Procrastination and Obsession

I've been procrastinating something for a very long time, and when I finished it this week, it wasn't all that hard. Because of course. 

I think because my day job (I work at an elementary school) is so emotionally draining, that I procrastinate the creative stuff. Then when I finally buckle down and do it, I get mad at myself since it was never as big or bad as I thought it would be.

And on that note, I sent off my novella to my formatter! She's going to make it pretty and I'll get that baby uploaded ASAP! I'm listing it as free for the first week it's available, but I'm not telling anyone except my newsletter subscribers, so sign up now if you want to be one of the first to get it! It'll be one whole dollar after that first week, so jump on it!

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I recently started watching My Demon on Netflix. It's a K-Drama about a demon whose powers get accidentally transferred to a woman who has an assassin out to get her. The thing is, she thinks he's a weirdo who won't leave her alone so she wants nothing to do with him. But! He's constantly saving her life, so he needs to stay close to her. OMG it's forbidden romance, it's enemies-to-lovers, it's Paranormal Romance, and it's hitting all the right notes for me. So, that being said, feed my new obsession! Send me either book or show recs that fit this Paranormal Romance vibe! Please and thank you!

Look at him all broody

Look at them all being enemies and stuff

And now look at them battling their attraction...Swoon...

So yeah, watch it, send me recs, you know what to do!

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…

Halloween Spirit by Laura Hunsaker

With Halloween fast approaching I was thinking of reading a couple of Paranormal Romances to get in the Halloween spirit (not to be confused with Spirit Halloween lol). 

My favorite Paranormal Romances usually have a lot of action, or even a Romantic Suspense plot. So while I was scrolling my library, then Amazon, because my TBR is never ending, it got me thinking that I do have a preference in the sense that I don't really want bunny shifters, or hummingbird shifters. I don't know why I don't like that, but it's not my jam. I want vampires, werewolves, and depending on the world, other large predators. (And all of this is of course just my faves, not saying it's right or wrong or the only way. In fact I love both the Kate Daniels series and the Pride series by Shelly Laurentston which does have bunny shifters. I'm just generalizing). 

So when I came across this meme:

All I could think of was, um yes. Accurate. LOL I think this is why I want a monster romance. 

In my books. I want a monster hero in my books. In real life? Ehhhh...yeah I don't know if I could do that. I mean, thinking of the cryptids that are out there: Bigfoot? Skunk ape? Yeti? Chupacabra? Loch Ness Monster? I don't know.

But if werewolves and vampires were real, if well, Nessie and Bigfoot were real? I guess it would depend on the circumstances? Maybe? I'm not saying yes, but I'm not saying no... I mean, the Mummy? The one with Brendan Fraser? just saying, every single one of the those characters was beautiful, and that Mummy Imhotep was in love. His love transcended death. I mean, I'm not mad at that. 

So how about you? Are you a Paranormal Romance fan? Are you open to all? Or do you prefer the originals, vampires, witches, werewolves, etc?

And since I mentioned Spirit Halloween, I wanted to share this funny (fake-I snagged it from Instagram) costume that I feel we all can appreciate:

And if you want one of my Paranormal Romances, my vampires are $.99 right now ;)

Highlander Reborn (Amazon affil link)

The Broken Highlander (Amazon affil link)

Hockey, Romance, and Werewolves by Laura Hunsaker

 A few years ago, a friend of mine had a fun book idea, but it wasn't her normal genre, it was more in my wheelhouse. She proposed that we write it together. I had just had a baby and my writing mojo was gone. There was zero room in my brain for anything other than babies and keeping the other children alive. I mean, my brain was in mommy mode, not writer mode. And yet...the ideas started percolating.

Middle of the night feedings...story ideas. Kids were at school and baby was napping...plot bunnies bounced around in my mind. So I called her back, and we plotted. Neither of us really thought it would go anywhere, but we wanted it on paper anyway. It's a Scottish Time Travel and we named ourselves Kenzie MacLir. We got about halfway through a novel when another project fell into our laps. And it was nothing like what we were writing with the exception of the fact that it had paranormal elements.

