Spotlight – This Pucking Ship

16 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

Tags

A.M. Williams, Love at Sea series, This Pucking Ship

When there’s Love as Sea, can a former one-night stand turn into forever? Being on a lover’s cruise wasn’t hockey star, Dylan Harding’s idea of a dream vacation, but when he runs into a past one-night-stand, it suddenly has its perks. For Maureen Burke, avoiding the hunky athlete and all their chemistry while at sea is the key to keeping her job. Fans of forced proximity romances will love THIS PUCKING SHIP by A.M. Williams, a sexy sports romance.

This Pucking Ship

Love at Sea series

by A.M. Williams

Blurb:

What started as a one-night stand has become an entire week stuck at sea. Can these two unlikely lovers figure things out or will one of them jump off this pucking ship?

Maureen

Taking a job working in the gym on a cruise ship seemed like a good plan, especially after being dumped and fired from my last job, thanks to my cheating ex.

What I wasn’t counting on was running into the hockey superstar I had a one-night stand with.

Now I’m stuck trying to avoid the chemistry between us despite his relentless pursuit before I find myself put out to sea.

I just need to survive this cruise with my head down and avoid the drama.

Dylan

Being a guest on a lover’s cruise wasn’t my idea of a dream vacation.

But running into the woman I can’t get out of my head? Now, that’s a dream come true.

I swore I wasn’t interested in a relationship, but the sparks between us make it hard for me to resist. Except she’s more worried about protecting her job aboard the ship than me.

Maybe it’s for the best if we go our separate ways especially once we’re off this pucking ship.

But back on land a unique opportunity to help Maureen secure her dream job presents itself. I’ll stop at nothing to make it happen because as much as she needs this job, I need her and this position will give us both what we want.

This Pucking Ship is a sports romance with a slightly forbidden twist, part of the Love at Sea multi-author series. Get ready to set sail through the Caribbean on Festival Cruises’ most alluring voyage with eight of your favorite authors – happily ever after guaranteed!

Experience everything the Love at Sea series has to offer. From speed dating to masquerades, guests are sure to enjoy the hot days and steamy nights. Explore hidden waterfalls, swim with dolphins, and watch as eight couples find their forever on the open ocean.

Add to Goodreads!

Read Now!

*****

Excerpt:

It was October in New Orleans, so it wasn’t exactly cool outside.

But it was better than the oppressiveness of the inside.

I glanced up and down the street, noting more people were out now.

As I looked around, I noticed a small patio area I hadn’t seen before when we arrived, too busy sticking close to Heidi to notice anything about the place she’d taken me to.

A quick glance confirmed it was a part of the bar I was at and that it wasn’t packed.

There were empty tables scattered throughout the space. With the realization I could sit down, my feet started throbbing.

I practically sprinted to an open table along the wooden fence, sinking down and sighing as the pressure was taken off my poor feet.

That’s what I got for letting Heidi talk me into wearing one of her cute pairs of boots instead of the sandals I wanted to wear.

I sighed in relief as I sipped my quickly warming beer, watching the knots of people outside.

There were several groups clustered at tables and on the other side of the patio was an outdoor bar.

I briefly wondered why everyone hadn’t come outside instead of staying in, but realized that inside was where the real party was. It seemed like outside was where people came to hang out.

I was fine with the hanging out over the partying. I felt too old to be inside in the thick of things.

Come to think of it, the last time I’d partied hard had been my last year of grad school. Heidi had taken me out then, forcing me to drink shot after shot after graduating.

I suddenly remembered why I didn’t party hard and grimaced with my next sip of beer.

I shuddered at the memories and was glad I was sticking to beer and not drinking hard liquor.

“You look too serious to be sitting here alone,” a husky male voice said to my right.

I sipped my beer as I looked toward who was speaking and promptly choked on it when I got a look at the guy standing there. Tall, dark, and handsome barely scratched the surface of how good he looked.

I coughed as I put my glass down, sputtering and trying not to spit beer on him.

He smirked as he sat down across from me, a beer in his hand. “I can say I’ve had a lot of reactions over the years, but not sure I’ve ever had someone choke when they saw me.”

I wheezed as I tried to catch my breath, a knot settling in my throat as I tried not to hyperventilate.

After a few moments, I was breathing easier and looked back at the guy.

It was Dylan Harding. I recognized him immediately, which is why I choked.

He was starting forward for North Carolina’s hockey team. While hockey in North Carolina might not be as popular as you’d think, I took notice when there was a hottie on the team.

And Dylan Harding was the hottest of the hotties. When he’d first started playing, I was just starting my career as a physical therapist and hoped to work with professional athletes at some point.

He was only a few years older than me and dead sexy. Light blonde hair, dark brown eyes, and a physique that would make most grown men and women cry. I didn’t know anyone that was in better physical shape than he was.

So while I watched little hockey or really understood it, I understood a sexy man.

“Sorry,” I finally said, after realizing I was staring at him. I thought fast and quipped, “I wasn’t sure if I was really seeing a demon or not. You took me by surprise.”

Dylan grinned and laughed, shaking his head as he sipped his beer. “Quick on your feet. I like it.”

I shrugged and sipped my beer much more carefully this time.

“You from here?” he asked.

I shook my head. “Nah, here for work. You?”

He got a funny look on his face at my question, but shook his head as well. “Nah, just visiting.”

Silence stretched between us, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

I looked around us as I took another gulp of my drink, trying to grasp onto something to talk about with my celebrity crush, but was drawing a blank.

“I’ve seen some of your games,” I finally blurted.

Dylan’s eyes widened. “Games?”

I nodded quickly. “Yeah. At PNC Arena.”

He stared at me for a few beats. “You recognize me?”

He sounded baffled by this thought, and I narrowed my eyes. “Yes, I recognize you. I’m from North Carolina.”

His eyes widened briefly, then his expression cleared. “Sorry, I meant nothing by it. You just said nothing when I sat down, so I assumed you didn’t know who I was.”

I pursed my lips as I considered what to say.

“I wasn’t going to admit to knowing you,” I finally said. “But couldn’t think of anything else to say, so I panicked.”

He nodded slowly, studying me, his gaze raking over me.

“So you’re a hockey fan?”

