I Think You Aarrg Gonna Like This One ~ THE PIRATE'S PROMISE by Lisa Olech

Ahoy there, mateys! I have the great pleasure of hosting the authors of the Ghosts of New England: Last Light Point anthology, starting today, the release day,  with Lisa A. Olech. 

Lisa, what's it like writing a historical romance that acts as a story base for other authors? Are there unique challenges?

 

It is a challenge to set the stage with a setting that could actually survive 300-plus years. It is also my job as lead author to sprinkle in a variety of story “nuggets” which each author can use (or not) in their own stories while keeping things loose and open enough to allow my fellow authors room to spread their own wings and write their own stories without feeling locked into my imaginings. 

Very interesting. Thank you for that little look behind the scene. Now let's find out more about your book, the first in the anthology, THE PIRATE'S PROMISE...

Blurb~

Autumn, 1728

The Crowe’s Nest Tavern was located in a very fortuitous place. If you were condemned to hang in Execution Square, they were your last stop!

Everly Crowe along with her father and two sisters ran The Crowe’s Nest Tavern that was rumored to be slightly haunted, although Everly never believed in such foolishness….until she did.

John Beckett was a pirate, or not. Forced upon the account, he’d lost his belief in a lot of things before he caught the eye of a bonny serving lass who was fierce enough to go toe to boot with his captor and captain, Bartholomew Jacques.

Jacques held a note on the tavern and tormented Everly and her family as he terrorized all the small towns up and down the coast. But even his threats and deceit couldn’t keep Everly and John from promising themselves to each other, ‘till death they do part. After Jacques and his crew are captured and sent to the gallows, Everly learns that those fateful words have little meaning when love is forever.

GET THE PIRATE'S PROMISE HERE:

Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/LLPoint

Release Date: Monday, March 27th, 2023
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance

Excerpt~

Hours later Beckett was back at The Crowe’s Nest Tavern. The sun was setting behind rain-filled clouds as he kept to the shadows. He didn’t have much time. Crew was due back for last call by eight bells.

Lights from inside the tavern spilled out into the growing darkness. He’d chosen his prey earlier yet waited to come back. The back garden was surrounded by a low fence cobbled together with mismatched boards and twists of driftwood. A small gate leaned unsteadily on one hinge. It squeaked as he eased it open. Raising the flame on his lantern he spread a square of burlap on the ground by his feet and began to gather up a bounty.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Beckett whipped around. He’d been so focused on his task, he’d not heard her. “Everly…I mean, Mistress…” Beckett raised his hands in surrender.

Lifting her lantern, Everly indicated the evidence at his feet. “You’re stealing from me?”

“Well, yes and no.” He swept the scene with his hand.

“You’re a pirate. A thief by trade. You, better than anyone, should know stealing when you’re stealing.”

“True, you ken call me a pirate, but I’m more of a misplaced carpenter. And is it really stealing if it’s from your scrap heap?” he reasoned.

“You’re a carpenter?” She shook her head as if she didn’t believe him. “And why would a carpenter, misplaced or not, steal from a scrap heap when the kitchen gardens are right over there?” She pointed to two large plots maybe ten feet by twenty. Each bursting with vegetables and vines with a line of fruit trees banking one side, all heavy with fruit.

He gave her a shrug and a smile. “That would be stealing.”

“I think my pigs would disagree. You’re taking their breakfast.”

“They’ll understand, being pigs and all. Kindred scavengers that they be.”

“And what exactly will my pigs understand?” The defiant hand to her hip and saucy tip to her chin made him grin. No timid lass, this one.

“Do you remember the young lad at my table earlier today?” Beckett began.

“I do.”

“He’s feeling a might poorly. Been on half rations for near a month now, and if he doesn’t get some decent food in him soon, the scurvy will get a hold of him for sure. He’s got no coin…so I figured if the pigs didn’t mind sharing, mayhap you’d be willing, as well.”

“You don’t know my pigs.”

A Multi-Century Romance Anthology

from Best Selling & Award Winning Authors

Lisa A. Olech

Kathryn Hills

Nancy Fraser

Peggy Jaeger

Can true love conquer a deadly curse?

Don’t look at the gibbet… Legend has it that disaster will strike all those who do. The townspeople of Last Light Point have come to respect the centuries-old advice. Those that didn’t, paid the price.

