Romance Writers Weekly ~ Summer Playlist ~ #LoveChatWrite

This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked, "What songs are on your summer playlist?"

Which is another great question. But I figured instead of telling you all about it, I'd share my playlist with you. And yes, that cute and colorful QRC does work!

I threw together a bunch of songs that I remember from summers past--they span decades. I absolutely love it. My husband, OTOH, not so much. lol 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6YzQTEtRPGQD7PyhyQchQg

Anyway, hop on over to Jenna Da Sie's page to find out what she's listening to. 

FREE DOWNLOAD

Such Fleeting Pleasures

An Oberon Prequel Novella 

Love wasn't always strawberries and cream for Lucy and Dan Cavanaugh...or was it? In this Oberon prequel, we travel back in time to see how it all began. 

Most of the material in this prequel novella (which is set some eighteen years before the series begins) also appears as flashback scenes in A Taste of Honey.

You can access a FREE DOWNLOAD of this novella when you join my Facebook group: The Crone's Nest​

Or at this BookFunnel link: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/5xxljdbblb

Musical Monday: Last Dance (Chuck Mangione)

 So, this wasn't the song I was planning on posting today, but then Chuck Mangione died and it seemed appropriate. As I mentioned when I posted his song, Feels So Good, this is from an album I listened to quite a lot when I was first married. We had no TV, so we listened to music a lot and we didn't have very many albums, so we listed to the ones we had over and over again. Actually, that fits my MO most of the time for so many things. I also went through a prolonged period (while I lived in NYC, immediately across the street from a tiny ho.e-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant) where I ate cold sesame noodles at least twice a day/every day. It's still one of my favorite dishes. 

But I digress...

I was going through a jazz phase at the time. It felt very grown up. lol Anyway, RIP Mr Mangione!

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Beach Reads ~ #LoveChatWrite

This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked, "What book would one of your main characters bring on a beach trip — and what does that say about that character?"

Well, that's a question, isn't it? I wonder if my characters actually read? It's funny to me how many of my friends and family don't. I do have one character who reads--Julie from the Children of Night series loves Vampire Romance--much to her brother's disgust. They both are vampires, in case that wasn't immediately clear. And I think what it says about Julie is that she likes romance she can relate to. lol

HOWEVER, they don't generally spend much time at the beach, so I guess I'll have to look elsewhere.

I think Gwen from the Games We Play series would love the Outfoxing the Paranormal series by Jordan Hawk--because she also has experience with ghosts. I think her ghosts would look down their noses at that, too. 

I'm sensing a pattern here.

Gabby and Claire from the LA Love Lessons series would read books that could be turned into movies and might have a part for them. Which would be rom-coms in Gabby's case. Although, at this point, I think she's probably reading baby books. Claire is mostly retired, but I think she could be enticed back if the part would allow her to really showcase her talent. Both of their partners would be supportive. Just sayin'

 Everyone in Oberon likes paranormal romance and wishes I'd write more of those. As you can see here:  https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/tFfHiT3M

Anyway, hop on over to Leslie Hachtel's page to learn what books her characters are reading this summer. And don't forget to check out her book, FOLLOW ME.

A FOLLOW ME

Harper Forbes’ best friend has disappeared without a trace. So she embarks on a journey of a lifetime as she follows Skye 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

Christmas in July!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/mmchristmasjuly/axz26pawrn

Christmas Angel

​

Being fully transparent is good for a relationship, right? Well, maybe not when it’s literal.

 Christmas Angel is a second-chance, MM, holiday romance with a celestial twist.

Probationary angel Jake Hennessy's been sent back to earth to mend fences with his ex. Or has he?

Certainly Tony doesn’t seem to think that's the case...

Romance Writers Weekly ~ What's More Romantic? ~ #LoveChatWrite

This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked, "What’s more romantic: a slow burn under the summer sun or a whirlwind July affair?"

Well, that's a question, isn't it? I honestly think that it depends on the story because I think they can both be equally romantic. I think my preference is for the slow burn, but I'm open to having my mind changed about that. lol!

Anyway, hop on over to Jill Haymaker's page to learn where she stands on the "more romantic" question. And don't forget to check out her book, A Peakview Christmas to Remember.

A Peakview Christmas to Remember

Celebrate Christmas in July

Author Jill Haymaker returns to the tiny mountain town of Peakview, Colorado for this holiday romance about starting over and finding a second chance at love.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLQMMYT6

Christmas in July!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/mmchristmasjuly/axz26pawrn

Christmas Angel

​

Being fully transparent is good for a relationship, right? Well, maybe not when it’s literal.

 Christmas Angel is a second-chance, MM, holiday romance with a celestial twist.

Probationary angel Jake Hennessy's been sent back to earth to mend fences with his ex. Or has he?

Certainly Tony doesn’t seem to think that's the case...

Musical Monday: Let the Sun Shine In

 

So, I never saw HAIR the musical, although I grew up on the soundtrack and lyrics. It's weird how this song seems to mirror the way I think, and the way the world is now. I miss the time when the world made sense. 

Musical Monday: Both Sides Now (Josh Groban & Sara Bareilles)

 

I generally love original songs, and I especially love anything that reminds me fondly of the sixties and seventies. But this is a lovely cover of this Joni Mitchell song. 

Wine Wednesday: William Cris Winery Skeleton Key Sauvignon Blanc

 

Unfortunately, this was another white wine that was served to cold to have any kind of nose. I did pick up some lemon, maybe a little honey, but that's about it. According to the tasting notes I'm supposed to have noticed "wilting white flowers, beeswax and roasted nut". Not sure what beeswax smells like, and what type of nut? 

But, I digress. 

This is a Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend, aged in oak, giving it a Chardonnay feel. II paired this with a very TEXAS entree: the 'Forbidden Taco' at North Street Curry Shop in San Marcos. It's an Indian/TexMex fusion dish and I think they went together well. The wine stood up to the spice, cut through the creaminess and provided balance. 

There were notes of peach and melon, traces of salinity, and hints of baking spice. 

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Summer Setting ~ #LoveChatWrite

This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked, "Which summer setting do you love most for yourself or your stories: lakeside cabin, vineyard, small-town fair, or coastal inn?"

Sounds like an easy question, doesn't it? Well, it's not. I love all of those settings--both in real life and in books. I'm pretty sure I've written stories set in all of them. Or, at least most. Maybe not the lakeside cabin...yet.

The Oberon series has all three of the others. Games We Play is set in a coastal inn. Que Sera, Syrah is set in a vineyard. I guess the lakeside cabin is still in my writing future.  

Anyway, hop on over to Brenda Margriet's page to learn about her favorite summer settings. And don't forget to check out her book, Mountain Fire.

A mountaintop mystery leads two conservationists to dangerous obsessions and violent passions

Natural resources student June Brandt climbs Longworth Mountain for some alone time. But when Conservation Officer Alex Weaver arrives to look into the death of a grizzly bear, June is caught up in the investigation—and fascinated by Alex.

Alex is attracted by June's competence and coolness under fire—as well as her lithe body and honey-blonde hair. Although their mutual interest in protecting the natural wonders of the area brings them together, they soon realize they view love from very different angles. He offers passion and pleasure, but June wants more. 

When one of Alex’s colleagues is murdered, June and Alex must work together to find the poacher before other lives are lost. And Alex must look deep inside to discover if he can give June what she deserves.

https://books2read.com/MountainFire

Christmas in July!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/mmchristmasjuly/axz26pawrn