Quarantined on the Island–Release

Dear Reader,

These are crazy times we’re living in. We’ve been through a lot together the last couple of months. But we’re plugging on.

I’m writing.

You’re reading.

Kids are back in school.

Life, though it’s different, is moving forward.

Which means that people are still finding ways to fall in love. And that’s awesome!! 🙂

I’m releasing the 3rd book in the Huntington Family Romance series and I’m thrilled to share it with you today!

If you haven’t seen this series yet, it’s about a family spread all over the world, quarantined in place, and how they make the best of it. I hope you like it!

Click here to start the series.

Or, click here to get the third book because you’ve read the other two and they were awesome. 🙂

Happy reading,

Lucy

August 19, 2020 0

Quarantined in the Office

Dear Reader,

We live in some crazy times. Crazy because toilet paper is more valuable than fresh vegetables and canned beans fly off the shelf like chocolate.

Cra-zy!

And, since I write contemporary romance, I’ve put it all in a short story. Well, part of it all. I saved some for the second in the short series. 😉 (Which is almost ready. I’ll keep you posted.)

But, while you’re holding up inside and making your own bread–take an hour and read this sweet romance based on COVID-19.

Much love!

Lucy

Pick up your copy by clicking here.

March 19, 2020 0

Her Awkward Blind Date with the Billionaire

Dear Reader,

Have you ever been on a blind date? I’ve heard stories of people who have met the love of their life of blind dates but I don’t know anyone personally who enjoys them. 🙂

A horrible blind date was the inspiration for this book. And by horrible, I mean the kind of blind date that makes you want to hide if you see the person walking down the street. But, what if you had to see them again? What if circumstances beyond your control brought you together again and again. And what if, in those chance encounters, you started to see the real person on the other side of that mortifying experience–and he wasn’t so bad.

Each of us strives to put out best self out there and to make good impressions. But the best of us isn’t the shiny hair or the long eye lashes, it’s our hearts.

I’ll bet you have a beautiful heart!

I hope you enjoy Her Awkward Blind Date with the Billionaire new release!

Happy reading,
Lucy

April 30, 2019 0

An Exclusive Excerpt

Hello Readers,

I’ve brought you an exclusive excerpt from “Family Dinners with the Billionaire” by author Amberlee Day. I hope you enjoy it and if you’d like to just jump into the book, you can click here.

EXCERPT:

Julie’s pulse hadn’t returned to normal since the troops stormed the kitchen. Now that it appeared she’d be allowed to stay through dinner, four pairs of eyes focused on her, each showcasing a different emotion: hopeful Olive, hungry Des, bored Ingrid, and…well, she wasn’t sure how to read Mr. Bolt’s expression, but she’d say determined to maintain control, mixed with equal parts dangerous and skeptical.

“Okay, Julie,” sweet Olive’s little-girl voice encouraged, “tell us about dinner.”

“Right.” Julie pulled her eyes away from theirs. Thankfully, when she spotted the food on the cabinet, she came to her senses. “Tonight we’re going to make chicken stir fry.”

“Sounds, great,” Des said, moving farther into the kitchen. Julie guessed the boy was around ten or eleven. He definitely took after his father, with a powerful build and already wide shoulders. “Where do we start?”

“I always like to start with washing hands,” Julie said, still tentative but trying to be cheerful. While the kids queued up at the sink, their father stepped toward her, his eyes still shooting darts. When his brow furrowed and he looked like he was about to yell again, she braced herself. But it wasn’t her he was barking at this time.

“Ingrid. Change first,” he said, his eyes remaining on Julie. “Nine-and-a-half minutes.”

“Fine,” the older girl huffed, leaving the way she’d come.

“Teenagers,” Julie said with a smile and a slight shrug, hoping to soften the mood. It didn’t work.

“Do you always start off a job by interrupting overseas calls and causing widespread panic?”

Julie had already begun opening a jar of cornstarch and got some on her hands. She wiped it on a towel before extending her hand. Someone needed to start being civil here, even if this job wouldn’t continue past tonight.

“No, I normally introduce myself. Julie Kiyama.”

He scowled at her hand a moment before taking it in his own. Surprisingly, a zinging sensation jolted through her at the connection, suddenly making her self-conscious that this impossible-to-ignore man was touching her hand, which was attached to the rest of her. When his eyes widened, she thought she read a new awareness in them. Did he feel that too?

