Allie Bock's Blog, page 8

Spring is here!

 

April 1st Newsletter

Hi dear Reader,

It is finally spring in Minnesota. I saw the first robin this Monday. Then on Tuesday, there was a whole group of robins in our back yard. They were scratching the ground and flying from bush to bush. I think all of them were singing at the same time. When I took the dogs outside, it sounded like I was in an aviary with the noise of their calls. 

It was really cool. It reminded me when I was a kid and my mom took us to the Milwaukee Zoo. The building that housed the birds had rooms where the birds roamed free. They would fly over head and sing their songs. It was one of my favorite parts of the zoo.

Do you know what a group of robins are called?

The Field Guide to North American Birds said it is a worm. How funny is that a worm of robins. Other sources on the internet called them a round of robins, but that isn't as fun.

I've taken a hiatus from writing this past month to focus on my family and business. April looks like the month to get back into it once I figure out where my series are going. But in the meantime, I'm reading a lot and watching movies. 

Below you'll find a giveaway for some free sweet and clean romance and rom-com books. Click on the picture to take you to the page. There are a lot of good ones on there!

Happy spring!

Allie

Fighting a loss of creative energy

Hi dear Reader,
How have you been? 
For my writing, things have been at a standstill. I finished the first draft of My Cowboy of Convinence earlier this month. I thought I could jump into the next book.
But I couldn't.  It seems silly to say this. My characters aren't coming to life. I can't even think of good names for them. Most of it has to do with my personal life, I think. My career and veterinary business has taken off. Not that I'm complaining but I'm tired.
Sigh.
So I put my writing away for a while and decided to fill my creative well, at least until my busy seasons over. Hubby and I have been watching movies. Last weekend, we watched An Affair to Remember. It is one of my all time favorite romances. It's heartbreaking yet ends well. I've also been reading more books, just whatever catches my fancy.
And I've been dabbling in Artifical Intelligence generated art, which has been surprisingly fun. I'm using Night Café Studio to create them. I put in a prompt of what I want to create. For example: Oklahoma prairie. Then, I determined which artist I want the AI to imitate. Let's  try Edgar Payne. Next, I add modifersand let it run.
Here's the result. What do you think? Createdby AJ Bock on the Night Cafe
I'm going to use them to spark my writing muse. Wish me luck. Until next time!
Hugs,Allie

Some new reads for the week!

 

Hi dear Reader,

I thought that I would change things up. Below you'll find a few books that are on sale. Maybe you'll find your next read!

Hugs,

Allie

Okay, so the first one isn't really a book on sale. A group of authors put together a bundle of books to giveaway as a fundraiser to raise money for Ukraine. 

Here's what their website says, "Enter to win all sorts of fun bookish prizes including a full set of hardcover books from Golden Angel, naming an upcoming character in an Emily E K Murdoch book, and so much more by supporting Ukraine during these challenging times. Entering is simple. Just pick a charity (some pre-vetted ones are listed below or you are welcome to choose your own) and then send proof of donation to enter! Easy peesy. Prizes will be distributed to multiple winners. Contest closes 3/18/22."

If you are interested, click the button below to go to the website to enter.

Books for Ukraine Free!

This is a friend's book. She makes me laugh out loud with each story!

Previously published as Cheesy Romance with the Billionaire by Remi Carrington
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a food truck.

Alone and missing her best friend, Paige wants to find someone special, but she has two problems: she has trouble talking to strangers and everyone she loves leaves. So she focuses on the one other thing that makes her happy—her art.

After years of trying to meet his dad's expectations, Mac chooses to follow a dream. He orders a truck and hires an online designer to create graphics for his new endeavor. They exchange emails, and she immediately captures the cheesy vibe he wants for the food truck.
But unexpectedly, while jogging on the trails, he meets a quiet artist who grabs his interest. He asks her out.
One captivates him; the other makes him laugh.
Finding a happily ever after requires making the right choice . . .

