Today is release day 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 He dipped his head as he pocketed the undies. “I’m so sleepy.”
Amalie pinched her lips together at the sight of her bright red thong sticking out of his pocket. She made herself remember the reason for all of this, the reason she was even putting up with this mess. She knew Julian was drunk, but there was something she had to ask.
“Hey, how badly do you want to get to the US Open?” She edged closer to him, hands wringing.
He propped a hand on the back of the couch, his eyes even heavier lidded than before. “I…I want it more than anything, but it’s impossible,” he slurred.
“What if I can get you there? What if I can make it happen?” She cocked her head to the side, realizing she was quickly losing him. He was minutes from passing out. Again.
“You can’t. You live in this tiny, itsy bitsy,” he held his pointer finger and thumb together, “house or hotel or whatever this place is. Tennis is expensive, more than I can afford.” He shuffled to the front of the couch.
“But what if I could? What would you be willing to do for me?” She regretted the words instantly.
A sexy smirk tilted his lips and then his hands went to the button on his jeans, his thumb tracing that sexy trail of hair right above it. “Are you propositioning me?”
Amalie forced herself to look away.
“Oh, no you don’t,” she said while blindly smacking at his hand, ignoring that little bit of drool pooling at the corner of her mouth from his impromptu show. “You are not about to completely undress here.”
Suddenly her hand smacked at emptiness and she turned to see that Julian had fallen onto the couch haphazardly, one hand still on his fly. He was out cold. She growled in aggravation as she dug her underwear from his jeans, careful to keep her eyes averted even though those traitors wanted to look their fill.
After rearranging him as best she could, she looked down at his unconscious form, still feeling a little breathless. She’d found out what she needed to know. Julian could be bought.
“You don’t know it yet, “but you’re going to save me from a life I don’t want, Julian Smoke.”
She stepped out of the pool house into the cool night air and wasted no time seeking out her father.
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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.
USA Today bestselling author, J.J. Knight is revealing the cover to HOT PICKLE, the second stand-alone book in her adult contemporary sports romantic comedy series, Pickle Brothers, releasing August 31, 2020. See below for the cover, information on the book and series, pre-order links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
HOT PICKLE (Pickle Brothers Series #2) by J.J. Knight
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: HOT PICKLE Series:Pickle Brothers Series #2 Author: J.J. Knight Release Date:August 31, 2020
Genre: Adult Contemporary Sports Romance/Romantic Comedy
Links: Goodreads | Amazon| Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis I’m rock hard. No, not like that. When that happens, you won’t need me to tell you.
I’m a competitive bodybuilder, ready for my very first contest. And winning requires more than killer workouts and stage presence.
It’s all about the tan.
My training partner Franklin uses the best in the business — Camryn Schultz. She understands the career killer of a badly placed white spot. She’s also his sister. So when the craptastic tan I’m given for my first competition requires an emergency patch, Franklin knows exactly who to call.
The thing is, when Camryn’s hands hit my skin, more than a few muscles spring to life. I’m about to head on stage in the tiniest Speedo imaginable and parts of me no longer fit. What I need to do for my friendship and my future on the circuit is to walk away.
But when my best friend’s sister has her hands on my hard body, there’s no way this Pickle is going to get anything but hot.
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HotPickle is a 300-page standalone romantic comedy about workout junkies, bodybuilding gods, and the couple who sprays together, stays together.
About the Author JJKnight is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. She’s never met a pickle she didn’t want to eat.
Welcome to the book blitz for FOR THE WIN, a standalone adult contemporary sports romance, by Raine Thomas. See below for information on the book, buy links, and exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
It’s what gets Jasmine Li out of bed every morning. She’s determined to overcome the injury that has derailed her career in ballet, the only love she’s ever known. She can’t afford to allow a baseball player to distract her, no matter how hot and persistent he might be.
Commitment.
Will Campbell defines the word. It’s what makes him a successful pitcher and it’s helping him learn how to be a single dad to a little girl with plenty of trust issues. Just his luck, the one person his daughter—and his heart—finally respond to is a stubborn, sexy ballerina with plans that don’t involve relationships or children.
But Will didn’t become the best closer in the majors by giving up. He knows what he wants and what his daughter needs, and he’s going to get it. Jasmine Li has met her match…and he’s playing for the win.
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Excerpt #2 The strains of some kind of classical music reached Will before he entered the room. He didn’t immediately see Katie and Jasmine. When he reached the chair he’d pulled down for himself, he saw them standing at the barre, facing the mirror.
He was pretty sure his eyes nearly plopped out of his head.
Jasmine was performing a standing split. Her long legs, now covered in tights rather than the baggy pants, made one straight vertical line. Her right hand grasped the barre while her left hand grasped her calf in the air, leaving her torso curved in an elegant arch.
“So that’s the second position stretch,” Jasmine said, lowering her leg. “But as I said, that will come later. Our barre work will be much more basic to start.”
She spotted him as he dropped down into his chair. He did his best to close his gaping mouth.
“All done?” she asked.
“Yep.”
Thank God she didn’t ask him anything else. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to find his voice again.
Jesus. She was magnificent.
There was no doubt Jasmine was a beautiful woman. She had dark, lustrous hair, a flawless porcelain complexion, high cheekbones, and almond-shaped brown eyes that hinted at Asian heritage somewhere in the mix. She was lithe and slender, her every movement a study in grace and precision.
And she had fucking killer legs.
Sure, she was beautiful. But now…good lord. Those tights and that leotard showed him just what her baggy clothes had been hiding. Combined with the refinement of her movements, it had his body responding in a completely unexpected way.
Which was crazy, he told himself, since her poise and control were the two traits he had initially disliked about her the most.
Life could sure be ironic.
He shook off his reaction and returned his focus to the lesson, doing his best to look only at Katie. He pulled out his phone and used his camera, both to take pictures and capture some video. His dad was going to want to see them later.
The lesson went over the hour by nearly twenty minutes. Will hadn’t even registered how much time had passed. Having the opportunity to watch his daughter learn something that made her happy had the time passing in a blink.
“I know going through the moves and positions is repetitive,” Jasmine said as she and Katie sat to change their shoes. “But these are building blocks to learning routines.”
Katie nodded sagely. It had Will’s lips twitching in amusement, especially when he observed how she was mimicking Jasmine’s posture and mannerisms.
“It seems you enjoyed yourself, huh, kiddo?” he said, walking over to her and giving her bun a gentle tug.
She smiled and nodded.
“Would you like to do this again?” Jasmine asked her.
Another nod, this one more vigorous.
Jasmine also smiled. The genuineness of it made her attractive on a whole other level. It revealed to him that she wasn’t just polished, poised, and aloof. There was passion inside her just waiting to be ignited.
Five minutes later, he locked Giuseppe’s doors and walked with Jasmine to the back of the Jeep so he could load the barre for her. She reached past him to toss her gym bag into the back and he caught her scent, something lightly floral and utterly feminine that once again made his libido take notice. And when she reached up, untwisted her hair tie, and released her glorious dark hair so it spilled down between her shoulder blades, there was even a moment where he forgot how to breathe.
“Call or text me when you’re ready to schedule another lesson,” she said as she closed the Jeep’s rear hatch.
“Sure,” he managed. Then, remembering he hadn’t paid her, he reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. He handed her the hundred dollars plus an extra twenty for the additional time she’d given them. “Thanks again for doing this.”
“It was my pleasure.”
