Welcome to the blog tour for THE ENDGAME, a standalone adult contemporary sports romance, by Bianca Borell. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive teaser, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis Every girl with a brother grows up with one fundamental rule: his best friend is off limits. That’s one rule she longs to break when he crashes into her life.
Amelie Weston has been taking the safe path for as long as she can remember. Not disappointing her parents by pursuing the career she wants. And not pursuing the guy she’s been crushing on.
But she’s tired of being the good girl.
Her brother’s best friend is pushing her to stop being a people pleaser and open the bakery of her dreams. Little does he know he’s also at the top of the list of her heart’s greatest desires… and he’s making himself impossible to resist.
Levi Kingston fully intends to become a legend on the field as one of the best quarterbacks ever. He must stay focused and work relentlessly toward his goal. He doesn’t have time for distractions… until he meets his best friend’s sister, and his well-laid plan is challenged.
Bad timing, responsibilities, and loyalty to her brother keep them apart. But the connection between them only grows stronger. Their feelings become impossible to ignore, and the fight against them is pointless.
Will they take a chance on love? Or waste an opportunity for long-awaited happiness?
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Author Bianca Borell
About the Author Bianca Borell is a contemporary romance author, voracious reader, nature lover, and unapologetic daydreamer. She spends her nights deciding between getting up to write or trying to silence the voices of her characters. The battle is never-ending.
She has a weakness for tormented characters, second chances, and happy endings.
She currently lives in Germany with her amazing husband and indulges in way too many pastries than she should.
For updates, news, and releases, be sure to visit Bianca’s official website at www.biancaborell.com.
Welcome to the release day blitz for THE ENDGAME, a standalone adult contemporary sports romance, by Bianca Borell. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive teaser, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis Every girl with a brother grows up with one fundamental rule: his best friend is off limits. That’s one rule she longs to break when he crashes into her life.
Amelie Weston has been taking the safe path for as long as she can remember. Not disappointing her parents by pursuing the career she wants. And not pursuing the guy she’s been crushing on.
But she’s tired of being the good girl.
Her brother’s best friend is pushing her to stop being a people pleaser and open the bakery of her dreams. Little does he know he’s also at the top of the list of her heart’s greatest desires… and he’s making himself impossible to resist.
Levi Kingston fully intends to become a legend on the field as one of the best quarterbacks ever. He must stay focused and work relentlessly toward his goal. He doesn’t have time for distractions… until he meets his best friend’s sister, and his well-laid plan is challenged.
Bad timing, responsibilities, and loyalty to her brother keep them apart. But the connection between them only grows stronger. Their feelings become impossible to ignore, and the fight against them is pointless.
Will they take a chance on love? Or waste an opportunity for long-awaited happiness?
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Author Bianca Borell
About the Author Bianca Borell is a contemporary romance author, voracious reader, nature lover, and unapologetic daydreamer. She spends her nights deciding between getting up to write or trying to silence the voices of her characters. The battle is never-ending.
She has a weakness for tormented characters, second chances, and happy endings.
She currently lives in Germany with her amazing husband and indulges in way too many pastries than she should.
For updates, news, and releases, be sure to visit Bianca’s official website at www.biancaborell.com.
Welcome to the book blitz for THE SWEETEST GAME, the third book in the new adult contemporary sports romance series, Southern U O’Brien Brothers, by Cookie O’Gorman. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE SWEETEST GAME (Southern U O’Brien Brothers Series #3) by Cookie O’Gorman
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: THE SWEETEST GAME Series: Southern U O’Brien Brothers Series #3 Author: Cookie O’Gorman Release Date: September 8, 2022 Genre: New Adult Contemporary Sports Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis
Hopelessly in love with my best friend’s brother.
That’s what it will say on my tombstone. Here lies Junior “June” Dorsey. Tomboy. Car lover. Bookworm. She suffered from a severe case of unrequited love syndrome.
It’s not like I haven’t tried liking other guys. I have. It’s just none of them measure up to him.
Baylor O’Brien. Beautiful. Cocky. Talented (on the field and in the bedroom—or so I’ve heard).
And completely oblivious to my love for him.
When Bay asks for my help, I can’t say no. He needs my PR expertise to revamp his reputation and up his chances of being scouted after one scout—the one he really wants—dismisses him as nothing more than a party-loving playboy.
When he asks me to be his fake girlfriend, I accept his proposal.
But how am I supposed to act like I’m in love without revealing the truth? And why is Baylor so good at pretending?
One thing I know that’s true:
All’s fair in love and baseball.
Wish me luck,
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Excerpt His arm tightened around me.
I felt his breath hitting my neck.
If this wasn’t some form of heaven, I didn’t know what was.
“Where’s your dad?” he asked.
“He’s away for a few days,” I said. “So, I’m in charge of the garage.”
“Nice.”
“How was the game going before it got rained out?” I asked.
“Honestly, Sunshine? I couldn’t tell you,” he said. “There were other things on my mind.”
“Ah.”
We were quiet for a few moments, and then Baylor started to stand.
“I think you’re warm now,” he said. “No chance of hypothermia, so that’s good.”
“I don’t think I was ever in danger of that,” I said dryly.
“You never know, Sunshine. I’ll see you later then.”
Before he could move from the bed, I looked back and reached for his hand. Baylor looked down and then back up at me. He’d ditched the baseball cap, so his hair was wet around the sides. Baylor shirtless was a thing of beauty. His muscles glinted under the lights in my room, and I couldn’t believe he was actually here. His piercing gray eyes held a question in them.
“Will you stay?” I asked, hoping it didn’t sound too desperate. “You can leave later if you want, but…could you stay? Just for now?”
Baylor gave a small smile and got back under the covers.
“Of course,” he said, dropping a kiss against my shoulder. “I wouldn’t want any of your toes falling off.”
“Not funny, Bay.”
“You’re delirious from the rain. I’m hilarious.”
“And you are surprisingly sweet.”
“Nah, that’s the fever talking.”
“My fake boyfriend carried me through the rain,” I said like a damsel in distress. “It was glorious.”
“And now she’s hallucinating. Get some sleep, Sunshine. You need it,” he said, settling me more firmly against him. Tiredness swamped me in a wave. “We can talk about getting you a first aid kit in the morning.”
