Heating Up This July at Lady Jane's Salon RDU...

We are happy to welcome you to the July edition of Lady Jane's Salon Raleigh-Durham!

This month we have an amazing lineup of readers!  

First up is Lady Jane's RDU's own USA Today Bestselling Author DEB MARLOWE reading from THE EARL's HIRED BRIDE in Outwitting the Duke... 

Because an unmarried Earl must be in want of a bride . . . Every debutante in the ton wants to be the Countess of Hartford—and mistress of Hartsworth Castle. Never mind that Hart has no interest in marrying just yet, the young ladies hunt him as ruthlessly as a pack of hounds after the elusive fox. What he needs is a hired bride—one who will give him some room to breathe, but is guaranteed to call it off at the end of the Season. 

Because a girl with no prospects will do what she must to help her family . . . Miss Emily Spencer must do something. Her mother’s health is failing and the notorious Duke of Danby is growing dangerously close. Why not hide in plain sight and pretend to be the Earl of Hartford’s betrothed? And getting paid for her troubles? It’s just what she needs to make her family comfortable again. 

Because love comes when you least expect it . . . Sparks fly when the two put their plan in motion—and deeper emotions grow. But how can they be together when the path they’ve forged only leads to their inevitable break up? 

Next up is Lady Jane's RDU's own USA Today Bestselling Author TAMMY FALKNER reading from her latest release FEELS LIKE SUMMERTIME...

Jake: 

Katie Higgins was the first girl I ever loved. We spent one summer together at Lake Fisher when we were sixteen and then I never saw her again. My life is shit, my job is gone, and my dad had a stroke, so I find myself back at Lake Fisher once again. And so does Katie. Her last name isn't Higgins anymore, because Katie is married with three kids and one more on the way, but when she shows up at Lake Fisher with her kids, danger trails her all the way there. I could do a lot of things. I could leave and go home. I could stay and deal with it. But what I want most of all is just to take care of Katie. If I concentrate on her, maybe I won't have to face my own problems. Yeah, that's it. Fix Katie. 

Katie: 

I haven't seen Jake in eighteen years, but the moment I lay eyes on him, I feel safer than I have in a very long time. Memories swamp me every time I look out over the clear, cool water. A first kiss. A first boyfriend. A first love. That old spark is still there. I just can't act on it, and neither can Jake. Our story started eighteen years ago, and then we both made lives with other people. Jake is willing to tell me about his, but I can't share mine with him. Ever. We can be friends and spend another summer together, right? Sure, we can.

Also reading will be out-of-town USA Today Bestselling Author JERRICA KNIGHT-CATANIA reading from her New Adult novel LEARNING TO LIVE...

Devastated by the loss of her fiance, Jessica Brooks is certain she'll never love again. Hell, she may never even leave her apartment again. But circumstances force her back to her hometown of Atlanta and into the arms of someone who understands her pain. 

Torn between mourning her fiance forever and finding peace in the midst of her grief, Jess must find the key to her happiness, the cure for her pain, and learn how to move on without the person she held most dear. 

And finally, reading this month will be KIANNA ALEXANDER reading from EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART...

The rhythm of love  

Lina Smith-Todd is a winning bid away from owning a piece of musical history. The auction heats up when she discovers that her chief competition for a piano owned by Thelonious Monk is the man who once shared her bed. But the priceless baby grand isn't all that the seductive, supremely confident musician intends to possess. Rashad MacRae wants a second chance to be with Lina. 

Rashad's passion for music was inspired by the legendary Monk. But if walking away with the prize means losing his shot at a future with Lina, he's ready to concede defeat. To entice her back into his arms, Rashad has to find a way to regain the self-sufficient attorney's trust. And now a family revelation could cost him everything. Can doubt be swept away by the promise of an everlasting love song they both know by heart?

Get ready for the April Salon...

We hope you'll be able to join us at our April salon. It is going to be a fun one! Remember we are at our new location Cafe Carolina at the Arboretum in Cary - 137 Weston Parkway * Cary NC 27513  
Parking can go quickly at the Arboretum, so feel free to arrive early. 

Our own AVA STONE will be reading from her latest New Adult release - CATCH ME NOW from her Desolate Sun series. 

In her roommate's borrowed dress, Brynne Wright doesn't look like herself. In trying to capture the attention of a certain keyboardist, she somehow captures the interest of the sexy guy from her history class instead. 

Wheston baseball catcher Nate Carey is in trouble. A failed history midterm lands him on academic probation, which puts his baseball scholarship in jeopardy. Looking for a one-night distraction from his problems, a girl at a local club captures his full attention. But when the sun rises the next morning, and he has to focus on his academic troubles, will he be able to put the sexy blonde out of his mind? Or will she capture his heart when he least expects it?

KIANNA ALEXANDER  will read from ELECTING TO LOVE.

