Saurday Books by Joanie MacNeil are featured today on Saturday's Blurbs #BWLAuthor #Honorable Men #romance #contemporary

 

His Secret Promise – Book 3: Honorable Men: The Australians – Jared

Ex-soldier Jared O’Connell craves forgiveness from his childhood friend for the death of her brother in Afghanistan. To get himself emotionally fit before he reconnects with Mardi, he relocates to the coast to renovate his family home.

Mardi James can almost taste success. Her world crumbles following an alleged assault resulting in partial memory loss which may end her long-term career plans. Recovering at her family’s coastal holiday home, she is approached by a man who apparently knows her, and calls her by name.

Jared is devastated when Mardi doesn’t know who he is. An opportunity to seek her forgiveness and move on with his life appears lost to him.

His Secret Promise (books2read.com)

 

A Sense of Duty –  Book 2: Honorable Men: The Scots – Regan

Carefree and used to a nomadic lifestyle, Regan MacInnes returns to Braemar, Scotland to get to know his eighteen-year-old daughter...a daughter he didn’t know existed.

What he doesn't count on is being bewitched by Australian widow Hannah Lindsay. Hannah has no room for a man in her life. Her goal is to sell the bed and breakfast, her late husband's dream, and move back to Australia to be with her family. She is so focused on her plan that not even the likes of handsome and charismatic Regan MacInnes can stand in her way.

A Sense of Duty (books2read.com)

 

A Traditional Affair –  Book 1: Honorable Men: The Scots –  Galen

Within the imposing halls of historic Carabrae, Scotland, Australian Kate Fielding finds herself caught in an unusual love triangle. 

Dark and dominating, traditional Scot Galen MacBain is intrigued by the outspoken young woman who stirs both his demons and his passions. Marriage to Kate would provide him with an heir and a father for her child. Kate cannot accept Galen’s convenient proposal. Though her baby would inherit the wealthy MacBain estate, her marriage to Galen would be for the wrong reasons.

Their lives are pitched together in a push and pull search for love, trust and family values. Will this modern and determined young woman resist the temptation to accept Galen's proposal of marriage?

A Traditional Affair (books2read.com)

 

 

Friday Joanie MacNeil is Visiting and talking about a Featured Book #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #romance #Honorable Men #Australia

 1.      Tell me about your latest release or the book you wish to feature? Genre?

 

His Secret Promise - Book 3 in the Honorable Men series - is my tenth published novel, and my first brand new novel in some time. Unlike the first two books in the series,  this story is set on the Sapphire Coast, south of Sydney, Australia.

 

2.      Where did the idea arise?

Too many years ago, I had the idea to write a story of a soldier wishing to reconnect with his life in Australia following his tour of Afghanistan. While including some of his personal battles and how he dealt with them, I focused more on the romance rather than the trauma of his situation. My heroine was also dealing with a personal trauma of her own.

 

3.      How much research was involved? Did you stay on point or be distracted by wanting to look at just one more thing?

 

I found some old newspapers which contained heart-wrenching stories of incidents where soldiers lost their mates. These gave me an insight into their emotions and what life was like for them on their return to civilian life. I was browsing through a bookshop and found a coffee table book with a range of photos taken in Afghanistan, and these helped with the scenic settings.

 

4.      How long did you take to write the book?

 

Too long, unfortunately. It wasn’t an easy story to write, especially as I wanted to find the right balance of emotions in the telling. I had a good idea of the hero, but had to work at creating a suitable heroine who didn’t come across as being too weak. Once I realized that, she became a little easier to work with.

 

5.      Now a bit about you. How long have you been writing? What is your Sun Sign?

 

I began writing in the mid-1990s. My first book was e-published on a floppy disc early in 1999, when e-publishing was a fledgling industry. Look how far it’s come! I had more books published in the following years, but lost my way with my writing career for about ten years, though never wanted to let it go. Must have been my stubborn streak. I’d always anticipated I’d be back. In August 2014, Books We Love published two of my previously published novels, No Boundaries and December Heat Wave.

 

A Traditional Affair and A Sense of Duty are the last of my earlier novels now published by BWL Publishing Inc. These are the first two novels in my Honorable Men series, and are set in Scotland.

 

My Sun Sign is Cancer. My birthday is 22 July, so depending on which horoscope I read, I may be a Leo. I usually read both horoscopes, out of curiosity. There are occasions when one seems closer to what’s happening in my life  than the other…or neither are at all relevant. I did read my horoscope years ago after a major upheaval in my life. I couldn’t believe how much it related to me.

