Harlequin Spotlight – Page 4

Harlequin Spotlight…Her Mistletoe Cowboy by Marie Ferrarella

HER MISTLETOE COWBOY

By Marie Ferrarella

Synopsis:

Kimberly Lee isn’t sure what she’ll find when she comes to Forever, Texas, to do a story on a groundbreaking program that could put this small town on the map. It certainly isn’t the warm, friendly community that makes the roving reporter feel instantly at home. Or the accident that lays her up at Garrett White Eagle’s ranch, where the blue-eyed rancher awakens feelings she long ago gave up.

Giving people hope again is the goal of the healing ranch Garrett started with his brother. And the lovely, hardworking writer is no exception. Doesn’t Kim realize how much good they can do—together? Her future is here with him if she’s willing to trust in a love that could fulfill the promise of forever.

Holiday Bon Appétit and a Book:

I think Christmas and everyone I know thinks of my mint chip brownies and my marzipan bundt cake. The brownies are more or less a standard recipe, except doubled (so the brownies are nice and thick) and add in lots of mint chips. Here’s the marzipan cake:

Marzipan Cake

INGREDIENTS:

1 (18.25 ounce) package moist white (or yellow) cake mix

1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

¾ cup of vegetable oil

¾ cup of Amaretto

4 eggs

½ cup of almond slivers

1 tube of almond paste (marzipan)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 10 inch bundt pan with Pam (with flour)

Cut almond paste into approximately 14 slices, then put into blender (or something that resembles coffee bean grinder). Object is to break up the slices into tiny pieces to distribute the flavor throughout the cake.

In medium bowl combine all the above ingredients then beat with an electric mixer for 5 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes (insert knife in center, cake is done when knife comes out clean) Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert and remove cake from pan (with luck!). Let cake cool completely, then drizzle with powder sugar.

Enjoy.

Writer’s Space:

I write anywhere, any time I can find. I do a good deal of my writing in the first floor back bedroom which is half order, half chaos. I have a large desk I put together from Office Max that houses two printers, my desk top computer (I have worn out at least 10 computers), a landline and lots of notes. It’s buffered by two bookcases stocked with my books, research books plus an old fashioned record player (with a CD player) because music is important to my process.

About the author:

MARIE FERRARELLA’s first romance was bought by Second Chance at Love in 1981. She has also been published by Silhouette, Harlequin, Zebra, Harper, Bantam and Berkeley. She has received several RITA nominations from the Romance Writers of America Association over the years with one win for Father Goose in the traditional romance category. She has also been nominated several times in various categories by Romantic Times Magazine.

Harlequin Spotlight…A Cold Creek Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne

A COLD CREEK CHRISTMAS STORY

by RaeAnne Thayne

Synopsis:

Sparkle In The Snow Leads To So Much More

Celeste Nichols has always preferred to keep to herself in her hometown of Pine Gulch, Idaho…until she becomes an instant celebrity! When one of her children’s stories becomes a major success, she’s suddenly the talk of the town. Celeste should be gloriously happy…but something, someone, special is still missing from her life. Could the return of her childhood crush be the answer?

Flynn Delaney has moved back home for his daughter’s sake. Yet all the millionaire’s resources can’t help the little girl heal from the tragic loss of her mother. Shy librarian Celeste and her stories do hold some indefinable magic, though. Flynn came home looking for support—can he find that, and true love, in the one who got away?

Holiday Bon Appétit and a Book:

Luxurious Hot Chocolate

4 cups of milk (whole is best)

8 ounces of high-quality chocolate … I like Guittard semisweet chips. White chocolate works too, for a different taste.

3 teaspoons of powdered sugar

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (pure, not imitation)

1/8 teaspoon salt

Finely chop the chocolate. Even if using chocolate chips, the smaller the pieces, the better it will dissolve in liquid. On low heat in a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a low boil, whisking occasionally to keep from scorching. Add the vanilla, powdered sugar, salt and chocolate and whisk vigorously until the chocolate has melted. Heat for another 4 minutes, constantly stirring. Serve with a dollop of real whipped cream.

You can add lots of things to this recipe: Mint, vanilla bean, cinnamon stick. Whatever your preference. Just add herbs or spices to the milk while simmering. After it boils, remove from heat and let the milk steep for 10 minutes then strain off your add-ins and return to simmer before adding the chocolate and other ingredients.

Writer’s Space:

I love my office! I wrote my first 15 books in a corner of a dining room, usually with kids running around me. Eventually, we moved to a new house where I actually had an office, which was wonderful – but it was in the basement, with only a view of a window well. A year ago, I was able to move my office to this spot that has huge windows with a beautiful view of my northern Utah mountains (though I have to look past the neighboring houses!). It’s been perfect. I love writing in front of the fireplace – and I keep the Christmas tree up until spring, since I’m writing Christmas books for several months out of the year and it helps keep me in the mood.

About the author:

New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne finds inspiration in the beautiful northern Utah mountains where she lives with her family. Her books have won numerous honors, including four RITA® Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. RaeAnne loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.raeannethayne.com.

Harlequin Spotlight…An Amish Noel by Patricia Davids

AN AMISH NOEL

By Patricia Davids

Synopsis:

Luke Bowman’s homecoming is turning Emma Swartzentruber’s carefully ordered world upside down. Gone is her rebellious girlhood crush, and in his place is a handsome man who seems committed to serving the community. Luke’s even agreed to work for Emma’s ill father, whose last wish is to see his daughter wedded to a stable, loving man.

But Luke—a man who flirted with the outside world with disastrous consequences—is hardly marriage material for a good Amish woman. Yet this Christmas, when her family is flung into crisis, Emma finds that he may just be the one to capture her heart for good.

Holiday Bon Appétit and a Book:

Merry Christmas from me, Patricia Davids. If you love pecans the way I do, you’ll want to enjoy this delicious holiday recipe all year round. They are called Kentucky Pecan Bars and they are YUM. Pair them with a cup of hot peppermint cocoa and you’ll have a real treat to savor while you enjoy my latest book, An Amish Noel.

Ingredients

Crust:

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon fine salt

12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small dice

3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

1 2/3 cups pecans

6 ounces white chocolate, chopped

1 cup honey

2/3 cup packed light brown sugar

3 large eggs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons bourbon

Zest of 1 orange

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

For the crust: Adjust the oven rack to the bottom position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, salt and butter until the butter is pea-sized. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough begins to pull from the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a floured surface, gather together and pat into a rectangle. Roll the dough into a 1/8-inch-thick rectangle that measures about 13 by 15 inches. Trim the rough edges and ease the dough into the prepared pan, pressing it onto the bottom and about halfway up the sides (trim the dough more on the sides as needed). Prick the dough a couple times with a fork. Cover with aluminum foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until the dough starts to set up, about 15 minutes. Remove the weights and foil and continue to bake until the crust is just golden, about 5 minutes more. Let it cool completely.

