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  • Daughters of Desire Celebration! New Release, Free and 99¢ Books, and More!

    Daughters of Desire Celebration! New Release, Free and 99¢ Books, and More!

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    New Daughters of Desire Release!

    HIS ONE AND ONLY LADY

     

    Daughters of Desire (Scandalous Ladies), Book 4

    Love comes easily to some. Others have to fight for it…

    Purity Mayfield doesn’t entertain romantic notions. She knows marriage isn’t a possibility and has accepted her lot in life is that of a governess. She’s good at her job, too. So, when she sees a little girl being mistreated by her so-called caretaker, Purity doesn’t hesitate to step in and help. Unfortunately, the girl’s cynical and entirely too attractive father is neither grateful nor impressed by her intervention…

    Theran Rutland had—and lost—one great love. He has no intention of seeking another. So, romance is the last thing on his mind when the beautiful Purity accuses his sister-in-law of abusing his daughter. But when her allegations prove true, Theran offers Purity a governess position. Imagine his surprise when he starts to develop actual feelings for her…

    When all is said and done, Purity and Theran might have a shot at happily ever after. But only if a jealous, vengeful rival and a shocking revelation about Purity’s past don’t ruin everything first…

    Purchase HIS ONE AND ONLY LADY now:

    Amazon

    Free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers

     

    On sale for only 99¢ now!

    A LADY, A KISS, A CHRISTMAS WISH
    Daughters of Desire (Scandalous Ladies), Book 1

    Sometimes you have to take a few risks on the road to happily ever after…

    Purchase A LADY, A KISS, A CHRISTMAS WISH for only 99¢ here!
    Offer good though April 4, 2022

    FREE now!

    NO LADY FOR THE LORD
    Daughters of Desire (Scandalous Ladies), Book 2

    She was only supposed to care for his wards…not fall in love with him.

    Download NO LADY FOR THE LORD for FREE here!
    Offer good though April 4, 2022

     

    On sale for only $1.99 now!

    LOVE LESSONS FOR A LADY
    Daughters of Desire (Scandalous Ladies), Book 3

    Yielding to their hearts’ desires would be oh-so-sweet…and oh-so-dangerous…

    Purchase LOVE LESSONS FOR A LADY for only $1.99 here!
    Offer good though April 4, 2022

     

     

     

     



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  • Sapphic characters with unique nicknames

    Sapphic characters with unique nicknames

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    sapphic characters with unique nicknames

    It’s time for another Micro-Trope category of the Sapphic Book Bingo! This week, we’re covering sapphic characters with unique nicknames.

    For this category, read a sapphic book in which the main characters have special nicknames for each other that no other character uses. It has to be a nickname that is unique to their relationship, not a common endearment like “honey” or “baby.”

     

    15 sapphic characters with unique nicknames

    Below, you’ll find 15 sapphic books in which the characters have unique nicknames for each other:

     

    Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae

    A single text message can change everything!

    Flirting has never been Denny’s strong suit, but so what if she’s too shy to ask women out? She’s content with her simple life, working as a cashier and helping her sister raise her niece.

    But then she gets a wrong-number text message from a stranger named Eliza, asking her of all people for dating advice! Eliza is Denny’s total opposite: witty, outgoing—and straight. Despite their differences, the accidental text sparks an unlikely friendship. Soon, Eliza—self-proclaimed queen of disastrous first dates—would rather banter back and forth with Denny than to keep trying her luck at online dating.

    When they meet in person, there’s an instant connection. But what Eliza is feeling can’t be attraction, right? It doesn’t mean a thing that she’s starting to wish the guys she dates would be more like Denny. Or does it? Can the wrong number lead to the right woman after all?

    Available at:
    Ylva Publishing
    Amazon
    Apple Books
    Audible

     

    Mother of Pearl: A Sapphic Sugar Baby Romance by A.A. Fairview

    The summer has never been so sweet.

    Lydia hadn’t planned to spend the summer poolside. She was supposed to get an internship in the city and spend nights with her girlfriend. Instead she’s single and making minimum wage as a country club lifeguard. Chlorine might dry out her scales, but it’s not all bad.

    At least she can flirt on company time.

