R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 131
October 16, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: The Novice by Ava Lohan #GIVEAWAY
The Novice
Ava Lohan
Publication date: October 13th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
I’m a novice about to take my vows. He’s the embodiment of sin—and the new owner of the convent that’s been my home for the past two years.
I shouldn’t want him. Yet from the moment he walks into Mother Superior’s office and threatens to turn Saint Clare into a luxury hotel, all I can think about are those lush lips, tight muscles, and perfect hair. That, and the devil’s bargain he proposes.
My body in exchange for the convent. For fourteen days, I’m to be with him at Lust, his exclusive sex club. Fourteen days obeying his every command.
Whatever I do, I can’t let myself fall in love with him. Because Kegan Anderson is a beast, and a beast can never love.
He can only destroy.
—
EXCERPT:
He caught me admiring him and smiled. I swallowed hard, attempting to clear the knot that had formed in my throat. That smile could have belonged to the devil, persuading all the angels to fall from Heaven. He observed me with an air that reeked of ill intentions. He was bad company, like the guys my parents had prayed I wouldn’t bring home during high school. Despite his tailored clothing, he didn’t seem like the type of man any parent would want for their daughter. I remembered all too well the words he’d said to me that day, and I had the feeling he had continued down that sinful path.
There was something dark in him.
In his eyes.
“Yes.”
And in his voice.
I made the sign of the cross.
“You found her on your first try.” He ran his hands seductively through his hair, turning his gaze upon Mother Superior. “I have to give you credit. You did well.”
“Pleased to have satisfied your request, Mr. Anderson,” she replied, her tone revealing her contempt. “We don’t have many natural blondes at the convent.”
Perplexed, I looked at one, then the other. They stared at each other in silence. I understood less with every minute.
“Mother, what’s going on?”
I walked around the desk to face her, resisting the urge to pick up my veil and put it back on. The man’s eyes followed me in my sacred dress. I pretended it was just Mother Superior and me in the room. Although it was no easy task, I forced myself to ignore his presence.
“You are here as part of an agreement.” Mother Superior finally looked at me. “Mr. Anderson’s grandfather passed away, and now he has inherited the property the convent stands on.”
I couldn’t understand what any of that had to do with me.
Mother Superior took some documents out from a drawer. “Mr. Anderson intends to sell the property at an exorbitant price that the convent simply cannot afford to pay. We cannot save it, Sister Rose.”
“I was thinking of building a luxury hotel. That is, unless…” The man, whose first name I still didn’t know, lit a cigarette, leaving me petrified. Mother Superior flinched, but she remained silent, not wishing to respond to his clear challenge of her authority. Resting her chin in her hands, she glared at him in disgust.
“You’re going to hell, Kegan Anderson.”
Kegan. His name was Kegan.
He took Mother Superior’s words as a compliment. He laughed. A low, sensual laugh.
“Oh, I’m sure of it, Sister.”
Author Bio:
Ava Lohan loves to write sexy, romantic stories. When she is not busy putting her characters in compromising situations, Ava reads about bad boys, goes out, and indulges in wild shopping sprees and marathons of movies and TV shows. Above all, though, she creates sizzling new book boyfriends for her upcoming novels.
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October 15, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: Saving Kimi by Brooke Stanton #GIVEAWAY
Saving Kimi
Brooke Stanton
(Forbidden Romance, #4)
Publication date: October 13th 2020
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance, Western
From a RWA award-winning and #1 bestselling author comes a scorching new historical romance!
Scandal is second nature to outcast Kimimela Wallace…and so are the passions she can’t deny.
Fleeing a forbidden desire in the small Oklahoma town where her white father raised her, Kimi escapes to the Cheraksaw Reservation to be with her mother—and quickly finds herself in the arms of her childhood friend, Soaring Falcon. But no sooner does she arrive than her mother forces her out to make it on her own. The only thing to do is to take work she doesn’t want…as a governess for hard-hearted widower, Alex Randall. But the rumors and the reputation Kimi fled in town follow her there. And so does her curiosity as Mr. Randall stirs new desires in her when she discovers his shocking secret. Then tragedy strikes, and Kimi must risk everything to save both men. But deciding who will win her heart may mean stripping away the one thing she values most—her freedom. Can she give up one love for another, or will passion and forbidden desires lead to more than she thought possible?
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—
EXCERPT:
“You’re a good man, Alex.” Kimi’s gaze was steady, urging him to meet it.
Finally, he spoke. “Have you ever been in love?”
Kimi was startled by the question. “I . . . I don’t know. Love is confusing.”
He turned to her. Their hands still touched. “Love is the simplest thing in the world.”
Kimi’s gaze fell beyond Alex. “Not for me.”
“Because you were promised to Chayton and he chose another?”
Kimi snapped her attention back. “I was never attached to him, and I do not yearn for his love.”
“It’s not a bad thing. Being in love is wonderful.” His chin dropped and he pinched his brow. “When the person loves you back. Chayton would be a good match for you. He obviously cares for you.”
“You cannot comprehend, Alex. For men like you, life is uncomplicated. You’ve never had the likes of Mrs. Johns throwing aspersions at you since you first understood what an insult was. It muddles everything. Even love.”
