“Twelve authors? Wow! Romance just in time
for Valentine’s Day. Love is in the air.” Mac sighs, a dreamy look crosses her
face as she grabs up a set of Hearts and Kisses and clutches it when Lyn tries
to take a look over her shoulder.
“I just want to look at the cover. I
promise to give it back.” Lyn grins.
“Don’t trust her, she loves these boxed
sets.” Lilly laughs and elbows LaVerne. “I got one for each of us, don’t tell
them.”
Mary smirks, and then smiles with pride. “I
happen to know a few of these wonderful writers. Mimi Barbour, Ginny Baird,
Anna J. Stewart, Jackie Weger, Melina Curtis, Sophia Knightly, Donna Fasano,
Helen Scott Taylor, Patrice Wilton, Ari Thatcher, Mona Risk, and Traci Hall.
Several of them are in my local chapter, and if it wasn’t for Traci, I wouldn’t
be here.”
“That’s wonderful.” Lyn remarks. “I have just one question. Why are you wearing a balloon hat? And are you sober. You know, dressing from head to toe in hearts is just a bit beyond normal.”
“That’s wonderful.” Lyn remarks. “I have just one question. Why are you wearing a balloon hat? And are you sober. You know, dressing from head to toe in hearts is just a bit beyond normal.”
“The balloons are an inside joke. And
what’s wrong with my heart apparel?” Mary touches the hearts she has glued on
her arms. “Nothing is hanging out, and I have no wardrobe malfunctions.
“Well for one thing, gluing hearts to your body is not apparel. How did you find hearts big enough to cover those watermelons on your chest?” Lilly grins. “I chose this delicate chiffon number. I thought it would be romantic."
“I picked this lovely spring dress. It reminds me of home with all the flowers on it.” Lyn twirls to show off her dress.
“Well for one thing, gluing hearts to your body is not apparel. How did you find hearts big enough to cover those watermelons on your chest?” Lilly grins. “I chose this delicate chiffon number. I thought it would be romantic."
“I picked this lovely spring dress. It reminds me of home with all the flowers on it.” Lyn twirls to show off her dress.
“You look like a hippie.” Mary pats one of
her loose hearts into place.
“We all should have coordinated our clothing, and Lilly, delicate is the wrong word. Try humongous, your dress will fluff and cover your face when you sit.” Mac smiles and gestures at LaVerne’s dress; it exactly matches hers. “We planned ahead.”
“So you planned those disasters?” Mary
mumbles.
"Jealousy is not a good thing. You lost a heart. I hope you brought the crazy glue. It could become an issue.” Mac warns.
The hostesses walk into the swanky party. Hearts
and colorful flowers fill the room. The scent of roses reminiscent of a high
end flower shop. Chocolate of all kinds covers the main
tables.
Everyone surrounds Mary just in case she loses any more hearts.
Everyone surrounds Mary just in case she loses any more hearts.
Oliver smiles at them and holds back his laughter as he sees their clothing. He snickers and points to the huge dark, white and milk chocolate cake and
hands a glass of champagne to each of them. He gestures to the twelve authors
who are surrounded by fans while autographing their books. They try to get to
their authors, but the crowd grows and pushes them back every time they try to
approach.
Mary loses a few more hearts.
Mary loses a few more hearts.
“Well at least it’s well attended. We should get a lot of comments.” Lilly remarks.
Lyn, with determination on her face, pushes her way through the crowd and makes it to the authors.
“Welcome to your party ladies, we’re so glad you could make it.”
Traci Hall flashes a smile and asks as she
signs away. “Who are you?”
Welcome to the Valentine’s Day celebration for the release of twelve wonderful author’s anthology, Hearts and Kisses. These talented authors, each with their own take on love, are here to celebrate their new release. Let’s welcome them one and all, and pick up a copy of their fantastic book! Best of sales ladies!!
