FINALLY FRIDAY: Andrea Bocelli and other good friends

I’m jazzed to tell you that I’m in Portland at the moment visiting my sister, and tomorrow night we’re going to see Andrea Bocelli perform. How cool is that?

I’ve been a fan since I first heard “Time To Say Good-bye,” but more recently, I was touched by his duet with Ed Sheeran, singing “Perfect.”


I’ll tell you all about it when I come back.

And I’d also like to share something that is going out in my newsletter today. I was invited to take part in a group newsletter with some of my wonderful writer friends. If you’re looking for some great summer reads, please check out these titles.

An Extravaganza of Summer Reading–
Just for You!!

 

From the On Fire Fiction authors and two special friends — a bounty of summer reading suggestions just for you. These stories are perfect choices for a lazy summer day. Whether you’re at the beach, beside a lake or relaxing in your own backyard, nothing beats a good book for company. 

So, who are the On Fire Fiction authors and their friends? Surprise! You already know many of us. Here we are (in alphabetical order) with our photos and books at a variety of prices. Whether you enjoy sweet or spicy romance, small towns or larger cities, pure romance or laced with suspense, you’ll find them all here. With guaranteed happy endings. 

Judith Arnold

juditharnold.com

 

RESCUE ME IS ONLY $3.99 AT THESE RETAILERS:

 

Amazon Kindle   Nook   Kobo   iBooks   

Police detective Sam Harper needs to find out who’s sending Cali Bowen threatening emails. Cali grew up on a commune, and now she teaches yoga, hoping to bring balance tranquility to her students. Sam is a New York City transplant, cynical and tough. She’s stir-fried tofu; he’s red meat and fries. But her idealism touches him, and he’s determined to nail the creep who’s harrassing her.

Sam wants to save Cali, but Cali believes Sam is the one who needs saving. She senses a dark wound inside him, a deep sorrow. Yoga and cleansing breaths could bring balance and serenity into his life, if only he’ll open his mind and his heart.

Sam and Cali both need rescuing. When the Magic Jukebox plays Rescue Me for them, the song’s magical power gathers them within its spell.

Linda Barrett

linda-barrett.com

 

SUMMER AT THE LAKE IS FREE AT THESE RETAILERS:

 

Amazon Kindle   Nook   Kobo   iBooks   

A Flying Solo Novel – Book 1 — FREE!

Flying Solo – single parents, second chances and the power of love…

Veteran NY cop, Rick Cooper, heads to his family’s lake house after losing a hostage negotiation, resulting in the death a child. He brings only his dog and his saxophone for company. His agenda includes lots of fishing while figuring out an appropriate career change.

Single mom, Kristin McCarthy hears the sound of the saxophone gliding through the night air…a healing sound for her daughter. She begins a search for the person who can play so beautifully. Her high hopes fall, however, when the musician turns out to be a cop. The police fell short when she and Ashley needed them most. But still…if this cop could make a difference…if he can help Ashley…well, Kristin would do anything for her young daughter.

An attractive widow with a damaged kid are the last people Rick needs in his life, and he tries hard to remain aloof. The ladies, however, knock down his barriers simply by being themselves. Fearful but brave, smart but silly. Before long, warm feelings grow between him and Kristin. Feelings that spark potential for a future together.

However, before Kristin allows herself to dream, Rick must prove he’s a man she and her daughter can trust. Can they count on him forever?

Ginger Chambers

gingerchambers.com

 

GRAB JUST UNTIL SEPTEMBER AT AMAZON FOR ONLY $2.99!

 

Amazon Kindle

Robin can’t forget what happened when she was a child. How can she? A man had sacrificed his life to save hers after a rogue wave swept her off the beach into the Pacific, and in so doing, orphaned his own six children.

Counseling eased some of the guilt she felt as she  grew up, but she never completely forgot the others—the sons and daughters who’d had to go on without their father…because of her. 

When a perfect  opportunity to repay them presents itself—even if it was in a small way and just for the summer—she jumps at the chance. She wants to finally meet them, she’s drawn to meet them. Only is she prepared to become so intimately entwined in their lives when they have no idea who she is? Especially Eric, the oldest, who at great personal cost, kept the family together and still harbors a deep resentment against ‘the girl’?

Dee Davis

deedavis.com

 

CHECK OUT FADE TO GRAY, BOOK 1 OF DEE’S TRIAD SERIES, FOR $5.99!

 

Amazon Kindle   Nook   Kobo   iBooks

When Emily Masterson wakes up in a strange bed with a dead man, she does the only thing she can think to do. She calls the one man who can help her. A man who betrayed her years ago—the only man she’s ever loved.

Gideon Sloan might be in the business of helping people, he just never thought one of them would be Emily. After using all his resources to help her, he swears never to see her again, but a second attempt on her life leaves him racing against a clock to keep her alive.

Even as the killer circles closer, passion reignites, but secrets from the past threaten to destroy their fragile truce. Only together can they find answers and—if they survive—a second chance at love.

Barbara McMahon

barbaramcmahon.com

 

BECAUSE OF YOU IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $4.99!

