24 Friday May 2019
Posted in Uncategorized
Y’all, it has been a slow posting week for me – I’m heading out on vacation tomorrow so it’s been quite a busy time around my house. There are no posts schedule until after June 1, but then we are back to regularly scheduled programming 🙂
If you are in the US, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!
22 Wednesday May 2019
Posted in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek
I’m so happy to have Becca Seymour on today to answer a few questions and share her latest book!
*****
I’ve been writing on and off for the past 15 years, though largely in M/F romance. It wasn’t until I fell in love with LGBT romance about 5 years ago that I finally decided that was where my heart lay, and my proverbial pen took me. While this year I’m focusing on contemporary romance, a genre I do adore, I plan to writing a mix of genres later in the year for 2020 and 2021 releases.
I do, but it isn’t a big secret. I’m a publisher and editor, and I wanted a semblance of separation between my writing and my business.
Sometimes. My characters are often completely fabricated; however, several scenarios they face are often taken from real life. My characters do, however, tend to have similar traits to people I know and sometimes me, especially in relation to humour and sometime gruffness.
Anywhere between 2 months and 15 months, depending on the schedule I’ve set myself and how many WiPs I have. This book took the longest, possibly because it was intended to be a novella for a publishing call, but once the characters came into their own, I knew there was no way that would happen.
On my laptop usually in bed, and usually when I have a super quiet house. I struggle to write when my hubby is home or in the room with me, and honestly, I have zero idea why. He is 100 percent behind me and my writing, and is crazy supportive. I can, however, happily write with my 11-year-old son in the room. He’s constantly trying to give me ideas and recommendations. He’s also determined that I name a character after him. I always go wide-eyed at this, reminding him I write romance. He just shrugs and suggests “he” could be a character who doesn’t kiss. Lol. Maybe one day.
Erm… when focused, I write for a couple of hours. When on a self-managed deadline that’s creeping in fast, I’ll put more time in over the weekends. I do, however, happily allow life to get in the way, which I don’t regret. Family time, work time, switching off and chilling are really important to me.
I wanted light-hearted, low-angst escapism, and I think I achieved that. Tanner and Carter are both regular guys, with regular jobs, and regular lives. You see the common thread here, right? While I love PNR and at times subgenres that include rock stars and billionaires, etc., rooting for the common guy, getting up close and personal with them, really takes me to my happy place. My aim was to give that to readers too.
21 maybe. My last year at university was pretty epic. I had such an amazing time filled with far too many parties and nights out. But every hangover was worth it. I think it was the last truly carefree year I had before the reality of adulthood came knocking and reminded me I needed to step up a little.
Little Women when I was probably 8. This is still hands down one of my favourite books of all time. It made me truly appreciate the written word. From that moment forth, I was an official book addict.
My first job was a lifeguard. It was great fun. I did that for about 7 years while at school. I did a stint at McDonald’s at uni, which was an eyeopener, especially for a vegetarian! Lol. I also worked as a bartender for several years part-time too while at uni. My first full-time position was a high school English teacher when I still lived in England. It seems like so long ago. Every position has shaped me to the individual I am today, so zero regrets, and absolutely zero looking back.
*****
Let Me Show You
by Becca Seymour
Publisher: Rainbow Tree
Release Date: Saturday, May 18 2019
Format: Paperback, eBook
ISBN: 9781925853490, ASN: B07NZTG3M3, Price: 2.99
Cover Artist: Claire Smith
Genres: Contemporary, Comedy, M/M
Blurb:
When a veterinarian and a construction worker connect, it takes mishaps, mistakes, and a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Rex to show them they’re made for each other.
Dr. Carter Falon is content living a quiet life in a small town caring for his animal patients. That doesn’t mean he’s not looking for a distraction. After finding himself precariously wedged… naked and at the mercy of a drop-dead gorgeous construction worker, Carter hires his savior to renovate his home.
When Tanner Grady’s best friend and new niece needed him, he uprooted and relocated without a second thought. His life has since been centered on work and spending time with his family, but when he comes to the rescue of a cute vet, Tanner finds he’s a lot more interested in the homeowner than the house he’s renovating.
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2GXVEqs
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2NkUV3I
Amazon CAN: https://amzn.to/2E2Gugw
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2NjyZps
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2E6xaIg
iBooks: https://apple.co/2SgEIgF
Other: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Becca_Seymour_Let_Me_Show_You?id=rnOLDwAAQBAJ
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44082601-let-me-show-you
QueeRomance Ink Link: https://www.queeromanceink.com/book/let-me-show-you/
*****
Excerpt:
Looking at the caller ID, I greeted, “Hey, Mom.”
“Hey, baby boy.” I smiled. In my late twenties, I was far from a baby, but she’d once told me that even at fifty I’d still be her baby. “Good day?”
“Yep. Not too bad. Nothing too hectic or crazy. You?”
“A great one. Your dad’s booked a cruise for our anniversary.” Excitement lit her words. She’d been hinting at Dad for a while about a cruise. I was pleased he’d listened. It didn’t take a lot to make my mom happy; she found joy in the smallest of things, so that he’d organized it all was pretty impressive. Mom usually organized everything, so I knew him booking the vacation for them was a big deal.
“That’s terrific. Caribbean?”
She actually squealed down the line. I pulled the phone from my ear and laughed loudly. “Yes! Carter, I’m so excited.”
“Really? I’d never have guessed.”
“Oh, hush.” She spoke over me as I laughed again. “Don’t sass your mother.”
My laughter continued. “Never, Mom. You’d tan my hide. Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“I should think not. So anything new? Any dates?”
With a groan, I rubbed my face and then stepped further into the kitchen and pulled out a glass. “Mom…,” I sighed.
“What? I worry about you. You’re so far from home and are there all alone.”
I poured myself a glass of wine and took a sip. “I know you worry, but honestly, life’s good.” Admittedly it would have been nice to hook up, but one, I didn’t do casual and never had, and two, there was no way I’d tell my mom I was afraid my penis would drop off from lack of use. “There’s nothing new either, and that’s okay. I’m liking the quiet life.”
“Hmm….” That was her tell for not being convinced. “You know, I was talking to Julie last week, and her nephew’s gay.”
“Mom,” I said with laughter, “honestly, no hookups. I do not need my mom fixing me up.”
She ignored me. “Well, he lives quite far away, but maybe a week of casual—” She cleared her throat. “—sex would do you good.”
“Jesus, Mom.” I spluttered on my mouthful of wine. Grabbing a towel, I wiped my face, catching the dribble of red wine on my chin, and wiped the countertop I’d sprayed. “Stop. I don’t need you arranging anything, okay? Please tell me you’re listening.” She was quiet. “Mom,” I said louder.
“Yes, yes, I hear you.” She sighed. “Grandbabies would be nice.”
Holy crap on toast! With wide eyes, I looked at the ceiling and counted to five. I then took a big gulp of wine before saying, “Mom.”
“Yes, baby boy?”
“I have to go. I need to grab a shower. I’m expecting someone.”
“Ooh—”
“Someone to fix the house up.” I’d heard the interest in her tone, the hope in that one syllable.
“Oh.” This time her voice dropped. I hated to kill her enthusiasm, but geez, I really needed to get off the phone.
“Love you, tell Dad I love him too. And I’ll speak to you guys later. Bye, Mom.”
“Will do.” Her tone was a bit brighter. “Love you too. Bye, honey.”
I disconnected quickly and placed my phone down. My mom, yeah, she was wonderful and drove me to absolute distraction. I knew how lucky I was. Every decision I’d ever made, my parents had always had my back. They supported me unconditionally. It was just that my mom could be a little extreme at times. I laughed into the empty room. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Quickly finishing my wine, I looked at the time. I had just fifteen minutes until the contractor was due. I’d left it late to organize myself, still a little in a tizz after the conversation with my mom and the mention of babies. I glanced around the room at the disorderly mess. Every time I did so, I regretted it.
I detested chaos, and that was what the house felt like. The place was still strewn with my moving boxes, but I had yet to see the point in unpacking. Not necessarily because I planned to move, but rather, the whole house needed a lot of work, so I knew I’d have to pack my things up for any work on the house to start.
