• Blog

    No Brides Club Launch Day

    It’s launch day for the No Brides Club

    Yes, that’s right it’s finally launch day for the No Brides Club. This series was originally published by a small press, but earlier this year they shut up shop, and all the authors in the series got our books back. They were languishing there for a while and now we’re all thrilled to be able to give them a new lease on life.

    Finally today they are live again and you can download them from Amazon and get reading. The series is on sale right now for 99cents but all the books are free to Kindle Unlimited readers.

    The series can be enjoyed as stand aloe novels but why not binge the whole series?

    I have three books in the series No Time for Temptation, No Time for Trouble and No Time for Tears. These books were really fun to write as they were set in New York and if you know me even a little bit you know I love New York.

    I haven’t been back since the pandemic but it’s definitely on my list of places to go again. Several of the places in the books, especially No Time for Tears, were inspired by places I went to on my last visit.

    To celebrate the launch we also have a fun giveaway you can enter. Up for grabs is a $50 Amazon giftcard so be sure to enter as many times as you can. Just click the image below to be taken to the entry form.

    Click the image to enter a $50 Amazon giftcard giveaway
    Click the image to enter

    I’ll be back with more exciting news about the No Brides Club later this week!

  • BB giveway
    Blog

    Launch Week Giveaway – Boardwalk Dreams and a giftcard

    BB giveway

    It’s launch week for Boardwalk Bound and I want you to fall in love with the Carmichaels.

    To celebrate the release I want to give you a chance to win the second book in the series – Boardwalk Dreams so you can keep on with your Carmichael’s reading.

    Boardwalk Beginnings (The Carmichaels of Cinnamon Bay Book 1) is #free on all platforms
    and to celebrate I am giving away 1 x Ebook copy of Boardwalk Dreams (The Carmichaels of Cinnamon Bay Book 2) and 1x $5 Amazon Giftcard!
    To Enter: Sign up here for my newsletter ↓
    Post a screenshot in the comments and I will pick 1 lucky winner!
    Giveaway closes November 15th 2020
    And don’t forget to get download a copy of Boardwalk Bound today!
    Title: Boardwalk Bound (The Carmichaels of Cinnamon Bay Book 5)
    Blurb ↓
    What happens when your greatest ally turns out to be a perfect stranger?
    Welcome back to Cinnamon Bay, where the neighbors know your business and one sip of the Cafe Amour can make you fall in love. If you believe in that kind of thing.
    Award winning actress India Rose Carmichael hasn’t been back to Cinnamon Bay for more than a day in years. When she should be celebrating the peak of her career, she’s wondering how she landed herself with a cheating ex—who was also her manager! Looking to escape Hollywood, she turns to the director of the Cinnamon Bay Film festival, who she’s been corresponding with for a few years, and offers him a deal: hide her away for two weeks, from the media and her erstwhile family, and she’ll help promote the festival to bring in tourists and money.
    Finn Jameson should have said no to India Rose, but the high school vice-principal, and part-time film festival director, knew she must be desperate if she’s looking to him for help. What he forgot to factor in was that having one of the world’s most beautiful women in his home would prove more than a little tempting, especially when she’s also sweet vulnerable and very much alone. When the world and her estranged family find out India Rose is in Cinnamon Bay their relationship goes from friendship to fake romance and the lines between dreams and reality become blurred.
    Everyone has an opinion on what should happen between them, if only they all agreed. Can a small-town guy and a big time actress find a way to build a love that will last?
    Fans of Brenda Novak, Nora Roberts, and Robyn Carr will fall head over heels for this delightful beachy romance.
    Delve into a new world of romance, mystery, and magic in the quirky coastal town of Cinnamon Bay, North Carolina. Scroll up and one-click to start reading BOARDWALK BOUND by USA Today bestselling author Monique McDonell today!
    Image may contain: 8 people
  • Blog

    Holiday Wishes Romance Giveaway – enter today!

    12/9/2019

    Holiday Wishes Romance Giveaway Promo
    HOLIDAY WISHES ROMANCE GIVEAWAY
    December 5-25
    A Sleighful of Prizes and Video Holiday
    Greetings from the Authors!
    https://bookwrapt.com/holiday-wishes/

    Come listen and watch as some of your favorite romance authors give you their best wishes for the holiday in a special video! To celebrate the season, they’re giving away a grand prize package that includes a Kindle Fire, 6-months of Kindle Unlimited, and a $20 Amazon gift card. Santa also has a bag full of runners-up prizes, including gift cards and ebook prize packs.
    Still want more? Check out the fantastic reads in the Holiday Wishes All Romance Genres Book Fair, and play the Scavenger Hunt Game for your chance at a $50 Amazon gift card!
    https://bookwrapt.com/holiday-wishes-book-fair/

