Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 143

Let Me Extend Your TBR Pile by Heather Novak

It has been an awesome month for book releases from my friends! Here are some of my favorite books that have hit my Kindle.

Jenny Hale

FINALLY, another Summer book is here for me to swoon over. And when Christmas rolls around? We’ll have a Jenny Hale Hallmark movie (screams and throws hands in the air!!!!)

Pull up a beach chair and dig into The Summer House.

[image error]Some summers will stay with you forever…

Callie Weaver and best friend Olivia Dixon have finally done it: put their life savings into the beach house they admired through childhood summers, on the dazzling white sand of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. They’re going to buff the salt from its windows, paint its sun-bleached sidings, and open it as a bed and breakfast.

Callie’s too busy to think about her love life, but when she catches the attention of local heartthrob Luke Sullivan, his blue eyes and easy smile make it hard to say no. He’s heir to his father’s property empire, and the papers say he’s just another playboy, but as they laugh in the ocean waves, Callie realizes there’s more to this man than money and good looks.

Just when true happiness seems within reach, Callie and Olivia find a diary full of secrets… secrets that stretch across the island, and have the power to turn lives upside down. As Callie reads, she unravels a mystery that makes her heart drop through the floor.

Will Callie and Luke be pulled apart by the storm it unleashes, or can true love save them?

The Summer House is an absolutely gorgeous, heart-warming summer romance, about the importance of family, not keeping secrets, and learning how to open your heart.

Sara Dobie Bauer

[image error]Book 2 in the Bite Somebody series is now here and I cannot wait to sink my teeth into it! And not just because I look like the front cover model (Sara and I are book twinsies, obvs.)

This series is funny, sweet, and everything I want in a vampire romance.

Bite Somebody Else

Imogene helped her newbie vampire friend Celia hook up with an adorable human, but now Celia has dropped an atomic bomb of surprise: she has a possibly blood-sucking baby on the way. Imogene is not pleased, especially when a mysterious, ancient, and annoyingly gorgeous vampire historian shows up to monitor Celia’s unprecedented pregnancy.

Lord Nicholas Christopher Cuthbert III is everything Imogene hates: posh, mannerly, and totally uninterested in her. Plus, she thinks he’s hiding something. So what if he smells like a fresh garden and looks like a rich boarding school kid just begging to be debauched? Imogene has self-control. Or something.

As Celia’s pregnancy progresses at a freakishly fast pace, Imogene and Nicholas play an ever-escalating game of will they or won’t they, until his sexy maker shows up on Admiral Key, forcing Nicholas to reveal his true intentions toward Celia’s soon-to-arrive infant.

Elizabeth Heiter

As a fellow GDRWA member and writing friend, I will always one-click Elizabeth’s books. I hang on every word she writes! Book 2 in her Lawmen series is now out and I’m beside myself with excitement.

Police Protector (The Lawmen: Bullets and Brawn)

[image error]She’s become his whole world…and she’s under fire 

Ever since forensics analyst Shaye Mallory survived a police-station shootout, Detective Cole Walker has felt personally responsible for her well-being. Then another shooter takes aim at Shaye. Cole decides the only thing he can do is stay right by her side until he finds the man who wants her dead.

Cole knows that he must set aside his attraction to Shaye if he’s going to do his job. But as the days—and nights—go on, it becomes harder and harder to resist his feelings. And, as danger moves ever closer to them both, Shaye realizes that her safety might cost her the life of the man she loves.

 

Chloé Duval

Chloé is one of my dear friends who helped translate the French in my book, Hunting Witch Hazel. She is an amazing storyteller and I CANNOT WAIT to swoon all over these pages.

Stolen Ti me

[image error]In a rural French village, a letter is delivered decades late, inspiring a young woman to try to reunite two star-crossed lovers . . .

