Feb 13, 2024 | Blog, February 2024, Katie Ruggle
Fish out of Water by Katie Ruggle is a story that will leave you planted in your comfy chair until you finish. A refreshing, flirty and fun read that has tons of shenanigans.
Dahlia Weathersby is on a quest to find her missing sister. When her trail leads her to Winston Dame, the local town hermit … who happens to be cute and slightly mysterious. Has her luck turned?
Unfortunately Dahlia is about to discover what happens her mysterious savior might be the one to unravel her inner goddess. Will she survive the expedition and find her sister? Or, will she lose her heart and come home empty-
Find it on Amazon
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchase. If you click on the link and purchase the featured book and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small percentage between 2-6%. Any profit earned from this transaction is given directly back to readers via giveaways (gift cards, books, etc.) Thank you in advance.
Apr 6, 2016 | April 2016, Blog, Katie Ruggle
WINNER ** WINNER ** WINNER ** WINNER
Congratulations Author Jeanne Adams you are the lucky winner of Hold Your Breath (print copy) from Sourcebooks Casablanca! You have 24 hours to contact us or another name will be drawn.
Thank you to everyone who commented, visited and downloaded this must read romantic suspense.
Don’t miss out on the sale of $3.82 right now at most e-retailers. I’m sure that price won’t last long.
Apr 5, 2016 | April 2016, Blog, Katie Ruggle
Hold your Breath by Katie Ruggle is the first book in her new Search and Rescue series which is set in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. If it wasn’t for an e-mail from Sourcebooks Casablanca (huge thank you!) I might have missed this gem of a series. It was that e-mail about a debut author and her unique series that piqued my interest and had me downloading the novella immediately. This enthralling adventure has romance, suspense and the great outdoors packed into 386 amazing pages.
Louise “Lou” Sparks is tired of the meddling from her crazy family and an ex-boyfriend. It’s time for a fresh start and that’s where we find her, in the Colorado mountains leaving them all behind in search of something new.
If only it was calm and tranquil at home and work. Somehow odd and unexplainable things that keep happening, despite it all, Lou’s move from the East coast is still the best thing she ever did. Determined to make something of herself despite the lack of support from her family she doesn’t let it scare her back home to her family. Lou can handle just about anything and isn’t phased living slightly off the grid. I just love a strong heroine and I especially love one who can take care of herself in the middle of the woods – something I’m not sure I could do but if given a chance I suppose I would give it a go!
Lou knew that working in the mountains would be physically demanding and that she would have to work hard to fit in with her co-workers. In fact, she will need complete focus if she’s going to solve a mystery, the dead guy her team discovers during a training exercise. Nope, he was definitely not part of her plan. With a piece of the puzzle missing will the team be able to determine his identity?
Callum Cook is in charge of Field County’s dive team and extremely cautious when it comes to getting close to Lou. Will he let her in? Will he work through his past to get closer to Lou? I love how Callum is so regimented and protective of Lou while still giving her the space she needs to solve the multiple mysteries they have to contend with. Who can they trust? Where will they turn?
Living out in the middle of no where leaves very little room to make enemies. When the community finds out that Lou has a stalker, everyone is shocked. This wasn’t what Lou expected when she moved away from her crazy, meddling family.
The writing in this story is so detailed that I feel like I’m right there too, in the woods with Lou walking through the snow. I can hear it crunch beneath my feet. When I inhale, I can feel the burn from the cold air in my lungs and smell the woods! My OMG-No-Way meter increased with every page turned until I read the last word.
The Search and Rescue series is an epic adventure into the wild mountains of Colorado and the men and women putting their lives on the line to keep their residents safe. I hope you love this series as much as I do and can’t wait for you to read the next installment.
Here is a tease of the covers for Katie’s upcoming books-
In the meantime, enjoy the excerpt that Sourcebooks sent me and then head over to amazon to download your e-book or purchase a paperback today!
