Marianne Rice

It's time To Fall In Love...With New England #Booklover #Books #FILWNE

10/6/2017

Fall. If you're a New Englander, chances are it's your favorite season. Even though I grew up in sunny California, I've been in Maine since college and will always consider myself a Mainer, I think I'm especially fond of fall because I didn't get to experience it living in Southern California.

There's so much to love about New England year round, especially Maine, but when Mother Nature cools down and the leaves begin to change...wow. Just wow! Magnificent leaves of red and gold and orange line every road for as far as the eye can see.

Everywhere you look, there's beauty to be seen.

And with the changing leaves also comes the scrumptious smells. Crisp, sweet apples freshly picked from the orchard. Slice them and bake in a pie, or make a batch of apple sauce in the crockpot and the entire house smells heavenly.

My kids love apple nachos. Thinly sliced and spread out on a plate, then drizzled with chocolate, melted peanut butter and coconut. If we have caramel on hand, we drizzle some of that as well.

Pumpkin. Everything pumpkin. Pumpkin whoopie pies are a favorite in our house, as are pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. I love pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream and pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap crust. YUM!

Between the leaves, the apples, the pumpkins, the corn mazes and mums, you'd think Maine couldn't get any better. And then there's the Fall In Love With New England Reader event in New Hampshire. It's where some of my favorite authors and I get together to put on a fabulous weekend for our readers. If you're in New England on Saturday, October 14th, stop by the Best Western in Manchester, New Hampshire. It's totally free to get in! I'll have goodies for all my reader friends.

Break out the fuzzy socks, the blankets, the tea mugs and dive into your favorite books this fall. (Preferably one you've picked up and had autographed at the Fall in Love with New England event!) Tell me, my reader friends, what's your favorite thing about the fall?

Happy reading,
Marianne

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I'm Wide And I'm Cheap #99c #bookworm #MFRWAuthor

9/4/2017

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Yup. You heard me right. I'm wide and cheap.
First, I'm wide. Well, the nightly ice cream and the baking aren't helping my hips any, but that's not what I'm referring to. Most of my books are currently in KU (Kindle Unlimited) which has disheartened my readers who use Nook, Google Play and Kobo. Good news! False Start is now on all platforms--it's now wide.

And I'm cheap! In celebration of going wide False Start is only $.99 on ALL platforms! How cool is that?

And I get even cheaper!! I'm super excited to tell you about an anthology Wounded Love is part of. I joined up with six other International and USA Today bestselling authors to bring you My Soldier 2, a boxed set of SEVEN FULL-LENGTH military romances for only $.99. Wow! You can't beat that!

Don't forget, you can sign up for my newsletter for exclusive giveaways. And all new subscribers get a link to a free book. Pretty cool, eh?

Want to be part of my reader group? Click here to join the Ricecakes. It's all fun and games over there.

Happy reading!
~Marianne

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Get Lucky with All In For Love @ketadiablo

8/24/2017

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ALL IN FOR LOVE

Six award-winning authors bring you six *sweet to sensual* romances filled with suspense, thrills and maybe even a ghost or two--for less than the price of a cup of coffee—99 cents!
Welcome to La Bonne Chance Resort & Casino!
With thousands of people passing through the casino’s doors on a daily basis, it’s no surprise that a variety of lives and loves are on the line there. It’s said that you’re more likely to lose your heart at La Bonne Chance than a hand of poker. Whether you are the Director of Casino Operations or the guy who created its software, a jilted bride or a black jack dealer, a past guest’s ghost or a sous chef--when it comes to love, the stakes are high.
Thank goodness what happens at La Bonne Chance, doesn’t always stay at La Bonne Chance….
Ready to roll the dice?
An Inn Decent Proposal, Sharon Buchbinder
Can an hotelier with a past and a chef with a future revive the grand dame in a neglected old inn?

Perfect Odds, Lashanta Charles
When a jilted bride meets the man of her dreams, will she embrace the new plan, or cling stubbornly to the old one?

A Ghost To Die For, Keta Diablo
She didn't believe in ghosts...until one showed up in her room.

Raising Kane, Kat Henry Doran
Funny how a night in jail will change a woman's outlook on life.

For Money Or Love, Margo Hoornstra
She's the one woman he can't afford to lose.

Take A Chance On Me, M.J. Schiller
Who do you count on when the chips are down?
Giveaway
To add to the fun, we are giving away one gambling themed handmade item to ONE lucky commenter who will be selected by a Random Number Generator.
Links
BuyLink https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071V94BWM
FacebookPage https://www.facebook.com/allinforloveanthology/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35052000-all-in-for-love
Webpage http://lucky6authorsblog.blogspot.com/
Tagline (20 words) happens at La Bonne Chance, doesn’t always stay at La Bonne Chance. Are you ready to roll the dice?
* * *
Excerpts and Author Fun Facts
Excerpt from An Inn Decent Proposal by Sharon Buchbinder
After the hotel auction, a stunned Jim Rawlings and excited Genie King go to Sips, a local coffee house. Overwhelmed with self-doubts verging on buyer’s remorse, Jim begins to question his sanity. Genie, on the other hand, is bursting with enthusiasm and ideas…

