Category Archives: romance

05.30.13
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Do You Watch "Days of Our Lives"

Oh yes, I’m a sucker for a soap opera – I used to watch “Days of Our Lives” with my disabled mom when I came home from junior high school; since we didn’t have VCRs and DVRs back then, I couldn’t watch once I went to high school or college. I feel like I’ve grown up with many of the characters (although certainly not at the same rate, lol)

But, I digress…

I am sitting here watching a Days of Our Lives episode (hope I don’t throw any other fans any spoilers here) and Nick is finally confessing to Gabi what happened to him in prison. I sure hope that she accepts him.

I thought of my novel Courage of the Heart and the scene where Adam Sherman tells Davie Prescott what happened to him…

Wow! The stories are so incredibly close. Unfortunately prison rape is frequently a very real and tragic occurrence…

I have to say that Blake Berris (actor, Nick Fallon) has done a wonderful acting job. Kudos to him.

I recently created a NEW Book Club Discussion Packet for Courage of the Heart (you can download it here)

This book makes a terrific addition to any book club repertoire. I hope you enjoy it –

…and now, back to my soap.

Courage of the Heart
Adam is attracted to Davie, but he shies away from her innocence because he feels his shameful past is too harsh for her existence. Adam finally shares his darkest secret with Davie and is amazed to find that she doesn´t turn away from him.

But when Adam’s past catches up to him, he soon learns that there´s a lot more at stake than just his nightmares. Adam is prepared to give Davie up if need be in order to protect her until he learns that she´s got a secret of her own. With Davie´s help, Adam learns a courage that is born of love, courage of the heart.

05.05.13
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A re-post from Let’s Talk Romance…

This post appeared on the Let’s Talk Romance blog in January 2010

An Interview With Chelle Cordero

How did you get started writing?
In high school I took a creative writing class under the tutelage of the late poet Daisy Aldan, she helped my organize my earlier scribbles into cohesive thoughts. Later, while I was in college, I volunteered with the NYC Auxiliary Police and wound up working with the community relations officer of our precinct. Henry (Hank) Spallone taught me to write press releases and deal with the media – when a 16-year old boy was killed when he came to the aid of a mugging victim, Hank asked me to write an article for the local newspaper, the piece was published. That was the start of my professional writing career.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love knowing that my words have an effect on people – they can share emotions with my characters in my novels and hopefully they will “think” about the situations. Since I am also a freelance reporter for several publications, I also like providing valuable information to my readers and hopefully help them make sound decisions about their health, home and lives
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself or your work?
My work is an extension of me so I feel I do share myself with every story – while my characters may not resemble me in who they are, they do share many of my ideals. I believe that I have done many interesting things in my lifetime and I like adding some of those adventures and mis-adventures into the subplots.
How would you describe your love scenes?
HOT, but always appropriate My sex scenes tend to be explicit but I don’t believe in violence or force – just two people wanting to show each other great tenderness and pleasure.
How would describe your voice?
My “voice” comes through my characters – they write their own stories. I build a character by giving each a history and they react to the situations I throw at them based on past experiences and attitudes.
Where can fans follow you?
My personal web-site is http://chellecordero.com and my author blog is http://chellecordero.blogspot.com
Any professional advice for other authors?
Keep at it. Don’t let rejections deter you. Hone your craft, keep your writing tighter and keep writing and submitting. Read A LOT and don’t limit yourself to only one or two favorite genres – open your mind and absorb those words.
What is your favorite television show?
I enjoy shows such as Ghost Whisperer and Medium because I like the idea of exploring things we can’t see and may not believe in (btw, I DO believe in ghosts and ESP) – this gives our minds a chance to stretch beyond our known comfort levels.
What kind of music do you like?
I like most music but have a fondness for country songs and ballads that tell a story. I often work with music playing and enjoy allowing the music to “grab me”.
What is the most memorable book you’ve read?
The Bible. I took a theology class in college and the textbook was the King James version of the Old and New Testaments. I am Jewish and I enjoyed seeing the common origins between Judaism and Christianity. I also enjoyed the morals and lessons throughout this great book.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, aside from my hubby and kids (lol), I currently reside with three rambunctious cats – Tigger, Mario and Luigi. We’ve had cats all of our married life (34 years) and I feel a great love and have terrific memories of each cat that has since passed on.
Thank you for visiting A History.
—

