Should’ve Been You by Nicole McLaughlin

Posted January 31, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

National Guardsman Jase Beckford wants to live a quiet life raising cattle and taking care of his mother. His childhood friend and neighbor Hannah is still his best friend, but when he walks into the Walters house one morning and sees her twin sister Becca for the first time in five years, he wonders if he missed out on something special.

Becca Walters has nursed a secret crush on Jase since childhood, but he always preferred Hannah, so she buried her feelings assuming her sister and Jase would one day turn their flirtation into a real relationship. And this Christmas, she is anticipating a proposal of her own, so Jase’s reappearance in her life doesn’t mean anything. Much. Okay, maybe more than Becca would like to admit.

However, when Becca’s sister gets engaged to someone who’s not Jase, Becca and Jase find themselves spending more together. And when secrets are revealed, suddenly those dormant feelings come back to life; but is the possibility of something between them worth risking the happiness of everyone they love?

Titles in the Man Enough series include: All I Ask – Along Came Us – Should’ve Been You –

Dark in Death by J. D. Robb

Posted January 31, 2018 by Marsha in Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

It was a stab in the dark.

On a chilly February night, during a screening of Psycho in midtown, someone sunk an ice pick into the back of Chanel Rylan’s neck, then disappeared quietly into the crowds of drunks and tourists in Times Square. To Chanel’s best friend, who had just slipped out of the theater for a moment to take a call, it felt as unreal as the ancient black-and-white movie up on the screen. But Chanel’s blood ran red, and her death was anything but fictional.

Then, as Eve Dallas puzzles over a homicide that seems carefully planned and yet oddly personal, she receives a tip from an unexpected source: an author of police thrillers who recognizes the crime—from the pages of her own book. Dallas doesn’t think it’s coincidence, since a recent strangulation of a sex worker resembles a scene from her writing as well. Cops look for patterns of behavior: similar weapons, similar MOs. But this killer seems to find inspiration in someone else’s imagination, and if the theory holds, this may be only the second of a long-running series.

The good news is that Eve and her billionaire husband Roarke have an excuse to curl up in front of the fireplace with their cat, Galahad, reading mystery stories for research. The bad news is that time is running out before the next victim plays an unwitting role in a murderer’s deranged private drama—and only Eve can put a stop to a creative impulse gone horribly, destructively wrong.

Dark in Death is the 46th book in the in Death series. For a complete list of titles in this series please visit the J.D. Robb page.

Howl for It by Shelly Laurenston & Cynthia Eden

Posted January 30, 2018 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston

Quiet little Darla Lewis couldn’t be happier when the most-feared member of the South’s rowdiest pack kidnaps her. A girl gets real tired of being overprotected by her own shifter family, and there’s nothing like an oh-so-big bad wolf to start a pack feud, unleash her instincts–and have her surrender however and whenever she wants. . .

Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden

Gage Ryder knew his human bride had a wild side. But spending their honeymoon night on the run from hunters out to finish him and his pack is sure not the kind of fun he was looking forward to. No problem–Gage will do whatever it takes to lay bare Kayla’s secrets and find the truth. If he can keep from being captured by his own seductive game. . .

Luckiest Cowboy of All by Carolyn Brown

Posted January 30, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

A secret baby brings a second chance for love.

Carlene Varner’s homecoming isn’t exactly going according to plan. She thought she’d have some time to adjust before introducing her daughter to Jace Dawson, the father her little girl has never known. Instead, within days of her arrival, her house burns down and she and Tilly have no choice but to move in with the sexy cowboy himself at the Prairie Rose ranch. Now the whole Dawson clan-heck, the whole town of Happy-is all up in their business.

Jace has dealt with stubborn bulls and bucking broncos-but being a dad? He is so not ready for this… Yet the more time he spends with Carlene and little Tilly, the harder it is to imagine life without them. Now he just has to convince Carlene that he’s the real deal-and hope that this time she’s here to stay.

Titles in the Happy, Texas series include: Toughest Cowboy In Texas – Long, Tall Christmas Cowboy – Luckiest Cowboy of All

Double Book – also included:

HOMETOWN COWBOY by Sara Richardson

Outrageously handsome Lance Cortez is practically a living legend in Colorado, as famous for riding bulls as he is for breaking hearts. What would a big-time cowboy star like him see in a small-town veterinarian who wears glasses, rescues animals, and cries when watching rom-coms? Turns out, plenty.

Zero Hour by Megan Erickson

Posted January 30, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Hacker extraordinaire Roarke Brennan lives each hour – each breath – to avenge his brother’s murder. His first move: put together a team of the best coders he knows. They’re all brilliant, specialized, and every one an epic pain in his ass. Only now Wren Lee wants in too, threatening to upset their delicate balance. The girl Roarke never allowed himself to want is all grown up with sexy confidence and a dark past … and she’s the wild card he can’t control.

