WELCOME TO THE HALLOWEEN BOOK BLAST!

The post No Tricks, Just Treats at the Halloween Book Blast & Giveaway appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Happy Halloween

While the fall nights are getting colder, you might need something to keep you warm!

If you love heat like we do, you’ll love the fantastic romantic fiction that can be found on the blogs of this hop.

From sweet to downright sizzling, you’ll be sure to find something that you will fall in love with!

Thank you to the authors who are in the hop, and a special thank you to you, our readers!

Now go on…. get your hop on!

Are You New to My Blog?

Thank you so much for stopping by! If you enjoy reading fantasy and paranormal romance, I hope you stick around. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter right here and get my free story Witch You Were Here.

Check out my New Halloween Release

I’ve got lots of chances for more treats for you on the release party page for Not a Chance. Check it out right here for more chances to enter to win gift cards, books and more.

Take your chance to win a #kindle and #giftcard at the #spooktacular blog hop! #authors
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Order your copy of Not a Chance right here.

The post Join the #Spooktacular #BlogHop and have a Howling Good Time appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Because despite my best efforts I still fear them.

Fear vs. Worry

Distinguishing between fear and worry can be a little challenging for me. Because if you said what do you worry about this blog could go on for pages upon pages.

Although some of these worries are based on fear, or morphed from fear. But nevertheless, I’ve discussed some of my real fears right here, and even ones that might not be real, but real in the paranormal sense right here.

My friends find amusement in that I’m terrified of many of the things I write about (and bats) but I tell them that’s the beauty of writing or reading.

You can live vicariously through #stories and not be afraid. #MFRW #fears
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Well, there are a few stories that may have stole a bit of my sleep.

But additional fears might include:

• Heights- Many years ago I tried to overcome this fear by parasailing. This went terribly wrong and ended with a face full of sand and a near miss with the rocks, so no wonder I’m still just as terrified of heights.

• Public Speaking- I agreed to do a presentation in what I thought would be a panel, convincing myself this would be a way to overcome this fear. Well, imagine a podium, and a group of about 200 people weary at the end of the day of a conference. Then fast forward to my babbling presentation and near panic attack on the way home. Yep, still a fear.

Irrational Fears

Now here’s what you came for, well, maybe not, but it’s what the blog post is supposed to be about. Fear that makes no sense.

• Driving in heavy traffic in a city- I blame my nervous driving trait on inheriting it from my Mom.
• Forgetting to turn off the sink– Well, because I’ve done this before when filling a sink to soak it to clean. If you don’t fear this then  you’ve never overflowed a sink that went through the floor, and the ceiling below…Hey, multi-tasking!
• Centipedes- I only say this is irrational because I usually win this battle due to our size difference. But they top me on startle factor and I amuse them by screaming. At least I imagine them being amused. It inspires me to seek vengeance.
• Snakes- The theme between this and the above critter is anything that has too many—or no—legs. It’s just not normal! Plus despite the size difference, these things (and sticks that look like snakes when I’m riding my bicycle in the woods) fill me with fear.
• Pasting on my phone- This is truly ridiculous and it even amuses me more but I’m sharing it because it’s the most irrational. I’ve found myself holding my finger up after I’ve copied something, waiting to find the spot I want to paste it, as if I might leak out the information from my fingertip. I think it’s just because I’m so immersed in magical stories that I start to think it’s in me.
• My imagination– It’s hard to explain this one other than to say, Hey, author here? My imagination conjures up irrational fears all the time, unexpectedly for no reason. But often these end up making the best stories.

Hop Along

Check out what the other authors are sharing about irrational fears. Although last time I checked the link was kind of wonky—it’s sorcery, I say!

So just follow this right here to the main page if you want to check out the posts from the other authors this week.

Plus, don’t forget to enter the All Things Magical Giveaway. Because, who doesn’t love magical things, and giveaways.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post I Ain’t Afraid of No… appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

ALL THINGS MAGICAL GIVEAWAY

Paranormal Romance & Fantasy Giveaway

August 22 – September 12

Enter for Your Chance to Win! Right here

How would you like to win a prize pack of paranormal romance or fantasy ebooks by your favorite authors? Enter and you could take home one of four packs where YOU tell us which books to buy for you. We also have a Kindle Fire 7 and Amazon gift cards up for grabs!

