It should be the happiest time in Audreyβs life, but from the moment she and Gabe land in Candy Cane Key, nothing seems to go as planned. Readers who love a side of laughter with their romance will enjoy Another One Bites the Dust by Katie Rae, a steamy, small town, everything goes wrong romantic comedy.
Another One Bites the Dust
Candy Cane Key
Man of the Month Club
by Katie Rae
Blurb:
Gabe and Audrey are BACK!
It should have been the happiest time in Audrey’s life
With the man she loved by her side
But from the moment they landed in Candy Cane Key,
Nothing seemed to go as planned.
“Please don’t tell me there are mosquitos on the beach, Gabe!”
Katie Rae was born in Florida where she currently lives with her husband of 19 years. She is a book obsessed beach bum that loves baseball and baking shows. She loves writing and reading to escape the craziness of daily life. Follow along as more titles are set to release. And relax–reading is what keeps us sane.
Cannon West left his hockey playing days behind to care for his dying wife but has since found success on the other side of the bench. Now, as the youngest head coach in league history, heβs hoping to lead the Pittsburgh Titans to a winning season. The last thing heβs looking for is a relationship, but life sometimes takes us in another direction.
The Pittsburgh Titans are still working to move on from the tragic plane crash that forever changed the landscape of their organization. Having lost my wife, I know all about grief and the guilt of survival which makes me uniquely equipped to take this team to the next level. From the very first time I stepped inside the Titansβ arena, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
New to town, Iβm still establishing my routine, but I have the most important aspect under controlβthe coffee shop where I stop on my way to the arena every morning. A strong cup of java and the gorgeous manager who I canβt help but chat up is quickly becoming my favorite way to start the day. But no matter how much I enjoy the blush that stains Ava Cavanaughβs cheeks with my admittedly awkward attempt at flirting, I know it will never be more than brazen banter with a new friend. My job consumes almost all my time, and I know firsthand what that level of commitment can do to a relationship.
That doesnβt mean Iβm not open to some fun. My career comes first, but Ava understands my boundaries. The only problem is that once I give into her temptation, the rules I set for myself become blurred, and my mixed signals hurt Avaβthe one thing I promised I wouldnβt do. Iβve put myself in what seems to be an untenable situation, but Iβve faced those before. Now I need to find the strength to move past my fears, or risk losing my second chance at love with the woman who has stolen my heart.
Buy the digital and signed paperback direct from Sawyer Bennett:Β https://bit.ly/STORE_Cannon (Digital files will be delivered via BookFunnel and sent to the device of your choosing)
*****
Review:
Ava moved to Pittsburgh because of a man and unfortunately it didn’t take long for her to realize what a mistake he was. But she’s making the best of her situation, working to get herself back on her feet. And, sure, a little distraction in the morning thanks to the hottie that comes in every day for coffee doesn’t hurt. Especially once she realizes that maybe it’s a little more than flirting … When a simple date turns out to be more life changing than she expects, Ava has to decide how she’s going to move forward.
Returning readers get a glimpse of what really happened in Cannon’s marriage and how it impacts his views on his job & relationships. It’s caused him to be concerned about how those things can work together and so he makes sure that he’s up front about how much he can give to Ava. It’s pretty obvious that Cannon is all talk tho and pretty much only fooling himself. He’s quickly falling for her and it’s just a matter of time before he figures it out. Readers know there’s going to be at least a few bumps before he gets there – best to just settle in and see how long it takes him to get his act together π
I appreciated how supportive Cannon is to Ava, really listening to her and abiding by her wishes. He’s there for her, willing to help in any way he can, but recognizing her need to handle things herself. He brings to the rest of his life the same skills that make him an amazing head coach and while may have a bit of a blind spot when it comes to himself, he definitely knows how to be there for others.
Bennett has always delivered delightfully steam, funny, and sweet reads and Cannon is no different. While I would have liked to have seen more of their flirtation at the coffee shop, and things move pretty quickly once Cannon makes a move, I enjoyed getting to know him and Ava better. I look forward to seeing what she has in store next for our beloved Titans.
