Even though it’s still cold outside here in New York, and I’m sitting at my desk with a blanket in my lap as I write this, I am thrilled to be here springing into romance with all of you! Let’s set the stage, shall we? Imagine purple crocuses and the scent of rain dampened soil accompanied by the sound of chirping birds. Warm sunshine, a light, comfortable breeze, and me, sitting in the glider on my screened-in-porch with my dog, Buddy, beside me while I read on my Kindle.
There’s something about the beauty of spring, the transition from dormancy to vitality that lends itself to thoughts of romance, new love and endless possibilities. But as a full time author of romance novels, I need to find inspiration all year long. People constantly ask me, ‘Where do you get your ideas?’ To which I respond, ‘All over.’
For my third Harlequin Medical Romance, The Nurse’s Not-So-Secret Scandal (Please don’t judge me by the title. It’s a great book!), releasing in the U.S. in April/May, I found inspiration from reality television. More specifically, from the TLC show Hoarding: Buried Alive.
I remember watching episode after episode (no, I cannot explain my fascination with the show) and thinking about the emotional strain hoarding places on relationships. Husband and wife. Parent and child. Siblings. That is one potent external conflict! But if you dig deeper, there’s the potential for plenty of internal conflict, as well. We romance authors thrive on internal conflict! Guilt. Responsibility. Anger. Frustration. Disappointment. Disgust.
I know what you’re thinking. There is nothing romantic about hoarding. But I found a way to make it work. And for your information, the living conditions inside the home my heroine, Roxie, shares with her mother, is not the only secret she’s hiding!
Here’s the back of the book blurb:
The shocking secrets of nurse Roxie Morano!
Between family nightmares and a series of lousy men, nurse Roxie Morano’s life is a disaster zone. But enigmatic (and gorgeous!) new colleague Ryan ‘Fig’ Figelstein is ignoring her hazard warnings – instead, he’s signalling his attraction! Now Roxie’s bulletproof heart is at risk for the very first time…but dare she dream Fig will stick around when he discovers all her secrets?
You can read an excerpt HERE.
To learn more about me or my other books please visit my website: Wendy S. Marcus.
You can pre-order The Nurse’s Not-So-Secret Scandal for your Kindle HERE.
Paperback edition coming to Harlequin.com in April. And e-book editions coming soon for Nook and Sony e-readers. Harlequin medical romances are not sold in stores in the U.S.
Congratulations to our blog hostess with the mostess, Maggie Marr, (love that name) on her March release of Can’t Buy Me Love. I will make sure my Kindle is charged and ready to download it on March 28th.
Thank you to everyone for stopping by to visit me today. To get the conversation started I’ll ask a question: Do you watch reality television? If so, what’s your favorite show? Or I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about me, my books, or the medical romance line of Harlequin. One lucky commenter will win a copy of the 2in1 paperback UK edition of The Nurse’s Not-So-Secret Scandal, which includes a complete novel by fellow medical romance author Emily Forbes.
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Wendy S. Marcus lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband, two of their three children, and a much loved Bichon Frise named Buddy. A nurse by trade, Wendy has her master’s degree in health care administration. After years of working in the medical profession, Wendy has taken a radical turn to writing hot contemporary romance with strong heroes, feisty heroines, and lots of laughs. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and blogging/e-mailing/tweeting with her online friends. To learn more about Wendy visit her website, Wendy S. Marcus.com.
Hi Maggie,I know how warm and peaceful it feels in the evening with warm Sunshine and slight breeze. And my favorite reality show is Amazing Race.
Hi Rishal!
I used to love the Amazing Race, but for some reason I haven't watched it in a while. My husband is a Survivor fanatic.
Thanks for stopping by!
My favorite (and only) reality show is "What Not To Wear." The Cinderella transformations often amaze me. My only complaint is that they don't do enough 40- or 50-Somethings. Hey, we like to be fashionable, too!
Good luck, Wendy and Maggie, with your new books!
Hi Fran!
That is one show I do not watch. In the beginning they're so mean to the women (IMO). Although I do love a transformation story. The before and after pics are amazing. It shows there is potential for all of us to transform. That is if we want to…and if we had access to people willing to help us…
Thanks for stopping by!
Okay, here's where I admit I don't watch reality TV. I've tried a few, but they just didn't grab me. I prefer a sitcom with funny, fast paced banter – like Castle, for instance. It might be that I have a bit of an attention problem, something I've inherited from my children . . .
Good luck Wendy and Maggie with your new releases. Wendy, I have yours (thanks!) and it's next on my TBR pile. And Maggie, I'll be downloading yours March 28th!
Hi Aimee!
I'm not a big TV watcher myself. I make time for American Idol. Then I typically watch whatever is on while I'm lying in bed winding down before I go to sleep!
Congrats on Mills and Boon Loves coming out in Aus/NZ this month! Very exciting!
