Life Is Change by @JoanReeves #RomanceGems

Life is all about change. From the time we're born, our lives change every single day.

We grow. We learn. We become teens then adults. We marry and most of us have children.

We move into different houses as our lives change. From no children to kids to empty nests, life is constantly changing.

If we're smart, we develop hobbies or passions that enrich our lives. Authors are passionate about writing the stories in their heads. Readers are passionate about books, and romance readers are especially invested in the books they love.

My Journey to Change

Darling Hubby and I made the decision to replace our two-story house with a one-story because of my increasing vision problems that may lead to blindness. We decided it wouldn't be smart to be living in a two-story if that occurred.

From January through April, we "polished" our home until it sparkled like a diamond. It went up for sale on May 2. Within a week, we had sold it. 

We spent the rest of May and June shopping for a one-story house, but had no luck. Found only 2 and both needed extensive renovation from top to bottom. Found hundreds of two-story houses. *LOL*

We were frantic since we had to move out by mid-July. The night of July 1, I saw a new one-story house listing pop up on the real estate website. 

I texted our realtor immediately. The next morning, we saw the house and immediately put a contract on it.

Our Chance Arrived

At last. Our chance to make the change came about. We began to pack. Ten days later on July 12, we closed on that house. The morning of July 13, remodeling began. The new hardwood floors were finished July 15, and movers bbrought our furniture the next day.

The rest of July has been overseeing the remodeling, waiting for contractors to show up, and staring at the mountains of boxes stacked in every room. We won't unpack until the electricians are finished and the painters have done their thing. It was difficult to leave our perfect home and take on another remodeling project, but sometimes, you have to take a leap—even though you know it means a lot of work.

Only Constant in Life

In 2019, my friends and I wanted to change how we connected with readers. The result was this wonderful Romance Gems  blog.

Romance Gems debuted February 1, 2019. Now, we have 789 blog posts in the Archives.

Two and a half years have passed, and we are once again on a quest for a better way to connect and interact with readers. That means it's time to change again. It's really true that the only constant in life is change.

Taking a Chance on Change

I posed the question to the Romance Gems Authors about how we should go forward, and the majority opionion was to change from a blog to social media, i.e., our Readers Facebook Page—Romance Gems...Where Authors and Readers Meet.

That means, it's time to say goodbye to our beloved blog. We've had a good time with the blog. We ran giveaways every month for the first year and a half.

We've got to know many of you, and you have followed us to our Readers Facebook Page,  to our personal blogs, to BookBub, and other online destinations.

Stay With Us

We may not be writing the blog any longer, but it will remain in place with all of the posts and the current pages. You can still use the Bookstore page to visit your favorite Romance Gems Authors by clicking their respective links to all of their books.

Even Better

Come join us on Romance Gems...Where Authors and Readers Meet. We want to chat with readers—with you—every day of the week. Each author will have a short post on her usual "blog day" each month, and there will also be daily topics for discussion and entertainment.

Also, subscribe to each author's newsletter so you'll know when she publishes new books or has sales or giveaways. My Newsletter wants you!

Personally...

With everything I write, and everything I say and do, I always want to encourage others to have the courage to dream and go after their dreams.

Romance Gems Blog has been a lot of work, but it's been rewarding in so many ways.

I want to take this moment to thank the other Romance Gems Authors for their posts, their support, and their time in making this blog a success.

I thank all of you Readers for taking the time to visit us and to leave a comment which always encouraged us. Thanks for reading our books and a special thanks to those who left reviews.

We're all still Romance Gems Authors. Only our venue is changing. We're moving on and hoping you'll move on with us. So join Romance Gems...Where Authors and Readers Meet and bring your friends to meet us too.

Thank you for the last two and a half years. I wish you good health, happiness, prosperity, and peace. See you on our Readers Facebook Page.

It's time to move on. Let's enjoy the Journey.

Sign up for Joan's Free Readers Newsletter.

Beach Ya You Could Use A Good Read! ~ #RomanceGems M.J. Schiller

There's not a lot of beach reading for this fair-skinned Irish girl. Most of my summer reads take place from about 40,000 feet up. When I'm strapped into a seat with no other demands placed on me, that's when I get to read. But after I reach my destination, I'm more likely to have my laptop out so I can write and keep on top of social media. And if I'm really on a roll with writing, or if I'm really behind, (much more likely the case these days), I'll have my laptop out while flying too. Unfortunately, this means I don't have a lot of time to read. That's something I hope to change in the future.