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. With a price of $3.82 you need to download this book now – click 
Hold Your Breath (Search and Rescue)
Thank you again to Katie for three fun days and a great look into her new series!
ICYMI:
Day I
Day 2
Excerpt:
She’d been kidding—well, kind of kidding—when she’d hollered at him to cook, but there was a definite smell of bacon in the cabin when she emerged from the bathroom twelve minutes later, smug about her speediness. After she threw on some warm and not-too-smelly clothes, she followed her nose to the kitchen, where Callum was indeed slaving over a hot stove. Leaning against the wall, she enjoyed the view of him standing at the stove, his sleeves pushed up to reveal his muscled forearms, lining up the strips of bacon into perfect formation.
“You know,” she teased, “you could have your own calendar. You’d only be wearing an apron in this shot. Although that’s kind of asking for spitting bacon-grease burns, isn’t it?”
He flushed, and she realized she was getting pretty proficient at making him turn red. “Did you want breakfast or not?” he grumbled, forking the bacon onto a paper-towel-lined plate.
“Yes.” She reached over to steal a piece, but he smacked her hand before she could reach her prize. “Ow. Did you happen to notice my twelve-minute prep time?”
“Wait for the eggs. And yes, very impressive.”
“You’re making eggs, too? I might just keep you.”
Although he was trying to hide it, a smile was fighting to break free. “You’re on toast duty.”
Lou glanced at the digital display showing the charge left in her batteries. “If you want me to use the toaster, I’m going to have to turn on the generator. The sun’s not high enough yet to produce much power. That’s what happens when you get up at the crack of dawn.”
He just gave her a look. “We don’t have to have toast.”
“No, it’s okay.” Heading for the front door, she said over her shoulder, “If you made bacon and eggs, the least I can do is make toast.”
Throwing on her boots but skipping the coat, she ran outside to the small shed that housed her generator. She opened the valve that allowed propane to the generator and reached for the start switch. A strange hissing sound and the strong smell of propane made her hesitate. Instead of turning on the generator, she pulled her hand back and closed the valve.
Trotting back to the cabin, she made a face. There always had to be something going wrong. Why couldn’t she just eat bacon with Callum in peace?
Inside, she nudged her temporary chef aside to grab a spray bottle from under the sink.
“What’s up?” he asked, turning off the burner, immediately slipping into calm and competent mode. It was like he could smell the start of a potential crisis.
“Propane leak,” she said, squirting some dish soap into the bottle and filling it the rest of the way with water. She grabbed her coat on the way out this time. Callum followed her silently. As they crossed the yard, the only sound was the crunch of snow beneath their boots. Although she had on her brave face, Lou couldn’t help glancing around at the surrounding trees. Everything was still and quiet, without even a breeze or the chatter of a squirrel. It felt like the forest was holding its breath, watching.
“Leave the door open, would you?” she asked as they both entered the shed. “There’s no other light in here.”
After she opened the valve again, she sprayed the soapy water in a stream where the propane line connected to the generator. When no bubbles formed, she frowned.
“Am I crazy, or do I hear and smell a leak?”
“You’re not crazy.” Taking the bottle from her, Callum began spraying the length of the propane line. At about the midpoint, large bubbles formed, and Lou closed the valve.
“This was cut.” Callum’s voice was grim as he examined the slice in the line.
Leaning her chin on his shoulder so she could see the hole as well, she growled, “That’s it. My tires and front door are one thing, but you don’t mess with someone’s toast!”
“This isn’t funny, Lou.”
“I know.” She sighed, standing. “It’s scary and dangerous and becoming really expensive. Joking in the face of adversity is just what I do.”
There was a loud bang, and everything went dark. With a yelp, Lou grabbed Callum’s arm, needing something to hang on to in the sudden blackness. There was no one in here with them—she knew that. And yet, she couldn’t help but feel a hot breath against the back of her neck…couldn’t help but imagine hands reaching for her in the dark.
“It’s okay,” she reassured herself more than Callum. “The door just blew shut.”
“There’s no wind.”
