Review: Conspiracy of Dragons (Here Be Dragons Book 4) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4.5🌈

Conspiracy of Dragons marks the end of Louisa Masters’ Here Be Dragons series and it’s Steffen’s story that brings everything to a surprisingly strong and emotional close.

Steffen is a dragon who’s character has always ridden that edge of humor with a element of mystery and pathos about him. His overly suspicious, oftentimes paranoid tendencies, even as the head of security for Brandt and Here Be Dragons, brought about some comic scenes as well as sad ones over the previous novels.

But here we get to travel next to him, see into his traumatic past, and realize what a tremendous character of depth has been lurking around the periphery all this time. From the heart tugging revelation of what constitutes Steffen’s hoard to a hidden love that’s enduring all his fears and pain to continue to nurture and support him, Steffen’s romance extends beyond the couple backwards to their history, encapsulates their current relationships, and then tries to envision a new future for all.

That’s quite a story.

It picks up shortly after The Dragon Experiment where the life force has shown them that humans must re-learn how to use their magical abilities, otherwise all the other beings, except dragons, will eventually perish. That humans should regain magic has Steffen terrified.

Weaving that overall species goal, as seen through Steffen’s perspective, as well as through others trying to figure out best to slowly and safely implement this is wonderful. We get to have many of our favorite characters from all the stories involved (Alistair, Gideon,Sam…) as well as those so important to Steffen and his growth here.

That’s Wil. A gentle, warm-hearted dragon who’s essential to Steffen in every way. While Steffen is the center here, Wil is Steffen’s heart. Their story is painful, sexy, quietly strong, and loving. Perfect for a finale.

A suspenseful hunt, a surprise character, and a joyous element previously revealed in an earlier story help round out the narrative themes and bring the series to a satisfying close.

I will be very sad to see these characters go. I have come to love them so.

If you haven’t found this series or author, there’s a reading list of connected universe story/series.

Read all the stories in this universe so you’re familiar with the events that have occurred and the characters and relationships that are referred to.

I’m highly recommending them all, including this one.

Happy Reading!

🔹Hidden Species Series first, followed by…

Here Be Dragons

1. Dragon Ever After (2021)

2. The Professor’s Dragon (2021)

3. The Dragon Experiment (2022)

4. Conspiracy of Dragons (2022)

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showConspiracy of Dragons (Here Be Dragons #4) by Louisa Masters

Description:

There’s only one person I trust…

It’s no secret that I’m hard to handle. People get annoyed by me. Sometimes they’re amused, but not for long. It’s not easy to deal with a paranoid conspiracy theorist, and I stretch everyone’s patience.

Everyone except Wil. He was there at the beginning, when I left my old life behind, and he’s stuck with me since. He’s been my friend when no one else wanted to. Patiently taught me how to fit in. He’s the one person I know I can rely on.

He’s the only man I can see myself ever being with. The only man I would want to spend eternity with.

But when my past rears its ugly head and the stuff of my nightmares rises from the dead, the hope of a happy future rapidly fades. I need him more than ever, but I can’t risk him. I can’t let anyone use him against me.

Torture doesn’t have to be physical to hurt. And I’m not going to let myself be hurt again.

—-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Mr. Romance (Franklin U Book 3) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4.25

Mr. Romance is Louisa Masters’ offer to the multiple author series, Franklin U. And it’s frankly adorable!

Starting with the clueless but hugely friendly and kind Charlie Martin who’s inability to read social cues has those he comes into casual contact with thinking they are dating or something more interesting. Not that Charlie realizes it until it comes to a dramatic climax or someone else points it out to “Mr Oblivious “.

Then he’s upset that he’s accidentally hurting others while not realizing which actions he’s doing are the culprit.

Such a amazing, adorable person. A happy Golden Retriever on two legs! No, he’s got a bit more self awareness but towards others? Hmmm, no.

Masters has a fabulous character here.

But Charlie needs to be reigned in and have a tutorial in social cues.

That’s where Liam comes in, the man who created the Mr. Romance app and is sure to be able to tutor Charlie in how not to give off the boyfriend vibes to everyone he meets.

Liam is the anthesis of Charlie. He’s compact, athletic , likes business, romantic, and not concerned about dress. Whereas Charlie loves fashion, isn’t terribly sports minded, and is very wealthy.

Two beautifully written characters. One hilarious road to romance and love. Aided by several characters from another series and stories within this series.

I laughed. Grinned. Then laughed some more. Drunk Charlie is hilarious.

Some readers who haven’t read the Ghostly Guardians series you might not recognize some of the characters from that series that appear here. That will add a bit of a void or lack of foundation.

But the story is very entertaining. The couple fun and charming which made Mr. Romance a definite recommendation.

