I've always wanted to write a sweet romance. The idea has been there for a while. This year, I set out to do just that--write a sweet October romance. I believe I succeeded with The Sweetest October. See what you think.
The
Sweetest October By Megan Slayer
Contemporary
Holiday Romance
Sweet
Novel
Megan
Slayer Publications
Love and Halloween
are an odd couple, but they can be the best means to heal a broken heart.
Allison Prince never planned on leaving her job with the Waite Gazette, but
when the chance to discover her past comes along, she can’t say no. She’s
determined to learn about her grandmother and make the advice in her column
more relatable. With her rescue dog, Woofy, beside her, she sets out to learn
as much as she can about Hallowsville, Ohio.
Erik Greene doesn’t believe in love and isn’t fond of Halloween. He’s convinced
his broken heart won’t heal—until he meets Allison and visits the local animal
shelter. He doesn’t want a journalist snooping around Hallowsville. But Allison
isn’t all she seems and the pup at the shelter proves love is possible.
Can he open his heart to new opportunities and chase the love of his life? Or
is he destined to be the Dandy Devil of Hallowsville all alone?
For the most part, I'd say I stick to the spicy stuff when I read paranormal romance. And when I read--it really is paranormal I go to first. I'm heading to camp this week and my reading list is a whose who of vamps, werewolves and fey. It's fun. If I'm going to read, I want it to be a complete escape and paranormal does that for me.
That leads to heat. Does paranormal have to be super duper sexy? I would say no. I like a funny, rockin' paranormal romance even with a sweeter side. Sometimes the building of sexual tension is the real ticket, the spicetastic magic that makes romance really great.
I went the not so spicy route on my story, Alice's Dragon. The fantasy story could have been super sexy--I enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it--but it just didn't suit. I adore Alice and Bade, but they were just not ready to jump into bed with each other. They had other things to do--an arm to heal, dragons to raise, shenanigans to execute--all the while a relationship, respect, and affection grew.
Alice's Dragon
by Stephanie Beck
A Challenge Series Story from Decadent Publishing
Dragon Charmer—taking care of your pesky dragon problem—for a price...
Business is good for Alice, right until her dragon goes crazy and bites off her arm. To make matters worse, a tall, dark stranger kills the cash-cow dragon before her eyes.
Instead of dying from her wounds, Alice finds herself under the tender care of Bade, a gentle-handed Bulgarian far from home with secrets in his satchel.
If they can scratch each others backs, the secrets might live on and Alice might still have a job. She’s never backed down from a challenge, but she’s in for more than she bargained for with the tall, dark stranger.
Although I don't celebrate holidays, I look forward to this time every year. I'm a sucker for egg nog, candy canes, my pumpkin spice flavored coffee (and ice cream) and most of all the Nutcracker Ballet. Not just any Nutcracker rendition, mind you. By Mikhail Barishnikov and Gelsey Kirkland's version. Up until a few years ago, my local PBS station would play it without fail every year but for some reason it stopped.
For some reason, this version just stood out to me even though it was the same story. There was something magical about Tchaikovsky soundtrack mixed with the fantastical elements of the dream-like story. The costumes were elegant and the set were gorgeous. It even had a handsome prince.
I really wish this was broadcast on TV again for many more generations to come but at least there's the DVD to keep it alive. :-)
Le swoon. :-)
I hope everyone has a wonderful, warm and safe winter season!
Just an FYI, if you're a classical and sweet romance fan, my newest release Voice of Abandon will be available tomorrow in digital format at Smashwords and on the Kindle.
His music inspired her to live again. His heart inspired her to love again.
After losing her husband to a fatal heart condition, Her Serene Highness Julianna DeWinters falls into a depression. She lives her life on auto pilot, making preparations and setting things in order for her country but not for herself. Assisted by her in-laws on an evening visit to a classical concert, Julianna hears the most beautiful sound that awakens her to life once again. The violinist’s passion through his music not only livens her will but also her heart as she finds the ability to love. If she allows herself the possibility...
Andrew Graham never settled down and loved again after losing the love of his life. Throwing himself into his music, he fuels his passion through the strings of his violin. Once he stops in Welshire to play for the royal family, a beautiful princess captures his interest and his heart. Soon he finds himself on the edge of a romance that will test his ability to trust and love once again.
Voice of Abandon or, The Princess and the Violinist is a sweet, classical novella that proves life and love can begin after loss. Especially when you least expect it.