“It had to be the wind.” Lou released her death grip on his arm and shuffled in the direction of the door, holding her hands in front of her. “The alternative is too freaking scary.”
“I’ll get it.” Catching her, Callum gently tugged her behind him. She grabbed a fistful of the back of his coat and followed him the few steps to the door. He opened it slowly, peering around outside before stepping forward to allow Lou out of the shed.
Although it was a relief to escape the darkness, standing outside felt almost as nerve-racking. Her gaze darted around the snow-covered ground, looking for tracks of some kind or any kind of evidence to prove or disprove that someone had been here…though she wasn’t sure yet which she preferred.
“Do you think he was here last night?” She examined the packed snow around the shed entrance, looking for a boot track matching the ones under her window.
“Could be.” Callum closed the door behind him. “Or he could’ve done this two nights ago, and we just didn’t notice. When was the last time you ran your generator?”
“Three days ago?” She squinted in thought. “Maybe four? I know I didn’t turn it on yesterday, so the propane line could’ve been cut at the same time as the honey thing.”
Cocking his head, he looked at her. “But you don’t think it was.”
With a shrug, she moved around to the other side of the shed, still looking for tracks. “I’m probably being paranoid—”
He interrupted with a snort. “Are you paranoid if someone’s really after you?”
Her smile was more pained than amused. “Something woke me last night—or this morning, I guess. It’s just a feeling, but I think he was out there.”
Callum waved her toward the front door. “Let’s eat and then go to the clinic. You can call the sheriff on the way to Connor Springs.”
Climbing the porch steps, she asked, “Shouldn’t we wait for Rob to get here?”
“He knows the way, and you don’t lock your generator shed.” With a disapproving look, he added, “You probably should.”
“It has a lock,” she protested. “I’m just not exactly sure where the key is.”
He grunted, and she resisted the urge to make a face. Callum was the only person she knew who could fit a reprimand into a single wordless noise.
“Eggs,” he said, “and bacon. Can’t waste bacon.”
“Definitely not!” she agreed with appropriately theatrical dismay, and then laughed when he gave her a look. But her laughter died as Callum headed into the house, leaving her alone on the porch. Lou paused, skin prickling, and twisted her head to scan the trees. She couldn’t help but wonder if someone was there even now, watching. Waiting.
Wanting to hurt her.
***** GIVEAWAY *****
Sourcebooks Casablanca is giving away
ONE print copy of Hold Your Breath to a lucky reader at the end
of this Blitz!
For a chance to win, answer the following question:
Do you have what it takes to be a Search and Rescue Ice Diver?
At the end of the blitz all names from each daily post will be pooled together and a winner will be randomly selected by Books I Love A Latte on 4/6/16. This giveaway is exclusive to BILA and not a blog-wide giveaway.
Once posted the winner will have 24 hours to comment or another name will be drawn.
* Note: contest open to US & Canada residents only.*
Author Info:
A fan of the old adage “write what you know”, Katie Ruggle lived in an off-grid, solar- and wind-powered house in the Rocky Mountains until her family lured her back to Minnesota. When she’s not writing, Katie rides horses, shoots guns (not while riding, although that would be awesome), cross-country skis (badly) and travels to warm places where she can scuba dive. A graduate of the Police Academy, Katie received her ice-rescue certification and can attest that the reservoirs in the Colorado mountains really are that cold. A fan of anything that makes her feel like a bad-ass, she has trained in Krav Maga, boxing and gymnastics.
You can connect with Katie at KatieRuggle.com, https://www.facebook.com/katierugglebooks, or on Twitter @KatieRuggle
Apr 4, 2016 | April 2016, Blog, Coffee With, Katie Ruggle
First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Latte with Coconut Milk 🙂 What would you order?
A chai latte, please! I’m definitely a tea drinker, since any amount of caffeine makes my heart race, and I talk very fast (more so than usual, even :-)).
Thanks so much for hanging out with me today.
Thank you for having me! I love your reviews, and I’m so happy to be here.
