Fun Research Finds & a New Book! by Nancy Fraser

One of the most interesting aspects of writing a book in a timeframe other than current, is the opportunity to do research. Some authors--admittedly--hate research. Not me. I love it.

Last Tuesday, I released the third book in my Love's a Gamble series. Set in the post-Civil War era, it was a joy to delve into all sorts of research. One of the things that always pleases me is finding the speech patterns, and favorite sayings, of the era.

I thought I'd share a few of my favorites--some of which made it in to at least one of the three books. A few made it in to all of them.

Acknowledge the Corn - To confess the truth

Airin’ the Lungs - To use profanity; cursing

Bag of Nails - Chaos; confusion

Bee In Your Bonnet - A idea (good or bad)

Calamity Jane - Reference to the Queen of Spades card

Cockamamie - Nonsensical, crazy

Crawl His Hump - To pick a fight

Coffee Boiler - A lazy person

Eatin’ Irons - Flatware; eating utensils

Galoot - A strong, soft-hearted man

Give The Mitten - When a woman rejects a man

Hair In The Butter - To be stuck in a tricky situation

Mollycoddle - To coddle, spoil 

Nailed To The Counter - When you catch someone in a lie

Plug - A worn-out horse 

Pull - A draw on a pipe, cigarette, etc

Roostered - To be or to get drunk

Salty - Risqué, bawdy

Scadoodle - Heap, large amount

Shebang - A set of facts or things

Skeedaddle - Leave, go way quickly

Taradiddles - Lies, myths, or tall tales

Will Die Standin’ Up - To be or act brave

~ ~ ~

The Engagement Gamble ~ Love's a Gamble, Book 3

Marshal Zack McAlister has made it his mission to protect the good citizens of Greenville, MS. In particular, one very opinionated and independent lady doctor. The only hinderance to his professional obligations are the dozen or so single women vying for his attention.

Suzanne Martindale, M.D., has quickly become a fixture in Greenville since taking over for her semi-retired predecessor. And, like Marshal McAlister, she’s been inundated with unwanted suitors.

When Zack proposes a fake engagement, Suzanne is reluctant at first and claims in order for anyone to believe they’re actually courting and in love, there has to be chemistry between them.

Zack sets out to prove they can easily fool the people of Greenville into believing their ruse. Will his smooth Cajun charm and steamy-hot kisses do the trick? Or, are they destined to be victims of their own charade?

When outside forces threaten the entire McAlister clan, can Zack keep his family, and his faux fiancé, safe? And, will a life-threatening accident show them anything, even love, is possible if you have trust?

~ ~ ~

And, of course, there's a Trailer:

And, a Jigsaw Puzzle:

353 TEG Final

Until my regular day next month, stay safe, stay health, stay happy, and stay well read!

Nancy

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Once Upon a Cowboy @MaddieJames #RomanceGems

Once upon a time there was a teacher, and one hot August summer, she and her teacher friend went off to a conference in the cool Colorado mountains. The conference was great--what they saw of it, anyway. The trail ride they skipped the afternoon sessions for was a lot more exciting.

You see, there were cowboys.

And this teacher, even though she'd not ridden a horse since she was a kid, made the commitment for a four-hour trail ride into the Colorado mountains--two hours up and two hours back. All was well heading up the mountainside, the scenery was great, the horse was a dream, the cowboys were... well, cowboys.

Coming down the mountain, however, was a different story. The teacher had a difficult time handling her horse on the downward slopes, crossing a little stream, and keeping up with the other horses. She mixed up her signals to her mount. When she thought she was telling the horse to slow down, she was really telling the horse to back up. Consequently, they lost their space in the horse line. So, the horse galloped. And the teacher held on for dear life. And when the teacher was finally finished with this nightmare, she could only think of one thing--

At least there were cowboys.

Now, this story does have a happily-ever-after ending. You see, the teacher turned her adventure into a book. The opening scene--probably elaborated upon a bit--mimicked the teacher's chaotic ride down the mountain. She sold that book--her first published novel--and then the teacher wasn't a teacher any longer. She was a romance author who wrote about cowboys (and other things).