He and Katie waved her off and then climbed into his truck to head home. As he started the engine and backed out of the parking spot, he took a moment to reflect on how the lesson had gone.
He had started it with serious reservations about working with Jasmine because he hadn’t thought she would be invested in Katie, and he quite frankly hadn’t liked her very much. Now here he was ninety minutes later, having serious reservations about working with her for the exact opposite reasons.
He wasn’t at all sure what to do about that. When he’d come up with this idea, he’d had some expectation that he’d have to help protect Katie’s heart from being broken if this didn’t work out.
What the hell was he going to do to protect his own?
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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.
Welcome to the book blitz for MAN DOWN, the third 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.
Three years ago, he lived through the car crash that took his wife and twins away from him—though “lived” barely describes his current state. Giving up professional hockey, going off grid, and drinking himself into oblivion are his coping mechanisms. Another is texting his dead wife about his days without her. Therapeutic? Doubtful. Crazy?
Definitely. But those messages into the ether are virtually the only thing stopping him from spiraling to even darker places.
Until someone texts back . . .
Sadie Yates is losing it.
Suddenly guardian to a little sister she doesn’t know and a misbehaving hound she’d rather not know at all, she’s had to upend her (sort of) glamorous life in LA and move back to Chicago. The nanny has quit, the money’s running out, and her job is on the line. The last thing she needs is her sister’s hockey camp counselor, a judgmental Viking type, telling her she sucks at this parenting lark. Thank the goddess for her sweet, sensitive, and—fingers crossed—sexy text buddy who always knows the right thing to say. In the same city at last, they can finally see if their online chemistry is mirrored in real life. She just needs to set up a meeting …
A ruined man who claims to have used up all his love is surely a bad bet, but Sadie’s never been afraid of a challenge … even one that might shatter her heart into a million pieces.
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Excerpt #4 Gunnar must be losing his mind. This woman infuriated him, yet he couldn’t stop thinking about her. About her lush curves and bright eyes, that mobile mouth and stubborn chin. A part of the attraction was how much he obviously pissed her off—which was somewhat his fault and somewhat hers. After years of numbness, the novelty of feeling something, anything, was so electrifying that all considerations about the fact he was kissing the wrong person were easily set aside.
The wrong person? Why had he thought that?
Possibly because she wasn’t kissing him back.
Fuck.
She wasn’t kissing him back.
He stopped. “I shouldn’t have done that.”
“No?” A question rather than outright agreement.
“This isn’t what you want. I—” He scraped a hand through his hair.
She peered up at him, her eyes big and round as silver moons. No censure, only … confusion.
“You surprised me. Big time.” Her lips curved into that slayer smile and his heart kicked hard against his rib cage. “I thought you didn’t like me.”
“I don’t.” It was out so fast that it could only be true. “But then like doesn’t have much to do with this, does it?”
“This?”
He waved between them, indicating the this he meant.
“You’re … attracted to me?” Her eyes grew impossibly rounder.
“That is usually why someone kisses someone.”
“But you don’t like me?”
“I don’t know you. To be honest, we seem to rub each other the wrong way.”
“We know why that is. You accused me of being a neglectful guardian and frankly, your apology was not good enough.”
Here we go again. “I apologized, but some people prefer to hold grudges because they enjoy being mad at anyone other than themselves.”
“That’s what you think this is? I’m misplacing my anger and directing it at some poor guy who doesn’t deserve it?”
“Why else would you hold on to it?”
“Clearly because I’m annoyed at wanting you!” Her hand flew to her mouth. “That’s not what I meant to say.”
A pleasant shiver of surprise rolled through him. He had been right. There was something worth pursuing here. “What did you mean to say?”
“That I don’t buy your psychobabble. I can be mad at you for several reasons. I am woman. I contain multitudes.”
He rubbed his mouth, hiding his smile. Sadie Yates was going to be a lot of fun. Only that’s what he’d thought about Angel, who had ignored the couple of texts he’d sent her.
Sadie reared up on tip-toes, all fire and indignation, and pushed at his chest. “Don’t you dare laugh at me.”
“Why not? You’re being funny right now.”
“I’m not. I don’t even like you and …” Her brow furrowed. “I want to.”
“You want to? Why?” A weird statement and a weirder question, but he needed to know.
“It’s like when everyone reads the latest New York Times bestseller and loves it, but you’re all ‘who cares? Why are people loving this junk?’”
Comparisons with junk. Definitely on brand. “So you’re wondering why your opinion of me is so out of step with the masses. Maybe because you like to go against the grain to be contrary.”
“Maybe because I have taste. As far as I can see, you’re a judgmental dick who happens to be tall and bearded. That’s all you have going for you. Unreasonable height and killer facial hair!”
“Poor me.” He felt another smile coming on. “Sadie?”
“What?”
He stepped in closer. “You don’t have to like me. You don’t have to think what everyone else does. Half the time, I can’t tell if people are being nice to me because they like me or because I’m a famous hockey player or because I have a sad backstory that invites pity.”
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.
City Owl Press and author Ashley R. King are revealing the cover to PAINTING THE LINES, the first book in the adult contemporary sports romance series, Ace of Hearts, releasing August 25, 2020. See below for the cover, 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 Careful to wipe away his shocked expression, he rested his elbows on his knees. “All right, rich girl. I’ll play, but first tell me what you need me for.”
Amalie’s eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement. “I write fiction, and I want you to be the main character in my next book.”
“You want to write about me?” He almost felt flattered. Almost. But something told him Amalie Warner wasn’t the flattering type.
“Well, you but not really you. It’s fiction, so it’s kind of going to be based around you, about a loser who’s down and out—”
“What?”
“I mean, a guy who’s…well, a guy who’s going to try for the unthinkable.”
“Wow, your belief in me is overwhelming. Really. It’s enough to bring me to my knees.” Julian clutched his chest like he was actually overwhelmed by her words. What the girl didn’t know was that he’d pretty much do anything short of becoming a gigolo to have another shot at his dream. Despite that, he couldn’t help the impending word vomit that trailed out of his mouth. “Why don’t you just get one of your father’s tennis buddies to help you? I don’t see why you need me specifically?”
Amalie brought a slim, pale finger to her necklace, an absent look in her eyes. “My
father’s tennis buddies don’t have the underdog vibe I need. You do. Besides, I feel like your success will equal my success.”
“Meaning?”
“You had a gazillion fans and most of them still love you and still talk about how they wish you hadn’t quit the game. They’d love to see your comeback. I can totally see it now.” Her hands stretched above her in an imaginary line, “Based on the comeback journey of Julian Smoke. It would sell because you already have that built-in fan base.”
“Will your writing make it sell?”
“Since I’m writing about a real person, yes, it will. That’s where I do my best work.” Her voice was smug, her head held proudly.
Julian rubbed his chin. “So, you’re thinking you’ll get the bestseller you need? And you can guarantee that you’ll be able to fund my run for the US Open?”
Amalie responded with a sharp nod.
He shouldn’t trust her. He knew that. Her kind of people—people with more money than God—repulsed him. For them, money could buy anything. Even other people. And there he was, on the brink of being bought.
Julian stared at Amalie. Her eyes were crystals, impossible to look away from as two glaciers. Damn. He was probably going to regret this, but he extended his hand anyway. “I’m in,” he said. “But I still don’t like you.”
Amalie gave a wry smile that convinced him she was used to getting her way, then she wrapped her tiny fingers around his larger ones in a surprisingly firm shake. “The feeling’s mutual.”
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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.
