Category Archives: Excerpt

RELEASE BLITZ – Fastball (Stadium #3) by S.A. Clayton

Title: Fastball
Series: Stadium #3
Author: S.A. Clayton

Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Release Date: August 20, 2021

BLURB

Fastball- Noun: A pitch thrown at or near a player’s maximum velocity

Neither Josh nor Harper knows what their relationship would become, but over time they’ve relied on each other to pick the other when the world seems to want to keep them apart.

Nothing is ever easy when it comes to love and when secrets are revealed, relationships will be tested and the pressure might just become too much.

Their love is strong, but sometimes these things need to turndown so something better can rise from the ashes.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57061446-fast-ball

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EXCERPT

Chapter One: Harper

A Rolodex of pictures continues to filter through my brain. Over and over again I see image after image of Josh and me, all in different stages of undress, all extremely revealing and embarrassing.
This happens every night.
Falling asleep has become harder and harder because my brain doesn’t shut off the possibilities of who is doing this to us and why it keeps getting worse and worse. Every night Josh holds me, whispering encouraging words in my ear as I pretend to fall asleep. Does he know I fake it until he drifts off behind me? Probably not, but right now I try every trick in the book because those pictures are haunting me and nothing I do seems to quiet the storm inside my head.
After a few hours, I drift off, waiting for the haunting dreams to start. The ones where the pictures leak, where Josh loses everything and in turn, I lose the best thing that’s ever happened to me. But tonight is different. Tonight’s dream morphs from a nightmare to a flip-book of the worst horrors of my childhood, and before long I’m knee-deep in one of the worst nightmares I’ve had in decades.
I shoot up out of bed, soaking in sweat and shaking. My eyes struggle to adjust to the darkness as I try and find something to ground myself to this reality. The pads of Josh’s fingers graze my back and I jump at the contact.
“Shh, sweetheart, it’s just me.”
I look over, the exhausted look in his eyes evident, yet the worry creeps through enough for the guilt to set in. I take a deep breath, trying to calm down as I struggle to get the remnants of the dream off my skin.
“It’s okay,” I lie. “I’m fine.”
I don’t say anything else as I get out of bed and make my way out of Josh’s bedroom and into the kitchen. I don’t turn on any lights, letting the glow of the moon through the windows cast an eerie film over the space. The darkness of the dream starts to surround me as I shudder, trying to shake the image of my father’s lifeless body from my brain. I stayed here tonight because I wanted to see Josh before he went to practice tomorrow, and now I’m regretting it. I haven’t had a nightmare like that for months. I honestly thought they were gone for good, but now the realization that I have to explain to Josh what happened settles in and my stomach plummets. I try and shake the feeling as I get myself a glass of water, leaning back against the counter as Josh walks into the room.
My eyes catch the clock above the stove. Three a.m., great.
“You should go back to bed, it’s too early for you to be up,” I mutter.
Josh’s eyes never leave mine as he sits down at the island, his fingers intertwining as they rest on the cool granite. We sit in silence for a few seconds before I take another drink and place the empty glass in the sink.
“You’re not leaving that spot, are you?”
He just shakes his head, his eyes pleading for me to say something, anything that will allow him into this moment. Yet the effects of the dream still linger and the idea of talking about this shakes me to my core.
“Sweetheart, I need you to talk to me. I know this is hard, but I want to help you and I can’t do that if I don’t know what I’m up against.” My eyes cast down, feeling the weight of his gaze as I play with the edge of the counter. “Harper.” He doesn’t sound mad, he sounds concerned and it’s that distinction that propels me to the empty seat beside him.
Without saying a word, I sit down, leaning my head against his shoulder as his arms encase my body, sending a sense of warmth through my veins.
“This memory isn’t something I talk about… to anyone,” I admit.
He says nothing, his arms tightening as his lips brush my temple. “You can tell me as much or as little as you want. I just want you to let me in. I hate that I can’t fix this…”
I take a shuddering breath, realizing how long I’ve waited for someone to say those words to me.
“You won’t be able to fix this, Josh. Trust me. Years of therapy haven’t gotten rid of the nightmares.”
He leans back, our eyes meeting and the sense of helplessness that surrounds me is almost overwhelming, so I do the one thing that seems to always calm me down. I lean in and lightly kiss his lips, basking in their softness and I steel myself for what’s about to come out of my mouth.

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AUTHOR BIO

S.A. Clayton lives in a small town outside of Toronto, Canada with her husband and her scary large collection of books that seem to take over every room.
She has worked on both sides of the publishing industry, both in a bookstore and for actual publishing companies. Although she loved both for different reasons, she found that writing was her true passion and has spent the last few years breaking into the industry as best she can.
She is a lover of all things romance and began her writing journey in her late twenties. Since then, she has immersed herself in the romance genre and couldn’t be happier.
When she’s not writing or reading, she enjoys binging a great Netflix show (Stranger Things anyone?), baking (because who doesn’t love cookies!) and spending time with her family.


AUTHOR LINKS

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/S-A-Clayton/e/B07ZBN2KDR
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saclaytonauthor
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SAClaytonReaderCorner
Twitter: https://twitter.com/saclaytonauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saclaytonauthor
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/s-a-clayton
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19006786.S_A_Clayton
Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f38043408206800261eba86

RELEASE BLITZ – Written For You by Robin Bielman

Written For You by Robin Bielman is out now!

Check it out and be sure to order your copy today!

Title: Written for You

Author: Robin Bielman

Genre: Contemporary Romance
About Written for You:

Cam Radcliffe is on a deadline to write his next blockbuster action film, but all he can think about lately is writing romance. The inspiration? His best friend, Reese.

They’ve known each other for years, but suddenly working in the same office has given him a whole new appreciation of her. Reese is driving him wild in the best possible way, and Cam only hopes it isn’t obvious. If she knew, he’s certain their friendship would reach The End.

So, of course, Reese figures it out. But the awkward, negative response he expected is nothing like the reality—like they’re living their own romcom.

A romcom that’s giving him the worst case of writer’s block at the absolute worst time in his career. Especially when the secret Reese has been forced to keep comes out…and threatens to ruin everything.

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Exclusive Excerpt:

She didn’t push him away.

Or seal her lips together in shock.

She didn’t shout “What the hell are you doing?” Or knee him in the groin.

No.

She took. And then she gave back. Fisting her hands in his shirt. Moving her luscious mouth against his. Letting him sweep his tongue inside with barely a coax.

Jesus, she tasted good. Like cupcakes and sunshine. Like nothing he’d ever tasted before, her lips so soft and arousing, and pliable, that this had to be a slice of heaven.

His body wanted more. Wanted everything.

He abruptly pulled back. Took a step waayy back. He’d not asked for permission. Or inched his way closer so she had time to retreat. He’d been so overcome with desire for her—for gorgeous and cheerful Reese—that he hadn’t given a second thought to crushing his mouth to hers.

“Shit. I’m sorry,” he said, noting a well-kissed Reese was even more beautiful. He stifled a groan. “I don’t know what came over me.” Except I’ve been craving your mouth for months.

She blinked, stunned or swept away or pissed at him, he wasn’t sure.

“I got caught up in the moment. It won’t happen again.”

She covered her mouth with her hand. Stayed silent. Time slowed.

“Please say something. Tell me I didn’t just ruin us.” His heart beat an unsteady rhythm and his cheeks burned hot with shame.

“It won’t?” she asked softly.

“Was that a question or a statement? I couldn’t tell.” He swallowed thickly, shifted from foot to foot. “I’m being tortured here, Reese.”

About the Author:


USA Today bestselling author
Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her awesome family and her very cute dog, Harry. She writes both sweet and sexy contemporary romances with one goal in mind: to leave you with a smile on your face. When not attached to her laptop, she loves to read, go to the beach, and frequent coffee shops with friends. She also dreams of traveling to faraway places and loves to connect with readers. Keep in touch on social! Xoxo

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RELEASE BOOST – Discovering Mr. X (Men #2) by Elle Nicoll


Title: Discovering Mr. X
Series: Men #2
Author: Elle Nicoll

Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 10, 2021

BLURB

Whoever said money can’t buy happiness has never sold their worn panties.

