Review - - Fix Her Up

FIX HER UP

by Tessa Bailey

Publisher: Avon 

Release Date: June 11, 2019
Reviewed by Hellie

 

Blurb: Georgette Castle’s family runs the best home renovation business in town, but she picked balloons instead of blueprints and they haven’t taken her seriously since.  Frankly, she’s over it. Georgie loves planning children’s birthday parties and making people laugh, just not at her own expense. She’s determined to fix herself up into a Woman of the World... whatever that means.

Phase one: new framework for her business (a website from this decade, perhaps?)

Phase two: a gut-reno on her wardrobe (fyi, leggings are pants.)

Phase three: updates to her exterior (do people still wax?)

Phase four: put herself on the market (and stop crushing on Travis Ford!)

Living her best life means facing the truth: Georgie hasn’t been on a date since, well, ever. Nobody’s asking the town clown out for a night of hot sex, that’s for sure. Maybe if people think she’s having a steamy love affair, they’ll acknowledge she’s not just the “little sister” who paints faces for a living. And who better to help demolish that image than the resident sports star and tabloid favorite?

Travis Ford was major league baseball’s hottest rookie when an injury ended his career. Now he’s flipping houses to keep busy and trying to forget his glory days. But he can’t even cross the street without someone recapping his greatest hits. Or making a joke about his… bat. And then there's Georgie, his best friend’s sister, who is not a kid anymore. When she proposes a wild scheme—that they pretend to date, to shock her family and help him land a new job—he agrees. What’s the harm? It’s not like it’s real. But the girl Travis used to tease is now a funny, full-of-life woman and there’s nothing fake about how much he wants her...

You guys, I’m glad Chick Lit is making a retro-comeback because I have missed these rom-coms! This one--pardon the pun--hit it out of the park when it comes to clicking all the boxes for the perfect chick lit comedy. The EveryWoman heroine who is kinda awkward, secretly crushing, but sexy as hell to the hero. The Hero who is broody and dangerous (read: sexy). The classic comedy scenes that are a part of every Hallmark summer movie: the women’s only club that goes awry once word gets out and the whole town wants to participate; the Mudder Run; the wardrobe makeover. Or the emotional gotcha scenes: like when Georgie makes Travis hit a few balls at his old baseball diamond; when Travis rushes to her defense in front of her family; when Travis has a run-in with the only person he never wants to see, his father. It’s a roller coaster ride tied together with some of the hottest sex scenes and romantic tension that Tessa Bailey is well known for in her writing. 

The next book is supposed to be about one of the other main characters in this book (one of the three founders of the “club”) and I cannot wait to see that story. I think there is going to be lots of food...so I hope there’s a recipe. I’m always game for a recipe in my books (am I the only one?) And I imagine the third book will be about Georgie’s sister, Bethany--and woo boy, I don’t know what kind of hero she’ll get but he’s going to have to be some bad ass. 

There’s lots of baseball talk and a grand romantic gesture...and well, this book really has it all on the romantic front. If I had any critique--the hero does talk a little rougher than I normally like (and especially during sex), but I did think it was true to the character and the writer’s stylized voice. I can’t wait to read more.

Review - - Protect the Prince

Protect the Prince

By Jennifer Estep

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Release Date: July 2, 2019

Reviewed by Nancy

 

Protect the Prince is the second book in Estep’s Crown of Shards novel. The first book, Kill the Queen, describes Everleigh Saffira Winter Blair’s journey to the throne of Bellona. An orphan of royal blood, she narrowly survives a murder attempt, takes refuge with a troop of gladiators, and learns to wield her apparently weak magic.

The second book picks up shortly after Everleigh’s (or Evie’s) accession to the throne, as she is about to face Bellona’s nobility at her first formal court session. An orphan who becomes queen against long odds doesn’t have a web of connections among the nobility, who aren’t slow to let Evie know how backward and inept they consider her, even as they jockey for position with her. Thinking she doesn’t see through them is their first mistake, and she demonstrates her ability to handle them despite her secret doubts about her ability to rule.

Estep does a good job of balancing Evie’s insecurities with the skills she acquired, first as a poor relation on the bottom of the court totem pole and then as a successful gladiator. Although the reader sees how skilled she is, her doubts are understandable and are never overdone.

