Review – It Had to be You

09 Friday Jun 2023

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

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Book Review, Chances Inlet series, It Had to Be You, Tracy Solheim

It Had to be You

A Chances Inlet Novel

by Tracy Solheim

Publication date: June 5th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Blurb:

It’s hard to keep a big secret in a small town . . .

When Paige Hollister discovers her “Mr. Right” already has a “Mrs. Right,” she swears off men forever. Even more humiliating, she suddenly finds herself labeled the other woman and out of the teaching job she loves. So Paige does what every unemployed single woman staring thirty in the face does: She hightails it to the beach. Bad luck like hers is hard to outrun, however. Her getaway is stalled when her car breaks down in a small-town chock full of meddling, nosy residents. The worst of them being the local sheriff—none other than her estranged father.

Finally on top of the golf world, Tanner Gillette is poised to show everyone he’s not just an entitled playboy coasting through tournaments on his pedigree. That is until his life is turned upside down by a little girl who shows up on his doorstep with a birth certificate inexplicably bearing his name. Complicating matters more, the kid isn’t talking. When the stress of caring for a child whose mother is AWOL gives Tanner a bad case of the yips, he’s forced to enlist help from the one person in town who can’t wait to leave.

Sticking around Chances Inlet and her father’s shiny new, über-successful family isn’t on Paige’s to-do list. Especially when she’d prefer to keep her embarrassing incident under wraps. Yet she can’t walk away from the troubled little girl. Or the sexy Australian golfer who just might make her want to take a chance on trusting her heart again.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61848830-it-had-to-be-you

Purchase:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MILgDb

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/it-had-to-be-you-tracy-solheim/1142991886?ean=2940186569206

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/it-had-to-be-you/id6445539754

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/it-had-to-be-you-68

*****

Excerpt:

Tanner was already halfway to her when his brain kicked in, reminding him that this was unwise. He was supposed to be avoiding Paige. He couldn’t be trusted around her. But he couldn’t retreat now. Not when he could feel the eyes of every woman at the pool tracking him.

Make that every woman except Paige Hollister. She was too engrossed in her book to notice.

“Where’s Whitney?” he practically barked when he tossed down his towel onto the chaise next to her.

Paige jolted at the sound of his voice before pulling her sunglasses down and eyeballing him. “She and Emily went joyriding in your golf cart.”

“Not funny.” Her snark had him relaxing. He needn’t be worried about Whitney. Paige took her role very seriously. Likely, she was off with Kate and Emily somewhere. He stepped out of his slides before lowering himself down to the chair.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“That should be obvious.” He let out a satisfying sigh, crossed his bare feet at the ankles and closed his eyes.

Paige huffed beside him. “Fine. Kate is taking the kids for lunch after visiting the sea turtle rescue hospital.” She shoved her book into a canvas bag. “I’ll just finish my book on the porch at home.”

Let her go, his brain screamed. The rest of him wasn’t listening, however. Without opening his eyes, his fingers reached between them, finding her wrist, gently encircling it.

“Stay,” he heard himself saying. Opening his eyes, he turned toward her. “Please,” he whispered, not liking the pleading tone of his voice one bit.

Paige’s eyes leapt from his hand on her wrist, up to his face, only to drop back down to where her skin was scorching his. Judging by the wary expression on her face, she thought it was a bad idea, also. Still, she sank her teeth into her bottom lip before nodding.

Relief raced through him. He brushed the pad of his thumb against the pulse throbbing at her wrist. Time seemed to stand still.

“I’ve got your lunch, Mr. Gillette,” a voice from above announced.

Paige yanked her hand away. The server was holding a folding table, but he seemed unsure where to put it until Paige gestured wildly to place it between them. She grabbed a fry from the plate and popped it into her mouth before he’d even set it down.

“Mmm. Do you have any ketchup?”

The server produced several packets from his pocket. “Anything else, sir?”

Paige picked up half the club sandwich and unabashedly took a bite.

Tanner sighed. “Apparently I’m going to need another one of those.”

“And an Arnold Palmer,” Paige mumbled around the food in her mouth.

Tanner held up two fingers. The befuddled server nodded and disappeared.

“Enjoying yourself?”

“Mmm,” she replied. “You might have mentioned lunch was part of the deal. I wouldn’t have been in such a rush to leave.”

He shook his head to avoid laughing at her cheekiness. “Thank you.”

She paused mid-bite. “Does that mean lunch is on me?”

This time he did laugh. “No. Thank you for staying.”

Her eyes darted away. Despite her outward bravado, she was skittish around him today. Not that he blamed her. He turned into a fool whenever he was near her.

The server brought their drinks. Paige swallowed half of hers in one gulp.

“I doubt you would have been lonely too long,” she said.

“Precisely what I’m trying to avoid.”

She lowered her sunglasses again. “Are you telling me I’m the . . . what? Some sort of decoy?”

“It’s been my experience that women won’t approach me if I’ve got a beautiful woman by my side.”

Paige choked on a fry. Tanner leaned over to slap her on the back. She glared at him when he let his hand linger too long.

“Puh-lease. I’m no competition for those women.” She waved a hand in the direction of the co-eds shimmying to an R&B song blasting from one of their mobile phones.

Was she kidding?

How could this woman not know she was a stunner? He let his eyes wander down her torso, lush and full in all the right places. Her legs were sturdy and toned right down to the purple nail polish on her toes. But it was the challenge in those pale blue eyes of hers that always seemed to draw him in. That and her saucy, sinful mouth.

“Why do women always do that?”

“Do what?”

“Put themselves down. Find fault with their appearance no matter how gorgeous they are.”

Her mouth opened and closed twice. “Well—”

“No,” he argued. “Don’t you dare shame your body, Paige Hollister. It’s magnificent just the way it is. You are beautiful just the way you are. Any man who doesn’t see that is a damn fool.”

*****

Review:

(warning: maybe some slight spoilers)

This is the first in this series that I’ve read so that may have something to do with it, but I really didn’t quite understand Paige’s bad feelings toward her dad. I get that he wasn’t there for her growing up, but I felt like I was missing something that would explain why she was so against getting to know him. Maybe it was explored more in his story. I also was a little lost on why she was so adamant about keeping quiet what was going on in her life. I get why she’d be a little embarrassed, but she seemed to take it a little far.

I did like her with Tanner though. I found them to be amusing & entertaining as they flirted and danced around their attraction. They were fun together and their obvious affection for Whitney endeared them even more.

Speaking of Tanner, he’s dealing with a lot. I felt so bad for him, with his childhood and then losing his brother. That’s a lot for anyone to handle but throw a surprise kid in the mix and it’s a good excuse to be a less than stand-up guy. Not our Tanner though. He’s there to support Whitney (and Paige) in any way he can and as all the details come out, he’s does the best he can for everyone involved, every step of the way.

