Falling Down the Research Rabbit Hole

        

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

        It’s been a week and by that, I mean, it’s been a bit crazy (the day job is always crazy—which I’m convinced is the new normal) but both DH and one of our fur-babies are not feeling well. And if those things aren’t enough, I fell down the research rabbit hole. Not sure if you’ve ever had this happen, but it’s a real thing. It doesn’t take long to go there and you never know how long you’ll stay. Hours can fly by without you even realizing it.

How did it start? Well, I needed to look up one thing—just one—for my work in progress. It was about harvesting wheat, which, up until now, I knew nothing about (well, that’s a misstatement, I know how it’s done today. I didn’t know how it was done in 1871, which is when my story is set).

I learned so much and the more I learned, the deeper into the rabbit hole I went. Believe me, it wasn’t hard. One thing just kinda led to another (I love Google…before Google, I had to go to the library to learn this much).

Of course, that just started another barrage of research, not only about wheat (how it’s planted, grown, reaped and turned into flour) but so many other things like medication for arthritis sufferers (the DH has arthritis throughout his spine like his mother did), symptoms and causes of Celiac disease (which I suspect he has but I’m not sure yet) and too many other things to mention here.

And that’s about all for me….like Alice, it’s back down the rabbit hole I go. What will I learn today? Who knows, but I’m up for the challenge!

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

Marie

So Much To Do

 

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

It’s a beautiful Sunday morning here in Phoenix as I sit down to write my blog (though you won’t read it until Wednesday). As usual, I was up early to enjoy the fantastic weather and get things done. There is so much to do (always—there’s no rest for the wicked – I must be really, really bad) but so much can be accomplished when you get up as early as I do. During the work week, this is my writing time, but on the weekends? It’s my time.

I can catch up on shows that I miss during the week (new show on television – Fire Country – I like it. East New York is pretty good, too).

So what have I done so far this morning besides catch up on my shows? Watered the plants, cleaned out the fridge (which I do every Sunday morning before I go grocery shopping), decided on my menu for the week and made the shopping list for it and made a pot (big pot) of ham and bean soup (I’m getting pretty good at it, too—well, at least the DH thinks so).

And I worked on my Halloween costume for work (Halloween is a big deal at my day job!). All before anyone else is the house is up (not including the dogs who get up with me). I love this quiet time. It refreshes me. Rejuvenates me and helps prepare me for the week ahead. Will that change when I retire in a few years (yes, the countdown has begun)? Will I continue to get up early? I don’t know, but for right now, it suits me. And really, you can’t beat an Arizona sunrise! They are beautiful!

No time to dwell on that though…still a lot to do (my day is jam packed) so I should get to it. Hmmm, maybe I’ll even have a chance to write today (it’s going well right now so I need to strike while the iron is hot).   

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

Marie

WOO HOO…HI!!! (See me waving wildly.)

Well, it’s been a while since I blogged here on HEAT, and I am sooo glad to be back.  I have missed you guys so much!

For those of you who don't know, I stepped away from the writing for a few years to take care of my deaf mother who was struggling with dementia during the pandemic. It was a really tough time, and mom did pass in October of 2021. But I have it on good authority that she’s now having an absolute ball bossing my brother around, organizing skits and plays in Heaven, and beating all her old buddies at Texas Hold ‘Em.

 As that chapter of our lives closes, it is now time for mom and I both to move forward and kick up some dirt in the next phase of our existence. So, that said, I’m back on my feet and back in the writing saddle—stronger, healthier, and ready to rock and roll…or country swing, as the case may be.

Which means I have a new book coming out. This one is a bit of a departure from my normal romantic comedies, in that it is a nonfiction book about my time with Mom...a love story of a different type, if you will. It’s written in the same snarky tone as my fiction novels, while dealing with the weightier subject matter of caring for a dramatic deaf woman with dementia…and trust me, she was a drama queen! 

Between the heavy subject matter and my smart-ass way of retaining my sanity in the midst of a whirlpool of chaos, it becomes a bit of a roller-coaster ride that I hope you will share with me when it comes out in October. I will be announcing the release date and a pre-order sometime in the next week…watch for it here and on my Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/KayceLassiterBooks/

I also want to give you just a little peek at something that’s new at my home since we last chatted. There is a new cat in my house—Oliver. (Although he thinks his name is…“Dammit, Oliver!”)

