged a borrowed razor over his chin. ‘It’s pretty much tripped me up, into a pile of shit, and it’s entirely my fault. Bloody sentimental tape!’

nature books

Approaching his bookshop, Jack peered up at the sign which swung, pub-like, from its low eaves, and silently thanked his grandfather for the money he’d left him.

Even though he’d attained a first degree in Ecology, Jack had never had any intention of taking up a career in that arena. The idea of running a bookshop had started as a faint possibility; an option amongst many. It had developed into a dream, and then, when he’d accidentally come across the empty premises in Kew, it had blossomed into an exciting and challenging project.

Now Reading Nature was a source of real pride, and despite his self-inflicted gloom, Jack got a kick of achievement from seeing its single bay-windowed frontage ahead of him. Through the glass Jack could see Rob’s cropped ginger-haired head bent over the counter. He was busy sorting the mornings post into to do, to send out, bills to pay, and junk to recycle, piles.

‘Morning,’ Rob smiled up at his friend as he came in, but adjusted his expression as he saw the cloud hanging across Jack’s face. ‘What’s up? Club no good last night?’

‘It was fine, busy, you know.’

‘Not really, mate, but then I’m a boring old married fart.’

Jack attempt at a smile failed, ‘I’ve done something stupid. I think.’

Rob pulled a face that clearly said, “No change there then,” but simply said, ‘Go on.’

‘I’ve got in touch with Amy…’

****

If you’d like to read the first novel in the series, it is available as an eBook, and as a paperback from all good online stores and bookshops, including…

Amazon UK- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-Cup-Of-Coffee-ebook/dp/B00EVYZC7M/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377952210&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=another+cup+of+coffee+jenny+kane

Happy Reading,

Jenny xx

 

Literary Inspiration- Festival Style

Last June I took part in one of the most stressful experiences ever devised to part writer-kind from his or her wits. I helped to run a literary festival.

I have long suspected I’m a bit crackers- but taking on an organisational role was proof of my insanity.

Worry

Further more- despite the worry, the sleepless nights, the panic, the very real fear that no one would turn up to hear our wonderful authors speak- I loved it. I loved every single terrifyingly panic making minute of it. I guess it’s the timid writer person’s equivalent to riding a rollercoaster.

I gained a great deal from my experience as a literary festival organiser, rather than as a literary festival guest- the main thing being that my theory that everything we do in life has a story attached. Every day in Tiverton during the three month run up to the Literary Festival last June, threw up a new ‘incident’ that had a storyline running right through it!

tivlitest_web

What a waste it would have been not to use some of these ‘incidents’ in my next book? It would have been a crime really! And so, for this Christmas’s ‘Another Cup of…‘ series novella, I have taken the character of Kit Lambert out of the comfort of Pickwicks Coffee Shop in Richmond, London, and sent her off to a literary festival in the beautiful Crathes Castle in Scotland.

Christmas at the Castle

 

To find out which ‘incidents’ I’ve documented during Kit’s Highland fling, then you’ll have to wait until 14th November, when Christmas at the Castle, is released. In the meantime, you can pre-order the story from…

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-at-Castle-Jenny-Kane-ebook/dp/B015J87DTI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1442603723&sr=1-1&keywords=christmas+at+the+castle

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-at-Castle-Jenny-Kane-ebook/dp/B015J87DTI/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1442588560&sr=1-2&keywords=christmas+at+the+castle

Christmas at the Castle is the fourth in the ‘Another Cup of …’ series (following Another Cup of Coffee, Another Cup of Christmas, Christmas in the Cotswolds), but it can be read as a stand alone story.

Happy reading,

Jenny xx

 

Blurb Reveal: Christmas at the Castle

On Friday I revealed the gorgeous cover for this year’s  Christmas’s novella from the Another Cup of…series.

Christmas at the Castle

Today, I’m delighted to be able to be able to share the blurb!

Christmas at the Castle is a seasonal treat from Jenny Kane, featuring much-loved characters from her bestselling novel Another Cup of Coffee.