4 stories – 4 time periods – 1 very haunted tavern in New England!

A new romance anthology unlike any other from 4 best-selling and award-winning authors.

    · The Pirate’s Promise by Lisa A. Olech     (Autumn 1728)

    · Smoke and Mirrors by Kathryn Hills     (Autumn 1867)

    · For the Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser (Fall     1941)

    · A Promise Fulfilled by Peggy Jaeger (Late     October, Present Day)

Anthology Genres Include: Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance

You can purchase the anthology here:

https://books2read.com/LLPoint

Bio~
LISA A. OLECH is the author of both contemporary and historical romance. She uses witty dialog with a side order of sexy to bring to life multi-faceted, adventurous, smoldering characters you’ll not soon forget.


A former member of RWA and NHRWA, Lisa is a 2018 RITA Award nominee for her book, Within A Captain’s Soul, the final book in her Captains of the Scarlet Night series. She’s won a variety of writing contests and achieved the ranks of Amazon Best Seller with her debut book in 2014.


As an author, artist, Justice of the Peace, and aspiring beekeeper, Lisa finds true inspiration in the beauty and love that surround her. And, she takes full credit that three homes on her quiet New England street now proudly fly a Jolly Roger from their flagpoles.

Find links to her books, social media, and much, much more at www.lisaolech.com.

Thank you so much for sharing your book with us, Lisa! Come back any time!

When It Comes To Writing, Romance Gems Author Jan Scarbrough Ain't Horsin' Around, Or Is She?

Hey, all! Won't you please help me welcome Romance Gem Jan Scarbrough. Let's get to know her a little better...

Jan, when did your love for writing start?

I had an inspirational ninth-grade English teacher who encouraged me. For one assignment, we researched a career that interested us. I picked freelance writer. At that time, I doubted that I could even write a novel, let alone make any money doing it.

What is something you struggle with when you write?

Good books need conflict almost on every page. I’m not someone who likes conflict, so coming up with bad things to happen to my characters is hard.

Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.

I was an RWA Golden Heart finalist, but it didn’t lead to the publication of that book. After the prerequisite rejection letters, I finally sold a 50,000-word novel to Kensington for the Precious Gems series. This was before ebooks, of course. However, I “sold” my Golden Heart book to an ebook company. DUH. No readers at that time. I pulled it and the book was published in paperback. Around 2006, I published ebooks with a small press. That’s where I learned to make deadlines, work with an editor, and improved my writing. Finally, in 2013 after several small presses went out of business, I began to self-publish my books with the techy help of my husband. These two first books are available today. They are KENTUCKY FLAME and TANGLED MEMORIES.

 

Do you have hobbies that you’d like to share?

Since my nine-year-old daughter begged for horseback riding lessons, I’ve also taken riding lessons. It’s been a long time ago because she now has children of her own! I ride American Saddlebred horses. They are people horses who are fun to ride. I love the history of the breed because they were “American Made.” Usually, I take a weekly riding lesson because I don’t own a horse right now. One of my all-time dreams was to own a horse. Over my lifetime, I’ve owned three!

Info about American Saddlebreds: https://www.asha.net/aboutus/theamericansaddlebred/

Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?

I am married with two children and two stepchildren. Together, my husband and I have ten grandchildren—only one is a girl! Currently, I have a pesky cat named Folly. This summer we lost our beloved Pembroke Welsh Corgis. So, I went to the humane society just to look around. Of course, I spotted amber eyes who begged for a home. My husband agreed, so we brought home a red tick coonhound!! We knew nothing about coonhounds. Her first week she killed a backyard raccoon. She was a coonhound after all! Bella has turned out to be a super sweet dog and a welcome addition to our family.

YOU CAN FIND JAN HERE: 

Website http://janscarbrough.com/

BookBub Author URL https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-scarbrough

Newsletter (download free book and sign up for my newsletter) https://www.booksweeps.com/free/kentucky-woman-bluegrass-reunion-series/

Amazon Author URL https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Scarbrough/e/B001K8768A

AllAuthor https://allauthor.com/profile/romancerider/

 

YOU CAN PURCHASE JAN'S BOOKS HERE:

Check out my two Contemporary Western Series, both on Kindle Unlimited.