    Stephanie is a bombshell mom with a fortune five-hundred job but without a wedding ring. She might have baggage, but it’s designer–and she’s happy to share the wealth with Lydia in exchange for some lessons in fishfolk biology.

    Lydia isn’t sure she’s ready to navigate exes, kids, or even a proper relationship. But summers never last forever. Will this situationship be any different?

    Available at:
    Amazon
    Apple Books

     

    Don’t Quit Your Daydream by Adrian J. Smith

    When Laura Finch’s business partner hires Skylar to bring their company to the next generation, Laura sees red. An obnoxious millennial isn’t someone she wants to work with—they’re known for failing their side hustles. Since Laura gave up everything for Solace Inc to succeed, including her dreams of marriage and family, she’s not willing to risk it on just anyone.

    Skylar Ross vies to succeed in her first big contract and won’t let Laura’s sour personality get in her way. Each day she finds something else intriguing about Laura and all the fronts she puts up. With a dash of humor and hope, Skylar bets on her sunny disposition winning Laura over. What she doesn’t expect is her growing crush on a straight woman to go anywhere.

    Dreams are meant to be scary. What will they risk to make theirs come true?

    Available at:
    Amazon
    Audible

     

    You Are My Sunshine by Anne-Marie Pellow

    Sid’s New Year plan is to hide away in her late mum’s house, finishing the Christmas chocolates. After she’s taken the dog for his early morning walk. In her pyjamas. Who’s to see? It’s a tiny village, and it’s only a quick whizz around the block.

    Julia has a new job working for an estate agent. She’s suited and booted, on her way to a viewing when she turns the corner, and sees a face from the past. The face of the woman she hurt thirty years ago.

    It’s a small community and their paths cross again. Julia wants to explain herself. Sid doesn’t want to listen. But memories of the past won’t go away.

    From enemies to band mates, and icebergs to palm trees, life was a rocky road to negotiate. Three decades on, it’s still a learning curve. But have they mellowed enough to navigate a relationship second time around?

    Available at:
    Amazon

     

    Synchronicity by J.J. Hale

    While running the dance program at a summer camp for neurodivergent kids, Haley Tyne bumps into the mysterious woman who ghosted her after a life-altering date two years ago, and their connection is undeniable. Cal O’Shea took a job at the camp to watch over her sister. She never anticipated seeing the woman who left a beautiful mark on a terrible night in her past.

    When Haley’s dance partner is injured and their end-of-summer show is in jeopardy, Cal steps in, reviving memories from the past better left behind. With passion igniting in stolen moments, their dance becomes more emotional than anticipated. As past and present intertwine, their dance of destiny may bind their hearts or become just another fleeting step in their separate journeys.

    Available at:
    Bold Strokes Books
    Amazon
    Apple Books

     

    Wish Upon a Rainbow Star by Jamey Moody

    Celeste Starr is about to begin a career-defining research project in astronomy when she has an overnight layover in Dallas. Full of too much excitement to sleep, Celeste finds herself in the hotel bar.

    There, the notoriously single, Celeste meets Esse Perkins who has a sweet southern drawl that enchants Celeste with each sultry syllable. The two unlikely strangers find themselves entwined in a night of passion neither will soon forget.

    The next day as Celeste begins a long day of travel to the remote mountains of west Texas, she knows she’ll never see Esse again, but is nonetheless irritated with herself for not at least getting her number.

    As the weather turns this never ending day into a treacherous journey Celeste finds herself not thinking of her beloved stars, but wishing she was once again in the arms of Esse Perkins. At times Celeste doubted she’d make it through the blinding snowstorm when she finally arrived at a rural hotel where the manager’s smiling face welcomed her inside the warm haven.

    Celeste blinked and couldn’t believe her eyes. Esse Perkins! Here? How could it be?

    Available at:
    Amazon

     

    A Marine Discovery by Jax Meyer

    In more than five years together, Marines Cameron Warren and Sharon Rodriguez have weathered every challenge thrown at their relationship — including “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

    But the world changed on September 11, leaving Cam to face civilian life on her own while Sharon deploys to Iraq.