Hearts & Kisses
by Sophia Knightly, Ginny Baird, Mimi Barbour,
Mel Curtis, Donna Fasano, Mona Risk,
Helen Scott Taylor, Ari Thatcher, Patrice Wilton,
Traci Hall, Anna J. Stewart, and Jackie Weger
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday Romance
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, twelve New York Times, USA Today, National bestselling and award-winning authors deliver a dozen contemporary romance novels and novellas packed with drama, suspense, love and laughter. From the Highlands of Scotland to the Hollywood hills, twelve strong heroines meet twelve hot heroes in tales that span the globe. Whether you crave big-city adventure or small-town romance, second chance stories, or sexy single dads...this outstanding collection holds something special for you. Come be our Valentine, and snuggle up with these sweet and steamy romances, perfect for reading on a chilly winter’s eve. Happy ever afters guaranteed.
Heart Tamer (Heartthrob Series Novella)
by Sophia Knightly, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
Fashion designer Kate Hayes must somehow convince her estranged ex-husband, Alec MacLeod, to agree to an unusual request. In this fiery second chance at love, whose heart will be tamed?
The Sometime Bride
by Ginny Baird, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
Carrie St. John is done with wedding disasters. Third time’s the charm? A jilted bride and a ditched bachelor cut a “fake fiancé” deal.
by Mimi Barbour, USA Today and National bestselling author
Confirmed bachelor, Miguel, forces his dead brother’s gorgeous, headstrong surrogate to marry him so he can take her and her twins to Chile to cheer his ailing mamita.
Breaking the Rules
by Mel Curtis, USA Today and National bestselling, award-winning author
The Gordon’s marriage has been an emotional rollercoaster, but Jack has the solution–lock them inside a safe room for a cool-down, which turns out to be hot.
Take Me, I’m Yours
by Donna Fasano, USA Today bestselling author
Sexy single dad Derek learned the hard way to never trust a beautiful woman. So although he is indebted to Lainey for thwarting a kidnapping attempt on his daughter, he isn’t about to offer her his heart on a silver platter!
Valentine Babies
by Mona Risk, USA Today and National bestselling author
Getting involved with fearless reporter, Roxanne, involves more complications than Dr. Greg has ever faced in the OR.
The Army Doctor’s Valentine’s Baby
by Helen Scott Taylor, USA Today and National bestselling author
An abandoned baby brings two lonely army doctors together.
by Ari Thatcher, USA Today and National bestselling author
Kenzie’s vacation in St. Thomas heats up when her high school sweetheart and rock star heartthrob Chaz appears. If only he wasn’t there for his wedding.
Love Struck
by Patrice Wilton, USA Today bestselling author
With the “love bug myth” and discovery of gold, Serendipity Falls is no longer safe. Can Samantha and Kyle find a way to end this madness, or will they too be swept away by love?
by Traci Hall, National bestselling and award-winning author
After a bitter betrayal by her late husband, self-taught chef Celia Langdon moves to the sea, where dive shop owner Dax Smith dares her to heal from the heart.
Reading Between the Lines
by Anna J Stewart, National bestselling author
When Ethan Sutherland was in high school, he’d go to any lengths to hide his secret, including betraying the one girl who tried to help him. Now he’s back in town and hoping Cassidy Wells finds it in her heart to forgive him.
by Jackie Weger, National bestselling and award-winning author
Leah Spencer lives in the present until one sun-drenched day, her troubled past imperils the future and threatens all she holds dear.
PURCHASE HEARTS AND KISSES AT:
THE AUTHORS:
Sophia Knightly
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Sophia Knightly, loves to cook up hot romance and delicious humor in her feel-good stories. Whether it's romantic suspense, romantic comedy or chick lit, her books are fun and sexy contemporary romances that feature hot alpha heroes and strong, smart women.
Ginny Baird
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Ginny Baird has published novels in print and online and received screenplay options from Hollywood for her family and romantic comedy scripts. She writes touching, often humorous, contemporary romance about single women facing everyday challenges. Known for featuring holidays and family themes in her work, Ginny frequently portrays the struggles of single parents or others who've given up on finding true love.