05.24.12
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An interview Of Chelle by Morgan Bailey

Author Spotlight no.53 – Chelle Cordero 28 Jan 2012

Chelle has come a long way since first joining the Vanilla Heart Publishing queue of authors nearly two years ago with her first novel, Bartlett’s Rule. Now with nine novels on the market, she has solidified her standing as a Romantic Suspense author (7 romantic suspense & 2 mysteries). She also has short stories in the VHP anthology With Arms Wide Open, Mandimam’s Press anthology Forever Friends, the VHP anthology Nature’s Gifts, VHP anthology Passionate Hearts and Mandimam Press anthology Forever Travels.
Bartlett’s Rule was named one of Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s Top Ten Reads for 2009; Final Sin was a 2009 Pushcart Nominee; and Hostage Heart, Final Sin and A Chaunce of Riches were nominated in the 2009 Preditors’ and Readers’ poll and had top-ten finishes. Chelle Cordero was recently featured as one of the authors in “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading” published by The Author’s Show in 2010.

And now from the author herself:
As a child I kept notebook after notebook of writing attempts. In one case I created an entire TV series written specifically for my then-favourite actor; the series he was in was cancelled and after all, wouldn’t his agent be thrilled that someone cared enough to come up with a new script for him? The agent was unimpressed.

I did a favour for a community organizer when I was 18 and wrote a brief article for the local weekly paper. It was published and while I didn’t receive any monetary payment, seeing my name in the by-line was a “pure adrenaline” rush. For years I went back to writing my TV series, (hey even though the agent didn’t like it, I did) and short pieces of prose.

Finally, pregnant with our daughter, I decided to work from home and write full-time. I lucked into an underpaid, monthly column in the cable guide pretty much right away. Other non-fiction spots followed, luckily most had better pay rates. I felt like literally stumbled into writing as a profession.

That was the first time I announced (sort of proudly) that I was a writer. I had gotten paid for my writing and except for that one ungrateful actor’s agent, I had never known rejection. My ego was definitely inflated.

However most of the people who took my pronouncement seriously asked if I had written any books. I had to be honest, while I enjoyed writing ANYthing, I really wanted to create stories, fiction, romantic stories of suspense, mysteries…
So while working freelance as a journalist, raising two precocious kids, keeping a home and volunteering in my community, I found the time to start writing stories. Despite the long list of published credits I had, agents told me I was too new to take a chance on and I finally knew what it felt like to receive a rejection.

My ego was still so super-inflated that each time I received a rejection, I became more determined to get a novel published – I used to tell everyone that I wanted to grow up to be a novelist. I kept writing and finally in late 2007 I submitted a manuscript called Bartlett’s Rule to Vanilla Heart Publishing; it was accepted (there went that ego again!). I finally felt grown up.

I am still a freelance journalist and I enjoy my work. But I LOVE letting my imagination run away and create characters and stories. I still get that pure adrenaline rush each time I see my name on the spine of a book. I enjoy taking different experiences of my life and fashioning it into a novel. It’s amazing to see how something as simple as a grocery store encounter can turn into the beginnings of a mystery.

Nine novels later, short stories in five anthologies, two writing guides and scores more newspaper articles, I absolutely love my life.
I will send anyone who sends an email to ChelleCordero@gmail.com with “Sampler” in the subject a FREE .pdf sampler of all my novels and writing guides.


For more information about Chelle, visit her website at http://ChelleCordero.com or her blog at http://ChelleCordero.blogspot.com. All of Chelle’s novels are available in print or e-book through online retailers like Amazon and Barnes and Noble and various e-book formats like Smashwords.