    For seven months, Cam reluctantly faces new challenges: making new friends, supporting those left behind, and realizing for the first time that she’s autistic. Life is hard, but everything returns to normal when Sharon comes home. Right?

    Available at:
    Amazon

     

    The Golden Trinity by Robyn Nyx

    Rayne Marcellus knows what people want, and she’s damn good at getting it. Antiquities is her game, and she’s the best there is, moving in the shadows even as she trades in the light. When an ambitious criminal approaches her to take on a deadlier game than even she’s willing to play, she knows she has to stop him. But she’ll need help… After a previous betrayal, Chase Stinsen doesn’t want anything to do with Rayne. Chase believes archeology is a tool to understand the past in an effort to help the future and has no use for profiting from the finds of history. But when Rayne proposes they track the legendary Golden Trinity, with the added benefit of helping indigenous tribes, she’s hooked. Danger lurks around every corner, and their defenses crumble as they have to depend on one another to survive. If Chase can finally trust Rayne again, she might just end up with more than the gold.

    Available at:
    Amazon

     

    The Shattered Path by Maggie Brown

    Vanessa Templeton, the formidable head of a global media empire, has it all. Until she doesn’t. Her world changes in an instant, tumbling her into the unknown.

    Eden Ford, a renowned photographer, has been travelling the world in her quest for the perfect pictures. She thought she was past finding love, especially on an isolated island in the middle of the sea. That is until Vanessa falls into her world.

    When they meet, the attraction is powerful, but is it real?

    The Shattered Path is a poignant story of love, loss, and the enduring hope that even the most fractured memories can find a way back to the heart where they belong.

    Available at:
    Amazon

     

    On My Way There by Jaycie Morrison

    Maxine Terrell lurches into adulthood madly in love with a woman and her child. Unfortunately, Daphne Polk is someone else’s wife, and her daughter Lena is someone else’s child. But Daphne’s been there for her ever since Max and her father weathered a terrible tragedy, one that’s still whispered about in their small Texas town. After years of hope and heartbreak, and too many lies to count, Max seems poised to settle for the various “friends with benefits” she encounters.

    Unexpectedly wealthy after her father’s death and emotionally adrift with no idea what she really wants from life, Max decides to take to the road and signs up to become a truck driver. During her training in Lubbock, she meets Trillian—“Thrill”—and manages to screw things up from the start. After another chance encounter and a sweet kiss she can’t forget, Max begins to rethink not only what, but who she really wants.

    As Max traverses the open road, her journey of impossible love, loss, and courage mirrors her voyage of self-discovery. But before she can look to the future, she must come to terms with the history she’d rather forget.

    Available at:
    Bold Strokes Books
    Amazon
    Apple Books

     

    Traveller by Caitríona Page

    Ríona isn’t out yet. After her mother passes away, she wants nothing more than to leave her small, rural life but when she finds her perfect escape, she finds the perfect reason to stay.

    After she meets Tomi, the strong, handsome mechanic with a tragic past of her own, she is forced to confront the secret she’s kept to herself, the same secret she’s trying to escape from. Reeling from a brutal heartbreak, the loss of her mother, and the end of a friendship she once thought unbreakable, Ríona has to learn to live her truth.

    A coming of age story about learning to love yourself, and to trust those who call you family.

    Available at:
    Amazon

     

    The Piano in the Tree by Jo Havens

    Sixteen years ago, something terrible kept Polly from meeting her girlfriend at a train station in Berlin. Dreams were shattered. Hearts were broken. Two women continued through life alone.

    Now, Ksenia Tokarycz is obliged to come back to Australia. Sure, she does it in triumph and she does it in style, but a tardy delivery sends her in search of her piano – back to her childhood home, back to the place where Polly Paterson is still just next door.

    High on the escarpment where the summer storms beat their way up the coast and hurl their fury against the sandstone cliffs, a love that never truly died forces two women to come to terms with their scars.

    But there is a curious sound on the breeze. There is music on the breath of the wind. And when Toks sees what has happened to her piano, she fears there is a very strong chance her darling Pearl might be utterly mad.

