End of My Dry Spell by Donna Michaels

Hi everyone,

I can't believe it's already been a whole month since my last post! I really have to stop blinking! On a good note, since my last post, I have had two releases! Yes! Two! I've no idea why that happens to me. lol I haven't had a release since March 6th...so that's a three month dry spell between releases, then Bam! Two releases in the span of four days! Crazy is my life, so why not spill into my writing life as well? ;-)

You already know about ELITE PROTECTOR from my last post, but now it's live! I'm so honored and excited to be one of the launch authors in Elle James' Brotherhood Protectors Kindle World!

ELITE PROTECTOR

Brotherhood Protectors KW

(Connected to the Dangerous Curves Series)

_{http://www.amazon.com/dp/B071WQYQL4}

He risks more than his life protecting the commander’s niece.

Lured to the mountains of Montana under the assumption her uncle and her godfather recommended her as a bodyguard for Brotherhood Protectors—an agency started by one of their former SEALs—Kat Crawford, former NIO, discovers too late, she’s really there as a client.

Former DEVGRU SEAL, Brogan “Sonic” O’Neal, dropped his packet to return to Montana to take over his grandfather’s woodshop and care for the dying man. A deathbed promise to “not” return to the teams sentences him to life without the adrenaline rush he craves, until an old SEAL buddy hires him as a part time bodyguard for Brotherhood Protectors.

A request to protect the niece of a former CO lands Brogan his first assignment, but it could be his last. Keeping objective is impossible. He’s watched the woman grow up through pictures in the commander’s office. Now she’s at Brogan’s cabin. Their chemistry is off the charts. And giving into their attraction is as inevitable as a Montana sunrise.

  

But when Kat suggests the Brotherhood uses her as bait to end the threats once and for all, Brogan realizes his feelings for the woman run deep. Can he resist the alpha need to protect her? If he does, will she survive? If he doesn’t, will their relationship?

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International Readers, click HERE for instructions on how to grab Kindle World books!

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Four days after my KW release, I had my 3rd release with Entangled! THE RIGHT RANGER, released on 6/12/17!! The reviews have already been popping in, and they've been amazing! Here are a few:

Reviews

5 stars "This book is like a fresh baked brownie with ice cream on top! Hot and sweet and oh so good! ~Shawn, Goodreads

5 stars "This captivating read pulled me in from the from the first sentence and had me flying through the pages in search of what I hoped to be a very well deserved happily ever after, and I am happy to report that I found just what I was looking for... and more!" ~Red's Romance Reviews

THE RIGHT RANGER

Book 3/ The Men of At Ease Ranch Series

Amazon | iTunes | B & N | Kobo

Haley Wagner’s life just got a lot more complicated. As if turning her struggling ranch around isn’t tough enough, she’s forced to call him for help. With his hard eyes and even harder body, Cord is an irritatingly sexy contradiction of hot and cold. How can she possibly hide her embarrassing secret when just looking at Cord is a combustible event?

Former Army Ranger Cord Brannigan has a secret, too. He promised his fallen teammate he’d protect the tempting, fiercely independent Haley from a distance, but now they’re stuck together for three weeks. Alone. Keeping his hands off will take every ounce of control he can muster. And that control is slipping…

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What's next for me? Well, I'm already back in my writing cave, penning Book 4 in The Men of At Ease Ranch series. This time, I get to play...I mean, write Vince's story!

And next month, July 13-15, I'll be in Nashville for the Weekend With The Authors conference! If you're in the area, I hope you'll drop in on Saturday for the book signing! I'm hoping to have print copies of The Right Ranger with me, along with the first two!! And I'll have some fun swag to hand out, including these Lula Belle themed pieces of swag!

Enjoy what's left of June!!

Thanks for reading,

~Donna
www.DonnaMichaelsAuthor.com

What Does A NASCAR Driver, Army Ranger, and National Guardsman Have In Common? by Donna Michaels

Hello, it’s Donna Michaels, and as you can see, my head is full of heroes! Okay, my head is always full of heroes, but this is just one crazy instance where all three of these heroes’ books will be released inside of one month, and their commonality is probably not what you’d expect.

These releases all deal with veteran suicide.

A tough subject, but veteran suicide is real, and an epidemic, and part of life. A part I wish we could help, but maybe by acknowledging it and talking about it, we can help make some sort of a difference. They say knowledge is power. Let’s put that power to good use. My husband’s unit has had two suicides in the past four years, so it does hit home for me. I ate with these men and their families, and I’ll be honest with you, I’m still in shock. It’s taken me over a year since the last one, but I felt I was now at a place where I could include the subject in my stories.

Two of these releases are part of my Citizen Soldier Series. The heroes are both hurting over the suicide of a National Guardsman that has taken place in the background of the first five books. Greg was the cousin to one of the heroes, Matthew, and he was best friends with the other hero, Keiffer, who is also the one to find the body.