Find It Here! This one is on my TBRFree Book!

The ranch foreman, the fiery new designer he hires, and an old flame that could burn them both...

Jace Lovell only has one thing left after his fiancée abandons him at the altar: his job at Horseshoe Home Ranch. He throws himself into becoming the best foreman the ranch has ever had—and that includes hiring an interior designer to make the ranch owner's wife happy.

Belle Edmunds is back in Gold Valley after she lost her job at a prestigious design firm in California. She's working for a conglomerate, but she's desperate to build a portfolio that she can use to start her own firm in Montana. She applies for the job at Horseshoe Home, and though Jace and Belle grew up together, they've never seen eye to eye on much more than the sky is blue.

The spark between them now that they're adults can't be denied, and as Jace and Belle attempt to work together, they also fight their growing attraction to each other. But Jace isn't anywhere near forgiving his fiancée, and he's not sure he's ready for a new relationship with someone as fiery and beautiful as Belle. Can she employ her patience while he figures out how to forgive so they can find their own brand of happily-ever-after?

Find it Here! New Release!

A pararescueman home from the military. A dog musher stepping into her dad’s legacy. Thrust together after years apart, can they trust each other and escape disaster?

Gunnar Rebel left the military to find healing, but adjusting to his new life proves harder than he expected.

His desire to help others ignited a desire to become a rescuer for the elite special forces. To qualify for the most arduous division in the military, he cut all ties with everyone but his family back home. Everyone … including Julie Sparks, the woman who still holds his heart. Now that he’s home, he wants to settle down and forget that his reasons for leaving Julie behind don’t make sense anymore.

Julie Sparks is determined to honor her father’s death with an arduous trek to the North Pole.

She also wouldn’t mind proving that she’s not only worthy of filling his fur-lined boots, but will climb to new heights in them. It’s more than just a matter of pride, not with the sponsors waiting to pull their funding if she fails. Establishing she’s worthy of support might prove harder than she expected when her ex, Gunnar Rebel, is brought in to help lead the expedition and shatters her focus.

When an accident on the trail turns life-threatening, will Gunnar and Julie put aside their hurt and broken promises of the past, or will their lack of trust prove fatal?

If you like heart-pounding action, toe-curling romance that keeps it clean, and a family of captivating characters, you’ll love Sara Blackard’s riveting romantic Alaskan adventure series.

Find it Here! New Release!

A bronc riding confirmed bachelor,

a chaste barrel racer full of hope,

and the rodeos that push them together

Beth is fine being friends with Jake, but she won’t cross that line, even when circumstances push them to share the same living space.

Jake proudly wears the badge of confirmed bachelor. It suits his bronc riding career just fine. When Beth needs help, he offers her to ride along with him.

Who knew the one girl he couldn’t have, would be the one to finally reach his heart.

Falling for the Bronc Rider is Book One of Faithful Cowboys, a series that inspires hope, faith, and, of course, belief that love conquers all. Each book can be read as a stand-alone though characters are tied-in throughout the series.

Find it Here

Smashwords Sale Until March 12th!

Hi Dear Reader,
Guess what!? My books are part of Smashwords EBook Sale for this week only. 
You can find them HERE!
Why buy from Smashwords? They are a retailer that heavily supports Indie authors. You only read on a Kindle? My books are in all formats on Smashwords. It is very easy to get them on your Kindle or any other device you read on.

Character Sketch: Lindsay Wilson

 Lindsay Wilson appeared in the first book of the Cowboys of Sunnydale series, Falling for My Cowboy. She had an on-again-off-again friends with benefits relationship with Pete. She is a waitress at Susie's Cafe and at Cowboy's Bar. She makes another appearance in Second Chance with My Bull Rider. She helps Delilah out by housing the therapeutic riding horses for her until she can find her own place. 

My Unexpected Hero, Cowboys of Sunnydale Book #3, is her story. She meets the handsome Kurt Kisment, and well, you should read it to find out the ending!

