Sharon Wray's Blog, page 12

June Book Fairs and Reading Events: Part 2

The heat has hit hard and fast, so it’s time to hang by the pool or hide inside with the air conditioning. Since both require a good book to read, here’s another list of free/on sale books for you to add to your TBR list. Today’s post has tons of free and .99 books and free reading events for every type of romance reader, all guaranteed to make your summer even hotter.

1Collections, Anthologies, & Boxed Sets

This collection includes free and sale novels and novellas from most romance genres, including dark romance, romantasy, paranormal, billionaire romances, sports romances, sexy cowboys, and steamy contemporaries, including a wedding themed collection called Finding Forever which makes a perfect beach read.

2The Isn’t it Romantic Book Club Group Monthly Livestream

The Isn’t It Romantic Book Club Group will be live-streaming on Thursday, June 26th at 3 pm EST while we interview
Jennie Marts and her cowboy romance Lost and Found Cowboy! It’ll be live-streamed on our YouTube channel and we hope you’ll join us there!

3New Releases for May & June

This collection includes sexy paranormal romances, steamy contemporary romances, romantasy, Mafia romances, billionaires, sexy shifter cowboys, and dark romances. This promo runs through the end of June.

4Boxed Sets & Anthologies

This collection includes sexy sports romances, Sci-Fi romances, steamy contemporary romances, paranormal romances, romantasy, Mafia romances, billionaires, sexy shifter cowboys, and dark romances. This promo runs through the end of June.

5Boxed Sets & Anthologies

This collection includes free and sale boxed sets and anthologies from most romance genres, including lots of sports romance, billionaire romances, sci-fi romances, steamy contemporaries, including a wedding themed collection called Finding Forever which is my current favorite beach read.

6Sizzling and Sexy Romance Deals

This collection includes free and sale novels and novellas, including boxed sets and anthologies from most romance genres, including mafia romances, dark romances, billionaire romances, sci-fi romances, steamy contemporaries, including a wedding themed collection called Finding Forever which is my favorite at the moment.

Free and .99 Books for June In Paradise with Someone Like Him by Susanna Eastman

When Charity Daniels was seventeen she fell in love with Literature, and a man who taught it. Their forbidden love was held back until graduation, until legally she could be his. Flash forward three years, Charity is studying at Yale and still in love with her Princeton Man.

Quinn (Q) Everett is on scholarship at Yale, and finds himself inexplicably in Charity’s path. He tries to stay away, but his mouthy best friend thinks he knows better. Suddenly it’s lunches and crashing private plans for the duo just to see her. But their flirtations do not go unseen, and Logan’s love turns and goes from jealousy to murderous intent.

Can these unproven lovers stay the course and avoid the devious plot of a scorn man or will everything crash and burn?
Trigger warning: Violence & Strong Sexual Situations

Get it for free now! Second Stanza by Meg Napier

How can someone who’s dead save your life during a night of terror?

Jackie’s heart broke when her beloved college boyfriend died in an off-campus gas explosion—a pointless, horrible death. Nine years later and thousands of miles away, her own life is saved when a random stranger calls her name and covers her body with his during a mass shooting. She wakes in a hospital only to learn that the stranger is among the dead.

But was he a stranger? For those terrifying seconds, Jackie was sure he was her beloved Leo. Needing to hide such crazy ideas from friends and family, Jackie begins a search for the only man she has ever loved—now seemingly twice dead.

Get it on sale for .99 now! MisGiving Hearts by J. Haney & S.I. Hayes

When Charity Daniels was seventeen she fell in love with Literature, and a man who taught it. Their forbidden love was held back until graduation, until legally she could be his. Flash forward three years, Charity is studying at Yale and still in love with her Princeton Man.

Quinn (Q) Everett is on scholarship at Yale, and finds himself inexplicably in Charity’s path. He tries to stay away, but his mouthy best friend thinks he knows better. Suddenly it’s lunches and crashing private plans for the duo just to see her. But their flirtations do not go unseen, and Logan’s love turns and goes from jealousy to murderous intent.

Can these unproven lovers stay the course and avoid the devious plot of a scorn man or will everything crash and burn?
Trigger warning: Violence & Strong Sexual Situations

Get it for free now! Risking Trust by Adrienne Giordano

Michael Taylor is cooler than ice. As CEO of a private security company, his job means protecting those at risk. But now Michael is the one in trouble—he’s the prime suspect in his ex-wife’s murder. To prove his innocence, he needs not just a few good men, but one smart woman.

Get it for free now! Crystal: A Mafia Romance by Nellie Krauss

Crystal Foxz doesn’t believe in running away from a problem, but when treachery threatens her life and her father’s, the Don of the famiglia DeAngeli, she must act. As her father’s chosen heir, it is her duty to protect and continue the family’s reputation and influence. With her life and the family’s future at stake, she has no choice but to expose the traitors and eliminate them.

Leonard Stonehorse is a former Blackfeet law enforcement officer in need of a new career. Offered the opportunity to be a personal security agent, Lee can’t resist the chance to start a new life in San Francisco. When his new job brings him face to face with the powerful Don’s daughter, he begins to question his decision. As he gets closer to Crystal, he finds himself torn between his ethics, his duty, and his growing feelings for the new Donna of the famiglia DeAngeli.

