Sparks fly between a PR rep and an A-list actor who want nothing to do with each other.
Leni Steele might be looking for love, but sheβs definitely not looking to be someoneβs fake date. Especially not one of the most infuriatingly handsome and annoyingly cocky actors on the planet, Duncan Raz. But when the owner of the PR firm for which she works forces her to walk the red carpet on his arm, she has no choice. Neither wants to be there, much less with each other. Theyβre like oil and water, and he gets on her last nerve. But after a few tequila shots, thatβs not all he gets on. What was supposed to be one date turns into a media frenzy they canβt afford to ignore, and Leni has no other option than to continue the ruse. All the fake kisses, furtive glances, and seductive touches eventually start to feel very real. But Raz didnβt earn his A-list-actor status for nothing. Is he just doing what he does best? Playing a role? Or is Leni the leading lady in Razβs real-life love story?
Fake dating can be hit or miss and I think Foster does well by her characters. There’s not a lot of build up like you’d expect, instead they pretty much jump right into it and quickly find themselves enjoying their “relationship” a little too much. Duncan proves himself to be more than just a pretty face and ego. He’s a funny, sexy dirty-talker with a big heart. And as much as he’s drawn to Leni’s sassy mouth, he also likes her brain and dedication.
But because they hook up pretty much right away, the rest of the story was a little bit of rinse and repeat. Both Duncan and Leni have their reasons to avoid getting involved, and Leni has some pretty high walls protecting her heart, but their connection is just too strong to resist. When they let themselves give in though, they are a delight – oh-so-hawt and funny, with moments of vulnerability.
Emotional, steamy, and humorous, Foster’s newest is delivered with her trademark style of enjoyable characters and a HEA that will leave readers with a smile on their face. (Seriously, this is one of my favorite endings by her.)
*****
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.
To compensate for a lost honeymoon, Destiny Resorts offers Jackson a jilted groom vacation at their luxurious Las Vegas casino, courtesy of the sisters Fate. Jackson invites his twin cousins and Dillon to be his plus-threes, and the guys set out for a fun-filled weekend to help Jackson party away his heartbreak. But Dillon is surprised to find his best friend isnβt very heartbroken.
In fact, Jackson is being unusually attentive with Dillon. Flirty even.
It has to be Dillonβs imagination, right? Thereβs no way his straight best friend is interested in nerdy Dillon.
But after one night of too much fun and alcohol, Dillon wakes up in Jacksonβs bed… wearing a wedding band. WTF?
Sensations heβd never experienced beforeβbeing pleasured by someone who truly loved himβwashed over him, until a startling thought hit him.
You canβt fuck this up.
If he ruined this, he would break Dillonβs heart.
It would shatter his own, too.
When he saw the honesty, the vulnerability in Dillonβs eyes, felt it in his soul as he rose up and down on his cock, sudden fear whipped through Jackson, dampening the pleasure.
This was why heβd waited.
Right here, right now, was exactly why Jackson had denied the magnetic pull toward Dillon. Their souls had been trying to unite for years, waiting for Fate to give them the destiny neither couldβve foreseen. But if Jackson had acted sooner, he wouldβve destroyed Dillonβs heart and a friendship that meant everythingβto them both.
Recently, after being reminded of pleasure with men, heβd only felt emptier, more wanting than ever before. Because Jackson didnβt want gay porn, angry make-up sex, or hot three-ways.
He wanted Dillon.
Needing to reassure his husband, reassure himself, Jackson stroked Dillonβs hair, his gaze locked, emotions flayed open.
I canβt hurt you.
Jackson whimpered at the thought. Dropping his head back on the pillow, he squeezed his eyes closed, the intimacy suddenly too overwhelming.
Dillon pulled off, still gripping his shaft. βYou okay? Change your mind?β
The fear in Dillonβs voice kicked him in the figurative gut, and Jacksonβs eyes popped open. He caressed Dillonβs brow until the wrinkle disappeared. The fearful look Dillon wore broke his heart.
Youβre putting that fear there.
Sober, this was scarier than expectedβnot the sex, he wanted thatβrather, the magnitude of tonight.
βNo,β Jackson whispered. βI didnβt change my mind.β
βThen what is it?β Dillon let go and pushed onto one elbow, leaning against Jacksonβs leg. Dillon traced the prominent veins on Jacksonβs forearm, almost distracting him.
Heβd never keep secrets from Dillon again. βIβm scared.β
Dillionβs eyebrow arched in concern.
Fearing Dillon might change his mind or stop touching him, Jackson hurried to say, βI want to be here, like this. But this is, I dunno, significant? Our first time. Weβre really doing this. Itβs for real. It hit me for a second how important this is.β He stroked Dillonβs cheek, heart swelling with love. βI donβt wanna hurt you, or lose you, or disappoint you. Iβm afraid Iβll never be good enough for you.β
Rodgers Jackson McCaughey III had never said anything like that to anyone, even when concerned about losing past relationships.
But this was Dillon.
He didnβt have to be the person his parents wanted. He didnβt have to put on a front. There were no games, no expectations.
With Dillon he could just be Jackson.
βYouβre worried youβre not good enough for me?β Dillon scoffed. βHow do you think Iβve felt forever? The nerdy friend with a crush? The hanger-onββ
βDonβt,β he begged, not wanting his fatherβs degrading bullshit to tarnish tonight.
βYou know what I mean, Jacks,β he said softly. βIβm terrified youβll change your mind, too.β
Sitting up and forcing Dillon to his haunches, Jackson grabbed his arms fiercely. βNever! I love you. I want to be your husband. Iβm just…β
Dillonβs lips quiveredβwet and swollen from blowing me.
