Showing posts with label contemporary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contemporary. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss: Did you know?


Fun tidbits


1.  The idea for Peyton's story came to me while writing Merry Little Wishing Spritz. She was such a fun supporting character in my Christmas novella that I knew I'd want her to have her own story.

2.  Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss is part of The Wild Rose Press's One Scoop or Two series. Each novella is a standalone book set in a beach town.

3.  The book's title had to have a flavor of ice cream in it to be a part of the series.

4.  Ice cream dates back to the mid-1600s. A man working for a Spanish Viceroy in Naples was credited with being the first person to write down a recipe for sorbet and later creating a milk-based icy treat.

5.  Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss is my second small town, contemporary, paranormal romance. Both books have a touch of magic woven into the stories.

6.  Witches often get a bad rap for being evil, but most witches are quite the opposite, living by the rule of harm none and believing in a peaceful existence.

7.  A seer is a person with the gift of sight. They can see the past as well as the future. Peyton's premonitions are usually of the future.

8.  Siren's Cove is a fictional town in Maine. Its inspiration came from Ogunquit, ME, which I've only seen in pictures.

9.  The terms mermaids and sirens are often used interchangeably. These half fish, half human creatures live in the sea. Many legends depict both mermaids and sirens as having alluring voices that lead sailors to their deaths.

10.  Mermaids have magical powers much like faeries.

11. Some comp titles include The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling, Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman 

=^-^=

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This enchanting read is perfect for a summer afternoon. The well-developed characters are stars in this book, from Payton and Roman to the secondary cast—especially the sweetest little boy-Travis, and Jinx-an adorable pup.” ~ Still Moment Magazine

=^-^=

About the book


Title: Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss

Series: One Scoop or Two (each book is standalone)

Author: Cherie Colyer

Cover artist: RJ Morris 

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Genres: Contemporary Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Small town romance, second chance

Blurb: 

Roman Briggs built a life for himself in Siren’s Cove. He restored the Sugar Cones Ice Cream Parlor and turned it into a popular stop along the boardwalk. He has everything he needs until a certain blue-eyed woman wanders back into his life.

 

Seer and witch Peyton Woods isn’t sure why her latest visions feature a man and boy she’s never met. Determined to find out, she casts a spell that leads her to a small beach town in Maine and, to her utter surprise, the man who broke her heart eight years earlier.

 

Peyton's left with one question. Why didn't her magic show her him?


Read it today!

AmazonBarnes & NobleApple ~ More Sellers  

GoodreadsBookbub




I'd love to hear from you. What's your favorite summer read? Do you have a book recommendation? 



Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Chatting with author Ginny Frost



I'm thrilled to welcome Ginny Frost to my blog, and to spotlight her latest book, Artist. Discover the inspiration behind the book, learn about the author, and read an excerpt of this exciting new book.

Please help me welcome, Ginny! 


What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve wanted to write this book for a long time. I went on a writer’s retreat where I was shamed for being a romance author. The experience left me a little bitter, like my character, Lexi. The idea sat idle until I became involved with a wonderful group of authors. The Mortar & Pestle series seemed a great place to finally tell Lexi’s story. I’d also like to mention I live near Yaddo, an artist’s retreat in Saratoga Springs, New York. The grounds are beautiful and supremely inspiring.


What are you reading?

I’m a voracious reader of audiobooks. I usually read over 150 books a year but only two or three on paper. Listening to a story lets me get work done around the house, exercise, and cross stitch. (I cross stitch quite a bit.) Every year I complete a reading challenge and blog the books. It’s a great way to read something new or unexpected.


Can you tell us something about yourself?

I love story. I’ve been writing, either on paper or in my head since I was eleven. Apparently, I was writing fan-fiction before it was a thing. I rewrote The Outsiders, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars in my head for years. I always added a romantic element. As an adult, a good friend urged me to write down my original romances and work toward getting published. Twelve years later, here I am with nine books and hundreds of ideas for more.


About the book:

Artist
Author: Ginny Frost
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat level: Closed door

Stuck at a retreat with her ex, Lexi is torn between reviving her art and rekindling an old romance.

Blurb

Lexi Pintari is stuck in a dead-end cubicle job that is slowly killing her. She tucked away her passion for art when the love of her life ghosted her after college. Witnessing her lack of motivation, Lexi’s best friend drags her to an art retreat for much-needed reflection and inspiration. Though knowing her ex-boyfriend is an artist-in-residence there, Lexi agrees to go. Unfortunately, her metal-goth style and enthusiasm for graphic comics clash with the pastel-scarf-wearing, tea-sipping participants, making her ex the least of her problems.

Cole MacDougall is blocked. His rise to the top of the modern art scene is crushed by a missing muse. He is desperate to paint again, but the canvas remains blank. Due to the shortage of patronage revenue, he is forced to put up with the groupie-students. Until he sees a woman standing out like a sore thumb in ripped jeans and a leather jacket. Lexi. Hope blooms that he can renew his passion through her.

For two weeks, Lexi and Cole work together, discovering what they’ve lost professionally and personally. Will a magical Mortar & Pestle show them how to connect the broken lines and seal their destiny?




About the author: Ginny Frost is a hybrid author with two novels from The Wild Rose Press and four indie titles. She writes contemporary romance with a sexy, funny kick. In her downtime, she plays clerk at the local library—the perfect job to feed her reading addiction. She lives in upstate NY with her very own kindhearted ogre, their two smart and sassy daughters, and an evil cat named Flash.

Connect with Ginny



 

Monday, March 27, 2023

Chatting with author Darlene Fredette

 


I'm delighted to welcome Darlene Fredette back to my blog. Today, we'll learn her favorite comfort food and the inspiration behind her newest book, Trickster. Plus, she shared and excerpt and has an exciting giveaway you won't want to miss. 

Please help me to welcome, Darlene!


