P.G. Forte's Blog, page 29
February 11, 2024
Musical Monday: Just Another Day Son Secada
Little known fact: a shorter version of Put a Ring Around the Rosie was released in an anthology titled Just Another Day--which was also the story's original title. Obviously, I had to change it for the antho, and the new name stuck! And, honestly, I love the new title and the new cover SO MUCH.
But this song still resonates.
Put a Ring Around the Rosie is LIVE tomorrow! Here's the teaser video to get you in the mood!
Put a Ring Around the RosieA Games We Play/Whole Latte Love Story
February 14th is just another day...until it's not!
Available for pre-order:
https://books2read.com/RingRosie
February 9, 2024
Flashback Friday: Truth or Dare
I've just started a new REAM page and am taking part in a group promo that lets you try it for a month for free. I've posted Truth or Dare on my free tier, if you're interested in checking it out, details can be found here:
https://amynovabooks.com/why-choose-ream
Excerpt:
A couple of minutes later, the hotel’s big double outer doors slammed open, banging against the walls of the enclosed entryway. Gwyn glanced up, annoyed. What in the hell were the haunts up to now?
She was surprised—and to be honest, more than a little relieved—to see actual, corporeal people in the glassed-in entryway. Two men, one wearing a long black overcoat, the other in a navy peacoat and jeans, were struggling against the wind to re-close the front doors. She perked up at the thought of customers. Ghosts were fine, in their place, but they didn’t pay the bills.
Having finally triumphed over the doors, the two men paused to stomp the snow from their boots. Gwyn watched them appreciatively. She couldn’t see their faces clearly through the fogged glass of the entryway windows, but they were both tall—one more so than the other—and athletic-looking, well worth ogling. Then they turned toward each other, tenderly brushing stray snowflakes from each other’s shoulders and out of their hair, and her heart melted. Her hand strayed to her throat, and she absently fingered the gold and garnet triquetra pendant she always wore. The camaraderie between the two men, their ease with one other, was obvious from clear across the room. It touched her in ways she didn’t quite understand.
It had been years since she’d seen two men this comfortable with each other, so at home. She didn’t even remember when the last time was. Then the taller and fairer of the two men said something his dark-haired companion found funny. He threw back his head in a laugh, and suddenly Gwyn recalled exactly when she’d last witnessed something like this.
“Yeah, Weidman, stop complaining. At least you have your hot girlfriend to keep you warm. Speaking of which, I’mma think I have to borrow her. You up for sharing?”
“No way,” she whispered, horrified, as the blood drained from her face so quickly she nearly passed out on the spot. “No fucking way. It can’t be.”
Gwyn had never been one to hesitate in the face of disaster. She jumped from her seat and grabbed the handle of the reception room door without waiting to learn whether her suspicions about the men’s identities were correct. Someone else could deal with this shit. Brenda, for example. Gwyn was almost positive her cousin was here somewhere tonight. She’d track her down and let her check them in. Or send them away? Oh yes. That would be even better. Although that option might take some explaining.
The door had other ideas about her leaving. It refused to open. No matter which way Gwyn turned the handle, the door didn’t budge. This is not happening, she thought as she started to panic. Behind her, two sets of footsteps crossed the lobby and stopped. She pushed at the door. Still nothing. Damn it!
“Miss?” A familiar voice spoke up behind her. “Miss, can you help us? Excuse me, miss?”
“Someone will be with you in a moment,” Gwyn said, attempting to make her voice as impersonal as possible as she continued to pull uselessly at the door.
A moment’s dead silence met her response. And then, “Gwyn? Is that you?”
Well, fuck.
Gwyn took a deep breath. You can do this, she told herself firmly. Her “useless” Theatre Arts degree and the years she’d spent in amateur productions had to be good for something.
“What can I help you with?” she asked as she turned around. Two familiar faces stared at her—as though shewere the ghost.
Berke looked stricken. Cam’s mouth had dropped open. Gwyn smiled blandly back at them. Please say nothing. Please say you just got lost and need directions out of town. Please, please, do the decent thing and leave.
“Gwyn, it’s us,” Berke said.
No shit? Her gaze tracked blankly across their faces. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“Gwyn…” Berke said again in a heartrending tone that made her want to break character and kick him. Preferably down a flight of stairs.
“We, uh, have a reservation,” said Cam, who’d finally succeeded in getting his jaw back under control. Ooh. Give the boy a star.
“Oh yes? Well, let’s see now…” Gwyn glided back to the desk and slid gracefully onto the stool. She’d never in her life been more grateful to her Aunt Norah for having insisted all three of the cousins attend deportment classes as children. She opened the reservation calendar and stared sightlessly at her screen. “What name am I looking for?”
