Aloha!
With summer in full swing, my friends in the Destination Billionaire Romance series are busy taking kids to swimming lessons, lacrosse, camping and rodeos, tending chickens, prepping kids for college, attending  family reunions, making popsicles, riding bikes, watching fireworks and reading! Summer is excellent reading time. Just like you, I read in by the side of the pool, in the car, and in tents. 🙂 I hope you enjoy this sweet summer read set on the beaches of Hawaii! Have a wonderful July!
-Lucy McConnell

Hawaiian Masquerade
by Rachelle J. Christensen

Excerpt
Lexi closed her eyes. The waves rolled in slowly, rhythmically, with a dependability that would never be doubted. Shawn had been her rock and they’d worked together with a rhythm that had kept their jobs and life in sync. Before Derek, she might’ve entertained a future with Shawn … but the dark-haired man with a camera bag slung over his shoulder had changed everything.

Story Summary
When Lexi Burke escaped the remnants of a cold winter in Chicago for the beaches of Kauai, it wasn’t a random vacation. She left the hectic pace of Burke Enterprises behind with enough money to retire at age thirty-two, intent on settling into the idyllic existence of island life. Until she met local photographer Derek Mitchell—a talented man with a grudge against rich tourists.

From art night to snorkeling lessons, hiking, and chopping coconuts, Lexi can’t talk herself out of spending time with the handsome, hardworking man who knows the value of every dollar. She also can’t find a way to tell him the truth about herself. But then Derek is selected to help in a benefit at a masquerade ball as one of the eligible bachelors up for auction. Lexi must decide whether to wear a mask or unveil her true self and risk losing Derek’s trust and a chance at love.

Get your copy today by clicking here!

Hello!

How’s your summer going? I hope it’s been sunshine and water fights and great books and giggles. That’s what summer should be and I wish it for all of you. One thing that I love about summer is hitting the library and coming home with a huge stack of books and then falling into the couch for the afternoon. I’m currently reading a book called Unleash the Power of the Female Brain, by Dr. Daniel G. Amen. I’m only about 2 chapters in but I’ve found the information on the differences between a female brain and a male brain so interesting–especially because I have three boys.

I’ve already finished The Lucky Billionaire by author Jeanette Lewis. It was a quick, afternoon in the sun read that left me with a happy heart. The information is below if you’d like to pick up a copy. You can also click here.

When Ty Epperson wins a fortune in the Idaho State Lottery, he’s determined to put his sudden wealth to good use, even if it means putting up with Holland Morrissey, a Los Angeles image consultant who has never met a credit card she doesn’t like and thinks spending $1000 on a pair of pants is normal behavior. Ty has never considered himself lucky in life or in love, until now. But not all of Ty’s plans are popular and someone is determined to stop him, putting everyone and everything he loves at risk.

Of course, this book had me wondering what I would do differently if I won the lottery. 🙂 Hire a cleaning service? You bet. Buy a new car? Uh-yeah. And, if possible, I’d buy a second home in Italy just for funzies. What would you do?

Hello Wonderful Readers,

Life is full of twists and turns. Some of then knock us over and others are unexpected blessings. Being able to bring together authors for this Destination Billionaire Romance series has been one of those giant blessings in my life. Taylor is a wonderful mother, friend, and support. She’s wicked smart and has a heart of chocolate. 🙂

I’m pleased to introduce to you Almost Everything, by Bestselling Author Taylor Hart.

  Billionaire Montana Crew, country music superstar, thought he’d put the cheating best friend and ex-fiancé in the past. When the ex appears backstage bearing the news of his friend’s death and thrusting an envelope in his hands, he’s shocked and a little annoyed.

Lily Ray Gold, L.R. Gold to her associates at the law firm, doesn’t want to deliver the envelope with her best friend’s last wishes. Nothing could have convinced her to look the ‘King of Country’ in the eye again…except Jason. She’d do it and she wouldn’t lie, telling Montana she was finally done with him would feel awesome!

When Montana shows up at Lily’s law firm and extorts her into helping him figure out what Jason wants him to do, neither of them would have expected getting caught up doing their high school bucket list by surfing in Hawaii, riding in a hot air balloon, and climbing Devil’s Tower.

They both agree to finish the list for their friend, but when Montana proposes, Lily has to make a choice—tell the truth or never have almost everything she’s ever truly wanted.

You can pick up your copy of Almost Everything by clicking here.

Giveaway-

Gelato author, Jennifer Youngblood, is sponsoring a Rafflecopter giveaway for a $50 Amazon gift card OR Paypal cash! (Although … you can use the money for a new summer dress, garden accessories, or groceries, think of the books you could buy!!) Simply click on the link below to enter.
Jennifer is the author of several slow southern romance and romantic suspense novels. Her latest book, Candlelight Kisses, is the first in her Almost an Angel series.

Enter Here

Because, guys want to have fun too! 🙂

Noah Baker, whom you may remember from The Country Bride, is chomping at the bit to get married. He’s all over the BMB perks like a personal trainer and expense account. But, Noah may have bitten off more than he can chew.

