Category Archives: Blog Tour

Spotlight – Wicked Again

04 Wednesday Nov 2020

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Lord Haddon is handsome, charming and at least a decade younger than the thrice-widowed Marissa. Engaging in an affair with Haddon might damage Marissa’s reputation and it will definitely compromise her heart. But Haddon can be very persuasive when he wants something and he wants Marissa. Will Marissa give into temptation and allow herself to love again? If you like steamy, historical romance you’ll love Wicked Again.

*****

Wicked Again

The Wickeds, Book 7

by Kathleen Ayers

Blurb:

A scandalous affair with a much younger man…

Lady Marissa Cupps-Foster has buried three husbands. Only one, her dear Reggie, was a love match. As a woman considered past her prime with two grown sons, she’s decided on discreet trysts when she feels the need for male companionship. Lord Trenton Haddon was only a dalliance. Haddon is tempting but far too young for her. And love is out of the question. Clearly, she isn’t good at it. Determined to forget Haddon, Marissa returns to London and immerses herself in society.

A former rake who has never been in love…

Seducing the widowed Lady Cupps-Foster was a way to pass the time at a dull house party but instead Haddon fell in love. Unfortunately, the object of his affection ended the affair and returned to London before he could declare himself. But Haddon has the perfect excuse to see Marissa again. His eldest daughter is about to make her debut and as a widower, he is in dire need of direction. Marissa won’t refuse his plea for help.

Another chance at love…

Haddon can be very persuasive when he wants something, and he wants Marissa. But Marissa is just as convinced he’ll eventually break her heart.

Will Marissa allow herself to find love again or will she stand by and watch Haddon marry someone else?

Wicked Again is a steamy historical romance set in post-regency London where scandal meets happily ever after. Book 7 of the Wickeds.

Add to Goodreads!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53316019-wicked-again

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/3iyXf52

*****

Excerpt:

Despite wanting to forget him, the memory of Haddon never left Marissa, no matter how busy she had kept herself since her return to town. The destruction of Simon and his mother did take up a great deal of her time. And of course, she had holiday festivities to plan. Haddon shouldn’t have entered her thoughts at all.

“Lady Cupps-Foster.” The light, spicy scent Haddon favored hovered about his broad shoulders as he bowed before her.

Marissa inhaled sharply, filling her nostrils. Haddon’s scent had stayed with her, lingering along with her memories of him and the night she’d spent in his arms.

He took her hand, eyes flitting across her bosom as he straightened, a soft purr of male appreciation coming from his chest. The brush of his lips against her knuckles sent a tendril of warmth from her core to slide between her legs. But the touch of his tongue made her knees buckle.

Marissa abruptly snatched her hand from his.

A mischievous grin crossed his lips, meant to disarm her and indeed any lady he bestowed it upon. It made him quite irresistible.

An image of Haddon walking toward her, naked, the same grin firmly in place on his lips, flitted before her eyes.

The ballroom had grown very warm. She resisted the urge to fan herself.

Realistically, for any woman her age, there was always bound to be someone in the room she had been involved with. Two of Marissa’s previous lovers were at the Cambourne ball tonight, in fact, though she couldn’t for the life of her remember how they looked naked, nor, upon greeting them tonight, had she felt as if her heart might burst from her chest.

“Lord Haddon, how lovely to see you again.”

“Isn’t it though?” His grin widened further. “Dance with me?” he said as the musicians began to play. Without waiting for an answer, Haddon took her hand in his and led her out to the dance floor, his grip on her fingers tight as the sapphire skirts of her gown wrapped around them both.

Marissa had always found the sensation of silk hugging her to a gentleman as they danced to be mildly erotic, though much more so with Haddon than, say, Enderly.

Haddon was a graceful dancer, confident and agile. Turning her expertly, he brought Marissa closer to the lean lines of his body with each twist of his hips. They moved easily together, as if they’d danced many times in each other’s arms.

In truth, they had only danced once before.

The warmth of his palm splayed intimately across the small of her back, fingertips pressing into the skin at the base of her spine.

The pressure was seductive. Enticing. Haddon had kissed that very spot during their night together, as well as a great many other places.

She saw Adelia out of the corner of her eye watching them with a smug look.

“How have you been, Marissa?” The husky growl of her first name sent bits of flame across her arms. “Enjoying London?”

“I’m quite well, thank you. I didn’t realize you’d come to town.” The tips of her breasts chafed against the fabric of his coat, stroking her nipples each time he turned her; it was distracting, to say the least.

A tiny smirk crossed his beautiful mouth. He knew she was lying.

“I don’t come as often as I did before my wife died. My daughters require my attention, as does my estate. London does not.”

Haddon had been married very young in a match arranged by his father. His wife had been sickly and bed-ridden during the latter part of his marriage, the birth of his youngest daughter destroying what remained of her fragile health.

In between bouts of lovemaking, they’d whispered to each other in the dark and Haddon had told Marissa of his marriage.

Another thing she hadn’t done with a previous lover.

Dalliance.

He had left out his former rakish reputation, and well he might. Though discreet, Haddon certainly had cut a swath through the ladies of London. But unlike most husbands who wouldn’t have cared to be saddled with an ill spouse, he’d been with his wife when she died, at her bedside. After, he had not returned to London to pick up the threads of his life; instead, he’d stayed away from town, choosing to remain with his daughters in the country. Another thing most gentlemen would not have done.

“I brought Jordana to London with me.” He mentioned his eldest daughter, to whom Marissa had been introduced to at Brushbriar.

“And how does Jordana like town?” Marissa found it hard to have a casual conversation with Haddon, especially when his hips kept brushing hers.

“As well as can be expected. But I thought she might enjoy some time here before making her debut. Ease her into things, so to speak. Jordana has a tendency to be stubborn.”

Haddon twirled her, the motion forcing her more fully against his chest. The distance between them was only one tiny, heated inch.

“You left before I could tell you goodbye,” he said, breath warm against her temple.

“Did I need to tell you goodbye?” Her own guilt at not doing so made her reply sharper than she intended.

His grip on her tightened. “I suppose not.”

“After the discovery of my late husband’s remains, I was in shock, as you can imagine.” That was putting it mildly.

“I’m sure you were.”

“I wasn’t up to receiving callers, nor did I wish to receive polite condolences,” she said.

“Of course,” he agreed coolly.

Marissa bristled. Something about his calm manner, his instant agreement with her, smacked of judgement. It was clear by his attitude Haddon thought she should have received him. Sent him a note. Told him goodbye. She didn’t care for him acting the discarded lover.

Dalliance.

His grip on her tightened. “I suppose not.”

“After the discovery of my late husband’s remains, I was in shock, as you can imagine.” That was putting it mildly.

“I’m sure you were.”

“I wasn’t up to receiving callers, nor did I wish to receive polite condolences,” she said.

“Of course,” he agreed coolly.

Marissa bristled. Something about his calm manner, his instant agreement with her, smacked of judgement. It was clear by his attitude Haddon thought she should have received him. Sent him a note. Told him goodbye. She didn’t care for him acting the discarded lover.

Dalliance.

“Ours was a brief acquaintance, Lord Haddon,” Marissa said politely, allowing a hint of chill to enter her words. “Little more than a dalliance, if you’ll forgive me for saying so.”

He looked down on her, eyes like quicksilver. A touch of pink shone on his magnificent cheekbones, a sign of his annoyance, perhaps, though it could have been a trick of the light. “A dalliance?”

“A tryst, if you prefer.”

“A tryst?”

Would he repeat everything she said? “Our relationship would have invited speculation and unwanted attention, both things I don’t care for. An older widow carrying on with—”

“Dear God, Marissa.” He looked away from her, the corner of his lip lifting into something resembling amusement. “You didn’t seduce some innocent young lad; stop behaving as if you did.”

“I didn’t do any seducing,” she shot back.

“Debatable. I was under the impression we seduced each other, not out of boredom, as I’m sure will be your next point, but because we were meant to.” His broad shoulders gave a soft roll.

Marissa stayed silent, uncertain how to respond.

“You know, I never really considered your elderly status at the time, but you brought it up so often during our brief acquaintance, perhaps your concerns have merit.”

“They do?”

“You’re a highly intelligent woman. Older and wiser than I. Shouldn’t I listen to your council?”

The heat of him bled through the thick silk and layers of petticoats, caressing her skin as they danced. Each time he spun her, Haddon managed to notch the length of one muscled leg into her skirts and between her legs. Deliberately.

