Fickle Readers? Fickle Authors? Far Too Many Hunky Heroes! by Nancy Fraser

Time and again I've heard readers say how easy it was to fall in love with their latest book boyfriend. The same goes for the author as well.

I'm just not sure if that makes us fickle, or just easily persuaded by an intelligent, handsome, sometimes perfect, sometimes flawed man. Either way, I'm all for reading about, or creating, a man who every woman will fall in love with.

Later this month, the third book in my Love's a Gamble series comes out ... with another hunky hero. This one a bit more stubborn than the first two, but still perfect!

One of the bloggers who has been a constant on tours for both of the first two books -- giving them 5-star reviews -- just finished reading the third book in preparation for that upcoming tour. She sent me an email that said (and I quote) -- "I feel like such a three-timer. First I was in love with Matt, then head-over-heels for Jake. Now, it's Zack who's stolen my heart. You're either killing me, or turning me into a wanton woman reader!"

Can an author get any higher praise than turning her reader into a wanton woman?? I really hopes she shares that quote when she posts her review of the third book. LOL

I've often wondered if readers have a "type" that they gravitate to before they fall in love with the character. A favorite personality trait? A certain profession? A physical trait perhaps?

I admit it, I've got my favorite types. I have no set personality trait, other than kindness and intelligence. While a certain level of perfection is necessary, it's not required. As a matter of fact, in my current work-in-progress, I've proably created my most flawed hero ever, both emotionally and physically. And, guess what? I'm already in love.

As for my hero's profession, I tend to stick to three or four that I can address with some degree of intelligence. I'm extremely partial to professors, architects, lawyers, and military/lawmen (either historical or in the here and now).

Physical is where I get stuck in a true rut. I have a preference, for both the heroes I read about, and those I write about. Tall (definitely), medium to dark brown hair (sorry, all you blonds and redheads out there), and either chocolate brown eyes or blue (if the hair is really dark). My heroes also have a certain rougish/rough quality about them. Which is probably why I'm not a fan of of the usual Regency era heroes--they're just too foppish for me. I may be the only woman alive who doesn't find the Bridgerton men sexy or emotionally appealing. However...give me a rakish Duke who rolls up his sleeves and talks dirty and I'm a happy woman!

So, who is my next hero ... and which of my favored traits does he possess?

Well, other than the third McAlister man, who you will meet later this month, I also have a short story coming this month from The Wild Rose Press. Teach Me is the third book in my Lusty Liaisons series of quick erotic romance reads. Here's a peek:

Med student Jayne Willis is devastated when she's stood up for a date arranged by hookup service Lusty Liaisons. Really, who stands up someone willing to have sex?

Widowed professor Noah Gallagher's chance encounter at a hotel bar with an alluring young woman is unexpected but might be just what he needs. He's on the last leg of a cross-country trip prior to returning to the university, ready to start a new chapter in his life.

One lonely widower looking to reconnect plus one beautiful, albeit inexperienced, young woman equals one hot night. Will she get an A in lovemaking, and will he get a hall pass back to life?

P.S.: He's also tall, with dark hair peppered with a touch of gray, and very considerate and intelligent. AND, he has those soulful chocolate brown eyes.

And, of course there's a trailer:

I'll be back again on the 17th to share book three in the Love's a Gamble series, along with some hilarious research finds! Until then, stay safe, stay happy, stay well read.

Nancy

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Getting Into the Book Birthday Groove by Nancy Fraser

It was less than a year ago when I was seriously considering retiring from writing. I truly believed my muse was gone for good.

So, what changed? Well, social isolation for one. My big plans to travel with my grandchildren got put on a semi-permanent hold. I'm not one to sit home and twiddle my thumbs so I committed to another two short stories in my Lusty Liaisons series from The Wild Rose Press.

Then, the Gems decided it would be fun to release a box set of short stories. I don't know why, but the idea of a joint project lit a creative light in me that I hadn't experienced in quite a while.

Now, instead of the trip I'd planned to Paris with my three granddaughters, or the trip to Disney World with the youngest grandson, here I sit pounding out books as if I was just starting out!

Earlier this month I posted As If July Wasn't Hot Enough and talked about the third book in my erotic romance short story series. Trust Me was released yesterday. Yay! Book Birthday #1!

