Free Small Town Romance!

Treat yourself to a Valentine's Day gift and pick up my newest small town romance Love Lights the Way for free today and tomorrow ONLY! 

High school teacher Karissa Mead has given up on love. Finding anyone to date in small-town Lincoln is practically impossible---until the town’s newest policeman moves in. Benson Wright is handsome, helpful, and funny, but the universe isn’t content with letting things take their natural course. Throw in Ben's matchmaking grandma with Karissa's students who just want to “help,” then add his ex who can’t seem to let him go, and it's a recipe for disaster. When Karissa gets put in a dangerous situation, however, Ben will have one chance to get her home safely---and show her that love is worth fighting for.

Get your free copy HERE

Are You Looking for a Valentine's Day Romance?

Are you looking for a Valentine's Day romance? Jennifer Peel's book, The Valentine Inn, is on sale for only 99 cents!

You can get your sale copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

I, Charlotte Valentine, am mostly of sound mind. Typically, I make really good choices. I mean I went to college, never did drugs . . . I even brush and floss every day. That’s not to say I don’t make poor decisions—believe me, I do. They always seem to involve men—everything from gluing my eye shut (don’t ask) to falling in love with my boss. Did I mention he was famous? Oh, Drake Foster, you beautiful creature, you. My sister told me not to accept the position as his personal assistant. Apparently, she thinks it’s emotionally unhealthy for me to work for the object of my desire. What does she know?

Well, she knew enough to tell me not to go on a little jaunt with him through a blizzard. She was definitely against us sharing the only room left at the coziest inn ever. And what happened after that she was adamant should have never happened. But, hey, it all worked out. I got the inn and the cutest kid ever. Unfortunately, Drake has no idea about either one—he really should answer his phone more—until, that is, he decides to take a trip down memory lane and shows up at my beloved inn. Let’s just say he’s surprised. But he’s not the only one. Who knew our connection would be just as strong as it always was and that all this time, I’ve haunted him as much as he’s haunted me? But this time, will love come to stay, or is it checking out for good?

Date Night Blog Hop!

I am participating in a really fun blog hop with all sorts of fun date night ideas! Here is a date night idea from my newest small town romance, Love Lights the Way. 

My main characters, Ben (the town's new policeman) and Karissa (a high school teacher) are going to go snowshoeing and then come back to Karissa's house for her specially-made hot chocolate. Sounds so cozy, right? But there's an unexpected visitor and Ben makes a little confession so everything doesn't quite go as planned. Sometimes the road to love isn't smooth, but it's always worth it. I hope you enjoy it!

Here's a little excerpt from the book:

She glanced over at Ben. “You sure you’re ready for this?”

For the first time since he’d gotten out to talk to his visitor, he smiled. “Ready or not.”

They got out of the car and Karissa showed him how to put the snowshoes on. It had been years since anyone had used her dad’s snowshoes, but she’d been careful to take good care of them. A tiny part of her had worried that it would hurt to see Ben use them, but when they fit perfectly on his foot it felt like her dad was giving his approval in a way. Yet, there was still the issue of Ben’s past. Was he stuck there?  She didn’t know, but she wasn’t going to allow any of that to ruin the afternoon she had planned.

With the pack firmly on her back, the snowshoes on their feet, and poles in hand, they started forward. Ben was stepping gingerly, getting used to the feeling. They walked for about fifty feet until the snow got a little deeper. “You doing okay?” she asked.

“Yeah.” He looked over at her. “It’s not as weird as I thought.”

“You thought it would be weird?” She laughed. “Like how?”

“Like walking on water or something. I just wasn’t sure how it all worked.” He looked up at the sky. “It’s magical in a way. Like we’re supposed to be sinking into this snow, but we’re on top of it all.”

“Isn’t it great?” There was no feeling like it. “Nothing but the snow, the sky, and hearing your own self think.”

They walked side by side until they got to some trees where the path narrowed. Ben dropped back to let Karissa lead the way. The conditions were perfect---not too hot or cold, the snow not too soft or packed. She led them to her favorite viewpoint, undid her snowshoes, then sat down on the large rock that overlooked the valley. “Ready for a break?” She put her pack down and opened it. “I brought you a protein bar.”

