ROMANCE NOVEL HEAT LEVELS

I write all heat level except erotica. I think whether or not the couple has sex depends on the characters and their situation but some readers don’t understand the difference in the ratings. Please let me explain the way I see these ratings.

 Sweet – This involves no touching below the neck except the arms and hands. I have written sweet novels over the years. More of them later than earlier. A great author to read for sweet romance novels is Debra Holland and her Montana Sky series and Mail Order Brides of the West series. Another, if you like humor, is Kirsten Osbourne. My sweet novels are O’NEILL’S TEXAS BRIDE, WINTER BRIDE, STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS (novella), TABITHA’S JOURNEY (novella), LONG WAY HOME (novella), STONE MOUNTAIN REUNION (a short story) and the contemporaries HOME SWEET TEXAS HOME and mysteries DEATH IN THE GARDEN and ALMOST HOME. One of my favorite sweet with a hard edge series is the 1947 serial WOMEN OF COURAGE: LOVE RELEASED by Geri Foster. This is superb writing that keeps me hooked on every line. I feel as if I know these characters personally.

Sensual – Many of my novels fall into this category. There’s consummated sex but it’s not of the super-steamy variety. Those include GABE KINCAID, HIGH STAKES BRIDE, SAVE YOUR HEART FOR ME (novella), THE MOST UNSUITABLE HUSBAND, OUT OF THE BLUE (time travel), MAIL ORDER PROMISE (in the duet MAIL-ORDER TANGLE with Jacquie Rogers) and the contemporary BE MY GUEST. In fact, some of sex scenes are between a hero and heroine who are married. Those would be BRAZOS BRIDE (now free), THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE (now free), THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, BLUEBONNET BRIDE, McCLINTOCK’S RELUCTANT BRIDE, and THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE. If you like sensual novels, you’ll enjoy reading books by Cynthia Woolf, Callie Hutton, Jacquie Rogers, and Sylvia McDaniel.

Steamy – Involves more graphic sexual terms and longer sex scenes. I’m not sure I’ve written any novels in the steamy category, but if I have it’s the contemporary SNOWFIRES.  Someone who does steamy extremely well is Anna Jeffrey. Her THE TYCOON and THE CATTLEMAN will leave you breathless. I can hardly wait until she releases the third in the Sons of Texas series, THE HORSEMAN. In the meantime, you can preorder her super steamy DESIRED for only 99 cents.

Erotica --  Graphic and may include BDSM. One I’ve read that was well-written was by Sylvia Day. Other well known authors are E. L. James and Desiree Holt. I haven’t written anything in this genre.  

Every reader has specific expectations from a novel. Whatever you want from your time spent reading, there’s a romance novel waiting to take you on an exciting adventure with a happily ever after ending.

SERIES VS. SERIALS -- WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Lately, I’ve heard a lot of people asking the difference between a series and a serial. With this in mind, I thought I’d explain the difference.

THE SERIES:

I write series. In each series title, a problem is introduced and solved in that book. All loose ends are tied up nicely and you’re not left wondering what happens next.  

Each book or novella in my series stands alone. You don’t have to have read any of the other books in the series to understand a title. A few characters from previous books pop up in additional titles. However, if you haven’t read other books in the series, you won’t be lost.

My current series are the Kincaids, Stone Mountain, and the McClintocks. Most of the singles in my publication list are actually the first of a series I’ve yet to develop. I always want to know what happens to the characters later, don’t you? In fact, I think of books as a group. My next series will be THE BRIDE BRIDGADE, set in fictional Tarnation, Texas, and will come out later this summer and fall and into next year. This series will have seven books, each the title of the woman who is the main character. JOSEPHINE is the first book. I already have the covers, which were designed by the talented Skhye Moncrief. (Skhye is also a writer.)

I compare a series to movies like those made from Louis L’Amour books or Indiana Jones. Each movie continues with the same main character/characters but the problem is resolved by the end of the movie.

I love reading series novels. What a joy to find a new book I like and discover it’s the first of a long series. My latest series acquisition is a book by Jodi Thomas. Whether historical or contemporary, her novels always engage me.

By the way, the first of my Stone Mountain books, BRAZOS BRIDE, is now free!

Here's the Amazon link: http://amzn.com/B007HS10SY

The first of the McClintock series, THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE, is also free:

The Amazon link is http://amzn.com/B008V1UG54

THE SERIAL:

In a serial, such as Geri Foster’s emotional WOMEN OF COURAGE: LOVE RELEASED books, the plot continues from one book to the next. In the first book of a serial, several problems are introduced. Some of those are resolved in the first book while others are left dangling. The book ends in a cliffhanger. As you move through the serial, new problems are introduced as others continue. The arc for characters and plot continues throughout the serial.

Think of 1001 ARABIAN NIGHTS. That story is of a master serial teller. No doubt having her life at stake sharpened her imagination. 

I compare a serial to a television series such as “White Collar”, “Cedar Cove” or the Bourne movies. Although each episode introduces a new plot problem for the main characters to solve, some initial concerns continue. We don’t learn the outcome of the quest until the final episode. At that time, we see the main character/characters having achieved his/her/their goal to find contentment or happily-ever-after--or, rarely, having failed and resolved to fate.

When I was a child, I used to go to the movies on Saturday while my mom went to the laundromat and did her grocery shopping. There was always a serial which ended with a cliffhanger so the audience would be sure to come the next week. The plan worked because my friends and I wanted to see every episode of Jungle Jim or whoever the characters were.