*****

Author Info:

A.M. Williams is just a simple girl from the south that found herself living in Germany for six years, and now in Florida. When she’s not annoying her cat or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and planning trips to the beach, which is now only an hour away. She’s a total beach bum and would spend every day there if she could. She loves Cheerwine, sweet tea, and North Carolina (eastern style) BBQ as well as crisp, German white wine at any time of day.

*****

Get ready to set sail through the Caribbean on Festival Cruises’ most alluring voyage with eight of your favorite authors – happily ever after guaranteed!

Each story features a brand new couple and a fun trope from our amazing line up of authors including: Kate Stacy, HM Thomas, Mari Sol, S.A. Clayton, T.L. Anderson, Karigan Hale, Susan Renee, and A.M. Williams.

This promotional event is brought to you by The Indie Pen PR

Spotlight – Pets of Park Avenue

08 Thursday Dec 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Pets in the City series, Pets of Park Avenue, Stefanie London

The perfect romcom for dog lovers! Pets of Park Avenue is the story of a self-confessed hot mess who learns that life is more fun when things don’t go according to plan.

Pets of Park Avenue

by Stefanie London

ISBN: 9781335498199

Paperback Original

Publication Date: December 6, 2022

Publisher: HQN

Blurb:

What do you do when The One is also the one who broke your heart?

Self-proclaimed hot mess Scout Myers is determined to prove she’s finally got her act together. Raised by grandparents who saw her as her wayward mother’s wayward daughter, Scout’s used to being written off. So when the opportunity for a promotion arises at Paws in the City, the talent agency where she works, Scout is desperate to rise to the occasion. With shared custody of her little sister also on the line, Scout can’t afford a single mistake…like suddenly needing a canine stand-in for an important photoshoot. Luckily (or not) she knows the owner of the perfect pup replacement: the estranged husband she walked out on years ago.

On the surface, it appears Lane Halliday’s life has been blissfully drama free without Scout, but she suspects her handsome-as-ever not-quite-ex-husband doth protest too much. Working together even feels like old times—except for all that lingering, unresolved tension. But Scout’s not sure she’s ready to confront the reasons she left Lane, and when their plans to finalize the divorce become very real, Scout starts to wonder whether second chances might be worth a little hot mess.

Paws in the City – standalone
Book 1 – The Dachshund Wears Prada

Buy Links:
HarperCollins.com
BookShop.org
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Books-A-Million

*****

Excerpt:

Scout Myers could think of several good reasons to be on all fours with her ass in the air, but pandering to the world’s most disagreeable cat was not one of them. Isaac Mewton—and yes, that was his real name—was a Scottish fold with the sweetest face you’d ever see. Unfortunately, despite the adorable camera-ready mug, the cat had the same disposition as those grumpy old Muppets who liked to sit on a balcony and heckle people for sport.

And Scout loved animals. One of the best things about her job at Paws in the City, New York’s premiere pet social media and talent agency, was getting to be around furry critters all day long.

Isaac Mewton, however, was officially on her shit list.

“I can see something shiny back there.” His owner pointed. “We can’t carry on without his favorite toy. He won’t sit still.”

Scout gritted her teeth and wedged her hand between the wall and a white IKEA bookcase. Cringing, she prayed none of New York’s finest creepy crawlies were hiding back there and wriggled her fingers.

“Come on,” she muttered. “Where are you?”

Eventually her fingertips brushed something hard and plastic. That had to be it. How the cat had managed to bat his toy so hard it lodged itself into such a small space was incomprehensible. Almost as incomprehensible as this client’s expectations. Seriously, how were they supposed to turn her precious kitty into a star if it wouldn’t even sit still for a headshot?

“Got it!” Her hand—and the toy—popped mercifully free.

“Great, now can we get on with it?” The client looked at Scout like this was all her fault. “I have an appointment to get to.”

Paws in the City wasn’t only Scout’s workplace; it was the brainchild of her best friend and the lifeline Scout had needed when her life couldn’t sink any lower. She came into work every day striving to do the best job possible, both for herself and her boss.

That meant pasting on a can-do smile, even when she wanted to launch a cat toy at someone’s head.

“Why don’t you get him to play with it?” Scout said, handing over the hard plastic ring, which was clear and suspended with glitter. “He might be more receptive if it comes from you.”

The woman crouched in front of the cat and attempted to engage him with the toy. But he immediately batted it across the room, where it slammed into the wall and bounced onto the floor.

The photographer, who had shown a level of patience that should make her a shoo-in for sainthood, raised an eyebrow. This was going nowhere. Isaac Mewton sat on a velvet pouf with an artfully arranged bookshelf behind him that Scout and the photographer had prepared for his portrait, staring down everyone in the room like an angry king.

It was time to try something new. Scout retrieved a feather toy from their stash in the office. She needed to get these photos done now. Isla was due back in less than five minutes and they hadn’t gotten a single decent shot of the cat.

Let’s be real, what client would want to work with such a demanding, fussy model anyway?

Still, Scout didn’t want it to look like she didn’t have things under control.

“He doesn’t like those.” The cat’s owner shook her head and pointed at the feather toy. “It won’t work.”

“Well, we’ve tried all the toys you brought with you, so maybe a Hail Mary is exactly what we need,” Scout replied tightly, her smile turning brittle. Lord give her strength to deal with this woman! The cat was a pain, sure, but animals were animals. They couldn’t be blamed for their behavior. Their human counterparts on the other hand…

Click!

Isaac Mewton had gone still, his eyes on the new toy, and the photographer seized the moment to start snapping. Scout moved the feather in gentle sweeping motions, and the cat’s eyes followed with intense focus. He raised one paw and batted at it, ignoring the steady click, click, click of the camera.

So much for him not liking it.

Scout shoved the snarky inner comment to one side and focused on getting the cat to engage so they could wrap up the meeting as quickly as possible. Next to her, the owner huffed in annoyance as though she couldn’t believe her darling Isaac had proven her wrong.

When they were done and the woman and her cat had left the Paws in the City office, Scout’s shoulders sagged in relief. She was a people—and an animal—person at heart, but she had a pet peeve, no pun intended, about entitlement. Call it a leftover from her childhood. Her mother’s legacy was little more than a collection of emotional scars and personal quirks, but she had taught Scout one very important lesson.

Nobody owed her anything. Whatever she wanted in life, she would have to earn it.

“Are all your clients like that?” the photographer asked as she packed up her equipment. “The woman seemed to think her cat was royalty.”