 

 

6.      Do you write in a number of genres or stick to one?

 

Contemporary romance is my favorite genre to write. I’ve written a few novellas/short stories in this genre as well as my novels, plus one short story leaning towards science fiction. That was fun to write.

 

7.      Where on the internet can you be found?

 

www.joaniemacneil.com

https://www.facebook.com/romanceauthorjoaniemacneil/

https://www.instagram.com/joanie_macneil_romance_author/

https://www.pinterest.com.au/joaniemacneil/romance-author-joanie-macneil/

https://twitter.com/JoanieMacneil

 

 

Books by Joanie MacNeil are featured on Saturday's Blurbs #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Scotland #Men of Honor

 

A Sense of Duty - Book 2: Honorable Men: The Scots - Regan

Carefree and used to a nomadic lifestyle, Regan MacInnes returns to Braemar, Scotland to get to know his eighteen-year-old daughter...a daughter he didn’t know existed.

What he doesn't count on is being bewitched by Australian widow Hannah Lindsay. Hannah has no room for a man in her life. Her goal is to sell the bed and breakfast, her late husband's dream, and move back to Australia to be with her family. She is so focused on her plan that not even the likes of handsome and charismatic Regan MacInnes can stand in her way.

https://books2read.com/A-Sense-of-Duty

 

 

A Traditional Affair - Book 1: Honorable Men: The Scots – Galen

Within the imposing halls of historic Carabrae, Scotland, Australian Kate Fielding finds herself caught in an unusual love triangle. 

 

Dark and dominating, traditional Scot Galen MacBain is intrigued by the outspoken young woman who stirs both his demons and his passions. Marriage to Kate would provide him with an heir and a father for her child. Kate cannot accept Galen’s convenient proposal. Though her baby would inherit the wealthy MacBain estate, her marriage to Galen would be for the wrong reasons.

 

Their lives are pitched together in a push and pull search for love, trust and family values. Will this modern and determined young woman resist the temptation to accept Galen's proposal of marriage?

https://books2read.com/A-Traditional-Affair

 

No Boundaries

Paige Delaney is more woman than Jack Shannon wants in his life, though he needs her award winning skills in web design.

Paige believes her sexy new boss thinks he's God's gift to woman.

Both are single parents with shattered dreams and damaged hearts.

Jack moves into his new house to find Paige is his next door neighbour. Is fate or their teenage children conspiring to push them together?

https://books2read.com/b/3krwDR

 

 

Joanie MacNeil is visiting and talking about her latest release #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Romance #Scotland #Honorable Men series

 

1. Tell me about your latest release? Genre?

 

My latest release, A Sense of Duty, is a contemporary romance and the second book in the Honorable Men series. The story is set in Braemar, Scotland. I think readers will relate to this tale of mending damaged hearts and healing from past hurts.

 

 

2. Where did the idea arise?

 

Many years ago I visited Braemar briefly as part of a tour of Scotland. I returned the next year and stayed overnight in a lovely old cottage converted to a Bed and Breakfast, an ideal location around which to set a story. And I couldn’t resist writing a contemporary Scottish hero.

 

As for the scenery, traveling over snowy mountain roads into Braemar was a new and exciting experience for someone who isn’t used to snowy weather.

 

Later that year, already thinking about setting my story in the town, an unexpected opportunity arose to revisit. I decided to take advantage and refresh my memories. I based Lindsay House loosely on the two-storey B&B. Though I was disappointed that accommodation was unavailable, I was fortunate to book a room at the Fife Arms for a few days. The hotel also features in my story.

 

3. How much research was involved? Did you stay on point or be distracted by wanting to look at just one more thing?

 

I’ve visited all the places mentioned in the story, and soaked up as much as I could. I took notes on the surroundings to bring the setting to life. I wrote the story when the location was fresh in my mind. As a tourist, I particularly enjoyed visiting both Blair Castle and Braemar Castle. Each has its own style and were built for different reasons. Braemar Castle was within walking distance, and I enjoyed a day trip by coach to Blair Castle. No doubt some things have changed since I visited the area all those years ago.

 

The one more thing I didn’t do: I was curious about the duck pond, tucked away on the edge of town, and decided to take a walk and check it out. The pond seemed close enough on the map, but the afternoon was drawing to a close, and I’d had enough adventuring for the day. I changed my mind and went back to the hotel, leaving Braemar the following day. I was happy with all the information I’d collected.

 

 

4. How long did you take to write the book?

 

As I wrote the book many years ago, I can only guess at how long it took to write. Maybe around 12 months, more or less. I’ve re-polished the current edition, though didn’t change the essence of the book at all.

