The Day Is Finally Here! The Marquess Is Up For Preorder!

The day has finally arrived! I have been watching Amazon like a hawk, and it's finally HERE!

As you all know, my new book, The Marquess Meets His Match, will be released Aug. 15th, but it is now up for preorder! Woohoo! You can get your copy here 

If you'd like a sneak peek of the first chapter, you can read that here 

This book has been a long time coming and I really appreciate all my fans who have been so patient. (I would love to tell you all the behind-the-scenes story of this one sometime!) I hope you all love Christian and Alice's story as much as I loved writing it!

Back Copy for The Marquess Meets His Match---I'm So Excited!

We are getting so close to the release of The Marquess Meets His Match. I am so excited!

Here is the back copy. What do you think?

Lord Christian Wolverton―known as Wolf in a covert group operating during the war against Napoleon―has been called home from his military duties. For the moment, his family responsibilities require him to suspend his more clandestine activities. But information falls into his hands that a traitor will soon try to tip the scales back into French favor and Christian must stop it from happening.

Going to the one person who can help him, the powerful Duke of Huntingdon, Christian comes face to face with Lady Alice. She's a beautiful member of the ton with a very big secret―she's a trained agent and already on the case. Forced to partner with her to lure the traitor out of hiding, Christian wants to quickly finish the mission himself, before Lady Alice is more closely involved. But Lady Alice has ideas of her own and she's going to prove her theories correct―with or without him.

Danger is closer than they think, however, and it's a race against time to expose the traitor's identity before British lives are endangered. Both Christian and Alice have strong opinions on who he is, but which one will be proven right and can they catch him in time?

In the Non-Fiction Corner---Seven at Sea

In the Non-Fiction Corner With Lauren

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention for a Life-Changing Year on a Sailboat
is a book written by a husband and wife who left everything in New York City to set sail for a year with their five children. Erik and Emily began sailing as a hobby, but after many classes and teaching their children to love sailing as well, they knew that they wanted to take a chance and make it their lifestyle. They found a boat they loved, acquired the funds and they were on their way! The family experienced many ups and downs throughout their journey, and this book gives the details on all of it.

Erik and Emily make excellent cowriters as they give insights into their decision making, as well as humorous stories from their trip abroad. I loved the first few chapters. I feel like I really got to know the family and what drove Emily and Erik to follow their dreams no matter what. I felt like I was learning to sail as well! There is a line in the book that said their travel sometimes was just “fixing their boat in exotic places” and that definitely sums up the beginning part of their trip. Lots of maintenance needed, and as the authors give a log of that, they also tell a little bit about the people they met and how these setbacks brought them closer as a family. They aren’t afraid to share the hard parts of living in such close quarters with their family, and I definitely appreciated their honesty. The overall theme of the book is to follow your dreams and don’t be afraid to try something new, and I think that the authors portray this message perfectly.

You can get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

A New York City family's remarkable story of how they gave up their urban life, packed up their family of seven, and braved the difficult conditions of the Atlantic Ocean as they sailed more than 2,500 from New York to and around the Caribbean.

They thought of all the reasons why risking everything for year at sea was a bad idea: they could go broke, get injured, be stranded at sea--maybe even die. More than likely, the only thing they would accomplish would be to embarrass themselves. Besides, only rich people sailed the world, right?

After all the deliberations, one thing was clear: their children would either be an excuse or a reason. They chose to set sail.

Seven at Sea tells the story of a family learning to live together, simply and in harmony with the natural world. In doing so, they learned that giving up control can sometimes lead to amazing adventures. More importantly, they discovered how little they actually needed to be abundantly happy.

It's My Anniversary & I Have A Free Gift For You!

Today is the ten year anniversary of my author page! (Do you follow me there? I offer book deals, author interviews, my work-in-progress news and we also have some fun with memes. If you want to join, you can find me HERE)

I can hardly believe it's been ten years! Who knew Facebook would become such a fun place to get to know fans and make Facebook friends. I've loved getting to know so many of you!

In order to celebrate this momentous occasion, I'm offering you all a gift---my romantic suspense novel, Through Love's Trials, is FREE today! Happy anniversary!

Get your free Kindle copy of Through Love's Trials HERE

Here's the back copy:

A terrorist attack that must be stopped. Two attorneys with everything to lose. Will they have to make the ultimate sacrifice?

Attorney Kenneth King can't wait to get away on vacation and leave the courtroom behind. He only has one last errand to do for his boss―drop off a flash drive to fellow attorney Emma James. But as soon as the drive is in his hands, his boss is murdered and Kenneth becomes the next target. With nowhere left to turn, he reaches out to Emma for help―but that only puts them both in danger.