(Sponsored by the 29 authors listed below)

Allyson Lindt • Amanda Uhl • Angela Roquet • Angela Sanders • Angelique Armae • Arizona Tape • Aurrora St. James • Bella Roccaforte • Cailin Briste • Candace Sams • E.B. Black • Elizabeth Rose • Karen Michelle Nutt • Katherine Gilbert • Kerry Blaisdell • Kristy Tate • L.E. Harrison • Laura Greenwood • M.C. Cerny • Mary Morgan • Maureen Bonatch • Mia McKimmy • Michele Barrow-Belisle • PJ Friel • Siera London • Sorchia DuBois • Tena Stetler • Aileen Harkwood

Share the love for this magical giveaway with a tweet

Want to #win a Kindle Fire, ebook prize pack, or Amazon gift card? Enter the ALL THINGS MAGICAL PNR #GIVEAWAY for your chance to win! Aug 22- Sept 12 https://bit.ly/2nN9zVr #bookwrapt
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Plus, don’t forget to shop our All Things Magical Book Fair (right here) for best-selling and highly-reviewed ebooks on sale just for this event, and a bonus giveaway for a leather-bound spell journal!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Magical Paranormal Romance & Fantasy Giveaway appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Therefore, the odds may not be in my favor, but I have entered a few contests, and avoid some, for different reasons.

My Contest Disclaimer

Before I share my contest experience, I must share a little backstory. I seem to be the only member of my family that doesn’t

succumb to the lure of winning the lottery, other games or…the Publisher’s Clearinghouse. Yes, it’s still around.

My grandfather lived well into his 90’s still hoping to win and seemed to pass this desire to my Dad.

He buys random doo-dads from those catalogs, hoping to increase his chances of winning.

My Dad has informed us for years just how he will divvy out his winnings when they show up at his door with the giant cardboard check and a bunch of balloons.

Perhaps after two generations of men patiently waiting to win this contest, I’ve become a little cynical about contests, or doubtful of my luck.

My Contest Experience Then—There Might Be Something in the Water

Initially, I entered a lot of contests as an easy way to gain feedback on the beginning of a new novel. With my mind set on this goal, I didn’t always invest the necessary time to review key details about the judges etc. This produced mixed results—and significantly increased the thickness of my skin.

Most writing contests rely on volunteers to review the initial entries. This is good because it can give the perspective of your reader, and often some great feedback, but it can be bad if the person is not very good at critiquing.

Now and then you run across a shark or two in those contest pools. I.e: “Let me tell you how I really think…” which often includes individual opinions which don’t always have anything to do with the story.

Take #contest results with a grain of salt—or the whole shaker. #MFRW #author
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My Contest Experience—Now

Those experiences, years of writing, and the enjoyment I take in critiquing and proofreading have led me to frequently volunteer to be a contest judge. I’ve also made sure to never forget a few of my unpleasant experiences and keep them in mind as I write up my critique.

I Avoid Some Writing/Author Contests Because

• They rely on the endless solicitation of votes
• Getting results takes forever
• They’re expensive
• They don’t provide feedback

A Few Contest Wins

Now and then I still enter a contest, because they are kind of fun and who can deny the joy of bragging rights?

Speaking of Contests

You don’t always know what you’re going to get when you enter a contest, but if you’re a reader, you can rest assured that you might get something awesome from author contests. Authors love readers and love giving them stuff to show appreciation for all your awesomeness. Here are a few contests going on right now if you want to try your luck

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hop Along to the Next Blog

Find out about the contest experiences of the other authors as you follow the blog hop.

The post Dipped My Toes in the Contest Pool appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

I’ve talked about luck and superstations before at Paranormal Romantics if you want to reminisce on fun ways to increase your luck. Did you cross your fingers reading that? But go read it after you check out the giveaway, because surely you want to find out how to win all these prizes. Prizes include a Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Fire, ebooks and gift cards—wow! Read on to find out three different places to enter and how to win.

