My father’s business partner will do anything for the empire they built together…Even marry me.
Declan Hardy, All-American heartthrob and retired NFL billionaire, is my complete opposite. He’s commanding where I’m cooperative. Spontaneous while I am deliberate. Loud when I stay quiet. The only thing we have in common is that both our names are on my father’s will.
He’ll inherit the fitness and hospitality empire and I’ll keep the one thing I hold dear. As long as I marry himβwith conditions.
One year of a fake marriage. One year of living together. One year of pretending I belong in his luxury lifestyle.
But stipulations are never that simple. Especially when I can’t tell if his kisses are fake or if I’m pretending when I kiss him back.
And as more conditions arise, it’s clear there’s a fine line between commitment and betrayal… and neither of us knows where that line falls.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
βWhatβs with this gold owl necklace?β He asked quietly.
βIt meant something to me once.β I bit my lip as I looked at his, how close he was now, how I could feel his breath mingling with mine. βFelt like a symbol of being saved.β
βHmm. Do you want to be saved now?β
βFrom what?β
He didnβt give me a moment to consider more. He pushed me up against the front of the Bugatti and devoured my mouth. I tasted his hate for all we were going through, his anger, his intrigue. I met it with mine. Bite for bite. Touch for touch. My hands were in his dark hairβpulling, clawing, consuming.
His fingers dug into my thighs as he lifted me onto the hood of his car and lapped at my neck while he moved between my legs. I wrapped them around him immediately, my body latching on like a starved animal whoβd found a feast.
And I couldnβt stop even knowing that this arranged marriage was a recipe for disaster.
He ripped his lips from mine only to drag them over my neck, to taste my sensitive skin there, to suck it like he owned it. βNo. You donβt want to be saved from this. From me. You want it, Everly. All of it.β
I shook my head but held him close, ground my hips into his length. βIβm here because I have to be, not because I want to be.β
βYou donβt want to be?β He lifted one dark eyebrow, and then his hand was skirting under my dress and into my panties. βTell me then, is it the rain making you wet or me?β
*****
Review:
(Before I get into my review, read that excerpt again and if you think that’s the hero for you then this is definitely your next read.)
Overall, the heat is off the charts but the heart seemed to be a little lacking for me. I enjoyed Everly, she’s strong and independent … except when it came to Declan. Every interaction with him had her folding to his will, which is fine in a dom/sub type relationship, I guess, but I would have really liked for there to be a bit more balance. It did lead some seriously off-the-charts hot sex scenes but it didn’t do much for me to feel their “love” for each other.
Declan was a little bit on the other side of Alpha, maybe even a touch toxic at times. He’s controlling, dominant, overly jealous, but can also be sweet and thoughtful so I can kinda get it – he will definitely appeal to some. And he had some moments for me as well, but there were also times when I felt like his dealings with Everly were unhealthy. I just kept thinking that a therapist would have a field day with this one (which I guess maybe isn’t what you should be thinking when you are reading a romance).
The lack of communication between these two, and the push-pull of their interactions, got a bit old and some of the things Declan did … I really don’t know how he expected it would all work out in the end. But I can see the allure and the author definitely has me intrigued about the next book. I’m more than willing to take my chances and find out how Alpha that Hardy brother can be!
Between Commitment and Betrayal will be the perfect read for the right audience – the writing is enjoyable and the characters have their appeal. It’s not going to be for everyone, but I think this author knows who she’s writing for and delivers to them exactly what they will love.
*****
Author Info:
Shain Rose is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English Literature. Those degrees now help her write steamy romance with an edge. From contemporary to dark romance, you will always find a dominant hero and an emotional rollercoaster ride before you get to her happily ever afters.
She lives where the weather is always changing with a family she hopes will never change. When she isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband, two kids, and wild golden retriever. Yes, it takes a lot of books, coffee, and candy to keep her sane.
A grumpy baker, a quirky ad man, and a recipe for foreverβ¦
Scott
So this cute guy sits next to me on the plane and proceeds to talk my ear off for hours. Not good. I donβt like talking and I donβt like strangers. But Theoβs sweet, smart, and sexyβthe perfect distraction from business woes and personal worries.
Okay, things got overly friendly, but weβre adults and we know the score. Iβm too old, heβs 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 ideasβlike how to make fairy cakes a thing.
I donβt like fairy cakes.
But I do like Theo, soβ¦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.
Itβs 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.
Donβt worry. I wonβt fall for the grumpy baker. No way. Heβs complicated and broody andβ
Uh ohβ¦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.
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 binsβ¦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 weβd land in London. Not that it mattered. Iβd been on the late flight from Seattle so often, I knew I was in for a nine-and-a-half-hour ride and that Iβd arrive at Heathrow sometime in the late afternoon. I also knew Iβd 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 Iβd established over the past seven years. I shrugged off my coat and made sure my headphones were within reachβalong 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 βcause A, cross-Atlantic flights were rarely empty, and B, I didnβt 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 heβd 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 sheβd added more M&Mβs 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. Iβd 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 couldnβt 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! Iβll pick you up. Btw, I made a gorgeous lemon meringue pie Iβm 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 π – 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.
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!
Susan Malleryβs newest hardcover is an emotional, witty, and heartfelt story of Finley who is raising her niece because her long-addicted sister, Sloane, abandoned her. When Sloane reappears, eager to build a relationship with her daughter, Finley will struggle with forgiveness, the ties that bind a family together, and the fragility of trust.
The Sister Effect : A NovelΒ
by Susan Mallery
On Sale Date: March 7, 2023
9781335448644
Hardcover
$28.99 USD, $35.99 CAD
416 pages
Blurb:
Finley McGowan is determined that the niece sheβs raising will always feel loved and wanted. Unlike she felt after her mom left to pursue a dream of stardom and her grandfather abandoned her and her sister Sloane when they needed him most. Finley reacted to her chaotic childhood by walking the straight and narrowβnose down, work hard, follow the rules.
Sloane went the other way.
Now Sloane is back, as beautiful and damaged as ever, and wants a relationship with her daughter. She says sheβs changed, but Finleyβs heart has been bruised once too often for her to trust easily. With the help of a man who knows all too well how messy families can be, Finley will learn thereβs joy in surrendering and peace in letting go.
Mallery, with wisdom, compassion and her trademark humor, explores the nuances of a broken familyβs complex emotions as they strive to become whole, in this uplifting story of human frailty and resilience.
Finley McGowan loved her niece Aubrey with all her heart, but there was no avoiding the truthβAubrey had not been born with tap dance talent. While the other eight-year-olds moved in perfect rhythm, Aubrey was just a half beat behind. Every time. Like a sharp, staccato echo as the song βCounting Starsβ by OneRepublic played over the dance studioβs sound system.