He’s an orange tabby who swings from sweet-and-cuddly-cherub to demon-child-spawn-from-hell…hence, the appended name. My grandson and I were standing in the driveway chatting one day when this little orange fur-ball (about six weeks old) came running out of nowhere, screaming at the top of his lungs with his tail stuck straight up in the air as he ran back and forth between us—as if we couldn’t see or hear him and he was beating through a block wall from another dimension to get our attention. 

I snatched him up on one of his hysterical passes by me and he immediately went into frantic air-biscuit-making mode as he continued to scream for help. Our hearts were immediately hooked, and it took about fifteen seconds for us to realize he was now a part of the family.

Had I known at the time that this brazen, loud, pushy little guy would grow into such an energetic, tenacious devil-cat, I might have thought twice. 

Oh, who am I kidding? He was freaking adorable and tiny and brave as hell—and hungry. A guy that determined to survive deserves a home with three hots and a cot. There was no turning him away.

But now he’s grown into Dammit, Oliver! And as I write this blog, I’m sitting cross-legged in my big old recliner with my computer in my lap. Dammit, Oliver! has also wedged himself into my lap, beneath my computer, and is working hard to snag my wrists by reaching through and swiping at me from under the front of my computer as his tail jerks and waves over the top of the computer from the back.

Seriously? 

Talk about a writer’s block!

Well, folks, that’s a bit of an update from the Kayce Lassiter camp. I’m tickled as hell to be back. Looking forward to hanging with ya’all again and sharing our books and our journeys as we pull on our big girl boots with the pointy toes and kick down the doors to new chapters in our lives.  Be sure to sign up for my new mailing list below, and climb on board in the shotgun seat!  Hugs to everyone and wishes for a Fabulous Friday. Hmmm…that has a nice ring to it.  😊  (I’ll have to see what I can do with that.)

So…that’s my story, catty and crazy, and I’m stickin’ to it.  Hang on tight now ‘cuz we’re gonna go real, real fast!

Love ya,

Kayce

 

Be sure to sign up for Kayce’s newsletter and get a couple of free e-books at: 

https://subscribepage.io/wnOodI

Note:  If you already have the free books, sign up anyway so you don’t miss any shenanigans—and be sure to forward the link to all your friends who might want to join us.    

Labor Day Weekend Time Off

 

          Hello, gentle reader! Hope you are well and staying safe.

So, I took a couple days PTO from the day job over the Labor Day weekend and I have to say, it was wonderful! I had several goals in mind for those days off and I’m happy report, that I have completed them (most of them).

What was number one on my list? I wanted to sleep in. I know, that doesn’t sound like much of a goal, but when you wake at 4:30 every morning (and have been for over twenty years), whether you’re going to the day job or if it’s the weekend, it’s a challenge. I will admit that I love the early morning hours. It’s so quiet and peaceful when the day is just beginning, but still, I’d like to rise, every now and then, when the sun is already up. In some respects, I succeeded and failed at this goal. I managed to sleep until 5:30 one morning, but didn’t fare as well on the other days.

I cooked, making another huge batch of spaghetti sauce (the DH and I are visiting our son over Thanksgiving…he’s expecting me to bring some meatballs, sausage, and sauce with me…I would not be forgiven if I did not). I realized as I was bagging it up (I use Ziplock freezer bags) that the list of people I give my sauce to is growing. And it’s all good. If I can provide a quick and easy dinner for friends, I’m happy.

I cleaned, too (hmmm, seems like I'm always cleaning! *sigh*)

I wanted to relax and read as well, which I did. I have started a wonderful story by Michelle McLean called Hitched to the Gunslinger. Ms. McLean writes so well and there’s a lot of humor, which I’m loving (such a balm for everything that’s happening in the world right now…we all need to laugh).

I wanted to put some stuff out for bulk garbage pick up (we have this here in

Saw this cartoon by Chris Shane and had to share (does he 
know my DH?)

 Phoenix and it’s wonderful for the bigger items you can’t put in your regular trash receptacle). The biggest part of this endeavor is convincing the DH that some things need to go (he has a tendency to be a pack rat, something I am not thrilled with). Not sure why he wants to hang on to things that don’t work anymore. We both know he’s not going to fix it…he just can’t seem to let go. Really? Do we need to keep the old recliner? The springs are broken and we already bought a replacement. Do we need to keep the speakers that have been in my living room for years that only spit static instead of music? I don’t think so (but…but…I can repair them or so he says). I’m pleased to say I was finally able to get rid of all of it. Yay!

