Welcome to the blog tour for CAPTURING FATE, the second book in the adult romantic thriller series, Fatal Truth, by Abbie Roads. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
CAPTURING FATE (Fatal Truth Series #2) by Abbie Roads
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: CAPTURING FATE Series: Fatal Truth Series #2 Author: Abbie Roads Release Date: January 28, 2021 Genre: Adult Dark Romantic Thriller Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis
Can love untangle a web of lies and expose the truth?
A loner with a mysterious childhood…
FBI agent Dolan Watts is no stranger to pain. From his childhood spent in foster care to his daily grind of hunting down hardened criminals, it’s been the one constant through the years. Pain carved out gut feelings he can trust and instincts able to solve cases in record time. Until now. Confronted by a malicious new enemy who revels in mind games, Dolan begins to doubt his own perceptions. Fearing he’s spiraling into insanity, he seeks help from the one woman who can shine light into the darkness consuming him.
A woman haunted by a secret…
Psychologist Daughter Dawson sabotaged her own safety the moment she accepted Dolan as a client. Still, she felt compelled to help him. Dolan’s past mirrored many of the questions about her own, making his torment achingly familiar. Despite their growing attraction, her career demands she keep an ethical distance. Yet when she makes the mistake of confiding in him, both their lives are thrust into unimaginable danger.
Nightmares come to life…
When gruesome tragedy uncovers a serial killer’s twisted agenda, Daughter and Dolan must cling to each other if they hope to survive. Can they stop the body count from rising? Or will they find their only purpose from the start was to be pawns in a reign of evil?
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Excerpt #2 Through the shifting snow, a mass moved toward her from the edge of the water, growing more solid until she recognized the shape of a man. Somehow, someone with a boat was here to save her.
The man stalked through the snow, his vibrant green eyes locked on her.
Dolan.
The world around them slipped away until it was only him and her and the snow between them.
The flakes seemed to slow, hanging suspended as time halted.
Dolan.
She stared, unable to move, unable to believe the message her eyes were sending her brain.
Dolan.
Time turned back on, and he came to her, stopping only inches from her. His eyes carried a pain in their depths that only love could tame. He’d been through so much.
Dolan.
Slowly, as if worried he would frighten her, he reached out with a bare hand and cupped her cheek. His touch warm and magnetic and soothing, and she couldn’t help herself, she reached up and pressed his hand harder to her face, trying to absorb him. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment. She wasn’t certain she wasn’t dreaming. If she was dreaming, she’d make the most of it.
She turned her face and kissed his palm before settling it against her skin again.
“Daught?” Her name came out in a choked whisper.
She opened her eyes. He still stood there, staring down at her with such love and longing in his eyes, her heart swelled and threatened to erupt. “You’re here? You’re really here?”
The corner of his mouth tipped up. “I’m here.”
And then it was like reality and her mind finally melded together. Her arms were around him and his mouth was on hers. They talked into the kiss, his words, her words blending together.
“It’s you.”
“Are you okay?”
“I missed you.”
“I missed you.”
She tasted him on her tongue, smelled the warm masculine scent of him, and stared into eyes the color of summer leaves. He was oxygen, and she hadn’t had a breath in months.
She loves Snicker Parfaits. Gotta start with what’s most important, right?
She writes dark emotional books featuring damaged characters, but always gives her hero and heroine a happy ending… after torturing them for three hundred pages.
By day she’s a mental health counselor known for her blunt, honest style of therapy. At night she burns up the keyboard. Well… Burn might be too strong a word. She at least sits with her hands poised over the keyboard, waiting for inspiration to strike. And when it does—the keyboard might get a little warm.
She can’t stand it when people drive slowly in the passing lane. Just saying. That’s major annoying. Right?
She loves taking pictures of things she thinks are pretty.
Welcome to the blog tour for KIT, the eighth book the adult contemporary sports romance series, Chicago Blaze Hockey, by Brenda Rothert. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis Kit
Molly Lynch isn’t like any woman I’ve met before. The pretty, ball-busting reporter has a penchant for asking questions that dredge up memories I’d rather keep buried. I answer them, though, because I’m so intrigued by her—a mix of shy and bold, so set in her ways that the slightest change knocks her off kilter. The closer Molly gets to my dark truth, though, the more I try to shift her focus to what I want most—her total surrender to me in the bedroom.
Molly
I finally have the life I’m meant for. Predictable. Boring. Safe. NHL player Kit Carter upsets the stability I crave when he looks at me with his dark eyes, wounded and guarded, but also swirling with desire. I can’t let him figure out who I truly am—driven not by ambition but by anxiety. Unable to let go of my control, even for a second. There’s something about Kit that draws me to him so powerfully it’s no longer a choice, though. I need to give in, even if it costs me everything.
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Excerpt “Don’t let this guy scare you, man,” Porter tells Josh. “He’s big and kind of intimidating, but he also wears scrunchies around his man buns. We call him Fabio.”
I shrug and say, “I’m not ashamed of my scrunchies. Rubber bands always get tangled in my hair, man.”
“Or you could just get a fucking haircut like the rest of us,” Easy says, shaking his head.
I gesture at him with my thumb and tell Josh, “Don’t listen to him. He’s just jealous of my lustrous man mane.”
“Hey.” Our team captain Anton calls out to us from the other side of the room. “If you guys ever wonder what the difference is between the first and second lines on this team, it’s that you guys run your fuckin’ traps while we work out.”
I give him the finger and look over at Victor, who’s lying perfectly still on an exercise mat.
“Yeah, looks like Vic is really busting his ass over there.”
“I’m resetting my chi, asshole,” Vic yells.
“Can we start the ropes now?” Josh asks, standing nearby with the end of a thick black rope in each hand.
“Alright, man,” I tell him. “Some advice. You’re in charge of our training right now, okay. Don’t ask us, tell us. Say, ‘Get your asses over here and do ropes.’”
Josh swallows and says, “It’s time for ropes, guys…how was that?”
Easy, Porter and I stand in a line, all of us crossing our arms. I shake my head no.
“Deep breath, man,” Easy tells Josh. “And then, tell us what to do like you’re the boss and we’re just a bunch of little bitches.”
Josh smiles, clearly nervous.
“You can do it, Josh,” Anton calls out from a treadmill on the other side of our team gym.
After a deep breath, Josh looks back at us with a stern expression and uses his deepest voice to say, “Get your asses over here and do these ropes.”
Porter looks at me and nods, impressed. The three of us walk over and watch as Josh uses the ropes while in a sitting position with his feet in the air, then one arm at a time while in a plank position.
“And then we’ll side plank,” he says, showing us how. “And I’m going to set up more ropes so all three of you can HIIT train with them at the same time.”
The ropes circuits he makes us do are fucking hard. He follows that up with cardio, then more rope circuits. We end with stretching, my shirt so completely soaked through with sweat that it pools on the mat beneath me.
“That was brutal, man,” I tell Josh, my abs still burning with exertion.
“Yeah?” He grins and claps his hands as we all stand up while groaning. “I’ve got something even better planned for tomorrow.”
“Yo, I’m not sure I’ll be able to move tomorrow,” Porter says.
“We’ve got a game tomorrow night,” I remind Josh. “You don’t want to burn us out on a game day.”
“Oh, that’s right. I’m actually not working with you guys at all tomorrow, unless you want me to stretch you out. But the day after that, be ready for a challenge.”
“We’re on, but only if you call us by our nicknames,” I say. “I’m Fabio.” I gesture at Easy. “He’s Frenchie. And this guy’s Big Pussy.”
Porter scowls. “No one has ever called me Big Pussy, dickface.”
“We all call you that behind your back.”
Porter looks at Easy, the silent question in his gaze.
“We sometimes do call you that,” Easy confirms.
“What the fuck?” Porter grumbles.
“It’s because you make the same face that Big Pussy from The Sopranos makes,” I tell him. “And also because you’re a big pussy.”
About the Author Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.