“It’s, uh, under Steiner?” Cam said.
Yes, of course it was. Gwyn blinked furiously in an attempt not to frown. They’d been booked into the Captain’s Room for two nights. Whoever took this reservation was so fired. And yes, that was unfair and ridiculous and probably not even legal. She didn’t care. What the fuck was she supposed to do for the next two days—hide? No. Screw that. This was her home. They didn’t get to come here and act surprised to see her. Stupid bastards.
“I’ll need to see identification and a valid credit card.”
Cam fished them out and handed them to her. As she keyed the information in, she found herself babbling, making up fees and restrictions as she went. “There’s a key deposit that will be deducted from your bill when you check out. How many keys will you be wanting?”
“Two.”
“Okay, so, that’s two deposits each—one for each day of your stay. Plus there’ll be an additional amount added in the event you lose them both.”
“I’m sure we won’t.”
“I’m also placing a hold on your credit card against any damages to the room. That should be lifted within ten business days of checkout; if it’s not, you’ll have to take it up with your credit card company. Checkout is at nine a.m. If you’re more than an hour late, you’ll be charged for the extra day.”
“Nine a.m.? Isn’t that a little early?”
She smiled tightly. “Yes, it is. There are several other hotels in town, and they’re likely to have other hours. If you wish to cancel your reservation here, I’d be happy to waive the usual two-night cancellation fee. Should I do that now?”
The two men exchanged a look. “No,” Cam said grimly. “That’s all right.”
Damn. “Okay, so let me just add the nonoptional resort fee. Oh, and since you’ll be staying in a nonsmoking room, I also have to charge you a nonrefundable deposit in the event you smoke in the room.”
“Nonrefundable?”Berke’s voice was edged in disbelief. “But we don’t even smoke!”
Gwyn bit her tongue before she could ask when he’d quit. “As I said, if you’d like to cancel now…”
“No.” Cam growled. “We’ll take it.”
A shiver of something that was not, not, not longing swept over Gwyn at the sound of that gravel-voiced tone. “Fine.”
She turned away from them to collect their keys and pull their paperwork from the printer. “Your room’s on the third floor. There’s no elevator. There’s a staircase directly behind you, and another at the end of the hall.”She turned back again and laid the keys and the paperwork on the counter. “Sign here and here. And here’s your receipt.”
Wordlessly, Cam grabbed the paper, pocketed both keys, and slung the strap of his overnight bag over his shoulder.
“Gwyn, I—” Berke tried again, but Cam interrupted him.
“Let’s go,” he said as he grabbed Berke’s arm and forcibly hauled him away.
“Have a nice stay,” Gwyn called after them in her perkiest voice. She stayed where she was and continued to smile maniacally until they’d disappeared from sight. Then she slumped forward, resting her head and arms on the desk. “Out of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world,” she said with a groan. Seriously, though. How was this even possible?
It was clear from the looks of shocked surprise on both their faces that they had not expected to see her here. And why was that? It’s not like they didn’t know her family owned this hotel. It wasn’t as though neither of them had ever been here before. They had. Berke a couple of times, Cam once. The only possible explanation was that, in the years between then and now, they’d completely forgotten her existence. Which was exactly what she’d have expected from Cam actually, and…it was fine. It was perfect, really, because she’d certainly forgotten all about them.
Truth Or DareGames We Play 1.0
Gwyn has her hands full these days trying to help save the family business -- a quirky hotel on the Jersey Shore. She has no time for romance. But when the two men with whom she once spent a drunken menage weekend show up with a sexy proposition, how can she resist? Berke and Cam might have broken her heart once, but Gwyn is older now and wiser.
She's not looking for forever. She just wants a good time. And, after all, it is Valentine's Day.
For Berke and Cam, the weekend isn't just about fun, or adding some spice to their marriage; it's about winning back the woman who got away, and convincing her to give a committed three-way relationship a shot. They each have skills that could help make the hotel a success -- and they're not above bartering to get what they want. but first they have to get past the walls Gwyn's built to keep them out.
But while Cam's biggest concern is making sure Gwyn doesn't break Berke's heart a second time, Berke is worried about what Cam will think if he learns about Berke's part in screwing things up the last time around.
https://books2read.com/TruthDare3
https://books2read.com/RingRosie
Click HERE to read a FREE excerpt.
February 7, 2024
Wine Wednesday: Valley of the Moon Pinot Gris Viognier 2022
Today's wine is a rather unusual blend of Pinot Gris and Viognier. When I say "unusual" I mean it's not a combination that I would necessarily have ever thought of, what with Pino Gris being crisp and dry and Viognier being lush and creamy.
