From the New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster comes a funny, sexy romantic comedy featuring a twice-divorced, stressed-out romance writer who finds out that sometimes true love can be a hot mess.
Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, thatโs who. Despite what my besties say about my three-year dry spell, Iโm not looking for a man. Or drama. Or sex. Iโve got enough on my plate with writerโs block and a daughter who refuses to grow up. Community. Thatโs what I need. Unfortunately, it seems the universe has other ideas. Either Chatemup, Massachusetts, has a serious shortage of single women, or Iโve become a hot mess magnet for the male species.
At least Iโve found one funny, good-hearted friend: fish peddler Declan Miller, my brainstorming adventure buddy who stirs my creative juices. Iโm his Writer Girl. Heโs my Dimple Dude. Just scruffy, granite-chested, deep-voiced, ex-military brawn who happens to beโoh, Nicole, what are you doing to yourself?โstoking a long-neglected fire without even trying.
A self-confessed hot mess, divorced single dad Declan is too old for relationship games. Not interested. Same here. So why do I keep thinking about him? Preferably naked. Because Iโm a hot mess, too? At least heโs inspiring me to write. If only real life were like one of my novels. At least then Iโd have a better idea of how this was going to end.
Hot Mess Summer is published by Montlake Romance and will be available in paperback and audio formats at all book retailers, and exclusively in digital format for Kindle and Kindle apps. Download a free Kindle reading app here: http://bit.ly/FreeKindle_App1
I am always so happy to get my hands on a new book by Melissa Foster. Her characters are invariably engaging and her writing can turn something simple into a story that draws you in & won’t let go. The fact that this one focuses on an older hero and heroine, a couple that are grown but not done growing, is refreshing. And I was delighted by their journey from being new friends into more.
Both Declan and Nicole are moving into a new phase of their lives – figuring out where they fit with their friends and family, and learning what they want for themselves going forward. The way they do this together, going on delightful adventures, getting closer, and growing as people is just a fun read.
There’s very little drama and angst here, instead it’s a story about self discovery filled with delightful characters, humor, and small town charm. Oh, and a good amount of heat, of course.
*****
Author Info:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissaโs emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family orientedโperfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
Romance between them is strictly off-limits, but forbidden attraction has never felt so irresistibleโฆIโm playing a risky gameโฆ
Iโm the brand new coach of the current Super Bowl Champions. If that isnโt hard enough, Iโm also one of the youngest coaches in the league.
Coupled with a recently finalized divorce and the goal to take the team and the city of Nashville’s fans by storm, my ex throws me for a loop when she says sheโs sending our daughter to me so she can take an extended three-month vacation.
Donโt get me wrong, I love my little girl more than anything but suddenly becoming a full-time single dad and the Steeleโs new coach rocks the turf beneath my feet. I need some help and I need it fast.
Enter Ruby Moore.
The answer to my prayers. Sheโs looking for a new start, is great with kids and is the perfect set of eyes to watch my daughter when Iโm not around.
The problem? I think she is perfect for me too.
The other problem? Sheโs not only my nanny, but sheโs also the younger sister of a guy Iโm tasked with leading. Sheโs way too young and sweet for me and the way she loves Amelia makes my heart melt. I donโt expect her perfume to remind me of lazy beach days and for her smiles to become a craving I canโt live without. But I canโt stop thinking about her. Fleeting glances turn into deeper conversations and even more carnal nights.
Soon, sheโs a forbidden addiction I canโt quit.
I know I’m playing a Risky Game, but can I keep the woman I’ve fallen in love with, while still maintaining the respect of the team Iโm trying to lead to another Championship?
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I’m back & forth on age gap romances and I’m not always sure what makes them work. I feel like Logan is right to be a little concerned about their relationship – mostly because of his connection to her brother and the bad optics. But Ruby is smart, with a good head on her shoulders. Her life up to this point hasn’t been all that easy and I feel like that helps her be more mature for her age.
I’m also a little conflicted on their steamy times. I mean, I’m not one to kink shame (and I’ll be honest for all the wide variety of spice I read, I’m personally pretty vanilla) but I think because there is such an emphasis on their age difference that it could also parlay into a power balance issue. Don’t get me wrong, it is definitely HAWT and I love that they both have a chance to explore that side of themselves together. I just wonder a little about adding that to a story when there was already an imbalance in their relationship.
OK, so that’s the less than positive, but I will say overall I enjoyed the crap out of this book. Lynn does a fantastic job of giving us characters to pull for – Logan is struggling with his new, high-pressure job and trying to figure out how to take care of his daughter in his limited free time. It’s obvious that he loves Amelia but it’s a complication that he didn’t need right now. Throw in his growing desire for his new (young) nanny and it doesn’t take him long to crack. And crack beautifully he does ๐ While I can worry about their dynamic in a real world situation, I can also find it hot as all get out in a fictional one . . . bossy, growly, and sexy, OH MY.
Ruby is running from a heartbreak back home and taking a little time to get her feet back under her. I can appreciate her need to do it on her own, especially with the wonderful relationship she has with her brother & his family. It would be super easy to let him fix it all. But that self-reliance has her in Logan’s sphere, which leads to new trouble as she struggles to connect with his daughter while also having to resist the oh-so-sexy single dad. (I’m impressed she lasts as long as she does, honestly.)
With her sassy mouth, independent personality, and the care she puts into winning over his daughter, it’s harder and harder for Logan to resist Ruby the more time they spend together. There’s the typical third act troubles, but I appreciate how both of them recognize the roll they play in it. And definitely take advantage of the opportunity to make up after a fight … *whew*
Steamy, humorous, and full of feels, Risky Game was a fast read and a great addition to the Nashville Steel series.
(Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.)
*****
Author Info:
Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.
The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.
Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Merrick has the perfect life: a husband, a baby, and a great future ahead of him. Until all that is ripped away, and heโs left alone with his daughter. After two years, he knows itโs time to move on. To find a new life for him and Willow. It comes in the shape of a derelict mill house nestled in the hills above a Devon seaside town.
Drew
When Drew loses the chance to buy and restore the house heโs loved all his life, the last thing he wants to do is renovate it for the mysterious new resident. But something about Merrick Green intrigues him, and he feels compelled to lift the heaviness surrounding him. The fact that Merrickโs daughter seems to have taken an instant infatuation with Drew makes it easier.
As the two men become friends, Merrick battles with his attraction to Drew. How can he be interested in the ruggedly handsome when heโs still in love with Josh?
Letting go of the past is hard, but with Drew by his side, he finds a way forward.
Life After Loveis a sweet small-town, opposites-attract, hurt/comfort romance with low angst and a sweet little girl that everyone falls in love with.
Warning: The book deals with the loss of a loved one.
As I approach my truck, a man is looking at it. No, heโs taking a photograph. โCan I help you?โ I put my toolbox into the open flat bed.
The man blushes and takes a step back. โOh, is this your truck? Iโm sorry. I wanted to get a photo of your contact details. Iโm looking for a building contractor.โ
He must be the latest resident in our small beachside town. The new owner of the Mill House. Heโs incredibly good looking. Iโd say around my age, thirty-five. About the same height as me at five eleven and has eyes the colour of soft, faded denim. His hair is short at the sides, but with honey-blond curls on top, which I envy. My hair is straight and long enough to tie up. I should get it cut. The amount of dust, plaster and sawdust is a bloody nightmare to wash out every night.
I pull a notebook out of the side pocket on my shorts and the pencil from behind my ear. โIโm sure I can do that for you. What sort of work?โ
โUm, itโs pretty much everything. The house is a bit of a wreck. Iโd hoped to do some of it myself, but I know thatโs out of my abilities. I donโt know if itโs something youโre interested in doing?โ
I get the feeling the guy is overloaded with things that need immediate action and has got himself lost in the process. โWhy donโt you show me? Iโve got nothing else planned for the day.โ
He lets out a sigh. โThat would be so good. Itโs Mill House. Do you know it?โ
I smile. My suspicions this is the new guy were right. โI do. I was born and bred in this town. I can follow you there if youโd like?โ
โOkay, thank you so much. See you in a few.โ
I wait until heโs in his car, then start the engine on mine. His smart, new, not-cheap-at-all BMW is something else for the gossips to talk about. Handsome, single, and seemingly rich. Melanie will be waving her knickers on a pole in front of him in the blink of her false eyelashes.
The drive takes ten minutes, winding through the town and up parallel to the river that runs down to the sea. The Mill House still has the original water wheel. Although the river has been diverted away from the property, itโs still an impressive feature of the house.
I park next to him and climb out. He opens the back door of the coupรฉ and lifts a small sleeping child from her seat. He wipes her hair, which is the same colour as his, from her forehead and kisses her gently. A sweet, loving moment that makes my heart swell. The obvious love for the child is in his every gesture and expression.
He turns to me. โThis is my daughter, Willow. Iโm Merrick Green.โ
โIโm Drew Roberts, but you probably guessed that from the signage.โ
โOh, yes, well, itโs nice to meet you.โ Heโs flustered as he juggles the sleeping toddler to shake my hand.
He gestures with his head. โWelcome to my home. Or what will be my home. Come on in.โ
I follow him up the stone steps to the solid oak door.
He pushes the door open. โItโs a bit of a mess. Please be careful where you walk.โ
โThanks for the heads-up.โ I step in, holding back my smile. I used to come here a lot when I was a kid. Itโs not as bad as I remembered.
I wait in the hallway as he places the sleeping child on a sheet partly covering an old mulberry velvet sofa that has been here forever.
โI havenโt been in here for years,โ I say when Merrick walks back out.
Surprise flashes in his eyes. โYou know the house?โ
I chuckle. โEveryone whoโs grown up here has played around in this house. Not that we were supposed to, but kids will be kids. School-leaving parties took place here, and teenagers just wanting to hang out would come here. Itโs about time someone came and loved it again. Itโs a good place to live and raise a family, Merrick.โ
A flash of pain rocks over his face, and he closes his eyes as he takes a deep breath.
โHey, are you okay? Iโm sorry if I said the wrong thing.โ
โNo, itโs fine. Can I get you a drink? Iโve got some bottled water or some juice. Then we can walk around, and Iโll show you what needs your attention as soon as you can.โ
โIโm good, and is it just the urgent work you want me to do, or are you looking for a quote for all the renovations? Who else have you spoken to?โ
โNo one else. Iโve only been here a couple of days.โ
โYouโre not staying in the house now, are you? I donโt think itโs safe.โ
He looks at the cracked walls and sagging ceilings and chuckles. โNo, Iโm staying in a hotel for now. But if you could give me a quote for the initial work, we can discuss the rest of the work when I have the plans back.โ
I scratch my chin. โYouโre putting a lot of faith into a man youโve just met.โ
โI asked around. You were the first name mentioned. Plus, you look like a decent guy.โ Finally, he gives me a small smile.