“Stop doing that,” she hissed beneath her breath. A slow, honeyed ache followed the movement, driving her mad. “Do you intend to cause a scene?”

“What? This?” He pulled her a fraction of an inch closer and moved his thigh into her skirts again, sliding his leg in a sinuous motion. “I’m merely dancing.”

A flutter of arousal slid down the length of her body at Haddon’s very calculated teasing though Marissa was doing her best to ignore the sensation. Desperate to provide a distraction, she said, “I see you’ve made the acquaintance of Lady Christina Sykes.”

“An incomparable beauty with an impeccable lineage,” Haddon acknowledged. “A gentleman could do worse than to wed her. She’s a lovely girl.”

“She’s very young.” Marissa said, hating the prick of jealousy at the thought of Haddon dancing with Lady Christina the way he danced with her.

“You don’t sound as if you approve. Shouldn’t I seek someone closer to my own age? I’m barely out of the schoolroom, after all.” The mischievous grin, the one she found so endlessly endearing, floated across his mouth.

Marissa forced herself to smile up at him. “I’m sure my approval is of no consequence. I’m only concerned.”

“How very maternal of you, Marissa.”

She deliberately stepped on his toe.

Haddon grunted in pain.

“Lady Christina is barely older than Jordana,” she said. “But it is none of my affair who you deem a suitable bride. If your aim is to find a wife, Christina Sykes would serve as well as any.” She forced the words up her throat though they left a bitter taste.

Spinning her about, he gave her a wolfish grin before murmuring, “The lady doth protest too much.”

Her heel ground into the top of his foot. “Pardon me. I seem to have two left feet this evening. Goodness.”

Haddon’s fingertips dug into the silk at her hip. “I’m only acknowledging the vast difference in our ages. One you’ve brought to my attention repeatedly during our previous dalliance. Are you old enough to be my mother?” He pretended to consider the question. “Good lord, how depraved I am.”

Marissa was going to slap him, right here in the middle of a dance with most of the ton watching. “While there is an age difference, my lord, I assure you—”

“And in regard to Christina,” he interrupted her tirade, “you also suggested during our dalliance that I need to remarry. Truthfully, I hadn’t considered wedding again until you brought it to my attention. Again, I’m thankful for your guidance.”

She bit her lip, knowing she couldn’t refute his claim. Haddon was correct on all counts. She had been the one to bring up his need to remarry and produce a male heir. At that moment, Marissa could have cheerfully kicked herself for reminding him of his duty.

“I’ve something I wish to discuss with you, my lady.”

“Oh?” There was a slight, hopeful leap of her traitorous heart before remembering it would be best if she didn’t allow him to seduce her again. Haddon was far too dangerous. They could remain acquaintances and nothing more.

“May I call upon you? I would prefer not to have a private discussion here.”

“Yes, of course,” she agreed, ignoring the slight racing of her pulse.

The dance ended, and Haddon led her off the dance floor, a wisp of a smile hovering on his lips. But instead of leaving her where she’d stood with Adelia, Haddon purposefully took her to the opposite side of the ballroom; an area populated with elderly matrons, wallflowers and spinsters.

A strangled sound bubbled from her lips.

“Something wrong, my lady? Didn’t you enjoy our dance?”

“I did. Immensely.” If she wasn’t sure it would cause a scene, Marissa would wrench her fingers from his.

Once he seemed satisfied Marissa stood with the most undesirable women in the room, Haddon bowed again over her hand, hiding his enjoyment at her discomfort behind a polite, bland smile.

“Enjoy the rest of your evening, Lady Cupps-Foster.” Haddon turned and, without another glance at Marissa, sauntered back across the ballroom.

Copyright 2020 @Kathleen Ayers

*****

Author Info:

Kathleen Ayers is the bestselling author of steamy Regency and Victorian romance. She’s been a hopeful romantic and romance reader since buying Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale when she was fourteen while her mother was busy looking at antique animal planters. She has a weakness for tortured, witty alpha males who can’t help falling for intelligent, sassy heroines.

A Texas transplant (from Pennsylvania) Kathleen spends most of her summers attempting to grow tomatoes (a wasted effort) and floating in her backyard pool with her two dogs, husband and son. When not writing she likes to visit her “happy place” (Newport, RI.), visit wine bars, make homemade pizza on the grill, and perfect her charcuterie board skills.

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*****

This promotional event is brought to you by Forever Write PR https://www.foreverwritepr.com/

Spotlight – Kissing Lessons

02 Monday Nov 2020

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Who needs a little love and a little humor right about now?

*****

Kissing London

by Stefanie London

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Welcome to Kissing Creek, where everything has a romance-themed pun for a name and love is lurking around every corner…

Audrey Miller doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after, so she is definitely living in the wrong town. But she’s never getting out of Kissing Creek, because playing pseudo-mom for her younger siblings doesn’t leave time for much else. She’ll do anything to make sure they don’t end up stuck like she is, working as a barista in a college town, serving Pink Passion mochas with Chocolate Smooch donuts.

Then Ronan Walsh, a new young professor and walking cliché, right down to the elbow patches on his blazer, steps in for a coffee and into her life. She knows his type—intelligent and charming, yet sweet as a cinnamon roll, the sort of man she’s inevitably attracted to but is always out of her league. So why does someone like him have any interest in a worker bee with no future?

Her bland-as-oatmeal existence has nothing to offer, but Ronan’s temporary teaching position is only a stepping stone on his way to somewhere else. He isn’t here to put down roots, Audrey’s roots are firmly planted—neither of them is looking for love. And maybe that’s just perfect.

But in a small town called Kissing Creek, sometimes love can be impossible to avoid…

Get Your Copy:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AUS | Kobo | iTunes

*****

Excerpt:

Audrey cocked her head. “You know, we’ve been warned about people like you.”

“People posing as professors.” She waggled her finger at him and made a teasing, tutting sound.

“Posing?” Ronan literally studied the very things which made people who they are—the very fiber of their motivations and morals. He would never scam someone. But this wasn’t the first time someone had questioned him because he was younger than average. “I’m a professor at Harrison Beech College. I don’t have my faculty card yet, that’s all.”

“You really thought you could get one past me by trying to look the part?” She shook her head. “The elbow patches were a good attempt, but don’t you think they’re a little cliché?”

Now she was insulting his fashion choices? He blinked. “What’s wrong with elbow patches?”

“It’s like you Googled ‘what do professors wear?’ and then bought the first thing you saw.” She bit down on her lip as if stifling a laugh.

Everyone was looking at him now, but Ronan had always been impervious to embarrassment. Maybe it was years of growing up with his Irish grandmother who was as blunt as a hammer.

Although he had Googled that exact question on his first day as a professor in his late twenties. He’d been more insecure back then, feeling the age gap between him and his colleagues and his lack of life experience like a weight around his neck. These days he’d learned to hold his own, academically and personally.

And he damn well liked his elbow patches.

*****

Author Info:

Stefanie London is a multi award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies.

Stefanie’s books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and “Elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT magazine. Her stories have won multiple industry awards, including the HOLT Medallion and OKRWA National Reader’s Choice Award, and she has been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award.

Originally from Australia, Stefanie now lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is currently in the process of doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and anything zombie-related.

Facebook | Instagram | Website

*****

Spotlight – Under the Warrior’s Protection

29 Thursday Oct 2020

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It’s been a long time since I’ve read a good historical romance. This one looks like a great place to start!

*****

Under the Warrior’s Protection

by Ella Matthews

Blurb:

Letting down her guard…

Might save her life…

With their family name in tatters, Katherine Leofric and her sister are headed for a new life at their brother’s estate. They are escorted by the hardened Jarin, Earl of Borwyn, whom Katherine believes is only after her dowry! Then her sister is abducted on their treacherous journey, and Katherine must rely on Jarin’s protection. Now, seeing a different side to the man she’s sworn to hate, it’s her heart that’s most at risk!

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Warriors-Protection-House-Leofric/dp/0263277321

US – https://www.amazon.com/Under-Warriors-Protection-Historical-Leofric-ebook/dp/B0875K43GB

*****

Excerpt:

The Earl of Borwyn, Jarin Ashdown, is attending a celebratory feast. Although the food is fabulous, he’d unable to appreciate it as he’s so weighed down by his problems. When Katherine Leofric arrives he is instantly attracted to her. Little does he know that she overheard him talking about her disgraced family earlier and what he said wasn’t complimentary…

The tables groaned under the weight of food Ogmore thought appropriate for celebrating his only daughter’s wedding. As a high-ranking guest, Jarin was sitting at the top table but, unusually, the space opposite him was empty.