Welcome to the blog tour for SONG FOR A COWBOY, the second book in the adult contemporary romance series, Kings of Country, by Sasha Summers. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
SONG FOR A COWBOY (Kings of Country Series #2) by Sasha Summers
Synopsis
Country star Emmy Lou King is singing the blues over the cowboy who got away…
Emmy Lou King’s whole family is legendary in country music. When she lands the opportunity to sing the American Football League anthem and serve on one of the AFL’s anti-drug charities, she’s sure she can handle working with Brock Watson. She was charmed by the cowboy once upon a time—and she’s never loved anyone else—but she can handle it. Right?
Brock Watson is feeling the pressure. From dealing with his father’s declining health, to keeping their ranch running, staying in game-ready shape, and his dedication to the charity that changed his life, there’s no time for anything else. Emmy Lou included. After six years, he’d like to think she couldn’t mess with his head anymore. But one look, one smile—and he knows she’s as dangerous as ever. He can’t resist her—he never could.
The more time Emmy Lou spends with Brock, the harder it is for them to keep their distance.
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Excerpt #1 “Duly noted.” He stood, reached for her, and swung her up into his arms.
“Brock, I can walk.” Her hands pressed against his shoulder.
“I know.” He nodded at her ankle. “If you want to make that worse, you can. Don’t you have a video to make tomorrow?” That was pretty much all the guys could talk about—Emmy Lou King, her legs, her voice, and wondering what sort of getup she’d be wearing for the video.
She was going to argue, he could tell. Instead she said, “I need my purse.”
He stooped and let her grab her purse.
“Thank you.” She stared at her purse.
With his focus fixed on the door to the locker room, he carried her across the field. He didn’t think about the brush of her ponytail against his bare arms or the hitch in her breath or the way she relaxed into his hold, her slight frame too fragile. She’d always done this—brought out his protective side. Little did he know, he’d been the one who needed protecting from her.
“What about your leg?” She sniffed.
“What about it?” He frowned.
“Should you be carrying me?”
No, definitely not. But that had nothing to do with his leg and everything to do with the effect she had on him. “I’m fine, Emmy Lou.” He would be—once her scent wasn’t filling his nostrils.
“I wasn’t angry about Ricky Ames,” she said suddenly. “I mean, I was. But not about anything he said to me. Guys are like that sometimes.”
I bet they are. Men tended to notice beautiful women. But noticing and acting like a complete prick weren’t the same thing.
“I was upset because of what he said…about you.” Her words ended on a hiccup.
Why the hell did she care what Ricky Ames said about him? He risked a look at her.
“I get that the team has to bring in someone until you’re released to play. But…it’s like he doesn’t know who you are.” Her cheeks were going red again. “Doesn’t he know your record? Does he have four hundred and sixty-nine tackles? Ninety-one sacks? Does he watch Reggie White footage to be a better defensive end? Does he even know who Reggie White is? Or that this is your team? And you carry this defensive line? He really thinks he can replace you?”
She was talking about football. His stats, but football. And he liked what he was hearing a hell of a lot. “Never pegged you as a football fan.” He waved Todd Flynn, one of the trainers, over and carried her into the game-day emergency clinic. Gently, he set her on an exam table and started unlacing her tennis shoes.
“Thank you.” Her gaze shifted, meeting his.
He nodded, carefully sliding the pink sequined shoe off her foot. Her hands fisted at her sides. “Sorry.”
She nodded. “It’s fine.”
He inspected her now apple-sized swollen ankle. Her sock was stretched tight. Pink socks. Pink shoes. It had always been her favorite color. Hell, he’d worn a pink tie to prom for her.
He nodded as Todd came in. “Her ankle.”
“I can see that.” Todd bent, his fingers moving over the inflamed joint. “Tell me if this hurts.”
Brock crossed his arms and watched her face. She scrunched up her features and closed her eyes as Todd slowly moved her foot one way, then the other.
“That.” Her hands pressed, flat, against the exam table.
“Probably a sprain. Ice and elevate. I’ll go get some. Might call your doctor, get an X-ray to make sure.” Todd nodded and glanced his way. “Um, looks like you could use some ice, too?” He shook his head and left the room, saying, “Be back.”
“I’m not.” She swallowed, staring down at her ankle and wiggling her toes. “A football fan, I mean.”
“No?” He leaned against the counter. “I thought only die-hard fans cared about stats?”
“I guess.” She shrugged. “I only know yours.”
For a split second, he was frozen.
Don’t. Don’t do this. He wasn’t eighteen years old anymore; he knew better.
About the Author Sasha Summers grew up surrounded by books. Her passions have always been storytelling, romance and travel–passions she uses when writing. Now a best-selling and award winning-author, Sasha continues to fall a little in love with each hero she writes. From easy-on-the-eyes cowboy, sexy alpha-male werewolves, to heroes of truly mythic proportions, she believes that everyone should have their happy ending–in fiction and real life.
Sasha lives in the suburbs of the Texas Hill country with her amazing and supportive family and her beloved grumpy cat, Gerard, The Feline Overlord. She looks forward to hearing from fans and hopes you’ll visit her online. Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: www.sashasummers.com
Welcome to the blog tour for LETHAL PROTECTOR, the third book in the adult romantic suspense/military romance series, Rifle Creek, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Kaylea Cross. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
LETHAL PROTECTOR (Rifle Creek Series #3) by Kaylea Cross
Single mom Tala Baldwin is no stranger to sacrifice. After losing her leg while serving her country, she’s now training to become a competitive biathlete. With her daughter off to college, she’s able to shoot for her dream of making the national masters team. Even her Christmas break in Rifle Creek doesn’t slow her down. She’s asked her trusted friend Braxton to help her train—all while trying to pretend she doesn’t ache for him. Braxton was there for her during the darkest day of her life and he’s been there for her since…but only as a friend. In fact, he seems more determined than ever to hold her at arm’s length—until a deadly blizzard traps them in the mountains with a wanted killer hot on their trail. Now Tala once again finds her life in his hands as they face the lethal threats together.
Now he’s at his breaking point.
Sgt. Braxton Hillard is a master sniper, renowned for his ability to operate without emotion. Except with Tala. She’s all he’s ever wanted—but can’t have. For four long years he’s kept his distance. She’s way too good for him and she would realize that if he ever made a move. But the attraction between them is too powerful to deny, and once she makes it clear she wants him, he can’t keep his distance any longer. As they fight to survive in the mountains, all bets are off. Braxton is ready to sacrifice everything to protect the woman he loves—even his own life.
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Excerpt #1 Tala stopped, looking up at him, her pulse skipping at the focused look on his face. She couldn’t read his expression but his stare was intense. As if he had something important on his mind that he needed to tell her.
“Is…everything okay?” she asked slowly.
He shifted his feet but didn’t answer, and his hesitation worried her.
“Brax? Is something wrong?”
He glanced away, ran a hand over his jaw, then focused on her again. “What you said earlier. About me being part of the family.” His voice was low, taut, the muscles in his jaw and shoulders tight.
She frantically tried to gather her scattered thoughts, wondering what had upset him. “What about it?”
“Is that how you see me? As family?”
Something in his tone, in the silent tension coming from him, gave her pause and warned her to phrase her answer carefully. Especially when she took into account the things he’d said earlier. Was he hinting that…
Voicing her feelings aloud made her feel incredibly vulnerable, but she needed to be honest right now, because this would change everything, one way or the other.
Holding his gaze, she drew a steadying breath before answering. “If you’re asking if I think of you in a brotherly way, then… No.” Not even a little.
He stilled, his gaze sharpening, the leap of heat of that dark stare sending a ripple of shock—and hope—through her. “So how do you think of me?”
She looked away, fighting a blush as her discomfort level skyrocketed. She didn’t want to make a fool of herself or be humiliated if he didn’t reciprocate her feelings. “I…”
“Tal. Look at me.”
She did, and felt herself drowning in those deep brown eyes, all the feelings she’d repressed for years suddenly rushing to the surface.