“Why did you want this place?”
“The old girl called to me, begged me to save her.” He gave Genie a wistful smile. “Do I sound crazy?”
“You call the Inn ‘she,’ too?”
“Yes, she’s like a grand old dame who’s fallen on hard times.  Remember the parties? The famous people who stayed and played there? Celebrities came to the Inn because they knew their privacy and secrets were safe with us. If those walls could talk!  Every day was new and exciting. I would love to bring back her glory days.”
Genie leaped up, ran around the table and hugged him. “I have the same dream. We can do it.”
He hesitated for a moment, then returned the gesture, his hands unable to resist lingering on her luscious curves just a tad too long. Genie’s inviting cleavage made him wish they were somewhere private. He could scarcely breathe and had to shake his head to dispel naughty images of nuzzling her soft breasts. “We can do what?”
She sat down again, but clung to his hands. “I’ve done the research. The Inn should be in the National Park Service Historic Registry—but it isn’t. If we can get her added to the Registry, there are laws and standards about how we make the rehabilitation. We can bring it up to modern codes, but have to use certain treatments—”
“I hate to burst your bubble, but where will we get the money to do all this?” He wasn’t sure he could afford too many more big gambles like this last one.
Her face flushed and her sapphire blue eyes sparkled. “If we can get her added to the Registry, we’ll qualify for special low interest loans. And for a major tax credit. And we have a million dollars in equity.”
“Pretty, smart—and you say you can cook? If you can do all that, you are a genie.”
She released his hands, pulled her shoulders back, and inadvertently gave him a better glimpse of her bosom. Genie gave him a scalding look. “Are you challenging my cooking, Mr. Rawlings?”
Uh-oh. He never dreamed of Genie having a little temper. He couldn’t resist tweaking her. “I’m sure you’re a solid cook.”
She stood, almost knocking her chair over. “Solid? What the hell does that mean? Average? Good enough to make the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner for the family—but not good enough to cook for guests? Tell you what, Mr. Critic, you come to my house for dinner tomorrow night.” She scribbled her address on a business card and threw it on the table. “My food makes men go weak at the knees.”
Hypnotized by the sway of her voluptuous ass as she stalked out of the nearly empty café, Jim bet it wasn’t just this saucy woman’s cooking that made strong men weak.

About Sharon Buchbinder
Sharon Buchbinder and her husband used to breed and show Egyptian Maus and Color Point Persians (formerly called Himalayans). If you’ve ever seen the mockumentary, Best in Show, you have an idea of what life was like 24 out of 52 weekends a year for this wild and crazy couple. When Sharon returned to school for her PhD in 1986, she decided a doctoral program plus a toddler plus a full time job was more than enough and they placed all their cats in good homes—including their own.
* * *
Excerpt from Perfect Odds by Lashanta Charles
Callista is meeting her fiancé at the airport so they can fly out to N.Y. where they're supposed to get married, but it seems plans have been changed without her knowledge.

“James? Where are you? They’re boarding everyone now,” I say when I answer.
            “I’m not coming,” he says.
            I pause in making my way to the attendant station. Surely I heard him wrong.
            “Hang on a sec, let me ask them how long we have before they can no longer wait. If you’re here already it shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll just need to hurry. Like, sprint through the airport or maybe get one of those guys on the carts to give you a ride somehow.”
            The attendant smiles at me and holds her hand out for my boarding pass. I move to give it to her, but hear James speaking again.
            “Cali, you’re not listening. I’m not there. I’m not coming,” he says.
            Pulling my boarding pass away from the attendant, I force a smile and step away for privacy. “What are you talking about, James? I’m here waiting for you.” As if he doesn’t know that. He helped me load our luggage into the car before I left this morning. Is this some sick joke he’s pulling right now?
“I’m not coming, Cali,” James repeats for the third time.
            I stare numbly at the ‘now boarding’ screen above the attendant. I heard him the first two times. It makes as much sense now as it did then – none.
            “I don’t understand. You can’t not come. I can see if they’ll schedule us for a different flight. I’m sure it’s not too late. We’re getting there early enough that one day won’t really matter,” I tell him.
            He lets out an exasperated sigh. He’s annoyed? We’re two weeks away from our wedding and I’m at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, sans fiancé. I battled an hour and a half of traffic to get here and get us both checked in two hours early, lugged all our suitcases – overweight, I might add – only for him to call when it’s time to board the flight to New York and tell me he’s not coming, yet, he’s the one who’s annoyed?
            “I don’t know what else to say, Cali. I’m trying to do right by you here. We both knew this wouldn’t end well.”
            I splutter. Try as I might, I can no longer get the words to flow from my mouth to have this conversation. We didn’t know anything of the sort. Do right by me? How is standing me up for our wedding doing right by me? I didn’t ask to marry myself. I didn’t insist on us having a short engagement or me moving in with him. I definitely didn’t count on any of this.