Their gazes locked. Pain was in his eyes, and for a moment Kimi wondered if he thought of his dead wife. Since he’d been injured, all she’s wanted to do is relieve him of his hurts, and so she did something quite shocking. On an impulse, she rocked forward and kissed him squarely on the mouth.
The pads of his lips were soft, but unmoving. Kimi released him, but kept her gaze steady, unapologetic.
“Why did you do that?” he asked.
“I don’t know.”
He exhaled, long and slow. “You’re mixed up in the life and death of this unusual situation.”
“Don’t tell me my mind.” Kimi prickled. “I make my own choices.”
And to prove her point, she tucked her knees and folded forward, pressing her lips solidly to his again, her hands on either side of his face. No sooner had she enjoyed this delicious connection than Alex pushed her gently but firmly from him.
“Kimi, we can’t. You’re too young. Barely nineteen. Will would have my hide. I’d have my hide.”
“Most women I know are married by my age,” Kimi protested.
“I don’t mean you’re too young to be with a man—I mean you’re too young for me. You should be with someone like Chayton. Young, vibrant. Not old and damaged.”
“I’m not talking about marriage.”
Alex’s eyes widened. “Kimi, you sometimes are very shocking.”
“Am I wrong that something passed between us when you found that photograph in my room? I saw it in your eyes. I see it now.”
Alex shifted away. “It’s unseemly to discuss this. I told you I didn’t mean to have those photographs. I’m horrified you found them. Oh god. I’ve ruined you. Men and women . . . they don’t, er, it’s not like what you saw in the picture. I mean, if they’re married, perhaps. But—”
“Indian women lie with Indian men when they’re not married.” At least that had been the way before the settlers came. Kimi wasn’t sure how often it happened now. But if she looked at Chayton as an example, it was still something that was done.
Alex rubbed his hand over his face, exasperated. “You weren’t raised like that. You were raised in society.”
“You’re wrong. My mother has always been a great influence. I feel the blood of my ancestors strong in me. And I don’t see what’s wrong with these cravings. A kiss never hurt anyone.”
Alex scooted to the other side of the room, and sat near the supplies.
Kimi crossed her arms over her chest, annoyed. “Do you desire me? Or do you not like the native blood in me?”
“Stop.” Alex sharpened his gaze. “My rejection has nothing to do with that. We shouldn’t even be speaking of these things. It isn’t proper. This is all highly disturbing. If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you were hysterical.”
“What if I am? Nobody would fault you for taking me.”
“I’m not ‘taking you.’”
Alex winced, gripping his injured arm. The makeshift bandage on his bicep seeped blood.
“Come here,” Kimi said.
“I think it’s best if I stay where I am.”
“Your bandage needs changing.” Kimi unrolled a fresh bandage and opened a jar of antiseptic.
Reluctantly, Alex sat beside her, his back ramrod straight. Kimi unrolled the soiled cloth from his forearm, cleaned his wound the best she could, then wrapped it with the fresh bandage.
When she was done, she sat back, but he stayed at the edge of the mat, rigid. Kimi fiddled with the edge of her ripped hide skirt, which ended several inches above her knee. Alex scanned his gaze up her thighs and then took the edges of the blanket and folded it over her legs, covering her naked skin.
He tucked his good arm under his head and spread his long body on the wood floor, beside the mat.
“Let’s rest. I think that bump may be having an odd effect on your sensibility.”
Author Bio:
After her own misadventures in New York City, LA, and London, Brooke Stanton now lives in Dallas, Texas. She's the bestselling and award winning author of the Bloom Sisters and Forbidden Romance series.
Visit her website brookestantonbooks.com.
Get a FREE copy of the prequel, IGNITE, here: http://ilovemyfans.info/ignite-download/
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October 14, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: The Flame Must Burn by Beena Khan #GIVEAWAY
The Flame Must Burn
Beena Khan
(Red, #0.5)
Publication date: September 22nd 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
The hottest summer brings the first flames of love.Love is dangerous. It collides with culture, and culture is defied with rebellion. She promised herself to me.Ryder is the small town’s local college boy.It’s summertime, and he’s at the beach when he sees a young, college girl.Their eyes lock together.Intrigued by her, he wants to approach her but she quickly disappears.Disappointed he returns home, but he sees her the next day in his summer class. Good girls don’t fall in love. They only obey.From a traditional Middle Eastern family, Cyrah is a young foreign-exchange student.She’s studying abroad in a summer program of the small-town.Intimidated by her beauty, Ryder begins writing love letters to her.She is flattered but tries to steer clear from him.But then an incident happens that draws these two star-crossed lovers together.Slowly, she begins breaking all the rules and reciprocates the same feelings.But summer doesn’t last forever though, and Cyrah has to leave.
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Get it today for FREE!
—
EXCERPT:
She turned to look at him. His posture was relaxed. She inhaled his scent deeply. He smelled like woodsmoke and aftershave. It was overwhelming to be around him sometimes. “You know funny guys are dangerous,” she said.
He arched an eyebrow at her and asked, “Why?”