“Say it,” he rasped out.
I’ve wanted you forever.
The unspoken words got tangled on the tip of her tongue. But she couldn’t look away. Couldn’t drag her eyes from his, her pulse pounding in her ears as she waited for him to say something. Do something to put her out of her misery.
He took two steps toward her, stopping inches from her boots to reach both arms past her. He leaned in to cage her against the truck doorway with his big body, his hands on either side of her head, the muscles in his arms, shoulder and jaw standing out.
And his eyes. The sudden, volcanic heat in them made the breath stall in her lungs.
Shock punched through her, followed by a wave of molten desire as she stared up at him, his face mere inches from hers. She had to be reading this wrong. Had to be, because he was staring at her like he wanted to devour her and was struggling to hold back.
“Tal.” His voice was low, his taut expression making her heart thud against her ribs. He’d only ever looked at her like this in her dreams.
“What?” she whispered back, anticipation and need swirling inside her.
About the Author New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, and has been nominated multiple times for the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Welcome to the blog tour for MY KIND OF LOVE, the first book in the new adult contemporary/military romance series, Finding Love, by Nikki Ash. See below for information on the book, buy links, the exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
MY KIND OF LOVE (Finding Love Series #1) by Nikki Ash
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: MY KIND OF LOVE Series: Finding Love Series #1 Author: Kikki Ash Release Date: January 21, 2021 Genre: New Adult Contemporary/Military Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis Micaela
Once upon a time, a boy and a girl met and fell in love…
That’s the way my love story began, but unlike the fairy tale, it ended with me standing in the cemetery, watching my prince get lowered into the ground, along with all our dreams. Now he’s gone and I’m lost. Until an impromptu trip to my family’s beach house has me spending time with Ryan.
With his help, I’m learning to live again and make plans for the future. The only problem is, we both know they can’t include him.
So, when our time is up, we do the only thing we can do—go our separate ways.
Ryan
My entire life, I’ve felt like the waves in a raging sea—crashing and breaking, never settling.
Until Micaela stormed in like a hurricane, colliding into my life and my heart. I thought she’d be my destruction, but instead she turned out to be my calm. The more time we spend together, the more life she breathes into both of us. But all too quickly, our time is up and she’s ready to face her future—one I can’t be a part of.
So, I do the impossible and walk away.
But life is crazy, and love knows no bounds. You might’ve thought this is where our story ends, but the truth is… it’s only the beginning.
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Excerpt “I can’t believe you’re graduating tomorrow.” Lexi, my best friend and pseudo cousin, takes a hit off the joint she brought with her as a graduation gift and passes it to me.
I take a small hit, since I’m not usually one to get high, and nod. “This will be you next year.”
I pass the joint to Georgia, my other pseudo cousin and best friend. “Both of you, right?”
“Yep,” Lexi says, speaking for her younger sister like she often does. “Georgia took extra classes and we’ll be walking across the stage together. We’ll both be free from educational hell in twelve months.”
Without taking a hit, Georgia passes the joint to Lexi. “I’d hardly call it hell. We go to a private school that costs more a year than most pay for their house.” She rolls her eyes playfully. “Our lunch is catered and includes items like sushi and Thai, and we have a Starbucks… an actual Starbucks in the quad.”
I laugh at that, but don’t argue. She’s not wrong. Lexi and Georgia live in Los Angeles and attend one of the most prestigious private schools on the West Coast. Similar to the one I attend here in Las Vegas… well, did attend.
As of tomorrow at ten o’clock I will officially be a high school graduate. And come August I’ll be a freshman at the University of Las Vegas.
“Semantics.” Lexi takes another hit. “I can’t wait to be done with high school. It’s such a waste. I don’t need a diploma to do what I want to do.”
“You need one to go to college,” Georgia points out.
Lexi rolls her eyes. “Maybe I won’t go.” She shrugs, making Georgia and me laugh.
We all know Lexi is all talk. She’s a daddy’s girl through and through, and Tristan Scott has made it clear a college education is important, which means Lexi Scott will be getting one, whether she likes it or not.
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Author Nikki Ash
About the Author Nikki Ash resides in South Florida where she is an English teacher and mom by day and a writer by night. When she’s not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand. From the Boxcar Children to Wuthering Heights to the latest Single Parent Romance, she has lived and breathed every type of book.
Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out. – Pam Ally
While reading and writing are her passions, her two children are her entire world. You can probably find them at a Disney park before you would find them at home on the weekends!
Author Sloane Calder is revealing the cover to THE LURE OF AIR, the second book in her adult paranormal romance series, Natura Elementals, releasing February 9, 2021. See below for the cover, information on the book and series, preorder links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE LURE OF AIR (Natura Elementals Series #2) by Sloane Calder
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: THE LURE OF AIR Series: Natura Elementals Series #2 Author: Sloane Calder Publisher: Pretty Dynamite Press Release Date: February 9, 2021 Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis An undercover witch. A reluctant leader. A love that could get them both killed.
Graham Lennox never wanted to be continent leader for the North American Natura. He’d much rather spend his days in the lab. But when his grandfather is murdered, he no longer has a choice. Now it’s up to him to squash a brewing rebellion and lead his people. He can’t help but wonder if now is also the time to finally tell his gorgeous lab partner how he really feels about her.
Too bad he doesn’t know her as well as he thought he did…
Astrid Byrne is on a mission. She will find out who is responsible for the disappearance of her people. Justice will be served. She’s also sure her search will lead directly to a Lennox. But the one thing she never counted on was her inconvenient attraction to their sexy and brilliant new leader. If she’s not careful, she’ll make the most deadly mistake possible.
Falling in love with a Natura.
But worst of all? The real enemy is even closer (and more dangerous) than either Graham or Astrid ever could’ve realized…
About the Author Sloane Calder has been an accountant for transformers (not the cool kind), paint ovens, and lingerie before becoming a marketer for baked goods, mincemeat, soft drinks, and fertilizer.
An avid reader all her life, she still thinks there’s no better escape than a good book, especially if hot heroes and superpowers are involved.
Today is release day for KIT, the eighth book the adult contemporary sports romance series, Chicago Blaze Hockey, by Brenda Rothert. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis Kit
Molly Lynch isn’t like any woman I’ve met before. The pretty, ball-busting reporter has a penchant for asking questions that dredge up memories I’d rather keep buried. I answer them, though, because I’m so intrigued by her—a mix of shy and bold, so set in her ways that the slightest change knocks her off kilter. The closer Molly gets to my dark truth, though, the more I try to shift her focus to what I want most—her total surrender to me in the bedroom.
Molly
I finally have the life I’m meant for. Predictable. Boring. Safe. NHL player Kit Carter upsets the stability I crave when he looks at me with his dark eyes, wounded and guarded, but also swirling with desire. I can’t let him figure out who I truly am—driven not by ambition but by anxiety. Unable to let go of my control, even for a second. There’s something about Kit that draws me to him so powerfully it’s no longer a choice, though. I need to give in, even if it costs me everything.
About the Author Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.
Today is release day for SONG FOR A COWBOY, the second book in the adult contemporary romance series, Kings of Country, by Sasha Summers. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
SONG FOR A COWBOY (Kings of Country Series #2) by Sasha Summers
Synopsis
Country star Emmy Lou King is singing the blues over the cowboy who got away…
Emmy Lou King’s whole family is legendary in country music. When she lands the opportunity to sing the American Football League anthem and serve on one of the AFL’s anti-drug charities, she’s sure she can handle working with Brock Watson. She was charmed by the cowboy once upon a time—and she’s never loved anyone else—but she can handle it. Right?
Brock Watson is feeling the pressure. From dealing with his father’s declining health, to keeping their ranch running, staying in game-ready shape, and his dedication to the charity that changed his life, there’s no time for anything else. Emmy Lou included. After six years, he’d like to think she couldn’t mess with his head anymore. But one look, one smile—and he knows she’s as dangerous as ever. He can’t resist her—he never could.
