Down to Earth Romance

Archive for the ‘Romance Fiction’ Category

Hello, again!

Time has passed since I posted a message to my author blog. When I opened Bayside Book Reviews in 2021, I gave the startup my full attention. It didn’t take long before reviewing books became my full-time love. I hope you’ll visit the site and follow Bayside Book Reviews and its Instagram page.

Readers have found Bayside Book Reviews organically. I haven’t paid social media recruiters for followers. If you love books, I’d love for you to join us. I only post reviews for books earning four or five stars to offer readers great choices. Most of the novels I read are thrillers, with the occasional women’s fiction, romance, cozy mystery and teen book featured.

I look forward to seeing you as a follower and wish you happy reading!

Entangled Bliss Books on Sale! #99Cents @EntangledPub

Fill your Kindle with love!

All Bliss imprint books at Entangled Publishing are ON SALE for only .99 each for one week only, May 10-17!

Don’t miss out on these great deals!

SANTA TO THE RESCUE by Adele Downs is a Bliss novella. Buy your copy now! Only 99 cents.

99 Cent Sale Kissing Her Cowboy #Books #99Cents #Western #Romance @Adele_Downs

On Sale for .99 for a Limited Time!

Limited Time Only Sale! Book One (of Two) in the Breezy Meadows Ranch series KISSING HER COWBOY is available now on Amazon for the sale price of .99 or FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Here’s a little about the story:

One kiss changes everything for two broken people…

A cowboy with a fractured back and a cop with a broken spirit heal on a Texas ranch with the help of a stallion named Big Blue. For the police officer seeking redemption, riding lessons rebuild her confidence. The first ride after his rodeo accident restores the cowboy’s soul. Falling in love remakes them both.

Praise for Kissing Her Cowboy:

“Prop your boots up on the post and enjoy this read! You can’t go wrong with Adele Downs.” 5 Stars ~Will Work for Books

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Cowboy-Breezy-Meadows-Ranch-ebook/dp/B08H5XPVK9/

Amazon Gift Card Giveaway @BaySideBookReviews @Instagram #Giveaway #Amazon #Contest #Free #Win #Prize

–Updated–

Are you on Instagram? If so, follow me on my NEW page @BaysideBookReviews and fill out the entry form below for a chance to receive a free Amazon gift card. Easy peasy!

See you on Instagram! Adele Book Blogger (@baysidebookreviews) • Instagram photos and videos

Enter here for a chance to win an Amazon gift card!

Instagram March 2021 Author Giveaway | Red Carpet Fiction

New Release! CATCH ME by Adele Downs #ContemporaryRomance #SweetRead #ShortRead #SweetRomance #SweetandCleanRomance #AmReading #AmReadingRomance #Books #RomanceReaders

New Release! CATCH ME by Adele Downs

(First published in the Love Is Like A Box of Chocolates Anthology)
Only .99! Free on KU!

A bicycle. An accident. A meet cute.
                          ***

Lillian Holmes is single and has never been in love. She spent most of her twenties and much of her thirties caring for her ailing mother—a choice she made willingly and without regret. After her mother passes away, Lillian fulfills her lifelong dream of living at the beach, and moves from her Midwestern hometown to a modest house on the Delaware coast. Beach living gives her freedom she’s never known, including walks at dusk beside the bay and morning rides on her bicycle. She’s content in her new life—and then an accident tosses her from her bike—and straight into the arms of a handsome stranger.

Free Book Event! 46 Book Series Starters @Rafflecopter #FreeBooks #Contest #RomanceBooks #AmReading @NNP_W_Light

Enter to win an e-book bundle of 46 Books in the Book Series Starter Event on Rafflecopter!

January 12 – January 21, 2021

N.N. Light’s Book Heaven will feature book series starters (Book 1 in a Series) from today’s bestselling, award-winning and top-rated authors. I’m pleased to be included in this event with my contemporary western KISSING HER COWBOY.

Below you will find the links to each book spotlight this week plus the Rafflecopter giveaway. This page will update every day by 5 pm EST. Good luck and happy reading!

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/book-series-starter-bookish-event

Open Internationally
Winner will be drawn on January 22, 2021.

 https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db775093

FREE BOOK, 5 Days Only! KISSES FROM LILLITH by Adele Downs #ShortStory #AmReading #Vampire #Horror #Fiction #Romance #Book #FreeBook

FREE on Amazon! 5 Days Only!