Franklin U series:

✓ Playing Games #1 – Riley Hart

✓ The Dating Disaster #2 – Saxon James

✓ Mr. Romance #3 – Louisa Masters

◦ Bet You #4 – Neve Wilder

◦ The Glow Up #5 – A.M. Johnson

◦ The Learning Curve #6 – N.R. Walker

◦ Making Waves #7 – Christina Lee

◦ Football Royalty #8 – Eden Finley

https://www.goodreads.com › showMr. Romance (Franklin U #3) by Louisa Masters – Goodreads

Synopsis:

When you’re clueless, Mr. Romance can help.

Charlie
I’m not sure how it happened, but it turns out I’ve unknowingly been dating three people.

Friends don’t spoil other friends, apparently. My trust fund means I can afford to, though, and what’s a meal here and there? Or some clothes? Or textbooks? That doesn’t mean we’re dating, right?

Others disagree. If I want to get through the rest of college knowing who my friends are, I need help from someone who knows all about dating and can tell me what not to do.
Someone like Mr. Romance.

Liam
When people look at me, romance is the last thing they think of… but I’m still the first person they call. Need a first date planned? A big romantic moment? Gotta beg for forgiveness? I’m your man. When it comes to romance, I’ve got it handled.
Not personally, though. My romantic life is… barren. All I really want is someone to snuggle with and spoil me. What I’ve got is planning dates for people who have no clue about romancing someone.

But now I’m somehow Charlie Martin’s anti-romance consultant. Charlie, who’s completely clueless yet the most accepting and friendly person I’ve ever met. Who’s giving and generous. Who’s befriended me and wants me to be happy.
I’m supposed to help him stop his friends from falling for him. The last thing I need is to fall for him myself.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Vortex Conundrum (Ghostly Guardians #2) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4.5 🌈

I was so excited to see the new story as I’ve been waiting to dive back into the fascinating world of Mannix Estates with its amazing group of characters.

That it includes a powerful medium in love with a blacksmith, a found family of ghosts from an assortment of eras , each with their own quirky personalities, as well as a staff that’s endearing and fascinating on their own, makes it a universe you can dwell in for a very long time.

The first book, Spirited Situations, introduced us to Josh, the medium, as he found his way to the very haunted Mannix Estates. It was also home to a 50 some odd year old open gateway, a beacon for trouble.

The ramifications from opening that gate continues into this story as the combined found family of Mannix Estates, alive and ghostly, need help to handle more trouble coming through that open gateway.

Masters builds upon a already lively and unique cast of amazing characters we come to love by adding several new people. One we’ve gotten to know anonymously by text when he’s helped in the last book. He acquires a name here. That’s Connor.

And his best friend, Gabe. And a paranormal enforcement agency.

So Masters is expanding her universe to include the growing series new topics, romances, and mysteries she’s threading through her storylines. It’s such an exciting element, one that lends a real sense of anticipation towards each new book and plot thread.

While that’s happening, there’s additional character growth in terms of power and romances.

Connor and site manager, Kieran, are the main couple working through their romantic impulses while dealing with demons, ghostly matchmakers, and, the everyday occurrences that comes with guests at a living history event sight.

The paranormal and the mundane, the magical and the murderous are all perfectly balanced for the most entertaining reads. I read right through!

And unfortunately now it looks like I’ll have to wait until 2023 for the next in the series.

Until then, I’m highly recommending the first two books in this fantastic series. Read them in the order they are written, to understand the relationships and theme storylines.

Ghostly Guardians:

Spirited Situation #1

Vortex Conundrum #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showVortex Conundrum (Ghostly Guardians, #2) by Louisa Masters – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Wanted: one demon hunter. Beware the matchmaking ghosts.

After years managing a haunted hotel and estate, I thought things were good. Sure, the ghosts can be a handful—nosy, opinionated, interfering—but they’re also friendly and fun. We have a system. Everything was under control.

Cue hysterical laughter.

But after a minor blip with a demon in the basement and a vortex to the spirit world, the ghosts swear they have no more secrets. The danger is gone, and we’ve done everything we can to make the vortex safe. It should be fine. Nothing’s come through it for fifty years.

It’s never that easy at Mannix Estate.

Lucky for us, the demon expert we met online is willing and able to help us out. I’m so grateful, I’d willingly kiss his feet. Until he arrives and opens his mouth.

Connor is… a jerk. But he’s a sexy jerk who’s doing us a favor, so I’m going to be polite no matter what. Even when he makes me mad. When he flirts hard. When the roof falls in and we have to share a bed. When we realize the vortex upstairs is just the beginning.

Suddenly, Connor’s real strengths shine. Beneath the smoking hot yet annoying surface is a heart of gold, and I don’t think I can hold out against it… or that I want to.

