About Books

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    Jennifer’s book release schedule for 2021 …

    As of right now, here is my book release schedule for 2021:

    March 16 – LAST STRAND, Elemental Assassin #19:

    You can pre-order the ebook now, and the print book/audiobook links should be going online soon. I’ll share those when they are available.

    This will be the last Gin Blanco book for a while, due to my writing deadlines on other books/projects. However, I am planning to write some novellas about the secondary characters.

    May 18 – Ebook/print book for A SENSE OF DANGER, Section 47 standalone:

    I will be self-publishing the ebook/print book for A Sense of Danger, and I will share those links when they go online. A Sense of Danger is available in audiobook right now:

    A Sense of Danger focuses on Charlotte Locke, an analyst, and Desmond Percy, a cleaner (aka assassin). Both Charlotte and Desmond work for Section 47, a secret government agency that tracks paramortal bad guys, and they have to team up to figure out who wants them both dead.

    July 6 – CAPTURE THE CROWN, Gargoyle Queen #1:

    This book is set in my Crown of Shards world and takes place about 16 years after the events of Crush the King. My new Gargoyle Queen trilogy will focus on a grown-up Gemma Ripley (from Protect the Prince) as she tries to get to the bottom of a plot against her kingdom.

    CAPTURE THE CROWN EBOOK:

    CAPTURE THE CROWN PRINT BOOK:

    CAPTURE THE CROWN AUDIOBOOK:

    A NOTE ABOUT PUBLISHING DATES AND OTHER PROJECTS

    1) The release dates for these books *probably* won’t change, but I just never know what might happen due to various publishing whims, etc. Just keep in mind that many book release dates have changed due to the pandemic.

    2) I also have a few smaller projects – a Beauty and the Beast-themed short story, etc. – in the works that I also hope to release in 2021. I’ll post more info about those projects as it becomes available.

    3) I’m excited to share the books with you all. I think my schedule this year is a nice mix of new and old series, and I hope you enjoy reading more about Gin and getting to know Charlotte and Gemma better. 😎 

    What books are you looking forward to this year?

  • Holiday romances to add to the TBR pile …

    We are well into the holiday season now, and I’m in the mood to read some holiday romances. Here are some books I’m hoping to check out, and some of the many, many (!) holiday romances/books coming out this year. Note that the descriptions are from Amazon.

    A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

    From USA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday comes a modern fairy tale just in time for Christmas about a tough New Yorker from the other side of the tracks who falls for a princess from the other side of the world.

    Leo Ricci’s already handling all he can, between taking care of his little sister Gabby, driving a cab, and being the super of his apartment building in the Bronx. But when Gabby spots a “princess” in a gown outside of the UN trying to hail a cab, she begs her brother to stop and help. Before he knows it, he’s got a real-life damsel in distress in the backseat of his car. 

    Princess Marie of Eldovia shouldn’t be hailing a cab, or even be out and about. But after her mother’s death, her father has plunged into a devastating depression and the fate of her small Alpine country has fallen on Marie’s shoulders. She’s taken aback by the gruff but devastatingly handsome driver who shows her more kindness than she’s seen in a long time. 

    When Marie asks Leo to be her driver for the rest of her trip, he agrees, thinking he’ll squire a rich miss around for a while and make more money than he has in months. He doesn’t expect to like and start longing for the unpredictable Marie. And when he and Gabby end up in Eldovia for Christmas, he discovers the princess who is all wrong for him is also the woman who is his perfect match.

    My thoughts: I love both royal- and holiday-themed romances, so this one is right up my alley.

    Christmas at the Island Hotel by Jenny Colgan

    Another heartfelt and delightful Christmas tale from the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop on the Corner and Christmas on the Island.

    New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan returns to the setting of Christmas on the Island and Endless Beach for a heartwarming new novel celebrating the season, and Scotland.

    On the tiny, beautiful, and remote island of Mure, halfway between Scotland and Norway, a new hotel opening is a big event. New mother Flora MacKenzie and her brother Fintan are working themselves half to death to get it ready in time for Christmas. 

    The new hotel’s impressive kitchens throw together two unlikely new friends: Isla Gregor is the hardworking young girl who has been a waitress in the island’s cafe, dreaming of a bigger, better life now that she’s at a proper fancy hotel. Konstantin Pederson is working his way up in the hotel’s kitchens too…but he is also, secretly, the only son of the Duke of Utsire. Konstantin has been sent to learn what it is to work hard for a living, before receiving his inheritance. Although he’s initially resentful, the place grows on him; he has never met anyone quite like Isla and her fellow Murians before. 

    As the island’s residents and special VIP guests gather for the hotel’s grand opening gala, Christmas is in the air. But so are more than a few small-town secrets…

    My thoughts: I love books where the characters travel to a foreign setting, and this one sounds really interesting.

