Not You, It's Me by Julie Johnson

 It's great when you hear a woman using the line "It's not you, it's me" instead of the man.  Gemma Sommers is well acquainted with saying that.  She doesn't believe love is a real emotion that she can attain after many pathetic dating experiences.

Such as at the beginning of her story, she's dating her apartment neighbor who can barely pay attention to her.

This is evident when Mr. Gorgeous, Chase Croft, saves her on screen with a smothering, in a good way, kiss.  Her boyfriend is standing right next to her and doesn't even notice, by the way.  The rest of Boston sees it.

Gemma has a creative job at an art gallery where she sells exclusive art.  Her apartment is small and full of color just as she wants it.  Her funds are low, but she's pleased with her lifestyle.

Chase has a different type of problem.  His bank account is exploding, woman love him, and his penthouse is spacious.  He thinks he doesn't have room for the right woman, yet he seeks out Gemma as his art consultant.

Sounds easy for them to fall in love, but Gemma is short on the trust theory and Chase has a meddling family and doubts of his own ability to run his business and treat Gemma in the way she deserves.

It's a fun read as the insecurities of each are hashed out, thrown against the wall, and hope to reach the finish line in a compatible manner!

Happy reading,

Dawn

A Wonderful Visit

 

        Hello, gentle readers! Hope you are all well and staying safe!

Oh my gosh! I had such a wonderful visit with my critique partner and her DH. I was pampered and allowed to relax (such a difference from my day-to- day life, where relaxing is done at the end of the when I just can’t do anymore).

As I suspected, there wasn’t much writing getting done, but that’s okay. It was a wonderful opportunity to just sit and chat (about books, our current stories, and those that will be written in the near future, and so many other things. There was never a lack of something to talk about). Although we Zoom chat every week, there’s just something so special about seeing someone you absolutely adore across the table from you.

We did have some adventures and that was great. We went to the beach and I swam in the Gulf of Mexico (first time ever). It was a little different than swimming in the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. There were no waves (like I kinda expected), but the water was warm and about as perfect as it could be.

We saw a pod of dolphins (there were about twelve of them) playing in the near distance when we went to Cedar Key. To me, a desert dweller, that was a bit other-worldly. Seeing something like that on television is so much different than seeing it in person. I was thrilled!  

We watched a couple movies and preceded to critique them as well as try to figure out the Big Black Moment and the resolution. That was fun and kept us in practice even if we didn’t write very much (I did try, but it was a dismal failure).

I even made friends with her cats (well, one of them at least—the other wasn’t quite sure of me) which is saying something. Yes, I am fond of cats, but I am a devoted dog mom.

I’m home now. Back to the nitty-gritty of the day job and keeping house and all the rest of it, but it was so lovely to take a few days and just…relax and enjoy myself with excellent company! Thanks so much for having me!

Stay well! Stay safe! And remember to spread kindness wherever you go!

Marie

The Duchess and the Highwayman by Beverley Oakley

 The early eighteen hundreds in Norfolk, England is rough on the young ladies.

Phoebe may be known as Lady Drummond, but she isn't treated like a lady.  Her ailing husband, Ulrick, has abused her and left her for his cousin, Wentworth, to create an heir before Ulrick dies.

Ulrick's death is surprisingly fast and gruesome leaving Pheobe to run from an upcoming accusation.  She acts as a maid and runs without money, direction, or any hope of survival.

An alleged highway man, Hugh Redding, saves her from Wentworth who is pounding down on his horse within a stone's throw.

No one can know she's really Lady Drummond.  Not even the man with crystal blues eyes who takes her to his rented cabin.

Hugh and Phoebe are honest about their ambitions in taking Wentworth down, each for strong reasons.  Their true identities are kept deep in their pockets even as their hands begin to roam over each other.

A few details may make it hard for Hugh and Phoebe to keep their idyllic dreams a part of the future.  Let's see if they can make their way past the hidden truths and the law chasing Phoebe and make the rest of their lives a happily-ever-after.

Happy reading,

Dawn 

A New Adventure

 

        Hello, gentle readers! Hope you are all well and staying safe!

So, by the time you read this, I will be winging my way across country to spend a long weekend with fellow writer and extraordinary critique partner, Lexi Post. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her and her DH (whom I’m very fond of as well).

