Barbara Russell's Blog, page 36

Babies At Coconuts

Book & Author Details:
Babies at Coconuts
by Beth Carter
(Coconuts Series, #3)
Publication date: May 15th 2019
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance
Synopsis: For Fans of My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Italian-style!)  A clash of cultures.
A chaotic wedding.
A surprise baby.
Just another day at Coconuts. Coordinating the most joyous day of her son’s life should be easy. After all, Suzy is a wedding planner. But a meddling future mother-in-law wasn’t on the checklist. A wacky rehearsal dinner, a beach wedding, and a baby—not necessarily in that order—ensures bedlam, if not hilarity, among the two head-butting moms. The show must go on, with or without the wedding party. Hope is adept at counseling students but has given up on dieting and having sleek hair. She has even gotten used to the fact that her adopted father no longer remembers her—until a surprise engagement and a newspaper article leave her in shambles. Sexy banker Alex conveys totally in control while ignoring the simmering boil of her disastrous relationship. Her marketing rival is her kryptonite, but a disastrous bank event may spell her downfall. Socialite Cheri Van Buren seems to have the perfect life. The New Yorker deftly juggles celebrity events but is growing concerned about her jet-setting parents’ strained marriage. After competing in a cake-decorating contest, another chef leaves her speechless. More than a Happy Hour haven, Coconuts is the unknowing guardian of shared secrets, bombshell revelations, a few tears, and joy. Will the best friends ever find happiness? It doesn’t look good. NOTE: Even though this is Book 3 of my Coconuts series, it may be read as a standalone.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44787923-babies-at-coconuts?ac=1&from_search=true
Purchase:Amazon: https://books2read.com/u/4AQBnK?store=amazon



At a certain mid-life crisis, er, age, multi-award-winning author Beth Carter shed her corporate bank suits and heels to pen novels and children's books. She much prefers afternoon writing at Starbucks to 8 o'clock board meetings.

Carter's novels include: THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS (Book 1), CHAOS AT COCONUTS (Book 2), BABIES AT COCONUTS (Book 3), SLEEPING WITH ELVIS, MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO, and SANTA BABY, a novelette. There will be six books in the Coconuts series, and all may be read as a standalone.

Voted Favorite Contemporary Runner-up in the 2018 & 2017 Raven Awards, winner of a 2015 RONE Award, and named Best Debut Author in 2015, the author pens romantic women's fiction contemporary romance, and romantic comedy in what she calls rollercoaster romance. The author infuses plenty of humor, suspense, heartwarming romance, and page-turning plot twists.

Also a children's picture book author, Carter has four children's books published: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?, SOUR POWER, SANTA'S SECRET, and THE MISSING KEY. All have been well received by kids, parents, teachers, and counselors.

You'll likely find Beth Carter sipping a skinny vanilla latte while writing. That is, if she isn't on a boat or at T.J. Maxx.
Author links:https://bethcarter.com/https://twitter.com/bethcarter007https://www.facebook.com/authorbethcarterhttps://www.instagram.com/bethcarterauthor/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5796243.Beth_Carter