For the filling: Meanwhile, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and spread the pecans out on a baking sheet. Bake until toasted and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool and then coarsely chop.

Bring a couple of inches of water to a simmer in a small saucepan. Put the white chocolate in a heat-safe bowl that sits comfortably in the saucepan without touching the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Spread it evenly on the crust and let it set up.

Beat the honey and brown sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in the eggs. Pour in the melted butter and continue to beat. Add the flour, bourbon, orange zest and vanilla. Sprinkle the pecans over the white chocolate and pour in the honey mixture.

Bake until the top of the filling is golden brown and the center sets up, 30 to 40 minutes. Cover and put in the refrigerator until cool. When ready to serve, cut into 36 even bars.

Recipe courtesy of Damaris Phillips, From The Food Network website.

My Writer’s Space:

I write in a corner of my bedroom these days. My daughter and her two children recently moved in with me following her divorce. My office became my granddaughter’s bedroom. That’s okay. People are more important than things. I don’t have as much space now, but I have everything I need on my desk. I have my favorite print in front of me. It inspires me to keep moving forward. I have mementoes of my travels and trinkets from friends and family and my research books. It’s a place where I can shut the door and work.

About the author:

After her daughter left home, Pat’s love of reading evolved into a serious desire to write. In 1996, she began work on her first novel. It proved to be more difficult than she expected. In researching how to write, she discovered a local writers group and soon joined both the Wichita Area Romance Authors and the national organization, Romance Writers of America. Pat credits the help of the wonderful members of both organizations with teaching her the craft of writing and giving her insight into the publishing industry.

Still, after seven years of writing and three completed manuscripts, all she had to show for her efforts was a pile of rejection letters. Then, in the summer of 2002, Pat met Deborah Raney, a fellow Kansas author, and learned about the growing inspirational romance market. It was a lightbulb over the head moment. Pat revised her third book for yet another time and the rest is history.

Harlequin Spotlight….with Sharon Kendrick, Maisey Yates, & Liz Talley and Kimberly Van Meter

THE SHEIKH’S CHRISTMAS CONQUEST

Topics by Sharon Kendrick

Writer’s Space:

I write in a small room which I call my Writing Room (because I refuse to call it a “study”. It has a view over treetops which are currently brushed bronze and gold from the early Fall.

On one wall is a beautiful Bob Dylan print, of a woman sitting alone in a room – and that woman feels like me! (SEE PHOTO).

Next to the bookcase, I have an orange velvet chaise longue – where you can see a witch’s hat because next week is Haloween and I shall be wearing it at a dinner party in Italy!

My final indulgence is this delicious and delicate chandelier, in ruby-red and gold and mauve…I need it there so that I can look up and narrow my eyes, and imagine that I am in the Sheikh’s palace….

Q&A with Sharon Kendrick – The Sheikh’s Christmas Conquest

1.) Can you bring us up to speed on The Sheikh’s Christmas Conquest? It’s a shamelessly emotional story about a powerful Sheikh whose heart is empty because of something awful which happened in his past, and Olivia – a woman with demons of her own. Saladin needs something from Olivia – something she doesn’t want to give. Marooned in the snowy English countryside, the Sheikh’s most persuasive weapon is his sexual mastery and he sweeps Olivia off to his scorching desert kingdom. The trouble starts when a straightforward seduction becomes so much more…

2.) What was the first romance novel that you ever read? That would be PRIDE & PREJUDICE by Jane Austen (I still love it)

3.) What is one thing that you absolutely need when writing? My imagination! And coffee…

4.) What’s the best interaction you’ve ever had with a fan? Once I wrote a trilogy centered on a single wedding dress and a woman in her eighties sent me a lovely long letter telling me about a similar wedding dress in her own family, and all the different people who had worn it.

5.) Who would you fan cast for Sheikh Saladin and Olivia? The delicious Aiden Turner (who plays Poldark in popular UK TV drama) and Isla Fisher – for her red hair (just like Olivia’s) and her wonderful humor.

6.) Why do readers love Sheikh romances so much? Ah. For me, that’s simple. Because a Sheikh symbolizes many of our secret fantasies about men. He’s dark. Powerful. Masterful. And he’s irresistibly sexy. What woman wouldn’t want to be taken by horseback across the burning sands to be ravished by a gorgeous desert king? My Sheikhs often appear sophisticated and can be found in Paris, or New York – but beneath their urbane exterior beats the indomitable heart of the true alpha male.

7.) Where have you traveled to and how has this informed your novels? When I was a student nurse I travelled to the Middle East, which has been invaluable for my Sheikh books. Subsequently, I’ve taken in Australia, parts of the US and lots of Europe (especially Italy). I love to be immersed in countries and culture which are different from my own. When you’re on the outside looking in, that’s when your imagination is most on fire.

8.) Without giving away too much, what’s your favorite scene from The Sheikh’s Christmas Conquest? Well, a reader has described the epilogue as “heartwarming” and I tend to agree with her, but I love the part where Saladin reveals to Olivia what happened in his past. Yet after he opens up, he immediately kills off any hope that there’s some kind of future for them.

9.) Do you have any conferences/book signings/events coming up? I’m going to several UK-based author gatherings and I’m very excited to be attending the buzzy RWA conference in San Diego in 2016 where I’ll be signing books for Harlequin. Hope to see you there!

10.) What are you working on next? I’m currently writing a story about a Prince who visits his ex-lover one last time, mainly to prove to himself that he’s finally gotten her out of his system. Only, guess what? He hasn’t! Fireworks erupt and all kinds of consequences follow. Oh, and I’ve got an unbelievably sexy Irish hero coming up in THE BILLIONAIRE’S DEFIANT ACQUISITION, which is out in April, 2016.

Q&A with Maisey Yates – A Christmas Vow of Seduction

1.) Can you bring us up to speed on A Christmas Vow of Seduction and the Princes of Petras series? The Princes of Petras centers around two brothers – Andres, the spare and notorious playboys, and his older brother, Kairos, who has always done his duty to his country, but never to his heart. The series starts with A Christmas Vow of Seduction, and with Andres, when he’s gifted a princess from a neighboring country to be his wife. The strong-willed princess Zara refuses, but Andres is determined to step up and do his duty for the first time ever. But in order to do that, he has to seduce his intended bride before Christmas.

2.) What was the first romance novel that you ever read? It was a Presents by Miranda Lee and for the life of me I can’t remember the title.

3.) What is one thing that you absolutely need when writing? Coffee. I can write almost anywhere, any time under any circumstances but I need to have had my caffeine.

4.) What’s the best interaction you’ve ever had with a fan? I feel like there have been so many good ones! But one that stands out is when I went to register for RWA at the Nationals conference and said my name and the woman running the registration went: OH. MAISEY. I LOVE YOUR BOOKS!

