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Romantic Reads and Such

~ thoughts on romances

Romantic Reads and Such

Monthly Archives: April 2020

Spotlight – The Secrets of Love Story Bridge

28 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Phaedra Patrick, The Secrets of Love Story Bridge

I think everyone could probably use something a little more cozy right about now.

*****

The Secrets of Love Story Bridge

by Phaedra Patrick

ISBN: 9780778309789

Publication Date: April 28, 2020

Publisher: Park Row Books

Blurb:

Fredrik Backman meets The Cactus in THE SECRETS OF LOVE STORY BRIDGE (Park Row Books; April 28, 2020; $25.99 US/$32.50 CAN), in which a cynical single father has a surprise encounter on the famous love lock bridge, sparking a journey of self-discovery that may lead him to a second chance at love.

Single father Mitchell Fisher hates all things romance. He enjoys his job removing padlocks fastened to the famous “love lock” bridges of Upchester city. Only his young daughter, Poppy, knows that behind his disciplined veneer, Mitchell grieves the loss of her mother, Anita.

One fateful day, working on the bridge, Mitchell courageously rescues a woman who falls into the river. He’s surprised to feel a connection to her, but the woman disappears before he learns her name. To Mitchell’s shock, a video of the rescue goes viral, hailing him as “The Hero on the Bridge.” He’s soon notified by the mysterious woman’s sister, Liza, that she has been missing for over a year. However, the only clue to where the woman could have gone is the engraved padlock she left on the bridge.

Mitchell finds himself swept up in Liza’s quest to find her lost sister. Along the way, with help from a sparkling cast of characters, Mitchell’s heart gradually unlocks, and he discovers new beginnings can be found in the unlikeliest places…

Harlequin | Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Books-A-Million | Powell’s

*****

Excerpt:

The Lilac Envelope

The night before

As he did often, over the past three years, Mitchell Fisher wrote a letter he would never send.

He sat up in bed at midnight and kicked off his sheets. Even though all the internal doors in his apartment were open, the sticky July heat still felt like a shroud clinging to his body. His nine-year-old daughter Poppy thrashed restlessly in her sleep, in the bedroom opposite.

Mitchell turned on his bedside lamp, squinting against the yellow light, and took out a pad of Basildon Bond notepaper from underneath his bed. He always used a fountain pen to write—old-fashioned he supposed, but he was a man who valued things that were well–constructed and long-lasting.

Mitchell tapped the pen against his bottom lip. He knew what he wanted to say, but by the time his words of sorrow and regret travelled from his brain to his fingertips, they were only fragments of what he longed to express.

As he started to write, the sound of the metal nib scratching against paper helped him block out the city street noise that hummed below his apartment.

Dearest Anita

Another letter from me. Everything here is fine, ticking along. Poppy is doing well. The school holidays start soon and I thought she’d be more excited. It’s probably because you’re not here to enjoy them with us.

I’ve taken two weeks off work to spend with her, and have a full itinerary planned for us—badminton, tennis, library visits, cooking, walking, the park, swimming, museums, cooking, a tour of the city bridges, and more. It will keep us busy. Keep our minds off you.

You’ll be amazed how much she’s grown, must be almost your height by now. I tell her how proud I am of her, but it always means more coming from you.

Mitchell paused, resting his hand against the pad of paper. He had to tell her how he felt.

Every time I look at our daughter, I think of you. I wish I could hold you again, and tell you I’m truly sorry.

Yours, always

Mitchell x

He read his words, always dissatisfied with them, never able to convey the magnitude of grief and guilt he felt. After folding the piece of paper once, he sealed it into a crisp, cream envelope, then squeezed it into the almost-full drawer of his nightstand, amongst all the other letters he’d written. His eyes fell upon the slim lilac envelope he kept on top, the one addressed to him from Anita, that he’d not yet been able to bring himself to open.

Taking that envelope out, he held it under his nose and inhaled. There was still a slight scent of her on the paper, he thought, of violet soap. His finger followed the angle of the gummed flap and then stopped. He closed his eyes and willed himself to open the letter, but his fingernails dented crescents into the paper.

Once more, he placed it back into his drawer.

Mitchell lay down and hugged himself, imagining Anita’s arms were wrapped around him. But, when he closed his eyes, the words from all the letters weighed down upon him like a bulldozer. As he turned and tried to sleep, he pulled the pillow over his head to force them away.

1. A Locked Heart

The lovers who attached their padlocks to the bridges of Upchester might see it as a fun or romantic gesture but, to Mitchell, it was an act of vandalism.

It was the hottest year on record in the city and the morning sun was already beating down on the back of his neck. His biceps flexed as he methodically opened and squeezed his bolt cutters shut, cutting the padlocks off the cast-iron filigree panels of the old Victorian bridge, one by one.

Since local boyband Word Up filmed the video for their international smash hit “Lock Me Up with Your Love” on this bridge, thousands of people were flocking to the small city in the North West of England. They brought and attached locks marked with initials, names, messages, to demonstrate their love for the band and each other, on the city’s five bridges.

Large red and white signs that read no padlocks studded the pavement. But as far as Mitchell could see, the locks still hung on the railings like bees swarming across frames of honeycomb. The constant reminder of love surrounding him, other people’s, made him feel like he was fighting for breath.

As he cut off the locks, he wanted to yell, ‘Why can’t you just keep your feelings to yourselves?’

After several hours of hard work, Mitchell’s trail of broken locks glinted on the pavement like a metal snake. He stopped for a moment and narrowed his eyes as a young couple strolled toward him. The woman glided in a white floaty dress and tan cowboy boots. The man wore shorts and had the physique of an American football player. With his experience of carrying out maintenance across the city’s public areas, Mitchell instinctively knew they were up to something.

After breaking away from his girlfriend, the man walked to the side of the bridge while nonchalantly pulling out a large silver padlock from his pocket.

Mitchell tightened his grip on his cutters. He was once so easy and in love with Anita, but rules were rules. ‘Excuse me,’ he called out. ‘You can’t hang that lock.’

The man frowned and crossed his bulging arms. ‘Oh yeah? And who’s going to stop me?’

Mitchell had the sinewy physique of a sprinter. He was angular all over with dark hair and eyes, and a handsome dorsal hump on his nose. ‘I am,’ he said and put his cutters down on the pavement. He held out his hand for the lock. ‘It’s my job to clear the bridges. You could get a fine.’

Anger flashed across the blond man’s face and he batted Mitchell’s hand away, swiping off his work glove. Mitchell watched as it tumbled down into the river below.

Sometimes the water flowed prettily, but today it gushed and gurgled, a bruise-grey hue. A young man had drowned here in a strong current last summer.

The man’s girlfriend wrapped her arms around her boyfriend’s waist and tugged him away. ‘Come on. Leave him alone.’ She cast Mitchell an apologetic smile. ‘Sorry, but we’re so in love. It took us two hours and three buses to get here. We’ll be working miles away from each other soon. Please let us do this.’

The man looked into her eyes and softened. ‘Yeah, um, sorry, mate,’ he said sheepishly. ‘The heat got the better of me. All we want to do is fasten our lock.’

Mitchell gestured at the sign again. ‘Just think about what you’re doing, guys,’ he said with a weary sigh. ‘Padlocks are just cheap chunks of metal and they’re weighing down the bridges. Can’t you get a nice ring or tattoo instead? Or write letters to each other? There are better ways to say I lov– Well, you know. . .’