But this was hockey, how paranormal could we get? Oh reader, this series is amazing. The New York Empires hockey team has some pretty interesting players on it. There are werewolves, psychics, ice gods, and so many other fun magical hockey players. But it's very "paranormal lite" as in the world is our world, the magic and "para" part of the paranormal aren't overpowering. I really feel like if you love Paranormal Romance, you'll love this, and if you don't love Paranormal Romance, that this series is not super intense with the PNR world-building so you can still enjoy it, even if PNR isn't your jam.

With all of that being said, the Stanley Cup has been won, not by my team (Go Knights!), and sadly not by the New York Empires...yet. So if you're already having hockey withdrawal after a couple of days without hockey, might I suggest a Hockey Romance? And if you've never read a Hockey Romance, I'd highly recommend the New York Empires series. Each book is an anthology. It has 3 stories, and each can be read alone, or binged as a fun novella series. Trust me, even if you aren't a hockey fan, this series is just really fun. My Laura Hunsaker books tend to be a bit more serious and even a bit darker. The New York Empires is where I get to have fun.

We are all hard at work writing something new and exciting, and based off of something that one of our hockey teams did this year. It's gonna be great! In the meantime, here are the current New York Empires books:

Amazon

Dive Into Romance Recs by Laura Hunsaker

 As I was trying to think of what to write this month, my daughter came in to bug me and as I tried to shoo her away because I'm trying to be creative, but she cured my writer's block! 

Some background information: my kids are swimmers, and this particular child of mine actually coaches swim and teaches swim lessons. One thing she brought up for a post idea was that she would love to read a swim romance.

And it got me to thinking. I know hockey romance is huge right now, and I know football and baseball have been huge in the past. Even rugby has had some time in the sun. But swim? I can't think of a single swimmer romance. I can think of one where the hero was a swimmer in high school (a Julie Garwood novel), but it's not much more than that. 

Obviously, my brain couldn't leave it alone, and I started going through sports romances (that is one very large subgenre!) on Goodreads. Well, I found a list, but not very many of them involved swimmers. Mermaids, surfers, and beaches, yes. Olympic swimmers, not so much.

So, for my daughter's sake, can anyone think of any swim romances out there? Give me all of your recommendations!

And if you'd love some great hockey romance, don't forget that I also write hockey romance as Kenzie MacLir. The New York Empires is a unique series where each book is an anthology with 3 stories that overlap. It's also slightly paranormal. Except for my latest one. Werewolves playing hockey are the best, and Roughing It definitely has werewolves playing hockey.

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The Voices In My Head by Laura Hunsaker

 I was at the day job the other day and someone asked me why I stay up so late writing. The short answer is that it's the only time I have to myself where I'm not taking someone somewhere, playing with anyone, cooking, working, cleaning, doing laundry...I'm sure you get the picture. It's the only time I'm not "momming." So I write until midnight and get up at 5:45 every work day. I'm okay with that.

But my friend asked if I could just write on weekends, or breaks, and I said that I have to write. The stories are all up in my brain fighting to get out. My brain is a pretty interesting and busy place. I have to write to get the stories out, to get the characters' voices to hush. 

She looked at me aghast. 

Is that really that odd? To have multiple stories going on inside the ol' brain? Just me?

So when I got home from work I asked my eldest if it was weird and she said not to her, but that some people don't "hear" anything in the head. I didn't quite understand that so she sent me an interesting link. There are people out there who can't picture things in their mind's eye, and people who can't hear thoughts in their head. I can't imagine having such a quiet mind, but as we've established, mine is quite noisy, so I'm probably not the best judge.

So I bring this to you all: Do you, like me, have a constant inner monologue? Can you visualize stories as you read them as if they are a movie playing inside your head? I'm really curious!

If you want to check out what those character voices are like, my story Highlander Reborn is on sale for $.99 right now across all platforms.

Highlander Reborn begins in Scotland, many centuries ago, where a blacksmith fights for his life and his people. His life is forever changed when Amalia, one of the Nightkind, makes the choice to save his life. But first, he has to die...

