Nadene: Today I am hosting G.L. Ross, author of The Strength of Love, on Totally Addicted to Reading.
G.L. will you share a short bio with us?
G.L.: I’m a single mom living in Plano, Texas. I write children’s books and romance novels. When not writing I am flying high in the skies as a Flight Attendant. I’ve been an FA for 26 years. My happiest times are on the beach with family, friends, and a glass of wine.
G.L. Ross is a proud, sixth generation, native Texan. As a true Southern Belle, G.L. has always dreamt of the “happily ever after,” the prince riding in on the white horse sweeping her off her feet. She hasn’t found “Prince Charming” – yet (always an optimist) – but finds him every time she writes about her characters’ “happily ever after” endings.
Whether through laughter, prayer, music, or a glass of wine or vodka, G.L. finds the good in life and shares her sense of humor, love, faith, and adventure in her stories.
Experience family, faith, and love in The Strength of Love. Take a steamy flight with Lance & Lisa in Turbulent Passion, and continue their sexy journey in Burning Desire. Crosswind, book three, in the Flyboy Trilogy will release in 2016. You must also meet hunky rancher, Graham Gaskin, in A Rose Has Thorns…He’s smokin’ hot!
Twitter: @GayleL4
Website: www.GLRoss.com
Nadene: Tell us about your latest book and where the idea came from?
G.L.: The Strength of Love is an inspirational romance filled with suspense, faith, family, and friends. It’s a story of second chances. Rachel and Brooks’ love story will make you laugh, cry, and sigh. It will tear your heart out and then put it back together in a way you never imagined possible. It is a perfect read for Valentine’s Day. Also, if you need a Valentine’s gift the paperback wrap around cover is truly gorgeous (I can say it since I didn’t create it). The story was inspired by a news event. I put myself in the woman’s place and wondered what I would do. Then I wrapped personal events in my life into the storyline. The Strength of Love comes straight from the heart.
Nadene: What kind of readers are you appealing to?
G.L.: Any romance reader will enjoy The Strength of Love. I’ve had 17-year-olds to 80+ tell me the story touched and changed them for the better. The story has a supernatural element so paranormal readers will probably enjoy the book, too. The story is about the strength of faith in our lives so inspirational romance readers will truly love this book.
Nadene: Which authors inspire you?
G.L.: I grew up reading Danielle Steele books, so she definitely influenced my writing. I love to read novels by Nora Roberts and Nicholas Sparks. Lisa Renee Jones is my mentor and friend, but beyond that the suspenseful tales she weaves fascinate and encourage me to be more creative. I aspire to be the writer and advocate Sylvia Day is. There are too many to list!
Nadene: Have you written any other books that we should read next?
G.L.: Yes, and thank you for asking. The Flyboy Trilogy consists of Turbulent Passion, Burning Desire, and Crosswind. This love story is set in the airline industry and literally sizzles the pages. It is VERY steamy. You have been warned. I also have a children’s book series Onyx Out Loud under author name Gayle L. Ross. The series teaches acceptance to children to prevent bullying.
Nadene: How easily do new storylines come to you?
G.L.: No joke I have a list two pages long of ideas. I look forward to the day when I can be a full-time writer and knock all these novels out! I have faith that day is coming, so please buy my books and spread the word.
Nadene: What genres do you write?
G.L.: Contemporary and Inspirational Romance full of suspense and happily ever after endings.
Nadene: What made you choose this genre?
G.L.: I am a hopeless romantic and an eternal optimist.
Nadene: What are your current projects?
G.L.: I am presently writing book three, Crosswind, in The Flyboy Trilogy. I plan to release it this summer.
Nadene: When and why did you begin writing?
G.L.: I was encouraged by college professors to write, but didn’t have the courage or time. In 2011 my son left for college and lo and behold I had free time! Mom’s out there I know you understand. I found the courage to publish my first book, Turbulent Passion, in 2013. I am waiting for my second chance at love and thoroughly enjoy creating romance and everlasting relationships in my storylines.
Nadene: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
G.L.: In 2013 when I published my first romance and children’s book.
Nadene: What inspired you to write your first book?
G.L.: My son left for college and I found myself alone. I wasn’t dating anyone, but craved romance, so I decided to create my date, my relationship. The story then morphed into an airline setting and took flight. (Pun intended)
Nadene: Did you learn anything from writing your book?
G.L.: I found aspects of myself I never knew existed. I discovered I can be quite funny which I tie into each of my books, plus I now realize exactly what I want in my man—and I will not settle for less!