In the midst of a dangerous game of power and betrayal, Crystal and Lee must navigate their growing attraction while staying one step ahead of those who want them dead. Will they be able to fulfill their duties, protect each other, and find enough common ground to keep their differences from betraying their hearts?
This moderately steamy, mafia romance features a spirited heroine, a protective hero, multicultural characters, and adult situations. All books in this series will be complete with no cliffhangers.

Get it for free now! How to Unbreak a Heart by Jennie Marts

Solitary cowboy, Trip Turner walked out on the love of his life twelve years ago, breaking her heart and landing in juvenile detention. Now he’s back in Saddle Creek, Montana, at the dude ranch for wayward teens, where his mentor, John Stone, taught him the rules of how to become a man. But a tragedy has reminded Trip he failed to follow one of those rules. And it could have been the most important one of all. Bre Wilson had moved on with her life—she has a successful veterinary practice, and she’s put all thoughts of Trip Turner, the boy she’d planned to spend the rest of her life with, behind her. Or so she thought. Because he’s back, and no longer a boy. Now he’s a hot-as-hell man, and she has to spend the next two weeks working by his side without either kissing him or killing him. Trip let Bre go once, he won’t do it again. He has a second chance to fix the mistakes he made all of those years ago, and this time he’s following the rules. He just needs to figure out how to unbreak her heart. 

Get it for free now! Viper by Susie McIver

A No-Love Rule Shattered Under One Roof.

Cole’s return home after four years in an Iranian prison was meant to bring solace, but fate had other plans for the man better known as Viper. 

Enter the mysterious woman living in solitude, pursued by a relentless stalker. Unable to stand by, Viper sweeps into her life, proposing a fake engagement to silence the nosy people in their small mountain town after insisting she move in with him.

Bailey’s cabin was meant to be a refuge from her tormenter, not an unexpected detour into a stranger’s world. 

However, her initial resistance of Viper taking charge begins to crumble as sparks fly and their limited shared space awakens dormant desires. And while she feels safe for the first time in too long, he poses a different challenge to her guarded heart. Their undeniable attraction and the heat from just a simple touch leaves them both perilously close to shattering their resolve to avoid love. The question is: will they surrender to their yearning, or can they find a way to defy the odds?

Get it for free now! Mississippi Heat by H.C. Bentley

In the small town of Tatesville, Mississippi, teenage girls are vanishing without a trace. Girls like Lacey Fuller’s best friends, Claire and Jo. But Lacey was the lucky one… she managed to escape when she was taken. Desperate to get away from the whispers and stares from people in town, Lacey left for college shortly after graduation and never looked back.

Now, ten years later, Lacey has returned home, hoping to put that dark time in her past behind her. When Jo’s older brother, Brooks Harding, comes back into her life, Lacey finds herself unable to resist the feelings she once had for him. Lacey’s life is falling into place and she’s feeling a long-forgotten sense of peace… until the killer makes contact.

Fear blankets the town as girls once again start disappearing at a rapid rate. And with Lacey in the killer’s sights, she and Brooks know that until the person behind these abductions is caught, they have no chance at making a life together. But the truth they uncover is more than anyone ever expected.

Get it for free now!

The post June Book Fairs and Reading Events: Part 2 first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Romantic Dates for Summer Nights

There’s something magical about summer nights. Maybe it’s the warm air, or the scent of honeysuckle, or the way the sky glows long after dinner. Maybe it’s because, deep down, we all want a little moonlight and mystery in our lives. And if you’re like me, you believe that romance doesn’t need grand gestures. Romance just needs the right moment shared with the right person.

Whether you’re planning something special with your real-life hero or heroine, or just love imagining what your favorite book couple might do on a steamy summer night, these date ideas are simple, dreamy, and full of potential for unforgettable memories (and maybe a few kisses under the stars).

Romantic Date Ideas for Summer Nights

(That Belong in a Romance Novel)

1. Stargazing with a Twist

Lay out a blanket, pack a basket with strawberries and lavender lemonade (or something stronger), and download a stargazing app. Try to find constellations, or better yet, make up your own love stories in the stars.

Romance twist: Add a voice memo where you both guess what your life will look like five years from now.

2. Ice Cream Crawl

Why go to one shop when you can go to three? Try cones in different towns, compare flavors, and rank the best vanilla, chocolate, and surprise flavor of the night.

Romance twist: Feed each other a flavor neither of you would ever normally try. Bonus points for coconut-basil or lavender-honey.

3. Backyard (or Drive-In) Movie Night

String up fairy lights, grab a projector (or just your laptop), and cuddle up with a rom-com or old Hollywood classic.

Romance twist: Watch the movie you saw on your first date, or a movie that your favorite book couple would love.

4. Twilight Hike or Firefly Walk

Choose a safe, easy trail or path and head out as the sun sets. Fireflies, frogs, and soft footsteps make for a surprisingly intimate adventure.

Romance twist: Pack a thermos of cocoa or wine and end the walk at a scenic overlook or quiet bench for a private toast. (Don’t forget the bug spray!)

5. Bonfire + Truth or Dare

Nothing beats a firepit, marshmallows, and a low-stakes game of “Truth or Dare.” (And yes, “Tell me your favorite childhood memory” is a valid truth.)

Romance twist: Add a few flirty dares, like “kiss me like we’re in the final scene of a Hallmark movie.”

6. Paint Each Other’s Portraits at Sunset

Set up canvases or notebooks outside and attempt to draw or paint each other. Even if you’re terrible at it (especially if you’re terrible at it!), you’ll laugh the entire time.