โWhen does your wife arrive?โ
*****
Review:
I’m amused that the things I liked the most about this story are the things that have it getting some lower * reviews. I mean I get that everyone has their own preferences (there’re lots of romances that are loved that I didn’t even finish) but it’s just funny that those are specifically what is called out ๐
Life After Love is definitely slow burn and low angst, with very little conflict between the two main characters. Instead it’s about Merrick finally starting to get over the death of his husband and choosing to move on with his life. Meeting, and falling in love, with Drew is definitely not something he expected but maybe something he needed. (The little encouragements from Josh are touching and the push that he needs at the right time.)
I enjoyed both Drew and Merrick as characters. They are good-hearted and sweet together, making me pull for them from the first page. Merrick has a lot he needs to face, just getting up was hard for a long time after Josh died, but a change of scenery and new friends are definitely helping. Drew shows a lot of patience and understanding as he gets to know Merrick and his daughter (who is just the sweetest). It’s easy to see why Merrick opens up to him and gives him his trust & eventually his heart.
The supporting characters are good for Merrick as well. From Drew’s meddling sister and her friend, to Luke and Benny at the cafe, everyone is welcoming to the little family and there for both Drew & Merrick when they need it. Definitely need to see more of Merrick’s sister and best friend. Both are good eggs, full of heart and support. And I’m hoping that Harper gives us more of Josh’s brother. We didn’t get to know him well but he seemed like a stand up guy who’s hurting as well. Drew’s friend definitely needs a resolution … ok, so there’s a lot of opportunity here. I hope you have big plans Harper!
This is a new author for me and obviously I’m looking forward to finding out what’s in store for us next.
*****
Author Info:
Just in case you donโt know me. Iโm a simple soul that puts all my hopelessly romantic thoughts down on my computer. Iโm usually in the living roomโtyping awayโwith my wayward Great Dane, Siddiqi, next to me on the sofa.
Iโm a hopeless romantic, always falling in love with my men, determined to make sure they get the happy-ever-after they deserve, even if they do have to work hard for it.
I live in a tiny village in Lincolnshire, UK, with my husband and dog, who are forever patient with me when I forget the time, and the dinner!
Readers who enjoy romance with flirty bartenders and holiday towns will love Gettinโ Figgy by Gail Haris, a steamy, small town, neighbors to lovers, opposites attract romance.
Gettin’ Figgy
Candy Cane Key
Man of the Month: October
by Gail Haris
Blurb:
Are you ready to meet your next Man of the Month?
What happens when you drop a Halloween fanatic on a Christmas themed island in the Florida Keys?
Rose didnโt expect to find herself toe to toe with her handsome neighbor on a holiday called Sweetest Dayโฆ and all because of a fig.
Gettinโ Figgy from Gail Haris is a small-town, opposites attract romance about Candy Cane Key’s charming Greek restaurant and bar owner, Thanasis Diakos, and his wickedly attractive neighbor, Rose Verbeck.
While Rose is convinced Than-ass-is a complete Jack, but not Frost, he sees her as the ultimate thorn in his side. However after a few signature drinks, ‘Gettinโ Figgy,’ they just might discover each otherโs sweet side.
The Man of the Month Club is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two!) every month. In 2023, escape to Candy Cane Key, Florida, and celebrate ALL the holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious paradise men. Canโt wait to see you there!
Thanasis doesnโt look amused. โYou know kids live on this street. Stringing the lights to look like Santa is peeing off the side of the house isnโt appropriate. And having my elves holding a body bag with the rest of my Christmas decorations in it is borderline disturbing.โ
I canโt help it. I snort with laughter. Thanasisโ eyes soften and I notice a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. โI wanted us to become friends. To make peace.โ
Doubtful. But Iโll play along. โFine. Letโs be friends.โ
โToo late. You donโt mess with a manโs yard.โ I scoff,ย Thanasis continues. โI want you to remember you started this.โ
Started what? โNothing has started. Itโs finished. Consider that as me getting even for last night.โ
โWhat happened last night?โ
โYou were being obscene.โ I hate the way my eyes drift to his lips. His perfect teeth are on display with his sexy knowing smile. His tongue snakes out only a bit to wet his lips, but itโs enough to have me squeezing my thighs together.
โAnd youโre being childish by vandalizing my property.โ
โIs it vandalizing if itโs an improvement? When you think about it, I did you a favor. Consider it my gift to you for Sweetest Day.โ
โYou definitely spiced up the neighborhood. Iโll see you for our playdate.โ
I loathe the fact that he looks so sexy when he winks. I wonder if I can teach the dogs to pee on him.
Copyright 2023 Gail Haris
*****
Author Info:
Gail Haris loves blending romance out of life’s everyday chaos. Stories filled with humor, steam, and moments of sweetness, along with suspense and twists.
Fueled by coffee and with a wild imagination, she writes in a variety of genres, including romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and new adult/coming of age romance.
Always laughing too loud and thriving on awkward situations, Gail enjoys traveling, binging series, and trying out new recipes (that sounds better than just eating).
Gail believes whole heartedly to never stop believing in love, dreams, and yourself. And coffeeโฆespecially the coffee. Donโt give up on coffee and books.ย
Preston James did things to me. Things that had me wanting more of him and his dirty mouth, even though I knew better. Things that made my heart race. Things that made me come to realize there was more to my bossโs best friend than met the eye.
