Category Archives: Contemporary romance

New year, new FREE books

Happy New Year!
I’ve teamed up with 100 authors on BookFunnel to bring you a huge haul of FREE books! All you have to do is visit BookFunnel and scroll through the Happy New Year landing page. Click on the books you want and you’ll go right to their landing pages where you can download the books for FREE!

Champagne at the Grand Hotel is another great read for New Year’s! If you’re ready to fall in love on a luxury vacation, please visit Amazon for the whole White Pine Island series!

Happy New Year, dear readers! If you’d like to subscribe to my newsletter, please visit this page. Thank you for being a reader, and I hope 2021 treats you well!

Guest author: Jennifer Johnson

In honor of a great boxed set releasing this week, my first 8 authors featured for 2014 are the ones who have written about Unforgettable Heroes. You are going to love them!

Please meet author Jennifer Johnson in this Q&A!

1.Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice or Mr. Knightly from Emma?

Who? Haha. Just kidding. I’m not big into Jane Austen. I like my historical men more crazy like Percival Blackney in The Scarlet Pimpernel. Ooo, there’s a man. Brave, intelligent, and willing to risk his life for his beliefs, and he absolutely adored his wife, but he never compromised his ideals.

2. Ranger or Morelli from Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series?

Ranger.

3. Favorite book you WISH you had written?

The Princess Bride. And I’m talking about the whole book. William Goldman is so brilliant that I still don’t know whether there is an S. Morgenstern, of this this, too, is part of Goldman’s story.

4. Favorite movie you would star in…if you were a movie star?

Oh, dang it. That’s a hard one. I asked this on my Facebook, and my writing buddy John suggested I’d be a good lead as Sally in When Harry met Sally. Yeah. I can see myself in that role. I’m claiming Robert Downy, Jr. as Harry though.

5. Favorite escape: (i.e., wine, travel, book)?

Hole me up in a tiny cabin in the woods. Fireplace is not optional.

6. What is your favorite kind of cake? (I must ask…I’m a cake aficionado!)

Cheesecake!!!!!

7. What is your creative outlet (aside from writing).

Other than the writing, I’m sort of a Jill of all trades, but mistress of none. I love to prepare certain foods such as broccoli salad, black-eyed pea salsa, and certain kinds of easy to make cookies. Mainly I cook out of necessity but I’m pretty good at it. I can play a little of the piano and banjo. I can knit a scarf—my present one I began over ten years ago. This is because I knit a few rows then get distracted by something else. Then I find the yarn and needles in the unfinished scarf and knit some more until I get distracted again. I fear the yarn will dry rot before I’m done.

8. Tell me about your next book release. For example: Genre, blurb, what inspired you to write it?

I’m quite excited about our Unforgettable Heroes collection from Turquoise Morning Press. My book is Holding Out for a Hero. What inspired me to write it? Hmm. Well, I guess I really like a hero who is a diamond in the rough. Scott is definitely that guy.

Here’s the blurb:

Abigail Benton is a bum magnet, according to her dad, so when she becomes attracted to Eli, a homeless man at the community center where she works, Abigail wonders if what her dad says is true. But when Eli saves her life, Abigail decides she is going to return the favor and save his life by turning it around. Trouble is, Eli isn’t on board with her plan to find him a home and turn him into something he’s not. Or maybe Abigail’s plan to save him is bigger than they both realize.

9. Who would play your leading man if your next book gets picked up by Hollywood?

If this book is made into a movie, I need a brooding actor, someone who is hot and tragic at the same time. Anybody got suggestions?

10. Best advice you’ve gotten as a writer?

Show the reader. Don’t tell the reader.

How can readers connect with you?

I’m on Facebook often. Find me at booksbyjenniferjohnson. I also have a webpage—booksbyjenniferjohnson.com. Twitter is Jennifer Johnson@BooksbyJennifer. Do you see a pattern here?

Guest author: Margaret Ethridge

In honor of a great boxed set releasing this week, my first 8 authors featured for 2014 are the ones who have written about Unforgettable Heroes. You are going to love them!

Please meet my fellow author Margaret Ethridge in this Q&A!

1. Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice or Mr. Knightly from Emma?

Mr. Darcy, but I love Mr. Knightley as well.

2. Ranger or Morelli from Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series?

I am a Cupcake. Morelli for me, please!