5.) Who would you fan cast for Prince Andres and Princess Zara? Pedro Soltz and Emmy Rossum

6.) Why do you think romance readers love reading about royalty so much? Royalty is such a big fantasy, but the great thing about romance is you get to dig down deep and crack it open and show that, at their hearts, these people aren’t that different. They want love too. I think that’s a universal truth in romance and that’s one thing I love about it.

7.) What is your favorite type of hero to write about? Hmm…I do love a bad boy.

8.) Without giving away too much, what’s your favorite scene from A Christmas Vow of Seduction? I think it’s the first love scene. The hero is very intense, and I like that. 😉

9.) Do you have any conferences/book signings/events coming up? Nothing soon! Not until Summer 2016.

10.) What are you working on next? Right now I’m working on the 6^th book in my Western Contemporary series, Copper Ridge.

Bon Appétit and a Book:

In “Where There’s Smoke” a novella in the Wrong Bed Christmas book, my two characters Emma and Erik are stuck in an abandoned cabin with only a couple of granola bars, a box of expensive chocolates and a very nice bottle of wine. Not the worst to make a meal on, but if I were planning the perfect meal for being stranded with a sexy firefighter in the middle of Colorado, I’d go with something that would give me more energy for the night ahead 😉 Here’s the perfect rustic yet filling dish would appeal to any red-blooded American man (who wasn’t a vegetarian):

Seduce Me Beef Stew*

1 lb of lean good quality stew meat

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 tsp oil

2 onions (sliced into thin rings)

2 cups sliced mushrooms

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp tomato paste

2 cups of beef broth

3 cups sliced carrots

2 medium potatoes, sliced

1 cup green beans

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp cold water

Coat beef with flour, shaking off excess. In a large pot or dutch oven, heat oil. Add beef and cook about 5-7 minutes until slightly browned. Remove beef to a separate plate.
Add onions and mushrooms to the pot; saute for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and saute for a minute or so. Return beef to the pot and stir in tomato paste. Next add broth and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for an hour.
Add carrots, potatoes and green beans. Cover partially and cook for 15-20 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch. Stir into stew and increase heat to a boil. Turn off and let cool slightly. Serve with cornbread or crusty French bread.

*Derived from Healthy Meals in Minutes

Excerpt from “Where There’s Smoke” by Liz Talley

The crackle of the lit fire drew her attention and instantly made the space cozy and—she licked her lips—intimate.

“Ah,” Erik said, stripping off his gloves and warming his hands in front of the blaze. “Good thing this wood is aged and dry. Instant warmth. Come on over and warm up.”

Emma hesitated for a moment, trying to regain a calm, less amorous demeanor. So they were alone in a cabin in the middle of nowhere with a bottle of wine, chocolate and a single double bed? Big deal. She could handle it. After all, she’d never allowed her attraction for him to show through.

She walked over and crouched beside him, sighing at the warmth. Exploring the cabin had kept her moving, but her fingers and feet were numb.

“Here,” he said, grabbing the nearest chair and dragging it close to the dancing flames. “Sit.”

Seconds later they each sat in matching chairs, thawing out.

“I can’t believe we’re stuck here,” she mused aloud, the warmth making her drowsy. She suppressed a yawn. “This is like a movie I once saw.”

“Misery?” he joked.

Emma laughed. “Are you planning on drugging me, incapacitating me and making me write you a romance story?”

He wiggled his eyebrows. “That could be fun. But I could think of better things to do.”

Harlequin Spotlight…Writing Space Tour of Addison Fox, author of The Professional

Synopsis:

Despite her job as a wedding planner, Violet Richardson doesn’t believe a happy-ever-after is in her future. And when she’s kidnapped by a killer, she’s surprised that rescue comes in the form of her tempting yet irritating neighbor Max Baldwin.

Trying to forget his dark past, Max never meant to take on his attractive neighbor’s troubles. But now the bickering pair must outrun a thug who’s determined to get his hands on mysterious jewels he thinks are in Violet’s possession. And as they race for their lives through Dallas’s summer heat, Max and Violet may finally open their eyes to the burning passion they share.

My Author Space – Blog

Addison Fox

Thanks so much for having me today on the blog! It’s always fun to get a peek inside of others lives and I thought I’d share my writing space with you today.

While I will write anywhere I have a block of time – a coffee shop, an airplane, lunchtime at work – I prefer whenever possible to write in my home office. A converted bedroom, my office is a haven that is full of pieces of my career. My 20^th book – THE PROFESSIONAL – comes out this month and I wrote it in this room along with almost every one that came before.

A few highlights:

1 – My Desk.

I love this desk. From the very first moment I saw it in the furniture store, it was everything I was looking for. I love the curved legs and the wide open space on top and, most of all, I love the simplicity. There are no side drawers (which I’d inevitably hit my legs on) and plenty of room to feel comfortable.

2 – My bookshelves

For anyone who’s spent more than three minutes with me, I’ll no doubt end up uttering the following comment – “I’m a reader first.” Part of what I love about writing is reading and there’s not much I love more than a full bookshelf, mixed with old favorites and my TBR pile.

3 – My computer

Okay – I own it. It’s not natural to love this little computer as much as I do. This is a workhorse laptop and I’ve dragged this little guy with me everywhere I go, pretty much every day for almost four years. I’m totally attached and feel that my physical equipment is as much a part of the writing as the mental process.

4 – A framed photo of the Alaskan Nights Trilogy

One of my best friends made this piece for me and I absolutely love it. From the first moment I opened this gift I wanted to cry at how thoughtful it was to take something I love and giving it back to me.

5 – The Roses

I’m a member of the Dallas Area Romance Authors and we have a wonderful ceremony at the start of each meeting. Any author who has sold a book gets a rose. While I love our meetings, this is my most favorite part (as it is for most DARA members!) and I remember how desperately I wanted to get my own rose as I worked toward selling my first book.

I keep this vase as a constant reminder of the work and my goals and what we can accomplish when we work toward those goals.

Last – but by no means least!! – is my little furry partner in crime, Max. He’s the best part of writing and I love looking down to see him hanging out next to me.

So there you have it! A bit of a peek behind the scenes where the writing gets done.

Thanks so much for joining me today!

XO,

Addison

Thanks so much for this wonderful tour, Addison! It was a pleasure having you! xo, Jillian

About the author:

Despite early ambitions of being a diver, a drummer or a doctor, Addison Fox happily discovered she was more suited to life as a writer. She lives in Dallas and – thankfully – doesn’t have to operate on anyone. You can find her at her home on the web at www.addisonfox.com. Her latest book, THE PROFESSIONAL, will be out in October from Harlequin Romantic Suspense. You can visit her at her website at www.addisonfox.com

Harlequin Spotlight…Bon Appétit and a Book & Playlist with Hope White author of Christmas Undercover

Synopsis:

FATAL CHRISTMAS

FBI agent Sara Vaughn believes a group of pharmaceutical businessmen are engineering drugs with deadly results. Her boss won’t approve a sting operation, so she goes rogue—following the suspects on a hike in the Cascade Mountains to record evidence. But when Sara witnesses them murder one of their own, they target her. Saved by a handsome volunteer mountain rescue worker, Sara at first suspects Will Rankin is another bad guy hunting her. But when the widowed father of two risks everything to save her, she knows that Will is all that’s standing between her and seeing Christmas morning.

