BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--GUEST AUTHOR ALLIE BONIFACE

Allie Boniface was born and raised in a tiny community in upstate New York, which probably explains her fascination with the magic of small town life. Allie writes sensual contemporary romance. She loves stories set in small towns and is a firm believer in the power of love and the emotions that connect us all. Learn more about Allie and her books at her website. 

Let’s face it: writing can be a solitary pursuit. Sure, there are times we sit down with other authors at critique groups, or over coffee, and hash out plot details. Or we ask our spouses over dinner to just listen one more time to an idea for a new book. Of course we love hearing from readers, and chatting with them on social media has turned out to be a marvelous 21^st century way of connecting.

But at the end of the day, we still have to put ourselves in the chair, our hands to the keyboard, and write. Alone. We sweat through the pages, analyzing scene after scene, adding characters, taking out chapters, until finally we release our “baby” into the world. It takes its first steps into the world of Amazon and Barnes and Noble, hoping for reviews, making an appearance or two on someone’s blog or Facebook page or Twitter feed. And it’s always fun (though a little nerve-wracking) to watch our baby grow legs and stand proudly in the very big world of publishing.

However, times are continually changing. And how wonderful these days that our babies don’t always have to go it alone! Boxed sets are appearing like lightning all over the online retailers, and what’s not to like about that? As a reader, you can buy a collection of books at a fraction of their full price. As a writer, you can team up with other authors, and that often means greater exposure to more readers and shared risk as well as shared profit.

Recently, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of joining nine other authors in collaborating on Passionate Kisses, a boxed set of ten sizzling contemporary romances that will be released at the end of this month, just in time for summer. Let me tell you, this is going to be beach and poolside reading at its best! Release day is June 23, and we’re planning a fabulous Facebook Launch Party for June 24. The first thing to do, right away, is like our Facebook page, here. Then you’ll know exactly what events are coming up and when.

Want a peek at what’s inside our set?

Storm Damages by Magda Alexander

Promising law student Elizabeth Watson risks her legal career when she falls for Gabriel Storm, the British billionaire whose sizzling kisses and heated touch makes every ounce of her being burn.

Confessions by Wendy Ely 

When Chelsea Montgomery vanished eleven years ago, her hometown thought she’d been abducted. In truth, she'd given up the daughter she'd secretly had with Jordan Case. Now he confronts her to help find the child. With a little girl's fate hanging in the balance, will the uneasy partnership—stained by the past—transform into something else?

Reckless by Jessi Gage 

Cami is in a coma. While her body recovers in the hospital, she visits the dreams of the man who acted in anger on the freeway and caused her accident. Can she learn the meaning of forgiveness or will she let a single mistake drive her dream man away forever?

Against Her Rules by Victoria Barbour 

Elsie Walsh has one rule—no sleeping with the guests at her luxury inn on the rugged coast of Newfoundland—but Scottish playboy Campbell Scott is determined to show her that he belongs not only in her bed, but by her side at the Heart’s Ease Inn.

Shameless by Rebecca J. Clark 

Haunted by a tragic accident 20 years ago, John Everest knows he doesn’t deserve a family of his own, so he spends his days building the most successful fitness franchise in Seattle…and his nights alone. But that all changes when Samantha Rossi storms back into his life.

Good Cop by Liz Kelly 

When two best friends enlist a pony-tailed firecracker to help shake up their good cop/bad cop images, fireworks ignite. One steamy romance plus a very funny bromance equals lots of laughs and a helluva love triangle.

Baby Stetson by Nikki Lynn Barrett

Her past is full of holes, but new strangers in town are about to bring secrets, truths, and a chance at love.

Awakening by Sydney Holmes 

Once you step over the edge there’s no turning back. Nora Young, restless and adrift, dreams of passion, purpose and adventure. In walks mysterious and sexy Ryan Cole who seems to offer her everything she is looking for. Will they survive the fire they ignite?

Beacon of Love by Allie Boniface 

When travel journalist Sophie Smithwaite comes to Lindsey Point to investigate a haunted lighthouse, hunky local handyman Lucas Oakes is torn between protecting the town's secrets and giving in to the first passion he’s felt in years. Is preserving tradition worth sacrificing a chance at true love? 

The Opposite of Wild by Kylie Gilmore 

The last thing Liz Garner expects in her new job as an elder care provider is Ryan O'Hare for a boss. The insensitive, arrogant, horribly…hot man she's avoided for years. When his Gran walks on the wild side, Liz joins her, risking both his ire and his passion.