P.G. Forte's Blog, page 40
April 11, 2023
Romance Writers Weekly ~ Tropes! ~ #LoveChatWrite
Welcome to another week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop! Today's topic is tropes! We're asked the question: "What are your favourite tropes to read and write?"
Ooh. Always a tricky question for me. I'm not all that big on tropes, to be honest. I do love a good second chance romance story because it's all about redemption and growth and hope and all that good stuff. And who doesn't love a good redemption story? Also, as a writer, you've already got all those yummy emotions right there, just waiting to spill out. I struggle with writing insta-love; even though I've seen plenty of real life "love at first sight" stories, so I don't know why I'm so skeptical. In second chance stories, the H/H know exactly what they're getting into.
OTOH, I'm working on a second chance story right now, and it's not coming together all that well. I think there may have been a little too much water under that particular bridge.
But, really as a reader--and even more as a writer--I love to try different things. Every time I decide there's a trope I have absolutely no interest in, my very contrary muse starts pestering me with story ideas for that very trope.
Now, hop on over to Brenda Margriet's page and read about her favorite tropes. And don't forget to check out her book, Strictly By the Book .
It's release week for Strictly by the Book!
An adventurous, go-with-the-flow historian…a scrupulous, stick-to-the-rules scientist…an attraction so wrong it’s absolutely right.
Natalie Minton’s cheerful exterior hides desperation. She’s been out of work for months when her estranged sister appears on her doorstep pleading for help. An offer to write the biography of a local political legend couldn’t come at a better time.
Rafe Talbot rejected family tradition and chose medicine over politics. When he stumbles upon evidence of a hidden scandal, his only recourse is to work alongside—and stay one step ahead of—the vivacious scholar hired to chronicle his mother’s career.
Natalie’s exuberance strikes sparks off Rafe’s steely severity, luring them to ignore the secrets shadowing their pasts…until the glare of the present exposes intolerable truths.
https://books2read.com/StrictlybytheBook
https://TinyUrl.com/Shifter-FeverShifter Fever
A Limited Edition Free Collection
This free Shifter-themed collection will be available through Bookfunnel for a limited time only, and will include my short story: Can't Fight the Moonlight
The Sierra Nevada foothills have been vampire Josiah Lodge’s hunting grounds for over a century. Alone since a lover’s betrayal cost him his family, the former trapper-turned-wildcrafter has given up on ever again finding love or acceptance. If he didn’t have to eat, he’d never venture out of his woods again. But needs must.
When Coldpelt (Cole) Moonwalker’s true shifter nature asserted itself, he was judged an abomination and cast out of his pack. Without a territory to call his own, he’s constantly on the move—which is how he ends up on Josh’s doorstep. While Cole dreams of someday finding a place where he can belong, he knows that place can never be with the scarred and surly vampire who undoubtedly has the blood of Cole’s people on his hands.
Will the attraction they feel for one another allow these natural enemies to overcome their sense of mutual distrust? Is enemies with benefits even a thing? Find out when you download this FREE anthology!
April 4, 2023
Romance Writers Weekly ~ Favorite Springtime Recipe ~ #LoveChatWrite
Welcom to another week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop! It's time for a recipe swap! Now the days are warming up, we're asked to share our favourite springtime recipe.
Well, with Easter right around the corner, I'm going to share an egg recipe. I don't think there's anything prettier or Spring-y-er than Pavlovas. I actually made this for Easter dinner a couple of years ago, and really like how the picture turned out, so I'm sharing it again!
What made it "mystical" was the monkfruit I used to sweeten it,( because my son and daughter in law were into Keto at the time) and the non-dairy yogurt I used instead of whipped cream, (my grandson had a dairy allergy), because I wanted to make a dessert that people would actually eat.
I've lost the original recipe I used, but there's not a lot of variation, so I'm including a link to a recipe that seems pretty close. Also, I'm not going to lie: it's a lot easier if you don't have to substitute the sugar or the cream. pavlova-recipe
It really is one of my favorites. I especially like it for a Sunday/Holiday/middle of the day dessert when I've used the leftover egg yolks to make an orange hollandaise sauce (either for Eggs Benedict or to serve with steamed asparagus).
https://kidfriendlythingstodo.com/sauteed-asparagus-with-easy-orange-hollandaise-sauce-recipe/
Now, hop on over to Brenda Margriet's page and read about her favorite recipe. And don't forget to check out her book, Strictly By the Book .
Pre Order Now in Ebook and Paperback! Releases April 13
An adventurous, go-with-the-flow historian…a scrupulous, stick-to-the-rules scientist…an attraction so wrong it’s absolutely right.