 

 

5. Now a bit about you. How long have you been writing? What is your Sun Sign?

 

I began writing in the mid-1990s. My first book was epublished on a floppy disc early in 1999, when epublishing was a fledgling industry. Look how far it’s come! I had more books published in the following years, but lost my way with my writing career for about ten years, though never wanted to let it go. Must have been my stubborn streak. I’d always anticipated I’d be back. In August 2014, Books We Love published two of my previously published novels, No Boundaries and December Heat Wave. My most recent novels, A Sense of Duty and A Traditional Affair are the last of my earlier novels now published by BWLPublishing Inc. https://bookswelove.net/macneil-joanie/

 

 

I’m looking forward to working on two brand new stories for publication next year.

 

My Sun Sign is Cancer. My birthday is 22 July, so depending on which horoscope I read, I may be a Leo. I usually read both, out of curiosity. There are occasions when one rings more true than the other…or not at all. I did read my horoscope years ago after a major upheaval in my life. I couldn’t believe how much it related to me.

 

 

6. Do you write in a number of genres or stick to one?

 

Contemporary romance is my favorite. Many years ago, I considered writing a time travel. I can’t see that happening for a while, though the interest remains, and I still have my rough notes…somewhere safe.

 

 

7. Where on the internet can you be found?

 

www.joaniemacneil.com

https://www.facebook.com/romanceauthorjoaniemacneil/

https://www.instagram.com/joanie_macneil_romance_author/

https://www.pinterest.com.au/joaniemacneil/romance-author-joanie-macneil/

https://twitter.com/JoanieMacneil

 

 

Saturday's Blurbs feature Books by Joanie MacNeil #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Scotland #Australia #Contemporary romance

 

 

Latest release

 

Contemporary romance set in Scotland

A Traditional Affair–Honorable Men–The Scots: Galen

https://books2read.com/A-Traditional-Affair

 

Will Kate, a modern and determined young woman, resist the temptation to accept Galen’s proposal of marriage?

 

Within the imposing halls of historic Carabrae, Scotland, Australian Kate Fielding finds herself caught in an unusual love triangle.

 

The outspoken young woman who stirs both his demons and his passions intrigues traditional Scot, Galen MacBain. Marriage to Kate would provide him with an heir and a father for her child.

 

Kate cannot accept Galen’s convenient proposal. Though her baby would inherit the wealthy MacBain estate, her marriage to Galen would be for the wrong reasons. In their push and pull search for love, trust and family values, will this modern and determined young woman resist the temptation to accept Galen's proposal of marriage?

 

Sapphire Kisses–contemporary romance

https://books2read.com/b/joaniemacneil-SapphireKisses

 

Alexandra Jordan doesn’t expect the challenge ahead of her when she agrees to spend the summer as a research assistant for acclaimed author, David Meredith, who is losing his sight.

 

David feels threatened by her presence in his home, his sanctuary, and the only place he can be independent. Determined to prove he doesn’t need help, he demands Alex leave. Hired to fill the position as his assistant, she persists in staying on. Once he accepts Alex isn’t like other women, her beguiling ways soon intrigue him…until he discovers her secret.

 

The Trouble with Natalie–contemporary romance

https://books2read.com/b/joaniemacneil-TheTroublewithNatalie

 

Natalie Harrigan knows men are trouble, and having a man in her life is not on her agenda. She'd rather focus on her appointment as CEO of the new Training Advisory Council. Success as the best CEO ever is her number one priority.

 

Luke DeMarco, appointed as Director of the same Council, is her young brother’s best friend. Luke has always loved Natalie from the moment he first set eyes on her at eight years old. Now, twenty years later, she’s more woman than ever, and Luke’s not too worried about the twelve years difference in their ages. He believes gentle wooing will convince his new boss, Natalie, that age is no barrier to love. Will she allow him to move from their boardroom to her bedroom?

Friday Joanie MacNeil is visiting and talking about Panster or Plotter #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Scotland #Australia #Office romance

 Hi Janet, thank you for having me on your blog today.

 

Panster or Plotter

 

Day 1

 

1.    Are you a panster or a plotter or perhaps a bit of both?

A bit of both. While knowing how I want my story to end, I seem to take the longest and hardest path to get there. In my computer files, there are at least two or three manuscripts, unfinished, because I’ve lost my way.

 

I’ve downloaded Plotter to help keep me on track for future projects. However, I haven’t played with it yet. I’m looking forward to the challenge of giving it a go for my next project: one of the unfinished manuscripts.

 

2.    Which comes first - characters or plot for you?

It depends on the story. I had a couple of characters/ideas in mind for two books, and combined them into one story–Desperate and Dateless.

