The last post I shared here I discussed quitting my day job and focusing on my plan for writing freelance and fiction. I did that, but then like the best laid plans, things changed. One of my freelance writing jobs quickly became a full-time job. I’m still at that job, because I enjoy it and have learned a ton (and hello—twin girls in college!), but I continued to write fiction in my free time.

Sadly, my free time was not as abundant as I hoped.

When There’s a Writer, There’s a Way

As a writer, I can’t not write. It’s part of who I am and I feel incomplete when I’m not writing my fiction stories. So I did. The funny thing with me is, writing the story is the easy part, the editing is where I procrastinate. That lead to accumulating multiple story drafts on my computer that I planned to return to edit ‘later’.

Then Comes COVID

Luckily for me, when the lockdowns happened during the height of pandemic, it didn’t affect my day job. We continued working and were busier than ever. But the pandemic did affect my writing.

When my favorite month came along (I’ve talked about my love of November’s National Novel Writing (NaNoWri) until I’m blue in the face), I started a new story—and I stalled. Current events, and the fear in the world, were stealing my writing mojo. Until I switched gears and changed the story to a holiday paranormal cozy mystery.

I played Christmas music to inspire me and watched a multitude of holiday shows—something I hadn’t done in years—and the story poured out. That story (Magic, Mimosas & Mistletoe) is just one of the paranormal cozy mysteries I’ve written for my new Charmed Cocktail Cozy Series.

Why Two Author Names?

I added the pen name of M.L. Bonatch for my paranormal cozy mysteries. Most of the reason for doing this is due to the business side of writing. It’s also an easy way for readers to identify my paranormal cozy mysteries from my Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books that will remain under my author name of Maureen L. Bonatch.

What’s the Difference in the Books?

My stories are similar in these genres in that they all:

• Have a paranormal element
• Usually feature magic and/or witches
• Have Humor
• Usually have pets or animals in the story

My stories are Paranormal Cozy Mysteries are different in that they are:

• A little shorter
• Humor is a huge focus
• There is no sex or violence
• There’s always a mystery, and usually a murder, to solve
• My heroine can talk to her cat, or other animals

Exciting Book Stuff Coming Your Way

• My website will continue to share book information for all my genres
• My Charmed Cozy Cocktail series will have at least 3 releases this year:
  • Curses, Cats & Corpses (Is initially included in this boxset to give you a taste of ten other fabulous cozy mystery authors)
  • Hexes, Highballs & Hockey
  • Magic, Mimosas & Mistletoe
• My book, Grandma Must Die, is being re-edited and released with a new cover and a stronger focus on the mystery as one of the characters in the story (Abigail) has her own paranormal cozy mystery series coming early next year.
• No worries if you love Urban Fantasy – I’ll have several stories in draft (one in a new series) that you’ll hear more about in 2022

Hop on This Crazy Train with Me!

There’s so much going on this year with my writing. The best way to know what’s up next is to sign up for my newsletter right here or:

Follow me on my social media- especially my new pages as M.L. Bonatch (She’s lonely & looking for friends)

Author: M.L. Bonatch:

• Amazon page
• BookBub
• Facebook
• Goodreads

Author: Maureen L. Bonatch:

• Amazon Page
• Facebook
• BookBub
• Goodreads

Both M.L. Bonatch & Maureen Bonatch:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest

Afraid you’ll forget about all these books coming out? No worries- preorder links are already available on my M.L. Bonatch Amazon page right here.

More Good Stuff for you

Find new authors and enter right here for this fabulous giveaway to win an Amazon gift card!

Searching for Your Next Cozy Mystery?

Check out these great deals on Cozy Mysteries (click right here) to fill up your TBR

Get Out and Read Giveaway

WIN 1 OF 4 KINDLE FIRES

Do you enjoy spending the long, lazy days of summer with a book in your hand? One of the best ways to find new-to-you authors is on BookBub, and LitRing has got you covered. Head over to the Get Out and Read Giveaway now to get 175+ chances to win a Kindle Fire >> https://www.litring.com/get-out-and-read-giveaway/

Thank you for sharing this journey with me, lovely readers! I can’t wait to share more stories with you.

The post What Happened? What’s Next for My Books? 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

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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!

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The post Magical Paranormal Romance & Fantasy Giveaway 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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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.

I’ve got all the sexy, magical details, and my review of Avenge Her.

