Spotlight – The Book Boyfriend

26 Monday Sep 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

Tags

Kate Stacy, Meet Cute Book Club series, The Book Boyfriend

In THE BOOK BOYFRIEND by Kate Stacy, Mila Cross never expected to find love, but when bad boy Crossland Parker comes into her life and sweeps her off her feet, suddenly she’s falling hard for the man from the wrong side of the tracks. But when a secret from his past is exposed, will its revelation destroy everything? Fans of small-town, opposites attract romances will enjoy this must-read wrong-side-of-the-tracks romance from the Meet Cute Book Club Series.

The Book Boyfriend

Meet Cute Book Club series

by Kate Stacy

Blurb:

Escape with the Meet Cute Book Club, where meet cutes don’t happen only between the pages of romance novels, and one by one, all the members find their own happily ever afters.

Mila

I never thought I’d have a real-life meet cute, but the minute Crossland Parker walks into my life, it starts feeling like I’m living in the pages of a romance novel.

He sweeps me off my feet, and I find myself falling fast and hard for the rough around the edges mechanic. He’s a troubled bad boy with a heart of gold.

Cross fits into my life effortlessly, even sharing my love of books. He’s everything I didn’t know I wanted in a man. Attentive, sweet, a little bit possessive. He’s also my biggest source of support when I decide I want to buy the building next door so I can expand my business. So what if he has a criminal record? No one is perfect.

Unless you ask my stepfather. He expects nothing less than perfection, but not even I could ever come close.

Cross

After spending too many years wandering when I was released from prison, I came back to Abbott Ridge to start over.

I wasn’t expecting Mila Santos to fall into my arms, but I’m irrevocably drawn to the curvy little beauty who owns the bookstore. She’s a good girl, too good for a guy like me?

Our relationship develops faster than most, but I spent too many years of my life locked up. Now that I’m out, I refuse to waste a single second. I’m still not sure I deserve someone as sweet as Mila, but if she accepts me and all my faults, there’s no way I’m letting her go. Only a fucking fool would do that.

My past is no secret, and I knew the day would come when someone would try to use it against me. I just didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

Is happily ever after possible when a good girl falls for the guy from the wrong side of the tracks?

The Book Boyfriend is a standalone, wrong side of the tracks romance that is part of the Meet Cute Book Club multi-author series.

Add to Goodreads!

Read Now!

*****

Excerpt:

She’s fucking adorable.

Mila is still standing in the spot where I left her when I pass by the bookstore’s front window.

Grinning, I toss her a wink and keep walking, picturing the beautiful blush that stains her skin when she’s flustered.

I love how affected she is by me.

I knew Mila was gorgeous when I saw her from across the street yesterday, but up close… damn.

She’s a stunner.

Easily the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

And I get to see her again on Friday.

I came to the bookstore today hoping to see her even though I knew there was a good chance that she wasn’t available, but I had to shoot my shot. I’m fucking relieved she isn’t with somebody. It would have sucked if I put myself out there only to find out I didn’t stand a chance. I’ll admit, part of me can’t believe she agreed to go out with me, but I’m happy she did.

Halfway back to the garage, reality sets in.

What was I even thinking going in there?

Mila is sweet as hell, far too good for a roughneck like me.

I’m a felon for fuck’s sake.

No. Fuck that.

My criminal record doesn’t define me.

I have to stop letting my past rule my life. I’m more than some guy who got locked up for trying to defend someone who didn’t deserve it. I paid the price for my mistakes. I did my time and now I need to move on.

I deserve happiness as much as anyone else.

As long as I’m honest and don’t try to hide it, Mila doesn’t seem like the type that would hold my past against me. I’ll be up front with her about it and let the chips fall where they may.

I’ve got a good feeling about her.

“Who’s the girl?” Bishop asks as I walk into the garage.

My brows dip low in confusion and I look around the bay, not seeing anyone. “What girl?”

“The girl that put that goofy ass smile on your face,” he says with a knowing look. “Only a woman can make a man smile like that.”

I hadn’t realized I was smiling when I came in, but I feel one stretch across my face now.

“Her name is Mila.”

“From the bookstore?”

“You know her?” I ask, closing the distance between us.

“I know of her.”

At my look of surprise, Bishop rolls his eyes. “You said it yourself yesterday, Cross. Abbott Ridge is a small town.” He turns his attention back to the engine he’s working on. “Pass me that wrench.”

Knowing which one he wants without asking, I grab it and hand it over.

“The real question is…” He pauses to look at me. “How do you know her?”

Reaching behind me, I pull the book out of my back pocket.

Chuckling, Bishop shakes his head. “Should have known. Can’t believe you read that girly shit.”

“Don’t hate,” I tell him. “This girly shit just got me a date with perfection on Friday night.”

He eyes the book. “Well, hell. Maybe I need to pick up a new hobby. Mila’s a pretty girl.”

“Find your own pretty girl, Bish,” I say, popping him on the back of the head with the book. “Mila is mine.”

Fucker laughs. “It’s like that?”

“Damn right it’s like that.” I drop the book on top of the tool cabinet and grab a beer from the fridge. “I saw her yesterday when I was leaving the tattoo shop.”

“No doubt a gorgeous girl like that grabbed your attention.”

“Hell yeah. Would have talked to her yesterday, but she was on her way out. Almost got discouraged when I watched her drop into the passenger seat of a sweet ass ride, but decided to take a chance anyway.”

“Black Chevelle?” he asks, glancing up.

“Yeah.”

He nods. “Her younger brother, Mateo.”

“Damn, Bish,” I say, dropping my ass onto a stool. “You really do know everyone in this town. Bet you got all the good gossip.”

Bishop snorts. “I ain’t got shit. Mateo spent a lot of time here. Rented one of the bays so he could restore that beauty of his. He had the know-how, but needed somewhere to do the work.”

“I’d love to get my hands on that car.”

“Good luck with that. He won’t let anyone else work on it. Not even me.”

That makes me chuckle. “I respect that. Nothing more important to a man than his car.”

“And his girl,” he says, no so subtly turning the conversation back to Mila. “Where are you taking her?”