I really hoped this Tanner guy would be the person who could finally help me out. I’d had two other quotes, one local and one from out of town. Both were crazy high, and neither would be able to start for another five months or so. I was running out of options. This guy had come recommended to me by one of my clients, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up.
I sighed in defeat as I looked around. I’d have to continue ignoring it all until I finally had the place fixed up. I headed upstairs, careful to miss the couple of steps that had loose boards, and headed to the main bathroom. I had an en suite, but the shower didn’t work, so it was the pearlescent green suite I headed toward. The sickly porcelain made me shudder every time I laid eyes on it. It was clean though, so there was that.
I hopped into the shower, lathered myself up, and quickly rinsed off. That was when I heard the knock at the door. “Shoot.” I quickly turned off the taps, stepped out and grabbed a towel. In my haste to get myself together and then answer the door, the dodgy floorboard didn’t even register until my foot slammed through it, snagging my ankle and bringing me to my knees.
I yelled as I fell, and cursed. Wincing, I looked at my predicament, trying to yank my foot out as I did so. A loud groan slipped past my lips. This was no good. I was wedged, and it appeared I’d lost my towel in my fall. Just great.
*****
Review:
If you love your romance without a lot of angst (which I do most of the time), Seymour delivers beautifully. Tanner and Carter have a fun first meet that kinda makes it hard to ignore their attraction to each other but they do try. Once their feelings overcome that whole contractor/client thing though, it is pretty much a done deal.
Tanner & Carter complement each other quiet well and work to create a nicely-developed relationship. There is a little trouble at work for Carter but he does his best to handle it, with support from Tanner & friends. It adds that little bit of drama to an otherwise smooth read of strangers becoming friends then becoming even more.
If you prefer warm fuzzies (and some heat) to commotion and hullabaloo in your romance, Let Me Show You is a perfect choice. With characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages, Seymour’s latest has it all.
*****
Author Info:
Becca Seymour lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.
Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.
Author Website: https://beccaseymour.com
Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015881354862
Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/beccaseymourauthor/
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/beccaseymour_
Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbeccaseymour/
Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18745264.Becca_Seymour
Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/21905/
*****
Giveaway:
Becca is giving away two $10 Amazon gift cards.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d4763/
*****
20 Monday May 2019
Posted in Book Review
Armed ‘N’ Ready
Federal K-9 Series
by Tee O’Fallon
Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Nick Houston is as tough as they come, and he and his K-9, Saxon, are hot on the trail of a major illegal gun dealer. But his best lead—the beautiful owner of the Dog Park Café, Andi Hardt––is not cooperating. Doesn’t matter how sexy she is, or that his dog seems to be in love with her. She’s a suspect and he won’t cross that line. Ever.
Andi Hardt sank everything into her dream business—the Dog Park Café, a restaurant catering to dogs as much as people. Now everything is in jeopardy because of one extremely frustrating, incredibly hot state trooper. Like it or not, she’s in Nick’s crosshairs, and he’s calling the shots. Her only option: cooperate, or lose everything she’s worked so hard for.
Nick and Andi are catapulted straight into the danger zone, forcing them to make life-altering choices, and face their desires. Risking his life for Andi is the easy part. Risking his heart is the toughest assignment Nick will face.
O’Fallon gives readers a well-paced suspense story and I really enjoyed seeing how the case played out. I had no idea where it was going but it was totally believable – nothing came out of left field and felt unconnected to the rest of the story, which is always a plus for this kind of book.
Both characters were really fun and their interactions entertaining. It’s a bit of a slow burn as they have to deal with how she fits into his case, giving them plenty of time to get to know each other (and cause a few sparks along the way). There was a little bit at the end where I went “uh, ok” with how they reacted to a situation that put their relationship into question but it was a small bump in an otherwise enjoyable read.
Armed ‘N’ Ready has the perfect blend of love story and action to keep the pages turning. And some great secondary characters and relationships just for dog lovers 🙂
(This is the second book in the series, but can easily stand on its own.)
16 Thursday May 2019
Posted in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek
Tags
Escape to Indigo Bay box set, Jean Oram, Jeanette Lewis, Melissa McClone, Stacy Claflin, Sweet Holiday Wishes, Sweet Illusions, Sweet Matchmaker, Sweet Reunion
We got a FREEBIE today: 4 books for the price of none – can’t beat that!!!
*****
Escape to Indigo Bay Boxed Set
Featured Authors: Melissa McClone, Jeanette Lewis, Stacy Claflin, and Jean Oram
Genre Adult Sweet/Clean Contemporary Romance
Publisher Independent
Publication Date May 1, 2019
Blurb:
Love is always in the air when you visit Indigo Bay.
Get swept away by the magic of this beachside small town. Grab a sweet tea from Caroline’s Cafe and take a stroll to the Chocolate Emporium for a quick treat. Then warm your toes in the sand and indulge in a happily ever after—or four!
From NYT bestselling author Jean Oram: Sweet Matchmaker
When Ginger says yes to a marriage of convenience to help keep Logan, the father of a special-needs child, in the country she figures it’ll also get her matchmaking grandmother off her back. But as inconvenient feelings develop for her new, handsome husband, she discovers he’s also an undercover secret agent. When his mission ends, what will it mean for their marriage… and her heart?
From author Jeanette Lewis: Sweet Illusions
After escaping a cult, Eva Malone longs for the anonymity and peace of a small town. When she meets a local police officer, sparks fly. Eva keeps her past a secret, but Ben wants to know more about the mysterious woman capturing his heart. Will the secrets he uncovers lead to a happy ending or…heartbreak?
From USA Today bestselling author Stacy Claflin: Sweet Reunion
Maggie’s determined to stay single, but her meddling aunt wants her married. When, despite her intentions, Maggie falls for the notorious bad boy Canyon, Aunt Lucille doesn’t think he’s good enough for her, so she vows to keep them apart. Will Maggie continue to open her heart to love despite the many obstacles, or will the single life prove to be her best option?
From USA Today bestselling author Melissa McClone: Sweet Holiday Wishes
Saving his marriage is at the top of Mitch’s Christmas list. Will a romantic holiday vacation be his and Lizzy’s second chance at a happily ever after or will it lead to a final goodbye?
Carve out some me-time and savor these four feel-good beach reads. The town of Indigo Bay is the perfect place to indulge in your next reading escape. Don’t miss out on this limited edition collection.
THIS IS A FREE BOXED SET
Amazon https://amzn.to/2Lok93J
Kobo http://bit.ly/2Whj3rz
Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2Y1s5ta
Google Play http://bit.ly/2VGLkuI
iBooks https://apple.co/2JeQgA4
*****
Excerpt:
Sweet Reunion by Stacy Claflin
Magnolia Kendrick jumped from the booth and darted between the tables, avoiding waiters and waitresses. She didn’t slow until she reached the bathroom. Closing the stall door behind her, she leaned against the wall and took in a deep breath of heavily-sweetened air.
That had been close. Too close.
Once her heart rate returned to normal, she exited the stall. An older lady shot her a glare. Probably because she hadn’t heard a flush.
Maggie flashed her a quick smile and went to the mirror to fix her makeup, though it didn’t need it. She only needed another minute or two to pull herself together before rejoining Aunt Lucille—the reason she’d fled to the bathroom.
Auntie had a good heart, bless her, but the woman couldn’t take a clue. Or a flat-out request.
Maggie would just have to try again. What other option was there? She lived with her great-aunt, who had tried to set her up with practically every eligible bachelor in Indigo Bay.
Now at Figaro’s, the restaurant owned by a distant cousin about half an hour from their town, Auntie was attempting another set-up.
Lord have mercy. It was almost enough for Maggie to head back home to Georgia—to the one place she could never show her face again.
Almost.
Maggie wanted nothing to do with a relationship of any kind. That was part of the reason she’d moved to Indigo Bay. A fresh start in a town where people didn’t know her problems.
She stood tall and practiced her smile. It was her best feature, unless she listened to the people who adored her too-thick and too-curly dark hair. Long as it was, it was a nightmare. But she hated the way she looked when it was shorter.
The bathroom door flung open. “Maggie!”
Maggie turned to find her cousin Savannah. It wasn’t unusual to find a relative at Figaro’s. “Hi, Savannah.”