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Kobo  |  Google Play  |  Smashwords  |  iTunes

1304…

After Nevin MacLachlan’s wife was killed by a vampire, he made it his mission to hunt them all down. But one late Highland night, in a battle he couldn’t win, one of the Nightkind ripped open his throat. With his blood draining onto the grass, the last thing Nevin sees isn’t a white light; it’s the dark of night closing in on him.

Amalia has been enamored with the blacksmith ever since he first held a stake to her heart. Watching him die was unacceptable. Will he ever forgive her for turning him into what he hates most?

Nevin has lived his life alone for a reason. When Amalia walks back into his life seven centuries later asking for help, he wants nothing more but to turn his back to her. But something about her still calls to him.

Some of the Nightkind in Amalia’s seethe have been killed. It’s up to her to find Nevin and ask for his help. But how can she show Nevin that she isn’t the monster he thinks she is?

Bad Jokes by Laura Hunsaker

 I love bad jokes. Like the kind you groan after hearing. You know, stuff like "Do you think the ocean is salty because the beach never waves back?" Those sort of dad jokes, if you will. I also think I'm the only person in my whole family who likes those groaners. Well, obviously I'm like the best mom ever, and since we've already established that I'm super funny, I of course continue to force my humor upon share my sense of whimsy with my children.

So I played a funny joke on my kids.

One day, the milk went bad. I made sure to let the kids know. See? I'm so helpful!

I thought it was funny, anyway. I grabbed a fresh gallon after work and I was kind enough to let the kids know that the milk was good. Again, me being helpful.

Apparently my kiddos didn't appreciate my jokes, but that's all right. It brings me joy to be this goofy and I don't mind that they don't think I'm funny. Hopefully one day they'll look back fondly, and maybe even use my corny jokes amazing material with their own children.

I don't write Rom Coms, but I do try to have my sense of humor show through in my books, even the Romantic Suspense books. Hopefully the jokes are better than the ones I use in my household.

However, I do write under the pen name Kenzie MacLir for paranormal hockey romance...and I'd like to think those are successfully fun and funny. There may even be a fart joke in there (I regret nothing! It's a hockey locker room, people!). So while my Romantic Suspense may have some fun moments, it's the Hockey Romance that really allows my frivolity to shine! Donut eating contests, Nerf gun battles, swear jars, I think you'll really enjoy it! 

And if you're up to the challenge, drop your best (or worst!) dad joke in the comments!

Amazon

Caught in the Crossfire by Stacey Agdern

Bryce Emerson only agreed to draw an account of the Empires Goalie Tryouts to humor his brother. But when a vision convinces him the woman who saved his prized pen from a snowy grave is in danger of being injured by a faulty mask, he takes it upon himself to make her a new one.

Goaltender Carly Fein is trying out for the New York Empires, and the last thing she needs is the complication of an artist. But when she agrees to let him make her a new mask, Bryce Emerson finds his way under her skin.

Can Bryce and Carly figure out what happens when they’re caught in the crossfire of love and hockey? Or will the stress of new love and competition drive them apart.

Crashing the Net by Isabo Kelly

Billionaire Connor Evans needs a challenge. Trying out for the New York Empires’ hockey team fits the bill, even if it is just a publicity stunt and a way to shut his twin brother up. Running into the woman who left him six years earlier, a woman he’s never gotten over, is not part of the plan. Once he sees Matty, though, Connor knows he can’t let her go again. But he’s got secrets he can’t risk sharing. And Matty is the one person who could uncover those secrets if he lets her get too close.

After traveling the world, Matilda Thomson is ready for a real job and a more stable life. Her internship with the New York Empires will give her the experience she needs to move into that future. But first, she has to face Connor again, and one of the most painful losses she’s ever experienced. The only way she can move forward is to confront her feelings and risk her heart one more time.

Heat and passion spark as hot as ever between them. But trust doesn’t come easy. And if Connor can’t open up and let Matty in this time, he’ll lose her forever.

