Why Good Girls Like Bad Boys

By Marcia King-Gamble

www.Lovemarcia.com

Call me risk averse, but I’ve never been a fan of bad boys. Yet there are women who love them. And books about bad boys sell. Must be that “I’m going to fix him thing.” To me, that’s way too much work. Come to me fully formed. I’m not looking for a project or to remake anyone. I’m looking for a man.

When I see muscles and an open shirt with ample chest hair peeking through, and too-tight jeans, I run for the hills. I’m not into trouble. But put that kind of guy on a book cover, and watch those books fly off the shelves. Sales are guaranteed to soar.

A cowboy in a ten-gallon hat seated on a stallion gets readers’ attention.  The construction guy in a hard hat is a definite seller Have him lose his shirt and women will buy.

But readers also tend to go for kind. He might look like a bad boy, but he better be a reformed one. Readers might go for the outer trappings of a hunky guy, but they also go for integrity and heroic qualities. That’s why in romance novels the male love interest is called a hero.

Which brings me to my new release, a novella,, titled By Heart. https://amzn.to/3fi4Gg3. You may remember, By Design, released a couple of years back with co-author Sandra Kitt. This time, it’s Cyndy Lawsen’s story. Cyndy was Elle Stanford’s co-worker and friend. They were associates at H.E Caldwell’s in the gift department ETC.

Cyndy’s life undergoes a change when sculptor, Jacques Moreau demands to see the newly promoted manager. But Jacques is no villain, although initially he comes across as such. The villain in this case, is Tanisha Shaw, the manager of the neighboring department, Between the Sheets. Tanisha is after Cyndy’s commissions and the hero’s heart. She will do almost anything to discredit Cyndy and move in on Jacques.

As you can see, villains come in different shapes and forms and aren’t necessarily men.

Here is an excerpt from By Heart.

   “He’s not going to buy squat from you. Bet you I could get him over to Between the Sheets and spending some bucks.” “Tanisha said, pushing Cindy aside and setting off to stalk Cyndy’s potential buyer. Cyndy wasn’t about to let that happen. She cut Tanisha off mid- path.

    “You have customers waiting. I can handle this.” Cyndy turned to the customer in the expensive – looking camel coat.  Peter helping another woman, smothered a grin and went back to showing his customer an intricate cuckoo clock.  “May I help you?”

   The man set down the handmade quilt he’d been fingering. and raised his head. Their eyes connected, and Cyndy’s heart rate went up a beat. “Jacques what are you doing here?”  

   I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by to see you.”               

   Cyndy’s tongue felt as if it was tied in a double loop. She pulled herself together in time to say. “Did your package arrive on time?”     

   “It did, Cheri. I can’t thank you enough. We are still on for tonight, oui?”

   “We are.”  

   Conscious of Tanisha gawking. Cyndy linked an arm through Jacques and, led him to the side. “Pay no attention to that woman. She sees only dollar signs. Her goal is to get you over to Between the Sheets and spending money.”

   Jacques flashed his whites, his eyebrows jiggling.  “Between the sheets. Now that’s an idea.”

 Coming soon is a collaboration with 13 other authors with individual short stories. We hope that you will join us at Last Chance Beach. There, sand, blue skies and romance are definitely on. Who won't like a second chance at love? You can pe-order  here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CV3GN3R/

In my story, One Last Shot, the villain appears to be a former celebrity photographer, who needs just one good shot to get back into the business. As luck would have it, he’s renting a house right next door to a sitcom star hiding out from a major scandal. All these stories are a definite beach reads and should help lighten an unforgettable summer.  So take the ferry  to Last Chance Beach, grab a beach chair, and get comfortable. Here, villains turn into love interests and hearts aren’t broken.

Do you have  a villain you love to hate?  Then why not enter the Florida Romance Writers Golden Palm Contest?  You still have time.

For more information please check out. www.Frwriters.org.

Marcia King-Gamble is a National Bestselling author of over 45 books and novellas. She originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This travel industry executive and current world traveler has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia claims exercise, traveling to exotic locales, and caring for her animal family, keep her sane.