“I’m fine,” I said softly, feeling my eyelids begin to droop.
“You are,” he said.
“Is this lesson two?”
“Yeah, it’s called spooning.”
“I think I like it.”
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Get Caught Up on the Series – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
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..
Welcome to the cover reveal for THE SWEETEST GAME, the second book in the new adult contemporary sports romance series, Southern U O’Brien Brothers, by Cookie O’Gorman, releasing September 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book and series, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE SWEETEST GAME (Southern U O’Brien Brothers Series #2) by Cookie O’Gorman
About the Book
Title: THE SWEETEST GAME Series: Southern U O’Brien Brothers Author: Cookie O’Gorman Release Date: September 2022 Genre: New Adult Contemporary Sports Romance Links: Goodreads
Synopsis
Hopelessly in love with my best friend’s brother.
That’s what it will say on my tombstone. Here lies Junior “June” Dorsey. Tomboy. Car lover. Bookworm. She suffered from a severe case of unrequited love syndrome.
It’s not like I haven’t tried liking other guys. I have. It’s just none of them measure up to him.
Baylor O’Brien. Beautiful. Cocky. Talented (on the field and in the bedroom—or so I’ve heard).
And completely oblivious to my love for him.
When Bay asks for my help, I can’t say no. He needs my PR expertise to revamp his reputation and up his chances of being scouted after one scout—the one he really wants—dismisses him as nothing more than a party-loving playboy.
When he asks me to be his fake girlfriend, I accept his proposal.
But how am I supposed to act like I’m in love without revealing the truth? And why is Baylor so good at pretending?
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..
Welcome to the book blitz for UNEXPECTED, a stand alone adult contemporary LGBTQ+ sports romance, by Felice Stevens. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis Party planner Colin Brightman doesn’t drink or dance, preferring to go to bed early with his spreadsheets and lists. All he wants is to forget the singles weekend his friends sent him on, but he’s stuck with a suitcase filled with condoms and skimpy Speedos that don’t belong to him.
He doesn’t expect his luggage thief to be ex-baseball superstar Walker “Walk-Off” Scanlon. Or that Walker has hired his firm to put on a charity event at his bar. Colin can’t deny the mixed emotions the annoyingly flirty man stirs in him, but he refuses to fall for someone who racks up lovers as easily as he once hit home runs.
No matter how much he might want to.
Walker Scanlon likes his men easygoing with no complications. He’s had enough of those in his life. So why is he drawn to tense and straitlaced Colin and his frosty scowl?When even his corny one-liners and jokes don’t get him a smile? Because the sparks between them are undeniable. And that unexpected kiss? Amazin’.
Now if only Colin would stop running away.
When Colin and Walker come face to face with past hurts and betrayals, they’ll need to trust themselves and each other to learn that heartbreak and love don’t go hand in hand. It’s the bottom of the ninth and if they swing for the stars, they just might hit the grand slam of a lifetime.
Unexpected is a low-angst, high-heat romance between a corny joke-telling ex-baseball player who doesn’t believe in striking out on or off the field and a divorced, tea-drinking homebody who isn’t willing to get played…again.
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Excerpt #2 Why aren’t you inviting one of your friends? Why me?” he protested, even though a kernel of desire to go and be with people—with Walker—unfolded in his chest.
“It’s tradition. You’re supposed to invite new people.”
“You mean strays who don’t have anywhere else to go.” He sounded bitter but couldn’t help it.
“If that’s how you’re seeing it, I’m sorry. I just felt we got off on the wrong foot, and I wanted to make it up to you.”
“With chicken soup.”
“It’s got noodles,” Walker crooned. “And she makes a mean brisket.”
His stomach growled, the soggy grilled-chicken sandwich he’d eaten at noon less than memorable.
“I thought you said schnitzel.”
“Well, duh. There’s never just one main course at the table. You know that.”
Actually, he didn’t. His mother could never afford to make a big meal on the holidays, and they’d gone to the synagogue for their meals. He remembered listening to the rabbi and his wife urge his mother to use the food pantry, but pride wouldn’t allow her and she refused, yet somehow, they almost always ended up with leftovers the rabbi’s wife couldn’t fit in her refrigerator.
“I don’t know. I’m sure you have other people to invite besides me. Friends you know better and could have a good time with.”
“Yeah, but I want you.” Walker snickered, and Colin’s heart lurched as he wondered what it would feel like to really be wanted by a man like Walker Scanlon. “If we’re going to be working together, we should get to know each other.”
“I don’t normally become friends with my clients. Besides, it’s only one event.”
“Oh, I’m not just interested in a one-off. I have things planned all year long I need help with.”
“I see. And suddenly you need an event planner for all of them?”
“Funny thing, isn’t it?”
Colin could feel Walker’s smile through the phone.
“You’re not going to take no for an answer, are you?”
“You just figured that out?”
“Annoying,” he muttered, and Walker snickered.
“Trust me, I’ve been called worse.”
“I’ll bet you have.” Weighing his options, he rolled his neck side to side to relieve the sudden tension. “Fine. I’ll go with you this one time. Where should I meet you?”
“I’ll pick you up in a car. Say at six thirty?”
Doing a quick calculation in his head of how long it would take him to buy a nice bottle of wine and freshen up, he agreed. “Okay. I’ll be in front of my office at six thirty.”
“See ya then.”
He set his phone down, shaking his head, but with an unexpected light heart.
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Author Felice Stevens
About the Author Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. She believes that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner. Her characters have to work for it, because just like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love.
Felice is the 2020 Lambda Literary Award winning author in best Gay Romance. She lives in New York City and has way too much black in her wardrobe. If she’s not writing, you’ll probably find her watching reality TV or procrastinating on FB in her reader group, Felice’s Breakfast Club.
Welcome to the book blitz for EVERYTHING WE ARE, a standalone new adult contemporary sports romance, by Darby Blake and Sienna Ray. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on their giveaway.
Synopsis Thea Jenson has her future meticulously planned out. Graduate from college. Get a job. Marry her high school sweetheart and have two beautiful children. When she decides to transfer schools, her brother suggests she move in with him and his unruly hockey roommates. Everything in her life is going according to her plan . . .
. . . until she bumps into Kyler in their kitchen and sparks fly.