Scout shook her head. “Most clients are lovely and happy to have our assistance. But there’s always the rare few who think they’re superstar material, without being willing to put in the work.”

“How long have you been open now? Only a few months, right?”

“Six months.” Scout couldn’t help her beaming smile. It might not be her business, but she was damn proud to be part of it. “And we’ve already signed over twenty clients.”

“Including Miss Pain in the Rear and her angry feline overlord?”

“We’ve had several requests for cats lately, and he was by far the cutest we’ve seen.” Scout sighed. “Let’s hope he’s in a better mood when it comes time to front up for a paying job.”

Paws in the City represented clients with four (and six) legs. They provided social media coaching to the humans running the accounts, worked on brand strategy and generally acted as a go-between in brokering sponsorship deals and other types of opportunities. They also booked animal talent for commercial shoots, both of the print and television variety. Every day was different. Scout managed the operational parts of the

job, like booking appointments, supervising headshots, fielding media enquiries and consulting with the freelancers, such as photographers and grooming specialists. Plus any other random bits and bobs, like making sure they hadn’t run out of dog treats or pods for their coffee machine.

Isla always said their mission was to make the internet a happier, furrier place, and Scout loved that sentiment.

A few minutes after Scout bid the photographer farewell, the front door swung open. Though cute, their office wasn’t much bigger than a postage stamp, so Scout’s desk was situated in the waiting area and therefore doubled as their reception desk.

Isla breezed in, a wool coat slung over one arm and her long dark hair bouncing around her shoulders in soft curls. She was dressed in a pale blue blouse, fitted black pants and a killer pair of silver stilettos—a much fancier outfit than what she usually wore in the office. Black, though it was one of Scout’s favorite colors, was not the best when working with their furry clients.

But Isla had been at an important networking event today, so there was no need to worry about dog fur.

“Those shoes,” Scout gasped. “Wow!”

“They’re gorgeous, but they’ve been killing me all day.” She dropped onto one of the pink velvet seats lining the far wall and kicked off the shoes, groaning in relief.

“That’s a rookie move,” Scout replied. “Now your feet are going to puff up and you won’t be able to get them back on.”

“I don’t care if I have to meet Theo barefoot tonight, there’s no way I was keeping them on a second longer than necessary.”

“Hmm, barefoot to a white-tablecloth restaurant. Classy.”

Isla grinned. “Theo loves me as I am, blisters and all.”

It was true. Scout wasn’t sure she’d ever seen a man so in love.

Not even on your own wedding day?

Scout shoved the unpleasant reminder to one side. The last thing she needed right now was for her mood to take a dive, thinking about inconvenient things like the fact that she was still married.

Or that she hadn’t seen her husband in five years.

*****

Author Info:

Stefanie London is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and her writing praised as “elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT Magazine.

Originally from Australia, she now lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges her passions for lipstick, good coffee, books and anything zombie related.

Author Website
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1643456955872922
Goodreads

*****

Review – The Wicked Truth

07 Wednesday Dec 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Melissa Foster, The Wicked Truth, The Wickeds series, The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside series

Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and swoon-worthy moments abound in this sexy new standalone romance by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster.

The Wicked Truth

The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside

by Melissa Foster

Releasing Dec 7th, 2022

World Literary Press

Blurb:

What happens when you’re not looking for love, but it walks in the door?

Madigan Wicked’s heart is not up for grabs. She’s been there, done that, and she’s not going back for seconds. She pours her heart and soul into her family, her greeting card line, puppetry, and storytelling performances. But she’s not opposed to having a night of fun, and the gruff, sinfully hot, definitely-not-looking-for-love mysterious stranger she runs into at a bar might be just the right man to enjoy it with.

Ex-con Tobias Riggs has lost enough for one lifetime. The only family member in his corner doesn’t remember him, and the people who he thought would always be in his life, walked away. He’s just trying to make it through each day, and the last thing he’s looking for is any sort of connection. When chemistry ignites with the snarky, sexy storyteller, with lips he can’t stop thinking about, he gives in to a night of passion.

Though neither is open to love, it’s been known to bully its way into even the most resisting hearts. But can it survive the wicked truth of Tobias’s dark past?

Listen to the playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6o5OgFkNtFDNZfTYTYmJZd

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60167705-the-wicked-truth

Goodreads series link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/269450-the-wickeds-dark-knights-at-bayside

Buy Links:

KINDLE: http://smarturl.it/TWT_Kindle

APPLE: http://smarturl.it/TWT_Apple

NOOK: http://smarturl.it/TWT_Nook

KOBO: http://smarturl.it/TWT_Kobo

GPLAY: http://smarturl.it/TWT_GPlay

PAPERBACK: http://smarturl.it/TWT_Pb

Available in audio book, narrated by Jacob Morgan and Savannah Peachwood

AMAZON: http://smarturl.it/TWTa_Amazon

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/TWTa_Apple

AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/TWTa_Audible

For more Dark Knights, check out The Whiskeys: https://melissafoster.com/series-the-whiskeys-dark-knights-at-peaceful-harbor/

For more Bayside Summers fun: https://melissafoster.com/series-bayside-summers/

*****

Excerpt:

Read Sneak Peek https://melissafoster.com/the-wicked-truth-sneak-peek/

*****

Review:

Tobias has had his fair share of trouble lately and he’s not exactly feeling worthy of good things. He’s struggling with a lot of guilt over the circumstances that sent him to jail and how it impacted those important to him. Crossing paths with a spitfire with a large, but damaged, heart soon has him wanting things that he doesn’t think he can have. When she claims to only one night, who is he to argue …

Madigan recently had her heart broken and is not ready to trust it to someone else. Finding herself drawn to Tobias, it works for her that he’s not looking for anything serious either. But as one night leads to more, that damaged heart might have other ideas.

There’s a lot of push-and-pull, especially from Tobias, as these two fight their feelings. He’s got a lot to work through but the draw he feels towards Madigan proves to be a lot stronger. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions as these two work their way from hot hookups to anger & heartache as Tobias’s past is revealed to a potential for a HEA if they can address the past. Foster is a pro at giving her readers big-hearted Alphas & tough-as-nails women to match them and delivers all the feels you could ask for, and more, with The Wicked Truth.

