LOVE IS FOR THE DOGS by Author Annee Jones **Book Birthday** **Last Chance Beach Romance**

Welcome to Notes From a Romantic's Heart. Today we welcome Author Annee Jones and her new book, Love is For the Dogs, part of the Last Chance Beach Romance multi-author series.

A coveted award…a missing Maltese…and a cheating ex… Can Trisha Campbell survive this year’s dog show competition in Last Chance Beach, much less walk away without a broken heart?

If there’s one thing vet tech Trisha Campbell knows, it’s dogs. Men, however, not so much. Especially ever since catching her ex-boyfriend, Miami P.D. Landon Prescott, kissing her arch-nemesis, Blythe Baker, at last year’s dog show after Blythe’s pup Princess took home the grand prize. Needless to say, Trisha's not looking forward to seeing either of them again at this year’s competition in Last Chance Beach, even if her beloved Maltese, Chloe, is a front-runner for the coveted trophy.

Soon after arriving on the island for the week-long event, Princess goes missing and everyone fingers Trisha as the dog-napper since her pooch is Princess’ main opponent. With not only the prize money but also her reputation at stake, Trisha’s willing to join forces with none other than her cheating ex. Can she and Landon figure out a way to work together to catch the culprit and find the missing Maltese before the whole competition goes straight to the dogs? And what happens when they find themselves alone together at last?

Available exclusively on Kindle Unlimited

Find the entire Last Chance Beach series on Amazon

“Woof!” the little dog barked, stopping in front of the tall wooden pillar that stood at the foot of the bridge as they made their way off the ferry onto the island. The dog sat down on its tiny haunches and gazed up, appearing to admire the giant sculpture of an open oyster shell that rested on top of the post. The shell’s lower half contained a giant pearl. Its shiny white surface sparkled with promise in the rays of the afternoon sun.

“Yeah, yeah,” Trisha Campbell muttered, allowing the leash she was gripping tightly in her right hand to slacken as she slowed her pace and paused next to the small Maltese spaniel, drawing her rolling suitcase to a stop behind her. “’Welcome to Last Chance Beach,’” she read aloud from the sign hanging beneath the sculpture. “’Where you’ll discover what you’ve been looking for.’”

“And what we’re looking for is a trophy!” squealed Olivia. The red-haired teen took off her backpack, bursting at the seams and adorned with a variety of colorful charms and ribbons, and set it down beside her. She stretched her long limbs and gazed around, eagerly taking in the first sights of Last Chance Beach.

“Right!” said an identical-looking girl to her left, who unshouldered her own decorative pack. Kneeling, she began to pet the dog’s smooth white coat. “Do you really think Chloe could win Best in Show this year, Trisha?”

Trisha fingered the woven red cord of the leash. “I do think there’s a small chance, Sophia. Now that she’s graduated from the junior age group, Chloe will be competing in the open tournament this year. With the three different shows she’s already won, I’m hopeful that she’ll be able to bring home Best of Breed. However, as for the title of Best in Show, the competition will be extremely fierce, so try not to get your hopes up. I don’t want you to be disappointed in the end.”

Author Annee Jones writes heartwarming romance and will soon be adding cozy mystery, fantasy/ PNR, suspense, and more to her list of genres since her imagination often runs away with her. She is passionate about writing stories that offer readers a place where dreams come true!

Professionally, Annee works as a disability counselor where she helps her clients navigate through complex medical and legal systems while rediscovering their wholeness in Spirit.

Annee also enjoys freelance writing for Publishers Weekly and multiple publishing companies.

Annee's Website ~ Amazon Author Page ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads

Facebook ~ Annee's Angels FB Reader Group

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Thank you for joining us today to celebrate the latest book in the Last Chance Beach Romance collection.

Nancy

DAUGHTER OF LIGHT by Author Eileen Dreyer **Book Blast**

Welcome to Notes From a Romantic’s Heart. It is my pleasure to welcome Author Eileen Dreyer back to the blog. Today, we’ll be featuring her book, Daughter of the Light, Book 2 in the Daughters of Myth series. You can find all the stops on Eileen’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflcopter drawing for your chance to win a $20 gift card. The entry form is at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Paranormal Romance

He’s had enough…

Harry Wyatt, Earl of Hartley has enough problems trying to keep his estate solvent. What he does not need is yet another lost child showing up on his land looking for the Hartley Fairy Diamond made famous by a recent film. A fairy diamond that is no more than myth handed down by delusional ancestors and responsible for the perilous state of his finances. And yet there is something about this latest visitor, something beside her delicate beauty and troubling familiarity. Something that is compelling him to go against everything he believes to help her. To want her.