 

Amazon Kindle   Nook   Kobo   iBooks   

Free At Last

Wrongly convicted for a crime she didn’t commit, Abby is free after years in prison. Her entire world had been shattered, can she pick up the pieces and begin again?

Worst Nightmare

A prosecutor’s worst nightmare–winning the conviction of an innocent woman. How can he ever make amends?

Retribution or forgiveness?

Ethan does all he can to make up for ruining a young woman’s life. Can it ever be enough? Will Abby seek revenge or let the past go and look only toward the future?

Lisa Mondello

lisamondello.com

 

HER DAKOTA MAN, DAKOTA HEARTS BOOK 1, IS FREE AT THESE RETAILERS!

 

Amazon Kindle   Nook   Kobo   iBooks   

And more retailers here!

Everyone knows that the Dakotas didn’t get the name Badlands for nothing. Harsh weather and rough living are a way of life. But single dad, Logan McKinnon, had seen more than his share of bad times after the death of his wife a year ago. The last thing he needs is Poppy Erickson, an old flame and his late wife’s best friend, showing up unannounced to help after devastating floods nearly washed away their hometown. With no place to stay in town, he has no choice but to offer her a bed at his house. But can he live under the same roof with a woman he’d once loved passionately without feeling he’s betraying his late wife?

Poppy Erickson had spent the year wondering how all their lives might have been different after hearing the death bed confession of her childhood friend. She’d left South Dakota years ago because she couldn’t bear to watch the man she loved loving another woman. But now she knows the truth. She’ll keep the promise she made to a friend, but will Logan understand when he learns the truth? More important, can they again recapture the passion that had been between them all those years ago?

Debra Salonen

debrasalonen.com

 

FOREVER AND EVER, BY GEORGEWEST COAST HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER BOOK 7, IS NOW ONLY $3.99!

 

Amazon Kindle   Nook   Kobo   iBooks   

And more retailers here!

Sometimes, a dog’s gotta do what a dog’s gotta do. 

George Ralston’s human family needs his help. Life was better with a mom and nothing’s been the same since the old one left. George may not be a retriever, but he has the perfect replacement in mind.

The Paws Spa owner Kara Williams’s goals are written in stone. The single mother of twins has scrimped and saved to take her pet care salon to the next level. She loves her animal clients but can’t always say the same about their owners. Even Brad Ralston—her youthful secret crush. His dog, George, is acting out. Rumor has it his son is, too. Recently divorced men—no matter how attractive—are Kara’s kryptonite and she keeps her distance…until a huge winter storm takes the roof off her house.

Dog trouble. Ex-wife trouble. Kid trouble. Restaurant owner and chef Brad Ralston desperately needs a live-in housekeeper. If she comes with twin little girls and a bunny, so be it. Twice burned—his ex-wife and ex-best friend ran off to Mexico together—Brad’s heart isn’t part of any business agreement…unless a matchmaking Great Dane has his way.

Forever and Ever, By George is Book 7 in the West Coast Happily-Ever-After series. If you’re a fan of romantic comedies packed with cute kids, an ark of animals, and a crotchety side-kick or two, you won’t want to miss Debra Salonen’s sweet, fun, feel-good story set on the Oregon coast. 

If you’ve ever wondered what your dog is thinking, you owe it to yourself to buy Forever and Ever, By George.

Fave review:
“This book was a joy. I loved the concept and a match-making Great Dane. I loved the [author- sic] having the book with not only dual POVs BUT the dog, George’s as well. How original is that?!?!?! This book is definitely a keeper and one that will be read and re-read over and over. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this wonderful story.”

Kathryn Shay

kathrynshay.com

 

GRAB FEEL THE HEAT, ROCKFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT BOOK 1, FOR ONLY $4.99!

 

Amazon Kindle   Nook   Kobo   iBooks   

She saves him from a fire, then steals his heart without even trying. When white hot attraction kicks in, sparks fly!

Francey Cordaro is a dedicated firefighter, devoted daughter and a loyal friend who has made her way in a man’s world. She rejects material goods, doesn’t give a whit about her striking looks and focuses on saving lives, spending time with her family and friends, working out and playing poker with the guys. Until she meets Alex Templeton. 

A wealthy businessman, Alex is the epitome of success in every area of his life. A decent man, he returns home to run the family company when his father takes ill and his brother loses his way. What he can’t control is his reaction to the sexy firefighter who dragged him from near death. She’s gorgeous, fun-loving and challenges him at every turn. But she refuses a relationship with him.

With differences that rival champagne vs. beer, uptown galas vs. karaoke bars, and the world of high finance vs. the reality of walking into burning buildings, their relationship seems doomed. Or is it?

With a secondary reunion romance as fiery as Alex and Francey’s, and cameo appearances of readers’ favorite firefighters from Hidden Cove, as well as Shay’s trademark tense and exciting rescue scenes, this book will pull on your heartstrings and make you route for these very likable characters.

Be sure to read the rest of the Rockford Fire Department: RISKING IT ALL, CODE OF HONOR and NEVER FAR AWAY, as well as all of the Hidden Cove Firefighters series.

*** NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Kathryn Shay spent five years riding fire trucks with a large city fire department, eating in their firehouses and interviewing hundreds of America’s Bravest.

We wish you all a wonderful summer of family, friends, good times and good books. Happy reading!

On Fire Fiction & Friends…and me!

FINALLY FRIDAY: “Chilly Nut Balls” – my made-up recipe

“Chilly Nut Balls”

That’s what I’m calling my simple, easy-to-make, healthy, summer snack recipe.

Reviews from my family: “Chewy. Cool. I like it.” “Not bad. Pretty good, actually.” (from my hubby who spurns anything too nutritional.) “Super yummy. Can I have another?” And my personal fave: “Oh, my! Yes! Yes! Yes!”

DISCLAIMER: I’m a pantster–in writing and in cooking. I work with what I have in the cupboard. I don’t measure, and I never make any dish exactly the same way every time. Consider that my gift to you–you’re not locked into any formal recipe here. Buy yummy stuff you like, experiment with small batches until you find what works for you, and, as long you include chocolate, you can’t go wrong.

Deb’s “sorta” recipe: CHILLY NUT BALLS

In a bowl, combine (measurements are extremely approximate):

1/2 C almond butter

1/4 C Nutella

1/2 C applesauce

Then add to mixture:

1/2 C sunflower seeds (roasted & salted are best, IMO)

1/2 C raisins

3/4 C chocolate chips (you can tell where my priorities are)

Stir together before adding:

1 C oatmeal (I bought the 1-minute kind by mistake and like it best in this recipe). You may need more to give desired consistency. You don’t want them too sticky to form into balls.

Cover and chill one hour, then shape into balls.

Keep refrigerated, serve and snack to your heart’s content.

~~~

These have become my late-afternoon pick-me-up after a long day of playing publisher (second book in my BETTING ON LOVE series is almost ready for review). These little gems might be the reason I finally (after a hassle with iBooks) got both of my new WEST COAST HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER Boxed Sets up. Are you a fan boxed sets? Makes sense. You never miss a book, and, of course, save money, too.

  

Both are available at the vendor of your choice for $7.99.

Books 1-3        Books 4-7

Have a great weekend, my friends! Stay cool. Happy snacking!

Deb

Finally Friday: Gasp! It’s June, already!

Happy 1st day of June!

I’m playing catch-up. This week was busy prepping for my newsletter and getting my new release up for PreOrder. There are always so many loose ends to tuck into place before the links go live. Then, there’s the wait time while the vendors upload your book to make your links live!

But I think the drama was worth it. As I wrote in my newsletter, “As sometimes happens in the book publishing biz, your creative team disagrees about certain elements of production, and, although I’m the one who came up with the Princess Brides concept, my editor pointed out one small inconsistency: not every book ends with a wedding. In fact, the wedding above doesn’t take place until the last book of the series. Sooo…we’ve come up with a new flash, improved tagline, title tweaks and a new focus for the covers. I absolutely love what my cover designer, Rogenna Brewer, did with Book 1. I hope you like it, too.”

Click on cover to purchase from your favorite vendor.

Is it me, or does my heroine look a bit like Meghan Markle?

Here’s the blurb that finally passed editorial muster:

Four sisters named after royalty, with dowries fit for a queen. Their Gypsy fortuneteller mother predicted each would marry a prince…of sorts.

She’s a princess with more to lose than her dowry.

Las Vegas restaurateur Grace Parlier doesn’t gamble, but she’s risking her dowry on a new business with her late father’s friend because casino owner Charles Harmon has what she wants: location, location, location. The money may have been earmarked for a wedding, but everyone knows Grace has terrible taste in men. Look at the way her heart races every time her family’s latest Romani rescue comes close. But how could an ex-con from Detroit possibly be the prince she was meant to marry?

He’s a Detroit cop with no skin in the game—or so he wants to believe.

Nick Lightner goes undercover in Vegas for one reason only: to take down scumbag Charles Harmon. Does he believe Lucky Chuck is a human serpent threatening his birth father’s family? Hell, no. Nick knows who he is and where his allegiance lies. Certainly not with a sexy “princess” who makes the few drops of Romani blood in his veins run hotter than a winning streak at the craps table. His heart maintains a safe distance…until the princess takes a bullet meant for him, then all bets are off.

PRINCE CHARMING UNDERCOVER is Book 1 in the Betting On Love series. If you’re a fan of romance with a side of suspense, you’ll love this action-packed story that introduces you to the kind of family Debra Salonen–winner of Romantic Times Reviewer’s Career Achievement “Series Storyteller of the Year” award in 2006–is known for. “Debra Salonen captures reader attention with multifaceted characters, layered conflict and fast pacing.”—Pamela Cohen, Romantic Times

Buy PRINCE CHARMING UNDERCOVER–the perfect “staycation.” Visit Las Vegas without leaving home. But remember, when your heart’s on the line, there’s no such thing as a safe bet.

The book won’t release wide for a whole month, but the way time is flying by, that will probably be tomorrow. 😉 But feel free to preorder here: PRINCE CHARMING UNDERCOVER or you can read the first chapter for free HERE.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Deb