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?
Smart Girls Read Romance
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
My Word Is My Bond by Joan Reeves
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?
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!
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 | AppleThe 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. ;)
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 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
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 SINGOf 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.
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.