The man and the woman shared an incredulous look.

‘Whatever,’ the man glowered, and he shoved his padlock back into the pocket of his shorts. ‘We’ll go to another bridge instead.’

‘I work on those too . . .’

The couple laughed at him and sauntered away.

Mitchell rubbed his nose. He knew his job wasn’t a glamorous one. It wasn’t the one in architecture he’d studied hard and trained for. However, it meant he could pay the rent on his apartment and buy Poppy hot lunch at school each day. Whatever daily hassle he put up with, he needed the work.

His workmate Barry had watched the incident from the other side of the road. Sweat circled under his arms and his forehead shone like a mirror as he crossed over. ‘The padlocks keep multiplying,’ he groaned.

‘We need to keep on going.’

‘But it’s too damn hot.’ Barry undid a button on his polo shirt, showing off unruly chest curls that matched the ones on his head. ‘It’s a violation of our human rights, and no one can tell if we cut off twenty or two hundred.’

Mitchell held his hand up against the glare of the sun. ‘We can tell, and Russ wants the bridges cleared in time for the city centenary celebrations.’

Barry rolled his eyes. ‘There’s only three weeks to go until then. Our boss should come down here and get his hands dirty, too. At least join me for a pint after work.’

Mitchell’s mouth felt parched, and he suddenly longed for an ice-cold beer. A vision of peeling off his polo-shirt and socks and relaxing in a beer garden appeared like a dreamy mirage in his head.

However, he had to pick Poppy up from the after-school club to take her for a guitar lesson, an additional one to her music class in school. Her headteacher, Miss Heathcliff, was a stickler for the school closing promptly at 5.30pm, and it was a rush to get there on time. He lowered his eyes and said, ‘I’d love to, but I have to dash.’

Then he selected his next padlock to attack.

Excerpted from The Secrets of Love Story Bridge by Phaedra Patrick, Copyright © 2020 by Phaedra Patrick. 

Published by Park Row Books

*****

Author Info:

Phaedra Patrick is the author of The Library of Lost and Found, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, which has been published in over twenty countries around the world. She studied art and marketing, and has worked as a stained-glass artist, film festival organizer and communications manager. An award-winning short story writer, she now writes full-time. She lives in Saddleworth, UK, with her husband and son.

Social Links:

Author Website

Twitter: @PhaedraPatrick

Instagram: @PhaedraPatrick

Facebook: @PhaedraPatrick

Goodreads

~

 

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Book Review – Sunrise on Half Moon Bay

23 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Sneak Peek

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Robyn Carr, Sunrise on Half Moon Bay

Two sisters finding their way … and maybe finding a little love along the way.

*****

Sunrise on Half Moon Bay

by Robyn Carr

ISBN: 9780778309482

Publication Date: 4/14/2020

Publisher: MIRA Books

Blurb:

Sometimes the happiness we’re looking for has been there all along…

Adele and Justine have never been close. Born twenty years apart, Justine was already an adult when Addie was born. The sisters love each other but they don’t really know each other.

When Addie dropped out of university to care for their ailing parents, Justine, a successful lawyer, covered the expenses. It was the best arrangement at the time but now that their parents are gone, the future has changed dramatically for both women.

Addie had great plans for her life but has been worn down by the pressures of being a caregiver and doesn’t know how to live for herself. And Justine’s success has come at a price. Her marriage is falling apart despite her best efforts.

Neither woman knows how to start life over but both realize they can and must support each other the way only sisters can. Together they find the strength to accept their failures and overcome their challenges. Happiness is within reach, if only they have the courage to fight for it.

Set in the stunning coastal town of Half Moon Bay, California, Robyn Carr’s new novel examines the joys of sisterhood and the importance of embracing change.

Harlequin | Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million
Target | Walmart | Google | iBooks | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“Has it ever occurred to Scott to get a serious job?” Adele asked. “I mean, forgive me, since I haven’t had a serious job in my life.”

Justine smiled patiently. “Your jobs have all been serious, and without you we’d have been lost. If you hadn’t dedicated yourself to Mom’s care, it would have cost our whole family a fortune. We’re indebted to you. And I agree it would help if Scott worked more than part-time, but I think that ship sailed years ago. He’s only worked part-time since Amber and Olivia came along.”

Adele adored her nieces, ages sixteen and seventeen. She was much closer to them than she was to Justine.

“I’m sorry you’re going through this,” Adele said. “I wish there was something I could do.”

“Well, the thing is, the future is looking very uncertain. I might need your help,” Justine said.

“What could I do?” she asked.

“Adele, I don’t like to push you, but you have to get it together. We have to make some decisions about what you’re going to do, what we’ll do with the house. I realize what I’ve given you for your hard work hasn’t been much, but I don’t know how long I can keep it up—paying for the maintenance on this house, the taxes, a modest income for you… I don’t want to panic prematurely,” Justine said. “Maybe I’ll be able to work everything out without too much hassle, but if I run into trouble… Money could get very tight, Addie. All those promises I made—that I’d help financially while you fix up the house, that I’d give you my half of the proceeds when and if you sold it… I might not be able to come through. I know, I know, I promised you it would be yours after all of your sacrifice, but you wouldn’t want me to ignore the girls’ tuition or not be able to make the mortgage…”

“But Justine!” Adele said. “That’s all I have! And I was considering finishing school myself!” Though if she was honest, she had no plans of any kind.

Justine reached out to her, squeezing her hand. “We’re a long way from me needing money. I just felt it was only fair to tell you what’s going on. If we’re in this together, we can both make it. I swear, I will make this all work out. I’ll make it right.”

But as Adele knew, they had never really been “in it together” in the past, and they wouldn’t be for very long in the future. Addie’s dedication to their parents allowed Justine to devote herself to her career. For that matter, it should be Justine and Scott shoring each other up. At least until Justine had a better idea. But where was Scott today? Golfing? Biking? Bowling?

Adele realized she had some difficult realities to face. When she dropped out of school to help her mother care for her father, she wasn’t being completely altruistic. She’d needed a place to run away to, hiding an unplanned pregnancy and covering her tattered heart. She’d never told her family that her married lover—her psychology professor—had broken down in tears when he explained he couldn’t leave his wife to marry Adele, that the college would probably fire him for having an affair with a student. For her, going home was the only option.

At the time Justine and Scott had been riding the big wave and didn’t lust after the small, old house in Half Moon Bay. That house was chump change to them. So, they worked out a deal. Adele had become her mother’s guardian with a power of attorney. But the will had never been adjusted to reflect just one beneficiary rather than two. In the case of the death of both parents, Adele and Justine would inherit equal equity in the eighty-year-old house and anything left of the life insurance. At the time, of course, neither Adele nor Justine had ever considered the idea that Adele would be needed for very long. But before Adele knew it, eight years had been gobbled up. She was thirty-two and had been caring for her parents since she was twenty-four.

Adele, as guardian, could have escaped by turning over the house, pension, social security to a care facility for her mother and gone out on her own, finding herself a better job and her own place to live. She wasn’t sure if it was her conscience or just inertia that held her in place for so long.

“I just wanted to make sure you understood the circumstances before anything more happens,” Justine said. “And since you don’t have any immediate plans, please don’t list the house for sale or anything. Give me a chance to figure out what’s next. I have children. I’ll do whatever I can to protect them and you. They’re your nieces! They love you so much. I’m sure you want them to get a good education as much as I do.”

