QUITE MAGICAL!

I’ve had the honor of joining 14 other authors in a magical endeavor – MAGICAL WEDDINGS:  15 ENCHANTING ROMANCES. It’s a box set with an amazing blend of talent and imagination. With 15 stories there is something for every reader’s palate. This venture was magical for me and I hope it will be for you too.

MAGICAL WEDDINGS   

Whether real or only in the hearts of the bride and groom, the magic of weddings is undeniable. And irresistible! As these 15 enchanting happily-ever-afters by bestselling and award-winning authors prove.

From sweet to spicy, the romances bundled into this set cross time and unite hearts, cast spells of laughter, battle wedding jitters and fight back tears, while weaving love's hopeful magic throughout 1400 pages.

Her Wedding Wager by Leigh Michaels, National bestselling and Award-winning author of over 100 novels. Celia's doomed to an arranged marriage--unless she can win the most important bet of her life!

The Last Wedding at Drayhome (Breens Mist Witches) by Aileen Harkwood. Never underestimate the power of a witch and warlock in love who have nothing left to lose.

The Dress by Eve Devon. Two couples, 400 years apart. From a masquerade ball in Venice 1615 to a wedding in England 2015, can a dress laced with magic weave its spell through the fabric of time?

Second Chance Bride by Raine English, USA Today bestselling and Award-winning author. She thinks she's marrying the man of her dreams, until a telepathic rescue dog leads her to someone else... Will this bride-to-be say "I do" to the wrong man?

Two Hearts Surrendered by Tamara Ferguson, Bestselling and Award-winning author. Will two warring hearts be strong enough to survive the ultimate battle?

Something Borrowed, Something Blue by Lynda Haviland. She has a wedding to crash--until love gets in the way!

Heart of the Secret (Witches of Lane County) by Jody A. Kessler, Bestselling and Award-winning author. A 500 year-old curse, a witch who will do anything to marry her one true love, and the heart of a secret that will either divide them or bring them together...forever.

The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel by Jane Lark, National bestselling author. How do you fight a calling that comes from your soul?

A Wedding Across the Winds of Time by Bess McBride, National bestselling author. Darius and Molly found each other Across the Winds of Time. Now, it's time for their wedding!

Kiss This by L.L. Muir, National bestselling and Award-winning author. You never expect the florist to catch the bouquet...

Caution is a Virtue by Jennifer Gilby Roberts. How much is too much to risk for love?

Loving Lindy by Jan Romes. In order to become the bank's new Vice President, Gunther Justin has to be "settled." With Lindy McPherson posing as his fiancé everything is set to go off without a hitch--until real feelings get in the way.

With this Kiss by Heather Thurmeier. Does a simple kiss have enough magic to reunite lovers?

Real Magic by Elsa Winckler. She's the bridesmaid, he's a best man. Will the magical evening stay just that or will it turn out to be real after all?

The Wedding Guests (A Tassamara Short Story) by Sarah Wynde. When unexpected guests attend Akira and Zane's wedding, lives will change forever. But for better or for worse?


About the authors:

• LEIGH MICHAELS is a bestselling and award-winning author of sweet Regency historical and contemporary romance, with more than 35 million copies of her books in print.
• A Readers' Crown finalist in paranormal romance,  AILEEN HARKWOOD's latest is the Breens Mist Witches series of fantasy romances.
• "Witty, humorous, sensual, romantic," EVE DEVON's contemporary romance and suspense novels are filled with sexy heroes, sassy heroines and happy ever afters.
• USA Today bestselling author RAINE ENGLISH writes sweet small-town contemporary romance, steamier paranormal, and Gothic romantic suspense.
• TAMARA FERGUSON, bestselling writer of contemporary romance and romantic suspense, won the 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Award.
• LYNDA HAVILAND, writer of paranormal suspense, is the author of the Age of Awakening series of fantasy romances.
• Winner of the Readers' Crown for Best Paranormal, bestselling JODY A. KESSLER writes new adult romance and historical time travel adventures.
• JANE LARK is a writer of authentic, passionate, and emotional Regency and new adult romance. Her novel, The Illicit Love a Courtesan, was a #1 historical bestseller.
• Author of time travel paranormal romance, BESS MCBRIDE's work includes the popular A Train Through Time series.
• Highlander time travel romances are L.L. MUIR's specialty, including her popular The Curse of Clan Ross.
• JENNIFER GILBY ROBERTS, author of the romantic comedy Parker Series, writes women's fiction, Regency romance, and chick lit.
• JAN ROMES' witty contemporary romance novels include the hot selling Texas Boys Falling Fast series.
• "An ideal read for a lazy Sunday afternoon," HEATHER THURMEIER's books span contemporary and paranormal romance, adventure, and new adult fiction.
• South African contemporary romance writer ELSA WINCKLER likes her heroines feisty, independent and headstrong.
• SARAH WYNDE captures "Sweet-Sexy-NERDY-Seduction" in her highly rated and reviewed A Gift of Ghosts (Tassamara Book 1).