Synopsis Every wallflower blooms at their own perfect time, but some like quirky Lo, take longer than others.
Lo is a sheltered 20-year-old who loves baking, manga/anime, and octopi. When she spots her college swim team’s tryout flyer sporting her favorite sea creature, an octopus she knows it’s a sign that she must join the Flying Octopi. The only things standing her way are her social awkward nature and the fact that she just learned to swim.
Will Lo find her place to shine or will her social anxiety DQ her dreams?
LateBloomer is a new adult novel that is a cross between Bridget Jones’s Diary, Baywatch and Kuragehime.
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My Review This novel was a breath of fresh air. I love everything about it, from the cover, to the devices the author uses to tell Lo’s story, to the characters that populate the pages. At twenty, Lo is socially awkward on steroids and as inexperienced as an adult as she was in middle school. After a near-drowning experience as a child, she promised her mother she would never go into a pool again. But Lo, being Lo, figured the best way to protect herself was to learn how to swim. So through reading books and researching online, she taught herself how to swim. Now she wants to swim on her college’s swim team. She’s awful, but because she’s determined, the coach gives her a chance. When Lo isn’t studying, swimming, or taking care of her little brother, she’s listening to 90s grunge music. Set in 2003, there’s a lot of great music and movie references to take me back nearly two decades.
Lo balances her life the best way she can, by trying to please everyone. Her family is full-on passive-aggressive, giving her the silent treatment if she displeases them. No wonder she has so many issues with developing normal, healthy interpersonal relationships. But she always manages to regain a positive attitude every time she’s knocked down. Along her journey, she falls for moody Martin, and fellow music lover, but he’s got a girlfriend. Still, she can’t stop the way she feels and when Martin and his girlfriend break up, Lo blurts our her feelings in the most Lo-like way, taking their friendship into awkward territory as only she can.
I fell in love with this character as she deals with helping her brother with his problems at school, with her parents’ financial troubles, her own failing grades, and her up and down relationship/friendship with Martin. I enjoyed watching her crawl into her own person. Author L.M.L. Gil has shot to the top of my list of favorite debut authors. I can’t wait to read more by her.
Plot The plot is sort of a wandering tale of Lo’s personal growth, with strong romantic elements, and themes of friendship and being there for others. Lo is quirky, and one of her friends, Nick, calls her weirdo, but she takes it all in stride, knowing she’s always been different from other people. She knows she’s socially awkward, and while she would like to be more like her friends, I love her just the way she is. Lo is endearing and sweet, without ever being annoying. Even her friend Britney says, “If you weren’t so cute, you would be annoying,” and that’s the best description of Lo I can think of. I did find her constant need to apologize somewhat disheartening, but when you understand her family, it makes so much sense for who she is. While the book tends to run long at 525 pages, it’s actually a fast read, told over short chapters.
The Characters We see the characters only through Lo’s innocent eyes. She is such a caring soul, non-judgmental soul, it’s hard to get a true grasp of them, but over time, they all slowly come into focus. They’re all well-developed with rich back stories, even Britney, who at first comes off a bit shallow, but we eventually find out there is even more to her than meets the eye. But Lo steals the show, and one of the things I love most about her, is she is absolutely the last person to see what everyone else knows.
Top Five Things I Loved About THE DIARY OF A LATE BLOOMER 1. Lo. She’s so naive and trusting and wonderful. Her heart is enormous and she loves with everything she is.
2. Swimming. I loved reading about Lo’s time in the pool. I’m not much of a swimmer, but I almost feel as if I could be after reading her story.
3. Nick. It took me a full two-thirds of the book to warm up to him, but once I did, I adored him. He’s an enigma for sure, and I didn’t like the way he treated Lo at first, but the more I got to know him, the more I understood why he is the way he is.
4. Music. Lo spends a great deal of time going to concerts in small venues and if I hadn’t had a couple of newborn twins in 2003, I would have loved to have joined her. That was totally my scene!
5. Ending. So much is wrapped up in the last twenty percent of the book. I cried, I laughed, and I finished feeling completely satisfied.
Bottom Line An adorably fun and unique romance with some of the best characters in the genre! One of my favorite reads of 2020.
About the Author L.M.L. Gil is a writer, a reader, and a dreamer. When she is not writing, editing, or thinking about her next story, she is either in the kitchen testing out a new recipe or snuggling with her fur munchkins reading.
As a glutton, she equates a good novel to a scrumptious dessert, which leaves your heart a little lighter and a smile on your face. She hopes her novels provide a sweet treat without the calories
I hate your floppy hair and your lopsided grin and those laughing blue eyes that always seem to be laughing at me.
I hate that you’re the most popular guy in school and I’m still the girl who sneezed and spit out her retainer on someone at a middle school dance. It’s just such a cliché.
I hate that I’m being forced to tutor you in English and keep it a secret from everyone. Because otherwise it might put our basketball team’s chances at winning State in jeopardy, and even though I hate you, I love basketball.
I hate that it seems like you’re keeping a secret from me…and that the more time we spend together, the less I feel like I’m on solid ground. Because I’m starting to realize there’s so much more to you than meets the eye. Underneath it all, you’re real.
But what I hate most is that I really don’t hate you at all.
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My Review My first novel by Kelly Anne Blount will not be my last. I must now devour everything she’s ever written. The story is compelling, but it’s the characters that really stand out to me. Too often, the story is really good, but I don’t particularly like the characters, but I fell in love with both Wren and Fuller from the beginning, which is hard when one of said characters is a giant-ass douchebag. But Blount gives us a glimpse into his life and immediately softens our hearts. No matter what he’s done to Wren in the past, his devotion to his family makes him a hero everyone can root for. And anyone who has ever been bullied by the mean girls can immediately identify with Wren. Dumped by her best friend at a middle school dance after an unfortunately embarrassing situation that was only made worse by one Fuller James, Wren distrusts girls and has a small group of friends in high school. Both are the type of guy friends every woman deserves. Wren hates Fuller James so when she is caught on video engaging in a lunchtime food fight with him, both are hauled into the principal’s office. Captain of the boys state-champion basketball team, Fuller may find his senior year riding the bench instead of being scouted by colleges. Wren is on a smooth track to class Valedictorian and the logical tutor for Fuller. Except she hates him. Loathes him. Would literally prefer to do ANYTHING other than spend one second with Fuller James.
It’s clear from this opening scene that this is going to be an enemies to lovers story, but it’s a delicious path they take to get there. Fuller comes to first appreciate Wren before realizing all those years of making her a punchline prevented him from seeing her inner beauty but the outer as well. Not only does she have legs for days, but eyes he could get lost in. Wren sees another side of Fuller when he stops by her house to pick up some notes. This is a side she can’t fully grasp, but it forces her to realize there may be more to this this arrogant, cocky jerk than meets the eye. The more time they spend together, the more they both realized they’ve completely misjudged each other. If only Fuller hadn’t made that stupid, regrettable bet.
Plot Expertly plotted, most of the story follows a formula that isn’t full of surprises, but the character’s depth and breadth shine through in those moments when the inevitable unfolds. While the plot may not be original, the imaginary friends I made while reading this story react in original ways, bringing a deeper level of enjoyment to a lighthearted romance. The nod the author gives to some of the best romcoms ever, including Say Anything, only made this a tale nearer and dearer to my heart.