Here is Lindsay's character sketch!

Full Name: Lindsay Wilson

Nickname: Linds

First book she appeared in: Falling for My Cowboy She works as a waitress at Susie's Cafe and at Cowboy's Bar. She had an on/off relationship with Pete Thompson and it was currently off in that book. 

Bio: She is 5'5" and curvy with blonde hair and blue eyes. She styles her hair in big loose curls and likes to wear short skirts, daisy duke shorts, tank tops. Chews gum. Very smart but underplays it to be a flirt and an airhead. She's almost always running late for things. She works 2 jobs - Susie's Café and Cowboy's Bar

She grew up in a small house in town with her mother and father. She was a chubby kid in school. Her uncle and aunt had a ranch outside of town. She'd go ride horses or go swimming with her cousin, Larry, whenever she could. She wanted to be a doctor when she grew up. The Kisment ranch backed up to her uncle's place.

Her father disappeared when she was 9/10 years old. Her mom and her moved in at the ranch. That was when her uncle gave her a horse, Starburst. She graduated high school and went to college. She bloomed into a swan in college.

Her mom was driving home from a dinner one night and the car crashed. Mom was paralyzed. She dropped out of college to take care of her mom.

Character Interview

Q: How old are you and what's your sign?

Lindsay: 31, I'm a Capricorn and I check my sign daily.

Q: Where do you live and what kind of vehicle do you drive?

Lindsay: I live on the family ranch with my mom in the trailer house. The original ranch house burnt down several years ago. They replaced it with a double wide until they rebuilt the house. It hasn't happened, yet. I drive a very old car. 

Q: What's your most prized possession? 

Lindsay: I won a medal in college for a fitness competition. It proved to me that I could do something for myself.

Q: Do you have any pets?

Lindsay: I have my old horse, Starburst, a small herd of cows, and a few chickens.

Q: If you had a half a day off, what would you do for fun?

Lindsay: I would drive into San Antonio to a salon. I'd get a blow out and a manicure.

Q: What's your favorite food and drink? 

Lindsay: A large plate of hot and fresh French Fries with a cranberry/vodka.

Q: What's your education, your current job, and your dream job?

Lindsay: I attended through sophomore year in college with dreams of being a doctor. It just didn't happen when my mom got hurt. It was more important to be at home to help her. I'm a waitress. It's alright. I'm not ever sure what my dream job is. I feel like I'm living day to day at the moment.

Q: What's your family like?

Lindsay: Currently, it's just my mom, Candy, and me. I used to have my Uncle Clarence, Aunt Ida, and cousin Larry, but they have all died.

Q: Do you have a secret that no one else knows?

Lindsay: I'm secretly glad I didn't go to medical school.

A Fun New Read

 Hi dear reader,

How have you been?

Here in Minnesota it has been bitter cold in the negative numbers with an additional wind chill. Most days it hasn't been above -10F. The sun has "Snowdogs" around it. They are little rainbows like parentheses around the sun. They are from the sun refracting through the ice crystals in the air. Very pretty but very cold.

 So, I've been spending a lot of time indoors, drinking tea, and reading lots of good books. I just finished Outfox by Sandra Brown which is a romantic suspense/thriller. It was about a man trying to track down a con artist/serial killer that had multiple identities through the years. Of course, the main character falls in love with next possible victim. I'm currently working on Chris Keniston's Heather which is a nice change of pace. It's a small town romance with a heart surgeon falling in love with the hardware store owner. It's very cute.

Check out the new book releasing tomorrow if you are looking for a great read!

Hugs,

Allie

$0.99 sale on all platforms

This collection of small town and big city romances and romantic comedies will keep you glued to the page, with stories including…

* A Rockstar who broke his promise to resurrect his fiancée’s languishing ranch, but took five years to return. Will she grant him a second chance, or has their love played its last tune?

* A young woman who fled the big city to escape her politician father's cheating scandal…only to fall for a struggling small town bike builder waiting for his big break. Is he a cheat like her father, or could the sexy single dad be custom made for her?