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Excerpt – Babies At CoconutsCHAPTER ONEMy son’s wedding will be perfect. It has to be perfect.  I’m his wedding planner. Oh, God. What was I thinking? Rubbing her throbbing temples, Suzy stared out the kitchen window and noticed the first sign of daffodils sprouting against the half-brown, half-green ground. The perky, yellow flowers usually made her smile.Taking deep yoga breaths to quell her butterflies, Suzy continually gave herself non-stop, much-needed pep talks prior to the rehearsal dinner.Tonight’s dinner will set the tone. Both families will either enjoy one another’s company—or everyone will count the hours until the whole blessed thing is over. I love weddings. That’s why I plan them but I never expected this much pressure. I want Jon to be thrilled with the results. Her mind swirled with possible worst-case scenarios.Filling up her favorite “Best Mom” coffee mug for good luck, she drummed her fingers on the kitchen counter. Happily, the boys—they would always be boys to her even though they were young men—had agreed to pick up Fernando’s three brothers and mom at the airport.She’d only spoken to Fernando’s mother once by phone and couldn’t get a word in. Not. One. Word. She hoped it was due to wedding jitters and not an everyday diarrhea-of-the-mouth occurrence. Overly chatty people got on her last nerve.Before they arrived, she decided to check her wedding notes yet again. Suzy placed notes in a file for every bride and groom—or in this case, two grooms. Normally, she drew the wedding theme on the outside of the folder for quick reference since she occasionally had more than one wedding going at once.Shuffling to the breakfast table where she often worked, she spotted the manila sleeve. Starfish, waves, and palm trees were drawn on the exterior. She smiled when she noticed Izzy had added a heart with Jon + Fernando scrawled in the middle. This is a good sign. Even my surly teen stepdaughter is excited about the wedding.She shook her head in wonder. My son’s getting married. He’s going to be a husband. And a dad. A dad! I can hardly believe both events are happening so close together.Her mind skittered to Fernando’s family. She had tried to encourage them into flying in a day earlier from Italy, fearing they’d have airplane issues and miss the rehearsal dinner. But Gia Russo had texted from New York City hours earlier saying they were on schedule. Still, timing was tight.Suzy glanced back at her list. Food. Wine. Engraved champagne flutes. Check. Scanning her notes for the hundredth time, she smiled when she noted a star beside Fernando’s favorite color—orange. Suzy had asked the florist to tie orange ribbons on the chairs at the wedding for a pop of color. She chuckled. Her son, Jon, couldn’t care less about colors but had requested simple white rose petals to cover the aisle during the ceremony.Sipping coffee, Suzy’s mouth watered as she studied Cheri Van Buren’s fabulous rehearsal dinner menu. Her New York caterer friend had come through from afar. The grooms had requested Indian food placing Suzy in unfamiliar territory. Cheri had recommended Indian Summer, the best Indian restaurant in Crystal City, and assured Suzy she had spoken directly with Chef Raj.We’re in good shape. The rehearsal dinner will be an intimate gathering as Jon requested with Fernando’s family; Vanessa, Jon’s former high school sweetheart before he came out; her best friends Alex and Hope; husband, Ken; and stepdaughter Izzy.This should be easy. No drama before the big day.Suzy took another quick peek at her watch. Nothing like cutting it close. Alex must be rubbing off on me; she was born late. Rubbing her arms from nervousness, her mind wandered. I hope there aren’t any airline issues. Jon is probably beside himself and pacing the length of the airport about now.Izzy was still at school and Ken was at work. Unusually anxious, Suzy wondered if she should drink a glass of wine before the dinner. She picked up her cell to call her husband, but his voicemail indicated he was in a meeting for another thirty minutes. Why is everyone busy until the last minute? I hope this means the ceremony will be flawless.Deciding to take a quick shower, Suzy heard her phone vibrate as she turned off the water. Dripping all over the counter, she reached for her phone full of texts. One was from Alex who was running late. No surprise. Hope wondered if her school attire would be dressy enough. Jon mentioned he was nervous, excited, and leaving the airport. Ken said he would meet her at the restaurant.I don’t have time to reply to all of these messages. Suzy quickly responded to Hope that her clothes would be fine and retreated to her walk-in closet. With a plush, gray towel wrapped around her wet body, she studied her wardrobe.Originally, she had planned to wear a sundress, but immediately changed her mind and donned a more formal dress. Glancing in the mirror, Suzy frowned. This doesn’t look tropical. They want a luau for a wedding. My clothes should fit the theme.Shedding her lacy dress and flinging it on the bed, Suzy studied her closet. Wearing only a bra and panties, the doorbell rang. She froze when she heard the door creak open.“Mom, we’re here,” Jon said. “Er, everyone’s here. We’re coming in, ready or not.”