Find Marcia King-Gamble Online

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Is time alone romantic???

When you think of a vacation or a treat and romance, I'm sure most people think of time with their romantic partner on... a beach 

or enjoying a peaceful walk

or cuddling in front of a fireplace while Mother Nature and Ole Man Winter are doing their thing....

I'm In the need of a vacation…

I’m soooooo in need of a vacation! Sunday my 7 year-old received a head injury. The hospital isn’t a good vacation spot just in case anyone is considering it.  We are home now. Limited activity, limited diet, pretty much limited every. This isn’t great way to finish out the summer – our trip to the lakes – done. Our annual pirate time – done. 

BUT I know for my sanity, my marriage, and for my 7 year-old that I need to have some sort of break. Realizing when you need some 'alone' time is as important to a solid relationship as 'alone' time together.

One of my amazing sisters is willing to some down and stay with Charlie. What to do??? Plan a readers retreat, of course. You read it correctly – a readers not a writers. I need to recharge – not drain the already low pool of functioning brain cells. Don’t get me wrong I love to write – but’s a job like anything else.

I’ve hosted several reader retreats over the years but whenever I’m stressed to the edge of life, I seek a little alone time. Now some people may find they need just time to stare at the wall and drool. I get that but that’s not for me. My brain wonders and not to positive the side of life so I become more depressed rather than recharged.

Here are a few tips I’ve discovered win planning retreats (personal and group).

1.       Have a focus. I’m going to read. But what? (what are you going to focus on writing – scenes, character develop, etc.) I’m going read an old favorite – a comfort ‘food’ so speak. I’m going to bring a new book that has been on my list for a long time. And a writing craft book.

2.       Have a plan. So I don’t slip into the staring at the wall and drooling situation, I need to have a plan or the books will sit in my bag. So I time block… I know who wants a time schedule on a vacation? But think about if you really want to do the horseback ride through the Woods of Screams, you’ll look up when it happens.

3.       Food. Soooo soooo important! Even if it’s just a day retreat/vacation, you will need food. What and where are you going to? Do you want to go out? Then incorporate that into the time. If you are going for the hermit thing then research who delivers, cost and selection. Or maybe just bring food. Even if you don’t plan on bringing meals, I always suggest snacks.

Remember when planning your DYI vacation/retreat – keep the purpose in mind. I want to read…for pleasure…for my craft…and for my soul. So my choice need to support those. I know very weird for the Queen of Fly-by-seat of your leggings. But I’ve done a ‘go with the roll’ retreat and it was a failure. I came back and felt I’d wasted my time.

Do you enjoy some 'alone' vacations/retreats? If so what are your favorites???

And please join me on August 24th, as I talk about finding the 'one'... the Mr. Right...your soulmate...the man of your dream...your superhero...

You knew I had to find a way to include doughnuts :-)

I want to hear about how you found yours!

Unsung Writing Sheroes!

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

In honor of  the 4th of July, Independence Day, I am saluting all the talented Indies out there. Authors like Sophia Knightly- http://www.sophiaknightly.net/ ,  my co-author Bettye Griffin - http://www.bettyegriffin.com/ Traci Hall http://www.tracihall.com/  and our  wonderful Blog Queens,  Judith Ashley and Sarah Raplee of Windtree Press . http://windtreepress.com/.  

At Windtree Press you can visit authors like Patty Jager, Diana McCollum, Linda Lovely and Courtney Pierce.  Indie authors like fellow Generista, and Florida Romance Writer, Kristin Wallace can be found  @ http://kristinwallaceauthor.com/

While I hate to sound like a negative Nelly, the reality is that times are tough for writers. Not that they’ve not been tough before. Publishing houses are closing, and/or merging and new or aspiring authors, (even we oldies), need every platform we can get.  Even well-established authors  are jumping on the Indie bandwagon. There's something about being in control of your life and knowing what your monthly income is that's downright appealing.

For those trying to get published, and those looking for a new publishing home, don't dismiss the power of the contest. Contests are a great opportunity to showcase your talent. So where do you find contests? The local chapter of  your American Romance Writers is a good place to start. The feedback you get is invaluable and the finalists get their work read by a published author, or editor at a traditional publishing house.  