When hotshot businesswoman Alice Warren is asked to organise a literary festival at beautiful Crathes Castle in Scotland, her ‘work mode’ persona means she can’t say no – even though the person asking is her ex, Cameron Hunter.

Alice broke Cameron’s heart and feels she owes him one – but her best friend Charlie isn’t going to like it. Charlie – aka famous author Erin Spence – is happy to help Alice with the festival…until she finds out that Cameron’s involved! Charlie suffered a bad case of unrequited love for Cameron, and she can’t bear the thought of seeing him again.

Caught between her own insecurities and loyalty to her friend, Charlie gets fellow author Kit Lambert to take her place. Agreeing to leave her London comfort zone – and her favourite corner in Pickwicks Café – Kit steps in. She quickly finds herself not just helping out, but hosting a major literary event, while also trying to play fairy godmother – a task which quickly gets very complicated indeed…

***

A few of the regular followers to this blog may now have a wry smile about your features after reading that blurb. ‘Hang on a minute’, you may well be saying to yourselves, ‘but didn’t Jenny help run a literary festival not long ago?’

Those of you thinking that are spot on- and I am here to tell you that, organising just one literary festival gave rise to enough story material to last me the rest of my life, let alone one novella length romance! It isn’t long until myself and my friends, Kerstin Muggeridge and Susie Griggs (to whom Christmas at the Castle is dedicated), start work on Tiverton Literary Festival 2016…I wonder what I might be writing after that one?

***

Christmas at the Castle will be released on 12th November. It.is already available for pre-order however. (Amazon have put up the wrong cover picture for now. The new one will be up soon. The story inside is correct though!!)

Pre-order for Amazon UK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-at-Castle-Jenny-Kane-ebook/dp/B015J87DTI/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1442588560&sr=1-2&keywords=christmas+at+the+castle

Pre-order for Amazon US

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-at-Castle-Jenny-Kane-ebook/dp/B015J87DTI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1442603723&sr=1-1&keywords=christmas+at+the+castle

***

I’ll be back with more info about Christmas at the Castle nearer Christmas!!

Happy reading everyone,

Jenny x

 

 

Cover Reveal! Christmas at the Castle

Get those cups of coffee at the ready. The latest story in the ‘Another Cup of…’ series is on its way!!

 

Christmas at the Castle

I am delighted to announce that this years Pickwick’s Coffee Shop Christmas story is on its way! (Release date is 12th Nov- pre-order available soon)

I hope you love the cover much as I do! And yes- if you’re sat there thinking that looks like a Scottish castle, you’d be absolutely right. Christmas at the Castle is set in the beautiful Deeside area of Aberdeenshire in Scotland. The castle in question, is the stunning Crathes Castle; one of my favourite places on the planet.

Crathes

I adore writing tales about the Pickwicks Coffee Shop- especially the Christmas episodes- and it is great fun taking the regular coffee swillers out of the comfort of the café. This time it is writer, Kit Lambert who is on her travels..but I’m not telling you why just yet…

When I wrote my first contemporary fiction novel, Another Cup of Coffee, I had no idea I’d started a series. When I was asked to write Another Cup of Christmas, I was over the moon. I enjoyed creating the tale so much that last year I did a second festive special, which sent Pickwicks regular waitress, Megan, to celebrate Christmas in the Cotswolds.

Another Cup of Coffee - New cover 2015ACOChristmas- New 2015

CITC- New cover 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to confess- I wasn’t going to write a Christmas story this year, because I’d already written a brand new full length for this series this year (Another Glass of Champagne, will be out late Spring/Early Summer). However, when my lovely editor asked if I could squeeze out just one more story this year, how could I refuse?

I’ll be back very soon to give you an exclusive look at the blurb, and your chance to pre-order this years Christmas coffee time read!

