Freebies Galore!

There are SO many great books that are free today that I want to share with you! 

The first one is a regency romance from Alene Wecker, An Engagement of Errors. It looks so good! 

Here's the back copy:

A marriage of convenience—until her fiancé falls for her sister.

When Elisabeth’s husband dies, leaving her penniless and with child, she must throw off her blacks and reenter London society to find a suitor. But how can she hope to compete with a fresh batch of debutantes, especially when one is none other than her too-charming sister Charlotte?

With a bat of her ridiculously long lashes, Charlotte has gentlemen flocking to her like ants to honey, though she would rather not be consumed, thank you very much. In fact, if gentlemen could just keep their pincers to themselves, she would be much obliged. Charlotte yearns for someone who will admire her for something more than the pretty turn of her ankles, but how can she find something as monumental as love within the jumbled conversations of a ballroom?

Things only grow more complicated as Elisabeth and Charlotte find themselves pining for each other’s suitors. Can they untangle themselves from this quagmire of confusion and follow their hearts when it means putting their livelihood, reputation, and relationship with one another at risk?

Get your free copy HERE

The second freebie is A Holiday in Bath novella collection. There are two authors in this collection that I've never read before, so I'm excited to "meet" them! 

Here's the back copy:

TRIAL OF THE HEART by Julie Daines
Marianne Wood has been summoned to Bath to testify against the man who killed her family. She dreads coming face to face with the monster of her nightmares, but finds surprising comfort under the care of a charming barrister, Harby Northam. Despite his kindly attentions, Mr. Northam is a shrewd and discerning man of law with an awful secret. Marianne is put to the test as she deals with the evil of her past and her growing affection for the mysterious Mr. Northam.

LORD EDMUND’S DILEMMA by Caroline Warfield
Lucy Ashcroft doesn’t share her stepmother’s belief that she might find a husband during her sojourn in Bath, but she does enjoy a respite from a household full of half-siblings and a younger sister preparing for her London Season, something Lucy can’t even dream about. In Bath, she enjoys the company of the elderly ladies in her aunt’s circle, and happy to be out from under her stepmother’s watchful and speculating eye. But when Lucy meets Lord Edmund Parker, all of her expectations for a quiet, unassuming holiday suddenly change.

THE ART OF KISSING IN THE PARK by Jaima Fixsen
Caroline Trenholme is not pleased with Bath, the fussy, antiquated resort of the shabby-genteel. She ought to be in London, finding a man—not here, coddling her irrational grandmother. In the park, she crosses paths (literally—this is Bath, after all) with a nameless, mannerless rogue, intent on stealing a kiss. As if his proposition weren’t insult enough, even her dog seems to like the man better. It's impossible! Especially once she suspects she might like him too…

Get your free copy HERE

The third freebie is a western historical romance by Ranee Clark, The Heiress and the Boy Next Door. Doesn't it look just so darned cute?

Here is the back copy:

Rozzy Pender has a dream. Only marriage stands in her way.

Marrying for love holds no appeal for Rozzy Pender. As she’s seen with her parents, giving someone her heart only means giving them the power to hurt her. Besides, she can only inherit the ranch she loves if she marries—which means losing it to her husband anyway. So she comes up with a plan. She won’t marry Rafe, the man she loves, but rather the furthest thing from a rancher she can find—a gentleman from Denver. Conveniently, he’s also the last person she can ever have feelings for, which makes him perfectly safe.

Rafe Adams has spent his life at Rozzy’s side, planning for the happily-ever-after that Rozzy can’t seem to see. All he wants is for them to ride the range together on the land she loves. But when she helps him rescue a litter of puppies in his barn overnight and puts both their reputations in jeopardy, Rozzy’s mother forces him to propose before he’s ready, exposing Rozzy’s plot.

Can Rozzy choose between her beloved ranch and the man who holds her fragile heart?

You can get your free copy HERE 

And the last freebie for today is It Started with a Sunset by Meg Easton. Who doesn't love a good contemporary romance, am I right?

Here's the back copy:

For these two workplace opposites, attraction caught them by surprise.