January 11-15

KISSES FROM LILLITH by Adele Downs

I’m offering a free download of KISSES FROM LILLITH as my gift to you, and hope you’ll give the book a try. Readers say that although it’s a short story, it really packs a punch. I hope you think so too. Readers’ Favorite review site gave the book 5 Stars with an icon.

Here’s a little about the book:

The powers of love and trust are their only weapons.

Hunter’s cousin is celebrating a birthday with a destination party at an ancient cave. Hunter hasn’t seen Angela since her return trip from Eastern Europe, and she’s family, so he’s obligated to go.

Though his relationship with his girlfriend Rosa might be heading for a break-up, Hunter invites her to join him, hoping for a chance at reconciliation. When they arrive, Angela’s other guests find Hunter and Rosa particularly…interesting. What happens next will test their fragile bond to its limits when the powers of love and trust become their only weapons against dark forces gathering around them.

“Adele Downs has presented something fresh and new.” 5 Stars! Reader’s Favorite

Amazon Book Link:

Release Day! HER IMMORTAL VIKING #Fantasy #Romance #Vikings #NewRelease #Books #AmReading

It’s release day for the new edition of HER IMMORTAL VIKING and I couldn’t be more excited to share the updated and expanded version with you. I hope you’ll buy a copy for your Kindle or download a copy free from Kindle Unlimited. Here’s a little about the book:

HER IMMORTAL VIKING: Winner of the HOLT Medallion Award

A Viking warrior unjustly cast into eternal servitude by a vengeful god is transported to the modern world to complete a task. When he falls in love with a mortal, he must find a way to clear his name and bridge the divide of a thousand years to stay with her.

About The Book:

One lonely night, desperate for relief from overwork and mountainous debt, Penny looks skyward, hoping that someone “up there” will ease her difficult life. She’s juggling a waitress job with a full-time class schedule, struggling to fix the old trailer she’s inherited, and steadily going broke. In desperation, she sings songs of praise, chants like a yogi, and rubs her belly like Buddha until the crystal charm at her navel shimmers.

In the West, beyond the seas, from the place between Heaven and Earth, an immortal Viking hears Penny’s cries. Once a celebrated warrior, Gunnar has been wrongly accused of crimes against the gods, and is cast into eternal servitude as punishment. While Penny sleeps, he comes to Earth to help her, and after seeing her, falls in love. But Penny wakes, and mortals are forbidden to see…or touch…or kiss the immortals of Alfheim. When the wrath of the gods rains on Penny and Gunnar, they must find a way to bridge life with the afterlife, and cross the divide of a thousand years to claim their love.

Excerpt:

Penny said, “Volumes have been written about Freyr and the lesser gods.” Had Freyr sent this Light Elf to her? Crazy at it sounded, that might explain the presence of the most incredibly handsome man she’d ever seen or would likely see again. His face and body were truly extraordinary, and she found herself resisting the urge to trace the line of his jaw and the bulge of his bicep.

The man’s eyebrows lifted. “They teach about Freyr here?”

Penny nodded. “In colleges, yes. Your god has quite the reputation.”

She also recalled that Light Elves who served Freyr were celestial creatures whose sole purpose was to lend a hand to mortals in need. They completed unfinished tasks while people slept, always in secret, and never taking credit for the work they’d done.

Only she had awakened, and the secret was out.

If myth had become reality, this ethereal being had heard her pleas and had come to earth to help her. As impossible as that might seem, Penny was desperate to believe it. For once in her life, she deserved to have something good happen.

Penny shifted onto her side and let her gaze drift over the stunning face before her. “Fairer to look upon than the sun.”

“What do you mean?” He shifted, too, watching her.

“That’s what they say about Light Elves in my textbooks. That you’re more beautiful than sunrise or sunset. In modern terms, we’d describe your looks in less poetic terms, but the meaning would be as true.”

He stared down at her and his expression turned wistful. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Mortal or immortal.” He smoothed her hair and rubbed a thick tendril between his thumb and forefinger. “I am Gunnar.” He pronounced the name Goo-nar.

As he continued to stroke her hair, Penny noticed a symbol branded on the back of his powerful hand. She held the hand steady and examined the thick scar, recognizing Freyr’s sacred insignia. She ran her thumb over the emblem of the sun surrounded by a circle. “The pain must have been excruciating.” Without thinking, she lifted the old wound to her mouth and laid kisses along its perimeter before pressing a kiss to the icon inside.