Family drama mixes wonderfully with a little bit of a mystery, a small-town HEA romance, & meddling busy body family creating a delightful beach read. If the rest of Solheim’s books are like this one, I’ve got quite a few titles to add to my TBR pile!

*****

Author Info:

USA Today bestselling author Tracy Solheim writes books with shirtless men on the cover. Some of them are actually best-sellers. The books, not the men. When she’s not writing, she’s practicing her curling. . . bottles of wine, that is. She’s been known to cook dinner but no more than two nights in a row. Most days, she’d rather be reading, which to her is just necessary research. She lives in the suburbs of Atlanta with her husband and a neurotic Labrador retriever. Her two adult children visit but not often enough. (See the note above about cooking.) Check out her romantic suspense series featuring the Men of the Secret Service–shirtless, of course! See what she’s up to at http://www.tracysolheim.com

Author links:

https://www.tracysolheim.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tracysolheimauthor/

https://www.twitter.com/TracyKSolheim

https://www.facebook.com/TracySolheimBooks

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6519003.Tracy_Solheim

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251235439/

*****

Spotlight – Stars At Dusk

08 Thursday Jun 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Sable Riders series, Sky Gold, Stars at Dusk

Stars At Dusk

The Sable Riders #2

by Sky Gold

Publication Date: April 1, 2023

Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction

Blurb:

‘Your brass is ballsy, Kage Sable.’ – Harlow Meridien.

Running from her past, Harlow lives for the present. She’s sassy-smart-strong. A genius, generous, confident scientist developing a groundbreaking propulsion technology that’s attracted the attention of The Sable Group, and Kage Sable, to be exact.

He’s a master builder, an ex-warrior, a kick-ass engineer with sexy nerd energy and her new ‘boss’. His shop is responsible for an enviable fleet of high-tech corvettes, luxury flyers and racing pinnaces – helping to cement the Sable Riders’ dominance across Pegasi.

Convinced she’s the woman for him, Kage is determined to make Harlow his. He strongly believes every superwoman needs a superman. Problem is, she’s not so sure. She’s got a bad history with men. All she wants to do is focus on her work that could shift the balance of power in the Pegasi System.

She’s wary of Kage’s moxie and full-on thrust at life and love and doesn’t think she’s ready for that much intensity yet. But he slowly draws her in, one delicious moment at a time.

From subterranean speakeasies, sunken casinos and ancient ruins to fighting dens and exquisite eateries, Kage takes Harlow on dizzying flights of pure bliss across Eden II to convince her he’s light years from the ‘lame, always running game’ losers of her past. Instead, he’s a real man with strong convictions and the best intentions, who believes in an impossible love.

Together, they’ll fight for the relationship they want while keeping their top-secret breakthrough from a swarm of greedy, ruthless galactic hustlers. Together, they’ll fall into a twilight dusk of heady love and impossible starlight.

If you’re in the mood for:

A strong, smart heroine AND a sexy, badass anti-hero
Unrequited love and personal growth sagas that span a universe
Steamy, hot epic jolts!
Paranormal action
All the feels AND heartfelt escapism

Then take to the Skies Above Eden II. A whole new world awaits you.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124933470-stars-at-dusk

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZPzWd0

*****

Excerpt:

Forgive me kara, if I’m being too forward or intense,’ Kage said softly. ‘But I’ve never met a woman quite like you,’ he rumbled into her ear.
‘Not my fault you’ve spent time with women who can’t compare to me,’ she said with a soft smile.
He gave her a long look.
‘Too right,’ he finally drawled. ‘And now that I’ve met you, what should I do about it? I can’t go back to all those other girls who don’t live up to you.’
‘You’re going to have to try existing without me because I’m unavailable,’ she shot back.
‘Says who?’
‘Says me, and there’s nothing you can do about it.’
‘Is that right?’
‘Yep, you’ll never have me,’ she said.
He let out a loud laugh. ‘You know all you’re doing is waving a red flag in front of this bull?’
‘And just like a matador at the top of their game, I’m going to escape you.’
‘Are you daring me?’
‘Damn right,’ she said, then she slapped her hand over her mouth when she realised her mistake. ‘No, I meant no, I’m not.’
‘Too late, Harlow, game on,’ he drawled. She saw a glint in his eye that sent a shiver down her spine.
‘I’m serious; I’m not in the game,’ she retorted.
‘Well, that’s good, babe, because if I ever decide that I want you, it won’t be a game. I’m not those lame-ass, gamin’ losers you’re used to. Trust me, they’re not even in my race, let along in my league. See, I’m a man with no shame in going after the prize I want. I’ll give you the time, kara, but don’t keep me waiting too long.’
This time she almost choked at his absolute balls. He had quite the pair. ‘Play all your want, Kage. Doesn’t mean you’ll win,’ she managed to breathe out.
‘Thing is, babe, you need to win too, for this to work,’ he said, a small smile on his lips. ‘Which is why this is more than just a game to me.’
She heard the depth of care in his words and felt like she was being pulled into a hot, thick whirlpool of longing for something beyond her reach. What was he doing to her?
She nailed him with a long look. ‘Your brass is ballsy, Kage Sable,’ she eventually retorted.
She turned around and stepped out of his hold of her. But she shot him a look over her shoulder that was part tease, part challenge.
He winked long and slow back at her, placing a thick arm on the gold frames of the cloud-shaped enclosure on either side of her. Heat emanated from his body behind her, and she instantly felt enveloped in a strangely wild mix of freedom and possession.
She realised at that moment that for the first time in months, years, that she was having the time of her life. In a man’s company.
Although brunt, a tad crude and unrelenting, Kage made her laugh. He challenged her. He aggravated her. He pushed her buttons in a highly exhilarating way. Yet he hadn’t put her down or demeaned her, ever.
She also liked that he appreciated the good things in life like she did. He did it without the snobbery and pompousness many of her exes had exhibited. He seemed a man who derived great pleasure from life but the simple, raw variety.
He was also extremely smart, kind, and intensely loyal to the things he cared for. So different to the aggro, sexist and fake macho men she’d dated in the past.
They’d been the ones who’d wanted to mould her into what she was not.
He was possessive, yet he never acted like he wanted to own her. In fact, Kage didn’t seem to care to control her. Instead, she was secretly touched by the words he’d said to her ten months ago about respecting her body and choices. That flew high in Harlow’s world.
Yet she was determined to keep her pledge to herself to leave dating and men alone for a few months. It sucked because the spark between them was becoming a small blaze. One that, if fanned the right way, could fire up into a major inferno.
But she just wasn’t primed for it. She wasn’t sure she was ready for any of it, ever. She needed to work out if love, romance and relationship were what she needed or even wanted for her life. She had little to work with, especially after the piss-poor example set by her parents.
However, those were troubles and worries for another day.
Maybe after her project with The Sable Group was delivered.
Maybe when she had time to unpack all of her and all of him.
Maybe, maybe, maybe.