About Lashanta Charles
So I don't really have anything too witty, but I have a 6-year-old with a sharp tongue. One of the things I always tell my kids is that mommy and daddy knows everything. So one day I'm taking my daughter to the store to buy toys with her birthday money. This is how the conversation went:
Her: So, who gave me this birthday money?
Me: Poppy (Grandad)
Her: Oh, I really miss Poppy. I want to go see him.
Me: Well, you have to wait until this summer, when you're out of school.
Her: Why?
Me: Because you have to learn things in school and if you miss a day, you'll miss what you need to learn and then you won't know everything.
Her: Ohhhhh, you mean like you and daddy don't really know everything even though you say you do?
Me: *speechless*

* * *
Excerpt from A Ghost To Die For by Keta Diablo
Rooney encounters a stranger in her hotel room and soon finds out he's a ghost!

Rooney looked at the man through narrowed eyes. "You weren't at the séance on stage, so what then, were you in the audience?"
No, I was on stage, but kind of hanging around in the background. He put his hands in the air, palms out. I swear, I won't hurt you, but I been lurking around this hotel for two months now wondering how I was going to get out of this mess. Then you arrived at La Bonne Chance with your sister, you know, the fabulous Fontaine sisters, the crème-dela-crème of psychics, and my prayers were answered.
She snorted. "I'm not a psychic, mister, so if that's your angle, you picked the wrong sister."
No, I picked the right sister. Now if only I can get her to hear me out.
"I don't want to hear you out; I want you to get the hell out of my hotel room. Like now!" When he didn't comply, she moved the can of hair spray until it loomed inches from his face. "I'm going to count to three. If you aren't out of that chair and out that door by then, I'm giving you a face full of hair spray."
Go ahead. Maybe then you'll realize what I am and listen.
"You asked for it." She held the nozzle down and let him have it right between the eyes. He didn't move a muscle, didn't react at all. Much to her dismay, she didn't even have the satisfaction of seeing him blink. The drizzle and aroma of hair spray hung heavy in the air but didn't seem to bother him nearly as much as it did her. Through a series of chokes and chortles she managed to eke out the words. "What are you, some kind of weirdo with inhuman defenses?"
A ghost.
"What!"
You asked me what I am and I'm telling you. I'm a ghost.
Eyes wide, voice in shriek mode, she fell onto the edge of the bed and glared at him. "You can't be a ghost. I don't believe in ghosts!"
Understandable. Neither did I until I became one.
She reached out and touched his arm, more to prove him wrong than anything else. A startled scream escaped when her fingers danced through vacant air. Coming to her feet, she paced a small area beside the bed. "This can't be happening. It isn't possible."
That's exactly what I said when they pushed me off the balcony and I wound up in this state.
She resumed her prior position on the bed. "Someone pushed you off a balcony?"
More like tossed me over, right here at the La Bonne Chance Casino, seventh floor, two months ago.
"Two months ago? You've been wandering around here for two months?"
He released an exasperated sigh. I thought you might be a good listener, but I've said that twice now. Two months ago I died, and yes I've been hanging out here, twiddling my thumbs and trying to figure out what to do next.
"You can't leave the hotel?"
Not yet, anyway. I'm working on it, but you have no idea how much energy it takes just to project my voice. No one else has been able to hear me, or see me, until you, Rooney, and now I seem to be experiencing a renewed sense of energy.
"Stop saying my name as if we're besties."
Well, after that séance and the conversation you had with Violet about your little sister, Vanessa, I kind of feel as if we are.

About Keta Diablo
Keta once dressed up as old man on Halloween and picked up her 9th grader at school in costume! Needless to say, he wasn't pleased. In fact, he refused to get in the car. She followed him out of the parking lot and down the street for two blocks before he'd even look at her. Yes, he finally got in, but didn't appreciate her humor...at all. Update: He's in college now and says the "old man" incident is now one of his fondest childhood memories.

* * *
Excerpt from Raising Kane by Kat Henry Doran
Lt. Kieran Pollack signs in to work and comes up against the woman of his dreams: Mallory Kane, ace investigative reporter. Unfortunately she's just spent the night in jail and is in no mood to speak with anyone--particularly a cop.

“Anything I need to know before I head upstairs, Sarge?”
“It’s all there.” The night duty man passed him the report from the previous platoon. “The usual pugs, thugs and mugs threw themselves a circus down at The Dirty Dawg last night.”
Kieran scrawled his name on the sign-in roster. “Again? Somebody ought to look into closing down that pest hole.”
“I bet the Mayor is thinkin’ along those same lines. With the Chief on vacation and the Deputy Chief at a meeting out of town, as PIO it’s your job to handle the fallout. Lucky man.”
Fall-out? “What are you talking about?”
A woman with mile-long legs and hair the color of roasting chestnuts strode past the desk, heading in the direction of the revolving door.
“Overnight guest,” the sergeant advised under his breath. “TV Reporter. I was you, I’d head that one off at the pass.”
In addition to a talent for scoping out shapely legs, Kieran possessed the good sense to act on sound advice. After shooting both cuffs and ensuring his tie hung straight, he glided up beside the woman. “Excuse me, miss?”
She stopped, threw back her shoulders, then turned. “Yes?”
In the shimmer of an early morning sun he saw a nasty bruise blossoming across one cheekbone and winced. “Does that hurt as bad as it looks?”
“Who are you and what do you want?”
She possessed a voice designed to make a man think of hot nights and cool sheets. Extending a hand, he launched into his usual PIO song and dance. “Kieran Pollack, Public Information Officer for the Victory PD. What’s a pretty thing such as yourself doing in a joint like this?”
The screech of tires on the street outside obscured any response she might have made. Panel vans bearing the logos of the local TV affiliates disgorged reporters and camera-persons who wasted no time in storming the doors to the Public Safety Building.
Kieran attempted to head her off at the pass with a fast two-step and a faster line of bull. “Look, can you help out this hard working public servant?”
She raised one hand to shield her injured cheek. “Not without my attorney.”
“Aw, now. Why do you want to go and do something like that? We don’t need no lousy lawyers to make things right, do we?”
“I believe it’s somewhere in the Bill of Rights,” she murmured, eluding his out-stretched hand with a fast step to the left.
“Please. Hear me out,” he pressed, one eye on the camera-persons now jockeying for position just inside the doors. “I can make this all disappear―if we could go someplace to talk. It would be to your advantage, I promise.”
A spark flared in those dull, pain-filled eyes. “I’d sooner walk barefoot through a nest of pit vipers than spend one second alone with any member of the Victory Police Department.”