* A rundown single mom looking for a break and a kind-hearted entrepreneur in love with the wrong woman. Will their chemistry bring them love…or will the ghosts of her past come back to haunt them?

* A divorced, big time city baker forced to return to her family’s ranch. Falling for the younger and all too charming ranch hand was never part of the plan…

* A scandal that made Mitch and Olivia enemies. Can they now claim their joint inheritance without starting World War III?

* A haunted vet with nowhere else to go and a determined woman with no place to call home. Can they heal the hurricane-ravaged town of Patriot Bay…or with their broken hearts get in the way?

* And many more stories full of surprise, heartache, humor, and ALL the feels!

Fans of small town romances, romantic comedies, friends to lovers, second chances, military veterans, and happily ever afters will devour this boxed set of more than 15 standalone romances.

Each unique story in the Finally Got It Right Boxset guarantees a swoon-worthy book boyfriend and a happily ever after that fans of Melanie Harlow, Corinne Michaels, and Nicole Ellis are sure to enjoy!

Authors included in the box set are C.K. O'Connor, Heather Silvio, Cricket Rohman, Alexi Ferreira, Susanne Ash, Ginger Ring, Jade Royal & Amy Cecil, J.L. Campbell, Carmen Cook, Mel Walker, CA Miconi, Maci Dillon, J.C. Layne, Toni Denise, Lorah Jaiyn & Tiffany Carby, Jewel Walters, Macie Collins.

BUY IT HERE!

A New Year is Here!

 

Hi dear Reader,

How are you doing? Did you have a nice holiday season?

I didn't send out a January 1st newsletter because I didn't have anything to say except to wish you a happy New Year. So, I hope you had a happy New Year and that you are still sticking to your resolutions if you made any. I actually didn't make any this year. I'm horrible at keeping them and it's a letdown when that happens.

So instead, I made goals for things I want to get done this year. 

My writing goal is to release two books this year. I'm excited about that and I'm working really hard at making it a reality. 

My reading goal is to read one new book a week. I have several new reads at the bottom of the newsletter. A historical romance, a rom-com, and a contemporary romance. I'm going to be reading Wild about Denali as it's my friend Sara's newest release. It looks adorable. 

For my health, I started Noom last year to help me make better food choices and to be more active. It definitely worked and I am going to continue it for this year.

In my personal life, we are going to make an effort to visit Hubby's and mine families more this year. They all live several hours in Wisconsin a way so Baby Bock is going to have a lot of road trips this summer. Wisconsin is absolutely beautiful in the summer time. I recommend a visit if you haven't been.

What are your New Year's resolutions or 2022 goals?

Here's to wishing you a happy and healthy 2022!

Hugs,

Allie

New Release!

Falling for the single mom? Nope. Not gonna happen, no matter how gorgeous and kindhearted she is. The potential for heartache is too high.

I should know. My mum proved that dating a single parent leaves one open for soul-crushing bachelorhood. Which is why I was determined to keep things friendly with Denali Wilde once I learned that the beautiful police dog trainer came with a kid. Why add the possibility of angst and suffering to my already stressful move to Alaska and opening an animal rescue center?

Too bad I didn't keep my wits when it came to her son. The problem? The kid is amazing, into rescuing animals just like I am. Fair dinkum, the kid needs a mate about as badly as I do.

I've done a lot of crazy things in life. I mean, my TV series on Nature Channel wasn't called Getting Wild with Wilder for its placid landscapes and tranquil animals. Yet, getting close to Denali and her son proves I have more than a few roos loose in the top paddock. Not only has my admiration for Denali increased with her insane dedication to her son, but he's buried himself so far in my heart, I'll never escape.

My determination to keep things friendly with Denali? Yeah, not as easy as I thought it would be, at least on my end. The thing is I'm wild about Denali. I just don't think she feels the same for me.

