Blog Archives
SPOTLIGHT – The Sweet Spot by Cassie Cross
Title: THE SWEET SPOT
Author: Cassie Cross
Genre: Contemporary Romance
About The Sweet Spot:
Lexie James spent years dreaming about opening her own bakery. She’s invested every penny she’s ever saved—and some other peoples’ pennies too—into making that dream come true. The Sweet Spot is thriving thanks to her dedication and penchant for perfection, but she’s lonely and Hunter, the gorgeous guy who owns the gym across the street, is a nice distraction.
Hunter Elliott is Lexie’s high school crush. The timing’s never been right for the two of them, but when he notices that all work and no play makes Lexie a stressed-out overworked mess, he stages an intervention. He’s determined to show her that she can be successful and have a life.
First, he needs to help her find that sweet spot between business and pleasure…
About Cassie:
Cassie Cross is a Maryland native and a romantic at heart, who lives outside of Baltimore with her two dogs and a closet full of shoes. Cassie’s fondness for swoon-worthy men and strong women are the inspiration for most of her stories, and when she’s not busy writing a book, you’ll probably find her eating takeout and indulging in her love of 80’s sitcoms.
Connect with Cassie:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrossWrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassiecrosswrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassiecrosswrites
Share this:
REVIEW – Once in a Blue Moon (Belles of St. Clair #2) by Amanda Ashby
Title: Once In a Blue Moon
Series: Belles of St. Clair
Author: Amanda Ashby
Genre: Contemporary Romance
About Once In a Blue Moon:
Florist Laney George has a successful business, amazing friends and big, big dreams––oh, and a broken heart. But she’s working through that last one. Then the man she hoped to never see again shows up––and Laney’s carefully ordered plans are experiencing technical difficulties.
Celebrated Author Adam Fitzpatrick planned to be in St. Clair for no more than a day. Sign the books, and get out. Same story, different day. What he didn’t count on was Laney George, who happens to be the star of his somewhat fictional tale. She broke his heart years ago, and he’d gone a bit mad. Okay, maybe a lot mad––and he put everything in his book, never imagining it would be a world-wide best seller.
Now that he’s seen her again, he wants answers. But it isn’t just her that draws him in. It’s the town, something is happening and for the first time in years…he can write again. If only he could convince the woman who hates him most to start a new chapter in their story.
Exclusive Excerpt:
Adam frowned as he studied the green wall in the airport restaurant. The strands of ivy had strange lines of yellow running through them, making them seem dead and lifeless. He reached out a hand and touched a leaf, then recoiled. Plastic. No wonder he didn’t like it. He pulled out some bills to pay for his coffee and got to his feet. A few weeks ago, he didn’t even know what a green wall was, yet now every time he saw one, all he could think of was Laney, her mouth pursed in concentration as she’d woven leaves and branches into the large metal frame.
And she could use a chainsaw.
So hot.
He walked through the busy terminal to catch his flight. He’d ended up having to stay two nights in New York and
spent most of the time wishing he was back in St. Clair. At least they’d raised double the money from last year’s event, and soon he’d be boarding his flight.
Eight hours later, Adam pulled his rental car up to the Belles and climbed out. The St. Clair breeze was fresh and warm and loosened the knots in his shoulders. All he wanted to do was wrap himself around Laney, drinking in her warmth. He’d called her from the airport, but it had gone straight to her messages. He paused and frowned.
They didn’t usually catch up until after six, but it had been two days. Besides, it must be six o’clock somewhere in the world.
The closed sign hung on the door, but she’d given him a key last week. He climbed the stairs two at a time and reached the top as she walked past holding a tray of hot drinks. Her hair was pulled back off her face and hung over one shoulder, leaving her neck exposed. Heat seared through him, and he went to cross the threshold.
Then she turned, and her entire body froze, knuckles turning white as she gripped the tray. Her mouth had taken on a horrified shape, as if he’d just walked across an entire garden bed of flowers. Adam stiffened in response. Not quite the homecoming he’d been expecting.
