Blog Tour & Giveaway: Forever to Fall [Buckeye Falls 05] by Libby Kay!

Excerpt!

   Before he could overthink things, before he could talk himself out of this, Beckett made his move. “I’m going to kiss you now,” he said, cupping her cheeks and swiping the rogue lock of hair away with his thumb. “Is that okay?”

   Mallory barely nodded before his lips crashed down on hers. She tasted like the mint of her chewing gum, bright and fresh. A tiny moan escaped her, but he swallowed it and angled her head so he could deepen the kiss. Her lips were soft beneath his, and he savored the warmth of her body as she pressed close. Hands roaming, she clutched his T-shirt and stayed flush against him. This was the best kiss of his life.

   Every nerve ending was on fire, every cell in his body cheering that he was where he needed to be—here with Mallory.

   A crack of thunder sounded above them, causing Mallory to flinch and pull back slightly. Resting his hands on her shoulders, he held her in place. “It’s okay, just a little storm.”

   She nodded, bringing a hand to her mouth. Her lips were swollen from kissing, and he deflated with relief when she smiled. Just as he was about to pull her close, another sound interrupted them.

   His stomach growled so loudly, he was surprised it didn’t drown out the rain falling on the tin roof.

   “We should eat,” Mallory said, making no move to pull free.

   “We should,” Beckett agreed, but he wasn’t done kissing her yet. Starting slowly, he kissed the corner of her mouth before trailing downward toward her neck. Mallory’s head fell back, exposing the pale skin and providing access to more of her—to all of her.

   This wasn’t their first kiss, and Beckett promised himself it wouldn’t be their last. He’d finally gotten a taste of Mallory again, and much like his favorite double cherry pop, he was far from done.

Welcome to Buckeye Falls, where second chances mend broken hearts for these childhoodsweethearts. Wedding bells are ringing, but the sister of the groom is conflicted.

Fifteen years ago, Mallory Lawson “married” her childhood sweetheart, Beckett, in a pretend wedding on his family’s apple farm. She treasures not only the memories, but the ring he put on her finger. The trouble now, her brother, Evan, wants to put that family heirloom on his fiancée’s finger. Mallory adores CeCe, but she struggles to get past her girlhood fantasies of Beckett swooping back into her life with a certain ruby ring…

Beckett Fox is at a crossroads. After losing his grandfather, he’s listless and fearful of coming back to the family farm. There are too many memories, and most of them are tied to the love of his life, Mallory. He doesn’t even know if she remembers that fateful day when they were kids, playing make-believe under the apple trees, but he does. Now he’s back to help his buddy get married, and he hopes to find peace on the family farm, with Mallory by his side…

When the wedding planning kicks into high gear, Beckett and Mallory are thrust together as maid of honor and best man. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to ignore the sparks between them. Beckett fears Evan won’t support him dating Mallory, so the pair date in secret. But true love won’t stay hidden forever…

Check it out on Goodreads!

Buy your copy from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo or Apple Books

Author bio:

Libby Kay lives in the city in the heart of the Midwest with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love! When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband, traveling as far as their bank account will allow.

Libby cohosts the Romance Roundup podcast with Liz Donatelli where they recommend romance books and interview authors, influencers, and publishers. Check it out for your weekly dose of romance!

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Designs on Love [Friends of the Unexpected Royals 01] by Tomi Tabb!

Excerpt!

   Disconnecting the call, I move off to the side set my coffee down, and take a moment to drop my phone into my bag next to my palace security badge. I grimace as I see loose pencils and pens, tangled cords, containers of makeup, a pair of socks, lotions, hand sanitizers, hair ties, and an entire pack of Tesco tea biscuits that I don’t even remember buying. At least it’s unopened, although it may be all crumbly. One of these days, I’ll get around to buying an organizer or using pouches so it looks a little less like a junk drawer, but for now, the best I can do is pretend the mess doesn’t exist.

   Zipping the bag closed, I reach for my coffee and notice a piece of metal attached to a leather strap sitting next to it. It looks like something that might’ve fallen off a soldier’s uniform. It takes me a second, but I recognize the mysterious leather-and-metal strap as a spur.