Today, I want to share a bit about my contribution to the LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer's End box set. Yay! Book Birthday #2!

Thirty-five years earlier, Lily Abbott and Mitch Colby exchanged wedding vows in a quaint ceremony attended by a small crowd consisting of four Micronauts, a one-eyed pet rock, two special-edition Barbies, and an assortment of stuffed animals. Officiated by Stretch Armstrong, it was the social event of their 8th summer. 

Lily never forgot the childhood ceremony. Or the fact her best friend and first love had left her behind and relocated to Boston to pursue an Ivy-League education. Now a divorcee, with college-bound twin daughters, Lily’s moved on and put the foolishness of first crushes and the childish dream of true love behind her.

At eighteen, Mitch had never wanted the expensive education his father mapped out for him. He’d have been perfectly happy to stay in Summerville, marry the love of his life, and settle down. However, when push came to shove, he’d not wanted to upset his ailing mother, and had left everything...and everyone...that he’d wanted behind.

The 25th reunion of the graduating class of Summerville High has brought Lily and Mitch back together at The Sands, a seaside resort on Last Chance Beach. Will one weekend together be enough? Or, is there a possibility for more?

~ ~ ~

Filled with 14 wonderful beach adventures, you can get your copy of the Last Chance Beach: Summer's End directly from Amazon. Pre-order today for delivery on August 4th!

Also, don't forget to enter this month's Rafflecopter drawing. There are three Amazon gift cards just waiting to be won!

You can get all the details on our Monthly Giveaway page. Or, go straight to the ENTRY FORM!

Until next month, stay happy, stay healthy, stay well-read and--for heaven's sake--get yourself over to Last Chance Beach!

Nancy

P.S.: Watch for news early next month about my first venture into self-publishing releasing in late August. Yay! Book Birthday #3!

As If July Wasn't Steamy Enough by Nancy Fraser

I love summer...the heat...the bright sun...even the humidity (nothing like a free sauna). I like being able to take my grandchildren to the lake or just walk along the beautiful Bay of Fundy.

Bay of Fundy at Low Tide. Walk on the ocean floor anyone?

It's obviously not been as easy a task this year but, with social distancing in the forefront of our minds, we've made a couple of trips to either swim, kayak, or walk on the bottom of the ocean floor at low tide.

It's really quite a spectacle to behold.

Most years summer has also meant a slowing down, a relaxing, of my writing schedule. Most years, but not this one. I'm computer-deep in three huge projects, and loving every minute of them

The first...well let's just say...it's still a secret. At least for a few more days. Keep visiting though and you'll soon find out.

Here's a hint ....

My second project is one I've been putting off for ages. I'm about to jump headfirst into self-publishing. I've been dependent on four absolutely wonderful publishers for the past twenty-odd years. They keep me publishing, they keep me editing, and they keep me learning.

I'll still write for at least two of them as I go forward but it's time for me to grab my own destiny by the sexy bits and take control of what and when I want to publish.

The third project concerns my side business...Notes From a Romantic's Heart Author Services. While most of my business has centered around book trailers, I'm now branching out into custom covers and...heaven help me...book formatting.

As if July wasn't busy enough already, I have a new short story releasing later this month. It's the second release in my Lusty Liaisons series from The Wild Rose Press and their Scarlet line of steamy romance. Of course, it fits right in with this month's theme of Steamy Days & Steamy Nights.

~ ~ ~

Tax consultant Katherine Weller isn't ready for a relationship after a divorce that left her empty. But when her best friend suggests she set up a sex-only date through Lusty Liaisons, a unique and exclusive dating service, she's uncertain but intrigued.

Maybe a hot romp with a sexy, younger man is exactly what she needs to take that confident first step into her new life as a single woman.

The release date is July 20th, but the story is up for pre-order on Amazon.

While you're there, check out the first story in the series, Touch Me. I'll be giving away two digital copies of Touch Me to those who comment on today's blog. Tell us what you're doing to celebrate summer and be sure and leave your email address so I can contact you if your name is drawn.

Watch the trailer for Trust Me:

~ ~ ~

Don't forget to enter our July Rafflecopter for your chance to win one of three great prizes. You can find the full details on our Monthly Giveaway page or use this Short Form. Either way...what are you waiting for?

Until I'm back again later this month, stay happy, stay healthy, stay well read and STAY COOL !!

Nancy