Kyler Rose, the starting center for the Northport University hockey team, is done for the moment he lays his eyes on Thea. But he can’t allow her to become a distraction. He’s determined to make it to the NHL. That’s if he doesn’t get booted for failing grades first. And even though he’s on scholarship, it doesn’t pay his bills or provide for his family. Neither do the tips he earns from his bartending gig. When an offer to make some fast cash falls in his lap, he takes it, thinking no one will care if he gets hurt . . .
. . . except Thea does care.
But just as Kyler finds a way to navigate his feelings for Thea, an unexpected link to his family comes to light and he finds himself in the fight of his life to protect those he loves the most – his family.
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Excerpt #2
Kyler “Last call,” I holler out and prepare for the rush of people coming to the bar. It’s Thursday night, and for the most part, quiet. I know a few kids from school who are hanging out, but the rest of the crowd are summer stragglers, determined to extend their vacation by a couple more nights. I can’t say I blame them. The idea of starting classes next week is daunting, and I’m not looking forward to the Monday through Friday hassle of having to study, sit through lectures, and prepare for the upcoming hockey season.
People start to leave. The regulars tell me goodbye, and some wish me good luck. I’ve spent countless hours talking to them about school and hockey. They’ll come to the games when they start, and most will show up when our Blue Line Club has some event where fans can come meet the players. Some forget I’ll be working up until hockey season starts, and then my days will vary. Even though I’m on a scholarship, I still have to work. The “full-ride” offer schools give is pretty much a joke. Granted, they pay for my schooling, on-campus food, and books, but that’s it. If I need clothes, a damn snack, or gas for my car—it’s all on me. Most of the guys on the team still get an allowance from their parents. No such luck when it comes to my parents. Actually, just a parent. My dad bailed when I was two, leaving my mom to raise my sister and me on a very limited income. To say I grew up on the struggle bus would be an understatement, and I’m only where I am because of sponsors. There’s no way in hell my mom would’ve been able to afford to keep me in the hockey programs without programs aimed at helping underprivileged kids.
A hottie comes up to the bar with her empty martini glass. She’s been in town for two weeks, taking advantage of the late season sales, which are meant to increase tourism in Northport. “Hey,” she says in what should sound like a sultry voice but comes off as raspy and a bit too loud because of all the extra bar noise.
“Manhattan?” I ask her as I take her empty glass and set it with the others I need to wash. When I turn back to her, she’s leaning on the bar with her breasts pushed together. After two weeks of trying, the answer will still be “no” from me.
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Author Darby Blake
About Darby Blake Darby Blake is a pen name for New York Times Bestselling Author Heidi McLaughlin. Darby’s first novel, EVERYTHING WE ARE, co-written with her best friend, is due to be released in June 2022. Learn more about Darby by visiting darbyblake.com.
About Sienna Ray Sienna Ray is a quietly introverted author living in the UK. She lives with her other half and despite aspirations to be an author in her school days, has only just recently embarked on her writing journey. Her debut novel, EVERYTHING WE ARE, co-written with her best friend, is due to be released in June 2022.
Welcome to the book blitz for LOVE AND OTHER VOWS: FOR BETTER OR WORSE…, the fifth book in the adult contemporary romantic sports comedy series, Professional Players, by Lyndsey Gallagher. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
LOVE AND OTHER VOWS – FOR BETTER OR WORSE… (Professional Players Series #5) by Lyndsey Gallagher
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: LOVE & OTHER VOWS: FOR BETTER OR WORSE… Series: Professional Players Series #5 Author: Lyndsey Gallagher Release Date: June 1, 2022 Genre: Adult Contemporary Romantic Sports Comedy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis Shelly Williams is loving life. She’s been offered a place on the newest, sexiest, celebrity reality television show, and her husband has just retired from his position as captain of the Irish rugby team, meaning he’s around more to help raise their children, leaving her free to pursue a few of her own ambitions. Ambitions Marcus knows nothing about.
Marcus Williams is struggling to find a purpose following his recent retirement as captain of the Irish rugby team. There’s only so many holidays, horse riding trips and happy hours one man can endure. When his wife is paired up with his old sporting rival in front of the entire country, Marcus begins to realise he stands to lose a lot more than just his career.
With ten weeks of watching Shelly slide, shake and shimmy against the one man that has the potential to destroy everything, Marcus must act if he wants to save their relationship.
They vowed to stay together through sickness and health.
But what about fame and wealth?
Love & Other Vows is a steamy, love conquers all stand-alone romcom with guaranteed HEA.
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Excerpt #2 “The way his pupils bore into mine there’s no doubt he’s looking straight into my soul. He’s the only person who’s ever seen me, really seen me. His Adam’s apple bobs, as his grip on my waist increases and he wiggles my pelvis closer to rest against his. His desire presses against me, it’s mirrored in his hungry eyes, eyes which he can’t seem to tear away from me.”
About the Author Lyndsey Gallagher is the kindle bestselling author of six contemporary romance novels, with many more on the way! An unashamed romantic, forever in search of the next happy ever after, her debut novel The Seven Year Itch was inspired by the weekend she met her husband. Lyndsey lives in the West of Ireland overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. She enjoys long walks, deep talks and the occasional G & T!
Welcome to the book blitz for A HEART SO WILD, the first book in the adult contemporary sports romance series, The Atlanta Siege, by Raine Thomas. See below for information on the book, buy links, and exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
A HEART SO WILD (The Atlanta Siege Series #1) by Raine Thomas
Synopsis He’s a sexy left winger for the NHL’s newest expansion team, the Atlanta Siege, and he’s a player in every sense of the word.
Callan Murphy’s on a mission: get his teammate laid.
A night out at Atlanta’s hottest nightclub is all he’ll need to find the perfect woman to blow his goalie’s … mind. But when he catches a glimpse of a dark-haired beauty standing across the dance floor, winging for his friend is the last thing on his mind.
She’s perfect, all right. Perfect for him. Now he just has to convince her of that, something he never expects to be such a challenge.
She’s a mysterious bombshell who’s about to teach him what it’s like to play in the big leagues of the heart.
Roxy Wagner’s on a mission: get her best friend laid.