About Kat Doran
There was the time I played private duty nurse for my uncle, after he underwent a resection of an aortic aneurysm. Very scary for a number of different reasons. It became my job to ensure Father Joe got sufficient rest which boiled down to playing traffic cop and time-keeper on visitors. On one afternoon, I could see Joe was fatigued and needed a nap. As I rounded up the crowd to send them out the door, one smirked at me. "Who's Nurse Ratched, Joe?" he asked.
I said, "Who are you, the Pope?"
He said, "Close to it, honey. I'm the Bishop."
Aw geez.

* * *

Excerpt from For Money or Love by Margo Hoornstra
Lindsey Carr's two best friends, Rita and Anne, discuss exactly why she and her mega-millionaire boss, Daniel Montgomery, are no longer romantically involved.

Shooting Lindsey a quickly manufactured smile, she turned her full attention to the eye candy. “No doubt about it. Those are bedroom eyes.” She trailed her fingertips over Daniel’s forehead, down his cheek and onto the outline of his lips.
Lindsey brought both hands to her lap under the table, locked her fingers together and squeezed. It was a four-page spread in Today’s Tech magazine. The picture of Daniel’s forehead, cheek and lips.
An important distinction to remember. If that had been her boss in the flesh he’d be blushing beet red from all the fluttery female attention. Daniel Montgomery was different than most other powerful millionaires. Those she’d heard about anyway. Certainly drop dead gorgeous as had been established. With a mile wide shy streak not many people knew about or even suspected. Hands still clasped, Lindsey leaned away from the display.
Anne slid her glass aside and moved up to fill the void, her critical gaze focused on Daniel’s picture. “I’m never sure what the term ‘bedroom eyes’ means.”
“Not droopy or sleepy.” Rita didn’t bother to look up. “Sexy. There’s no other word for it. Well, maybe erotic would fit. I must say, Lindsey. It amazes me you can work side by side with this man day in and day out and manage to keep your hands to yourself.”
“It’s easy.” She murmured the blatant lie. Very easy. He does the same and then some.
“You and this marvelous specimen.” Rita waited until Lindsey glanced up then met her eye to eye. “As a couple, are old news, right? That’s what you’ve said.”
“Absolutely.” Purposely lowering her voice, she mentally counted to five before she spoke again. “We did the dating thing for a while.” She shrugged one shoulder for effect. “It didn’t work for us.”
Lindsey took a small gulp of wine to avoid having to share more, and was relieved when Rita and Anne went back to hunk browsing. Trying her best to ignore the fact it was Daniel’s hunk they browsed, she gave up to give into her own thoughts about the man. Bowing to a mutual attraction that became evident soon after they met, Lindsey and Daniel dated for a time. A very short time, consisting of a few casual dinners, a couple of movies. That one night in….
“Why didn’t it work for you exactly?”
Unsure who asked the question, Lindsey looked up then blinked. “It just didn’t.” She slowly let out a breath. “I don’t think of Daniel Montgomery in that way.” Much anymore.
“Then why are you blushing?” Her sharp gaze unrelenting, Rita leaned considered her from across the table. “Care to share?”
I’ll have no peace around here until I do. Taking her time to indulge in another sip, she completed a long, slow swallow then licked her lips.

About Margo Hoornstra
Becoming a coffee connoisseur wasn’t an instant fall head over heels event for Margo Hoornstra. Initial cups were loaded with milk and sugar. When the children arrived, two AM feedings coupled with six AM risings for work necessitated more indispensable caffeine. Flavored, iced, lattes and such, a true coffee aficionado, she covets them all.

* * *
Excerpt from Take A Chance On Me by M.J. Schiller
After chasing leads at the station, Cash returns to his home where his partner, Ian, is supposed to be watching over the murder witness, Harper...

