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

On the Crossbar by Liz Flaherty #RomanceGems

I have spent the evening doing what I often do--thinking about what I should be doing. It's not that I'm lazy. Exactly. It's that my concentration is...lacking. It's not my fault if the sunset is glorious, is it? And that there's a utility pole standing at attention there. It's one of those wooden ones with a crossbar and a row of glass conductors on the bar and it looks as if the whole row is staring mesmerized at the pinkish-orangey-purply western horizon. So, can you blame me? If even a light pole can't look away, how can I?

Like every other time of year, this is my favorite. The colors have been spectacular here in the Midwest this fall, and they've hung on much longer than usual. It's like Mother Nature is patting us and saying, "There, there," because 2020's been so difficult and beauty makes everything more bearable. 

It's been a hard writing year for me. A year of maybes and outright rejections, of career corners that I can't seem to find my way around, of winding down before I'm sure I'm ready. I haven't completed a full-length book, although I'm close. And I may never write another one. That thought doesn't hurt as much as it used to, although there's still some sting to it.

But in this season of...not discontent, exactly...more like autumn itself, such lovely things have happened. My story, Something New, was part of Last Chance Beach: Summer's End and my novella, Wisdom of the Heart, is in Christmas Comes to Dickens. As a writer, there's not much that's better than being nestled in among talented friends. Writing these short stories and having all the feels while doing so have made the colors last so much longer and brighter and better than they might have. 

Stories always have beginnings, middles, and ends. Sometimes the middle sags, but sometimes you want it to go on for a really long time because even if the end is wonderful, you don't want the story to be over yet. That's where I am in my writing life. There on the crossbar watching the sunset. And hoping it lingers a while.

***

Speaking of Facebook--weren't we?--we hope you join us tomorrow for a Facebook party. There will be lots of conversation, fun, and maybe a giveaway or two. https://www.facebook.com/groups/christmasindickens/

Life Cycle of a Work In Progress by Laura Hunsaker

I did something amazing this past weekend. I wrote the words THE END on my latest book! This has to be one of a writer's favorite things.

The life cycle of a rough draft is nuts, I mean, you start out thinking that you have the best idea! You can't wait to write all the ideas down. You want them out of your head as fast as your fingers can type them. You know you can fix it when you edit, I mean Nora Roberts said, "You can't edit a blank page." So you write.

In your mind you see Henry Cavill as the Witcher! But on the page is...Ross in leather pants. 

Even worse, then you get stuck. And you procrastinate, and then you go back to it, then you poke around online a bit, then you go back to it, and throughout it all, your idea that you loved so much is still bright and shiny! You just need to climb out of this plothole over here, or jump over that speedbump in your story.

Then you're back to writing and you have a big moment coming up! It's amazing, it's brilliant, it...stinks. It really stinks. But-but the shiny! The best idea! All the words! Nope, they all stink, every last one of 'em. But you've got a deadline and you've gotten this far, so lets finish up the words.

Then something miraculous happens. You finish, you type the words THE END, and things make sense, they tie together, they work! Your book really is the best! The shine is back on it, and you think to yourself, "Huh, that doesn't stink after all." And that elation is the best. Then you celebrate! For me, it's a nap and some wine.

This got me thinking, what do other people do once they've reached a goal, or a milestone? So I ask you, what do you do when you've hit a milestone?

Join my Newsletter for a chance to get all my amazing milestones straight to your inbox! ;) Seriously, though, I only email you when I have something exciting to announce like a new cover or a new release. 

Sign up here

Meanwhile my latest release is called Dreams of the Past and you can get it for $.99 in the Last Chance Beach box set (also free in Kindle Unlimited)

There are 14 amazing stories in this box set all taking place on the tourist island of Last Chance Beach. Grab it now and escape the world for a bit! With second chance romance, love at first sight, mature romance, and enemies to lovers, there's a story for everyone!

