Linda O'Connor

Author: Linda

  • Day 5 of the 10-day Countdown with a #MFRWHooks

     

    It’s day 5 of the 10-day Countdown!! Here’s an #excerpt from Don’t Mess with Christmas, Book 4 of the Dr. Brogan Corkie Matchmaking Doctor series ~ a fun, medical romantic comedy! #MRFWHooks It’ll be released on November 2nd. Woohoo!

     

     

    Dr. Brogan Corkie is happily semi-retired from medicine and now has time for other hobbies. Her passion for food is second only to her skill at matchmaking!

    Parker Roy grew up in the middle of four brothers and has lived with enough testosterone to last her a lifetime. She’s finally moved out and made a life of her own. Between putting the finishing touches on the set for Mapleton’s Christmas play, plowing snow, and transforming her hydroponic greenhouse into a Christmas wonderland, it’s ramping up to be a hectic season.

    Dr. Julian Murphy, the only allergist in town, has his eye on the woman behind the set design of the holiday play. He’s volunteering backstage in the hope of getting to know her. There’s a bit of a snag when she’s referred to his clinic for a rash – doctors aren’t allowed to date their patients – but Dr. Brogan Corkie doesn’t see it as an insurmountable problem and steps in to give their romance a nudge. She’d better be right because, if not, it could seriously mess with Christmas.

    The allergist or the rash– which itch does Parker want to scratch?

     

    Enjoy an excerpt ~

    The server interrupted them with the main course. Steam rose from Julian’s fish with a tempting lemon peppery scent. It was served with a rice pilaf and colourful roasted vegetables.

    Parker’s Rocky Mountain oysters had been battered and deep-fried. She frowned. Why would you ruin the delicate flavour of an oyster by deep-frying it? She’d only ever slurped it out of the shell, but she’d have to trust that the executive chef at an upscale restaurant like Fire and Ice knew what they were doing.

    “Bon appétit.” Parker picked up her knife and fork and cut into one of the morsels. It was tougher than she expected, and the taste reminded her of cauliflower. “Interesting. I’ve had oysters before, but this is quite different.”

    Julian swallowed a mouthful, his eyes twinkling. “You do know there are no oysters in the landlocked Rocky Mountains?”

    “What? The Pacific Ocean is right there.”

    “Not quite. I may be wrong, but I believe Rocky Mountain oysters are bull testicles.”

    “That’s ridiculous. Who would eat bull testicles? Who would offer bull testicles on their menu?”

    Julian cocked an eyebrow. “You. Fire and Ice.”

    “Are you serious?” Parker wiped her mouth with the napkin and stared at her plate. “Oh my god. That’s disgusting.”

    Julian laughed. “I thought it was an interesting first date strategy, letting me know that you’re tough enough to chop balls off and eat them.”

     

    Don’t Mess with Christmas is available for pre-order. A bargooooon for $1.35! Release day for the e-book is November 2!

    Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L1DHDMS

    Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08L1DHDMS

    Paperback: https://www.amazon.ca/Dont-Mess-Christmas-Linda-OConnor/dp/1988955165

    Stay tuned tomorrow for more Don’t Mess with Christmas fun!

     

    This is a blog hop! To visit the next awesome author, follow these links:

  • Day 6 of the 10-day Countdown!

    It’s day 6 of the 10-day Countdown!! Meet Dr. Brogan Corkie. Don’t Mess with Christmas is Book 4 of the Dr. Brogan Corkie Matchmaking Doctor series ~ matchmaking at its funniest! November 2nd is the big day. Woohoo!

     

     

    Well, this is certainly a pleasure! I’m Dr. Brogan Corkie. I’m a mother, a doctor, and by far the most fun, an amateur chef. I’ve been experimenting with recipes for years using my two children, Mae and Finn, as guinea pigs. They’re onto me now, though, and it’s harder to convince them that the substitutions I make are going to be just as tasty. They generally are. 😀

    They know me well at the International Market, a small grocery store within walking distance to my home in Mapleton, Ontario. I love to try unusual ingredients!

