Showing posts with label Donna Hatch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Donna Hatch. Show all posts

Thursday, December 13, 2018

12 Days of Clean Romance: Author Donna Hatch, Sale & Giveaway!

 
UPDATE: The e-book sale is for Saturday, Dec 15th


   

Christmas Secrets by Donna Hatch 

A stolen Christmas kiss leaves them bewildered and breathless. A charming rogue-turned-vicar, Will wants to prove that he left his rakish days behind him, but an accidental kiss changes all his plans. His secret could bring them together...or divide them forever. Holly has two Christmas wishes this year; finally earn her mother's approval by gaining the notice of a handsome earl, and learn the identity of the stranger who gave her a heart-shattering kiss...even if that stranger is the resident Christmas ghost. 

 

This scene takes place when everyone on Christmas Day takes a turn kissing their spouse or sweetheart underneath the mistletoe ball. Now the group turn to Will and Holly, who have only known each other a few days, and start goading them into sharing a mistletoe kiss...

“Come now, don’t be shy,” her sister called. “It’s tradition.”

The others called out encouragements.

Apology edged into Will’s uncertain expression. “Do you mind?”

Holly’s palms grew sweaty inside her gloves, and her smile probably came out wobbly. “Who are we to go against tradition?” Did she sound desperate in her desire to kiss him?

Will held out a hand. She placed hers in it and walked at his side to the kissing ball. They stood, hand in hand, facing each other. His neck cloth shifted as he swallowed. He leaned in. Her heart stumbled and her knees shook. She closed her eyes. Aching, she lifted her face. His cinnamon-spiced breath warmed her mouth.

He kissed her cheek.

Stunned, she opened her eyes. The watching guests groaned and some chuckled.

“No, no, that won’t do at all,” Joseph’s voice rang out. “Give her a proper kiss.”

Will froze. That intensity she occasionally saw in him returned. “Holly.” He swallowed again but instead of nervousness, a hunger that sent a flurry of shivers through her overtook his expression. “May I?”

She nodded. It didn’t matter if he saw how much she wanted this, wanted him. Let him know. Let the whole world know.

He touched her chin, lifted it, and leaned in. Again, she closed her eyes. This time his lips touched hers, pliant and unbelievably gentle. Heat exploded at the contact and shot through her all the way down to her tingling toes. Different from her mystery kiss, this one sang of affection and respect and a deep longing to be accepted. Sweeter, more chaste, more filled with caring, Will’s kiss brought her a level of joy she’d never known. All the world faded away leaving Will and the power of his affection, his touch, his kiss. Every moment of her life seemed to have been designed to bring her to this single, perfect moment of bliss and wholeness.

“Ahem.” Father cleared his throat conspicuously.

Will pulled away all too quickly. A tiny sound of distress caught in Holly’s throat. It was over too soon. But oh, what a glorious kiss!



https://amzn.to/2LglANZ  


"I can always count on Donna Hatch to weave a delightful tale with vivid characters and swoony kisses. Christmas Secrets does not disappoint." ~Reading is My Super Power 

"Filled with delightful holiday traditions, growing attraction between Holly and one of the guests, a mother set on a desirable match for her daughter, and a few heart-melting kisses, this novella is the perfect book to cuddle up with this holiday season." ~Remembrancy Book Reviews 

"It's been some time since an author made me believe their characters like this, but Donna Hatch writes it so beautifully I was quickly drawn into the idyllic past." Silver Wood Sketches Book Reviews


    

   


Author Donna Hatch 


Donna Hatch is the award-winning author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series” and is published in sweet Regency romance and fantasy. Her professional memberships include Romance Writers of America (RWA)and American Night Writers Association (ANWA). A sought-after workshop presenter, she juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, not to mention her six children (seven, counting her husband), and still manages to make time to write. A native of Arizona who recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.    

  


  

     





Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/6/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  





Friday, September 14, 2018

Falling in Love Event: Author Donna Hatch & Giveaway!

 

   

The Stranger She Married by Donna Hatch 

When her parents and twin brother die within weeks of each other, Alicia and her younger sister are left in the hands of an uncle who has brought them all to financial and social ruin. Desperate to save her family from debtor's prison, Alicia vows to marry the first wealthy man to propose. She meets the dashing Lord Amesbury, and her heart whispers that this is the man she is destined to love, but his tainted past may forever stand in their way. Her choices in potential husbands narrow to either a scarred cripple with the heart of a poet, or a handsome rake with a deadly secret. 