As a Highland Warrior cursed with immortality, Malcolm Campbell fought many battles, but staying away from a beautiful witch is proving to be the greatest of his life. But when a blizzard traps them together in his castle and dark energy shrouds his home, her closeness ignites buried desires and tests the vow of celibacy he made to his wife’s broken body centuries ago.

Izzy Alexander embraces being an empath and a witch—until she falls for a man she can never have, a man who hates the very essence that is her. When Tarot cards mysteriously appear, and Izzy experiences disturbing visions featuring their godchild in company with a demonic visitor, and the impending deaths of her sister and brother-in-law yet again, she secretly uses her powers to uncover the dark threat.

Without acceptance and trust, love is impossible. Somehow, Izzy and Malcolm must learn to do both before black magic claims another victim.

By letting go of the past, they can ensure their godchild’s future and break the inevitable cycle of death each life time. As a storm rages, desire burns—and ancient evil lurks.

Read an Excerpt of Avenge Her: 

Why can’t I be like everybody else?

Izzy Alexander stared at the fish swimming, in their virtual aquarium, across her computer screen. While she sat at her desk in Malcolm Campbell’s castle, the soothing scene didn’t calm her as it sometimes did. No, the poor creatures were forever stuck in purgatory, they’d never get anywhere, never accomplish anything. Kind of like her, and her infatuation with Malcolm.

God, how had she fallen head over heels with a man who was in love with someone else, and who couldn’t stand what she was?

Why can’t I go through life with blinders on, not knowing what people feel, what they think by touching them? Why does my life have to be so strange? Well, let’s see. Maybe because I’m a witch and an empath who fell in lust with a thirteenth century Highland warrior who’d been cursed with immortality by Lailoken, a Druid High Priest, and who also happens to be my current employer as well the owner of this castle in which I now sit. Yup, that about summed it up and equaled weird as hell.

 “I can’t do this anymore,” she said and peeked behind her. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she met Malcolm’s stare. Damn, he’s gorgeous in a rugged masculine way, but he was never going to be hers. He leaned against the mantel of a huge stone fireplace in the great hall wearing black dress pants and a green designer sweater, a glass of whiskey in the same hand that had sent desire coursing through her body two years ago at his slightest touch.

But that’s all it had ever been, one night in Scotland, one kiss, the promise of passion.

Grab your copy today! 

 Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iBooks, The Wild Rose Press

My Review of Avenge Her

Sophia Kimble had me at a castle, a mysterious, sexy, brooding man who honors his deceased wife for centuries, sisters, and a witch. What’s not to love?

I immediately fell in love with Malcolm. If I wasn’t rooting for Izzy to have him, I might of made a go at the gorgeous Highland Warrior who still clings to family, honor and tradition. Except I’m a married woman—and Malcolm is a fictional man. Although Sophia’s engaging writing style and impressively described scenes often made me forget.

Avenge Her provided a wonderful escape from reality into Sophia Kimble’s world of magic and someone seeking revenge. Could it be Izzy’s retaliation against Malcolm’s rejection of her magic?  The unusual happenings with their Godchild? Well, you’ll have to read it to find out. Sophia will keep you guessing.  (You didn’t think I’d give the whole story away, did you?)

Avenge Her is the second book in the Druid’s curse series, but you don’t have to read them in order. The characters from Protect Her are in Avenge Her, but the story is Izzy and Malcolm’s. I highly recommend them both!

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Avenge Her, the second book in The Druid's Curse series is out today! http://amzn.to/28Mcbxy #newrelease
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I loved Protect Her, and I think you will too! Here’s what I had to say about Protect Her.

What is your favorite series?

About the Author:

Sophia Kimble has always wanted to be an author, but for years, life got in the way. She wouldn’t change a thing about how her life turned out, though. Her family keeps her laughing and loving. Her wonderful husband and two extraordinary children stand beside her every step of the way and make this journey called life worth living.

Sophia has worked as a nurse for twenty years, but has put that career path aside to devote her time and imagination to writing down the stories that keep her up nights.

She takes her love of the paranormal, history, and genealogy, and weaves them into tales of family, fated love, and supernatural occurrences.

Find Sophia:

Amazon

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter @SophiaKimble

Website

The post Avenge Her – Happy Release Day! appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Cover Reveal!

A PARANORMAL ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY

Coming August 4, 2016 – Pre-Order Now

We asked for your opinion on the cover for Moon, Mist & Magic

and —we listened. 

The day has arrived to reveal the beautiful cover in all it’s glory and give you the chance to pre-order it now for

.99 cents!

Charity Benefit:

All profits from this anthology will go to charity to benefit the World Wildlife Fund!