Even Scruff is getting into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit! Plus there’s going to be a Facebook hop—yeah! My Facebook author page is one of my favorite places to hang out—and I’d love to see you there.

ST. PATRICK’S ROMANCE GIVEAWAY

MARCH 12-29

St. Paddy’s Day is coming up and we have three pots of gold we’re eager to share!

First, visit our giveaway here and enter for your chance to win one of 7 prizes, a Kindle Paperwhite with matching leather case, Kindle Fire, or ebook prize packs where you choose the books on Amazon you want to win!

Then check back with us- right here  -this St. Patrick’s weekend, March 15-18, for an epic Facebook Hop with 70 authors participating. You could be one of 70 lucky winners to take home a gift card.

And for that third pot of gold, readers will find more than 65 fabulous ebooks to click, buy, and read at our book fair- right here. We have page-turning stories in a wide range of romance genres.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Giveaway is Sponsored by

Alicia Street • Alyssa Drake • Amanda Uhl • Angelica Kate • Anni Fife • April Fire • Ashlee Price • Authors’ Billboard • Bambi Lynn • Beata Blitz • Bree Dahlia • Bree M. Lewandowski • C.A. King • Calinda B • Cara Marsi • Carrie Whitethorne  • Charmaine Ross • Chiquita Dennie • Chloe Flowers • Debbie White • Denise Devine • Donna Fasano • Donna R. Mercer • Donna Schlachter • Dystopian Fantasy Fanatics • Elizabeth Rose • Holly Cortelyou • Jana Richards • Jennifer Saints • Jennifer Vester • Joanne Dannon • Josie Riviera • Joynell Schultz • Julie Trettel • Karen Michelle Nutt • Kathryn Knight • Kristy Tate • L.D. Rose • Laurel Greer • Leanne Banks • Marsha A. Moore • Mary Abshire • Mary Morgan • Maureen Bonatch • Melissa Belle • Melissa McClone • Michele Barrow-Belisle • Mimi Barbour • Mona Sedrak • Monique McDonell • Nancy Radke • Natalie Ann • Pamela S. Thibodeaux • Pauline Creeden  • PG Forte • Ruth Kaufman • S.A. Larsen • Sahara Roberts • Sarah Williams • Soraya Naomi • Stacy Gold • Stella Marie Alden • Stephanie Queen • Susan Jean Ricci • Sydney Aaliyah Michelle • Taylor Lee • Tena Stetler • Traci Douglass • Traci Hall • Aileen Harkwood

May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor!

The post Try Your Luck With This St. Patrick’s Giveaway appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Except this book birthday happens to be during a paranormal author’s favorite time of the year. What I lovingly refer to as, paranormal season. Therefore, there’s a whole lot of fun spook-tacular stuff going on packed with prizes and I’m sharing them all here for your one stop for all your treats this Halloween!

Let’s Get This Party Started off by introducing you to my

October 11th Release

The 2nd Place Winner of 2015 Golden Palm Contest of the Florida Romance Writer’s Paranormal Category—Evil Speaks Softly

Evil Speaks Softly

  Everyone has a story to tell. Even the dead.

They were never supposed to meet. Fame came easy for Liv by following in the footsteps of the female writers in her family. The cycle repeated for decades…until Liv changed the story. Her villain doesn’t like the revision—and he isn’t a fictional character. In his story, the bad guy always wins.

They were never supposed to find love. Liv never questioned her demanding nocturnal muse, or the strange incidents in her old, family home until she met Gage. His job was to watch her from afar, not reveal the truth about the curse and the stories of the dead. They’ve broken all the rules. Together they unravel secrets as they strive to stop the cycle. Liv’s ability to find love, and protect her loved ones, hangs on the fickle whims of the dead—and they’ve got nothing to lose.

   More Buy Links Here

Follow the Spook-tacular Fun All Month Long

If you’ve seen me this month—or most likely you haven’t and now you’ll know why—you might’ve wondered why I look even more exhausted than usual.

