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Happy Valentine’s Day – new look, new release and a new attitude.

December 30, 2019

2/13/2019

Notice some changes here on the blog?
I’ve been running this blog since 2012 if you can believe that. That’s a long time and during that time not much has changed. Same banner, same style, same look but the truth is, I’ve changed since 2012 so I thought it was time to update my site to reflect that.

I love my old look and banner but it was reflective of the books I used to write and the covers I had then. It’s funny because people tell me they love the illustrated stand alone covers but those books just don’t sell in 2019. I wanted the blog and the site to show readers who stop by now, most of whom find me from my more recent books, to find a site that matches the books they’ve read. So I’ve had a new logo made and I’m doing a little revamp. I’m still tweaking a few things but let me know what you think in the comments below.

It’s also release week for Flight Bound, A Sweet Valentine’s Romance. I got the idea for this book when I was on a plane one day and I was in the very front row opposite two flight attendants who were discussing their personal lives. It was fascinating. I had to pretend to read a magazine because they were right there and otherwise all I could do was stare at them and listen. It got me thinking how weird it would be if I recognised one of them but they didn’t recognise me and from that idea Flight Bound was born.

Here’s the blurb for Flight Bound, A Sweet Valentine’s Novella
He was her first kiss, she was his first love – a decade later and she’s a broken-hearted flight attendant who has sworn off men and he’s the guy determined not to be relegated to to the friend-zone again.

A chance encounter on a commuter flight brings Mel back into Tucker’s life again and while he’s excited to see her it’s clear she has other things on her mind, like the ex who just dumped her.

Mel needs a break from men and anyway, Tucker is everything Mel doesn’t usually go for in a man – he’s smart, he’s kind and he’s fun – but he’s Tucker the boy the next door. He’s totally not her type or is he?

Can Tucker convince Mel to take a chance on him this Valentine’s Day or will this relationship be grounded before it even takes flight?

Get your copy today

If you follow me on Facebook or get my newsletter you’ll know I’m involved in a couple of Valentine’s Hops with some great prizes. You should definitely pop over there and get involved.

I’m also part of a multi-author Instagram promo (click here or the image below to enter) and Any Way You Want It is free until Feb 15th 2019 as are the books in the February Free For all promo (click here or the image to discover new authors)

I hope you enter some competitions, download some books and revisit my revamped blog often.

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Today we welcome Louise Reynolds author of Miss Valentine’s Love Emporium for a Taste of Tuesday blog post

December 30, 2019

2/4/2019

Thanks for your welcome, Monique. It’s lovely to be here.

When my thoughts turn to Valentine’s Day the first thing I think of is roses. But food always figures highly. Magazines are full of what to cook, more pink recipes than you can shake a stick at, and suggestions for the most romantic restaurants to dine at.

There’s no doubt that food and sex, and by extension love, are inextricably linked. The experience of falling in love is tactile, using all the senses. Our scent receptors are as open to pheromones as to the aroma of beautifully cooked food. Both make our mouths water. And it’s unsurprising that we describe desirable physical characteristics in terms of food: peach or strawberry coloured lips, chestnut coloured hair, almond shaped eyes and cheeks like apples.

On Valentine’s Day I enjoy cooking something special at home rather than dining out. I’ll push beyond my usual efforts, choose a special recipe or two and use the best ingredients I can find. I’ll pull out my best china and linen, light candles and make sure the table looks pretty. All of this shows care and love.

Food abounds in my sweet Valentine’s Day novella, Miss Valentine’s Love Emporium. Lexie Valentine has been taken in and protected by the small town of Carter’s Crossing and on this special day each year she expresses her love for the townspeople by throwing a huge party in the vacant emporium she rents as a pop-up. In doing this she demonstrates her belief in love in the face of a traumatic past experience.
Ethan Taylor is a world-weary big city divorce lawyer with a jaded view of love but he has been roped into taking his elderly grandmother to Lexie’s party. He arrives at the party, carrying his grandmother’s contribution:

“At one end of the counter two tall stacks of mismatched floral plates were flanked by small buckets of cutlery, the old fashioned kind with bone handles buffed shiny with age. Piles of old linen napkins in cream and pastel shades, carefully starched and ironed, sat beside them. He placed the pavlova on the counter together with the other offerings. He’d forgotten the largesse of a country gathering. Not for them the large white platters holding wispy herbal fronds and miniscule pieces of food that he was served at smart city functions. The counter groaned with plates loaded with cakes and sandwiches, fruit platters and cheese boards.”