   Glancing around me, I see the yard is devoid of any police officers. Normally, they’re all over the place, but apparently, not this morning. I walk deeper into the yard. Maybe I can pass this over to the foot guard who stands sentry near the black slatted stable door. But as I approach, I find his post is empty too. I frown and finally just decide to leave it with the gent staffing the kiosk selling tourist trinkets opposite me. There are about ten people clustered around the cart.

   “At least the guy is inside,” I mutter to myself.

   However, just as I make my way over, he disappears. I squeeze my eyes shut. What is it with everyone today?

   “Excuse me, do you know where the clerk has gone?” I ask a woman in an ice-blue jacket who’s inspecting an “I Heart London” shot glass.

   “He’s around back checking a couple T-shirt sizes for me.”

   “Thanks.”

   Glancing at my watch, I see it’s now ten forty. I don’t have much more time to waste. I walk around to the backside of the cart under the archway.

   “Stand clear of the arches!” a strong, gruff voice bellows.

   My blood pressure rises about ten points. I drop my coffee and bag, and jump back. A guard in a navy-blue cloak with a red collar materializes out of nowhere. He stomps his foot and shoots me an ice-cold glare.

   “I’m sorry,” I mutter. “Look, all I want to do is return this”—I hold up the spur—“to whomever it belongs. I didn’t want somebody walking away with it.”

   His expression remains stony.

   “I’m just going to put it down on the ground out of the tourists’ reach and maybe somebody can retrieve it when they relieve you from your post later.”

   There is no movement. Hurriedly, I take a step into the forbidden zone, drop the spur behind the pillar, and retreat. That’s my good deed for the day.

   Brushing my hands against my jeans, I turn around to retrieve my bag. To my horror, a woman in a red beanie and black puffer coat has her grimy hands on my wallet and phone.

   “Give those back!” I scream.

   Her eyes widen. She drops my phone, but keeps hold of my wallet and sprints into the darkened tunnel that connects the courtyard to the sandy parade grounds.

   “Stop!” I shout. “Thief!”

Min grew up with dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, but fate had other plans for her.

Fresh out of the London School of Fashion, she’s set her sights on one goal: earning an internship at one of the most exclusive fashion houses in the country—the Clarissa Lee Atelier.

When a series of unfortunate events leads to an unexpected meet-cute with a tall, dark, and handsome royal guard, Min’s plans are suddenly turned upside down.

She never expected to end up with a date with a soldier named Sam instead of applying for her internship.

Despite the setback, it’s not long before Min is offered her shot at a dream design commission. This is everything she’s been working toward. Devoting all her time and energy to it should be a no brainer, except she’s started to fall for Sam, who’s also laser focused on advancing in the army while taking care of his sisters.

As they navigate their growing feelings for each other, Min finds herself at a crossroads. With their careers on the line, can Min and Sam find the time to get their happily ever after?

Check it out on Goodreads!

Buy your copy from Amazon

Author bio:

Tomi is a sweet romance author who enjoys writing feel-good stories with a heart.

Her first published novel, "Dancing With a Royal," made its debut in 2020.

Outside of her day job, and attending grad school, Tomi enjoys figure skating and hunting for new pumpkin flavored foods. Her current favorite item is pumpkin spice Milano cookies.

Become a part of Tomi's Treasured Community of readers by joining her newsletter or visiting her official website.

Website

Goodreads

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz & Giveaway: The Rebound Play [Love on Thin Ice 02] by Kate O'Keeffe!

Excerpt!

   “I get it. Hockey’s your world right now,” Troy replies. “Which is why coming back to your hometown to play is so perfect for you. I can work things out with your team management to get you the time off, and we’ve got an excellent PT. She’ll get that wrist back into shape before you know it.”

   “I’ve got to admit—it’s tempting.”

   And besides, there’s another reason for going back home, and it’s kind of a big one. Keira Johnson. My Kiki. Only she hasn’t been my Kiki for ten years now.

   Just the thought of my high school girl—the girl I left behind—has my pulse kicking up a notch or ten.

   Keira is the girl I’ve never been able to forget.

   Sure, there’ve been other girls. It’s been a long time and I’m no saint. Women tend to throw themselves at you when you’re an NHL player, particularly when you’re known as the pretty boy of the team. Those puck bunnies, as they’re sometimes called, simply come with the territory—and it’s fun territory, believe me.