The more time Emmy Lou spends with Brock, the harder it is for them to keep their distance.
About the Author Sasha Summers grew up surrounded by books. Her passions have always been storytelling, romance and travel–passions she uses when writing. Now a best-selling and award winning-author, Sasha continues to fall a little in love with each hero she writes. From easy-on-the-eyes cowboy, sexy alpha-male werewolves, to heroes of truly mythic proportions, she believes that everyone should have their happy ending–in fiction and real life.
Sasha lives in the suburbs of the Texas Hill country with her amazing and supportive family and her beloved grumpy cat, Gerard, The Feline Overlord. She looks forward to hearing from fans and hopes you’ll visit her online. Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: www.sashasummers.com
Today is release day for LETHAL PROTECTOR, the third book in the adult romantic suspense/military romance series, Rifle Creek, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Kaylea Cross. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
LETHAL PROTECTOR (Rifle Creek Series #3) by Kaylea Cross
Single mom Tala Baldwin is no stranger to sacrifice. After losing her leg while serving her country, she’s now training to become a competitive biathlete. With her daughter off to college, she’s able to shoot for her dream of making the national masters team. Even her Christmas break in Rifle Creek doesn’t slow her down. She’s asked her trusted friend Braxton to help her train—all while trying to pretend she doesn’t ache for him. Braxton was there for her during the darkest day of her life and he’s been there for her since…but only as a friend. In fact, he seems more determined than ever to hold her at arm’s length—until a deadly blizzard traps them in the mountains with a wanted killer hot on their trail. Now Tala once again finds her life in his hands as they face the lethal threats together.
Now he’s at his breaking point.
Sgt. Braxton Hillard is a master sniper, renowned for his ability to operate without emotion. Except with Tala. She’s all he’s ever wanted—but can’t have. For four long years he’s kept his distance. She’s way too good for him and she would realize that if he ever made a move. But the attraction between them is too powerful to deny, and once she makes it clear she wants him, he can’t keep his distance any longer. As they fight to survive in the mountains, all bets are off. Braxton is ready to sacrifice everything to protect the woman he loves—even his own life.
About the Author New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, and has been nominated multiple times for the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Cookie O’Gorman is unveiling the cover to WALLFLOWER, a stand-alone young contemporary romance, releasing March 25, 2021. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
WALLFLOWER by Cookie O’Gorman
About the Book
Title: WALLFLOWER Author: Cookie O’Gorman Release Date: March 25, 2021 Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance Links: Goodreads
Synopsis Wallflower (wohl-flou-erh): Identifier for someone who is shy and/or awkward. For reference, see Viola Kent.
Seventeen-year-old Viola Kent likes being invisible. Well, not literally, but she’s content being a loner, reading her books, and hanging out with the animals at the shelter. She just wants to keep her head down and get through her senior year at Durham High.
Driving Dare Frost to school every day wasn’t part of the plan.
And when Viola finds out her dad recruited Dare, his number one player, to be her friend?
Her inner Slytherin demands revenge.
The solution: Get Dare to be her fake boyfriend.
Convincing the star athlete to pretend is easier than she’d thought it would be. The hard part is protecting her heart. With every word, touch, and kiss, Viola’s feelings become more real.
The problem: Viola knows she’s falling for Dare—but he doesn’t believe in love.
This book features two sets of soulmates, one happy pooch named Hermione, so many sizzling kisses and answers the question:
Can a dork and a jock fake their way to true love?
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Author Cookie O’Gorman
About the Author Cookie O’Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, and The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romance, The Best Mistake..
Kelly Ann Hopkins is revealing the cover to BURIED BENEATH, a standalone young adult contemporary, releasing in August of 2021. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
BURIED BENEATH by Kelly Ann Hopkins
About the Book Title: BURIED BENEATH Author: Kelly Ann Hopkins Publisher: Carina Press Release Date: August 2021 Genre: You Adult Contemporary Links: Goodreads
Synopsis Shelly Frank lives a lie inside a beautifully landscaped New Jersey home. Her mother suffers from hoarding disorder, turning the inside of the house into a vile nest of cast offs, books, and old pizza boxes. Depressed by the secret life she leads, Shelly lives for the moments she gets to spend with her boyfriend, Joshua, the only person who knows about her hidden secret life.
The summer of her senior year, her father confesses the truth about why he left and sends her a lifeline: a one-way plane ticket to his home in Florida. Shelly is terrified to leave her agoraphobic mother home alone but knows her father’s gift might be the only way to save herself. With Joshua’s promise to attend college in Florida that fall, Shelly leaves for her father’s house.
There she attempts to resurrect her relationship with her father, learning he left Shelly behind when her mother threatened suicide if he fought for custody. Shelly and her father gradually come to terms with the past and her mother’s declining mental state, but Shelly’s health spirals until she lands in the hospital for emergency surgery. As she recovers with Joshua by her side, Shelly decides the only way to survive her illness and help her mother overcome her condition is to expose the terrible secrets about her childhood. Will her father’s support and Joshua’s love be enough to help Shelly save her mother and survive the life that nearly buried her alive?
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Author Kelly Ann Hopkins
About the Author Kelly Ann Hopkins is the author of Misled (coming 2021) and Buried Beneath (coming 2022). She spends her days as a high school librarian and creative writing teacher, where she challenges her students to read with abandon. When she’s not creating perilous adventures for her characters, she is dreaming of her next trip to the Florida Gulf Coast. Kelly lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two children, and too many books.
Welcome to the book blitz for THE SECRET OF DARTWOOD MANOR, the first book in the young adult fantasy romance series, The Witchling Trilogy, by N.A. Triptow. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE SECRET OF DARTWOOD MANOR (The Witchling Trilogy #1) by N.A. Triptow
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: THE SECRET OF DARTWOOD MANOR Series: The Witchling Trilogy #1 Author: N.A. Triptow Release Date: January 18, 2021 Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis Witches. Ghosts. An ancient secret. Enter a world of myth and magic through this contemporary fantasy reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved classic, Sense and Sensibility.
The small New England town of Tarryville, Maine is steeped in history, having been settled by the Dartwood and Farris families who fled Salem during the witch trials. The Dartwood sisters, Eden, Mariah, and Melissa, unexpectedly return home after their parents are found murdered. Upon their arrival, the girls are plagued by dreams in which dark spectral beings haunt them. When the hellish creatures seem to be more than just nightmares, another mystery begins to unravel as they discover that the circumstances around the murder of their parents may be far more menacing than they appear. Frantic for answers, they must untangle the mystery of their parents’ murders and reconstruct the pieces of an ancient secret. With the help of the young assistant curator of their family museum, Baden Correia, and an estranged friend from their past, Evan Farris, the orphaned Dartwood sisters must uncover the truth before the darkness haunting their family descends upon them as well.
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Excerpt #2 Mariah found herself staring at the blank screen of her laptop for longer than she intended after the video call ended, hardly even noticing when the tears began to stain her cheeks. When there were no more tears left to shed, she closed her laptop and placed it on her bedside table. Rearranging herself on her bed she crawled under the covers and tried to shut her eyes, but the room around her tugged at her mind, summoning all of the haunted bedroom scenes she’d watched a million times in movies. Suddenly thankful for the old-fashioned four-poster bed, she pulled the curtains tight around her, blocking out the unwanted sights and was finally able to go to sleep.
The stillness of the manor was like a quiet pond just waiting for a fish to upset its equilibrium. The manors beside one another were nearly identical in their architectural design, but now, in the gloom of the night, the Farris manor echoed the dread of the once bright Dartwood manor with such exactness that it seemed as if they were all sleeping in a cemetery. No one stirred in the house, save for the shadows thatdanced through the windows in the moonlight. The stillness was disturbed, however, as one by one the shadows in the three Dartwood girls’ rooms began to move in purposeful strides. The moonlight no longer directed them in a nightly waltz as they made their way toward the girls.