May Valentine’s Day bring you flowers and delicious food but most of all love and happiness!
You can follow Lexie and Ethan on their journey by selecting your favourite retailer here: https://books2read.com/u/49P6gM

Author bio
Louise Reynolds is an author of contemporary romantic fiction.
On receiving her library card at the age of six she borrowed her first book, an illustrated story about onions. Over the years she progressed from vegetables to romance. It was a logical step to take her love of romance novels to the next stage and tell her own stories.
Set in both the city and Australia’s outback, her books have been described as warm and witty feel-good reads.

Let’s connect on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/LouiseReynoldsRomanceAuthor/
https://www.instagram.com/louisereynoldswriter/
www.louisereynolds.net

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Joanne Dannon joins us for this week’s Musical Monday blog post

December 30, 2019

1/27/2019

Musical Monday with Australian author Joanne Dannon
Thanks to Monique for inviting me to her Musical Monday blog.

I love music and dancing but my favourite music is jazz and swing. I’ve always had a thing for songs by Gershwin and Berlin. It must be the romantic in me.

As an author, I’ve always written the books I want to read, rather than “writing to market”. I don’t write a book and use a trope simply because it’s popular and everyone else is doing it.

I love the “opposites attract” tropes for my books, because it happens with love. When you fall for the person you don’t expect to. Often we have preconceived notions of who we want to be with, and sometimes the person that makes us believe in love is the person we least expect it to be.

At the time of writing Kissing under the Spotlight, Michael Bublé was in Melbourne and I went to his concert (of course!!) and it made me think…what would happen if I met him? I’d probably dissolve in to a pool of giggles and act like a complete tosser around him because I’m a huge fan.

I used that as the basis for my book. What would my heroine do if she came face to face with the world famous singer she has a major crush on? And ta-da, I wrote the book which has a fairy-tale ending.

And because all awesome women need a fab BFF, I gave my heroine a friend. But at the end of the book, I couldn’t let my characters go…so I wrote another book, and then more after.

I have book one of my Kissing Down Under series for free, and I hope you download and enjoy this romance between a superstar and an ordinary gal (like you and me).

If you like handsome crooners, then Kissing under the Spotlight is for you. Here’s an excerpt –

“Yes. We agreed our kiss was a mistake—”
He snorted. “I never said it was a mistake.”
The speech continued, with rapid vagueness. “Well, whatever. You’re Alex Jackson and I’m Violet McKenzie. You’re a somebody and I’m a nobody. You’ve got gazillions of women falling over themselves to be with you.” She paused. “Which I get, who wouldn’t? Plus you’re a great kisser. But we come from different worlds and we should keep it that way.”
His brow arched. “You think I’m a great kisser?”
Her eyes widened to the size of a small planet. “Um.” She cleared her throat a couple of times. “Well, yes.”

Kissing under the Spotlight is free for a limited time, and the second book in the series, Kissing like she means it, is on sale at $0.99 (instead of $3.99).
Note – these books are not sweet and have a 3/5 heat rating.

About Joanne Dannon

Best selling, award-winning Australian author, Joanne Dannon, writes to give her readers the experience she loves to savor–indulging in a sigh-worthy-happily-ever-after, being swept away from the everyday by diving into a delicious romance novel.

Joanne is a happily married mother of two heroes-in-training who loves spending time with friends and family. She can be found on Facebook and her website www.joannedannon.com chatting about reading, writing, cooking, vintage-inspired dresses and all things romantic.