Cash slowly pulled his keys out of the door, examining the pair. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing. Right, Ian?”
Ian nodded loosely. “Nothing. Like she said.”
Cash closed the door and set his keys on the end table. “Uh-huh.” He stuck his hands in his pockets. “What’s behind your back?”
Ian shot a glance at Harper. “You’re on your own.” He ducked into the kitchen.
“Coward,” she mumbled out of the side of her mouth.
Cash moved forward, and she took a step back. He lunged, catching her, and causing her to scream. He wrestled the bottle from her hand and brought it out where he could see it. Ian ran in, his concerned gaze darting to Harper. He stopped and put a hand over his heart, leaning against the side of the archway between the two rooms.
“Hmm.” Cash took a step back, tilting the bottle. He fought the smile tugging on his lips. “Is this my Jäger?”
Ian and Harper looked at each other with open mouths, but neither spoke.
Cash ambled over to the coffee table and clinked the bottle against the shot glasses as he set it down. “So—and correct me if I’m wrong—it looks like, while I’ve been out working my ass off, the two of you were busy getting snockered.”
“Oh, no.” Harper shook her head. “We were working hard, right, Ian?”
Ian made an attempt to stand straight, but swayed comically. “We were working hard.” He nodded, but turned to Harper. “What were we working hard at again?”
“Looking at the mug shots.”
“Oh. Yeah. That’s right. We were looking at the mug shots.” He faced Cash. “And doing shots.”
“Sh-sh-sh. It’s a secret.” Harper laughed.
Ian chuckled along with her. “Oh, yeah.”
Cash put his hands on his hips. “Well, I hate to tell you, friends, but the cat’s out of the bag now.”
“Cat? What cat?” Harper laughed, seeming to be slightly more sober than her partner in crime, his partner.
“He has a cat?” Ian seemed genuinely confused, looking around for the feline. “You never told me you had a cat.”
Harper sputtered and broke into laughter again.
Cash sat, hiding his chuckle. She was so damned cute. He put his feet on the coffee table, spreading his arms out along the top of the couch. “Whose idea was this anyhow?”
They pointed at each other.
“It was mine?” Harper asked. Ian nodded. “Oh. It was mine.” She smiled and didn’t appear to try to hide her pride.
Cash shook his head, staring at them for a moment. He stood and pulled out his phone. “Okay, Ian. I’m calling you an Uber.” He punched some buttons. “Chrissy’s gonna kick your butt. And the next time she sees me, she’s gonna kick my butt.” He looked at his screen. “Two minutes away.” He came over and put his arm around Ian, steering him to the door.
“I’m leaving?”
Cash grabbed his jacket off a recliner. “Yes, you are. Maybe the night air will sober you up some.”
“I doubt it.”
Cash laughed. “I doubt it, too. And you, little missie—” he swung around to point to her.
She looked about, then put a finger on her chest and mouthed “Me?”
“Yes, you. Don’t think you’re off the hook. I’ll deal with you when I get back.”

About M.J. Schiller
One day--when M.J.'s triplets were about two, and her eldest four--she was doing laundry and matching up the socks, one of her least favorite chores. She lined them up all along her arms as she hunted for their mates. After a bit of fruitless searching, she glanced at the time and realized she needed to hustle to be on time for a prayer service she was attending at her church.

She made it in time, her four children in tow, and removed her coat before kneeling to say a prayer. An half hour later, as she piously prayed along with the congregation, her eldest asked, "Mommy, why do you have a sock on your shoulder?" She had missed removing one of her husband's long, mateless gym socks!

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Take a Walk on the WIlde Side #Amreading #Sale #99cents

8/11/2017

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I have a treat for you! My Wilde Sisters Boxed set is only 99 pennies, but only for two days. That's right you mathematicians, each book is only $.33 each!

New to the series? Here's a little blurb about each:

Sweet on You
Rayne Wilde wants the husband, the house full of children and the white picket fence. Which is why she cannot sleep with Trent, the confirmed bachelor whom she’s befriended. As their relationship grows and secrets are revealed, the stakes get higher and the spark burns hotter. Can they handle the heat when life-changing secrets are laid bare or will one of them and run away from the life they’ve worked so hard to avoid?

Then Came You
Thyme Wilde doesn’t make long-term decisions—until she falls in love with one…
Multi-millionaire architect Grayson Montgomery lives in the lap of luxury—but at a cost…
One day changes Grayson’s future forever…
When it’s made evident Grayson sees her as a convenient placeholder, Thyme must push aside her desires and put Maddie above herself—even if it means sacrificing her heart to do it.

Wilde for You
An event planner who has lots of lists and no time for a relationship...
A sexy firefighter looking for love...
Who says you can’t mix work with pleasure?
After a few passionate nights, the line between love and lust begins to blur—leaving Sage more confused than ever.
Will Sage soften to the idea of commitment? Or will Luke stand by as the woman he loves plans a future without him?
Falling in love wasn't part of her plan...

I'll be giving away this amazing FOUR-BOOK prize pack,
including an autographed copy of Brenda Jackson's Seized
By Seduction. To enter, just sign up for my monthly newsletter. I'll be giving away books every month!

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A sweet smile, a dirty mind, and a playful heart. #MFRWHooks #Booklover

8/2/2017

6 Comments

It's Book Hook Wednesday. Here's a snippet from Playful Hearts. Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of the post and read hooks from author romance authors.