On the other hand, it's an interesting blend that doesn't really taste like either varietal. So...mission accomplished, I guess? It's a lovely pale gold in color with a rather full-bodied creamy taste. It's like an alternative Chardonnay. By which I mean it doesn't really taste like Chardonnay, but it tastes more like Chardonay than anything else.
Yeah, it's like that.
Likewise, there's a lemon chiffon aroma that's not exactly citrusy. More like lemon yogurt than lemon, if that makes sense.
There are also notes of green apple and pear candy along with something more elusive. Honey dew, perhaps? It has a creamy mouth feel with hints of peach and vanilla. If Viognier is my idea of the perfect picnic wine, then this would be a really good candidate for my ideal Sunday afternoon hanging out on a boat with friends wine. I know. Pretty specific, huh?
I have no idea what I would pair this wine with, other than a fire pit. Or a beach. Roast chicken, perhaps? Apples and cheddar cheese? Dessert? It might hold up okay against a spicy jambalaya. Honestly, it's great all by itself.
For info on what books I'd pair it with, check out this post on my "other" blog:
https://oberoncalifornia.blogspot.com/2024/02/what-im-reading-post-for-wednesday.html
The wine was bottled by Valley of the Moon Winery. The grapes themselves were grown on the Madrone Vineyard Estate. And I regret that I didn't get to either when I lived there. But they're both going on the list.
February 6, 2024
Romance Writers Weekly ~Favorite Games ~ #LoveChatWrite
This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked if we have "a favourite board or card game you like to play?"
How perfect is this when the book I'm promoting atm is the latest in my Games We Play series? Even more perfect given how important TIMING is to Rosie and Alex's love story.
But I digress...
I love playing online games (far too much, in fact). Mahjong, Word Wipe, Block Champ--I blame my daughter for getting me interested in the first two, my grandson for talking me into the third. And I love playing online poker, as well (totally author Kinsey Holley's fault!). I can sit at a casino bar for hours (drinking wine for free) playing Texas Hold 'em. And because I'm such a conservative gambler, I've never done worse than break even...which actually puts me ahead, when you consider the drinks.
In terms of board games...I used to love Clue and The Game of Life. Recently I noticed a new trivia game at the store called Okay Boomer, which offers new and old trivia. I'm so tempted to try that!
My absolute favorite memory of playing a board game occurred at Christmas a few years ago. It was me, my daughter and her friend and we were playing a used and not quite complete game of Scooby Dooby Clue. You can't really play Clue with just three people, so we made some adjustments to make it more unpredictable and less boring. We changed the way you could move from room to room, to make it faster. And we shuffled the cards and put three random cards in the envelope. Totally random. It could have been three weapons, or two suspects and a room, or anything else. It. Was. Hilarious.
We also played Life--but changed things up so that it was more socially progressive and more reflective of current socio-economic realities. For example, graduating college was less advantageous due to the massive student loan debt that accompanied it. That was interesting, but maybe a little reality goes a long way with games.
https://amynovabooks.com/why-choose-ream
And now, hop on over to Brenda Margriet's page to find out what games she likes to play. And don't forget to check out Mountain Fire , the first romance novel she ever published.
MOUNTAIN FIRE
A mountaintop mystery leads two conservationists to dangerous obsessions and violent passions.
Natural resources student June Brandt climbs Longworth Mountain for some alone time. But when Conservation Officer Alex Weaver arrives to look into the death of a grizzly bear, June is caught up in the investigation—and fascinated by Alex.
Alex is attracted by June's competence and coolness under fire—as well as her lithe body and honey-blonde hair. Although their mutual interest in protecting the natural wonders of the area brings them together, they soon realize they view love from very different angles. He offers passion and pleasure, but June wants more.
When one of Alex’s colleagues is murdered, June and Alex must work together to find the poacher before other lives are lost. And Alex must look deep inside to discover if he can give June what she deserves.
https://books2read.com/MountainFire
Put a Ring Around the RosieA Games We Play/Whole Latte Love Story
February 14th is just another day...until it's not!
Available for pre-order:
February 5, 2024
Musical Monday: 2 Become 1 by Jewel
Jewel provided a good bit of the soundtrack for the LA Love Lesson series. Her albums 0304 (2003) and Goodbye Alice in Wonderland (2006) were both so evocative of Los Angeles to me. And of the LA Love Lesson heroines. The songs spoke to Gabby's youthful zest for life, April's amnesia-driven naïveté and Claire's wistful longing--both for the fame she'd achieved (now mostly in the past) and the dreams she had to sacrifice in order to get it.
