Due to fan requests for FBI Agent Reggie Casse to have her own series and find a love interest, the Reggie Chronicles were born last year with Hart’s Girls, Reggie Chronicle 1. Reggie’s struggles and successes in life continue with the launch of Heart of the Matter, Reggie Chronicle 2, launching 6/1/22. It will be followed by Magnolia Blossoms, Reggie Chronicle 3, launching 7/1/22. eBooks and Print are available. They will launch in audiobook format near the end of this year, so stay tuned.

You can get Leah’s Story, the preamble to The Bloodline Series, FREE by becoming a VIP at:
https://preview.mailerlite.com/t1a6j6

Thank you for reading. Don’t forget to leave a review. You are so dear to me and greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy my books, and we become great friends. Stay in touch.

Heart of the Matter, Reggie Chronicle 2 

By Multi-Award-Winning Author, Lynda Rees, The Murder Guru

FBI Agent Reggie Casse and fiancé, U. S. Marshal Shea Montgomery, want a quiet but memorable wedding. Shea’s WITSEC witness, a corpse with a unique tattoo, a missing baby, and a kidnapping at their reception lead to an international ring selling items money shouldn’t be able to buy and a wedding no one can forget. Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum meets James Patterson’s Alex Cross in rural Kentucky racehorse country.

Get your copy now!
AMZ: https://amzn.to/3a5v13t
B&N: https://bit.ly/3t31cXP
KOBO-RAK: https://bit.ly/3PR4O9d
APPLE: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1624153157

Special Sale: To celebrate the launch of Heart of the Matter, Reggie Chronicles, there’s a limited-time sale on Hart’s Girls, Reggie Chronicle 1. Get the link: Hart’s Girls eBook by Lynda Rees – 1230004964384 | Rakuten Kobo United States

Lynda Rees
WEBSITE:  Books – Lynda Rees, Author (lyndareesauthor.com)
BOOKBUB:  Heart of the Matter (Reggie Chronicles Book 2) by Lynda Rees – BookBub
GOODREADS:  Author Dashboard | Goodreads
YOUTUBE:   https://youtu.be/_y0bNTYSfxs

I want to talk about the preconceived notions people have about Christian, Inspirational or Faith-based books.  When someone hears a story has one of the three aforementioned tones, they immediately shut down, thinking the story is going to be sweeter than cotton candy dipped in chocolate and covered with gum drops.

There’s CIF [Christian, Inspirational, Faith] fiction that falls into that description, and there’s nothing wrong with it.  It’s written extremely well and packs a message for the reader.  However, it’s the misconception that all CIF books are like that which prevents a closed mind from experiencing some really great stories.  [I swear I’m not preaching.]

When I decided to start writing, I’d dabbled a little in high school and college.  Even so far as to write a couple of plays.  I found them later and felt they’d be a good base for a barbecue fire.  When I read them again, I realized, that although they were poorly written, they had a few things in common.  The characters were all Christians in real-life situations.  Let me explain.  In a lot of CIF books, the story centers around the church with the conflict between the pastor, the board, the choir director, the pastor’s family, and some evil person not affiliated with the church.  There’s nothing wrong with those books.  I’ve read a few and like them, however, they weren’t the kinds of stories I wanted to tell.

I have always loved God, fashion, and cute guys.  I liked The Devil Wears Prada, Bergdorf Blondes, Elements of Style, and The Debutante Divorcee.  These were characters I could relate to.   The books are filled with the most incredible fashion and very handsome men.   The only thing they didn’t have was a faith theme.  It was reading these books that it occurred to me, why not write a book with similar content, but add a little CIF to it.

My first attempt at writing a book sounded very much like ChickLit.  I was fine with it until my beta readers ripped it to shreds.  After a lot of re-writes, I finally had a book I was pleased with. Problem was, it wasn’t considered acceptable.  Every traditional editor I approached had the same response, “Christians don’t act like that, Christians don’t care about designer clothes; Christians are happy being upper middle class at best; Christians don’t get challenged, tempted, have racy dreams or wicked thoughts; and Christians only have sex for procreation and on special occasions.  And there is no way a Christian would get divorced, commit adultery, fornicate, swear, drink wine or dance.”

Needless to say, I was stunned at the comments because I know a lot of Christians that have experienced and or faced a few of those things.   So, I set out to write books for “my people.”

I spoke with an author friend and told her what I had been experiencing with the traditional publishing machine, and she suggested I consider going indie.  I wasn’t too sure the indie world was for me, but it was.  The indie publishing world allows me to tell the stories I want to tell.