    (This giveaway is sponsored by the authors listed below)

    Allyson Lindt • Amanda Uhl • Angelica Kate • Anne McClane • C.A. King • C.D. Gorri • Crystal Dawn • Danielle M Haas • Debbie White • Diane Benefiel • Elizabeth Rose • Elsie Davis • Emmanuelle de Maupassant • G.K. Brady • ID Johnson • Jacqueline Diamond • Jacquie Biggar • JC Andrijeski • Jina Bacarr • Joanne Dannon • Josie Riviera • Judith Sterling • Karen Michelle Nutt • Kat Drennan • Kat Samuels • Kerry Blaisdell • Keta Diablo • Kristy Tate • Laurel O’Donnell • Liz Durano • Maria Elena Alonso Sierra • Melissa McClone • Michelle Jo Quinn • Mona Sedrak • Monique McDonell • Naomi Bellina • Penelope Wylde • Ravyn Wilde • Regan Walker • Rhondi Ann • Samantha Keith • Sara Beth Williams • Shana Gray • Sofie Darling • Soraya Naomi • Stormy Legend • Tammy Andresen • Victoria Saccenti • Zoe Dawson • Aileen Harkwood

  • Blog

    Let It Be Me Blog Tour – welcoming Laura Chapman

    10/27/2019

    Let It Be Me Banner

    This is my stop during the book blitz for Let It Be Me by Laura Chapman. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 21 till 27 October. See the tour schedule here.

    Let It Be Me - Cover
    Let It Be Me (Amarillo Sour #2)
    By Laura Chapman
    Genre: Romantic Comedy
    Age category: Adult
    Release Date: September 30, 2019

    Blurb:
    Who says history is boring?

    Professor James Mitchell has a rock star reputation. With a waitlist for all his classes, a best-selling book, and the requisite leather jacket, the university and publisher are eager to capitalize on this British sensation. But after his girlfriend leaves him for another man, James goes from rising scholar to spiraling bad boy. Forget contracts and tenure, James wants out—of his job, his book deal, and, better still, the country. He’s well on his way when his boss’s daughter walks into his favorite bar . . .

    Aspiring filmmaker Ali Ferguson-Day doesn’t scare easily. She’s been given the means to make a film of her own—on the condition she tames the professor. As the daughter of a famed documentarian and a renowned historian, she’s more than ready to step out of her parents’ shadows and shine on her own. She won’t let anyone—not even an unexpected charmer—get in her way.

    James and Ali butt heads from the start, but it isn’t long before their sparring gives way to attraction. There’s the promise of even more, if they can get past the fear of history repeating itself to let love in . . .

    You can find Let It Be Me on Goodreads

    You can buy Let It Be Me here:
    Amazon
    Barnes & Noble
    Kobo
    Apple
    Google Play

    Check out book 1 in this series: Counting on You
    Counting on You - Cover
    Is love worth the risk?

    Links:
    Goodreads
    Amazon
    Barnes & Noble
    Kobo
    Google Play
    iTunes

    About the Author:
    Laura Chapman is the award-winning and Amazon best-selling author of sweet and sexy romantic comedies. A born and raised Nebraska girl, she loves watching football, traveling, crafting, and baking. When she isn’t writing her next story, she is probably working at a museum by day and binge-watching Netflix with her cats Jane and Bingley at night. So, basically, she’s living large.

    You can find and contact Laura Chapman here:
    Website
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Goodreads
    Amazon
    Instagram
    Newsletter

    Giveaway
    There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Let It Be Me. One winner will win a $20 Amazon gift card.

    For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

    https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRIpMmoaSds/Vjaa9IJymkI/AAAAAAAAEAM/myK-dXbbudM/s1600/LolasBlogToursBanner.jpg
    Let It Be Me - CoverExcerpt – Let It Be Me
    James Mitchell didn’t need a PhD to figure out why he’d been called into the department chair’s office. Unzipping his leather jacket, he slouched into the chair usually reserved for harried professors and students pleading for extra credit. Today, he was neither.
    Still nursing a bit of a hangover from the previous evening, he didn’t bother to cover his mouth as he yawned and made himself comfortable.
    He figured they might be in there a while.
    Dr. Ferguson—chair of the history department and, more importantly, his boss—didn’t waste time on salutations.