Conversation flowed around him, but he felt oddly separate, as if he wasn’t really there; this sensation was getting far too frequent for him. He had to spend so much time pretending, lying to all those around him that he was as calm and collected as always, which meant that dread and uncertainty weren’t burning away beneath his skin. Outwardly he had to portray that inheriting a vast estate hadn’t changed him from the man he’d always intended to be, one who was always in control of every situation no matter his own feelings. It was as if the real him was disappearing behind the weight of the earldom and in his place was a sophisticated puppet.

To the left of him sat a beautiful widow who’d made it abundantly clear she’d be interested in spending time with him after the feast had ended. He’d hoped the raging desire he’d felt earlier for the unusual Leofric girl meant that he would once again be able to take enjoyment in women. There was no reason, after all, for one woman to appeal to him so much. It didn’t seem to matter, though, how many times the widow—whose name he could not remember—brushed up against him, his body didn’t tighten in anticipation. He could no more imagine bedding her than he could picture sprouting wings and flying out of here.

He glanced down the hall. Erik was laughing uproariously at something his neighbour was saying and it looked as if his friend was going to have company this evening. He turned back to the trencher in front of him, piled high with roasted goose, and tried to squash down the envy that was rising up inside him. He knew he was in a position of privilege, a position that some would kill for, but sometimes he felt he would like to swap places with Erik.

A movement to his right caught his attention.

The Leofric sisters were standing huddled together a few steps away, having an intense conversation. Nobody else was paying their strange behaviour any attention but, once again, he couldn’t take his eyes off Katherine. She was tiny. He was sure that the palm of his hand would cover her waist. He’d been wrong about her body, too. She wasn’t well endowed, but he could see delicate curves through her shapeless dress and desire tugged at him once more.

She was evidently furious about something; her sister tried to placate her by putting a hand on her arm, but she shook it off.

Linota shook her head and suddenly broke away, walking towards the space opposite him. Katherine stood for a moment, frowning, then quickly followed her.

Linota slid into the space on the bench opposite him; she smiled sweetly at him and he responded in kind. Behind her, seemingly unwilling to take the last place at the table, Katherine hovered like a dark cloud. She was visibly vibrating with some kind of strong emotion. He knew he shouldn’t stare at her, but he seemed to be unable to pull his eyes away. In contrast, she looked anywhere but at him. Why?

‘Are you enjoying the feast, my lord?’ asked Linota.

Jarin jumped. He’d forgotten Linota was there, so focused was he on her sister.

‘Very much so,’ lied Jarin, who’d yet to take a bite of the rich food spread out in front of him.

Katherine climbed gracelessly on to the bench next to her sister, her slender shoulders rigid beneath the fabric of her dress. He wanted to reach out and knead the tense muscles until she moaned in pleasure. Shocked at his own reaction, he took a swig from his tankard, spluttering as the drink went down the wrong way.

‘Are you all right, my lord?’ asked Linota.

Katherine said nothing.

‘I’m fine, thank you,’ he said, feeling heat rush over his skin.

He was acting like a young boy who had never spoken to a woman in his life. What was wrong with him?

‘Do try some of this goose, Katherine. It looks delicious,’ said Linota, handing her sister a cut of meat.

Katherine took it, but didn’t raise it to her mouth. Jarin wondered if she was so tiny because she didn’t like to eat. He’d heard of such a thing before, but he’d never witnessed it. She looked almost starved and her sister was not much better.

‘If it’s not to your liking, Mistress Leofric, perhaps you would like to try the venison.’

He pushed the trencher towards her.

She still said nothing, glaring instead at the cut of meat in her hand as if it had done her a great wrong.

Linota shifted uncomfortably in her seat, finally hissing her sister’s name to get her attention. At last it worked and Katherine looked up and straight at him.

Her gaze was like a punch to the chest. He momentarily forgot how to breathe as her unusual–coloured eyes took him in. It was as if with one look she could see the real him. Not the man he portrayed to the world, but the man underneath the rich clothes. The one who was feeling his way blindly through a whole host of problems he wasn’t sure he would ever be able to fix.

*****

Author Info:

Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else).

https://twitter.com/ellamattauthor

www.ellamatthews.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/ella.matthews.524381

*****

Spotlight – Feel the Fire

28 Wednesday Oct 2020

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Feel the Fire is the third installment of Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild.

*****

Feel the Fire

Hotshots, #3

by Annabeth Albert

Length: 336 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Imprint: Carina Press

eBook On-Sale: October 26, 2020

eBook ISBN & Price: 9781488076855, $4.99 U.S.

MMP On-Sale: October 27, 2020

MMP ISBN & Price: 9781335459527, $8.99 U.S.

Blurb:

When their career paths bring two high school sweethearts together again, the forest isn’t the only thing ablaze…

Fire behavior specialist Luis Riviera goes where his job takes him. But when he’s assigned to an arson investigation in Central Oregon—the place he left his broken heart twenty years ago—he’s afraid of being burned all over again.

Tucker Ryland had planned to join his first love, Luis, in LA after high school graduation, but life got in the way. Now a fire management expert and a divorced father of teen twins, Tucker’s thrown for a loop when he finds himself working side by side with his Luis, now all grown up and more intriguing than ever.

Though consumed by a grueling fire season and family responsibilities, the two men discover their bond has never truly broken. Tentative kisses turn to passionate nights. But smoking sheets aside, old hurts and new truths stand in the way of this time being the start of forever.

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts. Don’t miss the Hotshots series from Annabeth Albert: Burn Zone, High Heat and Feel the Fire.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Feel-Fire-Hotshots-Book-3-ebook/dp/B086WL2DJM

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feel-the-fire-annabeth-albert/1136821826

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/feel-the-fire/id1506928358

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Annabeth_Albert_Feel_the_Fire?id=9PLbDwAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/feel-the-fire-3

*****

Excerpt:

“I’m sorry, we’re getting who?” Tucker was usually all about getting through the morning meeting as quickly as possible, and he’d learned through years of working with Fred that too many questions would slow the boss down, lead to tangents and rambles and a lost morning he could have been working. And a lost morning meant being late getting out of here in the afternoon, meant another hasty dinner for him and the twins and grumbles all around. So he made a point of paying attention to the announcements and getting information right the first time, but this time he had to have heard Fred wrong.

“New fire behavior specialist out of California—Angeles National Forest is sending him since we’re still under a hiring freeze and now down to a bare-bones operation. You know all that. You were complaining about overtime last week.”

“I get that we need some more boots on the ground. But I’ve been working as burn boss the last several fires, and Garrick’s coming along too. Would be nice if they’d send us some more admin support and not someone who’s going to expect a leadership role.”

“Don’t get your feathers ruffled. You’re both an asset to incident command, sure, but we need this guy’s fire behavior experience, especially as it pertains to arson. He’s got the analytical skills we can use and the experience to back it up.”

“Glad they’re finally taking the arson suspicions seriously. And what did you say the name was?” That last part was what he really wanted to know. He could deal with the problem of too many chefs in the kitchen, but he could have sworn Fred had said—

“Luis Rivera. Comes to us with great experience.”

“Sounds good.” He managed a nod, even as his head swam. Fuck. Maybe there were a lot of guys with that name in the LA area. Maybe it was some stodgy near-retiree and not the darkest, deepest pair of eyes Tucker had ever known. The voice husky and earnest. The smile he’d never forget.

“Apparently he knows the area at least a little is what his boss told me on the phone.”

And with that, Tucker’s cornflakes and coffee turned to bricks in his stomach, a heavy weight he hadn’t felt in eons. There might be plenty of guys with that name in California but there had only been one Luis Rivera in central Oregon, the one who’d left with Tucker’s heart all those years ago.

“They’re making me go.” Luis’s voice had wavered, first time Tucker had seen him cry since he’d broken his arm back on a fourth grade dare, and even then, he’d been more mad than sad, all sputtering bravado. This was a level of devastation Tucker had never seen from his friend.

His chest hurt, like he was some hapless cartoon character and his heart really had been cleaved in half by this news. Scooting closer, he wrapped an arm around Luis’s slim shoulders, trying to be brave for both of them.