He undid his snowshoes as well, then sat down next to her and took the offered snack. “Thanks. I had packed a few things, but forgot to grab it again after my unexpected visitor.”

“It’s fine.” She gave him a sympathetic smile and offered him a water bottle. “Got to stay hydrated.”

“Okay, I’m feeling woefully unprepared,” he said with a frown. “My CO would have put me on KP duty for a week or something.”

“Well, you could make me dinner again if that would make you feel better.” She laughed and nudged his shoulder. “Besides, I invited you, so it’s only fair that I make sure you’re taken care of.”

“Thanks. I just wasn’t expecting you to do that. I’ll figure out a way to return the favor.” He unwrapped his protein bar.

“If you want, we can just count the shwarma. That stuff was amazing.” Unless he meant he wanted to return the favor by taking her out on a date. That would be different. Maybe she shouldn’t have said anything.

            He didn’t comment and they sat there finishing up the protein bars while watching the view and 

sipping their water. “It’s so peaceful up here,” he commented. “It’s perfect.”

She agreed. “If you ever need to come up here without me, feel free. I’m sure Mr. Green won’t mind.” She could feel a frustration in him, an anxiety that hadn’t been there before. Maybe being up here could soothe that.

He shoved a hand through his hair. “I’m probably really bad company right now.”

“Hey, it’s okay. Everyone has rough days.” She took another sip of her water. “I was serious yesterday, though. If you ever want to talk to me about something, it won’t go any further.”

            He leaned his arms on his knees and bent his head to look at her. 

Have you ever been snowshoeing? Did you love it? 

If you want to read Ben and Karissa's story (and see how their date ends!) you can get your copy HERE

Click HERE to go to tomorrow's stop on the blog tour. 

Here is the full schedule of date night ideas if you want to take a peek. Happy Romance Month! 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 Aminata Coote
aminatacoote.com
FB Page: @aminatacoote
https://www.facebook.com/AminataCoote
Click HERE for Aminata's Dating Excerpt Blog Post

Thursday, February 6, 2025 R. F. Whong
ruthforchrist.com
https://www.facebook.com/ruth.wuwong?_rdr

Saturday, February 8, 2025 Corilyn Holloway https://corilynholloway.substack.com/
FB Page: @corilynholloway
https://www.facebook.com/corilynholloway

Monday, February 10, 2025 Julie Coulter Bellon http://www.ldswritermom.blogspot.com/
FB Page: @authorjuliecoulterbellon
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJulieCoulterBellon

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 Angela Ruth Strong
angelaruthstrong.com
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongreaders

Friday, February 14, 2025 Heather Wood https://heatherwoodauthor.wordpress.com/
FB Page: heather.wood.author
https://www.facebook.com/heather.wood.author

Saturday, February 15, 2025 Amy Walsh https://walshmountainpublishing.com
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/walshmountainpublishing
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 Mishael Austin Witty https://www.mishael.site
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/19urSTQFyo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Maria T. Henriksen https://www.mariathenriksen.com
FB Page: @mariathenriksen
https://www.facebook.com/PurpleNchocolate

Thursday, February 20, 2025 April Kidwell
www.aprilkidwellauthor.com
FB Page: @aprilkidwellauthor
https://www.facebook.com/aprilkidwellauthor

Friday, February 21, 2025 Temperance Johnson https://www.temperancejohnson.com/
FB Page: @temperancejohnson
https://www.facebook.com/temperance.johnson.3

Friday Almost Freebie!

Friday Almost-Freebie! 

Christy Barritt has a three book mystery set on sale today for just .99 cents! I know what I'm going to be doing this weekend! 

Get your sale copy HERE  

Here's the back copy:

Hidden Currents (Book 1)

You can take the detective out of the investigation, but you can't take the investigator out of the detective.

A notorious gang puts a bounty on Detective Cady Matthews’s head after she takes down their leader, leaving her no choice but to hide until she can testify at trial. But her temporary home across the country on a remote North Carolina island isn’t as peaceful as she initially thinks.

