A Harlot Author Success Story! Over the weekend I got a message from Harlot Author Elsie Silver that moved me to tears: "Today is my birthday. Everyone in my house has gone to bed and I just checked the rank on my latest release. 454. My highest rank ever... and it's not even ... READ the POST
5 Fun Facts about ONLY LOVE
ONLY LOVE is the first book I've ever written in three voices! I usually have a hero POV and a heroine POV, but this time around I added a third one for a character that's stealing readers' hearts left and right--Grams! She's Stella's 92-year-old grandmother, and when she gets to know the handsome, ... READ the POST
Margot’s Pesto (AFTER WE FALL)
I signed up for cooking classes. Watched online tutorials. Read my cookbooks. Made lists of things I needed in the kitchen and filled my cupboards and drawers with cookware and gadgets. I grocery shopped with a critical eye, choosing local and organic whenever I could. Stopped eating out so much. ... READ the POST
Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs (from IF YOU WERE MINE)
Claire laid out one raw crescent roll. “Just flat?” “Yes.” I placed the sugar-and-cinnamon-coated marshmallow at the wide end of it. “Now you have to wrap it up with the dough and seal the edges.” My fingers were also coated with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, so I watched as Claire folded the ... READ the POST
Get FRENCHED for FREE!
Hi there! Like romance? Paris? Free stuff? I've got something for you! To say thanks for stopping by today, I'd be happy to send you a copy of FRENCHED for free! Simply sign up for my email newsletter, and it's yours! You'll get email from me once or twice a month with exclusive access to ... READ the POST
Nick’s Chocolate Cake (from FORKED)
"Nick’s chocolate cake was the kind of delicious that would make even those annoying people who say 'I’m not a dessert person trample' old ladies and small children to get the last piece. The frosting—what the hell was in it? I’d watched him make it, hadn’t I? Was it vanilla? It tasted almost like a ... READ the POST
Sneak Peek of Hold You Close
Prologue Seventeen Years Ago London Pinch me. Tell me this isn’t a dream. Tell me the memories of last night—the most unbelievable, most romantic night of my life—are real. Carefully rolling onto my side, I prop my head in one hand and study Ian’s face as he sleeps. He’s gorgeous, ... READ the POST
First Kiss Friday with Margot and Jack (AFTER WE FALL)
Finally, I had to admit that for the first time since Steph died, I was seriously attracted to a woman. It was almost a relief. I wasn’t happy about it, but logically, I knew it was just a biological urge and I shouldn’t be too hard on myself, especially since her presence here was temporary. And ... READ the POST
First Kiss Friday with Jaime & Quinn (MAN CANDY)
He looked at me like he wanted to tear me apart. But he spoke calmly. “Come closer.” I hesitated, then sauntered toward him. I had no idea what we were doing—he was so fucking unpredictable, it drove me nuts—but I was game for where this seemed to be heading. He didn’t need to know that, ... READ the POST
First Kiss Friday with Levi and Jillian (Some Sort of Love)
I watched her rush up the stairs to get her things, and as soon as she was out of sight, I adjusted myself in my pants. My dick had jumped to life the second she said yeah, I do, as if the question had been you want to get naked and fuck? rather than something much less suggestive. Not that I didn’t ... READ the POST
First Kiss Friday with Miles & Natalie (Some Sort of Crazy)
On the ride to Miles’s, I texted him. Hey are you home? The reply came immediately. Yes. Writing tonight. What’s up? Yay! I’m coming over!!! Should I put on the gimp suit? I snorted. That’s funny you’re funny I like you. WTF are you drunk? Cackling with glee, I tossed my phone back in my ... READ the POST
First Kiss Friday with Skylar & Sebastian (SOME SORT OF HAPPY)
After untying the rope, I pushed away from the dock and picked up the oars, angry with myself again. I knew she’d been hoping I’d be fucking normal for a few minutes and at least kiss her or something, but I couldn’t. Not that I didn’t want to—my god, I was lucky I didn’t come in my pants the second ... READ the POST
First Kiss Friday with Erin & Charlie (FLOORED)
I opened the door and drank in the sight of him against a backdrop of white snow and black sky. He had snowflakes in his hair. “Hi,” I said, my insides tight with excitement. “Hi.” “Are you the burglar?” His lips tipped up on one side. “No.” “Are you the big bad wolf?” The grin deepened. ... READ the POST
First Kiss Friday with Nick & Coco (FORKED)