*****

Author Info:

I’m a lover of words, and consequently an author, writer and consumer of all things delicious, fun and courageously life affirming.

“Five Fun Facts” About Me:

– I’m married to a gorgeous alpha, grumpy husbeast and we’ve sired two bright, funny kids

– I live in the gorgeous sun-soaked beach haven that’s Sydney, Australia

– I love racing cars; I’m a lil’ bit of a speed demon …

– I own a grey Russian blue cat who’s an escape artist during the day and a yeller at night (sigh ..)

– I write best to music – check out the ‘Stars on Fire’ playlist on Spotify for a taste of my writing vibe 🙂

– I look to the stars themselves for my heavenly inspiration.

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card + an eBook copy of ‘Stars at Dusk’ AND a copy of Sky’s upcoming book ‘Stars of Gems

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251235434/

*****

Spotlight – Kicking it with the Best Man

05 Monday Jun 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Kicking It with the Best Man, Out and Kickin' series, Riley Long

Kicking It with the Best Man

Out and Kickin’, Book 1

by Riley Long

Blurb:

I’ve been out and proud for years, happily living my truth. Never did I imagine I would be asked to step back into the closet.

Until that night at the club.

After one too many cocktails, I ended up in a bathroom stall enjoying a hot and steamy tryst with a super sexy guy named Nate. We exchanged numbers and indulged in some spicy sexting.

But when I asked him to meet up again, he ghosted me.

I tried distracting myself by acting as a friend’s plus one to a wedding. Who do I see standing next to the groom, looking like a snack? Nate. He claims no one knows he’s gay and asks me to be discreet. Still, my years of hiding are behind me. Can I help him find the strength to come out to his family and friends? Or will his reservations be too big an obstacle to overcome?

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

“I’m so sorry about that,” the hot guy said. “I was coming over to talk to you and I bumped into that guy who crashed into you and spilled your drink all over your shirt.”

I turned to face him and looked into his crisp blue eyes. “It’s, um, it’s totally fine.”

“It’s not fine. Can I buy you another drink?” He glanced down. “Or, shit, another shirt?” Before I could answer, he forged ahead. “Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?”

Fuck, could he ever. We were so close to one another, I could smell his cologne, musky and woodsy. His arms and chest were straining the limits of his shirt and his artfully ripped jeans hinted at thickly muscled thighs. I bit the side of my lower lip. “I, um…” Heat crept into my face, starting at my neck and spreading up to my ears.

He cleared his throat and took a tiny step closer to me, closing in on my personal space. “I’m Nate.” His voice was low and husky. He licked his lips and his gaze traveled down to my chest.

“Theo,” I murmured. “Nice to meet you.”

Nate’s gaze leaped from my chest to my eyes and then down to my lips. He swallowed, his sharp Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat. “I’m really sorry about your shirt,” he said again, barely a whisper.

The heat roiled between us and I spoke without second-guessing myself. “Do you want to…” I tilted my head in the direction of the nearest bathroom stall. Lust coiled in my stomach and groin.

“Yes.” His response came out sounding raw and eager. Nate dipped down and pressed his lips to mine fiercely, wasting no time in plunging his tongue into my mouth. I couldn’t stop the needy groan that escaped me as we stumbled into the bathroom stall. As soon as we cleared the entrance to the stall, I stuck out my hand and slid the lock home.

*****

Author Info:

Riley Long is an author of gay romances novels spanning many genres from contemporary to paranormal. They live a quiet life in Virginia, with their husband, son, and two very silly pit bulls.

They spend their evenings writing, reading, and watching bad television (or not so bad television).

For fun, Riley participates in NaNoWriMo, GISH, and reads with her book club, the BAMFs.

They like things with silly acronyms.

Riley can tell you two different stories about getting covered in dairy products for a hug.

Connect with Riley:
https://www.facebook.com/WriterRileyLong
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1097122257097073
https://www.instagram.com/writerrileylong/
https://sendfox.com/writerrileylong

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Kicking It with the Best Man, Riley is giving away 3 e-copies of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Review – Against the Rush

30 Tuesday May 2023

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

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Against the Rush, Book Review, Chantal Mar, Philadelphia Power series, Susan Scott Shelley

Against The Rush

Philadelphia Power, Book 1

by Susan Scott Shelley & Chantal Mer

Blurb:

Jalen Daniels loves his job as a hockey coach to kids in the Philadelphia Power’s youth league. Coaching in the same league he played in and volunteering his time to a charity that brings the game to underserved communities takes up a lot of his time. The rest is filled with playing hockey in a rec league and bouncing at a nightclub. Meeting Leif Larsson, star player for the Power and father of one of the kids he coaches, knocks Jalen’s busy life off balance and leaves him craving Philly’s favorite Swede.

Philadelphia Power defenseman Leif Larsson has devoted the last four years to being a dad and a hockey player, in that order. Focusing on being the best dad for his daughter and the best teammate and player for the team was all that mattered. But when he sees Jalen at a charity event, their connection is strong enough to push his heart into pursuing the talented, surprising, handsome man.

Amid the bustle of hockey season, the sparks between Jalen and Leif ignite into something bigger and brighter than they’ve ever experienced. But navigating a relationship when their conflicting schedules make meeting up close to impossible is harder on their hearts than they anticipated. Can they find a way to score a win for love?

Universal Link

Universal Amazon Link

Add to Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

Nudging an elbow into my side, Ryder inclines Striker’s giant head in Sawyer’s direction with a sly smile. “I was thinking about bringing a backup turkey to Thanksgiving.”

As expected, frustration flares in Sawyer’s features, and he huffs a heavy sigh. “My dog snatches the bird off the table one time and it’s all you guys can talk about.”

Grinning, Axel zips his bag shut and takes over stowing away Sawyer’s gear for him. “Don’t forget, his yanking the tablecloth also lost us the stuffing and green beans.”

“The cranberry sauce was still edible.” Frustration fades under the amusement brimming in Sawyer’s eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ve already had a talk with him about being a good guest and I am bringing a backup turkey just in case.”

“Should I bring one too?” Blue eyes brimming with laughter, Calder rubs a towel over his damp blond hair. “Or stick with apple pie?”

“I love pie.” Axel hooks his arm around Calder’s shoulders. “Definitely more pie.”

“If you had your way, we’d exclusively be eating pie for dinner.” Laughing, I can’t resist the pull to turn my attention back to Jalen. For the first time all afternoon, he’s alone.

