Magical Weddings Boxed Set Spotlight and Review with Giveaway

I'm so pleased to promote this wonderful book on my blog. You can find my review near the bottom of the post.


Magical Weddings ~ New Release ~ 15 Enchanting Romances

Whether real or only in the hearts of the bride and groom, the magic of weddings is undeniable and irresistible! As these 15 enchanting happily-ever-afters by bestselling and award-winning authors prove.

From sweet to spicy, the romances bundled into this set cross time and unite hearts, cast spells of laughter, battle wedding jitters and fight back tears, while weaving love's hopeful magic throughout 1400 pages.



The box set is on sale for only .99 cents!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Ibooks | Google Play

~~~More About the Books~~~

Her Wedding Wager by Leigh Michaels, National bestselling and Award-winning author of over 100 novels. Celia's doomed to an arranged marriage--unless she can win the most important bet of her life!
~~~

The Last Wedding at Drayhome (Breens Mist Witches) by Aileen Harkwood. Never underestimate the power of a witch and warlock in love who have nothing left to lose.
~~~

The Dress by Eve Devon. Two couples, 400 years apart. From a masquerade ball in Venice 1615 to a wedding in England 2015, can a dress laced with magic weave its spell through the fabric of time?
~~~

Second Chance Bride by Raine English, USA Today bestselling and Award-winning author. She thinks she's marrying the man of her dreams, until a telepathic rescue dog leads her to someone else... Will this bride-to-be say "I do" to the wrong man?
~~~

Two Hearts Surrendered by Tamara Ferguson, Bestselling and Award-winning author. Will two warring hearts be strong enough to survive the ultimate battle?
~~~

Something Borrowed, Something Blue by Lynda Haviland. She has a wedding to crash--until love gets in the way!
~~~

Heart of the Secret (Witches of Lane County) by Jody A. Kessler, Bestselling and Award-winning author. A 500 year-old curse, a witch who will do anything to marry her one true love, and the heart of a secret that will either divide them or bring them together...forever.
~~~

The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel by Jane Lark, National bestselling author. How do you fight a calling that comes from your soul?
~~~

A Wedding Across the Winds of Time by Bess McBride, National bestselling author. Darius and Molly found each other Across the Winds of Time. Now, it's time for their wedding!
~~~

Kiss This by L.L. Muir, National bestselling and Award-winning author. You never expect the florist to catch the bouquet...
~~~

Caution is a Virtue by Jennifer Gilby Roberts. How much is too much to risk for love?
~~~

Loving Lindy by Jan Romes. In order to become the bank's new Vice President, Gunther Justin has to be "settled." With Lindy McPherson posing as his fiancé everything is set to go off without a hitch--until real feelings get in the way.
~~~

With this Kiss by Heather Thurmeier. Does a simple kiss have enough magic to reunite lovers?
~~~

