Spotlight – The Solis Invicti Series

13 Monday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

Tags

A Bargain in Silver, Bound in Silver, Josie Jaffrey, Solis Invicti series, The Price of Silver, The Silver Bullet

Today, the lover Josie Jaffrey brings us a look at her 4 book Solis Invicti series. You can also check out a wonderful review she did with Smashwords – find out a few of her firsts ( 😉 ), as well as her five favorite books and a little about what keeps her going.

*****

The Solis Invicti series is set in London, in a world in which the human population has been decimated by a blood-borne virus. In the wake of the zombie apocalypse that follows, a vampiric race called the Silver seizes control. Without the protection of the Silver, humanity will soon cease to exist, and without uninfected human blood, the Silver will perish. A necessary symbiosis is the result, but the power of the two races could not be more unevenly balanced.

The protagonist of the series is Emilia, a twenty-something barmaid with an insubordinate and reckless approach to the new order. In the first days following the collapse, she struggles to accept that her life has changed irrevocably and that she is powerless to reclaim it. That recalcitrance brings her face to face with the highest ranks of the Silver.

The series is targeted at adults and mature young adults. The books contain horror, profanity and sexual content. This isn’t erotica, but there are some steamy scenes (only one or two per book). There are love triangles, aggression and drama, but there is also an eventual HEA.

Series Info:

Books in series: 4

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Adult, Dystopian, Urban Fantasy

Series Page: https://www.josiejaffrey.com/solis-invicti

Author Interview: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JosieJaffrey

*****

A Bargain In Silver

Solis Invicti: Book I

by Josie Jaffrey

Publisher: Self-published

Author: Josie Jaffrey

Cover Art: Martin Beckett Art

Page Count: 356

Word Count: 102,000

ASIN (Amazon): B00RR2XM86

ISBN (Print): 978-1548138516

Release Date: 4 January 2015

Rating: 18+

Blurb:

If the price of safety is slavery, would you bargain your life?

A deadly infection threatens to wipe out humanity. The only people who can stem its advance are the Silver, a vampiric race who offer a simple exchange: protection in return for blood and subservience. It’s not a deal that Emmy’s willing to make, but as her world burns around her she finds herself in the arms of the enemy and the line between oppressor and saviour begins to blur.

After an attack by the infected, Emmy is rescued by the handsome Drew who introduces her to the world of the Silver. Desperate to escape subjugation and confused by her attraction to him, she gathers what remains of her surrogate family and plans to make a break for freedom.

But despite her efforts to resist, she is drawn further into the intrigues of the mysterious Silver through the agency of their ruler, the Primus: Solomon. Emmy refuses to submit to the cold and detached Primus and an attempt on her life makes it clear that he is unable to protect her from the political machinations of his race.

As the connection between them deepens she must choose between her desire and her will to rebel, but can she trust his intentions when everyone is after her blood?

Amazon | Print | Goodreads

Praise for A Bargain in Silver:

✭✭✭✭✭ Dystopian, post-apocalyptic and dark, very dark… Josie Jaffrey takes on the world of the paranormal with bold strokes and a personal touch. – Tome Tender

✭✭✭✭✭ I absolutely loved this book. I had the hardest time putting it down. I think I may have even growled at my family when they interrupted me. – Baroness Book Trove

✭✭✭✭ This is a powerful start to what I am sure will be an amazing series! – One Book Two

✭✭✭✭ This book had me hooked right from the very first page. A slightly different twist on the usual vampire romance, this is a well written and intriguing start to the series. – A British Bookworm’s Blog

*****

Excerpt:

His beautiful blue eyes bored into mine.

“What would you have me do?” he challenged. “Would you rather I lied? That I use clever arguments to convince you this is something you want? That I manipulate you into believing the reality of this arrangement to be other than it is?”

I looked down at the table.

“We have to drink blood to live,” he continued, “and it has to be human. There’s no way I can make that concept more palatable to you, if you’ll excuse the pun. Life as you knew it has changed, Emilia. We have always been here, moving amongst you, it was just that you weren’t conscious of our presence. Now, with the Weepers multiplying, consuming and replacing your kind, we can no longer hide.”

“Isn’t that a little disingenuous?” I said, remembering Jeff’s theory about the lead time that would have been required for the level of organisation the vampires had displayed. “Aren’t the Weepers just an excuse for you to act?”

“We have been waiting for an opportunity for some time,” he acknowledged with a tilt of his head. “I know you want things to return to how they were,” he continued, “but that is not in my power to give. Your world is gone. You’re fighting for a life that no longer exists. There are difficult decisions to make, sacrifices, simply to save what little remains to us. I am trying to salvage an existence for your race, a new world for both of our races. There could be a place in that world for you, if you’re willing to look for it.

*****

The Price of Silver

Solis Invicti: Book II

by Josie Jaffrey

Publisher: Self-published

Author: Josie Jaffrey

Cover Art: Martin Beckett Art

Page Count: 406

Word Count: 118,000

ASIN (Amazon): B0175G70L8

ISBN (Print): 978-1548144050

Release Date: 25 October 2015

Rating: 18+

Blurb:

In the straits of necessity, sometimes there isn’t room for freedom.

The Price of Silver is the second book in Josie Jaffrey’s Solis Invicti paranormal romance series, set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic London where a deadly infection threatens to wipe out humanity. The only people who can stem its advance are the Silver, a vampiric race who offer a simple exchange: protection in return for blood and subservience.

Emmy is fenced in by the city, the walls marking the edge of safety closing in around her and sealing her in with one vampire who loves her and another who wants her dead. As she struggles to keep herself and the people she cares about alive, her fellow humans chafe against their enforced submission, and it becomes clear that there are bigger schemes and greater deceptions in play than she had ever imagined.

All the while, the monsters wait outside the barricades for their moment. Of one thing she is certain: without the help of the Silver, the humans won’t be safe for long.

Amazon | Smashwords | Kobo | Print | Goodreads

Praise for The Price of Silver:

✭✭✭✭✭ Fabulously twisted, dark and intense, the lines between good and evil become gray smears as Josie Jaffrey plummets us into book two of the Solis Invicti series with The Price of Silver. – Tome Tender

✭✭✭✭ There are plenty of surprises and delicious twists to make readers want to continue reading. – One Book Two

✭✭✭✭ This is really a very strong sequel. I look forward to reading Book 3. – A British Bookworm’s Blog

*****

Excerpt:

I was pushed roughly into the door at the top of the stairs, used as a tool to open it wide. It cracked across my cheekbone and into my hip, sending agonising bursts of pain radiating out across my body. This man was brutal, and I wasn’t going to get any mercy from him.