True story. I swear. I have the book covers to prove it! The original book is on the left, the revised/rebranded and re-authored book, is on the right!

Now, twenty-some years later, the sequel to this first cowboy book, is finally written. 

Readers have been asking for Mack and Jillie's story for years. Years! But other stories and different cowboys got in the way. Until now. 

The Cowboy's Secret Baby releases August 25, and I (Maddie James / the teacher) am ready to share it with the world! Here's the blurb: 

She’s the maid of honor. He’s the best man. 

Both are keeping secrets from the other.

The long-requested sequel to Maddie James’ first published novel, Roses & Rawhide is now available!

Readers wanted to know...
What happened to Jillie and Mack’s relationship at the end of Roses & Rawhide?
Why did Jillie go back to Kentucky?
Will they get back together?
What’s their story?

While Kim Martin and Thad Winchester find their happily-ever-after in Roses & Rawhide, their best friends, Jillie Abernathy and Mack Montgomery, end their sleeping-bag-sharing relationship during the rugged, two-week pack trip into the Colorado San Juan mountains.

But when Kim and Thad host their wedding at Thad’s Colorado ranch a few months later, Mack and Jillie must come face-to-face with reality—and with each other. She’s the maid of honor. He’s the best man. Both are harboring secrets—secrets that could break a potential future relationship if they both avoid telling the truth.

Can they reveal those secrets to each other? And if so, can they get past the withheld truths to plan a future together?

PREORDER TODAY!

DON'T FORGET! A NEW BOX SET AND A FREE COCKTAILS BOOK!

Some of the Romance Gems have teamed together to release a new box set with all-new summer beach stories, and their favorite summer cocktail recipe in a free book! See the details below!

GET THE $0.99 BOX SET! | GRAB YOUR FREE COCKTAILS BOOK!  

And last, I'd love it if you would comment below to win our monthly giveaway prize. Details are here.

COMMENT & WIN QUESTION: My chaotic ride down the mountain on the trail horse was not my most glamorous moment of all time. In fact, it was quite embarrassing. What's your most embarrassing moment? Comment below & (maybe) win!

****

Maddie James writes romance – but don’t try to pin her down to one genre. From edgy suspense to flirty contemporary romance to darker erotic titles, she writes to silence the people in her head. Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense.” Learn more at www.maddiejames.com.

Book Birthday! Rayder's Appeal by @BonnieEdwards #RomanceGems

This isn't my normal blogging day on Romance Gems and I have Liz Flaherty to thank for switching with me, but I've got special news to share:

Today I'm pleased to announce that the fourth book in my series The Brantons is finally available! Rayder Cole is from a darker, unsavory branch of the Branton family. Undeniably sexy, Rayder once used his appeal to finesse his way into Ellie Macklin's heart...and her bed. Tsk tsk!

And in keeping with this month's theme of Steamy Days and Steamy Nights...Rayder's Appeal has the steam!

I'm old enough to have enjoyed the TV series Remington Steele in the 1980s. The show starred Pierce Brosnan (be still my heart - the man gets better with time!) and Stephanie Zimbalist. You were never really sure if Remington was up to his old con man tricks or not.

I bring that same dynamic to Rayder's Appeal. At least, I hope I did. If you read it, feel free to review and let me know!

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Available everywhere fine romances are sold!

What can a reformed con man do when the woman who changed his life needs his help? Eleanor Macklin has overcome her past and repaired the damage done by her first, and only, love. She has all she’s ever wanted, her family’s art gallery. If she’s not as spontaneous, or giving, or loving as she once was, well… that’s a life lesson she learned the hard way from a master of deceit. And trust is a thing of the past…

Rayder Cole has stumbled on a plot to forge stolen art that could ruin Ellie Macklin’s art gallery. He must get the forgery back before Ellie’s life is in ruins. He’s done enough damage to the only woman he’s ever loved, and now, he’s back to save what Ellie’s worked hard to build.

