This Week's FREE Read: Scent of the Roses

So, I'm doing a weird Christmas in July type of event this month. Each week I'll be offering a different book for free. Mostly they'll be Christmas books, but this week the book I've chosen to feature is Scent of the Roses, which is very much NOT a Christmas book. 

But it is a 4th of July adjacent book, and I don't think I've offered it for FREE for quite some time. So...enjoy!

Scent of the Roses

Oberon Book 1.0

For years, Scout Patterson has tried to run from the mistakes in her past.  Now, she's coming home--to face the ghosts she's never laid to rest, and the love she thought she'd lost forever.  Reawakening that love would be a dream come true.  Unfortunately, love is not the only emotion that can last forever. 

Memories and dreams are the only things that have gotten Nick Greco through the past twenty years.  Memories of the girl he loved and lost, and dreams of what his life would be like, if he could only find her again.   And if he can bring himself to believe that anything she tells him is true.

 Can the star-crossed lovers put aside the hurt and distrust they still harbor toward each other?  Or will the evil which already nearly destroyed them once, triumph yet again?

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/2spu022qes

Musical Monday: The Night We Met (Lord Huron)

   

So, in Nice Day for a Wine Wedding, one of the things Allegra wants for her wedding is to return to the night she and Clay met. But better. 

Does she succeed? Well, you'll have to read the book to find out! But I loved writing this book, and I feel like I succeeded in telling the story I wanted to tell...even if that meant writing a book that was many times longer than what we'd originally discussed. 

Oops.

Nice Day for a Wine Wedding: A Pour Decisions Romance 

PG Forte

books2read.com/WineWedding

There are a lot of reasons people choose to elope. We’ve already figured out most of them.

 Clay

How hard could it be to plan a simple wedding? If recent experience has taught me anything, the answer is very. Once Legs’ Uncle Geno got involved things started spiraling out of control. We really should’ve eloped.

 Allegra

I’m not saying Clay’s wrong about Geno, but it was his family who turned our rehearsal dinner into a circus. But we’re not eloping. We’re going to work out the problems and have the wedding of our dreams. Assuming we both show up for it.

New POUR DECISIONS Release! Nice Day for a Wine Wedding!

Nice Day for a Wine Wedding: A Pour Decisions Romance 

PG Forte

books2read.com/WineWedding

There are a lot of reasons people choose to elope. We’ve already figured out most of them.

 Clay

How hard could it be to plan a simple wedding? If recent experience has taught me anything, the answer is very. Once Legs’ Uncle Geno got involved things started spiraling out of control. We really should’ve eloped.

 Allegra

I’m not saying Clay’s wrong about Geno, but it was his family who turned our rehearsal dinner into a circus. But we’re not eloping. We’re going to work out the problems and have the wedding of our dreams. Assuming we both show up for it.

Musical Monday: If You Love Her (Forest Blakk)

 

This song screams Clay and Allegra to me. I love these characters so much! And now that their (second) book is out I hope you'll love them, too. 

Nice Day for a Wine Wedding: A Pour Decisions Romance 

PG Forte

books2read.com/WineWedding

There are a lot of reasons people choose to elope. We’ve already figured out most of them.

 Clay

How hard could it be to plan a simple wedding? If recent experience has taught me anything, the answer is very. Once Legs’ Uncle Geno got involved things started spiraling out of control. We really should’ve eloped.

 Allegra

I’m not saying Clay’s wrong about Geno, but it was his family who turned our rehearsal dinner into a circus. But we’re not eloping. We’re going to work out the problems and have the wedding of our dreams. Assuming we both show up for it.

This Week's FREE Read: Going to the Chapel

Nice Day for a Wine Wedding released this week and I'm in a wedding-y mood. So, I've decided to offer Going to the Chapel for FREE! For five days only starting today! Enjoy!

Going To The Chapel

Oberon/LA Love Lessons Crossover Book 1.0

In Waiting For The Big One, Gabby and Derek went from being friends to being lovers. Now, they're waiting for their "big day". But will it be the wedding of their dreams? Or a bride's worst nightmare?

A quick trip to Gabby's hometown turns into the wedding from hell when Gabby and Derek are plagued by hailstorms, lost reservations, voracious goats, angry bees and enough family drama to fill a barn.

