Since today is all about watching the big game, here’s a little Viv trivia for you: I love sports movies! I even love sports movies about sports that I don’t ever watch in real life… Which, frankly, includes most sports, other than college football (Go IRISH!) and Olympic curling (it looks so fun!).
And since we’re all about romance here, I have to say that I also love sports romance. Which I didn’t know until the mid-90s when I’d read It Had to Be You, the first of Susan Elizabeth Phillips Chicago Stars series. I was HOOKED! Come to think of it, I might just have to grab my copy off the keeper shelf and dive in again.
Of course, I’m always looking for another great sports romance (or really any great romance). So, if you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear them!
By the way, who are you rooting for today?
In a recent phone call with my dad, our conversation meandered as it usually does, flowing from one topic to another like the familiar winding path of a creek over smooth stones. We talked of food, empty nesting and household chores that neither of us had gotten around to. He shared some old fishing tales and reminisced of his boyhood on the farm with his seven brothers and two sisters. We talked of music we love, both of us wishing we’d inherited his father’s talent for it. And we talked about dancing and how much his father had enjoyed trying to foxtrot with my grandma, who—according to my dad—didn’t share Grandpa’s sense of rhythm.
With a wry laugh, my dad added that he supposed he must have inherited his dancing skills and music ability from her.
I told him that I wasn’t sure if I had any talent for music, even though he reminded me that I used to play the piano by ear when I was little. As for dancing, aside from square dancing in elementary school gym class, the jr. high shuffle, and a lesson at a historical romance retreat in Spokane, I hadn’t really learned to dance. So who knew if I was any good at it?
I shrugged on my end of the call. Then I admitted with a laugh of my own, that ability or lack thereof didn’t stop me from trying. I take daily “dance breaks,” as I call them, turning up the music in my kitchen and just letting loose. And probably mortifying any neighbors who might spot me through the window.
But I don’t let that stop me. Science supports this practice, after all. When we listen to music and move our bodies, our brains release all the feel-good chemicals that are important to our overall health and wellness.
Then, with the curl of a smile tucked into my dad’s voice, he admitted that he liked to shimmy and slide his socks over the hardwood floor, too, giving his own neighbors something to talk about.
But I’d like to think that all of us are in our kitchens, dancing like no one’s watching. 🙂
I’m in the midst of writing a fun new series. Did I mention it was a series? Well, it is. And since I promised to give you updates, I thought I’d share part of my writing process.
For almost every book I’ve written, I have a playlist of songs that keep my mind centered in the story. And in every playlist, there’s one song that leads the pack. For my current WIP, that song is “All the Ways” by The Secret Sisters (ft. Ray LaMontagne).
Happy St. Nicholas Day! This was always one of my favorite days of the year when I was a kid. I’d usually wake up to find an orange and a ruby red grapefruit, along with a peppermint stick as big as my tibia sticking out of my winter boots.
Then, many years later, I decided to get married on this day. But that didn’t turn out so well (read: understatement of the century).
So today I decided to do something special, just for me. I spent the day away from my computer and took a drive out of town. Then I hit my favorite Starbucks and grabbed a grande chai with whip (because, hey, I’m worth it). I also did a little shopping (and a little bookstalking) at my favorite B&N. I even bought myself a little something. And I must say, I was an exceptional date (plus, I have great taste in music)!
Now I’m home and binge-watching the holiday episodes of The Great British Baking Show and falling in love with my peaceful life.
And I’m wishing everyone a glorious day that renews your spirit. Because you deserve it
I want to thank each and every one of you for your overwhelming enthusiasm over THE TROUBLE WITH INVENTING A VISCOUNT. It means the world to me! And I’m thrilled to tell you that Oscar and Honoria’s story is already on its second printing!
So if you haven’t had the chance to read THE TROUBLE WITH INVENTING A VISCOUNT yet or haven’t been able to find a copy, fear not. More books are on the way to your favorite bookstores!
BOOK SIGNING NEWS:
Last week, after enjoying a wonderful stay in Dallas for the Buns and Roses Tea for Literacy, I returned to Indiana to find my small town bursting with autumn colors. It was a spectacular welcome home! And I wish you could see it in all its glory… Which brings me to some book signing news.
My local library will be hosting an Author Fair this coming Saturday, November 2nd. I’ll be in attendance, along with my fellow local authors, and would love to chat with you and sign any books you might have.
So, if you happen to be in or around the Northern Indiana area, please drop by and see our newly remodeled library. It’s absolutely gorgeous inside!