Nick Reed
As one of the bartenders at Alejandroโs Bar, Iโve seen it all. Iโve even watched my friends, Christian and Cooper, both find the loves of their life. Six years after breaking up with my college boyfriend, Iโm convinced thatโs not the life Iโm supposed to have until forty-five-year-old Preston James makes me the target of his relentless sexy stares and his straight-forward, dirty propositions.
Maybe being the object of his desire wouldnโt be so bad.
Preston James
The first time I laid eyes on Nicholas Reed, I knew I had to have him. There was something about my best friendโs bartender that captivated me. And I always got my way. But this twenty-eight-year-old grad student has me jumping through all kinds of hoops to get his attention. Thereโs nothing I wonโt do to prove to him Iโm exactly what he needs. Iโm relentless like that and I wonโt stop until heโs mine.
We Could Do This Forever is the first book in the We Could Do This Duet and is an MM Bisexual Romance. Additional tropes: Age Gap; Mutual Pining; Bossโs Best Friend; Secretly Wealthy; Humor.
The dance these two go thru getting together provided quite a few entertaining moments. Drunk Preston laying out everything he thinks and feels for everyone is downright hilarious and I can’t blame Nick for finding him irresistible. Once they finally give in, Preston is an attentive and giving boyfriend, taking care of Nick and showing him as much as telling him how much he cares.
But while I liked Nick and Preston’s story overall, there were a few issues. Mainly that these two REALLY need to work on their communication skills. A good portion of the beginning of the book is spent with them giving each other googly eyes, but not going anywhere because they won’t have an actual conversation. Throw in that once they do get together there’s a lot of suggestion about things but no talking and when something that Nick knows needs to be talked about comes up he … avoids it. Does he think it’s just going to go away? And then there’s the whole third act breakup and Preston, because of his additional years of maturity, works thru it like a grownup, right? Uh, no. He handles it about as well as he did the actual conflict, which was not well. At all. I liked the two of them together, but sheesh there were moments.
I’ve enjoyed pretty much everything that I’ve read from Beckett and I’m definitely looking forward to Alejandro’s story to complete this duet. I’m also really hoping that introducing Nick’s friend Evan means that we’re going to get some new football players in San Diego. Please!
*****
Author Info:
Emerson Beckett is an avid sports fan and lover of M/M romance books. She loves her new career as an author of gay romance. Itโs even more fulfilling for her when she can combine the two.
Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series, which includes The Quarterback Keeper, Pass Interference, Unnecessary Roughness, Two-Point Conversion, Illegal Motion, Ineligible Receiver, and Roughing the Kicker.
Besides being a retired teacher and author, Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 33 years. She is a mother of three, one of whom is proudly part of the LGBTQ Community and completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance. Even though the kids no longer live at home, they filled the empty nest with an Australian Shepherd, three cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.โฉ
I loved my life. Sleeping around. No commitments. But my mother kept prying into my love life, wanting to see me happily settled down.
The remedy seemed to magically reveal itself when I stumbled onto Travis, my childhood best friend, on a dating app. When we were in elementary school, we promised to marry each other if we were still single at thirty.
Reconnecting, I proposed we give the pact a real shot. To my surprise, Travis agrees. Somewhere in the midst of planning our wedding, the unthinkable happens. Our feelings for each other becomeโฆ real.
As the day of our fake marriage grows near, how do I tell Travis I want the real thing and for him to be mine forever?
I gave him a little smile. โI wouldnโt want to make my future mother-in-law uncomfortable, especially not so early in our engagement. And I donโt want to get you in trouble. Heaven knows we did enough of that as kids, right?โย
He inhaled a deep breath and let it out slowly, grinning. โThanks for understanding.โ
โThatโs what partners are for, right?โ
His voice was soft when he spoke. โYeah. Thank you.โ
โAnytime.โ Silence stretched between us, nervous tension, the air crackling. My heart thumped and thudded. I was sure he could hear it. The tension in my stomach fluttered and roiled, urging me to act.
I swallowed my nerves and leaned close, putting my hand up to cup his face, pulling him close very gently, and we met in the middle with a tender kiss.
The way our lips touched was so tentative. Travisโs sharp inhale was loud in my ears, as was the soft little noise of surprise he made when our tongues met. My entire body was alight, every nerve ending firing at the same time. Travisโs hand found my bicep and gripped me, holding on for dear life as we kissed so slowly. I couldnโt remember a kiss ever being that intense, even the hurried, sexy ones, and I never wanted it to end.
Travis broke the kiss just as gently and carefully as it had started. He backed away, loosening his grip on my arm, and slid back. โWow,โ he whispered. โThat wasโฆโ
I nodded. โYeah.โ
โI think Iโm going to like this arrangement,โ he said, grinning slowly.
I couldnโt stop myself from laughing a little breathlessly. โMe too.โ
*****
Author Info:
Riley Long is an author of gay romances novels spanning many genres from contemporary to paranormal. They live a quiet life in Virginia, with their husband, son, and two very silly pit bulls.
They spend their evenings writing, reading, and watching bad television (or not so bad television).
For fun, Riley participates in NaNoWriMo, GISH, and reads with her book club, the BAMFs.
They like things with silly acronyms.
Riley can tell you two different stories about getting covered in dairy products for a hug.
Join us this Halloween for the exclusive Once Upon a Halloween Night bash in the New Orleans Warehouse District for an evening of fun, costumes, and romance. The Indie Pen PR and Beyond the Bookshelf Publishing are excited to kick off spooky season with seven brand-new, fun, and sexy novellas from Lauren Helms, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Kartina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, and Louise Lennox.