We walked through the kitchen and I knew when we’d entered the dormitory because the breeze from the open window above what used to be my bed hit my bare thighs, chilling me to the bone. But it was too quiet, the normally omnipresent murmurs and snorts of sleeping people oddly absent. Where was everyone? I’d assumed that they were taking me to see Oliver or the other rebels, that they were going to try to beat information out of me about the Silver. Oliver had probably realised that I’d been holding back, and I thought he’d want to know what I knew.

But the room felt practically empty, as if the dormitory was unoccupied. There was a clanking, metallic sound by the window as I was marched in that direction.

“Is it true?” a male voice by the window asked. There was a movement from the man holding me, the motion sending a further jet of pain through my shoulder. He’d clearly made some sort of gesture, but I couldn’t guess what it might have been. There were a few footsteps towards me and then hands at the neck of my shirt, tearing the thin fabric open.

“See?” said the voice again, now right in front of me.

“Damn. He was right,” the man at my back replied.

“It’s going to make a fucking big statement, I’ll tell you that much,” came the response.

“Should never have taken that bribe, little girl,” another voice said from the direction of the window, female this time, as fingers stroked over the choker around my neck. The fingers were replaced by heavy metal that was draped around my throat in a loop. Chains, I thought.

“Too late now,” the man said, and I belatedly realised from the finality of his tone that they were going to kill me.

Dear god, they were going to kill me. Humans were going to kill me.

*****

Bound in Silver

Solis Invicti: Book III

by Josie Jaffrey

Publisher: Self-published

Author: Josie Jaffrey

Cover Art: Martin Beckett Art

Page Count: 306

Word Count: 95,000

ASIN (Amazon): B01G11DEMC

ISBN (Print): 978-1548145514

Release Date: 23 May 2016

Rating: 18+

Blurb:

Exiled from the city and from the affections of the vampire who had loved her, Emmy finds herself pushed into a captivity she never expected to experience. With the bond to her former protector broken, she knows that the chance to turn Silver is now a monstrous obligation rather than a glittering opportunity.

In an unfamiliar place among unfamiliar people, Emmy feels deserted by those Silver she had thought of as friends, out of sight and out of mind. If only her enemies were equally forgetful.

Bound in Silver is the penultimate book in Josie Jaffrey’s Solis Invicti paranormal romance quadrilogy, set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic London where a deadly infection threatens to wipe out humanity. The only people who can stem its advance are the Silver, a vampiric race who offer a simple exchange: protection in return for blood and subservience.

Amazon | Smashwords | Kobo | Print | Goodreads

Praise for Bound in Silver:

✭✭✭✭✭ Dark, emotionally taut and edge-of-your-seat riveting. Ms. Jaffrey’s take on Vampires, their world and their power has me awestruck! – Tome Tender

✭✭✭✭✭ I love the world. I love the premise. I love the characters! Jaffrey has quickly become a must read author with the crazy world of the Solis Invicti. – One Book Two

✭✭✭✭✭ In short, this book just works. And that ending? Bring on Book 4! – A British Bookworm’s Blog

*****

Excerpt:

He leaned away from me and gently released my left arm from the top before carefully pulling the material over my head and off my right hand, his eyes intent on his task until it was complete, but as soon as the top hit the floor he raked me with his gaze.

“You are so beautiful,” he said as he pushed my hair away from my face. “I think I’ve wanted you since the first time you called me an idiot.”

“To your face or behind your back?” I asked with a saccharine smile.

“Well, you might have some other names for me in about five minutes’ time. Ten tops.”

“Like ‘Quickfire’?” I asked.

“I was thinking more along the lines of ‘Jesus’ and ‘Oh, god’, but whatever works for you.”

*****

The Silver Bullet

Solis Invicti: Book IV

by Josie Jaffrey

Publisher: Self-published

Author: Josie Jaffrey

Cover Art: Martin Beckett Art

Page Count: 305

Word Count: 89,000

ASIN (Amazon): B073V5TCK4

ISBN (Print): 978-1544644035

Release Date: 4 August 2017

Rating: 18+

Blurb:

To think of death as a thing of beauty: that’s a threshold you can’t cross twice.

The truth is out, and Emmy is faced with a choice she dreads: surrender her mortality, or allow her frailty to threaten the nascent society the Silver are building. With exile the only reasonable alternative, she struggles with feelings she can’t define and a duty she’s reluctant to accept.

While the Silver city hangs in the balance, Emmy must remake herself to redeem it and save her friends. Her reinvention forces her to choose sides, threaten alliances and risk becoming like those she fears: inhuman.

The Silver Bullet is the final book in Josie Jaffrey’s Solis Invicti paranormal romance quadrilogy, set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic London where a deadly infection threatens to wipe out humanity. The only people who can stem its advance are the Silver, a vampiric race who offer a simple exchange: protection in return for blood and subservience.

Amazon | Smashwords | Kobo | Print | Goodreads

Praise for The Silver Bullet:

✭✭✭✭✭ Absolutely riveting! This is NOT a quiet read. This is edge of your seat turmoil at its best as Josie Jaffrey brings her world to life once again. – Tome Tender

✭✭✭✭✭ An explosive ending to an amazing series! I will shout my love for this series from the rooftops! – One Book Two

✭✭✭✭✭ I think that this is a series which is an undiscovered gem. I really do. I have devoured each installment greedily, and this, the final book in the quadrilogy, was no different. Reading this series has been a real treat. – A British Bookworm’s Blog

*****

Excerpt:

I caught the thought as it sped through my brain. Now I was thinking of a human as an ‘it’. This was how it started, how a mind could creep from humanity to cruelty without missing a beat. But no, it wasn’t even cruelty; at least cruelty was deliberate. It was apathy. It was racial nihilism, closing your heart to an entire species until you cared about their lives as much as you cared for the life of a falling leaf: with intellectual or artistic curiosity, devoid of emotion.

To think of death as a thing of beauty: that’s a threshold you can’t cross twice.

*****

Author Info:

Josie lives in Oxford, England, with her husband and two cats. When she’s not writing, she works as a lawyer, specialising in intellectual property and commercial law. She also runs a video book review club, The Gin Book Club, through her website.

