Did you know that I write two very different types of Romances?
My Renegades Series is Spicy & Sweet Sports Romance. Lots of spice heating up the pages while not so much angst, hence the "sweet".
My Holiday Series is Sweet & Clean Romance. Sweet stories, cute new adult/college romance, and no heat.
My Renegades Legacy is Sweet Sports Romance. Married couple romance and problems, but not so much angst. And the heat is behind closed doors (not on the page).
Every December I desire my holiday to be magical and whimsical like in the Hallmark movies. Yes, I still believe in the magic of Christmas, but I also believe as adults we need to make our own magic. Easier said than done, right?
We did get engaged at a Christmas light display, which was so perfect for me! Zoo lights. Mr. G dropped to one knee right there on the walkway! See, there really IS something romantic about Christmas lights!!
I guess some folks are lucky enough to live in small towns that have that tv movie feel as soon as you step out your front door. I am in what I guess you would call the suburbs and you need to search for places that have that kind of feel, and possible travel to them.
But did you ever notice that most folks don't bother to slow down and enjoy the moment? I live in a book and tv movie world where I desire that feeling. I want to enjoy those moments.
I want to stroll down the sidewalk that is lined with white lights, and enjoy the starry night with a cup of cocoa in one hand and the other holding on to my love.
I want to enjoy a snowy day in a nice warm coffee house or lodge, sipping hot cocoa by a roaring fire. (I don't ski, I'm sure I'd break my leg. But I want to experience that atmosphere, just inside looking out at the beautiful snow, with a hot drink in my hand, by a warm fire.)
I want to go to a Holiday party, with Christmas music playing, lots of good food and cookies, decorations, maybe dancing, maybe an ugly sweater contest...yeah, I do watch too many movies.
I love everything about the holiday. The decorations, the lights, the snow, the music, family gatherings, cookies, buying gifts, the wrapping paper, the Hallmark Christmas movies, I love it all! I always want to decorate my house to feel like the North Pole, but end up just doing the minimum. (the older I get, the more I understand why some people hire folks to put up their lights, lol) But I do love turning all the lights off but the tree and letting it light up the room.
Sure, I rush through the grocery store, or errands, but when it comes to Christmas time I go to the mall solely to walk around and enjoy the decorations and the music. (not so much at Target and Walmart, unless it isn't busy, then I might take my time)
Even this summer, we were at an outside shopping mall, and I had visions of strolling along in the moonlight, with the trees lined with white lights.
My reality doesn't always match my fantasy world, and I guess you could say I'm a dreamer, with my head in the clouds. But there is just something about Christmas time!!
Thanksgiving is this week. And while the dates change each year, the time of year is forever burned into my heart.
For the last two years, I always state that I am THANKFUL FOR MY FAMILY. Because I am.
In 2019, the day before Thanksgiving, when folks were preparing the turkey, kids were starting their Thanksgiving break, and families were returning home for the holiday... we were rushing to the emergency room. We sat in the cardiac care unit waiting area in silence and crying, anxiously waiting for word if my dad was going to be okay or not. You really don't know what to say at times like those. I obviously needed to be there for my own sanity, but be there for my mom too.
My Dad. The man who was strong, knowledgeable, and could fix anything.
Thanks to the fast but careful EMT driver, and the quick actions of the hospital cardiac staff, my dad was fine. The day after Thanksgiving he was back home, and putting up with our extra hugs and hovering.
That year I was never more thankful for my family in my life. My dad was okay.
(And, yes, I waited until today was over before I posted this. I held my breath waiting for those same hours to pass before taking in a deep breath, knowing my dad was still safe at home. Because at this hour in 2019 I was sitting by his bedside, trying not to lose it. If you've ever seen Gilmore Girls the first time Richard goes into the hospital, that brings back all the memories of this day for me,)
If you've read MY FOREVER VALENTINE, my own experiences shaped Spencer's similar family emergency. That was not Google research in those scenes, that was all personal.
Yes, I am thankful for my family.
Now, in 2021, I again am more grateful than ever. My son was in a bad car accident over the summer. He walked away with only a concussion, but looking at his car made me wonder how. I truly believe that between his guardian angels and the set of tires in his back seat, he was spared any severe injuries. It could've been much worse.
That didn't make my mom-heart feel any better though. He was safe, but I am sure I will always think of the what-could've-happened.
I know so many people love summer and hate to see it end, but if you ever saw me comment about looking forward to Autumn and the fall season, it was because 2021 turned into one of the worst summers ever, and I needed it to be far in my rear view. I grabbed a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks the very first day they came out and welcomed Fall into my soul! A new season, and time for me to try to breathe again.
My son is fine, and my parents are healthy. And now every Thanksgiving day, I let out a little breath when I see my dad sitting at the head of the table. Knowing the holiday is complete with us all together.
So, this year like every year, I am THANKFUL FOR MY FAMILY. I get to be with my mom and dad, my husband, my son, and the rest of my family. All of this I took for granted prior to 2020, and I will never again. Family is so important to me. Just being with them means the world!