Once Upon a Halloween Night
by Lauren Helms, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Katrina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, Louise Lennox
Blurb:
Congratulations!
Youโve been invited to attend the exclusive Once Upon A Halloween Night bash.
This year, join us in New Orleans Warehouse District on Halloween Night for an evening of fun, costumes andโฆ romance?
Wait. What?
Thatโs right.
The Indie Pen PR and Beyond the Bookshelf Publishing is proud to host Lauren Helms, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Kartina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, and Louise Lennox – in this fun Halloween romance anthology.
So, throw on your best costume and get ready to sit back and enjoy seven brand new novellas to celebrate spooky season with a romantic twist.
Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Dating in Disguise by Lauren Helms
She sets the drink down and turns to me. โYou must love Robin Hood if youโre willing to invest.โ
โRobin Hood and I have a lot in common, actually.โ I inform her.
Her nose scrunches. โOh really? How so?โ
โWell, for starters, I’m a master archer”
โNope. I donโt believe it.โ She giggles.
โI am. Really. I learned at summer camp when I was twelve. Hooked ever since.โ I tell her almost defensively.
โAh, okay then. What else do you have in common?โ
โIโm glad you asked. See, I’m also a master of disguise.โ
Her eyes widen playfully, โOh my. I can see that. Is this even your real face?โ
I lean my head back and smirk at her. โEverything about me is real, baby. Truth is, I’m not worried about disguising myself tonight, so what you see is what you get.โ
โIโve heard that heโs also a charmer. A ladiesโ man. Obviously, that checks out.โ She grins.
I nod. โI was born a charmer. Itโs in my blood.โ
โRight.โ She nods in understanding, laughter dancing all over her face. โSo what you’re saying is that you are the embodiment of Robin Hood.โ
โOh, I like that. The embodiment of Robin Hood.โ I snap my fingers. Sheโs brilliant and beautiful.
Her brows furrow, โDoes that make you an outlaw then?โ
โNah, I mean, if stealing from the rich and giving to the poor is considered breaking the law…โ
She huffs out a laugh. โStealing is totally considered breaking the law.โ
I shrug, โMeh, maybe, but I’ve got a heart of gold, so that’s all that matters.โ
โI suppose thatโs true.โ She reaches for her drink and sips it, keeping eye contact with me over the glass. Sheโs flirty and Iโm digging it, but sheโs not getting all touchy-feely with me, so Iโm a little unsure of where this is going.
~
Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Haunted Melodies, Kate Stacy
โCome with me,โ I say, grabbing hold of her hand.
Remiโs laughter rings through the night air as I lead her between the cathedral and museum, slipping into one of the alcoves there. The joy in her voice mirrors the twinkling stars in the sky, and her eyes sparkle with a mix of amusement and excitement. Fuck, sheโs beautiful.
Carefree looks incredible on her.
Shrouded in shadows, I watch Remi as her laughter subsides into a contented sigh. She looks at me and smiles, so I kiss her again, pressing her body against the hard stone behind her.
I canโt get enough.
The way she tastes.
The feel of her body against mine.
โLuke,โ she murmurs breathlessly against my lips.
I trail kisses along her jaw, groaning when she tips her head back, giving me access to more of her soft, silky skin.
โLuke,โ she says again, and I want to hear her say it a thousand times more. โWe canโt do this here.โ
โAfraid of things that go bump in the night?โ I murmur, smiling as I kiss down the column of her throat.
She sucks in a breath.
“No. Just charges for indecent exposure, public lewdness, orโ”
Chuckling, I take her mouth with mine, kissing her deeply.
~
Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Love on the Halloween Dance Floor by Mel Walker
โYou promise to wait for me?โ She asks the question, already knowing the answer. At a concert in Detroit that had technical issues with the lighting and sound equipment, Aaliyah spent nearly an hour reaming out the organizer. She came out an hour later and was shocked to see me waiting for her. I committed to her that day that I would never leave a venue without her.
โThe rest of my life if I have to.โ The words slip from my heart to my lips without thinking. My chest thumps heavily with my misstep. She twists to read in my eyes the meaning of my words.
Lights bounce off her glasses, and I fail in my attempt to read hers. An explosion of cheers erupts in front of me, and I look up to investigate. Ali is bowing at the front of the stage. The performance has ended.
The house lights rise in the theatre, and Poppy leads the girls back to their families. Whistles and cheers continue to float in the air.
A warm set of lips land on my cheek. I hold my breath and record this moment, stored alongside a treasure trove of protected memories.
Aaliyahโs lips linger for a heartbeat longer than normal, a hesitation I pick up on because when it comes to her, I notice everything. โReally good work today. Congrats. See you in ten.โ
โHere, let me โฆโ I take her hand to help her out of the pit. I chew on my tongue to distract myself from the spark that shoots through my body.
โSuch a gentleman. Someday, some lucky woman will โฆโ She doesnโt complete the sentence. The words hang like a challenge.
A challenge Iโve yet to answer.
My eyes linger on Aaliyah as she navigates the narrow aisle. She moves with a purposeful stride, a woman on a mission. My eye refuses to look away until she disappears out the exit. Only then do I take a breath. Only then do I realize I hadnโt.
Like I said, I got it bad.
She has work to do. But Iโll wait. Iโll always wait for her. I whisper the words I donโt have the courage to say to her face. The words I pray may come true someday. โSomeday. Someday that lucky woman will be you.โย
~
Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Ghosted by Susan Renee
โHow do you make it so easy to breathe, Scarlett?โ Oliver asks me, his forehead pressed to mine.