Living under the new identity of Cassidy Livingston, she struggles to keep her investigative skills tucked away, especially after a body washes ashore. When local police bungle the murder investigation, she can’t resist stepping in. But Cassidy is supposed to be keeping a low profile. One wrong move could lead to both her discovery and her demise.

Can she bring justice to the island . . . or will the hidden currents surrounding her pull her under for good?

Flood Watch (Book 2)

The tide is high, and so is the danger on Lantern Beach.

Still in hiding after infiltrating a dangerous gang, Cassidy Livingston just has to make it a few more months before she can testify at trial and resume her old life. But trouble keeps finding her, and Cassidy is pulled into a local investigation after a man mysteriously disappears from the island she now calls home.

A recurring nightmare from her time undercover only muddies things, as does a visit from the parents of her handsome ex-Navy SEAL neighbor. When a friend's life is threatened, Cassidy must make choices that put her on the verge of blowing her cover.

With a flood watch on her emotions and her life in a tangle, will Cassidy find the truth? Or will her past finally drown her?

Storm Surge (Book 3)

A storm is brewing hundreds of miles away, but its effects are devastating even from afar.

Laid-back and light: that's Cassidy Livingston's new motto. But when a makeshift boat with a bloody cloth inside washes ashore near her oceanfront home, her detective instincts shift into gear . . . again.

Seeking clues isn't the only thing on her mind-romance is heating up with next-door neighbor and former Navy SEAL Ty Chambers as well. Her heart wants the love and stability she's longed for her entire life. But her hidden identity only leads to a tidal wave of turbulence.

As more answers emerge about the boat, the danger around her rises, creating a treacherous swell that threatens to reveal her past. Can Cassidy mind her own business, or will the storm surge of violence and corruption that has washed ashore on Lantern Beach leave her life in wreckage?

A New Podcast!

Some of you might have noticed on my socials that I'm part of a podcast called Outside the Wire! 

We are doing a SEAL Team rewatch with commentary and having a lot of fun with it. The first two episodes are out and we just recorded the third one tonight. (Lots of laughing with the new one!) Anyway, if you watched the SEAL Team show and want to do a rewatch with us, you should tune in! 

See the full series list HERE or watch the first episode below!

Need a New Thriller to Read?

I love H.B. Moore's writing and her Omar Zagouri thrillers were some of my favorite stories! The Killing Curse is free this week, so if you need an action-packed story be sure to pick it up!

Get your free copy HERE

Here is the back copy:

Betrayed by her father. Kidnapped by her brother. Only one chance to survive.

Omar Zagouri should have known that the hunt for an ordinary art thief in London would end up being far from ordinary. Abducted and carted across several countries until he’s locked up in the middle of Jordan’s desert, Omar becomes the target of an underground crime organization that dates back to the Crusaders era. As Omar works to uncover the deadly secrets that connect centuries of deceit, he finds himself trying to prevent a scheduled honor killing from turning into another tragedy, while exposing the ancient crime organization for generations of lethal corruption.

 

Did You Miss This Release?

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I have the perfect book for you! 

My newest small town romance, Love Lights the Way is set right around Valentine's Day. There's a meet-cringe instead of a meet-cute (our poor heroine!), our hero is the newest police officer in town who needs a fresh start, lots of matchmaking shenanigans, and some pretty swoony kisses! 

If you'd like to read Ben and Karissa's story, click HERE to get your copy.

Here's the back copy:

High school teacher Karissa Mead has given up on love. Finding anyone to date in small-town Lincoln is practically impossible---until the town’s newest policeman moves in. Benson Wright is handsome, helpful, and funny, but the universe isn’t content with letting things take their natural course. Throw in Ben's matchmaking grandma with Karissa's students who just want to “help,” then add his ex who can’t seem to let him go, and it's a recipe for disaster. When Karissa gets put in a dangerous situation, however, Ben will have one chance to get her home safely---and show her that love is worth fighting for.

**Part of a series, but can be read as a standalone**

Monday Morning Book Report!

Monday Morning Book Report! 

I read A Gentleman of Sinister Schemes by Grace Burrowes over the weekend. It's a wounded warrior hero who solves mysteries in regency times story. I've really loved the series.

