I was thinking just the other day about some upcoming changes in my family’s life. We have our oldest graduating from college and our youngest graduating from high school. Which makes for a busy season in our lives. That involves lots of activities, appointments, and as my son is entering a music program at the same college that I work at, there are auditions and meetings for that too.
This is also a bittersweet season for us. While I’m excited to see my babies find their wings, and they aren’t completely leaving the nest because it takes time to get established as an adult, it’s still the realization that they no longer need us as much anymore, and they’re becoming their own independent selves. I certainly hope that they find a sure footing as they move forward, and happy, healthy lives, doing things that they love.
We also have a summer project of painting the exterior of our house. It seems, just as soon as we settle into a routine, things have a way of getting shaken up. But this isn’t unusual. There’s always something new around the corner, which is great, unless change unsettles you…like it does me. 😊 Maybe that’s why it keeps showing up. Heaven forbid I should get complacent and comfortable!
The same is true for the new series that I’m working on. Book one has been a series of ups and downs, as I try to find my voice in a new, contemporary southern romantic suspense, and battle the usual demons of creativity – self-doubt and fear.
But I’m really excited about the direction that it’s going, and I’ve found some beta readers to help me refine it before it gets released. I really hope you enjoy this new genre much as I do. I’ve always incorporated a lot of Gothic tropes and atmosphere in my books, and now I’m going all in!
Just a heads up, I’ll have a new giveaway series coming up on the blog. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you may have seen my recent book anniversary posts, where I highlight one of the books that was released in that month. In putting together the series, I realized I have quite a few books through the years that have been released all in the same month. So I’m planning to do some giveaways of each of those books during different months on the blog. So watch for a link to comment and be entered to win. Coming soon!
I hope that you were looking forward to the start of spring as much as I am! My flowers have started coming up, and I’m looking for to seeing survived in my garden and how it progresses.
For those of you across the world who spring and summer will be winding down, I hope you enjoy your coming fall. It’s my favorite time of the year! Have an outdoor fire and marshmallow roast for me.
Take care!
Dani
FR💜💜 NOW: BENEATH THE SURFACE
Welcome to Cadence, TN–where secrets can be deadly.
Too many secrets…
Hidden in a quiet town along the Tennessee border, a secret society exists where the privileged fulfill their darkest desires. One of their members initiates a desperate act designed to bring home his lifelong obsession: Emma Hartwell.
A past not forgotten…
Drawn back to her hometown by the psychic connection with her twin, Emma must fight the stubborn silence of those around her in her quest to find her missing sister. Colin McIntyre hopes to make up for his past mistakes with Emma by helping her, but his own ties to the Gathering might be exposed along the way.
Time is running out…
Exposure could be dangerous for his family, along with himself and Emma. Can they fight the secrets and lies to rescue Emma’s sister… and their own chance at life-long love?
Other books in the Small Town Secrets series (can be read in any order):
BEHIND THE SCARS
SNOW BOUND
DOWNLOAD NOW on:
Amazon
B&N
Apple books
Kobo
Or add it to your TBR shelf on Goodreads
This is also a bittersweet season for us. While I’m excited to see my babies find their wings, and they aren’t completely leaving the nest because it takes time to get established as an adult, it’s still the realization that they no longer need us as much anymore, and they’re becoming their own independent selves. I certainly hope that they find a sure footing as they move forward, and happy, healthy lives, doing things that they love.
We also have a summer project of painting the exterior of our house. It seems, just as soon as we settle into a routine, things have a way of getting shaken up. But this isn’t unusual. There’s always something new around the corner, which is great, unless change unsettles you…like it does me. 😊 Maybe that’s why it keeps showing up. Heaven forbid I should get complacent and comfortable!
The same is true for the new series that I’m working on. Book one has been a series of ups and downs, as I try to find my voice in a new, contemporary southern romantic suspense, and battle the usual demons of creativity – self-doubt and fear.
But I’m really excited about the direction that it’s going, and I’ve found some beta readers to help me refine it before it gets released. I really hope you enjoy this new genre much as I do. I’ve always incorporated a lot of Gothic tropes and atmosphere in my books, and now I’m going all in!