    Available at:
    Amazon

     

    My Aunt, The Vampire by Autumn Wolff

    Vedalia’s coming out didn’t exactly go as planned. Instead of living the queer life of her dreams, she wound up being kidnapped by a cult run by her grandfather. And after being chained in a basement for a month, things look pretty grim. That is. . . until a mysterious woman breaks her out.

    The woman turns out to be a vampire, and she introduces herself as Vedalia’s estranged aunt Becky. The vampire offers to take her niece in and give her a new life. Eager to escape her grandfather, Vedalia accepts Becky’s offer and soon finds herself the new daughter of a vampire and a witch.

    Starting fresh in Maine, Vedalia meets Becky’s wife, Jazmine. With the help of her new monster family, she begins to put the pieces of her life back together: starting her senior year of high school, making new friends, and even dating a mysterious girl with a few secrets of her own.

    Jazmine and Becky give their niece the free, queer life she’s always wanted. And it isn’t long before she’s fully immersed in a life of supernatural adventure.

    But the shadow of Vedalia’s grandfather stretches far across the country. Between monster hunters and the cult Vedalia narrowly escaped, the teen soon realizes she’ll have to fight to keep the new life she’s been given. Of course, she won’t be alone. And she might not be entirely human once everything is said and done.

    Available at:
    Amazon
    Apple Books
    Audible

     

    Unworthy by J.A. Vodvarka

    Nyssa Blacksea is eager to silence her doubters. The only warrior in her guild without magick, she’s forced to rely solely on her martial arts mastery, unwavering confidence, and charisma. When given the chance to hunt down a mysterious woman named Quinn, and earn the coveted title of Ashcloak, Nyssa seizes the opportunity. Track down a fugitive? An easy task.

    There’s just one problem—Quinn isn’t receptive to Nyssa’s charms and refuses to go down without a fight. Dangerous secrets swirl around Quinn and a treacherous guild leader, rattling Nyssa’s faith in the very system that raised her.

    Though troubled by the sinking feeling she’s not meant to survive the mission, Nyssa confronts the dangers awaiting her, clashing with pirates, assassins, and undead horrors. Duty pulls her in one direction, but a strange, undeniable spark of connection draws her towards Quinn. With only her heart and code of honor to guide her, Nyssa risks death to stay true to herself.

    Available at:
    Amazon
    Audible

     

    Clean by Simonetta Pastorini

    Pop star Sydney Grant has it all—money, fame, and a long line of gorgeous exes. Yet beneath the polished facade lies a woman haunted by a lost love and increasingly consumed by lies, mistakes, and loneliness. Fame demands everything from Sydney—her privacy, peace of mind, and, it seems, her very soul. Struggling to reconcile the public’s image of her with her true self, she drowns in a dangerous cocktail of drugs and self-loathing.

    Then she meets Haley Butler, a rising actress with a heart still unscarred by the darker side of fame. Haley’s honesty and warmth shake Sydney in ways she never expected, sparking a rare, electric connection. But Sydney’s terrified of letting anyone in too close. Pushing Haley away seems the only way to keep her safe from Sydney’s darkness, even if it means giving up the only chance at love and happiness.

    Can Sydney break free from her destructive habits and open herself to a real love she’s always doubted she deserves, or will her demons destroy everything she holds dear?

    Available at:
    Amazon

     

    Leave a comment

    What book will you be reading for the “sapphic characters with unique nicknames” category? Let us know in the comments!

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  • The Heart of a Hero by Susan May Warren

    The Heart of a Hero by Susan May Warren

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    Our Review

    THE HEART OF A HERO is the second book in the Global Search and Rescue series and it did not disappoint. My adrenaline was high and my heart was racing as the story unfolded in different locales. Set in Minnesota, the Florida Keys, Russia, and Italy, there were many plot lines woven nicely together. The descriptions made me feel like I was there.

    In THE HEART OF A HERO, Aria and Jake take one step forward and many more back as their paths cross over and over again. They never seem to be on the same page at the same time as they deal with many perils, including hurricanes, people they befriend, injuries, illnesses, escaped inmates, and more.