Hi, Darlene. Can you tell us what inspired you to write Trickster?

Jade Parsons, the heroine in Trickster, had cameo appearances in two other books in my Redford Falls series. She was supposed to get her own story a while back, but other characters kept butting in line. I was asked to join a group of six other authors to chat about writing and publishing. Someone brought up the idea of writing a series together about a magical mortar and pestle. I immediately thought of Jade and knew this would be her moment to shine.


How exciting! I love when characters from one book show up in there own books! Tell us, what are you reading?

I read and review books for my magazine, so I always have a book open. I finished a mystery suspense and just started a contemporary. My go-to reads are romance and I like a variety of romance categories such as contemporary, mystery, fantasy, paranormal, and western.


One last question. What is your favorite comfort food?

I had to answer this question because when I’m feeling under the weather, I always say “I’m having my comfort food to make me feel better.” I love rice and my favourite way to prepare it is mixed with soya sauce and chicken. Then cover it with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Yum!

Thanks, Darlene, for taking the time to answer my questions!

Now, lets learn about Trickster!

About the book

Trickster
Author: Darlene Fredette
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy Romance
Heat level: Clean/Sweet

Tagline: Can she heal the trickster before he breaks her heart?

Blurb:

Working for a top modeling agency is Jade Parsons’s dream job until her boss suffers a heart attack, and his son temporarily fills his position. Eric’s push-pull approach fuels her frustration. While anticipating the troublemaker’s imminent departure, Jade’s destiny is revealed through a magical mortar and pestle, leaving her heart tormented by whispers of a different fate.

World-renowned photographer Eric Martini returns home to restore his relationship with his estranged father, but wounds from the past haunt him. Enchanted by his father’s feisty assistant, he masks his heart and refuses to give in to desire. Convinced his destined future is already written in the stars—and doesn’t include Jade, Eric’s only choice is to walk away.

Will Jade and Eric find the courage to trust the mythical and smokey signs before their paths are severed forever?

Read it today!
Free on KU




Peek between the pages

Two weeks ago, Eric had aired his family’s dirty laundry. Probably unintentional on his part, but he revealed the reason behind his frustration toward his father, and Jade gave her unwelcomed input.

Today she exposed her secret, which felt exhilarating. “I only wanted you to understand you have to let go of the past to be present in the future.”

“And I’m trying. My father and I are on a good path to rebuilding our relationship and for that, I thank you. You forced me to see the error of my ways. I’m sorry for taking out my problems on you. You didn’t deserve my grouchy moods. I was rude and obnoxious.” He raised a brow. “Can you forgive me? Can we start over?”

Smiling, she squinted. “Who are you?”

He strode forward and held out a hand. “I’m Eric Martini. Nice to meet you.”

“No.” Jade pointed a finger. “You, sir, are a trickster.”

“Excuse me?”

“A trickster is someone who has many sides. Disruptive and helpful, troublemaker and hero. I know the man in the office. But I don’t know the man standing in front of me.” She clasped his hand, and a flurry of tingles surged the length of her arm. Warmth flushed her cheeks. Without thinking, she leaned up on her toes and kissed Eric’s cheek. “Thank you for being my hero today.”


Exciting news & Giveaway!

Trickster is currently on sale for 0.99 and is also available on KU.

 

But wait! There’s more! I’m giving away a free PDF copy of The Mortar and Pestle Preview. This preview document is similar to the free prequel offered in Book Funnel, but the preview has tons of additional fun stuff – more graphics, book teasers, an inside look at how the series came to life, and much more! To get this free preview, pop over to my author website http://darlenefredette.blogspot.com/ and send me a note using the Contact Form on the left sidebar. No rafflecopter, no contest, and no drawing of names. Just send me a note through the secure Contact Form. It’s that easy!




About the author (bio):

Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. Retired from a career as Director of Administration and Marketing, she now has eleven published contemporary romance books and is an artist at heart. When she isn’t researching her next book or having a pencil, paintbrush, or a cup of hot chocolate in her hand, she’s with her husband, daughter, and one-hundred-pound yellow Labrador.

 

Social media links:

WebsiteBlogAmazon Author Page CAAmazon Author Page USFacebook Page

Instagram



Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Book Tour & Interview: The Matchmaker’s Royal Mess by Frieda J. Downing

I'm delighted to be a part of The Matchmaker's Royal Mess by Frieda J. Downing book tour, hosted by Xpresso Book Tours, and to have had the opportunity to ask Frieda a few questions. She will be giving away a paperback copy of The Matchmaker's Royal Mess and a $25 gift card at the end of the tour.

The Matchmaker’s Royal Mess

Frieda J. Downing
Publication date: November 25th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

She’d rather give a mountain lion a bikini wax than mess with love again.

Been there, went viral, never going back. Hattie Montague’s life as a backcountry guide for the spoiled and famous suits her just fine, thanks. It’s the only place she feels completely safe being herself. So what if she has nightmares that she can only speak squirrel and craves pine cones for breakfast? It beats leaving yourself vulnerable to humans. Fine, all of them aren’t bad. She likes probably three, so when one needs her help, she drags herself back to civilization. If she can navigate white water rapids, she can babysit a matchmaking office for a weekend. It’s not like she’ll have to deal with people or, you know, be nice. Ew.

Alexander Greye ruined her life ten years ago. Not his proudest moment. Known as the Winter Warlocke, he’s a man born and raised to lead a country with logical precision. Yet around her, he can’t seem to think rationally. He’s never met anyone who dives into the unknown like she does or tames chaos like she can. In a world as perfectly controlled as his, that makes her irresistible and utterly dangerous. And he’s willing to risk it all to thaw his frozen heart.

It’s half past too late when he realizes his carefully laid plans to win her over covered everything except the theft of the Crown Jewels, an abandoned mine where they’d have to face their deepest fears, and the betrayal that forces them to let go.Quite literally.

