What Does It Mean To Be A Perfectionist AND A Writer?

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Found this post in my inbox this morning and thought I would share it. Been there, done that!

From Writers In the Storm:

Google “perfectionism” and “writers” and you’d think perfectionism was a deadly disease.

Pages pop up offering tips for overcoming the “disorder,” warnings for avoiding the “dangerous” tendencies, and help for “dealing” with it.

Even the beloved Anne Lamott (Bird by Bird) is quoted as saying:

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life….”

I’m not one to question the wisdom of Anne Lamott, but that quote does make me wince a little. I mean, cramped and insane? Is it really that bad?

For the rest of this wonderful post, click HERE.

Posted in On Writing, Reblogs | Tagged What Does I Mean to Be a Writer and a Perfectionist?, Writer's Life, Writers in the Storm Blog | Leave a comment

Medieval Monday: Will the Better Man Win? ~ The Highlander’s French Bride by Cathy MacRae

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Conflict/Confrontation

is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Please welcome this week’s guest Cathy McCrae with her romance

The Highlander’s French Bride

Excerpt:

Horses whinnied, sensing danger in the air, but the people about her remained silent, anticipation evident in the lines of their bodies and the expressions on their faces. To her left she glimpsed a man as he eased forward, wearing the Hospitaller colors of white cross on a black tunic. A furtive look on his face, his hand drifted to the sword at his belt.

Slipping her dagger from the pocket in her cloak, Melisende turned toward the man, hand fisted on the knife’s hilt, angled just below belt level. “This is their fight, not yours, monsieur knight,” she admonished softly. His head turned at her words, distaste on the sneer of his lips as he saw who gave him challenge.

Melisende nudged him with the tip of her dagger, glancing down as she did to ensure he understood her threat, offering him a chance to reconsider. “Should you wish to assist, you will do so as a eunuch.” The knight blanched and stepped a pace away. Giving her an angry look, he disappeared into the crowd.

A quick look showed Kinnon’s men scattered at the perimeter of the crowd, and Melisende took a deep breath, satisfied they would do their best to keep others from interfering. The ring of steel shifted her attention back to the combatants.

Jean-Luc circled Kinnon. Melisende cringed to see the subtle change in Kinnon’s balance as he favored his injured leg. His gaze bore into Jean-Luc as he deflected the knight’s attacks. Melisende fumed. Fall, Jean-Luc. Trip over your overwhelming ego and be done with this nonsense. Furious barking sounded from within the stables. Jean-Baptiste!

Jean-Luc lunged again, just inside Kinnon’s defensive circle. Kinnon parried the thrust, but did not advance. “Fight me!” Jean-Luc roared. “Let us see who is the better man.”

For a heartbeat, nothing happened. Jean-Luc’s guard relaxed, the line of his shoulders drooped slightly, allowing the tip of his sword to dip down. “Coward.”

Kinnon’s attack was a blur of motion, and Melisende gasped, afraid his leg would betray him. He beat Jean-Luc back, his sword hammering against the knight’s, the ring of the blows nearly one continuous flurry of sound. In an instant, Kinnon was inside Jean-Luc’s guard. Holding the knight’s sword to the side, braced against his own, he rammed Jean-Luc with an uppercut from his left fist that sent the knight sprawling. He landed on the ground amid the dust, sliding a few feet from the force of Kinnon’s blow. Still clutching his sword, Jean-Luc thrust it tip-down into the earth, using the hilt to brace himself as he struggled to rise.

A crash sounded from the stable as the upper half of a stall door burst open, slamming against the wall. Jean-Baptiste leapt through the opening, landing on the ground at a hard run. He skidded to a halt before Jean-Luc, teeth flashing in the early light as he fought against Kinnon’s sharp command to hold.

“Get up,” Kinnon barked at Jean-Luc.

Clearly stunned from the blow, the man levered himself up, but slipped, falling to one knee. Kinnon kicked the weapon from Jean-Luc’s hand and stood one foot on the blade to keep him from picking it up again. Using the tip of his sword, he forced Jean-Luc’s chin up.