She even looks like Gabby in this video. OR like a very young Claire. Huh. I wonder why I never saw that before? No wonder Derek fell for both of them!
Since it's February (and Waiting for the Big One was set in February, I'm posting an excerpt from that rather than one of the other books. But, as I said at the start. The song works for all three books, really.
Waiting For The Big One
LA Love Lessons 1.0
One girl, two guys and a quest for ultimate satisfaction.
Aspiring actress Gabby Browne refuses to consider her best friend, and personal trainer, Derek Novello for the role of soul mate fearing sex will ruin their beautiful friendship. When she meets Zach, she's convinced that he could be The One. Too bad Derek isn't willing to share-leaving Gabby forced to choose between two sexy co-stars.
An early morning earthquake provides Gabby with the impetus she needs to stop waiting for the stars to align and finally cast her leading man.
Excerpt:
It was just before midnight when Zach left my apartment. It was still technically his birthday, so he was going to meet some friends for drinks. Musicians don’t do anything early and they rarely do anything alone. He invited me to join them, but I had dogs to walk in the morning, so I turned him down. He kissed me good-bye, thanked me once more, and turned off the lights on his way to the door, so I wouldn’t have to get up again. Pisces are thoughtful like that.
I wrapped my quilt around me but, tired as I was, I couldn’t fall asleep. Lazy thoughts kept circling in my brain, like leaves in a fountain, bobbing and spinning ‘til I sat up again and reached for my phone.
“What’s wrong?” Derek asked.
I felt myself frown. “Why do you always ask that? You make it sound like I only call you when there’s a crisis.”
“Well, don’t you?”
Tears pricked at my eyes as I slid open the drawer of my night table and dug out some emergency chocolate. I’ve told you how Pisces tends to mimic all the other signs. Well, at the moment, I was feeling as moody as a crab. “No. Stop being mean.”
“Has something happened that I don’t know about?” Derek asked cautiously.
I chomped on my chocolate macadamia bar for a moment. “Mmm. I took your advice.”
“What advice?”
“The strip tease. Did you get that idea from Claire, by the way?”
“Did I— What?”
“It seemed like such a… such a Claire thing when I was doing it.”
“Oh, Jesus. Are you fucking kidding me?”
I could hear Derek moving around in his apartment and I closed my eyes to better imagine what the noises filtering through the phone might mean. Kitchen, I thought. Glass. Bottle. Pouring. I could imagine him standing at his counter, with the light from his faux Tiffany fixture spilling down on his dark hair, gilding it with a faint green-gold tinge. I could imagine him lifting one of his square glass tumblers to his lips, tossing his head back with a quick motion that would leave his hair in disarray.
“What are you drinking?” I asked, feeling thirsty, feeling like I was right there in his apartment with him, running my hand through his hair to comb it back into place, trailing my fingers down his cheek. He had a nice place, right above the studio. When the windows were open, you could hear the water and the wind chimes in the courtyard below. It was dark and mysterious—just like Derek. It was cozy, crammed with things he’d picked up on his travels. It was warm...
“Never mind what I’m drinking,” Derek snapped, sounding not warm. “What happened?”
I sighed, breaking off another square of chocolate and popping it in my mouth. “Pretty much what you’d expect to happen, I guess. It worked. He got the message. He came over.”
“You slept with him? Already?”
Well, I certainly wouldn’t put it like that. Sleep? No. Not even. Silence hummed over the line. I listened as Derek poured himself another drink.
“How was it?”
“It was great,” I replied, sliding back down between the sheets. “But, you know, probably even soul mates don’t start out at the peak. Right?”
This time the silence stretched even longer. “I think you’re rushing this,” Derek said at last. “What do you even know about this guy? Nothing.”
“That’s not true.”
“Prove it. You said he’s a musician, right? So, tell me what his favorite groups are. What kind of music does he like? What’s the name of the band he plays in? Give me three local artists he’d be likely to follow.”
I sighed. “We did talk, you know.” Not much, but enough. Music was definitely one of the topics we’d covered. I had no problem reeling off the names of a half dozen bands I felt confident would be at the top of Zach’s list.
“But I don’t see what good knowing all that is supposed to do for me,” I said. “How is that gonna get me what I want?”
“You need to slow things down with this guy,” Derek replied, ignoring my questions. “Stop pushing so hard. You haven’t made any plans to see him again, have you?”