My Review

Florabella

FlobellaAdventures in the Creative Idea Dimensionby Altheta G.D. Waverly Genre: MG Fantasy 
Flobella is a creatress but doesn't know it.
Orphaned when she was four, twelve-year-old Flobella now lives a sad, drab life with her cruel aunt and uncle. Only painting and the maybe-memory of a woman who might be her mother hugging her in a purple garden makes her feel alive. But one day while painting, the swirl of colors begins to lift off the page, revealing a tiny fairy named Mumu whom Flobella follows through the spiral into the Creative Idea Dimension, a land of imagination and ideas.
When Flobella misses her opportunity to exit the spiral, the only way home is to follow the creative path to a gold door and Evo, a wise man who lives beyond the door and can help her find her way.  Along her fantastical journey, she meets an array of magical creatures, each of whom presents a different creative path. But in a world of possibilities, she must find her own way, and the ruminudgies will do anything to stop her from fulfilling her destiny, as the dimension of creativity hangs in the balance…
An inspired and creative adventure awaits in an imaginative Alice-in-Wonderland-like fairy-tale world—where mysterious gardens, dark forests and magical fields are populated with wizards, talking ladybugs, white idea birds, a quantum kitty, andTimette, a lavender tea-loving time guide, and more—in this exciting first book in the Adventures in the Creative Idea Dimensionseries by debut author Altheta G.D. Waverly.

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Altheta G.D. Waverly created Flobella's Adventures in the Creative Idea Dimension to immerse the reader in a creative landscape. She lives with her family (a mini creative collective) in a garden state not too far from the ocean and loves to visit lavender groves.
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Beauty and the Bad Boy

Dear OliviaBeauty and the Bad Boy Book 1by Bella Fontaine Genre: Contemporary Romance 
From USA Today Bestselling Author Khardine Gray writing as Bella Fontaine, comes an emotionally-gripping second chance romance that will make you melt. 


Dear Olivia,I’m sorry I couldn’t stay. I had to leave because you asked me to take care of your brother and I didn’t. I couldn’t. It was the one time I never had his back and because of me he died. I couldn’t face you after that….


Those words …That was the point when my broken heart softened and let him back in.Eight years ago when Sam left my world ended and it reminded me of how forbidden he was to me growing up.He was my older brother’s best friend and the guy from the wrong side of the track.He was the gorgeous rebel with his bright blue eyes who was bad news.But, when I looked at him I saw the good … even when he didn’t.


He was my first everything.I gave him my heart, body and soul, thinking we’d always be together.It was a lie.My heart shattered into a million pieces when he left.Now, he wants a second chance.He wants me again and not just for one night.Loving him once was a mistake.Loving him twice is beyond my control.It feels like the best mistake of my life, until I realize there’s more secrets that could destroy us.Again… Dear Olivia is a steamy second chance romance and the first book in a two part series concluding with Yours Truly. Please note there is a cliffhanger. For your enjoyment of this series pretty, pretty,  please read the books in order. Enjoy xx


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Yours Truly Beauty and the Bad Boy Book 2
From USA Today Bestselling Author Khardine Gray writing as Bella Fontaine, comes the conclusion of  a heart gripping  second chance romance. 

The past left me battered and bruised, the present could do the same to me.Loving Sam was like drowning in a river with a fierce current that pulled you under.Nothing could  have prepared me for the shocking secret that spilled out of the closet and broke me all over again.But truth is truth…The truth is I hated the lies…The truth is I love him…The truth is sometimes people deserve a second chance.But, sometimes they don’t.I’m not sure which he is yet.My heart continues to betray me.However, this time, I’ve got more to lose than just my heart.


Yours Truly is a steamy second chance romance and the second book in The Beauty and The Bad Boy two part series . For your enjoyment of this series pretty, pretty,  please read the books in order. Enjoy xx


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Bella Fontaine is the multicultural and interracial romance pen name of USA Today Bestselling bestselling author Khardine Gray.

The name is to honor the strong, super talented, and courageous women in her family who inspired her to write and do what she loves most.
As with her other books expect hot, steamy, contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Expect drool-worthy heroes and sassy heroines. People falling in love and the wild, sexy fun they have on their journey.