Happy reading,

Jenny x

Recharging with Champagne

Every now and then I have a moment when I sit down in front of my computer, black coffee to hand, and I wonder what the hell I’m doing. Why do I sit in my café corner everyday and write books when I could be out doing a proper job? I could be earning a reliable wage, and saving my body from the hazards of a caffeine overdose.

coffee drink

These moments don’t happen that often, and are usually the direct result of a large unexpected bill coming through the post. These temporary issues are often solved with a brisk walk or a chat with other – equally mad- writers. Lately however, I will confess to having felt a little bit flat. I bit aimless if you like. My body and brain have been screaming at me to take a break, to put the pen down and leave it all for a while so my  brain could unfog.

I tried to do that- I really did. I lasted three days before I drove myself bonkers and had to pick up a pen again. But then came a new problem, what on earth should I write next? At least four novels are knocking at the inside of my brain- but which to do first?

I needed advice, and so I emailed my lovely editor, Greg, and arranged to have a face to face chat about my writing direction.

I had no idea of course that, in between making the appointment and actually heading into Wales to visit my publishing house,  my latest novel, Abi’s House, was going to do the unimaginable, and hit the top of the Amazon UK Romance chart. It got as high as no. 6 in the overall fiction chart on Monday! (If you were one of those lovely folk who purchased Abi’s House over the weekend, then THANK YOU!)

Hazel Cushion, myself, and Greg Rees at Accent

Hazel Cushion, myself, and Greg Rees at Accent

 

As a result, when I got to Accent, I was greeted with the pop of a champagne cork!

Hazel, and the Accent team, treated to me to a lovely buffet lunch with champers in the beautifully bookish board room. We raised our glasses to Abi’s House.

I was already feeling reenergised by the time the coffee had been poured. Once I’d chatted business plans with Hazel, had the thumbs up for my marketing from Bethan, and talked writing plans with Greg, I was ready to start drafting the next novel on the train back to Devon…which I did… (News of that soon!)

Dinner in Cardiff with my dear writing friend, Lily Harlem, put the final flourish to my recharging day in Wales.

Now- only twelve hours since I got home- I’m back! The buzz is re-buzzing (and I’ve only had one coffee so far today!!)

So, if you’ll excuse me, I have a novel proposal to write….

Happy reading,

Jenny x

 

 

 

Abi’s House is a UK Kindle Daily Deal Today!

I’m chuffed to bits to have my bestselling novel, Abi’s House, up as an

Amazon UK Kindle Day Deal TODAY.

You can grab your bargain here –

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Abis-House-Jenny-Kane-ebook/dp/B00UVPPWO8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1426711175&sr=1-1&keywords=Abi%27s+House+Jenny+Kane

 

Abi's House new cover

Here’s a reminder of the blurb!!

Newly widowed at barely thirty, Abi Carter is desperate to escape the Stepford Wives-style life that Luke, her late husband, had been so keen for her to live.

Abi decides to fulfil a lifelong dream. As a child on holiday in a Cornwall as a child she fell in love with a cottage – the prophetically named Abbey’s House. Now she is going to see if she can find the place again, relive the happy memories … maybe even buy a place of her own nearby?

On impulse Abi sets off to Cornwall, where a chance meeting in a village pub brings new friends Beth and Max into her life. Beth, like Abi, has a life-changing decision to make. Max, Beth’s best mate, is new to the village. He soon helps Abi track down the house of her dreams … but things aren’t quite that simple. There’s the complicated life Abi left behind, including her late husband’s brother, Simon – a man with more than friendship on his mind … Will Abi’s house remain a dream, or will the bricks and mortar become a reality?

Sennen
 Inspired by my childhood family holidays in the region, Abi’s House is based around Sennen Cove in Cornwall. What better place to base a story about love, friendship, and self discovery, than by the beautiful Cornish coast?

 

 

When I began to write Abi Carter’s story, this is how I imagined her dream house to look.

House for Abi- Sennen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But maybe it should have be like this house in Padstow, Cornwall – a real life Abbey’s House!!