The first book in the Solis Invicti series (A Bargain in Silver) is Josie’s debut novel.

Website & Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

For additional information, contact josiejaffrey@gmail.com

Spotlight – Chasing Christmas

10 Friday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Chasing Christmas, Cowboys and Christmas, Rodeo Romance series, Shanna Hatfield

A couple of years ago we helped Shanna celebrate Cowboys and Christmas and I’m so excited to see that she’s still going strong. And even more so that I got a copy of the book that is part of this year’s celebration!

(I’ll be honest, I royally messed up and somehow missed that I was actually supposed to be doing a review for today’s stop. BUUUUT, I’m about 2/3 of the way through and once I got over my hesitation on the whole bride for a day promotion I’ve really been enjoying myself. I can’t wait to see how it ends and to bring you a review on it next week!)

*****

Chasing Christmas

Rodeo Romance #5

by Shanna Hatfield

Genre: Sweet Holiday Western Romance

Release Date: November 9, 2017

Hosted by: Book Partners in Crime Promotions

Blurb:

He certainly didn’t ask Santa for a bride. . .

Professional bull rider Chase Jarrett has the world on a string. The only blight in his idyllic existence is his nosy cousin’s nonstop nagging about his need for more publicity. Tired of listening to her suggestions, he gives her free rein when she hatches a plan to skyrocket his popularity. All he has to do is show up for a phony wedding in Las Vegas. Then Chase discovers the wedding was real, the surprise bride is beautiful, and his sponsors are demanding he remain married.

Shy and introverted, the last thing Jessie Pierce wants is to find herself in the spotlight. But thanks to a meddling so-called best friend, that’s exactly where she’s at. The promise of an all-expenses paid vacation to Las Vegas lures her on an adventure that ends with her unexpectedly married to a hunky bull rider who would draw her out of her shell if she’d let him.

A business proposal leaves the two of them committed to a year of marriage. How hard could it be to remain wed in name only?

Wrap yourself up in the joy of holidays and falling in love in this sweet, lighthearted romance from USA Today Bestselling author Shanna Hatfield.

Add the book to your Goodreads Shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36351313-chasing-christmas

Buy the book:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zB9JnA (Available on Kindle Unlimited)

Buy the Rodeo Romance Series:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zBXOpp

*****

Excerpt:

Now, as she observed him, she felt a tug at her heart that she’d never see him again. Oh, she’d see him ride at the rodeo, of course, but it wasn’t the same. Not when she stood almost toe-to-toe with him, lost in the bright light of his hazel eyes and the warmth of his smile.

He stared into her face for the length of several heartbeats before he spoke in a husky tone that made her toes tingle. “I had a nice time with you, too, Jessie. Thank you for agreeing to Ashley’s crazy plans and participating in the sham wedding. It was fun to spend the day with you. You’re a great girl and anyone would be lucky to have you as their real bride.”

Jessie blushed and would have backed away, but Chase’s callused palm glided along her cheek before he cupped the back of her neck, drawing her flush against him.

His mouth settled on hers in a soft, gentle kiss that lingered far longer than she anticipated. When she attempted to draw a breath, he deepened the kiss, wrapping both arms around her.

Feeling boneless as he captivated her with passionate kisses, Jessie forgot they were standing next to the curb in front of a posh hotel. She forgot about contests, fake weddings, and ridiculous publicity stunts. She forgot about being shy or shocked by his unexpected affection.

All she could think about was the man holding her close to his heart, one that pounded in time to her own. His woodsy, leather-tinged scent tantalized her senses as she melted against him, wishing she belonged with him — to him.

Finally, he drew back and shot her a puckish grin. “Thanks again for being my wife for a day, Jessie. If I had to do this, I’m really glad Ashley picked you.”

*****

Author Info:

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen, one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Facebook ~ Facebook Friend ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Google +

Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Website ~ Newsletter

Email: shanna@shannahatfield.com

Enjoy reading advanced copies of books? Connecting with like-minded readers? Join Shanna’s Hopeless Romantics Street Team! We share recipes, crafty ideas, enjoy weekly giveaways, read ARC copies, and have fun!

*****

Click below to go to Shanna’s Amazon Page and “Read A Book, Help A Cowboy”

*****

Giveaway:

Shanna will be hosting a giveaway as part of her 4th Annual Cowboys and Christmas Event with a $50 Amazon Gift Card prize.

Enter the Giveaway

*****

Spotlight – Can’t Miss Christmas

09 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Tags

Can't Miss Christmas, Miranda Liasson, Mirror Lake series

We’ve seen this author before (quite a few times) and she always brings the feels. From what I’ve seen so far this one is going to make me laugh, sigh, and probably even cry a bit. I can’t wait !!!

*****

When a children’s book author’s only chance to get home for Christmas lies in a road trip with her sexy ex-husband anything can happen, naughty or nice. Unwrap this Christmas novella from Amazon best-selling author Miranda Liasson …

Can’t Miss Christmas

A standalone Mirror Lake Christmas novella

by Miranda Liasson

Blurb:

Finding love again is the best Christmas present of all.

It’s two days before Christmas and bestselling children’s author Grace Alberts needs to fulfill a promise—to make it to a book signing for the kids at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the place that did so much for her during a very rough time. But the weather’s getting awful and all flights are cancelled out of Boston, where she’s wrapping up her book tour. Then in walks her annoying but extremely sexy ex-husband, who (as usual) thinks he’s got all the answers.

Graham Walker just stopped by to get a book signed for Grace’s biggest fan, his niece, and wish Grace a Merry Christmas—why not? But he soon finds himself troubleshooting her dilemma. He’s got a Range Rover that can plow through a hundred-year Nor’easter. He’s even headed home to Philly. Trouble is, Grace’s and his past is a disaster, something he has no intention of reliving while driving through a winter storm, no matter how much he once loved her. And maybe still does.

Bad weather has a way of bringing out the best and the worst in people, and when a run in with some deer antlers leads them to a forced stop in Mirror Lake, Connecticut, anything can happen, naughty or nice. Maybe a bit of enforced alone time and some Christmas magic can be just what it takes for them to face their past—and each other—once and for all.

On Sale in Digital: November 7, 2017 – Amazon

Add CAN’T MISS CHRISTMAS to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

*****

Excerpt:

Somehow, Grace managed to pass Graham and get in the bathroom, where she used the time to try to calm the hell down. If she didn’t come up with an excuse to leave this room, something combustible was going to happen between them. She had to get out while she still had all her wits about her.