Roarke might still think she’s a kid, but Wren’s been to hell and back. Nothing and nobody can stop her – especially the tatted-up, cocky-as-all-hell hacker. But when years of longing and chemistry collide, Wren and Roarke discover that revenge may be a dish best served blazing hot.

Titles in the Wired & Dangerous series include: Zero Hour – Darkest Night –

Saving the Sheriff by Kadie Scott

Posted January 24, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

There’s a storm brewing…

The day his wife died, Sheriff Cash Hill discovered she was leaving him for another man, one she’d loved since before their marriage. How could the single dad ever trust another woman again? But when Georgia’s best friend, Holly, comes back to town, something about Holly’s sweet, sassy vulnerability has his protective instincts kicking in hard.

Holly Jensen left La Colina, Texas with regrets. She’s returned home to work as the new large animal vet and to watch over her best friend’s daughter. But Holly’s knowledge of Georgia’s past could rip a family apart. And she’s reluctant to go to the sexy…and single…sheriff, as he’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with her.

Both are faced with a choice…stay locked in the past or allow their reservations to be silenced by a passion hotter than Texas summer nights. Can they learn to trust their own hearts and each other?

Titles in The Hills of Texas series include: Saving the Sheriff – Resisting the Rancher –

His Best Mistake by Lucy King

Posted January 24, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Is it too much to ask for a relationship that works?

When Stella Grant realizes her perfect romance is a lie and that she’s the other woman, she flees to her remote cottage in the Highlands to lick her wounds.

Billionaire currency trader Jack Maclean has nothing but contempt for the woman who stole not only his sister’s fiancé but quite possibly a family heirloom to boot. Nonetheless, he wants answers and he intends to get them. A quick trip north should do the trick. Never in a million years could he have predicted a kamikaze sheep and inclement weather would leave him stranded.

Jack might be gorgeous but Stella isn’t in the market for a man, especially one who hates her. No matter how attractive he finds her Stella is the very last person Jack should want. The trouble is, they’re all alone and the chemistry is irresistible, and, well, what happens in Scotland stays in Scotland, right?

Titles in The Maclean Family Legacy series include: His Best Mistake – Her Forbidden Warrior –

On the Edge by Dani Collins

Posted January 17, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

When Glory Cormer’s father introduces her to ‘their’ new business partner, she’s appalled. Viking-like Rolf Johansson exudes the same alpha-intimidation that jocks used to torment her through high school. After nursing her mother the last several years, she’s trying to break out of her shell and secretly pursue a writing career, but Rolf insists she go through with the rotten deal her father struck with his brother to renovate an old chalet.

Rolf envisions this mountain as a world-class resort for elite athletes and other jet setters. As a downhill champion and owner of a world-renowned sports equipment empire, he knows what it takes to get what he wants. Nothing will stop him, especially not a hotheaded wallflower who turns the ice in his veins to lava.

Titles in the Blue Spruce Lodge include: On The Edge – From The Top –

Unsolicited Advice by Melinda Di Lorenzo

Posted January 16, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Heidi Bluthe is Miss Anonymous—queen of a confident, snark-laced advice column. Too bad she can’t take her own advice to fix the hot mess reality of her life. When one of her readers shows up claiming her advice ruined his life and demands she fix it, Heidi agrees to try. She is, after all, a professional and helping him will help further her career. But what happens next, falling hard for sexy British charmer, William, really knocks them both for a loop.

A year ago, William Rutherford was living the dream. Beautiful fiancée. Perfect home in the suburbs. All that changed in an instant. And the advice Miss Anonymous—aka, Heidi Bluthe–gave might not have been the root cause, but it was certainly the shove that sent things over the edge. William’s determined to have her set things right, even if that means unexpectedly risking his heart in the process…Heidi Bluthe is Miss Anonymous—queen of a confident, snark-laced advice column. Too bad she can’t take her own advice to fix the hot mess reality of her life. When one of her readers shows up claiming her advice ruined his life and demands she fix it, Heidi agrees to try. She is, after all, a professional and helping him will help further her career. But what happens next, falling hard for sexy British charmer, William, really knocks them both for a loop.

Titles in the Between The Sheets series include: Training The Temp – Lie To Me – Unsolicited Advice

Ruled by Keira Blackwood

Posted January 12, 2018 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Thirty years have passed since vampire king Tyr Ulfhednar was torn from his throne and banished to the bottom of the sea. Freed from his prison, Tyr doesn’t know what to expect when he returns home to Scarlet Harbor. But even a thousand years of existence can’t prepare him for her.

Newly-turned vampire queen Ashley King does her best to rise to the never-ending challenges of ruling over Scarlet Harbor. When a sexy, powerful stranger shows up on her doorstep with a claim to her throne, she’s as tempted to kill him as she is to kiss him. But this perceived enemy might just be the only chance she has at conquering the trials that lie ahead…if he doesn’t conquer her first.

Titles in the Vampires of Scarlet Harbor series include: Pierced – Hunted – Ruled

Inconsistencies In A Story or Genre – Do They Change The Story For You?