“What if I don’t want to kiss you?”
“Then don’t.” Blake leaned forward, eliminating the distance between them and touched his lips to hers.
Sweet like chocolate and fruity like the pink wine she’d been sipping. Blake knew better than to push his luck, but she’d smelled like freaking heaven’s bakery. Slowly and deliberately he’d inched his hands up her back and tangled them in her hair.

Playful Hearts is the fourth book in the Rocky Harbor series, but each can be read as a standalone.

Having fun and living his life on a whim is Blake Riley’s motto.

When he moves back to Rocky Harbor, Maine, he thinks his life is about to turn predictable…until he meets Mackenzie Pratt. Her smart mouth and quirky attitude make him want to see how wild they can get together.

Mackenzie’s too busy running the local coffee shop and caring for her mom and doesn’t have time for a real relationship. However, a sex-lationship is just the thing she needs, and Blake, with his crazy sense of adventure and raw sex appeal, is the perfect man for the job.

As their relationship begins to creep from the bedroom and dangerously close to her heart, their casual trysts develop into something more—something neither expected.

But Blake’s former life is full of secrets that threaten their developing relationship. Can Blake keep trouble away from Mackenzie? Or will their playful hearts grow cold when his past comes calling?

Fans of the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis, and the Eternity Springs series by Emily March might especially enjoy the sense of family and familiarity in the Rocky Harbor series, and discover a new go-to author in Marianne Rice. Take a trip to Rocky Harbor and see for yourself. --Passionate Reads

6 Comments

There's Nothing Like Your First Time #firsttimer #Fangirl #RWA17

7/31/2017

9 Comments

After five days in hot and humid Orlando, Florida at the Romance Writers of America conference, I'm home. I had the honor of hanging out with 2,000 other romance authors, aspiring, just starting out, and well-established.

There are so many highlights, and one was listening to the one and only Susan Wiggs give a fantastic keynote speech. This woman inspires me beyond measure.

My week was spent learning from the best--some I totally fangirl over, others were new-to-me authors (who I'll be reading!!). The writing community never ceases to amaze me. We're an organization of mostly women (there are some talented male romance writers out there as well!) who thrive on building each other up, sharing ideas and tips, and supporting each other in their careers. It's inspiring and invigorating. I really enjoyed Jennifer Probst's and Kimberly Kincaid's panel on obtaining new readers. Thanks for the tips, ladies!

And of course, there was some serious fangirling going on. My first morning, as I wound my way through the gorgeous Dolphin and Swan hotels in search of breakfast, I spotted my all time favorite author, somewhat hiding in a corner. Her head was down and she was tapping on her phone. Could it be? Yes it was...Jill Shalvis. There was no way in the world I could casually walk by without saying anything. So, I stopped in front of her (just Jill and I in a hallway. Who would have thunk!!!) and said, "You're Jill Shalvis." Like she didn't know who she was.

Jill (because we're totally on a first name basis now) confirmed she was in fact THE Jill Shalvis, and I reached in and hugged her. "I'm sorry. I have to hug you," I apologized. After. No, this girl did not ask for permission. I went for it. And she hugged me back. I blabbered like an idiot, commenting on our coordinating outfits, while she smiled and nodded. And then she picked up my nametag and said my name. (I'm sure it's forever stamped in her memory. I mean, we're like besties now). We talked about books, hers, mine, all before she politely said she had to go meet her editor for breakfast. I won't say the temptation to follow her and find a table next to her wasn't lurking in the forefront of my mind. I graciously thanked her for her time and walked away as casually as my shaking legs could take me.

Right then and there I knew the cost of the trip was worth it. And it was. Not only because I got to meet, hug, laugh, and talk with some amazing authors, but because I learned more about our isolated writing community. Romance authors are gracious (I can't use this word enough times) with their support and advice. The extremely talented Sharon Sala (A Nora Roberts Lifetime achievement recipient in 2010) brought me and four other RWA first timers to breakfast on Thursday morning. I loved listening to her talk about her family, friends, and books. A moment I'll cherish forever.

And the thrills never stopped. Running into old friends and having drinks, dinner and dessert with them (thanks for letting me have your dessert, Peggy Jaeger!), posing for silly pictures, and one-upping each other on the fangirl stalking.

Another highlight (I have many) was getting dolled up for the RITA awards. The talent in the room, oh my. And the dresses. Swoon. Here I am with RITA nominee Marie Force and Jennifer Probst. Don't they look stunning?

I was honored and humbled when one of my local readers took time out of her busy schedule to come by the hotel and meet me. We had some time to sit and chat, but I wish it could have been longer. I appreciated this beyond measure; she made me feel like a queen. Being on the other end of the fangirl excitement is even more wonderful.

The book signings and giveaways were endless. In fact, I have so many books, I'm paying it forward and giving many of them away to my readers. I'll be running contests and simply pulling random names from my newsletter list over the next few months. Not a subscriber? You can sign up HERE and will be automatically entered!

Want even MORE chances to win autographed books? Join my reader group, The Ricecakes. There, I post exclusive content, you'll see covers before they go live, and will have contests JUST for you. Join HERE.