    Her Christmas Cowboy by Jessica Clare

    From New York Times bestselling author Jessica Clare comes a Christmas Western filled with holiday cheer.

    Caleb Watson has been crushing on elementary school teacher Amy Mckinney ever since he saw her. She’s oblivious to his feelings–probably because he’s never said a word to her. But when he learns Amy’s going to be Mrs. Claus in the local Christmas celebration, he volunteers to be Santa so he’ll finally have the chance to introduce himself. Even more than that, he’ll use this opportunity to shower her with presents.

    Amy’s been receiving all kinds of Secret Santa gifts at work — and she has no idea who her secret admirer is. She wishes he’d make himself known so they can go on a date, though, because being a newcomer in close-knit Painted Barrel, Wyoming, is pretty lonely. When her flaky landlord claims he’s the gift giver…it’s not quite the bachelor Amy had in mind. However, she’s doubly shocked when gruff newcomer Caleb Watson crashes her date and insists he’s really the one leaving her presents.
     
    Amy’s not sure what to think. Caleb’s never indicated that he likes her, much less wants to date. Can he prove to Amy he’s not just the perfect Santa to her Mrs. Claus, but the man of her dreams?

    My thoughts: A Secret Santa and cowboy romance? Yes, please!

    His Princess by Christmas by Therese Beharrie

    When single mom…

    …meets crown prince!

    Amari Hayes just knew hiring the mysterious Kade would be nothing but trouble. But with Christmas approaching, she needs the help, and there was something about the tall, dark and handsome guy that called to her. Kade is running from something, a painful secret, and Amari knows that feeling all too well… After one incredible kiss, Kade’s secret is about to be revealed! Is Amari prepared for the royal consequences?

    My thoughts: Have I mentioned how much I love royal- and holiday-themed romances?

    The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Lizzie Shane

    A delightful holiday romance about a small-town single dad and an animal rescue owner as they try to find forever homes for a dozen lovable pups before Christmas.
     
    Pine Hollow has everything Ally Gilmore could wish for in a holiday break: gently falling snow in a charming small town and time with her family. Then she learns some Grinch has pulled the funding for her family’s rescue shelter, and now she has only four weeks to find new homes for a dozen dogs! But when she confronts her Scroogey councilman nemesis, Ally finds he’s far more reasonable — and handsome — than she ever expected.
     
    As the guardian of his dog-obsessed ten-year-old niece, Ben West doesn’t have time to build a cuddly reputation. But he does feel guilty about the shelter closing. So he proposes a truce with Ally, agreeing to help her adopt out the pups. As the two spend more time together, the town’s gossip is spreading faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. And soon Ben is hoping he can convince Ally that Pine Hollow is her home for the holidays. . . and the whole year through.
     
    My thoughts: Who doesn’t love dogs?
     
    What holiday romances do you want to read this season?
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    Listen to it now — Audiobook for A Sense of Danger …

    The audiobook for A Sense of Danger, Section 47 standalone, is still available. Woot! I’m so excited to share the audiobook with listeners, and I hope everyone enjoys getting to know Charlotte, Desmond, and the world of Section 47. 😎 

    A Sense of Danger is an Audible Original book. That means that it will ONLY be available as an audiobook for the first six months is it released. I will be self-publishing the ebook/print books at a later date, probably in summer 2021.

    A SENSE OF DANGER DESCRIPTION:

    A SPY…

    My name is Charlotte Locke, and I’m an analyst for Section 47, a secret government agency that tracks terrorists, criminals, and other paramortal bad guys who want to unleash their abilities on an unsuspecting mortal world. I have a magical form of synesthesia that senses danger and uncovers lies—making me a stealthy operative.

    I’m trudging through another day when one of Section’s cleaners—assassins—takes an interest in me. I don’t need my synesthesia to realize that he is extremely dangerous and that he will do anything to achieve his goals—even if it means putting me in the line of fire.

    …AND AN ASSASSIN

    I’m Desmond Percy, one of Section 47’s most lethal cleaners. I’m also a man on a mission, and I need Charlotte Locke’s skills to help me keep a promise, settle a score, and kill some extremely bad people.

    Charlotte might not like me, but we’re stuck together until my mission is over. Still, the more time we spend together, the more I’m drawn to her. But at Section 47, you never know who you can trust—or who might want you dead.

    A Sense of Danger is told in first person from the viewpoints of both Charlotte Locke and Desmond Percy. Helen Laser is the narrator for Charlotte, while Rupert Channing is the narrator for Desmond.

    As of right now, this book is a stand-alone adventure, although if it does well, then I might write some more Section 47 books.