“Well, sure. He’s coming over for dinner tonight,” I said, feeling exhausted as I thought about it. Maybe Derek was right. Maybe I was pushing too hard for this. Maybe it was one of those Zen things where the only way to find what I was looking for was to stop looking.
“Dinner?” The way Derek said the word; you’d have thought it was a foreign concept. “Where--your place? Tonight?”
I snuggled even further beneath the covers. “Mm-hmm. You’ve heard of it, right? Dinner...it comes after lunch...before bedtime...and speaking of which...”
“Funny,” Derek muttered, although I thought the only thing funny was how un-amused he sounded.
“Nite, Der,” I murmured sleepily. “Sweet dreams.”
“Yeah.” His voice was quiet. Almost too quiet. “Yeah, you, too.”
January 31, 2024
Wine Wednesday: Trinity Oaks Pinot Noir
I'm not generally a big Pinot Noir fan. I think it's partially a reverse-Sideways effect. I'm contrary and easily annoyed with people who refuse to drink Merlot or chardonnay because someone else told them it wasn't any good. (Do I see the irony in me deciding NOT to like something because other people think I should? Why, yes. Yes, I do.) But mostly it was because the bottle that was my introduction to Pinot Noir was infected (I think that's the correct word?) with Brettanomyces yeast, which gave it a pronounced barnyard smell. And I DON'T mean that in a good way! I love the way horses and stables and farms smell. But this wine was NOT to my liking, even though some people think Brett-tasting wines are the shit. (I agree, only I mean it literally!)
In any case, every once in awhile, I like to mix things up. So when I was out to lunch the other day (the same steak house with which my husband is obsessed, god knows why) I wanted to try something different than my usual Cabernet--good as it is. I ordered a La Crema Pinot, but they were out. So instead I got the Trinity Oaks.
This was a lovely wine that I'm sure I'll have again. Pinot Noir is exceptionally soft (well, when compared to some Zinfandels I've known and loved) it's juicy without being sweet. I tasted a lot of blackberries on the nose, sweet cherry on the palate. Maybe some hints of oak and leather. It went nicely with my steak although the spice in the roasted, balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts did overpower it a little.
But I think this is a wine I'd drink with chocolate cake, Brie cheese (but definitely not with cheese and cake at the same time!) or maybe brunch! I think this would make a nice brunch wine.
Now here's a Pinot Noir excerpt from Oberon--from one of the books that isn't available atm, but which will be returning later this year. For information when that might be, join my newsletter: https://www.pgforte.com/newsletter Or follow me on Ream: https://reamstories.com/pgforte
Excerpt:
The pinot noir was extraordinary, and Adam Sasso could barely contain his excitement. The color was good––a deep, blood red, bordering on black. It had long legs, a vibrant nose, and a rich jammy fragrance that fell somewhere between black cherry and plum. And then there was the taste of it! It was lush and juicy in the mouth, rich with fruit flavors, just a hint of cedar and a long, satisfying finish. It was the first wine produced at Lupa e Cervo using only their own grapes. The first vintage whose production he’d overseen since taking over as head winemaker, as well as owner of the winery. The moment he’d tasted it, he knew it was something special. And he couldn’t wait to share it. So, he’d grabbed two bottles from the line and headed for the door.
He’d glanced at his watch as he hopped into one of the waiting jeeps. It was still a few minutes before noon, and he figured Sinead would be just getting ready to start lunch. Any guests lucky enough to be dining in at The Morning Glory Inn today were in for a real treat. But it was Sinead’s reaction he was eager for. After all, who better to share your triumphs with than the love of your life?
“What’s wrong?” the love of his life asked as she hurried into the dining room.
“Wrong?” Adam arched an eyebrow at her and smiled. “Nothing’s wrong. I have a surprise for you.”
*
A surprise? Sinead felt her mouth tighten. Gee. What a coincidence.
Adam glanced around the empty room. “Where is everyone? What happened to lunch?”
“Out,” she answered. “Box lunches or eating in town. We’re a bed and breakfast, you know, not a boarding house. Lunch was always just an add on.” And, at the moment, a really bad idea. When even thinking about the smell of food was enough to turn her stomach, how on earth was she supposed to get through the next few months? “So, what’s your surprise?”
Adam smiled and held up two bottles of wine. “The pinot noir is ready.”
“Wine?” She stared at the bottles doubtfully. She shouldn’t drink wine now, should she? But the question was moot, because just the thought of it was making her sick.
A slight frown creased Adam’s brow. “Tesoro, darling, piacere. Try and focus for a moment. I know you believe this inn is the center of the known universe, but there’s the little matter of this winery I’m attempting to run. Lupa e Cervo? Perhaps you’ve heard of it?”