Like all the Dark Knights books, this one can easily stand on its own but would probably be more appreciated if you’ve read the rest. And coming from someone as good as Foster, it isn’t a hardship to add ALL the books to your TBR pile 🙂

*****

Author Info:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling 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. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster

Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author

*****

SERIES LINKS:

A LITTLE BIT WICKED (Book 1)

KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Kindle

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Apple

NOOK: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Nook

KOBO: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Kobo

GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_GPlay

PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Pb

Also available in audiobook (narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Aiden Snow)

AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/ALBWa_Amazon

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBWa_Apple

AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBWa_Audible

THE WICKED AFTERMATH (Book 2)

KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/WA_Kindle

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/WA_Apple

NOOK: https://smarturl.it/WA_Nook

KOBO: https://smarturl.it/WA_Kobo

GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/WA_GPlay

PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/WA_Pb

Also available in audiobook (narrated by Lance Greenfield and Jennifer Mack)

Amazon: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Amazon

Apple: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Apple

Audible: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Audible

CRAZY, WICKED LOVE (Book 3)

KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Kindle

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Apple

NOOK: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Nook

KOBO: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Kobo

GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/CWL_GPlay

PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Pb

Also available in audiobook (narrated by Jacob Morgan and Ava Erikson)

AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/CWLa_Amazon

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/CWLa_Apple

AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/CWLa_Audible

HIS WICKED WAYS (Book 5) – REL NOV 2023

KINDLE: https://lnk.to/HWW_Kindle

APPLE: https://lnk.to/HWW_Apple

NOOK: https://lnk.to/HWW_Nook

KOBO: https://lnk.to/HWW_Kobo

GPLAY: https://lnk.to/HWW_GPlay

*Paperback & Audio Pre-Order Coming Soon

Spotlight – Total Ship Show

02 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Love at Sea series, Susan Renee, Total Ship Show

When there is Love at Sea, can a pretend romance turn into something more? When Adrienne Hart finds herself the only uncoupled member of her friends on a love cruise, finding a fake boyfriend is the answer to her current dilemma. In a similar situation, Aris McElfry thinks agreeing to be a gorgeous woman’s fake fiance will either be a genius move or a total ship show. Fans of romantic comedies will adore TOTAL SHIP SHOW by Susan Renee, a sexy fake relationship romance.

Total Ship Show

Love at Sea series

by Susan Renee

Blurb:

My old college friends decided we need to take a group cruise, significant others included.
There’s just one small hiccup…I’m woefully single.
I ask a friend to come with me to pose as my boyfriend, but he backs out on me at the last minute. What’s a girl to do on a cruise as a single person?
Wait…what?
It’s a lover’s cruise?
Oooh ship!
No way am I spending the week with my friends as the only single in the group. I’ve got to find myself a hot, fake boyfriend, or better yet, a fake fiancé for the week. It can’t be that hard. There have to be plenty of single men on the ship. One of them is bound to say yes. I’ll just board the ship as early as possible and hope I bump into someone worthy.
Okay, yeah. This could work. It’ll either be a genius move…
Or a total ship show.

Total Ship Show is a fake romance rom-com, part of the Love at Sea multi-author series. Get ready to set sail through the Caribbean on Festival Cruises’ most alluring voyage with eight of your favorite authors – happily ever after guaranteed!

Experience everything the Love at Sea series has to offer. From speed dating to masquerades, guests are sure to enjoy the hot days and steamy nights. Explore hidden waterfalls, swim with dolphins, and watch as eight couples find their forever on the open ocean.

Add to Goodreads!

Read Now!

*****

Excerpt:

“Okay, I lied, alright? Yes. I’m a single girl on this lovey dovey cruise because my wingman of a friend back home fell in love with some girl and thought it uncouth to come away with me for a week. I mean, can you even imagine the nerve of him?” I scoff trying to play off the fact I’m a single loser on a love cruise.

Hottie McBlue-eyes shakes his head as if I’m telling the most unbelievable tale. “What kind of asshole is a wingman for his female friend and falls in love with another girl instead of the one right in front of him?”

Maybe it’s the Corona, but I immediately feel my cheeks blush. “Okay, first of all, I’m going to take that as a compliment, so thank you very much. And secondly, ew no. Joaquin and I have only ever been just friends. Honestly, I thought he was gay for years, but turns out he’s not.” I shrug. “I’m just sooo not his type which is totally fine. I’m happy he’s happy…even if that puts me here alone…and in need of a good lie to tell my friends.”

“Oh, so you’re not really here alone. You have your friends.”

“Well yes and no. My old sorority sisters planned this couples’ trip. So, they’re all bringing their significant others. I just uhh…I haven’t told them that my significant other bailed.”

“Meh, it won’t be so bad. Maybe you’ll find some hot guy aboard to pal around with. “

A snort escapes me. “Yeah. Maybe I’ll meet and fall in love with some hot doctor and live happily ever after, right? I mean stranger things have happened in this crazy world, right?”

Hottie McBlue-eyes chokes on his sip and coughs a few times. “Stranger things have definitely happened, I’m sure.”

I offer my hand to my airport friend. “I’m Adrienne, by the way. I don’t think I ever told you that, and while referring to me as Dildo Girl is pretty damn funny, I figured after holding my pink sparkly dick in your hands, you deserve to know my name.”

Laughing he takes his hand in mine. “Pleasure to meet you, Adrienne. That’s a beautiful name by the way. I’m Aris McElfry.”

“Nice to meet you Aris. I didn’t see you on the plane with anyone either. Are you telling me you’re also here alone?”

“Well, as a matter of fact—”

“Shit. It can’t be.”

What is he doing here?

“What?” Aris watches me, alarmed by my outburst.

I plaster a neutral smile on my face and murmur through my teeth.

“Shit. Shit. Shit.”

Are they seriously together?

My heart beats faster inside my chest and there’s a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach.

“What? What’s wrong?”

I slowly turn toward Aris and give him the biggest puppy dog eyes I can muster while speaking as softly and quickly as I can. “Look, I know you don’t really know me, and I don’t know you, but you were kind enough to hold my sparkly dick in your hands and that has to say something for the kind of man that you are, right? So, if you would be willing to do me one more hella-huge favor I would be in your debt for like…my whole life…or this whole cruise…whichever comes first and right now my whole life could come first and anyway I promise to leave you alone after this and—”

“Anything.” He interrupts, holding my gaze. “Name it.”