The shadows, each a ghostly orb of darkness, started their trek from different locations in the rooms. In Eden’s room the mist trickled in from the window, while in Mariah’s it inched between the moth-eaten holes in the cloth ceiling of the four-poster bed, and in Melissa’s it crept in from under the bed itself. Slowly, the haze advanced upon each girl, their forms growing ever more into the silhouette of a person as they neared them. Hovering now only a foot or two above the girls, in unison, as if directed by the moon once more, an ethereal hand reached for each girl, fingers looking more like claws than anything else. A high pitched and yet deep hiss of sound escaped what should have been lips on the silhouettes, darkness protruding and encircling itself around the sleeping forms of the girls below them. Then, without warning, all three silhouettes shrieked a cry of disappointment, an unearthly
shrill.
The sound woke each girl as they came to the terrible realization that what had been haunting them in their nightmares was in reality hovering just above them as they slept. Gasping, the silhouettes dissipated into nothing so quickly that none of the girls were quite certain of what they had seen. Nonetheless, each rose out of their beds with such haste that they all opened their doors at the same moment, only to be greeted by the horror-struck faces of their siblings.
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Author N.A. Triptow
About the Author N. A. Triptow graduated from The University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts in English Teaching with minors in History Teaching, Theatre, and British Studies. She teaches high school English and Film Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Strategic Communication and Advertising from Purdue University. In her free time, you can find her reading, watching and analyzing movies and television shows, attending the theatre, going on walks or hikes, and playing board or video games with family and friends. She lives in Utah.
For more from Nicole, including character artwork, playlists, swag, excerpts, trailers, and more, visit her website!
Welcome to the book blitz for FEISTY, the third book in the adult comedy romance series, Do-Over, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Julia Kent. See below for, information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis I’m not too proud to admit that finding Mr. Right involves swiping right. Right? Welcome to dating in avocado toastland.
Here I am, on my first blind date, ever, courtesy of a smartphone app and my two annoying best friends.
So what is Chris “Fletch” Fletcher doing, walking across the room, looking at his phone like he’s pattern matching a picture to find a real person he’s never met before?
Oh. Oh, no.
The guy I drop-kicked in seventh grade cannot be my blind date. The guy who earned me this infernal nickname.
That’s right.
Feisty.
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More from New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent as Fiona “Feisty” Gaskill gets her chance at love – drop-kick included.
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Excerpt #2 My lungs have decided that the world is too dangerous to make a move, utter a sound, do anything. I’m frozen, the pulse inside me growing stronger as time ticks away. My own shut-down system is the barrier to oxygen. The disconnect between what my body needs and what my tattered psyche can handle is causing my overload to leak out in a really obvious way.
“Fiona?” Josh says, shaking me gently, Michelle looking to him for certainty.
And then suddenly, Josh is out of my sight, replaced by two clear, calm, green eyes, light brown hair, and hands that feel like anchors.
“Feisty? Feis–Fiona?” Fletch corrects. The sudden pivot to using my proper name is jarring, given the fact that every atom in the world is buzzing inside my ears and nothing anyone does will help me to breathe.
I make a strange sound. I know it’s strange because his eyebrows turn down in the middle, his facial muscles pushing them low enough to show concern.
Concern for me.
“Breathe,” he says slowly as he puts one hand on my diaphragm, fingers warm and firm.
I make a sound to indicate that I am confused and the speech centers in my brain have shut down. Empathy floods me as I realize this is exactly what my student with severe apraxia, little Myles, must feel like when he loses his words under extreme stress. For years, I’ve said “use your words” to four-year-olds having anxiety fits.
Never again.
“Breathe, Fiona,” he murmurs, taking a deep breath to demonstrate, his belly expanding in a comical way, though I know his technique is strong. Hypnotic and commanding, his voice and body tell me what to do, guide me back from being lost in the woods to a cleared trail where I can find my footing, take a rest, and possibly feel safe again, knowing I can find my way home.
I inhale, the insides of my nostrils cold, the air hitting my nasal passages a welcome assault, diaphragm spasming and sputtering back to life.
“That’s my girl,” he whispers against the curl of my ear, his breath like coffee, his hard forearm muscles all I can see, the ripped cord of his strong lines drawing my gaze. “You just breathe. It’s over now. You did it. You saved them. It’s okay to breathe.” He inhales, then slowly exhales. “Let’s do this together now.”
About the Author New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge, and new adult books that push contemporary boundaries. From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men’s room toilet (and he isn’t a billionaire). She lives in New England with her husband and three sons in a household where the toilet seat is never, ever, down.
Welcome to the book blitz for TRUST ME, the first book in the adult contemporary romance series, Manhattan Marriage, by Candace Hutton. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
TRUST ME (Manhattan Marriage Series #1) by Candace Hutton
Synopsis Brooke Anderson never pictured herself as a divorcee at twenty-eight. But when she mentions getting a post-nup to her husband Garrett after one deliciously sex-filled year, he promptly serves her with divorce papers. Admittedly, she could’ve told him about how her father left her and her mother homeless when she was young, and how she’s never been wired to trust anyone. Especially those closest to her. Now, all she wants to do is avoid anywhere he might be so she won’t have to face him again.
But she’s not the only one who can’t seem to trust.
Garrett Call grew up with parents who married for money and wants no part of a life that puts material possessions above love. He reinvented himself in college, complete with a new last name so he couldn’t be tied to his family’s lucrative business. He never even told Brooke the truth. Admittedly, he could’ve handled the issue of a post-nup better with his ex-wife. Maybe he didn’t count on how much he was going to miss having her in his life.
When their best friends’ wedding forces the exes to see each other again, a dangerous man from Garrett’s world threatens Brooke’s life. And they realize the only way to save themselves is to finally learn to trust each other.
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Excerpt Brooke Anderson was one hundred percent completely over her ex-husband. She didn’t even care that he was updating his social media sites with #single or that he had some blonde beauty hanging off his arm in a couple of his more recent photos.
She hated that even in her office in the middle of this godforsaken Monday, she was staring at her ex’s social media account.
She didn’t want to think about where they would head after dining at Le Bernardin, or if he would take her to his new apartment and do all the things with her that he used to do with Brooke. Like drinking a glass of wine before bed because it helped her to relax, or ducking his head between her thighs because he liked to see her come first.
No. She wouldn’t go there. The first rule of singledom was to not think about your ex. Or his fingers. Or his tongue. Or how good his stubble felt on smooth skin.
Brooke crossed her legs in the hopes of relieving the ache between them. She had done the right thing. Her year-long marriage to Garrett had been nice. Sexy. But a divorce was the right idea. Even if it hadn’t been her idea.
She could admit that she’d panicked. When her co-worker, who was on the fast track to becoming partner at the firm, was fired suddenly and with no warning, Brooke realized the same thing could happen to her.
She and Garrett were both fiercely independent, and the thought of losing that, having to depend on someone else… She couldn’t do it. And worse, what if Garrett didn’t want to take care of her while she searched for another job? He would leave her, just like her father had left her and her mother when finances got too bad.
To her, a post-nup seemed like the perfect solution. That way, if she lost her job, Garrett would still feel financially secure and wouldn’t feel like he had to help her out. Money didn’t have to be an issue between them.
Unfortunately, Garrett hadn’t agreed.
The minute she had brought up signing a post-nup, Garrett had balked. He’d walked right out of their Manhattan apartment and reappeared hours later to tell her they should get a divorce right then because there was no way in hell he would ever sign a post-nup, not for anyone. Post-nups were for people who weren’t really in love, and if she felt that way, they should end it.
It was the first time Brooke could remember seeing literal red. It still stung to think he’d said it, that he thought she didn’t love him just because she wanted to make a smart financial decision. She would’ve talked with him about it if he’d let her, but he was so arrogant and cold about it all. So opposite from how he normally was.
And yeah, maybe she could’ve relinquished a bit of her pride, but it still wouldn’t have fixed it. She was on track to start making seven figures a year by the end of the year, and she didn’t want to end up like her mother: abandoned by her husband and raising a child on welfare.