   Of course, the fact that my kid brother is the current heartthrob on the hit Netflix fantasy show, It Came One Winter, doesn’t exactly hurt, either.

   But here’s the thing: Most of the women I meet are only interested in me because I’m Dan Roberts, center for the Chicago Blizzard, brother to the guy they love to watch on TV. Relationships for me tend to last a few weeks, a month, tops. My lifestyle means it’s hard to hold down a relationship. And besides, those women aren’t interested in plain Dan Roberts, the hockey-obsessed kid from Maple Falls, who worked his butt off to make it to the NHL.

   So, my heart has been safe, never forgetting my first love. Keira.

If you get a second chance at love with your hockey star ex, should you take it?

Keira

What do you do when your NHL superstar ex skates back into your small town? Drop to the ground and hide behind the bleachers, hoping he doesn’t see you. But Lady Luck must be in a bad mood today because Dan spots me, my hood over my eyes, pretending I’m not there.

Mature? No.

Necessary? Oh, yes.

Humiliation washes over me, and the wall around my heart stands firm. Dan might be back, but I can’t afford to let him in again. Not after the heartbreak of losing him once before.

When he offers to coach my nephew, I reluctantly agree. Every smile he flashes at me, every kind word, threatens to crack my resolve. But I can’t go through that again. I have to protect my heart.

Dan

I want Keira back. End of story.

Check it out on Goodreads!

Buy your copy from Amazon

Author bio:

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Kate O'Keeffe writes exactly what she loves to read: laugh-out-loud romantic comedies with swoon-worthy heroes and gorgeous feel-good happily ever afters. She lives and loves in beautiful Hawke's Bay, New Zealand with her family. When she's not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), traveling to different countries, and eating chocolate. A lot of it.

Visit kateokeeffe dot com to sign up to her newsletter and you'll receive a FREE romcom.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz & Giveaway: The Kingdom of Shadows and Wolves [Stardust & Shadows 01] by Martha Sweeney!

Excerpt!

   Your name does not fit you, my soon-to-be King,” I state. “Your father surely didn’t expect his son who is named of the heavens, where our beloved Gods reside, to take his crown by force. Did you go rabid like the Conroicht? Perhaps he should have named you—”

   His grip tightens around my fingers and I’m forced to stop speaking and walking when he does. I dare not look at him, knowing I have spoken out of turn.

   There isn’t a sound other than his controlled breath in and out of his nostrils.

   “I have heard the rumors, King Caelum.” My stare pierces the floor. “I know a wolf in a sheep’s hide even if that wolf is a kingdom away.”

   “One would almost say the same of your beloved Uncle,” he jabs.

   I snicker. “Beloved is a word that has never been used to describe him.”

   A hand wraps around my throat and I’m pushed against the stone wall. “You know little of me, Princess Aurora. Mind your words or I will seek pleasure in punishing you.”

   My chin raises. “You know little of me.”

   King Caelum’s attention lowers from my face. My dagger, which was hidden against my thigh, is pressed against the bottom of his leather chest guard. A low chuckle reverberates from him.

   “With the tip of my hand like so,” I state, lowering my wrist an inch. “I merely need to press up and I will wound you greatly.”

   “Princess Aurora,” Kion chides, stepping closer.

   King Caelum growls at the guard who backs down a second later. “I know more about you, my soon-to-be Queen of Cysgod than you realize.”

   “Not enough to know that I was armed and—”

   He snarls like the wolf he is which cuts me off. “Three punishments so far, Princess Aurora. The odds gain in my favor.”

   “Three?” I scoff.

   The fire in his eyes intensifies. “First, for calling me a coward. Second, for calling me a wolf. And now, the attempt on my life.”

   “Your life?” I balk. “You and your guards outnumber me. If you wanted, I would be dead and my blade wouldn’t be where it is.”

   “Precisely.” His grip tightens around my neck, his thumb pressing into the bottom of my chin. “You pose no threat to me.”

   “That is what Uncle would wish you to believe,” I inform. “Who was kneeling to whom earlier today? Not one Krigare guard rose when either of us stood, not that they have ever risen for me other than to escort me somewhere.” A yelp rushes out of me when my weapon-wielding hand is pinned against the wall. My gaze darts to its proximity and I swallow the lump in my throat when I realize its tip is a mere inch from my eye.