“Auntie said you might be in here.”
Maggie put her makeup back in her purse. “Did she send you to find me?”
“She said you ran off like a chicken with its head cut off.” Savannah raised an eyebrow, clearly wanting to know more.
“Can’t a girl use the bathroom?” Maggie adjusted her skirt.
“Is everything okay, darlin’?”
It would be if Aunt Lucille would quit trying to set her up with every available bachelor within a twenty-mile radius of Indigo Bay.
Savannah stepped closer and put a hand on Maggie’s arm. “Everyone worries about you, you know.”
Maggie smiled as sugary sweet as she could. “I appreciate the concern, but I’m fine. Hey, Auntie wasn’t talking to anyone, was she?”
Savannah fanned herself. “You mean that new server, Emilio?”
Wonderful. Aunt Lucille was probably planning Maggie’s date with Emilio at that moment.
“You don’t like him?” Savannah frowned.
Maggie sighed. “I don’t even know him.”
“I wouldn’t mind getting to know him. Did you see those eyes? Blue as a clear lake.”
“Must’ve missed those. Take care, okay? Say hello to Auntie Charlotte for me.”
“I will.” Savannah gave a little wave. “Tell me if you go out with Emilio. I want to hear all about it.”
Maggie forced a smile. There would be no date. She’d managed to avoid all of Aunt Lucille’s attempts. She could do it again. Maybe the tickle in her throat would turn into something more if she was lucky.
As her cousin headed for a stall, Maggie made her way out into the hallway. She’d far prefer to stay in the bathroom until lunch was over, but Auntie would just send more ladies after her until Maggie returned.
Maggie was so busy thinking about what she would say that she bumped into someone.
She looked up. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t—”
Her gaze locked with a familiar but nearly-forgotten set of dark brown eyes that appeared as surprised to see her as she was to see them. Maggie’s heart skipped a beat, then her pulse drummed through her body. Her cheeks warmed, heat spreading across her face.
Canyon Leblanc.
He still had the same effect on her he’d had so many years earlier, despite the fact that she’d nearly forgotten about him. Not because she’d wanted to, but because life had taken them their separate ways and they’d lost touch.
He was just as gorgeous as ever, if not more so. Tan, neatly dressed. His dark hair was longer than it had been so many years before—and it suited him.
A waitress rushed by, bumping Maggie and nearly throwing her against her old friend. He still wore the same aftershave.
A wave of first-love emotions shoved their way to the surface. Feelings that had overwhelmed her younger self but she’d never allowed herself to act upon. Instead, she’d pined for him.
Then he’d exited from her life.
Now things had changed so much. Too much.
No doubt about it—he was definitely more attractive now. He’d grown out of his boyish good looks and had matured into a ruggedly handsome man. His deep brown eyes sent a shiver to her very core.
Maggie took a step back so she couldn’t smell him. So she could think straight.
She didn’t have the time to get distracted by a handsome face—especially not the one in front of her.
They’d been staring at each other for too long. Someone needed to say something.
Maggie cleared her throat. “Canyon?”
He stared at her, his expression practically unreadable. “Maggie.”
She struggled to find words, so she cleared her throat again just to give herself another moment to think of something to say. “I didn’t realize you were back in town. Just a pit stop?”
He shook his head. “Nope. I’m back for good. Here for a job interview, in fact.”
“You are? I’ll put in a good word. My cousin owns the restaurant.”
“Really?” Canyon arched a brow.
Something about that simple act took her breath away.
She needed to get away, and quick. Preferably before Auntie saw him and tried to set up a date.
Maggie forced a smile. “I’d love to catch up sometime. I’m staying at Aunt Lucille’s. Pop in and say hi when you get a chance. We can have some tea or walk the beach like we used to.”
Why had she just said that? The last thing she needed was him surprising her for a visit, especially at home. Auntie would want to set them up.
Awkward.
He ran his fingers through his hair. “Okay. It’d be real nice to catch up. I’d better get going. Interview in a few minutes.”
Maggie nodded. “Right. Good luck.”
Canyon headed down the hallway toward the offices.
She watched until he was out of sight then headed back to the booth where Aunt Lucille was nearly done with her meal. At least she was alone. Maggie had grown tired of thinking up excuses to avoid dates with the men her aunt constantly tried to set her up with.
“What took you so long, Maggie?” Aunt Lucille tugged on her perfectly-styled blonde hair and waited for a reply.
Maggie slid back to her spot. “I kept running into people. You didn’t have to send Savannah after me.”
Aunt Lucille dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “You’d been in there so long.”
She hadn’t, but rather than argue, Maggie took a big bite of her salmon.
“Emilio is free this Saturday afternoon.”
Maggie nearly choked on her fish. “Auntie, I appreciate your concern but—”
“But nothing. You aren’t getting any younger and you need to get your mind off the past. Isn’t that why you came to stay with me?”
“I’m twenty-four. There’s plenty of time to figure out what to do with my life.”
Aunt Lucille tilted her head and sighed. “Young people these days. You can marry rich and not have to worry about a career. In my day, ladies went to college to get their MRS degree.”
Maggie shoved a piece of broccoli into her mouth before she said something that would start an argument.
Auntie got a dreamy look on her face, then started talking about her late husband and their courting days. It may as well have been a hundred years ago, as far removed as it was from Maggie’s situation.
She fought back tears that threatened. Why couldn’t her aunt realize how painful all this was? Dating wasn’t going to solve Maggie’s problems. Getting engaged again certainly wouldn’t.
Maggie was done with men, period. She couldn’t take any more heartbreak. Once she figured out what she wanted to do with her life, she could focus on that. But that was the problem.
Nothing made her happy. She couldn’t escape the pain of her past no matter how hard she tried.
*****
Author Info:
USA Today bestselling author, Melissa McClone has published over forty novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group. With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Melissa worked for a major airline where she traveled the globe and met her husband. But analyzing jet engine performance couldn’t compete with her love of writing happily ever afters. Her first full-time writing endeavor was her first sale when she was pregnant with her first child! When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her driving her minivan to/from her children’s swim practices and other activities. Melissa lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds, and cats who think they rule the house. They do!
Newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/r7t7t1
Website https://www.melissamcclone.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MelissaMcCloneBooks/
Twitter https://twitter.com/melissamcclone
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melmcclone/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/292027.Melissa_McClone
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-mcclone
Amazon https://amzn.to/2H1FonV
Romance with HEART!
Jeanette Lewis is a bestselling sweet romance author who specializes in writing character-driven stories with heart. Jeanette’s writing is known for her strong characters, depth, and detail, as well as plenty of sweet, swoony kissing scenes.
Dreaming up stories has always been one of Jeanette’s favorite things. Other favorites include family, friends, crisp Autumn days, having adventures, and frozen gummy bears.
Newsletter https://mybookcave.com/d/a2fd85ad/
Website http://www.jeanettelewisbooks.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jeanettelewisbooks/
Twitter https://twitter.com/JeanetteLBooks
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jeanettelewisbooks/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8588467.Jeanette_Lewis
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jeanette-lewis
Amazon https://amzn.to/2H4GL5n
Jean Oram is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author who writes feel-good small town romances. She grew up in a town of 100 (cats and dogs not included) and owns one pair of high heels which she has worn approximately three times in the past twenty years.
Jean lives in Canada with her husband, two kids, cat, dog, and the pesky deer that wander into her yard to eat her rose bushes and apple trees. She can often be found outdoors hiking up a mountain, camping or reading a book.
Thank you for reading!
Newsletter http://bit.ly/2J43nFl
Website https://www.jeanoram.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jeanoramauthor
Twitter https://twitter.com/JeanOram
Instagram http://www.instagram.com/author_jeanoram
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6570589.Jean_Oram
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jean-oram
Amazon https://amzn.to/2UZ2sqY
USA Today bestselling author Stacy Claflin entertains readers in a variety of genres, from paranormal to suspense to sweet contemporary romance. She has been telling stories for as long as she can remember, and as a child would often get into trouble trying to convince friends her wild tales were true. Now she puts her creativity to better use by writing page-turning books that leave readers begging for more. Find her at: http://stacyclaflin.com/
Newsletter http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter
Website http://stacyclaflin.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stacy.claflin.author
Twitter https://twitter.com/StacyClaflin
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/stacyclaflin
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacy-claflin
Amazon https://amzn.to/2VJJrgE
*****
Giveaway:
To celebrate the release of ESCAPE TO INDIGO BAY, the authors are giving away an Indigo Bay bundle package!