Vibrations tingled over her lips when they touched the ancient symbol and her body prickled with the contact. The brand grew warm and then hot against her mouth, though it did not burn. She ran her tongue over the scar to erase the heat, and then licked the center, finishing with a tiny swirl.

Gunnar’s gasp of surprise was the last thing she expected when she lifted her head. He released her hair and drew away.

Penny swallowed. “I’m sorry. I have no idea what got into me. Have I offended you?” She’d always been attractive to men—though not always comfortable around them—but her behavior with Gunnar was bold, even for her.

She sat up. “Am I under some kind of spell?” She searched his face for clues about what to do next.

Gunnar shook his head. “I used my powers to heal you, but your free will remains intact.”

Penny recognized the desire that shined in Gunnar’s eyes, despite his wariness, yet something else shone there, too. Something rarely seen on earth these days. She couldn’t identify the emotion, at first, but after a moment, saw it clearly.

Gratitude.

Penny waited for Gunnar to speak again without letting go of his disfigured hand.

He stared down at their joined hands and said, “Kindness isn’t something I’m used to finding. Perhaps you’d be less inclined toward compassion if you knew what I’d done to deserve this brand of servitude.”

She reached out and draped an arm around his neck to bring him closer. Their gazes locked and held. Gunnar’s eyes were like pools of ice-blue water that pulled her in and down.

Her breathing slowed while the beat of her heart rushed blood through her ears. “I am Penelope. And if you’re from Alfheim, I know who and what you are. I just don’t understand why you’re here.” How could she deserve his rare, benevolent gifts? She was just an ordinary woman from an ordinary town, barely scraping by.

His warm breath grazed her cheek in shallow rushes, lifting goose bumps across her skin. His wide, firm mouth smelled of sweet ground parsley and fresh-picked mint. “Sometimes we get what we need simply because we ask. That’s the beauty and power of the unexpected.”

Amazon: Amazon.com: Her Immortal Viking eBook: Downs, Adele: Kindle Store

Goodreads Her Immortal Viking by Adele Downs | Goodreads

Visit Adele Downs and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://www.adeledowns.com

99 Cent Countdown Deal! HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Adele Downs #99Cents #ChristmasRomance #WesternRomance #ContemporaryWesternRomance #ShortRead #ChristmasBook #Holiday #NewRelease #SweetRead

99 Cents for One Week Only!!!!

December 13-20

Available Free on Kindle Unlimited!

Here’s your chance to meet handsome Texas cowboy Treymont Woods and the woman he loves, Daisy Phillips, for only 99 cents in the tender Breezy Meadows Ranch romance HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY.

A promise can heal a broken heart, especially at Christmas.

“Her Christmas Cowboy was the perfect story to kick off my holiday reading!” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“I absolutely adore Trey. And frankly, I’m a little miffed that he’s only a character and not A REAL GUY!” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“This is definitely a heart-sighing, satisfying read.” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“Adele (Downs) creates characters that come alive on the page and find a love that is worth rooting for. This story is sweet and powerful.” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer

Standalone sequel to KISSING HER COWBOY

ASIN : B08H5XPVK9

SANTA TO THE RESCUE by Adele Downs #romance #shortread #ChristmasStory #sweetromance #books #FirefighterRomance

Question: Who loves firefighters? Answer: Everyone!

SANTA TO THE RESCUE is a feel good romance for Christmas, suitable for all ages from teen to adult.

“Really puts you in the Christmas spirit! Loved it!” 5 stars! ~ Curling Up With A Good Book

SANTA TO THE RESCUE can be read in about an hour and costs only .99!

SantaToTheRescueBlissCover

“[Adele] Downs does a great job of packing a full-fledged romance into such a tiny package, giving readers an uplifting story.” ~Romantic Reads and Such

“Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!” 5 Stars! ~ Cat’s Reviews

*****

About The Story:

Firefighter Jamey Tucker knows three things in life to be true: An honorable man doesn’t go back on his word, never hurts a woman, and lasting love isn’t a myth. But with his recent move to a new job at the Appleton Fire station, the long hours don’t offer hope of finding the love he’s looking for.

When Jamey meets beautiful pediatric nurse Heather Longhurst after hearing her sing Santa Baby in a supermarket aisle, he offers her a promise he discovers he can’t keep. Heather has been betrayed by men in the past, making it hard for Jamey to gain her trust. Determined to find a way to win her heart, Jamey uses firefighter engine-uity and Heather’s favorite song to prove he’s got Christmas spirit she can believe in all year.