When I think of the beach, though, I think about taking walks with my hubby, hand in hand, during the twilight hours of the day, or jumping waves with my family, oftentimes extended family, as we all enjoy getting together on beach vacations.

From a vacation to Door County.

I also have a rather terrifying memory from one year when we visited the Gulf Shores area. We noticed pretty quickly that we were getting pulled far down the beach while we were playing in the waves, and we were continually having to make our way back up to where we started. But when the water began pulling us out, away from the beach, we panicked. If you've ever been caught in a riptide, you'll understand the strange feeling. Even knee-deep in water, you can struggle against this invisible attacker. I was able to get a few of the kids to safety, but my husband had to go out to rescue our son Ryan. I was so scared. And I had a right to be, as it was difficult to get back in. At one point, my husband threw Ryan ahead of him, hoping to get him out of the tow, and he did. Then, luckily, he was able to make it back himself. Just a reminder to you, if you should be beaching it this year, be aware of your surroundings and where your loved ones are, so you know if they're in trouble.

I don't want to end on an unhappy note though. I do love traveling to warm climates, hunting up seashells, and drinking boat drinks, along with all the other things that go with relaxing and getting away from the demands of everyday life. We also like to learn about the history of the area when we visit places, and I'd be lying if I said I don't enjoy going out to eat.

From same vaca.

I would leave you with a little sneak peek from my upcoming Last Chance Beach Romance, but it isn't due out until January of 2023, so I haven't written it yet, which would make that hard. ;) Instead, I'll share a beach scene from THE HEART TEACHES BEST. Here's a blurb to set it up:

He’s the cop.

Cooper Sullivan is the cop in charge of investigating a murder outside of a Los Angeles nightclub. The famous romance author, Sydney Essex, has been found strangled in the parking lot. When the young officer returns to the scene of the crime the night after the murder, he gets involved in a fight in order to protect a woman, who he realizes afterward, is the victim’s sister. Soon he finds himself torn by his attraction to the irresistible brunette teacher, and his need to maintain a professional distance.

She’s the teacher.

Laney Essex is distraught over her sister’s death, so the high school English teacher returns to the bar where the crime occurred to find answers. To her dismay, she is only left with more questions, many centered on her developing relationship with Cooper Sullivan. Is the pull she’s feeling towards him reciprocated? Or is the handsome detective only showing her professional courtesy, or perhaps even pity?

But he’s the one teaching her lessons of the heart.

When Laney receives a threatening phone call from Sydney’s murderer, it quickly becomes evident that the man who killed her sister is after her, too. Can Cooper figure out who the killer is before it’s too late? And if he does solve the case, will it be just another file stamped “CLOSED” in red, and locked away in a drawer? Or will the sparks that have been flying between the two finally ignite?

Excerpt ~

This scene takes place when Laney is still in shock after the killer breaks into her hotel room. Cooper, his partner Aidan, and Aidan's girlfriend Jenna take Laney to the beach to distract her and break through the fog of fear muddling her brain...

When they got to the beach, they found a spot in some light shade and spread out. As late as it was in the afternoon, the beach was fairly deserted. Aidan and Jenna took off to play in the waves, leaving Cooper and Laney alone. She sat with her hands around her knees in a relaxed position, staring out at the waves without speaking. At first, Cooper talked about this and that, ignoring that it was virtually a one-way conversation. After a while, he fell silent, trying to come up with something else to say. He stared out over the waves like she did.

“Laney. When I went to talk to the chief, I asked him to take me off your case.”

Her head spun in surprise, then she seemed to swallow the information with resignation. “I understand. It’s a good decision. It’s not safe to be around me.”

“No! Oh, no, Laney, you don’t understand.” He turned her head so he could look into her eyes and make sure he had her full attention. “I asked him to take me off the case because--I tried to explain before, but I guess I didn’t do a very good job.” He sighed, then started over. “I didn’t ask to be taken off the case because I’m worried about the danger. I asked to be removed because… Laney, when I’m with you, my thoughts aren’t very...professional.” He saw a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. “In fact...” he took a couple strands of her hair between his fingers, sliding down their length, all the way out to the ends. Then he released them to touch her face, his gaze flickering back and forth between her eyes. “...my thoughts when you’re close like this are about as far from professional as you can get.” His heart was in his throat. He leaned in and softly kissed her lips, meaning to stop there, but he felt himself falling deeper and deeper.