Evie’s first goal as queen is to repair Bellona’s relationship with the neighboring kingdom of Andvari, which were shattered by the events in Kill the Queen. Accompanying her on the journey are members of the gladiator troop who helped her gain the throne. One of those gladiators, Lucas “Sully” Sullivan, is a particular cause for concern. He and Evie are attracted to each other, but he refuses to act on that feeling because of their differing stations. He’s a bastard prince of the Advari line. He’ll be a useful advisor at their court, but he seems to walk a line between the Advarian royal family and the Bellonan contingent.

Sully’s family dynamics come into play as his father plunges Evie directly into court politics. So does his first love, Helene Blume. Estep handles the dynamic between Evie and Helene with skill, using it to amplify Evie’s inner conflict without falling back on clichés.

When Evie discovers a plot against the Andvarian king, she devises a plan to draw the traitors into the open. This causes severe problems between her and Sully, whose status as a royal bastard chafes him when he’s in Andvari. His family tensions further complicate the situation. The plan is cleverly laid out in a way that seems believable and logical. In the process of catching the culprits, Evie learns what it truly means to be a Winter queen and emotionally grows into her crown.

I had two minor quibbles with the story. First, I’m not good at spotting the important clues in a mystery, so if I notice something and think it’s important, I expect the main character to do the same. Evie didn’t. Second, an incident between Evie and Sully near the end of the book seemed to me to involve unnecessary conflict. I could see Evie’s reasoning, but I disagreed with it. Others may find it persuasive.

The characters in Protect the Prince are well drawn and sympathetic, and the mystery takes enough twists and turns to stay interesting.  The relationship between Evie and Sully was a subordinate part of the book but an important one. Aside from my minor quibble, I thought it developed beautifully, reaching a satisfactory resolution.

Now all I need is Crush the King, the third book. Too bad it won’t be out until next year!

Highly recommended.

5 stars

Review - - The Rogue of Fifth Avenue

THE ROGUE OF FIFTH AVENUE

by Joanna Shupe

Publisher: Avon 

Release Date: May 28, 2019
Reviewed by Hellie

 

Mamie Green is an uptown heiress who is passionate about her work helping those who did not have her privileged upbringing. With her sisters, Mamie makes it her secret mission to “steal from the rich and give to the poor”, but her efforts are thwarted by the watchdog her father has sent to keep an eye on her, Frank Tripp, a lawyer who has secret roots in the very neighborhoods Mamie does her work.

Blurb: 

He can solve any problem . . .

In serving the wealthy power brokers of New York society, Frank Tripp has finally gained the respectability and security his own upbringing lacked. There’s no issue he cannot fix . . . except for one: the beautiful and reckless daughter of an important client who doesn’t seem to understand the word danger.

She’s not looking for a hero . . .

Excitement lies just below Forty-Second Street and Mamie Greene is determined to explore all of it—while playing a modern-day Robin Hood along the way. What she doesn’t need is her father’s lawyer dogging her every step and threatening her efforts to help struggling families in the tenements.

However, she doesn’t count on Frank’s persistence . . . or the sparks that fly between them. When fate upends all her plans, Mamie must decide if she’s willing to risk it all on a rogue . . .

Mamie is bold and audacious without feeling anachronistic for her place in time. She’s a new woman of the era, seeking more women’s rights as well as seeking fairer wages and laws to protect all people in society, not just the rich. Frank Tripp is swoony--he just is. He reminds me of the lawyer in the musical Can-Can, who was, well, Frank Sinatra: well-dressed, carefully articulate, and very much in love with the heroine. The subplot that brings them together: the case against Mrs. Porter for murdering her husband keeps things busy and suspenseful as you wonder how can he possibly save this poor widow who confessed? There were interesting historical details and historic pieces that definitely made the setting for this story. Police corruption as well as normal vice (gambling dens, etc) were active players in this story. The author has an engaging writing style and voice, but also clearly does her due diligence for making the story fit the time period (story feels organic and authentic to the time period rather than being “wallpaper” or forced.) It was a joy to read. 