I gulp down my fear and my pride and swiftly blurt out my request with a shaky voice. “I need a boyfriend. Like, right here. Right now. Because the man walking toward us in the yellow shirt is my ex and I had no idea he was going to be here, now I’m horrified I might have to spend this entire trip with him gloating that I’m here alone and he’s obviously not. And to add fuel to that already burning inferno, the girl with him is one of my friends and I had no idea the two of them were a thing and now if I have to tell him I’m alone, I may as well walk off this fucking ship right n—”

Before I can finish my sentence, Aris’s arm slides around my waist and he pulls me into his chest.

Hooooly God, he smells good.

“Stop talking,” he whispers against my mouth. “I get it.” The energy swiftly changes between us and oh, my God it’s hard to breathe. “I’m going to kiss you, alright? Like, really fucking kiss you so that douche sees that you belong to someone else now. Smile at me and tell me quick, is that okay?”

*****

Author Info:

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.

*****

Get ready to set sail through the Caribbean on Festival Cruises’ most alluring voyage with eight of your favorite authors – happily ever after guaranteed!

This promotional event is brought to you by The Indie Pen PR

Spotlight – The Good News Gazette

25 Friday Nov 2022

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Jessie Wells, The Good News Gazette

I’m so happy to have Jessie Wells here today to talk about The Good News Gazette!

*****

I love nothing more than a good romance. Heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat kind of stuff that you think about long after you’ve turned the last page of the book.

On the surface, my debut novel The Good News Gazette, which is the first of a series, may not seem like a romance novel. After all, the main premise of the story is that it’s about a single mum who starts up a good news newspaper in order to combat the flow of negative news stories from her community.

However, the reality is that it’s actually all about romance. And it turns out there are a lot of romances to be had in the soulless suburb of Westholme.

First of all, there’s the romance between protagonist Zoe and her home town. Having grown up in Westholme, moved away and then been forced to return, she’s long had a love/hate relationship with the town that no-one’s proud to call home.

When she launches her news venture, the people she meets along the way cause her to re-evaluate her thoughts towards this rough-around-the-edges town, and she starts to see it in a different light. But can she see it differently enough to make her fall in love with it again?

There’s another romance brewing too, with hot children’s football coach Sam Milner. This former footballer, once an object of Zoe’s unrequited affections, has a heart of gold and seems to have Zoe in his sights. But she’s no longer an impressionable schoolgirl; she’s bringing up her son on her own, trying to make ends meet and start up a new business along the way. Is there really any space left in her life for a man as well?

Complicating matters is the presence of a less romantic figure; a ruthless property developer who is intent on ripping the heart out of Westholme by knocking down the past-its-best shopping parade and building a supermarket there instead. There’s not one single romantic thing about him, in fact, he’s the biggest threat to any kind of romance getting underway in Westholme at all.

His presence is making it even harder for Zoe to embark on the one romance she really must have if she is to have any hope of a happy ending – and it’s the one she needs to have with herself.

Once a successful journalist, Zoe fled back to Westholme from London nine years previously, pregnant and alone. Returning home meant giving up on the journalistic dreams she’d had since she was a little girl, and having to choose between her career and her unborn baby had left her feeling like an utter failure.

She’s spent years believing that to be the case; that she’s the girl who can’t get anything right, the one who cocks it all up, and it’s a belief that’s only been

reinforced by her well-meaning but completely insensitive Dad.

In order for Zoe to find any semblance of happiness, she has to learn to love herself all over again. The question is whether both her and her home town have enough fight left in them to rediscover their own spark – and create a new romance in the process.

*****

The Good News Gazette

by Jessie Wells

Blurb:

Because we all need something to smile about!

She may be down but don’t count this determined single mum out just yet…

Nine years ago, Zoe Taylor returned from London to the quiet hamlet of Westholme with her tail between her legs and a bun in the oven. Where once her job as a journalist saw her tearing off to Paris at a moment’s notice after a lead, now the single mum covers the local news desk. At least, she did…until she’s unceremoniously let go.

When Zoe invites her friends over to commiserate, wine and whining soon turns into something more… and before the night is out she’s plotted her next step: The Good News Gazette.

Now, as a developer threatens to force Westholme into the twenty-first century, Zoe’s good news movement finds her leading a covert campaign as a community crusader. She may have started The Good News Gazette as a way to save herself, but she might just be able to save Westholme in the process…

https://www.waterstones.com/book/9780008475840?awc=3787_1660804924_74f7722830b25cdb0f3114c0b1a95628&utm_source=802343&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=

https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9780008475840

https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/fiction-poetry/the-good-news-gazette-(the-good-news-gaz,jessie-wells-9780008475840

https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/the-good-news-gazette-the-good-news-gazette-book-1/jessie-wells/paperback/9780008475840.html

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-News-Gazette-Book-ebook/dp/B0B2CTQRNN/

https://www.amazon.com/Good-News-Gazette-Book-ebook/dp/B0B2CTQRNN/

*****

Author Info:

Jessie Wells lives with her husband and two children in Merseyside. She has always written in some form, and previously worked as a journalist on the Liverpool Echo and Sunday Mirror and as a freelancer for various national women’s magazines and newspapers before moving into finance. She loves nothing more than getting lost in her imaginary worlds, which are largely filled with romance, communities bursting with character and a large dose of positivity.

https://www.instagram.com/jessiewellsauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/JessieWellsAuthor

https://www.tiktok.com/@jessiewellsauthor

https://twitter.com/JessieWells22

*****

Spotlight – Abandon Ship

18 Friday Nov 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Abandon Ship, Karigan Hale, Love at Sea series

When there is Love at Sea, can a no-strings rebound turn into more than a distraction? For Grayson Hamilton, this all-expenses-paid cruise is his chance to focus and work on saving his reputation. But when his best friend’s little sister, Abby Winters, enters the picture all grown up with a freshly broken heart, he losses focus and finds himself making an offer neither one of them can refuse. Fans of best friend’s sibling romances will devour ABANDON SHIP by Karigan Hale, a spicy jilted bride romance.