“Very funny.” She crossed her arms and glared at him. “Wine,” she muttered in disgust. Jeez. At least he hadn’t brought her tequila.
“Yes, wine,” Adam answered, looking seriously disgruntled now. “Of course, wine. Is there something else we’re making around here that I should know about?”
Sinead blinked. Oh. My. God. Was there ever.
She stared at him for a moment, and then shook her head. “I can’t do this,” she muttered, as she fled for the kitchen—although God alone knew what she expected to do once she got there—not eat, that was for sure.
It wasn’t fair. She’d never wanted children. She’d always been so careful. And now–
Adam followed after her. “Sinead? Are you okay? Is something wrong?”
“No,” she insisted trying to keep the tremor out of her voice. “Nothing.” Everything. “But, I’m really not in the mood for wine right now, Adam. So, why don’t you just go back to work, all right? And I’ll see you tonight.”
He snorted derisively. “Like hell. I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what’s going on.”
Sinead frowned. Damn it, she should have figured. He was maddeningly persistent. But, if that’s what he wanted– She opened her mouth…and then closed it again, as close to panicked as she’d been in months. Oh, Jesus.
I can’t tell him.
Right now, it wasn’t real. Right now, she still had options. Once she spoke the words aloud, that would all change.
He has a right to know.
Yeah, but that was the problem, wasn’t it? Adam wanted children more than any man she’d ever known. How could she tell him now, when she wanted to keep her options open? And if she decided she couldn’t go through with the pregnancy? How could she tell him then, knowing what that would do to him?
No. Once she told him, the die would be cast. There’d be no way out, no turning back. She’d be trapped.
But…
She sighed, turning her head to stare out the window as tears filled her eyes. There was no way out for her, anyway, was there?
He’d been content to let his dream of having children die—for her sake. And in the year they’d been together, he’d never once attempted to pressure her to change her mind.
And now, when his dream was coming true and hers was dying, what option did she really think she had? Other than a fantasy one.
“Sinead,” Adam’s voice was a gentle caress. “Beloved, what’s wrong?”
Sinead sighed. Well, at least one of them would be happy. That was something, she supposed. She took a deep breath and turned back to face him. “Nothing’s wrong. It’s just– I’m pregnant.”
“You’re what?” The color drained from his face. He didn’t look happy, Sinead thought in dismay, he looked horrified. The wine bottles slipped from his hand to shatter on the stone tiled floor. They both jumped backwards to avoid being cut by the flying glass.
“Oh, my God,” Sinead moaned. She clapped her hand to her mouth. “It’s an omen. A curse. I knew it. We’re doomed.”
“What?” Adam repeated, staring as if she’d lost her mind. “A curse? What are you talking about? How could it be–”
“The wine,” she said, pointing to the floor. “Look at all that broken glass—that’s seven years bad luck. At least.”
“Oh, gods,” Adam shook his head in exasperation. “What are you thinking? That’s mirrors. Breaking wine bottles is good luck. People do it all the time when they christen ships.”
“This isn’t a ship we’re talking about,” she gritted between clenched teeth. “It’s a baby!”
“I know that,” he said. He stared at her, distractedly. “But...Sinead? Are you certain? You’re really––?”
She nodded, feeling miserable. This was even worse than she’d imagined it would be. He hadn’t said one word about being happy. Or about how wonderful she was for doing this for him. Even if it hadn’t been on purpose.
“But, you, we, I– I mean…” He seemed to be having a hard time getting the words out, but if he thought she was going to help him with that, he could think again. It had been hard enough saying it once, she was damned if she was going to repeat it.
She glared at him angrily. And why was he looking so shell shocked, anyway? He should be ecstatic. This was what he wanted, wasn’t it? What the hell was wrong with him?
“How did this happen?” he asked at last, faintly.
How did it happen? Sinead’s temper flared. Of all the stupid questions. “You know damn well how it happened, Adam. What are you–” she broke off as another thought occurred to her. Oh, no. No fucking way. She scowled at him furiously. “Don’t even think about trying to pretend it’s not yours.”
His mouth dropped open. “Not mine? Are you insane? Why on earth would I want to do that?” He fixed her with an angry frown of his own. “Now, listen, if you have any ideas about leaving my name off the birth certificate, you can just forget it. This is the most incredible thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m not gonna let you–”
But Sinead didn’t wait to hear any more. She launched herself at him with an angry cry, nearly slipping in the spilled wine, to pummel him in the chest. Tears streaked down her face as she yelled at him. “Nothing’s happened to you, damn it. It’s happening to me!”