The Characters Simply amazing. I have to remind myself they’re not real, and that is the saddest part of this book. Fuller is fully-developed and has the most complete character arc, because frankly, he needs it more than he needs an A in AP Lit. His journey is both honest and organic as he realizes he’s been far too shallow for too long. Wren is so relatable and though she has her own arc, it’s not as significant as she transitions from the victim of bullying to someone who can hold her head high even through new humiliating events. The best part of the characterization is not only being able to see Wren and Fuller through the eyes of each other, since it’s dual first-person point of view, but also in the eyes of their family members. Nothing humanizes someone more than seeing them among loved ones, who not only love them unconditionally, but absolutely won’t take any of their crap.
Top Five Things I Loved About I HATE YOU FULLER JAMES 1. Fuller. He’s perfectly imperfect, making him a flawed hero who’s easy to love.
2. Wren. She’s so complex and completely relatable. I love how she learns to stand up to her bullies.
3. Hudson. Fuller’s younger brother is both hilarious and loyal. The interactions between Hudson and Fuller bring out the best of Fuller James.
4. Gramps. Wren’s basketball loving grandfather is a breath of fresh air and helps show Wren’s devotion to family in a way that would have been harder without him in it.
5. Angsty romance. Just enough angst without being over the top made this a total page-turner for me.
Bottom Line A fun romance with amazing characters and a stellar supporting cast.
About the Author 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.
Welcome to the blog tour for WHEN A HEART TRIPS, a stand-alone young adult contemporary romance/coming of age story by Dominique Laura. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
WHEN A HEART TRIPS by Dominique Laura
About the Book – Read for free with Kindle Unlimited Title: WHEN A HEART TRIPS Author: Dominique Laura Release Date: May 28, 2020 Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance/Coming of Age Link: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis I never thought I’d catch serious feelings for someone at seventeen—isn’t life complicated enough at this age?—let alone for my polar opposite.
I’m the quiet, reserved bookworm. He’s the popular, confident jock at the center of every party. He’s also kind, charming, and sweet. The determined wide receiver worms his way past my defenses. I see a side of him no one else does, and he makes me feel things I’ve only ever read about.
He isn’t my perfect match, but at some point, I can’t ignore what my heart is trying to say.
So, what happens when a heart trips?
Well, at some point, the fall is unavoidable, and I’m falling headfirst into something I didn’t want in the first place. I asked for a crush, not for this.
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Excerpt #1 “I really want a crush,” I muse out loud, pencil tapping on the edge of my desk while I daydream about someone who may or may not exist.
“A Crush? Like the soda?” my best friend, Erin, questions from beside me, eyes narrowing in confusion.
“No, a crush like a person.” My eyes narrow right back at her in response.
She sighs, shaking her head in slight annoyance. “You want to have a crush is what you’re saying? Then don’t say you want a Crush because my mind immediately jumps to soda.”
“That’s legit what I said,” I say in defense, brow raising.
“Fine, so you want a crush. What brought this on?”
“It sounds lame, but I read about relationships all the time, and I’m starting to wonder what that’s like, ya know? Also, not that this should matter, but we’re seniors, and I’ve never really liked someone. Someone who made me giggle and blush and invaded my dreams. I just want to know what the fuss is; if it’s possible for me to even experience butterflies and goosebumps and that other cliche stuff.”
“You know what would really help with finding a crush?” Erin asks, smirk in place.
“What?” The word comes out slowly since I never know what’ll come out of her mouth. She’s Latina and feisty, and filters don’t exist in her world, which works for our friendship because I’m the same way, just a smidge less confident.
“Kickbacks. Friday night football followed by a kickback would help,” she states matter-of-factly. “I admire your love of books and your ability to read an ungodly amount each weekend, but going out and actively socializing is the best way to meet new people, guys included. That’s how you’ll find someone to crush on, I guarantee it.”
“I go to kickbacks,” I half-heartedly defend, knowing full well that she has a really good point.
“Yeah, when I practically drag you, and even then you end up in some corner with your nose buried in your phone while you read on your Kindle app.”
My eyes widen, and she tsks. “Oh yeah, I pay attention, Devon. You’re not fooling anyone.”
I groan, only slightly embarrassed at having been caught. “Fine, you do have a point, but it’s not as easy for me as it is for you. I mean, sure, I can socialize with the best of them, but it’s rarely genuine, and it’s not the most fun—it’s uncomfortable and forced.”
“Maybe it’s not the most fun because you don’t actually try or make any effort,” she tells me bluntly before her eyes turn sympathetic. “You’ve gotta get out of your shell and out of your books. Live in the real world with me.”
Her words might sound insulting to anyone else, but not to me. She means well, and I trust her. She’s not one for ill intent, despite her brutal honesty and sharp tongue most of the time.
“Fine. I’ll try it your way this weekend,” I concede, nodding my head with conviction.
Erin’s eyes light up at my words. “Perfect. Most of the parties and kickbacks are starting this weekend anyway, so it’s the perfect time for you to integrate yourself.”
“I feel like I’m going to regret this later, aren’t I?” I grumble, mostly to myself.
“Oh, most definitely, but what’s life without some regrets, am I right?” She gives me a wink.
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Author Dominique Laura
About the Author I’m a Southern California girl who grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles.
My dog is my child, and she’s my favorite. I’m an advocate for love, mental health, and happily ever afters. Sarcasm is my go-to for any situation. I write sweet, sometimes sexy romances that range from young adult to new adult to contemporary. Cows are my favorite animal, and I’m the absolute worst at talking about myself.
Welcome to the blog tour for EASY, the sixth 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 an exclusive excerpt.
EASY (Chicago Blaze Hockey Series #6) by Brenda Rothert
Synopsis Erik
Nothing rattles me. Well…almost nothing. As the most even-tempered player on the Chicago Blaze, I take everything in stride – hockey, fame and life in general. No one knows that deep down, even I’ve got a trigger. She’s a tall brunette with a gorgeous smile and an iron will. The woman who crushed my heart long ago. I never plan to return to Emery, Wisconsin and lay eyes on Allie Douglas again – until suddenly, I’m left without a choice.
Allie
Somehow, I’m keeping it all together. Raising my nieces and nephew alone and working takes everything I’ve got and then some, but I get by. I don’t have time for love, and who needs a man, anyway? I gave up the love of my life a decade ago, and now he’s just a distant memory. Until one day, he comes back home. And once I see him, I’m not keeping it together anymore.
Not even close.
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Excerpt There’s already a small crowd of players, parents and coaches gathered next to the stands. Cade passes papers around and starts talking about what we’ll be doing as parent volunteers.
I’ve got my head down, half-listening to Cade, and half-reading the scheduled fundraisers I’ll be coordinating.
Ugh, pizza sales. I always end up just buying all the damn things myself and we eat pizza for weeks.
“Hey, there he is,” Cade says. “Guys, we’re super lucky to have this guy helping coach our kids for the next month or so. Some of you already know him.”
There are lots of surprised, happy sounds over whoever Cade’s talking about. I look up to see who it is, and my stomach hits the floor. Erik is walking over to hand Cade a stack of papers. He smiles and starts shaking hands with the parents greeting him.
I want to run. Hide beneath the stands. If only I could become invisible.
But at the same time, I can’t stop looking at him. I can still see the boy I fell in love with, but he’s changed so much. His chest and shoulders are wider and his hair is a little longer. His face is more mature.
When I last saw him, even though he was nineteen, to me he was still a boy. But now, Erik is a man. A breathtakingly handsome one, too.
His eyes land on me and his smile fades. The hurt hasn’t faded; I can see it in his eyes.
