Mistletoe magic — Kandy Shepherd

For a fairly innocuous looking plant—a parasite no less!—mistletoe seems to have been imbued with mystical qualities from way back to the ancient Druids. Variously believed to be an aphrodisiac, an aid to fertility and even a protection against poison and witchcraft, mistletoe is now firmly established as a fun Christmas tradition. Stand under a bunch of mistletoe hanging in a festively decorated house and expect to be kissed! 

The custom of kissing under the mistletoe is a gift to romance writers at this time of year. It makes a perfect excuse for that all-important first kiss!

Mistletoe is a theme for my two romances out now: Greek Tycoon’s MistletoeProposal from Harlequin Romance which is book two in the charming Maid Under the Mistletoe series. Then there’s more mistletoe in my indie published novella Millionaire Under the Mistletoe.

I love writing Christmas-themed stories and I really had fun with these two very different stories.

Greek Tycoon’s Mistletoe Proposal is set in snowy London with a feisty runaway bride heroine and a gorgeous Greek billionaire hero. Lukas coerces gatecrasher Ashleigh into pretending to be his girlfriend to help get a business deal across the line. But pretend feelings start to grow into real ones. Finally the mistletoe works its magic and their attraction ignites.

“Then Lukas realised she was standing right under the mistletoe she had hung from the chandelier above them. He saw an invitation to a kiss in the gleam of her blue eyes, the slight parting of her lush lips. This couldn’t wait.

He dipped his head to claim her mouth. She responded immediately and wound her arms around his neck to bring him closer, to press her body close to his. She made a little murmur of pleasure deep in her throat. With an answering groan he deepened the kiss. He wanted to hear more: whimpers of need, sighs of pleasure, moans of ecstasy from this wonderful, perfect woman. His woman.”

(Their next kiss is under falling snowflakes—just as romantic as the mistletoe!)

Millionaire Under the Mistletoe is set in Sydney, Australia where the feelings between reunited former lovers Carly and Dylan are every bit as steamy as the hot summer weather that comes with Christmas down under! Carly and Dylan broke each other’s hearts four years ago but when they unexpectedly meet (thanks to a cat called Morris) the old feelings are still there. Again the mistletoe brings them together.

“Carly stood under the mistletoe and thrilled to the look in Dylan’s eyes—excitement, impatience, and something fierce that made it suddenly difficult to breathe. She didn’t dare try to read anything further into it. Except to know it went beyond mere friendship.

She swallowed hard against a sudden lump of emotion in her throat and managed to choke out a few words. “So what are the rules about kissing in the house?”

“Just the usual rule about mistletoe.” His voice was husky and deep and sent shivers of awareness down her spine.

“You mean that thing you have to do when you’re standing under it?”

“Yes,” he said, his gaze intent on her face.

“I…I don’t want to break that rule.”

“Me neither,” he said, as he dipped his head to kiss her.”

Do you hang mistletoe at your house? Have you ever had a romantic, fun or embarrassing kiss under the mistletoe? I’d love to hear about it! Make a comment to be in the draw for a paperback copy of Greek Tycoon’s Mistletoe Proposal or one of two e-copies of Millionaire Under the Mistletoe. Be sure to include your email address with your comment if you want to be in the draw.

I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season! See you here next year.

Millionaire Under the Mistletoe is just $0.99 at e-book retailers. 

Kandy Shepherd is a multi-published, award-winning author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She lives on a small farm in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia, with her family and a menagerie of four-legged friends.

Visit Kandy at her website

www.kandyshepherd.com

Connect with Kandy on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

Baby on board

Last month I attended the Romance Writers of America national conference in San Diego, California. What a fabulous conference in a wonderful city! I loved every minute of it—well worth the long journey from Australia.

Another reason I enjoyed it so much was that my latest book for Harlequin Romance had just been released, The Bridesmaid’s Baby Bump. Book signings are an important part of the conference and it was nice to have a brand new book to sign.

At the Harlequin signing, Romance Writers of America conference in San Diego

 I learned during the two signings I took part in that people were intrigued by the title and liked the fact there was obviously a pregnancy in the book. I’ve always been partial to “secret baby” and “surprise pregnancy” themes in romance novels so it’s no surprise I enjoyed writing this particular story. The pregnancy becomes a huge source of conflict for my heroine Eliza and hero Jake—as well as a great source of joy. However I’ve been careful to ensure that it doesn’t overshadow the growing relationship of Eliza and Jake as they fall in love. The baby is the icing on the cake, so to speak!