The Dawsons of Montana tells the stories of rancher Jim Dawson’s widow Liz, and his children Brody, Mercer, and Ben. Can they find happiness and love in the aftermath of the heartache of the patriarch’s untimely death?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ZM6V8H8)

Hank brings two series together: the romantic The Dawsons of Montana and the romantic mystery Ghost Mountain Ranch!

~ BEN IS ON SALE UNTIL MONDAY! ~

Ghost Mountain Ranch, where old secrets are stirring, secrets someone might be willing to kill to keep. Can they finally lay the old ghosts to rest, or will the echoes of a decades-old murder destroy their second chance at love?

(Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BL85Q8W)

DARBY: Thirty years ago, Darby Heston fled her family’s Montana dude ranch. Now she must return to help her father. Would the boyfriend she’d abandoned still be there? Hank Slade has never stopped loving Darby, but is he willing to risk his heart again? Secrets tore them apart once. Given a second chance at love, will more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future?

Thank you so much, Jan, for being here today, and for sharing your talent with us!

I Enjoyed Reading Nancy Fraser's Novella So Much, I'd DO It AGAIN!

Hey, all! Have I got a treat for you! Romance Gems author Nancy Fraser has joined us today with her new release I DO...AGAIN, a Return to Last Chance Beach novella. I had the good fortune to read this one and Nancy gives you smart writing that pulls you in and flows so smoothly it just carries you on to the end. Truly a pleasure to read! She was nice enough to answer a few questions for me...

What is the best thing you’ve learned about writing and/or the publishing business?

That a writer needs to develop a thick skin. And, while you should take your craft seriously, the opinion of others only matter if they control your career (e.g., editor, publisher, agent). If you learn how to handle both criticism and rejection early, it will make your writing journey much easier.


I may or may not still be working on that... ;) That's something that transfers over to everyday life, too. What is something you struggle with when you write?

It may seem trite ... but the writing. I always wonder if my current book will be my last. Will I run out of ideas? Let’s face it, romance follows a formula. There are not that many tropes that haven’t been done to death. As well, if you write in one particular genre, how do you keep from repeating yourself over and over again? That’s probably why I genre jump. It helps me from getting stale and – hopefully – there will be at least one more book in there somewhere.


Where do you live? Where would you love to live?

I live in Atlantic Canada, in New Brunswick, along the beautiful St. John River. If I were going to move, I wouldn’t go far. Just one province over to Nova Scotia, specifically Cape Breton Island. Or ... if I had the money, Las Vegas. Something tells me I’d be broke quickly.


Yes. Always that possibility in Vegas. Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?

I am divorced and, as of this past September, divorced as long as I was married. I’ve been blessed with two wonderful sons who were both smart enough to marry equally wonderful women. Between them, they’ve given me five grandchildren. And, given we live within twenty minutes from the farthest points, we’re very close. As for pets, I have grandpets. One rescue husky, two cats, and four guinea pigs.


Grandpets are the best! What was one of the best Christmas presents you ever received?

That’s easy. Christmas of 1970 (well, a couple days early). My first son. Nothing will ever top that.

What CD is in your CD player right now? Or what was the last song you listened to in your digital library?

Surprisingly, I still have CDs. On both my phone and in CD player, Pentatonix latest album, The Lucky Ones. Of course, I do occasionally swap out the PTX CD for the Elvis 75.


Name your favorite children's story.

I was hooked on the Nancy Drew mysteries growing up. However, as a Grandmother, I have to say Robert Munich’s “Love You Forever”. I’ve read it to all five and I’m moved every time.


It's amazing how many writers were Nancy Drew fans! What is your concept of a fruitful day?

At my age – just waking up. Getting out of bed is a great bonus. Of course, after one or two cups of coffee, my writing day begins. At that point, it’s all about the words. I write full time, Monday through Friday, three weeks of every month. My goal is always 3-5K, depending on the complexity of the book. In the fourth week, I do extensive edits and catch up on other tasks. Weekends are split between family and updating my website and blog.

That sounds like a great schedule! Thanks for sharing yourself with us. Now let's share a little bit about I DO...AGAIN...

Blurb ~

Thirty-five years earlier, Lily Abbott and Mitch Colby exchanged wedding vows in a quaint ceremony attended by a small crowd consisting of four Micronauts, a one-eyed pet rock, two special-edition Barbies, and an assortment of stuffed animals. Officiated by Stretch Armstrong, it was the social event of their 8^th summer.