Middle school teacher by day, romance writer by night, and group knitter on Tuesday evenings, Flavie Richalet leads a fairly uneventful life—until she receives a long delayed letter meant for a total stranger. Postmarked 1971, the yellowed envelope, addressed to an Amélie Lacombe, holds a fervent message of love and a marriage proposal, signed only with the initial E. Given her own fractured family history, Flavie is dreamily determined to learn what became of the couple…

Flavie’s inquiries lead her to a French seaside inn—and to E. himself, a true romantic who never forgot the girl who got away so many years ago. But his protective nephew, B&B owner Romaric, isn’t sure that trying to find Amélie after all these years is good for his uncle. At odds with the tall, dark, and impossibly passionate Romaric, Flavie must show him, and perhaps herself, that true love is timeless—and always worth waiting for…

 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention: if you’re looking for something really spicy, check out Shelly Bell’s new release! While I can’t feature her book on this blog, she is a fabulous author and friend.

What are you reading this week?

 

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On this day in 1844 –Harriett Stone Lothrop was born. Her pseudonym was Margaret Sidney, known for the Five Little Peppers series of books (d. 1924)

 

Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,[image error]

Heather Novak

Find me at:

Twitter: authorheathern

Instagram: authorheathern

Facebook: authorheathernovak

Hunting Witch Hazel: Now available

I was happy with my West Coast life – 24-hour pizza delivery and bikini-clad bodies as far as the eye could see. Now I’m in the small-ass town of  Hayvenwood  to extract a ransom to save my little brother’s life. And that ransom is locked inside of the sexiest witch I have ever met, Hazel Evanora.

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Filed under: romance

A Storm’s a Coming

As a kid, thunderstorms always fascinated me. Every chance I got I’d be watching them from the garage. I loved the sound of rain pounding the windows and roof. No surprise that as an adult, I fall asleep to the sounds of rain or waves.

As I write this blog, I’m sitting out on the balcony of our apartment, watching storm clouds roll in. I can feel the temperature drop and although my phone says it is 79 degrees Fahrenheit, it feels cooler to me.

There is something about a storm, the anticipation of it, the strength. In a way, a big storm coming feels very much like the climax of a page turner. Of course, one always wants to be near the action and not in the midst of it. I know this as my parents recently had their home hit by lightning and the have quite a few repairs ongoing. Fortunately, they weren’t in the house when it happened.

So why all this interest in storms? In part, I have no answe why I can sit and watch lightening for hours, but I do also believe that storms are just another way for us to be that much closer to danger. It is the appeal of the “bad boy” as a teenager or the reason we ride roller coasters. It is why we like movies like Twister or Cliffhanger or Fast and Furious. We like the thought and perhaps the slightest exposure of danger. And sometimes, that’s okay as it gets the blood flowing and reminds us we are alive!

Happy writing this week!

Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly

Oops, Late :p

Okay, so I totally forgot that it was Tuesday, lol. That’s what happens when I’m planning to take over the world with my writing [image error]

 

So my plans are as follows to get more people onto my platforms. This month my goal is to bring people to my Radish page and have as many of my Newsletter followers to follow my stories there

Summer Solstice Paranormal-Scope

The Summer Solstice brings people together, inspires change, and opens the heart to adventure.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

Goblins are always investing, but there are some investments that are best passed by. Don’t let anyone pressure you to do anything, you don’t want to to do.

Taurus:

Pixies listen and gather information. They can be viewed by others are thoughtful and good listeners. Do the same.

Gemini:

Shapeshifters are cautious when it comes to their reputations. Guard yourself from fly-by-night opportunities that seem too good to be true.

Cancer:

Two vampires form a partnership because they know they are of equal power. Look for that in your life. Each brings something important to the table.

Leo:

Werewolf pups are a joy and by listening to the way they view the world you will gain important insight.

Virgo:

Elves are shrewd negotiators. Never settle for less than you want or are willing to live with. Consider your hard work and go from there.

Libra:

Dragons are expert in time management. Keep track of your activities this week. Are you doing the things you really want to do? How can you make your life easier?

