I'm so pleased today to welcome author Jane Harvey-Berrick to the blog as part of the promotional tour for her adult contemporary romance, Lifers. She's going to share with us a few of her all-time favorite books (and some info on her cover design), and don't forget to check out the bottom of the post for all the details on a giveaway!
JANE'S FAVORITE BOOKS & THE LIFERS COVER
Actually, that’s an easy one. Persuasion by Jane Austen. It’s not perfect because she died before she was able to finish the revisions, but I adore this story about love second time around, about second chances. Someone pointed out to me recently that a recurring theme in my books is about second chances. It wasn’t deliberate, but I definitely think it’s true.
I also admire Jane Austen’s support characters: irritating siblings, love rivals, the man who might be perfect but isn’t perfect for you, the evil manipulator (thinking of Mrs. Norris in Mansfield Park, or the cad Mr. Elliott in Persuasion).
And I had a thing for Westerns when I was a teenager. Not your typical 13 year-old girl's books, I guess. Maybe it’s the leather LOL.
Interview with a Vampire made a big impression on me. I loved the way she recreated the genre, a couple of decades before Stephanie Meyer did it again. Yes, really enjoyed the Twilight books – I’m definitely Team Edward. EL James’ books persuaded me to have a go at writing adult romance, so I’m in debt to her for that, because I LOVE it.
The covers for Fifty Shades of Grey and Twilight were excellent. So different to a lot of series out there. My cover for Lifers was done by the very wonderful Hang Le. The only contribution I made was to ask for the barbed wire motif to be in there somewhere. The cover is a metaphor, and I think she’s captured the mood perfectly, the isolation, and the way meeting someone can turn your life upside down. I’d never have thought of that idea – she’s amazing.
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LIFERS
After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate.
Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn’t changed since he was sent away. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn’t even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror.
Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can time or distance erase the pain of living?
Torrey Delaney is new in town, and certainly doesn’t behave in a way the locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex quickly spreads. And that’s on top of her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman—the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path.
As friendship forms, can two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey’s walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, they struggle to find their place in the world. Can they battle the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered?
Is love a life sentence?
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JANE HARVEY-BERRICK
I started writing contemporary romance two years ago. Before that, I didn’t think I could write a sex scene.
Turns out I can!
My lucky number is 13 because I was born on the 13th and live near a haunted castle by the ocean. My number one past-time is watching hot surfers get changed into (and out of) their wetsuits.
My husband doesn’t read my books. My mother does.
Writing is my love, my hobby, my total addiction. All my characters are important to me and whisper their stories, even when I’ve finished writing their books. That’s why you’ll often find bonus chapters/out-takes from various books, because those voices just won’t be quiet.
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GIVEAWAY
Thanks to Jane and CBB Book Promotions, I have one copy of the book to giveaway in either paberback or ebook format. Please fill out the Rafflecopter from to enter. Giveaway is international provided you have an e-reader.
And don't forget to check out all the participating blogs for more reviews, interviews, guest posts and chances to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