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Today’s Writers on Wednesday Post is a Q&A with romantic suspense author Karen Botha

December 30, 2019

1/22/2019

1. What was the inspiration for your novel?
My brother in law used to be a rodeo rider and so, what a perfect sounding board to use to write my next book. Especially as he lives in Florida, so I took the trip from the UK to spend a week chatting to him about it.

2. When did you take up writing?
I have always written and wrote my first book when I was sixteen. It never got published and I’m willing to bet that my mom threw it away with the rest of my school stuff years ago. But, it was a start. Since then I’ve been writing my entire career. For many years it was copy in my marketing job. When I gave this up to become a therapist, I needed an outlet for my creative side and so that’s when I started writing books again. It’s almost three years ago now.

3. How important is setting/place in your writing?
It depends on the book. I’ve written a 6 book series about a racing car driver, so obviously with that the setting is important because this is where everything happens. But, as with all things, life moves us in different directions so usually the starting setting will end up evolving anyway. It’s a great place to get my thoughts together about the character though.

4. Do you have a favourite character (s) in your current novel?
I love Tommy. He’s such a complicated and misunderstood character with such a lot to give. This is the first book in Rodeo series and I can’t wait for the opportunity to develop him further in the second book. Down in the Well is just the start of his story and while it has a HEA and is a standalone, there’s just not enough word count to be able to understand everything that goes on in his head. And why.

5. What’s the best piece of writing advice you were ever given?
Don’t’ give up. Pure and simple.

6. Do you have a schedule for writing?
Sometimes, it depends on where I am. Last year I set myself the task of releasing one book a week from 3rd Sept through to Christmas. So, that was quite a hefty schedule. I made it, but it was stressful. The issue is that I thrive under pressure and during that period I produced my best work. I had to think on my feet and my characters, particularly in the Daisy series are wonderful examples of living on the edge.

7. Are you a plotter or someone who tends to wing it?
I’ve tried plotting and my work is flat. I love the winging it, just not when I’m committed to one book a week with my editor. That’s rough.

9. Can you tell me a little bit about what you are working on now?
Right now I am working on the follow up to the Love Series. It takes some of the characters that we fell in love with in that series, (titles include Daisy, Idris, Cassius) and develops their stories. The series is called Close Protection, if that gives you a clue…

10. What advice would you give to a fledgling writer to assist them on
their journey?
The same advice I received, don’t give up. Ever. Not if you love it.

Down the Well
When the grass isn’t greener; run.
After leaving his home and everything he’s ever known for a new life away from a violent step father, Tommy finds himself alone with no plan. But, he’s not concerned about that, because how can whatever is around the corner be worse than what he just left?
It can’t, unless you meet and fall in love with Hope, a sexy older black woman with a past that threatens to haunt them both. Tommy ignores the signs, loving working on her ranch and learning the ropes as a rodeo rider. Until it’s too late.

Down in the Well is a BWWM suspense with more than a hint of romance along the way. This pair put their romantic differences to one side to pave the way towards a cowboy love like nothing you will have read before. This book by Karen Botha is full of romance, mystery and suspense while keeping it real with funny moments we can all identify with.

This BWWM Cowboy mystery romance is the first in the Rodeo series of Romantic suspense books and is available as ebooks in the kindle store.

Download this romantic mystery book now, and cheer Tommy on as he fights one twist after another to come out fighting for his HEA.
Grab your copy here:
Amazon.com – https://amzn.to/2Mix57Y
Amazon.co.uk – https://amzn.to/2T1KqnK

Karen Botha was born in Lincolnshire England where her father was in the royal air force. As a young girl she always had a passion for reading and writing. Working most of her adult life in digital marketing didn’t leave her much time to pursue her passion for stories. at the age of 36 She retrained for a reflexologist and started working for herself. This helped her free up more than enough time to enjoy a re-found passion for writing.
Her first novel was inspired by true life experiences and tales from clients. But don’t believe everything you read.
She enjoys traveling rugby and motor sport, this gives her inspiration and ideas for her books.
The first in the new lgbt series is a mm romance novel about a racecar driver and his mechanic.
She currently lives in London with her Husband and rescue dog called Shadow.