She’s on a quest…
Sorcha, daughter of Mab Queen of Fairies is on a quest. Dropped into a cold, alien world, it is her task to recover the great fairy stone that has been lost to the land of mortals, a stone whose absence has upended the balance of nature. If she doesn’t get the stone back, spring will not come. But there is a handsome mortal standing in her way. A mortal she is drawn to like no other man, fairy or mortal. A mortal who claims he doesn’t believe in her, but whose memories and fears say otherwise. A mortal with green fairy eyes. A mortal she could love, if only he weren’t mortal and she fairy.

Note: This title was previously published as Dark Seduction

You can find Daugher of Light on Amazon

“Here! What are you doing? Get up!”

Startled, Sorcha looked up to see long legs in front of her. Thick boots, sturdy pants, long, sleek limbs. Tall limbs. She kept looking up and then up and still he went on.

A man.

A mortal, dark and fierce and glowering at her.

Sorcha stumbled to her feet, her instinct that of flight. This man was her enemy, surely, in this terrifying place.

“I—I... Forgive me...” she gasped and stumbled. Her feet were too numb from the cold to hold her up, her senses still in too much upheaval.

She reached out for balance and ended up crashing into the mortal’s chest. He grunted, struggling to stay upright. He reached for her, but it was too late. In a tangle of limbs, the two of them tumbled over and their momentum carried them rolling all the way down the long hill into the rocks at the bottom.

“Ooomph!” he grunted, coming to a halt right on top of her.

“Please...” She shoved at him, but it was like trying to move granite. “I... can’t... breathe...”

“Oh. Sorry.”

He lurched up, a hand on either side of her head, until he balanced himself over her, lifting his weight but not his control. “I...”

But then he stopped and stared. Sorcha couldn’t help it. She stared back. A mortal he might be, but he was magnificent. Taller than even the Tuatha, stronger than the elven guards, fiercer than the Dubhlainn Sidhe. Dark and sharp-edged, with high cheeks and a taut jaw and a rapier of a nose. A face on which even a scowl was a thing of beauty. And Sorcha revered beauty.

But that wasn’t what silenced her. It was his eyes. Dark-fringed, wide, crystal-bright. And green.

Fairy green.

Sorcha’s heart leapt in her breast. She felt joy bubble up in her, the relief of a saved life, the delight of finding that she’d been wrong. There was another familiar face in this alien place.

“Ah, how lovely,” she said, lifting her hand to his face. “You’re the one I’m to be looking for, then.”

“The one you’re looking for?” he asked, his voice oddly hushed, his eyes still deep and dark.

She laughed. “Of course. Didn’t the queen herself tell me to look for the one who is us? And who would be quicker to recognize the mark of a fairy than I? Your sister thanks you for her welcome, mo dearthair’”

“What?”

She gave him an even larger smile. “Ah, pardon. I forget it’s the mortal tongue I need. I merely called you my brother. I thank you, my brother, for my welcome.”

For a second the stranger stared at her. Then, shaking his head, he dragged her to her feet. “That’s it,” he said. “I’m calling the police.”

New York Times bestselling author and RWA Hall of Fame member Eileen Dreyer and her evil twin Kathleen Korbel have published over forty novels and novellas, and ten short stories in genres ranging from medical suspense to paranormal to romance. She is thrilled to have joined Oliver Heber Books to continue her Drake’s Rakes series about Regency aristocrats who are willing to sacrifice everything to keep their country safe, of which Ill Met by Moonlight is a near relative.

A former trauma nurse, Eileen lives in St. Louis with her husband, children and large and noisy Irish family, of which she is the reluctant matriarch. A seasoned conference speaker, Dreyer travels to research, and uses research as an excuse to travel. Oh, who's she kidding? She doesn't need an excuse. She has the Irish wanderlust and satisfies it as often as she can to the point that she has sung traditional Irish music on four continents. She also had the incredible chance to research Drake’s Rakes by attending the 200th anniversary of not only the Battle of Waterloo, but the Duchess of Richmond ball (in period attire). She has animals, but refuses to subject them to the limelight.

Eileen's Website ~ Facebook

Eileen Dreyer will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thank you so much for stopping by. Please come back again soon for more authors, books, and giveaways.

Nancy

TALK OF TOKOYO by Author Heather Hallman **Book Blast** **Giveaway**

We’re so pleased to welcome Author Heather Hallman back to the blog with another book in her Tokyo Whispers series, Talk of Tokyo. You can find all of the stops on the tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter drawing for your chance to win a $25 gift card. The entry form is at the bottom of this feature.

GENRE: Historical Romance

CAREFUL WITH YOUR WORDS

1897 Tokyo is no different than anywhere else in the world: men are exploiting women. Specifically, Western men are exploiting Japanese women, and Suki Malveaux holds no punches in her condemnation of their behavior in her weekly column in the Tokyo Daily News.