Abbey's House, Padstow 2Abbey's House, Padstow

 

 

 

 

 

Just check out this trailer for Abi’s House– I love it!!  – YouTube link https://youtu.be/VAumWAqsp58

I hope you enjoy your Kindle Daily Deal today!!!!

Happy reading,

Jenny xx

PS- Abi’s House is available in the US and as a paperback as well-

US Kindle link-

http://www.amazon.com/Abis-House-Jenny-Kane-ebook/dp/B00UVPPWO8/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426711253&sr=1-2&keywords=Abi%27s+House+Jenny+Kane

Paperback-

http://www.amazon.com/Abis-House-Jenny-Kane/dp/1783753285/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426711253&sr=1-1&keywords=Abi%27s+House+Jenny+Kane

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Abis-House-Jenny-Kane/dp/1783753285/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426711343&sr=1-1&keywords=Abi%27s+House+Jenny+Kane

 

 

Another Cup of Kit Lambert

There are four main characters at the beginning of my Another Cup of Coffee series…(Amy, Kit, Jack and Peggy), plus lots of extras. In this Christmas’s forthcoming novella addition to the series- Christmas at the Castle– the story belongs to one time erotica writer and romance writer, Kit Lambert.

At the beginning of the series, Kit is still an erotica writer- and she has a major skeleton in the cupboard…

Kit Lambert is…

Age– 33

Hair– Red

Eyes – Green

Relationship Status – Married to Phil, mother to twins Helena and Tom

Employment– Writer of erotica under the name Katrina Island- usually to be found writing in her favourite coffee shop, Pickwicks (run by her friends Peggy and Scott)

Characteristics– self contained, secretive, friendly, confident about her work but little else, Jack’s ex and best friend, serious coffee drinker…

Another Cup of Coffee - New cover 2015

An extract from Another Cup of Coffee…

The moment she arrived Kit spotted Jack at their usual table. His black leather jacket was thrown across the back of the wooden chair on which he was perched. He didn’t look right somehow. Normally he’d be virtually reclining, a flirty smirk playing across his face as he watched her walk towards him. Today Jack seemed pale and almost twitchy. Kit’s stomach turned over; what if he was ill? It was a possibility, especially in his world. She instantly told herself off for such a stereotypical thought, but a voice still nagged. Something was wrong.

It was a relief to come to her turn in the queue. Paying for a large Americano and two Chelsea buns (it looked as though they might need extra sugar); Kit took up her tray and headed towards Jack.

‘Do you think it’s possible to love someone, love them very much, and still know in your heart that it will never work between you?’ The sentence exploded from Jack’s mouth like bullets from a gun; not even waiting for Kit to take her coat off before blurting out what was on his mind.

‘Bloody hell, Jack! That’s a heavy question for a Monday lunchtime.’

‘Sorry…’ Instantly abashed, Jack seemed almost ashamed.

Too late, Kit realised that in her relief that Jack hadn’t announced he was sick; she had made a huge error in making light of his question. Such soul searching was so out of character that she’d been taken by surprise. He’d probably been building up to asking that all night.

coffee cups

Amazed, Kit watched as Jack stood up, ignoring his drink and cake, grabbed his jacket, and walked out. He’d always had a taste for the dramatic gesture, but this was different. Kit sat where she was, fighting her natural instinct to run after him. Sipping her coffee, she ran his words through her head. Who did he love hopelessly? Maybe he wasn’t referring to himself at all? Kit snorted into her coffee; of course it was about him. It was always about him. Perhaps he’d fallen for a married man who wouldn’t give up the more traditional part of his life? Or maybe … No, don’t be ridiculous … Kit quashed a treacherous thought. Picking up her phone, she fired off a text.

Come drink ur coffee. I’m sorry, u took me by surprise. K x

Jack’s drink was stone cold by the time Kit had given up on a reply.

****

Twelve years ago Kit met Jack.