Emma James just wants to settle into her new job and provide a good life for her little girl. That is all threatened when she gets a flash drive with information on it that points to an imminent terrorist attack on U.S. soil. With her choices dwindling and her vulnerabilities made crystal clear, Emma is pushed to the limit by those who want her dead and the rest of the country to suffer. How far will she be forced to go to save the lives of everyone around her, including those she loves?

Kenneth and Emma have to find a way to work together to stop the terrorists, but it's the most difficult trial of their lives―and the verdict will be life or death.

Freebie for Historical Romance Fans!

If you are looking for a cute summer read and love historical romance, The Pursuit of Lady Harriet, by Rachael Anderson is FREE today! I enjoyed this one. 

Download your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

When wills clash and hearts collide, who will reign victorious?

Termed an Incomparable during her first London season, Lady Harriett Cavendish is beautiful, spirited, and confident, capturing the attention of a great many suitors. Unfortunately, they all failed to capture her attention, and she concluded the season as unattached as she’d begun it.

Only weeks prior to her second season, Harriett encounters Lieutenant Christopher Jamison while visiting Tanglewood Manor. Recently returned from war, the lieutenant is everything that Harriett's previous suitors were not. He’s arrogant, ungentlemanly, irritating, and challenges her at every opportunity. When he goes too far, Harriett decides that it’s time to turn the tables on him. But as she sets out to put the lieutenant in his place once and for all, she discovers there is more to him than meets the eye, and when it comes to matters of the heart, she has no control whatsoever.

I Read Some Hawaii Five-0 Spoilers . . .

So, there have been a few spoilers and leaked photos from the start of filming for the new season of Hawaii Five-0. I eagerly read them all, anxious to see what the direction of the show would be this season.

And now I'm sad I did.

I won't say what the spoilers are, for those of you who want to stay spoiler free, but now I wish I would have waited! I think I would have liked to have been surprised for one of the big spoilers. Sigh. But, as always, I will wait to reserve judgment and see how it all plays out on screen.

Here's my question to you, though. Do you ever regret reading spoilers? (I do, obviously, but I can't help myself from reading them! haha Maybe I need to start a Spoiler Support Group or something.)

Freebie Friday for Romance Fans!

If you want a weekend romance to read that will whisk you away to Hawaii, Rachelle Christensen's book, Hawaiian Masquerade is free today!

Download your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

When Lexi Burke escaped the remnants of a cold winter in Chicago for the beaches of Kauai, it wasn’t a random vacation. She left the hectic pace of Burke Enterprises behind with enough money to retire at age thirty-two, intent on settling into the idyllic existence of island life. Until she met local photographer Derek Mitchell—a talented man with a grudge against rich tourists.

From art night to snorkeling lessons, hiking, and chopping coconuts, Lexi can’t talk herself out of spending time with the handsome, hardworking man who knows the value of every dollar. She also can’t find a way to tell him the truth about herself. But then Derek is selected to help in a benefit at a masquerade ball as one of the eligible bachelors up for auction. Lexi must decide whether to wear a mask or unveil her true self and risk losing Derek’s trust and a chance at love. 

Look What I Did!

Well, look what I got to type on my manuscript! I feel like I have been revising this work-in-progress for FOREVER! And today I finally finished it!

This writer’s retreat has been amazing! I soaked up so much creative energy and the words flowed, but I also ate yummy food, laughed, and stayed up way too late with my incredibly talented writer friend Annette Lyon. I’m sad it’s over, just because I was able to focus and really get some uninterrupted writing time, but I’m going home refreshed and revitalized and ready to put on my mom hat.

I can't wait to share this new book with you all!

Writers Having Fun

I'm still at my writer's retreat. We've eaten so much yummy food, talked, walked, laughed, and written so many words. (So. Many!) And I can't wait to share more about my current work-in-progress.

This has been such a recharge for me and I'm so grateful. One strange thing about me that I was worried my fellow writers might think was weird is that when my kids were little, I could only sit at the computer and write for 30 minutes while their favorite kid show was on. So, even though I don't have to do that anymore, my brain has been trained to write in 30 minute increments and then I have to get up and do something else for a bit before I can sit down again. I know, it's a bit strange, but it works for me. And my writer friends didn't judge me at all! Yay!

Have you ever been worried your friends might think something you do is strange? Care to share?

Freebie Friday for Sports Romance Fans!