“You could stay with us to finish school. Share my room and—”

“I’m hardly your parents’ favorite person.” Luis’s weighty sigh hit Tucker like that time a swing had slammed into his gut, because he was right. Tucker’s parents weren’t going to come charging in to save the day.

“I’ll wait for you,” he promised.

Only Tucker hadn’t. And if it was that same Luis, well, there wasn’t going to be any avoiding him. As shorthanded as they were, it wasn’t like Tucker could claim some of his mountain of unused vacation days. Fred would want him working closely with this person. But maybe he could figure a way around—

“Should be here any minute.”

Or not. Damn it. He needed time to sort himself out, time he apparently wasn’t going to get because here came Fred’s assistant, Christine, knocking at the conference room door, ushering in…

A stranger.

Not the boy Tucker had known. A man. One with a couple of flecks of gray in his dark hair, which was neatly styled, not all choppy and goth, and he had a lean, muscular build, taller than him by a couple of inches, not some scrawny kid. His shoulders were solid, a man who had known his share of heavy labor, and the biceps peeking out of his forest service polo said he kept that work up. The edge of a tattoo played peekaboo with his sleeve. Tucker’s memory had miles of smooth tawny skin, no tattoos or scars like the one this guy had on his other arm.

But right when Tucker’s shoulders were about to relax, the pit in his stomach starting to ease, the guy frowned, and Tucker would recognize that hard, defiant look anywhere. Luis’s head tilted, revealing the familiar curve of his neck to his shoulder that Tucker remembered all too well.

“Tucker?” The Californian accent drew out the vowels in his name, an effect that could make him feel special and singled out when whispered on a starless night. But add a little disdain and a deeper timbre than Tucker recalled, and it made him feel like an unwanted extra in a surfing movie.

“Yeah.” He nodded, head feeling untethered, like a helium balloon about to escape.

“What the—” Luis blinked, then drew his shoulders back, professional distance taking over, smoothing his facial features and softening his next few words. “Sorry. Wasn’t expecting…”

“Y’all know each other?” Fred stood to greet the newcomer with a hearty handshake. “Now, that’s just great. Small world, right?”

“Right,” Tucker echoed weakly, unable to take his eyes off Luis. “Small world.”

Too small. Especially considering that he’d once seen the miles between them as an uncrossable sea, a distance so great it made his brain hurt almost as much as his heart. Once upon a time, he would have given anything to end up in the same room again, weeks of working together looming, and now he’d trade an awful lot to avoid it.

*****

Author Info:

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two children.

Website: http://annabethalbert.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnabethAlbert

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

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6477494.Annabeth_Albert

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Annabeth-Albert/e/B00LYFFAZK

*****

Spotlight – Holiday Home Run

27 Tuesday Oct 2020

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

*****

Holiday Home Run

by Priscilla Oliveras

Romance, Holiday Romance

Date Published: October 27, 2020

Publisher: Kensington, Zebra Books

Blurb:

Event planner Julia Fernández is in Chicago for an internship that she hopes to turn into a full-time job. She’s ready to live on her own, out from under her familia’s expectations that she take over their catering business in Puerto Rico and away from their year-round baseball fever thanks to her three ball-playing brothers. Ex-MLB pitcher Ben Thomas knows what it’s like to have different dreams than your family intends for you, but since his injury-caused early retirement, he’s been struggling to find the sense of family baseball once brought him. When he volunteers as the emcee for Julia’s big holiday fundraiser for a local youth center, he finally begins to find a sense of purpose working with the kids and alongside Julia.

She’s focused on organizing the best holiday event the youth center has ever seen, not on romance. But Ben…he’s got a game plan for them that includes both.

Holiday Home Run was previously released as part of the holiday anthology A SEASON TO CELEBRATE.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Home-Run-Priscilla-Oliveras-ebook/dp/B085LT65J2/

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/holiday-home-run-priscilla-oliveras/1136613788

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/holiday-home-run/id1531329953

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Priscilla_Oliveras_Holiday_Home_Run?id=_8zUDwAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/holiday-home-run

*****

Author Info:

Priscilla Oliveras is a USA Today Best-Selling author & 2018 RWA® RITA® double finalist who writes contemporary romance with a Latinx flavor. Her books have earned Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist, hit the top 5 on Barnes & Noble’s Top 100 Book Bestseller list, & notched Amazon #1 Bestseller status. Her latest release, Island Affair, made it onto O, The Oprah Magazine’s “28 of the Best Beach Reads of Summer 2020” list. Priscilla earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University and currently serves as adjunct faculty in the program while also teaching the online class “Romance Writing” for ed2go. She’s a self-professed romance genre junkie, who’s also a sports fan, beach lover, Zumba aficionado, and hammock nap connoisseur. Follow her at prisoliveras.com and on social media via @prisoliveras and https://www.facebook.com/prisoliveras.

Website: https://prisoliveras.com/holiday-home-run/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrisOliveras

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

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/priscilla-oliveras

Promo Blitz: http://bookbuzz.net/blog/romance-holiday-home-run/

*****

Spotlight – A Sheriff’s Star

23 Friday Oct 2020

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Are you as excited for holiday romances to hit the shelves as I am? This is my favorite time of year for reading!

*****

A Sheriff’s Star 

Home to Oak Hollow, Book 1

by Makenna Lee

Price: $5.99

ON-sale date: 10/27/2020

ISBN: 9781335894922

Blurb:

It was only supposed to be a temporary home… He interrupts her plans…

When police chief Anson Curry returns a lost little girl to her frantic mother, his only goal is to ease the single mom’s anxiety. But it doesn’t take long for Tess Harper’s amazing child to have Anson wrapped around her little finger—and for Tess to have him thinking about a possible relationship. As for Tess, she’s tempted—even though she had planned to be in Oak Hollow, Texas, only temporarily. But after losing her father and brother in the line of duty, Tess thinks Anson’s job poses too much of a risk to her heart. And Anson has no plans to get involved with someone who’s planning on leaving.

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335894922_a-sheriffs-star.html

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-sheriffs-star-makenna-lee/1137123773?ean=9781335894922&st=AFF&2sid=HarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC_7651142_NA&sourceId=AFFHarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC

Booksamillion: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781335894922?AID=10747236&PID=7651142&cjevent=11f7de82f37011ea805300af0a240614

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089MB1HX8/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

Indie bound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335894922

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=9781335894922

*****

Excerpt:

Where’s my baby?

Tess Harper’s rib cage rattled with the abrupt drumming of her heart. “Hannah Lynn! Where are you? Answer Momma!”

This can’t be happening! I only glanced away for a second.

Blood pounded in her head with such force her vision wavered, and a hot, prickly knot wedged in her throat. She grabbed a rack of clothes, knocked items to the floor and forced herself to focus. No one had been standing near them to snatch her little girl. Her precocious child must’ve slipped into one of the stuffed, round racks to play her favorite game of hide-and-seek.

Please, please let her be okay. “Hannah Lynn, answer me!”

A store employee stood nearby folding T-shirts, unaffected by Tess’s cries.

“My daughter is missing! Can you make an announcement?”

“What does she look like?” asked the blank-faced teen.

“She’s four, blonde, has Down syndrome.”

“Over here, ma’am,” a deep, male voice called from across the women’s department. “I think I have who you’re looking for.”

Tess spun to see her daughter in the arms of a tall police officer. She ran, dodging obstacles and other shoppers, and pulled Hannah into her arms. The slight weight of her child was an immediate relief. She cradled her head of silky curls and kissed her smooth, broad forehead. “Don’t you ever run off like that again. You scared the life out of me.”

Hannah’s bottom lip poked out and she placed both hands on her mother’s cheeks. “I sorry, Momma.”

The waning adrenaline rush left her trembling and dizzy. A strong arm wrapped around her shoulders and she stiffened. “I’m fine.”

“Let’s find a place to sit.”

Allowing a strange man to touch her wasn’t typical behavior, but he was a police officer like her father had been, and at the moment, she welcomed the support. “I could sit for a minute.”

He guided them to a bench near the dressing room and sat beside them. “Can I get you anything? Water?”

Tess shook her head, too intent on hugging her squirming daughter and savoring her baby shampoo scent. “I can’t believe I let this happen. I only turned my head, and when I looked back, she was gone. What if…” Her throat tightened and burned with repressed tears, cutting off her words. Terrible scenarios scrolled through her mind, each one more horrifying than the next.