Selling every pair to an anonymous buyer whilst working as a long-haul flight attendant means my lifelong dream is in reach.
A home to call my own.
It’s so close I can almost feel that front door key in my hand.
Until a giant ego in an overpriced suit steals that dream.
He’s smug, cocky, infuriating…
everything I hate.
I do what I must.
I declare war.
But no one ever truly wins on the battlefield.
There will be casualties.
He believes he has me.
I think I know him.
We are both wrong.

It soon becomes clear that discovering who we are to each other isn’t as straightforward as X marks the spot.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58323498-discovering-mr-x

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EXCERPT

I don’t know how long we’ve been dancing before I become aware of eyes on me. I can feel their heat burning my skin. I spin as I dance next to Megan, searching for where they’re coming from.
That’s when I see him.
Dark eyes burning into my skin, his hand running through his dark, wavy hair.
Mr. Wanker from the auction.
Oh hell, you picked the wrong club tonight, asshole.
Megan’s eyes follow mine to see what I’m looking at. When she sees, they widen and come back to my face.
“Rachel… don’t.”
But I’m already striding off the dancefloor towards him. His smug face is still watching me, his eyes never leaving mine.
He’s asking for it.
Game on, Wanker.
He stands up as I reach the booth he’s in with his friends. A look of amusement plays across his face—an exceptionally smooth, masculine face complete with dark, chocolate-colored eyes. I watch him run a hand through his dark, wavy hair again. I scowl as I give him a quick glance over. Designer shoes and jeans, smart shirt rolled up at the sleeves, expensive watch. Yep, he’s definitely some kind of smarmy property tycoon with more money than morals.
Now I’m right in front of him. He towers over me in height, despite my heels. I can feel my anger rising in my chest. This guy, this stupid, selfish moron, stole my house from me! I’m literally shaking with rage as I glare at him, and he’s not even flustered.
“You!” I hiss through gritted teeth as I glare up at him.

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AUTHOR BIO

Elle Nicoll is a British, ex long-haul flight attendant and mum of two.

She writes sweet, but dirty, contemporary romance novels, all based around love.

Not all the men she writes will be rich alphas. Not all the women will be sassy. Just like we are all different, they will be too.

But she hopes they will feel real. Flawed, insecure, broken maybe. But also warm, considerate and loyal. Any elements that you think of when you consider the people you know.

Because no one is perfect.

When Elle isn’t writing or falling for another new book boyfriend she is trying to look like a parent who knows what they’re actually doing. That, or staring at the sky day-dreaming and running another book idea by her husband, who has perfected his ‘listening with interest’ face.

It means the world to Elle that you’re considering reading her stories, and she loves to hear from readers.

Find her at www.ellenicollauthor.com

AUTHOR LINKS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenicollauthor
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elle-nicoll
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellenicollauthor
Website: http://www.ellenicollauthor.com

REVIEW TOUR – The Slider by A.M. Williams

Jacob Vaughn represents everything I could ever want in a man, until he makes the wrong assumption about me. He says he’s sorry, but the damage has already been done. Can Jacob convince Zoe that he deserves a second chance?

Fans of the Brentwood Baseball Series by Meghan Quinn will devour The Slider by A.M. Williams, a mistaken identity, single-parent romance.

Read Now! 

How do you recover when a first impression goes wrong?

Zoe

Meeting Jacob Vaughn wasn’t what I expected when I went out with my best friend to celebrate my new job. Jacob was kind, funny, and easy to talk to.

He represents everything I want in a dream man.

But then he assumes something about me and makes comments that my nephew overhears.

He says he’s sorry, but it’s hard to let go of the hurt when I’m not the only person impacted. He hurt Noah, and that’s just not something I can easily forgive.

Jacob

Zoe Atkinson is the breath of fresh air I didn’t realize I needed. After saving her from a handsy drunk, I discover how amazing she is and can’t get her out of my mind.

Except, I’m coming out of a bad divorce and can’t think about anyone other than myself for now.

Then I ruin things by running my mouth, upsetting someone close to her, making me realize that I like her a whole lot more than I should.

I’ve got to figure out how to get us over this hump so I can show her that I’m serious about her and Noah.

We have to decide if we’ll let first impressions ruin what could be the best thing to happen to us.

The Slider is book five in A.M. Williams’ Boys of Summer baseball romance series. It’s a mistaken identity, single-parent romance with a recently divorced baseball player and an aunt that is now struggling to raise a teenager.

If you love men in tight pants and the sassy women they fall for, this series is for you.

Add to Goodreads!

Excerpt

Copyright 2021 A.M. Williams

It was rude to stare. I knew this.

I knew this, and I didn’t care.

Want to know why?

The hottest man I’d ever seen in my entire life just walked into The Splinter.

It felt cliche to say that it was like that slow-mo entrance you see in the movies, but it really was like that.

A group of guys came in before him and he trailed them. It was like God smiled down on me when he did, too.

It was raining, so his hair was wet. Once inside, he reached up to run his hands through his hair, shaking the water out of it.

And his hair was gorgeous. This thick, lush brown color that was begging me to go over and help him shake the rest of that water out.

I didn’t because that would be weird. Much weirder than me being a creep from across the bar as I watched him join his friends at the table they’d claimed near the pool tables.

Those same pool tables I was sitting at with my friend and her friends. Though I wasn’t sure how good of a friend she was with them because there was something off about some of them.

They were nice, but catty. I’d never had many female friends growing up because I was a little awkward and lived in my head. So I also wasn’t the best at reading people.

Maybe my read was wrong.

But I didn’t think so.

They smiled when Cass introduced me, and they tried to include me in conversation initially. But then I was quickly forgotten by everyone except for Cass.

I was okay with that. I liked people watching.

Hence me noticing Mr. Good Looks when he walked in.

And I wasn’t the only one to notice him, either. The Cat Pack had as well.

“Did you see who just walked in?” one girl, a redhead, breathed.

“I did. I’ve never known him to come out before,” a brunette responded.

Cass sent me a look, nibbling her bottom lip, before looking back at her friends.

What was that about?

I sucked on my straw, it making the awfully slurping sound to tell me my drink was empty. That was my cue.

While the women were caught up in discussing Mr. Good Looking and his hot friends, I slipped away. Instead of going right for the bar, I veered toward the jukebox. I wasn’t too interested in picking a song to play, but I wanted some time away from Cass’s friends.

I flicked through the selections before digging a dollar from my pocket and feeding it to the machine and picking my songs.

Knowing I’d have to wait awhile, I turned toward the bar.

As I wound through the thickening crowd, I couldn’t help looking toward Mr. Good Looking to get another fix.

I caught sight of him and did a quick scan before forcing myself to look in front of me and not at him.

He would star in my fantasies later tonight

About the Author

A.M. Williams is just a simple girl from the south that found herself living abroad. When she’s not annoying her cat or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and traveling as much as possible. She has a serious case of wanderlust and wants to go as many places as possible while she can. She loves Cheerwine, sweet tea, and North Carolina (eastern style) BBQ as well as those crystal clear waters on the North Carolina coast.

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RELEASE WEEK BLITZ – Sweet Sexy Heart by Melissa Foster

Sweet Sexy Heart by Melissa Foster is out now!

Check out the gorgeous new contemporary romance, and grab your copy today!

Title: Sweet Sexy Heart

Author: Melissa Foster

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About Sweet Sexy Heart:

Discover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster’s writing and see why millions of readers have fallen in love with the fiercely loyal and sassily sexy characters in the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. All Love in Bloom books can be enjoyed as stand-alone novels or as part of the larger series.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝-𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫-𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝-𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲… 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲, 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐲, 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞-𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.