Warning: Not for the faint of heart. Sassy romantic adventure, with instances of chaos, misunderstandings, and feels. Oh, and the occasional sheep. Sparks will fly, it’s gonna get awkward, and the Happily-Ever-After will be well-earned.

Goodreads / Amazon

Please help me welcome Frieda!

What inspired you to write this book?


I’d like to say it was something deep and meaningful, but initially, it was the picture of a college girl who had access to a shower but really just wanted a bath. Being resourceful, she dug out her plastic storage tote that she’d used to pack her bedding in, emptied it, and filled it with water in her shower. Roommates being roommates, they took a picture of her all crumpled up and happy in her “tub” and posted it. My imagination was off and running about a straight shooting, rough-around-her-many-edges backcountry guide who becomes a royal fish out of water. And a modern, messy fairy tale was born.


What are you working on now?

I’m working on the next book in the series, The Matchmaker’s Not-So-Honest Mistake, a sort of bad boy Cyrano de Bergerac meets The Bachelorette. Luna, a high school teacher, teams up with the Matchmakers to prove to some of her “less popular” teens that anything is possible if you stay true to yourself, including dating the guy or girl of your dreams. The Matchmakers decide to hold a Bachelorette sort of contest to find her perfect match. To make the competition even more exciting (or terrifying, if you ask Luna) they hire Cy, a notorious ladies’ man, wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, and her brother’s best friend. His job? Coach the bachelors to provide the ultimate romantic experience. It’s a lighthearted bad boy falls for best friend’s sister romance, if you enjoy chatting tropes.


What are you reading?

Several books, like a lot of you. With my daughter: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I mean mansions, puzzles, secrets, hunks, romance, danger? Uh, sold. I’m absolutely enjoying it. I’m also reading Double Whammy by Gretchen Archer and am completely entertained. Loving the main character and the fact that things are a whole lot more than what they first appeared to be. Now everything is going sideways, and I’m such a happy reader.


What is your favorite genre and why?

Romantic Comedy, without a doubt, especially when I find writers who can surprise me. I adore it because from start to finish relationships are a gold mine of heartfelt desires, vulnerability, misunderstandings, awkwardness, and just plain dumb decisions sometimes when our hearts overrule our brains. Who hasn’t done something totally mortifying in front of a crush? Who hasn’t gone into a situation with golden intentions, only for everything to explode into an utter trainwreck? It’s just so cathartic. For me, it’s often a fountain of never-ending relatability. Add that Happily-Ever-After, and I just keep coming back for more.


How did you become an author?

I was a stay-at-home mom, and it was a time in my marriage where things weren’t awesome. There was financial stress, my husband was working nights, and we were living with my mother-in-law. One night I saw an ad in a magazine for a writing contest and thought what the heck. I can’t sleep anyway. So I wrote a story for my own jollies, sent it in, and forgot about it. That is, until I won. What I neglected to read in the fine print was the prize was a publishing contract. And so it all began.


What do you do when you’re not writing?

I get into trouble lol. Seriously, because when I get bored, I get sketchy ideas. And sometimes you just gotta try that stuff out, you know? To keep myself out of jail, I read, of course, in all kinds of genres. Aside from that, I love to mountain bike (not the crazy stuff you see on YouTube), kayak (easy Class III or below because I love my life and I’m not twenty anymore), bake crazy new stuff with my family, play Settlers of Catan, and travel. We’re complete travel junkies. Then summers I run an outdoor mystery adventure camp for girls with a sassy partner in crime and some incredible volunteers. We’ve helped over 700 girls learn outdoor skills and overcome fears through searching for clues and solving mysteries. I adore seeing the confidence, strength, and courage they develop.




Author Bio:

Nice to meet you. I’m Frieda. I write sweet contemporary romance as well as romantic adventure.

I blame it on my childhood babysitters. For some reason they thought I shouldn’t ride our family’s buffalo. Believe me, I was just as shocked as you. Though I never did get that buffalo ride, I found plenty of other creative outlets for my adventure needs. Some were good clean fun, some got me kicked out of various and sundry events, and others ended with me getting lost in catacombs. (Not metaphorically speaking. Somewhere there’s an Austrian catacomb caretaker? guy whom I owe dinner and a large apology.)

I like to think I’ve gotten a tiny bit wiser.

I married my best friend and dove head first into the magnificent cyclone known as raising kids. I mountain bike every chance I get, lose my coffee cup daily, and bake a mean lemon merengue pie, if I do say so myself. I may indulge in shenanigans on a regular basis, but I plead the fifth every time.

I suppose it’s important to me that you know how very much I love us crazy, broken humans. We dream so big. We try so hard. Yet somehow, so often, things just go terribly, horribly wrong.

That’s where my books begin… because that’s where the real love story’s found. I hope you enjoy reading them. Most of all, I wish you adventure, joy, and more love than you knew was possible,

Frieda

You can find more at www.friedajdowning.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thursday, October 6, 2022

Chatting with Darlene Fredette, author of Derailed Hearts


With me today is Darlene Fredette, author of DERAILED HEARTS. She answered the speed round of questions, so without further ado, let's get to know her better!


Morning or night?
Morning to enjoy the day and night for sitting by the fire and looking at the stars.

Favorite food?
There’s a restaurant an hour away from town that makes the best three-cheese lasagna. It’s heaven in a mouthful!

Favorite beverage?
I have a cup of hot chocolate every evening. I order flavor packets or use plain hot chocolate with a flavored syrup. I then add a spoonful of whip cream on top. Yum!

Favorite season?
Summer, but lately the second half of summer turns too humid. Just give me a regular warm summer day and I’m happy.

Dogs or cats?
I love all animals big and small, but my favorite are dogs. I have a one-hundred-pound yellow lab who believes he is a lapdog.