Does anyone want me to have a real chance to start over? Adele asked herself. This conversation sounded like Justine was pulling out of their deal.

“I’ll think about this, but Scott has responsibilities, too,” she pointed out.

“He’s been out of the full-time workforce for so long…” Justine said.

“Just the same, we all have to live up to our adult commitments and responsibilities. And you’ve had a highfalutin job for a long time. You’ve made a lot of money. You can recover. I haven’t even begun.”

“I need your help, Addie,” Justine said. “You need to come up with a plan, something we can put in motion. Make plans for your next step, put a little energy into this old house, make suggestions of what we should do with it, everything. Let’s figure out what to do before I find myself short and unable to help. I’m sorry, but we have to move forward.”

Excerpted from Sunrise on Half Moon Bay, Copyright © 2020 by Robyn Carr. Published by MIRA Books.

*****

Review:

I’ll be honest – I didn’t particularly like Addie or Justine at first. Justine seemed a little cold & distant and Addie was ineffectual. But as the story moved along I found myself looking forward to seeing how they would grow and where their lives would end up. (And I think it takes a special sort of skill to create characters that, even though you don’t particularly like them, you can’t help but keep reading about them 🙂 )

Part of the appeal was that the sisters had a chance to discover themselves and build a relationship with each other that due to age difference & circumstances they hadn’t had before. The people they become are more assured and more comfortable with themselves & where they are going with their lives, which makes them much more appealing.

While there isn’t a whole lot romance involved, there is a lot of growth and discovery. It may be difficult, and at times unpleasant, but it’s also real and that is one of the things Carr impressively brings her readers every time.

*****

Author Info:

Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including highly praised women’s fiction such as Four Friends and The View From Alameda Island and the critically acclaimed Virgin River, Thunder Point and Sullivan’s Crossing series. Virgin River is now a Netflix Original series. Robyn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit her website at www.RobynCarr.com.

Author Website: https://www.robyncarr.com/

Twitter: @RCarrWriter

Facebook: @RobynCarrWriter

Instagram: @RobynCarrWriter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/107767.Robyn_Carr?from_search=true

*****

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Spotlight – Building Bridges

22 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Bridges Brothers series, Building Bridges, Lia Fairchild

There’s just so much about this one that I’m feeling!

*****

Building Bridges

Bridges Brothers Book 1

by Lia Fairchild

Genre: Contemporary Military Romance, Friends to Lovers

Blurb:

Former soldier Logan Bridges never imagined he would go from serving his country to helping raise a house full of children after a devastating family loss.

Dealing with his rowdy siblings and cousins proves to be almost as treacherous as the battlefields he left behind. And though he’s committed to making it work, he soon finds he’s in over his head.

Until someone from Logan’s past, steps in to help.

Mollie has always been independent, but finds herself growing attached to the family, including Logan, and discovering there’s more to life than working and solitude.

Logan and Mollie quickly form a strong bond, and when attraction brings them closer, they agree getting involved wouldn’t be good for the children. But when they both struggle to keep the blurry line of friendship between them, Mollie won’t take that step unless Logan can open up and face his painful past

Bridges Brothers series follows four brothers as they attempt to navigate life and love after a tragic family loss. Each book can be read as a standalone but is more enjoyable to read in order.

Goodreads * Amazon

*****

Excerpt:

I quickly check my messages and when I look up, a guy is standing next to Mollie, talking to her.

I see her smile at him and it doesn’t look any different than the one she shows me, which kind of pisses me off. I’d expected one of those plastered polite deals that uninterested women give men until they leave.

As I sidle up right behind the two, she laughs, and my heart is strangled when her wannabe dimple appears. That’s my fucking dimple. I don’t say anything, waiting for them to acknowledge me.

“You need something, buddy?” the guy says, looking me straight in the eye. His face says annoyed, as if he’d invested the night instead of arriving literally seconds ago.

“Not a thing…except maybe for you to go find a seat somewhere. You’re blocking my chair.”

He ignores my words and dips his head in Mollie’s direction. “He your boyfriend?”

“No,” she tells him.

That blows me out of the water. Of course, I’m not her boyfriend, but telling him straight up “no” wounds me.

“Maybe I could get your number,” he tells her.

Am I not standing right freaking here?

I laugh. Out loud, because no matter what, it’s ridiculous that she’d give a guy her number when she came with me. Isn’t it?

“Hey, man. We’re trying to have a conversation here.”

I can hear him, but I’m no longer looking at him. My eyes are burning a hole into the side of Mollie’s head, waiting for her to set him straight. Then I see the slow twist of her body, her eyes flicking my way, and the easy grin take over her mouth. Either she’s really enjoying my pain, or she’s getting off stringing this guy along. Either way, I’m relieved that smile is not for this jackass.

“She just said you weren’t her boyfriend,” the guy reiterates.

I already feel like a first-class idiot, but my next words will boost me into champion status. “Yeah, well, I’m her…somebody. So, you can leave now.”

He scoffs. “What the hell is a somebody?”

“It’s the person who makes sure you don’t do stupid shit like giving your number to a douche at a bar.”

He looks at Mollie as if she’s going to correct me. She shrugs with a head tilt but her face clearly gives him confirmation. When he turns his attention back to me, she covers her mouth to hold back a laugh.

“Screw both of you.” He takes a step back and lifts his drink. “She’s not hot enough for me to kick your ass.”

*****

Author Info:

Bestselling author, Lia Fairchild, is both a traditionally published and independent author who writes women’s fiction, romance, and chick lit. Fans of her books praise her endearing, real characters who come to life in stories that will touch your heart.

Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two teenagers.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a92085/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

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Book Review – The Play of His Life

21 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Amy Aislin, Book Review, The Play of His Life

Ready to spice things up?!?

*****

The Play Of His Life

by Amy Aislin

Blurb:

The last person Christian wants to run into on a visit home to spend time with his mom over the holidays is his former best friend-turned-lover-turned-ex. But there Riley is, in all his tall, chiseled, blondness. The same guy who walked out on him six years ago, breaking his heart in the process. Who knew he’s still in love with the jerk?

Two years ago, Riley was injured out of the NHL, but he’s got his own bakery now and a quiet life selling quiches and cupcakes to his customers. Then Christian unexpectedly walks back into his life, forcing Riley to question his choices. Especially that one choice he made six years ago that walked him out of Christian’s life. Now if only he had the courage to tell a boy how he really feels about him…

Universal Link

Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

When Riley screwed up an order because he was busy thinking about trying not to think about Christian, he pretended this day was the same as any other and that Christian was still in Vancouver and went about his business.

Christian’s gruff laughter from the back shot that plan to hell.

It was almost an hour later that the line disappeared, though a few people remained at the tables.

“Is it just me, or was that busier than normal?” his other part-timer, Henry, asked. Henry was a seventy-year-old retired army vet who only worked Tuesdays and Fridays because those were the days his wife hosted her knitting club and it was either get the hell out of the house or listen to them talk about the misadventures of their various grandkids.

“Everything’s crazier at the holidays,” Riley replied, wiping down the drinks counter.

Henry started wiping down the small counter that held the condiments. “Should’ve seen the fight that broke out over a parking spot at the Toys “R” Us yesterday. Thought I was going to have to use my army general’s voice.”

Riley had heard Henry’s army general voice. It was terrifying.