Get ready to be enchanted by mythical beasts, magical creatures, and moonlit nights. Enjoy your favorite author, and perhaps discover someone new, in these five fantastic tales of paranormal romance woven with moon, mist, and magic…

Witch You Were Here, by Maureen L. Bonatch

Featured Creature: Witches

Lucy is a witch with a successful business righting magical mischief. A call for help from her high-school heartache, Shane, prompts Lucy to manage his magical mayhem herself. No longer a nervous, hormonal, teenager, Lucy takes the case to force an apology and bury her past humiliation. To her surprise, Shane insists he couldn’t forget Lucy—because she hexed him ten years ago. Will Shane and Lucy put their past behind them, or will the spell prove permanent?

About Maureen

Hello! In case you haven’t heard it before…

Maureen writes stories in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania that boast laughter, light suspense and something magical in the hope of sharing her love of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary world. She writes Paranormal Romance and Fantasy.

Maureen’s Website

A Ghost of a Chance, by Abigail Owen

Featured Creature: Ghosts

What’s a girl to do when her brother’s ghost appears asking for help? If that wasn’t bad enough, finding her not-dead-yet brother’s body before he becomes permanently spectral isn’t her only problem. Josie can’t save him on her own. The only person who can help is the last person who would want to. Bryce Evans, a man she once wrapped hopes of her future around, can’t stand to be near her. How can she convince him when her evidence is a ghost he can’t see?

About Abigail

Award-winning paranormal and contemporary romance author, Abigail Owen resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two wonderful children. She attempted to find a practical career by earning a degree in English Rhetoric. However, she swiftly discovered writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.

Abigail’s Website

Dangerous Dreams, by J.C. McKenzie

Featured Creature: Dragon Shifters

As a dragon shifter in hiding, Lara Stone wants nothing to do with others of her kind or finding a mate. No way, no how. She’s perfectly content to work for a security company, masquerading as a simple mage. When the leader of all the dragon clans personally requests her as a bodyguard, Lara fears her secret is blown, or worse. What danger could possibly make Rafael Dragoi, the powerful Astarot, seek protection?

About J.C.

J.C. McKenzie is a book-loving, gumboot-wearing, unapologetic science geek. She’s from an island in the middle of a temperate rainforest, and loves the ocean. She currently lives in land-locked, rural Saskatchewan, which holds a magnificent beauty of its own, but she still finds herself dr
eaming of the deep blue and missing it terribly. J.C. writes predominantly urban fantasy and paranormal romance with sassy heroines and brutish alpha-type men.

J.C.’s Website

Myths and Legends 101, by L.A. Kelley

Featured Creature: Succubus

Flickering lights. Strange drifting shadows. Unnatural cold. Anthropology professor Jim Calloway is convinced the recent eerie phenomena at Octavian College are due to his overactive imagination until he meets Keilana Yamada and her eccentric grandfather, Toshi. Dazzled by the beautiful Keilani, Jim volunteers to help hunt for an ancient evil roaming the ivied halls. Can a mild-mannered academic find his inner demon hunter and a way into Keilani’s heart? Or will a supernatural predator with an insatiable hunger destroy them first?

About L.A.

Fantasy, adventure, humor, and romance with a touch of sass.

L.A.‘s Website

The Keeper, by Sharon Saracino

Featured Creature: Secret Surprise!

When a stranger lands on her slab, poisoned with silver and reeking of vampire, Medical Examiner Olivia Duncan fears someone’s discovered her dangerous secret. Enter Nick Alexios, a mysterious man with a hidden agenda of his own. Olivia ignites his passion and challenges his loyalties, making him question his duty. Nick might be Olivia’s salvation…or her downfall. Will honor-bound promises drive them apart or unite them against threats from both near and far?

About Sharon

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

Sharon’s Website

Don’t Forget to grab your copy of

Moon, Mist & Magic Today!

The post Cover Reveal for Moon, Mist & Magic. Pre-Order today for .99 cents! appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Several paranormal romance author friends and I are releasing a paranormal romance anthology this year! Each of us features a different paranormal creature.

Psst! Mine is a witch!

Help us pick the best cover designed by the fabulous Abigail Owen. Which do you like best – the girl, or the moon?

Thank you!

Moon, Mist & Magic Update! 

The winner is- both! The talented Abigail Owen, of Authors on a Dime was able to combine the best elements of both to produce the glorious one that you see below. 

The anthology is available for purchase and all proceeds benefit the World Wildlife Fund. 

