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This past weekend I spent some time with some of my favorite people, the authors of the Washington Romance Writers group at their Readers, Bloggers and Librarians Luncheon. This is my favorite thing I do all year. Being your people is amazing and these are my people. We always have fun, laugh, never run out of words and just plain have a great time. Supporting each other as a group is a priority and you feel it. Yes, these authors are here to support their own books, but one of the reasons I was so drawn to this group was their desire to build relationships with their readers and with each other. This group has been helping me support military spouses for several years now by donating gift cards, books and swag to National Guard spouses remotely stationed. So on this edition of Rhe’s Bookshelf I’m going to share a couple of books written by these amazing local authors!!
Geri Krotow
Geri’s book, Navy Rules was my very first romance book. Most secular fiction these days have sex in it, books that you wouldn’t consider to be ‘romance novels’. But Geri’s book was my first romance novel, in the Harlequin family, that was traditional romance novel. I was going through a deployment and I was wondering the aisle of Walmart. I took my kids to the bathroom, which just happened to be right by the book section. On the cover was a man in a flight suit, with a jet plane and a military service dog. It caught my eye and picked it up. The rest is history. I’ve read almost every single book she’s written so its hard to pick my favorites but these are my some of favorites.
Commander Max Ford was injured in combat and returned to Whidbey Island to recover, the help of a therapy dog. The owner of the dog is Winnie Armstrong, widow of his closest friend. They are thrown together again which forces them to confront the biggest secret between them.
I’m partial to Navy Rules because it was my first. I’m partial to this book because this woman is my friend now and I am so grateful to know her. But this writing is good guys. I was drawn into the story because this isn’t your mother’s or grandmother’s romance novel. There’s a significant storyline in a lot of these books, and this one is no exception. And because Geri is a Veteran and a military spouse she gets it right. And I never knew how important that would be to me until I started reading these books. You will feel a connection to these characters. If you aren’t connected to the military you will get a very real window into the lives of military families.
Jamie Farrell
Her Rebel Heart is a sassy book!! You will laugh hysterically when you read this. The kind of laugh that if you have birthed more than one child will probably make you pee your pants!! If you are all about a small town, make you belly laugh, pulls at your heart strings story – with a Southern Twang – The Officer’s Ex-Wives Club books, as well as the rest of Jamie Farrell’s books are exactly for you.
MK Meredith
This woman is my heart, a fellow military spouse, a Breast Cancer survivor and plain amazing. The kindest heart and the brightest smile. But on top of all of that she’s an amazing writer. She writes saucy stories perfect for a snuggle in front of the fireplace.
Drago De Luca is an international tycoon in beautiful Italy. His beloved grandmother’s family inn is on the verge of closing its door thanks to a hotel heiress from America. Chase is trying to prove she’s got what it takes beyond her family name. Winning over the people of this beautiful Italian town is priority number one. She meets Drago who claims he will show her around and get the town to fall in love with her. But the truth is he’s out to make sure he fails. Somewhere along the way they fall in love with each other, against their better judgement.
Seducing the Tycoon is one of my favorite kinds of romance novels because it draws you in to the personal life of the characters. And what I truly think makes it stand out among many others is that it takes the time to connect you to Drago, your male character. You are drawn into his life and are moved by his relationship with his grandmother. I don’t feel like that happens a lot in these types stories. And boy is it a little on the steamy side!! I just got her newest book, Love on the Cape, and I can’t wait to read it and get you guys the review.
Uma is running away from an abusive and possessive relationship. With no idea of her own self worth she takes a job that will forever change her life. Ivan doesn’t look like the compassionate and gentle man he is. He is determined to heal Uma’s wounds, both physical and mental.
This book was entirely unexpected and surprised me at every turn. This intensely emotional story made me feel so deeply. It touched me right to the core and brought tears to my eyes. This is one of the reasons I was pulled into this incredible community. The intensity with which some of these stories are created is so real. This is not about the romance. These are real humans and could be someone you know. Adriana doesn’t write your typical fairy tale. These are gritty and raw stories that showcase the best of what humans can be, even if they don’t look crisp and pristine. Under Her Skin is an amazing book and I would highly recommend you click on that link and get it right now! I’ve also seen it in the wild on the shelf at Barnes and Noble!
Visit the Washington Romance Writers website to find more local authors! There are so many more amazing ones on the list. You can also find a local chapter of Romance Writers of America by visiting their site. I love supporting local writers and small businesses and you should too!!
Rheanna 