โBecause I donโt expect you to be someone youโre not, Oliver. Youโre free with me. Zero expectations. Consider me your safe space.โ
โIโm finding myself overwhelmingly attracted to you,โ he says. โAnd Iโm sorry if thatโs too much. Maybe Rowena was right. Iโm not good at hiding my feelings.โ
โItโs perfectly fine to have feelings. I have them too.โ I bring my hands to his cheeks. โI wasnโt sure how this day was going to go, but somehow, youโve managed to make every moment perfect. You let me take the lead instead of treating me like your personal arm candy. Youโve asked about my feelings. My desires. What I want for myself and for my future. Do you know how long itโs been since a man has asked how I feel? Hell, I could marry you right now and have no remorse given what I was about to walk into.โ
โIโm really fucking glad you didnโt marry him.โ
โMe too.โ
~
Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Hurricanes & Halloween by Katrina Marie
โMy bad.โ He doesnโt look sorry at all. The wide grin heโs sporting as he watches the people still staring at us says heโs pretty proud of himself. I donโt blame him, though. He never would have had the confidence to do that at eighteen. Now, in our mid-thirties, heโs sure of what he wants. Even if that person lives hours away from him, and has no idea how we are going to make this work.
โItโs all good.โ I lean my head on his shoulder. โIโd say it was more than worth it.โ
We sit in silence as the DJ continues to play music downstairs. There are still a couple of hours until this thing ends. And as much as I want to ditch the rest of the party and head straight to our hotel room, I know we should stay a little longer. Especially since our tickets were essentially free. I know the payoff will be fine with Kelly, though. This was her moment to play fairy godmother. Her way of making my wildest dreams come true.
โWant to see what else this party has to offer?โ Patrick squeezes my knee. It might be my imagination, but I think his hand moved further up my leg. Thereโs a good chance heโs having the same thoughts I am. Both of us are too polite to voice them aloud.
โSure.โ I stand and he does the same. Grabbing my drink, I hook a finger into his belt loop. Not so accidentally grabbing his butt in the process.
โYou keep doing that and Iโll carry you out of here.โ
The drinks are working their way through my system because what falls from my lips next is something Iโd never say. โDonโt make promises you canโt keep.โ
~
Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Masked Love by Courtney W. Dixon
Greyson sat back in the seat and stared out the window. We were almost there despite the heavy traffic. โHow did we meet?โ he asked.
โHmm, how about at my favorite coffee shop? You spilled coffee on me.โ
He waved a hand at me. โUgh. Please. That trope has been done to death.โ
I huffed a laugh. Seriously, I was going to give him wine more often. โAnd what would you suggest?โ
โLetโs keep it relatively realistic and almost the truth since it will be easier to remember the lie.โ
โGood at lying, are we?โ
He smirked and leaned closer to me. โDid you just make a joke?โ
โI never joke.โ Which was also a lie.
โAnyway! Letโs say I applied to Nomadology, and you found me so hot and irresistible that I swept you off your feet, and you refused to hire me so you could date me.โ
For the first time since I could remember, I barked out a laugh and enjoyed watching him blush.
โWhat? It could happen.โ
~
Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Hot Hex on a Platter by Louise Lennox
At this point, I have tunnel vision. Iโm focused on taking out the piece of shit who had the nerve to violate my woman. No one touches or hurts whatโs mine and gets away with it.
I maneuver around him while he continues cursing and swinging, matching his speed and intensity as he advances closer to me with every step. As he reaches out with both arms to grab me, I take a chance, knowing I need to knock his big ass out and get this over with.
I hit him with a powerful uppercut that sends him sprawling onto the ground below.
He lies there motionless as I stare down at him with disgust; the power of my punch had been enough to knock him out cold, and between that and his intoxication, heโll be down for a while.
Tessa rushes over to me, her face filled with worry as she glances at the manโs condition and grimaces.
โThank You. But I had him under control. The violence wasnโt necessary.โ
Her voice has a bite of annoyance, but the relief on her face is evident. She didnโt want to admit it, but she liked being rescued, but Iโll gladly admit that saving her has made my dick impossibly hard. I want to love. Protect, and fuck her until she passes out in equal measure.
Maybe there was a chance of staying out of her life if I hadnโt seen her in the flesh. However, now that sheโs within armโs reach, I know Iโll never let her go.
Her sister steps over the unconscious man, who is now snoring loudly and shakes her head. The man she was with was long gone. โTessa, are you kidding me? You couldnโt control him, and I swear if I had known he was that disrespectful, I would have never dragged you up here.โ
Tears well up in her sisterโs eyes. โIโm sorry; I should have listened to you.โ
Yeah, she should have.
Tessa gives her a sweet smile and pulls her into a hug. โItโs OK; you didnโt know how bad he could be because I never told you how he harassed me in high school. I was too ashamed and thought I was leading him on or something.โ
โThis fool harassed you in high school?โ I roar. โHe doesnโt deserve to breathe the same air as you.โ
Both women look at me like Iโm crazy, but I donโt care. The idea of him hurting my sweet girl in any way makes me want to wake him up to knock him out again.
Tessa looks at me warily. โUmm, thank you, I guess.โ
She looks back at Foolio lying on the ground and ponders something before returning to me. I hate the look of worry on her face, and all I want to do is kiss every stress line away.
