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How to make the most of summertime readin' and relaxin'

Ask a bookworm what they most look forward to during summertime and they will undoubtedly answer: More time to read! If your idea of the perfect summer day includes relaxing with a good book and a cool drink, here are a few tips to make the most of summer reading.

1. Organize

Create a TBR list and prioritize which books you most want to read. It can also be helpful to organize books by length, genre, standalone vs. series, etc. You can write out this list or organize content on your ereader.

2. Diversify

There are lots of ways to enjoy books nowadays and each form offers a different  experience. Mix it up with print books, ebooks, audiobooks and reader apps on your smartphone.

3. Indulge

Treat yourself to a bookish delight, along with a double scoop of pistachio ice cream! Maybe that’s a visit to the bookstore with an extra $20 to spend. Maybe it means rereading your childhood favorites. Maybe it’s a subscription to Audible or Kindle Unlimited. It could even be a new hammock or beach tote. Whatever makes reading more enjoyable for you!

4. Connect

Some of my best friends are readers and readers are some of my best friends! Share your love of reading by starting or joining a book club, attending a reader/author event, participating at events hosted by your local library or organizing a book swap.

If you haven’t started your summertime TBR list, here are a few suggestions from my list.

The Bride by Julie Garwood

By edict of the king, the mighty Scottish laird Alec Kincaid must take an English bride. His choice is Jamie, youngest daughter of Baron Jamison—a feisty, violet-eyed beauty. Alec aches to touch her, to tame her, to possess her…forever. But Jamie has vowed never to surrender to a man she considers a highland barbarian.

Alec is everything Jamie’s heart has warned her against—an arrogant scoundrel whose rough good looks speak of savage pleasures. While Kincaid’s scorching kisses set fire to her blood, she is determined to resist him…until one rapturous moment quells their clash of wills, and something far more dangerous than desire threatens to conquer her senses…

Hot Addiction by Lynn Raye Harris

When Dex “Double Dee” Davidson was abandoned at the altar by the woman he loved, he threw himself into his military career, training hard enough to get accepted into the elite Black Ops unit known as HOT. The love he felt for Annabelle Quinn burned to ash in the face of her betrayal—so when she crashes back into his life and begs him to save her, he has no problem laughing in her face.

Blackmailed into jilting Dex and forced into an abusive marriage, Annabelle never thought she’d escape the hell of the last five years. But her husband died a month ago and she’s finally free. Except she isn’t. Someone claims that Eric stole a fortune—and they want it back. If she doesn’t return it within twenty-four hours, she’ll be dead—and so will her young daughter. With time running out, Annabelle has no one to turn to. No one except Dex.

When Dex learns that Annabelle’s husband committed treason against the US by selling a top secret military project to the Russians, he has no choice but to get involved. He’ll protect Annabelle and her child, and he’ll find out who’s threatening her. But he won’t fall for her intoxicating sensuality ever again. And if he discovers the secret she’s been hiding from him? It’ll be game over for good…

Mackenzie’s Mission by Linda Howard

Night Wing—the revolutionary test plane with a top secret weapons system—is Colonel Joe “Breed” Mackenzie’s number-one priority—and weapons expert Caroline Evans his number-one distraction. When someone on the inside sabotages Night Wing, Caroline’s late hours and expertise come under suspicion, forcing Joe to choose between allegiance to his country…and love for his prime suspect.

A Spicing of Birds: Poems by Emily Dickenson

A Spicing of Birds is a unique and beautifully illustrated anthology, pairing poems from one of America’s most revered poets with evocative classic ornithological art. Emily Dickinson had a great love of birds—in her collected poems, birds are mentioned 222 times, sometimes as the core inspiration of the poem. However, in existing anthologies of Dickinson’s work, little acknowledgment is made of her close connection to birds. This book contains thirty-seven of Dickinson’s poems featuring birds common to New England. Many lesser-known poems are brought to light, renewing our appreciation for Dickinson’s work.

The editors’ introduction draws extensively from Dickinson’s letters, providing fascinating insights into her relationship with birds. The illustrations, by late 18th century to early 20th century artists/ornithologists, are often so apt as to seem to have been created with the poems in mind. Included are beautiful watercolors by Mark Catesby, engravings of John James Audubon’s paintings, illustrations by Alexander Wilson, chromo-lithographs by Robert Ridgway (curator of birds at the National Museum for some fifty years), paintings by Louis Agassiz Fuertes, and some of the earliest bird photographs by Cordelia Stanwood. The editors also discuss the development and growth of birding in the nineteenth century as well as the evolution of field guides and early conservation efforts. Brief biographies of the artists are included in an appendix. This book is an eloquent tribute to the special place held by birds in our lives and imaginations, and will make an ideal gift for both birders and poetry readers.

Need more suggestions? I can help. Check out my Code Breakers series for Regency romance and intrigue. Like military heroes? Download my Impossible Mission series. Want a combination of military romance, romantic suspense, dogs and an incredible cast of characters? The Grayce Walters series is just what you need!

What’s on your summertime TBR list?