Echo Mountain: Saving lives and finding love in the mountains of Washington State

Bon Appétit and a Book

These mini blender muffins are by far my favorite recipe for a sweet treat in the afternoon when sitting down with a good book. I imagine these yummy muffins could be served at Healthy Eats restaurant, featured in “Christmas Undercover.” These are truly the best muffins I’ve ever tasted! (The original recipe can be found on: http://www.averiecooks.com)

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Mini Blender Muffins

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium ripe banana, peeled

1 large egg

Heaping 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch salt, optional and to taste

Heaping 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400F. Prepare mini muffin pans by spraying with floured cooking spray, or grease and flour the pans; set aside.

To the canister of a blender, add first 7 ingredients, through optional salt, and blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.

Add chocolate chips and stir in by hand.

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop that’s been sprayed with cooking spray (helps batter slide off spoon or scoop easily), form rounded 1 tablespoon mounds and place mounds into prepared pans. Each cavity should be filled to a solid 3/4 full.

Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the tops are set, domed, springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter. Watch your muffins closely, and bake until done. Allow muffins to cool in pans for about 10 minutes, or until they’ve firmed up and are cool enough to handle. Muffins are best fresh, but will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Song Playlist:

Playlist for “Christmas Undercover”

When the Right One Comes Alone (Nashville TV show)

Let Down Your Guard, JJ Heller

Need You More, Darius Rucker

All for Love, Lady Antebellum

Slow and Steady, Of Monsters and Men

Your Love, Brandon Heath

Learn to Live, Darius Rucker

Breathless, The Corrs

Shatter Me, Lindsey Stirling

All I Want for Christmas is You, Olivia Olson (Love Actually)

About the author:

Accused of being an eternal optimist, I was born and raised in the Midwest and migrated to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago. I began spinning tales of intrigue and adventure when I was in grade school, and wrote my first book when I was eleven — a thriller that ended with a mysterious phone call the reader never heard!

My college sweetheart and I have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with two wonderful sons, a bossy kitty and feisty Golden Retriever.

When not dreaming up inspirational tales, I’m usually out hiking in the Cascade Mountains, enjoying a fine cup of tea with friends, or hiding out in a movie theatre. I love to hear from readers! hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com

Harlequin October Spotlight…Q&A & 10 Steps to Publishing by Elle James, author of High Country Hideout

High Country Hideout Synopsis:

Last hope or second chance?

Ranching was Angus Ketchum’s first love — until his last tour of duty shattered that dream. The wounded ex-soldier gets his second chance when he’s recruited to go undercover to protect a widowed ranch owner. But from the moment he meets Reggie Davis, Angus can tell holding on to her land and keeping her young son safe is taking its toll. Especially when someone threatens her livelihood and her life. As the attacks escalate, Angus must rely on his combat skills to keep Reggie and her boy alive. And he must rely on his commitment to the mission to keep their powerful attraction in check.

Q&A with Elle James – High Country Hideout

What compelled you to start writing the Covert Cowboys Inc series?

I love cowboys. They are strong, have a terrific work-ethic, loyal and fight for justice. I also wanted to give men who were down a second chance to make a difference. So, I created a man with money who’d experienced tragedy, was a cowboy and wanted to make a difference and put him on the road to recruiting cowboys who needed another chance. Love this series and the heroes within!

Can you bring us up to speed with the characters in High Country Hideout?

Angus Ketchum was first and foremost a cowboy. When he was wounded in the war, he didn’t think he could ever again do the things he loved until Hank Derringer hired him to protect a ranch owner in Colorado. Reggie Davis is a determined mother, rancher and provider for her young son. Widowed early on, she’s fighting to protect her son’s heritage. But someone is trying to drive her off her ranch. She needs help.

What are some of your favorite suspense books/television shows?

For thrillers and suspense, I love books by Tami Hoag, Robert Crais, Clive Cussler and James Patterson. I enjoy watching Castle, 24 and Longmire. As for movies, give me James Bond, Bourne Identity and Mission Impossible. The bigger the action, the better. I also like to watch action adventure like Sahara, Tomb Raider, Romancing the Stone and National Treasure. Give me a movie with Daniel Craig and I’m there!

What is one thing that you absolutely need while writing?

I’m really trying to cut back, but I’m a Diet Dr. Pepper fan and I need my cup of ice and Diet Dr. Pepper before I can start for the day. I can write at my office desk or with my laptop. Where I write doesn’t matter as long as I have uninterrupted time. I can’t play music, or I sing along, which is not conducive to my word-count. But I do like to have my muses (Chewy, the Yorkie and Sweetpea, the malti-poo) settled in the doggie beds behind me, sleeping peacefully. They keep me sane and give me unconditional love.

If you could fan cast Angus and Reggie, which actors would you choose?

Charlize Theron because she can be so tough and so tender and sensuous.

Mark Wahlberg for Angus, because he’s tough and can work his way through any hardship. Loved him in Lone Survivor!

What was the first romance novel that you ever read?

I can’t remember a specific book because I started reading romance when I was thirteen. Mom would bring home bags of Harlequins from the library. I read all summer. I can remember loving historicals by Barbara Cartland and Georgette Heyer. I liked all subgenres within romance because I could escape into another world and come out satisfied with a happy ending.

Without giving away too much, what’s your favorite scene in High Country Hideout?

I always love the big bad, final scene where you think everything is lost and the characters won’t come out alive. The situation is intense, the emotions run high. My fingers fly across the keyboard during those scenes!

What’s the best response you’ve ever received from a fan?

I love it when I go to book signings and a fan comes up to me all excited and jumping up and down. I always look behind me, thinking she’s excited about another author. When she says she loves my books, I take it as a huge compliment and give big hugs. Makes my day!

Do you have any author conferences or book signings in the near future?

I’ll be at the KallypsoCon in Nashua, New Hampshire Oct 28-31. This is a really small conference dedicated to military romances. Readers are welcome to come spend some one-on-one time with seven military romance authors.

What are you working on next?

I’m writing fast and furious on SEAL Captive, my April 2016 Harlequin Intrigue. It’s based in Cancun where some of my SEAL team is on vacation. Those poor men can’t catch a break! Where they go, trouble follows. Be sure to stay tuned for Sawyer’s story!

