R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 113

BOOK BLITZ: Capturing Fate by Abbie Roads #GIVEAWAY

Capturing Fate
Abbie Roads
(Fatal Truth #2)
Publication date: January 28th 2021
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Thriller

Can love untangle a web of lies and expose the truth?

A loner with a mysterious childhood…

FBI agent Dolan Watts is no stranger to pain. From his childhood spent in foster care to his daily grind of hunting down hardened criminals, it’s been the one constant through the years. Pain carved out gut feelings he can trust and instincts able to solve cases in record time. Until now. Confronted by a malicious new enemy who revels in mind games, Dolan begins to doubt his own perceptions. Fearing he’s spiraling into insanity, he seeks help from the one woman who can shine light into the darkness consuming him.

A woman haunted by a secret…

Psychologist Daughter Dawson sabotaged her own safety the moment she accepted Dolan as a client. Still, she felt compelled to help him. Dolan’s past mirrored many of the questions about her own, making his torment achingly familiar. Despite their growing attraction, her career demands she keep an ethical distance. Yet when she makes the mistake of confiding in him, both their lives are thrust into unimaginable danger.

Nightmares come to life…

When gruesome tragedy uncovers a serial killer’s twisted agenda, Daughter and Dolan must cling to each other if they hope to survive. Can they stop the body count from rising? Or will they find their only purpose from the start was to be pawns in a reign of evil?

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

She wanted more. All of it. Hand-holding and kissing and long, lazy lovemaking. She opened her eyes and hoped he could read her feelings in them. The next two years were going to be torture, and it was all her fault.

His face was naked with longing, desire, deep affection. It was beautiful to see this powerful man baring his emotions to her. Emotions that had everything to do with her, with wanting her. It was a heady drug, one she wanted to overdose on. If she never saw him after today, she’d forever remember the way he looked at her right now, like she was his entire universe.

He slid his hand into her hair, the movement causing a rash of goose bumps to break out all over her body. “I’m sorry for breaking the rules. I take all the blame.”

She opened her mouth to ask him what rule he’d broken, just as his lips landed on hers. The world fell out from under her. She grabbed on to him to keep from falling, latching onto his shirt and yanking him closer. His arms clamped around her, holding her even tighter to him, and the raw male strength of his body against hers was a revelation. Heat radiated off him like he was her own personal sun.

And then his tongue was in her mouth—warm and tasting like a wish. The salt of her tears mingled to make this kiss the one that all other kisses would be measured by.

And then it was over and he was pulling away. She wanted to beg him to keep kissing her, and maybe the world and the two years separating them would disappear.

He looked down at her, his face ravaged by the war raging inside him, the same one inside her—the nearly overwhelming need to be together, the rules be damned.

He stared at her for an endless moment, a muscle in his jaw ticking, then turned and walked to his car.

Tears flowed as she watched him drive away. At the end of the parking lot, he stopped before pulling out onto the road. She couldn’t see inside the car, but knew he was watching her in the rearview mirror. A sob choked in her throat. If she cried any harder, he’d turn around and come back for her, but she couldn’t let him.

He drove out of the parking lot and out of her life. She turned to her car and saw the bouquet he’d given her sitting on the roof.

She mashed her face in the pretty flowers and watered them with her tears.

Author Bio:

Seven Things about Abbie Roads:1. She loves Snicker Parfaits. Gotta start with what's most important, right?2. She writes dark emotional books featuring damaged characters, but always gives her hero and heroine a happy ending... after torturing them for three hundred pages.3. By day she's a mental health counselor known for her blunt, honest style of therapy. At night she burns up the keyboard. Well... Burn might be too strong a word. She at least sits with her hands poised over the keyboard, waiting for inspiration to strike. And when it does--the keyboard might get a little warm.4. She can't stand it when people drive slowly in the passing lane. Just saying. That's major annoying. Right?5. She loves taking pictures of things she thinks are pretty.6. She lives in Marion, Ohio with her favorite fellow and two fur babies.7. Being a published author is a dream come true for her.

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GIVEAWAYS!