Finley felt a few of the moms glance at her, as if gauging her reaction to Aubreyβs performance, but Finley only smiled and nodded along, filled with a fierce pride that Aubrey danced with enthusiasm and joy. If tap was going to be her life, then the rhythm thing would matter more, but Aubrey was still a kid and trying new things. So she wasnβt great at dance, or archery, or swimmingβshe was a sweet girl who had a big heart and a positive outlook on life. That was enough of a win for Finley. She could survive the jarring half-beat echo until her niece moved on to another activity.
The song ended and the adults gathered for the monthly update performance clapped. Aubrey rushed toward her aunt, arms outstretched for a big hug. Finley caught her and pulled her close.
βExcellent performance,β she said, smoothing the top of her head. βYou werenβt nervous.β
βI know. I donβt get scared anymore. I really liked the song and the routine was fun to learn. Thank you for helping me practice.β
βAnytime.β
When Aubrey had first wanted to study tap, Finley had gone online to find instructions to build a small, homemade tap floor. Theyβd put it out in the garage, and hooked up a Bluetooth speaker. Every afternoon, before dinner, Finley had played βCounting Starsβ and called out the steps so Aubrey could memorize her routine. Next week the dance students would get a new routine and new song, and the process would start all over again. Finley really hoped the new music wouldnβt be annoyingβgiven that she was going to have to listen to it three or four hundred times over the next few weeks.
They walked to the cubbies, where Aubrey pulled a sweatshirt over her leotard, then traded tap shoes for rain boots. April in the Pacific Northwest meant gray, wet skies and cool temperatures. Finley made sure her niece had her backpack from school, then waved goodbye to the instructor before ushering Aubrey to her Subaru.
While her niece settled in the passenger side back seat, Finley put the backpack within armβs reach. Inevitably, despite the short drive home, Aubrey would remember something she had to share and would go scrambling for it. Finley didnβt want a repeat of the time her niece had unfastened her seat belt and gone shimmying into the cargo area to dig out her perfect spelling test. Going sixty miles an hour down the freeway with an eight-year-old as a potential projectile had aged Finley twenty years.
βWe got our history project,β Aubrey announced as Finley started the car. βWeβre going to be working in teams to make a diorama of a local Native American tribe. Thereβs four of us in our group.β She paused dramatically. βIncluding Zoe!β
βZoe red hair or Zoe black hair?β
Aubrey laughed. βZoe black hair. If it had been Zoe red hair, my life would have been ruined forever.β
βOver a diorama? Shouldnβt your life be ruined over running out of ice cream or a rip in your favorite jacket?β
βDioramas are important.β She paused. βAnd hard to spell. Weβre going to pick our tribe tomorrow, then research them and decide on the diorama. I want to do totem poles. The different animals tell a story and I think that would be nice. Oliver wants a bear attacking a village, but Zoe is vegetarian and doesnβt want to see any blood.β Aubrey wrinkled her nose. βI eat meat and I wouldnβt want to see blood either. Harry agrees with me on the totems, but Zoe isnβt sure.β
βSo much going on,β Finley said, not sure she could keep up with the third-grade diorama drama.
βI know. Could we stop at the cake store on the way home? For Grandma? Sheβs been sad.β Aubrey leaned forward as far as her seat belt would let her. βI donβt understand, though. I thought being on Broadway was a good thing.β
βIt is.β
βSo Grandma was a good teacher for her student. Why isnβt she happy?β
Finley wondered how to distill the emotional complexity that was her mother in a few easy-to-understand concepts. No way she was getting into the fact that her mother had once wanted to be on Broadway herself, only to end up broke and the mother of two little girls. The best Molly had managed for her theater career was a few minor roles in traveling companies. Eventually motherhood and the need to be practical had whittled away her dream until it was only a distant memory. These days she taught theater at the local community college and gave intensive acting classes in her basement. It was the latter that had been the cause of her current depression.
βHer student wasnβt grateful for all Grandma did for her. When she got the big role, she didnβt call or text and she didnβt say thank you for all of Grandmaβs hard work.β
Molly had not only found her student a place to stay, sheβd worked her contacts to get the audition in the first place. Finley might not understand the drive to stand in front of an audience, pretending to be someone else, but if it was your thing, then at least act human when someone gave you a break.
Finley glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Aubreyβs eyes widen.
βYouβre always supposed to say thank you.β
βI know.β
βPoor Grandma. We have to buy her cake. The little one with the sprinkles she likes.β
Finley held in a grin. βAnd maybe a chocolate one for you and me to share?β
βOh, that would be very nice, but we could just get one for Grandma if you think thatβs better.β
Finley was sure that Aubrey almost meant those last words. At least in the moment. Should she follow through and not buy a second small cake, her niece would be crushed. Brave, but crushed.
Nothing Bundt Cakes wasnβt on the way home, but it wasnβt that far out of the way. Finley headed along Bothell-Everett Highway until she reached Central Market, across from the library. She turned left and parked in front of the bakery. She and Aubrey walked inside.
Her niece rushed to the display. βLook, they have the confetti ones Grandma likes. Theyβre so pretty.β
The clerk smiled. βCan I help you?β
βA couple of the little cakes,β Finley told her. βA confetti and a chocolate, please.β
Aubrey shot her a grateful look, then tapped on the case. βCould we get a vanilla one? I see Mom on Saturday afternoon. I could take her a cake.β
The unpleasant reminder of Aubreyβs upcoming visitation had Finley clenching her jaw. She consciously relaxed as she said, βItβs only Wednesday. I donβt know if the cake will still be fresh.β
βJust keep it in the refrigerator,β the clerk told her. βTheyβre good for five days after purchase.β
Aubrey jumped in place, her enthusiasm making her clap loudly. βThatβs enough time.β She counted off the days. βThursday, Friday, Saturday. Thatβs only three days. Mom will love her little cake so much.β She pressed her hands together. βVanilla is her favorite.β
Finley told herself that of course Aubrey cared about her mother. Most kids loved their parents, regardless of how irresponsible those parents might be. It was a biological thing. Sloane was doing better these days. Maybe this time she would stay sober and out of prison. Something Finley could wish for, but didnβt actual believe.
Finley nodded at the clerk. βWeβll take all three, please.β
Aubrey rushed toward her and wrapped her arms around her waist. βThank you, Finley. For the cake and coming to my performance and helping me practice.β
βI seem to be stuck loving you, kid. I try not to, but youβre just so adorable. I canβt help myself.β
Aubrey laughed, looking up at her. Finley ignored how much her niece looked like Sloaneβthey had the same big blue eyes and full mouth, the same long curly hair. Aubrey was a pretty girl but like her mother, she would mature into a stunning woman one day, as had her grandmother Molly before her. Only Finley was ordinaryβa simple seagull in a flock of exotic parrots.