*****

Author Info:

Author of emotionally-gripping, contemporary romance, Kate Stacy’s novels feature sassy heroines, swoony heroes, life, love, friendship, and all the angst. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family and friends in small-town North Carolina, Kate can most likely be found nose deep in her Kindle. She stays up too late, swears too much, and loves too hard.

*****

About The Meet Cute Book Club Series:

Escape with the Meet Cute Book Club where meet-cutes don’t only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever afters.

Eight single women bound by their love of books take a monthly break from real life to lose themselves in the chapters of romantic fiction. From friends to lovers to fake relationships and more, each story features a brand new couple and their journey to find love from an amazing lineup of authors including Louise Lennox, Tracy Broemmer, A.M. Williams, Mel Walker, RJ Gray, Rebecca Wilder, Julie Archer, and Kate Stacy.

These eight standalone romances are packed with meet-cutes, heat, and of course a happily ever after!

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

Spotlight – The Hometown Dilemma

13 Tuesday Sep 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Julie Archer, Meet Cute Book Club series, The Hometown Dilemma

In THE HOMETOWN DILEMMA by Julie Archer, when Jaime Harlow returns home in hopes of starting over, she is forced to rethink her plans, and an old friend from college, Wade Dempsy offers to help, leaving her second-guessing everything. Old times, new feelings – and one stormy night – are all they need to ignite the desires they never realized existed. Fans of The Lawton Ridge Series by Kennedy Fox will devour this must-read swoon-worthy, return to hometown romance from the Meet Cute Book Club Series.

The Hometown Dilemma

Meet Cute Book Club series

by Julie Archer

Blurb:

Jaime

Who says you can’t go home?

Coming back to Abbott Ridge and starting over was my plan. But, just like everything in life, plans change. Especially when the interior design reality tv show I dreamed of being a part of gets canceled before filming even begins. Now I’m stuck without a job and forced to rethink how I’ll start my own company.

Insert, Wade Dempsey.

Owner of Dempsey’s bar, and one of my closest friends from college. He immediately offers me a temporary job working with him, like old times.

It’s an offer I can’t refuse. Oh, and did I mention that my new boss is even sexier than I remember?

Things between us are going great…until a call from New York presents me with a new offer that has me second guessing my stay in Abbott Ridge.

Wade

Home is where the heart is.

I’ve spent my whole life in Abbott Ridge, running in and out of my family’s bar until I was finally old enough to take over. Now I’m in charge, but it’s a struggle to keep the place from going under. I need fresh ideas to compete with all the fancy bars and clubs popping up downtown.

Insert, Jaime Harlow.

Having Jaime back behind my bar seems like a good place to start. She’s an inspiration and a breath of fresh air, in more ways than one.

Old times, new feelings – and one stormy night – are all we need to ignite the desires I never realized existed.

When New York calls for Jaime and the only future I’ve known goes up in flames, we find ourselves faced with a huge dilemma that threatens our new found relationship. Can we really make this work when right now it feels like we can’t even see eye to eye? There’s only one way to find out.

The Hometown Dilemma is a standalone, return to hometown romance that is part of the multi-author series, Meet Cute Book Club. Escape with this swoon-worthy collection of romances where meet-cutes don’t only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever afters.

Add to Goodreads!

Read Now!

*****

Excerpt:

A wave of calm familiarity swept over me. Being back home for good, after being away for many years, had given me doubts and butterflies. I’m sure there were some people who would think coming home meant failure, when I very much saw it as the opportunity to start something new.

“I think it’s a really brave thing you’ve done,” Cami admitted, saying what I’d been thinking. “To walk away from a secure job and take a chance on something you have no control over.”

She may have been four years younger than me, but she was wise beyond her years. However scared I was about the decision I’d made, in my heart it was the right one. Sure, I could have stayed in a job with a nice company in New York, bumbling along with no real career plans, but I needed something to excite me, something to stretch and challenge me.

And trying to get a place on the next series of Interior Nirvana was the catalyst.

Walking away from a steady job to try and start my own freelance interior design business had been something I’d agonized over for months. But the more I turned up to work for other people, the more I knew I wanted to do it for myself. While Abbott Ridge might not have had the same level of clientele as the big city, there were enough businesses and families who would want professional help when it came to design.

“Thanks, sweetie, I appreciate your support. Not everyone is of the same mindset. Mom, for one.”

When I’d told her about my plans, she had gone ballistic. Even though she hadn’t exactly been in our lives over the past five years, the same amount of time I’d been in New York, I still kept her posted on what was going on.

“Ugh, you don’t have to tell me. You’d have thought you were going to jail for a serious crime, not trying to make something of your life.” Cami screwed up her nose. “Of course, it’s great for me too because I’m not on my own now. Wade and I split up.”

“Oh, Cami! When did that happen?” I reached out to grab her hand. “You should have told me.”

Cami had been dating Wade Dempsey on and off for about three months, since I’d last been home for a fleeting visit. He was six years older than her, so secretly I wasn’t surprised it hadn’t worked out. They were at totally different stages in their lives. Cami was still all about having fun and not thinking about the consequences. Wade had more responsibilities; he ran Dempsey’s bar in town and from what I’d heard, his father wasn’t in the best of health, which put a lot of strain on the family business. I’d worked with Wade at the bar while we were in college and we’d grown to be close buddies, although once I’d left for New York we hadn’t been in contact much.

She shrugged. “We weren’t that serious really. He’s not as much fun as I thought he was going to be. I barely saw him because he was at the bar all the time.”

“Well, I’m still sorry to hear you’ve split up.” I smiled. “But was he really the right guy for you? He always was a terrible flirt.”

“Yeah, he was.” Cami wrinkled her nose. “Think about it though, Jaime. The Harlow sisters out on the town together. Abbott Ridge watch out!”

Given the plans I had for starting my own business, there was little time for going out on the town. Not to mention saving every spare dollar I had, I had big plans to buy an apartment or house to use as my portfolio for the show.

“I don’t know about that, Cami.” Stalling, I sipped my own drink. “I might not have time.”

