Murphy's Laws by Terry Newman

 

 

30 Days.

7 Rules.

1 Undeniable Attraction.

Murphy’s Laws

by Terry Newman

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy 

Thirty days. Seven rules. One undeniable attraction.

After her fiancé skips out on her wedding, Murphy Clarke buries herself in her life-coaching career and develops seven rules to protect her heart. Number one? Never take vacations.

Oops. We find her on a month-long vacation in North Carolina, where she’s alarmed by the sparks flying between her and an arrogant yoga instructor. She’s confident, though, that she’ll be able to keep her other six rules... until she isn’t so sure. Of anything.

Noah Andrews’s name was once synonymous with the San Francisco tech industry, but his heart broke - both physically and emotionally. After a heart attack sidelined his career, his long-time girlfriend dumped him. Why is he now so attracted to this woman who seems to embody the life he left behind?

Witty and full of heart, MURPHY'S LAWS is a story of second chances, small-town charm, and the beautiful chaos that comes when you stop following your own rules... and start following love instead.

 

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Chapter 1

Murphy

It looked as if the yoga class was about to end. Thank you, Jesus. And not a moment too soon. Murphy Clarke hadn’t intended to spend the third anniversary of her un-wedding in a yoga class some six hundred fifty miles away from home. But somehow her annoyingly perky sister, TC, had worn her down.

As a life coach, she couldn’t just take a month off, like her sister, the teacher, could. Her responsibilities didn’t end at the beginning of summer. She had developed a set of rules, and here she was, breaking the first.

That’s how she found herself in Summer’s Beach, North Carolina, staring at the boyishly handsome instructor who had a penchant for torturing his students with contortionist poses.

She sat up and was nearly standing when—

“It’s time for our ending meditation. Take the stillness and peace of this session as well as the silence into the world with you today.”

Murphy sighed as she sat back down. Apparently, rather loudly. Not only did her sister and their friend, Eli, scowl at her, the instructor fixed a spine-chilling stare at her with his steel-gray eyes. Again. She had walked in ten minutes late—through no fault of her own. Well, her client, Amelia, had a crisis and she couldn’t leave her hanging. She had to take the call. He had flashed her one of those if-looks-could-kill stares  .

Grimacing as she assumed the half-lotus pose, she placed her index fingers to her thumbs and slowly breathed out an om. She checked on her sister. Full lotus. Show off.

“Ommmm.” The instructor breathed out. The students followed with their own om, strung out so it felt as if the entire room was vibrating.

Brrnng! Brnng! Murphy’s cellphone broke the silence. Damn it. She reached into her tote bag and fumbled for it.

Brnng! Brnng! Her cheeks burning, she rooted around the large vacation bag and grabbed it.

“Murphy here. How may I help you…Josh…wait a second.”

She rose, gave the instructor a shrug, and walked to the back of the room.

“No, I don’t think so. I think at this point in your life you’re exactly where you need to be. Don’t you feel it?”

Josh Millcreek was one of Murphy’s first life coach clients. His level of self-confidence fluctuated over the three years of their relationship. This most recent crisis would end soon. She just needed to be there for him. And vacation or not, that’s what she intended to do.

She held the phone in front of her, nearly parallel to the floor as she talked. “You’re not your old—”

A shadow hovered over her phone. She blinked. Frowning, she looked up to see the yoga instructor. His eyes bore into her. He snatched the phone from her hand. She shivered as a spark of electricity skittered up her arm. She swallowed hard.

“What the…?”

The yoga instructor grabbed her phone? The tall, handsome instructor? The one with broad shoulders? And loosely curled caramel-colored hair? She imagined if he’d ever smile, he’d probably have adorable laugh lines. For a split second, she was lost in his penetrating eyes and those shoulders—far too broad to belong to a yoga instructor.

Earth to Murphy. That, however, didn’t excuse him from stealing her phone. She glowered at him.

“What the hell are you doing?” The nerve of this man.

“Ma’am” —Ma’am? He called me ma’am?— “we’re in meditation. Silent meditation. Who are you talking to?” He nodded toward her phone.

“My client, as if it’s any of your business.” She held one hand out, the other on her hip as she waited for him to return her phone. Instead, he raised it to his ear. What?