   A devious smirk tugs at his lips as King Caelum chuckles deeply. “I’ll very much enjoy the punishments you will receive from me when we are afforded the time.”

   Indignantly, I reply, “I’m certain it won’t be worse than what Uncle has done to me.”

   King Caelum releases me, returning my dagger to the inside of my left thigh. I’m speechless as his fingers graze my skin and linger longer than needed. Should he lift his fingers barely an inch, he will touch a place no Fae male has ever touched. “We shall see, Princess Aurora.”

Being raised by the viper who slaughtered my family, along with being beaten and berated by him for merely existing, takes a toll on my heart and soul. Uncle bears the crown, has changed the name of our kingdom Soare to Krigare, and desires more destruction throughout the Fae lands. While plotting his quest to rule all, I’m bartered to forge a union with Cysgod, a formidable ally and one who could ensure Uncle’s victory. King Caelum of Cysgod has a reputation that precedes him, defining him as a tyrant as well. He killed his father for the crown and is known to be just a ruthless and bloodthirsty as Uncle.

Just when I thought the Gods had forsaken me, as they did the Enkeli and Conroicht, my life turns upside down. While I fear my new king, he and his people see me as their queen. Though he does not punish me, I expect it nonetheless and flinch at his touch.

I may be rid of Uncle, but I doubt his hold on me is truly released. Does he plan to capture Cysgod from the inside, using me as his weapon, giving him the army he needs to take and conquer any kingdom? Is there a way to stop Uncle and seek revenge for the death of my kin?

Check it out on Goodreads!

Buy your copy from Amazon

Author bio:

Martha Sweeney is a BESTSELLING author who writes in a variety of genres: romance (contemporary, romcom, suspense, paranormal and historical), suspense, fantasy, thriller, coloring books, and soon, science fiction. She strives to push herself as a storyteller with each new tale and hopes to push her readers outside of their comfort zone whether it be genre or the stories themselves.

With a B.S. in Psychology, Martha utilizes her knowledge of human and animal behavior successfully in the business world and in her writing to present realistic characters and situations. She's been creative since she was little, always drawing, coloring or making crafts, so her venture into being an author was a natural transition.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Blitz: Fight for You [A Warrior for Her 01] by Nichole Rose w/a Nichole Fallon!

She's an angel. I'm the devil on her shoulder. And this is my swan song. When it's over, I'll either be the monster at the end of this book…or I'll be the man she deserves.

Michael "Cade" Kincaid

Thirty-two. That's how many bullets it took to destroy my world. I know because I counted.

I lost everything that day—including the only girl I've ever loved. January James will never forgive me for destroying her family. I’ll never forgive myself, either. But no matter how hard she fights, nothing changes the fact that she belongs to me, body and soul.

She thinks she hates me, but that was before an enemy from the past painted a target on her back. Now, I’m the only man who can keep her safe. I'll burn his world to the ground before I let him touch her.

But when the smoke clears, and she sees just how dark my secrets really are, I may lose her for good.

God help this city if I do.

Check it out on Goodreads!

Buy your copy from Amazon

Author bio:

Three-time award-winning author Nichole Rose writes filthy romance for curvy readers. Her books feature headstrong, sassy women and the alpha males who consume them. From obsessed mafia bosses to over-the-top hockey players to ancient Fae warriors and Daddy Doms, nothing is off-limits.

She is sure to have a steamy story just right for everyone. She fully believes the world is ugly enough without trying to fit falling in love into a one-size-fits-all box.

Nichole also writes dark romance as Nichole Fallon.

When not writing, Nichole enjoys fine wine, cute shoes, and everything supernatural. She is happily married to the love of her life and is a proud ringleader in the world’s most ridiculous chihuahua circus. She and her husband live in central Arkansas.

Website

Facebook

Facebook Group

Goodreads

Newsletter

Stacking the Shelves [109]!

Stacking The Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews and Reading Reality where we show what books we got recently. I do this post once a month.

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you’re adding to your shelves, be it buying or borrowing. From ‘real’ books you’ve purchased, a book you’ve borrowed, a book you’ve been given or an e-book, they can all be shared!