Amber Montgomery is perfectly happy with her quiet life, running her bookstore, taking long walks with Reno, her Labrador retriever seizure-response dog, and spending time with her close-knit family. She’s never needed thrills the way some of her sisters have. In an effort to control her epilepsy, she tries to avoid anything that creates too much excitement or stress—including relationships. When Amber hosts a book signing for famed-athlete-turned-author Dash Pennington, he’s everything she’s spent her life avoiding: loud, aggressive, and far too handsome, as proven by the hordes of women who surround him everywhere he goes. Amber can’t ignore the sparks flying between her and Dash, but this is a no-brainer for her: Ignore their chemistry and hold her breath until he leaves town.

Dash Pennington has spent his life running. Running the ball in for a touchdown, running from town to town to appease his public relations reps, and running into the arms of too many women to count. He’s also an expert at protecting—his reputation, his sisters, and lately, his sanity. But he’s ready to make a change. When he comes to the sleepy little town of Oak Falls, Virginia, and witnesses the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen living the life he craves, she refuses to have anything to do with him. But now that Dash has found the one thing he doesn’t want to run from, he’ll stop at nothing to win her over.

Find out more about these and many other steamy romance series in Melissa Foster’s big-family contemporary romance collection, Love in Bloom, featuring characters from all walks of life, from billionaires to blue-collar workers. You’ll love her fun, sexy, and relatable characters, and their real-life issues. You’re always guaranteed a happily ever after.

Get Your Copy Today:

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Coming soon in audio book, narrated by Tim Paige and Meg Sylvan

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Excerpt:

LIGHTS TWINKLED FROM the rafters and country music blared from a stage at the far end of the old barn as retired football star Dash Pennington and his old college teammate Sinclair “Sin” Vernon weaved around people dancing and mingling and children darting through the crowd with fistfuls of cookies. Women decked out in jeans and cowgirl boots eyed Dash suggestively. Enjoy the visual buffet, ladies, because that’s all you’re going to get.

Dash had been thrilled when his motivational speaking gig had been canceled. He’d jumped on the first flight out to see his buddy and had arrived in Oak Falls, Virginia, about an hour ago. This was just what he needed—a break from his crazy life and the skintight dresses and money-hungry claws of the plastic women in the circles in which he’d run for the last decade. He’d thought things would slow down after he retired from football, but he’d gone from one media circus to another with motivational speaking gigs, sponsorships, and the upcoming tour for his new bestselling book, Capturing the Fire Within, a guide for young men to find their paths and realize their dreams. The funny thing was, he was still trying to figure out his own path.

“This jam session is frigging awesome!” he shouted as they walked past the stage where a group of twentysomething girls were singing with a band that looked more like a family reunion. A kid who couldn’t have been older than ten or eleven was playing the violin beside a man who looked to be about sixty playing a guitar. A teenage girl was on drums, and a handful of other people were playing a variety of instruments. “How often do they do this?”

“Every few weeks.” Sin raked a hand through his jet-black hair. At six foot three, two hundred and thirty pounds, he stood eye to eye with Dash. “The Jerichos invite everyone in the area to play music and dance. People bring food and catch up with neighbors. It’s pretty cool.”

“Kind of reminds me of home.” Dash had grown up in Port Hudson, New York, which was a college town, not a rural area, but it had the same close-knit feel, and while they didn’t have jam sessions, they had other community activities.

“Good old Port Hudson.” Sin cocked a grin. “I need to take a trip out there soon to see how Dawn and Andi are doing, remind them what a real man looks like.”

Dash narrowed his eyes in warning at the mention of his younger sisters, but it was all in good fun. They gave each other a hard time about their sisters often, but they also stepped in like protective brothers when necessary. “Speaking of sisters, did Kiki tell you she finally kicked that guy she was dating to the curb?”

“Yeah, last week. Thank God she listens to you.” Kiki was Sin’s younger sister. “I owe you one. Come on, let’s find Amber.”

“Right. Amber. The only woman on the planet not clamoring to get near me.” Amber Montgomery owned Story Time bookstore and was hosting Dash’s debut signing in a couple of weeks. She was the only bookstore owner who hadn’t immediately agreed to host, which he found odd, considering how much attention his presence would bring to her store. It seemed like everyone wanted a piece of him. By the time she’d accepted, all the tour spots had been full. Dash had been curious about the holdout, and since Sin lived in the area, Dash had Amber’s bookstore added as the first stop on the tour.

Sin looked at him wryly. “She’s out of your league, man. But it looks like you’ve got plenty of fans. People around here don’t usually gawk like this.”

Dash glanced around as they moved through the crowd, noticing that, in addition to the women checking him out who probably had no clue who he was, guys were looking over like they recognized him, and a few cowboys were sizing him up. Don’t worry, I’m not here to take your women for a ride. He’d learned his lesson about meaningless hookups when he was young and stupid, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to screw over some random guy just to get his rocks off.

“Really? With you around, I’d think they’d be like this all the time.” Dash wasn’t kidding. Sin was impressive as hell on and off the football field. They’d met while attending Virginia State on football scholarships. After graduation, Dash had turned pro, and Sin had followed a coaching path, eventually becoming the athletic program director for their alma mater. A couple of years ago, Sin had taken over as the athletic director at No Limitz, the Oak Falls youth center. Dash had always admired his friend’s determination to follow his heart instead of the money.

Sin gave him a don’t-give-me-that-bullshit glance.

“I should’ve worn a cowboy hat to blend in. How about we don’t mention football to your friends? Tonight I’d just like to be your friend, and when necessary, some guy who wrote a book.”

“Yeah, I got that impression when you called. No problem.”

As he followed Sin through the crowd, his attention caught on a beautiful brunette talking with a group of people. Her fingertips grazed the head of a golden retriever wearing a service vest. He had a fleeting curiosity about the dog, but he got caught up in watching the woman as she talked with the dark-haired guy beside her. A smile as natural and enticing as summer rain brightened her face, giving her an even sweeter girl-next-door vibe. As they neared, he realized her hair wasn’t brown but more of a chestnut color, the long layers a little messy. The kind of hair that beckoned to be touched, the kind of easy smile he hadn’t seen in a very long time. There was nothing overtly sexual about her simple peach sweater or dark skinny jeans tucked into scuffed brown cowgirl boots with pink designs that looked like old favorites, but he found her utterly captivating. He wanted to know who she was and what her voice sounded like. Was it as sweet as she looked? Was she? It had been a long damn time since he’d actually been drawn to a woman enough to want to know more about her.

The beauty shook her head, and her hair tumbled in front of one eye, giving her an alluring edge. She tucked that wayward strand behind her ear, her eyes sweeping over the crowd, colliding with Dash’s, and holy hell, the air between them sizzled with a wild, frenetic energy. He couldn’t look away, didn’t want to, the need to meet her as real as the heat burning beneath his skin, and Sin was leading him directly toward her.

When they joined the group, Sin said, “The best thing about these jam sessions is seeing all the hottest ladies in Oak Falls in one place,” startling the chestnut-haired beauty. She tore her gaze away from Dash, crimson spreading over her cheeks.

A familiar-looking dark-haired guy rolled his shoulders back and cleared his throat.

Sin laughed. “And the hottest guys. Sorry, Axsel.”

“No worries. With a body like that, you’re always forgiven.” Axsel dragged his eyes down Dash’s body. “And hello, gorgeous friend of Sin’s.”

Dash offered his hand. “Hi. I’m Dash. Where do I know you from?” In the next second, he recognized the man as Axsel Montgomery, the lead guitarist in the infamous band Inferno. “Wait, you’re a rock star, right?” He started connecting the dots and wondered if Axsel was related to Amber.

“In and out of the bedroom,” Axsel said flirtatiously, giving Dash’s hand a squeeze. “And you have a great name. Short for Dashing, I assume?”

Dash laughed and shook his head, his eyes finding the brunette’s again, causing a rush of heat to redden her neck and cheeks. She was adorably refreshing, in the sexiest of ways—a rarity in his world.