Probably for the best, she told herself as she paid for the cakes. In her experience beautiful women were easily distracted by the attention they received. Little mattered more than adulation. Relationships were ignored or lost or damaged, a casualty of the greatness that was the beautiful woman. Finley, on the other hand, could totally focus on what was importantβlike raising her niece and making sure no one threatened her safety. Not even her own mother.
*
βWhat is it?β Jericho Ford stared at the picture on the tablet screen. The swirling tubes of metal twisted together in some kind of shape, but he had no idea what it was.
βThe artist describes this creation as the manifestation of his idea of happiness,β Antonio offered helpfully.
βIt looks like a warthog.β
βItβs art.β
βSo a fancy warthog.β
βItβs on sale.β
βI donβt care if itβs left on the side of the road with a sign reading βfree.β Itβs ugly and no.β Jericho looked at his friend. βWhy would you show that to me?β
βYou said you needed some pieces for your family room.β
βI meant a sofa and maybe a bigger television.β
βYou could put this on the coffee table.β
βThatβs where I put my beer and popcorn.β Jericho pointed to the tablet. βIf you like it so much, you get it.β
Antonioβs brows rose. βAbsolutely not. My house is all about midcentury modern these days.β
βThe warthog isnβt midcentury enough?β
βNo.β Antonio slapped the tablet closed and put it in his backpack before removing two gray subway tiles and setting them on Jerichoβs desk. βI want to make a change in the kitchen backsplash for number eleven.β
Antonio pointed to the tile on the right. βThis was the original choice. I like the shine and the texture, but Iβve been thinking itβs too blue.β He tapped the tile on the right. βThis has more green and goes better with the darker cabinets in the island.β
Jericho loved his job. He built houses in the Seattle area, good-quality houses with high-end finishes and smart designs. They sourced local when possible, had a great reputation and frequently a waiting list for their new-construction builds. Castwell Parkβthe five-plus acres heβd bought in Kirkland, Washingtonβhad been subdivided into twenty oversized lots where Ford Construction was in the process of building luxury houses.
Jericho enjoyed the entire building processβfrom clearing the land to handing over the keys to the new owners. While heβd rather be doing something physical with his days, he was the site manager and owner, and all decisions flowed through him. Including tile changes suggested by his best friend and the projectβs interior designer.
βThose tiles are the same color,β Jericho said flatly.
Antonio grimaced. βTheyβre not. This oneββ
βHas more blue. Yes, you said.β
He grabbed the tiles and walked out of the large construction trailer set up across the street from the entrance to Castwell Park. Heβd made a deal with the owners of the empty lot to rent the space while construction was underway. When his crew finished the twentieth home, he was going to build one for the lotβs owner. Jericho didnβt, as a rule, build one-offs, but it had been the price of getting a perfect location for the construction trailer, so heβd made an exception.
Once out in the natural light, he rocked the two tiles back and forth, looking for a color difference. Okay, sure, one was a little bluer, but he doubted five people in a hundred would notice. Still, Antonioβs design ideas were a big reason for the companyβs success. He had a way of taking a hot trend and making it timeless.
βEmail me the change authorization and Iβll okay it,β Jericho said, handing back the tiles.
βI knew youβd agree. These will make all the difference.β
βNo more changes on house eleven or twelve,β he said, leading the way back inside the trailer. βThe designs are locked in and weβve placed all our orders.β
βI know. This is the last one.β Antonio smiled. βBesides, Iβve already checked with the distributor and she said it was no problem to substitute one for the other.β He settled in the chair by Jerichoβs desk. βDennis and I were talking about you last night.β
βThat never means good things for me.β
Antonio dismissed the comment with a wave. βWeβre inviting a woman to our next party.β
Jericho knew exactly what his friend meant but decided to pretend he didnβt. βYou usually have women at your parties.β
βA woman for you.β
βNo.β
Antonio leaned toward him. βItβs time. You and Lauren split up nearly seven months ago. I know youβre still pissed at your brother, but thatβs separate from getting over your ex-wife. They cheated, theyβre hideous people and we hate them, but itβs time for you to move on.β
Antonio had always had a gift for the quick recap, Jericho thought, appreciating his ability to distill the shock of finding out his wife and his younger brother were having an affair and the subsequent divorce into a single sentence.
βIβve moved on,β Jericho told him.
βYouβre not dating. Worse, youβre not picking up women in bars and sleeping with them.β
Jericho grinned. βWhen have I ever done that?β
βYouβre a straight guy. Isnβt it a thing?β
βI hate it when you generalize about me because Iβm straight.β
Antonio grinned. βPoor you.β His humor faded. βItβs time to stop pouting and move on with your life.β
βHey, I donβt pout.β
βFine, call it whatever you want. Lauren was a total bitch and I honestly donβt have words to describe what a shit Gil is for doing what he did. But youβre divorced, you claim to have moved on, so letβs see a little proof.β His mouth turned down. βI worry about you.β
βThanks. Iβm okay.β
Mostly. He hadnβt seen his brother in six months, which had made the holidays awkward. His family was smallβjust his mom, him and his brother, with Antonio as an adopted member. Gilβs affair with Lauren had rocked their family dynamics nearly as much as his fatherβs death eight years ago, shattering their small world. Their mother had taken Jerichoβs sideβat least at first. Lately sheβd been making noises about a reconciliation. As Gil and Lauren were still a thing, he wasnβt ready to pull that particular trigger just yet.
βDennis is a really good matchmaker,β Antonio murmured.
βDid I say no? Iβm kind of sure I said no. I can get my own women.β
βYes, but you wonβt.β
βNow whoβs pouting?β
The first five notes of βLa Cucarachaβ played outside, announcing the arrival of the food truck. Antonioβs face brightened.
βLunchtime. Youβre buying.β
βSomehow Iβm always buying.β
βYouβre the rich developer. Iβm a struggling artist. Itβs only fair.β
βYou have a successful design business. And if that wasnβt enough, your husband is a partner at a fancy, high-priced law firm. You married money.β
Antonio laughed. βWasnβt that smart of me?β
Jericho followed him out of the trailer. βYou would have married him if he was broke and homeless. You love him.β
βI do and now we need to find someone for you to love. Not another redhead. That last one was a total disaster.β
βIβm not sure the failure of our marriage had anything to do with the color of her hair.β
SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s livesβfamily, friendship and romance. Library Journal says, βMallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agreeβforty million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.
Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the Ragdoll cat and adorable poodle who think of her as Mom.
What happens when a rock star with no plans of settling down finds out he has a teenage daughter, his manager is embezzling from him, and the woman heβs hired to design his tour wardrobe is breathing fire? Come along for the snarky, emotional, and insanely sexy ride as Jillian and Johnny get caught up in a storm that just might be bigger than both of them.
Jillian Bradenβs quick, creative thinking and fierce determination have helped her singlehandedly build a fashion empire. She doesnβt mince words and demands respect, but beneath all that armor, she carries the Braden curse of a soft heart. But that soft heart isnβt looking to start a family and doesnβt know the first thing about mollycoddling. When famed rock star Johnny Bad hires her to design his tour wardrobe and then postpones it at the last minute for the third time, sheβs had enough. Jillian is determined to set him straight, but she isnβt at all prepared for what she finds or for the type of help Johnny Bad really needs.
Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and an abundance of swoon-worthy moments make this sexy new standalone romance by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster unputdownable. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and happily ever afters guaranteed to leave you breathlessly in love with the fiercely loyal and wickedly naughty characters in the Love in Bloom series. All Love in Bloom books are written to stand alone or be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right in and enjoy the ride!
Next to Tru Blue, I think this was my favorite Melissa Foster book. Johnny is just all around awesome – he makes mistakes, but he has such a huge heart and really wants to be the best person he can be. He’s had a lot thrown at him all at once, but he steps up and does what needs to be done …. including taking on the sexy little spitfire yelling at him about cancelling a meeting yet again. With patience, understanding, and persistence, he’ll prove he’s in it for the long haul.
I’ve read a decent number of Foster’s books, but this is only the second of the Braden books so while I’ve met Jilly before it wasn’t all that much. She turned out to be just a spunky as I’d expected her to be, tho. She owns her sexuality, her smarts, and her spirit, giving Johnny both attitude and assistance in spades. She’s not going to let him get away with anything, but she also recognizes what we do – that he’s a genuinely good guy that’s doing the best he can. Together they can get through just about anything that life throws at them and I’m here for every minute of it.
I gotta say that the blurb doesn’t lie – Rocked By Love is full to the brim with humor, heat, and heart. Foster really hit it out the park with this one, delivering well-developed characters that seem so real and a story that is guaranteed to touch your heart. (And Johnny’s dirty mouth definitely doesn’t hurt!)
~part of a series but can be read as a stand alone – although there’s a lot of characters that were introduced in other books, enough info was given that I mostly figured out what’s going on~
*****
Author Info:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissaβs emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family orientedβperfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
βFilled with humor, heart and real love.β βMichelle Major,Β USA TodayΒ bestselling author
USA TodayΒ bestselling author Jennie Marts proves thereβs nothing quite like a cowboy.
No matter how swoony the cute cowboy is, romance is the last thing on Carley Chapmanβs mind. But itβs hard to ignore Knox Garrison and the spark of attraction she feels every time heβs near. When a water line break floods her building, sheβs forced to move her salon out to the Heaven Can Wait Horse Rescue ranch, and Knox shows up to help. But things get even more complicated when Carleyβs no-good ex comes sniffing around and Knox βfixesβ the problem by telling him theyβre engagedβ¦
Praise for Jennie Martsβs cowboy romances:
βFunny, complicated, and irresistible. Sometimes a cowboy isnβt perfect but you got to love him anyway.ββJODI THOMAS,Β New York TimesΒ bestselling author, forΒ Caught Up in a Cowboy
βFull of hope, humor, and undeniable swoon.ββA.J. PINE,Β USA TodayΒ bestselling author, forΒ How to Cowboy
βDeliciously steamy but still sweet, with a secret at its heart.ββJOANNE KENNEDY, award-winning author, forΒ Wish Upon a Cowboy
Carley gestured to the kitchen island where sheβd set out mini quiches, fruit, yogurt, and a mimosa bar. βBefore we get started, you all make yourselves some plates. And Iβve orange juice and champagne if you all want mimosas.β
βIβm down for that,β the third bridesmaid, who Carley didnβt recognize, said, as she strode into the kitchen and grabbed the bottle of alcohol. Already gorgeous, with her long blond hair pulled up in a ponytail, she wore a bright teal Western-cut shirt, jeans tucked into tall, embroidered cowboy boots, and a rhinestone-studded belt held together by a large, shiny rodeo championship buckle. βI may not be able to make fancy invitations or frost a million cupcakes, but I make a mean mimosa that will either land you on your butt or in the lap of a hot cowboy, and Iβm making one for all of you.β
Chloe nudged Carley. βThatβs Stacey, Coltβs cousin. Sheβs a barrel racer, and the rumors youβve heard about them are true.β
βBut you love me anyway,β Stacey said then let out a whoop as she popped the champagne cork.
βYes, we do,β Chloe agreed, laughing with her. βBut Iβve already got my cowboy, and the last thing I need is to land on my tush at the wedding tonight, so make mine light on the champagne.β
Carley laughed, even as she couldnβt help thinking about how she wished all it would take was a mean mimosa to land her in a certain hot cowboyβs lap. βI want you all to have a good time this morning. Iβll do Quinnβs and Tessaβs hair first, then work on the brideβs, and then finish with Staceyβs.β
βPerfect,β Chloe said, accepting one of the mimosas Stacey was handing around.
βHereβs to the bride,β Stacey called out, holding up the last glass. βNow, letβs get this party started.β
An hour later, Carley was just starting on Chloeβs hair when the front door opened, and Knox walked in. He held up two boxes of Twinkies. βWho needs a little sugar?β
βOh my word,β Stacey squealed as she bolted off the sofa and charged towards him. βChloe, you little devil. You got us a stripper.β She circled around Knox looking him up and down as she went. βAnd da-amn, is he ever a good-looking one.β She gestured to his service weapon. βHey handsome, are you going to show us your big gun? Is it already cocked?β
βWhat? Noβ¦I meanβ¦this is a real gun,β Knox sputtered, putting his hand protectively over his holster.
βIβm sure it is, baby,β Stacey crooned, leaning forward and giving him a little shimmy. βHow much extra for a lap dance? Because Iβve got an hour still to get my hair real mussed up, and Iβve got money to burn.β
βStacey. Stop it,β Chloe said. βHeβs not a stripper.β
βGood try,β Stacey said. βLook at those muscles. I know a stripper when I see one.β She gave Knox the βMatrix come forwardβ gesture with her fingers. βCome on, baby, show us what you got.β
Knox looked at Carley, as if hoping sheβd save him. Sheβd never seen the deputy so tongue-tied, but he seemed completely flummoxed as he held up the cardboard boxes. βI just brought some Twinkies.β
βWe know. And we want to see βem.β Stacey hooted then let out a long wolf-whistle.