    There are so many twists and turns to the story, and every detail is important—whether currently or sometime in the future. We meet up with many of the characters we met before in Alaska (in the previous book) and even when they’re not at the forefront, their stories are important. It was nice seeing how their lives were panning out once they left Alaska. The ending, while surprising, leads us into the next book in the series, THE PRICE OF VALOR, and I can’t wait to read it.

    If you like action and adventure stories with mystery and romance set in various locales, pick up this book. You’ll be glad you did.

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  • Comanche Cowboy by Georgina Gentry

    Comanche Cowboy by Georgina Gentry

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    Comanche Cowboy by Georgina Gentry follows the captivating journey of a man and a woman against the backdrop of the Old West.

    historical romance review

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Sweet Savage Flame earns a small percentage from qualifying purchases.

    Comanche Cowboy by Georgina Gentry
    Rating: four-half-stars
    Published: 1988
    Illustrator: Diane Sivavec
    Imprint or Line: Zebra Lovegram
    Book Series: Panorama of the Old West #3
    Published by: Kensington
    Genres: Historical Romance, Western Romance
    Pages: 512
    Format: Paperback
    Buy on: AmazonAbeBooks
    Reviewed by: Blue Falcon

    Historical Romance Review: Comanche Cowboy by Georgina Gentry

    The Book

    This is a review of Comanche Cowboy, book #3, in Georgina Gentry’s “Panorama of the Old West” series.

    A reminder: although the books in the series are in numerical order, they are not in chronological order. Seeds of storylines that begin in this book will be picked up in future novels, but not necessarily in the following book.

    The Plot

    Comanche Cowboy begins in Wichita, Kansas, in late June 1874. This book’s heroine, Cayenne Carol McBride—or, as her younger sisters call her, Cee-Cee—is trying to return home to Texas as her family is in major trouble.

    The problem is that the simmering tension between whites and Indians is reaching a boiling point, and it’s very dangerous.

    She decides to hire Maverick Durango, the hero of the book, to accompany her. Cayenne offers him all her money: $18.25. Maverick refuses.

    She offers him herself. Maverick takes her up on that offer! Cayenne thinks Maverick is going to marry her; he doesn’t see things that way. He rapes her, but then they become lovers.

    Cayenne doesn’t explain to Maverick the real reason she wants to hire him, but once he discovers her father is Jim McBride, Maverick agrees to escort her. As they make their way to Texas, they face many perils: bandits, Comancheros, and Indians. We also learn what trouble Cayenne’s family is in and why Maverick is so interested in going to see Jim McBride.

    The scene then shifts to McBride, Texas (the town is named after Jim, who is considered a local hero).

    Final confrontations happen, and truths are revealed. In the end, Cayenne and Maverick marry and have a daughter. And as the book closes, the seeds for future stories are planted as they have their “Happily Ever After” ending.

    The Upside

    The best books make me feel like I’m watching the characters’ lives play out in front of me rather than reading words. This is the case with Comanche Cowboy.

    Like Rosanne Bittner, an author whose work I admire, Ms. Gentry has written a highly complex, emotional book centered around three primary characters: Cayenne, Maverick, and Jim.

    Unusually, the characters with the most depth are Maverick and Jim, two men who don’t meet until the end of the book but who have many threads that connect them to each other. Both men made–and are making–decisions that will affect their lives as well as Cayenne’s. The result is a very emotionally rich book.

    Ms. Gentry does a great deal of research into her subjects. She also includes a list of some of her source material in the back of the book. Ms. Gentry’s research shows as she seamlessly weaves her fictional characters with real-life figures from history.

    The Downside

    Like Ms. Bittner’s work, Ms. Gentry’s is both violent and misogynistic. I found myself having mixed feelings toward Cayenne and Maverick. Cayenne because I didn’t agree with some of her views. As for Maverick, he was an unheroic hero because he raped Cayenne twice.

    Sex

    There are multiple love scenes between Cayenne and Maverick. Some are fairly hot and different (different positions and acts than typically found in romance novels, which I like).

    Heat Level

    Sensual Heat Level
    Sensual Heat Level

    Violence

    In addition to Maverick’s violations of Cayenne, there are multiple scenes of assault, battery, rape, shootings, and killings. While most of the violence is not graphic, there are some scenes that would be at home in an adult Western.

