STRICTLY OFF LIMITS: Release Day Blog Post featuring Stella Holt!

June 22, 2023 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Write What You Know…


While living in Pakistan a decade ago, I decided I finally had enough time on my hands to write a complete novel. I wasn’t married and had no kids at the time, so even with a 60-hour work week, every evening and on weekends I wrote. After years of jotting down half finished stories with Alpha heroes and the spitfire women they fell in love with, I spent my evenings typing away. That first draft was a mess, but at its core Last First Kiss was born. The story of a young widow just trying to move forward in life without the guilt that comes from heartbreak and missing someone you love that died too young.

I think a lot of writers like to honor the people in their lives that have left
lasting impressions, and I’m no different. The widow in Last First Kiss is loosely based on my mother, who found herself a young widow with three kids to raise and a broken heart. My mom was vivacious, funny, beautiful, and also a writer of sorts as an English teacher and former journalist. She dedicated her life to her family, loved all things Hallmark, and never remarried so I wrote her the steamy romance she deserved.

I’m also drawn to writing these strong, real-life, first responder alpha
heroes like Rory in Battle of Hearts, because I’m married to one, and there are a half dozen more in my family. These men that dedicate their lives to serving their communities, protecting and serving, are real people. With all their muscles, and gorgeous smiles, tattoos, and love of country, they have dreams, desires, and women that can wrap them up in knots. They put on their uniforms, and make it look good, but their badges don’t shield them from danger. They develop a family-like bond with their colleagues, their brothers and sisters, and pray to never need to use force, but they will hone their fitness to make sure they are ready for any challenge. They are funny and witty like Conner in Strictly Off Limits and will steal your heart with one smoldering look. Every day alphas are all around us, and I highly recommend you nab one for keeps.

I hope you enjoy my Legacy of the Maguires series, full of yummy, stoic,
handsome, alpha heroes, and strong, smart, women that capture their attention and love. #RomanceBooks #ReadzTule #StellaHoltBooks

About the Author

Stella Holt authorAuthor of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home even though she’s currently living outside D.C. with her family. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023. You can find her on Instagram @stellaholtbooks and www.stellaholt.com

Tule’s 2023 Father’s Day Recommended Reads

June 16, 2023 · Posted by Tule Publishing

In honor of Father’s Day, the Tule team has picked out some titles we know you, or a very special father-figure, will surely love. Whether you’re looking for sexy or sweet, you’ll be sure to find a special Father’s Day treat!

Montana Cowboy Baby Daddy by Jane Porter
Wyatt Brothers of Montana series, Book 3

Professional rodeo cowboy Billy Wyatt is in the prime of his career. He’s having a fantastic year on the circuit, earning big money and leading the standings. Too immersed in his success and enjoying bachelorhood, he’s not interested in getting serious. But when a woman he’s never seen before shows up with a baby she claims is his, Billy’s world is turned inside out.

Erika Baylor, a PhD grad student, never planned to be a single mom, but when her cousin dies in a car accident, orphaning her infant son, Erika steps forward. She’ll help to care for her 4-month-old nephew until the baby can be reunited with his dad. She doesn’t expect the dad to be cocky, infuriating, and utterly irresistible.

Billy never thought he wanted to be a father, but looking into the eyes of the baby who is supposedly his—and whose blue eyes mirror his own—he’s hooked. But he’s hooked on the woman who’s holding the baby too…


The Matchmaker’s Match by Nicole Flockton
Man’s Best Friend series, Book 3

Could the best man be her best option?

The last person Meredith Turner expects to see at her best friend’s wedding rehearsal dinner is the guy she had a one night stand with. What’s worse, Lincoln Forrest is the best man and as maid of honor, her partner. To add insult to injury, she has to leave the rehearsal dinner early, and Lincoln is the one to help her with a deeply personal problem. The aftermath of that night brings big changes for them both.

Lincoln Forrest has helped his best friend meet the woman of his dreams, but recently he’s made a series of bad decisions, the biggest being leaving his career with the Army. Now the former K-9 handler is looking for a new career and trying to get his life back on track. Helping Meredith in her time of need connects her to him more than he expected. On a mission to right the wrong he created, Linc will do whatever is needed. But when the attraction that first drew them together flares to life again, will the obstacles between them be too much to overcome? Or has the matchmaker met his match?

The Texas Cowboy’s Proposal by Debra Holt
Texas Heritage series, Book 1

They had a foolproof plan…until one little girl got involved.

Sammi Jo Burkitt’s formidable grandmother’s will is pushing Sammi Jo to the brink. Yes, the feisty cowgirl can keep the ranching empire known as Aces High, which has been the family birthright for two centuries, but she must marry her rival and stay married for three years as part of the deal. Say no, and Aces High goes on the auction block.

Beaudry Hawkes wants nothing to do with the high and mighty Burkitts. Until the day Sammi Jo shows up on his doorstep with a proposition no one in their right mind would refuse: wear her ring, then accept thousands of acres of rich ranch land and a tidy sum of three million dollars when they part ways. The windfall could change everything for his daughter’s future.

But eight-year-old Lacy is becoming attached to the idea of one happy family. Nothing short of a true marriage between the two can make her dreams come true. Can Sammi Jo and Beaudry find their freedom and love too?

Lola and the Single Dad by Kelly Hunter
Outback Babies series, book 4

When love comes to town…

Artisan blacksmith Ned Harrow lost his wife and gained a son, all in the space of a day. Since then, he’s been caring for his son, Ollie, and working to rebuild his business. When his neighbour’s visiting goddaughter offers to help, she’s a lifeline and so much more. Ned knows the beautiful and fun-loving Lola isn’t staying long, but she’s impossible to resist and his heart is cracking wide open.