Romance twist: Exchange your masterpieces at the end, and promise to hang them up, no matter how lopsided the noses are.

7. Night at the Carnival or Fair

If your town has a summer fair, grab your tickets. Ride the Ferris wheel, win a prize, share fried dough, and end the night with sticky fingers and happy hearts.

Romance twist: Reenact a scene from a YA summer romance novel. Pretend it’s your first kiss all over again.

8. Bookstore + Midnight Café Date

Pick out a book for each other—any genre, no rules—and read the first chapter aloud over dessert at a late-night café.

Romance twist: Choose a romance novel and read the meet-cute scene together. Bonus points if it gives you an idea for your own love story.

Final Thoughts
Summer romances—real or fictional—aren’t built on big budgets or flashy plans. They’re made in quiet, golden moments of a shared cone, a stolen kiss, and the brush of firefly light across your bare shoulder.

So whether you’re planning a dreamy night with your forever person or dreaming up a scene for your next book boyfriend, I hope these ideas spark something lovely.

The post Romantic Dates for Summer Nights first appeared on Sharon Wray.

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Lavender Lemonade

I love this time of year. Not just because we’re on the verge of summer, but because the lavender in my garden is in full bloom. My plants bloomed later than expected this year, probably due to the cold, rainy spring we’ve had. Regardless, it’s time to bring some of that lavender into the kitchen.

PrintThe Hungry {Romance} Writer: Lavender LemonadeCourse DrinksPrep Time 15 minutes minutesServings 6Ingredients1/2 cup freshly picked and rinsed lavender flowers or 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers1 cup sugar2 cups boiling water1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice2 cups cold water plus more as neededIceThinly sliced lemons for garnishLavender sprigs for garnishInstructionsPlace the lavender flowers in a heat-proof/cold-proof tempered glass bowl. Gently stir in the sugar. Using your fingers, gently rub the flowers into the sugar. Pour 2 cups of boiling water into the bowl with the lavender and sugar. Gently, using a wooden spoon, stir until the sugar is dissolved. Cover for 30 minutes so the syrup can diffuse fully.After 30 minutes, strain the syrup into a glass pitcher. Stir in the lemon juice and then stir in another 2 cups of cold water. Adjust the lemonade for tartness. If too sweet, add more lemon juice. If too tart, add more sugar.Serve immediately in glasses over ice. Garnish with lavender sprigs and thinly sliced lemons.

The post The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Lavender Lemonade first appeared on Sharon Wray.

A Wish for Tomorrow’s Summer Solstice

Tomorrow, June 20th, marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day and shortest night of the year. It’s the sun’s big moment, the official start of summer, and a perfect time to slow down, reset your mindset, and maybe even dance barefoot in the grass.

If you’ve ever wanted to celebrate the solstice in your own way—without needing a druid robe or a plane ticket to Stonehenge—this post is for you.

Let’s Enjoy the Summer Solstice What is the Summer Solstice, Anyway?

The Summer Solstice happens when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and we get the most daylight of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s been celebrated for centuries across cultures as a moment to honor light, life, and the turning of the seasons. Think bonfires, flower crowns, and sun rituals. Or iced tea on the porch, reading your favorite summer romance novels, and a sunset walk. They all work.

Summer Solstice Traditions

Looking to infuse your day with some seasonal fun? Here are a few time-honored (and totally doable) solstice traditions:

Sunrise or sunset watching – Set your alarm early or make time for an evening wind-down under golden skies.Bonfire gatherings – Invite a few friends over, light a backyard fire, and toast the season.Flower crowns – Gather wildflowers or herbs and create your own wearable celebration of summer.Gratitude journaling – The solstice is a beautiful time to reflect on what’s blooming in your life and what you’re ready to release.Outdoor meals – Picnic in the park or dinner on the patio? Yes, please.Nature walks or barefoot grounding – Connect with the earth and let your body catch up with the season. 5 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Summer SolsticeMake sun tea with fresh mint or lemon balm.Create a simple herb or flower arrangement on your table or porch.Write down one thing you’re proud of from the first half of the year, along with one intention for the second half.Light a candle at sunset and say a quiet prayer or thank you to the season ahead.Dance in your kitchen or backyard to your favorite summer playlist. Why the Solstice Matters

You don’t need a telescope or a crystal grid to honor this day. The Summer Solstice is a natural pause point, a chance to breathe, realign, and lean into joy. It’s a reminder that light always returns… and that life is cyclical, not linear. So whether you’re tending a garden, planning a summer romance, or writing your next chapter (literally or figuratively), the solstice is a great time to plant the seeds of whatever comes next.

Final Thoughts & A Checklist

You don’t have to “do” anything fancy to honor the Summer Solstice. You just have to notice it. So step outside and feel the sun on your skin. Let the long light stretch time a little, then enjoy the longest day of the year.

Start the Day with Intention

 Watch the sunrise (coffee optional, awe required) Set one seasonal intention for the months aheadMeditate or pray to quiet your heartDo a quick stretch or grounding exercise outsideMake homemade scones with seasonal ingredients

Connect with Nature

 Take a barefoot walk in the grass or on sand Water your plants or garden with extra gratitude Collect herbs, flowers, or natural items for a mandala

Light a Fire

 Light a candle or small bonfire at sunset Burn a slip of paper with something you’re ready to release Write down something you want to grow this season

Celebrate the Season

 Make a fresh batch of sun tea Create a flower crown or mini bouquet Play your favorite summer playlist and dance like it’s 1999Rewatch the movie Practical Magic based on Alice Hoffman’s novel. (the sequel movie comes out next year!)