Suki knows firsthand when Western men arrive at Tokyo Bay there’s only one outcome for Japanese women: a child and new mother left behind as nothing more than discarded shrapnel from the heartless war on love.

Griffith Spenser is her latest target. He’s been seen with Natsu Watanabe, one of Tokyo’s esteemed war widows. Under full anonymity of the moniker “The Tokyo Tattler,” Suki makes sure Griffith knows exactly why his behavior with Natsu won’t be tolerated.

Away from her Japanese mask as a columnist, Suki never intended to meet the cad. When he seeks her out to hire as a tutor for his niece and nephew, she’s faced with seeing him day in and day out without him ever knowing who she really is.

Caught in her struggle for anonymity so she can keep battling for women’s rights, Suki’s about to learn the full impact of her words on the people behind the story, especially on Griff.

Available at Amazon ~ Apple iBooks ~ Burroughs Publishing Group

Tokyo 1897
Foreign Quarter of Tsukiji

Fluttering her eyelashes in a coquettish manner, which had much in common with trying to dislodge a flying insect, Suki faced the man who held her fate in the palm of his rather well-shaped hands. “I was admiring your fine home.”

“I quite like it myself.”

“Was it constructed after the quake of ’94?”

“We commissioned its construction when we arrived in ’95. I’m assured by its builders it could withstand another earthquake of that intensity. Japanese-style homes fare better than brick and stone.”

“Mother Nature has given us many opportunities to rebuild.”

“Mother Nature?” Spenser furrowed his brow. “I thought it was the giant catfish residing under Japan flipping its tail that caused all these earthquakes.” His tone was teasing, while the observation revealed Spenser as the type of foreigner who bothered learning about traditional culture.

“You know your Japanese folklore,” Suki replied.

“I like to be prepared for all the dragons and ghosts I’m certain to encounter,” Spenser said with a smile that brought out creases along his soft brown eyes. “I should introduce myself, although introductions are probably unnecessary. I’m Griffith Spenser, arrived from England, resident of Tsukiji for almost two years.”

Suki mentally added to the introduction: Spenser counted minor members of the British aristocracy among his family, although he himself had no chance of inheriting a title; his company was the most highly regarded foreign-owned trading firm in Tokyo; he’d arrived with a new bride who left him a year later; and he now graced the bed of war widow Natsu Watanabe. Also, he played lawn tennis.

The Tokyo Tattler’s job was to know these facts about Tsukiji’s most illustrious residents, and Suki needed to continue doing this job, which was why she couldn’t let Spenser’s allure compromise her defenses. The man had asked her to his home without explanation. Although she’d like to imagine he’d summoned her to discuss the modern significance of Japanese mythology, she was a realist. Spenser had a score to settle with the Tokyo Tattler, and all this pleasant banter about earthquakes was merely diversion.

Heather Hallman writes witty, sensual, contest-winning romances set in Meiji-era Japan (1868-1912). She is the author of the Tokyo Whispers series that includes Scandals of Tokyo and Talk of Tokyo.

She is fluent in Japanese language, history, and culture, and earned a doctoral degree in cultural anthropology based on fieldwork research in Japan. She lives in Tokyo with her professor husband and two young daughters. In her free time, she can be found translating ancient Japanese poetry and observing the passing of seasons while sipping green tea. Just kidding, she has no free time. But she does watch something that makes her laugh while she does the dishes.

Perennial obsessions include the weather forecast (she checks three different apps at least three times a day, as no single app can be trusted), Baltimore Ravens football (hometown obsession), and making smoothies that taste like candy bars.

Feel free to chat her up about any of her obsessions, or, even better, about historical Japan—any era is fine, she loves them all. She also enjoys exchanging book recommendations, discussions about the craft of romance writing, and stories about life in present-day Tokyo.

Heather's Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ TikTok ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads

Heather Hallman will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thank you so much for stopping by. Please come back all next week for more authors, books, and giveaways!

Nancy

GAVEL AND GARLAND ~ A Dickens Holiday Romance by Author Kathryn Hills

Happy Book Birthday to Author Kathryn Hills. Today we're celebrating the release of Gavel and Garland, part of the Dickens Holiday Romance collection. Come join us as we make another trip to the wonderful holiday town of Dickens!

Can a humbug and a holiday lover come together when wedding and Christmas bells ring?

Elizabeth McKenzie doesn’t hate Christmas. As the new mayor of Dickens, the quaint New England town famous for its holiday cheer, she has no time to enjoy it. And while she understands small-town politics, what she doesn’t get is people sugar coating problems during the hectic season. There’s much to be done, and she intends to prove she’s up to the task. However, she never imagined being blindsided by someone special. The Army officer in town for the wedding she’s officiating is annoyingly upbeat and handsome. Will he derail her agenda? Or can she slow down enough to smell the gingerbread and maybe meet him under the mistletoe?

