Author: Linda

#RomanticIdea with Marianne Rice

This summer I’ll be sharing romantic ideas with an awesome group of romance authors. Today I’d like to introduce Marianne Rice, author of Wilde for You.

Meet Marianne ~ Marianne Rice writes contemporary romances set in small New England towns. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines are smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always, always, find everlasting love. When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time buying shoes, eating chocolate, chauffeuring her herd of children to their varying sporting events, and when there’s time, cuddling with her husband, a drink in one hand, a romance book in the other.

Here’s Marianne’s #RomanticIdea ~ I’m a romance author and am married to a man who is as romantic as…a doorknob. He likes to joke about his idea of romance, “You’re so beautiful. Did that turn you on? Want to get naked now?” After twenty-three years together (we met as freshman in college) I’ve learned to be thankful for what I have: a loyal, faithful, honest, hard working, and funny father and husband, who is not the least bit romantic.

My husband isn’t into dinner out; he’d rather cook up a feast at home (we both enjoy cooking). He’d rather do projects around the house or do something active/productive. So, the only way to get him out of the house is to go on little adventures. Sometimes we go four wheeling (there are trails all around our house), or go on hikes, big and small. A backpack full of food and cozy snack and lunch breaks along the way, these are the little adventures we enjoy doing that add fun, memorable moments in our relationship. Romance doesn’t have to be big and fancy. Flowers, chocolate and wine are absolutely lovely, but sometimes getting down and dirty can be pretty spectacular as well.

Here’s a bit about Marianne’s latest release, Wilde for You:

Event planner Sage Wilde has lots of lists and no time for a relationship…

Precise to a fault, Sage plans everything—meetings, meals, and sex. But when she learns her youngest sister can’t carry a child, she steps up and commits to the role of a surrogate mother. It’s not out of sentiment, because Sage doesn’t do love or touchy-feely, but out of practicality. She doesn’t plan on marrying or having children, so why not rent out her unused space, right?

Luke Riley is a sexy firefighter who’s looking for love in all the wrong places…

Luke’s morning gets a little brighter when he’s called to a clinic and spots a blonde beauty wearing killer red boots. Though she doesn’t seem interested, he manages to introduce himself. It’s unusual for a woman to push away his advances, but Luke is attracted to her confident nature and strong personality. It’s not long before he wears her down, and she finally agrees to a date.

Who says you can’t mix work with pleasure?

Sage blames her growing affections for Luke on pregnancy hormones. But one last hurrah before her belly swells sounds like a well-deserved thrill. After a few passionate nights, the line between love and lust begins to blur—leaving her more confused than ever.

Luke is mesmerized by her keen wit and social charm. She may claim not to want children, but when she befriends his troubled foster sister, it proves there’s a heart inside of Sage waiting to be loved.

Will Sage’s surrogacy unlock her willingness to commit? Or will Luke stand by as the woman he loves plans a future without him?

Sounds like a “wilde” ride! Enjoy an excerpt from Wilde for You:
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June 21, 2016
#RomanticIdea with Mari Manning

This summer I’ll be sharing romantic ideas with an awesome group of romance authors. Today I’d like to introduce Mari Manning, author of Stranger in My House.

Meet Mari Manning ~ Let’s start with the fun stuff. I love small towns, mysteries, quiet men, laughter, old-fashioned spaghetti dinners. I love boots and shopping and jokes and Hershey’s dark chocolate and white wine. I love lots of things. But my first love is reading.

I love to read. Just about anything, but it has to be well-written. I go through periods where I am into historical novels or romance or mystery or history or biography. I never know when my desires will suddenly change.

Now for the writer-ish, official stuff: Mari Manning is the author of several contemporary romances and three romantic suspense novels set in the Texas Hill Country. Stranger at My Door is the first in her A Murder in Teas series. The second, Stranger in My House will be released by Entangled on June 13. The third book in the series is Stranger in My Bed. Currently Mari is working on a series of cozy mysteries.

She and her husband live in Chicago.

Here is Mari’s #RomanticIdea ~ I had my first #romanticidea when I was four, and it’s still a good one. I was lying in bed on a hot afternoon pretending to nap. A summer shower pattered softly against the roof. I heard children’s voice and tiptoed to the window so my mother wouldn’t hear my footsteps. Dressed in swimsuits and boots, the neighbor kids were running in the rain, screaming like wild things and jumping through puddles. I’d have given anything to be with them.