Dreams of the Past

She needs rest, he needs relaxation…

Jenny Travers wants a fresh start. Leaving the nightmares of her past behind her, she heads to Last Chance Beach. Renting the Sea Glass Cottage sounds peaceful and relaxing, which is exactly what she needs.

What she doesn’t need is a man.

Lieutenant Commander Scott Gordon was injured by an IED on his last mission, and while his leg has healed, it’ll never be strong enough to stay on his SEAL team. Renting the Sea Glass Cottage sounds like the perfect place to figure out how he’s going to handle his new normal. 

He never expected to find a woman in his bed.

A mix-up at the rental agency means Jenny and Scott are both renting the small cottage. Sharing a space with a stranger should be hard, yet they both feel more at peace than they have in months. 

Will their summer romance last, or is the magic of Sea Glass Cottage all they’ll have…

Falling into Romance? by Hannah Rowan #RomanceGems

The leaves are turning brilliant colors of orange and yellow, the air is crisp, and there’s frost on car windows in the mornings.  Mums decorate gardens and pumpkins proliferate everywhere. Pumpkin flavor is all the rage, though honestly the thought of pumpkin ice cream or pumpkin-flavored coffee strikes me as rather gross. Spooky decorations abound.

Fall is the time of year when I have clothes strewn all over the house while I’m in the process of washing and storing all my summer clothes, digging out the sweaters, and trying to decide how to dress in the changing weather.

Fall once had its good points. As a child I’d be excited about the start of school. (Yes, I was that kind of kid!) I enjoyed raking leaves into a big pile and setting it on fire, which was legal at the time. And of course there was Halloween when I trudged from door to door filling my pillowcase with yummy treats.

But now…fall means it’s about to get cold!  It means I have to set aside my sandals and squeeze my feet into confining shoes. It means no more Jersey tomatoes or sweet corn from the farm stand.

For me, fall is redeemed by one thing—my wedding anniversary starts off the season. It’s become our tradition to take some sort of special trip in honor of the occasion, and I do love to travel. As the years go on our celebrations have evolved from something along the lines of an overnight trip to the Poconos complete with the heart-shaped whirlpool tub to a week in Europe.

Under normal circumstances this year, our 45^th, would have involved some sort of extra special destination.

What we ended up with was two nights in upstate New York in a resort called Mohonk Mountain House, which honors the spooky part of fall by resembling a haunted Stephen King-like castle. With some trepidation, we ate our meals inside a public place for the first time in over six months.

I swam in the indoor pool and he worked out in the gym, the only guests using them. What a treat after missing my daily swim all these months!

And we walked and walked. Up very high hills where we could look out over the landscape and gaze at the colorful leaves. Through gardens and greenhouses festooned with pumpkins of all sizes. We were lucky to have sunshine and fairly warm weather.

So if my fellow Gems are celebrating Fall into Romance this month, I suppose you could say I qualify, and maybe fall isn’t so bad after all.

Last Chance Beach: Summer's End is here for only a few more weeks. The box set is still only 99¢ and is available on Amazon.

If you haven't picked up your free copy of Cocktails on Last Chance Beach, do that too. Our little recipe book is still in the Top 100 of Bestselling Special Occasion, Beverages, etc. on Kindle.

TV Shows That Were Canceled Before Their Time by Laura Hunsaker

 Recently I was chatting with a friend about my new obsession: Lucifer on Netflix. Why oh why didn't I start this sooner! Which reminded me that's exactly what I said about Galavant, I mean seriously, why didn't I start that show sooner?

Which led us to the topic of TV shows that were cancelled before I even got into them. I'm behind the times I guess! 

So, which TV shows were canceled before their time?
I've heard a lot of people are still salty about Firefly, Sleepy Hollow, and Veronica Mars.

For me I only have a couple: 

Moonlight- A Vampire and an investigative journalist...how did this show not get more seasons?

Pitch- I'm not even a baseball fan and I loved this show! 

and Galavant. Oh Galavant. How I love thee. It's a musical comedy show with the Amazing Alan Menkin as the songwriter! My goodness what a fun show!

