As a woman, I sometimes feel like I’m too critical of female protagonists. Tess Greene, the heroine in DISASTER GIRL by Michelle Dayton, is realistically flawed, but I admire her determination, intelligence, and her mix of toughness and plenty of heart. It’s something the hero in this story admires too, and why he ends up falling for her. Tess had a somewhat chaotic childhood, constantly doing damage control. As a result, that became kind of what she does for a career. This story involves revenge porn, and Tess collaborates with potential employee and tech geek she’s hopelessly attracted to, Max Hampshire, to bring down the sleezebag behind it all. I like characters who are multifaceted, and Tess qualifies for sure. She’s not the stereotypical cold-hearted businesswoman. She’s had some life experiences that have made her more guarded, but she cares about a lot of people and is fiercely loyal. Since the story is told strictly from Tess’s perspective, you naturally sympathize with her, and you relate to her insecurity about Max’s feelings for her. The chemistry between Tess and Max is phenomenal and the witty banter makes the steamy scenes even better when they eventually happen. I have fallen down…

My new book, DISASTER GIRL, which was released on May 20, is my favorite thing I’ve ever written.  There are many reasons I like it:  It’s set in Chicago, the city where I live.  The plot, involving revenge porn and a sleazy Internet predator, is timely and fast-paced.  The romance between mouthy, feisty Tess and brilliant, sweet Max was unbelievably fun to write.  But the real reason this book is my favorite is because I absolutely loved writing from the perspective of Tess, the main character. Right from the beginning of the project, Tess’s voice was clear in my head.  While the story took many iterations to get right, Tess herself, did not.  I knew her.  Like most of the women I know in real life, Tess is extremely independent and capable.  She’s great at her job and she’s dedicated to her friendships and family.  But also … she loves drinking bourbon at her neighborhood bar.  Sex is a priority, and she relishes her silly escapades with one-night flings.  She has a tense relationship with her mother and is overly protective of her younger sister.  Tess has a bit of a past; she’s done some not-great things that affect the…

My new book, Quick Fall, is set solely in the timeframe between Labor Day weekend and mid-November.  I was settling in with some recently downloaded books on my Kindle last week and I kept scrolling past thrillers and deep dramas looking for something a bit lighter, something with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.  It made me realize just how much I love reading romance in the Fall season … here are five reasons I think you should too! 5. In the real world, Fall is a very serious season.  Escape – in the form of a romance book – is a healthy mental choice!  If you’re like me, you spend a lot of time reading the news and hearing about world events on social media.  It’s hard on your mental health to constantly absorb the problems and negativity that are everywhere.  But reading a romance can give you a few hours’ breather! You can enter a world where the main concern is that your characters find a true emotional connection … and possibly, some amazing sex!  🙂  4. The holidays!  I love it when romance books have Halloween trick-or-treating or Thanksgiving dinner scenes.  It makes me look forward to those events in…

Writes: Contemporary romance, humorous women’s fiction, and romantic suspense. Her STRANGE TANGO series, a trio of romantic heist novellas, feature Adam, a professional jewel thief who meets his match in Jess, a brilliant techie on the other side of the law. The trilogy was recently published by Carina Press and is available now! What I’m Looking For In My Ideal Reader Match: Readers who love sexual tension and witty banter. Readers who appreciate multi-dimensional characters. Adam might be a professional thief, but he has a strong moral compass. Readers who like to travel to different cities and countries within the pages of a book. Readers who like to see characters stumble headfirst into trouble … and use clever strategies to get themselves out. Readers who enjoy watching a relationship develop … whether it’s to friends, or lovers, or partners-in-crime. What to Expect If We’re Compatible: Expect to wonder if becoming a professional jewel thief might be something you’d like to pursue. After all, Adam and Jess make it seem exciting! (Never mind all those times they almost get caught or killed.) Expect to have a yearning to watch “The Thomas Crowne Affair” or old episodes of “Moonlighting.” Reading about or…