This looks rather like I imagine my heroine Eliza would look - contemplating the changes to her life that come with a surprise pregnancy!

 What about you? Do you like a pregnancy in a romance novel? What about a baby? I’d love to read your thoughts!

I’ve got two signed paperback copies of The Bridesmaid’s Baby Bump to give away. Make a comment if you’d like to be in the draw. Please include your email address.

Kandy Shepherd is an award-winning author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She lives on a small farm in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia, with her family and a menagerie of four-legged friends.

Visit Kandy at her website

www.kandyshepherd.com

Connect with Kandy on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

The Bridesmaid’s Baby Bump

 Have you ever had a lovely, smart, loyal friend who never seems to have a lot of luck with men? She's always the bridesmaid, never the bride - or if she is the bride, it doesn't end well?
 

Party planner Eliza Dunne is that girl. She’s the heroine of my next book from Harlequin Romance, TheBridesmaid’s Baby Bump (July 2016).

My inspiration for Eliza was beautiful actress Alexis Bledel

 The great thing about being an author is I was able to create for her the perfect man in gorgeous billionaire Jake Marlowe. Don’t you wish it was that easy in real life!

Both Jake and Eliza have appeared in the preceding two books in the Sydney Brides trilogy: Gift-Wrapped in Her Wedding Dress (November 2015) and Crown Prince’s Chosen Bride (March 2016). As I wrote those books, I was getting to know Eliza and Jake and looking forward to writing their love story.

Their fictional friends in the first two books are invested in getting Eliza and Jake together. But both Eliza and Jake are complex characters with secrets and hidden hurts. Although there is a little matchmaking going on—they’re best man and bridesmaid at two weddings—they have issues to sort out all on their own on the way to their happy-ever-after ending.

I have a soft spot for matchmakers—my husband and I were introduced by a mutual friend. I’ve also had success as a matchmaker myself. What about you? Have you ever been helped by a matchmaking friend or done some matchmaking yourself? Please make a comment—I’d love to read your thoughts!

If you’d like to be in the draw for a paperback copy of TheBridesmaid’s Baby Bump, include your email address and I’ll send the winner of the draw a copy as soon as I get one from my publisher! 

The three Party Queens books are published by Harlequin Romance in North America as the Sydney Brides mini-series. (Mills & Boon Cherish in the UK; Mills & Boon Forever Romance in Australia and New Zealand.)

The Bridesmaid’s Baby Bump will be released on July 1, 2016 and is available for pre-order now.

Kandy Shepherd is an award-winning author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She lives on a small farm in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia, with her family and a menagerie of four-legged friends.

Visit Kandy at her website

www.kandyshepherd.com

Connect with Kandy on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

Michelle Monkou: Not Another Billionaire Hero - Oh, Yes, Indeed

It's 2016 and already my e-reader is chock full of great reads. As I head for Florida to a writing retreat weekend, I also look forward to some reading time with the beach and ocean views to enhance the experience.

And in my TBR pile, I do have a few titles with one of my favorite hero types -- billionaires.

What's the attraction?

Think back to that moment not too long ago when the lottery winnings had zoomed within reach of a billion. Participants who played the lottery were excited at the rare what if scenario.

People fantasized about what they would do with their winnings. They also entertained scenarios of telling off their bosses or simply vanishing from their homes with no forwarding address.

The world building that occurred on social media was entertaining. With this wealth, there were imagined freedoms to be enjoyed, exotic places to visit, unique dream houses to be built, and food and parties to mingle with the Who's Who. The imagination knew no limits.

That energy to visualize their happy place is the continued motivation to write my billionaire stories. . Even if the billionaire hero isn't comfortable with his wealth, the story is bound to have scenes that delve into the champagne and diamonds lifestyle.

And instead of reading the stories with a literal expectation, billionaire romances are to be enjoyed with a touch of humor and optimism.

Book Blurb:

TO SEDUCE A BILLIONAIRE

Take a trip to Monaco and meet the Laurent brothers—Damien, Dane, Dallon. Seducing A Billionaire is three connected stories of this powerful dynasty that thrives in the high-end real estate market. While this next generation continues the Laurent legacy, they are also Monaco's eligible and downright sexy bachelors. Falling in love may not be on the agenda. Yet, romance knows no bounds when the right women—Anna, Yasmin, Nicola—seduces her man.
 The book is soon to be released on all digital platforms. Sign up for my newsletter or my Facebook Author page to stay updated on my goings on and the book release information.