“Ms. Murphy is in meditation at the moment. I’m sure she’ll return your call later.” He clicked the phone off and tossed it to her. It bobbled in her hands before she clutched it in her palm.

“Let’s continue our closing routine.” He pivoted and walked to the front of the room, leaving her to stare at his nicely formed butt. “Now that I’ve put Ms. Murphy’s phone on airplane mode.”

“How dare you.”

Murphy grumbled to herself but returned to her spot and sat down next to her sister. She placed her left ankle over her right thigh and huffed.

“What is your problem?” TC kept her gaze on the instructor.

“I told you I didn’t want to go on vacation, but—”

“Ladies, are we ready? Ms. Murphy, you can talk about your fear of vacations after the session.”

“I’m not afraid of—”

“Everyone take a deep breath. Think peace and stillness. This is the attitude you’re taking with you as you leave the class.”

 

Terry Newman is an award-winning author who writes romantic comedy with a splash of fantasy.

Fueled by coffee, peanut butter, and popcorn, she writes stories set in fictional towns in northeast Ohio. Terry loves to place her characters in improbably situations, then allows them to take over…uhm…guide the story.

She lives in a small apartment with overflowing bookshelves, her muse, Moose, and all her characters, in North Lima, a real town in northeast Ohio. And, yes, it does get crowded at times.

 

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Memorial Day Reading List: Western Romances With Military Heroes

 

Memorial Day makes me pause and think about the men and women who wore a uniform, loved home and family, and sometimes never made it back to them. When I write Western romances with military heroes—whether they’re Civil War veterans in the 19th century or modern servicemen who’ve traded camo for boots and a Stetson—I’m always mindful that their courage came at a cost. 

In that spirit, I’ve put together a gentle Memorial Day reading list of Western romances with military heroes, along with a few thoughts about the kinds of stories I love in this niche. These aren’t grim war tales; they’re love stories that honor service, healing, and the people waiting on the other side of hardship. 

Why Military Heroes Belong in Western Romance 

Western romance and military heroes have more in common than you might think. Both center on bravery, loyalty, duty, and that stubborn willingness to stand between danger and the people you love. Readers often say they’re drawn to military romance because of the hero’s sense of honor and the emotional depth that comes from what he’s survived. 

In Westerns, that might look like: 

• A cavalry veteran who’s seen too much and just wants a quiet ranch life. 
• A former soldier turned lawman who can’t stop protecting others. 
• A wounded hero who wonders whether he’s still worthy of love. 

On Memorial Day, I especially like stories where the hero carries his service respectfully—he remembers his fallen comrades, struggles honestly with scars seen and unseen, and slowly finds peace as he builds a future with the heroine. 

Types of Western Military Heroes You Might Enjoy 

As you look over your own shelves or e‑reader today, here are some types of heroes you might reach for: 

The scarred veteran coming home 

He’s survived the battlefield but isn’t sure he knows how to live an ordinary life anymore. Sometimes he flinches at loud noises, avoids crowds, or feels guilty for surviving when friends did not. A strong, patient heroine—and a close-knit Western community—help him rediscover joy. 

The honorable lawman with a soldier’s past 

Maybe he rode with the cavalry or served in another branch before settling in a frontier town. His training and sense of duty carry over into his work as sheriff, marshal, or Texas Ranger, and the heroine falls in love with both his steadiness and his fierce protectiveness. 

The reluctant hero 

This man doesn’t see himself as heroic at all. He did his duty, made mistakes, and now he just wants to be left alone to ranch, farm, or run a business. Watching a heroine coax him out of his shell, remind him of his worth, and help him forgive himself can make for a beautiful Memorial Day read. 

The modern soldier‑turned‑cowboy 

In contemporary Western romance, many series feature military men who come home and run ranches, training facilities, or retreats for other veterans. These books often blend horse sense with healing from deployment, and readers appreciate their hopeful tone. 

Memorial Day Reading: A Gentle Approach 

Memorial Day is meant to honor those who died in service, which is a solemn purpose. At the same time, many readers mark the day by choosing books that acknowledge sacrifice while still offering comfort and hope. Library and book lists often suggest stories that explore military life and its aftermath in thoughtful, respectful ways. 