There was a point at which Cooper knew the kiss would explode into something else—something so intense it wouldn’t have mattered if every man, woman, and child on the beach had been watching them, he would have had no choice but to lean her back onto the sand so he could tear off her borrowed swimming suit—and that point was approaching like an express train. With difficulty, the gentleman in him overcame the pure animal lust, and he pulled back. As he did, he opened his eyes to take in her reaction. He saw, to his great pleasure, that she was having trouble resurfacing from the dark place within where her desire swam.

Hopefully, that makes you want to run to the beach with some hunky policeman with broad shoulders. In the meantime, share with us what the perfect vacation would be for you. Would you want to escape to a mountain cabin? Take in a Broadway show? Hit the sand? Or do something else altogether?  

If you'd like to read the rest of Cooper and Laney's story, you can find it here:


Amazon: mybook.to/TheHeartTeachesBest

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-heart-teaches-best-mj-schiller/1118627507

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-heart-teaches-best-1

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/heart-teaches-best-real-romance/id825996257



Thanks for reading! I guess this will be my last blog post here, (look for an announcement tomorrow), but you'll be able to find all your favorite Gems on Facebook on the Romance Gems: Where Authors and Readers Meet page. And you can always catch me at M.J. Schiller, Romance Author. Until next time, enjoy your summer!

Tangled Memories—Even books have history by Jan Scarbrough

We all have a history, don’t we? Good times and bad times. Happy times and sad. Well, books have a history too. Updates, new names, re-edits, new covers are some of the ways self-published authors can change their books. But before the advent of self-publishing, we had to go the traditional route (as some authors still prefer). 

Tangled Memories, a book of my heart, was originally called Window of My Heart. It had a good run in RWA’s contest circuit in the 90’s, culminating as a 1994 Golden Heart finalist in Romantic Suspense/Gothic. Before that happened, a fellow author pulled me aside after I failed so terribly in 1993 and taught me about plotting. (This was one of my first books, after all. I was still learning.) I swear after I got into the groove of this book, it wrote itself.

After being a finalist in the Golden Heart, I couldn’t sell the book to a traditional publisher. You know, the dreaded rejection letters. I did “sell” it to a brand-new e-book publisher. What? In 1999, there weren’t any e-book readers to speak of. So, of course, my book, now called Tangled Memories, didn’t go far.

Over the years, Tangled Memories hopped from publisher to publisher: Imajinn, Wild Rose Press, Turquoise Morning Press. By this time, e-books were in style and readers could read e-books on their phones! Finally, in 2016, I got my rights back and self-published Tangled Memories after a re-edit, update, new blurb, and new cover.

Tangled Memories remains one of my favorites. In it, I switched my heroine from present day to Medieval times. Today, I see this done by many writers—the dual-timeline novels. I don’t know if I was ahead of my time, or if it simply worked for the story I had to tell.

You can grab a copy for your summer reading pleasure for 99 cents at most e-book stores. Sadly, the paperback is not on sale.

Amazon Kindle

Amazon UK

Paperback

Apple Books

Kobo

B&N Nook

After losing his wife, Dr. Alexander Dominican is determined his infant daughter will not grow up motherless as he did. Offering sensible, kind kindergarten teacher Mary Adams a marriage of convenience seems like the perfect solution. The widow’s husband left her with a mountain of debt. For Alex, paying it off is a small price to pay for his daughter’s happiness. Until his sensible new wife begins to lose her mind.

On the day of their marriage, Mary starts having frightening hallucinations of medieval England—visions that feel more like the memories of woman who lived centuries before. More terrifying, someone—or something—is stalking the new mistress of Marchbrook Manor. Could it be one of the sinister servants? Or Alex himself? Alex is reawakening hidden desires and longings in Mary, but until she can untangle the web of nightmares and secrets, she can trust no one. Not even Alex.

Alex has no idea he’s unleashing a destiny that’s taken him seven hundred years to fulfill.

If Alex and Mary are to salvage their future, they must first unravel centuries of…Tangled Memories.

The Deputy's Damsel by @KaraONealAuthor #RomanceGems

I’m thrilled to introduce y’all to Joe Lonnigan and Katia Stefanski, the hero and heroine of my newest release, THE DEPUTY’S DAMSEL. This story takes us to Austin where Katia is wrongly of accused of murder, and Joe, a deputy, believes she’s innocent. Joe hides Katia, protecting her from being arrested, which is at great cost to himself. He’s risking his livelihood and perhaps his life.

