INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY
High Heels and Train Wrecks:
The Aries Woman
(Zodiac Woman Romance Book 1)
The Aries Woman
(Zodiac Woman Romance Book 1)
by Carolyn Reynolds
Announcing a completely new fiction romance series featuring the signs of the zodiac and their related archetypes within the story lines. Written in a modern, approachable chick-lit tone, these novels are fun and unique, but also filled with nuggets of relationship advice derived from the ancient wisdom of astrology. High Heels and Train Wrecks is the first book in the Zodiac Woman Romance series by Carolyn Reynolds. Also available: Mood Swings and Diamond Rings.
The author stops by today for an interview and to share an excerpt from the book. You can also read my review and enter our exclusive giveaway for a chance to win a piece of astrological jewelry or an ebook copy of High Heels and Train Wrecks (open internationally).
Description
Where there's smoke …
there's Aries Hudson Christy.
there's Aries Hudson Christy.
A typical Aries woman, Hudson Christy's credo is love 'em and leave 'em - until her ex breaks her heart. Then she meets Ryan Lowell, the man she doesn't know she needs ... but will fall for anyway.
Energetic to the point of reckless, paralegal Hudson Christy is a train wreck waiting to happen, yet her wonderful red hair and mishap-prone nature fascinate the perfectly groomed and highly ambitious businessman Ryan Lowell, a quintessential Leo. Hudson’s ex will try his best to scuttle this burgeoning romance, but some loves are written in the stars - and get a little help from questionable relatives, a sly friend, and a devoted dog.
Excerpt
Mac was sitting with a thin reed of a man who looked like the star of a television series. She was crying.
Last time I saw her she was dancing with a guy almost as short as her, laughing and having a good time.
“Mac, whatever happened? What is wrong?”
Ryan looked baffled. It seemed totally out of character for Mr. In-Charge.
“Oh, Huds, this is Jake McKay and I am trying out for a part on his show. I am playing the part of a woman who just found out her mother was her sister and her father was her, oh, I forgot? Who is my father, Jake?”
Jake applauded. “Isn’t she wonderful? Can cry on cue. I’m going to make her a star.”
I was livid. “Sure. That is the worst pick up line I ever heard. Mac is so gullible she may believe that but I don’t, Jake.”
“Pardon me?” He laughed out loud.
Ryan joined Jake and chuckled, his laugh a low roar. Clearly he was in on the joke.
Mac dried her eyes. She looked stunned.
“Hudson, Jake is a pretty famous guy. He is a rising television star and an acquaintance of mine. Don’t you watch TV?” Ryan smiled tolerantly.
“Not much. Do you know him?” I was still concerned. Mac and I were no judges of character in our men. Or had I learned to smarten up after Antonio?
“It’s my job to know who is in this bar”, Ryan stated coolly. “I’m an investor here. Sorry. I was hoping you wouldn’t learn all my secrets in one night. I prefer it when women like me for myself.”
Oh, bloody hell. Let’s see I now needed to apologize to Jake and to Mac for spoiling her audition.
I took a sip of the Turkey. I laughed at myself, apologized all around, did my big smile thing, and then looked at Ryan. “Money isn’t my deal, by the way. I wish it were. Life would be so much easier for me. But chemistry is what I look for. So you don’t have to worry about me caring if you have money or not. It’s all about the vibe.”
I had thrown down the gauntlet about chemistry I knew. Men loved to bang their hairy chests and say how you will never be able to resist them.
Ryan gave me a sly smile and shrugged his big shoulders as if he totally understood.
“Yeah, chemistry is the thing. You can never put your finger on what it is and who has it until you see it.”
A few hideously beautiful girls came up to Ryan and he waved them off. That only worked to make them more blatant and desperate. One let a mysterious little piece of folded paper drop on the table near his arm.
I watched it flutter down to the table. I looked up at her. Dark hair, thin, and worse yet, exotic. How could I compare?
She was a bright and dangerous star. I was a freckle convention. Why, I had enough freckles that some formed patterns. I named a few after constellations.
I reached across the front of my chest and placed my hand over Canis Minor.
He tore up the paper and told me that was not the number he was looking for. It was very, well, chivalrous, I thought. And, sexy as hell.
Pheromones were whirling for sure. It wasn’t his cologne either. It was him. It was us, dancing up close that had started that small spark.
