Every Day Should Be A Holiday--and Discounted to 99 cents

Almost fifteen years ago when I first started writing the Naughty Holiday List series I had no idea what I was doing. I'd read a bunch of what we now call smutty books (back then the more common term was erotic romance), I'd written one (Wandering off the Path, which would not be published for a few years after this series started) and I knew I had a fun idea with tons of possibilities. As a devoted romance reader, I knew I loved series, and that other readers did too. And that was about all the knowledge I had when I wrote the first book in this series. 

A good idea. A dream. Enough knowledge to be dangerous, but not enough to realize I had no clue what I was getting myself into. 

I read a submission request for Christmas stories, and the idea just came to me (this happens to me a lot), and I quickly wrote a fun little story featuring a girl, her four best friends, and the lists they all created to bring love into their lives. 

I had no clue if the first book would ever get published (which was published by Cobblestone Press titled Naughty List). I didn't know if anyone would read it. But I was still naive enough to think I could write a whole series of women finding the man of their dreams using lists. It was only after writing Naughty List that I decided all the characters would use their lists at different holidays. And in different ways. (I also thought I would write the whole series in one year, which I definitely didn't do. I had no idea back then how long it would take to not just write a book but five). 

When I started out I didn't even know what holidays would feature in these stories. I started with the big hits. Christmas. New Years Eve. Valentine's Day. All popular holidays, perfect for romance. And I found the perfect stories for those special days. But that all changed with Foolish Desire. None of the remaining popular holidays really worked for the story I wanted to tell for Amy. She was shy, scared, stuck in her own shell. Drinking green beer or watching fireworks wouldn't change any of that.

That's when I thought to try an untraditional holiday. The type of holiday that is rarely written about. And probably seen even less in romance novels. April Fool's Day. 

And that changed everything about this series. It opened up new and different holidays to explore. New possibilities, not just for this book but for the final book in the series, Dirty Work, which was set on Labor Day. Holidays that aren't know for their romance, but had so much great untapped potential. It might be one of the things I love most about this series.

Before writing this book I'd never read a April Fool's holiday romance, but even now, after writing my own, I don't know why I haven't seen more. If every day can be a romantic, why not April Fool's? And if a mix up with a Christmas email, or a Halloween costume, can be the beginning of a beautiful romance, why not an April Fool's Prank gone wrong? Which is exactly what happens to Amy and Will. 

April Fools offered so much potential for romance, especially romantic comedy. All the hijinks that could occur, all the misunderstandings that could take place and lead to so much more. Without the cheesy music, crowded restaurants, or family meddling of the other holidays.

Just thinking about it makes me want to write a whole new series. Filled with even more obscure holidays, and even more delicious romances. Or maybe one where they are all set on April Fools. The ideas are endless. Because everyday is a great day romance. 

And for the next three days, on the anniversary of its original release, Foolish Desire is only $0.99 on bookstrand.com. There was never a better time to pick up a romance set on an untraditional, but so appropriate holiday, than right now. And that is no joke.

Buy Link: https://www.bookstrand.com/foolish-desire

Blurb : Amy Spear has never felt special. She’s shy, awkward, and clumsy to boot. No one ever noticed her, especially not hunky guys like Will, except for maybe when she was tripping over her own feet. Until an April Fools' prank goes too far, and for the first time Amy is the center of Will’s interest, and she's rather liking the arrangement. But does he want all of her, or just the woman who likes getting naughty to an audience?

Will Long has always been a joke. And he never minded playing the jester to a tee, until he met Amy. She’s far too sweet, too innocent, too serious for a guy like him. But when his April Fools' prank shows him a whole new side of Amy, he can’t pretend to look away any longer. But can a fool like Will keep a girl like Amy? Or will he end up being the butt of his own joke?

