Casey Dawes's Blog, page 14

Winter Meals in Montana

My last California novel, California Sunrise, was released in June. It’s gotten great reviews for its today’s-headlines tie-in (immigration), and will be part of a bundle, Romance in Color, releasing November 16, 2015 (Hint: Get your copy of 10 books for under $1–available for pre-sale now.)

But I’m done with California. For now. I’m old enough to never say never!

Winter crept into Montana on Halloween this year. We don’t have snow (yet), but the cold and damp are bold-chilling. Too bad I don’t write horror novels. This weather is conducive to it.

Instead, I cook. Today I made bread. Dinner tonight is a jalapeño-avocado soup from With a Measure of Grace: The Story and Recipes of a Small Town Restaurant Hardcover June 30, 2004, a book we found in our camping travels in 2008. Those are our meals in Montana.

Boulder is a very small town, (in 2013 the population was 222) with a very famous restaurant. It was featured in Oprah’s magazine, O, as well as other newspapers and magazines. The cookbook is worth reading for the story of how two businesswomen converted a conservative Mormon town, but the recipes are amazing.

My DH loves the Cowboy Meatloaf. I make it once in a while, because while it’s yummy, we find we’re eating less and less meat. Tonight’s soup appealed to me on several levels.

It’s a memory soup. We ate at that tiny restaurant in that tiny town amid amazing scenery.

It’s comfort food. Did I mention it’s got eight cups of cream in it? (Ours comes from Kalispell Kreamery.)

I connect with cooking at an elementary level–as a woman, as a Montanan, and as a human being. Food keeps us alive. Good food hints at immortality.

The Context of a Love Story

“I’m in love with Montana.

For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection.

But with Montana it is love.

And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.”

~ John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley

Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park

My DH and I got to drag friends from California on a whirlwind tour of our backyard yesterday. Now, we have a pretty special backyard. It includes the National Bison Range, Flathead Lake (the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Great Lakes), and Glacier National Park.

While in Bigfork, we were looking at tee-shirts and I was reminded of this quote from John Steinbeck. It’s the common ground in this state. We love it with a fierce pride I’ve never found anywhere else–and I’ve lived in seven states!

Of course, as a romance writer, I also enjoyed the tee-shirt entitled “How to pick up chicks …” It depicted a bear picking up a little yellow chick. Just my style of humor!

One of the things that my friend kept saying was that she and her husband were taking this 7,000+ mile drive to understand the context of how this country is physically put together. She feels that, having seen a place, she’ll be able to understand a news story more clearly, because she’ll understand the context.

Love stories happen in a context of place, too. A romance in a small Mid-Western town is going to be very different from that of a hip young couple in New York City. Whether an author writing literary fiction, mystery, or romance, setting is a crucial part of how the character’s develop.

While I’ve loved writing my California Series of books, I’m glad to be shifting to my home state. Sweet Montana Christmas will be out on December 14.

I’ve entered California Sunrise in the RWA Rita Awards.  Whether or not it makes it to the finals, I’m proud of that book and think it’s one of my best works yet. It will be included in Romance in Color , a collection of 10 multi-cultural romances for under $1, available full pre-order now.

Glacial stones through the clear water of Lake McDonald

Are you an aspiring author? From time to time, I’m going to provide a writing prompt. I’d love to see what you produce!  (casey AT stories-about-love.com.  Please put WRITING PROMPT in the subject line.)

WRITING PROMPT: What’s your favorite place to live or vacation? If you were to set a story there, what would your protagonist take from the setting? Show this in a short scene.

So You Want to Write! [Guest Post]

On November 16, my novel, California Sunrise, will be included in a new bundle entitled Romance in Color. Each story in the bundle contains multi-cultural heroes and heroines, more reflective of our country as a whole than many of our bookshelf offerings.

One of my fellow authors in that bundle, Ellen Parker, also has a new book coming out on October 23. Congratulations, Ellen! She’s penned a post for my blog for all of you who are aspiring authors, as well as readers.  At the end is also a blurb about the new book, Stare Down, which is available for pre-order.