A few years back, I judged of one of these contests and discovered a voice that was truly unique.  From the author’s opening sentence she had me hooked. While she did not win the contest, I knew that voice would  be heard over and over again.

That unique voice was that of author, Sasha Summers who sent me a lovely thank you note.  Her words were sincere and heartfelt.  About a year and a half later, (make that two), her first book was being published, and I gave her a quote.  This is what I wrote:

"My new favorite author is Sasha Summers, She's as addictive as chocolate."
Marcia King-Gamble

Talent like Sasha’s needed to be recognized.  You can find out about Sasha Summers and her books right here:  http://sashasummers.com/

Another author with a heart stopping voice is Simona Taylor aka Roslyn Carrington.  Just hearing her name, makes me want to curl up in an armchair and devour her books.   Simona aka Roslyn hails from the beautiful Caribbean island of Trinidad.

I first met her when she attended the annual Romance Writers of America conference in Anaheim, California.  Her agent at the time was Deidre Knight. Who knew that years later I would be represented by the Knight Agency.

One of Roslyn’s most memorable books is the literary masterpiece, A Thirst for Rain. That book was meant to be made into a movie. It’s the kind of book you read over and over again. Each sentence holds such vivid imagery.

Roslyn still resides in Trinidad and owns The Scribble Pad. In addition to writing romance novels, she’s written a comic and coloring book. She's also developed an interactive board game. You can find information about Simona Taylor and her books here: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/simona-taylor/

A shout out goes to the talented members of my South Florida Romance Writers group. Information about the group can be found here: http://www.frwriters.org/.  New members are always welcomed. 

Since summer is now officially on,  I am counting on readers to support your Indie authors.  Please check out our bundle at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Pick up the bundled copy of the Holiday Sparkle series here:  http://a.co/4WbIQmz  and here:  http://bit.ly/2rUSidq

Get yourself an awesome beach read!  

Romantically Yours.

About Marcia King-Gamble:

Marcia hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. 

She is a former travel industry executive. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned 34 books and 8 novellas. Her free time is spent at the gym, traveling, and with her animal family.

Sassy, Sexy Southern Romance by Liz Talley

Hello, everyone!

 

SWEET SOUTHERN NIGHTS

I’m so pleased to be here talking about writing, books and the new stories ricocheting around my brain. My name is Liz Talley and I write contemporary women’s romantic fiction. I’ve been writing for seven years now and have over twenty books under my belt…and yet I still feel like a newbie in this writing world.

One thing I’m very proud of is the fact I write escapist fiction. I make no bones about writing books that deliver a warm hug in the end. Though guys often read my books, I primarily write my stories for women with the thought they can pick up my book, prop up their feet and escape from the troubles that plague them. So many of us deal with hard things in life – aging parents, divorce, bills piling up, health crisis – that we don’t want to read books that make us…well, depressed. So I make sure my books deliver laughter and love.

CHARMINGLY YOURS

One series that definitely brings the sunshine is the Morning Glory Series. Book one, Charmingly Yours, debuted in May 2016, followed by two more books plus a cute novella. The covers say it all – fun, sweet and satisfying. I call this series Sex and the City meets Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and all the books are perfect for the beach, pool or the front porch (or just a lazy day in bed).

Currently, I’m working on a stand-alone women’s fiction book served with a side of romance called Carolina Moon. This emotional story is set against the beauty of the South Carolina coast, and while still very much a Liz Talley book, this book deals with three people who’ve made some terrible mistakes in the present and past. The theme of the book is the power of owning one’s mistakes and the healing that can take place once people ask for forgiveness. This book will be available in 2018.

 

THE SWEETEST
SEPTEMBER

Thanks for having me by at Romancing the Genres. If you’d like to check out my books, the easiest way is to hop over to Amazon at http://bit.ly/LizTalleyAmazon . You can follow me there (look under my pic) to get updates on new books and “Look Inside” books to get a feel for my stories.