So … here’s my romantic idea. When a gentle summer shower drifts over your neighborhood, you and your loved one(s) must put on your swimsuits and rain boots and be wild things. If you are too dignified for this, dig out an umbrella big enough for two and go for a romantic walk in the rain with your honey.

Should your summer shower be accompanied by lightning, turn off the lights, turn on Billie Holiday and daydream about the rain scene in The Notebook.

Turn a rainy day into a fun day! Here’s a bit about Stranger in My House ~

When Officer Kirby Swallow’s half-sister is threatened, Kirby assumes her sister’s identity and journeys to the remote Texas ranch her sister calls home to catch a killer. Kirby confronts a growing list of suspects and a rising body count, not to mention the ranch manager, Seth Maguire, who sees past the charade to the warm, generous girl beneath. But can Kirby trust a man who rejects the one thing she holds dear: family? Her love dares all, but as the killer closes in, will it also be blind?

Self-reliant Seth Maguire is manager of the struggling Shaw Valley Ranch. His future appears empty until the ranch’s wild, unpredictable heiress suddenly morphs into a very hot lady cop. What starts out as just another seduction turns into something deep and, for him, frightening. Then the killer is revealed and Seth is faced with an impossible choice. Will his fragile, uncertain love be enough to save Kirby?

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June 16, 2016
#RomanticIdea with Kathleen Rowland

This summer I’ll be sharing romantic ideas with an awesome group of romance authors. Today, I’d like to introduce Kathleen Rowland, author of Deadly Alliance.

Meet Kathleen ~ Book Buyers Best finalist Kathleen Rowland is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes suspense with a sizzling love story sure to melt their hearts. Kathleen used to write computer programs but now writes novels. She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji. Now she wears flip-flops and sails with her husband, Gerry, on Newport Harbor but wishes there were lightning bugs in California.

Kathleen exists happily with her witty CPA husband, Gerry, in their 70’s poolside retreat in Southern California where she adores time spent with visiting grandchildren, dogs, one bunny, and noisy neighbors. While proud of their five children who’ve flown the coop, she appreciates the luxury of time to write while listening to demanding character voices in her head.

Here is Kathleen Rowland’s summertime #RomanticIdea to win any guy over ~ While cooking his favorite dinner, lighten up, get silly and playful! Do a sexy dance with a frying pan, move in for a hug and kiss. Serve dinner outside with candles under the moonlight.

Nothin’ better for romance than dancing! Here’s a bit about Deadly Alliance, a romantic suspense novel ~

Finbar Donahue, former Army Ranger, walked on the wild side in Iraq, but now he lives in the shadows. After his evasive partner, Les, was shot in a random drive-by, Finn discovers cash is siphoned monthly. He fights to keep his investment company afloat. When the late partner’s girlfriend, Amy Kintyre, applies for his bookkeeping job, Finn suspects she knows about his company drain and hires her.

Amy needs a nine-to-five with free evenings and weekends to get her fashion design business back on track. She unearths Les’ s secret bank account and alerts Finn. Freezing of the money laundering account sets off havoc within an Irish gang. Amy witnesses a gang fight between a brutal ISIS fundraising organization and the Irish. Desperate to escape a stalker’s crosshairs, she seeks refuge with Finn. As danger heats up, sparks fly hotter.

Enjoy an Excerpt ~ Amy’s first day working for Finn:

Hours later, Finn straightened his spine as he listened to his new bookkeeper order Rosenberg around with the authority of an Army lieutenant. She spoke with confidence from her chair and waited for answers with intensity. Somehow she came across larger than her delicate self.

“Brad,” his pretty war buddy said, “I’ll need your password to access activity-to-date.” Her attitude wasn’t for show. Her curiosity propelled her to the depths of the drain. Heaven help those who lurked there.

“Sure thing.” Brad blew out a breath and scribbled his password on a sticky note. Handing it to her, he bent to her level.

She said, “I apologize for causing chaos.”

“No apology necessary.” Brad asked, “What are you working on?”

Jumping in, Finn said, “Comparisons, Rosenberg, that’s what she’s working on.” Unholy as she’d undoubtedly turn out to be, at the moment they were forged in combat. “Give her your full support.”