“Play hide-see, Momma.”

“Sweet girl, you have to promise to tell me before we start playing hide-and-seek.”

“Something like this happens to every parent at some point,” said the officer. “Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

She cut him a hard look, ready to argue that her slipup was completely unacceptable. “Are you a parent?”

His jaw tightened and twitched. “No.”

“Then you don’t know what this feels like.” Tess didn’t miss the spark of sorrow in the man’s blue eyes. His expression almost matched the strained one that often stared back from her reflection. She took a deep breath. “Thank you, though. Where did you find my daughter?”

“She found me. I was looking through the ladies’ robes when a little hand reached out and tugged on my pant leg.”

“Ladies’ robes?” She bit her lip. It was none of her business what he shopped for.

Color bloomed high on his cheekbones. “For my grandmother.”

Hannah wiggled off her mother’s lap and onto the bench between them. “Sheriff safe?” Her blue-green eyes cut back and forth between them.

“Yes, baby.” Tess glanced at his badge that read Chief of Police. “She thinks you’re a sheriff like one of her favorite cartoon characters.”

He smiled at Hannah, showing dimples almost hidden beneath a short-cropped, blond beard. “You sure are a smart little girl. How old are you?”

“I four.” Hannah climbed onto her knees and traced around the border of his badge. “Circle.” Her tiny finger poked through each of the holes surrounding the center star. “Sheriff star.”

“It means I’ve promised to protect and keep you safe.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a small plastic star and pinned it onto Hannah’s pink shirt. “You can be my honorary officer.”

Her daughter—normally shy around men—flung her arms around his neck. “Tank you.”

Tess once again caught a quick flash of distress before he schooled his features and returned the hug. Watching her child interact with a “father figure” set off a familiar swell of sadness that rolled in like a tidal wave. Hannah’s father didn’t want to be part of their lives, but he was the one missing out on the unconditional love of a precious child.

His loss. Idiot, selfish bastard.

She shook off the dark thoughts and took a good look at the man wearing a tan cowboy hat. His movie-star-worthy face topped powerful shoulders and a chest that filled his uniform shirt almost to the point of bursting buttons.

What’s the matter with me? How can I notice a man’s appearance at a time like this?

Eyes squeezed closed, she turned her head to hide her emotions from a man who was way too attractive, and no doubt knew it. He probably had women fawning all over him. She did not need another man who’d play with her heart like a chew toy. Especially one with a dangerous job.

I can, and will, raise my child on my own.

Oak Hollow, Texas, might be a small town, but she made up her mind to keep as much distance as possible between her and this tempting officer. It wouldn’t be that hard. They’d only be here a couple of months before moving on to Houston to prepare for Hannah’s heart surgery.

Hannah plopped onto her bottom, little legs swinging as she admired her prize.

“Thank you for your help. I need to find our shopping cart and get groceries. I’m moving into our new place today and I don’t want to be late meeting the landlord.”

He cocked his head and studied her with a set of stormy blue eyes. “Is your new place by any chance the Craftsman bungalow on Eighteenth Street?”

Hair lifted on the back of her neck. “How’d you know?”

He stuck out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Tess Harper. I’m your landlord, Anson Curry.”

You’ve got to be kidding me.

*****

Author Info:

Makenna Lee is an award-winning romance author living in the Texas Hill Country with her real-life hero and their two children. Her oldest son has Down syndrome and taught her to appreciate the little things, and he inspired one of her novels. As a child, she played in the woods, looked for fairies under toadstools, and daydreamed. Her writing journey began when she mentioned all her story ideas, and her husband asked why she wasn’t writing them down. The next day she bought a laptop, started her first book, and knew she’d found her passion. Now, Makenna is often drinking coffee while writing, reading, or plotting a new story. Her wish is to write books that touch your heart, making you feel, think, and dream. She enjoys renaissance festivals, nature photography, studying herbal medicine, and usually listens to Celtic music while writing. She writes for Harlequin and Entangled Publishing and believes everyone deserves a happy ending.

Website: https://makennalee.com/

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MakennaLeeBooks

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18822880.Makenna_Lee

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Makenna-Lee/e/B07N97GX3N/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/makennaleewrite/

*****

Book Review – Rescue You

22 Thursday Oct 2020

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This one grabbed me from the first page more than any other book I’ve read lately.

*****

Rescue You

by Elysia Whisler

ISBN: 9780778310082

Publication Date: October 27, 2020

Publisher: MIRA Books

Blurb:

She needs a fresh start. He’s got scars that haven’t healed. With the help of some rescue dogs, they’ll discover that everyone deserves a chance at happiness.

After a year of heartbreak and loss, the only thing keeping Constance afloat is the dog rescue she works at with her sister, Sunny. Desperate for a change, Constance impulsively joins a new gym, even though it seems impossibly hard, and despite the gym’s prickly owner.

Rhett Santos keeps his gym as a refuge for his former-military brothers and to sweat out his own issues. He’s ready to let the funny redhead join, but unprepared for the way she wiggles past his hard-won defenses.

When their dog rescue is threatened, the sisters fight to protect it. And they need all the help they can get. As Rhett and Constance slowly open up to each other, they’ll find that no one is past rescuing; what they need is the right person—or dog—to save them.

Harlequin | Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million
Walmart | Google | iBooks | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

One

Constance slammed on her brakes. Steam rose from the street as rain gurgled through the ditches. She killed the engine, stepped into the pattering droplets and scanned the shoulder of the road. Nothing there but the remains of a goose carcass. “Where are you, boy?” Constance gave a low whistle.

It hadn’t been her imagination. The picked-over goose only made her more certain she’d seen a dog, weaving through the foggy afternoon air like a phantom. A lost dog, with his head bent against the rain as he loped along the muddy ditch.

Constance whistled again. Silence, but for the sound of rain hitting the trees that lined the road. “Maybe I’m just tired.” She’d done a lot of massages today, which made her feel wrung out. Constance almost ducked back into the van, but halted.

There he was: a white face with brown patches, peeking at her from behind a bush. “Hey, boy.” Constance squatted down, making herself smaller, less threatening. The dog watched, motionless. Constance drew a biscuit from her coat, briefly recalling the cashier’s amusement at the grocery store today when she’d emptied her pockets on the counter, searching for her keys. Five dog biscuits had been in the pile with her phone, a used tissue and the grocery list.

“Dog mom, huh?” the elderly cashier had said.

“Something like that.” More like dog aunt, to all of the rescues at Pittie Place. Her sister, Sunny, had quite the brood.

Constance laid the biscuit near her foot and waited. A moment later, the bush rustled and the dog approached. He had short hair and big shoulders. He got only as close as he needed to, then stretched his neck out for the prize. As he gingerly took the biscuit, Constance noted a droopy abdomen and swollen nipples, like a miniature cow.

So. He was a she. Constance inched toward her. The dog held on to the biscuit, but reared back. Constance extended her fist, slowly, so the mom could smell her. “You got puppies somewhere?”

The dog whimpered, but crunched up the biscuit.

“Where are your puppies?”

The dog whimpered again. Her legs shook. Her fur was muddy, feet caked with dirt. She had blood on her muzzle— probably from the dead goose. By her size and coloring, Constance decided she was a pit bull.

Constance rose up, patted her thigh and headed toward her van. She slid open the side door, grabbed a blanket and spread it out, but when she turned around, the dog was several yards away. Her brown-and-white head was low as she wandered beneath a streetlamp, the embodiment of despair in the drizzle that danced through the light.

Constance followed, slipping on the leaves that clogged the drainage ditch. The dog glanced once over her shoulder, but her pace didn’t quicken. Constance decided her calm demeanor was working, keeping the dog from fleeing. And let’s be honest: the biscuit hadn’t hurt. Chances were, the dog would be happy to have more as soon as she got wherever she was going. “Let’s see where you’re headed, then. Show me if you’ve got a home.”

Constance followed her across the road, around the curve and down the narrow lane. Frogs popped like happy corn all over the slick street, but the chill of the oncoming winter slithered through Constance’s blood.

She followed the dog for a good quarter mile. Even before she hooked a left down the unpaved road hidden behind the trees, Constance had figured out that the mama was headed to one of the handful of empty places that sat decomposing on the hundred or so acres the Matteri family owned. Constance paused only long enough to squelch the sizzle of anger that bubbled up inside before she pressed on, determined to know if the dog was a stray or a neglected mother from Janice Matteri’s puppy mill.