Real Magic by Elsa Winckler. She's the bridesmaid, he's a best man. Will the magical evening stay just that or will it turn out to be real after all?
~~~

The Wedding Guests (A Tassamara Short Story) by Sarah Wynde. When unexpected guests attend Akira and Zane's wedding, lives will change forever. But for better or for worse?

***Meet the Authors***

Leigh Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 books, including historical romance and contemporary romance. Her non-fiction book, On Writing Romance, has been called the best guide available for romance writers, and she teaches romance writing online at Gotham Writers Workshop.

Six of her books have been finalists in the RITA contest sponsored by Romance Writers of America, and more than 35 million copies of her books are in print in 25 languages and more than 120 countries. Her books have been published by Harlequin Books, Sourcebooks, Montlake Romance, Writers Digest Books, and Arcadia Publishing.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Aileen Harkwood is a Readers’ Crown finalist who lives in the Southern Rockies. The Last Wedding at Drayhome is the prequel to two concurrent series of fantasy romances, Spell Touched: Breens Mist Witches, Book 1, and Wedding Spell, first in the Breens Mist Weddings series, due out in September 2015. She’s passionate about green chile and the mysteries hiding in antique photographs. Check in with her at:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook

Eve Devon: Growing up in locations like Botswana and Venezuela gave Eve Devon a taste for adventure. Her love of romances began when her mother shoved one into her hands in a desperate attempt to keep her quiet during TV coverage of the Wimbledon tennis finals. She lives in leafy Surrey in the UK, a book-devouring, slightly melodramatic, romance-writing sassy heroine with her very own sexy hero husband! Visit the author at her website: www.EveDevon.com

Facebook | Twitter

Raine English USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Raine English writes sweet small-town romance, paranormal, and Gothic romantic suspense. She’s a Daphne du Maurier Award winner and a Golden Heart finalist. Her new lighthearted contemporary romance series, Love Always, will be available June 2015. It features three childhood friends who encounter a lot more than anticipated while searching for love. Raine lives in New England with her family and her French bulldog, Bailey.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Tamara Ferguson: A member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as the FTHRW Chapter, Tamara

Ferguson is the best-selling and multi-award winning author of the Tales of The Dragonfly Romance Suspense Series. Tales of the Dragonfly Book II: In Flight was a 2014 WINNER at the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Her latest release, That Unforgettable Kiss, was recently a top ten Amazon bestseller in Kindle Saga Fiction.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Lynda Haviland shares her chaotic and creative life with her chef husband, two artistic teenagers, and an aging bearded dragon. She admits to being heavily influenced by hazelnut coffee, chocolate with caramel, and romantic comedies. Something Borrowed, Something Blue is a stand-alone romantic short story written for the Magical Weddings Boxed Set. But Nellie Pearle can’t be contained. Look for her and other oddly entertaining residents of Pearl Key in an upcoming paranormal suspense series.

Website | Newsletter | Facebook

Jody A. Kessler’s debut novel, Death Lies Between Us, is a #1 best-seller and the winner of the Readers’ Crown Award. She writes paranormal romance, historical time travel fiction, and contemporary fiction.

Website | Amazon | Newsletter

Jane Lark: Jane is a Kindle bestselling author and a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult romances, and she’s a sucker for a love story. “I love the feeling of falling in love and it’s wonderful to be able to do it time and time again in fiction.” She loves writing intense relationships and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others’ imaginations.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Bess McBride is the bestselling author of over fifteen time travel romances as well as contemporary, historical, romantic suspense and light paranormal romances. She loves to hear from readers, and you can contact her at bessmcbride@gmail.com.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

L.L. Muir lives in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains with a charming husband who makes her laugh, but does not make her do pans. Like most authors, she is constantly searching for, or borrowing pens. The best ideas always begin on a napkin.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Jennifer Gilby Roberts has a degree in physics and a postgraduate certificate in computing, so a career writing fiction was inevitable really. She was born and grew up in Surrey/Greater London, but now lives in North Yorkshire with her husband, her small daughter, a middle-aged cat and a lot of dust bunnies.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Jan Romes is a hopeless romantic who grew up in northwest Ohio with eight zany siblings. Married to her high school sweetheart for more years than seems possible, she is also a proud mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She likes to read all genres and writes witty contemporary romance.

Website | Twitter | Amazon

Heather Thurmeier is a lover of margaritas and a hater of spiders. Born and raised in the Canadian prairies, she now lives in New York where she’s become an odd Canuck-Yankee hybrid. Heather’s currently writing her next romance, which will probably be filled with sassy heroines, sexy heroes that make your heart pound, laugh out loud moments and always a happily ever after.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Elsa Winckler: Inspired by the writing of Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James, and the Brontë sisters, Elsa Winckler likes her heroines beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. She married her college boyfriend who, after 40 years, still makes her weak in the knees. They have 3 interesting children, 3 beautiful grandsons and live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty’s Bay, South Africa.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Sarah Wynde graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in English, which she actually managed to put to use by becoming an editor. She’s worked on magazines, websites, and books, including ten years spent as a senior acquisitions editor with Pearson. Eventually, her love of writing pushed her into independent publishing. She likes to think of the stories she writes as unexpected fiction—bending, blending, and occasionally breaking genres.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Watch the Video Trailer



Thank you for stopping by!



Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Ibooks | Google Play


My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For the price, I think it's an absolute steal. Sometimes, when you buy an anthology, you're not sure what you're getting, if you'll love some stories and hate others. Whether it will be very short snippets all lumped together to make the length of a full book. Not that I don't go for short stories, but well, this was a whole lot more. The Magical Weddings Boxed Set was packed full of long, I'd say almost full-length books, and every one of them were a great read. I kept on waiting for one to disappoint or be a really strange genre that I would hate, and although they were different genres, and sometimes genres I wouldn't normally go for like regency romances, I loved each book. Only one didn't give me the "wow" factor, but it was still good. A couple of the stories didn't grab me straight away, but by the end, I was totally taken and loving the message behind them, the romance, the magic. There was a touch of magic in each story. I think it was a great way to discover new authors and to read about a romantic topic - weddings. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to review this book. I hope to read more of the books from some of the authors that blew me away.