The prize is a beach-themed prize pack which includes:
LINK: http://bit.ly/2H0zGCH
GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to internationally. One winner will receive a prize bundle containing a Thirty-One Gifts “Escape to Indigo Bay” small canvas tote, a paperback copy of Sweet Dreams by Stacy Claflin, a paperback copy of Sweet Reunion by Stacy Claflin, a paperback copy of The Passionate One by Jeannette Lewis, a paperback copy of An Unexpected Angel by Jeannette Lewis, a paperback copy of Jenny by Melissa McClone, a paperback copy of Sweet Forgiveness by Jean Oram, a bag of salt water taffy, and a mini jar full of seashells. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of the authors of the Escape to Indigo Bay boxed set. Giveaway ends 5/19/2019 @ 11:59pm EST.
*****
Click on the banner to check out the rest of the tour
14 Tuesday May 2019
Posted in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek
I usually like my books a little lower on the drama scale but this one sounds SOOO good!
*****
When It’s All Said & Done
by Denise N. Wheatley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Blurb:
Savvy, fun-loving writer Leslie James dreams of one day joining Limelight magazine’s writing staff. In the meantime, she keeps her journalistic skills sharp with Blissful Beauties, a beauty blog that celebrates all women.
Leslie’s passion for writing takes her mind off her current relationship status: Single. She’s okay with leaving love out of the equation, until she meets Michael—a handsome, sexy single father and sports journalist with everything Leslie could want in a man. At the urging of her supportive, sassy best friend Crystal, Leslie befriends Michael but insists that they remain strictly platonic, but Michael has other plans. He’s determined to make Leslie his lady for life, and as their undeniable chemistry begins to sizzle, Leslie is powerless to resist him.
But their budding romance is abruptly cut short when Michael’s ex-wife suddenly resurfaces, wanting to rekindle their relationship. Will the love Leslie has for Michael ever be enough to truly win his heart?
Reader Alert! Leslie James is at her wits’ end when it comes to love. The minute she decides to throw in the towel, gorgeous and charming Michael Allgood comes along. Mesmerized by this fine specimen of a man, and against her better judgement, Leslie decides to give him a chance—but she regrets that decision when his greedy ex-wife Mia suddenly shows up on his doorstep. Can Michael prove to Leslie that his intentions are good and he wants a love with her that’ll last forever?
To My Readers: I’ve been a lover of romance for as long as I can remember. WHEN IT’S ALL SAID & DONE is fun, contemporary romantic comedy that’s very close to my heart. As the novel came to fruition, I found myself wanting to be friends with the smart, savvy, beautiful women in the book and date the handsome, strong, sexy, men! My goal was to tell an entertaining story that embodies matters of the heart and would leave readers thinking about these colorful characters long after the final chapter. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Amazon * B&N * Red Sage Publishing
Video Trailer:
https://youtu.be/gvEAhy8lanc
*****
Excerpt:
Once Michael finished cooking breakfast, he and Leslie headed into the living room to watch college basketball. The twosome chatted about a little bit of everything as they ate. And then, just when they sat their plates down on the coffee table, Michael turned to Leslie.
“I love you,” he said softly.
She stared blankly at him, thinking she must’ve misheard him.
“You…what?”
“I love you.”
Leslie’s chest began to tingle, and her eyes teared up a bit. The sweet, sincere look on Michael’s face was beyond words. She was positive that she’d never felt this way about anyone before in her life.
“I love you, too.”
Michael wrapped his arms around her. He leaned in, and she closed her eyes, waiting to feel the soft, warm touch of his lips. And then, just when the tip of his nose gently brushed against hers, she heard the sound of keys rattling outside of the door.
Michael stopped abruptly. “Did you hear that?”
“I did. It sounds like somebody’s coming in.”
Michael jumped up and walked over to the door. Before he could turn the knob, it flew open, and Tyler came running inside.
“Daddy! Daddy!” he yelled.
“Hey, what’s up little man!” Michael said, picking him up.
Leslie stood up, smiling and waving at Tyler. Then she walked around the couch and waited nervously for Michael’s mother to walk in. She hadn’t expected to meet his mom this soon, especially under these circumstances.
“Hello Michael,” a sexy-sounding female voice said. It sounded nothing like his mother.
Leslie watched as a beautiful woman carrying a designer suitcase appeared in the doorway. It was, in fact, not Michael’s mother. It was his ex-wife, Mia.
Leslie’s entire body went numb. She eyed Mia, noticing how tall and curvaceously thin she was. Her jet black wavy hair cascaded down her back. Her deep bronze complexion was flawless. Her hazel eyes were dazzling. And she acted as though Leslie was invisible considering she had yet to acknowledge her.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense and awkward. Leslie didn’t know what to do, so she looked over at Michael. He seemed to be just as shocked to see Mia as she was. When Mia reached out and tried to embrace him, he took a step back.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“Your mother called and told me the wonderful news about your sports casting job! Instead of calling to congratulate you, I decided to come home and give you my well-wishes in person!”
“Home?” Michael asked cynically.
“Yes,” Mia replied confidently. “Home.”
Leslie’s eyes widened. She could not believe what she was seeing or hearing. She struggled to keep her cool. Waited to be noticed. To be spoken to. Introduced. Something. But since that didn’t seem like it was going to happen, she cleared her throat, forcing Mia to acknowledge her presence.
“Oh. Hello. I didn’t see you standing there.”
Yeah right.
“Hello, I’m—” Leslie began. But before she could continue, Mia interrupted her and turned back to Michael.
“I didn’t realize you had company. Your mother told me you were here alone.”
Michael looked at her in disbelief. “How did you get the keys?”
“Your mother gave them to me,” Mia smiled. “I stopped by there first to see her and pick up Tyler, and told her not to mention that I was coming home so I could surprise you.”
“I’m sorry,” Leslie interrupted, feeling as though a bomb might go off inside of her. “As Michael said, I’m Leslie.”
“Hello. I’m Mia. Tyler’s mother.”
The smirk on Mia’s face said it all. She obviously felt as though she had the upper hand here.
Leslie looked down and saw a wedding ring set sitting boldly on Mia’s finger. She hoped that it was from a new husband and wasn’t the set that Michael had given her.
“Come on mommy! Come see my room!” Tyler insisted, clutching Mia’s leg.
“Okay, here I come!” Mia then turned to Michael. “Your daddy has some things to take care of out here anyway.”
Before following Tyler to his room, Mia turned to Leslie with a beauty pageant smile on her face and waved.
“Nice meeting you…Lindsay was it? Take care,” she said dismissively before walking off in her fancy designer stilettos.
Leslie didn’t bother to respond. She was too irritated to even open her mouth. Instead she turned to Michael, struggling to maintain her composure as she stared at him silently and waited for him to handle the situation.
“Sweetheart,” he began, holding his hands up, “I swear I didn’t know she was coming here.”
“Oh, I get that. I’m just wondering why you haven’t asked her to leave.”
“Well, Tyler’s here…so…”
“Sooo…you’re not going to ask her to leave?”
“Well…I just don’t want to make a scene in front of our son.”
Leslie’s heart plummeted to the pit of her stomach. “Michael, you do know what’s going on here, don’t you? How ironic that the minute you don’t get an NBA contract, she leaves. Then the minute you get a sports casting job on a major network, she reappears.”
“I know…But Mia is Tyler’s mother, and he’s so happy to see her. I don’t feel comfortable asking her to leave right now. It would break his heart.”
Leslie felt a lump forming in her throat. She looked into Michael’s eyes, wondering what all this meant for the two of them. She was afraid that if he let Mia stay, then somehow that could drastically change things between the two of them.
“So you’re going to let her stay?” Leslie asked quietly.
“I don’t have a choice. Please understand that, Leslie, Please…”
Loud laughter between Mia and Tyler came booming from his bedroom. Leslie felt completely defeated. She got it now. Mia was back. So it was time for her to leave.