“Come on, all work and no play makes Jaime a very dull sister.”

Ha, I may be the older sister, but there was no way on earth I would let Cami say I was dull. Maybe it was time to step out of the comfort zone and have some fun before getting down to business.

*****

Author Info:

Author of contemporary romance featuring rock stars, small towns, a healthy dose of angst, some steamy times and always a happy ever after!

When not writing, I can usually be found binge watching teen drama series on Netflix, or supporting Spurs from my armchair, and running around after my two feline children, Corey and Elsa.

Follow me on Facebook or Instagram, see my latest releases on Amazon or drop me an email, juliearcherwrites@gmail.com.

Real Angst. Real Romance.

*****

About The Meet Cute Book Club Series

Escape with the Meet Cute Book Club where meet-cutes don’t only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever afters.

These eight standalone romances are packed with meet-cutes, heat, and of course a happily ever after!

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

Spotlight – The Mix Up

29 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Meet Cute Book Club series, Rebecca Wilder, The Mix Up

In THE MIX UP by Rebecca Wilder, Arlowe Mitchell discovers the charming bungalow she rented comes with a not-so-charming roommate after a rental mishap. And grumpy Yates Warner finds his unexpected roommate way too happy to become anything more than a short-term fling, just as long as they don’t blur the lines and become attached, should be easy right? Fans of small-town romances will enjoy this spicy, must-read grumpy sunshine romance from the Meet Cute Book Club Series.

The Mix Up

Meet Cute Book Club Series

by Rebecca Wilder

Blurb:

Arlowe

“I think that there’s been some kind of mix up.”

That’s my first clue that my stay in Lilac Harbor isn’t going to go according to plan.

There’s been a mistake with my rental booking and now instead of having the charming little bungalow on the shore all to myself, I’ve got a not so charming roommate.

Yates Warner.

He’s a grump in every since of the word, but there’s something about the guarded translator that tugs at my heartstrings.

I’m determined to make the best of this situation, and who knows? Maybe my grumpy giant and I can even be friends.

Yates

Yeah, we’re definitely never going to be friends.

Arlowe Mitchell is too sweet for a grouchy loner like me. She’s too friendly, too generous, and way too optimistic.

Also, incredibly too tempting.

The more time that I spend with her, the more that I want her.

When she tells me about the newest book her book club is reading and says how she always wanted to have a summer fling like the characters, I finally get my opening.

A four-week fling. No strings attached and we part at the end of the month to go our separate ways. The only rule we have is to not get attached.

I thought that it would be a piece of cake to follow it but the more time I spend around my new roomie, the more I realize that I’m in real trouble of breaking our one and only rule.

Add to Goodreads!

Read Now!

*****

Excerpt:

“Are you going to win me a stuffed animal?” I tease when I see him eyeing one of the games that we’re walking past.

“I doubt it. I’m terrible at all of those games,” he says and I laugh.

“I’m pretty sure that everyone is.”

We head into the vendor section and Yates waits patiently as I look around each booth. We get to one that’s selling cake pops and I grab two, passing one to Yates. He huffs out a laugh when he sees the mermaid one that I bought him.

“Did you want the unicorn one instead?” I ask him, offering him the one in my hand and he shakes his head.

“No, this one is fine.”

He takes a bite, finishing the whole thing in about two bites as we continue to browse through all of the craft stands. I debate buying a beaded wallet and a little water painting but put both of them back. I don’t want to carry either of them around for the rest of our afternoon.

I stop by one of the maple booths and grab Hartley her maple candy. I get another bag for me and then one for Yates and his new candy dish. They have maple everything and I debate sending my mom a bottle of maple syrup but I’m worried it would break before it got to her.

“Ready for some rides?” I ask him as I tuck the candy in my purse and he nods his head but he doesn’t look so sure.

“Do you think that your stomach can handle it?” I ask and he side eyes me.

“I’ll be fine,” he promises and I roll my eyes at his tough guy routine.

My phone dings as we get in line for the tilt-a-whirl, and I pull it out to see a text from my book club friend, Jamie.

Jamie: Are you ready for next Thursday?

Arlowe: Of course!

Jamie: Can’t wait!

“Who was that?” Yates asks as we move up in line.

“My friend Jamie. We’re in a book club together and she was just reminding me about our meeting this coming Thursday.”

“What book are you reading? A romance one?” He asks.

“Why? You want to translate it?”

He rolls his eyes and I grin as we show the ride operator our wrist bands and head onto the ride.

“It is a romance book, actually. The main characters have this sexy vacation fling on this island off the coast of South Carolina and they end up falling in love. It was so good,” I gush and he nods as the operator closes the bar.

“Sounds cool,” he says and I grin at his bored monotone.

“It is! You should read it.”

“Maybe,” he hedges as the operator heads back to the ride box and starts pushing a few levers.

“I’ve always wanted to have a super steamy vacation romance. Something where you can just get what you need without being worried about the rest of the relationship. Something strictly physical. It’s been on my bucket list for ages,” I say with a dreamy sigh.

“Are you coming onto me?” He asks and I blink at him, my head whipping to the side as I gap at him.

And then I burst out laughing.

I didn’t mean to be. I wasn’t even thinking about it. I mean, I’ve been trying to hide my crush from him since I got to town and the one time that I was just saying something innocently, he asks me that.

I laugh harder and that seems to surprise Yates. He wasn’t expecting that reaction and he frowns at me, looking insulted and I try to backtrack.

“I mean, you’re gorgeous. I’d love to have sex with you!”

I freeze.

I can’t believe that I just said that!

I can see a few people giving us weird looks but I ignore them. All of my attention is locked on Yates.

We both just stare at each other, neither one of us knowing what to do now. The ride starts and we both look away from each other and grab hold of the bar as the ride starts to spin.

*****

Author Info:

USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Wilder writes contemporary and new adult romance. She loves writing about opposites attracting and finding their happily ever afters.

When she’s not spending time with her family or friends, she’s reading romance books, watching stand-up comedies, or crime TV shows. She’s also a total Pinterest addict, dog lover, tea snob, and a wannabe yogi.