    I’ve been a family physician for forty years now, and I’ve pared back my hours at the clinic to make more time in the kitchen. My fridge and freezer are getting mighty full, so I’ve branched out to find more victims…er…taste testers. I always thought it would be worthwhile to start a catering business and combine my medical skills with my cooking skills to help people who are laid up at home, recovering from an illness or injury. It’s worked out better than I could have imagined – and lo and behold – I’ve thrown a little matchmaking into the mix. It’s been fun to open their eyes to new ways of thinking – about food and love! Lately my matchmaking has taken second seat to my own romance – there’s never a dull moment. There’s always something fun happening in retirement – onto the next adventure!

     

    Dr. Brogan Corkie is happily semi-retired from medicine and now has time for other hobbies. Her passion for food is second only to her skill at matchmaking!

    Parker Roy grew up in the middle of four brothers and has lived with enough testosterone to last her a lifetime. She’s finally moved out and made a life of her own. Between putting the finishing touches on the set for Mapleton’s Christmas play, plowing snow, and transforming her hydroponic greenhouse into a Christmas wonderland, it’s ramping up to be a hectic season.

    Dr. Julian Murphy, the only allergist in town, has his eye on the woman behind the set design of the holiday play. He’s volunteering backstage in the hope of getting to know her. There’s a bit of a snag when she’s referred to his clinic for a rash – doctors aren’t allowed to date their patients – but Dr. Brogan Corkie doesn’t see it as an insurmountable problem and steps in to give their romance a nudge. She’d better be right because, if not, it could seriously mess with Christmas.

     

    The allergist or the rash– which itch does Parker want to scratch?

     

    Don’t Mess with Christmas is available for pre-order. A bargooooon for $1.35! Release day for the e-book is November 2!

    Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L1DHDMS

    Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08L1DHDMS

    Paperback: https://www.amazon.ca/Dont-Mess-Christmas-Linda-OConnor/dp/1988955165

    Stay tuned tomorrow for more Don’t Mess with Christmas fun!

  • Day 7 of the 10-day Countdown!

    It’s day 7 of the 10-day Countdown!! Meet Dr. Julian Murphy ~ an elusive allergist with a sexy smile.  Don’t Mess with Christmas is Book 4 of the Dr. Brogan Corkie Matchmaking Doctor series ~ a second-chance stand-alone sweet romance! November 2nd is the big day. Woohoo!

     

    Hey, how’s it going? Julian Murphy here. I thought I’d drop by and introduce myself.

    Probably the most unique thing about me is that I’m one of a set of triplets. When we were younger, my brothers and I could fool the unsuspecting – except those with the most discerning eye (i.e. our mother) but as we’ve gotten older, it’s a little bit easier to tell us apart.

    I grew up close to Mapleton and spent many summers on my grandparents’ farm just on the outskirts of town. After studying medicine and specializing in allergy and immunology, I returned to set up a practice at Gateway General Hospital. Being the only allergist in the catchment area keeps me busy, but it’s not all work and no play. I like nothing better than to beat my brothers on the basketball court – and many a friendly wager have been known to ruin my brothers’ day. That’s the way I like it. Haha I also have a light-filled studio at my house and spend time painting.

    One of my favourite Christmas traditions is attending Mapleton’s Center for the Performing Arts with the whole Murphy clan. We’re a big group – and nothing beats a noisy family dinner followed by front row seats at the local Christmas play. (Not to mention, it’s an easy no-brainer gift for my mom and grandma). This year I thought I’d change things up and pitch in to help paint the set for the play. There’s a particularly attractive set designer I’d like to meet – and wouldn’t that make a merry Christmas all round!

    If you’re in Mapleton in the middle of December, come by and support our local theatre – there’s a lot going on here – you’re guaranteed to have a great time!

     

    Dr. Brogan Corkie is happily semi-retired from medicine and now has time for other hobbies. Her passion for food is second only to her skill at matchmaking!