Scorpio:

Gnomes are often called on by others to help make choices because they are wise and research the options. You will be called to help too.

Sagittarius:

A weretiger smiles at you. Are you up for an adventure?

Capricorn:

Faeries give you a gift of energy. Move forward quickly on the projects you care about and give them your all.

Aquarius:

Pixies love to redecorate. It’s give a new exciting feel to your home. You have great photos and collectibles. Why not make a collage or showcased them on a special shelf.

Pisces:

Mermaids keep secrets. It’s time for you to keep what you know a secret from other. Focus on work and watch how things work out.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!  Coming soon in Print on July 4th!

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Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

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Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love , Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule [image error]

A List of a Literary Nature By Ripley Proserpina

Summer Reading Lists!

The best part of summer is the time to read. Though having kids means the beach is WORK, I still have a long list of books I’m looking forward to. What’s on your reading list?

Romance? Gotta Have it! 

Deja Vu and Gin by Heather R. Blair

Fair is foul and foul is fair.

Betrayed by her father.

Abandoned by her mother.

Left at the altar by the prince of her dreams.

Anastasia Gosse’s past is more tangled than most. Everything she’s been through has taught this witch one valuable lesson. Trust no one. All that Ana’s ever wanted was to have her family back together and safe. She’d do anything to make that happen.

Even blackmail an assassin of the realm who drives her crazy in more ways than one.

Tyr Kanerva thinks he’s seen it all, the worst of both the human and fairytale worlds. This assassin thinks he’s too jaded for surprises. Enter one clever, calculating witch who tricks Tyr into a contract that just might be the death of him. He should hate her, but instead he finds himself wondering what the witch is hiding under all that ice.

When Ana comes up with a sinful solution to satisfy their mutual curiosity, neither of them are prepared for where their liaison will led.

Because the FTC world is not a kind one, and between gods, goddesses and a Fire Prince who will stop at nothing to have Ana back at his side, a happily ever after for these two may be just another impossible fairytale….

https://www.amazon.com/Déjà-Gin-Toil-Trouble-Book-ebook/dp/B071FYTX17/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497733516&sr=8-1&keywords=heather+r+blair

Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell

A short story about waiting and believing — but mostly waiting — by the New York Times bestselling author of Eleanor & Park, Fangirl and Carry On. All proceeds go to the ACLU Foundation.

When Elena decided to camp out for the next Star Wars movie, she was expecting a celebration, a communion — a line full of people who love Star Wars so much, they have to share it.

She wasn’t expecting this:  a freezing sidewalk, nowhere to pee, and three nights stuck with a boy who decided not to like her before they even met.

It’s enough to make a girl leave the line…

But Elena came here for Star Wars, and it will take more than bad weather and a dumb boy to squash her spirits.

https://www.amazon.com/Kindred-Spirits-Rainbow-Rowell-ebook/dp/B071YTNL7W/ref=pd_sim_351_13?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MPZQTN594G1BN0BBSANS

Loving Them- Wings of Artemis Series by Rebecca Royce

Saved from a life of suffering, Paloma Delacroix is determined to make the best life possible for herself, and for the four men she loves. Loving them is a challenge she never dreamed she’d be up for and one she refuses to fail. Before they can kickstart the life they all dream of, Thomas, Clay, Keith and Quinn McQueen will take Paloma back to Mars Station. They have the whole of the Sandler armada to defeat.

With the help of family, friends, and lost allies, they just might make it work…if they can survive their wedding day.