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…

Beginning again-- Ever as Before

by Rain Trueax

Hi, I've been in Smart Girls Read Romance before, but it's been a while. For those who don't know or remember me,  I am a writer of historic, contemporary and paranormal romances. I have two adult children with four grandchildren, all of which I love very much.

When in Oregon, with my husband of many years, I live on a small ranch where we raise cattle and sheep (yep, they get along fine); and when in Arizona, I live on a little piece of desert, which we share with bobcats, javelina, coyotes, birds, rattlers, and other wandering though desert denizens. Both places inspire me to write my books, which always have a setting in nature.

Lately, my writing has turned to contemporary paranormals... well, I call them that because I don't have a better name for romances with supernatural elements. Unlike some paranormals, this family of witches are fully human with all the weaknesses and advantages that involves. The difference is they were born with extra skills like shape-shifting, apparating, seeing into the past, etc. They work on solving cases as a family-- no covens nor do they connect with other natural born witches-- least of all not with wantabe witches, who can ruin the reputation of then all. Some of them use the Akashic Records to find what has been written in the Book of Life... Oh yes, and they could work with spells-- but that's more a grandmotherly thing.

While they call themselves witches, when nobody is listening, they don't advertise given the history of how humankind has seen witches. They meet men who sometimes have their own supernatural skills-- or not. Some of the heroes don't believe in magick as a reality until they come face to face with something they cannot explain any other way. Whether they have a supernatural skill or not, they are always men offering something strong and unique to the women they will choose for their mates.

Until this week, there were four books about the Hemstreet witches, all based mostly in the historic Barrio Viejo, of Tucson, Arizona. The books came about when I went there to find el Tiradito, the only shrine dedicated to a sinner. I felt the energy of those streets, the mix of regeneration, history, and spiritual power. I saw the possibility for books about career women with a secret life of mysticism. Each of four sisters has their own supernatural powers-- want them or not. They are a close family working to protect the street from evil.

This year, I am releasing the fifth, which is in pre-release for a series I call Mystic Shadows (with other paranormals that are unconnected to the Hemstreet family). It will be published January 29th right before Imbolc. 

Maria raised her four daughters, with the help of her also widowed mother and mother-in-law, after her husband was killed years earlier. She operates with her feet in two worlds to protect others and, of course, her family. Being alone so many years, her friend tries to tell her she should find a new mate. How can she when she had married the love of her life, a man who was her ultimate match, a warlock of unsurpassed power. Still, there are several men who would like to change her single status. She can't deny her friend might be right. With an empty nest, she needs to find a new purpose just as she comes to realize old and new forces are threatening not only her family but the world.  Finding a new mate is about to be the least of her problems.

Imbolc is the perfect time for this book to begin. For those unfamiliar with the Celtic seasonal calendar, Imbolc (meaning ewe's milk) marks the beginning of the lambing season, although this year, we already have had our first lambs. It is the true beginning of spring and new life. It is thought to be about the goddess but it also is when the god returns. It is a time to let go of the past and embrace the future. Life-force is stirring. Celebrate with fire, with candles, that the darkness of winter is ending, growth is coming, as life renews.Ever as Before has the ritual celebrated by the Hemstreet witches.

It is available now for pre-order and will show up on your device (if you're hooked up to wireless) on January 29th. You are only charged when it arrives. It, as with Dangerous Match, Vislogus, Complicated Bargain, and Unfinished Business, is exclusive to Amazon and available for borrowing for members of Kindle Unlimited. It also will be in paperback along with the others. It is spicy and has some violence-- a witch has gotta do what a witch has gotta do.

Ever as Before at Amazon

 

Old Homes and the First Thanksgiving

As many of you know, I'm mad about old homes and often feature them in my books. My latest time travel romance series, Ladies in Time, is all about cool old homes. Maybe living in antiquated houses most of my life has influenced me. The farm house my husband and I live in now was built just after the Civil War, probably because its predecessor was burned, but that's another story. History fascinates me, and Colonial America has a powerful draw. Virginia is great state to immerse myself in that era, among others. The Civil War...