“Keep your trousers on, Axsel,” Sin said. “Dash is straight, and I brought him along tonight to meet Amber, not to hook up with her brother. Dash wrote a book, and he’s doing a signing with her in a couple of weeks.” He motioned to the brunette, who was staring at Dash again. “Dash, this is Amber Montgomery. Amber, this is Dash Pennington.”

It’s my lucky day. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Amber.” Dash held out his hand. “Shea had wonderful things to say about you.” Shea Steele was his publicist. She’d told him that Amber ran the busiest bookstore in the area, and she was sweet, cautious, and definitely not his type. Shea couldn’t have been more wrong.

The blond woman standing next to Amber, wearing about a dozen necklaces and a blouse with flowing sleeves, nudged Amber with her elbow, startling Amber out of her trance. Amber blinked repeatedly and shook Dash’s hand. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you.”

Her hand was soft and warm, her voice as sweet as honey, and her gorgeous hazel eyes were as lost in him as his were in her. “I hear you own a great bookstore. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”

She continued shaking his hand. “I…yeah. Books…in the shop.”

She was too damn cute.

A tall woman with thick and wild dark hair trailing over her shoulders from beneath a cowgirl hat stifled a laugh, and the blonde nudged Amber again.

“Bookstore, sorry,” Amber said quickly, dropping his hand. Her fingers landed on the dog’s head. “I own a bookstore. But you already know that. Oh my gosh. I better…” Her eyes darted around them. “Nice to meet you. I have to…do that thing. Over there.” She pointed into the crowd. “Sorry. See you in the bookstore. Come, Reno.”

As Amber hurried away, a thin blonde lowered her voice and said, “So much for flirting lessons.”

Flirting lessons? That piqued his interest.

“You’ll have to excuse my sister,” the hippieish blonde said. “She’s had a long day.”

Dash watched Amber moving through the crowd. “No excuse necessary. She made a remarkable first impression.” And he couldn’t wait to see what her second impression was like.

BLP REVIEW – Tracy

Sweet, Sexy Heart definitely lived up to it’s title. The book was oh so sweet and OMG sexy…

Amber was a small town sweetheart dealing with health issues that until recently had been under control but dealing with an upcoming event that’s happening in her bookstore things start to slip from the reins she’s tightly held on them. Hosting an event featuring a well-known, retired professional footballer that everyone wants to meet is a coup for a small store owner like Amber but it, and the man in question, are quite overwhelming and have a real impact on our leading lady.

Dash, he was a sweetie, but I kept wondering if he was too good to be true…. I was glad to discover that what we saw was what we got with him. He was all in when it came to Amber, taking care of her and not in the least bit put off or intimidated by her health issues. I loved that he was as thoughtful and caring as he was, even when she herself wasn’t convinced that things between them could work.

Low on angst, heavy on the sweet and heat, I really enjoyed this read from Melissa Foster.

4* and a story I would reread in the future

REVIEW TO COME – Still Reading!!!

About Melissa Foster:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, and the Wild Boys After Dark. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented.

Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website.

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RELEASE BOOST – One More Sip (Hideaway Bar #1) by Gia Kim

Title: One More Sip
Series: Hideaway Bar #1
Author: Gia Kim

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 4, 2021


BLURB

Can a shattered heart learn to love again?

Kailey
For one glorious year, Kailey Wright had the life she always dreamed of. Newly married to the love of her life, the two were working to build a beautiful future… when tragedy struck.

Widowed. Alone.

Kailey is convinced she’ll never love again. Especially not since she learned the true anguish of loss.

Jax
After a one-night stand goes horribly wrong, bartender Jax Rowe swears off women. He’s had enough of the drama and games.

Then… he meets Kailey.

Overcome by heartache, she’s as emotionally unavailable as they come. At first, Jax wants only to bring a bit of happiness back into her life. Now, he finds himself falling for her hard and fast.

Wrought with guilt over spending time with Jax, Kailey uncovers truths her husband kept hidden that prove there was much about him she didn’t know. Will these revelations be enough to open her heart to love once more? Or will ghosts of the past prevent her from moving on?

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58356667-one-more-sip


PURCHASE LINKS

US: https://amzn.to/3zfZWkW
UK: https://amzn.to/3z8v6KE
CA: https://amzn.to/3BeSLeB
AU: https://amzn.to/36PpbOJ
Universal: https://bit.ly/3BncGbb

Free in Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPT

The same unknown number popped up again, and I rejected the call for the third time. Who keeps calling me?
I washed down the rest of my sandwich with a swig of water and headed out of the breakroom when my phone vibrated again. That time, I answered it.
“Listen, I don’t know why you keep calling me, but I’m not interested in whatever you’re selling. Plus, I’m at work, so I have to go,” I snarled at the caller.
There was a cough on the other end, followed by, “Mrs. Wright?” The voice was surprisingly calm, so I paused to listen before hanging up.
“Yes, this is she.”
“Mrs. Wright, this is Officer Brown.” He paused. Why is a cop calling me?My stomach sank. Something was wrong. “Your husband’s been in a car accident, and he’s being taken to Texas General Hospital.”
I gasped, and my heart stopped. “Is he… okay? Is he… alive?”
“I advise going to Texas General as soon as possible.”
The officer hung up, and everything began moving in slow motion.
I half ran to the front and saw Patricia, our office manager, at her desk. “Patricia,” I huffed. “Derrick’s been in an accident. He’s being taken to Texas General. Can you reschedule my patients? I have to go.”
Patricia frowned, and her sapphire-blue eyes etched with concern. “Oh, my God, Kailey. Yes, of course. Go be with your husband. I’ll reschedule your patients.”
Taking no time to even issue a thank you, I turned and headed back to my desk to grab my purse, then jogged out while fishing inside my giant purse to find my car keys. Pissed that I couldn’t find them, I threw my purse to the ground as I approached my car door and pulled all my this-and-that crap out until I saw shiny silver waiting for me at the bottom.
My heart beat out of my chest. I was anything but calm. Where had he been going at this hour? He should have been at work. I had so many questions. My mind went to a million worst-case scenarios about Derrick, but I refused to go down that black hole. I needed to make it to the hospital in one piece.

AUTHOR BIO

Gia Kim runs on coffee and chaos.
The perfect day includes a cup of joe and a running to-do list.
With two littles and no personal space, she escapes into her romance novels to stay sane. Each chapter draws her more into a realm filled with star-crossed lovers and happy endings.
These novels and sweet escapes have inspired Gia to start the journey of being an author herself, with a debut novel releasing soon!
She wants to write stories of her own about everyday couples that have whimsical meet-cutes, where they fall in love and get their HEA.

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorgiakim
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authorgiakim
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/authorgiakim
Website: https://www.authorgiakim.com
Newsletter: https://www.authorgiakim.com/newsletter

RELEASE BLITZ – Her Noble Protector (Night Storm #7) by Caitlyn O’Leary

Title: Her Noble Protector
Series: Night Storm #7
Author: Caitlyn O’Leary

Genre: Romantic Military Suspense
Release Date: July 31, 2021

BLURB

Her worst nightmare had come true—somehow she had been kidnapped and forced to kill her captor to get away.

Finally home in Arizona, Lisa Garcia was scared all the time. She jumped at every sound and shadow, too scared to even leave her home. How could someone who used to ride the rapids and trek the wilds of Alaska be reduced to this?

Navy SEAL Raiden Sato had forgotten more missions than he could remember. But this last one would stick in his mind forever. Lisa Garcia. How could he ever forget her? Tough, strong, compassionate, beautiful, the woman was a force of nature. But Raiden couldn’t help remembering how she’d been when they’d parted. She’d seemed broken. He needed to know how she was now.

When Raiden took leave to check on Lisa in Arizona, he was shocked at the woman he found. The kick-ass wilderness guide was gone, replaced by a woman still mired in trauma. She was positive that someone was out to get her. Determined to help her, Raiden was positive that he could heal her with time, patience, and perhaps even love.
But what happens when Lisa is right, and somebody really is out to get her?