Speaking of terrifying voices, where was Christian? Not that his voice was terrifying, but his grumpiness had been known to scare a kid or two.

Riley turned and there Christian was, standing in the doorway to the kitchen, hands on his hips. He wore one of Warm Glow’s green aprons over jeans and a dark blue T-shirt. Just the sight of him made Riley’s heart flip.

Christian had always been a big guy, but Riley had forgotten just how imposing he could be when he scowled that way. And what was with his pouf hairstyle? A pompadour, was it? Riley had seen hairstyles like that on guys before and thought those men should be on the cover of cheesy romance novels. But Christian pulled it off, probably because he could scowl anybody into liking anything.

“Is it my turn to order now?” Christian asked.

It made Riley laugh and the tension drained from his shoulders. “Sure, what do you want?”

“What’s good?”

“Seriously? You’re asking me that in my own bakery? Everything’s good. The salad—”

“What guy likes salad?” Christian interrupted. He said “salad” like “peas”—which Riley knew Christian hated more than any food ever.

“I like salad,” Riley said, slightly offended. Warm Glow’s salads were good, damn it!

“Me, too,” Henry said, coming around the counter to grab a wet cloth. “Know why?”

“Because you’re turning over a new leaf?” Christian suggested.

Riley just looked at him.

“What?” Christian said. “That was funny.”

“That was as lame as ever.”

“I thought it was funny,” Henry said.

“Me, too,” piped in a customer adding milk to his coffee.

Christian raised an eyebrow at Riley like, see?

“Awww,” Riley gushed. “You have fans.”

That got Christian scowling again.

*****

Review:

Aislin brings her readers quite the steamy little read! Because it is a second chance romance a lot of the get to know you back and forth is missing, which allows them to pretty much slide back into a relationship (of sorts). And it is quite the steamy relationship too so make sure you have an icy drink to help cool things down.

Chritian and Riley have been friends forever and that is very obvious in the connection that allows them to basically pick up where they left off years ago. While there are no getting to know you moments, a lot of their issues have stemmed from their poor communication skills … and those really haven’t gotten any better with age. A lot of their troubles could have been avoided with a few heart to heart conversations, but then we wouldn’t have much of a story, would we? But while miscommunication is definitely a thrid party to their relationship, Aislin does a good job of making sure that their issues don’t move too far into the overly dramatic.

Sweet, real, hawt, and frustrating at times, The Play of His Life is the perfect read for those that are looking for a good down-home love story.

 

*****

Author Info:

Amy’s lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she’s read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she’s been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn’t at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada’s largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group, Amy Aislin’s Readers, to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her newsletter.

Connect with Amy:
Facebook | Amy Aislin’s Readers Facebook Group
Twitter | Instagram
Website | Newsletter
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the re-release of The Play Of His Life, Amy is giving away a $20 Amazon Voucher!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c8c1c64111/

*****

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Spotlight – The Deception

20 Monday Apr 2020

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Kat Martin, Maximum Security series, The Deception

Who’s looking for a little suspense to help take your mind off of things? Kat Martin has a great book available next week in paperback and she’s here to tell us a little more about it!

*****

Characters

Finding the Right Match

When it comes to Romantic Suspense, one of the most import and often the hardest thing to do is to find the right match for the hero or heroine who is the primary character in the book. In THE DECEPTION, Hawk Maddox is a former Marine, a strong, tough, sometimes reckless, chance-taker. I needed a woman who was equally strong, tough-yet-feminine woman who could handle his reckless nature.

And because Hawk was an extremely virile male, a passionate woman, as well.

Kate Gallagher was all of those things. She also strongly believes in justice, which means finding the killer who murdered her sister takes precedence over a relationship with Hawk.

As the two are thrown together in their search for a killer, Hawk and Kate begin to appreciate the strengths they find in each other.

And there is the sexuality that vibrates between them. Though Hawk wants Kate from the moment he spots her on the dance floor of the Sagebrush Saloon, he understands her grief and her resolve. Though the time isn’t right, Hawk comes to believe Kate Gallagher is a woman worth waiting for.

Working to make them a couple was fun, and of course sending them on a dangerous, desperate adventure added to the excitement of writing the book.

I hope you’ll look for THE DECEPTION, and if you haven’t read Chase Garrett’s story, THE CONSPIRACY, I hope you’ll give it a try.

Until next time, all best and happy reading. Kat

*****

The Deception

Maximum Security series

by Kat Martin

Blurb:

In my latest Romantic Thriller, THE DECEPTION, book two of the Maximum Security series, Kate Gallagher is devastated when she learns her sister has been murdered. Determined to find Chrissy’s killer, Kate hires lethal bounty hunter, Hawk Maddox. Working together, they follow a trail of clues that lead them deep into the city’s underbelly. Though Hawk warns Kate of the danger, nothing he says can convince Kate to walk away.

AMAZON

Paperback https://www.amazon.com/Deception-Maximum-Security-Kat-Martin/dp/1335090258

Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Deception-Maximum-Security-Book-ebook/dp/B07N42GTRB

Barnes & Noble

Paperback https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deception-dwayne-t-martin/1125448252?ean=9781335090256

Nook https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deception-dwayne-t-martin/1125448252?ean=9781488054327#/

KOBO

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-deception-25

GOOGLE

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kat_Martin_The_Deception?id=ATaFDwAAQBAJ

ITUNES

https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-deception/id1450623296

INDIEBOUND

Paperback https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335090256

*****

Excerpt:

Kate stepped out of the elevator onto the tenth floor and made her way down the corridor to her apartment. Her face felt warm and her insides still quivered. One kiss? It was impossible.

She walked into the living room and firmly closed the door, blew out a shaky breath. She didn‘t trust herself when it came to Hawk Maddox. She had never been this physically attracted to a man before.

Kate sighed as she headed for her home office. If she could turn back time, she would stay as far away from Maximum Security as she could get. She didn‘t need a man in her life. She didn‘t need the complication. Particularly not a man who drew her the way Jason Maddox did.

That attraction had been the cause of her first mistake–seducing him at the Sagebrush Saloon. It had seemed so safe at the time. A one-time hookup with a hot-bodied guy who made her stomach curl with a single kiss. And those amazing blue eyes. She shook her head. Why not? Other women did that kind of thing.

Now she was working with him, exposed to all that hot masculinity on a daily basis till they found Chrissy‘s killer.

Another sigh slipped out as she sat down at her computer to do a little more research. She could handle it. She was a grown woman. Besides, she really had no choice.

As the screen lit up, her cell phone rang. Kate dug it out of her purse, checked but didn‘t recognize the number. “Kathryn Gallagher.“

“Katie…sweetheart, it‘s your father.“

Her stomach instantly knotted. She could see him in her mind, a tall, slender man with silver threads in his dark hair.

“It‘s good to hear your voice,“ he said.

Her fingers tightened around the phone. She hadn‘t seen her father since her parents‘ divorce. He‘d phoned while the police searched for Chrissy, but her sister had left a note so there was no doubt she had runaway. He had called again when her mother got sick. She had only heard from him twice since her mom had died.

“Hello, Dad.“

“I should have called you when I first heard the news, but I…I just couldn‘t.“

His words and the quiver in his voice surprised her. Maybe he actually did care about his daughter, at least a little.

