Aubrey Wynne's Blog, page 7

Historical Romance Cookie Hop: Monster Cookies!

 

Welcome to the Historical Romance Cookie Hop. Visit all the authors on the list for a chance to win the grand prize. 🎄🍪

I love Christmas. It’s my favorite time of year. The tree goes up early and comes down late in my house. My sister, niece, and I take a day to make cookies: peanut butter with chocolate kisses, pretzels with chocolate kisses and M&Ms, cut-out sugar cookies, and monster cookies. The latter is what I’m sharing today.

Monster Cookie recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup M&M candies
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream the butter and sugar together really well—at least 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.Add peanut butter and mix well. Add egg and vanilla and mix.In a separate mixing bowl stir together the flour (be careful to measure correctly, spooning the flour into a measuring cup, then leveling off), oats, salt, baking powder and baking soda.Add to the wet mixture and mix to combine. Stir in chocolate chips and M&M’s.Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or a little longer if you make them bigger than a 1inch cookie scoop. Don’t over bake–they will look just set.Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the pan.We usually take turns stirring the batter. It’d definitely a workout! Feel free to substitute/add other ingredients. We’ve experimented with butterscotch and peanut butter chips too. Add whatever tickles your fancy, just DON’T overbake. Christmas Past and Present

While parts of Christmas change over the centuries, there are aspects that will always remain. Christmas has always been a time for gathering with community and family. The traditional foods and games may be different but the atmosphere, the camaraderie, is always there. If you’d like to mix the past and present, consider making syllabub or hot buttered rum for your get-together this year.

 

In celebration of the season, I’d like to offer all the hoppers this Christmas recipe book by some of your favorite historical authors. This was organized by the fabulous Glynis Campbell. There are ancient recipes and trivia included on each page. Enjoy!
Visit the all the participating authors. Happy holidays to all!#NameAuthor Links1Heather McCollumhttps://www.heathermccollum.com/kitchen/2Callie Huttonhttp://calliehutton.com/2024/12/welcome3Allison B. Hansonhttps://allisonbhanson.wordpress.com/4Jane Charleshttps://www.janecharlesauthor.com/christmas-fun5Katherine Bonehttps://www.katherinebone.com/6Alanna Lucashttps://alannalucas.com7Jude Knighthttps://judeknightauthor.com8Glynnis Campbellhttps://glynnis.net/ChristmasCookies9Anna St. Clairehttps://www.annastclaire.com/contests10Brenna Ashhttps://www.brennaash.com/parlor11Tabetha Waitehttps://www.authortabethawaite.com/contact12Kate Batemanhttps://www.facebook.com/kcbatemanauthor/13Eliana Pierswww.facebook.com/groups/elianasbeaumondereadergroup14C.H. Admirandhttps://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor15Rachel Ann Smithhttps://www.facebook.com/rachelannsmit1116Margaux Thornehttps://www.facebook.com/margauxthorneauthor/17Sara Adrienhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6156593832462318Ruth A. Casiehttps://ruthacasie.com/blog/19Maeve Greysonhttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaeveGreyson20Tina Gabriellehttps://www.facebook.com/TinaGabrielle21Christina Dianehttps://christinadianebooks.com/cookiehop/22Melanie McCarthyhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/115956454112084123Edie Cayediecay.com24Aubrey Wynnehttps://www.aubreywynne.com25Misty Urbanhttps://www.mistyurban.com/holiday26Elizabeth Rosehttps://www.facebook.com/ElizabethRoseNovels27Tara Kingstonhttps://www.facebook.com/TaraKingstonAuthor/28Rebecca Paulahttps://www.facebook.com/rebeccapaulaauthor/29Terri Brisbinhttps://terribrisbin.com/news/?p=197530Sydney Jane Bailyhttps://sydneyjanebaily.com/2024-cookie-hop/

New Beginnings in Twinkle Falls by Freda Ann with excerpt and giveaway

New Beginnings in Twinkle Falls
Freda Ann
(A Twinkle Falls Novel)
Publication date: December 12th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

A sweet, inspirational, small town romance with holiday cheer and a happy ending.