Welcome Ellen …

 

So you want to write.

Have you thought about writing a story? A memoir? A novel?

Allow me to give you a bit of advice. No, don’t close your eyes and ears. I’m going to keep it simple.

READ!

Read articles and stories on subjects you enjoy. Move out of your comfort zone and try something new. If you enjoy historical fiction, try a futuristic novel. Or a contemporary thriller. Or a serious biography. This does not need to be expensive. Check out your local library or talk to some friends and arrange to swap books and magazines on a more private scale.

One thing which gets me to read more widely is a book discussion group. We seldom read a work which I’d select on my own. (Of 20 plus books I’d already read two.) A few of our selections were hidden gems. A couple others have indicated authors to avoid.

Books which I disliked have value. Why did I dislike it? Was it the premise? Did the author use poor grammar and writing? Did the time jump around and get confusing? (My personal preference is linear stories.)

Okay. You’ve decided on a topic and you’re ready to sit at the computer and write. Are you? Are your characters full people with a mix of good and bad traits? Do you know their world—historical facts, real world, or creation in outer space—well enough to be consistent?

If you’re able to sit down and write your story from beginning to end without multiple detours for more reading and research, I applaud you. You are truly a one-in-a-million author.

Don’t despair if you feel as if the writing is all detours and dead ends. When you get stuck take a little time to do more research. Take a walk and think about a plot point. Try a task or activity your characters engage in. Keep asking “what if?” Make a list including some wild ideas. You never know what’s going to stick and feel right coming out of a character’s mouth or running into the scene.

One final bit of advice for after you write the magic words “The End.”

CELEBRATE!

Revisions and edits will arrive soon. Grab the moment and share it with a friend, food, or a good browse in a book store.

Ellen Parker

Ellen Parker

Raised in a household full of books, it was only natural that Ellen Parker grew up with a book in her hand. She turned to writing as a second career and enjoys spinning the type of story which appeals to more than one generation. She encourages readers to share her work with mother or daughter – or both. When not guiding characters to their “happily ever after” she’s likely reading, tending her postage stamp garden, or walking in the neighborhood. She currently lives in St. Louis.

Website | Facebook

Stare Down

Tucking a weapon into a holster is part of getting dressed for Detective Maylee Morgan of the St. Louis Police. Her new assignment is the case of an unidentified body, and she soon discovers her new neighbor is more than a potential jogging partner.

Surgeon Dave Holmes is optimistic about his future. He has a new job, a new apartment, and an immediate attraction to a woman running in the park. He intends to discover more than her beautiful legs and unusual name. Then his boss is murdered and Dave lacks an alibi. Maylee’s questions and the handgun on her hip revive horrible memories.

Maylee’s search for hard evidence clears Dave, but brings her to the personal attention of the killer. In a tangle of career, family, and budding relationship all their lives could unravel if the wrong thread is tugged.

Ellen’s most recent sweet romantic suspense, Stare Down, is available in electronic and paperback format on:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Review: Ransom Canyon by Jodi Thomas

“Compelling and beautifully written.”

—Debbie Macomber,

#1 New York Times bestselling author

“Jodi Thomas is a masterful storyteller. She grabs your attention on the first page, captures your heart, and then makes you sad when it is time to bid her characters farewell. You can count on her to give you a satisfying and memorable read.”

—Catherine Anderson,

New York Times bestselling author

“Another winner… Tension rides high, mixed with humor and kisses more passionate than most full-on love scenes. Fans will be delighted.”

—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Terrific reading from page one to the end.”

—Fresh Fiction

RANSOM CANYON

By New York Times Bestselling Author

Jodi Thomas

Rancher Staten Kirkland, the last descendant of Ransom Canyon’s founding father, is rugged and practical to the last. No one knows that when his troubling memories threaten to overwhelm him he runs to lovely, reclusive Quinn O’Grady—or that she has her own secret that no one living knows.

Young Lucas Reyes has his eye on the prize—college, and the chance to become something more than a ranch hand’s son. But one night, one wrong decision, will set his life on a course even he hadn’t imagined.