Eleven years ago Jack broke Kit’s heart- but she decided not to tell him- it wouldn’t have helped in the circumstances…

Ten and a half years ago Kit met and married Phil, and all her feelings for Jack were buried in a little box at the back of her had… but now someone called Amy is coming, and the box is opening, whether Kit wants it to or not…

You can learn more about Kit in Another Cup of Coffee, Another Cup of Christmas…and again in the forthcoming Christmas at the Castle.

***

If you want to read Kit’s story from the beginning, Another Cup of Coffee is available in paperback and all eBook types from all good retailers, including-

Happy reading,

Jenny x

 

Do I Write Romance?

I was recently lucky enough to have the lovely Richard Gould post on this blog, and within the comments of that post he raised an issue that I have often discussed with fellow writers and readers of my work. Am I a romance writer?

My work is certainly defined as romance from a marketing point of view- but are they romances?

hearts

I’d love to think that I was a romantic- but I know I’m not. Overdoses of romance make me feel suffocated and a bit trapped- and yet here I am, a romance writer…. Or am I?

In  my mind I’m not. I write stories about ordinary people, who live in recognisable places, with the same issues that we all face (to a greater or lesser extent- it is fiction after all), and the same hang ups about themselves as we all have. Sometimes these characters fall in love with other characters, but only as part of a wider story.

Another Cup of Coffee for example is- in my mind- a story about the reknewing of old friendships and finding the strength to start a new life by exorcising the ghosts of the past. To others it is three different love stories all intertwined- a fact I hadn’t even noticed until it was pointed out to me.

Another Cup of Coffee - New cover 2015

And yes, there is a love story in Romancing Robin Hood– but that  (to me) is secondary to the fact that leading lady Grace is working hard to come out from her obsession with the past so that she can build herself a future- plus there’s a medieval murder of course- and you can’t get less romantic than that… Although apparently, that novel was romantic as well. So maybe it isn’t the love story that is romantic, but the over coming adversity to find love that’s romantic? In which case, I am a romance writer- but an unintentional one!

Don’t misunderstand me here, I like a good dose of romance, and some books are unquestionably romance stories. During the Tiverton Literary Festival in June, I had the good fortune to host the Romance Panel, which included Rachel Brimble, Alison Rose and Julie Cohen. The question of whether or not we were romance writers, or writers who happened to include romance in our plotlines came up then. Alison, Julie and myself were all of the opinion that we wrote stories which happened to include romance. Rachel however, had no hesitation in declaring herself an all out romance writer.

Julie Cohen, Rachel Brimble, Alison Rose and Jenny Kane

Julie Cohen, Rachel Brimble, Alison Rose and Jenny Kane

Having read books by all Rachel, Alison and Julie, I can see the truth in their convictions. Rachel’s fabulous novels are all about the love story from the word go, with subplots that help weave the tale to its happy ever after. Alison, Julie and myself however, write books that don’t aim for the happy ever after (although there usually is a happy ending because that’s what people like to read- and who can blame them!). We generally have a great deal else going on of equal plot importance to any romance involved.

So as I sat in Jenny Kane’s Corner, pondering the question of whether I write romance or not , I thought I’d ask two of the regulars in the café, that I know read my work, if they thought I was a romance writer? The answer was a resounding ‘Yes

Tiverton Authoer Jenny Kane at Bampton Street's Costa Coffee for a signed book launch on Monday

‘How can you even ask?’ said one of them. ‘Abi’s House is a real romance, set in a romantic location and everything!’ With her friend nodding in agreement next to her, I couldn’t help but smile. I thought Abi’s House was primarily a story about a young woman escaping an unhappy life. Apparently it’s mostly about two women finding their happy ever afters.

So there you go! Apparently my readers think I am a romance writer, but I think I’m not. However cross-eyed and contradictory that seems, I think I’ll stick to my guns and carry on believing I don’t write romances- because if I start thinking I do write romance, my readers might start thinking I’ve stopped, and give up buying my books!

Happy reading folks!

Jenny xx

 

An Autumn Bargain: Romancing Robin Hood is ONLY 99p/99c!!!