Writing life – procrastination, process, and progress #amwriting #romancenovels #writinglife

During this season of changing leaves and impending snow, I am trying to finish a manuscript as well as maintain some sense of positivity and hope. For me, November is all about sharing and being thankful for the people, pets, and things in my life. The people and pets can be fairly distracting, especially at times like the present, when I need to be in deep concentration mode to finish a manuscript. When I’m not managing distractions, there are still times when I have uninterrupted time to work yet I can’t figure out what should happen next in the scene or chapter. I love being a writer, but pulling ideas out of thin air and putting words together to make a whole entire story isn’t easy.

Here’s a glimpse of what my process looks like as well as some of my strategies for getting past the dreaded writer’s block issue that comes for us all at some point.

Five things usually found at my writing desk (which is also my kitchen table) – a composition notebook with a ton of notes and scratch drawings inside, some type of fidget object (my current favorites are a dodecahedron fidget cube, a squishy foam cupcake, and a heart-shaped worry stone), at least one of my cats, my laptop, and a fair amount of dark chocolate snacks.

Five favorite procrastination activities – When I’m stuck on a scene or a chapter, I try to get up from the computer or notebook and do something else for a while. Some may call it procrastination but I find that doing switching activities helps get my mind off being stuck, which ultimately— well, usually— leads me to a solution. A walk outside, especially somewhere near the water, helps clear my mind. Cooking and cleaning are necessary parts of daily life but when I have writer’s block, my house gets extremely clean and a plethora of baked goods line the kitchen counter. Going for a drive with the music turned loud while I sing at top volume (car windows closed, of course) is one of my go-to strategies to cope when something is bothering me or when I need time to myself to think. Watching a movie or reading a book can get me totally out of my headspace while also fueling my creativity. If I try all of the above and still find myself stuck, then I work on a different writing project and leave the problematic one alone for a few days.

Five favorite fall foods – pumpkin pie (the kind from the grocery store bakery that I don’t have to bake from scratch), hot apple cider, homemade barbecue in the crock pot, dark chocolate peppermint bark, spaghetti and meatballs with plenty of bread and cheese

Five songs I’ve been listening to on repeat lately – What I Got by Sublime, We Don’t Need Another Hero by Tina Turner, Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton (even though it kind of makes me cry every single time), Say Hello to Heaven by Temple of the Dog, and Gloria by Laura Branigan

Five books/series I’ve read recently or am currently reading- Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries by Daneille Garret, Crescent Moon Mysteries by Tara Lush, The Enchanted Bird by Catherine Dotterer, The Body Shop series by Hailey Edwards, The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

 

What I’m working on now:

I’ve been busy writing steamy, paranormal romance, Hawk’s Heart. This will be Jordan and Luke’s story, and the very last book in my Stranger Creatures series. Each book in the series features a different couple in their fight for a happily-ever-after. I’ve also been working on a couple of romantasy novellas featuring women in their forties navigating unexpected new paths in life, as well as writing poetry and learning the how to write flash fiction.

You can visit my amazon author page for buy links and to learn more about the books in my Stranger Creatures series and my Haven Forest Resort series (also available at other e-book sellers like Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, iBooks, Google Books, and Kobo).

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Christina-Lynn-Lambert/e/B01MCYK0K7

If you’d like to follow me on social media for my latest book information and excerpts, poems, contest info, book recommendations, and other fun stuff, you can find me at:

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christina-lynn-lambert

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinalynnlambert

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15900423.Christina_Lynn_Lambert

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinalynnlambert

Wordpress: https://christinalynnlambertwordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cllambauthor.bsky.social

How to Ruin a Good Plot

 

I enjoy watching old mystery/thriller movies and crime shows. There are some clever plot things happening in those classic capers, and in episodes of “Law & Order,” “Mission: Impossible,” and “Columbo.” Most of us watch these for nostalgia, but often find ourselves laughing when we see an AM/FM clock radio, a rotary dial phone with an answering machine, or a tape recorder. “This tape will self-destruct in five seconds…” Remember that? It started me thinking about how some of those stories would need rewrites in the current techno climate. Full disclosure: I am not poking fun at these movies or how they made use of tech that was available at the time. This is merely pondering “What if…?”