“Oh, shit,” Cade says. “Guys, I didn’t…”
He looks back and forth between us with a deer in the headlights expression. I only spare him a glance before I look back at Erik. I just can’t stop staring at him, and his gaze seems frozen on me, too.
Whispers spread around the group of parents and players, anyone who doesn’t know about the history between Erik and me getting filled in on the spot.
“Hey,” Hazel says, oblivious to what’s going on as she approaches me.
“Hey.” I tear my eyes from Erik and force a casual smile.
My smile drops and my mouth gapes open when I see the purple goose egg on Hazel’s forehead.
“What happened?” I demand, alarmed.
“Just a cheap shot by a wuss is all,” she says, shrugging.
There’s muffled laughter from the parents. I’m not amused, though. I’ve taught Hazel better than to talk that way in front of other adults, especially when they include her coaches.
“Hazel,” I scold.
“He’s a wuss, Aunt Allie. That’s not even a swear word.”
“Sorry, Allie,” Cade says. “I would’ve called you but it happened at the tail end of practice. We got her an ice pack. Hazel, I know you haven’t iced it for twenty minutes yet.”
Silently, she pushes a bag of ice onto her forehead.
“I think I need to get her home,” I say, picking up her equipment bag and straining under its weight.
“You need help?” Forrest asks me.
“No, I’ve got it, thanks.”
“I’ll catch up with you later about volunteering,” Cade says.
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 EASY, the sixth 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.
EASY (Chicago Blaze Hockey Series #6) by Brenda Rothert
Synopsis Erik
Nothing rattles me. Well…almost nothing. As the most even-tempered player on the Chicago Blaze, I take everything in stride – hockey, fame and life in general. No one knows that deep down, even I’ve got a trigger. She’s a tall brunette with a gorgeous smile and an iron will. The woman who crushed my heart long ago. I never plan to return to Emery, Wisconsin and lay eyes on Allie Douglas again – until suddenly, I’m left without a choice.
Allie
Somehow, I’m keeping it all together. Raising my nieces and nephew alone and working takes everything I’ve got and then some, but I get by. I don’t have time for love, and who needs a man, anyway? I gave up the love of my life a decade ago, and now he’s just a distant memory. Until one day, he comes back home. And once I see him, I’m not keeping it together anymore.
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.
Synopsis Honor Tierney just wants one night with the playboy.
One hot, steamy, meaningless hookup, and then she’ll happily go back to reading her favorite books, studying to be an accountant and writing for the campus-paper-nobody-reads. Too bad she ends up in the wrong bed, with the wrong brother…who gives her the hottest night of her life.
Archer O’Brien just wants to play ball.
Well that, and for his brothers to stop acting out, so he won’t have to worry 24/7. As the oldest O’Brien and team captain, it’s his duty to make sure they don’t drink too much, party too much, or get in too much trouble. But when she walks into his bedroom—mistaking him for his brother—life throws him a curveball.
She’s determined to guard her heart. He’s not giving up.
And when Honor gets assigned to cover the Wolves baseball team, it’s game on.
This new adult sports romance features one hot (and hilarious) case of mistaken identity and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.
Sometimes, the best mistakes are worth making.
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My Review This is the first new adult novel I’ve read by Cookie O’Gorman, and I’m hooked. She took everything I love about her young adult books: quirky, fun characters and angsty romance, and mixed them up with older characters with more independence, but still trying to figure out life. The combination is both heart-warming and hysterical. Honor Tierney is about to finish up college, still a virgin. Baylor O’Brien has the reputation as a ladies man who leaves his partners satisfied. Who better to give her a night she’ll never forget? Unless she accidentally mistakes one O’Brien brother for another, with hilarious results. What follows is two college seniors trying to make sense of one mixed-up night that might be anything but a failed one-night stand. Add a plethora of O’Brien siblings, Honor’s diverse roommates, and more than a few sparks to ignite a series of events that are at times laugh-out-loud funny and gut-punching. While this is Honor’s and Archer’s story, I can’t wait to find out what happens with the rest of this crew! I’m so happy this is the first book in a new series.
Plot This is a straight up romance without any real sub-plotting, but the romance drives the story so well, not much else is needed. The back and forth between what Archer wants and what Honor wants along with misconceptions and assumptions on both their parts drives the bulk of the conflict, with Archer’s siblings contributing the rest. When you put that many alpha males together, all from the same family, sparks are bound to fly. The best dialogue is between the O’Brien siblings.
Characters O’Gorman excels at characters. Honor is equal parts smart, socially awkward, and adorable. The only thing I didn’t really like about her was how little self-esteem she has. And that didn’t really change over the course of the story the way I hoped it would. But her best friend and roommate, Charlie, more than makes up for it with an over-abundance of self-assuredness. She’s the yin to Honor’s yang. Guys fall all over themselves to be with her, except for Archer’s brother, Chase. These two need their own story, stat. Then there’s Rose, the third roommate, who I still haven’t figured out yet, and the O’Brien sister, now a freshman, who rounds out the apartment. Her best friend, June, has it bad for bad boy Baylor, and I’m convinced their story will be the best of the bunch. And above them all is the baseball coach and Mama O’Brien herself, who keeps them all in line while coaching the winningest team in college baseball.
What I Loved About THE BEST MISTAKE 1. Honor. Delightfully awkward and funny.
2. Archer. As the oldest O’Brien, he has a sense of responsibility that keeps him on the straight and narrow as his brothers devolve into drinking, brawling, and general debauchery.
3. Baseball. I miss sports of all kinds during this pandemic life we’re in now, but since it’s baseball season, I really enjoyed the ballpark scenes.
4. The O’Brien Brothers. Each is very different from the other, making for a colorful cast of characters.
5. Charlie. She was my favorite character in the book and I can’t wait for her story.
Bottom Line A fun, fast-paced contemporary romance with plenty of laugh-out loud moments.
Disclaimer I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: THE BEST MISTAKE Series: Southern U O’Brien Brothers Series #1 Author: Cookie O’Gorman Release Date: April 23, 202- Genre: New Adult Contemporary Sports Romance Pages: 219 Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
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Author Cookie O’Gorman
About the Author Cookie O’Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, and The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romance, The Best Mistake.
Welcome to the book blitz for THE BEST MISTAKE, the first 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, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE BEST MISTAKE (Southern U O’Brien Brothers Series #1) by Cookie O’Gorman
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: THE BEST MISTAKE Series: Southern U O’Brien Brothers Series #1 Author: Cookie O’Gorman Release Date: April 23, 2020 Genre: New Adult Contemporary Sports Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis Honor Tierney just wants one night with the playboy.
One hot, steamy, meaningless hookup, and then she’ll happily go back to reading her favorite books, studying to be an accountant and writing for the campus-paper-nobody-reads. Too bad she ends up in the wrong bed, with the wrong brother…who gives her the hottest night of her life.
Archer O’Brien just wants to play ball.
Well that, and for his brothers to stop acting out, so he won’t have to worry 24/7. As the oldest O’Brien and team captain, it’s his duty to make sure they don’t drink too much, party too much, or get in too much trouble. But when she walks into his bedroom—mistaking him for his brother—life throws him a curveball.
She’s determined to guard her heart. He’s not giving up.
And when Honor gets assigned to cover the Wolves baseball team, it’s game on.
This new adult sports romance features one hot (and hilarious) case of mistaken identity and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.
Sometimes, the best mistakes are worth making.
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Excerpt #3 “Good,” he repeated and took a step toward me. I took one back, matching him step for step, until I felt my shoulders rest against cool metal. “You think I look good?”