Trekking around the globe to help animals and people is all Army veterinarian Daniel Murray knows. He’s not a fan of settling down, but there’s something wonderful about a place that embraces his favorite holiday. What’s even more appealing is Dickens’ feisty young mayor. Seems she has a knack for finding trouble. Dare he get involved with the beautiful humbug? Or should he avoid her like a stocking full of coal? It’s decision time for the self-proclaimed bachelor for life. Stay in the military, or open a vet practice right there in Christmas town?

Get your copy of Gavel and Garland from Your Favorite Retailer

The man rose from a crouched position alongside the horse. His back was to her until he turned around, and their gazes locked.

Beth’s mouth fell open.

“Big Red?” he asked, looking utterly perplexed.

The group of onlookers parted. Confused stares flipped back and forth between them.

She continued to gawk in disbelief. “Wha…what did you just call me?”

“You two know each other?” Heather piled on, sounding equally surprised.

Dan brushed off his hands and approached her.

“I…we…” Beth fumbled for words as she took a step back. “I saw him at the airport when he—” She snapped her lips shut before something stupid could slip out.

An impossibly handsome smile formed on the man’s face when he came closer. “I saw you board the plane, but I had no idea you were traveling to Dickens. Quite a coincidence, don’t you think?”

“I…I…” She stammered some more before composing herself. “I am the mayor of this fine town. And I’m officiating this wedding.” She stood tall and arched one brow in annoyance.

The groom cleared his throat, stepping between them as if sensing her tension. “Elizabeth McKenzie—Beth to all that know her—this is Major Daniel Murray, our best man. Dan is one of my oldest friends from my Army days.”

Amusement twinkled in the man in question’s eyes.

Dear Lord, they’re a striking color. Grey. Like the sky before a snowstorm.

He sported some scruff on his face now, whereas before, at the airport, he’d had no more than a five o’clock shadow on that rugged jaw. Salt and pepper. Same as his short, cropped hair.

Beth took another step back when his hand shot out to her.

Ooo… Not very smooth.

She quickly recovered and accepted it. Warmth instantly spread over her skin from his solid, manly grip.

“Nice to meet you, Mayor McKenzie. I’m loving your little town so far.”

She gave him a brusque nod, not trusting herself to form real words in his unsettling presence.

“We’d best be gettin’ up to the fields if we’re gonna practice marchin’ before sundown,” old Tom Gridley cautioned. “Daylight is scarce these days.”

The happy wedding party began working their way outside to the barnyard and their waiting transport.

“Who is that?” Jenna whispered, adding a suggestive look as they walked away together. “Oh my God…you were like…speechless. Awkward. Major chemistry between you two though.”

“I was surprised, that’s all.” Beth scoffed. “There’s no chemistry. What chemistry? I, for one, do not believe in chemistry.”

“Okay, no chemistry,” her niece griped. Yet she glanced over her shoulder. “Then why is he still grinning at you like a creeper? He is literally watching you walk away. I bet he’s checking out your butt.”

Beth gasped and slammed to a halt. Despite her best effort to remain professional, she spun to face him. Jenna skittered off, leaving them alone in the barn’s wide doorway. “Why did you call me Big Red?” she demanded.

Dan’s admiring stare settled on her face like a warm caress, causing a flurry of unexpected butterflies to take flight in her stomach.

“Sorry. Bad habit. I give everyone nicknames. Sometimes one. Sometimes many. Depends on the person and how much I like them.” He chuckled, and tiny lines crinkled the corners of those remarkable eyes. His face was lightly suntanned, as if he spent time outdoors wherever he lived.

“And mine is ‘Big Red’ for some reason? Why, because of my hair?” She squared her jaw, challenging him. “You don’t even know me, Dr. Dan.”

The smile fell from his face, and Beth suddenly wondered if he was better looking when he was serious or when he was teasing her.

“Want the truth?” he asked in a solemn tone. “You’re a hard woman to miss. When I saw you in line at the airport, you stood out. Let’s just say no man with a pulse would miss a woman as striking as you.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks despite the cold air.

“Tall, beautiful, with that great hair color.” His smile returned, and his gaze dropped to her lips. “Big Red.”

I was fortunate enough to be able to read an ARC of Gavel and Garland and I'm happy to say, it lives up to the high standards of this entire series.

Kathryn Hills writes beautifully descriptive scenes and adds just the right amount of sexual tension to amp up the usual 'will they or won't' they angst. Add in some wonderfully colorful supporting characters, family drama, and Ms. Hills signature quirk of adding animals (specifically dogs) to all her books, and you know you've got a winner.

The main characters are imperfect (okay, maybe Dr. Dan is perfect), but they learn and grow, and make the happily-ever-after conclusion even more believable and heartfelt. If you're in the mood for a great holiday romance worthy of a Hallmark movie, this is the book!