“Why’d I do this?” she asked herself out loud. “Why? I knew better…”
“Leslie, please don’t say that,” Michael insisted.
*****
Author Info:
Denise N. Wheatley is a lover of romance, happy endings and the art of storytelling. She used to cry as a three-year old child when her mother read to her because she so badly wanted to read the books herself! Once she learned, Denise constantly had her nose in a novel (especially the ones she’d sneak from her mom’s bookshelf). She’s been writing for as long as she can remember and draws inspiration from Chicago, the city where she was born and raised, as well as Los Angeles, which is one of her favorite places in the world. Denise has published several books and novellas with Simon & Schuster, Red Sage Publishing, eXtasy Books and independently, has written screenplays and teleplays, and has ghostwritten for some of your faves. When she isn’t sitting behind her computer, you can find Denise in a movie theater, on a tennis court, watching true crime television or chatting on social media.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
*****
Giveaway:
$10 Amazon
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a91354/
*****
Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour
13 Monday May 2019
Posted in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek
Tags
Who doesn’t need a little humor to brighten up their day now and then?
*****
Minx
by Maggie Adams
Release Date: April 30th, 2019
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romantic Comedy
Cover Designer: Backcover KLPS
Blurb:
A romantic comedy about friendships, flirtations, and the elusive “Fantasm!”
Hi! I’m Miranda Blake and this is my story. Well, sort of. It’s more like a twisted fairytale, if you believe in them. Except there’s no beautiful, young princess with perky breasts, perfectly coiffed hair and a sassy attitude. I’m closing in on fifty, thirty pounds overweight according to Weight Watchers, and, after nursing two kids and that bitch, gravity, doing her job, I’m lucky the ladies don’t hit my knees. The gorgeous brown mane of hair is slightly frizzy from my ridiculous attempts to recapture my youth by dyeing the hell out of it. As for sassy attitude, well, it wasn’t so long ago that I was a doormat. And the charming prince who sweeps me off my feet into the life of my dreams? I have a dog called Prince, German Shepherd, who knocks me on my ass if I’m in the way when the doorbell rings. Does that count?
TRAILER: https://youtu.be/UDLqVnb2Vuk
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Minx-Maggie-Adams-ebook/dp/B07PVCHBG5
Other Retailers: https://books2read.com/u/mVQA92
*****
Excerpt:
“I want a divorce.”
I paused and looked up from packing our suitcases for our anniversary trip to Aruba. The ambient light he had insisted upon when we remodeled barely illuminated his form much less his facial expression. I didn’t mind the lighting usually, it smoothed over the slight imperfections on our bodies and made everything look soft and supple. Tonight, I would have given my left boob for one of those interrogation lights you see on detective shows.
“I’m sorry. What did you say?” Like the doormat I am, I continued to fold his underwear into the case. The frustration coming from his voice was enough to convince me he was telling the truth, but I didn’t want to believe him. So, I continued to fold the damn clothes like an idiot, hoping this was his idea of a twisted joke at my expense. I’d had a lot of those over the years.
“You heard me, Miranda.” He raked his right hand through his graying hair. For a moment, I felt a twinge of envy. Men were so damn lucky in growing older. The gray or the glasses made them look sophisticated and worldly. I, however, looked like that myopic frizzy haired witch in those wizard movies. I blinked, returning his frown with a slight smile.
“You don’t mean that,” I said, shaking my head. I could feel the panic beginning to rise. What if he did mean it? What would I do? I’d given up my job as a journalist over twenty-five years ago to get married and have children. I’d stayed home, the perfect housewife and mother, because that’s the way he wanted it. Anger began to replace the panic. I’d given up my dreams to allow him his and this is how he repays me?
The clothes were packed so I started toward the bathroom to fill the toiletries. Brushing past him, I was surprised when he grabbed my arm. “You’re not listening! God, you do this every time there’s something you don’t want to hear. Do you know how annoying that is?”
Annoying? Avoiding confrontation was annoying?? I almost laughed out loud. If he only knew how many times I had wanted to scream at him, to insist he listen to me for once. Perhaps I should let fly right now and really let the bastard have it. After all, he deserved it with this stupid demand.
Who the hell gets divorced after twenty-five years? I mean, that’s like the last year to make a change, isn’t it? After that, you take stock of your life, decide that it may not be all you dreamed of but it’s good enough, and you wait each other out on the death sentence.
I opened my mouth to tell him just that when I noticed he had moved away and was shuffling through the suitcase. “What in the hell are you doing?” I growled at him as I began refolding my things. “We are going on our anniversary cruise tomorrow morning. I need to pack. You need to get a grip on whatever this male menopause thing is and be ready to enjoy our trip.”
Oh my God! Did I just say that out loud? I peeked up at him. His mouth was opening and closing like a fish out of water. I watched the blood rush from his throat to his head. Yep, I’d said it out loud. He grabbed my arms and pushed me into the desk chair. I was suddenly frightened. How odd! I’d never been frightened of him before. Perhaps it was because his face was so close, I could smell the whiskey on his breath, see myself in his eyes. But more than likely it was because he had his fingers around my throat, and he was squeezing.
“Pay attention, Miranda. I no longer want you. I no longer desire you. You have become an albatross weighing me down. We are divorcing and that’s final. You go your way and I go mine. I take what is mine and you take what is yours.” He released me and stepped back to the suitcase, calmly taking out my clothes once again.
“The kids?” I gasped out, rubbing the sting from the skin of my throat.
“The kids are adults. They will be fine.” He closed the suitcase with a snap. “I’m going on the cruise. When I return, I expect you to be out of the house. Everything can be handled through our lawyers.”
The cruise. My clothes. His silences. I closed my eyes against the knowledge of my own stupidity. “Who is she?”
I could feel his stare. He was weighing whether to tell me, so it must be someone I knew. “It doesn’t matter.”
I opened my eyes. “It does to me.”
For the first time, he looked uneasy. He cleared his throat. “It’s Megan Clark. As soon as our divorce is final, she’ll be Megan Blake.”
“Our daughter’s tennis coach?!” I shot up from the chair. “You’ve been fucking our daughter’s tennis coach?!” This threw my anger into high gear like nothing else could. He could mess with me all he wanted, but to deliberately hurt our daughter, use her for his selfish desires?
I pushed him out the bedroom door. “You cheating sack of shit! You find my avoidance of issues, annoying, well, let me help you clear the air! I find your constant handling of your balls annoying, your clearing your throat then swallowing phlegm annoying, your constant critique of everyone else annoying, your pompous attitude about my friends annoying,” I took a deep breath, noting with satisfaction that he now clutched the suitcase to his chest in defense, and screamed at the top of my lungs. “But mostly I find your selfish, narcissistic, cloying attempts to be the man you need to be but fall far short of, to be ANNOYING!”
“You’re insane!” he whispered, horrified at my display.
He scrambled down the stairs and headed for the garage as I continued to hail insults down upon his head. “You’re a terrible father to do this to your children! You’re homemade wine tastes like raspberry piss water! Your mother’s potato salad sucked!”
I saved the best for last. One that would ultimately worm its way into his psyche and take root. One this narcissistic rat bastard couldn’t help but take to heart. The one thing I had to constantly praise him on.
I smiled as he hurried into the car. “You’re a mediocre fuck, Dale. You’re a one trick pony in bed and your balls smell like vegetable soup!” I made sure to imprint the look of horror and disgust on his face as he backed out of our garage to go to his lover.
It was only hours later, as I slid onto the sheets of the bed in the guestroom, that I realized throughout the entire confrontation, neither of us had mentioned love. That made me sad for a moment, then a profound relief took hold and I began to cry. I hadn’t realized how tight I had been wound. Fuckin’ twenty-five years and I finally get a do-over. I closed my eyes and dreamed.
*****
Author Info:
Maggie Adams is an Amazon Best Selling contemporary romance author. Her first book in the Tempered Steel Series, Whistlin’ Dixie, debuted in Amazon’s Top 100 for Women’s Fiction, humor, on November, 2014 and then again at #61 in 2016. Since then, she has consistently made the Amazon best seller 5-star list with Leather and Lace, Something’s Gotta Give, Love, Marriage & Mayhem, and Forged in Fire. Her series has launched the tiny town of Grafton, Illinois, into International recognition with sales in Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and the UK.