Favorite holiday?
Christmas! I love decorating the tree, the twinkling lights, listening to holiday music. Everything about Christmas is special.

Favorite movie?
How to choose just one when there are so many good ones, but my top five are: Tombstone, The Proposal, Transformers (with Mark Wahlberg), Star Trek (live long and prosper), and Grease (with Olivia and John).

Cake, cookies, or pie?
I’ll take one of each please! ðŸ˜Š

Favorite TV show?
Survivor! I have watched every season.

Favorite vacation?
Cottage by the lake.


Thank you, Cherie, for hosting me and letting me share my new release. I really enjoyed your speed round of questions!

~*~

Thanks, Darlene for being here, and letting us get to know you better. I love that you have hot chocolate every night. Sounds heavenly!


About the book

Derailed Hearts
by Darlene Fredette
Genre: Contemporary
Heat level: Clean/Sweet

Blurb

Single father and ER doctor, Ethan Marley, is ready to put down roots. He and his daughter embark on a train adventure across Canada from west to east coast. Boarding the train, he meets a woman who steals his breath, and he learns that she too is headed to Redford Falls. He is intent on maintaining a friendship only, but Jenn makes his heart race faster than the train.

Fashion designer, Jenn Martini, travels by train to Redford Falls to visit her father. Her plan for a solitude escape derails after meeting Ethan and his daughter. Sharing a confined-spaced cabin sparks an immediate attraction, and by the end of the trip, she longs to be a part of their family. Only as she opens her heart to love, do the scars from her past begin to heal.

With more in common than relatives in Redford Falls, is their love strong enough to overcome the truth behind the accident…and save their future?



Peek between the pages...

    Avery pointed to herself, Ethan, and then Jenn.

    Ethan rested his forehead against his daughter’s. “You want Jenn to come, too?”

    Avery nodded.

    The little voice in Jenn’s head told her to return to her cabin and to stay clear of Ethan and his daughter. They were as enticing as strawberry ice cream. “I would love to join you.” The words fell from her lips.

    Ethan stood and set Avery on her feet.

    The child held onto her father’s hand and reached outward with the other.

    Jenn accepted the tiny hand and in doing so, she sensed a comfortable connection to this family—a connection she suspected would be incredibly hard to break.



About the author:
Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to develop the many stories coming to life in her head. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, or painting, or drawing, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador.

Connect with Darlene:

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Chatting with author Amber Cross



Please help me welcome Amber Cross to my blog, and stick around to learn more about her latest book, A Full-Bodied Love.


What inspired you to write this book?

Lisa did. She was a minor character in Tender Possession, a best friend in Open Door to Love, and she just kept “getting in my face” and screaming at me, “Write my book!” so I did. I was also inspired by a little boy with spina bifida and my youngest daughter who spent five years in a wheelchair.


What can you tell us about your main characters?

Roger is Glen’s older brother from book one in this series-A Precedent for Passion. He is thoughtful, generous, funny, and dependable. He lost his wife when their second son was just a baby, so he doesn’t waste time or energy trying to control things he can’t control. Instead, he works hard, cares for those around him, and has a good time when the opportunity presents itself.

Lisa is Jonnie’s best friend in book three in this series-Open Door to Love. She is friendly, funny, and doesn’t take herself too seriously though she deals with some pretty serious challenges. She lives every day in full color and celebration mode and makes it her mission to spread joy to others.


What research you did do before writing this book?

I contacted the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England and asked if any of their members would be willing to answer questions for me. Within twenty-four hours I had two board members agreeing to, and just a couple hours later that number was four. I sent them a list of questions, some intimate, and combined their real-world, practical answers with information from medical sources to represent Lisa accurately.

I also contacted a cousin in Maine with a list of questions about modern-day dairy farming. As a kid, I learned to milk a cow our family kept, but Roger’s farm is a commercial enterprise. She answered everything from the temperature at which milk is stored to the amount of time each cow spends on the milk carousel.


Tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your heroine’s bed?

Her cat! A spoiled marmalade feline named Mischief.

Stray gems or beads-Lisa has a side business making jewelry (plus she makes her own costumes.)

A yoga mat. Lisa does a series of exercises first thing every morning. She has health challenges others don’t, and needs to start her day with stretches.


How about the hero’s bed?

A pair of slippers. Roger is that kind of guy. He works hard, but when his long day ends, he relaxes.

Sadie! A mongrel, blind in one eye, completely devoted to him.

Maybe his hockey stick. Roger plays a pickup game every Sunday morning after chores.

If you met Lisa on the street: She would strike up a conversation with you and within minutes you’d be an old friend.

If you met Roger on the street: He would greet you with a nod and move aside so you have plenty of room to pass.

When Roger relaxes, he likes: A glass of red wine, reading an autobiography, or watching a documentary on television.

When Lisa relaxes, she likes: Rock music-the louder, the better-and working in her craft room.

Together, these two are spontaneous, funny, generous, and steadfast. They have to work through some serious challenges and fundamental differences, but true love is worth fighting for.


More About this Book:

A Full-Bodied Love won The Founders' Award at the Fall in Love With New England reader/writer conference 2021

Every book I write features a wine from A Hard Row to Hoe winery in Chelan, Washington. The title of this book is a play on wine descriptions and Lisa’s physical challenges.

Full-bodied means to be heady, mellow, lusty, mature, potent, rich, and strong.

I hope this love story represents those elements.


About the book

A Full-Bodied Love
Author: Amber Cross
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat level (if over PG13): Steamy

Blurb

Lisa Kirkpatrick is stubborn, but she’s not stupid. If this guy needs a cover date to evade an unwanted admirer, who is she to object? It’s not as if handsome men fall all over themselves to ask her out. Most don’t even see her. Sure, they know there’s a woman in the wheelchair, but it would never occur to them that there’s a woman in the wheelchair. He notices. This solid, fun, straight shooting guy ticks off every box on her ideal man list. But why do they call him Slick?

