Welcome to the cover reveal for THE MAGI MANIFESTO, the second book in the young adult/new historical adult fantasy series, The Magi Menagerie, by Kale Lawrence, releasing December 13, 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book and series, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE MAGI MANIFESTO (The Magi Menagerie Series #2) by Kale Lawrence
About the Book
Title: THE MAGI MANIFESTO Series: The Magi Menagerie Series #2 Author: Kale Lawrence Publisher: EnchantFire Release Date: December 13, 2022 Genre: Young Adult/New Adult Historical Fantasy Links:Goodreads
Synopsis After the true power of the Tablet of Destinies is revealed, Ezra grapples with the horrors of the night that changed everything. Haunted by the monster who claimed his father’s life, Ezra is determined to see his promise through and become a Magus. But when the Third Order of the Magi have him arrested for crimes he has yet to commit, Ezra is willing to do whatever it takes to prove himself, even if it means going after the very force that terrorises his dreams.
But there’s more at stake than the Magi realise and major risks must be taken to settle the score. Desperate to stop the Legerdemain Brotherhood from claiming infinite power, Jonas must lead a team into the heart of enemy territory and dismantle the Brotherhood from the inside. Can Ezra and Jonas successfully stop the Legerdemain from ushering in a new era of terror? Or will yet another unlikely foe rise from the deep?
About the Author Since the early age of 6, Kale Lawrence knew she either wanted to be an astronaut or an author. Obviously, the astronaut gig didn’t work out, so instead, Kale turned to fantastic fictional worlds. When Kale is not writing creatively, she works as a Marketing Manager at a pet product company, and pretends she’s an Olympic swimmer at the gym. She has also served as a board member for the South Dakota Writes organization.
In addition to books, Kale has lent her writing prowess to television, and her writing has been featured on nationwide PBS television programming, NBC newscasts, ABC newscasts, and the Travel Channel.
Kale currently lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with her feisty tortoiseshell calico cat, Emma Bug and sassy Siamese, Seattle Bean.
Author J.H. Dark is unveiling the cover to FROM CROWN TO BLADE, a the first book in the young adult/new adult fantasy series, Crown & Blade, releasing December 31, 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book, preorder links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
FROM CROWN TO BLADE (Crown & Blade Series #1) by J.H. Dark
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: FROM CROWN TO BLADE Series: Crown & Blade Series #1 Author: R.J. Garcia Release Date: December 31, 2022 Genre: Young Adult/New Adult Fantasy Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis Twin sisters. One destined to rule; the other destined to fight. A quest that will destroy the fabric of magic.
Princess Naomi, the rightful heir of Wildbriar, learned at a very young age she must neglect her heart in favor of duty, even as she jealously watches her twin sister, Nayeli, do as she pleases.
But the seemingly carefree Princess Nayeli, the King’s Champion, has duties of her own. Despite her passion for training with the soldiers, Nayeli nonetheless dreads the day she’ll become Commander of Naomi’s army and be forced to uphold their father’s legacy—to protect Wildbriar from the war currently raging between three powerful kingdoms on the other side of the continent.
During their eighteenth birthday celebration, the castle is attacked by unknown rogues—and Naomi is poisoned.
In view of her sister’s perilous condition, Nayeli sets her sights on the deadly Mist Isle to find a rare ingredient for the antidote that will save Naomi’s life—and the life of their dear kingdom.
For if Naomi dies, so does her unique magic, the one power that feels and feeds the land.
While Nayeli undertakes her dangerous quest, Naomi becomes a prisoner inside her own body. Yet, the coma that overtakes her doesn’t steal her powers, and with those she discovers the assault on them is just one small piece of a much bigger puzzle.
That the war isn’t as far away as it seems.
And that Wildbriar may be lost—with or without her.
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Author J.H. Dark
About the Author JH Dark is the pen name of a USA Today Bestseller author. As JH Dark, she writes fantasy with strong women, dreamy heroes, and endless adventure and action. Her passion for books started when she was very little, and her first novel was penned at only thirteen years old. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, two kids, and way too many books!
Welcome to the book blitz for FIRE OF THE FOREBEARS, the first book in the adult fantasy series, Heritor’s Helm, by L.A. Buck. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
FIRE OF THE FOREBEARS (Heritor’s Helm Series #1) by L.A. Buck
Synopsis
Pitted against one another, with the people and country they love in jeopardy, the daughter of a deserter and the son of the king have a chance to fulfill their forebears’ legacy—or destroy it entirely.
Twisted monsters called saja lurk in the shadows of the mountains. Rumors say the Fidelis, human wielders of an ancient elemental magic, again walk the plains. Not all in Avaron believe, and not all welcome the return of legend.
Kura’s a skeptic. But, she’ll cross and befriend centaurs, talking animals, and worse to save her family after the rebellion mistakes her for the land’s prophesied savior. And, while he’d rather negotiate with rebels than fight them, Triston can’t ignore prophecy. That was the sham his father used to steal the crown in the first place.
Over a century ago, their ancestors sailed the oceans in search of peace and died as heroes fighting for it. But heroes—and villains—aren’t always what they seem to be.
Inspired by Brandon Sanderson’s grounded characters and JRR Tolkien’s sense of wonder, Fire of the Forebears is a fantasy for fans who think a dual perspective adventure about the fate of one nation might still be pretty epic.
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Excerpt #2 The sunrise cast a sickly yellow glow over the city, bringing light to a scene of carnage better left in darkness. Triston stood in the center, droplets of rain cascading down his cloak, and grimaced as he surveyed the billowing tendrils of smoke and steam that emanated from the charred clearing. It was a bitter dawn—one he’d been dreading.
Twelve. There were twelve men unaccounted for after the last night’s battle.
So far they’d found seven, all of whom had died within the city after it’d been breached. Now, with the first of the morning light, Triston picked his way east of Tarr Fianin’s walls—or, more accurately, what remained of the walls. Several townsfolk were already attempting to replace the damaged logs, and they sent embittered glances in Triston’s direction. At the moment, he didn’t care.
Carcasses, stiff from death’s embrace, littered the clearing. A few were men—far fewer than Triston had first believed. During the battle he’d been unable to tell, but now he saw plainly the faces of his enemies: they were monsters, beasts that walked like men but wore the faces of animals. Perhaps this was clearest in death, their features twisted into unnerving snarls, their fur splattered in blood and matted by the rain.
He hadn’t believed it before, but he knew it now: the Wynshire was a dangerous place, and they never should have come.
Among the drab garb of the dead there shone a patch of bright red—a soldier’s cloak, the color undampened by the rain. Triston crossed the field to kneel at the dead man’s side. It was Mory, face pale, lifeless eyes staring up at the sunrise. Triston carefully pulled the man’s wet cloak over his body.
“Triston.” Seren’s voice broke the stillness. He maneuvered around the debris like a mother crossing a cluttered playroom to tell her child to pick up his toys. “I thought I would find you here.”