When she’d finally got her breathing under control, she left the bathroom, walked toward her suitcase, and stubbed her toe on the bed.

She let out a curse and hopped around a little, imagining what she must look like with her bedhead hair, red plaid flannel, and Christmas socks. Very sexy. Unlike the delicious, muscular god walking toward her.

She tried to use the pain to distract herself from how her mouth had suddenly gone dry and her knees felt as wobbly as a one-year-old’s, but it wasn’t really working. Worse, Graham stepped a little closer.

She splayed out her arms, warning him back. All that lean muscle, all that raw, masculine heat—it could not come near her. She would throw herself at him, smooth her hands over all that hard, bountiful muscle, and beg for things. Her body could not be trusted. “I’m fine. Really. Just stubbed my toe.”

“Want me to take a look?”

His gaze was torching her, like paper in a fire that turns immediately to ash and blows away.

The fact that he was now inches away with his lips quirked into the slightest smile told her he didn’t heed her warning, or give a damn about it. And oh, she did not want him to. He was so close now, she could smell the soap from his shower, see the little beads of water on his shoulders. His fingers gripped her elbow, and she swore it tingled from his touch. Other parts of her were sort of on fire too. So not good. “Let’s see it,” he said, the smile morphing into a wicked grin.

“Graham, I’m fine.” She tried to shrug away. He dropped his hand, but still she felt pinned in place, unable to move or even breathe. Electricity buzzed and snapped between them. She didn’t want him to see how much he affected her, yet she was helpless with him so near.

His gaze homed in on her lips. He was going to…yes, he was. Kiss her. Her heartbeat thrummed in her throat, and every muscle froze in anticipation.

She wanted it. Wanted him. So, so badly.

Graham lowered his mouth. The dip of his head was so familiar, yet it made every nerve stand on end. At last, their lips met. His were soft and pliant, and they brushed against hers, carefully and slowly. Her hand was trembling as she wrapped it around his neck and pulled him toward her until their bodies were flush, fitting together like they were always meant to.

That simple move blew careful and slow right out of the water. His mouth crushed hers, devouring her with deep, sensual kisses. His tongue slid inside her mouth, and she met it with equal vigor, desire roaring and crashing between them, unleashed like a storm surge, uncontrollable and insatiable.

Suddenly, Graham pulled back, out of breath. He cradled her face in his hands and looked at her tenderly. “I missed you,” he said. “I missed this.”

*****

Author Info:

Miranda Liasson loves to write stories about everyday people who find love despite themselves, because there’s nothing like a great love story. And if there are a few laughs along the way, even better! She’s a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart winner and an Amazon bestselling author whose heartwarming and humorous small–town romances have won accolades such as the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and have been Harlequin Junkie and Night Owl Reviews Top Picks.

*****

Giveaway:

CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF CAN’T MISS CHRISTMAS WITH A GIVEAWAY!

Grand Prize: 1 Winner Will Receive a Kindle Fire

Runner-Up: 3 Runner-Up Will Receive any Backlist Miranda Liasson Title (Digital Version Only)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29442/

*****

Spotlight – Main Street Romance

08 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Addison Cole, Chris Keniston, Main Street Romance, Nancy Naigle, Raeanne Thayne

We’ve seen every single one of these authors before and I’m super excited that they are teaming up to bring us Main Street Romance. For those who like their love stories to be on the sweeter side (or those who just want to read about HEAs in whatever form they come in) will find just what they are looking for.

Check out all the details below and then head on over to the launch party to celebrate!!

*****

Main Street Romance

Love Stores for Everyone from Authors You Trust

Addison Cole | Chris Keniston | Nancy Naigle | RaeAnne Thayne

Launching November 6^th, 2017

http://mainstreetromance.com/

About Main Street Romance:

Main Street Romance is made up of four friends and bestselling authors who adore romance, and are committed to filling your bookshelves with sweet and clean love stories you’ll be excited to share with your best friend, Mom, Grandma, and your teenage daughter, too. No profanity, graphic sex, or violence.

Not only are they dedicated to writing sweet romance and growing their audience with new readers, but they will be building an entire community around the Main Street Romance brand, including giving readers short stories that take place in their very own Main Street Romance world, where new characters along with characters from their prior releases, will appear in stories that take place on Main Street, in Romance, Virginia.

Join them on the front porch for a cool glass of sweet tea, curl up in a cozy chair, and get ready to fall in love with your next favorite read.

Find Us Here:

Website – https://mainstreetromance.com

Newsletter – https://mainstreetromance.com/newsletter/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetRomance/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/MainStreetRom

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetromance

*****

About the Main Street Authors:

Addison Cole is the sweet alter ego of New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. She writes fun, flirty, and sweet romance with a dash of heat.

Chris Keniston is a USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty novels known to delight audiences with stories of falling in love, family values, and all around entertaining shenanigans.

Nancy Naigle is a USA Today bestselling author. She whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart.

RaeAnne Thayne is a New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty books.

*****

Launch Party:

Join the authors to celebrate the launch of MAIN STREET ROMANCE and help build your next favorite sweet romance world!

https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetRomance/

Coming soon! An entire Main Street world set in Romance, Virginia, where you may see your favorite characters from each of our series, and meet new characters on their paths to love! A map of our Main Street world will be ready for you soon! Don’t miss out. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a Main Street Romance Prize Pack

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81362/

*****

Spotlight – Mistletoe Me, Baby

07 Tuesday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Tags

Katie Reus, Mistletoe Me Baby, O'Connor Family series

I absolutely LOVE this time of year – all the sweet holiday reads just make me so very very VERY happy 🙂 SQUEE!!!

*****

Mistletoe Me, Baby

O’Connor Family series

by Katie Reus

Blurb:

She needs a fake fiancé…

With the holidays fast approaching, Miranda Flores makes up a fake fiancé so her well-meaning family will get off her back. She just never expected them to suddenly show up on her doorstep a couple weeks before Christmas, wanting to spend the holidays with her. So she turns to Nolan O’Connor, her sexy best friend, and asks him for the favor of a lifetime: she needs him to act the part of her fiancé until her parents leave town.

He wants forever…

Pretending to be engaged to the woman he’s already fallen for? No problem. Nolan agrees to Miranda’s fake engagement scheme because as far as he’s concerned, she’s the one. But he plays his role too well, because soon the entire town thinks they’re engaged and things get more complicated—especially since he can’t pretend with her anymore. Then tragedy strikes and Miranda tries to shut him out, but Nolan won’t let her. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her that he wants to make her his forever.