“Jetton Bolt,” he said, releasing her hand after a succinct pump.

Julie couldn’t quite suppress the nervous giggle that bubbled up. “Jett-n? Because you like to go fast?” Before she could think better of it, she pumped her arms in slow motion, like she was imitating a toddler trying really hard to run.

“If that makes you feel better to think so.” His dismissive tone made her want to hit him in the head with a frying pan, but she stopped the running motion. “It’s actually derived from a family name. My maternal grandmother’s maiden name was Jett.”

“I imagine a little boy named Jett-n would be pretty adorable,” she said, still emphasizing the cute pronunciation. “What’s your middle name?”

Yes, he could see the indication that he might consider going by that instead—though, seriously, it was a great name. She couldn’t admit that, however. Even if she did commit the cardinal mistake of using the intercom, he was just a bit too uppity for his own good. She’d be willing to bet he was used to people bowing and scraping to get his approval. Of course, those people probably didn’t get pretty much fired before they started working.

Jetton Bolt’s features remained unchanged. Note to self: don’t play poker with this man.

When the water turned off at the sink, Julie turned her attention to the remaining two children, her back on Jetton.

“All right, Olive and Des. You two look ready. Step right up to a workstation. We’ll get you started while we wait for Ingrid to come back and for your father to wash his hands.”

She didn’t look to see Jetton’s reaction, but satisfaction relaxed her shoulders when she heard the water running in the sink again. Maybe he really was going to cooperate with her, at least for tonight. She explained a few of the tasks to the children, just as she would if they had come to her restaurant to cook. While Des cut broccoli into flowerets and Olive carefully measured garlic and spooned it onto the pre-cut raw chicken pieces, Julie turned to light the stove—and ran right into Jetton.

“Whoops! Sorry.” Her hands landed right on his exceptionally muscular chest. She drew back as quickly as she could manage—curiosity tempted her to let her hands stay where they were and think about that firm physique a moment longer, but she held them up in surrender and sidestepped to go around him. A teensy glance at his steely eyes confirmed that he was not amused.

“Let’s get this pan fired up. Jetton, you can measure two tablespoons of oil so we can cook the chicken.” A thought stopped her, and she scrutinized his chest again, this time for long enough that he said something.

“See what you need, or do you require another examination?” he asked, making heat rush up to her cheeks.

“What I see—and yes, felt—is a silk shirt. You may want to wear an apron to avoid grease spots.”

His eyes narrowed in contempt and he snorted—or was it a laugh? “I don’t wear aprons.”

“No?” Julie almost wanted to laugh herself at how childish he looked, but his arrogance was too off-putting. She couldn’t laugh at it. Shrugging, she said, “Fine. Ruin a perfectly nice shirt. That pan will heat up quickly, so if you could put the oil in now, I’ll have…” Ingrid returned just then, her hair piled in a bun that put her a good five inches taller than Julie. And yes, she wore a modest t-shirt and some flowy lounge pants. “Ingrid, glad to have you back. If you could wash your hands…?”

The girl waved her fingers with a bored look. “Just did.”

“Great. Then if you want to grab that bowl Olive has with the chicken and bring it over to the stove, we’ll get cooking.”

That earned her another cold look from Jetton, and Julie’s nervous giggle threatened to emerge again. Yes, her let’s get cooking proclamation over the intercom would not be forgiven. Even though she’d be leaving tonight with instructions to never return, she had to hand it to herself; she knew how to make a lasting first impression.

To keep reading click here.

February 22, 2019 0

“Family Dinners with the Billionaire” is now available!

Hello Readers!

From my good friend, and an excellent person all the way around, Amberlee Day, comes the new Billionaire Bachelor Cove romance, “Family Dinners with the Billionaire.

About the book:

When Jetton Bolt’s supermodel wife died two years ago, his kids handled it surprisingly well. After all, she was hardly ever home. Now that they’ve moved back to Jetton’s home town of Seattle, however, problems arise, and the counselor he’s hired recommends he spend more time with his children. First thing on the list: eat dinners together, and cook them together, too. Jetton doesn’t cook, but that’s what money’s for, right?

