Category Archives: Excerpt
RELEASE BLITZ – Wed Like Wildfire by Lauren Helms
Wed Like Wildfire by Lauren Helms
Wedding planner, Cassie Winters can’t wait to find her own happily ever after, and when she meets wedding hater, Theo Abbot, she realizes she’s got her work cut out for her. Theo’s grumpy, set in his ways, and determined to never fall in love again, but the more time they spend together, the more Cassie begins to wonder if she can change Theo’s position on love. Fans of Claire Kingsley and Kaylee Ryan will adore WED LIKE WILDFIRE by Lauren Helms, a steamy, grumpy sunshine romance.
Blurb
Once upon a time, there was a grumpy CEO who met a wedding planner who never stopped smiling…
Cassie
You could say that I live and breathe weddings and love, and as a wedding planner, a happily ever after is the main event. So when I learn that Theo Abbot absolutely hates weddings, that should be my clue to run for the hills as fast as my sexy little black stilettos will take me.
But I digress.
I’m on the hunt for my own epic love story, one T-Swift herself could write a song about. Which means unavailable and seemingly uninterested CEOs are off limits. Even if the man oozes sex appeal and his grumpiness turns me to mush.
A little flirting never hurt anyone.
Theo
Cassie Winters shines so bright I need a pair of Ray-bans to look directly at her. Problem is, once I’ve set my eyes on her, I can’t seem to look away. The woman is a walking, talking promotion for all things love and happiness.
Hand me an antacid.
Counting, on one hand, the amount of times I’ve failed in my life, leaves me knowing I won’t ever do “love” again. I’m set in my ways and not even this sexy little spitfire could sweet talk me out of my decision to never get married.
Yet it only took one drink to derail that plan.
But, things aren’t always as they seem and when real life gets in the way of this fairy tale, we’re both forced to take a hard look at what we truly want.
Are we both ready to wed or is this a wildfire that’s about to burn out?
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Excerpt
Copyright 2023 @Lauren Helms
I spot Cassie immediately, in the corner, at a table for four. I wonder if she knows it will just be us. Taking advantage of the fact that she hasn’t noticed my arrival yet, I take a moment to study her. She sits tall, facing the entrance, looking at her phone. She seems to be scrolling through an app as her lips tip up and her eyes glitter as she looks at what’s on her screen. There is an untouched water in front of her, but her menu is closed.
The sheer happiness that radiates off this woman irritates me. I don’t know why, but as I approach the table, what tumbles out of my mouth is unexpected.
“Let me guess, you just took the most epic selfie ever and can’t wait to share it with all your followers?” My tone takes on a mocking tone and immediately I want to take it back. Damn I’m an asshole.
To her credit, she doesn’t even bat an eye at my rudeness. Her face turns up toward me and she smiles. “Well, good afternoon to you too, Mr. Abbot.” She puts her phone down on the table and gestures toward the seat across from her. “Please, have a seat.”
And I do, begrudgingly, because being around this woman causes me to not just be my normal grouchy self, but clearly a prick as well.
As I take my seat, she slides her phone into her bag that sits on the floor next to her chair.
I clear my throat, my attempt to shake myself out of my head. “Nora won’t be joining us. I assume you already know.”
Now this does give her pause. Her brows dip. “No, I didn’t know. She didn’t…” her voice trails as a faint ding from her phone sounds from below. In the few times I’ve seen this woman, I think this is the first time I’ve ever not seen a smile on her face. She studies her smartwatch, clearly reading the message that just came in, her elbows still propped elegantly on the table, as I watch her realize that it will just be us for lunch.
Her creased brows even and she plasters on a smile as she drops her hands to her lap. “Well, her timing could be improved, but you’re correct, she’s not joining us.”
I can’t stop myself before barking out a laugh. She tilts her head, her features dancing with happiness. I shut down my amusement at her words and offer a terse, “Excuse me.”
“No, that was enjoyable to watch. I didn’t know you had it in you, Mr. Abbot.”
I make the decision, in this moment, to put an end to the formalities. “Theo. Please, call me Theo.”
Her grin widens. “All right, Theo,” and just as expected, the sound of my name on her lips fucking gets to me. I shift in my seat as she continues.
“So tell me how I managed to get that laughter out of you moments ago? I get a feeling it’s not a commodity around you.”
“Nora has always waited until the last minute when it comes to communication over things that may cause contention. You’ve known her a short time and already know her tells.” I pick up the menu, though I already know what I will order.
“Ah, yes, well, I read people pretty quickly.” She shifts the menu slightly on the table in front of her, not picking it up.