“What do you want, Dad?“

“I know you and Chrissy weren‘t close, but she was still your sister. I want to know if you‘re okay.“

Her eyes burned. A lump formed in her throat. “No, Dad, I‘m not okay. Chrissy‘s dead. She was murdered and the police have no idea who killed her. So no, I‘m not okay.“

“I‘m sorry, sweetheart, I truly am. I wasn‘t a good father to you or your sister. I regret that. I want to make it up to you. I‘m coming to the funeral. I just need to know where and when.“

“They haven‘t…they haven‘t released Chrissy‘s body yet.“

Seconds passed. “I assume you‘re making the arrangements. You‘re handling the funeral?“

God, she hadn‘t even thought about it. She was too consumed with finding Chrissy‘s killer.

She took a deep breath. “I‘ll be taking care of it, yes.“ And now that he‘d asked, she realized she wanted Chrissy to be buried next to their mother. The spot had already been paid for, meant to be used by her dad–which was never going to happen now. “I‘d like her to have the place next to Mom.“

“Yes, of course. I should have thought of that myself. Are you…are you going to be all right?“

“I‘ve always been able to take care of myself, Dad. I‘ll be fine.“

“All right, then. Just call and let me know what day the service is going to be held and I‘ll be there.“

“You don‘t need to do that. Rockdale is a long way from New York.“

“I want to see you, sweetheart. It‘s been far too long.“

“You‘re married, Dad. You have a family. I‘m all that‘s left of your old life.“ The lump returned to her throat. “I understand, I really do.“

“Katie, listen to me.“

“I‘ve got to go, Dad. I‘ll email the date and time.“ She hung up before he could say anything more. Fresh tears threatened. She told herself to compartmentalize. She had learned to do that over the years, separate the parts of life that needed to be dealt with now from the painful parts that could be dealt with later. At the moment, she needed to compartmentalize the loss of her sister, separate the Chrissy of the past from the woman who had lived on the streets and been brutally murdered, Tina Galen.

She could do it, she told herself. Just like with Maddox. She didn‘t really have any choice.

*****

Author Info:

Bestselling author Kat Martin, a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara, currently resides in Missoula, Montana with Western-author husband, L. J. Martin. More than seventeen million copies of Kat’s books are in print, and she has been published in twenty foreign countries. Fifteen of her recent novels have taken top-ten spots on the New York Times Bestseller List, and her novel, BEYOND REASON, was recently optioned for a feature film. Kat’s next hardcover, THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL, a Romantic Thriller, will be released on July 28th.

https://www.katmartin.com/

*****

Giveaway:

Don’t forget to check out her Monthly Contest:
https://www.katmartin.com/monthly-contest/

*****

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Spotlight – The Innocent’s Forgotten Wedding

16 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Lynne Graham, The Innocent's Forgotten Wedding

I’m pretty sure you can’t get any more Harlequin than this … and I can’t wait to get my hands on it! It’s everything I love about them 🙂

*****

The Innocent’s Forgotten Wedding 

by Lynne Graham

Blurb:

The Italian husband she can’t remember…or resist!

After a terrible car crash, Brooke can’t remember her own name—much less her wedding day! Finding irresistible Lorenzo Tassini at her bedside—and a gold band on her finger—is shocking.

Honor-bound to care for his estranged wife, Lorenzo whisks her to his luxury Tuscan villa. But Brooke’s nothing like Lorenzo remembers! Her sweetness surprises him, as does the chemistry between them, blazing like never before. Stunned to discover her virginity, Lorenzo must uncover the secrets of the woman wearing his ring…

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49993234-the-innocent-s-forgotten-wedding

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Innocents-Forgotten-Wedding-Passion-Paradise/dp/1335893563

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-innocents-forgotten-wedding-lynne-graham/1132748016?ean=9781335148414

Google: https://books.google.ca/books/about/The_Innocent_s_Forgotten_Wedding.html?id=FY6mDwAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y

Indie Bound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335148414

Harlequin.com: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488059346_the-innocents-forgotten-wedding.html

*****

Excerpt:

Early the following morning, alarm bells rang and lights flashed from the machinery by the bed. The woman came awake and went into panic, eyes focusing on an unfamiliar room and then on the arrival of two nurses, their faces both concerned and excited at the same time. She clawed at the breathing tube in her throat because she couldn’t speak and the women tried to both restrain and soothe her, telling her over and over again that the doctor was coming, everything would be all right and that there was nothing to worry about. She thought they were crazy. Her body wouldn’t move. She could only move one hand and her arm felt as if it didn’t belong to her. How could she possibly have nothing to worry about? Why were they talking nonsense? Did they think she was stupid?

The panic kept on clawing at her, even after the doctor arrived and the breathing tube was removed. He kept on asking her questions, questions she couldn’t answer until she couldn’t hide from the truth any longer. She didn’t know who she was. What was her name? She didn’t know why she was lying in a hospital bed. She didn’t have a last memory to offer because her mind was a blank, a complete blank. It was a ridiculous relief to receive an approving nod when she evidently got the name of the Prime Minister right and contrived to name colours correctly.

‘What happened to me?’ she whispered brokenly, her breath rasping. ‘Have I been ill?’

‘You were in an accident.’ The doctor paused there, exchanging a glance with the staff surrounding the bed.

‘What’s my name?’ she asked shakily.

‘Your name is Brooke… Brooke Tassini.’ The name meant absolutely nothing to her, didn’t even sound slightly familiar.

‘Your husband will be here very soon.’ Brooke’s eyes widened to their fullest extent in shock. ‘I have a husband?’

For some reason, the nurses smiled. ‘Oh, yes, you have a husband.’

‘A very handsome husband,’ one of the women added.

Brooke stared down at her bare wedding finger. She was married. Oh, my goodness, she was married. Did she have children? she asked. No…no children as far as they knew, they said, and a tinge of relief threaded through the panic she was only just holding at bay. Then she felt guilty about that sense of relief. She liked children, didn’t she? But it was scary enough to have a husband she didn’t remember—it would be simply appalling if she had contrived to forget her children as well.

*****

Author Info:

Lynne Graham lives in Northern Ireland and has been a keen romance reader since her teens. Happily married, Lynne has five children. Her eldest is her only natural child. Her other children, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. The family has a variety of pets, and Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collecting allsorts and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.

*****

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Spotlight – Seduced by a Steele

15 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Brenda Jackson, Seduced by a Steele

Brenda Jackson has been delivering awesome reads for years. Pick up her newest to find out just how good she is!

*****

Seduced by a Steele

by Brenda Jackson

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson brings you a brand-new story in the Forged of Steele series. Perfect for fans of the popular Westmoreland series and readers of passionate contemporary romances!

A notorious heartbreaker is about to meet his match…Will a damsel in distress be his redemption?

When the “thief” caught driving his stolen vintage car turns out to be a stunning runaway heiress, Mercury Steele is conflicted. On the one hand, Sloan Donahue, penniless and on the run from her tyrannical family, triggers the billionaire playboy’s protective instincts. But she also triggers red-hot desire. Mercury refuses to think his simple seduction is becoming something deeper, especially when Sloan is keeping secrets…

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50832058-seduced-by-a-steele

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Seduced-Steele-Forged-Brenda-Jackson/dp/1335209018

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seduced-by-a-steele-brenda-jackson/1136470582

Google: https://books.google.ca/books?id=jlK1DwAAQBAJ&dq=seduced+by+a+steele&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjroo72zrDoAhWEgXIEHQAWCNkQ6AEIKDAA

Indie Bound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335209016

Harlequin.com: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335209016_seduced-by-a-steele.html

*****

Excerpt:

A feeling of relief swept through Mercury when he located his car. Parking in the space beside it, he quickly got out and glanced around the shops in the mall, wondering where the driver had gone.