 

“Psycho” is one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most memorable thrillers but if it were made today, I’d have one word: Yelp! If Marion Crane had looked up the Bates Motel before pulling in for the night, she might have read some complaints about the creepy desk clerk who worked there. She also might have put off that shower until the next morning. In Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” a New York ad man is mistaken for a spy, set up as the fall guy in a murder, then chased halfway across the country while he tries to clear his name. Done today, the nasty enemy agents would take his photo, do an online search, and realize he isn’t the guy they’re after. The murder they frame him for would also be captured on a dozen cell phone videos, thus proving his innocence.  

 

In “Dial M for Murder,” the killer plans to strangle Grace Kelly with a telephone cord. Has anyone seen a landline phone with a cord lately? If you have a phone in your home, it’s probably a cordless model. Poor Princess Grace would have to meet her demise by some other manner, like a good old-fashioned length of rope. I have to laugh each time I see the camera equipment Jimmy Stewart uses to spy on his neighbors in “Rear Window.” I realize those cumbersome telephoto lenses were cutting edge in the mid-fifties, but it’s still amusing to see them in action. Regarding the voyeuristic tone of this movie, you have to wonder if the neighbors being watched would behave any differently today.   

 

A couple of con artist thrillers could make use of current tech, but they wouldn’t be as good. If they remade “Charade” (1963), smooth criminal Cary Grant would have an easier time getting over on naïve Audrey Hepburn as he changes identities like some people change socks. If all he needed to do was post a fake online profile when he springs a new name on her, though, it wouldn’t have the same impact without his trademark charm that he used to convince her. The same with the true story “Catch Me If You Can.” The Frank Abagnale character wouldn’t be able to pull off those elaborate impersonations if all someone had to do was run his name and likeness through Google to find out who he really was. With today’s security measures, hopefully he wouldn’t be able to impersonate an airline pilot and get through a TSA checkpoint.   

 

The early 1970s brought a slew of street cop movies that utilized then-current crime solving methods. The mounting tension in “The French Connection” came from watching the cops following the drug smugglers all over New York City without the aid of cell phones or security cameras. It was all done on foot and by car. At times they got careless and were nearly discovered, but that just added more suspense. If they had used traffic cams or GPS to track the bad guys, it wouldn’t have had the same effect.

 

That same year gave us Clint Eastwood’s rogue cop “Dirty Harry.” There’s an intense sequence when he has to deliver the ransom money to the killer, and the guy runs Eastwood all over San Francisco on foot, from one public payphone to the next to be sure he isn’t being followed. It’s exciting, but when was the last time you saw a payphone? They didn’t have Wi-fi then, and the two-way communication system Eastwood and his partner used was about as effective as a kid’s walkie-talkie set.  

 

Think how the teen romance “Sixteen Candles” would look now. Thanks to social media, Samantha’s milestone birthday wouldn’t have been forgotten by her friends, and the whole plot would have been rendered moot. “Sleepless in Seattle” would have a different look, too. Meg Ryan could search Tom Hanks online to locate him instead of conducting a coast-to-coast trek to meet the lonely widower from the radio call-in show. And I have to comment on the cute-meet thing between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman.” He gets lost in LA, sees Roberts on the street corner, and asks her for directions. GPS much, Richard?

 

The holiday favorite “Home Alone” would now have to incorporate cell phone reminders, ringtone cameras, and home security devices for realism. It wouldn’t be as much fun as watching Macauley Culkin outwit the bad guys with kid logic, though. All of those teen slasher flicks like “Halloween” and “He Knows You’re Alone” would now be anti-climactic, thanks to caller ID. It kind of takes the suspense out of waiting to see who the mystery stalker is when you could hit redial and harass them back, doesn’t it? And the weepy romance “An Affair to Remember” would have a new outcome if Deborah Kerr could have texted Cary Grant that she was running late for their date at the Empire State Building. That way, she wouldn’t have been hit by a car while crossing the street to meet him. Of course, this would have deprived moviegoers of the opportunity to have a good cry at the ending.    