I have autographed books from Kristan Higgins, Susan Wiggs, Rachel Gibson, Cindy Kirtk, Sharon Sala, Sarah Morgan, Toni Blake, Heather Graham, Karen Rose, Jennifer Snow, Kimberly Kincaid, RayAnne Thayne, Brenda Jackson and MORE.

Comment below and tell me who you totally fangirl over!

Happy reading,
Marianne

9 Comments

Goal Setting--Be Realistic #goals #Amwriting

6/26/2017

6 Comments

I'm an inconsistent goal setter. I can't say I always have goals, but when I set one, I reach it one hundred percent of the time.

How do I do that while working full time, keeping up with my three kids who are typically involved in at least four sports at a time, making all our meals from scratch (because of my son's gluten allergy and cross-contamination issues), getting my two type 1 diabetic children to their monthly doctor's appointments an hour away, and finding time to write three books a year? Well, to put it simply, I'm a realist.

Life is crazy. Crazy busy. Crazy hectic. Crazy fun. And crazy stressful. But my writing career (on top of teaching full time) relaxes me. Having deadlines from my editor and publisher are actually a blessing in disguise. They are my excuse to find some ME time and get my work done. If I didn't have them, I wouldn't ever get to escape to my room for a few hours while Hubby cleans up dinner. It's my excuse to get out of practices (I don't miss games for writing, though) and sometimes even laundry.

There are obvious obligations and deadlines I can't control, which requires planning and organization. Two things I am good at and actually enjoy doing. With my busy life, if I didn't plan I'd never know if I was coming or going. Two of my three children have diseases which require me--and someday them--to be on top of things twenty-four seven. I can't say I'm successful there. Thankfully my children's school nurses are amazing, and the kids are learning to be a bit more independent.

As for writing, my goal is to write three books a year. Before I was published, my goal was to write one a year. That's all I could manage without stressing myself out or letting something else go. And really, what could I give up? One of my kids? Their sports? My teaching job?

Since being published three years ago, I've learned so much from my amazing editors and publishing houses, which has also helped me become more prolific in my writing.

I write one book in the summer (today is my last day of school, so tomorrow I'll write Chapter 1 in my fifteenth novel), one during NaNo, finishing it during Christmas break, and I write another between January and the end of the school year. I typed THE END last night, making this year three in reaching my goal.

The key in my goal-setting success is pushing myself without over-doing it. I make goals that work for me. I don't watch much television and actually read less now, too. I was reading over a hundred books a year. I do miss reading that much, but I realized all that reading was taking up time I could use for writing. I read the most in the summer and now average about thirty books a year. A lot less than I'd like, but making a reading goal isn't something I feel will get me closer to my long term publishing goals (making a decent income). Reading is still a big part of my life, but now I balance it better with writing.

I know writers who make a goal to write five books a year. Others set out to write one. It's not a race or competition against each other. It's a challenge you need to make for yourself. Whether it be writing, reading, eating healthy, exercising, sleeping more, or even a work-related goal, start small. Make a goal you know you can reach. It's empowering when you reach it. Once you've met a handful of smaller goals, you can start making those big goals, the ones that may take a few years to reach.

Have confidence in yourself. Plan. Organize. And most importantly, make time for yourself. Make sure the goals you set are for YOU and are going to make YOU happy. If it becomes "one more thing" and takes away from doing what you really love, then you need to reassess.

I'm no expert, but this strategy and way of thinking has worked well for me. I'm no superwoman; there are millions of moms out there managing a whole heck of a lot more than I am and making it look effortless, but I often hear, "How do you do it all?".

The answer: I don't. I don't do it all. I do what matters to my family and then slice some time out for what matters to me. It's all about balance.

Set some goals. Don't reach for the stars. Reach for your passion. Once you've reached it, the stars will be dangling right in front of you.

6 Comments

A sweet smile, a dirty mind, and a playful heart.#booklover #romance

6/13/2017

1 Comment

It's with great excitement that I share with you Mackenzie Pratt and Blake Riley's love story. They've made cameos in my previous Rocky Harbor books, and in Playful Hearts, they steal the show.

Having fun and living his life on a whim is Blake Riley’s motto.

When he moves back to Rocky Harbor, Maine, he thinks his life is about to turn predictable…until he meets Mackenzie Pratt. Her smart mouth and quirky attitude make him want to see how wild they can get together.

Mackenzie’s too busy running the local coffee shop and caring for her mom and doesn’t have time for a real relationship. However, a sex-lationship is just the thing she needs, and Blake, with his crazy sense of adventure and raw sex appeal, is the perfect man for the job.

As their relationship begins to creep from the bedroom and dangerously close to her heart, their casual trysts develop into something more—something neither expected.