Julie Kiyama has earned a name in Seattle and beyond as a talented chef, but when it comes to running a business in a saturated restaurant market, she struggles. Hoping that the third time will be the charm, she opens a “restaurant” where diners actually help cook their own dinners. She never dreamed that this odd foodie niche would land her a job helping a billionaire and his kids learn to cook together, or that she’d be driving daily to the luxurious private neighborhood known as The Cove to make it happen.

When sparks begin to fly in the Bolt kitchen between Jetton and Julie, both will have to redefine their ideas of success if they have any hope of believing what their hearts are telling them.

You can start reading by clicking here.

February 19, 2019 0

Her Beast of a Billionaire Boss is Available!

Dear Reader,

Many, many months ago, I joined up with several authors for a new series. We met in Seattle, Washington, for an intense planning meeting and research trip. We had a great time touring the town and eating delicate chocolates as we planned out a neighborhood of billionaires. Yep, a whole neighborhood. But this neighborhood is unlike any out there. It’s a playground for the ultra-wealthy. They build homes that fit their personalities and live on 20+ acres of land. They have 24/7 security. And, a private landing strip for their planes.

This is us in front of the “Gum Wall.” We were trying so hard no tot touch it!

From left to right: Amberlee Day, Holly Stevenson, Christene Houston, Chelsea Hale, Lucy McConnell, Maria Hoagland, and Erica Penrod.

Well, fast forward several months and it’s release week for my new book. I have been waiting and waiting for this book to release and the anticipation was killing me Thankfully, I can finally celebrate with you.

Cover Reveal

A few weeks ago, I asked for your help to pick the cover model for my new book. The results of the pole are in and I have the cover for you! Check it out!! If you’re ready to start reading, click here.

Bringing it together

Writing this book was a beautiful experience. I’ve had the idea for a lawyer Beast who lives in a castle on the coast since I saw the live action Beauty and the Beast movie. However, as life often happens, being able to write this book didn’t happen on my time. Now that it’s ready, though, I see how it all came together and I’m so happy I waited. This is how it starts out.

Just outside the city of Seattle, a castle sits on a cliff overlooking Puget Sound. The Chateau has perched there since a French prince was removed to the wilds of America for loving the wrong woman. However, the prince was not one to hide in the shame forced upon him. He built himself a grand castle on a large estate, where he raised a happy family and amassed a considerable fortune.

Years went by, and the castle and the land passed from one generation to another until it reached the prince’s great-great-grandson, Adam Moreau, a corporate lawyer who was known for tearing apart his competition in the courtroom. His grandfather had taken the considerable fortune and turned it into ridiculous wealth, which meant young Adam wanted for nothing—nothing but the opportunity to prove himself a Moreau in every sense of the name. Unfortunately, as the coffers grew with each generation, the love that had brought the family to the rocky cliffside dwelling dwindled, and Adam was left with the incorrect assumption that love is a weakness. After all, a lawyer couldn’t afford sentimentality. His cunning ways and fierce legal attacks earned him many nicknames, but only one lasted the test of time: the Beast.

Our story begins on a cold and drizzly winter Washington day when even the brilliant colors of changing leaves have been pushed aside by a muted overcast sky and gloominess. Adam, in a move prompted purely by the increase in his financial standing, has subdivided a portion of the family estate and turned it into an exclusive development for billionaires called The Cove. As all but three of the lots have sold and the eclectic group of homes nears completion, he’d like to open Phase II. However, local politicians are hesitant to allow the rezoning of some of the city’s longtime wooded areas.

At the suggestion of his Public Relations Advisor, Adam invites Seattle’s most influential people, including the mayor, the city council, and the members of the zoning commissioning, into his castle for lunch. He’s counting on wooing them with fine foods and perhaps intimidating them with the heavily guarded gate into The Cove, the solid stone castle walls, and his own reputation as the nation’s most formidable attorney. If all goes well, the provincials will leave their doubts and Phase II may begin posthaste. For who could ever resist the Beast?

To continue reading, click here.

Meet Bella Creer

Bella Creer approached the hospital bed, not wanting to wake up her father but needing to see his chest rise and fall with her own eyes. Her Superman looked old. Gray whiskers graced his lined cheeks, and his pale skin was sallow in the dim light. He stirred and took a deep breath before opening his eyes. “Bella,” he rasped.