*****

About The Meet Cute Book Club Series

Escape with the Meet Cute Book Club where meet-cutes don’t only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever afters.

These eight standalone romances are packed with meet-cutes, heat, and of course a happily ever after!

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

Spotlight – The Hidden Love

15 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Meet Cute Book Club series, RJ Gray, The Hidden Love

In the HIDDEN LOVE by RJ Gray, Shannon Callaway’s life became the ultimate challenge the instant her best friend passed away, leaving her to raise a child that wasn’t hers. For Kade Harding it all boils down to deciding if his future is a civilian life he wasn’t expecting, or returning to his unit and leaving his new family behind. Fans of military romances will enjoy this sexy, must-read second chance romance from the Meet Cute Book Club Series.

The Hidden Love

Meet Cute Book Club Series

by RJ Gray

Blurb:

“Oh, God! Did I just fall right into my dead best friend’s ex-boyfriend, secret baby daddy, incredibly sexy, Navy SEAL’s arms?” – Sounds like a line right out of one of my book club’s romance novels.

Except it’s not. It’s real life. My real life.

Grieving the loss of my best friend, and suddenly taking on raising her son, I’m faced with a whole new set of challenges. That includes breaking the news to my brother’s best friend, Kade, that Danny is his son.

As if that’s not enough for one woman to handle. Kade is even hotter than I remember, and navigating all the details of Annabelle’s death and Danny’s future brings us closer than ever, in more ways than one.

And my girls in from book club? They’re all for me finding my happily ever after with the sexy as sin man in uniform.

But Kade has even more on the line without worrying about a relationship. Will he choose a family and life outside of the military, or will he return to his unit and leave it all behind?

Add to Goodreads!

Read Now!

*****

Excerpt:

“Turns out, I wasn’t ready for the meeting after all,” she said in a whisper.

“With the lawyer? Wasn’t it supposed to be a pretty routine meeting?” Mila asked.

“If only. I don’t even know how to process everything…”

“Why don’t you start at the beginning and I’ll try to help?” Mila suggested.

“Well, you know I’m Danny’s godmother. When Annabelle and Doug asked me to be his godmother, they also asked if I would take custody of Danny if anything happened to them, and I readily agreed. Annabelle, as you know, has no blood family to speak of. My family was the closest thing she had to kin. Doug…” Shannon paused, it wasn’t nice to speak ill of the dead, but did that carry over to his family? She’d tread lightly. “He shrouded his family in a veil of mystery from day one. Even after a decade, I didn’t know them very well. His parents live out of state and they don’t visit too often.”

“He definitely kept to himself,” Mila agreed.

“Taking all the necessary legal precautions, they decided I would be Danny’s guardian if anything happened to them. Of course, the possibility of something happening to both of them at the same time was slim and none of us thought it would ever come down to that… Yet, here we are.”

“Yes, here we are. They couldn’t have chosen a better guardian. You’ve been like a second mom to Danny since the day he was born,” Mila said gently.

“More like the cool aunt,” Shannon countered with a laugh.

“I guess I don’t understand the confusion here? Isn’t this what the lawyer confirmed?” Mila asked.

“Not exactly. Besides the exorbitant amount of money left behind for Danny’s care, which my mind is having a hard time wrapping around… Where did this money come from?” Shannon asked.

“Life insurance?” Mila suggested.

“No. I mean, they both had life insurance policies, but we haven’t even applied for those yet. This is a fund they’d set up for Danny in case something happened. It’s… bizarre. It’s almost like they knew they were going to die.” Shannon’s skin pricked.

“You can’t predict being hit by a drunk driver, though,” Mila said.

“I know. There’s little about their deaths that makes sense. I’m sure my lack of sleep isn’t helping. Anyway, believe it or not, there’s more. So much more. What I am about to tell you is an absolute secret and you can’t tell anyone. Promise?”

“Not even the girls in our book club?” Mila asked.

“Not even them, not yet. I’ll tell them at the next meeting. Hopefully, by then, I’ll have had time to process all of this.”

“Whatever it is you’re about to tell me must be important. I promise,” Mila said.

“Do you remember Kade Harding from high school?”

“Of course. He’s like some super high-speed Army Ranger or something now, right?”

“Navy SEAL.”

“Wow. Impressive. I remember him being an immature little brat in middle school. Snapping the girls’ bras and pushing his weight around,” Mila said. Back then, Mila ran with a different crowd than Shannon and Annabelle.

“Yeah, he definitely grew up. He’s no longer twelve.” She chuckled, remembering him as a child. He pulled her pigtails a time or two. “Anyway, do you remember how he and Annabelle were high school sweethearts?” Shannon asked.

“Yeah. We all thought they’d get married and have a couple of kids running around and show up at our twentieth reunion looking exactly as they did in high school with their perfect genes. But they broke up right after he left town for the military, right?” Mila answered.

“Something like that.” After Kade finished the grueling process of becoming a Navy SEAL, he deployed for the first time. He lost one of his close friends during that deployment. Kade came back a different person. In one year’s time, he matured more than most of the men she knew did in ten years.

Deciding he couldn’t put Annabelle through the heartbreak of losing him to death, Kade broke up with her. Shannon held Annabelle as she cried, reading the letter he’d sent her. She’d thought he’d been a coward, ending things with her best friend via a letter. It wasn’t until he called to talk with Blaze and unloaded the details on her that she understood his reasoning, even if she didn’t agree with it. She still told him it was a punk thing to do, sending a letter instead of delivering the news in person, or at the very least, over the phone.

The irony.

Shannon acted just as cowardly, sending him an email requesting he return home instead of calling him.

“What’s Kade have to do with your meeting with the lawyer?”

“Ten years ago, he came home on leave to bury his grandfather. Doug and Annabelle got into a huge fight. They weren’t married yet. In fact, they were on a short relationship break. It’s not like she cheated on him or anything when she and Kade had sex–”

“Wait. What?” Mila asked, shocked. “Ten years ago?”

“Yeah, ten years ago. Kade is Danny’s biological father.”