——-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: The Dragon Experiment (Here Be Dragons #3) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 5🌈

What an absolutely hilarious, sexy, thoughtful, fantasy mystery romance. The Dragon Experiment really has it all here. Starting with the confidently engaging Fabian Draco, the dragon species historian who’s constant search for knowledge of all types is only equaled by Fabian’s enormous amounts of sexual encounters. Of all types, of all genders , species and areas of play.

When Fabian’s straying attention can be pulled towards any one subject or being at any given moment. Fabian’s brilliant brain is more likely to be off wandering through the amazing dragon archives then focusing on the car about to hit him.

This incredible character is a true joy and such a source of so many emotions here. For both the reader and Dr. Rhys Griffith. Or Dr. Rhys as Fabian will call him at first .

They met during a confusing encounter, at least for Fabian’s pov, at a mall, where Fabian thought he was getting a very pretty “purity “ ring from someone handing them out at a booth (The Professor’s Dragon #2).

Flash forward, the ring isn’t coming off Fabian’s finger, (not that’s he’s the one concerned) ,and it turns out it’s actually a medical gathering instrument for a research project headed Dr Rhys Griffith

Rhys is a sorcerer who’s research, involving sexual energy and metaphysics just might be more important then anyone expects.

This story is a romance, and a mystery, one that carries huge implications for all races. How it’s researched and resolved is as satisfying as how the romance grows into a solid relationship.

It’s funny, strong with multiple characters and storylines. There’s several hints about the next book and the character who so badly needs his story told.

I just adore this couple, especially Fabian. He’s right out of that fabulous school of brilliant absentminded Professors. Only this time he’s a sex positive dragon. Be still my heart.

The Dragon Experiment is a well written fantastic novel , filled with engaging characters and a plot that adds so much to the series foundation as well as overall arc the author is building.

Read all the stories in this universe so you’re familiar with the events that have occurred and the characters and relationships that are referred to.

I’m highly recommending them all, including this one.

Happy Reading!

🔹Hidden Species Series first, followed by…

Here Be Dragons:

🔹How To Date A Dragon #0.3

🔹Dragon Ever After #1

🔹The Professor’s Dragon #2

🔹The Dragon Experiment #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Dragon Experiment (Here Be Dragons #3) by Louisa Masters – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Who knew sleeping around could save the entire species?

I’m a simple dragon. Give me knowledge, give me research, give me rings for my hoard, and give me athletic men who want to get sweaty between the sheets… or anywhere else. Those things make me happy. Other things… well, who cares about those?

Turns out, I should have cared. Or at least paid attention. Because I somehow signed up for a scientific study run by a shy, nerdy sorcerer with the body of a god. And the study just happens to be about my favorite form of exercise.

It doesn’t take long for me to know I want to do more than science with Rhys. I’ve never been the kind of dragon to mix feelings with fun, but Rhys could be the one person who meets all my needs, even if he won’t wear a ring on every finger.

But when his research becomes more important than any of us could have imagined, our relationship enters a new phase. Now it’s up to me to show Rhys how much he’s worth… both to me and to the future of his species.

Review : Spirited Situation (Ghostly Guardians #1) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4.75🌈

Spirited Situation is the first book in the new Ghostly Guardians series by Louisa Masters and it’s a wonderfully entertaining paranormal read!

We meet our two main characters in a bar, both looking for a hookup after long sexual dry spells. It’s instant chemistry, a night of insanely hot sex, then they leave the motel the morning after, not even exchanging names or particulars.

Of course , it doesn’t stay that way.

One of the men, Josh, is a man who’s been able to see, and talk to ghosts his entire life. It’s cost him jobs, apartments, and friends. Now he’s interviewing for a job that he’s hopeful will be the answer to all his immediate needs. It’s in a renovated estate that offers tours, including ghosts. Has living quarters attached and a small enough town that its own ghostly population should be fairly small.

What he doesn’t count on is the guy he hooked up with being the blacksmith/historian also employed by the estate and living there too.

That’s Ewan. Huge, happy to see his hookup , until a misconception gets in the way.

Louisa Masters sets the foundation for her new series by building her found family of living employees and very lively ghosts , all residing together at the estate.

While we’re getting to know everyone from Josh, who can see and talk to all our ghostly characters, Ewan our lover and blacksmith, the Manager Kieran, Skye at the front desk , Daniel who runs the historical farm to some of the wonderful ghosts like Hattie, Maisie, Joe , and Johnny.

It’s quite the cast but it’s never overwhelming because each is such a great personality. And each ghost is invested in Josh and Ewan’s romance as much as we are!

That’s so much fun. Especially ghosts like Carter who are late to gay sex and want all the inside scoop!