Nadene: What is your favorite quote?
G.L.: My motto in life is “Find the Good.” I search for the good in every situation and person. I also love this quote from Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never give up.”
Nadene: Do you have any advice for new and prospective writers?
G.L.: Do not let naysayers or reviews discourage you. You found the courage and talent to expose your soul to the public. Be proud of you work and yourself. Hold your head high and keep writing!
Genre: Contemporary Romance,
Inspirational Romance, General Fiction
Date of Publication: December 14, 2015
ISBN: 978-1518643743 Print
ISBN: 9781311464309 EBook
ASIN: B017WLD5GU
Number of pages: 224
Word Count: 66,300
Cover Artist: James at GoOnWrite.com
Thankfully, some love stories are so strong they never die. “The Strength of Love” is a tale of love, loss, and second chances. This inspiring love story shares how several men influenced one woman’s life and showered her with love in different ways. Experience love, friendship, faith, suspense, tragedy, humor, and a super-natural element…always and forever.
A tale of love, loss, and second chances. This inspiring love story shares how several men influenced one woman’s life and showered her with love in different ways. Experience love, friendship, faith, suspense, tragedy, humor, and a supernatural element…always and forever.
Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride, Rachel Thompson is ready to give up on love, before rodeo cowboy Brooks Reynolds rides into the arena and lassos her heart. His smoldering looks and strong yet tender nature sweep her off her feet.
Life is pinch-worthy and picture-book perfect, except on the eve of her wedding Rachel’s love story is ripped from the pages. After two months of grieving, she discovers her nightmare is never-ending. In order to escape her heartbreaking past, the middle-school counselor relocates to a new city for a fresh start and a second chance at happiness and perhaps even love. Through her faith and the support of her family and friends she discovers sought after answers during an unexpected journey.
More teams compete, until finally team ten enters the starting box.
“This is them, Rachel. Oh, my gosh, aren’t they smokin’?”
Rachel’s eyes shoot in the direction of the commanding man sitting tall in the saddle. His jet-black hair curls slightly against the collar of his royal blue western-style shirt. The short sleeves are rolled to fit snugly against his massive, bulging biceps. It’s obvious where he spends his free time, from the fine-tuned muscles and the dark tan encompassing his fit frame. Oh my, she mumbles as he sits his buck-colored hat firmly on his head. He secures his boots in his stirrups. His long fingers toy with the coiled rope. Sam acknowledges him with a nod and the steer is released. They’re off. Like bullets the three of them skillfully dart one after another. The steer runs for its’ life as Sam’s rope lunges into action. He twirls his lasso with the style and grace of a ballerina demonstrating pirouettes. As if he has mind reading skills, Brooks instinctively releases his rope. The twisted twine skims perfectly under the steer’s hooves and is brilliantly tightened to prevent the two hundred plus pound animal from moving forward. The two riders face each other backing their horses until the steer is air born. Everything is magically timed and over-the-top exhilarating. The ladies are on their feet screaming as the announcer exclaims team number ten has the best time of eight and a half seconds, with only one more team left to compete.
Sam waves his hat at Courtney who shouts and blows him a kiss. Brooks’ eyes dart toward the high-pitched squeal. Even from the distance, Rachel notices the brilliant blue eyes aimed her direction. Her chest heaves as though she ran a half-marathon. She catches her breath and continues applauding the skilled ride. How could a sporting event be so exhilarating and sexually satisfying? Brooks tips his hat toward her, with a crooked grin, and follows Sam to the exit.
With bated breath, Rachel and Courtney watch the next ride. The team is quite skilled, but can’t beat team ten’s ride. The guys are victorious. All eleven teams enter the arena. Team ten smiles proudly as they are awarded their trophy and belt buckles. Sam hurdles the wall and makes his way into Courtney’s welcoming arms. Brooks laughs at his exuberant teammate and hollers for him to get his ass back to the stables. Once again the announcer broadcasts congratulations to team ten the new Smith County team-roping champions. Rachel enjoys the view of the faded jean clad butts exiting the arena. She’s savoring one fine set of firm ass cheeks when the beholder glances back over his shoulder catching her in the act. He winks. She blushes, prior to catching her breath and smiling. Brooks relishes catching her in the act. He turns and tosses an arm over his partner’s shoulders. Sam lifts the trophy into the air. They turn the corner and disappear. Courtney proudly exclaims, “Team ten wins!”
Rachel smiles and says, “A ten—yes, he definitely is a ten.