Jackson could hardly meet his eye but forced himself to. βIβm so damn afraid Iβll fuck it up.β
βThen donβt fuck it up, Jacks.β
Jackson laughed mirthlessly. He cupped Dillonβs face and kissed him hard. βIβll try.β
βThere is no try. Do or do not.β
He laughed harder, for real this time. βThat is honestly the first time someoneβs quoted Yoda before they sucked my dick.β
Dillon smirked. βOh, I have more up my sleeve.β
His heart skipped. βAnd that would be?β
βTalk no more. Show you I will.β
βThat is the worst Yoda Iβve ever heard!β With a hearty laugh, Jackson dropped back on the pillows, cradling his head in one hand. βBut I love what a dork you are.β
βYouβll love this even more.β
*****
Review:
**some mild spoilers**
I feel so bad for Dillon. To love your best friend, and pretty much have everyone know it, only to have him be with every one but you. I can totally understand why he struggles so much after waking up married to Jackson. There’s so much there and while there’s good, there’s a lot of hurt too.
Jackson, oh my goodness poor Jackson. That poor man has been through so much and he’s so lucky to have Dillon there for him. It’ll take patience and honesty but he knows a life with his best friend is worth just about anything.
Readers will get plenty of steam but even more emotion with Wadsworth’s newest. The characters have heart and I just felt for them every step of the way, anxiously waiting for them to figure things out and get the HEA they deserve. The author is new to me, as is the series, but I’m looking forward to more.
*****
Author Info:
Deanna Wadsworth might be a bestselling erotica author, but she leads a pretty vanilla life in Ohio with her wonderful husband and a couple adorable cocker spaniels. She has been spinning tales and penning stories since childhood, and her first erotic novella was published in 2010. She has served multiple board positions for different RWA chapters, including President of the Rainbow Romance Writers in 2017. When she isnβt writing books or brainstorming with friends, you can find her making people gorgeous in a beauty salon. An avid reader, she also loves gardening, cooking, music, and dancing. Often she can be seen hanging out on the sandbar in the muddy Maumee River or chilling with her hubby and a cocktail in their basement bar. In between all that fun, Deanna cherishes the quiet times when she can let her wildly active imagination have the full run of her mind. Her fascination with people and the interworkings of their relationships have always inspired her to write romance with spice and love without boundaries.
Layla James has always been in the business of love and never mixes business with pleasure, but when Cole Reed walks back into her life, sheβs left questioning everything. Can this blast from the past convenience Layla to set her rules aside and take a chance on love? Fans of secret fling romances will love TWIST OF DATE by Lauren Helms, a steamy matchmaker romance.
Twist of Date
Happily Ever After, Inc.Β #2
by Lauren Helms
Blurb:
Once upon a time, there was a charming restaurant owner and an unsuspecting matchmaker who refused to mix business with pleasureβ¦
Layla
I’ve always been in the business of love. Happily Ever After, Inc. has thrived under my leadership and the hard set of rules that I set for myself. But when a never quite forgotten blast from my past walks into my life, I’m suddenly questioning everything and everyone around me.
Cole Reed is everything I want in a man – handsome, successful, and charming.
There’s just one small hiccup…Cole is Happily Ever After’s latest client, and he’s got his sights on me.
Cole
I’m used to getting what I want and I’ve never left a date unhappy. So when my grandmother insists I need to work with a matchmaker…her lifelong best friend at that…I’m skeptical. Especially when my path crosses with the girl that always seemed to get away.
She’s sexy, smart, and determined – everything I’ve always admired about her. And this time, I refuse to let her get away.
There’s just one small problem…Layla James is my so-called matchmaker’s granddaughter – and the owner of the matchmaking company that’s just taken me on.
It feels like a weird twist of date that’s put the two of us back in each other’s life, but Layla doesn’t quite see it that way.
Can I convince her to break a few rules and take a chance on our own happily ever after?
βFor real, though, a matchmaker? Really, Cole?β
I groan and cover my face with my hand, scrubbing my palm over my eyes then down my cheeks and chin. βLong story short, my grandma asked Ruth to do her a solid and get me settled down. So Ruth went through her song and dance. I think she may have mind ninjaβd me into agreeing to be her newest client.β
βWell, shit.β He barks out a laugh.
βYeah. So I guess Iβll be going on prearranged dates and stuff. Iβm not one hundred percent sure what this whole thing involves.β
βIβm here for it, though. This is gonna be one hell of a ride, brother. Entertaining as fuck, Iβm sure.β Travis is going to have a blast with this.
βHereβs the crazy thing, though. Ruthβs granddaughter, who actually owns the company, I went to school with her. We had a few business classes at IU and kinda hung out in the same crowd. We were never a thing, but I think we both wanted to be.β
βOh, snap,β he mutters. βTell me more.β
βI didnβt know she was related to Ruth, but I saw her today. We chatted a little. I gave her my number. I want to catch up with her.β
βIs she hot?β
I glare at him, his use of the term hot rubbing me the wrong way when it comes to Layla.
He throws his hands up and adds, βWhat? Itβs a legit question. Itβs okay if sheβs not. You donβt always have to date a ten, man.β
I shake my head, annoyed. βNo, Layla is a fucking twelve. She was a solid ten back in college, but sheβs even more beautiful now.β
Travis whistles. βDamn, youβve got it bad.β
βNo, I donβt, just wasnβt expecting to run into her today. Itβs been ten years.β
Travis hits me with the back of his hand. βOh, oh, what if Ruth sets you up with her? Canβt you just ask your matchmaker to set you up with people?β
βHonestly, I donβt know. I doubt it works like that, but maybe.β I trail off. Maybe I should ask Ruth about Layla. If sheβs single and Iβm single, maybe we can finally give it a go.