    Parker Roy grew up in the middle of four brothers and has lived with enough testosterone to last her a lifetime. She’s finally moved out and made a life of her own. Between putting the finishing touches on the set for Mapleton’s Christmas play, plowing snow, and transforming her hydroponic greenhouse into a Christmas wonderland, it’s ramping up to be a hectic season.

    Dr. Julian Murphy, the only allergist in town, has his eye on the woman behind the set design of the holiday play. He’s volunteering backstage in the hope of getting to know her. There’s a bit of a snag when she’s referred to his clinic for a rash – doctors aren’t allowed to date their patients – but Dr. Brogan Corkie doesn’t see it as an insurmountable problem and steps in to give their romance a nudge. She’d better be right because, if not, it could seriously mess with Christmas.

    The allergist or the rash– which itch does Parker want to scratch?

     

    Don’t Mess with Christmas is available for pre-order. A bargooooon for $1.35! Release day for the e-book is November 2!

    Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L1DHDMS

    Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08L1DHDMS

    Paperback: https://www.amazon.ca/Dont-Mess-Christmas-Linda-OConnor/dp/1988955165

    Stay tuned tomorrow for more Don’t Mess with Christmas fun!

  • Day 8 of the 10-day Countdown!

    It’s day 8 of the 10-day Countdown!! Meet Parker Roy. Christmas is an especially busy time for her – and she has lots of festive fun up her sleeve.

    Don’t Mess with Christmas is Book 4 of the Dr. Brogan Corkie Matchmaking Doctor series ~ a fun stand-alone romantic comedy! November 2nd is the big day. Woohoo!

     

    Hi – Parker Roy here! It’s gearing up to be a busy Christmas season. I’ve put my hydroponic greenhouse to bed for the winter. I’m working at converting the store attached to my greenhouse into a whimsical Christmas Shoppe, and I’ve already started ordering the supplies I’ll need to fill the orders for my signature Christmas planters. It’s going to look a lot like Christmas all over Mapleton by the end of November – hopefully before the snow flies and I have to get out there and snowplow. (I’m a master of many talents. I grew up in the middle of 4 brothers and had to keep up!) And if that isn’t enough to keep me busy, I also had a hand in designing the set for the Christmas play, which will be held at Mapleton’s Centre for the Performing Arts. That’s been in the works for a while and my part is pretty much done – except maybe for a few props that may need to be built. Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but there’s planning and prepping and actual work to do, and Christmas is right around the corner!

     

    Dr. Brogan Corkie is happily semi-retired from medicine and now has time for other hobbies. Her passion for food is second only to her skill at matchmaking!

    Parker Roy grew up in the middle of four brothers and has lived with enough testosterone to last her a lifetime. She’s finally moved out and made a life of her own. Between putting the finishing touches on the set for Mapleton’s Christmas play, plowing snow, and transforming her hydroponic greenhouse into a Christmas wonderland, it’s ramping up to be a hectic season.

    Dr. Julian Murphy, the only allergist in town, has his eye on the woman behind the set design of the holiday play. He’s volunteering backstage in the hope of getting to know her. There’s a bit of a snag when she’s referred to his clinic for a rash – doctors aren’t allowed to date their patients – but Dr. Brogan Corkie doesn’t see it as an insurmountable problem and steps in to give their romance a nudge. She’d better be right because, if not, it could seriously mess with Christmas.

    The allergist or the rash– which itch does Parker want to scratch?

     

    Don’t Mess with Christmas is available for pre-order. A bargooooon for $1.35! Release day for the e-book is November 2!

    Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L1DHDMS

    Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08L1DHDMS

    Paperback: https://www.amazon.ca/Dont-Mess-Christmas-Linda-OConnor/dp/1988955165

     

    Stay tuned tomorrow for more Don’t Mess with Christmas fun!

  • Day 9 of the 10-day Countdown!

