When we think of a romance hero we usually think of a military or ex-military man, firefighter, policeman, spy, cowboy, rancher, or billionaire businessman. How often do we think of a farmer? A reader recently commented that she was both surprised and pleased that the hero of my latest book was an organic farmer. As she put it, “Farmers can be hot too.” He’s also a half-breed werewolf, but that’s another story. I realized it’s not the first time I’ve had a hero who makes his living as a farmer. That got me to thinking about why I chose that profession for my hero. Of course the easy and true answer is, “He chose it, not me.” That’s how it works for me when I write. The characters tell me who they are and what they do for a living. I’m just taking dictation. I think there is something intrinsically down-to-earth about a man who works the soil for a living. A natural confidence that arises from working for himself and depending on his own abilities. He must be willing to trust his instincts and adapt to changing situations. So many variables are out of his control and not everything…

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas This is the highly anticipated sequel to A Court of Thorns and Roses. The fantasy hooks you in with realistic portrayals of PSTD, something you don’t often see in paranormal and fantasy books, enough action and adventure to keep you on the edge of your seat, and a super sexy, steaming hot love story. Wildest Dreams by Kristen Ashley I’m a huge, obsessive fan of Kristen Ashley, having read almost all her books, with the exception of her fantasy/paranormal. I read Fantasyland book one: Wildest Dreams, and immediately fell for Frey. Never thought I’d be so attracted to the nickname ‘wee one.’ Featuring a parallel universe, a spunky heroine, and a sexy alpha male, this is a paranormal/fantasy romance that’s a must read. The Beast by JR Ward Those who know me, know I’m the number one Rhage fan in the world. THE WORLD, so nothing made me more excited to know that we were getting another book featuring him and Mary. It’s a great additional to their romance, sexy and sweet. I could spend all summer with Hollywood. Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione No one can world build quite…

Hello to all Fresh Fiction readers out there! This is Claire Davon, writer of Fire Danger, Elementals’ Challenge #1. In researching the Elementals series I found many mythical creatures outside of werewolves and vampires that I thought it might be fun to show five obscure beings that are kicking around in my head as romance possibilities! I have already written about gargoyles, lamassu, norns, huldufólk, sirens and of course Phoenix, Griffin, Ondine and Sphynx, characters from the Elementals series but there are so many more. You’ll see souls from many myths in those books which I hope enhances the fun. Without further ado, on to the countdown! Thunderbird. For anyone who hasn’t heard of the thunderbird, this legendary North American creature flaps its wings and creates thunder, and also controls the upper world. I picture a humanoid who morphs into this amazing being. He could be the protector of a family or families, watching from a distance, until distance becomes impossible. Banshee. The Banshee’s mythological heritage dates back to pre-Christian times. Imagine your voice powerful weapon that can kill, and is feared by all who hear it. I see a banshee as a kick-ass heroine, her legacy garbled into one…

The ten o’clock news came on, so Clara knew it was time for Alfred to come in. She used her remote to turn off the television, then picked up her cane and hobbled out to the kitchen. She opened the back door. A chilly wind blew against her. She took a deep breath of the fresh October air, and peered across her yard. “Al-l-l-fred!” she called. Generally, she would hear the clink of his collar tags before ever seeing him. She listened, but heard only the dry shuffling of leaves on the graveyard trees. “Al-l-l-fred?” Careful not to fall—her broken hip last year had laid her up good and proper for five months—she stepped down the three wooden stairs to the yard. She made her way across the moonlit lawn, and stopped at the edge of her flowerbed. From there, she peered through the bars of the cemetery fence. So dark over there, the trees shading the moon. “Al-l-l-l-fred!” she called. Much too loudly. She imagined heads rising in their coffins, turning—corpses listening to her voice. Softly, she called, “Here, kitty-kitty-kitty.” Her eyes searched the darkness. Saw a solitary figure near the cemetery fence. Gasping, she took a quick step…

Exclusive Excerpt for Fresh Fiction: “Please, please, do not tell me I just missed her!” The balding little man behind the counter jumped at Sebastian’s tone. Sweat beaded the clerk’s brow as he fidgeted with a stack of travel brochures. “Well, I’m sorry, but you have.” He hitched a thumb over his shoulder toward the window behind him. “In fact, there she goes now.” The edge of the countertop cracked beneath Sebastian’s fingertips as he watched the twin engine Cessna taxi down the runway. He’d chased that double damned woman all over this Godforsaken town. Port August, Michigan had become his own personal version of limbo from which it seemed he could not escape. A never ending loop of always being one step behind the cursed woman and never lucky enough to quite catch up. The storm brewing inside him boiled closer to the surface as the front wheels of the plane left the tarmac. Breathe, Sebastian reminded himself. And there she went, slipping through his fingers.Again. A red haze winked over his vision for a moment. The little gnome took a cautious step back, sweat streaming down the sides of his smooth forehead now, his eyes wide as saucers…