But his actions caused an even stickier problem that was quite interesting and heart wrenching to write.

Joe’s cousin, Conner, happens to be the sheriff. So, not only is Joe deceiving his boss, he’s also lying to a member of his family. The scenes between Conner and Joe were just as fraught with tension as the moments of fear and despair Katia experiences being wrongly accused of murder.

The family elements in my books are strong and add so much depth to the characters. And as I wrote THE DEPUTY’S DAMSEL, I found the characters having some very real, very gut-wrenching conversations. My heart pounded hard through the last ten chapters!

Reading this romance will give you ALL the feels, I promise!

The Deputy's Damsel

Pike’s Run, Texas, 1887

Katia Stefanski is stunned when she learns her recently deceased step-father has arranged a marriage for her. Even worse, her step-brother intends to honor it. Despite numerous attempts to convince her brother to let her make the choice, she fails. She flees during the party intended to cement her engagement.

Deputy Joe Lonnigan crosses paths with Katia Stefanski and is struck by her beauty and fighting spirit. When he learns she's been accused of the murder of her not-wanted fiancé, he can't believe it. With her step-brother's help, Joe risks everything to keep her hidden and prove her innocence.



But Katia can't let Joe destroy his future. She’s determined to take matters into her own hands, even if it means the noose.

The Deputy's Damsel: An Excerpt

Deputy Lonnigan sat tall in the saddle, his front dark as the moon shone from behind him. He put her in mind of a mysterious night rider, capable of taking what he wanted.

She remembered how strong his chest was, how long his arms. She refrained from gulping and strengthened her resolve. “I’m not going home. I refuse. My friend is just up this road, and I intend to stay with her for a few days.”

A moment of silence passed then the deputy said, “Well, I’m not taking you home. But you are coming with me.”

Confused, she couldn’t think of a reply.

“It’ll be the safest option.” He dismounted.

“Oh!” she gasped and back pedaled. “Don’t you dare,” she warned. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“I’ve got no time to argue.” He advanced on her quickly.

She spun on a heel, preparing to run, but he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her off her feet. She bucked and kicked, dropping her bag in the process.

“Get your hands off me!” she screamed, terror fueling her jabs.

He gave slight grunts then flipped her over his shoulder.

Her breath whooshed out of her, and blood rushed to her head. “Put me down! How dare you!” She pounded her fists on his back.

He bent easily and picked up her bag with his free hand.

Frantic, she hit him harder, squirming against his hold, but his arm was a vise on the back of her legs. Tears gathered. She had no control. No power. She bit her lip to keep from sobbing in frustration and tasted blood.

After putting her bag on the back of the animal, he righted her and dumped her in the saddle. She knew the moon shone enough to reveal the silver tracks of wetness on her face, but she didn’t care. Panting from the exertion of pummeling him, she surged forward to grab the reins. But he was faster and gathered them before she could reach them. He climbed up behind her, just like yesterday, enveloping her in the cage of his arms.

A handkerchief appeared in her line of sight. Her chin wobbled, and she refused to take it.

“Please don’t cry,” he said softly, as he withdrew his offering. “I don’t have time to explain things to you. We’ve got to get off the road.”

She didn’t understand what he meant, but it wouldn’t matter if she asked. The men surrounding her weren’t listening to her anyway. She kept her mouth shut.

He clucked to the horse then kicked him into a gallop.

She tried to pay attention to her surroundings, noting that he passed the lane that led to the Cummings’ farm. They went through a shallow creek then over a rolling meadow until the shadow of a log cabin loomed.

“This belongs to a friend of mine who’s a Ranger. He’s in west Texas fighting cattle rustlers.”

She didn’t care. This man was abducting her. Her heart pounded hard, and her stomach churned with fear. If she couldn’t get away from him on the road, how would she manage to escape him once he had her tied up somewhere?

When they reached the yard, he dismounted first then lifted her at the waist. He kept his arm around her as he led her into the dwelling.

“I’m not gonna tie you up, Miss Stefanski. You’re not my prisoner. I’m trying to help you, so…” He gently disengaged from her. “Don’t run, all right? I’m gonna light a lantern, and then we’ll talk.”

He’d left the door open. The horse was still saddled. She curled her hands into fists as an insane plan developed like a lightning strike. She nodded slowly, not trusting herself to form a verbal reply since she was no good at lying.

As soon as he stepped away, she dashed out into the yard.

“Don’t,” he called.