Lucifer lives on still ;) And I'm binge-watching this weekend! 

So how about you? Which shows are you still sad about not getting another season?

And if you want to see what is getting another "season"...it's my Fatal Instinct series. I'm almost finished with my third story, but you can grab the latest in the Last Chance Beach: Summer's End box set on Amazon.

Amazon

She needs rest, he needs relaxation…

Jenny Travers wants a fresh start. Leaving the nightmares of her past behind her, she heads to Last Chance Beach. Renting the Sea Glass Cottage sounds peaceful and relaxing, which is exactly what she needs.

What she doesn’t need is a man.

Lieutenant Commander Scott Gordon was injured by an IED on his last mission, and while his leg has healed, it’ll never be strong enough to stay on his SEAL team. Renting the Sea Glass Cottage sounds like the perfect place to figure out how he’s going to handle his new normal. 

He never expected to find a woman in his bed.

A mix-up at the rental agency means Jenny and Scott are both renting the small cottage. Sharing a space with a stranger should be hard, yet they both feel more at peace than they have in months. 

Will their summer romance last, or is the magic of Sea Glass Cottage all they’ll have…

Don't Make Me Change! by Hannah Rowan #RomanceGems #LastChanceBeach

Online surveys often ask if I’m an early adopter of new technology. Oh, no, not me!  While I heartily approve of all things digital, I find I have to sneak up on new things rather than jump in wholeheartedly.

Part of the problem is me being cheap frugal.  Why replace something that’s working perfectly fine just because a new model is available?

Sooner or later, though, most things wear out and I’m forced to succumb to the need to buy something new. I don’t rush home to tear open a package and use a new thing right away.  Whatever it is has to adapt to being in my home.  A new computer may sit in a box outside my office for a month or so before I reluctantly introduce it to my desk.

Recently my husband’s phone refused to emit any sound no matter what we did to it.  I’d call, it would ring, but when he answered I couldn’t hear him.  Off we went to the phone store where we discovered that not only was his microphone disconnected, but the phone had a virus. 

The perky young clerk shook his head and advised us we’d be better off with a new phone.  And since I’d been complaining about my phone being too slow for the past few years, and I’ve been working around an annoying message about my memory being full, and since the nice young man told us if I also bought the same phone I’d get $30 off, I broke down and bought one for myself.

Transferring most of the data was fairly simple.  However, I had to spend a few days fixing things like the background and the size of the font in an effort to make the new phone look and feel like the old phone.

Mostly it was okay except I lost my knock-knock.

I loved my knock-knock. Whenever I got a text my phone knocked, and it really did sound like someone was knocking on the door. It provided me with little moments of amusement, like when I was in the eye doctor’s office and someone sent me a text.

The doctor was doing his “Which is better, number one or number two? Which is clearer, two or three?“ routine.

“Knock-knock.”

“Come in,” he said, forcing me to explain that it was my phone and not someone intruding on our efforts to measure my eyes.

Similar scenarios played out in many places. Okay, so maybe I’m a tad too easily amused. Sadly, my new phone no longer has the knock-knock sound. It has a doorbell, but it’s just not the same.  I searched so many apps and played so many knock-knock sounds, but none were exactly the same as my old one. Now I’m resigned to ding-dong instead of knock-knock.

With so much in the world changing every day, a change in my text notification sound isn’t anywhere near a catastrophe.  On the other hand, it’s the little moments of enjoyment that keep us all from going totally insane in today’s crazy world.

Here’s something new I don’t mind jumping into…the Gems’ new box set Last Chance Beach: Summer’s End.  

It’s a collection of 14 brand new, short stories from 14 authors.

And grab a copy of our free recipe book Cocktails on Last Chance Beach, and maybe you’ll find a new favorite poolside beverage.

Dollar Days! by Liz Flaherty #RomanceGems

So much of my life as a kid revolved around a dollar. I was a kid a long time ago, so a dollar was pretty good money. It would buy two Harlequin romances, or a whole bunch of chocolate, or hose (pre-pantyhose, and yes, we had to wear skirts to school), or my way into a movie--with enough left over for popcorn. That was how I saw A Hard Day's Night in the theater seven times.