When I pick Western romances with military heroes for this weekend, I look for a few qualities: 

• The hero’s service is treated with respect, not used as a shallow “tough guy” label. 
• The story acknowledges loss and trauma without dwelling on graphic detail. 
• The relationship gives both characters a place to heal—emotionally and spiritually. 
• The ending affirms life, love, and the idea that those who made it home can honor the fallen by living well. 

If a book also touches on community rituals—like small-town parades, moments of silence, flag ceremonies, or visits to graveyards—so much the better. Those touches echo the way many towns still observe Memorial Day today. 

A Few Ideas for Your Own List 

Because authors’ catalogs and availability change and I don’t want to misrepresent specific titles, I’ll keep this part general. As you build your own Memorial Day reading list, you might look for: 

• Western historical romances where the hero is a Civil War or Indian Wars veteran trying to rebuild his life on the frontier.  My romances Gentry and Quinn fit in here. 
• Contemporary Western romances where former soldiers run ranches, equine therapy programs, or retreats for veterans and their families. 
• Series that follow a group of brothers‑in‑arms (or cousins and friends) as they return home to the same Western town and find love one by one. 

Reader discussions and recommendation threads often highlight how powerful it can be to follow a group of veterans through several books, watching each one find healing in his own way. If you already have a favorite Western military hero, this might be the perfect time to revisit his story. 

Ways to Honor the Day While You Read 

If you’re spending part of Memorial Day with a good book, you might also like to weave in a few simple acts of remembrance. Memorial Day observances often include moments of silence, visits to cemeteries, and small, personal gestures of thanks. 

You might choose to: 

• Pause at 3:00 p.m. for a quiet moment of reflection, a practice many organizations encourage on Memorial Day. 
• Read the author’s note, dedication, or acknowledgments; some writers share personal connections to the military there. 
• Say a simple “thank you” prayer or thought for those who never got their own homecoming romance. 

However you observe the day, I hope your reading reminds you that behind every uniform was a human heart—someone’s son or daughter, spouse, parent, or sweetheart. Western romance, with its emphasis on loyalty, courage, and home, is a natural place to honor that truth. 

Patches of Red by Liz Flaherty

 

Patches of Red

by Liz Flaherty

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When I wrote Pieces of Blue, Maggie’s story, it was with no intention of returning to Harper Loch, Michigan for another book. I mean, really, how much is there to say about a 40-acre lake in the middle of farm country with a full-time population of 80-something? 

What was I thinking? That’s 80-some stories, right?  

Well, no, not really.  

But Maggie’s best friend Ellie, with her long red hair and a liberal dose of OCD—not to mention her years spent as a nurse practitioner and a bartender-bouncer combination—invited herself in. So I said, Okay, fine, a sequel, and then I’m done.  

Or maybe not. 

Book Blurb: 

He’s handsome but couldn’t even remember her name. She’s pretty, but her finickiness drives him crazy. And yet …  

After twenty years as a nurse practitioner in the same practice, Ellie Wentz gives notice. When office politics interferes with her job, it’s time to get a new one. When her son and daughter-in-law buy her house and she has sold and given away everything else that’s not attached to her heartstrings, she packs up what remains and goes to Harper Loch to spend time with her best friend. She’ll decide what to do and where to go from there. No matter how much the handsome friend of her friends annoys her. 

Jesse Grant comes to Harper Loch to help out his niece for a few weeks. He’s retired from the navy, his boys are grown, and he’s at loose ends. But he really likes the little lake community in Michigan—he thinks he might stay. Long widowed, he has no interest in getting married again, and neither does the redhead he can’t seem to avoid. And yet … again.  

Excerpt: 

“You have all new days in front of you,” he said now. “If a chance doesn’t work out, take another one the next day until something sticks.” 

“I theory, I agree,” she said after a moment. “In reality, I think I have some missing pieces. I need to find out what they are.” 

He nodded. “Understood.” He’d never found his, just stitched up all the torn places and gone on. But he remembered feeling just like she did now. The memory made a painful ache.  

They stood in her doorway, leaning against opposite sides of the frame. Her arms were crossed and she’d put on some kind of sweater thing over the long dress she wore. The sweater was a creamy color…not quite white…and it looked soft. How could a woman who was completely covered up and had her hair in a braid look so sexy? 

