Romance Writers Weekly ~ A Writer's Beginning ~ #LoveChatWrite

The topic for this week's Romance Writer's Weekly blog hop is, "When did you start to write and why?"

The answer depends on what you mean by "start". Like most writers I know, I've been making up poems and stories and song lyrics for as long as I can remember. But I remember exactly when and why I started writing the story that would become my first published book. So let's go with that.

My kids were in elementary school when it occurred to me that they didn't think of me as a writer. It's how I thought of myself, and I had documentary scripts and PSAs, poems, two years as a columnist for a photography magazine, and one published short story, to back up my claim. But most of that had been before their time. So I began writing Scent of the Roses.

It wasn't the first time I started a novel, but now I had a reason to finish it. Once it was done, I started another, just to see if I could do it again. My family was less than thrilled, at that point. One book was a nice thing that Mommy was doing. TWO BOOKS, on the other hand, meant more work and less attention for everyone else. I think I was on book four before it occurred to me that I could probably keep writing--and finishing--books for as long as I wanted to. 

Honestly, at this point, I don't know what else I'd do with myself. So, I guess I'll just keep going.

Now hop over to Leslie Hachtel's page and learn about how she got started writing. And be sure to check out her book, Bound to Morocco, Book One in the Morocco series.

Abandoned and alone on a ship, Lady Shera must find a way back to England. She gets assistance from an unlikely source: the man who kidnapped her. When their partnership turns to love, the two must face constant danger to endure. But will they ever be free?

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3T1YvBl

The Oberon series was my first published series. I got the rights to it back a few years ago, and had planned on releasing it then, but I was dismayed by how dated some of it seemed. I spent some time trying to determine how much work (and money) it would take to bring it up to date, and decided: Too Much. Plus, with so many people who've written me over the years saying they loved the series...I didn't want to re-write TOO MUCH and spoil those memories.

Soooo...I will be releasing them (starting next year) in a special 20th year anniversary edition, complete with annotations by the author. It's going to be so much fun to revisit all my old haunts. And, who knows, maybe I'll finally get the inspiration I need to finish all the unfinished Oberon novellas and Christmas stories that live on my computer's backup drive?

In the meantime, you can get a taste of Oberon for FREE when you sign up for my newsletter.

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/5xxljdbblb

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 (set some eighteen years before the series begins) also appears as flashback scenes in A Taste of Honey.

There are more freebies and goodies on the Oberon Series Page of my website. Click here for info:  https://www.pgforte.com/the-oberon-series​

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Favorite Summer Recipes ~ #LoveChatWrrite

Happy hop day! This week we're asked to "Share your favorite recipe for hot summer days. It can be a drink, a dessert, a meal...anything!"

Well, as it happens, I've already blogged about this subject, and I see no reason to change my opinion, so I'm re-blogging it today. 

For me, nothing says summer quite like lavender, so today I'm going to share a couple of my favorite lavender themed recipes, lavender shortbread and lavender lemonade. Together they make up a perfect snack to enjoy while sitting outside, enjoying the summer sunshine and, of course, a good book!

 

Lavender Shortbread

 

Ingredients

 

1 1/2 cups butter, softened

2/3 cup white sugar

1/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh lavender

1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

 

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the lavender, mint and lemon zest. Combine the flour, cornstarch and salt; mix into the batter until well blended. Divide dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap and flatten to about 1inch thick. Refrigerate until firm, about 1hour.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Cookie stamps will work well on these too. Place on cookie sheets.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, just until cookies begin to brown at the edges. Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

 

 

Amy's Lavender Lemonade

 

Ingredients

1 tray ice cubes

1/4 cup dried lavender

2 cups boiling water

3/4 cup white sugar

8 lemons

5 cups cold water, or as needed

Directions

 

Place ice cubes into a 2 quart pitcher. Place the lavender into a bowl, and pour boiling water over it. Allow to steep for about 10 minutes, then strain out the lavender and discard. Mix the sugar into the hot lavender water, then pour into the pitcher with the ice.

Squeeze the juice from the lemons into the pitcher, getting as much juice as you can. Top off the pitcher with cold water, and stir. Taste, and adjust lemon juice or sugar if desired. Pour into tall glasses, pull up a lawn chair and a good book, and relax!

Now hop on over to Jenna Da Sie's page for another great summer recipe.

I've just re-released my LA Love Lessons trilogy with all new covers. The spin-off/crossover novella, Going to the Chapel got an cover update as well. This is all in advance of November's release of Christmasing With You (a Christmas sequel to Let Me Count the Ways) which will release as part of the Let's Get Naughty anthology. 