Maybe she’d never told any of that to Garrett, but it shouldn’t matter. He should be willing to bend a little. If he really loved her, wouldn’t he have signed it? She knew she should’ve asked about a pre-nup before they were actually married. Though, their wedding hadn’t exactly been orthodox. They’d been in Atlantic City for the weekend with their friends Chad and Noah, and Garrett had just asked her. She could still remember the sea breeze whipping her hair back as she looked down at him on one knee. The Boardwalk had been the perfect place to propose. Intoxicated by the sights and the way Garrett made her feel, she’d said yes.
They’d gotten married in a small chapel an hour later.
It wasn’t fair to bring up a post-nup after a year of marriage, and she’d thought she could handle it, but it had grown to the point where she was having trouble sleeping at night, imagining what would happen if Garrett suddenly decided he wanted a divorce and she had no legal paperwork to protect her.
And what if they’d had children? What if he walked out and she couldn’t take care of them? She couldn’t bear the thought of being homeless again, especially with a child. The whole experience had reopened her eyes. She’d been foolish to get married in the first place. She would rather be alone than end up like her mom, always forgiving a man who did nothing but take.
Brooke sighed and leaned forward in her desk chair, allowing the afternoon sun streaming through the window to slant across the back of her neck, warming the skin there. She needed to get her mind off Garrett, needed to stop wondering what he was doing and who he was doing it with.
Keeping her gaze averted from her computer screen, she pulled a stack of files closer. Her job at Whitman and Lyon was standard for a lawyer, but her favorite part about it was making sure newly-single moms like her own nailed their husbands for alimony and child support. Not that she didn’t do it for newly-single dads too. If someone was trying to wheedle out of paying to help their kid grow up in a safe environment, she’d take care of it, no matter the gender of the good parent.
Her phone dinged with a new text message, but she ignored it. It had been ten days since the divorce was finalized, and she still hadn’t been able to bring herself to change the background photo on her phone—a picture of her and Garrett wrapped in each other’s arms. Every time she looked at it, she got a sick feeling in her stomach and heart. Just because a divorce had been the right move didn’t mean she wanted to do it. A knock sounded on her open door, and then Kai Goodman leaned into her office, flashing a dimpled smile.
“Hey,” Brooke said, closing her current file. “What’s up?”
“I made a coffee run and they had your favorite out.”
Brooke’s heart lifted. Kai was new in the office, working as a paralegal. He’d only been there about three weeks and already knew her favorite coffee—white chocolate mocha with chocolate sprinkles and whipped cream.
“They tried to use rainbow sprinkles, and I wouldn’t let them,” Kai said, moving into her office to set the cup on her desk.
She laughed and wrapped her hand around the warm cup, not caring that it was July and still way too hot for this drink. “Thanks. I need this.”
“Everything okay?” he asked, taking a sip from his own cup. A cell phone number was scrawled on the side. Most likely the barista’s.
She smiled and shook her head. “Yeah, I guess.”
“Is this about the wedding?” Kai asked, perching on the edge of the chair in front of her desk.
“Wedding?” Yeah, Noah and Chad’s wedding was the coming weekend, but she didn’t realize her going was the subject of office water cooler talk.
“Yeah. Giselle mentioned you were worried about going because your ex would be there.”
“Oh for god’s sake. Is that all anyone around here can talk about?” Her coworkers knew Noah because he was there frequently. They’d met when she’d gotten a case of a young father who was trying to win custody of his six-year-old son after finding out his wife had been abusing their child. Noah was the boy’s therapist at the time, and she’d called him as a witness.
Kai flashed his dimples again. “For the record, I think they’re just jealous. Noah has a lot of friends here, apparently, and you’re the only one from the office they invited.” She didn’t really think that was it since her coworkers really loved to gossip, but he was trying to make her feel better, and that was sweet.
“I guess,” she finally said, trying to ignore the heat rising in her cheeks. “It’s just… This is the first time I’ll see him since we signed the divorce papers. I just know he’s going to look amazing and have some model hanging off his arm.”
“You could do the same,” Kai said with a shrug. “Get yourself a hot date and show him up. I guarantee you, you will be sexier than any other woman he could possibly bring.” The blush spread a little more on her face. It was pretty inappropriate workplace talk, but she was comfortable. And he was now slouched back in the chair and sipping from his coffee like he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“I don’t know. I haven’t dated in so long.”
“Neither has your husband,” Kai pointed out. Then he frowned. “Unless he has been, and that’s the reason for your divorce.”
“Oh, no. No, Garrett wasn’t like that.” She never once worried that Garrett was seeing another woman.
“Then what’s the problem? It’s not like it’d have to be a real date or anything. You just need someone to go with you to a wedding.” He turned the cup around and studied the barista’s phone number. “I don’t want to sound forward when I say this, but I’d go with you.”
Brooke looked up at him, surprise flooding through her. Kai had flirted with her a bit, but nothing too overt. She liked the attention but didn’t think he’d ever ask her out for real. He was shyer than Garrett and she knew Kai had been on at least three dates since he’d started working at the office because he’d told her about them.
“As friends,” he quickly amended when he caught her watching him. “I just know you’re probably not ready to jump into the dating pool, and we’re friends, so why not?” She turned the thought over in her mind. She liked Kai. He was thoughtful and strong, and he was gorgeous in a boy-next-door kind of way with his square glasses and curly hair. It would be nice not to go to the wedding alone. It’d be even nicer if she showed up with a hot date in front of Garrett.
“Are you sure?” she asked Kai. “I don’t want to ruin any plans you had for the weekend.” He waved his free hand. “I don’t consider spending time with you as ‘ruined plans.’ What time do you want me to pick you up?”
“Oh, the courthouse they’re getting married at is only a block up from my apartment. I’m just going to walk there.” She wasn’t really looking forward to that trek in heels. Maybe she’d do the old flats-first, heels-later thing.
Kai grinned. “Then I’ll go to your place and walk there with you.”
“Okay.” She gave him her address and he tucked the slip of paper into the front of his shirt pocket.
“I’ll be the one in the suit,” he said with a wink.
“I appreciate you doing this,” she said. It had been so long since she’d gone on a date with someone other than Garrett, she’d almost forgotten how to act about it. “No appreciation needed. Going as friends, but it’s never a burden to spend a day with a beautiful woman.” He stood and shifted the coffee cup to his other hand. “I’ll see you Saturday.” She gave him one more smile, then watched his form retreat down the hall. She wanted to feel attracted to someone else, anyone that wasn’t Garrett, but it just wasn’t coming. Kai was nice and smart and knew his way around a law book, but he wasn’t Garrett. He never would be. And she really hated how much she wished it was her ex taking her to the wedding instead.
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About the Author Candace Hutton was born and raised on books. She spent a great deal of her teenage years in libraries and bookstores and still tries to sneak off to them as often as possible. Some of her other favorite things are coffee, puppies, and the smell of rain. You can connect with her on Twitter @authorcandace
Synopsis
When a fire cuts off a popular trail in the Oregon forest, a small group trapped by the flames must find another way out―or die―in Playing with Fire, an unrelenting teen-vs-nature YA thriller by New York Times bestselling author April Henry.
Natalia is not the kind of girl who takes risks. Six years ago, she barely survived the house fire that killed her baby brother. Now she is cautious and always plays it safe. For months, her co-worker Wyatt has begged her to come hiking with him, and Natalia finally agrees.
But when a wildfire breaks out, blocking the trail back, a perfect sunny day quickly morphs into a nightmare. With no cell service, few supplies, and no clear way out of the burning forest, a group of strangers will have to become allies if they’re going to survive. Hiking in the dark, they must reach the only way out―a foot bridge over a deep canyon―before the fire catches them.