When they head out to ladies’ night in search of Mr. Right Now, it doesn’t take her long to spot the two tall, dark, and stud-lies watching them from across the club. One look at the bearded hottie with the seductive heat in his eyes tells her she’s about to go up against a real player.
She should know … it takes one to know one. And she’s not interested in playing for keeps.\
It starts with a night out winging for friends. How it all ends will depend on whether Callan can find a way to tame Roxy’s wild heart.
Game on.
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Excerpt #3 What should have been a fifteen-minute drive took Roxy ten. Callan felt like he needed those extra five minutes to find the strength to stand since he was sure his knees were going to give out on him, but he climbed out of her car at the first listing since Roxy got out and stared at him until he did.
“I really had hoped I’d go back in time if I ever went that fast,” he mused as they walked up to the brick townhome bearing a lockbox on the front door.
She gave him the side-eye as she entered a code into the lockbox. “You drive an Audi and you’ve never opened her up?”
“Well, no.”
“Why not?”
“Because…” He sought the right words and went with, “I’m normal.”
“Sounds rather boring to me.”
“Maybe, but if my agent heard I was in a car with someone who drives like you, he’d drop dead of a heart attack.”
Her lips twitched with humor. “Well, we’re here now. Let’s focus on the listing.”
“Okay.”
She motioned towards the door handle. “While it’s a little unconventional, I believe the potential homeowner should be the one to open the front door and go inside first. That first feeling you get when you step into a new place is one of the most important things to consider when homebuying.”
He nodded and opened the door. He paid attention to his first impression as he stepped inside and paused in the foyer. Then he got distracted when Roxy followed him in and brushed against him, making him itch to touch her.
“First thoughts?” she asked.
He stuck his hands in his pockets so he didn’t give into his urge. “It’s very white.”
The two-story foyer was open and airy. To the right was a grand dining room with a crystal chandelier. To the left was what appeared to be a formal living room. Ahead was a hall leading towards what he thought was the kitchen and family room.
Every single wall was white.
“Paint is an inexpensive update,” she said. “But it tells me something that you noticed the white walls first rather than the layout or these beautiful hardwood floors. Let’s go ahead and do a walk-through anyway. It will help us narrow down what you like and don’t like in a property.”
“Works for me.”
They completed their tour of the townhouse, where he decided he liked the hardwood floors, the custom built-ins in the study and family room, the crown molding throughout the home, and the fact that it backed up to the Chattahoochee National Forest. He didn’t like the lack of character, the layout, or the outdated bathrooms.
They went through the remaining listings just like that. Much as Roxy suspected, none of them were quite what he wanted.
Strangely, although he hadn’t been planning on buying a new home until a few days ago, he found himself getting into the spirit of it. Roxy made it interesting, her death-defying driving aside. He found himself asking for her opinion more than once and taking it into account, something he wouldn’t typically do with someone he didn’t know all that well. He tried telling himself that it was because she was his real estate agent, but deep inside, he knew that wasn’t true.
Somehow, some way, this woman he had met all of seven weeks ago had come to matter to him.
A lot.
When they returned to his condo’s parking garage, she stopped her car in front of the door leading into the complex rather than parking.
“I don’t suppose you’d be interested in coming up for a drink?” he asked.
“As much as I’d like that, I can’t.”
“Ah. Busy night ahead?”
“Not really. The thing is, if I go up to your condo, we’re going to have sex. I can’t get distracted by sex right now no matter how much I might want that.”
His disappointment eased into pleasure. Apparently, he hadn’t made as bad a first impression with her as he’d feared.
Good to know.
“Guess I can’t argue with that,” he said. “How about a goodbye kiss?”
She shook her head and waved him out of the car. “Stop trying to get me to break my no-sex pact.”
He paused with his hand on the door’s handle. “What’s that now?”
“Tell you what,” she said, leaning over him, pulling the handle, and shoving the door open. “You never ask about that again and I’ll call you for some phone sex at some point this week.”
“Bye.”
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Author Raine Thomas
About the Author Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of bestselling Young Adult and New Adult fiction. Known for character-driven stories that inspire the imagination, Raine has signed with multiple award-winning producer Chase Chenowith of Back Fence Productions to bring her popular Daughters of Saraqael trilogy to the big screen. She’s a proud indie author who is living the dream. When she isn’t writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing with her husband and daughter on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
Entangled Embrace and author Shae Connor are revealing the cover to HARD DRIVE, the second book in the new adult contemporary LGBTQ+ sports romance series, University of Atlanta, releasing October 18, 2021. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
HARD DRIVE (University of Atlanta Series #2) by Shae Connor
About the Book Title: HARD DRIVE Series: University of Atlanta Series #2 Author: Shae Connor Publisher: Entangled Embrace Release Date: October 18, 2021 Genre: New Adult Contemporary LGBTQ+ Sports Romance Links: Goodreads
Synopsis
Coming soon…
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Author Shae Connor
About the Author Shae Connor lives in Atlanta, where she’s a lackadaisical government worker for a living and writes sweet-hot romance under the cover of night. She’s been making things up for as long as she can remember, but it took her a long time to figure out that maybe she should try writing them down.
Shae is part Jersey, part Irish, and all Southern, which explains why she never shuts up. When she’s not chained to her laptop, she enjoying cooking, traveling, watching baseball, reading voraciously, wearing tiaras, and hugging a lot. She’s also the volunteer Director/Editor for the Dragon Con on-site publication, the Daily Dragon.
Author Brenda Rothert is unveiling the cover to MAVERICK, the first book the adult contemporary sports romance series, Sin City Saints Hockey, releasing August 24, 2021. See below for information on the book, preorder links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
MAVERICK (Sin City Saints Hockey Series #1) by Brenda Rothert
Synopsis
The Vegas heat just kicked up a notch with the arrival of ice hockey’s newest expansion team – the Sin City Saints.
Maverick Hagen’s fall from grace was more like a crash landing. His record-breaking career ended after a fight with an opponent over a woman left him with a broken leg, or so the pundits thought. Returning to the sport he loves as the captain of the league’s new expansion team, the Sin City Saints, his lucrative contract comes with just one rule—no romantic distractions.
