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You know, you can’t please everybody—especially if you’re the weather. I really hate to complain after I complained about the drought for so long, but nine atmospheric river events are quite enough. Thank you.

We had a minor flood (which resulted in a rather lovely remodel fix-it thanks to my wonderful contractor hubby).

I can’t say the same end result for our neighboring towns of Planada and Merced. Yikes! There are many folks who have lost so much and will have a long, difficult recovery. At the same time, the ski resorts are loving every foot of snow the rivers delivered.

January, I must say, I’m glad you’re almost over.😉

Happily, my January Book Club Reads served as a splendid diversion for me. I thoroughly enjoyed each of the three books I finished and the one I just started. And, even though I’m a lazy reviewer, I’ll give you my quick take on each.

1. Sariah Wilson’s THE CHEMISTRY OF LOVE had me laughing so hard I couldn’t see to read the page. I honestly didn’t get a few of the more esoteric Lord of the Rings/Star Wars references, but that didn’t take away at all from the love story, which was absolutely adorable.

2. Kay Lyons’ book, SEASCAPES AND VEGAS MISTAKES, was such a fun read. I love a good “accidental marriage” romance—and they’re not that easy to write. You want your two protagonists believable—not unbelievably stupid, drunk or too impulsive for their own good. Kay handled the trope beautifully, I thought.

3. Tracy Clark – HIDE — I just started reading it
, but oooh, what a great beginning. The kind of jogger I completely identify with stumbles across a body
or two. Things are gonna get complicated real fast!

4. It may sound a little self-serving to brag about all 8 books in the
SURPRISES IN ALL SIZES Box Set, but I truly loved each and every story—even my own. (I don’t usually read my own books after they’re published because by then I’m busy writing another book, but I really liked NEVER SAY NEVER. Yep. I did.)

Here are my quick takeaways from all eight books:

Draco’s Marriage Pact by Day Leclaire – I fall madly in love with each of Day’s alpha heroes every time. And I really like how this particular heroine tames her so-named “dragon.”

A Daddy for Nate by Karen Sandler – Wow. Springing your hero from prison on Page One is pretty gutsy. But
oh, redemption is one of the sweetest kinds of love. I really enjoyed this story. (And having recently lived through a mountain flood, I could appreciate how spot-on—fast and furious—the story was.)

Never Say Never by Debra Salonen – This book’s supporting cast is one of my favorites. You gotta love a guy who brings deep-fried rattlesnake to a potluck, don’t you?

The Daughter He Never Knew by Linda Barrett – I was surprised to discover Linda’s book and mine share a similar backstory with a dead brother whose memory haunts the hero and heroine. The two stories are very different
as are we two authors (who are also very good friends), but the endings are equally satisfying, I think.

Something Perfect by Holly Jacobs – As a reader, Holly had me at “wedding crasher.” I loved how tastefully and respectfully she treated the topics of adoption, adoptive parents, and blended families. You will love this story.

The Unforgettable Sheikh by Barbara McMahon – I felt right at home in Washington, DC, with this book. Hurt and fear of worst-case scenarios can make a person forget how to trust. I appreciated the Sheikh’s patience as he fought to be a part of his surprise daughter’s life
and fix the hurts of the past.

Sweet Montana Secrets by Lisa Mondello – Another emotional, heart-touching Lisa Mondello story, with loss, love, and healing. I’ve never read a farrier hero before, but Hunter is a true keeper.

Texas Bad Boy by Jean Brashear – Definitely not your usual “secret baby” story told as only Jean Brashear can. The divide between the hero and heroine is twenty-years deep and filled with shards of grief, bitterness, and anger. Only an author as talented as Jean could build a bridge for love to cross and healing to begin. I loved it—and the wonderful Texas community she’s created.

My friend Barbara McMahon’s new GOLDEN GATE romance series releases today with the first three titles in the series, and a new book to follow each month. I can’t wait to start reading.

BILLIONAIRE'S BETROTHAL
by Barbara McMahon

Kori: How do I face the entire company celebrating the new account after being dumped by my coworker? Pretend to have a new man in my life? When I run that idea by the bartender who's giving me Dutch courage, he has just the new man for me. And what a hottie! I’m skeptical, but the stranger assures me he can play the role. Especially when his ex shows up and–instant new couple, him and me. We can pretend for one night. Then I never need to see him again.

Beau: Anyone can play the part of devoted lover for one night. But when newspapers pick up on the new woman in my life, it gets really complicated. Now we need to pretend for a while longer. Is it a bit arrogant of me to think Kori would comply without something in return? Which makes it more complicated. And what happens if I want to change the arrangement?

Purchase BILLIONAIRE'S BETROTHAL
at the retailer of your choice HERE!

DAKOTA'S HERO
by Barbara McMahon

With the death of her policeman husband in the line of duty, Dakota vows to never give her heart to a man with a dangerous job. If she falls in love again it will be with an insurance agent or salesman.

Firefighter Ryker intends to never marry. His childhood trauma put him off relationships forever.

But when Dakota and Ryker meet, they find it impossible to stay away from each other. Can they somehow overcome their past and let love in?

Purchase DAKOTA'S HERO
at the retailer of your choice HERE!

FINDING A WIFE FOR TANNER
by Barbara McMahon

Tanner: I hold the loan on her business. In exchange for not foreclosing, she helps me find the perfect society wife. Someone who will marry for status and wealth and children. Love not required.

Sunny: This is the stupidest thing I ever heard of, marrying to get in with the right family. So what that he came from poverty—he’s now one of the richest men in San Francisco. He doesn’t need help finding a wife.

Sean: It’s my fault my cousin Sunny’s helping Tanner—I talked her into it. Big mistake. Now Tanner’s more uptight than I’ve ever seen him. What’s up with these two?

Purchase FINDING A WIFE FOR TANNER
at the retailer of your choice HERE!

Last but not least, I’m excited to share my latest cover for Sweet2Heat’s 7-author “marriage-of-convenience” box set: WHAT ABOUT FOREVER?

It is available for pre-order on Amazon Kindle for 99Âą (or free to Kindle Unlimited members). It's set to release on February 1.

Happy reading, my friends!

Deb

Next Newsletter2:
2/2 – WHAT ABOUT FOREVER? Release!
2/9 – V-Day plans? Another cover to reveal! + February Reads.

 

 

Copyright © 2023 Debra Salonen

www.debrasalonen.com

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