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Wednesday, April 16, 2025

My Word Is My Bond by Joan Reeves

It's ten o'clock on a Tuesday night, and I just remembered I needed to write this post for my blog day tomorrow, the 16th.

I groaned and collapsed on the bed. Torn between going to bed—which I really, really wanted to do—and fulfilling my obligation, I next began bargaining with myself.

Here's how it went.

I can get up early in the morning and write it. I need a good night's sleep. I'm too tired. I'm all written out. I don't know what to write. My brain is empty of words.

The counter argument went this way.

No, you're no longer a morning person. You won't get up early. It takes you a while to get going what with the eye drops, vibration plate, IR and NIR treatment, eating something so you can take ibuprofen for your wrist joint.

Finally, I told the slacker me to just get up and do it. Thus, I find myself at the computer, pecking away, and I'm happy to be doing it. Getting over that initial inertia hump is difficult but always worthwhile. 

OBLIGATION TRUMPS ALL

I find the one sure way I'll do something, even if it's something I don't want to do, is to commit to it. I made a commitment to blog here on the 16th, and, come Hell or high water, I'll always do it. 

I'm that way about everything. If I say I'll do it, I will. I've missed blogging 2 or 3 times in the past, and I've always felt terrible about it.

I finally decided to use that "reluctance to break my word" to my own writing. 

I promised myself I would write 2K-3K words every day, Monday through Friday. That's about the length of a chapter for me. I did this because I haven't published a new book since 2022. Shock! Right? Time just kind of slipped away in the presence of loss and grief.

(Note. I did write 3 books, but I just didn't publish them. Yet. Even getting them ready to publish seemed like a monumental task.)

I made that writing promise. I put it on a graphic and use it as the image on my monitor display, I told it to my husband, and my daughter, and now I'm telling it to you.

Of course, it took me the first 3 months of this year to actually make that promise to myself. I spent those 3 months getting my ducks in a row.

I'm happy to report that I am actually keeping that promise to myself. My new book is Old Enough To Be Bold and is set for pre-order now. It will publish on or before May 30.

PROMISE KEEPER

The surest way to unhappiness in any part of life is to be a breaker of promises. In the past, people proudly proclaimed, "My word is my bond." It meant something. It meant that they could be trusted to do as they said. There's tremendous power and integrity in that.

In today's world, it's increasingly rare to find people who can be that person. If you want to succeed and have the respect and friendship of others, be that kind of person.

MY SALE BOOK THIS WEEK

99¢ SALE, Heat Lightning, "A real page turner." —NetGalley.

Amnesia. Desire. Passion. Tessa knows those three to be true, but she doesn't know David, the man who says he's her husband—her protector. Amnesia has stolen her memories. 

David is a stranger, but when he touches her, desire flashes between them like heat lightning on a summer night. He wants her, but he doesn't say he loves her. Has Fate offered her a second chance at life and love?

Secrets. Lies. Danger. Why does David seem to hate her even as he pulls her into his arms? What is he hiding? How can she trust him when her gut says, Trust no one? 

She can't help falling in love with David, but her feeling of foreboding grows, as if something awful is about to happen. Will Tessa's lost memories be the death of her?

Wishing you a great second half of April. I'll see you in May!



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Sunday, April 6, 2025

Why Fantasy Books Are Flying Off the Shelves (and What That May Say About Us) ~Sherri Easley

 

My daughter has not read either of my books. She is into Fantasy genres and Dragons- so I have decided to write a fantasy novel, so she will read at least one of my writings. She said something though that got me to thinking and researching. 

“As messed up as the world is right now, people just need an escape.” ~ Lauren–my daughter

In 2024, fantasy fiction sales skyrocketed—adult fantasy alone grew by a staggering 85% in the first half of the year, with titles like Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros leading the charge. From romantasy to epic quests, fantasy stories are not just trending—they’re thriving.

According to reports from Circana BookScan and Publishers Weekly, fantasy is officially on fire. Adult fiction sales grew by 9.5 million units, with fantasy, thrillers, and romance topping the charts. Meanwhile, “romantasy”—the love child of fantasy and romance—has exploded in popularity thanks in part to BookTok and reader communities craving high emotion and high-stakes adventure.