Enter the rafflecopter giveaway and win a $20 Amazon voucher:

Rafflecopter

Some Problems with Feminism and How Romance Novels Counteract Them

The past few months I've come across quite a few blogs, articles and podcasts with strong feminist slants to them. Maybe it's because I enjoy listening to body image activism or the health at any size messages which are very pertinent in our diet and image obsessed modern times. But besides that, I've noticed quite a few posts on Facebook written by feminists. I have nothing against feminists and I think they're doing a marvelous job in working on equal rights for women as well as changing skewed perceptions of certain things in our westernised culture.

I don't know everything about feminism. I do know that they want women to be seen as equal human beings and not put in a box. The pressure nowadays to fit into a certain mold like be beautiful, get married to a man, have babies, etc. is unfair and should not be placed on anyone. Those things should be chosen because a woman really wants them. And I think many do but there are a few who don't and why can't they be who they want to be?

But I have a few issues with some of the feminist posts and ideas that I've read. Merely because I think they break down the simple characteristics of who we essentially are as women. Sure, we deserve to be treated equal and given equal standing and respect in the workplace for achieving the same things as men, but really do we want to be exactly like men? I've heard the feminists say that they don't push that at all, but they don't seem to practise what they preach. Now, I'm not a qualified socialist, anthropologist or psychologist, but I do have an intrinsic sense of my womanhood. And I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate it. Maybe that's the intention of the feminists, but in the process, sometimes they're not seeing that women and men are born naturally different and that's perfectly okay, and it's often why men get paid more and get listened to more in the workplace. I'm not justifying less pay for the same work. I think that's terribly wrong and I've seen it in the town where I live.

I read a couple of articles recently about how men don't listen to women as much or believe them. I read the article with this deep sense of the writer's resentment toward men. Maybe it wasn't true, but I just got the off feeling while reading it. I honestly haven't felt that way from the men in my life (okay maybe sometimes from my teenage sons). My father was always deeply respectful towards what I had to say. I felt valued and important and intelligent when with him. My husband the same. In fact, I often have to guard my tongue to make sure I don't say something that would break him down because he takes my words to heart. Yes, men have this very strong logical side - the logical side of their brain has been more strongly developed in the womb whereas with women our relational and logical side are in equal proportions. Sometimes, men can see things much clearer especially when it comes to technical things and that's not a bad thing. It's great! Because we often see things about relationships that they don't see. Wow, I want to celebrate my womanhood, don't you? I don't want to try to be like a man and compete for first place in everything. I love that manly leadership quality and strength. It's what makes them attractive.

Now, I know that some women are born with a lot of logic and drive like men, and that's great. They're meant to be like that. The Hilary Clintons of this world have a part to play, but from my forty-odd years of roaming the planet, I've seen most women are more nurturing. The feminists say that it's social conditioning that has made us that way and not genetics. If so, what's the problem with that?

What on earth does this have to do with romance novels, you say?

Well, there's something wonderful about the attraction between a man and a woman. And guess who likes to put the spotlight on such a thing? Romance writers. I love exploring the chemistry between a couple and that's why I can't stop writing romance. I've considered writing another genre several times, but each time it doesn't feel right, it doesn't resonate with something inside me. I delight in the natural rhythm of a romance, the initial meeting with a simple like or maybe even irritation, the stirring of the first attraction, the discovering of the person's good qualities and then the internal conflict which always pulls the couple apart. What's so fascinating is the difference between a man and woman. Not just the obvious physical difference, but their personality nuances. I mean even the way a man talks. When we write dialogue, we have to be careful to word it how a man speaks - very differently to a woman. There are some great tips on this that I gleaned from the last Rosa Conference - that can wait for another blog post. But it's not only the way they speak, but the way men and women think about relationships and respond to situations. It's a fascinating field of study.

What's special about romance novels is that they respect the genders. There's no competing to become like the other, but rather a love and respect for the differences and how they work in attracting the couple to each other. And how we complement one another to form a strong team.

In well-written romance novels, men are respectful and good to their women. Woman admire and speak highly of their men. There's a feeling that there's still good in this world. And truly, there is. I think well-written romance novels are a great resource for young women to learn about how a good man should treat them. It's also a good way for women to accept their sexuality and not be ashamed of it. As our culture has become more liberal in the sexual sense, many of the archaic and Victorian viewpoints about a woman not being allowed to enjoy sex have dropped away. But I have to say, it's still prevalent in many circles, especially religious ones. It's subtle, but it's still there. Romance novels have a way of dusting away these misconceptions, so in this way, we work with the feminists in teaching women to be proud of their sexuality and desires and to embrace them.

Kudos to true feminism and romance novels. Here's to equality and embracing of the uniqueness of our genders.

Lucia's Web Now Out

I have an exciting announcement - my sister's book is now out! Woohoo!

Here are the buy links:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Lucias-Web-Sue-Searles-ebook/dp/B00ZQMOEQI

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lucias-web-sue-searles/1122137024?ean=2940151276801

Kobo Books: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/lucia-s-web

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/551150

Some Hard Lessons

I'm into my third year after getting published. Just under three years ago, I was on top of the moon as I obtained my first publishing contract with Astraea Press (now called Clean Reads). After years of rejection letters and learning how to improve my writing, I had reached my goal. My dream from childhood had come true. Aware that I had challenges ahead, I still didn't suspect that, at times, I would go through those same painful waiting periods and feelings of failure that I have the last year.