Thank you for welcoming my books into your hearts and homes. Your love and support, not to mention your comments, emails and reviews have meant so much to me over the years. You’ll find that my next book, THIS MUCH IS TRUE (available 6/24/2025) is dedicated to each of you. <3
Althea Hartley has lost her spark. As the youngest daughter of an eccentric family, playwrighting is in her blood. But two failed Seasons have left her disenchanted. In desperate need of inspiration, she takes matters into her own hands by creating a tale of a dashing highwayman. What could possibly go wrong?
But her stories prove to be a little too true for the actual highwayman living beneath the tons’ nose.
Jasper Trueblood, Viscount St. James, needs to put an end to the bewitching Miss Hartley’s incriminating tales. Society can never suspect that he isn’t the clumsy oaf he pretends to be. Or that, under the cover of darkness, he greets scoundrels and lightens their purses. Not too much. Just enough to keep those closest to him safe from his menacing uncle.
Then sparks fly when this unlikely pair meets one perfect night. And while she is eager to unmask him, he is determined to stay hidden. But there’s no denying the chemistry that neither of them are able to resist…
The only thing for certain is that Thea needs to guard her heart before the highwayman steals it.
THIS MUCH IS TRUE will be on sale next summer! More pre-order links to come!
THE TROUBLE WITH INVENTING A VISCOUNT is finally here! And I am so excited to share this book with you!
In case you haven’t yet read the back cover blurb, here it is:
Honoria Hartley enjoys flirting far too much to consider marrying. And besides, she’s been betrothed since birth to the long-lost Viscount Vandemere. But no one has actually ever met the viscount and, without an heir, the title will soon become extinct. So she’s willing to do anything to keep her viscount alive, even if she has to invent him herself.
Oscar Flint is a first-rate gambler. Estranged from his father’s side of the family his entire life, he grew up beneath the tutelage of a legendary con artist. There isn’t anyone who could pull the wool over his eyes. Not until he crosses paths with Honoria. Losing to her puts him in a bind… Until he remembers her story about a lost heir to a viscountcy. An heir that no one has ever met. Not yet, anyway.
When Oscar arrives on Honoria’s doorstep, claiming to be Vandemere, she is thrown for a loop. This rogue is not her viscount. The only problem is, he’s quite convincing, and when he kisses her, the line between the lie and the truth becomes hazy in all the steam they create. Honoria refuses to gamble with her heart. But Oscar has never played by the rules and he’s determined to win, no matter the cost.
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I had so much fun writing this book that I actually came up with a recipe for the shortbread that Oscar simply can’t resist. Be sure to open the newsletter I sent to find your recipe card.
THE TROUBLE WITH INVENTING A VISCOUNT hits shelves next week! And I can’t wait to share Honoria and Oscar’s story with you!
So, with that said, I’m sharing a snippet with you. Enjoy!
Excerpt from THE TROUBLE WITH INVENTING A VISCOUNT:
He hopped down from the stage and turned for Honoria. Without thought, he set his hands on her waist to help her down. She opened her mouth as if to argue—after all, they both knew he wasn’t the chivalrous sort—but then relented and placed her hands on his shoulders instead.
They stood eye to eye, her face framed by the stars just winking into existence through the indigo of twilight. “I remember a night sky similar to this in Paris.”
“I’m surprised you recall it at all.”
“Such a peevish tone, Signore. Is this about that make-believe kiss again?” At the mention, he could swear he saw the first curls of steam coming out of her ears. “Apparently, this is a rather sore point. Very well. If it will make you feel better, I will let you refresh my memory.”
He slid her forward, taking his time to lower her feet to the ground. And she surprised him by staying close, lightly tracing the edge of his jaw with her fingertips and sending a shower of tingles over his skin.
“I’ve been thinking about that,” she purred, looking at him through heavy lashes in a way that made his blood thicken.
His grip tightened on her narrow waist. “Have you?”
“Mmm-hmm,” she hummed. And when she sank her top teeth into the plump flesh of her bottom lip, he nearly groaned.
He wanted that lip. Wanted to take it between his teeth, then take her mouth in a slow, thorough kiss. That would be the perfect ending to this surprising day. He was even willing to lose this round to her, to be the first one to concede.
But it seemed like he wouldn’t have to, after all. Because she rose up on her toes and laid her finger against his lips, brushing softly back and forth. “And I think that you’re right.”
“I am?” His reply was hoarse and barely audible, his throat going dry when her hand slid to his nape. A warm shiver darted down his spine, pooling low. Every single part of him was focused on one thing—wanting her mouth beneath his.
“That kiss,” she whispered, her sweet breath teasing the surface of his skin, making him ache with hunger, “never happened. Just. Like. This. One.”
Abruptly, she lowered to her heels. Then she left him there, tongue-tied and more aroused than he remembered ever being. And all from a kiss that never happened.
Bloody hell.
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THE TROUBLE WITH INVENTING A VISCOUNT, on sale 9/24