*****

Excerpt:

Nolan knocked on the already open door to Miranda Flores’ office at the local community center in Holly. Miranda usually kept the door open, wanting everyone to know they could talk to her at any time.

Phone against her ear, she glanced up and gave him a blinding smile that was a punch to his solar plexus. Which was pretty standard for every time he saw her.

She held up a finger as she continued talking. As she spoke, she was looking at something on her laptop.

Leaning against the doorframe, he crossed his arms over his chest and took the rare opportunity to drink in the sight of her. Her light brown hair was down around her face in soft waves. As she talked she was smiling, which was standard for her. Whenever they talked on the phone, he could hear the smile in her voice. Rolling his shoulders once, his gaze stayed on her mouth, even as he told himself to look away. He’d fantasized about nibbling on her bottom lip too many times. Hell, he wanted to kiss her everywhere, to claim her, to let the whole damn town know she was his.

But that wasn’t happening anytime soon.

She’d made it very clear nearly ten months ago when they’d first met that she wasn’t looking for any sort of relationship. At the time, she’d just taken her nephew, Mateo, in when her sister had dropped him off and bolted. Her sister had made Miranda his legal guardian. Only recently had Gloria gone into rehab for drug addiction.

As Miranda laughed, there was a little sparkle in her brown eyes. But they weren’t just brown. He’d studied them enough to know there were little flecks of amber in them. Every chance he got, he studied the woman. Watching her, being around her, was his own personal addiction. One he didn’t plan to give up.

“To what do I owe this pleasure?” Miranda’s sweet voice pulled him out of his head.

He blinked once and realized he’d been staring, and that she was off the phone. Clearing his throat, he pushed up from the doorframe as she stood and stepped around the desk. He started to answer when she frowned and closed the distance between them in record time.

Frowning harder, she cupped his cheek. “What happened?”

Nolan wanted to lean into her touch, to savor the feel of her smooth, soft hand on his skin. Today she had on knee-high boots and a red sweater dress that hugged all her curves. “Ah… what?” he wanted to put his own hand over hers to hold her there, but managed restraint. Somehow.

“You have a bruise. Did you get hurt at work?” Concern rolled off her in waves, her distress clear.

Bruise? “Oh, this is nothing. Maguire did this during our last hockey practice.”

“Aren’t you guys on the same team?”

He snorted. “Yeah. My brother is an equal opportunity bulldozer when he plays.”

She stroked her thumb over his bruise and he felt the sensation all the way to his dick. God, this woman had him all twisted up in knots. He’d get hurt more often if it meant she would touch him like this. Feeling her hand on him was heaven.

Abruptly she dropped her hand and her cheeks flushed pink, as if she realized how intimate that hold could be construed. “I might exchange words with Maguire later.”

He laughed, but it felt strained. Having her touch him like that, whether she meant it intimately or not, affected him. Physically and otherwise. He’d been respecting her boundaries because hell, he wanted to be her friend. She was a sweet, sexy woman and in the last year they’d become friends. Best friends, even. Other than his brothers and family, she was the person he wanted to call with any sort of news first. “I’m sure he’ll be very scared of you,” he murmured.

Narrowing her gaze, she said, “I can be very scary.”

“Yeah, scary in the way Mrs. Claus is.”

“Are you comparing me to Santa Claus’ wife?”

“Nope.” Not even a little bit. “Maybe one of his elves, though.” A really sexy elf. He could easily visualize the petite and curvy woman dressed up in a dirty ‘sexy elf’ Halloween costume. Or Christmas. Whatever. The thought of her dressed up in anything remotely dirty—or just flat out naked—was something he shouldn’t be contemplating now.

She mock-jabbed him in the side. “Very funny.”

*****

Author Info:

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

*****

Also available in the series:

Merry Christmas, Baby

Amazon | Amazon print

Audible | Barnes & Noble

Google Play | iBooks

iTunes (audio) | Kobo

Tease Me, Baby

Amazon | Amazon print

Barnes & Noble Nook

Google Play

iBooks | Kobo

It’s Me Again, Baby

Amazon kindle | Amazon print

Audible (audio) | Barnes & Noble Nook

iBooks | iTunes (audio)

Kobo

*****

Giveaway:

Kindle Fire, signed copies of each book in the O’Connor Family series, and a Christmas ornament

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78adb594/

*****

Spotlight – The Right Kind of Reckless

06 Monday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Heather Van Fleet, Reckless Hearts series, The Right Kind of Reckless

We saw the first book in this series, Reckless Hearts, earlier this year … we had the oh-so-sexy single dad then. Now it is time for those super hot honorary uncles to have their chance to find a HEA!

*****

The Right Kind of Reckless

Reckless Hearts #2

by Heather Van Fleet

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Category: Adult

Release Date: November 7, 2017

Blurb:

I’m in love with a woman I can’t have, and there’s absolutely nothing I can do to stop myself from falling.

The problem? Her brother’s my best friend.

I shouldn’t want her this much. Not when it goes against the bro code. Not when I’ve never been able to commit to a woman for longer than a night.

But one look into her eyes and I’m a mess for her. She’s my everything. And I have to walk away with nothing.

Find it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34272452-the-right-kind-of-reckless

And pre-order your own copy!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZ9RY6U/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-right-kind-of-reckless-heather-van-fleet/1124749506?ean=9781492658528

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Heather_Van_Fleet_The_Right_Kind_of_Reckless?id=d1XnDQAAQBAJ

*****

Excerpt:

MAX

“I’m a big girl, Maxwell. I don’t need you and Gavin coming in here and fighting my battles for me. I’m not some idiotic college girl anymore.”

I flinched and softened my tone. “I never said you were, Lee-L ee. Never once gave you that idea.”

“No, but you came here and picked a fight when I already had it handled.” She shrugged one shoulder.

“I saw that asshole put his hands on you at the bar. I was going to let it lie, but…” I ran my hand through my hair and took a step back, pulling at the ends to keep myself in check. Only Lia could push my buttons like this. Only Lia made me want to explode with every emotion known to man.

“But what?” she asked, her voice going hard.

My thoughts took me back, reminding me what she hadn’t heard from that idiot punk kid. I closed my eyes, willing the rage away, fighting with what I wanted to say versus what I needed to say instead.