Natalie Minton’s cheerful exterior hides desperation. She’s been out of work for months when her estranged sister appears on her doorstep pleading for help. An offer to write the biography of a local political legend couldn’t come at a better time.
Rafe Talbot rejected family tradition and chose medicine over politics. When he stumbles upon evidence of a hidden scandal, his only recourse is to work alongside—and stay one step ahead of—the vivacious scholar hired to chronicle his mother’s career.
Natalie’s exuberance strikes sparks off Rafe’s steely severity, luring them to ignore the secrets shadowing their pasts…until the glare of the present exposes intolerable truths.
https://books2read.com/StrictlybytheBook
https://TinyUrl.com/Shifter-FeverShifter Fever
A Limited Edition Free Collection
This free Shifter-themed collection will be available through Bookfunnel for a limited time only, and will include my short story: Can't Fight the Moonlight
The Sierra Nevada foothills have been vampire Josiah Lodge’s hunting grounds for over a century. Alone since a lover’s betrayal cost him his family, the former trapper-turned-wildcrafter has given up on ever again finding love or acceptance. If he didn’t have to eat, he’d never venture out of his woods again. But needs must.
When Coldpelt (Cole) Moonwalker’s true shifter nature asserted itself, he was judged an abomination and cast out of his pack. Without a territory to call his own, he’s constantly on the move—which is how he ends up on Josh’s doorstep. While Cole dreams of someday finding a place where he can belong, he knows that place can never be with the scarred and surly vampire who undoubtedly has the blood of Cole’s people on his hands.
Will the attraction they feel for one another allow these natural enemies to overcome their sense of mutual distrust? Is enemies with benefits even a thing? Find out when you download this FREE anthology!
April 2, 2023
Shifter Fever! New Antho Available Now!
Let us help you scratch that itch…Get your FREE copy of SHIFTER FEVERhttps:TinyUrl.com/Shifter-FeverSHIFTER FEVER HAS 6 STORIES WITH DROOL-WORTHY SHIFTERS...
FROM THE ASHES BY RUBY BANKS
MATE OF THE ALPHA by MARIE MASON
CANT FIGHT THE MOONLIGHT by PG FORTE
HER VIKING WEREWOLF by DEMELZA CARLTON
HOMECOMING by ANNEE JONES
THE HIDDEN PRINCE by BARB SHULER
March 31, 2023
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March 21, 2023
Romance Writers Weekly ~ Dogs or Cats? ~ #LoveChatWrite
This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked the question: "Dogs or cats? Or other choices. Or no pets? Pictures please. And how does that help your writing?"
I think the answer to the first part of this question should simply be, "Yes!"
I love animals. Pretty much all of them. I think by inclination I'm a cat person, but it's been a while since I've had a cat that actually belonged to me. The cats in the picture below were some of the "community cats" (what used to be called feral) that used to hang out on our deck when we lived in Vallejo. It was just like having cats, except you couldn't ever pet them.
For the last twelve or so years my heart's been held by these cuties. And, luckily for me, they're ALL ABOUT the petting.
And how can you not love those faces?
I don't know that they actually do help with my writing. Actually, they're all pretty distracting. Although, I suppose, since I recently finished a story featuring a shifter that was half cougar, half wolf, I might have drawn from experience with dogs and cats?
Not that it matters. I can't imagine a life without pets. To quote Chief Seattle, "If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit."
Now, hop on over to Leslie Hachtel's page and learn what type of pets she has (or doesn't have!). And don't forget to check out her book, Stay With Me .
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.
And now FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY -
On Sale for $.99.
https://amzn.to/3YSGIOt
https://books2read.com/loveisintheairLove is in the Air
A Limited Edition Second Chance Romance Collection
Sometimes we don't get it right the first time around. That's why life gives us second chances.
This limited edition romance collection features 20+ stories of hope, happy ever afters, and the second chances it took to get there.
In this collection you will find stories of second chances at love and life as our heroes and heroines embark on life changing journeys, whether changing careers or moving half way across the globe.
About the collection:
All NET Author proceeds are being pledged to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the highest rated breast cancer organization in the United States and largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide.
Includes my Games We Play story, White Elephant Gift Exchange
Available for Pre-Order now!
March 17, 2023
Irish Bar Scene from Two Truths and a Lie
The first Games We Play trilogy (the wild geese) feature three cousins from an extended Irish American family who are running a haunted hotel and--of course--an Irish bar. The third book, Two Truths and a Lie is set partially ON St Patrick's Day, although the scene in the excerpt below takes place a few weeks earlier. Enjoy!
“Do you come here often?”