Was it the lingering spirits from Evil Speaks Softly? The excitement of the Halloween vibe? Maybe. But also because I’ve been gearing up for all this fun!

• Visit Kate Hill’s Halloween Page and Find Out What Happens On a Cold, Dark Night…
• I’m Spotlighted on Diane Burton’s Blog on Oct 11th
• Because I’ve got magic and can clone myself, you’ll also find me at Linda Mooney‘s blog on Oct 11th
• Sharing author tips at Casi McLean’s Blog on October 12th
• Talking about How to Write What You Know When You Write Paranormal at the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal (FF &P) Blog on October 12th
• On October 16th I’m at Delilah Devlin’s Blog talking about how author’s biographies inspire me, and how it helped inspire Evil Speaks Softly
• On October 17th I’m interviewed at Darlene Fredette’s Blog Finding the Right Words
• The tables are turned on me and I’m being interviewed on Linda Carroll-Bradd’s blog Musings About the Writing Life on October 18th
• Evil Speaks Softly is spotlighted by fellow TWRP author Rebecca Grace on her blog My Writing Corner on October 19th
• Joan Reeves let me crash her Thursday3Some on her Slingwords blog on October 19th
• I’m visiting Susan Winter’s Create on The Side blog on October 21st talking about balancing writing with day-to-day life
• As Halloween gets closer, the spotlight is on Evil Speaks Softly on Connie Brete’s Blog on October 24th
• Visit me at Mariposa’s Musings on October 29th and we’ll talk about inspiration and the writing life
• Let’s talk Halloween costumes at Lois Winston’s blog on October 30th

Want a Taste of What Goes Bump in The Night?

Discomforting Thoughts About the Author & Evil Speaks Softly:

• As a writer who ‘writes by the seat of her pants’ Maureen’s relentless characters can be demanding in wanting their story told and often have their own agenda. They just aren’t ruthless spirits and there’s no ancient curse…that she’s aware of.
• The herniated disc Maureen suffered from while writing this story may have leaked a little extra darkness into the tale.
• Maureen’s first house had a restless spirit.
• Twins run in Maureen’s family—just no feisty triplets.
• Maureen has no knowledge of wrestling but she did watch some WWF back in the day for entertainment.
• Maureen believes she has had sleep paralysis in the past.
• Nighttime spirits don’t terrify Maureen much since she’s up at the crack of dawn and can barely stay awake after 9:30 p.m.

So Many Ways to Enter For a Chance To Win Treats!

Trick or treat, smell my—nope! No tricks here! All treats! Check out all the places you can enter to win treats this month. Click on the link or the photo to lead you to the treats and don’t forget to enter my Rafflecopter at the end of the post. 

Better Hurry and Enter to Win a $5 Amazon Gift Card and an ebook from my backlist- the New Release Giveaway at The Paranormal Romance Guild Ends on October 14th! Check it out right here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

• Connie Brete’s Newsletter – check it out right here and enter for a chance to win free books
• Check out Debbie Fritter’s newsletter right here

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here’s a few awesome treats you can give an author and her frightful and funny new release:

• The most important way you can support Evil Speaks Softly’s launch is to write a review as soon as possible. (P.S. a review doesn’t have to be detailed, even a few words will do.)
• Follow me on Facebook or Twitter and retweet and share posts about the book release- Here’s one on Facebook to share
• Once you have Evil Speaks Softly in your hot little hands, post a photo of the book/and or kindle right here. It would look especially cool with your Halloween or Fall decor, but any photo will do (Check out the extra entries you get on my rafflecopter for doing this.)
• Share this tweet:

#Win some treats & check out Evil Speaks Softly-a ghost #story just in time for #Halloween
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In general, just recommend the book to all your peeps who love a little paranormal, things that go bump in the night or enjoy a good ghost story. Thank you so much for celebrating with me!

What’s Your Favorite Halloween Treat? Do You Believe in Ghosts?

The post It’s a New Release Party for Evil Speaks Softly! appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Welcome to The Wild Rose Press Summer Treats & Reads Blog Hop

The Wild Rose Authors are presenting a bouquet of blogs dedicated to surviving and thriving during the summer heat. Each blog gives you a treat—a recipe, a summer life hack, a vacation spot—as well as a fantastic selection of books to read.