*****

Author Info:

RJ Gray is a USA TODAY, Amazon & International Bestselling author of Explosively Hot Romance. Writing military romance comes second nature to RJ. After serving in the military herself, she married her very own hero, an active duty Army EOD technician. In the last seventeen years, they’ve lived in Illinois, DC, Missouri, Alabama, Florida, Washington State, Colorado, Virginia and Hawaii. Recently, RJ moved to the great state of South Carolina with her husband, two young sons, their rescue pup, and two adopted kittens. RJ lives an active life. When not writing, her hobbies include whipping up delicious meals, capturing life’s beauty with her camera and attending her children’s multiple sporting events. Find out more about RJ by following her on social media or dropping her an email.

*****

About The Meet Cute Book Club Series

Escape with the Meet Cute Book Club where meet-cutes don’t only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever afters.

These eight standalone romances are packed with meet-cutes, heat, and of course a happily ever after!

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

Spotlight – The Right Guy

01 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Meet Cute Book Club series, Mel Walker, The Right Guy

In THE RIGHT GUY by Mel Walker, Hunter Farro is looking for a fresh start on his own, but after a kiss with a stranger, his plans derail when he finds himself in a fake relationship. Hunter’s secret relationship with Catherine March isn’t the only thing he is hiding behind, and when the truth comes out, he will risk everything important to him, including Catherine. Fans of Sealed by Laura Pavlov will delight in this sweet must-read fake relationship, small-town romance from the Meet Cute Book Club Series.

The Right Guy

by Mel Walker

Blurb:

Catherine March is what many would call an unparalleled success. With tons of friends from coast to coast and outstanding success as the manager of a premier event space in the state, she has overachieved in every aspect of her life except one – finding a partner. Finding the right partner.

Returning to her hometown for a friend’s wedding she is confronted by her ex, the man who predicted she’ll always be alone. And to make matters worse, he’s trotting his replacement all around town.

Faced with a tough choice, Catherine decides the solution to her problem is to find the perfect fake boyfriend for the week.

But being an overachiever has its own set of challenges, even her fake relationship appears real to everyone, including herself.

New city, new job, new challenges.

Hunter Faro is far from home and he’s looking to stand on his own without the assistance of his powerful family.

It sounded simple enough. That is until a stranger kisses him and ropes him into being her pretend boyfriend for her friend’s wedding

She is a beautiful distraction and he has his reasons for agreeing but as the charade grows he realizes the danger. The fake relationship isn’t the only secret he is hiding behind and if the truth comes out everything he’s worked for may disappear.

If you love small towns, fake relationship stories, moments that will tug at your heartstrings, and a swoon-worthy happy ending, then you’ll love this sweet romance.

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*****

Excerpt:

Home is where you go to find peace, but not today. My shaking hands and the throbbing in my chests only confirm my fears – disaster awaits.

My Uber flies down Market Street and I duck down to hide as we roll by Mr. Paul’s Ice Cream shop as if I’m expecting the ghost of boyfriend past to be sitting at our favorite booth sipping on a black and white milk shake staring out the window on alert.

I sit on my hands but still fail. I form tight fists, squeezing to the point that I feel the pain of my nails digging hard into my palm. This trip is different. He knows I’m coming home; he knows my schedule; there will be no avoiding him this time.

I don’t trust myself to even think his name, let alone speak it out loud. The fear of his name on my lips activating some horror movie spell, conjuring him in front of me, a smug smirk on his face and a condescending attitude on his shoulder.

I’m only two hours removed from the pep talk from my former college classmate and good friend, Shannon, but I don’t hesitate to dial her. Anything to pull me out of the anxiety hole I’m slipping down.

“Catherine!” she answers on the first ring, surprise in her tone, “don’t tell me you left something here at the Inn.”

I shake my head, knowing she can’t see me. “No. At least I don’t think so.” Her question merely pulls me from one rabbit hole to another. I’ve spent the last three days with Shannon and the rest of the women in our book club back in our college town of Abbot Ridge, North Carolina. Three amazing days of kinship, reconnecting and refilling my cup with positivity. Nearly all of it evaporating when I stepped on the plane and flew cross-country back to my hometown. “I’m almost to my parent’s home and I wanted to hear you tell me once again that everything will work out?”

“Ok,” she whispers, and I imagine Shannon pulling on the sleeves of her bohemian top with more colors than Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It’s early afternoon and all of her bed-and-breakfast patrons should have either checked out or have left to enjoy the charm that is Abbot Ridge. I picture her sitting in her favorite rocking chair with a cup of herbal tea nearby. “It’s been too long since you’ve gone back home. You miss your family. You love your family and they love you. That’s all that matters. Palmer Easton is ancient history.”

I squeeze my eyes tight with the mention of my ex. The man whose heart I broke and who now seems to be on a mission to make my life a living hell.

“You are the kick ass hero in this story.” Shannon pulls me back to the present, her voice filled with love and admiration, the two things my heart needs the most right now. “You only have to see him once for a few hours with lots of other people around to act as a buffer. You’re going to be just fine. And when you leave town again, he’ll be the one wishing he had made different life choices.”

I know she’s right, but it’s nice to hear it out loud. Logic and fear aren’t exactly great bedfellows. “Thank you. In every other area of my life, I have no doubts, but anytime I come home to Mesa my nerves are on edge, fearing I’m going to run into Palmer.” My tongue clicks against my teeth, “only this time it’s one hundred percent guaranteed that we’ll cross paths.”

I think back six months to the arrival of the wedding invitation from my childhood friend, Ava. The hand written note slipped into the invite. Don’t you dare say no. She knows my history with Palmer, everyone does. Mesa, Arizona, may be home to nearly half a million people these days, but in many ways it’s still a small town.

“And I’m one hundred percent sure you’re gonna shine. Do I need to fly out there?” Shannon asks and for a second, I consider it. I RSVP’d with a plus one six months ago, figuring I had all the time in the world to find a date. The last thing I wanted to do was show up to the wedding and sit at the singles table subjecting myself to even more barbs and slings from Palmer. His parting words to me after I left him were that I would never find happiness or another man. I found out too late that Palmer and the high road never intercepted.