“Yeah? What’s your read on me?” I don’t know why I ask. Glutton for punishment, I guess.
This time she lets out a laugh. “Let’s keep this lunch civil and not go there.”
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About Lauren Helms
Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best–video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.
Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.
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BLOG TOUR – Make a Wish by Helena Hunting
“Make A Wish will curl your toes, tickle your funny bone, and leave you with the best warm and fuzzy feelings.”– Kylie Scott, New York Times bestselling author
Make A Wish, an all-new second chance, single dad contemporary romance from New York Timesbestselling author Helena Hunting, is now available!
With her signature charm and sense of humor, bestselling author Helena Hunting creates a novel about love, family, and second chances in Make a Wish…
Ever have a defining life moment you wish you could do over? Harley Spark has one. The time she almost kissed the widowed father of the toddler she nannied for. It was so bad they moved across the state and she never saw them again.
Fast forward seven years and she’s totally over it. At least she thinks she is. Until Gavin Rhodes and his adorable now nine-year-old daughter, Peyton, reappear at a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Spark House, Harley’s family’s event hotel. Despite trying to avoid the awkwardness of the situation, she can’t help but notice how unbearably sexy he looks in a tutu. Add to that aspontaneous hives breakout, and it’s clear she’s not even remotely over the mortification of her egregious error all those years ago.
Except Gavin seems oblivious to her inner turmoil. So much so that he suggests they get together for lunch. For Peyton’s sake, of course. It’s the perfect opportunity to heal old wounds. Or it could just reopen them. This is one of those times Harley wishes she could see the future…
Fall in love today!
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Audio
Narrated by Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom
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Keep reading for a look inside MAKE A WISH!
“Do you know where Gavin is taking you for dinner?”
“Nope, he just said wear something nice,” I reply.
“Did you pick up some sexy lingerie to wear under your dress?”
“I guess it depends on whose version of sexy we’re talking about.”
Avery’s version of sexy lingerie is upgrading from a sports bra to one with padding and black bikini briefs. London, on the other hand loves,[HH1] all things lace and satin and delicate. I’m somewhere between the two.
London stops messing with my eyebrows and gives me a stern look. “Please tell me you bought new underwear for this date.”
“Who says he’s going to see my underwear at the end of the night?” I challenge.
“Oh please.” London props a fist on her hip. “Isn’t Peyton sleeping over at her grandparents’ place?”
“As far as I know, yes.”
“So he’ll be able to come back to your place and stay the night if he wants,” London says.
“Do you think I should invite him back to my place?” I glance between my sisters.
“Why wouldn’t you?” Avery rubs her belly.
“It’s our first date.”
Now it’s Avery’s turn to give me a look. “You’ve been seeing him on a weekly basis since July. It’s October[CD2] [HH3] .”
“Because of Peyton.”
“Uh, we all know that’s bullshit.” Avery makes a circle motion and points at me.
“I was in a relationship for most of the time I was spending with them,” I argue.
Avery rolls her eyes. “Chad was a nice guy, but he was a fun-for-now boyfriend, not a get-serious boyfriend. And he was way too into fantasy sports. No one should be in that many fantasy leagues. It’s not normal, and that’s coming from a self-professed sports junkie.”
“Still, don’t you think I should wait a while before jumping into bed with Gavin?” I bring my fingers to my lips then drop them to my lap so I don’t ruin my gloss or my nails.
“It’s whatever feels right,” London says. “And you want to make sure that you’re actually into Gavin on his own, rather than the Gavin-and-Peyton package.”
“How is she going to figure that out unless she gets naked with him?” Avery argues.
“Sex complicates things. You know that better than anyone,” London says pointedly. She’s referencing the way Avery and Declan nearly imploded back when they crossed the line from best friends to best friends with a lot of benefits.
“My situation with Declan is not even remotely the same as what’s going on with Harley and Gavin. Declan had major commitment issues, and I made a stupid mistake. Now we’re super happy and totally in love and having a baby.” Avery turns back to me. “I think you need to do whatever is right for you. It’s up to you whether you let him see your underpants.”
London sighs and shakes her head, then her eyes go wide, and she takes me by the shoulders. “Please tell me your underwear are not cotton.”
“There’s nothing wrong with cotton underwear. They breathe,” Avery says defensively.
“There’s nothing wrong with them in the general sense, but for a date and potentially the first underpants sighting, cotton is a no-no.”
“They’re not cotton,” I assure her.
She arches a brow and I sigh.
“They’re satin with a lace waistband and a floral print.”