End with Reflection

 Journal one thing you’re grateful for right now Watch the sunset and say a quiet thank you Go stargazing or simply enjoy the night breezeMake a wish for the rest of the year

The post A Wish for Tomorrow’s Summer Solstice first appeared on Sharon Wray.

It’s Time to Save the Date!

Like I mentioned a few weeks ago, I was married on a beautiful June morning and I love June wedding anthologies. I love them so much that I’m in two this year, and today is release day for the second one: Save the Date. This anthology includes 16 sweet-to-steamy stories where the hero and heroine meet at a wedding… with all of the disasters that often occur during wedding events. My story in this collection is a reissued (and edited to be longer) novella in my Kingsmill Courtships series. This story, A Room with a Groom, is the final romance novella in the saga of Ben Mosby and Sophie Sinclair, the hero and heroine of The Brightest Christmas Star and His Wildest Sunflower. In A Room with a Groom, Ben and Sophie are on the way to their long-awaited wedding–until everything falls apart. There’s small town summer steaminess, a race against time, forced proximity, and an outlaw MC causing trouble hours before the wedding. (Yes, as usual, I threw in all the tropes!).

This love story about Ben Mosby and Sophie Sinclair is about two lost people who are each running away until they discover that they are right where they need to be. I know I say this after every story I write in this series, but this is one of my favorite stories. I hope you enjoy it as much as I loved writing it. Now let’s ring more wedding bells!

Save the DateA Wedding Romance Anthology

The cake is ordered, the dresses are tailored, and the guests are ready—love is in the air, and it’s time to Save the Date!

From grand celebrations to intimate elopements, Save the Date is filled with heart-warming and swoon-worthy tales of love found, lost, and rediscovered on the road to happily ever after.

Perfect for readers who believe in the magic of love and the romance of weddings, this anthology is your invitation to fall in love, one story at a time.

Authors include:

Kathleen Ryder
Laura M. Baird
Susan Horsnell
Sharon Michalove
Gabbi Grey
VK Holt
Clarice Jayne
Sharon Wray

Freyja Frost
Harper Michaels
Carrie DiRisio
Deaia Sanders
Michelle Moncrieff
Kristine Charles
Alexa Santi
JCC Downing

Available now!

A Room with a Groom

Will these star-crossed lovers make it to the church on time?

Ben Mosby, a former member of an outlaw motorcycle club, has reformed his life. As the sheriff of Kingsmill, VA, he’s determined to keep his small mountain town safe, and he’s given his heart to Sophie Sinclair, the only woman he’s ever loved. But on the eve of their long-awaited wedding, a rival outlaw MC from Ben’s old life roars back, carrying a violent grudge.

Sophie has overcome poverty, homelessness, and an outlaw biker ex-boyfriend. And now that she’s been reunited with Ben, the love of her life, she won’t allow any of that sadness to define her future. She’s even found the perfect wedding dress in a town hours away from Kingsmill. But as they return for their rehearsal dinner, their future is put to the ultimate test. 

With forest fires raging and outlaw bikers chasing them, their journey to the altar becomes a desperate fight for survival. Old demons resurface and alliances are tested. And when they seek refuge in an isolated cabin, surrounded by danger, Sophie must decide if their love is strong enough to douse the flames of their past. If not, she may lose Ben forever. 

Available now!

The post It’s Time to Save the Date! first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Updated Summer Airline Travel Rules

I know I just wrote a post about summer traveling essentials, but in the last few weeks there’ve been some strange and disturbing updates to plane travel that I want to address. These updates are more individual-airline focused, but it always seems like these airlines float these new changes to see how travelers will react and if they adapt to the changes, then other airlines implement them as well. But in some of the cases below, let’s hope that’s not the case.

[image error]Summer Airline Travel Updates  Delta Airlines Solo Surcharges

Delta recently initiated a “solo flyer surcharge” on select one‑way domestic fares, offering the lowest prices only to pairs or groups, while solo travelers paid up to ~70% or more. After extensive media backlash a few weeks ago, Delta reversed this rule, equalizing fares once more. But this could be temporary. Airline fare rules can shift suddenly, so always compare passenger counts before booking. Many travel agents think this solo surcharge pricing was just a trial run. The bottom line is this new rule can bring in lots of money by targeting business travelers, regardless of the fact it impacts solo non-business travelers as well.


. Lithium Battery Rules Tighten GloballyFollowing a spike in in-flight battery incidents, including a major fire on a South Korean airline, regulators and airlines have updated rules:
EASA (May 2025) issued a safety bulletin reinforcing that spare lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin only, with limits of 100 Wh (up to 160 Wh with airline approval). No in-flight charging of power banks, e-cigarettes, or batteries is permitted.
FAA/IATA now mandate spare lithium batteries are carry‑on only, banned in checked luggage. And they may not be in any luggage that is stored in the overhead compartments, but must be stored in the personal item below the seat in front of you. Also, some airlines are not allowing charging during flights, or they require the charging device to be placed on the tray table where they are visible.