Just a heads up, I’ll have a new giveaway series coming up on the blog. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you may have seen my recent book anniversary posts, where I highlight one of the books that was released in that month. In putting together the series, I realized I have quite a few books through the years that have been released all in the same month. So I’m planning to do some giveaways of each of those books during different months on the blog. So watch for a link to comment and be entered to win. Coming soon!
I hope that you were looking forward to the start of spring as much as I am! My flowers have started coming up, and I’m looking for to seeing survived in my garden and how it progresses.
For those of you across the world who spring and summer will be winding down, I hope you enjoy your coming fall. It’s my favorite time of the year! Have an outdoor fire and marshmallow roast for me.
Take care!
Dani
FR💜💜 NOW: BENEATH THE SURFACE
Welcome to Cadence, TN–where secrets can be deadly.
Too many secrets…
Hidden in a quiet town along the Tennessee border, a secret society exists where the privileged fulfill their darkest desires. One of their members initiates a desperate act designed to bring home his lifelong obsession: Emma Hartwell.
A past not forgotten…
Drawn back to her hometown by the psychic connection with her twin, Emma must fight the stubborn silence of those around her in her quest to find her missing sister. Colin McIntyre hopes to make up for his past mistakes with Emma by helping her, but his own ties to the Gathering might be exposed along the way.
Time is running out…
Exposure could be dangerous for his family, along with himself and Emma. Can they fight the secrets and lies to rescue Emma’s sister… and their own chance at life-long love?
Other books in the Small Town Secrets series (can be read in any order):
BEHIND THE SCARS
SNOW BOUND
DOWNLOAD NOW on:
Amazon
B&N
Apple books
Kobo
Or add it to your TBR shelf on Goodreads
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I’m a Planner Girl! I have a 3-drawer set of planner supplies and put together weekly spreads pretty regularly. It helps me stay on track and, frankly, clears out the cobwebs.
Many years ago, I learned to do what I call a brain dump. If I pour everything out onto a To Do list (appointments, chores, projects, etc), then I no longer have to use a lot of brain power to keep track of those things. I’ve fine-tuned this to a monthly and weekly calendar setup so my To Dos don’t outdistance my time (mostly…).
And now I’ve become addicted to planning every week, usually on Sunday afternoons. Which means…an excuse to use stickers! 😊 Just kidding. Not!
For my fellow planner girls or those who want to get started, here’s a list of some of my favorite tools, along with some of my daughter’s also (because I managed to pass this one gene along!).
BENEATH THE SURFACE, Small Town Secrets Book 1
Welcome to Cadence, TN–where secrets can be deadly.
Too many secrets…
Hidden in a quiet town along the Tennessee border, a secret society exists where the privileged fulfill their darkest desires. One of their members initiates a desperate act designed to bring home his lifelong obsession: Emma Hartwell.
A past not forgotten…
Drawn back to her hometown by the psychic connection with her twin, Emma must fight the stubborn silence of those around her in her quest to find her missing sister. Colin McIntyre hopes to make up for his past mistakes with Emma by helping her, but his own ties to the Gathering might be exposed along the way.
Time is running out…
Exposure could be dangerous for his family, along with himself and Emma. Can they fight the secrets and lies to rescue Emma’s sister… and their own chance at life-long love?
Other books in the Small Town Secrets series (can be read in any order):
BEHIND THE SCARS
SNOW BOUND
Amazon
B&N
Apple Books
Kobo
For my fellow planner girls or those who want to get started, here’s a list of some of my favorite tools, along with some of my daughter’s also (because I managed to pass this one gene along!).
- Passion Planner is the actual planner I use (monthly and weekly spreads-I prefer undated-with monthly and yearly reflection questions), but there are a lot of different ones out there. Passion Planner also posts content on Instagram and YouTube. I enjoy watching their ideas for different ways to use their planners.
- Archer & Olive is really good for those who like to do bullet journals. This is my daughter’s preferred option (and you can see some of her spreads on her blog here-alittlebithappierblog.com). These journals have high quality bindings and paper that doesn’t bleed, which can be a big deal when you are creating your own spreads.