It ticks me off when I hear people say no one will read books about Christians [or people of other religious beliefs] in real life situations.  I want to read about “my people” dating, regretting, marrying, divorcing, falling in love, wearing designer clothes, traveling and being pursued by wealthy men.  I don’t want my heroine to be naive and deceived by an evil protagonist whose only objective is to steal her virginity or corrupt her.  What about the sexy, fun Christian girl, who works hard and falls for her boss, or divorces her cheating husband, or  who used to be a little slutty and is now in love with God and struggling not to slip back into her old ways.  These are great stories, and if they’re written well, you can take the CIF elements out and they’ll still be great stories.

My next book is part five of an office romance.  The Good Girl series starts out sweet and sassy and escalates to a hot romance.  For those expecting a tame romance, this isn’t it.  As the series moves forward, so does Gabriella and Phillippe’s relationship.  The cover of Part Five reminds me of a scene from the book.  Without giving too much away, I’ll say this, Gabriella and Phillippe get what they want.  The question is, “What do they want?”

Since I began writing, my books have gone from being classed as steamy, Christian fiction to Contemporary Romance with faith and heat.  My books range in heat from sweet to very sensual/steamy.  Personally, I don’t see where they are that hot, but some readers feel otherwise.  Probably because I’m very descriptive and not afraid to leave the door wide open.

Although most of my characters are Christians, I don’t want their passion or desire to be watered down.   Here’s a startling fact, Christians like sex.  I know it’s hard to believe.  Smile.  But it’s the truth and that’s why I have chosen to include open door sex in my books.  Let me clarify, I only include sex scenes when I feel they are relevant to the story.  I also like to share my characters thoughts and reactions to situations.  If either of the protagonist are having a lustful thought or are pissed off, I include it.  These little nuances make my characters appear real and relatable.…just like in traditional romance.

So back to the original question, IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?  Not really, just different levels of intensity.

Learn more about The Good Girl series!

UPDATE: The winner is…bn100!
*~*~*

Hello Delilah!

Thank you so much for letting me visit you so I can share my news with your loyal readers.

Free books!

Pretty cool, eh?

So the deets—I’m launching an indie series in the fall.  I’ve written a bunch of books for the serie,s and it’s time I put them out in the world.  I’ve titled the series Mission City.  Pretty simple, eh? (I’m Canadian…I just had to throw that in.)  Anyway, in writing those books, I developed a number of secondary characters whose stories I couldn’t wait to tell.  Ace’s Place and Marcus’s Cadence are two of them.  Characters from both stories have already appeared in several books published under the pen names Gabbi Grey and Gabbi Black.  Although each story I write is a standalone, I like to interweave characters into the stories.  I think it brings a richness and, to those who read across my genres, an opportunity to see old friends.

Today I’m letting your readers know about the two short stories—available on all platforms for free—and offering a contest. What is your favorite trope?  What type of stories do you return to again and again?  I’m a big fan of second chances.  I’ve written age-gap.  And many of my stories have a touch of angst (although not these two).  Share your thoughts for a chance to win an audiobook of either Ace’s Place or Marcus’s Cadence—coming soon and narrated by the amazing Michael Dean.  If you don’t listen to audiobooks, I’ll be happy to give you any book from my back catalog—Gabbi Grey or Gabbi Black.

Thanks for hosting me, Delilah.  I love sharing my good news with your lovely readers!

Ace’s Place

Derek Murphy has come to the godforsaken small town of Merritt, British Columbia in search of a new beginning. The man is tired, jaded, and resigned to never having sex again. Until Friday night at the local sports bar changes everything.

Harold Graham, hometown boy made good, has lived in Merritt his entire life. When he meets the new guy in town, he’s compelled to reach out the hand of friendship. And maybe more.

But secrets and omissions cloud what could be the beginning of something special. Can they take a chance on being vulnerable enough to fall in love?

Where to get your copy!
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Aces-Place-Gabbi-Grey-ebook/dp/B09ZRTFDKC
B&N – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aces-place-gabbi-grey/1141450146
KOBO – https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/ace-s-place
iBooks – https://books.apple.com/us/book/aces-place/id162313070

Marcus’s Cadence

What happens when your biggest crush turns up on your doorstep after twelve years?

Cadence Crawford has a good thing going. He’s making waves as a realtor in Mission City, British Columbia. Yes, he’s recently suffered a personal loss, but he’s moving on, and his path forward includes selling the only true home he’s ever known.

Marcus Brannigan is doing fine. He has his physiotherapy practice, he watches over his younger twin sisters, and he’s happy. When he unexpectedly runs into Cadence, who is selling the home he’s always coveted, he’s prepared to do some negotiating.

Neither knew they were seriously crushing on each other. Now they’ve admitted the truth, is happily ever after in the cards?

Marcus’s Cadence is a 7k second-chance gay romance, instalove short story with a very happy ending and a malti-poo named Kiki.

Where to get your copy!
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09ZSXRT4K
B&N – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marcuss-cadence-gabbi-grey/1141450147
KOBO – https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/marcus-s-cadence
iBooks – https://books.apple.com/us/book/marcuss-cadence/id1623130850

 About the Author

Gabbi lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black and Gabbi Powell.

