Cover Reveal A MAVERICK TO (RE)MARRY

Nothin' like a cowboy, right?

A July release.

I like this one.  He looks so natural--and there's something about a man in a worn chambray shirt....

Back cover copy reads:

Married—and divorced!—in secret…

Rust Creek Ramblings

Rust Creek Falls’ flirty cowboy and the shy, straight-A student—a couple? We have it on good authority that not only were Derek Dalton and Amy Wainwright once an item, they were actually married! With Amy back in town for her friend’s wedding, how long before their secret past is revealed? Gather your rose petals, dear readers… We suspect these high school sweethearts may soon get a second chance at happily-wedded-after!

GOODREADS GIVEAWAY The Maverick Fakes a Bride--Concluded

This giveaway is concluded.  Thanks to all who entered!  XOXO!


This month, Harlequin is giving away 25 print copies of my July release, THE MAVERICK FAKES A BRIDE.  Click the link below to enter.  Giveaway closes May 17.  Open to US and Canada readers.

Good luck!  XOXO!

Goodreads Giveaway THE MAVERICK FAKES A BRIDE

Cover Reveal THE MAVERICK FAKES A BRIDE

I love this one, unconditionally!

THE MAVERICK FAKES A BRIDE is a July release, book 1 in the multi-author, six-book continuity, Montana Mavericks: The Great Family Roundup.


Back cover copy reads....

Do You Take This (Faux) Fiancée?

Rust Creek Ramblings 

All the single ladies in Rust Creek Falls know Travis Dalton. And they all know the sexy, rascally rancher is not the marrying kind. So how is it that our town's most notorious bachelor has wound up engaged on a Western reality TV show? 

We here at the Gazette are pleased The Great Roundup has chosen our hometown heartbreaker as a contestant. And we are definitely rooting for Travis's unexpected union with childhood friend Brenna O'Reilly, the one girl we believe can keep this cowboy on his toes. But is it true this betrothal is strictly a fabrication for the cameras? Pass the popcorn, dear readers. We suspect this made-for-TV romance could be headed straight for a Hollywood happy ending!

Montana Mavericks:

The Great Family Roundup

Cover and Back Cover Copy, MARRIAGE, MAVERICK STYLE!

This one releases in July, book 1 of a six-book Montana Maverick series, The Baby Bonanza.

I love this one, love the party lights and the way they're looking at each other.

And here's the blurb:

 THE MAVERICK MEETS HER MATCH
As summer arrives in Rust Creek Falls, the town is bursting with babies…and the Gazette is bursting with news. Did you hear there's a new billionaire in town? President and CEO of Drake Distilleries and Drake Hospitality, Carson Drake is no one's baby daddy…at least, not yet. But the handsome, delicious Los Angeleno has his eye on our own Tessa Strickland, and things are about to get very interesting… 

Sweet, serious Tessa has had firsthand experience with heartbreak and is determined to avoid a second go-round. But after one unexpected night in Carson's sheltering arms, she begins to waver. Dear readers, that's only the beginning of the surprises. Saddle up and find out what happens when two commitment-phobes discover that love is life's richest reward! 

Montana Mavericks:

The Baby Bonanza

Goodreads Book Giveaway--Marriage, Maverick Style! Giveaway concluded.

This giveaway is over.  Thanks to all who entered...  XOXO!

    Enter Giveaway

Cover and Back Cover Copy THE MAVERICK'S ACCIDENTAL BRIDE

Love this.  This is a July 2015 release, the first in the 2015 Montana Mavericks series, What Happened at the Wedding.

Back cover copy reads:

Married by Mistake? 

Rust Creek Ramblings 

Welcome back, faithful readers! The Rust Creek Rambler has an exclusive for you: Jordyn Leigh Cates has gotten married! That's right, our innocent Jordyn, who came to town a few years back with the Rust Creek Falls "Gal Rush," tied the knot on July Fourth in what appeared to be a very impulsive ceremony. 

No one could blame the blushing bridesmaid for saying "I do" to Will Clifton. The sexy, blue-eyed rancher is six feet of pure muscle and charm. But are these two merely love-struck friends who got swept away at someone else's wedding? Our sources suggest otherwise. Stay tuned to find out the true story behind these surprise spouses—and see if they can make it past their honeymoon!

Montana Mavericks:

What Happened at the Wedding…

Cover and Back Cover Copy July Release

Yes, it is hunky former villain, Nate Crawford claiming this cover all for himself.  What I like:  Nate wants to make good after all his past bad behavior.  I love the expression here, like he's looking into the future and promises to be a better man.