“Absolutely. Consider me your scaffold,” Rosenberg said, accepting his fate. “Excuse me, won’t you? I’m running payroll.”

Finn liked his head accountant. He was solid. Dependable. Not creative, but his easy-going manner was soothing. “Payroll. You’re a masochist.”

Amy smiled, and her crystal-green gaze sought his. She found his comment amusing. Her professional attire included a gray satin blouse tucked into a herringbone skirt. When she moved, her layered, dark-blonde hair settled into a sleek flip over her shoulders.

Amy’s bending and reaching, as she took control of her four-by-four cubicle, was damn compelling. She found a rhythm with a handy notepad beside her computer. Using Brad’s password, she turned sideways to open files. Attractive summed up her symmetrical profile and creamy complexion.

For a long while, getting hot and heavy had not been on his mind. Her envelope gave him concrete evidence to bring to the sheriff and eased his tension. As she brushed tresses off her face, he wanted to nibble on her ear.

Amy packed her lithe frame with succulent curves. He enjoyed observing her ample bust which required high-performance support. He’d like to see those globes running free. He’d never considered her as dating material. Timing was off. When she started dating Les, he was hooking up with Miss California. Now it was too late. She worked for him. Hands off. Finn liked women—lots of women, all women, in all shapes and sizes and ethnicities as long as they met the enthusiasm requirement. He hadn’t tested this, but she was off-limits for another reason. He didn’t intend to put her through another relationship leading to nowhere.

Finn kept things loose. A woman in his bed but not in his life was what he often said. There hadn’t been that either. Why was she looking at him like that?

Sizzling! Buy links: Amazon US Amazon UK Nook

Kathleen loves to connect with readers: Website Twitter Blog Facebook Amazon Author Page

Kathleen, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your romantic idea and your novel, Deadly Alliance! And for a #RomanticIdea that I have for the summer and a look at Perfectly Honest, check out Kathleen’s blog HERE!

June 14, 2016
#RomanticIdea with Elizabeth Harmon

This summer I’ll be sharing romantic ideas with an awesome group of romance authors. Today, I’d like to introduce Elizabeth Harmon, author of Getting it Back.

Meet Elizabeth ~ Elizabeth Harmon loves to read and write romances with a dash of different. A graduate of the University of Illinois, she has worked in advertising, community journalism and as a freelance magazine writer. She feels incredibly blessed to have a career that allows her to spend her days imagining “what if?” and a loving family that keeps her grounded in the real world. Her debut novel, Pairing Off is a 2016 RITA Award Finalist. An adventurous cook, vintage home enthusiast, occasional actress, and entry-level figure skater, Elizabeth makes her home in the Midwest.

Her Romantic Idea ~ Bike to a weekend getaway! For a romantic getaway close to home, book a room at an in-town B&B or hotel, and ride there on your bike!

I love this idea! Here’s a bit about her book Getting it Back ~

In this second-chance romance, a former top men’s figure skating champion is willing to risk everything for a comeback–except a new start with his long lost love.

An unexpected phone call from the man who broke her heart offers Amy Shepherd an opportunity to return to the work she loves, training elite figure skaters. Except it’s just one figure skater: Him. Can she finally forgive and forget?

Figure skater Mikhail “Misha” Zaikov once had it all: medals, money and the adoration of millions. But a devastating injury put an end to his career and his romance, leaving him with nothing but regret over what could have been. His last chance to re-join the world’s top skaters is now. And there’s only one person who can help him: Her.

On Russia’s unyielding ice, Misha must reclaim what he’s lost while facing off against a talented young rival and risking further injury. But Amy soon discovers Misha’s much bigger challenges lurk off the ice. And she’s determined to keep Misha whole and healthy, even if doing so ends his shot at the gold.

Don’t miss any of Elizabeth Harmon’s Red Hot Russians. Pairing Off and Turning it On are available now!

Enjoy an Excerpt:

The next morning, Amy awoke first. Misha lay beside her in bed, still sleeping. He’d brought over clothes last night. His toothbrush was in the bathroom cabinet. This was just like back in Ohio, only better. Misha was no longer searching for direction. He knew what he wanted, and they were working together to help him achieve it. But she couldn’t deny that she was nervous about what would happen today, when he returned to training on the ice.

