Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Meet Our Gentleman Caller ~ GENTRY! New Historical Romance From Caroline Clemmons!

  Happy Friday, everyone! Another work week in the books and a few days off to recover. Why not recover with some reading material? With that in mind, I've brought on another fellow Romance Gem, the lovely Caroline Clemmons. And she brought with her the handsome hero of her latest historical romance, Gentry. Let's get to know him...







So, Gentry. Let's start with an easy one...tell me about yourself. What is your occupation? Why? What are your strengths & weaknesses?

Hello, there. Sure nice of you to ask me here.
My name is Gentry McRae, and I’m co-owner of the Bar MM Ranch in Harrigan Springs, Texas. That’s in Harrigan County in the Texas Hill Country, next to Bandera and Medina Counties. I’m easygoing and slow to anger—but that sure doesn’t mean I won’t stand up for myself or my friends and family. While I was fighting for the Union Army in the war from 1861-65, I’d dreamed of getting away from all the destruction, going west, and owning a ranch. The Bar MM Ranch far surpasses those dreams. I’m a lucky man.

What’s your family like and how does your upbringing affect you now?

My parents were loving and kind people always willing to lend a hand to any needy neighbor or
stranger. My brothers, Craig and Quinn, and I were taught to work hard and think things through. We lived in northwest Georgia but signed up for the Union Army together. We were soon separated, and I’ve been hoping to find them ever since. Mama and Papa taught by example which has stuck with me. We learned we have a responsibility to work hard, share with others, and be an asset to the community.

That's admirable. Tell me, what is your earliest childhood memory?

The first thing that comes to mind is sitting around the kitchen table at dinner, listening to our parents talk, and then us boys telling them about our day. Recalling at the same time is playing with my brothers—we were too full of energy and mischief to keep it bottled up inside. We sure were happy growing up.

What tangible object would symbolize you? 

You ought to ask my wife or our three ranch hands or our cook. You’d probably get a different answer 
from each one, though, so I’ll try to choose. Let me think here a bit ... hmmm, guess you could say I’m like one of the willow trees down by the creek. You can push me and I’ll bend, but I won’t break. Instead, I’ll stand firmly rooted on the ranch I love.

Now tell me about Heidi. How did you two meet? What was your first impression of her?

That’s kind of sad, because my partner ordered Heidi as his mail order bride—with his
grandmother and a matchmaker’s help—from his hometown in Bavaria. But, my partner, who was also my best friend, died four days before his mail order bride arrived. He willed her a fourth of the ranch and me the rest. He also willed me his bride! I have to admit that poleaxed me. At first, I was mad at him and wanted to refuse. After a bit of ranting, I admitted I had to propose to her. Lucky for me she agreed.

Thank you, Gentry! Now let's hear more about your story...



Blurb ~

Nothing much riles Gentry McRae. He works hard on the ranch he co-owns with his immigrant best friend, and is content with his life. He’s proud of all they’ve accomplished in the ten years since the war. That is, until his partner dies and leaves a fourth of the ranch to his mail-order bride—and wills the bride to Gentry. “Now just a doggone minute, I don’t plan to marry for years!” But, a single woman can’t reside on a ranch where four men live without ruining her reputation. What’s a good man to do, except marry the woman when she arrives?

 

Heidi Roth has been spurned for being too plainspoken and too tall. In addition, her sister constantly makes fun of her for those reasons. That’s why—with many doubts—she’s willing to travel for months from Germany to Texas to marry a man who once lived in her town. When she arrives, she learns her prospective groom is dead, but left her his share of a ranch. She has serious doubts, but agrees to wed Gentry to protect her reputation. Sure enough, from the next day, one event after the other happens to complicate her life.






Excerpt ~


“If there’s anything you need from town before Saturday, tell me now.”

She shook her head. “I just want to be where my surroundings are not moving.”

He clicked the reins and they turned onto a road that ran beside a river. “I can understand that. Although I don’t remember when exactly you started your trip, I know you traveled a long time to get here. How long since you left home?”

“Over three months, but it seems much longer. Usually, I am not one to complain or get bored, but I found traveling so long very tiresome. Perhaps it is different if one is on a luxury ocean vessel, but I was on a smaller, very plain ship crossing the Atlantic. In New York, I changed to one even smaller to take me here. Being confined soon bored me, but I never tired of watching the sea.”

He chuckled. “I hope you saw your fill because there are only creeks and this river.”

She thought she should reassure him she was content with this setting. “The river is pretty. I do prefer being on land to sailing on a ship in all kinds of weather.”

He looked at her and raised his eyebrows. “Did you come through storms?”

“Mostly we had good weather. Several rains kept us in our staterooms. One terrible storm blew us off course and delayed the trip. That one terrified me and the other passengers. I was certain we would sink.” The memory sent shivers down her spine. She rubbed her arms, hoping to push away the fear she had felt.

“I’m glad you survived and arrived here in Harrigan’s Springs.”