This is an action, adventure, romantic, stand-alone novel.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58425130-her-noble-protector

PURCHASE LINKS

US: https://amzn.to/3gzuXcN
UK: https://amzn.to/3q8zRRd
CA: https://amzn.to/3iOyMfH
AU: https://amzn.to/3vAN868
B&N: https://bit.ly/2S3CWW6
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3wGEhBy
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3cPRhNc

EXCERPT

Lisa shot up, her eyes wide, as she struggled to breathe, struggled to get away, but something was holding her down. She tried to fight, tried to get away, then she heard glass shatter and it stopped her short.
“Goddammit!”
She focused and saw the light on in her bathroom. She always kept her light on, so she wouldn’t be scared if she woke up from a nightmare.
“Yeah, like that helped me.”
This one was bad, she went to turn on the lamp on her nightstand, and realized it wasn’t there. She blinked back tears when she realized that was what the breaking glass had been, she’d knocked it half way across the room with as she’d thrashed about. She yanked at the sweat soaked sheet. The damn thing was tangled around her like some kind of jungle vine. She kicked herself free then swung her legs over the side of the bed almost stepping in the glass.
Lisa crawled to the end of the bed, stumbled to the wall and slammed on the switch so that the overhead light turned on. She whipped her head around and sighed in relief. The two locks on her bedroom door were secure.
God, what kind of loser has locks on their bedroom door?
“Shut up!”
The nightmare was probably nothing, but maybe she had heard something. She’d already called the police three times over the last six weeks for no reason whatsoever, she wasn’t calling again. She picked up the aluminum softball bat that was beside the door, and slowly unlocked the door, and waited.
Her arms started to tremble. Lisa had no idea how long she’d been in this position, with the bat at the ready. Ten minutes? A half hour? An hour?
She was afraid to move even a millimeter to check her smartwatch. It wouldn’t matter if she did, since she had no idea when she first stood watch.
You’re such an idiot, Garcia!
She felt a tear slip through her defenses. The bat, which wasn’t all that heavy, felt like it was made of lead. Lisa felt her right hand begin to cramp, when she tried to loosen her grip so that she could relieve the pressure, she couldn’t get it to move.
She tried again.
Ahh God. Now her tense shoulders were starting tremble. She pushed herself against the wall, willing her body to move. She had to be able to swing the bat if someone came in. She had to.
She listened intently. She didn’t hear anything, but that didn’t matter. She remembered how quietly the SEALs could move. She hadn’t heard a thing when they’d come up behind the man who…who…
Lisa shook her head, willing away the memory. Willing all memories away, even the older ones that got confused with the newer ones. She pushed away from the wall and gritted her teeth.
I can do this. I can.
The bat started to lower as her shoulders lost strength. She rested the bat on her right shoulder, it wasn’t good because she would lose some of her speed when she swung, but she had no choice. Lisa heard her harsh breathing. She needed it to stop, it would tip off whoever was out there.
Breathe through your nose. You can do it.
She kept listening intently. Nothing. Or was there something.
What is it? Am I going crazy? How long have I been in this position?
Her back hit the wall as she slumped, but so did the bat, the metallic bing rang through her bedroom. Somebody was sure to have heard it. She pushed herself off the wall and tried to get back to a batter’s stance, but she couldn’t, she just couldn’t.
She should get up, right? She needed to keep her eyes open, if she didn’t she’d dream then there wouldn’t be a jungle, or in the back of Damon’s pick-up. Two times when she had been helpless. Utterly helpless.
Don’t close your eyes.
Please God, don’t let me close my eyes.

ALSO AVAILABLE

US: https://amzn.to/35wxezq
UK: https://amzn.to/3wzHanC
CA: https://amzn.to/2Ud34ia
AU: https://amzn.to/3vuU193
B&N: https://bit.ly/3vzOJcy
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3q2gpFM
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2UNppiX

COMING SOON

#8 Her Righteous Protector – Releasing November 23

US: https://amzn.to/2SJr107
UK: https://amzn.to/3zsgHKm
CA: https://amzn.to/3gzJdm4
AU: https://amzn.to/3gxJXI5
B&N: https://bit.ly/2TEjfEP
Kobo: https://bit.ly/35z5t98
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2THfyOA

AUTHOR BIO

Caitlyn O’Leary is a USA Bestselling Author, #1 Amazon Bestselling Author and a Golden Quill Recipient from Book Viral in 2015. Hampered with a mild form of dyslexia she began memorizing books at an early age until her grandmother, the English teacher, took the time to teach her to read — then she never stopped. She began re-writing alternate endings for her Trixie Belden books into happily-ever-afters with Trixie’s platonic friend Jim. When she was home with pneumonia at twelve, she read the entire set of World Book Encyclopedias — a little more challenging to end those happily.

Caitlyn loves writing about Alpha males with strong heroines who keep the men on their toes. There is plenty of action, suspense and humor in her books. She is never shy about tackling some of today’s tough and relevant issues.

In addition to being an award-winning author of romantic suspense novels, she is a devoted aunt, an avid reader, a former corporate executive for a Fortune 100 company, and totally in love with her husband of soon-to-be twenty years.

She recently moved back home to the Pacific Northwest from Southern California. She is so happy to see the seasons again; rain, rain and more rain. She has a large fan group on Facebook and through her e-mail list. Caitlyn is known for telling her “Caitlyn Factors”, where she relates her little and big life’s screw-ups. The list is long. She loves hearing and connecting with her fans on a daily basis.


AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://caitlynoleary.com
Email: caitlyn@caitlynoleary.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/c5FqPv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Caitlyn-OLeary-Author-638771522866740
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/231678260651128
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaitlynOLearyNA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlynoleary_author
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Caitlyn-OLeary/e/B00KB88MSS
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/caitlyn-o-leary
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8153211.Caitlyn_O_Leary

RECENT RELEASE – Dirty Ginger (Three Chicks Brewery #3) by Stacey Kennedy

Dirty Ginger, an all new emotional small town standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy is available now!

Everyone at Three Chicks Brewery knows that Amelia Carter has the magic touch when it comes to creating the perfect beer. Her ales have customers singing her praises and begging for more. Unfortunately, when it comes to love, the only magic she seems to have is the cursed kind. After being left at the altar by her ex-fiancé, Amelia gives up on the idea of happily-ever-after to focus on making the Carter family brewery a national success.

Beckett Stone finally started to believe in happily-ever-after the day Amelia’s worthless ex bailed on their wedding, finally giving Beckett another chance with his high school sweetheart— the only woman he’s ever loved. Unfortunately, Amelia’s broken heart is just one of the obstacles Beckett needs to overcome if he wants to win her for good. He knows he’s not the man Amelia deserves, particularly with his money-pit of a house, a 1975 truck that barely runs, an alcoholic father, and a universe that seems to have a twisted sense of humor when it comes to giving Beckett a break.

But when pressure mounts to make the Three Chicks Brewery’s top beer, Foxy Diva, into a huge success, Amelia starts to fall apart, and Beckett swoops in with his gentle reassurances and hard work ethic. While the last thing Amelia wants is fall in love again, she can’t deny that her heart beats a little faster whenever she sees Beckett walk through the door. Soon, every warm caress and soft whisper of understanding becomes a balm to both of them. As Beckett makes his intentions clear, Amelia must decide if she can overcome her shattered heart and believe in the magic of true love again.

Grab your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ocBU4z

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DirtyGinger

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3myU4gI

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Add Dirty Ginger to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3eLTudU

Start The Three Chicks Brewery Series today!