Website: http://www.maggieadamsbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggieadamsbooks
Fanclub Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maggiesminxes
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/maggieadams
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Maggieadamsbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthrMaggieAdms
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maggiesminxes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggieadamsbooks/
*****
HOSTED BY:
LIP SERVICES PR
@Lip ServicesPR
10 Friday May 2019
Posted in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest
Hard-working cowboys with a big heart are just so dang sexy!!
*****
The Cowboy’s Perfect Match
The Sweetheart Ranch #2
by Cathy McDavid
Contemporary Romance
Blurb:
He may not be perfect…
But he’s perfect for her!
Ryan DeMere is definitely enjoying the perks of being Sweetheart Ranch’s new wrangler—the best is working with head chef Bridget O’Malley. He’s fallen head over spurs for the talented and determined beauty. There’s just one hiccup. Bridget is holding out for Mr. Right—and Ryan doesn’t quite meet her requirements. But he’s determined to win Bridget over, because Ryan may not be perfect…but maybe their love could be.
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo
Also available
A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal, The Sweetheart Ranch #1
At a magical time of year…
Can a cowboy help falling in love?
For single dad Owen Caufield, living and working at Sweetheart Ranch for a month is the perfect change of pace. While the cowboy turned wedding officiant can now spend more time with his children, Molly O’Malley, his new boss, is less thrilled. A wedding ranch isn’t the best place for three rambunctious youngsters. But amid the chaos—and the coming holidays—it may be the best place to fall in love…
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo
*****
Review:
Ryan is definitely one of my favorite heroes that I’ve read in a while. He’s got a good sense of fun and his humor is very laid-back & contagious. He takes things seriously when he needs to but also knows how to just enjoys life. He’s a good foil for Bridget who unfortunately tends to takes things a little too seriously.
I enjoyed that their biggest obstacle is just plain ol’ timing (and that seriousness) and that there wasn’t too much drama between them. Sometimes it is nice to just have a story that you can relax into and enjoy as it unfolds in a real way. You can understand completely how two people have a good connection but just aren’t in a place where they can get involved.
Of course, love finds a way (with a little meddling) and everything works out in the end. But it is the journey from flirting to more to trouble to that HEA ending that makes for an enjoyable read. If you are looking for excitement and angst, you aren’t going to find a lot of it here. Instead you get a slow burn romance that is perfect for a lazy couple of days of reading.
*****
Author Info:
As a sophomore in high school, NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author Cathy McDavid won a local writing competition with her self-illustrated children’s book. Who knew that small triumph would eventually lead to a career writing contemporary romances with over 1.3 million books sold? With forty-seven titles to date, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins recently married her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world four years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about good looking men who ride the range or fight fires or hunt creatures all while sweeping the girl off her feet. It’s a tough job but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│BookBub│Amazon
*****
Giveaway:
One winner will receive:
$10 Amazon gift card
Author swag
A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal and The Bull Rider’s Valentine
(print to US winner only, Kindle copies to US or international)
Ends May 22, 2019
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b9a55db3361/
*****
Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour
09 Thursday May 2019
Posted in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek
I’m so excited to have Meghan Quinn here today to answer a few questions and give us a peek at her newest book!
*****
Get To Know Author Meghan Quinn
1. In the past few years you have written dozens of novels! First off, how do you find the time? And second, how has becoming a bestselling author changed your life?
I have the best partner in life ever that helps out with everything around the house, including the kids. I also have a very overactive imagination so when I get into a scene, my fingers fly, giving me high word counts in a short amount of time. Even though it looks like I’m working all the time, I make sure to make time for my family, ending every day at five at night. And hitting the USA Today bestselling list was a huge goal of mine I had ever since I started writing. It meant everything to me.
2. What can you tell us about the first time you sat down to write with the goal of completing a novel?
I was a maniac. I wrote the book in a week. Yes, a week. It was insane. I had so much to say because I was thinking about it consistently while commuting an hour and twenty minutes one way to work. When my fingers hit the keyboard, it al flew out of me.
3. What is the best part about being a romance author? What is the most difficult part?
The best part is constantly being able to create, break it up, and then find it again. It’s such an old, classic formula, but it’s my favorite of all time. The most difficult is trying not to gross people out with terminology during sex scenes. There are only so many words that are on the OKAY list. Sometimes it can be restricting.
4. What draws you to writing romance novels? Specifically why is it important that your characters have happily-ever-afters?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved love. Instead of going out in high school, I would stay at home and watch romantic comedies. I was fascinated with falling in love and the heartbreak, and then the make up. I love everything about it. I think we all deserve a HEA, why not give it to our characters too?
5. Even though you include realism and heartbreak in your books, the thing readers really takeaway is sense of fun you pack into the novels. How is it you (and your characters) are able to find humor in everyday things?
I’ve always found myself to live in the clouds, in a land of cupcakes and fun, it’s just my personality so whenever I’m in a situation, I usually can find the fun in it and of course, I’m really good at embellishing.
6. Give us a quick snapshot of your newest novel That Second Chance.
Four brothers, small town romance, all single, all cursed. Will they be able to find love, even though they’re the most eligible yet untouchable bachelors in Port Snow, Maine?
7. What makes Ren and Griff’s story special to you?
Their meet cute is probably one of my most favorite of all time. Wayward moose, volunteer firefighter, a crazed woman new to town, looking for help. It’s all charming, funny, and perfect.
8. What’s next for this series?
Rogan!!! AND OH MY GOD!!! His story is . . . gah! I can’t even tell you how in love with it I am. There is mystery, intrigue, questions that need to be answered and so much swoon you might just fall off your chair while reading.
*****
That Second Chance
Getting Lucky, Book 1
by Meghan Quinn
Release Date: May 7, 2019
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Blurb:
It was supposed to be an innocent night, celebrating my brother’s birthday. Nothing was supposed to go wrong. We’d vowed to be on our best behavior after all . . .
But it only took one rowdy night with my brothers to flip my world upside down. One unlucky encounter saddled us with a family curse and the promise of doomed relationships. I laughed it off immediately. “Yeah, right,” I thought. “A love curse. Ha!”
Boy, was I wrong.
Word spreads quickly in a town like mine; rumors about that night soon made us the most eligible yet untouchable bachelors in Port Snow, Maine. As a subject of endless gossip and speculation, I could kiss my dating life goodbye.
It would have stayed that way if Ren Winters, the new girl in town, hadn’t crashed into my life. Brave, beautiful, and smart—her vivacious thirst for a fresh start has given me hope that maybe, just maybe, I can have one too.
Everyone wishes for that second chance . . . but could this really be mine?
*****
Excerpt:
I’m counting out our register drawer, trying to stay focused on the numbers whipping through my head, but it’s difficult with Reid’s constant small talk. I jot down another tally mark on the paper in front of me and set aside a stack of bills.
“Hello, are you listening?” Reid asks, sounding annoyed.
“No. I’m counting.”
“Well, I’m talking about you, so you might want to lend me your ear for a second.”
Huffing, I set the cash on the counter, knowing my very persistent brother won’t be quiet until I give him my full attention. “What’s up, Reid?”
Satisfied, he smiles. “You should ask her out.”
“Ask who out?”
“Ren.”
Yeah, that’s not going to happen. “No.”
I go back to counting, but Reid starts snapping his fingers at me. “Hey, I wasn’t finished.” I look back up at him, not even slightly interested in this conversation. “I saw the way she was looking at you today. I think she likes you.”
“You’re confused. She was probably just being nice, since I’m the guy who pulled her out of the window of her car after her accident. And even if she does like me, which I highly doubt, there’s no interest on my end. So that’s the end of that.”
“Bull,” Reid and Jen both say at the same time.
Christ. My two most nagging siblings are ganging up on me. Just what I need when I’m trying to get home and relax.
“Can we not make this into a dissection of my personal life, please? I’m not in the mood, and I want to get this done so I can go home.”
“Griff, she’s pretty, she’s sweet, and she’s smart. She’s new to town and, I’m sure, could use a friend,” Jen says just as the door opens, its bell chiming through the space. Brig pops in, grease all over his shirt and a smirk on his face.