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Musical Monday with Australian Author Cheryl Wright

December 30, 2019

1/21/2019

My name is Cheryl Wright, and I write mostly contemporary and historical western romance, but also write contemporary small-town romance.
My books sometimes feature singers in them, and the reason for that is easy – as a teenager, I was a singer.
It all started when I was about eight years old. I used to sing around the house all the time, and one day, while visiting my grandmother, she mentioned to my mother that I should be on Brian and the Juniors – a popular television show in Australia at the time.
It featured young children, and Brian was the host.
My mother organised for me to audition. And I was accepted but we were told all potential Juniors had to do lessons first.
For months we trudged down to the studio using two different trams, as well as a long walk. I felt as though nothing was happening except my parents were paying for lessons for no reason.
We stopped going there and instead looked for a local singing teacher. She was brilliant.
After several lessons, she arranged for me to appear on the radio – a boon at the time (1960’s) – and was asked back several times. I also appeared on talent shows on the television.
But best of all, my wonderful teacher was able to get me into stage shows as well as bistros where live entertainment was featured.
I had a spot most Saturday nights for some years, mixed in with stage show work.
I was even partnered up with a young man for awhile, but that didn’t go anywhere because he wasn’t particularly interested in being part of a duo.
In addition to all this, I did quite a bit of charity work, entertaining at centres for people with disabilities once a month. I was told it was the highlight of the month for many of them.
I took dancing lessons for a while – because my teacher wanted me to learn how to move better on the stage. It definitely helped.
I loved the life, loved the people.
It was such a buzz, and something I’ve never forgotten, even after all these years. (I’m now 62.)
I learned to play piano, as well as guitar. The piano lessons sadly died away, but I still play guitar.
All of this was great fodder for my books, and when I began a new contemporary western romance series, The Callahan Brothers, I needed a cover story for my heroine who was running for her life.
Being a singer was perfect. She could move from town to town without arousing suspicion. I totally understood all the things that went on in that world, so was able to portray them in a very realistic way.
You can read Missy’s story in The Cowboy’s Sweetheart.
Missy O’Reilly isn’t the trusting type. After being almost killed, she’s been on the run for several months. Moving from town to town was the only thing she could do to keep safe.

She has the evidence, and her stalker wants to destroy it along with her…

Rory Callahan is fascinated by the newcomer to River Valley, Montana. The moment he clapped eyes on her he was smitten. Little did he know she was hiding a deep dark secret. One that might get her killed. Or if he hung around long enough, he might also be in the firing line.

Convinced he’s met his soul-mate, will Rory be able to convince her to stay? And exactly what is the mysterious secret she’s been hiding?
I also featured a singer in one of my romantic suspense novellas, Deadly Debt.
Felicity Montgomery couldn’t be happier. Her music career is starting to take off and because of her new way-too-sexy manager, her love life is too. But she’s being watched. Every second of every day.

Derek St James knows Felicity is meant for the stage. She has the kind of charisma that captures people’s attention, and his heart. But a man he can’t control is after Felicity and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Felicity’s stalker sees her every move. He’s listening to every word. He is obsessed to the point of breaking into her apartment – even when she’s there. Felicity must find a way to get out from under the evil force that threatens to ruin everything before it’s too late.
This book lends itself to far more behind the scenes situations. The sorts of things that really happen in the music industry, but most people know nothing about.
I get a real buzz from writing stories for readers to enjoy, and love when I can put my own personal experiences into my books.
Thanks for spending some time with me today. I really appreciate it.

Find Cheryl on Social Media
Links:
The Cowboy’s Sweetheart: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07786G9R7/
Deadly Debt: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7QR21B/
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/cherylwright
Cheryl’s Website: http://cheryl-wright.com/
Cheryl’s Blog: http://romance-authors.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherylwrightauthor/

Comment

Cheryl Wright
1/23/2019 01:55:00 am

Thanks so much for having me, Monique!