What better way to wave in autumn, than by curling up with a good book and enjoying a contemporary summer wedding in the beautiful Hardwick Hall, a budding romance,…and a medieval mystery….?

I’m delighted to be able to offer you my full length, timeslip novel, Romancing Robin Hood, for the bargain price of either 99p or 99c for the entire month of September!!!

Romancing Robin Hood promo

Here’s the blurb to whet your appetite…

Dr Grace Harper has loved the stories of Robin Hood ever since she first saw them on TV as a girl. Now, with her fortieth birthday just around the corner, she’s a successful academic in Medieval History, with a tenured position at a top university.

But Grace is in a bit of a rut. She’s supposed to be writing a textbook on a real-life medieval gang of high-class criminals – the Folvilles – but she keeps being drawn into the world of the novel she’s secretly writing – a novel which entwines the Folvilles with her long-time love of Robin Hood – and a feisty young girl named Mathilda, who is the key to a medieval mystery…

Meanwhile, Grace’s best friend Daisy – who’s as keen on animals as Grace is on the Merry Men – is unexpectedly getting married, and a reluctant Grace is press-ganged into being her bridesmaid. As Grace sees Daisy’s new-found happiness, she starts to re-evaluate her own life. Is her devotion to a man who may or may not have lived hundreds of years ago really a substitute for a real-life hero of her own? It doesn’t get any easier when she meets Dr Robert Franks – a rival academic who Grace is determined to dislike but finds herself being increasingly drawn to…

***

Praise for Romancing Robin Hood…

“This book had my heart from the start – how I loved Robin of Sherwood back in the 80’s!  Grace is stuck in the middle ages – well not really – but she might as well be – living, breathing, teaching and ever so slightly obsessed by one of the great British stories – Robin Hood.  I loved the idea of having the book Grace is writing in the story – I was just as keen to see this story wrapped up as I was the modern day romance…”

“This was one of the most original romances I’ve read. I just loved the addition of the mini medieval crime story within Grace’s quest to find a love in the modern world – a love to rival her affection for her outlaw heroes of literature and TV!”

“I really, really, really liked this story! …. Grace is a REALLY BIG Robin Hood fan and her life is revolved around him. She is supposed to be writing a textbook for her college but she is coming up with her own novel instead and of course you know what it is going to be about. One sad thing about Grace is that she compares everyman she meets to Robin. Is she ever going to find a man like him? Well she just might in this story but things do get a little hairy. How will it end you ask? Sorry I can’t tell you but I DEFINITLY recommend you read this story. Go on a little medieval journey with Grace to see what kind of Robin Hood story she comes up with. I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed. I received this book as a gift from the author.”

“…Jenny Kane must have spent so much time on her research. I loved Grace’s story. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen between her and Robert. Robert understands her love for Robin Hood and her academic passion and it was great to see her with a potential soulmate. Mathilda’s story is really good as well…It’s a great mix….it’s a fast paced story that has a few unexpected twists.”

“Lovely engaging take on an old, old story. Terrific heroine and very intelligently written dual narrative. I loved it.”

***

RH- Ros 1

If you fancy trying Romancing Robin Hood for yourself, then now is the perfect time!

Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Romancing-Robin-Hood-Jenny-Kane-ebook/dp/B00M4838S2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407428558&sr=8-1&keywords=romancing+robin+hood

Amazon.com-  http://www.amazon.com/Romancing-Robin-Hood-love-story-ebook/dp/B00M4838S2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409936409&sr=8-1&keywords=romancing+robin+hood

ONLY 99p or 99c!!!!!

Happy reading everyone,

Jenny x

Guest Post from R J Gould: Men and Romance?

I’m thrilled to welcome the lovely R J Gould to my site today- a.k.a Richard Gould. This is an excellent blog, which asks a very important question.