“I can finish this here, or ye can admit ye are an arrogant bastard and hie yerself away to yer barracks. Either way, it ends now.” He slid the blade a bit forward, toward the tempting pulse in the knight’s throat.

Jean-Luc spat in the dirt. “Keep la prostituée,” he snarled.

With a forceful kick to the man’s chin, Kinnon laid Jean-Luc in the dirt. “I dinnae call that an apology.”

He turned with a slight wince, and strode to the edge of the crowd, snapping his fingers for the dog to follow. With a last sniff at the prone knight, Jean-Baptiste bounded after Kinnon as he pushed through the throng, a dark scowl on his face.

Melisende gathered her skirts and ran after him, catching him as the Scots converged on him. “You are injured!” she exclaimed, half-questioning him, half-chiding him for fighting on a leg that was a possible liability.

His furious gaze stopped her. “He was drunk!” He stopped and snapped at his men over his shoulder. “Get the horses.” Half of them barreled their way through the crowd, the rest formed a guard about him and Melisende. Jean-Baptiste eyed them warily, hackles up.

“Forgive me,” he said to Melisende. “I am not angry with ye. I did not provoke him, and he was rather uncomplimentary about ye.” He cast a look at the knight’s form still sprawled on the ground. “Mayhap he will wake a better man.”

Blurb:

Heir to a lairdship, Kinnon Macrory is driven to prove his worth by fighting the English on the battlefields of France. His dreams of heroic valor are destroyed by the realities of war—the atrocities visited by fellow soldiers on the very people he is sworn to protect. Three years in a French prison for a crime he did not commit leave Kinnon longing for the one thing of beauty in his war-torn life—a young woman of great kindness and wisdom named Melisende.

Melisende de la Roche struggles to stay one step ahead of soldiers who would imprison her for helping an injured Scotsman wrongly accused of treason. She finds refuge in her uncle’s shop—until a chance encounter sends her fleeing into the unknown once again, haunted by the beguiling friendship with the troubled young Scotsman she is certain she will never see again.

Determined to find the woman of his dreams, Kinnon returns to France, only to discover a trail of clues to Melisende’s whereabouts. Their reunion will open the doors to passion, but half-truths and lies from the past could destroy the one thing they both are willing to fight for—each other.

Buy Link:

https://www.amzn.com/B018OHXKHK

Posted in Medieval Monday, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged battle/fight scene, Cathy MacRae, Conflict, Medieval Monday, The Highlander's French Bride | 10 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 4/24/16 Only Scandal Will Do~ Safe at Last

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Only Scandal Will Do is April’s “Book of the Month” so I’ve put up 10 more lines from my Georgian romance.

Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam has been kidnapped and auctioned in a brothel to the highest bidder, a masked man she is now trying to convince she is not a harlot. This begins a page or so after last week’s snippet. Upon learning that her father is dead, the masked man begins to comfort Kat.

“Lean your head just there, sweet.”

She could hear the strong beat of his heart, smell the clean, comforting citrus of his cologne. The fresh scent reminded her of home.

“You will be all right now,” he whispered, holding her securely to him. Safe at last. She closed her eyes and leaned into his caresses, contentment stealing through her for the first time since leaving Virginia.

With a finger beneath her chin, he lifted her face up to his. Her eyes flew open and peace fled as he pressed her mouth with a gentle kiss that stole what breath she had left. His lips–soft, warm, insistent–generated heat all the way to her toes. A sensation so overpowering she forgot everything around her, giving herself completely to the pleasures of that kiss.

Only Scandal Will Do is available at Amazon currently for $1.99.

Blurb:

He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?

Kidnapped and sold at auction in a London brothel, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam squelches an undeniable attraction to the masked stranger who purchased her, pits her wits against him, and escapes him and the scandal that would ruin her life.