(Part of a series and while probably more enjoyable if read in order all of them can be read as a standalone – I’ve missed one or two and it’s been OK.)
*****
Author Info:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both womenβs and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If youβd like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
He’s her next makeover project. She’s his next mistake.
Ivy
I’m Ivy Anders, popular romance novelist and small-town success story. Or so they say. I tell myself I’m only back in my hometown because my father had a heart attack, but that’s not the full story.
I can’t go home. And the longer I stay, the less I want to. I’m drawn in by my part-time job at Ziggy brewery, which I took to research for my next book, and by the mystery of Lou, my father’s stuffy lodger, a temporary transplant from New York.
Normally, I wouldn’t look twice at someone like Lou. He’s a rules guy, and I’ve never met a rule I didn’t want to break just for the fun of it. But it’s obvious he needs an intervention to avoid becoming an old man at thirty-four, and I am going to make that happen.
The last thing I want is for smoking hot Ivy Anders to get it into her head that I should be her project. But she has, and it’s hard as hell to say no to her. Believe me, I’ve tried.
The more time we spend together, the more I realize that I have another problem on my hands: Ivy’s everything I’m notβyoung and wild and freeβand she’s all I can think about.
Denise Grover Swank is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who writes romance mystery and romantic comedy.
She lives in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City, MISSOURI. (So many people think it’s in Kansas.) She has six kidsβthree out on their own, one in college, and two in high school. She has three dogs. She spends her free time binging Netflix, drinking wine, and reading. Not necessarily in that order.
ANGELA CASELLA is a romcom fanatic. Writing them, reading them, watching themβshe’s greedy, and she does it all. She writes the Fairy Godmother Agency series solo, and she’s lucky enough to collaborate with Denise Grover Swank on multiple series.
She lives in Asheville, NC. Her hobbies include herding her daughter toward less dangerous activities, the aforementioned romcom addiction, and dreaming of having someone else clean her house.
Crashed and burned Wrecked…. My relationship, my life, my bike All turned upside down But I needed to get my bike back in gear She’s the only one I need No woman was going to ever change that No woman was going to make me crash and burn again
My club is my sole focus Until her…and that cute little tater tot daughter I’m going to protect them from whatever, including family Now I wonder… If I open up, will she wreck my life?Β
S Courtney is new to the published writing community but has been a lifelong writer and began creatively writing in junior high.
She is the author of the paranormal romance, the Bound Series, which includes Bound to You, Bound by Destiny, and Unapologetically Nessa which are available on paperback and kindle.
She is also the author of her contemporary romance, the Black Aces MC, a motorcycle club romance and the Sandman, a dark, slow burn paranormal romance.
Three Strikes and You’re Mine by R.S. Grey is out now! Check out the gorgeous new sports romcom and be sure to grab your copy today!Β Β
Three Strikes and You’re Mine
by R.S. GreyΒ
Genre: Contemporary RomanceΒ
Blurb:
Dear Past Me,
Future You here, coming to offer a little advice: hang on for dear life. This summer is going to be a wild one. I know what youβre thinking: Lifeβs going so well! I donβt have a care in the world! Wrong. That culinary career you love so much? Itβs about to go up in smoke, and your boyfriend? Yeahβ¦heβs a goner too. If only love were as simple as, say, actually adding yourself to the lease agreement so you donβt suddenly find yourself loveless, jobless, and homeless!β―
Did your five-year plan include moving back in with your family and sharing a bed with your Nonna? No? Well, hate to break it to youβ¦itβs exactly as traumatizing as it sounds.β―
Have you had enough? Too bad. Buckle upβit gets worse. Your new boss is a professional baseball player, and heβs hot, like really hot, but youβll pretend not to notice because heβs a single dad and it feels wrong to ogle him in front of his innocent child. Unfortunately, he thinks youβre sexy as hell too. Unrequited love is one thing; mutual off-limits pining destined to explode in the worst of ways? What could go wrongβ¦wrongβ¦wrongβ¦ (Thatβs me fading out because you have to take it from here, kid. Good luck! Donβt screw this up for me.)
