UPDATE: The winner is…Debra Guyette!
*~*~*

Another month gone! 2022 is flying! This month, the kids go back to school and my weekdays will be quieter. Soon, twice daily swims will be reduced to one as the water cools. 🙁 But there’s the string of lovely holidays coming with fall, so I won’t be sad for long…

July

Here’s what I managed to accomplish…

Work-related:

1. I completed writing and published Gabriel, Book #7 in my MBH: Dead Horse, MT, series. Fig finally got her man!
2. I completed 2 editing projects for other authors in July.

Health-related:

1. I have not climbed back aboard the Weight Watchers wagon. However, I maintained 25 pounds of my loss since January. Motivation is still lagging…
2. As for physical activity, I’ve upped my steps and make multiple trips up and down the stairs! I’m swimming at least once a day, usually twice.
3. I visited the dermatologist this month. I had a spot of skin cancer in the past, but this checkup was all clear. Yay!

Happiness-related: 

1. I volunteered to serve on the board of my local art guild, so I HAVE to get out of the house and mingle with real people. Along with my board position, I committed to twice monthly “art days” where I paint at the art center with my artist friends.
2. I committed to participating in this year’s Festival of the Arts, so I must get some decent paintings done to sell in September! Yikes!
3. Here are a few of my recent pieces…

August

Do these covers excite you?

For work-related, I plan:

1. To complete a story set in my sister’s Brotherhood Protector’s world! The cover is coming soon!
2. To revise and compile the Danger Zone trilogy into a single bundle and get it ready for publishing in August!
3. To plot and chart out Hard Knox, my first We Are Dead Horse story!
4. To complete 5 editing projects in August!

For health related, I plan:

1. To restart Weight Watchers (count those points!) and hope to lose at least 5 pounds, remembering: Slow is good!
2. To swim at least one time a day while I can! Mid-September is when the water gets a little too nippy…
3. To begin some low-impact aerobics. I’ll do more housework, too, because my art room is a disaster!

For happiness-related, I plan: 

1. To inventory the art I have and determine what I need to do next to get ready for the show!
2. To produce at least four finished pieces of art every week!
3. To blog about art (on my Emerald Casket site) just to keep myself honest! (No one actually has to read it! No one except my pal Susan does!)

Contest

Comment on anything you’ve read in this post. Tell me what you’re doing to make yourself happier and healthier. Tell me what you plan to read…

Like I said, comment on anything for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

UPDATE: The winners are…Lynn Danilowicz and Christine Cushing!
*~*~*

Hi, everyone! I want to start today by thanking my hostess Delilah for letting me come play in her space again. It’s always a lot of fun hanging out here with you all.

Today is my birthday, but I have gifts for some of you and will tell you about that just a little later.

While today is the day, we’re not doing birthday dinner and cake until the weekend, because of family work schedules. Not mine—I took today and tomorrow off so I have a four-day birthday weekend. But it means I have two days to do almost anything I want. The question is, what will that be?

Reading is on the list for sure. There’s a little cooking on the to-do list, because I am prepping my birthday dinner for Saturday, plus the regular weekend chores, but there is still a whole lot of open time. I’m thinking about an hour on the massage table on Friday—I haven’t done that in a while, and an hour of total relaxation on a long weekend seems a good idea. But I still have a lot of time to fill in those four days.

Heck, as I’m writing this, I still haven’t decided on what kind of cake I want to have with dinner on Saturday. I really have to figure that out, since the cake is the most important part of the birthday dinner menu, at least on my birthday. Layer cake with icing? Cheesecake? Fancy cupcakes? Decisions, decisions…

I am sure of one thing, though—there will also be writing time. Hopefully a lot of it (we won’t talk about how far behind I am on this year’s writing goals.), because tonight happens to be my regular monthly writing group night. Every month a group of us meet for dinner and writing time. Some months we’re all there, sometimes only a couple of us make it. Some months we get a lot of writing done, some months we do more talking than writing, depending on what’s happening in our worlds or in the world in general. But we all look forward to the evening—so much so that we’ve added a second night several months recently—because it’s a chance to hang out with people we enjoy spending time with while also doing something we all love. Also, there are usually cookies. It’s not birthday cake, but it’ll do until Saturday. Kind of like having two birthday dinners.

Aside from writing this weekend, I have some revisions waiting for me as well, on the third book in my Medusa’s Daughters trilogy, which has a beautiful cover waiting already and which I wanted to have out in the world long before now. Hm, this weekend’s schedule might be taking better shape now. Reading, writing, revisions, massage, two birthday dinners, weekend chores. That might be enough for four days, especially since the reading/writing/rewriting will take a large chunk of time, or should. What do you think?

When I was a kid, deciding on birthday dinner and cake was fairly easy, as was how I wanted to spend the day—lots of years, it meant a sleepover with a best friend, and always family around the table. Plus I didn’t have to do any of the dinner prep myself.