βWell, Iβm team Layla then, man. Thatβs who I want you to give your first rose to. Oh, and then Iβll be the friend that she gets to meet before you take her home to meet the parents. Itβs gonna be an intense ride getting to that final rose ceremony.β He gushes. I see the smirk.
βWhat the fuck is wrong with you, man? This isnβt a dating show, itβs my life, and Iβm not even sure Iβm going to go through with it.β I stand from the chair and walk toward the door.
βYouβll do it. Or Dorthy is gonna come hunt you down,β he says from the couch.
Heβs not wrong.
βIβll be back down around six on my way out. You better not be here.β I point at him and give him my best βIβm your bossβ glare.
βOh, hey, if you can fit it into your busy dating scheduleββI roll my eyes at his dig, but he doesnβt miss a beat and continuesββtrivia night is coming up at that books and coffee place a few blocks from my apartment. Theme is β90s Pop Culture. Wanna go and destroy the other teams?β
I chuckle because of our hobbies, the pop culture trivia is the one we both enjoy the most. He is training at becoming a blacksmith, and me, well, Iβm a sucker for a good Dungeon and Dragons campaign. But trivia? Put us in a team and we are unstoppable.
βSure, send me the info and Iβll add it to my calendar.β
βYou got it, boss.β He salutes.
βDonβt call me that,β I grumble as I walk out his office door.
βIf the shoe fits,β he yells after me. I raise my hand and flip him off, shaking my head at his laugh that follows me down the hallway.
Heβs got about two hours before he needs to be kicked out for the night, so Iβve got two hours to get some work done and focus on my task list.
No more thinking about the gorgeous brunette from my past.
At least thatβs what I tell myself anyway.
Copyright 2023 @Lauren Helms
*****
Review:
Just like Wed Like Wildfire, Helms’s newest is sweet, fun, & sexy and I had a tough time putting it down. Cole & Layla work seamlessly together as a couple. From the moment Layla gives in, it’s like they’ve always been together. . . if only he wasn’t in the process of being matched to someone else.
As for the matchmaking, it’s obvious there is something going on, and from the outside looking in we know what Ruth is up to, but it takes a bit for the characters to catch on. Plus, Layla fights it every step of the way – I’m not 100% sure of all her reasons but she does take her company seriously. If they’d only talk to each other, and to those around them, things could have been handled a lot easier (usually the lack of communication is a big problem from me, but somehow Helms takes those things and make them OK. She did it in Win My Heart, too, which was the first book I read by her.)
There were a couple of things involving the conflict that didn’t make a lot of sense to me, but it was overshadowed by how much I enjoyed these two and couldn’t wait for them to get to their HEA. I’m so enjoying Helms’s writing and look forward to checking out more of her books.
(Part of a series but can easily stand on its own.)
*****
Author Info:
Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best–video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.
Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.
Do you believe in fate? Yeah, me neither until the sexy Navy SEAL I hooked up with three years ago suddenly reappears back in my life in the form of one of my best friends’ older brother. And now, they want me to share a room with him in the Keys.
βCan you share a room with Jesse tonight?β
How could I say no?
What Greg and Cooper didnβt know was Jesse and I met three years ago in Madrid. And when I finally hooked up with the handsome Navy SEAL, our night turned into a weekend of the best sex of my life. Jesse made me see stars twenty-four hours a day. We had a connection, but our timing wasnβt right. He was going back to America, and I was headed back to Italy to play soccer.
It was all for the best because I didnβt do relationships. Especially with a man nine years older and the total opposite of me. But I never forgot him, even though I tried.
Fast forward three years later, and we find ourselves thrown back together again in Portland. Iβm the new kicker for the Portland Pirates and Jesse Evans has reappeared in my life. And just as fate would have it, my dream hookup is Cooperβs older brother, and heβs moving his security firm to Portland.
Would he remember me? Did that weekend three years ago affect him as much as it did me?
I guess time would tell when we shared that room in the Florida Keys.
Roughing the Kicker is a bisexual age gap and opposites attract MM Sports Romance and Book 6 in The Package Deal Series.
βDo you mind sharing a room with Jesse? It would only be for the night. Theyβll have the other one ready tomorrow.β
I bit the inside of my cheek. Think Dom, think. But nothing useful came to mind except images of Jesse Evans naked. What was I supposed to say? No?
I inclined my head and somehow managed to form words. βSure. Uhβ¦ no problem.β
βAre you sure?β Greg held my gaze, searching my reaction for any indication that I wasnβt okay spending the night with that hot fucker. And honestly, I wasnβt sure I was.
Still, I swallowed and just let the first thing I could think of fall out of my mouth.
βYeah, itβs fine. I was just worried. I have sleep apnea and I might snore. Thatβs all,β I laughed maniacally. βDonβt wanna keep him up or anything.β
Donβt think about him being up. Donβt think about him being up.
Greg blew out a breath. The look of relief on his face would have been comical if I wasnβt a massive ball of nerves, but there was no way Iβd burst his bubble. He and Cooper didnβt have to invite me, but they did. And I needed to be gracious and not bust a nut right here in the airport. Or get on the next available flight back to Portland.
βOh, yeah, okay. Iβm sure itβll be fine. Jesse was in the military, so Iβm sure heβs used to all kinds of noises at night.β
I tried to control the squirming, but I couldnβt stop myself from fidgeting. I tried tamping down my raging, overwhelming lust for the former Navy SEAL . βYeah. Yeah, okay.β
Greg clapped me on the shoulder. βThanks, man. We really appreciate it.β With that settled, he walked away and went over to talk to Marcus.