Grab your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2BSznKo

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2ZYIlOq

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/sassyblonde 

Nook: https://bit.ly/3fewodK 

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2ZYICkq 

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2ZV5KQr

Excerpt

After Amelia arrived back home, the lingering tension of meeting Luka followed her. She skipped the house and went straight for the brewery, needing to figure out a plan on getting it back into shape. With every step she took, she kept waiting for her heart to squeeze tight, missing Luka, to feel more broken, raw, anything, but she only felt glad to keep Beckett from facing jail time. And something about that kept rubbing her wrong. She’d spent nearly three years with Luka, why wasn’t she trying to understand why he ended things so cruelly? Why didn’t she want an explanation from him? Why wasn’t she ready to let him have it and to feel the pain he’d put her through? She amounted this to getting over the worst of her heartbreak in the tropics. But there was this little part of her heart that told her there was a good chance that Luka should have been in her rearview mirror for a long time, and maybe the reason she couldn’t hate him for what he’d done was because, beyond the embarrassment and the sadness that the life she dreamed up was over, maybe the life she thought she had with Luka wasn’t real to begin with. 

When she reached for the first tank, she noted the pungent smell in the brewery had improved greatly with the barn doors left open for most of the morning. The dust begrudgingly hadn’t improved. First thing first, the tanks needed cleaning. 

She only got one step into the barn, when from behind her, Beckett snapped, “What did you do?” 

Whirling around, she found Beckett’s face tight and muscles straining. The one bad thing about small towns was word got around fast, and obviously, he’d learned about her meeting Luka today. Trying to play dumb to avoid the conversation she didn’t want to have, she turned back to her work. “I’m about to clean my tanks,” she said. 

His voice tightened. “That is not the answer to my question, and you know it.” 

She refused to look back, hearing the anger in his low voice, and not wanting to see it on his face. “I did what had to be done,” she told him. To keep her hands busy, she reached for a cloth and began dusting along the stairs that led up to the top of the tank. 

“That payment was mine to make, Amelia, not yours,” he said, his voice barely controlled. “If you had asked me, I would have told you that I rejected his offer to pay him because I don’t want the prick to fix his nose. He should wear that shame for the rest of his life.” 

She’d never missed pina coladas on the beach more than she did right now. With a heavy sigh, she turned to face Beckett, spotting the vein in the middle of his head bulging like it would burst any second. Of course, she had expected him to show up, but she wasn’t expecting his anger. But it didn’t matter, she wanted this behind her. For good. “What is bothering you the most here, Beckett: that I paid to fix your problem or that Luka will get his nose fixed?” 

Beckett arched an eyebrow. “Do I need to pick one? Can’t both piss me off equally?” 

A laugh nearly escaped her, but nothing about any of this was funny. She knew all too well that fate was not in her hands. The death of her parents taught her that. But she didn’t need to sit by and let fate decide everything without fighting back either. “What did you expect me to do?” she countered, glaring at him. “Let you go to jail for me?”

To anyone else, he’d look intimidating with his legs planted wide and his nostrils flaring, but she heard the warmth in his voice behind the tightness as he said, “I expect for you to come and talk to me about it, instead of giving that bastard your money.” 

Yeah, well, she could play the intimidating part too. She flatted her lips, placing her hands on her hips. “You never would have agreed to pay him if I’d asked you.” 

“You’re damn right I wouldn’t have,” he growled, his face reddening.

Heat flushed through her body as she ground her teeth, turning away from him. God, he’d always been a hard wall that she’d beat her head against. But she realized in this moment that her arguments were so different with Beckett than they were with Luka. Luka got upset when she wouldn’t change something about herself for him. Beckett only ever got upset when he felt she was treated wrongly. Her stomach roiled in awareness that she’d forgotten what it was like to have someone support her. “Well, it’s done and over and now we can all put this behind us and move on.” 

“Don’t kid yourself, Amelia. Nothing is behind us,” he said slowly and coldly, flicking her gaze to him. His look was all knowing. “You can’t simply brush this under a rug and hope it all goes away.” 

“Why not?” she asked, throwing up in hands in frustration. “Why can’t I pay Luka off and end this entire shitshow? What is the harm in that?”

Beckett’s expression softened. A smidgen. “The harm is that you caved when you shouldn’t have.” 

Her chest heaved, breathing become rough and rapid. “I caved to protect you.” 

A gust of wind swept up dirt up around him as he crossed his arms, his brows knotting. “I didn’t ask you to do that. If I had wanted to pay the asshole off, I would have fucking paid him.” 

“Yeah, right.” She snorted. “You have too much pride for that.” 

“This has nothing to do with pride,” he snapped, reaching into his back pocket. “This was my problem. Not yours.” He offered her a check. “I won’t pay him, but I will pay you. Take it.” 

“No,” she said, firmly. “My problem, not yours.” 

His eyes slowly narrowed into slits. “Amelia.” 

Her gut began to boil. She’d had about enough of men today. She tossed the cloth down on the stairs and closed the distance between them, getting into his space. “I get you’re pissed, really I do, but can’t you just say thank you and be done with it?” 

A laughter with an edge escaped him. “Do tell me what I should be thanking you for.” 

She was pushing him. She knew it. She also wasn’t about to back down. “For making this all go away. For ensuring that you wouldn’t get jail time. For protecting you like you protected me when your fist hit Luka’s face.” 

A pause. His gaze flared. “I will never thank you for that.”  

She stared him down, and he glared right back for many, many seconds. Years they’d been together, and from those years, she knew that he wouldn’t give, not when it came to protecting someone he cared about. The silence drudged on until she threw her hands up. “Honestly, Beckett, you’ll have to explain this to me. Why are you so mad?” 

Intensity simmered on his face as he closed the distance between them, bringing the hard wall of his chest nearly against hers. She felt the heat emanating off him and was shocked when her nipples puckered in response to him being this close. Tingles raced through her all the way to the tips of her toes as he said, tightly, “I’m mad about all of it. I’m mad that you left for college, and I was too much of a fucking mess to go with you. I’m mad that you met that fucker, and he got his damn claws into you. I’m mad that instead of you being blissfully happy, I watched your heart shatter before my eyes.” His chin dipped, bringing his mouth near inches from hers, his warm breath brushing across her face. “I’m mad that instead of that prick suffering, he has your fucking money to fix his stupid face. And I’m mad that I have no way to stop any of it.” 

The world narrowed on him with each and every meaningful word that passed his mouth. The affection, the protection, the sheer helplessness, all affected her in a way she never anticipated feeling again. She became tangled in the safe energy he projected. The familiarly of having him close. She took in his simmering eyes with so much emotion in them she could barely breathe. The heat of his body, the strength of him, so close to her. His sculpted lips drew her in, closer and closer, until her hands fisted his T-shirt and her mouth met his. 

Beckett stiffened. He did not return the kiss. 

At the coldness against her mouth, she gasped and broke away, horror making her blood run cold. “Oh my God, Beckett, I’m so sorry.” 

Only silence greeted her. Was he shaking? 

His eyebrow slowly arched. “Did you do that to shut me up or because you wanted to kiss me?” 

Heat crept over her face. “I don’t know why I did that.” She swallowed deeply, and then began rambling, “No that’s not true. I was just thinking how nice it felt to have someone protecting me and caring about me… and it seemed familiar and safe… and your mouth looked good…” 

More silence descended. Until all the shock on Beckett’s face was swept away to reveal raw, unadulterated lust, an expression she hadn’t seen from him for a very long time. It occurred to her then she missed being looked at like that – with fierce hunger. Like no other woman compared to her. Like he didn’t care what hell he had to walk through to reach her, he’d do it time and time again. Like he was just the reckless kid that wanted something and didn’t care what the consequences cost him. 

She wanted to be that person she was back then with him. The one who didn’t know what heartbreak felt like. The one who laughed often and believed anything was possible. She swallowed again, swearing her heart was beating loud enough for both of them to hear. 

A beat. 

Then a gasp ripped from her throat as he grabbed the front of her shirt and yanked her against the hard planes of his body. He did what she didn’t do. He finished the kiss. 

A moment later, her back hit the beer tank, and Beckett wasted no time devouring her neck with his hot kisses. She pushed off his cowboy hat to run her hands through his hair, feeling her sane mind unravel at his passion. Her mind shut off and only her body was thinking now. Beckett’s touch was imprinted on her skin, reminding her of teenage freedom and wild affection. 

“Ew, my eyes,” Maisie screamed. 