Yancy Grey is running hard from his troubled past. He doesn’t plan to stick around Ransom Canyon, just to stay long enough to learn the town’s weaknesses and how to use them for personal gain. Only Yancy, a common criminal since he was old enough to reach a car’s pedals, isn’t prepared for what he encounters.

In this dramatic new series, the lives, loves and ambitions of four families will converge, set against a landscape that can be as unforgiving as it is beautiful, where passion, property and pride are worth fighting—and even dying—for.

My Thoughts

Call me hooked. This series is so varied in terms of personalities and stories that it intrigued me. The love story is between two older people, which was a nice change. I found myself rooting for people I wouldn’t ordinarily. It was as if I’d been invited into a community rich with life, love, and suspense.  The protagonists of the three intertwined stories each need to learn something about relationships in order to find the happiness they deserve.

This is a great series, and I’ve already put the next book on my wish list.

Q&A with Jodi Thomas

Author of

RANSOM CANYON

1.     What do you like most about Texas?  

Once a reporter asked me, “Writers can live anywhere in the world, why do you live in Texas?”  I told him there would never be enough time to tell him all the reasons.  I love the history of the state.  We were made up of people down on their luck, many who saw Texas as their last chance.  I came from farmers and fighters.  Sometimes I think that’s why Texans brag.  When we finally did make something of ourselves, we had to tell the world.

I love the sunsets that spread out across open skies and the people who’d stop, in their best clothes, to help a farmer get his tractor out of the ditch.  I love the tall stories folks tell even when they know everyone listening knows the truth.

I had an uncle once everyone called Wildhorse.  If he had a fender bender on the way home, it was a near-death crash by the time he told the story three times and by dark it would be moved up to a near-death experience.

I love the way cultures blend.  In architecture and art.  In music and food.  In all of life that makes up Texas.

2.     Why do you love writing novels set in Texas?

I think I love writing about Texas because it’s a place of heroes and legends.  Most of all I find such rich characters in Texas, both in real life and in the stories I write.  In truth, I’d probably find interesting characters wherever I lived because I love people.  But, in Texas real walking ones and fictional paper ones seem to find me.

3.    How does your degree in Family Studies aid in your writing?

Jodi with her Rita Awards

I think I’ve always been fascinated with people and why they do the things they do.  When I got my masters and became a certified family counselor I thought I’d do marriage counseling.  I hated it.

Two people coming into my office yelling at each other.

So I used my understanding of people to take up writing.  I don’t really think of the people in my books as characters.  I think of them as people who let me go on a journey with them.

My real kids’ greatest fear, I think, is that I might name one of my characters in my will.

4.    Do you have any pets? Tell us about him or her.

I had a cat that I dearly loved named Trace.  She was no help with my writing.  No good at protecting the house.  Too lazy to chase a mouse.  She had kittens in my closet on my favorite sweater and woke me up most mornings before the alarm then off.  When she died, I cried like a baby.

5.    What is your favorite travel destination?

I love England and Ireland.  It’s like I know deep inside it’s the home of my blood.

My car automatically stops at every museum or battlefield or historical marker from coast to coast.

My sons learned to drive in cemeteries where I was walking collecting names for characters. (Come to think of it, leaving them in the car when they were thirteen might not have been a good idea.)

This is the conversation between my sons:

“Remember when we when to….”

“No.  I wasn’t on that vacation.”

“How’d you get that lucky?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A fifth-generation Texan, JODI THOMAS sets the majority of her novels in her home state. With a degree in Family Studies, Thomas is a marriage and family counselor by education, a background that enables her to write about family dynamics. Honored in 2002 as a Distinguished Alumni by Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Thomas enjoys interacting with students on the West Texas A & M University campus, where she currently serves as Writer in Residence. When not working on a novel or inspiring students to pursue a writing career, Thomas enjoys traveling with her husband, Tom, renovating a historic home they bought in Amarillo, and “checking up” on their two grown sons.