If Eleanor doesn’t take a chance on Rayder, she’ll lose everything. But trust lost is almost impossible to regain.

While the race is on to find the forger, Rayder’s appeal begins to work its magic again and Eleanor hates that she still finds him sexy. Rayder’s determined to reclaim the woman who stole his heart before he even knew he had one…

This is the end of the month and so it is the last day to enter our Monthly Giveaway



And all of us here on Romance Gems are so excited to talk about Last Chance Beach: Summer's End. You can learn all about it here on our dedicated page. Don't forget to pre-order because you'll want it first thing in the morning on August 4!

And I'm not done yet! The authors of Last Chance Beach have concocted a recipe book of special beverages that's yours free: You can get your copy here: Cocktails on Last Chance Beach

For now, happy reading! And please drink responsibly. Cheers!

Bonnie Edwards

Coffee and Conversation with the #RomanceGems

It's time for Coffee and Conversation with the Romance Gems! So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join us for some fun.

This month's topic is: Your book as a movie or TV series 

Most of us are watching A LOT of TV and movies as we social distance and stay safe at home. Tell me… Which of your books would you most like to see made into a movie or TV series? Lights, camera, action! Let’s talk!

“Though I’m noted as a historical writer, I’ve published five romantic suspense books. Falling for Frederick launched Montlake Book’s short-lived serials. I had envisioned it as the first book in the Stately Homes Murders, set in England with my grad-student researcher female sleuth, who stumbles on murders much like Jessica Fletcher. Of course she has help from her sexy Lord of the Manor. Alas, those Amazon serials flopped, and along with it, my romantic suspense career at Montlake. But I’d still love to see my Stately Homes Murders become a television series.” 
~ Cheryl Bolen

“My contemporary western series with Maddie James would be a good pick for a TV movie. So far, there are seven books in the series set at a ranch in western Montana. The Montana Ranchers series is about Brody, Callie, Mercer and Parker—the four siblings in the clan of James McKenna. As the characters and storylines grew, we added additional books to round out the series. We are currently spinning-off other series from the original one.” ~ Jan Scarbrough

“When I was asked this question my first response was Nora Roberts. Then I was sweetly corrected that we were talking about my books. After I chuckled at my mistake, I had to give it very little thought before sharing my thoughts on what book or series would I like to see on the screen.

“I'd love to see the Loudon Series come to life on screen.

“The McKenna family have survived a devastating loss and despite the heartache they move forward, learning to live life to the fullest and love with all their hearts.

“Through the tears and the smiles each book features a family member. I cheered for them as they each find their happily ever after. Isn't that what is so wonderful about watching a series or movie?” ~ Lucinda Race





“The book I wrote that I would love to see in a movie is Midnight Escape. It's action filled drama including the mafia, and a captain of a commercial crab fishing boat off the coast of Alaska in the Bering Sea.”
~ Constance Bretes

“I'd love to see my Eclipse Agents turned into a series. It's time travel, but with an off the books agency that monitors the timeline. It's a lot more Historical Romance, and a lot less Science Fiction. But I would love to see something like that. Highland Eclipse is the first one, and since it ties into my Magic of the Highlands series, it would be really fun to have some Scottish time travels.” ~ Laura Hunsaker

“It’s been far too long since TV has given us a good old-fashioned cowboy romance series. My Seven Brides for Seven Brothers series has something for everyone. Hunky cowboys, a cute western town and ranch, a bad guy wreaking havoc, action, adventure, mystery and hidden treasure, along with feisty, independent heroines who throw their lot in with their hero to make their town and their world a better place. Of course, each romance ends with a wedding.”
~ Kathleen Lawless