Abandon Ship

Love at Sea series

by Karigan Hale

Blurb:

Abby

Instead of walking down the aisle, my fiancé walked out the door. So I’m taking our honeymoon cruise without him. I’ll enjoy seven perfect days of endless margaritas, pristine beaches, and island excursions even more with my best friend instead. What I need is a complete break from ANYTHING akin to romance. Complete break. That includes the tempting Grayson Hamilton, I remind myself. No matter how much of a crush I had on him back in high school. No matter how lickable his abs turned out to be. I AM ON A BREAK!

Grayson

Scoring my dream job with the industry’s leading travel magazine was a lucky break. Unfortunately, I’m just about out of luck. This all-expenses-paid cruise my employer sent me on is my last chance to save my reputation. I have to stay focused despite all the beautiful, single women on this Love at Sea cruise. Yep. Focused. Focused on my job. NOT on my best friend’s little sister, all grown up and smoking hot, looking like she needs someone to help her get over her freshly broken heart. On second thought, maybe a little distraction couldn’t hurt. Maybe an offer of a no-strings-attached rebound will help get her out of my system. Then I can concentrate on saving my career before we both Abandon Ship.

Abandon Ship is a jilted bride romance, part of the Love at Sea multi-author series. Get ready to set sail through the Caribbean on Festival Cruises’ most alluring voyage with eight of your favorite authors – happily ever after guaranteed!

Add to Goodreads!

Read Now!

*****

Excerpt:

I am reinventing myself. I’m a ME not a WE. Since I’m no longer Asshole’s fiancée, I can be anything I want to be. I could be a recovering circus performer who left the big top for big adventure. I could be a rich German heiress just waiting on wire transfers—oh wait, that’s already been done.

I could definitely be carefree and happy and not have people look at me like I’m going to crack. I can find myself again. I can be single and happy and unattached.

As we pass a group of oglers, I smile brightly and toss my hair. Instead of looking cool and collected, I am momentarily blinded by the sun and miss the small step to the ramp, pitching me forward into the crowd.

“Shit, Abby. You okay?” Jazz asks, trying, and failing, to grab my elbow.

Luckily, my fall is broken by the person in front of us.

Unluckily, my nose ends up embedded in his ass crack. I grab his thighs to keep myself from sliding down his backside. He clenches his muscles in surprise, but that only makes my face smoosh harder into his ass. I’m sucking in his khaki shorts instead of air, but if I let go, I will faceplant onto the gangway. I hold on until I can get my feet under me and pray I don’t pass out from lack of oxygen. Imagine the headline: “Jilted Woman Suffocates in Man’s Ass on Love Cruise.”

Jazz grabs my arms and helps me stand. I suck in khaki-free air.

“At least buy the man dinner first,” she quips.

The man glances over his shoulder with a frown. I give him a sheepish smile and a finger wave. “Crowds, am I right?”

He nods, lips twitching, and turns back around, putting his earbud back in his ear. The gesture and the way his dark hair falls over his forehead slams me with deja vu, but I can’t think of why. I shake off the feeling. I’m just too mired in memories today.

I can’t help but glance at his backside now that I’m at a distance to examine it. It looks damn good in the shorts he’s wearing. If I had to face plant into a butt today, I’m glad it was a nice one.

“Well, that’s one way to make an impression,” Jazz says, suppressing a laugh as we follow the slowly moving crowd up the ramp to board the ship. “I didn’t peg you for being into ass play. I guess what they say about school teachers is true.”

I roll my eyes at her. “Go on. Get it all out of your system so we never have to mention this again. Like ever.” I groan. “I’m so not good at this flirting thing. I’ll be your wingman and live vicariously through your overly friendly vagina. Just put a sock on the door if you don’t want me walking in.”

“Next please?” the woman at the check-in booth says with a forced smile. Her cheeks must hurt by the end of the day.

“Sorry,” I say, handing over my passport to her. Jazz does the same.

“Welcome aboard, Abigail Winters and Jasmine Bucolo. You will be in Sea Terrace 13090A.”

I’m looking at my room key when a deep male voice startles me. “Excuse me.”

I jump a little and turn to see the man I bumped into earlier. My face heats to match the red carpet of the entrance way.

“I’m so sorry for earlier. I don’t normally grope strangers. I tripped and—”

“It was an accident. That isn’t why I stopped you. I—uh—this is weird, but did I hear your name is Abby Winters?”

I tilt my head at him, the fog of embarrassment lifting. And holy shit. “Grayson Hamilton?”

A broad smile lights up his face, smoothing out the strong angles, and my memories start clicking into place. Grayson and my brother, Alex, dominating the soccer field in high school. Grayson and the rest of Alex’s annoying friends teasing me to no end. Grayson’s adorable, crooked smile. Grayson dominating my fevered teenaged dreams.

He holds out his hand. “Little Breezy Winters. Of all the cruise ships in all the world, you had to board this one.”

I laugh a little too loudly and take his hand. “God, no one’s called me Breezy in years. How are you, Gray?”

Besides really freaking hot. His handsome features—that I used to discretely study more than my homework…but in a not-at-all creepy way—have filled out into strong manly angles. Small lines form around his mouth and deep brown eyes when he smiles. In short, he has aged very, very yummily.

No, I scold myself. I am most definitively on a break from men.

*****

Author Info:

Karigan Hale is a writer, reader, wife, mother, teacher, and photographer. She married her high school sweetheart and has been a hopeful romantic ever since.

She’s highly susceptible to sudden summer thunderstorms and happily ever afters. Highly allergic to poison ivy and early mornings. And highly addicted to fountain sodas and true crime.

When she’s not reading or writing swoon-worthy romances, she’s usually stalki…er, chasing her two daughters around with her camera, grading papers, or cleaning up after the animals on her mini-farm (at least emus, goats, chickens, dogs, and cats are cute, right?).

*****

About The Love at Sea Series:

Get ready to set sail through the Caribbean on Festival Cruises’ most alluring voyage with eight of your favorite authors – happily ever after guaranteed!

This promotional event is brought to you by The Indie Pen PR

Spotlight – Grinch Girl

10 Thursday Nov 2022

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Grinch Girl, Michelle Dayton

Grinch Girl

by Michelle Dayton

Blurb:

Sometimes, the real story isn’t the beautiful city girl returning to her small town to save Christmas—it’s the townie chick who never left.

Jane Zielinski has her hands full this December, working three jobs and directing a homemade reality dating web series, Single Bells, as a stunt to keep her small town competitive with the ritzy resort towns luring tourists. Then the gorgeous Bella Bradley, Jane’s childhood BFF who had no qualms about skipping town when times got tough, returns with handfuls of cash and her smoking-hot business partner Nate Wright on her arm.