Purchased (Ebooks):

The Lumberjack [Game of Chance 04] by Susan Stoker (Read)

Falling Like Stars by Emma Scott

Endgame by Lola Gregory

Rally [Treasure State Wildcats 03] by Devney Perry

Alone with You by Aly Martinez

King of Nothing by Aurora Rose Reynolds (Read)

The Art of Breathing by Cali Melle

Passenger Princess [Evergreen Park 01] by Morgan Elizabeth

Bitter Rival [Sutton Ridge 01] by Emery Rose Andrews

Delicate Escape [Sparrow Falls 02] by Catherine Cowles

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca

Cash [Lucky River Ranch 01] by Jessica Peterson

Purchased (Paperbacks/hardbacks):

Whisky Business [The Macabe Brothers 01] by Elliot Fletcher

(This book was in the SheMadeIt June box)

Gifted from Authors/Publishers:

I, unfortunately, didn't receive any paperbacks or hardbacks this month.

For Review from Author/Netgalley/Edelweiss:

First Time [Society X Novellas 01] by Heidi McLaughlin & L.P. Dover (Read)

Currently Reading:

Alone with You by Aly Martinez

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Breaking the Ice [Love on Thin Ice 01] by Whitney Dineen!

Excerpt!

   Of course, Zachary Hart showed up early. The man is clearly so self-absorbed he thinks the world’s population is here for no other reason than to serve him. I turn toward my class and announce, “Everyone on the ice. Practice your revolutions until I come back.” Then I skate toward the opening in the boards where Troy is standing next to his brother. 

   “Hey, Ellie,” Troy greets. “How’s it going? The kids look like they’re having a blast.”

   “Thanks to you and Kelly,” I tell him. “These girls wouldn’t be skating without you.”

   Troy passes off the compliment in that aw-shucks self-deprecating manner of his. “Sure they would. They’d just have to wait until the ponds froze up in the winter.” He reaches an arm out toward his brother. “Zach came a day early. I hope that won’t be a problem.” Before I can answer, he adds, “Zach, this is Ellie Butler.”

   I shift my attention in the billionaire’s direction, with every intention of giving him a piece of my mind.  But as soon as our eyes meet, my throat constricts, making coherent verbal communication impossible—on my part anyway. 

   Zach is way hotter than he looks in the tabloids and on TV. He also possesses a magnetic aura that’s drawing me in—like I inexplicably want to jump into his arms. How is that even possible since I fervently loathe him?

   Mr. Smug extends his hand to shake mine. “I wanted to get here ahead of the press.”

   My eyes drop to the offered hand and bounce back to stare at his—dang it—handsome face. Keeping both of my arms at my sides, I tell him, “The cottage won’t be ready until tomorrow.” 

   “I was worried it wouldn’t,” Troy says. “But that’s no problem. Zach can stay with us for the night. The boys can’t wait to see him.”

   Zach has other ideas. “I don’t mind if it isn’t perfect.” He continues, “I’m going to need a quiet place to work, and my nephews are anything but quiet.”

   “Then you should stay at the lodge,” I tell him, unwilling to budge on his occupation date.

   “That won’t work for me.”

   “Why?” I demand incredulously. Does this guy really think the entire world is at his beck and call?

   “Because the team arrives tomorrow, and the press will be on site. I don’t want to be anywhere near them until I’m ready.” 

   I unconsciously look at his fingernails and wonder if he gets manicures. Sure enough, there are no cuticles, and his nails look shiny and buffed. 

   “Afraid they’ll make you look bad?” My sarcasm is heavy. 

   Zach’s shoulders square off like he’s turned to stone. “Excuse me?” He’s clearly not used to anyone standing up to him. 

   “The cottage will be ready tomorrow after three,” I tell him firmly. “The key will be waiting for you in the office.” I glance at Troy to make sure I haven’t made him angry, but he looks nothing short of amused. 

   “I need to stay there tonight,” Zach says more firmly than he should for a man with no control over the situation. 

   “Good luck with that.” I know I’m taking things too far, but I can’t seem to stop myself.

   Richie Rich runs a hand through his hair like he’s going to rip it out. “Ellie, is it?” He knows darn well that’s my name, so I don’t respond. “What is it going to take for me to get into your mother’s cottage right now?”

