I love librarians. No doubt about it. I worked at a public library for five years, after all, which implies a certain amount of affection. Or masochism, I suppose. And my debut novella—Broken Resolutions—is a contemporary romance set in a small, rural Maryland library during a risqué New Year’s Eve singles’ event. Almost the entire book takes place within that one building. My couple meets there, falls in love there, and consummates their budding relationship there. (You may be surprised by what they use as their mattress. No, I’m not going to tell you.) Still not convinced of my deep and abiding adoration for librarians? No problem. My final piece of evidence: Broken Resolutions is only the first in an entire series of books featuring librarian heroines, so I will basically be drowning in nerdy library references for years. Years. You might think I’d get sick of the whole subject, but that’s not the case thus far. If you have recommendations for other contemporary romances featuring librarians—including your own, if you’re a writer—please let me know. Like scratches on the Game of Thrones Blu-ray you checked out from the library, I’ll be all over it. But I also enjoy reading…

It’s here! That book you’ve been waiting for and had on pre-order for AGES. Release day has finally arrived, and you have it in your hot little hands and you are about to binge read the heck out of that sucker. But life has a way to getting in the way and trying to screw up a really decadent day of reading. That’s okay. I’m here to help. I’ve put together a Release Day Survival Kit to help you read to your heart’s content! Here goes! Something snuggly. The more snuggly the better. Heck, if you have an actual Snuggie, you’re ahead of the game. The more tucked in and comfortable you are, the harder it will be for the world to intrude. I’m pretty sure that’s release day 101. Locked Door. Putting a door between you and the rest of the world is pretty important. Bonus points if you develop a COUGHsicknessCOUGH and take the day for yourself while everyone is out of the house. You’re practically obligated to rest and recuperate so you can get back to taking care of everyone else, right? Really, you’re doing THEM the favor. Warm beverage. You’re already snuggled down on the couch…

Nothing is better than a mug of hot chocolate in the winter, and RaeAnne Thayne has the perfect recipe to make. Luxurious Hot Chocolate 4 cups of milk (whole is best) 8 ounces of high-quality chocolate … I like Guittard semisweet chips. White chocolate works too, for a different taste. 3 teaspoons of powdered sugar 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (pure, not imitation) 1/8 teaspoon salt Finely chop the chocolate. Even if using chocolate chips, the smaller the pieces, the better it will dissolve in liquid. On low heat in a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a low boil, whisking occasionally to keep from scorching. Add the vanilla, powdered sugar, salt and chocolate and whisk vigorously until the chocolate has melted. Heat for another 4 minutes, constantly stirring. Serve with a dollop of real whipped cream. You can add lots of things to this recipe: Mint, vanilla bean, cinnamon stick. Whatever your preference. Just add herbs or spices to the milk while simmering. After it boils, remove from heat and let the milk steep for 10 minutes then strain off your add-ins and return to simmer before adding the chocolate and other ingredients. About RaeAnne Thayne Stories of Hope,…

Can two people fall in love after seven days of knowing each other? The hero and heroine, Mikhail and Payton from the latest book in my Scandalous House of Calydon series, THE ROYAL CONQUEST, certainly believed it possible. After their initial meeting, the witty and sensual banters, the illicit touches and the daring against conventions to be together, Mikhail and Payton wanted to be with each other. “She had only been with Mikhail a total of seven days, and she wanted to lay her heart and soul down before him. The idea terrified her. “ “I know I adore you. The utter wonder of meeting you and knowing you have taken a piece of my heart, although I’ve only known you for seven days, has not escaped me. I do not need seven weeks or seven years to know you are the woman for me, Payton. I know it now. I see it in your smiles, your kisses, the passion and joy you find in the simple pleasure of life. What I see I admire, and I can only grow to love and appreciate you more.” I remembered when my hubby read my first draft, he said to me, “Seven…

When I was first asked to write this feature on Jayne Ann Krentz, I was thrilled, I love her books and the many genres that she presents us. Then as I thought about it I was totally intimidated. What can I say about this author whose books grace my shelves and have for years? While planning this out I took the time to study up on Ms. Krentz and of course reread some of her past offerings and I found myself falling in love with many of her characters all over again. Now I truly think I know this author better and think I now understand why I, and so many others, read her books. There were some things that I didn’t know about JAK, which gave me even more respect for this woman. She began writing during a stint at Duke University where she worked in the library system. For six years she received rejection after rejection and even thought of giving up on writing but by that time it was a “compulsion” which luckily for us she couldn’t give up. After moving to Washington for her husband Frank’s aerospace career she continued writing and in 1979 her first…