“It’s like you make me laugh and laugh and then…” her voice trailed off then, hesitating to say the next words.
“And then?”
“And then it’s like boom, you’re in the bedroom. It’s a magic trick,” she accused him, her eyes narrowing in slits at him.
Ryder burst out laughing at her words. Then, he puffed out of his chest. “We’re smooth.”
She giggled at him. “You wish, joonom.”
His eyes widened at the word. “What does that mean?”
She looked away, unable to meet his gaze. Then, she cleared her throat and said, “It means my life. It’s another way of saying… my love, to show your affection.”
She turned to look at him, and his brown eyes scorched into hers. He bit his pink lips in response, as if unsure what to say now. She wanted to run her hands through his dark stubble. There was a desire pooled in the pit of her stomach that wanted to come out to the surface. A magnetic pull drew her to him. He was smart, kind, and funny. She never liked anyone before. Her contact to men was always limited.
She wanted more of that.
More of him.
Author Bio:
Beena Khan writes literary fiction and edgy, contemporary romance. She 27 years old and lives in New York. She's from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, an immigrant who moved to New York when she was five years old. She currently holds a Masters Degree in Developmental Psychology. She enjoys reading, writing, and Netflixing. The Name of Red is her debut novel published at the age of 26. All of her books are on Kindle Unlimited + Free Novella!
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October 13, 2020
B@@K REVEAL: Booze & Bullets by Melanie Munton
Booze & Bullets
Melanie Munton
(Brooklyn Brothers, #3)
Publication date: November 3rd 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
We are the Rossetti’s.The exiled “sixth family” of the New York mafia. We’re the good guys.People don’t fear us…much. They respect us. The five of us? We’re the Brooklyn Brothers.And we protect what’s ours.Lexi Kozlov is a spoiled brat. Rich. Entitled. And unfortunately, she’s now my wife. The marriage is part of a deal I struck with her father…the boss of the Russian mafia. Insane? Maybe. But the payoff could mean millions for my family. Marriage is just a contract anyway. We barely even have to speak to each other. Piece of cake, right?
Wrong.
Lexi is not what I bargained for. Her millions of Instagram followers see her as an international sex symbol, but I’m learning that she’s so much more. I should be relieved that she’s the bachelorette to my bachelor. I shouldn’t want to convince her to turn our fake marriage into a real one.
But when her life is threatened, you better believe I’m going to protect my wife, contract or no contract. Because this sham marriage is the most real thing I’ve ever had in my life.
And I’m not about to let anyone take that away from me.
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Author Bio:
Traveler. Reader. Beach-goer. St. Louis Cardinals fan. Pasta-obsessed. North Carolina resident. Sarcastic. Bit of a nerd.Author of the Cruz Brothers, Possession and Politics, and Timid Souls series, Melanie loves all things romance, comedies and suspense in particular because it’s boring to only stick to one sub-genre! From light-hearted comedies to sexy thrillers, she likes to mix it up, but loves her some strong alpha males and sassy heroines.Go visit Melanie’s website and sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on release dates, teasers, and other details for all of her projects!Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub
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BOOK BLITZ: Her Billionaire Daddy by Allison West #GIVEAWAY
Her Billionaire Daddy
Allison West
(Western Daddy Doms, #1)
Publication date: October 13th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
He owns the hottest lifestyle club in all of New York City. It’s secretive, exclusive, and caters to Daddy Doms.
Romance author, Samantha Bellamy, is shocked when she attends a book signing and runs into her high school crush, Martin Taylor.
He’s a billionaire with a secret. He’s owner of an exclusive club for Daddy Doms and littles to openly explore the lifestyle.
He’s also notorious for his playboy personality, bedding a new woman every night.
There’s a deal to be made worth potentially billions and Martin can’t let it get away. The only problem is the board of directors doesn’t like his playboy persona.
He offers Samantha the deal of a lifetime. Marry him for eighteen months and receive two million dollars for her trouble. The only catch, no sex.
Oh, and she has to call him Daddy!
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—
EXCERPT:
His eyes narrowed. Had she just inadvertently challenged him?
Shit.
“Come with me,” Martin said, grabbing her by the arm and dragging her out of the room.
Oh crap. She only hoped that he was saving face by leaving them alone someplace else to ream her or tell her to keep her mouth shut. No such luck. He led her across the hall to another room, one they hadn’t entered yet, with a long, dark wooden desk. Situated across from it against the wall, was a chalkboard and on the opposite wall, several implements hanging and waiting desperately to be used.
“Oh no. I don’t l-like this room,” Samantha stammered, trying to escape his grasp. “I’ll be polite. I swear, Martin.”
Martin’s gaze never lightened up. “I don’t like your behavior. I own this club. You don’t have to agree with my methods or with what others do here, but you will respect me and those who choose to practice this lifestyle. And above all else, while we are here, you will call me Daddy. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Martin.”
“Excuse me?” he guided her farther into the room and toward the large wooden desk.
She swallowed nervously. “Yes, Daddy.” Her mouth grew dry. “We’re only watching tonight, right?” He wasn’t going to change the rules on her, was he? She was onboard with some aspects they’d done already, but she wasn’t comfortable having her bottom burned.