Airlines in Asia and the Pacific (e.g., Cathay Pacific, AirAsia, Batik Air, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways) are now enforcing bans where charging onboard or storing spares in overhead bins is prohibited at all times.
Traveler Tips for Lithium Batteries:
Pack spare batteries and power banks in your carry-on, tape terminals, keep devices on-body, and don’t charge during flight. Always check airline and departure country battery limits, especially on intercontinental flights.
UK ETA & EU ETIAS / EES Overview
UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization):
Active since Jan 8, 2025 for visa‑exempt travelers (e.g., U.S., Canada, EU/EEA, Swiss, except Ireland). The UK ETA is mandatory for every UK trip, including layovers—even if you stay airside. It costs £10 ($13), and is typically approved within days and valid up to two years
Schengen EES (Entry/Exit System)
Effective Oct 2025, EES will digitize entry/exit records using biometrics (photo/fingerprint), ending manual passport stamps.
ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System): Starting mid‑ to late‑2026, visa‑exempt travelers (e.g., U.S.) must apply for a €7 ($8) ETIAS, valid up to three years. Decisions are either instant or within a few days. So plan ahead because once ETIAS goes live, you will be blocked from entry to EU countries without prior approval. BUT. .. many travel agents are suggesting that if you’re traveling to Europe soon that you apply for both the UK ETA and the EU ETIAS just in case your flight has to land at Heathrow or in Europe unexpectedly due to mechanical or other emergency issues. Of course this depends on the websites to apply for the forms being up and working. But if you can get approval, go for it. That way, if you end up in a country unexpectedly, you can get off the plane and leave the airport. Also, some airports may do a trial run of these authorizations early, so if you can get these documents even if you don’t think you’ll need them for your trip, it can’t hurt to spend the extra $10/per person to grab them. With the way things are changing around the world, it could save your trip.

Other Significant Travel Updates
U.S. REAL ID & Passenger Rights
As of May 7, 2025, REAL IDs (marked with a star) or passports/trusted traveler cards are required for domestic flights. I wrote about this in an early summer travel post. Also, DOT rules now mandate automatic refunds for cancellations/delays, bag fee refunds for delayed luggage, and 24/7 live customer support.
Enhanced Disability Protections
From Jan 16, 2025, under DOT rules, airlines must provide loaner wheelchairs, safely handle mobility devices, and ensure staff training for dignified service.
Carry‑On Baggage Overhaul
American Airlines, Delta, and WestJet are sharpening enforcement on carry‑on dimensions, aligning with the EU’s stricter scrutiny.Southwest’s Basic Economy (from May 28, 2025) ends 2 free checked bags. In 2026, they will begin adding assigned seats. But right now they are also playing with their free refund/cancellation program. For certain routes, if you ask for a cancellation, the credit for another flight may be limited by time (e.g. used within 3-6 months) and/or limited by routes. It’s a mess so make sure to always check their terms of service on their website. Inter-Airline Rules: If you are changing planes, the rules for carry-ons and weight restrictions for checked baggage must follow the rules of the MOST RESTRICTIVE airline. So if you’re taking a United flight to Munich and connecting to a Lufthansa flight to Prague (your final destination), you must follow the checked/carry on travel rules for Lufthansa which are far more restrictive than United’s rules. Ugh. It’s all so exhausting.
Gate & Seatbelt Crackdowns
Airlines like American are enforcing boarding-zone boundaries to prevent gate crowding. Turkish Air now fines (~$67) passengers who stand or access bins before seatbelt sign off. And this may come to other airlines. This is supposed to be a safety issue, but it also sounds like a money grab. And if it’s successful, I can see this coming to all U.S. airlines.
Ryanair Fines for Misbehavior
Ryanair will issue a £500 ($675) fine for travelers removed due to misconduct, effective June 12, 2025.
Digital Passport & Check-In Overhaul
ICAO is rolling out a “journey pass” digital credential (using facial recognition) to eliminate boarding passes/check-in by 2027. British Airways and Air France-KLM are pilot partners. Again, always check with the airline websites for the most current information.
Airport Construction Caps
FAA has imposed hourly caps on U.S. airport movements (28–34 operations/hour) at construction-heavy airports through Dec 21, 2025, but the enforcement of these caps are really kicking in now. This really becomes an issue if your flight is delayed for any reason (weather, mechanical issues, etc) because you may end up landing at a different airport. Again, all so exhausting.


Next Steps for Travelers:
 Plan ahead—get your ETA/ETIAS/REAL ID booked early.
 Pack smarter—carry spare batteries, tape terminals, don’t check them.
 Avoid fines—stay seated until signs off, follow baggage size limits, respect boarding zones and airline behavior rules.
 Watch travel tech—digital credentials and biometric systems are coming fast.  Avoid solo surcharges—run a quick fare comparison with one vs. two passengers on Delta. Always have a back-up plan. This includes visas, entry forms, and even an extra credit card, just in case. Despite all the new rules, have a great time. Happy Travels!

The post Updated Summer Airline Travel Rules first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Creating a DIY Herb Garden

There’s something wildly romantic about growing herbs. Maybe it’s the old-world kitchen vibes. Maybe it’s the feeling of plucking a sprig of rosemary like you’re starring in a movie like Practical Magic (one of my all-time favorite movies!). Or maybe it’s because herbs are the gateway drug to gardening (ask me how I know). Whatever it is, I love starting summer with a few pots of herbs on the windowsill—or, if I’m feeling generous, gifting a DIY herb garden to a friend. It’s thoughtful, affordable, and a little bit magical.