Roger Plankey didn’t know what he was missing. Health, prosperity, friends, and family, he thought his life was full until he walked into the town clerk’s office and laid eyes on the woman behind the counter. A spunky, independent woman with a dash of humor and just enough sass to keep him on his toes. She fills that unknown void in his life like she was made for him. But is there such a thing as too perfect?

Grab your copy today!


Peek between the pages...

Smooth and mellow meets spunky and sweet…

“If you’re running from the law, you’ve come to the wrong place.”

A woman leaning out of the town clerk’s service window pointed to the police department across the hall. She wore a black felt witch’s hat, and orange pumpkins dangled from her ears, as brilliant as the smile on her face.

Well, well, well.

“It’s not the cops I need,” he admitted, approaching the window and thrusting his hand out in greeting. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure. Roger Plankey.”

“Lisa Kirkpatrick.”

Her skin was soft against his work-roughened palm, her beautifully manicured nails a sharp contrast to his blunt-tipped square fingers. Halloween decorations sparkled on the black-painted ovals, but nothing shone from her left ring finger. He checked.

“Are you new here, Lisa?”

“I’m the deputy clerk. I work when Maisie needs a day off.”

“Ahh, that would explain why we haven’t met before.” Reluctantly, he took his hand back to retrieve paperwork from the inside pocket of his canvas barn jacket. “I’ve got a bunch of vehicles to register.” He passed the documents through the window, letting his gaze wander over her pretty face while she scanned them. Brown hair curled against the brim of her witch’s hat and caressed the nape of her neck. Thick eyelashes feathered high apple cheeks, and when they lifted, her hazel eyes reminded him of spring rain on the meadow.


About the author:

Amber Cross was raised on a family farm in New England, one of a dozen siblings, each one inspiring her writing in some way. She still lives in that same small town with her husband and the youngest of their five children. She loves spending time in the woods, in the water, and watching people because every one of them has a unique and fascinating story to tell.

Connect with Amber Cross
Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Book Tour & Excerpt: And Time Stopped by Kristen L. Jackson


Today is my stop on the And Time Stopped by Kristen L. Jackson book tour hosted by XpressoTours. Kristen is giving away signed copies of the first two books in the series to one lucky winner!


And Time Stopped: Dimension 9

Kristen L. Jackson
(Keeper of the Watch, #3)
Publication date: Kristen L. Jackson
Genres: Contemporary, Fantasy, Young Adult

After a smooth jump to Dimension 9, Chase, Alyx, and chimera pup, Bo, discover that this world’s peaceful existence only extends as far as the local high school. A different kind of battle wages there, and the identity of the school bully is a surprise they never anticipated. When Chase decides they have no choice but to enroll at Dune Harbor High and repeat their senior year, Alyx is less than thrilled. But the two soon discover the influence just one person can have over the decisions, lives, and even deaths, of those around them. While they try to prevent one tragedy, another one unfolds even as Chase unravels one more piece of his family history. What he discovers will leave him reeling, and his life will never be the same.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads


Peek between the pages...

Alyx was already shaking her head vehemently. “No. No way.”

“We have to. I don’t see any other way,” Chase said.

“There has to be another way. I’m not...” her voice rose an octave.

“Yes, you are. We both are.” Chase winked. “We’re going back to school.”

“I’m not going. I didn’t go to school back home; I’m definitely not going to high school here.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“All the more reason for you to go. You missed out on high school the first time around. Here’s your chance to make up for that.”

She huffed, pacing the hotel room. “I didn’t want to go then, and I don’t want to go now. You don’t get it. My parents let me get my diploma online, and I was happy to do it. You can go back to school if you want, but I’m not. I escaped that torture the first time around. What would we accomplish, anyway?”

“We have to keep an eye on Jared, right? He’s the descendant of the keeper family in this world. And maybe we can help end his reign of terror on the school.”

Alyx was shaking her head before he finished. “None of that is any of our business.”

“You’re wrong. Mr. Young, Jared’s dad, knows something he’s not telling us. And maybe we can find the hunters through them.”

She re-crossed her arms, glaring at him.

Chase took advantage of her silence. “And how many girls do you think Jared targets at school? So far, he’s gone after you, and those two girls Ellie and Sophie, and that’s only the ones we saw. There are bound to be others. Not to mention Mason and Colin. You said it yourself. I was there to stop the bullying in my dimension. It’s this bad because I wasn’t here to do that in this world. Maybe I can fix that. Like that old movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ or something.”


Meet the author:

Kristen L. Jackson lives in Reading, PA, with her husband, two grown sons, and four large-breed dogs. She has been a teacher for over 20 years, and writing for children of all ages is close to her heart. Her debut novels KEEPER OF THE WATCH and MAGIC HARBOR (Books 1 & 2) are available now, as well as a novella, DIMENSION KEEPER, which is the prequel to the series. A children’s picture book, JOCELYN’S BOX OF SOCKS, (2019 1st Place Pencraft Award Winner) is also available now. Kristen enjoys writing, reading, and spending time with her family at their cabin in the Pocono Mountains of PA. Follow Kristen on Social Media:

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Thursday, April 21, 2022

Spotlight: Life's Too Short for White Walls by Liz Flaherty



Joss stopped under the canopy of trees that led back to the campground, opening her car window so she could breathe in the scent of early autumn. It was a hard thing for a person as busy as she’d always been to stare the future in the face with no idea what she was going to do with it. She would give herself time to decide, time to take more deep breaths and get over the feeling of dread that seemed to accompany her everywhere. Although she didn’t have enough money to last forever, it would carry her for a while. 

She looked up at the trees, noting that the colors of the leaves were already changing and that the air smelled different—it wasn’t just the day’s lack of humidity. It was, she supposed, the scent of things dying, but she wasn’t going to think of it that way. To her, it was going to be all about starting over. Starting new in this beloved place that still felt like home.