*****

Author Info:

Mel Walker is a rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small-town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys long walks, bike rides, and taking in the energy of the city.

*****

Escape with the Meet Cute Book Club where meet-cutes don’t only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever afters.

These eight standalone romances are packed with meet-cutes, heat, and of course a happily ever after!
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Spotlight – The Forever Game

18 Monday Jul 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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A.M. Williams, Meet Cute Book Club series, The Forever Game

In THE FOREVER GAME By A.M. Williams, Daphne Abrams is used to being the family outcast but couldn’t be happier with the life she’s created, until Jameson Culter turns her world upside down. There are a million reasons why they would never work, but the universe won’t give up while Jameson is hell-bent on winning my heart. Fans of Defending the Rush by Jamie Bennettwill relish this must-read opposites attract, sports romance from the Meet Cute Book Club Series.

The Forever Game

The Meet Cute Book Club Series

by A.M. Williams

Blurb:

Daphne

Being born as a creative with zero athletic ability into a family of athletes means only one thing – I’m the family outcast.

The one who no matter how successful I am, will never fit in.

That’s okay. I’m happy with my life. I’ve got my friends, good books to read, and my very own tattoo studio where I get to live my own dreams.

Things are going just fine for me.

Then he shows up. The definition of tall, dark, and handsome. I don’t think I’ve ever been this wildly attracted to someone at first glance.

There are a million reasons why things between the two of us would never work out.

But, the universe keeps throwing us together and Jameson seems hell-bent on proving me wrong.

Jameson

I’m in town for one reason and one reason only: recover in the off season so I can go back next year ready to dominate on the field.

After a brutal divorce and an even worse football season, I need to recoup and get my head in the game.

What I don’t need is distractions.

That’s exactly what she is. She’s gorgeous, funny, and has curves in all the right places.

There’s just two small problems. I’m on the rebound and she’s the daughter of my mentor. Who would even want to go there?

But, somehow we keep crossing paths and there’s something tempting about breaking through all those stereotypes she has about guys like me.

Can we find a way to give in to what our hearts want and finally win the forever game?

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*****

Excerpt:

He cleared his throat. “So dinner last night…”

He paused and glanced out the window, his brow furrowing.

I followed his gaze and just barely kept myself from groaning. Of course, my mother would come to the cafe and bring my sister with her.

“Did you tell them we were coming?” I asked Jameson, looking back at him.

He grimaced. “I mentioned we were meeting for coffee this morning.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “That was enough. I bet my mom has either been sitting outside waiting, or one of her friends texted her we were here.”

Jameson said nothing in response because my mom sauntered up to us with a huge grin. Dakota followed behind, glowering at me.

What else was new?

“You two look cozy,” Mom said, clasping her hands in front of her chest.

Cozy? We looked like two strangers meeting for coffee.

“He just got here,” I told her. “It’s hard to look cozy when we’re still warming up.”

Mom waved her hand in the air, like she was clearing my words from her presence.

“Nonsense. I just knew the two of you would hit it off.”

I stifled my groan as she gazed at the two of us. “We won’t keep you,” she continued. “But I wanted to drop in and say hello.”

Before either of us could say anything, she and Dakota went to the counter to order a drink and were gone in a few minutes.

Only then did I sag into my chair. “My God…” I muttered.

“Guess I should be glad this was coffee and not something fancy.”

I barked out a laugh. “You jest, but she probably would have crashed that, too.”

“What’s—“ Jameson started, but he snapped his mouth shut when Mrs. Aldrich, a retired elementary school teacher and one of my mother’s good friends, stopped by our table.

“You two make a fine couple,” she said, grinning at the two of us. “Tall, dark, and handsome, with fair and beautiful.”

I wanted to tell her she missed squat as my descriptor, but I didn’t want her to stick around longer than necessary.

“I’m so glad to see you dating,” she said, directing her gaze at me.

I pressed my lips together to keep myself from saying something rude and nodded.

With one last grin, she left the cafe.

Jameson cleared his throat. “I was going to ask you what the deal was with your sister,” he said. “But now I want to know what the deal was with her comment.”

He jerked his head toward where Mrs. Aldrich had disappeared outside the cafe.

“Nothing much to tell,” I hedged, not wanting to get into my dating history and how horrendous it had been. I also didn’t want to talk about my sister and hoped he’d take the hint.

I wasn’t so lucky.

“And Dakota?”

I was saved from thinking of a response by another person, this time my parents’ neighbor Mr. Creech.

“I thought that was you, Daphne,” he said, grinning at me. “But I forgot my glasses at home and my eyes aren’t what they used to be.”

I smiled at him with affection. Growing up, he’d helped foster my love of art and drawing. He also helped me get into the art program at Abbott Ridge College.

“Yep, it’s me.”

He nodded, flicking his gaze to Jameson, then back to me. “Who is this young man? Your beau?”

My face heated at his words, and I quickly tried to correct him. “No! I mean,” I cleared my throat, “no. We’re friends and we met for coffee this morning.”

Mr. Creech grinned at me and winked. “Sure, that’s what I said when I met my wife, you know. And look how that turned out?”

My mouth dried at his words. “Oh, it’s not—“

“I hope to see you next time you stop by your parents’. I have some stuff I think you might like.”

He nodded to Jameson, then shuffled out of the cafe. Thankfully, since he forgot his glasses, he didn’t walk to a car and get in the driver’s seat. He walked away from the parking area.

“Sure were quick to deny that I was your beau,” Jameson teased, chuckling.

I glared at him, wishing I could shoot lasers from my eyes as he continued to laugh while sipping his coffee.

“This isn’t funny.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” he drawled. “This is pretty hilarious to me.”

I stuck my tongue out at him for lack of anything better to do, and he threw his head back and laughed.

The joy on his face as he did so cracked something in the wall I’d built around my heart and made me question if being so adamant about us not being something was the right thing.

*****

Author Info:

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

*****

Escape with the Meet Cute Book Club where meet-cutes don’t only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever afters.