A Time of Change 

In the fall of 1888, the tiny hamlet of Ridgeway is gearing up for elections on the local and national level. On the national stage, Grover Cleveland is campaigning for re-election against Benjamin Harrison; locally, two men are vying for the mayor's seat being vacated by the retiring Bernard Ridgeway. 

A Woman Ahead of Her Time 
Saloon owner Angel May Lane is an unconventional woman in every sense of the word. When she's not tending the bar at the Crazy Eights Saloon, she's caring for her elderly aunt, or out with her friends agitating for women's suffrage. Her activities make her a thorn in the side of some folks, but she's determined to see the day when women and men have equal rights- even if it's only in her own small town. Arrested by the town's deputy sheriff, she finds herself both outraged and intrigued by the man who's taken her into custody. 

A Man Anchored in Tradition 
Deputy Gregory Simmons isn't interested in politics. His main concern is keeping the peace, and that's become an even more complex job since sheriff Noah Rogers announced his candidacy for mayor. Angel May and her cohorts are causing a ruckus, so he hauls her in. She turns out to be the most enchanting prisoner he's ever had, and before he can stop himself, he's falling for her. She's as troublesome a woman as they come, but he can't deny the way she makes him feel. 

Love Among the Chaos 
The issues of race and women's rights are dividing the town, pitting husbands against wives and neighbor against neighbor. In the midst of it all, Angel and Gregory must decide if their budding love is worth opening their hearts and changing their minds, in a way they never imagined before.

And finally, LISA WATSON will read from LOVE BY DESIGN.

He lost her once. Is this their second chance? 

Transforming a vision for Belle Cove Resorts into reality is a breakout move that could take Dakota Carson's image specialist company to the next level. But it means teaming up with the man who broke her heart. Soon enough, Dakota's overwhelming desire for the gorgeous entrepreneur reawakens. But giving in to passion could cost her way too much. 

Years ago, Logan Montague walked away from everything, including the woman he loved. Now CEO of his family's international resort chain, he won't risk losing Dakota another time. With his matchmaking aunt's blessing, he and Dakota are united in business—and pleasure. And so Logan embarks on his scheme of seduction, sweeping Dakota away to an exotic Jamaican hideaway. With both their professional and personal futures on the line, can they learn to trust and love each other…again?

He lost her once. Is this their second chance? 

Transforming Belle Cove Resorts’ image could take Dakota Carson's company to the next level, but it means working with the man who broke her heart. Years ago, Logan Montague walked away from everything, including the woman he loved. Now he's back, and he won't risk losing Dakota again.

Sometimes, love is right where you left it.

Transforming a vision for Belle Cove Resorts into reality is a breakout move that could take Dakota Carson's image specialist company to the next level. But it means teaming up with the man who broke her heart. Soon enough, Dakota's overwhelming desire for the gorgeous entrepreneur reawakens. But giving in to passion could cost her way too much.

Years ago, Logan Montague walked away from everything, including the woman he loved. Now CEO of his family's international resort chain, he won't risk losing Dakota another time. With his matchmaking aunt's blessing, he and Dakota are united in business—and pleasure. And so Logan embarks on his scheme of seduction, sweeping Dakota away to an exotic Jamaican hideaway. With both their professional and personal futures on the line, can they learn to trust and love each other…again?

Come FALL in love at the October Salon

With Autumn in full swing, we at Lady Jane's Salon Raleigh-Durham are happy to bring a little warmth and
to your nights this October.

ALLY BLUE will read from DEMON DOG, her spooky mystery with unusual hot dog toppings...

One juicy mystery, mustard and relish included.

Three years after solving the hundred-year-old murder case that brought them together, Greg Woodhall and Adrian Broussard have settled into life together in the colorful college town of Chapel Hill. Adrian’s doctorate research and Greg’s two jobs keep them busy, but they have each other and life is good.

When Greg is offered the chance to help Bay City Paranormal scope out the historic PlayMakers Theater’s rumored spirits, he’s excited to get involved—at first. But as the protoplasmic trail unexpectedly shifts to DogOpolis, where Greg works part time, he senses something in the air besides the mouthwatering aroma of gourmet hot dogs.

There’s an entity that the team can’t quite get a handle on, but it’s creating havoc in Greg’s relationship with Adrian. Things that leave him doubting his own sanity. When the team finally uncovers the truth, no one is prepared for the danger—or what they’ll have to do to stop the thing plaguing DogO before it stops them. Permanently.

(Warning: This book contains a spooky mystery, unusual hot dog toppings, and a fast food joint that may or may not be haunted. May cause random hot dog cravings.)

KIANNA ALEXANDER will read from her latest release - FREEDOM'S EMBRACE. 

Jonathan is the only doctor within several days’ ride of Graham, Pennsylvania, and he’s desperate for a nurse to assist him. His salvation comes in the form of Naomi, a runaway slave who shows up ill on his doorstep. When she agrees to be his nurse in exchange for treatment, his world lights up.