Startled, Brenda turned her head to observe the man who’d just slipped onto the bar stool next to her. Max. Her heart gave an odd little leap. What’s he doing here? It was only five days since his last visit, and she hadn’t expected to see him again for another week. Her heart insisted he’d come back early because of her. But she tried never to assign too much weight to that organ of faulty logic. Her heart had steered her wrong before.
She scanned his face, drinking in the sight of him, cataloging everything she saw—from his copper-colored hair and neatly trimmed beard, to his eyes like faded denim, and that odd smile she’d grown used to seeing—the one that made him look like he was hiding a secret sorrow—and made a snap decision.
“No,” she answered. “This is my first time.”
Max frowned in confusion. “What did you say?”
“I said, I’ve never been here before in my life. You?”
His blue eyes widened a bit in surprise. “Oh, uh…yeah, I’ve been here a few times, I guess.”
“Really? That’s wonderful. I love a man with experience. Maybe you can give me a tour sometime?”
Interest flared in his eyes as he smiled. “It would be my pleasure.”
Oh yes, it would. Brenda held out her hand. “I’m Donna, by the way. Donna Van.”
“Donna? Oh. Very cute.”
“Thank you. And you are?”
“I’m Ma—Mike. Pleased to meet you, Donna. May I buy you a drink?”
“Yes, thanks.” Brenda pushed her barely tasted chardonnay aside as “Mike” signaled to the bartender. “So, Mike, what brings you to Atlas Beach—business or pleasure?”
“Well, Donna, if you must know…I’m here for a conference.”
“Oh, me too!” Brenda feigned surprise as she laid a hand on Max’s arm and inquired, “The Pipefitters Union? I think it’s going to be very stimulating experience—all those pipes and fittings. I understand there’s a demonstration on coupling coming up as well. I’m really excited.”
Max choked back a laugh. Before he had a chance to answer, Kristy had come over in answer to his wave. “Can I get you something?”
“Yes, I’ll have a Guinness, please,” he told her. “And the lady…” He glanced at Brenda inquiringly, but she was already shaking her head. “No?”
“No. Kristy, can you bring us a couple of Car Bombs?”
Kristy’s eyebrows shot up. “You want what now?”
“Irish Car Bombs.”
“You’re kidding. Do you even know what you’re doing?”
“Uh…ordering drinks?”
“Stop it. You know what I’m talking about. That damn boggart’s gonna be—”
“Kristy,” Brenda snapped, cutting her friend off before she said something they’d both regret. “Let’s not go there now. Okay? And, yes, by the way, I know exactly what I’m doing.”
“Well, I don’t,” Max protested. “What’s going on? What the hell is a car bomb?”
“They’re disgusting,” Kristy assured him. “Trust me, you’re not missing anything.”
Brenda waved dismissively. “Oh, stop it. They’re not that bad. Besides they’re an Irish tradition.”
Kristy snorted in derision. “They fucking are not.”
Brenda sighed. Of course they weren’t. But Donna, who was a bit of an airhead, would probably think they were. She waggled two fingers at Kristy. “Two, please.”
“It’s your funeral,” Kristy muttered as she moved away. “I just hope your cousin never finds out.”
“What did she mean by that?” Max asked after Kristy left. “What doesn’t she want your cousin to know?”
Brenda pursed her lips. She hadn’t planned for Donna to have a cousin. And they were breaking character by talking about Luke. “I suppose she doesn’t want Luke to know what we’re drinking. Some people find the name offensive.”
“Can I assume Luke is among them?”
“Well, yes, that was her point. I’ve heard rumors that he’s thrown people out when they’ve tried to order them.”
Laughter glinting in his eyes, Max asked, “And are you by any chance trying to get me thrown out? I suppose that’s one way to ensure that your cousin doesn’t speak to me again.”
“Don’t be silly, Mike; why would I do something like that? We’ve only just met. Besides, I don’t even have a cousin.”
“Right. Sorry, I wasn’t thinking. So the Car Bombs. ‘Not that bad’ is hardly a raging endorsement. Why are we doing this? Is there an upside to them that I’m missing?”
“Well, they’re very strong, for one thing. They’re made with beer, whiskey, and Irish cream liqueur.”
“Mixed together? Jesus, I’m starting to see Kristy’s point. Are you sure it’s just the name your cousin objects to?”
“I told you. I don’t have a cousin. And, anyway, taste isn’t as much of a factor as you might think. You have to drink them fast—before they curdle. They’re not meant to be savored.”
“Mmm. Appetizing. Sounds like a good way to get drunk.”
“Why, yes, Mike. Yes, it does.”
A slow smile curved Max’s lips as understanding gradually dawned on him. “Ohhh, I get it. Why, Ms. Donovan, are you trying to get me drunk?”