The anger that had been brewing in Triston’s chest threatened to boil over, and he clenched his teeth as he rose to his feet. He didn’t want a conversation, not now and not from him.
“Come on,” Seren said gently. “You can let the captains do this.”
Triston closed his fist around the sword hilt at his side. Of course Seren would say that; a strategist delegated the burden while a military man shouldered it. “How do you explain these?” He motioned toward one of the dead creatures as he looked Seren in the eye. “Is it saja? Not seen in Avaron for generations?”
“They’re not saja.” Seren’s apparent confidence set Triston’s teeth on edge. “They’re dangerous, though. And worse yet multiply in Lovaria even as we—”
“Stop. Just… stop.” Triston shook his head, and he couldn’t help but stare at the red cloak covering Mory’s body by his feet.
“It’s not your fault.”
Triston laughed bitterly. “Not my fault? What did I tell you yesterday? I said these towns were unpredictable. I said we needed more men.”
“And you were right.” Seren’s tone was somewhere between consoling and placating. “I should have listened. But I still outrank you: the siege was my decision.”
“But it was the wrong decision, and I knew it. I shouldn’t have let my men follow you.”
Seren’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What do you mean to suggest?”
Triston sighed. Did I really just say that? He ran his fingers through his wet hair. Yes, he’d said it. And he didn’t want to take it back. “I don’t know what I mean.”
Seren nodded slowly. “You had best find out.”
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Author L.A. Buck
About the Author A goat farmer, engineering graduate, first degree black belt, and medical student, the one thing Lauren Buck always knew she wanted to be was an author. The first stories she ever wrote, as a grade-schooler, were about super heroes. But, raised on a steady diet of Lewis, Tolkien, and Sanderson, it was only a matter of time before she set her sights on epic fantasy.
When not writing, working, or studying, she enjoys drawing, playing the guitar, traveling, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Sometimes you can find her hanging out on Twitter, probably with a German shepherd or two sleeping at her side.
According to Myers-Briggs Lauren is an INTJ, and country roads will always take her home to wild and wonderful West Virginia.
Author R.J. Garcia is unveiling the cover to THE STARS FORGOT US, a standalone young adult paranormal suspense, releasing March 30, 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book, preorder links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis Fifteen-year-old Jacob Kelly would love to go back to simpler times. Before his parents’ divorce and the onset of his brother’s Schizophrenia. But when he returns to his hometown, things feel off. After a series of strange occurrences, Jacob fears his new house is haunted or worse, yet he is losing his mind.
To his surprise, Jacob discovers a mysterious teenage runaway, Sanctuary Daniels, living in the house. She reveals she has been kept by a figure known only as Mother, in a place where downstairs children are languishing prisoners, and upstairs children do Mother’s bidding.
Jacob’s investigation into Sanctuary’s allegations, along with their budding romance, are cut short when she is reclaimed by evil beings. Beings who unleash terror upon Jacob and his family. Now he must journey to a real haunted house to save his first love and fight for his very life.
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THE STARS FORGOT US by R.J. Garcia (Full Cover)
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Author by R.J. Garcia
About the Author R.J. Garcia is a wife and proud mom. She earned her MSW and worked with foster children and as a school social worker. Writing has been her other great love. She has published several non-fiction pieces. She has been writing short-stories for as long as she can remember. To her amazement, those short stories became novels!
Welcome to the blog tour for MODEL BEHAVIOR, the second book in the adult contemporary second chances romance series, The Unlovabulls, by Tricia Lynne, releasing February 15, 2022. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
MODEL BEHAVIOR (The Unlovabulls Series #2) by Tricia Lynne
His body is giving out, his family is bleeding him dry, and he never prepared for life after football. When the Dallas Bulldogs offer him a coaching position instead of a returning roster spot, only two things keep him going—staying fit in case another football team picks him up, and spending time with a gray-faced Boxer at the Unlovabulls Dog Rescue.
Olive Russo is a woman who can walk through a kennel in a white pantsuit without getting a spot on her. The always organized PR pro will need her cool control when she’s forced to plan a fundraising gala for the Unlovabulls with the college boyfriend who turned her inside out. A decade ago, Hayes Walker broke her heart and sent Olive into a spiral of bad decisions that she’d rather her clients not know about. Now she is determined to keep the completely lickable Hayes off her to-do list—even if their chemistry is stronger than ever.
Dumping Olive was the worst decision Hayes ever made. When the amazing girl walks back into his life a full-fledged woman, he makes a play for her heart. But when Olive’s secrets are exposed and the NFL knocks on Hayes’s door, they’ll both need to leave their past where it belongs if they’re going to make it work the second time around.
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Excerpt “Pulling the curtain to the side, I watched as he fired a tennis ball the length of the room. “I thought you played defense. That looked like a quarterback threw it.”
“Huh, played being the operative word. And no, that didn’t look like a quarterback threw it, but you always were kind.”
Sadie dropped the ball at his feet. “Do you miss it?”
He picked it up and threw it again. “Playing? Yes. What playing did to my body? Hell, no.”
I watched after Sadie as I stood next to Hayes. “I bet she’d have made a great Frisbee dog, maybe even fly ball, when she was younger.”
“They always say shit like that about us has-beens, don’t they, girl? Drop it.” He scratched her head, and Sadie spit out the ball. “If only we were younger, if only our knees still had all their cartilage. If only time didn’t march on and forget about us.” He stared at the ball in his hands with a distance in his gaze. Sadie sat patiently, looking up at the man she so obviously loved with soft brown eyes and a face going white with age. These two needed each other.
Gently, I pulled the ball from Hayes’s hand and gave Sadie a scratch. Then I launched it across the room. She looked after it but didn’t go. “Oh, Hayes. This little girl is sweet on you.”
That made the laugh lines appear around his eyes. “Go get it, sweetheart.”
Finally, she darted out after it.
“I’m sorry about football. I just want you to know that you are so much more than the game. I’ve always thought that.” Today couldn’t have been easy on him, at an event with players who used to be his teammates, but now he coached them.
Hayes nodded. “I mean, yeah. I’m a football player. I’ll always be a football player. But it’s the way it got taken away from me, and the reason I even played so long in the first place.” He shook his head. “I loved playing. I wanted to play solely because I loved it, and I wanted to leave on my terms. That didn’t happen. Sometimes I’m a little jealous of Brody for that.”
Sadie brought the ball back to me, but I noticed her starting to limp a little on her right hind leg. “All done, sweetheart.” Breathing heavy, her black coat shined in the light as she circled and lay down next to Hayes’s leg. I studied his face. The lines etched into his forehead. The aching set of his jaw. This man was broken, but weren’t we all a little damaged?
