Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Jody Hedlund | Exclusive Excerpt: TO TAME A COWBOY
Author Guest , Excerpt / May 20, 2022

The moment Brody shuffled up the steps, his thoughts turned to Savannah. His pulse surged, as it had every time he pictured her. All the while he’d groomed the horses and calmed the new mustang, he relived the way she’d glided her fingers over his arm when she’d taken her bag from him. He doubted she meant anything by the touch. Probably hadn’t known she’d done it. But just thinking about the caress made the hair on his arm tingle again. He’d never seen a woman as pretty. Or as kind. She’d fussed over the mustang off and on during the ride back to the ranch and had taken better care of her own horse than she had of herself. Weariness had marked her features long before she’d started yawning. He didn’t know her history, and it wasn’t his place to probe. But if he had to guess, he’d say she was running from someone or something. No other reason a respectable woman like her would be wandering around South Park by herself without any traveling companions. She’d needed a place to stay in a bad way. And he figured Healing Springs Ranch was safe. Besides, they had the room. . . ….

Tabetha Waite Interview – Mystery, Romance, and a Irresistible Irish Hero
Author Guest , Interviews / May 18, 2022

How do Conor Flannigan and Miss Delilah Rollins meet in VANQUISHED? And how would you describe their dynamic? They quite literally run into each other! Delilah’s father is a celebrated horse breeder, and while searching Tattersall’s Auction House for their wayward groom who is supposed to caring for their prized stud, Mr. Flannigan comes striding around the corner at the wrong time, so they don’t get off to a very good start!   What made you decide to write an Irish hero? That was based on the Driven Series by K Bromberg. In her novels, the hero, Colton Donovan, was adopted. He finds out later that he is of Irish descent. I asked if I could write a story based on his ancestor and Kristy loved the idea! This is the first story in the Shared World that has a historical twist.   What makes a good romantic hero? I love a good brood! And definitely some mystery. I’ve always been a sucker for the tall, dark, and handsome trope with a bit of a bad boy rake, who falls hard for the heroine, but does his best to deny his emotions.   Some of my favorite historical romances have…

Caroline Lee | Exclusive Excerpt: THE SINNER’S TEMPTING CAPTOR
Author Guest , Excerpt / May 18, 2022

“What are you working on?” she asked desperately. Smirking, Bull held his knitting out. “I dinnae ken. Another scarf, perhaps? Do ye think I could find some orange yarn before we board the train tomorrow?” He was teasing her. Honoria sighed and unconsciously rubbed at her temple. “Bull, if there’s any orange yarn to be found in this city, I believe you would be the best person to find some. I still cannot believe you managed to find Crowe a suit without measuring him.” Her brother winked as his fingers flew. “And evening wear as well.” She chuckled in defeat, and shook her head. “Thank you for the reminder.” She had to admit; the banter had relaxed her. “You are a remarkable young man when it comes to procuring things. I am delighted to say I have no idea how you do it, nor do I want to know.” “And have I ever told ye how much I appreciate ye no’ butting into my business?” Business. Chuckling, Honoria shook her head once more, enjoying the sensation of the smile after the last stressful week. And of course, it was right then that the universe decided she needed some humbling. The…

Annabelle Greene | Exclusive Excerpt: THE SERVANT AND THE GENTLEMAN
Author Guest , Excerpt / May 18, 2022

The wrought-iron door handle was cold against Hartley’s fingers. Quite why he was gripping it so tightly he didn’t know; it had to be fear or excitement. Or both, coiled so inextricably within him that he couldn’t tell which one was which. It was different in candlelight. Last time there had been barely any light; it had been easy to forget himself, to get lost in the rush of desire that had taken hold. Now, with enough light to see both the cramped tightness of the room and a glimpse of his own white face in the mirror above the basin, it was almost impossible to imagine feeling enough pleasure to overcome the terror filling him. He held his breath as Mr. Balfour moved closer. Close enough to press against him, chest to chest, thigh to thigh. Hartley sighed, a deep shiver running through him as he looked into the man’s warm brown eyes. He couldn’t even think of him as Mr. Balfour anymore. Not in this naked, vulnerable light. Master, servant, Mr. Hartley, Mr. Balfour; no rank, no polite form of address, quite held up to scrutiny. Not here. Not now. The man in front of him was Josiah….

Sahara Kelly | 20 Questions: THE RASCAL
Author Guest / May 13, 2022

1–What is the title of your latest release? Hi there, Fresh Fiction readers! Right now, I’m celebrating the release of THE RASCAL, the first in my new series of Regency-set historical romances! 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? If you’re getting worried that historical authors are running out of titled aristocrats, perhaps you might like a different variety of Regency hero. He’s intelligent, handsome as can be, and has found a home for himself in London, under the wing of an eccentric wealthy lady. But Mr Fitzallan Wilde has one fatal flaw…he’s a bastard! And he’s determined to keep his heart firmly locked away, until he is forced into the role of Good Samaritan and everything changes… 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? The Regency is almost like my “second home”. I was born and raised in England, not far from Jane Austen’s home in Chawton, Hampshire. My first book was a Regency historical, and I’ve been blessed with many readers who have enjoyed the many historical romances I’ve written over the years. So yes, setting a book in that time and that place? I’m very happy there. 4–Would you hang out…

Laney Hatcher | 20 Questions: NEANDERTHAL SEEKS DUCHESS
Author Guest / May 11, 2022