 

I think this thing with modern tech has finally gotten to me. I was watching an old episode of “Law & Order,” and the cops were identifying the suspect by typing the blood found at the scene. Blood typing? That’s the best they could do? I felt like shouting “DNA!” or “Check the security cameras!”    

 

Tim Smith is an award-winning bestselling author of romantic mystery/thrillers and contemporary rom/coms. His author site is Tim Smith, AllAuthor.com

 

 

Ornery Owl Recommends: Two For Holding

 

Genre: Contemporary romance, gay romance, sports romance

Heat Level: Three flames

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/two-for-holding 

 This slow-burn romance has a grumpy/sunshine opposites attract dynamic. Team captain Tom is reserved and sensible. He's also in the closet. Alternate captain Jax is new to the team. He is outgoing and out. Tom finds himself attracted to Jax in spite of the fact that he finds Jax's personality irritating. Jax is not initially drawn to Tom. He finds the captain's personality dull and officious. However, as he gets to know more about Tom, his feelings move from grudging respect to admiration and attraction.

The interpersonal relationships between not only Jax and Tom but also their teammates are depicted in an engaging and realistic fashion. Some parts of the story delve into the intricacies of the game of hockey and may lose the interest of readers of those who are only invested in the romance arc. However, these scenes provide depth for those readers who enjoy realism with their romance. The author understands hockey and isn't afraid to give readers bite-sized lessons in the context of the story.

I am not fond of the term "queer." From my perspective, it is a homophobic slur. Were I bisexual or homosexual, I would most assuredly not embrace it. Many younger authors tend to incorporate it. I much prefer gay to queer. 

Queer shows up a lot in this tale. I tried to ignore it and enjoy the story's intent and plot. The author does a good job of educating readers about the reality of homophobia in athletics, particularly male-dominated sports such as baseball, basketball, football (American), hockey, and soccer. Gay athletes still face a lot of potential backlash. Kudos to the author for not glossing over this fact.

I give this book a five-star rating for overall enjoyability and quality. I highly recommend it for fans of gay contemporary romance and sports romance.

With love,

Ornery Owl 

 Ornery Owl and Pals

Free Use Image from Pixabay 

 

Writing Post-Apocalyptic Fiction by January Bain

 

Good Morning! Just showing proof I actually work out in a dress every day, believe it or not?! My momma raised a real girlie-girl which might go against me in the event of an apocalypse, but hey, it's what I do.

I've never been busier in my life writing, but I love it! Working every day, fingers on keyboard, that's what gets it done for me.

I'm in the process of writing a 9 book series,  World Gone Dark, working on book 3 as we speak, expected by the publisher by the end of November. I always try to live up to my promises. Fingers crossed, I always will be able to!

As promised in my title, I'm going to include a video I think you might enjoy. I'm really enjoying animation, if you can see a book in your head, you can create a book trailer. All the tools imaginable are available right now!

Until next month, I bid you a fond adieux!

Hugs, January Bain/Storyteller @ Rough Edges Press & Wolfpack Publishing.

Sometimes romance can be hell – #Halloween #PNR #FreeBook

By Lisabet Sarai

Happy Halloween!

For my favorite holiday, I am giving away lots of treats. Over at my personal blog Beyond Romance, I’ve got two seasonally appropriate free reads for every visitor. I’m also announcing the winner of my Haunted October giveaway grand prize. 

During the past four weeks, I’ve been celebrating the month of magic by featuring excerpts from my many paranormal titles. But I realized this afternoon that I haven’t shared anything from my paranormal BDSM erotic romance Damned If You Do – even though the book reaches it dramatic climax on Halloween.

Better late than never; I’ll post a bit from the Halloween scene today. And I will give away a free copy of this sexy novella to anyone who asks me in a comment on this post! Just be sure to include your email address so I can find you.