Only .99!  Buy your copy! Amazon  Kobo   B&N    Apple 

Coming January 5, 2021! Her Immortal Viking by Adele Downs #Viking #Romance #Mythology #FantasyRomance #KindleUnlimited #PreOrder

I’m excited to share the upcoming release of my HOLT Medallion Award-Winning romance HER IMMORTAL VIKING. This revised and expanded edition goes on sale January 5, 2021, but is available for pre-order now!

Those of you who haven’t read the book will likely fall in love with Gunnar of Alfheim, as readers and reviewers have before you. Those who read the original version might enjoy the romantic adventures of Gunnar and Penelope in this new edition even more. (I’m counting on both!)

Here’s a little about the book:

A Viking warrior unjustly cast into eternal servitude by a vengeful god is transported to the modern world to complete a task. When he falls in love with a mortal, he must find a way to clear his name and bridge the divide of a thousand years to stay with her.

Here’s what reviewers had to say:

“Ms. Downs has woven a shimmering fairy tale​ for the modern age.” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“This book is fantastic with suspense, action, lots of humor and amazing Romance! It is a must read book! Adele is such a sweet and talented writer.” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“As a huge fan of mythology, I really appreciated the consideration and attention Ms. Downs poured into the story. So many layers, along with memorable characters, give the reader a satisfying reading experience. And, best of all, it will make you believe in fairy tales and in wishes coming true.” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“Downs’ clever mash-up of Viking elements and contemporary romance (and oh, the hot, hot Viking!) make this novella an absolute winner.” 5 Stars! ~Words, Words, Words

Pre-Order on Amazon Kindle! Release Date 1/5/2021

Image

Cowboy Romance Gift Card Giveaway! #Giveaway #CowboyFiction #WesternBook #Romance #AmazonKindle #GiftCards

Enter for your chance to win one of three Amazon gift cards from authors of Western Romance! Free to enter and no obligation.

My book KISSING HER COWBOY introduces Texas hero Treymont Woods of Breezy Meadows Ranch and heroine Daisy Phillips. 

HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY celebrates Trey and Daisy’s first Christmas.

Here’s the link to participate in the giveaway: https://www.redcarpetfiction.com/cowboy-romance

HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Adele Downs #ChristmasRomance #WesternRomance #ContemporaryWesternRomance #ShortRead #ChristmasBook #Holiday #NewRelease #SweetRead

Available now on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!

HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY

ASIN : B08ND7TTXN

A promise can heal a broken heart, especially at Christmas.

Her Christmas Cowboy, Book Two in the Breezy Meadows Ranch series. Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition.

“Her Christmas Cowboy was the perfect story to kick off my holiday reading!” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“I absolutely adore Trey. And frankly, I’m a little miffed that he’s only a character and not A REAL GUY!” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“This is definitely a heart-sighing, satisfying read.” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“Adele (Downs) creates characters that come alive on the page and find a love that is worth rooting for. This story is sweet and powerful.” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer

Standalone sequel to KISSING HER COWBOY

ASIN : B08H5XPVK9

New Release! HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Adele Downs #ChristmasRomance #WesternRomance #ContemporaryWesternRomance #ShortRead #ChristmasBook #Holiday #NewRelease #SweetRead

HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY, available now!

ASIN : B08ND7TTXN

A promise can heal a broken heart, especially at Christmas.

Her Christmas Cowboy, Book Two in the Breezy Meadows Ranch series. Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition.

“Her Christmas Cowboy was the perfect story to kick off my holiday reading!” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“I absolutely adore Trey. And frankly, I’m a little miffed that he’s only a character and not A REAL GUY!” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“This is definitely a heart-sighing, satisfying read.” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer
“Adele (Downs) creates characters that come alive on the page and find a love that is worth rooting for. This story is sweet and powerful.” 5 Stars! ~Amazon Reviewer

Standalone sequel to KISSING HER COWBOY

ASIN : B08H5XPVK9

Cover Reveal! Her Christmas Cowboy by Adele Downs #CoverReveal #Romance #ShortRead #ChristmasRomance #WesternRomance #NewRelease #5Stars #KindleUnlimited

Coming November 17, 2020!

A promise can heal a broken heart, especially at Christmas.