“Go talk to him,” Axel advises, and Sawyer, Calder, and Ryder nod in agreement.

Desire to go wars with fear of rejection and the worry I imagined our earlier connection. “What, right now? With you all watching?”

Axel fixes me with the no-nonsense stare reserved for the occasions when our team needs to be called out. “You’re one of the most fearsome defensemen in the league and a formidable champion of LGBTQ rights. Are you really going to let a little thing like us scare you away from talking to the first guy to ever captivate your attention? Don’t be such a baby.”

A baby? I immediately bristle with the need to prove I’m not one. The satisfaction on Axel’s face reveals his intention. He knows me too well.

“Fine.” Anticipation, embarrassment, and determination jangling my body louder than the music coming from the arena’s speakers, I stand. My teammates do the same, and for a second I’m afraid they’ll tag along.

Axel slaps my back. “That’s my boy.”

“Good luck, Leafy,” Sawyer adds, before tugging a ball cap with Striker’s image over his dark hair.

Ryder gives me a gentle nudge forward. “Make us proud, man.”

“You’ve got this.” Calder busts out two thumbs up.

“You guys suck.” But they just grin at me, and I smile back. I’m lucky to have friends who will goad me into being brave in the one area I’ve shied away from since the birth of my daughter. Being a dad has always come first, so I haven’t let myself indulge too far into romance. But there’s something about Jalen, and if I don’t act now, I know I’ll always regret it.

Nerves buzzing stronger than before a championship game, I head in his direction.

*****

Review:

Against the Rush is a slow burn romance between two guys who have a instant and strong connection but who have to figure out how they can make it work. Both are extremely busy with professional and family commitments that take up quite a bit of their time. But when you meet someone that you are drawn to so completely, you’ll just have to figure things out.

I liked both Jalen and Leif – they are sensible, giving, and loving. They approach life and relationships with careful thought and hard work. Are there bumps along the way, sure, but that’s pretty much life. Plus, they wear their hearts on their sleeves and it’s just the sweetest.

I will say my only complaint is that some of the writing is a little …. flowery? The similes and metaphors got just a bit out there for me. It only happened in a handful of places but if a reader is anything like my husband that’s going to be a big nope right out of the gate so I wanted to throw it out there.

Overall, though, readers who likes a slower paced, realistic love story will enjoy Leif & Jalen’s story. It’s full of real-life moments, relationships, and issues. There’s hardly any drama or angst, just a couple slowly getting to know each other and falling in love.

*****

Author Info:

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Susan Scott Shelley writes stories with heat and heart, where love always wins. Her romances give readers lighthearted escapes into happily ever after, celebrate the fact that love is love, and that everyone, regardless of how they identify and who they love, deserves to be accepted and cherished for who they are. In addition to crafting stories, she is a professional voiceover artist and enjoys lending her voice to a wide range of projects. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and loves sports, science, running, and reading. Visit her at susanscottshelley.com.

Social Media and website links for Susan Scott Shelley:
Website: https://susanscottshelley.com
Newsletter: http://www.susanscottshelley.com/newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanscottshelley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanScottShelley1

Chantal Mer never set out to write books. Yet here she is, and she’s having a blast. Happily ever afters for everyone makes her heart sing. When she’s not writing, Chantal can be found walking her adorable dog, going to musical theater with her daughter, observing the night sky with her husband and his telescope, and learning about the latest advances in video games with her son. Give her a book and a glass of wine and she’s in her happy place. Chantal lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband, two teens, and her sweet pup, Miss Toffee. Visit her at chantalmer.com.

Social Media and website links for Chantal Mer:
Website: https://www.chantalmer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chantalmer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chantalmerauthor

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate their new release, Sarah & Chantal are giving you the chance to win 1 of 3 paperbacks of Against the Rush!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Review – Guys Like Him

17 Wednesday May 2023

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

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Aimee Nicole Walker, Book Review, Guys Like Him, Redemption Ridge series

Guys Like Him

Redemption Ridge, Book 1

by Aimee Nicole Walker

Blurb:

Kieran Sullivan is broken when he arrives at Redemption Ridge. A wrongful conviction and twenty months in lockup will do that to a man. The ranch is a place for second chances and fresh starts, but for him, it’s an opportunity to discover who set him up. Get in, get answers, and get out. The plan sounds easy enough until Kieran meets an equine specialist whose sunny smile could warm the coldest heart.

Finley Ashe is a sucker for bruised spirits and sad eyes. The horse whisperer and broken-boy magnet is six months into a hiatus from love when Kieran, the king of emotionally unavailable men, gets assigned to work under his supervision. Mutual attraction is gasoline on proximity’s flame, testing Finley’s resistance in new ways.

Priorities shift, shields come down, and truths get exposed. Will the inevitable combustion redeem Kieran and Finley or consume them?

Guys Like Him is book one in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Guys Like Him contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

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*****

Excerpt:

Thick gray clouds hovered overhead, rolling like the anger churning inside him. For the past year, he’d expressed his eagerness to put the past behind him and start fresh. That’s what the prison counselors and the people with power over him wanted to hear, so that was the bullshit he fed them. But privately, Kieran tended to his bitterness like a stew on the stove. He knew when to adjust the heat and which ingredients to add to the pot to keep his resentment sharp. And the fucking drab sky and clouds only antagonized him more.

For twenty months, his entire existence had been gray—the floors and walls, the food, and the pallor of the inmates’ skin. The only break in the monotony were the prison scrubs. He would happily go the rest of his life without seeing the color orange again. Kieran had foolishly allowed himself to daydream about the vibrancy he’d see on release day, but he’d just gotten more of the same. Everything around him was wet and shiny from the rain, but it was more of a piss on his parade than a refreshing, clean slate. Kieran’s olfactory senses zeroed in on the motor oil brought to the asphalt’s surface by the shower. It was a scent he knew all too well, and it became a match to his pilot light. Rainwater splashed up on his feet and shins as he walked, but his wrath made him impervious to the chill. Kieran reached inside the padded envelope, removed the wallet, and stuffed it into his back pocket. Then he tossed the envelope with the cell phone into the trash bin. The device was dead, the contract canceled, and there was no one on the contact list he wanted to speak to anymore.

A slight breeze stirred the air, and Kieran closed his eyes and tipped his head back. Yeah, he’d enjoyed fresh air during breaks in the yard, but they never lasted long enough and were controlled by someone else. He’d lived long enough like a marionette, and there was no better time to embrace free will. The weather wasn’t what he’d hoped for, but he got to enjoy it outside the fences, and that was a victory he’d stop and embrace.