Serial novels are very popular now. I resisted them until my critique partner, Geri Foster, wrote one so compelling I can hardly wait for the next installment. Wow! She so hooked me with engaging characters and episodes packed with emotion and action. If you haven’t read WOMEN OF COURAGE: LOVE RELEASED, the first episode is free here.  Just when I think Geri’s writing couldn’t possible improve, she proves me wrong and excels even more. The Amazon link for her free copy of LOVE RELEASED is http://amzn.com/B00WOG0GVG

By the way, next year you can look for a new WOMEN OF COURAGE serial titled LOVE RENEWED.

There you have the straight information on series vs. serials. Which do you prefer? Do you read both?

A TRUE WOMAN OF COURAGE!

For a long time, I have been resistant about reading a serial because I like every thread in a book tied up nicely by the last page. That’s before my friend and critique partner Geri Foster decided to write a serial called WOMEN OF COURAGE: LOVE RELEASED. Geri’s serial/series hooked me on the first page! This series is so great I can’t overemphasize how wonderful it is!

Here are Geri’s words about her journey with this series:

For all the years I’ve been writing, not once did I consider writing a Historical Romantic Suspense. I’ve always leaned toward danger and suspense, but more in the contemporary world with spies, special agents and lots of action.

As I continued to write these books, in the back of my mind was a very frightened, weary young woman begging me to tell her story. I ignored her for over a year, with my critique partners, writer friends and even my editor telling me to go for it. I believed that Women of Courage simply wasn’t my kind of story and not what people had come to expect from me.

What would my readers and fans say, I asked myself. Would they cross over? Going from Action Adventure to Historical Romantic Suspense is a wide gap. It was a gamble. What if no one liked that era? Was it too soon to write a post-World War II book?

I would be stepping out of my comfort zone as a writer and I was very leery.

Another thing that frightened me was that this story would be an extremely emotional story of true love and I didn’t know if I was up to that. I would have to write raw, gritty and heartbreaking scenes. That’s so difficult for a writer to settle into. But, the story also had its rewards. There were other touching scenes of tenderness of loving a child, heartwarming reunions, true bonds, and happy ever after.

No longer able to keep the story inside, I set out on this daunting journey with the idea I’d write one book and see how it goes. I learned in the writing world it doesn’t pay to make plans. Every story has a life of its own and Women of Courage would not allow me to stop until the story was finished.

I set the story where I was familiar, my great grandmother’s hometown. My hometown is twelve miles away. So much of the story is set in a fictional place that’s a blend of both places.

My character’s name is Cora and so was my grandmother’s, and that’s just a hint of how much of the story parallels things I’m comfortable with.

I hope you will try this serial. While I’d meant it to be one, maybe two books, it’s grown much larger and even as I write this, it continues to grow.

If you like to immerse yourself into the lives of fascinating people facing the difficulties of life after the Second World War, people forgiving the past and finding true, deep, abiding love then you’ll enjoy Women of Courage.    

Thank you,

Geri Foster

Bestselling Author Geri Foster

Now here’s my review of Geri's new series:

Cora Williams is a woman each of us can admire. Unjustly sentenced to prison, she’s seen and experienced things no one should.  Though she’s been pounded down by life, she is not completely broken. Damaged, yes, but determined to make a good life for her nephew Jack. Cora comes to Gibbs City, Missouri to live in the cottage left by her late Aunt Rose, and where she hopes to make a happy home for Jack and herself. 

Disowned by her wealthy parents, Cora has no cash, no way to make repairs on the home, but she has backbone and isn’t afraid of hard work. All she needs is a chance to fit into the community—and a job. Jobs are scarce, and she has to take a position working for an odious man who owns the local dry cleaner/laundry.  

Virgil Carter is the Gibbs City Sheriff—the kind of official every town or city needs. As a WWII veteran, war nightmares haunt him. As a lawman, Virgil is strict but fair. As a Gibbs City resident, he is a compassionate man who tries to help all those in need.

When he meets Cora, he senses her desperation and fear. His curiosity is aroused, but that soon turns to admiration, then to love. But Cora is afraid to trust a man—any man—and is evading true evil. She will protect Jack at any cost but she can’t risk harm coming to him or letting anyone close to her. All she wants is to be left alone and get on with her life. But there are those who want Cora dead because she knows their secrets.  

Truthfully, this is a continuing series more than a serial. You know how the old movie serials stopped each segment with a cliffhanger? WOMEN OF COURAGE: LOVE RELEASED does not do that. Most threads in each volume are tied up, but one or two continue through all five books before being resolved.

Geri is working on more of the LOVE RELEASED series as well as more of her Falcon Securities series. That woman is a genius and one hard-working and versatile writer. No wonder she is a NYTimes and USAToday bestselling writer.

Here’s the blurb for WOMEN OF COURAGE:LOVE RELEASED, book one.

EMOTIONAL, HONEST, ENDURING

He stands on the other side of sorrow and despair with a love so vast and strong it reaches into her soul and sparks the courage to become the woman waiting for her.

She’s running from her past and he’s duty-bound to protect her.

Cora Williams is an ex-con exiled to Gibbs City, Missouri. A small town where she hopes to remain undisturbed and unobtrusive. With her nephew Jack, her wants are simple, to hide from the horrors of her past.