I nodded. “You know you do.”
If I was being honest, Archer looked more than good in that suit. He was every woman’s dream personified. Or maybe that was just me.
“Now, I feel underdressed,” I said.
His hand came up to my cheek. “No, you look perfect.”
I raised my brows, trying to keep it light even though all I could think of were his fingers running along my skin. “You probably didn’t even notice what I’m wearing.”
Without looking away, Archer said, “Dark blue sweater, red t-shirt that says, ‘All I do is read, read, read, no matter what,’ jeans that fit you like a glove, red sneakers.”
My jaw dropped.
“I notice you, Honor.”
“You do?”
He nodded, his eyes dropping to my lips. “How could I not?”
If I wasn’t already melting, that turned me into a puddle, my heart stuttering behind my ribs. He could’ve asked me anything right then, and I think I would’ve said yes. Without any forethought, I leaned up onto my tiptoes and pressed my lips to his.
Like Archer had said: How could I not?
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Author Cookie O’Gorman
About the Author Cookie O’Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, and The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romance, The Best Mistake.
Welcome to the blog tour for BRODY, the third book in the new adult contemporary romantic comedy series, Frat House Confessions, by USA Today bestselling author, Bethany Lopez. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
BRODY (Frat House Confessions Series #3) by Bethany Lopez
Synopsis She’s looking for someone with a rich character, not bank account…
Emma’s life has not been easy. Rather than using her disadvantages as a crutch, they have fueled her passion for helping others. She believes in working hard, loves her brother unconditionally, and has no time in her busy life for a certain cocky playboy who has obviously never been denied a thing in his life.
He’s searching for something, but isn’t sure what…
Brody may come across as a fast-talking rich boy with a sweet car. He’s secured a position in the hottest frat on campus and has the attitude of a guy who’s never known what it’s like to go without. So, yeah, it’s a pretty accurate description. But there’s more to the youngest Temple brother than meets the eye.
When Brody keeps showing up in Emma’s world, her initial assumption is that he’s still playing games. As his confessions come to light, Emma starts to see beneath the surface. Will it be enough to change her perception of him? And will she be able to teach Brody that love is worth more than all his money can buy?
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Excerpt #2 “I’m the new Community Chair for Delta. I was just setting up our dates for our build.”
Her expression softened and she said, “That’s wonderful, congratulations. Do you know who you’re building for?”
“It’s a home for a deserving Veteran,” I replied, and I swear, I could hear the pride in my voice. “It’ll be gifted mortgage-free to a woman who served three tours in Iraq before being medically discharged. She’s a wife and mother, and she and her family are currently homeless. Can you believe it. I mean, what an amazing program to offer.”
We hadn’t even started yet, and I already felt like today was the beginning of what would be one of the most important things I’d ever do in my life.
Emma smiled at me.
Smiled.
At me.
Sure, I’d seen her smile before. Talking to Karrie and Wes, hell, even with Trixie. But it was the first time she’d ever looked at me that way.
She was gorgeous, and I felt oddly humbled.
“It is a wonderful organization and the staff here in particular are so dedicated and kind. I think you’ll really enjoy yourself.”
“So do I,” I admitted. “What about you? Are you volunteering?”
Emma nodded and I was struck again by how effortlessly beautiful she was.
No makeup. Hair up in a messy bun. Wearing a well-worn U of M hoodie and a long brown skirt with Birkenstocks. She looked like she’d walked straight out of my dreams and into my parents’ worst nightmare.
About the Author Bethany Lopez is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books and has been published since 2011. She’s a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.
When she isn’t reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.
Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!.
Today is release day for BRODY, the third book in the new adult contemporary romantic comedy series, Frat House Confessions, by USA Today bestselling author, Bethany Lopez. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR, and details on her giveaway.
BRODY (Frat House Confessions Series #3) by Bethany Lopez
Synopsis She’s looking for someone with a rich character, not bank account…
Emma’s life has not been easy. Rather than using her disadvantages as a crutch, they have fueled her passion for helping others. She believes in working hard, loves her brother unconditionally, and has no time in her busy life for a certain cocky playboy who has obviously never been denied a thing in his life.
He’s searching for something, but isn’t sure what…
Brody may come across as a fast-talking rich boy with a sweet car. He’s secured a position in the hottest frat on campus and has the attitude of a guy who’s never known what it’s like to go without. So, yeah, it’s a pretty accurate description. But there’s more to the youngest Temple brother than meets the eye.
When Brody keeps showing up in Emma’s world, her initial assumption is that he’s still playing games. As his confessions come to light, Emma starts to see beneath the surface. Will it be enough to change her perception of him? And will she be able to teach Brody that love is worth more than all his money can buy?
About the Author Bethany Lopez is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books and has been published since 2011. She’s a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.
When she isn’t reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.
Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!.
Author Cookie O’Gorman is unveiling the cover to THE BEST MISTAKE, the first book in her new adult contemporary sports romance series, Southern U O’Brien Brothers, releasing April, 2020. See below for information on the book and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE BEST MISTAKE (Southern U O’Brien Brothers Series #1) by Cookie O’Gorman
About the Book
Title: THE BEST MISTAKE Series: Southern U O’Brien Brothers Series #1 Author: Cookie O’Gorman Release Date: April 2020 Genre: New Adult Contemporary Sports Romance Links: Goodreads
Synopsis Honor Tierney just wants one night with the playboy.
One hot, steamy, meaningless hookup, and then she’ll happily go back to reading her favorite books, studying to be an accountant and writing for the campus-paper-nobody-reads. Too bad she ends up in the wrong bed, with the wrong brother…who gives her the hottest night of her life.
Archer O’Brien just wants to play ball.
Well that, and for his brothers to stop acting out, so he won’t have to worry 24/7. As the oldest O’Brien and team captain, it’s his duty to make sure they don’t drink too much, party too much, or get in too much trouble. But when she walks into his bedroom—mistaking him for his brother—life throws him a curveball.
She’s determined to guard her heart. He’s not giving up.
And when Honor gets assigned to cover the Wolves baseball team, it’s game on.
This new adult sports romance features one hot (and hilarious) case of mistaken identity and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.
Sometimes, the best mistakes are worth making.
————————————————————————————–
Author Cookie O’Gorman
About the Author Cookie O’Gorman writes YA 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 and NINJA GIRL are out now! Her third book, THE UNBELIEVABLE, INCONCEIVABLE, UNFORESEEABLE TRUTH ABOUT ETHAN WILDER, was released April 5, 2018!.
Welcome to the blog tour for ASK ME TO GAME, the third book in the adult contemporary sports romance series, Game Lords, by Zoe Forward. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
ASK ME TO GAME (Game Lords Series #3) by Zoe Forward
Synopsis Emma Duarte just volunteered to be the ultimate badass. She agreed to try out for an elite eGaming team to draw out the criminal mastermind behind the dangerous, illegal underworld of video gaming. The problem? She doesn’t know jack about the game she has to pose as an expert of. Second problem? Michael Harrison, her new brother-in-law and ill-advised one-night stand the night Emma’s sister married Michael’s brother, has been hired to train her.
Michael Harrison loves seeing straitlaced Emma off-kilter. Sure, she rebuffs him every chance she gets, but that just makes it more challenging—and fun. But at the end of the day, the goal is to get her on the Dynasty eGaming team and catch a criminal. Michael already lost his brother to this underworld, and he won’t lose Emma too.