If you are a fan of sports romances and need a weekend read, Jennifer Youngblood's, The Persistent Groom is free today!

Download your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

A love he couldn't forget. A chance to make things right.

In the game of life only three rules apply: play hard, love more, and never give up!

When single mom Silver Coulter gets a chance to plan the bachelor auction event of the season, she has no idea it'll bring her face-to-face with the very man she's spent years trying to forget--Ace Sanchez, superstar running back for the Texas Titans, whose devastating good looks and quick-silver personality make him one of the most eligible bachelors in Texas.

Long-held attractions sizzle to the surface as Ace tries to get back into Silver's life. But Silver has a sordid past that includes a nasty ex-husband and ruthless ex-mother-in-law who'll stop at nothing to keep Silver in her clutches.

Torn between her need to protect her young daughter and her desire to be with Ace, Silver must decide if she's willing to give up on her dreams or lay it all on the line for love.

I'm Going On A Writing Retreat!

I'm so excited to be going on a writing retreat this weekend! I have so many goals that I want to accomplish and having that precious time to do it in will be invaluable. I can't remember the last time I had truly dedicated writing time, so I'm really looking forward to this. And I'll be with fellow writers and absorb all that wonderful writing energy. (It will be tempting to just visit and not write, but I'm determined to be wise.)

 Of course my little boy is worried about who will tuck him in at night, which pricked my mama's heart, but I assured him his daddy would take over that special privilege.

So, hopefully, when I come back I will have some wonderful writing goals accomplished and something to announce very soon!

Do you ever go to retreats for a recharge or for your occupation? Were they productive?

What I'm Reading Wednesday

As you all know, my favorite genre is historical fiction and I just started Jen Geigle Johnson's new historical romance, A Lady's Maid. It's definitely different than most romances out there and the research into the time period is awesome. I'm learning a lot as I go along with the characters!

I'll be doing a full review really soon.

Here's the back copy if you're interested:

Molly O' Malley, lady's maid to the progressive Lady Amanda Halloway, is determined to continue the life's work of her lost love, killed in the Peterloo Massacre. But when her efforts and a trip to Lady Halloway's charitable orphanage culminate in her own abduction, Molly's eyes are opened to the horrifying crimes transpiring in the city's slums. Despite the risks, she broadens her mission and is drawn ever closer to the peril all around them.

Thomas Flaherty, a footman in the Halloway household, has been with Molly from the beginning, but he fears she will never trust him with her heart. Even though her cause and happiness are of foremost importance to him, his loyal patience is tested by the fears that keep her at a distance. But with their safety on the line, Thomas is resolved to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves.

Risking their lives and their love, Molly and Thomas and a team of nobles on their side will stop at nothing to empower the powerless, no matter the personal cost.

The Arm of A Martyr

My son has been in Spain the last three weeks and he went to a beautiful cathedral in Valencia. While there, he saw the arm of a saint. A preserved detached forearm. I was so curious I had to research to find out why they would just have the arm displayed and who this person was.

His name was St. Vincent of Saragossa. According to legend, he was born in the last part of the third century and ordained by Bishop Valerius. Apparently, Valerius had a speech impediment, so Vincent was his spokesman and preached throughout the diocese. When the Roman Emperor started persecuting Christians, Vincent was imprisoned and only offered release if he would consign the scriptures to the fire.

Vincent refused.

Once he did that, he was stretched on the rack and his flesh torn by iron hooks, then salt was rubbed in the wounds. He was also burned alive on a hot gridiron, then his body thrown in a room with broken pottery all over the floor, which is where he died. His body was put in a bag and thrown into the sea. Ravens protected his body until his followers could recover it. And his arm is now displayed in the Valencia cathedral.

So interesting (and awful.) Have you ever been on vacation and come across something you had no idea existed that made you research to know more?

We Went to Toy Story 4, But I Was A Little Nervous To Go!

We took the kids to see Toy Story 4. I admit, I was a little nervous because it's the fourth in the series (what more could they do with the toys after the last one?) and I had heard that movie-goers would need tissues. (I have a hard time with sad movies!) But my kids really wanted to go so we took them.

After all my worrying, I was pleasantly surprised! They brought back all the beloved characters, even Don Rickles who played Mr. Potato Head, but had passed away. (They used archived footage and it was seamless.) The storyline was original and fun with so many laugh out loud moments with Woody and the new toy Forky. (I will never look at trash the same again!) Forky had all the best quotes of the movie, too. We also saw some great growth in Bo Peep as a strong woman which totally caught me by surprise, but I loved it!