TOP TEN EASY STEPS TO GETTING PUBLISHED

By Elle James

Don’t:

Perform Voodoo chants over every manuscript before mailing.
Invest in a lucky rabbit’s foot (not so lucky for the rabbit who lost it)
Type with your fingers crossed
Have your mother read and critique your manuscript as your final round before mailing and be sure to mention your mother loved it in your query letter
During your pitch, or in your query letter, impress the editor with your numerous educational degrees
Tell your prospective editor that you can’t possibly change your story, it’s perfect as is
Whenever your meet an acquiring editor or agent, genuflect (drop to the floor and kiss her feet)
Threaten the editor with vile curses if she doesn’t buy your manuscript
Learn the secret handshake (no one knows it)
Stalk your dream editor into a bathroom stall and refuse to let her out until she reads your manuscript

Do:

Write. It’s as simple as that. If you want to succeed in publishing, you have to write. Sounds silly, right? Some people write one book and work for years to sell that one book. Write the book and move on to the next one. Keep writing.
Critique groups – join a critique group that fits you. It might take a few tries to find one with which you gel. You want honest, constructive feedback and you have to have a thick skin. You need feedback to improve. Don’t take criticism personally.
Learn – Read books on how to write and how to publish. Take online classes. Go to a writers’ conference with fabulous workshops on how to write, publish and market your books.
Writing organizations – Join one. Preferably one set on actually publishing, not a social group. Sit at tables with people who’ve been around the block. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Friends – Make friends with people who are starting out. (It’s always fun to grow together.)
Contests – Enter contests for feedback—not to win. Remember what I said about feedback?
Persistence – Be fearlessly persistent. If you want this, you will work hard and keep working hard. It can become an obsession. Commit to the goal and keep writing.
Submit – You must submit your work to an editor, an agent, a critique group, a reader in order to sell. You have to be willing to put your ‘baby’ out there. Be fearless.
Revise – your first draft is just that—a first draft. Go through again and again to polish your words and sentences. Look for dropped threads, passive voice, anything that will pull the reader out of your story. And revise again. But be careful you don’t rewrite the book into oblivion or that you revise for years and don’t move on to writing the next book.
Write! Write! Write! The more your write, the more feedback you receive, the better you get.

~ Thanks for stopping by, Elle! Jillian

About the author:

Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she’s traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she’ll tell you what it’s like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!

Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.

Harlequin September Spotlight with Tawny Weber & Jennifer Morey

A SEAL’S TEMPTATION

By Tawny Weber

In A Seal’s Temptation, (Harlequin; $5.50) Lark Sommers’s dry spell is officially a sex-starved desert. Since taking over her mom’s quirky coffee shop in Nowhere, Idaho – putting her own career on permanent hold –Lark’s been, well, miserable. But her friends have a plan…one that starts with a superhot guy with a rockin’ hard bod.

US Navy SEAL Shane O’Brian has no clue he’s being set up. All he knows is that Lark does incredible things to his libido. Still, Shane can’t quite bring himself to tell her what he does for a living. After all, their risqué business is temporary – no strings, no falling in love…especially when there’s no way this SEAL would ever be tempted into anything more than a sexy little fling.

Bon Appétit and a Book

One of the elements of writing A SEAL’s Temptation that was so fun was imagining the recipes that could be featured in the story. Lark’s aunt is trying to bring more business into the coffee house, so she begins creating aphrodisiac inspired treats and spreading the ward of their prowess. I have a yummy recipe that goes with the story, a Cocoa Nib Pomegranate Brownie, that are not only delicious, but they’d make a great reading snack!

Q&A A SEAL’S TEMPTATION

Can you tell us a little more about A Seal’s Temptation and your Uniformly Hot! Series?

A SEAL’s Temptation is the 9^th book in my Sexy SEAL series for Blaze’s Uniformly Hot. Each of the books is a stand-alone story, in that none of the others have to be read in order to understand the characters and situation (although I definitely hope that once they’ve tried one, readers will be inspired to check out the other books in the series!) and each book deals with a particularly sexy Navy SEAL falling in love. In the case of A SEAL’s Temptation, Shane O’Brian is on a reluctant visit home, dealing with family pressure and the lack of acceptance of his career. There, he meets Lark Sommers, a woman dealing with her own family pain and the pressures she puts on herself. In their own way, they’re both hiding from themselves and from their choices—and discover that the undeniable heat between them makes for the perfect distraction. But when Shane is called back to duty, then injured, they both have to face realities and choices like never before.

Lark is a talented potter. Can you tell us more about your love for ceramics?

I’ve loved ceramics as far back as I can remember, but I think what really cemented that love for the art has been my aunt’s work. She holds a masters in fine arts, with a focus on ceramics. She makes the most gorgeous pieces! The colors, the textures, the shapes are all fascinating to me. I remember one trip to the family cabin, we hiked up the stream to a patch of what I thought was mud but she explained was clay. She dug a bucketful to take home with her and made the most beautiful bowl. From what I’d have called mud! If I were ever to try to attempt any type of art, it’d be ceramics.

What inspired you to start a series about Navy Seals?

I was actually asked to write two books for the Harlequin Blaze Uniformly Hot series and was really excited about writing military heroes because my husband and a number of family members were in the military. So I came at this project with a strong love of military heroes and understanding of service from the view of the woman who loves a military man. But the only heroes unassigned to write were Navy SEALs, and ironically the only branch of the service that I didn’t have experience or easy access to was the navy. But I dove in, head first, and loved writing those first two books so much. Over the course of writing the next 8 after that, I’ve interviewed a number of navy personnel, including a few SEALs who’ve been wonderfully generous in their help and advice.

How does Shane and Lark’s relationship progress throughout the book?

Shane is keeping a major secret from Lark at the beginning of their relationship and he doesn’t see that truth is an option. Over the course of the story, he learns to embrace his truth and to face his reasons for having avoided it. Through Shane, Lark learns to face her losses and heartbreaks, and to embrace her own dreams again. They go from being basically dishonest with themselves to being emotionally honest with each other.

Without giving away too much, what’s your favorite scene between Shane and Lark?

I think the hospital scene was my favorite to write, and to read, because it was such a huge turning point for these characters. Not only was it a scene that revealed a lot of untold truths, but it was so emotionally challenging for the heroine, and so rough on the hero.

Who would you fan cast as Shane and Lark?

Oh, I’d love to see Chris Pratt as Shane and Emma Stone (as a brunette) would be a fab Lark.

What is your idea of the perfect date?

A perfect date is one that makes me smile. Something romantic and sweet, like a surprise candlelit dinner in the park or a drive in the country to a romantic inn would be lovely.

Are you heading to any conferences/signings/author events in the near future?

I’ll be speaking at the Alameda Library on September 12 this year, but my next big event isn’t until the RT Booklovers convention next April.

What is the best reaction over a book that you’ve ever gotten from a fan?

I was signing books at the Romance Writers of America literacy signing this summer and was blown away by the readers’ enthusiasm and excitement when we met. The best complement I’ve ever had was having a reader tell me they were up all night, losing sleep, because they were reading my book. What a wonderful thing to pull a reader in that way!

What are you working on next?