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Excerpt #3 “Why do you need a working dog?” She expected him to say emotional support even though he didn’t seem like someone who needed a dog to help with anxiety.
“Seizure alert.” He wiggled his arm, showing off a medical bracelet she’d never noticed before.
“For you?” Unexpected.
He touched the top of Gump’s head. “Epilepsy since high school. Started after I got a concussion playing football. It makes a life a real pisser since no one can figure out the exact trigger. With Gump, I can know up to an hour ahead of time it’s going to happen. Then I don’t end up falling down stairs or passing out on the street.”
“I don’t remember seeing Gump at the wedding a few weeks ago.”
“I don’t take him everywhere. My doctors recommend I do. I have good weeks and bad ones. The wedding week was good.”
Her respect for Gump shot up about a million points. As if on cue, the dog looked up and wagged his tail.
“He likes you. The boy’s got good taste.” Michael’s gaze dropped down her body.
She turned around to put her back to him and Gump, furious at her southern hemisphere’s response to this man. Every single day she could deal with the handsomest of the handsome, men who made most women ovulate by being in the same room with them. Those guys she could handle and remain unruffled and unmoved by their charming smiles and gorgeous packaging. This man though… She was sweating and flushed. And thinking like a birdbrain.
Think, think, think.
Mind not on Michael.
But it was on him. It wouldn’t move off him. Screw it. She couldn’t think clearly in his presence. Admit it. Accept it. Move beyond it. She uncrossed her arms and turned around. “If we do this—the game training—we’re going to have rules.”
He studied her. His gaze grew thoughtful and introspective. “Rules make you feel safe, don’t they?”
“You and I are going to stay on task. That means, we make a schedule and stick to it. We don’t do coffee dates or weird meetings after hours anywhere outside the office. We use some neutral zone at the Las Vegas conference. We need to stay out of situations that involve tequila and confined spaces.”
A small smile tugged at the side of his mouth.
Her eyes narrowed. “That does not mean a strip club or gambling floor in Vegas.”
“You like me, Em. And you want us to go on a coffee date.”
“That is clearly not what I said.”
“You can’t stop thinking about that night. Me either. I can’t stop thinking about you.” His gaze simmered as it landed on her lips.
“What I can’t stop thinking about is the fact I can’t remember a single freaking thing about that night. I don’t like blank spaces in my memory.”
He sat up straight and leaned forward. “Tell you what, Em. I’ll follow whatever rules you need to lay down because we need to find out all we can about the Dynasty team, but when the time comes that you’re ready to find out how good it is to lose control…” His gaze flickered down and then up meaningfully. “Ask me to show you, but you’ll have to ask nicely, and you can’t be drunk.”
About the Author Zoe Forward might admit to you she’s almost prepared for the zombie apocalypse before the fact she writes contemporary and paranormal romances. Her novels have won numerous awards including the Prism, Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence, Golden Quill, Carolyn Readers Choice Award, and the Booksellers’ Best Award. She’s best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud Keepers of the Veil series, which has won numerous awards. She’s a board-certified veterinarian. You can find her residing in the South with the love of her life, a menagerie of four-legged beasts and two wild kids.
Author Danica Flynn is revealing the cover to TAKE THE SHOT, the first book in her adult contemporary sports romance series, Philadelphia Bulldogs, releasing Jun 9, 2020. See below for the cover, information on the book, preorder links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
TAKE THE SHOT (Philadelphia Bulldogs Series #1) by Danica Flynn
Synopsis DINAH When my husband died, I never thought I would find love again.
I definitely didn’t think I would find it in the arms of my younger best friend. Why would the hunky hockey player want anything to do with me? I’m a stressed out writer with a lot of baggage. Any other man would say, “HARD PASS!”
But Noah was the best man I’ve ever known, and if it wasn’t for him, I might not be alive.
But am I ready to put my heart on the line again?
NOAH I’ve pined for my best friend for so long, that my teammates issued an ultimatum.
“Make your move now or one of us will ask her out.”
They are just trying to push me, besides none of those jerks would ever be good enough for her. Makes me wonder if I even stand a chance.
Besides, what would a smart woman like her want with a dumb jock like me?
Get ready to meet The Philadelphia Bulldogs hockey team, in this all new-standalone novel. If you love sexy sports romances and friends-to-lovers with a HEA, this book is for you! CW: This book deals with miscarriage & infertility.
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Author Danica Flynn
About the Author Danica Flynn started writing at an early age, and thinks Meg Cabot’s Princess Diaries series is why she loves both writing and romance books. She is a rabid hockey fan of both The Philadelphia Flyers and the Metropolitan Riveters. When not writing, she can be found hanging with her partner, playing video games, and reading a ton of books.
Welcome to the book blitz for INSTACRUSH, the second 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.
Roaring back from a life-threatening injury, he has the world at his skates as defenseman for his new team, the Chicago Rebels. Everyone adores his big personality, his on-ice talent, and his killer smile. Everyone but his prickly neighbor – or so he thinks. One chilly Christmas Eve, Theo will learn that maybe the girl next door isn’t such a hater after all …
Elle Butler is the most embarrassing person on the planet.
How else can the ex-military-now-bartender explain her crush on the hot jock who lives across the hall? True, he has gorgeous green eyes and perfect cheekbones, but the filter between his brain and too-sexy mouth is permanently malfunctioning. Yet she can’t stop checking out his Instagram antics or sneaking looks at him when he’s in her bar. So. Mortifying. Running from a past filled with damning secrets, Elle’s determined that this guilty pleasure remains buried in her deepest fantasies.
Because she couldn’t possibly indulge with the Theo Kershaw or make a mistake that draws attention to her under-the-radar life. And she especially couldn’t be a mom to a pro-athlete’s baby … could she?
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Excerpt #2 There he stood in a Santa hat and snug boxer briefs with … were those dinosaurs?
She blinked, covered her mouth, and giggled. “Nice underwear.”
“Gift from my gran. Now, you.”
That wasn’t how this was going to work. She pushed off from the counter, where she’d had to lean to catch her breath and save herself from melted-knee syndrome, and moved in close. Her hand strayed to his chest, brushed across one copper-pennied nipple.
“I’m not an exhibitionist like you.”
He shrugged. “I’m not ashamed. You got it, you flaunt it.”
Easy for him to say. She was no prude, but she wasn’t able to compete with the level she saw before her. Nothing sculpted or honed about her body. She’d kept fit in the military but hadn’t been maintaining her regimen as diligently since leaving. Stripping in the unflattering light of Levi Hunt’s kitchen was not on the menu.
He seemed to sense her confusion. He placed a hand on her hip, the other at the nape of her neck.
“You okay?”
“I’m not sure.”
“We don’t have to do this.”
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to. It would be wonderful, she was sure of it. A clearing of the pipes. A beautiful male body used as the gods intended. But that was it: she would be using him—and she’d been making a concerted effort not to do that to people. She came from a long line of takers, and while she had no doubt this would be a mutual exchange of pleasure and bodily fluids, she still felt weird about it.
“You’d be okay with me changing my mind?”
“This is your show, Ellie.” But even as he said it, his cock twitched. She felt its sad poke against her stomach. Not a happy penis.
She looked down at it. Covered by the head of a cartoon T-rex, it was still impressive.
“Sorry,” she whispered.
Theo laughed, the sound slightly pained. “Yeah, you should definitely apologize to my dick. The big guy’s never gonna forgive us for getting him all worked up.” He kissed her softly, which was much more than she deserved for being such a tease. “Not a big deal. You want me out of your hair?” He tangled a finger in one of her errant curls.