So whether you’re dreaming of fresh basil for your pasta nights or crafting the perfect summer hostess gift, here’s how to create a DIY herb garden you (or someone you love) will use all season long. While it might be too late in some areas to begin your garden from seeds, there are still baby plants available at most nurseries.

 How to Create a DIY Herb Garden Step 1: Choose Your Herbs Wisely

If you’re planting for your own kitchen, think about what you cook most often. If you’re gifting the garden, go for beginner-friendly favorites.

Easy & Versatile Herbs:

Basil – for summer salads, pasta, and pestoThyme – amazing with roasted veggies and chickenMint – great for iced tea, mojitos, and dessertsParsley – fresh and bright in everythingRosemary – earthy, fragrant, and hardyChives – perfect for eggs, potatoes, and soupsLavender – lovely in baked goods, tea, or just for scent Step 2: Pick the Perfect Container

You don’t need a big yard. herbs are happy in just about anything.

For You:

A kitchen windowsill boxA trio of terra cotta pots by the back doorA vintage teacup garden (yes, really! And I often find vintage teacups at thrift shops.)

For a Gift:

A wooden crate or berry box with mini pots insideA long ceramic planter for windowsillsSmall galvanized buckets with tags and twine

Tie it all together with a handwritten note: “Here’s to flavor, fragrance, and the slow joy of summer. ”

Step 3: Use Good Soil

Herbs like well-drained soil. Pick up a bag of organic potting mix (bonus points if it’s made for edibles). Add a little gravel or broken pottery at the bottom of each pot to prevent soggy roots. Then fill the pots 3/4 of the way with good soil. Plant your herbs, adding extra soil if necessary. Don’t pack the dirt, though. You want the soil to be dense but loose enough to absorb water, light, and air.

Step 4: Know Thy Light

Most herbs like at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If you’re keeping them indoors, a sunny south-facing window works best. Outdoors, they’re happy on a patio, balcony, or porch. Also, check the growing directions of each herb. Some plants thrive in the high heat and humidity of mid-day, others prefer to be outside in the morning and later afternoon, but prefer to hide in the AC (like me!) at noon.

Step 5: Water With Love

Herbs don’t like soggy soil, but they don’t like to dry out, either. Keep the soil lightly moist, and water in the mornings if you can. And don’t be afraid to snip and use them! Regular trimming helps herbs grow fuller and healthier.

DIY Herb Garden Gift Kit

If you’re giving this as a gift, here’s what to include in your Herb Garden Kit:

Inside the kit:

3–4 small herb plants or seed packetsA container (box, crate, or pretty pot)Potting soil in a small bagPlant labels or wooden markersA small watering can or misterCare instructions (printed on cute cardstock!)A handwritten recipe or tea blend idea
(Like: “Mint & Honey Iced Tea” or “Rosemary Garlic Bread”)

Wrap the box in twine or ribbon and tuck in a packet of dried lavender for a final touch.

Grow Something That Loves You Back

There’s something grounding about growing herbs. Whether you’re starting a simple kitchen garden for yourself or putting together a thoughtful summer gift, you’re cultivating beauty, flavor, and care. Even if you’ve never kept a plant alive (I see you because this used to be me!), this is the easiest—and most rewarding—way to try.

The post Creating a DIY Herb Garden first appeared on Sharon Wray.

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Lemon Lavender Blackberry Scones

It’s June, and that means it time for my garden lavender to bloom and for fresh blackberries to be picked. And for this coming week, which leads up to Father’s Day, I’m going to make these delicious Lemon Lavender Blackberry Scones which use fresh blackberries, fresh lemons (for juice and zest), and culinary-grade lavender flowers that you can find at Whole Foods and on Amazon. (as well as other specialty stores). I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

PrintThe Hungry {Romance} Writer: Lemon Lavender Blackberry SconesCourse Bread, BreakfastKeyword SconesPrep Time 25 minutes minutesCook Time 20 minutes minutesServings 12 sconesCalories 165kcalIngredientsScones1/2 cup chilled butter small cubed1/4 cup sugar1 cup fresh blackberries washed and dried2 Tablespoons lemon zest about 3 fresh lemons3/4 cup whole milk 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract2 1/2 cups flour1 Tablespoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt2 1/2 teaspoons dried culinary grade lavender flowers1 Tablespoon whole milk for brushing the tops of scones4 Tablespoons coarse sugar optional for toppingICING:1 cup powdered sugar1-1 1/2 Tablespoons whole milk1 teaspoon lemon zestInstructionsSconesPreheat the oven to 375℉. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Then cut the butter into small cubes and store in the freezer until ready to use.In a bowl, stir together the sugar and lemon zest until it forms a wet, grainy mixture. In another bowl, mix together the milk, lemon juice, and pure vanilla extract. This will become buttermilk and be kind of chunky. Store in the fridge until ready to use. In a very large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, dried lavender, and lemon-sugar. Using your fingers or a fork, cut in the cold butter until the dough turns into a many-pea-sized mixture. Cover the bowl and put it back into the fridge to chill again. Five minutes later, stir the cold milk mixture into the cold flour. Using your hands, gently add in the blackberries and combine everything until the dough is moist and holds together–but don't over-mix. Over-mixing makes the dough tough and breaks up the berries.Put dough on a floured counter and form it into a ball gently, so as not to break up the berries. Push it all together and then form a rectangle, about 16" long and 5" wide. Fold the dough in half horizontally, and gently press the dough together until you have an 8" x 5" rectangle. Cut the rectangle into into 6 even smaller rectangles. Then cut each one of these in half diagonally so you have 12 triangle scones. Gently transfer the triangles to the baking sheet. Leave at least 2-3" between them as they will expand. Brush the tops and sides with whole milk. If you want to add coarse sugar, now is the time. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the bottoms and tops are a light brown.Remove from the oven and cool on the sheet for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a baking rack. Cool completely before frosting.IcingIn a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon zest until it turns into a thick icing that can be drizzled. Drizzle the icing over the cooled scones. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The post The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Lemon Lavender Blackberry Scones first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Isn’t it Romantic at RAGT