If you could design the perfect way to spend your birthday, what would it look like? Who would you be with? What kind of cake would you have? I will do a drawing on Sunday morning, July 31, 2022 and pull two names from all of the responses for an ebook giveaway—winners’ choice from my three romances. My birthday = presents for you!

About the Author

Lifelong book addict Elizabeth Andrews fell in love with romance novels at an early age, a love that carried into adulthood, and for a while, she worked in a bookstore, where she got to share that love with other readers. Now she writes her own, full of sexy heroes and strong heroines. Her stories range from paranormal to contemporary, to who knows what her imagination might come up with along the way, but happy endings are a guarantee!

She’s a married mother of two, who’s got a room overflowing with her book collection and a garden full of herbs and veggies that need occasional attention between writing and reading binges.

You can find her at ElizabethAndrewsWrites.com

About Her Books

Light the Way Home: Single dad Nate Baxter has his hands full with his son and his haunted lighthouse. He doesn’t have time to spend with a woman…especially one who won’t stick around, like his ex-wife.

But Lucie Russo’s not like other women Nate’s met. She’s sweet and sexy, and his mouth waters every time he’s around her.

Will a family emergency cause him to break his relationship rules? And if he does, will his heart be broken too?

Hunting Medusa, Medusa’s Daughters Book 1: When Kallan Tassos tracks down the current Medusa, he expects to find a monster. Instead he finds a wary, beautiful woman, shielded by a complicated web of spells that foils his plans for a quick kill and retrieval of her protective amulet.

Andrea Rosakis expects the handsome Harvester to go for the kill. Instead, his attempt to take the amulet imprinted on her skin without harming her takes her completely by surprise. And ends with the two of them in a magical bind—together. But Kallan isn’t the only Harvester on Andi’s trail…

Protecting Medusa, Medusa’s Daughters Book 2: Being the Medusa will put a real crimp in a woman’s social life. Lucky for Philomena Gregory, she gave up on men long before Athena’s curse landed on her head. Not even the naked man in the bathroom will change her mind.

Ryder Ware has waited six years to meet Mena in person. Flirting on the phone and via email is no substitute for face to face when a man is so intrigued. But now that Athena’s Harvesters have found her, Mena has no choice but to let him keep her safe—and close, very close.

Gabriel is available now! Book #7 of my Montana Bounty Hunters: Dead Horse, MT is here! At least, it’s out on Amazon in both print and ebook. In a couple of months, I’ll take it wide, meaning: I’ll publish it in all the usual places. For now, if you have Kindle Unlimited, it’s FREE.

I’m seven books into this series, and I’m still having a blast writing about bounty hunters, but, as I’ve said before, the secret has been making sure I have unique characters every time who face unique adventures/challenges. No cookie cutters. When you read a story in the series, you see the previous heroes and heroines, and I love giving them their unique voices to make them distinct. I have two more books planned already. Check out the covers for Mica and Jackson!

This story is about two former military members of the Montana Bounty Hunters, who have an initial attraction that suffers a setback, but who learn through their experiences that they have more in common than either could’ve expected.

I hope you pick up a copy. And if you have time after you’ve read it, I’d appreciate it if you’d leave a review. Reviews aren’t for me, they’re for other readers who need to know about your experience with the story. I can say it’s sexy, fun, and exciting, but readers believe other readers.

Happy Reading!
~DD

Gabriel

MONTANA BOUNTY HUNTERS: DEAD HORSE, MT

Authentic Men… Real Adventures…

An ex-Special Forces bounty hunter has to find a way to repair his friendship with the agency’s prickly tech guru while not falling in love with her…

Gabriel Pelletier can’t read women. Hell, he didn’t know his ex-wife had been seeing another man until she cleaned out the apartment while he was deployed. Somehow, he’s managed to offend the Montana Bounty Hunters’ tech guru, and everyone around him is telling him to fix it!

Ex-Army Fredericka “Fig” Newton has always navigated working with men by repelling them before she attracts unwanted attention. She temporarily lost her mind trying to befriend Gabriel when he joined the agency. Sure, he’s cute, and while everyone around her has found their happy-ever-after, she thought, just maybe, she could find hers with him. But nope. All her friendly overtures blew up in her face. So, it’s back to prickly Fig. Besides, they have a bad guy to take down and no time for romance.

Order your copy here!
Also available in print!
FREE in KU for a limited time!

UPDATE: The winner is…ButtonsMom2003!
*~*~*

First, just a reminder! Gabriel releases after midnight tonight. If you haven’t already pre-ordered your copy, just click on the image!

Next! With only three weeks left before the kids head back to school, we’re trying to fit in fun family activities. Of course, we have the pool, the lake, etc. We also love our movie nights!

I’ve been dying to see this movie…

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me your recommendations for family movie night!

My latest book releases tomorrow night just after midnight. I’m sitting here wanting to share the entire story right now, but I’m settling for a snippet instead. But which one? An exciting criminal takedown? The first kiss?

I’ve shared the entire first chapter. You can read it here. What about a snippet from the sex scene?