Content warning: Reverse Harem. Intense.

https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Them-Wings-Artemis-Book-ebook/dp/B072QWT74C/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1497733695&sr=1-4&keywords=rebecca+royce

The Stardust Series by Autumn Reed and Julia Clarke

All Haley Jones wants for her eighteenth birthday is answers. Thanks to an overprotective dad and a secluded existence in the Sierra Nevada wilderness, Haley has never experienced a typical life. Her dad claims there’s a good reason for their isolation, but he refuses to tell her why, delaying her questions with the promise of answers when she turns eighteen. That day has finally arrived, but the explanation raises more questions than answers. And when Haley wishes for the chance to explore the world, she finds that the old adage rings true—be careful what you wish for.

https://www.amazon.com/Stardust-3-Book/dp/B01JZHQRO6/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1497733754&sr=8-11&keywords=autumn+reed

Historical Biographies—because it’s important to keep learning! 

Valiant Ambition by Nathaniel Philbrick

In September 1776, the vulnerable Continental Army under an unsure George Washington (who had never commanded a large force in battle) evacuates New York after a devastating defeat by the British Army. Three weeks later, near the Canadian border, one of his favorite generals, Benedict Arnold, miraculously succeeds in postponing the British naval advance down Lake Champlain that might have ended the war. Four years later, as the book ends, Washington has vanquished his demons and Arnold has fled to the enemy after a foiled attempt to surrender the American fortress at West Point to the British. After four years of war, America is forced to realize that the real threat to its liberties might not come from without but from within.

Valiant Ambition is a complex, controversial, and dramatic portrait of a people in crisis and the war that gave birth to a nation. The focus is on loyalty and personal integrity, evoking a Shakespearean tragedy that unfolds in the key relationship of Washington and Arnold, who is an impulsive but sympathetic hero whose misfortunes at the hands of self-serving politicians fatally destroy his faith in the legitimacy of the rebellion. As a country wary of tyrants suddenly must figure out how it should be led, Washington’s unmatched ability to rise above the petty politics of his time enables him to win the war that really matters.

https://www.amazon.com/Valiant-Ambition-Washington-Benedict-Revolution/dp/0143110195/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497733797&sr=8-1&keywords=nathaniel+philbrick

Mystery and History and Fanfiction? Yes, please! This author plays off of Jane Austen to create her otherworldly mysteries! 

Valor and Vaniety by Mary Robinette Kowal

Acclaimed fantasist Mary Robinette Kowal has enchanted many fans with her beloved novels featuring a Regency setting in which magic—known here as glamour—is real. In Valour and Vanity, master glamourists Jane and Vincent find themselves in the sort of a magical adventure that might result if Jane Austen wrote Ocean’s Eleven.

After Melody’s wedding, the Ellsworths and Vincents accompany the young couple on their tour of the continent. Jane and Vincent plan to separate from the party and travel to Murano to study with glassblowers there, but their ship is set upon by Barbary corsairs while en route. It is their good fortune that they are not enslaved, but they lose everything to the pirates and arrive in Murano destitute.

Jane and Vincent are helped by a kind local they meet en route, but Vincent is determined to become self-reliant and get their money back, and hatches a plan to do so. But when so many things are not what they seem, even the best laid plans conceal a few pitfalls. The ensuing adventure is a combination of the best parts of magical fantasy and heist novels, set against a glorious Regency backdrop.

At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

https://www.amazon.com/Valour-Vanity-Glamourist-Histories-Book-ebook/dp/B00HL0MA78/ref=la_B0033T90TC_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1497734163&sr=1-4

And then because there’s nothing better than a horror story on a warm sunny day… I love this author. And she’s from Vermont!! 

Burntown by Jennifer McMahon

A fantastic machine that can reunite the living with the dead. A haunting–and dangerous–legacy that could destroy one family for generations.

All families have secrets, but Eva Sandeski’s family has a secret that someone is willing to kill for.

Find out why she’s hiding in a mysterious place called Burntown…

https://www.amazon.com/Burntown-Novel-Jennifer-McMahon-ebook/dp/B01LZOU9XD/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

If any of you want to add me to your reading list, here’s my author’s page;) It’s just a little shameless self-promotion…

https://www.amazon.com/Ripley-Proserpina/e/B01M7O0SZO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1497734671&sr=1-2-ent

Filed under: Ripley Proserpina, romance

Are You Successful? What Does that Mean?