She clutched the pommel and put her foot in the stirrup, but before she could pull herself up, he circled her waist with an arm and wrenched her back. Using all her strength, she spun and pounded on his shoulders. “Let me go!”

He switched his grip to her wrists, stopping her hits. “Stop. Please, ma’am.”

His hold wasn’t too strong, and she tried to yank away from him, but he tightened his grasp.

“Miss Stefanski, please, I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Then let me go,” she wailed, choking on her fear.

“I can’t, damn it!” he thundered. “You’re wanted for murder.”

BUY THE DEPUTY'S DAMSEL

Take a good book to the beach with you by Peggy Jaeger

 "Hot time, summer in the city. Back of my neck getting burnt and pretty."

Any body else remember that old Lovin' Spoonful song?? Hee hee. I'm showing my age, I know.

When I was younger and a sun worshiper, I lived for the summer days I could take a few hours at my local beach, soak up some rays, and read without any interruptions or worries. Back then, my beach reads were mostly comprised of the newest Jackie Collins, Kathleen Woodiwiss, or Nora Roberts book that happened to release in the summer season.

The hours of escapism while sitting in the sun were marvelous and made me truly know the definition of BEACH READ; fabulous heroines meeting hunky heroes and engaging in adult behavior ( read :SEX) while escaping from danger, or trying to solve the world's problems.

Hey, it's not called escapist fiction for nothing.😉

Nowadays I shun the sun like Lestat because...wrinkles.

But I still enjoy a great book that can be classified as a beach read. And hey - I even write them now. LOL.

One of my favorites that I've penned has just gone on sale for only 99cents. 

IT'S A TRUST THING tells the tale of Nell Newbury, one time Park Avenue darling, whose father - a Madoff devotee - bilked people out of billions. The notoriety almost killed Nell's mother and made the young girl grow up fast. Nell runs her own company now, keeps out of the public eye, and isn't looking for love.

And then she meets a handsome economics professor who knows nothing about her and who makes her toes go numb with just a glance.

Do you like to read at the beach? Or on a boat? Or sitting in the park on a lovely summer day?

Take IT'S A TRUST THING with you the next time you go. You'll have a fun time reading it. One of my reviewers called it a "RomCom with angst, a klutzy heroine you can't help rooting for, and redemption."

That about says it all. Hee Hee

Looking for me? Here I am: 

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Sweet for Summer by Author Nancy Fraser

 

Spring cleaning, winterizing in the fall, hibernating in the dead of winter. What does that leave for summer?

Relaxation, reading and reivention, of course. Whether it's a much needed vacation ... away from work, away from isolation, away from the contraints we've all experienced these past two years... we all need some form of relaxation.

What better to way to relax than with a great book... whether you're on the beach (I wish), or just curled up in a chair with the air conditioning blowing around you. A great way to relax, is to read.

Then, there's reinvention. The task I've set myself for the brunt of the summer. Why? Because it keeps me inside and away from the heat and the sun (I'm allergic). But, mostly, because my writer's soul needed it. I've been in a loop --  Write, Edit, Publish, Repeat --- for a few years now, and always in the romance sub-genres I'm accustomed to.

Those of you who know me may not believe this ... but I was burned out on writing steamy lovescenes. 

Don't get me wrong... I'm still planning to finish series I've begun, still intending to write across multiple genres, but I've also added a new sub-genre I never expected to write. Sweet, inspirational (although not necessarily religious), short novella length books.

Enter the world of MAPs (multi-author projects) -- the place where all those Mail-Order Brides, Proxy Brides, Western Historical series were born! Out of curiosity, and the need for a change, I took a look at one, and then another, and then another. And, suddenly, I was hooked. My only concern was that they're all KDP/Kindle Unlimited exclusive. However, I'm always willing to expand my horizons. Plus... a huge bonus ... the readers who follow these MAP books are the most devoted I've ever seen. And that's saying a lot given how long I've been doing this.

My first MAP comes out in mid-August. I really fast turnaround given I only signed up at the beginning of July. However, they had an unexpected opening, so I took it. And, I'm so glad I did. I learned a lot (not easy for an 'old dog') about not only the most efficient writing proccess, but also about myself.

Here's a quick peek at the first product of my writing reinvention ...

Seth's Secretive Bride ~ part of the Matchmaker Mix-Up Series!

When Hannah McGibbon is forced out of her family home, she has nowhere to go. In a moment of desperation, she responds to an advertisement for a matchmaking service.