Jane can’t believe she’s being upstaged again, especially when Bella uses the Single Bells activities to rekindle a romance with her high school boyfriend—the man Jane had envisioned her future with. So if a little competition could convince Bella to leave town—again—Jane is ready to take the mittens off. And she’s not above sabotage, cheating, or flirting with Nate to win. Let the reindeer games begin…

Add to Goodreads!

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Universal Link→https://bit.ly/3RU4G8Y

*****

Excerpt:

Nate’s eyes lowered from the heavens to my face. His expression shifted away from embarrassment as his eyelids lowered a centimeter and his jaw shifted.

Why was my breathing so shallow? Why was I focusing so much on the bottom half of his face?

“Are you familiar with the term ‘competence porn’, Jane?” he asked.

I was so distracted by his use of my actual name and how his night-quiet voice had gotten all roughed up and gravelly that it took me a moment to grasp his actual question. Before I realized I didn’t grasp it at all. “Huh?”

“Competence porn—” he paused to cock his jaw in the opposite direction and take a half step closer to me “—is when a viewer takes great enjoyment in watching someone do something well. Marveling at someone who is insanely good at something.”

I blinked a few times, confused and mesmerized. My lips formed into the shape they needed to make a W sound, but I couldn’t think of the right question to ask him. What does this have to do with me? When did you get so close?

“You fix things and make things and solve situations,” Nate all but whispered. “You order people around, and they do what you say.” He shook his head, as if in bewilderment. “There hasn’t been a problem you couldn’t solve.”

He might have looked frustrated if he didn’t look so…intent. “I’ve always been a bit of a sucker for competence porn, but I’ve never seen it embodied so much in one individual.” Those intense dark eyes became fixated on my parted lips. “So I didn’t know how apt the term actually was.”

“Let me get this straight.” I took a shuddering breath, so warm in my thin coat that I wondered how I could have felt cold earlier. “You’re turned on because I’m so competent?”

This might have been the oddest conversation I’d ever had with a man. A very odd, very hot conversation.

His lips quirked up at the corners. “It surprises me too.”

We were now only separated by inches, and his face was exactly as it had been in the video. Hungry. His gaze made my mouth water, and we were both breathing so hard that our breath made little white clouds around our faces.

I should have been backing away. I should have been rolling my eyes. But his eyes had their own gravity again, and their magnetic force was pulling my mouth to his.

“This is so stupid,” I whispered.

“I know,” he agreed.

*****

Author Info:

There are only three things Michelle Dayton loves more than sexy and suspenseful novels: her family, the city of Chicago, and Mr. Darcy. Michelle dreams of a year of world travel – as long as the trip would include weeks and weeks of beach time. As a bourbon lover and unabashed wine snob, Michelle thinks heaven is discussing a good book over an adult beverage.

*****

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

Spotlight – A Royal for Christmas

08 Tuesday Nov 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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A Royal for Christmas, Alix Nichols, It's Raining Royals series

A Royal for Christmas

It’s Raining Royals series

by Alix Nichols

Romantic Comedy / Romantic Suspense

Date Published: October 6, 2022

Blurb:

I’m Camille— the only pauper in Mount Evor.
But that’s not why I’m on the no-fly list.
Six years ago, the principality’s royal palace went up in flames.
Several people died.
My sister Jeannette, who worked there, disappeared.
The inquiry blamed her for the arson.
Since then, I’ve been an outcast—compromised and harassed—but determined to clear my sister’s name.

Four weeks before Christmas, the hunky Louis de Valois, Duke of Arrago, raps on my window.
What if he has news about Jeannette’s case?
I invite him in.
He glances at his watch and declines my invitation.
And then he asks me to marry him.

Perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis, Lauren Landish, Nicole Snow and Louise Bay, this full-length novel stands on its own within an ongoing saga.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC5WXKXC

The other IT’S RAINING ROYALS books are:
The Boss Prince
The Surprise Prince
The Beast Prince

*****

Excerpt:

I set up the stepladder by the side of my trailer, climb on it, and begin to remove the snow from the roof. Half an hour later, I’ve scooped and brushed off all I that could reach. After returning the equipment to the shed, I reenter the trailer and dart to the kettle to make some tea and thaw my frigid hands.

Someone raps on my window. I’ve done my research, so I know the visitor at once. It’s him, His Smashing Handsomeness Marquess Louis-Philibert de Valois, heir to the dukedom of Arrago, and second cousin to Crown Prince Theodor.

With stiff cold hands, I open the door a crack without removing the chain lock.

The marquess strides toward me. “Hello. Are you Camille Mussey?”

“Who’s asking?”

“My name is Louis de Valois. I believe my grandfather’s men told you I’d be paying a visit.”

Instead of confirming, I ask tartly, “How do I know you are who you say you are?”

“Er… You’re right. Of course.” He pulls an ID from the inner pocket of his coat.

I take the laminated card from his hand, read the name, look at the picture, then at his ridiculously well-proportioned face. Having seen dozens of photos of him online, I knew what to expect. I thought I was prepared. But I find myself gasping for air despite the chill.

No man should be allowed to look this hot, especially not a moneyed aristocrat. It’s like cheating. And I despise cheaters.

My breath is stuck in my throat just from looking at the man in front of me.

He’s tall and well-built and has intelligent hazel eyes, high cheekbones, a straight nose, chiseled lips, and a firm jawline. And all of that is framed by thick wavy hair the color of honey. He’s simply too much. If it weren’t for the crazy amount of sex appeal he gives off, I would’ve concluded that he isn’t human, but an android built to represent the perfect human male.

Mad at myself for the way I’m reacting to this toff, I return his ID. “What do you want?”

“Would you like the long version or the short version?”

“The short one, please.”

He glances at his expensive watch and mutters, “Just as well.” Then he meets my gaze. “I want to marry you.”

“Huh?”

The next second, I burst into laughter, double up, and go on and on, releasing the nervous energy that’s been building for days.

Once my heart rate is back to normal, I wipe my eyes, and inject all the snark I’m capable of into my words, “When I feel like being pranked, my lord, all I need to do is snap my fingers.”

He begins to protest, but I hold up my palm to shut him up.