(Berkeley)

Years ago, while doing research for Traitor's Legacy, the sequel to colonial American historical romance novel Enemy of the King, the idea came to me for ghostly time travel romance, Somewhere My Love. In addition to touring colonial Williamsburg, mom and I visited some of the lovely James River Plantations. Two of these stately homes, Berkeley and Shirley, inspired the house in Somewhere My Love, Foxleigh. Berkeley, originally called Berkeley Hundred and named after one of its founders, has a wealth of history behind it. As we toured the grounds, a strong sense of the past flowed over me, carrying me back.

The magnificent terraced boxwood gardens and lawn extend a quarter-mile from the front door to the James River. The mansion itself wasn’t built until 1726, but the plantation’s history reaches much farther back into America‘s roots. I didn’t realize this, but Berkeley was the actual site of the first Thanksgiving in America on Dec. 4, 1619.

 (Breadseed Poppy-- seed from Monticello)

 (Williamsburg)

 (Foxglove--historic herb/flower)

On December 4,1619, 38 English settlers arrived at Berkeley Hundred about 8,000 acres on the north bank of the James River near Herring Creek in an area then known as Charles Cittie. It was about 20 miles upstream from Jamestown, where the first permanent settlement of the Colony of Virginia was established on May 14, 1607. The group’s charter required that the day of arrival be observed yearly as a day of thanksgiving to God. On that first day, Captain John Woodleaf held the service of thanksgiving.

In 1622, nine of the settlers at Berkeley Hundred were killed in a Native American uprising, as well as a third of the entire population of the Virginia Colony. The Berkeley Hundred site and other outlying locations were abandoned as the colonists withdrew to Jamestown and other more secure points. After several years, the site became Berkeley Plantation and was long the traditional home of the Harrison family, one of the First Families of Virginia. 

(Reenactors)

Benjamin Harrison, son of the builder of Berkeley and the plantation’s second owner, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and three-time Governor of Virginia. William Henry Harrison, Benjamin‘s third son, born at Berkeley, nicknamed Tippecanoe for his fame as an Indian fighter, later became the ninth President of the United States, in 1841. His grandson, Benjamin Harrison, was the 23rd President.

Many famous founding fathers and mothers were guests at this gracious estate. For more on Berkeley Plantation and a fascinating glimpse into early America visit: http://www.berkeleyplantation.com/ 

And: http://www.jamesriverplantations.org/Berkeley.html

 If you have the opportunity to visit in person, by all means go.

(Chipmunk on pumpkin by my mother)

For more on my work please visit my Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Beth-Trissel/e/B002BLLAJ6/

A Priceless Gift--the Love of Reading

I am a writer because of my parents. A love of reading and the written word ranks high among my earliest memories. Dad told wonderful stories and recited from his favorite authors. I clambored for the Jaberwocky, and relished the sound of those words. My long-suffering mother, also a story teller, read to us. She took me and my younger brothers (our baby sister missed these excursions) on weekly trips to the library. I emerged loaded with books, the rule being that I could check out as many as I could carry. The top of the stack hitched under my arched chin and my skinny arms stretched to my knees as I staggered to the car. At home, I climbed into bed with my treasures, like a ship in a sea of stories, and sailed away. I never discarded any, but read them all. Even the biography of Lottie Crabtree.

My sharp-witted father, a college English professor, shared his passion for literature and overflowing book shelves with me. I raided his trove in my teens and grew up on the classics. His loved authors and poets were familiar friends. Mark Twain, Charles Dickens. Emily Bronte, Henry David Thoreau, Emily Dickinson--the reclusive poet to whom he compared me, as I’d hole up in my room reading and writing for hours--and countless other greats filled his shelves. I didn't find any of these authors too wordy, but devoured their offerings, though I did struggle a bit with the Russian authors. Dostoevsky comes to mind.

