Happy Wednesday, everyone!
I’ve been spending the past few days getting caught up on work, cleaning house (so not fun), and everything else that went by the wayside while I was finishing By Magic Alone. It’s been kind of nice, actually. My house is fairly quiet for once, which makes it easier to get everything done, and I finally feel as if I’m ready for summer. Well, as ready as I can ever be for humidity and scorching temperatures. <G>
Last week, my younger two started a summer Karate program. I signed them up so they had something other than video games and our backyard to keep them occupied until school starts again in the fall. I’m so glad I did! The class is terrific, they’re loving it, and if things go well, I might keep them enrolled through the school year. We’ll see.
What else have I been doing? Playing Sims 3 again, which has been mega relaxing. It also fills the game geek side of my personality perfectly. I’ve started reading entries for several writing contests I’m helping to judge, trying to get back into the swing of critiquing for my awesome critique partners, and catching up on some of my favorite TV shows. Oh, and cleaning…but I mentioned that already.
But the best, exciting news that I referred to on Monday–news I can now share because everything is official–is that I have sold three new books in a brand new series to Harlequin, for their Silhouette Special Edition line! I am so thrilled to become part of the Harlequin family and these three books will be a joy to write. The first of the three will be released in November or December 2011, the second in February 2012, and the third in July 2012. I know, it’s a bit away, but the time will fly. Promise! Besides, I have to write them yet.
So what is this new series about? Well, they’re straight contemporary romances (meaning not paranormal), for one thing. Also, in this series, the connecting characters are the heroes–they’re brothers–and each brother has to find a way to win the heart of his heroine, and each hero is determined to do just that. Oh, and each book takes place during a holiday: Book 1 is Christmas, Book 2 is Valentine’s Day, and Book 3 is Fourth of July. The great thing about these stories is how different they are, even with these base similarities. And the heroes? Sexy, dangerous, and hot.
Book 1 (I have no idea if Harlequin will keep my titles) is about a married couple. Grady and Olivia Foster had the fairytale life until they lost their son in a car accident–in a car that Grady was driving. While Olivia and Grady both rationally know the accident wasn’t Grady’s fault, emotions aren’t always rational, and the fallout of losing their son has pushed them apart. Olivia blames Grady, even though she knows that isn’t fair. And Grady has his own share of blame that he’s fighting with. But he still loves his wife, and after two years of separation, he wants her–and their life–back. Olivia has other ideas. She still loves Grady, but doesn’t believe she’ll ever be able to come to grips with what has happened, so she asks for a divorce. Now, Grady has no choice but to put everything on the line. Somehow, he has to convince Olivia that their love can survive this tradgedy, and that together, they can forge a new life.
Book 2 is Jace (the middle Foster brother) and Melanie’s story. Melanie Prentiss has never been a hopeless romantic. After all, she’s seen too many men stomping on her mother’s heart to believe that love will ever find her. Even so, she can’t stop fantasizing about her sexier-than-sin co-worker, Jace. Unfortunately, Jace is a playboy, and the last thing Melanie needs is a man who doesn’t know how to stick. While Jace has certainly dated plenty of women over the years, he doesn’t describe himself as a playboy. He’s searching for Miss Right–the one woman he’ll spend the rest of his days with–so why bother dating Miss Wrong? Once Jace realizes that Melanie just might be the woman he’s been searching for, he’ll do anything he can to prove to her that he’s serious, and that he definitely knows how to stick.
Book 3 is Seth (the youngest Foster brother) and Rebecca’s story. Rebecca Carmichael fell hopelessly in love in college, only to lose him to “friendly fire” during his first tour with the army. The pain and loss was crippling. Care packages and personal letters to other fighting soldiers have brought her comfort and kept her sane, even if one particular soldier’s letters have melted her heart and ignited a fire she’s never before felt. A two week leave brought Seth and Rebecca together, but shortly after his return to duty, Rebecca discovered she was pregnant. Now, she is determined to raise her child on her own, because loving a military man, a man who is already committed to his country, is far too dangerous–to her and her unborn daughter. But Seth refuses to give up on the woman he loves. His mission is nothing short of marriage.
So, there you have it! I’ll share more information as I have it, but for now, I’m just so pleased and excited that I’ve been grinning ear-to-ear for over a week. I’m also still hoping to write book five in my magic series for Dorchester Publishing. And remember, book 4 – By Magic Alone – will hit the shelves in December 2010!
In fact, here is the cover and cover copy for By Magic Alone:

Something is drawing Julia Collins to Magical Matchups. The Chicago-based dating service is a direct competitor to her own, and it’s winning. It even converted her two best friends, despite the fact that it’s run by a crackpot—if sweet—old woman named Verda who gives personality tests that rate men like fruit! She also espouses everything Julia distrusts: magic, lust, and romantic love rather than logical partnerships.
Five minutes after they’ve met, Verda introduces “the man Julia will marry”—her best friend’s ex. The old woman had better be a witch, because although Scot’s kiss ignites a fire in her soul, there’s only one way Julia can see them finding a happily ever after. By magic alone.
Okay, that’s it for today. I’ll be back on Friday!