Sheriff Virgil Carter is a WW2 veteran with demons of his own, but Parker County is his to protect. That includes a young, beautiful woman newly released from prison who longs to be left alone.

Love often comes like sleep, softly, quietly and unexpectedly. You just have to close your eyes. 

On a scale of 1 for bad and 5 for great, I give this series a wholehearted 5. I’m sure you’ll agree! 


The first volume is free everywhere except at Amazon, where it’s 99 cents. 

Here are the buy links:

Amazon=99 cents    FREE@ Apple      Nook        Kobo         Google Play                   

Thanks for stopping by!

HERE'S THE PROOF

If you remember, I told you my plotting partners and I plotted some mighty fine books last week, if I do say so myself. I thought you might like to see proof of us at work. Yes, it was hard work. We tossed out ideas for one another until way past one each morning, then climbed out of bed and headed for coffee six hours later.

On most of these sessions, we go to a hotel. When the hotel raised their rates, we rebelled and rented a house. For the same price we had been spending for two rooms, we had an entire home and each of us had a private bedroom and bath. Not that we can't share rooms, because we are all grown up and know how to be polite. But privacy is great--especially when you've just spent eighteen hours with the same three people. And the quiet was wonderful. No banging down the hall or overhead. Plus, we could work in our jammies and robe if we wanted. (Kathy did) I forgot my robe and the weather was too cool for just jammies.

The champion plotter is Geri Foster. She has been a plotting friend for over ten years and a friend for twice that. In fact, I wouldn't know what to do without her as a friend. She may be wearing her Mickey Mouse sweatshirt, but we were not Mickey-Mousing around. Okay, we did laugh a lot and eat a lot, but we worked hard, I promise you.

No, we didn't open all those bags of chips you can see in the kitchen behind Geri. Each of us thought, "I'll just toss in a bag or two of chips."

Geri Foster helping us plot

Sylvia McDaniel also writes western historical romance and she "gets" what I'm trying to convey. We laughed because we had similar stories in mind, but the plots turned out very different. I've known Sylvia for twenty years, too. In fact, I owe getting published to Sylvia. When she and three of her friends sold to Kensington in 1998, she was kind enough to tell me the name of her editor and what she was buying. Sylvia prepared a yummy crockpot stew and a pan of cornbread for one night's dinner.

Sylvia McDaniel making notes on her laptop
with a throw over her legs and feet

Kathy Shaw is another two-decade friend and is as funny as all get out. She adds a lot of humor to our sessions as well as some good ideas. Kathy is one of those who shared her editor at Kensington. I love her sense of humor. She's writing a wonderful romantic suspense now. Kathy prepared a delicious enchilada casserole for dinner one night. And she brought extra of her famous white-chocolate-covered pretzels so I could take some home to Hero.

. Kathy was gracious enough to stand near the wall so I could capture the fireplace in the photo. By the way, the fire was wonderful since the weather was damp and cold.

Our plans now are to write with our fingers flying over our keyboards and produce these great new books we planned. Stay tuned! In addition to her Falcon books, Geri Foster has a wonderful new series planned. If you join her newsletter, you'll get free installments of the first in the series twice a month. Sylvia McDaniel has a new novella series planned in addition to her next Lipstick and Lead series release. Sylvia will keep you informed if you join her newsletter. As I mentioned above, Kathy Shaw is writing a romantic suspense, and it's set in New Orleans. I've planned a new Stone Mountain Texas book, a McClintock book, and a new series. Join my mailing list at the top of the sidebar to be informed of new releases.

Thanks for stopping by!

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE?

What is your favorite book of those you’ve read in the past year?

That is the question I ask when someone follows me on Twitter at @CarolinClemmons (no E in Caroline). Often people answer with a book I’ve never heard of, but there are a few repeats. Among them are GONE GIRL, THE BOOK THIEF, THE CONFESSION OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE.

Now I’ll share some of my favorites of books I’ve read in the past year.

THE CATTLEMAN by Anna Jeffrey is the second in her Sons of Texas Series, set near Fort Worth. I loved Pic Lockhart and the story surrounding him. You will too. Anna is a strong writer who weaves multiple threads together masterfully in this women’s-fiction-type contemporary romance.

OUT OF THE DARK by Geri Foster is in her Falcon Securities series of contemporary romantic suspense. How would you react if you had amnesia and didn’t know who you could trust? All Tony Archuletta knows is that some people claim to be friends yet others are trying to kill him. He senses he must get to St. Peterburg, Russia but doesn’t know why he knows this is urgent or what he’s supposed to do when he arrives. This opens with action that lasts through all the book.

SLEIGHT OF HEART by Jacquie Rogers is a fun, action-packed western historical romance. Hero Burke O’Shaunessy is one of my favorite heroes ever. The model for heroine Lexie was Jacquie’s aunt, who was an amazing math whiz.

DESPERATE: LIPSTICK AND LEAD by Sylvia McDaniel is a short novella written to introduce the three sisters for her latest series. This western historical is fun and includes surprises. It’s available now as a single. But this novella is included in the upcoming box set, WILD WESTERN WOMEN, which also includes novellas by Callie Hutton, Kirsten Osbourne, Merry Farmer, and me!

MAIL-ORDER TANGLE by Jacquie Rogers and Caroline Clemmons. Yes, I realize listing my book is vain, but I do love this box duet. Jacquie and I worked together by phone and email to link our books seamlessly (in my opinion) as two cousins find mail-order wives who are sisters.

KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN by Carra Copelin is a short western historical novella that introduces one of the families in her Code series. The characters came to Texas from Ireland. I love Irish characters, and Carra does a good job with the dialogue.

BRIDE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY by Kaki Warner in her runaway brides series is a book I won and set aside to read later. I’m so sorry I waited because this is a great book. The heroine’s character development through three stages of her life is remarkable—from terrified Irish immigrant Cathleen Donovan to socially prominent ward Margaret Hamilton to self-sufficient Lucinda Hawthorne who claims her life in Heartbreak Creek, Colorado. 

What's your favorite of the books you've read in the past year? 

Thanks for stopping by!

WHAT TO DO WITH BRIDEZILLA

WRONG BRIDE is Geri Foster’s latest in her Accidental Pleasures series of sexy novellas and releases on September 20th. (Fans of her Falcon series should not worry as Ms Foster is currently working on the next Falcon book, OUT OF THE DEPTHS.)

Misty Walker is a professional wedding consultant who has been dealing with a genuine Bridezilla. Misty hasn’t met the groom, but she believes if he’s anything like his kind mom, then Mitch Collins doesn’t deserve a fate like Priscilla McFadden, aka the bride from hell.

When Misty overhears Priscilla and her lover plotting to kill Mitch on the honeymoon, she decides to warn him—wearing a disguise so he won’t recognize her at the rehearsal and wedding.

Is there a flaw in this plan? Oh, yes, several. Fortunately for readers, they all make for fast-paced, fun reading.

Here’s a blurb:

Misty Walker has agreed to be the wedding coordinator for the bride from hell, literally. When she overhears the future bride discussing how she and the lover plan to off the groom on the honeymoon, Misty decides she must warn the unsuspecting Mitch Collins.

Mitch arrives in the Dallas area drenched in doubts about marrying the wrong woman and wondering if he made a mistake. While waiting for the wedding date, a mysterious woman shows up at his place and after spending the night together, he realizes the wedding must be stopped.

The bride-to-be isn’t happy with the turn of events and takes matters into her own hands. Can Misty and Mitch both learn how important it is to find the right life partner?

Will love win in this crazy and comical situation?

You can find this book on Amazon at http://amzn.com/B00NOZMNSU as well as at other online retailers.

RECHARGING

Monday will be my 700th post on this blog. Be sure to return then to help with my celebration and sign up for giveaways!

Each of us has work-related stresses. Although I love writing, occasionally I need to refill my well. What do I do? I meet with my three amazing critique partners: Geri Foster, Carra Copelin, and Brenda Daniels.

Geri Foster

We do more than critique each other’s work. We make suggestions, talk about marketing, discuss the new changes in social media, and laugh a lot. Yes, meeting with these women is group therapy.

Brenda Daniels

Other writers understand that hearing voices in one’s head is not necessarily a sign of madness. Okay, maybe a little madness, but we are allowed in public. And we only harm people in our books. So far.

Maybe you don’t write, but you do something that requires your concentration and sometimes causes you stress. So what do you do? I have a suggestion—meet with friends.

Psychologists say that the camaraderie and laughter of meeting with other like-minded individuals creates the same endorphins that runners experience in a “runner’s high.” What’s better, those endorphins from getting together with others hang around for up to three days. Yep. Goofing off with friends is beneficial to your mental health!

Carra Copelin

And there’s no major plan required. Call a friend and go to lunch or dinner. Join a book club, Bible study, bridge or bunco group—whatever appeals to you. Even if you enjoy the solitary pursuits of knitting, crochet, quilting, scrapbooking, gardening and so forth, join a group centered around those activities.

Even if—as I do—you enjoy time alone, occasionally meeting with others to exchange ideas boosts your morale and broadens your outlook. Not all of us are extroverts, but we must force ourselves to get up and get out of our routine. For me, this means venturing out of the comfort of my pink writing cave. But—my psyche protests—I love it here. So, I have to get tough with myself and make myself leave the security of the place where I’m most comfortable.

Today is critique day. I submitted my pages earlier in the week and have read and commented on my critique partners’ submissions. They’re good writers, by the way. Even the one who’s not yet published has great story ideas. I’ve printed out their pages and have them in my handy tote bag ready to walk out the door.

We meet at a local restaurant. The staff there know we like to sit in the front corner and that we’ll be there a while, but we tip well to make up for tying up the table. When I leave the restaurant, I’ll be recharged and ready to jump back into my writing.

What do you do to recharge?   

Thanks for stopping by!

SUMMER READING - WHAT'S ON YOUR LIST?

Anytime is reading time for me, but many people have more free time in summer. Schools are out, vacations roll around, and people relax by the sea or a pool. Even though I’m stuck in my pink writing cave, I love to read.

Recently, I read several of the new Prairie Rose Publishing anthologies. I know most of the authors who contribute to these collections, and each is an excellent author. You can’t go wrong with any of the works. LASSOING A BRIDE and LASSOING A GROOM are just released.

I love Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz, and recently finished her latest, OTHERWISE ENGAGED. As usual, her story captured my interest from the first page. I love her books.

Geri Foster has released WRONG GUY, the second of her Accidental Pleasures series. She’s also in the boxed set, SPICE BOX. In addition, don’t forget OUT OF THE PAST, the novella about Zoe in her Falcon series. I’m eagerly awaiting OUT OF THE DEPTHS, the next Falcon book for non-stop action and romance.