    Bottom Line on Comanche Cowboy

    In many ways, Comanche Cowboy by Georgina Gentry is reminiscent of classic Western movies. Even though Westerns aren’t “in” right now, this would be a great novel to adapt into a film.

    Comanche Cowboy won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but those who love books with depth and a somewhat anti-hero hero will find much to like here.

    Rating Report Card
    Plot

    4.5

    Characters

    4.5

    Writing

    5

    Chemistry

    5

    Fun Factor

    4.5

    Cover

    4.5

    Overall: 4.7

    Synopsis

    REDSKINNED SNAKE
    Feisty, stubborn Cayenne McBride just had to get to her sick daddy’s Texas ranch where some lowdown outlaws had holed up. And after she met the big, fearless half-breed Maverick Durango, she knew he’d be the perfect guide. But when the towering trail-boss demanded her innocence in exchange for his protection, the Lone Star lovely agreed, plotting all along to use him as bait for the gun-toughs at the end of the road. Then Cayenne fell in love with her tormentor–with no way out of sacrificing his life so she could save her Pa’s!

    REDHEADED SIREN
    Onyx-haired Maverick Durango could’ve whooped with joy when he discovered that the spirited, sexy gal who’d hired him was his old enemy’s daughter. The hot-blooded ranchhand would slake ins lust with the wench, then do in her father to complete his revenge. But Maverick never figured that way before they reached their destination he’d become obsessed with the supple spitfire–yet have no choice but to fulfill his lifelong plan. All he craved now were Cayenne’s lips, Cayenne’s laugh, Cayenne’s love…and all he ever wanted to be was her everlasting Comanche Cowboy

    Comanche Cowboy by Georgina Gentry

    Let Us Know Your Opinion!

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  • How Far into North America did Vikings go? Part 2 – Gina Conkle

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    Letter from a king

    In 1354, King Magnus Eriksson of Sweden wrote a letter, ordering his officer, Paul Knutsson, to lead an expedition to Greenland. The king wanted Knutsson to look into reports of Greenland’s people (his subjects) turning away from Christianity.

    Some think Knutsson may have missed Greenland and landed in North America (or he went after renegade Greenlanders and found himself in North America). Records are scant on this period in Norway’s history because of much turmoil. Because Norway was in upheaval, there are no clear records Knutssson’s ship set sail, but we do have the king’s letter.

    Looking at other sources, we have Dutch cartographer Gerardus Mercator’s 1577 letter written to John Dee (scholar and advisor to Queen Elizabeth). Mercator shared that he’d learned of eight men who returned to Norway in 1364. One of them, a priest, handed the Norwegian king extensive geographical information on Arctic Islands.

    Could these eight men have been survivors of Knutsson’s voyage? Norwegian men who wandered further south into North America?

    Records dating 1364 and onward, corroborate priest Ivar Bardsson in Norway, listing him as living previously in Greenland.

    Next week, I’ll share the possible waterway, the Norse Crusader Theory, and the Battle of Visby Theory for Vikings in North America.

    Until then, tell me what you think about what was shared today.

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  • Covers of the Week #131: Steve Holland

    Covers of the Week #131: Steve Holland

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    Sweet Savage Flame’s Covers of the Week #131 showcases some vintage romance novel covers featuring the legendary model Steve Holland.

    Covers of the Week #131 model Steve Holland

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Sweet Savage Flame earns a small percentage from qualifying purchases.

    Theme: Cover Model Steve Holland

    Covers of Week #131 shows off four vintage romances with the famous “illustrator’s model,” Steve Holland. Holland was a 20th-century icon who modeled for comics, magazines, pulps, and mass-market paperbacks.

    Steve Holland was more than just a model; he was a phenomenon. Beginning in the 1950s, his career spanned decades, and he became a fixture on bookshelves everywhere.

    With thousands of covers bearing his face and form, there is no genre with which he is not associated.

    Holland’s ability to convey both strength and sensitivity through a single expression made him the ideal hero for these sweeping romantic adventures. His legacy is etched not just in the annals of modeling but also in the hearts of romance readers who adored the characters he portrayed.

    I remember him as a fireman on posters in my old elementary school.