Thank you for your kind words. I am thrilled that everyone will soon be able to discover the men and women from your Rocky Mountain Search and Rescue series. I am in love with your characters and can’t wait to see what mischief they get into.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the series! It’s so scary letting the characters out into the world—I worry that no one will like them. It’s a little like letting your kindergartner get on the bus that first day of school, I imagine.
I think readers will rejoice knowing that they are investing in a series where each book will be released every two months or so – music to our ears! Are there any plans for books beyond the fourth one?
Even though I was cursing the packed release schedule while doing edits, I’m really glad they will be coming out so close together. I know the pain of reading the first in a series, falling in love with it, and then having to wait forever for the next one.
Although I don’t have any plans for a fifth Search and Rescue book at this time, it’s not an impossibility (or even an improbability). Also, there might’ve been some discussion about a future spin-off series, but you didn’t hear that from me. 😉
I must give thanks to your cover designers – LOVE them! Yup, sexy and edgy – makes you want to dive in with them 😉
Agreed! I love them, as well. Sourcebooks’ art department, the photographers, the models—everyone involved did an awesome job.
For those who have not read On His Watch they need to run over to their e-retailer and download it now, while it’s free! The first book in the series will be here in hours, the release day is tomorrow! Congrats. What was your biggest obstacle while writing this series? Were there any challenges while writing the books?
Thank you! I’m equal parts thrilled and terrified about the (quickly!) approaching release of Hold Your Breath. Although writing the rough drafts was a relatively smooth process, with only minimal head-to-desk thumping, the biggest obstacle presented itself during edits—my schedule! I’m currently working the 10pm to 6am shift at a bakery. When I get home, I take the dogs for a run and then settle in to write or edit or do whatever else needs doing (while trying to resist the lure of Facebook. Darn those cute cat videos that keep me from working!). At 1pm (or 2pm or 3pm), I head to bed. As much as I like baking bread for many people, my dream is to write full-time eventually. Until then, I grab sleep when I can get it.
I am fascinated that you lived “off the grid” for a while – how long? What, if anything, did you miss most from modern civilization? How close was your nearest neighbor?
I lived in the Rockies for three-plus years. It honestly wasn’t as rough as it sounds—I had internet (okay, so it was satellite internet and only a baby-step faster than dial-up, but still…internet). After I was snowed in with a nonfunctioning wind turbine and propane generator and no clue how to fix either of them, I decided that a Plan B was necessary (as were Plans C-ZZ), so I had plenty of power after that. Living off-grid was mostly a matter of changing habits: charging all my electronics during the day while the sun was shining (gotta love that solar power), not using anything heat-producing (energy-suckers!) at night, and just being aware of electrical use.
I missed fresh produce the most—if I couldn’t make the thirteen-mile trip to the grocery store (which happened often), then I was stuck with frozen and canned vegetables and fruit. I’m not sure how far away they were in terms of mileage, but I could just manage to see my closest neighbors’ house from my driveway (I had thirty-nine acres). They were the best neighbors ever. About a year after I moved into my mountain home, they sent me a letter. Expecting to find a complaint about my dogs’ barking or something equally unappealing, I reluctantly opened it, only to find that they were very sweetly introducing themselves and offering to be my “Plan B” if anything was to go wrong (it was like they somehow knew how much I loved back-up plans). Although I rarely saw them except to wave as our pickups passed on the road, I always knew they were there and willing to help. It was reassuring in a place where the average emergency-response time was close to twenty minutes.
What inspired you to get your ice-rescue certification?
Honestly, it was less an inspiration and more of me stumbling into it. The fire department where I was volunteering at the time offered the course, and I thought, “That sounds interesting and kind of fun.” It was both, but also humbling…very, very humbling. Trying to “save” someone while dealing with the drysuit and the effects of the cold water was much harder than I expected. Let me just say that Lou’s first attempt was stellar compared to mine.