Let me introduce you to these men. First is my NASCAR driver, Matthew “Stone” Bennett, in WINE AND HOT SHOES. Before writing this story, I didn’t know that much about NASCAR, other than I knew one of the books in my Citizen Soldier Series would have a driver as a hero, since the series is set in the Poconos of PA and fairly close to the Pocono Raceway. One of the things I love most about this book is that it’s the heroine who is in the National Guard. 

While researching NASCAR and stock car racing, I discovered a few fun facts, including this one that helped me title the book:

Hot Shoe:  1. Driver who has the most past wins among active drivers at a particular track; is the quickest in qualifying, and is favored to win at that track.

WINE AND HOT SHOES
Citizen Solder Series/Book 6/Audrey

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N03MYQA/

This Thanksgiving, Sgt. Audrey McNeil Watson is thankful for wine. Lots and lots of wine. And her closet of hot shoes. Together, they help her deal with the return of her sexy ex-boyfriend, the now famous NASCAR Champion she left after 9/11 to join the National Guard and make a difference. Too bad he still manages to accelerate her pulse and drive her crazy.

Professional stock car racing driver, Matthew “Stone” Bennett returned home to meet with the Wyne brothers to discuss a recent encounter with their estranged brother Keiffer, to face the reality of his cousin’s suicide, and for the wedding of his buddy, Ethan Wyne.

Volunteering to draw the paparazzi away from the happy couple, he and Audrey agree to spend time together with purely platonic intentions. But he soon discovers their old flame never died, as well as old hurts and resentments. Matthew must face the pain of his past in order to sort out his future.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N03MYQA/

**I just want to note that all of my books, no matter what series they are in, are all written as standalones. You do not need to read any of the others to enjoy the stories.**

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Now on to Keiffer Wyne. This hero is by far my most talked about. I’ve been getting emails from readers for almost two years now. They want the poor guy to have his HEA, and I’m so thrilled to finally make that happen. HER TROUBLED COWBOY releases 12/13/16 and is up for pre-order now! Readers were introduced to his heroine, Caitlin, in book 4 of my Harland County Series, Her Forever Cowboy. She’s the sister to the heroine, and had a cameo—and a fling with Keiffer—in Book 2 of the Citizen Soldier Series, Wyne and Chocolate when Caitlin traveled with his sister to the Poconos for his sister’s wedding. Since then, his buddy has died, and Keiffer has been spiraling out of control. Now, in his story, everything is coming full circle.

Cover photo by Cover Me Photography with Jose Ruiz

Releasing 12/13/16
HER TROUBLED COWBOY
Harland County/Citizen Soldier Series Crossover
Book 9: Keiffer

Available for Pre-Order!

Amazon | iTunes | B & N | Kobo

Some incidents from the past are not easily forgotten…

For over a year, former National Guardsman Keiffer Wyne left his past in Pennsylvania to start a new life, drifting from ranch to ranch across the southwest. Unrestricted, nomadic, unaccountable—he embraces the new lifestyle, until he’s called upon to watch over his sister Brandy during her husband’s absence. The problem? She’ll be there. The one woman capable of breaking through his barriers and making him feel.

Caitlin Ryan can’t believe who blew into Harland County looking dangerous, hotter, sexier than the time they shared an unforgettable weekend together. She knows he’s still dealing with the death of his buddy and his mind isn’t in a good place, but neither of them are strong enough to fight their undeniable attraction. Keiffer’s troubled and all wrong for her, counting down the days until he leaves. Too bad she never learned to shy away from trouble…

Releasing 12/13/16
Available for Pre-Order!

Amazon | iTunes | B & N | Kobo

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And last, but as they say, not least, is my upcoming release, IN A RANGER’S ARMS. I’m so excited to have my first release with Entangled Publications. This is Book One in The Men of At-Ease Ranch Series, focusing on former Army Ranger buddies who  opened a transition ranch for returning veterans when another of their buddies nearly died by his own hands the year before. Again, although the underlying message is serious, the books are lighthearted and humorous with a ton of heat.

I was honored to have Vonnie read an ARC and give me this wonderful book quote:

“A hot cowboy hero, a clever heroine, former Rangers, and a jealous cow form the cast of a romance so endearing, you’ll want to read it again and again.”

--Vonnie Davis, author of Black Eagle Ops Series

Releasing 11/28/16

IN A RANGER’S ARMS

The Men of At Ease Ranch/ Book 1/Stone

Available for Pre-Order
HERE

No amount of training could’ve prepared him for her.

Former Army Ranger Stone Mitchum doesn’t have time for sex. Since starting a company with his brother and two buddies, he’s had more important things on his mind. Like transitioning veterans back into society. But when his curvy new tenant falls into his arms—literally—his libido snaps to attention.

Jovy Larson has four weeks to prove she’s worthy of taking over the family business. Her challenge? Sell gluten-free, vegan food—in the middle of cattle country, Texas. It’s a tough task, but not half as tough as fighting her attraction to her sexy, surly landlord.  