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My Review PLAYING WITH FIRE is a page-turning thriller set against the majestic falls, deep canyons, and lush landscape of the Pacific Northwest. During fire seasons, Natalia and her friends-to-more co-worker, Wyatt, are out for a hike when a new fire breaks out, trapping them and independent groups of strangers as night approaches. Without a phone signal and no way to call for help, they retreat from the punishing flames, hoping to outrun the fire in time to be rescued. At nearly every turn, something impedes their odds of success, from someone missing from their ranks, a blocked bridge, a precarious ledge to cross, and someone within their group working against them.
Plot This is primarily a survival story, and the action moves at a steady pace. There is a romantic subplot between Wyatt and Natalia, and a very small change arc on Natalia’s part. The story is well plotted and crafted to keep me turning the virtual pages on my Kindle. Even though we know from the opening pages how the fire started, that is the only thing we are sure of. Because this is a standalone and a thriller, there is no way to know if our favorite characters will all make it out alive, which is the hallmark of excellent storytelling.
The Characters The characters were where I felt the story lacked. Natalia and Wyatt never felt like authentic teens to me. They were far too level-headed, prepared, and unemotional to be like any teens I live with, or happen to have met. But they were likable, and the supporting characters were fascinating, like the cast from an early season of Survivor, making me want to pull for all of them. Natalia is the victim of a home fire when she was younger, and is understandably terrified of the wildfire. The flashbacks to that event are hard to read, but really well done.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About PLAYING WITH FIRE 1. Setting. The wilderness provides so much opportunity to throw curveballs at the characters, and left the reader on edge, never knowing what was coming next.
2. Survival. I love a good survival story and this one really shines.
3. Surprises. Nearly ever chapter ends with a cliffhanger which kept me reading late into the night.
4. Fire. Okay, I don’t love wildfires, having had to evacuate more than once in recent years, but I love the unpredictability of fire as an antagonist.
5. Thriller. Taking this beyond just a story of man vs. nature and adding the bad seed among them was a delicious twist.
Bottom Line A gripping survival tale of man vs. nature and man vs. man.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
About the Author April Henry is the New York Times–bestselling author of many acclaimed mysteries for adults and young adults, including the YA novels The Girl in the White Van; Girl, Stolen; The Night She Disappeared; The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die; The Girl I Used to Be, which was nominated for an Edgar Award and won the Anthony Award for Best YA Mystery; Count All Her Bones; The Lonely Dead; Run, Hide, Fight Back; and The Body in the Woods and Blood Will Tell, the first two books in the Point Last Seen series. She lives in Oregon.
Author Sloane Steele is revealing the cover to IT TAKES A THIEF, the first book in her adult action adventure romance series, Counterfeit Capers, releasing April 27, 2021. See below for the cover, information on the book, preorder links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
IT TAKES A THIEF (Counterfeit Capers Series #1) by Sloane Steele
Synopsis When catching a thief requires becoming one.
Jared Towers has skills. One of them is being able to talk his way out of—or into—anything.
Audrey Abbott has skills, too. Need something hacked and only the best will do? She’s your girl.
He’s charming.
She’s reclusive.
They have absolutely nothing in common—except for a driving desire to take care of those who need it the most.
For Jared, that means assembling a team of thieves to steal back what rightfully belongs to the victims of a crime perpetrated by his own father. For Audrey, it means doing whatever she can to make sure her grandma never has to worry again.
And now they have something else in common: the art heist of the century.
It was supposed to be all business. Get in and get out, then move on to the next target. But when Jared finds himself falling for Audrey, artwork isn’t the only thing at risk of being stolen…
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Author Sloane Steele
About the Author Sloane Steele is the pen name for Shannyn Schroeder. Shannyn is a part-time English teacher, part-time curriculum editor, and full-time mom, even though her kids are pretty self-sufficient teens. In her down time, she bakes cookies, reads romance, and watches far too much TV. For more information about Sloane’s and Shanyn’s books, visit her main website: https://ShannynSchroeder.com.
Welcome to the blog tour for CHASING FROST, the fifth book in the adult contemporary romance series, West Side, by Isabel Jolie. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt and details on her giveaway.
CHASING FROST (West Side Series #5) by Isabel Jolie
Synopsis
He’s not exactly who he appears to be. But then again, neither is she…
Chase
I’ve never felt as out of my league as I did when I met Sydney Frost.
Not in the years I’ve spent starting successful companies or since. Working for a prestigious firm gives me status and power, and I’m already a master at charming my way through a crowd—or into the bedroom. One new office colleague should be a piece of cake to win over.
Ms. Frost, however, is giving my efforts a chilly reception. Time to remind her that I’m not afraid to live up to my name, either…
Sydney
On the surface, it looks like I have it all: a new, influential job, a nice salary, and the hottest young executive in the company falling over himself to introduce me to the best New York City has to offer.
It’s all a lie.
My name is Sadie Keating, not Sydney Frost, and I’m an undercover agent for the FBI on a case that could make or break my career. Chase Maitlin, my sexy and persistent would-be suitor, is the prime suspect in a major cross-agency investigation.
I’m the rookie desperately trying not to fall for him.
Chasing Frost, the fifth book in the West Side series, is a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, sometimes funny, sometimes suspenseful, contemporary romance featuring a smart, dedicated heroine and the sexy bad boy who steals her heart.
All of the contemporary romance novels in the West Side Series are standalone and can be read in any order.
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Excerpt #1 On our way out of the gym, Frankie calls, “Maitlin? You leaving already?” He’s all drama, looking at his wrist like he’s telling time.
“I’ll be back. Breaking for lunch.”
He nods with a shit-eating grin as he eyes the hot chick walking out the door with me. I slow my pace so I can step behind her and block his view of Sydney’s ass. Yeah, I know what he’s looking at.
We’re barely past the Chelsea Piers building when Sydney’s phone rings. She answers and listens while we make our way along a pedestrian packed sidewalk to the jogging path.
She doesn’t say much on her end. Listens a lot and makes affirmative noises. Not many of the women I know act like that on a phone, so I can’t help but wonder who she’s talking to.
“Two p.m.?” She flicks her wrist, checks the time. “See you then.”
I match her pace on the sidewalk and wait for an explanation.
“I need to run. I have to meet a friend later.”
A friend, huh? “Gotcha.”
We stop next to a bench on the sidewalk. She’s not acting clingy. And I dig her. Take the shot.
“You know, I meant what I said about wanting to take you out on a date. This coming weekend, though, is the wedding. I know the girls and Maggie would love for you to come. Any interest in joining? You could get to know the crew better. You know, my normal friends.” I lift my shoulders, unsure. She might shoot me down. I hate this part of asking chicks out.
“Normal? You mean not like the gym rats? Or not like the guys from the voyeur club?”
They’re actually largely one and the same, but no reason to get into the nitty-gritty. “Yeah.”
“I’ll think about it. See you tomorrow at work.”
“One night this week?” I doubt she’ll actually go on a weekend away with me. I should probably drop pursuing her. We work together. She followed me. There are solid reasons to drop it. But here I am, chasing her anyway.
Her pink lips, glossy in the sun, lift into a small smile. She pushes a flyaway strand of dark hair behind her ear. “I’ll think about it.”
Her teasing smile has me mentally fist bumping the air, and she didn’t even say yes.
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Author Isabel Jolie
About the Author Isabel Jolie, or Izzy to her friends, is an Amazon bestselling indie author with an unquenchable thirst for a good, sexy love story. Izzy’s heart pumps faster for stories with strong heroines, down-to-earth realism, and an unexpected twist.
When she’s not writing or reading, she can often be found with a glass of wine in hand relaxing with her husband, daughters, and good friends lakeside.
Izzy fills her Instagram feed with funnies, inspirational “brain candy”, and anything that meshes with her mood of the day. #mood.
Welcome to the blog tour for OVERLAND, a stand-alone adult romantic thriller, by Ramcy Diek. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis Skyla Overland is proud to work for Overland Insurance, the company founded by her grandfather. She enjoys sharing an apartment with her best friend, Pauline, and is in love with Edmond. Besides one nerve-wracking insurance fraud case in the past, her sheltered life is uneventful and just the way she likes it.