A rumbling engine caught his attention, and he opened his eyes in time to see a black king cab truck with a silver Redemption Ridge logo stop in front of the facility. The guy behind the wheel wasn’t a chauffeur, but he was there for Kieran just the same. A year ago, he set a plan into motion, and Cash Sweeney’s presence proved it had worked.

Kieran’s good behavior had gained him access to the K9 programs at Arrowhead, where he’d met Cash and his dogs from Redemption Ridge. The front passenger window rolled down, and a familiar black-and-white head poked out. Patsy, a border collie, was the first dog he’d met during the program, and it had been love at first sight for them. It turned out Kieran had a sixth sense when working with animals, especially the shyest ones. His talents had captured Cash’s notice, and he’d offered Kieran employment and housing on his ranch, where he rehabilitated horses and dogs. Kieran’s participation in the program and the subsequent employment opportunity hadn’t been divine intervention or luck; it was all part of his carefully orchestrated plan.

*****

Review:

This one is a slow burn, low angst romance and while it’s a complete romance it’s also an introduction to a larger storyline that will go over a couple more books at least. I think knowing that helps because some of it feels unnecessary and other parts are kinda left hanging. Definitely a standalone-but-not kind of situation 🙂

Kieran, just out of prison, has one thing on his mind when he gets to Redemption Ranch – get revenge on the people who send him to jail for something he didn’t do. And then he meets Finley. The draw is undeniable, but Kieran tries so hard to keep in mind why he’s really there.

Finley has always been drawn to men who are not good for him – the broken ones – and no one fits that bill more than Kieran. But past relationships have left Finley with a bruised heart and he’s not too anxious to do that again. If only he can resist his new ranch hand.

There’s a lot of fighting their feelings, inner dialogue moments in the early parts of the story so it takes a while for these two to finally give in to their attraction but it’s worth it when they do. (It also gives readers a chance to get to know a little bit about the ranch and everyone who lives there.) **Slight spoiler ahead but just a teeny, hint of one** Part of that includes the two of them trying to get more info on what happened with Kieran’s past. But a lot of the resolution of it happens offscreen, which I think some readers were frustrated with. I’m going to give the author the benefit of the doubt and hope that it comes into play more in a later story.

This is only the second of this author’s books that I’ve read and I’m looking forward to more. Her mains are likeable, interacting well together with a good combination of humor & heat, and she does well at giving us intriguing secondary characters. Finley’s mother, stepfather, and sister are a hoot, but the love between them is there for everyone to see. And the others at the ranch all seem like good guys, with pasts that could be a hotbed for complications & depth, and I’m so ready for more about them. Bring it on Ms. Walker!

*****

Author Info:

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me at:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aimee-nicole-walker
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AimeeNWalker
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/aimeenicole.walker
Instagram – http://instagram.com/aimeenicolewalker
Blog – AimeeNicoleWalker.blogspot.com

Want to be the first to know about my book releases and have access to extra content? You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dlhPYj

My favorite place to hang out and chat with my readers is my Facebook group. Would you like to be a member of Aimee’s Dye Hards? We’d love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/

Connect with Aimee:
https://linktr.ee/AimeeNicoleWalker

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Guy Like Him, Aimee is giving away 3 e-copies of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Review – Ineligible Receiver

10 Wednesday May 2023

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

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Book Review, Emerson Beckett, Ineligible Receiver, Package Deal series, Rheland Richmond

Ineligible Receiver

The Package Deal series, Book 5

by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett

Blurb:

A sexy and emotional story about how two best friends secretly fall in love but struggle to keep a heartbreaking secret from tearing them apart.

When I met Greg Foster, the straight tight end for the Portland Pirates, the rookie needed a friend to bring him out of his shell. There was more to the shy twenty-two-year-old bookworm than met the eye, and I was the perfect person for the task. My roommate and best friend, Christian, was involved with the Pirates QB, so a new friend to hang out with was good.

I pushed down my attraction to him and became the best friend he ever had. We bar-hopped all over Portland and played video games in our apartments. We even loved the same indy band from Seattle.

Then we fucked up when we fell in love. And by fucked up, I mean we got married even though we knew our marriage had to remain a secret.

No one knew about us. Not even our closest friends. And every time they asked, we gave them the same line… we’re just friends.

And ultimately, the reason for that secret would tear us apart. Now, here I was three years after meeting him, and wasn’t sure how to survive without him. He was the love of my life, and I was his.

Ineligible Receiver is a friends-to-lovers and bi-awakening story and Book 5 in The Package Deal Series.

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*****

Excerpt:

“So, Texas Tech, huh? Did you finish your degree, or leave early for the pros?”

Greg took a sip of his beer, then nodded. “Yeah, I got my degree.”

“What is it?” He was going to make me pull it out of him.

“English Literature,” he said, running his big hand over his head.

“You like to read?” I was intrigued.

He nodded again. “Yeah, I love it. Kinda fits my personality.”

“The quiet one?”

He smiled, but not so shyly this time. “Yeah, that one. I’ve never been a partier or anything like that. I’m weird and like to stay home.” He rolled the bottle between his long fingers.

Interesting. “That’s not weird. What else do you do to relax?”

Greg chuckled. “This feels like an interview.”

All I could do was smile. He was so fucking adorable.

“Well,” I said, turning toward him, “just so happens I have a spot open for a new friend, and you seem like the perfect person to fill the position.”

Our eyes met, and my pulse sped up a little. The small smile that crossed his face forced me to smile. He was breathtaking, with green eyes, tanned skin, and that thick light blonde hair. I was really going to have to work to tamp down my lust for him.

“Well, I guess I better finish the interview then.”

I waited. And waited some more.

“Well?”

“That’s a deep subject.” He tried his damndest not to smile.

My eyes widened. “You’ve got dad jokes!” I pushed his shoulder. “What else you hiding in there, rookie?”

Greg laughed and visibly relaxed in front of me. This was good.

“Nothing, I swear.” He took another drink of his beer. “Go back to your interview.”

I had to smile at him. “What do you like to do other than read? That’s not something we could do together. Although, I guess we could. Maybe get a couple of velvet dinner jackets, some armchairs, and pipes to smoke. Would you like that?”

I watched his throat as he laughed at my suggestion. That beautiful smile and a tiny bit of his warmth was beginning to show.

“Uh, that’s not necessary. But it would make a cool picture to send to my brother.”

Okay, he has a brother.

“Brock is almost fourteen. He’s my best friend.”

I smiled. “Well, until now.”