Gia Ford also makes her living playing a game—poker. The rounder has hit her stride in Vegas, quietly building her bank account one casino at a time. She’s got a score to settle, and nothing will get in her way—not even the sexy hockey player who’s willing to lose money just to see her in action. Maverick attracts attention, upsetting Gia’s under-the-radar game.
Maverick and Gia can’t afford to give in to their magnetic attraction, with his career rebounding and her winnings growing. But the hotter their chemistry burns, the harder it is to deny. So will they or won’t they? In Vegas, there’s only one way to settle it—a bet, of course.
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Author Brenda Rothert
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.
Entangled Brazen and author Amy Andrews are revealing the cover to PLAYING IT SAFE, a standalone adult contemporary sports romance, releasing in 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
PLAYING IT SAFE by Amy Andrews
About the Book
Title: PLAYING IT SAFE
Author: Amy Andrews Publisher: Entangled: Brazen Release Date: 2022 Genre: Adult Contemporary Sports Romance
Links: Goodreads
Synopsis When an intense attraction develops between Donovan, a professional rugby player who believes he can only embrace his true self once his professional sports career is over, and Beckett, who is out and proud and not looking for a guy who isn’t, sparks fly.
But what will happen when their tryst is exposed?
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Author Amy Andrews
About the Author Amy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling, double RITA nominated, Aussie author who has written seventy plus contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets. Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
At sixteen she met a guy she knew she was going to marry and several years later she did. They have two grown kids who have flown the coop for distant shores which enables their travel fetish.
She loves good books and great booze although she’ll take mediocre booze if there’s nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She’s just taken a sea change and gets to create stories whilst overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean.
To keep up with her new releases you can join her mailing list here – http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newsletter.html
GUTTER GIRL (Twin River High Series #1) by Lynn Rush and Kelly Anne Blount
Synopsis Star football player Jace Rovers has a secret. And not just any secret—a shocking secret… He writes romance. The kind with swords. And dresses. And kissing.
Nobody knows. Not the other kids at Twin River High. Not his overbearing parents. And certainly not the millions of fans who’ve read his book on the writing platform Scribbles. And that’s the way he plans to keep it.
Except suddenly one of the other football players grabs his notebook in jest and starts reading a kissing scene out loud…and Jace knows he’s busted.
But then McKenna Storm, resident goth girl who avoids the spotlight like a virus, snatches up the notebook and tells everyone she’s the author. And lucky for Jace, she later agrees to continue the ruse…for a price.
Heck, he’d give her anything not to reveal his secret. But when they start to fall for each other, he knows he’ll have to keep the biggest secret of all—his darkest character is based on her…
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My Review I loved this book so much, and it easily moved to the top of my favorites for both authors. The characters are deeply drawn and I loved them instantly. McKenna Storm is likable from the opening pages as the goth girl with a bipolar mother. She likes to fly under the radar, just wanting to get through her last year of high school before leaving Twin River and her mom’s drama far behind. So why she agrees to cover for Jace, one of the most popular guys in school, and oh yeah the writer behind one of the hottest fantasy romances in all of teendom, is a mystery even she can’t fully understand. And yet there she is, standing in the hallway, pretending Jace’s writing notebook filled with kissing scenes and sword fighting is hers to protect him from the taunting by his football teammates.
Jace is both horrified and grateful to McKenna. He’s worried that once one person knows something, it’s no longer a secret. McKenna has crushed on Jace since third grade, so she won’t say anything, but when her fake alter ego is revealed, her ability to fly under the radar is obliterated as she’s suddenly the most sought after girl in all of Twin River High. She pushes back, but she’s no match for Jace’s pleading that she continue the ruse, at least for a little while. The secret cover means these two opposites need to spend more time together; something neither of them really wants. At least in the beginning. McKenna, aka Goth Girl, and the star football player are, as McKenna calls them, a cheesy romcom couple. But neither of them is their perceived stereotype and they discover they have much more in common than either of them imagined.
Plot This is a straight-up romance, but it’s filled with the kind of teen angst that keeps me turning the pages. The slow burn romance turns into so much more with a ton of conflict that drives both passion and pain in delicious ways. Their first kiss is toe-curling in the sweetest sense, but their romance is more than just sweet. The authors have created such complex characters that their actions and reactions felt really authentic. And with any romance, you find yourself yelling at the characters to just be open and honest, and then you remind yourself that they’re teens. Teens and communication are like reverse polarity. But these moments in the second half of the book only make the ending that much more satisfying.
Characters Both characters have rich backstories that make them interesting, flawed, and relatable. Jace is a sweet older brother who found his love of writing after telling his younger sister bedtime stories. McKenna is the only child of a single mom with bipolar disorder. Jace seems to have it all with two loving parents and a little sister he adores. McKenna seems to be nothing more than a goth girl with a giant chip on her shoulder. But there’s always more to people than what they allow others to see. McKenna’s best friend, Ernie, is beyond adorable, and I hope he gets his own story in the series.
What I Loved About GUTTER GIRL 1. Scribbles. The Wattpad alternative where Jace writes his Kingdom of Swords was a fun subplot.
2. Jace. A football player who secretly writes fantasy romance. What’s not to love?
3. McKenna. She has her hands full and then some, but she still keeps her head above water while working extra shifts to keep her family afloat.
4. Writing. As a writer, I really enjoyed the scenes where they were discussing plotting, character development, and all the other delights that goes into writing a novel.
5. Angsty Romance. It’s my favorite romance sub-genre, but it’s not over the top here. Just the right amount to add conflict and tug at my heartstrings.
Bottom Line My favorite book by this author duo with fantastic characters and heartfelt romance.
About Kelly Anne Blount KELLY ANNE BLOUNT is a USA Today bestselling author of young adult novels. When she’s not writing, she’s probably lost in a book, watching Twilight, snuggling her five furry rescues, or having an adventure with her handsome husband and their darling daughter. After living in a palace in Scotland, across from the Caribbean Sea, and in the snowy land of Wisconsin, Kelly and her family reside in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. Kelly loves connecting with readers on social media! Stop by and say, “Hi!” or ask a question. You can find her everywhere @KellyAnneBlount.
About Lynn Rush New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Lynn Rush, is a full-time writer, wife, and trail runner living in the Sonoran Desert, despite her fear of rattle snakes. Known as #TheRunningWriter, Lynn can’t resist posting epic sunrise pictures while running in the desert with her trail sisters, even if she has to occasionally hop a scorpion.