Cole Amesbury is tormented by his own ghosts, and believes he is beyond redemption, yet he cannot deny his attraction for the girl whose genuine goodness touches the heart he'd thought long dead. He fears the scars in his soul cut so deeply that he may never be able to offer Alicia a love that is true. 

When yet another bizarre mishap threatens her life, Alicia suspects the seemingly unrelated accidents that have plagued her loved ones are actually a killer's attempt to exterminate every member of her family. Despite the threat looming over her, learning to love the stranger she married may pose the greatest danger to her heart. And Cole must protect Alicia from the killer who has been exterminating her family before she is the next target. 

This romantic story of loss and betrayal, forgiveness and redemption, and strangers marrying, will leave you laughing, crying, and swooning. Sprinkled liberally with suspense, mystery, and heart-melting kisses, this is not your ordinary historical tale of an arranged marriage nor of redeeming the rakes. 

Fans of Victorian and Regency Eras as well as those seeking clean and wholesome romance with plenty of chemistry, not to mention the redemptive power of love, will love this story! Dance with a duke, outwit pirates, save a kingdom, and fall in love. Believe in happily ever after.

Get your copy on AMAZON
Add to Goodreads


  


Mrs. Hancock beamed as Alicia reached her side, put an arm around Alicia, and brought her into their circle. “Miss Alicia Palmer, allow me to introduce Lord Amesbury.”

Even more devastating up close, Lord Amesbury turned to Alicia. His piercing blue eyes threatened the strength in her knees. Though taller than most ladies, Alicia still had to look up to meet his gaze. No other color existed in those eyes; no green or gray, only deep, dark blue, like the fathomless depths of the ocean.

All the other men she had met lately, namely those her uncle insisted she consider for a husband, had taken careful note of her figure. But this gentleman only looked into her eyes. Very deeply.

Lord Amesbury inclined his head. “Miss Palmer.” His resonant, bass voice touched her very soul.

Alicia met his frank gaze and a sensation she did not quite understand stirred within her until breathing became a conscious effort. Mrs. Hancock discreetly coughed, and Alicia realized she’d been locked in eye contact with the Viscount much longer than appropriate.

Unable to pull her eyes away, Alicia sank into a curtsey. “My lord.”

No longer merely polite, his smile broadened, warmed, transforming an already handsome face into a perfectly stunning visage. Sensuality radiated off him, not in a manner that left her feeling threatened, but in a way that left her breathless for more. More of what, she did not know. But she wanted to find out.

“Miss Palmer,” Lord Amesbury said, “May I have the next dance?”

Alicia blinked. She looked back at Elizabeth who smiled encouragingly. Mrs. Hancock also smiled and nodded, but a touch of disappointment tainted her approval, reminding Alicia the dear lady had hoped her own daughter would attract the attention of the very eligible Lord Amesbury. That he’d singled out Alicia seemed a dream.

She squelched all hope that she might hold his interest. Surely only politeness motivated him to dance with the plainest girl first. He’d soon turn his attention to the beautiful ladies.

Finding her voice, Alicia replied, “I would be delighted, my lord.”

As the final notes of the current dance ended and the next began, Lord Amesbury offered his arm.

She took it, an unfamiliar quiver beginning in her stomach. The art of dancing, she found as the set began, had not abandoned her as completely as her wits. The handsome viscount danced with athletic grace, his attention focused upon her. The warmth of his hand seeped through their kidskin gloves. He held her gently, firmly.

A playful glint touched his sapphire eyes. “I must warn you. Now that we’ve danced, my aunt will take it upon herself to ask you your opinion of me. She will most certainly interrogate me regarding you.”

She met those probing eyes and her mouth curved. “Oh? Has your aunt become your self-proclaimed matchmaker?”

A wry smile touched his lips. “Of course. I’m thirty and not yet married. She feels it her duty to ensure I produce an heir before I’m too old. Despite my efforts to delay that obligation, she persists.”

Alicia nodded, her smile deepening at his indelicate statement. “That is a dilemma.”

“Since you and I have only just met, it will be difficult to offer a fair assessment of your character. And if I say anything positive about you, she’ll plan the wedding.” His smile brightened, lighting up his stunning face.

Alicia missed her step. Even while dancing with the very handsome Duke of Suttenberg two Seasons ago, such a keen attraction for a man had never overcome her as it did tonight. Yet she was nearly twenty, for heaven’s sake, not a missish schoolgirl!

