Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

shanagray.com

Why Are So Many People Reading Romance?

 

            Falling in love? What a confusing, turbulent, disturbing and ecstatic state. And when it happens to us, well… even if we think we want out, it’s too late: we’re fixated. From now on our judgment will be muddled, our behavior compulsive. Our heart pounds, our knees melt, our skin is flushed (with that fleeting “love beauty”) and we’re crazed, elated, sleepless, filled with self-doubt or fear of failure. Our appetite has vanished, and we crave, quite obsessively, our love object. This “can’t-think-of-anything-else” state of mind allows us to focus obsessively on only one person: the love object.

            So why can’t we think clearly when we’re falling in love? Because we’ve in the clutches of an addiction. In our love state, our body releases dopamine, norepinephrine and phenylethylamine, chemicals responsible for the racing heart, the feelings of excitement and bliss. Even our serotonin levels are lowered until we’re on a par with people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. Add an intense production of estrogen and testosterone to lure us into the sexual arena, mix in the bonding chemical oxytocin that’s released when we have sex (the more sex, the stronger the bonding) and you see why we’re doomed. So here we are, in a chemical state of mind where the world has become a magical place and with, too often, the most unlikely person as a love object.

            Here’s where things get interesting for readers of romance. Most people fall “in love” four to nine times a lifetime, but some people — “love addicts” — need the thrill of falling in love over and over again. And have you noticed how many readers and writers say they’re “addicted” to romance books? How many times an author has claimed to have “fallen in love” with her hero or heroine? That’s right. They actually have. In other words, when writing romance, we truly (albeit temporarily) fall into the ecstatic love state with the wonderful person we've created.

 

  https://linktr.ee/j.arleneculiner

 

The Only Question That Matters — a sci-fi romance, available now

“Do I call this love already? I am almost disgusted with myself. How pathetic to fall so easily. Perhaps I was the cause of my past heartbreaks. Not stupid schoolboys or an arrogant rich man, but a gullible girl from a flower farm who opens her heart too readily and expects too much.”

Sofia is en route to Planet Paradiso, ready to start a new life after her divorce. But when she accepts Alexei’s dinner invitation on her final evening, she realises she’s in for more than she bargained for.

As the AMS Celestial Dream arrives at its destination, and their one-night stand draws to a close, Sofia must choose between a newfound possibility with Alexei and the freedom she so desperately craves.

✨ Get this novella ✨

Not ready for commitment?

Let’s get to know each other first…

Love, Nostalgia & Lights in the Sky is a collection of tiny stories, featuring micro fiction, #vss (very short stories), flash and short poetry by JL Peridot.

This book contains adult content of a romantic and sexual nature, and is intended for readers over the age of eighteen.

Available when you subscribe to my low-noise newsletter, Dot Club.

💖 Get your copy now 💖

---

JL Peridot writes love letters to the future on devices from the past. Visit jlperidot.com for the full catalogue of her work.

Sweet and Sexy Festive Romances

 One of my favorite Christmas traditions is setting the table with Christmas crackers. Before we start to eat, we pull open the crackers with a bang, put on the paper crowns, and go around the table reading the fun fact or joke. Some of them are pretty corny, but they’re definitely fun! Here are a few to brighten your day:

 

What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations?

Tinsel-itis.

 

Why does Santa always enter through the chimney?

Because it “soots” him. 

 

What do you call an elf who sings?

A “wrapper”. 

 

I have two Christmas romances filled with love and laughter – Don’t Mess with Christmas is sweet and Perfectly Christmas is sexy. Each is part of a series, but they’re fun stand-alone stories and both are included in the Kindle Unlimited program.

 

Don’t Mess with Christmas

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

 

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

 

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

 

The allergist or the rash– which itch will Parker scratch?

 

 

Enjoy an excerpt from Don’t Mess with Christmas ~

“Pleased to meet you, Julian Murphy.” His hand was warm around hers, and when he moved his thumb in a subtle caress, a shiver went down her spine. “Julian Murphy,” she murmured. She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you a doctor?”