βListen now,β Knox tried again. βIβm a deputy sheriff, and this is my official uniform.β
βGreat,β Stacey said. βNow take it off. Then can I touch your gun?β
βWhat did I tell you?β Chloe said, shaking her head. βBarrel racers. You canβt take βem anywhere.β
βSorry ladies,β Carley heard herself say as she stepped around Chloe and in front of Knox. βThis oneβs mine.β
Mine? Since when did she consider this man hers? Apparently as soon as some hot barrel-racer started flirting with him.
Knox stepped forward and wrapped his arm around her waist. Either her declaration or the steadiness of his hand holding her hip must have given him some of his composure back because his voice changed back to his normal charming tone. βYep, thatβs right. I belong to this one. Sorry ladies. Carleyβs the only one Iβm stripping for.β He grinned down at her. βToo much?β he asked quietly, before turning back to Stacey. βAnd sheβs the only one who gets to touch my gun.β
Carley barked out a laugh then covered her mouth. βI knew I shouldnβt have had a mimosa.β
βI havenβt had nearly enough,β Stacey said, heading toward the kitchen. βIβm making another round. You in for one, Mr. Official Deputy Sheriff?β
Knox shook his head. βNo thanks. I just stopped by to bring you all some snacks and to offer to help.β
Carleyβs heart melted a little. βAww. Thatβs so nice of you.β
βI was worried you would be having a rough time being out of your normal element and thought maybe I could do something. You already know my skills at washing hair. Do you need me to shampoo anyone?β
βNo thanks,β Carley said. βI appreciate the offer, but updos work best when you start with dirty hair.β
βIβve got dirty hair,β Stacey piped up. βIn fact, Iβm real dirty. So, you can shampoo all of me.β
βWhat?β Aunt Sassy asked from behind them as she pushed through the door of the bunkhouse. βYou all got a stripper? I didnβt know you were getting a stripper. I wouldβve skipped my dentist appointment entirely and come straight here if Iβd known. Did he start yet?β She snapped open her handbag. βI know I have some cash in here. Do I need one-dollar bills, or do you think he can make change?β
Chloe raised an eyebrow at Stacey. βSee what you started?β Then she called out to the other woman. βSorry, Aunt Sassy, there is no stripper.β
βDang,β she said, snapping closed her purse. βIs it too late to get one?β
*****
Author Info:
Jennie Marts is the USA TODAY Best-selling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. Readers call her books βlaugh out loudβ funny and the βperfect mix of romance, humor, and steam.β Fic Central claimed one of her books was βthe most fun Iβve had reading in years.β
She is living her own happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet that loves to tweet to the oldies. Sheβs addicted to Diet Coke, adores Cheetos, and believes you canβt have too many books, shoes, or friends.
Her books include the contemporary western romance Hearts of Montana series, the romantic comedy/ cozy mysteries of The Page Turners series, the hunky hockey-playing men in the Bannister family in the Bannister Brothers Books, and the small-town romantic comedies in the Lovestruck series of Cotton Creek Romances.
Jennie loves to hear from readers. Follow her on Facebook at Jennie Marts Books, or Twitter at @JennieMarts. Visit her atΒ www.jenniemarts.comΒ and sign up for her newsletter to keep up with the latest news and releases.
I should have known behind that deep sexy southern drawl, and beautiful face lived the worldβs biggest asshole.
Iβve 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 couldnβt 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. Iβd forget him or work myself to death trying.
Except thereβs one problem.
Turns out heβs 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 donβt have a choice.
Declan Miller
When I walked into Alejandroβs 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 wasnβt 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.
Before fully processing Jacksonβs 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.
βWhoβs from Kentucky?β 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. βI was talking about you, asshole. Come and meet my friend. Heβs the vet I told you about with the horses.β
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. Iβd never been happier that Iβd started working out at the gym. Maybe he was going to be the one to pass out.
βDeclan, this is Dr. Callum Kennedy. Callum, this is our new running back, Declan Miller.β
I know Jackson was expecting the standard greeting among strangers. And I wasnβt going to give this asshole the satisfaction of knowing heβd 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. βSo, youβre the new running back.β
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.
βAnd youβre the vet Iβve heard so much about.β
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 Alejandroβs. I would have been fine to play it as if weβd 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
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.
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. Itβs 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 sheβs 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, and three more upcoming books in the series. She will release her first solo novel in late spring 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.
Someone wants Police Chief Emilio Mendoza dead. And if his unknown assailant doesnβt kill him, pining for Sheriff Abraham Beecham just might.
Abe and Lioβs thirty-year journey has taken them from heated rivals to best friends with countless labels and pit stops along the way. Romance is the only avenue left unexplored but not from lack of love or desire.
Abe pushes people away before they can get too close, and Lio doesnβt engage in situations he canβt control. Theyβve reached an impasse, and neither are willing to risk their friendship until fate intervenes, forcing them to reassess their priorities.
But when an unhinged enemy targets Lio, will their gamble be too little too late, or will their love truly conquer all?
Just Say When is a standalone romantic suspense novel within the authorβs Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is attended for adults.
βAlex clearly doesnβt get his sportsmanship from his father,β Abe quipped.
βKiss my ass, Beecham,β I said softly in deference to the kids around us.
Abe leaned in until his hot breath ghosted over my ear. βGladly.β
I turned my head and looked at my best friend. His expression held a carnal promise that made me swallow hard. If I gave him the word, Abe would take me home, yank down my pants, and bury his face between my ass cheeks. I could practically feel his hot breath against my quivering pucker. His tongue would swirl and tease the rim before pushing in. Lust gripped my balls and squeezed. God, I wanted him so bad.
βNow I really need to hear this story,β Russ quipped, jerking me back to reality and saving me from breaking my own heart. I blinked away the fantasy, and Abeβs lips curled into a proud, wolfish smile. Unaware of the tension arcing between Abe and me, Russ continued chatting. βI knew you and Beecham went way back, Lio, but it sounds like thereβs more to it than I realized.βFew people knew the full story because I was stingy when it came to Abe. Our relationship had been fueled by variations of hate and love for three decades, but there had never been a right time to explore whether those feelings could develop into something more profound. My heart wanted to say until now, but my brain knew better than to get my hopes up. Abe and I had both drawn lines in the sand, and neither showed signs of relenting.
