So, vacations are great and all, but knuckling under once you’re back is hard. But it has to happen. I have too many irons in the fire. Don’t you love that phrase? Too many irons in the fire. Be right back—have to know where that comes from…

I found this explanation on Answers: “…the origin of ‘irons in the fire’ relates to the battlefield surgeon, from at least medieval times, who kept a fire going with a number of different cauterising irons in it at all times. The irons were used to cauterise wounds and stop people bleeding to death. A surgeon with many irons in the fire was prepared to treat any size or shape of wound.”

Huh. I have to admit, I thought the explanation would have something to do with cowboys and brandings. 🙂 But back to my irons…

December looks insane. I have to finish editing Soldier Boy and get it loaded for its 12/5 release.

I have to finish writing Wolf Moon Rising, which releases 12/12—yeah, I’m really cutting that one close.

I owe you all the last installment of Sara & Hunter’s story—the wedding! Have no idea how that’s going to go.

I have to re-edit and re-publish Artic Dragon for release toward the end of the month.

Oh! I have the last 4 chapters of the next Delta Heat story to write.

And I have to write a short sequel to Reaper and Carly’s story for their Kindle World appearance in January. Sound like there’s enough on my plate yet? (Wait, on my plate… Nope, not going to look that one up right now…)

Then, how about the two books I have to edit for two other writers and the FREE Write 50 Books a Year workshop I have to lead?

So, yeah. December’s nutty. And all that Christmas stuff? All my gifts are bought. I’m letting my daughter wrap them all!

(These two stories are already up for pre-order!)

The Question

My question to you…

Does your December look just as nutty as mine?

Thank you so much for the opportunity to guest on your blog, Delilah!

When I originally signed up for a guest spot, I had a vague idea of what I was going to write about. Something having to do with the book I’m working on, the life of being a romance author/editor, even the joys (that sometimes aren’t always so joyous) of being a mother. But then I sat down to write my post in the middle of a writing day with two of my author friends and completely BLANKED.

So, I asked my trusty writing partner what I should do (because she’s basically the other half of my brain) and she told me that it’d be a great idea to write about having two different pen names.

Since I started in the book world, I’ve been known by three names: MamaKitty, Paige, and Rhyann. MamaKitty started out as a book reviewer who secretly wrote books on her downtime. Sadly, I closed MamaKitty Reviews down in 2012 to focus on writing and editing full-time. When I submitted my first book for publication, my previous critique partner suggested the name Paige Prince as my nom de plume. It wasn’t until several years later that I realized that when spoken aloud, it sounds like I’m saying “Page Prints…” which is actually kind of hilarious, since it was a total accident.

As Paige, I write Sizzling Southern Romance. Erotic romance (usually) set somewhere in the South. I haven’t stuck to one subgenre, since I love so many different aspects of the romance world. I’ve written contemporary, adventure, paranormal, and medical romance. I’m currently working on my first M/M romance, set in the culinary world. You probably wouldn’t want to see my Works-in-Progress folder, since it spans basically every subgenre available. Well, most of them.

Back in 2013, I started writing secretly as Rhyann Harris. I was writing erotic romance in a subgenre that wasn’t as widely accepted as it’s become (taboo/stepsibling romance), and I wanted to keep the two identities separate from each other.

But being two different people is exhausting (three, if you count my real name), so I dropped the veil of secrecy and admitted that Paige and Rhyann were the same person.

And it’s been freeing, in a way. I don’t have to constantly tell people that I’m writing on a “secret project” that never seems to see the light of day. I can say instead, “I’m writing an erotica for my Rhyann name and it’s about [insert plot here],” instead.

My business cards are now two-sided. I have two bookshelves on my website. But I’m still just one author, writing words and creating sexy worlds for all to enjoy.

As Paige, I’m currently working on revamping a story I wrote for a box set and preparing to release it in January. It centers around a medical center my writing partner and I have created (which will be a series!) set in my hometown of Houston, Texas. As Rhyann, I’m working on a series revolving around the lives of a Marine and his stepsister, who finally give into their feelings for each other after he comes home on leave.

If you like spicy romance, you’ll love them both.

Detoured

Katherine “Katie” Molloy is in trouble. She desperately needs continuing education credits to maintain her professional license, but the only class available within the timeframe allotted is several states away. The most catastrophic computer failure to hit the airline industry in history has grounded every single flight leaving Houston for days and by the time all flights are rescheduled, the conference will be over.

Dr. Vincent Bauer comes to Katie’s rescue when he offers to drive them both to the conference, since he was scheduled to attend, as well. Unfortunately, his brand new car breaks down more than a hundred miles from their destination, stranding them in Lucasville, Kentucky.

