Happy Yule!

https://tinyurl.com/2025SantaPaws This title contains the following three stories: (Available for FREE—but only until the end of the year!) Christmasing With You The sweater was just the beginning… ​Mike's been a very good boy this year and Santa Claire has the perfect present picked out for him—one that's both naughty and nice! One more disaster could be the end… Mike and Claire were hoping their first Christmas together would be unforgettable. But when their sexy, adult-film-themed weekend abruptly veers into low-budget, chiller-diller territory, they’re left to worry that this Christmas will turn out to be memorable in all the worst ways. An isolated cabin, a winter storm, a hungry cougar—what could possibly go wrong? In a word: everything. This Ugly Christmas Sweater short story features the characters Mike and Claire from Let Me Count the Ways (LA Love Lessons, book 3). Spicy Nick It’s beginning to look a lot like NIX-mas! Nick Greco is getting worried. His wife has never been a big fan of the holiday season, but this year she seems more distant than ever before. In fact, the last time that he can remember seeing her this distracted was right before their wedding—when she tried to back out of marrying him. Can you get cold feet after the fact? Is Scout feeling overwhelmed by the holidays? Or underwhelmed by…gulp…him? Whatever the cause, Nick has a plan. He’s going to spice up their marriage and put the heat back in the holidays. And when he’s done, Scout won’t be saying, “Bah Humbug!” She’ll be saying, “ho, ho…OH!” (And check out If Only in My Dreams for Scout’s story!) Not Just for Christmas You've read the sisters' stories (in WE'RE DREAMING OF A WINE CHRISTMAS--which is also available as a free download!). Now read Clay's version of what REALLY happened Christmas Day!

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Memories of 2025 ~ #LoveChatWrite

This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're reminded that, "This is our last hop of 2025!" and asked to, "Share some special memories from the past year. Include photos if you like." 

Well, it's been a year, that's for certain. Personally, I lost two cousins and an ex-BIL this year. My niece lost her cat, my grandson lost his dog, for the first time in years Cal Falcons had no falcons. But there were puppies and kittens and butterflies. Life goes on.

After years (and years!) of plotting and planning, the POUR DECISIONS series finally launched. I'm not sure what 2026 will bring--at this point I wouldn't even want to hazard a guess! We are living in interesting times, with all that that implies. And, at the moment, it all feels extremely bittersweet.

Now, hop on over to Leslie Hachtel's page to learn about her special memories. And don't forget to check out her book, Adriana.

Adriana

In this gripping historical novel, set in 1723 England and the colonies, follow the tempestuous journey of a bold and cunning woman who risks everything to save her life. 

Disguised as a humble cook, Adriana sneaks aboard a ship and sets her sights on the enigmatic captain, Robert Stuart. A forbidden romance ignites between them in the darkness of the night, but when dawn breaks, her true identity remains a mystery to him. 

As their worlds collide and secrets unravel, Adriana must navigate the treacherous waters of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. Will she be able to reveal the truth and win the heart of the man she loves, or will the waves of deceit tear them apart forever? 

Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of passion, intrigue, and the power of a woman unafraid to seize her own destiny.

https://tinyurl.com/mf4bj5n3

Spend Christmas in the Vineyard!

Join the Martinelli sisters this holiday season. 

Download these TWO Pour Decisions FREEBIES!

We're Dreaming of a Wine Christmas

Christmas Eve was unexpectedly festive. So much so that on Christmas morning, Rosa, Bianca, and Allegra all find themselves bursting with news and eager to share. 

Luckily, they also find themselves with an abundance of sparkling wine—perfect for toasting!

Not Just for Christmas

You've heard what Allegra had to say about the holiday, now read Clay's version to learn what really happened Christmas Day!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/POURDECISIONS

Musical Monday: Dance Of The Snow Fairies/Raise A Mug Of Spiced Cider (Deosil)

 So, it's really hard to find appropriate music when you're writing steampunk. Generally, I default to classical pieces, but that's not really my writing jam. Add in Christmas, and the problem becomes even more complicated. 

This one's pretty good, however. 

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Balancing Realism and Hope ~ #LoveChatWrite

This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked, "How do you balance realism and hope in stories of second chances?"

Well, this is an interesting question. Real life can be grim and is always uncertain. So I think we need hopeful romance stories to help keep us from despair. Also, the question seems to assume that second chances are unrealistic, which I don't think is necessarily true. I think hope underpins all romance stories--which is a good thing. Maybe even a necessary thing--and there's nothing more hopeful than a second chance romance. 

Which is a very roundabout way of saying that, in any GOOD, well-written romance, the two things balance themselves.

Now, hop on over to Brenda Margriet's page to find out what her take is. And don't forget to check out her book, The Promise of Frost.

The Promise of Frost

An adventurous kitten, a curious dog, and a matchmaking eight-year-old guarantee this will be a holiday to remember.

ONLY 99 Cents!

Single Dad

Later-in-Life

December Holidays

Neighbours to Lovers

Isolated Cabin

Polar Bear Dip

Snowmobile Ride on Frozen Lake

Steamy, Slow Burn

https://books2read.com/PromiseOfFrost

Spend The Holidays In the Vineyard!

POUR DECISIONS BOXED SET

AND CHRISTMAS FREEBIES!