Summer Graham’s life is just how she likes it—surrounded by people in both her personal life and in her work life as an admissions recruiter at a university. Want to go on an adventure? She’s your gal. Want a serious relationship? She can probably introduce you to someone who does, but it’s not her.

Brock McMillan spends his time striving for perfection, being a good older brother, and enjoying his job helping students get college scholarships. Oh, and disagreeing with Summer on pretty much everything that goes on in the office.

Not that it’s purposeful. Their ideas are just kind of like their office spaces—Brock’s is minimalist and logical (but Summer will tell you it’s where ideas go to die) and Summer’s is lively, fun, and creative (but Brock will tell you it’s chaotic).

They’re teamed up to run Aquamoose Tracks together—the big overnight event put on by the Welcome Center at the university where they both work. Both think they know how it will all turn out, but they're both in for a few surprises.

And they definitely never expect to fall in love.

You can get your free copy HERE

I hope you found some great holiday weekend reads to download. Let me know what you think of them!

Look What I Got!

I am SO excited about this book mail. We are big Fablehaven fans at our house and this cookbook looks really fun!

The kids are picking out the recipes they want to try first and we'll be posting pictures.

Have you read Fablehaven?

If Reading Was a Sport

I could have won so many medals if reading was a sport, haha! What have you been reading lately? 

I'm reading Fleur de Lis by Sarah Eden and The Art of Victory by Martha Keyes. I rarely read two books simultaneously, but both of these are so good I can hardly put them down! Has that ever happened to you? Or are you definitely a one book at a time kind of person?

Tuesdays with Teddy

It's Tuesday's with Teddy!

 
I sure love my little guy. When I went to Canada, I found the cutest Canada shirt for my little Teddy. I admit, I was like a paparazzi taking pictures of him in it, but he just looked adorable! 

I'd love to see a picture of your pet!

The Final Edit

 I have been so excited to FINALLY make this post!

As you all know, I nearly died in September of 2021. Healing took a lot longer than I thought it would, and truly getting back to writing took even longer. I've had Second Guess ready for its final edit for months and months, but I just couldn't do it. 

But I'm finally feeling strong enough to really do it! 

I'm nearly halfways through the edits now and feeling so good about this book. I'm going to keep you updated here and keep myself accountable at the same time.

Wish me luck on this! 

Another Book Deal Today!

There are so many great book deals out there right now and I couldn't resist passing this one along! A Game of Hearts was one of my favorite reads that year and it's only .99 cents right now! This one is definitely on my keeper shelf.

Here's the back copy:

If you can't join them, beat them.
Marigold Cartwell has only one goal: to defeat her long-time rival on the archery field. She knows she can outshoot irritating, cynical Tristan Gates, but the local bowmen’s society—the one he belongs to—refuses to allow women to compete. Spurred on by their rejection, Marigold decides to start a new society. Naturally, it has only one rule: no men.

Tristan Gates is used to Marigold Cartwell always getting her way, so he is far from surprised when she forms her own society. He knows how relentless she can be, something he learned firsthand facing her at the targets. But Tristan has enough worries of his own, what with his bachelor uncle falling in love with a fortune hunter. He has no time to entertain Marigold’s ambitions.

However, after a visit to the seashore ends in disaster—and scandal—Marigold and Tristan soon realize how little they know about each other. The strained tension between them quickly turns to simmering attraction, but an important archery competition looms ahead. Lines are drawn all around them, with Marigold and Tristan on opposite sides, and neither can afford to lose. Yet winning might be the very thing to tear them apart.

Get your copy HERE

Historical Romance Deal Today!

As you all know I recently discovered Martha Keyes and really enjoyed her books. She has a free book and a .99 cent book deal today! You won't want to miss this sale.

The Art of Victory back copy:

If she doesn't defeat him, she just might lose her heart to him.

Diana Donovan was raised aboard a naval ship on a steady diet of war strategy, so when her orphaned friend, Lucy, is denied a perfectly respectable love match by her controlling guardian, Diana sees an opportunity to put her battle knowledge to use in service of a deserving friend.