She got out of bed, and changed into her running clothes, put coffee on, then returned to wake Misha. “Hey,” she sat on the edge of the bed and gently shook his shoulder. “Time for our run.”

“Nyet,” he said in a sleepy voice, and reached for her.

“You agreed to it last night. Nothing too strenuous, just enough to get your heart pumping and muscles working.”

“Don’t need running to make my heart pump,” he pulled her down onto the bed, cupping her butt through her black running tights. “As for muscles…maybe we can stay in and work this big stiff one?”

She laughed and squirmed away. “Nice try, but that muscle’s getting plenty of exercise. Rise and shine, big guy.”

She threw back the blankets, leaving him no choice but to fumble around for his pants. She waited outside and he joined her a few minutes later. They took off at an easy pace, following the path behind the center’s main buildings, then out around the pond and back. Nothing too strenuous, just as she’d promised. Their lungs filled with clean fresh air, the morning mist was cool on their skin. They returned to the guesthouse and she bent over her knees, breathing out cold air. Misha did the same. He straightened easily. “How is your back,” she said.

“Perfect. No pain at all.”

“And the rest of you? Knees? Head?”

“Knees are fine, and my head is in good place, too. Thanks to you, Amy the tiger.”

She grinned, and stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “Ready to get back on the ice?”

“Can’t wait,” he said decisively.

“You’re going to be great.”

He brushed a kiss across her lips. “For you, I will be.”

Sounds intriguing! Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | Kobo | Carina Press

Elizabeth loves to connect with readers: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

Elizabeth, thank you so much for dropping by! Congratulations on being a RITA finalist for your debut novel and best wishes for lots of sales!

June 9, 2016
#RomanticIdea with Angela Evans
This summer I’ll be sharing romantic ideas with an awesome group of romance authors. Today, I’d like to introduce Angela Evans, author of Hiding in Plain Sight.

Meet Angela ~ As a child, Angela remembers her mother telling friends that Angela would read anything she could get her hands on, even the back of the cereal box. That changed when she discovered romance novels as a teenager, secretly reading her mother’s entire collection of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and being amazed at how captivating the stories were. She knew that writing romance novels was what she wanted to do for a living.

She recently published her first novel, Hiding in Plain Sight, and has begun writing the second book in the series. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) as well as her local chapter and she enjoys being active in both.

Angela lives in Southern Illinois where she is living her own happily ever after with her husband of over 20 years, their two children, a very spoiled white German shepherd and two equally spoiled cats. When she’s not writing she loves reading, cooking, and photography.

Her Romantic Idea ~ Top 10 ways to keep the romance alive:
1. Never stop dating your partner
2. Remember the little things
3. Love notes are always appreciated
4. Hold hands
5. Always kiss goodnight
6. Always kiss good morning
7. Pick your battles-in any argument think, “Do I want to be right, or do I want to end the argument?” There’s only one right choice.
8. Give gifts for “no reason”.
9. Give your partner compliments when they least expect them
10. Put your phone down and have a conversation at least once a day, every single day.
Love this advice! Here’s a bit about Angela’s book, Hiding in Plain Sight (Hidden Dangers Book 1) ~

Kierra Centerand was once vivacious and outgoing, that all changed the night her stepfather killed her family in an explosion that authorities wrote off as an accident. Now, ten years later Kierra has returned to the small town of Briarview to find answers, confront her demons, and see if she can finally move on with her life. Not much has changed, Briarview is still the quaint, charming, small town Kierra left behind. Only now her high school boyfriend is the sheriff, and her stepfather is somewhere in the town, hiding in plain sight.

When Bryan Donaldson sees Kierra again for the first time he is surprised, she’s no longer the fun blonde he remembers, but rather she’s shy, prone to panic attacks, and hiding from the world. When Kierra’s stepfather starts making threats, Bryan is determined to keep her safe in his arms, and in his bed, for life.

Enjoy an Excerpt ~

Kierra’s chest suddenly felt too tight to take a breath. She desperately wanted to tell him to stop talking, to run away. She wished she had never come to town, and that she was anywhere but here listening to Bryan’s calm, soothing voice.