Get ready to be enchanted by mythical beasts, magical creatures, and moonlit nights. Enjoy your favorite author, and perhaps discover someone new, in these five fantastic tales of paranormal romance woven with moon, mist, and magic.

The post Vote for your favorite cover 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.

---

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.

The countdown to Valentine’s Day with the Candy Hearts Romances continues!

Check out the Candy Hearts Romances Releasing this week because what girl wouldn’t want these sweet nothings whispered in their ear…or filling up their kindle? 

~Not2Nite~ Only Yours~ Ooh La, La ~ 3 Wishes ~ I’m Sure ~          Hot Stuff ~ For Keeps ~ All Mine~

                                                                                                                                                                                Hot Stuff takes on double meaning when klutzy Kate is faced with rookie cop Dallas looking for a stolen lawn statue. In her quiet, crime-free Wisconsin village, Kate has her hands full writing slogans for candy hearts and keeping her kleptomaniac brother with Asperger’s Syndrome inside the law. Even her grandmother’s famous snickerdoodle cookies can’t ameliorate the crime when a stolen lawn statue turns out to be a drug dispenser. Will Kate rise above her concern of what Dallas’s uniform represents and admit the charming Texas rookie is the man of her dreams?

Meghan Muldoon is at a crossroads: struggling to balance the demands of a high stress vocation as an advocate for victims of violence and her feelings for Keenan Rossi, a man who wants to make their relationship permanent.

On Valentine’s Day, a series of routine crises force Meg to question staying in a profession which fulfills her both professionally and spiritually–or devoting the rest of her life to the one person who completes her.

Which one is For Keeps?

During the day, Megan surrounds herself with water lilies and goldfish in the ponds she creates. At night, memories of her lying ex-boyfriend are a reminder she can never again trust a man.

Jason embraces his career as paramedic firefighter, even though ugly experience declares his profession a greedy mistress. During quiet nights at the station, he wonders if this bachelor existence is all he’ll ever know.

Then Jason meets Megan and sparks fly, chased by flashes of anger when Jason, battling a raging
apartment fire, stands up Megan on their first date. Is St. Valentine powerful enough to bring these two strong-willed people together?

When ARP warden Molly sees a light shining through the darkness of London on a cold winter’s night in the middle of the blitz she’s infuriated with the careless American who struck it. Doesn’t he know there’s a war on?
Guy’s just trying to find his way through a maze of unlit streets. He’s very sorry and Molly reluctantly forgives him. When he accompanies her on her nightly rounds the two learn about each other, themselves and whether it’s really possible to fall in love in only one night – especially when there’s no guarantee of tomorrow.

Everyone expects Rebecca Winston to marry her high school/college sweetheart, Garrett Langley. The problem is, the flame’s gone out on their romance. They’re still best of friends, but only friends. When Garrett’s father has a heart attack, his older brother Wyatt (an L.A. attorney) returns home for the first time in years. The attraction between Rebecca and Wyatt is immediate.

Can Rebecca expect her family and, especially, Garrett to understand that her desires have changed and turned toward Wyatt?

Can Wyatt get past the feeling that he’s poaching his younger brother’s girl?

Aspiring choreographer and dance teacher, Simon West is walking along the hall in the college where he teaches when he gets knocked over by klutzy, two left feet, accounting professor Veronica Cooke. Simon wants to get to know the beautiful woman who ran him down, but how will she react when she finds out his alter-ego is a super sexy cowboy at an upscale exotic dancing male revue and that he makes ends meet by taking off his clothes?

Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.

For nearly a decade, Maggie has put the needs of her younger siblings ahead of her own. Now she’s willing to accept a marriage without passion in order to protect her brother, but fate has a wicked sense of humor. On the eve of her wedding, Maggie meets the man of her dreams.

When Shamus loses a bet, the penalty is a blind date. Shamus is prepared to endure a long, boring night; the last thing he expects is to find the woman who can bring his heart back to life.

But Maggie is keeping secrets–and her engagement is only one of them.

So tell me…on Valentine’s Day do you do something for your kids, anyone else in your family or just your significant other? 

(My hubby has always gotten a gift for my girls because he is their first Valentine.)

Have you voted on my blog every week since January 5th for What a Girl Wants for Valentine’s Day? If not, there’s still time before the results are posted on Friday, February 12th– two days before Valentine’s Day so you can plan your day with your special someone.

No idea what to do/get? Quick! Check out more ideas for Valentine’s Day and all the Candy Hearts on my Pinterest Page

Don’t forget about my Candy Heart Romance-          Forget Me Not- Check it out here.