Hauntingly romantic unless she’s writing sweet!

The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories include ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.

When not writing, this best-selling author is reading, researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband, daughter, and three crazy dogs.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon Author Page * BookBub

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Thank you so much for stopping by. Please come back again soon.

Nancy

HOLLY BERRIES & HOCKEY PUCKS by Author Lucinda Race **A DICKENS HOLIDAY ROMANCE**

Welcome back to Notes From a Romantic’s Heart. Today it gives me great pleasure to welcome back for a second time this week, friend and fellow author, Lucinda Race. We’re about to get a sneak peek at her brand new release, Holly Berries & Hockey Pucks, part of Dickens Holiday Romance Series!

Hockey, holidays, and a slap shot to the heart

Jillian Morgan is a single mom and flower shop owner. She once had a promising career as a women’s hockey player. But life gave her a slap shot to the heart; she left the ice and now has a precocious six-year-old daughter who loves hockey as much as she did. Jillian’s focus is her daughter and the busy upcoming holiday season in the small town of Dickens. Then a newcomer stops in for flowers. He might be good-looking—no, great looking—but Jillian doesn’t need a complication of the male variety.

Brett Parsons hasn’t held a hockey stick in ten years, not since an injury ended his dreams of being an NHL star. He’s moved to Dickens to help his newly widowed mother. With a recently broken engagement, he doesn’t have any interest in dating. But he might make an exception for the pretty blue-eyed florist.

Brett’s delighted when he takes a job coaching the local youth hockey group and finds Jillian’s daughter on his team. Jillian’s not the average hockey mom, and Brett’s looking forward to discovering her secrets. Despite the attraction, Jillian’s wary. It’s easier to stay single than to have her heart broken again. But both of them know life rarely turns out as planned. In a town that cherishes Christmas, hockey pucks and holly berries might just lead to kisses under the mistletoe.

Get Holly Berry & Hockey Pucks at Your Favorite Retailer

The minute Brett scanned the room, his eyes found the beautiful florist. Standing next to her was a cute curly-headed girl. He wouldn’t have guessed he would have found her in a hockey rink. Maybe there wasn’t much else to do for the winter months, or maybe the little girl’s mom was a hockey fan. He gave her a smile, which she returned.

Coach Richards gave a welcoming speech and with a chuckle, said, “If anyone is looking for the basketball courts, they’re on the opposite side of the parking lot.”

A ripple of laughter slid from one side of the room to the other.

“We’re going to divide into several groups by age. Seven- and eight-year-olds, line up under the purple banner. Next group, ages nine through twelve, under the red banner, and anyone who is six and under, gather near the blue Mites banner. Coach Parsons will meet you there.”

Brett walked over to Jillian and the little girl.

“Hello. It’s nice to see you again.”

She placed her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “This is my daughter, Melanie.”

He knelt down to look her in the eyes. “Nice to meet you. I’m Coach Parsons. Are you signing up to play?”

“Uh-huh. I got all my gear too.” She tipped her head. “Can girls play on your team?”

“Sure can.” He looked at Jillian, who smiled at him, and then back at Melanie. “Can you skate?”

“Yup. Momma says I’m like the wind.”

“That will help on the ice.” He had to chuckle to himself. Jillian was already looking to be a good hockey mom. She was prepared and warmly dressed for sitting on the sidelines.

Coach Richards stood in front of the group. “Hello, parents and players. I’d like to introduce Coach Parsons. He’s new in town, so be nice to him. I’m asking him to kick things off for us today.”

Brett addressed the group. “Hello, everyone. For those of you who’ve not been here before, always check the board when you come in to see which locker room you’re assigned to. Everyone needs to be in full gear, including mouth and neck guards, or I can’t let you on the ice. Today we’ll see how everyone skates, but we won’t be using our sticks. So get your gear on and I’ll see you on the ice.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Melanie grab her bag strap and grin at her mom. He already was impressed with the girl; she was independent, but would that translate to a good team player long term? With a shriek of his whistle, the group moved to the door. Jillian held Melanie back to let some kids go ahead of her. Was she nervous to have her daughter on the ice?

They stopped near him and Brett said, “Are you ready to have some fun?”

She flashed him a grateful smile and tipped her head toward Melanie. “Someone’s a little nervous.”

“Understandable. I’m guessing this is your first year.”

Melanie shook her head. “No, I play with Momma at the pond.”

“Well, hopefully I can teach you something too.” H He directed them to the far side of the locker room, where he helped Melanie set her bag on the bench. He couldn’t help but notice Jillian glance at the ice as they walked to the locker room. Her face almost looked wistful. He took a quick look around and wondered where this bright-eyed little girl’s dad was sitting.