He was pissed when he pulled his phone out of his jacket to call the police again to give them his exact location. Putting his phone back, he walked around his car and was glad not to see any dents. Other than need-ing a good wash job, the old girl looked good. Deciding to check the interior, he pulled his car keys out of his pocket to open the door.

“Get away from my car!”

Mercury snatched his head up and was instantly mesmerized by the beauty of the woman’s dark brown eyes, shoulder-length curly hair that cascaded around an oval face, high cheekbones, the smooth and creamy texture of her cocoa-colored skin and one pair of the sexiest lips he’d ever seen on a woman.

He immediately flashed her one of his wolfish smiles and was about to go into man-whore mode until what she’d said stopped him. Then he became blinded to all that gorgeous beauty. “Your car?”

“Yes, my car. Now get away from it before I call the police.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “This is my car. It was stolen from me three nights ago.”

“You’re lying,” the woman snapped.

Calling him a liar was a big mistake. The one thing he despised more than anything was for someone to question his integrity. “If you think that, then by all means call the police. However, you don’t have to call them since I already have. You’re the thief, not me.”

“I am not a thief,” she said, feeling brave enough to step closer and glare at him.

“Nor am I a liar,” he said, glaring back. Suddenly a police cruiser with flashing blue lights pulled up and two officers quickly got out. One was Sherman Aikens, one of Jonas’s old high school friends. “I see you’ve found your car, Mercury.”

Mercury frowned over at him. “No thanks to you guys who should have been looking for it. And my car was never lost, it was stolen, and she’s the person who has it.”

“It’s my car!”

Both officers glanced over at the woman and Mercury glowered. Instead of saying anything, they just stared at her, male appreciation obvious in their gazes. “For crying out loud, aren’t you going to ask to see her papers on the vehicle since she claims to be the owner?” he snapped out at the officers.

Sherman broke eye contact with the woman to frown at Mercury. “I was going to get to that.” In a voice Mercury felt was way too accommodating, considering the circumstances, Sherman said, “Ma’am, I need to see papers on this vehicle, because it resembles one reported stolen three nights ago.”

“It is the one that was stolen three nights ago,” Mercury snapped while ignoring Sherman’s frown. As far as Mercury was concerned, Sherman could become smitten with the woman on someone else’s time.

“Stolen! That’s not possible, Officer,” the woman said, looking alarmed. “Why would anyone want to steal that car? Look at it. It’s old.”

Mercury glared at her while Sherman and the other officer unsuccessfully tried hiding their grins. “It’s a classic, and if it’s so old for your taste, why did you buy it like you claim you did?” Mercury asked her.

“Because I needed transportation and it was in my budget,” she said, pulling papers from her purse. “I just bought it yesterday.” She handed the papers to Sherman.

Mercury thought it took Sherman longer than necesary to switch his gaze from the woman to the papers. He then said in a too-apologetic voice, “Sorry, ma’am, but these papers are fake.”

Shock flew to her face. “Fake? But that’s not possible. A nice gentleman sold the car to me.”

“That ‘nice’ man conned you into buying a stolen car,” Mercury said, ignoring Sherman’s narrowed gaze as well as the woman’s thunderstruck expression.

Switching her gaze from Mercury to Sherman, she said, “Please tell me that’s not true, Officer. I gave him three hundred dollars.”

“Three hundred dollars?” Mercury asked, not believing what she’d said.

Lifting her chin, she added, “Yes, I knew the car wasn’t worth that much, but the man looked a little down on his luck and needed the money.”

Mercury shook his head. “You got that car for a steal, no pun intended. Do you not know the value of that car? It’s worth over two hundred thousand dollars easily.”

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous.” Ridiculous? She had bought a stolen car from some-one who she thought was a nice man, and she thought he was being ridiculous? He was about to give her a scathing reply, but Sherman’s look warned him not to do so.

“Yes, ma’am, unfortunately that man did run a scam on you,” Sherman said. “I hate you lost all that money. I need you to come down to police headquarters and give us a statement, including a description of the man who sold you the car. We will be on the lookout for him.”

“Like you guys were on the lookout for my car?” Mercury said under his breath, but when Sherman shot him a disapproving glare, he knew he’d been heard regardless.

Sherman turned to him. “We’re going to have to impound the car. You and Miss Donahue need to come down to police headquarters to give statements.”

“But I’m on my way to a job interview,” the woman said, suddenly looking distressed.

Mercury refused to feel an ounce of sympathy for her since he too would be late for an interview with a potential new client. Now he would have to reschedule. Every sports agent alive would want to sign on Nor-ris Eastwood, but the parents of the high school senior with plans to go straight into the NBA had sought out Mercury. He hoped being a no-show this morning wouldn’t be a negative against him. If it was, then he had this woman to blame.

“Are you okay with that, Mercury?”

When he heard his name, he glanced up. “Am I okay with what?” He saw the other officer had pulled the woman off to the side to take down some information. “Giving Miss Donahue a ride to the police station,” Sherman said.

“Don’t you have room in the police car? That’s the normal way you transport criminals, isn’t it? For all we know, she could be in cahoots with the person who stole my car.”

Sherman rolled his eyes. “You don’t believe that any more than I do, Mercury. It’s obvious she’s an innocent victim who doesn’t belong in the back of a patrol car. She’s no more a thief than we are. Look at her.”

Mercury didn’t want to look at her, but he did any-way. He immediately thought the same thing he had when he’d first seen her. She was a very beautiful woman. Her features were just that striking. And then there was that delectable-looking figure in a navy blue pencil skirt and white blouse. Sexy as hell. But still…

*****

Author Info:

Brenda Jackson is a New York Times bestselling author of more than one hundred romance titles. Brenda lives in Jacksonville, Florida, and divides her time between family, writing and traveling. Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

*****

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Spotlight – Temper

13 Monday Apr 2020

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Chantal Fernando, Knights of Fury MC series, Temper

Who else loves a good bad boy MC story? Throw in a dead body and I’m sold!

*****

Temper

Knights of Fury MC series, #3

by Chantal Fernando

Length: approx. 60,000 words (256 pages)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Imprint: Carina Press

eBook On-Sale: April 20, 2020

eBook ISBN & Price: 9781488054037, $4.99 USD

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando returns to the Knights of Fury series with her most complicated hero yet. He may be the epitome of cool, but this MC president isn’t called Temper for nothing…

Every year, the hot, tatted biker comes into Abbie’s bar, orders whiskey and asks her out. Every year, Abbie turns him down. After all, dating a man that goes by Temper seems like a really bad idea, no matter how attracted she is to him.

But this year is different. Abbie’s different. Older, wiser and tired of being stuck behind the bar in a sleepy town. This year, she’s ready for whatever adventure the sexy but sweet biker has in store for her.

Or so she thinks…until an elegant candlelit dinner ends with a dead body.