Thank you


Michelle Monkou

Flowers of New York - Kandy Shepherd

Sitting at my desk in front of my computer wearing yoga pants and a cat on my lap, it’s hard to believe just ten days ago I was in New York City. I’ve been from winter to summer and back to winter again in just one week.

Times Square - very busy in July

 It’s a long way to go from Australia for a conference but The Romance Writers of America national convention was worth it. Over two thousand romance writers as well as industry professionals gathered under the one roof—in this case the Marriott Marquis hotel right on Times Square.  It was exhausting and informative and I loved it.

I only had one day free, on the Sunday after the conference ended. I took the opportunity to walk with a friend from Times Square up to Central Park.

This one is so pretty 

In late July with the sun out and flowers everywhere, I marveled at how lovely the city was, with so many beautiful old buildings juxtaposed with streamlined skyscrapers.

I love the bold shapes and colors of this one

I loved all the vibrant potted plant displays I saw in my stroll around Manhattan and took inspiration for my own garden. Trouble is, I never seem to have much luck with these pots myself. I know the idea is you plant a thriller—the main central plant; a low filler to grow around it; and a spiller to flow down the edges. It’ll be spring Down Under before too long and I’m going to try again.

This one doesn't look too difficult to copy!

The heroine of my August release for Harlequin Romance, Hired by the Brooding Billionaire is a horticulturalist working to restore the hero’s overgrown garden—and his damaged heart. I wish I could call on her in real life for some gardening help!

Do you have luck with potted plants or, like me, never seem to get them quite right? Do you have a favorite city you like to visit?  I’d love to know—please share your thoughts with a comment!

Signing at the Romance Writers of America conference

I’m giving away one signed paperback copy of Hired by the Brooding Billionaire. Make a comment to be in the draw. Please include your email address if you want to be included in the draw.

Hired by the Brooding Billionaire is my August 2015 release for Harlequin Romance and is on sale now.

“Beauty and the reclusive billionaire… 

When billionaire Declan Grant decides his estate's enormous garden needs taming, he hires idealistic horticulturalist Shelley Fairhill to take on the challenge. Since losing his wife, Declan has adjusted to a life of self-imposed isolation—he wants Shelley to tackle the weeds, then leave.

But as Shelley gradually restores order and unexpected beauty to his garden, her caring nature also begins to thaw the ice encasing Declan's heart. Can he let Shelley's light in and finally let his second chance at love blossom?”

Kandy Shepherd is an award-winning author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She lives on a small farm in the

Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia, with her family and a menagerie of four-legged friends.

Visit Kandy at her website

www.kandyshepherd.com

Connect with Kandy on Facebook and Twitter

Hired by the Brooding Billionaire - Kandy Shepherd

I love gothic-inspired romances. There’s something about a gloomy mansion and a mystery surrounding the handsome, damaged man who lives there that appeals to me. I’ve always wanted to write a story with those elements.

Hired by the Brooding Billionaire, my August release for Harlequin Romance is that story. It’s a beauty-and-the-beast tale with a brilliant wounded hero, Declan Grant, who has cut himself off from the world after a tragedy in his past. He lives in a splendid old mansion that is slowly being covered by a wild, out-of-control garden.

Strong, spirited horticulturalist Shelley Fairhill has to work hard to not only tame the garden but also to cut down the barriers Declan has put up around his emotions. At the same time she has to overcome past heartbreak of her own before she can love again.

I loved writing Shelley and Declan’s emotional journey towards each other and finding the  love they both so deserve.

But I also enjoyed writing about the overgrown garden that brings them together.

Camellias

The story starts in winter and I’m sharing some snaps of my Down Under winter garden with you. All these flowers appear in the story.

Sweet-scented jonquils

My part of Australia doesn’t get the severe winters that other parts of the world can get. Everything slows down but for most of the year we have something blooming. (The disadvantage is that the weeds still grow, too!) 

Fragrant daphne

Do you like a beauty-and-and-the-beast story? What’s your garden like in winter? Please share your thoughts with a comment!

I’m giving away one signed paperback copy (or an e-book if you’d prefer) of Hired by the Brooding Billionaire. Make a comment to be in the draw. Please include your email address if you want to be included in the draw.

Hired by the Brooding Billionaire is my August 2015 release for Harlequin Romance and is available now for pre-order in print and e-book.

Kandy Shepherd is an award-winning author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She lives on a small farm in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia, with her family and a menagerie of four-legged friends.

Visit Kandy at her website

www.kandyshepherd.com

Connect with Kandy on Facebook and Twitter