He realized he didn’t know how to leave any more than he and the boys knew how to say goodbye on the phone. He and Ellie weren’t dating, although they were spending time together. They weren’t “hooking up,” because it didn’t feel right. At least, not yet.  

But he still wanted to stroke the sleeve of her sweater to know if it was as soft as it looked, to feel the texture of her skin through the thin fabric. He wanted to touch the long braid to see if it still held the warmth of the day’s sunshine in it. He thought it probably did.  

He wanted to make her feel better.  

He was out of practice, he guessed. There weren’t a lot of single women in his age group in the area, and none that had captured his imagination beyond being friends. There were several he enjoyed talking to, a few he’d shared casual meals or trips to movies in Willoughby with, but somehow things hadn’t clicked. 

He hadn’t wanted to touch the sleeves of their sweaters. The thought made him chuckle, and then he shrugged, because he didn’t know how to explain it to Ellie’s questioning gaze. 

She smiled at him. “Thanks for the tour. I really did enjoy it.” 

“Me, too.” 

When her arms came around his neck, her sleeves touched his skin. They really were soft. So were the hands that linked at his nape and tunneled into his hair. When she raised her face to his, he met her halfway, meeting her soft lips in a long and sweet greeting and farewell-for-now.  

Things definitely clicked.  

He didn’t try to stop her when she drew away, but he didn’t take his hands from where he’d set them on her hips as they kissed. “Well,” he said.  

“Indeed,” she said.  

“Thank you.” 

“You, too.” She smiled at him, although uncertainty flickered in the expression. 

He bent his head, kissing her again. Gently. More quickly. Just as a promise. Sort of. Because it was too soon for promises, and he thought maybe neither of them was the promising type. 

Had this been the reason for his anxiety earlier? It didn’t make sense. Or did it? He didn’t do relationships. He wasn’t good at them. And yet whatever was growing between him and the woman with the soft sweater was … something. It lent an air of … well, something … to his days and sometimes his nights. Unease, like he’d thought?  

Or anticipation. Maybe. 

Author Bio: 

Retired from the post office, Liz Flaherty spends non-writing time sewing, quilting, and doing whatever else she wants to. She and Duane live in the old farmhouse in North Central Indiana they moved to in 1977. They’ve talked about moving, but really…40-some years’ worth of stuff? It’s not happening!  

She’d love to hear from you at lizkflaherty@gmail.com or please come and see her at: 

Website: http://lizflaherty.net 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lizkflaherty  

Redford Falls by Darlene Fredett

Redford Falls

By Darlene Fredett

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Redford Falls is more than a place to visit…it’s where stories begin.

A Redford Falls Story

Nestled in the heart of Redford Falls is a charming small town that captures the warmth of close-knit community life, where friendly faces greet you on Main Street and every shop holds a story. Redford Falls offers the perfect setting for heartwarming moments against a bustling ski resort, quaint local businesses, and the town’s picturesque park, complete with winding trails and cascading waterfalls. Whether it’s family bonds that grow stronger, friendships that withstand the test of time, twists that intrigue, or love that blooms in the most unexpected ways, this series celebrates the beauty of connection in a place where everyone feels at home.

One Sweet Christmas

More than a few pieces of chocolate are essential to fill this Scrooge’s heart with Christmas cheer.

Jackson Frost wanted to spend Christmas on a beach, instead, he’s home in snowy Redford Falls dressed in a Santa suit. Will the temptation of delectable chocolate and Candice Cane lure him to stay?

Winter’s Kiss

Her high heels flattened the snow, and his defences didn’t stand a chance.

As chilly glares between Danielle Lerato and Andrew Bailey thaw into cozy glances, Danielle suspects the town’s snowy landscape is warming more than her toes. Maybe this snowy wonderland isn’t a detour. Maybe it’s destiny.

Broken Branches

Some branches break, but where hearts once shattered, love dares to bloom again.

Years ago, a devastating family tragedy forced Maripier Nadeau to leave Redford Falls, leaving Tyler Kringle to pick up the pieces of their broken relationship. Now she’s returned, reigniting memories and emotions Tyler thought he had buried.

Secret Recipe

In the heat of the kitchen, one woman’s secret recipe blends danger, deception, and desire.