- The HB90 planner by Sarah Cannon is available on Etsy and is wonderful for all the authors out there! I bought the download and use some of the ideas to incorporate into my own planner. I also print word count charts and some decision-making tools she has to help me keep my planner useful for author needs. She has an awesome HB90 class and you can also watch planner videos on her Heart Breathings YouTube channel.
- My sister, author Ella Sheridan, and I are working through the Heal the Way You Work class (based on the Do Less book by Kate Northrup). This teaches you how to plan your schedule based on your energies of that day/week/month. A very different approach, but I’m finding it very interesting. Fingers crossed I can figure this out, but her checklists of questions for creating annual/quarterly/weekly schedules is super helpful for clarifying goals and focuses.
- Stickers!!! I love and use a lot of Happy Planner sticker books. I especially like all the quotes and encouraging sayings in them. I was gifted some gothic ones for Christmas from HoundsflyteDesigns on Etsy that I’m loving! My daughter and I immediately went to her store and bought more of them.
- Pens, pens, and more pens… I have a lot of these but not as many as some planners. I’m very picky about mine… My favorite black pens are uni-ball signo, whether I’m writing or planning. I also have a set of Pentel EnerGel colored pens that work well. My daughter likes Muji gel pens in 0.58 and Tombow duel brush pens.
- But planning is always a good excuse for a STAPLES TRIP! I collect all kinds of Post It notes, page tabs, and washi tape. Writers love all kinds of office supplies, but I mean, who wouldn’t?!?!
Experience Cadence, TN, with BENEATH THE SURFACE
BENEATH THE SURFACE, Small Town Secrets Book 1
Welcome to Cadence, TN–where secrets can be deadly.
Too many secrets…
Hidden in a quiet town along the Tennessee border, a secret society exists where the privileged fulfill their darkest desires. One of their members initiates a desperate act designed to bring home his lifelong obsession: Emma Hartwell.
A past not forgotten…
Drawn back to her hometown by the psychic connection with her twin, Emma must fight the stubborn silence of those around her in her quest to find her missing sister. Colin McIntyre hopes to make up for his past mistakes with Emma by helping her, but his own ties to the Gathering might be exposed along the way.
Time is running out…
Exposure could be dangerous for his family, along with himself and Emma. Can they fight the secrets and lies to rescue Emma’s sister… and their own chance at life-long love?
Other books in the Small Town Secrets series (can be read in any order):
BEHIND THE SCARS
SNOW BOUND
Amazon
B&N
Apple Books
Kobo
Tis the season for something new and shiny…for an author, there’s very little more exciting than getting a new cover! (all right, it’s exciting to finish a book, get a good review, have a new plot explode fully formed in your brain…but you get my point!)
I recently decided to recover my Small Town Secrets series to bring the covers up-to-date. I still loved aspects of them, but the market for steamy small-town romances has moved in a different direction. What better excuse to enjoy searching for gorgeous men…I mean, gorgeous photos to match my books?
[caption id="attachment_946" align="aligncenter" width="200"]
The 2016 cover for Snow Bound[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1605" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Small Town Secrets series new covers[/caption]
I love the natural backgrounds of these new ones. The books are set in a small town in Tennessee surrounded by lots of wooded areas, so these are perfect. The ambience is a perfect match too—unlike my Harlequins, these are heavily suspense books and the heat level is several peppers higher. 😊
I was able to find some of the photos to purchase on stock sites and my cover artist helped me find the others. The font is the same as my Secrets of Covington Corner series to keep my branding consistent. My cover artist and I go back and forth on them until they’re all smoothed out and ready to go.
Honestly, covers are a really fun part of putting out a book! I hope you enjoy them, and if you haven’t read this sexy suspense series, take a peek at the information below. Snow Bound has been free to my newsletter subscribers for a while, so you might have read that one (this will be changing soon!).
Take care!
Dani
BENEATH THE SURFACE, Small Town Secrets Book 1
Welcome to Cadence, TN–where secrets can be deadly.
Too many secrets…
Hidden in a quiet town along the Tennessee border, a secret society exists where the privileged fulfill their darkest desires. One of their members initiates a desperate act designed to bring home his lifelong obsession: Emma Hartwell.