But Blake’s former life is full of secrets that threaten their developing relationship. Can Blake keep trouble away from Mackenzie? Or will their playful hearts grow cold when his past comes calling?

eBook Links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Playful-Hearts-Rocky-Harbor-Novel-ebook/dp/B072Q3J61Q
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Playful-Hearts-Rocky-Harbor-Novel-ebook/dp/B072Q3J61Q
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Playful-Hearts-Rocky-Harbor-Novel-ebook/dp/B072Q3J61Q
AmazonAU:https://www.amazon.com.au/Playful-Hearts-Rocky-Harbor-Novel-ebook/dp/B072Q3J61Q/

Publisher: http://bit.ly/2nlHXr0
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2mAvbWJ
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2n0nS67
Website: http://bit.ly/2o0vpn0

1 Comment

Sweet Sixteen-You can Have Your Cake... #birthday #sweetsixteen #Cake

5/25/2017

2 Comments

So, Teenage Princess turns sixteen today. For the first twelve or so years of my kids' lives I threw some awesome birthday parties. Themed cakes (made from scratch), homemade decorations, snacks and food fitting each theme, games, scavenger hunts, homemade piñatas, haunted houses (that I designed in the basement and in the woods), and party favors galore. They were a lot of work and I enjoyed every aspect, every detail of every party. But as each kiddo hit double digits, they didn't wan't Mom making a "kid" party anymore. Or heck, even making a cake.

Princess grew out of the "Mom" parties first. Instead, of my fancy cakes she wanted ice cream. Maybe a brownie sundae. By the time she hit thirteen I talked her into at least letting me make an ice cream cake. But I still had Sports Girl and Little Guy who wanted the "cool" parties. Now that they're eleven and thirteen, I'm not busy brainstorming and crafting parties for weeks before the big day. Part of me is thankful, but a teeny-weeny part of me misses it.

So now birthdays aren't as exciting around my house. For her sixteenth, Princess wants to go to the mall with a friend. Bo-Ring! And since today is a school/work day and Little Guy has baseball tonight, we can't do anything exciting for the Sweet Sixteen Princess. Leftovers and ice cream today and a little gathering and the mall this weekend.

I'm also thankful she didn't want some extravagant party like many of her friends have had. I mean, they're sixteen, it's not THAT exciting. I'm not being a party pooper; I've thrown my share of parties over the years. When it comes time for wedding planning, I'll be all over that (please, give me at least 15 years though!). I'm finding less energy and less time the older I get.

I do love looking back at some of the cakes I've made over the years. I don't have all of them handy, but here are a few. Enjoy the slideshow. (Yes, even the pizza, burgers and taco are cakes!).

Oh, and Happy Sweet Sixteen, Princess!

2 Comments

The Writing World Relaxes Me #authorLife #Authors @maineromancewriters

5/23/2017

2 Comments

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Maine Romance Writers Retreat. This is an event I look forward to every year. It may be in part because I plan/run/organize it, but mostly because of the amazing people who attend year after year, and the fantastic people who attend for the first time. We attract the best of the best.

Those of you who know me know I'm quite busy. I work full time, have three children who are involved in every sport under the sun. Princess works and has her permit so she can't drive herself, but now needs to log in 70 hours of driving with an adult. So there's that as well. I'm extremely involved with the Maine Romance Writers, I'm trying to write as often as I can, and maybe even read a book here and there. So, yeah, I'm busy.

However, organizing this event, the MRW Retreat, does NOT stress me out. It's therapeutic. I'm a social person and love connecting with our speakers and newcomers. I love coming up with new ideas to make each retreat even more fun than the last (we played an awesome game of Man Candy Bingo!). And I absolutely love getting swag in the mail from authors all over the country and making THE BEST swag bags for our attendees. Knowing how excited everyone else is about the retreat gives me energy to keep doing what I'm doing.

It's amazing to see it all come together. The laughs, the learning, the networking, the new friends. Whether you're a published author or barely have your pinky toe wet in the writing world, our intimate retreat of 45 seems to be "just right" for everyone. We have authors come from across the country to speak and I'm constantly in awe with how genuine they are.

I remember being a newbie at the MRW retreat ten years ago. I was welcomed with open arms and didn't interact with anyone at MRW until he following year, and they remembered little 'ol me! I joined the chapter and slowly got involved, learning from the best. It's my way of giving back to this amazing network of writers.

Now that the 2017 retreat is all over, I'm a little sad, but my wheels are already spinning for the 2018 retreat. We sold out this year and are sure to sell out next year as well. I can't wait to see the speakers we round up for next year.

The writing world truly relaxes me, whether it be the actual writing of words (I need to!), networking, attending conferences, or reading, it all helps me escape the craziness of the work world and my children.

Writers are awesome. And so are readers! I'm looking forward to attending the Fall in Love with New England reader event this fall. Talk about nonstop FUN!! Oh, and there will be Man Candy Bingo there as well :-)

2 Comments

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It's time To Fall In Love...With New England #Booklover #Books #FILWNE

I'm Wide And I'm Cheap #99c #bookworm #MFRWAuthor

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A sweet smile, a dirty mind, and a playful heart. #MFRWHooks #Booklover

There's Nothing Like Your First Time #firsttimer #Fangirl #RWA17

Goal Setting--Be Realistic #goals #Amwriting

A sweet smile, a dirty mind, and a playful heart.#booklover #romance

Sweet Sixteen-You can Have Your Cake... #birthday #sweetsixteen #Cake

The Writing World Relaxes Me #authorLife #Authors @maineromancewriters

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