I’ve just completed edits on my February 16 release, A SEAL’s Touch and right now am working on A SEAL’s Desire, which should be out summer of next year. I’ve gone from a shy hero to a troubled hero and am now writing a cowboy hero. Man, I love my job!

About the author:

New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of more than thirty books, Tawny Weber writes sassy, emotional romances with a dash of humor, featuring hot alpha heroes. It’s all about the sexy attitude! A fan of Johnny Depp, cupcakes, and her very own hero husband, Tawny enjoys scrapbooking, gardening, spending time with her family and dogs, and hanging out with readers on Facebook. Fans are invited to check out Tawny’s books at her website, www.tawnyweber.com. For extra fun, join her Red Hot Readers Club for goodies like free reads, complete first chapters, recipes, insider story info and much more. Her books are available in sixteen countries.

Website: http://tawnyweber.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TawnyWeber.RomanceAuthor?ref=sgm

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TawnyWeber @TawnyWeber

A WANTED MAN

by Jennifer Morey

After his daughter’s brutal murder, former NYPD detective Kadin Tandy opens Wyoming’s Dark Alley Investigations to bring violent criminals to justice. Romance is the last thing on the sexy PI’s troubled mind. That is, until feisty ad exec Penny Darden asks for his help. Now he’s investigating her estranged boyfriend’s frightening link to a murder.

Despite her relationship status, Penny’s fierce independence and frank flirtation revive Kadin’s damaged heart. As an untraceable killer closes in on them, the more harrowing the stakes – and the closer they become. At risk are their lives and their best shot at love.

Song Playlist for A Wanted Man:

The Heart Wants What it Wants – Selina Gomez

Treacherous – Taylor Swift

Enchanted – Taylor Swift

E.T. – Katy Perry

Stars Dance – Selina Gomez

How-to Tips for Aspiring Writers: Writing is the most important, of course. Know your grammar and how to tell a story. If you aren’t a natural, join critique groups and enter contests. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Learn as much as you can. I am still learning after having 16 books published! Easily taking offense to criticism will make your journey a lot harder. Stay positive and believe in your talent as much as you believe in yourself.

Writer’s Space: I write all over my house. My office is in a loft, and I have a living room with no TV that is open to the dining room.

About the author:

JENNIFER MOREY’S first stories were inspired by her childhood love of Man o’ War, Secretariat and The Black Stallion by Walter Farley. Bubbles of dialogue above cartoon drawings of horses led to hand-written tales of adolescent love. Years later, and two months after graduating from Colorado State University with a B.S. in geology, her mother died suddenly and the course of her life changed. The writer in her resurfaced, and she pursued a serious career. As Associate Project Manager for the Spacecraft Systems Segment of a satellite imagery and information company, Jennifer works with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. When not writing, she can be found playing volleyball, hiking, flower gardening, socializing, or cuddling with her rescued golden retriever and feisty yellow lab. A finalist in more than twenty contests, Jennifer has received several awards for her writing, one of which led to the publication of her debut novel, The Secret Soldier

Harlequin August Spotlight with Deb Kastner, Delores Fossen, & Janice Maynard

A Lawman’s Justice by Delores Fossen

Bon Appétit and a Book

This is such a simple cake recipe. Some call it Crazy Cake, others Wacky Cake. I’ve even seen it called Cockeyed Cake. You mix all the ingredients in the pan and bake at 350 degrees:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. white vinegar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

5 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 cup water

Song Playlist:

Rod Stewart: I Don’t Want to Talk About It

Ed Sheeran: Make It Rain

Rhianna: Stay

Dustin Lynch: Hell of a Night

The Stone Poneys: Different Drum

Aaron Neville: Tell It Like It Is

Tom Petty: Walls

How-to Tips for Aspiring Writers:

Two things: learn the craft of writing and the business of writing. First comes the craft, of course. You have to write a great book for it to be published, but learning the business is necessary to turn writing into a career.

Love Lessons Learned:

Don’t give up on love! I think that’s an important lesson not just for Seth and Shelby but for everyone. These are two people whose families were feuding, and no one in either family wanted them together. Still, they found a way.

Movie Star Cast:

Timothy Oliphant for Seth. He’s got the quiet edge that Seth has.

Rachel McAdams for Shelby. I think she’s both tough and vulnerable at the same time, and so is Shelby.

The Cowboy’s Surprise Baby by Deb Kastner

BON APPETIT AND A BOOK

Folks in Serendipity, Texas love to socialize and will make any excuse for a potluck celebration. The annual June BBQ is a key setting in The Cowboy’s Surprise Baby and is actually the catalyst in the plot.

Serendipity potlucks aren’t organized, yet there’s always more than enough great country cooking in every category, from salads to main dishes to desserts.

Phoebe Hawkins from Cup O’ Jo’s Café is a world-class baker whose pies and pastries are renowned throughout Serendipity, but there’s always room for more. Here’s a recipe for an ooey, gooey Earthworm Mud Pie.

EARTHWORM MUD PIE

INGREDIENTS

1 Large Package Oreos

1 Jar Hot Fudge Topping Sauce

2 Cups Milk

1 Large Box Chocolate Pudding Mix

1 Small Bag Gummy Worms

1 Can Spray Whipping Cream

THE CRUST

Crush the Oreos in a large bowl, leaving 10 aside for topping. Mix the hot fudge into the Oreos to a dough-like consistency. Mash Oreo mixture into a pie tin on bottom and sides. Let sit in refrigerator while mixing other ingredients.

THE CENTER

In a large bowl, mix chocolate pudding mix and milk according to the pie instructions on the pudding box. Crush 5 Oreos (not too finely) and mix them into the pudding. Pour the pudding mixture into the pie tin over the crust. Let sit in refrigerator for 1 hour.

TOPPINGS

Remove pie from refrigerator and place on counter. Press several gummy worms into pie mixture, some all the way, some sticking out a little. Spray whipped cream in a swirl pattern on the edges of pie. Crush remaining 5 Oreos (not too finely) and sprinkle over top of pie. Place 3-5 gummy worms on top of pie. Serve chilled.

SONG PLAYLIST

I am entirely obsessed with The Texas Tenors so they accompany me through every book deadline. That said, here are some songs specific to The Cowboy’s Surprise Baby.

Brighter than the Sun (Smash Cast Album)

The Climb (The Texas Tenors version)

You Are Music (Phantom—the Kopit/Yeston version of the musical that never hit Broadway)

Feed my Lambs (John Angotti)

Bless the Broken Road (The Texas Tenors version)

You Should Dream (The Texas Tenors)

I Send You Out (John Angotti)

HOW-TO TIPS FOR ASPIRING WRITERS

If you’re an aspiring writer I’m going to assume you’re first a voracious reader. I imagine you’ve read across many genres and have your favorites. You may even know exactly which sub-genre you wish to pursue. Once you have an idea what you’d like to write, read some more—everything you can get your hands on specific to your sub-genre. Who are your favorite authors? Why? Analyze your favorites and see why they work for you. Get a feel for the publisher and imprint.