Actress Lola Darcy has never hit the big time and she’s beginning to wonder if she ever will. She’s in-between auditions when she visits her godmother in Wirralong. The country life and adorable baby she can sing to is a balm to her heart that’s been wounded by so many rejections. Lola loves caring for the sweet babe next door, and his eye candy father makes the visit even better.

As Lola and Ned become friends and perhaps more, the part of a lifetime beckons. Should she follow her dream or create new ones in Wirralong?


A Nanny Called Alice by Barbara Hannay
Outback Brides Return to Wirralong, book 4

She’s thousands of miles from home and intent on proving her independence…

When Alice Trembath is mugged in the stark Australian outback, she has two choices: return to the US with an “I told you so” from her conservative parents and join the family business, or take a job as a nanny on a nearby cattle station. Despite being wildly unqualified, she accepts the position. She’s a fast learner and besides, she needs the money.

Hotshot businessman Tom Braydon is juggling huge responsibilities. After the death of his brother, Tom took in his orphaned nieces and managed his brother’s cattle station, while simultaneously running his own thriving business in Sydney. Tom desperately needs Alice’s help, even though she has zero experience looking after children or living in the outback. He has plenty on his plate, he doesn’t need the distraction of a romance.

But while Alice and Tom strive to ignore the chemistry sizzling between them and focus on their separate goals, love clearly has other plans.

CAN’T STAND THE HEAT: Release Day Post by Author Season Vining!

June 15, 2023 · Posted by Tule Publishing

It’s Pride Month! And what better way to celebrate than to dive into a queer romantic comedy series?

With Penny for Your Heart out in the world, we were able to follow Penny on her journey through reconnecting with her first love and finding out if those feelings were reciprocated or just one-sided. This passionate self-discovery between two friends brings us deep into their world where we meet a whole cast of found family and diverse characters. One of those characters is Ryan Tate.

Can’t Stand the Heat, the second book of the Romance in the City series, releases June 15th and it follows Ryan into the greatest adventure of his life as he lands a spot on a televised cooking competition show. Ryan wants the prize money to save his grandmother’s legacy of a restaurant. Little does he know that an old flame—and professional chef—might stand in his way.

Miguel Moreno is an assistant chef to a world renown celebrity chef and he is tired of living in the shadows of the greats. His lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant can finally be realized if he can get his hands on the prize money. It’s amateur chefs versus professionals, and no one is more surprised to see Ryan Tate than Miguel.

A year ago, these two may have shared a short but passionate affair, but now they’ve got to go through each other to reach the ultimate goal, winning first place on The Heat.

My love for cooking competition television shows totally inspired this story. I have watched everything from Chopped to MasterChef to Guy’s Grocery Games. I find joy in cooking and have learned so much by watching others compete. I have always been intrigued by the relationships between competitors, so throwing love and sex into the mix only felt natural.

Dive into Can’t Stand the Heat and you’ll find yourself immersed in more flavor and heat than you can handle while Ryan and Miguel battle it out in the kitchen while trying to protect their hearts.

About the author: 

Season Vining grew up in southern Louisiana where food, culture, and family mean everything. She has lived in Houston, San Diego, and NYC—all of them providing colorful experiences and future writing material. She is a graphic designer by day, a complete font snob, and enjoys all forms of art. Her obsessions include live music, tattooed bad boys, vintage cars, and people who know the difference between their, there, and they’re. Season is a new mom to the cutest kid on the planet. She is the author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels—hot stories with heart.

A COWBOY’S PROMISE: Release Day Blog Post featuring Anne McAllister! (and Giveaway!)

June 8, 2023 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Piecing Together Stories and Visions

Writers are often asked, “Where do you get your ideas?”  It’s a fair question because most people who have not struggled through writing a book beginning to end (never just once, but countless times) logically seem to expect that a book comes from a single particular idea, and then the next book comes from another one.

The truth, for me,  is that a book cobbles itself together from lots of ideas the same way dreams do. I snatch one bit from this location, another from that memory, a third from something my dad said, or my cousins told me, or from watching a film or sitting in a hospital waiting room.  And then there’s research – the bits I don’t know yet, but someone else does and has kindly written about or is willing to talk about, that will help me vicariously live in the fictional world that is gradually taking shape.  Finally, then, it coalesces (not without revisions!) into a book.  

That was certainly true of A Cowboy’s Promise.  

The hero, Charlie Seeks Elk, was born in an earlier book of mine called Gifts of the Spirit where he was a troubled teenager. I have known several of those.  Once upon a time when we were in grad school, my husband and I house-dog-and-teenager-sat for a semester. Plenty of things we experienced then were grist for the mill of Charlie’s teenage years. 

He needed a role model then, and the hero of that earlier book, Chase Whitelaw, reluctantly stepped up. Chase’s experience bridging life between his own urban Los Angeles and his father’s Navajo reservation owe more than a nod to my dad’s and his uncle’s experiences.  They gained opportunities. They lost connections.  They sought a future. They lost a past.

There were a lot of other ‘ideas’ that meshed when Charlie Seeks Elk came face-to-face with what eternity was all about after he was shot in a crossfire halfway round the world (I give thanks that I have no firsthand experience with that).  And when those things came together, I finally had a focus – what Charlie didn’t have was the one person he needed most – Cait.  And what Cait meant to Charlie was home.

She was the one who touched his heart, who made him whole.  She was the one who mattered — too much — more than he dared let her.  He knew how to be rootless.  He didn’t know how to connect.  It was safer not to. But facing eternity, Charlie had second thoughts.  