“Where did you say the other jar of olives was?” a voice called out from somewhere in the apartment. Jessica? Oh, hell. His rising heat faded as Laney’s eyes locked with his, her gaze pleading. Begging him to stay hidden.
“Don’t tell her. She’s already finished one jar today,” Brett’s voice chimed in from somewhere in the room.
Laney’s hands shook as the color drained from her face, and Adam numbly took a step back down the stairs. Some of the tension in her jaw lessened, and she gave him a pained smile before hurrying into the other room, where her guests were obviously waiting. A dismissal.
He rubbed his jaw as steel spikes jabbed at his gut. Had he been imagining that this thing they had was more than just a fling? Had he spent the last two days wanting to be with someone who didn’t want to be with him? A familiar wave of humiliation and anger swept through him. What I want doesn’t seem to matter.
The sound of their laughing voices chased him as he stalked back to his own apartment. Nothing like a reality check to remind him that, despite how well everything seemed to be going, Simon was still there.
I’m competing with a ghost.
That was why she hadn’t told anyone about their previous relationship. Why she didn’t want anyone to know about this one. His legs twitched, and he considered going for a jog, but to do so he’d have to leave the apartment and risk bumping into Laney and her in-laws again. Risk seeing the horror in her eyes at almost having her secret exposed.
Beer was the next best thing. He grabbed a can from the fridge.
BLP REVIEW – Tracy
Once in a Blue Moon is my first read by Amanda Ashby and even though it’s the second book in the Belles of St. Clair series I didn’t feel like I needed to have started at the beginning, but I’ll definitely be checking out this author’s backlist.
I LOVED this read. Second chance romances are a favourite of mine and Laney and Adam made for entertaining reading.
The dynamics between this pair were well written. Laney’s reluctance to see her ex again and her worry about her life changing due to his appearance (and the hype surrounding his book) were understandable and believable.
Adam was still holding on to his grudge even though life had changed for both of them and I was a bit peeved with him when I found out what his issue was… talk about thinking about himself and not talking to Laney…. In saying that I also felt heart sorry for him when we found out about the crumbling of his marriage and I have to say, given their history, I don’t know that I could have stayed in touch and had a relationship with my ex the way he did.
Laney’s friend/sister in law Jessica was a bit of a buzz kill for me at times. Laney has been widowed for several years now and she’s entitled to live again and move on, but it felt like she was expected to live a solitary life thinking about her husband!
This was a really sweet book, It had humour, tears, attraction and heat. I liked that the main characters are a little older and therefore, personally, I found them more relatable and we cannot forget Violet, the awesome little rescue dog who loves having her nails painted!
A solid 4.5* and most definitely recommended.
About the Author:
Amanda Ashby was born in Australia but now lives in New Zealand where she writes romance, young adult and middle grade books. She also owns far too many vintage tablecloths and likes to delight her family by constantly rearranging the furniture.
She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Library’s Stuff for the Teen Age. Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.
Connect with the Author:
Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram
Share this:
RELEASE DAY BLITZ – 1001 Dark Nights Bundles 20-24
We are celebrating the release of 5 amazing bundles (20-24) from 1001 Dark Nights!
Each bundle features novellas from 4 bestselling authors. The bundles released today, and you can grab your copies by going to the links below.
Check out the book trailer for the bundles!
1001 Dark Nights Bundle 20
Featuring: Rebecca Zanetti, Kristen Ashley, Larissa Ione, and Laura Kaye
About this Bundle:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Rebecca Zanetti, Kristen Ashley, Larissa Ione, and Laura Kaye.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
BLAZE ERUPTING: Scorpius Syndrome/A Brigade Novella by Rebecca Zanetti
Hugh Johnson is nobody’s hero, and the idea of being in the limelight makes him want to growl. He takes care of his brothers, does his job, and enjoys a mellow evening hanging with his hound dog and watching the sports channel. So when sweet and sexy Ellie Smithers from his college chemistry class asks him to save millions of people from a nuclear meltdown, he doggedly steps forward while telling himself that the world hasn’t changed and he can go back to his relaxing life. One look at Ellie and excitement doesn’t seem so bad.