Wow, you’re skilled in Krav Maga, boxing and gymnastics – I know who I want with me when I need reinforcements 😉 I’ve always wanted to learn Krav Maga, but fear I wouldn’t be able to move after the first lesson. What would you suggest to anyone interested in learning?
Um…I wouldn’t exactly use the word “skilled.” The more classes I take, the more I realize how little I actually know. Krav Maga is awesome—you should try it! You’re right about it being a workout, but I like that it’s so practical. Instead of moving just for the sake of exercising, you’re also learning self-defense. To anyone interested in starting, I’d suggest ignoring your worries that it’ll be awkward and you’ll look dumb because you don’t know what you’re doing. Force yourself to go to that first class, and I bet there’ll be other raw beginners there. Plus, everyone’s concentrating on what they’re doing, so no one will even notice (much less mock) any dorky moves you might throw out there. A lot of places offer a free first class, as well as women-only courses. You’ll love it—it’s fun to feel like a bad-ass, even if you do limp home and fall face-first onto the couch afterward.
8 Tantalizing Tidbits:
- What is your must read book and why?
This is the Wonder by Tracey Ward, because it’s a sweet, simple, beautiful story.
2.What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown?
If you’d asked me a few months ago, when my hometown was Fairplay (aka South Park), Colorado, I would’ve answered the liquor store/taxidermy shop. I mean, you can’t beat that kind of one-stop shopping. When asked why the “liquor store” sign over the door was upside down, the owner answered, “It’s not upside down if you’re lying on the ground.”
Now that my address is a tiny Minnesota town (population 214), I’m not sure how to answer…I mean, all three bars on the same block-and-a-quarter making up the downtown seem like lovely places, but I don’t think I’m qualified to give can’t-miss recommendations yet. I’ve got a few years before I’ll achieve “local” status.
3. Castles or Beaches?
Both. Is both an option? I visited Ireland for the first time a couple of years ago, and I fell in love with the castles. However, I’m a huge fan of SCUBA diving, and that works better somewhere with a beach (unless I do moat diving?).
4. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.
When I was small, I gave myself a new last name, and requested that I be called “Katie Ruggle Pittman.”
5. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go?
Ack—so hard to choose. I want to go everywhere! I’m going to have to pick New Zealand, though.
6. What is your guilty pleasure?
Tropical Skittles. Oh, and cookies.
7. What are you afraid of?
Ticks. Ugh. I’m fine with pretty much any other creepy-crawlies (I saw a huge spider in the hall at work the other day, and I said, “Hey, little dude,” and kept on walking), but ticks make my skin crawl.
8. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one?
No tats, only because I couldn’t decide on what I wanted. I also have a bit of a short attention span (“Squirrel!”), so I was worried that I’d get tired of it or, even worse, start to hate it.
Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another Latte 🙂 Happy Reading Dear Readers.
Happy Writing Katie!
Thank you Rae! This has been fun. I can’t wait to see your review of Hold Your Breath!
Readers be sure to come back tomorrow for my review of Hold Your Breath and another chance at a fabulous giveaway.
*****GIVEAWAY*****
Sourcebooks Casablanca is giving away
ONE print copy of Hold Your Breath to a lucky reader at the end
of this Blitz!
For a chance to win, answer the following question:
Would you ever be willing to live “off the grid” and if so, where would you go?
At the end of the blitz all names from each daily post will be pooled together and a winner will be randomly selected by Books I Love A Latte on 4/6/16. This giveaway is exclusive to BILA and not a blog-wide giveaway.
Once posted the winner will have 24 hours to comment or another name will be drawn.
* Note: contest open to US & Canada residents only.*
Author Info:
A fan of the old adage “write what you know”, Katie Ruggle lived in an off-grid, solar- and wind-powered house in the Rocky Mountains until her family lured her back to Minnesota. When she’s not writing, Katie rides horses, shoots guns (not while riding, although that would be awesome), cross-country skis (badly) and travels to warm places where she can scuba dive. A graduate of the Police Academy, Katie received her ice-rescue certification and can attest that the reservoirs in the Colorado mountains really are that cold. A fan of anything that makes her feel like a bad-ass, she has trained in Krav Maga, boxing and gymnastics.