She reached for the cup on the side table and offered him a drink. The water went down with a large gulp and he sighed with relief, licking his dry lips. She’d stop by the gift shop and find some ChapStick for him before coming back up. “Hey, Dad.”

He reached for her hand. “I’m in trouble, baby girl.”

“No, Dad,” she hurried to reassure him. “The doctor says your heart is going to be fine.”

“No.” He chuckled weakly. “I’m in trouble at work.”

She leaned closer. “Dad, work is hardly your main concern right now. Let’s just worry about getting you better.”

“Listen to me. I’m under contract to finish The Cove on time, or I’ll lose everything.” Dad sank deeper into his pillows.

“What do you mean, everything?”

“I’ve poured everything into this contract and agreed to wait for payment until the project is complete. And if I don’t finish on time, I don’t get paid.”

Bella gasped. “That’s how you beat the other firms.”

He nodded slightly, the movement crinkling the pillow. “You have to finish it for me.” His grip on her hand tightened. “You’re the only one I trust.”

“Dad—I can’t just—” She cut off. Ten hours ago, she had several reasons she couldn’t drop everything and run up to The Cove. Ten hours ago, she had a fiancé and a third-tier job as an assistant legal clerk. Dad had worked on this project for a couple of years; it was in the background of her life but near the center of his. She should have paid more attention—especially when he went to work for the Beast. The man ran in a completely different circle, a circle that was so far out of her reach it might as well have been on Pluto.

Could she just up and quit? She hadn’t even bothered to call the office and tell them why she hadn’t come back from lunch. In truth, the work was boring and the people were cold. Leaving would be a relief.

Her heart fluttered at the idea of taking over the multibillion-dollar project. If she put her nose to the grindstone and didn’t look up for twenty years, she may still never have the chance to take on a project like this one. And to be able to say she worked for Adam Moreau? That was huge for a résumé. Any law firm in the country would look twice—his reputation was stellar. She’d have to Google him to learn more—all she really knew of him was that she should run the other way if ever his name was opposite hers on a case.

Her eyes fell on her father, who could hardly keep his eyes open. All the reasons she should do this for herself paled in comparison to doing it for her father. He’d given up the fast lane when her mother died so she’d have a parent home at night to help with her science projects and pack a lunch in the morning. He’d made a good life for them, one full of love and mental challenge. He was her champion, and this was an opportunity to be a champion for him.

“I’ll do it.” She pressed a kiss to his forehead. “You get some rest and know that I’ll take care of everything.”

Live Like a Billionaire

If you want to disappear into a world where a cook makes your meals, a maid washes your clothes, and there’s a beauty parlor in the basement of your castle, then you can start reading by clicking here.

Happy reading,

Lucy

January 8, 2019 0

Christmas Collection

Hi All,

One note I keep getting from readers is that they want collections. So, I’ve put some of my favorite Christmas books into a set for the holidays. 🙂

Inside, you’ll find three full-length books. You can learn more about it below, or simply click here to start reading.

Marrying Miss Kringle: Ginger

When Ginger Kringle is branded to wear the magic red suit, she has to fall in love and get married before Christmas Eve to save the family business. After being given a list (Santas love lists!) of potential Mr. Kringles, Ginger heads off to Clearview, Alaska, where she embarks on a mission to save her family, their home, the elves, the reindeer, and Christmas for children across the globe. In her quest, Ginger finds that checking a list has much more to do with her heart than it does her head.

Blue Christmas: A Snow Valley Romance

As head of Snow Valley hospital’s fundraising effort, Paisley Hackett barely has time to organize the craft show, cookie decorating party, and the annual Christmas Ball. What she doesn’t have time for is falling in love with Clay Jett, the incredibly handsome bass player who sweeps into town. She’s been burned by a tourist romance before and, with everything going on, Paisley will have to work overtime to protect her heart from Clay and his swoon-worthy ballads.

The Candy Counter Heiress: An Echo Ridge Romance

Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth’s Department Store; but someday can’t come fast enough when Kenworth’s manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. With her ailing grandmother stressing her parents, Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her family from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company.

Her deception deepens as she ropes the handsome computer guru, Andy Edwards, into helping her expand the business through an online retail site. Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn’t planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy’s stolen kisses. If she can hold it all together until after the Christmas orders are filled, then she can reveal her successful online company to her family and finally act on her feelings for Andy.