“I would love to see all my books as movies, although maybe the Storms of New England could be a miniseries. There are ten books (only 3 out so far) and it revolves around cousins who all grew up in a small town in New Hampshire. I have fallen deeply in love with this family. They have such a variety of personalities, but they all love and care for each other. I think my favorite parts of the 4 books I've written so far (#4 will be out later this summer) is when the guys get together and play basketball. It's their guy bonding time but also when they let slip any problems they are going through. Of course, the other guys make sure to give support back, all in the shape of good-natured razzing.” ~ Kari Lemor

“I ‘see’ most of my books play out as a movie while I am plotting and writing them, so this month’s question is near and dear to my heart. I would love to see my Match Made in Heaven series turned into a Netflix series. My pinterest pages are filled with boards denoting the actors and actresses I based my character’s physical descriptions on. The setting would be – of course – a small New Hampshire town, and the mood would be lighthearted and RomCom fun! And I’m having it written into my contract that I get to play Nanny Fee!” ~ Peggy Jaeger

“Funny enough, I don't plot or plan out my stories; I watch them unfold before me... just like a movie. This makes it hard to pick just one! But as much as I'd love to see the Welcome to Chance series as a television show, I'd even more love to see the quirky love story of The Two Tenleys as a movie. I even have the cast picked out! Blake Lively: Ten, Kristen Bell: Lee, Josh Duhamel: Nick, Ryan Reynolds: Kenny, Jeff Bridges: Charlie "The Hurricane" Harper. The rest are on my Pinterest board.” ~ Elsa Kurt

“I would choose Hidden Secrets, my just released, new romantic suspense. When Johnny carries Addison’s broken body to safety, and then becomes her protector, he stole my heart. I loved writing their story.” ~ Karen Kelley

"Lights! Camera! Action! Which one of my novels would make the perfect movie? Lynx, Rodeo Romance, Book 1"

“What woman doesn’t love a cowboy?” Lynx Maddox, had a dangerous reputation for taking chances.

Rachel Scott traveled the rodeo circuit with her famous father, until his death in the arena. She wants nothing to do with rodeo men.

Until she meets Lynx. Lynx removed his Stetson and ran his hand through his thick hair. His movement separated the edges of the cotton shirt, exposing the upper portion of his muscular chest. Rachel bit her lip to still a gasp; she knew her thoughts were written all over her expressive face.

Lynx looked at her before he hung his hat on a post and snapped closed the fastenings of his shirt. “Okay, Rachel, what comes next?” ~ Connie Vines

“As Peggy said above… I ‘see’ my books in my head as I write them. Quite like watching a movie with complete scenes. I would LOVE to see Haunting Highland House as a movie or TV mini-series! However, I’d be thrilled with an entire Time Traveler’s Journey TV series, including both books and the others to come. Spooky, romantic, suspenseful, with Victorian-era history. Did I mention there’s a haunted mansion? Also, since that mansion is based on a real historic property, perhaps a series would benefit the non-profit that restores and oversees it. Win-win!” ~ Kathryn Hills


Okay, it's your turn to join the conversation! Add your comments below or send via email through the "contact us” link on the bottom of the left sidebar. You can also make suggestions on what you'd like to discuss here in the future.

Thanks for joining us. Stay safe and be well!

~ The Romance Gems ~

Don't forget to enter our April Contest!

Details Here - Monthly Giveaway

Or go directly to Rafflecopter

April Prizes

1st Prize: $20.00 Amazon Gift Card

2nd Prize: $15.00 Amazon Gift Card

3rd Prize: $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

Best of luck to everyone!

Bless Your Heart by Karen Kelley #RomanceGems

    

  Buy now or

read for free in KU

     I love the South, cowboys, and romance. Until we started traveling, I’d thought everyone was pretty much the same. I guess we are, but I discovered each state had something really special to offer. There were some states we learned not to order Mexican food because it was more often than not closer to original Mexican dishes. I’m too used to TexMex, I guess.

     Buffalo burgers were really dry because they don't have much fat. Frog legs---forget it, I'm not going there.