Mostly, I wanted to write, which I did as well. Whatever log jam I had in my brain regarding the manuscript I’m working on finally let go (and seriously, I owe a lot of that to my critique partner. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm and for walking me off the ledge once again…I appreciate you more than you know!)

All in all, the perfect way to spend a couple days off!

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

Marie

Changes (Part 2)

Hello, gentle readers!

I have a confession to make. I…have not been writing. I know! This is so unusual for me. I’ve always written. In most cases, it’s how I deal with stress. The one place where I have control (well, until my characters start doing what ever they want, totally disregarding what I want/need them to do). My characters are in limbo (did they write themselves into the corner they’re in or did I do it?) and yet, I can’t seem to make myself open the file and get them out of limbo. I know where they have to go…that happily ever after we all crave, but it’s just not happening at the moment.

It could be that I am too distracted by what’s going on in the world.

Or it could be that my routine has changed.

I think it’s that last thing, more than anything else. I really do.

Now, you all know I love my routines. They’re how I live my life. Everything is carefully orchestrated in order to get as much done as possible with limited time, but lately, that routine has been in limbo as much as my characters are. Like many of you, I am practicing social distancing as well as working from home.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am extremely grateful that I am allowed to work from home. I truly am, especially when so many cannot. My dogs love it…more opportunity for them to get cuddles and cookies. My DH likes it (I think).  

So, what is the solution? Make a new routine, of course (easier said than done…my old routine has served me well for the past twenty years or so). Beginning now. No more allowing myself to become distracted by things I can’t control (i.e. the outside world). I am safe in my home, thankful beyond belief that I am here. I can do this. Just a few little tweaks to how I used to do things and I’ll be on my way, once more letting my characters run rough-shod over my outline. I do miss Gabe and Doctor Andi, the hero and heroine of Wife Wanted. They deserve more from me than they're currently getting. I will do better by them!

Speaking of changes, I tried Zoom for the first time when talking to the mistress of this website. I loved it. First time we’d ‘seen’ each other in a while (she looks fabulous, by the way). In fact, I liked it so much that I Zoomed (is that a word?) with my son, too! You should try it!

Until next time, remember to spread kindness wherever you go. Right now, we need that more than ever. Be safe. Stay well!

Marie

When Rome Falls

Well, summer is finally here is my little corner of Wisconsin. It took forever, but now even the mosquitos are enjoying the heat. I gave up in surrender. They can have the outside while I hide inside.

In other news, When Rome Falls has been released. Yay! And, there are a ton of things happening over at Pierce Patrol. You can answer the question of the month or you can get in on one of the giveaways. Head over to Pierce Patrol and join the fun.

Excerpt from When Rome Falls:


Rome had done a lot of stupid things in his life, but carrying Bethany had to be one of the dumbest. Fortunately, he was almost to the house where he could deposit his cargo on the couch and go take an ice-cold shower.


As soon as Bethany had wrapped her arms and legs around him, her body clinging to his, he had realized his mistake. But what was he supposed to do? Watching her hobble home in pain wasn’t an option.


So now her light breath tickled his neck, her clean citrus scent circled around him, her breasts pressed against his back, and her legs . . . oh, her legs were wrapped around him, spurring intensely inappropriate thoughts. Ones that he had no business thinking.


Instead of allowing the mind-consuming sensations to continue, he thought about all the reasons he couldn’t take her to one of their rooms and make his thoughts a reality.


One, he was not an animal. Although, he rather felt like one at the moment.

Two, her feet hurt. Although, he could make the rest of her feel better.

Three, it was against company rules. To hell with the rules.

Four, she was engaged.


He held on to that thought until they made it to the house and he deposited her onto the couch.

I need Rome!

Haven't checked out Rio yet? What are you waiting for?

I want Rio!

Have a great July. I'll be back in August with more news.

Nicolette Pierce

In Search Of....

Hello, gentle readers!

Do you remember the show “In Search Of…”? Leonard Nimoy hosted this exploration into unsolved mysteries and things that defied explanation….like the disappearance of the Mayans or the Bermuda Triangle.