Thanks for stoping by and good luck with your editing!
Hey, Wendy!
Now I have to sit down and read your new book. You bring such great, diverse topics to the medical line.
Anywhooo, I'm not much of a reality show person. The only show I watch is Pawn Stars. I like the guys that run the store. They're a hoot. I used to watch Amazing Race.
And I didn't know Maggie's release is out this month. I will have to look for that!
Abbi 🙂
Abbi, my husband got me into Pawn Stars and I love it. I am a reality junkie – very embarassing. I LOVE The Bachelor and Survivor. Wendy, I loved your last book so much and can't wait to read Roxie's story – so excited! Big congrats to both you and Maggie – my kindle will be on fire – in a good way!
Hi Wendy,
No reality TV for me! Oh, well if it's Australian Idol or NZ idol and I like the song, I may sit for a while. Or Awards functions! I like all the dresses and the poses!
Congratulations on the release of The Nurse's Not -So- Secret Scandal!
Congratulations Maggie on your new release!
*Nas goes off to hunt Maggie's titles to read the blurbs!*
Hi Abbi!
I watch Pawn Stars, too! Those guys are a hoot! And if you ever see it on, try Storage Wars. Guys buy abandoned storage units and go through them. Kind of interesting what they find!
I sound like I watch a lot of TV, but I don't. I guess these are the shows on late at night!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hey Jen!
I never really got into the Bachelor. But I know how much you LOVE that show!
I have your latest (very popular) releases on my Kindle. But I'm not letting myself read any books until I finish my manuscript. It is very difficult to wait. Especially with all the wonderful things people are saying!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Nas!
It got so cold here lately. I wish I was in Fiji with you! I watch American Idol, but I only really get into it once the final contestants are chosen. I don't like to watch people making fools of themselves.
Thanks for all your help with promo! And thanks for stopping by!
Hi Wendy and Maggie
Wendy, reality shows that I watch are American Idol, The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Apprentice, Say Yes to the Dress (both versions), and Pawn Stars.
Hi Wendy and Maggie – oh boy do I love reality TV! I've even (holds head down in shame) have caught an episode or two (or 3) of Jersey Shore!
Can't stand the animal hoarding – so sad.
Hi Amanda!
I've watched The Voice a few times. And I LOVE Say Yes to the Dress. I prefer New York, but the other one is growing on me! I used to watch Dancing with the Stars but not so much anymore.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Liz!
I cannot bring myself to watch Jersey Shore (although, to be honest, I have gotten caught up in a scene or two while yelling at my daughter to turn it off!) I also don't watch any of the Housewives of…. shows. I don't like to watch people behaving badly or outragously on purpose for ratings. And maybe their not…but it feels like they are to me!
But that's just me…obviously…because the shows are wildly popular!
Thanks for stopping by!
Tried to comment here yesterday right after Rishal, but for some reason my comment didn't take.
Congrats on the release of your book Wendy. Can't wait to read it.
Hi Maria!
Blogs can be temperamental things! Thank you for trying again! I hope you enjoy The Nurse's Not-So-Secrect Scandal when it finally gets to you!
Movies, movies, movies. My faves and never anything else. Maybe because of my acting background, but there it is. Charmaine's Not-So-Secret-Scandal. Thanks for the delightful energetic post. Love your description of spring and all things written, Wendy.
Hi Charmaine!
Reality TV isn't for everyone. 'Charmaine's Not-So-Secret Scandal'….Love it!!!
Did you ever get your Nook working?
Thanks for stopping by!
I read Wendy's first book and loved it!! Definitely will be adding this one to my TBR pile too.
To answer your question, YES!! I watch and love reality TV. My favorite shows are The Amazing Race and Survivor followed closely by too many others to list!
Hi Heather!
I know how busy you are on your blog tour. Thanks for taking time out to visit me.
I'm glad you enjoyed When One Night Isn't Enough! Thanks for adding The Nurse's Not-So-Secret Scandal to your TBR pile. I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for stopping by!
Wendy, Have enjoyed both of your books. I'm a crime show addict and watch a lot but occasionally I tune into Pawn Stars, Storage Wars. Those are my choices when commercials are playing. Do not like commercials
Hi Janet!
Pawn Stars and Storage Wars are two of my late night favorites!
I'm so happy you enjoyed my first two books! Your opinion means a lot to me! Thanks for stopping by!
Special thank yous to Maggie for hosting me and to all of you for stopping by to visit me!
The winner of a 2in1 UK edition of The Nurse's Not So Secret Scandal – the name picked from my trusty Promise bowl by my lovely daughter – is Liz!
Congratulations Liz! Please e-mail me at Wendy @ WendySMarcus . com (no spaces) with your mailing address and I'll mail the book out to you! I hope you enjoy it!
A huge thank you to Wendy S. Marcus and congratulations to Liz! Please come back Monday for Day 3 of Spring Into Romance!!