He shook his head and sighed heavily. “That had been my intention until you humiliated me and disrespected my client. I cannot accept that type of behavior ever again.”
“I promise. I won’t say anything. I wasn’t thinking, Martin. I mean, Daddy. This is all still new to me.”
Martin released his grip on her, perhaps trusting that she wouldn’t run away. As much as she wanted to, where would she go? Besides, as frightening as this room was, there were several more doors farther down the hall.
She was nervous and keeping her hands behind her back, covering her bottom. She knew what was coming and didn’t like it.
“A correction is needed to teach you right from wrong. It’s clear to me now more than ever you need Daddy’s discipline.”
Maybe she could bargain with him. “You’re right, Daddy. I do need your discipline, but could we maybe do it back at the house? Where it’s just the two of us?” She didn’t want to be put on display for anyone to witness. Not to mention the added benefit of time, so maybe he would cool down.
“Absolutely not. You will accept your punishment, and because this is your first offense and your first time at the club, I will only use my hand. Take a good long and hard look at all those implements on the wall, Samantha. The next time, it won’t be so gentle.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat. How bad could a spanking truly be if it was administered with his hand? She wasn’t a child. It couldn’t hurt that bad, could it?
“Lie across the table, bottom up, dress lifted so that I can see your behind.”
Samantha hung her head, refusing to look at him. She’d seen the fine print in that stupid contract she had signed that had said she would agree to be disciplined as a Daddy sees fit. A small part of her had been excited to see what he had in mind but this, quite honestly, she wasn’t sure what she had been expecting.
Martin came up from behind, his hands pushing down her panties, exposing her bottom. She couldn’t tell if anyone was watching from the door. She lifted her back from the table, glancing around to see if they were alone.
No one else watched, at least not yet. Maybe when he began striking her bottom, they would flock to the entrance of the room.
He’d never seen her rear until today and she felt naked against the cold wooden table. He pushed her back down against the desk, guiding her body to be flush with the wood. “You will learn to submit to me, Samantha, and be a good little one. Do not move,” he commanded. He spread her legs further apart and she gasped, feeling a slight breeze against her wetness. Had he breathed in her scent and exhaled a soft breath, or was she truly imagining the intimacy of the moment because her eyes were slammed shut.
His hand came down, smacking her bottom hard. Her hips bucked against the wood and her buttocks clenched. “Okay, that’s enough!” She’d had one smack to her bottom. “You made your point.”
“I don’t believe I did, Samantha.” His breath hovered against her as he leaned down, pressing her body against the table, his hand at her back holding her down, his trousers pressed tight against her backside. She moaned and whimpered, desiring contact, her sex throbbing and pulsating. A part of her wanted to reach around and touch herself but she wouldn’t, not in front of him. He’d probably enjoy it too much.
“Do you like being spanked?” Martin asked, his hand keeping her pressed to the wood.
She wasn’t keen on the position, but feeling him having all the power, with her at his mercy, it was doing something to her that she couldn’t quite explain. His hips thrust into hers and she wasn’t sure whether he was teasing her or something else entirely. Was he as turned on as she was?
Author Bio:
Allison West is a #1 International Best-Selling Author in Erotica, BDSM, Romantic Erotica, Sci-Fi, Victorian, and Historical Erotica. She also writes young adult novels under the name Ruth Silver.
Allison West has been inventing worlds and writing stories for years. Her favorite novels are those that leave a lasting impression, long after the final page is read. You can find more about Allison on Facebook, Twitter, and her blog "Spanking Author."
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October 9, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: Kennedy and Tristan by Frances Paul #GIVEAWAY
Kennedy and Tristan
Frances Paul
(Moretti Crime Family Novel)
Publication date: October 6th 2020
Genres: Adult, Romance, Thriller
Be careful what you wish for!
From the author, Frances Paul comes an electrifying standalone romance thriller that breaks all the rules!Kennedy & Tristan is a suspense that will have you holding your breath as you turn each page. In a time of war even love can change sides. A young Civil Engineer student travels to Italy to complete her studies at a prestigious university. Instead, she crosses paths with Tristan Moretti, a man whose business dealings dwell deep within the underworld–a world she never thought she’d be a part of. But Tristan becomes a force Kennedy can’t ignore. A man whose touch she can’t get enough of. She knows it’s dangerous. She knows falling for Tristan will lead to a lifetime of consequences. Still, she can’t stay away. Tristan has taken his father’s place as head of the Moretti Family–a role he’s been preparing for his whole life. He knows the kind of darkness that lurks within the shadows of his world, how it corrupts innocence, and ruins lives. But once he realizes Kennedy is the only woman he’ll ever want, nothing can stop him from having her. He’s determined to rule with her at his side and vows to protect her no matter the cost. As a lethal power slithers its way into their world and shakes the very foundation of the Moretti family, Tristan and Kennedy find themselves at the edge of survival where a decision must be made. Do they stand together and fight…or will they be torn apart and fight each other?
