Erica Ridley and Priscilla Oliveras Bring the Love!

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Hi Frolic,

Happy Halloween! (Almost☺)!

I am in a happy place as I write this article– stacks of candy corn at my side, and I’m mixing up the format this week. I’ve got two authors who bring the love every time with their fab stories of romance and love while beating the obstacles no matter how fierce to give readers that happy ever after they crave. 

But in honor of Halloween, I also want to share my recommendations for what you should be watching on the tele–in case you haven’t done so yet.

Recently, between writing, revising, re-writing, and writing some more, I have done some big-time binge-watching (thank you very much). So, in addition to adding more fab novels to my TBR list, I also have some other recommendations – so grab your remote and consider adding these ‘scary’ programs to your respective “Must-Watch” lists for this Halloween:

A Discovery of Witches provides a double-whammy: Book 1 in the “All Souls” Trilogy, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness makes for a fantastic read as well wondeful television. The British TV series (Sky One) can be found on AMC and/or Sundance Channel and is as fabulously addictive as the Deborah Harkness series.

Evil, a CBS first-year series, is now on Netflix (season 1). Yes, it’s a wee bit scary. Honestly, it includes some bone-chilling moments of absolute terror—visual, psychological, and otherwise. But it’s a humdinger. The mythology also rules and the will-they or won’t-they romance make this one a popcorn-eating, edge-of-your-seat-sitting marvel. Enjoy (with lights on, please).

Now, let’s dive into the novel recommendations:

One Night with a Duke by Erica Ridley

Release Date: October 9, 2020

Genre: Historical Romance

(Description provided by publisher)

Sparks fly in this definitely-not-falling-in-love workplace romance between a handsome drifter chasing adventure, and a small-town jeweler who would never leave her home behind…

Dashing Scot Jonathan MacLean never returns to the same town twice. The happy-go-lucky philanthropist seeks constant adventure… and is desperate to outrun his past. When a blizzard traps him in a tiny mountaintop village, he meets a woman who tempts him with dreams he’d long since abandoned: Home. Community. Love. But other people’s livelihoods depend on him leaving for good as soon as the snow melts.

No-nonsense jeweler Angelica Parker has spent her life fighting for recognition. She’s Black, she’s a woman, and she will prove her creations are the equal to any artisan in England. With the project of a lifetime on the line, there’s no room for error—or distractions. Especially not the handsome charmer whose unquenchable cheer and melting kisses have become more precious than jewels…

What you should know about Erica:

New York Times bestselling author Erica Ridley writes whimsical, feel-good romantic comedies from her tropical home in the rainforests of Costa Rica. @EricaRidley

Denny: What’s your favorite trope to read? What’s your favorite trope to write—and does either one get some love in your new release?

Erica: I love so many tropes! Favorites are Opposites Attract and Forced Proximity, especially when combined with Oh-No-Anyone-But-You. It’s so much fun watching two stubborn hearts confront their misconceptions—about each other, or about themselves—and fall headfirst into love, despite their best efforts not to… and discover they are exactly what each other needed. This dynamic definitely comes into play in One Night with a Duke.

Denny: In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, the titular “dukes” famously aren’t always human. Do you think there are too many dukes in regency romance?

Erica: Historical romance (like all fiction) should have space for everyone. I do sometimes write titled characters, but the majority of my protagonists come from all backgrounds. Some have no home or family, like Jonathan, and some have big, complicated careers and families, like Angelica. The in-joke in this series turns the trope of a “duke” on its head. Each book has one, but it might be a man… or a cat… or a constellation! Fans say they’ve had as much fun “spotting the duke” as I’ve had dreaming up new ways to surprise them.

Denny: What are you binge watching now and what beverage do you recommend readers enjoy while devouring your new release?

Erica: I recently binge-watched The Good Place and am just starting The Umbrella Academy. In One Night with a Duke, Angelica and Jonathan toast with a glass of 1811 Veuve Clicquot champagne, which happens to be a comet vintage! That’s when a major astronomical event coincides with a phenomenal harvest of grapes. In their honor, I’d say toast yourself with the bubbly of your choice, whether it’s champagne or a soft drink. (Spiking optional.) 

Holiday Home Run by Priscilla Oliveras

Release date: October 27, 2020 (Note: Previously published in A Season to Celebrate)

Genre: Contemporary Romance – Adult

(Description provided by publisher)

Event planner Julia Louisa Fernandez dreams of a life in Chicago. But her family in Puerto Rico expects her to take over the catering business. Former pro baseball player Ben Thomas knows what that’s like—and when they meet, he might be the one to inspire a winning strategy, just in time for the holidays . . .

What you should know about Priscilla?

Priscilla Oliveras is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance with a Latinx flavor. @prisoliveras.

Denny: What’s your favorite trope to read? What’s your favorite trope to write—and does either one get some love in your new release?

Priscilla: My favorite trope to read is friends to lovers, with second chance romance a close second (no pun intended). Funny enough, I’ve only written one friends to lovers—Her Perfect Affair—but I just finished copy edits for a second chance romance, Anchored Hearts, releasing May 2021.

Holiday Home Run has one of my favorite tropes or categories…sports romance! Ben is a former MLB pitching phenom who played for the Chicago Cubs (my fav team!) but was forced to retire due to an injury. Julia’s familia in Puerto Rico are baseball fanatics and her three brothers play, so she’s happy to be off the island and away from the winter ball league hoopla. Baseball players have long been on her “don’t date” list…but Ben has a game plan he hopes will change her mind.

Denny: What was your favorite part about writing a holiday novella? 

Priscilla: The whole process of writing Holiday Home Run was such a treat for me. From house shopping on Zillow for Ben’s home in Wrigleyville, to Googling fun winter events around Chicago, to sharing some of the Puerto Rican holiday traditions that are a special part of my familia’s holiday celebrations. Listening to parranda music while writing filled me with a nostalgia for special times with loved ones on the island. Plus, Julia is named after my baseball loving abuela who passed years ago, so between the memories, music, and characters, I felt like my abuela was there with me.

Denny: What are you binge watching now and what beverage do you recommend readers enjoy while devouring your new release!

Priscilla: I’ve been in a deeeeeep K-drama hole during this pandemic and could share a long list of Korean dramas I recommend (DM if you’re interested). My top 3: “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” “Descendants of the Sun,” “Crash Landing on You.” 

Mid-summer, I also started watching “Lucifer” because it’s gotten such rave reviews—and let’s be honest, the cast is HOT HOT HOT. I’m thrilled to report that those reviews are 100% right! I am lovin’ “Lucifer!”

Drink recommendation: When you’re reading Holiday Home Run, I hope you feel like you’re wrapped in the warmth of a wintery romance with Latinx music playing in the background. So, I’d say, try a cup of hot chocolate with a splash of Rum Chata! Mmmmmm!

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