But Marmaduke Russell is not the middle-aged curmudgeon Diana is expecting. He is a maddeningly cool, unmarried gentleman who seems uniquely able to parry her tactics—and infuse her with even more determination to win. As battle ensues, though, it becomes clear that there may be more hearts in the balance than just Lucy's.

Unrequited Back Copy:

Elena MacKinnon has spent the last seven years training to become a proper English lady. When her childhood friend, Captain Theo Donovan, returns from serving in the Navy, he brings along with him Elena’s humiliation for the ill-advised and ardent love letter she wrote him before his departure, which he ignored entirely.

Elena hopes to simultaneously stifle his memory of the letter and make him regret overlooking her, showing him just how fine an English lady she can be. The only problem? She is not English but a proud Scot—and her heart may be more enamored with Theo than ever.

Get your free and .99 cent copies HERE

My Grandma is on a Stamp!

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada! 

Part of the reason I went to Canada last week was because my grandmother, Thelma Chalifoux, was honored with her own stamp! She was a trailblazer who worked hard to give the Metis people a voice and a purpose in claiming their identity. The presentation of her stamp included a fiddler, Red River jigging, and some beautiful tributes before the unveiling. I was so privileged to be there, and to be able to wear a beautiful Metis shawl while my daughter wore the Metis sash. 

I'm so grateful for my grandmother's legacy!

Book Review: Only A Trenza Away

As I was reading Only A Trenza Away, my little puppy kept coming over, as if he was interested in the story, too, and it was really cute. 

This sweet children's book highlights a father's love for his daughter as he braids her hair every night and they go on adventures together. Sometimes her braids are turned into vines in the jungle, and sometimes they are jump ropes, but what can Xiomara do when her dad has to work late and can't help her with her trenzas? Can she be brave without him?

The author does a wonderful job of showing how braids can be physically and emotionally intertwined with love. Xiomara is a wonderful character that children will relate to. The illustrations are really well done, so colorful and eye-catching, and include a touch of whimsy as Xiomara and her dad go on their adventures during their special braiding time. I really enjoyed this book and there are several spots in the book that could spark a discussion with your family on how to be brave, love yourself, and feel your family's love. There is also some author's notes about the origins of braiding which was really interesting as well.

(Here's my puppy reading the book with me.)

Here's the back copy:

A little girl feels her father's love as he takes time to braid her hair each night and share imaginative bedtime stories.

Every night, Xiomara's (zee-oh-MA-da) papa delicately braids her hair before bed. As he gently tugs and twists and tightens her hair, father and daughter embark on imaginative and fun adventures as he makes up stories about Xia and her trenzas, or "braids" in Spanish.

In one story, her trenza becomes a sturdy twisted vine that she uses to bravely swing through the jungle. In another, her trenzas are jump ropes as she catches the beat to play double Dutch with the best players in the neighborhood.

But Xia worries what she would do if Papa was not there to help her in a real adventure―like starting a new school. Could the strength Xia needs already be woven into her braids?

You can preorder your copy HERE

Where in the World?

I got to do a little traveling with my family this past week. Any guesses where we might be?

What Are You Reading Wednesday?

I love summer because it's generally the time of year when I get the most reading done and SO many good books are coming out!

I'm currently reading Sarah Eden's new book, Fleur de Lis that is coming out on June 20th and it is SO good!

What are you reading this week?

Here's the back copy:

Thirteen years ago, Henri Fortier left a tumultuous life in France to begin anew in England. His adopted country has become home, and his dearest friends, the Gents, are family. Unfortunately, ties to the past still plague him, and he’s forced to live in near destitution. Henri secretly publishes his poetry to supplement his meager income, but it is both insufficient and risky. A house party with the Gents promises a welcome distraction until he realizes that one of the guests is none other than Nicolette Beaulieu, the woman who stole—and broke—his heart years ago.