Next week, the Isn’t it Romantic Book Club is heading to Lori Foster’s Reader Author Get Together. Although I’m a founding member of the Isn’t it Romantic Book Club (a popular Facebook and YouTube romance book club), I won’t be able to join my cohorts Jennie Marts, Diana Muñoz Stewart, and Abbie Roads at the annual Reader Author Get Together. If you’re not familiar with RAGT, here’s a brief description from the website:

“Lori Foster’s Reader & Author Get Together, affectionately shortened to RAGT, has been growing over the years — but it has never gotten so big as to lose its intimate feel. It’s not just the cap on size (450 max.) that keeps RAGT a cozy event — unlike other cons that change location from year to year, RAGT is held at the same hotel every year. RAGT has a two-part mission: to bring together authors & readers, with other industry professionals like editors, agents, publishers and publicists, in a very casual, friendly atmosphere with lots of time for visiting. While all these wonderful people are gathered, we also raise money and awareness for some very worthy causes, like the the Animal Adoption Foundation and CancerFree KIDS. Between the huge annual raffle extravaganza, and of course the annual benefit book, these organizations have received many thousands in much needed funding.”

Although I won’t be able to attend RAGT this year (and I’m so sad about that), I wanted to share the preorder links for Jennie and Diana’s books. If you’re going to RAGT, you can still preorder their books, including Jennie’s beautiful Blind Date with a Book packages. All the links are below. And I hope to see you there next year!

USA Today Bestselling AUthor Jennie Marts

Jennie Marts writes contemporary western steamy romances, comedy/ cozy mysteries, and small-town romantic comedies. She’s all about love, laughter, and happily ever afters.

And there’s still time to get a Blind Date with a Book from Jennie Marts. Check out these gorgeous book packages and have Jennie bring your very own Blind Date with a Book:

Preorder Jennie Marts’ Books Here! Preorder Jennie’s blind Date with a book Here! Amazon #1 bestselling romantic suspense author
Diana Muñoz Stewart

Diana Muñoz Stewart – “If you like reading suspenseful and spicy books with feisty heroines and hunky heroes, I have great news! I’m offering a discount on preorders of my bestselling series books and my most recent standalone It’s All in the Hips!”

**Discount for preorders only!

preorder Diana’s Books here!

The post Isn’t it Romantic at RAGT first appeared on Sharon Wray.

June Book Fairs and Reading Events

It’s finally June, one of my favorite months! It’s hot and all the pools are open, and I’m getting ready for summer travels. But before I take off, I am filling up my Kindle and Kobo Libra Colour with books. And today I have lots of free/on sale books to add to my TBR list. Today’s post has tons of free and .99 books and free reading events for every type of romance reader, all guaranteed to make your summer extra special.

1Collections, Anthologies, & Boxed Sets

This collection includes free and sale novels and novellas from most romance genres, including dark romance, romantasy, paranormal, billionaire romances, sports romances, sexy cowboys, and steamy contemporaries, including a wedding themed collection called Finding Forever which makes a perfect beach read.

2The Isn’t it Romantic Book Club Group Monthly Livestream

The Isn’t It Romantic Book Club Group will be live-streaming on Thursday, June 26th at 3 pm EST while we interview
Jennie Marts and her cowboy romance Lost and Found Cowboy! It’ll be live-streamed on our YouTube channel and we hope you’ll join us there!

3New Releases for May & June

This collection includes sexy paranormal romances, steamy contemporary romances, romantasy, Mafia romances, billionaires, sexy shifter cowboys, and dark romances. This promo runs through the end of June.

4Boxed Sets & Anthologies

This collection includes sexy sports romances, Sci-Fi romances, steamy contemporary romances, paranormal romances, romantasy, Mafia romances, billionaires, sexy shifter cowboys, and dark romances. This promo runs through the end of June.

Free and .99 Books for June In Paradise with Someone Like Him by Susanna Eastman

When Charity Daniels was seventeen she fell in love with Literature, and a man who taught it. Their forbidden love was held back until graduation, until legally she could be his. Flash forward three years, Charity is studying at Yale and still in love with her Princeton Man.

Quinn (Q) Everett is on scholarship at Yale, and finds himself inexplicably in Charity’s path. He tries to stay away, but his mouthy best friend thinks he knows better. Suddenly it’s lunches and crashing private plans for the duo just to see her. But their flirtations do not go unseen, and Logan’s love turns and goes from jealousy to murderous intent.

Can these unproven lovers stay the course and avoid the devious plot of a scorn man or will everything crash and burn?
Trigger warning: Violence & Strong Sexual Situations

Get it for free now! Second Stanza by Meg Napier

How can someone who’s dead save your life during a night of terror?

Jackie’s heart broke when her beloved college boyfriend died in an off-campus gas explosion—a pointless, horrible death. Nine years later and thousands of miles away, her own life is saved when a random stranger calls her name and covers her body with his during a mass shooting. She wakes in a hospital only to learn that the stranger is among the dead.