He didn’t move, and I didn’t either. I couldn’t. My stomach muscles were clenched so tight it almost hurt. He looked at my lips, so I licked them, let them fall open. Tipped my chin up, ever so slightly. Come on, Nick. Kiss me, already. He smiled. “You totally want me to kiss you right ... READ the POST
First Kiss Friday with Mia & Lucas (FRENCHED)
I'm kicking off this series of posts with a couple I still adore--Mia and Lucas from FRENCHED! In fact, I adore them so much, I have written them into two subsequent series, the Happy Crazy Love series and my upcoming Only You series! How they met: Mia was alone in Paris (and NOT happy about ... READ the POST
3 Fun Things About My New Cover (ONLY YOU)
I'm thrilled to release the cover for my upcoming release ONLY YOU! It's a sexy, emotional contemporary romance releasing March 12, 2018. Want to see it? Sure you do. 1. That Red Dress I'd like to claim responsibility for that insanely sexy shade of red the model is wearing, but I can't. ... READ the POST
#Aspiring Authors Post 1…Inspiration
So you want to write a book! Fantastic. Let's get inspired. Inspiration for your book can come from anywhere and everywhere--music, photographs, conversations, news stories, real life. Maybe you already have an idea, or maybe you're still searching for the right one. Maybe you have so many you ... READ the POST
Alternate Scene: Lucas POV!
Hope you enjoy this scene where Mia and Lucas meet told from Lucas's point of view. I loved going back to The Beaver (haha) and revisiting the night they met from his perspective. The girl burst through the door like a racehorse across the finish line, and she looked ... READ the POST
Lucas and Mia’s Provence
It's Monday. I'm feeling it. So to perk myself up, I thought I'd tour Provence with Mia and Lucas...I could use a little romance right now, how about you? So on the way there, this happens. (Did you think I'd skip that part?) Ahem. Then they arrive at the villa... It looks like ... READ the POST
Lucas and Mia’s Paris!
Bonjour! Before we go to Paris (ooh la la!), I want to remind you to please sign up for my newsletter! Just put your email right where it says Subscribe over to the right. If you enjoyed Frenched, you will not want to miss being on the list to receive sneak peaks of Mia and Lucas's future ... READ the POST
Frenched Review Tour and Giveaway!
Bonjour! First, THANK YOU to all the readers who bought, read, and enjoyed Frenched, and especially those who reached out to me with your thoughts and friendship. I cannot tell you how much it means to me that you love Mia and Lucas! Many readers have asked for more on them, and I promise they ... READ the POST
My First Live Chat…A Recap of the Madness
So last Friday night I participated in my first live author chat, and let me just say...WOW. It started at 8:30 PM, and I had myself all set up in a quiet room with a nice big glass of wine. I was a little nervous people might not come, but right away awesome people showed up to say hi, chat, ask ... READ the POST
Frenched Giveaway Winners!
Wow! Thank you so much for your amazing response to Frenched--I am over the moon happy! It's been such a pleasure to hear your thoughts on the book, so keep them coming! <3 I'd love it if you would sign up for my mailing list over to the right--you'll get exclusive content, the chance to ... READ the POST
Character Interviews…Meet Mia & Lucas!
It's the weekend! And today is Day 6, which means it's time for you to meet Mia Devine, the main character in Frenched, and Lucas Fournier, the love interest. Sigh... Here's a description of Frenched on Goodreads. It will release in just three days--Tuesday, March 18th! INTERVIEW WITH MIA ... READ the POST
Live Chat Tonight!
It's Friday! And it's Day 5 of Frenched pre-release week--that means THIS is happening tonight! So pour your Friday night wine (or whatever may be your beverage of choice) and join us on my Author Facebook page from 8:30-9:00 PM and then follow us over to Andrea's Book Blog Facebook page ... READ the POST
Want to get Frenched? (haha)
Bonjour mes amis! Today you can enter to win an ebook of Frenched. I am giving away 5 copies on release day, and I'm so excited! In fact, this will be me on the 18th. All day. So! Here's Frenched on Goodreads if you want to check it out, here's a sexy teaser from the book, and ... READ the POST
Frenched Teaser! (wow, that sounds dirty)
Welcome! Every day this week, I'll be posting something or participating in activities to celebrate the release of Frenched on Tuesday, March 18th! I'm so grateful to my friend M. Pierce for helping me organize everything, and we invite you to join us for a lot of fun stuff and giveaways, and ... READ the POST
Frenched Promo Week! C’est magnifique!