I appreciated the emotional journeys of Frank who needs to make peace with his past--and also even the one I felt Mamie’s father had in that he was convinced Mamie needed to marry a childhood friend, no compromise. There was a scene that I thought could have gone the “easy” route and made the father a bad guy, but in the end, he did the right thing for his daughter. It was lovely to see. I look forward to reading the stories of the other two sisters--I imagine they will be as much a hoot as Mamie. And the sexual tension was off the charts--very sexy, but also very believable for the time and characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Review, Guest Post & Giveaway - - To Resist a Scandalous Rogue by Liana De la Rosa

To Resist a Scandalous Rogue
By Liana De la Rosa
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Release Date: June 24, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
 

For Finlay Swinton, Viscount Firthwell and only son of a powerful earl, life has been a lark…until he discovers a terrible family secret that could ruin him. Determined to make a name for himself free of scandal’s shadow, he runs for Parliament. However, he encounters Charlotte, the mysterious woman who disappeared after their one night together, and he finds it impossible to stay away, despite her working class status and Jewish faith that threaten to destroy his chance for success.

Widowed, penniless, and desperate, Charlotte Taylor secures a teaching position at a foundling home and relaxes into a predictable existence. That is, until Finlay, the man she shared one romantic night with, reappears, a specter from her past. He ignites her passion, even while he threatens the precarious foundation on which she’s rebuilt her life. But when those from her past return to endanger her hard-earned security, she’ll have to reveal his secret or go to prison.

My thoughts:

De la Rosa tackles controversial issues with care and sensitivity in this cross-class, interfaith, historical romance set in Regency England. The obstacles to a relationship between an Anglican viscount in a hotly contested race for political office and a Jewish widow teaching at a foundling home seem insurmountable. There were many times when I had no idea how the author would be able to pull off a happy ending for these two. Yet, I never stopped believing in Charlotte and Finlay's ability to find a way. 

I enjoy a historical romance that also teaches me about the time and place in which it is set and the author does a good job of immersing readers within the political processes of the time. I found it fascinating. I also learned more about the social evolution (or perhaps revolution is the better word) of the times and the dedicated struggle for emancipation of various groups within England. The book is well researched and it shows.

But what I most enjoyed about this book were the characters, both primary and secondary. De la Rosa brings them to life, engaging both my interest and my emotions. At the center of the story, of course, are Finlay and Charlotte; well-crafted, likable characters searching for their places in life and finding love where they least expected. The females in the book are strong and the female friendships formed, solid and enjoyable. Then there are the steal-your-heart orphans that Charlotte teaches. I wanted to take them all home. Even the distasteful villains threatening Charlotte are vividly portrayed.

As I said earlier, I had no idea how the author was going to solve some of the obstacles in the path of this couple's happiness, in particular their different religions, but, in the end, she satisfied me with what was probably the best solution available for the times. And then she gifted readers with an epilogue, set 29 years into the future, that touched my heart, gave me hope, and caused me to shed more than a few (happy) tears.

I don't know what De la Rosa has planned going forward with this series but I sure hope it's more books. There are a few more unmatched characters in need of a happily ever after!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liana De la Rosa joins us today to share what it's like for a Latinx author to write British-set historical romances. Please give her a warm welcome!

Writing British-set Historical Romance 

as a Latinx Author

By Liana De la Rosa

            A frequent refrain I have come to expect from my father since I started writing romance is, “When are you going to write a book set in Spain? Or the Caribbean?” As a proud Nuyorican (a New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent), he’s proud of his culture - my culture - as well he should be. Our Puerto Rican heritage is rich, lush, and colorful, with a fascinating history ripe for a historical romance author to mine. The same is true of my mother’s Mexican American heritage, and I’ve long played with series ideas set in the Latinx diaspora but I’ve yet to write them. Why? As a Latinx author, shouldn’t I want my books set in places my ancestors lived and flourished?

            The short answer is yes. The long answer is more complicated.

            When I first began reading historical romances, I devoured any Highlander romances and Regencies I could get my hands on. I fell in love with the language, the etiquette, the titles, the desires and passions simmering just below the surface of respectability. The settings became familiar to me, even though I’ve yet to visit London or the Highlands of Scotland. When I’m searching for a new book to read, I almost always select a Regency or Victorian romance first.

            So when I started to craft my own stories, I set them in a world I knew. A world where the rules were known to me as both a reader and a writer. And because these backdrops are familiar, I knew books set in the Regency, or the Victorian era, or in Scotland were appealing to readers…making them attractive to agents and editors in turn.