An aspiring actress searches for her leading man; an amnesiac heiress seeks clues to her true identity; and a tarnished movie star finds love and acceptance in the last place she ever expected. Love like this could only happen in LA.

https://www.pgforte.com/la-love-stories

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PKZJGTR

Available for Pre-order--Now for only .99 cents! 

https://books2read.com/letsgetnaughty

If you think it's too soon to get on Santa's naughty list...think again.

Cancel your plans and spend this holiday season with 26 romance authors who have teamed up to bring you a delicious holiday treat.

This collection will have 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 will have 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.

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Earliest Memories ~ #LoveChatWrite

 This week on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked to describe our earliest memory...

Well, there are a couple of contenders, since it's hard for me to judge exactly how old I was in any of them...or whether they actually occurred. Did I really astrally project during nap time in order to retrieve a forgotten toy? It's impossible to say. I'm more confident in the memory of riding my tricycle while my grandmother watched. 

If I try really hard, I can bring back the scents of the day--the damp bricks of the patio, the green moss that grew between them. I can feel the sun on my skin, the cool breeze. 

Mostly, of course, I remember my grandmother who moved in to help take care of me when I was a newborn, and never left. She came from Ireland (on her own at the age of thirteen--which is its own, very interesting story). But memory is a funny thing. I never heard a hint of an accent when my grandmother spoke until years after her death when I heard a recording and realized it had been there all along. 

This week I'm promoting two books set in the Ireland of my grandmother's childhood--with the addition of magic, of course. Because shape-shifters, demi-gods and faery princesses make every story better!

Now, hop on over to Andie Fenichel's page to learn about her earliest memories. And don't forget to check out her book, Summer Lane: 

Summer Lane

Georgia

It’s a terrible idea to accept a date with the guy I found passed out on my porch, but there’s something about Drew Hill that I can’t resist. I’ve been working as the outdoor activities director at Mountain Ridge Resort for a couple of years and have never been tempted to date a guest. I’ve steered clear of getting involved with anyone. I don’t like to let the grass grow under my feet. I move around. I like it that way. Don’t I?

No one has ever looked at me the way Drew does. As terrified as I am, my Lane family instincts tell me to roll with it. Besides, he’ll be gone in a week. Maybe a few days of heaven are worth a broken heart.

Drew

The last thing I need is to get involved in a serious relationship. Family history taught me counting on anyone will just get you burned and leave you broken. It’s not as if I made a good impression on the stunning Georgia Lane. I got drunk, lost my way, and passed out on her porch. Not my finest moment. Instead of rolling me down the hill, as she should have, she took care of me. She might be the kindest person I’ve ever known. I tell myself to walk away, enjoy my guys' golf week with my friends, and go home unshackled. Still… I'm not ready to walk away from her. One date can't amount to anything. Can it?

Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Lane-Mountain-Ridge-Resort-ebook/dp/B09ZJ9RT91

IRON

Nineteenth century Ireland. Blacksmith Gavin O'Malley is a bitter man, with a heart as hard as the iron he forges. He wants his life back--the one that was stolen from him the day his wife died in childbirth--taking their firstborn son with her. 

When Aislinn Deirbhile, an immortal, shape-shifting fae, arrives on his doorstep, he knows he's in luck. For Aislinn can give Gavin everything he's been missing: A devoted-seeming wife in the image of his beloved Mairead, and children who are sure to outlive their father. Now, all he has to do is find a way to keep her--without losing his immortal soul in the process. 

But Aislinn has an agenda of her own. On the run from a vengeful fae lord who's vowed to either make her his or end her existence, she knows the iron that allows Gavin to take her captive will also keep her pursuers at bay. In order to put herself permanently beyond her enemy's reach, however, Aislinn will need something more. She'll need to win Gavin's heart and convince him to willingly part with a piece of the very soul he's trying to save.

BUY LINKS

OAK

This title was previously published as The Oak King.

Twice each year, Aine Murphy ventures into the woods to hold ceremonies to honor the Oak King and the Holly King, never dreaming these Lords of the Forest could be anything more than myth. When the legends spring to life in front of her, how can she help but fall for the sexy demi-gods she's loved all her life? 

From midwinter to midsummer, Fionn O'Dair rules the Greenworld as the Oak King--a role he feels is beyond his abilities, and one that dooms him to a loveless future, forever craving the one man he can never allow himself to have. How can he resist what Aine offers--the sweet devotion that soothes his aching soul, and the slim chance to live a "normal" life as her husband, if only for half a year? 

Holly King Kieran Mac Cuilenn never desired a human lover--until now. Seeing Fionn and Aine together fills him with longing for the love he threw away and awakens feelings he thought he'd buried with the last Oak King. Is there enough magic in the solstice to correct the mistakes he made years ago? Or is he doomed to be forever left out in the cold?

BUY LINKS

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Swoon-Worthy Heroes ~ #LoveChatWrite

 

This week on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we address the all-important topic of heroes! "What's the recipe for a great hero in your opinion? What character traits to you spin together to create swoon-worthy heroes?"