02.24.12
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How to make a gal feel special

I guess it’s because I write about romance, or maybe it’s not that complicated and simply because I’m a “mom figure”… I was recently asked by a young man how he could get a certain young lady’s attention (young adults, not teens)


I thought for a few minutes, I remembered the way my dad treated my mom, the way my husband treats me and then, lol, I thought about the ways my novel heroes treat the heroines. Not surprisingly my heroes tend to emulate a lot of the romantic gestures of good and great relationships I’ve been privileged to witness.


I told him not to be pushy. If she isn’t ready for a serious relationship it might scare her off. I did tell him to make sure that he knew her, really knew her, but to be subtle about it. Acknowledge who she is and encourage her personal identity. He has to share his likes and dislikes, but he shouldn’t expect her to always agree. I said just be a constant and let her know she is appreciated.


In my novel Within the Law, Tom notices the glass miniature figurine collection in Allie’s apartment. Later in the story when he wants to get her flowers, he gives her crystal roses and other flowers. She’s touched that he remembered this about her even though they never discussed it.


In A Chaunce of Riches, even though it’s been years since they were together, Ben surprises Samantha when he remembers her favorite drink and prepares it for her after an extra long day at work. Even though she moved on without him, he still lets her know he admires where she’s gotten to educationally and in business.


It’s just touches here and there, little things a guy does to make a woman feel special, one of a kind, and important. Like all the times my dad introduced my mom as his queen… And like all the times my husband brags about his romance author wife even though he is not a fan of romance novels himself.


Make a woman feel special, that’s how you get her attention.


11.11.11
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Happy Veterans Day

My parents met stateside during World War II, just a lonely northern soldier boy and a beautiful southern girl ~ their romance lasted a lifetime (& maybe more…). The following is the beginning of a story I wrote, a dramatization based on their fateful meeting and their life together.

If you are intrigued by this little teaser, please feel free to download the anthology Love and Chocolate.
The Meeting
by Chelle Cordero
Charleston, South Carolina
1942
―”Make sure you send me a letter as soon as you get there.” Jeannette stopped to dry her eyes. ―”You just know how I am going to miss you.”
―”Oh honey, I‘ll write to you every day.” Melanie hugged the best friend she always shared everything with. Their mommas had taken them for walks in their baby carriages together. They were there for each other‘s first dates, they consoled each other when Melanie‘s big brother left to go fight the big war, and they stayed up late reading letters from Melanie‘s ill mother. ―”Oh I wish I didn’t have to leave you.”
―”You tell your momma to get well so you can bring her home again.”
―”Last call for Greensboro.” The train engineer poked his head out to remind passengers to get their luggage loaded.
―”Oh, I have to make sure my suitcase is on board.” Melanie gave Jeannette‘s hand a squeeze and then stepped towards the train.
―”Make sure you wave to me before you leave.”
In another car an M.P. checked the cuffs of the prisoner he was transporting from Georgia.
―”I‘m going to step off and have a smoke.” He was satisfied the prisoner wasn’t going anywhere, especially since he was cuffed to the seat. The M.P. motioned to one of the other military personnel on board the car that he would be back in a few minutes.It felt good to stretch his legs as he stepped down from the train onto the platform. He watched as two women tearfully hugged each other and found himself unable to stop staring at the woman left on the platform. She was beautiful. He lit his cigarette and took a drag. Then he walked over to the woman.
Jeannette was aware of the soldier‘s stare and tried not to let it affect her. He was a handsome man, but it just wasn’t polite to be scrutinized so thoroughly like that. He came even closer and she tried to look in the other direction.
―”Hello.”
She could tell by the nasal quality of his accent that he was a northern boy. Maybe this was how they acted up there but he was being awfully forward. She was raised to be polite and couldn’t ignore his speaking to her. ―”Good morning sir.” She hoped he would go away.
―”I’ve been riding this train all morning – transporting a prisoner.” He motioned proudly to the M.P. sash on his arm.
She glanced quickly at his armband and realized he was probably trying to impress her. Jeannette gave him a polite half-smile and turned her head. She was trying to watch to see where her friend got a seat, but he wasn’t making it easy.
―”Well imagine how I felt when I stepped onto the platform and saw this gorgeous woman standing there.”
He was definitely making her feel uneasy. She wished she had one of her little brothers with her.
―”Hey, aren‘t you going to tell me your name at least? I‘d love to have a name to go with the dreams I‘m going to have of you tonight.”
Her momma taught her manners and her poppa taught her to stand up for herself. Jeannette mustered her courage and finally looked the handsome soldier in the eyes. ―”Sir, I find your manners appalling. I would greatly appreciate it if you would kindly leave me be.”
He smiled back at her, the smile reached his eyes. ―”So you aren‘t going to tell me your name?”
―”No sir, I am not.” His smile was devastating.
The soldier put on his best pouting face. ―”Hey, come on, I‘m just a lonely soldier. Can‘t you take pity on me? Just your name, please?”
04.29.11
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A Fairy Tale Wedding

