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:

 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!

​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

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. 

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

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. 

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?

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!
​

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 :-) ​

Wow! I've made double-digits now with my TENTH book, Wounded Love. Colton and Ellie's story is the most emotional one yet. I can't wait for you to read it!!

Ten years ago, Ellie Fairfield left Rocky Harbor brokenhearted and pregnant…
 
Trying to take care of her son the best she can, the single mother returns to the town close to her heart to run a local inn. Ellie knows it will be tough moving back to Rocky Harbor, and that old memories will haunt her. But the last thing she expects to find on her doorstep is the man who abandoned her when she needed him the most.
 
Angry at the war, the world, and himself, Colton Riley’s homecoming isn’t a pleasant one…
 
Being medically discharged from the Marines is one of many disappointments Colton has suffered over the years. A decade ago, he lost a chunk of his heart when the love of his life betrayed him. A year ago he lost his leg. Now, half the man he once was, Colton tries to put back the pieces of his life by accepting a construction project at the local inn, but he didn’t count on finding Ellie standing on the front porch.
 
The more time they spend together, the more they realize the love they shared years ago hasn’t died…
 
Even though Ellie is still hurt and angry, she knows her heart belongs to Colton. It’s not easy letting go of the past, especially with the secret she’s hiding from everyone. But when an illness puts her little boy’s life in danger, she has no choice but to tell Colton the truth—a truth that threatens to destroy their love once and for all.
 
With a past spun together in a web of lies, will Colton and Ellie be able to mend their wounded love?
 
PURCHASE LINKS:
Kindle: smarturl.it/kq8k0c
Paperback: smarturl.it/kq8k0c
 
MEET THE AUTHOR: Marianne Rice writes contemporary romances set in small New England towns. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines are smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always, always, find everlasting love. When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time buying shoes, eating chocolate, chauffeuring her herd of children to their varying sporting events, and when there’s time, cuddling with her husband, a drink in one hand, a romance book in the other.
 
Publisher: http://bit.ly/2nlHXr0
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2mAvbWJ
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2n0nS67
Website: http://bit.ly/2o0vpn0

I'm super excited to share Regret, Bella J's smoking hot new release.

Congrats, Bella!
​ 



BLURB
 
When it comes to women, Hunter Keaton has rules.
 
Those rules ensure his life stays uncomplicated and controlled. Control is what he craves, what he needs to keep his inner demons quiet.
 
Private investigator by day, his life is nothing but a pit of regret, devoid of any and every emotion.
 
Hired to find an elusive runaway—a wild, hot-headed woman with sinfully enticing curves—Hunter’s self-control is pushed to the limit. Scarlet Woods challenges him in ways that have him wanting to break his own damn rules.
 
But she has secrets—secrets he’s determined to uncover. He just didn’t count on getting his own past dragged into what turns out to already be a deadly game of lies.
 
This is not a love story. This is not a tale of how love conquers all.
 
This is a story of how two people equally shattered by their pasts realize that two broken souls can’t make a whole.
 
PURCHASE LINKS:
 
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2ofEMOP
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2puFz2U
Amazon CA:  http://amzn.to/2pxh2HZ
 
Add to your Goodreads TBR List:
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34700216-regret

REGRET RELEASE BLITZ GIVEAWAY
 
One winner will win a $10 Amazon Gift Card, as well as 20 Ebooks from authors that include Natasha Knight, J.L Drake, Logan Chance, Leslie McAdam, Kane Caldwell, and so many more!
 
For a chance to win this awesome giveaway, go to Bella J’s Facebook page and check out the pinned post!
 
You can find Bella J here:
 
Website:  www.bellajromance.weebly.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/BellaJ1983
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/BellaJ_Author
 
Join her Facebook group - The Brazen Lounge
https://www.facebook.com/groups/215876072193407
​

This past weekend I attended the New England Chapter of Romance Writer's of America's conference in Burlington, Massachusetts and now I'm having a writer's conference hangover.

Writing can be a lonely, scaring career, so it's awesome to connect to those in the same boat. (Granted, I work full-time as a high school English teacher and have three kids so life isn't exactly "lonely" at home.) It was wonderful to listen to authors I admire and those who are new to me speak about our ever changing industry, marketing ideas and lessons on the craft of writing. 

Then there was the socializing. I hung out with my Maine Romance peeps, reconnected with those from afar who I don't often see, and made new friends. I may be biased, but authors are incredibly friendly and pretty cool people. We bond over food and wine, and of course...book boyfriends! 

If you're an author and have never been to a writing conference, I highly recommend it! If you're a reader and want to hang out with authors (we're so much fun!!) check out the Fall in Love with New England conference for readers this fall. ​

If we're not already connected, follow me on Book Bub, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.