โLook, Marcus, itโs been a long night. Weโre heading home, and you should probably get home before he wakes up. He will be furious, and Iโd hate seeing you get into trouble on my account.โ
I frown. โIโm not scared of him. Didnโt you see me lay his ass out?โ
She rolls her eyes. โYes, Action Jackson, we all saw you, but do you even know who you knocked out?โ
Exasperated, I step closer and breathe her in. She smells like cherries and doesnโt flinch away like she did with the man lying on the ground. Instead, she subconsciously steps closer to me.
Thatโs because sheโs mine.
I brush the back of my knuckles over her arm. โNo, sweetheart, I donโt know, and I donโt care.โ
Her sister Selene snorts and speaks up. โWell, you should care Romeo because heโs Richard Harris, the Chief of Police. What do you have to say now?โ
I give her an incredulous look but say nothing.
This canโt be life.
*****
Author Info:
Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best–video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.
Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.
Author of emotionally-gripping, contemporary romance, Kate Stacyโs novels feature sassy heroines, swoony heroes, life, love, friendship, and all the angst. When sheโs not writing or spending time with her family and friends in small-town North Carolina, Kate can most likely be found nose deep in her Kindle. She stays up too late, swears too much, and loves too hard.
Mel Walker has been writing fiction most of his adult life. Specializing in Short Stories and Contemporary fiction and Romance Novels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan. He loves to write about ordinary people placed in difficult situations, especially as it relates to their closest relationships.
Mel Walker is a rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorkers and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys long walks, bike rides and taking in the energy of the city.
Susan Renee wants to live in a world where paint doesn’t smell, Hogwarts is open twenty-four/seven, and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from tacos to tow-trucks, loves writing romantic comedies but also enjoys creating an emotional angsty story from time to time. She lives in Ohio with her husband, kids, two dogs and a cat. Susan holds a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education and a self-awarded Doctorate in Sass and Sarcasm. She enjoys laughing at memes, speaking in GIFs and spending an entire day jumping down the TikTok rabbit hole. When she’s not writing or playing the role of Mom, her favorite activity is doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.
Katrina Marie lives in the Dallas area with her husband, two children, bonus child, grandchild, and fur babies. She is a lover of all things geeky and nerdy. When sheโs not writing you can find her at her childrenโs sporting events, curled up reading a book, or binge watching her favorite shows.
Courtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy romance, but in each story, she gives her character’s challenges and struggles. She writes m/f and m/m stories within one series to add a variety to her characters. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don’t always do the right thing. Humans are never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. In the end, she tries to help them grow to be better as they achieve their HEAs.
You can find Courtney working in Central Texas with her husband, two boys, and two crazy dogs, none of whom know how to knock on a door while she’s working.
Contemporary romance Author Louise Lennox is a hopeful romantic writing steamy romances full of heart and healing.
A Spelman College and Georgetown University graduate, Louise provides women with diverse and meaningful representation in romance novel pages. Not seeing enough women like herself headlining positive love stories, she launched #HappyBlackRomance; a community of readers and writers committed to the creation and sharing of positive romance stories featuring Black heroines.
Louise Lennox plots highlight the joys of Black relationships across the diaspora; pushing readers from all cultural backgrounds to admire them for their strength and downright sexiness. In her novels sparks always fly; the sex amazes; and the characters always leave the world better than they found it through their love.
When sheโs not writing, Louise is enjoying her work as a school leader, wife, and mother of the two cutest dragons to ever walk the earth!
To learn more about #HappyBlackRomance and to score a free book or two, check out her website http://www.lovelouiselennox.com.
A grumpy single father is making his first album in three years and he doesnโt need any distractions. Especially not from the nanny he hired to care for his daughter while he works. Readers who enjoy romance short, steamy reads will love In Tune by Jade Royal, a small town, grumpy/sunshine, billionaire romance.
In Tune
Candy Cane Key
Man of the Month: October
by Jade Royal
Blurb:
Single father musician hires a nanny to help him care for his daughter while he makes his first album in three years. He doesn’t need any distractions. Not even from the patient woman willing to put up with his grumpy behavior.
The MAN OF THE MONTH CLUB is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two!) every month. In 2023, escape to Candy Kane Key, Florida, and celebrate ALL the holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious mountain men. Canโt wait to see you there!
*****
Author Info:
When the voices begin to speak, Jade Royal sits down in her lab to tell the tale. Each story unfolds when she listens to her instincts, bringing the words to life. Jade has always expressed her creative nature artistically, especially by writing. She refers to herself as โSlave to the Penโ because itโs difficult for her to resist the call to write.
Jade resides in Cincinnati, Ohio where she was born and raised. Always traveling, she looks for the next adventure in everything she does. Coffee is always part of her plan with shenanigans thrown in the mix and music of all genres blasting from her playlists. Jade Royal has never met a stranger and once youโre part of her pack, she holds on tight keeping those in her fold protected.
Jade Royal is the author of the โLimits of Love Seriesโ. The series focuses on love, romance, and the eroticism of the two combined. She writes interracial romance in lots of sub-genres including; BDSM Romance, Paranormal Romance, Suspenseful Romance, and more. She also dabbles in non-romance genres of Thriller and Suspense.
As an author, Jade pulls her readers in to experience raw stories that readers can relate to on various levels. The emotional roller coaster bestowed will hopefully make her readers stalk her words and indulge in her realm of fun.
Queen of her world, Jade Royal pushes the envelope of ideal, bringing you something a little different than youโre used to. To explore her domain, follow her on her website and social media avenues.
When my best friend’s little sister walks in on me moaning her name, it’s all over. All restraints are shattered, and every boundary demolished. Nothing will be the same…
For years, I’ve tried to keep my distance from Dakota Cooper. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted and the one thing I can’t have.