Congratulations to
Prince William & Kate Middleton!

It was a magnificent day, beautiful weather and a small, intimate ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Kate wore an elegant wedding gown designed by Sarah Burton – she was gorgeous!
We all love a good fairy-tale wedding… and I thought of one of the two wedding scenes I wrote about in His Lucky Charm.
This wedding takes place in a New York City church between the heroine’s best friend and her special man. Keisha and Malcolm incorporate many ethnic customs into their ceremony witnessed by close friends and family…
It’s a day for romance and weddings ~ so feel free to lose yourself in another fairy tale wedding.

Brandon was seated at the back of the church when the bridal procession started. He was pleased that he had entered the church in a crowd and blended among the many well wishers. Malcolm, his parents and his best man, his younger brother, took their places at the front of the church. He felt his heart skip when Caitlyn walked down the aisle. She was beautiful in a street length shiny gold dress. Her shoes were matching gold strapped sandals with ribbons that tied off above her slender ankles. She was carrying a small bouquet of tiny orchids, small yellow-white flowers on long stalks. Her beautiful chestnut hair was swept up into curls and tied off with gold ribbons.

Keisha followed with both of her parents escorting her. She wore a two-piece ethnic white wedding suit and ankle length skirt that was slit up one side to her thigh. The gold metallic embroidery around her neck and at the hem of the skirt glinted with every graceful move. Golden edged leaves surrounded her bouquet of white roses. Malcolm waited for her in a matching white dashiki and trousers that were also edged with gold metallic embroidery. Their parents, all four, joined them as they received blessings from the priest.

Malcolm had explained many of the traditions and rituals of their wedding to Brandon. He had told him that the wedding was the union of not just the couple, but of their families and their lives. Their parents and immediate families were just as much a part of the ceremony as the couple. It was a very spiritual time with prayers that were begun weeks earlier. Keisha’s father blessed his daughter and son as he now referred to Malcolm. Malcolm’s mother tied a loose string of conchi shells around Keisha’s neck as a sign of fertility and luck for a happy family. The priest conducted the service interjecting the civil requirements among the prayers and blessings.

Malcolm spoke to his bride thanking her for completing his life. “A man without a wife is a man without a home.” He promised to keep her happy and provide for her and he placed a simple band on her finger.

Keisha promised that her love for Malcolm would be never-ending like the circle of the wedding band. Then she placed a ring on his finger.

Both mothers took turns reciting an African marriage creed. Brandon noticed Caitlyn look downward as they gave the advice to “Be Open With Each Other. Bind not yourselves in the secretiveness that causes suspicion and doubt. Trust and reveal yourselves to each other, even as the budding rose opens to reveal its fragrance and beauty.”

He berated himself again for having kept secrets from the woman he loved and wondered if he would ever have the opportunity again to reveal his true self to her. More than that, he worried that she no longer had an interest in him or of learning his truths.

The ceremony concluded with Malcolm’s father tying Keisha and Malcolm’s wrists together with a purple cloth to symbolize their union. Together they jumped over a broom laid on the floor to show that they were starting fresh and welcoming the new path before them. Smiling and happy, they walked together up the aisle to the back of the church while the audience applauded.

The parents followed the happy couple and so did Caitlyn and Malcolm’s brother. Caitlyn noticed Brandon in the back row as she neared the door and her steps faltered. The best man placed a hand under her elbow and looked in the direction of her distraction. The smile Caitlyn had been wearing quickly left her face and she turned away from Brandon as she regained her footing.