“Sinead, stop it.” Wrapping his arms around her, he held her close. “You’re getting too worked up. You’re going to hurt yourself. You’re going to hurt our baby.”
Our baby. Oh, God. As quickly as that, her anger dissolved. She collapsed against him, sobbing inconsolably. “I thought you’d be at least a little bit happy.” It would sure be nice if one of them was.
“What?” Adam said, once again, sounding even more confused than before.
Sinead wept harder. What, what, what; was that the only thing he knew how to say? Dear lord, how was it possible she’d never noticed before now, what a limited vocabulary he had? She just hoped that their child didn’t inherit his brains.
“Sinead—I am happy.” He pulled back far enough to look her in the face. “Of course I’m happy. Darling, I’m thrilled and– And you’re wonderful. And I love you. And, and– what can I do for you? Tell me. What do you need? Is there anything? Anything at all? Just tell me what it is, and I’ll get it. Or do it. Or buy it. Or– Anything you want. Just name it.”
Sinead just shook her head wearily. There was only one thing she wanted him to do—wave a magic wand and turn back time. Make this all go away. But that would never happen. And even if it could, even if Adam were a sorcerer who could work that kind of miracle, she could never ask him for something like that, anyway.
Touch Of A Vanished HandOberon Book 5.0
Sinead Quinn has always been something of a drifter. But now, with her ex-husband trying to blackmail her, and her ex-boyfriend's widow trying to put her in jail, she has no choice but to go to ground. What better place to hide than with your family? After all, what are sisters for? Especially when you're a twin.
But the first rule of hiding out, is to keep a low profile. And that does not mean kissing your sister's boyfriend (even if he can't tell the two of you apart); rescuing a troubled teen; or taking a highly visible job as hostess of Oberon's most celebrated new inn.
Adam Sasso has always dreamed big. But big dreams beget big complications. First, his goal to turn the vineyard he inherited from his grandfather into a world-class winery is threatened by a mysterious saboteur. Next, his plan to run the finest bed & breakfast Oberon has ever seen, is broadsided by a hostess who wants to run him. Finally, it seems his fondest wish, of finding love-everlasting with the soul mate of his dreams, is about to go up in smoke when he can't convince her that they're destined to be together.
This summer, it's going to take all the wizardry in Oberon to craft a happy ending for the drifter and the dreamer.
January 30, 2024
Romance Writers Weekly ~ My Writing Journey ~ #LoveChatWrite
This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked the question: "How has your writing journey changed over time?"
That's a tough question. I mean, how hasn't it changed? I've been published for twenty years, after all. I guess nowadays, when I find myself in a writing slump I'm not quite as convinced that it means I'll never write again. On the other hand, when I am writing I find it harder to concentrate now than I used to. I'm also working on multiple series at the same time--which is a newish development.
Maybe the biggest change is that I'm mostly indie now. I love the creative control and creating my own covers, etc. but I don't love having to do absolutely EVERYTHING myself. Some aspects of publishing are not in my wheelhouse.
Releases in just TWO WEEKS!
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Put a Ring Around the RosieA Games We Play/Whole Latte Love Story
February 14th is just another day...until it's not!
Timing is everything. After three years, Rosie and Alex's friendship has finally caught fire. But is Valentine's Day too much, too fast?
January 29, 2024
Musical Monday: Collide by Howie Day
I have vivid memories of listening to this song a couple of years after it came out. I was back in Berkeley (after a short hiatus in Florida) and would have been working on one of the later books in the Oberon series and spending a couple of mornings a week volunteering as a docent at the Nature Center in Shorebird Park.
At the moment, the only Oberon books available are the first three books. But quite a lot of books two and three are set at Oberon's marine wildlife nature center which is very loosely modeled after the one in Berkeley. You can get both of them in the Welcome to Oberon Omnibus which released last week.
Welcome to OberonOmnibus One: Books 1 - 3https://books2read.com/Welcome-to-OberonEver wish you could find a small-town love story with magic, mystery, a huge cast of characters and a happy ending? How about an entire series like that?
Welcome to Oberon, California. Where murder and mysticism combine. Where the focus is always on friends, families and feelings. And where love will save the day…eventually. connected tales of love, murder, mystery...all set in a mystical small town where anything might happen.
This volume contains the first three books of the Oberon series:
Scent of the Roses
A Sight to Dream Of
Sound of a Voice That is Still.
Second Chances, Friends to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Hurt-Comfort, Age Gap, Betrayal, Suspense.