    The Covers

    Known for his intense gaze and powerful build, Steve Holland was more than just a handsome face; he was a muse for artists and a fantasy for readers.

    For the week of January 29, 2024, to February 5, 2024, we highlight four romance novel covers featuring the legendary cover model.

    Jill Nolan, Surgical Nurse, Adeline McElfresh, Dell, Steve Holland model
    Jill Nolan, Surgical Nurse; Adeline McElfresh, Dell, 1962, artist TBD
    Firebrand, Ann Forman Barron, Lou Marchetti cover art, Steve Holland model
    Firebrand, Ann Forman Barron, Fawcett, 1977, Lou Marchetti cover art
    My Love an Alter, Joan Sargent, Ace, Bob Schinella cover art, Steve Holland model
    My Love an Altar, Joan Sargent, Ace, Bob Schinella 1963 cover art
    Nora Was a Nurse, Peggy Gaddis, Steve Holland model
    Nora Was a Nurse, Peggy Gaddis, McFadden Books, 1962, artist TBD

    Your Opinion

    What do you think of this week’s covers? Are you familiar with Steve Holland’s covers, or was he before your time?

    Which of our selections do you like the best, and what about them appeals to you?

    Do you have suggestions or requests for future Covers of the Week themes you’d like to see on Sweet Savage Flame? Let us know, and we’ll do our best to create a gallery of stunning art!

    Please drop a comment, and let’s talk romance.

    Let Us Know Your Opinion!

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  • Three Ways Viking Women Showed Their Power – Gina Conkle

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    Or Speak softly and carry an iron staff

    Viking witches (in Old Norse – volva singular, volur plural) were largely women. A small number of men took on the role but they were looked down on as effeminate.

    Unlike a seer, a volva wandered from settlement to settlement, and they weren’t always welcome. Sometimes Viking people met them with rocks and shouts to leave. This was because they didn’t want trouble. A volva (who could also be a seer) was paid to cast spells and speak curses. A Viking could pay the volva to rain tribulation on an enemy’s head. That’s bad if your neighbor doesn’t like you, and even worse when a settlement gets caught up in strife.

    The volva often traveled with a staff, such as the iron staff (wand) pictured above. In this case, the wand was bent at the end, like some Viking swords, to remove its power after the volva died.

    While this wand is iron, many have copper and bronze alloy tips. Why does that matter? Because when copper is put to fire, it turns the flame green.

    There’s nothing like messing with the elements to wow the locals.

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  • Audiobook Flash Sale – Cougar Creek Mates Shifter Romance Series – Only $3.99 Each – Felicity Heaton

    Audiobook Flash Sale – Cougar Creek Mates Shifter Romance Series – Only $3.99 Each – Felicity Heaton

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    My Cougar Creek Mates shifter romance series is having a flash sale at Chirp, Barnes and Noble, Apple and Google Play. All four books in this complete paranormal romance series are currently only $3.99 each until August 2nd.

    Claimed by her Cougar
    ➡️ Chirp
    ➡️ Barnes and Noble
    ➡️ Apple US
    ➡️ Apple UK
    ➡️ Apple Canada
    ➡️ Apple Australia
    ➡️ Google Play

    Captured by her Cougar
    ➡️ Chirp
    ➡️ Barnes and Noble
    ➡️ Apple US
    ➡️ Apple UK
    ➡️ Apple Canada
    ➡️ Apple Australia
    ➡️ Google Play

    Courted by her Cougar
    ➡️ Chirp
    ➡️ Barnes and Noble
    ➡️ Apple US
    ➡️ Apple UK
    ➡️ Apple Canada
    ➡️ Apple Australia
    ➡️ Google Play

    Craved by her Cougar
    ➡️ Chirp
    ➡️ Barnes and Noble
    ➡️ Apple US
    ➡️ Apple UK
    ➡️ Apple Canada
    ➡️ Apple Australia
    ➡️ Google Play

     

    About Felicity Heaton

    I’m a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books as Felicity Heaton and F E Heaton. In my books I create detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you’re a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, Larissa Ione, Kresley Cole, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will love my books too.