When she’s not running or writing, she’s watching movies that fuel her everlasting love of superheroes, vampires, and all things Supernatural. The books she reads usually carry the same theme, but this former college athlete loves reading sweet sports romances as well. She’s madly in love with her Ironman husband of 20+ years who is the inspiration for what true love is. You can find her on social media as @LynnRushWrites
Welcome to the book blitz for STONE COLD, the second stand-alone book in the adult contemporary sports romance series, The Heavy Hitters, by M.A. Lee. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
STONE COLD (The Heavy Hitters Series #2) by M.A. Lee
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: STONE COLD Series: The Heavy Hitters Series #2 Author: M.A. Lee Publisher: Kingston Publishing Company Release Date: April 19, 2021 Genre: Adult Contemporary Sports Romance Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT
Synopsis After his scandalous fight with Mad Max, Stone was banned from the professional fighting world. Turning to a wild and reckless life filled with women, alcohol, and drugs, Stone thought that his life was officially over. With nowhere left to go, Stone takes a job as a bouncer in a Las Vegas Club.
Ember grew up in a trailer park in the middle of nowhere. Once she graduated high school, she took off for the big city lights of Las Vegas and never looked back. She has no idea what she wants out of life yet, but she knows she will never go back to the world she left behind.
One night, after a couple of customers get a little too rowdy in the bar, Ember finds herself being saved by the last man she ever would have expected– Stone Cold, the infamous bad boy fighter who was shunned from the MMA fighting world. When their eyes lock, both Stone and Ember realize there’s more to the other than they ever could have imagined. Ember see’s strength in Stone and he finds hope in Ember.
Will they be able to save one another and help build the lives they are both destined for?
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Excerpt Quickly, our kiss deepened, and Ember crawled over my lap, her heated core warming against my jeans as she slightly rocked.
I began to trail light kisses down her neck and Ember let her head fall back, giving me more access to her sweet skin.
“Aren’t you tired from earlier?” she asked, but we both knew she was enjoying this.
“I could never get tired of you,” I sighed.
Ember stopped kissing me and stared deep into my eyes. “Stone…”
“Ember, don’t fight this. We both know how amazing we could be. You wouldn’t believe how good this could get,” I said, winking.
“Oh yeah. We are both royally screwed up, Stone. You think that’s good?” she asked.
“I do. I’m on track to getting back into professional fighting and you have dreams, too. I’m going to make a lover out of you,” I said, making sure she was still looking at me.
About the Author M.A. Lee is the persona of a wife and mother. Her obsession with coffee and book boyfriends drives her to create steamy romance novels.
Welcome to the book blitz for FOUR LETTER FEELINGS, the first book in the new adult contemporary sports romance series, Jeremy Lewis, by Lasairiona McMaster. See below for information on the book, buy links, a teaser excerpt, and details on her giveaway. For a limited time, you can pick up the ebook for just $0.99.
FOUR LETTER FEELINGS (The Jeremy Lewis Series #1) by Lasairiona McMaster
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: FOUR LETTER FEELINGS Series: Jeremy Lewis Series #1 Authors:Lasairiona McMaster Release Date: September 24, 2020
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Sports Romance
Links: Goodreads | Amazon| Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT
Synopsis Jeremy Lewis has just returned from a year in Europe, ready to start college in Alabama and pursue his dream career in the National Hockey League. Other than boring school work, he’s eager to play hockey, hang out with his new teammates and maybe even rekindle an old flame when Chelsea Davis unexpectedly reappears in his life.
Life is looking pretty darn peachy.
But when his world is turned upside down by a tragic loss, merely surviving each day feels like an achievement. How can he get through college and keep his budding career on track when all he wants to do is drink and squander his parent’s fortune? Can he convince Chelsea he’s a changed man when he seems so intent on his own destruction?
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Author Lasairiona McMaster
About the Author Lasairiona McMaster writes sassy, classy and badassy women and strong, yet vulnerable men. She challenges reader’s expectations by openly dealing with mental health issues, often exploring tough-to-handle topics and ‘taboos’ and books with a whole lotta heart.
She can either be found enjoying a gin and lemonade by the Irish sea, or baking sweet treats in her kitchen while singing at the top of her lungs. When she’s ‘home’ in Texas, and isn’t eating fresh-popped popcorn while buying things she has absolutely no need for in Target, she can be found at Chuys eating her body weight in chips and queso and washing it down with a margarita swirl. She loves to make friends out of strangers.
IN THE PENALTY BOX by Lynn Rush and Kelly Anne Blount
Synopsis The Cutting Edge meets Friday Night Lights in a sizzling new hockey romance from bestselling authors Kelly Anne Blount and Lynn Rush.
Willow
Figure skating was supposed to be my whole world. But one unlucky injury and now I’m down…but I’m definitely not out. I just need to rehab—a boatload of rehab—and who’d have thought I could do it on the boys’ hockey team?
Of course, the infuriatingly hot captain of the team seems to think I’m nothing but sequins and twirls. What’s a girl to do but put him in his place? Game on.
Brodie
Hockey is my whole world. I’ve worked my tail off getting my team in a position to win the championships—hopefully in front of major college scouts, too—so what’s a guy to do when a figure skater ends up as our new goalie?
Of course, the distractingly sexy skater thinks I’m nothing but a testosterone-laced competitive streak. And surely she’s only biding her time to heal, then she’s gone. Game over.
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My Review A sweet romance with enough heat to melt any freshly Zambonied ice rink. Lynn Rush and Kelly Anne Blount have written a swoony teen romance with stellar lead characters, a fun supporting cast, and more skating than the Winter Olympics. Willow Covington, a figure skater with her eye on the Olympics, is injured and loses not only her spot on the team, but the host family where she’s lived for years, returning to the small northern town where she grew up. But the Woodhaven she left didn’t have one Brodie “The Wind” Windom. He’s not only easy on the eyes, he’s a monster on the ice. As Willow rehabs in Woodhaven, she’s increasingly frustrated by her lack of progress landing her jumps. When she watches the boys’ hockey team practice, an errant puck flies through the air, nearly hitting her and her friend, Jessa, until she reaches out and grabs the spinning death disk in midair. This gets her a tryout with the team since their goalie is rehabbing himself. Willow isn’t sure if playing hockey will help or hinder her return to figure skating, but spending time with Brodie every day is enough for her to give it a try. Playing hockey turns out to be more than she imagined, and when the figure skating teams come calling, she’ll need to make a choice between the only dream she’s ever had — to skate in the Olympics — and the only boy she’s ever loved.