Just as things begin to heat up between the radiology department manager and the good doctor, strange things begin to happen, causing them to think the break down might not have been so coincidental, after all. Can they get the car fixed and get out of town before they’re permanently Detoured?

About the Author

Paige Prince is the alter ego of Rhyann Harris, erotic romance author, editor, drinker of coffee, and binger of Netflix. She lives in a small suburb of Houston, Texas with her daughter Emma and her lab/pit mix Westley.

Website: https://authorpaigeprince.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpaigeprince
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/paige_prince
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/paigeprince511
Tumblr: https://rhyannharris.tumblr.com (NSFW)

Thanksgiving has passed. Black Friday is done with. Now it’s on to Christmas. Hooray! When it comes to this holiday, I’m like Scrooge after that fretful night. Unlike other holidays, Christmas changes everything and everyone around you.  Luckily, I live in New York City and to me, that is when the city truly comes alive. The Rockefeller Christmas tree, the Saks Fifth Avenue windows are festive with holiday decorations that will have you smashing your face against the frosty windows and the city streets shining with Christmas lights that wrap around anything standing. The whole city transforms into a wonderland that makes the cold disappear and the city’s energy pulsates in a way that it can do only during the holidays.

Sure everyone is checking their list and trying to find the perfect gift within their budget but to me, Christmas is more than the presents. In my opinion, I think we all love bringing joy to the world. I love seeing the rush of joy spread across someone’s face and feel as if for even the briefest of moments, their ills or hurts have vanished. Joy to the world is the theme of the season.

In some ways, that is why I write. Books and writing have always brought me a soul-deep happiness that lingers well after I have put down the pen or closed the book. That magically feeling is something I wish to share with others. To have them experience the joy. My books may not solve the world problems but if for a time, I can help someone forget their pain, laugh or just have an escape then I am the happiest I can be.

Her hand in marriage could secure peace.

Lady Ailsa Cameron has slept through a few masses. She isn’t the most patient of souls. However, the gentle lass never did anything wicked enough for her father, Laird Cameron to demand she wed Black Duncan, the Laird of Clan MacLean.

The leader of the Spartans of the North, Duncan MacLean inspires many gruesome tales in the majestic highlands and beyond. Duncan accepts Laird Cameron’s offer of his daughter’s hand in marriage to war against their shared enemy, Clan MacKinnon. Wed to the ravishing woman, he aches to possess her even as he vows never to lower his defenses, again.

Can past enemies become lovers?

Read an Excerpt of The Marriage Alliance

Scottish Highlands, 1256

Surely, Ailsa Cameron never managed anything in her score of a lifetime so wicked to deserve this cruel punishment. She never took the life of another. Admittedly, she dozed through a few masses in her lifetime. Others were guilty of such sin and never punished so harshly. Maybe, it was the many times she took the Lord’s name in vain. That vile curse hadn’t passed her lips for some time, not since her last penance forbade her from speaking for a sennight. She had remained silent until the noon meal but her guilt still lingered. Even that did not warrant her wedding the dreaded Duncan MacLean.

Nay, she journeyed along the stone-littered tract to the MacLean fortress because of men and one in particular, her father—Laird Cameron. His fierce desire to merge with the Spartans of the North appointed Ailsa the maiden sacrifice to appease the ferocious dragon. Who was the dragon—her father or her husband-to-be?

Either way, Saint Peter would throw open the pearly gates for her since she behaved as the dutiful daughter, pledging the rest of her days to Laird MacLean.

Not that she had many days to live.

To read a longer excerpt of The Marriage Alliance, stop by my website, MageelaTroche.com

Available only at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Alliance-Mageela-Troche-ebook/dp/B072N3G575/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1510781618&sr=1-1&keywords=mageela+troche

Today, I’m heading back to Arkansas! Virginia’s fantastic, but it’s not home, and I’m dying to get back, get unpacked, and get back to work. My word count suffered horribly, and I have a lot of catching up to do to “win” my NaNoWriMo T-shirt!

In the meantime, I have two days of driving to endure with three of my girls. We always make the trip fun. I look up celebrity gossip to share with them. We turn the music up loud and do our own version of “carpool karaoke.” Plus, we really dig staying in hotels and leaving the bathroom and beds a mess. Ah, the luxury. 🙂

So, my question for you today, just for fun, is what is your favorite part of the journey when you’re on a road trip? Do you stop for those crazy “biggest ball of twine” signs? Do you love finding great hole-in-the-wall places to eat? Do you love staying in a nice hotel?

Tell me, and you might win a free copy of your choice of one of my latest releases! In the meantime, be safe and have fun! ~DD

Hi Readers!

