Tuesday, June 12, 2012

GIVEAWAY & INTERVIEW with Robin Bielman, author of Worth the Risk


Worth the Risk ~ Robin Bielman

This is an adult  contemporary romance novel.  (Rated NC-17 for the sexiness of it all)

4.5 out of 5 stars


Book Summary

Their love was ancient history...until their paths crossed again.
Samantha Bennett put Dean Malloy out of her mind five years ago, when he broke her heart after a summer fling. But now he's back in her life, and ready to steal a heritage protection contract that could make or break her career--if he doesn't steal her heart first. Samantha's vowed to hate him, but it's more than anger heating the competition between them.

With sparks flying across the conference table and sizzling in every touch, Dean proposes a weekend liaison. Anything to have Sam again; anything to get her out of his system. But the unresolved feelings between them complicate both their personal and professional lives, and one wild weekend could turn into a disaster that would destroy the one job that means more to Samantha than anything. For a shot at love...is it worth the risk?


My Review

The title is worth the risk. And you ask is it worth a read? I say YES. This was a solidly written contemporary romance. The love arc is believable, which is always a good thing, because these two already know each other. They have a past, a history. So the ultimate HEA, happily ever after is plausible.

I think what I love most is the character Sam. She has doubts about herself but at the same time she is sure of herself. Therefore she doesn’t come off as conceited. Also, despite her fears, she goes for it. She is adventurous and realistic in her thoughts. It made for a pleasurable read without the same old storyline with how women handle men.

Anyway, if this really is the author’s first novel, it’s a really good one. The length is perfect although, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more time with Dean, lol. And I do recommend to all you romance lovers.

My book boyfriend, Dean. But first, check out my interview with the author and the GIVEAWAY that follows. My pic of Dean will be at the very end. ENJOY.


INTERVIEW with Robin Bielman


First of all I like to say thank you to you Robin for taking this opportunity to share a little about yourself with us.

Thanks so much for inviting me to My Book Boyfriend, Terri! I’m delighted to be here!


1.            Tell us a little bit about yourself.  Where are you from or where do you currently live? (If you want to share or a region if you don’t want to be specific) 


I was born and raised in California and have lived here my whole life. I’ve got a wonderful husband, two terrific boys (well, most of the time), and an adorable mini labradoodle named Harry who keeps me company when I write (and watch TV, run on the treadmill, eat, talk on the phone, put on m shoes, basically he’s my constant sidekick). I work part-time in the medical field and on my days off, you’ll find me attached to my laptop or with my nose in a book. I can’t live without my Chap Stick, love the ocean, and have recently become addicted to cafĂ© mochas.


2.            When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?


It took me a long time to figure out I wanted to be a writer even though for many years I worked as a writer. I wasn’t one of those girls that wrote stories in my youth and dreamed of being an author. It wasn’t until after college when I worked as a writer for a local production company and later as a freelance writer, that I gave myself permission to call myself a writer. I’m not sure why it took me so long. Then five years ago, I was writing about brides and weddings when a co-worker suggested I write a romance novel. That was the turning point for me! I realized that was exactly what I wanted to do.


3.            When did you write your first book and how old were you if you want to share that?


I wrote my first book five years ago. I wish I’d realized when I was in my teens or twenties that I wanted to be an author, but I’m grateful for finally discovering it! I’m a total late bloomer.


4.            What was the hardest part of writing your book?


Hmm…endings are always the hardest part for me. I know how I want the book to end, but getting there in a believable and satisfactory way takes me a while. I race through writing the beginning of a story, but because I’m a pantser (meaning I don’t plot out my stories), when I get about two-thirds of the way in, I start to slow down, waiting for my characters to take me where they want to go since I’m not at all sure where that is.


5.            What do you think makes a good story?


I think it’s the characters that make a good story. If I love the characters in a book, I can pretty much forgive anything in the plot.



6.            Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I did a lot of research for WORTH THE RISK with regards to heritage protection and sites all over the world that need attention, and while doing so, I learned there are a lot more places I’d love to visit!