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The Hypnotist's Assistant

The Hypnotist's Assistantby Richard DeVall Genre: Coming of Age
When 13 year old Gary Crockett hypnotizes Earl Lancaster and Earl stands from his wheelchair everything changes for both of them. Gary suspects Earl of lying about his paralysis and Gary’s mom thinks Earl is sexy and a business genius. Before long all three need to leave town in a hurry.
This coming of age tale is full of surprises and quirky characters, twisted circumstances and weird resolutions. It’s a breezy look at race relations, ladyboys, virginity, snake biting churches and meditation.The novel is a one day read and sprinkled with humor.The Hypnotist's Assistant explores healing, romance, religion, deception, dysfunction, inspiration, gender, addiction and loss.What begins as an extraordinary event ends with new found love, true friendship and hope. Bottom line - this book ultimately does what books do, it brings the reader entertainment and escape.


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Richard DeVall was born in Virginia near the Washington D.C. border. He worked as a 1st Class Steam Engineer in D.C. and then became a class A General Contractor. He now lives in Richmond Virginia where he's retired and fulfilling a lifetime dream of publishing books. He like books of all flavors and is always working on at least two novels at any given time.

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The Breach

The Breach: DevonThe Guardian Series Book Oneby C M BethellGenre: Romantic Suspense, Light Paranormal 
A suspenseful narrative of good and evil wrapped in parallel worlds with a unique love story, strong friendships, and glimpses of family ties with twists and turns…is the bonding legend of the Anam Cara real?
"Devon Conchobar, a Celtic Guardian of Odin, a parallel world to Earth, carries a dark secret which now confronts him as he endeavors, with the help of his Guardian brothers, to prevent another portal breach that could destroy everything and everyone he loves, including strong willed Keira Cathbadh, with whom he experiences what could be the legendary bonding of the Anam Cara. Was it real, or his imagination?Keira Cathbadh, lost her mother and father the majority of her Clan, in a portal breach on Odin. Devastated, she became the defacto leader of a small band of survivors, guiding them to a new life on Earth. Her determination to keep them safe and record their historical library leads her to an unexpected encounter with the one man who can help her face a new enemy and possibly open her heart. But will Keira be able to forgive Devon's secret? Or resist the bond of the Anam Cara? 


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C. M. Bethell is an avid traveler and voracious reader of multiple genres with interests in Celtic myths, shapeshifters, vampires, parallel worlds, Guardians and immortals. Her current series is based on Anam Cara lore with a touch of romantic suspense and a little paranormal thrown into the mix. Bethell enters a new journey as a writer and invites you to come - Enter My World...

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Annabel Lee

Annabel Lee:The Story of a Woman, Written By Herselfby Christopher ConlonGenre: Historical Gothic
Everybody knows Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee”—but who was she really? In this haunting and evocative novel, Christopher Conlon (“one of the preeminent names in contemporary literary horror”—Booklist) imagines a life for one of literature’s most renowned characters. Hers is a chronicle even more thrilling, doom-haunted, and tragic than Poe himself could have conceived, for here Annabel Lee tells her own story in her own words…for the first time.

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Christopher Conlon (b. 1962) is best known as the editor of the Bram Stoker Award-winning anthology "He Is Legend" (Gauntlet/Tor), a tribute to author Richard Matheson which was reprinted by the Science Fiction Book Club and in multiple foreign translations. His novel "Savaging the Dark" was included in Booklist's "Top Ten: Horror" for 2015 (starred review) and acclaimed by Paste Magazine both as one of the 21 Best Horror Books of the 21st Century and as one of the 50 Best Horror Novels of All Time. Two of his earlier novels, "Midnight on Mourn Street" and "A Matrix of Angels," were finalists for the Stoker Award, and he has written numerous collections of stories and poems along with two full-length stage plays. A former Peace Corps Volunteer, Conlon holds an M.A. in American Literature from the University of Maryland and lives in the Washington, DC area.

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Guardian Domination

Guardian Dominationby Breanna Hayse Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Celeste Bronston once again faces the law and the only way to avoid incarceration is to submit herself to a man she’s never met—her godfather, Jace Jordon. The judge’s condition is that the 18-year-old will be under Jace’s authority until she turns twenty-one. Having no other choice except for jail, she accepts the court’s offer.