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BOOK TRAILER:
—
Author Bio:
Born and raised in Accra, Ghana and now living in Cincinnati, Ohio. A banker, wife and mother of two amazing kids. She finds writing to be a great passion of hers and a path she was born to follow. She began by writing short stories at a young age. Now, she has four published books and working on a few more projects. She's a crazy tea lover, loves to travel, eat, and enjoys learning about different cultures. Authors she is inspired by are Sidney Sheldon, Nora Roberts and Jeffrey Archer. Hope you enjoy her books as greatly as she enjoyed producing them.
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October 8, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: The Heart of Rutherford by Melanie A. Smith #GIVEAWAY
The Heart of Rutherford
Melanie A. Smith
(Life Lessons, #1-3)
Publication date: October 8th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Come visit the cardiac unit at Rutherford Hospital, where three steamy romances unfold, now with bonus epilogues…
Never Date a Doctor
Some lessons are more fun when learned the hard way…
What’s the first rule of nurse’s club? Never date a doctor. Which Sasha Suvorin has no intention of doing, since she’s a nurse at Rutherford Hospital by day and working on her master’s degree by night. Who has time for dating, much less dating someone you work with? Bad idea much?
That is, until the sexy British Dr. Caleb Thompson starts at her hospital. It doesn’t help that he’s exactly her type with his dark hair, blue eyes, and rockin’ bod. Or that he’s not your typical arrogant and bossy surgeon. But Sasha isn’t easily convinced, and she soon discovers Dr. Hottie has a past that puts a stop to whatever she might have been feeling before anything starts between them.
Unfortunately, working together means facing temptation. Every. Single. Day. Is Sasha strong enough to resist what might be the perfect man? And if she gives in, will Cal’s past stay in the past? Sasha may be used to playing it safe, but life has a way of teaching its lessons … one way or another.
Bad Boys Don’t Make Good Boyfriends
Even when you know better, sometimes it’s simply too tempting…
Hospital work isn’t for the faint of heart. Becca Dillon knows that, having worked as a medical assistant in the cardiac unit at Rutherford Hospital for longer than she cares to think about. What she does care to think about is having fun, gossip, and guys. Her favorite of the three. And why stick to one, when you can sample them all?
That’s exactly her plan when a workplace crush on a mysterious bad-boy orderly takes a steamy turn. But Vincent DeMarco is nothing like she expected, and before she knows it, she’s falling hard. She wants him in ways she’s never wanted anyone before, but there’s something he’s keeping from her. Something that’s holding him back. And Becca is going to find out what.
Even though she knows that bad boys don’t make good boyfriends, he seems like he might be so much more. Will her quest unlock the truth? Or will it end their relationship? Either way, Becca’s world is about to change.
You Can’t Buy Love
Money can’t buy happiness, but neither can pride …
Julianna Magnusson is tired of working at her thankless job as a nurse practitioner for the cardiac unit at Rutherford Hospital. Tired of having no time for her own life. But most of all, she’s tired of pretending that she’s happy about it. So when her boss insists she attend the annual hospital charity gala, spending money on a dress to impress a bunch of stuck-up snobs doesn’t exactly sound like her idea of a good time.
Still, she makes an appearance. Only to meet a handsome stranger named Noah who stops her from drunkenly confronting the man who owns the hospital about all the issues at work. Then Noah does so much more, giving her a night of passion that she’ll never forget. Still, Jules has no intentions of taking it further. As timely as meeting him was, Noah is many things she’d never want in a man: Clearly elitist, arrogant, and bossy, he’s nothing more than a one-night stand.
Which was a great plan until he turns up at her hospital with a mind to shake things up in a way that could affect her career and her decision to write him off, igniting an epic battle between them as the chemistry that sparked the initial attraction transforms into a battle of wills. Their clash could jeopardize everything Jules has worked for — or, if she can look past her own pride, it might lead to everything she needs. In the fight between what we think we want and what life has in store for us, what wins?
—
EXCERPT:
Never Date a Doctor
“Would you like to hear what I want?”
I close my eyes and give a slight shake of my head. “Will it change anything?” I open my eyes and look up at him. Mistake. He’s painfully, heartbreakingly beautiful as he looks down longingly into my eyes.
“I guess I won’t know until I’ve told you,” he says simply. “But I don’t want to overwhelm you. I can only imagine how the wolves have been treating you while I was away.” He gives a faint smile.
“Fine. What you do want?”
His eyes light up at the question, and his heated gaze pins me to the spot. “A good many things. But just one that you need to know about.” His hand reaches up, and he strokes a finger down my cheek. “Put simply: You. From the moment I saw you. Even though I knew it would be messy on many levels. Though I’m afraid I haven’t behaved entirely honorably. And I do understand where you’re coming from. But you should know that I’m not going to give up.”
Author Bio:
Melanie A. Smith is the best-selling author of The Safeguarded Heart Series and other contemporary romance fiction. Originally from upstate New York, she spent most of her childhood in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to Los Angeles for college. After that, she spent almost fifteen years in the Seattle Area, and now lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas with her family.