    I hope everyone enjoys the audiobook. Happy listening! 😎 

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    Audiobook for A Sense of Danger released today, Thursday, Nov. 12 …

    I’m thrilled to announce that the audiobook for A Sense of Danger, Section 47 standalone, has been released today, Thursday, Nov. 12. Woot! I’m so excited to share the audiobook with listeners, and I hope everyone enjoys getting to know Charlotte, Desmond, and the world of Section 47. 😎 

    A Sense of Danger is an Audible Original book, which means that it is ONLY available as an audiobook right now. I will be self-publishing the ebook/print books at a later date, probably in summer 2021.

    A SENSE OF DANGER DESCRIPTION:

    A SPY…

    My name is Charlotte Locke, and I’m an analyst for Section 47, a secret government agency that tracks terrorists, criminals, and other paramortal bad guys who want to unleash their abilities on an unsuspecting mortal world. I have a magical form of synesthesia that senses danger and uncovers lies—making me a stealthy operative.

    I’m trudging through another day when one of Section’s cleaners—assassins—takes an interest in me. I don’t need my synesthesia to realize that he is extremely dangerous and that he will do anything to achieve his goals—even if it means putting me in the line of fire.

    …AND AN ASSASSIN

    I’m Desmond Percy, one of Section 47’s most lethal cleaners. I’m also a man on a mission, and I need Charlotte Locke’s skills to help me keep a promise, settle a score, and kill some extremely bad people.

    Charlotte might not like me, but we’re stuck together until my mission is over. Still, the more time we spend together, the more I’m drawn to her. But at Section 47, you never know who you can trust—or who might want you dead.

    A Sense of Danger is told in first person from the viewpoints of both Charlotte Locke and Desmond Percy. Helen Laser is the narrator for Charlotte, while Rupert Channing is the narrator for Desmond.

    As of right now, this book is a stand-alone adventure, although if it does well, then I might write some more Section 47 books.

    I hope everyone enjoys the audiobook. Happy listening! 😎 

  • · · ·

    Worldbuilding info for A Sense of Danger, Thursday, Nov. 12 …

    I wanted to talk a little about the worldbuilding for A Sense of Danger, Section 47 standalone, Thursday, Nov. 12.

    A Sense of Danger takes place in a modern, urban fantasy world. Basically, the book is set in our real world, but one with a hidden layer of magic, spies, and more. So the worldbuilding is more similar to my Elemental Assassin series, rather than my Crown of Shards series, which takes place in a medieval-type, epic fantasy world with queens, kingdoms, creatures, etc.

    The main magic users in A Sense of Danger are “paramortals” – people with magic/abilities but who are also human/mortal. So paramortals can be killed, and they are not immortal, like vampires and other being/creatures are in some urban fantasy books.

    When I was creating the Section 47 world, I tried to think about what powers might be useful for spies, assassins, and the like. I also wanted some of the main characters to have magic/powers that I haven’t used in previous books/series. For example, Charlotte Locke, my heroine, has a magical form of synesthesia that lets her see mistakes, errors, etc. in various colors, so some folks refer to her as a “synth”.

    There are other types of synths, as well as “lingos” – people who can read, speak, and understand any language. Again, I thought that would be a useful ability for spies. There are also paramortals with more offensive, destructive powers. I’m trying to avoid spoilers, so I’m speaking in generalities about the powers, etc.

    So that’s a little bit about the worldbuilding and magic system in A Sense of Danger. I hope everyone enjoys the audiobook when it is released. 😎 

    PRE-ORDER A SENSE OF DANGER:

    A Sense of Danger is an Audible Original book. That means that it will ONLY be available as an audiobook for the first six months is it released. I will be self-publishing the ebook/print books at a later date, probably in summer 2021.

    A SENSE OF DANGER DESCRIPTION:

    A SPY…

    My name is Charlotte Locke, and I’m an analyst for Section 47, a secret government agency that tracks terrorists, criminals, and other paramortal bad guys who want to unleash their abilities on an unsuspecting mortal world. I have a magical form of synesthesia that senses danger and uncovers lies—making me a stealthy operative.

    I’m trudging through another day when one of Section’s cleaners—assassins—takes an interest in me. I don’t need my synesthesia to realize that he is extremely dangerous and that he will do anything to achieve his goals—even if it means putting me in the line of fire.

    …AND AN ASSASSIN

    I’m Desmond Percy, one of Section 47’s most lethal cleaners. I’m also a man on a mission, and I need Charlotte Locke’s skills to help me keep a promise, settle a score, and kill some extremely bad people.

    Charlotte might not like me, but we’re stuck together until my mission is over. Still, the more time we spend together, the more I’m drawn to her. But at Section 47, you never know who you can trust—or who might want you dead.

    A Sense of Danger is told in first person from the viewpoints of both Charlotte Locke and Desmond Percy. Helen Laser is the narrator for Charlotte, while Rupert Channing is the narrator for Desmond.

    As of right now, this book is a stand-alone adventure, although if it does well, then I might write some more Section 47 books.

    I hope everyone enjoys the audiobook when it is released. Happy listening! 😎