“Don’t you have to head home?”
“Not for a while yet. But if you want to be alone, I can make that happen.” He waggled both eyebrows. “Or I could make Christmas lunch.”
“We just had breakfast.”
He waved it off. “Merely the appetizer.”
“You mean you’d actually cook for me after I led you to the brink—”
“Hardly the brink.”
“And made your dick cranky.”
With his hands still cradling her hips, he held her back a few inches and peered down at his groin. “You cranky, bud?”
“Oh, God.” That was Elle, not Theo’s penis, speaking.
He continued conversing with his chatty dick. “A little? Don’t worry, we’ll have some alone time later. A few happy, holiday tugs and you won’t even remember the mean lady who looked a hung-like-a-gift horse in the mouth.” All smiles, he met her astonished gaze once more. “We’re good.”
Were they? Was she crazy to turn down an offer like this? Her ovaries certainly thought so.
She stepped back, struck by the notion that leaving his arms was a mistake. That she might like to stay wrapped in them for a while longer and that she’d missed out on not just great sex, but self-care with a wonderful guy.
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.
Today is release day for SLOW RIDE, the second book in the adult contemporary sports romance series, South Florida Riders, by Breezie Bennett. See below for information the book and series, buy links, and an exclusive teaser.
SLOW RIDE (South Florida Riders #2) by Breezie Bennett
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title:SLOW RIDE Series: South Florida Riders #2 Author: Breezie Bennett Publisher: Palm Island Publishing Release Date: November 8, 2019 Genre: Adult Contemporary Sports Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis A sexy runningback who needs a nanny for his little boy. A waitress trying to run from her past. Could she be the one to trust with his most precious possession? Could he be the man who makes her believe in love again? Only if they can take down walls with the same ease that they take off clothes. But when this single dad finds out the truth, their sexy slow ride might come to a crashing halt.
ELLIOT My priorities are pretty clear. Take care of my five-year-old son and run that damn ball. But I can’t find a nice, qualified nanny to look after him during the season. So when I help out a dazzling blond with her flat tire and she connects with my kid, hiring her to watch Asher seems like a brilliant move.
It’s purely coincidental that Jessica Randall happens to be smoking hot, tons of fun, and every time she puts Asher to bed, I want her to get in mine. But that’s off the table, because Asher adores her, and she’s the first person to bring my boy out of his shell.
Sleeping with Jessica would be a huge mistake, and falling in love is an even bigger risk. But that just might be a risk worth taking.
JESSICA Elliot Danes is an NFL star dripping with all the wealth and flash I ran away from when I was a teenager. Since then, I’ve lived a simple life, as far away from that world as possible. But a simple life means money problems, and a job as a rich guy’s nanny would solve all of mine.
His kid’s a doll, the job’s a breeze, and the income is going to help the only person I love. But the sweet and sexy single dad is one big temptation that I can’t resist. So when steamy sex turns into something serious, I’ve got real problems…
I’m falling in love with Elliot, and I’m crazy about his son, but the truth about my past could break both their hearts.
About the Author Breezie Bennett has had her fingers on a keyboard since she was a middle-schooler writing sports romances about her brother’s baseball team. A graduate of the University of Florida, she is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, can dance on pointe, and has been known to shotgun a beer in 5.2 seconds. When not writing romance, you’ll find her on a Florida beach with her two dogs, Ginger and Rosemary, and a playlist full of Pink Floyd and Lil Wayne.
Welcome to the blog tour for COLD, the first book in the adult sports romantic suspense series, Cold, by Tania Cooper. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
COLD (Cold #1) by Tania Cooper
About the Book Title: COLD Series: Cold #1 Author: Tania Cooper Release Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: Adult Sports Romance/Romantic Suspense
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis “The source of her power came from the wounds that were inflicted by others.”
I’ve forever felt like people were staring at me, judging me for the way I looked, the bullying I endured in high school only fueled these thoughts.
Despite working hard at becoming a successful journalist, I was still insecure with my larger figure, it shadowed a lot of my success, especially since I worked in the land of beautiful people; LA.
But after the number one quarter back in the USA, Kellan Hart, surprisingly pursued me, then declared he loved me for who I was, my body issues just started to … fall away.
But they couldn’t be locked away for long. Plunged into the public eye, chased and hunted by the media, tagged as the most talked about couple in the sporting world, meant that everyone had an opinion about the hot athlete dating a plus sized girl.
As much as I tried to avoid it all, it was constantly thrown in my face, insecurities rose their ugly heads again and I was forced to make some difficult decisions.
Decisions that would have dire consequences on my life and the people I loved.
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COLD (Cold #1) by Tania Cooper (Full Cover)
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Excerpt #2 “I really like you Mackenzie.” His whispered declaration has me just about falling to the ground as my knees feel as if they may give way under the force of the emotions he’s evoking in me. With his hand still on my cheek, his thumb slowly moving back and forth, he pulls back to look into my eyes. I am completely and utterly lost in the most intense moment of my life.
He leans in slowly again, eyes upon mine, asking, seeking permission for more. I raise my head slightly and that’s all he needs. He lays his lips directly upon mine with such a beautiful tenderness, I almost melt. His grip on my cheek tightens as he deepens the kiss. It’s slow and sensual, each of us moving gently over the other. His taste has my entire body on fire. My lips part slightly of their own accord, and when I feel his tongue sweep between my seam, I can’t stop the moan that slips from my throat.
He growls quietly as his tongue meets mine. I’ve never been this brazen with a kiss before, but it feels right, it feels amazing and I never want it to stop. Our tongues dance together in a heated embrace, my body igniting in fever as he moves my head to deepen the kiss further, his hand moving from my cheek to the hair at the back of my neck gripping tightly. I’m completely lost in all that he is.
I’m so lost that I barely notice the kiss has stopped and his head is leaning against my forehead. I can hear him breathing as hard as I am as I open my eyes and stare into his beautiful blues. “If I’m going to be a gentleman, I have to leave right now.” He murmurs quietly and presses his lips to my head. “I really like you Mackenzie,” he whispers with his lips still connected to my flesh. When he pulls back he releases me and slowly steps back with a smile. He then turns and hops in the car and then the moment is over.
I’m standing in stunned silence, on the sidewalk, in front of my apartment building, wondering how in the world I was just kissing a man. A man who is most likely adored by thousands of woman across the US. What did he possibly see in me to make him kiss me? And what does he mean by I really like you Mackenzie? Did he like my company for just tonight? Would he like to see me again?
I’ve never felt this way before; so good yet so bemused by a man. A man I felt so incredibly comfortable with, which is a first for me. I’ve tried a few times to let my guard down when I’ve dated, but always backed away just as things started to get intimate, too insecure to get to a point where I would have to reveal all of my faults. But with Kellen, not once did I think of putting on the breaks. In fact, if he had decided ‘not’ to be a gentleman, I’m almost certain I would have let him.
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Author Tania Cooper
About the Author Tania Cooper, who lives in Melbourne Australia, was searching for an outlet for her wild and crazy imagination for a lifetime. Her book reading addiction lead her to finally put pen to paper and fingers to keyboard, to create her own stories she can now share with other avid readers. From the moment she first sat down and started writing, she hasn’t been able to stop. Her writing passion is steamy Romance and Paranormal novels, a little bit of poetry and even a few horror stories that give her nightmares. Sexy men with tattoos and book boyfriends are her addictions and she also has aspirations of being a screenwriter and film director.