Learn to write. I’m not being trite. There’s certainly a lot of room for natural talent, but talent will only take you so far. Every single published author out there is constantly learning more about writing and working at their craft. Read how-to books. Join a professional writer’s organization or two and attend a conference. Rub elbows with other writers as well as agents and editors. Make use of social media to meet and follow your favorite authors.

When you’re ready to pitch to an editor or send in your query, consider associate and assistant editors and newer agents who might be wanting to build their stable of authors. I was astounded when my editor said the majority of her pitch slots at the latest Romance Writers of America conference remained empty. Apparently everyone wanted to pitch to the senior editor of the line, while all the while writers were missing an opportunity to pitch to a lovely young editor with slots to fill!

Don’t chase after the latest fad. Publishing moves at a snail’s pace. Even if you were to sell that dystopian vampire book, by the time it is released in two years the reading public will have moved on. Write what you would love to read. Yes, write it within the boundaries of your potential publisher/agent guidelines, but write the book of your heart.

Finally, write a book. A whole book. Not a ten-page contest entry. Not a proposal that you plan to pitch to every agent and editor in the country. A book. You’ll never know if you can write a book until you’ve done it. The truth is, many people can’t, or everyone would be publishing books. Your final manuscript may take permanent residence under your bed, but you’ll have written a book! It’s something to be proud of.

LOVE LESSONS LEARNED

At first glance, The Cowboy’s Surprise Baby is a reunion romance. The hero and heroine were high school sweethearts who encounter each other nearly two decades after they originally broke up. Time and life experiences have given them a new perspective on relationships. They needed to mature individually to become the people God wanted them to be. Then they can approach each other with a combined love and maturity they did not have as youths, putting one another’s needs over themselves.

But there are deeper love layers in the book. As one would expect from the title, hero Cole Bishop finds out he is the father of a child born out of his one and only one-night stand, whose mother had no wish to raise the baby. While he could have taken the easy way out, Cole cowboys up and takes his responsibilities as a father seriously, even so much as to retire from the Navy just shy of benefits to return to his hometown to raise his son. He is ashamed of his actions but accepts his obligations and the responsibilities inherent in raising his son. What a delight for him to learn that no matter how he was conceived, Grayson is one of God’s greatest blessings to Cole.

Also within The Cowboy’s Surprise Baby is the story of a teenage girl pregnant by one of her college-professor father’s students. She has nowhere to go and when Cole comes upon her, she tentatively puts her trust in him. He believes he is nobody’s mentor, especially an impressionable teenage girl, but he learns that a man can change the world, one life at a time.

MOVIE STAR CAST

Cole Bishop Bradley Cooper

Tessa Applewhite Cassidy Freeman

Alexis Haddon Jennifer Morrison

Griff Haddon Jack Davenport

Jo Spencer Sharon Gless

Frank Spencer Terry O’Quinn

Marcus Ender Sam Claflin

Second Chance With The Billionaire by Janice Maynard

Bon Appétit and a Book

My grandmother was an amazing cook. Most Sundays when I was a kid we would go to her house to have lunch or dinner. The smells were tantalizing. She always had some kind of special, freshly baked item in the kitchen.

Summers were particularly wonderful, because she bought fresh corn, squash, green beans and watermelon from local farmers to include in her bountiful feasts.

Second Chance With the Billionaire takes place during the long hot days of summer. In weather like that, any meal deserves a light, perfect treat for dessert. Even the name of this recipe makes me smile. Lemon Love Notes.

This sweet, tart delight is straight from my Grandmother Morrison’s home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It’s made from scratch, but even an inexperienced cook can handle it. And as a bonus, your kitchen will smell wonderful when you’re done.

Lemon Love Notes:

Combine the following three ingredients and pat evenly into an 8 x 8 inch pan. (1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of regular flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar) Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Set aside to cool.

Next, in a medium bowl beat two eggs with a fork. Add 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 cup of sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and the grated peel and juice of one lemon. Mix well by hand.

Pour into cooked shell. Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool, and sprinkle with powdered sugar before cutting. Enjoy!

SONG PLAYLIST –

Home by Chris Lee (this song was actually written specifically for my Wolff Mountain series. But it underscores my Kavanaghs as well, because the theme of home runs throughout many of my books)
Next to Me – by Emili Sandé
Come to Me – Goo Goo Dolls
I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
The Giving Tree – Plain White T’s
Run – Matt Nathanson
I Will Wait – Mumford & Sons
Peace – O.A.R
Try – Pink

10) I Choose You – Sara Bareilles

11) I Could Have Been Your Girl – She & Him

How-To Tips for Aspiring Writers –

Pick a book that you really love. With highlighters in two colors, mark the sections of dialogue versus other paragraphs. This will give you a sense of the rhythm in the fiction you like to read.
Take online classes from writing organizations.
Attend regional or national conferences where you can request pitch appointments for agents and editors.
Enter two or three contests a year. Study the feedback. If judges hit on the same weaknesses, address those in your writing.
If you want to be published, ignore rejection and keep going!

Love Lessons Learned –

It’s important to understand what you’re looking for from a relationship and from life. Other people can’t make you happy. But when you find that person who makes you want to be your best self, don’t let the opportunity slip by.

Movie Star Cast –

Chris Pine and Emma Stone

Q & A:

Silver Glen, North Carolina, is home to the seven Kavanagh brothers. In an environment where the rich and famous come for a little rest and relaxation under the radar, the Kavanaghs stand out. They are fiercely loyal, wickedly sexy, and generally stubborn. In Second Chance With the Billionaire, Conor Kavanagh comes face to face with the first girl he ever loved. But tragedy has touched each of them. They have to decide if the spark that still simmers between them after all this time is strong enough to overcome any barriers.
Baby books are always popular in romance. Maybe it’s the juxtaposition of an innocent infant with a big, strong man that makes women weak in the knees. A man who can and will care for a helpless child is a man worth loving.
I had my first date with the man I eventually married when I was sixteen. What were the chances I would choose wisely? How do we ever know we’re doing the right thing? Ellie Porter loved Conor Kavanagh when they were young, but she walked away. Exploring the themes of regret and second chances is a rich experience for any writer.
I love heroes who keep their innermost thoughts hidden. They don’t like showing weakness, especially when it comes to the women they adore. I like watching a tough man made vulnerable when he really doesn’t want to be.
I probably identify most with Liam Kavanagh (A Not-So-Innocent Seduction), because he’s the firstborn. My husband and I are both first children. With that birth order comes a tendency to be “too” responsible sometimes. You have to remind yourself that life needs to be balanced between work and play. When Zoe drops into Liam’s life, his “wants” end up in direct opposition to what he thinks he “should” do.
I have no clue what it’s like to have unlimited money. But my billionaires are defined more by their character than by their bank accounts. I love making each hero a personality who stands out in a reader’s mind. My Kavanagh heroes (and earlier, my Wolff men) are bold, interesting guys with or without the money.
I attended the Lori Foster Reader Author Get-Together in June and the annual Romance Writers of America conference in July. Nothing planned for the fall so far.
I’ve had fans suggest to me that I should write a romance for the “parents” of my characters. Though I haven’t had that opportunity yet, I love the idea. It means that readers are really coming to love the Wolffs and Kavanaghs the way I do.
I don’t know how good I would be at collaboration. In school, I never really enjoyed “group” work. But I very much admire the writing of Diana Gabaldon, Lori Foster, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Emma Holly, and Tiffany Reisz.
I’m multi-tasking at the moment! I still have one more Kavanagh story to write, but I’m also gleefully working on a contemporary Scottish romance called Hot for the Scot that will be out in March of 2016. Kilts and Kavanaghs. What else could I ask for!!