Unable to resist temptation in a London brothel, Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury, purchases a fiery beauty. She claims she’s a lady, but how can she be? No lady of his acquaintance in polite society is anything like her. Then he discovers she is who she says, and that this latest romp has compromised her reputation. He knows how that is. One more scandal and he’ll be cast out of London society, but he needs a wife who’ll provide an heir to carry on his illustrious family’s name. He seeks out Katarina, intending only to scotch the scandal, but instead finds his heart ensnared. He’s betting their future he’ll capture her heart, but does he have what it takes to win the wager?

WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Posted in Historical Romance, on Georgian Romance, On Only Scandal Will Do, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged $1.99 book sale, Georgian romance, Jenna Jaxon, Only Scandal Will Do, The House of Pleasure series, Weekend Writing Warriors | 24 Comments

Party Tonight! Introducing Romancing Yesteryear

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Just recently I joined a new historicals group called Romancing Yesteryear. Historical romance writers Mairi Norris, Beppie Harrison, Barbara Bettis, Cathy MacRae, Katherine Bone, Donna Hatch and myself are dedicated to honing our craft and promoting our works for your reading pleasure.

And to introduce ourselves, we’re having a Facebook Party tonight, 4pm until 11pm. We’ll all be there, plus oodles of guest authors for you to talk to: Ella Quinn, Lauren Smith, Lane McFarland, Ashley York, Gina Danna, Beth Trissel, Violetta Rand, Katheryn Le Veque…The list goes on! So come by and have a fan-girl moment or two. 🙂

Did I mention prizes?

We have two grand prizes in our Rafflecopter giveaway: a $25.00 Amazon gift card and a bundle of books, one from each of our participating Romancing Yesteryear authors. Then, of course, each Romancing Yesteryear author will be doing giveaways in their allotted time slots, so there are prizes galore!

For my fans, an added bonus: I’ll be sharing information about my upcoming release, Heart of Desire, Book 2 in my A Handful of Hearts series, set in Regency England. The first book, A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, is the prequel to the series. A Handful of Hearts takes place during the Season of 1820 and follows four young ladies who all attend Lady Hamilton’s ball in hopes of meeting the man of their dreams. But more on the series and Heart of Desire tonight!

If you’d like to attend our Facebook Party, click this PARTY LINK tonight any time from 4pm to 11pm. My slot is from 8pm until 8:15, but I’ll be popping in and out before and after my slot, so come by and party with us!

Posted in Facebook Party, Promotion, Romancing Yesteryear | Tagged Barbara Bettis, Beppie Harrison, Cathy MacRae, Donna Hatch, Facebook Party, giveaways, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Katheryn Bone, Mairi Norris, Romancing Yesteryear | Leave a comment

Pleasure for Sale: The House of Pleasure Series On Sale by Jenna Jaxon

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Here’s last week’s post from Night’s of Passion, when I found out BOTH my House of Pleasure books were on sale!

Nights of Passion

I’m very happy to announce that both books in my House of Pleasure series now on sale!

Only Scandal Will Do and Only Marriage Will Do, both set in Georgian England, are currently on sale at Amazon for $1.99 each!

The first book of the series is Only Scandal Will Do:

He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?

View original post 313 more words

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Author Interview with Juli D. Revezzo and Watchmaker’s Heart

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Today I’m interviewing guest author and friend Juli D. Revezzo about her new release Watchmaker’s Heart.

Tell us a little bit about your new release, Juli.

Watchmaker’s Heart is about a young woman, in late 19^th century Britain who fancies herself an inventor. She is proud of her invention, but her family would rather she keep it secret, (I mean, a diffuser for Aphrodisiacs just isn’t something a young woman should spend her time on. It’s unseemly!:). So, it’s about her drive to create and be successful bashing heads with her need to please her family. Which also ties in with the hero, who also wants to be respectable, but his former life keeps creeping up on him.

I am a fanatic about my character names. Are the character names special in any way?

As funny as it may sound, the hero’s name, Mortimer, was inspired by Mortimer Mouse (the one that is Minnie Mouse’s uncle). 🙂 I don’t know why but his name just popped into my head when I was first writing the book.