 

Lily never forgot the childhood ceremony. Or the fact her best friend and first love had left her behind and relocated to Boston to pursue an Ivy-League education. Now a divorcee, with college-bound twin daughters, Lily’s moved on and put the foolishness of first crushes and the childish dream of true love behind her.

 

At eighteen, Mitch had never wanted the expensive education his father mapped out for him. He’d have been perfectly happy to stay in Summerville, marry the love of his life, and settle down. However, when push came to shove, he’d not wanted to upset his ailing mother, and had left everything...and everyone...that he’d wanted behind.

 

The 25^th reunion of the graduating class of Summerville High has brought Lily and Mitch back together at The Sands, a seaside resort on Last Chance Beach. Will one weekend together be enough? Or, is there a possibility for more?

Excerpt ~

The soles of her sandals skittering across the wet surface, Lily Abbott landed on the weather-worn dock with a loud thump, her backside slapping against the damp slats in the same way a fish flops around on the ground after being pulled from the lake.
 
So much for a graceful entry.


She glanced from side-to-side, wondering if any of her former classmates had seen her awkward faux pas. Gracie Potts and Shep Warren stood off to the side, more engrossed in each other than those around them. Ellie Cabot was stoking the campfire, poking at it with angry jabs and then letting loose a string of curse words when the embers jabbed back.


At least half of the varsity football team were huddled around two well-stocked coolers, chugging beers and laughing about past victories.


Off in the distance, laughter, mixed with strains of Meatloaf’s I’d Do Anything for Love, floated across the warm night air from the hotel’s patio. Nostalgic music from their senior year...as if time could be turned back, memories either revived or erased.


Settling more comfortably on the edge of the dock, Lily removed her sandals, and dangled her legs over the side, her toes flirting with the water. Closing her eyes, she welcomed the breeze wafting across her face.


“So, this is where you’ve been hiding.”


Lily startled at the sound of the deep, male voice. She didn’t need to look to know who was speaking. The intervening years weren’t nearly long enough to wipe away the familiar sound.


“I’m not hiding,” she insisted. “I’m relaxing.”


“If you say so,” he countered, the sarcastic tone of his comeback sinking into her senses.


Mitch Colby. Her best friend, her first love, the one that got away. Or, more precisely, the one who left her behind.


“I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said truthfully.



Turning slightly and tilting her head, she met his gaze, then wished she hadn’t. He smiled down at her, his familiar smirk ratcheting up her heart rate. As her late Aunt Ethel had once observed, ‘The good Lord had surely taken his sweet time with Mitchell Colby’. Twenty-five years hadn’t altered Ethel’s keen observation one iota. He was still a breathtakingly handsome man.

Bio ~

NANCY FRASER—Jumping Across Romance Genres with Gleeful Abandon—is an Amazon Top 100 and Award-Winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

 

Like most authors, Nancy began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.

 

Published in multiple genres, Nancy currently writes for four publishers. She has published over thirty books in full-length, novella, and short format.

 

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

 

Find Nancy Fraser Online

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Bookbub

Amazon Author Page ~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube

 

  

To purchase I DO...AGAIN:

Universal link ~ 

https://books2read.com/IDoA 

Thanks for sharing yourself with us here today, Nancy!

RELAX, PUT YOUR FEET UP, AND BREATHE ~ LUCINDA RACE #RomanceGem

Hey, all! I've got one gem of an author here for ya! That's right, one of my Romance Gems blog friends. Please welcome Lucinda Race who's here today to tell us a little bit about herself and her newest release, BREATHE. Let's start by asking her a few questions...

How do you balance the demands of your everyday life and your writing life? 

I struggle with balance as I'm all in when it comes to life. When I'm writing a new book it's always on my mind so I might not be in front of a keyboard but I'm still working, like pieces of a puzzle. Everyday life does require my attention as life is hectic but writing it my relaxation, well and reading too.


Where do you live? Where would you love to live? 

I live in western Massachusetts and I do enjoy traveling but to coin a phrase there's no place like home, other than I'd like to live near a beautiful lake in our area. Maybe someday.

What was the last song you listened to in your digital library? 

Drake White- Making me look good again - it actually is a song I use when writing my male hero in my upcoming August release, Blush book 3 Crescent Lake Winery

What one thing (modern convenience) could you not live without? 

