Southernism of the Week: “If I felt any better, I’d think it was a setup.” We hope you’re feeling well, and it’s not a setup!

Doug, like all Hollywood screenwriters, is currently on strike. Here’s a picture of him on the picket line. For more information on the strike and how to support the writers, visit https://www.wga.org/

Remember, writers struggle to make a living from writing – as the Writers Guild strike recognizes. But that's only for script writers. Novelists depend on sales, so buying our books, reviewing them, and/or telling friends about them helps us keep writing. Visit the Amazon US series page for Felony Melanie: Sweet Home Alabama romantic comedy novels or find the links to other ebook retailers.

Doug is also the author of Totally Rad Wormhole: Two nerds from the eighties accidentally open a wormhole to today, go to their high school reunion, and meet their future selves. Horrified at what they’ve become, they set out to change their fate. Get the book on Amazon or in a variety of e-book formats on Smashwords.

Southern Treat of the Week: This sounds like a refreshing drink for hot days! It's probably good without the alcohol too.

Alabama Summer

3 ounces fresh watermelon juice

1½ ounces vodka

½ to ¾ ounce Campari (a red Italian bitter)

½ ounce fresh lime juice

1 to 2 ounces chilled sparkling water

Garnish: sliced watermelon

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add watermelon juice, vodka, Campari, and lime juice. Shake to combine and strain into a coupe glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a watermelon slice.

If you haven’t collected your free short story/preview, Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin get it here. Get the preview chapters of Totally Rad Wormhole here.

Kris’s voice recognition mistake of the day: "Of course I'll maim you in a book or series." That was supposed to be name you.

Kris has been known to name her villains after, for example, a real jerk of a former boss. If you had the choice to have a character named after you: hero, victim, or villain, which would you choose?

In The Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty.

Books on our radar

Press Release: An Enemies to Lovers Romantic Comedy, by Leslie O'Sullivan: "Meg McGrath lands a job as head of publicity for The Chieftain’s Son, an Irish historical drama based on a bestselling series of romance novels. Yet the network questions Meg’s ability to keep up with the skyrocketing publicity demands. She makes a deal: If she orchestrates an unforgettable splash at Cali Con, a massive annual convention in San Diego, she’ll continue at the helm of publicity for the show. She's paird with — or against — Cian Malley, the savvy publicist of the network’s other top show, and the heat between them complicates everything." Not many reviews but they're good!

A Blaze of Poppies, by Jennifer Bohnhoff: "It's 1916. Despite armed bandits streaming over the border into New Mexico and prejudices against female ranchers, feisty little Agnes Day is determined to keep the family ranch and run it on her own terms. Her ally is Will Bowers, a strong and silent New Mexico Guardsman, but Will hides a dark and disturbed background. Then the United States enters World War I and both Agnes and Will are swept into conflagration. Can Agnes secure a peaceful future on the Sunrise Ranch after the trauma and bloodshed of war? Dare she hope to share that future with someone?" Kris loved this historical fiction with plenty of action and a little romance!

The Heiress and the Boy Next Door, by Ranee S. Clark: “Rozzy Pender has a dream. But she can only inherit the ranch she loves if she marries. So she’ll marry a gentleman from Denver, the furthest thing from a rancher and the last person she’ll have feelings for, which makes him safe. Rafe Adams has spent his life at Rozzy’s side, planning for the happily-ever-after that Rozzy can’t seem to see. But when they rescue a litter of puppies in his barn overnight, it puts their reputations at risk. Can Rozzy accept the man who holds her fragile heart? This lighthearted, sweet western historical romance set in the 1920s is for fans of Evie Dunmore and Georgette Heyer.” 

Find More New Authors and Books

Beach Reads Bonanza: Browse playful mysteries with cats and dogs, senior sleuths and psychics, witches and folks just trying to enjoy a summer vacation. You're sure to find lots of new fun Summer Reads!

June Cozy Mystery Book Bonanza: These lighthearted mystery novels provide puzzles and suspense without getting too gritty. Some feature magic or other paranormal angles and many are, um, realistic—well, when it comes to mystery fiction, anyway!

Free Cozy Mystery & Clean Romance: If you like your books on the sweeter side, check out these sweet romance and cozy mystery novels perfect for lounging by the pool, at the beach, or in your home! Each is free with newsletter sign-up! (Unsubscribe any time.)

Bear Bear the ferret is ready for summer vacation in his baggy sweatpants.

You're receiving this because you chose to sign up for our newsletter. If you want to unsubscribe, no problem – that link is below. If you only want New Release Alerts, you can follow Doug on Amazon and/or follow Kris on Amazon or BookBub. See all of Kris Bock's links.

Visit the Amazon series page for Felony Melanie: Sweet Home Alabama romantic comedy novels or find the links to other ebook retailers.