He noticed Melanie’s gear bag. It looked brand new, which Brett knew was an expensive outlay. If the rest of her equipment was new, he’d have to suggest to Jillian to network with other parents for used equipment. Kids grew so fast that it made sense to pass things along to the up-and-comers and next time, she wouldn’t have such a huge cash outlay.

A while later, he was surprised to see Melanie easily gliding over the ice and Jillian clapping her hands, encouraging her to turn and pick up speed. There was more to this hockey mom than he knew and he was going to enjoy discovering her secrets.

I’m a small-town girl who has always loved books, well I should say anything sandwiched between two covers. As a kid, I would read anything I could get my hands on, including my brothers Hardy Boys mystery books and my mother’s Good Housekeeping magazine.

My husband and I live in a small town in western Massachusetts with our two little fur babies, Jasper and Griffin. When I’m not working my day job I steal every free moment I can for writing romance. It smooths out the rough edges of the world when I can escape into my characters’ lives and write their happily ever after.

I've published 11, and counting, books with a strong focus on women's fiction and romance. But I’ve written non-fiction for a non-profit and corporate America. I can assure you, romance is so much more fun and rewarding!

I am excited for the next chapter with my writing. I hope you enjoy reading the novels as much as I enjoy writing them. If you become a fan, please consider following me on social media.

Lucinda's Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Amazon Author Page ~ Newsletter Sign Up

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Take my word for it, there's nothing better than spending two straight days with a good friend and talented writer. If you missed yesterday's post for Lucinda's new release, Vintage (part of her Crescent Lakes Winery Series), just scroll on down the page and take a peek.

See you soon! Hopefully.

Nancy

CHERRY RED by Author Darlene Fredette

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome Author Darlene Fredette back to the blog today to feature her new release, Cherry Red, part of the One Scoop or Two Series from The Wild Rose Press.

About the Book

This summer, ice cream entrepreneur Carly Redd's only focus is expanding her business—until she's coerced into attending her ex's engagement party. Showing up without a date is unthinkable. She reluctantly agrees to be escorted by her brother’s co-worker, although doing so breaks her rule of not dating firefighters.

The daughter of the town’s fire chief should wear a Do Not Touch sign, but firefighter Noah Harding's interest blazed the moment he saw Carly. Agreeing to be her fake boyfriend is a no-brainer, but convincing Carly to trust him with her heart is harder than extinguishing a fire.

Overstepping the platonic-only rule is as dangerous as fire and ice swirling into a tempting combustion.

Amazon ~ Apple ~ B&N (Nook) ~ Kobo ~ Google Play

Enjoy an Excerpt

“This might seem like a strange question, especially since we’ve just met, but would you be interested in going out for a coffee? Or an ice cream?” Noah rested an arm on the bar.

Carly glanced down at her jeans and black T-shirt embroidered with the company name and logo…a cluster of red cherries. In a room full of women all dolled up in fancy—and some a bit scanty—dresses, why would this incredibly handsome man ask her on a date? “I appreciate the offer, but I’m not interested…”

Noah raised a brow. “I know you like ice cream, so is it the coffee, or me?”

“What? No. I mean, yes.” She took a second to collect her scrambled thoughts. “I like coffee. I just don’t hang out with firefighters.” Not that he was a real firefighter. Did impersonators count in her rules of men to avoid? She never dated a stripper, but she wasn’t sure she could have a relationship with a guy who was paid to take off his clothes and have other women fawn over him. Not that the guy asked her on a date…just a simple coffee. His frown made her feel badly. “I’m sorry. It’s nothing personal.”

“Burnt in the past? No pun intended.” He smiled.

She couldn’t help but smile back. “Something like that.”

Meet the Author

Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to develop the many stories coming to life in her head. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador. Darlene’s favourite pastime is taking summer daytrips to the Valley to soak in the small-town feel.

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As always, it's been a pleasure hosting Darlene today. Please come back again tomorrow, and then all next week, for more authors, great books, and giveaways. Don't forget to scroll through the past week's posts to check for previous giveaways.

Nancy

RETURN OF THE RUNAWAY BRIDE (Last Chance Beach Romance) by Author Nancy Fraser **Book Birthday Celebration**

I've been waiting all year for this -- Last Chance Beach Romance for 2021!

Last year, we did a multi-author box set that was a wonderful experience. This year, and for the next two at least, we'll be going back to the beach with a planned twenty (20) full-length, contemporary romance novels. Sub-genres will include later-in-life stories, romantic suspense, reunion romances, and heat ranges will be sweet to steamy. Something for every reader.

The first book in the series, Deceptively Yours, by NYT & USA Today bestselling author Joan Reeves was released on May 23rd and was a great start to the new series of books.

My book, Return of the Runaway Bride, is the second book in the series, and I'm so happy to share it with you today.