Until one day, everything changes…
Skyla and Troy, the manager at Overland Insurance, are the last ones to leave the office. In the empty parking lot, Troy takes her in his arms. Why would he ruin their easy-going friendship by kissing her, especially since he knows she’s dating Edmond?
Left alone, Skyla hurries to her car, puts on her seatbelt, and glances in her rearview mirror.
The face of a stranger grins at her from the backseat. “How nice to see you again,” he hisses close to her ear.
Regaining consciousness, Skyla finds herself on the backseat of her own car, with her hands tied behind her back.
Is she getting kidnapped? Who is he? And where is he taking her?
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Excerpt
Chapter 1
A STRANGE SENSATION crawled up Skyla Overland’s spine as she crossed the busy parking lot toward the grocery store. Slightly on edge, she looked from left to right, and then over her shoulder. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, with cars pulling in and out, and others looking for a spot to park. Shoppers pushed their carts, loaded their groceries, or hurried to the entrance. Everyone went their own way, all bundled up in heavy coats, hats, and scarves. Winter had come early this year. People wanted to finish their shopping and get home as soon as possible, to escape the persistent drizzle and near freezing temperature on this bone chilling and dreary evening.
Skyla shivered and pulled the faux fur-lined hood of her red parka closer around her face. She’d bought the thigh-length, well-insulated coat on a whim three weeks ago, while she still walked around in shorts. It turned out to be a smart decision. They’d gone from summer straight into winter.
At the entrance, she found a shopping cart and walked inside. With Thanksgiving only a few days away, the store was extra crowded. People rushed along with huge shopping lists, wanting to get a head start to avoid long lines with overloaded shopping carts at the last minute. Skyla had a list herself. She’d promised her parents to bring a fruit salad for Thanksgiving and wanted to surprise Edmond with a home-cooked meal tonight. They’d met just before Thanksgiving last year and she wanted to celebrate. She wondered if he remembered.
Her earlier unease forgotten, she melted inside her coat and undid the zipper as she walked through the aisles. After she found the basics, like almond milk, bread, eggs, and garbage bags, she pulled out her cell phone to check her list. Lasagna was one of Edmond’s favorite dishes, especially if she added spinach and mushrooms. It was five-thirty. If she hurried, she could have dinner ready by seven.
As Skyla made her way through the produce department, she noticed a small boy wearing a red Santa hat and a green raincoat. He stood by himself, next to the bags of green and red grapes. His bottom lip trembled, and he had tears in his frightened blue eyes. He seemed lost, searching for a parent.
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Author Ramcy Diek
About the Author A long time ago, I fell in love with the United States while traveling around in an Oldsmobile station-wagon with my husband. We are both born and raised in the Netherlands.
Together, we eventually found our way to the Pacific Northwest, built up a business, and raised our two boys into amazing young adults with their own careers. During this time, I also made a slow transition from reader to writer of many different stories.
My multiple award winning debut novel “Storm at Keizer Manor” sets the bar high for my second novel, Eagles in Flight.
All my books are stand alone novels in different genres. You might be in for a surprise, or a disappointment.
Today is release day for PROTECTING PRINCESS, the fifth book in the adult contemporary military romance series, Special Forces: Operation Alpha, Search and Rescue, by USA Today bestselling author Jen Talty. See below for information on the book, buy links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
PROTECTING PRINCESS (Special Forces Operation Alpha Search and Rescue Series #5) by Jen Talty
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: PROTECTING PRINCESS Series: Special Forces: Operation Alpha, Search and Rescue Series #5 Author: Jen Talty Release Date: January 19, 2020 Genre: Adult Contemporary Military Romance
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis Navy SEAL Lincoln Thomas loved only one woman and he’d walked away from her almost five years ago when he realized he’d never fit into her world and she’d never accept he couldn’t turn his back on his country. Never in a million years did he expect to see her standing on his front doorstep on a stormy night, totally drenched, and in a wedding dress, covered in blood.
Naomi “Princess” Grant, daughter of Edward Grant, one of the biggest real-estate moguls in the world has never had to worry about anything a day in her life, hence, the name Princess. However, her life isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Five years ago, her forced to break up with the only man she would ever love and pushed her into a relationship that met the needs of the family business. And now, on the eve of her wedding, her father, and her betrothed are murdered, and she’s the one holding the smoking gun.
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Author Jen Talty
About the Author Jen Talty is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. In the fall of 2020, her short story was selected and featured in a 1001 Dark Nights Anthology. She is currently contracted to write in the With Me in Seattle series by Kristen Proby with Lady Boss Press, as well as Susan Stoker’s Special Forces: Operation Alpha and Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors.
Regardless of the genre, her goal is to take you on a ride that will leave you floating under the sun with warmth in your heart. She writes stories about broken heroes and heroines who aren’t necessarily looking for romance, but in the end, they find the kind of love books are written about :).
She first started writing while carting her kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. Her first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 she helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where she ran the technical side of the business through 2016.
Jen is currently enjoying the next phase of her life…the empty nester! She and her husband reside in Jupiter, Florida.
Grab a glass of vino, kick back, relax, and let the romance roll in…
Welcome to the blog tour for LOVE ON THE WINTER STEPPES, a stand-alone adult contemporary romance, by Paris Wynters. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis Can a magical day at the Ice Festival melt this career-focused woman’s heart?
Marketing consultant Qara Whitaker loves her job, happily putting in endless hours and working through holidays. But when her grandmother asks that she accompany her on a birthday trip to Mongolia to visit their family, Qara can’t say no. Packing up her laptop, Qara boards the plane—never imagining that a shared cab ride with a stranger will change her life forever.
Hoping to push through writer’s block, author Benjamin Lacoy hops on a plane to Mongolia looking for inspiration. A chance meeting with a beautiful and intelligent woman whose smile ignites his heart leads to them playing tourists. Sparks fly and Ben is feeling far more than inspiration, yet each time he and Qara get close, she’s distracted by work.
Ben is torn; he likes Qara, but he always promised himself he’d never let work come before family and friends like his parents did. Opposites clearly attract, but can they learn to balance work with love in order to build a future together?
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Excerpt #1 Ben Lacoy sprawled across the brown microfiber couch in his Brooklyn apartment as he mindlessly scrolled through apps on his phone, hoping that something, anything, would pop out at him and end his writer’s block. But no matter how many photos of fit people posing on mountaintops he saw or funny quips he read, motivation continued to evade him. Ben tossed his phone aside and glanced over at the desk by the window where his laptop waited. The gleaming blank, white page was like an accusation.
He groaned and flung an arm over his eyes. After the success of his debut novel, which had landed him on the New York Times Best Seller list, Ben’s agent had secured him a six-figure deal on proposal for a new middle grade fantasy series. At the time, he’d been ecstatic. Getting paid big bucks to write a new fantasy series set during winter? What could be bad about that?
He’d realized the answer to that question the day after emailing the signed contract back to his agent. The moment he sat down at his laptop to start, his fingers had hovered over the keyboard, but nothing happened. His brain froze.
Murphy’s law.
Or, more accurately—writer’s block. A full-fledged case that struck out of nowhere. No rhyme, no reason. And worst of all, no words.
Every day, more of the same. Ben sat behind his laptop…waiting for magic that never arrived. He’d hoped tonight would be different, but so far, he’d had zero luck.
So, he did what he usually did. He shrugged it off and reached for the caramel popcorn container on the black-brown IKEA coffee table and shoved a handful into his mouth.
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Author Paris Wynters
About the Author I’m a hopeless romantic and a lover of all things coffee, canine, and exercise. When I’m not writing, I’m at the hockey rink cheering on my son, playing HALO on Xbox, or breaking a sweat in the gym. live in New York with my family and my two lovable and psychotic working dogs. I also run numerous 5k races in the New York area that raise funds to support the military/veteran community.