Over to you Richard…

At the outset I should point out than I’m a male author writing romantic fiction – my photo is a giveaway. I’m not unique, but I am a rarity. Like Jenny, I’m a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and I first met her at the 2015 annual conference when over 95% of participants were female. Also like Jenny, I’m published by Accent Press, my novels sit in the Contemporary Women’s Fiction category. I do sometimes wonder whether I should sign up to Male Romantics Anonymous on the assumption that the counselling might morph me into a crime or espionage writer.

But hang on a minute. Romance is about the creation and nurturing of relationships and more or less fifty percent of those involved in this activity are men. So surely there should be as many male writers and readers of romantic fiction as females. Traditionally, the romantic novel has featured a woman’s quest for a male along a pathway fraught with challenges due to inequality between the genders. In modern society women can be more powerful, more sexually and socially confident, and more successful than men. They can take the lead in starting, maintaining and ending relationships. My writing is as likely to feature insecure men and confident alpha females as the other way round, which does no more than reflect the real world.

The romance genre is a broad category and what I write perhaps sits on the fringes – I certainly don’t do starry-eyed fiction. My protagonists are often middle aged with juggernaut loads of baggage to offload ahead of starting a new relationship or strengthening a current one. Humour, often dark, is an important element in my novels. My readers are predominantly female; feedback indicates that they appreciate the insight provided by a male author writing from the male protagonist’s point of view. If you do read anything of mine, I’d be interested to discover whether you feel there’s a clear distinction between my writing and that of female authors.

The occasional male reader turns up, in fact my favourite ever review was written by a male, his comment including: “…the characters are recognisable in an East Enders meets F. Scott Fitzgerald sort of way, that twinning an art in itself.”

I think one aspect of my work that puts it in the romance category is that it’s character driven. Of course plot is essential, but for me the starting point, beyond a decision about the broad theme, is always character. My inspiration comes from observing people, followed by the make believe about their thoughts and actions. I get to know them as the story unfolds; they grow as the plot develops and frequently drive the narrative forward. When I start writing I have the beginning and end point of a novel and some mid-story events that I want to include, but I don’t plan in detail at this stage.

My two published novels – ‘A Street Café Named Desire’ and ‘The Engagement Party’ –emerged from ideas sparked by actual events which set me off on a fictitious journey with fictitious characters. Two further novels, due for release either in late 2015 or early 2016, don’t have that real life starting point. Nothing Man begins with our hero plotting suicide (yes, it is humorous), and Jack and Jill Went Downhill traces the ups and downs of a relationship that begins at university on Fresher’s Big Party Night.

The Engagement Party

The Engagement Party

Wayne and Clarissa are a young London couple whose immediate families are about to meet for the first time. Trying to create harmony is going to be challenging because there are eight parents, step-parents and partners to deal with. Wayne comes from a working class background and Clarissa, an upper-middle class one, a further potential cause of tension. They are deeply in love, but friction arising from the forthcoming gathering has created a rift, and it’s touch and go whether their relationship is strong enough to survive the event.

The start

‘I’m sure you’ll be very happy, dear,’ her mother had said when she’d broken the news of their engagement. It had been a statement of great craft in indicating the exact opposite of what the combination of words superficially suggested. It was accompanied by the look that Clarissa had been subjected to many times over the years – smile to smirk to frown to smirk to smile. She knew exactly what was implied; “you silly girl, you’ve made another wrong decision and I’ll be the one who has to pick up the pieces.”

‘Have you told your father yet?’ she then asked, all part of the post-divorce competition for attention and preferential treatment. Clarissa ignored the question, not wanting to give her mother the pleasure of knowing that her father had still to meet her fiancé. That evening she’d popped in to give him the news.

‘Where does he work?’ he’d asked, ahead of even knowing the man’s name.

‘He delivers sandwiches,’ she’d replied with mischievous deliberation. There followed a rare moment of paternal speechlessness. ‘His name is Wayne,’ she’d added. Her father had responded with a patronising nod, indicating that he thought the name highly appropriate to the trade.