Widower Seth Temple needs a wife. Not for himself, but as a mother for his 7-year-old, emotionally challenged son. At the urging of his housekeeper, he sends in his application to be matched to a like-minded woman.

Unfortunately, what they both want is not what they get. Due to an unforeseeable mix-up with the usually stellar matchmaking service, Hannah is sent to Colorado rather than California. And, Seth is sent a young, red-headed spitfire, rather than the mature woman with a background in education he’d requested.

What will happen when he explains to Hannah that love and romance are low on his priority list and not part of his plan for a wife? And, once the matching service offers to set things right, will Hannah want to leave?

Available exclusively on Kindle Unlimited

And, of course, there's a trailer...

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer and great reading! And, don't forget to feed your Romance Gems' social media fix by following our Facebook Reader Page.

Nancy

Website ~ Blog ~ Sweet Reads Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Bookbub

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It's Spooky Time for This Author! by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

It may be the heart of summer, but it sure feels like Halloween to me! Great, since I LOVE all things mysterious and spooky. This year I’m getting back to my paranormal romance roots with two new releases.

First up GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: SKULLERY BAY - Releasing August 16, 2021

An anthology unlike any other, it features...

4 Different Centuries

4 To-Die-For Romances

The Same 2 Ghosts! 

Widow’s Walk (1737)

RITA nominee & Best Selling Author, Lisa A. Olech

He’s the infamous pirate, Captain John Jacob Wilder.

She’s the daughter of his fiercest enemy.

Their love is the beginning of the legend.

Cast to the Wind and Waves (1837)

Best Selling & Award-Winning Author, Kathryn Hills

She’s the heiress determined to restore Fairwinds to its former glory.

He’s the solicitor working as a caretaker because of the deadly curse.

Their love will rebuild the legend.

The Bootlegger’s Daughter (1924)

Best Selling & Award Winning Author, Nancy Fraser

She’s the daughter of one of the FBI’s most wanted criminals.

He’s her bodyguard, and not at all what he seems.

Their love will return dignity to the legend.

Jilly’s Dilemma (Present Day)

Best Selling & Award-Winning Author, Nancy Fraser

She’s the new owner of Fairwinds, a flaky artist who talks to ghosts. Repeatedly.

He’s the staid, young professor there to document Fairwinds' history.

Their love will make you believe in the legend.

Watch the Trailer for Ghosts of New England: Skullery Bay

Next, I'm headed back to the beach with SAND, SALT, AND SPIRITS - A LAST CHANCE BEACH ROMANCE - Releasing November 2, 2021

Can a weekend visit to Last Chance Beach undo decades of brokenhearted memories? Conjuring up some island magic might just be the trick. Or treat!

Kyle Worthington hasn’t returned to Last Chance Beach in years. He’s worked hard to prove himself to his overbearing father and the rest of the world. Now it’s October, and the vacation island paradise is celebrating the season with an island-wide Fall Festival. Family obligation demands he participate. Everyone will be there, including the ghost that haunts his grandparents’ B&B.

The running joke that Kyle never sticks with anything—not a career or a woman—will continue to plague him. Unless he brings a knockout of a date to the weekend-long event. Cassandra Corwin fits the bill perfectly. Kyle’s had his eye on his brilliant, beautiful coworker since day one. But Cassie is an enigma, a loner. There’s no room in her life for anyone except Odin, her goofball of a Great Dane.

Will this woman of mystery agree to Kyle’s scheme to impress his family? Can two near strangers from opposite worlds survive family gatherings and back-to-back Halloween events while pretending to be a couple? Kyle’s father seems hell-bent on derailing everything before they even shout “Boo!”

Or will the island’s magic prove too powerful for them to resist?

***

I hope you'll join me for some sexy, spooky fun later this summer and autumn. You can find all my book news at the links below!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon Author Page ~ BookBub

THANK YOU for reading!

~ Kathryn

Summer in the Cities!

 

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

 This July, I thought I’d take my reader friends for a trip around the world to experience the events many cities offer.  It’s summer after all, and fter a year of lockdown, people are looking forward to getting out.

First up is Wimbledon. The Grand Slam of all grand slams. This much awaited tennis tournament took place at the All England Lawn and Tennis Croquet Club. After being canceled in 2020, Wimbledon kicked off on June 28^th and ended on July11th.  For those of us who couldn’t be there in person, we cheered in front of the television.

