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Hello !

This week I'm sharing the prelude to the book of my heart--that special project I've been hinting at. Please read it!

Prelude

I came of age--romantically speaking--in the 70's. I graduated from UConn in 1978 and had some of the best, craziest times of my life then.

Later when I had children, I wished for them that same utopian college experience where you were in your own world, with other kids your age, all living and learning, engaged and doing all the things together--free from parental or other interference. I made my best friends for life in college.

I knew it was special, but I didn't realize exactly how special my time in college was until my son--who went to UNH--told me college just wasn't the same anymore. (due to high cost, pressure to succeed, connection to phone/internet interfering with real life connections.)

So I understand why my time in college was so utopian.

• The cost was low (relative to now--you could work your way thru school then)
• The drinking age was 18 while I was in school.
• The Vietnam war ended and there was no more draft.
• The assassinations and rioting of the sixties was over
• It was post-Watergate and Nixon resigned..

All of this left us hopeful and optimistic, confident that our futures were bright.

Also, free love had taken hold, no more culture of save-yourself-for-marriage that we'd grown up with.

There were no more campus rules preventing "co-mingling" of men and women, no more dorm mothers checking beds.

In fact, at UConn, 1974 is when they first began co-ed dorms.

Bonus: We had all the contraception and meds for STDs we wanted from the women's clinic--and there was no such thing as aids (yet).

Like I said, it was college utopia. We may not have realized that the utopia wouldn't last for future students, but we did know how wonderful our time was, that we'd never feel such freedom from the world outside again in our lives.

Unfortunately, campus conditions changed and the students who came after us never got the same experience.

Of course these same utopian conditions didn't necessarily exist on every campus or for the same duration.

All in all, at UConn we had it made and I now know how special the time was and how lucky we were.

So what? you're saying. What does any of this have to do with romance books?

Glad you asked!

My next book, the book of my heart, will take place in the 70's and will be set at UConn.

NO, it's not about me. This fictional story will be a sports romance about fictional characters--but in a real time and place that I know well.

It's not exactly historical--I'm calling it a period story.

Over the next few weeks, I'll reveal the title, the cover and the characters and hope you're as excited to experience those times as I am, through the eyes of my characters.

One thing that hasn't changed in all these years, is that young women and men still need to overcome obstacles as they fall in love, and they're still looking for that special connection that leads to an HEA. There will be all the swoony feels, as always!

Can't wait to share more with you in the coming weeks!

In the meantime, There's still time to enter my SPECIAL PROJECT CONTEST for the book of my heart!

Check out the Contest details below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Also check out a couple of great books from two of my favorite authors in the Featured Authors section below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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At SQ's House

We had a chance to go to Hampton beach, NH this week because the weather was gorgeous--and I'm between books for a minute! ➜➜➜

We deserved the break because we spent two days straightening and cooking so I could host my book club.

We read The Women by Kristin Hannah. It was a ht and I highly recommend it.

I made chicken-peanut-grape-apple lettuce wraps. A mouthful to say and to eat!

We had way too much food and I ended up with leftovers, including a party sized bag of peanut M&Ms and two boxes of cookies!

Which brings me to my darned health initiative--you know the one where I'm supposed to lose weight and get in shape?

Diet & Exercise Progress: I'm about the same weight, but less flabby. Not terrible, but not the kind of progress I wanted to make.

Oh well. In the words of the immortal Scarlet O'Hara, there's always tomorrow.❤️

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Join the SQ Team! 

If you enjoy talking books with like-minded romance lovers, and especially if you enjoy sports or my books, I would love to have you join my group. I share exclusive looks at covers-in-progress and you can join my ARC team there.

Me with two local reader friends ➜➜➜

I especially enjoy getting to know the members of my group personally. 💜

➜➜Join the SQ Team on Facebook Here

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Some of my favorite reviews!

for

a Fake Fiancee Hockey Rom-Com

TRICKY PUCK

“Wonderful stuff, raw, heartfelt and sexy. A lotta heat, just how I like it . Beautiful! Well written with great eye to detail, awesome descriptions, first class dialogue and great humour… a reader’s dream of a book with plenty of ….well sexy scenes. I loved this soo much! The banter is top shelf too. Brilliant writing by Stephanie Queen”

--Jane Litherland, Goodreads

“the chemistry is off the charts!... a sometimes LOL romcom with hockey, hot hockey players, their beautiful women, and plenty of steam! You’re going to love this book!”