*****
Review:
There’s a few complaints that this one really doesn’t stand on its own but I didn’t have any issues. Yes, we start the book with the main characters on the bring of moving from friends to a romantic relationship but the main block to their HEA still needs to be resolved – Abe’s issues with abandonment. His mom left him as a kid at the mercy of his abusive father, his grandmother died, and now he’s afraid that anyone he loves will also leave him. Lio knows all about Abe’s issues and is willing to wait for him, but he needs him to be open to addressing it before he will take their relationship any further. It’ll take some time and patience but Lio knows their future is worth it. I enjoyed how Abe & Lio worked their way to the new aspect of their relationship. It felt like they were willing to make sure that it was on a solid footing. But then someone puts that future in peril.
**potential minor spoilers ahead**
My understanding is that Walker is great at crafting a good mystery and I can see it. I didn’t guess where things were going until she revealed the threat. I do have to agree with some reviewers that the motive is potentially problematic and while I feel for what the main characters went through, given the who and why, I would have liked more compassion given to the person and their reasons. But if this is any indication of the kind of suspense element brought by the author I’m open to more.
I’ll admit I’m a pretty vanilla kinda girl and while I enjoy a spicier read, it’s not something I would be comfortable with in my own life so I tend to be a bit … unsure of how these scenes come across for others. To me, Wilson delivered the heat & then some, and I’m not really seeing anyone else complain, so if steamy and explicit m/m scenes are your jam, then read away!
A satisfying blend of tension, eroticism, and affection, Lio and Abe’s story was a good introduction to a new to me author and has me interested in what else she has to offer π
*****
Author Info:
Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titlesβwife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.
Want to be the first to know about my book releases and have access to extra content? You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dlhPYj
My favorite place to hang out and chat with my readers is my Facebook group. Would you like to be a member of Aimeeβs Dye Hards? Weβd love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/
When thereβs Love as Sea, can a former one-night stand turn into forever? Being on a loverβs cruise wasnβt hockey star, Dylan Hardingβs idea of a dream vacation, but when he runs into a past one-night-stand, it suddenly has its perks. For Maureen Burke, avoiding the hunky athlete and all their chemistry while at sea is the key to keeping her job. Fans of forced proximity romances will love THIS PUCKING SHIP by A.M. Williams, a sexy sports romance.
This Pucking Ship
Love at Sea series
by A.M. Williams
Blurb:
What started as a one-night stand has become an entire week stuck at sea. Can these two unlikely lovers figure things out or will one of them jump off this pucking ship?
Maureen
Taking a job working in the gym on a cruise ship seemed like a good plan, especially after being dumped and fired from my last job, thanks to my cheating ex.
What I wasnβt counting on was running into the hockey superstar I had a one-night stand with.
Now Iβm stuck trying to avoid the chemistry between us despite his relentless pursuit before I find myself put out to sea.
I just need to survive this cruise with my head down and avoid the drama.
Dylan
Being a guest on a loverβs cruise wasnβt my idea of a dream vacation.Β
But running into the woman I canβt get out of my head? Now, thatβs a dream come true.
I swore I wasnβt interested in a relationship, but the sparks between us make it hard for me to resist. Except sheβs more worried about protecting her job aboard the ship than me.
Maybe itβs for the best if we go our separate ways especially once weβre off this pucking ship.
But back on land a unique opportunity to help Maureen secure her dream job presents itself. Iβll stop at nothing to make it happen because as much as she needs this job, I need her and this position will give us both what we want.
This Pucking Ship is a sports romance with a slightly forbidden twist, part of the Love at Sea multi-author series. Get ready to set sail through the Caribbean on Festival Cruisesβ most alluring voyage with eight of your favorite authors – happily ever after guaranteed!
Experience everything the Love at Sea series has to offer. From speed dating to masquerades, guests are sure to enjoy the hot days and steamy nights. Explore hidden waterfalls, swim with dolphins, and watch as eight couples find their forever on the open ocean.
It was October in New Orleans, so it wasnβt exactly cool outside.
But it was better than the oppressiveness of the inside.
I glanced up and down the street, noting more people were out now.
As I looked around, I noticed a small patio area I hadnβt seen before when we arrived, too busy sticking close to Heidi to notice anything about the place sheβd taken me to.
A quick glance confirmed it was a part of the bar I was at and that it wasnβt packed.
There were empty tables scattered throughout the space. With the realization I could sit down, my feet started throbbing.
I practically sprinted to an open table along the wooden fence, sinking down and sighing as the pressure was taken off my poor feet.
Thatβs what I got for letting Heidi talk me into wearing one of her cute pairs of boots instead of the sandals I wanted to wear.
I sighed in relief as I sipped my quickly warming beer, watching the knots of people outside.
There were several groups clustered at tables and on the other side of the patio was an outdoor bar.
I briefly wondered why everyone hadnβt come outside instead of staying in, but realized that inside was where the real party was. It seemed like outside was where people came to hang out.
I was fine with the hanging out over the partying. I felt too old to be inside in the thick of things.
Come to think of it, the last time Iβd partied hard had been my last year of grad school. Heidi had taken me out then, forcing me to drink shot after shot after graduating.
I suddenly remembered why I didnβt party hard and grimaced with my next sip of beer.
I shuddered at the memories and was glad I was sticking to beer and not drinking hard liquor.
βYou look too serious to be sitting here alone,β a husky male voice said to my right.
I sipped my beer as I looked toward who was speaking and promptly choked on it when I got a look at the guy standing there. Tall, dark, and handsome barely scratched the surface of how good he looked.
I coughed as I put my glass down, sputtering and trying not to spit beer on him.
He smirked as he sat down across from me, a beer in his hand. βI can say Iβve had a lot of reactions over the years, but not sure Iβve ever had someone choke when they saw me.β
I wheezed as I tried to catch my breath, a knot settling in my throat as I tried not to hyperventilate.
After a few moments, I was breathing easier and looked back at the guy.
It was Dylan Harding. I recognized him immediately, which is why I choked.
He was starting forward for North Carolinaβs hockey team. While hockey in North Carolina might not be as popular as youβd think, I took notice when there was a hottie on the team.
And Dylan Harding was the hottest of the hotties. When heβd first started playing, I was just starting my career as a physical therapist and hoped to work with professional athletes at some point.
He was only a few years older than me and dead sexy. Light blonde hair, dark brown eyes, and a physique that would make most grown men and women cry. I didnβt know anyone that was in better physical shape than he was.
So while I watched little hockey or really understood it, I understood a sexy man.