*****

Review:

I was so looking forward to this story and while I loved finally getting Cooper & Greg’s side of things there were a few parts that bothered me enough that I’m regrettably going to have to give this one 3.5 or maybe 3.75 *s. I personally don’t like stories told as flashbacks. It’s disconcerting and stops me from being able to fall completely into the story but I kinda understand why it was done here since we are getting their side of stories that were already told during the previous books (and as such you probably need to have read the rest of them to really enjoy this one). It’s awkward, though, and I think it really doesn’t give them the time their story needs so the idea of them hiding things for so long doesn’t resonate as much. And because of the staccato pacing I didn’t feel for Cooper’s situation as much as I did for Greg’s and so when trouble came I wasn’t on his side like I probably should have been. I think if I had really felt the time passing maybe it would have been different.

Now saying that, while it is a ding it’s not an unforgiveable one and I loved seeing these two fall in love – there are all sorts of feels and heartbreak going on as they make their way to a HEA. Like all of the books up to this point, it takes a little help from their friends for them to get there and it’s a beautiful thing to witness. The support and encouragement that these guys show each other is amazing and exemplifies their closeness as a family. You wish that Greg truly understood that earlier but once his past comes out you can understand why he feels the way he does. It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t trust Cooper and the guys more but on the other hand Cooper does enable that a bit as they go along. And they do show Greg that they are there for him when it truly matters.

A rollercoaster ride of emotions, Ineligible Receiver gives readers, especially those that have been there from the start, a satisfying resolution for two of our favorite people. There may be tears and frustration and even a little anger, but there is also humor and silliness and a whole lotta love. The authors know how to give their readers characters to get behind and keep them coming back for more. (Speaking of, I’m definitely going to be there for Roughing the Kicker! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Jesse and Dominick 🙂 )

*****

Author Info:

For as long as she can remember, Rheland’s had her nose stuck in a book, getting lost in the world of someone else’s creation (She still does). Her love for writing came from her love for reading. She could never have one without the other.

Writing has always been a hobby and a cathartic experience for her. There are many stories lost to the never to be completed or published pile but needed to be written at the time.

She’s just a girl that loved stories so much she decided to write hers.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y’all. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

Connect with Rheland:
www.rhelandrichmond.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@rhelandrichmondmmauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rhelandrichmond/
https://www.facebook.com/rhelandrichmond.author.58
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondsRiders/

Emerson Beckett is new to the publishing world. As an avid sports fan and lover of well-written M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author of gay romance. It’s even more fulfilling for her when she can combine the two.

The journey to becoming an author started with an idea while reading on the sofa. That idea became an email that ultimately resulted in Emerson using those teacher skills to edit novels for three phenomenal MM romance authors. The third referral led to an opportunity to co-write a book series with one of the most genuine and kindest people she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing- Rheland Richmond. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series, which includes The Quarterback Keeper, Pass Interference, Unnecessary Roughness, Two-Point Conversion, Illegal Motion, Ineligible Receiver, and one more upcoming book in the series. She plans to release her first solo book in 2023.

Besides being a retired teacher and author, Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 32 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is proudly part of the LGBTQ Community and completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance. Even though the kids no longer live at home, they filled the empty nest with an Australian Shepherd, three cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.

Emerson would love to hear from her readers. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

Connect with Emerson:
www.emersonbeckett.com
https://www.instagram.com/mm.author.emerson.beckett/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mmauthoremersonbeckett
https://www.facebook.com/author.emerson.beckett
https://www.facebook.com/groups/beckettsbookbrigade

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Ineligible Receiver, Rheland & Emerson are giving away the e-copy of their choice from The Package Deal Series.

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Spotlight – Once Rejected, Twice Shy

13 Thursday Apr 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Faerell series, Once Rejected Twice Shy, Rejected Mates Collection, TJ Bell

Once Rejected, Twice Shy

Faerell Book 1, Rejected Mates Collection

by TJ Bell

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Blurb:

Faith Calhoun was almost forty when she walked in on her husband screwing someone else.

Talk about a terrible way to end what had admittedly not been an iconic decade of her life.

After serving him divorce papers—on her birthday—she heads straight to her favorite bar, where the ultra-hot bartender plies her with drinks to take the edge off.

They end up tumbling into bed together.

That part’s not bad—in fact, it’s really, really good—except in the morning, he rejects her too, and somehow, that rejection is even worse than the first one. Especially when he insists he needs to remain in her life to ensure she’s protected.

From what? Her gossipy neighbors?

Oh, and let’s not forget all the strange occurrences that are getting harder and harder to explain away.

First, there’s a wolf in her house. A real, live, massive wolf. Then the house is attacked and nearly destroyed by some unknown—and unseen—enemy, and, get this, the wolf saves her. Then the bartender tells her he’s a wolf too. It’s like something out of her favorite shifter romance novel—except she’s living it!

And then there’s the icing on the cake: Mikail, the bartender-slash-wolf, tells her she’s a faery princess.

Maybe this week isn’t so bad after all.

If you overlook the reason he kept her identity a secret: the enemies she didn’t know she had want to kill her, and now that she’s been outed.

Her bad week is about to get a whole lot worse.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

She rubbed her head. “I need a change.”

“Getting divorced isn’t change enough?”

“That’s only the tip of the iceberg. I need to do something else.”

“Like what?”

Why did Mikail ’s voice suddenly sound sharp?

He swept her empty glass off the counter, replacing it with a fresh mojito.

She stared at the hazy liquid and did not sip. “I should probably slow down.” Then again, it was her birthday, she had nowhere to go but home to an empty bed, and Uber was just one press of a button in an app away and—she lifted the glass and gulped.

“Good thing you have such high tolerance,” Mikail noted.

It was true; she had always been able to drink anyone under the table, including her husband, who had been so impressed by that feat that he’d asked her out. Their first date had been to a sports bar on dollar-shot night.

“God, I don’t want to think about him.”

“Then don’t,” Mikail suggested.

“I never brought him here,” she noted. That had been Luke’s choice, not hers. She glanced around at the slightly cheesy tropical decor. Luke liked sports bars and martini bars, and this place did not remotely fit into either of those categories.

“There were so many signs,” she murmured, and apparently, she was going to think about him after all.

“Faith, love, you don’t have to rehash—”

“My ability to win at drinking games was what attracted him to me,” Faith cut him off. “How is that a solid basis for a long-lasting relationship? And considering what I know about his family and his upbringing, dating me in the first place was nothing more than an act of rebellion.”

“If that were the case, why did he ask you to marry him?”

She shrugged. “Who knows? I was good in bed? I was fun at parties? I looked good on his arm at charity events? Although I doubt it was that last one, since attractive socialites are a dime a dozen in his circles.”

“Maybe he really did love you,” Mikail suggested, although did he really just wince as he said it?

“He cheated on me. That isn’t love. That’s rejection.”

“That’s—”

“I said I don’t want to talk about it.” Okay, that was harsh. She was the one who brought it up, after all. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. You’re in a bad place right now. Letting out your frustrations in this way is far better than the alternative.”

