2022-11-30

Poll Time! (Please Help!)

As you might have noticed, I've got a poll going on (see sidebar). I'm debating over whether or not to change the fonts on the covers of my Children of Night books--the ones I'm publishing, not the six books in the original series. That's still with Entangled, and I doubt they're changing anything. I only have one indie title available now, but I have a second book releasing next month and another two next year, so if I'm going to do it, now seems like as good a time as any. 

I personally LOVE the original title font. To me, it just says VAMPIRE. The letters look like stylized fangs!  No? Just me?  

However, in an attempt to appeal to more readers of the genre (who might not have made that same, fangy connection) I've been experimenting. So, if you've got a coupla seconds, answer the question and help an author out. And if your answer is "Blech. I don't like either one; try again." That's cool, too. Just hit "other" to let me know. Or comment below! 

Here are a few more samples...















































2022-11-29

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Weird Research ~ #LoveChatWrite

 


 This week, the question posed by Romance Writers Weekly is, "What's the weirdest thing you've ever googled in the name of research for your writing?"

Ooh, I love this question. I started out writing Romantic Suspense so my browsing history was filled with questions about weapons and poisons, what sort of injuries were likely to result from various activities, and how quickly they would heal. It was fascinating. And, like most writers I know, my curiosity frequently sent me down weird rabbit holes.

Recently, things have been more...well, sedate's a word that I guess we could use here. Recently, for a short Valentine's Day story I was working on, I was researching Ruby Chocolate for a latte recipe my hero was working on (to impress the heroine, as one does) when I saw a mention of Blood Chocolate. And with vampires on my mind (thanks to next month's release of Light Up the Night) my initial response was, "Ooh! Shiny!"

See, somewhere in my future, there's a vampire wedding I need to plan and this sounded like something that should be on the menu. And this is still a possibility but...

My research turned up a few different things. One type of blood chocolate is not for consumption (although the vampires might see this differently). It's a medium for growing blood cells on. Another link, however, pointed to candy bars (manufactured in Russia, apparently) made with cow's blood which--as I understand it--were marketed as a healthy food supplement for people suffering from anemia.

Another link led to an Italian dessert I had not heard of before. Sanguinaccio dolce is a pudding made with chocolate and pig's blood. And yeah, I think enough about that. I'm sure my vampires will love it, Traditionally, it's prepared for Carnavale, but I'll stop there because otherwise we'll find ourselves down another rabbit hole. The etymology of the word Carnavale is fascinating. 

Now, hop over to Brenda Margriet's page and find out where she writes. And don't forget to check out her new book, Turn the Next Page, available for pre-order now!



















TURN THE NEXT PAGE is almost here!

Book Three in the Silverberry Seduction Seasoned Romance Series arrives Thursday! Pre Order Now $2.99 (also available in Print)


High school sweethearts, their marriage was shattered by tragedy. Thirty years later, a startling confession reignites long banked embers.

On the outside, politician Aubrey Windt is assured and assertive. On the inside, she’s a confused tangle of nerves and regrets. A lost election is the perfect opportunity to reset her life, and she’s going to take it, no matter what anyone says. This time, she means it.

Everything’s fine with Philip Church. Just fine. His second divorce was amicable, his twin sons are grown, and his landscape business runs itself. The fineness is driving him crazy. But reconnecting with his first love provokes an upheaval more potent than he’s ever imagined.

When Aubrey and Phillip learn a startling fact that will forever link their lives, they set out to find the brother Aubrey didn’t know she had. To do so, they must forge a new path, unexpectedly abetted by a stray cat and the eclectic members of a unique book club.

Buy it here: https://books2read.com/TurnTheNextPage


ALSO COMING IN DECEMBER:





Heather is having the worst Christmas ever! Or, at least, the worst Christmas since she was forced to become a vampire. Her sire's distracted, her nestmates have forgotten her, weirdos have taken over the lair. The only bright spot in her life right now is Drew--who didn't even used to like her! She knows he's fond of her now, but that's not good enough. She wants more. She wants everything. She wants him. And she's not giving up. 

Drew Geiger gave up on love a long time ago. Such tender emotions have no place in a vampire's heart. But, somehow, the girl he once described as a "feral kitten" has got her claws in him, and she's not letting go. That would be fine, if only someone didn't want her dead--and if her sire didn't recall that it was Drew who once suggested that maybe she'd be better off that way.