A voracious reader and lifelong writer, Melanie’s writing began at a young age with short stories and poetry. Having completed a bachelor of science in electrical engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a master’s in business administration at the University of Washington, her writing abilities were mainly utilized for technical documents as a lead engineer for the Boeing Company, where she worked for ten years.
After shifting careers to domestic engineering and property management in 2015, she eventually found a balance where she was able to return to writing fiction.
Melanie is also a Mensan and enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and driving with the windows down and the stereo cranked up loud.
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October 7, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: Gavin and Cody by B.J. Wane #GIVEAWAY
Gavin and Cody
B.J. Wane
(Cowboy Wolf, #1 & 2)
Publication date: September 30th, 2020
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense, Western
GAVIN:
HIS MATE HAS RETURNED TO HIM, THIS TIME HE ISN’T LETTING HER GO.
Disclosure – A shorter version of this title was previously published in the Cowboys for a Cause anthology under the title, Trusting Her Cowboy.
Gavin McCullough knows his family obligations prevents him from accepting a human mate, but one look into Aislyn Lankford’s golden eyes and he can’t resist making her his. An accident six months later leaves him no option but to return to the McCullough ranch and take up his duties to both his family and pack before he’s had a chance to tell Aislyn the truth about his heritage.
When Aislyn is framed for a crime she didn’t commit, her only hope is to seek help from the man who shattered her heart. Would putting her trust in Gavin again be her salvation or another mistake? She risks everything to take a chance on a man with secrets, but when those are revealed, the true test of the depth of their feelings begins.
Once Gavin sees the fear in Aislyn’s eyes, there is no turning his back on her again. Family and duty be damned; his mate has returned to him and this time he isn’t letting her go.
Author’s note: this contemporary romantic suspense contains adult themes such as power exchange and sexual scenes. Please do not purchase if these offend you.
—
CODY:
HE GAVE UP ON HAVING HER ONCE, HE WOULDN’T DO SO A SECOND TIME.
Cody McCullough is devastated to discover the one woman meant to complete him in every way is in a relationship with his best friend. He manages to keep his disappointment and lust in check until Doug invites him to join them in a scene, but after feeling Olivia’s soft skin and her quivering responses to his touch, he walks away before he does something unforgiveable.
Olivia Harris flees her beloved home town following the sudden death of her first Dom and hurtful rejection of his best friend. It’s not long before she realizes time and distance hasn’t impacted her longing for Cody McCullough and she makes plans to return home. Before leaving, her involvement with an underground rescue network lures her into breaking the law to aid in getting a baby out of harm’s way.
When Cody discovers Olivia’s return, nothing will keep him from claiming his mate this time. His determination to make her his in every way intensifies when he learns why two investigator’s show up in town and are responsible for the fear in her eyes.
When Cody and Olivia finally reveal their secrets, will it be in time to keep Olivia from going to prison or for Cody to convince her to give both his wolf and himself a chance?
Author’s note: – This contemporary romantic suspense contains adult themes such as power exchange and sexual scenes. Please do not purchase if these offend you.
—
EXCERPT:
GAVIN
Aislyn didn’t know what drew her to the window before she crawled into bed, but she padded across the room, pulled the curtain aside and peered out. She could barely make out Gavin’s shape before he entered the woods and disappeared into the night. Curious and worried, she ventured onto the front porch and stood watch, holding her breath for what seemed like hours, waiting for him to return. When he did, she held it for an altogether different reason.
He approached the house breathing heavily, as if he had been running, his shirt flapping open to reveal his sweaty, thick chest, his jeans zipped but left unsnapped, baring enough skin to draw her eyes down the narrowing line of dark hair until it disappeared inside his pants. She grew warm recalling where that sexy trail of hair led. Gavin never paused in his stride, coming straight up the steps and walking right by her to sink down on one of the cushioned chairs. Sighing, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes, his face and neck shining with perspiration under the dim light, his black hair clinging damply to his nape, his wide, bare chest lifting with each labored breath. She should run away from the temptation to trail her lips and tongue over all that glistening skin. Should, but didn’t.
“What are you doing out here?” he asked, his deep grumble washing through her with a slow heated roll.
“Waiting to ask you the same thing.” He shrugged but she forced herself to hold her ground. “That’s not much of an answer.”
Opening his eyes, he glared at her and she realized her mistake before he pointed it out. “Now you know how it feels. Why did you come here if it wasn’t to ask for my help? I don’t believe you’re just in need of a place to stay for a few days. Is some guy giving you a hard time?”
If only he knew how celibate she’d stayed these many months, he wouldn’t go there. “God, no, not like you’re inferring.”
His body vibrated with an impatient wildness that, God help her, appealed to her as much as his calm dominance once had. She ached to get to know this rougher side of him even as she shied away from trusting him enough to risk bringing trouble to him and his ranch. She hadn’t thought that far ahead when she’d taken off, her only intention to go to the one person who had offered her safety by making her his top priority for six whole months.
Some of the tension went out of Gavin’s broad shoulders as he said, “Then, why?”
Because she couldn’t come up with a suitable answer, she blurted the first thing that popped into her head. “Because I missed you.”