What do an entitled billionaire and small-town ice-skating coach have in common?

Ellie

My life is not turning out like I thought it would.

My mom’s arthritis has gotten so bad that I had to move in with her. I’m making ends meet by giving ice skating lessons at the arena in Maple Falls. I’d be in serious trouble had the Harts not given me that job.

Which makes it impossible to say no when they ask me to let Troy’s obnoxious billionaire brother stay in the cabin on my mom’s property during the charity hockey event they’re running.

Zach

First the tabloids call me out for being a cheapskate and then Yolanda Simms takes to national television to tell everyone what a vicious heartbreaker I am?

Yeah, my life has been better.

My brother thinks I can fix my bad press by coming to Maple Falls and donating big to his new charity endeavor. Too bad he didn’t mention the woman who owns the cottage I’ll be staying at hates me with a passion.

He also didn’t mention she’s everything I’ve ever looked for in a woman…

Check it out on Goodreads!

Buy your copy from Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Author bio:

Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.

Whitney is a multi-award-winning author of romcoms, non-fiction humor, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.

She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2017.

Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016.

Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.

Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017.

Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards, 2017

Finalist Top Shelf Indie Book Awards, 2017

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour & Giveaway: In His Keeping Trilogy by Mia Frances!

Taken [In His Keeping 01]

If you liked Fifty Shades of Grey, you'll love this new series!

Out of work and on the verge of being homeless, Sylvie Jenkins is desperate. Her desperation leads her to take a job with a reclusive writer living in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. She's never heard of Connor Hudson, but the man is offering her room, board, and an extremely generous salary. How bad could he be? Sylvie is shocked to learn that she might not know who Connor Hudson is, but millions of readers do, scarfing up the books he writes under various pseudonyms. And Connor's not just a bestselling author. He's a billionaire entrepreneur whose publishing and media empires span the globe.

Her new employer is a drop-dead gorgeous hunk, but he's also surly, dominating, and demanding. He's accustomed to being obeyed and kowtowed to, but he soon discovers that his feisty new assistant refuses to do either. Sylvie thinks he's an arrogant, condescending jackass! Connor is shocked that this little imp isn't cowed by his wealth, power, and position. That fascinates him. The Dom in him is determined to have her...and her obedience and submission as well. Naive and nerdy, Sylvie mistakes sex for love. But Connor can't love her. He's keeping secrets: dark and dangerous secrets. He says he's incapable of love. But as the body count begins to rise, you can't help but wonder...is he capable of murder?

Check it out on Goodreads!

Buy your copy from Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Banished [In His Keeping 02]

Exiled to a luxurious penthouse fortress on Park Ave. and trailed by security teams wherever she goes, Sylvie Jenkins feels like a virtual prisoner.

She made the mistake of falling in love with her boss, reclusive bestselling author and billionaire entrepreneur, Connor Hudson. He’s a strict, demanding Dom, who imposes rules and metes out punishment. He wants her total submission, but she’s not inclined to give it. They’d been living together in his rustic mountain mansion until the day police arrived and informed Connor he was the prime suspect in a series of grisly murders. People who loved him had a habit of turning up dead!

Without a word of explanation, Connor sends Sylvie away, refusing to take her calls or answer texts or emails. He tries to stay away from Sylvie, but he can’t. They continue to see each other in secret. Their meetings are filled with painful discipline, followed by the most exquisite pleasure.

Sylvie becomes jealous when Connor squires other women to society events. He tells her it’s to throw the "real" killer off the track. But Sylvie has her doubts.

Realizing she knows almost nothing about Connor’s background, she decides to search the apartment for clues to his past. She discovers the door to a secret room. What she finds there frightens her. Sylvie had always known Connor had a dark, almost sinister side, but she hadn’t thought him dangerous or cruel. Now she wondered. She kept telling herself Connor wasn’t a murderer. But the question remained, if he wasn’t…who was?​

Check it out on Goodreads!

Buy your copy from Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Claimed [In His Keeping 03]

Jealous and angry, her relationship with Connor in tatters, Sylvie decides to escape her penthouse prison. She flees to an isolated cottage in the Catskill Mountains where she hopes to lick her wounds and mend her broken heart. Sylvie has a new job and a new life, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, far from Connor Hudson's rules and control. She may have escaped her lover, but not the killer. He knows where she is…and he's coming to claim her!