Why is this happening? Well, the last few years have been... a lot.

War, climate disasters, political chaos, inflation, pandemics—we’ve had a front-row seat to a world that often feels like it’s cracking at the edges. And in response, readers aren’t just reaching for comfort food fiction. They’re reaching for escape—and empowerment.

Fantasy offers both.

In these stories, the stakes are often higher than our own reality: a kingdom on the brink, a war between realms, a magical bloodline in hiding. But there’s something cathartic in watching fictional characters face overwhelming odds, stand their ground, and win.

Even if they’re wielding a sword instead of a ballot

There’s also the irresistible pull of romantasy—where fierce heroines fall in love while saving their worlds. These books aren’t just about quests. They’re about intimacy, connection, and hope in the midst of battle.

In a time when we’re more digitally connected but emotionally exhausted, romantasy gives us something to feel—deeply.

What Fantasy Gives Us Right Now:

  • Escape: A breath away from headlines and heartache.
  • Empowerment: Ordinary girls discovering extraordinary strength.
  • Justice: Villains get vanquished. Light wins.

To prepare for my writing quest, I listened to the Blood and Ash series from Jennifer L Armentrout. They were very long books and didn’t disappoint.

Has a fantasy book saved your sanity this year?

Drop your recommendations in the comments—I need more dragons in my life! 



This is Dylan- the soon to be 9 year old Grand daughter's cover for her book- Even she is in on the fantasy wagon! ;) 

 

 

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

YOU'RE THE GREATEST!

By Caroline Clemmons




Confession time—I can’t help comparing myself to other authors. Not the ones who quit, that would be too simple. No, I compare myself to the super-successful indie writers who make six and seven figure in royalties each year. Idiot. I started out in the writing business wanting to be the next Nora Roberts. Ha ha. To say I haven’t made it is an understatement.

This past Sunday, our minister said that comparing ourselves to others is a form of vanity. Ouch! It isn’t the fame or financial success I envy (although that would be wonderful), it’s the ability to sell books. We pour our hearts into the books we write. If they don’t sell well, the rejection stings. More than stings, it’s a knife to the heart of our creativity.

Recently, I released a new book which I was certain would be a success. It’s heroine is feisty and hero is strong and successful, and there's an HEA ending. But, it isn’t selling very well. I’ve done all the usual things to promote it, yet it still isn’t selling. How does this make me feel? I can’t help feeling like I’ve failed somehow. It’s personal.

The thing I (we) have to remember is that each of us is a unique being with special gifts. Not just one gift, but many. Perhaps one stands out most and/or brings us the most fulfillment, but we have many talents. And, we aren’t competing with others—we are in competition with ourselves to keep improving, to feel fulfilled, to accomplish our personal best.

I don’t like boxing, but I remember Mohamed Ali’s mantra, “I am the greatest!” If I’ve done my best and written the best book I can, then that is success, the greatest I can be. How can I do better than my best?

I challenge you to say the same to yourself: I am the greatest I can be!

By the way, my last release is Sidney and the Mail Order Bride, Book 6, Texas Hill Country Mail Order Brides, a sweet western historical romance. Sidney Garton wrote a matchmaker and requested a bride who could cook, keep house, and help him in his mercantile store. Antoinette Fournier has been trained to be the wife of a wealthy man and knows only how to manage servants. She proves she’s made of tougher stuff than she or Sidney imagined when Sidney has a serious accident and she must take charge of the store. She’s able to confront a would-be robber, but the criminal has sworn revenge.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNTP95FD 

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy our April showers.

  

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Spring Fever, Hay Fever...Werewolf Fever? by Laura Hunsaker

 I have an urgent matter that must be brought to our attention! 

Spring has sprung and if you're like me, that means you're suffering from hay fever. I'm also suffering from spring fever after coming off spring break where I live. With all of that in mind, I have to know your thoughts:

 If you're allergic to dogs, would you be allergic to werewolves?