Constance took the same turn and watched as the dog neared the abandoned house up ahead. Nobody had lived there in years. It was only a matter of time before it became condemned. The dog bypassed the crumbling porch of the old colonial and went around back. Constance knew little daylight was left, and she hadn’t brought a flashlight. She broke into a trot, clutched her coat tighter around her and didn’t slow until the dog came back into view. Constance followed her, her heart thumping harder with each step.

The dog passed the rusted chain-link fence and disappeared over a rise in the property, near an old shed so overgrown with trees it was only recognizable by a pale red door. Just as she reached the hill, Constance heard a squeak. The sort of high–pitched noise that echoes from everywhere and nowhere all at once. Another squeak came. And another. She crested the hill and saw the dog slink inside the shed door. Constance got to the shed and pushed inside. The dog had reached her destination: a battered old mattress, three shades of brown, lying a few feet inside. The mewls, now loud and hungry, came from a shredded section of the mattress.

Constance narrowed her eyes. At first, she counted only two bobbing, brown heads, but as she drew closer there was a third. Then a fourth. The last one didn’t move nearly as much, just sort of waded on his stomach. The puppies had cocoa-colored fur and black muzzles. Eyes open. The ones that moved didn’t really walk, just stumbled into each other, like drunks. Mama dog curled around them and they all wiggled toward her abdomen.

Constance knelt down next to the mattress and watched the suckling puppies. She decided they were about two weeks old. The air in the shed smelled of sour milk, poop and urine. She dug out another biscuit and reached, slowly, her hand in a fist to protect her fingers, her gaze on the mama for any sign she was upset, such as pinned ears, bared teeth or a raised ridge of fur down the back. The energy around the mom and her pups was calm, to the point of exhausted. Constance had certainly helped with enough of Sunny’s dogs over the years to know. She offered the biscuit and the mom took it. With her mouth busy, Constance carefully touched the smallest puppy, who shook so hard the tremble came from deep inside, beneath his skin and fur, straight from his bones.

Constance rose slowly and did a quick search of the vicinity for more puppies, which turned up nothing but trash, vermin and an old orange crate, which she brought over to the mattress.

Now to see if Mom was going to accept help.

Though daylight was precious, Constance waited until the pups were done suckling before she offered a third treat. “Let’s go back to my place,” Constance said as Mom accepted the biscuit. “My sister has a rescue for critters, just like you. And I help her all the time. You’ll be safe there. Does that sound okay?”

While Mama crunched, Constance reached for the two pups closest to her and, keeping an eye on Mom the whole time, she lifted them and settled them in the crate. Mom’s chewing quickened, so Constance acted fast, lifting the last two pups swiftly but carefully. She rose to her feet, crate in her arms. The mother dog was on her feet almost ahead of her, pointing her muzzle at the crate and whining.

Constance knew the mom would follow her anywhere she took those pups, but she also lacked any signs of aggression, almost as though she knew that this was their only chance. Or as Pete, owner of Canine Warriors and Constance’s longtime childhood friend, would put it, “You just got something about you, Cici. Everybody trusts you. People. Dogs. The damn Devil himself.”

Constance headed back to her van, chasing the sunset. As expected, the mother followed. Once to the vehicle, Constance opened the van and set the crate full of pups next to the blanket she’d spread out earlier. The mama dog leaped in after them.

Constance slid the door closed, settled behind the steering wheel and let out a great sigh. Mission accomplished. She edged down the long, lonely road. The rain pattered on the windshield and the scent of dirty puppies hit her nose. She’d take them home tonight and get them settled in, see how they reacted to a new environment, then text Sunny in the morning. Constance had worked with enough dogs, and people, to know that introducing another new person this evening was bad news. Let Mama get used to Constance first, and get some good food and rest, before she was moved to Pittie Place.

Tonight, at least, this girl and her babies belonged with Constance.

Excerpted from Rescue You by Elysia Whisler Copyright © Elysia Whisler.
Published by MIRA Books.

*****

Review:

I really enjoyed Whisler’s Rescue You but I gotta start with a little gripe. With Rhett being former military and the blurb comment about the dog rescue being threatened, I expected there to be a little more action in the story. It’s an excellent emotional journey piece about people learning to let go of the past and healing so they can have a future. But the adventure really only comes into play towards the end and Rhett isn’t that much involved. If that’s what you are looking for, I’m afraid that it might leave you a little disappointed … although all the feels will definitely give you a great read.

Constance is struggling to find her footing after taking care of her dad as he faced a terminal illness and losing her fiance. She used to be a person in charge but lately she can barely make it out of the house. A chance encounter at a local gym puts her on the path to finding who she can be. And maybe a new chance at love.

Rhett is still struggling both physically and mentally from his last mission. Having a quirky woman who is obviously out of place drop into his gym has him working to push her out of her comfort zone, to help her find the strength hidden inside. And maybe a way to handle some of his own pain.

While Constance and Rhett play the main roles here, Constance’s sister Sunny and the men in her life also need a little help in figuring out what their own futures hold. All around there’s a lot of growth, support, understanding, and love that wraps you up and holds on until the very last page. It left me wanting me, hoping some of the others at Rhett’s gym will get a chance to find HEAs of their own.

*****

Author Info:

Elysia Whisler was raised in Texas, Italy, Alaska, Mississippi, Nebraska, Hawai’i and Virginia, in true military fashion. Her nomadic life has made storytelling a compulsion from a young age. 

She doubles as a mother, a massage therapist and a CrossFit trainer and is dedicated to portraying strong women, both in life and in her works. She lives in Virginia with her family, including her large brood of cat and dog rescues, who vastly outnumber the humans.

Author Website: https://www.elysiawhisler.com/

TWITTER: @ElysiaWhisler

Facebook: @ElysiaWhisler

Insta: @ElysiaWhisler

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19812585.Elysia_Whisler

*****

Book Review – The Gritty Truth

19 Monday Oct 2020

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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With over 75% 5 Star reviews on Goodreads, I’m not really sure what I can tell you except that you really need to read this book.

*****

A fun, sexy, and emotionally riveting new standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.

THE GRITTY TRUTH is the perfect love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, strong family bonds, bikers, babies, and more!

Recovering drug addict Quincy Gritt has fought his demons. He’s confessed to his crimes and conquered his addictions. He’s finally ready to go after sweet, sexy Roni, the gorgeous brunette who won a date with him in a charity auction five months ago and has been putting him off, and driving him wild, ever since

Dancer Veronica “Roni” Wescott worked hard to escape the seedy area where she was raised and followed her dreams to Julliard, only to have them shattered in the blink of an eye. She fought hard and regained her footing, but then the rug was pulled out from under her again when the grandmother who raised her passed away, leaving Roni feeling adrift in a world she knows very little about outside of dance. And then there’s Charlie Hunnam–lookalike Quincy Gritt—the man whose late-night texts pulled her through her grief and have been setting her heart aflutter for months.

Quincy pulls out all the stops, determined to prove that their friendship is only the beginning of what’s destined to be so much more. Romantic nights lead to smoldering passion and a deep connection too strong to be denied. But when Quincy’s past comes back to haunt him, can he and Roni accept their new gritty truth, or will Quincy spiral back into the darkness and lose the future he fought so hard to have?

The Whiskeys are perfect beach reads with depth of story, strong family ties, and a wealth of emotions. Small town love stories with happily ever afters guaranteed.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   KOBO   Apple   GPlay   Paperback

Also coming to audio!

*****

I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

Review:

Those who have read the series already know that Quincy Gritt has lived a pretty messed up life but has worked hard to get clean & make a healthy, satisfying life for himself, one that he can be proud of. He’s managed to stay clean and surround himself with a group of friends and family that will be there whatever may come, and after meeting Roni he knows that he’s just missing that last connection.

While Roni never dealt with an addiction, her life so far hasn’t been the easiest either. She grew up in a rough neighborhood but with the love of her grandmother and a talent for dance, she found a way to get out. Then a terrible accident changed everything. Back home and teaching dance classes, she’s working to find what her future might bring and Quincy is there to tempt her with possibilities. But is she willing to take him on knowing his background?

These two together are just the best. Quincy has such an appealing openness to his thoughts and feelings because of his recovery. It’s refreshing and helps to draw in Roni, whose history has left her missing a lot of the social opportunities that most of us take for granted. Years spent concentrating almost exclusively on dancing means she missed out on parties, dating, and teenage rights of passage. But Quincy is just the person to open up those possibilities and show Roni what she can have with the right partner.