Nicolette has traveled to England for reasons far more pressing than a house party. As part of the Marquis de Lafayette’s secret network, she has been tasked with preparing for revolution. Though she has a pristine track record with the organization, her romantic history is far from perfect. This is particularly evident when she is reunited with Henri, the man who once declared his love for her. Drawn together through adventures the Gents have devised, the couple begins to tiptoe toward more tender feelings. But as sinister threats loom from all quarters, it may be too late for Henri and Nicolette’s second chance at love.

You can preorder your copy HERE

Got Any Summer Travel Plans?

Don't these pictures look like postcards? My daughter is in Tanzania right now and it looks absolutely amazing! I would love to go there someday myself or set a story there. Do you have any fun trips planned this summer?

My Newest Magazine Review is Out!

Have you read my newest review in Meridian Magazine? I highlighted two books, Along a Breton Shore, and How to Kiss Your Enemy. You won't want to miss either of these stories!

Along a Breton Shore by Arlem Hawks is an epic tale of the French revolution that will sweep you into the lives of those who lived and fought in that time period. The author includes a glossary of French and Breton terms as well as historical notes. The thoroughness of the author’s research makes every scene rich in detail and really fleshes out the story and the setting. Maxence Etienne is fighting for the Republique, but fighting for the cause hasn’t gone exactly as planned. He moves forward with his assignments, but when he is asked to execute a young woman named Armelle, he instead lets her go free and finds himself imprisoned. Armelle risks everything to help him escape and they begin a journey of self-discovery as they try to find a place of safety with friends and family. As danger surrounds them at every turn, tentative friendship turns to feelings of love as they do what they must to survive. But when they finally reach their destination, will they be able to stay together? Or will the war and forces beyond their control keep them apart?

And in How to Kiss Your Enemy two chefs who have an old rivalry from when they were in culinary school are suddenly working together again. Lennox has had to work hard and he is now the chef of his own restaurant. Tatum is the daughter of renowned chef Christopher Elliot and it seems like she’s been handed every opportunity for her entire life. Lennox isn’t sure why she’s leaving her fancy French restaurant in LA to come and work for his family, but he’s sure that it’s going to complicate his life—and it does. Their competitive spirits flare up immediately and sparks are flying. But underneath the animosity, there is a thread of something more and when that starts to unravel, things really heat up.

Do you want to know more about what I thought of these two books? You can read my full review HERE

JJ McKenzie's New Book is Out!

I don't know how I missed this, but JJ McKenzie's new book, The Naming of the Queen is already out!

And the first one, The Queen with No Name is just .99 cents today! (But this is the last day you can get the deal). You should definitely read this series in order, so grab that first book! 

I really loved The Queen with No Name. It's so engrossing and gritty and romantic and takes you on this amazing journey that will make you want to go back and read it again the second you've turned the last page. I can't wait to start the second book in the series!

Here's the back copy for The Queen with No Name:

She was born to be a queen, yet she’s nothing more than a political pawn. With no name and no place to call her own, she’s doing her best to hold on to the only thing that belongs to her and her alone—her soul. A difficult task, given that she was kept alive for the sole purpose of being given to the formidable King Rowan of Northrend to fulfill the treaty signed by the three kingdoms of Greatland long before she was born. She must bear his heirs in the hopes of keeping the delicate peace that continually lies on the precipice of collapse. What she doesn’t know is that she’s not just the key to peace—she’s the key to war.

King Rowan’s entire life has been spent protecting his beloved kingdom and people. All he wishes for is an unassuming wife to bear his heirs and leave him unaffected. But the princess with no name haunts him with her beauty and unyielding spirit. Torn between breaking her and loving her, he puts his kingdom at risk each passing day he goes without a legitimate heir.

But there are more than hearts and souls on the line; danger lurks around every corner. Threats from within and without Northrend make it difficult to know who they can trust. The paramount question is, can they trust each other? Will the king finally name his queen, or will she tear his world apart? Her name comes with a price. Who will pay it?

Get your sale copy HERE

Here's the back copy for The Naming of the Queen:

What is the cost of a name? Everything.

The princess always knew her name would come with a price, but she never knew how steep the cost would be. Falsely accused of killing her husband’s family, she’s on the run with the father she never knew. With help from him and a band of outcasts, she’s learning just how much she might have to pay, not only to save herself but all of Greatland. It’s up to her to learn who she truly is and restore the ways of the Ancestors. Yet what her heart yearns for most is to be reunited with the man she must speak her name to first—Rowan, king of Northrend.