Creating second chances for people was part of my job…”
About the Author Tricia Lynne is fluent in both sarcasm and cuss words—a combination that tends to embarrass her husband at corporate functions. A tomboy at heart, she loves hard rock, Irish whiskey, dogs, and Vans shoes. She’s drawn to strong, flawed heroines. Tricia believes writing isn’t a decision one makes, but a calling one can’t resist. She lives in the Dallas area with her husband, the world’s sweetest rescued Cane Corso, and a completely terrifying Clumber Spaniel pupper.
Welcome to the book blitz for WILDER WITH YOU, the third book in the adult contemporary romantic comedy series, Wilder Adventures, by USA Today bestselling author, Serena Bell. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
WILDER WITH YOU (Wilder Adventures Series #3) by Serena Bell
It started as a joke. After all, I’d never pretend to date a woman just to get my mom and sister off my back.
I would, however, pretend to date her to get her ex-husband off hers.
Now the two of us, the wilderness warrior and the wedding planner, are stuck sharing a very small tent. I had no idea how fast things would heat up in here, or how hard it would be to keep my hands—among other things—to myself.
I also didn’t guess how quickly the news of our “relationship” would spread to my big, nosy family.
We can’t “break up” yet, because she’s planning my brother’s wedding and I’m his best man. Through venue visits, DIY disasters, and Vegas trips, we’re thrown together, and the chemistry’s off-the-charts. But the kicker is, I feel like she gets me.
Maybe that’s what scares me the most. I’m still reeling from the loss of my wife, and she’s still hurting from her ex’s betrayal. There’s no way this can ever be real.
But what if I’m starting to hope it is?
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Excerpt #2 I can feel my sister Amanda’s breath on my neck as she leans in. “There are a lot of single women on this trip.” She says it casually, like she’s commenting on the weather. Which, given the number of times I’ve heard this refrain, or one like it, she could be.
“Glamping appeals to women.”
“Are you sure it’s not those photos of you Lucy plastered all over your marketing materials? And how did she get you to take that shirtless one?”
“She snuck up on me,” I growl. “She blindsided me.”
Amanda snickers. “I figured.” She hmms. “I think they’re here for the eye candy.”
“No one goes on a three-day camping trip for the eye candy.”
“Sure they do,” Amanda says. “I mean, not everyone, but there’s gotta be, statistically, say, five percent of every trip that’s in it for the chance that you’ll share your tent.”
“Can it, Mandy-pants,” I say, invoking the most forbidden of all nicknames, the one coined by her nemesis in eighth grade.
I don’t even really feel guilty about it.
And Amanda, of course, is unfazed. You don’t grow up the second youngest of six kids, and the only girl, without developing an extremely thick skin. “I’m just saying, Clark. If you were a little more friendly—”
“Who says I’m not friendly?” I growl.
“Grunting in a woman’s general direction doesn’t count as being friendly.”
“I don’t want to give anyone the wrong idea.”
“That you’re human?
So I grunt in Amanda’s general direction because anything else I say might encourage her.
For the thousandth time, I think about how, a while back, I told my brother Brody that if my sister and mom didn’t lay off on the matchmaking and attempts to get me “back in the saddle,” I was going to hire a fake girlfriend.
It wasn’t the worst idea I’ve ever had.
Not that I’d ever do something like that. I don’t lie, omit, or cheat, and that would be a falsehood on an epic scale.
And almost as much as actually being involved with another woman, it would feel like a betrayal of Emma, my late wife.
Amanda clears her throat, tilts her head, and eyes me in the mirror. “Jessa Olsen is pretty.”
God damn it. Sometimes I think my sister can read my mind. And not in a good way.
Jessa Olsen is pretty.
Earlier today, I lost an internal battle and let myself take the hungry second look at Jessa I wanted. I let my eyes linger on her wavy medium-brown hair, her lush mouth—with its little bow to the upper lip. I paused there for a long moment, contemplating that mouth, then had to move on so we wouldn’t end up with one too many tents on this trip. But that didn’t really help, because the rest of Jessa is just as beautiful. She has clear skin, brown eyes, and just a few freckles scattered on her slightly upturned nose. A tall, slim, strong body.
Small, perfect tits! my utterly predictable dick chimes in.
“She’s married,” I tell Amanda.
“She’s divorced.”
“What?” Damn. It popped out before I could stop myself. Showing curiosity about a woman around Amanda is dangerous.
And sure enough, one of her perfectly groomed eyebrows flirts with her hairline. “Her husband cheated on her.” She frowns. “It was big Rush Creek gossip for a while.”
I hold up a hand. “I don’t want to know.”
She tilts her head. “You sure?”
“Positive.”
Amanda’s breath brushes my neck again. “Suffice it to say, it wasn’t pretty.”
I ride a wave of sympathy for Jessa—there’s nothing worse than public humiliation, especially when it’s unearned.
I’m lying, by the way: I want to know. I want to know the whole goddamned story.
But I’ll never hear it from Jessa’s mouth, because I’m never going to sit down with one of Emma’s friends and have a heart-to-heart. Too fucking weird. If—and I do mean if—I ever date again, it’s not going to be someone Emma was friends with.
Amanda takes a deep breath. “Clark,” she says, super gently. “We worry about you.”
“Well, quit that shit.”
“You’re 33. You can’t just be celibate for the rest of your life.”
“Who says I’m celibate? For all you know, I’m getting it on nightly.”
I’m not, for anyone who’s keeping track. There have been a few one-nighters over the past two years, all billed ahead of time as one-and-done. Everyone got what they signed up for, and if the experience left me numb, no one knew except me.
That’s how it’s going to be from now on, because I can’t do it again. Love like that. Lose like that. And know that if I’d done things differently, she might still be here.
Amanda catches my eye in the mirror, and I see the moment where she realizes I’m, for real, struggling.
She bites her lip. “I’ll shut up now.”
“Excellent choice.”
But I say it without heat. Because she’s my sister, because if I know anything in life it’s that she and my brothers and my mom love the shit out of me, and because, well…
Because I’m a fucking hypocrite.
Because ever since I allowed myself that second look at Jessa Olsen, I’ve been wishing for another one.
About the Author USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Welcome to the release blitz for THE PROFESSOR’S LADY, the third book in the adult historical romance series, The Thompsons of Locust Street, by Holly Bush. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE PROFESSOR’S LADY (The Thompsons of Locust Street Series #3) by Holly Bush
Synopsis Meet the Thompsons of Locust Street, an unconventional family taking Philadelphia high society by storm…
1870 Kirsty Thompson is determined to begin her own business bringing beloved Scottish fabrics and yarns to Philadelphia but first she must meet the men and women who weave the plaids and spin the wool. How will she ever escape her protective older siblings and sail to Scotland?
Albert Watson is a medical doctor focusing on research, especially that of Joseph Lister and his sterilization techniques. He speaks at universities in America and in England while visiting his London relatives. As he prepares to sail for just such an engagement, Kirsty Thompson boards his ship to beg him to take her with him. What’s a gentleman to do? Albert cancels his trip across the ocean to escort Miss Thompson back to Philadelphia and finds there is danger afoot for her and her family.