January 24, 2024
Wine Wednesday: Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Wine is subjective. I'm predisposed to like today's wine because I have fond memories of visiting/drinking wine at Coppola's winery in Napa. Also his Sofia Blanc de Blanc is my go-to for sparkling wine. But, the fact is, he no longer owns that winery and I have no idea where (other than somewhere in California) the grapes for this wine come from.
I'm predisposed to enjoy drinking it out of the glass I bought at the winery--waaaaaay back in the day--which is supposedly a replica of the glasses his Italian grandfather used to drink wine out of back in Italy.
My father's family is Sicilian and whenever I drink a Coppola wine out of this particular glass, I always feel like an extra in the Godfather during the scenes where Michael first comes across Appolonia.
It's a nice wine. Not blow your socks off, but very, very drinkable. The tasting notes suggest blackberries, cherries and spice on the nose. And, of course, I disagree. I almost always disagree. I get the spice, and maybe a little bit of leather, but to me the aroma is dried blueberries with a hint of cocoa. It's medium bodied. Opaque, dark red color--it's the color you think of when you think of wine. Not purple, but not a rusty red, either. Like a deep, deep, deep magenta. No legs to speak of, which is odd given the fact that it's only a 2020 vintage--which is not at all old for a Cabernet.
I taste toasted oak and--ooh, okay! THERE'S the cherry. It's nice. Juicy and lush. But it's not at all what I think of when I think Cabernet Sauvignon. It's softer. Less bold. If I didn't know better, I'd guess a merlot blend. The bottle suggests pairing it with...well, anything apparently! Steak tacos, prime rib, pasta...these are not the same thing. I would not choose the same wine for all of those...well, unless the choice was wine or no wine in which case, yes please, hit me up!
And...subjective, you know? I can kind of see the tacos. But the rest...not so much. I would suggest pairing this with charcoal-grilled burgers, steak salad or a nice charcuterie board. I wouldn't say no if you poured me some to go with pasta or pizza but...Chateau Martelena has my heart when it comes to pizza. Everything else is an also ran.
For reference, I'm currently drinking it with some sharp cheddar and an apple. And it's good. But, yeah. I think a nice juicy burger would be absolutely perfect.
January 23, 2024
Romance Writers Weekly ~ Foods We Can't Live Without ~ #LoveChatWrite
This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked "What Food Couldn't You Live Without?"
Uh...yeah, I really can't answer that. I love food. I have so many "favorites" that I couldn't begin to count them. I still have vivid taste memories of dishes I haven't eaten in fifty years. My husband and I used to go on food pilgrimages--recurring road trips where we'd stop at the same restaurants each time to have the same meal because we'd enjoyed it so much the first time.
So, yeah. I don't want to live without any of it.
I have gone on very specific food jags, however. Yes, as an adult. And YES! I still do it. But I don't think my craving for Navratan Korma while I was pregnant with my daughter really counts. I mean, yes, I wanted to eat it every day--who wouldn't? But it wasn't an OBSESSION.
Sesame noodles was an obsession. I was first introduced to the dish while I was living/working out of a loft on the corner of Seventh Avenue and 21st Street in Manhattan. (Fabulous loft, btw, with floor to ceiling windows on two walls and a view of the Empire State Building.)
We'd gone with a group of people to Chinatown and we'd all ordered a bunch of food to share. Well! There was no sharing once I got a taste of it. OMG. It was life-changing.
As luck would have it, there was a teeny, tiny little Chinese restaurant right across the street from our loft. For MONTHS following that dinner I was in there every day--sometimes twice a day--ordering sesame noodles.
We've moved around a lot and there were a few years (looking at you Southern California) where I couldn't find it. So I learned how to make it myself. Because needs must. Actually, I just had some yesterday.
Two women. Years apart. Linked by common experience and a cottage that has survived since the Civil War. When Rebecca reaches out from the past, Evelyn finds it life changing.
And in their own times, each must discover strength and fight to find and keep true love.
A 2023 NEST First Place Winner in Paranormal!
It's Release Day!
Welcome to OberonOmnibus One: Books 1 - 3
Ever wish you could find a small-town love story with magic, mystery, a huge cast of characters and a happy ending? How about an entire series like that?
Welcome to Oberon, California.
Where murder and mysticism combine. Where the focus is always on friends, families and feelings. And where love will save the day…eventually.
This Omnibus contains the first three books of the Oberon series:
Scent of the Roses
A Sight to Dream Of
Sound of a Voice That is Still.
Three connected tales of love, murder, mystery...all set in a mystical small town where anything might happen.
Second Chances, Friends to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Hurt-Comfort, Age Gap, Betrayal, Suspense.