Personal links:
Website: https://gabbigrey.com/
Newsletter sign-up:  https://sendfox.com/gabbigrey
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Gabbi-Grey/e/B07SJVFX1M
Audible Profile:  https://www.audible.com/author/Gabbi-Grey/B07SJVFX1M
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbigrey/
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabbiGrey

UPDATE: The winner is…Pansy Petal!
*~*~*

Psst! Just a reminder!
There are four open contests on this blog. Be sure to enter while you still can!

While I was down for the count with COVID, I watched a bunch of movies. Some romcoms, a short British series called Slow Horses (loved it BTW!), and some Hallmark Mysteries. Those Hallmarks have long been my guilty pleasure. I love the Crossword Mysteries and the Aurora Teagarden series, in particular. Not high art, but they aren’t meant to be. Some light sexual tension between the leads, and a mystery to solve. I hate it when I figure it out too quickly!

On Sunday night, with everyone feeling better and a little housebound, we decided to have some fun outside! Nothing too strenuous, because we’re still feeling the effects of the disease.

We set up a projector attached to a laptop and shined the image at the side of a shed in our yard. It was the perfect outside theater! Of course, we scouted the location ahead of time for fire ants! We burned a large citronella candle and lit tiki torches around our perimeter to discourage mosquitoes. We brought out drinks and snacks and laid on blankets with pillows (or they did—I lazed in an Adirondack chair). We tried streaming My Girl, at first, but the buffering got annoying, so we decided to pull out a DVD and ended up watching episodes of Jimmy Neutron! It was so much fun and reminded me of my childhood when my parents would load up the station wagon with all four kids and head to the drive-in theater, sleeping bags laid out for the kids in back, and a pillowcase of popcorn.

Everyone loved it, even the 8-year-old who is scared to death of bugs. We’ll be doing it again this summer.

Contest

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, share some fun childhood memory of your family or an idea for some unique activity families can enjoy!

It’s Memorial Day, and the kids are happy to be out of school. They’ll likely spend some time in the pool, and we’ll no doubt have something special for dinner. I like spending the morning watching snippets of news as older veterans head to places where they lost friends to honor them.  There’s a price for freedom. This is the day we celebrate those who gave everything for ours.

And if you haven’t read a story that shows you the importance of Memorial Day, I have one.

Read More about: In His Memory

UPDATE: The winner is…Bernadette!
*~*~*

If you’ve read my blog for long, you know I collect things. My daughter calls it hoarding, but she can’t be too harsh with me because all I have to do is mention the word “Pyrex” and she shuts right up. (She is obsessed! She even bought an entire display cabinet to hold her overflowing collection of vintage bowls!)

Anyways, I have a collection of tarot/divination/meditation cards, plus bags of Norse rune stones, etc. Sometimes, at night, when I’m winding down and need to get my mind to quiet, I pull out a deck and read my cards.

Well, I have this very pretty, modern box of “Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards.” Each goddess has a sentiment written on it. This morning when I looked at the long To Do list I wrote for myself last night, I thought, I need “goddess” help, so I pulled a random card…

Nice! Sekmet is very cool! She was a lion-headed goddess, daughter of Ra, and she was the goddess Pharoah wanted with him when he went to war. She breathed fire, and the hot desert winds were her breath… I could use some of Sekmet’s fire and lion’s strength today. I’ll be ferocious like her! My To Do list doesn’t stand a chance against my fiery purpose!!!

Okay. So, anyway…

Lots to do. I’m behind on so many things, and June snuck up on me! May was COVID month, but June will be DIG MYSELF OUT OF THE CRATER month!

So, a question! Answer for a chance to win a download of your choice of a book from my vast backlist. Do you own any tarot or meditation cards? Does some other object serve the same purpose for you (Bible, bones, rosary beads, etc.)?

UPDATE: The winner is…Delaine McLafferty!
*~*~*

It’s Saturday! Everyone in the house is feeling so much better that they’re getting cranky about having to stay cooped up. I can escape the drama by being right here, sitting at my desk. Or watching a movie. Lord, I’ve watched so many the past few days. And I’ve puttered around, organizing things—not that my method of organization looks “organized.” 🙂

Puzzle-Contest

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, solve the puzzle, then tell me a story about the person in the puzzle. Have fun with the challenge! Your story doesn’t have to be long or even good!

Open Contests

1. To Bee or Not to Bee — World Bee Day (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Saturday Puzzle Contest! (Plus, Open Contests) — Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Tracy Reed: The Good Girl (FREE Book!) — Download your FREE book!
4. I’m so bored in the COVID house… (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
5. Anna M. Taylor: M is For the Million Things She Gave Me (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!