Happy reading! ~ Liz

Bio

A finalist in both RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart and RITA contests, Liz Talley loves staying home in her jammies writing emotional contemporary romance. Her first book starred a spinster librarian – Vegas Two Step – and debuted in June 2010. 

AUTHOR LIZ TALLEY

Since that time, Liz has published twenty-one more books with Harlequin, Berkeley and Montlake, reaching number one in kindle romance with her latest series. Her stories are set in the South where the tea is sweet, the summers are hot and the men are hotter. Liz lives in Louisiana with her childhood sweetheart, two handsome children, three dogs and a mean kitty. 

You can visit Liz at www.liztalleybooks.com or follow her on twitter or facebook to learn more about her upcoming books.

Summer as a Leading Character (because season matters!)

 

by Kristin Holt

 USA Today Bestselling Author of Sweet Romance set in the Victorian American West

Today is March 21st. Spring Equinox. Halfway between the Winter Solstice (longest night of the year) and Summer Solstice (longest day of the year). The solstices and equinoxes (spring and fall) have been celebrated all over the world since before Christianity, before much written history, simply put: before. The Wikipedia page is so long you'll zone out before you're 1/10th of the way through. Unless you're a history geek like me.

Let's talk about something else.

The SEASON of the year is a strong and valued player in fiction.

I've written dead of winter romances and peak of summer romances. Whether the bitter cold and short days become the vital antagonist, stealing the hero's hope of saving the girl (The Marshal's Surrender) or long, hot summer days bring the hero and heroine together in surprising ways (Courting Miss Cartwright), I tend to ensure the season is a valued player.

Why?

Fiction doesn't happen in a vacuum.

1. Fiction doesn't happen in a vacuum. If you've ever read a "Story In Vacuum"--fiction before a green screen--you know readers need a setting, and that setting had better matter.

2. Heat, long days, and short nights lend summertime to one kind of romance (I write only Rated G or PG--and yep, matters to "sweet" too), while numbing cold, limited daylight, and tight quarters (who wants to be out in that blizzard?) suit another.

3. Remember the truth about fiction: No Conflict, No Story. Weather is a natural conflict-producer. Cue storms from delicate spring shower to a monsoon/ tornado/ blizzard.

I've shared why Weather (winter, in this case) can assume the role of villain. Now I'll flip to the light side and share why summer can (and should) assume the role of a leading character...villain, sidekick, friend, instigator.

Summer, as Leading Character:

Every summer does indeed have its own story.

1. Entirely different range of possibilities for out-of-doors scenes than in other seasons. I really hate writing a book with every scene cooped up in the same log cabin. Not good conflict to build a story.

2. In the nineteenth century (my scope), people were on the move in summer. Winter was iffy. Throughout the 1880s alone, winter conspired for ten long years to keep trains from moving, people locked down, and let's not even talk about the flooding that followed. Hot and dry? Vegetation for animals? Let's go!

3. Summertime put nineteenth century folk to work from sunup to sundown with the work of living. Farmers had time to sit and play cards in winter. Maybe. Virtually everything in life revolved around natural sunlight--time to go to bed, time to arise, how much work could be accomplished, what crops were growing and had to be irrigated, keeping the equipment functional, raising and training new animals, and getting enough to eat. Note: this is setting, not story.

4. Summer can just as easily take the starring role of villain: tornado season, killing heat, droughts, crop failure, sun exposure, etc.

5. Because. Summertime equals BEACH READ, in any romance category. Who wants to lay on the beach and read a Christmas story?

We might not be quite ready for a beach read...so, what are you reading this Spring Equinox (March 21st)? Is it important to you to read a book set in the same season as you're personally living?

Please scroll down and comment in the space provided. I'd sincerely like to know!

Hi! I'm Kristin Holt, USA Today Bestselling Author.

I write frequent articles (or view recent posts easily on my Home Page, scroll down) about the nineteenth century American West–every subject of possible interest to readers, amateur historians, authors…as all of these tidbits surfaced while researching for my books. I also blog monthly at Sweet Romance Reads, Sweet Americana Sweethearts, and Romancing the Genres.

I love to hear from readers! Please drop me a note. Or find me on Facebook.

Sweet Romance Appropriate for All Audiences

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