Cait Blasingame was the embodiment of home.  She might have seen lots of the world. She might have fallen in love with the wrong man.  But when she goes back to Montana after years abroad as a nurse, she knows who she is, what she values, where she belongs. She isn’t prepared for Charlie reappearing in her life.  

When my editor and I were looking for a series title for A Cowboy’s Promise and the other books that will follow it this year, home was a theme that underpinned all of them, so “Cowboy, Come Home” seemed a perfect choice. 

In a way, it turns the iconic American image of the cowboy riding off alone into the sunset on its head.  That cowboy doesn’t go home. He doesn’t have a home. Charlie wants nothing less.

The other two books coming later this year, The Great Montana Cowboy Auction and A Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle, also look at home, each in a different way.  If you would like to win a copy of one of my earlier Tule releases, please tell me what is most important to you when you think about “home.” One or two commenters will be chosen randomly by the Tule staff and will receive a copy of the book they choose.

About the Author

Years ago someone told Anne McAllister that the recipe for happiness was a good man, a big old house, a bunch of kids and dogs, and a job you loved that allows you to read.  And write.  She totally agrees.
Now, one good man, one big old house (since traded for a slightly smaller house. Look, no attic!) a bunch of kids (and even more grandkids) and dogs (and one bionic cat) and seventy books, she’s still reading.  And writing.  And happier than ever.
Over thirty plus years Anne has written long and short contemporary romances, single titles and series, novellas and a time-travel for Harlequin Mills & Boon and for Tule Publishing. She’s had two RITA winning books and nine more RITA finalists as well as awards from Romantic Times and Midwest Fiction Writers. One of the joys of writing is that sometimes, when she can’t go back in person, she can go back in her mind and her heart and her books.

SUMMER’S CELESTIAL PLEA: Release Day Blog Post by Leigh Ann Edwards!

June 6, 2023 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Inspiration and Creativity

I’m thrilled to be back on the Tule blog today to talk a little about, Summer’s Celestial Plea, book four in my Maidens of the Mystical Stones series. I truly love every cover in this series, but this one’s my favorite. The colors are beautiful, the night sky over Stonehenge looks absolutely magical, and the owl is an enchanting part of this story. I’m extremely thankful to Tule for so many things–– including always finding the most talented cover designers. 

I’m often asked what inspires my writing or one particular book or series. Sometimes there’s no clear answer. However, for this series, I can definitely say how the creative idea began. Firstly, when checking into my genealogy a few years ago, I discovered the ancestors in the Edwards branch of my family tree were from a small village not far from Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. That made my imagination soar. I thought a story could definitely grow from that tiny seed of information. 

In the Maidens series, I created the fictional town of Hengebury and King Thaddeus’s kingdom. There was never a king by that name. However, during medieval times there were several kingdoms throughout what is now the British Isles. 

As with every series I’ve written that’s set in the past, I’ve learned a lot of history through the required research. It was interesting to read about medieval Wessex––prior to the many kingdoms uniting to form England. I learned more about Stonehenge, too. There are several standing stone circles throughout the UK and Ireland, but Stonehenge is undoubtedly the most recognizable. During the medieval period the formation was referred to as the sunstones. 

As far as the concept of the four women switching places–– that came from a few different sources. I really enjoyed the book, The Prince and the Pauper, where two very different boys trade lives. I also liked Freaky Friday, the film where a mother and daughter switch bodies only to discover the other doesn’t have it nearly as easy as they originally believed. 

People often compare themselves to their friends or peers and sometimes envy them. The grass might seem greener, but they don’t always know what’s actually happening in other people’s lives––until they take a turn in those lives. 

In this series, four markedly different young women––a healer (Rhianwyn), a harlot (Selena), a castle servant (Elspeth), and a princess (Lilliana), become unlikely friends. As the years pass they envy each other and dread their own futures–– all wishing they could trade places. While inside the stone circle, a mystical old crone suddenly appears offering them the chance to magically spend a season in each of the four women’s lives. As you might expect there are varied reactions to the unbelievable opportunity. The other three women are willing and eager, while Rhianwyn is more skeptical. 

This far into a continued series it’s difficult to elaborate about the story without creating spoilers. Therefore, I won’t go into too much detail except to say in Summer’s Celestial Plea, the women will experience their third transformation. Although they all thought they knew their friends quite well, they’ve already learned many secrets about each other. They’re beginning to deeply regret entering into the magical pact. 

Broccan, the hero in the story, has become more confused but is determined to discover what might be causing his wife, Rhianwyn, and the other women to behave so uncharacteristically.

This was one of the most interesting but also the most thought-provoking and challenging series for me to write. I needed to make sure readers were clear who each of the women were when they inhabited the other bodies. I relied on body language, sayings, and habits. I had to ensure the women were different enough that they’d be distinguishable. My editors, Roxanne, Helena, and Marlene were amazingly helpful with this and caught more than a few errors.

As with any series where the individual books aren’t stand alone, the story gains momentum with each installment. I’m excited for readers to learn more and I hope they enjoy the plot twists and character arcs. Thus far people are loving the story and reviews have been great. I’ve had several readers reach out to let me know they’re invested in Rhianwyn and Broccan’s heartwarming albeit very complicated love story. 

I haven’t traveled anywhere since before Covid, but this July I’ll be attending the upcoming author retreat celebrating Tule’s 10th anniversary. I can’t wait to meet the Tule team in person, some of the people I’ve been working with for several years. It will be great to get together with other Tule authors, too. 

I’ll also be looking forward to being on this blog again in September for the final installment in the Maidens of the Mystical Stones series, Fate’s Final Season. Until then, magical wishes for a wonderful, safe, happy, and memorable summer.