Phoebe’s name came from mythology. The name has been used for both a hamadryad, an Amazon, and is one of the names of the moon goddess Selene, so I couldn’t pass that up. 🙂

3. What was your process for writing this book? Is this different or the same as other books you’ve written?

I think it’s pretty much the same, although I did a ton of research for it, to make sure I got it as right as possible.

4. Do you have plans for a sequel to this book?

Perhaps. I haven’t decided yet, but I have an inkling that might involve the heroine’s friend. Or maybe the heroine’s brother.

Who was the first romance author and book you read?

Unless you count the Arthurian Legends and Tristan and things like that, I guess you could say it was Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts

6. Who has been the greatest influence on your writing?

A lot of people, really. As far as authors go, I’d say the Brontes, Virginia Woolf, and Thackery as well as more modern authors like Michael Moorcock (a fantasy author), Anne McCaffrey, Joanne Rock, Debra Glass, Nathalie Gray, Paula Quinn, and many others.

7. If you could have one wish granted just for you (not world peace, LOL), what would you wish for?

I think it would be neat to have the ability to time travel, or have immortality *Yes, I know what some people worry about the death of loved ones but man, to be able to live to see what’s going to be created in the next 100 or 1000 years? I just think that would be cool.

8. What is the most exciting/daredevil thing you’ve ever done?

Flying! I avoided getting on a plane until just the last couple years. Yes, I’ve always been a chicken about it. Still am, if truth be told.

Now, Lightning Round:

9. What is your favorite amusement park ride?

I like merry-go-rounds and bumper cars.

10. Tea or coffee?

Coffee

11. French manicure or color (and if color, what color)?

Color! And what color? Purple. Any shade, but I’m preferable to the darker shades.

12. Beach or mountains?

Ooh, hard choice. I do like both.

13. Chocolate or vanilla?

You know? Actually, if we’re talking about, say ice cream? I grew up loving Neapolitan ice cream—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream? Mix them together and it’s very tasty.

14. Boxers, briefs or commando?

Briefs.

15. Blond, brunette or redhead? (preferred men’s hair color)

Redheads!

16. Would you rather skydive or scuba dive?

Scuba dive. My father used to be a scuba instructor.

17. Would you rather vacation in Hawaii, Vegas or London?

London, of course. 🙂

18. What’s the one thing you would never do?

Jump out of an airplane. (eep!)

Blurb:

London, 1898: For Miss Phoebe Lockswell, fashionable London tea parties and balls aren’t her style. Instead, she prefers to tinker tirelessly with a clockwork diffuser she’s built from scratch. If only she can get the invention to work on command, she might earn her way out of an arranged marriage to a repugnant member of the House of Commons. London watchmaker Mortimer Kidd was brought up hard in the arms of an infamous London gang. Despite the respectability he strives for now, the gang leader is blackmailing him. When Mortimer sees Phoebe’s diffuser, he thinks he’s found a way to buy himself out of trouble. The brash Phoebe manages to steal his heart, however, before he can purloin her invention. Will Mortimer’s unsavory past catch up to him before he convinces Phoebe of his devotion? Worse, once Phoebe learns the truth, will she ever trust him again?

The book is available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Watchmakers-Heart-Juli-D-Revezzo-ebook/dp/B01CF0HOZG

Author Bio

Juli D. Revezzo loves fantasy and Celtic legend, and writing stories with all kinds of fantastical elements. She is the author of The Antique Magic series and the Paranormal Romance Celtic Stewards Chronicles series, New Adult romance Changeling’s Crown, and short stories published in ETERNAL HAUNTED SUMMER, LUNA STATION QUARTERLY, among others. She is also a member of the Independent Author Network and the Magic Appreciation Tour

Homepage: http://julidrevezzo.com

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

Good Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5782712.Juli_D_Revezzo

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/111476709039805267272/posts

Instagram: http://instagram.com/julidrevezzo

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jewelsraven/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/julidrevezzo

Posted in Author/Character Interviews, Guest Posts, Interviews, Promotion | Tagged Juli D. Revezzo, new release, Steampunk romance, Victorian romance, Watchmaker's Heart | Leave a comment

Medieval Monday: Betrayal ~ The Heart of the Phoenix by Barbara Bettis

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Betrayal

is our theme for this round of Medieval Monday!