    It’s day 9 of the 10-day Countdown!! It’s time to share the blurb. Here’s what Don’t Mess with Christmas is all about.

    Don’t Mess with Christmas is Book 4 of the Dr. Brogan Corkie Matchmaking Doctor series ~ a festive humorous contemporary romance ~ with a twist! November 2 is the big day. Woohoo!

    Dr. Brogan Corkie is happily semi-retired from medicine and now has time for other hobbies. Her passion for food is second only to her skill at matchmaking!

    Parker Roy grew up in the middle of four brothers and has lived with enough testosterone to last her a lifetime. She’s finally moved out and made a life of her own. Between putting the finishing touches on the set for Mapleton’s Christmas play, plowing snow, and transforming her hydroponic greenhouse into a Christmas wonderland, it’s ramping up to be a hectic season.

    Dr. Julian Murphy, the only allergist in town, has his eye on the woman behind the set design of the holiday play. He’s volunteering backstage in the hope of getting to know her. There’s a bit of a snag when she’s referred to his clinic for a rash – doctors aren’t allowed to date their patients – but Dr. Brogan Corkie doesn’t see it as an insurmountable problem and steps in to give their romance a nudge. She’d better be right because, if not, it could seriously mess with Christmas.

    The allergist or the rash – which itch does Parker want to scratch?

     

    Don’t Mess with Christmas is available for pre-order. A bargooooon for $1.35! Release day for the e-book is November 2!

    Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L1DHDMS

    Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08L1DHDMS

    Paperback: https://www.amazon.ca/Dont-Mess-Christmas-Linda-OConnor/dp/1988955165

    Stay tuned tomorrow for more Don’t Mess with Christmas fun!

  • New Release – A Countdown Begins!

    It’s the start of another Countdown!! I’m so excited to reveal the cover of the fourth book of the Dr. Brogan Corkie Matchmaking Doctor series, Don’t Mess with Christmas. Candice Gilmer of Flirtation Designs designed the cover. I love the colour of this one and it depicts two of my favourite Christmas traditions  – putting up the strings of colourful Christmas lights and venturing out to find a real Christmas tree. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the house decorated with twinkling lights, inside and out, and the smell of fresh pine whenever I come in from outside. I decorate my house early to enjoy both longer!

     

    Release day is November 2! Here are the preorder links: Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L1DHDMS

    Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08L1DHDMS

  • The Finished Project!

    Last week I shared my adventure acquiring a piece of furniture at the side of the road. I wanted to show you the finished project after the make-over! Isn’t it pretty!!  I’m going to use it in my study to store files, stationary, and supplies. I chose the dark knobs to match the floor and curtain rod (and they were only $2.80 a piece!), and I just love the pale blue colour (leftover paint from another project). It’s slightly different than the aqua on the walls but goes well with the other artwork in the room. I’m so happy with the final product and it only cost me about $34)!

  • Visiting Author Birdie Song!

    I’m honoured to be featured on author Birdie Song’s blog! She’s helping me celebrate the release of Don’t Unravel the Past and is asking about my favourite creative project. It’s HERE

    Dr. Brogan Corkie is happily semi-retired from medicine and now has time for other hobbies. Her passion for food is second only to her skill at matchmaking!

    Years ago, Dr. Jay Landon kissed a sexy stranger with violet eyes. He was instantly enamoured – until he saw the engagement ring on her finger and the angry-looking dude by her side. She walked away with a piece of his heart

    Dr. Brenna Locket is in Mapleton for a conference and plans to stay for a six-month sabbatical to write a book. Her colourful past has prepared her well for a job she loves as an obstetrician-gynecologist with a special focus on sexual health. If her vivacious personality, natural empathy, and expert knowledge didn’t set her apart, her violet eyes and curly black hair certainly would.

    Brogan doesn’t know their history, but the spark between Jay and Brenna is undeniable. She’s intrigued…and a matchmaking scheme is hatched. Now, if only Brenna could leave her past behind. Because unravelling the past might just derail the future.