My laptop - I have NO idea how writers did edits with typewriters or gasp long hand - here I just cut and retype and the offending words are poof gone like the wind.

What is something you struggle with when you write? 

Having enough time to write, it's like when I read a book I love to read until the book is done, same thing when I write I hate to leave the characters, its like walking out on a fascinating conversation and not hearing the best parts.

I hear you on that! I hate leaving my characters in a predicament, because, you know, they need me, and I really hate leaving them in the middle of a sex scene. That's just cruel! ;)

Well, thank you for sharing yourself with us, Lucinda! Now let's hear a little more about BREATHE.

Blurb ~

Romance and fine wine both need time to breathe…

Her family’s successful winery business in the Finger Lakes region of New York should have gone to Tessa Price. She’d always dreamed of running the winery, but when the “prodigal son” returns to take up the reins, she boldly strikes out on her own, purchasing Sand Creek Winery—a cash-strapped competitor—right out from under her family. She can forge her own destiny, using her marketing skills and big plans to bring new life to the winery. But first she has a proposition for the sexy previous owner. And he’s likely to hate it.

Kevin “Max” Maxwell would never have willingly sold his winery to anyone named “Price.” Family always comes first, and if paying for his sister’s cancer treatment cost him his business, it was worth it. But when the new owner offers him a one year contract to stay on as general manager, with a possible bonus, he really can’t afford to turn it down. He can ignore the effect her deep brown eyes and heart-shaped face have on his senses for a year, can’t he?

Relationships, like slowly ripening vineyards, take time. But Max has been keeping a secret from Tessa, one that could destroy her hopes for their future. Will a terrible accident force Tessa and Max to face how much they have to lose, or tear apart their budding relationship forever? Sometimes a romance is like a fine wine. To be its best, it just needs time to breathe.

Here's where to purchase BREATHE:

https://books2read.com/u/3JXYeK 

Here's where to find Lucinda: 

https://twitter.com/LucindaRace

FB https://www.facebook.com/LucindaRaceAuthor/

https://www.instagram.com/lucindaraceauthor/

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

Book + Main Lucinda Race https://bookandmainbites.com/search/Lucinda%20Race

Youtube Lucinda Race https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lucinda+race+author

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lucindaraceauthor/

Universal Link https://books2read.com/ap/xyYO2g/Lucinda-Race

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

https://lucindarace.com

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/feed/6

Thanks for joining us! Have a great day!

Investigating THE CASE OF THE FABULOUS FIANCE! Diane Burton's Newest!

Please help me welcome my friend Diane Burton to the blog today with her latest in the Alex O'Hara Series, THE CASE OF THE FABULOUS FIANCE! Before we dig into the read, let's find out a little more about Diane...


First off, thank you for allowing me to interview you. Could you tell us what is the best thing you’ve learned about writing and/or the publishing business?

How helpful, generous, and supportive other writers are. An example of this is going on right here. On our online group (Authors Helping Authors), we tweet for each other, share on FB, for spots on blogs, and so many respond—like you, MJ.

Believe me, it's my pleasure. And I agree about authors being generous people, Diane. I've actually given that same answer when I've been asked that question. When we're shocked on a regular basis by the evil in the world, it's nice to be surprised by people's goodness. Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.

I wrote for ten years before my book was accepted by a small niche publisher. Another ten years passed (life intrusions) before I tried self-publication. In the 5 years since I’ve had one book pubbed by a small press and self-pubbed 7 more. I’m very happy self-pubbing. I hire a freelance editor and a cover artist. Although I’m a DIY girl from way back, those two jobs are best left to the professionals.

Again, I concur. And it's funny how similar our stories are. I had twelve books written before I even started pursuing publication. Now that we know a little about your writing, how about you as a person. Where do you live? Where would you love to live?

I live on the west coast of Michigan, fifteen minutes from Lake Michigan. We moved here two years ago to be closer to our daughter and her family. Best move we’ve made. Love the time with the grandkiddies.


Share with us a little about your family. You mentioned your daughter, any more kids? 

I met my husband of 43 years on a blind date. We have 2 children. Our daughter lives nearby with her husband and 2 children. Our son lives in Phoenix with his wife and 8-month-old girl. We’re looking forward to spending Christmas with them. Now I just have to convince Hubs we need to spend most of the winter in Arizona.