           Because ultimately I wanted to sell books. Writing romance novels is definitely a passion, but I also wanted it to be a viable profession, and that meant writing to the market. So it seemed wise, as a new author trying to establish herself in a crowded field, to write stories that allowed the reader to understand from the onset what was expected of the hero and heroine, and what sort of social constraints they were working with.            

            I’ve been blessed that my Once Upon A Scandal series has found a home with Entangled. The stories may be set in England, but they highlight a diverse cast of characters who overcome obstacles set by society’s social protocols. The first book featured a biracial duke from the Caribbean, and my new release, TO RESIST A SCANDALOUS ROGUE, stars a Jewish heroine from a working class background who wins the heart of a viscount standing for Parliament. I researched at great length the political process of the era and also the realities my heroine, Charlotte, faced as a Jewish woman in Regency England. Thanks to a dedicated editor and the insight provided by sensitivity readers, I’m hopeful I portrayed Charlotte and her experience respectfully.

           My new work-in-progress series is not set in London or even on the Continent, but in the mountains of South Asia. The departure from the known to the unknown has involved fascinating research that has rejuvenated my creative spirits and has made me fall in love with these new characters and their stories. I hope that readers who have enjoyed my Regencies will trust me to take them somewhere new and different. For the adventures I have in store will take readers to new heights, quite literally.             

            And one day, I will write that series set in Spain…or perhaps I’ll set it in the Caribbean or the Mexican occupied Southwest. The opportunities are endless, and I look forward to exploring them.

            For historical romances set in Spanish-speaking settings, check out the Sugar Sun series by Jennifer Hallock. The trilogy takes place in the Philippines during the Philippine-American War of the early 1900s. Also, Lydia San Andres’ Arroyo Blanco and Ciudad Real series are set on a fictional island in the Spanish Caribbean, but share similar customs to those found in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

Readers, do you enjoy historical romances that take you out of London to more exotic locales? 

Do you enjoy stepping out of the Regency comfort zone with cross-class romances, interfaith couples, and diverse characters? 

Have you read Liana De la Rosa's books yet?

One person who leaves a comment before 11:00 PM, July 5 will receive a signed, print copy of To Resist a Scandalous Rogue. (U.S. only)

For more information about Liana De la Rosa and her books, visit her website or connect with her online at Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. 

Tour Review & Giveaway - - The Determined Lord Hadleigh

The Determined Lord Hadleigh
by Virginia Heath
The King's Elite - Book 4
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Release Date: July 1, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
 

He’s got iron control…

But she might be his undoing!

Part of The King’s Elite: Haunted by Penny Penhurst’s courage on the witness stand, meticulous barrister Lord Hadleigh offers her a housekeeper position at his estate. Despite trying to stay detached, Hadleigh is charmed by her small child and surprised by how much he yearns for this proud woman! Can he break through his own—and Penny’s—barriers to prove he’s a man she can trust…and love?



My thoughts:

Lord Hadleigh certainly is determined! His heart is in the right place when he decides to anonymously provide financial assistance to the widow of the traitor he prosecuted, a woman the government has left destitute through no fault of her own. Secret events from his own past guide his actions. But, while his heart may be in the right place, his high-handed charity is neither wanted nor appreciated. The barrister is about to be schooled...by a woman who has lost everything, but gained so much more. Finally free of her abusive marriage, Penny is determined to make the most of her independence. Never again will she allow herself to be subjected to a man's control, or dependent upon his financial generosity. But, when both Penny and Hadleigh end up at Hadleigh's estate along with other members of The King's Elite, as preparations for the final smuggling trials draw near, walls slowly begin to crumble, a tentative friendship forms, and secrets are divulged. Will friendship develop into something more? Or will the emotional wounds from both of their pasts be too much to overcome?

Virginia Heath has worked her magic once again with this emotional, heart-tugging final story that brings The King's Elite series to a conclusion. While not as action-packed as previous books in the series, the emotional intensity of this one kept me invested in these characters from beginning to end. There's a poignant sweetness to their relationship, even with the powerful emotions - and stubbornness - at play and plenty of cheer-worthy moments as Penny begins to regain her sense of self-worth and control of her future. I especially enjoyed the humorous, enlightening, and motivating discussions between Penny and the other women staying at Hadleigh's estate. And, the middle-of-the-night scenes between Hadleigh and Penny's young son melted my heart. 