A word from the author...


I worry a lot about my stories sounding alike, my heroines being paper-doll-cutouts of each other. I’m afraid I’ve written too many heroes with dimples in their left cheeks. Do I have too many people with crooked grins, one raised eyebrow, or a shrug that somehow defines their personalities?

I hope not, but a few of the things that are the same from book to book are starting over, new beginnings, home, friendships, tenderness. And I’m good with that.

They are there in Life’s Too Short for White Walls, when forty-something Joss Murphy and Ezra McIntire find themselves in the same place, but searching for different things. They know a few things about themselves by now—Joss is determined she will have color wherever she goes and Ez is committed to always being one step ahead of things that are dangerous or hurtful to anyone around him.

There are no white walls on their journey, but danger and emotional landmines make themselves known. And maybe the things they’re searching for aren’t so different. – Liz Flaherty


About the book

Life's Too Short for White Walls
by Liz Flaherty
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb

Still reeling from her divorce, Joss Murphy flees to Banjo Bend, Kentucky, where she'd been safe and happy as a child. The family farm is now a campground. Weary and discouraged, she talks owner Ezra McIntire into renting her a not-quite-ready cabin.
With PTSD keeping him company, Ez thrives on the seclusion of the campground. The redhead in Cabin Three adds suggestions to his improvement plans, urging color and vibrancy where there was none.

Neither is looking for love, yet the attraction they share is undeniable. Can the comfort of campfires, hayrides, and sweet kisses bring these two lost souls together?

Get it today!


Liz has a Giveaway!






Bio: Liz Flaherty is rather bewildered by where she’s at in life. She doesn’t feel…er…elderly, but the truth is that she is. The Magnificent Seven grands have grown up on her, her own kids are all now older than she is, and her husband Duane has the same firm hold on her heart he’s always had. And it’s all good.

Connect with Liz

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Book Blitz: Two Kinds of Us by Sarah Sutton

Two Kinds of Us
Sarah Sutton
Publication date: June 9th 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

In a life of diamond bracelets and country clubs, I’m the perfect daughter. I get all the right grades, volunteer at all the right organizations, apply to all the right colleges.

And I hate every second of it. At the rate my life is playing out, under the strict rule of my parents, politicians and housewives will be my future.

Until I meet Harry.

Harry’s a singer in a rock band with a voice so drop-dead sexy that I actually feel hypnotized. Doesn’t hurt that he’s hot either, and with the kind, flirty personality to match, it’s the perfect trifecta. And even better, he sees me as the me I want to be. The me who can break free of the life I’m trapped in, the me who can control my own future.

The only problem? He knows me as Stella, my fun, carefree alter-ego—so drastically different than Destelle, the one who is trapped in the life my parents rule for me.

But as we get closer, I realize Harry’s keeping a secret of his own, something related to his dark past that he’s trying to move on from, and when I find out, everything we’ve built could come crashing down.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

EXCERPT:

After twisting off the cap, I took a long refreshing drink of the icy water, a relief from the heat of the club.

And then moved once more.

Harry still leaned against the wall near a trash can, and I turned the bottle cap over between my fingers as I got closer, watching the crowd weave in and out between us. A girl with pink hair obscured him for a moment, and then a guy with a mohawk moved in my way next. I waited until my path cleared, until no one stood between him and me.

Margot would’ve called me devious.

Honestly, it kind of felt as if I were a super-spy on a stakeout.

Crap, that sounded creepy.

When I was six feet away, the bottle cap slipped from my fingertips.

It bounced away from me, knocking noiselessly against the ground. I lost it for a moment, the opaque lid blending in with the shadows, and then finally found where it came to rest. The momentum was better than I thought it’d be.

Fingers were already curling around it, and when I traced the arm up to find a face, Harry gazed back at me.

Gosh, even from here I could see their color. So freaking blue. Like the waters in the Caribbean or something. For a moment, it left me a bit dazzled, Destelle’s personality breaking through.

With an inward smile, I thought, Hook, line, sinker.

“Not sure how sanitary that is now,” I called over the music to him, stepping closer into his bubble of space. I kept my gaze laser-focused on the cap in his hand, shrugging on a shawl of nonchalance. “After rolling around on the floor, I mean. But thanks.”

“Yeah, probably shouldn’t put it back on your drink,” Harry agreed, and I looked to find his full lips curved into a half smile. His fingers brushed against my palm as he dropped the cap into it, and I curled my hand, pressing the plastic into my skin. “I recognize you.”

I jolted. “Uh, you do?”

“You come into Crushed Beanz,” he said. “You listen to us play.”

I hadn’t planned on him recognizing me. Great. Did he think I was some creepy fangirl? Then again, I had devised a plan to get his attention. Though, maybe he was the creepy one for recognizing me. We’d never spoken before, and yet he recognized my face? Maybe he was the creepy super-spy.

Either way, it was super flattering. He noticed me.

Author Bio:

Sarah Sutton is a YA Romance author, bringing you stories about teenagers falling in love (sometimes with magic)She spends her days dreaming up ideas with her two adorable puppies by her side being cheerleaders (and mega distractions).

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Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Blog Tour & Guest Post: Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen


Please help me welcome Sarah Allen

In writing Breathing Underwater, I pulled a lot from my own experience. Things like sister relationships and the joy of road trips! I remember going on road trips with my family when I was a kid, all of us piled into our big white twelve-passenger van. (Once in an RV!) But not all the parts of the story came that easily. While I was fascinated by a lot of the things that are a part of Breathing Underwater, there were three major areas where I needed to build up the writing with lots and lots of research.