I think there are always seasons of change in our lives, and although they may be painful, I believe everything we go through has a purpose. I'm not saying that God somehow plonks a whole lot of hardship on us, but I do believe there's a lesson to be learned in each challenge that we face.

These are some of the lessons I've learned the last few years since entering the publishing arena:

1. That because a book gets bad reviews, doesn't mean it's a bad book and you must stop promoting it. The reason for your poor sales on that book is probably more how you see the book and your lack of interest in promoting it. Yes, it may be less popular, but you can't just assume that it always is. I know several of my books have done worse than others. With some of those, I've decided to not even bother promoting because I now don't believe in them. Those books have repeatedly done worse than the others I've believed in despite any negativity against them. Which leads on to the next point.

2. Take criticism less to heart. I'm a pretty sensitive person and I have a tendency to focus on the negative more than the positive - part and parcel of the melancholic personality (creative, deep thinker, emotional.) When I get a bad review, I ponder it with a sick feeling in my gut for days. The words play about in my head and start taunting me - see, you really aren't as good at this as everyone else, you're a fake, you're wasting your time writing every day. Give it up and take up a career you're good at. Yet, if I get a good review, I tend to think - oh well, that person's just being nice. Or if it's from a stranger - oh, they must be one of those rare people who like my book. I probably won't get many of those. Brace yourself for disappointment. Ha, it's not that bad, but it can get close. I'm discovering that bad reviews don't mean much in the grand scheme of things. Everyone enjoys different types of books, different styles of writing, are in a different mood when they read a book. I've hated some top selling books before and adored some unknown indie books. It all really depends. But yes, I'm now learning to believe in myself, to see my own work in the proper perspective. I do have something to give to the world and I can't give it up.

3. Doing what you love isn't always fun. Those first five years after I started writing seriously, or even longer, were amazing. When I received my first contract, I was flying. The words flowed off the page; nothing could stop me. I didn't edit everything I wrote. I was innocent, new, fresh, hadn't suffered disappointments from editors and publishers. I believed the world lay at my feet and things would probably flow with much less difficulty than before. Boy, was I wrong. In trying to find the right places for my books the last year or so, I've hit the rejection letter joy ride again. It's been hard. My patience has been tested. My inspiration has been choked. It's tested my commitment to my job. I somehow see writing more as a job now than a passion. It's something I stick to every day because that's my lot in life. Not that I always find it difficult, but it's hard to keep going when you don't see the results that you used to in the beginning.

4. Everyone's journey is different and there is no set formula on how to do it. In the beginning, I aimed to get published. That was my ultimate dream - for a publisher to take my baby and release it to the world. Even though I dabbled in self-publishing, I only did that because I couldn't get the beloved contract I'd longed for. I tried it prematurely and didn't have success. After obtaining contracts, I looked to the future. I saw I needed to work on possibly finding a more mainstream publisher where I'd make more sales on my books. That was my next goal. I've worked on that for the last few years with little success. For those who have achieved that, I think it's wonderful for them, but from talking with some of them, I don't think all of them want to remain just there - they want to progress further and make more sales. Lately, after hearing stories from other authors, I've considered the self-publishing route again. This time, armed with a lot more knowledge and experience. I can see how it works like a charm for some people and not so much for others. I think we all need to find our niche. Everyone has success in their own path, whether it's a multi-faceted one or not. Maybe for some the path is very straightforward and never deviates. For others, it twists and turns and changes and has many routes.

5. One of the greatest and happiest lessons I've learned and which hasn't disappointed me is that fellow authors are still our biggest cheerleaders. It's a great industry to be in with very supportive people who are always willing to lend a hand in promoting, sharing, chatting, answering questions, editing, etc.

6. Be willing to try out a new genre, but don't be disappointed in yourself if you keep on gravitating back to your original genre. And don't set it in stone - you never know what inspiration will strike in the future.

7. Keep a notebook and write your ideas down.  Not on your computer but on paper. It does something.

8. Staring at a blank screen is not equal to words flowing and inspiration. NO!!! Get up, take a walk, lie in a hot bath, wash the dishes, cook supper, run on the beach, play with your dog. The inspiration WILL come. Yes, at the time, you think you'll never get it and that you're screwed for life - that you've lost all your creativity. It's scary, but it ALWAYS passes. Strangely enough, that well of creativity doesn't run dry - it's all inside you waiting to come out. A creative career is very hard. It's not like going to work every day and typing up documents that are placed in your in-tray or balancing figures that are presented to you. When you create, you have to come up with something from the well inside of you. It takes an immense amount of energy and resolve. So, don't be hard on yourself when you struggle, but also know, you do have it in you no matter how you are feeling on a bad day. That said, sometimes you just need to write something, even if it's junk. Fill up that blank screen with something and then the flow will come.

9. Take breaks and spend time with your family or yourself or friends. I admit that I was a bit obsessed at one stage, but I think my family's happier now that I do stop most nights and weekends to do things with them. It took a conscious decision sometimes to put them before my own ambitions or deadlines. It still does sometimes. And taking a break refreshes the mind too. I've noticed that people in the writing industry don't take weekends. It can be most frustrating. Emails stream in on Saturdays and Sundays requiring action and information. You sometimes can't switch off, but you can choose to put off the less urgent for later. But also I see it this way - sometimes, I do have to work long hours and in not-so-convenient times. I had to post a blog post on my vacation one evening. I see writing as a business. Any person who runs their own business has to work during all sorts of hours. It's a sacrifice and a commitment and you have to keep at it even in the beginning years when the reward is small.

10. Stay humble and stay teachable but believe in yourself. That's all I can say.

Have you learned any hard lessons in your writing journey the last few years?

Summer Hearts Anthology Blog Tour

The blog tour for the Summer Hearts anthology is well on its way.