Please welcome this week’s guest Barbara Bettis with her romance

The Heart of the Phoenix

Excerpt:

(Sir Stephen has just escaped attack as he returned from a secret meeting.)

This had been no random assault. The trap had sprung for him alone. But only three people knew of his rendezvous this night. His mind worked the trio of relationships. All friends—he’d thought. Which one had betrayed him? Bitter regret burned his throat, and he forced a swallow. Hadn’t he learned long ago not to trust anyone? Especially friends.

The ringing in his ears died, and he heard silence once more. Not until the rustle of a hare whispered through the brittle dry grass did he move. He settled back against a tree to gingerly unkink his leg, then brush his knuckles across his aching thigh. The thick blood had clotted. A sigh fought free of his clenched lips.

The bay was long gone, leading the others on a futile chase to the river. It would find its way back later. Stephen was on his own for now. And it was a damned long hobble back to St. Anselm. He’d best get started if he wanted to make it before dawn.

The eastern horizon glittered pearl before he espied the monastery’s roof outlined against the night sky’s fading pitch. He limped toward the narrow opening obscured by a tangle of grape vines so ancient no one recalled when they last produced. A muted grunt escaped his throat when he tugged at the warped wood. The old door creaked, then gave a few precious inches.

He squeezed through sideways and hauled it shut.

The scriptorium lay ahead on the right. He’d wait for Brother Gerald there—if his double-cursed leg continued to move. He limped forward, neck and jaw locked rigid in his struggle to remain erect. Perspiration plastered shirt and aketon to his body, soaked through to the plain tunic he wore over a finely wrought chain doublet. But in his chest, a block of ice lodged where his heart belonged. During the long walk back to the monastery, he’d worked out which of his three closest comrades bore the title of traitor. Bile rose in his throat at the answer.

Inside the copy house, Stephen dropped to his knees, numb to the explosion of pain in his thigh. He prayed. He prayed he was wrong. And if his reasoning proved right, he prayed for the strength to act. Tomorrow he’d confront Brother Michael. God help the monk if harm befell even one of the men because of his treachery. Why had Michael turned, now of all times? The Phoenix Brotherhood hadn’t been this close to uncovering the treacherous Dragon for years.

Whatever happened must be quick. They must either find the leader of the murdering mercenaries before the Dragon escaped Normandy, or they must move operations to England. Stephen had promised to be home before the conclave to support John’s claim as Richard’s successor. His father may have recovered in the past months, but he needed Stephen’s help. And

Stephen had vowed to assume duties at Riverton Castle or die trying.

Although that was a distinct possibility.

Blurb:

Some call him a ruthless mercenary; she calls him the knight of her heart.

Memories Lady Evelynn’s childhood hero is home—bitter, hard, tempting as sin. And haunted by secrets. A now-grown Evie offers friendship, but Sir Stephen’s cruel rejection crushes her, and she resolves to forget him. Yet when an unexpected war throws them together, she finds love isn’t so easy to dismiss. If only the king hadn’t betrothed her to another.

Can be cruel Sir Stephen lives a double life while he seeks the treacherous outlaws who murdered his friends. Driven by revenge, he thinks his heart is closed to love. His childhood shadow, Lady Evie, unexpectedly challenges that belief. He rebuffs her, but he can’t forget her, although he knows she’s to wed the king’s favorite.

And deadly When his drive for vengeance leads to Evie’s kidnapping, Stephen must choose between retribution and the love he’s denied too long. Surely King John will see reason. Convict the murderers; convince the king. Simple. Until a startling revelation threatens everything.

Buy Link:

http://amzn.to/1RwLyL8

Posted in Medieval Monday, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged Barbara Bettis, Betrayal, Medieval Monday, The Heart of the Phoenix | Leave a comment

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 4/17/16 Only Scandal Will Do~ An Unexpected Caress

Posted on April 17, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Only Scandal Will Do is April’s “Book of the Month” so I’ve put up 10 more lines from my Georgian romance.

Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam has been kidnapped and auctioned in a brothel to the highest bidder, a masked man she is now trying to convince she is not a harlot. This begins immediately after last week’s snippet.

“As…as I told you, my brother is the Earl of Manning.” Somehow more vulnerable now than when the man had declared himself her master, she eyed the door, wondering if they had locked it behind him.

“How delightful!” The low-pitched words rumbled dangerously close to her ear; her throat closed, stealing her breath. “I am very good friends with the earl.”

“You are?” Dumbfounded, she choked on the words.

“I am sure he will be as astonished as I that his sister has been sold to me.” The man’s full lips twitched in restrained amusement as he added,“Although, I confess, the earl never mentioned you to me.” He stepped closer and laid a hand on one of the chair’s wings, stretched a long finger out and caressed the side of her hand.

Only Scandal Will Do is available at Amazon currently for $1.99.

Blurb:

He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?

WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Cover Spot: The Duke’s Bride by Lindsay Downs

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

This week’s featured cover is from my great friend Lindsay Downs, who has just released his first full-length Regency romance, The Duke’s Bride. It’s the first book in The Radcliffe Family series.

Blurb- The Duke’s Bride (Book 1 in The Radcliffe Family series)
Who murdered his father and why does someone want him dead?

These questions torment Simon, The Duke of Kettering.

Even his mother has no idea.

Add to this problem, Simon’s desire for Lady Emma Carringham, the duchess’ companion, is growing daily.

Over time he knows she will make the perfect duchess for him.

That is, if he can keep her alive, himself also, for that matter.

Even letters saved by the late duke are of little help.

It’s not until Emma’s mother, Lady Sarah, arrives do all the pieces slowly come together.

They learn the late duke had gotten a young lady with child, a son. Later, the young man returned to France and fought with Bonaparte in Spain

Simon’s next question- Why now?

To that, no one had an answer.

At least now, thanks to Lady Sarah, they had a name-Justin Beaumont- to go along with a partial description of the man.

When Simon learns the man has left the district he relaxes the need for guards as his extended family descends upon the ducal estate for the impending wedding.

This decision proved unfortunate for his betrothed who, with her maid, footman and groom, visits the dress shop for a fitting of a specially made gown.

When Simon receives a note he knows to save Emma from the madman he will have to risk his life.

Safely returned to the ducal palace Simon can’t wait another second longer to marry Emma and does so with a newly acquired special license.

Buy Links-

US- http://tinyurl.com/jtfkwo2

UK- http://tinyurl.com/hda943l

CA- http://tinyurl.com/jlgjgxz

AU- http://tinyurl.com/jmouzl7

IN- http://tinyurl.com/j3lyuw3

Posted in Cover Spot, On Regency Romance, Promotion, Regency Romance, Spotlights | Tagged cover art, Cover Spot, Lindsay Downs, Regency romance, Regency suspense, romantic suspense, The Duke's Bride, The Radcliffe Family series | 1 Comment

Burning Up! Melissa Keir and the Summer Heat Boxed Set

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Jenna Jaxon

Are you fascinated by fire? The 2 billion dollar candle industry loves that so many American’s are. I am and have been since I was a child. There is something exciting about being in control of something dangerous. But studies have shown that when someone is still fascinated by fire at an adult age, it is because they hadn’t learned how to master it. http://news.discovery.com/human/psychology/fire-fascination-humans-120424.htm

An arsonist is someone who deliberately sets fires with the purpose of burning of a dwelling of another. They maliciously do it, without regard for others. Arson is categorized by degrees. Often the arsonist is caught up with the fire, not with harming another person. Many arsonists set fires for money but some do it for revenge and a few because of a mental health issue.

It’s the serial arsonists that have the compulsion to burn that are most dangerous. The FBI crime lab has studied arsonists and know that many don’t set out to kill, yet there are always exceptions to the rules. Pyromania is an impulse control disorder (mental health condition) in which individuals repeatedly fail to resist impulses to deliberately start fires, in order to relieve tension or for instant gratification. With a pyromaniac, they are needing a bigger fix with each fire and innocents are just another way to ramp up the release.