Posted January 11, 2018 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

Over the last few months, and particularly today as I just finished a story that prompted this post, I’ve been noticing a change in my reading reactions to stories. There are small things that I’ll overlook (for the most part) in any story. I don’t nitpick in reviews about grammar or typos. I’m reviewing the story so I stick with that… unless it’s so blatant that it cannot be ignored.

But what drives me insane is when an author slips outside of the genre they’re writing that story in. And when the cover they’ve picked is totally at odds with the story. I’m sad to say that I’m finding this a lot in Kindle Worlds stories.

So today I finished a story where the main male character is albino. Yet on the cover, his lovely female love interest is a white-blonde, and he (the albino character) has light brown hair.

That seems like such a small thing, doesn’t it? And to many readers, perhaps it is. My first reaction to any book is visual, it’s the cover that will make me want to read the cover blurb about the story. I’ve always reacted that way – the cover will attract my attention then the description will either nail it for me or have me putting the book back on the shelf. So, for me, that cover matters, it tells me a lot about the story within those covers. And when the two don’t match — I’m left with the ugly taste of feeling cheated by a story.

If you are a Contemporary Romance author who has just published their first Cozy Mystery — please research what Cozy Mystery writing sounds like, what the rules are, what the lore is — because I will know. Believe me, I will know the differences and it will affect how I react to, review your story and whether I ever buy another book by you. It does matter to keep to the genre for those readers who know and love and expect certain things from a story set in their favorite genre.

Do I sound too harsh? Perhaps. Yet I’ll not apologize for my opinion on this. To me covers matter, genre lines matter, knowing the genre you’re writing in matters.

Sheltered by Jen Colly

Posted January 9, 2018 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

When Bette Dautry comes to him, seeking his protection, Guardian Rollin Casteel suspects the mysterious beauty has an ulterior motive. Unable to resist her seductive charms, he soon hungers to mark her as his. Only Bette disappears before he can sink his teeth into her tender flesh, leaving Rollin with one mission: to find her—and to claim her. . . .

Bette seduces Rollin intent on conceiving his child, believing the mother-child bond to be the only kind of love she can sustain—the only kind of love that can keep her alive. But she never expects to feel so much for her strong and silent lover. Then she discovers Rollin is none other than the heir to the Balinese throne—a man too noble—too dear—to play a role in her dark scheme. A man she would willingly die for, if only he would set her free. . . .

Titles in The Cities Below series include: In The Dark – Bound – Beneath the Night – Sheltered –

Diaper Duty Vampire by R E Mullins

Posted January 9, 2018 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

During the Civil War, Union soldier, John Alden took a musket ball to the gut. As he gasped his final breath, he was turned into a vampire and started life anew in Amber Heights, Missouri. For over one hundred and fifty years, he’s lived a rather solitary life as a vampire Enforcer.

Young single mother, Joann Clarkson, needs a job and fast. Hoping to be rehired, she returns to Dr. Michaela Blautsauger’s lab prepared to eat a hefty helping of humble pie. She comes to regret that decision when she’s taken hostage. Things look grim but she’ll never stop fighting to escape. Her son needs his mama.

As an Enforcer, John must hunt down the vampire who kidnapped Joann. In his search, John winds up babysitting her toddler Cody. Changing diapers might be worse than getting staked, but nothing compares to how he feels when both mother and child fall into danger again.

Titles in the Vampires of Amber Heights series include: Diaper Duty Vampire –

Animal Instincts by Patricia Rosemoor

Posted January 9, 2018 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Half-human, half-Kindred, Luc Lazare doesn’t want more complications in his life. He’s focused on protecting his shape shifting family and love is the last distraction he needs.

Skye Cross has the ability to talk to animals. Her most recent animal rescue mission–stopping an alleged dog fight–actually involved shifters in a primal battle. Her investigation leads her to Luc, a man whose powers both unsettle and intrigue her. Skye quickly finds herself caught in a dangerous world she never knew existed, while relying on a man she couldn’t possibly trust.

Coming from two different worlds, can Luc and Sky overcome the obstacles fated to keep them apart?

Titles in the Kindred Souls series include: Animal Instincts –

Collision Course by Marie Harte

Posted January 7, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Ace mechanic Lou Cortez has always had a way with the ladies, so he can’t understand why lovely florist Josephine -Joey- Reeves won’t give him the time of day.

Joey knows all about mistakes. After getting pregnant at fifteen, she’s spent the past nine years building a life for her and her son. This sexy mechanic is one misstep she’s not going to make. But the more time she spends with Lou, the hotter things get. Soon Joey’s left with a choice: keep things casual, or reveal all to Lou and hope he accepts her-and her son-for who they are.

Titles in the Body Shop Bad Boys series include: Test Drive – Roadside Assistance – Zero to Sixty – Collision Course –

Body Shop Bad Boys is a series spin-off from The McCauley Brothers series