Sweetness, honesty, and support are front and center in Foster’s newest and she delivers them all in spades.

*****

For more hot Whiskey love, check out Melissa’s other Whiskey novels.
TRU BLUE
TRULY MADLY WHISKEY
DRIVING WHISKEY WILD
WICKED WHISKEY LOVE
MAD ABOUT MOON
TAMING MY WHISKEY
THE GRITTY TRUTH
IN FOR A PENNY (A WHISKEY NOVELLA) releasing 9th December!
And don’t miss RIVER OF LOVE, the first story in which the Whiskeys were introduced!

“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!”– New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!”– NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

“Melissa Foster writes worlds that draw you in, with strong heroes and brave heroines surrounded by a community that makes you want to crawl right on through the page and live there.”– New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent

Tru Blue (Sexy standalone romance) by [Foster, Melissa]In TRU BLUE…

There’s nothing Truman Gritt won’t do to protect his family–Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. When he’s finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother’s overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she’s left behind. Truman’s hard, he’s secretive, and he’s trying to save a brother who’s even more broken than he is. He’s never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he’s less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people’s lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman’s dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he’ll be faced with his toughest decision yet.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   KOBO   iBooks

In TRULY, MADLY, WHISKEY…

Eight months is a long damn time to have the hots for a woman who keeps a guy at arm’s length. But Crystal Moon is no ordinary woman. She’s a sinfully sexy, sass-mouthed badass, and the subject of Bear Whiskey’s midnight fantasies. She’s also one of his closest friends.

Just when Crystal thinks she has her life under control, scorching-hot, possessive, aggressive, and fiercely loyal Bear pushes all her sexual buttons, relentless in his pursuit to make her his.

The more Bear pushes, the hotter their passion burns, unearthing memories for Crystal that are best kept buried. But there’s no stopping the collision of her past and present, catapulting the two lovers down an emotionally charged road that has them questioning all they thought they knew about themselves.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   KOBO   iBooks   GPlay   Paperback

Driving Whiskey Wild (A Sexy Standalone Romance): Bullet Whiskey by [Foster, Melissa]In DRIVING WHISKEY WILD…

Special Forces veteran and Dark Knights Motorcycle Club member Bullet Whiskey lives to protect his family, their bar, and the residents of his small hometown. He’s rough, unapologetic, and haunted by a secret, painful past. He’s also a master at keeping people away, and when his sister hires gorgeous and sweet Finlay Wilson to help expand their biker bar, he knows just how to get rid of her.

After losing her boyfriend and her father, Finlay moves back to her hometown to be closer to the little family she has left. She needs her temporary job at Whiskey Bro’s to get her catering business off the ground, and she’s determined not to let the gruff, arrogant mountain of a man Bullet Whiskey scare her off.

Finlay is everything Bullet has never wanted. She’s afraid of his dog, afraid of motorcycles, and sweet enough to give him cavities, but as she weaves her way into the hearts of everyone around him, he’s powerless to resist her charms. Passion ignites, but trust doesn’t come easily, and when their pasts collide, Bullet finds out the true meaning of protecting those he loves.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   KOBO   iBooks   GPlay   Paperback

Wicked Whiskey Love: Sexy Standalone Romance by [Foster, Melissa]In WICKED WHISKEY LOVE…

After escaping abusive parents and, later, an abusive relationship, Sarah Beckley has spent a lifetime watching snakes shed their skin. With two small children to care for and another on the way, she’s finally found a home in Peaceful Harbor with the brother she hasn’t seen in more than a decade. She’s still searching for her sister, but life is good. If only she could stop thinking about the sinfully sexy doctor/biker who has taken to her children like a loving uncle–and to her like a hungry man.

Trust doesn’t come easily for Sarah, but Bones Whiskey is patient and protective, amazing with her children, and he looks at her like she is the only woman he could ever want–and more. With two little ones underfoot, Sarah expects him to move on quickly, yet with every tender kiss and each trying moment with the children, Bones surprises her. But will the fiercely loyal biker stick around when Sarah’s worst secret is revealed, or will he shed his skin, too?

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   KOBO   iBooks   GPlay   Paperback

Wicked Whiskey Love: Sexy Standalone Romance by [Foster, Melissa]In MAD ABOUT MOON…

Can true love strike twice in one lifetime?

Josie Beckley refuses to believe there is a limit on happiness. A decade after she escaped her abusive parents and lost touch with her siblings, the death of her husband leaves her and her son homeless. But Josie has never been one to wallow in sadness, and when she takes a chance on reconnecting with her siblings, a sinfully handsome bright light from her past shows up and offers to help her find a way out of the darkness.

Most people wouldn’t see Jed Moon as someone to look up to. He’s been in and out of jail and has lived a less-than-stellar lifestyle. But years ago one woman saw through his bullshit, and he’s never forgotten her. Now she’s back in his life, and as a prospect for the Dark Knights motorcycle club, Jed promises to keep an eye on the sassy, sexy single mother who has never stopped lighting his fantasies on fire.

Jed and Josie’s combustible connection is stronger than ever. Having Josie and her son in his life brings out all of Jed’s protective instincts-and visions of a future he never imagined having. But when a shocking revelation knocks the insatiable lovers to their knees, it forces them to make choices that could change their lives forever.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   KOBO   iBooks   GPlay   Paperback

In TAMING MY WHISKEY…

Being the princess of the Dark Knights motorcycle club doesn’t come with a white knight or a fairy-tale castle, and that’s okay, because Dixie Whiskey has never needed a man to slay her dragons or make her whole. Even so, after watching each of her brothers fall in love, she’d sure like a shot at her own happily ever after. But with the Dark Knights watching over her and the only man she’s ever wanted out of reach, she’s not holding her breath.

As the launch of Silver-Stone Cycles’ biggest line approaches, Jace Stone is left needing a favor from the one woman who holds the power to take him to his knees. He knows when it comes to sinfully gorgeous and sharp-tongued Dixie Whiskey, he must stay on his toes and keep his walls firmly in place. But Jace needs her for his business—and Jace Stone always gets what he wants.

When the tall, gruff, and darkly handsome biker presents an opportunity that any other woman might see as the chance of a lifetime, Dixie turns him down flat. But Jace is determined, and he pulls out all the stops—sending Dixie’s overprotective brothers up in arms. Rebellious Dixie takes a stand—going after the freedom, and the man, she’s always wanted. One scorching kiss leads to an undeniable connection, but Jace isn’t looking to be tied down, and Dixie refuses to play second fiddle. Can two untameable hearts find forever love in each other’s arms?

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   KOBO   Apple   GPlay   Paperback

Releasing 9th December!
IN FOR A PENNY

Friendships and family abound during a week of love, laughter, and happily ever afters.

Catch up with your favorite characters and enjoy Bones and Sarah’s wedding while falling in love with the newest Whiskey-world couple, Penny Wilson and Scott Beckley in this Whiskey series novella.

When everything you want is right in front of you, but it’s still out of reach…

Penny Wilson has a successful business, more friends than a girl could ask for, and a boyfriend she’s madly and passionately in love with. Scott Beckley is honest, loyal, hands down the best lover on the planet, and absolutely gaga over his nieces and nephews. Scott’s a keeper…as long as Penny doesn’t ever want to hear those three magical words that would take their relationship to the next level. Scott escaped abusive parents at seventeen and was forced to find his way alone in the world. Even though it’s been more than a decade and he’s reunited with his estranged sisters and built a good life in Peaceful Harbor, Maryland, he’s still tortured by his past. Penny knows he loves her with everything he has, but for a girl who wants a family and a guy who is afraid of having one, love might not be enough.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   KOBO   Apple   GPlay   Paperback

*****

Author Info:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction 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 and new adult romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find Melissa on the following sites….
Website   Facebook   Twitter   Instgram   Pinterest   Goodreads   Bookbub   Amazon Author Page

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Click to get your FREE Love in Bloom Series Reading Order

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY !!

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Ending on Sunday 25th October at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

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Spotlight – After Hours Redemption

15 Thursday Oct 2020

Posted by in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Their red-hot reunion is off the charts!

*****

After Hours Redemption

by Kianna Alexander

Blurb:

They made passionate music together. Has this heartbreaker changed his tune?