Overlaying all of this is the series storylines. One that gets neatly resolved but a larger one is left to be part of further storylines in the future books. I can’t wait for those!

Masters has a way of making her books feel like I just picked them up and then it’s over. They are so smoothly written, so well plotted, and the characters so engaging that the time just flies by.

Now to wait until the next which is Kieran’s story. I wonder who he will be paired up with? Hmmmmm

I’m highly recommending this new novel! It’s a great story and a entertaining start to a new series!

Reviewer note: Not a 5 because lack of last names bugs me. Always has. Pls pls give your characters last names. Ty. This note for any and all authors out there.

Ghostly Guardians:

✓ Spirited Situation #1

◦ Vortex Conundrum #2 – coming 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showSpirited Situation (Ghostly Guardians #1) by Louisa Masters | Goodreads

Synopsis:

When you can talk to ghosts, things are bound to get spirited.

The ghosts have been there since before I can remember. When I was a kid, they doted on me, but as I got older, they got more demanding. I’ve spent my whole life seeing and talking to dead people and trying to pretend I’m not, because the living just don’t understand. Nobody wants to be around the freak who claims to see ghosts.
Until I go to Mannix Estate.

Once a private country home, then a posh hotel, it was closed after a suspicious incident but is now an immersive historic experience. It’s also haunted AF, and everyone knows it. Finally, I’ve found a place to work and live where I can be useful. Where I’m actually wanted.

There are only two problems: I spent a hot, sweaty, satisfying night with Ewan the blacksmith before I knew we’d have to work together. Everyone knows sex with colleagues is a bad idea, right? Even if he’s the world’s most ripped cinnamon roll.

Plus, the ghosts are keeping secrets. There’s something going on that’s not normal, even for a haunted estate. And I suspect that when the truth comes out, I’m the one who’ll have to deal with it… and it won’t be good.

Review: The Professor’s Dragon (Here Be Dragons #2) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4 🌈

The Professor’s Dragon is a sweet, often funny, low angst fantasy romance. A part of the Hidden Species series universe, this novel’s events picks up from the end of Dragon Ever After.

That’s the book that launched this series and frankly was my introduction to this universe and Louisa Masters. Make sure you start there, if unfamiliar with this series. It’s a winner and you’ll need the background established there to help with all aspects of the characters and romance here.

The Prologue gives us Dustin’s first look at his soon-to-be all consuming crush/love Professor Rob Sarris on Dustin’s first day of class at a human college.

Fast forward two years and things are only more intense for Dustin. He’s still deeply emotionally attached, but still from afar and it’s all one sided.

Dustin has grown from overly exuberant youth we met in the stories of the Great Migration to a more responsible, yet totally adorable one here. The character growth continues while maintaining all aspects of his personality that makes Dustin such an engaging and endearing being.

Rob is the new and wonderful element here. Before he was just the object of adoration. Now he’s an actual person, with a family and history. He’s become fascinating in his own right and I wanted more, actually of him as I got to know him and his family dynamics and history. Charming, heartwarming, funny… Rob’s family has its own story to tell.

Together, along with the madcap denizens of Here Be Dragons, Dustin and Rob’s courtship plays out, with all its wide ramifications, to great and romantic fun.

I will admit I keep waiting for some type of element of suspense or mystery to enter, much like that of Hidden Species. But maybe this series is the author’s gift to the characters for all they went through there so it’s going to be low angst all the way. Except for bit of a craziness from Steff now or then.

Next up? That’s the slightly weird, always entertaining Fabian’s story, The Dragon Experiment coming in 2022. Can’t wait to see what hilarity that brings!

Until then, I’m recommending this series and novels. And all the Hidden Soecies stories too if you haven’t read them as well.

Read them all in the order they were written and enjoy a grand journey through a fantasy series and a multitude of marvelous characters.

Here Be Dragons series:

◦ Dragon Ever After #

◦ The Professor’s Dragon #2

◦ The Dragon Experiment #3-coming 2022

The Professor’s Dragon

Synopsis:

It was love at first sight… with my professor. What’s a dragon to do?

For two years, I’ve been pining over Professor Sarris. I knew the moment I saw him that we were meant for each other, but it’s not to be. For one thing, I was his student, and he’s the most ethical man I know. For another, he has no idea I’m actually a four-thousand-year-old dragon from another dimension.

When my people fled to Earth to avoid extinction, I vowed to clean up my life and stop acting like a fledgling. It’s bad enough that nobody takes me seriously… sure, maybe I used to be flighty and irresponsible and caused a few interspecies incidents, but that’s all in the past. I have big plans for the future, and this college gig is the first step in proving myself. I’m not endangering this fresh start for anyone.

But then my professor and I wind up at the same party, and suddenly it seems he’s not completely out of reach. Except I’m still the adorable flirt nobody wants to rely on, and convincing him we should be together while proving I’m a changed dragon is a monumental task.

