Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Irene Hannon | Title Challenge: INTO THE FIRE
Author Guest / October 2, 2023

It’s fall here in the Northern Hemisphere, and if you’re ready for a heart-pumping story to enjoy beside a roaring fire, check out INTO THE FIRE, Book 1 in my new Undaunted Courage series. If you aren’t a fan of cliffhanger endings that force you to wait until the next book in a series comes out to continue the story, no worries. All my series book can be read as standalones. In this story, you’ll meet Bri Tucker, a former smokejumper turned arson investigator, who inherits a puzzle after the sudden and mysterious death of a former colleague. Our hero, ATF Special Agent Marc Davis, isn’t convinced there’s anything to investigate…until it becomes clear the puzzle is not only real, but deadly. Can Bri and Marc figure it out before anyone else dies? Dive in to find out! J   I is for intrigue. This book is chock full of secrets, deception, and red herrings that will keep you guessing about who’s behind the dangerous happenings. N is for no way. Despite the sparks pinging between them, Bri does not want to fall for Marc. Not after what happened in Idaho during her smokejumper days. T is for Tucker. Bri’s…

Irene Hannon | Title Challenge: WINDSWEPT WAY
Author Guest / April 21, 2023

Hello, everyone, and welcome to Hope Harbor! Book #9 in the series, WINDSWEPT WAY, is about to release – but no worries if you’ve never visited my idyllic little Oregon seaside town. Every book can be read as a standalone. In this story, you’ll meet Ashley Scott, who’s come to Hope Harbor in a leap of faith to bring new life to a historic seaside home. Her visit to the secluded estate gets off to a shaky start, though, thanks to an encounter with a masked, chainsaw wielding man and an unusual reception from the older, reclusive owner. But as she joins forces with wounded warrior Jonathan Gray to give a house that has known too much sadness a happy ending, might they also find one themselves? Warning: Have a few tissues on hand for the oh-so-romantic ending.   W is for Windswept Way. This secluded byway ends in a clifftop setting worthy of Victoria Holt—without the dark undercurrents! I is for intrigued. How Ashley feels about Jon almost from the get-go—but he’s a hard nut to crack. N is for never. The attitude of Rose Fitzgerald, the owner of the historic home, when Ashley tries to coax her to…

Irene Hannon | Title Challenge: BODY OF EVIDENCE
Author Guest / October 4, 2022

Hi, everyone! Irene Hannon here to tell you about my latest romantic suspense novel, Body of Evidence. This book features Grace Reilly, a forensic pathologist in rural Missouri, who uncovers an odd pattern in the seemingly natural deaths of older residents. Swoon-worthy Sheriff Nate Cox is skeptical of her suspicions—until someone starts targeting her. They join forces, but as they work together to expose the truth, the danger intensifies. Suddenly, more lives are on the line…including Grace’s. But the heart-pounding adrenaline rush in this book isn’t confined to the high-stakes, life-and-death plotline. Because in the midst of all the mayhem, romance also blooms. So buckle up and get ready for a gripping roller-coaster ride!   B is for brotherhood. Actually, in this case, sisterhood. Grace is tight with her two sisters, so expect some lively banter and good-natured sisterly teasing. O is for Oh, My! Be prepared for a surprise at the big reveal! D is for dang. As in, I didn’t see that coming—an advance reader comment. Y is for yesterday. Both Grace and Nate have secrets in their pasts that could affect their future.   O is for Odor. Nate has an olfactory issue that is not conducive…

Irene Hannon | 20 Questions: SEA GLASS COTTAGE
Author Guest / April 8, 2022

1–What is the title of your latest release? SEA GLASS COTTAGE   2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? Can a woman on a mission and the man she betrayed make peace with their past and open their hearts to a new beginning?   3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? This is book 8 in my Hope Harbor series, so of course it takes place in my charming Oregon seaside community of Hope Harbor – where hearts heal…and love blooms!   4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? Yes. I admire her spunk and strength and the way she’s transformed her life.   5–What are three words that describe your hero? Honorable, strong, wounded   6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? Quite a lot about the ins and outs of family law.   7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done? I edit as a go, then do a final read to smooth out any rough edges.   8–What’s your favorite foodie indulgence? Dessert – preferably rich, decadent and chocolate! But I don’t indulge often.   9–Describe your writing space/office! Years ago, we…

Irene Hannon | Exclusive Excerpt: LABYRINTH OF LIES
Author Guest / October 4, 2021

“That wraps up the tour.” Richard Tucker opened the door that led from the school’s main corridor to the Ivy Hill administrative offices. “I’m sorry more staff members weren’t around for you to meet, but this place is a ghost town over Christmas break.” “Understandable.” Zeke Sloan followed the president into the office suite, giving it another discreet perusal. The place was functional, but the original artwork, mahogany furniture, and custom rugs on the polished hardwood floor spoke of a solid financial base. Not a luxury many private schools had these days. “I’ll introduce you to the rest of the faculty at our staff meeting next Friday and—” A door to the right opened, and Richard swung toward it. “Will! I thought you’d left for the day.” A uniformed, fiftyish balding man who could use a few extra trips to the gym paused. “I decided to make one more circuit.” Richard smiled. “I’ve been raving to our new Spanish teacher here about the dedication of our faculty and staff. Thank you for giving witness to that. Zeke, meet Will Fischer, Ivy Hill’s director of security. Will, this is Zeke Martinez, who’ll be filling in for Teresa while she recovers from…