Jess Robinson is desperate for a fresh start, but an unexpected call drags her back into the dangerous world she thought she’d escaped. As drama simmers, Jess and Travis Cooper are caught in a game where Jess must execute the perfect con.

Legacy Lies Loyalty

When loyalty is tested, and lies run deep, the legacy they inherit could cost them everything.

A string of mysterious accidents pulls Jordan McKenzie into a web of danger. When long-buried secrets emerge, and danger looms, Jordan and Logan Crane must decide what—and who—is worth fighting for.

Derailed Hearts

With a matchmaking grandmother and a mythical rabbit at work, two hearts on a cross-country train are destined to collide.

A cross-Canada train trip for Ethan Marley and his young daughter seems like the perfect fresh start—until Jenn Martini, a captivating woman on board, steals his breath. But Ethan and Jenn must decide whether the truth will shatter their fragile new beginning…or save their future.

Trickster

Can she heal the trickster before he breaks her heart?

Enchanted by his father’s feisty assistant, Eric Martini masks his heart. Convinced his destined future is already written in the stars—and doesn’t include Jade Parsons, will Eric and Jade find the courage to trust the mythical and smoky signs before their paths are severed forever?

Author Bio:

Darlene Fredette is a multi-published author of contemporary women’s fiction that celebrates resilience, romance, and the small-town magic woven into ordinary days. Step inside her world for heartfelt stories, character-driven moments, a touch of charm, wit, twists, and just enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. Residing on Canada’s scenic Atlantic Coast, where summers are too short and winters too long, she finds inspiration from family, nature, and the quiet moments that ignite the imagination, and enjoys life with her husband, daughter, and two large dogs.

Social Media 

Website: http://www.darlenefredette.com/ 

Blog: https://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenefredette1/ 

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/darlenefredette.bsky.social

 

What Makes a Great Western Romance Villain?

A great Western romance villain doesn’t just stomp around being mean; they threaten the love story you’re rooting for—the future of the couple, the safety of the town, and the justice you want to see win in the end. When I write my books, I want the villain to feel real enough that you understand why they’re dangerous and why it’s so satisfying when the hero and heroine finally overcome them together. 

More Than “Just Evil”: What They Want 

As a reader, you’ve probably met villains who feel flat—they do bad things “just because.” In my stories, I want more than that. A strong Western romance villain is after something clear: land, power, revenge, money, or control of the town, and they’re willing to hurt others to get it. In a Western setting, that might look like a ruthless cattle baron, a crooked banker, or an outlaw who treats people as obstacles instead of neighbors. 

When I start a new book, I ask myself, “What does this person want so badly they’ll cross every line?” Maybe he wants every water source in the valley, or she wants to hang on to a secret that would destroy her status. Whatever the goal, it must collide head‑on with what my hero and heroine are fighting for. 

Why It Hurts the Hero and Heroine 

For my readers, the villain’s actions can’t stay vague. You care about how the trouble lands on the characters you love. So I make sure the villain’s schemes hit close to home by: 

• Threatening the heroine’s ranch, business, or family legacy 
• Trying to ruin her good name in the community 
• Endangering someone the hero or heroine loves 

Writing experts point out that the best antagonists force the main characters to grow, adapt, and make hard choices. I keep that in mind as I write. A good villain presses on my characters’ tender spots—fear of failure, guilt, shame, or feeling unworthy of love—so when the couple stands up to them, you feel the emotional victory as well as the outward one. 

Western-Style Power You Can Feel 

Because I write Western romance, my villains use the kinds of power that fit the Old West. They might: 

• Own most of the land, cattle, or water rights 
• Control the bank, the deed records, or the town’s lawmen 
• Lead a gang that “owns” the saloon or bullies the streets 

Observers of Western stories note that classic bad guys are often big ranchers, corrupt businessmen, or outlaws who bend the town to their will. In my books, I give villains a grip on the community you can see and feel—hired guns, bought sheriffs, or debts everyone owes—so you understand why ordinary folks are afraid to speak up. 

I also pay attention to presence. Craft articles say a memorable villain needs “weight” on the page: a way of speaking, moving, or smiling that makes you uneasy even before they show their worst side. Sometimes that means a polite, soft‑spoken person in public who turns icy behind closed doors. 