Soon he comes to realize there is also danger for his heart, even for a man who rarely pulls his nose from a medical journal. He finds himself unable to put Miss Kirsty Thompson out of his thoughts, where they belonged, because certainly a beautiful, ambitious, and charming young woman could have no interest in him. Or could she?
About the Author Holly Bush books are set during the turbulent and transformative years of the late 1800’s. The Thompsons of Locust Street, Philadelphia, features five siblings from Scotland with some family secrets that could place them in danger. The first book is The Bachelor’s Bride, Elspeth’s story. The next book, The Bareknuckle Groom, is set to release in the spring 2021. This will be a five book series.
Holly makes her home with her husband, one happy Labrador Retriever and a clever Jack Russell rescued from the pound, and two difficult cats in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Welcome to the blog tour for FALLING FOR ROME, the first book in the adult contemporary romance series, Star Studded, by Gillian Archer. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
FALLING FOR ROME (Star Studded Series #1) by Gillian Archer
Synopsis
Hollywood’s hottest actor is off the market! Who’s the mystery woman that caught his eye…and his heart?
Rome: My brother’s whole world imploded this week, and the media coverage is relentless. My assistant has come up with the perfect plan to take the attention off him and put it on me. Who doesn’t love a love story? Now let’s see if what’s-her-name wants to make some money and industry connections. It’s a win-win.
Sophia: The whole world knows who the Grier brothers are. The sexy Hollywood actors are on every woman’s wish list—and if I’m honest, mine too. But then I met Roman Grier and totally embarrassed myself. At least I’ll never see him again.
Only now he’s pursuing me. Well, kinda. He is promising me the world. Literally. I’ve always wanted to be a screenwriter, and he’s got the connections to get me through the door—if I pretend to date him and lie to everyone. It’s only a few months, and it’s not like I’m going to fall for Roman Grier for real…
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Excerpt The rush at Morning Jolt was always intense, and this morning was no different.
Or at least it wasn’t any different until Molly barged in an hour and a half into my shift.
“Soph! Sophia!” She yelled from the back of the line, waving her arms over her head. “When’s your break?”
I looked at my coworker and tipped my head to Molly. “Do you mind if I take five?”
“Fine.” Eva muttered as she eyed the three people in line in front of Molly.
“Thanks, Eva. You’re the best.” I gave Molly the high sign, and she headed for a table.
“Five minutes. Then I’m taking my break.”
I nodded as I hurriedly made a mocha latte for Molly. Whipping my apron off, I ducked under the counter and headed for Molly’s table.
“You did not tell me that you met Roman Grier!” Molly squealed when I was still ten feet away.
Every head in the coffee shop swiveled in my direction.
My shoulders hunched, I hustled to Molly’s corner and then hissed, “How do you know that?”
“Girl, you’re all over The Babbler’s home page. Apparently some photographer caught you and Roman Grier on a beach.” She held her phone out to me.
All the blood left my head. I looked at picture after picture of me and Roman Grier. But instead of the weird, embarrassing encounter I remembered, the website framed the pictures like it was a romantic frolic on the beach. Us laughing over Pongo. Each of us holding his leash.
And ended with a picture with me on top of Roman Grier.
My knees locked, and I had to sit down.
I didn’t look frazzled or crazy in the photo. I looked soft.
And in love.
“Molly. Oh my god.”
“I know! Is this why you called me this morning?”
I could only stare at the last picture. I might’ve looked like I was in love, but Roman Grier looked sexy and a little pissed, in that smoldering, sex-god kinda way.
If only what was in the pictures was reality.
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Author Gillian Archer
About the Author Gillian has a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering but prefers to spend her time on happily ever after. She writes the kind of stories she loves to read—the hotter the better!
When Gillian’s not pounding away on the keyboard, she can be found surfing the couch indulging in her latest reality tv fixation, baking something ridiculously tasty (and horrible for her waist line) or snuggling with her husband.
Home is currently in the wilds of Nevada with her amazing husband, ridiculously cute kiddo, and goofy dog.
Welcome to the blog tour for ANGELFIRE, the fifth book in the young adult fantasy/romance series, Angelbound Lincoln, by Christina Bauer. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
ANGELFIRE (Angelbound Lincoln Series #5) by Christina Bauer
Synopsis “Angels, demons and romance… YES!” – C.S., Amazon
“So addicting! Highly recommend!” – Diary Of A Wannabe Writer
“I. LOVE. LINCOLN.” – Antonella’s Book World
Someone is making life hell for our favorite royal couple, Lincoln and Myla. Natural disasters have the after-realms falling apart. Humans are going to war left and right. And the hottest couple ever can’t find two minutes alone. Sheesh.
The problem? Lincoln’s evil brother.
Yes, you read that right. Brother.
Turns out, Lincoln’s father was a busy guy in his youth… and now Connor’s secret son, Truman, wants his share of the throne. Even worse, Truman is as awful as Lincoln is noble. When it comes to claiming royal power, nothing stands in Truman’s way. Sure, Lincoln is tied by angelic blood to his half brother. But will that connection link them together… or ultimately tear the after-realms apart?
Angelbound Lincoln Series
Stories from the perspective of Mister the Prince
1. Duty Bound
2. Lincoln
3. Trickster
4. Baculum
5. Angelfire
Perfect for teen and young adult readers who want their book series to deliver: badass world building, angels, demons, paranormal romance, fresh themes from contemporary fiction, LOL romantic comedy, gods and goddesses, dark fantasy, strong girls and women as heroines, themes about loners and outcasts, the best laughs in humorous literature, general coming of age whackery, and (most importantly) truly unusual epic fantasy.
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Excerpt
LINCOLN
AGE TWENTY-ONE
I am one man with many titles.
Some call me King of the demon-fighting Thrax. To others, I’m Husband and Consort to Myla Lewis, the Great Scala. More than once, I’ve been celebrated as the Greatest Warrior in Antrum, which is my homeland hidden deep below the Earth’s surface.
Yet the finest title of all will soon be mine.
Dad.
Myla is heavy with our first child. Humans might say we’re too young to be parents. But we thrax fight demons on the Earth’s surface. My people know that life can end quickly—and if you anger the wrong monster, it most certainly will—so we marry early and start families fast. And as Myla would say, if you make yourself happy, at least that’s one person.
For this momentous occasion, I carry my wife to the Arx Hall infirmary, honeymoon-style. Together, we move through a section of the palace called the Gilded Abbey. This hallway always gleams, from the golden murals on the ceiling to the shiny tiled floor. But today? Every inch seems especially bright. And with each step forward, more adrenaline and excitement course through me.
This is really happening.