ROUGH RIDE: A Chaos Novella by Kristen Ashley
Rosalie Holloway put it all on the line for the Chaos Motorcycle Club. Informing to Chaos on their rival club—her man’s club, Bounty—Rosalie knows the stakes. And she pays them when her man, who she was hoping to scare straight, finds out she’s betrayed him and he delivers her to his brothers to mete out their form of justice.
But really, Rosie has long been denying that, as she drifted away from her Bounty, she’s been falling in love with Everett “Snapper” Kavanagh, a Chaos brother. Snap is the biker-boy-next door with the snowy blue eyes, quiet confidence and sweet disposition who was supposed to keep her safe…and fell down on that job.
HAWKYN: A Demonica Novella by Larissa Ione
As a special class of earthbound guardian angel called Memitim, Hawkyn is charged with protecting those whose lives are woven into the fabric of the future. His success is legendary, so when he’s given a serial killer to watch over, he sees no reason for that to change. But Hawkyn’s own future is jeopardized after he breaks the rules and rescues a beautiful woman from the killer’s clutches, setting off an explosive, demonic game of cat and mouse that pits brother against brother and that won’t end until someone dies.
RIDE DIRTY: A Raven Riders Novella by Laura Kaye
Caine McKannon is all about rules. As the Raven Riders’ Sergeant-at-Arms, he prizes loyalty to his brothers and protection of his club. As a man, he takes pleasure wherever he can get it but allows no one close—because distance is the only way to ensure people can’t hurt you. And he’s had enough pain for a lifetime.
Kids and school are kindergarten teacher Emma Kerry’s whole life, so she’s stunned to realize she has an enemy—and even more surprised to find a protector in the intimidating man who saved her. Tall, dark, and tattooed, Caine is unlike any man Emma’s ever known, and she’s as uncertain of him as she is attracted.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Purchase your copy of BUNDLE 20 today!
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Check out the authors:
Rebecca Zanetti | Kristen Ashley | Larissa Ione | Laura Kaye
1001 Dark Nights Bundle 21
Featuring: Joanna Wylde, Jennifer Probst, Elisabeth Naughton, and Carrie Ann Ryan
About this Bundle:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Joanna Wylde, Jennifer Probst, Elisabeth Naughton, and Carrie Ann Ryan.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
ROME’S CHANCE: A Reapers MC Novella by Joanna Wylde
Rome McGuire knew he was in trouble the first time he saw her. She was sweet and pretty and just about perfect in every way. Randi Whittaker was also too young and innocent for the Reapers Motorcycle Club. He did the right thing, and walked away.
The second time, he couldn’t resist tasting her. Walking away wasn’t so easy that time, but her family needed her and he had a job to do.
When she came around a third time, he’d had enough. Randi had been given two chances to escape, and now it was time for Rome to take his.
THE MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT: A Marriage to a Billionaire Novella by Jennifer Probst
Caterina Victoria Windsor fled her family winery after a humiliating broken engagement, and spent the past year in Italy rebuilding her world. But when Ripley Savage shows up with a plan to bring her back home, and an outrageous demand for her to marry him, she has no choice but to return to face her past. But when simple attraction begins to run deeper, Cat has to decide if she’s strong enough to trust again…and strong enough to stay…
SURRENDER: A House of Sin Novella by Elisabeth Naughton
The leaders of my House want her dead. The men I’ve secretly aligned myself with want her punished for screwing up their coup. I’ve been sent by both to deal with her, but one look at the feisty redhead and I’ve got plans of my own. Before I carry out anyone else’s orders, she’s going to give me what I want. And only when I’m satisfied will I decide if she lives or dies.
Depending, of course, on just how easily she surrenders…
INKED NIGHTS: A Montgomery Ink Novella by Carrie Ann Ryan
Tattoo artist, Derek Hawkins knows the rules:
One night a month.
No last names.
No promises.
Olivia Madison has her own rules:
Don’t fall in love.