βSorry,β I finally said, after realizing I was staring at him. I thought fast and quipped, βI wasnβt sure if I was really seeing a demon or not. You took me by surprise.β
Dylan grinned and laughed, shaking his head as he sipped his beer. βQuick on your feet. I like it.β
I shrugged and sipped my beer much more carefully this time.
βYou from here?β he asked.
I shook my head. βNah, here for work. You?β
He got a funny look on his face at my question, but shook his head as well. βNah, just visiting.β
Silence stretched between us, but it wasnβt uncomfortable.
I looked around us as I took another gulp of my drink, trying to grasp onto something to talk about with my celebrity crush, but was drawing a blank.
βIβve seen some of your games,β I finally blurted.
Dylanβs eyes widened. βGames?β
I nodded quickly. βYeah. At PNC Arena.β
He stared at me for a few beats. βYou recognize me?β
He sounded baffled by this thought, and I narrowed my eyes. βYes, I recognize you. Iβm from North Carolina.β
His eyes widened briefly, then his expression cleared. βSorry, I meant nothing by it. You just said nothing when I sat down, so I assumed you didnβt know who I was.β
I pursed my lips as I considered what to say.
βI wasnβt going to admit to knowing you,β I finally said. βBut couldnβt think of anything else to say, so I panicked.β
He nodded slowly, studying me, his gaze raking over me.
βSo youβre a hockey fan?β
Copyright 2022 @A.M. Williams
*****
Author Info:
A.M. Williams is just a simple girl from the south that found herself living in Germany for six years, and now in Florida. When sheβs not annoying her cat or reading, sheβs spending time with her husband and planning trips to the beach, which is now only an hour away. Sheβs a total beach bum and would spend every day there if she could. She loves Cheerwine, sweet tea, and North Carolina (eastern style) BBQ as well as crisp, German white wine at any time of day.
Get ready to set sail through the Caribbean on Festival Cruisesβ most alluring voyage with eight of your favorite authors – happily ever after guaranteed!
Experience everything the Love at Sea series has to offer. From speed dating to masquerades, guests are sure to enjoy the hot days and steamy nights. Explore hidden waterfalls, swim with dolphins, and watch as eight couples find their forever on the open ocean.
Each story features a brand new couple and a fun trope from our amazing line up of authors including: Kate Stacy, HM Thomas, Mari Sol, S.A. Clayton, T.L. Anderson, Karigan Hale, Susan Renee, and A.M. Williams.
This promotional event is brought to you by TheIndie Pen PR
The perfect romcom for dog lovers!Β Pets of Park AvenueΒ is the story of a self-confessed hot mess who learns that life is more fun when thingsΒ don’tΒ go according to plan.
Pets of Park Avenue
by Stefanie London
ISBN: 9781335498199
Paperback OriginalΒ
Publication Date: December 6, 2022
Publisher: HQN
Blurb:
What do you do when The One is also the one who broke your heart?
Self-proclaimed hot mess Scout Myers is determined to prove sheβs finally got her act together. Raised by grandparents who saw her as her wayward motherβs wayward daughter, Scoutβs used to being written off. So when the opportunity for a promotion arises at Paws in the City, the talent agency where she works, Scout is desperate to rise to the occasion. With shared custody of her little sister also on the line, Scout canβt afford a single mistakeβ¦like suddenly needing a canine stand-in for an important photoshoot. Luckily (or not) she knows the owner of the perfect pup replacement: the estranged husband she walked out on years ago.
On the surface, it appears Lane Hallidayβs life has been blissfully drama free without Scout, but she suspects her handsome-as-ever not-quite-ex-husband doth protest too much. Working together even feels like old timesβexcept for all that lingering, unresolved tension.Β But Scoutβs not sure sheβs ready to confront the reasons she left Lane, and when their plansΒ to finalize the divorce becomeΒ very real, Scout startsΒ to wonder whether second chancesΒ might be worth a little hot mess.
Paws in the City β standalone Book 1 –Β The Dachshund Wears Prada
Scout Myers could think of several good reasons to be on all fours with her ass in the air, but pandering to the worldβs most disagreeable cat was not one of them. Isaac Mewtonβand yes, that was his real nameβwas a Scottish fold with the sweetest face youβd ever see. Unfortunately, despite the adorable camera-ready mug, the cat had the same disposition as those grumpy old Muppets who liked to sit on a balcony and heckle people for sport.
And Scout loved animals. One of the best things about her job at Paws in the City, New Yorkβs premiere pet social media and talent agency, was getting to be around furry critters all day long.
Isaac Mewton, however, was officially on her shit list.
βI can see something shiny back there.β His owner pointed. βWe canβt carry on without his favorite toy. He wonβt sit still.β
Scout gritted her teeth and wedged her hand between the wall and a white IKEA bookcase. Cringing, she prayed none of New Yorkβs finest creepy crawlies were hiding back there and wriggled her fingers.
βCome on,β she muttered. βWhere are you?β
Eventually her fingertips brushed something hard and plastic. That had to be it. How the cat had managed to bat his toy so hard it lodged itself into such a small space was incomprehensible. Almost as incomprehensible as this clientβs expectations. Seriously, how were they supposed to turn her precious kitty into a star if it wouldnβt even sit still for a headshot?
βGot it!β Her handβand the toyβpopped mercifully free.
βGreat, now can we get on with it?β The client looked at Scout like this was all her fault. βI have an appointment to get to.β
Paws in the City wasnβt only Scoutβs workplace; it was the brainchild of her best friend and the lifeline Scout had needed when her life couldnβt sink any lower. She came into work every day striving to do the best job possible, both for herself and her boss.
That meant pasting on a can-do smile, even when she wanted to launch a cat toy at someoneβs head.
βWhy donβt you get him to play with it?β Scout said, handing over the hard plastic ring, which was clear and suspended with glitter. βHe might be more receptive if it comes from you.β
The woman crouched in front of the cat and attempted to engage him with the toy. But he immediately batted it across the room, where it slammed into the wall and bounced onto the floor.
The photographer, who had shown a level of patience that should make her a shoo-in for sainthood, raised an eyebrow. This was going nowhere. Isaac Mewton sat on a velvet pouf with an artfully arranged bookshelf behind him that Scout and the photographer had prepared for his portrait, staring down everyone in the room like an angry king.
It was time to try something new. Scout retrieved a feather toy from their stash in the office. She needed to get these photos done now. Isla was due back in less than five minutes and they hadnβt gotten a single decent shot of the cat.
Letβs be real, what client would want to work with such a demanding, fussy model anyway?
Still, Scout didnβt want it to look like she didnβt have things under control.