Her Christmas Cowboy, Book Two in the Breezy Meadows Ranch series. Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition.

Standalone sequel to KISSING HER COWBOY

One kiss changes everything for two broken people.

Kissing Her Cowboy by Adele Downs #NewRelease #Western #Romance #WesternBook #ShortReads #MustRead #AmReading

KISSING HER COWBOY is here!

If you read romance and you L-O-V-E cowboys, I hope you’ll order a copy of the new, updated and expanded release of KISSING HER COWBOY. This short read is Book One in the Breezy Meadows Ranch series.

Kissing Her Cowboy by Adele Downs

One kiss changes everything for two broken people…

A cowboy with a fractured back and a cop with a broken spirit heal on a Texas ranch with the help of a stallion named Big Blue. For the police officer seeking redemption, riding lessons rebuild her confidence. The first ride after his rodeo accident restores the cowboy’s soul. Falling in love remakes them both.

Praise for Kissing Her Cowboy:

“Prop your boots up on the post and enjoy this read! You can’t go wrong with Adele Downs.” 5 Stars ~Will Work for Books

“So much heart was packed into this story!” 5 Stars ~Amazon Reviewer

Order Now!

Free on Kindle Unlimited!

Buy The Book on Amazon for $1.99!

Coming October 8! Kissing Her Cowboy by Adele Downs #Western #Romance #WesternBook #ShortReads #MustRead

“So much heart was packed into this story!” 5 Stars ~Amazon Reviewer

Kissing Her Cowboy by Adele Downs

One kiss changes everything for two broken people…

A cowboy with a fractured back and a cop with a broken spirit heal on a Texas ranch with the help of a stallion named Big Blue. For the police officer seeking redemption, riding lessons rebuild her confidence. The first ride after his rodeo accident restores the cowboy’s soul. Falling in love remakes them both.

Praise for Kissing Her Cowboy:

“Prop your boots up on the post and enjoy this read! You can’t go wrong with Adele Downs.” 5 Stars ~Will Work for Books

Pre-Order Now!

Free on Kindle Unlimited!

Buy The Book on Amazon for $1.99 starting October 8, 2020!

Cover Reveal! New Look, Updated KISSING HER COWBOY #WesternRomance #ShortRead #Cowboy #NewRelease #5Stars #KindleUnlimited

I’m excited to share my cover reveal with you!

Here’s the new look for the revised and expanded 2020 edition of my western romance KISSING HER COWBOY. This is Book 1 in the fictional Breezy Meadows Ranch series, set in Houston, Texas.

If you’ve read the first edition of the story, here’s your opportunity to enjoy the updated version. If you haven’t read the book, pre-order yours now! I hope you enjoy Trey and Daisy’s story.

Like it? I think the cover model hits just the right note of strong and handsome, but relatable, for my sweet but sultry romance. Please do let me know your thoughts in the comments section.

Here’s a little about the book:

KISSING HER COWBOY

One kiss changes everything for two broken people…

A cowboy with a fractured back and a cop with a broken spirit heal on a Texas ranch with the help of a stallion named Big Blue. For the police officer seeking redemption, riding lessons rebuild her confidence. The first ride after his rodeo accident restores the cowboy’s soul. Falling in love remakes them both.

Praise for Kissing Her Cowboy:

“Prop your boots up on the post and enjoy this read! You can’t go wrong with Adele Downs.” 5 Stars ~Will Work for Books

Pre-Order your copy now! Free on KU or $1.99!
Releases 10/08/2020

Love and Trust Their Only Weapons #KindleUnlimited #ParanormalThriller #ParanormalRomance #ShortStories #Horror

KISSES FROM LILLITH

For Hunter and Rosa, Love and Trust were their only weapons.

FREE in Kindle Unlimited or Buy for Only .99!

I’m excited to share the new cover for KISSES FROM LILLITH, my paranormal short read. If you like vampire stories with lots of action, I hope you’ll one-click the link to this book.

Let me know if you like the new cover and if you enjoyed the story. Your opinion matters, and I’d love to hear from you. Your Amazon review would also be greatly appreciated.

Sign up for my free newsletter at AdeleDowns.com and be the first to receive cover reveals for my upcoming releases.

Have a great week!

FREE on Kindle Unlimited! Kisses From Lillith by Adele Downs #ParanormalRomance #Horror #OneHourRead #Vampire #ShortStory

Available FREE on Kindle Limited, or Buy for Only .99!