Jesse Evans was the hottest man Iβd ever seen. He had muscles for days. Muscles I wanted to lick, andβno. Couldnβt go there or Iβd be sporting a huge boner. It seriously wasnβt fair for one man to be so damn tempting. He was tall and dressed like a runway model, with his perfect blond hair and his perfect smile. And then there was his commanding tone that just did it for me. I felt like I might have a heart attack right here at the airport and he was nowhere around to resuscitate me with vigorous mouth-to-mouth. Iβd die right here on the floor of the airport before I could get my hands on him.
Dropping my head back, I stared at the ceiling and prayed to Saint Rocco to protect me from myself tonight. All I wanted to do was to climb him like a tree and rub myself all over him.
I bet he could make me cum just by looking at me with that piercing and smoldering look that said hold your ass still while I rim you till you lose your damn mind.
And I would, too. Iβd hold still and let him have his wicked way with me in any goddamn position he wanted. God, now I was hard.
Fanculo la mia vita. Fuck my life.
*****
Review:
This is a good chance for returning readers to catch up with the rest of the guys, see Dom get his chance at love, and be introduced to what comes next. It’s low angst, insta-love, and STAH-EEMY (!)
There were a few things I had problems with – mainly around what happens in the second half of the story. Things that I felt weren’t realistic (or maybe that weren’t handled correctly, because I could see it happening in real life) but as a conclusion to the series I’m glad that we got the chance to see Jesse & Dom’s HEA.
*****
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, 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.
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes the story of two wine enthusiasts who ride the ups and downs of love in the vineyards of Tuscany.
Beginnings of Forever
The D’Angelo’s Book 3
by Catherine Bybee
Blurb:
Tasting wine is not enough: sommelier Giovanni D’Angelo wants to create it. To put his family first, he’s always deferred his dreamsβa vineyard to run, a woman to marry. But a three-week vineyard tour in Italy could set him back on track.
For Emma Rutledge, wine is in her blood. Intent to run the family wine business one day, she finds that the men in her family are only intent to push her out of it. But that’s fineβshe’s got a plan.
When Gio and Emma meet on a wine tour in Tuscany, their shared aspirations fuel an undeniable chemistry. Returning home to California, they work toward setting up Emma’s vineyard and a label of their own. But when Emma receives a life-altering diagnosis, she worries it’s all been for nothing.
As Emma works to cement her family legacy while dealing with this unexpected challenge, Gio tries to convince her that their future isn’t just wine.
It’s each other.
Praise for Beginning of Forever
“BEGINNING OF FOREVER was such an adorable + funny + sweet + sparky + just beautiful Italian/Californian wine love storyβI loved it!” βBJ’s Book Blog
“Oh, be still my heart!! I love how Catherine Bybee tells a love story. The D’Angelo’s are pure love and support β¦ They lead from the heart and it’s beautiful.” βSusanne Scott, GoodReads Reviewer
He handed her back her license. βNo. Itβs much greater than that. Two people from the same part of the world, meet in a different part of the world, who both had birthday gifts that put them in the same place at the same time. Some might call that a sign.β He knew she was listening.
βWhat kind of sign?β
βThat we were meant to meet.β He leaned forward, stared into her eyes.
She paused. βYouβre suggesting romantically.β
βI didnβt say that . . . but now that you mention it.β He liked that her mind went there right along with his.
βDid you forget about the part where youβre looking for βthe oneβ and Iβm not looking at all?β
Gio couldnβt help it. He looked at her lips and wondered briefly how she would taste. βMinor crossroads, bella,β he said.
She shook her head. βYouβre one hell of a flirt.β
βSays the woman who asked me if her butt looked good in her pants.β
βItβs okay. Iβm a patient man.β He wasnβt, actually . . . but the white lie sounded good to his ears.
βIs that your way of saying youβre going to wear down my defenses?β Emma asked.
βIβm sure as hell going to try.β
Her cheeks lit up, her smile didnβt falter. βMen never talk to me like you do.β
βIβm not like other men.β
βAnd if I tell you that youβre wasting your time?β she asked.
βItβs my time to waste.β
She blinked several times. βIt was the bathing suit, wasnβt it?β
It was his turn to laugh. βA vision that will come up every time I close my eyes.β
βI wasnβt looking for a compliment.β
βYes, you were. But no, cara, the swimsuit, while a bonus, is not what is prompting me to try.β She intrigued him on every level.
βDonβt say I didnβt warn you.β
βDuly noted.β
*****
Author Info:
Catherine is a #1 Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Indie Reader bestselling author. In addition, her books have also graced The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists. In total she has written thirty-nine beloved books that have collectively sold more than 10 million copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages.
Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full time and has penned the Not Quite series, The Weekday Brides series, the Most Likely To series, and the First Wives series. Learn more about Catherine and her books at www.catherinebybee.com.
New York Times bestselling author Candace Camp invites you back to Stonecliffe for a second adventure! Action and romance ensue on this adventurous trip through the beautiful English countryside.
A Rogue at Stonecliffe
A Stonecliffe Novel
by Candace Camp
ISBN: 9781335513106
Publication Date: June 27, 2023
Publisher: Canary Street Press
Blurb:
When the love of her life left without any explanation, Annabeth Winfield moved on despairingly, knowing she’d never have a love as thrilling as her first ever again. Sloane Rutherford was roguish and daring, but as Annabeth grew up, she realized that their reckless romance was just a passing adventure, never meant for stability. Twelve years later, Annabeth is engaged to someone new, ready to start her life with a dependable man.
That’s when Sloane returns. And he brings with him a serious warning: Annabeth is in trouble.