 

[image error]One of the things that stops us from doing the things we really want to do, the things we dream of, is when we compare ourselves to others. We are all different and that is wonderful. When you team up with creative people who are all different, sometimes you get a masterpiece. The thing is as a writer, you seldom team up. Most writers write alone.

When you’re alone, you have to measure your success in a different way. Comparing yourself to others, just doesn’t work. Why? All the ways we are different: genetically, personal histories, lineage histories, daily experiences, interests, education, events that affect us, etc.

Being successful is a very personal matter. Only you can reach the goals you set. Some goals will be worth more to you then others.

Here are a few of my personal goals (not in any kind of order):

Get married – done
Have children – done, and one of my daughters has daughters
Fine something to do that makes me supremely happy – done – writing
Get a book published  – done – happened when Tease Publishing LLC (which has since closed) published When Love Survives
Get an additional publisher – done – happened when Soul Mate Publishing published Vampire King of New York
Get more than one book published – I now have 8 published and am working on the 9th.

So have I’ve been pretty successful in doing those things that I want. I’m still writing on my 2nd series the Arnhem Knights of New York, and I’m still having fun at it.

Success is a personal measure. Don’t use someone else’s measuring stick. You may be taller than you think.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!  Coming soon in Print on July 4th!

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Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

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Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love , Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Writer's Life, writing life, Yule

A Hectic Summer by Stacy Hoff

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Last summer I worked hard to keep up with my writing and publishing schedule. I swore that would be my last summer spent working day and night on my books. Apparently, I lied. This summer is turning out to be as hectic as the last one.

Unlike last summer, however, this summer my kids will be spending more time at home. Since I have several book projects lined up, it will be harder than before to balance my time. But I can do it. All I need to do is give up sleep.

If I survive, the payoff will make my frenetic pace worthwhile. I’ll be announcing some very cool news over the next few months.

If I don’t survive, at least I can say I died trying!!!!

In the meantime, I will do my best to simply breathe. Whenever I feel overwhelmed I’ll take a walk outside with my kids. I hope to make my family, and my readers, proud.

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WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

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BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (BUILDING LOVE series, #1) http://amzn.to/2kAgBvK

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JOCKEYING FOR YOU print version http://amzn.to/2eanq2o

JOCKEYING FOR YOU Kindle version http://amzn.to/2c8Hi5t

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DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC print version http://amzn.to/2cubwCf

DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC kindle version http://amzn.to/1KjfP9V

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DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES print version http://amzn.to/2dXO1zV

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES Kindle version http://amzn.to/1YEseie

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LAWFULLY YOURS print version http://amzn.to/2e6Ug8k

LAWFULLY YOURS Kindle version http://amzn.to/1Ky5CZm

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Filed under: romance, Stacy Hoff

Books: My Instant Vacation by Heather Novak

So, there I was, moving along, starting to write again, enjoying the warm weather that has finally graced Michigan, when the time came to bury my mother’s urn. (And, yeah, we’re burying it because putting it on a shelf or in a box is just weird.) After waiting for family to coordinate schedules, a marker to be made and installed, and some cemetery contract issues to resolve (seriously, death is super complicated, much like life…), it’s taken nearly four months to get everything in order.

What I never expected was the week leading up to the burial feels dangerously similar to the week of her funeral. Except, now, there’s no bereavement time and I already ate all the cookies in the house and had to go out and buy more. 

I only ate three cookies yesterday, I swear. And by three, I mean four. Ish.

What’s a girl to do when she’s crawling out of her skin with grief and anxiety and can’t take a vacation?

Read. All the books. All of them. 

Okay, maybe not all of them because I still have to work my day job (since I need to fund my cookie habit). I gave myself permission not to write, because there’s absolutely no way I can focus on that anyway. Instead, I’ve been rolling around in my love for Sally Thorne and Mariana Zapata. 