3. Favorite book you WISH you had written?

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

4. Favorite movie you would star in…if you were a movie star?

I would want to be Miss Adelaide from Guy ‘n Dolls.

5. Favorite escape: (i.e., wine, travel, book)?

Book! Always a book.

6. What is your favorite kind of cake? (I must ask…I’m a cake aficionado!)

Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

7. What is your creative outlet (aside from writing).

I do like to bake, but really only bake up a storm at Christmas time.

8. Who would play your leading man if your next book gets picked up by Hollywood?

Oh, this is tough. I pictured Simon Baker when I was writing Jack from Long Distance Love, but he’s a bit older than Jack. Can I rewind Simon about 10 years?

Here’s a little more about Long Distance Love, Margaret’s book that is included in the Unforgettable Heroes boxed set:

A Christmas Eve snowstorm leaves newly single Ellie Nichols trapped in an airport terminal with only hunky FBI Agent Jack Rudolph for company.

Lucky Ellie.

For Jack, the passing of a long winter’s night turns into a New Year filled with possibility. State lines and hundreds of miles separate them, but the spark that flares each time they meet cannot be denied.

Can two ambitious, career-driven people find a way to make a long distance relationship work when matters of the heart bring them up-close and personal?

9. Best advice you’ve gotten as a writer?

Write what you love and love what you like. If you’re not crazy about your characters, no one else will be.

10. How can readers connect with you?

Website: http://margaretethridge.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMargaretEthridge

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MKEthridge

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4465188.Margaret_Ethridge

G+: mkethridge1

Guest author: Bobbye Terry

In honor of a great boxed set releasing this week, my first 8 authors featured for 2014 are the ones who have written about Unforgettable Heroes. You are going to love them!

Please welcome and get to know Bobbye Terry in this Q&A:

1. Choose one: Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice or Mr. Knightly from Emma?

Mr. Knightley because he is intuitive and follows his moral conscience. His love for Emma, however, is something which he has trouble governing, because he is encountering something he’s never felt. I find that to be a very romantic picture of a hero. Still, my favorite hero in this genre would be Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre, a man plagued by his past who still believes just maybe he can have the dream.

2. Choose one: Ranger or Morelli from Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series?

Probablly Morelli, but Stephanie’s heroes aren’t my type. I go more for the polished brooding male with a major character flaw he has to overcome.

3. Favorite book you WISH you had written?

Gone with the Wind.

4. Favorite movie you would star in…if you were a movie star?

Probably something Kathryn Hepburn did, like Philadelphia Story, later made into the musical High Society. Of course, being opposite Cary Grant back then wouldn’t have been a terrible hardship.

5. Favorite escape: (i.e., wine, travel, book)?

I love warm beachy locations. My favorite travel retreats are the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Lake Tahoe, one for each coast.

6. What is your favorite kind of cake? (I must ask…I’m a cake aficionado!)

I’m really a pie girl and love Lemon Icebox Pie. Let me see, I’d have to say Lemon Pound Cake, from scratch of course, with plenty of real butter.

7. What is your creative outlet (aside from writing)?

I’m a cook and a baker. I won a city award once in my hometown for my Cream of Broccoli soup. I do bake a killer cream cheese pecan pie. I also like photography and concentrate on landscapes and lots of sunsets and sunrises.

8. Tell me about your next book release.

Part of the upcoming blockbuster boxed set, Unforgettable Heroes, This Magic Moment is the tale of two workaholic executives who have a hard time relinquishing control to fall in love. Here is the blurb:

Zack Graham, CEO of Scrumbles Snack Cakes, is energetic, magnetic and forget it—no women for him, except to relive an occasional sexual itch. He’s a workaholic who refuses to let a woman make a fool out of him again. But what about Crandall Drake, the CEO of Pretzelicious Pretzels? He tells himself all he wants is sex. His heart is telling him it wants more. Is he about to change his mind?

9. Who would play your leading man if/when your next book gets picked up by Hollywood?

Oh, I think Channing Tatum would do.

10. Best advice you’ve gotten as a writer?

BICHOK, Butt in Chair Hands on Keyboard. That’s the only way you finish a book.

How can readers connect with you?

BobbyeT@msn.com, www.facebook.com/bobbye.terry, http://twitter.com/DarynCross

Guest author: Janet Eaves

In honor of a great boxed set releasing this week, my first 8 authors featured for 2014 are the ones who have written about Unforgettable Heroes. You are going to love them!