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B@@K SERIES REVEAL: Heels, Rhymes, & Nursery Crimes by Multiple Authors #PreORDER

Heels, Rhymes, & Nursery Crimes, a new series of novellas featuring ladies who love to bend the law. Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever after’s are not always guaranteed...
SERIES COVER REVEAL: FEBRUARY 1, 2021
PREORDER LINK:  https://books2read.com/u/3n8Lle
Jack Hill is a major pill and got his face covered in water. Jack fell down, and I stole his Crown,
There were two things my father taught me before he died. 
One, never trust anyone that didn’t share your blood, and two, how to hotwire a vehicle. There wasn’t a car I couldn’t steal or a job I wouldn’t take, so when a client propositioned me to steal a rare first-edition Toyota Crown, my fingers were itching to get behind the wheel and drive that beauty off into the sunset. What I didn’t expect was the car to be owned by a sexy playboy who had my cylinders on fire, or having to knock his ass out in order to steal his most prized possession. He’s not letting his car go without a fight—but without it, I may not live to see tomorrow.
Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever afters are not always guaranteed.
PREORDER LINK:  https://smarturl.it/JackBeNimble
Fourteen-year-old Jordyn Alvarez, the daughter of a prominent businessman and a former Miss Argentina, has the ideal life, until it all falls apart in one violent act. Crying herself to sleep every night in an orphanage, after having her inheritance stolen by greedy relatives, she’s rescued by the black sheep of the family—Uncle Iggy, an international jewel thief. Ill-prepared, Iggy does the best he can, bringing her to the US and teaching her the tricks and tools of his trade. 
Years later, in the wake of her uncle’s death, Jordyn finds herself alone in the world again. With her extensive training, she takes over Iggy’s illegal operation, becoming even more successful than he’d ever been. But when an Interpol agent is determined to trap the pretty cat burglar, will Jordyn be able to avoid his snare? Or will circumstances drastically change her life once again?
Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever afters are not always guaranteed.
WEBSITE:https://samanthacoleauthor.com
PREORDER LINK:  https://amzn.to/36ftP8I
Twinkle, twinkle, little starYou've shown me what a cad you are.Things didn't turn out as you said.I won't rest until you're dead.
You thought that I was so naive.You had deceit tucked up your sleeve.Your lies were sweet. Your words untrue.Soon I'll put an end to you.
Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever afters are not always guaranteed.
WEBSITE:www.ddlorenzo.com



PREORDER LINK:  https://amzn.to/2YdvoQb
I'm a little Sexpot short and stackedHere is my ass that likes to be smackedWhen I get all steamed up hear me sassTip me over and I’ll snatch your cash
All it takes to make Cassiopeia Martin’s dreams of being a Vegas show girl come to a screeching halt is one night. Just one night where her drug addicted sister dumps a tiny baby in her lap to raise. That’s how she finds herself stripping at Jiggles & Giggles becoming something she despises, a thief. When she picks the wrong pocket things seem to go from bad to worse. 
Alexander Carter is worth billions, he runs a security firm for high profile clients. He doesn’t have time to be going to Vegas for his brother’s bachelor party at some strip club. But that’s exactly where he finds himself, sitting alone, watching his brother enjoy himself. Then she walked up, a goddess of a woman, offering him a lap dance. Now he finds himself searching all of Las Vegas for his wallet and the woman who stole it. When he finds them there will be hell to pay. 
Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever after’s are not always guaranteed...
FACEBOOK PAGE:https://www.facebook.com/1screamingmimi
PREORDER LINK: https://bookgoodies.com/a/B08V8G1BNY
The wheels on the bus go round and roundTouch me again and I’ll put you in the ground.The lights on the cop car go blink, blink, blink.If I get caught, the cuffs will go clink, clink, clink.Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever afters are not always guaranteed.
FACEBOOK PAGE:https://www.facebook.com/slromines










Sable is following her father’s leadTo be the most feared assassin and make others bleedBut Daddy Reedus knocks her down, causing harm and making him frown.Now, it’s up to Kieran to mend her heart, despite their rather bumpy start.
The day Kieran rescues Sable from the viciousness of her father, he falls into a lifestyle different than what he’s used to since she’s become sought after as a mercenary for hire. She’s never needed a man to save her; however, his touch sets off something she needs and he becomes her everything.
Living on the lam isn’t easy, especially with her father and his cronies trying to crush her.
Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever afters are not always guaranteed.WEBSITE: http://authorlibertyparker.com

Roses Are RedViolets Are BlueI hold the aces,The loser is you.
My name is Rose, and I have a gift—call it a supreme “intuition.”
I’m the last one people suspect of cheating, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. Cards are my game, and Vegas is my playground. What I’m doing might bend the law a little, but I dare them to prove it.
Storm Montgomery thinks he’s got my number. He’s bound and determined to stop me. He insists I’m going to get caught. Fat chance.
Except he might be right, because now I’m running for my life and he’s the only one who can save me.
Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever after’s are not always guaranteed...
WEBSITE:www.kristineallenauthor.com

"Lady London doesn't fall often.She's strong and hard and never softens.Iron bars will never hold her.This sultry madam without a sir.Refusing to follow any rules, she flies free but wary.You'll never capture her, not this Lady London Fairly."
Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever after’s are not always guaranteed...
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/KimmieEasleyAuthor









Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?With silver bells and cockleshells and dead bodies lined up in a row?
Mary Silver is quite content to live her quiet life, growing beautiful flowers in the family nursery that she inherited from her parents. She has no clue that someone has been stalking her and setting her up until she’s arrested for being a serial killer. But who could have it out for her?
Jonas Michaelson is the lead detective on the case and as time goes on, he realizes that all is not as it appears with the lovely Ms. Silver. He’s determined to find out the truth in an effort to get the woman he’s fallen in love with out of jail. He wants to know three things, however—who wants Mary out of the way enough to frame her? Can he solve the mystery in time? And does Mary even feel the same way he does?
Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever afters are not always guaranteed…(Suitable for ages 18+ due to adult content)
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:https://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Tallman/e/B01LC3YKAY/
Preorder Link: mybook.to/OneLastWish
Star light, star bright,the first star she sees tonight.I hear her wish, and it boils my blood,because once again she wishes for love.
She is mine, why can’t she see,we are fated, a match meant to be.Soon she will know, who’s been by her sidewhen I take him out and there’s nowhere left to hide.
Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever after’s are not always guaranteed...
FACEBOOK PAGE:https://www.facebook.com/authortraciedouglas



Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever afters are not guaranteed...
Flames around a liar.I’ll light my love on fire.To ashes, to ashes,they’ll all burn down.
All she’s looking for is love; someone to understand. None of them ever did. Being rejected makes her hot under the collar. They created the problem. It only makes sense they shared in a bit of the heat.
He’s a detective with a nose for crime. When he catches the scent of arson covering up murders, he puts himself on the case, vowing the serial killer’s demise.
He’s her perfect type, giving her plenty of attention.
She’s a thorn in his side, evading exposure.
Their combination was as unpredictable as the outcome.
WEBSITE:http://www.portalprophecies.com/
PREORDER LINK: https://bookgoodies.com/a/B08TFF9YNC
Mistress Black Sheep, bring your tools, Point your muzzle, for the world you’ll fool. Keep your hands steady and watch your back. Gather your sins using that deceitful tact. Sew your stitches with your deadly sight—a show in the day, a contract with the night.
Holly Honey is one of the leading fashion designers by day, but at night, she is anything but sweet. Her sharp eyes can take out her targets from a distance. Threading a needle is easy for her…no matter the tool. She has never questioned her jobs, until now when a familiar face appears on the other side of her scope. Why would anyone want Caleb gone? He’s probably the least dangerous person on the planet. Now, she has to save him and safeguard her heart at the same time. If anyone can design the perfect scheme, she can. 
Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever afters are not guaranteed...
WEBSITE:https://authormariavickers.blogspot.com
PREORDER LINKS:US: https://amzn.to/369EkKLUK: https://amzn.to/39aCJ9nCA: https://amzn.to/3c5uXzpAU: https://amzn.to/3pb6FYy
The Itsy Bitsy WidowWent looking for someone to bait.Down came Rayne with her heart full of hate.Off came the blood that she washed down the drain.And the Itsy Bitsy Widow left to hunt again. Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever after’s are not always guaranteed...
FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/authorannelisereynolds






Little Bo Peep thinks men are just sheep, and uses them to her advantage. 
Lead them home, and they'll never know until she's stabbing their backs behind them.
Welcome to Nursery Crimes, where tales are twisted and happily ever after’s are not always guaranteed...
FACEBOOK PAGE:http://bit.ly/2LgzAIV
@LipServicesPRLip Services PR

B@@K REVEAL: Pressure by Chiquita Dennie #PreORDER

Pressure
Chiquita Dennie
(The Driven World, #2)
Publication date: April 8th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Pressure is a hot, enemies-to-lovers romance, contemporary romance written in K. Bromberg’s Driven World Project.

more to come

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order

Author Bio:

Chiquita Dennie is an Author, Filmmaker, Podcast host, and Entrepreneur. Born in Memphis, TN, and currently a Los Angeles CA native. Her background in film/tv has taught and shaped her passion for writing with her debut romance novel Antonio and Sabrina Struck In Love. Since its debut, fans have embraced the unconventional love story of Sabrina Washington and Antonio De Luca an Amazon Best Seller series.

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BOOK BLITZ: Feisty by Julia Kent #GIVEAWAY

Feisty
Julia Kent
(Do-Over Series, #3)
Publication date: January 28th 2020
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance

I’m not too proud to admit that finding Mr. Right involves swiping right. Right? Welcome to dating in avocado toastland.

Here I am, on my first blind date, ever, courtesy of a smartphone app and my two annoying best friends.

So what is Chris “Fletch” Fletcher doing, walking across the room, looking at his phone like he’s pattern matching a picture to find a real person he’s never met before?