What’s Your Sign? A Romance Writer’s Musings on Astrology

When I sit down to begin a new book, I prepare an extensive background on my characters. My editors might tell you that I should spend a little less time doing this and more time honing the conflict. But I love people! What makes them tick? Why do they do the things they do? Why do they believe what they do?

And why did I chew my hair in my twenties? These and other great mysteries of life will probably never be solved.

I use several mystical and psychological tools to probe the deep underbelly of my character’s lives. One of these is the enneagram type. This helps my define characteristics and help make them consistent. It can also provide a sense of conflict. For example, the Reformer and the Achiever are naturally in conflict, although they both have good reasons for what they do.

The five elements of Chinese philosophy are keys to inner conflict and developing the character arc. What are the positive and negative aspects of each element? Who is in natural conflict? How can someone with a strong water element overcome fear to lead the life they want to lead? Or get the man they think is beyond their reach?

The “best” pickup line in the 1970s (the same era that brought you disco, bell-bottoms, and huge afros) was “What’s your sign, baby?” (What were we thinking?) The belief was that you were romantically compatible with some astrology signs and not others. But picking a sign for my characters is another fun way to develop character traits and conflict, even if I never let the reader know anybody’s sign.

So what’s my sign? If anyone I know asks me that question, I usually roll my eyes and ask, “What do you think?” They look me over for a moment and then say, “Leo?”

Yep.

That’s me. Through and through. Don’t ask me what I think, because I will tell you and you might not like the answer. If there’s a leadership vacuum, I’ll step into it, often to my own detriment. But I can’t stand to see people whiffle whaffle while they try to compromise. I much better at being president than serving in a congress. (It should come as no surprise that Barrack Obama is a Leo.)

I love bright colors and strong emotions, sunsets in the mountains and sunrises on the ocean. I swoon for strength of character. I love all the wonderful things that go on between a man and a woman (and other people who love each other). On the down side, I can be … well … a bit stubborn. (I’m sure my DH and children will agree.)

There are a few Leos sprinkled in my books, and many other signs. I’d love to hear from you about what signs you think some of the characters are.  Hmmm.  I think that might be a great contest idea. What do you think?

And …

Hey, baby! What’s your sign?

 

 

 

Where I’ve Been … And New Directions

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve noticed I’ve been gone for a while. If you haven’t, :-)) … you’ll still get to hear about the grand adventure!

I believe most writer’s have a natural curiosity.  Although the adage is “write what you know,” many of us enjoy burrowing into a field we don’t know, or seeing a place we know with a new perspective. In my case, I also inherited a strong dose of wonderlust from my mother’s side of the family. Taking off across the country with my DH didn’t seem like a stretch. And now, three weeks and 7,000 miles, we’re back! (Our own bed feels so yummy.)

We inadvertently went to Sturgis, the great motorcycle rally in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This was the 75th anniversary and there were reports of over a million bikes. We were so overwhelmed by seeing Mt. Rushmore in the middle of roaring, we stopped on our way back to see it again. That time we added the Crazy Horse Monument.

Our main destination was to see my son and his family on the Jersey Shore. Now, I grew up in New Jersey, and a week was long enough for my Jersey Girl attitude to start creeping into my personality! My husband was grateful when it started drifting away again halfway through Illinois. More relatives in North Carolina, where I kayaked and watched the Great Blue Herons come and go.

The result of this long and somewhat arduous trip, was firming up a new direction and resolve for my writing life. I am able to focus more and prioritize better, including leaving my laptop in the office at the end of the day. Things have become so much clearer.

I’ll be focusing more on this blog and moving away from doing reviews. While I’ll read just as much (books were a great relief from cornfields!), and tell you about books I discover, I won’t be doing blog tours with a few exceptions for my fellow Montana writers. While I’m on the subject — I did plow through four books of Sherryll Woods Calamity Janes Series.

From time to time there will be contests, teasers from my latest books, cover reveals–the stuff of most author’s sites. But I also hope to give you something to think about, the effect of the seasons changing, the beauty around me in Montana, maybe even something controversial now and again. I welcome your thoughts and opinions on this blog, as well as my books.