School clothes--mostly underwear and socks in those days--were bought at Dollar Days sales. They seldom lasted past Christmas, when much of what was under the tree was comprised of...yes, underwear and socks.

Sometimes, even now, much of my life revolves around a dollar. Actually, less than a dollar. How cool is that!

For what it's worth, I now have the lyrics of "The Auctioneer" as an ear worm. There was a boy from Arkansas...

I also have some books for 99 cents. I'd love if you'd give one or all of them a try!

My favorite place in the world during the holidays is Christmas Town, Maine. Three of the anthologies are 99 cents now. They can be read in any order, and if you just need an early bump to get in the mood, well, here you go...

Stay tuned for more about Christmas stories later. It's a secret, though...

A Heartwarming Christmas, A Heartwarming Holiday, and Heartwarming Holiday Wishes are all available at 99 cents. Just reading about them gives me the urge to read them again.

My latest book, and the one with my for-the-moment favorite hero, The Healing Summer, is 99 cents right now. So is Jar of Dreams, a story which still maintains a strong hold on my writer's heart. Summer in Stringtown Proper is a spinoff from A Soft Place to Fall, although the short book stands alone. There was just something about the Ridge in Kentucky that held me...

Last but by no means least on my list of bargains is Last Chance Beach: Summer's End, a box set I was privileged to be included in along with 13 other Romance Gems. My story is Something New, the story of Hass and Zeke, who had their lives all planned out. At least, until they didn't. We all loved our trip to Last Chance Beach. We hope you do, too.

For girlfriends and readers... by Liz Flaherty #RomanceGems

I didn't realize that when I write blog posts, which I truly love to do, I tend to aim them at writers as well as readers. Because virtually all writers are readers and a good many readers are writers in their hearts.

They run together in my mind.

However, being reminded that this blog is intended for readers meant getting rid of the post I'd already written. It was about that picture up there in the corner. About having stories rejected and how it feels and about why stories get rejected. I'll use it later, on another blog.

That's what we do with stories that don't quite work in a certain place or a certain time. When you hear one of us complain (who, us, complain?) about having to dump a whole scene because it was crap, we don't really dump it--we put it into a file folder with a businesslike label that says something like "crap I've dumped" and then we pull it out and use it later. In another time and place.

In the post that isn't here, I was whining about being told I didn't start my story in the right place and about how I use too much backstory. I was pretty devastated by that because I love backstory. Not just writing it, but reading it, too. And there I go again, having readers and writers running together in my mind. But, hey, as a reader, how do you feel about backstory?

I hope you readers (who aren't writers) understand how we feel about you. You're girlfriends who go to the beach with us, who sit in tearooms and coffeehouses and the occasional pub with us. You build us up, support us and our writing habit, and sympathize when that thing up in the corner happens. We thank you for all of it. I can't begin to tell you how much we appreciate you.

My goodness, I do go on, don't I? Thanks for listening to me complain. But, come on, girlfriends, lets head on down to Last Chance Beach. It's Summer's End and there are 14 good stories I was talking about just waiting for you. And a free book of cocktails. Sit still and read--we'll fix you one.

Comment with your email for a chance to win this month's prize!

To Re-read or Not to Read by Laura Hunsaker

I've noticed that with everything going on in the world, I've had a hard time focusing on new books/TV shows/movies that I typically would love. I took to Twitter and was shocked to see people already talking about that. It's not just me! 

But I was even more shocked to see an article floating around that basically said when people are stressed out, they tend to go for something they've already read or watched because they already know how it ends, therefore the stakes are a bit lower (article is linked here). They go for old favorites because it's comforting (and I definitely love a good comfort read). It's like a warm blanket. 

I have three books on my ereader that I can think of off-hand that I should be devouring. And yet...I keep going back to old faves. Then I feel guilty that I'm spending my precious reading time with something I've already read. I should be reading something new and shiny!