The first thing I needed to research was photography. Like Olivia, I’d spent many years as a kid reading National Geographic and dreaming of becoming a wildlife photographer. Even though I shared that interest with Olivia, I needed to learn a lot more about the technical side of things. I had to learn about f-stops and apertures, lenses and shutter speeds. I was incredibly lucky because one of my best friends teaches high school photography, and she pointed me in the right direction many times! She gave me mini-lessons in both these technical aspects, and also the more artistic side of things, like lighting and composition. Plus it was really fun to research 70s music to pair Olivia’s photos with a matching song from Ruth’s playlist!

The second area I needed to research was SCUBA diving. I’d been diving once before in an indoor pool as a teenager, but I needed a lot more background information. I had to learn at what age people can be certified, and the different pieces of equipment needed. I also watched lots and lots of YouTube videos shot by people diving at Wreck Alley, and now doing it myself is high up on my bucket list!

The final and most important thing I needed to research was mental health, specifically depression. Even in the years since I began working on this story, our understanding of the neuroscience behind depression and other mental illnesses has grown and grown. While I have my own neuroatypicalities and mental health challenges, clinical depression is not one of them, and I knew it was vital for me to represent this as tenderly, generously, accurately, and harmlessly as possible. I had many people helping me in this effort along the way, including two amazing sensitivity readers. These people, and this research, were key to unlocking many parts of this story.

This research was so much fun for me to work at as I completed this story, and I hope it’s fun for you to read. I hope you enjoy going on Ruth and Olivia’s journey with them!



Breathing Underwater
Sarah Allen
(Farrar Straus and Giroux (BYR))
Publication date: March 31st 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Middle-Grade

Breathing Underwater is a sparkly, moving middle grade novel from Sarah Allen, and a big-hearted exploration of sisterhood, dreams, and what it means to be there for someone you love.

Olivia is on the road trip of her dreams, with her trusty camera and her big sister Ruth by her side. Three years ago, before their family moved from California to Tennessee, Olivia and Ruth buried a time capsule on their favorite beach. Now, they’re taking an RV back across the country to uncover the memories they left behind. But Ruth’s depression has been getting worse, so Olivia has created a plan to help her remember how life used to be: a makeshift scavenger hunt across the country, like pirates hunting for treasure, taking pictures and making memories along the way.

All she wants is to take the picture that makes her sister smile. But what if things can never go back to how they used to be? What if they never find the treasure they’re seeking? Through all the questions, loving her sister, not changing her, is all Olivia can do—and maybe it’s enough.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play


Author Bio:

Sarah Allen has been published in The Evansville Review, Allegory, and on WritersDigest. She has an MFA from Brigham Young University. Like Libby in her novel What Stars are Made Of, Allen was born with Turner Syndrome.

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Tuesday, March 23, 2021

A Quick Chat with Jennifer Wick Contemporary Romance Author

I'm excited to have Jennifer Wick with me today. Jennifer writes contemporary romance with spunky heroines and strong heroes with just a touch of vulnerability. A Reckless Heart releases March 29th. Don't miss the excerpt below!


Can you tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your heroine’s bed?

Meg has been moving around a lot, for reasons the reader will learn as she reads the story. Therefore, under her bed you’d find her suitcase. She’s always prepared to leave quickly, as much as she’d love to stay where she is. Inside the suitcase is her bank book, which lists exactly how much money she has, as well as the amount she needs to pay back so she can finally be free. The third thing, also in her suitcase, is an old gossip magazine. It’s there to remind her about her past life, what she lost, and why she’ll never go back to that life again.


What is your favorite genre and why?

I absolutely love reading historical romance. The clothes, the houses, the different customs. They all transport me away from the world today and provide me with an escape.


Where were you born/grew up?

I was born in New York City, but have lived in New Jersey all of my life, except for college, when I was in St. Louis, MO. College in the Midwest taught me to lose my accent (except when I’m emotional), and opened my eyes to a different way of life—a little slower, a little friendlier, and absolutely no bagels. J As much as I loved my time there, I found work in New York, so I returned to New Jersey to live. My husband followed me and we’ve lived here, raising our daughters, ever since.



A Reckless Heart
Releases March 29th
Genre: Contemporary romance
Heat level: Spicy/Steamy

Blurb

Meg Thurgood, former society girl, took the blame for her friend and paid a steep price. Now all she wants is solitude and a chance to rebuild her life. She thinks she's found that in an isolated house she rents from a mysterious stranger.

Simon McAlter has hidden in his house on the coast of Maine since a fire left him scarred. A successful landscape architect who conducts his business and teaches his classes remotely, he's lost his inspiration and is trying to pretend he's not lonely.

Simon's new neighbor is more than he bargained for. When he learns Meg's secret, will he retreat into the shadows or will he learn to see past the surface and trust in Meg's love?

Buy links:

Amazon   |   Barnes & Noble   |   Apple   |   Goodreads   |   BookBub

 

Excerpt


Nervous laughter bubbled in her chest. They’d been close before and held hands. Granted, he’d covered hers on the ladder, but still. It wasn’t the first time they touched. Why was this different? She remembered the sensations when he’d covered her hand on the roof— warmth and roughness and safety. And she wanted it. She bumped her hand against his, on purpose, to feel his skin. It wasn’t smooth like hers. Its texture, unique to him, fascinated her. A moment later, he rubbed his arm against her.

Was it accidental, too? She snuck a glance at his profile. Although his hair blocked most of his face, she’d swear when the wind blew it, a ghost of a smile hovered, like they shared a private joke. Her belly warmed, and the air between their knuckles, where they almost touched, crackled with electricity.

The next time their bodies touched, she slipped her hand through his elbow. His body jolted before he pressed her arm against his side, and they walked to the curve of the shore connected.

When they stopped, they watched the waves lap over the rocks, their froth sputtering into the cracks.

“This is the only place I’ve ever not felt alone,” he whispered.

“How long have you been alone?”


“Too long,” he replied.
“This is the only place I’ve ever felt seen.”


“I can’t imagine you invisible,” he said.