    Buy Links (only 99c): 

    https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B08C8MHGYL

    https://www.amazon.ca/ebook/dp/B08C8MHGYL

  • Between the Pipes #MFRWHooks

    The doctor at the rink could’ve used a doctor at the rink! Do you love hockey romances? Medical hockey romances? Then you’ll love Between the Pipes! A mix of fun and intrigue. 😀 It’s another #MFRWHooks hop!

     

     

     

    Sarah Jain is a family doctor in a hockey-crazy town. She hates hockey. She hasn’t gone anywhere near a rink in years, until her friend, the team doctor, calls in a favour. Mike Wallace is the starting goalie for the Clarington Quakes, the local professional hockey team. He’s not about to let an injury slow him down or a rookie doctor call the shots. Sarah and Mike don’t respect each other’s jobs. When they have to work together, sparks fly and ice melts. Can they play a game they both can win?

    Buy link (only 99c!): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078SHLX8T

     

     

    Enjoy an excerpt ~

    “He’ll be in the intensive care unit overnight, but they’ll probably move him to another room tomorrow,” Sarah said. Coherent and professional. So far, so good. She could hardly be blamed for being distracted, though, considering what she was up against.

    Ben popped his head into the dressing room. “Mike, how’s the chest?”

    Mike’s gaze darted to Sarah and then back to Ben. “Fine,” he responded curtly.

    Ben nodded as if that was the answer he’d expected to hear and left with a salute.

    Sarah thought his chest was more than fine, but that probably wasn’t what Ben had meant. She looked over at Mike. “What happened?”

    “Nothing. I caught a puck in the ribs in the third, but it’s fine.”

    “Against your chest pads?”

    “No. I must’ve twisted, and it found a hole.”

    “Is it painful?” she asked, wondering if he could have injured a rib. From the little she’d watched of the game, it didn’t appear that the players held back when they shot at the goalie. It wouldn’t take much to fracture a rib.

    He gave a short laugh with a shake of his head. “I’m a goalie. It would be unusual not to have pain after a game.”

    “Maybe I should take a quick look.”

    “No. It’s fine,” he replied with a hint of anger and a whole lot of impatience.

    Sarah cocked her head to one side and looked at him. Why wouldn’t he want her to check it, to make sure it wasn’t something more serious than a bruise? She grabbed a towel off the bench and threw it at him.

    “Hey,” Mike said, startled, and he instinctively reached for the towel. He twisted as he reached out his arm and grimaced, missed the towel, and grabbed his right side. His face was a study in pain, and he scowled at her.

    If looks could kill…yikes. She set her bag down and pulled out her stethoscope. “Let me listen to your chest.”

    He pressed his lips together, and his eyes darkened, but he stood and turned around.

    “Can you take a deep breath?”

    “Of course.”

    Sure. He splinted his chest, barely moving air in and out, but it sounded normal. She ran her fingers gently over the side of his chest, feeling the ribs. He winced when she palpated a small bump on the right side. It was already starting to bruise. She looked him in the eyes when he turned back to face her. “You know, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve fractured a rib.”

    Mike’s expression was stony. “I cannot have a fractured rib. I’ve worked my butt off to become the starting goalie, and I intend to stay that way. I’m not giving that up. I know my own body. This is not a fracture.”

    Sarah watched his face. There was more anxiety than anger behind those words. She removed the stethoscope from around her neck and folded it to put it away. “You may be right, but you need an x-ray to be sure.”

    “No.”

    Sarah’s heart pounded. “I can’t let you play if your rib is fractured. It’s too dangerous,” she said quietly. She willed her hands to stay steady. She was right, she knew it. Danni always worried about players who insisted on playing through an injury. Sarah hadn’t understood how it felt to be in the position of deciding their fate until now. It didn’t feel very comfortable. “You can’t play until I’ve seen the x-ray result.”

    “You can’t do that.”

    They both knew she could. She stayed silent. He drew himself up and pulled in the anger.