If you'd like to find out more about this collaboration or perhaps order a copy:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1GEDBPe 
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1ewV9SE 
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1dyBCRp 
B&N: http://bit.ly/1dAAdtJ 
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1SrS6us 
iTunes: http://apple.co/1RcL2Ai 
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1emycBp 

   

Close your eyes...

Recently I had the joy of finishing and publishing book #16. At the same time I had an epiphany about stepping back a bit or pushing away from the keyboard now and then. It's easy to get so entrenched in busy work that we forget to take a few minutes to refresh and recharge.

With that in mind, I've been making an effort to occasionally sit in silence and listen with my eyes closed. It's amazing the things you can pick up on when you disconnect from one of your senses and let another take over. 

I listened to the birds outside my window. They were having a conversation, I assume with other birds. They had a language all their own. It was loud but melodic. 

While watching and listening to the news the other day, I lowered my eyelids and tuned out the content of what was being said to concentrate on the rich timbre of the news anchor's voice. It was smooth and masculine. His confidence and intelligence came through loud and clear. I thought he'd make a great narrator for an audio book. 

Along that same line, I did the same exercise while enjoying my current favorite song, Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran. My eyelashes fluttered closed and I was transported to my happy place with the slow strums of the guitar, the rhythm of the drums and romantic nuances in the artist's tone. 

We process so much in a days' time with our eyes that it's good to give them a break now and then; if only for a few minutes. In doing so, it'll help you relax. Perhaps you'll hear a unique kind of beauty you might have otherwise missed.


www.authorjanromes.com       

NOT WITHOUT NANCY - book #4 in my Texas Boys Falling Fast series is almost here!! ♥

This book is Trigg and Nancy's story. It's the final book in the series! 

I had a great time writing this book because the characters and their situations yanked around my emotions. Some of the scenes made me laugh out loud while others made me bawl like a baby. I felt a strong connection with Trigg and Nancy. I hope you will too! ♥


Without further ado, I'd like to share the cover art designed by Deborah with Tugboat Design.

He's laid-back. She's always in fast-forward.

COMING MAY 4, 2015

  

Max is back!! Smitten With Death by Sharon Saracino!

I've had the pleasure of reading the first two books in the Max Logan series -- Death Benefits and Life After Death. Now author Sharon Saracino has released book number three -- Smitten With Death! 

Maxine Logan is a snarky character you can easily relate to and she's easy to love! I can't wait to see what she's up to in this new book!

Here's the blurb to whet your appetite:

A year after the death of her ex-husband and boyfriend, Roger-the-Proctologist, Max has accepted the loss and moved on. Well, at least she's tried, but a dating pool consisting mostly of weekend golfers in plaid polyester has left her unenthusiastic about her prospects. When Morgan Kane, the sexy Hellhound Grim Reaper, suddenly reappears seeking her assistance to rescue the bumbling teenage Zombie King from Cerberus' filthy paws, Max realizes that maybe she was holding out for snug denim all along. But a trip to Hell during Vegas Week, with Lucifer masquerading as a tone-deaf Wayne Newton and Kane's psychotic mother as Satan's Showgirl Bride, isn't exactly her idea of the perfect date. In Hell, everything has a price, and though Max discovers she's already paid dearly, if she and Kane are to succeed, another sacrifice is required. Will Max finally get her happily-ever-after or will she lose the man she loves to the Sweet Hereafter? Again.

And an excerpt to heighten the excitement: 

“Reaper, I need a favor,” I choked out and cleared my throat.

“Sure, Logan.” His gaze came back to rest on my face. “What can I do for you?”

“Um, kiss me?” I squeaked as my face heated with the fire of a thousand desert suns.

“Huh?” Judging by the expression on his face, whatever favor Morgan Kane had been anticipating, locking lips with the crazy woman hadn’t even made his list.