And so he will.

This is the launch book for Harlequin's 20-year celebration of Montana Mavericks.  Yep.  You heard right.  20 full years of MM deliciousness!

And the back cover copy reads:

RUST CREEK RAMBLINGS 

Finding true love: priceless 

People say that the odds of finding your perfect partner are rather like the odds of hitting the lottery: slim to none. It's hard to believe, faithful readers, but Nate Crawford may just have accomplished both. We have the scoop on Rust Creek Falls' best-kept secret: our former mayoral candidate is now a very wealthy man! Yet he is going out of his way to make sure no one finds out. The question is, why? 

Insiders whisper that Nate is also keeping another secret from his new girlfriend, nurse Callie Kennedy—a big one—and it could be a game changer. Place your bets, dear readers! What will she do when she learns her "regular guy" boyfriend is really a maverick millionaire?

Montana Mavericks:

Twenty years in the saddle!

What's New for 2014?

Happy New Year, everyone!

This year, I'll have four books coming out, all from Harlequin Special Edition.  I'll be winding up the Bravo Royales series and starting out The Bravos of Justice Creek series, featuring a whole new branch of the Bravo family.

First off, in May 2014, look for THE PRINCE'S CINDERELLA BRIDE.  This is Max's story. He's the oldest of the Bravo-Calabretti siblings and the heir to his mother's throne.  I have back cover copy for this one:

                             
                                         From Texas nanny…to palace princess! 

It should never have happened—the night of forbidden magic that turned Lani Vasquez and Prince Maximilian Bravo-Calabretti into lovers. After all, Lani knew all too well that an affair between a lowly nanny and the heir to the throne could only end in heartbreak—her own. Which was why she had to end it before she lost her herself completely… 

His New Year's Eve with Lani had rocked Max's world—and now the Texas beauty wanted to be just friends? The single father had sworn he'd never marry again, but Lani had charmed his children and awakened his guarded heart. Will the prince catch his Cinderella before the clock strikes midnight?

Then in July, I'll be launching the 20-year anniversary of Harlequin's Montana Mavericks series with MILLION-DOLLAR MAVERICK.  In this one, I get to take the villain of last year, Nathan Crawford, and turn him into a hero.  It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it.  Nate has a tragic past and a lot to make up for and his heroine, Callie Kennedy, is just the woman to help him with that.

And in October watch for THE EARL'S PREGNANT BRIDE.  I like to think of that one as my Downton Abbey Bravo Royale story.

Finally, in December, Aurora, the last of the Bravo Royales, gets together with the new branch of the family, The Bravos of Justice Creek, in A BRAVO CHRISTMAS WEDDING.  Aurora comes to be the maid honor for a Colorado Bravo cousin--and gets in deep and fast with mountain man, Walker McKellan.

All around, a fun year, I think.  I'll be posting everything you could want to know about these upcoming releases as information comes in at my website, ChristineRimmer.com

I hope this message finds you well and happy and surrounded by the ones you love.  May your New Year be filled with love, laughter--and great books!

Got special plans for New Years?  Leave a comment here before January 2--and I'll draw a winner from the comments for a $10 Amazon gift card!  Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

I'm a RITA® Finalist!

I'm thrilled to announce that my July 2012 Montana Mavericks Special Edition, THE LAST SINGLE MAVERICK  is a finalist in the Romance Writers of America's^® RITA contest this year in the Short Contemporary Category.

It's always so exciting to be a finalist--and for the second year in a row, too.  I always have such fun working on the Montana Mavericks books with so many of my amazing author pals at Special Edition.  And not only do I get to work with a great crew of authors when I write a Montana Maverick story, I also have the pleasure of working with two of my favorite editors.

The fabulous Marcia Book Adirim writes the over-arching story that connects all the books, as well as the starter notes for each story.  And the insightful and generally brilliant Susan Litman acts as coordinator and continuity-checker as well as editor for each of the books.

It's always a pleasure to write a Montana Maverick book--and it's absolutely lovely to get a RITA finalist nod for one.

THE LAST SINGLE MAVERICK was an especial joy to write because the hero, Jason Traub, just came alive for me from the first line of the book: "Family reunions.  Who needs them?"  Jace was a great guy at a crossroads in life, destined to meet up with his perfect match, runaway bride, Jocelyn Bennings.

Wish me luck at the big awards ceremony at the Romance Writers of America's National Conference to be held in Atlanta in July!