In addition, enter the Wild Rose Summer Treats and Reads contest to win the grand prize of a Kindle Fire–donated by The Wild Rose Press. You can read posts and enter contests from July 22 through July 30. Winners will be announced notified the following week.

Many authors are offering additional prizes on their own blogs, so visit as many as you can.

I’m so glad you stopped by to join me on a magical adventure that stems from childhood and provides that same feeling of freedom and escape from the daily worries of life- bicycling. 

Bicycling Opened up new roads

When I was a kid, I practically lived on a purple bicycle. It was the closest thing to flying and way faster than walking. Although I enjoyed it, for the most part, it was a means of transportation.

Then I grew up. 

Once I got a car, I didn’t ride a bicycle anymore, I didn’t need to. Bicycling was for kids, anyway, wasn’t it? 

Then, a few years ago, my hubby decided to begin bicycling in addition to our walking routines as another form of exercise. I was wary to join him.

I hadn’t been on a bicycle in….many, many years. I was older now, and the ground seemed much further down than it had on the small bicycle of my youth. Plus, I was more aware of how I could break things. Ie: bones & other body parts.

Then there was the whole thing about using hand brakes that had me visualizing myself becoming airborne over the handle bars if I pressed too quickly. 

Eventually, I relented and got a bicycle. Despite my reservations (and the lack of bicycles with the brakes on the pedals like the old-fashioned ones)

I didn’t choose a purple one, but instead choose one that resembled the bicycle I remembered my older sisters and mother riding.

I graduated to the adult bicycle. 

Bicycling Gave me Wings

Once I got the hang of it, I couldn't believe I hadn't considered the fun of riding a bike.
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• I was able to explore new places in an area I lived in for years, that I hadn’t even realized existed. 
• I gained a better appreciation about the beauty of Pennsylvania
• My hubby and I grew closer as we explored the countryside together and found new bike trails 
• I’ve viewed hidden wildlife up-close. Such as a turtle, deer, a porcupine, a multitude of chipmunks, an occasional groundhog, and unfortunately- too many little snakes. 
• I gained new muscles, and endurance, but most of all- it was as if I’d rediscovered my lost youth 

The Only Other Way I Can Escape Better than on a bicycle is Through Books

When I’m on a bicycle, my mind can wander (except for examining all of the sticks on the ground to make sure none are snakes!). 

My chores and responsibilities are blown away as the wind whips through my hair (okay, around my helmet- I am still doing a little ‘adult-ing’ & worrying about breaking things.) 

My muse comes alive and I work through story lines, as I enjoy the beauty surrounding me. If you’ve read any of my stories, (Especially Destiny Calling) you’ll see that I incorporate some of my countryside into the setting and the stories. 

Occasionally there might be a bit of a sinister edge to my stories  of the woods, but that’s all part of the magical mysteries hidden within the foliage.

I’ve only ever achieved such peace through writing or reading books. It’s a joy to discover that something so simple can reap such rewards. 

What’s your favorite childhood pastime? Do you continue to do it today? 

Answer the question in a comment below for a chance to win your choice of one of my ebooks. Winner will be randomly drawn on

Friday, July 29th and will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Be sure to enter The Wild Rose Press Rafflecopter for your chance to win a kindle fire
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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t forget to visit the other blogs for a chance to win more prizes!

The post How to Rediscover the Magic of Bicycling appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Look no further! My question is up today at The Romance Reviews! 

To play you need to register and be logged in at TRR before they can play the game. Registration is free and easy. 

The Romance Reviews Sizzling Summer Reads

• Has more than 150 participating authors and publishers.
• There are more than 150 prizes up for grabs during the whole month of June.
• Grand prize is $100 Amazon Gift Certificate!