Kylee Croft is a single mom to the sweetest little girl anyone could ask for. Growing up in Paris, the most romantic city in the world, to Kylee it felt like a rite of passage to one day marry the man of her dreams.

Now living in Twinkle Falls, she appreciates the ease of small town life and how people look out for one another, though getting to know the sister and father she never knew existed is the icing on the cake.

Trace Holburg was one happy man after marrying his first love seven years ago. Soon after, his family felt complete with the birth of their twins. But he received a rude awakening when his soon to be ex-wife left him and the boys for a life of alcoholism. After the divorce and getting sole custody of his boys, he swore he’d never marry again.

Kylee has been dating Trace for over a year but worries the man she’s fallen madly in love with is pulling away from her. To complicate things even more her daughter’s biological father shows up in Twinkle Falls.

Can this couple make peace with their past and find a future together, or does their fate lie elsewhere?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks

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EXCERPT:

“Man, I suck at this,” I blurt out, while on a jog around the perimeter of the Fall Fair with Jesse. We started hanging out years ago after our sisters became BFFs.

“O-kayyy…” He elongates the word, briefly cutting his eyes in my direction. “Do you care to elaborate?”

“Ugh, at romancing a woman. It’s like I forgot how to do it, since I haven’t dated for years. Before Kylee, Roxanne was the only woman I’d ever loved. Actually, now that I think about it, I’m sure Roxanne put the moves on me first. Which means, I have no game. Dang, I’m doomed.”

“I assume you’re talking about romancing Kylee? Tell me what happened before I give my opinion on the situation.

Shaking my head as we run past a seven-foot scarecrow and two smaller ones along the jogging trail, I try explaining. “It’s bad; really bad,” I huff. “One minute, we were sipping wine and cuddling on the sofa after an amazing French meal she made, and the next, something completely different than what I had planned to say came pouring out of my mouth.”

“Oh, gosh, what’d you say?”

“I said something like… if it’s not clear that I want us to have a future together and to, uh, share a house so we can do more stuff like this—”

“Stop!” We quit running as Jesse steps to the side of the trail. “You’re right, you do suck at this.” He chuckles. “That’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard a guy say to the woman he loves. What was her response?”

“It wasn’t great. She didn’t say anything at first, so I added, unless it’s not something you want. Finally, she grabbed my hand and said she’d love for us to live in the same house, but then she looked confused after she said it.”

“Man, I can definitely see why. You need to watch some romance movies or something because you’re right, you have zero game with the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with.”

“Geez, thanks for the vote of confidence, buddy,” I quip. As we resume running, I’m suddenly feeling worse than I did before.”

Author Bio:

Freda Ann is fondly known for her sweet/clean, HEA RomComs. Her loyal fans and reviewers have compared several of her books to Hallmark movies. Many have hit #1 in multiple categories after release.

She writes relatable, faith and family based love stories which include kids and adorable dogs. Her writing style appeals to people of all ages. Her books will take you on an emotional journey with likable characters, and dreamy settings you’ll wish you could visit.

After retiring from a career in the law enforcement field, Freda feels blessed to be able to write and self-publish her stories for everyone to read. She adores her large family, 5 children and 9 grandchildren, and hosts monthly family gatherings.

To hear about new releases, please follow her on Amazon and also on Goodreads.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / X

 

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Like It’s Christmas by Diana A. Hicks with giveaway

Like It’s Christmas
Diana A. Hicks
(Winterstorm Village, #1)
Publication date: October 29th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Historical, Romance

At Winterstorm Village, a record-breaking blizzard always ends in a wedding before the season is over. This year promises to bring the mother of all snowstorms, and the residents couldn’t be more excited to see who’s next to tie the knot…

Rhett Parker hates Christmas. When the Mayor of Winterstorm has an unfortunate accident and ends up in a coma, Rhett is left hanging with the proverbial Santa Gift Bag. To make matters worse, the only one who can help him save their money-making tourist season is his office nemesis, Ms. Christmas cheer in a bottle, Parker Cruz.