 

Blurb

Sometimes romance can be hell

Wendy Dennison is tired of being a starving author. The royalties from her critically acclaimed romance novels barely pay her bills. Her devoted agent Daniel Rochester may be smart and sexy, but he can't get her the sales she needs. Then a charismatic stranger appears at her coffee shop table, promising her fame and commercial success, as well as the chance to live out her dreams of erotic submission. But at what cost?

Nothing you can't afford to lose, my dear.

Seduced by the enigmatic Mister B, she signs his infernal contract. He becomes both her Master and her coach, managing her suddenly flourishing career as well as encouraging her lusts. Under her mentor’s nefarious influence, she surrenders to temptation and has sex with Daniel. The casual encounter turns serious when she discovers her mild mannered agent has a dominant side. As the clock ticks down to her blockbuster release and Mister B prepares to claim her soul, Wendy must choose either celebrity and wealth, or obscurity and true love.

Excerpt

The invitations hadn’t specified costumes, but some of the guests came dressed up for the holiday. In one corner, a gaunt zombie carried on an animated conversation with a naughty nurse. Over by the buffet, a chubby figure in a toga and laurel wreath heaped his plate with sushi, Chinese spare ribs and marinated artichokes. A vampire downed a bottle of beer then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, while a spike-tailed demon, masked and cloaked in red, had a circle of stylishly dressed women in stitches with his bawdy jokes.

Was that Mister B? She didn’t think so. He’d told her that he’d meet her at the gathering, but she was quite sure he hadn’t arrived yet. She usually knew when he was in the room by the tingling between her legs.

Gretchen wore a lion tamer’s outfit, complete with whip. They’d discussed having Wendy appear in leather or in latex, but finally settled on a simple black satin cocktail dress. A diamond-studded choker around Wendy’s neck was the only nod to the content of her books.

That had been a gift from Mister B. She’d tried without success to refuse it.

“You’re not my Master anymore,” she’d protested. “I’m not going to wear your collar.”

“Don’t worry, my dear. That’s not my intention. I just wanted you to have something special—to show you how much I value your contributions to our partnership.” He’d paused, licking his lips. “As well as to mark our transition to its next phase.”

His words had sent a chill skittering through her. She’d understood his meaning. Tonight was her last chance to exercise the escape clause. Did that mean that tonight, he’d harvest her soul?

She didn’t dare ask. When she tried to formulate the question, it just sounded silly.

The first few hours of the party passed in a blur. Reporters assailed her with questions loaded with innuendo. Fans showered her with praise. She signed what felt like a hundred copies of the book and posed for selfies with pretty much everyone in attendance. Harbison Frost’s own photographer took dozens of more formal shots of her with various literary luminaries, in front of the huge blow up of the Cherished Chains cover that adorned one wall. An enlargement of her black and white head shot from the back cover stood opposite, a three-quarters view of her face wearing an ecstatic expression, with unfocused eyes and parted lips. Wendy found it overly blatant. The woman in the photo looked like she was having an orgasm.

Want a copy? Just ask for one, in the comments below. Be sure to include your email address!

Read Armour of God by Steven A Coulter #Action #Adventure #Grifters

  

Armour of God

Key Words: 

Sci-Fi, LGBTQ+, Religious Fiction

Synopsis:

Gods. Grifters. Lovers. Saints. As America stands on the precipice of a theocratic transformation, a shocking discovery on an interstellar asteroid threatens to upend centuries of religious belief.

Daniel Duboce, a principled journalist haunted by a traumatic past, and Dr. Hideo Saito, a brilliant Japanese scientist, find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy that could reshape history. As the country prepares to abandon democracy in favor of a theocratic regime, a groundbreaking discovery by Japan's Misago space program threatens to unravel the very fabric of Christianity. With powerful figures vying for control, Daniel and Hideo must navigate a treacherous landscape of ambition, betrayal, and unexpected love. And, as they confront the implications of the asteroid's findings, they grapple with their identities and the stakes of exposing a truth that could shatter the foundations of faith.