Please welcome and get to know Janet Eaves in this Q&A:

1. Choose one: Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice or Mr. Knightly from Emma?

Mr. Darcy!

2. Favorite book you WISH you had written?

Michael’s Wife (a very long time ago)

3. Favorite movie you would star in…if you were a movie star?

One of the dance movies (like Step Up)… I can’t dance like that but can always fantasize!

4. Favorite escape: (i.e., wine, travel, book)?

Time alone – which never happens

5. What is your favorite kind of cake? (I must ask…I’m a cake aficionado!)

Seven layer

6. What is your creative outlet (aside from writing)?

Remodel rooms in my house.

7. Tell me about your next book release.

The upcoming Ladies of Legend novella CROSSROADS is a contemporary story set in the little town of Legend, Tennessee. As reviewers for our boxed set LOVE IN A SMALL TOWN repeated said “… I hope there are more,” after reading the nine books of the boxed set, Jan Scarbrough, Magdalena Scott, Maddie James, and myself decided to write one more each, immediately, in appreciation of the overwhelming good tidings from our readership. I had to stop writing another book that will be out later this year to do this, so it is definitely a labor of love.

CROSSROADS is about the woman who was a teenage girl in the very first book of the Ladies of Legend series. Her reputation was less than sterling when she left Legend, Tennessee all those years ago. But now, brought back by desperation, obligation, and an inheritance she never expected, she has to face her past and the people in it, then she plans to get out of town as quickly as possible. Her plans change when she finds herself falling for the new doctor in town, but she must decide if blossoming love is strong enough to defeat the darkest secret of her past once it suddenly comes to light.

This novella, Sins of the Father, is inspired by the classic tale Sleeping Beauty. Just like that Princess, Aurora’s life doesn’t really begin until her heart is awakened by a handsome struggling artist (her prince). But, with her life in danger, Aurora must hide who she really is. Unbeknownst to her, her struggling artist isn’t who he appears to be either…. Is he friend, lover, or foe? Her very life may depend on which Phillip turns out to be.

8. Who would play your leading man if your next book gets picked up by Hollywood?

Channing Tatum – I think his versatile acting and looks would fit the hero perfectly, and frankly, if I was a few decades younger….

9. Best advice you’ve gotten as a writer?

Write what you love to read.

How can readers connect with you?

Readers can connect with me anytime on my facebook page @ www.facebook.com/janet.eaves.

Today’s Guest: Renee Vincent

In honor of a great boxed set releasing this week, my first 8 authors featured for 2014 are the ones who have written about Unforgettable Heroes. You are going to love them!

Please get to know Renee Vincent through the Q & A below!

1. Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice or Mr. Knightly from Emma?

Without a doubt, Mr. Darcy. He’s got the bad boy look I swoon over. He reminds me of the tortured hero, Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights.

2. Favorite book you WISH you had written?

Wolfskin by Juliet Marillier

3. Favorite movie you would star in…if you were a movie star?

PS I Love You – so I could be kissed in IRELAND by GERARD BUTLER (my two most favorite things in the world)

4. Favorite escape: (i.e., wine, travel, book)?

Horseback riding – we own 4 horses and live on a 100 acre farm

5. What is your favorite kind of cake?

Cheesecake – does that count?

6. What is your creative outlet? Truthfully, my creative outlet is writing. I love to write and would probably do it even if I didn’t make any money with it. It’s what I was born to do, I believe. Aside from constantly coming up with new stories, I’ve also wanted to learn to Crochet. I’ve never taken the time to learn, but have aspirations of finding the time one day. My grandmother crocheted a lot when she was alive and I’d like to teach myself in her memory.

7. Tell me about your next book release.

Silent Partner was my first stab at a contemporary romance. After signing a three-book contract with Turquoise Morning Press for my Emerald Isle Trilogy at the West Baden Hotel in French Lick, Indiana, the three hour drive home alone gave me the time to conjure up the whole plot. I called my publisher as soon as I got home and pitched it. This story, like my Viking/Irish romances, has a twist at the end. It is also the book featured in the UNFORGETTABLE HEROES boxed set because Grayson Anders is truly an irresistible and unforgettable hero. Many readers have remarked at how great this novel was and it’s Grayson’s story that was nominated for BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2011 by Long and Short Reviews, as well as a 5 Star Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews.