Yes! Brilliant! Now here are a few questions just for fun--

What was one of the best Christmas presents you ever received?

My 2nd best gift was a Brownie Hawkeye camera when I was 10. It led to a lifelong hobby of photography. My absolute best Christmas present was my daughter, who was born 2 weeks before Christmas.

Name your favorite children's story.

My grandmother gave my sister and I a set of books, My Book House. Each volume had stories appropriate to an age group or grade. The 1st book was nursery rhymes, 2nd short stories, 3rd fairy tales, etc. The 1st book was well used, pages are torn and falling out. The 12th book looks brand new. Although I’m the oldest of 7, none of the others read the books. They’re now mine and I share them with my grandkids.

That's cool! How special that you get to share that with them! What one thing (modern convenience) could you not live without?

I can’t think of anything I couldn’t live without. If I had to, I’d adapt. But I think flush toilets would top my list of what I don’t ever want to live without.

Ahh...yes. Good point. Hmm...kind of a bad segue, but...what are your three favorite smells?

A baby, almond flavoring, bacon.

Oh, bacon, yes! Why didn't I think of that? We've had a lot of people on here, but no one has ever said almond flavoring. I love the taste of almonds, but I wouldn't have thought about the scent...but it is good, isn't it? Thanks for joining us today, Diane!


Thanks so much for having me, MJ.

My latest release is a PI mystery, The Case of the Fabulous Fiancé. Here’s a little bit about it.

Blurb ~

Alex O’Hara wants to take her investigation agency in a new direction—background checks for potential spouses. She hopes this new case will do the trick when a high-powered executive asks for info on her boyfriend. Is the man she met on a cruise her Mr. Right or is he too good to be true? On the same day, Alex gets another case—finding a deadbeat dad. And both women want to double her rates so she’ll give them highest priority. She can’t believe her luck. Her finances are on the upswing. If only Nick Palzetti was around to share her good news. He disappeared on Christmas Eve, and she hasn’t heard from him in almost three months. Then glitchy phones and no internet bring everything to a screeching halt.

Excerpt ~

I picked up the pen before looking at Nora Finley. Even though I was in the middle of a major case, I never turned down a prospective client. At least, not right away. I’d hear her out and then decide.

“What can I do for you?”

Her expression completely changed. The high-powered exec disappeared. In its place, caution and . . . vulnerability. “Ellen VanderVeen said I could trust you.”

I smiled. Ellen and I had been friends since college. That girl had more fashion sense in her baby finger than I did in my entire body.

“Yes, I know Ellen.”

“She said you helped her investigate her fiancé.”

I nodded.

She hesitated and appeared to rethink what she was doing in a private investigator’s office. Quickly, she came to a conclusion. “I’d like you to do the same.”

“You want me to vet your fiancé?”

“He’s not my fiancé. Yet.”

She didn’t explain any further, so I asked, “Why? Do you suspect something?”

“No. Oh, goodness, no.” She pursed her lips before continuing. “My father left me a prosperous financial firm plus a sizeable inheritance. I am not saying that to brag but to explain my concerns. In my younger days, I was, uhm, taken advantage of. I need to be sure this man truly loves me—me, not my money.”

Although nobody would ever mistake me for an heiress, I understood her caution.

“I am almost forty years old,” she said. “I want to have children before I’m too old.”

Again, I understood. I’d recently passed a landmark birthday. The big Three-Oh. Rather than worry about kids, though, I devoted myself to my business. After a rocky start, I was on a pretty even keel. Plenty of work. Not enough time. But I did have plenty of time before settling down with kids. And a husband, of course. I’m kind of old-fashioned like that. I’d thought Nick might— Don’t go there.

“Ma’am, if you’d called for an appointment, I could have saved you a trip. I do not have time to devote to your case.”

A crestfallen Nora Finley stared at me, her mouth slightly open. I guess nobody ever turned her down. While hers might be interesting, I didn’t have a good feeling about this case. A client might want the lowdown on a prospective mate—as I’d discovered before—but they often resented the bearer of bad news. Of course, the client could be grateful if the news was good, like my friend Ellen.

“I will double your usual retainer.”

“It isn’t a matter of money—” Although money never hurt. “—I’m in the middle of a large case that is taking up all of my time.”