After spending the last dozen years working as a spy, Sloane thought he’d left espionage behind him. But now a dangerous blackmailer is after Annabeth. Sloane offers to hide his former lover at Stonecliffe, the Rutherford estate, but stubborn Annabeth demands to be part of the investigation. As the two embark on a dangerous and exciting journey, memories of their past romance resurface. Sloane and Annabeth aren’t the wide-eyed children they used to be, but knowing they’re wrong for each other makes a nostalgic affair seem very right…
Sloane Rutherford wasnot a man who hesitated. He made his decisions, for good or ill, and he lived with them. But today he sat slouched at the breakfast table, food untouched, turning a note round and round in his hand, unable to make up his mind. Should he go to the wedding or not?
Actually there was no question whether he should do it; clearly he should not. The question was whether he would. The event itself didnβt figure into his thoughts. While he was surprised and faintly pleased by the fact that Noelle had invited him, he held most of his own family in disregardβ¦and they looked on him with even less liking. Estranged wasnβt the word for his relationship with the Rutherfords. Shunned would be more like it.
So, no, he had no interest in the wedding itself, no reason to go, and normally he would have tossed the invitation in the ash can. But what drew him almost painfully to attend was precisely the thing that set up an equal ache of reluctance inside his chest: she would be there.
βAnnabeth?β Marcus said from the doorway.
Sloane glanced up, startled, and scowled at his father.
βSo youβre reading minds now? One would think you would have done better at the card tables.β
βYes, wouldnβt one?β Marcus replied amicably, and strolled across the room. βSadly, it didnβt seem to work that way. And your problem didnβt take much intuition. Itβs written all over your face.β
Marcus settled into a chair across from Sloane. Clad in his dressing gown and soft slippers, Marcus looked every inch the indolent aristocrat that he wasβhis luxurious white mane of hair combed back stylishly, his jaw smooth from his valetβs shaving, and his dressing gown made of the richest brocade and cut to fit perfectly. Even if he looked somewhat more worn than his age from years of reckless living, he was still a handsome man.
Sloane wondered if his father might catch the eye of some wealthy widow who would take the man off his handsβ¦but no, Marcus was equally banned from the tonβmore because of Sloaneβs history than his own numerous vices.
βWhat are you doing up so early?β Sloane asked, ignoring Marcusβs comments. βYou usually donβt stir from your room until ten or eleven.β
βUnfortunately the only appointment Harriman had available was at the ungodly time of nine. Itβs quite difficult to get in to see him on such short notice.β
βAh, your tailor. That would be enough to pull you out of bed.β Sloaneβs mouth quirked up. Marcus was still a peacock at his age. No doubt the bill the tailor sent Sloane would be enormous, but Sloane didnβt mind. Heβd far rather spend his money on his fatherβs fashion than on some of Marcusβs other habits.
βBut I wonβt complain. I was lucky he was able to make room to see me.β
βI expect heβs grateful that I pay your bills on time, unlike most of his aristocratic clients,β Sloane said dryly.
βAnd Iβll have the entire afternoon to enjoy the prospect of the wedding,β Marcus went on.
βA wedding?β Sloane asked skeptically. βYou look forward to weddings?β
βNot everyone is as much of a hermit as you are. Some of us find social occasions agreeable.β
βIβm not a hermit.β
βMmm, yes. No doubt thatβs why you spend so much time alone, brooding. Cornwall suits you perfectly.β Marcus picked up the cup of tea the footman had just set before him and took a sip, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. βBut this wedding, I must admit, offers rather more entertainment than the usual one.β
Sloane made no response. The last topic he wanted to discuss was this wedding.
But his father needed no reply. He went on, βFor one thing, there is Noelle, the lovely bride herself, and the potential of gossip over her scandalous past.β
βI canβt see how running from Thorne is any scandal,β Sloane interjected. βAnyone with sense would do so. I find it far stranger that she stopped.β
Marcus chuckled. βYes, he is a dull one, isnβt he? But I suspect Noelle livens him up. Still, the wedding offers more excitement than that. Lady Lockwood can always be counted on to cause some sort of contretempsβ¦though hopefully she will not bring her dog. Of course Lord Edgerton will be there. I believe he annoys her ladyship even more than her first son-in-lawβwho knows what barbs she will cast his way?β He paused, then added, βAnd just imagine the stir if you show up.β
Sloane grunted and slid back from the table, standing. βWhich is precisely why I am not going to the wedding.β
βOf course not. Thatβs why you havenβt tossed out that invitation. Why you were sitting there mooning over it when I came in.β
βI wasnβt mooning over anything. I was justβ¦β He trailed off his sentence with a grimace.
βYou were just contemplating whether facing down your relatives outweighed the prospect of seeing Annabeth Winfield.β
βI donβt give a tinkerβs damn about facing my relatives.β
βAhβ¦then itβs whether seeing Annabeth is worth the pain.β
βDonβt be absurd.β Sloaneβs voice held little conviction, and he turned away, walking over to the window. He crossed his arms and gazed out at the street below. A moment passed, and he said in a quiet voice, βIt would be foolish to see her.β
βNo doubt.β Marcus let out a sigh. βThe foolish things are always the ones you most desire.β
βIβve done well enough not seeing her for eleven years.β Being out of the country most of that time had helped. But even since he returned to England, Sloane had avoided Annabethβwell, maybe there was that one time when he first returned and heβd stood outside Lady Lockwoodβs house in the dark to get a glimpse of Annabeth coming down the front steps and getting into a carriage. With Nathan. Sloaneβs lips tightened at the thought.
It had come as something of a shock to see her at Stonecliffe two months ago. He had not realized that she and Lady Lockwood were visiting or he wouldnβt have gone there.