His comment surprised her. Even if he was not sincere, hearing him speak the nice words boosted her spirits. “That is a kind thing to say. Thank you.”

They rode in silence for quite a while. He appeared concentrating on the road ahead, but surely he had driven this so many times he could do it easily. Besides, the horses probably knew the way.

“You didn’t tell me how Johann died.”

“He tried to rope a longhorn bull, but it gored him then stomped on him before we could rescue Joe.” He scrubbed a hand across his face as if wiping away something. “I’ll never forget that scene. I see it again and again in nightmares.”

“What is a longhorn bull?”

“I’m surprised you didn’t see some from the stagecoach. In a few minutes, you’ll see some longhorns grazing. You’ll know them when you see them. The one that gored Joe had six-foot horns.”

She gasped, imagining what horns that long could do to a person. She couldn’t picture such an animal. She wished her Texas books had illustrations.




YOU CAN GET GENTRY AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6YN6QHK

 



Bio ~

Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she writes about handsome heroes, feisty women, and scheming villains in a tiny office surrounded by research books and mementos. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their pets, two indoor cats and a dog.

The over seventy titles she has created have made her a Top 100 Amazon historical author, a bestselling author, and won awards. She writes sweet to sensual romances, both historical and contemporary as well as time travel and mystery. In addition to her series, she has written single titles and contributed to multi-author series and box sets. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, reading, dining in restaurants, browsing antique malls, delving into genealogy, checking Facebook, and taking the occasional nap.

Find her on her blogwebsiteFacebookTwitterGoodreads, and Pinterest.

Join her and other readers at Caroline’s Cuties, a Facebook readers group for special excerpts, exchanging ideas, contests, giveaways, recipes, and talking to like-minded people about books and other fun things.

Click on her Amazon Author Page for a complete list of her books and follow her there.

Follow her on BookBub.

To stay up-to-date with her releases and contests, subscribe to Caroline’s newsletter here and receive a FREE novella of HAPPY IS THE BRIDE, a humorous historical wedding disaster that ends happily—but you knew it would, didn’t you?

 

 Seventy books? Wow!

Thanks for joining us today, Caroline!


 

 





Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Or Wait...Could THEO Be The Last Man Standing? Welcome New Romance Gem ~ Suzanne Winslow

   

Hi! Apparently, Lucinda Race's BARRETT has a little competition in his effort to be the last man standing. Please welcome one of our newest Romance Gems, Suzanne Winslow, and her eligible bachelor, THEO, who is part of the LAST MAN STANDING SERIES. Let's find out more about him...







Blurb ~


Theo Thomas chose his aviation career over love. A confirmed bachelor, he’s the last unmarried man among his closest peers. When a Southern California heat wave coincides with a power outage, he’s forced to his friends’ house. He’s surprised to discover their house sitter is the woman who’d forged his opinion on marriage seventeen years ago.

Chief Information Officer Emma Wilson never gave up on love, but try as she might, she hasn’t found anything close to what she felt for Theo—despite hard feelings on both sides. When a new job takes her back to California, she dreads the possibility of seeing him again. So of course, fate lands him right on her doorstep.

As grudges fade and resentment slowly turns to forgiveness, Theo sees life offering him a second chance, but Emma isn’t a starry-eyed girl anymore. She’s a woman who knows her worth, and this time, Theo will have to fight for what he wants.




Excerpt ~

A familiar, unexpected voice asked, “Is everything okay?”

Theo’s heart punched in his chest. “Emma?”

“Theo?” Her sharp tone clearly told him she held him responsible for what was happening.

Officer Perez narrowed his eyes at Theo. “Do you two know each other?”

He couldn’t believe she’d called the cops on him. Or, maybe he could. “Her name’s Emma Wilson. She knows the people who live here too.”

“How many people have keys to this house?”

Theo shrugged. At least one more than he knew about.

A few seconds passed before Emma came outside ahead of the other police officer. She wore an emerald green bikini, a silver naval piercing, and pale pink polish on her toes. Her hair was shorter and straighter than he remembered. It was pulled back into a ponytail the same chestnut brown as the eyes that still occasionally featured in his dreams. As she got a little closer, he looked away, but not before glimpsing more of her than he had seen in a very long time. She stopped short a few feet away, clicking her fingernails, avoiding eye contact with him too. He didn’t blame her. Not after what he’d said the last time they were together. They hadn’t spoken since. Last he knew, she was an IT director in Detroit. Oliver usually told him when she was coming to California, but not this time. When their eyes finally met, she folded her arms over her stomach, trying to cover herself. All the movement did was show off her cleavage. His eyebrows lifted at her futile effort.

She glared at him.

Perez frowned. “Is everything okay?”

Theo answered yes the same time as Emma.

“Okay, then.” Perez held out his hand. “Let’s see your driver’s licenses.”