Ginny has two ongoing novella series, The Holiday Brides Series (holiday romance) and The Summer Grooms Series (summer romance), as well as additional single titles available. She is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, a Top 10 Best Seller on Kindle, NOOK and iBooks, and a #1 Best Seller in several Romance and Women's Fiction categories. Visit Ginny's website at www.ginnybairdromance.com to learn more about her and her books.
Mimi Barbour
Mimi Barbour is an Amazon best-selling author who's sold over 500,000 copies of her books world-wide. Her five romance series: The Vicarage Bench/ time travel at it's best, Angels with Attitudes / angels love romance, Vegas / fast-paced plotting, Elvis / make a song a book and her newest, Undercover FBI / with sizzling conflicts and lots of humor.
Mimi's been heard to say: "I'm an author who loves to read uplifting stories about romance. Add in some time travel, or maybe an angel, or even a little romantic suspense and it makes the story more fascinating because of the incredible possibilities."
Melinda Curtis
Award winning, USA Today bestseller Melinda Curtis writes fun, steamy romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Sharp, sassy, modern version of a screwball comedy from Hollywood's Golden Age except a lot hotter.” Melinda also writes sweet romances - the Harmony Valley series for Harlequin Heartwarming, and the sweet romantic comedy Bridesmaid series. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf."
Donna Fasano
USA Today Bestselling Author Donna Fasano is the author of over 30 romance and women's fiction titles. Her award-winning books have been described as "emotional," "heartwarming," and "simply wonderful!" Over the course of her 25 year career, she has sold 4 million books worldwide. BigAl from BooksAndPals.com says, "Donna Fasano is a keen observer of human nature and creates characters that ring true to life."
Mona Risk
USA Today Bestselling Author, Mona Risk, recently received an Outstanding Achiever Award from Affaire de Coeur Magazine. Her name has often been posted on the Amazon.com 100 Most Popular Authors in Romance list. She's a two time winner of Best Contemporary Romance of the Year from Readers Favorite; a winner of Best Romance Novel of the Year from Preditors & Editors Readers Poll; and an EPIC Award finalist.
Her contribution to Valentine Hearts and Kisses is Valentine Babies.
Helen Scott Taylor
USA Today bestselling author, Helen Scott Taylor, writes sweet contemporary romance set in the UK and Europe. Her contribution to Hearts & Kisses is The Army Doctor's Valentine's Baby, part of her Army Doctor's series.
Ari Thatcher
Ari Thatcher is the “naughty name” of USA Today Bestselling sweet romance author Aileen Fish. Ari has always loved sexy romance where love takes the leading role. Reviews have called her work “captivating” and “compelling”, and her characters “intelligent, intriguing and realistic.”
Patrice Wilton
Patrice Wilton is a USA Today and National best selling author of more than 20 books. Her best known series include The Candy Bar Series, Serendipity Falls series, and her returning war hero series, A HERO LIES WITHIN, HANDLE WITH CARE and AT FIRST SIGHT.
She lives in West Palm Beach with her retired PGA golf pro husband, and plays tennis and golf when she's not writing fun, sexy romance stories. She loves emails and will answer everyone the same day.
With an impressive bibliography in an array of genres and boasting #1 bestseller status on Amazon.com, Traci Hall has garnered a notable fan base. She pens stories guaranteed to touch the heart while transporting the reader to another time and place. Her belief in happily ever after shines through, whether it's a romantic glimpse into history or a love affair for today.
Anna J. Stewart
National bestselling author Anna J. Stewart can't remember a time she didn't have a book in her hands or a story in her head. Early obsessions with Star Wars, Star Trek andWonder Woman set her on the path to creating fun, funny, and family centric romances with happy endings for her independent heroines for both Harlequin and Berkley. Anna lives in Northern California where she deals with a serious Supernatural & Sherlock addiction, surrounds herself with friends and family, and tolerates an overly affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).
Jackie Weger
An internationally published author, Jackie Weger has been writing romance novels off and on for thirty years. When not writing Jackie is traveling the good earth by foot, train, boat, plane, mule and pickup. Ports of call include London and Paris, Panama and Costa Rica during which she collects memories, friends, fans and experiences—all of which often make appearances in her novels.