I'm heading to @TRRparty to try to #win Forget Me Not @mbonatch & tons of prizes http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php
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Winners and Prizes:

Winners will be randomly selected by the system and the sponsors notified by email. The list of winners each week will also be posted on the site.The decisions of the contest judges are final.
The prizes must be accepted as awarded. No exchanges allowed. For non-cash prizes, these prizes are not convertible to cash.
For ebook prizes, winners hereby agree not to distribute the ebook via email or upload to a file sharing website or via any technology presently in use or yet to be invented. Distributing ebooks is a violation of the author’s copyright, and violators will be fined and prosecuted.
Each person can only use one account in entering the contest. Suspicious duplicate accounts will be investigated and all wins in all accounts will be invalidated.
If you won a prize but no one has contacted you within one week of the announcement of winners, kindly contact event @ theromancereviews.com.
Week 1 Prizes

Broken Survivor by Jennifer Labelle (ebook)
Willpower by Anna Durand (print)
Updrift by Errin Stevens and a sea charm bracelet (print)
Pistol Fanny’s Hank & Delilah by Annie Rose Welch (signed print)
Blood Surfer by Debra Jess (ebook)
In His Keeping: Taken by Mia Frances (ebook)
Must Remember by Colleen S. Myers (ebook)
The Sun King by Sandra Kyle (ebook)
A Knight to Remember by Anne Barwell (ebook)
Death Wish by Megan Tayte (ebook)
Friends and Lovers by Sloan Parker (ebook)
The Caress of a Commander by Linda Rae Sande (ebook)
Early One Morning by Aubree Lane (ebook)
Siren’s Snare by Crystal-Rain Love (ebook)
Maid For The Billionaire by Ruth Cardello (ebook)
The Seventh Son by Ashley York (print)
Unforgettable Lover by Rosalie Redd (ebook)
The Runaway Millions by Parker Avrile (ebook)
The Dirty Secret by Kira A. Gold (ebook)
Fairyproof by Constance Phillips (ebook)
Daniel’s Duty by Josie Dennis (ebook)
Murphy’s Law by Pamela Jo Edwards (ebook)
Dark Captive (Manlove Edition) by Lea Bronsen (ebook)
Enticing Her Unexpected Bridegroom by Catherine Hemmerling (ebook)
Vampires Bites Boxed Set by Gina Kincade (ebook)
Lord Bachelor by Tammy L. Bailey (ebook)

Week 2 Prizes

The Pirate’s Duchess (A Regent’s Revenge Novella) by Katherine Bone (ebook)
Pairing Off by Elizabeth Harmon (ebook)
Catch My Breath by Lynn Montagano (ebook)
Profile of Terror by Alexa Grace (ebook)
In His Keeping: Taken by Mia Frances (ebook)
I Dream of Dragons by Ashlyn Chase (audio book)
I See You (Come to Your Senses #1) by Susan Reeves (ebook)
Tinman’s Heart by S. Carman Knight (ebook)
Super Starrella by Aurora Springer (ebook)
$25 Gift Certificate to winner’s choice of one of the following: Amazon, Kobo or Barnes and Noble (sent over email)
The Betrayal by Marina Martindale (print)
Built For Power by Kathleen Brooks (ebook)
Somewhere In Time by Robyn Peterman (ebook)
Reflection (A Whitney Steel Novel, Book One) by Kim Cresswell (ebook)
Strategic Alliance by Vanessa Liebe (ebook)
My One And Only by Terri Osburn (ebook)
One Night Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas (signed print)
Going All The Way by Megan Ryder (ebook)
My Alpha by Jianne Carlo (ebook)
Reclaiming Forever by Larynn Ford (print)
Ceiba’s Grace by Nicole Pouchet (ebook)
The Runner’s Enticement by Addie Jo Ryleigh (ebook)
The Book of Life (Illuminati Book 1) by Elizabeth Alsobrooks (ebook)
$25 Amazon Gift Card from Magda Alexander (sent via email)
Melting Shadows by Rhea Rhodan (ebook)
Fierce & Fabulous by Elizabeth Varlet (ebook)