 

A few chapters into Sweet Temptations I lost my way, though knew how I wanted the characters’ journey to end. I wrote the closing chapters and that pulled me through the story. It’s a tricky way to write a romance. It’s important to ensure the developing relationship and emotions are in the right order.

 

3.    What are you working on now? Is this a book in a current series or something totally new?

 

My March release, A Traditional Affair–Honorable Men–The Scots: Galen, is a contemporary romance set near Loch Ness, Scotland, and is the first book in my Honorable Men series.

 

I’m working through revisions for Book 2, A Sense of Duty–Honorable Men–The Scots: Regan. This book is due for release in July this year, and is set in Braemar, Scotland.

 

4.    Do you have some kind of object or place that figures in most of your books? I use gems a lot, hospitals and caves.

 

Coastal settings in and around the Sapphire Coast, south of Sydney, provided background for Sapphire Kisses, Loving Nick…Again, and Sweet Temptations. I’ve used the same setting for one of my unfinished manuscripts.

 

For No Boundaries and The Trouble with Natalie, I drew on my experience as an executive assistant for a backdrop to these office romances.

 

Visits to Scotland many years ago provided ideal settings for my two Scottish novels.

 

5.    Do you write every day or just when the spirit hits?

 

My goal is to write on a regular basis. When I reach a momentum on the project I’m working on, I try to keep that energy going. Commitments on my time can get in the way and zap my get-up-and-go. I don’t always maintain the writing habit every day.

 

Late last year, I completed two online writing courses through RWAustralia. The courses triggered two projects: the first, a short story, which I’ve wanted to write for two or more years. When the time is right I’ll revisit, and may consider turning it into a novella.

 

For the second course, I worked on the first five pages of an incomplete novel and that’s in my ‘must finish’ pile for later in the year. The feedback I received contributed to my enthusiasm for the story again.

 

I believe success with writing a particular story depends on timing. I’ve set aside a few stories, and returned to them much later with fresh ideas, which, previously, I’d never considered.

 

 

6.    Where can we find you?

 

www.joaniemacneil.com

https://www.facebook.com/romanceauthorjoaniemacneil/

https://www.instagram.com/joanie_macneil_romance_author/

https://www.pinterest.com.au/joaniemacneil/romance-author-joanie-macneil/

https://twitter.com/JoanieMacneil

 

7. Who are your favorite authors? What about a book you’ve enjoyed?

I enjoy listening to audio books, as my eyes are too tired at night to focus on the screen or print books. Of course, there’s always the risk of falling asleep no matter how good the book is. But I can rewind the next night!

 

I’ve finished three more books in the Icelandic series by Ragnar Jónasson. The descriptions took me back to my visit to Iceland in 2017. I’d love to visit there again.

 

I’m enjoying Outback Dreams, a contemporary romance by Australian Author, Rachael Johns. I’d like to listen to more of her novels set in Outback Australia. She brings both characters and setting to life.

 

I have several stories to listen to, including Bridgerton: The Duke and I, by Julia Quinn, plus other authors who are new to me. I did find the Bridgerton series on Netflix very entertaining.

 

Two on my list to download at some stage are:

Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites and a Barbara Erskine novel–I can’t decide which one yet. I’ve read most of hers, but not for a long time. Two or three are particular favorites: Lady of Hay, Midnight is a Lonely Place and The Warrior Princess.

 

Of course, I have several novels in my Kindle to read! The list never ends!

Saturday's Blurbs feature Books by Joanie MacNeil #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Romance

The Trouble with Natalie

Experience has taught Natalie Harrigan that men are trouble, and having a man in her life is not on her agenda. Her priority is to succeed in her recent appointment as CEO.

Enter Luke DeMarco, Director of Public Affairs and Natalie’s young brother’s best friend. Luke has loved Natalie from the moment he first set eyes on her. Now, twenty years later, she’s more woman than ever, and Luke’s not too worried about the twelve years difference in their ages. Surely his gentle wooing will convince her that age is no barrier to love? But Natalie is his boss. Will she allow him to move from their boardroom to her bedroom?

No Boundaries

Attractive Paige Delaney is more woman than Jack Shannon wants in his life, though he's in serious need of her award winning skills in web design.  Paige believes her sexy new boss thinks he's God's gift to woman.  Both are single parents with shattered dreams and damaged hearts, having suffered betrayals of trust in previous relationships. Each desires a loving relationship though are cautious about trusting the opposite sex again. 

When Jack moves into his new house and discovers Paige is his next door neighbor, their protective barriers and personal goals are under threat.  Is it fate or their teenage children conspiring to push them together?

Sapphire Kisses

Alexandra Jordan doesn’t expect the challenge ahead of her when she agrees to spend the summer as a research assistant for acclaimed author, David Meredith, who is losing his sight.