In Protecting Her Pigg, a serial arsonist has set out targeting the Pigg Detective Agency, specifically Lucas Pigg. Yet, his target soon changes as Lily O’Neill enters into a relationship with Lucas. Here’s a small excerpt from my story in the Summer Heat Box Set.

Protecting Her Pigg (excerpt)

Flames danced along the wall, creating a surreal painting of reds and oranges. The beauty of my work filled my chest with pride. Maniacal laughter echoed in my ears. I recognized my own hilarity and covered my mouth to stop the sound from escaping. Inhaling the scent of gasoline, I pulled off the gloves and tossed them into the flames.

“I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down.”

The sounds of sirens resonated in the distance. Running toward the gathering crowd, I stood to watch over my latest creation. Glee filled my heart as I ached to proclaim my masterpiece. Pulling the baseball cap lower over my eyes to hide my elation, I stood watch, hoping my adversary would arrive in time to see magnum opus.

Protecting Her Pigg is available for pre-order in the Summer Heat boxed set.

New Releases

16 All New Contemporary Romances from NY Times, USA Today, and International Bestselling Authors.

Guaranteed to make your blood run hot. Passion, steamy nights, excitement, and suspense. Something to suit every reader’s taste. Grab a cool drink (you’ll need it!), find a hammock, and curl up for an unforgettable escape.

1: Caridad Pineiro, Under the Boardwalk – A passionate night under the boardwalk brought them together, but can Chase and Natalie rekindle that lost love in just one night?

2: Nina Bruhns

3: Rebecca York, Outlaw Justice – Will a surprise reunion with her old lover save her life when she flees from a homicidal husband?

4: Jennifer Lowery, The Fall (Book #2 ATCOM series) – The last thing ATCOM agent Brendan Devayne wants is to settle down, but Mia Lawrence makes him think twice…

5: Taylor Lee, Jared: (Book 1, The Justice Brothers Series) – The rookie cop learned the hard way that when tangling with the Justice Brothers, Justice—like Love– isn’t always fair or easy.

6: Traci Hall, Festival by the Sea – Al Cooper’s too bad to be a cop and too good to be a crook; Darcy Smith can’t get enough.

7: Stephanie Queen, Beachcomber Heat – This summer’s heat wave on Martha’s Vineyard is breaking records, but so is the crime wave. The combination is causing a wave of red-hot dangerous desire between Dane and Shana.

8: Alicia Street, Training for Love – When private fitness trainer Shannon meets her hot new client, loving her job takes on a whole new meaning.

9: Kathy Ivan, Sex, Lies and Apple Pies – A televised baking competition brings them together. But deceit, intrigue and revenge are on this menu. Can their love survive?

10: Jackie Ivie, The Hunted – LeeAnn’s got business in Miami. Bring on the sun. Sand. Sexy men to look at. The last thing she expects is to be someone’s target.

11: Michele Hauf, The Geek Gets The Girl – Mistaken for the IT geek? This sexy CEO is about to learn the intimate operations of his company—up close, and personal.

12: Rachelle Ayala, Bad Boys for Hire: Ken (Bad Boys for Hire Series, #2) – After Jolie Becker is left at the altar, her friends secretly hire a hunky beach bum to cheer her up.

13: Katy Walters, Sands of Seduction – Clary escaped to a place of sea and sand, a place of passion and seduction.

14: Melissa Keir, Protecting Her Pigg – Arson and fire bring them together, but what will cause the most damage…the arsonist bent on revenge or their own stubborn ways?

15: Dani Haviland, Pool Boy Wanted (No Experience Preferred) – He’d never known a woman before, and that’s just how she wanted him.

16: Jacquie Biggar, Summer Lovin’ – Can two mismatched lovers find a way past their mistakes, or will they keep their lonely hearts forever guarded?

Expected publication: May 24th 2016 by Chill Out Publishing

Edition Language- English

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