Her legal guardian is not at all what she imagined him to be! Besides being young, quite wealthy and exceedingly handsome, the man has a unique way in dealing with obstinate and naughty young woman. Failure to follow his strict rules and exercising poor behavior promptly earns the young lady and trip over his knee for a memorable bare-bottom spanking!
Jace also offers her the love and respect that she had not experienced in the past. Together with his best friend, Mark, the men help Celeste learn about her value and worth as a human being. As she thrives in the environment of domestic discipline, Celeste’s feelings toward Jace begin to change—along with her desire to learn more about his lifestyle as a dominant. She accepts his challenge to learn about dominance and submission, themselves facing a crossroads. Do they dare step over the line and experiment with romance?Guardian Domination was written to share my actual training as a submissive in a fictional background. All the scenes are recreations of actual events. This work includes spanking of adult women. If you liked Fifty Shades of Grey, then this book is certainly for you.


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BDSM/AP lifestyler Breanna Hayse strives to give her readers truth and reality of the BDSM/Age-Play/Total Power and Erotic Exchange lifestyle.
Who am I?I'm a native Californian gone 'wild', and had the opportunity to travel the globe and discover the world through the eyes of both a Marine Intelligence specialist and a BDSM lifestyler. I left the service to go into hospice nursing and grief counseling, eventually working as a marriage and family therapist for those involved in alternative lifestyle development. This experience has allowed me to gain unique inspiration for my books and offer realistic plots and relatable characters.
In 2004, my husband, John, and I joined forces to work with both submissives and dominants- teaching, training, listening and loving. Our goal was to take the mystery and fear out of the lifestyle and mentor people in safe, consensual and healthy relationships.
My first book, The Game Plan, was published in 2012 and opened the door to the now-booming world of Age-Play literature. Since that time, I've devoted my 'spare' time to writing, researching, community involvement, and private and group pro bono counseling in deviant behavior, alternative lifestyle, and addiction recovery.
I was formally 'dungeon trained' as a Domme before discovering my submissive side when I joined the service. My scenarios are pulled primarily from either personal experience or observation, including spending time in BDSM clubs as the safety/medical officer. My multi-faceted background allows me to glean from many avenues and give a unique and intelligent literary experience through elements of fantasy and fiction. I also discuss the questions and psychology of the lifestyle in a manner that is fun and informative, and based on 'the real deal.'
I live with my husband, musician, and fellow-author, John Hayse, and two border collies in southern California. We practice a 24/7 D&S relationship with speckles of AP (and many trips to Build-A-Bear), and happily spend every moment together that we can. My hobbies include my puppies, hiding my vanilla salt-water taffy where John can't find it, exotic art, collecting inspirational trinkets, and developing my own paddle line. You can also see me as a featured author/instructor in professional conference settings and as a Sexpert for kinkyliterature.com.



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Fly Away Home

 

FLY AWAY HOME by Heidi J. Hewett
AmazonNook PressSmashwordsKoboLulu-print:  Coming soon!
Bonus content with character pictures, background, and a scrumptious raspberry scone recipe:https://www.heidijhewett.com/bonus-fly-away 
Casey Banks has the glamorous life she always dreamed of, flying planes all over the world, until an unscheduled landing brings her charter flight to the small town of Kerridge, Vermont, and face-to-face with her ex-husband, Elliot. When her grounded passenger, the wealthy Ms. Landry, unexpectedly relocates her daughter’s wedding to Kerridge and puts Casey in charge as unofficial wedding planner, Casey finds herself thrown together with Elliot with three days to pull off a miracle and wondering if maybe, after all her years of running, her heart might be finally leading her home.