Good thing I’m up for the challenge.

Looking for a New Romance to Read? Check Out the Blog Tour for “I’ve Got This” by Louisa Masters (excerpt and giveaway)

Louisa Masters has a new MM contemporary romance out in the Joy Universe series: “I’ve Got This.”

Derek Bryer loves his life. His job as an assistant director at Joy Universe, the second-largest theme park complex on the planet, makes him indirectly responsible for bringing joy (pun intended) to millions of people. So what if none of his relationships are that close? Everyone he meets loves him.

Except Trav Jones. For some reason, the visiting Broadway performer would rather Derek just go away. He appreciates Derek’s work ethic, though, and after Trav steps up when Derek desperately needs someone to fill in for his sick staff, Derek seizes the chance to convince Trav he’s not such a bad guy.

Falling in love while distracted by a murder at the park, food poisoning, and colleagues laying bets on their relationship won’t be easy, but between the two of them and with the magic of Joy Universe, they’ve got this.

Giveaway

Louisa is giving away a $20 gift certificate for Amazon, iBooks, B&N, or Kobo – enter via Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d4787/?

Excerpt

He grins at me. “Can I use your number for more than just confirming dates?”

Heat climbs up my neck and floods my face, and I know I must be red. Christ, I’ve always blushed easily, but I spend more time red-faced around this guy than anyone else I can remember. “Maybe.” I meant it to sound flirtatious, but it comes out sounding more like a parent who means no, but doesn’t want to say it for fear of incurring a tantrum.

What the hell is wrong with me? I’m no Casanova, but I’m not a reclusive virgin, either. I usually have a pretty good dating life. I know how to flirt.

I pull out my phone. “What’s your number? I’ll text you.”

He rattles off the digits. I put them in my phone and then send him a text. The faint ding from his pocket tells me he got it.

The rest of the ride back to my resort is silent, and I’m pretty sure it’s my fault. Our conversation over dinner was so easy and fun—but my stupid failed attempt to be flirty seems to have killed the vibe. Is he regretting the whole thing? Wondering how he can get out of our date on Thursday?

He turns off the road onto the driveway of the resort, but instead of pulling up to the entrance, he takes the road that loops around the property to the four parking lots and the three other shuttle stops.

“Where—” I begin, but he interrupts me.

“Which is the closest parking lot to your room?”

Oh. He’s being thoughtful and saving me the seven-minute (no, I didn’t time it—the receptionist told me when I checked in) walk from the main building to the building that houses my room.

“The west one,” I tell him, and then we both fall silent again as he skilfully navigates along the deserted, mostly dark road. I rack my brain for something to say. How did this happen? Twenty minutes ago I was one half of an interesting, fun conversation. How did we go from that to awkward silence?

It has to be the idea of dating that’s turned us into mere acquaintances with little in common. Right? Until he confirmed that we were on a date, and I asked him on another one, everything was fine. After that, it all went downhill.

Wait… he knew all along that we were on a date. I was the one who wasn’t sure what he thought it was. Does that mean this is all me? Am I the reason for the awkwardness?

I’m saved from further introspection (although I suspect it’s going to keep me up most of the night) when Derek pulls into the west parking lot and finds a spot at the far end. The lot is pretty well-lit, but back in this corner there are more shadows.

I undo my seat belt. I’m almost desperate to get out of the car and away from this tension, but at the same time, I’m terrified that if I leave it like this, I’m going to get a text from Derek, canceling our date. What can I say to make it all better?

Derek’s hand on my face makes me jump.

“Whoa! Sorry, I didn’t mean….” He starts to pull away, but I grab his hand and hold it against my cheek. I like having him touch me.

Is this weird? Maybe he was just trying to get my attention and didn’t actually want to hold my face.

I drop my hand to my lap, giving him the opportunity to pull back. My face is hot, and I’m thankful for the dim light. He can probably still see that I’m blushing, but not exactly how red I am.

His fingers lightly stroke my cheek.

My breath stutters. I slowly turn to him. His face is closer than I expected, and there’s a soft smile on his lips. Even in the dimness of the car, I can see how warm the expression in his eyes is.

I swallow. His smile grows.

“I love when you blush,” he says. “It’s so—”

“Sweet?” I interrupt acidly. He shakes his head.

“Hot.” The word sits between us. Hot? Does he mean literally? Because, yeah, my skin gets hot when I—

Derek leans in and kisses me, and I get it. Hot. Derek thinks it’s hot when I blush. Really?

Also, man can he kiss.

I gotta be honest, the next few minutes kind of blur out. I’m too focused on Derek’s mouth on mine, his hands, his body—because my hands get busy too. The only words I can actually think are adjectives: warm, hard, wet, silky….