“I can walk on my own, you know,” snarks Myla. “As I’ve said many times.”
“Not a chance,” I counter. “You know how humans transport their brides over the threshold? The King of Antrum must always carry his pregnant queen to medical care in the same manner. It’s a thrax tradition.”
Myla shoots me the side-eye. “Thrax tradition, my ass. You just made that up.”
I wink. “Absolutely. Call it royal prerogative.”
“You’re a fibber.”
“And you are beautiful.”
Which she is. My wife is extra-curvy now, a look that only enhances her long auburn hair, bright blue eyes, and whip-fast tail.
Myla pretends to size me up. “You’re… okay. I guess.” I’m tall and broad-shouldered with short brown hair and mismatched eyes.
“You think I’m crazy-hot. Don’t deny it.”
Now, it’s Myla’s turn to wink. “Maybe.”
At this point, Myla’s tail comes out to ruffle my hair—which is its way of saying, I love Lincoln.
“Maybe, huh?” I grin. “Another part of you seems to disagree.”
“Ugh.” Myla rolls her eyes. “My tail is such a traitor.”
In reply, her tail bobs up and down. It’s literally dancing with joy over the idea of having bested Myla. Such a character.
Myla cuddles against my shoulder. My wife may talk about hoofing it to the infirmary, but on this occasion, she clearly likes being carried. And it’s no problem for me to do so. I’m used to toting about heavy chain mail and tunics in my everyday outfit as king. Myla is far lighter by comparison. Today, we’ve both jettisoned medieval styles for dark cotton pants and T-shirts.
“How long?” asks Myla.
It’s a short question, but I get the full meaning. How long since my last contraction?
“Two hours,” I reply.
We both know what that means. Our doctor explained everything when Myla’s first became very pregnant, very quickly. The experience is what I’d call surprising, but not a shock. After all, Myla and I are both supernatural. There’s no rule book for how our offspring should grow. Right after her belly rounded out, Myla felt some contractions, but those soon ended.
The doctor estimates that a few weeks remain before the baby’s born. However, our physician also wants to check Myla out in a more formal setting, just to be sure.
Which brings us to the present moment. Myla and I have changed clothes, freshened up, and are now on our way to the infirmary…
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About the Author Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.
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Welcome to the release blitz for CAUGHT BY LOVE, the third book in the adult contemporary romance series, The Steeles at Silver Island, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Melissa Foster. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
CAUGHT BY LOVE (The Steeles at Silver Island Series #3) by Melissa Foster
Synopsis He’s set on pleasure, but she’s all business. Sizzling chemistry and a surprising connection set this sexy love story in motion. But is it enough to last forever? Find out and fall in love on the sandy shores of Silver Island, home to coffee shops, boat races, midnight rendezvous, and the sexy, sharp-witted Steeles.
Archer Steele is one of the leading vintners on the East Coast. He’s arrogant, aggressive, and has never been interested in settling down, which is what makes his hookups with his sister’s beautiful blond best friend, hair and makeup artist Indi Oliver, the perfect escape. But Indi’s toying with moving to the island, and when she ends their no-strings trysts to focus on her business, Archer isn’t ready to let her go…
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The Steeles at Silver Island
TEMPTED BY LOVE (Jock)
MY TRUE LOVE (Jules)
CAUGHT BY LOVE (Archer)
ALWAYS HER LOVE (Levi)
WILD ISLAND LOVE (Leni)
ENTICING HER LOVE (Sutton)
Other stories set on Silver Island
MAYBE WE WILL (Silver Harbor)
SEARCHING FOR LOVE (Bradens & Montgomerys)
Discover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster’s writing and see why millions of readers have fallen in love with the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. Love in Bloom novels are written to stand alone or may be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right into this fun, sexy romance
Snow Sisters
The Bradens
The Bradens and Montgomerys
The Remingtons
Seaside Summers
Bayside Summers
The Ryders
Wild Boys After Dark
Bad Boys After Dark
The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor
The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside
Sugar Lake
Harmony Pointe
Silver Harbor
Harborside Nights
“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading.” NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
“With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!” NYT Bestseller J. Kenner
“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely
“I highly recommend this book to fans of Nora Roberts…and fans of a sweet story filled with heat and heart.” – Tia Bach, author
“Melissa Foster is quickly becoming one of my favorites…reminds me of Jill Shalvis’ books and they are my benchmark for contemporary romance awesomeness.”
“I highly recommend the Snow Sisters all the Braden and Remington books…They remind me of the McCarthy of Gansett series and The Green Mountain series…” – I Love NY, Reviewer
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Excerpt I CAN’T BELIEVE I slept with him again. Eight hours into the new year, and I’ve already blown my most important resolution. Indi Oliver tipped her face up to the warm shower spray on Archer Steele’s boat, trying to wash away the regret of their latest hookup, but that regret was chased by the titillating memories of Archer’s strong hands on her skin, his gruff demands echoing in her head, and the rush of lust billowing inside her again with nothing more than the thought of him.
This has got to stop.
The shower door opened, and she willed herself not to look at the scorching-hot beast of a man as he stepped in behind her. She tried to ignore the spine-tingling desire clawing up her skin as he pressed his hard body against her back. His greedy hands slid up her belly, palming her breasts as if he owned them, teasing her nipples so exquisitely, a moan escaped. Damn him.
He nipped at the base of her neck, growling, “Where do you think you’re going? I’m not nearly done with you.”
About the Author Melissa writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented– perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex and relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole.
Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website.
Today is release day for FALLING FOR ROME, the first book in the adult contemporary romance series, Star Studded, by Gillian Archer. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
FALLING FOR ROME (Star Studded Series #1) by Gillian Archer
Synopsis
Hollywood’s hottest actor is off the market! Who’s the mystery woman that caught his eye…and his heart?
Rome: My brother’s whole world imploded this week, and the media coverage is relentless. My assistant has come up with the perfect plan to take the attention off him and put it on me. Who doesn’t love a love story? Now let’s see if what’s-her-name wants to make some money and industry connections. It’s a win-win.
Sophia: The whole world knows who the Grier brothers are. The sexy Hollywood actors are on every woman’s wish list—and if I’m honest, mine too. But then I met Roman Grier and totally embarrassed myself. At least I’ll never see him again.
Only now he’s pursuing me. Well, kinda. He is promising me the world. Literally. I’ve always wanted to be a screenwriter, and he’s got the connections to get me through the door—if I pretend to date him and lie to everyone. It’s only a few months, and it’s not like I’m going to fall for Roman Grier for real…
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Excerpt
“Pongo!” I called to the prancing Dalmatian. “Come on, boy. Time to go home.”
Because I had about forty minutes to get to my other job and traffic was insane this time of day.
I’d taken about five steps with Pongo at my side when he gave a bark and dashed off.
“Pongo!” I yelled, but he didn’t even look over his shoulder at me. He’d always obeyed me before. “Pongo! Come!”