1–What is the title of your latest release? My debut novel and Smartypants Romance title is called NEANDERTHAL SEEKS DUCHESS. It’s a historical romance re-imagining of Penny Reid’s Knitting in the City series, written in Smartypants Romance’s new Out of this World imprint. 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? Quirky wallflower tries to avoid scandal in London but meets a mysterious gentleman who shakes things up instead. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? London felt like the obvious choice, so I went with it. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? Definitely. Jane is a loyal and dedicated friend whose quirks and unique personality make her someone I’d love to hang with. 5–What are three words that describe your hero? Unconventional, brooding, swoony 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? I really wanted to accurately display and translate the friendships between the Knitting in the City ladies (Penny’s series) to the London embroidery ladies (my series). And I think what hit home while I was writing NSD was that whether you’re in modern day Chicago or 19th century England, true and lasting friendships are rare and precious. 7–Do…

Tracy Sumner | Author-Reader Match: THE WICKED WALLFLOWER
Author Guest / May 11, 2022

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 you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Tracy Sumner!   Writes: Steamy, character-driven, banter-filled historical romance! About: Dating profile-style bio of the author What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match: A reader who likes: Slow, burn STEAM High heat, long love scenes Banter, e.g., The Thin Man, Sam & Diane/Cheers, Moonlighting, Lucy & Desi Heroes who fall first Heroines who are independent, feisty and often have their own “careers” in a way that is reasonable for the time period Heroes who aren’t always dukes. (Sometimes, however!) I love writing the rookery boys! A la Peaky Blinders! What to expect if we’re compatible: Comps I’ve heard (and this is from readers, not me!) LOTS of Derek Craven references (which flatters me to no end!) in my latest book,  THE WICKED WALLFLOWER. Xander Macauley is a rookery titan who has climbed from the slums to rule London! I get comps to writers who write edgy, sexy heroes. https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Kleypas-Gambler-Cravens-Dreaming/dp/1536671312 https://www.amazon.com/Heartbreaker-Hells-Belles-Sarah-MacLean-ebook/dp/B09MD6ZMNX https://www.amazon.com/Crying-Wolfe-Goode-Girls-Romance-ebook/dp/B094RS5SDK THE WICKED WALLFLOWER by Tracy Sumner Duchess Society #3 In this…

The Character Most Likely – Amanda Quick
Author Guest / May 4, 2022

With her new book WHEN SHE DREAMS out, we here at Fresh Fiction thought it would be a fun way for readers to get to know her characters better (from her many many fab books) to play a little game we call “The Character Most Likely“. I love this because it satisfies my romance nerd self AND because I love Amanda Quick’s books. If you’re new to her Burning Cove series – it takes place during the 1930s and has a wonderful mix of romance and mystery.   Most likely to successfully masquerade as somebody else to get information? ANSWER: Sam Sage (WHEN SHE DREAMS).  Hey, he’s a profession private investigator.  He knows how to do this stuff. Most likely to slip in and out of a locked room undetected? ANSWER: Simon Cage (THE LADY HAS A PAST). He’s got a psychic vibe. Most likely to have a plan blow up in their face? ANSWER: Maggie Lodge (WHEN SHE DREAMS).  She’s the overly-enthusiastic type. Most likely talk their way out of a sticky situation? ANSWER: Luther Pell (THE BURNING COVE series).  He’s got connections.  All he has to do is pick up the phone. Most likely to fall in love…

Cerise DeLand | 20 Questions: LADY, BEHAVE
Author Guest / May 4, 2022

1–What is the title of your latest release? LADY, BEHAVE, Book 2 in the Naughty Ladies series 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? A stunning Irish lady with a sharp tongue finds a beau who falls for her despite her shady Irish family! 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I decided to write a romantic comedy trilogy about sisters who had tiny flaws in their characters and who wished to reform…even if they couldn’t. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? YES! You would want to hang out with Adelaide Devereaux, too, because she sees people for who they really are…and tells others the truth about them. Always. 5–What are three words that describe your hero? Needs to laugh! 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? Some people have the innate ability to survive life in prison without much hardship. 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done? I do a sift and winnow type of writing. I write one chapter or scene and the next day, I edit that, then go forward to #2. On third day I return to #2 and…

Amelia Grey | 20 Questions: A GENTLEMAN SAYS “I DO”
Author Guest / May 3, 2022

Thank you for having me at Fresh Fiction today. I’m always excited to be invited. 1–What is the title of your latest release? A GENTLEMAN SAYS “I DO” 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? TEASER: A GENTLEMAN SAYS “I DO” is about a determined, savvy lady who only wants to save her family and a dashing rogue accustomed to getting what he wants. He’s looking for revenge but she helps him find love instead. SYNOPSIS: At the virile age of twenty-nine Iverson Brentwood has finally met his match. Catalina Crisp heats his blood like no other in his history as a confirmed bachelor. She is the most alluring young lady he’s ever encountered. Her boldness has stopped him dead in his tracks. But no matter how attracted he is to the intriguing Catalina, he can’t give into his desire to possess her in every way…for she is the daughter of the man he’s sworn to destroy. Catalina’s father is a well-known poet and a writer, but wastrel whose disappearances continuously put their household one step away from destitution. Something drastic must change, so it is with quill in hand, that Catalina completes her father’s latest parody of the…