“What alternative?”

Mikail’s gaze shifted to the side for a moment before he became fascinated by scrubbing the bar top. “There are lots of alternatives,” he finally mumbled.

“You’ve been in my shoes,” she said so abruptly he startled before glancing down at her feet, which were encased in a super cute pair of lime-green sandals she’d splurged on as a birthday present to herself.

“They’re a bit small for me, although plenty sexy enough.”

She laughed while resisting the urge to fan herself with the cardboard coaster, the only thing within reach that would remotely provide a cooling bit of wind.

And there went that chilled breeze again, swirling across the back of her neck and dropping the temperature enough that she wasn’t fidgeting in her seat.

Weird, although she shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. This was Louisiana, after all. Cool breezes were not commonplace.

He thinks my shoes are sexy.

Faith’s taste ran to not-conservative footwear, which her husband more often than not found distasteful. He’d never told her the shoes made her sexy, not even on their wedding day, when she’d worn white heels with tiny blue bows on the back and ankles straps covered with tiny pearls.

“I mean…” She flapped her hand, like that would somehow help her form the right words. “You’ve had your heart broken.” She narrowed her eyes. “You’ve been rejected. Like I have.”

He wouldn’t look her in the eye, which told her all she needed to know: the sympathy he doled out was real.

Her relationship was in the toilet. Even if Luke got down on his hands and knees and offered to perform cunnilingus every day for the rest of her life, she wouldn’t take him back. She was done. Closing that chapter. Moving on.

And it was her birthday. Forty. A big deal. The start of a new decade.

Fresh, new beginnings.

She should celebrate. Do something spontaneous.

Or do someone.

*****

Author Info:

TJ Bell is the naughtier alter-ego of romance author Tami Lund (although you should totally read Tami Lund’s book too, because they are really, really good). She writes paranormal, all the time. Her heroines are tough, even if they are broken, and her heroes tend to have a heart of gold under all that alpha. Hell, sometimes they aren’t even alpha at all; after all, who doesn’t love a solid beta hero?

When she isn’t writing snarky, steamy books, TJ Bell likes to take long walks on the beach with a tall glass of wine… oh wait, wrong bio. But still true.

TJ Bell lives in the (sometimes) beautiful state of Michigan, USA, where the weather is glorious approximately 30% of the time, with her even-more-snarky husband, snarky-in-training (and progressing impressively) teenage daughter, and her dog, Kaya, who wants to know if it’s dinnertime yet.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Review – Fairy Cakes in Winter

13 Monday Mar 2023

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

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Tags

Book Review, Fairy Cakes in Winter, Lane Hayes, Michael Dean

Fairy Cakes in Winter

by Lane Hayes

Narrated by Michael Dean

Blurb:

A grumpy baker, a quirky ad man, and a recipe for forever…

Scott

So this cute guy sits next to me on the plane and proceeds to talk my ear off for hours. Not good. I don’t like talking and I don’t like strangers. But Theo’s sweet, smart, and sexy—the perfect distraction from business woes and personal worries.

Okay, things got overly friendly, but we’re adults and we know the score. I’m too old, he’s too nice, and we live on different continents.

Then, out of the blue, he shows up at my bakery with that pretty smile and a list of wacky marketing ideas—like how to make fairy cakes a thing.

I don’t like fairy cakes.

But I do like Theo, so…maybe?

Theo

The new me takes risks. The new me is brave and confident. The new me flirts with hunky, imposing bears on planes while traveling to a foreign country.

It’s going well, thank you.

However, my plans to do some sightseeing, drink tea, and eat my weight in biscuits every day get derailed when I realize there might be a way to help Scott and prove a few things to myself.

Don’t worry. I won’t fall for the grumpy baker. No way. He’s complicated and broody and—

Uh oh…it might be too late. Help!

Fairy Cakes in Winter is a bisexual, age-gap, grumpy/sunshine MM romance featuring a sexy baker, a sunny tourist, and a few dozen fairy cakes.

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*****

Excerpt:

The flight attendant directed traffic with a smile, pointing the college-aged twentysomethings hefting giant backpacks to the far side of the plane before picking up her microphone. She gave the usual rambling speech, asking passengers not to crowd the aisles or stuff winter jackets into the overhead bins…Yadda, yadda.

I listened with half an ear for important info, like when this tin can was expected to get in the air and what time we’d land in London. Not that it mattered. I’d been on the late flight from Seattle so often, I knew I was in for a nine-and-a-half-hour ride and that I’d arrive at Heathrow sometime in the late afternoon. I also knew I’d be too disoriented to care about anything other than grabbing something to eat on my way home.

I had to admit, I was one of those weirdos who kind of liked the hum of airplane noise, and there was something vaguely comforting in the routine I’d established over the past seven years. I shrugged off my coat and made sure my headphones were within reach—along with my iPad, reading glasses, and the Ziploc bag of homemade trail mix my sister had sneaked into my carry-on bag. Then I buckled up, settled in, and hoped like hell that the seat next to mine would magically remain open.

Of course, that rarely happened. And I highly doubted my wish would come true this time around ’cause A, cross-Atlantic flights were rarely empty, and B, I didn’t have that kind of luck. The best I could hope for was a quiet neighbor. I peered over at the empty window seat and sent up a quick prayer for it to stay that way before slipping my readers on to check messages on my phone.

My ten-year-old nephew informed me he’d already beat my high score on Madden, my parents asked if there was any way I might finagle a trip home in the spring, and my sister claimed she’d added more M&M’s to her trail mix this year. She also asked if I was okay.

I sent an exclamation sign to Emmett, a heart symbol to my folks, and a thumbs-up to Heather. None of those messages required a wordy response. I’d learned that it was best to stick to basic communication with my family. Emmett was happy with the occasional poop or wind emoji, and my parents liked hearts. Real words got tricky. My parents knew that coming home for Christmas had been a stretch for me. I couldn’t swing another trip too soon, and it was best to avoid circular arguments.

And questions that might spark conversations about an old ex and his new wife. Yep, a thumbs-up was much easier.

I added another for posterity and was about to switch my cell to airplane mode when a new message from Becca lit up my screen.

Call me when you land! I’ll pick you up. Btw, I made a gorgeous lemon meringue pie I’m dying for you to try. Safe travels! xo

*****

Review:

This is my first book by Hayes and I was pleasantly surprised – it was scorching, sweet, and funny.

Scott is deliciously grumpy and stoic. He’s had his heart broken badly enough that he’s not in a hurry to try love again. Too bad fate has him sitting next to bubbly, sweet Theo, who’s fear of flying has him talking Scott’s ear off. Before he realizes it, the flight is almost over and he didn’t mind it a bit. And definitely not when things get a little hot in an airport bathroom; after all, what can it hurt since they’ll never see each other again … until Theo walks into his bakery a couple of days later.