Gavin tensed again and slowly lifted his head, opening his eyes again to level one of those intent, probing gazes she remembered so well, the look that always caused her buttocks to clench and her pussy to spasm. She might not know this cowboy as well as she had the Dom, but her body seemed to crave both sides of this man, responding the same now as if months hadn’t elapsed since they’d seen each other.
“Did you, now?” he murmured, his silky tone setting off alarm bells as he snatched her hand and yanked her over his lap. Her thin sleep shorts were no barrier to the heat of his hand resting on her butt. “I’ve missed you too, little one. Remember what I used to do when you weren’t forthcoming with me about your needs?”
I couldn’t forget if I tried. Aislyn managed to swallow past the sudden lump in her throat as she gripped his calf for balance. “Yes, sir,” she whispered, the title slipping out as easily as he’d landed her in this position. God, how she’d missed his control. He pushed her shorts and panties down, exposing her butt to the cool night air and his possession. This is what she’d been hoping for when she first arrived, for him to exert that authoritative dominance, swoop in and take her over. Now she didn’t have to think or worry. The only thing on the agenda was ceding to his demands, and the pleasure she’d always reaped from them.
Author Bio:
Author of sizzling hot romance with a touch of suspense. Long and Short Reviews erotic romance of the month winner for Hannah and the Dom Next Door and gold star recipient for Amy's Redemption. I live in the Midwest with my husband, love dogs and enjoy reading and working puzzles. We have traveled extensively throughout the states, Canada and just once overseas, but I now much prefer being homebody. My favorite genre to read is suspense.
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October 6, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: An Allusive Love by Aubrey Wynne #GIVEAWAY
An Allusive Love
Aubrey Wynne
(MacNaughton Castle Romance, #2)
Publication date: October 6th 2020
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance
A woman in love… An infuriating Scot… A tantalizing chase.
Kirstine MacDunn has loved Brodie MacNaughton forever. He returns her affection—as his best friend and confidante. After enduring one too many of his infatuations, she finally takes matters into her own hands.
Brodie knows it is his destiny to lead Clan MacNaughton, but his grandfather insists the honor goes to the oldest. When Brodie and his brothers struggle to convince the chief that tradition is not always the best path, he turns to Kirsty for support. She surprises him with more than advice. A kiss that sends unexpected fire through his veins.
Pride, Highland politics, and tragedy collide, proving Brodie’s ability to lead. But when a resentful clan member’s revenge threatens Kirsty, he realizes how precious and allusive true love can be.
—
EXCERPT:
A flash of red and blue jumped into his vision, disappeared, followed by a screech and the clip clop of horse hooves. Brodie nudged the gelding’s sides with his heels and guided it down the hill. He came across a basket, partially filled with plants, then a wool shawl in the MacDunn tartan. At the bottom, in a shallow gully, lay a tangle of skirts and plaid, and a cursing girl. A dapple-gray pony stood on the other side of the path, sedately munching on grass.
“Weel, what do we have here?” Brodie grinned. “Are ye in need of some help, my bonny lass, or just need a wee rest?”
Kirstine pushed up on her elbows, kicked at her skirts, and righted her plaid. Somewhat. She blew the deep red locks from her eyes and squinted up at him. “Look who has come home. My brawny Brodie to the rescue.” She smiled, dark eyes lit with pleasure as she held out a hand.
He slid from the saddle, then grasped her fingers, and pulled her to her feet. “The pony doesna like ye?”
“He’s young and still a wee green. A hare dashed out in front of him, and he spooked.” She brushed off her backside, then stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “I was daydreaming instead of paying attention. On yer way home, then?”
He nodded and bent to help her collect the herbs that had spilled from her basket. Kirstine’s mother was the clan’s healer and sent her daughter out regularly to replenish medicinal supplies.
“What were ye dreaming about?” He retrieved the shawl that had been draped over her hair.
“None of yer business,” she replied with a smirk, then picked up her skirt and ran when he raised a bushy black brow.
Brodie caught her easily by the waist and tickled her belly as she doubled over and squealed in mock protest. She wriggled against him, and the movement startled him when a familiar pounding began low in his belly. Often a result of close contact with other women. Never Kirsty. His muscles grew taut as his brain comprehended his body’s reaction to his best friend.
When her elbow drove into his gut, his breath came out in an oomph, and he let go.
They faced one another, hands on their knees, and he blinked at the warmth that rushed through him. A smile curved her pink lips. His eyes travelled from her mouth to her neckline, her breasts rising and falling as she took in deep gulps of air.
He swallowed.
Something odd stirred inside Brodie as he tried to fathom what had changed. Her eyes still reminded him of a dark cup of coffee. Her thick, cherry waves fell across her shoulders; threads of deep red tipped with gold glistened and shimmered as her body dragged in another breath. He reached out and slid a silky strand between his fingers. Her plump lips were parted, and he bent forward to ki—
Kirstine froze, her eyes wide.
He dropped the lock of hair. Their gazes locked. “For the love of saints,” he whispered. “When did ye become so lovely?”
Author Bio:
Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series has received the Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and twice nominated as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine.
Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow and the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels.