Sleeping Beauty ~ Excerpt from 'Mission: Impossible to Love'

Mission planning always allowed for the unknown, but how could Sten plan when every detail was a twisted labyrinth—a layer of lies by Izzy Benson. Every preconceived idea of her as naïve and geeky blew up in his face like a grenade.

After Reeves informed Sten of the identity of Izzy’s ex, he added that Sten should realize that Izzy and his sister were both innocent and sheltered women. Innocent? Sheltered? My ass.

A woman dating Charles Bradley was no innocent. The man was a global playboy.

And why did Sten feel betrayed as if he and Izzy…

Sten restrained his fist from pounding the door but instead knocked forcefully and waited.

No answer. Izzy had dismantled her cell, making it impossible to call her or for anyone to track her. Was this part of her hiding from Bradley? He hated puzzles that he couldn’t solve, and Izzy Benson was a 2000-piece jigsaw puzzle with no matching borders.

Where was she? She couldn’t have taken off—not that he wouldn’t put it past the woman, but the security guards at every door and the surveillance cameras would have alerted the alarm.

Richard Dean, wanting privacy for his family, refused to have cameras inside the penthouse, flush with three bedrooms, jacuzzi tub, and a kitchen stocked with gourmet food. If not for Dean, Sten could have checked the cameras to see what she had been doing for the last two-plus hours.

Sten paused and then knocked again before using his keycard to open the door. “Izzy?”

The large space that served as living room and dining room was empty. All the furnishings matched the other Dean residences with ultra-modern, cool sleek lines in silver and black leather.

Sten walked down the long hallway, first to the master bedroom with a closed door. He knocked, his patience slowly evaporating by his wasted time in pursuing Izzy. He could have sent Nick or Reeves to fetch her, but he wanted privacy for their come-to-Jesus moment. Time was over for game-playing. He tried the nice way, and he was finished.

No answer. He slowly opened the door, slipping into stealth mode. The shades were down, and the room was still. Scanning the room, Izzy was stretched out on the giant bed and appeared to be sound asleep.

He crept closer to make sure she was breathing since she hadn’t awoken with his pounding on the doors. Could she have sustained a more serious head injury this morning?

Stab him in the eye with a fork. Izzy Benson, sleeping on her stomach, had kicked off the blankets, her long shapely legs stretched out, her oversized t-shirt bunched around her middle. As he inched closer, he was rewarded with a spectacular view of Izzy’s sweet ass in a hot pink thong.

Sten tried to look away, but the firm globes drew him like a moth to the flame. What he wanted to do…

She had her hand tucked under her head, creating an innocent, childlike pose with the rest of her bangin’ hot body arranged in siren pose to drive any man insane with lust. He tried to look away but was captured by the image that was ever-after burned into his brain. The woman was C4 dangerous—a mix of Pollyanna and Maxim model. And why was he, like all the stupid Jenkins men, drawn to danger?

_____

Mission: Impossible to Love, book 3 in the Impossible Mission series, is available July 25th. Preorder your copy today.

Protecting Abbie ~ Excerpt from 'A Holiday Code for Love'

Rathbourne’s steely gaze seemed to apprehend every frustrating thought whizzing through Jack’s brain. The man also had the ability to wait out any conversation, which was more than Jack could ever do. Jack was always at the ready to jump into any fray. He wasn’t sure if his impulsiveness came from spending too much time with his impetuous younger brothers or if it was a family trait. When he reflected on the escapades of his siblings, there was no doubt about it—it was a family trait.

“I know how important Abbie’s work is.” Jack admired Abbie’s ability to decipher French codes, but her work had also almost gotten her killed. And what had she said earlier about finding a connection to the French spy ring? If she had found a connection, would it put her in more danger? Jack’s heart punched against his chest in aggressive jabs.

How did a husband, a protective, overbearing person like Jack, protect his wife? Jack knew taking responsibility for his family at a young age had forced him to mature in a way that none of his peers understood. Witnessing his father’s despair after his wife’s death had made Jack leery of caring that deeply until he met Abbie. And now, if he lost her, he wasn’t sure he’d survive.

“We share something that no other peer can comprehend. Our wives, unlike all other ladies in society, are doing secret dangerous work for our country. It is not an enviable position.”

Jack guffawed. “That’s describing it mildly.”

“Learn from your mistakes. Believe me, I’ve made them. Like you, I assumed responsibility for a large estate at a young age and then I started working for Intelligence. I was used to having control, having my commands followed. I had to discover the hard way that Henrietta didn’t agree with my assumption that she should always follow my orders. In fact, she was fully capable of making decisions for herself.”

“You’d be roasted alive if any man at our clubs knew.”

“I didn’t see you as man who cared about popular opinions.”

“I don’t. It’s the danger. Abbie is oblivious to the threat.”

“Isn’t that what we want?”

“You want Abbie to not recognize the danger? I wake in a cold sweat remembering that French spy holding a knife to Abbie’s throat.”

“Our job is to protect our wives without ruffling their pride so they can use their prodigious minds to unlock codes. That is why we have so many bloody soldiers on the estate, and why they are heavily guarded when in society. It has been easier with Henrietta’s confinement, however that is soon ending.”