***GIVEAWAY***
Contest ends on Sunday and everyone who comments is eligible.
(We reserve the right to waive the prize in any week when there are not enough contestants for a draw to be deemed fair and unbiased)
Oh boy, love is in the air! Welcome to your roast, ladies. Holy cow, what a collection of talent!
ReplyDeleteHi Mac! Talent is in the air, and love and romance, and 12 book box sets! We are floating high on hope, champagne and best wishes!
DeleteWoot! Mackenzie! You just did a spectacular roast. Funny. I love it. Thank you so much for roasting racy Traci. We are having so much fun with Hearts and Kisses... Sending you a dozen virtual chocolate roses--no calories. Happy Valentine's Day!
DeleteThank you for having us here! All those wonderful pics of chocolates and cake are making me hungry.
DeleteWow, so many delicious treats and such a fun tribute to our Hearts & Kisses Box Set. Thanks so much, ladies!
DeleteWelcome to the wonderful authors of 'Hearts and Kisses' Wow! What a wonderful collection of romance! Absolutely perfcect for this coming Valentine's Day. Wishing you loads of success with this set, ladies - and much chocolate and love!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for having us here~! We really appreciate it. I'll pop in later. I'm having my hair done this afternoon for the party!!
DeleteThanks for the warm welcome, Hywela!
DeleteHi Mac! Lyn waves to her fellow hostess. Doens't this collection look amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great group of authors. I know some of these ladies too as they are sister authors at TWRP. And I am just so impressed that we...okay, Mary and Lyn....threw this fab party together on such short notice. And just in time for Valentine's Day too. I think that calls for a toast! Oliver, what kind of fru fru cocktails do you suggest for such an occasion?
ReplyDeleteHi Lilly! Thanks so much for throwing this amazing party on such short notice! The girls were cruising or something and didn't request it in time! But it's a beautiful blog just the same.
DeleteWe do know how to throw a party!
DeleteThis is an amazing blog - Mary, I'm concerned you will be au naturelle before the day is over!!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry I have a body stocking on. LOL Wow what a great bunch of authors! Amazing talent here. Whoops there goes another heart...
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it Mary! You know how chocolate can stain!
DeleteWe take turns keeping an eye on Mary so she doesn't get too out of hand. lol! Of course, Mac and LaVerne try their best to keep me in line, but sometimes those cocktails are just too good to resist having just a glass or 2 more than is recommended. lol!
DeleteLilly Gayle, have as many as you want, girl :)
DeleteLilly Gayle, I think something pink and fruity to start with. Daiquiri? Hi Lyn!! Thank you so much for hosting us - I've just put the word out, so the rest of the guests should be arriving soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Traci - pink and fruity? Sounds like a strawberry! Will Oliver feed them to you, one by one?
DeleteI hope so - strawberries swiped through the fountain, lol
DeleteThose cosmopolitans look good too. I'll try one of each!
DeleteGreat Traci. I'll take a strawberry Daiquiri. Oliver will make whatever rocks your boat. And he says the book rocks!
ReplyDeleteI'll have a Mango Margarita, please dear Oliver? And a Godiva chocolate! I'm in a decadent mood.
DeleteDecadence. Now that is something I can get into!
DeleteAre those hearts Mary is wearing edible? I have it on good authority that Oliver likes edible clothing... can't resist it in fact...
ReplyDeleteMe, I never made it past the chocolate fountain.
Alison, how about we put Oliver in the chocolate fountain?
DeleteOnly the underwear hearts are edible!
DeleteWow - ladies you did a beautiful job! Looks fantastic, and so do you, Mary is your edible heart clothing! I hope Oliver is behaving himself - he can get so unruly at these parties!
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning post. Everything's so pretty--what a celebration! And what fun ideas for enjoying Valentine's Day. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Anna! Have Oliver pour you a drink. They are delicious!