Well...speaking only for myself, of course, but I love me some flawed heroes. In stories, that is. IRL, I think they'd get old real quick. I think it's a real short hop from flawed to toxic and abusive, and nobody's got time for that!

But in fiction, OTOH, give me your cranky, your jaded, your wounded heroes yearning to break free of the wretched refuse of their pasts and learn to love again...

I don't know about lamps or golden doors, but I got a few heroines (and a couple of heroes, too) who'd be happy to welcome those guys through their bedroom doors, once they've cleaned up their acts a bit.

Because, the hero's journey, isn't that the whole point of fiction? To take flawed heroes and--not change them, no--but to redeem them (if necessary) and allow them to grow.

Take the hero of my latest release, Funnel of Love (info below), Rocky DiLuca. Rocky starts off gruff and close minded with a chip on his shoulder, very set in his ways. By the end of the book, however, he's changed his mind about a lot of things, learned to hope that a better future for himself is possible, and broadened a lot of his horizons. 

That's the best part of writing, as far as I'm concerned.

Now, hop over to author Leslie Hachtel's page and learn more about her heroes. And be sure and check out her book, Stay With Me. 

Evelyn Smith, a nurse, has just escaped from an abusive husband and bought a small cottage in Florida. It is in shambles and the previous owner, the handsome Donovan Hawkins, feels guilty and offers to help with repairs. Evelyn slowly begins to trust again and even love.

Evelyn discovers there is something about the house itself that feels welcoming. Through conversations, she finds that another woman in a similar situation lived there during the Civil War.

The woman from the past was Rebecca Faber, a healer who stumbles on a Yankee soldier who had been injured in a battle. Taking care of him leads to love, but he must flee before he is captured.

Rebecca is forced to marry a terrible man who has killed her father. She is even made to leave her beloved dog behind. Even running away from him doesn’t protect her.

Parallel lives, more than a century apart, unite these woman as they navigate danger and must take risks to survive. And find true love.

Purchase here: https://amzn.to/3cuIJOh

Funnel of Love

Games We Play, Book Five
by PG Forte
Paranormal/Erotic Romance
55K

Special Introductory price: only 99 cents

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mvoerj

Will Atlas Beach be big enough for both of them?

 

Baker Rocco DiLuca is not a happy camper. He’s just found out that his baby sister is getting married—to his former best friend—and he's not invited. But that's not even the worst part. They’ve hired someone else to make their wedding cake!

 

He knew he and Kristy hadn't exactly been speaking to each other, but he hadn't realized they Weren’t Speaking to each other! Now he has to figure out how to repair their family feud, or forever keep his distance. Unfortunately, his best hope for success is the woman he considers his competition.

 

Stephanie Sands thinks the Chamber of Commerce’s mentorship program is a great idea! She’s not ashamed to admit that her boutique bakery, Sugar Kink, isn't quite making it. Yet. But the mentor she's been assigned, Rocky D, isn’t just traditional, he’s positively medieval. It’s no wonder his sister wants nothing to do with him!

 

Can they put aside their differences (and the insane attraction they feel) to help each other out? Or will their dreams fall as flat as a failed souffle?

Funnel of Love is Live!

FUNNEL OF LOVE IS LIVE!

Buy it HERE

 I had so much fun writing this book! It has jokes and funny stories and funny music--see the playlist below. Numbers 3, 4 and 5 are my favorites.  There are drunken conversations, and drunken sex, and family being...well, family. There are two families, actually. So double the drama! There's a wedding. There's a cat. There's a secret pregnancy. And there's cake. 

So. Much. Cake.

Right now, it's on sale for only .99 cents which is less than you'd pay for even ONE cupcake. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I  enjoyed writing it. 

Funnel of Love

Games We Play, Book Five
by PG Forte
Paranormal/Erotic Romance
55K

Special pre-order price: only .99

Releases this Thursday, July 21, 2022 

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mvoerj

Atlas Beach be big enough for both of them?

 

Baker Rocco DiLuca is not a happy camper. He’s just found out that his baby sister is getting married—to his former best friend—and he's not invited. But that's not even the worst part. They’ve hired someone else to make their wedding cake!

 

He knew he and Kristy hadn't exactly been speaking to each other, but he hadn't realized they Weren’t Speaking to each other! Now he has to figure out how to repair their family feud, or forever keep his distance. Unfortunately, his best hope for success is the woman he considers his competition.

 

Stephanie Sands thinks the Chamber of Commerce’s mentorship program is a great idea! She’s not ashamed to admit that her boutique bakery, Sugar Kink, isn't quite making it. Yet. But the mentor she's been assigned, Rocky D, isn’t just traditional, he’s positively medieval. It’s no wonder his sister wants nothing to do with him!