Twisted Logic: Why They Think They’re Right 

One thing I’ve learned from writing and reading about villains is that very few of them think they’re wicked. They almost always have a reason that feels right to them. 

In a Western town, a villain might tell themselves things like: 

• “This valley needs a strong hand. I’m the only one tough enough.” 
• “The law is too weak. Fear is the only language people understand.” 
• “I was cheated once. I’ll never be powerless again.” 

Writing teachers encourage us to understand a villain’s motives well enough that readers can see how they got twisted—without ever excusing what they do. When I write, I often let you glimpse that crooked logic for a moment, so the villain feels human and believable, then I show clearly how cruel their choices are. 

Keeping Your Attention on the Love Story 

As much as I enjoy crafting a good villain, the heart of my books is always the romance. In our genre, the villain’s main job is to make the love story stronger, not to steal the show. 

A good Western romance villain, in my mind: 

• Forces the hero and heroine to join forces, even if they clash at first 
• Tests their courage, loyalty, and trust 
• Pushes them to choose each other, even when it’s risky 

Romance craft articles often talk about external villains (like an outlaw or land baron) and internal ones (like fear, pride, or old wounds). I like to use both. The flesh‑and‑blood villain puts pressure on from the outside, while the characters’ inner struggles make the emotional stakes just as high as the physical ones. 

Justice That Feels Right at the End 

As a reader, you probably enjoy seeing villains get what’s coming to them—and so do I. That doesn’t always mean a gunfight in the street, but it does mean consequences that fit the story and the setting. 

Story experts say a villain’s downfall feels most satisfying when: 

• It grows out of their own choices 
• The hero and heroine help bring it about 
• The punishment matches what they’ve done 

In my books, I like to tie the villain’s ending to what they cared about most: losing the land they tried to steal, being exposed in front of the town they controlled, or winding up utterly alone after years of using people. My hope is that when you turn that final page, you feel that justice—and the happy ending—have both truly been earned. 

If you enjoy Western romances where the bad folks are worth defeating, and the good folks stand tall, then every time I create a new villain, I’m thinking of you. 

 

How to Love a Lord by Tina Holland

 

 

He thought he loved her sister—until one night changed everything.

How to Love a Lord

A B.A.D. Guide Book 2

by Tina Holland

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Book Two in A Bold & Adventurous Debutante's Guide. New Reader? Book 1, "How to Marry a Major," is on Sale! Start there.

After a night of mistaken identity and unexpected passion, Arabella Kendall vows to keep her secret, especially from Viscount Pierce Ellis, the man who unknowingly claimed her heart. With her twin sister, Amelia, eager for a London Season, Arabella escapes to the Scottish countryside, determined to avoid scandal and matrimony.

Pierce, Viscount Kernwith, has always believed he loved the poised and perfect Amelia Fitzwilliam. But when he learns it was Arabella he spent that fateful night with, everything changes. Realizing the truth, he's determined to make Arabella his bride.

But Kernwith is on the brink of ruin, and as they work together to save the estate, buried secrets emerge. As the past is revealed, Arabella must decide: can she trust the man who mistook her for someone else, or will pride keep them apart forever?

 

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Arabella in another man’s arms unsettled him more than Amelia’s wedding. How could that be? He’d once believed his heart belonged to Amelia. But she'd married Devonhold, and instead of breaking him, it had brought anger and now… relief. That was the truth, wasn’t it? A quiet, undeniable sense of rightness had settled over him then, but now a storm raged at the idea of losing Arabella. It wasn’t just an obligation that pulled him toward her. It was the realization that he may have loved her all along.

A flash of light blue caught his eye when she sailed through the doorway, mercifully alone. She looked thin. Perhaps she wasn’t well.

As he traversed the room toward her, she lifted her gaze and met his. Her stare reminded

 him of a doe ready to flee. “Would you care for the next dance?” he asked once he reached her

 side.

Arabella crossed her arms. “I heard you abused Charlotte’s feet last night, so I think not.”

“A turn in the garden, then.”

“That wouldn’t be proper.”

Was she truly going to pretend nothing had passed between them? Damn it, he wouldn’t be dismissed like some unwanted suitor. “We must speak to one another,” he fairly shouted over

 the music, drawing eyes to them.