Uh-oh. There’s only one reason why he’d be smirking at me that way.
“What are we talking about?” He rubs his hands together and takes a seat on a barstool near the window. “If it’s about the hot new teacher in town, I want in on this conversation.”
“We’re trying to convince Griff to ask her out.”
Brig slow claps his appreciation. “Novel idea. I think they’re a perfect match.”
“I’m not asking her out,” I huff, giving up on the register and leaning against the wall behind me, arms crossed. There’s no way I’ll be able to concentrate on counting while these three are yapping in my ear.
“Why the hell not? She’s perfect for you,” Brig says, a little insulted at my rejection. “Before you even say no, you should at least get to know her a little. I told her today she could borrow your truck while her car is in the shop.”
I count to five before answering, tamping down my temper. “Why the hell would you do that?” Okay, maybe I didn’t tamp it down enough.
“Uh, because she lives three houses down from you?” Brig rolls his eyes as if I’m the stupid one in this conversation. “She needs some help, so be a knight in shining armor, dude. Help out the damsel in distress and then make out with her on the beach. Maybe cop a feel; get some for once.”
“I’m not doing that,” I answer, going back to the money, letting them know this conversation is over.
“And why not?” Jen asks.
“Because I’m not interested in starting or being in a relationship. I’m happy with how my life is right now, and I don’t need anything complicating it.”
“But she has heart eyes for you,” Brig says like a jackass.
“Don’t worry; there are plenty of Knightly brothers to choose from,” I reply.
“Come on, Griff, how fun can going home to an empty, lonely house really be?” Jen chimes in, concern evident in her voice.
I shift on my feet, my voice terse. “I like my house. It’s fine. I’m fine.”
Silence falls between us, an awkward air moving in like a fast-moving cold front.
“Is this because of New Orleans?” Reid finally asks, taking a seat next to Brig. Both of my brothers fix their gazes on me, waiting for an answer.
Why is this a thing whenever we talk about my love life? Can’t they just let it go? What happened was … hell, I don’t even know how to describe it. All I know is I don’t foresee love in my future.
Claire was the love of my life, and I lost her; in a blink of an eye she was gone. I’m not going through that again. Not ever.
Shaking my head, I turn away from my family. This conversation is over.
And with that, I take the cash to the back office, where I can get some peace and quiet.
Ask Ren Winters out on a date? Not going to happen.
And she’s not going to drive my truck either. I think that’s evident in the fact that she drove her car in between two trees.
Can’t blame a guy there.
*****
Author Info:
USA Today bestselling author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. An author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
Website: https://authormeghanquinn.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormeghan.quinn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360513.Meghan_Quinn
*****
Giveaway:
$25 Amazon Gift Card and Digital Copy of THAT SECOND CHANCE by Meghan Quinn
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07c2363f225/
*****
07 Tuesday May 2019
Posted in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek
Y’all, readers are showing this book (and this series) some serious love. Get your copy today and find out why!!
*****
Love and Lingerie
Rockland Falls, book 2
by Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 5/7/19
Blurb:
Everything is coming together for Harper Grayson. She has a family she adores, a quaint little house that’s all hers, and a puppy to keep her warm at night. Plus, her lingerie shop, Kiss Me Goodnight, is successful. With her eyes now set on an expansion the moment the empty building next door finally becomes available, things are finally aligning perfectly for Harper. Until Latham Douglas walks through her door…
Latham Douglas has been back from a long stint in the Army for mere days when he has his first run-in with a blast from his past. It’s a pleasant surprise to find Harper Grayson selling sexy lingerie just down the block from his family’s hardware store, but he won’t let the stunning woman he remembers from school derail his plans. His business needs the empty building next door, and he’s willing to do just about anything to secure it.
Harper and Latham have the same dream. What happens when they realize they can’t both have what they want? Who will give, especially after business turns to pleasure? Can they keep their hearts out of it, or will the winner actually be the biggest loser of all?
Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks | B&N
Google Play | Kobo | Goodreads
Book 1, Love and Pancakes, is also available
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks
Google Play | B&N | Kobo | Goodreads
*****
Excerpt:
My happy puppy greets me as soon as I slip inside the house, the air conditioning a welcome reprieve from the heat outside. I bend down and give her a quick pet behind the ears before leading her to the back door. She runs off, anxious to do her business, while I head back inside to take a quick shower.
I don’t wash my hair, but shave and exfoliate all of the important areas. When I’m smooth and clean, I jump out of the shower, anxious to head over to Latham’s. I smother lotion over every square inch of my body, the rich scents of jasmine and vanilla wrapping around me. I touch up my makeup, darkening my eyes in that sultry way I used to do daily, but now save for special occasions.
Then, I head for my dresser. I already know which one I want. After spending a few minutes with Adrian and feeling the anticipation she was experiencing, I dig out my own black bustier and matching thong set. Mine is an older style, though, with deep red piping and a black lace overlay. Carefully, I snap the back and glance in the mirror. It dips dangerously low, showcasing my cleavage and pushing my breasts together magnificently. The lace thong is sexy, enticing, and bold. Perfect.
I snap the garter belt into place and roll on a pair of stockings. Then, I return to my closet and find my dark blue sundress. It’s shorter than the others and will barely hide the stockings that hit just above mid-thigh. It too will be perfect. Keeping my hair up, I retwist it into a knot, letting only a few tendrils of hair hang around my face.
Taking one last look in the mirror, I slip on my too-high strappy sandals, swipe dark gloss over my lips, and head out of my room. I make a quick pit stop at the back door and call Snuggles. She’s not too happy to be coming in from outside, but when I produce a treat from the cabinet, she hightails it out of her doghouse and trots up the back steps like her tail is on fire. It wags furiously as she sits like a good girl and shakes for her treat. After a few more minutes of showering her with affection, I fill her food and water bowls, and make sure she’s settled for the evening.
Then, I head back to my car.
It’s only a few blocks from downtown where my business is, and even though I try to keep the windows open to enjoy the early evening breeze, it’s just too hot outside, or maybe I’m a little too nervous. Too sweaty. So I roll up the windows and crank on the air. As soon as I do, I hear a poof sound, and it’s suddenly raining.
Not liquid, though.
This is sparkly particles of hell flying through the air and landing everywhere.
Everywhere.
Glitter.
So. Much. Glitter.
I stop at the stop sign, spitting the sliver sparkles from my mouth and glance around. My entire car is covered in it. My dress. My arms. My face.
Dirty rotten bastard, son of the devil asshole jerk!
He’s. So. Fucking. Dead.
*****
Author Info:
Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves watching NASCAR races, shooting guns, and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.
Lacey’s debut novel, Trust Me, was released in August 2014 and has been an Amazon Bestseller twice for Free e-books, as well as #1 for Contemporary Romance. All of the Rivers Edge books have been bestsellers in the Romance and Contemporary Romance categories.
Website | Email | Facebook | Twitter | Blog
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Giveaway:
Signed copy of LOVE AND LINGERIE
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78adb797/
*****
06 Monday May 2019
Posted in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek
I’ll be honest, I’ve not read any of the books in this series but this one is definitely going towards the top of my TBR pile! I’m so intrigued by both Gertrude & Edwin and I can’t wait to find out how they find their way to a HEA.
*****
You Might Be a Bluestocking If… with Author Christi Caldwell
In my newest novel, The Bluestocking, Gertrude, the eldest Killoran sister, has spent a lifetime being underestimated—especially by her own family. She may seem as vulnerable as a kitten, but given the chance she can be as fierce as a tiger. Her adopted brother Stephen has just been snatched back by his true father, and she’ll be damned if she relinquishes the boy to the man reviled throughout London as the Mad Marquess.
Still haunted by a deadly tragedy that left him publicly despised, Lord Edwin holds only hatred for the Killorans—the people he believes kidnapped his son. And not one of them will ever see the boy again. But when Gertrude forces her way into the household and stubbornly insists that she remain as Stephen’s governess, Edwin believes he may have found someone madder than himself.
With every moment he shares with the tenderhearted Gertrude, Edwin’s anger softens into admiration . . . and more. It is possible that the woman he loathed may be the only person who can heal his broken soul?