R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels. She lives in Texas with her husband and daughter, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga! Visit her at rsgrey.com
M.A. Leeβs Wicked Inkis out now! Check out the gorgeous new adult tattooed romance, and be sure to grab your copy today!Β
Wicked Ink
Royal Ink Tattoo series
by M.A. Lee
Blurb:
From Amazon Bestselling Author, M.A. Lee comes another exciting new college romance novel.
Melissa is my biggest challenge yet. With her beauty, brains, and brazen sass, she is the first girl not to fall for my charm.
I want her.
I need her.
I’m getting high just from her presence. I know she will cave one day, I can see it in the way she looks at me and the way her body reacts when I touch her.
With each day that passes, I can feel her giving in. Her resistance is fleeting as she slowly falls for what we could be. What I want us to become.
They say bad boys are easy to love. And, Colton is your ultimate bad boy. It’s hard to blame him; with his dark hair, tattoos, striking eyes, and swagger, girls just can’t resist him.
I already had my fair share of bad boys and the last thing I wanted to do was to fall for Colton. Knowing that he owns a tattoo parlor and drives a motorcycle should have me running away at lightning speed–but it doesn’t.
I fell for him hard and we both know it, but I’m the last person to admit it. Call it stubbornness, but I am not the type of girl that Colton really needs.
Now, Colton refuses to give up his chase and I don’t know how much longer I can fight my feelings for him. I can tell he is different, but can I really trust him with my heart?
Lily always closes a deal. Rick never intends to sell.
Lily Hinsdale spends her California days designing extravagant hotels for Utopia Resorts. Her nights are filled with the glitz and glamour of upscale parties. Until her grandmother dies and leaves Lily property in wretched Vermont. The woods mean only one thing to Lilyβnightmares. When Utopia wants the land for development, Lily is forced to travel to a place sheβd rather forget.
Rick Stannard makes maple syrup and builds barns in the peace and quiet of picturesque Vermont. Noisy New York City nearly killed him a few years back, and now he lives a calm, simple life with his coyote, Poe, and his beloved book collection. Itβs the only way heβs guaranteed to wake up each morning.
When Lily marches her expensive boots onto Rickβs land and proposes turning it into a mega resort, the serenity of the woods is shattered. Lily always closes a deal. Rick never intends to sell. Opposites attract, but theyβll need to compromise, or someone else will do it for them. Someone who is not afraid of the woods or the city. Or spilling a little blood.
The Maple Leaf Series, contemporary romance
“Fears, pride, love, passion ~ beautifully woven together with substance and depth.”
Christine DePetrillo can often be found hugging trees, conversing with dragonflies, and walking barefoot through sun-warmed soil. She finds joy in listening to the wind, bathing in moonlight, and breathing in the fragrances of things that bloom. If she had her way, the sky would be the only roof over her head.
Her love of nature seeps into every story she tells. As does her obsession with bearded mountain men who build, often smell like sawdust, and know how to cherish the women they love. Today she writes tales meant to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and definitely make you believe in the power of love.
She lives in Vermont with her husband and many woodland creatures who defend her fiercely from all evils.
Someone wants Police Chief Emilio Mendoza dead. And if his unknown assailant doesnβt kill him, pining for Sheriff Abraham Beecham just might.
Abe and Lioβs thirty-year journey has taken them from heated rivals to best friends with countless labels and pit stops along the way. Romance is the only avenue left unexplored but not from lack of love or desire.
Abe pushes people away before they can get too close, and Lio doesnβt engage in situations he canβt control. Theyβve reached an impasse, and neither are willing to risk their friendship until fate intervenes, forcing them to reassess their priorities.
But when an unhinged enemy targets Lio, will their gamble be too little too late, or will their love truly conquer all?
Just Say When is a standalone romantic suspense novel within the authorβs Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is attended for adults.