Rowan vowed no woman would ever own the heart of the king of Northrend again. But the woman with no name captured not only his heart but his soul. And despite the crimes she’s been accused of, he’s having a hard time believing he was wrong about her. Yet with the balance of Northrend and Greatland in his hands, he has a choice to make—choose the woman he loves, or save his kingdom from going to war.

It is a dangerous game they play. One where it’s hard to know who is a friend and who is a foe. But if they wish to win, the lovers must reunite and help their people choose love and freedom before a shadow overcomes the land. The people must name their queen before it’s too late.

My First Experience with AI

So, AI is a big topic of conversations among writers these days, and I came across an AI back copy generator. How it works is, I put in my current back copy and then AI produces their version of it. Here are my results:

My current back copy for The Captive:

Former Navy SEAL Jake Williams is the newly appointed head of a task force assigned to rescue a kidnapped American diplomat. Their only hope is Mya Amari, the daughter of a notorious Algerian hostage negotiator, but she is full of secrets and complications---something Jake takes as a personal challenge. As they grow closer, the threat to the mission escalates and time runs out for the hostages. Can Jake unravel the web of deception to save them all without getting caught in the crossfire?

Mya Amari has been in hiding nearly her entire life to escape her father' s enemies. But when her sister is kidnapped along with an American diplomat, she'll do anything to bring her home---including walking into the enemy's lair. She doesn't trust anyone, especially the too-handsome-for-his-own-good Commander Williams, but when all her careful plans explode out of control, he's the only one she can turn to with the truth about her family. Is it too little, too late?

The AI back copy for The Captive:

When the daughter of a notorious Algerian hostage negotiator is recruited by a former Navy SEAL to save an American diplomat from the clutches of a powerful enemy, she must face her deepest fears in order to protect her family. But when all her careful plans begin to unravel, can she trust the stranger in her life to help her?

In this thrilling romance, Mya Amari and Jake Williams must confront their conflicting loyalties as they battle against time and the forces of evil to save the hostages. If you enjoyed the edge-of-your-seat tension of books like The Bodyguard by Chris Bradford, then you'll be sure to love Former Navy SEAL Jake Williams and the stakes of his mission in this book. Buy now before the price changes!

So, the AI one isn't bad, but it doesn't really capture the story. I like the action words and overall suspense feel, but the call to action at the end was a surprise. I've never heard of Chris Bradford's book and don't know if it would compare to mine. And the buy now line seems cringe-y to me. (That could just be me, though.) 

As someone who has written back copy for authors professionally, I think I'll stick with human-generated back copy. But it is going to be interesting to see how much AI affects authors in the future and the potential for what it can do.

What's your opinion of AI?

SEAL Team Commentary

As most of you know, I've been a fan of SEAL Team. Just for fun, a Twitter friend of mine Jasz and I have been doing commentary of some of our favorite episodes. We're doing one tonight at 7:00 p.m. MT and if you want to listen in and hear our thoughts (and a bit of rambling) you can find us HERE 

It's just silly and fun and mostly for Jason and Mandy fans (since I ship them.) I went back and read some of the one shot fanfics I've posted here for them. They weren't too bad! You can see my one shot for their first kiss HERE and when Mandy was captured HERE

Do you have a TV couple you "ship?"

National Donut Day

 

Today is National Donut Day! Hooray! My favorite donut is chocolate iced with cream in the middle. What's yours?

Free Historical Suspense Today!

 

If you need a new book to read this weekend, Mimi Matthews' swoony historical romance, The Work of Art, that features a marriage of convenience and a mystery to solve, is free today! I really enjoyed this one.

Get your free copy HERE 

Here's the back copy:

An Uncommon Beauty…

Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it’s caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland—a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke’s clutches, she’s going to need a little help.

An Unlikely Hero…

Captain Arthur Heywood’s days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name.

Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her—and her heart—in more danger than ever?