Check it out on Goodreads!

Buy your copy from Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Author bio:

Mia Frances is the pen name of author Mary Vigliante Szydlowski. As Mia, she's the author of the dark, gritty post-apocalyptic romance, TRIBES; steamy romantic suspense novel, Little Girl Lost; and the erotic romance, murder mystery series: IN HIS KEEPING: TAKEN, IN HIS KEEPING: BANISHED, and IN HIS KEEPING: CLAIMED.

Her Science Fiction/Fantasy works include novels: The Ark (Jarl Szydlow), The Colony (Mary Vigliante), The Land (Mary Vigliante), Source of Evil (Mary Vigliante), and novella, The Hand of My Enemy. She's also the author of horror novel, Worship the Night; and Dark Realm, the tale of a dystopian world ruled by Satan. In addition, she's the author of mainstream novel Silent Song.

She’s also published 11 children's book: There's A Mouse In The House, Are We There Yet?, Little Sowbug & the Big Flood, Ghoul School, Millie Muldoon & the Case of the Halloween Haunting, Millie Muldoon & the Case of the Thanksgiving Turkey-napper, Millie Muldoon & the Christmas Mystery, A Puddle for Poo, Kia’s Manatee, The Duck in the Hole, and I Can't Talk I've Got Farbles In My Mouth.

Her short stories, articles, children’s stories, essays, and poems have appeared in books, magazines, newspapers, and on the web. She's also a contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies: The Dog Did What?, Volunteering and Giving Back, Merry Christmas!, Mom Knows Best, and Life Lessons from the Dog.

She's a member of the Authors’ Guild, SCBWI (Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators), SFWA (Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America), and RWA (Romance Writers of America).

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Paws and Premonitions [Erin Bailey in Franklin Paranormal Mystery 02] by Pamela McCord!

Excerpt!

   “Ow!”

   I banged my cast on the kitchen island, and immediately four sets of eyes whipped my way. “I’m okay,” I said to head off the exclamations of concern I was sure were on the way.

   I couldn’t blame them, of course. With my broken arm and various cuts and bruises resulting from my encounter with a deranged middle-age charity committee treasurer who was trying to kill me, I was a pitiful sight.

   Lucky for me, my friends loved me anyway. I carried my cup of coffee over to the kitchen table, around which sat my best friend Susie DeAngelo, my detective boyfriend Ryan Cahill and my private investigator DC Washington. I didn’t know if I could call DC my PI, since I’d only hired him for one case and didn’t think I’d be needing him for more. But he’d definitely become my friend.

   Also on the table…that’s right…on the table, sat Peekaboo, a gorgeous orange cat with huge gold eyes. No gathering would be complete without her.

   The four of us, make that five counting Peekaboo, had just experienced something that I doubted very many people could claim. We’d watched the ghost of Alice Chapman go into the light. Sobering.

   I should back up. I met Alice in Los Angeles seven years ago. She was in the process of being mugged by a trio of gangbangers when I stepped in to save her and pretended to call 911 and give descriptions of the muggers, which caused the lowlifes to scram. Poor Alice was a little bloody and in shock, so I went to the hospital with her and helped her feel safe again. I guess you could say we became friends, although communications between the two of us dropped off after the first few years.

   Fast forward to a couple of months ago when I was summoned to Franklin, Tennessee, by Alice’s attorney, who shared the news that I was Alice’s beneficiary. Of a house, an Infiniti SUV and a very large bank account. And Peekaboo, although she was named Weeds at the time.

   That’s how I came to be in Franklin. Lovely house, nice neighborhood, but that was just the frosting. The actual cake was that Peekaboo tripped me and caused a near-death experience, after which I could see Alice’s ghost. And talk to Peekaboo, who admitted that her actions were intentional because she needed me to acquire a severe head injury which would open my chakras, or whatever woo-woo result was supposed to happen. Peekaboo rushed to assure me that she knew I’d survive because…get this…she’s psychic.