Instead, he crashed into a guy walking toward us. I watched in horror as they both went down in a tangle of flailing legs and fur. But over the sound of the ocean, I heard laughter.
I raced over to them. “I am so, so sorry. This big lug needs to learn some manners. Are you okay?”
The man pushed Pongo away from licking his face, and I gasped.
Roman Grier.
Pongo had tackled Roman Grier, Hollywood’s golden boy and my personal celebrity crush, Roman freaking Grier.
I felt distinctly light-headed. Taking a few swaying steps toward them, I grabbed Pongo’s collar and hauled him off the movie star. “I am so, so sorry. He usually listens to me. I’ve never had him tackle anyone but me.”
Pongo strained against my hold, whining as he stretched to lick Roman Grier.
Who was still flat on his back.
“Oh my god. I’m so sorry. Here.” Still holding Pongo’s collar with one hand, I reached down to help Roman Grier up, but Pongo took the opportunity to bolt back onto him again. Pongo’s momentum ripped me off balance, and I crashed down on top of my movie star crush.
Where I’d always dreamed of being.
But not like this!
I scrambled away from his hard, tight body. God, he really did have the firmest chest. Averting my eyes, I brushed the sand off my shorts and scolded the damn dog. “Pongo. No.”
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Author Gillian Archer
About the Author Gillian has a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering but prefers to spend her time on happily ever after. She writes the kind of stories she loves to read—the hotter the better!
When Gillian’s not pounding away on the keyboard, she can be found surfing the couch indulging in her latest reality tv fixation, baking something ridiculously tasty (and horrible for her waist line) or snuggling with her husband.
Home is currently in the wilds of Nevada with her amazing husband, ridiculously cute kiddo, and goofy dog.
Author Sarah J. Sover is revealing the cover to FAIRY GODMURDER, the first book in the adult fantasy series, Fractured Fae, releasing March 10, 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it your Goodreads TBR.
FAIRY GODMURDER (Fractured Fae Series #1) by Sarah J. Sover
About the Book
Title: FAIRY GODMURDER Series: Fractured Fae Series #1 Authors: Sarah J. Sover Publisher: Falstaff Books Release Date: March 10, 2022 Genre: Adult Fantasy Links:Goodreads
Synopsis Gwendolyn Evenshine thought being a fairy godmother would be cut and dried—take on a charge, solve a royal problem, and return to the Academy for her next assignment. But she got too close.
When the beloved Princess Francesca is brutally murdered on her watch, Gwen refuses to resume her fairy godmother duties. Instead, she laces her docs and hits the streets of Boston in search of the bastard who took Frankie from her, a serial killer who operates in lunar cycles. But Gwen’s magic is on the fritz, and bodies are piling up.
Gwen enlists the talents of Chessa Moon, an upbeat pixie crime blogger who will do anything for a scoop. Together, they open new leads as they race against the hunter’s moon. As the killer hits closer and closer to home, Gwen is forced to confront her past and nail the killer, or she’ll lose more than just her shot at vengeance—she’ll lose the only person in her life worth a damn.
“FAIRY GODMURDER comes along and knocks you on your ass with a world that lures you in and keeps you there. Sarah Sover puts the fae in fatal!” ~James R. Tuck- The Deacon Chalk series
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Author Sarah J. Sover
About the Author Sarah J. Sover writes fantasy crossover novels while raising two energetic little people. A Georgia Southern Bell Honor’s graduate who grew up living near Detroit, London, Miami, and Atlanta, Sarah’s background is as varied as her answers to the dreaded “where are you from” question. She’s done everything from wildlife rehabilitation to data management, leaving notebooks filled with bad poetry in her wake.
Sarah resides in John’s Creek, Ga with her brilliant husband Alex, two vibrant daughters, cranky old dog, and seemingly immortal snake. In addition to writing, Sarah loves craft beer, blues dancing, binging superhero Netflix shows, hobby jumping, Disney, and groove metal.
Welcome to the sale blitz for PERKY, the second 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, and details on her giveaway. For a limited time, you can pick up the ebook for free!
Synopsis AN ALL-NEW STANDALONE FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JULIA KENT
One hundred years ago when I was young and impulsive (okay, it was five, alright? Five years ago…) I let my boyfriend take, let’s just say…compromising pictures of me.
(Shut up. It made sense at the time).
Surprise! The sleazy back-stabbing jerk posted them on a website and, well, you can guess what happened. That’s right. I’m a meme. A really gross one. You’ve seen the pictures. And if you haven’t – don’t ask. And don’t look!
As face recognition software online improves, I get tagged on social media whenever anyone shares my pictures. You try getting a thousand notifications a day, all of them pictures of your tatas. So. I’m done.
It’s time for revenge. Let him see how it feels! But how do you get embarrassingly intimate pictures of your jerkface ex who double-crossed you five years ago? Especially when he’s a member of the U.S.House of Representatives now? Getting sweet between the sheets with a congressman is pretty much every political roadie’s dream, right? I’m one in a crowd. Except to this day, he swears he didn’t do it. Pursued me for months after I dumped him five years ago. Begged me to take him back.
And I almost did it. Almost. I was weak and stupid and in love a hundred years ago. Okay. Fine. Five. But I still have the upper hand. Second chance romance has all the emotional feels, doesn’t it? I can’t wait to punch him in the feels.
All I need to do is sleep with him once, take some hot-and-sweaty pics of him in… delicate positions, and bring him down. That’s it. Nothing more. Pictures first. Revenge after. And then I win. At least, that’s how it was supposed to happen. But then I did something worse than sexting.
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 THE CASSANDRA CURSE, a standalone middle grade paranormal fantasy, by Hope Bolinger. See below for information on the book, buy links, and exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Charity’s acts of kindness always end in disaster, but when one clown costume too many lands her in the Vice Principal’s office, she receives a mysterious note from a group called “The Cassandra Coalition,” asking her if she wants to be rid of the curse that seems to follow her.
The teens of the coalition claim to be cursed by a mirror world connected with their hometown known as Delphos. To make things worse, Delphos appears to be invading their world and turning people into zombies—either that, or someone switched all the coffee to decaf.
When one of their members goes missing, they’ll try to track her down, close the portal to their world, and find a way to end their curse, before the curse ends them.
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Excerpt #2 Can I adopt this feisty unicorn of a grandma, please?
“That’s awful,” Io agreed as her grandmother placed the triangle on a half-done quilt and scooted back her chair. “It’s not even snowing that hard.”
Grandma grunted as she rose and reached for her cardigan draped on the chair. She threw it over her shoulders. Paused. “Io, dear, do you know what the opposite of love is?”
Io rubbed her bare fingertips on a navy triangle of fabric. She froze. No doubt, she’d had a hard time adjusting to the ‘no touching rule’. Charity thought back to their kitchen hug.