I am so looking forward to this trip! There’s so much to talk about, to catch up on (even though we talk on a regular basis, but there’s something different when it’s face to face as opposed to Zoom).

Of course, we’ll be talking books and writing and our latest projects (and everything else under the sun). We’re like a pair of magpies, hardly taking a moment to breath during conversations (and I so love this!). We’re also going to hit the beach (and I can’t wait….it’s been a long time since I’ve been to the beach!).

I do plan on getting some writing done in the mornings (because that’s my usual writing time), but mostly, we’ll be visiting. I’m so excited!

Stay well! Stay safe! And remember to spread kindness wherever you go!

Marie

Join the Steamy Reads Book of the Month Club for FREE books!

 

Do you like FREE romances?

Do you like steamy contemporary romances?

Would you like a new Free steamy contemporary romance ebook to show up in your email every month for the rest of the year?

If you said "yes" to every question, you need to sign up for the Steamy Reads Book of the Month Club. 

But you better do it quickly if you want Jennifer Bonds football romance for Free. Claiming Carter is only available for May. You don't want to miss how hot Carter can be on and off the field.

Just reading this and it's June? No worries because Kelly Jamieson's Limited Time Offer is actually FREE to Steamy Reads Book of the Month Club members in June. The perfect Beach read for a hot Summer. Don't expect any cooling off with this one.

Every month you'll get an email with another FREE Steamy Contemporary Romance for you to enjoy. There are more to come, including mine in September, but let's not rush things, except to rush to join today for free! It's super easy. Just use the link below 😊

Sign Up Link: https://BookHip.com/NGDWKZM

Always, Lexi

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A Ruin of Roses by K.F. Breene

 Danger is all around.

The curse put on a kingdom and surrounding villages cannot be broken.  Well, there is a way.

Finley has her own way to help her village sustain life.  She sneaks into the Forbidden Forest to find the elusive herb that holds back the deadly curse.  Her crusade must be done at night and in the shadows of the Beast.

The Beast, dragon-shifter unable to use all powers, guards his kingdom of leftover shifters cursed into the life of continual sexual desires as their only pastime.  Nyfain has little to keep the curse of his kingdom at bay, yet capturing the strong-willed intruder gives him hope of some sort.

Always wary of her surroundings, Finley doesn't back down to Nyfain, but rather tells him exactly what she thinks of him and his disgusting lifestyle.  

A few lenient breaks in her imprisonment, shows a different man and Beast of Nyfain.  She could almost care about him.  But not so fast, he has to prove himself.

Nyfain is spellbound by this daring minx and her steadfastness for her village's wellbeing.  Maybe they can work together on this curse cast to all.

A little loving may be what the last potion needs for the curse and the romance!

Happy reading,

Dawn

I Ain't Down Yet

        Hello, gentle readers! Hope you are all well and staying safe!

I did it. Took my heart in my hands, offered up a silent prayer, and submitted Wife For Hire AND The Maverick and Miss Miller to several publishers. So far, I’ve received three Thank You But No Thank You’s (these were not my first rejections, but still, you know, your confidence kinda takes a hit). Not saying I thought someone would accept Wife For Hire the first time out, but there’s always that little spark of hope someone will love it like I do (I have not heard anything on The Maverick and Miss Miller yet, but I’m sure I will).

So, how am I dealing with the rejections? Well, first, I beat myself up a little bit (because that’s what I do…asking myself “Are you out of your mind? You weren’t ready! The manuscript, query, or synopsis weren’t ready either! You could have done better!). And after I shut my inner critic up, which wasn’t easy (she sounds very much like Meryl Streep, whom I adore as an actress, in the movie The Devil Wears Prada), I consoled myself with a heart-to-heart talk with some dear (and very supportive) friends, then fell into a carboholic’s dream coma (my carbs are restricted right now; however, carbs are the first thing I reach for when I’m feeling this way). Had some chocolate, too!  

After the scale spoke to me in a very condescending voice this morning (yes, like Meryl Streep again) and another heart-to-heart with my fantastic critique partner, I’m back to pounding the pavement, so to speak, and just sent off Wife For Hire to another publisher. What can I say? As the great Debbie Reynolds sang in the movie The Unsinkable Molly Brown, “I Ain’t Down Yet!” 

Stay well! Stay safe! And remember to spread kindness wherever you go! 

Marie