“Your aunt is a strong woman and a kind lady, my lord. I am sure you can reason with her.”

“I suppose she possesses a good heart deep, deep down inside, but be truthful; she’s sharp-tongued and outspoken.”

She laughed and then clapped her hand over her mouth. “My lord! She might hear you.”

He chuckled. “Fear not. We needle each other as frequently as possible. I say worse things to her face. I enjoy watching her squirm and plot a counter- attack.”

That reminded her of the playful banter she shared with her cousin Robert. “I don’t recall her ever mentioning you, my lord.”

His smile turned self-deprecating. “I’m one of those relations no one mentions.”


  

"The intrigue held me spellbound until the very end and it was an unexpected ending. I will definitely be looking for more…”– Excerpt from Night Owl Romance 

“I don’t think I have ever read dialog that is quite so fresh, varied and robust to the point that it is not only woven seamlessly into the plot, but it almost becomes a living, breathing thing in itself.” -excerpt from Hope Chest Reviews 

"No one creates chemistry between Regency Historical characters better than Donna Hatch. If you want a “sweet” read, but with lots of sizzle, you have to read one of her books.” ~ Carol A. Spradling    


   

Author Donna Hatch 


Best-selling author of Regency Historical Romances, Donna Hatch is a hopeful romantic and adventurer at heart. Donna sings and plays the harp, and loves to ballroom dance. Her family, including six children, recently left their native Arizona for the west coast of the US. No matter where they live, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there truly is a happily ever after. 





  


   
 
   

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in Paypal Cash Ends 10/5/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 





Monday, August 27, 2018

Review: Timeless Regency Collection: Wedding Wagers by Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Michele Paige Holmes


Heidi Reads... Timeless Regency Collection: Wedding Wagers by Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Three wagers. Three couples. Three chances at love. Let the bets begin.

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Romance, comes WEDDING WAGERS. Featuring bestselling authors Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, and Michele Paige Holmes.


A WAGER FOR LOVE by Donna Hatch:
For once, Phillip would like to be seen as more than the younger brother of a duke. When he unexpectedly meets the one girl in all London who doesn’t give two figs for his rank in society, she won’t give him the time of day. Determined to gain her attention, he accidentally tips over her boat and dumps her into a river. Not the best way to convince a lady of worth that he is a gentleman of promise. Frustrated, Phillip makes a rash wager with a friend: he vows he’ll not only gain her forgiveness, but her hand in marriage by the end of the Season. The stakes are high in this romantic Regency romp!

THE FINAL WAGER by Heather B. Moore:
When Victor Roland, Earl of Locken, enters into a game of twenty-one with Lord Southill, the stakes get quickly out of control. Before Victor knows it, Southill is betting the dowry of his sister. While completely illegal, Victor is mostly insulted, so he does what any gentleman of the ton should do. He punches Southill out. Problem is, Southill is in so much debt that he’d been kicked out of his townhouse earlier that day. So Victor is forced to deliver Southill at his estate outside of London . . . only to meet Southill’s sister, Lady Juliet, a woman who Victor now wishes he’d bet on.

AN IMPROBABLE WAGER by Michele Paige Holmes:
Sherborne Alexander Rowley III has come home to marry his neighbor—and solve his financial problems in one fell swoop. Love doesn’t figure into the equation, only the need to save his family’s estate. The reserved Miss Emily Montgomery seems willing enough, leaving the only possible obstacle to Sherborne’s success his childhood friend, Eli Linfield, and the wager they made long ago that Eli would be the one to marry Emily. When the timely birth of a colt, Emily’s mischievous sister Sophia, and Emily herself all conspire to ruin Sherborne’s plans, one night of mayhem unravels far more than their betrothal. Emily is not as demure as he believed, nor is Eli what he has pretended these many years. Yet the future for all may yet be bright. Sherborne might even wager on it.


My Review

There is plenty of humor and wit in these three Regency stories (by three of my favorite must-read authors!) that have some kind of wager about a wedding as the premise. They are longer than novella length, and each have fully developed characters and plots. I appreciated that I felt like I could connect to each of the couples and their dilemmas, and was invested in the outcome of their happily-ever-afters. I definitely enjoyed all three, but my favorite was An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes, because I'm a sucker for the unrequited love/childhood crush trope! Eli was such an admirable and unassuming hero, working his way up in the world with moderate success so that even though he never expected to have his romantic dreams fulfilled, he was prepared when the opportunity arose. Lots of romance and navigating of Regency society made this collection one I'll definitely re-read in the future!