I didn’t want to tell her what that guy said, but because I kept nothing from this girl—because she needed this knowledge to prepare herself in case something happened when I wasn’t around— I told her anyway. “Those guys, Lee-L ee… They said shit, planned on coming after you after work. I heard them talking about it.”

She froze. “Oh.”

“That’s what you say when I tell you some guys were planning on doing God only knows what to you?”

I pulled her closer by the shoulders this time, slowly lowering my hands to her upper arms. Goose bumps pebbled her pretty skin as I slid my palms down to her elbows, proof that what I said affected her, regardless of her don’t-give-a-shit attitude.

“Just stop, okay?” She lifted her finger and pressed it to my lips, those eyes I dreamed of night after night locked with mine. “Guess it’s high time I start paying you back for some of what I owe you. First bail, now…this?”

“What?” I jerked my head back, confused. “What you

owe me? You don’t owe me sh—” And that’s when she kissed me. Fingers in my hair, lips parting, tongue dancing…

Holy. Hell. Lia fucked with her mouth, and it was the hottest thing I’d ever done in my life.

She moaned. I might’ve too. Wet, sweet, hot…everything I’d ever imagined our kisses could be. I bit down on her lip, her fingers grazing my neck, digging into my skin, then my hair. I lowered my hands to her ass and squeezed, jerking her close, grinding my cock against her stomach.

More, more, more. I need more.

Fingers aching, I tucked my hands into the back of her shorts, finding the string of her thong. I tugged it aside, damn near ripping it with my fingers. Our teeth rammed together, my body wound up, hers pliant.

This was it. Our moment. The one I’d been dying for. The one that showed me she wanted me too—t hat I wasn’t losing my mind after all. This was the moment when everything changed.

That is, until she stopped. Froze was more like it. Then her hands were on my chest, shoving me back. Not hard, but just enough to break our connection.

I panted like a dog, reaching for her, growling at her. Needing her.

But then she winked. Fucking winked at me. “That work for you, Soldier Boy?”

“Uh…” I blinked, confused and in a hell of a lot of pain from my dick pressing hard against my zipper. Unconsciously, I adjusted my cock, forgetting she could see, that she was waiting and watching for my reaction. Maybe even waiting for me to say something charming. Which I couldn’t, because Lia had mouth-fucked the words right outta me.

An adorable smirk grew on her face, stealing what little brainpower I had left. Instead of talking though, trying to figure out why she’d done that, I leaned forward, needing more—a spoiled, greedy man with a one- track mind. That’s all I’d ever be when it came to her.

Before I could get another good taste, she turned her back to me, reached for the door handle, and said, “Now that’s one less favor I owe you.” Then she unlocked the door and left me behind like a dumb-ass.

*****

Author Info:

Heather Van Fleet is stay-at-home-mom turned book boyfriend connoisseur. She’s a wife to her high school sweetheart, a mom to three little girls, and in her spare time you can find her with her head buried in her Kindle, guzzling down copious amounts of coffee.

Heather graduated from Black Hawk College in 2003 with an associate degree and has been working in the publishing industry for over six years. She is represented by Stacey Donaghy of Donaghy Literary.

Website: http://www.heathervanfleet.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorheathervanfleet

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HLVanFleet

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6870087.Heather_Van_Fleet

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HVFWrites

*****

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Spotlight – Eternal

03 Friday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Carolina Beach series, Cecy Robson, Eternal

I’m kind of a traditional person so I don’t usually get into the whole one night stand thing … but there is just something about these two together that is addictive.

*****

Eternal

Carolina Beach #2

by Cecy Robson

Release Date: October 24, 2017

Publisher: Cecy Robson, LLC

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Page Count: 366

Format: Print & Digital

Blurb:

After months of bad luck and even worse men, Luciana Diaz just wants to crawl under the covers and forget the year ever happened. Her friend has other plans, convincing Luci to attend a New Year’s Eve party on the affluent shores of Kiawah Island.

Luci never expected to have fun. She also never expected to wake up next to a man she just met, or for this man to be the new attorney at her firm.

Landon Summers is done with drama. After an ugly separation and even worse divorce, he has no desire to jump into another relationship.

When his sister Trinity drags him to a New Year’s Eve party, he doesn’t plan to stay long. One drink, a few hellos, and he’s out. Until he meets Luci, the first person in months to draw his smile and incite his passion.

Neither Luci nor Landon planned on each other, and they definitely didn’t plan on love. But the New Year means a fresh start, and eternal possibilities neither could deny…

ETERNAL: A Carolina Beach Novel by Cecy Robson, tells the story of what happens when all is lost and then you find the one. Neither Luci nor Landon planned on each other, and they definitely didn’t plan on love in this New Year’s Eve, one-night stand romance. Fans of FLIRTING WITH FIRE by Kate Meader and HOT SHOT by Kristen Callihan won’t be able to put down this emotional and heartfelt read.

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2yuKS6h

Buy Now: Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

That smile that faded in Blythe’s presence returns. I ease my way out of the bathroom and return to the kitchen, but Landon is gone. So is my purse and our drinks.

My heart falls to my belly, only for it to quicken when a hand presses tenderly against the small of my back. “Are you hungry?” Landon asks. He motions to the corner where a set of heavy curtains sway in the breeze. “I figured with all that we’re drinking, we should get something to eat.”

“That would be lovely,” I say, realizing how much I mean it.

He passes me my clutch and leads me forward, a server slips out from behind a curtain with an empty tray, nodding Landon’s way. As he passes, Landon slips something into his palm. “Thank you, sir,” the young man tells him.

Landon smiles when I look up at him. “After you,” he says.

He parts the curtain, allowing me into a small terrace surrounded by tall glass dividers that repels the wind and allows a magnificent view of the ocean. There’s not much room, the space only large enough for a rectangular fire pit radiating with turquoise glass and a small table with two chairs. To our right people laugh from a larger more open terrace a level down. They can’t see us well, and I don’t really care to see them.

Our beers are placed beside two empty plates, along with two unopened bottles of water. At the center, there’s a large plate filled with food. “Becca likes to eat breakfast out here when she’s home. But she’s not using it and I didn’t want to waste the view.”

“It’s amazing,” I say, taking in the splendor.

I didn’t expect to see the ocean this far into the shore, especially at night. But with moon as bright and as low as it is, its light spills across the waves, illuminating the water and casting a glow along the sand.

