ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR!

By Caroline Clemmons

February is the anniversary of Romance Gems blog. Time flies when you’re immersed in romance as we who write and read romance are. Traditionally, February is the month of love. 

This year, it’s also Leap Year. The movie “Leap Year” starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode is one of my favorites. Partly, I’m sure, because it’s set mostly in Ireland. I love that country and would enjoy living there part of the year. Sigh, that’s not to be. 

You are aware that Leap Year is when, on February 29, the women can propose to the man of her choice. Perhaps this isn’t as novel today as it was back when I was young mumble-mumble years ago.

I’m excited to let you know about a new romance release, A BRIDE FOR LUKE, the Proxy Brides Series Book #36. This series is a big hit with readers. The comments from beta readers on this book have been very positive. Each of these sweet western historical romances is stand-alone. The premise is a couple marries by proxy rather than the heroine being a mail-order bride. Still, they must cope with adjusting to one another while overcoming obstacles in their path.

Here’s some information about the book:

The universal Amazon link is http://mybook.to/Maeve

A BRIDE FOR LUKE is available in e-book and print and is free in KU.

The blurb:

Each is struggling to build a better life . . .

Two strong-willed people are bound to clash . . .

Danger forces them to focus on what is at stake . . .

Maeve Kelly came to America for a better life but found only signs that said No Irish Need Apply. When the cousin with whom she is staying leaves Boston, Maeve is left desperate. Her job at the laundry doesn’t pay enough for her to survive alone. Her friend suggests a way out, Maeve resists a proxy marriage but finally accepts. What else can she do?

Sheriff Luke Sullivan is proud of his accomplishments. Known for his strong principles, he is admired and well-respected in the community. When he learns his mother and aunt have schemed to get him a proxy bride he’s furious. If he’d wanted a wife he would have found one. He respects and loves his mother and finally agrees to the marriage. Before he and his bride can adjust to one another, Luke is caught in the middle of an explosive situation between striking miners and the railroad. 

Threats against Luke by each side have him fearing for the safety of his wife, mother, and aunt. He must resolve the strike to protect his family and many others. Will he succeed in time to save lives?

Excerpt:

He pushed back from the table. “How can I keep you safe if you don’t follow orders? Do you understand?”

She put her hands on her hips. “Oh, so it’s orders you’re giving me, is it? Weel, Lucas Brady Sullivan, I take orders from no man. Do you understand?”

“Mae, you’re making something from nothing.” He tapped his chest. “I’m your husband. You promised to obey me when we wed.”

That brought her temper down a notch. She had promised and Father Patrick had lectured her on the husband being the head of the household. “Mayhap I did, but not high handed orders.”

“And what would you consider obeying? You want a written invitation to remain home? Shall I show you the other wanted poster and suggest you avoid that man? You’ve no idea what these other men look like so how would you know if they were walking down the street or shopping in the Mercantile? How can you know who’s an upstanding citizen and who’s a stranger in town? You were in front of the Mercantile when Higgins accosted you.”  

She turned toward the sink, hands on her face to hide her shame. “Aye, ‘tis sorry I am. The worry of what’s going to happen has me in bits. I can’t get out of my mind the fact someone may shoot at you from an ambush.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t fret, honey. I’m doing my best to keep this situation from becoming violent. I can’t focus on my job if I’m worried about where you are and what you’re doing and who’s around you.”

She leaned her head against his broad chest. His strong heartbeat reassured her. “I see the way I was wrong. ‘Twas my mistake and ‘tis sorry I am.”

She looked up at him. “But, for us to have a peaceful marriage you’d best consider making requests instead of giving orders.”

Romance Gems is celebrating a year of romance. We have a love-ly giveaway for the month of love. (Pardon the pun.) Our February Giveaway includes:

First Prize - $20

Second Prize - $15

Third Prize - $10

Fourth Prize - $5

Enter at the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the blog page here.