Songwriter Eden Voss had the perfect man—sexy, charming, talented and hers. Until record executive Blaine Woodson broke her heart to save his fledging label. Now music’s bad boy is back, begging for her songwriting skills in his studio…and her lovemaking skills after hours. Eden vows to keep things strictly business this time. But there is nothing professional about the heat still between them…

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/after-hours-redemption-kianna-alexander/1136616631?ean=9781335209429

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/After-Hours-Redemption-404-Sound/dp/1335209425

Google: https://books.google.ca/books/about/After_Hours_Redemption.html?id=CmdrzQEACAAJ&redir_esc=y

Indie Bound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335209429

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488063213_after-hours-redemption.html

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52513414-after-hours-redemption

*****

Excerpt:

“Mind telling me why you insisted on coming here?” He eyed her curiously.

She tugged him along by the hand, around the circular path leading to the Clara Meer Dock. When they came to a stop, she pointed. “This is why I wanted to come here.”

He looked out, his eyes scanning the dark, glassy surface of Lake Clara Meer. “I’m guessing you come here often?”

She nodded. “This is my thinking spot. Whenever I’m working on lyrics and I can’t quite get it right, I come here. I spread my blanket out on the grass, sit down with my notepad and work it out.”

He looked at her skeptically. “So, did we come here to work?”

“Nah.” She shook her head. “It’s Saturday night, after all. I brought you here to talk.”

He frowned. “I’m still confused.”

She started walking over to the grassy patch overlooking the water and the dock and spread out the blanket there. “Something about this place always seems to bring me clarity. It’s a little slice of heaven, right in the middle of the city. It’s bound to inspire some pretty deep conversation between us.” She sat down, careful not to let her dress ride up till heaven and earth were filled with her glory. Then she patted the empty spot next to her.

He hesitated, standing there on the concrete path, looking a bit baffled.

“You scared, Blaine?” She faked a pout, sticking her lip out as she teased him. “Of little old me?”

He rolled his eyes, but his smile was evident as he joined her on the blanket. “You’re too much, Eden.”

“So, we’re basically alone now.” Or at least as close to alone as we’re gonna get without me crawling into your lap. She watched him, taking in his moon-dappled handsomeness. The dim lighting seemed to enhance his features, especially the golden flecks in his dark eyes. He was temptation in the flesh; her body craved him even though her mind knew better than to get lost in him again. The question was, how much longer would she be able to lead with logic? “What do you want to talk about?”

He cleared his throat. “If I’m being honest…”

“Please do,” she encouraged.

“I want to talk about kissing you again.” His deep baritone had each word dripping with sensual energy.

Warmth raced through her body, and she felt it pool in her cheeks, her chest and a bit farther south. “Blaine.” She meant it as chastisement, but it came out sounding far sultrier than she’d intended.

He shrugged. “Can’t blame a brotha for shooting his shot.”

“I guess not.” She chuckled, from both amusement and nerves. “I don’t know if we should lead with talking about kissing, though.”

“Why not?” He gave her a wicked look. “Did you enjoy the kiss?”

She swallowed and needing a respite from the intensity of his gaze, she looked down at her lap. Her dress had crept up her to mid-thigh, so she tugged the end a bit. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it. But that’s beside the point.”

“If you say so.”

She shook her head. Same old Blaine. Always charming, never reflective. “There’s too much in our past that you’re not considering, Blaine. We can’t just ignore our history.”

“Who said I’m ignoring it?” He traced a finger along her lower leg, trailing from her knee to the top of her sandal-encased foot. “What I know about you, our ‘history’ as you call it, is precisely why I want you.”

She drew a deep breath. Was he misremembering? Or was he really so clueless that he didn’t understand where she was coming from? “You know your decision to cut Ainsley and me from the group effectively ended both of our singing careers, right? Not to mention how much it hurt me personally. You have to realize the impact of that.”

*****

Author Info:

Like any good Southern belle, Kianna Alexander wears many hats: loving wife, doting mama, advice-dispensing sister, and gabbing girlfriend. She’s a voracious reader, an amateur seamstress and occasional painter in oils. Chocolate, American history, sweet tea, and Idris Elba are a few of her favorite things. A native of the TarHeel state, Kianna still lives there with her husband, two kids, and a collection of well-loved vintage 80’s Barbie dolls.

Website: http://authorkiannaalexander.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiannaWrites

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3029237.Kianna_Alexander

*****

Spotlight – The Last Rule of Makeups

14 Wednesday Oct 2020

Posted by in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Early readers are loving Crespo’s newest book. Get your copy to find out why!

*****

The Last Rule of Makeups

Breakup Bash series

by Nina Crespo

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Cori Ross is thanking her lucky stars. Sure, her long-time boyfriend just dumped her, but that’s a good thing. In her rush to find Mr. Right, she realizes she almost settled for Mr. Just Okay. And that’s definitely not okay. So, tonight, she’s out with her friends at the Breakup Bash—a private party for women celebrating their break-ups—and she’s actually celebrating. Still, it was too close a call. So she makes a deal with herself—no guys for six months.

Unfortunately, just as she’s leaving the club, she runs into her old boyfriend, Grey Latham—the guy she’d always wanted to be Mr. Right. Great. What a time to swear off guys. Maybe she needs to change the deal—no relationships for six months. There’s no reason why she can’t have a fling, right? Because Grey still holds the title of the best sex she’s ever had.

There’s no way this could go wrong. Grey is on his way to international DJ fame—he’s only in town for a short time, and then he’ll be gone again. No harm in burning up the sheets while it lasts.

Too bad neither expected what happened next…

Get Your Copy:

Amazon | Apple | B&N | Kobo | Google+

Catch up on the Series:

The First Rule of Hook-Ups

Rules of a Rebound

*****

Excerpt:

She leaned back against the wall. “Yes. Please tell me my shoe isn’t ripped.”

As he placed her foot on his thigh, the area near the top of her shoe throbbed. “You’re not bleeding. That’s what’s important. The top of your shoe is just scuffed.” The glide of his palm down her calf left a trail of tingles that traveled to her toes, momentarily distracting her from the pain. “We can go upstairs to the table Damien reserved for his guests in the VIP section. I can get some ice from the bar to cut back on the swelling. Do you think you can make it up the stairs or do you need me to carry you?”

“You mean the VIP table you’re sharing with the blonde and the woman who was giving me the stink-eye? No, thank you.” She took her foot from his thigh.

He stood. “Damien made sure the table was large enough for us and anyone else we wanted to bring.” He lightly grasped her shoulders. “You’re with me, and I couldn’t care less how Emery feels about it. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

Cori let the pleasure of knowing he cared about what happened to her over everything else seep through the cracks in her confidence that had appeared after her breakup with Kevin.

The way he’d walked out on her, as if she’d meant nothing to him, had left her swinging on an emotional pendulum from feeling fragile to angry. And it was so damn exhausting.

“So.” Grey looked at her from eye level. “Tell me what you want to do. Are you coming with me?”

Coming with him? Her mind went rogue with images of them between the sheets and how the first glide in of his cock used to make her tremble with need. The way he’d rolled his hips, thrusting into her slowly, deeply, then faster and faster, and—

No. That’s not what he meant. She closed her eyes, wiping away the image, but desire remained.

Those few minutes of dancing with Grey had been amazing, and so were her memories of them in bed. Would having sex with him still be that good? Not that she wanted to relive the past. What was the Breakup Bash motto? Get over one man and move on to a better one? And at the moment, Grey definitely qualified as better, and being with him fit right into her no-relationships plan. And exploring every inch of him until morning would make her very, very happy.

Cori opened her eyes. Ignoring slight pinpricks of pain in her foot, she rose to her toes and slid her arms up Grey’s chest and around his neck.

As she leaned into him, he slid his hands to her back and widened his stance. “Have you made a decision?”

“Almost.”

*****

Author Info:

Nina Crespo lives in Florida where she indulges in her favorite passions — the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing.

Her lifelong addiction to romance began in her teens while on a “borrowing spree” in her older sister’s bedroom where she discovered her first romance novel.

Let Nina’s sensual contemporary stories and steamy paranormal tales feed your own addiction for love, romance, and happily ever after.

Stay connected with Nina on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or through her newsletter.

Connect with Nina

Instagram | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bookbub

*****

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon Giftcard & Signed copies of Breakup Bash Book 1 & 2

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78adb913/

*****