I’ve got my hands in his pants (and can I just say wow?) when it finally occurs to me that as cushy as Derek’s car is, it’s not roomy enough for us to fuck—well, not comfortably. I jerk back from his kiss. “Not here,” I pant. Crap, Kev’s likely to be back at our room by now. He was saying earlier that he was exhausted, not having had a day off, and wanted an early night. “Your place?” He’s gotta live in Joyville, right? That’s what, half an hour away?

Maybe we can get a room. We’re at a resort. I’m sure he gets an employee discount here too.

Derek sighs and pulls back, stroking my chest under my polo one last time before drawing his hand out. I miss it instantly.

Author Bio

Louisa Masters started reading romance much earlier than her mother thought she should. While other teenagers were sneaking out of the house, Louisa was sneaking romance novels in and working out how to read them without being discovered. She’s spent most of her life feeling sorry for people who don’t read, convinced that books are the solution to every problem. As an adult, she feeds her addiction in every spare second, only occasionally tearing herself away to do things like answer the phone and pay bills. She spent years trying to build a “sensible” career, working in bookstores, recruitment, resource management, administration, and as a travel agent, before finally conceding defeat and devoting herself to the world of romance novels.

Louisa has a long list of places first discovered in books that she wants to visit, and every so often she overcomes her loathing of jet lag and takes a trip that charges her imagination. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, where she whines about the weather for most of the year while secretly admitting she’ll probably never move.

Author Website: http://www.louisamasters.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/louisa.masters.31

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/LouisaMastersAuthor

Author Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AuthorLouisaM

Author Instagram: @AuthorLouisaM

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5755521.Louisa_Masters

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/louisa-masters/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Louisa-Masters/e/B008YBZT0S

Looking for Your Next Romance Novel? Out of the Office by Louisa Masters (giveaway and tour)

“A cute short read…!”

Author: Louisa Masters

Title: Out of the Office
Stand-alone Novella
Genre: M/M Romance
Word count: 18k

https://books2read.com/u/4NakdJ

Whoever thought achieving career goals could be boring? Not Duncan Witten, but here he is at forty-one, in his dream job… and hating it. Throw it all away for a challenge? Yes, please!

If only Dunc had known his challenging new job came with Paul Hanks, a man who redefines “stubborn.” They need to work together to meet targets, but thanks to Dunc’s idiot predecessor, Paul won’t take his calls or reply to emails.

There’s only one solution: travel across the country and confront Paul face-to-face. It’s time to take things out of the office.

Just 0.99!

B2R: https://books2read.com/u/4NakdJ

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2I9iJXh

iBooks: https://apple.co/2KFB0gB

Nook: http://bit.ly/2wMYZ59

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2MEYvJf

Continue reading “Looking for Your Next Romance Novel? Out of the Office by Louisa Masters (giveaway and tour)” →

Louisa Masters on Writing, Contemporary Romance and her new release ‘The Athlete and the Aristocrat’ (author interview and giveaway)

The Athlete and the Aristocrat by Louisa Masters

Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza

Sales Links:

Dreamspinner Press: http://bit.ly/2NuvcEm

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2STNG43

Nook: http://bit.ly/2PshNhb

iBooks: https://apple.co/2zVhUN4

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2C2HP7e

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2L9jhfv

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Louisa Masters here today talking about her latest story The Athlete and the Aristocrate. Welcome, Louisa.

✒︎

An interview with Louisa Masters

How much of yourself goes into a character?

It depends on the character, but I think there’s a little bit of me in every person I write, although sometimes it’s as simple as a dislike of fish, and other times it can be a major personality quirk.

Has your choice of childhood or teenage reading genres carried into your own choices for writing?

Without question. I’ve always preferred books that ended happily. I’ve always, since I was old enough to know what it meant, liked a romantic storyline. I started reading romance when I was eleven (sneakily) and have never stopped. I love fantasy as well, and one day may try my hand at writing one, but it will also be a romance.

Do you like HFN or HEA? And why?

I like both. The key ingredient for me is the H—as long as the story ties up happily, I’m good with it. Some shorter stories feel unrealistic with a HEA, so a HFN works perfectly.

If you write contemporary romance, is there such a thing as making a main character too “real”? Do you think you can bring too many faults into a character that eventually it becomes too flawed to become a love interest?

I love this question, mostly because after thinking about it for ten minutes, my answer has changed five times. Ultimately, I have to say yes. I think there are some “flaws,” for want of a better word, that make a person irredeemable. That’s not to say that if they were a real person they wouldn’t be able to find love (it’s a weird and sometimes scary world out there), but I don’t think they could ever be the focus of a romance novel. For me, the best kind of development in a “flawed” character is when they become a better person without changing who they fundamentally are, and that assumes that on some level they are a relatable person to begin with, even if readers initially hate them.