“How soon will you finish?” No longer disappointed, she looked calculating.

God save me from rich people who think everyone should drop what they’re doing to attend to them.

“Three weeks, minimum.”

“Good. I will be out of the country for the next four weeks. You may finish your present case then check into Clyde Wilson.”

Well, shit. I mean, shoot. I was trying to break my bad habit of swearing. I had misgivings about this woman. Demanding, she was going to be difficult to work with. She exuded the power that came from old money. Power that expected everyone to drop everything and do her bidding.

But then I’d had difficult clients before and managed them. I could probably wrap up the fraud investigation in a couple of weeks. I’d given myself a cushion when I’d told her three.

Were my misgivings about her enough to turn down double my retainer?

I drew the pad closer to me. “Tell me about this man. Clyde Wilson?”

That better not be a smug look on her face.



The Case of the Fabulous Fiancé is available at:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B0195K8F6G

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-case-of-the-fabulous-fiance-an-alex-o-hara-novel

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/case-fabulous-fiance-alex/id1066537800?mt=11

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/599181

Author Bio ~


Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. Besides the science fiction romance Switched and Outer Rim series, she is the author of One Red Shoe, a romantic suspense, and The Case of the Bygone Brother, a PI mystery. She is also a contributor to the anthology How I Met My Husband. Diane and her husband live in Michigan. They have two children and three grandchildren.

For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com



Connect with Diane Burton online



Blog: http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/dmburton72

Facebook: http://facebook.com/dianeburtonauthor

Goodreads: Diane Burton Author

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dmburton72/

Sign up for Diane’s new release alert: http://eepurl.com/bdHtYf

~ There's No Place Like HOME IS WHERE THE HUNK IS! ~

Please welcome the lovely and talented Nancy Fraser! Ladies, she's brought with her a hunk. A hunk of major proportions! Right this way --->


Today I'm interviewing Evan Carver from HOME IS WHERE THE HUNK IS!

Q: Evan, I understand you own the Double C Ranch, just outside of Wharton, Montana. How many acres do you have and how did you decide on the name?


Evan: The Double C is named for the joined spreads of the Carver and Cain families. Lifelong friends, my parents and my late-wife’s parents had always dreamed of joining their lucrative ranches into one big conglomerate. After our marriage, and the passing of both sets of parents, it became important to us that we honor their dream. The ranch is a little over 5,000 acres, made up mostly of prime grazing land. We also have a number of streams, brooks and our own natural waterfall. The spread now belongs to me and my sister-in-law, Allison. Although, because of her successful career away from the ranch, the day-to-day decisions are mine.

Q: As a widower with a young son to raise, how do you balance work and family responsibilities?

Evan: (Chuckles) Very carefully. Ranching requires long days and great attention to detail. I’m blessed to have a wonderful network of long-time family friends to rely on. As well, my ranch staff are the best in the business. I do everything in my power to devote as much of my time to my five-year-old son, Cody.


Q: We hear that you’ve been dating? Is there another Mrs. Carver on the horizon?

Evan: Dating yes, ready to re-marry, not so much. Although, if the lovely ladies of Wharton are to be believed, I’ve got one foot on the altar and the other in a slippery pile of cow dung.


Q: You mentioned your sister-in-law earlier. We understand she’s on her way home for a vacation. How eager are you and your son to see her again?


Evan: Cody is over the moon. He loves his Aunt Ali very much. I’ve always considered Allison the little sister I never had. It will be great to have her home for an extended visit.


Q: You also mentioned her successful career. She’s a very in-demand photojournalist, correct?

Evan: Yes, very talented and sought after for many projects. Her constant traveling takes her all over the world. She just returned from six months in South America where she assisted in bringing some much needed relief to the poorer residents of a number of South American states.

Q: You must be very proud of her altruistic work. Does she have another assignment coming up?


Evan: Both Cody and I are very pleased she was able to share her photographs with the world and aide in making changes. As for another assignment, you’d have to ask her. All I can confirm is that she’s welcome to stay here with us for as long as she’d like.

Q: To get back to your status as a very handsome, successful and available man, what is it you’re looking for in a wife … assuming of course that you’re actively looking?