Parker Cruz, the Mayor’s daughter, is determined to save Christmas now that her dad isn’t there to make it all happen. The only person standing in her way is the town’s Scrooge, the newly appointed Mayor, Rhett Parker.

She’s willing to do whatever it takes to make good on her promise to her dad. So, when a series of unlucky events strike, and the residents start talking about canceling Christmas, Parker does the unthinkable. She agrees to a fake date with her new boss.

Love is always in the air during the holidays at Winterstorm Village. So what if this year it’s all pretend? Or is it?

Goodreads / Amazon

Excerpt

“Do you need a ride?” Bria placed her hand on my shoulder.

“No. I’ll walk. But thanks.”

“Are you sure?” Rowena asked. “It’s freezing out there.”

“I’ll be fine. Go on.” I waved them good-bye.

As soon as they left, I got on my phone and texted Dad to confirm our dinner tonight. He promptly replied with an enthusiastic yes, an exclamation point, and a string of emotes—see no evil monkey, christmas tree, champagne bottle, and dancing guy. I chuckled at the screen, and finished the last of my espresso martini.

Rhett and Thor had already left when I ambled out of the bar, which put me in an even better mood. I was ready to not see Rhett for the next three weeks. And now, thanks to my besties, I had a solid plan to make this Christmas the best ever.

I strolled down Main Street, smiling every time a flurry brushed my cheek. In the next few days, the entire town’s square would be turned into a winter wonderland. I wanted all the wreaths, garlands and twinkling lights hung and firmly secured before the big storm came through. As I continued down the sidewalk, I made a mental list of what all needed to be done. Maybe Mrs. Dankworth would agree to donate swag to decorate the street lamp posts.

“Are you insane?” Rhett’s deep voice made me stop in my tracks.

When I turned around, I stepped off the curb and lost my balance. “Whoa.” My ankle twisted sideways. For a whole beat, I started to fall face first on a pile of black ice. But before I hit the ground, Rhett yanked me toward him like I weighed nothing.

“It’s freezing out here. What are you doing out and about?”

“What are you doing out and about?” I shot back then pushed against his chest to free myself.

“I was about to get in my car and drive away.” He glared at me then winced, as if what he had to say next pained him. “I’m taking you home.”

“In your dreams. I’m half a mile away.” I made to walk around him.

“Get in the car, Cruz.” His voice boomed in the empty street. “Now.”

I rolled my eyes at him. He had no right to get so bossy with me. For one, we were not in the office. And two, he wasn’t my boss. I worked for the Mayor, my dad. Rhett’s smug smile and high-handedness could bite me.

“Good night, Rhett.”

“Cruz.” He gripped my elbow, and for a split second his eyes softened. “Don’t put yourself in danger just to spite me. It’s cold and slippery out there.”

 

 

Author Bio:

Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.

When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / X / TikTok

 

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A Wallflower Never Forgets by Anna St. Claire Release Day

 A Wallflower Never Forgets
by Anna St. Claire
Revenge of the Wallflowers #41

What happens when her childhood crush becomes the man she can’t live without?

The first time she loved him…
Lady Melanie Stenson lost her heart to her brother’s best friend, Viscount Jonathan DeLacey, at the tender age of twelve, when he saved her from drowning in the pond on her family’s estate. But when she attended her first ball at seventeen, Jonathan shattered Melanie’s heart when he treated her as though she were still a child, seeming to look right through her and then, announcing his engagement to Lady Diana Thurston.

The second time he loved her…
Jonathan DeLacey was done with love when his betrothed jilted him for a Duke. Burying himself in his work as an agent of the crown, Jonathan developed a reputation for taking on the most dangerous assignments. Four years later, as he’s tracking a suspect through the streets of London, he saves a young woman from a runaway carriage, whom he realizes is Lady Melanie Stenson. No longer the little girl he once knew, Jonathan was taken with Melanie’s beauty and vibrant spirit. Unfortunately, Melanie seems not to care one whit for Jonathan. Curious and captivated, Jonathan is determined to change her mind.

