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Pre-Order: Under the Kissing Bough
Under the Kissing Bough!
15 brand-new novellas. 15 best-selling romance authors. A holiday-themed collection like no other.
What happens under the kissing bough doesn’t necessarily stay beneath the kissing bough….
According to lore, the origins of which date to the late 12th century, no lady should refuse a kiss beneath the mistletoe, else she will not marry in the next year. In exchange for the kiss, a berry is removed from the sprig until all of the berries are gone and no more kisses can be stolen. Some also believe that a sprig of mistletoe collected from a local church and placed beneath a maiden’s pillow will inspire dreams of her future husband.
What happens when fifteen daring heroines pin their hopes on mistletoe, a little luck, and a kiss in this multi-genre, limited edition holiday collection from 15 bestselling authors? Pure holiday magic!
This set includes USA TODAY bestselling and National bestselling authors Sandy Blair, Suzanne Ferrell, Kathryn Le Veque, Jeanne Adams, Anna Campbell, Tina De Salvo, Barbara Devlin, Joan Kayse, Catherine Kean, Anna Markland, Hildie McQueen, Meara Platt, Elizabeth Rose, Jordan K. Rose, and Lana Williams.
When asked why they joined this compilation, the authors chimed in. I had to add the question if they’d ever been kissed under mistletoe.
Barbara Devlin: I organized this project with some of my closest author friends, based on a seminar paper about 19th Century English holiday customs, which I wrote during my doctoral studies. The history of mistletoe always fascinated me, and it seemed perfect for a set. And yes, I’ve been kissed, many times…
Anna Campbell: I joined because I loved writing Christmas stories and the mistletoe aspect of this one seemed like fun. Great authors involved too! Yes, I’ve been kissed.
Joan Kayse: I joined because I love Christmas and Magic and it was a perfect combination for a Leithprachaun novella! Alas, still waiting for that special fellow to meet me under the bough…
Anna Markland: I’ve wanted to be in a Christmas set for a while and the theme Barbara proposed appealed to me. She was so passionate about the lore of the kissing bough, how could I resist? I must have been kissed under the mistletoe….right?
Elizabeth Rose: Barbara invited me to join in this wonderful collaboration and I loved the aspect of myths, traditions, and legends through the years so wanted to be a part of it. Christmas stories are magical to begin with, and I’d been wanting to write one, so this turned out perfect! Yes, I’ve been kissed under the mistletoe.
Jordan K. Rose: From the moment I learned about this Christmas box set I was excited to participate. Not only was this my first opportunity to join a holiday box set, but my first chance to work with this amazing group of writers. I couldn’t wait! I have been kissed many times under the mistletoe, and not just at Christmas. We leave ours up all year round!
Suz Welsh: When Barbara asked me to be part of this project I was delighted to write another Christmas novella in my small town series. I love Christmas and reading quick love stories about Christmas. And yes, I’ve been kissed under the mistletoe.
Lana Williams: I adore Christmas stories and Barbara Devlin, so it was a delight to write in this collection with so many amazing authors! I believe a strategically placed kissing bough is a must in every home, including mine!
Hildie McQueen: I am writing a new mail order bride series, which included a Christmas story. How better to kick it off then with the most wonderful women I know! Once under the mistletoe, something magical happened *wink*
Sandy Blair: I love writing Christmas tales set in Scotland so I was thrilled to write one for this anthology. And I have yet to be kissed under the mistletoe.
Myra Platt: I couldn’t resist the chance to join in this holiday collection with Barbara Devlin, Kathryn LeVeque and so many wonderful authors. Alas, I have never been kissed under the mistletoe but was determined to have my sweet heroine Adelaide get her magical kiss!
Kathryn LeVeque: My first and foremost reason for doing this Christmas collection was to do a project with my dear friend, Barbara Devlin, and several other of my friends. Of course, the theme was intriguing! Have I ever been kissed under the mistletoe? Sadly, no, but I still have faith!
Catherin Kean: I’m a romantic at heart and love the warmth and cheer of the holiday season, so I couldn’t miss the chance to be part of this fabulous Christmas anthology. There’s nothing more wonderful than a kiss under the mistletoe–and yes, I’ve had one of those kisses.
Tina DeSalvo: I am a Christmas story junkie! I love to read them and I love to watch them on TV (I marathon watch the Hallmark Channel). When I was invited to join this amazing collection by the lovely Barbara Devlin, I was thrilled to share my story that features the very special celebrations of Christmas Boat Parades and traditions on the Bayous of Louisiana! Heck, yeah I’ve been kissed under the mistletoe- even from where it grows wild in the trees in my yard! It inspired a scene in my story -Hunt for Christmas-
The Collection is available for preorder at these retailers!
iBooks https://goo.gl/KhZxhK
Amazon https://goo.gl/985xcR
Barnes & Noble https://goo.gl/LwsAAO
Hildie McQueen Presents Protect and Serve-BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY
From rookie cops to special ops, this collection celebrates all of those who Protect and Serve: This anthology includes never before published novellas from New York Times and USA Today and other bestselling authors.