To celebrate the release of FRENCHED -- a sexy contemporary romance going live on Tuesday, March 18th -- I'm doing a week of giveaways, teasers, interviews, and more with my friend, Night Owl author M. Pierce. We hope you enjoy it! Here's the schedule: Monday, March 10th...Read a teaser ... READ the POST
FRENCHED
I'm in awe of this gorgeous post my friend M. Pierce did to help me invite bloggers to participate in the tour for Frenched! I asked if I could post it here on my blog too--so pretty! AUTHOR MELANIE HARLOW is currently ... READ the POST
M. Pierce Proves Me Wrong AGAIN.
It would be irritating if it weren't so damn nice. I wasn't going to do a cover reveal. I love writing, I really do, but the marketing side of things does not come naturally to me. Not only does it involve a lot of guesswork and legwork (not the fun kind), but also a certain degree of ... READ the POST
Sexy Speak Low Scene
Excitement this week! First, Speak Easy is freeeeeeee through December 7th on Amazon. Grab it! Next, I'm in the author spotlight on the lovely Biblio Belles Book Blog! Check it out for a Speak Easy teaser and a chance to win a signed copy, signed bookmarks, and an eBook of Unwrapped, the ... READ the POST
I Wanted to Hate Night Owl
I'm ashamed of myself. On Saturday I started Night Owl, hoping it would be bad. Really bad. You see, I had something against the author. I didn't know the author personally. In fact, I had never even heard of M. Pierce or Night Owl. But I was aggravated by something Pierce said in a blog ... READ the POST
Mmmmm….Joey’s Meat Sauce
For my dirty-minded readers (and oh how I adore you), that's not a metaphor. I'm actually talking about meat sauce. Or if you're Sicilian like Joey Lupo in Speak Easy, or like my mother's family, you might call it gravy. In the book, there is a scene where Joey cooks pasta with gravy for Tiny and ... READ the POST
Mmmmm….Joey’s Meat Sauce (from SPEAK EASY)
For my dirty-minded readers (and oh how I adore you), that's not a metaphor. I'm actually talking about meat sauce. Or if you're Sicilian like Joey Lupo in Speak Easy, or like my mother's family, you might call it gravy. In the book, there is a scene where Joey cooks pasta with gravy for Tiny and ... READ the POST
Wine & Romance & Giveaway (oh my)
I'm a little bit giddy about REDEMPTION RED, the second book in the Wine Country Series by Delancey Stewart.Not only because I love wine and romance (who doesn't???) and adored A RARE VINTAGE, the first book in the series, but because I got to choose REDEMPTION RED's setting!Actually it's because I ... READ the POST
Vibrators: Inspiring Action since 1880
As a writer of historical fiction, I spend a lot of time researching, and I especially adore vintage ads.Occasionally I come across something that I wasn't looking for but is so fascinating I get completely sidetracked and lose an hour amusing myself with it.No pun intended. :)Here's what got me ... READ the POST
Cover Reveal — Found in You
I am beyond delighted to share a second cover reveal with you this week!And it's hot.So hot.Behold the lovely Laurelin Paige's cover--designed by fabulous Sophia Bleu--for Found in You:And trust me, the story is just as sizzling as the cover, maybe even more so.Add it on Goodreads!So here's the ... READ the POST
Speak Low Cover Reveal & Giveaway!