“So I can take you back to my room and have my wicked way with you? It’s a distinct possibility.”
Book a stay the Wild Geese Inn, where love is rekindled, friends become lovers, trust is rediscovered and the fun never ends! A quirky, family-owned resort on the Jersey Shore is the setting for this erotic, lightly paranormal series.
Cousins Brenda, Luke and Gwyn are determined to turn their failing hotel business around. They have no time for love. They're in no mood for games. But it's not going to matter. Not when they're up against a handful of ghosts, a mischievous boggart, a family curse, and destinies written in stone.
The Games We Play trilogy. Three books that prove that holiday fun doesn't begin or end in December!
Buy Link: https://books2read.com/b/4ENoKg
March 14, 2023
Romance Writers Weekly ~ Who Would You Be Friends With?" ~ #LoveChatWrite
This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, the question is, "If you could be friends with anyone who is alive today, who would you choose and why?"
Hmm. I'm not actually sure how to answer this one, to be honest. I'm pretty happy with the friends I have and can't really think of anyone famous (I assume that's what the question is implying) who I feel any real desire to add to my life. Maybe it's an introvert thing? Or maybe it's because the world is still so weird.
Making friends right now (something I've had to do, since I've recently moved halfway across the country) feels like walking through a field of land mines. When every opinion shared is a potential bomb, set to blow the world a little more apart, I'm not feeling up to the risk.
Now, hop on over to Leslie Hachtel's page where, hopefully, she'll have a better answer for you. And be sure to check out her book, Murder Most Notorious .
A beautiful homicide detective and a sexy cold case guy have to team up to find a vicious ax-wielding killer. Brutal murders have shocked the city and all the evidence points to a twin sister once thought dead. So many twists and turns in this action packed romantic thriller you might get dizzy. And so much passion.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3Fg5y3O
https://books2read.com/u/bMRraG
OAK*
A
n erotic, Celtic Fantasy menage romance (m/m/f) set in Nineteenth Century Ireland and featuring two sexy tree-shifters and the woman who loves them both.
From midwinter to midsummer, Fionn O'Dair rules the Greenworld as the Oak King--a role he feels is beyond his abilities, and one that dooms him to a loveless future, forever craving the one man he can never allow himself to have. How can he resist what Aine offers--the sweet devotion that soothes his aching soul, and the slim chance to live a "normal" life as her husband, if only for half a year?
Holly King Kieran Mac Cuilenn never desired a human lover--until now. Seeing Fionn and Aine together fills him with longing for the love he threw away and awakens feelings he thought he'd buried with the last Oak King. Is there enough magic in the solstice to correct the mistakes he made years ago? Or is he doomed to be forever left out in the cold?
*previously released as "The Oak King"
March 7, 2023
Romance Writers Weekly ~ Indulge Yourself ~ #LoveChatWrite
This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're continuing the self-care theme. At least, that's how I'm choosing to interpret this week's question which is, "What is your favorite indulgence? A spa day, an outdoor adventure, a glass of wine after a long day?"
I'm going to shock y'all and go with a simple answer. Give me the wine, baby. I am allll about that. Last week, for my birthday, my son and daughter in law treated me to a trip to a somewhat local winery called The Rhinory. They have a rhinoceros you can get to know--and touch, which was super cool. And some pretty good wines, as well.
One of my dreams is to live on a winery--just a small one, I'm not greedy. So, a nice glass of something interesting at the end of the day...or, you know, the middle...that's definitely my idea of indulging myself. Of course, bubble baths are good too...
Now, hop on over to Jenna Da Sie's page and find out how she indulges herself.
https://books2read.com/loveisintheairLove is in the Air
A Limited Edition Second Chance Romance Collection
Sometimes we don't get it right the first time around. That's why life gives us second chances.
This limited edition romance collection features 20+ stories of hope, happy ever afters, and the second chances it took to get there.
In this collection you will find stories of second chances at love and life as our heroes and heroines embark on life changing journeys, whether changing careers or moving half way across the globe.
About the collection:
All NET Author proceeds are being pledged to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the highest rated breast cancer organization in the United States and largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide.
Includes my Games We Play story, White Elephant Gift Exchange
Available for Pre-Order now!
February 28, 2023
Romance Writers Weekly ~ Self Care ~ #LoveChatWrite
This week's question of the week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, is:"How do you take care of yourself? What do you do to practice self-care?"
Is "Not well." an answer? Because I kind of suck at self-care. I know that yoga, meditation, journaling, and eating whole (non-processed) foods are all things that I should be doing, and I do feel better when I can keep up with any of them. But let's be real: they don't happen often enough.