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Let’s meet Lindsey Detwiler author of No Brides Club new release No Time For Promises

December 30, 2019

1/19/2019

To celebrate the launch of the No Brides Club series I’ll be hosting each of the authors on their release day – today let’s meet Lindsey Detwiler, author of No Time For Promises.

1. What made you want to write your No Brides Club novel?
I loved the idea of teaming up with five other authors to create a series. I felt like creatively, it would push me and help me approach romance writing in a new way. I was also really drawn to the premise of the series as I’ve written several novels about women swearing off love in favor of careers.

2. Is there a character in the novel you most relate to?
I can relate with Rachel’s desire to chase her dreams, no matter the cost. I tend to be a planner who is always looking ahead to figure out what’s coming next.

3. In the series the characters make a pledge to focus on their careers and not on dating/finding love? It’s January have you made a New Year’s resolution? Or have you ever made a group pledge or pact with friends and did you keep it?
This year, my husband and I are both focusing on health. We have already started eating healthier, and we tossed out all of the cookies and candy in the house. I also have some financial and career goals I’m chasing.

4. The No Brides Club series is set in New York – can you tell us a little about yourself and where you live.
I am from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, which is a small, charming town in the central part of the state. My husband and I actually grew up here, and I now teach at the same high school we graduated from. We live a simple, quiet life. Neither of us are big on traveling, so we spend a lot of time at home with our five cats and Henry, our mastiff.

5. The characters in the series have sworn off dating – have you ever been on a particularly memorable date – good or bad?
I am actually married to my junior high sweetheart. We met at the age of 12 when we were seated at the same table in art class. We’ve been together ever since. My favorite date we’ve gone on was super spontaneous. We had been snowed in for about three days, and everything in town was closed. On a whim, we walked through several feet of snow to the town center. We found that the Chinese restaurant was open, so we ate Chinese food and then walked to a consignment shop that was also open despite the storm. It was simple, it was random, and it is one of my favorite memories.

6. What was the most exciting part about writing your novel in the No Brides Club Series?
I loved writing about Broadway and imagining how the two characters came together. I think Rachel and Zander just have a way of complementing each other, and despite their troubled pasts with love, they help each other believe in it again. I think that’s always exciting.

Blurb for No Time for Promises
When six friends make a pact not to let love get in the way of their careers, the No Brides Club is born. But could meeting the right man at the wrong time cause them to break their vows to each other?

Rachel Winters has less than a year until she turns thirty, and she plans to make it big-time on broadway before she hits this particularly stressing rite of passage. So, when the opportunity to teach young, aspiring actors at a weekend workshop presents itself, she eagerly agrees, hoping that this is the first sign her luck’s about to change.

Zander Riley once dreamed of being a star, but a badly broken heart sent his priorities spinning in an entirely different direction. Now a special education teacher, he agrees to chaperone a weekend trip to an acting workshop for the kids’ sake more than his own. If only the gorgeous instructor didn’t reignite a number of passions he’d long since cast aside.

Could it be love at first sight, or is he simply an unneeded obstacle to Rachel’s ambition? Can Zander learn to open his heart once more, even if it means it could break worse than ever before? And will these two theater lovers ultimately set the stage for romance… or tragedy?

Get your copy here.

About Lindsey
An English teacher, a romance author, and a fan of anything pink and/or glittery, Lindsay’s the English teacher cliché; she loves cats, reading, Shakespeare, and Poe.

Lindsay’s goal with her writing is to show the power of love and the beauty of life while also instilling a true sense of realism in her work. Some reviewers have noted that her books are not the “typical romance.” With her novels coming from a place of honesty, Lindsay examines the difficult questions, looks at the tough emotions, and paints the pictures that are sometimes difficult to look at. She wants her fiction to resonate with readers as candid, poetic, and powerful.

