We're celebrating Kris's birthday! (August 1 - don't ask the year, but she remembers the nineties when the Sweet Home Alabama prequel novels are set, and she'll always be younger than her brother Doug).

This weekend, she has two free books to keep you entertained through the long hot summer of quarantine! If you want to wish her a happy birthday, grab one or both, or send them to other readers who might like them. Nothing pleases authors as much as the thought of readers devouring their work (figuratively, of course – eating paper or pixels is not recommended). And authors also love getting reviews on their books, should you feel so inclined once you've read.

Free until August 3! Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café: a Furrever Friends Sweet Romance.

Kari doesn't have time for love when she's opening her new cat café. She’s busy hiring employees, fighting with the health inspector – oh, and welcoming 16 shelter cats. But when a sexy master baker walks in, she can’t let him get away. So what does she do with the guy of her dreams? Set him up with her sister, of course.

Find the book on Kris's Amazon US page or Amazon UK page. (For other countries click here.) Share it with someone who might enjoy it!

Also free until August 3! The Mad Monk's Treasure, “Smart romance with an 'Indiana Jones' feel,” is ranked 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 50 reviews.

The Victorio Peak treasure is the stuff of legends. When a quiet history professor uncovers a clue to the lost treasure, she prepares for adventure. But she’s not the only one after the treasure. Is the handsome pilot who rescued her a hero or the enemy?

“The story has it all – action, romance, danger, intrigue, lost treasure, not to mention a sizzling relationship....” The Mad Monk’s Treasure is the first of the Southwest Treasure Hunters novels. Each novel stands alone, has a happy ending for the main couple, and is complete, with no cliffhangers. This series mixes action and adventure with romance. The stories explore the Southwest, especially New Mexico.

Find the book on Kris's Amazon US page or Amazon UK page. (For other countries click here.)

Please feel free to share the links to these free books! Here's a Tweet you can re-Tweet to help spread the news.

In Other News

Care for a glimpse into "glamorous" Hollywood? Doug comments on Comic-Con at Home Panels and shares the video/podcast for his new Let’s Schmooze Vlog about Comic-Con, networking, and writing in various media. You've probably never heard of his guests, but they might be responsible for some of your favorite media.

The featured guests are: Benjamin Raab - TV writer (Arrow, The Flash) and comic book writer (The Phantom, Green Lantern); Spiro Skentzos, TV writer (Grimm, Arrow) and host of the “Intro to TV Writing” Comic-Con panel; and Eugene Son, animation writer (Avengers Assemble, Star Wars Resistance) and comic book writer (Ultimate Spider-Man).

See the post here and scroll down for the video/podcast.

Find New Authors and Books

Summer Breeze Book Fair: This group has lots of paranormal – Angels, witches, fated mates, and monsters, plus some romance and thrillers. Note that some of these are sample chapters or previews, so be sure you understand what you're getting. They're all free with newsletter sign-up, so it's a cheap way to check out new authors and series. See the choices here.

Small Town Romances for Review: Small Town Romances: Do you like stories of women who leave the big city for quaint small towns, or romance on holiday? Get small-town romance books free for review. Visit beaches and boardwalks, quaint small towns in the Midwest, the South, or New Zealand – all for free if you plan to review the book. Find them here.

Beach reads are best! From joke books to cozy mysteries to sweet romance and spicy romantic comedy, find #SummerReads perfect for the beach (or your living room). Check out the light, entertaining beach reads in this bunch of covers with book links to buy them. See if anything catches your eye.

Finding Fate: A Small Town, YA, Best Friends to Lovers Romance, by Keelan Storm: "Finding Fate is the first book in the Tied by Fate series, a coming-of-age story filled with the fiery emotions of lust and infatuation, and the unexpected consequences of passionate first love." "I would highly recommend Finding Fate to young adult romance fans who want realistic emotions and fully developed characters alongside an exciting, high-stakes dramatic plot." Readers' Favorite

Thanks for reading!