No commitment.
Never tell Derek the truth.
When their worlds crash into each other however, Derek and Olivia will have to face what they fought to ignore as well as the connection they tried to forget.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Purchase your copy of BUNDLE 21 today!
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Check out the authors:
Joanna Wylde | Jennifer Probst | Elisabeth Naughton | Carrie Ann Ryan
1001 Dark Nights Bundle 22
Featuring: Rachel Van Dyken, Lexi Blake, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and J. Kenner
About this Bundle:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Rachel Van Dyken, Lexi Blake, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and J. Kenner.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
ENVY: An Eagle Elite Novella by Rachel Van Dyken
Every family has rules, the mafia just has more….
Do not speak to the bosses unless spoken to.
Do not make eye contact unless you want to die.
And above all else, do not fall in love.
Renee Cassani’s future is set.
Her betrothal is set.
Her life, after nannying for the five families for the summer, is set.
Somebody should have told Vic Colezan that.
He’s a man who doesn’t take no for an answer.
And he only wants one thing.
Her.
Somebody should have told Renee that her bodyguard needed as much discipline as the kids she was nannying.
Good thing Vic has a firm hand.
PROTECTED: A Masters and Mercenaries Novella by Lexi Blake
Years before, Wade Rycroft fell in love with Geneva Harris, the smartest girl in his class. The rodeo star and the shy academic made for an odd pair but their chemistry was undeniable. They made plans to get married after high school but when Genny left him standing in the rain, he joined the Army and vowed to leave that life behind. Genny married the town’s golden boy, and Wade knew that he couldn’t go home again.
Fifteen years later, Wade returns to his Texas hometown for his brother’s wedding and walks into a storm of scandal. Genny’s marriage has dissolved and the town has turned against her. But when someone tries to kill his old love, Wade can’t refuse to help her.
THE PRINCE: A Wicked Novella by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Cold. Heartless. Deadly. Whispers of his name alone bring fear to fae and mortals alike. The Prince. There is nothing in the mortal world more dangerous than him. Haunted by a past he couldn’t control, all Caden desires is revenge against those who’d wronged him, trapping him in never-ending nightmare. And there is one person he knows can help him.
Raised within the Order, Brighton Jussier knows just how dangerous the Prince is, reformed or not. She’d seen firsthand what atrocities he could be capable of. The last thing she wants to do is help him, but he leaves her little choice. Forced to work alongside him, she begins to see the man under the bitter ice. Yearning for him feels like the definition of insanity, but there’s no denying the heat in his touch and the wicked promise is his stare.
PLEASE ME: A Stark Ever After Novella by Julie Kenner
Each day with Damien is a miracle, each moment with our children a gift. And yet I cannot escape the growing sense that a storm is gathering, threatening to pull me away, to rip us apart. To drag me down, once again, into a darkness to which I swore never to return.
I have to fight it—I know that. And I am waging the battle with of all my heart. But it is Damien who is my strength, and we both know that the only way to push away the darkness is for him to fold me in his arms and claim me completely. And for me to surrender myself, once again, to the fire that burns between us.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Purchase your copy of BUNDLE 22 today!
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Check out the authors:
Rachel Van Dyken | Lexi Blake | Jennifer L. Armentrout | J. Kenner
1001 Dark Nights Bundle 23
Featuring: Lorelei James, Kylie Scott, Donna Grant, and Kristen Proby
About this Bundle:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Lorelei James, Kylie Scott, Donna Grant, and Kristen Proby.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
WOUND TIGHT: A Rough Riders/Blacktop Cowboys® Crossover by Lorelei James
Bull rider Justin Donohue spent his youth hell-bent on winning world championships. After hitting the big 4-0, Justin takes a job at the Grade A Ranch and Rodeo School, where he immediately locks horns (and lips) with the sexy, sassy Callie—a 22-year-old cowgirl set on seducing him.
From the moment Callie Morgan encounters the hot-as-fire new ranch hand, she knows his gruff manner is an attempt to mask his attraction to her. But she’s never backed down from a challenge, especially not when Justin’s actions speak louder than his denials.