But...my faves are shiny too. I figure since they make me happy, isn't the the important part? I read because it makes me happy. I have a friend however who never re-reads anything. Once the book has been read, that's that. (no judgement! Just different ways of reading!)

Comment to enter our August giveaway

So how about you? Are you a fan of the re-read? Or do you read the book once and move on? There's no right or wrong answer here, it's all about you and what sparks joy for you. For me? I want that warm blanket of a comfort read. 

If you want something happy, comforting, and light, check out our Last Chance Beach box set!

14 happy beach reads and summer romances all for $.99!

My story is Dreams of the Past. In it, Jenny needs some rest, Scott needs some relaxation...but will they get what they want when they both wind up booking the same beach cottage?

And don't forget there's a free companion book called Cocktails on Last Chance Beach

SOME LIKE IT HOT! By Kathleen Lawless @kathleenlawless

I’m one of those weird hybrid writers who writes all heat levels, from chastity and church, to Giddyup! and everything in between.  I’ve heard from readers who love my steamy scenes (they tell me their sex lives improved) and reviewers who were totally disgusted.  I’ve heard some readers say it’s refreshing to have things left to the imagination, while and others live vicariously through the imaginative details penned by their favorite authors. 

So my question for you, Dear Reader, in the Comment and Win part of today’s blog is …  How do you feel?  Do you like the bedroom door open or closed?  Does it depend on the characters, and the writer’s skill level?  Or is a good story a good story, heat level aside?  

There is no right or wrong answer, but I’d love to hear your thoughts.  Remember to include your email written out like this.  Yourname at whatevermail dot com.    

The bedroom door is definitely closed on the stories in our fantastic summer boxed set, LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer’s End, but that doesn’t stop some of the writers from turning up the heat and ramping up the sexual tension.  For instance, what happens when there are 2 people and only one bed?  
I love that there is something in this collection to suit all readers.   This set is a steal at only 99 cents.  https://amzn.to/3hJseeT

Plus there’s a free companion cocktail recipe book  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DR4K3YX/

I’ve got several new releases set to debut soon, starting with MAIL ORDER RACHEL, Book 24 of the popular Widows, Brides and Secret Babies series.  This book releases August 21^st and is squeaky clean.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088HFGF49

NOT THE BRIDE HE WAS EXPECTING!

Rachel has looked after herself from a very young age.  When she witnesses a murder, she needs to get out of town fast, before she’s next.  Desperate, she takes her friend’s place as a mail-order bride out west.

Daniel longs for a wife and family.  Not only is his mail-order bride not what he expected, she shows up with a baby that she claims isn’t hers.  When a bounty hunter arrives asking questions, Daniel’s protective instincts kick in, along with his suspicions.  What is his new wife hiding?  

 

UNDONE, Book 6 of Secret Seductions is, as the series implies, rather racy if I do say so myself.  But it’s fun.  Three girlfriends on vacation with one thing on their minds.  I think we’ve all secretly longed to be on a vacation with good friends, and the freedom to be naughty.  

An Ex-Rated Scavenger Hunt!

It’s Kennedy’s solution to cheer up her two best friends and spice up their lives on a badly-needed girls’ getaway.

Lisa is getting over a cheating husband.
Justine recently broke up with her married lover.
While Kennedy is just love ’em and leave ’em Kennedy, in her element on a beach paradise surrounded by wealthy, eligible, and smokingly-single men.
The first one to complete the sexcapades list is the winner.
Which of them will take home the ultimate prize?  Who will lose her heart?  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089D3SQ44

On the Clean and Wholesome front, I’m introducing HOPE, the first book in my Widows of the Wild West series.  Many readers have already met Percy and Hope in the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers bonus novella, PERCY’S HOPE.  This is their HEA.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DSL7Y8H

A VIRGIN WIDOW

A HUNTER OF LONG-LOST TREASURE.