A past not forgotten…
Drawn back to her hometown by the psychic connection with her twin, Emma must fight the stubborn silence of those around her in her quest to find her missing sister. Colin McIntyre hopes to make up for his past mistakes with Emma by helping her, but his own ties to the Gathering might be exposed along the way.
Time is running out…
Exposure could be dangerous for his family, along with himself and Emma. Can they fight the secrets and lies to rescue Emma’s sister… and their own chance at life-long love?
Other books in the Small Town Secrets series (can be read in any order):
BEHIND THE SCARS
SNOW BOUND
Amazon
B&N
Apple Books
Kobo
The 2016 cover for Snow Bound[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1605" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Small Town Secrets series new covers[/caption]
I love the natural backgrounds of these new ones. The books are set in a small town in Tennessee surrounded by lots of wooded areas, so these are perfect. The ambience is a perfect match too—unlike my Harlequins, these are heavily suspense books and the heat level is several peppers higher. 😊
I was able to find some of the photos to purchase on stock sites and my cover artist helped me find the others. The font is the same as my Secrets of Covington Corner series to keep my branding consistent. My cover artist and I go back and forth on them until they’re all smoothed out and ready to go.
Honestly, covers are a really fun part of putting out a book! I hope you enjoy them, and if you haven’t read this sexy suspense series, take a peek at the information below. Snow Bound has been free to my newsletter subscribers for a while, so you might have read that one (this will be changing soon!).
Take care!
Dani
Learn more about Cadence, TN, with BENEATH THE SURFACE
BENEATH THE SURFACE, Small Town Secrets Book 1
Welcome to Cadence, TN–where secrets can be deadly.
Too many secrets…
Hidden in a quiet town along the Tennessee border, a secret society exists where the privileged fulfill their darkest desires. One of their members initiates a desperate act designed to bring home his lifelong obsession: Emma Hartwell.
A past not forgotten…
Drawn back to her hometown by the psychic connection with her twin, Emma must fight the stubborn silence of those around her in her quest to find her missing sister. Colin McIntyre hopes to make up for his past mistakes with Emma by helping her, but his own ties to the Gathering might be exposed along the way.
Time is running out…
Exposure could be dangerous for his family, along with himself and Emma. Can they fight the secrets and lies to rescue Emma’s sister… and their own chance at life-long love?
Other books in the Small Town Secrets series (can be read in any order):
BEHIND THE SCARS
SNOW BOUND
Amazon
B&N
Apple Books
Kobo
Who could use a little Late Summer Sexy this Saturday? I know I sure could!
Join me on the Nice Girls Writing Naughty blog to read an excerpt from some of our authors for #mysexysaturday blog hop, and comment to win free books! There's also a Grand Prize for the entire month of August.
Don't wait! Check it out now! :)
(Hint: this guy might just be over there waiting...)
Join me on the Nice Girls Writing Naughty blog to read an excerpt from some of our authors for #mysexysaturday blog hop, and comment to win free books! There's also a Grand Prize for the entire month of August.
Don't wait! Check it out now! :)
(Hint: this guy might just be over there waiting...)
It’s almost time! Goin’ Out Solo, Backstage Pass Bk 4, is about to go up for pre-order—but there’s a very special chance for you to read it and all my other books early! Check it out!
I’m offering a few select readers the chance to read these books early! I have my very own Advanced Review Team, and I’d love for you to be a part. That means you’d get the chance to read my upcoming books BEFORE RELEASE DAY! All I ask is that you leave an honest review of the book on Amazon (and any other review sites you frequent) on the actual release day.
Does the thought of free books pique your interest?
Well, here’s what you do:
Only newsletter members are eligible for this special opportunity. I assume if you’re interested in my books, you’re interested in information on upcoming releases and events. Newsletter members only receive an email every 4 to 6 weeks, so no spamming. (P.S. Joining my newsletter means getting a FREE novella too—SNOW BOUND, part of my Small Town Secrets series.)
I’m offering a few select readers the chance to read these books early! I have my very own Advanced Review Team, and I’d love for you to be a part. That means you’d get the chance to read my upcoming books BEFORE RELEASE DAY! All I ask is that you leave an honest review of the book on Amazon (and any other review sites you frequent) on the actual release day.