    It’s come to my attention that you failed to have your ‘War in the Middle Ages’ class on Monday.” Her ice-cold stare met his from across the desk, threatening to give him frostbite. “Again.”
    That simply wasn’t true. James was more than willing—eager, even—to accept blame for any and all of his missteps. But he wasn’t about to let people spread lies about him.
    “Actually, we held class.”
    “But you didn’t lecture, did you?”
    On that point, he could agree. Partially. “I provided an alternative educational experience.”
    Her eyes narrowed into slits. “You showed a movie.”
    “A movie set during the Middle Ages.”
    He’d even selected one about the Crusades, which even Dr. Ferguson—a post-Enlightenment scholar—had to know was period appropriate.
    “You played Robin Hood.”
    A movie set, in part, in a medieval battle zone. It was on topic.
    He studied the cuff of his leather fencing jacket. “It illustrates domestic issues and conflicts of the time shown through a mythical story.”
    Granted, the Robin Hood in this particular adaptation didn’t have a British accent. So it wasn’t accurate, strictly speaking. Still, if he—a displaced Brit—could tolerate Kevin Costner and Christian Slater, his boss should too.
    If possible, her scowl grew even more ferocious. There was no accounting for some people’s taste, he supposed.
    She shook her head. “I could look past the movie if you hadn’t called in sick on Tuesday.”
    “Yes, I . . . came down with something.”
    “It would seem you ‘came down’ with soccer tickets.”
    He flinched inwardly at her word choice. Before he could explain that everyone else in the world called it football, Fergie flipped her computer monitor around. There, in full color, was the Manchester United exhibition match held in Kansas City earlier that week. And there, in the middle of the photo, he stood with his face painted in red and white.
    “That could be anyone,” he lied.
    “Manchester United has quite a following, even over here.”
    Wordlessly, she clicked over to the next photo. In it, a pretty brunette held up a sign that boldly said, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!” with an arrow pointing right at him.
    Based on the set of Dr. Ferguson’s jaw, he gathered she wouldn’t care that the woman was just a friend. The bartender at his favorite pub no less. She also probably wouldn’t care that the tickets had been a present from Sidney and Ford, the bar’s owner.
    He lifted a shoulder. “They’re my team. It was my first chance to see them play live since I moved here.”
    As a lifelong fan, it had been a miserable two years.
    “You also have a job to do here,” she reminded him. “One that your status in this country depends on.”
    He knew that, of course, but he was glad she was well aware of that fact too.
    “I covered the class,” he said.
    “You had your teaching assistant give a repeat showing of Robin Hood.”
    “It was ‘Introduction to the Middle Ages.’ They hadn’t seen it yet.”
    She muttered under her breath. He wasn’t certain, but she might have been counting to ten. In Old French.
    After taking a moment to recover her patience, she slid on a pair of glasses and read from a notebook. “You slept through your office hours on Wednesday morning.”
    The drive back from Kansas City had taken longer than expected. He’d been tired.
    “You told Dr. Anderson to ‘sod off’ when he asked you to peer review his paper.”
    Dr. Anderson should have known better than to ask. He specialized in the American Gilded Age. Their areas of expertise weren’t remotely close in geography or time.
    “You skipped the planning meeting for our upcoming Renaissance fair.”
    Again, not his area of study. Even if it was, he wouldn’t be caught dead at such a mockery of an event. The inaccuracies would drive him mad. While he could forgive Hollywood for its anachronisms, scholars should be held to a higher standard.
    “And you missed your deadline with the press.” She frowned. “The first draft of your new book was due last night.”
    “Actually, it was due in January.” At least according to his copy of the contract with the university’s press. “This was the extension.”
    “It was your extension’s extension.” She dropped the notepad and ripped off her glasses. “Your editor tells me you won’t even answer her calls.”
    “Do let her know I received the fruit basket she sent over. The kumquats and persimmons were a particularly nice touch.”
    If possible, her scowl grew even more ferocious. “This is simply unacceptable.”
    He certainly hoped so. “Understood.”
    “You do realize what this means?”
    He did. He was in breach of contract. Combined with his increasingly erratic behavior and his failure to complete his duties, there was no way she could let him get away with it any longer.
    Thank God for that. James was running out of ideas on ways to get fired.
    ***

  • Blog

    Romancing Our Readers giveaway – enter today!

    9/19/2019

    Romancing Our Readers Giveaway Banner
    Welcome to the Romancing Our Readers Giveaway! If you love reading small town romance as much as our authors love writing it, then this is the giveaway for you!
    Unfortunately, because of shipping costs, this giveaway is ONLY open for US residents.
    PLEASE NOTE:
    By participating in this giveaway, you’re agreeing to receive emails from the host and the participants. Unsubscribe any time, but please don’t mark us as SPAM.
    Participating Authors:
    A.E. Wasp | Bethany Lopez | Cameron D. Garriepy | Christina Butrum | Connie Dave | Em Petrova | Emma Nichols | Emma Tharp | Holly Cortelyou | Jennifer Millikin | Julie Archer | Kelly Collins | Kim Bailey | Liz Durano | Maggie Dallen | MC Cerny | Melissa Stevens | Monique McDonnell | Nan O’Berry | Rebecca Norinne | S.L. Sterling | Sam Destiny | Scarlet Rose Bonnet | Terra Kelly | Tracy EllenBecause we believe reading should be an experience, we’ve created the perfect prize pack designed for comfort and relaxation.The Prize Pack:Just One More Chapter Pillow Case
    18″ Pillow Stuffer
    Books I’ve Read Journal
    Aloe Socks (2 pack)
    Yeti Mug
    Godiva Truffles
    Tea Forte Large Sampler Tin
    Luxury White Throw Blanket (63″ x 87″)
    A Room With Books Candle
    Luxe Spa Bath Bombs (12 Pack)
    ARV: $250.00
    Enter to win!
    Enter here: https://lovekissedbookbargains.com/2019/09/15/romancing-our-readers-giveaway-2/
    Romancing Our Readers Gift Pack Giveaway