Amelia broke away from Beckett with a loud gasp, snapping her eyes open, finding her sisters standing in the barn’s open double doors. Maisie was blinking rapidly, and Clara’s back was ramrod straight. Amelia stared at them for a second before they both turned and walked away. 

Beckett chuckled proudly. But Amelia wasn’t laughing at what her sisters had caught her doing two weeks after she was dumped at the altar. “There is something wrong with me,” Amelia muttered. “Seriously, something wrong with me.  I can’t believe I just kissed you like that. I’m sorry, Beckett. Please forgive me.” 

Right as she raised her shaky hands to cover her face, Beckett grabbed her wrists. “There’s nothing wrong with you,” he stated. The kiss he dropped on her mouth was indecent and the best kiss of her entire life. He gave her a panty-melting smirk. “Just to clarify, I’m not one bit sorry about that kiss.” 

When he released her, she wobbled. Sure, back when they dated, Beckett had always known how to make her blush and kiss her just right, but this was a man’s kiss, not the kiss of a kid looking for some fun. This kiss had intent, power, and made her hunger to taste it again. 

Before she could even think straight, he was striding past her sisters, giving them a simple hello like what they’d walked in on was everyday business. 

Clara whirled around to Amelia, her eyes huge and mouth gaping open. She appeared to try to talk, but nothing was coming out. 

Maisie gave a shit-eating grin. “If that’s not a spectacular welcome home, I don’t know what is.”

About the Author

Stacey Kennedy is a USA Today bestselling author who writes contemporary romances full of heat, heart, and happily ever afters. With over 50 titles published, her books have hit Amazon, B&N, and Apple Books bestseller lists.

Stacey lives with her husband and two children in southwestern Ontario—in a city that’s just as charming as any of the small towns she creates. Most days, you’ll find her enjoying the outdoors with her family or venturing into the forest with her horse, Priya. Stacey’s just as happy curled up indoors, where she writes surrounded by her lazy dogs. She believes that sexy books about hot cowboys or alpha heroes can fix any bad day. But wine and chocolate help too.

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BLOG TOUR – Claimed (Lair of the Wolven #1) by JR Ward

Claimed, the sizzling and addictive first book in the Lair of the Wolven Series from #1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward is available now, and we have a sneak peek!

A heart-pounding new series set in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world, with a scientist fighting to save the timber wolves—and getting caught in a deadly trap herself…

Lydia Susi is passionate about protecting wolves in their natural habitat. When a hotel chain develops a tract of land next to the preserve, Lydia is one of the most vocal opponents of the project—and becomes a target.

One night, a shadowy figure threatens Lydia’s life in the forest, and a new hire at the Wolf Study Project comes from out of nowhere to save her. Daniel Joseph is both mysterious, and someone she intrinsically wants to trust. But is he hiding something?

As the stakes get higher, and one of Lydia’s colleagues is murdered, she must decide how far she will go to protect the wolves. Then a shocking revelation about Daniel challenges Lydia’s reality in ways she could never have predicted. Some fates demand courage, others require even more, with no guarantees. Is she destined to have true love… or will a soul-shattering loss ruin her forever?

Grab your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uyfUDY
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/ClaimedJR
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3fuH7Dh
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Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3wEt6J1
B&N Paperback: https://bit.ly/3wxnL6i
Audible: https://adbl.co/3wLwXnP

Excerpt

In so many ways, Lydia should have known. From the moment Daniel Joseph had appeared in her office doorway, there had been something about him.

But she hadn’t expected . . . this.

“Unless you tell me to go,” he said in a husky voice,

“I’m going to kiss you.”

As Lydia stared up into his face, they both knew what she wanted. What she needed. Still, she kept them on the edge for a heartbeat or two.

“I don’t want you to leave.”

“Good,” he growled.

When he lowered his head, there was a rumble of satisfaction in his chest—and then she wasn’t hearing anything. Thinking anything. Worried about anything.

As big and strong as he was, his lips were soft against her own. Gentle, too, as if he knew she wanted to be handled with care—not because she didn’t want him, but because she did. Too much. And God, there were more reasons to pull away than get close to him, except there was no denying the chemistry. The connection. The heat.

And the experience was even better than the anticipation.

Aware that she was going to stop this sooner than she wanted, but much later than she should, Lydia lifted her arms and put them on his shoulders. His heavy body was rock-hard under his windbreaker, the muscles roping up to his neck—and that was where her hands went.

She just wanted to see if his hair was as thick and lush as it looked—

It was.

As she dug into the waves, he purred in response, like he was a great cat and she had found his favorite stroking place. And that was when he wrapped an arm around her waist. She did not feel trapped, though. She had the sense, as he continued to stroke her lips softly, that he would let her go immediately.

Not that she was going anywhere anytime the hell soon.

Inch by inch, their bodies came into full contact, her breasts against his chest, the front of her thighs meeting his, their hips brushing. And then the kiss deepened, his tongue licking into her—

Letting out another moan, she tightened her hold on his nape, in his hair, a sense of desperation making her rougher than she should have been—she was holding him to her now, grabbing on to him. But he was going with it. One of his hands traveled from her shoulder to her waist, to her hip, and she moved against his palm, imagining what it would be like to be naked with him touching her.

With those workman hands.

Daniel eased back and stroked her hair away from her face. “You’re a good kisser, you know that?”

“Am I?” She smiled like an idiot. “I could have sworn it was you.”

“I guess it’s us.” His eyes roamed her face. And then one side of his lips tilted up. “I’m going to go now.”

Lydia exhaled in surprise—but like she was going to sleep with him here on the mauve kitchen floor?

Not a bad idea, actually, she thought as she glanced down.

“Okay,” she said. “I understand. We do work together—”

“That’s not why I’m leaving.”

“So why are you?”

He traced her cheek. Then her jawline. “If I stay, I’m not going to let you get any sleep at all.” He stepped back. “You know where to find me, if you need me. And I’ll see you after we’re allowed to wake up at four-oh-one a.m.”

She nodded. “Good night, Daniel.”

Turning away, he lifted a hand over his shoulder. When he got to the door, he said, “Don’t forget to lock up.”

And then he was gone.

Add Claimed to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fW6oW7

About the Author

J.R. Ward is the author of over thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. There are more than 15 million copies of Ward’s novels in print worldwide and they have been published in 25 different countries around the world.
After graduating from law school, Ward began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.

Connect with J.R. Ward
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3qfweZY
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zA0Uso
Instagram: https://bit.ly/35GtqLJ
GoodReads: https://bit.ly/3wN0ldK
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Website: https://jrward.com/

RELEASE BLITZ – Bookworm and the Beast (Eastport Bay Billionaires #1) by Tru Taylor


Title: Bookworm and the Beast
Series: Eastport Bay Billionaires #1
Author: Tru Taylor

Genre: Small Town Romantic Comedy
Release Date: July 27, 2021

BLURB

I’ve been sent into the lair of the beast….

It should be a dream assignment—leave my boring day-to-day routine and travel to a seaside mansion to interview superstar author Jack R. R. Bestia. Who wouldn’t want that?

Me, that’s who.

He has a reputation for being reclusive and temperamental, but that’s not why I’m leery of the assignment. It’s because the first (and last) time I met Jack… well, let’s just say I didn’t make a good impression.

When I get to the mansion—which is more like a secluded castle—things don’t go much better. I’m sure he’s going to throw me out entirely. The only way I manage to squeak in is by signing a massive non-disclosure agreement. And I soon figure out why.

Jack has a secret—and it’s a big one.

Now that iron-clad contract I signed means I have to stay here until his long-overdue book is finished—and he’s not going to make it easy.

Jack acts every bit as beastly as the tabloids claimed, and I feel like a fairytale princess trapped in his tower. But every once in a while I get a glimpse of the charming (not to mention super sexy) man beneath the growly exterior and I wonder… could this beast be tamed?

Bookworm and the Beast is a full-length hot romantic comedy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It’s a standalone enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, slow burn romance with no cheating or cliffhangers but plenty of humor and heart.


GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58363713-bookworm-and-the-beast

PURCHASE LINKS – $3.99 for a limited time!

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AU: https://amzn.to/2UgvMiC

Free in Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPTS

#1

Jack towered over me—so much taller and larger than I’d realized when I’d seen him sitting down at the book signing.
He was, in a word, intimidating.
“Uh hi,” I blurted, sounding as foolish as I felt. Nervous, I unconsciously rubbed the tapered end of the sleek award.
One of Jack’s brows lifted, and his gaze dropped pointedly to my hands. I glanced down at the distinctly phallic trophy I’d been caressing then turned again and quickly set the award back in its place.
Spinning back to face Jack, I attempted to salvage the awkward caught-in-the-act moment by sticking my hand out.
And babbling.
“It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve really been looking forward to this, and I hope you have, too, because I think this is really going to be great. Our readers will be really excited to hear what you have to say about the new book—I mean, no pressure to say anything in particular. I know how you feel about spoilers, and I’d never ask you to divulge any. Oh, I’m Bonnie Hamelin. But I guess you already know that.”
The good news was I’d managed actual speech this time. His arrival had been so sudden I hadn’t had time to work up quite as many nerves as the first time I’d seen him. The bad news was his answering expression could have incinerated me on the spot.
He didn’t take my offered hand but continue to scowl at me. “Yes, I know who you are, Ms. Hamelin,” he sneered. “You’re the interviewer. Which I believe means your purpose here is to interview me, not to invade my home and… fondle my private possessions.”
My nerves, combined with his use of the words “fondle” and “private” together made me giggle, which then made me blush in mortification.
Oh, good Lord. This wasn’t starting well. I was just grateful there was no chai latte nearby this time. The thought caused my gaze to drop involuntarily to the front of Jack’s pants.
I did hope he’d fully recovered from the hot-tea incident. It would be such a shame if such an obviously virile man were permanently—
Jack cleared his throat loudly.
Yanking my gaze away from his crotch and withdrawing my hand, I twisted it with the fingers of my other hand and forced a smile I hoped was both apologetic and charming.
“I’m so sorry about that. I’ve just never seen one in person. Or one so big. And you have so many. Awards. Not possessions. I mean, you do have some nice possessions. I was just talking about… the… award.”
Jack just kept staring, studying me as if I were a fascinating yet slightly repulsive bug. A dung beetle, perhaps.
Mrs. Potts, whose existence I’d completely forgotten in the last minute and a half, spoke up. “Jack?”
He shot her a heated side-glance then looked at me again. His scowl moderated into a more neutral expression. “Well?”
“Oh—it’s… very beautiful. And heavy.”
The scowl returned. “I wasn’t fishing for compliments about my award. Are you by any chance ready to begin the interview?”
“The interview. Yes. Absolutely. I’m ready. Let’s do it.”
He shook his head as if giving up on something. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”

#2

She was beautiful, and not just the regular kind. The made-exactly-for-Jack kind, the kind of gorgeous I’d only ever imagined when dreaming up a new character, a siren intent on luring my hero to his death in dark, cold waters, for instance. The kind of beauty who only existed in fiction.
But here she was, the living, breathing version of my physical ideal. In my library.
And the way she’d looked at me… I shuddered remembering it. She had the most intense brown eyes I’d ever seen. When she’d spun around and they’d met mine, I’d nearly stumbled backward. It was like she could see straight into my soul.
And then her eyes had dropped. And zeroed in on my dick. While rubbing my dick-shaped writing award.
Not gonna lie—I had movement. It had been a while since I’d spent time around a woman I didn’t employ or regard as a family member, but if memory served, that kind of behavior signaled interest.
Not that I’d be interested in this reporter, no matter what she looked like. Wait—I wasn’t interested, was I?
I was rocked by a sense of impending doom. This woman was dangerous. I needed to get her out of my house as soon as possible.

#3

Bonnie was silent as she read, her face paling with each line she scanned. When she looked up at me, her expression was disbelieving and at the same time utterly defeated. A tide of satisfaction washed through me.
“This is ludicrous,” she said at last. “You don’t really expect me to adhere to this, do you?”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Why wouldn’t I? You signed it.”
“Yes but… this says I can’t see anyone, can’t talk to anyone outside of this house. It says you’ll confiscate my laptop and my phone.”
“It sure does. Right there in black and white.” I gave her a wicked grin, enjoying her astonished indignation. Now she knew how it felt.
She stared at me then looked back at the contract, as if the writing on the page might have magically changed in the past minute. When her gaze came back up to meet mine there were a million questions behind her eyes.
There was also a new understanding.
I owned her.
“Are you going to have me… locked in my apartment?”
“No.”
Her shoulders relaxed but then tensed again when I elaborated. “You’ll be staying here. Where I can keep an eye on you and make sure you’re not spilling any secrets.”
“Here?” Her eyes bulged. “At your house? For how long?”
“Until I turn the book in.”
“Your deadline is four weeks from now.”
“That’s right.”
Her mouth dropped open and she let out a gasp of shock. “I can’t stay here for a month.”
It was a little bizarre to force a woman to stay in your home. But what choice did I have? I couldn’t risk the truth getting out. I’d be ruined. Bonnie had just proven she wasn’t trustworthy.
And I refused to let those slivers of guilt go any deeper. This was her fault, not mine. She’d forced me into this. I didn’t like it any more than she did.
After a lengthy pause, Bonnie uttered a begrudging, “Fine.”
“Fine. So we have an agreement.” A sense of relief spread through me, enabling my tightly bunched muscles to relax a fraction. “I have your promise you won’t leave?”
She rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t aware I had a choice.”
“You don’t. And I’ll make you a promise in return. I won’t keep you a second longer than is absolutely necessary. Four weeks, and then you’re out of here on your nosy little ass.”
Her expression grew more troubled as she appeared to accept her fate and began to understand what it all meant.
“My things are still back at the Seacliff Inn—my laptop, my clothes—I only have two days’ worth with me. And where will I sleep?” she asked.
“Harrison will go to the hotel and check you out, pack your things, and bring your bags here. Whatever else you need I can order and have delivered. If you’re worried about the potential awkwardness of living in the same house, don’t be. It’s a big place. I can assure you—we won’t be seeing much of each other. I have no desire to spend any further time with you.”
I extended my hand, palm up. “I’ll take that phone now.”
Her mouth dropped open, then closed again and her jaw hardened. “Do I at least get a call first?”
“A call?” I barked an incredulous laugh. “What part of ‘no contact with the outside world’ did you not understand?”
Her chin jutted out. “I believe one phone call is standard procedure for all prisoners.”
“You’re not in a prison. You’re in a mansion.”
“Am I allowed to leave?”
“No.”
“Then it’s a prison.”

COMING SOON

#2 Bargain with the Bachelor – Releasing August 25

$3.99 for a limited time!

US: https://amzn.to/3kqMB53
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AU: https://amzn.to/3er05tt

AUTHOR BIO

Award-winning romance author Tru Taylor writes romantic comedies to make you swoon, smile, and snort with laughter.

She runs on Coke Zero and dark chocolate, lives for lunches with her girlfriends, and drives to the town beach several times a week to watch the sun set over the water.

She loves LOVE and will attempt to turn any show or movie she’s watching into a romance whether it is one or not. Star Wars? A romance. Lord of the Rings? Clearly a romance. The Expendables? Okay, well not even Tru can redeem that one.

When she’s not writing, Tru enjoys watching movies and reading books with happy endings, spending time with her husband and two kids, and sneaking Hershey’s Kisses from the top shelf of the freezer throughout the day. (Top shelf because… two kids. Enough said.)

Tru is the author of the Eastport Bay small town rom com series and loves living in a small New England town where she’s surrounded every day by the beautiful coastal setting you see brought to life in her books.


AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tru-Taylor-Author-107664454229005
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trutaylorauthor
Website: https://trutaylor.com
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/TruTales
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tru-Taylor/e/B0984RHFLJ

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