 

Can they put aside their differences (and the insane attraction they feel) to help each other out? Or will their dreams fall as flat as a failed souffle?

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Tell Me A Joke ~ #LoveChatWrite

The directive for this week's Romance Writers Weekly blog hop is fairly straightforward: "Tell me a joke! Or share a funny story. Let's laugh a little."

And do I have a joke for you. See, this week I have a new release. Funnel of Love, will be going live on Thursday July 21st (It's currently available for pre-order. Info below). 

Funnel is set in my home state of New Jersey. And let me just say that Jersey tomatoes are the best tomatoes ANYWHERE, and they're just about the only Jersey delicacy that you can't find elsewhere, or order online (Goldbelly is my very special friend). So I can really sympathize with Vincent's dad. Here's the joke:

An elderly Italian man in New Jersey...

An elderly Italian man living alone in New Jersey wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, since the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

Dear Vincent,
I am feeling pretty sad, because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I’m just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over.. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like in the old days.
Love, Papa

A few days later he received a letter from his son.

Dear Pop,
Don’t dig up that garden. That’s where the bodies are buried.
Love,
Vinnie

At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day the old man received another letter from his son.

Dear Pop,
Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That’s the best I could do under the circumstances.
Love you,

Now, hop on over to Leslie Hachtel's page. And get ready to laugh some more! Also, check out her book, A Dance In Time.

Lady Grace imagines escaping her cruel husband and miserable life. A portal into the past offers her so much more than she bargained for. Including meeting the man of her dreams whose life is at risk. Can she save him? Can he rescue her?

https://amzn.to/3IGqFNc

Funnel of Love

Games We Play, Book Five
by PG Forte
Paranormal/Erotic Romance
55K

Special pre-order price: only .99

Releases this Thursday, July 21, 2022 

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mvoerj

Atlas Beach be big enough for both of them?

 

Baker Rocco DiLuca is not a happy camper. He’s just found out that his baby sister is getting married—to his former best friend—and he's not invited. But that's not even the worst part. They’ve hired someone else to make their wedding cake!

 

He knew he and Kristy hadn't exactly been speaking to each other, but he hadn't realized they Weren’t Speaking to each other! Now he has to figure out how to repair their family feud, or forever keep his distance. Unfortunately, his best hope for success is the woman he considers his competition.

 

Stephanie Sands thinks the Chamber of Commerce’s mentorship program is a great idea! She’s not ashamed to admit that her boutique bakery, Sugar Kink, isn't quite making it. Yet. But the mentor she's been assigned, Rocky D, isn’t just traditional, he’s positively medieval. It’s no wonder his sister wants nothing to do with him!

 

Can they put aside their differences (and the insane attraction they feel) to help each other out? Or will their dreams fall as flat as a failed souffle?

Romance Writers Weekly ~ Favorite Reviews ~ #LoveChatWrite

This week on the Romance Writers Weekly Blog Hop, we've been asked to share "one of your favorite reviews for one of your books." Oh, this one is soooo easy.

I've received many wonderful reviews over the years, but I think the review that's touched me the most is one I received for my book Inked Memories, which has a heroine who is a cancer survivor. In part the reviewer has this to say, "We can read fiction, and it can touch us, but I think sometimes when it touches on shared scars it becomes more real and helps us feel not so alone. Thank you for that P.G. Forte"

There are times when writing is hard, times when writers block, or impostor syndrome, or a lack of sales has you thinking that maybe it's time to quit. It's reviews like this that make it all worthwhile and help me keep going. 

To read the full review, go here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/856927876?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1

Now, hop on over to Brenda Margriet's page to read about one of her reviews. And don't forget to check out her book, Loving Between the Lines.

Loving Between the Lines

(Book Two in the Silverberry Seduction Seasoned Romance Series. Can be read as a standalone.)

(Lynn is 40, Benjamin is 35)

Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo

Pre Order Now $2.99 Ebook, $13.99 Print

Release Date THIS FRIDAY

A one-night stand neither will forget.

She wanted a final fling before choosing science to make her a single mom. He needed an escape from the regret grinding him into dust. Her baby isn’t his…but maybe family is more than DNA.

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/LovingBetweenTheLines

All Sophie wants is a tattoo to commemorate her battle with cancer. What she gets is celebrity tattoo artist Declan Ross, the same sexy bad-boy who, once-upon-a-time, used to rock her world. 

 With his hit television show on hiatus, Declan is back in the Big Easy. A charity event at Midnight Ink, the shop where he got his start, seems like the perfect opportunity to use his celebrity status to publicize a good cause...and just maybe improve his own image in the process. The last thing he's expecting, or thinks he needs, is a chance meeting with the girl he left behind. 

 Last time they were together, Declan was the one who was damaged. This time, they've both got scars; and those you can't see are the hardest to cover.

https://books2read.com/u/4AOwQd