David feels threatened by her presence in his home, his sanctuary, the only place he can be independent. Unwavering in his belief he doesn’t need help, he wants Alex out of his life. She is just as determined to do the job she’s been paid to do. Once he accepts Alex isn’t like other women, her beguiling ways soon intrigue him…until he discovers her secret.

Saturday's Blurbs featuring books by Joanie MacNeil #MFRWauthor #BWLPublishing LTD

Publisher BWL Publishing Inc.

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00JQRDGTK

https://www.books2read.com/joaniemacneil-DesperateandDateless

https://www.books2read.com/joaniemacneil-SapphireKisses

https://www.books2read.com/joaniemacneil-TheTroublewithNatalie

Desperate and Dateless

Desperate and Dateless? Not Liam Reynolds. He has no time in his busy schedule to foster a romantic liaison. But when his teenage brother, Dan, surprises him with a ticket to the Desperate and Dateless Ball, Liam couldn't resist the temptation to attend.....merely to satisfy his curiosity, of course.

Desperate and Dateless? Certainly not, Zoe O'Malley declares. How dare her girlfriend send her a ticket to the Desperate and Dateless ball! No way will she go anywhere with a computer-matched date. But fate intervenes and when Liam and Zoe are drawn together over a business arrangement prior to the ball, their lives become irretrievably entangled. Can they live by their golden rule---never mix business with pleasure?

Sapphire Kisses

Alexandra Jordan doesn’t anticipate the challenge ahead of her when she agrees to spend the summer as a research assistant for acclaimed author, David Meredith, who is gradually losing his sight.

 David feels threatened by her presence in his home, his sanctuary, the only place he can be independent. He is determined to prove he doesn’t need help and wants Alex out of his life. She is equally determined to do the job she’s been paid to do. Once he accepts Alex isn’t like other women, her beguiling ways soon intrigue him…until he discovers her secret.

The Trouble with Natalie

Natalie Harrigan knows from past experience that men are trouble, and having a man in her life is not on her agenda. She'd much rather focus on her career. Success in her new appointment to the coveted position of CEO in the recently established Training Advisory Council is her number one priority and she intends to prove she will be the best CEO ever. 

Enter Luke DeMarco: newly appointed Director of Public Affairs in the Training Advisory Council, and her young brother’s best friend. Luke DeMarco has always loved Natalie from the moment he first set eyes on her at eight years old. Now, twenty years later, she’s more woman than ever, and Luke’s not too worried about the twelve years difference in their ages. Surely his gentle wooing will convince Natalie that age is no barrier to love? But Natalie is his boss. Will she allow him to move from their boardroom to her bedroom? 

Saturday's Blurbs featuring Books by Joanie MacNeil #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLoveLTD #romance

Sapphire Kisses

Alexandra Jordan doesn’t anticipate the challenge ahead of her when she agrees to spend the summer as a research assistant for acclaimed author, David Meredith, who is gradually losing his sight.

David feels threatened by her presence in his home, his sanctuary, the only place he can be independent. He is determined to prove he doesn’t need help and wants Alex out of his life. She is equally determined to do the job she’s been paid to do. Once he accepts Alex isn’t like other women, her beguiling ways soon intrigue him…until he discovers her secret.

No Boundaries

Attractive Paige Delaney is more woman than Jack Shannon wants in his life, though he’s in serious need of her award winning skills in web design.  Paige believes her sexy new boss thinks he’s God's gift to woman.  Both are single parents with shattered dreams and damaged hearts, having suffered betrayals of trust in previous relationships. Each desires to love and be loved, but they are afraid to trust the opposite sex again. 

When Jack moves into his new house and discovers Paige is his next door neighbor, their protective barriers and personal goals are threatened.  Is it fate or their teenage children conspiring to push them together?

December Heat Wave

Following the death of her husband, Nicolette Oliver concentrates on re-establishing her career as a dancer, though still dealing with emotional issues relating to her life with Mark. When his friend appears on her doorstep, Nicolette honors her late husband’s invitation and invites Jake to stay.

Jake Harrigan has always been attracted to Nic and sees her as untouchable, even though she is now on her own. They are opposites, their lives and expectations literally worlds apart. Drawn into a romantic interlude, the parting is difficult when Jake returns to Europe to resume his career as TV news journalist and Nic moves to Sydney to begin rehearsals for the show that will resurrect her career.

Jake returns to Australia to see Nic again and also to finalize details with his network to sail around the world making documentaries. Will Jake follow his heart and ask Nic to give up all that she’s worked for and sail away with him?

Visit my BWL author page for buy links to all my books