“When “It Girls” and camera bulbs surround you, it’s easy to fade into the background.”


The sky and water darkened as the light faded, and she shivered in the chill air. Her hand grew icy as he pulled away from her. As she was about to complain, a weight landed on her shoulders. His arm drew her close. He remained still, as if he waited to see if she’d object. Instead, she leaned against his side. Heat emanated from him, and tingles ran through her body. A desire to turn into him, to press her body against his, to kiss him, overwhelmed her. He positioned her in front of him and rested his chin on the top of her head. His heart beat against her back. A soft moan escaped her lips, and they both froze. All of a sudden, she was aware of how close she was. His jacket was warm from his body and smelled like him.



About the author: 
Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Pretty soon, her head was filled with these stories and the characters that populated them. Even as an adult, she thinks about the characters and stories at night before she falls asleep or walking the dog. Eventually, she started writing them down. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.

In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. When she’s not writing, she loves to laugh with her family and friends, is a pro at finding whatever her kids lost in plain sight, and spends way too much time closing doors that should never have been left open in the first place. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate. 

She writes contemporary romance, some of which are mainstream and some of which involve Jewish characters. She’s published with The Wild Rose Press and all her books are available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Connect with Jennifer Wick:
Website   |   Facebook   |   Newsletter   |   Twitter   |   Instagram   |   BookBub


Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Love Leads the Way Release Week

Congrats to Margot Johnson on the release of her latest novel, 
Love Leads the Way!

Love Leads the Way
by Margot Johnson
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

Blurb

She coaches him in team leadership, but do they both need lessons in love?

Single mom Tessa Shore runs a successful leadership program at work and supports a mother with dementia. She can handle any challenge in her jam-packed schedule as long as nothing spins out of control…especially her feelings.

Engineer Mark Delaney is an expert on pipelines at the same company, but his interpersonal skills need a makeover. Advancing to an executive job requires enrollment in a leadership course he doesn't think he needs.

When their professional and personal issues entangle, life at the office gets a lot more complicated. Romance is impossible…or is it?

Available February 17, 2021
On sales for $2.99



Excerpt

     Pacing around Crescent Park in moonlight trimmed with stars, Mark breathed fresh air and slowed his erratic heartbeats from the shock of Tessa’s invitation. Apparently, the woman who directed the class with the precision of an air-traffic controller could flex…at least, a little. She wanted to spend extra time with him, and he couldn’t refuse.

     “I didn’t think we’d bump into other participants at this late hour.” She hugged tighter her windbreaker against the cool breeze. “We won’t mix business and pleasure. I’m strictly off duty, and so are you.”

     “Okay, Tessa, whatever you say.” Zipping higher his jacket, he strode and sniffed moisture riding the wind. Guilt tiptoed around his collar, and he couldn’t escape the feeling this outing was a bad idea. He should avoid her, except in class, yet he accepted her invitation. But why did she break her own rule and contact him? “If I can’t discuss work, can I ask you a personal question?” He admired her profile with pert nose tipped to the sky, breathing the fresh night air.

     “I guess so since I’m the woman who persuades everyone else to dish.” She laughed and brushed a curl from her cheek.

     Streetlights alternated with a full moon to light the pathway. Their footsteps crunched on gravel, and their murmured voices broke the peaceful silence.

     “Ready.” She tucked her hands in jacket pockets.

     “Is Mr. Shore waiting at home?” He winced at his forward question. No sense beating around the bush. He shouldn’t pine for someone else’s wife.

     “You weren’t kidding. Your question is fairly personal.” She laughed and twisted toward him. “No, I don’t have a mister. But, as you know, I’m the mom of a beautiful daughter.”

     “So you’re divorced.” His heart jumped. She was available, too. A relationship was not impossible.

     She shook her head. “I was engaged once, but my personality got in the way.” She accelerated and lengthened her strides.

    “Oh?” He swallowed and fought the overwhelming urge to sweep her into his arms.


Margot Johnson on Love Leads the Way

For many years, I worked in a busy corporate environment, and I left a leadership role in human resources and communications to focus on writing. Now instead of guiding employees, I create characters who have minds of their own!

In LOVE LEADS THE WAY, Tessa coaches Mark in leadership, but they both need lessons in love! I hope you have fun with these clashing coworkers as they discover where love leads.

The story is fiction but draws on some of my experiences at work and at home. I’d love to have lunch with Tessa and compare notes on office gossip, single parenting, family quirks, and cute golden retrievers. One key difference is I didn’t meet my handsome husband at work!

Tessa and Mark both support a mother with dementia which brings some tough but also light moments. My late dad died of complications from Alzheimer’s, so that part of the book is close to my heart. He was a journalist who always encouraged me to read and write.

My characters love dogs, and my loyal, old golden retriever, Sophie, is the inspiration for the adorable dogs in my books.

When not writing, I love to travel. One of my more unusual adventures was appearing on the TV game show Let’s Make a Deal where I almost won a car! You can often find me reading a good book for my monthly book club while munching on a large bowl of popcorn.


Interesting/unique fact about book:

I’d love to have lunch with Tessa and compare notes about leadership, single parenthood, family, and golden retrievers. The book is fiction, but Tessa and I share a lot in common.


Fact about Margot:

I always dreamed of becoming an author, and I left a leadership role in human resources and communications to focus on writing





Don't miss Love Takes Flight
on sale for .99 cents!
Buy on Amazon.



About the Author

Margot Johnson grew up in a family of writers and has always loved books and writing.

She is the author of LOVE TAKES FLIGHT and her new release LOVE LEADS THE WAY. Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. Her motto is "Dream big and work hard."

When not writing, she loves to connect with family and friends, volunteer with SK Writers Guild, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day (except when it's minus 40!) She lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada with her amazing husband and beloved golden retriever.

Connect with Margot on Twitter  Facebook  Goodreads