“I can also tell you the thing that’s going to be the hardest to hear. The explosion was ruled an accident. It appears that they only did a cursory investigation, but there was no reason to suspect foul play. It was ruled an accidental gas leak. Most importantly, in that investigation they didn’t find a fourth body in the house. The only victims of that explosion were your grandparents, and your mother.”

Somewhere in the distance a bird chirped and parents cheered at the Peewee football game. Kierra heard it all as though it were a million miles away. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t think.

Her stepfather was alive somewhere.

No one believed her ten years ago, no one was going to believe her now, but she knew for certain that somehow he was responsible for the explosion that killed her family.

And he was still out there somewhere.

Sounds exciting! Buy Links: Amazon | Evernight Publishing | All Romance eBooks | Bookstrand | iTunes | Barnes & Noble

Angela loves to connect with readers: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Angela, thanks so much for visiting and sharing your #RomanticIdea and an excerpt from Hiding in Plain Sight (Hidden Dangers Book 1)! 😀
June 7, 2016
Favourite Things with Nancy Fraser

I’m visiting author Nancy Fraser on her Sneak Peek – Favourite Things blog. My favourite piece of clothing? Click HERE to find out!

June 4, 2016
Special Spotlight CD Hersh

Hey everyone – I’m visiting author CD Hersh as a guest on the Wednesday Special Spotlight series! It’s a little bit of Perfectly Planned fun! Check it out HERE.

June 1, 2016
#RomanticIdea with Tina Gayle

This summer I’ll be sharing romantic ideas with an awesome group of romance authors. Today I’d like to introduce Tina Gayle, author of Pregnancy Plan.

Meet Tina ~ Tina Gayle grew up a dreamer and loved to escape into the world of books. After years of working in the business world doing a variety of jobs, she decided to try her hand at writing. Her books touch the heart and show the true joy of being a woman.

Her Romantic Idea ~ No stress, No worries. Stay in and order a pizza, watch a movie and snuggle on the couch. I like to keep things simple.

Love it! Here’s a bit about Tina’s book, Pregnancy Plan ~

Jillian Wilson wants a baby and is willing to do just about anything to have one. Until her almost ex-boyfriend shows up at her hotel room door. Then she has to convince him she’s not fooling around with his brother.

Now, Derrick is only too happy to help with her problem.

Can Jillian love him and leave him even when he is hurt in a car crash and now believes they are married?

Enjoy an Excerpt:

Derek entered the condo, exhausted from a day at the lake. He wanted a cold beer and a hot shower, in that order.

Good thing he’d strong-armed his brother into taking Kelly away for the weekend. He had the place to himself, and Jason and his fiancée could use the relief from the stress of planning their wedding.

Removing his sweaty shirt, he threw it over his shoulder, opened the refrigerator, and grabbed a Bud. With a quick twist of his wrist, he uncapped the bottle, and poured the cold liquid down his throat.

Now the shower.

He stepped around the bar separating the kitchen from the dining area. The light on the answering machine blinked. He hit the button.

“Uh, Jason, it’s Jillian.”

A picture of a shapely woman flashed through Derek’s mind.

“I don’t want you to worry. I’m not pregnant…”

“Holy shit!” Every big-brother, over-protective gene in his body kicked into gear.

The shattering sound of his beer bottle hitting the floor and his fist connecting with the wall doused the end of the message.

Could this be the reason Kelly was having second thoughts about marrying Jason?

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You can read the First Chapter of “Pregnancy Plan” and Reviews

Buy links: Smashwords | Kobo | Apple | Amazon B&N |

Tina loves to connect with readers:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author Page

Read the first chapter of any of her books by visiting her website. Thanks for dropping by Tina! Sounds like a fun book! Have a romantic summer 😀

You can hop on over to Tina Gayle’s blog and see my #RomanticIdea! It’s HERE

May 31, 2016
Romance Writers Gone Wild

All this week May 23 – 27, over 100 romance authors are joining together in a mega Facebook Party with some amazing prizes. You could enter to win amazon gift cards and 2 Kindle e-readers! I’ll be partying on Tuesday – you check out some Perfectly crafted posts. I’ll be giving away copies of the Perfectly books. It’s all HERE

May 24, 2016
Love Language – Keep Talking!

I’m guest blogging at the Everybody Needs a Little Romance blog! My advice for newly engaged couples: know your love language and keep talking! Click HERE for more.

May 17, 2016