Wishing you and yours a wonderful day, and I hope you get to see your loved ones and hug them tight, I know I will be doing just that!
Have you read the newest Renegades book? Breakaway is now available!
See what happens when Renegades player
Travis Anderson falls for Morgan Benson,
who happens to be his teammate's niece...
Travis Anderson was a rookie with the Renegades
professional hockey team. Being in a new city with a new team he had one
goal: to make a name for himself. His focus was on hockey – it’s all he
had. Until he ran in to Morgan Benson and her amazing blue eyes that he
couldn’t seem to shake.
Figuring out how to split his focus
between solidifying a spot on the team and winning over Morgan proved a
difficult task. Travis wanted both hockey and Morgan. Balance was
the key to life, right? What he wasn’t expecting was that she was the
niece of one of his new teammates. Travis was already on Coach Walker’s
radar as a rookie. Dating Sam Morris’s niece had him skating on thin
ice.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0991V2WD8
https://www.melodyheckgatto.com/breakaway
And coming soon are Power Play and Delay of Game - I know you can't wait. I sure can't! (Available for pre-order now)
I wanted to remind you that I do have a newsletter if you want to receive emails to keep you up to date on my new books and sales.
https://www.melodyheckgatto.com/sign-up
I hope you all are doing well. I'm hanging in there. Some days I'm motivated to write and others only motivated to watch Gilmore Girls, lol...
New book coming October 2021
The Renegades Series 11
BREAKAWAY
The Renegades Series 11
Morgan’s world had been turned upside down and starting over was
stressful enough. Even though moving in with her uncle and his family
seemed like the fiscally responsible decision, she was itching for her
own space. She just graduated college and was ready to make something of
herself.
Travis Anderson was a rookie with the Renegades
professional hockey team. Being in a new city with a new team he had one
goal: to make a name for himself. His focus was on hockey – it’s all he
had. Until he ran in to Morgan Benson and her amazing blue eyes that he
couldn’t seem to shake.
Figuring out how to split his focus between
solidifying a spot on the team and winning over Morgan proved a
difficult task. Travis wanted both hockey and Morgan. Balance was
the key to life, right? What he wasn’t expecting was that she was the
niece of one of his new teammates. Travis was already on Coach Walker’s
radar as a rookie. Dating Sam Morris’s niece had him skating on thin
ice.
AMAZON - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0991V2WD8
ALL OTHER PLATFORMS - https://books2read.com/breakaway-renegades
https://www.melodyheckgatto.com/breakaway
Just a little reminder that a new book will be out soon!
Keep an eye out for Changing the Game, the next book in the Renegades Legacy Series.
Talia and Harrison's book.
Make sure you follow my newsletter and webpage so you don't miss out on the release day news!
My Website - www.MelodyHeckGatto.com
My Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/blFU3z
Since Thanksgiving I've had some exciting things happen.
I released the final book in The Holiday Series. The cover to the next Renegades Legacy book was revealed, and I'm currently working on that book.
I'm not going to lie, the Covid Pandemic has effected me emotionally. Sure, I love staying home (and I rarely go out because I HATE wearing the masks - I do wear it, I just avoid it at all costs) but the other side of that is staying home can be emotionally draining.
And try writing cute romance when you feel like that...
Hockey is back, but it's an odd season.
The weather is getting nicer, but where am I going to go? lol...
I've spent the last few weeks watching marathons of The Kardashians, and wishing Kris would adopt me... I mean, the houses they have, the PERSONAL CHEFS (worth it alone), and the way the sisters do everything together (every holiday, every event, every day almost). Honestly, I've enjoyed watching them for a few years now.
But I miss life as we knew it. Again, it's been hard to write when you feel like that. But I'm trying. And I hope to have a new book out either this summer or this fall (or both if my mojo cooperates). So stay tuned!!
I did get my first vaccine and am scheduled for my second soon. And I'm looking forward to visiting my parents and my other family without masks! (since we'll all have been vaccinated) And hugs...man, I MISS hugs!! Most of my family I haven't seen in over a year, and I can not do this stay at home thing for another year! Life is too short! So, yay for the vaccine!
But back to books!
For your reading pleasure, here is the line up for The Holiday Series. You can find all the books at: https://www.melodyheckgatto.com/the-holiday-series
Off-Limits Valentine https://books2read.com/OffLimitsValentine
My Forever Valentine https://books2read.com/u/mY7JOW
All My Heart https://books2read.com/u/m0VZPP
All four books are now available, including ALL MY HEART which is the final book in the series.
I don't have a release date for my next book yet, but I can show you the cover -
It's awesome if I do say so myself, lol.
Changing the Game - The Renegades Legacy Book Two
💜
Keep an eye on my newsletter for updates on a release date for this book. I can tell you that it is Talia and Harrison's story.
Newsletter Sign-Up: http://eepurl.com/blFU3z
I'll try to update you more often than once every few months, lol...
Good things are to come... stay tuned!
Did you know that I write two very different types of Romances? My Renegades Series is Spicy & Sweet Sports Romance. Lots of spice heati...