What did you read over the weekend? Anything have you staying up late to finish?

Today is National Dark Chocolate Day!

Today is National Dark Chocolate Day. Do you love dark chocolate? Or are you more of a milk chocolate person?

A Free Book for Regency Romance Fans!

I know it's not quite Freebie Friday, but I couldn't resist passing along this deal! I loved this book by Joanna Barker! Enemies to lovers. Great supporting cast. Lots of swoony romance. If you love all of that, you should definitely pick this one up.

Get your free copy HERE

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.

Monday Morning Book Report

Monday Morning Book Report: Well, it was a crazy week.

I got a deal on a trilogy set in the 1840s, and two of the books take place in Central Asia (I love learning about new places and other cultures) and the romances looked really interesting, so I dove in. 

Each of the three books was around 500 pages, but I sort of took that as a personal challenge and read them all in the last week. The storylines were compelling and the setting was amazing, but if you are a sensitive reader, there was a little spice in all the books and two of the books dealt with really difficult material that was hard for me to get through. (One of the heroes endures horrible torture, another book describes some horrific child abuse). 

The middle book in the series was enjoyable for me because it was an action adventure romance featuring a couple who had married years ago in London, but the bride ran away. Twelve years later her groom finds her in a remote area of Central Asia, and they're trying to make their way back to each other while on a rescue mission. 

So, in the end, I guess what I'm telling you is that I've had a lot of late nights in the last week, but I read three books! What book are you reading? Have you been up late reading this past weekend?

It's Freebie Friday for Romance Fans!

I love the Freebie Friday we have today! 

One of my favorite Mimi Matthews books is free today, The Matrimonial Advertisement! A battle-scarred former soldier and a woman with a secret try to find their way to love, but with so many obstacles in their way can they find what they're looking for?

Get your free copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

She Wanted Sanctuary...

Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means traveling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and marrying a complete stranger. But Greyfriar's Abbey isn't the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill--though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome--is anything but a romantic hero.

He Needed Redemption...

Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household--and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one.

Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A dispassionate union free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena's past threatens, will Justin's burgeoning feelings for his new bride compel him to come to her rescue? Or will dark secrets of his own force him to let her go?

Monday Morning Book Report on a Tuesday!

Monday morning book report (on Tuesday, since yesterday was a holiday, haha!) I started reading The Crime Brulee Bake Off by Rebecca Connolly and I'm just in the setting up the mystery part of the book and I have to say, I'm intrigued! I love mysteries. 

What did you read over the weekend?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

I love this quote. Happy Martin Luther King Jr. day!

Free Regency Romance!

It's Freebie Friday! If you love regency romance, the To Kiss a Wallflower collection of novellas is free today!

Get your free copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

Eventually, all wallflowers will have their chance at love . . . This is where it begins.

The Wallflower’s Dance by Jen Geigle Johnson
Lottie Hughes likes people, as long as they aren't too close. Does it bother her that no one asks her to dance? Yes, but she's not sure how to drum up dance partners when she has almost no dowry, no title, and freezes up when anyone tries to talk to her. When she suddenly inherits a huge amount and is the new center of attention all over London, her secret dreams might come true but also her worst nightmares. Suddenly everyone wants to talk to her. Men ask her to dance. And she is inundated with interested suitors. She fights to stay close to the few friends she knows are true. One man saw her before her life changed forever. But does she want to accept his help when he, too, might be insincere?

Letters to a Wallflower by Heather B. Moore
Ellen might be beautiful and considered a diamond of the first water by Society, but she is so very tired of the pressure to marry a titled gentleman so that her beauty won’t go to waste. When her cousin Dinah dares Ellen to attend a ball with no frills and to stand with the wallflowers, Ellen takes on the dare. What’s in the wager for her? The prize cuttings of her aunt’s extraordinary roses. But what Ellen isn’t expecting is Lord Ravenshire to engage her in the most interesting conversation. When she confesses to him of her opposition in marrying for a title, he confesses his distaste of the London scene. They strike a bargain together, one which will either push them apart or lead to a future sweeter than either of them could have imagined.