About the Book

An Exclusive Excerpt

At six-thirty that evening, Emily stopped her car along the side of the road, the bridge to Last Chance Beach within sight. Perhaps she should have called, warned her parents she was on the way.

Nerves took a grip on her stomach; her pulse raced.

What if her parents weren’t home? After all, it was summer break. Maybe they were traveling. Emily shook her head. It wasn’t possible. With Gram’s birthday on the third, and her mother’s position on the Cliff House holiday planning committee, there would be no chance they’d be anywhere but home for the July 4th holiday week and weekend.

In her mind’s eye, Emily could picture the annual fireworks extravaganza put on by Cliff House, the event drawing spectators from far and wide, not just island residents and tourists.

It had been beneath a burst of bright pyrotechnics where Chase had proposed six years ago. The year before that, they’d watched the fireworks from the privacy of Digger’s Cove and made love for the first time.

Stop!

Tears stung her eyes. Dashing a few errant drops from her cheeks with the brush of her hand, she checked for traffic and pulled back onto the two-lane road leading to the bridge. It was well past time to make amends with her parents, her closest friends, and—assuming her nerve didn’t totally desert her—the rest of Last Chance Beach.

She turned right off the bridge and took the long way around the island, passing a string of artisan shops that weren’t there when she’d left. She passed Playing Hooky Café, the marina, The Sands Resort, and the turnoff for Secret Cove.

Her parents’ waterfront home beckoned, the gravel driveway crunching beneath her tires as she closed in on her destination. Her mother’s Volvo was in the carport, a new pickup sat off to the side. Nothing much had changed, other than a fresh coat of paint on her parents’ century-old farmhouse and new roof shingles.

Her grandmother’s small cottage was situated to the left of the main house, the lights from the kitchen casting a shadow on the pathway that ran between the two.

Emily pulled her Beemer into the garage, killed the engine, and opened the car door. Drawing a breath, she slid from behind the wheel, grabbed her tote bag, and walked to the back door.

From the mudroom, she could see her mother standing at the sink, her attention on an array of fresh herbs, their clay pots lining the window sill. The moment Emily opened the inside door, her mother’s movements stilled. She hadn’t turned around, yet Emily had no doubt her mother realized who was there. The woman had a sixth sense, especially when it came to those she loved.

“It’s about time,” Colleen Bennett said softly.

“Hi, mom.”

Colleen turned slowly and met Emily’s gaze head-on. Her light gray eyes filled quickly with tears. “We’ve missed you.”

Emily rushed forward, pulling her mother into a tight embrace. “Not nearly as much as I’ve missed all of you.”

“Your father’s over at Gram’s fixing a leaky pipe. He shouldn’t be too much longer.”

Emily’s lower lip quivered. “I’m sorry, mom. Really sorry. For everything.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Emily. You followed your dreams. There’s no need to apologize for that.” Her mother drew Emily to her side and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “There’s only one person who deserves an apology, when you’re ready. I know I’ve never said it before, but I was actually glad you had second thoughts. You were both too young to get married. While we would have never tried to stop the two of you, a bit more life experience never hurt anyone.”

“I need to apologize to Mrs. Michaels as—”

The gentle shake of her mother’s head stopped Emily mid-sentence.

“Myrna’s cancer came back last year. She passed away in April.”

The tears that had only threatened before rolled unheeded down Emily’s cheeks. “I didn’t know,” she said, her voice catching. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“When we hadn’t received a call from you in a while, we figured you were out of the country on an assignment. It wasn’t something I wanted to put in an email or text.”

“What about—?” Emily’s words stalled on the emotion clogging her throat, her thoughts. “Chase must have been devastated. It was just the two of them for so long.”

“Of course, he was. He was able to spend the last two months with her and I think that brought them both some peace.”

“The Coast Guard gave him a compassionate leave?”

“Actually—”

Whatever her mother was about to say halted when the outside door opened. Her father’s booming voice could be heard all the way from the mud room. “I got the worst of it repaired, for the time being. I’d appreciate it if you could give me a hand with the heavier work.”

“Sure thing, Bill. I’ve got a morning dive class, but—” Chase’s words stopped the moment the two men stepped into the kitchen.

Emily lifted her head, her gaze meshing with the last person she’d expected to see. Ever again. “Chase...I...”

“Em,” he said, his hazel eyes widening, his deep voice wrapping around the nickname he’d given years earlier. “I didn’t realize you were coming home.”

Her father snorted a laugh. “Hell, son, neither did we.”

Chase made a military-precision about face and reached for the doorknob. “Bill, I’ll meet you at Miss Winnie’s cottage at two, if that works for you.”

“Sounds great, Chase. I’ll be there.”

The moment the door closed behind his hasty retreat Emily released a long breath that ended in another round of tears. “I need to... uh... get my suitcase.”