Cover for July 2012 release

I love this one!  Yum!

Back cover copy reads...



THUNDER CANYON NUGGET 

Texas Cowboy Lassoes Runaway Bride? 

Look out ladies: there's another Traub bachelor in town! Jason "Jace" Traub is every bit as gorgeous as his sexy twin brother, but rumor has it he is even more marriage-shy. There's not a woman alive who could make this restless rancher settle down.... 

Yet insiders whisper that Jace has been talking wedding plans with Jocelyn Bennings, the chestnut-haired beauty who ran out on her own wedding just days ago! Could the confirmed bachelor really be hooking up with heartbroken, headstrong Joss? Stay tuned, loyal readers, to find out if their marriage of convenience runs amuck-or if lasting passion will finally rope in the last single maverick!

Montana Mavericks…

              Back in the Saddle!

Back Cover Copy--and home stretch!

Got the back cover copy for Bowie's book:

WELL, TIMING NEVER HAD BEEN HIS STRONG SUIT...

And the fact that Bowie Bravo walked in the door, after seven years away, just when Glory Rossi was about to go  into labor with another man’s child certainly proved the point. Because the last time Glory had seen Bowie was when she was delivering his child—a little boy who’d never known his real father. But according to Bowie, that was about to change.

Bowie was now a respectable businessman, and he was more than ready to be a father—to both of Glory’s children. He was also ready to be a husband to the woman he’d never been able to live without. And when he saw that their feelings for each other still burned bright, he

didn’t see any reason why he’d have to….

                                         ***

And I'm in the home stretch on the writing of my July 2012 Montana Maverick book, THE LAST SINGLE MAVERICK. Such fun.  And I do love when everything comes together and I'm racing to the finish.  

Check out my free online read at eHarlequin....

Title: THE TYCOON'S RUNAWAY BRIDE

You get a free chapter a week for eight weeks.  It's a Montana Mavericks story, in honor of the launch for the new series coming out in Harlequin Special Edition starting with my July release, RESISTING MR TALL, DARK & TEXAN.

Here's what it's about:

Department store tycoon Jack McKay had no idea what had made his fiancée run out on their wedding and escape to Thunder Canyon, Montana. But he was going to find out. And then he'd bring Melody Kilkalen home, no matter what it took.

Melody knew exactly why Jack wanted her to return to Texas with him—and it wasn't because he loved her. And yet…he seemed so sincere about his feelings for her. She had to know for sure whether Jack truly cared for her. Only this time she would call the shots, this time she was in control…and this time she was the one with the secret.

Hope you enjoy.... 

Something About a Man in a Cowboy Hat...

Notice the hat on the hero?  Big sigh.  Notice the red hat and the words, A Cowboy for Every Mood???

There is definitely something about a cowboy.

And the  good folks at Harlequin know it.  The theme for July across all Harlequin lines will be...you guessed it: A Cowboy for Every Mood.

Had a lovely chat with my editor the other day.  We discussed recipes.  I'll be contributing a recipe for Rib Crib Secret Sauce to help promote all things Cowboy and all things Montana Maverick this summer.

Those of you who follow the Montana Mavericks will remember the chain of restaurants owned by DJ Traub and called The Rib Crib.  There's a Rib Crib in Thunder Canyon, Montana.  In fact, it's inside the famous and often beleaguered Thunder Canyon Resort.  DJ attributes his success to his special Secret Sauce.

And in the new series this summer, Here Come the Texans, DJ's getting some competition in Thunder Canyon from a new rib place, Lip Smackin' Ribs.  Some unfair competition.  No spoilers here, but I can say that there will be skulduggery involved.

In the meantime, I'm experimenting with creating my own secret sauce.  Wish me luck.  Recipe coming soon...

New Book Cover

And may I just said, Yum!  Love this one.  It's for my July release, the launch book for a new Thunder Canyon Montana Mavericks series.  Lizzie, the heroine,  is actually a little taller than you see above.  But I am so not complaining.  Love it!

That Amazing Moment...

...when I write the last line of my current Work in Progress.  It just happened.  About 21 minutes ago.
I got to the end.  And it was so good for me.  Better than chocolate, I promise you.  I feel really, really good about this book right now.

But then, I always do about now.  Tomorrow will probably be terrible, as I return to page one and start editing.  I will no doubt have moments of despair.  I will wonder what in the world ever gave me the idea that I could write for a living.  It's all so predictable, really.