I lived in a caboose with my family while growing up in Blackfoot, Idaho.  And because of that experience, I wanted to write an emotional and heartwarming Christmas story about a very happy time I had living in it.  Boxcar Christmas was born!

If you love romance, dogs and puppies? Cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy Travis and Jesse’s story!

Pre-order: right now!
Release date:  January 1, 2017

One train car. Two lost souls. Five adorable puppies.

Travis Ramsey is back in Hamilton, Montana, after 10 years serving as a Delta Force operator in Afghanistan. Now responsible for his dad’s fishing guide business, Travis has to deal with his increasingly distant and difficult father, and guilt over his brother’s death. His life takes a turn for the better when he meets Army vet Jesse Myers. Jesse is taken with his grandparent’s quirky boxcar cabin and wants to rent it. Taken by her beauty—and the familiar haunted look in her eyes—he makes her a deal. He will rent the boxcar to her for free in return for her help in making renovations.

Working on the train car, Travis and Jesse grow closer. But when Jesse rescues a desperate Border Collie and her five adorable puppies, something unexpected happens.  A Christmas miracle neither saw coming.

I want to wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving. For many of you, it will be a time to give thanks for all the precious people in your life.

This holiday season, I am so proud of my grandson, Caleb, who has just published his debut Christmas novel, Top Elf (recommended for grades 3-8).

Publisher’s Weekly describes Top Elf as a “whirlwind holiday escapade that ends on a touching note, with lots of laughs and wild twists along the way.” This book is available in audio, hardcover, and as an e-book. (E-book is only $1.99 and is currently on 3 Amazon bestseller lists!)

I asked him what inspired him to write Top Elf.

He said, “When I was a kid, I was always full of questions — and some of my biggest ones were about Santa Claus. How does he get around the world in a single night? How has one guy lived long enough to deliver presents to me, and my parents, and my grandparents, and my grandparents’ parents? What’s it like at the North Pole? Has Santa ever been to space?! I decided to finally write a book that gives some answers to those questions. (Faster-than-light travel, it’s not just one guy, it’s really great at the North Pole mostly, and YES.)

I asked him if I inspired him to become a writer.

He said, “The first time my name was ever inside a book was because my grandmother, Ann Major, put it there, in the dedication, and that will stick with me for life. More than that, she showed me it was possible — writing stories didn’t have to be a dream. If you’re reading this, of course, you know my Mimi is amazing, but now I feel like I understand it even better. Writing books is hard, and I’ve only written the one! She’s written so many.

If you want to read the complete interview, check out Ann Major’s blog: https://www.annmajor.com/blog//interview-with-caleb-zane-huett-author-of-debut-middle-grade-christmas-novel-top-elf

Caleb Zane Huett is a playwright and indie bookseller at Avid Bookshop. He’s a graduate of the University of Georgia and also really good at video games. One time he won a funnel cake doing the Macarena to Christmas music at a rodeo. He lives in Athens, GA. Oh, and he’s an Aries.

For a chance to win a signed hardcover copy of Top Elf, if you’re on Facebook, you can enter my contest. A winner will be drawn December 15, 2017.  https://www.facebook.com/annmajorauthor/?ref=hl

Here’s what a contest’s entrant said about his book. “My 10 year old grandson started Top Elf yesterday and loves it. Here’s a picture of him reading it at the bus stop at 7:30 today
It’s a little blurry because I was holding the umbrella.” (picture not included)

So, I’m a very proud grandma this Christmas Season.

As for my own writing, I just finished Love with An Imperfect Maid and Love with an Imperfect Bridegroom, books 1 & 2 of my Lone Star Dynasty series, which I look forward to publishing in the spring of 2018.  And The Goodbye Child (book 6) of my Texas: Children of Destiny series is on sale for $.99 at your favorite retailer.

Links to Top Elf by Caleb Zane Huett:

https://www.amazon.com/Top-Elf-Caleb-Huett-ebook/dp/B06WW1CM42/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1511214720&sr=1-1&keywords=top+elf+huett

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/top-elf

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/top-elf-caleb-huett/1125841478?ean=9781338052145#/

Links to The Goodbye Child (on sale now for 99 cents) by Ann Major

https://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Child-Texas-Children-Destiny-ebook/dp/B01M59O4TA/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1164266496

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-goodbye-child

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/goodbye-child-ann-major/1000303444?ean=2940153514017

Ann Major, author of Harlequin Desire
HIS FOR THE TAKING (June 2013)

Major Links

Website: https://www.annmajor.com/

Blog: https://www.annmajor.com/blog/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/annmajorauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnMajor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/annmajor45/pins/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7660.Ann_Major

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Ann-Major/e/B004OAZP66/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1511215993&sr=1-1