Guess it's true what they say, "The course of true love never did run smooth." But can the happy couple hold it all together, or will their Big Day turn into a Big Mess?

***A different version of this book was previously released as part of the Sapphire Falls Kindle World program.***

https://books2read.com/GoingChapel

Wine Wednesday: Grape Creek 2022 Mosaic

 

So, yay for another meritage! I included one in the book I just finished, so it's perfect timing. A year ago I wrote about the 2021 Mosaic and you can find that post here:  https://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/2025/03/wine-wednesday-grape-creek-vineyards.html

Based on what I wrote then, the '22 Mosaic seems a little different than the '21.  It's still a garnet color...I guess? A little darker and more purply than I would normally associate with that particular stone. I do not smell anything like Cherry blossoms in this vintage--or violet either, for that matter. And I'd say the nose has straight up hints of chocolate rather than cocoa powder. But blackberries, for sure. There are still no legs to speak of. The cocoa softens into more of a milk chocolate flavor on the palate, with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon and raspberry ice. 

It's a nice, refreshing red wine. I'd love to see this made into a frozen sangria/frose kind of dessert. 

I enjoyed this with pizza and a garden salad with blackberry balsamic dressing. And once again, I ended up with two bottles.  Yay, me!

Please check out Nice Day for a Wine Wedding, coming soon!

www.PGForte.com

Nice Day for a Wine Wedding: A Pour Decisions Romance 

PG Forte

books2read.com/rl/Pour Decisions

There are a lot of reasons people choose to elope. We’ve already figured out most of them.

 Clay

How hard could it be to plan a simple wedding? If recent experience has taught me anything, the answer is very. Once Legs’ Uncle Geno got involved things started spiraling out of control. We really should’ve eloped.

 Allegra

I’m not saying Clay’s wrong about Geno, but it was his family who turned our rehearsal dinner into a circus. But we’re not eloping. We’re going to work out the problems and have the wedding of our dreams. Assuming we both show up for it.

Musical Monday: Here On Out (Dave Matthews)

   

Another song from Kate Davies' My Wine and Only playlist. (yes, my commentary gets really sparse when I'm on deadline and rushing to finish my own book!)

My Wine and Only

Kate Davies

https://books2read.com/u/mvkXPJ

​​

Rosa and Jake are getting married–again! 

Jake

 

Rosa and I have been married for twelve years, but it seems like just yesterday we got together. 

 

Okay, that could be because just days after our quickie, teenage elopement to Vegas we separated and didn’t see each other for a decade. But now that we’ve reconnected, it feels like the perfect time to renew our vows, right? Have that do-over wedding of our dreams, one that includes family and friends and all the trappings of a wedding we didn’t get the first time around. But Rosa’s avoiding anything to do with planning for our do-over wedding, and I’m worried that maybe she doesn’t actually want to do this. 

 

So I’ve got six weeks to figure out what’s really going on with Rosa, kick-start the vow renewal planning, and ensure that whatever we do, it’s exactly the way we want it.

 

Easy peasy, right? 

 

Please send wine.

Musical Monday: Diamonds (Rhianna)

   

Today is release day for the second book in the POUR DECISIONS wedding series--Kate Davies' My Wine and Only!

This song is one Kate mentioned listening to while writing the book. As I understand it, her daughter recommended it. Fun fact: it also features on the Heated Rivalry soundtrack.

My Wine and Only

Kate Davies

https://books2read.com/u/mvkXPJ

​​

Rosa and Jake are getting married–again! 

Jake

 

Rosa and I have been married for twelve years, but it seems like just yesterday we got together. 

 

Okay, that could be because just days after our quickie, teenage elopement to Vegas we separated and didn’t see each other for a decade. But now that we’ve reconnected, it feels like the perfect time to renew our vows, right? Have that do-over wedding of our dreams, one that includes family and friends and all the trappings of a wedding we didn’t get the first time around. But Rosa’s avoiding anything to do with planning for our do-over wedding, and I’m worried that maybe she doesn’t actually want to do this. 

 

So I’ve got six weeks to figure out what’s really going on with Rosa, kick-start the vow renewal planning, and ensure that whatever we do, it’s exactly the way we want it.

 

Easy peasy, right? 

 

Please send wine.