Evan: (Another chuckle) First of all, thank you for the glowing compliments. Of course I’d love to meet someone and fall in love again. A mother for my son, and possibly more children, is every sane man’s dream. If I had to pinpoint one or two attributes that I consider a must, it would be compassion and honesty. Any woman I would date, and consider marrying would have to be willingly open to loving and caring for my son. She’d have a kind heart and be a giving, loving person. She’d also have to be up front and honest. Her integrity must be beyond reproach.

Q: One final question. Where should all of these compassionate, honest women go to apply?


Evan: Applications are not necessary. If, and only if, I’m interested, I’m confidant fate will intervene and I’ll find them on my own.


Hmm...Fate may need to buy me a ticket to the Double C! Thanks for joining us. Now here's a little bit more about HOME IS WHERE THE HUNK IS ~

Blurb ~

When globe-trotting photographer Allison Cain comes home to her family ranch in Montana it’s to get to know her nephew and to make amends with the widowed brother-in-law she’s left alone to raise his young son.



Evan Carver could never deny his late wife’s younger sister anything, despite the fact she’s been conspicuously absent over the past three years since her sister’s death. Now she’s home again on what she’s called an extended vacation. Evan’s first concern is for his son, Cody, and how his aunt’s visit will affect the five year old when she decides to return to her high profile career.



Allison has no intention of going back to work. In addition to getting to know Cody, she needs to confess her biggest secret to Evan. How do you tell the man you’ve always loved that you’re not just his son’s aunt, but also his mother?

Excerpt ~


Slowly she raised her head. Unshed tears filled her eyes, making them glisten like liquid stars. Evan felt a lump form in his own throat. She blinked rapidly in what Evan suspected was a conscious effort to hide her emotions. A knot tightened his gut. He had the sudden urge to take Ali in his arms, as he’d done the day she arrived, and bury her face against his chest, preferably without the argument that followed.

In the very back of his over-used imagination, he could see her coming willingly into his arms. He could feel the heat of her tears against his chest. His reaction surprised and frightened him in equal measure. He didn’t want to feel this way about her, especially when he knew she wouldn’t stay.

“Me, too,” she admitted softly, drawing Evan’s attention from her teary eyes to her soft, pink lips. The tears she’d been fighting back so tenaciously now pearled on her lashes, threatening to spill forth at any second.

Evan moved away from the tree, inching his way around Cody and close to Allison’s side. Cautiously, he lifted his hand and caught the first tear on his thumb, uncertain of exactly what had made her cry, yet knowing he selfishly welcomed the chance to offer her comfort.

“When I left South America, the only thing I could think of was coming here. I wanted desperately to feel the lush grass beneath my bare feet and to smell the fresh, clean air.”

“I don’t care what made you decide to come home. You’re here now and welcome to stay as long as you like.” Drawing her into his arms, he held her close and tilted her chin up with his fingertips until their gazes met.

At the first touch of his lips to hers, Evan tasted the cinnamon and apple of the dessert they’d just consumed. He pressed his lips more firmly to hers. She hesitated only briefly before returning his kiss with one of her own. He barely had time to consider what they’d done when Ali’s trembling voice broke through his consciousness.

“Evan,” she whispered. “Don’t, please.” Pressing her hands to his chest, she pushed lightly. Yet, when he would have backed away, she clenched the front of his shirt tightly in her fists. “We can’t . . .” she warned, still seemingly unwilling to let him go.

“Ali, it was only a kiss.”

She looked up at him with tear-filled eyes and Evan knew if he didn’t let her go he’d likely do something they’d both regret. Gently, he grasped her hands in his and pulled them from the death grip she’d taken on his shirt. With his thumb he wiped away a final spent tear then released her completely. A moment later he was on his feet and walking back toward the damaged fence. It would take every ounce of strength he possessed, he realized, to keep from turning around and taking her into his arms again.

Author Bio ~

Like most authors, Nancy Fraser began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.


When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five beautiful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people. She invites you to visit her website (www.nancyfraser.ca) and follow her on Twitter (@nfraserauthor). Or, more importantly, just enjoy what she writes.

You can find Nancy at:

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Blog: http://nancyfraser.ca/wordpress/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor @nfraserauthor Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

You can buy HOME IS WHERE THE HUNK IS at:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Hunk-Nancy-Fraser-ebook/dp/B00OPJECVU/

Giveaway ~

Nancy has been kind enough to offer this giveaway, so be sure to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway