Also, I’m doing a Facebook Live Q&A session next week, on Wednesday, December 9th. So, not only join us for that, but also our book launch party for a chance to win some awesome prizes! 😉
And to determine what ya’ll are really looking for, here’s a nice poll you can participate in. No worries, it’s only one question! 😀
Hi, readers! Just thought I’d pop in and let you know that Upon Your Return, my historical romance novel and book one of the Heiresses in Love Series, is now live! Woo hoo! ♥
I am with a new publisher for this series, and I am so excited about the second edition release! 😀 Learn more details below…
Book Title: Upon Your Return (book one of the Heiresses in Love Series)
Release Date: November 23, 2020
Genre: Historical Romance
Tagline: Utterly captivated by a man who rescues her one night, Fara embarks on an unexpected journey.
Blurb:
Award-winning Author Marie Lavender brings excitement and passion to two coastal France towns in this captivating love story about a young heiress and a devilishly charming ship captain.
A French heiress, a ship’s captain, and numerous obstacles to struggle through.
Fara Bellamont has always dreamed of having adventures and discovering love. She finds herself captivated by Captain Grant Hill who rescues her one fateful night.
Grant’s fascination with Fara must overcome social expectations, war, and lies, if they are to stay together. With a long-time yearning neither has managed to achieve, the pair must fight to attain their deepest desire… Happiness.
If you like Christi Caldwell, you’re going to love the works of Marie Lavender and Upon Your Return.
Hi, readers! I just wanted to jump in here and let you know that I officially have a release date for the second edition of Upon Your Return. Yay! 😀
I am so excited to know that the Heiresses trilogy, my first historical romance series, is quickly returning to us. I’m not allowed to show the book cover just yet, but I’ll tell you when I can. Let’s just say it’s a fabulous cover! 😉
Mark your calendars for the release date on this book. It’s coming out on November 23rd. That’s right, this year!
Also, starting yesterday, voting began for the Critters Annual Readers Poll for titles published in 2019. Now until January 14th, you can vote for this same sci-fi romance in theRomanceand Science Fictioncategories! ♥
Hi, readers! Just wanted to inform you that Blue Vision, a science fiction romance and book one of the Code of Endhivar Series, is available on Amazon again. I republished it this week…yay! 🙂
If you need to get it from somewhere other than Amazon, it is on Smashwords now, and should be distributed to Barnes & Noble and Kobo soon.
In any case, if you’ve never read this book, I hope you have a chance to do so. I guarantee you’ll enjoy Brooke and Colin’s journey the way I loved writing the story. 😉
Happy reading, as always! And have a wonderful holiday season!
Do you remember the first romance novel you ever read, or even which romance story in a film, that made you ‘swoon’?
As a child I’d always been swept away by the tales of Snow White, Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. And romantic comedy movies were wonderful! While I was growing up, I savored the Mary Anne/Logan couple dynamics in The Baby-Sitters Club book series.
Being a writer and a bookworm at heart, however, I must be true to my passion. The first romance novel I remember being simply thrilled with was Annette Curtis Klause’s The Silver Kiss. I was browsing my library at school. I think was about twelve or thirteen. I had just finished two other reads, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (YA historical), and Say Goodnight, Gracie (YA fiction/drama).
I needed a change, something altogether different. And it worked well, since I’ve always been fascinated with the supernatural.
The Silver Kiss turned my fledgling romantic’s heart on its axis. It was the first paranormal romance I ever encountered, even though the title was aimed at young adults.
Sa-wooon! The chemistry between Zoe and Simon is undeniable.
Do you remember the novel that made you rethink the whole romance genre?
I recall sneaking my mom’s Harlequin books when she wasn’t around. But the year I turned sixteen, we went on vacation to Tennessee. For the first time ever while I was on break then, we stayed in a fancy cabin and I had my own room. That evening, the writing observer in me couldn’t leave the place alone. I just had to snoop! 😉
Lo and behold, there was a somewhat worn copy of Catherine Coulter’s Devil’s Embrace, tucked into a nook. I wasn’t sure if the owners meant for an occupant to have a book to read while staying there, or if a previous tenant had left it behind. I was always a bit of a night owl, so I dove into uncharted waters. I wasn’t disappointed!
Needless to say, as the novel was a true bodice ripper in style, it blew away all my expectations for a romance story. I never knew historicals could be so hot! ♥♥♥
Coulter is at fault, setting the stage for me to read slightly dark, racier reads later on. LOL.
So…what about you? Do you recall the romance books that first compelled and inspired you?
Let’s take a poll. Your answers will probably be limited in the polls, but feel free to go into more detail in the comment thread below. Tell us your history as a romance reader! 🙂
Give us more info below…
Which romance novel did you first read, and where were you at the time? Same goes for the second question.
Which novel caused you to rethink the whole romance genre?
Three box set that includes Upon Your Return, Upon Your Honor, and Upon Your Love. Three heiresses and their love life. Hours of reading pleasure for your enjoyment. A little maritime adventure and a whole lot of love. I read an advance reader copy and voluntarily chose to review. Well written with likeable characters and engaging stories.
BLOOD INSTINCTS – book two of the Blood at First Sight Series
A fantastic story that you will love.
Wonderful and magic characters… that will surprise you with their ability and capability…
A story full of twists… a journey toward the research for who one is and happiness…
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was just informed that Blood Instincts, my paranormal romance and book two of the Blood at First Sight Series, was nominated for the Cover of the Month Contest on AllAuthor. Yay!
For premade and custom covers, banners and logos, graphic teasers and trailers...
Noteworthy Quotes from Marie’s Books!
__“Play nice, sweetheart. I don’t have to be easy on you.”
“You’ve certainly proven that already.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet.” – Alec and Desiree, SECOND NATURE
__“We cannot choose who we love.” – Captain Grant Hill, UPON YOUR RETURN
__He remembered the strange chanting he’d heard before. “You’re practicing witchcraft? That’s a new one.” – Ethan, MAGICK & MOONLIGHT
__Mortified, she stammered, “Ah, forgive me. I’m clumsy.”
He grinned. “No harm done.”
Oh, damn…why did he have to smell so good? His unique cologne was like heaven in her nose. Her insides unfurled, stirring in a way she’d never felt before. She clenched her nails on his silken dress shirt, as he’d discarded his blazer in the car. Exposed now, his shoulders appeared broader. Irresistible. She wished fate would stop sending signs this man was the type she should be attracted to; she knew better than to fall for such a fairytale. – Ginger, CHASING GINGER
__Then, it seemed her body was leaning toward him of its own volition. His gaze fell to her mouth and she began to tremble before he set his lips to hers. Her hands grasped his shirt, and she detected a set of fine muscles there.
Sure, she’d been kissed before, but never like this. His kiss was a wonder not often spoken of, an exploration of certainty and passion. As she melted into his arms, she wondered why no one had described it to her before, the insistent thud of her heart or the warmth in her stomach, the way her fingers itched to touch or pull him closer. How could lips provide such comfort yet also a passage into a world she hadn’t known before but yearned for now? – Aly, THE MISSING PIECE
__He reached out and touched her cheek. The contact was cool, yet it sizzled with energy. “Too curious,” he murmured. “What will I do with you?” – Colin, BLUE VISION
__What was it, and why was she drawn to him? “Tell me,” she demanded, echoing his words from before as she gripped the lapels of a fine black silk shirt he wore. Its coolness penetrated her fingertips. What an odd fabric for a thief to wear. “Who are you?” she asked in a hoarse tone, oddly desperate to know. – Myah, BLOOD INSTINCTS
__She touched her lips. She had been with one man long before she was kidnapped, and kissing had certainly never felt like that. “You can’t exactly call this platonic.” – Caitlyn, DIRECTIONS OF THE HEART
__“You’re mine,” he muttered hoarsely against her mouth. “I should never have forgotten that.” – Vince, SECOND CHANCE HEART
__“It’s short for Rosanna. It’s spelled with an A, but it sounds like ‘ah’.” She lifted her chin. Suddenly, she liked her name. It was different and that wasn’t a bad thing. – Rosie, A LITTLE MAGICK
__“Are you seducing me?”
He chuckled. “How am I doing?” – Patrick, LEATHER AND LACE
__“Not into bondage, sweetheart? That’s a pity.” – Lance/Damien, RANSOM – Won the One Liners’ Contest on Facebook!
__His eyes were steady on hers. “It’s going to be okay. I swear I won’t let anything happen to you.” – Joe, PURSUIT
__She flinched as the gun clicked in the empty chamber. He laughed, then stepped away. “Bastardo!” she yelled. – Carmen, HAUNTED
__“Why did you come back?” he groaned against her lips, holding her to him with a hand cupping the back of her head and neck. – Daniel, PERFECT GAME
Want to learn about your favorite character’s name? Look no further!
Marie’s Foundations Books
Marie’s Solstice Books
Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy - Futuristic
Marie’s Indie Books
Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Light Contemporary Fantasy Romance
Steamy Romantic Comedy
New Adult Romance Story
Science Fiction Romance
Modern Romantic Drama
Contemporary Romance
Lighthearted Children's Fantasy
Universal Books Page
Marie’s Backlist (will be revised and released into collections)