 

Leigh Ann Edwards’ fascination with history, romance, magic, fantasy, time-travel and Ireland sparked her interest in creating the Irish Witch Series and her growing collection of published novels. Growing up in a very small Manitoban village on the Canadian prairies left a lot of time to create stories and let her imagination soar.

An author for nearly thirty years, Leigh Ann has almost completed writing her fourth series with Tule Publishing and will soon begin a fifth. Besides writing, Leigh Ann loves spending time with her four grandchildren, reading, traveling, doing intuitive readings and reiki. Leigh Ann and her husband, their two cats, one large dog and their Boston Terrier puppy, live near Edmonton Alberta, Canada.

Tule Publishing June 2023 Releases (and Giveaway!)

June 1, 2023 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Read more about our new releases for June!

GIVEAWAY: We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book of their choice from the June releases. Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected at the end of the month.

B’Nai Mitzvah Mistake by Stacey Agdern (American Heart)

Release Date: June 1, 2023

Last Girls Standing, Book 1

Sharing isn’t caring when it comes to your big day.

Judith Nachman loves working as a project manager at the Mitzvah Alliance charity, and after five years, it’s finally her turn to have the bat mitzvah of her dreams. Judith is enjoying every single moment of the process—until she learns she has to share her day with the annoying hockey player who derailed her sister’s career.

Retired hockey player Ash Mendel is determined to start an organization to support Jewish athletes, and the first step is to have his bar mitzvah. He’s not sure what he wants his day to look like, but he knows he definitely wants forgiveness from Judith, the woman he’s sharing the date with.

But Judith’s nephew needs to interview an athlete, and Ash needs professional advice for his foundation, so they exchange favors. Except as they get to know each other and their worlds start to mingle, Ash and Judith will have to decide whether sharing their lives as well as their B’Nai Mitzvah is the best decision they could make, or the biggest mistake of their lives.

Summer’s Celestial Plea  by Leigh Ann Edwards (Muse)

Release Date: June 6, 2023

Maidens of the Mystical Stones, Book 5

The curse is almost over but the stakes have never been higher…

Still bound by a magical pact, the lovely Rhianwyn Mulryan has had enough. With each soul transfer, her marriage to her one true love Broccan becomes further eroded, and she must still endure the final transformation and live as her friend, Lilliana, a Welsh princess. Above all, Rhianwyn must do everything in her power to squash Broccan’s suspicions. For if he learns the truth, a wicked old crone has promised his death.

The handsome and valiant Sir Broccan Mulryan thought he was going mad but is convinced he’s finally discovered why his beautiful wife and her friends have been behaving peculiarly. With the knight’s jousting and weaponry tournament about to begin, he’ll need to focus on staying alive long enough to confront Rhianwyn.

Rhianwyn will contend with cursed princes and former foes while she waits to hear whether Broccan has prevailed. When her friends delve into danger, she must decide whether to assist knowing it betrays a promise to her late mother. If they manage to live through the pact, will any of their relationships survive?

A Cowboy’s Promise by Anne McAllister (Montana Born)

Release Date: June 8, 2023

Cowboy, Come Home, Book 1

“Let’s get married.”

They are words award-winning photographer Charlie Seeks Elk never expected to say. He sure didn’t say them two years ago when, in a war-torn city halfway across the world, nurse Cait Blasingame looked at him with her heart in her eyes. As much as Charlie wanted Cait, he could never give her the life or the family she dreamed of. So he did her a favor and deliberately walked out of her life.

Marry him? Now? The last person Cait expects to turn up on her family’s Montana ranch is Charlie. He doesn’t do commitment. He doesn’t do marriage. His boots are made for walking and he couldn’t have made it clearer. So why is he saying the three words she once so desperately wanted to hear?

Confronting eternity can make a man rethink his choices in life. Charlie has rethought his. Cait hasn’t. She’s marrying someone else—unless Charlie can convince her to be his wife.

Can’t Stand the Heat by Season Vining (American Heart)

Release Date: June 15, 2023

Romance in the City, Book 2

He’s ready to cook his heart out.

When amateur chef Ryan Tate earns a spot on the cooking competition show, The Heat, he drops everything and heads west. His grandma needs to revamp her restaurant and he’s confident he has what it takes to win the prize money to make that happen. Little does he know, the one that got away could be the one to ruin his chances.

Assistant chef Miguel Moreno has already established a name for himself in the culinary world, but he’s tired of operating in the shadows of the greats. With the prize money from The Heat, he can finally open his own restaurant. Victory seems imminent when he learns the show has a twist this season—six pros will face off against six amateurs. But he’s thrown when a familiar face stands temptingly in his path.

Their love affair a year ago was scorching, but it’s nothing compared to the heat they generate battling their way through each challenge. For Ryan and Miguel, cooking and passion have always been linked, but protecting their hearts might be their biggest obstacle yet.

Strictly Off Limits by Stella Holt (American Heart)

Release Date: June 22, 2023

Legacy of the Maguires, Book 3

This irresistible flirt would do anything to get his girl—but clearing his name could be out of his jurisdiction.

D.C. paramedic Hannah Paletti has just one problem: the ripped detective who’s starred in every romantic fantasy she’s ever had. Not only is longtime crush Conner Maguire her new partner on a community service project—he’s her brother’s sworn enemy. Hannah’s determined to raise enough funds for a community center to keep kids off the streets. And Conner, who denies betraying her brother, is all-in on her project. After one kiss, she can’t resist Conner anymore, and she doesn’t want to. But if her family finds out, she’ll lose more than just her heart.