   Long story short, Peekaboo dropped this gift on me because she needed me to prove that Alice’s death wasn’t an accident. Guided by a talking cat and Alice’s insights, with the help of my very best friend, Susie, who, as predicted by Peekaboo, decided she wanted to move to Franklin and be my roommate, we sifted through a raft of suspects, in the meantime irking Detective Cahill, whom Peekaboo deemed to be The One, who wanted me to stay as far away from danger as possible.

   But what would you do if a ghost and a talking cat pushed for you to follow the leads and bring Alice’s killer to justice?

   Following those leads is what brought me into the sites of the aforesaid deranged middle-age charity committee treasurer. Hence, my cast and the myriad bandages covering various parts of my body, not to mention a few adorning my face.

   The doorbell announced the arrival of pizza.

Another murder! Erin Bailey has already been there, done that. Just weeks ago, Erin was embroiled in solving the murder of her benefactor. That little adventure almost led to Erin’s premature death. Now, another ghost…long story…has approached Erin asking for her help to solve his murder. When would she ever get to relax and enjoy her new life in Franklin, Tennessee? Once again, Erin enlists her reluctant team: Susie, her best friend, Ryan, her detective boyfriend, and DC, her, um, private investigator, and the not-so-reluctant Peekaboo, the talking cat who was responsible for Erin’s entry into the ghost world, to help uncover the person who killed Timothy, a sweet little old gentleman who lived across the street from Erin. As of now, everyone thinks Tim died in his sleep of natural causes. Now it’s up to Erin and her friends to solve Timothy’s murder so his spirit can go into the light.

Check it out on Goodreads!

Buy your copy from Amazon

Author bio:

Born in Arkansas and raised in Southern California, Pamela McCord started writing later in life when she was challenged by a friend to create a book out of his story idea. Since then, she's become an internationally published author. Pam has spent over 40 years working as a legal secretary at a law firm in Orange County, California. Aside from writing, she follows the stock market, buying, selling and trading stocks and options. In contrast to that, she loves trips to Las Vegas where she can spend many happy hours at the Pai Gow tables. She shares a condo with her very own My Cat From Hell TV star, Allie, who manages to exude just enough affection to make her scary feral ways tolerable.

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Blindside Beauty [Varsity Dads 06] by Lex Martin!

         

My football player ex cheated on me, so the last thing I need is to fall for another quarterback. Especially when he’s still mourning his baby mama who tragically passed away.

After I accidentally plow my car into Nick Silva’s bumper, I can’t blame him for not hiring me to be his daughter’s nanny, but I’m still salty about it. I need the money to go on a trip of a lifetime, one my ex didn’t want me to take.

The worst part is Nick just moved in next door.

I’m sure he associates me with my dirtbag ex—his former teammate—so I try to avoid my neighbor whenever possible.

But when his new babysitter gets locked out of the house, leaving Nick’s four-year-old alone inside, I attempt to rescue her by breaking in through a window.

Unfortunately, I have a wardrobe malfunction and end up flashing my goodies to the whole neighborhood, Nick included.

Because of my embarrassing heroics, Nick’s now convinced I’d be a great nanny.

The trouble with football players is they’re very persuasive, so I agree to take the job but immediately regret it.

Who needs to see a gorgeous, shirtless man jumping rope and doing push-ups in gray sweatpants? Who wants to watch a sexy, single dad snuggle his little girl and read her bedtime stories? Who enjoys working closely with a walking, talking thirst trap every single day?

Fine. I do. I want all of that, but I already swore I’d never date another jock after the last one stomped all over my heart, so this bookworm needs to play it safe.

But rumor has it Nick has a new girlfriend, which helps me maintain appropriate boundaries.

Because I won’t be blindsided by another quarterback again.

Add it to your TBR list on Goodreads!

Pre-order your copy from Amazon

       

Author bio:

Lex Martin is the USA Today bestselling author of Varsity Dads, Texas Nights, and the Dearest series. She writes contemporary romance novels, the steamy kind she hopes readers love but her parents avoid. A former high school English teacher and freelance journalist who’s lived all over the country, she currently resides in her hometown of San Antonio with her husband, twin daughters, and their bunny. Drop her a line. She loves hearing from readers.

Website

Facebook

Facebook Group

Twitter

Goodreads

Newsletter