Week 3 Prizes

Kiss of the Virgin Queen by Sharon Buchbinder (ebook)
Blood Ties and Leather Restraints by Sierra Brave (ebook)
Can’t Forget by Colleen S. Myers (ebook)
A Man of Character by Margaret Locke (kindle ebook)
One Step Further (ebook)
In His Keeping: Taken by Mia Frances (ebook)
Married for the Boss’s Baby by Susan Carlisle (print)
The Royal Street Heist by Scotty Cade (ebook)
Last Resort Love by Holly Cortelyou (ebook)
$10 Amazon Gift Card from Diana Layne (sent via email)
The Memory of Roses by Blair McDowell (ebook)
Shifting Magick Trilogy box set by Lia Davis (ebook)
Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor (ebook)
Tangled Sin by Georgia Lyn Hunter (ebook)
Submission and Surrender (ebook)
Baiting Trouble (Sinful Business 2) by Marie Astor (ebook)
The Misbehaved by Jessica Jayne (ebook)
The Clam Festival Murders by Laurel Richards (ebook)
Vibrizzio by Nicki Elson (ebook)
Council Courtship by Constance Phillips (ebook)
His First and Last by Terri Osburn (ebook)
Forget Me Not by Maureen L. Bonatch (ebook)
Vexing Voss by Gail Koger (ebook)
Red Velvet Rose by Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku (ebook)
Dante’s Gift by Aubrey Wynne (print)
Stockholm Diaries, Melanie by Rebecca Hunter (ebook)
Signed copies of Alien Attachments and Rebellion by Sabine Priestley (paperback)
Guide Me by Chelsea Brighton (ebook)
$5 Amazon Gift Card (gift card)

Week 4 Prizes

At His Command by Ruth Kaufman (ebook)
Behind the Scenes by Natalie J. Damschroder (print)
The Guardian by Jacquie Biggar (ebook)
Moonstone Conspiracy by Elizabeth Ellen Carter (ebook)
Song of the Blackbird by DB Michaels (ebook)
Charm Me by Tena Stetler (ebook)
Tell Me Something by Aubrey Bondurant (ebook)
Sins in the Sand by Kait Gamble (ebook)
Stefan of Caeli by Aurrora St. James (ebook)
Fairyproof (The Realms Salvation Book 1) by Constance Phillips (ebook)
Fairyproof (The Realms Salvation Book 1) by Constance Phillips (ebook)
Our Now And Forever by Terri Osburn (ebook)
$25.00 Amazon Gift Card from Terri Osburn (sent via email)
Fated Love by Susan Boles (ebook)
Winning Ben by JoMarie DeGioia (ebook)
Waking Amy by Julieann Dove (ebook)
Glimpse Eternity by Ryan Jo Summers (ebook)
Buchanan House by Charley Descoteaux (ebook)
The Letting by Cathrine Goldstein (ebook)
Demon Duke by S.J. Frost (ebook)
The Runner’s Enticement by Addie Jo Ryleigh (ebook)
Catch Me If You Can by Juliette Cosway (ebook)
PARTICIPATING PUBLISHERS

eXtasy Books
Pocket Books
Loose Id
Loveswept
Gallery Books
Soul Mate Publishing
PARTICIPATING AUTHORS

Why me, of course! And also- wow! Look at all these awesome authors!