Conner Maguire’s biggest problem has curves that make his hands itch, red curly hair, and enough sass to keep him hooked and booked forever. But to this day, he doesn’t know how her brother’s college sweetheart ended up in Conner’s bed, and he never cared to figure it out—until now.

Because choosing between family and love is tearing Hannah apart, so he needs to offer her both.

Room for Suspicion by Carol Light (Tule Mystery)

Release Date: June 27, 2023

Cluttered Crime Mysteries, Book 1

It’s going to take more than carefully labeled boxes to sort through the clues of this homicide… 

Professional organizer Crystal Ward knows she can make a success of her new business, Organizing Chicago. The extra income would allow her to renovate her own home, full of more cluttered spaces than she’d ever admit to her clients. But her life wasn’t always this disorganized. Five years ago her husband, Rick, a Chicago police detective, was shot while chasing a suspect. Now a paraplegic, he’s wary of her going into strangers’ homes…and for good reason.

When Crys discovers a dead man in a client’s living room, she refuses to accept that the murder is an open-and-shut case of domestic violence. If she can untangle this mess, she can prove her client’s innocence and ease Rick’s fears.

But the only witness to the murder is hospitalized in a catatonic state. And the lead detective is Rick’s former partner, the man Crys blames for his paralysis. Crys is on her own to save her client from jail and stop a murderer intent on tidying up loose ends.

A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler (Montana Born)

Release Date: June 29, 2023

The Millers of Marietta, Book 2

She’s never forgotten the way the sun lit up Copper Mountain…

Seeking a new beginning after the death of her parents, Annie Miller impulsively moves to Marietta and sets up a bed-and-breakfast in picturesque Bramble Lane. With her brother and sister by her side, it’s a place to heal and forget the fiancé who left her just weeks before their wedding day. Now all she really needs are some customers…

Marketing whiz Craig O’Sullivan is wedded to his work in Portland, but with the cousin he sees as a brother getting married soon, he heads to Marietta for a two-week vacation. As long as his beloved Aunt Janice doesn’t decide to play matchmaker on his behalf he’ll be fine. But when Janice sets him up to help sweet Annie Miller market her B&B, he doesn’t mind at all. There’s something about Annie that makes him want to sell her on the idea of happily ever after. With him.

Craig’s life is in Portland, Annie is bound to Marietta. Can they trust themselves and each other enough to open their hearts and let love in?

 

STEALING MR. RIGHT: Release Day Blog Post featuring Sinclair Jayne! (and Giveaway!)

May 30, 2023 · Posted by Tule Publishing

I think I finally figured out why it’s so hard for me to talk about the launch of the final book in any series I write. I write tightly connected series where my characters find or make their own large, loud, loving family. Writing the last book and then celebrating the book birthday always feels like more of a goodbye than a hello. I’m feeling particularly nostalgic with the release of my final book in my Misguided Masala Matchmaker series, Stealing Mr. Right. Rani Kapoor was the first character I created. I envisioned her as our avatar in each book, making her wait until book four to finally find herself, and then love. 

I often feel like I am stumbling through life, doubt whispering and somedays shouting. Rani is a reflection of what I think many of us feel. She sees herself on the outside, looking in, and yet, she never stops trying to chase her dreams, trying to do something amazing, trying to help her friends and family, trying, trying, trying…. Rani brings the light. She also drags in the longing, the doubt, the determination. She’s as deeply flawed as she is inspirational and aspirational. Rani evolves during the series, and I feel quite maternal towards her. (My daughter, Lakshmi, was wide-eyed stunned that I could love one of my characters like a daughter, but I think many authors and romance readers fall in love with certain characters who come to life and stick with us.)

If you have read any of the books in the series, Rani attempts to find love matches for her beloved cousin Rohan and her sisters Shanti and Asha using slap-dash science from her years starting and abandoning and staring anew college degrees. She succeeds through her mistakes, which I found hilariously ironic as so many of us in life try to play it safe and avoid mistakes. Rani’s method is more splat against the wall, or pavement.

Stealing Mr. Right is a romance, all the way but also a fun, and poignant  exploration of identity. If you would like a chance for a signed print copy of one of the books in the Misguided Masala Matchmaker series and thematic reader swag, tell me about a time when you made what at first seemed a mistake, but yet turned out for the best. (Winner will be chosen randomly. Must be US based for a print copy).

About the Author

Sinclair Sawhney is a former journalist and middle school teacher who holds a BA in Political Science and K-8 teaching certificate from the University of California, Irvine and a MS in Education with an emphasis in teaching writing from the University of Washington. She has worked as Senior Editor with Tule Publishing for over seven years. Writing as Sinclair Jayne she’s published fifteen short contemporary romances with Tule Publishing with another four books being released in 2021. Married for over twenty-four years, she has two children, and when she isn’t writing or editing, she and her husband, Deepak, are hosting wine tastings of their pinot noir and pinot noir rose at their vineyard Roshni, which is a Hindi word for light-filled, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Shaandaar!

Tule Publishing May 2023 Releases (and Giveaway!)

May 19, 2023 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Read more about our new releases for May!

GIVEAWAY: We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book of their choice from the May releases. Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected at the end of the month.

Love Me Beneath the Irish Moon by Karen Foley (Holiday)

Release Date: May 2, 2023

Love Always, Ireland, Book 2

They’re from two different worlds…

After being passed over for a coveted job in favor of her so-called boyfriend, Lori Woods desperately needs time to reflect. She packs up her Chicago life and catches a flight to Ballylahane, Ireland, but with a popular Beltane festival drawing crowds of tourists to the picturesque town, there’s nowhere for Lori to stay—until hunky Flynn O’Rourke offers her a cottage on his sprawling sheep farm.