Clarissa recognised that her father was a complete and utter snob and her mother was a close second. And if pushed she would happily admit that she was too – a product of her parents, enhanced by fourteen years at prestigious independent girls schools. She was well versed in the subtle nuances of dress, style, behaviour, and expectations that went with upper-middle class status. Her ‘you can have everything you want’ only-child upbringing was poles apart from Wayne’s experience of relative poverty, a broken home, bog standard comprehensive schooling, and a flight from education at sixteen. Although her parents had also separated, it wasn’t the same as for Wayne – for a start the split hadn’t brought on any money problems.

 A Street Cafe Named Desire

A Street Café Named Desire

When David meets Bridget at a school reunion, he unexpectedly finds himself falling for her. With problems at work and a failing marriage, David feels he’s going nowhere, and mysterious, enigmatic Bridget draws him out of his shell. He’s overjoyed when, against all odds, she returns his interest, but what is it in her past that makes her reluctant to reveal her true feelings? As their relationship progresses, David starts to think he may realise his dreams – but will he get everything he wants, or is it all too good to be true?

The start

He was forty-three. Autumn shouldn’t be such a surprise any more, but the annual explosion of colour never ceased to amaze him.

Here they were at their twenty-five year school reunion, crowded around the bar area of the upmarket Hotel Marlborough in Henley. Huge sash windows provided a magnificent view of a fast-flowing, grey River Thames. Rowers were flying downstream. Beyond the river was a steep bank with a dramatic display of early autumn trees.

‘David. You’re David!’

Turning, he was clamped in a bear hug by a woman whose strong grip took his breath away. A face with two scarlet lips came hurtling towards him. His desperate attempt to avoid impact failed and their lips collided.

‘Well, well. David. Incredible – just incredible.’

What did this ‘incredible’ mean? That he’d hardly changed? That he’d transformed beyond imagination? She stepped back and her vice-like grip transferred to his shoulders.

‘David, David.’

How long would this continue – wasn’t she going to advance the conversation? He knew he was David. Obviously she did too. Unfortunately he couldn’t assist because his natural response – hello Alice, hello Barbara, Clare, Diane, Elizabeth, Fiona, or whatever – was impossible. He had no idea who she was.

‘You do remember me, don’t you?’

‘Yes.’

****

Buy links-

USA The Engagement Party: http://www.amazon.com/Engagement-Party-R-J-Gould-ebook/dp/B00X7M8UKK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1438093546&sr=8-2&keywords=r+j+gould

UK The Engagement Party: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Engagement-Party-R-J-Gould-ebook/dp/B00X7M8UKK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438092772&sr=8-1&keywords=r+j+gould

USA: A Street Cafe Named Desire: http://www.amazon.com/Street-Cafe-Named-Desire/dp/1783752572/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1438093546&sr=8-5&keywords=r+j+gould

UK A Street Cafe Named Desire: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Street-Cafe-Named-Desire-ebook/dp/B00R1GSR42/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1438092772&sr=8-2&keywords=r+j+gould

richard gould photo

Contact info:

Website:         www.rjgould.info

Email:              rgould130@gmail.com

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/RJGouldauthor

Twitter:           @rjgould_author

Bio:

Richard lives in Cambridge and works for a national educational charity. He has published in a wide range of journals, newspapers and magazines on social mobility and educating able young people. His fiction, writing under the half-hearted pseudonym R J Gould, is contemporary, humorous, and loosely romantic. He joined the New Writers’ Scheme of the Romantic Novelists Association and soon afterwards, was taken on by publisher Accent Press. ‘A Street Café Named Desire’ was released in December 2014 and ‘The Engagement Party’ in May 2015.  R J Gould is a member of Cambridge Writers, where he leads the Commercial Editing Group. He was the organisation’s short story competition winner in 2010, awarded third place in 2015, and his writing was commended in 2012 and 2014.

***

Many thanks Richard.

I have never understood why more men don’t write romance, and why those that do often use female pen names. As you say, it takes two people to form a relationship. The problem is the same in erotic fiction. very few men write the genre, and those who do tend to use female names. A great shame.

Happy reading everyone,

Jenny x

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