Oh.

Oh, no.

The guy I drop-kicked in seventh grade cannot be my blind date. The guy who earned me this infernal nickname.

That’s right.

Feisty.—

More from New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent as Fiona “Feisty” Gaskill gets her chance at love – drop-kick included.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play / Audible / Amazon Audio

Only 99¢ for a limited time!

—

EXCERPT:

My lungs have decided that the world is too dangerous to make a move, utter a sound, do anything. I’m frozen, the pulse inside me growing stronger as time ticks away. My own shut-down system is the barrier to oxygen. The disconnect between what my body needs and what my tattered psyche can handle is causing my overload to leak out in a really obvious way.

“Fiona?” Josh says, shaking me gently, Michelle looking to him for certainty.

And then suddenly, Josh is out of my sight, replaced by two clear, calm, green eyes, light brown hair, and hands that feel like anchors.

“Feisty? Feis–Fiona?” Fletch corrects. The sudden pivot to using my proper name is jarring, given the fact that every atom in the world is buzzing inside my ears and nothing anyone does will help me to breathe.

I make a strange sound. I know it’s strange because his eyebrows turn down in the middle, his facial muscles pushing them low enough to show concern.

Concern for me.

“Breathe,” he says slowly as he puts one hand on my diaphragm, fingers warm and firm.

I make a sound to indicate that I am confused and the speech centers in my brain have shut down. Empathy floods me as I realize this is exactly what my student with severe apraxia, little Myles, must feel like when he loses his words under extreme stress. For years, I’ve said “use your words” to four-year-olds having anxiety fits.

Never again.

“Breathe, Fiona,” he murmurs, taking a deep breath to demonstrate, his belly expanding in a comical way, though I know his technique is strong. Hypnotic and commanding, his voice and body tell me what to do, guide me back from being lost in the woods to a cleared trail where I can find my footing, take a rest, and possibly feel safe again, knowing I can find my way home.

I inhale, the insides of my nostrils cold, the air hitting my nasal passages a welcome assault, diaphragm spasming and sputtering back to life.

“That’s my girl,” he whispers against the curl of my ear, his breath like coffee, his hard forearm muscles all I can see, the ripped cord of his strong lines drawing my gaze. “You just breathe. It’s over now. You did it. You saved them. It’s okay to breathe.” He inhales, then slowly exhales. “Let’s do this together now.”

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 19 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French and German, with more titles releasing in 2020 and beyond.

From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire she met in a romantic comedy).

She lives in New England with her husband and three children where she is the only person in the household with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.

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#CookingWithRachel: Mexican Sweet Potato & Bean Soup

So, this was our second time putting this amazing soup together. It's a blend of Mexican and Cuban flavors which will WOW your tongue. I promise. While overall a sweet and savory creation, it can be on the spicy side. You can control this with how much of the pepper ingredients you add. Inspiration credit goes to Alton Brown and Elizabeth Ingram and their YouTube show, Quarantine Quitchen. Elizabeth made the soup with canned black beans, we've done it with dried beans... black the first time, white the second (because they were what we had on hand!) Also, we had some leftover holiday ham, but grabbing those ham steaks at the store would be perfect for this. Okay, we all hate the long, drawn out back stories. Shall we get to the cooking?

STEP 1: Let's get our ingredients together and prepped.

Ingredients: Ham, cubed1 dried guajillo chili, seeded and toasted1 disc of Mexican chocolateBlack (or white) beans, cookedVegetable, chopped:  sweet potato, onion, jalapeno, celery, garlic, mushroomHerbs/Spices: cumin, oregano, (smoked)paprika, cayenne, salt & pepper, bay leafBroth/Stock1 can coconut milk

Step 2: In a dry pot (which will be your soup pot so make sure it's big enough), toast the seeded guajillo. Meanwhile, in a separate sauce pan, start warming your broth. Once the pepper is toasted, add to the broth, and then use a blender or immersion blender to combine the two.

Step 3: In the soup pot, add a little olive oil, and then brown your ham. Set aside.
Step 4: Add all the vegetable to the pot, cook until it starts to get tender, and then add the spices (about 1 teaspoon each... careful with the cayenne!)

Step 5: Drop in the disc of Mexican chocolate and then add the guajillo broth you made. Stir until the chocolate is dissolved.
Step 6: Stir the ham in. Add the can of coconut milk, and then simmer until sweet potatoes are done.
Step 7: While the soup simmers, prep your toppings. We used Greek yogurt, fresh lime, avocadoes, shredded cheddar, and diced purple onion. For giggles, we also did up some cheese quesadillas on corn tortillas.
Bon Appetite!