About Silent Partner:

Grayson Anders has it all. He’s the co-owner of a happening nightclub in downtown Boston, he’s wealthy, and women practically throw themselves at his feet the moment he steps on the dance floor. But profiting from these obvious benefits is not his desire. His passion is dancing and he wants nothing more than to find the perfect dance partner.

Chloe LaRoche is a talented artist, but a failing entrepreneur. Her once thriving studio is now on the brink of foreclosure and unless she paints the next Van Gogh Starry Night, she’ll have to cut her losses and say goodbye to her quaint little gallery. Fearing her career is at an end, she drags herself to the local hot spot, determined to drown her worries in the bottom of a shot glass. At least that was the plan…until she lays eyes on a wickedly sexy, swarthy dancer in the club—Grayson Anders.

Unable to resist, Chloe finds herself in Grayson’s arms, indulging in a passionate, out-of-control, one night stand. And when they awaken the next morning, they are both consumed with inspiration.

Grayson finds his perfect dance partner and Chloe finally finds her muse. But, will her secret destroy both their dreams?

8. Who would play your leading man if/when your next book gets picked up by Hollywood?

Enrique Iglesias (he’s the perfect swarthy, wickedly hot Alpha male to play the part of Grayson – if he could act.) If you look at my cover, the cover model even resembles him.

9. Best advice you’ve gotten as a writer?

“Write that next book!” Nothing helped me to sell more books than to write the next one. My backlist has helped me more than anything I could’ve done. It’s a writer’s best marketing tool. To this day, Raeliksen (my very first novel) is still a best seller out of all my books.

10. How can readers connect with you?

You can find me at:

Website: http://www.reneevincent.com/

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

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

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3005290.Renee_Vincent

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/reneevincent/

Email: rv@reneevincent.com

Guest Author: Amie Denman

In honor of a great boxed set releasing this week, my first 8 authors featured for 2014 are the ones who have written about Unforgettable Heroes. You are going to love them!

Unforgettable Heroes boxed set available now!

Sure I know it might be bad form to host myself on my own blog (is this like buying my own birthday presents?) but I have a great rationalization. If I’m going to ask my author friends a string of questions all year long, it’s only fair that I have to answer them myself. Right? In the spirit of getting to know people better–and having some fun–hence follows my maiden voyage of interview questions.

1. Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice or Mr. Knightly from Emma?

Darcy! He has more flaws. People with flaws make me look better by comparison.

2. Ranger or Morelli from Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series?

Can I alternate days of the week?

3. Favorite book you WISH you had written?

Who would ask such a hard question??? Geez.

If pressed, I would say Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck. I like dogs, driving around America, and making clever observations about people.

4. Favorite movie you would star in…if you were a movie star.

I would totally be romanced by Christopher Reeve in Somewhere in Time. And I would be as beautiful as Jane Seymour. (we’re fantasizing here, right?)

5. Favorite escape: (i.e., wine, travel, book)?

I love a glass of Reisling and a great book, but hitting the road with a full tank of gas is pure elation. People in my family keep a suitcase packed at all times. We have wanderlust.

6. What is your favorite kind of cake? (I must ask…I’m a cake aficionado!)

Chocolate with chocolate icing, especially if it’s birthday cake. Birthday cake tastes better.

7. What is your creative outlet (aside from writing)?

I love to knit. I MUST touch all the yarn at the craft store. I have enough yarn squirreled away upstairs to last me through the next ice age. I have enough knitting needles for an octopus to knit four sweaters at one time.

And now about your books:

1. Tell me about your next book release.

My next release is a novel set on the sunny island of St. Thomas entitled Will Work for Love. The book was actually released in 2012, but is being included in a boxed set with 8 other books with the theme “Unforgettable Heroes.” I sure hope my hero, a sexy man who owns a construction business on the island, is unforgettable! I wrote his story in my very cold little writing room (an enclosed second floor porch with no heat) while snow swirled outside. Dreaming of a hot man in a tropical climate warmed up my winter!

2. Who would play your leading man if the book were a movie?

A younger Brad Pitt–the way he looked when he was in one of my favorite movies A River Runs Through It.

3. Best advice you’ve gotten as a writer?

Keep writing! Write every day, even if it’s only a few words.

4. How can readers connect with you?

Please visit my website www.amiedenman.com or send me a tweet @amiedenman. I’m also on Facebook and Goodreads and love hearing from people who love to read!