J.M. Madden – Her Secret Wish
Former Marine pilot Rachel Searles is thrown off balance when handsome and seductive Denver Police officer Dean West comes to her aid in a crash. Will the warrior woman give Dean a chance with her heart?
Sharon Hamilton – True Navy Blue
After a hometown hero sacrifices his life, Zak Chambers is inspired to follow in the legendary SEAL’s footsteps. But his fast and furious high school fling Amy Dobson barges back into his life. Will their explosive reconnection be enough to save her from the terrorists and for a happily ever after?
Amity Cross – Rebel (A Men of The Underground Novella)
Kane “Rebel” Sturgess knows how to fight dirty, and he’s set to make his fortune in illegal cage fighting at The Underground. Undercover detective Charlotte “Charlie” Croft has immersed herself in the life, but she didn’t count on falling for one of the fighters. Her heart or her career. She can’t have both…or can she?
Stacy Green – Shots Fired – A Cage Foster/Delta Detectives novella
A domestic dispute turns into a hostage situation. Can criminal investigator Cage Foster save the victim…or will he become a victim himself?
Jamie Lee Scott – Uncertain Blue (an Uncertain Novella)
When Dane Briggs returns to Uncertain as a rookie cop, he’s reunited with his childhood crush Claire Hamilton after she’s arrested in a drug bust. He wants to save her, but can Dane save someone who isn’t ready to be saved?
Allie K. Adams – Brace for Contact (A TREX & Brace Blend)
When a matter of national security forces top SBI narcotics agent Nash Ashford and TREX cadet Michaela Starr to work together, they’ll have a lot more than their past romance to overcome. Can they track down a deadly drug before it falls into the wrong hands?
Hildie McQueen – Tea, Theft and Scones
Abbie Adams, owner of Sweet Magnolia Tea Shop, helps to investigate a slew of thefts in Whisper, Georgia. But everyone’s hiding something, and just as Abbie closes in on the thief, she becomes the prime suspect.
Cheryl Bradshaw – Dead of Night
After her mother-in-law is fatally stabbed, Wren Bancroft is seen fleeing the house with the bloody knife. Is Wren really the killer, or is a dark, scandalous family secret to blame?
Carra Copeland – Lilah By Midnight
A snowstorm threatens to destroy Lilah Canfield’s last chance to save her career as a country music performer. After her motor coach slides off the road and into a snow bank near her hometown of Mistletoe, Texas, Lilah is rescued by an old flame, Sheriff’s Deputy Jack McCommas. Will Jack help Lilah save her career, or will she give up everything for a second chance at love?
Jenna Bennett – Overcome
When Carmen Fuentes took the oath to serve and protect, she didn’t think she’d have to go undercover and face the very thing that terrifies her. Can she handle it? And can she trust Detective Will Murphy to have her back…and maybe her future?
Danielle Stewart – Running from Shadows
Roark Miller can’t forget the homicide cases he worked in Detroit. When he crosses path with a victim ten years later, he realizes her life is in danger and he needs to act fast. Demi can’t face the truth and Roark won’t stop hunting for answers. Will their love help them survive?
Protect and Serve Buy Links:
IBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1017154032
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/protect-and-serve-8
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/protect-and-serve-allie-k-adams/1122266362?ean=2940152235500
The Widows Choice by Hildie McQueen-Release Day Excerpt
The Widows Choice
Hildie McQueen
Brides of Coler Valley
Colter Valley calls to Rafe Preston, who decides to purchase land and settle there. When he accepts a temporary job at a beautiful widow’s ranch, he has no idea how much it will impact his plans.
Passion, deception and treachery, blend into a beautiful love story, set in 1860s Montana Territory.
Excerpt
Something in him stirred. In that moment a feeling of wanting to protect her lodged in his chest. A need to look over Charlie Kennedy, get to know her became strong. At the same time, he knew it wouldn’t come easy. Not good timing, either. Whatever had happened in her past, made her distrustful and aloof. “Will you be joining us for dinner tonight, Misses Kennedy? Or continue to avoid our company?”
She straightened and frowned. “Why do you ask such a thing? Surely it’s my choice when and who to eat with.”
“So you prefer to eat alone then?” he prodded, finding amusement when she bristled, scowling at him.
“Mr. Preston, is the wood not getting heavy in your arms?” Once again she returned to her sewing and pulled the needle through the fabric with deft smooth motions.
When Rafe put the wood on the edge of the porch, she looked up with a questioning expression, then frowned.
“Why do you mistrust me?” Rafe pulled his handkerchief from his back pocket and wiped the perspiration from his face. “Have I given you reason to?”
Charlie let out a huff. “I don’t know you, Mr. Preston. Of course, I don’t trust you. Around here it’s best to sit back, give people time to show who they really are. You’d best learn that if you plan to stay. Not everyone is trustworthy.”
“I understand that. But I rather give people the benefit of a doubt. Like you said, time will tell, but I trust that most people are good. And there is a difference between trusting fully and giving people the benefit of a doubt.”
She looked out into the distance, it was obvious her mind went elsewhere for a few moments. “I tried that, Mr. Preston, and paid a high price for it.”
Coffee Books Life 