Now Abbie finds herself on the ride of her life, whisked away to the big city in Temper’s protective custody. She should be scared, but—despite his nickname—it’s clear the last thing Temper would ever do is hurt a hair on her head. And when danger catches up with them, Abbie soon realizes that holding tight to her man while straddling a Harley may be the safest place of all.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YCQPTBW

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temper-chantal-fernando/1133792899

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/temper/id1481346510

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/temper-13

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Chantal_Fernando_Temper?id=e-WxDwAAQBAJ

*****

Excerpt:

It’s been a while since I’ve seen [Temper], and he looks good. It’s like the man doesn’t age. He’s tall, strong, and kind of mean looking, but he’s been nothing but nice and respectful toward me. We kind of have a routine going every time we see each other. We chat, we flirt, he asks if he can buy me dinner, and I say no. He accepts that and leaves, until next time.

I don’t know why I always say no anymore. The first time was a combination of him being a biker and feeling so much older than me. But the age thing doesn’t bother me that much anymore. Truth is I’ve never said yes, to any man, to any date. I get asked out by people coming into the bar, but you don’t have to be experienced to know what they are really looking for, and it’s not a loving, long-lasting relationship. My experience is severely lacking, aside from prom and the mistake I made after it, and there’s no saving me now. I’m going to be a spinster. Hopefully Ivy will give me some nieces and nephews I can claim as my own.

Temper places money on the table, with a huge tip, like he always does. “Seriously? Who tips that much?”

His lip twitches. “You can take yourself out to a nice dinner with it, since I know you’re never going to let me take you out.”

“You giving up that easily?” I tease, giving him a flirtatious smile. I don’t know where this sudden boldness is coming from, other than the fact that I don’t want him to stop asking me out, and I’ve only just realized this.

I’ve never met another man like Temper, and I don’t think I ever will. I see how people treat him, avoid him, and make sure not to challenge him. Hell, my own mother warned me to be friendly with him, but never too friendly. He has this air of menace about him, but over the years I’ve also seen how he treats his MC brothers like family, and he’s always respectful, even to the people who work here. I’ve seen him vulnerable when he talked about his Prez… Hammer was his name, I think. He’s never rude, or arrogant—to me, anyway—and he’s always generous and polite. When he speaks to me, he always uses a humble, gentle tone, one that I’ve come to enjoy listening to. I know there is another side to him, and I can’t help but want to get to know that more.

“It only took a few years of rejection,” he jokes, lifting the whiskey glass to his lips. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him make a joke before.

“Maybe this was the year I was going to say yes,” I reply, clearing my throat. I don’t know what’s come over me, but I have the feeling like if I truly do want to take a chance and go on this date, it’s now or never. I’m stuck here, in the same job, doing the same thing every damn day, and I deserve to have a little fun and do something reckless for once in my life. I’ve always been the good girl, the trusted daughter, and the responsible older sister, taking care of my family as much as I can, since my dad has never been around. I know his name, Cohen Pierce, and that he lives in California somewhere. But he wanted, and still wants, nothing to do with me, and that’s fine. I’ve accepted that.

But what have I ever done for me? Other than college, which I had to drop out of anyway, I can’t think of one single thing.

Temper lowers his glass and studies me, brown eyes filled with surprise and suspicion. “You want to go on a date with me? Why now?”

Shrugging, I lower my eyes to the counter before returning them to him. “Time for me to live a little.”

Being safe hasn’t gotten me anywhere in life.

*****

Author Info:

Chantal Fernando is the New York Times bestselling author of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club series, the Cursed Raven Motorcycle Club series, and the Maybe series, along with several other novels. She lives in Western Australia, where she is working on her next book. Find her online at AuthorChantalFernando.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.

Website: http://www.authorchantalfernando.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchantalfernando

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChantalFernando

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7056719.Chantal_Fernando

*****

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Review – Scoring Off the Ice

08 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, Ice Kings series, Scoring Off the Ice, Stacey Lynn

Moving on from cowboys … to hockey players so I think that’s an OK trade.

*****

Scoring Off the Ice

Ice King series

by Stacey Lynn

Blurb:

Sometimes scoring off the ice leads to the greatest rewards.

I’ve had only one goal in life since I first strapped on a pair of skates—make America’s pro hockey league.

I left Denmark. I made it to the top. Now, I’m determined to be the best. No distractions. I eat, sleep, and breathe hockey.

Until my birthday when my teammates convince me to live a little.

But living a little takes on a whole new meaning when less than a year later I’m confronted with a crying baby on my doorstep, drooling on a note that declares he’s mine.

Suddenly, I’m a single dad in way over my head.

There is no playbook for situations like this.

Luckily, I have Paisley.

My gorgeous neighbor, my long-time crush, and now—my savior.

She’s there any time I need her.

Helping. Guiding. Gazing at me with those green eyes that make me feel capable of this after all.

With her at my side, I’m quickly learning there’s more to life than winning a hockey game.

Download your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bNmxdu
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3bPr1Aj
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/scoringofftheice
Nook: http://bit.ly/2SG7iLN
Kobo: http://bit.ly/37y3OPS
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2uX74ae

Add SCORING OFF THE ICE to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/37I5oyC

*****

Excerpt:

“Who are you?” I don’t like calling her the woman. I’ve wondered her name for months since she started appearing in that doorway so close to mine.

She turns to me and in her arms is the baby. She’s holding a bottle and the baby is drinking. Quiet little sounds come from it and she grins down at the baby in her arms before tilting her head at me.

“What?”

“You. What is your name?”

“Paisley. Are you Mikah?”

She must want money if she knows my name. Perhaps she’s a fan. A puck bunny—that’s what my teammates call the girls who follow players and only want one thing from them.

“How did you know?” I wish she wasn’t so pretty. Sometimes it hurts to talk when all I want to do is look at her.

She points to an envelope on the table. The note.

“It’s on the outside. I didn’t know if it was your name or the baby’s, so I took a guess. Are you… are you okay?”

“A stranger shows up at my door with a baby in her arms, saying it’s mine. How okay am I supposed to be?” I wander to the table while I ask.

I’m surprised by her gentle laugh.

“I suppose this isn’t your typical Friday night.”

She is funny. If I didn’t think I might throw up, I might laugh. No. This is not my typical Friday night. Mine are for resting. Not life-changing drama.

I say nothing and grab the envelope. I stare at it for a moment. Perhaps if I do not open it, I can pretend this didn’t happen. My fingers shake as I tear it open.

The envelope is larger than normal and thick and I’m careful as I pull out several folded papers.

The top one is the most important though as I instantly see my name, written in scrolling black ink.

MIKAH,

His name is Angelo.

*****

Review:

Scoring Off the Ice is a sweet, slow-build romance about a couple of strangers (who have been long-distance lusting after each other) getting thrown into sending time with each other thanks to an unexpected bundle of joy. Time spent with baby Angelo allows Mikah and Paisley to get to know each other and to finally figure out if their attraction to each other can turn into something more.

I didn’t realize that when I chose this one that it falls into the New Adult category. I don’t usually read these – I’m a woman of a certain age (*snicker*) and I tend to just not connect with the characters or their situation. And while this one was better than some I’ve read, I did feel like the ending was a little rushed and handled poorly by the characters.

You knew going in that there was definitely going to have to be some baby-mama drama, and there was, but Mikah handled it very poorly and I felt that Paisley forgave him a little too easily. It was in the last 10% of the book, so since it happened at the end that’s what I left with instead of the many enjoyable pages of Mikah learning to be a dad and Paisley & Mikah getting to know each other … but I do think maybe a little more attention should have been given to the issue.