Another author I love is Loretta Chase. Her descriptions and characterization are amazing. I’ve preordered her VIXEN IN VELVET, the third in her trilogy of dressmaker sisters. The book will be released later in June.

Sylvia McDaniel has released DESPERATE, a delightful prequel novella to her new Lipstick and Lead series about the Mackenzie sisters who turn bounty hunter to save their home after their father’s death. I’m eagerly awaiting the first sister’s story, which will be about Meg.

For those who enjoy stories involving Native Armericans, Mary Adair has new covers for her Passion series and has added RAVEN’S PASSION. The other two in the series are PASSION’S VISION and PASSION’S PRICE. Mary’s husband is descended from James Adair, author of the definitive book on Cherokee in the 18^th century. She used James Adair’s book in her research.

Kathy Shaw’s latest release is BLONDIE AND THE HITMAN, a Darla Bodecker mystery. This is a fun read with a sassy heroine and a dash of romance. Kathy’s wicked sense of humor always makes me smile.

On my TBR list are MY KIND OF CRAZY by Katie O’Sullivan; AGAINST THE WILD by Kat Martin; SHAME ON YOU by Tara Sivec; ON THE HOOK by Cindy Davis; MAIL ORDER MISFIT by Kirsten Osbourne; and A TEXAS CATTLE DRIVE by Andy Adams. Those should keep me busy reading for a while, right? But new releases by Carra Copelin,  Paty Jager, Kathy Ivans, Jacquie Rogers (she's included in the Prairie Rose antholgies), and others will keep me adding to the list.

To your TBR stack, I hope you’ll add GABE KINCAID and THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, if you haven’t already done so.

Here are the buy links:

GABE KINCAID, book four of the Kincaid series

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1irY2CJ

Nook http://bit.ly/S7VDn4

Kobo http://bit.ly/1m6htQC

THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, book three in the Kincaid series

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ku7nLt

Nook http://bit.ly/1wzXHUA

Kobo http://bit.ly/1tukWuR

At the end of June, I’ll be releasing FINDING MY TEXAS HOME, book two in the Texas Home series, linked to HOME SWEET TEXAS HOME. Please watch for the release. To be certain you are notified of each of my releases, contests, giveaways, and other news, please sign up for my newsletter at the top of the right sidebar.

What are you reading?

Thanks for stopping by!

WOO HOO! NEW RELEASE GABE KINCAID IS ON HIS WAY!

Thanks to all those who helped launch GABE KINCAID on Sunday. What a great party we had. Cyberchampagne sand cyberchocolate served to all. Thanks for helping send Gabe on his way.

If you haven't yet purchased your copy, please accept my invitation to do so. Here are the links
Amazon    Barnes and Noble  and   Kobo. It's also supposed to be up at the iBookstore and iTunes. And please, please, please leave a review after you read the book. Reviews are so important to authors.

If you've never participated in a Facebook Launch Party, you're missing some fun and prizes. Other authors drop by, and we have a ball discussing various aspects of writing. You know authors--if we're not writing, we're thinking and talking about writing. ☺ We can't help ourselves.

Bestie Geri Foster and I planned this past launch together and called it Bad Boys and Cowboys. Okay, technically Gabe Kincaid is not a cowboy; he's a lawyer in the Old West. Technically, A. J. Roddio is not a bad boy, he's an agent for Falcon Securities who helps Falcon's main secretary, Zoe Ross, save the day. We write fiction, okay?

Now, I'm off to my critique meeting to discuss the book on which I'm currently at work, BACK TO MY TEXAS HOME, book 2 of the sweet contemporary Texas Home series. Book one is HOME SWEET TEXAS HOME.

Thanks for stopping by!

SNEAK PEEK AT OUT OF THE PAST BY GERI FOSTER

If you've paid attention, you know that Geri Foster and I are hosting a Facebook Launch Party called BAD BOYS AND COWBOYS this Sunday, April 27, from 5:00 until 10:00 with lots of prizes and surprise authors visiting. We are launching Geri's OUT OF THE PAST and my GABE KINCAID. What you may not know is that Geri has redesigned her book cover to add some pizazz.

This is a Falcon Security series novella featuring Zoe Ross, the Pollyanna-ish secretary to Frank Hamilton, CEO of Falcon. Zoe has turned her life around and gives back to those less fortunate. Each of the agents is fond of and protective of Zoe. She has said that working for Frank is like having a group of big brothers. What she feels for A. J. Roddio is not brotherly, but much deeper. They're still dancing around how much they care for one another when tragedy strikes.

One night after work, Zoe is kidnapped by a Croatian. Frank is due to testify against the Coratian's boss for crimes against humanity for the United Nations. The plan is to use Zoe as a weapon to prevent Frank testifying. A. J.'s determined to rescue Zoe before harm can come to her. And they're both determined that Frank will appear to speak up against the man who murdered innocent women and children.

To work through the steps necessary to capture all the dirty players, Zoe will have to make a difficult choice. A. J. will have to watch. Can they come through this ordeal with a strong love or will the experience destroy all that's between them?

As with other fast-paced Falcon novels, OUT OF THE PAST is a fast-paced romantic suspense that keeps readers guessing to the end. While Zoe is not an agent, she's a secretary who has agents supporting her, so expect to see the same action as the longer Falcon novels. Fans of Geri Foster's award winning, bestselling series are certain to love OUT OF THE PAST.

In the meantime, Geri is at work on the next Falcon book, OUT OF DEPTHS. Watch for it this summer!