Praise for the Book
"High Heels and Train Wrecks, by Carolyn Reynolds, is Book 1 in the Zodiac Women Romance series. I must admit, I didn't know what to expect when I jumped into this one, but I was pleasantly surprised. If this is the way the entire series is going to be written, then Reynolds has gold on her hands. [...] I found the entire storyline to be well written, and I was able to follow along nicely. I loved the character of Hudson Christy, and felt as if I was able to relate to her quite a bit. Her story with Ryan had me on the edge of my seat, because I was so curious to find out what was going to happen between the two of them. This was a great read overall, and I would highly recommend it." ~ Veronica
"Can't wait to read the rest of Carolyn's series! Written with her typical flair for humor, she brilliantly brings the characters alive incorporating her vast knowledge of Astrology. Loved the characters and her vivid descriptions using the traits of each of their signs to make them even more realistic and interesting! What a fun creative idea to bring love stories and astrology together for what is sure to spark the interest of anyone who enjoys a fun read while gaining insight to what makes an Aries, Leo, Pisces, oh and Stevie, tick." ~ Susan Sully
"Great start to the series, I was caught up in the book from page one, it is an amazingly written love story with a lot of humor thrown in along the way, I Loved It! The characters in this story are made very interesting by Ms. Reynolds wonderful descriptions of each. [...] I can’t wait for further additions to this series and I highly recommend that anyone looking for a great read jump on this train and ride it all the way, I know I will be on it!!" ~ L Harrison
"Funny clever and engaging! Love this author! She is perceptive and her books are always enjoyable!" ~ Mrs Buttersworth
"This book was fascinating and fun and I can hardly wait for the next edition." ~ Cathy Andrew
My Review
By Lynda Dickson
Hudson Christy is a clutzy redhead and an Aries. Along with her eccentric grandmother - who goes by the name of Drama - they live her lives according to Linda Goodman's Sun Signs. While still being pursued by her ex, Antonio, Hudson keeps bumping into Ryan, a Leo who is not only gorgeous but rich as well. Who will turn out to be the right man for Hudson?
This is a cute romance featuring adorable characters and fun references to the author's own book (The Book of Lovers) and Linda Goodman's Sun Signs.
Full of tongue-in-cheek humor, this is a fun, light read and a great start to the series.
Interview With the Author
Hi Carolyn, thanks for joining me today to discuss your book, High Heels and Train Wrecks: a Zodiac Woman Romance Comedy / Romantisode.
For what age group do you recommend your book?
Ages 21 and up.
What sparked the idea for this book?
I always thought romance should have an astrological or zodiac theme, and humor.
So, which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?
The idea.
What was the hardest part to write in this book?
Nothing, it just seemed to come from the ethers and many years as a professional author and astrologer. That was fun for me.
How do you hope this book affects its readers?
I hope they learn about sun sign characteristics of men and women in romantic relationships.
How long did it take you to write this book?
Six weeks.
What is your writing routine?
Gosh. I write nights when things are quiet and sleep part of the day. I go straight to my office as soon as I wake up, too.
How did you get your book published?
I responded to an open submission with Boroughs Publishing Group.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Keep at it. Show up to write at least five days a week at the computer for a specified period of time. Don’t give up.
Great advice, Carolyn. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Think about writing! Spend time with my husband and our fur children.
What does your family think of your writing?
Like everything else it depends on the relative. But, primarily everyone is excited for me.
That's great! Please tell us a bit about your childhood.
I grew up a child of poverty. So instead of toys my parents encouraged me to read. My father took me to the library and we’d pick out books together.
So, did you like reading when you were a child?
I loved it.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was ten years old.
Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?
Yes, thankfully.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
Edgar Cayce, Margaret Mitchell, Linda Goodman, and surprisingly, Hugh Newman, of the Wooden Books series.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Yes, all the time from The Book of Lovers: An Astrological Guide to Romance. They love my humor and insights. This inspired the book series. Many say the love my occasional sarcasms (in fun of course).
What can we look forward to from you in the future?
More of this series. More romances and a time travel book involving Leonardo Da Vinci.
Sounds great! Thank you for taking the time to stop by today, Carolyn. Best of luck with your future projects.
Thank you so much, Lynda.
About the Author
Carolyn Reynolds is the internationally published author of the pioneering astrological relationship book, The Book of Lovers. She was chosen to complete the unfinished manuscript of the late astrologer and multi-million bestselling author Linda Goodman, and as such co-authored Linda Goodman's Relationship Signs. Reynolds was also asked to edit selected writings of Goodman's Twelfth Night Secrets, and to write monthly astrology forecasts for Linda Goodman Newsletters in 1998.
Ms. Reynolds also authored Astrology on the Job and the time-travel romance novel, Elvis and Tutankhamen: The Kings of Memphis. She has appeared on network television and hundreds of national and international radio programs, including acting as a consulting astrologer and on-air personality. In addition, she filmed a segment of Unsolved Myteries (Born to Kill) and The Other Side. She was featured in the infomercial for the late Linda Goodman's Astrology Reports. She has made a guest appearance on Dr. Drew, America Online Celebrity Chat Room, and has been a CNN Radio affiliate co-host and guest host.
She lives in Arizona with her husband Patrick, their soft-coated Wheaten terrier, and a little Westie and Chihuahua mix that is the head of the household.
Giveaway
Enter our exclusive giveaway for a chance to win a piece of astrological jewelry or an ebook copy of High Heels and Train Wrecks (open internationally).
Links