Musical Monday: Better Together by Jack Johnson (Stringspace String Quartet)

   

This is another song that Kelly Jamieson picked for our joint playlist for the POUR DECISIONS wedding stories. Her book, Eat, Drink and Be Married released last week. And if you haven't picked up a copy yet, what are you waiting for? 

Links below!

Eat, Drink, and be Married 
By Kelly Jamieson 

Bianca

I’m getting married and this wedding has to be perfect. I’ve planned everything down to the minute, and approved every flower, bow, and candle. With a brilliant wedding decorator and my meticulous planning and attention to detail, what could possibly go wrong?

It turns out…a lot.

All my life, I felt overshadowed by my two sisters and felt I could never measure up to the family winemaking name. That’s why this has to be flawless. So when things start going wrong on our wedding day, I’m distraught. Not only am I embarrassed but…are we even really married?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H3FV8HQ4

https:tinyurl.com/NapaWeddingPlaylist

Wine Wednesday: Three Thieves Cabernet Sauvignon

I never heard of this wine until a few weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. It's such a California Cab. Velvety mouth feel. Black cherry on the nose along with hints of dark chocolate. It made me homesick. I drank it with a flank steak topped with onions and peppers. It was an okay pairing. I think this wine needed something with more of an umami edge to it--maybe the fabulous roasted Brussels sprouts they make at the Paso Robles Inn.

Nice Day for a Wine Wedding 
By PG Forte

There are a lot of reasons people choose to elope. We’ve already figured out most of them.

Clay

​How hard could it be to plan a simple wedding? If recent experience has taught me anything, the answer is very. Once Legs’ Uncle Geno got involved things started spiraling out of control. We really should’ve eloped.

 Allegra

​I’m not saying Clay’s wrong about Geno, but it was his family who turned our rehearsal dinner into a circus. But we’re not eloping. We’re going to work out the problems and have the wedding of our dreams. Assuming we both show up for it.

Read an excerpt HERE

Musical Monday: I Choose You Wedding Version (Forest Blakk)

   

First of all, Happy Release Day to Kelly Jamieson! Her new POUR DECISIONS story, Eat, Drink and Be Married is out today! You can get it here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H3FV8HQ4

This is one of the songs she picked for our joint playlist. I'll post the link below to that, as well.

Eat, Drink, and be Married 
By Kelly Jamieson

Bianca

I’m getting married and this wedding has to be perfect. I’ve planned everything down to the minute, and approved every flower, bow, and candle. With a brilliant wedding decorator and my meticulous planning and attention to detail, what could possibly go wrong?

It turns out…a lot.

All my life, I felt overshadowed by my two sisters and felt I could never measure up to the family winemaking name. That’s why this has to be flawless. So when things start going wrong on our wedding day, I’m distraught. Not only am I embarrassed but…are we even really married?

https:tinyurl.com/NapaWeddingPlaylist

Wine Wednesday: Grape Creek Vineyards 2022 Right Bank

So this wine has the most wonderful nose--I smell blackberries and cherries, vanilla and candied violets. This is a Merlot-dominant red blend with soft tannins and more than a hint of cocoa on the finish. The grapes were grown on the High Plains in 2022. Coincidentally, that was the year I moved to Texas. It was a really hot summer and this wine definitely gives me a sense of that. It's a, "too hot to do anything but lie in a hammock and drink wine" kind of wine. It reminds me of foggy mornings and 

I'm currently at the last stages (I hope) of writing Nice Day for a Wine Wedding. I like to think Clay and Allegra would be enjoying a wine like this at their reception. Now, if only I could figure out what's on the menu...

But I guess you'll have to check back next month (when the book releases) and find out what I came up with!

Nice Day for a Wine Wedding 
By PG Forte

There are a lot of reasons people choose to elope. We’ve already figured out most of them.

Clay

​How hard could it be to plan a simple wedding? If recent experience has taught me anything, the answer is very. Once Legs’ Uncle Geno got involved things started spiraling out of control. We really should’ve eloped.

 Allegra

​I’m not saying Clay’s wrong about Geno, but it was his family who turned our rehearsal dinner into a circus. But we’re not eloping. We’re going to work out the problems and have the wedding of our dreams. Assuming we both show up for it.