Julian nodded. “I am.”

“An allergist at Gateway General?”

“Guilty.”

Parker pulled her hand back and put her hands on her hips. “I tried to get a referral to see you. You refused.” 

His lips twitched. “Yes, that’s true.”

“Why? Dr. Corkie said she’d never seen it in all the years she’s practiced medicine.”

Julian put his hands in his pockets. “Well, there’s a rule against doctors dating patients. It’s ill-advised and frowned upon by the College of Physicians of Ontario.”

Parker scoffed. “Well, good for you. What does that have to do with me?”

“Parker, would you like to have dinner with me?”

 

Buy Link  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L1DHDMS

 

 

Perfectly Christmas in a small town - it takes a village to keep their beloved family doctor and the new surgeon in town APART! Heaven forbid the two should fall in love and leave. I love the spirit of Christmas! The music, decorations, holiday lights, and Christmas traditions all evoke warm memories - and yet there is also a sense of playfulness and mischief which can make for a fun story. I wanted to put a twist on the usual small-town story where the townsfolk are trying to convince the doctor to stay. In Perfectly Christmas, the small town is worried that the new surgeon, who is only planning on staying for 2 years, will fall in love with their beloved family doctor and will lure him away when she leaves. They set up a plan to keep the two doctors apart! Perfectly Christmas is part of the Perfectly Series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. It’s a fun, sexy, holiday romance – perfect if you need an escape!

 

 

On the first day of Christmas, his true love said to him, “Sorry, I have to work.”

That’s the life of a surgeon, and Dr. Madison Hayes wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dr. Quinn Malone has another priority. In the countdown to Christmas, he needs to convince his old flame that there’s more to life – and love – than the job itself. 

This time, his heart is in it for the long haul. Really. 

Romantic and . . . complicated – it’s Perfectly Christmas!

 

 

Enjoy an excerpt from Perfectly Christmas ~ 

 

Edna Alexander and Bea Mitchell stood at the window of the seniors’ center and watched the new surgeon drive out of the parking lot. 

“She’s very young, Bea.”

“And very pretty,” Bea agreed with a frown. She adjusted the tortoise shell glasses perched on her nose. “Didn’t we specify we wanted someone old, someone frumpy?”

“There wasn’t a tick-off box for that.”

“Hmph. There should’ve been.”

They watched the car pull out onto the street and hit the curb as it turned.

“She drives like us.”

“True. And look at the bright side, Edna. If we need surgery, it’d probably be better to have a young whipper-snapper doin’ it rather than some old fart like us.”

“I’m more worried about losing Dr. Quinn.”

Bea pursed her lips. “I know. But what are the chances of that happening?”

Edna gave her a grim sideways glance. “I’d have said slim to none three weeks ago. But when Dr. Hoity-Toity Hecktare decided she’d had enough of us, and Dr. Quinn looked like he was going to go with her, I almost had a stroke. I would never have believed he’d abandon our beloved Strathaven for a girl.”

“Woman,” Bea corrected absently. “Do you think he truly loved her?”

Edna shook her head and her gray curls bounced. “No.” She bit her lip. “Yes. That’s what I’m worried about. What if he up and falls in love with this new surgeon and leaves us?”

“We’d have a town of five thousand with no doctor.”

“Exactly. We’d be right back where we were five years ago before Quinn returned home.”

“And we’d have to go through another round of recruitments for a new doctor. I rue the day when someone from the Underserviced Area program figures out that we’re the Mitchell Alexander who’s been filling out all those forms.”

“A problem for another day.” Edna sighed. “Maybe she’ll stay. Dr. Madison Hayes. She seemed very friendly. Very small-townish.”

Bea grunted. “Not likely. You read her application. I’ll bet my boots she’ll do her two years and move on.”

“And take Quinn with her.” Edna twisted the strap of her oversized purse. “We can’t control his heart.”

“No. But we can’t risk him falling in love, either.”

“So we’ll keep them apart.”