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Cover Reveal: Timeless Regency Collection: Wedding Wagers by Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Michele Paige Holmes


https://amzn.to/2KR6I7t

Coming in August 2018!!!

Now available for pre-order and be sure to add it to your Goodreads list!

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Three wagers. Three couples. Three chances at love. Let the bets begin.

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Romance, comes WEDDING WAGERS. Featuring bestselling authors Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, and Michele Paige Holmes.



Other books in the Timeless Regency Collections:




Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Review: With a Kiss: A Sweet Romance Anthology by Traci Hunter Abramson, Rachel Branton, Rachelle J. Christensen, Joyce DiPastena, Danyelle Ferguson, Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Luisa Perkins, Janette Rallison, Heather Tullis


Heidi Reads... With a Kiss: A Sweet Romance Anthology by Traci Hunter Abramson, Rachel Branton, Rachelle J. Christensen, Joyce DiPastena, Danyelle Ferguson, Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Luisa Perkins, Janette Rallison, Heather Tullis

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

**On sale for a limited time only!**

"ALL proceeds will go toward Robison Wells's family's medical expenses. All of the authors have donated new novellas + the editing + cover design were all donated as well. A true labor of love to help one of our own!" -Heather B. Moore

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

A collection of 10 brand new sweet romance novellas by USA Today bestselling & award winning authors.
 

DANCING TO FREEDOM by Traci Hunter Abramson: A Russian ballerina. An American hockey player. A forbidden romance. Can Katrina follow her heart when freedom is the one thing she lacks? Or will the Cold War cost her the only man she has ever loved?

RYLEE’S MIX-UP by Rachel Branton: Rylee Williams didn’t want to be a bridesmaid at her estranged sister’s wedding, the sister who’d grown up with the family she was supposed to have. So why does she find herself in a dress two sizes too big and no date for the wedding? Maybe it’s time to give up on her family once and for all. But a greased pig contest and handsome cowboy Beck Seeger might just change her mind—both about sticking it out and taking a chance at love.

THE REFUGEE’S BILLIONAIRE by Rachelle J. Christensen: Shawn Halstrom has an assignment: travel to Atlanta, Georgia to investigate The Heart of Atlanta refugee center so that Burke Enterprises can make a donation. The job should take two weeks tops, but he wasn’t planning on falling for a Cuban refugee named Carolina Diaz. She’s a single mother who isn’t interested in dating, even if the guy might be a billionaire.

JUST THIS MOMENT by Joyce DiPastena: Alys’s late husband thought her useful only for spinning thread. Now a mysterious monk has come to take her to a nunnery. Can a sightless woman like Alys exert her independence to forge a future of her own choice? And will the monk, who stirs forbidden longings in her, help or hinder her?

ORIGAMI GIRL by Danyelle Ferguson: Josephine loved teaching crafts at the children's hospital until she was assigned to help Dr. Blake learn how to relate with his patients. As she helps the young doctor soften his sharp edges, relax his rigid folds, and open up to the people around him, she finds she can't help but love the man he's becoming.

SABRINA’S HERO by Donna Hatch: For weeks, Sabrina daydreams about a mysterious gentleman who frequents the lending library. Is he perchance an agent for the crown? A returning war hero? A highwayman? A fateful public assembly introduces her to the mystery man as well as an intriguing newcomer. Now she’s torn between a charming rake promising the adventure she craves, and a handsome barrister who offers security. Only one will stand by her when it matters most.

FALLING FOR LUCY by Heather B. Moore: Lucy Morley’s older sister is perfect, yet Lucy can’t even hold down a job, let alone stick with something like college. After another disastrous firing, she lands her dream job at a bookstore—and it doesn’t hurt that her new boss, Adam Parks, is pretty much her dream man. But if Lucy is good at one thing, it’s guarding herself from heartbreak. Adam has other plans in mind that include finding a way into Lucy’s heart.

MY DEAREST EMMA by Luisa Perkins: Since her husband died at 25, Johanna has worked at a busy hotel in the new railroad town of Danube, Minnesota, soothing her loneliness by writing home to her sister in Germany. When she meets August, a shy widower, her letters reveal a budding friendship. But Johanna soon begins to question whether their romance can survive a demanding employer, August’s jealous daughter, and the misgivings of two recently broken hearts.