These eight standalone romances are packed with meet-cutes, heat, and of course a happily ever after!

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

Spotlight – The Jane Thing

08 Friday Jul 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Meet Cute Book Club series, The Jane Thing, Tracy Broemmer

In THE JANE THING by Tracy Broemmer, Gideon Reece finds himself living with his sister’s best friend who is all sunshine and chatter. However, the more time we spend together, the more I’m realizing that Skye Stafford is different from any woman I’ve ever known, but I can’t risk ruining her friendship with my sister. Fans of Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey will devour this must-read enemies to lovers, best friend’s sibling romance from the Meet Cute Book Club Series.

The Jane Thing

The Meet Cute Book Club Series

by Tracy Broemmer

Blurb:

When my best friend asks me to put her brother up at my place for a while, I’m totally on board. After all, I practically grew up in Chloe and Gideon’s house, so I used to kind of know him. Those childhood memories don’t compare to the real Gideon Reece when he shows up ready to be my temporary roommate. He’s grown into a smoking hot guy complete with tattoos, rakish-looking hair, and a face that looks like art. Too bad he’s a pompous jerk.

My sister’s best friend is going to drive me crazy before my stay here is over. She’s prettier than I remember, but she’s all sunshine and chatter, like she thinks we’re going to be besties while I’m here. Spoiler alert: we’re not. I’m here to secure a job and find a place to live, and in the meantime, I have no interest in palling around with Skye Stafford.

Then why did I kiss her? Probably the same reason I can’t get her off my mind. She’s completely different from any woman I’ve ever known, and to my regret, I can’t get enough of her. I have to keep my hands to myself, because I’d never forgive myself if I came between Chloe and Skye.

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*****

Excerpt:

“What are you doing?”

Frame in one hand and my hammer in the other, I stop just inside my bedroom and look at Gideon.

“What’s it look like?”

My sarcasm flies out the window when he tips his head like he’s actually thinking about it. I feel the heat from his intense stare as it travels up over my black heels and bare legs and skinny gray pencil skirt. What had he called it last night? Corporate getup?

“Kinda like an eighties music video,” he answers with a shrug. “Maybe porn.”

Stunned by his answer, I take half a second to wonder if I’m offended. The laugh pops out before I make up my mind. I hold out the hammer and twist it this way and that and finally shudder when I look back at him.

“I’m going to hang his picture.” I turn my back on him and put the frame and hammer down on my bed.

“Want help?”

I peek at him over my shoulder and shake my head. “No thanks.”

“Well, I mean, you can’t just hammer a nail in a wall and be done with it. You have to measure, so you’re not crooked.”

“I’m not crooked,” I promise him. I kick off my heels and lead him to the spot on the wall I’ve already measured and marked. “I did that first.”

Rather than look at the spot on the wall, Gideon studies me. Up close to him like this, I smell his cologne. Something woodsy but not overpowering. He also smells like old books or at least an old building—like the mix of paper and dust.

“Did you work late?” he asks me, and when I shake my head, he asks, “why are you still dressed like that?”

Wow. He really does have an issue with professional attire.

“Had a date,” I answer. I left my nail out on the counter, so I go to get it. When I come back in, Gideon’s looking around my room. My cheeks heat with embarrassment when I see a lacey black bra tossed over the nightstand. He looks at me again with narrowed eyes, as if he’s trying to work out if I brought my date home and slept with him and forgot to put my bra on when I got dressed again.

“A date.”

“Mm-hmm.” I stick the nail between my teeth and eye the spot I marked earlier with a pencil.

“With who?”

“Mel Kavanaugh.”

“Don’t know him.”

“No kidding.” I speak around the nail in my teeth and roll my eyes. “He works at the bank.”

“That your type?” I wouldn’t swear to it, but he sounds disappointed.

“Will you gimme the hammer?” Nail still between my teeth, I hold my hand out and nod my thanks when he puts the hammer on my palm. Taking the nail out of my teeth, I lean closer to the wall and tap it gently with the hammer.

“Did you use a stud finder?”

“For the date? No.” I shake my head. “Maybe that was the problem.”

I have to look at him when I hear his soft laugh.

“I meant for the nail.” He points at the wall. “I’m surprised you can use nails in a new apartment.”

“Landlord thinks that sticky stuff is the devil’s invention. Told me to hammer as much as I want.”

Gideon’s eyebrows shoot up to his hairline as his face crinkles with laughter.

“Tell me you meant to say that.”

“Totally did,” I promise him.

*****

Author Info:

Tracy Broemmer is the author of several contemporary romance novels including The Mississippi Queen Trilogy, Toasted, and the H Books. Tracy also writes women’s fiction and is the author of the Williams Legacy series as well as several stand-alone titles. Tracy’s books have been called gripping, emotional, and timely, and readers describe her characters as real and relatable. Tracy lives in Midwestern Illinois with her husband of 29 years.

*****

Escape with the Meet Cute Book Club where meet-cutes don’t only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever afters.

These eight standalone romances are packed with meet-cutes, heat, and of course a happily ever after!
This promotional event is brought to you by The Indie Pen PR

Spotlight – The Wine Down

20 Monday Jun 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Louise Lennox, Meet Cute Book Club series, The Wine Down

In THE WINE DOWN by Louise Lennox, Brandi Armstrong leads a life with no room for error—or romance, but when she has to fight for something close to her heart, she turns to her best friend, Riddick Kruger. Can Riddick help to save Brandi’s family farm, and convince her that his love for her is worth fighting for? Fans of Kennedy Ryan’s Kingmaker Series, cultured yet humorous reads, will devour this must-read friends to lovers romance from the Meet Cute Book Club Series.

The Wine Down

by Louise Lennox

Blurb:

Escape with the Meet Cute Book Club, where meet-cutes don’t happen only between the pages of romance novels, and one by one, all the members find their own happily ever afters.

Meet Brandi Armstrong and Riddick Kruger in book one: The Wine Down…

Brandi…

Fearless

Southern

Broken

I’m the heroine saving farms from financial ruin and racism.

Who will save me from my loneliness?