 YOU CAN PURCHASE THEO AT:

https://amzn.to/38NfAN1


 YOU CAN FIND SUZANNE AT:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/suzannewinslowauthor/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSuzanneWinslow/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/SuzanneMWinslow







Bio~

Suzanne Winslow writes the kind of stories she loves to read—contemporary romance with relatable characters, unsung heroes and heroines, and true-to-life stories. Nurses, teachers, firefighters, and Marines top her list of champions. Give her a book about strong, brave characters with hidden vulnerabilities and a secret passion, and she’ll binge read to the end!

Suzanne and her husband call Upstate New York home. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s often planning a road trip, or if it’s summertime, hanging out at the lake. Connecting with readers through Instagram, Facebook, and newsletters is a favorite pastime.

For more information about Suzanne and her books, visit www.suzannewinslow.com


It's been great having you, Suzanne! Come back any time! 




 


Sunday, August 14, 2022

Will He Be The Last One Standing? Come Find Out! From Author Lucinda Race




Hey, all! I've got the wonderful Lucinda Race here today and she's brought along a couple of friends. First is Barrett, an avowed bachelor who may end up being the last man standing among his friends.
Along with Barrett is Tallie, who may have something to say about that. Let's get to know them...




 
Let's start with you, Barrett. 
Tell me about yourself. What is your occupation? Why? What are your strengths & weaknesses?

I’m a family court judge who has a strong sense of right and wrong. I can have tunnel vision when it comes to my court room and I tolerate zero nonsense. Maybe even in life. After all I’m over 40 and still single.


Ahh. Good point. What do you like about Tallie? 

I like that Tallie is a strong and independent woman who doesn’t let fear stop her.

What is it that you want out of life? 

I know it sounds old-fashioned, but I want what everyone else seems to have--an amazing woman and a home and maybe even a couple of kids. But I’m the last of my friends still single.

Something tells me that won't be for long. Okay. Now, just for fun...but it may be very revealing...what was the last music you listened to? 

Aerosmith





Nice! Let's let Tallie have a turn. Tallie, tell me about yourself. What is your occupation? Strengths, weaknesses? You know the drill. 

I’m a corporate lawyer who seldom makes time to date. My career is important to me. But it also doesn’t leave me free time to meet a great guy.

Describe Barrett. What was your first impression of him and did it change over time? 

The first time I met Barrett I didn’t know he was a judge, I just thought he was a good looking guy. The second time we met at a dinner for lawyers, he was speaking and I was impressed by his intelligence. The third time I was helping out a co-worker in family court and I went before Barrett. My respect for him grew as he was uncompromising. I hate to admit it but I found that very captivating.

Okay, let's give you a fun one. If you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it? 

Take me to the beach with a quick stop on Fed Hill in Providence for coffee and pastry. That’s my idea of a perfect day.

Sounds great, only make mine a Diet Pepsi, please! Let's hear a little bit more about your story...








Blurb ~

Attorney Tallie Dorz has heard the rumors circulating through the halls of justice about the devastatingly handsome Judge Barrett Turner. As rumor has it, no woman has ever lasted longer than a couple of dates with this eligible bachelor. A chance meeting at a mutual friend’s house piques her interest. With one long, simmering look from the enigmatic jurist, she’s captivated and wants to crack his cool facade and melt his heart.Barrett Turner has it all; a reputation as a respected judge, money, and good looks. What he doesn’t have is someone to share his life with. He’s the last man standing among his group of close friends. A brief encounter with gorgeous attorney Tallie Dorz changes all of that. The first time he sees her he’s captivated; the second time is during a meeting for a group of lawyers; and the third occurs when she appears before him in court. So much for the third time being the charm. There’s no way he would risk becoming involved with an attorney who handles family law. As captivating as she is, he won’t risk an obvious conflict of ethics.

Tallie helps another attorney by appearing, along with his client, in Judge Turner’s courtroom—her one and only appearance in family court before returning to her specialty of corporate law. Even though the judge with dark brown eyes scowled at her from the bench, she can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have him across the dinner table. Much to her surprise, Barrett calls her and asks her to have lunch, and she eagerly accepts.

When a case she’s working on puts a target on Tallie’s back, Barret realizes his feelings are more intense than just his usual fling. He vows to not let anything stop him from keeping her safe and, ultimately, winning her heart.
Can two career-minded professionals open their hearts to a lifetime of love?





TO PURCHASE BARRETT:

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09ZSYJ7T8
Paperback Barnes https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barrett-lucinda-race/1141481917?ean=9781954520332


AND YOU CAN FIND LUCINDA HERE:

Bookbub Lucinda Race https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lucinda-race

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Lucinda-Race/e/B00Q0MMNUM

Lucinda’s Heart Racers Reader Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/118597305361578

Goodreads – Lucinda Race- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10174985.Lucinda_Race


https://twitter.com/LucindaRace




Very intriguing, indeed! Thanks for visiting with us Lucinda, Barrett, and Tallie. We appreciate the opportunity to get to know you better.