COVERTLY YOURS by Janette Rallison: Paisley Spencer never needed a knight in shining armor—until she finds herself surrounded by three gangsters in a bad part of Phoenix. A handsome stranger intervenes, rescuing her from certain disaster. The only catch? Now she has to pretend to be his girlfriend for the next hour. She finds it’s a job she doesn't want to end.

SUSPECT LOVE by Heather Tullis: description coming soon


My Review

What a collection! Such a variety of stories from some of my favorite authors, some I've read once or twice, and some I've only heard of. I love getting a taste of what an author's style is like in a novella, and also if the author branches out into a different genre! All of the stories were entertaining and there is a good mix of contemporary and historical, suspense and cozy. Some I enjoyed more than others, but I definitely think any reader who is a fan of clean romance would like most of the stories they find here if not all. Here are my brief thoughts on each novella...

The characters in Dancing to Freedom had a pretty swift start to their romance, but it was the intrigue and element of suspense that drove the plot. I liked learning more about the ballerinas while they toured Canada and the United States.

Rylee's Mixup was a fun story of mistaken identity with the charming cowboy and also had some deeper themes with her past of a dysfunctional family and foster homes. I enjoyed Rylee and Beck's banter and chemistry more than the family drama, but there was a good balance between the two.

I enjoyed the setting of a refugee center in Atlanta in The Refugee's Billionaire, where Carolina is an employee helping new refugees acclimate to their new country and its culture. Her innovative ideas and compassion attract Shawn and even though he's not really a billionaire, he is successful in his own right. They develop a sweet romance and work together to keep the center alive and growing.

Just This Moment is a medieval historical, and I'm always impressed by this author's ability to transport me to the time period and make it come to life. Deception and politics come into play as Alys must be torn from her daughter and ensconced in a nunnery while her daughter is raised in another household and betrothed to the leader's son. As Walter transcribes Alys's life memories to preserve for her daughter, he realizes the injustice of such a strong and clever woman being forced to submit to the will of others. I loved this story and am excited to read more about the characters in the author's upcoming works this fall!

Origami Girl is one of my favorites from this collection! It takes two completely opposite people and throws them into situations with some of the most vulnerable and strong individuals- children with cancer. Josephine's positive attitude in spite of her losses is admirable and she uses her talents to inspire and bring happiness to others. I enjoyed seeing her influence on Dr. Blake and understanding how his childhood influenced the person he became. His vulnerabilities reveal someone who needs love and light more than he realized. The children they interact with in the hospital make this story fun and full of heart.

I always love a good Regency romance, and this author is one of my must-reads in the genre. This story had hints of Austen about it which was fun to discover. Sabrina was definitely like Catherine Moreland from Northanger Abbey, imagining intrigue and secrets and dreaming of adventure. Her naiveté was frustrating when it came to the gentlemen pursuing her, and there was a Wickham/Darcy dynamic with Mr. Wynn and Mr. Beauchamp. I appreciated the addition of an tragic historical event and the depth it brought to the story. 

Heather B. Moore is another must-read author for me, and the main reason I was interested in this collection. Her story did not disappoint! I loved the setting of a cozy bookstore, the characters that came alive with their personalities and mannerisms, and the fun romance that made me wish the story was longer. Definitely one of my favorites.

My Dearest Emma is a historical epistolary story, told through letters from Johanna to her sister and relating her struggles after her husband passed away and her experiences working for a hotel. While the friendship between Johanna and Herr Jentz is sweet, there is a significant age gap that makes them hesitate to deepen the relationship. I liked how that gap seemed to close as they grew closer and allowed their care for each other to overcome their concerns.  

Covertly Yours was a hoot! Paisley is totally out of her element but keeps trying to make the best of it so she can survive the night. One thing leads to another and by the end of a rather eventful night, her life has changed. I loved the chemistry between her and Ice, and the way the plot developed with its twists and turns. Another favorite!

A strong finish to the collection was Suspect Love, where Regean, a phlebotomist, was hoping for a promotion but had to hide her disappointment when it was given to someone from outside the company. Titus is actually a professional clean-up guy, brought in to discover who is skimming from the register and stealing from the company. He wins Regan over with his down-to-earth friendliness and she takes a risk, even though she discovers his is a temporary assignment. The setting was interesting and the characters had great chemistry.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)