Rosanna’s recommended reads from @EKingstonBooks @FarahHeron @AlyssaColeLit @suleikhasnyder @Eve_Silver.

As you know, I like to do this regular feature here at the blog, in which I share some of the romance books that I have recently enjoyed. This has been a stellar year of reading for me. I’m sure I won’t need to twist your arm on any of the following books, because you’ve likely already heard of these fine authors.

And for those of you who haven’t, consider your arm twisted!

I’d like to start with Farah Heron’s The Chai Factor. I had the pleasure of meeting Farah in person at the 2018 Northern Hearts conference, and was so excited to read her debut. Full disclosure: I haven’t finished it yet but probably will this weekend. I’m this close! However, I have read enough to know I can recommend it heartily. This book isn’t simply a wonderful, sweet romance. It tackles some difficult topics, and does so with honesty and integrity. I know you’ll enjoy it.

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I just finished Elizabeth Kingston’s The King’s Man, and am so glad I did. It’s been on my to-be-read list forever, and quite frankly, after reading this one I have added all her other books to my list. What I love about this story is it shows us a period of history we don’t normally see in historical romance. This one takes place during the reign of King Edward I, and Elizabeth brings this intriguing world to light. Great characters and a great plot.

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Eve Silver has long been one of my favourite authors. I first discovered her when I read Demon’s Hunger years ago. When I heard she had a gothic romance series, I was all over it. Gothic romance is my catnip! Book 1 of her Dark Gothic series is Dark Desires. This was an absolute page turner. The romance is sexy and it features a memorable leading couple, as well as a Jack the Ripper subplot. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Did I mention Dark Desires is a freebie? Well, it is!

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Alyssa Cole was won a place on my favourites shelf with A Princess in Theory. I was tickled to discover this fine romance and series this year. Quite frankly, this book is everything everyone said it would be, and more. This charming romance has humor, engaging characters and a fairy tale plot. This isn’t just a fun read, it’s a memorable read, and if you haven’t picked up any of Alyssa’s books yet, I might just hop through your computer and slap your wrist. So get on it!

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Suleikha Snyder is another terrific author that I discovered this year. Her book Tikka Chance on Me has all the emotion and conflict of a full-length novel, expertly delivered through this wonderful novella. This one made me smile so much. I adored the banter between the protagonists, Pinky and Trucker. This story is filled with sexual tension and even hotter love scenes, and it will also remind you there are risks worth taking. A sheer delight.

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Well, there you have it! I hope these recommendations find a way onto your bookshelf or ereader very soon.

The best part? I’m still reading and discovering, so I hope to have another of these posts for you soon. Happy reading!

Giving the Muse a break. #amwriting

If you’ve been following the progress of my Handymen series, you’ll know I just finished A Gentle Man, Handymen 2. It was a long road, and often bumpy, but I made it to the end. Some books are like that. They take a little bit more out of you. However, it is now in the hands of my publisher and I hope to announce a release date soon.

 

I finished it at the perfect time. You see, my day job just got busier because of a new project and I was asked to take on more hours, which I was thrilled to do. I knew in accepting those hours that I’d have to put off any other writing projects for a few weeks, but that’s okay. After the experience I had writing A Gentle Man, frankly, I could use a break.

Of course, I told myself when I accepted those extra hours I’d still find time to write here and there. “You’ll sneak in an hour at night or on the weekends. It’ll be great!”

Here’s the thing. I really haven’t.

And, honestly, I’m not sure I could right now. I’m exhausted when night time rolls around. My day is packed with activity, much of it involving attention to tiny details. And, as I’ve learned, my brain can only handle so much at one time. I’m not being derogatory. I’m being realistic. We have to cut ourselves some slack. We can’t do it all.

Very often, my writer wheels are turning, even when I’m doing other things. I’m always going over plot points in my head, or creating new characters. Lately, I haven’t been. My Muse has gone on holiday, and she’s currently sipping a cerveza on a sunny beach somewhere. I think she might have needed the break.

So, I’m letting her have that much-needed vacation, and I hope to recharge my creative batteries at the same time. And when my project at the day job ends and my regular schedule resumes, I hope to tackle my writing with renewed energy and ideas.

In the meantime, please stay tuned for all the details on A Gentle Man, Handymen 2!

And if you haven’t picked up your copy of A Good Man, Handymen 1, I hope you’ll do so today.

Grab your copy of A Good Man here!