Landon pulls out my chair. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I asked the staff to bring a little of everything.” He pauses. “You’re not one of those crazy vegans are you?” I laugh. “If you are, I can ask them for some of that crazy vegan food you people like to eat.”

“My people like everything,” I assure him, watching him take a seat in front of me.

“Good,” he says. “So do good ol’ Southern boys.”

We spend an outrageous amount of time talking, and even more simply gazing at each other, smiling softly when the words don’t quite come, and laughing when they finally do.

It’s only when Rihanna’s Love on the Brain begins to play that Landon tears his attention away from me and back in the direction of the party. “Don’t you hate it when everyone is dancing, and you have no one to dance with?” he asks.

I glance down, playing with the fabric of my skirt. “I think it’s worse when the wrong person asks you, and you’ve been waiting for the right one.”

“Oh, yeah?” He grins when I nod. “I suppose I should ask you, before the wrong person gets his chance.”

He doesn’t really ask. He doesn’t need to. I place my hand in his when he opens his palm.

He pulls me up and into him, wrapping his arms securely around my waist as mine circle his neck. He smiles as he looks down and meets my eyes. I return it, losing myself in his stare.

We move to the beat as if we’ve danced a hundred times, despite what I’m feeling is a slew of firsts.

The first time his hard body presses against mine.

The first whisper of his breath against my skin.

The first touch that has no inkling of innocence.

And the first stroke of desire.

His hands slide to my hips as the bass pounds deeper, craving more. “It’s almost midnight,” he rasps against my bare shoulder.

I shudder as his lips graze over my skin, not quite touching, trailing lightly just enough to tease. “Almost,” I agree.

The allure in his voice robs me of air. “I didn’t plan on having anyone to kiss.”

I almost reply, but the way Landon’s mouth hovers over the sweep of my neck keeps me silent, as does the way he draws an invisible line to my ear with his lips.

My heart thuds mercilessly as I wait for his next words.

“But I guess I didn’t plan on you either,” he murmurs, each word softly tortured.

That smile that faded in Blythe’s presence returns. I ease my way out of the bathroom and return to the kitchen, but Landon is gone. So is my purse and our drinks.

“That would be lovely,” I say, realizing how much I mean it.

Landon smiles when I look up at him. “After you,” he says.

“It’s amazing,” I say, taking in the splendor.

“My people like everything,” I assure him, watching him take a seat in front of me.

“Good,” he says. “So do good ol’ Southern boys.”

We spend an outrageous amount of time talking, and even more simply gazing at each other, smiling softly when the words don’t quite come, and laughing when they finally do.

I glance down, playing with the fabric of my skirt. “I think it’s worse when the wrong person asks you, and you’ve been waiting for the right one.”

“Oh, yeah?” He grins when I nod. “I suppose I should ask you, before the wrong person gets his chance.”

He doesn’t really ask. He doesn’t need to. I place my hand in his when he opens his palm.

He pulls me up and into him, wrapping his arms securely around my waist as mine circle his neck. He smiles as he looks down and meets my eyes. I return it, losing myself in his stare.

We move to the beat as if we’ve danced a hundred times, despite what I’m feeling is a slew of firsts.

The first time his hard body presses against mine.

The first whisper of his breath against my skin.

The first touch that has no inkling of innocence.

And the first stroke of desire.

His hands slide to my hips as the bass pounds deeper, craving more. “It’s almost midnight,” he rasps against my bare shoulder.

I shudder as his lips graze over my skin, not quite touching, trailing lightly just enough to tease. “Almost,” I agree.

The allure in his voice robs me of air. “I didn’t plan on having anyone to kiss.”

I almost reply, but the way Landon’s mouth hovers over the sweep of my neck keeps me silent, as does the way he draws an invisible line to my ear with his lips.

My heart thuds mercilessly as I wait for his next words.

“But I guess I didn’t plan on you either,” he murmurs, each word softly tortured.

*****

Author Info:

CECY ROBSON is an author of contemporary romance, young adult adventure, and award-winning urban fantasy. A double RITA® 2016 finalist for Once Pure and Once Kissed, and a published author of more than eighteen titles, you can typically find her on her laptop writing her stories or stumbling blindly in search of caffeine.

Follow Cecy: Website | Twitter | Facebook |Newsletter

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card and (3) Digital Copies INSEVERABLE from Cecy Robson!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29436/

*****

Book Review – Sugarplum Way

02 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Debbie Mason, Harmony Harbor series, Sugarplum Way

I love this time of year – holiday reads are all around us!!

*****

Sugarplum Way

Harmony Harbor series

by Debbie Mason

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages

Publisher: Forever (October 31, 2017)

Blurb:

“Heartfelt and delightful!” -RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author

Romance writer Julia Landon knows how to write a happily-ever-after. Creating one for herself is a whole different story. But after a surprising–and surprisingly passionate–kiss under the mistletoe at Harmony Harbor’s holiday party last year, Julia thought she might have finally found her very own chance at true love. Until she learns her Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broodingly Handsome has sworn off relationships. Well, if she can’t have him in real life, Julia knows just how to get the next best thing…

Aidan’s only priority is to be the best single dad ever. And this year, he plans to make the holidays magical for his little girl, Ella Rose. But visions of stolen kisses under the mistletoe keep dancing in his head, and when he finds out Julia has written him into her latest novel, he can’t help imagining the possibilities of a future together. Little does he know, though, Julia has been keeping a secret that threatens all their dreams. Luckily, ’tis the season for a little Christmas magic.

*****

Review:

It’s not going to surprise anyone who knows me that this is the first in this series that I’ve read … and unfortunately I think that this is one of the times that it kinda bit me a little. Not as much as with some books but just enough to leave me just a tiny bit dissatisfied. There is a lot of history with Julia and the people of Harmony Harbor, and more importantly here with Aidan. I will give Mason props for doing a really good job of keeping me engaged and informed of the important bits that I might have missed but there were little things that I didn’t have a clue about that came into play a few times. I still loved Aidan and Julia and I was rooting for them to figure things out from the very first page, but it just made me feel a little … left out because I wasn’t there from the beginning of the series.