The Wild Rose Press  has the books your heart desires- stop by and pick up all the Candy Hearts Romance Stories

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Is three a crowd on Valentine’s Day? #candyheartromance #giveaway appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

The Countdown to Valentine’s Day with the Candy Heart Romances continues!

Check out the Candy Hearts Romances Releasing this week, because what girl wouldn’t want these sweet nothings whispered in their ear…or filling up her kindle?

~Dare Me ~ Be My Love ~ Marry Me ~ WWW.Cupid~ Find Me ~Got Love? ~I Love You ~ Ask Me~ 

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, gorse fairy, Flora Hawthorne is up to her neck in flowers, chocolate, and all things romance. She has no time for love, until she comes face to face with her own personal Cupid and the sparks fly! Looking to settle down, Cupid Tharin Terize wants fairy Flora Hawthorne to be his valentine, not just for one night, but for the rest of time. Now, all he has to do is convince her.    

  Tate Campbell liked his  life. Running his bar kept him busy and paid his bills, and a relationship with anyone wasn’t on the horizon. He sure wasn’t expecting a Valentine surprise, especially one who looked like a fallen angel—with a broken-down car. Dace Robinson’s career as an ER doctor left little time for relationships. Valentine’s Day was just another day on the calendar, albeit one filled with annoying decorations and sad reminders she had no one special in her life.Until the night car trouble compelled her to seek help in a biker bar, and the handsome owner claimed Dace as his woman – she had no idea how sweet Valentine’s Day could be.  

In Heather Ridge, Virginia, myth has it the lucky recipients of the two FIND ME candy hearts distributed each year are soul mates. Too afraid of seeing her one-time trusted friend, good-hearted Lyse Haynes refuses to go to her high school class reunion. But when she receives a second invitation containing the elusive candy heart, she takes an overdue vacation to pursue the dream of finally finding her soul mate. Ice cream creator Cooper Schmidt plans to take his product nationwide. His marketing team proposes the perfect destination for his next store. Unfortunately, it belongs to the father of the woman he’s harbored feelings for since high school. He uses her belief in myths and mails her the candy heart to entice her to Heather Ridge, in hopes she will convince her father to sell. There’s just one problem. After ten years, his old feelings tumble forward, stronger than ever, and Lyse has a decision to make—discover who has the candy heart companion or follow her heart.

Alone on Valentine’s Day, Leo Rankin attends the library’s Blind Date With a Book event hoping for something he can take to bed with him that night, and finds himself competing against Gerri Webb for the last remaining book. Wild child Gerri is not his usual type. Yet he feels an immediate, sizzling attraction and agrees to share the book and its accompanying bag of candy hearts. The whole idea of a Blind Date With a Book is to go off genre, so Gerri doesn’t mind when their flirty conversation suggests they unwrap each other rather than the mystery book. When a candy heart advises, “Ask Me,” she asks Leo back to her apartment. She never expects button-down Leo to hit all her buttons, but by the next morning she fears her heart’s in danger. Can one night spent off genre translate to real life?  

Allison McCall, supervisor in the Romance and Proposal Department of Cupid Corp., firmly believes rules are meant to be followed, yet her own love life is unfulfilling. Preston Carlyle, Allison’s former boyfriend and one of her more creative agents, believes rules should be broken occasionally to give true love a chance. Only, he’s having a hard time convincing Allison and Cupid his techniques are working. From the disastrous paperwork and the frequency of Allison’s visits to Cupid’s office on Preston’s behalf, she fears her position and his job are in jeopardy. But when she finds out he’s requested a transfer to the Holiday Security Agency, Allison decides to prove she cares for him…even if it means breaking a few rules.

Broken-hearted and bitter, Brenna Jones plans to spend Valentine’s weekend at her parents’ cabin, reading romance novels and devouring heart-shaped candy. When her truck hits a snowdrift and plows into a bank—during a storm, no less—her plans take a drastic detour. Eric Buchanan, the playboy jerk from her past, comes to her aid. He’s her only option for reaching safety. Eric can’t wait to escape his parents’ latest attempt to set him up. He’s given up on happiness, knowing he blew his chance at love a decade ago. When his snowmobile ride turns into a harrying escape from a blizzard, he discovers Brenna stranded in the storm. After he ensures her safety, he plans to explain the misunderstanding that tore them apart. Can a secluded cabin help Eric convince Brenna to be his love?  