Harlequin July Spotlight & Giveaway with Christine Rimmer, Tina Leonard, & Catherine Mann

Love Lessons Learned:

Real life romance lessons learned from the book with Christine Rimmer

When I think of the love lessons a reader might come away with after reading The Maverick’s Accidental Bride, what comes immediately to my mind are some of the insights readers themselves have offered:

“Sometimes you really don’t recognize your match until something unusual happens. Maybe the accidental wedding was not that big an accident after all.” –Jo (Mixed Book Bag) Goodreads

“I would highly recommend this book to anyone that believes that some things are just written in the stars and when you least expect it fate gives you that love you have been hoping to find.” –Kimberly, Amazon.com Reviews

“I loved both of the characters and I enjoyed the way Ms. Rimmer took us down the path of them discovering what their hearts were telling them all along.” –Judy, Amazon.com Reviews

And speaking for myself, I would have to say that sometimes an “accident” of fate can turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you. The hero and heroine, Will Clifton and Jordyn Leigh Cates, have known each other from childhood. Neither is looking for love in the other. But when circumstances force them to spend time together, they finally begin to see what was there all along, that each is the other’s true and lasting love. It’s not really surprising that friends-to-lovers stories are so popular. Who better to build a life with than a true friend you can put your trust in?

Website: www.christinerimmer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinerimmerauthor?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RimmerChristine

Bon Appetit and Book with Tina Leonard – The Cowboy SEAL’s Triplets

Perfect Nacho Bites, to enjoy alongside The Cowboy SEAL’s Triplets!

Ingredients

2 bags of tortilla chips
1 can (32-ounces) refried beans
8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated
1 jar of sliced jalapenos
cherry tomatoes, sliced thin
green onions, sliced thin
sour cream, to taste
salsa, to taste
Instructions

Preheat oven to broil setting.
Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each chip and place onto a baking sheet lined with foil.
Sprinkle generously with cheese, and top each chip with a sliced jalapeno.
Place on the middle rack of the oven and broil until edges are slightly browned and cheese is bubbly, about 1 – 2 minutes.
Remove from oven and top with sliced tomatoes and green onions. Serve with salsa and sour cream

Bon Appetit and Book with Catherine Mann

Sweet tea! I’m Southern, after all. And the recipe is so simple:

Get a gallon drink dispenser. Place 6-8 large tea bags in the container. Place the lid on top with the tags dangling out. Set the container in the window sill all day. At the end of the day, pull out the tea bags. Add 3-4 cups or sugar (or your low calorie sweetener of choice) and refrigerate. Especially yummy if add lemon slices or mint leaves.

About the spotlight titles:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Christine Rimmer returns with THE MAVERICK’S ACCIDENTAL BRIDE (July 1, 2015). No one can blame blushing bride Jordyn Leigh Cates for saying I do to sexy blue-eyed rancher Will Clifton (He’s six feet of pure muscle and charm). Are these two merely love-struck friends who got swept away at someone else’s wedding? Our sources suggest otherwise.

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Tina Leonard charms us with THE COWBOY SEAL’S TRIPLETS (July 1, 2015). Former bad girl Daisy Donovan is finally home where she belongs, ready to win over her Texas town – and hunky former SEAL John “Squirt” Mathison who is the father of her soon-to-be baby boys.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Mann brings us a classic cowboy romp with PREGNANT BY THE COWBOY CEO (July 7, 2015). Jewelry designer Amie McNaire has to find a way to let the sexy new CEO of her family’s business empire, Preston Armstrong, know that she’s pregnant with his child. spending a week with Amie has this tight-lipped cowboy longing to open up, even if his past threatens their future – as a couple, and a family.

Giveaway:

Enter to win a copy of one of the above titles by commenting on this post! Winners will be chosen a week from today, 7/20/15

Thanks for stopping by!

Harlequin June Spotlight…Q&A with Catherine Mann, author of Pursued By The Rich Rancher

PURSUED BY THE RICH RANCHER

by USA Today bestselling author

Catherine Mann

Single mom Nina Lowery has never understood the sex appeal of cowboys. Until she brings her son to a weeklong horse camp and meets the wealthy rancher in charge. Seduction isn’t part of Alex McNair’s plan to earn his piece of his family’s estate. Yet plans have a way of changing. Nina and her little boy hold the key to Alex’s future. Breaking the promise he made to his dying grandmother is not an option but neither is breaking Nina’s heart.

Q&A with Catherine Mann

author of

PURSUED BY THE RICH RANCHER

You have more than 60 books released in more than 20 countries. What’s it like to have fans all over the world?

What a thrill to have the opportunity to touch readers around the globe. I’m not only an author, but also an avid reader myself. I treasure the escape of a great read and am honored to offer that entertainment to others.

What inspired you to make the move from theater school director to romance author?

The two actually share many similarities – the world building, characterization, plotting, staging, creating tension. I’m building a world with words rather than on a stage. My theater background also has a heavy emphasis in directing and literature.

Can you tell us about your animal rescue work?

Ah, my heart and passion – I’ve been an animal rescuer for over a decade through fostering and serving on a shelter board of directors. Recently, I took a big leap of faith with some close friends and started our own rescue – The Sunshine State Animal Rescue. We’re a 501c3, non profit, no-kill rescue, all foster-home based. While we do traditional adoption placements, we also specialize in identifying animals at shelters that have working dog potential and partnering them into service/therapy/search and rescue placements. It’s been a life changing experience. FMI check out our facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/sunshinestateanimalrescue

If PURSUED BY THE RICH RANCHER were made into a movie, who would you cast in the starring roles?

Timothy Olyphant as Alex McNair – definitely! And Emma Stone as single mom Nina Lowery.

What are you working on next?

Exciting news! I’m starting a new series for Harlequin Desire called the “Bayou Billionaires” – a football family dynasty that gives the books a sports industry setting. I’m writing the launch book, award winning author Joanne Rock is writing the second. She and I will continue to alternate writing books in the series so readers can have a book a month in the series. The series begins in early 2016 with HIS PREGNANT PRINCESS BRIDE.

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