Love Is Like A Box of Chocolates #SweetRomance #RomanceReaders #Romance #Anthology #NewRelease #WritersCommunity #WritersLife

Looking for a relaxing read? LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES is a collection of sixteen sweet romance short stories to warm your heart.

Published by Camden Park Press
Edited by Lyn Worthen

Includes “Catch Me” by Adele Downs

“A great collection of sweet, clean romance stories you’re sure to love. They’re each well written and have a different theme… Highly recommend.” 5 Stars! Amazon Review

Here’s a little about the book:

We love sweet romance stories like we love truffles and cordials, toffees and caramels – and when they’re bathed in a decadent coating of rich, creamy chocolate, they’re satisfying, delicious, and we can’t stop with just one. LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES presents sixteen stories that capture both the sweetness and variety of a box of chocolates. Ranging from new loves to rekindled attraction, these stories are filled with sweet meet-cutes, nutty quirks, and the unexpected richness hidden beneath the surface of the characters and their developing relationships. And all wound through with ribbons of chocolate.

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES contains sixteen sweet stories by M. L. Buchman, Katherine L. Evans, Tami Veldura, Cheryl Wright, Adele Downs, Eliza David, Debbie Mumford, Donea Lee Weaver, Jadelynn Asher, Jennie L. Morris, Marianne Bayliss, Meyari McFarland, Michele Dean, Neen Cohen, and Remi Carrington. Edited by Lyn Worthen.

Buy The Book!

Available in both e-book and print formats.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084S7D6NC

Books To Read: https://books2read.com/LoveIsLikeChocolate

Love Is Like A Box of Chocolates #SweetRomance #Anthology @CamdenParkPress #NewRelease #WritersCommunity #WritersLife

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES – New Release!

Have you ordered your copy?

Published by Camden Park Press
Edited by Lyn Worthen

Includes “Catch Me” by Adele Downs

Here’s a little about the collection:

We love sweet romance stories like we love truffles and cordials, toffees and caramels – and when they’re bathed in a decadent coating of rich, creamy chocolate, they’re satisfying, delicious, and we can’t stop with just one. LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES presents sixteen stories that capture both the sweetness and variety of a box of chocolates. Ranging from new loves to rekindled attraction, these stories are filled with sweet meet-cutes, nutty quirks, and the unexpected richness hidden beneath the surface of the characters and their developing relationships. And all wound through with ribbons of chocolate.

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES contains sixteen sweet stories by M. L. Buchman, Katherine L. Evans, Tami Veldura, Cheryl Wright, Adele Downs, Eliza David, Debbie Mumford, Donea Lee Weaver, Jadelynn Asher, Jennie L. Morris, Marianne Bayliss, Meyari McFarland, Michele Dean, Neen Cohen, and Remi Carrington. Edited by Lyn Worthen.

Buy The Book!

Available in both e-book and print formats.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084S7D6NC

Books To Read: https://books2read.com/LoveIsLikeChocolate

Guest Blog-Author Marianne Bayliss Offers Readers French Chocolate #SweetRomance #Books #RomanceAnthology #WritersLife #WritersCommunity @CamdenParkPress

Australian author Marianne Bayliss has been invited here to share the inspiration behind her short story “Sweet Provence” in the LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES romance anthology.

I greatly enjoyed Marianne’s story, set in the beautiful southeastern region of France, and hope you will too. Download a copy of the collection or buy the print version from your favorite online retailer, lift the cover, and delight in the sweetness of love and chocolate inside. ~Best, Adele

***

From Marianne Bayliss:

The inspiration for my story SWEET PROVENCE came from a wonderful holiday I shared last April with my 21-year-old daughter.

Our globe-trot included one glorious week in Paris, four days in Provence and ten days in Italy. We loved it all, but we loved Provence the most.

In Provence, we made our base in Aix- (pronounced: ‘aches’) -en-Provence and booked mini-van day tours to surrounding towns, just as my heroine did.

While each town was charming, with specific traits that made them unique, we discovered similarities that linked them.

First, the light. It’s golden. Everything appeared tinged in a caramelised aura. It had us turning our face to the sun and basking in the gentle glow: something we rarely do in the harsh Australian sunshine. While now I can’t remember the exact shade, I still recall the impression of the faint butterscotch blush and I tilt my head up when I call it to mind, as though the memory and the action are linked. It was easy to see why the great painters Cézanne and Van Gogh favoured this unique light and created their most famous paintings in this area.