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  • Park It: Why We Bought a Class B Van

    Park It: Why We Bought a Class B Van

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    A Class B Van parked in the Redwoods with the caption: Why We Bought a Class B Van

    I’m a confessed national park geek who dreams of visiting every NPS site. But unfortunately, I’m also a wimp when it comes to tent camping. When my husband and I started looking into RV life, we discussed many different options from adorable mini teardrop trailers to fifth wheels, massive class A rigs, class C motorhomes, the class B van, and everything else we could find. To help us in our search, we made a list of our top priorities:

    1. A bathroom. I know many people are content with portapotties or (shudder) digging cat holes, but I like to have my own toilet and shower.
    2. A bed. Getting good sleep is important. In many smaller RVs, the table converts to a bed and vice versa, but we thought that sounded like a hassle.
    3. A comfortable place to work. (See the previous point!) I’m an author who writes novels set in national parks, and I plan to take my work with me so I don’t miss any deadlines.
    4. Easy to drive
    5. Easy to park
    6. Can camp anywhere–whether or not RV hookups are available.
    7. Bonus: Space for a guest or two to join us.

    We found everything we needed in the Class B vans. They’re simple to drive and take up about the same space as a large pickup truck. We wouldn’t have to tow anything, and could still park in most regular parking spaces. But when we got serious about shopping, sticker shock gave us pause. These vans rivaled the price of our first home! Trailers were so much cheaper. Seriously. So. much. cheaper. Were we crazy to do this?

    It took many months to get ourselves past this hurdle. Eventually, the allure of the open road and family trips won out. A trailer would tick some of our boxes, but not all. Plus, we’d have to buy a vehicle capable of towing one, an additional expense.

    After touring multiple vans and comparing prices, options, and features, we settled on a Winnebago Solis 59PX. It has a murphy bed with storage above and below, a separate dining/seating area, a wet bath (albeit TINY), a galley kitchen, a generator, and AC (for the dogs, of course). One thing that drew us to the Solis was the pop top. Our kids are in their twenties and might like to join us on the occasional trip, so we liked the idea of having a guest room (or tree house as I’ve started calling it). I’ve also found that opening the top when we’re parked gives us additional light and ventilation–always a plus! We’ve named her Jiffy Pop.

    So far, my husband and I have taken Jiffy on several weekend camping trips around the Northwest, my daughter and I traveled down to the Redwoods for a mother/daughter research trip, and this fall Steve & I packed up the dogs and drove to Utah to visit three more national parks. I love that we can fit in small NPS campsites and road turnouts for trailheads. You just can’t beat that.

    I’ve also found the van incredibly convenient for visiting my mom in her memory care facility. I was regularly spending over $200 a night for a hotel, but now I’ve gotten permission to camp in their parking lot. Steve’s also been able to participate in various tribal events that require an overnight stay. And this week, I sneaked away for a writing retreat at Belknap Hot Springs. *Sigh!* So quiet!

    Next week, I’m trying it out at a writing conference, instead of staying in the conference center lodge. Since I have unusual dietary needs, it’ll be handy to have a kitchen where I can throw together quick meals if needed.

    We’re looking forward to exploring more with Jiffy this summer. If you have suggestions for places we should visit, feel free to leave them in the comments. I’d love to hear your recommendations.

    Also, if you love seeing van photos, check out our gallery below or check out @JiffyPopVan on Instagram. Happy travels!



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  • “Engaging, intriguing, romantic.” Daughters of Desire Book Four Out Now!

    “Engaging, intriguing, romantic.” Daughters of Desire Book Four Out Now!

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    New Release and Series Sale including a freebie!

    How are things with you as we head into April? I’ve started the month with double celebrations, and that means a series sale for you!

    April 2nd is my 39th wedding anniversary. I’ve shared tidbits about my whirlwind romance before. My husband asked me to marry him three weeks after we met on a blind date my sister arranged. Fourteen months later, we were married.

    HIS ONE AND ONLY LADY, Daughters of Desire: Scandalous Ladies Book 4, released March 30th. It’s a love at first sight story with a pinch of intrigue and a dash of inspiration. Because I appreciate you so much, I’ve extended the discounted pre-order price for another week! 💙
    >> Read More Here

     



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