Irene Hannon | 20 Questions: BLACKBERRY BEACH
Author Guest / April 9, 2021

1–What is the title of your latest release? Blackberry Beach 2–What is it about? Here’s the back cover blurb: Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted—fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn’t she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she’ll be able to calm the storm inside. Coffee shop opener Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss—and he has no plans to change the life he’s created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He’s had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find a future together in this small town where hearts heal…and love blooms? 3–What do you love about the setting of your book?  Hope Harbor, my fictional small town, is located on the spectacular Oregon coast. It’s the kind of place all of us would love to call home, filled with…

Irene Hannon | 20 Questions: POINT OF DANGER
Author Guest / October 5, 2020

1–What’s the name of your latest release?  Point of Danger 2–What is it about?  When radio talk show host Eve Reilly finds herself in the sights of someone who wants her voice silenced, Detective Brent Lange must track down the unknown foe before he loses the woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes–and who is also stealing his heart. 3–What word best describes your main character(s)? Tenacious and brave  4–What makes your story relatable?  My heroine finds herself caught up in a very credible, dangerous situation, which ended up being more topical that I could ever have predicted when I started the book two years ago. I think readers will admire her courage and spunk and find much to like in both her and the hero. 5–Who are the people your main characters turn to when they need help?  This is book 1 in my Triple Threat series (note: each book can be read as a standalone), which features three sisters. I loved exploring the relationship they have. So Eve, my heroine, relies on her sisters for support and friendship. My hero has a best friend who serves as his confidante. But other than that, he’s…

Irene Hannon | Title Challenge: STARFISH PIER
Author Guest / April 3, 2020

For those of you who’ve been yearning to return to my little seaside Oregon town of Hope Harbor—the wait is over! If you haven’t visited, I hope you’ll stop by. Starfish Pier is Book 6, but every story stands alone. So please drop in! In my latest novel you’ll meet Holly Miller, who’s new in town. Moving to Hope Harbor was a big step for her for several reasons, but she’s settling in as a first-grade teacher. Life is good…but a little romance wouldn’t hurt. Enter Steven Roark, who’s left the military behind and now runs fishing charters. He’s in town on a mission—a personal one this time—but his take-charge manner isn’t helping him achieve his goal. And he definitely isn’t looking for romance. Funny how that works, though. Sometimes when you least expect it Ms. Right can show up—even if she’s nothing like the kind of woman you thought you’d fall for! So let’s see where this game takes us. S is for Starfish. Matchmakers don’t always have to be human. 🙂 T is for traumatic. Holly and Steven have both had their share of tough times. A is for antagonistic. Which captures the mood of their first meeting….

Irene Hannon | Exclusive Excerpt: DARK AMBITIONS
Author Guest / October 7, 2019

There was blood on the ice. Rick Jordan jolted to a stop, gaze riveted on the crimson spots blemishing the frosty ground, fingers tightening on the disposable cup of coffee he’d just nuked. Could his eyes be playing tricks on him in the waning light of the December afternoon? He leaned closer. No. His 20/20 vision hadn’t failed him. It was blood. After all the gore he’d seen, it wasn’t difficult to make a positive ID. But with all the wildlife on the wooded acreage he called home, could it be from an animal? As he peered at the ruby-­colored stains, the hair on the back of his neck snapped to attention–and since metabolic cues had saved his hide on more Night Stalker missions than he cared to remember, ignoring them would be foolish. The blood was human. Giving the landscape a thorough, methodical sweep, he set down the cup of java he’d picked up at the café during his supply run to town, balancing it on the uneven ground. No movement other than the huge flakes that had begun to sift down from the leaden sky. Apparently the blizzard warning issued this morning had been spot-­on. Missouri would have…

Irene Hannon | Top Five Reasons I Write Romance
Author Guest / April 11, 2019

First, a word about the romance genre. As those of us who write—and read—romance know, romance is often the underdog of fiction. Literary types in particular often look down on it. How sad for them. For romance has the power to sweep us away on a magical journey where heroes and heroines triumph against daunting odds. It uplifts, encourages and fills us with hope. It’s the stuff of inspiration. I’m proud to write it—for these reasons: 1. I love happy endings. Who doesn’t? That’s what our hearts and souls yearn for, and when it comes to the dating game, the romance genre—by definition—offers a guaranteed happily ever after. Romance novels are comfort food for the heart because we know that no matter how bad things get, the hero and heroine will end up together. Going along with them on their journey as they grapple with all the challenges that come their way makes for a compelling—and sometimes enlightening—ride. I read a cynical article once that denigrated the genre as nothing more than a fairy tale with no basis in reality, and you know what? I felt sorry for the woman who wrote it. Because once we stop believing in the…