Before she knows it, Jovy’s tangling sheets with the hot cowboy, stalked by a jealous cow, and strategizing ways to help Stone’s ranch. But by the time her lease runs out and the test is over, she’s faced with a new challenge…competing against Stone’s sense of duty to win his heart.

Pre-order IN A RANGER’S ARMS, releasing 11/28/16 
HERE

**I’m having a FACEBOOK BOOK RELEASE PARTY AND YOU'RE ALL INVITED! Nov. 28th...4 pm to 10:30 pm (Eastern) Guest authors, prizes, hot cowboys, hot military heroes and more! Here’s the link for the party:  https://www.facebook.com/events/200745263708766/?active_tab=discussion

I know veteran suicide is a tough subject, but I do appreciate you sticking around to the end of my post, and I hope you’ll check out these stories.

Thanks for reading,

~Donna

 Read more about Donna at www.DonnaMichaelsAuthor.com

The Tradition Continues by Margo Hoornstra

It’s been quite a month here at the Roses of Prose. A few Roses enjoyed new releases, or gave back list titles new life. Some of us ventured out to present at conferences, sell and sign our books. One even ditched her publisher in favor of rediscovering her joy in writing. We are an active group, us Roses of Prose. In keeping with that tradition, I’m pleased to announce the acceptance, by The Wild Rose Press, of the newly titled On the Surface from the Brothers in Blue series, four heroes who met at the police academy and became life-long friends. The dropout, the straight arrow, the movie star and the maverick, all share a passion to serve and protect each in their own unique way.

Here’s an introduction to the drop out. Once a cop, now a bounty hunter, he starts out seeking vengeance only to discover love.

Brad Collins rolled the old half-ton Bridges for Hire pickup to a stop in front of the sorry looking bed and breakfast then immediately questioned the wisdom of using small town handyman as his cover. He had so hoped to keep this fugitive recovery operation simple. Not take on what looked to be the biggest remodel job in northern Michigan history. Those buddies of his from the department would have a field day with what he’d gotten himself into this time.

White, two-story with a wrap-around porch was how the lady on the phone described the colonial. As the engine rumbled, he shook his head. She failed to mention the place was as run down as its owner had to be. Judging from the sound of her voice, the old girl was battle weary and bone tired.

 

Make it that much easier to gain her confidence.

Palm raised to rub the back of his neck, he sloughed off an unproductive pang of guilt. Couldn’t be helped, there was no turning back now. He had his own job to do here at the Rest Easy Bed and Breakfast. Letting out a breath, he jammed his left foot down to set the parking brake. Even if knowing he was about to con a defenseless old woman left a bad taste in his mouth. Good thing he’d be out of here once he got a line on the whereabouts of Jenny Reynolds’ scum of the earth boyfriend.

Close a chapter in my life that’s been open for far too long.

So there he is, finally home in more ways than one…with deepest appreciation to fellow Rose and my new editor Alicia Dean.

 

My days to blog here are the 11th and 23rd. For more about me and my stories, please visit my WEBSITE

Madness in the office

I'm having a difficult time at my Paycheck Job, which I will not discuss here, but suffice it to say, I barely have time to take a deep breath this month. know in a week or two life will ease up, but right now, I'm overwhelmed. I'm so overwhelmed I had a book release and I haven't even mentioned it anywhere.

Sigh.

That's what comes from having to work for a living! Normally I love my job, but there are days ...

Anyway, here's my book. It's called Righter because the main character (Mike) is a writer and he's out to right an old wrong. He's a retired actor and he's going undercover -- as a woman -- to a writing conference to out a murderer and find the man who assaulted an old friend.

It's a male POV book, so it was very Victor/Victoria for me: a woman, writing as a man, who's pretending to be a woman.

Challenging but fun to write. It's on Amazon right now and will go into wider distribution this summer (and will be free in May).

Now on to my next crisis!

J L

Return to your childhood with a new twist on an old story!

Happy weekend! Happy especially for me because the Oz book is out! Twistered is finally here -- I had a lot of angst about this book because it was all ready for release then suddenly I realized: oops. Better check on the copyright status!

I had a hurried but thorough discussion with a copyright attorney and lo, and behold, I discovered that I am good to go with my book -- I based it on the novels of L. Frank Baum, not the movie(s), so I'm okay.

::whew::

So here's the Oz book for anyone who wants a fast and fun beach read for the weekend. It's out in digital now on Amazon, will be in print very soon (like tomorrow, probably) and it will be on Barnes & Noble, etc. later this summer.

 

This is my own take on the Wizard of Oz books in which Dorothy (our heroine) has to cope with Jack Tinsley (the Tin Man), Drew Strawn (the Scarecrow) and the Wickeds motorcycle gang -- and let's not forget the Wicked Witch (Wanda W. Wickman), the Professor, and Leo, Dorothy's best friend.

They all collide on a crazy Memorial Day weekend -- a perfect time to Get Caught Reading an old childhood classic -- with a new Twist on the story ☺

Have fun!