For those of you, like me, returning from vacation … Welcome Home!

Review: Once and Again by Elisabeth Barrett

 

Once and Again

Return to Briarwood # 1

By: Elisabeth Barrett

Releasing July 14, 2015

Loveswept

Blurb

For readers of Shannon Stacey and Susan Mallery, the heartfelt new Briarwood series begins with a tale of forbidden love, broken promises, and second chances.

Growing up in Eastbridge, Connecticut, Carolyn Rivington was a young debutante who did whatever her parents asked. So when her father demanded that she break things off with the boy from the wrong side of the tracks or else, she did. Now Carolyn’s family is deep in debt. She’s no longer a member of the Briarwood Golf and Yacht Club, she’s an employee. And the tanned, tattooed, dangerously handsome stranger who saunters into her lobby isn’t just her new boss . . . he’s also her first love.

The last time he saw Carolyn, Jake Gaffney was in the back of a police cruiser, handcuffed and humiliated. But seeing her again stirs other memories: a blanket on the beach, the moon above their heads, and the most expensive bottle of wine he could afford. Now the tables have turned. As a real-estate magnate and Briarwood’s new owner, Jake doesn’t have to answer to anyone. But now that he’s back home, he’s finding it hard to live down his old reputation.

Before they can move forward, Jake and Carolyn must face their pasts. But it’ll take more than sizzling chemistry for them to heal old wounds and return to the love they once shared.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23395411-once-and-again?ac=1

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/139110-return-to-briarwood

My Thoughts

What a sweet book this was … I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Jake and Carolyn, although in some ways I can’t relate at all, never having been a debutant or golf caddy. But there were still elements that made these two entirely relatable.

I raced through the two thirds of this book, eager to get to what happened. I was happy with the direction, and for the real problems that were encountered. My only quibble is that there was a lull shortly after that point that detracted from the book for me. That said, I strongly recommend this book as it’s a good, solid read.

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Publisher

Author Info

Elisabeth Barrett lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and spends her days teaching, editing, writing sexy contemporary romance, and enjoying time with her sometimes-bearded husband and three spirited children. She is constantly perfecting her home-work-writing juggling act, but in her free time she loves to hike open-space preserves, grow orchids, bake sweet things her husband won’t eat, and sing in grand choruses. For more about Elisabeth, please visit her website.

Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Excerpt

“Sir? Excuse me, sir?” Carolyn Rivington kept her voice low and polite as she gracefully slid up next to the stranger standing in the entranceway of the Briarwood Golf and Yacht Club. “May I help you?”

The big, dark-haired man with the mirrored sunglasses didn’t even bother to glance in her direction. Just growled “no,” and gave her a flash of hard-set jaw as he turned away.

Kicking out unwanted guests from the club was so not in her job description, but she was damned good at it, and the more ways she could make herself useful at Briarwood, the less chance she had of losing her job. Plus, Tammi had begged.

Carolyn shot a look to the front desk. Sure enough, Tammi Porter was there, eyes wide, desperation written all over her face. See? Tammi seemed to be saying. Yes, she saw all right—the guy who just wouldn’t take the hint to get lost. Well, she was about to make him.

Carolyn shifted her weight in her cream-colored pumps and took a long, practiced look at her quarry—well, what she could see of him, anyway. He wasn’t from around here; that much was certain.

Eastbridge, Connecticut, in the heart of Fairfield County, was a pretty conservative place, and this guy was . . . not. He wore his thick black hair slicked back, and his bronzed skin fairly glowed against the club’s whitewashed wicker-and-chintz seating. Dark jeans emphasized every inch of his long, muscular legs. He sported two full sleeves of tattoos, a wall of color from the edge of his tight, black T-shirt all the way down to his wrists, and his don’t-mess-with-me attitude emanated from every pore in his body.

No. Definitely not on the membership list.

It was also unlikely that he was here for legitimate reasons. If he were a contractor, he would have made the appropriate appointment, and club employees would come in through the staff entrance.