No woman has ever aggravated—or aroused—Flynn the way Lori does. He’s had it bad for her since her last visit, but she made it clear it would never work between them. Now she’s back and Flynn has one last chance to show her they’re perfect together, even if it means risking everything—his farm, his future, and his heart.

Lori has no intention of falling for the passionate, protective, practically perfect farmer, no matter how ridiculously hot he is. In fact, she’s decidedly not going to fall for him. Unless the Beltane moon has other ideas…

Book cover with 'Have You Seen Sarah Baker?' by T.A. Cruz. Missing person poster on tree in woods.

Have You Seen Sarah Baker?  by T.A. Cruz (Tule Mystery)

Release Date: May 4, 2023

The search is on, but what exactly are the folks of Fulton County hiding?

For five years, high school English teacher Sarah Baker has helplessly watched her marriage become emptier than the bed she crawls into alone each night. But a divorce would leave her in financial ruin, so she stays shackled to the husband who left his vows at the altar.

Then Sarah discovers an escape and takes the ultimate risk, only to find herself chained again—this time in the basement of a remote cabin.

When a grisly teen murder rocks his quiet northwestern town, rough-around-the-edges Sheriff Jeffrey Mills has his hands full identifying the body while facing the mounting pressure of tracking down the missing high school teacher the community is determined to find. In the blink of an eye, a heart attack sidelines him during the search, and Mills faces an impossible choice: skirt the law and lose his one chance for redemption or leave Sarah Baker to her fate.

But one thing is clear: they’re both running out of time.

Four Secrets Kept by H L Marsay (Holiday)

Release Date: May 11, 2023

The Secrets of Hartwell, Book 2

Welcome to Hartwell, an English village full of cobbled streets, ancient curses, and buried secrets.

Although the village may have laid Lord Hanley to rest, his death creates almost as many problems as did his life.

While Lady Lucy Hanley hides in her manor home recovering from her miserable marriage and dodging a stalker, she’s determined to focus on raising her young son and finding ways to make the manor financially viable. Rachel Foxton, who’s long imagined a life away from Hartwell, has her dreams of escape thwarted by a family drama. Dr. Meera Kumar’s budding relationship with the village vet bathes her in a golden glow…until her ex arrives delivering troubling news that threatens everything she’s built. Jo Ormond is convinced she knows what she wants—her detective job back in London—but as she investigates several local crimes that seem linked, including Lord Hanley’s murder, Jo begins to contemplate putting down roots in Hartwell.

Can friends Lucy, Rachel, Meera, and Jo bury the secrets of their own pasts while danger follows them?

Book cover of Lisa Lin's release "The Rachel Experiment". Animation with man and women back-to-back holding hands.

The Rachel Experiment by Lisa Lin (American Heart)

Release Date: May 16, 2023

From Sunset Park, With Love, Book 2

Who knew that one night out would change everything?

As a financial analyst, Rachel Bai is more comfortable with numbers than people. When her boss promotes her to head a team in San Francisco, his message is clear—she has one year to build a successful team and become an effective leader. Rachel sets out to discover how to be more comfortable interacting with people, but a drunken night meant for research results in a mechanical bull ride and a one-night stand with a sexy stranger—definitely not part of her plan.

Attorney Luke Trudeau is intrigued by the mysterious woman who’s determined to put their night together firmly in her rearview mirror. So when Luke sees Rachel again, he proposes a deal: he’ll smooth out her rough social edges and teach her to charm clients if she’ll help him devise a financial plan to open his own practice.

It seems like a win-win, but Luke breaks the rules by falling in love. Can he convince Rachel that what they have is real and, when it comes to love, there are no set rules?

The Summer Wedding Hoax by Jami Rogers (American Heart)

Release Date: May 18, 2023

The Evergreen Brothers, Book 2

There’s nothing fake about this relationship, but that’s news to both of them.

Everything is falling into place for Will Evergreen. In a few short months, he’ll be moving out of his Wyoming hometown to launch his own business and finally step out of his brothers’ shadows. Will’s more than a cute, former whiz kid and will prove it by growing the family enterprise. Then Ava Robertson, the woman he failed to forget, comes crashing back to town. Suddenly, packing up is the last thing on his agenda.

Moving home isn’t the future Ava planned for herself, but when the job market forces her to do just that, she turns to the childhood buddy she left behind. Will isn’t the same boy she remembers. He’s all man now, so when her mother’s idea of moving forward means matchmaking, Ava begs Will to play the role of doting boyfriend.

Will agrees, but he’s keeping a secret. They’ll spend the summer attending weddings and family events as a couple, but he won’t let the one get away again—even if it costs him his future.

The Texas Cowboy’s Rescue by Debra Holt (Texas Born)

Release Date: May 22, 2023

Texas Heritage, Book 3

This charge nurse and helicopter pilot bring a new twist to flight risk…

Single mom Kenzie Calhoun has returned to Burkitt, Texas, and the Aces High Ranch determined to build a loving home. She has a new position as a nurse on an air medical evac team, a house to remodel, and a whip-smart six-year-old daughter to raise. After a disastrous marriage, the walls around her heart are high. There’s no room for another mistake in the romance department.

Major Deke Hayes takes pride in his air evac helicopter service that assists area ranches, including the Aces High, during roundups and predator removal. In his spare time, he flies emergency calls for the local hospital. But his call sign, Lone Wolf, says it all: his trust issues mean he flies through life solo, too.

That is, until precocious Brooke Calhoun, with a penchant for climbing trees and a fondness for sprinkles on cupcakes, can’t help but bring the two adults together with her antics. Will Kenzie and Deke see that sometimes walls have a way of crumbling in the face of second chances?