11.18.10
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More Listmania Lists

From the

by shagadenise

Three, yes 3, of my novels are included!

Bartlett's Rule Forgotten Within the Law
Bartlett’s Rule shares the story of Lon and Paige’s love affair; a romance filled with hardship, emotion, danger and triumph. Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real ; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient.
Forgotten is an unforgettable romance about two people who meet by chance, love by choice and are torn apart by intrigue. Their romance survives a foreign threat to national security, kidnapping, personal tragedy and a murder attempt.
Tom gave up on ever falling in love again the day that he buried his high school sweetheart and fiancée. He started a career in law enforcement just so that he could find her murderer and rapist. Just when he is about to see justice done, he meets Alli Davis-the defense attorney for the murdering rapist who took his love from him. Alli and Tom share a mutual and passionate attraction but Alli refuses to make any commitments. She is hiding a huge secret. Tom falls in love with her and pursues her despite a false arrest, kidnapping and attempt on his life.

All of my books are also available as
INSTANT download e-books!

Check out the
SUPER THANKSGIVING SPECIAL ON SELECT VHP TITLES!

Buy 3, Get 1 FREE
through December 16, 2010
~~~~~~~~

10.26.10
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Listmania Lists


So proud to say that Hostage Heart was included in
the

Don’t Miss these romance authors

Listmania List on Amazon by 1920’s Movie Fan


Life was hard after the hurricanes swept through, destroying her parents’ home and livelihood…Deanna did the only thing she could do. She moved to New York City, found a job, worked hard, scrimped and saved to send what little she could manage back home to Louisiana to her parents. An errand for her boss – a chance encounter with a crew of bank robbers – a kind man who tried to help her and deserved her courageous help in return… But he wasn’t the man she thought he was…no, he was so very much more!
www.bookbuzzr.com

Buy Links:Amazon.com (print)
Amazon.com (Kindle)
e-books on Smashwords.pdf Instant Download from PayLoadz

10.12.10
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Hostage Heart vs. The Town

A friend called me yesterday to tell me that she just saw the movie “The Town” starring Ben Affleck and Rebecca Hall… “You know,” she said, “it reminded me of one of your books, Hostage Heart.”

About The Town: “Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) is an unrepentant criminal, the de facto leader of a group of ruthless bank robbers who pride themselves in stealing what they want and getting out clean. With no real attachments, Doug never has to fear losing anyone close to him. But that all changed on the gang’s latest job, when they briefly took a hostage–bank manager, Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall). Though they let her go unharmed, Claire is nervously aware that the robbers know her name…and where she lives. But she lets her guard down when she meets an unassuming and rather charming man named Doug…not realizing that he is the same man who only days earlier had terrorized her. …” (courtesy of Movie Insider) The movie is loosely based on Chuck Hogan’s book “Prince of Thieves“.

About Hostage Heart: “Life was hard after the hurricanes swept through, destroying her parents’ home and livelihood…Deanna did the only thing she could do. She moved to New York City, found a job, worked hard, scrimped and saved to send what little she could manage back home to Louisiana to her parents. An errand for her boss – a chance encounter with a crew of bank robbers – a kind man who tried to help her and deserved her courageous help in return… But he wasn’t the man she thought he was…no, he was so very much more!” In Hostage Heart, Deanna is taken captive and falls in love with one of the bank robbers. Admonishing herself for her poor judgment, she nonetheless mourns after she watches him shot down during her rescue. She later learns that there is duplicity and has to survive someone’s need for revenge.

I had to chuckle how the combined theme of a hostage and an ensuing love story made my friend think of my book. I feel honored to have one of my stories come to mind. There are, after all, only so many stories – it’s the telling that makes all of the difference. There have been many times when classics such as Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story were compared.

Of course though I have to wonder (and hope for) how it can come to pass that a movie producer would turn one of my tales into a movie starring some sexy hunk?

Are there any takers out there?

www.bookbuzzr.com

Buy Links
Amazon.com (print)
Amazon.com (Kindle)
e-books on Smashwords