This one is getting a lot of positive reviews so just because NA is not my cup of tea doesn’t mean that it isn’t a good read. Lynn is a strong writer and her storylines are solid with interesting characters. I enjoyed getting to know both Paisley & Mikah and I’m definitely intrigued by some of Mikah’s older teammates so I’ll be giving other books in this series a go.

*****

Author Info:

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Connect with Stacey:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/379Te19

Twitter: http://bit.ly/3bjzOKx

Instagram: http://bit.ly/3bn1e2o
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2H8K22u
Amazon: https://amzn.to/375UpP7
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2G52o5q

Website: http://bit.ly/2uyDibF

Stay up to date on Stacey’s latest news! Subscribe to her Newsletter today!
http://bit.ly/36zXy9R

*****

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Spotlight – Cowboy Firefighter Heat

07 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

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Cowboy Firefighter Heat, Kim Redford, Smokin' Hot Cowboys series

Continuing the firefighter theme but adding in firefighter to make it even more interesting!

*****

Cowboy Firefighter Heat

A Smokin’ Hot Cowboys Novel

by Kim Redford

Publication Date: 3/31/2020

She’s back and hotter than ever. Good thing this firefighting cowboy can handle the sparks.

When country singer Fern Bryant returns to her cabin in Wildcat Hall Park, the last thing she expects to find is Craig Thorne in her home…asleep in her bed. Fern had big dreams, and chasing those dreams required sacrifices. Unfortunately, Craig was the cowboy singer and firefighter she left behind. Much to her surprise, now they’re the co-owners of her beloved Wildcat Hall Park.

Craig hasn’t seen Fern since she left Wildcat Bluff County—and him—to sing on a cruise ship. When she storms back into town, the sparks between the two aren’t only rekindled but burn hotter than ever. As long days turn into long nights, Craig is determined to show Fern that she belongs in Wildcat Bluff…and his arms.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aehZw0

B&N: http://bit.ly/2RqWMpV

Apple: https://apple.co/2TkQdaL

Kobo: http://bit.ly/32PYVAN

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/38nZ5ka

BAM: http://bit.ly/32NHZLg

Bookshop: http://bit.ly/39maaDy

*****

Excerpt:

Fern Bryant yawned as she lay down, slipped under the covers, and breathed a sigh of relief. Home…finally. And then she realized the mattress didn’t feel the same. No lumps. Had Ivy—her sister— replaced it? That’d be wonderful. She snuggled a little deeper. And she realized something else. Heat. The bed was way too warm. In fact, if she wasn’t mistaken, and surely she was, there was a…

“About time you came home,” a man said in a deep, melodic tone from the far side of the bed.

She screamed in shock, even as she recognized the unforgettable voice she’d tried so hard to forget. She leaped out of bed and switched on the nightstand lamp. “Craig Thorne! What are you doing in my bed?”

“I could ask the same of you.” He sat up, the covers slowly, suggestively sliding down to his lap to reveal the chiseled planes of his bronzed, muscular chest. A slight smile tugged at the corners of his full lips, and his hazel eyes gleamed more jade than amber.

Now she understood why she’d found firefighter gear and a dirty mug. He was a cowboy firefighter…and he drank coffee. But what was he doing here? She sucked in her breath, ready to put him in his place, but instead she inhaled the scent of citrus and sage as it swirled outward from the heat of his body. That sight and scent sent her spiraling back in time to a hot and hungry place.

She traced him with her gaze but wished she could use her hands. She’d run her fingers through his thick chestnut hair, with just a touch of wave, that brushed his ridiculously broad shoulders. When she started to follow the dark line of hair down his bronze chest, she snapped her gaze back to his face. And those knowing eyes had turned dark as they roamed her in return.

“How are you?” Craig said in a raspy voice.

“Fine. And you?”

“Better now.”

She couldn’t help but smile. He always knew exactly what to say, whether it was on stage or off.

“Are you here to stay?” he asked.

“I finished the gigs.”

“Good ones?” He cocked his head to one side as if contemplating how it’d been for her.

“What’s not to like about cruise ships?”

“Bet we’ve got better gigs at Wildcat Hall,” he said.

“Yeah.” She needed to get control of the situation, but she was so distracted by the hot cowboy in her bed that she wasn’t thinking straight. Still, it was Craig, and she couldn’t go there again. He would try to corral her, like he’d attempted to do before she’d left for her dream job when he’d wanted her to stay. He’d offered marriage and babies, but there was plenty of time for a family later. She’d always wanted a gig on the high seas, and it’d been a once in a lifetime job. He hadn’t understood. He’d made it an ultimatum—him or work. She wouldn’t be fenced in, not when her sister could step in and run the Park for her. Besides, she’d always been a rolling stone.

“When are you leaving again?”

“I’m not.”

He shook his head, scolding her with his gaze.

“I’m back. And I’m taking control of Wildcat Hall.”

“Control, huh?” He gave her a little smile and cocked his head to one side as he contemplated her.

“Ivy is ready to get on with her life. Me, too.” She didn’t much like his smile. It looked cagey.

“Slade’s a lucky guy to be with her.”

“I’m happy for them.” Fern needed to get their conversation back on track, so she could get him out of her bedroom. “Look, you’re popular at the Hall. Well, more than popular. You’re a huge hit. Naturally, I still want you to play there. It’s just…there is no us anymore.”

“You made that pretty clear when you left.”

She nodded, feeling relieved he was agreeing with her. “I don’t want to be rude, but I’d be more comfortable if you went home. I’m not even sure why you’re here in the first place.”

He leaned toward her, still with that smile on his face.

She froze in place. She had an uneasy feeling life wasn’t going to be quite as simple as she’d imagined when she was on the high seas where everything was controllable—something Craig had never been in his life.

“This is my home now.”

“Ivy rented the cabin to you?”

“Not quite.”

“What do you mean?” She shivered, suddenly chilled to the bone. She clasped her arms around her middle for warmth and comfort.

“I’m willing to share the bed with you. After all, it’s only right.”

She was more confused by the moment. “I appreciate the offer, but—­”

“Fifty-one percent.”

She felt color drain from her face. “Surely, you can’t mean…my sister wouldn’t do that to me.”

“Ivy never had the same interest in the honky­tonk as you. Or me. It’s lifeblood to us. And she has a new life with Slade on his ranch.”

“Are you telling me straight out that Ivy sold you her percentage of the Park?”

“Yes.”

“But she didn’t discuss it with me or anything first.” Fern felt incredibly betrayed by her sister.

“Guess it wasn’t in the contract.”

She shook her head, feeling a ringing in her ears that tried to blot out what she was hearing from him. “I suppose it’s a done deal.”

“Official and everything.” He stopped, looking concerned about her. “It’s okay. We worked fine together in the past. We can do it again.”

“Forty­nine percent.” She tried to wrap her mind around that agonizing fact. “You’re in charge.”

“We’re partners.”

Excerpted from Cowboy Firefighter Heat by Kim Redford. © 2020 by Kim Redford. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.

*****

Author Info:

Kim Redford is a bestselling author of contemporary Western romance novels. She grew up in Texas with cowboys, cowgirls, horses, cattle, and rodeos. She’s a rescue cat wrangler and horseback rider—when she takes a break from her keyboard. Kim Redford currently divides her time between homes in Oklahoma and Richardson, Texas.

Author Website: http://www.kimredford.com/

*****

Giveaway:

5 Copies of Cowboy Firefighter Christmas Kiss

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54ca7af7877/

*****

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