He didn’t have a wedding ring—not proof positive, but a likely indication he didn’t have a family—and youngish, single men typically didn’t join clubs like this one.

The man was at the window now, still with his back to her, and while she watched, he lifted a section of one long, taupe drape and rubbed it between his fingers, as if testing its weight. Augustus Richardson, one of Briarwood’s oldest members, pried his attention away from his Wall Street Journal, glanced at the man, shook his head, and then went back to his paper.

Mr. Tan-and-Tatted clearly didn’t care what kind of a scene he was causing, because he then ran his finger right down the middle of an end table, ostensibly checking for dust. Which he wouldn’t find, of course. Briarwood’s facilities had seen better days, but the cleaning staff did a good job. Not that she needed to explain that to this guy. Not that she needed to explain anything to this guy except where the exit was.

Satisfied that she was ready for a second approach, Carolyn smoothed the front of her suit jacket down, pasted on her most generous smile, and followed him over. After she was through, he’d never know what hit him.

“Sir,” she repeated. Insisted.

The man stopped pawing the entryway furniture and paused for one terrible moment. Then he turned, showing her all his dangerous beauty. A generous five o’clock shadow emphasized his sharp cheekbones and well-defined mouth. She followed the line of his neck down to the hollow of his throat, unable to help but notice the prominent lines of his collarbones before they disappeared under that tight tee that hugged his torso, emphasizing every plane and valley in his chest.

He shifted, and she dragged her gaze from his pectoral muscles back to his face. She couldn’t place him, although he looked vaguely familiar, in that way handsome men always did. And then the corners of his lips turned up in a . . . sneer?

No matter. Tattoos weren’t her thing, anyway.

“Sir, may I help you?” she asked, her voice firmer this time.

“No.”

He began to turn away again, but she immediately stepped back into his line of sight.

“This is a private club,” she said quickly. “If you’re interested in joining, I would suggest reviewing our website first to familiarize yourself with the membership criteria. We welcome all applicants, but we do require two sponsors and a personal interview with the Board of Trustees once you have filled out the initial paperwork. Here,” she said, handing him her card. “I’m happy to answer any questions, so please email or call if you decide you’d like to apply.” She wasn’t in charge of membership, but she needed to do something to get this guy out of the clubhouse.

After a too-long pause, he took the card, and then just stood there, staring at it. In his huge hand, the paper looked minuscule.

“Carolyn Rivington, Director of Events,” he read, his tone gruff.

“Yes,” she said. “As I said, please call. I’m happy to talk anytime.” His cue to leave.

But he didn’t. Just stood there, still staring at the card, while a muscle ticked in his jaw.

“Sir?” she prompted, praying she wasn’t losing her touch.

A familiar face appeared to her right—Richard Handel, Briarwood’s general manager and her direct boss. “I have this, Carolyn,” Richard said, under his breath.

Carolyn nodded. Even though he looked like a professor with his salt-and-pepper hair, tweed blazer, and small, round glasses, Richard was more than capable of handling their unwanted visitor.

“I’ll see you at the meeting in a few minutes,” she told him. Then she gave a polite nod to Tattoo Guy. “A pleasure,” she lied. His only response was to frown.

 

Blog Tour: Pregnant by the Cowboy CEO by Catherine Mann

Pregnant by the Cowboy CEO

by Catherine Mann

Harlequin

 

Jewelry designer Amie McNaire would do anything for her dying grandmother, including promise to travel with the outsider chosen to run her family’s business empire. Simple. All she has to do is keep her hands to herself and find a way to let the sexy new CEO know she’s pregnant with his child.

Preston Armstrong has secrets of his own. But spending a week with Amie has this tight-lipped cowboy longing to open up, even if his past threatens their future – as a couple, and a family.

Want to win a free copy? Keep reading.

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts

I have to say, I’m usually not a big fan of accidental pregnancy, or baby stories, but I enjoyed the texture of this one. Why not? Big hulking CEO (not sure why he’s a cowboy–the only time he gets on a horse is at the end of the story)–with money, power, and a tragic past. If you’re looking for something light to read, try this.