Constance Phillips, Lecia Cornwall, Kira A. Gold, Addie Jo Ryleigh, Larynx Ford, Marina Martindale, Errin Stevens, Jenn Langston, Kayden Claremont, DB Michaels, Diana Layne, Gail Koger, Cali MacKay, Jaime Reese, Alexa Grace, Jianne Carlo, Rebecca Hunter, Jeanette Winters, Lea Bronsen, Gina Kinkade, Mia Mitns, Vera Roberts, Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, Jessica Jayne, Kathryn Freeman, Juliette Conway, Aurora St. James, Laurel Richards, Nicki Elson, Kait Gamble, Aubrey Wynne, J.S. Scott, Ashlyn Chase, Susan Carlisle, Jennifer Labelle, Normandie Alleman, Dariel Raye, Margaret Locke, Ruth Kaufman, Nicole Pouchet, Vanessa Liebe, Anna Durand, Kahlen Armes, Elizabeth Alsobrooks, Crystal-Rain Love, Rachel Rossano, Pamela Jo Edwards, Michelle Jo Quinn, Cathrine Goldstein, Nicole Morgan, Audrey Bondurant, Rosalie Redd, Lisa Marie Rice, Susan Boles, Sloan Parker, Josie Dennis, J.M. Danny, Julieann Dove, Jacquie Biggar, S.J. Forst, Ryan Jo Summers, Elizabeth Ellen Carter, Elizabeth Harmon, Terri Osborn, Sabine Priestley, Morgan O’Reilly, Colleen Myers, Aubree Lane, Lia Davis, Magda Alexander, Katherine Bone, Debra Jess, Karyn Good, Annie Rose Welch, Blair McDowell, Kelli McCracken, Felice Stevens, Deanna Lynn Sletten, Kathleen Brooks, Tena Stetler, Rhea Rhodan, Clair de Lune, Holly Cortelyou, Kim Cresswell, Anne Barwell, Natalie J. Damschroder, Sandra Kyle, Catherine Hemmedling, Linda Rae Sande, Megan Taste, Meredith Bond, JoMarie DeGioia, Charley Descoteaux, Elizabeth Varlet, Teri Riggs, Claudia Connor, Mia Frances, Megan Ryder, Sharon Buchbinder, Marie Astor, Rena Koontz, Lynn Montanan, Alyssa Drake, Georgia Lyn Hunter, Sierra Brave, Annette Blair, Amy J. Hawthorn, Robyn Peterman, Chelsea Brighton, Ruth Cardello, Morgan Kay, Scotty Cade, Mia Moore, S. Carman Knight, Tammy L. Bailey, Ashley York, Susan Reeves, Parker Avrile, Nikka Michaels, Cassandra Piat, Aurora Springer

The post Romance Reviews Sizzling Summer Reads appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

High School 

If I heard it once back in the day, I heard it a hundred times. Enjoy high school, these are the best years of your life! 

I disagree. 

High School was hard. Not the courses, but the awkward teenage years. Everything and everyone changes. You feel like you don’t fit in anywhere. Every little inadequacy feels as if it’s spotlighted into a massive flaw.  

At the time, I’d blamed much of my social ineptness on not being rich enough to afford the latest social fashions. Or losing my childhood friend. Because apparently once you hit high school you couldn’t have a best friend who was a boy—unless you were a couple. 

I was wrong.

We aren’t rich by any means, but my girls were able to buy brand name and wear the latest fashions in junior high. But it made no difference in their social ease or popularity. It didn’t stop them from losing long time friendships as girls became catty and hormones separated the strong from the weak. 

I’ve never once told my girls these were the best years of their life, because that’s a lie.

Believing that would mean we peak at a young age and the rest of our lives are endured on a downhill slope. What would there be to look forward to? Despite how many times I tell my girls not to worry about these little things that seem so big. That there are so many more things coming. That they’re so much more wonderful than they realize. To enjoy these years but don’t fret about them— they can’t hear me.

I’m just Mom.

The woman who won’t really know anything for another handful of years. 

As I reflect back over my life I can finally assure my teen self that these things had nothing to do with happiness and popularity. I’ve long ago accepted the stunning truth that popularity doesn’t = happiness.

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You require one thing to achieve happiness. Once you have it, you'll no longer care about popularity.
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It’s a little gem that can’t be bought or shared…you must discover this magic within. Sometimes you can’t unearth it. Then you just have to fake it until you make it your reality.

Confidence

Despite the pain at not being able to wave my Mom-magic-wand and make everything better as I could when they were small, I’ve discovered something blossoming within my young teens.

As they maneuver the senior high years, they’ve finally shed the chameleon shell. The one where they blended into whatever they felt was expected from their friends. They’ve found their true selves and embraced their heart.

They might not see it yet, but I’ve noticed this little growth of confidence…these little changes inspiring them to follow their own path…and it’s beautiful. 

So tell me, what little piece of advice would you give your high-school self? 

Leaving a comment will enter you in a random drawing for a copy of your choice of one of my books in ebook format. Winner will be announced by April 6th. 

The post How to convince my shy teens the truth about popularity appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.