Well, I have recently felt like I’ve been part of that show, except I wasn’t searching for the Lost City of Atlantis or the secrets of life. What was I searching for, you ask? Crushed tomatoes. Now, you might think this would be an easy search and it should be, but…

Let me back up a little.

Memorial Day weekend is coming up rather quickly here and, as you may know from reading my posts, I traditionally make a big batch of spaghetti sauce (complete with Italian hot sausage and meatballs). I’m very particular about my sauce and the ingredients that go in it…hence the search for crushed tomatoes. And not just any brand of crushed tomatoes but Angela Mia, in the big #10 size can (which is about 102 ounces….pretty big). The brand is important because of the taste. The size of the can is important too. I use four #10 cans (like I said, it’s a big batch and it's so much more cost effective to use this size can).

The last batch I made, I had difficulty finding Angela Mia crushed tomatoes in the big can. Costco and Sam’s used to carry it, but no longer. I tried Smart & Final, but they only carried stewed tomatoes in the big can. I tried Walmart, but no luck and I was running out of time. I ended up using another brand in the smaller can (28 ounces, which turned out to be about 14 cans). 

And you know what? The sauce didn’t come out the way it should have. The taste was a little off (not everyone noticed, but I sure did). The consistency was off too…and I was not happy, as you can imagine.

So, I started my search a little earlier this time around and did all the usual places where I used to be able to get it before (Costco, Sam’s, etc). I tried online (I thought I could order it from Walmart and have it delivered to one of my local stores or Amazon and have it delivered to the house…and I probably could have, but I ran into roadblocks….such as the price (I saw prices for six cans anywhere from 50 bucks to over 100 bucks…for crushed tomatoes!?!?) or the lovely message “Not available in your area”. Really? I’ve never seen a message like that so it was back to the drawing board…or rather, the internet.

And I found them. At a restaurant supply house that is open to the public….except the place was a little out of the way of my usual driving comfort zone. Still, I pulled up my big girl panties and took that drive (I will admit, I got a little lost…one would think that after living in Phoenix for over 35 years, one would know where one was going…apparently not…at least not for me…road construction did not help with my direction impairment, either!)

I am happy now…I can make my sauce over the Memorial Day weekend. Tradition has not been broken. Whew!

Until next time, remember to spread kindness wherever you go.

Marie

Is It Hot In Here?

Hello, gentle readers!

It’s a hot one in Phoenix (not as hot as yesterday or the day before, but still…)! I turned on my air conditioner. Some of you might think this is late in the season (it is the middle of April, after all, and I know a few people who turned on their air in March), but the weather, up until rather recently, has been so pleasant, I haven’t had the need.

Of course, there is also the game I play…how long can I tolerate the soaring temperatures before I give in and turn on the A/C (I play the same game with the heat in the winter). If we’re keeping score, I beat last years’ game!

We hit our first 100 degree temperature on Friday (at least, according to my thermometer under the carport…I don’t think it’s official yet). I will admit, I was spoiled by our lovely spring here and wasn’t quite ready for it. Then again, I’m at that lovely age where I don’t know if it’s a heat wave or a hot flash!

I’m moving along on my current work in progress, though sometimes it seems like slow going. The voices are in my head (along with a whole chorus of other voices, screaming “write my story” but there’s only so much time, you know?).

It’s amazing to me, after all this time—I’ve been writing since I was fourteen—that I still have words left, but then I look at Jennifer Ashley and Victoria Alexander, two of my favorite authors, and the words are still coming for them (and a lot more than me), and I am filled with hope that the words will never stop.

Speaking of those words, I should get back to it. Wife for Hire will not get finished by itself.

Until next time, remember to spread kindness wherever you go.

Marie

Zombies! Not your average St. Patrick's day.

Zombies, drama, romance…what’s not to love?!

Okay, so this isn't a St. Patrick's day themed post. But I'll toss in a shamrock decorated pooch for the fun of it! Adorable! I hope that fills my requirement of St. Patrick's day festivities. Let's get back to zombies, shall we?

Demon Night by M.J. Haag

Every secret has a price.

It’s a truth that Angel knows too well. Since the hellhounds and infected started to roam, Angel has guarded her secret carefully. But, she’s growing weaker by the day and needs help. In this new plague-ravaged world, the weak don’t survive long, and the useless are quickly abandoned. That’s why Angel’s secret needs to stay secret. If anyone found out about the baby she carried, they’d ditch her in a heartbeat to save themselves.

To make herself an asset, she offers her services as a relationship expert to one of the dark fey, who rose with the hellhounds, in exchange for food. Shax is eager to win over Hannah, and if Angel can help make that happen, just maybe she won’t be kicked out when she has the baby.

Falling for her "client" was never in her plans.

If you haven’t yet started the Resurrection Chronicles by M.J. Haag, you can grab Demon Ember for free and start reading today!  (https://mjhaag.melissahaag.com/project/demon-ember/).

If you’ve already delved into the world that Ruby Dixon hails as “Amazeballs post-apocalyptic romances packed with humor and adventure,” you don’t want to miss this next installment!  https://mjhaag.melissahaag.com/project/demonnight/

Merry Christmas: "Hot Chocolate" Cookie Cups

I hope you've been having a great holiday season so far! I can't believe Christmas is around the corner. I still have tons to do, so I haven't been reading like normal. So, no recommendations this time. What I have been doing is watching holiday movies while wrapping presents, and in between, shifting cookies from the oven to my mouth. Seriously, Saturday alone I made 10 dozen cookies. I wasn't planning to, but the platters I bought were bigger than expected and the cookies just didn't look right sitting there lonely on empty space.

Speaking of which, I've been making "Hot Chocolate" cookie cups. They are so easy to make and ridiculously delicious. I've linked recipe below. I didn't do the pretzel handles. Seemed too fussy and the pretzels get stale too quickly. But no one seemed to care.

https://www.thegunnysack.com/hot-chocolate-cookie-cups/

And, I was able to send out cards this year! Amazing! This is my son when we were on the island of Oahu. So, I made it festive with a Santa hat. How I wish we could be there right now instead of in cold Wisconsin with no snow to make it pretty. Maybe next year :)

I wish you all a very merry Christmas or <insert beloved holiday>!!!!

See you in 2019!
Nicolette Pierce

A beastly good read

It's getting closer to when goblins and ghosts make their appearance. So how about reading a classic tale with a twist?

Check out M.J. Haag's Beastly Tales.

Depravity

Beastly Tales, Part 1

**ADULT ROMANCE**
A classic fairy tale with a new twist, the Beauty and the Beast saga begins with Depravity…

Sixteen year old Benella is concerned with two things–avoiding the two village boys who torment her and scrounging for food to help feed her family. Unfortunately, the best wild fruit and vegetables are near the walls of the estate, a dark misty place inhabited by an unforgiving beast.

When her tormentors lock her behind the massive gates, Benella knows her fate is sealed. Yet, the fate isn’t one she expects. Her encounter with the beast starts a bizarre cycle of bargaining for her freedom, a freedom the beast seems determined to see her lose.

Intended for mature readers due to sexual situations, violence (attempted rape), and moderate language.

Find you copy here: Depravity

New Book Release: Last Hand

New Book Release!!!

Nadia Wolf arrives in Las Vegas, knowing her bad luck will return as soon as the plane lands. While Caleb is quite talented at keeping her mind off nearly everything, not even he can stop a past threat that continues to plague them. One by one her friends begin to disappear. When Caleb vanishes next, Nadia must fight to find him and the others before time runs out and all is lost.

This novella is filled with favorite series characters. Everyone is here for the finale.

Where will you be?

Get your copy now and buckle up for a fun, exhilarating ride.

Didn't start the series yet? What are you waiting for? Get the series starter: No Limit.

Enjoy!

Nicolette Pierce

www.NicolettePierce.com

15 Free Reads

We are in the middle of a summer sizzle. Wouldn't you like a few good books to go with your margarita . . . or iced coffee? Yeah, me too. Check out these 15 titles. They're all free until 7/31/18. After that, the promo will disappear. 

I want my summer sizzle!

In other news, Nadia Wolf's Last Hand will be released in less than 30 days. And I'm putting the finishing touches on the Metal Girls Triple Point. Both will mark the end of two awesome series. I'm saddened to see my favorite characters go, but I'm super excited for what's in store for 2019. It'll be worth the wait!