I was doing really good before 2020 threw me off-track and honestly, I'm not sure I'll ever find my way back. In the meantime...or, for now...or for the foreseeable future, I'm having to make do with bubble baths and the occasional wine-fueled gabfest with author friends.
I do get out in nature on a not-too-regular basis, and I may take up beekeeping, which I've deluded myself into thinking will be a healthy pursuit. We'll see how that goes.
Now, hop on over to Brenda Margriet's page and read about her self-care practices. Bet they'll be better than mine! Also, be sure to check out her book, Richly Deserved.
More than twenty years ago, Claudia Aronson escaped an abusive marriage. She built a secure, stable life, and is now only weeks away from realizing a long-held dream—opening her own art gallery. But her well-ordered world is threatened by the compelling, abrasive man essential to bringing her new venture into the spotlight.
Artist Titus Wilcox is reclusive, nomadic, and passionate. His solitary, drifting habits have fed his creative soul, but played hell with his love life. Soon after he meets the statuesque, seemingly-serene Claudia, however, he feels a compulsion to paint a new reality—with her.
When an antique painting reveals mysterious documents concealed behind its frame, Titus and Claudia unite in a hunt for lost riches—a pursuit that takes them into the remote hills surrounding the fabled gold rush town of Barkerville.
To these two skeptics, true love is as phony as fool’s gold. But this improbable search for buried treasure could lead to their hearts’ hidden desires.
(Claudia and Titus both 49)
You can buy it here: https://books2read.com/u/3yegNZ
https://books2read.com/b/br1JkE
Christmas Angel Being fully transparent is good for a relationship, right?Well, maybe not when it’s literal.
Christmas Angel is a second-chance romance with a celestial twist. Jake’s been sent back to earth to mend fences with his ex. Or has he? Certainly Tony doesn’t seem to think so.
Tony might have ninety-nine problems—and then some—between dealing with his meddlesome family AND running the family business (a Christmas tree farm in rural Texas) but he's pretty sure that playing catch-up with his ex-husband isn’t supposed to be one of them. It’s a little hard to imagine what kind of future the two of them could have when only one of them is alive.
Available May 16, 2023 as part of Redemption: A Fallen Angels Paranormal Romance Collection.
Available for Pre-Order now!
February 21, 2023
Romance Writers Weekly ~ What do you do when you're not writing? ~ #LoveChatWrite
This week's question of the week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, is:"Share one of your hobbies. What do you do when you’re not writing?"
Hmm...is there life outside of writing? Some people who know me well would be tempted to answer NO! The truth is that while I have A LOT of interests, and have tried a lot of the things I write (or have written) about, I don't always keep up with them, once I've moved onto the next book.
I mean...reading's a hobby isn't it? I'm a big reader. Always have been. Writing has really changed how I read, however. There's a part of me that's always noticing word choice and story structure. And, OMG, I've become an obnoxious fact-checker whenever I read something someone else has written.
So, I guess the closest thing I have to a hobby is creating covers and promotional graphics. I've created many of my own covers (not the anthologies, and not the traditionally published books). I love it. It's soooo much less work than writing and you get to see the results much quicker, too. I could easily (and happily) do that as a sideline--and I might, still. I've done several covers for friends--if it weren't for the fact that I'd also be dealing with some of the most difficult, persnickety clients in the world. AUTHORS (like ME!).
Next, hop on over to Leslie Hachtel's page and read about her hobbies. And be sure to check out her book, Once Upon a Tablecloth .
Tuesday morning, Lily woke up and showered. As the warm water cascaded down her back, she wondered what she should wear. Did it matter if she looked her best? She tried denial, but couldn't buy it. She wanted to look good. And for what? A man she despised?
Nick Jordan acquires failing restaurants, then makes them prosperous. But when Lily Mercer called him for help, he didn’t count on falling in love. Or that someone wants to kill her.
You can buy it here: https://amzn.to/3YHJkQ4
Games We Play trilogy: https://books2read.com/u/4ENoKg
Never Have I Ever: https://books2read.com/b/4AOwJK
Games We Play The Complete Trilogy
A quirky, family-owned resort on the Jersey Shore is the setting for this erotic, lightly paranormal series.
Cousins Brenda, Luke and Gwyn are determined to turn their failing hotel business around. They have no time for love. They're in no mood for games. But it's not going to matter. Not when they're up against a handful of ghosts, a mischievous boggart, a family curse, and destinies written in stone.
The Games We Play trilogy. Three books that prove that holiday fun doesn't begin or end in December!
Never Have I Ever, the second book in the trilogy takes place at Mardi Gras–Laissez les bons temps rouler!