Plot With two authors, there’s a lot of plotting going on. The primary plot is the relationship between Willow and Brodie. But both Willow and Brodie have their own growth arcs and lots of subplotting. From Willow’s efforts to regain a spot on a top figure skating team to Brodie’s family matters and his future as a hockey player, there’s a lot happening that should keep these two apart. Not the least of which is the no fraternization between teammates rule. All of this adds delicious conflict and angst.
Characters Brodie and Willow are both really well developed, but Willow stole my heart. She’s strong, independent, and knows how to hold her own on a boys’ hockey team. Brodie is totally worthy of her amazingness, though. What makes Willow one of the best female characters I’ve read in a long time is the fact that she never once questions why Brodie would be interested in her. She still has some solid insecurities as you’d expect a teen character to have, but it wasn’t ever about whether she was dateable. I found that to be exceedingly refreshing.
What I Loved About IN THE PENALTY BOX 1. Ice Sports. Whether you love figure skating, hockey, or both, there’s a lot for everyone to enjoy.
2. Willow. She refuses to take any grief from the boys, or the catty girls on the figure skating team. She gives back twice as much as she takes.
3. Brodie. He has a lot of baggage, but he still manages to be this amazing guy who looks after his kid brother, his father, the team, and Willow.
4. Making Your Own Choices. I love that Willow didn’t let anyone influence her. She did what she needed to do for herself.
5. Reality. I love that the authord didn’t wrap everything up with a nice, tidy bow. Life is messy and even though this is a solid HFN ending, not everything was all neat and clean at the end, making it so much more relatable.
Bottom Line A flirty, sweet figure skater vs. hockey player romance with an adorable twist.
About Kelly Anne Blount USA Today bestselling author and Wattpad Star Kelly Anne Blount has more than seventy-three-thousand followers on social media. Her Wattpad stories have been read more than twenty-million times. She’s contributed to Tap, Wattpad’s new app for chat-style stories, where her work has been “tapped” more than fifty-million times. She is a writer and reviewer for SpoilerTV, which has allowed her to develop an incredible network of film and TV stars.
Two of her Wattpad works, including Captured (seventeen-million reads), have been optioned for film by Komixx Entertainment, and she is regularly invited to present seminars about social media at author events.
About Lynn Rush New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Lynn Rush, is a full-time writer, wife, and trail runner living in the Sonoran Desert, despite her fear of rattle snakes. Known as #TheRunningWriter, Lynn can’t resist posting epic sunrise pictures while running in the desert with her trail sisters, even if she has to occasionally hop a scorpion.
When she’s not running or writing, she’s watching movies that fuel her everlasting love of superheroes, vampires, and all things Supernatural. The books she reads usually carry the same theme, but this former college athlete loves reading sweet sports romances as well.
She’s madly in love with her Ironman husband of 20+ years who is the inspiration for what true love is.
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.
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.
Welcome to the book blitz for FOREPLAYER, the fourth book in the adult contemporary sports romance series, Rookie Rebels, by USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
FOREPLAYER (Rookie Rebels Series #4) by Kate Meader
She’s got game everywhere but the bedroom. Enter the player who knows exactly how to grade her curves . . .
After a very public breakup and a viral post that declares him the villain, power forward Cal Foreman is taking a timeout from women and relationships to focus on hockey. When Chicago Rebels captain and old friend, Vadim Petrov, “volunteers” him to help train Vadim’s sister Mia, Cal figures he can do a favor for a pal and get ready for the season with his new team. But the imperious Russian would slice a skate blade through Cal’s internal organs if he knew what lessons Mia really wants.
Yeah, not that kind of stickhandling.
Hockey phenom and Olympics hopeful Mia Wallace needs help seducing the man of her dreams. That man is most definitely not Cal Foreman: notorious playboy, thorn in her side, and her brother’s bestie. But surely a guy with his reputed skill set has a few tips on how she can nail her target—which makes him the perfect foreplayer.
Cal knows Mia sees him as merely the warm-up act in her grand plan to win another man, but as they spend more time together, he wonders if that’s enough.
If they could be more.
And if he could convince her he’s worthy of the starting line-up . . . in her heart?
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Excerpt #2 She took the phone back. “So I was reading this list of ways to snag a man in the fifties.”
He exploded. “He’s in his fifties?
“No, it was written in the fifties. As in the 1950s?” She tapped a few more times. “It’s ridiculously funny, actually. One of the tips is to walk into a room with a hatbox—”
“Is that code?”
She laughed, full and melodic. His dick reacted predictably.
“I know, some of the stuff is crazy. But a couple of things struck a chord. Like stand in a corner and cry softly so he’ll ask what happened.”
“That’s … ludicrous.” And a genius move. No man would resist asking a woman why she was crying. He took the phone from her again. “You want to go in sounding like a sad sack? What else have we got? Tell him funny stories. Wear a Band-Aid. Ask his advice.” He looked up and grinned, when inside he didn’t feel like grinning at all. He felt like snarling, then punching out all these idiots who needed to be strategized into falling for a woman. “Ah, Mia, is this a cunning ploy to seduce me after all? Does this guy even exist?”
Something changed the moment he said it. Maybe the funny old notion that she might be plotting to seduce him, Cal, and not this other guy, who he fucking hated at this point because he wanted her to think of Cal this way. To work this hard to get him. To want him the way he wanted her.
The charge in the air was thick, electric, so when Mia laughed, he heard her nerves, and it strangely excited him.
“Of course he exists.” She took a sip of her soda.
“But …”
“But, what?”
He tilted his head. “You don’t sound so sure. All this advice-asking could be your way of finding out what works for me. Like asking for a friend but the other way around.” His pulse was racing, not because he believed the nuts-and-bolts of this theory for a damn second, but because he wasn’t alone in thinking about the possibilities. Of them.