Now, having said that, I really enjoyed both the story and Mason’s writing. The plot was very well done and kept me engaged all the way through. The characters (both primary and secondary) felt real and I was involved in their lives right away. The pacing was spot on – never seemed to drag and I was sad when we got to the end because it was over too soon. And you can’t beat the Christmas season for adding to the romance and fun. Overall, a really wonderful read. Which would have probably been perfect if I’d discovered this series a few books ago 🙂

With lots of Christmas charm and delightfully likable characters, Sugarplum Way brings the holiday feels and then some. Returning readers are sure to be thrilled … new readers might want to consider checking out the backlist. If they are anything like this one, you will have lots of great reads to get you through the next few months. (Or weeks if you are a super fast reader like me!)

*****

Author Info:

Debbie Mason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado and Harmony Harbor series. Her books have been praised for their “likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots” (RT Book Reviews). When she isn’t writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, three wonderful children, two adorable grandbabies, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella in Ontario, Canada.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

*****

Giveaway:

One winner will receive a Sugarplum Way gift packet including:

LIFE Magazines’s special BEAUTY AND THE BEAST edition

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST light and sound Hallmark ornament

LIVE LIKE SANTA’S NOT WATCHING mug

signed ARC of SUGARPLUM WAY

A picture frame

…all packaged in a WHAT’S NEXT box.

https://app.viralsweep.com/view_widget/4d3076-25872

*****

Visit TLC Book Tours to check out the rest of the tour

Spotlight – Totally His

01 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Erin Nicholas, Opposites Attract series, Totally His

Gotta love a book that starts like this …

*****

Totally His

Part of the Opposites Attract series

by Erin Nicholas

Release Date: October 31, 2017 from Forever

Mass Market Paperback: $7.99 | eBook: $3.99

ISBN: 9781455539727

Blurb:

Sophia Birch loves nothing more than the spotlight–as long as she’s playing a part. A theater geek from an early age, Sophia now runs a little hole-in-the-wall playhouse that feeds her passion… even if it sometimes makes it hard to feed herself! And then one night it all nearly goes up in smoke. Desperate to save the only copy of an irreplaceable script, Sophia rushes back into the burning building.

Police officer Finn Kelly knows crazy when he sees it. And a woman running back into a burning building definitely qualifies as crazy. She also happens to be incredibly sexy. But when he finally finds her ruffling through drawers and refusing to leave, his only option is to carry her out over his shoulder….and then decide whether to arrest her.

“Moving and inspiring.” — Publishers Weekly

Goodreads

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vpHQi1

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2vVOttR

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2vWL4dP

iBooks: http://apple.co/2uvJBvh

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2wBmYD1

Books-a-Million: http://bit.ly/2ifKov2

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2fyHd0e

*****

Excerpt:

Finn would have noticed her even if she hadn’t been wearing hot-pink lingerie. And nothing else.

He really would have. She was totally his type—brunette and curvy and, apparently, a little crazy. As evidenced by the fact that she was trying to sneak into a burning building. He did seem to be attracted to crazy. No matter how hard he tried not to be.

He watched the woman stop at the east corner of the Birch Community Playhouse, the one farthest from where the firefighters were working. Then he frowned as she slipped into the shadows along the side of the theater and out of sight.

Dammit. He started after her.

As one of the cops on scene, he had to keep the area clear for the firefighters and keep the crowd of onlookers safe. If one of them happened to have a great body and be dressed in nothing but a pink bra-and-panty set, well, he’d just call that a perk. And as he jogged across the street, Finn couldn’t help but wonder if she was in costume or if the alarm had caught her in the midst of a wardrobe change. If that was her outfit for the show, he might need to buy a ticket.

He turned the corner to the back of the building and looked around. He didn’t see her. She’d gone inside. Dammit. He climbed up the four steps that led to the back door of the theater.

Finn touched the door and found it cool. It seemed that the flames were still contained to the wall on the other end of the theater, but it was a mistake to assume anything when fire was involved.

He stepped inside and pulled the flashlight from his belt, then shone it back and forth. He turned a full circle, not sure where to go next. Just then Finn heard a door slam somewhere behind him. He swung toward the sound just in time to see the woman step out from a room.

Her eyes went wide when she saw him.

“Boston PD! Stop!” Finn shouted.

She had covered up. Kind of. She now wore a robe, short, sheer, and unbelted. Which really did nothing to cover his view of her panties and bra. Or all that skin.

And maybe that was why she suddenly took off at a run.

Finn stared after her for a moment, a little stunned. She was actually running from him?

The woman made it to the other end of the lobby and through one of the doors leading into the main theater before Finn got to her. He grabbed the door as it was swinging shut, nearly smashing his fingers. The lights were off in the inner theater but, as he plunged into the darkness, he got a big whiff of whatever body spray or perfume she wore. He took a deep breath. It was nice. Lemony. Sweet and…

Jesus. Finn scowled and turned his flashlight back on. He was thinking about how she smelled? How about the smell of smoke that was going to be chasing them both pretty soon?

“Hey!” he called into the theater. You have to come out, ma’am. It’s not safe for you to stay in the building.”

“Just give me a damned minute!” she shouted.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, I can’t do that,” Finn said.

“I have to find something. Then I’m coming right out.”

“Ma’am, I will have to remove you myself if you don’t come out immediately.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake!” he heard her exclaim.

“Ma’am, this is your last warning. Stop what you’re doing and come with me.”

Enough of this. Finn stalked over to her, put a hand around her upper arm, and turned to remove her from the building.

She dug her heels in, though, pulling against his hold. “Hey, you can’t—”

“Oh, yes I can,” he told her calmly, careful to keep his eyes off her body. The heat from her skin had immediately soaked through the thin robe, and Finn felt it traveling from his palm up his arm. “I’ve given you several opportunities to cooperate.”

“You’re arresting me?” she asked.

“Are you doing something that you need to be arrested for?” he asked, moving her toward the door, even with her resisting.

“No! I need to get something. It’s very important. It belongs to a friend of mine. It’s irreplaceable.”

“Ma’am,” he said calmly, “don’t make me carry you out of here.”

She pulled against his grip and leaned all her weight into fighting the forward motion across the room.

Well, shit. He’d kind of figured it would come to this, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to touch her more. Still, it didn’t look as if he had a lot of choice. Reminding himself that he was a professional, he bent and hooked an arm behind her knees, looped the other around her back, and lifted her.

She gasped, and for a moment she didn’t fight. And he thought maybe the hard part was over. But as he headed out the door, trying to ignore how warm and soft and fucking lemony she was, she started to wiggle.

*****

Author Info:

Erin Nicholas is the New York Times bestselling author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines and happily ever afters. She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).

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