    Gift Pack Note

  • Blog

    Release Day for Shut Up and Dance With Me

    8/12/2019

     

    Happy release day to me!

    Shut Up & Dance With Me - Oceanic Dreams Series - Monique McDonell - Cover​It’s release day for Shut Up and Dance With Me, Oceanic Dreams Book 7 and I’m super excited to be sharing this sweet, fun read with you.

    All the books take place during the same week on a cruise ship – it’s a singles cruise but my characters are there for a wedding. Sandy and Danny are standing up for their friends who are remarrying and neither of them is exactly pleased to be there or to be seeing each other again.

    This is an enemies to lovers story which isn’t my usual jam but as this is my 25th book under my own name it was nice to shake things up. Speaking of shaking – there are lots of cocktails shaken and stirred just like the emotions in this book.

    Blurb: Shut Up And Dance With Me
    As they set sail for madness and mayhem aboard Oceanic Aphrodite as Sandy and Danny stand up as witnesses to their friends second marriage. The maid of honor and best man can only agree on two things – this wedding is a bad idea and they can’t stand each other. A week on a cruise ship is a long time and hard though they try to avoid each other, the universe has other ideas. All aboard for a fun opposites-attract romance for lovers of cocktails, second chances and happily ever afters.

     

     

     

     

     

    To celebrate I have this awesome prize pack to give away. Enter below to win. Share it with your friends. Download the book and enjoy.

    Enter Win this fun Summer Prize Pack full of goodies from Downunder
    Down Under Giveaway Box
    enter here

  • Blog

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

    2/13/2019

    Notice some changes here on the blog?
    Monique McDonell BrandingI’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

    Flight Bound - Amazon Promo
    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)

    Feburary Free For All Promo

    February Insta-Follow Giveaway Promo
    I hope you enter some competitions, download some books and revisit my revamped blog often.

  • Blog

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

    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
    The No Brides Club - No Time for Love Release Promo
    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 - Cover
    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
    Raine English
    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.

    No Brides Club Book Teaser Promo

    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.

  • Blog

    Get ready for the Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop Starting Dec 3

    11/26/2018

    This is always a lot of fun and I will again be one of the participating authors so make sure you join in. You’ve got to be in it to win it!

    Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop
    The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time for Chick Lit Chat HQ’s annual Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop and this year it’s bigger and better than ever! 63 bestselling and award-winning authors in the Chick Lit and Romantic Comedy genres are participating in this fun-filled event and each one is doing a fantastic giveaway. Books, author swag, gift cards, and other assorted holiday treats are all up for grabs.

    But wait! There’s much, much more. On the hop’s Facebook group page, you can enter to win our Grand Prize—a large holiday gift box filled to the brim with a fabulous variety of holiday and winter-themed goodies (the darling, KitschNStyle gingerbread house apron, Snoozies! sherpa socks, Calvin Klein cashmere pom-pom beanie in petal pink, Too Faced sugar cookie eye shadow purse palette, Sally Snowflakes mug by Bella Pilar, Well Read Women: A Reader’s Journal, and handmade chocolate soaps shown in the graphic below are just a few of the items included in the box!).

    Holly Jolly Giveaway Box
    We’ll also be handing out four Runner-Up Prizes. Each one is a pair of Fitz & Floyd holiday mugs that will be accompanied by a canister of Williams-Sonoma classic hot chocolate as well as a tin of The Republic of Tea’s Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas Tea. So, you’ll have delicious, warm beverages to keep you cozy all winter long!

    Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop Giveaway
    The celebration runs from Monday, Dec. 3rd through Sunday, Dec. 9th, so head on over to the Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop Facebook group for some lively conversation with both authors and readers, incredible prizes, and lots of holiday fun! You’ll find each day’s featured authors, along with the links to their pages/giveaways, in the pinned post at the top of the group. We look forward to seeing you there!

    *The Grand Prize giveaway is open to US residents only. However, all of the individual author giveaways and the Runner-Up Prize giveaway are open internationally.