Even though this is the final book in a series, it's told in such a way that someone new to The King's Elite should be able to enjoy it as a first book. However, if you're a fan of the series, you'll no doubt enjoy seeing all the couples brought back together and, especially, the "helpful" advice dispensed to both Penny and Hadleigh as they work their way through their relationship potholes. And the epilogue - OMG, I loved the epilogue! - is one of the best I've read in ages. It was the perfect way to bring Penny and Hadleigh, their journey, and the series to an end.

The Determined Lord Hadleigh has my enthusiastic recommendation. I'm excited to see what Virginia Heath has in store for readers next. 

Are you a fan of epilogues?

Have you read any books by Virginia Heath?

Do you enjoy working heroes, such as our meticulous barrister, Lord Hadleigh?


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio – When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Despite that, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheathauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VirginiaHeath_

Winner - - Rogue Most Wanted

The randomly chosen winner of a copy of

Rogue Most Wanted by Janna MacGregor is:

robinb

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Winner - - Her Other Secret

The randomly chosen winner of a print copy of

Her Other Secret by HelenKay Dimon is:

cheryl c

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Today's Special - - Laura Drake: Guest Post & Giveaway

Laura Drake grew up in the suburbs outside Detroit. She’s always loved the outdoors and adventure. In 1980 she and her sister packed everything they owned into Pintos and moved to California. There she met and married a motorcycling, bleed-maroon Texas Aggie and her love affair with the West began. In 2014, Laura realized a lifelong dream of becoming a Texan, and is currently working on her accent. She gave up the corporate CFO gig to write full time. She’s a wife, grandmother, and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours. For more on Laura and her books, visit LauraDrakeBooks.com.

My 5 Favorite Romances Featuring a Women’s Journey

One thing I love the most about writing romance is digging deep and depicting real women with real problems.

In my upcoming release, Home at Chestnut Creek, the main character, Nevada Sweet, is a snarky scrapper who uses her wits (and her wit) to keep people at a distance. Throughout the story there are hints of her tough upbringing, but it isn’t until the last couple of chapters—when she lets her guard down—that readers get to really know and understand her.

Writing Nevada made me remember so many other books I enjoy that depict strong women on a journey to happiness. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorites:

The Sleeping Night by Barbara Samuel: It’s 1946, and Isaiah is back from the war. Angel Corey and he were once childhood friends on the poor side of Gideon, Texas. But now years have passed and they’re in love. The problem is that they come from different backgrounds and their hometown is less than accepting. This leads Angel to the ultimate decision: be with her soulmate and risk his life or let him go in order to keep him safe.

This story is beautiful, and the courage of these two humble me. I read it twenty years ago, but it still stays with me today.

Last Woman Standing by Thelma Adams: This Adams novel is a fictional but historically accurate account of the life of a woman far ahead of her time. It follows Josephine Earp’s and Wyatt’s romance, but it’s mostly the amazing story of a woman learning to stand up for herself and breaking out of the constraints of society.

Coyote Dream by Jessica Davis Stein: Sarah Friedman is a sophisticated city woman who travels west to buy jewelry for her family’s business—and to recover from failed romances. But everything changes when she meets Ben Lonefeather. Ben in the city makes about as much sense as her in the desert. She has a decision to make—go back to New York or make a new life more than 1,000 miles away from her family.

One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus: I may be cheating a bit with this one, because you won’t find it on the romance shelves, but I can’t help but include it. One Thousand White Women tells the story of a group of women who, at the request of their government, are sent to intermarry among Cheyenne Indians. It’s a story of growth—one of women fighting against cruelty and for freedom. Fergus’ novel is a testament to the indefatigable female spirit.

Louder Than Love by Jessica Topper: Widowed Librarian, Katrina Lewis, returns to her hometown to raise her young daughter when traveling musician, Adrian Graves, shows up looking for work. Soon, Adrian is working as an kids’ entertainer at the library. The pair have nothing in common but old pain, but they can’t help but fall for each other. How can Kat trust Adrian with her heart and daughter when all he’s ever done is run away from responsibilities?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tell us about one of your favorite books or movies featuring a woman's journey. 