Situated on the north side of the town square between a darkened bookstore and a vintage clothing shop, the bakery stood out like a beacon in the cold, gray early-morning drizzle. Casey glanced at the sign overhead: True Love Bakery & Coffee Shop.“Oh, please,” she said under her breath. Unless it was referring to chocolate croissants. She thought she could make an exception for chocolate croissants.She pulled open the door and gave her umbrella a shake before entering. The interior of the bakery was warm with buttery, polished knotty pine. Small round tables with wooden chairs were set out in the cafe area. Further inside was the counter and glass bakery case and overhead shelves stocked with bags of coffee beans and canisters of flavored syrups.Casey took her place in line, ducking her head and pulling the collar of her coat a little higher. She’d had her hair cut and after so many years, she was hoping to make it in and out of Kerridge without attracting too much attention, although clearly that hadn’t worked as well as she had hoped last night. She glanced up at the menu, dimly aware of a girl of maybe eighteen or nineteen with curly hair bound in a braid standing at the register, and the back of a tall, lean, dark-haired man in a plaid shirt and apron, working the espresso machine at the far end of the coffee bar.“Excuse me,” said a male voice next to her, and Casey looked up at the chiseled jawline of a blond man. He had glasses and was dressed in a navy suit and tie. “The New York Times,” he explained. “May I?”Casey colored in embarrassment and stepped aside so he could reach past her to the newsstand.“Thanks.” He flashed a smile and took his place in line after her.“Are you—,” Casey started, turning around and giving him a confused, quizzical smile. “Do you live around here?”He laughed. “Yes.”“Should I…know you?” she asked. “Because I don’t remember you at all.” Maybe her unexpected layover in Kerridge wouldn’t be a complete bust after all.“What an interesting way you have of introducing yourself,” he commented as the line moved forward. “I’m almost certain we’ve never met because I would definitely have not forgotten. Do you begin all of your conversations with strangers like this?”Casey blushed again. “I, just, grew up around here,” she stammered. “I thought I knew everyone.”“Well, I’m new. New-ish,” he amended. “John Van der Waal. I took over Dr. Benton’s practice.”“Oh, my God! Dr. Benton’s dead?” Casey exclaimed.John smiled. “Retired. South Beach.”“Oh, phew!” she said. “Of course I remember him. I’m Casey Banks.” She put her hand on her chest and then dropped it. “I thought—oh! Hang on!” She craned her neck to look at the chalkboard overhead. “Do you do breakfast here?” she asked.“Yes,” the man behind the register said.“Great! I need something like a bagel sandwich. Something like those ones they sell at Panera. And can I get a medium coffee with room for cream, an Early Gray tea, and a triple—shoot! What was that? Triple venti,” she tried again. “Wait! I got it! Triple venti half-sweet, no-fat caramel macchiato.” She looked down and locked on a pair of intensely dark brown eyes. Her heart swooped and dived again. John Van der Waal had gone completely out of her head.Elliot’s mouth was drawn into a thin line. “This isn’t a Starbucks,” he said shortly.Casey stared at him. Her brain froze. Mayday, mayday!“Half-sweet?” he repeated. “What the hell is that?”“It’s not for me,” Casey said, finding her voice. “It’s the queen—my client—passenger. She’s—could you make something sort of like that? Please?”He made a sound halfway between a snort and a sigh and started punching buttons on the screen in front of him. “And a bagel sandwich?” he asked. “What do you want on it?”“You know, something with egg and bacon and tomato and sprouts in the middle,” she said. “I think if I can make her happy this morning, she might not have me fired. Please, Elliot,” she begged, dropping her voice and leaning forward on the counter.“One egg and bacon bagel sandwich capable of saving Casey Duran—sorry, Casey Banks’ career,” he said dryly. “Becca!”Too late, Casey realized she should have recognized the young woman who was returning to the kitchen with empty cups from the tables she had been clearing, but in Casey’s defense, Becca had been a ten-year-old girl when she had left Kerridge behind.Elliot finished ringing up her order. He didn’t hold out his palm for the money. She tried to keep her hands from shaking as she got out her wallet and put the debit card down on the counter. He slid it toward him, and as he did she noticed the gold band around his fourth finger. Her stomach flip-flopped as she thought, My God, he’s married!Elliot seemed to notice her look because he self-consciously curled his hand. “Becca, can you take over at the register?” he asked. He said to Casey, “It’s from scratch, so your order will take, like, ten minutes,” adding, “Can you wait that long?”Casey burned with embarrassment. Her heart was pounding. She nodded without being able to meet his eyes.“Dr. Van der Waal?” Becca asked, giving Casey a dark look.“Ah, yes,” he said, and Casey stepped aside to let him order.Elliot married! she thought. But why shouldn’t he be? It had been years. They were divorced. He was free. Why shouldn’t he have remarried? Unless…. It had looked so much like the gold band he used to wear—but then, men’s rings usually looked alike. He wouldn’t have re-used the same ring, would he? She blanched at the thought.But was it the same ring? She had to get another, better look. Because if it was…. If it was the same ring, maybe, maybe she still meant something to him. And then she wondered why it mattered to her.Dr. Van der Waal reached past her again for his coffee. “Pardon me. Again,” he said with a smile. “It was nice to meet you, Ms. Banks. Maybe I’ll see you around while you’re here.”Casey fumbled for something to say, but he hadn’t waited.“Bagel sandwich, coffee with room for cream, Earl Grey, and one very large coffee with non-fat milk and half of a lot of sugar in it,” Elliot said as he set her order out on the counter. It had all happened too quickly and she had been too ashamed to look at him. She had missed her chance to get another look at his ring and now his back was turned. Casey took the bag and the cardboard drink holder and fled.
 My Review