Inked Hearts, released in 2017 with Hot Tree Publishing, was named a Romance Times Top Pick. Additionally, Remember When, released in April of 2017, was named a Route One Reads Romance Pick by the Pennsylvania Center for the Book.

Lindsay currently lives in her hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Chad (her junior high sweetheart); their cats, Arya, Amelia, Alice, Marjorie, and Tyrion; and their Mastiff, Henry. In addition to being a huge bookworm, Lindsay’s also a fan of cruelty-free makeup, coffee, chocolate, Netflix, and shopping.

Be sure to connect with Lindsay:

Instagram: @lindsayanndetwiler
Twitter: @lindsaydetwiler
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lindsayanndetwiler
Blog: www.lindsaydetwiler.com

To enter the No Brides Club Giveaway click here or the image below

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Writers on Wednesday – A Q&A with author of Lovestruck Two Step, Mariposa Cruz

December 30, 2019

1/15/2019

Today for Writers on Wednesday we feature a Q&A with Mariposa Cruz
1. What was the inspiration for your novel?
I intended to end the Rhythm & Romance series with “Wedding Tango”, but while having dinner with a friend of mine mentioned her club had a band for all of their dance events. I started thinking about a two-man band in a dive bar and by the end of the evening I knew had the final story in the series.

2. When did you take up writing?
I’ve been jotting down stories in notebooks since childhood. I published my first short story in the college literary magazine and wrote articles for the campus newspaper. Once I saw my writing in print, I was hooked and I’ve been alternating between writing fact and fiction ever since. I write romance as Mariposa Cruz and I write women’s fiction and freelance articles as Susan Winters.

3. How important is setting/place in your writing?
The stories I like most as a reader is ones that “take you there” and I strive to do that with my own writing. The Rhythm & Romance series has been a joy to write because I love dancing and it has been a blast bringing readers out with me on the dance floor.

4. Do you have a favourite character (s) in your current novel?
My hero’s Uncle Greer, co-owner of Last Chance, has a gruff exterior but a tender heart. He first appears in “Package Deal” and managed to elbow his way into “Ladies Man” and winds up sharing the stage with Carson in “Lovestruck Two Step”.

5. What’s the best piece of writing advice you were ever given?
A friend of mine who wanted to entice me into a home-based business forwarded me a recording extolling the benefits of being an entrepreneur. The speaker stressed the importance of treating the enterprise as a job, not a hobby you pursue when you feel like it. I passed on the “opportunity”, but I took a business-like approach toward writing, keeping a writing schedule and setting tangible deadlines. By having more structure in my writing life, I’ve been able to get more accomplished while still having a good time.

6. Do you have a schedule for writing?
I’ve always written during the morning before anyone is awake except for Bentley, the cat. He’s an ideal writing companion. Bentley doesn’t criticize my work or interrupt me except for an occasional nibble on my computer screen to get my attention.

7. Are you a plotter or someone who tends to wing it?
I tend to wing it. When I start a story, I have the ending in mind, but I’m not always sure how I’m going to get there
.
8. Can you name three of four of your current favourite books?
“The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” by C.S. Lewis-I love the entire Chronicles of Narnia series, but that one is my favourite.
“Still Life With Bread Crumbs” by Anna Quindlen-A well-known photographer at the crossroads of life finds love and new life where she least expects it.
“The Eight” by Katherine Neville-Though I’m more of a checkers girl, this novel about a mysterious chess set is absolutely riveting.

9. Can you tell me a little bit about what you are working on now?
My current WIP is the first book in a new romantic series, Men of the Silver State. It’s in the early stages of the first draft, but I can tell you it involves a beer- imbibing knitting circle, karaoke and a horrible car accident (not caused by the knitters).

10. What advice would you give to a fledgling writer to assist them on
their journey?
Believe in yourself. I know that sounds like grade school advice, but sometimes you have to hold tight to the basics when facing an incredible challenge (like finishing a novel). When you are serious about your work, eventually people will get it.