DeleteWelcome Anna - Oliver is a delightful host, wink, wink
DeleteHi Mary R, so good to be here again. Miss you, my friend. This way Oliver, I need a big strawberry daiquiri and a bigger hug. With so many chocolate to taste, I'll bypass lunch and dinner!
ReplyDeleteWho needs it? Chocolate is a Super Food, lol
DeleteYes, who needs dinner when we can have chocolate! (This is probably why I need to go on a diet.)
DeleteMona not seeing you is like missing the sunset!
DeleteAre you going to the meeting?
What a cool way to structure an interview! I've already got my box, plus one for my valentine :-).
ReplyDeleteHi Pete - with these ladies, nothing is ever boring, lol
DeleteHope you are all enjoying your roast. And don't you just love how you can over-indulge on alcohol and sweets and not wake up 10 pounds heavier and with a hangover? lol!
ReplyDeleteNo hangover is The Best!
DeleteWhat fun! Thanks for letting us party here.
ReplyDeleteAileen Fish, this is Party Central. These ladies are famous for it, lol
DeleteDo you realize today is Friday the 13th!!!
ReplyDeleteBad luck? Absolutely not.
Good luck sign in my family.
I like that you live dangerously Mona...I like watching scary movies, maybe snuggled up with Oliver??
DeleteMmmm, I've been helping Oliver in the kitchen (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it," and of course I had to sample all these cakes and chocolates to make sure they were up to standard! I have to say there's only one thing I like better than chocolate dipped strawberries or chocolate cake, and that's a chocolate fountain! Great to see all you lovely authors here, each and every story looks wonderful. Oooh and we had one of those rare creatures, a gentleman too! Hi Pete, lovely to see you here!
ReplyDeleteDon't scare him away, Lyn, lol! Offer him some of that cake!
DeleteSo glad to see everyone is having fun. I'm traveling cross country and popping in between flights. Save me some of that cake please. :-)
ReplyDeleteSorry Pete am I really that scvary? Didn't mean to frighten you, that's not at all the image I was trying to portray, do have a slice of this delicious cake! (Sorry I did try to comment earlier but Google won't accept my personal password for some reason, so having to use AR.!)
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for another drink-how about a white Zinfandel with some more cake? Oliver, oh Oliver!
ReplyDeleteHi everyone! This is my kind of party! Chocolate and books - written by fabulous authors.
ReplyDeleteI had no trouble finding the action - all I had to do was follow the trail of hearts. I can't believe there are still hundreds attached, Mary! It must have taken you ages to stick them all on.
Ah, thank you Oliver! *Sips at chilled Marlborough white and nibbles on chocolate-covered strawberry* I'm off to go and grab my copy of this set :)
Hi Laverne - welcome! I'll try what you're having;)
DeleteAren't you supposed to be sleeping LaVerne. LaVerne is the hostess who is wwwwwayyyy far away. Further then Lyn!
DeletePlease forgive me for disappearing. I had a prior engagement. I loved saying that as I never have engagements at all! I was invited to a tea party weeks ago, by a fellow author. The discussions were hilarious!!! Have you ever heard of tentacle sex? Guess at who's house the party happened? And then look it up. And laugh, like crazy...Now I'm thinking about the unicorns, and dinosaurs mentioned. LOLOL
ReplyDeleteSo is everyone enjoying themselves. How could you not with this group of authors to play with here today??
Tentacle sex!? Explain!! Haha
DeleteI know I was a bit like, what, tentacle sex?? Well I think I'll do a blog about it. And the author whose name was Chuck Tingle, was at 28,000 on amazon! One of the others said she'd read it and he was a good author. Authors are a unique breed huh???
DeleteVery. And there's a reader for everybody!!
DeleteHi La Verne, what are we going to do with our Mary! No Mary dear, no wonder they keep coming off if you try to stick them on with chocolate! What's that? You have an ulterior motive? I'm shocked! *gasp* but I shouldn't be should I, LOL!
ReplyDeleteIsn't this a fantastic set of books LaVerne! I need to go and check them out myself!