Spring Break Slaying by Jody Holford (Tule Mystery)

Release Date: May 23, 2023

The Wannabe Sleuth, Book 3

What happens on spring break stays on spring break…except murder.

It’s spring break in Rainbow Falls and true crime aficionado Annie Abbott is hoping to cater to the hoards of college kids descending on her coastal town by hosting a Gatsby-themed murder mystery party. She’s hoping her twenties era whodunnit at a local historic mansion will increase tourist revenue and build her business’s brand.

The party is the talk of the town when a despised social media influencer is attacked and left for dead on the estate’s grounds. With the help of her online friends, Annie searches for clues. The list of suspects reads like the town’s social directory—but who benefits most from the victim’s silence?

Annie’s parents are due home from their year-long adventure, so her time in Rainbow Falls is winding down. With a growing suspect list and tension among her friends, Annie worries about her own future. Should she settle in Rainbow Falls? Do she and Ben, her boyfriend and the town vet, have a future? Will she live long enough to find out?

Cowboy Meets Cowgirl  by Jeannie Watt (Montana Born)

Release Date: May 25, 2023

Return to Keller Ranch, Book 3

This cowgirl has finally met her cowboy match.

Adventurous Em Keller gave her parents more than a few gray hairs before leaving for college. Temporarily back in Marietta, Montana, after ending a disastrous romance, she’s hoping to make the family ranch her home base. She doesn’t have much time to renovate the crumbling, old homestead house, and when Em meets with the only available local contractor, she hits a brick wall. Trace Montero never liked her. Years ago, he even fired her.

Trace grew up scrambling for whatever crumbs he could find for himself and his two younger sisters. But now he’s built a successful contracting business dedicated to helping locals. The last thing he wants is to take a job from a privileged cowgirl who never appreciated what she had, but Trace reluctantly agrees to work on Em’s project. He plans to keep his distance, but Em’s more beautiful and disarming than he remembered.

Plus, Em knows how to work—and she knows how to kiss, too. As their walls come crashing down, can they envision a future with each other?

Stealing Mr. Right by Sinclair Jayne Sawhney (American Heart)

Release Date: May 30, 2023

Misguided Masala Matchmaker, Book 4

She’s found the perfect man…except not for her client.

Budding matchmaker and relationship “expert” Rani Kapoor should be walking on air. She helped find love matches for her cousin and sisters, her dissertation passed, and she’s inked her first book deal. But what if her success comes crashing down? Desperate to prove herself, Rani makes a bet. Using her new scientific method, she’ll find her first official client—her best friend—Mr. Right in time for her cousin’s wedding.

Tech tycoon Jasminder “Jas” Singh just sold his second start-up and is looking for his next challenge—breaking into the lucrative Indian tech market. But Jas lacks family connections and cultural knowledge, so all doors have been slammed in his face. Taking a new approach, Jas reaches out to the “Misguided Masala Matchmaker.” He has no interest in a bride, but he’s not above pretending he does so he can score an invitation to—and make business connections at—the Indian wedding of the season.

The minute Rani meets Jas, she realizes science has failed her again. Yes, the potential groom is perfect—for her.

THE RACHEL EXPERIMENT: Release day blog post featuring Lisa Lin!

May 16, 2023 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Sequel Bait-Or When Secondary Characters Take Over

Book cover of Lisa Lin's release "The Rachel Experiment". Animation with man and women back-to-back holding hands.Experienced romance readers are experts at sniffing out sequel bait. They can tell instantly when a side character-whether it’s the heroine’s best friend, the hero’s brother, or the mysterious widow/single mom who shows up in town with her little girl and catches the eye of the local beloved pediatrician -is destined to get their HEA next in the series. It’s definitely one of my favorite aspects of reading a romance series, trying to figure out whose story is next and the ways the author is laying groundwork for future couples down the line.

As an author, I have enjoyed creating the From Sunset Park, With Love universe and having characters and previous couples pop up in later books. But one of the unexpected  surprises I’ve discovered is how I sometimes don’t have control over those side characters. While writing this series, there were characters who appeared on the page, announced themselves, and took over.  “Hey I’m here! And by the way, I’m getting a book, just so you know.”

Luke and Rachel, the hero and heroine of The Rachel Experiment are a perfect example. We first meet Luke Trudeau near the end of The Year of Cecily when Cecily goes on a blind date in an attempt to move on from Jeffrey. An attempt that fails spectacularly, even as Cecily acknowledges that Luke is funny, handsome, smart, charming, and ticks all the boxes. But as I was writing that scene all I could think was, “Hmmm, he’s such a nice guy and was such a good sport about the blind date. I really should make it up to him.”

Rachel Bai was a character who appeared later on in the editing/revision process as I was writing Cecily. So often, when a heroine in a romance has a nemesis/enemy, the “other woman” is almost always a Mean Girl and awful. Instead, I wanted to turn that trope on its head. What if instead of remaining nemeses, the two women actually became friends? I have to say, the minute Rachel appeared on the page, I fell in love with her. She was so funny, refreshingly blunt and direct, and the scenes between her and Cecily were a joy to write. I immediately thought about a book for her too. 

After The Year of Cecily was done, it was time to figure out whose book was next, and Luke immediately came to mind. At first, I considered pairing him with Adrienne, Cecily’s BFF. But the more I thought about it, the more it didn’t feel right. I kept trying to figure out how their story would work, but it just wouldn’t gel. It wasn’t working. I realized what the problem was-in my mind, Adrienne and Luke were too similar, it would be boring. There was no story there.  Then I thought to myself, “How about Luke and Rachel?” Charming, people person, smooth talker Luke with awkward, blunt, decidedly NOT a people person Rachel? I could just picture those opposites attract sparks flying and I was off to the races. 