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October 5, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: The Magic Ingredient by Lindy Miller #GIVEAWAY
The Magic Ingredient
Lindy Miller
(A Bar Harbor Holiday Novel)
Published by: Rosewind Books
Publication date: October 13th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
The end of summer is approaching, but even at the height of Bar Harbor’s tourist season, Eve Silver is having a hard time keeping enough money in the bank to sustain the family business. Her only hope of paying past due bills is to win the catering bid for the town’s upcoming Harvest Happening Festival. Otherwise, it’ll be lights out for Mount Desserts & Tea by Christmas.
Widower Jeff Parish is moving with his twelve-year-old daughter, Candy, from Manhattan to Maine with one goal: starting over. When sparks fly between Jeff and Eve as the town readies for the annual harvest festival, Candy wishes she had a love potion to help her dad fall in love again.Will Eve be able to save Mount Desserts & Tea—and open her heart to Jeff—by the most bewitching night of the year? It’ll take a lot of love, a little bit of luck … and just a pinch of magic.
—
EXCERPT:
Part of eating a cupcake was the experience, and in Eve’s opinion, a little extra frosting on your face made it all the more gratifying. Her mouth filled with the taste of vanilla, chocolate, and marshmallow, all of the flavors intermingling just as she’d planned. Still, something seemed off. It wasn’t enough to toss the batch out, but in Eve’s opinion, the recipe hadn’t quite reached perfection.
Eve swallowed, wiping away the frosting from her nose. “It’s not perfect.”
“It’s incredible,” Jeff countered before he shoved the rest of the cupcake into his mouth.
He had a dollop of frosting on his nose, which made Eve smile despite her frustration at the recipe. “I don’t know if I believe your verdict, but at least you didn’t call it glitzy.”
Jeff mumbled something that sounded like idtellinguidperfek around the mouthful of pastry.
“Something is missing. Something small, a flavor that isn’t quite there. It’s not major, but enough that I notice.” Eve wiped her hands on a dishcloth and leaned against the counter, crossing her arms over her chest in frustration. “I don’t know why I can’t get it right. Maybe I’m not as great a baker as I think I am. It shouldn’t take so many tries to get a recipe correct. Not if you know what you’re doing.”
Jeff wiped his face and leveled his gaze at Eve as he stepped closer. “I don’t think that’s true at all. You’re a fantastic baker. You’re a fantastic lot of things.”
He was so close now Eve could smell his scent—musky and warm, with notes of pine and sandalwood. An inviting smell. Eve wondered how she’d never noticed it before. Then again, the more she felt drawn to Jeff the more she’d tried to keep her distance, kind of like reaching her goal—one step forward, two back.
“Really?” she asked, hoping she sounded interested and not incredulous. She didn’t want to offend someone offering her a compliment, even if she didn’t believe it. “I try so hard and I feel like I come up short.”
“Doing everything on your own isn’t easy, and I can see how you might think that you’re failing, but you’re looking at the situation the wrong way.”
Eve shook her head and kept her eyes downcast, even when Jeff’s hand found her shoulder, sliding down to cup her upper arm. His touch sent a tingle down her flesh and she resisted the urge to look up.
“Is there another way?”
“Instead of focusing on what you’re not doing well, think of all the things you are amazing at. Try to see yourself as …”
He paused.
Eve wondered if he’d changed his mind about whatever it was he was going to say.
Jeff cleared his throat and started over. “Try to see yourself the way I see you. Like Candy does, and Doris and Annie. And Bapo, for what it’s worth.”
Eve snickered, despite herself. “You’re never going to get tired of ribbing him, are you?”
“Never.” Jeff’s hand slid further down her arm to rest on her elbow. “My point remains.”
The place where Jeff’s hand rested on her arm pulsed. “How do you all see me?”
“We see someone who works hard every single day, around the clock, never taking any time for herself. Who gives her all to everything she does, even when it seems impossible, and who makes everyone feel needed and wanted when she’s around simply by being there.” Jeff stepped in closer. His heat brushed up against her chest. “It isn’t about finding the perfect recipe for a new confection or keeping the family business around for another generation, Eve. It’s about you. You make Mount Desserts worth saving. And I believe in you. We all do, even if you don’t believe in yourself.”
When Eve finally looked up, she found herself staring into Jeff’s eyes. They were warmer and sweeter than any chocolate ganache she’d ever made.
His free hand found its way to her other elbow and she allowed herself to be drawn from the counter. Jeff pulled her into his embrace, his hands releasing her elbows to slide around the small of her back, holding her close.
There was no denying the butterflies now.
Author Bio:
Lindy Miller is an author of feel-good love stories that are full of sweet moments and happy endings. She believes the best time to fall in love is during the holidays, preferably over a cup of warm tea or a delicious vegan pastry - two things she can't get enough of.
A free spirit, Lindy loves to travel and has a soft spot for Bar Harbor, Maine though she grew up at home in the South. She is married to her childhood sweetheart and bakes as often as she can for her husband, son, and pets - especially her golden retriever, Finn, who has a tendency to show up in her stories (and her Instagram!)
Lindy is represented by Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management and supported by Smith Publicity.
Member Romantic Novelist Association (RNA).
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