Will the third time be the charm?
When they see each other again at a Christmas house party to celebrate her grandmother’s 70th birthday, can Melanie and Jonathan reconcile past mistakes and misunderstandings and realize they’ve been meant for each other all along?

Shop Now: https://books2read.com/u/b5B8Yk

Shop the series: https://books.bookfunnel.com/revenge_of_the_wallflowers/7x4ng9tv7t

 

A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS by Bobbi Smith with excerpt and giveaway

A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS

Bobbi Smith

GENRE:  Historical Fiction

BLURB:

Dan Roland has always gone it alone. And no prissy miss from back East is going to convince him to do otherwise. Even if she does have the most alluring brown eyes he’s ever seen. But when his boss suddenly orders that he help the brunette beauty find a buried treasure, the rugged ranch foreman doesn’t have any choice but to offer his protection.

It’s not just the weather leaving Penny Anderson feeling a bit chilly upon her return to Texas. First she gets the news that her ailing father has hidden the family fortune. Then she learns Dan Roland is the only one he trusts to help her find it. And yet one teasing, tempting kiss at a time, he starts to thaw her out until all she yearns for is A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS.

Excerpt 

John couldn’t believe his luck as he tracked Dan and Penny. Things were turning out far better than he’d ever hoped. First, he’d turn their horses loose and then he’d get the money from them and take off. His plan was perfect. This blue norther would take care of everything else for him.

Dan and Penny were so far away from the line shack they wouldn’t last in the freezing cold, and even if they did survive, he’d be long gone by the time anyone rescued them.

Feeling more confident than ever, John moved down to where they’d left their horses. He checked the saddlebags and found the metal box filled with money that they’d found on their first dig.  After running the horses off, he went to find them.

John reached the drop-off on the side of the road and was surprised to see Dan and Penny on their way up carrying another box of money. He stepped back to stay out of sight until Dan reached the trail.

Dan got to the top and helped Penny up to find John waiting there for them. He immediately feared the worst – that he’d come after them because Jack had died.

“John, what happened?”

“Nothing’s happened … yet,” John said, his tone serious.

“Then why are you here?” Dan demanded.

John’s expression turned deadly. “I want the money.” He drew his gun and aimed it at them. “Just toss the box over here, real easy.”

“Don’t do this. You’ll never get away with it.”

“Thieves only get in trouble if they get caught,” John sneered, “I’ll be so far gone before anyone finds out what I did, they won’t have a chance. Now, throw that box over here or I’ll shoot the girl.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

After working as a department manager for Famous-Barr, and briefly as a clerk at a bookstore, Bobbi Smith gave up on career security and began writing. She sold her first book to Zebra in 1982.

Since then, Bobbi has written over 40 books and 6 novellas. To date, there are more than five million of her novels in print. She has been awarded the prestigious Romantic Times Storyteller of the Year Award and two Career Achievement Awards. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists.

When she’s not working on her novels, she is frequently a guest speaker for writer’s groups. Bobbi is mother of two sons and resides in St. Charles, Missouri with her husband and three dogs.

Romantic Times Storyteller of the Year

NY Times Bestseller

USA Today Bestseller

Inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta Literary Fraternity

Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Christmas-Bobbi-Smith-ebook/dp/B004EYT522/

Free to read on Kindle Unlimited
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Elf Against the Wall by Alina Jacobs

Elf Against the Wall
Alina Jacobs
(The Wynter Brothers, #2)
Publication date: November 12th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

When you kiss your perfect boyfriend under the mistletoe…only for your cousin to scream to the family that you stole her man, Christmas is OVER.

In my defense, I didn’t know my boss—yup, boss. Buckle up because this is messy—was my cousin’s newly minted and totally lying fiancé. I thought he was the Nutcracker Prince come to finally show my family that I, too, was worthy of putting the star atop the Christmas tree.

I was so wrong.
Now my entire family thinks I’m a ho ho ho.
I’m at the top of the naughty list, not in a fun Elf on the Shelf way, but rather in a snide-comments-at-brunch and sitting-at-the-kids’-table kinda way.