But when she calls me in the middle of the night after someone tries to break into her house, I can no longer handle that distance, and I convince her to stay with me, along with her young son.
I should have known having her living under my roof would push me to the edge. Ignite the need that has simmered for so long.
The problem is, she’s forbidden. Off-limits. And I know better than crossing that line.
I can’t drag her into the dark secrets of my life.
But I can’t stay away from her either, so I do the one thing I shouldn’tโI take.
And now that I’ve had her, I’m not sure I can save her from who I am. . .
What to expect in Don’t Forget Me Tomorrow… *Brother’s best friend *Small town romance *Secret past *Pierced MC *Touch her and die vibes *Romantic suspense *No cheating *HEA Check CW’s at author’s website
So I almost didn’t give this one a chance. I’m not a fan of the darker romance trend (mafia, biker gangs, etc.) and this one seemed like it would fall into that category when I first started it but I decided to give it a few more chapters. While there is a touch of that, and it is the reason that Ryder doesn’t feel like he’s good enough for Dakota, it isn’t the focus.
Instead we spend time with the will they/won’t they as Ryder struggles against his feelings, for Dakota and about himself, and Dakota believes that he doesn’t want her as more than a friend. While I enjoyed the back and forth, getting to know the two of them and seeing them struggle with their feelings, it did drag a little in the middle. But once the truth comes out, and Ryder and Dakota have to face the consequences of his past, it definitely picks up. (I think that it needed more of the danger element actually – the part that I didn’t think I’d want, yeah I get the irony.)
The story is told with moments of flashback that explain how Dakota and Ryder have gotten to this point. As we get Ryder’s story, my heart just went out to him. He goes through a difficult period where he loses himself, gets caught up in things that he shouldn’t, and sets himself on a path that he can’t get off. It costs him so much and it takes a long time for him to start the process of saving himself. There’s a lot of gray area there that makes his actions with Dakota understandable, although it doesn’t make him breaking her heart any less devastating.
The characters definitely make this story for me. The heartache and struggle they go through, but also the amount of care and love they have for each other. Dakota’s son, Kayden, is just the cutest and the way Ryder loves him will melt even the hardest heart. This is the first of Jackson’s stories that I’ve read and I’ll definitely give the next one a shot (hello, Ezra!)
*****
Author Info:
A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
From Amazon Charts bestselling author Jennifer Millikin comes a brother’s best friend, second chance romance filled with heart, heat, and humor.
Better Than Most
by Jennifer Millikin
Blurb:
Back then? They were great together. Now? They could be even better.
Rhodes Porter.
A name Georgia Whittier would prefer never cross her lips again. Not only was her older brother’s best friend her first love, her first everything, but he broke her heart for a reason she still hasn’t fully accepted. To make it worse, Georgia couldn’t properly nurse her broken heart, because nobody knew about the love affair.
A decade has passed, and Georgia is all grown up. She’s twenty-seven, a college graduate who had a real world job. Had. Her small hometown of Green Haven isn’t flush with teaching jobs, but she knew that when she moved back home. She’s making ends meet with odd jobs, and has rediscovered her old love of West Coast swing dancing. Life isn’t great, but it’s good enough.
Until Rhodes returns to Green Haven. For good.
As much as Georgia would prefer to banish him from her life, she can’t. See: Brother’s best friend. Now Rhodes is everywhere. Her brother’s wedding. At a family barbecue. On the sidewalk across the street while Georgia waits in line at the post office.
And that broken heart Georgia thought had healed? It hasn’t. Because Rhodes is just like before. Better, even.
Georgia is determined to keep Rhodes at arm’s length, even when he’s buying her blackberry orange jam at the Sierra Grande farmer’s market. Even when he’s holding eye contact a beat too long. Especially when she finds out the old note she wrote him is still sewn into the brim of his baseball hat.
The hat he still wears.
Every day it gets more difficult for Georgia to refuse her heart. But if what Georgia wants is a reason not to fall in love with Rhodes again, she need look no further.
Rhodes is holding onto it. All these years he’s kept the truth of why he left her a secret, but secrets have a way of revealing themselves.
There’s just something about charming small town romances that makes them a delight to read. They inevitably have an entertaining supporting cast and quirky moments, and Millikin’s latest firmly lands in that category. She balances heartbreaking moments with lightheartedness as Georgia and Rhodes dance around each other, facing their past and figuring out a future.
Rhodes leads with his heart and it makes him a delightful book boyfriend, and while Georgia starts out being controlled by her hurt, it doesn’t take long for their feelings to overcome their pain. I do feel like Georgia was suddenly “OK, I’m over it. Let’s be friends” which just didn’t mesh with the attitude that she’d been expressing up to that point. I think maybe if there had been a little more discussion, even within her inner monologue, it would have been just a little better.
Overall, though, Millikin’s newest is a low angst and sweet second chance romance that leaves readers with a satisfying HEA.
(Some characters from other stories make an appearance but this story can stand on its own.)
*****
Author Info:
Jennifer Millikin is a bestselling author of fifteen contemporary romance and women’s fiction novels. She is the two-time recipient of the Readers Favorite Gold Star Award, and readers have called her work โemotionally rivetingโ and โunputdownableโ.
Following a viral TikTok video with over fourteen million views, Jenniferโs third novel, Our Finest Hour, has been optioned for TV/Film. She lives in the Arizona desert with her husband, children, and Liberty, her Labrador retriever.
Romantic Reads and Such 