 

Available for pre-order now: https://books2read.com/u/m0En1l


And read an excerpt here: http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/2022/11/shall-we-dance.html



And if you're looking for even more spice...



...for even fewer pennies.


It's Book Fair Time!

Free romance ebooks, .99 cent romance ebooks, and romance anthologies are what you'll find at this year's Let's Get Naughty Book Fair!

Check out all the good things Oct. 21 through Nov. 30:


https://www.letsgetnaughtybooks.com




#romancenovels #romancereader #steamyromancereads #romanceanthologies #steamyromancebook #romancecollection#romancenovelsforever #readingromancebooks #romancereadersrock #romancereaders #steamyromance #romancebooks#romancereading #readingromance #steamyromancenovels #bookboyfriends #steamyromancebooks #bookboyfriendsarebetter#romanceanthology #RomanceCollections #romancecollections


2022-11-24

Light Up the Night: New Excerpt



Light Up the Night

A Children of Night/Ugly Christmas Sweater Story



Her love will light up his night. If they can both survive that long. 

Heather is having the worst Christmas ever! Or, at least, the worst Christmas since she was forced to become a vampire. Her sire's distracted, her nestmates have forgotten her, weirdos have taken over the lair. The only bright spot in her life right now is Drew--who didn't even used to like her! She knows he's fond of her now, but that's not good enough. She wants more. She wants everything. She wants him. And she's not giving up. 

Drew Geiger gave up on love a long time ago. Such tender emotions have no place in a vampire's heart. But, somehow, the girl he once described as a "feral kitten" has got her claws in him, and she's not letting go. That would be fine, if only someone didn't want her dead--and if her sire didn't recall that it was Drew who once suggested that maybe she'd be better off that way.

Releasing December 13th. Available for Preorder now. 

https://books2read.com/u/m0En1l



EXCERPT:


Drew woke up growling. Heather squeaked in surprise as he grabbed her, his hands closing hard on her shoulders. 

“Hey, it’s okay,” she said quickly, soothingly. “It’s me.” She placed a gentle hand against his chest as he held her away from him, staring blankly at her face. Beneath her fingers, his heart thundered. She could scent his arousal wafting from his skin. But she could also see the emergent vampire in the flash of hematite that had overtaken his normally dark gray eyes, and it made her wary. “It’s just me.”

After a moment, those gleaming eyes shuttered. A shiver ran through him. His throat worked as he fought for control. At last, he sighed and shook his head. And when he opened his eyes again, fixing her with a pained, unhappy look, she could tell he was back to normal—or mostly, anyway. “Heather. Ye gods.” Sighing heavily, he let her go—thrusting her away, probably a little harder than he realized. “I’m so sorry,” he groaned as he sat up and swung his feet to the floor. “That was…unplanned. I didn’t expect to sleep so late. I thought I’d be out of bed before you woke up.”

“It’s okay,” she said, propping herself up on one elbow. It had been oddly hot seeing him get worked up like that, even hotter watching him fight his demon for control—and win. “I’m glad you were here.”

There was so much she still needed to learn about being a vampire. So much that she could learn from him, perhaps, if he were willing to teach her. But, right now, she wished he’d lie back down beside her. He seemed so far away! She wished her leg wasn’t splinted and she could maneuver with ease. She wished for a lot of things. 

“It was nice waking up with you,” she told him. And it was—aside from the initial terror. “If I’d been alone, and not able to get up, I might have freaked out.” 

Of course, waking up to a good morning kiss would have been even better. Could she still call it that? Even if it wasn’t actually morning? And, speaking of kissing, was it too late to ask for one? Or was that totally out of the question? Judging by the rigid set of his shoulders, it probably was.

 “Yes, well.” Drew sighed again and shook his head. “That’s as may be. It was still unwise. But never mind that; how are you? Are you feeling any better? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“I’m fine. A little better, I think. And no; of course, you didn’t hurt me.”

He frowned at that. “Heather, there’s no ‘of course’ about it. You need to understand this. You startled me. I wasn’t expecting it and could very easily have hurt you.”

 “I know you could have. But we both know you wouldn’t. And I could’ve hurt you too, come to that.  But it didn’t happen, so what are we even arguing about?”