Bea’s eyebrows shot up and she paused, considering. “That’s not a bad idea.”

“Of course, it’d be easier if he wasn’t also the only anesthetist for miles around. They’re going to have to work together.”

“Sure, but they’re professionals. I can’t see them getting into any hanky-panky at work. We’ll just make sure they’re never alone together outside of the clinic.”

Edna grinned widely. “Excellent plan. I’ll get on the blower, and before she unpacks, we’ll have a network of chaperones in place.”

“Email me the list.”

“Send me an email, and I’ll reply.”

Bea looked at her pointedly. “Edna, you gotta learn how to send an email.”

“I know how,” Edna said. “You hit reply, then type, then send.”

Bea laughed and threw her arm around Edna’s shoulders. “I think I’ll get you a computer lesson for Christmas.”

Edna’s eyes lit up. “A private one? With that hotty Albert Sparkle?”

Bea stepped back and started buttoning her coat. “Albert’s one hundred and two. And I think the name is Spartan. Does he even own a computer?”

“Yes, and he’s rigged himself up the perfect cup holder with this little drawer thingy that slides out at the top of the computer engine.” Edna pulled a crocheted cap over her curls.

Bea frowned. “You mean the CD tray on the tower?”

Edna smiled. “Maybe. Isn’t that brilliant?”

Bea laughed. “You two were made for each other. C’mon, let’s go and start Operation Put Out the Fire.”

 

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYW5T7X

 

I hope that you find peace this holiday season and have moments filled with love and laughter.

 

Award-winning author Linda O’Connor started writing romantic comedies when she needed a creative outlet other than subtly rearranging the displays at a local home décor store. Her books have enjoyed bestseller status. When not writing, she’s a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic. She shares her medical knowledge in fast-paced, well-written, sexy romances – with an unexpected twist. Her favourite prescription to write? Laugh every day. Love every minute.

 

Website https://www.lindaoconnor.net

Twitter https://twitter.com/LindaOConnor98

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

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/795688.Linda_O_Connor

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Linda-OConnor/e/B00S7CNLEA

 

 

 

Happy Friday the 13th

Friday the 13^th is considered a day when bad things might happen, but this is primarily a Western and Christian belief because Judas the betrayer was the 13^th guest at the Last Supper and the Knights Templar were arrested on Friday the 13th. In Norse mythology, Loki the god of mischief is often linked with the number 13 and considered bad luck.

Ancient Egyptians believed 13 was a lucky number as it was associated with their belief in the 13 stages of life, including death as a transition to eternal life. Also, India does not associate Friday the 13^th with bad luck.

I think it’s just another day on the calendar.

Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Friday the 13^th!

Stories about women who stand up for themselves.

www.kelleyheckart.com

Unrestrained Desire and Danger Without End - DEEP WITHIN ME - New Release - Erotic Urban Fantasy Romance #EroticRomance #UrbanFantasyRomance #EroticUrbanFantasyRomance #TinaDonahueMonthlyNewsMagazine #Giveaways #EyeCandy #FreeReads

 

AMAZON

DEEP WITHIN ME

Erotic Urban Fantasy Romance

Blurb:

Unrestrained desire…and danger without end.

The Prophecy, Book 2

In the relentless war between their clans, they’ll risk all for their forbidden love.

With Zeke Neekoma, Liz found shameless passion. She indulged in her most wanton needs, drowning in his male heat and exquisite strength. A traitorous act. Zeke is her clan’s most hated enemy, a seer whose prophecies they wish to exploit. Enraged by her betrayal, the leader of her clan murdered Liz.

Reanimated by her father—her clan’s most powerful healer—she’s determined to fight on Zeke’s side, using her healing gift to help his people. Liz aches for a future with Zeke, to always know the ecstasy of his touch, the thrill of his body imprisoning and pleasuring her.

Zeke desires the same. However, the reanimation changed something within her. Now when Liz heals, she grows weak. Fearful he may lose her forever, Zeke forbids Liz to use her gift.