βAlex clearly doesnβt get his sportsmanship from his father,β Abe quipped.
βKiss my ass, Beecham,β I said softly in deference to the kids around us.
Abe leaned in until his hot breath ghosted over my ear. βGladly.β
I turned my head and looked at my best friend. His expression held a carnal promise that made me swallow hard. If I gave him the word, Abe would take me home, yank down my pants, and bury his face between my ass cheeks. I could practically feel his hot breath against my quivering pucker. His tongue would swirl and tease the rim before pushing in. Lust gripped my balls and squeezed. God, I wanted him so bad.
βNow I really need to hear this story,β Russ quipped, jerking me back to reality and saving me from breaking my own heart. I blinked away the fantasy, and Abeβs lips curled into a proud, wolfish smile. Unaware of the tension arcing between Abe and me, Russ continued chatting. βI knew you and Beecham went way back, Lio, but it sounds like thereβs more to it than I realized.βFew people knew the full story because I was stingy when it came to Abe. Our relationship had been fueled by variations of hate and love for three decades, but there had never been a right time to explore whether those feelings could develop into something more profound. My heart wanted to say until now, but my brain knew better than to get my hopes up. Abe and I had both drawn lines in the sand, and neither showed signs of relenting.
*****
Review:
There’s a few complaints that this one really doesn’t stand on its own but I didn’t have any issues. Yes, we start the book with the main characters on the bring of moving from friends to a romantic relationship but the main block to their HEA still needs to be resolved – Abe’s issues with abandonment. His mom left him as a kid at the mercy of his abusive father, his grandmother died, and now he’s afraid that anyone he loves will also leave him. Lio knows all about Abe’s issues and is willing to wait for him, but he needs him to be open to addressing it before he will take their relationship any further. It’ll take some time and patience but Lio knows their future is worth it. I enjoyed how Abe & Lio worked their way to the new aspect of their relationship. It felt like they were willing to make sure that it was on a solid footing. But then someone puts that future in peril.
**potential minor spoilers ahead**
My understanding is that Walker is great at crafting a good mystery and I can see it. I didn’t guess where things were going until she revealed the threat. I do have to agree with some reviewers that the motive is potentially problematic and while I feel for what the main characters went through, given the who and why, I would have liked more compassion given to the person and their reasons. But if this is any indication of the kind of suspense element brought by the author I’m open to more.
I’ll admit I’m a pretty vanilla kinda girl and while I enjoy a spicier read, it’s not something I would be comfortable with in my own life so I tend to be a bit … unsure of how these scenes come across for others. To me, Wilson delivered the heat & then some, and I’m not really seeing anyone else complain, so if steamy and explicit m/m scenes are your jam, then read away!
A satisfying blend of tension, eroticism, and affection, Lio and Abe’s story was a good introduction to a new to me author and has me interested in what else she has to offer π
*****
Author Info:
Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titlesβwife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.
Want to be the first to know about my book releases and have access to extra content? You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dlhPYj
My favorite place to hang out and chat with my readers is my Facebook group. Would you like to be a member of Aimeeβs Dye Hards? Weβd love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/
Miss Julia Beaumont has exactlyΒ oneΒ night to find herself a husbandβ¦
The Weatherford Ball is the last chance Julia Beaumont has to escape the clutches of her horrid stepmother. Any potential husband will doβrich, poor, even a reasonably well-groomed walrus. But all of Juliaβs matrimonial chances are completely obliteratedβ¦thanks to the actions of an infuriating and utterly rakish duke.
Gregory Carter, Duke of Ashworth, would never risk his cherished bachelorhood by flirting with marriage-starved debutantes. But one look at the luscious and refreshingly clever Julia, and he simply canβt resist a stolen kissβscandal be damned. Then just as things start getting deliciously interesting, the lady fleesβ¦leaving only a slipper behind.