“Look,” I whispered in a rush after glancing back to confirm Denise had almost gotten the invading hoard under control. “My sister is determined to hook me up. The minute she sees you, she will devote the remainder of the morning to cute and embarrassing stories designed to impress you with my charm and delightfulness. Trust me, you’ll want to stab knitting needles in your eyes after about ten minutes.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Logan.” He had the temerity to smirk while crossing his arms over his chest. His broad, muscular chest. “I think I might enjoy the cute and embarrassing stories. And I already think you’re charming and delightful.”

My eyes widened in shock, and my mouth fell open yet again. “You do?”

“Logan? You digress.” He snapped my pie hole shut as he had before. But this time he didn’t remove his hand. Instead, he stroked his forefinger lightly along my jaw, sending my pulse into a gallop to rival the Clydesdales pulling a beer wagon away from a crowd of alcoholic zombies.

“I do? Oh yeah. I do. So, anyway I thought if we gave her the impression we already had something going, well maybe it would divert her attention away from my relationship status for the day.”

“I see,” he murmured as he slipped his hand along the side of my neck and curled his fingers around my nape.

Suddenly my knees buckled. I must have twisted my ankle more seriously than I thought. Fortunately, Morgan Kane caught me around the waist before I hit the ground and pulled me hard against him. I absently wondered if it would be considered rude to toss a breath mint in my mouth. Then it occurred to me I didn’t have any. Oh well, moot point. His soft chuckle skittered along my skin like a physical caress. I swallowed hard. I tipped my head back, licked my lips enticingly, and closed my eyes, resigned and ready to make this sacrifice in an effort to thwart my sister and her underhanded plans. Kane chuckled again and then gently swept his lips over mine. Except for Roger and that one tequila-induced episode of poor judgment right after senior prom, I didn’t have a whole lot of experience with men. I know, I know. Up until now, I’ve sucked you into that whole sophisticated woman-about-town façade I

wear so well, but really, it’s true. Morgan Kane, on the other hand, apparently knew his way around this town and most of the continental United States. The ground tilted, the sun spun backwards, and I had difficulty remembering my own name when Morgan Kane finally lifted his lips from mine. Would I never learn my impulsivity always comes back to bite me in the ass?

I coughed loudly, attempted to gather my wits, and looked around to gauge my sister’s reaction. Denise, et al, was nowhere to be seen. The whole crew had apparently hustled past our lip-lock and continued into the house completely unnoticed. At least, by me.

Kane’s wicked grin said he was well aware of the effect he’d had on me, and it was precisely the one he’d intended.

Wucking fonderful.

Buy links for Smitten With Death:

The Wild Rose Press

Amazon

A little bit about Sharon:

Sharon Saracino is a paranormal and fantasy author who resides in the anthracite coat country of Pennsylvania with her long suffering husband, funny and talented son, and two insane dogs. She is the author of the Max Logan series and the Earthbound series with The Wild Rose Press. When she is not reading, writing, or enjoying photography and genealogy, she brews limoncello, dreams of living in Italy and works as a Certified Registered Rehabilitation Nurse.

You can follow Sharon here:

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

Author Spotlight - Sharon Saracino!

Paranormal-romance-fantasy author,

Sharon Saracino!

I've had the pleasure of reading Sharon's work and I have to say, she has a knack for storytelling. Her stories are deep, thought-provoking adventures with powerful underlying messages. At the same time, her style is lighthearted. How can her writing be both deep and lighthearted? Easy answer: talent. Sharon makes me laugh-out-loud at times and sniff back a tear as well.

Sharon has been hard at work with her Max Logan series and also the Earthbound series.

Today, I'm highlighting book #3 in the Max Logan series, titled:  Smitten With Death

Blurb:

A year after the death of her ex-husband and boyfriend, Roger-the-proctologist, Max has accepted the loss and moved on. Well, at least she's tried, but a dating pool consisting mostly of weekend golfers in plaid polyester has left her unenthusiastic about her prospects. When Morgan Kane, the sexy Hellhound Grim Reaper, suddenly reappears seeking her assistance to rescue the bumbling teenage Zombie King from Cerberus' filthy paws, Max realizes that maybe she was holding out for snug denim all along. But a trip to Hell during Vegas Week, with Lucifer masquerading as a tone-deaf Wayne Newton and Kane's psychotic mother as Satan's Showgirl Bride, isn't exactly her idea of the perfect date. In Hell, everything has a price, and though Max discovers she's already paid dearly, if she and Karen are to succeed, another sacrifice is required. Will Max finally get her happily-ever-after or will she lose the man she loves to the Sweet Hereafter? Again. 

** Smitten With Death releases February 20th, but it's currently available for preorder. Check it out at:               

 AMAZON

For your viewing pleasure, here are book #1 and #2 in the series. 

