As a woman with more than a few strands of gray in my hair, I fit in well with the other poll workers on election day. But as I walked home late that night, I escaped the tension and stress of the election season in a thriller that was demanding my full attention. Aren’t we lucky to have books? I’m partial to audiobooks which allow me to both immerse myself in a great story AND walk in the dark without falling on my face.
The story that held my attention that night was Dean Koontz’s FEAR NOTHING. Not a new book, and definitely not a romance (though there is a nice love story), it’s the tale of a newly orphaned young man who lives with the disease xeroderma pigmentosum, making exposure to light dangerous and potentially fatal. All is not right in his quiet California town, however, and Chris becomes aware of nefarious ongoings when he sees his father’s body being mysteriously snatched and spirited away en route from the hospital to the funeral home. Somehow, it’s always invigorating to escape real world worries by sinking into scary literary scenarios! He’s a bit of an old-fashioned taste, but Dean Koontz is a great wordsmith who always lightens his horror with humor and genuinely loveable characters.
Next up in my avoid reality escape plan: time travel!! And once again, I turned to an older book, but it held my attention captive from the first page to the last. SON OF THE MORNING, by Linda Howard, is the story of an intelligent, professional woman battling vicious killers in the present (okay, late 1990s!) who are keen on finding and controlling secret powers hidden for centuries. Their target: the guardian of the Knights Templar treasures, secreted away in the early 1300s. There’s some fascinating history included for anyone interested, but it’s easy to speed through the details in pursuit of the breathless chain of plot twists and turns. And of course, there’s a hot and all-absorbing love story, even though the meet-messy (no meet-cute here!) doesn’t occur until more than half-way through the book.
Readers craving more contemporary getaways can safely turn to the always reliable Ali Hazelwood, who’s busy producing titles with both terrific speed and never-failing talent. This month I read her very spicy NOT IN LOVE, the story of two troubled souls forced to work together when Eli’s company makes moves on the bio-tech start-up Rue is devoted to. In the midst of enmity, can romance and passion possibly find a way? Can Rue and Eli fall in love? Of course they can’t (chortle, chortle)!
Julie Soto’s FORGET ME NOT also presents two tortured souls letting past demons present obstacles to their very passionate desire for each other. Ama’s a wedding planner and Elliot a talented floral designer who have worked (and banged) together in the past, and now they purposely avoid each other. But as the bard suggested, taking away a flower’s name can’t erase its lingering scent, and the love and passion that lingers between Ama and Elliot can’t be forgotten. Ms. Soto magically imbues her descriptions of flower design with the same enchantment she weaves in describing music in her NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG, leaving the reader besotted and longing for more.
Ever wish you could forget the world around you? How about just pretending to do so? That’s the fun and plucky premise behind Alexis Hall’s 10 THINGS THAT NEVER HAPPENED. The story opens in the uninspiring world of a bathroom fixture showroom, but the shenanigans that ensue will keep you smiling and hoping for an unlikely happily-ever-after between earnest but not overly successful salesman Sam and determined corporate manager Jonathan. After a mild hit on the head in Jonathan’s presence, Sam decides to embrace the misdiagnosis of amnesia, and he learns enough about Jonathan’s true nature to fall hopelessly in love. It’s a safe bet that you’ll easily find 10 reasons to love this entertaining romance.
Finally, readers around the world have fallen under the spell of Sophie Kinsella’s delightful romcoms. What some may still not know, however, is that Ms. Kinsella has spent the past many months battling brain cancer. Ever resourceful, determined, and creative, she has chosen to share her story with us in the beautiful book WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? What’s the plot? A romcom writer is diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. So yes, it’s fiction, but it’s also the author’s own story, told with her customary charm and amazing talent. In the book’s description, Ms. Kinsella says, “Writing is my happy place, and writing this book, although tough going at times, was immensely satisfying and therapeutic for me.” I am grateful to have had the opportunity to bask in her grace.
As the winter chill sweeps across the northern hemisphere, curl up with some deliciously hot and passionate stories in the new collection, LIGHT MY FIRE. My story “Second Spark(le)” will have you warming to the glow of a beautiful bonfire and a sparkling love story. All proceeds support mental health charities.
Romance Café Collection #41
A Mental Health Charity Romance Collection
Bonfire Night, Homecoming, Harvest Festivals, whatever the reason – ‘tis the season to sparkle.
Gather your nearest and dearest (or those who you wish were) close as we fan the flames in this collection of stories from USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors curated by The New Romance Café sure to warm your heart…and maybe other places.
All proceeds go to charity in the fight for mental health support. Our chosen charities for this anthology are Wounded Warrior and the International Mental Health Association.
Wildfire Will "Forces of Nature Series" by R.L. Merrill Charlie Willoughby’s Prius catches fire on the side of Highway 1 in Malibu and he’s rescued by a familiar face, only he can’t recall where he knows the cute first responder from. Firefighter Will Burns had a crush on his school counselor twelve years ago and now that he’s all grown up, he’s ready to fan the flames between them. A surprise wedding, bonfire confessions, and a sandy makeout session on the beach could be the start of a something special.
Second Spark(le) by Meg Napier Jess is throwing in the towel after months of job hunting and driving across the country to move in with her parents. An old friend convinces her to meet her at an Arkansas campground half-way, and they plan to visit a diamond mine and try their luck. But luck's in short supply when Jess's car breaks down and her friend can't make the rendezvous. Or is it? Because the gorgeous guy searching the fields in front of her is there with his grandmother, who turns out to need someone with Jess's qualifications. Sparks fly and diamonds sparkle in this enchanting bonfire celebration.
Authors:
Julie Halperson
Ryleigh Sloan
Chele MacCabe
L Mad Hildebrandt
Sharon Wray
Meg Napier
J. Keely Thrall
Fiona Fairhame
Cecelia Conway
T.S. Simons
Gabbi Grey
Cynthia Terelst
Sharon Michalove
Susanna Eastman
Shelby Gunter
Zoey Zane
Heather Scarlett
Alice Dashwood
Cara North
Anna Klein
Katina J Rose
Michelle Moncrieff
Niki Trento
Jewelz Baxter
Gabbi Powell
R.L. Merrill
Kat Long
Bonnie Poirier
Elaine Reed
Kelly Renway
Romance Anthology [Romance Cafe Publishing, On Sale: November 20, 2024, e-Book, / ]
Meg's friends during her high school years all expected her romance novels to hit the shelves decades ago, but she foolishly allowed "serious pursuits" to get in her way. Now that her beloved children can feed, clothe, and most importantly, support themselves, she's free to turn her attention to her first passion - putting words to paper that capture your attention and make your heart sing in quiet joy. Her stories tell most frequently of second chances--in life, love, and sometimes even at rediscovering a soul-mate from a previous life.
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