Does the thought of free books pique your interest?
Well, here’s what you do:
- Sign up for my newsletter (if you haven’t already).
Only newsletter members are eligible for this special opportunity. I assume if you’re interested in my books, you’re interested in information on upcoming releases and events. Newsletter members only receive an email every 4 to 6 weeks, so no spamming. (P.S. Joining my newsletter means getting a FREE novella too—SNOW BOUND, part of my Small Town Secrets series.)
- Then send an email to readdaniwade (at) gmail.com with the subject: Advance Reading Team.
- I will send out an email when a new release is scheduled.
- I’ll send an ARC of the book approximately 2-3 weeks before the release day.
- You get to read it! Yay!
- I’ll send you a final email the day before the book releases. This is a reminder e-mail to let you know your review should be posted to Amazon and any other e-book retailers or sites you feel comfortable posting to (Goodreads, B&N, etc.), on one of the following 5 days. You can even write it ahead of time and have it ready to copy and paste on release day.
- ART members may also get exclusive access to some content or special surprises. You’ll have to join to see…
I'm working with my cover artist, Elizabeth Wallace, on a few projects right now. First, a new cover for Snow Bound, so it matches the rest of the Small Town Secrets series. Also a cover for Nate and Sarah's book, now titled Goin' Out Solo.
I have a confession. I'm a little uptight about my covers. I like to pick the photos myself. It's such a tough job! Screen after screen of this...
and this...
Such a hardship!
Cool, huh?
Dani
and this...
Such a hardship!
Are you a connoisseur of man candy? Do you, like me, click L I KE on all the hot hunky pics on Facebook? Have you seen a picture that you would love to see as a cover? Posted it in the comments and let's share the joy. But first, Snow Bound's new cover!!! Yay!!
Cool, huh?
Dani
Welcome to my version of My Sexy Saturday's Sexy Me Down blogs! I knew Emma and Colin were perfect for this week...I hope you agree! Enjoy this excerpt from BENEATH THE SURFACE, Small Town Secrets, Book 1.
“Emma,” he breathed, the word almost a groan. He moved as if to reach for her but then dropped back, sliding his hands into the hip pockets of his jeans. “Emma, you have every right to hate me. I can’t tell you how many nights I lay awake, kicking myself because I left you like that. I made a stupid mistake, based on youth and wrong assumptions. If I could take it back, change it, I would.”
“Why?” she asked, surprised at the words coming out of her mouth. But the injustice of his actions, her own hurt and pain, pushed her forward. “Why did you do it?”
He didn’t pretend not to understand. As he spoke, the heaviness of that night hit her hard.
“I made a mistake, Emma. A mistake I’ve been sorry for every day since then. I wish I had walked right in and beat the hell out of all of them. Instead I turned my back on you. Not for long, but a lot could have happened before I walked back in that door. A lot did happen.”
As if she were back at that time, she saw the boys surrounding her. Five of them, all grown to man size without the maturity to match. She’d thought she was going to a party, a party she’d been told Colin would be attending. Instead the party had actually been a private one, where a group of boys expected to get something a lot deeper than dancing and a few drinks. When she’d realized what they were after, she’d been appalled. Fear had quickly set in when they’d made it clear they expected her to follow through.
Colin’s appearance had been a welcome relief, but he’d taken one look at her in the short skirt and skimpy top her sister had loaned her and turned away in disgust.
Her voice came out a husky whisper. “You came back?”
Available at: Barnes & Noble Amazon
Add it to your To Be Read shelf on Goodreads!
Sign up for my author newsletter for news, upcoming releases, contests, AND a free novella, SNOW BOUND (which happens to be part of the Small Town Secrets series too!)! Join today!
DON'T FORGET to find more delicious sexy goodness on the other My Sexy Saturday blogs! Click here for the list.
“Emma,” he breathed, the word almost a groan. He moved as if to reach for her but then dropped back, sliding his hands into the hip pockets of his jeans. “Emma, you have every right to hate me. I can’t tell you how many nights I lay awake, kicking myself because I left you like that. I made a stupid mistake, based on youth and wrong assumptions. If I could take it back, change it, I would.”