CAN THEY OVERCOME THE PAST?

Hope arrives in a small western town, a place that captured her imagination during a passion filled month in Percy’s company that ended in heartbreak for both.  Her last glimpse of Percy was when he boarded a train headed East, gone from her life forever. 

Percy is a professional treasure hunter whose actions are dictated by facts and figures.  The one time he acted on his instincts instead of the facts everything backfired, a mistake he’s not about to repeat.  Not even after recently widowed Hope walks back into his life, and passion re-sparks between them.  This time, he vows to keep her at arm’s length.  

I'm eagerly awaiting everyone's comments on opening the bedroom, leaving it ajar in some instances, or keeping it firmly shut.

Stay safe and have a wonderful Summer's End!  
Kathleen Lawless

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August Brings Good Times & Good Books by @JoanReeves #RomanceGems

LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer's End

August brings the culmination of a lot of hard work by half of our Romance Gems Authors. Back in June, I had a little free time and an idea that I could put together a box set of romance short stories, thus fulfilling one of my stated goals when I started Romance Gems in February 2019.

Free Time Is Dangerous

Wow! A little free time can be dangerous!

I thought it wouldn't be that difficult to do since I've been a part of 15 or 20 box sets in the last few years.

I knew about formatting, Kindle Digital Publishing, marketing—all of the required elements to successfully write and publish.

BUT, I had no clue how much work it would be. *LOL*

Endless emails. Organizing all of the elements.

Encouraging authors to learn what Nancy Fraser, Maddie James, and I wanted to teach. The list of things to learn was seemingly endless to many, and probably not of interest to Readers.

Somehow, we got everything done, and Last Chance Beach: Summer's End will publish on August 4 at midnight, for a measly 99 cents! That's right, only 99 pennies (plus tax if you're in a state that taxes online sales).

But Wait There's More

With Maddie James and Hannah Rowan in the role of Publisher, we created Cocktails on Last Chance Beach, a FREE companion book to the 14 Romance Short Stories Collection.

That's right, totally free! You can get your copy at Amazon, iBooks, or Kobo.

Click Last Chance Beach on the Menu bar to read all about it. Then rush out and buy your copy of Last Chance Beach: Summer's End and get your completely free ebook of  Cocktails on Last Chance Beach too.

Almost Forgot

I was so busy putting this project together and managing it that I nearly forgot I had to write a romantic short story too.

I had just finished writing The Key to Kristina, a mystery romance, for the Fortune's Favor: The Treasure box set so I was in the mystery mode.

I started writing a funny romance, but a little bit of a suspense element sneaked crept in albeit in a small way.

My story for Last Chance Beach: Summer's End is Hot August Night.

When they met it was hate at first sight for celebrity chef Zander Rojas and junk food loving police detective Chelsea Elliot.

They’re not just dismayed when they discover they each have a reservation for Blue Moon House.

They’re determined to make life miserable for the other and be the last inhabitant standing when the feud is over.

Imagine how horrified they are when they realize they have the hots for each other.

Romance Gems August Update

The Author Spotlight shines on Jan Scarbrough for August. Be sure and visit the page to learn more about Jan and her books.

This month, we're switching things up a bit because change is a good thing.

We'll be doing Comment and Win for the first time since last year.

Nancy Fraser will tell you more about it when she blogs, but the concept is simple.

The Daisy graphic to the left explains the rules so I hope you'll drop by every day and post a comment.

You just may be the August Winner of Sizzling Days & Sultry Nights.

Have a wonderful August. Make the most of the last month of summer. Stay safe. Be Social—at a safe distance.

Escape into the pages of books, the least expensive form of entertainment, and a peaceful Retreat from the world and its problems.

Visit Joan Online

Amazon Author Page * BookBub Author Page * Facebook Fan Page * Twitter * YouTube * Website 

Be the first to know about Giveaways, Bargains, and New Books, sign up for Joan's Free Subscription Newsletter.

You'll receive a free ebook upon confirming your subscription.

Happy Reading!