I really don’t like the title, though.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Mann

USA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has books in print in more than 20 countries with Desire, Romantic Suspense, HQN and other Harlequin lines. A six-time RITA finalist, she has won both the RITA and the Bookseller’s Best Awards. Catherine resides in Florida with her aviator husband, their four children and a menagerie of pets.

Visit Catherine on her website at www.catherinemann.com You can also find her on Twitter: @Catherinemann1  or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CatherineMannAuthor

 Want to Win a Free Book?

Win a free copy of Pregnant by the Cowboy SEO!

To enter, leave a comment below. Answer the question, “Why do cowboys make great heroes?” and leave your email address.  Contest ends August 2nd!

Blog Tour: The Cowboy Seal’s Triplets by Tina Leonard

 

The Cowboy Seal’s Triplets

by Tina Leonard

Harlequin

When Daisy Donovan roars into town on the back of John “Squirt” Mathison’s motorcycle, the people of Bridesmaids Creek start buzzing like bees in mating season. The former bad girl is finally home where she belongs, ready to win over her Texas town – and the hunky former SEAL whose babies she carries.

Although he just had the most passionate time of his life with the woman he adores, John’s after a prize he thought couldn’t be his. He never had a real home, growing up in a family who traveled from rodeo to rodeo. But now he’s determined to show Daisy that he’s ready to settle down and be the new favorite son of Bridesmaids Creek – by getting Daisy to the altar before their triplets are born.

Want to win a free copy? Keep reading!

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tina Leonard

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Tina Leonard has sold more than 3 million copies of her titles. She has made the USA Today Bestseller, Waldenbooks, Bookscan, and Ingrambook lists, and has written and contracted 71 books and special projects. She is best known for her sparkling sense of humor, endearing communities, snappy dialogue, and memorable characters that include sexy hunks with attitude and heroines with plenty of sass. For more information, visit www.tinaleonard.com or follow her on Twitter: @Tina_Leonard.

WIN A FREE BOOK!

Want to win a free copy of The Cowboy Seal’s Triplets? Leave a comment below with:

The answer to: Why do you read romance novels?

Your email address.

One random winner will win a free copy of the book. Contest ends July 31, 2015!

 

Blog Tour: The Maverick’s Accidental Bride by Christine Rimmer

The Maverick’s Accidental Bride

by Christine Rimmer

Harlequin

 

Welcome back, faithful readers! The Rust Creek Rambler has an exclusive for you: Jordyn Leigh Cates has gotten married! That’s right, our innocent Jordyn, who came to town a few years back with the Rust Creek Falls “Gal Rush” tied the know on July Fourth in what appeared to be a very impulsive ceremony.

No one could blame the blushing bridesmaid for saying “I do” to Will Clifton. The sexy, blue-eyed rancher is six feet of pure muscle and charm. But are these two merely love-struck friends who got swept away at someone else’s wedding? Our sources suggest otherwise. Stay tuned to find out the true story behind these surprise spouses –and see if they can make it past their honeymoon.

Buy Links

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My Thoughts

The Maverick’s Accidental Bride is a delightful read. It’s my first book in this series, and I look forward to reading more. While it took me a bwhat to do about it. it to get into the characters and story, I became engrossed in the accidental marriage as the couple tried to figure out in a mature way how to handle the consequences of an event they barely remember. Of course, I rooted for the happily ever after, and enjoyed the Montana setting. When I finished the book, I was happily satisfied, reminded that, as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz says, the next time I go looking for happiness, I’ll start with my own back yard.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine Rimmer

New York Times and USA Today  bestselling author Christine Rimmer has written more than 90 contemporary romances for Harlequin Books.  She has won Romantic Times BOOKreview’s  Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Silhouette Special Edition.  She has been nominated five times for the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award and also five times for Romantic Times Series Storyteller of the Year. You can find her on Facebook at Christine Rimmer Author or on Twitter @RimmerChristine.