I have to clear my name, or Christmas is ruined. Again.
What better way than to blackmail my family’s number one sworn enemy?
Anderson Wynter is this desperate elf’s last hope. Six-foot-five, ethically challenged, with washboard abs and a death wish, Anderson is the perfect weapon to expose my ex and help me get back in my family’s good graces.
That is, until the weapon massively backfires… and no, not like that.

Anderson goes full Nightmare Before Christmas and shows up at my family’s annual holiday party in nothing but tattoos and a motorcycle helmet and tells everyone we’re dating.
Yep, that kicks me off the naughty list and sends me straight to the Grinch’s garbage dump.

Now I’m chained to a motorcycle-riding bad elf with terrible morals and an even worse attitude—one who sticks his hand down my shirt in the middle of my parents’ posh country club and tells me to ride him like I do his bike.
When I slap him, he just smirks and asks if I fluff my marshmallows while fantasizing about betraying my family with him.
As if.

No way am I sleeping with the man my entire family hates.
Because that won’t just ruin Christmas.
It’ll ruin the rest of my life.

Naughty elves of Christmas checking in! We’re drunk caroling, eating cookies at midnight, surviving family drama, and drooling over hot, unattainable men who are oh so wrong for us. This standalone holiday romantic comedy has all the Christmas cheer you can fit under the tree and a happily ever after guaranteed!

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

There was a man—a huge man!—in my father’s study, all in heavy black motorcycle gear, a helmet hiding his face.

Snowball had her needle-sharp teeth latched onto the robber’s pant leg, and he was batting at her roughly, trying to knock her off.

“Don’t you hurt my dog!” I screamed, picking up a priceless wood statue my parents had brought back from their anniversary trip to Japan and racing after the attacker.

He grunted in surprise but raised his arm too late to block the statue from crashing into his motorcycle helmet, shattering the tinted visor.

Eyes like a raging winter storm glared back at me through the broken glass.

I hefted the statue again, and it connected with one of his massive arms.

The hit didn’t even knock him off-balance.

“Oh shit,” I whimpered as he took a step toward me.

The huge arm came up, knocking the statue out of my hands to split on the floor.

I spun to escape but tripped on the corner of the rug and crashed to the floor, yelling unintelligibly as he pounced on me, pinning me on my back. His huge gloved hand covered my mouth and nose so I couldn’t scream. I could barely breathe.

“Shut up,” the deep voice ordered, slightly muffled by the broken motorcycle helmet.

I struggled under the massive male body that had me trapped on the floor, clawing ineffectively at him.

“What the hell?” he growled. “Fuck, I need to do something with you.”

Was he going to hurt me? Or take me with him to be—Gulp—disposed of somewhere else?

Don’t let yourself be taken to a second location!

But I couldn’t budge all the muscle and sinew holding me down.

“Motherfuck—” he roared, snatching his gloved hand back from my mouth as Snowball bit him, her sharp teeth sinking through the gloves into his thumb.

Sucking in shuddering breaths, I pummeled the man’s helmet as he shook his hand, Snowball not letting go as he flapped her around.

Scraping my nails on his neck, I managed to drag his helmet off his head and hoisted it, banging it on his face and shoulders as he cursed, finally shaking the dog and the glove free.

His tattooed hand made a fist and punched the helmet out of my grasp. His knee pinned my hip to the floor. As he raised himself slightly, his face was lit up by passing headlights.

“Oh my god,” I whimpered, eyes bugging out of my head as I took in his chiseled face, strong jaw, black hair, wintery gray eyes, and scars on his cheek and across one eye.

“You’re the… the… the…”

“The… the… the…” he mocked as he catalogued my dawning recognition.

Author Bio:

If you like steamy romantic comedies with a creative streak, then I’m your girl!