I saw an Instagram reel (linked here) and it was a woman asking an allergist if people can be allergic to werewolves in their human form. He's such a good sport and takes it seriously and professionally stating that yes, you'd probably be allergic to his human form. He goes into the whys and I loved his response. 

When we read fiction, especially Paranormal Romance, we suspend belief. So obviously our heroine isn't going to be allergic to our hero...but I kind of want to write a book where the heroine sneezes every time she's around him and can't figure out why because werewolves don't exist, of course. But how fun would that plot be? And when they finally realize that he's a werewolf, and she's allergic to dogs, so apparently she's also allergic to wolves, and therefore werewolves, they buy him special shampoo and she takes her Zyrtec and they can live happily ever after!

Obviously I'm being a bit dramatic, but I do think it could work. I co-write a hockey romance series with Heather Lire. Together we are Kenzie MacLir. We write a slightly paranormal hockey series, and our latest hero is a werewolf. Maybe his love interest needs to have a wolf allergy? ;)

So tell me your thoughts! Do you think you'd be allergic to werewolves if they existed? Or should be suspend belief and pretend that wouldn't happen? 

Amazon |  Barnes & Noble  |  Kobo  |  Google Play Books  |  Smashwords | Apple 

The New York Empires hockey team is ready for you!

Each book has 3 novellas inside, and they all take place on the same team and during the same main event.

In the latest book, ROUGHING IT, my story is called AGAINST THE BOARDS, and well look at that. Werewolves. ;)


Against the Boards by Kenzie MacLir

Kyle Sandberg is living his best life. He’s one of the top hockey players in the world. Has two amazing best friends and all the sarcastic hockey t-shirts he could wear. After his own family turns their backs on him, he’s happy playing for the Empires and hanging out with his own found family. What he doesn’t want is his pain in the ass twin brother back in his life or a mate.

When paramedic Faith Church left Puerto Rico for New York, she had zero intentions of getting involved in the local pack. Having had her fill of pack politics, she was ready to go lone wolf. But being left alone was too much to ask when her cousin was the Alpha’s mate.

What neither was counting on was Fate, having her own plans for them. A chance encounter at a traffic accident changes everything. Kyle and his wolf are willing to go with Fate’s plans. But Faith, having finally broken away from her pack’s expectations wants nothing to do with Fate, or Kyle. Too bad her wolf disagrees…

Friday, March 21, 2025

Having A Good Time by Liz Flaherty

I'm late. My date to post was yesterday, and I'm sorry. But I'm not.

I need to write. I keep getting behind on blog posts I've agreed to and LIKE writing, and it worries me when I wake up at three in the morning with thoughts of Damn! I forgot! I'm sorry, because I like being timely and even early sometimes. But I'm ... yeah, I'm not sorry.

Although I write something every day, I'm behind on my work-in-progress, book three of the Harper Loch colors series, and I need to establish a manuscript routine, including sprints, research in non-writing hours, and maintaining word count. I will regret writing myself into a panicky corner. But not yet. Maybe tomorrow ... no, not then, either. 

Yesterday, when I had an appointment for a medical procedure and another for having my nails done, I hung out with our son who's been visiting this week. We went to breakfast, ran some errands, then came home for a while before going out to dinner with our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. Then I read aloud at an open mic, one of those things I never thought I'd do, but kind of enjoy. I never got to ... well, several things. 

Sometimes, to adulterate what I've always thought was a particularly stupid line by Erich Segal, Having a good time means never having to say you're sorry. Like the original quote, the altered one is only good sometimes with some people, but it's almost always good with retired people who don't have anyone depending on them. 

When I am making my lists of what I hate about growing old and what I love about growing old, having a good time is right at the top of the second one. Sometimes, if you let it and if your knee's not aching too much and there hasn't been sadness in your week, you can forget the first list altogether. And just have a good time.

I don't have anything new right now, but something old and loved is on sale. I loved writing Harlequin Heartwarmings, and I especially loved The Happiness Pact. Both the book and the box set are on sale right now. If you like sweet romance, it's a good time to check these out. 