Unfortunately, not everyone in town approves of Jonathan’s new nurse. His mother and some of his patients express their distaste, but she’s captured Jonathan’s heart, and he’ll defend her at any cost.

When Naomi’s former master rides into town, Jonathan discovers just how far he’ll go to keep the woman he loves from being torn from his arms, and from freedom’s embrace.

And finally, VIRGINIA KANTRA will read from CAROLINA GIRL from her Dare Island Series.

Meet the Fletchers of Dare Island...

Steady Matt, the son who stayed Ambitious Meg, the daughter who never looked back And warrior Luke, the Marine who thought he'd never return

Back in high school, Meg Fletcher had a huge crush on her brother's best friend, sexy Sam Grady. But Meg had places to go, and Sam had things to prove, and except for one disastrous New Year's Eve, she never acted on her attraction.

Years later, in the wake of her company's restructuring, Meg is back in her family home in the beautiful Outer Banks to nurse her wounds and plot her corporate comeback. The last thing she needs complicating her life and her plans is Sam, all grown up and irresistible as ever. But this time Sam is determined to make Meg notice him...

Carolina Girl is a reunion story, about first times – first crush, first sex, first big, big mistake – and second chances. It's about our fears of turning into our mothers and our discovery that maybe Mom isn't exactly the person we thought she was. It's about Meg and Sam. I hope you enjoy their story!

Sweet to Hot: February at Lady Jane's Salon RDU!

We covered the full spectrum of heat at Lady Jane's RDU February Salon!

Kianna Alexander started us off with her sweet historical romance:

Ava Stone giving it her all as she gives us a sneak peek from her new Regency novella:

And Mari Freeman heats it up with her erotic romance!

Many thanks to our wonderful attendees! We had a great time celebrating readers and writers of romance and contributing to our two great charities!

February ~ the month of Candy, Roses & Lady Jane's Salon...

So, Valentine's Day only happens once a year. We, here at Lady Jane's Salon Raleigh-Durham, celebrate love and romance all year long.

This month at the salon, you can hear:

KIANNA ALEXANDER will read from her latest release KISSING THE CAPTAIN an interracial historical romance.

In 1879, near the small northern California town of Ridgeway, Lilly Warren is a young black woman who has recently lost her father. There is little time for mourning, though, as the responsibility of running the twenty-six acre farm now belongs to her. To make matters even more complex, her father has deeded the house and the land to her in his will with an interesting condition: that she share the land with a person she's never met, or forfeit ownership.

Ricardo Benigno is a Spanish captain of the Anna Juanita, a shipping vessel bringing spices and oils to the shores of California. Seeking out the farm of his old friend Leonard Warren, he discovers that the older man has passed away. To his surprise, Ricardo has also been willed joint ownership of Warren land, as long as he shares it with Lilly, Warren's only child.
The attraction between them is instant, and they both agree that marriage is the only acceptable way they can share the land. But can two people from such different worlds learn to love each other, or will Lilly's heart be broken if she dares to kiss the captain?

~ * ~

MARI FREEMAN will read from HOT, HARD & HOWLING, the first in her Hot, Hard series.

Nell Ambercroft hasn’t done anything wrong. Lately. So why is someone trying to kill her? When a horde of moths lead her to a puzzle box in her basement, the Demon Hafling knows she’s found a clue. The box has some serious mojo working, powerful enough to kill for…and Nell’s at the top of the hit list.

Enter Werewolf Trent Nicholas. As Prime for the area, it’s Trent’s job to protect Nell and investigate the crime. Nell knows he’d rather investigate her body, which is fine by her; she’s loved the man for years. While the sex is sizzling, Trent continues to go cold every time he leaves the warmth of her body.

Trent’s always wanted the spunky half-Demon, but the men in his family have a nasty habit of murdering their mates. He refuses to give in to his wolf’s need to claim Nell. If he doesn’t, she might not have to worry about a killer on the loose. She could die by Trent’s hand first…

~ * ~

And finally, AVA STONE will read from her Regency era novella By Any Other Name which can be found in the anthology THE BETTING SEASON.

Lord Cleasby bets Mr. Potsdon five hundred pounds that Lord St. Austell will bed Lady Philippa Casemore before the end of the season. ~ April 19, 1813

Lady Philippa Casemore caused quite a scene at her very first ball of her very first season. She even landed herself, somehow, on the pages of the infamous betting book at White's gentleman's club. Unfortunately, she doesn't remember one moment of the night in question. Not the music. Not the notorious rake she'd dragged into the middle of the dance floor. Not the flask of opium-laced brandy she'd downed without realizing it's contents...

Jason York, the wicked Earl of St. Austell, can't quite forget the lady who stole his breath away the previous night. Of course, his broken nose, courtesy of the girl's brother, did have a way of making an impression. When he stumbles into Lady Philippa the next day, his ego is more than bruised when she doesn't seem to recall him at all and a scheme to make certain she never forgets him again quickly forms in Jason's mind.