@REHargrave
https://www.instagram.com/authorrehargrave/

BOOK BLITZ: Secrets That We Keep by Linda Kage #GIVEAWAY

Secrets That We Keep
Linda Kage
Publication date: January 28th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Gracen Lowe has a new life theory:What you don’t know can’t hurt you.

Which is exactly why he decides not to tell his twin sister, Bella, that he’s accidentally falling for the woman she hates most, the very woman who allegedly cheated with Bella’s last boyfriend and broke them apart.

Bella might be his best friend and ultimate confidante, but she’d legit cut off his favorite body part if she knew which woman he’d been craving. So even if his theory’s totally whack, staying quiet will definitely keep him safer.

Except he feels so guilty about it all.

Meanwhile, Bella’s heating up the sheets with one of Gracen’s best friends, and she can’t seem to reveal that little detail to her brother either, due to—you know—reasons.

When the truth is exposed, all bets are off. Shattered secrets will either set everyone free or wreck their relationships forever.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

Pointing, I growled, “You…” and I stepped into her house, slamming the door behind me. “Liar.”

Eyebrows lifting, she set her hands on her hips and glared back. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” I charged. “I called you a liar.”

“I –”

“You said you wouldn’t freak out and start avoiding me. Well, where were you tonight?”

“I didn’t feel like—”

“Bullahit!”

“Oh my God. Will you stop interrupting me.”

“Sure. When you stop avoiding me.”

“I’m not—” This time, she cut herself off to glance skyward for assistance as she mumbled curses about me. Once she was calmer, she looked me in the eye. “I’m not avoiding you. The reason I didn’t go tonight had nothing to do with you whatsoever.”

I stepped closer to her, my eyes flaring. “Oh yeah? Prove it.”

She gulped unsteadily—totally freaked out by my proximity—and then she jerked a step back.

I think that broke something inside me. She should never be too scared of getting close to me. It felt like the beginning of the end. I was going to lose her.

But once she had her space, she shot fire at me with her eyes, totally not intimidated at all. “Prove what?” she cried with a disbelieving snort. “That I didn’t go tonight because of—”

“Prove that you aren’t avoiding me,” I clarified.

She gurgled out an incredulous laugh. “How the hell does someone prove something like that?”

I shrugged. “Not my problem. Just get it done. Right now.”

Her eyes widened. “Right—”“Now. Yes.”

“Right now?” she repeated, blinking at me as if I’d lost my mind.

I put my hand to my ear. “Is there an echo in here?” Then I glanced at the face of my watch. “Time’s ticking, baby doll.”

“Oh my God,” she exploded. She gave another dubious laugh. I couldn’t tell if she was getting a kick out of my stubbornness or if she was seriously annoyed by it. “You are such a pain in the ass.”

“Yeah,” I countered. “A pain in the ass that you’re avoiding.”

Her eyes narrowed. “This is getting ridiculous.” Darting her gaze around the room, probably looking for something heavy to hit me with, she groused, “I can’t believe you’re really making me do this.”

I yawned and reported, “Not convinced yet.”

“Oh, that’s it,” she snarled, fed up with my antics. Stepping close, she grabbed the front of my shirt. “You want to be convinced that I liked being with you, fine! I’ll convince you.”

I opened my mouth to tell her, no, I hadn’t mentioned anything about needing performance feedback. I just didn’t want her to hate me now. But she pulled me into her before I could say anything, and she plastered her mouth to mine.

Author Bio:

Linda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy. Most Kage stories lean more toward the lighter, sillier side with a couple meaningful moments thrown in. Focuses more on entertainment value and emotional impact.Published since 2010. Went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children's literature from The Institute of Children's Literature. Then graduated with a Bachelors in Arts, English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.

Now she lives with hubby, two daughters, cat Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas, USA. Farm girl. Parents were dairy farmers. Was youngest of eight. Big family. Day job as a cataloging library assistant.

Harry Potter House Gryffindor, Patronus White Stallion, character match Hagrid. Supernatural Team Dean. Game of Thrones Team Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister. The Walking Dead Team Daryl. Outlander Team Jamie Fraser. Teen Wolf Team Stiles. Avenger Team Thor...or Hulk (can't decide). Justice League Team Flash. Arrow Team Stephen Amell. Stranger Things obsessed. Heard Laurel, not Yanny.

Started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club. Then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now all over the place with her romance reading tastes.

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BOOK BLITZ: Forgiven by Garrett Leigh #GIVEAWAY

Forgiven
Garrett Leigh
(Forgiven, #1)
Published by: Carina Press (HQN)
Publication date: January 25th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

High school sweethearts Mia and Luke get a second chance at love in this brand-new contemporary romance from award-winning author Garrett Leigh.