Have you ever had an issue in RL and worked it through by writing it out in a story? Maybe how you thought you’d feel in a situation?

Yes, absolutely. One of my M/F novellas touches on the issue of workplace bullying, which I was dealing with at the time I wrote it. I’ve also taken RL situations and written what I’d like to have done, but didn’t—a great example of that was in The Bunny and The Billionaire, when Ben followed the sexy, mysterious stranger into the casino to find out who he was. In real life, I stayed where I was and finished my ice cream, forever doomed to wonder.

Ever drunk written a chapter and then read it the next day and still been happy with it? Trust me there’s a whole world of us drunk writers dying to know.

No, although I may try it sometime 🙂 One time I was at a wedding, drinking steadily in an attempt to make it through the speeches (the best man talked for ten minutes about his car) and live-texting the highlights to Renae Kaye. Most of those texts ended up in a novella of hers, pretty much word for word.

If you could imagine the best possible place for you to write, where would that be and why?

I’d love to say a busy café or a hotel terrace overlooking a crowded beach, but the truth is, I’m way too distractible. I already struggle with ignoring social media and email when I’m trying to write. A private, quiet space is the best bet if I want to be productive, although I will vote for a warm climate.

With so much going on in the world today, do you write to explain? To get away? To move past? To widen our knowledge? Why do you write?

I write to escape—the same with reading. Anyone who’s read my books is going to know that deep angst is not my thing. I don’t mind reading it occasionally, but for the most part I’m all about minor angst or none at all. I love including new information and places I’ve travelled to in my books, but ultimately, it’s just an escape to a different world to live with different people. Plus, I love being part of their stories!

What’s next for you as a writer?

The Athlete and The Aristocrat is my next release, coming January 1 from Dreamspinner Press. In March I have an M/F novella in the Emerald Isle Enchantment series being released, and I’ve just signed a contract for another M/M novel, set in a fictional theme park complex, that will release in 2019.

The Athlete and The Aristocrat:

Sometimes love takes balls.

Newly retired championship footballer Simon Wood is taking on his next challenge. His plan for a charity to provide funding for underprivileged children to pursue football as a career has passed its first hurdle: he has backers and an executive consultant. Now it’s time to get the ball rolling.

Lucien Morel, heir to the multibillion-euro Morel Corporation, is shocked—and thrilled—to learn his father has volunteered him as consultant to a fledgling football charity. Better yet, the brains behind it all is heartthrob Simon Wood, his teenage idol and crush.

Although Simon and Lucien get off on the wrong foot, it’s not long before they’re getting along like a house on fire—sparks included. But with the charity under public scrutiny, can their romance thrive?

The Giveaway

And don’t forget to enter the Giveaway! http://bit.ly/2CnrBFQ

About the Author:

Website: http://www.louisamasters.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LouisaMastersAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AuthorLouisaM

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AuthorLouisaM

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/subscribeLouisaM

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Louisa-Masters/e/B008YBZT0S

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/louisa-masters

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5755521.Louisa_Masters

Louisa Masters on Writing Romances, Characters and her latest story ‘The Bunny and the Billionaire’ (author guest interview and giveaway)

The Bunny and the Billionaire by Louisa Masters
Dreamspinner Press
A Dreamspun Desires Title

Expected publication: October 1st 2017
Cover Artist: Bree Archer
Available for PreOrder at Dreamspinner Press | Books2Read

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Louisa Masters here today in our interview chair. Welcome, Louisa!

✒︎

~ Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Interview with Louisa Masters ~

♦︎How much of yourself goes into a character?

I like to think it’s just the right amount! There’s definitely a little bit of me and my perspective in all my characters, but they absolutely aren’t all me. They do and say things I would never dare to, or refuse to do and say things I would (and do) quite happily. For example, Ben, from my upcoming release The Bunny and The Billionaire, wears his clothes until they’re threadbare. The book opens with him wandering around Monaco in shoes so worn his big toe has popped out. I’m no clotheshorse, but I would never do that—mostly for fear of what my grandmother would say! He’s also a nurse, which is a profession I admire greatly but freely admit I couldn’t handle.

♦︎Has your choice of childhood or teenage reading genres carried into your own choices for writing?

Definitely! Even as a little girl, I liked stories with happy endings best, and looking back, I can see that my favorites always had a romantic thread through them. As a teenager I mostly read romance behind closed doors, and epic fantasy and sci-fi out in public (where my parents could see). As an author, I never even considered anything other than romance—those are the stories I want to write. Maybe one day I’ll give fantasy a proper shot, too—romantic fantasy, of course! Or a space opera. I love space opera, and it’s not easy to come by, especially m/m. If anybody has suggestions for great ones, I’d love to hear about them.