Harley Wilson is a Texas girl through and through. She’s smart as a whip and doesn’t take Noah’s bull. Can Noah solve the mystery behind her stalker or will he get caught up in a whirl-wind romance with his feisty bride?

You can pick up your copy by clicking here.

Hello,

The Reclusive Billionaire is now available to purchase and lending on the Kindle Lending library.

One of the reasons I loved writing this book is that it allowed me the opportunity to spend some time in Santa Barbara, California with my dad and step-mom.

My dad celebrated his … we’ll just say it was a milestone birthday … and my brothers (both living in Arizona now) and I flew out to surprise him. And surprise him we did! We met up at the airport, bought a cake and party hats, and stood on his doorstep singing “Happy Birthday.” He was so shocked, he just stared. Then he fell out the door and into my arms. Thankfully, I wasn’t the one holding the cake. 🙂 Tears flowed, hugs were shared, and cake was eaten. It was one of the highlights of my year.

The next morning, my step-mom gave me a tour of the harbor, even getting us behind locked gates and right out there on the water. I was able to investigate the one and only house boat–what a treat! I visited the Harbor Master’s office for research and took a hundred pictures. We then took a walking tour of downtown where I found the perfect spot for Becca Lee’s veterinary office. That night, we walked Sterns Warf, checked out Moby Dick’s Restaurant,  and enjoyed the salty night air.

I hope you get a feel for Santa Barbara, and enjoy it as much as I do, when you read The Reclusive Billionaire. Click here to get your copy today.

Spring is Snow Valley is officially launched and I’m so excited that I feel like drinking something bubbly. But, since my training for a half marathon started THIS MORNING I’ve sworn off all carbonation which includes my very yummy celebratory Vanilla Pepsi. (Although, coconut flavored Pepsi tastes even better. If YOU are not training for a half, then you should have one on my behalf.) 🙂

One of the reasons Snow Valley is so dear to my heart is the opportunity it provides to work with some incredibly wonderful and talented women. The reason I find them so remarkable, is that I get to hear their stories of struggle, pain, heartache, and loss and yet I see the beautiful stories they weave together about hope, romance, determination, and love. Their stories speak to my heart and bring joy to my day–I just know they’ll do the same for you!

To get your copy of Spring in Snow Valley–six sweet and romantic books all set in the Montana town of Snow Valley–click here.

Operation Kiss the Girl, Cindy Roland Anderson

Ivy Baker is doomed to marry a man she only pretends to be in love with to save the family ranch. Since she isn’t marrying for love, Ivy secretly creates a kissing wish list composed of scenes from the romance books she loves to read. She hopes to experience at least one kiss from her list before she becomes officially engaged and seals her fate. When she travels to Snow Valley to help her aunt recover from knee surgery, Ivy finds herself falling for Kellen Thomas, an irresistible cowboy she should avoid. By chance Kellen finds Ivy’s list, and decides to make it his mission to help her fulfill her bucket list, turning her world upside down and making Ivy want to choose her heart over duty.

Love Coming Late, Jeanette Lewis

Cynthia Eddington never thought she’d return to Snow Valley after a string of bad luck forced the sale of her beloved farm there. But here she is, about to start a new life with her children, Jackson and Anoria. Cynthia plans to focus on her career and her family; she’s not looking for romance and she’s definitely not looking for sexy cowboy, Colby Schroder.

Running from the Cowboy, Cami Checketts

Missy Horman escaped an abusive marriage and returns to Snow Valley to help her father deal with her emotionally disturbed mother. Volunteering to teach a youth Sunday school class seems like a good way to get out of her comfort zone—until she ends up kissing Porter Wilson in front of a bunch of teenagers. Embarrassed, and secretly thrilled, by the kiss, she writes Porter off as a playboy. But, Missy wasn’t the only one affected and Porter’s new mission in life is to prove that there’s more to him than flirting and world-tilting kisses. He wants to show her that a true cowboy knows how to treat a lady and, if Missy can’t keep her wits about her, she might just let him.

The Bet, Taylor Hart

When Destiny Morningstar gets blackmailed into spending her spring break in Snow Valley, the last thing she’s looking for is a date, especially not with Adam and Chase Moon—two attractive and athletic brothers. But soon she finds herself tangled up in a dating spree that includes a flag football game, swinging around the barn dance, and hiking to Snow Valley’s romantic hot springs with the town’s most eligible bachelors. At every turn she’s within kissing distance of one of the delectable Moon men. When she discovers she’s been part of some bet fueled by sibling rivalry and overactive egos she has to make a decision—forgive them both or miss out on the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

Sealed with a Kiss, Kimberley Montpetit

Jessica Mason and Pastor James are struggling to make their long-distance relationship work between Snow Valley and New Orleans where Jessica dances with the local ballet company. When April Murphy, a war widow with a child, shows up in Snow Valley, James reluctantly begins to wonder if he and Jessica are really meant to be. April would make the perfect pastor’s wife and he’d have an instant family and the stability he craves. But he can’t get the spitfire Jessica out of his mind and when she returns to Snow Valley to accept an inheritance, her male ballet partner in tow, the love triangle takes on a new edge. Can Jessica and James figure out how to create a family while living in two different states—or do they allow their hearts to move on and forget the passion they once shared?