--Linda Olinger, Goodreads

READ NOW!

I truly appreciate everyone who takes the time to leave reviews.💜

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The SPECIAL PROJECT CONTEST!

I'm running the contest on Instagram!

GUESS THE TITLE OF MY NEW SPECIAL PROJECT Book of My Heart TO ENTER!

T __ __

C __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

TO ENTER:

1. Follow Me on Instagram (@StephanieQueenromancewriter)

2. In the IG comments Guess the title of my Special Project book!

I'll pick a random correct answer

PRIZE: $10 Amazon Gift Certificate & a signed paperback (when they come out!)

DEADLINE: TBD

LET ME GUESS!

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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

If you read LOTS of books, KOBO's Subscription Program may be for you!

Less $ than KU & more titles than libraries with no wait!

CHECK IT OUT AND SUBSCRIBE HERE!

for UNLIMITED READS or LISTENS or BOTH!

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It's not too soon to register for

a romance readers meet romance authors conference

FALL IN LOVE NEW ENGLAND

I'll be there and I'd love to see you! This is a wonderful and intimate sleep over weekend where we eat together and have fun playing romance bingo and other games!

Tickets on Sale Now HERE!

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ROMANTICONN 2024

Coming soon! July 26 - 27

Trumbull Marriott Shelton, Trumbull, CT

Of course I'll be there and I'd LOVE to meet you!

This is a FUN event with lots of prizes and romance readers and authors to meet and mingle!

REGISTER NOW!

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More books for your reading pleasure

SQ's Featured Authors

Jagged Ice - Zoe Beth Geller

When the puck drops in the heated world of the NHL, Alexandre slides effortlessly across the ice, but nothing could prepare him for the slippery slope of his own emotions. In a high-stakes game, where loyalty is paramount, he ventures beyond the rink's barriers, seeking help from an unexpected ally — the brilliant team statistician.

Callie is wallowing in her divorce unable to move forward. Life is passing her by as she spends her evening alone with her dog, Lucy. That is—until Alexandre storms into her office.

As the tension of the playoffs rises, so does the chemistry between them, melting the ice that once divided their worlds. But as secrets unravel, Alexandre's intentions come under the spotlight and disrupt the team..

Is he playing for love or is he just playing? Read "Jagged Ice" and let the thrilling blend of strategy, romance, and raw emotion grip you till the final buzzer. 🥅❤️🔥

Whether you're a hockey aficionado or a hopeless romantic, this tbook promises chills, thrills, and heart-pounding moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

This is an opposites attract, surprise baby romance with no cheating and a HEA.

BUY NOW for $1.99!

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Over the Line - Elise Faber

My life has been a disaster. I’ve lost my job, my apartment, and my direction, so when my best friend suggests a week trip up to her house in Tahoe, I jump on the chance for a change in scenery.

Only, I didn’t anticipate Snowmageddon.

I didn’t anticipate being trapped on the side of the road and rescued by a famous hockey player—and certainly not by Lake Jordan, star center for the Sierra Hockey team, model, and entrepreneur.

I didn’t anticipate having to share his house.

Or that there would only be one bedroom.

And I didn’t anticipate…that he might want to keep me.

Forever.

GET THIS BOOK FREE NOW!

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More Romance Books for You!

KOBO PLUS ROMANCE!

NEW ROMANCE RELEASES

FREE ROMANCE

FREE BILLIONAIRE ROMANCES!

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ROMANCE FANS: CLICK HERE to Follow Me anywhere on social media and keep in touch!

Are you planning a vacation soon? If you are, then I hope you find a romantic book or two here to indulge your mood and enjoy your vacation.

I'd love to know what you think of my special project. Hit reply and drop me a note! 💜

Warmest Regards,