I’m Too Busy.

I’m Too Hurt.

But it’s homecoming weekend and I really want to WINE Down.

Except now, my family’s farm is on the chopping block.

My best friend Riddick vows to fix it.

Because…

I’m the object of his affection.

And money is no object.

He wants me. But I don’t want anyone.

I’m too fractured to put the pieces back together again.

But it’s fun to feel Riddick try…

Riddick…

Dominating

South African

Billionaire

I’m the wealthy Restaurateur all the ladies love…

But I’m in love with my best friend.

Brandi doesn’t want my love, but she does need my help.

She will get more than she asks for.

I’ll destroy the past that’s haunting her.

I’ll own the present by pleasuring her.

I’ll design our future; healing her.

She will be mine, and her heart will no longer hide…

Will Brandi Wine Down long enough to let love rule?

Can Riddick save Brandi’s farm without killing their friendship?

Find out in this hot friends-to-lovers romance from Louise Lennox!

The Wine Down is a standalone, Friend to Lovers romance that is part of the multi-author series, Meet Cute Book Club series. Escape with this swoon-worthy collection of romances where meet-cutes don’t only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever after.

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*****

Excerpt:

“Riddick!” A shrill voice I hate all too well calls out. “Long Time, no see! Did you come to watch me perform? You know I’ve still got all my moves.”

Mandy fucking Foster

I’m going to be sick. And Riddick looks like he may be as well. That’s his fault. No one told him to use Mandy as his go-to fuck toy all throughout college. She’s always thought she had claim to him, even though he never made the slightest gesture to claim her. Now, she’s all over him like a cat with claws.

He clears his throat and seeks me out with his eyes. “Umm… no, I’m actually here to support Brandi.” He nods his head towards me, forcing Mandy to turn around. I give her a saccharine smile and wave. She rolls her eyes but quickly recovers.

“Oh yeah, I forgot she’s like a little sister to you. Of course, you’d want to see her perform. But isn’t it a bonus that you also get me out of the deal? Someone who knows how to use her body very well.”

Bitch. Two can play this game.

I walk over to Kruger and step beside him. Placing my hand in his, I squeeze and throw him a quick wink before bringing his ring hand to my lips and brushing my lips over the back of his knuckles. Sweet baby Jesus, his skin is incredible. I feel his calluses on the inside of my hand, but the skin brushing my lips is soft as silk.

My poor neglected pussy is dripping from his sexy scent alone. Lord, I want to huff him like fiend addicted to glue. I close my eyes and take a deep breath before I hear him clear his throat, soft enough for my ears. That’s right, I had a reason to come over here, and getting high off the smell of his skin was not it. I glance at him and peep the right side of his mouth turned up in the beginning of a smile. I look away and glare at Mandy.

“We are not siblings. Far from it, Mandy, what we are goes deeper than that. Wouldn’t you agree, Riddick?”

My eyes never leave her scowl. Her eyes never leave my hand wrapped in his. She looks like she might combust, she’s so angry.

Riddick faces me and his jaw flinches. His eyes are predatory, and I get the distinct feeling that I finally opened a door he was seeking entrance into. “I definitely agree,” he rumbles. “We’re the best part of each other.”

His words almost knock me to my ass. What the hell is that supposed to mean? He returns my earlier gesture by flipping our clasped hands over and dropping kisses on the inside of my wrist. My knees buckle at the gesture and my breath catches. He chuckles and pulls me away from Mandy, winking as we turn to leave. “We’ll see you around, Mandy. Break a leg.”

When we get out of her view, I drop Riddick’s hand and laugh. The sound is nervous and unnatural, but I follow through with it, anyway. Anything to break this awkward tension between us. But when I look up at Riddick’s face, he doesn’t look uncomfortable at all. He looks determined. I place my hand on my neck and swallow.

“Mandy is still hot for you. She never could keep her hands off you.”

Riddick nods. “Yeah, she never could.’ He steps closer to me, and I step back. Still, he stalks me until my back is against a wall and I realize we’re practically alone on the side of the stage. He trails the back of his knuckles across my cheek and smirks.

“But you know, Kitten, I’m curious about your touch, not hers. Do you want me to touch you again?”

“Wh..wh..at.” I stammer.

He nods. “Umm hmm. Unfortunately, Mandy has had the undeserved privilege of touching my body all over. I wasn’t very discerning in the past. She’s had her legs wrapped around my thighs, lips around my cock, her hands grabbing my ass as I thrust into her. But none of those touches set my entire body and soul on fire, like the brush of your lips against my hand a few moments ago.”

Oh, God… his mouth. It’s so dirty. Every word is going straight to my core.

Riddick steps into me, and I gulp at his closeness. Part of me is terrified of being pushed against a wall by such a powerful man. If he wanted to, he could trap me there with his weight. It reminds me of the first time Byron took my innocence. The pressure of his body made me feel trapped in a situation I could not control. With Riddick, I just feel deliciously covered.

*****

Author Info:

Contemporary romance Author Louise Lennox is a hopeful romantic writing steamy romances full of heart and healing.

A Spelman College and Georgetown University graduate, Louise provides women with diverse and meaningful representation in romance novel pages. Not seeing enough women like herself headlining positive love stories, she launched #HappyBlackRomance; a community of readers and writers committed to the creation and sharing of positive romance stories featuring Black heroines.

Louise Lennox plots highlight the joys of Black relationships across the diaspora; pushing readers from all cultural backgrounds to admire them for their strength and downright sexiness. In her novels sparks always fly; the sex amazes; and the characters always leave the world better than they found it through their love.

When she’s not writing, Louise is enjoying her work as a school leader, wife, and mother of the two cutest dragons to ever walk the earth!

To learn more about #HappyBlackRomance and to score a free book or two, check out her website http://www.lovelouiselennox.com.

*****

Escape with the Meet Cute Book Club where meet-cutes don’t only happen between the pages of romance novels and members find their own happily ever afters.

These eight standalone romances are packed with meet-cutes, heat, and of course a happily ever after!
This promotional event is brought to you by The Indie Pen PR