But hey, it's the writing life and I love it.

Random News:  Got a nice review of EXPECTING THE BOSS'S BABY from Jane at Dear Author  You can check it out here.

And on the home front, I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year.  It could be just yours truly, the DH and younger son.  Or maybe more.  However many visitors we have, I'm looking forward to it.  Haven't done the bird in a while.

General Updates.....

Getting lots of lovely feedback on EXPECTING THE BOSS'S BABY.  And it's #5 on the Borders Bestseller list.  Yippee!

As to the current work in progress, a Thunder Canyon Montana Mavericks story that will come out next July, I'm on the last 50 pages.  Big Yay on that--and only slightly procrastinating by dropping in here to babble a bit. 

Here in the heartland, it's a cool fall day and there are crunchy leaves on my front porch welcome mat.  I'm not going to sweep them up right away because they make me think that Autumn is here--and the holidays are coming.

Happy almost-November, everyone!

At the Midpoint...

No going back and about halfway there.  As we say in my plot group, the midpoint is where we realize the problem is bigger than we thought.  That is definitely happening here, so I'm feeling pretty good--today, anyway. But that's the thing about writing.  One day you feel you can do anything.  The next day you know that everything is crap.  Hate the crap days.  Love the others.  Yeah, sort of a roller-coaster ride.  And I wouldn't have it any other way!

Got my Kindle.  Love it.  And have been reading all over the Web that ebook sales are soaring.  I have to admit, I can see why.  You can read a thousand-page doorstopper of a book and it takes up virtually no space.  You can enlarge the print for easy reading.  The Kindle always finds your place in any book you're reading--no dropping your bookmark and spending five minutes searching for where you stopped last time.  And did I mention if you want it, you got it, in seconds?  Just a couple of clicks and the book is yours.

I know I will still love my books on paper.  And for some types of books--nonfiction, with pictures and graphs and the like, and my research books--I think I'll prefer a physical copy.  But time will tell on that.

Help! Everything's Changing--and Not in a Good Way!

First off, I do have some good news:  I did get that proposal finished--the one I mentioned in my last post?  I not only got it finished.  The lovely editor on the project has already approved it.  I even started the book that will grow out of that proposal.

Started.  That's the operative word.  Because I can't seen to get all that far along, and the reason is that this book is part of what we call in the romance biz, a continuity.  A continuity book is one where the publishing house provides what we call a "bible."  That's the basic info about what the story will be like and who the characters are.  The author then takes the basic info and makes her own story from it.  A continuity is always a series of books.  As a rule, each of these books in the series is written by a different author.

Issue here: basic info.  It keeps changing.  There are many really good reasons that it does, because my hero is the brother of two other heroes from other books written in 2009 by two other authors.  Those authors changed their "bible" to make better stories.  They even agreed together on the changes they would make.  And then, as so often happens in life, agreements were either forgotten or math errors were made as to ages of characters and what happened when.  All this, I must tell you, was done in good faith by everyone.

Then we add in the fact that we're kind of pushing it scheduling-wise on this particular branch of the continuity.  The books are very successful and the publisher wants more so we're going ahead with another six books by another six authors before the past six books are all on the stands.  This creates no end of trouble for the editor writing the new "bible" and also for the first book in the new series--written by moi.

All that to say, the new "bible" is not ready yet, though my book is due way too soon.  I have trouble writing my book without stats and backstories to agree on.  I'm just funny that way.

Yes, I realize that this is my opportunity to relax and go with the flow instead of being such an anal control freak.  And I am relaxing.  I am.  I really, really, am...

What's that screaming sound? Do you hear screaming....??!!

Book Done. And Now I'm on to...

...figuring out the next series of Bravo books.  Not going to write anything about that here, yet.  I want to have a better idea what I'm doing first.  Now, it's like shooting alligators in a swamp.  Blindfolded.  Help!

Also, I just agreed  to launch another six-book Montana Mavericks series.  It will be a continuation of the Thunder Canyon Montana Mavericks.  My book will be out in July of 2011.  So I will be writing that book very soon...

Right after plot group in Las Vegas, which is coming up starting Saturday, August 21st.

Yep.  The days are just packed!

Shelf Talkin' 'bout McFarlane's Perfect Bride

Neat.  McFarlane's Perfect Bride is a Recommended Read this month from Harlequin.  You'll see this cool little shelf talker wherever Silhouette Special Editions are sold.

Pretty cool, huh?

Oh, and special thanks to Kayla for the good words!