And it must have been one dandy of a kiss. Because now Julia has proposed toΒ him. After all, the lady needs a husband, and this roguish duke will certainly do. Itβs simply a matter of making him the perfect scandalous offerβ¦
*****
Author Info:
Lydia Drake is a reader of all things romance and a drinker of all the tea. A New Jersey resident, her favorite activities include taking the train to New York City, scouring used bookstores, spending time with her family, and wrangling her hyperactive cockapoo puppy. She loves talking romance with her fans.
*****
Review:
I admire Julia’s gumption – when a chance encounter with one of Society’s most sought after rakes means that she’s lost out on her chance to make a match for herself, she does what any self-respecting spinster with a brain and a lot of courage would do. She proposes to the man.
Gregory is not in the market for a wife. Ever. But faced with a business proposition from one of the first ladies to catch his attention in quite a long time, he’s not going to let a good thing go.
Which leads to a lot of fun for readers – these two are delightful together, with more than enough wit and sass, plus a good deal of humor and sizzle. Their interactions are both entertaining and at times frustrating as they let their insecurities and assumptions lead them away from what they truly want out of their relationship. Forever.
Drake’s newest reminds me once again how much I love historical romances. It includes a rake to reform, a marriage of convenience, and an attraction that they just can’t ignore, all wrapped up in a enjoyable (and winding) trek to a HEA. I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next from this author.
USA Today Bestselling Author, Piper Rayne, begins the Kingsmen Football Stars series with an enemies-to-lovers, second chance story set in the world of professional football.
You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows
Kingsmen Football Stars series
by Piper Rayne
Blurb:
Lee fβing Burrows
The Kingsmenβs star quarterback.
Legendary throwing arm.
Six-pack abs.
Kissable lips.
Oh, but donβt forget, heβs also a lying, heartless egomaniac who broke my heart in college.
It took me years to build myself back up after his deceit, and now I have the dream opportunity to prove myself working as a sports therapist for a professional team.
The hurdle? Or mountain to be more accurateβ¦
The job is with the San Francisco Kingsmen.
Back when I was a naΓ―ve college girl, I felt lucky that he even noticed me. Now eight years later, heβd be lucky if I gave him the time of day.
Which I wonβt. Not ever.
Some people donβt deserve a second chance and Lee Burrows is one of them.
Now if someone could only tell him that because heβs hell-bent on scoring the winning touchdown and wonβt accept that itβs game over for us.
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!
Second chance romances can go either way for me and I feel like Rayne made some good choices here. Shayna definitely has her reasons for holding on to old hurts – Lee did her pretty bad. (I haven’t read the prequel and, while it can be read without it, a good many reviews say that it helps with adding extra dimension to their relationship.) She’s not going to let him keep her from accepting her dream job though, she’ll just have to be strong and ignore him. Which is easier said than done when he’s intent on apologizing for his mistake.
Lee never forgot Shayna so having her walk into his world again is his chance to get her to forgive him … and maybe something more. It soon becomes obvious she’s not going to be won over easily but he’s not giving up. He just has to be patient and prove he deserves a second chance.
The first part of the story is the resolution of their past hurts. It’s handled well and I feel like Lee redeems himself nicely. I’m with Shayna, those kinds of broken hearts take a lot to get over, but his sincerity is easy to feel. So their struggle soon moves from their history to their present circumstances, which forbids any fraternization between Kingsmen players and staff. And we all know how that’s going to go π I will say that while the intent may have been to show that Lee has embraced his privilege, he instead reads as very naive. He’s the leader of his team, wealthy, and in the public eye. How he didn’t see the way things would go from the beginning, like Shayna told him it would more than once … instead it just has him come across as unworldly and inexperienced. He may feel like his position has power but Shayna knows the truth. So then the question becomes what happens next.
I enjoyed getting to know Lee & Shayna and seeing how they resolve their issues. I also really liked meeting their friends and I’m anxiously waiting to see what Rayne has in store for them. Brady is quite the character and I’m hoping his new nanny can keep him on his toes!
*****
Author Info:
Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write “heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle” about families, whether that be blood or found. They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they’re married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they’re both chauffeurs to their kids. Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!
Romantic Reads and Such 