Lovestruck Two Step Excerpt:
“You don’t have to do this,” Becca said quietly as he led her to the center of the dance floor.
“Dance with the most beautiful woman in the room? Of course I do,” Carson replied, taking her in his arms.
He paused for a beat, listening to the vocals, before starting to dance. Becca heard the playful undercurrent of the keyboard while Eleanor and Greer sang in harmony that they weren’t going home alone tonight. Somehow, Carson had mastered the quick, quick, slow steps integral to Two Step just from watching her teach it. He moved easily with the rhythm of the music, smoothly leading her into a turn without rushing the move.
“You’re good,” she exclaimed.
“I always pay attention in class with the right teacher,” Carson replied. He smiled at her, and the rest of the world disappeared. His touch was subtle, yet firm, as he led her in perfect time with the music. No words were needed. Too soon, the song drew to a close, and with his arm circled around her waist, Carson escorted her to her table. With a light kiss on the lips, he thanked her for the dance, then turned and walked back to the stage.

Grab your copy here today!

About Mariposa
Mariposa Cruz balances writing with working as a fulltime corporate paralegal. For her Mariposa Musings blog she has interviewed a variety of real life characters from romance authors to psychics. She works, writes and dances Salsa in Reno, Nevada.

links:

Blogs https://mariposacruz.blogspot.com/
https://createontheside.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariposa.cruz.180

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It’s release day for No Time For Lullabies (No Brides Club Book 2) so let’s talk to author Sydney Logan about her new release.

December 30, 2019

1/11/2019

To celebrate the launch of the No Brides Club series I’ll be hosting each of the authors on their release day – today let’s meet Sydney Logan, author of No Time For Lullabies.

What made you want to write your No Brides Club novel?

I had an idea for a book about a woman who was perfectly content being single, with no desire to ever get married, so when submissions opened for the No Brides Club, I thought my story might be a good fit. I was also excited to have the opportunity to work with Melissa and Sweet Promise Press.

Is there a character in the novel you most relate to?

I relate to Melody in that she’s a country girl at heart and loves music. I didn’t make it a career like she did, but I’ve always enjoyed songwriting and singing.

In the series the characters make a pledge to focus on their careers and not on dating/finding love? It’s January have you made a New Year’s resolution? Or have you ever made a group pledge or pact with friends and did you keep it?

I’m terrible at keeping resolutions, but this year, I’m hoping to get healthier. If that means getting a treadmill desk, so be it (although I’m pretty sure I’ll kill myself trying to walk and type at the same time).

The No Brides Club series is set in New York – can you tell us a little about yourself and where you live.

Like Melody, I was raised (and still live) in rural Appalachia in a little town in East Tennessee. By day, I’m a school librarian with students ranging in age from PreK to 8th grade. I’m married to the man of my dreams who is a radio DJ. We love the Tennessee Vols and Golden State Warriors, and we eat way too much fast food (thus, the hoping to get healthier resolution).

The characters in the series have sworn off dating – have you ever been on a particularly memorable date – good or bad?
I went on a blind date when I was in college. It was with a guy I’d talked to on the phone and online for a few weeks. Super sweet guy, so when he suggested we meet at the mall, I thought why not? We hadn’t exchanged pics (this was the early 90s before cell phones were everywhere and selfies were the norm). I remember being so nervous, but as soon as we spotted each other at the food court, my nerves dissipated because I knew instantly that we were just going to be friends. He wasn’t unattractive, but he was shorter than me—by a lot. I’m 5’3, so to meet a guy shorter than me (with boots on) was surprising. I’m not a shallow person, but my one rule is they must be taller than me! lol

What was the most exciting part about writing your novel in the No Brides Club Series?

The most exciting part for me was the challenge of it—writing a story that would tie into an existing world that I didn’t create myself. I write small-town romances, so a story set in NYC was different for me. But, within the guidelines of the series, I was able to create my own little world of Meadow Creek and adapt my writing style and voice to fit into the No Brides Club.