But was he a stranger? For those terrifying seconds, Jackie was sure he was her beloved Leo. Needing to hide such crazy ideas from friends and family, Jackie begins a search for the only man she has ever loved—now seemingly twice dead.

Get it on sale for .99 now! MisGiving Hearts by J. Haney & S.I. Hayes

When Charity Daniels was seventeen she fell in love with Literature, and a man who taught it. Their forbidden love was held back until graduation, until legally she could be his. Flash forward three years, Charity is studying at Yale and still in love with her Princeton Man.

Quinn (Q) Everett is on scholarship at Yale, and finds himself inexplicably in Charity’s path. He tries to stay away, but his mouthy best friend thinks he knows better. Suddenly it’s lunches and crashing private plans for the duo just to see her. But their flirtations do not go unseen, and Logan’s love turns and goes from jealousy to murderous intent.

Can these unproven lovers stay the course and avoid the devious plot of a scorn man or will everything crash and burn?
Trigger warning: Violence & Strong Sexual Situations

Get it for free now! Risking Trust by Adrienne Giordano

Michael Taylor is cooler than ice. As CEO of a private security company, his job means protecting those at risk. But now Michael is the one in trouble—he’s the prime suspect in his ex-wife’s murder. To prove his innocence, he needs not just a few good men, but one smart woman.

Get it for free now! Crystal: A Mafia Romance by Nellie Krauss

Crystal Foxz doesn’t believe in running away from a problem, but when treachery threatens her life and her father’s, the Don of the famiglia DeAngeli, she must act. As her father’s chosen heir, it is her duty to protect and continue the family’s reputation and influence. With her life and the family’s future at stake, she has no choice but to expose the traitors and eliminate them.

Leonard Stonehorse is a former Blackfeet law enforcement officer in need of a new career. Offered the opportunity to be a personal security agent, Lee can’t resist the chance to start a new life in San Francisco. When his new job brings him face to face with the powerful Don’s daughter, he begins to question his decision. As he gets closer to Crystal, he finds himself torn between his ethics, his duty, and his growing feelings for the new Donna of the famiglia DeAngeli.

In the midst of a dangerous game of power and betrayal, Crystal and Lee must navigate their growing attraction while staying one step ahead of those who want them dead. Will they be able to fulfill their duties, protect each other, and find enough common ground to keep their differences from betraying their hearts?
This moderately steamy, mafia romance features a spirited heroine, a protective hero, multicultural characters, and adult situations. All books in this series will be complete with no cliffhangers.

Get it for free now! How to Unbreak a Heart by Jennie Marts

Solitary cowboy, Trip Turner walked out on the love of his life twelve years ago, breaking her heart and landing in juvenile detention. Now he’s back in Saddle Creek, Montana, at the dude ranch for wayward teens, where his mentor, John Stone, taught him the rules of how to become a man. But a tragedy has reminded Trip he failed to follow one of those rules. And it could have been the most important one of all. Bre Wilson had moved on with her life—she has a successful veterinary practice, and she’s put all thoughts of Trip Turner, the boy she’d planned to spend the rest of her life with, behind her. Or so she thought. Because he’s back, and no longer a boy. Now he’s a hot-as-hell man, and she has to spend the next two weeks working by his side without either kissing him or killing him. Trip let Bre go once, he won’t do it again. He has a second chance to fix the mistakes he made all of those years ago, and this time he’s following the rules. He just needs to figure out how to unbreak her heart. 

Get it for free now! Viper by Susie McIver

A No-Love Rule Shattered Under One Roof.

Cole’s return home after four years in an Iranian prison was meant to bring solace, but fate had other plans for the man better known as Viper. 

Enter the mysterious woman living in solitude, pursued by a relentless stalker. Unable to stand by, Viper sweeps into her life, proposing a fake engagement to silence the nosy people in their small mountain town after insisting she move in with him.

Bailey’s cabin was meant to be a refuge from her tormenter, not an unexpected detour into a stranger’s world. 

However, her initial resistance of Viper taking charge begins to crumble as sparks fly and their limited shared space awakens dormant desires. And while she feels safe for the first time in too long, he poses a different challenge to her guarded heart. Their undeniable attraction and the heat from just a simple touch leaves them both perilously close to shattering their resolve to avoid love. The question is: will they surrender to their yearning, or can they find a way to defy the odds?

Get it for free now! Mississippi Heat by H.C. Bentley

In the small town of Tatesville, Mississippi, teenage girls are vanishing without a trace. Girls like Lacey Fuller’s best friends, Claire and Jo. But Lacey was the lucky one… she managed to escape when she was taken. Desperate to get away from the whispers and stares from people in town, Lacey left for college shortly after graduation and never looked back.

Now, ten years later, Lacey has returned home, hoping to put that dark time in her past behind her. When Jo’s older brother, Brooks Harding, comes back into her life, Lacey finds herself unable to resist the feelings she once had for him. Lacey’s life is falling into place and she’s feeling a long-forgotten sense of peace… until the killer makes contact.

Fear blankets the town as girls once again start disappearing at a rapid rate. And with Lacey in the killer’s sights, she and Brooks know that until the person behind these abductions is caught, they have no chance at making a life together. But the truth they uncover is more than anyone ever expected.

Get it for free now!

The post June Book Fairs and Reading Events first appeared on Sharon Wray.