The Rachel Experiment wasn’t necessarily an easy book to write-I made some missteps along the way and had to correct course, but in the end, writing Rachel and Luke’s journey to HEA was an incredibly rewarding experience and I’m so happy with how it turned out. I learned a lot and grew as a writer. And one of the main things I learned is that sometimes, if you’re doing your job right, the characters take over and the only thing you can do is buckle up and go along for the ride. I hope you all enjoy Rachel and Luke’s story. Here’s to those secondary characters and sequel bait! 

Are you a fan of series and revisiting characters from previous books or do you prefer the focus remain on the main couple in each book? Are you good at sniffing out “sequel bait” and figuring out who will be paired with whom?

About the Author

Lisa Lin headshot.

Lisa has been an avid romance reader and fan since she read her first Nora Roberts novel at the age of 13 after wandering the aisles of her local bookstore. Lisa loves that romance has the power to inspire, and believes that HEAs are for everyone.

Lisa writes light contemporary romantic comedies with a liberal dash of snark and banter. She enjoys delving into the complexity of Asian and immigrant family experiences, and celebrates female friendships in her trademark dry, witty style. As an Asian-American author writing own voices Asian American stories, Lisa hopes that her books will show the diversity of the Asian-American experience, and the importance of every reader being able to see themselves represented on the page.

Having grown up in Pennsylvania and helping out at her parents’ restaurant, Lisa has never bothered to learn to cook. She has two liberal arts undergraduate degrees and a J.D, and in her former life she was an intern, then Legislative Assistant for a PA State Representative. She also worked as a paralegal at a boutique law firm. Lisa is a politics junkie (don’t get her started on the wonder that is The West Wing!), indulges in naps whenever possible, and believes Netflixing in her pajamas and ordering take out qualifies as the perfect weekend. As a self-described Twitter addict, you can tweet her @laforesta1!

Tule’s 2023 Mother’s Day Recommended Reads

May 12, 2023 · Posted by Tule Publishing

In honor of Mother’s Day, the Tule team has picked out some titles we know you, or a very special mother, will love. Whether you’re looking for sexy or sweet, you’ll be sure to find a Mother’s Day treat!

Four Secrets Kept by H L Marsay

The Secrets of Hartwell, Book 2

Welcome to Hartwell, an English village full of cobbled streets, ancient curses, and buried secrets.

Although the village may have laid Lord Hanley to rest, his death creates almost as many problems as did his life.

While Lady Lucy Hanley hides in her manor home recovering from her miserable marriage and dodging a stalker, she’s determined to focus on raising her young son and finding ways to make the manor financially viable. Rachel Foxton, who’s long imagined a life away from Hartwell, has her dreams of escape thwarted by a family drama. Dr. Meera Kumar’s budding relationship with the village vet bathes her in a golden glow…until her ex arrives delivering troubling news that threatens everything she’s built. Jo Ormond is convinced she knows what she wants—her detective job back in London—but as she investigates several local crimes that seem linked, including Lord Hanley’s murder, Jo begins to contemplate putting down roots in Hartwell.

Can friends Lucy, Rachel, Meera, and Jo bury the secrets of their own pasts while danger follows them?

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Montana Cowboy Bride by Jane Porter

Wyatt Brothers of Montana, Book 6

“I was glued to this one from start to finish. This author’s characters are just well developed and leap off the page. I wanted to be pals with Briar and just give her a hug. The poor girl was a little lost in life. She ended up at the ranch her brother runs with so much heaviness on her shoulders. Through out the story, Briar really grows as a person. She has some help along with the way with Jet, the hero, Miss Warner, the owner of the ranch, and Emma, the housekeeper all giving her a good advice and a chance to shine. This book was probably one of my favorites in the series. Briar and Jet grow closer throughout the story. Jet also has a complicated past with some baggage of his own. These two lost souls spend time growing together. This book was well written with great conflict to keep me devouring it to the end. .” – Lindy, Goodreads

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An Unsuitable Boy by Sinclair Jayne Sawhney

Misguided Masala Matchmaker, Book 3

“An Unsuitable Boy (Misguided Masala Matchmaker Book 3) by Sinclair Jayne Sawhney is without a doubt my favorite of the series. Perhaps it is because the fearless Dhruv Narula finds the respect and love that his family should have given all along. It is hard being the black sheep of the family especially when it is undeserved.” – Paula, Goodreads

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Her Cowboy Baby Daddy by Jeannie Watt

Return to Keller Ranch, Book 2

“This is such an entertaining read and a wonderful addition to this series. I loved reading Spence and Hayley’s story. Spence comes home to help out on the ranch but he is only planning on staying temporary. Hayley wants a baby but doesn’t want a relationship. When these two come together their story is funny, a little emotional with some drama. You do not want to miss this book. It will keep you glued to the pages from start to finish.” – Sherri, Goodreads

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Lola and the Single Dad by Kelly Hunter

Outback Babies, Book 4

“Another wonderful read in this must read series this isn’t the first series set in Wirralong but it has the same lovely small town country feel that all of the series has but this one has something special babies each of the stories revolves around a baby belonging to one of the main characters In this case it is Oliver the baby son of blacksmith Ned who lost his wife at the birth of his son He is slowly getting his life back together with the help of family and friends Then a whirl wind in the shape of Lola Darcy arrives she is an aspiring actress in Wirrlong to visit her godmother There are instant sparks between these two and she soon connects with Oliver as she baby sits him. But can two such opposites have a future You will have to read to see.” – Debbie, Goodreads

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