    “I’ll transmit the requisition to the hospital,” she said.

    “Fine.” He didn’t look at her. Yikes. That hadn’t sounded fine.

    “As soon as I hear the result, I’ll let you know.” She picked up her bag and headed out.

    That went well, she thought ruefully. Man, she hated hockey.

    One-click it HERE (only 99c!)

    For the next awesome story on the #MFRWHooks hop, Click here!

  • Perfectly Unpredictable is on sale! #MFRWHooks

     

    For the first time since its publication Perfectly Unpredictable is on sale for 99c until August 23! This story is a little more heartfelt than the others I’ve written – there are fun parts to it, but it’s a little more serious, a little more likely to tug at your heart strings. If you believe in guardian angels, you’ll definitely relate!

     

     

    Kalia Beck always dreamed of starting a family, living in a house with a white picket fence, and finding her soul mate. Just not in that order. Kalia is coping with an unplanned pregnancy when she learns the father has passed away. She soon finds out that single parenthood isn’t easy, especially when the only thing that soothes the baby is the guitar-playing of a reluctant and reclusive next-door neighbor.

    Mack Challen, lead guitarist in a rock and roll band, knows it takes a village to raise a child. He just doesn’t think there’s a village big enough to help “gay momma” and her screaming baby.

    Kalia and Mack aren’t looking for love and aren’t ready for each other, but when the future unfolds, it’s … Perfectly Unpredictable.

     

     

    Buy Links: https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B01IMEH5GC   |  https://www.amazon.ca/ebook/dp/B01IMEH5GC

    Enjoy an excerpt from Perfectly Unpredictable ~

    Kalia pounded on her neighbor’s front door with her free hand. The other cradled a screaming Mani. In the last fifteen days, except for the past three, the neighbor had played his guitar from six until eight every night. And soothed Mani. It was the only thing that calmed the colic. No amount of rocking, walking, or singing worked to soothe the baby like fifteen minutes of guitar music. It was faintly amazing and fairly irritating that Kalia had to depend on the neighbor’s guitar playing.

    He was home. She knew he was home. There was a new car in the driveway, and she could hear voices. So why wasn’t he answering the door? She pounded again.

    The door swung open, and Kalia yelped at the suddenness of it. Mani screamed louder.

    Mack frowned at them. “What?” he asked tersely.

    Kalia groaned inwardly. It was the first time she had seen the neighbor close up. Six foot two, short dark hair with a sexy scruff, broad shoulders in a dark T-shirt, slim hips covered in worn sexy jeans, bare feet, and angry green eyes. Great. Just what she needed. A pissed-off lifeline. “Hi. I live next door. I need you to play guitar,” she said in a rush above Mani’s wailing.

    “What?” His eyebrows winged up, and he put his hands on his hips.

    “Why aren’t you playing guitar? You play guitar every night at this time.”

    He shook his head. “I have company.”

    “Well, you’re very good at guitar. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind listening to it for a few minutes.” Mani screamed louder. Desperate, Kalia strode in, noting that the layout to his home was the same as hers. Getting a fleeting impression of dark colors and sparse furniture, she moved past him into the living room. “Hello,” she said to the gorgeous brunette curled up on the dark leather sofa. “Would you mind very much if . . . he,” she gestured vaguely, realizing that she wasn’t sure of his name, “played guitar for a few minutes? Just a few minutes. It won’t take long.”

    Mack followed her in. “Renee, this is my neighbor, half of the gay couple that lives next door, and her screaming baby,” he said wryly.

    Kalia’s eyebrows shot up. “Yup, that’s me. The lesbian from next door,” she said with some chagrin. Is that what the neighborhood thought? She was living under a rock. “And we just need a little guitar music if you don’t mind.” She spied two guitars leaning on stands across the room and waved in their direction. “Whichever works.” Time’s a wastin’.

    Buy Links: https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B01IMEH5GC   |  https://www.amazon.ca/ebook/dp/B01IMEH5GC

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