It had definitely occurred to her, maybe a vague notion of what it might be like. To touch, to kiss, to want … a bolt of lust thrashed through him and knocked him on his ass.
“You’re crazy, Foreman.” It came out faint and unconvincing.
“Am I?”
“Would it work?”
“Would what work?”
Her voice was a whisper. “The cunning ploy to ask you advice about some guy?”
Sometime in the last sixty seconds, she had stepped in closer and he became vaguely aware of his thighs parting, accepting her into their embrace. An invite to get in good and tight against the part of his body that needed her so fucking badly.
“It might,” he said, warming to the hypothetical situation. “You talk about all the things you might be able to do to win him. To seduce him. To make him yours. And all this time, you’re really thinking of me. Of what might work to get my attention. And I’ll tell you here and now, Mia …”
“What?” She licked her lips and his cock turned as hard as the granite countertop he was leaning against.
“I wouldn’t need any games. No pretend crying. Or funny stories. Or wearing a Band-Aid. Or carrying a damn hat box. Because one look at you and I’d be all in. No seduction necessary.”
Her eyelashes fluttered, inky, sooty frames for those lovely eyes, ones he’d happily fall into. Drown in. Die in.
The air zipped with the energy that always existed between them, a thick, drugging force of knowing and what he now realized was recognition. Of seeing inside someone’s soul. He didn’t dare speak in case he ruined whatever was happening.
“No seduction necessary?” The words were a ghosted breath on her lips, almost disbelief in her tone.
“None. No one should need to be tricked into kissing you.”
“Hypothetically,” she whispered.
He watched her mouth, mesmerized by the plumpness of her lips, the dark pink color, the slight quiver that invited him in.
“Hypothetically,” he returned, his mouth so close to hers it would take an act of Congress to move him away. She would have to withdraw because he sure as hell was going nowhere. This was where he wanted to be.
Needed to be.
A small sound emerged from her throat, and with it some sort of plea. He took it as such and took her mouth with his.
About the Author Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, a fire hose, or a hockey stick, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.
Author Brenda Rothert is unveiling the cover to KIT, the eighth book her adult contemporary sports romance series, Chicago Blaze Hockey, releasing January 26, 2021. See below for information on the book and series, preorder 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.
Welcome to the blog tour for PAINTING THE LINES, the first book in the adult contemporary sports romance series, Ace of Hearts, by Ashley R. King. See below for information on the book, buy links, and an exclusive excerpt.
PAINTING THE LINES (Ace of Hearts Series #1) by Ashley R. King
Synopsis Amalie Warner wants another shot to prove that she can be a successful writer. After hitting the bestseller’s list nine years ago, she’s lost her spark. Feeling pressure from her father to leave her writing behind and to work for her family’s lucrative hotel business, she’s desperate to find inspiration for her next big idea, something that challenges and excites her, something real.
Enter Julian Smoke, a failed tennis player making a dream run for the US Open. After a chance meeting at a bar, Amalie hates him instantly. He’s cocky and arrogant, but Amalie knows his story could be her big break. Could he be more?
Everyone knows that in tennis, love means zero, but these two are about to change that.
Perfect for fans of The Hating Game and Wimbledon.
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Excerpt #3 Julian put on the smolder, and she realized what he’d attempted drunkenly at the bar all those months ago didn’t hold a candle to this. His eyes were heated, his jaw prominent, his mouth hooked into her favorite lopsided smile, his dimple popping. “Stardust, there’s so much that I want to do to you.” Each word that came out of that sensual mouth of his dripped with sex. The lyrics from “Hot in Here” drifted through her head, and she almost had to physically stop herself from fanning her face.
Amalie’s breathing grew heavy as the space between them grew electric, a tangible thing holding them in place. She looked at him, and not from beneath her lashes. No, she met his stare head-on, because she owned her feelings this time, just this once not caring about the consequences. All she could think about since they stepped foot in that hotel room was Julian and how much she needed him, how he was the only one who could fill the void in her chest.
“Why don’t you show me?” she challenged, her voice a sultry whisper.
Julian moved, his eyes flashing a deep green, the color of the forest during a thunderstorm. He was slow, achingly slow, as his hand reached forward to hold the back of her head, his hand digging deep into her hair. The feel of his fingers fisting in her locks threatened to completely unravel her.
“This is a terrible idea.” Julian’s voice had taken on that deep, husky timbre, a tone that promised hours, hell, even days of endless pleasure and tangled limbs beneath the sheets.
His thumb came up to rub a gentle path over her lips. She wanted to know how he kissed, how he did…other things. Was he rough or was he gentle?
It didn’t matter, not when she wanted it all from him.
A tiny gasp escaped her as she reacted to his touch, his scent, his everything.
“It’s a terrible idea, yes,” she finally murmured against his thumb.
He stilled, a slow-building grin tilting his lips. His eyes blazing as they flitted from her mouth to her eyes and back again. “Tell me we shouldn’t do this then.” He moved closer, his hand running a line up and down her neck, featherlight, and Amalie found herself arching into his touch, the reaction immediate and natural.
“Tell me,” he coaxed, even though his tightening grip in her hair and his fevered touch screamed the absolute opposite.
“I can’t. Not this time,” she answered, her voice stronger now, which was surprising given the fact that white-hot lust lit her up like the 4th of July.
She slipped her hands around the back of Julian’s neck, finally burying her fingers into his unruly hair, and then Julian’s mouth brushed over hers in the most torturous almost-kiss of her entire life. It was barely a whisper, but it was already hotter than any full-on kiss she’d ever experienced.
“You’re going to ruin me, Amalie.”
Her hand clasped around his wrist, stilling his movements. “Shut up and kiss me already.”
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Author Ashley R. King
About The Author Ashley King is a middle school English teacher whose love of the written word began when her mom took her to the public library, letting her check out stacks of books taller than she was. She’s the least athletic person you’ll ever meet, but that doesn’t decrease her love for tennis. She loves swoony romances and is addicted to sweet tea. When she’s not teaching or writing happily ever afters, she can be found snuggled up with a book, travelling, or quoting obscure lines from her favorite movies and tv shows. She lives in a small town in Georgia with her husband, a former college tennis player with crazy amazing calves (yeah most of her male heroes have those calves), and their sweet and chatty spoiled cat, Cleo.