How about I choose my favorite scene from the book? And it might seem weird to you, but I love this tiny scene featuring my favorite waitress, Nadine. She makes an appearance in all the books. The woman is a fixture in Dead Horse—she’s rude, irascible, and knows everyone’s business. She’s decided that the bounty hunters are enemy #1 and never gives them any slack. This scene has more to it, because you’re meeting Nadine’s relative, who will feature in my first We are Dead Horse story. So, maybe this excerpt won’t be as much fun for you because you’re not seeing the “bigger” scene but it’s my favorite because I love, love, love Nadine.

Nadine in Gabriel…

Their table at the diner was surrounded by other tables. No privacy. And business was humming. Fig glanced up and watched the hunters’ “favorite fan” approach. “Watch out,” she whispered to Gabe. “Nadine’s coming our way.”

Gabe’s mouth firmed into a thin line.

Nadine slapped laminated copies of the menu on their table. “Heard you two let that Jimmy Calhoun fella slip right through your fingers.”

Fig raised her eyebrows. “Nadine, I never figured you for someone who kept up with current events. You being so busy and all.”

Nadine’s eyes narrowed. “Had someone from your TV show call me yesterday. Said they wanted some local color and wanted to interview me. Told ’em they’d need more than a damn five-minute segment to cover all the issues.”

“I’m sure they were eager to sign you up.”

Nadine huffed a breath. “So, are you two gonna order or talk my ear off? I’ve got other customers to tend to.”

Open Contests & a Giveaway

1. Giveaway! FREE Read! Sweeter Than Honey — LAST DAY! Everyone, get your FREE story!
2. Tell Me a Story or a Big Fat Lie! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Gabbi Grey: Why Write in A Shared World? (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Michal Scott: Nothing New Under the Sun: Callie House and Ex-Slave Reparations (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
5. Saturday Puzzle-Contest! — Win an Amazon gift card!

Just a reminder! In just ONE WEEK, Gabriel releases! Have you pre-ordered your copy?!

MONTANA BOUNTY HUNTERS:
DEAD HORSE, MT
Authentic Men… Real Adventures…

An ex-Special Forces bounty hunter has to find a way to repair his friendship with the agency’s prickly tech guru while not falling in love with her…

Gabriel Pelletier can’t read women. Hell, he didn’t know his ex-wife had been seeing another man until she cleaned out the apartment while he was deployed. Somehow, he’s managed to offend the Montana Bounty Hunters’ tech guru, and everyone around him is telling him to fix it!

Ex-Army Fredericka “Fig” Newton has always navigated working with men by repelling them before she attracts unwanted attention. She temporarily lost her mind trying to befriend Gabriel when he joined the agency. Sure, he’s cute, and while everyone around her has found their happy-ever-after, she thought, just maybe, she could find hers with him. But nope. All her friendly overtures blew up in her face. So, it’s back to prickly Fig. Besides, they have a bad guy to take down and no time for romance.

Pre-order here!

Open Contests

1. 10 Things That Make Me Sigh (Contest) — Win a FREE book!
2. Saturday Puzzle-Contest! — Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Giveaway! FREE Read! Sweeter Than Honey — This giveaway ends soon! Everyone, get your copy!
4. Tell Me a Story or a Big Fat Lie! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!

I’ve got my head down, typing my stubby fingers to the bone to get this book done! It arrives on July 26th, but I wanted to give you a little taste of Gabriel’s story. Enjoy the excerpt! ~DD

Have you preordered your copy? Link to Gabriel

Excerpt from Gabriel…

Gabriel Pelletier was pretty sure something had changed. Not that he was a deeply intuitive man—at least, not when it came to women. However, he was one hundred percent sure something was different about the bounty hunter’s office admin and operations guru, Fredericka Newton.

For one thing, she’d insisted that very morning that he call her “Fig” like everyone else in the agency did—her delivery crisp, her lips firm. And she’d hit him with that as he’d poured his first cup of coffee before the morning meeting had even begun.

When she’d turned on her heel and left him with his jaw sagging and wondering what bee had crawled up her ass, he’d seen Chase’s black eyebrows rise and his lips purse, had noted Cowboy’s grimace and Cage’s slow blink. Worse, Marti had been doing her best after her initial snort not to bust a gut laughing while her man Hardman shushed her with a glare.

Gabe had thought he’d had a budding friendship happening with Fredericka…er, Fig. “Fredericka” had been the name she’d given him when he’d first arrived after he’d received the invitation from Cage Morgan to join the agency. He’d sat across from Fig’s desk, filling out forms, while she’d kept up a light patter of conversation, which he’d learned later from the rest of the hunters was highly unusual. The Fig they knew was all about the job, hyper-focused, no chitchat. And yet, she’d been friendly with him. Soft and warm-looking, too—something he’d mentioned to his partner, Eli Pope, who’d done his level best to hold back a grin, especially when Gabe had mentioned just how nice “Fredericka” was.

Today, he’d finally seen what the rest of the crew saw when they looked at Fig. Read the rest of this entry »