Second, the scenery. Every aspect is postcard worthy. I was producing photos similar to those filling my ‘365 days in France’ calendar. I, as the photographer, needed no skill; Provence did the work. Each cobbled-stone laneway, fountain and potted plant appeared to have been designed with the camera in mind (yet with that nonchalance at which the French excel). While we, the models, may not have always photographed our best, Provence provided the perfect backdrop without fail.

Third, the food. Buttery, flaky croissants accompanied by creamy coffee or rich hot chocolate for breakfast. Crunchy baguettes filled with fresh produce for lunch. Whole roasted Camembert topped with stewed cinnamon apples for dinner. Need I say more?

Fourth, the friendliness. To be fair, I speak basic conversational French and tried to use it as much as possible, but we found the locals were warm and helpful. Our experiences started with a Boulanger, sucking a cigarette outside his bakery, who fixed a problem with our accommodation then gave us crisp pastry treats in a sweet little bag to enjoy while we waited. Two waiters shared a Limoncello with us ‘on the house’ during their shift. A stall holder in Roussillon engaged us in charming conversation after having seen us wander the market in Saint-Rémy the previous day. And a married couple from Marseille, who we met on the flight from Provence to Venice, insisted we join them in their private water taxi from Venice airport to the main island, instead of travelling by crowded water bus!

Outside Aix-en-Provence is the village of Puyricard, and home of France’s famous chocolaterie of the same name. This became the inspiration for my hero’s world and the location for much of my story. (My daughter and I actually outlined the story one evening on the walk from our accommodation to the café; by the end of dinner we had full stomachs and a basic plot!)

In SWEET PROVENCE, children’s book author and illustrator, Katie Monroe, seeks inspiration when she travels to Provence. But romance finds her in the form of Luc Julienne, the owner of France’s famous chocolaterie.

When distance and work conflicts threaten their relationship will Katie choose the job she loves or the man who has melted her heart?

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES presents sixteen stories that capture both the sweetness and variety of a box of chocolates. Ranging from new loves to rekindled relationships, these stories are filled with sweet meet-cutes, nutty quirks, and the unexpected richness hidden beneath the surface of the characters and their developing relationships.

You can purchase a copy of Love is Like a Box of Chocolates from your preferred retailer here:

www.books2read.com/LoveIsLikeChocolate

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084S7D6NC

Armchair Travel to Provence, France #SweetRomance #Books #Anthology @CamdenParkPress

The worldwide Coronavirus pandemic has eliminated travel for many of us, and social distancing will keep us isolated until the virus is under control. I thought this would be a good time for an armchair view of Provence, France with Australian author Marianne Bayliss.

Marianne toured the French region last spring and found the inspiration for her story “Sweet Provence” in the LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES anthology. Both her short story and her article are entertaining and beautifully written. Stop by this blog and read her guest post on Tuesday, 3/17/2020.

~Best, Adele

New Release-Love Is Like A Box of Chocolates #SweetRomance #Anthology @CamdenParkPress #WritersCommunity #WritersLife

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES – New Release!

Have you ordered your copy?

Published by Camden Park Press
Edited by Lyn Worthen

Includes “Catch Me” by Adele Downs

Here’s a little about the collection:

We love sweet romance stories like we love truffles and cordials, toffees and caramels – and when they’re bathed in a decadent coating of rich, creamy chocolate, they’re satisfying, delicious, and we can’t stop with just one. LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES presents sixteen stories that capture both the sweetness and variety of a box of chocolates. Ranging from new loves to rekindled attraction, these stories are filled with sweet meet-cutes, nutty quirks, and the unexpected richness hidden beneath the surface of the characters and their developing relationships. And all wound through with ribbons of chocolate.

LOVE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES contains sixteen sweet stories by M. L. Buchman, Katherine L. Evans, Tami Veldura, Cheryl Wright, Adele Downs, Eliza David, Debbie Mumford, Donea Lee Weaver, Jadelynn Asher, Jennie L. Morris, Marianne Bayliss, Meyari McFarland, Michele Dean, Neen Cohen, and Remi Carrington. Edited by Lyn Worthen.

Buy The Book!

Available in both e-book and print formats.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084S7D6NC

Books To Read: https://books2read.com/LoveIsLikeChocolate

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