“Not arguing,” he said sounding unexpectedly grumpy, as he bent to pick his shirt off the floor. “But no, ‘we’ do not know that. And I, for one, am not willing to risk it.”

Heather smiled. “Whatever you say.” He clearly believed that. While she…did not. 

“Just be careful,” Drew continued, gazing at her with a sad sort of smile as he shrugged into the garment. “All right? For my sake, if not your own.”

Heather’s lips quirked. “Now, what’s that supposed to mean?”  

“It means that I couldn’t bear to see you hurt again—that’s what. And if something were to happen to you at my hands? I…” He paused and shook his head. “No. Just, no.  I’m begging you; don’t let that happen. Please.”

“Got it,” she said, hoping to lighten the mood. “Note to self: next time you’re in Drew’s bed be sure you wake him up sloooowly.” 

“What?” He paused in the act of getting out of bed to stare openmouthed at her. He looked horrified at the thought. “No! That’s not even a remote possibility. That’s not at all what I meant!”

Heather rolled her eyes, doing her best to hide her disappointment—but that look on his face hurt, damn it. “It was a joke,” she informed him loftily—which was at least partially true.

“Oh? I mean, yes. Of course, it was,” Drew said, not meeting her eyes. He seemed to be focusing very hard on buttoning his shirt. “How else could you have meant it? Sorry. I don’t know where my head’s at this evening.” 

Neither do I, Heather thought as she eyed him critically. “Dude. What are you doing? Take that off. That shirt’s had it.” Which was putting it nicely. It was a full-on disaster—wrinkled and bloodstained. Stained with her blood, she realized, which made her feel oddly queasy. Some vampire you’re turning out to be, she scolded herself as she lay back down, shielding her eyes with an arm across her face. I’m not cut out for this bloodsucking life. I’m really not. “I’m serious, you can’t wear that. You’re creeping me out. Will you please put something else on?”

2022-11-22

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Where do you write? ~ #LoveChatWrite


 Today on Romance Writers Weekly we answer the question, "Where do you write? Do you need to be in the same place all the time or do you move around?"

Lemme tell you something. I am so sick to death of moving that I never want to move again. I've been moving (on average) every two years since 1978. And that shit got old FAST. So while I can write anywhere, and even though I've successfully written on laptops, desktops, tablets, PCs, Macs, on word processors, typewriters, and by hand (someday soon I'm gonna try dictation) while moving cross country, in hotels, campgrounds, hospital rooms, in cafes and in cars, buses, planes, trains, cruise ships, while surrounded by boxes and chaos, small (and not-so-small) children, an astonishing variety of animal companions, and assorted family members. I really love having a dedicated, semi-permanent writing space. 

Here's my current (okay, I took the picture last week) view. It rarely stays that clean. Right now, for example, my grandson just left (he was here for the weekend) and I've got a dozen googly eyes staring up at me and a plastic cup half-filled with orange juice jostling for space with my coffee cup.  

I also have my two dogs curled up at my feet--which is really nice.


Now, hop over to Brenda Margriet's page and find out where she writes. And don't forget to check out her new book, Turn the Next Page, available for pre-order now!



















TURN THE NEXT PAGE is almost here!

Book Three in the Silverberry Seduction Seasoned Romance Series arrives December 1. Pre Order Now $2.99 (also available in Print)

High school sweethearts, their marriage was shattered by tragedy. Thirty years later, a startling confession reignites long banked embers.

On the outside, politician Aubrey Windt is assured and assertive. On the inside, she’s a confused tangle of nerves and regrets. A lost election is the perfect opportunity to reset her life, and she’s going to take it, no matter what anyone says. This time, she means it.

Everything’s fine with Philip Church. Just fine. His second divorce was amicable, his twin sons are grown, and his landscape business runs itself. The fineness is driving him crazy. But reconnecting with his first love provokes an upheaval more potent than he’s ever imagined.

When Aubrey and Phillip learn a startling fact that will forever link their lives, they set out to find the brother Aubrey didn’t know she had. To do so, they must forge a new path, unexpectedly abetted by a stray cat and the eclectic members of a unique book club.

Buy it here: https://books2read.com/TurnTheNextPage


ALSO COMING IN DECEMBER:





Heather is having the worst Christmas ever! Or, at least, the worst Christmas since she was forced to become a vampire. Her sire's distracted, her nestmates have forgotten her, weirdos have taken over the lair. The only bright spot in her life right now is Drew--who didn't even used to like her! She knows he's fond of her now, but that's not good enough. She wants more. She wants everything. She wants him. And she's not giving up. 

