The Summer BBQ Recipe Roundup continues with the main course, provided by contemporary romance author, Dylann Crush and her new book, THE COWBOY SAYS I DO. And don’t forget to check out yesterday’s post. . .  and come back tomorrow for more delicious fun! Day 1, an appetizer with Lynn Austin: https://freshfiction.com/page.php?id=10708 Thanks so much to Fresh Fiction for inviting me to share a little bit about the first book in my new Tying the Knot in Texas series. . .  The Cowboy Says I Do. Like my heroine, Lacey, I grew up in Texas where everything seems bigger, including the cowboys’ appetites. There were plenty of backyard cookouts and gatherings with family and friends. But it was always so hot out that no one wanted to stand in front of a blazing grill. Lacey knows how to throw a party, so when she’s feeding a crowd she likes to toss together a batch of this Perfect Pulled Pork. Not only does it take just a few minutes of prep work, but it can be cooked the night before so a cowgirl doesn’t have to miss out on the party. There’s no such thing as a small get together in…

“I thought most women wanted happily ever after?” His gaze never left her face, the scrutiny making her uncomfortable. Becky pulled her hand away and turned to watch Byron. She didn’t like anyone looking too closely into what made her tick. “Maybe when they start out as little girls reading fairytales. But then real life happens, and they grow up. Some faster than others.” And it’s not that she didn’t want it. The plain and simple truth was that true love hadn’t come knocking at her door. “That’s a very cynical approach.” Better to let him believe she was cynical rather than a disappointed little girl who grew up but never let go of her fairy tale ending. “No different than your own.” She shrugged, looking back at him. “Well, okay, then. I’ve been thinking this through, and I believe it’s important for us to move fast but to make it look real. It’s a matter of finding the right balance, and that’s what we need to discuss to land on the same page.” Steve lowered his voice as a mother walked by pushing a baby stroller. “I’m listening.” Fast worked for her when it came to getting Byron healthcare…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors as a reader you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Sara Desai! Writes: Books. Romance books Romance books that are funny. One romantic comedy book in particular: The Marriage Game, a sexy enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy about a grumpy downsizing consultant and a hopelessly romantic personnel recruiter who battle to secure office space as they interview the ten suitors her father has selected for her to marry. About: Island-dwelling extroverted introvert with a passion for trapping grouchy alpha males and sunshiny heroines in close quarters and pitting them against each other in a battle of wills seeks laugh-loving reader who loves scrumptious Indian food, crazy characters, big loud families, and heroes who know how to grovel. What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match: Loves cute, fluffy Westies who have a weakness for pakoras Will not start dancing during an interview Agrees that extreme pogo should not be an Olympic sport Hates any food that is deconstructed, foraged at dawn, curated, bespoke, or can’t be seen with the naked eye. Knows instantly that…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors as a reader you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present B. Ivy Woods! Writes: I write contemporary romance with a dash of suspense and humor set in Washington, D.C. My new release, Conspiracy in the Capitol (June 4th), is a second chance, diverse romance following a couple as they give their relationship another go, all while dealing with someone ready to do anything to keep them apart. About: Twenty-something Virginian born and raised in New York City seeks romance readers who have a thing for smart heroines and heroes with a heart. She married to someone she met on a dating app. What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match: Loves a strong heroine who has a core group of gal pals in her corner Melts over a charming hero who will do anything for a second chance Dives right into a story with deep mystery and intrigue Enjoys an exciting book vacation to the sights and sounds of Washington, D.C. What to expect if we’re compatible: Witty banter between friends…

1–What’s the name of your latest release?  Conventionally Yours! 2–What is it about?  This is my gamer road trip rivals to lovers story about two tabletop gaming frenemies forced to take a cross-country road trip together to a huge convention. Along the way, they discover the true depth of their feelings for each other. Also, they confront everything from car trouble to hotel rooms with only one bed! 3–What word best describes Alden?  Perplexing.  He’s driven, determined, complicated, smart, stubborn, and also deeply loyal, moral, and good in a crisis. And he’s good at driving Conrad up a tree! 4–What makes Conrad irresistible?  He’s handsome in a boy-next-door way, but he’s also funny, helpful, kind, principled, spontaneous, and resourceful. And he’s everything Alden has never realized he needs. 5–Who are the people your main characters turn to when they need help?  I love the secondary characters in this book. They have a pretty strong cast of characters, from friends like Jasper and Payton to the Professor whose car they are driving and who functions as sort of a surrogate grandpa for the group. Alden’s moms are also important to the story, as are people they meet along the journey. 6–What…