Easter's Lilly Series

Easter's Lilly Easter's Lilly Book 1 by Judy Serrano Genre: Mafia Romance 
It was Easter Sunday; the day Lilly's life went from safe and comfortable to dangerously unfamiliar. Her transformation takes her from a small town girl having an affair with a low ranked gangster in the Montiago crime syndicate, to a woman of grace and fortitude married to the head of the organization. Easter's Lilly is an inspired journey from the idyllic to the darker side of self-discovery. Read as the over-privileged brothers embark on their journey that twists and turns down the road of unbridled passion in this first book of the series.

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Brother Number ThreeEaster's Lilly Book 2
Coming in third place was something that was all too familiar to Hector Montiago. As his strength and grounding personality pushes him into first place with the woman he loves, lines are crossed and sides are chosen.
In this second book of the series, Brother Number Three depicts family ties in a light unequal to any other. Lilly tells the story of how the brothers unite in the effort to recover her missing son, as blood becomes both the indestructible bond that holds them together and the opposing force that pushes them apart. Read on as they fight temptation while the enemies of the Montiago cartel unleash their wrath, only to discover that the true danger lies within.


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Relatively Close Easter's Lilly Book 3
Recovering from the latest family trauma has made the Montiago family wake up to the fact that their priorities have definitely been misplaced. With Max throwing himself into the depths of his work as an FBI operative, he inadvertently sends the wrong message to his wife and brothers. In Relatively Close, the third book of the series, Lilly fights for the attention of her husband, until it becomes painfully clear that she is up against a mistress way more powerful than the ones she has fought before. Keeping it relatively close is something with which Lilly is way too familiar. She turns her attentions to another, only to find out that the reality of the business, which has kept her dripping in diamonds and living in mansions, is nothing more than an ugly reminder of El Diablo anda suelto: The devil running loose.

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Memoirs of a MobsterEaster's Lilly Book 4
Diego Montiago Jr. was groomed to run the largest criminal organization in both the United States and Mexico by the kingpin of the syndicate himself, who also happens to be his uncle. With no conscience or remorse he becomes a true killer with a reputation that keeps most people at a distance. The betrayal of his high school sweetheart sends Diego into a tailspin, which causes him never to expect love to be a feasible addition to his world. During a lavish birthday party for his mother, his best friend and cousin decides to collect on an overdue debt. Little does he know that this exchange will change him forever. In book four of the series Diego Jr. continues to protect his family and fill the shoes of the former Mexican Godfather, Diego Montiago Sr. His real father, who is the kingpin of the rival organization, begins his deceitful attack, causing Diego to choose his allegiance. The organization engulfs his life and the lives of those around him as the siblings begin to realize that things are not even close to what they appear to be. Will love find Diego Montiago after all? Only time will tell.