Drew Geiger gave up on love a long time ago. Such tender emotions have no place in a vampire's heart. But, somehow, the girl he once described as a "feral kitten" has got her claws in him, and she's not letting go. That would be fine, if only someone didn't want her dead--and if her sire didn't recall that it was Drew who once suggested that maybe she'd be better off that way.

 

Available for pre-order now: https://books2read.com/u/m0En1l


And read an excerpt here: http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/2022/11/shall-we-dance.html



And if you're looking for even more spice...



...for even fewer pennies.


It's Book Fair Time!

Free romance ebooks, .99 cent romance ebooks, and romance anthologies are what you'll find at this year's Let's Get Naughty Book Fair!

Check out all the good things Oct. 21 through Nov. 30:


https://www.letsgetnaughtybooks.com




#romancenovels #romancereader #steamyromancereads #romanceanthologies #steamyromancebook #romancecollection#romancenovelsforever #readingromancebooks #romancereadersrock #romancereaders #steamyromance #romancebooks#romancereading #readingromance #steamyromancenovels #bookboyfriends #steamyromancebooks #bookboyfriendsarebetter#romanceanthology #RomanceCollections #romancecollections


2022-11-15

Romance Writers Weekly ~ What's Special About Your Books? ~~ #LoveChatWrite



This week on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop we're asked, "What's special about your books? What makes you stand out? Tell us about it and share a snippet or two.


This is something I've actually given a lot of thought to. I genre-blend and genre-hop and do all the things that authors who are trying to build a strong, easily-identifiable brand are warned not to do. And that makes it harder to recognize what some of the common denominators might be that link all (or most of) my books.

So far, I've identified two. The first is something I was using as a tagline for awhile: All the Friends, all the families, all the feels. My books tend to feature people with strong communities--either friends of families--and there's usually a lot of emotion in the stories. I think of them as "feel good" stories, although I realize that they might not hit that way for everyone.

The second thing--something I only know because so many reviewers have mentioned it--is that apparently I've been very successful at world building. The places and the people I'm writing about feel real to me. And I guess that comes across.

ONE OTHER thing my stories tend to have in common, is length. Even my short stories tend to be long and wordy. I've tried to change that, but I haven't really been successful. So I don't really do "snippets" BUT if you'd like to read an excerpt from next month's release, Light Up the Night, that I think hits on some of these qualities, I've got one HERE.


Now, head on over to Jill Haymaker's page to learn what's special about her books. And be sure to check out her new boxed set, Christmas in Aspen Ridge.  


Christmas season is upon us! Get three seasoned romances for 50% off the price of buying them separately in this newly released box set :) Christmas in Aspen Ridge heartwarming stories of second chances, Christmas magic that will make you believe that it’s never to late to find love.





It's Here!!




Let's Get Naughty
(now in KU)

A USA Today BestSelling Spicy Holiday Romance


Cancel your plans and spend this holiday season with 36 romance authors who have teamed up to bring you a delicious holiday treat.


This collection has it all: fake relationships, second chances, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, workplace romance, age gap, CEO’s, bikers, and falling for the best friend’s brother.


Each of the authors has provided an unforgettable, steamy story. So come on over, grab a blanket, and get started on finding your next favorite author today.


Let’s Get Naughty is the perfect anthology for you to binge this holiday season--and the next! Because...if you think it's too early to get on Santa's naughty list, think again! It's time for volume TWO! Available for pre-order now.



And if you're looking for even more spice...



...for even fewer pennies.


It's Book Fair Time!

Free romance ebooks, .99 cent romance ebooks, and romance anthologies are what you'll find at this year's Let's Get Naughty Book Fair!

Check out all the good things Oct. 21 through Nov. 30:


https://www.letsgetnaughtybooks.com




#romancenovels #romancereader #steamyromancereads #romanceanthologies #steamyromancebook #romancecollection#romancenovelsforever #readingromancebooks #romancereadersrock #romancereaders #steamyromance #romancebooks#romancereading #readingromance #steamyromancenovels #bookboyfriends #steamyromancebooks #bookboyfriendsarebetter#romanceanthology #RomanceCollections #romancecollections