Architect by day, writer by night, I love matcha green tea, chocolate, and books! So many books…

Sign up for my mailing list to get the free novella, AFTER HIS PEONIES, along with special bonus content, giveaways, and more!

http://alinajacobs.com/mailinglist.html

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Bookbub / X

 

GIVEAWAY!
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Wedding Bells in Silverwood by Dorothy Dreyer with excerpt and giveaway

Wedding Bells in Silverwood
Dorothy Dreyer
(Silverwood Series)
Publication date: November 26th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Silverwood’s most anticipated event of the year is upon us—Holly St. Ives and Nick Mason’s New Year’s Eve wedding. But as one disaster after another strikes in the weeks leading up to their big day, Holly begins to suspect that something is amiss.

Enter Viola Carver, a former culinary prodigy who put her career on hold to care for her disabled mother. Given a last-minute opportunity to cater the event of the season, Viola is determined to prove herself. But she fears she may blow her big chance after several rocky encounters with the dashing venue owner.

With a saboteur on the loose who’s intent on ruining Nick and Holly’s wedding, it might take Nick’s team of Alaskan Malamutes and a New Year’s miracle to save the day.

Goodreads / Purchase

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EXCERPT:

Did I really agree to this?

Holly St. Ives shielded her eyes from the August sun and glared at the uphill dirt trail in front of her, half tempted to fake a sudden illness so she could go home and hide under the covers. She’d prefer her nice, warm, cozy bed to a thin sleeping bag on a cold, bumpy tent floor anyway.

Nick Mason, her devoted boyfriend for eight months and counting, closed the SUV’s trunk and roped his arms through the straps of the oversized backpack. “You ready for this?”

Nick’s Alaskan Malamute, Cupid, wagged his tail eagerly, waiting for the green light to charge up the hill.

Holly eyed the steep climb and raised her brow. “Would you be upset if I changed my mind?”

Nick handed Holly her rucksack, which was considerably smaller than his. “I thought you said seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of your bucket list.”

Holly squirmed as she slung the pack over her thin jacket. “I could just watch them online.” She yanked her chestnut brown waves out from the purple, pashmina scarf encompassing her neck, hoping Nick might agree with her.

Nick smirked, rubbing a hand over the scruff on his chiseled jawline. “That’s not the same thing.”

“I know.” Holly shifted, kicking a rock with her hiking boots. “But when you invited me on this trip, I didn’t realize how much we’d be … roughing it.”

Nick placed his hands on her hips and tugged her close. “Look, once we get up there and have everything set up, you’ll love it. I booked a premium spot, one the park assured me was a perfect place to experience the aurora borealis. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, I’ve brought hot chocolate and marshmallows.”

Holly swayed, adjusting the weight she carried. “Like mini marshmallows that go in the hot chocolate or big ones for roasting over a fire?”

“Both.”

Holly squinted at him with a half-smile. “Fine. But only because I’m a sucker for cocoa.” And the company’s not so bad either.

Cupid barked, reminding them he was still waiting for permission to start their adventure. The black and white bundle of fur sniffed at the air and paced around Nick.

“Yeah, go on, boy.” Nick grasped the tent bag handles as Cupid took off and then gave Holly a quick peck before pulling a cap over his short-cropped, dark hair.

With a sigh of defeat, Holly gathered her waves into a quick, messy bun. You can do this. It’ll be worth it. Just think of those magical lights.

Author Bio:

Dorothy Dreyer is a Philippine-born American living in Germany with her family. She is an award-winning, USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy, romance, and horror books that usually have some element of magic or the supernatural in them. Aside from reading, she enjoys movies, binge-watching series, chocolate, take-out, traveling, and having fun with friends and family. She tends to sing sometimes, too, so keep her away from your Karaoke bars.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / X

 

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New Release Six Mistletoe Scandals

Six Mistletoe Scandals
Authors Sandra Sookoo with Jessica Clements, April Holthaus, Eliza Lloyd, Elaina Piers, and Aubrey Wynne

What’s better than feeling cozy under your favorite blanket with a cup of cocoa and a set of holiday romances? In this collection, you will be treated to six scandalous Regency Christmas romances all having something to do with mistletoe.