“You see, half of the principality has been lining up for years for the honor. You don’t get special treatment. Take a number and go to the end of the line.”

*****

Author Info:

Alix Nichols is a caffeine addict, a fan of Mr. Darcy and an award-winning author on Book Riot’s list of 100 must-read international romances.

She pens sexy romantic comedies and romantic fantasy. Her books have been described as “pure pleasure” (Kirkus Reviews) that “keep fans of romance hanging off the edge of your seat” (RT Book Reviews).

At the age of six, she released her first book. It featured highly creative spelling on a dozen pages stitched together and bound in velvet paper. Decades later, she still writes. Her spelling has improved (somewhat), and her books have topped bestseller charts around the world.

She lives in France with her family and their almost-human dog.

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Alix-Nichols/e/B00L37QJF4

Website: http://www.alixnichols.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AuthorAlixNichols

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alix-nichols

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/alixnichols

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@author_alix_nichols

Newsletter Signup: http://www.alixnichols.com/freebies

*****

October 31 – RABT Book Tours – Kick Off

October 31 – Romance Writer Elodie Parks – Excerpt

October 31 – Gale Stanley – Spotlight

November 1 – The Sexy Nerd Revue – Spotlight

November 2 – Book Junkiez – Excerpt

November 3 – Book Reviews by Virginia Lee – Spotlight

November 4 – Pick a Good Book – Excerpt

November 4 – Sue Wallace – Review

November 5 – Brittany’s Book Blog – Excerpt

November 6 – Jazzy’s Book Review – Interview

November 7 – The Indie Express – Review

November 7 – So Many Books – Spotlight

November 8 – Romantic Reads and Such – Excerpt

November 9 – What is That book About – Excerpt

November 10 – The Masked Readeress – Review

November 10 – Peacocks Book Reviews – Spotlight

November 11- Valerie Ullmer – Excerpt

November 11 – RABT Reviews – Wrap Up

Review – Matchmaking a Grump

04 Friday Nov 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Angela Casella, Book Review, Denise Grover Swank, Highland Hills series, Matchmaking a Grump

Matchmaking a Grump

Highland Hills series

by Angela Casella & Denise Grover Swank

Blurb:

He wants to destroy her show. She wants to get on Santa’s naughty list with him.

Rowan

Her show needs to be stopped, and I’m exactly the man to do it. Cupid, reporting for duty

The star of the show, Kennedy Littlefield, isn’t my type at all. She’s a wealthy heiress with an unhealthy obsession with Christmas.

There’s just one problem: I can’t stop thinking about her.

Kennedy

I love Christmas, only it hasn’t come to the set because the show doesn’t air until spring, and no one—with the exception of me—wants to watch a Christmas show in March.

There’s only one thing I want more than Christmas cheer: the ornery grump who keeps hanging out around the set.

*****

Review:

Kennedy doesn’t particularly want to be on a dating show for rich people, especially after seeing the men that Nana has picked out, but she really needs the exposure for the non-profit she loves. She’ll just have to try her best, remember why she’s there, and rely on help from some new friends.

There’s quite a bit about the reality show that didn’t track for me (it definitely didn’t come across as big budget or well put together) but the personal & romance portions more than made up for it. I really enjoyed getting to know Kennedy and seeing more of Rowan’s softer side. He may be grumpy but he’s got such a big heart. His history makes it so that he feels the need to help kids in his community truly be able to enjoy Christmas. He also wants to help those he cares about be happy, which means keeping Nana Mayberry as far away from them as he can. If that gives him a chance to ruin her latest project, the one that can only mean bad things for the Mayberry name, then even better … then he meets Kennedy. Sweet and giving, big-hearted, everything her parents aren’t, and definitely not what Rowan expected. Before long he finds himself wanting to make sure she gets everything she needs, even if it goes again what he wants.

I gotta say, as much as I enjoyed Rowan & Kennedy together and seeing them figure out their way to a HEA, it was Harry that stole my heart. A little bit of awkward wrapped up in a whole lotta goodness, I cheered every time he was on the page. It’s those kinds of interactions, the characters with their merits and their foibles, that make these authors a go to for me time and time again.

(Part of a series but can easily stand on its own.)

Spotlight – Matchmaking a Grump

03 Thursday Nov 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Angela Casella, Denise Grover Swank, Highland Hills series, Matchmaking a Grump

Matchmaking a Grump

Highland Hills series

by Angela Casella & Denise Grover Swank

Blurb:

He wants to destroy her show. She wants to get on Santa’s naughty list with him.

Rowan

No man wants to be nicknamed Cupid. My family’s run a matchmaking business for years, though, and my sister’s a romance novelist. You get the picture. To make matters worse, my narcissistic grandmother just sold a reality dating show to network television. Thanks to her, our small town is about to become a hotbed of tourists and opportunists.

Her show needs to be stopped, and I’m exactly the man to do it. Cupid, reporting for duty

The star of the show, Kennedy Littlefield, isn’t my type at all. She’s a wealthy heiress with an unhealthy obsession with Christmas.

There’s just one problem: I can’t stop thinking about her.

Kennedy

I’m lucky to be doing this show. Maybe I’ll start believing it if I repeat it enough…because I’m supposed to be dating eight men, and they all suck. I’m not here to fall in love—I’m trying to save a non-profit with the publicity from the show–but I’d hoped for a Christmas miracle.

I love Christmas, only it hasn’t come to the set because the show doesn’t air until spring, and no one—with the exception of me—wants to watch a Christmas show in March.

There’s only one thing I want more than Christmas cheer: the ornery grump who keeps hanging out around the set.

Download today on Amazon or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3D2qPNI
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/MatchmakingAGrump

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3yNSv6J

*****

Author Info:

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 kids—three 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.

Website: https://www.denisegroverswank.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4921525.Denise_Grover_Swank
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Denise-Grover-Swank/e/B005ANAB6K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeniseGroverSwank
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/886896121323183
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisegroverswank/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeniseMSwank
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@denisegroverswank
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/denise-grover-swank
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/denisegroverswank/

ANGELA CASELLA is a romcom fanatic. Writing them, reading them, watching them—she’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.

Visit her website at www.angelacasella.com or Angela and Denise’s website at www.arcdgs.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaCasellaauthor
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428228984222815
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelacasellaauthor/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@angeladeniseauthor
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angela-denise