1–What’s the name of your latest release?  Forbidden Lust, part of the Dynasties: Seven Sins series 2–What is it about?  The novel features one of my favorite tropes—unrequited love! Allison has wanted Zane since she was a teenager, but he’s her older brother’s best friend, and those two guys will be best bros forever. Allison goes to visit her aunt in the Bahamas, only to learn that Zane is there, too, sent by her brother to force too-tense Zane to loosen up. Allison has a few ideas on how to make that happen. 3–What word best describes your heroine?  Determined. Allison refuses to accept defeat, whether it’s trouble with her career or pursuing Zane. She’s not starry-eyed when it comes to her stubborn ways, though. She knows her limitations. With Zane, she knows it could never be more than a fling. Her brother and Zane would never allow it.   4–What makes your hero irresistible?  Zane is fiercely loyal and protective. He doesn’t want to break the bro-code that says you don’t get involved with your best friend’s sister, but his efforts to keep Allison as only a friend really come from his instinct to be a protector. He’ll do anything…

The Girl Next Door is a romance about coming home, even when that’s not in your plan. Iris Turner has to move back in with her parents after burning out in the big city, and she’s none too happy about being back in her small Maine town. That is, until she locks eyes with Jude Wicks, who just happens to live next door. Jude is a lobsterwoman, rides a motorcycle, and is full of all kinds of intrigue for Iris. Her plan is still to leave as soon as she can, but they say life happens when you’re busy making other plans. T is for trust your instincts. H is for hot sexytimes! E is for even more sexytimes! * G is for get the girl! I is for Iris! That one was easy. Too bad I didn’t have a J in the title. R is for remember your past, but don’t let it consume you. Jude learns this one for herself. L is for LOBSTER! Obviously. They play a huge role in this book.  * N is for not every failure is bad. Iris learns this one the hard way. E is for even strong people need support. X…

Welcome to Fresh Fiction, Kennedy! We are so excited to have you here. Please tell us about yourself and your new book, QUEEN MOVE. Thank you for having me! I’m so glad to be here. I write contemporary romance that goes straight for your heart, sometimes with a sucker punch. LOL! My new book Queen Move is a reunion romance. The hero and heroine know each other literally from the time they’re babies. It’s a bit of a soul mate story. Their parents are best friends, and Kimba and Ezra are separated just as they’re entering high school. When they meet again years later, they’re both adults with very complicated lives. Negotiating their HEA is complex and kinda messy, but I hope, rewarding. QUEEN MOVE is loosely related to the All the King’s Men Duet. What do you love about this setting and world you’ve built? Yes! We first meet Kimba, Queen Move’s heroine, in The Kingmaker, book 1 of the All the King’s Men duet. Queen Move is written to completely stand on its own (Seriously! Not just saying that! LOL!), but Kimba’s best friend and business partner is Lennix, the heroine of the duet. I think of SCANDAL…

Welcome to Fresh Fiction, Yaffa and congrats on your debut novel hitting stores! Please tell us more about yourself and your book, A TASTE OF SAGE. Thank you! A TASTE OF SAGE came to be as I combined my interests in the romance genre and cooking. It was also important to me that there be some aspect that extends beyond the five senses. I started with Lumi, my main character, and an idea of the journey I wanted for her, but not as much of a clear idea of how she would get there. Little by little, I added the other characters and conflicts. That was the fun part. Will you talk a little bit about your journey into publishing? What has been the most surprising thing about becoming a published author so far? I queried for about two years on and off before I connected with my agent. What surprises me the most is how much there is to learn about how publishing works, though I’m making progress every day. In addition to being a contemporary romance, A TASTE OF SAGE is also a love letter to FOOD! I was obsessed with the descriptions of food throughout this novel…

“Sisters, as you know, also have a unique relationship. This is the person who has known you your entire life, who should love you and stand by you no matter what, and yet it’s your sister who knows exactly where to drive the knife to hurt you the most.” Lisa See, author When I was younger, I was all about trying to fix what was wrong in my life. Smoothing out the rough edges. If I couldn’t fix my flaws, I’d figure out a way to hide ’em. As I’ve aged, I’ve accepted the messiness of life. Sometimes we fall, Humpty-Dumpty-style, and break, and the pieces don’t fit back together again. As an author, I love to delve into complicated relationships. Family relationships. Friendships. Does he-doesn’t she romantic entanglements. You want to try to unravel some problematic relationships? Try to understand the bonds between sisters. Some sisters are each other’s designated best friends, with their phone numbers on speed dial so they chat with each other multiple times a day. Some sisters are so hostile toward one another that they haven’t seen or spoken to one another in years. And some sisters are an oil and water mix of the…