You can connect with Katie at KatieRuggle.com, www.facebook.com/katierugglebooks, or on Twitter @KatieRuggle
Apr 3, 2016 | April 2016, Blog, Katie Ruggle
On His Watch is the prequel in a debut romantic suspense Search and Rescue series from Katie Ruggle. In just 100 pages Katie has written a story packed with suspense, romance, and on-the-edge-of-your-seat goodness. I love her fresh approach and unique setting along with some seriously charming and sexy characters.
As a reader who is draw to book covers, this one is well, judge for yourself ;). Between the cover and the story, my heart is pounding. A strong man standing in the cold, snowy mountains is ready to keep watch and steal your heart. Well done Sourcebooks, you had me at the cover!
Discover the Rocky Mountains from the men and woman who put their lives on the line daily, braving the harsh elements in order to keep people safe.
Sometimes even the local children become too comfortable around the ice and forget the hidden dangers. Our introduction begins with a school field trip, a childish dare and a frozen span of ice. When the warnings are not taken seriously, a tragic situation occurs and two children are reported missing. It’s time to put the team and town into action.
Secrets and unresolved issues set the stage for Derek Warner and Artemis Rey in this installment. We are also introduced to Derek Callum, Lou Sparks and many more amazing characters that are committed to protecting the residents of the Rocky Mountains. I can’t wait to read about their adventures!
While the Search and Rescue team races against the clock, a storm is fast approaching and the children are still missing. Will they find them before the storm halts the mission? Will lovers reunite and past transgressions be forgiven? Mother nature can be relentless and so can a stubborn heart, will they both soften up or leave a path of destruction?
A very cool fact, Sourcebooks is releasing each book in this series about every two months. Readers this is fabulous news if you can’t stand the wait until the next release! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment in this must read new series.
While the first book in this series, Hold Your Breath will be out on Tuesday, downloaded your free copy of On His Watch (Search and Rescue)
While you’re over on Amazon (link above) pre-order the entire series. Right now, each book is just $3.82. A sale price and I’m sure it won’t last long! Secure your copies now and be rewarded over the next few months as the series magically fills your e-reader!
As soon as I finished this novella I knew that I had to chat with Katie and have Coffee With her. Be sure to check back here tomorrow as I uncover lots of details about Katie and find out how this series evolved. Grab a cup of java, tea or your favorite drink and join us!
On Tuesday I review Hold Your Breath and share an excerpt. Be sure to comment each day for a fabulous giveaway donated by Sourcebooks!
*****GIVEAWAY*****
Sourcebooks Casablanca is giving away
ONE print copy of Hold Your Breath to a lucky reader!
For a chance to win, answer the following question:
Would you walk out onto a frozen lake? Even if it was “safe” and others were on it?
At the end of the blitz all names from each daily post will be pooled together and a winner will be randomly selected by Books I Love A Latte on 4/6/16. This giveaway is exclusive to BILA and not a blog-wide giveaway.
Once posted the winner will have 24 hours to comment or another name will be drawn.
* Note: contest open to US & Canada residents only.*
Author Info:
A fan of the old adage “write what you know”, Katie Ruggle lived in an off-grid, solar- and wind-powered house in the Rocky Mountains until her family lured her back to Minnesota. When she’s not writing, Katie rides horses, shoots guns (not while riding, although that would be awesome), cross-country skis (badly) and travels to warm places where she can scuba dive. A graduate of the Police Academy, Katie received her ice-rescue certification and can attest that the reservoirs in the Colorado mountains really are that cold. A fan of anything that makes her feel like a bad-ass, she has trained in Krav Maga, boxing and gymnastics.
You can connect with Katie at KatieRuggle.com, www.facebook.com/katierugglebooks, or on Twitter @KatieRuggle