The day is here and I get to share with you the gorgeous cover of Speak Low, the sequel to Speak Easy!My designer, Tom Barnes, did a fantastic job matching the feel of the second cover to the first, don't you think? I love looking at them together!So who is it? ;)My Speak Easy readers (and oh, how I ... READ the POST
Cover Shenanigans
OK, OK. I heard you.You missed the girl with the red lips and the sexy blue-eyed stare and the Prohibition-era feel.I missed her too. So I brought the old cover back.It was actually really nice to hear from so many people who--very kindly, I will add...yay for manners and civility--said they "got" ... READ the POST
This is Not Your Nana’s Historical Romance (Sexy Excerpt of SPEAK EASY)
WARNING: This post contains adult content. (Pretty much all sins are covered.)Hello darlings,So the craziest thing happened last week.Speak Easy came out. People read it (wheee!) and loved it (I want to hug you!) and reviewed it (thank you!). I got to hear readers' thoughts for the first time ... READ the POST
Speak Easy Release Tour Giveaway!
Hello, darlings!This week has been very exciting--I love reading the reviews of Speak Easy and hearing things like "It's Boardwalk Empire: Detroit" or "I couldn't put it down!"Before I decided to publish independently, I had NO IDEA how much reviews help authors. Thank you to everyone who's reading ... READ the POST
Flapper Friday — Speak Easy Swag & Release Tour Schedule
Happy Friday!Those of you on the NAmazing Adventure, please click the banner on the right to be directed to my NAA post, and good luck!Those of you here for a bit of modern flapper swag, allow me.In honor of SPEAK EASY's *official* release week, which kicks off (*officially*) on Monday with a blog ... READ the POST
Tempt Me Tuesday…Speak Easy’s Chapter One
Hello darlings!First, if you're looking for my NAmazing Adventure post, CLICK HERE.For Speak Easy's first chapter, just read on...I hope it tempts you to want more. :)Chapter OneFriday, July 13th, 1923The woman approached me at the counter, keeping her eyes low. “A quart of maple syrup,” she said, ... READ the POST
I’m Stalky and I Know It
Back in my YA querying days, I used to stalk agents on Twitter. I bet you did too.(Or you still are.)Sure, it was obsessive and mildly creepy, but I came to the conclusion that every aspiring writer did it and if I wasn't lurking about on Twitter, I might miss something, like the chance to ... READ the POST
5 Sexy Questions for Emma Hart
Lucky me--as part of the New Adult Authors Unite Sensational Summer Blog Tour, I got to interview New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Emma Hart!Talented, successful, and cute.I'd hate her if she weren't so dang sweet.Emma's latest release is the second book in The Game series, PLAYING ... READ the POST
Flapper Friday: Condom Crazy
This is one of those history lessons we didn't get in school.A lovely reader who just finished an ARC of SPEAK EASY emailed me about a scene where Enzo retrieves a condom from his coat pocket. (It is a favorite scene of mine.)She was curious about the accuracy of this--did such a thing exist in the ... READ the POST
Tempt Me Tuesday: Fixed on You
Lovers of smexy books are feasting this week on some hot new releases, and one of them is FIXED ON YOU by my friend Laurelin Paige.Mmmm. Suit porn.Laurelin writes some really sexy stuff, so if you like your romance with heat a la Gideon and Eva, you will eat up Hudson and Laynie and lick the ... READ the POST
It’s for a Book–I Swear!
You know that feeling when you're writing a scene and you have to google something kinda shady?And you go like thisand type in something like "How far out do you have to toss a body in the lake so it won't come back to shore?"(BTW, that totally wasn't me. But it was another writer's actual ... READ the POST
Flapper Friday — How Did They Get That GLOW?
Glowing Gloria SwansonEver wonder how those classic Hollywood screen starlets got their glowing complexions? Why the leading men appeared so virile? Easy-peasy. Radioactivity!Within two years of its discovery, doctors, inventors, and cosmetics companies were singing the praises of radium's healing ... READ the POST
Tempt Me Tuesday: Get in THE MOOD
Since my cover reveal was so much fun last week, I thought I'd share some more pictures that will put you in the proper mood for SPEAK EASY. (This is me trying to tempt you...)Best viewed with a cocktail and the Great Gatsby soundtrack.Booth at Club 23Several fun things happen in stairwells......as ... READ the POST
Flapper Friday: SPEAK EASY Cover Reveal & Gift Card Giveaway!