At the moment, the spotlight is on my story. Scary! I don't like being in the limelight, so I'm going to shift the focus onto my heroine instead. We're going to dig into a character interview for my heroine, Tara. She's cool. I hope you'll enjoy learning more about her. I've also put in a photo of a celebrity who I think looks a lot like her.

Don't forget to take part in the rafflecopter giveaway. There are some beautiful prizes to be won.

Before we head on over to Tara, I'd like to just give you a breakdown of the stories in the book.

Dreaming in California:

In the summer of 1967, Hollywood actress, Lucinda Baker, appears to have it all - fame, money, and an all too doting fiancé. Dark traits begin to emerge from the man she's pledged to marry, and he threatens her. Lucinda must now lean on her best friend, celebrity photographer, George Creston to escape the clutches of the dangerous relationship. Together they are forced to summon courage, and trust each other in desperate circumstances. Will they find love in the process or lose everything they hold dear, including their lives. 

A Summer of Stars: 

McKinley Graham has escaped to her summer getaway to regain her perspective and her health. Zane Davidson has taken refuge in the lovely seaside community, welcoming the healing balm of the salty sea air and his childhood home to mend his wounds.  They aren’t looking for love, but their attraction is too explosive to ignore.  Against the backdrop of starry nights and sultry kisses, they come to realize that even love may not be enough to save them from the angry storm of his past that threatens to destroy their dreams!

Drowning Sandy: 

The water is calling...

and Sandy can no longer resist the urge to unleash her mermaid form. But a simple swim in Lake Ontario ends when she discovers the truth of her own banishment. When long time crush, Alardo, seems to shift in a direction she never dreamed possible, Sandy must make a choice — mermaid or human? Once she chooses, she can never go back.   

Summer Holiday: 

In the summer of 1905, Lizzy Gordon’s father dismisses her desires to be a doctor, demanding she become a teacher—a profession which does not allow women to marry.
Teacher Brent Pierce is dedicated to expanding young minds, but circumstances are forcing him to take over the family farm.
Before the summer is over Lizzy and Brent will be forced to make hard decisions. Can they find the courage to each stand up for themselves and still be together?

Shark Boss:

When Tara takes up a job at the local aquarium, her colleagues warn her about their harsh boss, Mr. Carter Jones. She soon discovers how impatient he can be, but she also can’t deny her fascination and attraction to him. Carter can’t stop watching Tara as she works but holds back from her because of his secrets. If she knew what he was, she would never want him. Could the reason for Carter’s moods be related to something more troubling than what’s on the surface? Tara soon discovers Carter’s secret, and it only bonds them closer. But the curse starts to take over Carter’s life, and he won’t give his heart to a beautiful woman when he can only cause her pain.

The Best Place to Meet a Man:

Jeff goes to the beach to run and clear his head. Meredith goes to the beach intent on burying her nose in her book. In this contemporary romantic comedy, these two collide when Meredith’s two young nephews come up with other plans.

Book Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00XFTTN4M

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summer-hearts-debby-lee/1121911952?ean=2940152209563

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/summer-hearts-a-compilation-of-six-clean-romances

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/265145965/Summer-Hearts-A-Compilation-of-Six-Clean-Romances

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25521685-summer-hearts

Book Trailer

Character Interview - Tara

What is your favorite food?

A good breakfast with eggs, bacons, mushrooms, toast, the works. I don’t get it often as I spend most mornings body-boarding and then grab and go to get to work on time. If I have a good breakfast, it’s a real treat.

What is your favorite past-time, or hobby?

Body-boarding, although it’s more my life than just a hobby.

What is your favorite book?

I love the Chalet Girls series by Lorraine Wilson. I’m a beach babe, but it’s such fun learning about women who live in the snow and ski. Skiing is similar to body-boarding in a strange way, if you know what I mean. Plus, the books are so romantic and fun to read.

Who would you consider is your least favorite person, and why?

It should be my new boss, Carter Jones, as he keeps on shouting at me for nothing, but it isn’t. He’s too handsome and mysterious to hate.

What is your biggest pet-peeve?

Perfectionism – harping on the smaller issues. And cruelty to animals.

What is your dream vacation?

Mauritius or anywhere where the waves are good.

Did you struggle to tell your author anything?

Yes, I struggled to mention my affair with my high school teacher. I felt really ashamed for falling for that jerk.

What is your favorite part of your story?

When Carter tells me the truth.

What inspired the title of your story?

My writer kept on thinking of shark bait. But Carter is a boss and he was a shark in the business world, plus, well, I can’t tell you anymore as it will give away the story.

Do you think that there is a specific message to your story, that you’d like your readers to learn?

That love wins in the end. That meeting and loving the right person can set you free of some of your “curses.” That simply loving a person is one of the greatest gifts you can give to the world. And that love surpasses duty.

If you're keen to visit the blogs featuring the book for the next few days, find the stops below:

June 10th: 
Featuring: Shark Boss by Kathy Bosman

http://anniedouglasslima.blogspot.com

http://aprilvineauthor.blogspot.com/?zx=fd645ef8defa051b

http://www.flirtyandfeistyromance.blogspot.com

semishort.blogspot.com

http://carolmalone.net/

robynechols.blogspot.com

June 11th: 
Featuring: The Best Place to Meet a Man by Robyn Echols

http://christyscozycorners.com/

http://lynnromanceenthusiast.blogspot.com

robynechols.blogspot.com

http://www.katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com

semishort.blogspot.com

http://carolmalone.net/

June 12th: 
Featuring the entire compilation

https://www.facebook.com/GoBabyBookPage?ref=bookmark&_rdr

http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

http://www.camichcketts.com

http://zeemonodee.blogspot.com/

semishort.blogspot.com

http://carolmalone.net/

http://iblog4books.blogspot.com

http://author.bethbarany.com/

http://disheveledbookblog.com/

http://www.lisaswinton.blogspot.com

robynechols.blogspot.com

www.bishsbeat.blogspot.com
http://www.lisaswinton.blogspot.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Magical Weddings Boxed Set

Today, I'm introducing a wonderful boxed set which has Elsa Winckler's story in it - she's one of my ROSA writing friends. I just adore her story and I'm busy reading through the rest of the stories and they're truly magical. The book is available for pre-order.


Magical Weddings ~ New Release ~ 15 Enchanting Romances

Whether real or only in the hearts of the bride and groom, the magic of weddings is undeniable and irresistible! As these 15 enchanting happily-ever-afters by bestselling and award-winning authors prove.

From sweet to spicy, the romances bundled into this set cross time and unite hearts, cast spells of laughter, battle wedding jitters and fight back tears, while weaving love's hopeful magic throughout 1400 pages.



The box set is on sale for only .99 cents!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Ibooks | Google Play