Or the box set https://a.co/d/7jkSafT




Sunday, March 16, 2025

Irish Eyes Are Smiling by Joan Reeves

Top of the morning to you. Even though St. Patrick's Day isn't until tomorrow, I'm wallowing in all things Irish today.

On the menu this fine morning ia a hearty Full Irish Breakfast.

Okay, well, not exactly a Full Irish which consists of bacon, sausages, eggs, black and white pudding, fried potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and sometimes baked beans accompanied by a strong cup of fresh-brewed tea.

My Americanized version consists of bacon, an egg, a slice of multigrain toast, and fresh-brewed coffee. *sigh* I fear my Irish ancestors would be offended if they knew.

Perhaps I can make up for the breakfast insult with a typical Irish dinner? Let's see, I have a roast in the freezer but no potatoes. No lamb so no Irish stew. No colcannon because, as previously stated, no potatoes, and also no cabbage.

All is not lost in my attempt to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. I know the words to When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. My grandfather used to sing it when I was a little girl. I can even post the lyrics here because they entered the public domain in 2007.

The song, written by Ernest R. Ball, George Graff, and Chauncey Olcott, was published in 1912. A recording of the song was made popular by Bing Crosby in 1939.

EVERYBODY SING

When Irish eyes are smiling, Sure, 'tis like a morn' in Spring

In the lilt of Irish laughter, You can hear the angels sing. 

When Irish hearts are happy, All the world seems bright and gay

And when Irish eyes are smiling, Sure, they steal your heart away

When Irish hearts are happy, All the world seems bright and gay, And when Irish eyes are smiling, Sure, they steal your heart away.

I have an Irish gift for you to celebrate St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. From now until March 18th at 11:59PM PDT, you can claim a free copy of LIAM'S WILD IRISH ROSE from Amazon.

Warning: this story is super spicy—mucho caliente!—so leave it on the cyber shelf if super sexy romance is not your thing.

The story opens at Juan O'Hara's Mexican-Irish Pub, a place I loved so much that I wish it were real!

Is a “no-strings-attached” arrangement enough to satisfy Maura O'Reilly? The idea of being tied down to one man terrifies her, yet she can't seem to stay away from Liam Harper. Despite her attempts to resist, she finds herself constantly drawn to him.

Of all the women in the world, why, Liam wonders, did he have to fall for the one who wants nothing more than a physical relationship with him? Most men would consider that a dream come true, but Liam doesn’t. He wants more than just sex with Maura. He wants her heart.


If you enjoy this spicy Irish romance, please leave a short review. I will deeply appreciate your time and effort in doing so.

Remember to wear green tomorrow. Happy St. Patrick's Day

JOAN ONLINE



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Wednesday, March 12, 2025

When Your Favorite Author Writes Too Slow



by Stephanie Suesan Smith In for Bea Tifton

Don't you hate it when an author you love puts out a new book and you read it all in one day?  I love the J.D. Robb books, and this happens to me every February and November.  Bonded in Death, the 60th book in this series, came out in February.  Even though I tried to read it slowly, the book was gone overnight (literally; I  stayed up reading it way past my bedtime).  Even though I consider the In Death books romances, they are a little gory for a lot of romance fans.  Of course, J.D. Robb is really a pseudonym for Nora Roberts.



Ms. Roberts writes fast but is now wealthy enough that she puts out four books a year.  Two In Death books, one standalone book, and one book in her current series.  She published Inheritance in November, 2023.  

The next book didn't come out for a whole year.  It came out in November, 2024.


The final book comes out in November, 2025.  I have learned from experience to reread the first two books in the trilogy before reading the last one.  Okay, so maybe a week's worth of reading this time.  I guess I should be grateful that Ms. Roberts delivers a new book every quarter between the two names she publishes under, but I wish she put out more books a year.  She used to when she was younger and hungrier, but now she has the luxury of working less.

In between Ms. Roberts' books, I mostly read nonfiction books.  I will read anything but horror (I have enough nightmares, thank you very much).  Occasionally, I will stumble on a nice series that has multiple books out, and I binge-read them.

How do you handle the space between the publication of books by your favorite author?  How do you find new authors to read?