Cheers,

Nicolette Pierce

Giveaway and Preorder

As I was walking through a farmers market over the weekend I stumbled upon a used book store selling mystery bags of romance books. How fun! Of course I had to buy a couple. I wonder what adventure or steamy encounter is inside. But that's for you to discover! You can have two chances to win. Comment on this post for one chance to win. And then head over to my Facebook post for another chance. A winner will be picked on Wednesday morning (6/13/18), so hurry. Each bag has two books inside.

And while you are moseying around the internet, take a look at the preorder for Last Hand, the conclusion of the Nadia Wolf story. It'll be epic. 8.10.18.

https://www.nicolettepierce.com/books/last-hand/

Nadia Wolf returns to Las Vegas, knowing her bad luck will return as soon as the plane lands. While Caleb is quite talented at keeping her mind off nearly everything, not even he can stop a past threat that continues to plague them. One by one her friends begin to disappear. When Caleb vanishes next, she fights to find him and the others before time runs out and all is lost.

https://www.nicolettepierce.com/books/

New Cover Reveal

My Nadia Wolf series has had a facelift. Thanks to an awesome author and designer, Melissa Haag, Nadia looks gorgeous. I'm super excited about it, so I wanted to reveal the covers here first.


Drum roll, please.

Interested in seeing the other four covers or checking out the series?

Follow this link to my website:

https://www.nicolettepierce.com/books/

I'll see you next month!
Nicolette Pierce

Gotcha!

Happy 2018!!! I hope you have had a fabulous 2018 so far. My year is turning out exactly like last year. I still work. I still clean. I still eat too much. However, I am 42 days sugar free. I didn't want to wait for the new year to begin my resolution. I tend to fail miserably if I set my cap too high. But, amazingly, I made it through the holiday season without one cookie, one slice of pie . . . who am I kidding? One slice? If the pie was sitting in front of me I'd (normally) confiscate the whole thing. Not this year. This year I ate my veggies. Am I craving Oreos right now? Heck yes. But, I think I can thwart those pesky sugar reflexes until I reach my 60 day sugar-free (and substitute sugar free) goal. Here's to 2018. Anything is possible.

Meanwhile, I have been reading and reading and reading. I read the entire Tall, Hot & Texan series by Christie Craig. It all begins with Gotcha! Now, I will say, I'm not entirely sure who edited and formatted the ebook version. It looks like she might have bought back her rights, typed it all over again and republished. That's my theory. Because there were several, reoccurring blunders.  But the story was strong enough to keep me going. And I kept going to the next two novels in the series (which did not have those blunders.)

Macy Tucker was five years old when her beloved grandfather dropped dead in his spaghetti. At twelve, her father left his family in the dust. At twenty-five, her husband gave his secretary a pre-Christmas bonus in bed, and Macy gave him the boot. To put things lightly, men have been undependable.

That's why dating's off the menu. Macy is focused on putting herself through law school—which means being the delivery girl for Papa's Pizza. But cheesier than her job is her pie-eyed brother, who just recently escaped from prison to protect his new girlfriend. And hotter than Texas toast is the investigating detective. Proud, sexy . . . inflexible, he's a man who would kiss her just to shut her up. But Jake Baldwin's a protector as much as a dish. And when he gets his man—or his woman—Macy knows it's for life.

See you next time,

Nicolette Pierce

The Highlander's Hope

First, I want to wish you a peaceful and blessed season. I am a Christmas girl. So, a very Merry Christmas as well. It's nearly a winter wonderland here in Wisconsin. Just need a few more inches of snow. I've already shoveled twice and there is more snow to come. Perfect. Right now, I'm happy to keep shoveling. Talk to me in February and I will be of a different mind.

Tis the season to stay in the warm indoors and read, which I'm happy to oblige as well. I'm currently reading The Highlander's Hope. The first chapter had me hooked. I've never read Cali Mackay books before, and so far I'm pleased. Check it out and see if it's your cup of tea or coffee.

The Highlander's Hope

Dr. Catriona Ross is well on her way to finding the lost highland treasure she’s been hunting. The only thing standing in her way is the infuriatingly sexy, smart and stubborn Iain MacCraigh—otherwise known as Scotland’s most eligible bachelor.

Iain can't believe his luck when he finds out the jewels are hidden away somewhere on his land-- and it doesn't hurt that the historian looking for them has curves to go with her smarts. With his brother betting the family fortune, this is the life line he desperately needs.