Here's a little bit about Sharon:

Sharon Saracino was born and raised in the anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania and resides there with her long suffering husband, funny and talented son, and two insane dogs. When she isn't reading, writing, or enjoying photography and genealogy, she brews limoncello, dreams of moving to Italy, and works as a Certified Registered Rehabilitation Nurse.

You can follow Sharon here:

Website:  http://www.SharonSaracino.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharon-Saracino-Author/309710765720741?ref=br_tf

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073851.Sharon_Saracino

Twitter:  @SharonSaracino

Throw caution to the wind!

Have you ever had a story in your head that begged to be told even though it wasn't your genre? I can honestly say I have -- No Sweat Pants Allowed - Wine Club. For well over a year I had the story, the characters, and the title. I casually mentioned it to the group of ladies I walk with. I also ran the idea past my husband. Their reactions? A few smiles of encouragement. (Although I have to admit, my hubby crinkled the corners of his eyes at the title) I still wasn't convinced I should step out of the romance genre to write a women's fiction story. Those of you who write will understand why I finally gave in to the constant pokes of Elaina Samuels - the main character. 

I threw caution to the wind and Voila! 

NO SWEAT PANTS ALLOWED - WINE CLUB is no longer just a compilation of thoughts in my head. It is now an e-book and print book! 

Elaina Samuels' story would be nothing without her fellow characters: Tawny Westerfield, Stephanie Mathews, and Grace Cordray.

These four ladies are bright, sassy, sarcastic, and sometimes a bit crass. They're also warm and entertaining. And they don't always make the right choices. 

   Cover art by Tugboat Design

Amazon

Blurb:

Suddenly single, in her forties, and eager to do what it takes to start over, Elaina Samuels meets three women with similar circumstances at a cash-for-gold event. They quickly become friends and form the No Sweat Pants Allowed - Wine Club. This newly found alliance brings about some humorous escapades, a few tears, and a bond so strong no man can break as they try to cling to the past and finally step out of their comfort zones to find a happiness they thought they'd never feel again.

I do hope you'll check it out. You might find Elaina's story to be just what you needed to lighten your day (or night). 

Hugs!

Jan

www.authorjanromes.com

Sometimes you just get lucky...

I love this snippet from LUCKY DUCKS...

(Claire's about to take on her first day working for Kasen Isaak)


Claire held the elevator door for two women who were running full throttle to make it.

"Thanks," they said in short-winded unison, then basically ignored her by falling into conversation with each other.

"You can do this," Clair mumbled under her breath. At least she should be able to fake her way through day one. After all, she'd stuffed her head with so much information it was almost too heavy for her neck to hold up. 


She'd been repeating that pep-talk since she woke up. Instead of boosting her confidence, it made her edgy. The two cups of half-cappuccino, half-coffee she downed the second she got off the subway weren't helping either. In truth, she was as jittery as a field mouse being stalked by a tabby cat. Only instead of orange fur he was wearing a hideous suit and tie.

To distract her anxiety, Claire focused on the stray blonde hairs attached to the sleeve of her black wool blazer. She pulled them off one by one. Then she rubbed her other arm over the coat sleeve -- the arm her father pinched before she left this morning. She shook her head. Only her father would do something bizarre, like pinch her to see if she'd grown a thick skin overnight. Not surprising though since he referred to her as his "little recruit." He expected things out of her that most fathers would never dream of -- like this job. She was to latch onto to it. Embrace it. Own it.

Claire sighed soundlessly. At twenty-four she was still trying to please him. She sighed again. At the rate she was going, her father would be pushing daisies before he was truly satisfied with her chosen path in life.

The two women riding the elevator with her either forgot she was there or didn't care because they didn't hide their discussion. The stick-thin brunette with short, spiky hair bet a dollar the new girl wouldn't last a week. The other woman, a bottle-blonde in serious need of root-touchup, pulled a crisp bill from her pocket. "Five says she won't come back after today." They knuckle-bumped at the exact moment the elevator opened. They raced out leaving Claire a few seconds to ponder the comments. She had strong feeling she knew who they were betting on. Her lip curled. "Ten says you're both wrong."

Air in. Air out. Simple. At least breathing was supposed to be simple. But the sight of Kasen Isaak coming toward her with an unyielding look of annoyance made her breath catch somewhere between her lungs and windpipe.

The closer he came the more she felt like she was going to choke. 

* If you'd like to continue Claire Stone and Kasen Isaak's rocky but fun journey to happily-ever-after, you can find their story here: (Just click on one of the links below)

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

The Wild Rose Press