Not usually one to take chances, Theo finds himself acting quite out of character but there’s just something about Scott that draws him. And Theo knows he can help out the bakery. It’s a great opportunity to help him evaluate the direction his life is taking him … and get to spend even more time with the sexy baker. He just needs to remember that falling for him is a horrible idea.

With Fairy Cakes in Winter, Hayes gives readers appealing characters who find themselves in a realistic situation with minimal angst. It’s a slow, but definitely steamy, build to an enjoyable HEA.

Oh, I did this as an audiobook and I rarely listen to them – I had a horrible experience AGES ago that was so bad it still makes me hesitant today 🙂 – but Dean has a pleasant voice and does a fantastic job bringing Hayes’s characters & their interactions to life. Made me brave enough to get another one to try out!

*****

Author Info:

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayes3/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@lane_hayes

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Fairy Cakes in Winter, Lane is giving away the Winner’s choice of an audiobook or ebook of your choice from her published works!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Spotlight – Illegal Motion

03 Friday Mar 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Emerson Beckett, Illegal Motion, Package Deal series, Rheland Richmond

Illegal Motion

The Package Deal Series, Book 4

by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett

Blurb:

Callum Kennedy

I should have known behind that deep sexy southern drawl, and beautiful face lived the world’s biggest asshole.

I’ve tried my damnedest to put him behind me. But it was hard to do when I saw his face every night in my dreams and couldn’t forget how he worked my body over.

It was okay. I had my work as a vet, my equine rescue to manage, and my friends. I’d forget him or work myself to death trying.

Except there’s one problem.

Turns out he’s the new free-agent running back who just signed a one-year deal with the Portland Pirates. The infamous Declan Miller has turned my world upside down and reinserted his unforgettable self back into my life for the next year.

Declan’s the last person I want help from, but it looks like I don’t have a choice.

Declan Miller

When I walked into Alejandro’s Bar that night in late July, I never expected to meet someone my first night in town.

But the sexy guy with wavy dark blond hair and hazel-green eyes sitting alone at the bar caught my attention immediately. Or maybe it was the way he was sniffing his own shirt.

After a night of the best sex of my life, I knew I had to push him away. I wasn’t doing relationships anymore, and this gorgeous, funny man had the power to break me.

But when I find out my unforgettable hookup is part of my new friend group, Dr. Callum Kennedy wants nothing to do with me until he has no choice but to let me help.

Illegal Motion is an MM sports romance and the fourth book in The Package Deal Series about the hot single dads of the Portland Pirates football team.

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*****

Excerpt:

Before fully processing Jackson’s words, I heard that voice that sent shivers down my spine. Was I hallucinating? I looked at the beer in my hand and read the label. Nope, no hard liquor.

“Who’s from Kentucky?” The southern drawl drew me in like flies to honey and caused my spine to stiffen. There was no fucking way he could be here.

Jackson glanced at him. “I was talking about you, asshole. Come and meet my friend. He’s the vet I told you about with the horses.”

The scent of apples and vanilla hit me before I looked up into those deep brown eyes. My pulse sped up as I tried to calm my frazzled nerves. I just might fucking pass out.

Or punch the smug fucker.

Jackson was oblivious to my near stroke. I only had a split second to figure out how to play this moment, and I was sure it was probably the wrong way.

But the look on his face was priceless. His eyes widened as he took me in. I’d never been happier that I’d started working out at the gym. Maybe he was going to be the one to pass out.

“Declan, this is Dr. Callum Kennedy. Callum, this is our new running back, Declan Miller.”

I know Jackson was expecting the standard greeting among strangers. And I wasn’t going to give this asshole the satisfaction of knowing he’d affected me so deeply with his brush-off.

So I steeled my spine, stood straight up, and met his eyes. I held out my hand to shake his. I tried to be my regular cordial self, but I failed quickly.

I sighed. “So, you’re the new running back.”

Declan looked at my hand and brought his to mine to shake. I would have sworn there was an electrical storm from the electricity arcing through my body.

“And you’re the vet I’ve heard so much about.”

Our eyes stayed locked on each other as I withdrew my hand from his. I watched his face as he sifted through the memories of that night. His eyes dilated, and the sexy bastard gave me the same grin he had that night at Alejandro’s. I would have been fine to play it as if we’d never met before. I could ignore him.

But I frowned as the fucker let his eyes roam all over my body before he sucked in his bottom lip as he smiled at me. I would bet my truck that if I looked down, his cock would be hard as steel.

*****

Author Info:

Rheland Richmond

Writing has always been a hobby and a cathartic experience for her. There are many stories lost to the never to be completed or published pile but needed to be written at the time.

She’s just a girl that loved stories so much she decided to write hers.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y’all. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

www.rhelandrichmond.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@rhelandrichmondmmauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rhelandrichmond/
https://www.facebook.com/rhelandrichmond.author.58
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondsRiders/

Emerson Beckett

Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series, which includes The Quarterback Keeper, Pass Interference, Unnecessary Roughness, Two-Point Conversion, and three more upcoming books in the series. She will release her first solo novel in late spring 2023.

Emerson would love to hear from her readers. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

www.emersonbeckett.com
https://www.instagram.com/mm.author.emerson.beckett/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mmauthoremersonbeckett
https://www.facebook.com/author.emerson.beckett
https://www.facebook.com/groups/beckettsbookbrigade

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Illegal Motion, Rheland & Emerson are giving away an e-book of the winner’s choice from the series!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Spotlight – Wrecked

24 Friday Feb 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Merciless Few MC series, S. Courtney, Wrecked

Wrecked

Merciless Few MC Book 1

by S Courtney

Genre: MC Motorcycle Club Romance

Blurb:

Reaper

Crashed and burned
Wrecked….
My relationship, my life, my bike
All turned upside down
But I needed to get my bike back in gear
She’s the only one I need
No woman was going to ever change that
No woman was going to make me crash and burn again

My club is my sole focus
Until her…and that cute little tater tot daughter
I’m going to protect them from whatever, including family
Now I wonder…
If I open up, will she wreck my life?

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

*****

Author Info:

S Courtney is new to the published writing community but has been a lifelong writer and began creatively writing in junior high.

She is the author of the paranormal romance, the Bound Series, which includes Bound to You, Bound by Destiny, and Unapologetically Nessa which are available on paperback and kindle.

She is also the author of her contemporary romance, the Black Aces MC, a motorcycle club romance and the Sandman, a dark, slow burn paranormal romance.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/wrecked-book-tour-and-giveaway