~~~More About the Books~~~

Her Wedding Wager by Leigh Michaels, National bestselling and Award-winning author of over 100 novels. Celia's doomed to an arranged marriage--unless she can win the most important bet of her life!
~~~

The Last Wedding at Drayhome (Breens Mist Witches) by Aileen Harkwood. Never underestimate the power of a witch and warlock in love who have nothing left to lose.
~~~

The Dress by Eve Devon. Two couples, 400 years apart. From a masquerade ball in Venice 1615 to a wedding in England 2015, can a dress laced with magic weave its spell through the fabric of time?
~~~

Second Chance Bride by Raine English, USA Today bestselling and Award-winning author. She thinks she's marrying the man of her dreams, until a telepathic rescue dog leads her to someone else... Will this bride-to-be say "I do" to the wrong man?
~~~

Two Hearts Surrendered by Tamara Ferguson, Bestselling and Award-winning author. Will two warring hearts be strong enough to survive the ultimate battle?
~~~

Something Borrowed, Something Blue by Lynda Haviland. She has a wedding to crash--until love gets in the way!
~~~

Heart of the Secret (Witches of Lane County) by Jody A. Kessler, Bestselling and Award-winning author. A 500 year-old curse, a witch who will do anything to marry her one true love, and the heart of a secret that will either divide them or bring them together...forever.
~~~

The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel by Jane Lark, National bestselling author. How do you fight a calling that comes from your soul?
~~~

A Wedding Across the Winds of Time by Bess McBride, National bestselling author. Darius and Molly found each other Across the Winds of Time. Now, it's time for their wedding!
~~~

Kiss This by L.L. Muir, National bestselling and Award-winning author. You never expect the florist to catch the bouquet...
~~~

Caution is a Virtue by Jennifer Gilby Roberts. How much is too much to risk for love?
~~~

Loving Lindy by Jan Romes. In order to become the bank's new Vice President, Gunther Justin has to be "settled." With Lindy McPherson posing as his fiancé everything is set to go off without a hitch--until real feelings get in the way.
~~~

With this Kiss by Heather Thurmeier. Does a simple kiss have enough magic to reunite lovers?
~~~

Real Magic by Elsa Winckler. She's the bridesmaid, he's a best man. Will the magical evening stay just that or will it turn out to be real after all?
~~~

The Wedding Guests (A Tassamara Short Story) by Sarah Wynde. When unexpected guests attend Akira and Zane's wedding, lives will change forever. But for better or for worse?