But as he had stood in the entryway with Noelle and the others, a door had opened down the hall, and there she had been: her soft brown hair in a little disarray, her face faintly flushed from activity, carrying a basket full of flowers. And in the moment, he couldnβt speak, couldnβt move, could only stare. She was as lovely as ever. And he was as dumbstruck as ever.
Heβd turned and left like someone had shot at him. He wasnβt sure whether he even tossed a goodbye to Noelle and Carlisle. And bloody Nathanβof course heβd been there. That moment had disrupted Sloaneβs carefully nurtured indifference, and even after his heart stopped beating like a madmanβs and heβd reminded himself that heβd gotten over her years ago, he had not been able to keep his mind from going back to Annabeth time after time. Like a tongue returning to a bad tooth.
Behind him his father said, βWhy do you continue like this? Why donβt you go to see her, tell her how you feel?β
Sloane snorted. βIβd have to fight my way through the butler and probably Lady Lockwood, too, to talk to her.β
βIβve never known you to avoid a fight.β
βMaybe not. But I canβt fight Annabeth. And sheβs the one who hates me.β
βHow do you know that?β Marcus persisted. βSheβs never married in all this time. She has no money, of course, but a sweet, pretty girl like that? Sheβs bound to have had plenty of offers.β
βNo doubt.β Sloaneβs jaw tightened. βBut that doesnβt mean sheβs been pining after me. I broke her heart. I knew I was breaking her heart. And the fact that I broke mine as well wouldnβt have made her feel any better or despise me any less.β
βWhy donβt you tell her the truth?β His fatherβs voice turned sharp, his usual affability gone. βExplain what you did. Why you did it. Tell her that bastard Asquith blackmailed you into it.β
Sloane whirled, his eyes flashing. βI canβt tell her that. The truth would cause her just as much pain now as it would have then. I knew when I did it that I was sacrificing her love for a lifetime. I just thought my lifetime wouldnβt last very long.β
Letting out a disgusted noise, Sloane started out of the room. Before heβd taken two steps, there was a furious pounding at the front door. Frowning, he turned toward it. The pounding continued, along with someone shouting his name. Sloane reached the entry hall just as the footman opened the door and began an indignant dressing-down of the boy before him.
But the boy on the doorstep paid no attention and shoved his way past the footman, calling again. βMr. Rutherford!β
βTimmy.β Sloane strode toward the door, alarm rising in him. βWhat is it? What the devil areββ
βItβs the docks, sir. Mr. Haskell sent me. Youβve got to come quick. The new warehouse is on fire.β
Candace Camp is a New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels of contemporary and historical romance. She grew up in Texas in a newspaper family, which explains her love of writing, but she earned a law degree and practiced law before making the decision to write full-time. She has received several writing awards, including the RT Book Reviews Lifetime Achievement Award for Western Romances. Visit her at http://www.candace-camp.com.
Tropes: Age Gap, Older Sisterβs Ex, Protective Hero, Forced Proximity
Blurb:
When Kaiden Hart, the captain of the Charleston Coyotes hockey team, comes to my aid in an emergency, itβs the first time Iβve seen him since I was a young girl.
And boy, have the years been kind to him.
When he invites me out to dinner, accepting seems like the polite thing to do.
At least thatβs what I tell myself.
How else can I justify wanting to be near my older sisterβs ex-boyfriend?
It couldnβt have anything to do with his piercing blue eyes and kissable lips.
Who cares if heβs got chiseled abs and a rear end I could bounce a quarter off of?
Itβs definitely not how protective he is toward me. Or how thoughtful he is offering me his spare room when I need a temporary place to stay.
I know I should refuse. Really, I should run in the opposite direction.
But itβs too late. Iβm already falling for him.
Now, all I can think about is catching the captain.
βOh,β I breathe out in surprise. My arms slip around his waist without missing another beat and I settle my cheek against the solid warmth of his muscular chest. My eyes fall closed as I breathe in the scent of his laundry detergent combined with sunshine. His hold on me tightens and I feel his hands wrap farther around me, like he canβt get close enough.
Without an inch of space between our upper bodies, Iβm trying not to think about how my breasts are crushed to his torso. Or how the deep, rumbling sounds coming from his chest are sexy enough to give me an eargasm. Or how my insides feel like theyβre being tossed to and fro like a dinghy on turbulent seas.
Calm down. Itβs just a friendly hug between two friends.
A hug thatβs lasting a littleβmake that a lotβlonger than it should.
*****
Author Info:
Jacob Chance grew up in New England and still lives there today. Heβs a martial artist, a football fan, a practical joker, and junk food lover.
A USA Today bestselling author of sports romance and romantic suspense, Jacob plans on writing many more stories.
It takes a certain skill set to do my job, and distractions get in the way of doing it well. Thia Ames has become the biggest distraction of all, but I canβt afford to get involved. Not only am I almost twenty years older than her, but acting on my emotions could very well get us both killed. Fans of Brittney Sahinβs The Stealth Ops Series and Brynne Asherβs The Killers will love Resurgence by Shelby Gunter, a steamy, age gap, military romantic suspense.
Resurgence
The Shadow Series
by Shelby Gunter
Blurb:
Soldiers of fortune. Hired guns. Mercenaries.
Weβre the ones who go into enemy territory when no one else will. Itβs dangerous, itβs secretive, and weβre good at it.
It takes a certain skill set to do my job, and distractions get in the way of doing it well. And meeting Thia Ames has become the biggest distraction of all.
But when Thia is put up for auction on the black market, my team is tasked with her protection. She is my mission, and protecting her should be my sole focus. But the shadows that lurk behind her bright smile hint at a dark past that calls to the hero in me.
I canβt afford to get involved. Not only am I almost twenty years older than her, but acting on my emotions could very well get us both killed.