When Mia Amour returns to England to open a florist shop, all she wants to do is put her lousy ex behind her and never look back. But getting a fresh start is easier said than done when her first love, the boy who once broke her teenage heart, strolls back into her life. He’s every bit as sexy as she remembers, and the urge to melt back into his arms almost makes her forget how devastated she was when he took off without a word. Almost.

Left with no choice, Luke Daley did what he had to do, leaving town to earn enough money to save his broken family, though it just about broke him, too. But now he’s back, running his uncle’s business and trying desperately to forget about Mia, the girl he left behind all those years ago. When he runs into her in town, the shock of seeing her again brings an intense rush of emotions: love, guilt…and an overwhelming urge to find out if it’s still as amazing between them as it used to be.

It doesn’t take either of them long to give in to desire and discover the fiery passion they once shared burns hotter than ever. With each new touch, each moment of forgiveness, old hurts heal and the future they’d hoped for ten years ago becomes possible again. But their fragile connection is tested by a threat neither of them saw coming—a threat that could end their second chance before it even gets started.

Forgiven

Book 1: Forgiven

Book 2: Unforgotten

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

—

EXCERPT:

Luke

I was playing darts with some dude-bro of my dad’s when Gus walked in. An automatic grin spread across my face, but he wasn’t alone. Mia flitted in behind him and went straight to the bar without looking my way.

Gus shrugged and followed her.

It stung. I had plenty of old schoolmates knocking around Rushmere, but Gus got me. His easy company had made the transition to civilian life seem almost normal. Perhaps I’d become too reliant on him. Too demanding, and Mia was right. He was her brother, not mine.

I turned my back on them and focussed on flinging darts at the board. My aim had always been good, and I won several times over, but still the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and no matter how much I drank, my skin tingled with her imagined gaze all over me—imagined, because I reckoned I still knew her well enough to be certain she was stubbornly refusing to face me.

Calling time on my darts marathon, I drained my drink, bid my opponents goodbye, and left the pub without glancing in the direction I’d last seen Gus and Mia. It was a mile walk back to my house, but I was glad of it; at least I would be come the morning.

I fished my phone from my pocket and checked that my alarm was set, even though military life had left me incapable of sleeping more than four hours at a time. An Instagram notification from my brother caught my attention. I swiped it and immediately wished I hadn’t. Wasted and trashing whatever shithole town he lived in now, treating them to the same havoc he’d wrecked my mum’s life with after our dad died. Not that I could judge him right now for being wasted, but I’d go home, fall asleep in my own bed, and wake up in time to keep my life moving forward, even if I had no idea where I wanted it to go. Billy was destructive to himself and everyone around him. I loved him, but sometimes I just couldn’t fucking look at him.

A muttered curse behind me spun me around.

Mia glared at me. “For God’s sake. Is there nowhere in this town I can go without you loitering around the corner?”

The absurdity of it was so unfair I just stared.

She stepped closer, her face pretty much twisted in the kind of half snarl that had made me so fucking hard in the past.

Would make me hard now if I let it.

If I let her.

I swallowed thickly. We’d been in the same room all night, and yet somehow the sight of her in front of me seemed brand new. “I’m going home.”

“Yeah. I figured that when you left the pub ten minutes ago.”

She didn’t move. Neither did I, and I cursed myself for not going straight home. The rare glimpses of her were bad enough, but these face-to-face staredowns clawed at my insides. I had stubborn feet, a steady gaze, and hands that never faltered, but with Mia so close a gust of wind would blow her hair into my face, everything trembled.

I inhaled fresh air, hoping it would clear my mind. It didn’t. “Whatever. I’m going home now.”

“Uh-huh.”

Still I didn’t move. I glanced over Mia’s shoulder at the pub. “Where’s Gus?”

“Talking to some bloke from Grindr, I’d imagine. He left with a spring in his step.”

“He left you there by yourself?”

“No, he just left like an adult, because I’m old enough to make the three-hundred-metre walk on my own.”

Mia started to step around me. In a fit of nonsensical recklessness, I grabbed her arm, then braced myself for the inevitable answering shove.

But she didn’t shove me. She stared, apparently transfixed by my fingers circling her slim wrist, and did nothing at all.

Reeling, I let her go. “Sorry.”

“Why?”

“What?”

“Why are you sorry?”

Perhaps she was drunk too, and heat swam in my veins. Getting lit with Mia had always been awesome. Back in the day, I’d lie back and let her take whatever she wanted from me, but that wasn’t the picture dancing through my beer-addled brain right now. I wanted to grip her again, spin her around, and pin her against the wall. She’d never let me dominate her—I’d never wanted to—but fuck if it wasn’t an image I couldn’t shake.