OUT OF THE PAST is available at Amazon, Nook, Kobo and iTunes.

Thanks for stopping by!

BLUEBONNET TIME IN TEXAS - AND A FACEBOOK LAUNCH PARTY!

April is bluebonnet time here in North Central Texas. I love the cheerful flowers that signal spring is really here. Instead of lingering outdoors to admire the bluebonnets, I’m seated at my computer editing my proof of GABE KINCAID in preparation for the huge Facebook Launch Party, BAD BOYS AND COWBOYS, that Geri Foster and I plan from 5:00 to 9:00 pm CDT for April 27^th. 

We know Falcon agents are not really bad boys in the usual meaning of the word, but they are bad news for those who oppose them. Gabe is not really a cowboy, but lives among them. Besides, we needed a catchy phrase, so please work with us, all right? 

Yes, the 27th is later than our first plan, but we realized our first choice was on Easter weekend. We had chosen the 18th without looking closely at the calender. That day was my dad's birthday and the 19th was the birthday of Geri's dad. Emotion overcame caution. Now we've resolved the situation. 

Geri will be launching the latest of her Falcon Securities series, a novella titled OUT OF THE PAST. As mentioned previously, I’ll be launching the latest book in my Kincaid series, GABE KINCAID. Here’s the banner created by our friend DeLaine Roberts:

DeLaine is a fellow member in the Yellow Rose Chapter of Romance Writers of America. She’s a multi-talented woman who is kind enough to share her knowledge with friends. Lucky for us, right?

OUT OF THE PAST is the story of Zoe, the Pollyanish secretary to the head of Falcon Securities. Here’s the blurb for OUT OF THE PAST:

Zoe Ross turned her life around two years ago with the help of her dead father’s ex CIA partner, Frank Hamilton, CEO of Falcon Securities. After rehab and a life changing seminar, she now works for the man who saved her from the depths of hell.  Zoe is kidnapped by a band of Croatian’s hoping to hold her captive until her boss refuses to testify against their leader who’s on trial before the UN for crimes against humanity. She’s alone and defenseless but the man she loves, Falcon agent AJ Roddio, is determined to find her at all cost.

AJ has been a Falcon agent long enough to know he has to find Zoe quickly. His boss is furious that anyone would lay hands on Zoe and tells AJ to do whatever is necessary to save her life. AJ is emotionally shattered at the thought of anything happening to the woman he’s grown to love. Can he find her in time?

AJ and Zoe must outmaneuver a cunning murderer determined to destroy their boss and get away with the slaughter of innocent women and children. Zoe is forced to step back into her old ways while AJ must face her past and decide if all things can be forgiven.

GABE KINCAID is the fourth book in the Kincaid series. I’ve had a lot of emails asking for more Kincaids, and I hope this one pleases readers. I truly enjoyed writing it. Those Kincaid men are all intelligent hunks, and this heroine is feisty and beautiful. Here’s a blurb of GABE KINCAID:

Gabe Kincaid has reasons to hate lies and those who tell them. He moved from Austin to Kincaid Springs and joined his great uncle’s law firm. Gabe believes he’s happy and pushes aside those moments of loneliness, of wishing for more. He strongly believes in the law, in justice, and obeying rules. Doing what’s right is fulfilling, isn’t it? Then why is he so fascinated with a circus fortuneteller who spins tales faster than a cowboy whirls his lariat?

Katie Worthington poses as Dorothy Duncan in a small-time circus. If she isn’t behind the scenes mending costumes or in the circus kitchen, she’s disguised as the fortuneteller, Maharani Shimza, Mystic of the East. Even so, she worries about being killed by the men pursuing her. She fears a brawl at her fortune telling tent that sends her into the Kincaid’s protective custody will end with her exposure and death. Then, a murder at the circus implicates her. How can she escape when that attorney pops up every time she turns around?   

Will Gabe and Katie let the sparks between them ignite into a passionate romance or will her secrets destroy their chance at a happily ever after?

Although we write different types of novels, Geri and I hope you will enjoy each of them. Please plan to join us from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm Central Daylight Time at our Facebook Launch Party on April 27.  You’ll find us on your Facebook page in the left column under events. Scroll down until you see my photo and our BAD BOYS AND COWBOYS listing. Then join the event and remember to come back on the 27th.

We have prizes and surprise guests planned. If we have 500 people show up, we’ll award a Kindle Fire. Either way, there’ll be plenty of fun and lots of prizes.

Thanks for stopping by!

  

OUT OF THE NIGHT REVIEW

Geri Foster’s OUT OF THE NIGHT is a thriller/romantic suspense that will keep readers turning the pages until the last word. This intricate plot is one that both men and women will find fascinating. The third book of Ms. Foster’s Falcon Securities series, each is a stand-alone book. Many authors say books in their series are stand alone, but in this case the statement is true. Nevertheless, readers will be hungry to read each one.

Falcon Securities is an agency headed by Frank Hamilton and answers only to the President of the United States. Tony Archuletta is a Falcon Securities agent being held in the infamous Lubyanka Prison, where experimental drugs were used to break him in interrogation. The doctor who administered the drugs overdosed him and wiped out Tony’s memory. Will it return? No one knows.

Abby Williams is an investigative reporter who still loves Tony even after he broke off their relationship. Poor Abby is in the wrong place at the right time and is given the assignment to impersonate a Russian guard and extract Tony from the prison. With a few scares, she completes the assignment. She doesn’t realize Tony has lost his memory until he tries to kill her. He has no idea who she is and believes she has taken him out of prison to shoot him.