Her life hangs in the balance. I couldnβt save her before, but this time, Iβll do whatever it takesβ¦ or die trying.
βIβm not telling you shit. Youβd be merciless.β
βFine, Iβll get Declan to tell me.β Her confidence makes me want to smile.
βHow? He wouldnβt betray me for anything.β
βLook at this face.β She points towards her nose as if I havenβt been staring at her this whole time. βYou donβt think my adorable little face couldnβt get him to squeal?β
I narrow my eyes at her. βYou wouldnβt.β
βWatch me.β She takes off running toward the warehouse. Surprise causes me to falter, then Iβm running after her, my legs eating up the distance in no time. She looks over her shoulder, her eyes lighting up when she finds me chasing her.
I get two steps away from her when I reach out to grab her around the middle. She squeals, her laughter ringing out as she wiggles to get out of my hold.
βOh, no you donβt,β I huff out with a laugh. I go to lift her over my shoulder, but sheβs too squirrelly. She relaxes her body, her weight dropping straight to the ground. I lose my footing with the sudden change, heading toward the ground like a fallen oak tree.
Twisting at the last second, I land on my shoulder, then roll over to my back, pulling Thia with me to keep her from hitting the ground.
Her eyes are wide, sparkling with humor and surprise. βI thought you were supposed to be some badass Marine, and you just got taken down by a girl with no training.β
My mouth pops open in surprise. βYou little shit.β Before I can think, I flip us over, one hand on the back of her head, the other digging into her sides as she squeals.
βOkay, okay, okay! I give!β She squirms under me, trying to get away from my tickling fingers, all while giggling like a little girl.
I stop, holding my fingers at her side. βTake it back.β The mischievous light in her eyes makes me want to kiss her.
βFine,β she pants. βYouβre the most badass Marine who ever lived, even though you fell while chasing me.β She grins.
I throw my head back, laughing. βI hate that I canβt even be mad at you for that last quip because itβs true.β
Thiaβs hand moves from my shoulder and down my arm. Itβs then Iβm fully aware of our position, of every part of me thatβs touching her. I catch her gaze, her own realization happening at the same time as mine. The heat in her eyes sends my body careening off the edge.
I tighten the fingers speared through her hair as her hands move across my chest. Itβs like fire racing through me. Itβs as if sheβs branding me with her touch so Iβll never be able to feel anything like it again.
A throat clearing behind me has my head whipping up. Connor looks at us with his eyebrows raised. βIf you want to finish up whatever this is, I think Iβve figured out how to make the tracker work.β
Copyright 2023 Shelby Gunter
*****
Author Info:
Shelby is a Romantic Suspense author who loves writing plot twists you’ll never see coming.
Shelby and her husband call Kansas City their home base but enjoy traveling as far and as often as possible. She loves all things related to coffee, wine, and books, and it’s rare you will see her without one of those items in hand.
This grumpy man of the month wants to be a daddy and he thinks heβs found the one. But Candy Cane Keyβs newest resident and self-proclaimed cat lady is on a mission and doesnβt have time for love, marriage, and babies. Can the town grump steal enough sunshine to woo her stubborn heart? Readers who love a little grumpy with their sunshine will enjoy Come to Papa by Matilda Martel, a steamy, small town, friends to lovers, age gap romance.
Come to Papa
Man of the Month: June
Candy Cane Key
by Matilda Martel
Blurb:
This grumpy man of the month wants to be a daddy.
Reclusive writer Felix Mercer came to Candy Cane Key to find silence but quickly discovered peace and quiet are overrated. Disgruntled and unhappy, he canβt figure out what ails him until he meets the townβs newest resident and self-proclaimed cat lady, Harlow Jane.
Harlow loves two things— Christmas and cats. When she reads an article about an island in the Florida Keys that celebrates Christmas all year round and with a long-suffering stray cat population, she knows sheβs found her own personal paradise.
Felix is instantly enamored, and a casual acquaintance quickly becomes an obsession. Harlowβs hot little curves drive him to distraction. Her kind, nurturing heart confirms heβs found the one.
But Harlowβs on a mission to save the world— one cat at a time. She doesnβt have time for love, marriage, and babies.
Can the town grump steal enough sunshine to woo her stubborn heart?
Stray cats need to be on their guard night and day— thatβs the only way they survive. I hold my breath, watching her take two steps back and three steps forward, with one more to go. Her pupils suddenly dilate to saucers. Her back arches then a low guttural growl catches me by surprise. I scramble back like a crab, but my momentum stalls against a brick wall, and the kitty runs away.
βDo you need some help?β The brick wall speaks. My head snaps up, and I glimpse the source, a fair-haired man with dark eyes, a wicked smile, and a body sculpted by the gods. I blink rapidly, blinded by the sun and his unspeakable beauty. Iβve never seen anyone who looks like him, not here or in Sycamore Mountain— not even on television. But this creeper ruined my plans and threw away five days of hard work.
βNo, youβve done enough.β I groan, then bite my tongue, too frustrated to hide my intense displeasure for a man who was only trying to help. Itβs not his fault, but my failure could result in tragedy if I donβt catch that cat soon. Stray dogs roam this beach at night in search of food, and they might mistake this fat little Calico for their next meal.
I scramble to my feet, shifting aimlessly in the soft sand to regain my balance. The handsome stranger clears his throat and offers his hand. I hesitate but ultimately place my palm in his hand, letting him pull me to my feet. Attractive does not mean harmless. Weβre alone on a beach, and my mother didnβt raise me to be a trusting fool.Β
βThank you, and I apologize for my snarky comment. Iβve been trying to catch that cat for the past few days, and this is the closest Iβve come.β I stammer, embarrassed by my rudeness and hoping my contrite behavior will make amends or prevent him from carrying me into the ocean and drowning me.