♦︎Have you ever had to put an ‘in progress’ story aside because of the emotional ties with it? You were hurting with the characters or didn’t know how to proceed?

I have several part-done stories that I really hope to get back to one day. Some I stopped working on because they weren’t flowing at the time, and some I was just too inexperienced to develop properly. I don’t write “angst” very well, although I do like to read it, so I’ve never hurt a character so much I couldn’t pull us both through it.

♦︎Do you like HFN or HEA? And why?

I’m not actually firmly on one side or the other. I love a good short story or novella, and sometimes a HEA in those can feel rushed. As long as the promise of a HEA is there, I’m completely satisfied.

♦︎Do you read romances, as a teenager and as an adult?

Almost exclusively. I do occasionally slip in something a little different, especially if it’s been highly recommended by someone I trust, or is by an author I’ve loved for a long time, but romance is my mainstay. I read my first “official” adult romance at age eleven, and have never looked back. It’s been astonishing to see how the industry has changed over the past twenty-five years.

♦︎How do you feel about the ebook format and where do you see it going?

Honestly, I adore it. There will always be something special about reading a paper book, but I think most truly voracious readers see the ebook as a wonderful thing. I usually read anywhere between three and seven books a week, depending on length and my schedule, and I frequently reread—I can count on two hands the number of books I’ve sold on or given away in my whole life, and most of those were gifts from people who thought they knew what I’d like. I have over two thousand paper books, and I just don’t have the shelf space for them. Most are boxed up in storage, which means they’re not accessible at three in the morning when I wake up desperate to reread. My nearly two thousand ebooks, on the other hand, are always right by my bed or in my bag.

Ebooks are also wonderful when traveling. When I was nineteen, I studied for two months in Italy. More than half my suitcase was books. I calculated very carefully how many books I thought I’d need, refrained from reading new releases for several months, and then packed up about thirty-five books and lugged them across the world and back. On the other hand, last year I went on a two-month odyssey across Europe, and brought my tablet with me, buying ebooks as the ones I wanted were released.

I can’t see the ebook industry failing, not when it means bookworms can buy books from bed at two in the morning and begin reading them instantly. For that alone, I will always love it.

♦︎What’s next for you as an author?

In a couple of days, The Bunny and The Billionaire will be released by Dreamspinner Press’s Dreamspun Desires line. I’m so excited about this book! Category romance was such a huge part of my early romance reading years, and will always have a place in my heart. Writing one myself was something I thought about, but it didn’t click into place until DSP opened it up for the m/m market.

I have a short holiday story coming out in December, which I think anyone who’s been forced to shop two days before Christmas will appreciate, and I’m currently working on another category-style m/m romance, featuring one of the characters from The Bunny and The Billionaire.

The Bunny and The Billionaire

Released October 1 by Dreamspinner Press

Spending their fortunes and losing their hearts.

Hardworking Australian nurse Ben Adams inherits a substantial sum and decides to tour Europe. In Monaco, the home of glamour and the idle rich, he meets French billionaire playboy Léo Artois. After getting off on the wrong foot—as happens when one accuses a stranger of being part of the Albanian mafia—their attraction blazes. Léo, born to the top tier of society, has never known limits, and Ben, used to budgeting every cent, finds it difficult to adjust to not only Léo’s world, but also the changes wealth brings to his own life.

As they make allowances for each other’s foibles, Ben gradually appreciates the finer things, and Léo widens his perspective. They both know one thing: this is not a typical holiday romance and they’re not ready to say goodbye.

Giveaway

Louisa is giving away five swag packs to mark the release of The Bunny and The Billionaire. Enter to win! Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. https://tinyurl.com/yag5gasq

About the Author

Find Louisa on Facebook and Twitter:

www.facebook.com/LouisaMastersAuthor

@authorLouisaM

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The Athlete and the Aristocrat by Louisa Masters

Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza

Sales Links:

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Louisa Masters here today talking about her latest story The Athlete and the Aristocrate. Welcome, Louisa.

An interview with Louisa Masters

The Giveaway

Share this:

The Bunny and the Billionaire by Louisa Masters Dreamspinner Press A Dreamspun Desires Title

Expected publication: October 1st 2017 Cover Artist: Bree Archer Available for PreOrder at Dreamspinner Press | Books2Read

~ Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Interview with Louisa Masters ~

The Bunny and The Billionaire

Giveaway

About the Author

Share this:

Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza

The Bunny and the Billionaire by Louisa Masters
Dreamspinner Press
A Dreamspun Desires Title

Expected publication: October 1st 2017
Cover Artist: Bree Archer
Available for PreOrder at Dreamspinner Press | Books2Read