Friday, June 11, 2021

CELEBRATING JUNE By Kathleen Lawless @kathleenlawless

 


June was likely named for the Roman Goddess, Juno, patroness of marriage and well-being of women, so no wonder this month holds a special place in my heart.

Some of the things I love best about June, in no particular order are:

-Life feels less frantic.  This dates back to my own school days, and then my kids’ school years where, as June wound down, there was no jumping up and racing out the door five days a week. 

-Evenings bring that magical, long-lasting twilight that makes it conducive to just hang outside and enjoy the evening stillness or watch the birds come for a final bath or feeding before bed.

-Local strawberries.  No explanation required.

-Flowers and fragrances are amazing.

-Farmers’ Markets.  Now my mouth is watering at the thought of garden-fresh treats.

-People seem friendlier.

-Street musicians pop up all over downtown street corners and at the markets.

-Summer clothes.  Can you say flip-flops?

-Barbeques and picnics.  Dining al fresco is my absolute favorite.

-Lazy days in the hammock with a good book.


 I found this quote from Nathaniel Parker Willis that sums things up for me.

“It is the month of June,

The month of leaves and roses,

Where pleasant sights salute the eyes,

And pleasant scents the noses.”

What do you love best about June?

Just because it’s June, doesn’t mean I get to slack off.  In fact, I am releasing a brand-new book today.  

ONE FANTASY FALL is a clean and wholesome contemporary romance that revisits Blue Sky Island, home to several other books in this series.  The hero, Blaze, is a Hollywood stuntman and Kaitlin’s ‘fake date’, who is reinventing himself after a failed stunt where he almost died.  Kaitlin is also reinventing herself, and despite teaming up for a worthy cause, she and Blaze both feel their lives are spinning them in opposite directions.


A couple of advance reviews: 5 * NEVER DARE A DAREDEVIL

“I enjoyed this straightforward, page-turning story with two people, neither looking for a relationship, brought together for an event as dates. The story has a great cast of people, plenty of angst and emotions, including a few surprises.”

5 * Sweet small town romance

“This is a sweet small town romance. I really liked it. It has wit and charm, and has great characters.”


Kaitlin started down the stairs, following the soothing sounds of a waterfall on the street level of the hotel where lush green plants ringed the mini-oasis. Water fell from a height of about twenty feet into a square, man-made pond that flowed beneath the tiled floor into a second pond directly behind her. The rocks edging the water looked real and she bent down to touch one.

“They’re real.”  Blaze spoke behind her. “Barnacles and all. I already checked.”

Kaitlin felt a warm flush tinge her cheeks as she slowly straightened.

He closed the distance between them and placed his finger beneath her chin. “Amazing,” he murmured. “I’ve never seen anyone blush quite so attractively as you do.”

Kaitlin met his gaze. “Blushing is a wretched nuisance.”

He gave a crooked smile as he released her. She wished he’d take a step back because her own feet refused to move and he was standing far too close for comfort. “I like it.  Lets me know you’re not quite as unruffled as you seem.”

Kaitlin felt a cold chill travel the length of her spine. “You don’t know me well enough to say that.”

His voice dropped an octave. “In some ways I feel as if I’ve known you forever, Kaitlin Ross. I understand your dreams, your goals, and your drive to succeed.”

She wasn’t sure if the rushing sound in her ears was due to the waterfall behind her or a defense mechanism for the way he was looking at her. She shivered as they exchanged looks, not one stranger to another, but something far more intimate. So powerful she could almost believe he meant what he said.

“Will you be at the tournament tomorrow?”

She nodded.  “I got a press pass so I can pretend to be busy and important.”

Blaze took her arm.  “Speaking of busy and important, we should get back to the party.”  He brushed her lips with his thumb smearing her lipstick and giving her hair a tousle.

“What are you doing?”

“Giving people a reason to speculate where we snuck off to together.  And why.”

She swallowed thickly, finding response impossible given the way her heart was fluttering in her throat.  Blaze was a little too good at this fake date stuff.  For a second there, it felt like he cared.

Grab your copy here!  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096CRGV1L

 

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11 comments:

  1. I love June, too. We're leaving for a long-awaited beach vacation today. Another reason!

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  2. You hit the nail on the head with the twilight reason. I love that summer nights can be so easy and breezy and long.

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  3. June equals long evenings, sitting outside and no particular place to be. We tend to dine outside then play backgammon or chess while the day fades. Lovely post and I love the new book!

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  4. June is a fabulous month. My birthday is in June. Although that makes me older so maybe I don't like June as much now!! Your book sounds great!!

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  5. Great post and enticing excerpt. Best wishes for what sounds like a great read.

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  6. Enjoyed your post and share the same feelings about June. Good luck with your new book!

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  7. Loved the poem, your reasons for enjoying June, and this excerpt! Nothing better than two people in love with each other misunderstanding each other's feelings. Then, as the reader, you can look forward to them figuring things out and root them on. Best wishes for your new release! :)

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