As alliances are tested and the forces of dogma clash with the pursuit of knowledge, Daniel and Hideo are faced with a daunting decision: to reveal the truth and risk everything or to remain silent and protect those they hold dear. At the intersection of love, faith, and the fight for a future where truth prevails, the question remains: what price are they willing to pay for freedom?

New York Times journalist Daniel Duboce opens a black valise at the San Francisco Public Library, lifts out a stolen vial of space dust from the Japanese space module Misago, and uncovers a conspiracy to suppress a truth hidden from mankind since the dawn of time.

Duboce, a former candidate for the priesthood, now reclaiming his identity as a gay man, seeks verification of the find before going public—and becomes a target of forces, religious and political, determined to prevent a revelation that could plunge the world into chaos. Allied with a wily Japanese space scientist sought as a traitor by his own government and the young chemist who brought Duboce the discovery, he faces formidable adversaries: America’s born-again president; a Roman Catholic cardinal who sits at the right hand of the Pope; and a cadre of conservative Christian leaders desperate to protect the sanctity of Jesus and the nation’s future. Murder for them, in these circumstances, is not always a sin.

Get It Now:

Amazon

https://books2read.com/Armour-Of-God

Free Sample

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/5foq7c3nks

Excerpt:

It was a glorious, goosebump giddy day, the sun playing peek-aboo with broken clouds sprinting ahead of a storm. It was like when she fi rst rode her bike hands free, the wind roaring approval in her ears, her heart pounding with pride and purpose. Nearly sixteen, she was now primed to change the world.

Thousands were converging on a bookstore in a San Jose shopping center, most of the parking lot roped off in anticipation, parents carrying and pulling along their children, a large contingent of young adults, likely college and high school students giving high-fi ves and laughing, cell phones capturing their role in this happening, some sending live video and commentary to friends. There were scattered police cars and a handful of pickets carrying signs she couldn’t read at this distance. Four television news crews were here, microwave towers extended while a helicopter from a local station hovered overhead capturing the scene.

And here she was, a nobody about to make history.

Her lips moved in whispers, thoughts too personal or dangerous to share.

“You will know my name.”

Ruth Ann Ryan was the luckiest girl in her church, personally chosen by her pastor for a sacred mission. Friends who knew the plan called her a 9/11-style heroine, a First Responder for Christ, a true Christian soldier, as in the hymn, marching to war.

Her mom was next to her, reaching down from heaven, and it gave her strength, the confidence to do the unexpected, to vanquish low expectations, to be a leader, shedding her cocoon and taking flight. Other girls in the congregation, the pretty ones, the popular clique, were not even asked.

As she struggled with the vest, nearly a fourth of her body weight, the canvas straps bit into her shoulders. She tried to adjust the harness under her coat, hoping no one would notice.
Kinda silly worrying about such things when you’re about to die.

Get It Now:

Amazon

https://books2read.com/Armour-Of-God

Free Sample

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/5foq7c3nks

-----

Who am I?

Steve writes speculative fiction. He explores issues of consequence embedded in fast-paced adventure, exotic settings, nasty bad guys, reluctant heroes, and the audacity of love. His work is enriched by his varied careers – soldier, teacher, journalist, state legislator, corporate executive, and library commissioner. He has a BA and MA in Journalism and was a Lambda Literary Fellow in 2008 and 2013, later spending two years on the Board. He lives in San Francisco with his husband, Greg. They favor bittersweet chocolate.

Stalk Me

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevenACoulterAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevencoulterauthor/
Website: https://stevenacoulter.com/

X: https://twitter.com/CoulterWriter

Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Steven-A.-Coulter/author/B01CIVBXR2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15050425.Steven_A_Coulter

Subscribe Today: https://subscribepage.io/StevenACoulterSubscribe

Join My ARC Team here