Gertrude was such a wonderful character to write. She’s the eldest of her siblings and firmly on the shelf. She’s incredibly diverse in her strengths and in her interests and in the knowledge she possesses: it’s a knowledge that really is all-encompassing, spanning furniture-making to the care of animals to skills for surviving on the streets. In addition, she’s been responsible for educating the children in her family’s care, and what I found so fascinating is that she knows the value of education and what she’s been providing has been so important, and yet so many have failed to appreciate the power of her contributions.
In honor of Gertrude, an intelligent, interesting, and ultimately irresistible heroine, I have written a short game of “You Might Be A Bluestocking If…” so you can test yourself to see what you have in common with Gertrude.
*****
The Bluestocking
Wicked Wallflowers, Book 4
by Christi Caldwell
Release Date: May 7, 2019
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Blurb:
Gertrude, the eldest Killoran sister, has spent a lifetime being underestimated—especially by her own family. She may seem as vulnerable as a kitten, but given the chance, she can be as fierce as a tiger. Her adopted brother, Stephen, has just been snatched back by his true father, and she’ll be damned if she relinquishes the boy to the man reviled throughout London as the Mad Marquess.
Still haunted by a deadly tragedy that left him publicly despised, Lord Edwin holds only hatred for the Killorans—the people he believes kidnapped his son. And not one of them will ever see the boy again. But when Gertrude forces her way into the household and stubbornly insists that she remain as Stephen’s governess, Edwin believes he may have found someone madder than himself.
With every moment he shares with the tenderhearted Gertrude, Edwin’s anger softens into admiration . . . and more. Is it possible that the woman he loathed may be the only person who can heal his broken soul?
*****
Excerpt:
Who was this . . . daughter of Diggory? The one few spoke of and about whom little was known.
Edwin pushed himself away from the door, and folding his arms at his chest, he took slow, predatory steps closer, walking a path around her. His earlier assessment in the darkened foyer of the woman had proven correct. Drab brown hair. Nondescript brown eyes. Of medium height, and in possession of a slender frame that left her cloak hanging unflatteringly upon her, there was nothing extraordinary about the last unwed Killoran. Which was no doubt why she’d not snagged herself a wealthy or powerful husband as her sisters had already done. At his lengthy scrutiny, she dared him with her eyes. And yet for her . . . ordinariness, there was a strength of spirit that radiated, casting a soft blush upon cream-white cheeks, that marked her as . . . interesting. She was interesting. He stopped abruptly. Seeing this woman in any light except the darkened one was a betrayal to his late wife and his children, both living and dead . . . and himself.
“I was clear with my demands. Get out now, Miss Diggory.”
The stubborn chit pursed her slightly too-full lips. “As I said earlier, you were less clear than you give yourself credit for,” she challenged, ignoring the latter part of his directive. My God, she is an insolent bit of baggage. “And my name is Killoran.”
The names were synonymous and interchangeable.
Edwin stopped before her so only a pace divided them. “And tell me, where was I not clear?” he purred. “Was it the part about making sure Broderick Diggory hangs, as he deserves, that was not clear?” The color bled from her cheeks. “Or was it my stated intentions for your sisters . . . what are their names? Ophelia? Cleopatra?” he asked, mocking that Shakespearean queen’s name, and the woman in front of him frowned deeper. “How . . . unfortunate it would be if their business ventures were both to fail.”
The young woman curled and uncurled her coarse hands at her sides. “Do not threaten my family,” she said coolly.
He’d hand it to her. She remained undaunted.
“Or what, Miss Diggory?” A muscle ticked at the corner of her right eye, but she did not rise to the bait, either. “Will you set my townhouse afire and attempt to steal my son . . . again?”
Her features leached even more of their color, leaving those previously blushing cheeks a ghastly grey-white. And for her earlier brave show, it was her turn to falter. “I didn’t . . .” And he celebrated that triumph over his enemy.
“What was that?” he barked, cupping a hand around his ear. “You didn’t what?” Destroy my life? Shatter my family? “Kidnap my son?” he settled for, refusing to voice aloud his greatest agonies before this of all women.
She flinched.
“Now leave, and tell your real brother if he violates our arrangement once more, using you or another one of your . . . sisters or his henchmen to do his work for him, I’ll take you all down.” His in-laws’ earlier recriminations flooded forward. It was just something else they’d been right about.
Edwin had stomped over to his desk when he registered the absolute silence—more specifically, the lack of retreating footfalls.
He turned back.
Miss Diggory jutted her chin up defiantly. “No one sent me, my lord. I am here of my own volition.”
He chuckled, that rusty, ill-used laugh more a growl than anything that could ever be confused with a real expression of mirth. No one came here of their own volition. As a rule, the world avoided him.
Shifting direction, he returned to the stubborn chit’s side, and leaning down, he placed his mouth close to her temple once more and fought the maddening pull of whatever damned perfume she dabbed behind her ears. “Do you think I’m foolish enough all these years later to believe a lie dripping off a Diggory’s lips?”
The young woman’s back moved up and down, an indication of her rapid breath. Of her fear. A lifetime ago, he’d have sooner chopped off his left hand than deliberately taunt a woman and take pleasure in her fear. No longer. That pathetic excuse of a man who’d gotten his wife and babe killed, and the other son snatched, reveled in this woman’s unease. “Hmm?” he prodded, and she jumped.
“I have no reason to lie to you, my lord,” she said calmly, and as she spoke, her breath, containing a whispery trace of honey, filtered from her lips and fanned his mouth. Another unexpectedly sweet scent, at odds with her past and name and sins. It enticed, drawing his gaze to her mouth and holding his focus there, mesmerized. “There is nothing I want, need, or desire.” She darted her tongue out and traced the plump seam of her lips. And God forgive him, his gut clenched. For even as self-loathing spiraled through him, something far worse, far more perilous and viler and more treacherous, held him in its snare: desire. “The only reason I’ve come . . . the only worry I had . . . was for Stephen.”
Stephen.
That single name, spoken aloud, snapped whatever siren’s trap she’d sucked him momentarily into. “August.” Had there ever been a doubt as to his insanity, this quixotic fascination with the woman’s slightly too-full mouth as she spoke was evidence enough of it.
She tipped her head, and one of the few brown strands that had managed a curl bounced at her shoulder.
Edwin flared his nostrils. “His name is August Rudolph Thadeus Stephen Warren, the Earl of Greyley.” He flicked a stare over her face. “You’ve no relation to him. He is His Lordship to you.” Stalking over to the front of the room, he pulled the door open. “Now that you’ve seen him”—he peeled his lip in a mocking sneer—“safely delivered to his rightful home, you are dismissed. You may leave now.”
Gertrude Killoran drew in a breath. “I am afraid I cannot do that.”
He narrowed his eyes. “And whyever not?”
“I’m not leaving.”
“I beg your pardon?” What more could she possibly want or expect of him?
The young woman clasped her palms before her, like a nun at the abbey. “I’m staying.”
Confusion rooted around his mind. “Staying?” he repeated. “Staying where?”
“Here.” She settled her features into a serene expression he’d have believed impossible for a Diggory. “Indefinitely,” she clarified.
Edwin rocked back on his heels.
My God, I’ve finally found someone madder than myself.
*****
Author Info:
USA Today bestselling, RITA-nominated author Christi Caldwell blames authors Julie Garwood and Judith McNaught for luring her into the world of historical romance. When Christi was at the University of Connecticut, she began writing her own tales of love. She believes that the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing her couples before crafting them a well-deserved happily ever after.
The author of the Wicked Wallflowers series, which includes The Governess, The Hellion, and The Vixen, Christi lives in southern Connecticut, where she spends her time writing, chasing after her son, and taking care of her twin princesses-in-training. Fans who want to keep up with the latest news and information can sign up for Christi’s newsletter at www.ChristiCaldwell.com or follow her on Facebook (AuthorChristiCaldwell) or Twitter (@ChristiCaldwell).
Website: http://christicaldwell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Christi-Caldwell-215250258658392/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/christicaldwell
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5297089.Christi_Caldwell
*****
Giveaway:
$25 Amazon Gift Card and Digital Copy of Christi Caldwell’s THE BLUESTOCKING
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07c2363f226/
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Romantic Reads and Such 