***Meet the Authors***

Leigh Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 books, including historical romance and contemporary romance. Her non-fiction book, On Writing Romance, has been called the best guide available for romance writers, and she teaches romance writing online at Gotham Writers Workshop.

Six of her books have been finalists in the RITA contest sponsored by Romance Writers of America, and more than 35 million copies of her books are in print in 25 languages and more than 120 countries. Her books have been published by Harlequin Books, Sourcebooks, Montlake Romance, Writers Digest Books, and Arcadia Publishing.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Aileen Harkwood is a Readers’ Crown finalist who lives in the Southern Rockies. The Last Wedding at Drayhome is the prequel to two concurrent series of fantasy romances, Spell Touched: Breens Mist Witches, Book 1, and Wedding Spell, first in the Breens Mist Weddings series, due out in September 2015. She’s passionate about green chile and the mysteries hiding in antique photographs. Check in with her at:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook

Eve Devon: Growing up in locations like Botswana and Venezuela gave Eve Devon a taste for adventure. Her love of romances began when her mother shoved one into her hands in a desperate attempt to keep her quiet during TV coverage of the Wimbledon tennis finals. She lives in leafy Surrey in the UK, a book-devouring, slightly melodramatic, romance-writing sassy heroine with her very own sexy hero husband! Visit the author at her website: www.EveDevon.com

Facebook | Twitter

Raine English USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Raine English writes sweet small-town romance, paranormal, and Gothic romantic suspense. She’s a Daphne du Maurier Award winner and a Golden Heart finalist. Her new lighthearted contemporary romance series, Love Always, will be available June 2015. It features three childhood friends who encounter a lot more than anticipated while searching for love. Raine lives in New England with her family and her French bulldog, Bailey.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Tamara Ferguson: A member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as the FTHRW Chapter, Tamara

Ferguson is the best-selling and multi-award winning author of the Tales of The Dragonfly Romance Suspense Series. Tales of the Dragonfly Book II: In Flight was a 2014 WINNER at the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Her latest release, That Unforgettable Kiss, was recently a top ten Amazon bestseller in Kindle Saga Fiction.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Lynda Haviland shares her chaotic and creative life with her chef husband, two artistic teenagers, and an aging bearded dragon. She admits to being heavily influenced by hazelnut coffee, chocolate with caramel, and romantic comedies. Something Borrowed, Something Blue is a stand-alone romantic short story written for the Magical Weddings Boxed Set. But Nellie Pearle can’t be contained. Look for her and other oddly entertaining residents of Pearl Key in an upcoming paranormal suspense series.

Website | Newsletter | Facebook

Jody A. Kessler’s debut novel, Death Lies Between Us, is a #1 best-seller and the winner of the Readers’ Crown Award. She writes paranormal romance, historical time travel fiction, and contemporary fiction.

Website | Amazon | Newsletter

Jane Lark: Jane is a Kindle bestselling author and a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult romances, and she’s a sucker for a love story. “I love the feeling of falling in love and it’s wonderful to be able to do it time and time again in fiction.” She loves writing intense relationships and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others’ imaginations.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Bess McBride is the bestselling author of over fifteen time travel romances as well as contemporary, historical, romantic suspense and light paranormal romances. She loves to hear from readers, and you can contact her at bessmcbride@gmail.com.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

L.L. Muir lives in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains with a charming husband who makes her laugh, but does not make her do pans. Like most authors, she is constantly searching for, or borrowing pens. The best ideas always begin on a napkin.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Jennifer Gilby Roberts has a degree in physics and a postgraduate certificate in computing, so a career writing fiction was inevitable really. She was born and grew up in Surrey/Greater London, but now lives in North Yorkshire with her husband, her small daughter, a middle-aged cat and a lot of dust bunnies.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Jan Romes is a hopeless romantic who grew up in northwest Ohio with eight zany siblings. Married to her high school sweetheart for more years than seems possible, she is also a proud mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She likes to read all genres and writes witty contemporary romance.