Wild About Denali is a laugh-out-loud, heart-melting romcom with a single-mom, an Aussie reality TV star, and kisses that will curl your toes while keeping it clean.

Find it here! $0.99 Sale

Things take a turn when Danielle Galluccio discovers her boyfriend...has a boyfriend. Just when she needs a new start, she is hired by a rugged lawyer, Sam, who grants her with a rent-free cottage in Kentucky. She can’t believe him or her new found luck in employment.Danielle grew up being told there is a lid for every pot. And as bad as Danielle wants Sam to be that lid, things aren’t perfect in Kentucky either. Sam has a crazy ex that puts people in danger. Danielle has secrets she can’t hid forever. Maybe going back home to Pennsylvania is what is best for everyone. Before too long the new friends she left behind devise a plot to lure her back to Kentucky...and Sam. But is it too late?

Find it here! $2.99 to buy and in KU

Welcome to Book 2 in the fabulous new series The Secret Crusaders from Melanie Rose Clarke.

As a member of the Distinguished Ladies of Purpose, Lady Emma Sinclair strives to help those less fortunate, even as others disregard her ideas as fanciful nonsense. That is, until she accidentally starts a rumor she is betrothed to Philip Fitzgerald, the powerful but absent Earl of Peyton. As society celebrates her victory in capturing the elusive lord, she enjoys new influence. Everything goes perfectly, until…

The earl returns.

Philip is shocked to arrive home to an unexpected betrothal. He doesn’t know Lady Emma’s motives or goals, yet the intelligent lady intrigues him. He will continue the ruse, chasing her secrets, even as he continues his own clandestine work. He saves people while in disguise, setting London aflame.

As everyone guesses the identity of the mysterious masked rescuer, Emma and Philip delve closer and closer to the truth, and each other.

When secrets are revealed, will a pretend betrothal become real?

Find it Here

Happy Holidays!

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Hi dear Reader,

Happy Holidays from my family to yours!

We've been busy getting ready for Christmas. Baby Bock and I baked cookies this week. Well, she watched or napped and I did all the work. We made 5 or 6 different varieties. It took all day and when Hubby got home from work there wasn't a free space on the kitchen counter. He's a horrible cookie snatcher so I made him his own batch and put it in the cookie jar my grandmother gave me. Thankfully, he stuck to his cookies and I was able to give out the ones I wanted to friends.  We also trimmed our Christmas tree this past weekend. It is tabletop plastic one because we have indoor cats with claws that love to climb the Christmas tree. We had a real one once and it fell over within 24 hours of putting it up. What are you doing to get ready for the holidays? Do you have any plans or taking it easy at home?

To celebrate the end of the year, my books are in the Smashwords End of the Year sale. Smashwords is an independent store front. You can buy the books in either Mobi to read on your kindle or epub for any other device. There's a lot of cool books in the sale. Mine are found HERE. My Cowboy Crush is free and has a new cover. Falling for My Cowboy is $0.99 and Second Chance with My Bull Rider is 50% off if you are interested.

Thank you to everyone who bought My Unexpected Hero. I appreciate it so much! If you liked it, please leave a review on whatever platform you want.

That's all for now. I wish you happy and safe holiday season!

Lots of hugs,
Allie

New Release!

 Hi my wonderful Readers!

It is finally here!!! I am so excited to share this with you...

My Unexpected Hero is finally here in E-book! Check it out!

Buy it here!

or 

Buy Direct from Me

Book Blurb:

One ranch. Two life changing choices. Fourteen days to decide.

Lindsay Wilson walked out of the lawyer's office, stunned and shell shocked. Her uncle's will left everything to her, except the one thing she wanted most…the ranch. Now, she has fourteen days to find a husband or the ranch will be sold to the highest bidder.

Disillusionment fills Kurt Kisment's life as a high-powered defense lawyer in Dallas as his work with criminals turns heads south of the border. He takes the next two weeks to travel home to small town Sunnydale, TX. Hoping to escape his current life, he finds himself back in the saddle at the Kisment Ranch.