     But what’s up with Michigan and their mac and cheese? It’s like gourmet food. They even have it as an entrée. I don’t think I’ve ever had mac and cheese as wonderful as what I had in Michigan. Same with their root beer. I love it!

     And I thought curds were something from a nursery rhyme. No, curds actually exist! I ordered some in Wisconsin just to try them. They're wonderful, melt in your mouth, fried cheese. We need curds in Texas, although I’m not sure we could do as well by them.

     And the accents. I love someone with an accent. I have an English friend and I could listen to her talk all day. But not on the phone. If she talks too fast, I can’t understand a word she says. 

     But Texas has always been home and I love being back. All our traveling in the RV inspired me to start a brand new series, It’s A Southern Thang. Yes, I meant to spell thing like thang.

     I love the townspeople, country life, and the falling in love in the first book, Bless Your Heart. I drew on my memories growing up, like my aunt’s sweet tea. How all the cousins eyed the jugs and wondered which one she had made. It was the worse tea I’ve ever tasted. Seriously! It would make your toes curl and your hair frizz. We never had the heart to tell her how awful it was, though. We just talked about her tea when she wasn’t around, but it wasn’t gossip because every bit of it was true.

     Since I titled this first book Bless Your Heart, I've realized how often I actually say it. How funny. If you want to know the meaning, this is how Riley, the hero, explains it:

     Yeah, and I knew when a woman said, bless your heart, it could mean something entirely different. It was all in the way they said it. It could be commiseration if someone in the family died or something, or shock that you’d gone through a traumatic event, like a car accident or were getting a divorce. It could also mean go screw yourself. The words could drip with sarcasm, so you knew they didn’t really give a damn about you. I had a feeling Whitney leaned toward the latter.

     The first book is a little spicy, with humor, and a whole lot of down home country. I hope you enjoy Bless Your Heart as much as I enjoyed writing it.   

     Don't forget to enter our rafflecopter for a chance to win great gifts! 

BEACHES and BOOK BOYFRIENDS is the Romance Gems Julytheme. Enter our drawing for a chance to win 1 of 3 Amazon Gift Cards and fun beach books too! Read the post, leave a comment, and enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway.

Happy Reading,

Karen Kelley

www.authorkarenkelley.com

99 Cent Book Sale by Karen Kelley #RomanceGems

I love thrift shops, garage sales—any kind of bargain. My son and son in law mentioned Facebook Market place but it never clicked with me that it would be like a giant garage sale. I love getting a bargain. That’s why today I’m shouting out that Dangling…Participle?, a steamy romantic comedy, is on sale for 99 cents. You can’t beat a deal like that. Here’s a little more about Dangling…Participle?

Katie:

I really needed to get serious and concentrate on my writing, but the barista behind the counter at my fav coffee shop is not making it easy. The guy is drop dead gorgeous. I’m talking six-pack abs, broad chest, and oozing sex appeal. In other words, way out of my league!

Then he finds my flash drive and reads the start of my book! I want to die. I’m a nice girl. Really, I am, but I have very naughty thoughts.

When I discover he’s actually a famous writer and offers to help, how can I say no? His help means I might actually escape my demonic boss, and living with my evil twin sisters (no lie! I’m talking straight out of f**king Cinderella evil).

But just how far am I willing to let him go when I stumble over the love scenes?

Jaxson:
I’ve never seen anyone with worse fashion sense than Katie. But as she sat at one of the tables in the coffee shop, laptop open, she removed those god-awful black glasses and nibbled her bottom lip. Then she smiled and transformed before my eyes.

I want her.

Can’t have her. She’s not that type.

Then I find and read her flash drive and discover there’s a whole other side to her beneath those baggy clothes and ugly glasses. She only needs a little help. Especially with her love scenes.

I should probably keep the relationship strictly platonic.

Nope, not going to happen.

In May the Romance Gems honors Heroes and She-roes: Mothers, Soldiers, and First Responders. For a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card and Bundles of EBooks, enter our Rafflecopter draw!

                                                            Learn more HERE