I shook my head. “I’m sorry I bothered you.”

It was my turn to move past her, and her turn to stop me in my tracks with a strong grip. “Luke.”

“What?” I spun around to face her again, my shout ringing out in the quiet pub car park, the vehemence in it surprising me as much as Mia. “What?” I tried again, softer this time, but no less desperate. “You don’t want to talk to me, I get it, okay? So leave me the fuck alone, and I’ll do the same for you.”

“I never asked you to leave me alone.”

Our eyes met and held on for the first time since our chip shop reunion two weeks ago. I fell down the rabbit hole of those fucking stormy blues, and as the seconds ticked by, so did my resolve to walk away.

Author Bio:

Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer, cover artist, and book designer. Her debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits was a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards, and was again a finalist in 2017 with Rented Heart.

In 2017, she won the EPIC award in contemporary romance with her military novel, Between Ghosts, and the contemporary romance category in the Bisexual Book Awards with her novel What Remains.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com, and co-owns the specialist stock site moonstockphotography.com with photographer Dan Burgess.

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B@@K REVEAL: The Dark Queen by M. Dalto

The Dark Queen
M. Dalto
(The Empire Saga #4)
Publication date: TBA
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult

For centuries, the Empire has been enslaved to an infallible, revered Prophecy—one that controlled their every thought and action, banishing those who questioned its integrity while promising to bring a time of peace and tranquility to those who followed blindly and believed unconditionally.

But the Prophecy is flawed.

Amid broken promises and mournful lamentations, fates are changed and dreams are destroyed.

When an ancient force resurfaces and threatens to destroy all they know, new alliances are formed as the heirs to the Empire’s throne struggle to put aside personal differences for the good of their realm.

Before it’s too late.

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Author Bio:

M. Dalto is a bestselling New Adult author of adventurous romantic fantasy stories, having won a Watty award for excellence in digital storytelling for her debut novel, Two Thousand Years, in 2016. She spends her days as a full-time residential real estate paralegal, using her evenings to pursue her literary agenda, and when she’s not writing, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing video games, and drinking coffee. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband, their daughter, and their corgi named Loki.

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BOOK BLITZ: The Hero I Need: A Small Town Romance by Nicole Snow #GIVEAWAY

The Hero I Need: A Small Town Romance
Nicole Snow
Publication date: January 22nd 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Thriller

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow returns with a hilariously intense small-town love story where two star-crossed hearts and one snarly tiger ignite a romance up-roar.

He knew I was trouble the instant I showed up with a stolen Bengal tiger.But Grady McKnight didn’t flinch like a sane person—he took us in.Bruce the tiger found shelter. I met a hero grump. And Grady got a hot mess.Namely, me.Born-to-sizzle single dads and rogue zoologists don’t play nice.

So freaking what if I said I’m his nanny?We needed a story when his two sweet daughters barged in.Hiding a contraband tiger isn’t easy.Neither is pretending he isn’t sending my pulse to pitter-patter heaven.

Cupid, you sneaky little nugget.There’s only room for one hulking, growly, mesmerizing beast in my life.I don’t belong at warm family dinners, or in the fortress of his arms.Saving Bruce is my mission—not falling in love.

This won’t end well.The longer I stay, the more he grins.Walls come crashing down.And my heart becomes willing prey for his carnivorous eyes.I must resist Grady flipping McKnight.Even if a scared, aching part of me knows I’m already his.Even if I know he’s the hero I need…

Full-length romance thriller with the growliest Happily Ever After. It’s claws and effect when a wounded single dad saves a firestarter—along with her tiger, his girls, and his own beat-up heart.

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—

EXCERPT:

“Car trouble?” a deep voice booms behind me.

The back of my head smacks the steering wheel in my rush to get up. Ow.

Pressing a hand against the stinging pain, I stand up, close my eyes, and say a quick prayer in my head.

The gruff voice isn’t Niles or Priscilla Foss’, but only God knows who they’d send after me if they’ve figured out Bruce the tiger is gone.

“Lady? You okay?” the stranger thunders again, this time closer.

“Yes! Never better,” I strangle out. Not easily with my heart pounding in my throat.

“Funny kind of better,” the voice growls to my back. “Looks more like you could use a hand.”

Hoping it’ll help, I gather my hair in one hand and lift it off the back of my neck, which is slicked with sweat in the humid night air, and finally turn around.

Holy Ohio.

I have to release my hair in order to tilt my head back far enough to see more than a massive chest covered with a black t-shirt sporting a picture of a purple bob cat. Mouth open. Teeth showing.

And it turns out that slab of a chest is attached to a mountain with arms and legs.

He’s tall, dark, shredded, and deliriously handsome.