Her father closed the short distance between them and pulled her into his arms. “You and your mom go take a seat in the living room. I’ll put water on for tea and then bring in your luggage.”

The Trailer

Don’t forget to try your hand at the Jigsaw Puzzle of the cover!

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Thank you so much for sharing my Book Birthday with me! Hopefully, I’ll see you again when Author Clair Brett stops by for a visit with her latest release!

Nancy

SECONDHAND HEARTS by Author Kathryn Hills *BOOK BIRTHDAY* *Last Chance Beach Romance*

Today it is my great pleasure to welcome good friend and comma queen, Author Kathryn Hills, to Notes From a Romantic’s Heart. We’re celebrating her Book Birthday for her new release, Secondhand Hearts, a Last Chance Beach Novella. If we’re lucky, we may even get a sneak peek at her next Last Chance Beach full-length romance, Sand, Salt and Spirits. Just as the title indicates, Kathryn will be bringing the spooky!

About the Book

 

Life takes you down many winding paths. Will theirs lead to love on Last Chance Beach?

Tasked with convincing her beloved grandmother to move back to the mainland, Kat Worthington returns to Last Chance Beach. This vacation island paradise is filled with cherished memories, and the thought of relocating her loved one weighs heavy on Kat’s heart. Is the alternative to uproot her life, stay on the island, and help run Gran’s charming B&B and antique shop?

Handsome neighbor, Ben Hadley, sure hopes it is. He and his playful pup are doing their best to upend Kat’s plans. Will their efforts convince her to stay?

Or will it require some of Gran’s special island magic?

Get Secondhand Hearts everywhere!

Enjoy an Excerpt

“Look at that… Didn’t even break the pot.” Gran gave her a sassy little wink. “You’ve always been one for divine timing, Kitty.”

“Pot?”

“Yup, I knew I had a matching teapot to the set that came in yesterday.” Gran stood a little straighter and squared her chin. “Besides, I’m not alone. Ben is here.”

“Who the heck is Ben?”

“That’d be me.” A deep, male voice came from behind, startling Kat. Spinning with a gasp, her eyes widened when connecting with six feet plus of drop-dead gorgeous, dark-haired man. He met her stare full-on without so much as a hint of humility, and he nodded a curt greeting.

“Haddie Marshall, are you up to your old tricks again?” Ben brushed past Kat. “I told you to wait and I’d look with you.”

“Well, I didn’t want you fussing. I know you’re busy.”

“Excuse me,” Kat interrupted, not bothering to disguise the irritation in her voice. “Who are you, and why would you allow my seventy-seven-year-old grandmother to climb to the scorching top of a barn and up a ladder for a teapot?”

The man stared at her in silence. One dark brow cocked in obvious annoyance.

“Ben Hadley…meet my first grandbaby, Kitty Worthington,” Gran announced with a proud smile.

“It’s Kat, Gran. Or Katrina,” she grumbled. “No one has called me Kitty since the fifth grade.”

“Oh, shush, child. You’ll always be Kitty to me and Grandpa Mike.” The elderly woman’s smile fell away. She took a wobbly step forward to hand Ben the box. “Be a love and take this down for me. I think I’d better hang on extra tight to the railing after all this excitement.”

“I’ll take the box,” Kat snapped. “You help my grandmother back to the house, where we can turn on some air conditioning.”

Meet the Author

The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories involve time travel. And ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.

When not writing, this best-selling author is researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband and daughter, and three crazy dogs.

Website ~  Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon Author Page ~ BookBub

 

A Sneak Peek - Coming September 2021

Kyle Worthington hasn’t returned to Last Chance Beach in years. He’s worked hard to prove himself to his overbearing father and the rest of the world. Now it’s October, and the vacation island paradise is celebrating the season with an island-wide Fall Festival. Family obligation demands he participate. Everyone will be there, including the ghost that haunts his grandparents’ B&B.

The running joke that Kyle never sticks with anything—not a career or a woman—will continue to plague him. Unless he brings a knockout of a date to the weekend-long event. Cassandra Corwin fits the bill perfectly. Kyle’s had his eye on his brilliant, beautiful coworker since day one. But Cassie is an enigma, a loner. There’s no room in her life for anyone except Odin, her goofball of a Great Dane.

Will this woman of mystery agree to Kyle’s scheme to impress his family? Can two near strangers from opposite worlds survive family gatherings and back-to-back Halloween events while pretending to be a couple? Kyle’s father seems hell-bent on derailing everything before they even shout “Boo!”

Or will the island’s magic prove too powerful for them to resist?

Pre-Order Sand, Salt and Spirits everywhere!

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As always, I love having company. However, it’s especially nice when it's such a good friend. Please come back on Wednesday and Thursday when I’ll feature more authors, books, and even a couple of giveaways. Then, at the end of the week, watch for Flashback Friday for a great summer sale!

Nancy