This is a really exciting day for me! And it's almost the weekend--what could be better?For today's Flapper Friday, I'm revealing the cover for SPEAK EASY, my NA Historical coming out July 22nd.This is my debut novel, so I'm completely giddy about this (also kinda nauseous, but I do have a bit of ... READ the POST
Suddenly I Was Drunk: A Drinking Game for Self-Editing
I finished the revisions on my latest book, which is a good thing, but now I'm editing.Which I hate.I hate it because it reveals all my writerly tics and bad habits, all the rules I have broken. It confirms once and for all that I am unfit to write a grocery list, let alone a novel.Yes. And I'm ... READ the POST
Tempt Me Tuesday: THIS PICTURE
I came across this photo over the weekend.It reminds me so much of a character in SPEAK EASY (a gorgeous Italian boy who's good in the... kitchen) I wanted to share it with you.You're welcome.Go enjoy the day. ... READ the POST
Vintage Ad Fun with Listerine
One of the most popular series of posts on an old blog I had was Vintage Ad Fun, so I thought I'd resurrect it here for your amusement. The first installment is brought to you by the miracle that is Listerine.Are you unpopular?It might be your "unexcusable" bad breath.But don't worry. You can ... READ the POST
Tempt Me Tuesday — In Royal Fashion
As if I needed another reason to be distracted today, my friend Laurelin Paige discovered something fascinating.The Prince of Sweden is a babe. I don't even mean a babe for a royal, like he wouldn't be hot otherwise.I mean an honest-to-goodness, take-me-to-your-palace-NOW babe.Just doesn't seem ... READ the POST
Flapper Friday — Detroit is gonna party like it’s 1920
Someone sent me this article recently, and the headline made me turn cartwheels:Party Like it's 1920: Detroit City Distillery Opening in Eastern Market.First because it comforts me to know that other people are interested in partying like it's 1920.Second because Detroit needs this kind of cool new ... READ the POST
Thinking About Self-Publishing? THINK AHEAD! (Now I Know…)
First! I hereby admit:I have not done it yet.I am not an expert.I am not saying my way is the only way/the best way/your way sucks.I'm only a writer who wants to do things right and is willing to do research and spend time and money making sure my stories get out there the right way. With that out ... READ the POST
Tempt Me Tuesday — With a Bow Tie
I think we can all agree that a man in a bow tie is sexy. And if you have doubts...Love when a man adjusts his French cuffs.Fine, I'll dance with you.It's sexy in a crowd.Sexy in a hallway.Sexy with a cardigan.And lately the bow tie has become stylish even with jeans.Dig the velvet coat!Yes. ... READ the POST
Flapper Friday — Gatsby Style (It’s the Cat’s Meow)
Introducing Flapper Friday!Since SPEAK EASY is set in 1923, I'm dedicating (most) Fridays in the near future to all things flavored with roaring twenties--fashion, cocktails, music, movies, books...Jazz Age thrills in a modern world.So how perfect is it that today is the release day for Baz ... READ the POST
Cover Reveal: FIXED ON YOU, by Laurelin Paige
This cover?It's hot.It's so hot I have to show it to you now, but you must promise not to get *fixated* (see what I did there?) on it and forget to read the blurb.But it's hard, I know. Because...Now add a nightclub. Dark history. Obsessive love. And a name like Hudson Pierce.Take a breath and add ... READ the POST
Tempt Me Tuesday
Oh my goodness.I'm trying to form coherent thoughts but it's difficult because I have just read the first two chapters of ENTWINED WITH YOU by Sylvia Day.Lovely, generous Sylvia gave the masses of tongue-lolling, Gideon-starved creatures like me a taste of the third book in the Crossfire series ... READ the POST
Nervous about Self-Publishing?
I was too.Because here's what I knew about self-publishing before this year.See the blank space?^^^^ Yeah, that's pretty much it.But so many writer friends, whether they had agents or not, were making the decision to do it. And here's the amazing thing about writers--they are generous! And ... READ the POST
Welcome — Take 2
Hello! Let me try this again. I've banned myself from Twitter until I get this post done. (Gideon Cross, you stay over there.) He doesn't look happy. I better make this quick. So! Welcome. I'm here mostly to talk about books--reading them, writing them, ogling their covers, ... READ the POST
This is not the welcome post I meant to write (It’s Gideon Cross’s fault)
So I had totally planned to blog about something useful for my first post here. Some kind of welcome. I was going to introduce myself. Talk about writing sexy stories. About awesome books and the people who write them. I planned to admit that I am just finding my way along the path to ... READ the POST