“That’s easy, Grandma. The opposite of love is hate.”
“No.”
Grandma raised a finger and jabbed it toward the ceiling. The white popcorn pattern had a few water stains that formed indiscernible shapes.
“The opposite of love isn’t hate. It’s apathy.” She squinted at Io and then the other two. “Not caring, indifference, whatever you want to call it. It makes you tired, lethargic, unaware of the pain of others. It can take a kind old woman and keep her at home, instead of helping to make a blanket for a family without a home.”
Remnants of the Big Sad surged back into Charity. Apathy, the word had a horrible touch of the familiar.
Is that what happened to me when Dad left?
Hadn’t the Big Sad clutched her back at the park? How the gray atmosphere had forced her eyelids near-shut and calves to trudge forward.
If she remembered right, the Big Sad acted fast and without mercy. What if the same thing was happening with the curse?
Let’s hope Cassandra gets us another clue, and fast.
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Author Hope Bolinger
About C.A. Rene Hope Bolinger is literary agent, freelance author and editor, YA novelist, and obsessed with anything to do with theater.
Books include The Quiet and the Storm (Taylor University Press), Blaze (IlluminateYA), Den (IlluminateYA), Dear Hero (INtense Publications), and Dear Henchman (INtense Publications). She’s also contributed to books that were published by Broadstreet Publishing and New Hope.
When she isn’t busy adding to her 600+ bylines, or showing up in her town square dressed as Red Riding Hood, she loves to connect with readers. Find her at hopebolinger.com or connect with her @hopebolinger
Welcome to the preorder blitz for MODEL BEHAVIOR, the second book in the adult contemporary second chances romance series, The Unlovabulls, by Tricia Lynne, releasing February 15, 2022. See below for information on the book and series, preorder links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
MODEL BEHAVIOR (The Unlovabulls Series #2) by Tricia Lynne
His body is giving out, his family is bleeding him dry, and he never prepared for life after football. When the Dallas Bulldogs offer him a coaching position instead of a returning roster spot, only two things keep him going—staying fit in case another football team picks him up, and spending time with a gray-faced Boxer at the Unlovabulls Dog Rescue.
Olive Russo is a woman who can walk through a kennel in a white pantsuit without getting a spot on her. The always organized PR pro will need her cool control when she’s forced to plan a fundraising gala for the Unlovabulls with the college boyfriend who turned her inside out. A decade ago, Hayes Walker broke her heart and sent Olive into a spiral of bad decisions that she’d rather her clients not know about. Now she is determined to keep the completely lickable Hayes off her to-do list—even if their chemistry is stronger than ever.
Dumping Olive was the worst decision Hayes ever made. When the amazing girl walks back into his life a full-fledged woman, he makes a play for her heart. But when Olive’s secrets are exposed and the NFL knocks on Hayes’s door, they’ll both need to leave their past where it belongs if they’re going to make it work the second time around.
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Excerpt #1 “Pulling the curtain to the side, I watched as he fired a tennis ball the length of the room. “I thought you played defense. That looked like a quarterback threw it.”
“Huh, played being the operative word. And no, that didn’t look like a quarterback threw it, but you always were kind.”
Sadie dropped the ball at his feet. “Do you miss it?”
He picked it up and threw it again. “Playing? Yes. What playing did to my body? Hell, no.”
I watched after Sadie as I stood next to Hayes. “I bet she’d have made a great Frisbee dog, maybe even fly ball, when she was younger.”
“They always say shit like that about us has-beens, don’t they, girl? Drop it.” He scratched her head, and Sadie spit out the ball. “If only we were younger, if only our knees still had all their cartilage. If only time didn’t march on and forget about us.” He stared at the ball in his hands with a distance in his gaze. Sadie sat patiently, looking up at the man she so obviously loved with soft brown eyes and a face going white with age. These two needed each other.
Gently, I pulled the ball from Hayes’s hand and gave Sadie a scratch. Then I launched it across the room. She looked after it but didn’t go. “Oh, Hayes. This little girl is sweet on you.”
That made the laugh lines appear around his eyes. “Go get it, sweetheart.”
Finally, she darted out after it.
“I’m sorry about football. I just want you to know that you are so much more than the game. I’ve always thought that.” Today couldn’t have been easy on him, at an event with players who used to be his teammates, but now he coached them.
Hayes nodded. “I mean, yeah. I’m a football player. I’ll always be a football player. But it’s the way it got taken away from me, and the reason I even played so long in the first place.” He shook his head. “I loved playing. I wanted to play solely because I loved it, and I wanted to leave on my terms. That didn’t happen. Sometimes I’m a little jealous of Brody for that.”
Sadie brought the ball back to me, but I noticed her starting to limp a little on her right hind leg. “All done, sweetheart.” Breathing heavy, her black coat shined in the light as she circled and lay down next to Hayes’s leg. I studied his face. The lines etched into his forehead. The aching set of his jaw. This man was broken, but weren’t we all a little damaged?
Creating second chances for people was part of my job…”
About the Author Tricia Lynne is fluent in both sarcasm and cuss words—a combination that tends to embarrass her husband at corporate functions. A tomboy at heart, she loves hard rock, Irish whiskey, dogs, and Vans shoes. She’s drawn to strong, flawed heroines. Tricia believes writing isn’t a decision one makes, but a calling one can’t resist. She lives in the Dallas area with her husband, the world’s sweetest rescued Cane Corso, and a completely terrifying Clumber Spaniel pupper.
Author Ariella Moon is revealing the cover to THE VIKING MIST, the second book in the young adult fantasy trilogy, The Two Realms, releasing March 2, 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book and series, and a link to add it your Goodreads TBR.
THE VIKING MIST (The Two Realms Trilogy #2) by Ariella Moon
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: THE VIKING MIST Series: The Two Realms Trilogy #2 Authors: Ariella Moon Publisher: Star Tribe Publishing Release Date: March 2, 2022 Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Links:Goodreads
Synopsis When a fairy kills a fairy, they forfeit immortality.
Never over three centuries, since the Last Fairy King was assassinated, has a noble fay been murdered in Fairy…until now.
The mysterious murder leads to an astounding discovery. Mab, Queen of Fairy, accuses Talfryn’s parents of stealing an elixir that restores immortality. She holds his fay father hostage, forcing the Halfling to enter the Viking realm to retrieve the potion.
Talfryn has five days to navigate the world of lethal Cold Iron, locate the human mother he has never known, and recover the elixir that could mask the murderer — a quest he cannot survive without aid from Fenella. Will the Thaness of Thorburn honor their alliance, knowing the venture would jeopardize her freedom and second chance at love?
In 16th century Scotland, Fenella believes Talfryn is dead. Her covert plan to regain her thanedom and safeguard her life hinges on marrying her kidnapper’s son…for love. With weeks until their wedding, she can ill afford to break Edward’s trust, or his heart…again.