Second up is a national holiday every red-blooded American celebrates. It’s 4^th of July or Independence Day; the day America declared its independence from Great Britain. Fire up the barbecue, get out those pool floats and, fireworks and parades.

France has its Bastille Day (July 14^th), probably its biggest national holiday. It's a celebration of the event that triggered the French Revolution when an angry mob stormed the Bastille. Today, fireworks, festivals and food are the order of the day.

Heading for Japan? Put Marine Day on your calendar. Usually celebrated the third Monday in July, this year it was changed to July 22nd to coincide with the day before the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympicsctd the annual Celebration of Light. Billed as one of the city's signature summer events, the festival of lights literally lights up Vancouver’s English Bay for three nights at the end of July. Historically, three countries compete to wow the crowds with their musical fireworks launched off a floating barge in the bay.     

   

And even if the festivities in your part of the world were postponed until next year, you now have something to look forward to. In 2022 you can head for London;s Hyde Park and celebrate British Summer Time. The likes of Duran Duran and Pearl Jam will provide entertainment. Why not party with London’s finest?

Coming in October 2021.

 

About Marcia King-Gamble

Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean Island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This former travel industry executive has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. She has contributed to Michael Fiore’s DigitalRomanceInc and served as a moderator on the now defunct eHarmony advice boards.  Having witnessed the bad, the ugly, and the not so good in relationships, she still prefers to write about happily ever after. Caring for her animal family keeps her grounded and sane.

Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS

Be sure to join her newsletter mailing list.

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Can you believe it’s July! And a special below...#RomanceGems @LucindaRace

Can you believe it’s July! Like wow… the year is zooming. 

I love the beach and summer. I think it’s my favorite season but… if you read my blog posts you might discover I say that about each month. I find something wonderful each month all year long. 

But let’s talk beach. Hubs and I won’t be taking a real vacation until September when we’ll head to Cape Cod for a week. It’s not for the lack of time off but I enjoy going to the beach when kiddos are back in school and it’s not quite as hectic out there. I’ve given a passing thought to living next to the ocean but the traffic would do me in. I’ll settle for my yearly vacations. Who knows maybe next year we’ll get out there in June too or maybe even head to Maine, ah the way life should be...

Life has been hectic in our house. We had a stay-cation where we had a few dinners out and I broke down and bought a new "smart" television. What had I been waiting for? It’s been a game changer for watching the shows I love like The Crown, Virgin River and movies. I'm still figuring it out but wow, easy set up and bam there's Netflix and Prime Video. Not that I'm a huge tv watcher but when I want to watch a something I hate having to use three different remotes, yes that was a real thing. 

In book news I’ve been busy. I sent book 4, Vintage to the editor and finished my first round of edits on Bouquet which is book 5 in the Crescent Lake Winery series. In audio book news, Crush went live in early July. Blends and Breathe are being discovered by audio books fans so if audio’s your go-to check out Audible for these three titles. I’d love to know if you listen to audio books. Drop me an email and I might just have a surprise in store for a couple of lucky listeners. 

I’m also hard at work drafting a new series and adding a new book to Crescent Lake Winery which will pick up after Bouquet with some secondary characters. I’m affectionately calling this CLW 2.0 💗 . More on that in the coming months and the new series too. 

Did you see my newsletter on July 1? I have a very special sale running right now and it’s almost over. Breathe is just 0.99. Click the link and download this very special price today. Trust me when I say when it’s over, it’s over, click here for your e-book retailers .

Do you love reading paperbacks? Did you know can buy signed copies from my website. 

Just a little tidbit: they’re also at a very special price. Make sure you go to Lucindarace.com and check it out. They make awesome gifts too. 

I hope the second half of the year slows down. I’d like to enjoy summer and fall, being outside more and just relaxing. As usual there’s a lot going on behind the scenes so sign up for my newsletter for details, and don’t forget if you haven’t downloaded Breathe don’t hesitate, this very special price won’t last long. 

I love to hear from readers so feel free to drop me a line, send me pictures of you reading a Lucinda Race book or tag me on social media. If you haven’t joined my Lucinda’s Heart Racers Reader group on Facebook why wait? I’d really love to start getting to know you better. 

Until next time, 

I wish you good healthy, happiness and love. 

Lucinda 

A Stormy Summer by @karilemor #RomanceGems

 

 July is all about Beach Reads!  There’re so many great books out there and I am hoping to find time to read some. Lately, I’ve been working on writing more than reading. My Storms of New England series is the perfect series of books to take to the beach with you! The covers are all summery, New England scenes, and the family, the Storms, are the perfect family you’d want along!