There’s no other choice. Her clan’s leader launches his next assault, a merciless plan that will test Zeke’s humanity, risk Liz’s life and threaten their timeless bond.

PRAISE FOR DEEP WITHIN ME

FOUR STARS

"Book two of the Prophecy series will wow readers with its suspenseful plot and the blistering hot sex scenes that never seem to end. A mix of the paranormal alongside the thrilling sexual episodes  will  keep  one  feverishly flipping the pages."

Jaime A. Geraldi - Romantic Times

FIVE STARS - AWESOME SERIES

Deep Within Me is book 2 of The Prophecy. This book continues where part 1 (Come Fill Me) leaves off. Liz knows she must do whatever is takes, even to the point of possibly sacrificing herself, for the sake of her father and the Neekoma brothers. However the brothers are more than willing to fight their elders, their people and their rivals for Liz. They vow to protect her and her  father or die trying. This part of the prophecy series is full of love, hate, schemes, trickery
and betrayal. The reader will laugh, cry and hurt with the characters as the book and story unfolds. Awesome storyline and very well written. This is a wonderful suspenseful romance series.
This reader HIGHLY recommends both books in The Prophecy series.

Sexy Sirens & Cajun Heat

FIVE STARS - WOW ANOTHER HOT HOT READ

Oh holy hell Tina you done it again these two men and their love for one woman but for them to get through the problems that's put before them and make it no matter what and for Jacob to see the love Liz and Zeke have for one another and put his feelings aside wow.. For two people who should hate each other love each other so deeply is so great I loved these books... If you have not read them please do you won't regret it one bit...

Amazon Review

 

 TEASERS

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Giveaways nearly every day

Free Chapters and Reads

Eye Candy

CLICK HERE TO READ

START THE PROPHECY SERIES

WITH BOOK ONE

 

AMAZON

COME FILL ME

Erotic Urban Fantasy Romance

Blurb:

She can heal the dying…

Two men—enemies of her people—will stop at nothing to have her gift, her desire and love

The Prophecy, Book 1

Trapped in a blood feud, Liz uses her healing power to bring Zeke Neekoma from the brink of death so her clan can exploit his prophecies. During the ceremony, she drapes her nudity over his, experiencing his building strength, the stunning pleasure of his caress as he takes her without warning, using her as he wills.

His hunger for a woman he’s supposed to hate isn’t what Zeke expected, nor does he intend to deny himself. Kidnapping Liz, he’s resolved that she heal his brother Jacob ambushed by her people. At his stronghold, Zeke keeps Liz captive to his and Jacob’s desires. The brothers pleasure her without restraint and in ways she’s never known. Before, her life was filled with loneliness and wanting. Now…

Used by two powerful men, threatened by her clan’s determination to get her back, Liz risks all as she surrenders to Zeke’s and Jacob’s lust, the ecstasy of their touch and her most traitorous needs. 

PRAISE FOR COME FILL ME

5 SILVER STARS -  A TRUE GEM

"WOW. I was totally overwhelmed with “Come Fill Me”. I was grabbed from the first word and wasn’t let go until the last bullet was fired. I was awed with the story-line, overcome with the passion and thrilled with the way it was written. Not your normal “paranormal” romance, “Come Fill Me” is a modern day story filled with love, lust and betrayal; two factions brought to this world by two different alien races with two different goals – one to live peacefully the other to take over and control them all."

Kitty Angel - Guilty Pleasures

I was enthralled by this book. Tina Donahue has a way with words that seamlessly brought together hot sex with a brilliant story.

 

FOUR STARS - FIVE FLAMES 

"The plot of the story was really good. It had a lot of action and sex in it. I really liked how the author came up with blending the Aztecs with alien life forms. The two clans that were the resulting offspring having special powers and also access to the alien technologies and materials that regular humans have never seen before was a nice touch."

Rachel - The Jeep Diva

All in all a very promising hot series. I can’t wait to see where we go next in the second installment.

 

 TEASERS

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