Her cheeks flushed, and her mouth formed an ‘O’, before she turned on her heel and left,

 her bottom a dancing curve of pale blue silk as she fled. Once she reached the edge of the

 ballroom, he discreetly followed her.

Arabella darted down the hall, opened a door at the end, and entered a room.

Pierce glanced over his shoulder to ensure no one followed them. Once at the door, he

 stopped with his hand on the handle.

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Tina Holland was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and now calls the Red River Valley of North Dakota home. Living on a hobby farm, she draws inspiration from wide prairie skies, quiet country roads, and the rich history that often finds its way into her stories.

Published since 2005, Tina writes character-driven fiction filled with heart, tension, and emotional depth. Her Regency romances, including How to Marry a Major and her newest release, How to Love a Lord, blend wit, longing, and resilience in tales of bold heroines and honorable heroes. She also writes paranormal and cozy mysteries under the pen name Kaye Maxx.

In addition to writing, Tina is an engaging speaker and workshop instructor. She teaches her F.E.A.R.S. workshop (available online or in person) and enjoys connecting with readers through libraries, book clubs, signings, and virtual events. She is a member of Writer Zen Garden, Moorhead Friends Writing Group, and F-M Word Weavers.

Press kits, review copies, and promotional materials are available upon request.

For booking inquiries, interviews, or events, please contact:
krissyg@rrt.net

 

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Rainy Day Rescue by Josie Malone

 

 

Deciding to take a second chance at love is an act of courage! 

Rainy Day Rescue

Seattle Lost Lovers #1

by Josie Malone

Genre: Contemporary Second-Chance, Fake Romance

Real estate broker, Claire Rocklin, buys distressed properties, rehabs, and sells them to support her pet project, ‘Senior Housing Apartments'. She believes nobody has time for the elderly–and no one ever had time for her. After the death of her mother when Claire was a child, her serial-cheater father remarried several times, but those marriages didn't last more than two years each.

Three years ago, Claire’s once-upon-a-time stepbrother, Master Sergeant Tony Baldusi, retired from the Army and became a fulltime business partner in Claire's brokerages. The son of a single mother who divorced Claire’s father, Tony learned how to survive long before he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He's been packing a proverbial torch for Claire, along with a diamond engagement ring for three years.

When Claire’s grandparents invite them home for Thanksgiving, Tony suggests they pretend to be engaged. After all, they’re already business partners, and their families would easily believe the relationship runs deeper. But can he convince commitment-phobic Claire that she deserves real happiness? Will their little deception turn into something real, or will she run from love again, breaking both their hearts in the process?

 

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Ghost Writer’s Inn

Baker City: Hearts and Haunts #6

by Josie Malone

Genre: Paranormal Ghost Romance

Former Army Ranger, Mac MacGillicudy served his country for almost twenty years, fighting in one hotspot after another. Since he retired from the military, he’s roamed the U.S., unaware he’s accompanied by a woman with a hidden agenda. He enjoys writing action-adventure romances which never turn out the way he plans or expects or designs. Still his agent, publisher, and readers love them. Learning he’s inherited the old family hotel, Mac heads to Baker City, Washington for Christmas. He’ll help restore the hotel, write his next book which will hopefully end the way he wants, and perhaps discover a home.

Registered Nurse, Lillian Bryce didn’t hesitate to answer the call when her country needed her after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She joined the US Army and went off to war but didn’t return home, at least not alive. Since she loved books, she went back to the Seattle Public Library where she’d spent so many happy hours. She was perfectly content studying, researching, observing and enjoying the other patrons—the live ones, until she saw Mac MacGillicudy. She was fascinated, focused on him—well on his writing, on his books, except he had them all wrong! So, she fixed them, not once, but again, and again, and again regardless of how many times he tried to change them while they traveled the country! Now, they’re off to Baker City.

Will the two of them find love in a place where ghosts are real or just continue writing about it?

 

**can be read as a standalone!

 

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Josie Malone lives and works at her family business, a riding stable in Washington State. Teaching kids to ride and know about horses, she finds in many cases, she's taught three generations of families. Her life experiences span adventures from dealing cards in a casino, attending graduate school to get her Masters in Teaching degree, being a substitute teacher, and serving in the Army Reserve - all leading to her second career as a published author. Visit her at her website, www.josiemalone.com to learn about her books.

  

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