One Jewel-tide Scandal by Sandra Sookoo. When Sir Alexander Tattingham’s traveling coach snaps an axle near the country estate of widowed Countess of Spencerford suddenly the Christmastide season doesn’t look so bleak. Possessed of mixed memories of past holidays, Charlotte doesn’t wish to celebrate this year, but when a handsome baronet needs shelter until the storm passes, she might change her mind. As forced proximity keeps the pair together, a valuable diamond necklace goes missing. A curious cat and the love of snowy outings could nurture the heated attraction between them into a long-lasting romance.

The Thorn of Winterberry by April Holthaus. Marian Whitham, in her third season, knows her prospects are dwindling. Facing spinsterhood, her father signs a contract for her to marry London’s most undesirable man until an unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe changes everything. Captain Johnathan Radley, a man of duty and honor, arrives in London for business with love far from his mind. But one chance encounter with a woman, with thorns as sharp as her tongue, will capture his heart. Among the glittering ballrooms and whispered scandals, will their love blossom like a winter rose, or will the frost of social expectations threaten to halt their passion before it even starts?

An Offer from the Duke by Eliza Lloyd. One of the worst winters in the last hundred years. The Duke of Crossmere is trapped in his Berkeley Square mansion contemplating life and his neighbor, the widow Henrietta Shaw. They have history together, but Cross would never deny he has had an attraction for Henrietta. With an intemperate decision to host a Christmas ball and even more unreasonable idea to find a wife, Cross runs directly into Henrietta, who is chaperoning an eligible miss. Beneath the mistletoe, he is distracted from his mission and Henrietta unwittingly succumbs to Crossmere’s advances. Maybe a widow is the woman he needs.

The Duke, a Scandal, and a Mistletoe by Eliana Piers. When Lady Phyllis mistakes Stephen, the Duke of Gellen, for her betrothed, the holiday season is bound for shenanigans. Stephen has been harboring a tendre for the woman he’s only met through letters not addressed to him. But as Phyllis tries to heal the pain she sees in Stephen’s eyes, she’s not prepared for the lies that come pouring out. Luckily for love, it’s nothing a sleigh ride, a scandal, and mistletoe can’t cure.

Merry Mazes and Mistletoe Magic by Aubrey Wynne. Lady Jennet’s father dies without a male heir. At Christmastide, a distant cousin—known in the shipping industry as the Hangman—assumes the title. Will he evict Jenny and her mother from their beloved home? Barnabus Gordon is the son of a privateer. Using the cutthroat lessons from his childhood, he’s accrued a fleet of ships and has no time for titles or London society. She needs a champion, and he needs help navigating the maze of the ton. One kiss ignites a Yule log of passion that won’t be extinguished with a cup of wassail.

Tamed for Christmas by Sandra Sookoo. When the Honorable Miles Tame is tasked with retrieving his neice from a finishing school for Christmastide holidays, he runs into the efficient and kissable Miss Pennyroyal, headmistress. She’s a widow, looking forward to Christmastide holidays so she can read the pile of scandalous novels confiscated from her students, but when the handsome Mr. Tame asks her to play companion to the young lady, everything changes. Following a week filled with bouts of rain, bored young people, Christmastide festivities, and madcap scrapes Miles and Phoebe begin to think perhaps they aren’t too old for love after all.

*Special Price $2.99 – goes up on 12/5!

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Release day for The Winter Wallflower by Nadine Millard

The Winter Wallflower
by Nadine Millard
Revenge of the Wallflowers

When Charlotte’s name is ruined through no fault of her own, she is shunned, disgraced, and reduced to a permanent wallflower.

But this Christmas, a chance encounter with a pair of devious twins and their disapproving older brother could change everything.

If anyone can thaw the ice around the Winter Wallflower, it’s him.

Shop Now https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPG4H4PC/

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Guest Blog by author Pamela Spradlin Mahajan and new release and giveaway info for A VERY RETRO CHRISTMAS

Topic: In the course of writing our books, there is always a fascinating piece of research that we stumble on and it may, or may not make it into our stories. Really good research should, of course, never be intrusive so here is your opportunity to let that little piece of trivia or major research point have its moment in the sun. For your post, it would be wonderful if you could share a “Fun Fact”.