Bit by bit, Tony’s memory kicks in, but never enough. His assignment had been to rescue the CIA agent, Joe Mitchell, who knows the identity and location of all undercover CIA agents, before the man can be broken. If Joe talks, he would endanger every agent and compromise years of work. Frank Hamilton believes Joe will kill himself rather than reveal what he knows, and the rush is to rescue him before either event happens.

Rushing across Russian and other countries, each step of the way presents another dangerous confrontation. Tony doesn’t understand why Abby’s presence comforts him, but he asks her to remain with him on his race to free Joe. Other Falcon agents lend their assistance, but Tony is the only one with the key to Joe’s location—if his memory returns.

This book has more twists and turns than a switchback road. Sexy romantic moments add dimension. Secondary characters add an interesting mix and all the characters are very well developed. A highly energized ending is one you'll remember long after you've finished reading OUT OF THE NIGHT. If you like fast paced romantic suspense, you will enjoy reading Geri Foster’s OUT OF THE NIGHT and her other Falcon books, OUT OF THE DARK and OUT OF THE SHADOWS. Watch for more of this series in the future.

http://www.amazon.com/Out-Night-Geri-Foster-ebook/dp/B00F1F7Q9M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1384716726&sr=1-1&keywords=Geri+Foster

Thank for stopping by!

BOOK REVIEW: OUT OF THE SHADOWS BY GERI FOSTER

Geri Foster is one of my BFFs and a critique partner, so you might think I’m biased. Perhaps, but I believe other reviews agree with me that this series is top notch. Here’s my review:

Brody Hawke’s best friend is A.J. Roddio. When they were in Afghanistan, A. J. saved Brody’s life. Now, A.J. has been held prisoner in a Mexican hacienda, and officials deny he is there.  Their boss, Frank Hamilton of Falcon Securities, has exerted pressure on every diplomat he can contact. The situation grows desperate for A.J. No one knows his health or how he’s been treated. Is he even still alive?

Brody is not one to leave a man behind, but especially not his best bud who saved his life. He’s determined that he will get A.J. out of whatever hell he’s in and bring him home. He just needs a plan. Brody is a bit of a loose canon and more of a loner than his employer would prefer. Still, Brody is good at his job. At least, he always has been before.

His current strategy is to kidnap the woman he believes was the lover of the man holding A.J. Using her as bait, he will lure the scum into the open, fake an exchange for A.J., keep the girl, and escape. Sounds like a plan. He knows his escapade will ruin his own career, but he is not about to desert A.J.

CIA agent Kate Stone was on the mission in Afghanistan in which she lost men. She knows there was something wrong, and has been working out the logistics. Intel she's received has almost provided the key and she is close to solving the puzzle. Unfortunately, Brody kidnaps her from her home in the middle of the night. He insists he will have her safely home by daylight.  

Once they reach the desert for the rendezvous Brody arranged, things go crazy. I can’t give more without giving spoilers, but the action is non-stop—except for the hot love scenes. Kate and Brody uncover that an assassination of the President of the USA is underway. Can they rescue A.J. and stop the assassination in time? Can Brody and Kate handle the love they discover along the way?

OUT OF THE SHADOWS is the second of the Falcon Securities series by Geri Foster, with eight more planned. OUT OF THE DARK was was first.  OUT OF THE NIGHT will be released September 15^th   

and the novella OUT OF THE PAST in November. 

OUT OF THE SHADOWS is available individually in print and ebook at

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Out-Shadows-Falcon-ebook/dp/B00CB4QY8U/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378262907&sr=1-3&keywords=Geri+Foster

In ebook at Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/305327

AND with eight other books in the boxed set NINE WAYS TO FALL IN LOVE for only 99 cents at Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Ways-To-Fall-Love-ebook/dp/B00ERAREBW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378262855&sr=1-1&keywords=caroline+clemmons

I give this book a 5 out of 5 for romance, suspense, action, and enjoyment. The books in this series stand alone, so you don’t have to worry about reading them in the order in which they were released. Just grab them and start reading. You’ll be glad you did.

Author Geri Foster

 To learn more about Geri Foster and her books, check her website at www.gerifoster.com, read her posts on http://smartgirlsreadromance.blogspot.com, find her on Facebook and Twitter.

BOXED SET LAUNCH PARTY!

We’re having a huge launch party on Facebook at NINE WAYS TO FALL IN LOVE at https://www.facebook.com/events/567696843290957 and you're invited! 

Beginning September 1st, we will have prizes daily—some large, some small but fun—through September 30th. We’re giving away a Kindle on the first day, and other prizes include a second Kindle, a Coach backpack purse filled with books, a silver good luck necklace, cubic zirconium ear studs, signed print books, a survival tin and necklace, a silver Celtic necklace and earrings, e-books, Gift Cards from $10 to $50, and more. 

To enter, leave a comment on the Facebook party page given above, or go to the newsletter site at www.southerncomfortromance.com and subscribe to the newsletter.

Easy peasy, right?

As they say on TV, but wait, there’s more. Don’t think you have to wait until September 1^st to buy NINE WAYS TO FALL IN LOVE. It’s available now at 

http://www.amazon.com/Ways-To-Fall-Love-ebook/dp/B00ERAREBW/ref=sr_1_11?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1377740637&sr=1-11&keywords=caroline+clemmons

Beware: On October 1^st, the price goes to $8.99. That’s still a bargain for nine books, but not as good as 99 cents.