Website | Twitter | Amazon

Heather Thurmeier is a lover of margaritas and a hater of spiders. Born and raised in the Canadian prairies, she now lives in New York where she’s become an odd Canuck-Yankee hybrid. Heather’s currently writing her next romance, which will probably be filled with sassy heroines, sexy heroes that make your heart pound, laugh out loud moments and always a happily ever after.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Elsa Winckler: Inspired by the writing of Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James, and the Brontë sisters, Elsa Winckler likes her heroines beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. She married her college boyfriend who, after 40 years, still makes her weak in the knees. They have 3 interesting children, 3 beautiful grandsons and live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty’s Bay, South Africa.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Sarah Wynde graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in English, which she actually managed to put to use by becoming an editor. She’s worked on magazines, websites, and books, including ten years spent as a senior acquisitions editor with Pearson. Eventually, her love of writing pushed her into independent publishing. She likes to think of the stories she writes as unexpected fiction—bending, blending, and occasionally breaking genres.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Watch the Video Trailer



Thank you for stopping by!



Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Ibooks | Google Play

Cover Reveal - Lucia's Web by Sue Searles

As promised, here is the cover reveal for Sue's novel, Lucia's Web.

Wow, that cover really depicts the sense of suspense and mystery in this novel.

Excerpt:

Here's an unedited excerpt from her amazing book:

I sucked in a deep breath and held it, then wiped sweaty palms on my trousers. I’d only arrived home ten minutes ago and hadn’t relaxed enough to freshen up or change out of my work clothes.

Get a grip, Ali. I shouldn’t be so nervous—this was my apartment, my advertisement. So I was in charge.

It took me a little over eight seconds before I snapped myself out of my trance. If Lucia James had seemed distant and sociably inept on the phone, meeting her in person only solidified my impression of her.

Pin-straight hair, dyed jet black with purple streaks, hovered just above a sorry pair of sagging shoulders. A thick, black fringe fell across an insipidly white face, barely hiding brown eyes that were bordered top and bottom with a heavy band of eyeliner. Black lipstick sapped the girl of any natural color and made her look deathly pale. She clutched a brown leather bag across her chest, and a black leather jacket and studded jeans rounded off the look. The girl bit her lip and dipped her chin, her nervousness palpable.

I closed my mouth when I realized I’d been staring. “Um, sorry…come on in.”

I stepped aside to let Lucia enter. Her brown eyes darted furtively around the spacious lounge, then focused on an invisible speck on the hardwood floor.

“So, do you live nearby?” My eyes remained on her as I asked the question and tried to size her up.

“No, I’m not from around here. I don’t know many people in Umhlanga yet.” A shoulder raised two inches, then went back down.

“Where are you from?” I studied her, trying to draw the girl out of whatever spell she was in.

“Eastern Cape.” Her eyes remained averted, the brown leather bag clutched like a lifeline across her chest.  The long fringe hung like a thick, black curtain over her right eye, and I had to resist the urge to reach out and pull it aside.

“So, what brings you to Durban?” I honestly wasn’t trying to sound pushy, just curious. Besides, it was a reasonable question, not so? When Lucia didn’t reply, I crossed the room and closed the front door to give her time to answer. Just as I turned back to face her, she jerked her head away and averted her eyes back to the floor. I felt my frustration levels start to rise. So Lucia could quite easily look at me, as long as I wasn’t looking back at the same time?

I held my palms together and tried to shake off the girl’s unsettling presence. “All right, so…the rent is fourteen grand, split three ways. With water and lights, say an extra grand, we can round it off at five grand each. How does that sound?”

Lucia bit her lip hard and her eyes darted around the room briefly. “Sure. Whatever.”

“Rent’s due by the first of each month.” I tried to keep it upbeat, to sound much friendlier than I felt. “I’d like to check references before I make a final decision.” I gave Lucia a pressing look, one intended to communicate that I wasn’t too convinced about her yet. And in case she hadn’t been looking, I’d made sure she heard the threat in my tone.

“That’s no problem, you don’t have to worry about me not paying or nothing.” My warning didn’t seem to rattle her one bit.

I drew in a deep breath and gathered my thoughts. “Right, so we have a domestic worker who comes in once a week. Name is Thandi.”

Lucia met my eyes for the first time since she’d stepped foot in the place. “A-a cleaning lady?” There was measured trepidation in her voice.

“M-hmm. That’s okay, right? With all three of us girls working—”

She waved her hand. “That’s okay, I’ll clean my own room.” Lucia returned her grip to the bag and her gaze to the floor.

I narrowed my eyes at her, unsure how to respond. For somebody trying to gain approval, she was being surly and aloof, if not downright rude. “Well, if you’re sure. Just let me know if you change your mind.”

She gave a quick nod, obviously just to appease me.

Lucia’s tone was as colorless as her complexion, and lacked any kind of verve or energy whatsoever. The girl was as insipid as a jellyfish, with a personality to match.

The book is due to be released end of June / beginning of July