Both Mom and Dad encouraged my writing from the start, which for years was solely non-fiction. Mom sent a country vignette I'd penned (literally) about ducklings to Southern Living Magazine that won me a phone call from the editor of their freelance column and much encouragement. My dear mother typed up all my hand written pages, entrusted to her in manila envelopes labeled 'Guard With Life', until I finally acquired a computer and learned myself. She even typed my early novels when I embarked on my journey into historical/paranormal romance -- one reason I refer to her as long-suffering. She still proof reads for me. Mom and Dad have cheered me on, assisted in research, and celebrated each milestone along the way. They heralded every new book. That winding journey now encompasses twenty plus years and titles. Dad gave me high praise when he compared me to Daphne Du Maurier after reading my haunting mystery romance, Somewhere My Love. 

(Dad and me in our shirts. He didn't 'silently' correct grammar :)

My new release, Civil War time travel romance, Secret Lady, came out from The Wild Rose Press on January 9^th, only a handful of days after my dearly loved father died. Of course, he knew of this undertaking from the copious research I did and the sharing we had together about the Civil War. Our ancestors were heavily involved in that enormous upheaval, and some were lost. My dad’s great-grandfather was in Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg. Amazingly, Grandpa Finley survived or none of us would be here. Dad helped with some of the backstory for Secret Lady. My beloved brother, Chad, died suddenly in the middle of my writing the story, which made finishing it a challenge. Secret Lady is dedicated to Chad, and I'm saddened not to share this latest release with Dad. He would be so proud. Even though he has gone where I cannot yet follow, I sense his loving presence. He knows.

Secret Lady Blurb:

At Lavender House, Evie McIntyre is haunted by the whispers from her bedroom closet. Before she can make sense of their murmurs, the house "warbles" between times and transports her to the Civil War. Past and present have blended, and Evie wishes she'd paid more attention to history. Especially since former Confederate officer, Jack Ramsey, could use a heads up.

Torn between opposing forces, Jack struggles to defend the valley and people he loves. Meeting Evie turns his already tumultuous world upside down. Will solving the mystery of the whispers return her home, and will the handsome scout be by her side?

Against the background of Sheridan's Burning of the Shenandoah Valley, Jack and Evie fight to save their friends and themselves – or is history carved in stone?

"Beth Trissel is a master storyteller. If you love romance, history, and the right amount of paranormal suspense and magic, this is the series for you!" ~Colleen M. Cheesbro

"I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read Secret Lady. Ms. Trissel never disappoints! I highly recommend Secret Lady to anyone looking for a sweet historical romance" ~Long and Short Reviews

***Secret Lady is available in print and kindle at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Lady-Ladies-Time-Book-ebook/dp/B07KNL7K3Z/

In eBook from all major online booksellers.

For more on me follow my Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Beth-Trissel/e/B002BLLAJ6

Famous Lovers in History #romance

Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for visiting Smart Girls Read Romance. Many of the blog posts I've read since January 1st are about 'goals' and 'resolutions' people made for 2019. I try not to set too many goals and set myself up for failure. Many goals are not obtained no matter how hard we try. 

But...if you're still looking for a post about New Years' Resolutions, I'll share my one and only goal for 2019 with you. So...here it is: "Keep my feet above the grass." That's it. Life is complicated and I consider it a great success if I can stay healthy and alive this year. I think it's a great goal for everyone!

My blog post today is about something more palatable - Famous Lovers In History (whether fictional or mythological). Who among us doesn't love to read about true love or soul mates? I hope you find some inspiring love stories below - ones that make you believe in finding love everlasting (or keeping love everlasting).

Cleopatra and Mark Antony
The true love story of Antony and Cleopatra is one of the most memorable, intriguing and moving of all times. The story of these two historical characters had later been dramatized by William Shakespeare and is still staged all over the world. The relationship of Antony and Cleopatra is a true test of love. They fell in love at first sight. The relationship between these two powerful people put the country of Egypt in a powerful position. But their love affair outraged the Romans who were wary of the growing powers of the Egyptians. Despite all the threats, Anthony and Cleopatra got married. It is said that while fighting a battle against Romans, Antony got false news of Cleopatra's death. Shattered, he fell on his sword. When Cleopatra learned about Antony 's death, she was shocked. And she took her own life. Great love demands great sacrifices.