Read an excerpt HERE

Musical Monday: Come Away With Me (Norah Jones)

   

There's no real reason for this song. I just like it, and I like the weird, dream sequence video. It's peaceful and evocative. 

This Week's Free Read: Let Me Count the Ways

So...I saw this cute video about a cockatoo (see below) and it reminded me of the parrot in Let Me Count the Ways, which was such a fun book to write, and that was all it took for me to decide that this would be my free book of the week.  Well, that and the fact that I'll be raising the prices on a lot of my books this week--particularly the novellas, including this one. Basically, anything that's currently 1.99 will be either 2.99 or 3.99 (depending on word count) starting sometime soon (whenever I get around to it, it's a busy time of year). And many of my longer books may go up as well. Everything but the Carina and Entangled books, because I don't control the prices of those. Unless I decide to get my rights back and republish them myself--always a possibility. 

Up until now, I've tried to keep my prices low because I sympathize with people who read a lot and don't have a lot of money to spend on books. I mean, I am one of those people, after all. But libraries exist for a reason. And I've had enough people tell me that readers don't buy inexpensive books because they think they mustn't be very good that I've started to think that I might have been making a critical miscalculation all along. I mean, personally, I don't understand that logic, but I do realize that other people might see things differently And I do believe in math, so I have to believe that the people who've run the numbers--and who insist that higher priced books sell better--know what they're talking about. 

Life's weird right now, anyway; logic doesn't seem to enter into much of anything, anymore. And since I'm once again at the "either start selling more books, or stop writing altogether," point, I figure I'll give it a try.  

So...TL/DR: this book can be picked up for free at the link below (this week only) and if you want to pick up some bargains, check out any of the online vendors for the rest of this series and the first three Games We Play books--because those are all definitely going up in the very near future. 

Let Me Count The Ways

LA Love Lessons 3.0

She's thinking fling, he's thinking forever.

Sexy former film star Claire Calhoun is used to having her pick of studly young men. Now that she and Derek have called it quits, however, the actress-turned-entrepreneur is feeling vulnerable. After one mojito too many at a party one night, she decides it would be fun to try something new-in this case, Mike Sherman, her staid accountant and long-time fan.

Claire has been Mike's fantasy since the first time he saw her bare it all for the camera. Now that she's in his bed he'll do whatever's necessary to keep her there. But he's not a stalker, right? He's just a devoted fan.

NEW: look for a new Christmas story featuring Mike and Claire available this Christmas:  Click here to learn more.

https://BookHip.com/ZRDADJT

Musical Monday: A Million Dreams (Pink)

  

All right, I know I said that Rewrite the Stars was going to be THE song for Clay and Allegra to dance to, but this was a serious contender. At the very least, it's going on the playlist!

Musical Monday: America (Jack and Daisy)

  I've always loved Simon and Garfunkel but I have to admit that this is a sensational cover of one of my favorite of their songs. It's the New Jersey Turnpike reference. And I'm feeling intensely political this year (in case you haven't noticed) so...there will probably be more songs like this showing up in here. Sorry, not sorry.

  

This Week's Free Read: Being Mom (A Collection of Poems About Motherhood)

Just in time for Mothers Day

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/6aihh96he3

Wine Wednesday: Sirin Sonoma Valley 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

So, we know I like wine. But my favorite thing is pouring a glass of a really good California red wine--usually a Cab or a Zin--and taking that first sniff, that first taste. It transports me back to happier times. My love affair with California reds dates back to my first trip to California, when I was a newlywed. We camped in Marin, just outside San Francisco--I'm pretty sure it was Mt. Tamalpais State Park. There was an older couple (probably younger than I am now) in a camper set up in the site directly across from us, who invited us over for grilled oysters and wine. My husband doesn't like either one (well, he's learning to. slowly.) but I was in pig heaven. It was a magical night. Later, it started to rain, our tent flooded, we left before dawn, and all of our gear stayed wet for days. 

But this wine--with its deep purple color, its soft tannins, the notes of cedar, violets, and crushed blackberries on the nose, with its bold mouthfeel, the hints of toasted oak, the lingering taste of raspberry and cocoa--brings it all back. It tastes like night in a redwood forest--dark and earthy and smoky and herbaceous. 

I'd pair it with grilled oysters, if I had them. Since I don't, I'm enjoying it by itself.