Romancing a Husband, Lucy McConnell

Natalie Lawson is at a crossroads. Her husband is down on his luck and some days he’s just plain down while Natalie is moving forward, gaining promotions and starting new adventures. In some ways, they’ve grown apart and Natalie can’t help but wonder if her path through life will always include Eli. When tragedy throws them together, Natalie learns a profound lesson that may save her marriage and provide the key to romancing a husband.

Click here to reserve your copy of Spring in Snow Valley.

I swear, every book I write should come with a tagline “This book brought to you by (insert chocolate treat.)” In this case, the chocolate treat would be Doves melt-in-your-mouth Promises. I consumed more than my fair share over the course of preparing my story, Romancing A Husband, for the Spring in Snow Valley Anthology.

–What I really need to do is write a book about an Olympic athlete and train with that woman for a month! 🙂 —

One of the fun new adventures for this series was hiring our own models for the cover. Aren’t those two adorable! I just love the way he’s looking at her–like she’s his everything. And, guess what? They are actually married! Total swoon!

If you haven’t yet, take a second and reserve your copy of Spring in Snow Valley by clicking here. It’s a fantastic read and all your favorite authors are back. You’ll revisit some past characters including Pastor James and Jessica, Kellen Thomas –the war hero who lost part of his leg while serving, Porter Wilson–the flirty Wilson brother, and Adam Moon–a man who gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “computer geek.” You’ll also meet more of the Snow Valley residents and dive a little deeper into the workings of Dove’s grocery store, Big C’s Drive Thru, life on a cattle ranch, and the spring time Snow Valley events.  Thanks for reading!

The Resilient One by Cami Checketts

Alyssa Armsworth, a world-renowned photographer, has no intentions of honoring the Billionaire Bride Pact she made as a teenager to avoid getting her bra hung from the camp flagpole. Marriage is the last thing on her to-do list and when her father forces his wealthy friends on her, she runs to Maui.

She plans to lay low, take some great pictures, and eat fresh fish–until Beckham Taylor arrives. Stuck in the same hotel and spending days on the white sand with the handsome ex-NHL star wouldn’t be all that bad except Alyssa’s done something in the past that Beckham could never forgive. Before she can confess, her misdeeds are thrust onto the front cover of a well-known magazine. Alyssa must overcome her fears or live without Beckham.

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Giveaway and Facebook Events

As I looked for ways to market my books this holiday season, I really wanted to find events or opportunities for readers. I wanted you to have access to books, opportunities for your families, and some just plain fun events. With that in mind I signed up for the Just in the Nick of Time $250 Cash Giveaway. The winner will receive $250 just in time to do some last minute Christmas shopping (or pay off the smokin’ credit card.) Good luck!! I hope you win the cash!!

As for fun–the authors of the Echo Ridge and Snow Valley Anthologies have instigated a Facebook Takeover on the 12 Days of Christmas Stories page. That’s right, we’ll be live and together so you can ask questions, talk about your favorite characters, and get sneak peaks at the next release. See below for more information.

Happening Today!!

Follow this link to catch Connie Sokol, Heather Tullis, Rachelle Christensen, Cami Checketts and me live.
We’ll be giving away an Echo Ridge gift bag and talking about our stories. We’d love to hear from you!!

Happening Thursday December 10, at 9:00 a.m.
Stop by and meet Cami Checketts, Taylor Hart, Jeanette Lewis, Kimberley Montpetite, Cindy Anderson, and me!
We’re so excited we’re giving away free ebooks.
Hope to see you there.

Can you feel the crispness in the air?

The promise of a white Christmas?

The anticipation?

I feel it all the way down to my bones! If you’re missing that special feeling that only comes around once a year, try playing your favorite holiday music or looking for new artists and songs to liven up the holidays. (Celtic Women Christmas is one of my favorites and it never fails to bring that swelling of the heart.)

Another way to bring the holiday cheer is to read stories that center around the Spirit of Christmas, like Christmas Kisses, Blue Christmas, or North for Christmas. Each book has a sweet romance, some have some rock and roll, and they all have a special Christmas message.

If, after all that, you’re still not in the mood for egg nog, try taking a plate of Christmas cookies to your neighbors. One of the best ways to bring the feelings of love and joy into our lives is to create them. Don’t sit around and hope holly and mistletoe fall into your lap, get up and make it happen. AND, to help out with that, I’ve created a beautiful gift tag to help you spread joy to the world. 🙂 It can be used on presents under the tree, goodie plates for neighbors, or office gifts.

To print a page of tags (9 tags in all) simply click here.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.