The odds are against them, and with word getting out about the jewels, they're not the only ones on the hunt. Time's running out, but can they learn to trust each other, or will they lose the jewels and true love in the process?

Link to the book

Again, have a Merry Christmas. I'll see you in 2018. I already know it's going to be a great year!

Nicolette Pierce 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child & More

Okay. I know. I'm late to the game. I always am. This week I finally indulged in my guilty pleasure: Harry Potter. I knew HP and The Cursed Child was a screen play, which is why I held off. I find reading in that format a bit tedious. However, after the first few pages, it wasn't a problem. Overall, the book wasn't too bad. Definitely didn't compare to the first seven books. But what amazed me is how a theater production could pull of the play night after night without something catastrophic happening. Every other page was a new set, different characters, wardrobe changes . . . and that didn't even begin to cover all of the magical aspects. I went online for answers. I didn't get many but I did find out that you have to buy a separate ticket for parts 1 and 2. Very interesting. I'm crossing my fingers that the play will eventually travel, but with so many sets, I don't think it will be in the near future. I'm still putting it on my bucket list.

In other news, yesterday my son and I forged ahead with Christmas. (Don't worry, Thanksgiving. We haven't forgotten you.) We made salt-dough ornaments. It was fun and he thought it was great to color "cookies". I highly recommend it as a family project.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope it's as magical as Harry Potter.
Nicolette Pierce

Tying the Scot

I just finished reading Tying the Scot by Jennifer Trethwey. It's her debut novel and it's absolutely fantastic. However, since it was an advanced review copy, it won't be out until 11/27/17. When it does, I will post a link. It's that fantastic.

Review:

Tying the Scot is an enchanting story filled with memorable characters and witty banter. Trethewey seamlessly weaves together a captivating tale with gripping suspense and a charming romance. Delightful colloquial words are sprinkled throughout, which not only entertains but textures the characters as well. Alex is an absolute delight as he botches up his first meeting with headstrong Lucy, amongst other things, making the story that much more enjoyable as he scrambles to make things right. Twists in the plot work against him and Lucy as the harshness of Scottish life sets in, rife with cutthroats. With Lucy’s tenacity and Alex’s bullishness they brave the turbulence that entwines them together.

Until then, give her some love and check out her FB page and newsletter. New authors need as much support as they can get.

JenniferTrethewey.com
@jltrethewey
 jennifertretheweyromance

yours, Nicolette Pierce

Laird of Shadows

I was waiting for this release. I cleared my schedule so that I could read and review it. I downloaded it even. Then life happened. Sigh. Now my window into the romantic adventures of Laird and Lass has been bumped to next weekend. However, since I absolutely love Eliza Knight's novels, I feel confident that this one will be just as great. I mean, it even has a ghost so it must be good! Lol. I did chuckle though, and it's probably just me. But the muscle-bound man on the cover is the hero named Beiste. I'm ignorant as to the correct pronunciation, so for reading, in my mind, it will be "Beastie". No one is allowed to correct me because he is now and forever Beastie. He does have a little resemblance to one, after all <wink>.

Laird of Shadows

Beiste MacDougall has only just found himself as laird of his clan after a brutal attack from Vikings leaves his father slain. On the night of his sire’s death, a beautiful woman comes to his castle begging for help, calling upon a vow their clans had made years before. Though he’d rather wallow in his pain, Beiste is tempted by the lass, the secrets she holds, and the chance at retribution she brings.

Lady Elle Cam’béal is desperate to save her brother and her clan from the vile clutches of her Viking enemies. But there is only one man who can help her, a handsome, provocative laird with a beastly temper. When he locks her in a chamber, she is visited by an apparition, and left with a secret that changes her destiny. Elle must figure out a way to accept her fate, but also forge a future of her own choosing.

As battles and treachery rain down upon them, Beiste and Elle find unlikely allies in each other, and a few stolen moments of passion that bring light from the shadows…

A much smaller, novella-length version of this story appeared originally in the Once Upon a Haunted Castle anthology. This extended version is twice the original size!

Check it out on Amazon!

Next month I will have a new release to announce and hopefully a video to accompany it.

Until then, be happy!

Nicolette Pierce
www.NicolettePierce.com