Lancelot and Guinevere
The tragic love story of Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere is probably one of the best-known stories of Arthurian Legend. Lancelot fall in love with Queen Guinevere, King Arthur's wife. Their love

grew slowly, as Guinevere kept Lancelot away from her. Eventually, however, her love and passion overpowered her and the pair became lovers. One night, Sir Agravain and Sir Modred, King Arthur's nephew, led a band of 12 knights to Guinevere's chamber where they burst in upon the lovers. Discovered, Sir Lancelot made a fighting escape, but poor Guinevere was not so lucky. She was seized and condemned to burn to death for her adultery. Fear not. Sir Lancelot returned several days later to rescue his beloved Guinevere from the fire. This whole sad affair divided the Knights of the Round Table and weakened Arthur's kingdom. Poor Lancelot ended his days as a lowly hermit and Guinevere became a nun at Amesbury where she died.

Napoleon and Josephine
A marriage of convenience, at age 26 Napoleon took a fancy to Josephine. An older, prominent, and most importantly wealthy woman. As time drew on, Napoleon fell deeply in love with Josephine, and she with him, but that didn't deter the adultery on both sides-their mutual respect for one another kept them together, and their burning passion between them didn't falter, and was genuine. They eventually split, as Napoleon deeply required something Josephine could not give him, an heir. Sadly they parted ways, both bearing the love and passion in their hearts, for all eternity.


Marie and Pierre Curie
This is a story about partners in love and science. Unable to continue her studies in Poland because universities did not admit women, Maria Sklodowska Curie traveled to Paris in 1891 to attend the Sorbonne. Known by the French "Marie," she spent every spare hour reading in the library or in the

laboratory. The industrious student caught the eye of Pierre Curie, director one of the laboratories where Marie worked. Curie ardently wooed Marie and made several marriage proposals. They were finally married in 1895 and began their famous partnership. In 1898 they discovered polonium and radium. The Curies and scientist Henri Becquerel won a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1903 for discovering radioactivity. When Curie died in 1904, Marie pledged to carry on their work. She took his place at the Sorbonne, becoming the school's first female teacher. In 1911 she became the first person to win a second Nobel Prize, this time for chemistry. She continued to experiment and lecture until her death of leukemia in 1934, driven by the memory of the man she loved.

I hope you enjoyed reading about these famous lovers because that's what 'Romance" is all about...love.

I write romance in several genres
Historical Romance
Western Romance
Paranormal Romance
Contemporary Romance
Erotic Romance

As you can see, I'm all about Romance and love writing about characters who might go through many trials and tribulations but in the end, find true love. 

This month I'm featuring one of the books I loved writing - WHERE THE RAIN IS MADE - 

Recent Five-Star Review

"Where The Rain is Made was a surprising blend of genres. While solidly building on a foundation of romance, it is so much more. The paranormal aspect of time travel and shamanism is painted realistically and establishes the authenticity of the story while allowing modern-day influences to be brought into a past time through the hero's modern perspective. The reader is swept along with the emotions of the characters; fears of impending war, devotion to culture, love of family, horror at the necessary brutality of the Dog Soldier. The plot and characters are well developed and their ties to history and each other ebb and flow logically, but not predictably, securing the reader’s interest until the end."

Blurb:
* Nominated for Bookie Award by Authors After Dark.
* Nominated for Best Romance of the Year
* Time Travel/Shapeshifter
* Western Romance
* Over 35 - Five Star Reviews

A decadent-looking savage has captured Francesca DuVall and her brother Marsh. These days, she spends every waking moment planning escape from the brutal Dog Soldiers' village.

Ethan Gray is a curator at a national museum . . . until he travels through time to help his beloved People. In the Cheyenne world he's known as Meko, leader of the most revered and fearsome tribe of the plains.

Two cultures and two hearts battle. Violence and death haunt their troubled roads, but when kindred souls collide, love prevails against the greatest odds. From the windswept plains of Colorado to the placid life of a curator, their love is fueled by passion and kindled by destiny.

Want to Read About LOVE EVERLASTING? HERE