Join the Martinelli sisters this holiday season--there's so much to celebrate!

Christmas Eve was unexpectedly festive for the sisters. So much so that on Christmas morning, Rosa, Bianca, and Allegra all find themselves bursting with news and eager to share. 

 Luckily, they also find themselves with an abundance of sparkling wine—perfect for toasting!

https://www.PGForte.com/pour-decisions

Musical Monday: Under the Mistletoe (Kelly Clarkson, Brett Eldredge)

 

I really enjoy Kelly Clarkson's Christmas music. At the moment, I think hers are at the top of my list of favorite Christmas albums. I love this performance because they're both ALL IN, singing their little hearts out. 

I don't know what her makeup artist was thinking with that eye shadow, however. I think it totally clashes with her lipstick. 

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Festive Holiday Scene ~ #LoveChatWrite

This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked to remember that, "It's December! Share a festive scene that you wrote. It can be something brand new or from an existing story."

I LOVE Christmas stories, so I have plenty of festive scenes. This one is from Spicy Nick, which released last year, and will be re-released this year as part of the I'll Be Home for Christmas Duology (along with If Only in My Dreams). I don't have a confirmed release date yet, but you can check my website for updates. 

"This Christmas Eve afternoon may very well rate as the best of my life. Perhaps you thought Kate’s first Christmas Eve would be in the running? But, no. She was sick with croup, and we were all tired, run down, and frazzled. And with her regular pediatrician’s office already closed for the holiday, we spent most of the day questioning every cough and sniffle, endlessly debating about whether a trip to the emergency room was necessity, or overkill. 

The first Christmas Eve I spent with Scout should also have been a contender. That time it was my cousin Joey (that would be Lucy’s brother, in case you’re wondering) who spoiled it for us by being a dick. We’ve all made up now, thank goodness, but things were frosty between us for a couple of years. 

This year, in contrast, is serene and joyous—almost magical. Which is usually the sort of thing that would worry me, but it’s Christmas, or near enough. Surely any magic afoot today would have to lean more toward miracle than maelstrom, right? 

Scout seems, for once, to have been truly infected with holiday spirit and it’s a beautiful thing to see. Even from the kitchen (where I’m keeping an eye on the pot of cocoa warming on the stove while assembling a small charcuterie board to tide us over until dinner) I can hear her and Cole—laughing and giggling together, singing nonsense songs and telling each other wild and totally preposterous Christmas-themed stories while they trim the tree. 

Once the cocoa is done, I pile everything onto a tray and carry it into the living room. On the way I pass through the dining room where those sorry-looking roses from the airport are still languishing in their vase, dropping petals all over the table. I make a mental note to throw them out before our guests arrive for dinner tomorrow. And, when I say ‘dinner’ I mean they’ll come for brunch and stay through supper. Because that’s how my family rolls. 

“Who’s ready for a snack?” I ask, as I place the tray down on the coffee table. Cole scrambles over, grabs a sandwich in each hand, and immediately gobbles them down. 

I start to hand Scout her cocoa, then pause and ask, “Unless you’d like a glass of wine, instead?”

She smiles and shakes her head. “No, this is perfect. I’m sure there will be plenty to drink at Lucy’s. And I don’t think it’s a good idea if I start now. I might fall asleep too early.”

“Probably a good plan,” I agree, coming to sit beside her. “We need to conserve our energy.” 

It’s funny how, when you’re a parent, so much of Christmas is spent chasing sleep. From staying up late to fill stockings and arrange presents—and to leave trails of fake snow on the floor, to deal with the cookies and milk that can’t appear to have been untouched. To being awakened far too early in the morning, to being expected to ooh and ahh, and evince surprise at your own handiwork—all before that lifesaving, first cup of coffee. Not that I would skip a minute of it, of course. But sleep is a highly underrated commodity." 

Now, hop on over to Leslie Hachtel's page to read another festive holiday scene. And don't forget to check out her book, Follow Me.

FOLLOW ME

Harper Forbes embarks on a journey of a lifetime as she follows her friend to Scotland, only to discover that she, too, has been mysteriously transported back in time to the 1500s. In this unfamiliar and perilous world, Harper must navigate through dangers and challenges she never could have imagined. But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, she finds not only her friend but also a love that transcends time itself. What will fate have in store for her? Join Harper on an unforgettable adventure filled with romance, danger, and the timeless power of true love.

https://shorturl.at/DnYjN

I'll Be Home for Christmas 

An Oberon Christmas Duology

Includes two novellas, If Only in My Dreams, and Spicy Nick.

​One holiday weekend. Two special stories. Will they both have happy endings?

Well, it’s Oberon, so anything is possible.

 

IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS

Scout is heading home for the holidays when her flight gets rerouted into Alternate Universe Oberon, where nothing is as she remembers it.

 

SPICY NICK

When his wife finally makes it home (after her unexpected adventure) Nick is ready to greet her with a little holiday spice!

https://www.pgforte.com/only-for-the-holidays

Musical Monday: Oh, Santa! (Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson)

 

Okay so...I've got this song on a couple of my playlists. It's been driving me nuts trying to figure out who was singing which parts, so I had to look it up. You're welcome. 

The FREE Pour Decisions Christmas story features the three Martinelli sisters, so I feel like a trio of divas was a good fit.