“Why?” she asked, surprised at the words coming out of her mouth. But the injustice of his actions, her own hurt and pain, pushed her forward. “Why did you do it?”
He didn’t pretend not to understand. As he spoke, the heaviness of that night hit her hard.
“I made a mistake, Emma. A mistake I’ve been sorry for every day since then. I wish I had walked right in and beat the hell out of all of them. Instead I turned my back on you. Not for long, but a lot could have happened before I walked back in that door. A lot did happen.”
As if she were back at that time, she saw the boys surrounding her. Five of them, all grown to man size without the maturity to match. She’d thought she was going to a party, a party she’d been told Colin would be attending. Instead the party had actually been a private one, where a group of boys expected to get something a lot deeper than dancing and a few drinks. When she’d realized what they were after, she’d been appalled. Fear had quickly set in when they’d made it clear they expected her to follow through.
Colin’s appearance had been a welcome relief, but he’d taken one look at her in the short skirt and skimpy top her sister had loaned her and turned away in disgust.
Her voice came out a husky whisper. “You came back?”
Available at: Barnes & Noble Amazon
Add it to your To Be Read shelf on Goodreads!
Sign up for my author newsletter for news, upcoming releases, contests, AND a free novella, SNOW BOUND (which happens to be part of the Small Town Secrets series too!)! Join today!
DON'T FORGET to find more delicious sexy goodness on the other My Sexy Saturday blogs! Click here for the list.
I'm excited to be over at The Writer Zen Garden today with A. Catherine Noon to hopefully offer some encouragement to my fellow writers who have to juggle their dream with a day job. Join us with your own ideas or just to be encouraged today!
Photo used courtesy of イーアン正 モール from Dearborn, United States on WikiCommons
Photo used courtesy of イーアン正 モール from Dearborn, United States on WikiCommons
I'm hanging out with A. Catherine Noon today, talking about some cool stuff like why I started writing and how I'd start a new colony...crazy, huh? It's a really fun time, so join us here!
What better fantasy to spice up the season than spending it with your favorite book boyfriend? The Nice Girls Writing Naughty Hunky Holidays Blog Hop lets you do just that!
Today I’m visiting with a couple of my heroes to see how they are celebrating this holiday season.
Colin McIntyre, Beneath the Surface
I know exactly what Colin will be doing for the holidays! He’ll close Bailey’s for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, and spend some quality time cooking with his favorite women—his grandmother, sisters, new niece, and Emma.
Christmas morning will involve a nice lie-in, but not exactly for sleep. *wink* After all, Emma is the best present he’s ever gotten. Then Christmas brunch with his family, Emma, Amy, and Bob.
Damon West, Snow Bound
Damon is praying for another winter blizzard to hit southern Tennessee this year! He’d like nothing more than a repeat of his last snowy escapade with Tori—minus the crazy stalker ex.
Have I mentioned that Damon is free? His novella, that is, when you join my newsletter!
What’s your favorite Christmas activity with your sexy sidekick? Share for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Also comment on at least 5 blogs to qualify to win the Hunky Holidays grand prize of a $50 gift card and selection of hostess Tina Christopher's books!
Visit the rest of the Nice Girls Hunky Heroes Blog Hop here for more chances to win.
Christmas morning will involve a nice lie-in, but not exactly for sleep. *wink* After all, Emma is the best present he’s ever gotten. Then Christmas brunch with his family, Emma, Amy, and Bob.
Damon West, Snow Bound
Damon is praying for another winter blizzard to hit southern Tennessee this year! He’d like nothing more than a repeat of his last snowy escapade with Tori—minus the crazy stalker ex.
Have I mentioned that Damon is free? His novella, that is, when you join my newsletter!
What’s your favorite Christmas activity with your sexy sidekick? Share for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Also comment on at least 5 blogs to qualify to win the Hunky Holidays grand prize of a $50 gift card and selection of hostess Tina Christopher's books!
Visit the rest of the Nice Girls Hunky Heroes Blog Hop here for more chances to win.