βYou mean Buster?β His deep voice jumps an octave, and he points to the chunky Calico reclining against a nearby palm tree, frantically cleaning his behind.
βBuster? Thatβs a silly name for a girl.β I tiptoe towards the cat and consider my next course of action. He may be huge, hot, and handsome, but I have a one-track mind. There are far more important things on my to-do list than flirting with strange men who smell like cocoa butter, and what is that? Sandalwood? A storm is scheduled to pass through later this evening, and I hate to think of this little girl spending another night cold, wet, and alone. Β
βBuster isnβt a girl. Heβs a boy.β The strange man follows close, oddly fixated on lending a helping hand. I glance over my shoulder and lift my hand to my brow, shielding my eyes from the sun to get a better look at his face. Thereβs no denying heβs yummy, but he doesnβt know the first thing about cats.Β
βCalicos are almost always girls,β I huff, confident with my assessment.Β
He chuckles and points to the cat. βHeβs got balls. Iβm pretty sure heβs a boy.βΒ
I squint and squat to get a better look. My jaw drops. My tongue ties. βOh… my… God. Oh, my God. Weβve just found a polydactyl male Calico. Do you have any idea how rare he is?β I flail my arms, squealing with glee, then accidentally strike his calves. He hardly flinches. Heβs a golden slab of sculpted marble, and I couldnβt hurt him If I tried. βWe need to get him. He must be guarded like the Mona Lisa.β I creep forward, and he drops to his knees, crawling next to me.
βIβm Felix, by the way.β He stops to extend his arm, and I give him a quick shake, one eye on his sinewy forearm and the other on my fat Calico boy. He mustnβt escape.
βIβm Harlow. Iβm new to the island— on a mission to save the world, one cat at a time.β I laugh, crouching low, careful not to lose the element of surprise. βCan you crawl that away and block his exit?β I gesture with my head and slink forward like a snake.
βThatβs a lovely name.β His brown eyes twinkle as his mouth tips into a slight smile. My heart skips a beat, and for the first time, it has nothing to do with cats. βIf I help you catch Buster, what do you plan on doing with him?β
Copyright 2023 Matilda Martel
*****
Author Info:
Matilda is a Texas girl in love with a Philly boy who loves to write dirty books about two people who trip into love and fumble their way into a Filthy, Funny, Happily Ever After.
I live in Austin, with my husband, two crazy Chihuahuas and an even crazier cat. And I spend most of my day writing dirty romance books about older men who fall in love with younger women and make fools of themselves trying to win their hearts.
Fresh off of a messy divorce, Jeannie Dubois isnβt looking for anything more than friendship, and Aiden Walsh is more than happy to fill that role. But when these two friends become lovers, things quickly turn complicated. Can Aiden prove to Jeannie that theyβre meant to be more than friends or will she send him back to the friend zone? Readers who enjoy spicy romances will devour Friend Zoned by Evelyn Sola, a steamy friends-to-lovers romance.
Friend Zoned
by Evelyn Sola
Blurb:
They say the best things come when you least expect it.Β
Burned by her ex-husband and a messy divorce, Jeannie Dubois isnβt looking for anything more than a good friend.Β Besides, sheβs still dealing with the ex-husband who canβt seem to let her go.
Insert NBA coach, Aiden Walsh. Sure, he wants so much more than friendship with the beautiful woman he met at a wedding, but heβs sure he can play the part and heβs good at biding his time.Β So, for now, heβll fill any role she wants.
But when these two friends become lovers, things quickly turn complicated when Jeannie finds out Aiden is so much more than just Manhattanβs favorite coach.
Can Aiden prove to Jeannie that theyβre meant to be so much more, or will she send him back to the friend zone?Β
βJeannie,β Vickie, the bride, says. Sheβs so beautiful with the happy newly married glow. βHave you met Coltβs coach, Aiden?β
Shocked by the question, I look around the room and hope my mother will come save me, but sheβs too busy talking and laughing to bother noticing me. I clear my throat and offer him my hand. His large palm practically envelops it. When he lifts my knuckles to his lips and kisses them, I almost combust into flames. Itβs been almost two years since I felt a manβs lips on any part of me. That must be why my body is short circuiting right now. But if I have a few more drinks, Iβm going to drag him into a dark corner and have my way with him. I clear my throat and yank my hand away.
βSo, you ah, coach football?β I ask, unsure of what else I could possibly ask. I try to think of any information my mother has given me. She says Mr. Colt is a football player. Vickie giggles and Colt groans.
βBasketball,β Aiden corrects.
βAre you sure?β I ask. βMy mom said youβre a football player,β I say to Colt.
Vickie tries to hide her laugh but fails.
βIβm going to have a talk with Myra,β Colt says, but heβs being playful, so Iβm not completely mortified by my faux pas.
βYeah, and Iβm pretty sure I coach basketball, not football,β Aidan says.
βOh.β I wave my hand. βI donβt watch either.β I turn back to my chair, certain that they think Iβm an idiot and will leave me alone now.
βMore of a reader, I see,β Aiden responds. βWhat book has you so engrossed?β
My eyes dart to the table in search of my book. I thank a higher power that itβs safely inside my purse. No need to let these newlyweds and the sexy one know that my life is a train wreck. βNothing you would find particularly interesting.β I clear my throat, but when I turn to look at Aiden, heβs looking directly at me.
βTry me,β he says. I take a step toward the table, grab my purse and shove it under my chair. No way in hell heβll see this book.
*****
Author Info:
A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If sheβs not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, sheβs been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come.Β
Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion, and humor.
She currently lives in Chicago, IL with her husband and two daughters.
Romantic Reads and Such 