Of course I also loved the addition of Keanu Reeves who played Duke Caboom, Canada's Greatest Stuntman. I'm glad they had a Canadian actor to play such a fun Canadian character. His backstory was sad, but his growth "arc" was sweet. And the posing! LOL

There were some wonderful themes of sacrifice and love, helping others, finding your true purpose and sometimes saying goodbye, but for me, there weren't any sad parts that would make me cry. It ended beautifully and I'm so glad I went.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

The Captain is Coming Out in Audio!

I am so excited that my romantic suspense, The Captain, is coming out in audio book form this month! My amazing narrator from The Captive, Tristan Wright, is coming back for this one and I couldn't be more thrilled. 

(Also, today is the last day to get the Kindle version of The Captain for only .99 cents!) But I've got a sneak peek of the audio book for you today:

You can hear a sneak peek of the audio book  HERE

Happy Independence Day!

I hope all my U.S. friends have a wonderful holiday today!

Book Review: Waiting for You

 

Waiting for You is the first book I've read in the Pine Valley series and I'm definitely going to be looking for the rest! (Thankfully they can be read standalone in any order.) It was a fun and easy read---perfect for 4th of July!

Gwen Robbins has been hurt in the past and has a lot of hangups about rich and privileged people. Because of this, she makes some snap judgments about her boss, Seth Owens. Determined to ignore him, she's suddenly faced with a crisis that gives her a glimpse of the real man and shows her that she's been very wrong about him. But can she trust her heart and reach for a chance at love?

I really enjoyed Waiting for You. Seth is such an amazing hero, so patient and kind with all of Gwen's strange views and no-I-can't-date-you-but-I-want-to-kiss you behavior. I liked that Seth also had a believable growth arc with his parental expectations as well. Gwen's growth arc was also nice to see, and the ending was so sweet. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Wealthy. Privileged. Seth Owens has it all. Except for the woman who holds his heart.

Gwen Robbins loves her job waitressing at the Pine Valley resort restaurant, and as a single woman, she has no trouble turning down any offers of dates from the restaurant patrons. Even when her boss, Seth Owens, shows interest in her, she’s not tempted in the least, no matter how strong their attraction.

But when Seth helps her through a crisis, she begins to see him in a different light. He’s not the rich and privileged business owner she first makes him out to be, but a man who’s making huge sacrifices to follow his own dreams. As Seth encourages Gwen to mend her own divide with her family, she realizes her heart is slowly opening toward a better future.

Freebie for Romance Fans!

Want a great 4th of July read? Heather B. Moore's romance, Waiting for You, is free today!

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

Wealthy. Privileged. Seth Owens has it all. Except for the woman who holds his heart.

Gwen Robbins loves her job waitressing at the Pine Valley resort restaurant, and as a single woman, she has no trouble turning down any offers of dates from the restaurant patrons. Even when her boss, Seth Owens, shows interest in her, she’s not tempted in the least, no matter how strong their attraction.

But when Seth helps her through a crisis, she begins to see him in a different light. He’s not the rich and privileged business owner she first makes him out to be, but a man who’s making huge sacrifices to follow his own dreams. As Seth encourages Gwen to mend her own divide with her family, she realizes her heart is slowly opening toward a better future.

Happy Canada Day! Get Your .99 Cent Deal to Celebrate!

Happy Canada Day!

I'm so proud of my Canadian heritage and the book I wrote about a Canadian operative, The Captain. It's on sale to celebrate Canada Day today! 

Here's the back copy:

Captain Colt Mitchell is part of the elite Griffin Force team hunting down terrorist Nazer al-Raimi. After an attack on the Canadian Parliament buildings, the team gets good intel on Nazer's whereabouts. They plan to grab him, but when the mission goes wrong, Colt is captured and dragged away. Bruised, restrained, and disoriented, Colt is stunned to see Brenna Wilson, the Canadian intelligence officer who broke his heart years ago, standing next to Nazer. But how deep is she in the operation and can she help Colt escape?

After the devastating attack on Canadian soil, Brenna is recruited to go undercover to find out what Nazer is planning next. She's close to her goal until her former flame Colt Mitchell is taken hostage. Walking away from him has always been her biggest regret and she knows she has to save him, even if it blows her mission. Taking matters into her own hands, she pulls off a daring escape, but Colt and Brenna must learn to trust each other again if they want to stay alive. With their hearts and their lives on the line can they survive long enough to stop Nazer from ravaging another country's sense of security?

You can get your sale copy here