Unfortunately for Reese, she can’t mold life like she can a chocolate Santa. Between a fire in the department store that destroys their stock and Andy discovering her deception, Reese stands to lose everything she’s been working for. With a prayer in her heart, she reaches for her own Christmas miracle.

You can start reading here.

November 16, 2018 0

Kindles and Kisses

Since February is the month of love, we thought it was the
perfect time to release our Love and Romance Boxed set and we want to give one lucky reader a new Kindle!!

This set, featuring 15 sweet contemporary romance novels, is on pre-sale now for just 99¢ on Amazon B&N, Kobo, and ibooks. To celebrate, we’re giving away a Kindle Fire Tablet. But hurry quick, this giveaway ends Feb 9th!

*Note: Winners outside of US will win a $40 Amazon gift card in place of the Kindle Fire (which is the value of the tablet).

Click here to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for a free kindle.

And if you haven’t pre-ordered your copy of Love and Romance, here’s a list of the authors and books included. Good luck on the giveaway!

Dangerous Lies by Christine Kersey

A handsome stranger moves next door to Amethyst Fox, but as she begins to fall for him she discovers he’s not all that he seems.

The Masquerading Groom by Taylor Hart

When Sterling Pennington, movie star and billionaire, gets stuck with a paid date at a masquerade party, he’s not happy. But Sayla Jones might be exactly who he needs to remove his masks.

Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis

April Winston brings her new fiancé home for Christmas, but her childhood sweetheart, Wade Hardley, isn’t ready to let her go.

His Personal Relationship Manager by Jennifer Peel

After suffering a public humiliation, Kenadie Marshall realizes that love shouldn’t be left to personal judgement. But Jason Hadley is determined to prove that love isn’t over for this relationship guru, even if it means joining her computer dating service to get closer to her.

The Academic Bride by Lucy McConnell

Janel Fendrick’s dream excavation is within reach—until the funding is pulled . A surprise employment opportunity comes with a proposal…and a groom!

The Resilient One by Cami Checketts

Alyssa Armsworth escapes to Maui and finds herself spending days on the ocean with Beckham Taylor, a handsome ex-NHL star. Alyssa must redeem her past to have a chance at a future with Beck.

Candlelight Kisses by Jennifer Youngblood & Sandra Poole

Gracie Andrews led an ordinary life—right up until the day she died and became an angel … err … almost an angel. She’s given the task of helping others find love and quite possibly find love along the way.

Meet Me in Myrtle Beach by Brooke St. James

Paige Spears accepts an unexpected job offer, hoping for one last summer adventure before joining the work force. She had no idea the trip would change her life forever.

Under a Georgia Moon by Cindy Roland Anderson

Addie Heywood wants to avoid her aunt’s matchmaking schemes and Chase Nichols wants to avoid his ex-girlfriend. They team up to fool the world by pretending to date. What neither of them counts on is actually falling in love.

Rough Edges by Kimberly Krey

When divorced mother, Allie Emerson, seeks employment with her old high school flame, Braden Fox, sparks fly. But will resentment from the past prevent them from sharing a future?

Blissfully Married by Victorine E. Lieske

Sidney wears a fake engagement ring to ward off Blake, her childhood crush that broke her heart. When Blake finds out the beautiful Sidney’s lying, he makes it his goal to get her to tell him the truth.

The Neighbor’s Secret by Kimberley Montpetit

Allie Strickland returns home to Heartland Cove after being left at the altar. When an intruder breaks into her house, Allie has to figure out what secrets Ethan Smith is hiding. Is the man friend or foe—enemy or lover?

Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen

With the unwanted help of a divorce lawyer who’s too good looking to ignore and a detective who has an eye for murder, Adrielle Pyper must race to uncover a secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before she becomes the next victim.

House Without Lies by Rachel Branton

Lily fills her tiny apartment with endangered teens who don’t have everything they need, but together they have enough. Or so she thinks—until she meets Jameson. But will he be one more thing Lily has to give up to protect the girls?

Before the Leap by Liz Isaacson

Scorned by his ex-fiancé, Jace Lovell isn’t ready for a new relationship with someone as fiery and beautiful as Belle Edmunds. Can she employ her patience while he figures out how to forgive so they can find their happily-ever-after?

Pre-order now:

January 24, 2017 0