Early reviews are great.

“This boxed set contains nine fascinating takes on romance. Each book is very different, but all satisfy the wish for a good romance. . . but there isn't a bad book in the set. If you love romances, you will love this boxed set. It is a spectacular deal at only $.99.”

“9 Ways to Fall in Love is a wonderful collection of romance novels. The stories are very entertaining, and well written. Of all the books my favorite is Out of Shadows by Geri Foster. Out of the Shadows is fast paced, suspenseful, and yet still full of romance.”

“What a great buy! Every single one of the nine books was a satisfying read. I've only read two of these authors before, but was happy to discover the other seven. And when they say " NINE WAYS TO FALL IN LOVE," they aren't kidding. Whether it's a sexy gambler in SLEIGHT OF HEART, or a 200-year-old painting in SOMEWHERE MY LOVE, or a hot-blooded DEA agent in SECRETS OF A MAYAN MOON, each book makes you fall in love all over again. I had already read THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE but was happy to read it twice. There's not a bad or even average book in the bunch--I enjoyed them all.”

The authors and their books:

Caroline Clemmons, THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE. Cenora Rose O’Neill knows her father arranged the marriage trap for Dallas McClintock but she’d do anything to protect her family. Wounded rescuing Cenora from kidnappers, rancher Dallas learns his wife has a silly superstition for everything. But passion-filled nights with her make up for her annoying habits and family.

Carra Copelin, CODE OF HONOR. Graeme McAlister returned home to discover why his foster brother supposedly overdosed on morphine and crashed a company jet. When Graeme McAlister comes back to McTiernan, TX and stirs up widow Maggie Benning’s old memories and feelings, can she overcome past pain to accept the a new love in her life? Can Graeme and Maggie fight the evil threatening their family?

Geri Foster, OUT OF THE SHADOWS. Falcon Securities Agent Brody Hawke sees the world from a tilted angle. A.J., who saved Brody’s life, is captured and diplomats are getting nowhere in his rescue. Brody takes over even though he knows his impetuous actions will ruin his career. CIA agent Kate Stone’s life is torn apart when Brody kidnaps her. When she and Brody reach A.J., they learn the situation is more serious and far-reaching than they’d imagined. Brody, Kate and Falcon Securities must rescue A.J. and stop the assassination of the President of the USA. Will Brody and Kate discover love along the way?

Kathy Ivan, LOSING CASSIE. Welcome to Destiny's Desire Lodge, where The Fates manipulate and the Fate-Keeper battles to unite predestined souls. The arrival of a mysterious letter draws Jake Stone to Destiny's Desire. Cassie Daniels has been running for seven long years. To find happiness she must face past evil. When Fate and Destiny collide . . . can Love survive?

Paty Jager, SECRETS OF A MAYAN MOON. Doctor of Anthropology, Isabella Mumphrey, is about to lose her university job. Her mentor’s request for her assistance on a Guatemalan dig is the opportunity she’s been seeking. DEA agent Tino Kosta, is deep undercover as a tracker and jungle guide. Isabella’s appearance heats his Latin blood, taking him on a dangerous detour that could leave them both casualties of the jungle.

Anna Jeffrey, SWEET RETURN. When Dalton Parker is summoned home to handle a family crisis, the last thing he expects is a prime pasture of his family’s ranch taken over by stinking chickens. The explanation is Joanna Walsh, his mother’s best friend. He can’t keep from admiring Joanna’s caring nature and common sense, not to mention her great body. The dumbest thing he could do is try to lure her into his bed, but he’s never been smart when it comes to women.

DeLaine Roberts, TWO SIDES OF A HEARTBEAT. After a beautiful proposal, Dr. Grayson Brooks pleads with his fiance, Alexandra Morrison, not to get on the plane. Once the plane is in the air, events turn their lives upside down. Secrets and the past once again haunt both families. Alexandra is so close to having it all: a baby, a gorgeous husband, and a family united. But is she strong enough to fight for what she wants?

Jacquie Rogers, SLEIGHT OF HEART. Starched-up Lexie Campbell, more comfortable with neat and tidy numbers than messy emotions, must find the man who ruined her little sister and make him marry her. When his lookalike brother Burke appears, she greets him with a gun and forces him to help her. Smooth-dealing Burke O’Shaughnessy, riverboat gambler and prestidigitator, must find his brother Patrick to claim the family fortune. But when Lexie shows an astounding talent for counting cards and calculating odds, he figures she might be useful after all. Can he resist the queen of hearts? 

Beth Trissel, SOMEWHERE MY LOVE. Two hundred years ago Captain Cole Wentworth was murdered in his chamber where his portrait still hangs. Presently the estate is a family owned museum run by Will Wentworth. As spirit-sensitive tour guide Julia Morrow begins to remember the events of Cole's death, she must convince Will that history is repeating, and he has the starring role in the tragedy. The blade is about to fall.

 STREET TEAM?

Thanks for your support in the past. Here’s a fun new way to offer support: Join my street team. What does that mean? Only that you tell others about my books and projects. As part of my street team, you will share details about my books, be the first to read scenes and completed books, be asked for input regarding my writing. You’ll get little gifts from time to time, such as a free ebook or a signed print copy. Sound like something you’d enjoy? If so, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/166434743542470/ and join!

Thanks for stopping by!