Will love be lost…or found?
In this sequel to The Beltane Escape, shape-shifters and secrets abound, time bends, fates interweave, friendships fray, and no one is safe.
About the Author Ariella Moon draws upon her experiences as a shaman to create magical Young Adult fiction. Her series include The Two Realms Trilogy, a medieval Scotland and Fairy fantasy romance, Two Realms Novellas, origin stories of characters and magic in the Two Realms, and The Teen Wytche Saga, a series of sweet contemporary paranormal romances. Ariella’s “Covert Hearts” appears in Second Chances: A Romance Writers of America Collection. She lives a nearly normal life doting on her extraordinary daughter, two shamelessly spoiled dogs, and a media-shy dragon.
Welcome to the blog tour for AUDREY, a standalone adult contemporary romance, by Sean-Paul Thomas. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis From the author of My Sister and I and The Old Man and The Princess (recently optioned to be a motion picture) – comes a new, suspenseful romantic tale that will knock you off your feet. A story that has a reminiscence of ‘500 days of Summer’ and ‘Midnight in Paris’ with a fair dollop of ‘The Graduate’ thrown in. And of course Audrey, a delightful, older female protagonist who takes the young and wayward ex-con Joe under her wing.
Just out of prison Joe, a young builder from Edinburgh who writes movie scripts in his spare time, randomly meets Audrey, a washed-up, hard-drinking, chain-smoking, middle-aged French film actress at his local film festival. After hitting it off and spending one crazy, magical night together, Audrey sees some potential in Joe and his writing and tries to help him win back his estranged daughter by getting his first screenplay made into a movie in Paris. And so, the adventure of a lifetime begins…
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Excerpt #1 “Julie?”
Julie froze on the footpath only a few dozen yards ahead of him, although she did not turn around right away to face the familiar voice.
“Julie, please!” Joe cried, continuing to approach her but slowing down his pace just enough to appear as non-threatening as he possibly could. Surprisingly it was Sarah who turned around to face him first.
“Who is it, mummy?” were the first words out of her mouth. “Who is that man?”
Julie took a deep breath and finally turned her stiff body fully around to confront the man that she truly hoped she would never have to see again. There was a long, deep silence as the two just stared at each other for what felt like aeons. Joe looked deeply remorseful stuck inside his own emotional turmoil.
“I heard you were getting out.” Julie finally spoke up.
“I just wanted to say hello.”
“You shouldn’t be here, Joe. You’re not allowed to be here. There are rules and regulations that you need to follow.”
“I know, I know, but I just wanted to see my…”
Joe glanced down at Sarah. He tried to smile, even with tears in his eyes. Sarah hugged a little closer into her mother, unsure of the strange man standing on the street in front of them.
“Don’t you dare say what you’re about to bloody well say, Joe? Don’t you bloody well dare!”
Julie turned to face Sarah again. She crouched down fast so they were both at the same height.
“Who is that man, mummy?” Sarah asked again.
“Just an old, old friend of your mum’s, that’s all. Nothing to worry about. But can you do me a wee favour, my angel?”
Sarah nodded gently.
“See that lamppost behind you, my wee darling? Can you go and wait for mummy over there, please? I won’t be long.”
Sarah simply nodded again and did what she was told. She took one last short curious glance at Joe before walking away. Julie then turned her focus back on Joe. With an angry glare and a determined steely walk, she made her way towards him with a face of thunder.
“Look. I knew this day was coming and I have been… mentally preparing for it to say the least…”
Julie hesitated. She closed her eyes and pressed her fingertips into her forehead, debating what to say next. Desperately trying to choose her words carefully in her emotional state of mind.
“Look. She doesn’t know who you are, okay? She doesn’t remember you. And I still haven’t gotten around to telling her about…” Julie hesitated again. Clearly choking up with the painful memories of it all. “…About what you fucking did.” She finally got her words out.
“It’s okay. I completely understand.” Joe swiftly replied, keen to comfort her. But Julie looked furious as hell at Joe’s casual answer. “No, Joe. No, you don’t understand. How could you ever understand?” Julie took a few moments to calm herself down.
“Look, if you want to see Sarah again then I guess I can’t stop you from trying. But you will have to go through all the proper channels to make it happen. I will not make this easy for you Joe, okay? So, this is your first and only warning. If you surprise us like this again in the middle of the bloody street, or if I see you anywhere near us without a social worker or a bloody lawyer then I will call the police and have you sent back to prison without even batting an eyelash. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” Joe replied as sincerely as he possibly could. “I understand.”
Julie turned around to leave, but Joe still had more to say.
“Do you think we could talk sometime, Julie? Please?”
Julie stopped dead in her tracks and whipped around to face him again. She looked utterly flabbergasted that he was still talking.
“Talk?”
“I mean, just the two of us.”
“Didn’t you just listen to a bloody word I said?”
Joe suddenly began digging around in his pockets. By the desperate expression on his face, it was as if the thing he was searching for held the key to getting back on Julie’s good side again. Finally, he pulled out a pair of cinema tickets which only baffled her more.
“Look. I know it might sound stupid and dumb as hell, but I bought us some tickets for a movie at the film festival next week… I thought we could perhaps grab a bite to eat, talk, watch a movie. Like we used to do?”
Julie looked utterly confounded, but she restrained herself from raising her voice into an angry screech in the middle of the quiet neighbourhood where she could already feel the presence of hidden eyes from behind the twitching blinds and curtains of the surrounding houses.
“You want to go and watch a fucking movie? After all this time? After what you did?”
“I know it sounds dumb. I just don’t know what to do or where else to start here, Julie, please?”
“You could start by moving to the other side of the fucking planet and staying far, far away from us.”
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Author Sean-Paul Thomas
About the Author Scottish Author/Screenwriter.
Sean is an author from Edinburgh in Scotland. He is the best selling Kindle Author of ‘The Old Man and The Princess’ which was recently optioned to be a major motion picture.
Sean spent most of his childhood and teenage years on the move with his Scottish and Irish army Parents growing up in the likes of Cyprus, Germany, Wales, and England, as an army brat.
With a keen interest in both reading and writing, he was diagnosed with travel and writing bugs very early in life. Now, writing, travelling, reading, cinema, and Scottish football (Supporting the mighty Edinburgh City for his sins) are his main passions in life.
His main inspiration for writing today comes from living in such a beautiful, charming and hauntingly, Gothic city, such as Edinburgh. An awe-inspiring wee city that has given him so much amazing inspiration to write the more time he spends there.
Recently, Sean has been working on a couple of screenplay adaptations of his books. One of which ‘The Old Man and The Princess’ made the final of the Nashville Film Festival Screenwriting Competition 2018 and has since been optioned by an award-winning Director /Producer team. Scheduled to go into production in Ireland in the summer of 2021 filming has been postponed until 2022 due to the recent covid pandemic.