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Sally Thorne only has one book out so far, but yes, you need it. It’s called The Hating Game. Enemies to lovers, quirky, simple yet captivating, great voice. 

Nemesis (n.) 1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.

                       2) A person’s undoing

                       3) Joshua Templeman

Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can’t understand Joshua’s joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy’s overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

Mariana Zapata has a nice backlist, which has already made it’s way onto my kindle along with the Whispersync audio into my audible app. MZ is the QUEEN of the slow burn romance. Oh my goodness, is it DELICIOUS. I’ve not made it through all of her books yet, because these puppies are LONG (we’re talking like 700 pages each.) But they are so worth it. 

My favorite so far is probably Wait For It

[image error] If anyone ever said being an adult was easy, they hadn’t been one long enough.

Diana Casillas can admit it: she doesn’t know what the hell she’s doing half the time. How she’s made it through the last two years of her life without killing anyone is nothing short of a miracle. Being a grown-up wasn’t supposed to be so hard.

With a new house, two little boys she inherited the most painful possible way, a giant dog, a job she usually loves, more than enough family, and friends, she has almost everything she could ever ask for.

Except for a boyfriend.

Or a husband.

But who needs either one of those?

 I maintain that if the world read more romance, it would be a much happier place.

Until next week, happy reading. 

 

 

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On this day in 1953  Ana Castillo was born. Mexican-American author, poet, editor, playwright and scholar, recipient of a number of awards including an American book Award and a Carl Sandbury Award, first Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Endowed Chair at DePaul University

 

Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,[image error]

Heather Novak

Find me at:

Twitter: authorheathern

Instagram: authorheathern

Facebook: authorheathernovak

Hunting Witch Hazel: Now available

I was happy with my West Coast life – 24-hour pizza delivery and bikini-clad bodies as far as the eye could see. Now I’m in the small-ass town of  Hayvenwood  to extract a ransom to save my little brother’s life. And that ransom is locked inside of the sexiest witch I have ever met, Hazel Evanora.

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Filed under: romance

Emotions in the Writer’s Mind

In general, we tend to think of emotions as what we feel and what can at times, drive us to act. For example, we may eat ice cream or some sort of “comfort” food because it makes us feel happy. We do community service to help others but also because it makes us feel good about what we are giving back. We know that others most likely feel as well but it isn’t always the case where we transplant ourselves into others to truly understand how they feel or even why they feel it. This is common because we live with our emotions day in and day out whereas it can take a bit more effort to determine what exactly it is that others are feeling.

As writers, one of the things I love is that it is very frequent we must gauge what others are feeling or determine how best to make our readers feel something specific as we write say a fight scene or a romantic scene. Will our readers be pulled in by page-turning anxiety or will we make our readers cozy up in a big chair as our hero and heroine experience their first, long-anticipated kiss. It’s an awesome realization to think of the power we each have as individuals when it comes to impacting others. Yet, I will also say that with that power comes responsibility. In the world of fiction, I want to make my readers feel as they read and even provoke thoughts about the world I create. In reality, our impact is a lot more potent and it’s important for us to think of the consequences of our actions.

My point here? I’m not going to go all mushy and say we should all be sensitive and touchy feely, but the reality is we all feel whether we are raised to admit that or not. Some of us feel more than others. That being said, its important to take time to observe how we make others feel and explore that. While I realize we are busy with work, life, cutting corners with technology, etc., this is important as it is essential to our humanity.

Happy writing this week!

Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly

Still Radishing by Mandy Rosko

So I’m pretty sure I’m doing the whole Radish thing properly.

 

In case you missed last week’s post, I was all celebrating and dancing about how I’d made it into Radish after spamming their inbox for literally a couple of months begging to be let in.

 

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Radish is a new reading app for fiction, kind of like Wattpad. Only SUPER new. So new that it’s currently missing several key features, like author following and commenting, but the potential of the app is big enough that myself, and a lot of other authors, are currently willing to overlook it