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The Lost Years Easter's Lilly Book 5
Finally thinking they are free from the mob, Max and Lilly settle down in a small town in Texas called Quinlan. Lilly's son, Diego Montiago Jr., is preparing for the day when he graduates high school so he can learn the ways of his uncle, and become the next kingpin of the Mexican Mafia. In this fifth book of the Easter's Lilly Series, this young adult spin-off finds Lilly doing everything in her power to make sure that does not happen. During his high school years, Junior falls into a crowd of misfits, just to fall in love with the quarterback's girlfriend. But this is no ordinary girl and their trials are no ordinary trials. Junior grows up quickly while the mob's ever-present arm is still squeezing the life out of him. Just when he thinks he has found what he is looking for, everything changes. With love and hate balancing delicately in the distance, life and death become suddenly all too real. As time begins to run out, Diego Montiago Jr. is forced to make a decision that will change his life forever.

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The Last Fall Easter's Lilly Book 6
Octavio Montiago has been living in his cousin’s shadow for years. Diego Montiago Jr., also known as Junior, has taken over the organization from his step-father and has made quite a name for himself. As he and his cousin Octavio co-run the syndicate together, Octavio finds himself unable to keep out of trouble on his own, leaving his cousin consistently in charge of damage control.
Finally, Octavio has met his match and falls in love with the beautiful Siobhan. Although Siobhan is on the right side of the law, that makes her the enemy of the Montiago family. As Octavio continues to walk down the path of desperation, things take a turn for the worst. The Mafia encroaches upon his life, forcing him to make a difficult decision. As he finally feels he has met with some peace, the odds are yet again against him. Can Junior get him out of this one, or is Octavio on his own to free yet another damsel in distress. Is love worth dying for? You be the judge.


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After the Fall Easter's Lilly Book 7
After The Fall. In the final book of the series, the fall of the Montiago syndicate may be inevitable. With tensions growing between Tavy and Junior, the search for Tabatha is on. As time passes, Tavy finds himself needing control, and the balance of power begins to shift. In the meantime, Lilly is missing, and the family is in disarray. Fortunately for Lilly, a person from her past unexpectedly appears to keep her safe until she is found. As the series comes to a close, Lilly has an important decision to make. Who will she choose? Does the Montiago syndicate remain standing, or are they all forced to learn to live without the Mafia? Read on and see how Lilly’s life unfolds.

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Judy Serrano holds a Master of Arts in English from Texas A&M University, Commerce. She is the owner of Make Cents Editing Service, and was an adjunct professor at a local college. Currently she teaches high school English and is a freelance writer for certain on-line publications. Judy also writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series,The Linked Series, and Ivy Vines, Visions.
Although originally form New York, Judy resides in Texas with her husband, four boys, four dogs and now two cats. She sings and plays guitar when she has time and enjoys singing with her very musical family in church when she is able.


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A Matche Made In London

A Match Made in Londonby Christina Britton Genre: Historical Romance
Miss Rosalind Merriweather’s life has been one of hardship and servitude since her late sister’s ruination. Now a paid companion, her latest post brings her to London to watch over the daughter of a social climbing harridan. She vows to protect her charge―and her own heart―from rakes and libertines, the very type of man who destroyed her sister. This vow proves difficult when Sir Tristan Crosby, the epitome of all she despises, begins to show attention to the girl.
Tristan has spent decades perfecting his easygoing, charming persona to hide the damage done by years of abuse by his father. Finding he has a talent for matchmaking, he fills some of the emptiness inside him by helping the overlooked, shy women of London find true love. However, the latest young woman has a watchdog of a companion who seems to see beyond his careful façade to the flawed, uncertain soul he strives to hide from the world. Even worse, she affects him in ways no woman ever has.
But he will not give up his matchmaking, even for one such as her. What he does not expect is for Rosalind to be fired from her position because of it―nor that she will immediately find a position in his own household. When these two headstrong adversaries meet under one roof, will their attraction to one another lead to heartbreak, or have these two passionate souls finally met their match?


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Christina Britton developed a passion for writing romance novels shortly after buying her first at the tender age of thirteen. Though for several years she turned to art and put brush instead of pen to paper, she has returned to her first love and is now writing full time. She spends her days dreaming of corsets and cravats and noblemen with tortured souls.
She lives with her husband and two children in the San Francisco Bay Area. A member of Romance Writers of America, she also belongs to her local chapter, Silicon Valley RWA, and is a 2017 RWA® Golden Heart® winner. Her debut novel, With Love in Sight, was released by Diversion Books in early 2018.

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