“Okay. As long as they don’t have a cartoon pattern on them, we’re good,” London says with relief.
My phone buzzes on the vanity, Gavin’s name flashing across the screen. I nab the device and check the message. He’s just pulled into Spark House. “He’s here. I’m so nervous. Why am I so nervous?”
“Because you want to get naked with him,” Avery says.
“Because you like him, and you’re changing the dynamic of your relationship,” London says.
“And you want to find out if he’s got the moves between the sheets.” Avery grins. She gives me a fist bump. “Just remember, you don’t need to wait five dates before you get in the sack with this one.”
“But don’t feel like you need to rush into anything either.” London turns me around once to make sure my dress isn’t wonky in the back, and then they’re ushering me into the hall.
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About Helena Hunting
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from emotional contemporary romance to romantic comedies that will have you laughing until you cry.
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NEW RELEASE – The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke
THE SWEET SPOT
by Adriana Locke
Release Date: November 29th
Tropes: Small Town Romance, Single Mom, Retired Baseball Pro
She wants forever. He plays it day by day. They’re both wishing for the best in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s charming and sexy hopefully-ever-after romance.
Single mom Palmer Clark will not be sidelined by the new man in town. Sure, the honey-tongued baseball legend is gorgeous, loves puppies, and has charmed his way into the community’s heart, but Palmer craves stability. Nothing about Cole says forever. So why is he so hard to resist?
Cole is swinging through town to visit his parents when he meets the kind of down-to-earth distraction he’s been looking for since retiring from the majors. True, his long-term relationship score is zero. But even though raising his average with Palmer seems impossible, it’s worth a shot.
As promising as the summer nights are, fate turns small-town dreams upside down, and some lessons are learned the hard way. But having faith in love and choosing hope over fear might get Palmer and Cole to the sweet spot they’re looking for.
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Audiobook (add to Ebook for $1.99) – Stella Hunter & Teddy Hamilton
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Excerpt:
I’m lifting my glass to take another sip of sugar when a shoulder brushes against mine. I’m two seconds from turning and giving someone a warning . . . but stop.
My body stills as a set of large, calloused hands presses against the laminate countertop next to me.
Thick, muscled wrists attach to forearms the size of my biceps. The space around me is impregnated with a very heady, very masculine vibe.
A bubble of curiosity blooms in my stomach. The intrigue grows as a rich, balmy scent licks at my senses. It’s the kind of cologne I love—the type that makes the person smelling it feel better, more confident, more attractive by proxy.
That is not a harbinger of good things, though. I know from experience.
I ignore the warning bells dinging in my head like the seasoned expert I am and twist to the side . . . and nearly fall off my stool.
Holy. Man. Candy.
His hair—thick and wild, lying to the side in an errant wave—is the color of tobacco. It’s a stark juxtaposition to the chips of sapphire sparkling in his eyes. A sharp jaw is dusted with more than a day’s worth of stubble, finishing the glorious package with a sinful edge.
“Hey,” he says, his voice smooth and inviting.
“I’m sorry,” I say, finding my voice. “Do I know you?”
He grins. “Not yet.
Praise for The Sweet Spot
“Fans of K. Bromberg (The Player) and Heidi McLaughlin (Hawk) will enjoy.” —Library Journal
“Adriana Locke does it again with a refreshing, emotional, and swoony story about trusting yourself and taking a chance on love. With a heroine you’ll love and a hero who steals your heart, it’s simply unputdownable!” —Ilsa Madden-Mills, Wall Street Journal bestselling author
“If a book could feel like a hug, this would be it.” —Meghan Quinn, USA Today bestselling author
“MUST-READ Alert: Feel good, small town romance – Check! Great banter that will have you smiling and tugs on your emotions – Check! Check! Just the story I needed in my life – Check! Check! Check! You are going to love The Sweet Spot. Locke nails the swoon and hits this story out of the ballpark.” —S. L. Scott, New York Times bestselling author
“Adriana Locke pulled no punches when it came to the feels in The Sweet Spot. Heat and heart wrapped in a shell of hope, fighting fate, and deep characters, The Sweet Spot is everything I love in a romance!” —Carrie Ann Ryan, New York Times bestselling author
“The relationship between Cole and Palmer is as real as it gets. This is one of Adriana Locke’s best works yet!” —Susan Stoker, New York Times bestselling author
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances about the two things she knows best—big families and small towns. Her stories are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect combination of heart, heat, and humor.
She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden.
Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty years ago) and their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza.
Learn more at http://www.adrianalocke.com
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