Here’s a little something about each book and where you can find links for them.

Elusive Dreams

Creating a family might be the only way to heal two scarred souls.

Marine Erik Storm intends to keep the promise he made to a dying mother. Protect her two young children, survivors of the bombing that left him barely able to walk. He moves into his grandparents' house in coastal Maine next door to a childhood friend.

Tessa Porter is no longer the shy little girl from his youth, but a life in foster care has left her leery of people. When his custody of the children is questioned, she offers to enter into a marriage of convenience to boost his case.

They don't expect the sparks that fly or their growing desire. When their marriage becomes real, they have to find ways to heal together or risk losing their perfectly imperfect family for good.

https://www.karilemor.com/elusive-dreams

 

True Dreams

Can she see beyond his past to heal his damaged soul?

 True “TJ” Bannister, haunted by his past, abandons the world of sex, drugs, and rock and roll to live a peaceful life as a bookstore owner on Cape Cod. The reformed bad boy thinks no “nice” girl will ever see beyond his tormented soul.

Innocent Sara Storm barges into his shop, and his life, with her sunshine personality. She looks beyond TJ’s past and helps heal his damaged heart. But her goal to be a singer is one TJ can’t support. Her dreams take place in the shattered world he left behind.

Can he choose between his newfound serenity and a life that nearly destroyed him, or is their romance doomed before the last note is sung?

https://www.karilemor.com/true-dreams

 

Stolen Dreams

Can he loosen up enough to let her in?

Control is Alex Storm’s middle name. Every aspect of his life is scheduled down to the minute. His routines are part of him, and he cannot deviate. Finding a woman who can put up with his strict organization has been difficult... until Gina blows back into town.

A nomadic life spent with her bohemian mother made Gina Mazelli the definition of a free spirit. Inheriting her grandmother’s house requires her to put down temporary roots right next door to the sexiest control freak she’s ever known.

Alex hopes helping Gina fix up the house will lead to a quick sale and an end to the explosive chemistry between them. But every day they’re together, Gina realizes she wants to create a home, especially if she can convince a certain uptight perfectionist that he’s the key to making her dreams come true.

https://www.karilemor.com/stolen-dreams

 

Broken Dreams

Can she show him true family is more than an image?

Corporate attorney Nathaniel Storm’s exclusive world is thrown into a tailspin when his cheating ex drops off the son he didn't know he had. Being an instant dad and handling the care of a special needs child, isn’t something he’s comfortable with. 

​Under the dark makeup and piercings, Darcy Marx has a heart of gold, but she’s spent her life trying to dig herself out of one misfortune after another. Bad decisions and heartbreaking choices in the past won’t stop her from creating a better life.

​When the two are paired together in a wedding, Darcy connects with Nathaniel’s son in a way he can only hope for. Yet this bold as brass sprite with the saucy mouth taunts him at every turn. When Nathaniel looks past Darcy’s non-traditional ways, he finds a determined woman who can work miracles, but he wonders if she’s strong enough to jump start his disconnected heart.

 https://www.karilemor.com/broken-dreams

 

Lost Dreams (arriving 8/10/2021)

Can they learn to trust again?

For the past decade, fire captain, Greg Storm, has wanted no part of another relationship all thanks to a faithless wife who handed over their infant son and fled. He and his son have done just fine by themselves.

Teacher Alandra Cabrera and abandonment go together all too well. She and her daughter were left in the cold by a controlling husband who really only wanted a personal servant and perfect wife. Once a mother, she fit neither of those roles. His dismissal shattered her already limited self-esteem.

With Greg’s son in Ali’s class, the two get to know each other better beyond school and town committees. They both have extreme trust issues and taking that first step toward something more requires courage. Especially with the trauma and rejection left in the wake of their past. Unless they find their way beyond the barriers, a future together seems out of reach... 

 https://www.karilemor.com/lost-dreams

 And if you’re looking for a little Christmas in July, here’s a sweet Hallmark style novella.

Forgotten Dreams

Wanted: Christmas Magic    

Ten years ago, Mark Campbell broke Kristan Donahue’s heart when he joined the navy and left her behind in their small New England town. Now he's back home for the holidays and wants to pick up where they left off.

Can the magic of Christmas help Kristan open up her heart enough to trust again? And can this same magic convince Mark that next to Kristan is where he belongs?

https://www.karilemor.com/forgotten-dreams

 

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