Three people who post a comment before 11:00 PM, July 3 will each receive a copy of The Last True Cowboy and Home at Chestnut Creek. (U.S. and Canada only)

Home at Chestnut Creek

by Laura Drake

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: July 2, 2019

First rule of life on the run: never get attached. Nevada Sweet knows that better than anyone-it's just too dangerous to stay put. And until now, she's never wanted to. But she gets more than she bargained for when she walks into the Chestnut Creek Café looking for a job. Despite the protective wall she's built, her coworker Joseph has her imagining a life she isn't yet convinced she deserves...

While Unforgiven, New Mexico has always been home, Joseph "Fishing Eagle" King still feels like an outsider-no matter how much he tries to give back to his Navajo community. Beneath Nevada's biting wit, he glimpses a similar vulnerability. Against all odds, Joseph finds himself falling for her, and it's clear she's not as unaffected as she pretends. When her past finally catches up with her, she'll have to decide whether to keep running, or fight for what's hers.

Includes the bonus novel Wild Cowboy Ways by Carolyn Brown!

Coming Attractions

July is usually a relaxing month for me, filled with lazy days by the neighborhood pool, picnics, fresh summer fruits and veggies, tending my patio garden, and books. Always books! This year, though, July is shaping up to be a wee bit busier than normal. I have a full schedule for you here at the blog and will be posting lots of fun photos from my week at the RWA National Conference. But more on that later. Here's what's happening at The Romance Dish this month!

Monday, July 1 kicks things off with a guest post from contemporary romance author Laura Drake and a great, multi-winner giveaway from her publisher, Forever Romance. Laura's new book, Home at Chestnut Creek, a western contemporary romance, releases July 2.








On Tuesday, July 2, I welcome the review tour for The Determined Lord Hadleigh by Virginia Heath. This newest book in Heath's The King's Elite historical romance series is published by Harlequin Historical. 

Liana De la Rosa joins us Wednesday, July 3, with a guest post about writing British set historical romances as a Latinx author. I'll also be sharing my thoughts about De la Rosa's newest novel, To Resist a Scandalous Rogue, the second book in her Once Upon a Scandal series. 








Join me Wednesday, July 10 when I present the first of seven spotlights on featured authors attending the 2020 Coastal Magic Reader-Author Convention. First up is the always entertaining Cynthia D'Alba who has two new books releasing this month: Hot SEAL, Alaskan Nights (9 July) and Christmas In His Arms, a reunited lovers novella (8 July).   

Stop by Friday, July 12 to learn about the fourteen Christmas novellas written by award-winning and bestselling romance authors that will be available in e-book format for only $0.99 each from July 8-22. Included in this Christmas in July promotion will be stories tied to popular series written by Terri Osburn, Kim Law, Sandra Owens, and more.  






Nancy Northcott, Caren Crane, and Jeanne Adams will be here Saturday, July 13 to talk about their new release, Who's Your Daddy: A DNA Anthology. Each of the three authors have contributed a novella to this anthology about DNA testing that leads to secrets revealed, histories uncovered, and romances blooming. 

I'm loving the new Remington Medical contemporary romance series from Kimberly Kincaid and excited to be part of the cover reveal for book three in the series, an enemies to lovers romance due to be released August 13. Stop by Monday, July 15 to check out the cover of Between Me & You.  






The Avon tour for Lenora Bell's One Fine Duke stops at the Dish on Tuesday, July 16. Be sure to visit to read what I have to say about this newest book in Bell's School for Dukes, historical romance series. 

On Thursday, July 18, we'll welcome the review tour for The Kompromat Kill. Stop by to read what I have to say about this new spy thriller by Michael Jenkins. 






The week of July 22, I'll be in New York City for the Romance Writers of America's national conference. Follow me on social media for daily updates! Are any of you going to the conference? Will I see you at the Literacy signing? Or, possibly, at Avon's KissCon Afternoon Delight? 






Join me Tuesday, July 30 for a review of and an excerpt from The Conspiracy by Kat Martin. The paperback edition of this first book in Martin's Maximum Security series will be released July 30. 

Wednesday, July 31 brings Karen Hawkins back to the Dish to talk about her return to contemporary stories with the July 30 release of The Book Charmer, a women's fiction tale filled with humor, heart, and a touch of magical realism. Join us for a Q&A as well as my review of the book. 




There are also several more reviews scheduled for July and you never know when a giveaway will pop up so be sure to check in each day for new content. 

Hope you all have a fun and relaxing month!