Kurt runs into Lindsay in town. He can't believe that the ugly duckling from high school is now a swan. Only Lindsay doesn't want anything to do with him as she concentrates on finding a husband. Kurt decides to change her mind, but it might be too late for them. Things take a turn for the worse when Lindsay's and Kurt's pasts collide into a race for survival.

Will they make it out alive and with their hearts intact?

My Unexpected Hero is the third standalone book in the Cowboys of Sunnydale series. It is a sweet and clean contemporary western romance that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Saddle up and enjoy this hair-raising tale of Lindsay and Kurt!

Some new reads for November

 

November 15th Newsletter

Hi dear Reader,

How have you been doing? It is officially fall here in Minnesota. We even had snow and sleet this week, which makes it the perfect weather to sit inside, drink hot chocolate, and read books. 

With Baby Bock around, I have been reading a lot of books to her. Children's books are great but she likes to be read to for at least a couple of hours a day. We read Ms. Money Bags by Darci Balogh which was about a billionaire heroine who learns that career and money aren't everything to life (Free on Amazon). Then, we cracked open Three Things I'd Never Do by Remi Carrington, a delightful Rom-Com about a cat lover falling in love with a dog person. And finally, A Stranger in the Family by Patricia McLinn which was an enjoyable western romance (Free on all stores). What have you read this month?

My Unexpected Hero is going through the polishing edits/proofreading. It will be released at the end of the month. I'm excited to share it with you next month!

Below I have some reads to fill your e-reader with this week! 

Stay warm and healthy!

Lots of hugs,
Allie

$0.99 Audio book and free e-book Sale!

She’s falling in love. He’s just playing a part.

When Adeline Baker was told that big-time Hollywood actor, Eli Hunt, wanted to film a movie in Starlight Ridge—and inside her small chocolate shop—she told them they were crazy. But the film crew arrived, and Eli Hunt with them, and fantasy quickly became reality. Adeline knew Eli would be charming—she’d read the magazines and seen the interviews—but she’d underestimated the pull he’d have on her. Too bad she couldn’t trust a word that came out of his mouth, because there was one thing Eli was famous for. He never stepped out of character while filming a movie—even off set.

The first time Eli Hunt had visited Starlight Ridge, he’d known he’d found the setting for his next romantic drama. The mild winter weather and small-town beach community was exactly what he was looking for. The pretty owner of the local chocolate shop hadn’t hurt either. But as filming commences, Eli realizes he has a problem. He feels more chemistry with Adeline than his co-star. To make matters worse, he can’t step out of character. And the longer he spends with her, the more he desperately wishes he could.

It will take trust and courage for Adeline and Eli to step outside their roles and discover if what they have is real, or if it is merely a Hollywood illusion.

Starlight Love is the third book in the Starlight Ridge series. If you can’t get enough of small-town romance, holiday kisses, and Hollywood heroes, you’ll love reading this sweet story.

Pick up Starlight Love to be swept off your feet today!

New Christmas Stories

Do you hear the sleigh bells ringing?

Join over a dozen bestselling authors as they bring you an exclusive collection of Christmas-themed holiday romances. From small town coffee shops to cozy cottages, this set has everything you need to curl up in front of the fire with some hot chocolate or a pumpkin spice latte.

If you're looking to be swept up in the magic and romance of the holiday season, look no further. We are here to make this and every Christmas merry and bright.

So sit back, relax, and one-click this cozy Christmas collection, because baby, it's cold outside.

Featuring works from the following authors:
Samantha Calcott (aka USA Today bestselling author Lily Luchesi)
Monique Brasher
Katherine Moore
USA Today bestselling author H.M. Shander
USA Today bestselling author C.A. King
Melodie March
Donna Wright
Kristin MacQueen
Laurie Treacy
Amy Stephens
Alys Fraser
Rebecca Lovell
Raquel Anne & E.S. McMillan