7.            Who are your favorite authors?


I have so many favorites!Outside of the romance genre, my favorite authors are Jim Butcher, Thomas Sniegoski and Marilyn Brant. In romance and young adult, I love Jill Shalvis, Gena Showalter, Julia Quinn, Sarah Dessen, Meg Cabot, Melissa Marr, Jennifer Echols, Victoria Dahl, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Lauren Strasnick; I could go on and on…


8.            What do you like to do when you’re not writing?


I love to read. I love to bake. I love to run and hike and hang out with my family. Oh, and I love to just veg at home in my jammies and watch TV or play a game if I can get someone to play with me.

       9. What are your current projects?


I’m writing more novellas and finishing revisions on a YA.


10.        Do you have any advice for other writers?

Oh my gosh – I often still need advice myself! I guess the most important thing is don’t give up. Keep. Going. And enjoy the journey. I always tried to remind myself that I was lucky that I got to do something every day that made me happy. Regardless of the end result, time spent writing is a gift.


Thanks again, Terri! I’d love to give away an eBook copy of Worth the Risk. If you’d like a chance to win, please leave me a comment letting me know this: Who’s your current favorite book boyfriend? ;)

Thank you again Robin for sharing with us.  We share some of favorite authors like Jim Butcher and others.  No wonder I totally connected with your story, lol. 

The giveaway is listed below and then what you all have been waiting for my pic of my book boyfriend will follow.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My book boyfriend Dean.


View all my reviews

21 comments:

  1. Hi Terri! I love who you picked for your book boyfriend Dean! Really love. ;) Thank you for the wonderful review and having me as a guest!

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    1. I'm happy you like him. Your pick of Paul Walker is also super amazing. He is certainly a hottie too! I'll post your pic later today!

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  2. I would like to thank you for an apsolutely increadible book giveaway, with a most informative review. The interview i also found most insightful & interesting, hence i would love to have the oportunity of reading this book!
    In response to your question i would have to say that my 'book boyfriend' would be Draco Malfoy from JK Rowling's increadible Harry Potter series. Everyone loves a bad boy?!
    Thank you x

    Email: lfountain1(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk

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    1. Hi Lucinda! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your book boyfriend with us. I loved the Harry Potter books, too! I'm glad you enjoyed the interview - Terri's a great interviewer. :)

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  3. I love a heroine that is confident without slipping into conceited territory. When it comes to themes, a second chance with an old fling is one of my all time favorites. I can't wait to download this on my Kindle.

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    1. Hi Rita! Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting! And huge thanks for downloading Worth the Risk! I hope you enjoy it.

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  4. Great interview! And *really* great picture. *drools*

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    1. Hi Tiffany! Thanks so much for visiting! And I'm totally drooling with you!

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  5. Great review and Interview! I loved this one too Ter, super hot my favorite Bielman book so far, not entering cause I have it, lol but I had to see your Dean, way yummy pic, I wonder who mine will be...

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    1. Hi Nicole! Thanks for visiting me here! Terri's pick is very yummy - I'll admit I keep peeking back here just to look at him! And I'm so happy you enjoyed Worth the Risk! :D

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  6. Great interview and review! I'd love to enter to win the ebook copy. Thanks!

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  7. Oh, I forgot my book boyfriend. Hmmm. I'd have to say Max from Meeting Destiny. I just finished and he was yummy.

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    1. Hi Christie! Thanks for stopping by! I'm not familiar with Meeting Destiny - will have to check it out. I love the name Max. :)

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  8. My book boyfriend is Erik from the true blood books well books 1 to 5 anyway :)

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    1. Hi Kerry! Oh, I love Erik! I haven't read the books, but I watch the TV show. (And recently saw the movie Battleship, and he was very nice to watch there, too!) Thanks for commenting!

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  9. Terri! Awesome interview and great choice for Dean--you always pick the best boyfriends :)

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    1. Hi Anne! Thanks for stopping by! I love Terri's pick for Dean, too! :)

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  10. Thanks everybody for the kind words. And A.M., yes, isn't he lovely. Thanks again to Robin for kindly giving me and interview and offering a copy of her book. There is still plenty of time to enter.

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    1. Thank *you* Terri! It's been really great being here!

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  11. Great interview and WOW - nice choice!

    I'm really looking forward to reading this :)

    My BBf... ah that's hard! I love Chase from Tempthing the Best Man, Braden from Second Chances & Jack from Too Hot To Handle

    Too many great choices out there!

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  12. Hi Jennifer! Thanks for stopping by! All of your BBf's are in my TBR pile! I seriously wish I didn't need to sleep so I could catch up on all the reading I want to do.

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