To Marry a Wallflower by Anneka R. Walker
Charlotte Winters is destined to spinsterhood until she turns down an unwanted proposal and everything changes. With gossip rampant, her father attempts to salvage her reputation by betrothing her to another. Soon she is sent off to her aunt’s to meet Lord Templeton, her intended. Anxiety-ridden, Charlotte begs her aunt to let her observe Lord Templeton from afar before their introduction. She never planned to pretend to be her fictional cousin to learn more about him, or to fall in love with Lord Templeton’s friend in the process. Lord Templeton dreads returning to the empty halls of Newcliff Manor. When his father’s old friend, Mr. Winters reaches out for assistance, Lord Templeton finds himself returning home engaged to a woman he has never met. Desperate to learn more about Miss Winters, he befriends her cousin. He wouldn’t have spoken to her, or lied about his identity, if he’d known the quiet woman would sneak into his heart.

2025 Reading Challenge!

I thought it might be fun to do a 2025 Reading Challenge with my book friends this year! Whenever you do one of the challenges, cross it off, and at the end of the year, I'll do a drawing for anyone who completed it. Let's have some bookish fun together! 

Are you in?

World Logic Day

 Yesterday was World Logic Day! Let's have some fun. Can you answer these three questions?

Scroll down for the answers.

Scroll.

Keep scrolling.

Here they are:

1. A quarter and a nickel. The nickel is the one that isn’t a quarter. 2. A fire. 3. Darkness

I'm A Finalist!

As all of you know, back in 2021, the plan was for my new book, Second Guess, to be released that fall. But then I got sick. So sick I nearly died. And though I recovered, I came home from the hospital on an oxygen tank, my body exhausted to the point that I couldn't stay awake for very long for months afterward. 

I couldn't write. 

I couldn't finish Second Guess no matter how much I wanted to. The doctor told me to be patient and let my body heal, so I really tried hard to do that. It took two years--a year longer than the doctor thought it would--but my body healed and I was able to write again! 

I finished Second Guess with the love and encouragement of my husband and family, my faithful beta readers Jeni, Jon, and Robyn, my author friends Michele Bell, Becky Monson, and Jennifer Peel, and my dedicated fans who never stopped asking about it. I couldn't have done it without all of you! 

Second Guess was released in March 2024, and guess what? Today I found out that it is a Whitney Award finalist for Best Mystery/Suspense! (Thank you to everyone who read it, reviewed it, and nominated it. I seriously have the best family and book friends!) This is kind of a full circle day for me and I'm definitely going to celebrate!

Monday Morning Book Report

Well, it's the Monday Morning Book Report! I'm still reading A.L. Sowards Beyond the Crescent Sky. 

Usually I can get through a book pretty quickly, but this one is full of secrets and intrigues during the Balkan wars in the 1300s--a time period I don't know very much about. There are changing loyalties and lots of treachery, as well as some romance, and the author does such a great job setting the scene, I've been taking it all in and really absorbing the story. 

Do you ever have books do that to you? When you just can't rush through it? What did you read this past weekend?

Growing Up in the 80s

 I loved growing up in the 80s. I love the 80s music (maybe not the fashions so much, haha. Leg warmers anyone?) But it just seemed like a really great time to grow up in. As a mom, though, when I talk about growing up in the 80s, my kids look at me like I've lived through something awful (no cell phone? no internet? No laptops? How did you SURVIVE?)

It sort of feels like this. LOL

Anyone else feel this way?

Monday Morning Book Report

It's so hard to get back to real life now that the Christmas break is over. I did do a lot of reading over the break, though, and I loved that. There's just something about snuggling up in a soft blanket on a cold day with a great book, am I right?

So, for today's Monday morning book report, what book did you read over the weekend/break? I just started A.L. Sowards Beyond the Crescent Sky. I am loving her Balkan Legends series and so far, this one is amazing. 

Now tell me what YOU'RE reading!

Do You Do This?

There is just something about a new year that makes me want to declutter! I've been working on paper piles today (do you have those?) and just getting things put away that I've been procrastinating. 

Do you ever get into a decluttering mood?

It's 2025!

Happy New Year! I hope 2025 is filled with so much happiness and lots of great books to read!