βHe doesnβt like those.β The catβs owner shook her head and pointed at the feather toy. βIt wonβt work.β
βWell, weβve tried all the toys you brought with you, so maybe a Hail Mary is exactly what we need,β Scout replied tightly, her smile turning brittle. Lord give her strength to deal with this woman! The cat was a pain, sure, but animals were animals. They couldnβt be blamed for their behavior. Their human counterparts on the other handβ¦
Click!
Isaac Mewton had gone still, his eyes on the new toy, and the photographer seized the moment to start snapping. Scout moved the feather in gentle sweeping motions, and the catβs eyes followed with intense focus. He raised one paw and batted at it, ignoring the steady click, click, click of the camera.
So much for him not liking it.
Scout shoved the snarky inner comment to one side and focused on getting the cat to engage so they could wrap up the meeting as quickly as possible. Next to her, the owner huffed in annoyance as though she couldnβt believe her darling Isaac had proven her wrong.
When they were done and the woman and her cat had left the Paws in the City office, Scoutβs shoulders sagged in relief. She was a peopleβand an animalβperson at heart, but she had a pet peeve, no pun intended, about entitlement. Call it a leftover from her childhood. Her motherβs legacy was little more than a collection of emotional scars and personal quirks, but she had taught Scout one very important lesson.
Nobody owed her anything. Whatever she wanted in life, she would have to earn it.
βAre all your clients like that?β the photographer asked as she packed up her equipment. βThe woman seemed to think her cat was royalty.β
Scout shook her head. βMost clients are lovely and happy to have our assistance. But thereβs always the rare few who think theyβre superstar material, without being willing to put in the work.β
βHow long have you been open now? Only a few months, right?β
βSix months.β Scout couldnβt help her beaming smile. It might not be her business, but she was damn proud to be part of it. βAnd weβve already signed over twenty clients.β
βIncluding Miss Pain in the Rear and her angry feline overlord?β
βWeβve had several requests for cats lately, and he was by far the cutest weβve seen.β Scout sighed. βLetβs hope heβs in a better mood when it comes time to front up for a paying job.β
Paws in the City represented clients with four (and six) legs. They provided social media coaching to the humans running the accounts, worked on brand strategy and generally acted as a go-between in brokering sponsorship deals and other types of opportunities. They also booked animal talent for commercial shoots, both of the print and television variety. Every day was different. Scout managed the operational parts of the
job, like booking appointments, supervising headshots, fielding media enquiries and consulting with the freelancers, such as photographers and grooming specialists. Plus any other random bits and bobs, like making sure they hadnβt run out of dog treats or pods for their coffee machine.
Isla always said their mission was to make the internet a happier, furrier place, and Scout loved that sentiment.
A few minutes after Scout bid the photographer farewell, the front door swung open. Though cute, their office wasnβt much bigger than a postage stamp, so Scoutβs desk was situated in the waiting area and therefore doubled as their reception desk.
Isla breezed in, a wool coat slung over one arm and her long dark hair bouncing around her shoulders in soft curls. She was dressed in a pale blue blouse, fitted black pants and a killer pair of silver stilettosβa much fancier outfit than what she usually wore in the office. Black, though it was one of Scoutβs favorite colors, was not the best when working with their furry clients.
But Isla had been at an important networking event today, so there was no need to worry about dog fur.
βThose shoes,β Scout gasped. βWow!β
βTheyβre gorgeous, but theyβve been killing me all day.β She dropped onto one of the pink velvet seats lining the far wall and kicked off the shoes, groaning in relief.
βThatβs a rookie move,β Scout replied. βNow your feet are going to puff up and you wonβt be able to get them back on.β
βI donβt care if I have to meet Theo barefoot tonight, thereβs no way I was keeping them on a second longer than necessary.β
βHmm, barefoot to a white-tablecloth restaurant. Classy.β
Isla grinned. βTheo loves me as I am, blisters and all.β
It was true. Scout wasnβt sure sheβd ever seen a man so in love.
Not even on your own wedding day?
Scout shoved the unpleasant reminder to one side. The last thing she needed right now was for her mood to take a dive, thinking about inconvenient things like the fact that she was still married.
Or that she hadnβt seen her husband in five years.
*****
Author Info:
Stefanie London is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and her writing praised as “elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT Magazine.
Originally from Australia, she now lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges her passions for lipstick, good coffee, books and anything zombie related.
Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and swoon-worthy moments abound in this sexy new standalone romance by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster.
The Wicked Truth
The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside
by Melissa Foster
Releasing Dec 7th, 2022
World Literary Press
Blurb:
What happens when youβre not looking for love, but it walks in the door?
Madigan Wickedβs heart is not up for grabs. Sheβs been there, done that, and sheβs not going back for seconds. She pours her heart and soul into her family, her greeting card line, puppetry, and storytelling performances. But sheβs not opposed to having a night of fun, and the gruff, sinfully hot, definitely-not-looking-for-love mysterious stranger she runs into at a bar might be just the right man to enjoy it with.
Ex-con Tobias Riggs has lost enough for one lifetime. The only family member in his corner doesnβt remember him, and the people who he thought would always be in his life, walked away. Heβs just trying to make it through each day, and the last thing heβs looking for is any sort of connection. When chemistry ignites with the snarky, sexy storyteller, with lips he canβt stop thinking about, he gives in to a night of passion.
Though neither is open to love, itβs been known to bully its way into even the most resisting hearts. But can it survive the wicked truth of Tobiasβs dark past?
Tobias has had his fair share of trouble lately and he’s not exactly feeling worthy of good things. He’s struggling with a lot of guilt over the circumstances that sent him to jail and how it impacted those important to him. Crossing paths with a spitfire with a large, but damaged, heart soon has him wanting things that he doesn’t think he can have. When she claims to only one night, who is he to argue …
Madigan recently had her heart broken and is not ready to trust it to someone else. Finding herself drawn to Tobias, it works for her that he’s not looking for anything serious either. But as one night leads to more, that damaged heart might have other ideas.
There’s a lot of push-and-pull, especially from Tobias, as these two fight their feelings. He’s got a lot to work through but the draw he feels towards Madigan proves to be a lot stronger. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions as these two work their way from hot hookups to anger & heartache as Tobias’s past is revealed to a potential for a HEA if they can address the past. Foster is a pro at giving her readers big-hearted Alphas & tough-as-nails women to match them and delivers all the feels you could ask for, and more, with The Wicked Truth.
Like all the Dark Knights books, this one can easily stand on its own but would probably be more appreciated if you’ve read the rest. And coming from someone as good as Foster, it isn’t a hardship to add ALL the books to your TBR pile π
*****
Author Info:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissaβs emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family orientedβperfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
Romantic Reads and Such 