Rathbourne did understand. “Abbie gets mad whenever I try to warn her or instruct her. Is it the same with Hen? She was always game for adventures as a girl.”

“My wife is very good at ignoring orders she doesn’t agree with.”

Rathbourne’s revelations eased Jack’s trepidations.

“I do remind her periodically that I’m the Head of Intelligence, to no effect. Not that I want anyone to know my wife doesn’t always follow my direction. Not good for a man in my position.” Rathbourne chuckled.

“Does it get better with time?”

“Easier?” Rathbourne ran his hand through his hair, a familiar gesture signaling his frustration. “No. What I’ve accepted is that Henrietta is perfect for me. There are many men who couldn’t tolerate Henrietta’s independent mindset and capabilities. Though I can’t imagine not having an accomplished wife who challenges me.”

Keep reading: A Holiday Code for Love

Tips from Jack Bonnington on creating a romantic sanctuary

In A Holiday Code for Love (The Code Breakers, Book 7) coming May 1,  Jack Bonnington wants to create a luxurious, intimate sanctuary as a Christmas gift for his wife, Abbie. Here is a description of his renovations to the rustic hunter’s hut where he and Abbie first tasted passion.

A large bed was at the center of the space with a small table and chairs placed in front of the fireplace. Covered in red damask, with the creme linens and silk pillows, the bed was fit for the finest courtesan, not for an aristocratic arranged marriage. Opulent Persian rugs covered the floor and candles were spread throughout, giving the room an exotic and sensual air.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to spend an indulgent afternoon or weekend in such a place? While most of us cannot afford our own “love shack”, here are some tips on creating a romantic boudoir. Whether it is your space alone or shared with someone special, the key is focusing on sensual details.

• Create a sumptuous ambiance with textures and layers. For the bed, add plump pillows, silk sheets, a super-soft throw.  For the room, add a thick area rug that tickles the bare feet, billowing drapes and maybe a dramatic canopy.

• Lighting is one of the most important elements of creating a romantic boudoir. Candlelight is wonderful, and if you go with flameless LED candles, you never have to worry about safety. Avoid harsh overhead lighting; instead, opt for bedside tables or floor lamps with pearl/pink bulbs no higher than 60w.

• Use fresh flowers, pillow mists, scented candles, fragrance plug-ins, etc. for a sweet-scented boudoir.

• Declutter the space of unwanted, unnecessary items so your sanctuary is always ready to welcome you.

• Add a comfortable chair or chaise lounge for a few minutes of indulgent relaxation.

• Set up a station for your iPod or other device to mood music is just a touch away.

Do you have tips for creating a romantic sanctuary? Share them here!

Click here for more information and and excerpt from A Holiday Code for Love.

A Special Touch ~ Excerpt from 'An Inner Fire'

Grayce’s morning passed quickly—a few minor behavior problems, adjustment to a new relationship, and hairballs.

Hollie appeared at her door. “Your new client’s here.” With her pierced eyebrow arched in contempt, Hollie emphasized new like it was infected.

Grayce nodded, trying to decipher Hollie’s odd behavior. Always loving with the animals, Hollie kept a safe, cool distance from two-legged clients. Hollie didn’t look cool.

Grayce scanned her schedule. “Mr. Davis with Mitzi, a standard poodle.”

Hollie returned with the new client. Grayce stared. She blinked twice. Mr. Davis was Lieutenant Davis. Bewildered to see the fire investigator in her office after last night’s nightmare, she blurted, “Has there been another fire?”

“No, I’m a patient. I mean my dog’s a patient.”

Grayce rechecked her patient list. “Mitzi?”

His face flushed when she used Mitzi’s name. Had she gotten the name wrong? She seldom did. The black poodle’s ears perked at the mention of her name.

“Yes, Mitzi.” His face remained red as he led his dog into the room. Grayce focused on the haughty poodle, limping protectively next to her owner. There was something about the spunky dog she couldn’t grasp.

Grayce couldn’t envision the lieutenant comfortable in the overstuffed chintz treatment chair. She gestured to the chair across from her desk. “Please be seated. How can I help you…and Mitzi?”

“Mitzi was injured at the fireground,” he said.

Grayce bent on one knee, not touching the stressed dog. “Mitzi, what an amazing protector.”

She never knew where the words came from when she spoke to animals, but she knew they came from a deep part of her. She offered the words while observing the effect of her voice. Mitzi outwardly appeared calm but her eyes remained alert, watchful.

Grayce gently touched Mitzi’s head, needing to comfort, connect with the injured dog. Showers of blue sparks danced in her peripheral vision like those from an overloaded circuit. The charge flowing from the dog to her hand topped any ampere scale. Lightheaded from the power surge, Grayce forced herself upright and stepped toward the old pine table that served as her desk.

Looking across the table, she saw Davis’ concern.

“I’m fine, just got up too quickly.” She knew he didn’t buy it, but she couldn’t think of anything else to say.

Read more contemporary romantic suspense: An Inner Fire