For wedding stylist Misty Morningside, mixing business with pleasure is a professional no-no. That is, until she runs into wedding photographer Adam Wright at a Valentine’s Day event. Dare they set aside business for one night of pleasure?        

In 1905 New York City, affluent Millie Moore wants to be outspoken like the suffragettes she admires. She also wants to rid herself of an annoying and controlling suitor. For a well-brought up young lady whose mother fears her impending spinsterhood, speaking her mind is an uphill battle. When Raymond Wilson sees Millie at a rally, it’s love at first sight. Not wanting his stutter to ruin his chances, he enchants a little candy heart to do his talking for him. For Millie, Raymond is a breath of fresh air. And maybe, just maybe, someone she could love. But for her social-climbing suitor Guy Elliot, he’s a threat to his plans. And Raymond isn’t the only one who knows something about magic. Now the ante has been upped and Millie is the prize…

Now tell me, do you dig through the box of candy hearts just to read the phrases?  

Have you checked out all the Candy Heart Romances released since January 4th and cast your vote on my blog each week? It’s not too late to vote for what a girl wants

Check out more ideas for Valentine’s Day and all the Candy Hearts on my Pinterest Page

Check out my Candy Heart Romance- Forget Me Not        right Here.

  The Wild Rose Press  has all the Candy Hearts Romance Stories & more books for your Valentine  

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The post Are you an Early Bird or a Night Owl? #CandyHeartRomance #giveaway appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day…A sweet novella to help you believe in love and second chances

Don’t forget to check out how you could win an ebook, a chance at a $5 or $20 Amazon Gift Card, or a Kindle Fire from The Wild Rose Press!

Read on to find out how to win Prizes for today’s comments, enter for a rafflecopter gift card drawn on January 28th and follow the blog hop for more prizes!

Visions, Vows and Valentines

What if your memories hadn’t been made yet?

The car accident totaled Sabrina Post’s convertible and reinvented her memories. She can’t recall dumping Cole Dawson ten years ago. What her new clairvoyant visions tell Sabrina is he’s her husband. Any practical girl would question her sanity. But if Sabrina wants to make this imaginary future a reality, she’ll have to regain Cole’s trust and eliminate her rival, the coffee shop waitress who’s pegged Cole as husband #4. To prove she’s foreseen their destiny, Sabrina stirs Cole’s interest by revealing specifics about him she couldn’t have otherwise known. Unfortunately, the one detail he vividly remembers is the pain when she left him and their “rinky-dink” town in her rearview mirror.

If Cole can’t believe she’s a changed woman, can Sabrina accept the only second chance she has at love exists in her memories?

Here’s A Taste of Forget Me Not…

The boxes of candy hearts Julie forgot spilled across the floor.

Cole hunkered down and gathered the papers. His mouth formed a hard line as he glanced at Sabrina’s leave paperwork with the end date prominently circled. He replaced it on the table under the keys.

“No really, I can do it. You stay, Cole. I’ll be right back.” Sabrina caught her reflection in the mirror on the wall. The quest for a coat resulted in her hair looking as if she’d stuck her finger into an electrical outlet. Her appearance matched her desperation. She ran her hands over her head, but the static filled strands resisted smoothing.

“I need to check on Dad anyway, and it’s on my way. I’ll take Josie.” Cole extended his elbow, and Josie latched on like a lifeline, her fingers digging into the leather of his jacket. She skittered across a few of the remaining candies, crushing Be Mine and Love Me on the floor. “Thanks again for dinner, Marge.”

“Cole wait.” Despair leaked into Sabrina’s plea.
He glanced toward the papers on the table and sighed. “I waited for years, Rena. It’s you who waited too long.”

As the door closed behind him, so did the future with Cole that she’d imagined. Her shoulders fell. She knelt to collect the candy hearts scattered on the floor. Forget Me Not and Hug Me taunted her with their cheerful words. Lacking a garbage bag, she shoved a handful of the candies into her jacket pocket. Several hearts were trodden into tiny pieces, like her own.

Comment below if you believe in second chances for a chance to win!

One person will win their choice of one of my books (ebook copy) and another will win a $5.00 Amazon gift card. Winners will be drawn on January 7th!

Before you go- don’t forget to enter my rafflecopter at the bottom- the $20 Amazon gift card will be announced on January 28th!

Then follow the next stop of A New Year blog hop by clicking on the banner below:

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Forget Me Not today!

Amazon:

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Barnes and Noble: 

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The post Don’t Forget! Today is Release Day for Forget Me Not! appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.