There were many intriguing facts I stumbled upon while researching my new holiday romance novella, A VERY RETRO CHRISTMAS.

My main character, Cat, gets to travel back in time and meet her grandparents as teenagers and young adults. Because of this, I found myself doing research on how teenagers lived in the thirties. I was surprised to learn that young adults around this decade spent an average of four nights a week out with their friends, according to an article in Time.

As I was writing my novel and determining the settings, I also researched just what teenagers and young adults did for fun during this time period. Going to the movies, dances, and soda fountains were some of the things I discovered.

I found the concept of the radio fascinating. While thinking about my characters’ lives, I initially imagined a television set in their living rooms and then I had to backtrack. Nope. Take out the TV, and replace it with a radio. I then dove into research about what radios looked like so I could accurately describe the size, color, and features. Taking it a step further, I listened to some radio plays and newscasts from around this time period.

The cinema and town dance, noted in my research earlier as ways teenagers passed the time, each made it into my book as settings, as did the radio shows. Having listened to parts of the radio broadcasts myself, I felt as if I were in the living room with my characters listening along. I hope my readers feel the same.

One “fun fact” about A VERY RETRO CHRISTMAS is that I loosely based the fictional town of Merryfall, Missouri, on my hometown of Springfield, Missouri. While I wasn’t around in the thirties, I drew from a combination of stories from my grandparents’ lives and research about the past to create a realistic setting for my characters.

 

A VERY RETRO CHRISTMAS

Pamela Spradlin Mahajan

GENRE:  Holiday Romance

BLURB:

What if the future you always dreamed of, was actually in the past?

Social worker Cat has no intention of falling in love or getting married—much to her mother’s chagrin. While mourning her paternal grandmother’s passing, Cat opens an heirloom left by the matriarch—a coveted Christmas ornament—and finds herself transported to December 1936.

Handyman Eli spends his days doing odd jobs around town and his nights hammering away on his house—whatever it takes to keep his mind off the awful year he’s had. When a mysterious young woman drops into his life seemingly overnight and wants to rent his guest house, he is at first annoyed and then more than a little intrigued

 

Excerpt  

Eli charged across the dirt driveway, flung open the door of his truck, and slid into the driver’s seat. Hunched over the steering wheel, he pushed the key into the ignition and glanced at the closed back door of the house.

Nosy woman, wasn’t she? Asking him questions that weren’t any of her business—questions he had no intention of answering. Eli ground his back teeth together. Why did Cat have to bring up the one thing—the one person—he worked so hard not to think about every second of the day? And last night she’d asked him about the crib…A cramp pierced Eli’s chest.

It was good that Cat was staying in the detached house. Maybe her presence would expel some of the old energy and stagnant memories of what the space was supposed to be.

He turned on the truck, backed up, and hurtled down the driveway toward the main road. He took a deep breath as he pulled onto the two-lane street, vaguely aware of his fight-or-flight response receding. As his body unclenched, an image flooded his mind of the woman sitting at his kitchen table right this very minute. When she’d spoken, one of her blonde ringlets had fallen into her eyes. The way she’d flicked her head just so to get it out of her face…it did something to Eli. His mind was a rush of color—the flush of her pink cheeks, the flash of her hazel eyes, and the straw-colored hue of a bouncy ringlet.

Buy it: Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Retro-Christmas-Pamela-Spradlin-Mahajan-ebook/dp/B0DHV4V9H6

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Pamela Spradlin Mahajan is the author of women’s fiction and romance. Her debut novel, “Skye, Revised,” was released in early 2024. Pamela has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and creative writing from Missouri State University and a Masters from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Her recent short stories have appeared in the online literary journal “They Call Us” and she has been honored in the WOW! Women on Writing Flash Fiction Contest. A native of Springfield, Mo., Pamela lives with her family in Kansas City, where in addition to writing women’s fiction and romance, she also works as a copywriter, journalist, and reseller.

 

Website: https://pamelamahajan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelajsm/

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