How do you think I get the guys? It's all wardrobe malfunctions...
DeleteYour secret is out!!
DeleteThis one is guaranteed to hit the NYT best seller list! I just facebooked and twitter. What do I get if I'm right?? I'd love to do one someday, any takers????LOLOL
ReplyDeleteI really like anthologies, you get value in so many stories, and they are short enough to do each one in between washloads!!! Or should I say paragraphs??
And they're absolutely fantastic value at 99 British pence and I'm assuming it's also 99 American cents?
DeleteOurs are a little longer than something you can read between loads, lol. And yes, only 99 pence!!
DeleteMary - you are a gal after my own heart!! If we hit the list, you can choose any book you want and send me the link and I'll gift it to you ( of course from my list) LOL!! just my name and Hotmail.com xoxo
DeleteMary! And there was me thinking how unlucky you were with all your wardrobe malfunctions! Naughty, lucky girl! :)
ReplyDeleteTrust me, these malfunctions are all planned, even, Janet Jackson's, was well planned!
DeleteHappy Valentine's Day to everyone. Lots of new authors to me and some I know. I bet that is a great set of books with wonderful stories.
ReplyDeleteSue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Sue! Thanks for coming!
DeleteHi Sue, so glad you could join the party! You can't go wrong with this set of books - an absolute bargain!
ReplyDeleteThe party will continue all weekend, if you want to comment, please do!!!
ReplyDeleteNite all!
Thanks for coming everybody, and thank you amazing hostesses!
ReplyDeleteChocolate, hearts & roses. It's all happening here today.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This was the bestest blog by far....it's so cool!! Sending hugs to all the girls and hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow. May the Valentine's bunny bring you lots and lots of kisses (made of chocolate!!) xoxo
ReplyDeleteSorry girls for not chatting a bit more. See - one thing you may not know about me is that I'm a HUGE cricket fan - and my national team were playing the opening game in the cricket world cup today, hence me MIA. Glad to say we won - woohoo!!
ReplyDeleteAnd great to see the lovely Oliver is still dispensing the drinks along with that gorgeous smile of his. Thanks Oliver! Don't mind if I do ;)
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
ReplyDelete(Yes it's Valentine's Day this side of the pond already, and I had chocs and a card from Hubby, so feeling good!:) )
Hi Mary, and Hello to everyone I haven't already said 'hello' to, and thanks for the compliment Mimi, so glad you liked the blog, it makes, us hostesses feel good, good, good! :)
Have a great Valentine's weekend everyone. There's plenty of chocolate and champagne left and someone will be around all weekend to keep your plates filled and your glasses topped up!
Oh, Lyn, LaVerne, Lilly, etc. , so good to 'see' you again! Another fabulous job, ladies :-)...as you did with my BEYOND WORDS. Just so you know, I'm dipping my greedy little paws into all those wonderful treats--and washing them down with champagne LOL
ReplyDeleteAnd so lovely to 'see' you again too, Diane! :) We had such a blast toasting you and your fab book. The pleasure is all ours you see - we get all the food and drink we want (delivered by the incomparable Oliver) and get an intimate introduction to the most amazing of stories!
ReplyDeleteOh, and the best thing about living on the other side of the world to you all is I get to enjoy Valentine's Day again.:) Your hubby is the best, Lyn! :)
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
So much fun! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely LaVerne, you hit the nail on the head! We just love hosting our fellow authors!
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, as La Verne said, loely to see you again, and hi Laurie, so glad you enjoyed the party.
(Oh I had flowers this evening as well as the chocs. I'm a lucky girl!)
I might be late but I still loved that post. What a fun blog you have here. Great stuff. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Dale! This has been great...and fun! They post every Friday-you should see what kind of party they could put together for you!
DeleteHello Dale, no worries, we love latecomers and always keep some goodies aside just in case! So glad you enjoyed the post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lyn for making everyone feel so welcome!
DeleteWhat a great party!
ReplyDeleteThank you Traci and the author authors, it's been great having you as our special guests of honour!
ReplyDelete