STRONG: A Stage Dive Novella by Kylie Scott
As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line.
DRAGON NIGHT: A Dark Kings Novella by Donna Grant
There has never been a hunt that Dorian has lost. With his sights set on a relic the Dragon Kings need to battle an ancient foe, he won’t let anything stand in his way – especially not the beautiful owner. Alexandra Sheridan is smart and cautious. Yet the attraction between them is impossible to deny – or ignore. But is it a road Dorian dares to travel down again?
TEMPTING BROOKE: A Big Sky Novella by Kristen Proby
Brooke’s Blooms has taken Cunningham Falls by surprise. This store is Brooke Henderson’s deepest joy, and it means everything to her, which shows in how completely she and her little shop have been embraced by the small community of Cunningham Falls.
So, when her landlord dies and Brody Chabot saunters through her door, announcing that the building has been sold, and will soon be demolished, Brooke knows that she’s in for the fight of her life. But she hasn’t gotten this far by sitting back and quietly doing what she’s told. Brooke has no intention of losing this fight, no matter how tempting Brody’s smile — and body — is.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Purchase your copy of BUNDLE 23 today!
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Check out the authors:
Lorelei James | Kylie Scott | Donna Grant | Kristen Proby
1001 Dark Nights Bundle 24
Featuring: Heather Graham, K. Bromberg, Kendall Ryan, and Gena Showalter
About this Bundle:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Heather Graham, K. Bromberg, Kendall Ryan, and Gena Showalter.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
HAUNTED BE THE HOLIDAYS: A Krewe of Hunters Novella by Heather Graham
It’s Halloween at the Global Tower Theatre, a fantastic and historic theater owned by Adam Harrison and run by spouses of Krewe members. During a special performance, a strange actor makes an appearance in the middle of the show, warning of dire events if his murder is not solved before another holiday rolls around.
Dakota McCoy and Brodie McFadden dive into the mystery. Both have a special talent for dealing with ghosts, but this one is proving elusive. With the help of Brodie’s diva mother and his ever-patient father—who were killed together when a stage chandelier fell upon them—Dakota and Brodie set out to solve the case. If they can’t solve the murder quickly, there will be no Thanksgiving for the Krewe…
CONTROL: An Everyday Heroes Novella by K. Bromberg
Control is something Desi Whitman abhors. Why live life in black and white perfection when you can messily color outside the lines?
But when she comes face to face with SWAT officer Reznor Mayne, he’s about to show her just how good control can feel.
HUNKY HEARTBREAKERS: A Whiskey Kisses Novella by Kendall Ryan
Everything’s bigger in Texas. And that includes Duke Wilder’s sexual appetite. Together with his twin brother, he runs a whiskey distillery, and when their business takes off—suddenly he’s got it all. Success. Money. Family. But he doesn’t have a woman to share it with.
When Valentina storms into his life, her presence is only supposed to be temporary. She’s a feisty attorney hired to help clean up his company’s recent legal mess. He never counted on her being the one to turn his whole world upside down.
THE DARKEST CAPTIVE: A Lords of the Underworld Novella by Gena Showalter
For centuries, Galen the Treacherous has been the most hated immortal in the Underworld. Possessed by the demons of Jealousy and False Hope, he has always lived for a single purpose: destroy everything. Then he met her.
Former demon turned human femme fatale — Legion Honey — sought to kill Galen, but ended up parting with her virginity instead. Afraid of their sizzling connection, she ran away…and ended up trapped in hell, tortured and abused in the worst of ways. Now she’s free, and a shell of herself, afraid of her own shadow.
Galen’s hunger for Legion has only grown. Now the warrior with nothing to lose must help her rekindle the fire that once burned inside her.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Purchase your copy of BUNDLE 24 today!
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Check out the authors:
Heather Graham | K. Bromberg | Kendall Ryan | Gena Showalter
WATCH THE TRAILER
http://bit.ly/1001DarkNightsTrailer
About the Author::
Book Loving Pixies 