About Sydney :
Sydney Logan writes heartfelt romances that feature strong women and the men who love them. In addition to her novels, she has penned several short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul.

She is a Netflix junkie, music lover, and a Vol for Life. Sydney and her husband make their home in beautiful East Tennessee.

To learn more about Sydney and her books, visit her online at www.sydneylogan.com.
Follow Sydney on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SydneyLoganAuthor/

Follow Sydney on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/sydneylogan

Don’t forget to enter the No Brides Club Series Give Away and of course get your copy of No Time For Lullabies.

No Brides Club Girls Night Giveaway

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Launch day Interview with No Time for Love author, Raine English

December 30, 2019

1/4/2019

To celebrate the launch of the No Brides Club series I’ll be hosting each of the authors on their release day – let’s kick it off today with Raine English, author of No Time For Love

Q&A with Raine English

Is there a character in the novel you most relate to?
I would have to say it’s Kinsley King. I used to be a real estate broker so it was easy for me relate to her not wanting to give up her business and move to the country.

In the series, the characters make a pledge to focus on their careers and not on dating/finding love. It’s January, have you made a New Year’s resolution? Or have you ever made a group pledge or pact with friends and did you keep it?
2018 was a tough year. My home was hit by a tornado so much of the year was spent dealing with repairs. This year my resolution is to stay positive no matter what happens.

The No Brides Club series is set in New York – can you tell us a little about yourself and where you live.
I live in a quaint New England town about halfway between New York City and Boston. I’ve traveled to both cities many times and love spending time there.

The characters in the series have sworn off dating – have you ever been on a particularly memorable date – good or bad?
I’ve only been on one blind date. It was set up by a friend who thought she was a fabulous matchmaker. Well, in my case, not so much. Turned out my date was so boring that I couldn’t wait to get home. Needless to say, we never went out again.

What was the most exciting part about writing your novel in the No Brides Club Series?
I loved including so much wildlife in the story. Many of my books have dogs in them, but this is the first time I’ve written about wolves, bears, coyotes, etc. And the fact that Kinsley had no experience with animals of any kind was a lot of fun to write.

No Time For Love
When six friends make a pact not to let love get in the way of their careers, the No Brides Club is born. But could meeting the right man at the wrong time cause them to break their vows to each other?

Kinsley King loves her lavish lifestyle as one of Manhattan’s most in-demand real estate brokers. She’s worked hard to get to the top, and she’s not backing down now… But when her favorite aunt bequests her a wildlife sanctuary in the middle of nowhere, she has a tough decision to make: honor her aunt’s last wish or put the property on the market and maintain the life she adores.

Dylan Reese, on the other hand, thinks life off the grid is just about perfect. That is, until the owner of the wildlife sanctuary he manages dies suddenly and leaves the place to her spoiled city-slicker niece. Now he, too, has a choice: leave it all behind or swallow his pride and take orders from a woman who wants no part of this particular commitment.

Sparks fly in this opposites attract sweet romance as Kinsley finds herself falling for the swoon-worthy sanctuary manager, causing her to rethink the no marriage vow she made with her girlfriends, while Dylan wonders how he’s going to keep from losing his heart to the one woman who’s sure to break it.

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2VqPyDR

Author Bio

USA Today bestselling author Raine English began her career as a journalist, but writing romance novels was her passion. Her stories have won many awards, including finalling in the Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® and winning the Daphne du Maurier Award. She lives in New England with her family and two French bulldogs, Bailey and Dolly.

Social Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raineenglishauthor
Raine English Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RaineEnglishStreetTeam
Website: www.RaineEnglish.com

No Brides Club Series Giveaway
Want to win some amazing prizes in the No Brides Club Giveaway? Click the image below to enter.

Comments

Raine English
1/4/2019 05:14:30 pm

Thanks so much for hosting me tonight, Monique! It was fun!!
Reply
Monique
1/5/2019 01:20:37 pm

My absolute pleasure Raine.

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