I won’t call him muscular because it would be an injustice. Like calling Samson a bodybuilder.

This man looks like he could hoist Bruce over his head without breaking a sweat.

Moving my eyes up over shoulders that’d make Atlas seethe with jealously and a thick neck worthy of a bull, my gaze lands on a face. An amused one, with deep manly lines around flinty hazel-dark eyes.

This looks like a face that’s used to smiling, even if he’s rocking that scary-hot vibe like he invented it.

Only, right now, there’s a smirk carved on his chiseled face that says he might be insane enough to try lifting a full-grown tiger as a feat of strength.

Oh, crap.

Bruce!

If there’s one thing I can’t do—besides let this guy climb inside my head and eat crackers nice and slow—is let him catch on to the fact that I’m hauling around some very illegal cargo, and it’s alive.

“What kind of trouble are you having?” he asks, his eyes twinkling in the dim light.

At the moment, breathing.

Next up, peeling my eyes off him and finding the willpower to mutter more than a squeak in reply.

His jaw is square, his nose straight, his hair short, but not too short. And his mouth, that smile, it’s—

It’s officially too much to handle.

I huff out a loud breath to stop a heavenly fantasy from forming and get my thoughts back to hell. Because that’s where I’m actually at right now, blundering around an isolated parking lot in the middle of the night with a strange man and a not-so-well concealed monster in my trailer.

Fun times.

Author Bio:

Nicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.

Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty. With over a million books sold, she lives for the joy of making two people fight with every bit of their soul for a Happily Ever After.

Current fan favorites include her Enguard Protectors series, accidental love novels, plus long beloved MC romance thrillers like the Grizzlies and Deadly Pistols.

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B@@K REVEAL: Moments Like This (From Kona with Love) by Anna Gomez & Kristoffer Polaha #PreORDER

Moments Like This (From Kona With Love)
Anna Gomez & Kristoffer Polaha
Published by: Rosewind Books
Publication date: March 9th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

After Andrea “Andie” Matthews chooses her career over a marriage proposal and then loses a promotion she worked so hard for, she jumps at the chance to take a break and help run a friend’s coffee shop.

Alone in Hawaii, Andie befriends the staff and quickly grows to care for them, making her determined to revive the company.

As luck would have it, she meets the mysterious Warren Yates on Christmas Eve. They share a cup of coffee, some conversation, and even a moment, which leads to many more in the coming weeks.

But when Andie learns who Warren really is—and what he actually wants—she is torn between her feelings and his deception.

Will Warren be able to win her heart back?

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—

BOOK TRAILER:

Author Bios:

Kristoffer Polaha is best-known for his long starring role in the critically acclaimed series Life Unexpected (The CW). Other TV series credits include Get Shorty with Ray Romano and Chris O’Dowd, the limited series Condor opposite William Hurt and Max Irons, The CW’s Ringer (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Valentine, as well as North Shore (FOX).

In addition to co-starring with Rainn Wilson in Backstrom (FOX), he had a multi-season role on the acclaimed series Mad Men (AMC) and Castle (ABC). Polaha is also well-known for starring in Hallmark Channel movies such as Dater’s Handbook with Meghan Markle, and the Mystery 101 franchise on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

Polaha first received attention for his portrayal of John F. Kennedy, Jr. in the TV movie, America’s Prince: The John F. Kennedy Jr. Story, opposite Portia de Rossi. He has appeared in numerous independent features, including Where Hope Grows, Devil’s Knot (Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon), and the Tim Tebow film, Run the Race.

Polaha has a featured role opposite Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman 1984 and in Jurassic World: Dominion.

In addition to his work as an actor, producer, and director, Polaha is branching into the book world by co-authoring a new series. He is also involved with several charitable organizations, including being an ambassador for World Vision, a board member for HerArtsInAction, and The Polaha Family Circus Foundation.

Polaha was born in Reno, Nevada, and he is married to actress Julianne Morris. They have three sons.

—

Anna Gomez was born in the city of Makati, Philippines and educated abroad. She met and married her best friend who whisked her away to Chicago over twenty years ago. She is Chief Financial Officer for Leo Burnett Worldwide, a global advertising company founded in 1935. In her capacity, Anna serves on the board of several not-for-profit organizations, namely the Hugh O’Brien Leadership Organization and Girl Scouts of America. She is also the executive sponsor for a number of employee resource groups focused on Diversity and Inclusion.

Under the pen name Christine Brae, Anna has published six novels, has an established fan base, and a dedicated following. Her titles rank in the Top 100 months following their release. Her last three novels, In This Life, Eight Goodbyes, and The Year I Left, have won literary awards and were immediate bestsellers on Amazon, ranking #1 across multiple categories.

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